"Oh yeah, you think you're such a badass?" Karkat's temper was up and flaring nicely as he addressed the Kinshin egg. In the reflection, his own teeth were bared in response to its display. "Try coming after something that's actually ready for you, we'll see who gets their horns ripped up and handed to them on a silver serving plateau with all the trimmings!"

This time, he was ready for the attack. Selendis didn't have to ask or even wait for that shot of battle rage, and he was poised to toss up the shield if they needed it.