Chapter 3

Signless looked at the young troll thoughtfully. "Karkat eh? Well, it's a pleasure to meet you Karkat." The newcomer nodded slightly, still nervous. He had no idea what he was supposed to do. Here he was, presumably stuck on some long past version of Alternia, in a cave surrounded by not only his own, but the ancestors of some of his close friends. Not to mention he still had no idea how he got here. What the fuck do I do? How do I get back home? It's not as if these guys can help me. If I told them the truth, they'd think I was insane. Karkat struggled with his thoughts, unsure if he should say something or not. Fortunately for him, Dolarosa spoke up. "Pardon me, but do you mind if I inquire what it is you were doing out in the middle of the forest by yourself?" Psiioniic looked at him expectantly, making it clear that he wanted to hear this answer as well. "Well I..." Karkat answered slowly, trying to think of a proper answer, but none came. He didn't have the slightest clue what he was doing in the forest, except trying to figure out where he was. "I.. got lost in there somehow and I'm not sure how to get back home." Disciple looked at him sympathetically. "Oh no! How pawful! Don't worry, we'll help you! Right?" She looked to Signless expectantly. He nodded with little hesitation. "Of course. We'll always do our best to help a troll in need, especially young ones like yourself." Psiioniic sniffed slightly and leaned over to him, muttering something. Signless grimaced and let out a sigh. "Excuse us for a minute." He adressed the small group, heading out into the trees with Psiioniic following behind. Karkat's eyes followed them as they left, until they were hidden by the forest. Why does Psiioniic hate me so much? I haven't done anything wrong! He thought, fustration beginning to creep back into him. "He's not always like this." Rosa sighed, as if she had read Karkat's mind. "He just doesn't take well to strangers. He's rather over-protective sometimes. But I suppose he has a right to be." Karkat tipped his head slightly in confusion. "Huh? Why?" Rosa looked to him calmly. "Well... one way to put it would be that we aren't the most well-liked trolls around these days." Karkat blinked, wondering exactly what that meant. But before he got the chance to ask, Signless and Psiioniic re-entered the cave. Psiioniic looked rather displeased, and flashed a glare at Karkat. It was obvious that the argument that had occurred had not ended in his favor. Signless, meanwhile, approached Karkat and knelt down to speak with him, making Karkat wonder for a moment if he should have gotten up from his sitting position on the floor. But he didn't have much time to think about it as the Signless's piercing red gaze met his. In a reasurring tone he spoke to Karkat. "I assure you that all of us are going to do the best we can to get you home, alright?" Karkat nodded, though inside he knew that was a promise he couldn't keep. Signless nodded briskly in response, his eyes lightening. "In the meantime," He said, standing up. Karkat stood as well, no longer seeing a reason to stay on the floor. Signless looked to each of the members of his little group cheerily. "How's about we get ourselves something to eat?"