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Chapter Text

Asterius had known the light briefly along with peace with his mother, until he was cruelly thrown into darkness, starved and made into a monster. Mercifully slain by Theseus.

Asterius hadn't minded terribly dwelling in Erebus, it wasn't much different from the labyrinth, but he wasn't starving, so he could abide.

And then, he was taken out of there into Elysium, a place reserved for gods, their relatives, demigods, heroes and such. Theseus claimed that Asterius had made Theseus great, and deserved to be honored too.

He also admitted what Asterius' sister Ariadne, who was made immortal and wed to Dionysus, had told him. About the abuse Asterius had endured and was outraged.

Also, saddened as he had killed Asterius, but Asterius told him he didn't wish to live if it was like that. But Theseus said he would've liberated Asterius if he could have done so. And if he had known.

It doesn't matter the past, as only the present did.

It took time for Asterius to reacclimate to being around other beings, talking, socializing, learning things he had forgotten, or wasn't taught.
It took so long for the shades to become adjusted to him, especially those few who he had killed.
But Theseus insisted on Asterius' decency, and soon, Asterius got accustomed to paradise.

But paradise for Asterius was not what Theseus and some of the shades claimed.

Asterius didn't want to fight, or whatever they did to pass time in Elysium.

Asterius made it clear to Theseus, Asterius didn't want to hurt others. Even if they didn't really die there, he refused to be forced into such a path again.

Theseus understood and supported Asterius.

"It's not paradise, if you aren't allowed to be happy." Theseus declared.

That said: they didn't cut off completely, they lived together in Theseus' palace. And would chat, asking how they spent their day/night.

Asterius soon found a quiet spot for himself in a corner of the underworld's reward for the blessed dead.

He soon met a similar soul that desired peace, one called Patroclus.

They didn't speak much, but had a sorta quiet rapport with each other.

But soon they talked, and began to know each other, and Asterius made his first ever true friend.

He didn't know what to classify Theseus, but with Patroclus there was no awkward past, and a fresh start.

Soon, they were joined by other like minded souls, harassed by the bright swords and long spears and other warrior shades that expected them to fight.

Occasionally, Patroclus and Asterius had to repell some Shades that harassed them to join in a battle in the coliseum.

Theseus, and later Persesus and Hector too, joined in strictly rebuking all shades from disturbing the eternal rest of their fellow shades.

But they weren't the true rulers of the Elysium fields, but they held enough clout to give a few months of relished solitude, until they picked back up their jeers and taunts to fight.

Asterius had formed quite a group of like minded shades, and it was soon in the thousands. Asterius and Patroclus soon were labeled leaders of the group of non volatile shades.

But something needed to be done to ensure that no one would bother the shades that wished not to be disturbed.

That was when Lord Hades and Nyx, Mother Night appeared before Asterius.

"We've seen your progress, young one." Hades said respectfully. "I had not expected a….victim of my brother's pride, and folly to become such a well adjusted individual."

"Now one who once devoured hundreds, now is set on keeping the safety and happiness of countless others. It's not what anyone would expect."

Asterius nodded, agreeing silently that this was not what Asterius expected to be doing in his life, or afterlife as it was.

Just the other day, Theseus had assaulted his old companion Prithius for trying to drag Patroclus into a brawl, and was soundly thrashed for his disrespect and Asterius had carried him away from the chamber of the shades solace.

Asterius felt his eyes drift to a bundle held in Nyx arms.

"We know you wish for peace, and this is not an unworthy goal," Hades continued. "And I'll admit the rules of admittance into Elysium need revising, especially with Asphodel becoming a tad overrun."

"We have an offer for you, so by making it an official pact, we'll sort and ensure all shades that are good, peaceful, or fitting in a more open category will be allowed access into Elysium." Nyx adds in bouncing the bundle. "We'll also see past souls in Asphodel being combed through to be relocated into Elysium."

"A pact?" Asterius finally decided to speak.

"We have a need for your services," Hades spoke up. "And due to your gentle nature, and being so protective, we feel you'll fit the role perfectly."

"A role that if you accept, we will see to the protection and seclusion of souls that wish only to be left in peace and have no desire to fight." Nyx adds when prompted by Hades.

"It must be a great role for you to make such an offer, Lord Hades." Asterius spoke up.

"It is…" Hades turned and looked softly and sadly at the bundle in Nyx arms.

He reached out to stroke a finger over the bundle, pulling back the blanket to reveal a mop of black, fuzzy hair.

"We wish you to care for my son," Hades said. "The prince Zagreus."

Asterius eyes widened and ears flicked about wildly in surprise.

"Our Mother Night will care for him, of course." Hades said. "As he's her child too, but she has many duties, and we have to allow for her to be relieved of her care for the prince."

Asterius was in awe.

"This….is an extreme honor." Asterius said. "Are you truly certain of wanting ME to be the prince's caretaker!?"

"His name is Zagreus," Nyx breathed, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of his head. "And give how you've improved, how you tend to your little flock here in Elysium. We feel you've gotten beyond what you once were when in the labyrinth. We feel this deserves a reward."

"And we know how much you feel for keeping the peaceful shades safe. You'll surely show the same devotion, and defense of our son."

Asterius stood there and frowned a bit.

"Will I be…living in the House of Hades?" Asterius asked.

"Not fully," Nyx said. "We wish our child to experience the light of the artificial sun created for Elysium by Apollo and your grandfather, Helios."

Asterius perked up hearing that, remembering his mother mentioning her godly family.

"So, I'll be looking after him here in Elysium?" Asterius asked.

"It'll be a swap," Hades cut in a little impatient. "Sometimes you'll be in the house, but other times we'll just have you take him to Elysium."

Asterius paused to ponder a bit.

"Might I…ask for two things, aside from what you've offered?" Asterius asked.

Hades gave a huff, but a glance at Nyx, who nodded at him and she turned to speak.

"Since we are asking you to take an enormous responsibility, it's only fair to ask us for added incentive." Nyx acquiesced.

"Might I…be allowed a chance to see my family?" Pasiphae, my immortal mother and Ariadne who's married to Dionysus. I didn't get to see them much in life, and now I'm dead…"

Hades held up a hand, and seemed to think carefully.

"You cannot be permitted to leave the underworld, but….it hardly seems out of the realm of possibilities to let them see you," Hades said. "Permitted they follow the rules, I shall allow it."

This has Asterius excited, tail whipping about and bowing deeply.

"Bless you, thank you, Great Hospitable One." Asterius said using an old title for Hades.

"And your other request, Asterius?" Nyx asked.

Asterius looks up, and glances at the bundle in Nyx arms.

"Might I hold the child first, before I make this decision?" Asterius asked.

Lady Nxy glanced at Lord Hades before passing the prince to Asterius. He was small and weighed nothing at all. The baby stared at Asterius with large, bright eyes- one scarlet the other emerald. Carefully he caressed the child’s soft face with a single finger. Prince Zagreus giggled and cooed. Asterius was so overwhelmed he could cry. A deep joy and adoration swelled inside Asterius, so large it might burst out of him.

“I will,” said Asterius, not taking his eyes off of prince Zagreus. “I’ll take care of him.”

“Good, Excellent!” Lord Hades said in his booming voice. “Let us return to the house then. There is much paperwork to get through to finalize this.”

With a wave of his hand concentric circles of glowing glyphs appeared in the air. Lord Hades stepped into the portal and vanished in a glow of red light. Asterius followed but hesitated at the edge.

“Don’t be afraid, Asterius,” Lady Nxy said. “It’s like a door which leads straight to the house.”

“I’m not afraid it’s only that…” Asterius rocked Prince Zagreus gently and he closed his eyes, falling asleep in his arms. “I need to tell Theseus that I am going. He’ll get worried if I suddenly vanish and I don’t know how long I’ll be away from Elysium.”

Lady Nxy was unreadable, her face remained neutral and her posture rigid. He couldn’t tell if she was annoyed or apathetic to his selfish request.
“If you think it best you should say your goodbyes. I’ll have Charon come get you later then.” She reached to take back Prince Zagreus and Asterius was reluctant but acquiesce. Lady Nxy vanished through the portal which faded soon after.

Asterius was left alone.

xxx

“How long are you going for?” demanded Theseus when Asterius informed him of what happened.

"I…I'm not too sure." Asterius remarked. "I will need to be trained in certain matters in the care of the young one."

"But in time, I will be granted a spot in Elysium where I am to look after him during my time raising him."

"So, the…godling is to be raised in Elysium?" Theseus questioned.

"Sometimes in the House of Hades, and then back here in Elysium." Asterius said. "I assume it's to give him room to roam, and frolic in the fields."

"Ordinarily, seeing a child in Elysium is a sad thing." Theseus remarks. "But it is the brightest spot in the underworld, and close to the surface."

Asterius nods, as Theseus crosses his arms and sucks in his lips.

"So….you will be spending time with this child." Theseus remarks.

Of course. If it means giving those like me a chance to come into Elysium," Asterius said. "And there's no reason why you cannot come by to see me."

"But your focus will need to be on Hades' son." Theseus said. "I doubt the god will care if you divide your attention from his heir."

Asterius snorts a little in amusement. He could see right through Theseus, he was always so vibrant and open. So, when he tried to hold back on something, he'd make excuses for not doing something he wanted to do.

He might've spent most of his life in a Labyrinth, but he learned things in his decades in Elysium.

"I was told I'd be picking up the slack, as Mother Night is his primary caretaker. I will be given some time off, we don't sleep. But the little one does. So, we will be able to see each other." Asterius reassured.

"Only if you're absolutely certain, my friend." Theseus asked, hands behind his back anxiously.

"I am. The minute I am back in Elysium, I will certainly introduce you to the young prince." Asterius said. "But now, I must go to see Charon, and travel to the house to assume my duties."

Theseus surprised Asterius by rushing over to hug the bulltaur tightly.

"I'll be counting the minutes, my dear friend." Theseus remarked.

Asterius was floored, not since his mother and sister Ariadne had asterius been embraced so warmly.

It was unexpected, but not unwelcome and reminded him of better times.

"What are you thinking about, my dear friend?" Theseus' voice asked, muffled by Asterius' chest.

In his head, he thought about watching Zagreus growing up, and hopefully making friends that he could hug freely, as much as he wanted. Of growing up to a better circumstance than his own when he hit adulthood.

Though, one could argue the Underworld, and Elysium was just as much a labyrinth.

"I hope…that we can enjoy more embraces like this," Asterius answered, wrapping his arms around Theseus to stroke his back. "And that I will be allowed to hug the prince as much. And that he will hug me as you do when older."

Theseus let out a laugh, loud as always, but also wet with some tears

"My dearest, and most beloved companion," Theseus said, fists on his hips and beaming a smile. "There is no chance at all he will turn away from getting the chance to hug one as big, warm and soft as you are."

Asterius allows himself to smile, and the idea, the hope did make his heart skip.

Not since his little sisters had he seen, or been allowed among little ones.

Now, he was to be granted the honor and duty of raising a god to his full glory. He was a little…mighty intimidated.

"I worry if I will raise him right, even with Nyx and his father there too." Asterius remarks.

Theseus drops his smile, and then smiles again, patting Asterius on the arms with both hands.

"I have had the joy of parenting, and I will offer what knowledge I possess to help you, Asterius. But I'm certain you cannot do worse than Minos."

Asterius snorts and smiles again, he was finding himself doing that a lot now, tail wagging.

"High praise and a high bar," Asterius jokes. "I must be off…but I will return, you can be certain, Theseus."

Theseus nods, hand squeezing at Asterius in lieu of a hug, and Asterius trudged off towards the dock where Charon was waiting.

—-

The paperwork was lengthy, but Lord Hades made sure Asterius understood everything and fortunately, Theseus had taught Asterius how to read and write during his time in Elysium.

Soon, all the paperwork was finished and just in time it seemed.

"Aaahhhaaaa!!"

Hades looked up at Asterius with a wry grin.

"Well, it seems you're diving headfirst into your duty already." Hades laughed lightly.

"Yes, I shall see him right away." Asterius said, standing to bow his head.

"I'm sure Nyx will be there to guide you along," Hades said. "She had much experience before Zagreus after all."

That was Hades parting words as Asterius made his way to the source of the crying and entered a room.

It was full of soft carpets, cushions, toys and a bed.

Next to the bed was a cradle, out of which the young prince was being lifted out of by the embodiment of Night.

"Alas, Dear Asterius." Nyx said with some mirth in her voice, but her expression remained slightly apathetic. "I fear your first task is the one most assuredly not appreciated by caregivers the world over, above and below."

Asterius just took one sniff and knew what she meant.

"Ah. Well, it was soon to come to pass," Asterius said. "Even gods must…do that on occasion."

"They learn to be able to vent their powers to avoid it if needed." Nyx explained, carrying Zagreus over to a small table with a cloth over it that formed out of the shadows. "But Zagreus is far too young to do so."

Nyx tickled the unhappy baby under the chin, trying to distract him from his torment, and produced several clothes and a basin with sparkling water.

"I shall show you and then it will be your task for when I'm not around to clean him, Asterius." Nyx explained.

"Yes, Mother Night." Asterius bows his head.

"Just Nyx will be acceptable when Hades is not present," The primordial entity said, tilting her head to Asterius. "Also, I do hope the smell doesn't bother you…"

Asterius snorts in amusement, this sound earned a raised eyebrow from Nyx, and caught Zagreus attention, who sniffled and calmed down enough to look at them through tear filled eyes.

"I was forced to live in the labyrinth Mother…Nyx," Asterius stumbled a little. "As such, I had no choice but to….relieve myself on the floor in available corners, and with the bones…suffice to say it wasn't pleasant."

Asterius reached out to Zagreus, who grabs ahold of the large finger given to him, as Nyx then proceeded to clean him.

"Compared to the ungodly smell I suffered for decades, a brief period of baby smell will be like roses to me." Asterius said, wiggling his finger in Zagreus' grasp.

Nyx chuckled lightly.

"Forgive me, I shouldn't find amusement in your suffering, but the comparison…it does rile up laughter."

Asterius nods, and keeps his eyes on Zagreus, who just seemed so fascinated with Asterius, as Nyx cleaned and put him in a new diaper.

"Now then, we shouldn't expect you to remain in this chamber at all times." Nyx said.

She lifts up Zagreus, but then levitates a blanket over for her to place the baby into Asterius arms for him to cradle.

"We would like for you to wander the castle, and become accustomed to it. We have already informed the staff, so no one will bar your way, except maybe into Hades bedchambers."

The mother night leaned over Zagreus to press a kiss to his forehead, the baby cooing in glee.

"We wish him to have his mind stimulated, and remain active." Nyx said. "So, seeing all the different beings in this House, and moving with you should get him familiar with them, and you too."

"I shall do my best to keep the young prince occupied." Asterius said.

Nyx gave him a brief nod and stepped back to admire the sight of Zagreus held by Asterius.

"When as such you are relocated to Elysium, I will see about my son Charon granting passage to your mother and sister." Nyx said.

"I had heard Ariadne was Lord Dionysus' wife," Asterius said. "I hardly believed it."

"A preferable fate to the one Theseus almost gave her when he left her alone on that island." Nyx said.

Asterius turned his head at Night, his ears wildly flickering.

"Beg pardon!?" Asterius asked.

Nyx looked abashed, and covered her lips in surprise.

"He didn't tell you?" Nyx said through her fingers.

"Ah, perhaps…it's a matter to bring up to him," Nyx said. "When you return, after Zagreus is safely bundled away. And maybe ensure your sister doesn't see him when she comes to visit."

Indeed. Asterius wished to know more about this, he was aware that his sister never got to marry Theseus as she had been promised, but this wasn't something he expected.

Still, his thoughts needed to be focused on the small being in his arms.

He cradled and bounced him lightly, and wandered around the room, glancing at all the knick knacks as Nyx watched, hovering a bit above the floor.

"He doesn't fuss, or fret on seeing my face." Asterius finally said after a while.

"Of course not."

They turned to see Hades leaning in the doorway, staring at Asterius with an unreadable expression, but then his lips quivered slightly.

"If he doesn't scream at the sight of my countenance, I assure you, the sight of a bull man will not disturb him in the slightest." Hades said playfully.

Zagreus seeing his father, waved a chubby fist, and moved his mouth, though no sound came but little burbles.

"I see you two are getting along," Hades said, coming over to tickle his son under the chin. "I see this will be worth the effort on my part to reorganize Elysium, if it means Zagreus has more support in his climb up to adulthood."

Zagreus grabbed his father's finger, and chewed it with his gummy mouth, earning a slight chuckle from Hades.

"Not yet ready for meat yet, boy." Hades said, using his free hand to smooth his fingers over the slight fuzz of black hair on Zagreus' head.

"The house contractor will soon have a house set up in Elysium for you," Hades said, and Asterius realized he was addressing him. "But until then, this will be your's and Zagreus' room. I do hope you find it agreeable, since you're accustomed to Elysium."

"I was also accustomed to a dark labyrinth filled with the stench of decay and death," Asterius said. "Anywhere will be agreeable my lord."

For a moment Asterius worried he overstepped, but Hades covered his mouth with his hand, stifling a loud laugh with a cough to not disturb Zagreus.

"Indeed. Then I won't hear any complaints then." Hades said.

"I have duties to see you, but be sure to come see me with the prince every now and then," Hades said after pressing a kiss to Zagreus forehead, the baby sneezing from the tickle of his father's beard. "I often spend days at that desk, but that way I should be able to see my child."

Asterius nodded and Hades left the room.

"I do believe you're on your way to earning Hades respect, Asterius." Nyx's voice reminded Asterius she was in the room.

"How so? I've only just begun my duties." Asterius asked, leaning Zagreus against his chest to pat his back softly.

"True. But your gentle way with the prince, it has given him a hopeful glimpse into the future…hope that he hasn't had for a long while." Nyx said.

Her words troubled Asterius lightly, but Zagreus then let out a hungry wail, and Asterius learned how to feed him, and burp him as well.

"Such a sound…was that him, or me?" Asterius jokingly asked.

Nyx pressed the side of her hand to lips and chuckled, as she handed over a rag for Asterius to mop up the goo that shot out of Zagreus mouth on burping.

For the next three days Asterius came to familiarize himself with the castle, though he avoided the great hall where Hades desk was so as not to disturb his court sessions.

He found the lounge, the garden and many other places all with the baby draped against his shoulder, or cradles in his arms.

He encountered Dusa, a gorgon head, certainly an odd choice for a maid, who greeted him in awe. Especially at the sight of the little prince.

She was warm, but was still learning to speak, so her words were more hiss than any actual utterance of words.

And he met the twins, the sons of Nyx, Thanatos and Hypnos.

Death and Sleep.

Seeing such a small child, he wondered at the fact that death could be so cute.

Nyx had brought them into the bedchambers to see Zagreus and also meet Asterius.

"Whoooooah…" Sleepy eyed Hypnos exclaimed, sleep fading from his eyes to glisten. "Mam! It's the bull of Minos!"

Asterius wrinkled his snout, a little put out by the title.

"He is Pasiphae's son, Hypnos." Nyx lightly rebukes. "Minos was his tormentor, and nothing more."

But she patted his head of messy curls to show no Ill will.

"You'll forgive my son for he has much exuberance despite being asleep most of the time." Nyx said to Asterius. "He does his important work asleep, visiting and conjuring dreams…he's not quite himself during the day."

"How do you know when it's day?" Asterius asked confused.

Nyx gave him a wry smile.

"I am the night itself, and my daughter Hemera is the day," Nyx said by way of explaining. "I know what time it is on the surface. Whether it's my time, or hers."

That was a interesting fact to learn.

"I didn't mean anything by it. That's just how I heard him called in the dreams, Mama." Hypnos said and bows to Asterius. "I'm sorry, Mr. Star."

"Asterius, child. That's his proper name." Nyx corrected.

"But it means 'starry' doesn't it?" Thanatos spoke up now, having been silent, staring at Asterius and Zagreus solemnly.

"I was named after the grandfather of my mother's husband." Asterius said. "And I do not mind the moniker, Nyx. Theseus often refers to me as 'bull' and I take no offense."

Nyx hums, but drops it as Hypnos and Thanatos slowly, cautiously approach Asterius. But their caution was directed at the baby, not Asterius. An odd sensation.

"He's so chubby." Hypnos giggles, reaching out to squeeze the arm of the baby.

Zagreus gurgles, and waves the arm, causing Hypnos to laugh in glee, and Thanatos titled his head.

"He's very lively," Thanatos said. "It's odd to see him moving…"

"Why wouldn't he move?" Asterius asked.

"He wasn't alive…" Thanatos starts, but Nyx claps a hand over his mouth and shushes him.

"Thanatos." Nyx said but one word, and that was all that was needed.

Asterius hugged Zagreus a little closer, scared and confused.

"My lady, what does he mean?" Asterius asked.

"Just…there was great difficulty bringing Zagreus into this world, and keeping him here…" Nyx explained haltingly. She took her hand off Thanatos mouth to stroke his head soothingly. "He is healthy and alive, and that's all that matters now."

"I…see…" Asterius rumbles and looked down at Zagreus wonderingly.

"Please…do not mention this in front of Hades, or near him. It disturbs him greatly to be reminded of it." Nyx said to Asterius and looked down at her sons. "Am I understood?"

"Yes, Mother/Mama." The boys nod as one.

Feeling to dispel the quiet moment, Asterius speaks up.

"Would you care to hold him, Nyx. Or perhaps, one of your son's?" Asterius asked.

Thanatos looked alarmed, like Asterius had offered to stick his hand into a flaming brazier, but Hypnos eyes widened and he bounced on the spot.

"May I, mama. May I!?" Hypnos asked giddily.

Nyx smiles and nods, she directs Hypnos to sit on the bed next to Asterius.

"Now, you have to make sure to hold his head up," Nyx said. "He's too young to support himself."

Hypnos nods, trying to suppress a smile as he gets to have the chubby prince of the underworld in his arms.

Hypnos eyes widened as he gazed at the little prince. Who gawks at him in surprise.

"Who's got you, Short one?" Asterius asked teasingly. "Is someone other than Mother Night and me holding you?"

Zagreus moves his mouth, but no noise comes out as he blinks at Hypnos.

"May I smooch him, Mister Asterius?" Hypnos asked cutely.

"You may." Asterius said after glancing at Nyx, who nodded with a smile.

Hypnos leans down to kiss the baby on his cheek. Then hypnos yelps, as Zagreus reaches up and grabs his fluffy, feathery wing on his head.

"Mama!" Hypnos cried out.

Thanatos rushed over, and gently pried the chubby hand off Hypnos head wing.

"Those are real?" Asterius asked in surprise, reaching out to straighten out the wing.

"Oh, yes. Just as real as your horns." Nyx said, and examined a pouting Hypnos.

"You're alright, child. Zagreus was just curious, he didn't know they would hurt if yanked." Nyx said.

Asterius pulls his hand away from Hypnos' wing.

"Sorry, did that hurt?" Asterius asked worriedly.

"No, it felt better than when Zagreus did." Hypnos said, pouting at the small baby.

"He's small, he'll learn," Thanatos said. "You had to learn, and I did too."

Asterius steps off the bed to kneel in front of Hypnos and Zagreus.

"Now, Short one. If you wish to grab something." Asterius lowers his head.

The baby turned and saw Asterius horns, and widened his eyes. Thanatos stepped away, so Asterius can get close enough for the small baby to grab and pat at the bulls horns. Which were capped at the end to avoid punctures.

"Mama, may I touch his horns too, I wanna feel." Hypnos said.

"You are already holding zagreus." Nyx said.

"Let Thanatos hold him, and I can feel them too." Hypnos said excitedly.

"Oh, I….me…hold…the prince?" Thanatos asked, worried.

"It'll just be for a bit." Nyx assured. "You should learn to hold a child, just in case."

Thanatos looked nervous, but Hypnos gave him a pouting face and agreed to swap.

Zagreus made a shriek of dismay as he was lifted from Hypnos, releasing Asterius horn to allow an indignant waving of his chubby arms, as Hypnos jumps off the bed to allow Thanatos to sit on the bed.

The baby was carefully placed into Thanatos arms, who looked nervous and frozen, as Zagreus now looked up at him. Hypnos was happily now feeling Asterius' horns, babbling in glee at the feel, though Asterius kept his eyes on Zagreus too.

The baby looked at Thanatos now, who seemed like he was standing before Hades for judgement. But Zagreus just smiled, and banged a fist against the older boy's chest at seeing him up close.

Thanatos blinks in surprise, but smiles at the gesture, and lifts the arm not supporting Zagreus' neck to let him grasp onto a finger.

"I have a feeling…I know, we're going to be good friends." Hypnos exclaimed, seeing Zagreus respond well to Thanatos.

"I think so too." Thanatos said with a soft smile.

—-

What it was like to see the hound of Hades, peeking one of his heads I to the nursery to see the baby, and Asterius as well.

Perhaps the three headed dog believed they were related?

Either way, he didn't mind Asterius, and seemed fixated on the baby.

When Asterius, or nyx left the nursery with babe in arms, Cerberus followed if he was in the house.

The big red shadow was distracting, but not unnerving.

And usually, he stayed at his place near lord Hades, who Asterius would watch during his court sessions in the palace when Zagreus had his naps.

One day, he stepped over to watch, and had Zagreus in his arms at the time.

Hades glanced over to his son's nurse, and made a gesture out to them.

"All stand at attention and pay reverence, my son, the feared scourge of the underworld has decided to grant us an audience." Hades boomed jokingly.

He motions for Asterius to approach the desk, and leans over to smile at his son.

"And how fairs the insidious, malefic, monster of the underworld?" Hades asked jokingly.

Zagreus coos, waving his fists at his father, and Hades reached down to allow Zagreus to grasp his finger.

"Ah, the creature has a hold of me. Usurper!" Hades said in mock horror.

It was a strange sight to see, the Lord of plenty and hospitable one to be chuckling, and teasing his son.

So much, a shade foolishly got it into his head to speak out.

"My lord, you were just about to hear my case, must you fool around with the child?"

Asterius turned to glare over his shoulder at the shade, snorting in a huff.

But a chill fell over the Hall as Hades stood up, eyes blazing with anger.

"What!? You DARE TO TELL ME WHAT TO DO!?" Hades raged, and stomped down from his desk.

"You, pitiful, insignificant bug, think to tell me not to spend time with my child!?"

The shade shrunk and kneeled down on the floor in horror.

"I should have you sentenced to Tartarus immediately and…"

Hades' rant was cut off by Zagreus crying, and Hades stopped and hurried over to Asterius, who bounced lightly the baby in his arms.

Hades made shushing noises, stroking Zagreus' cheek till he settled down.

"Forgive me, great one." Hades coos. "This miserable, imbecile angered me but I'll not upset you again."

Zagreus calmed down to unsettled whimpers, but giggles as Hades leans down to kiss his cheek

"As for you," Hades growls to turn to the shade. "Back to the end of the line, and be grateful I showed mercy."

Asterius saw that Hades could be unforgiving if pushed, and Zagreus was the key point in that anger. As Asterius made sure not to make The God assume he was being cruel to Zagreus. EVER.

But for the most part, he seemed to fawn over the child, but tried to keep his usual rigid personality.

Often Asterius would see him passing by while Asterius was rocking Zagreus to sleep, or feeding him milk.

And when Asterius put him down for a nap, leaving the room to grab a meal from the lounge that was across the Hall, he would return to see Hades standing over the crib, gazing fondly at his son.

Asterius found himself doing that most often too.

The sight of a small baby, slumbering brought such a warmth, and calm to Asterius' soul.

The kinda peace he'd wanted to bring to the other souls of Elysium.

Tending to the short one, it seems Asterius really came ahead in this deal.