The Adventures of the Parker Boys (And How They Became Avengers)

III

January 2010
"Hey Percy," Peter calls walking into the elder's room, "There's someone named Apollo at the door, said he knows you from school or something," Peter explains.

Percy looks up, "Do you think I have to get it?" he asks.

"Well I already told him you were here, and he kinda looks like he got mugged," Peter explains.

Percy's brow furrows and he gets up, "Why don't you stay here Peter, I'll go and talk to Apollo alone." Percy walks out of the room and over to the door opens it and asks, "Why?" To Percy's surprise, he did not find the god Apollo outside his door, it was a teenage boy that kind of resembled Apollo and a younger girl dressed like a traffic light.

Apollo smiles, "Percy Parker, my blessings upon you! I am in need of assistance."

Percy looks at the girl, "Who's your friend?" he asks.

"This is Meg McCaffrey, a demigod who must be taken to Camp Half-Blood. She rescued me from street thugs," Apollo explains. Percy quickly looks behind him, then turns to the duo.

"Rescued..." Percy says, "You mean the 'beat-up teenager' look isn't just a disguise? Dude, what happened to you?" Apollo explains his current state and Percy invites them in.

"Just remember," Percy says before they enter his house, "You're my friends from school, okay, don't even mention anything god related or about Camp Half-Blood."

They enter the apartment and find Aunt May cooking in the kitchen, "May, this is Apollo and Meg, they're friends from school, guys this is my aunt."

Aunt May walks over and shakes their hands, "Just call me May." She looks both of them over and frowns, "What happened to you two, don't tell me you got mugged?" She asks worriedly.

"He did, I saved him," Meg says pointing to Apollo.

"I tell you what," May says folding her arms, "Percy can help you get cleaned up."

"I can?" asks Percy.

May gives him a look and continues, "There's a first-aid kit in your bathroom. Apollo can take a shower, then wear your extra clothes."

"That," Percy mutters, "is truly depressing."

May then looks down at Meg and knees down in front of her, "I might have some clothes that might fit you honey. Let's get you cleaned up. Then we'll get you something to eat."

"I like food," Meg mutters.

May laughs, "Well, we have that in common. Percy you take Apollo. We'll meet you back here in a while."

After changing, Apollo leaves the bathroom and finds Percy sitting on his bed staring at the blood on the floor. He gets up and shuts the door, "What happened to you, man?" Percy asks. "The war ended in August. It's January."

"It is?" Apollo replies looking confused.

"Last I saw you," Percy explained, "Zeus was chewing you out at the Acropolis. Then bam—he vaporized you. Nobody's seen or heard from you for six months."

Apollo thinks for a moment, then answers, "I—I don't know where I've been," he admits, "I have some memory gaps."

Percy shudders, "I hate memory gaps. Last year I lost an entire semester thanks to Hera." After a few more minutes of talking Percy agrees to drive Apollo and Meg to camp.

"Wonderful! Do you have something besides a Prius? A Maserati, perhaps? I'd settle for a Lamborghini," Apollo rambles.

"But," Percy interrupts, "I can't get involved in another Big Prophecy or whatever. I've made promises.