Knight Of Olympus: Titans Lullaby

Chapter 7: The Storm Grows

Jaune found himself standing alone in an empty classroom, a place he hadn't set foot in for what felt like an eternity. The room was eerily silent, but as he looked around, the familiar sight of Beacon's combat room came flooding back to him. This was where he had trained, fought, and faced countless defeats. It was a room filled with memories of both pain and growth.

"How...?" Jaune's voice trailed off as he tried to piece together how he ended up there.

A sudden chill ran down his spine, and Jaune quickly spun around, instinctively reaching for his sword and shield. To his alarm, his weapons were missing. His pen and bracelet, too, were nowhere to be found. Standing before him was a shadowy figure, draped in a tattered cloak that fluttered as if caught in an unseen breeze. The figure hovered above the ground, exuding an aura of ancient power and menace. Its appearance was almost mummified, with bandages peeking out from beneath the cloak.

"It's about time we meet... Jaune Arc," the figure rasped, its voice strained and hoarse.

Jaune's eyes narrowed as he tried to make sense of the situation. The figure's presence was unnerving, but there was something oddly familiar about it. As realization dawned on him, he clenched his fists and took a step forward.

"Let me guess... Kronos?" Jaune's voice was filled with a mix of defiance and curiosity.

Kronos let out a cackle, a sound that echoed hauntingly through the empty room. "Not surprised you've already been told about me," he said, his tone laced with dark amusement.

"You're pretty infamous," Jaune replied, maintaining his composure. "What do you want?"

Kronos's eyes gleamed with a malevolent light. "I want your help," he declared, his words hanging heavily in the air.

Jaune scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Why would I help you?" he asked, his voice tinged with anger. "You're planning on killing the gods and ruling over people like ants... I don't see why I would be so willing to help you.],"

Kronos cackled again, his laughter echoing ominously through the empty room. "Because I can return that Penny girl to the way she was," he declared with a twisted grin.

Jaune's heart nearly stopped, his eyes widening in shock for a split second before a surge of anger welled up inside him. He glared at the Titan King, his fists clenched at his sides. "I'm not falling for that," Jaune seethed. "I'm not some kid with parental issues you can speak a few sweet words to and manipulate into doing your bidding, I know what those demigods under you mean to you... nothing,"

Kronos didn't respond immediately. Instead, he let out a long, weary sigh. "What of the gods?" he asked, his voice softer but no less menacing. "You believe they are innocent in all this?"

Jaune shook his head, his expression hardening. "Of course not," He replied. "If they were, they wouldn't have tried to kill me,"

"Then why fight for them?" Kronos pressed, his eyes narrowing.

"Because at least they aren't going to plunge the world into darkness," Jaune replied firmly. "So how about we stop this and get on with the facts."

Kronos seemed genuinely amused by Jaune's words. "And what are the facts, Jaune Arc?" he inquired, his tone mocking.

Jaune took a step forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "I'm going to kill you," he told the Titan bluntly. "Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but I will kill you, and I'll make sure it's more painful than what your kids did,"

Kronos chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with cruel amusement. "Kill me? I'm immortal, boy," he sneered. "You can't kill me."

Jaune smiled, his confidence unwavering. "Not from what I hear," he said. "Gods and Titans becoming mortal, isn't that your worst nightmare?" Jaune's voice dripped with a challenge, his eyes locked on Kronos.