All of that is so far away from where Signless is now - that positivity and purpose is a relic from a different time. But something in his memories has finally stirred, and maybe this time it feels like something that actually pertains to him, instead of a tale of someone else who had long since died.

He pulls away from Karkat slowly, his heart pulsing in his ears. He's done nothing but try to convince Karkat that it isn't worth it, since he came here. When they first met, he had been the one to tell him that he was better off dead. The contrast is staggering.

"I won't stop you," he says softly. "If to follow those words is still what you want."