Chapter 12

Karkat soon began to understand why walking was no longer the main mode of transportation. They had been walking for quite some time now, though he couldn't determine the exact amount of hours. They had left the forest a while ago, and were now walking across a large expanse of rolling hills. Being out in the open made it much easier to feel the chill winds that swept through the air, making the grass sway. Karkat was glad for the cloak, it gave him a little warmth to combat against the crisp air. However, he was not as used to walking such distances, unlike his companions, and was beginning to get a bit tired. He wasn't going to tell them that, though. They'll probably think I'm scrawny or something. No, I'll just have to grit my teeth and deal with it. If they can do it, so can I. Karkat steeled himself with that thought, determined to prove himself. If there was any time for him to test his endurance, this was it. If he couldn't even walk across some terrain, then he wasn't worth the trouble. He thought for a brief moment that he may be over-analyzing his situation, but immediately brushed it off. So what? Sometimes I need to push myself. Karkat's mind drifted back to the other night, when his clever thinking had almost gotten a knife stuck through him. Just so long as I don't push myself off a cliff. "Hey, you doing okay?" Karkat looked up at Signless. "You need a break. I know that walking this much can be tiring for some-" Karkat huffed and cut him off. "I can manage." Signless raised his hands, amusement lighting his eyes. "Alright, alright. Just thought I'd check." He looked at him curiously, studying him. His red eyes examining Karkat closely. Uncomfortable, he shifted his gaze away. "What are you staring at?" He grumbled. Signless laughed softly. "Oh it's nothing really. You just remind me of myself when I was your age." Karkat tensed slightly, partly from suprise and partly from worry. "Really?" He flicked his gaze back over to Signless, his voice flat with a slight peak of interest. Signless nodded, looking a bit nostalgic. "Yes. I was pretty stubborn and headstrong too." Psii let out a quiet tsh from behind them. "You still are." He muttered. Signless either didn't hear him or was choosing to ignore him as he continued. "I also had, well, have some bold opinions that many others don't agree with. Karkat was listening intently now, eager to learn more about his anscestor. This was far more interesting than being forced to read some stupid book. "You mean... about the hemospectrum?" He asked, knowing that was true. Signless confirmed it regardless. "Yes. I share your opinion of how blood color shouldn't define someone. We should be treated by how we act, not by what runs through our viens." He said these words passionately and proudly, unafraid of sharing what he thought. Hearing him speak with such conifidence made Karkat feel that twinge of envy again, but he also felt enticed by his words. His bold manner of speech made Karkat feel like anyone would be eager to listen to what he had to say. "I was rather surprised when you felt the same way." Signless said, looking at him. "I didn't think that someone your age would even have anything to say about such a serious topic, let alone something so forward and loud." Karkat looked down at the ground, unsure if he should have said what he said. "Don't be ashamed about it!" Signless said, putting his arm around Karkat's shoulder. "More trolls should think the way you do. That's the first step to take in changing the world." Karkat looked at Signless as he smiled reassuringly. Karkat grinned back briefly before he pulled away, looking ahead. He now had more to think about. He was just like me at my age? Does that mean I'll be like him when I'm older? Karkat wasn't sure how he felt about that.