Awakening

"Lady Juno. To what do we owe the honor?"

"Please, there is no need for formalities. This is purely a social call. I have a visitor."

"Who is he?"

"His name is Percy Jackson. He will be staying with you for a few months."

"Who is his godly parent?"

"Poseidon. Will that be a problem?"

"No. We just like to know whose children we shelter."

"I see. Take care of him. He is more important than you know."

"Understood. James, Damien. Take Percy here to the guest tent. He'll be staying with us for a while."

"On it."

"One more thing Backlash."

"Please. It's Ben."

"Ben. He will not remember anything when he wakes up. It would be good if you could have someone explain things to him when he wakes."

"Of course, Lady Juno. I will handle it myself."

"Farewell."

Percy woke with a start.

A tall Asian boy was sitting next to him.

"Welcome back."

"Where am I?" Percy asked.

"About 3 miles from the outskirts of Kansas City."

Percy got to his feet, a little unsteady.

The Asian steadied him. "Easy there. Wouldn't want you to have to visit the medical tent on your first day in camp."

"What is this camp called?"

The Asian boy raised an eyebrow. "Well, most of us call it home. A few of us call it a vacation. And Sean insists on calling it Canvas town."

Percy shook himself. "I'm sorry, I forgot to ask your name."

"It's OK. Juno said you didn't remember anything."

"Juno? Oh, you mean Hera."

"Call her what you want. Some of us call her Juno, some of us call her Hera. Anyway, getting back to your question, my name is Ben Johnson, but everyone calls me Backlash."

Now it was Percy's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Why do they call you that? And what do you mean, 'us'?"

"They call me Backlash because of my 'special ability.' And we, everyone in this camp, are the Rangers. I hope you're ready to meet the team, 'cause they're dying to meet you."

Percy stepped into the sunlight after Ben.

They were at the edge of a perfect circle of tents. All of them had the same overused, faded look. In the center was a pile of bags, a table, and what looked like a portable combined forge and kitchen.

Scattered throughout the various tents were fourteen other people, between thirteen and thirty, and of every description imaginable.

A Native American girl repairing a nearby tent noticed them, and hurried over.

As she got closer, Percy realized his mistake. Her skin wasn't flesh, but rather what looked like bark.

"That's Marian Tod. She's the daughter of a Redwood dryad. Do not mess with her or she will take you down."

Marian reached them.

"Hello Backlash."

"Hello Marian. You look a little wooden today. Rough night?"

Marian slapped Ben, making him wince. "Not that it's any of your business, but yeah. I had sentry duty last night, remember?"

"Oh yeah. I thought you were on duty for tonight."

"I traded with Alexandra."

"Ah. Next time, could you please let me know?"

"Sure. Who's the new kid?"

"Marian, I'd like you to meet Percy Jackson. Percy, Marian Tod."

Percy extended his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too."

"Ow! You have a grip like a vice."

"Sorry. My skin is made of Redwood bark. I have a hard time feeling through it."

"It's OK."

Marian nodded. "Glad to hear it."

"How's the tent repair going?"

Marian glanced back. "It's going fine. And don't think I don't know that was a brush off. We will finish this talk later."

As she left Percy exhaled. "Are they all like her?"

Ben smiled. "Why don't I let them answer that question. And speaking of which," he turned and shouted. "James! Could I borrow you for a minute?"