Meeting You || Ethan Nakamura/ OMC

Chapter 19

|| Photograph by Ed Sheeran |

The warehouse was full of statues of terrified people who stood frozen in mid-scream. There were picnic tables moved aside, and right between a soda dispenser and pretzel warmer, stood a golden throne. Kronos lounged on it.

When he saw Ethan, his face contorted into a very human smile. It was as if Luke was back...

"Well, Nakamura. What did you think of the diplomatic mission?"

Ethan hesitated.

"I'm sure Lord Prometheus is better suited to speak—"

"But I asked you."

Ethan's good eye darted back and forth, noting the guards that stood around Kronos.

"I... I don't think Jackson will surrender. Ever."

Kronos nodded.

"Anything else you wanted to tell me?"

"N-no, sir."

"You look nervous, Ethan."

"No, sir. It's just... I heard this was the lair of—"

"Medusa? Yes, quite true. Lovely place, eh? Unfortunately, Medusa hasn't re-formed since Jackson killed her, so you needn't worry about joining her collections. Besides, there are much more dangerous forces in this room."

Kronos looked over at a Laistrygonian giant who was munching noisily on some french fries.

Kronos waved his hand and the giant froze. A french fry hung suspended in midair halfway between his hand and his mouth.

"Why turn them to stone," Kronos asked. "when you can freeze time itself?"

His golden eyes bored into Ethan's face.

"Now, tell me one more thing. What happened last night on the Williamsburg Bridge?"

Ethan trembled. Beads of perspiration were popping up on his forehead.

"I . . . I don't know, sir."

"Yes, you do." Kronos rose from his seat. "When you attacked Jackson, something happened. Something was not quite right. The girl, Annabeth, jumped in your way."

"She wanted to save him..."

"But he is invulnerable." Kronos said quietly. "You saw that yourself."

"I can't explain it. Maybe she forgot."

"She forgot." Kronos said. "Yes, that must've been it. Oh dear, I forgot my friend is invulnerable and took a knife for him. Oops. Tell me, Ethan, where were you aiming when you stabbed Jackson?"

Ethan frowned. He clasped his hand as if he were holding a blade, and mimed a thrust.

"I'm not sure, sir. It all happened so fast. I wasn't aiming for any spot in particular.'

Kronos's fingers tapped the blade of his scythe.

"I see." He said in a chilly tone. "If your memory improves, I will expect—"

Suddenly the Titan lord winced. The giant in the corner unfroze and the french fry fell into his mouth.

Kronos stumbled backward and sank into his throne.

"My lord?" Ethan started forward.

"I—" The voice was weak, but just for a moment it was Luke's. Then Kronos's expression hardened. He raised his hand and flexed his fingers slowly as if forcing them to obey.