Rostris: The Hunting Demigod

A New World

     Hmm. Mhmhm. Ah. I hate waking up. It means that I have to face what life throws at me instead of staying in bed and dreaming forever. That seems like such a better choice. But, you know, life. That's why it's given to people. They need to get through their day in order to grow and learn mistakes. I pat my bed for Laelap to sit in my lap for a few minutes so that I can think about how hard this mission is going to be and how stupid I am going to be to say yes to Zeus. Ugh. I hate even thinking about his name. Before I can even bring a thought about hunting Ekho, I smell the delicious, hearty smell of eggs and the crispy crunchy sound of toast being popped out of a toaster. Hey, I may live in the woods and fetch for myself, but that doesn't mean I can't use modern day objects. It's 2019 for heaven's sake. Curiosity is what urges me to get out of bed and walk to the kitchen. I stumble on my way because you know, I just woke up. I find my mother standing over the stove, holding a pan of white, scrambled eggs with peppers and mushrooms and onions mixed with it. Mmmm, my favorite. I find buttered toast and sizzling turkey bacon on a plate that my mom is about to pour the eggs on. I carry the plate to her and say good morning,
     "Hey, Mom. You didn't have to do all this for me."
     "Well, I wanted to do something nice for you since last night was kind of... how should I put this... horrible. Awkward, terrible, painful, and a disaster. Zeus was wrong to pop out of nowhere for the first time and put this pressure and request on you."
Well, at least now I know where I got my horrible attitude.
     "Your right, but I've made my decision anyway." I stuff some egg in my mouth and take a bite of my buttered toast before telling her my decision. "I'm going to hunt Ekho and stop her."
     I can't understand my mother's expression because it switches to like a confused expression, then thoughtful, then understandable, then confused again.
     "Mom?"
     "Ok. Okay. I will support you the whole time you're on the journey. I just didn't expect you to have an answer so fast, that's all."
     "Well, I guess in a way, I don't have a choice. I mean, who else is going to stop Ekho. Plus, it'll help my skills get better because I would be testing myself. And, it's not like I'm going to see Zeus again after this. This is only a one-time thing and then Zeus will have to solve his own affair issues after. God knows how many women he's with without Hera knowing."
     With that, I finish my breakfast and get dressed. I put on a light shirt that's brown and match it with a moss green jacket and black jeans. I lace up black combat boots and tie my auburn hair into a high ponytail. Gotta match with the forest, you know. Laelap is already a black color so she's fine. My mother told me that she did indeed, meet with Zeus while I was sleeping at Mount Olympus. He said that he's not going to meet with me again until the mission is over and never again after that. He also said that I'll be needing food, lost of water, some form of a blanket to sleep on, tape, rope, a map (I'll just use the GPS on my phone), and all the other basic survival stuff. Of course, I'll be bringing my trusted bow and arrows and I won't bring food because I'm all about that hunting. Once I've gathered all that equipment and stuffed it into my traveling backpack, my mother gives me more information on Ekho,
     "As you know, Ekho is a dryad so she'll have a better advantage with hiding in trees and flying. She also has a daughter that Zeus, you know, made with her. She's about your age and her name is Lynx. She can make spells and cause illusions. She might try to set you off course or get in your way. Also, Zeus said that there was a titan named Crius and he was overthrown by the Titanomachy. But that's not the problem. On his way out of Mount Othrys, he beat an Olympian that wasn't part of the battle and he's been on the run since. It's been hard to catch him, he's very skilled at staying hidden and having great strength and speed. He's only twenty-one."
     "Well, Mother, I'm disappointed that you don't think I can handle myself. Lynx and Crius shouldn't be a problem if I ever run into them. I've only got my eyes set on Ekho. She's the target and I'm going to hit the bullseye."
     My mother nods in agreement and is proud that I've got my priorities straight.
     "But mom, if you need to contact me through my head, don't. Just get a phone and call me." I joke with my mom and she gives me a bear hug.
     "I'm so proud of you Rostris. I mean, look at you. You're acting so mature and grown-up. I'm so happy."
         Artemis wipes a soft tear that had slipped from her matching silvery yellow eyes.
     "Mom. Don't cry. Please. You know I don't like that sensitive stuff. It brings your guard down. Just, give me one more hug and I know you'll be watching me from above, guiding me along the way. Ok?"
         My mother gives me one more hug and wipes her tears.
     "Ok. If things get too difficult, you let me know straight away."
     And with that, I stride out my door with Laelap and start my hunting trip.