The Half-Blood Giant

Chapter 34: Home

Hunter had survived an entire week of school, and he was exhausted and miserable. Now, though, he was faced with a new and unexpected challenge: the weekend. Two days of being stuck in the dorm with a bunch of other boys who hated his guts with a passion. His cruel actions and rude attitude hadn't won him any friends. The only person who gave him a chance was Hector, but Hunter resented him for being with Hannah, his new crush. Besides, Hector was a human, an inferior. Hunter wasn't sure if he could stand only having a human for a friend. It was pathetic.

Luckily, Hunter was rescued from this looming torment by his parents, of all people. Jackie opened a portal for Hunter on Friday night and asked him if he wanted to come home for the weekend. He jumped at the opportunity, despite how depressing his life had been back home. He was trapped inside the house again, sure, but at least he wasn't surrounded by people who despised him. And he had access to as much food as he needed: wonderful, delicious, home-cooked meals. His father was more than willing to cook for his darling son and didn't judge him for his out-of-control binging. His stomach finally had some relief.

Despite the advantages of being back home, Hunter recognized that his experience had permanently changed him. His cravings for human meat didn't fade just because there weren't humans around. While he still didn't want to eat his mother, since she was his own flesh and blood, he was far more aware of the natural order of humans and giants and his place within that structure. His predatory instincts were sharpened as he noticed with more clarity and interest her smell and small movements as those of a prey animal. He realized his father's obsession and devotion to her wasn't as pure and loving as he always assumed. His father could barely contain himself from devouring her. She was lucky to have survived his voracious impulses. In fact, his father's restraint was laudable. Hunter could hardly control himself from eating humans, and he was only half-giant.

Additionally, he had enjoyed lording over the tiny humans at his school and frightening them with his giant size. Indeed, even though he felt out of place like a freak, he was still bigger and taller than everyone else, including the biggest giants there. He liked being at the apex of the food chain, even if he was universally reviled. In the Land of Giants, he was still relatively small, and had to fear strangers and the outside world. If he dared to venture forth from the safety of his home, he could be tackled to the ground, chopped up into pieces, and devoured by a much larger giant. He lacked control over his life. He hated living in isolation and fear.

Chester was surprised to see his son had grown so much in only a week. Hunter was about ten feet taller than him now. Jackie was disconcerted to see he was still enlarging, which pleased Hunter. He resented his parents in spite of their unconditional love for him. Jackie and Chester were full of questions about his school experience, but he kept his answers curt and clipped, omitting the most critical parts. He especially didn't want to tell them about how he got in trouble multiple times at school. His parents were concerned about him, and disappointed that he wouldn't divulge more, but there was nothing they could do to coax him into speaking.

Hunter was far more willing to open up to his Grandpa Ajax, whom he respected deeply and believed understood him better. His parents obliged him when he asked to see his grandparents and chauffeured him to their estate. Ajax was ecstatic to see how much bigger Hunter had grown, with the knowledge that he was still sprouting like a weed. His grandson glowed under his praise. After visiting with everyone for a while, Ajax and Hunter went for a walk around the artificial lake for a more frank and private discussion.

"I hate humans," Hunter vented. "You were right. They're weak and pathetic, but the giants in that world treat them like equals. It's so bizarre." As he spoke, he stomped on a twig, snapping it in half under his foot.

"They're deluded," Ajax agreed, slapping Hunter on the back. "I'm heartened to see you still have common sense."

"It takes everything I have not to snatch them up and devour them. They smell so delicious."