Unfortunately, I messed up(well besides just not being able to put what I want to say into a good story) something small in the last chapter. When Percy thinks "Fight back, loser" it was supposed to be acknowledged that he didn't think it was his thought. Oops.

Chapter 2 - Prove Your Worth

Fight back, loser...

Fight back

That voice... it doesn't sound like me, and yet it just makes so much sense. They deserve what is coming to them.

"Yes, they did." Someone says in my head, startling me awake.

My eyes shoot open, instantly awake and alert. I scramble to get up, but I am still sore, but I can't help but notice healed, from... yesterday? Maybe earlier today?

"At ease, young demigod. I am not here to fight. And to answer your question, earlier today."

"Wait, what is happening. I didn't say anything." I take a look at this person before me. Female, regal, proud, and strong appearance. Doesn't seem hostile, but at this point my mind is mostly focused on the aura radiating off her though so I don't want to take the chance.

"Yes yes. I see you still haven't pieced it together. My name is Invidia." The woman, Invidia, says to me.

"Wait... like THE Invidia. Goddess of revenge?" I stammer out.

She gives me an annoyed look at this.

"Mortals only look at the worst of everything and everyone, but in a way you are not wrong. I represent justice and balance in the world, whether it be short-term or long-term. Often enough for mortals, vengeance is a result of that need for balance. But that is beside the point."

Wait a second, balance and justice? So...

"You were that voice I heard then. That means I'm not crazy!"

"I guess that is a good way to view the circumstances, and yes, that was indeed me."

That seems peculiar. Don't gods and goddesses usually do something nice because they want something done for them?

"What's the catch." I say it more as a statement than a question.

"You catch on quickly. However, this time there for the most part isn't one."

"For the most part meaning... what exactly?"

"You said earlier that you hated those kids. Hate, however, is something one should have only for the vilest of enemies. And it does not need to be mutually shared. You want to hate those who hate you, but all you would be doing is proving everything they fear about you right. If you truly want things to be better, you must prove them wrong."

"But how?"

"That is for you to figure out. I figure a good place to start would be to do what is just even when those around you don't know it. You may not even be able to do it for everyone, but I am sure you will be able to change the hearts of some."

"I... I think I understand. I guess I just have one more question. How do I get out of here, and while we are at it, where is here anyway?"

"That is not important for you to know. Just turn around and you will be back in the alley."

"Okay. I guess thanks for the help." I say as I start to turn around but one more thing is nagging in the back of my head. "Why though? Why go through the trouble for one demigod?"

"Ah, now that is the right question. For now, know two things. You have peaked my interest, and I am the goddess of justice and balance and am able to interfere in certain matters involving said domain when necessary..." I here her say as I finally turn around, gone from that place.

"... and the choices you have to face are ones I wouldn't thrust upon even my worst enemies..."