to embrace a dying star

you have survived every moment of your life

even the ones you swore you wouldn't

Geyser and colors and rocks galore await him on the Rainbow Road.

For all its beauty, Harper is listless as he walks over the veritable rainbow of rock beneath his feet. Kiada's advice had been immeasurably valued, but he feels lost all the same. Drifting through each day. Lost in memories of his loved ones, Phoebe's words ringing in his head alongside Oliver's. A cacophony of accusation that, while not present in the tones of either individual in that moment, nonetheless inserts itself as it replays in his head. Condemning and cruel, spitting at him that he should never have led them on (no matter that he hadn't) that he clearly didn't care for them (even though he had, and still does).

But he cannot simply forget Tova. The love of his life, the sun that had kept him full of warmth and hope even in their darkest hours together. He can't ignore the vow he made as she lay dying in his arms, her blood hot against his useless palms, incapable of the magic that had lit her up from within since the day she was born. Wholly, uselessly human. Unable to stop her slipping away. But he had vowed that he would love her forever, that he would meet her beyond the Veil.

Only to be told that he would never see her again, neither her nor any of his lost family. That Mort would not reunite Harper with them, all because The Voice ripped him unfairly from his home. Harper lifts a hand to rub harshly across his eyes, feeling torn and tattered in ways he has always been able to hide. But here, surrounded by all this radiant beauty that reminds him so much of the woman he'd loved and lost, Harper simply cannot stop the grief from showing.

this time is no different

you will last