Jewel of Death

Welcome to Camp

Chapter 12
My face was soaked within seconds. Laughing, I pushed the dog off and sat up, wiping the slobber off of my face.
"Hello, Spot." I spoke. "It's good to see you again." The gaurdian of the underworld sat on his hind legs, panting.
The door flew open and Nico came running in. "Crystal! Are you-" he stopped when he saw Spot.
"Why in my father's name is Cerberus here?" He demanded. Then saw the open box. "Did you open the box?"
"Yes, I did, and I'm sorry. It was shaking and it starting barking from the inside. I knew it was Spot so I went ahead and opened it." I quickly explained.
"Spot? That's Cerberus."
I giggled. "Cerberus is his Greek name. When translated down, it means Spot. I think he likes it."
Nico shook his head and muttered, "My father name his dog Spot. I'm so done with him." He then picked his head up and sighed. "Well, what else is in the box?"
I shrugged and leaned over to check. "A note. It's Lord Hades' writing. It reads:
Crystal,
The Underworld has been taken. A demigod led the attack that disrupted the celebration. He is said to be the leader, but I fear he is not acting alone.
My kingdom has fallen. I have taken as many spirits as I could to a safer location, which I will leave out for our safety.
Darling Crystal, your father and I feel horribly for this, but because you have spent so long without experiencing sunlight, you will be burned if you are licked by even the smallest ray. Your ladies-in-waiting were able to escape, and they are aware of this. They send you this cloak, to protect you if you have to go out into the daylight.
Now, I am fully aware that you are staying with my son, Nico, and that he will undoubtedly protect you, but the enemy we face is great. I am sending Cerberus to you for your protection. He knows you, and he has been given orders to obey your every command and to protect you at all costs. If you ever need him and somehow you were separated, simply close your eyes and think of him. Your mind must be clear, however, for him to adequately hear your call.
Also, today would have been your eleventh year in the Underworld. Even though you fell one day short, I feel the need to present to with your eleventh anniversary present. Nico can help you put it on.
Speaking of the necklace, I shall take the opportunity to remind you that you-" I stopped. And silently read the rest of the paragraph.
"We both already know this; there's no need for me to read aloud. Um," I skimmed over the rest of the page to see if anything else came up.
"Do not expect any further notes from us. Sending this one was difficult and risky enough.
We all wish you the best.
Stay safe,
King Hades."
Finishing, I folded the note and placed it in my back pocket. I looked inside the box and found the cloak and jewel just as Lord Hades had said. I handed the jewel to Nico so he could inspect it.
"Can you help me put it on?" I asked him.
"Me? Probably not. Maybe with super glue but I'm not that handy. I know someone who can, though. After you eat some breakfast we'll go see him." Nico explained.
I nodded. "Seems fair." I grabbed the box and placed it on my bed.
"Nico." I whispered.
"Hm?"
"Do you think that this person could put it on while I'm wearing it?"
"I hope so." Nico responded. "Don't worry, Crystal. If he can't, then I know a few other people in camp that may work."
I went to the desk and pick up three blueberry muffins. Nico had a shrine in his cabin, so I placed two on there. "For Lord Hades and Thanatos." I said, and watched as they disappeared in smoke.
I then returned to my bed and began to pick at my own muffin. Cerberus hopped up beside me and begged for something to eat. I broke of pieces for him.
Nico doesn't know... I should tell him... No. Not yet. We'll see how this man works out before I confess anything to Nico.