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BELLE AND PERCY walked into the Empire State Building side-by-side. The girl, now wearing a white top, black jeans, and a pink blazer, looked around in wonder. She'd never been inside the building.
"Tour starts by the sign," the receptionist told them, not bothering to look up.
"Not here for the tour," Percy responded. "We're here to see Zeus." He set the master bolt on the desk, making the man look up at them. "We don't have an appointment."
The receptionist guided them to the elevator. He inserted a key and twisted it, revealing a new button for floor 600.
"I've never been to Olympus," Belle remarked, watching the floor indicator. "Usually only the year-rounders come visit." She looked down at her outfit. "I don't think I'm wearing the right outfit."
Percy glanced at her, thinking nothing could ever possibly make her look bad, and vice versa. The elevator door opened as he was about to open his mouth and assure her she looked perfect.
"It's so beautiful," she muttered when she saw Olympus, her eyes going wide in amazement.
She walked out of the elevator, Percy following behind her. The two of them made their way to the palace. They climbed up a set of stairs and entered the throne room. 12 thrones sat in front of them, but only one was occupied. Belle took a deep breath and continued forward.
Wordlessly, Percy slid the bag off his back and pulled the master bolt out, holding it out for the god. Zeus moved toward them and took his weapon.
"I didn't steal it," Percy announced. "Neither did any of my friends. We found it. We got it back. We tried to get it to you on time, but—"
"You failed," Zeus cut him off.
Belle looked down at her feet as Percy nodded. "Yes. I did. But I had to come. I had to tell you who did steal it. It was Kronos." Zeus turned and headed for his throne. "He's behind all of it. He's emerging from Tartarus, or trying to. He's gathering strength and he's coming for all of you."
"You may go," Zeus ordered.
Belle frowned. He didn't believe them. "Sir—"
"But—"
"I know where Kronos is. I put him there," Zeus sighed and headed back to them. "I know who Kronos is. I am his son. Of course, he's gathering strength. Of course, he's coming. That is what we do. We snap and plot and strive. It was only a matter of time before he did again. Thank you for the news, it is the only reason I am letting you leave alive. I have a war to prosecute now, so when I say you may go, it means be grateful, and it means be gone."
