"I have to go back to Heaven," Mhara said. They were sitting on the steps of the little, ruined temple, looking out over the city. The dust from the various quakes had resulted in a magnificent sunset: the sky was a blaze of glory across the port.
"I know," Robin said. She reached out and took his hand.
"My father wants me to begin taking things over." Mhara sighed. "I expect that means he wants me to do things exactly as he would do them—continue the process of withdrawing Heaven from the other realms. That's not what I have in mind."
"No," Robin said. "I didn't expect you to."
"And you, Robin." He turned to her and smiled. "What are we going to do with you?"
"If I could be with you, up there," Robin began hesitantly, but she knew that the Jade Emperor was still in charge, and mortal humans just didn't get to be consorts of Celestial princes. "But I don't think I can. And besides, Mhara, it really isn't my kind of place. Maybe when I die . . ."
Mhara was looking at her strangely. "You haven't realized, have you?"
"Realized what?"
"You're already dead, Robin."
"What are you talking about?" She looked down at her own apparently solid flesh. "It looks real enough to me."
"But it isn't. You died in Shai. Senditreya killed you."
"Why aren't I in the Night Harbor then?"
"Because I'm keeping you tethered here. But you're free to go wherever you want now. Heaven, if you wish."
"But I can touch things, pick things up."
"I said you were dead, not that you were a ghost. You just can't die again, Robin. You'll remain in this form, forever, until you should choose to move on."
"But people can see me?" Robin was still grappling with the concept.
"Yes, you're quite visible."
"I need some time," Robin whispered. "Time to think about all this."
"Then you shall have it. I'll come back tomorrow." Slowly, he faded away until there was only a faint shine upon the air.
When he had gone, Robin rose from the steps of the little temple and walked out. She walked past the shattered shops and collapsed awnings of the upper half of Shaopeng, past the dust-covered parks and gardens, all the way to the port. She stayed there for a long time, looking out across the harbor, the emergency shipping dashing to and fro, the helicopters soaring overhead. And gradually, over the course of the day, she knew what she must do, and when night eventually sank over the port, she walked all the way back again to the temple, to tell him.
He came back the next day, as promised. She told him then.
"You're sure?" Mhara said. He was leaning on the ruined framework. Robin had already made a start in cleaning the temple out. The broken bricks had been removed, and she had discovered a kind of hut at the back, equipped with a sink and other facilities, half-covered in vines. Presumably, it had been the home of the previous priest. She felt light and clear and not hungry—better than she had felt for some time. If this was what being dead was like, then she could live with that.
"I think so. I need some space, to think about things. What I've done, how I can make amends. I need some space away from you, and some time with you. So that's what I'll do, Mhara. I'll keep your temple here on Earth, turn it into the sort of place that's worthy of you. I think you've earned your worship now, and with one less goddess on the scene, they'll need all the help they can get. The people round here look as though they can use it. And maybe I could come and see you?"
"Or I could come here," Mhara said.
"We'll work it out," Robin said, as she kissed him a temporary goodbye. After all, it would really be just like any long-distance relationship.