✦✦✦

She knew she couldn't keep the kid trapped inside her makeshift little hole in the ground forever. She'd just... hoped he would turn out more like her and just not want to leave. And then she'd never have to worry about the... plague, or whatever, getting him, or him falling off a cliff into the ocean, or getting carried off by an eagle. But that had always just been wistful thinking. Of course he wouldn't turn out like her. He was actually normal.

Just please be careful, she told him for the billionth time that morning as she watched him rocket past her legs out into the clearing. Stay away from any running water, don't play too close to any cliffs, and don't wander too far away!

Her words fell on deaf ears. The kid wasn't paying the least bit of attention to her, not with the big, wide world at his fingertips.

She didn't know how Cupid had managed with all six of them.

✦✦✦

「 Skill Point ― heartbroken 」

Things were still fresh, but Tyr continued to press on. Even with the aching of his chest and the void of his mind that seemed to recede further into darkness every day, the god remained. After all, he could not simply cease to be while others were experiencing the same grief.

Instead, he found himself seeking out his children. Today, in particular, he had heard about an adoption through the grapevine. He was a grandfather of sorts. He followed the scent of his daughter through the south, finding her calling into the distance after a small being that bolted away. A small but pained smile pulled at his maw as he watched, drawing alongside the youthful girl, eyes following the child.

It's difficult to wrangle them at this age, he offered as he settled into a sit, folding his tail around the blondes of his paws. It was only then that he looked down at Bragi and quirked the corners of his lips into a slight grin.

✦✦✦

She sighed, heavy with fatigue, and closed her eyes, allowing them to rest for but a second. When she opened them again it was to the sight of Tyr, sitting beside her, his face weary and his smile torn. She offered a swish of her tail in greeting, feeling... relief with his presence, at least.

I don't know how you and Cupid manage with so many, she murmured, struck suddenly by the sobering realization that they weren't many. Not anymore.

It shot through her like lightning, burning her throat and drying her mouth and leaving her hollow. Her expression rippled, threatening to glaze over. She turned her head so that the kid wouldn't see.

✦✦✦

✷

---

For once, there was no storm to damp his mood or his fur, and he could go outside! Not far, not by water or cliffs, but outside all the same.

The rain had awakened the soil, drawing out the scents of wolves he had yet to meet and creatures he didn't know the look or name of and fragrant flowers and driftwood and salty sea breeze. He wanted to ask about them, his head shooting up toward Bragi immediately, but there was someone with her. He must've snuck up behind them while his nose was in the dirt! Clever, veeery clever.

He eyed the newcomer warily as he slunk back around to weave himself between Bragi's legs, turning his little nose skyward to give him a tentative sniff. Was this another dad? He certainly looked the part. Half of him, at least.

「 Skill Point ― heartbroken 」

He felt the already deep crack within him splinter further, but he could not show it upon his face. Bragi was likely hurting too, in her own way, of course, despite how grown-up she appeared on the outside.

Only his smile remained, even if it was dimmer than usual as he watched the brightly coloured youth worm his way through Bragi's legs. He learnt down and pulled a face, sticking his tongue out and pulled a short raspberry. He blew out a snort of humour before retracting with a wink.

It doesn't get easier, I won't hide the truth, but one should be easier than 14, he breathed a sigh and tilted back into his seat, tilting his head back to the sky as he felt the morning sun dust across his face.

What's your name, then, kid? he said aloud, casting a look down at the pup from the corner of his eye.

✦✦✦

Her mouth twitched in something of a bittersweet smile, thinking about the kinds of mischief the other kids had already gotten up to in their short time — and the anger that seemed to infect so many of those who remained. She cast her gaze down, watching the kid. His wide-eyed reaction as Tyr leaned down, the infectious giggle. She hoped he wouldn't have to know grief so young.

What's your name, then, kid?

Ah.

Bragi froze as her eyes widened in slow, sobering realization. I never asked, she murmured, low, guilty, rendered near speechless at her own stupidity. She'd just been him Kid. Did he even have a name? He had to... right?

✦✦✦

✷

---

They talked, his gaze flicking between them with interest. The big wolf bent down, and his eyes widened in part shock and in part surprise, the littlest jolt of fear spiking his heart rate as he took a single, minuscule step backwards.

But then his face contorted as he stuck out his tongue, the juxtaposition earning a mirthful grin. He mirrored the big one's expression, giggling at the absurdity of it as his tail whipped back and forth behind him. He stepped forward, then, as Tyr lifted his gaze, and wagged harder when he glanced back down.

I'm Apollo, he declared proudly, puffing out his little chest.

「 Skill Point ― heartbroken 」

Tyr leaned into Bragi and gave a light nudge to the girl with his shoulder. It was a short spot of contact and it was matched by his gaze that settled on her with a softness that mimicked sympathy. It wasn't the end of the world, and he doubted the kid noticed, or cared. They could forgive and forget quickly, distracted by the next thing that moved in their peripheral. Unlike teenagers, who like to hurt you where they knew it would hurt the most.

Tyr could feel anxiety constrict in his chest as he thought about Astrid's insults. He was quick to shut that away with lock and key and focus back on the red child.

The giggles of the kid filled the man's aching heart, and he was reminded again that he enjoyed the company of children, their untainted minds and can-do attitude. It seemed this one knew his name anyway, which made Tyr's job somewhat easier.

Ahh, what a fine name, he complimented with a smile at Apollo. If his memory served him right, that was a Greek name. One of the Pantheon, too.

Has Cupid met him? It might be worth asking for some Greek lessons. he said as he lowered himself to the floor, lying at Bragi's feet as he began to bat playfully at Apollo's baby body.

✦✦✦

The muscles beneath her skin rippled where Tyr had jostled her, but she managed not to flinch or move away. Instead her eyes flicked up, a little quickly, to meet his and the look in them was... nice. She blinked, a little dumbfounded, and couldn't bring herself to do much of anything as he turned his attention back to the kid. The kid who's named was—

Bragi frowned.

Apollo? She echoed, fixing him with a questioning stare. The little guy had the audacity to flash her a cheeky grin, like he'd just told a joke that only the two of them were in on. But then Tyr was speaking again, lowering himself to be more on his level. Huh? Oh yeah, he has.

I've been telling him a couple myths, she explained, almost apologetically. He really likes the ones about Apollo.

Who knew if that was actually his name, or if she'd influenced him somehow. But, hey, if that was what he wanted to be called, then who was she to tell him otherwise?

✦✦✦

✷

---

Yes, Apollo, and it was a fine name, thank you very much. That's why he picked it. It wasn't fair that everyone else got to be named after the gods except him. He wanted to be included, too.

Like Zeus! He added, eager to show off his knowledge. He's the king!

Apollo beamed as Tyr met him at eye-level, dropping into a playbow of his own as he snapped at his mighty paws.