The Signless cries out as Karkat's dragged away from him, winces with each twist of those cruel claws. He thinks he's crying, probably, but he can't properly tell. He kneels by Karkat -- maybe his knees give out and he falls, it doesn't matter, he isn't paying attention. The Initiate is right. The Initiate is right, he has to do this or he'll be a hypocrite. More of a hypocrite than he already is. Didn't he always say he hates nothing worse than those who betray their beliefs? And watching this, knowing it's his fault, is too much.

"I have to, Karkat. I can't, I just... I have to. Shoosh, shooosh." With one hand he strokes Karkat's cheek, occasionally papping shakily. With the other he reaches for the rock, still stained yellow.