#also the previous one named cerberus (hades' three-headed dog)

[alicepao13]

Naming it after Hades' ferryman who led people to the underworld is not... the best idea.

[script-nef]

A fluffy dog is a great pillow | Aizawa Shouta

Hades!Aizawa | Greek Gods AU

Category: fluff

1.3k words; Aizawa’s greatest rival in his realm is a three-headed dog

Your side of the bed is cold. That’s what wakes Aizawa up from his much-needed slumber, the lack of familiar heat. His eyes crack open despite his brain insisting that he keeps them closed, and sure enough, you’re nowhere to be seen.

The joints in his back pop as he stretches lightly sitting up. The air in his palace is always chilly and it would have made goosebumps along his bare top if he was human. It’s one of the things you always complain about and use as an excuse to slip into his robes. You think it’s sneaky. He thinks it’s adorable.

Servants file into the room at his call, holding his clothes and various rolls of scripts. Even looking at them is enough to make him groan and return to bed. Aizawa hates his fortune of pulling the short straw compared to the other gods. They get to wreak havoc and mess with humans as much as they like without a second thought about him, who’s stuck with cleaning up their messes in the afterlife. Bakugou, the God of War, is the most troublesome of them all right now because he’s throwing a tantrum by creating, who would have guessed it, war.

Lots and lots of war. Which means extra humans are dying. Which means his time with you diminishes. And with the number of diseases and crises that are happening around the world right now, Aizawa is so close to grabbing the brat by his throat and casting him off into Tartarus. Along with Mineta for the diseases.

The only thing stopping him is how you would frown admonishingly at him if he does.

Moaning, Aizawa drags himself off the comfortable and plush bed and dresses in his usual black robe. His tailors have long given up on trying to make fancy and colourful clothes for him, knowing it would just collect dust in storage.

The servants trot after him with scrolls piled high in their arms, rapidly reading them out for him to make the decision. Most of them are mind-numbingly similar; they range from killers to normal civilians to worshippers to heathens, and his verdict is nearly instantaneous thanks to the amount of repetitive work he’s done over millennia. He’s more focused on tracking you down in this uselessly huge palace. But you’re not in any of your usual spots: not in the library, not in the personal garden he created for you or the dining hall enjoying treats.

Aizawa eventually makes his way to the throne room, folding himself on the huge throne. One huge stack done, about thirty more to go.

He groans and lays his head on the obsidian armrest, hoping the freezing stone would numb his brain so he would have an excuse to get out of this chore. He has competent workers. Surely they could do it and leave him alone with you to enjoy the afternoon. But, as usual, his work ethics get in the way.

His eyes drag across the large room until they reach a black furball hiding halfway in the shadows. The bright red collar on its neck indicates its Cerberus, but a bit of white also gleams through in the dark. Frowning, he waves the attendants off and makes his way to it.

To his delight, it’s you that’s wearing the white dress he got you a couple of days ago and is currently being smothered by Cerberus’s fur. All three of its heads lift at his arrival, whimpering quietly as not to wake you. He scratches between its several pairs of ears to calm it down and it returns to its previous position.

Aizawa directs his attention to you, snoozing away while snuggling in the dog’s warmth. He crouches down, sweeping your hair behind your ear to get a clear look at your face. Your face is serene, eyelashes fluttering while your lips form into a small smile. You do that whenever you have a nice dream, and he’s half tempted to summon Shinsou to enable him to enter them. His consideration for your privacy always stops him, though.

It’s your first time wearing the dress and he’s pleased with how beautiful you look in it, how it hugs your form perfectly. You squealed and thanked him profusely when you received it, giving him a rare hug. He revelled in the sensation of your body against his before you apologised and detached from him.

Pushing away Cerberus’s legs gently, Aizawa squirms into place next to you. His arm rests around your shoulder, playing with slivers of your hair. You complained before how the change in atmosphere was absolutely abysmal for them but they seem to be regaining their shine now. He presses light kisses to your head and you wake up at the contact.

You yawn as your eyes crack open to the unfamiliar ceiling of the great hall. Aizawa hums your name, smiling at your panicked squeak.

“Aizawa-san!”

“I told you, it’s Shouta. You don’t have to be formal with me.” He loves how you get flustered when he asks you to be casual with him and he truly loves your flushed face.

“S—Shouta. Sorry, I’m still… kind of embarrassed.” You burrow your face into Cerberus’s fur, eyes peeking out. He gives you a kind and soft smile, slipping his arm behind your waist and pulling you towards him. Another squeak escapes you as you fall onto his uncovered chest.

“Why are you sleeping here? Was the bed uncomfortable?” He did his best to change everything to suit your human body since you weren’t as tough as him or the other permanent residents of the Underworld, except for the temperature. It just returns to its frigid cold after hours of him readjusting it.

“No, of course not! Everything is amazing and lovely, don’t worry! I just went to get a cup of water and I passed this hall. And Cerby was curled up here, looking so sad all alone, and he was whimpering in the dark, so… I was just going to hug him and give him some treats but I accidentally fell asleep.” You coo at its adorable faces as you rub on them. “Aw, aren’t you all adorable, yes you are! I don’t understand why people think you’re so scary when you’re just a big pile of soft hair and mush and love.”

You completely ignore him as you baby-talk to the harmless monster more, kissing it on its three snouts. Aizawa’s eyes narrow as he feels heat rising to his head. He’s never liked how you’re so affectionate to the dog, how you’d immediately leave his side for a chance to cuddle it. His eyes would pierce into the back of your head while his servants sigh in the background, shaking their heads at their master’s antics.

This dog again, even after I told it to stay away from [Name]... It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s just one of many, many monsters I have in this place and I can easily replace it with a ca—

“Ah, Cerby! Ew!” You groan as its three tongues lick your face, salivating all over you. “This was new! I’m sorry, I’ll wash i—” Your apology is cut short as Aizawa lifts you up in his arms, glaring at the dog. It whimpers under his glower, heads bowing. “Ai—Aizawa?”

“I told you, it’s Shouta. Besides, it’s fine.” He turns and carries you down the hallway. “You’re not going to wear it for much longer, anyway.”

He absolutely adores your blushing face.

[btsslowburnfic]

Chthonic Love Chapter 4

Series Summary: Greek AU Yoongi/Hades x You/Persephone.  The Olympic Lord, Namjoon kidnaps you as a "gift" for his brother, ruler of the Underworld. Lord of Death: Yoongi.

Previous Chapter: Chapter 3

The two of you walked in silence, your footsteps echoed through the hallway. You once again found yourself in the massive and empty Great Hall. You saw Penthos waiting at the other end of the room and you sucked in your breath. You weren't used to being disliked and it was clear to you that he did not like you.

“Penthos,” Yoongi acknowledged him as the two of you walked past.

Penthos gave you that same wide eyed stare as he did earlier in the day. You rolled your eyes and followed Lord Yoongi out of the Hall and eventually out onto a narrow stone bridge.

“What river is this?” you asked as the two of you travelled across.

“It’s just a tributary of Styx. It doesn’t have a separate name.” he responded. “You didn’t get very far in the Compendium.”

You can’t tell if it’s a question or statement. “No. The warm fire and crying earlier made it difficult to stay awake,” you admitted. “I plan on finishing it later though.”

“It’s not a very long book. I got bored after Elysium and I didn’t want to visit Tartarus to write a better description.” he shrugged and turned to look over at you, ”Not to spoil the ending or anything,”

Your eyes widened, “You wrote it?” you asked, clearly impressed

He turned his head forward once more, a small grin on his face, “Of course I did. Who else would write about the Underworld? I probably wrote all the Chthonic Culture books you’ve ever read,”

“That is so awesome,” you said.

A blush crept across his face, and he brought his hand to the back of his neck, scratching. “I don’t know about that. I haven't written in centuries and really no one reads them, and who else would write them?”

“Well I still think it’s impressive,” you responded.

The two of you continue down the paved path where it abruptly ends and black sand begins.

“Be careful on the dunes, they’re unstable.” he warned you as the two of you head out to the sea.

He wasn’t kidding, you made it about 3 meters before you fell for the first time, letting out a small shout.

“I warned you.” he said as he looked back to see if you were alright. It took everything in him not to go and help you up, but just that morning he had crossed that line too soon.

You got up and dusted yourself off. He waited for you as you started to walk again, unsteadily.

“Sorry, I know it’s a little bad but I forgot just how much. I’ve been walking across them for ages.”

You pressed your lips together, determined not to fall, and lasted about another meter. This time you reached out and grabbed Lord Yoongi’s arm for support. He looked down at where you are latched onto his arm. Your hands felt so warm against his cold skin; he turned his gaze up to look at you but your eyes were already fixed ahead, starting to walk towards the sea once again. He doesn’t say anything although he does wonder why he suddenly feels tingly and his chest feels lighter.

“Why is it called the Desert of Sorrow? You ask after a few minutes.

“It just felt like that’s what it should be called.” he responded quietly.

“Did you name everything in the Underworld?”

“Not everything. Tartarus and Elysium already had names.” he explained quietly but doesn’t elaborate.

The two of you arrived at the shore a few minutes later. You let go of Yoongi’s arm and walked over to the water.

“It looks like liquid glass.” you said, squatting down to look at your reflection in the water. It began to ripple. You looked behind you and watched as Yoongi raised his arms, a beacon of light extended from his hands, across the Sea, and into the horizon. After a moment the green sky was opened, like a cloth being cut, and ships poured out across the water. You stood up, cupped your hand over your eyes, and marveled at the sight. Leading the fleet was a skeleton wearing clothing: Charon.

As the ships got closer Yoongi stepped next to you, “Come on, we have to escort the ships to the gate and then we can speak to Charon.” He offered you his arm.. You took it and began to walk with him down the shore line.

You followed the shore eventually ending in an estuary. The water here was less clear, a brackish mix of green and black. The ships sailed slowly along, parallel to the two of you. Looming in the distance you saw the fabled Gates of the Underworld. They were enormous and stood between the estuary and a cave entrance. Next to them was a giant white thing that you couldn't quite make out. It looked like it might have fur?

"Stay here," Yoongi commanded as the two of you arrived within 100 meters of the gate.

You watched in awe as he continued to usher in the ships as he approached the Gates, suddenly looking very small next to the structure and whatever creature was next to them.

"Open the gates Holly." Holly wagged his tails and furrowed his brows, lifting his heads in your direction. "In a minute Holly, lift the gates." he patted the creature's side. Holly picked up the chain with all three of his heads and pulled the Gates open for the third time that day.

"A minute of your time on the way back Charon." Yoongi quietly said as the Ferryman sailed past. The skeleton nodded its head.

The fleet of ships passed through the gates, the creature closed the gate, and you found yourself standing there with your mouth hanging open like an idiot.

Yoongi walked back over towards you."Are you OK?"

"that was amazing!" you exclaimed. “Is that a Dog?”

Yoongi raised his eyebrows at you.

"Aish I don't know about that. No one tried to escape or anything," he shook his head. “And it’s not a dog, it’s a Cerberus.”

"Well for someone who's never seen the Gates to the Underworld before, it before I thought it looked really interesting.” you began to follow him over to the gates. “And that,” you gestured, “is most definitely a dog!” you declared, pointing to Holly.

“Min Holly is a fearsome Cerberus who guards these gates. He is not a pet.” Yoongi lightly protested.

“Oh. So should I stay back here? Will he bite? Most animals like me.”

Yoongi poked his tongue into his cheek. “You can get close but not too close.” He actually had no idea how Holly would react to another person.

You walked closer. The animal was as tall as the gates, which were at least 6 meters tall. He had three heads, which looked very soft and fluffy despite all the teeth, and three tails which had started to wag.

“He looks absolutely terrifying.” you remarked dryly, “Is that tail wagging a warning before he rips me to shreds?”

Yoongi is used to being the sarcastic one and so he has no response for you as you walk closer to Holly who lowers his heads as you approach. He watched as you carefully placed an arm out for him to sniff.

“Hello Min Holly,” you said as you approach. The tail wagging increased. “Oh yes, it’s nice to meet you too. Is that chain heavy? You do such a good job with it.” He barked quietly in response and leaned into your hand for you to pet his ears.

Yoongi walked over in disbelief. “I found Holly wandering the Underworld. He’s been attacked by the Harpy Celeano and was close to crossing the river himself.” he began to stroke Holly’s other head as Holly whined at the memories.

“That’s awful. You poor thing,” you gave extra scratches. “Such a good Cerberus, yes.”

The two of you stand in silence for several moments petting Holly. His ears prick up and he rises, suddenly very much the guard dog again.

“Charon must be returning, “Yoongi commented, and in a few seconds you also can hear the sound of rowing echoing in the cave.

“Open the gate Holly,” Yoongi instructed for the last time today. Charon rowed out of the cave and through the gates and stopped on the other side, facing the two of you.

“Charon, I need you to deliver this letter to Apollo to give to Hoseok.”

The skeleton stared at Yoongi. At least, you think it did. It focused its skull in that direction. He then abruptly turned to you.

You awkwardly stood there not knowing how to speak to a skeleton but decided it’s best not to be rude, “Hello Charon. I’m Persephone, Goddess of Spring.”

The skull’s jaw dropped open ever so slightly and he awkwardly tried to bow, bending his knee.

“Oh that’s not necessary, thank you. Please make sure this letter gets delivered. My brother is probably very worried about me.”

The skeleton straightened and nodded its head, making a strange jangling sound as the bones rattled. He extended one of his skeleton arms and took the letter from Yoongi.

The skeleton placed the letter into his small coin chest and picked up the oar, beginning his journey back.

“See you tomorrow Holly. Good work today,” Yoongi said. “Hold on.” He disappeared for a moment into the cave and exited with a large animal carcass of some sort and drug it in front of Holly. “Let’s go.” he said to you.

“Bye Holly!” you cheerfully add as the two of you began to walk.

“Let’s go this way,” Yoongi instructed, leading you through the cave.

The river in here glows a faint green, illuminating the passage. It is smaller than the estuary, allowing each ship to pass through one by one. The walls are moist and it surprised you at first that there as no moss or fungus growing on them but then you remembered where you were. Yoongi takes a left into a smaller passage. “You talk to animals and skeletons like they’re people,” Yoongi commented offhandedly as you two passed a small dock.

You shrugged, “I also talk to flowers.”

You heard the deep rumble of his laugh echo through the chambers “I suppose you do. This is a way to get out to the Gates without having to go through the Desert,” he continued.

“Oh, my ankles thank you.” you responded. “Does the cave have a name?”

“No. Let me know if you think of a good one though.” he stuck his hands into his pockets and walked up an incline which brought the two of you near the base of the paved path.

“Ooo I’ve never named a cave before. I’ll have to think hard about it.” you were honestly excited.

“You are way too easily impressed,” Yoongi smiled.

“There’s nothing wrong with getting excited about things” you counter. “Plus I’m the Goddess of new beginnings, I couldn’t really do my job well if I didn’t find the Joy in that.”

“Well then, thank you for bringing some much needed joy to the underworld,”

It was your turn to blush and become quiet.

--------

The two of you arrived back at the Palace. Yoongi stretched, "It’s been a long day. I suppose I’ll see you tomorrow. If you need anything let Lethe know.”

“Thank you Yoongi,” you curtsied and headed to your room. Your dress was caked in seawater and sand. You weren’t sure what you were going to do about that. You opened the quicksilver door and are surprised that your spartan room has been slightly transformed since this afternoon. There is a fire in the fireplace, blankets on the bed, and the “Underworld Compendium.” has been placed on a table. Even though you hadn’t chosen to come here, it wasn’t so bad. Today had been fun once you decided to just go with it; how many other Goddesses had gotten to pet a 3 headed dog or walk the Desert of Sorrow? And got to name a cave?!

You sighed and sat down on the bed. You were tired but also so dirty. Tired and also strangely energized and excited. You heard a knock at the door.

“May I come in m’lady?” you recognized Lethe’s voice.

“Yes.”

The door swung open and Lethe entered with a tray. “Good evening Lady Persephone. I prepared a soup for you and some bread if you’re hungry. Also some tea.” She sat the tray down on the table and looked at you expectantly.

“Thank you so much. I suppose I am.” you got up almost immediately, the food smelled amazing. You sat down on the small bench.

“If you give me your dress I can wash it.”

“I don’t have any other clothes.” you replied, breaking off a piece of the bread and stuffing it in your mouth.

“Actually, you do. I just put a few in the wardrobe.”

“Oh?” you brushed the crumbs off your hands and walked over and opened the door. Inside were several beautiful dresses. You reach out and run your hands along them; they are unbelievably soft. You realized at this moment that you are still wearing Lord Yoongi’s cloak. You found yourself blushing a bit as you removed it and hung it in your closet. You’d have to return it tomorrow. You turned back to Lethe.

“I thought you said you don’t get many visitors here, and yet there are dresses and you seem quite skilled as a maid.”

“Thank you ma’am. The dresses are brand new. Lord Yoongi requested them to be made. One of the most skilled seamstresses in all the realms lives here in the Palace, so it was no trouble for her to make them quickly. As for me, I have served in many courts so it is actually quite nice for me to act as an attendant for the first time in years.” Lethe smiled, the honesty of her words was evident.

You had sat back down, eating. “This soup is delicious. What courts have you served in?”

“I worked in the Athenian Palace for several years before here.” she sighed sadly.

“How did you end up here?” you asked, genuinely curious. You had no idea how others ended up in the Underworld.

“I killed myself.”

You tried to not overreact to what she just said, turning around slowly. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand. I don’t know much about what happens to humans when they die.”

“Forgive me, M’lady. I forget that not everyone is familiar with the Underworld and the Afterlife.”

“No. No, it’s fine. I mean. If you don’t want to talk about it it’s fine. But,” you looked at her with kindness in your eyes, “if you do, I would be very interested in learning more about you.”

Lethe almost started to cry. No one had ever asked about her. Even when she was alive. She didn’t want to appear unprofessional. “No, I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be appropriate.”

You scoffed, “Lethe, I order you as Goddess of Spring to take a seat and make yourself comfortable.” you giggled slightly.

“Oh. You are just so nice. May I?” she indicated to a chair near you.

“Yes please,” you said, and looked at her expectantly.

“Apollo guides the dead to Charon. Charon drives the ships. Lord Yoongi guides the ships, opens the gates, and guards them. Once the ships pass through the gate, the dead are judged. Some people are sent to Elysium, some to the Asphodel Meadows, some to Tartarus. And suicides are sent to work in the Palace or other places in the underworld as a way to pay penance. Once we have served our time we are judged once again and allowed to pass on.”

“So you’re dead technically?” you asked, trying to not be indelicate.

“Yes. And even though it’s supposed to be a “punishment” most of us don’t mind working here. It could be much worse. Lord Yoongi is a fair God to work for.”

The air filled with a natural silence as you finished eating. You knew it was not your place to ask the “why” about her choices.

“Is there a bathroom anywhere near this room?”

“Ah yes, across the hallway. Let me lay out something for you to change into and get the water warmed up,” Lethe excused herself, leaving you to finish your meal alone.

An hour later you find yourself freshly washed, in the softest nightgown you had ever felt in your life, and tucked under the covers with your copy of “Underworld Compendium.” You flip through the pages to see if...yes, you found it.

Min Holly is a fearsome Cerberus who guards the gates of the Underworld. His many teeth can easily snap through an entire fleet of the dead. His mighty paws can crush scores of men to death. He is a fearsome beast who would sooner smash your skull than look at you…

You smiled and closed your book, “Liar.” NEXT CHAPTER

[writingwithlegends]

A Tour Through the Greek Afterlife

So you decided to go and die in Ancient Greece did you?  Well you’re in luck, for today only we’ll be having a tour through the Afterlife.  So hold onto your sandals and pray to Hermes for luck because here we go!

The Styx

The first stop on our tour is the River Styx, and sadly, it’s our last stop for many people.  If you’re unlucky enough that your family didn’t put a coin under your tongue or two over your eyes, then I’m afraid you’re out of luck.  The ferryman, Charon, is stingy as Tartarus and never lets people ride for free.  While in some myths he ferries the river Acheron, you’ll still need a coin to get through.  Once across you’ll be taken to the Judges of the Underworld, who will decide where you go.

Notable People:

-Charon: Stingy ferryman and only way to cross the River Styx.  Said to be extremely filthy with eyes like jets of fire (maybe some eye drops man?).

-Cerberus: Three headed guard dog of the underworld.  Known for keeping souls from wandering back to the living and for being a big softie when it comes to music

Tartarus

Oh man, if you ended up here, you did something horrible in life.  Similar to the Christian version of Hell, it’s a huge pit filled with all the people who defied the gods.  From the titans to Tantalus, you’ll probably never be bored here, as you’ll have your eternal punishment to keep you busy.

Notable People:

-Tantalus: Tried to offer his son as a sacrifice to the gods.  Now he stands in a neck high pool of water with fruit hanging above him.  Every time he tries to reach up, the branches move out of his way and every time he tries to drink the water recedes.

-Titans: The precursors to the Greek Gods, they were thrown down here after the great battle.  Missing are Atlas, who holds up the sky, Prometheus, who created humans and then stole the fire from the gods, and Epimetheus, who fell in love with the doomed Pandora.

-Sisyphus: Chained Thanatos (Death) to a pole so that no one could die.  Is forever stuck rolling a boulder up a hill, as it nears the top, it then rolls back down.

Asphodel Meadows

Neither good nor bad, this is the middle ground of the afterlife.  Here you’ll enjoy wandering through never ending fields.  But this is only after you drink from the river Lethe, which will remove your memories from your previous life.

Notable People:

-None: No one remembers who they are

Elysium

The land of heroes, you’re extremely lucky if you end up here.  Filled with every delight you can possibly imagine, it’s only for those who were chosen by the gods or who distinguished themselves throughout their life.  Given the option of reincarnation, if they end up in Elysium three times, then they go to the Isle of the Blessed, and even better afterlife.

Notable People:

-Socrates: Famous philosopher who was forced to end his life by drinking hemlock

-Achilles: Great Greek hero, with one hell of an Achilles’ heel

Other Important People to Know

-Hades: Ruler of the Underworld and eldest of the Gods.  Sometimes considered a god of wealth, he rules the underworld fairly.

-Persephone: Hades’ queen, she is the daughter of Demeter and Zeus.  She lives in the underworld six months out of the year and is known to be a powerful ruler

-Thanatos: Death himself, he guards the gates of death.  Known for having been chained by Sisyphus.

-Erinyes: Also known as the Furies, these are winged women who avenge crimes done by children towards their parents.  Their names are Alecto, Tisiphone, and Megaera.

~Elyce