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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.

Chapter Text

In time Hades came to visit Zagreus as he was being fed milk by Asterius, as Nyx watched, brushing Thanatos hair, as he rested in her lap and Hypnos floated next to her, snoozing.

"Asterius, I have news." Hades said. "The Contractor has finished your home in Elysium, fully equipped with a portal for quick travel to and from the house."

"Asterius and Zagreus are leaving?!" Thanatos asked, jolting Hypnos awake, flopping down on the bed.

"Hush. They're not leaving forever," Nyx soothed. "It's as lord Hades said: A portal will allow for instant visits if they and you so wish."

"Of course, I'm not going to just let Asterius carry away my child and not see him for days on time." Hades said, grumbling. "I'd never hear the end of it from Nyx."

The Primordial Night pursed her lips and gave Hades a stern stare.

Reprimanded for his crack, the god gestures Asterius to hand him a rag, and Zagreus.

The baby let go of the bottle with an audible pop, and sticks his milk covered tongue out at his father.

"Impertinent as ever," Hades chuckles. "Well, a spanking is in order."

He drapes the rag over his shoulder, and then his son and gently pats at his back, until the babe unleashed a mighty belch.

"There we go…." Hades said. "Speaking of visits, there's another matter I wished to bring up."

Hades turned to look at Asterius, rubbing his infant son's back.

"I've had Hermes send a message to Pasiphae and your sister, and they'll be coming by your Elysium home to visit tomorrow."

The news certainly had Asterius' attention, seeing his mother and sister after so long, he didn't think he could contain himself.

"What….shall be done with Zagreus in the meantime?" Asterius asked.

"He shall remain in the house if you so wish," Hades said. "You've had him for quite a while, and no doubt Nyx and her son's can watch him for a bit until the visit is done."

Asterius' ears flicked as he pondered a moment.

"The shade Patroclus is a close friend, and he has shared my desire of a place for the good, peaceful souls." Asterius said. "If it's not too much trouble, Zagreus would stay here for now, and tomorrow I will introduce him to the prince?"

This had Hades' attention.

"Hmmm. Yes, Patroclus….yes, I know him well." Hades said with a slight smile as he stroked the back of Zagreus' neck with his finger.

"I see no harm in it." Hades said. "I know his reputation, and he's a far better sort than that reckless Theseus. In fact, if Nyx doesn't object, I think her son's would enjoy a little playdate in Elysium with Zagreus."

Hypnos and Thanatos look at their mother eagerly, and she gives a slight nod.

"He would not be allowed in Elysium if he was unfit." Nyx said. "And I have heard he was always a caring and loving soul."

"Yes, and he tended to the mighty Achilles many dogs," Hades said. "I dare say that he should have no trouble handling the boys during Asterius' visit with his mother and sister."

Thanatos gave a mild affronted look, while Hypnos didn't even seem to notice as always.

Zagreus shrieked in his father's ear, slapping his pudgy hands against his shoulders.

"It's decided," Hades said. "Though if Nyx wished to be present to ensure the children were looked after, I can shoulder her part of the work until she comes back."

Nyx nods again and seems to smile a little.

—-

Asterius came to see his new home, and remarked on the many splendors of it.

The portal to the house led from the nursery and opened up in the main hall of the Elysium dwelling.

It was appropriately made for both him in mind, as the doorways were high, and for a child growing up in it with sharp corners none existent and carpeted floor.

As he stepped outside to admire it from a distance, he chanced to hear a voice call out to him

"Ho! Asterius!!"

Asterius turned to see Theseus charge for him, beaming brightly, and slam into Asterius with a heavy sigh, wrapping as much of his arms around Asterius to hug him.

"Theseus…" Asterius said in surprise at the affection.

"It's been some time, my friend." Theseus said. "I had heard a new dwelling was constructed and came to see who earned such a palace. But it's for you, my friend?"

"It is indeed." Asterius said, patting his hand on Theseus' back and pulling away a bit.

"Hades wishes to have Zagreus raised here, since it is my original home." Asterius answered. "A portal exists inside to allow instant transport to the house, so I may bring him back to see his father and Mother Night."

"Is…is he here?" Theseus asked, looking around for a sign of the infant.

"No, he's staying with Nyx for tonight," Asterius said. "And tomorrow, he will come to meet Patroclus, accompanied by Nyx, and her son's. Thanatos and Hypnos."

"Sleep and Death, with mother night as well in Elysium?" Theseus exclaimed, but then frowned. "But….you're introducing the prince to Patroclus first, and not me first. Why?"

Asterius almost huffed a laugh at Theseus' affronted expression.

"Because I believe he'd be able to handle the short one," Asterius answered. "I believe he'd be best capable of tending to him in my absence."

"But I was a father and knew how to handle children," Theseus said. "I don't believe Patroclus ever had children."

"Did you?" Asterius coughed. "I had not been informed."

"Truly?" Theseus asked. "Well, I could've sworn…."

"Also, I need it to be him because….Hades has allowed it for my mother and sister to come visit me for two weeks."

Theseus' eyes widened and he startled at Asterius' words.

"Oh, they…they are?" Theseus asked awkwardly.

"Yes. It will be emotional just with me reuniting with them." Asterius said. "But…I must insist I be allowed time to explain to them about you, and give them time to adjust to the idea."

"Right, right, no…no I completely understand. I never met Pasiphae, but given what I did to your sister….and killing you." Theseus said, stumbling over his words a bit.

"Also, Ariadne has married Dionysus, and I fear she might ask him to invoke retribution if you show up too early."

Theseus nods rapidly.

"Quite right, it would…be a ugly situation. And you deserve a heartfelt, happy reunion." Theseus said.

Asterius could see this bothered him, and pats his shoulder.

"It's only for two weeks," Asterius consoles. "And if I have the opportunity, I will abscond with the prince and introduce you two, have no doubt."

Theseus let's a smile grow back.

"No, you are a bull man of your word," Theseus said now grinning. "And I'm looking forward to seeing this babe, he must be quite a precious sight."

Asterius nods, lowering his head to smile.

"He is…..I do adore him, Theseus." Asterius said. "When I hold him, or talk to him…it's…indescribable. Did you ever feel that way with yours?"

Theseus was silent for a bit, but nodded.

"Yes…once upon a time." Theseus admits. "So long ago, I almost forgot."

"Will you come into my home?" Asterius asked after a beat. "My mother and sister won't come till noon tomorrow, so you can explore the house and we can catch up."

"I'd like that friend," Theseus said. "I can tell you how my gladiator matched with that cad Hector turned out."

It was nice, listening to Theseus boast and grandstand about his battles, and the feasts he attended while Asterius was gone.

It was…quiet in the House, except for when Hypnos chattered at him, or Zagreus cried, waiting for some attention.

Half the time Hypnos was asleep, as much as Zagreus sometimes, and the others were only for conversation sometimes.

It felt…invigorating to hear Theseus go on and on.

And Asterius talked to him about the house, about lord Hades, Nyx, Dusa, and little zagreus.

And Asterius couldn't help noticing, how Theseus just stared at him with such expressive eyes while he spoke of tickling Zagreus to make the baby laugh.

Enough time was spent and Theseus bid his farewell, but Asterius noticed his eyes lingered longingly on Asterius.

"How long will they be staying?" Theseus asked, referring to Asterius mother and sister.

"Lord Hades said he'd allow them to visit, but only two weeks per month." Asterius said. "After they're gone, you may return and next visit….I'll broach the subject of you."

Theseus nods, reluctant to leave, but then proceeds to walk away and Asterius keeps his eyes trained on his backside as he walks away.

Asterius cleared his throat, feeling awkward over just gawking at his friend and savior's ass.

Asterius needed to focus for the upcoming meeting.

____

It was all set up, Patroclus meeting Zagreus, along Nyx and her two sons went smoothly.

Patroclus had been respectful of Nyx, and indulgent of Hypnos string of questions and even got Thanatos to crack a smile at a dry anecdote or two.

Little Zagreus seemed fine with him, and even reached up to pat at his fuzzy goatee on his chin when given to Patroclus to hold.

Finally, Asterius had Zagreus fed and place down for a nap.

"I will see you all afterwards," Asterius said, bowing his head at Mother Night, the twins and Pat.

"You will let us know how it fares, Bull." Patroclus said warmly. "I can't begin to imagine what it'll be like, meeting someone you loved after centuries. But I hope it turns out well."

Some slight bitterness was in his tone, but Asterius knew Patroclus meant well, and wanted his meeting to go smoothly.

"I believe it shall, and I will let you know when I return." Asterius said.

Nyx nods, as Hypnos waves bye happily, while Thanatos looks at a scroll Patroclus had given him.

And with that he returned to his own dwelling.

But he felt something governing his movements into frantic gestures as he tried to tidy things up.

It was anxiety, plain and simple, and it was following Asterius like Tisiphone would hound a murderer.

He was worried about meeting his mother and sister, and waiting was the worst part.

But then the portal of his glowed brightly, and two figures stepped through.

Two so familiar.

His mother and sister decked out in bright clothing, carrying bags with them.

His sister was different, more likely due to her being a goddess now it seemed. She had a glow about her, and clothing that had similar coloring to what she wore on crete, but different fashion. Upon her head was a diadem, hair done in a bun. With the crown sparkling white, it looked like the night sky with stars.

She had a strange, red, glowing thread wrapped around her wrist. But he knew it was her, despite the awe inspiring presence and attire.

His mother, she wore the usual colors of her father, Grandfather Helios, but she had a blue shawl draped over her shoulders.

Her hair was loose and unadorned, a wave of silky brown, draped behind her like a veil. Her eyes were as blue as her shawl, but seeing Asterius, they flashed. The bright flecks of gold inherited from her sire were as Asterius remembered.

They brimmed with tears, and both rushed to Asterius, who was unable to resist as he was engulfed in a hug by the two immortal women.

Asterius clasped both of his hands behind them, gentle, but still firm in showing his joy over being reunited.

"My child….my beautiful son…", Pasiphae wept.

It was…messy, so many years and so many tears. But soon they composed themselves, and were seated on a couch to talk.

"I had scarcely believed it when Hermes told my husband, big brother." Ariadne said. "I….I felt such remorse, even though it was the only way to set you free, but what happened with Theseus…"

"No…" Asterius cut her off. "I understand, it was…liberating in a way. And I'm free now."

"And in Elysium." Pasiphae spoke up. "And having us brought here on the permission of Hades."

Ariadne nods with her mother.

"How…why would he do that?" Ariadne asked. "And you're here in Elysium…."

"You were a gentle soul forced to do terrible things, but I expected to hear you were Asphodel, not where…heroes and children of Gods reside after death."

Asterius shakes his head.

"That shall no longer be the case, Sister." Asterius said. "I have made a pact with Lord Hades, as I fill my end of things, all souls with good in them shall be put into Elysium and more moved to Elysium if they were placed in Asphodel despite being good."

"That's…it makes one wonder how big a favor you did for the God of the Underworld?" Pasiphae asked.

"Mother, I should inform you this only happened after I had already been in Elysium for many years." Asterius answered. "I had befriended a soul of peace known as Patroclus, and with him we had formed a sort of…cult of peaceful souls that sought to be left alone and allowed to be in peace."

"But….how did you get here?" Ariadne asked.

Asterius stared at his mother and sister silently.

"I am happy here, more than I could've imagined, and I hope you are all content and happy now," Asterius said. "Are you happy now, were you content before?"

This question was aimed at both ladies and Pasiphae answered.

"I lost my children, but I was left Ariadne, and….despite my mourning all these centuries, I was well taken care of." Pasiphae said, placing her hands on Asterius' own. "My parents took me back into their home, and have showered me with love and comfort as they could and I've…been healing."

"But knowing you're here, and with Ariadne being wed to Dionysus….I can honestly say my heart swells with joy again."

"I as well, Brother." Ariadne said earnestly. "Aside from longing to learn about your fate, I had Dionysus and Mother, and I was…it was shameful how long it took. Me being miserable didn't do you any good, and soon Dionysus filled me with his love and I gave it in return."

Asterius leans over to hug them both, both of them laughing, as Asterius hugged his mother and sister.

"Then I am overjoyed," Asterius said. "But…I…must bring up a fact."

Asterius breaks the hug to look at them both.

"Theseus had me brought to Elysium," Asterius said. "He believes my fate injust and I was responsible for his great fame and deserved to have a place in the home of heroes."

Ariadne and Pasiphae stiffen in shock, the mother's eyes flashing bright gold at hearing the name of her son's murderer.

"He….he petitioned to bring you here!?" Ariadne asked, stammering. "I don't…I can't fathom."

"It's the truth, and why I am here and why I was eventually in service to Hades." Asterius said. "And….after a few centuries here, I have…become friends with him."

Pasiphae stood up, and Ariadne was leaning back with a hand over her mouth in shock.

"HIM!? He who killed you, abandoned Ariadne and what happened to Phaedra!!?" Pasiphae demands, her appearance all riled up.

Asterius held his tongue, as his mother clearly didn't realize what had happened with Phaedra and her illicit lust for her stepson. Now wasn't the time to mention it.

"I am aware of his misdeeds," Asterius said. "But he brought me into Elysium, as well as the fact that he worked hard to earn my friendship. It's not like I instantly have it after a day in Elysium."

"That's true then?" Ariadne asked, eyeing her brother in question.

"Of course. I wouldn't lie to you two," Asterius said. "Not after we've been apart for so long."

Asterius stands and both of his hands grasped at his mother's shoulders and rubbed them soothingly.

"In time, maybe a few centuries, I would like for you to allow him in your presence to make amends," Asterius said. "But that is later and not now. All we need to focus on is spending time now, and relishing this."

Pasiphae rubs her forehead in confusion.

"This is..a lot to take in at once." Pasiphae said.

"I had wanted to keep no secrets from you all," Asterius said. "And there is more, but I will save that for later."

"Oh no, what else?" Ariadne half jokes. "Married to a Fury?"

Asterius actually snorts in laughter.

"No, but it does deal with my duty to lord Hades." Asterius remarks. "But I wish to know how life has been for you."

"Yes, I got married, I should explain that." Ariadne laughs.

"And I should tell you how Grandmother and Grandfather are doing, along with my aunt and uncles." Pasiphae adds.

It didn't paint Theseus in a positive light, but hearing how Dionysus rescued Ariadne, and the seven years he courted her, made her a goddess and their being happily married for the last 1500 years was wonderful to hear.

"I know I don't have a ghost of a chance to have grandkids via you, my little star." Pasiphae sighed joking. "But I'm holding out for Ariadne and Dio."

"Mother, we took our courting slow, we're making the kids slow too." Ariadne said. "We have an eternity to share and have them and you're immortal too."

"I'm certain you'll be an excellent mother, sister." Asterius assured.

"Oh, Asterius." Ariande smiled.

Their talks went on for hours, since Pasiphae did have 5999 aunts and uncles to talk about. Along with the cousins.

But then Asterius' ears flicked as he caught the distant sound of crying, and knocking on the door.

"Mother, sister, if you would come with me," Asterius said. "It seems I'm introducing you to someone sooner than I expected."

Ariadne and Pasiphae looked at each other in surprise, but followed Asterius to the front door.

Their faces expressed confusing surprise as they heard a baby crying.

Opening the door revealed Patroclus and a wailing baby Zagreus.

"My apologies, friend." Patroclus sighed, patting the crying zagreus back. "But this little one has been inconsolable for the last three hours. Nyx decided to take the twins home when she couldn't calm him, and insisted he wanted you."

Asterius nods, and feels his heart clench at the idea that Zagreus wanted him so badly.

Granted it was maybe 15 hours since he left him with Nyx and Pat, but it still meant something.

"Come now, Prince." Asterius croons, he carefully extracts Zagreus from pat and places him against his chest.

The baby rubs his face against Asterius' furry chest, and it seems to halt the wails, but he still hiccups and whimpers in distress as Asterius bounce's him gently.

"Is this any way for royalty to behave?" Asterius gently admonished in a whisper.

He nuzzles the fuzzy head of the babe, and soon he calms down. The sniffling is still there though, as he blinks up at Asterius in clear admonishment.

"Don't reprimand me, you were in perfectly capable care." Asterius snorts in amusement.

"Asterius?"

The minotaur almost forgot his mother and sister were behind him and turned around.

"Mother, Sister, I'd like you to meet a hero of Troy, Patroclus." Asterius said. "Patroclus, these are my mother and sister, Pasiphae and Ariadne."

"Ladies." Patroclus bows, and takes Pasiphae hand in his to kiss the back of it. "To meet the woman who raised such a noble, gentle soul is a true honor. And a woman who entranced the god of revelry to commit to making her his wife and a goddess. Truly I never expected my afterlife to be like this."

"I've heard of you, Patroclus." Pasiphae nods. "I heard much of you from my niece Thetis."

Patroclus makes a wry expression at the mention of his lover's mother.

"Not all good, I suppose." Patroclus said.

"I take what any mother says with a grain of salt," Pasiphae sighed. "We can be…clouded in our judgement."

"And I watched the war with my husband," Ariadne said. "I was…devastated you and Achilles were separated in such a way "

"A kind thought, goddess." Patroclus said. "But…as you can see, we're still separated, so I hope this doesn't dampen your visit."

"Yes, about that…." Ariadne looks over Patroclus' shoulder to peer at Asterius. "Brother, why is a babe in the underworld!?"

Asterius chuckles, and Patroclus steps out of the way to allow Asterius to walk over.

"I would like you to meet a cthonic god," Asterius said. "Please greet Zagreus, son of Hades. Zagreus, this is Pasiphae and Ariadne, my mother and sister."

This earned surprised reactions from the two ladies, as they stared at the tiny baby who watched them with curious, mismatched eyes.

"Patroclus made me aware that…only the great's we're allowed here in Elysium. Which often involved killers. But so many good, decent people were excluded. We're among a few of the peaceful souls, uncaring of battle and fights." Asterius explained.

"Seeing this, lord Hades offered me a pact, not only would I be allowed to have you visit me, but he was to ensure all future souls would be given a wider berth for entrance into Elysium. Not just heroes, or children of Gods. And he would sort out past souls that deserve Elysium too."

"And in exchange?" Pasiphae asked, eyes glued to Zagreus.

"I will aid Mother Nyx in raising the child and be his guard from any danger." Asterius said, tickling Zagreus' chin.

"Short one, I hope you will get along with my mother and sister, as they will undoubtedly be visiting more in the future."

Ariadne laughed lightly at the nickname and watched as Pasiphae approached and put her hand over to gently touch Zagreus' little hand.

The baby coos, and doesn't seem bothered, allowing the touch and wrapping his little fingers around hers.

"He's precious, Asterius." Pasiphae said, a choked tone in her voice.

"I believe I'll depart," Patroclus said. "I will no doubt meet you ladies again, but for now, I'll allow you to continue to reconcile with Asterius, and get to know his little stranger."

Patroclus leans over in an overt bow, and leaves the room, Asterius nodding to Patroclus who waves back at him.

Asterius looks back down at his mother, who's absolutely taken with the little baby.

"So, this is Lord Hades' child?" Ariadne asked.

"Yes, and it's been my duty the last few weeks to care for him." Asterius said. "Learning how to care for him, feed him and walk around to stimulate him by allowing him to see and hear everything going on."

"So, your a parent now," Pasiphae exclaims in surprise.

"I…wouldn't say that," Asterius said. "Hades is his father, and Nyx his mother. I am just his caretaker."

"Do you love him?" Pasiphae asked.

Asterius pauses, and looks down at Zagreus, who stares back up at him.

Those mismatched blink up at him, and Zagreus rubs his cheek against Asterius' chest, and he feels his heart start rapidly beating.

"I…I do…I do love him, mother." Asterius confessed. "I've only had him in my care for a while, but I do not wish any harm to befall him. I'll fight to the death any who would dare to approach him with evil intent."

"I felt the same a week after you were born," Pasiphae said, stroking the back of her hand over Asterius' cheek.

Asterius blinks back tears and huffs.

"Oh, sneaky, so treacherous," Asterius chuckles looking down at Zagreus. "You laid your trap well, Short One."

Zagreus gives him a gummy smile, as he tried to gum on his own fist.

Pasiphae reached up to wipe away at Asterius tears, and pats his cheek, as Ariande comes to rest her cheek against Asterius' arm to peer at Zagreus.

"He's adorable." Ariadne said. "And I can already see he loves with the intensity of our grandfather, Helios."

Asterius sniffs, and lifts up Zagreus to nuzzle and kiss his cheek.

"Do you love me, Short One?" Asterius asked softly.

Zagreus pats at Asterius' face, cooing happily.

It was so much, and a little overwhelming as he was with his mother, sister and his little one.

It was enjoyable, and Asterius had more to tell his mother and sister, as they told him more too.

Ariadne brought up the possibility of having more of their family to visit. Dionysus, or Grandfather Helios and Grandmother Perse.

But Asterius stalled, saying he might wait a few months before he would bring it up to Hades.

"Will you…I mean, has…HE met Zagreus?" Ariadne asked.

She was watching as her mother now held Zagreus, giving him a bottle of milk to feed the infant.

"He? Oh! No, King hasn't…." Asterius trails off.

He didn't want to discuss Theseus too much, as obviously, centuries later the wounds hadn't healed like it did with Asterius and shouldn't be picked.

"I wonder how he'll react." Ariadne murmurs.

"He obviously will be a blowhard," Pasiphae huffed. "I mean, he did come down here to try and kidnap the queen of the underworld to be his bride. So surprised that he still ended up in Elysium."

Asterius blinks in surprise.

"He did that?" Asterius asked.

"I see he never mentioned it," Ariadne said. "Yes, he was bound to a chair, whipped by the furies, but then he was ripped free from it by Hercules."

Ariadne snickered and leaned close to whisper to Asterius.

"He lost a portion of his ass," Ariadne's words caused Asterius to snortnin surprise.

Pasiphae to look up, and Zagreus eyes to whip over to them.

"He must've regained it. But me and Dionysus had a great laugh over it."

Asterius snorts more laughter, causing Zagreus to push aside his bottle to coo up at Asterius questioningly.

"You'll be told when you're older, Short One." Asterius coughs.

Zagreus waves his chubby fist at the bull man, but resumes drinking from his bottle.

The days passed by with Asterius overwhelmed with joy on having his mother and sister with him again.

But soon the time came for them to depart back to the surface.

It was a sad fact, as Pasiphae had come to cherish her little grandson. But after a month, they would come back and see each other.

"I fear lord Hades will notice if you try to smuggle his son out of the underworld, Mother. "Asterius said lightly, as Pasiphae cradles Zagreus close to kiss his fuzzy head.

"I know, this was going to be a short time. But it feels even shorter now." Pasiphae sighed, nuzzling Zagreus' cheek.

"Mother, give our brother back the baby." Ariadne softly scolds.

Pasiphae purses her lips, and leans up to kiss her son on his cheek as she hands back Zagreus.

"You'll be back before too long," Asterius reminds her. "You are immortal, and I'm going to be here forever."

Pasiphae nods her head, and Ariadne comes over to hug her brother, kissing his arm and leaning over to kiss the sweet, god babe.

"Maybe when we get back, we'll get some words out of this little one, or see him crawling." Ariadne spoke.

"Ah, let's take our time." Asterius chuckles. Unsure of how to take the idea of his short one getting older just yet.

Pasiphae giggles, blowing a kiss to Asterius and Zagreus as she and her daughter depart.

Asterius cradles Zagreus, rocking him side to side and looking around the empty building had a thought for how to spend today.

"I suppose there's not a reason to stick around here," Asterius said to Zagreus. "How would you like to meet King Theseus?"

Zagreus looks up at Asterius, gurgling and blinking lightly.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Asterius fetched a blanket and wrapping it around the small babe, he got a small pouch with some things in it for Zagreus and departed from the expansive manor to stroll out and look for Theseus.

It wasn't hard to find out, as anyone would notice Theseus and had helpful directions for Asterius.

Especially when to be introduced to the prince of the dead.

He found Theseus was sparring with Perseus, who was being watched by Andromeda, his bride.

Andromeda was a beautiful young lady, with pale skin, long, curly dark brown hair, and emerald green eyes. She wore purple lipstick and wore a blue and green headband with triangular shapes around her head, a purple dress, which had gold and green patterns around her hips and sandals.

Perseus was a tall man with a muscular physique, he had beige skin, and long blonde hair, and wore orange and brown robes with brown sandals. His eyes were bright blue, and focused hard on his sparring opponent.

Theseus stood across from him, dressed only in his chifton, but the top pulled down to expose his chest muscles for all to see the sweat glimmering on his body.

The princess of Joppa waved out toward the minotaur, and looked surprised to see the bundle in his arms.

Her eyes widened as she saw a tiny arm wave out and smack against Asterius' chest.

"Husband!!" Andromeda cried out in excitement.

Perseus and Theseus stop, seeing Andromeda rush to Asterius.

Theseus grins on seeing the bull man too, but his eyes widen in realization, as he sees the bundle in Asterius, bulky arms.

"Hold, Andromeda! I have reserved the right to be the first to see the young prince." Theseus shouts, and tossed his spear and shield aside to rush over.

Perseus could only stare oddly at the blond hero, as he playfully tried to shove Andromeda aside to catch a glimpse of the babe.

"No! Now that I know it's a baby, and a prince. I should get to see him!" Andromeda giggles, slapping Theseus' chest. "And you knew!? And didn't tell me?"

"Children, children." Perseus calls out and trots over. "Don't crowd Asterius."

Perseus nods to Asterius who tried to restrain from laughter, as he didn't want to jostle Zagreus. Especially seeing the two adults squabbling like kids over to get to see Zagreus.

"I did promise, Princess. I will introduce King to the short one first." Asterius said.

Andromeda huffs, crossing her arms, as Perseus embraced her, but she smiles at the god forsaken bull.

Theseus beams as he leans over eagerly, and Asterius adjusts the blanket to reveal Zagreus fully.

"Oh, oh my…." Theseus breathes in awe.

The baby looked up at the boisterous, big, blond.

"Zagreus, this is king Theseus. Theseus, this is Zagreus, my charge." Asterius introduces.

"Your charge?" Perseus asked.

"Yes, Lord Hades offered a pact to me. In return for grabbing access to all good souls, not just greats. And I care for Zagreus when Mother Night is unable." Asterius answered.

Asterius watches As Andromeda and Perseus stroll closer to get a glimpse of Zagreus, Andromeda swoons as she looks at Theseus cooing at the little babe.

"Oh, such nostalgia." Theseus breathed out with a smile. "It's been too long since a tiny child graced my sight."

Theseus reached out and Zagreus trapped a finger in his tiny fist, peering up at Theseus with his odd matched eyes.

"He's adorable, Asterius." Perseus said. "And he's my uncle Hades' son?"

And Theseus looked over his shoulder to sneer lightly at Perseus.

"You can't go a moment without name dropping your divine heritage?" Theseus tease.

"At least I'm being truthful, when you lie about being Poseidon's son." Perseus huffed.

"Stop arguing, or you won't get to hold the baby after I get first hold." Andromeda scolds.

"I say thee, nay!" Theseus said dramatic like. "Asterius has promised me to be the first to hold the young gosling."

"I never said that," Asterius lightly taunts. "I merely said you'd get to see him."

Theseud gawks in dismay, but Asterius smiles and shakes his head.

"But I had told him about Zagreus before you, Princess. So, it's only fair that he gets to see and hold him." Asterius explained to Andromeda.

"Well, so long as I get the chance." The princess said in a faux huffy manner.

Asterius allowed Theseus to approach, and pulled back the blanket to reveal his charge.

"Oh, my word…" Theseus exclaimed. "He's…oh, he's a sight, my friend."

Theseus' eyes took in the little chubby bundle, who kicked his little orange, glowing feet, before opening his eyes to stare up Athena blond.

"His feet, why do they…" Theseus reached out to pinch a chubby foot between his thumb and forefinger. His eyes widened as he felt heat like getting close to a flame form under his fingertips.

"Hot." Theseus pulled back his hand with a small hiss.

"Yes, his father has the same attribute." Asterius answered. "He leaves flaming footsteps when he walks."

"Oh, my." Perseus said. "Guess I'm glad I never developed such traits as a child. Thou I'm only half divine."

"Hold him, Theseus. The sooner you do, the sooner I can." Andromeda said in almost anxious fashion.

Perseus smiles with a twinge of sadness at his wife, as it'd been centuries since a babe had been held in her arms.

"Give me time, I want only to examine him," Theseus said. "And let him apprise me too. I can't just pick him up suddenly, what if it scares him?"

Theseus then turned to keep looking at Zagreus, who blinks up at the blond and other's, taking them in.

"He should be fine." Asterius said. "My mother and sister handled him well enough."

Andromeda looked surprised.

"Your mother and sister?" Andromeda asked.

"Hmmm. Hades allowed visits from my immortal kin, but only for two weeks a month." Asterius explained.

"I…kept well away from Asterius' domicile." Theseus said. "As for me reuniting with Ariadne and her mother Pasiphae….will not be a pleasant one of that I'm sure."

Theseus leans closer to peer at Zagreus, who's mismatched eyes focused on Theseus' own.

"He has such peculiar eyes unlike seen before," Theseus mentioned with half a thought. "Truly a mark of a little hell spawn, huh?"

Asterius suddenly pulled Zagreus away, and Theseus jolts when he sees Asterius giving him a long hard stare.

"What…is that supposed to mean, King?" Asterius asked in a low tone.

"For I am…peculiar, a bull headed man. Yet you socialize with me, so why…."

Asterius holds Zagreus close, hiding him from view and Theseus realizes his mistake.

"No, Asterius. I just…I was teasing," Theseus asked, eyes looking sad. "He is…a son of the depths, a chthonic god. I didn't mean it as a insult, I swear to you."

Theseus tried to look at Zagreus, but Asterius tried a little more.

"His eyes are lovely, like a ruby glinting from the dark and his other eye…like a bright emerald." Theseus said in earnest, an upset tone.

"Theseus is a lot of things, but I know he wouldn't just insult a baby, Asterius." Perseus spoke up, seeing how worried Theseus was and mad Asterius had gotten.

"I…" Asterius turns back, seeing the genuinely contrite look on Theseus' face. "You must be careful with such words, even if used in jest, Theseus. I was….rebuked many times with such words."

"It wasn't his intent, I'm sure." Andromeda spoke up. "We can see how much you adore this soft little baby. I'm sure no harm was intended."

"But I'll not speak so again, I swear to it." Theseus begs.

Asterius sighs, shutting his eyes and nods his head. Before he offers out a confused, little zagreus.

"Just…be aware, Theseus. I'll broker no Ill mentions of my ward." Asterius warned.

Theseus nods, and eagerly accepts the tiny bundle, careful of the hot feet, and coos over the 'short one'.

"My such memories." Theseus said, turning to let Andromeda and Perseus gain a look.

"I recall vividly when I held Demophon and Acamas," Theseus said. "A sorrow that my father didn't get to hold me, his firstborn, " Theseus said cradling Zagreus.

Theseus leaned down and pressed a kiss to Zagreus head, who gurgles at the feel, different from being kissed by Asterius.

"Mmmmm. The sweet smell of baby head." Theseus jokes, nuzzling the fuzz on the babies hair.

"Don't suck up all the good smell," Andromeda half warns , smiling.

"I swear, you two...." Perseus sighed.

Asterius watched as Theseus held Zagreus, cooing to the prince on his good looks and how he'd now doubt grow to be a fierce warrior, with Theseus' aid.

"Burn this image into your head, Perseus." Theseus turns to face Perseus.

He had Zagreus nestled in one arm, his head carefully supported on his bicep, and held close to his chest. His other hand was placed on his hips.

"This is the sight of a true, noble king, as he should look when holding a newborn babe," Theseus brags. "Let it strike awe, and jealously over the sight of such gentle, loving, but manliness."

Perseus scoffs, with Andromeda and Asterius chuckling.

Theseus broke his pose, obviously not wanting to disturb Zagreus to fall out of his hold.

He hugged the little prince close to his chest, the baby fuzzy head nuzzling against the swelled pec.

It was indeed a sight to behold, though Asterius imagined it was the same for those that saw him carrying Zagreus.

"Ah, I could hold this little one forever," Theseus said. "I'd forgotten the Jo-oooooooooh-yeeeee!!"

Theseus suddenly let out a squeal of pain, and gasped as he fell to his knees, whimpering in pain.

At first Asterius didn't see the source, until he saw that Zagreus had grabbed a hold of Theseus' exposed nipple, and held it in a death grip.

More so, he knew that the godling's nails were sharp, so it was most definitely painful.

"Oh no!" Andromeda covered her mouth, horrified but also trying to conceal her smile.

Perseus was cracking up, not bothering to hide his glee over Theseus' distress.

"Little one! Little prince!! Please, I yield!" Theseus hissed through clenched teeth.

He was doubling over now, gently prodding the prince, but obviously, the godling refused to relent.

"Oh, Lord Zeus and all the gods above!" Perseus was hysterical.

"PERSEUS!" Andromeda snapped, rushing to Theseus' side with Asterius.

The god fearing Minotaur was gnawing his lower lip, as he had to agree, the sight of Theseus under such an attack was beyond amusing.

"No…no….please…" Theseus was begging now. "Let me go, little prince. Please…"

"Oh, no, Zagreus." Andromeda chuckled, patting Theseus back to hold him steady.

Asterius knelt down, and managed to help Theseus up to see Zagreus was clenching his fist around one of Theseus' nipples.

"Mercy! Mercy, get him to let go, Asterius!!" Theseus was almost in tears.

"Now, now, short one. Just because he might have offended you earlier, doesn't mean you should take such action." Asterius lightly scolds.

He gets a finger into Zagreus hand, separating it from Theseus chest, pressing a kiss to the babes head to distract him.

It worked, and Zagreus let go to pat at Asterius furry cheek, as he was lifted away from Theseus and into Asterius arms.

"Oh! Merciful Hera…" Theseus gasped, patting softly at his chest. "The grip on that…child."

Andromeda helped him to his feet, as Perseus approached, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes as he came over.

"Oh, laugh away!" Theseus growls. "You'd not be laughing had you been in that unforgiving grip!"

"True, true." Perseus nods, still cracking up.

Theseus glowers at Perseus, who stands still and cracks up again.

"But be glad he wasn't hungry!!" Perseus doubles over with mad laughter.

Andromeda holds back Theseus, who tries to charge him and Asterius reached out one arm to hold him back.

"My apologies, Theseus." Asterius said. "But do calm down."

Theseus growls but nods his head.

"You're right, we should be having a fun time." Theseus said. "Perhaps I can finally convince you to spar with me."

"Theseus…" Asterius sighed, as he lifted Zagreus to rest him against his shoulder to pat the babies back.

"I know, I know, you're a peaceful man." Theseus holds up hands. "And it's just a spar', so to make sure my skills are still prime. Besides, when we last fought it was without weapons. And you were starved, I wish to see if I can handle you know in peak condition, or if you'll have me on my knees "

Perdue snorts a laugh, and Andromeda nudges his side.

"Besides, it'll give these two a chance to spend time with Zagreus."

Theseus's pleas eventually got to Asterius.

"Alright, but this probably will be one time, that's got to be accepted by you" Asterius warns.

"I promise, Asterius, that on my honor, I'll accept that." Theseus said one hand on chest.

Asterius nods, and hands Zagreus and the bag with his stuff to Andromeda.

She grins in glee at getting the baby, and Perseus is pulled along to a shady spot to sit down and coo over the baby.

"Just do not fuss if I easily take you down, king." Asterius said playfully.

"Oh, so confident, huh?" Theseus grins. "Where's the peaceful man I knew before?"

"He's still there, but just because I'm peaceful doesn't mean I don't still know how to use my skills." Asterius said.

It got Theseus heart beating, or the equivalent of it since he was a shade.

But he was gleeful as he and Asterius squared off and we're soon grappling with each other.

It couldn't have gone better in Theseus' thought to himself.

Indeed, Asterius handled himself well, and Theseus worked hard to take on Asterius.

They traded moves for about half an hour, Theseus managing to knock Asterius to the ground with a hard thus and had him pinned.

"Well, do you submit, Asterius?" Theseus asked, doing his best to hold Asterius down.

Asterius stared up at him with those beautiful eyes of his, and Theseus leaned down and felt like he was going to kiss the handsome, cursed prince.

But were soon interrupted by a high pitched wailing.

Asterius immediately threw off Theseus and hurried over to the spot where Andromeda was consoling a crying Zagreus.

"Is he alright?" Asterius asked in worry.

"Oh, he just saw Theseus pin you and thought he was hurting you, no doubt," Perseus said.

"Asterius, we were in the middle of a match." Theseus ran over with a grouchy expression.

"The prince was crying so…" Asterius starts to say.

"Andromeda has reared infants before, she could be trusted to sooth him, while we finished up." Theseus said.

"It is not the responsibility of Andromeda to attend to the prince, it is mine." Asterius rebukes Theseus.

He strokes the cheek of the babe, who now calmed down and gurgled happily up at his caretaker.

"But not all the time, you're only meant to lighten the load from Mother Night. And I'm sure it's acceptable if you spare an hour, or so to enjoy yourself." Theseus heatedly added.

"Let us return to our spar."

"Theseus, you agreed to accept one spar and leave it be if I didn't want to do another." Asterius reminded him.

"That was before it was interrupted by the child," Theseus reminds. "I don't think it's terrible to ask for a do over, so just ignore him if he cries this time. He's in good hands."

"Theseus, maybe you should cool down." Perseus warned.

"You think Lord Hades will be accepting if he finds out I left his crying son with someone else to shirk my responsibilities for some foolish rough housing?' Asterius sharply interjects.

"Oh!? No more foolish than jumping at the slightest whimper from some nameless god best!" Theseus said and pointed his finger at the young baby.

This was too much, and caused Zagreus to vurdt into tears, and Asterius immediately reacted.

"How dare you!?" Asterius growls in low tone, holding zagreus close.

"Asterius I…" Theseus backs away as the bull lowers his head in an aggressive manner.

"You do NOT speak to find that way, and to make him cry?" Asterius fumed.

"Asterius, please. Don't get angry, it'll agitate the prince." Andromeda cuts in as Zagreus starts to wail harder.

Asterius blows air, hot and angry out of his nose.

"If he's not going to act like a king, and be petulant and moody," Asterius said lowly at Theseus as he pats at Zagreus' back. "Then don't expect to be welcome at my abode until you've learned to no longer be juvenile and accept that Zagreus is my first priority. ALWAYS."

Asterius turns to accept the bag held out by Perseus and storms away, trying to keep calm as he rubs reassuringly at the back of the still crying zagreus.

"Well, you truly screwed that up." Perseus said, as Andromeda glared at Theseus in a steaming mad manner as well.

"He's right, I expected that behavior from a young boy, not a grown man who's lived and died." Andromeda huffed.

Theseus looks downcast, and grabs at his chest where his heart was and worried.

Did he completely ruin his chances with Asterius?