Death's Touch | Jason Grace

Twelve

Cary woke up to Emma still sitting beside her. She was reading one of Cary's books. Hazel was still asleep in bed and Cary realized that she must've been carried onto the bed by Emma or Hazel.

"You're awake," Emma said with a smile.

"You're still here," Cary murmured.

"Of course. I told you I'd be here, didn't I, darling?"

Cary smiled sadly. "Why did I go through all my memories?"

"Your milestones in life. Your father wants you to remember. To focus on your future. What are you going to do? How will you tell them who the eight are?"

Cary took a deep breath. "Okay."

Hazel woke up, rubbing her eyes. "Good morning."

Cary forced a smile as she got up. She grabbed her pair of flared jeans and a purple t-shirt. She picked up her leather boots and walked towards the bathroom. She showered and got dressed. She combed out her long brown hair and braided it. She flicked the long, wet braid over her shoulder and pulled on her boots. She left the room to see Hazel waiting for the shower. The girls smiled at each other before Hazel entered the bathroom and Cary grabbed her bag and went downstairs.

Hazel and Percy joined her quickly, Hazel putting eggs on the pan that Cary had been prepping.

Cary sat down, sighing. Emma floated towards them. Percy yelped in surprise.

"Who—what?!"

Cary chuckled. "That my mom. Mama, meet Percy. Percy, this is Emma Barton-Arden. My mama."

Percy gaped at the ghost.

"I'm bound to my daughter—when she calls me, I will appear. I will fight for her, save her, protect her. No matter what."

"You are?" Cary asked. "Why?"

"You called for me and your father sent me to you. You did not mean to, but you connected us. I am your protector, my darling."

Cary nodded.

"Foods ready," Hazel said. "I'm going to bring this plate up to Frank."

"Ask his grandmother what we should do about the situation," Cary called after her.

Percy studied Emma. "I feel like you remind me of my mother."

Emma chuckled. "All mothers will remind you of yours."

"Not all," Cary said, picking up a piece of bacon. "I'll bet a few mothers are pure evil. And then the gods. The gods aren't nice."

Percy frowned. "You keep saying that."

Cary smiled humorlessly. "It means what it sounds like."

Hazel came jogging down the stairs. "She's sending us to the attic."

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair," Cary hummed. She put her plate in the sink.

Percy and Hazel finished up and then the ghost, the girls, and Percy headed up the stairs. Emma led the way, seemingly knowing exactly where she was going. As they entered the attic, Cary's jaw dropped.

Weapons. Everywhere. Swords, daggers, bows. Enough to provide a small army with weapons. Cary wandered towards the swords. She picked one up, still surprised that the Zhangs had so many weapons. As she pulled it out of scabbard, the sword was perfectly steady in her hand. Perfectly balanced. The silver blade glinted dangerously. She found another sword. Perhaps she could take both. She didn't know what she's do with the other, but the first one she could attach to her belt.