10 May 2024 part 1

So, this is a fresh attempt at a prompt I used back in October of 2022. I started thinking about it randomly, and came up with a different approach, so I figured, why not? I definitely had fun with it. I may come back to it and add more, but no promises.

Rachel’s last thoughts weren’t about her family, or her college classes, or her friends. They weren’t even about the idiot who’d been driving drunk and swerved onto the sidewalk. No, herr last thoughts were, “Oh, good, the dogs are safe, at least. Ms. Haversham will be relieved.”

So perhaps it is little surprise, then, that shortly after her soul arrived in the Underworld, she found herself in Hades’ office, presented with a very unique job offer.

Rachel blinked, then looked from Hades (who looked like he’d been chiseled from ice, not born), up to the eight-foot tall hound slobbering over everything with all three of his heads.

“You want me to take Cerberus for a walk each day?”

“Indeed.” Hades steepled his hands in front of him. “Your era seems to have a dearth of ‘heroes’. At least, of the kind of idiot to parade into the Underworld uninvited. So there’s been fewer people for Cerberus to wrestle with and get his energy out. Conversely, with the increased population, I’ve been busier than ever, so…” The god let out a sigh and flashed the giant dog an apologetic smile. “Well, I haven’t had the time to take proper care of him myself. So anything you can do would be greatly appreciated.”

Rachel opened and closed her mouth, looking for something to say. She looked up at the giant dog featured in so many myths and stories. “Huh. Well, uh… I can do my best?” Quite frankly, if Cerberus decided he wanted to go somewhere, Rachel was certain she wouldn’t be able to stop him.