Lyghtning’s Inner Demons  

Ath3na would later claim that she didn't even think about it. Her body just moved on its own. 

She covered the distance between her and Lyghtning at breakneck speed and then launched herself at the thing looming down over her friend. 

Their bodies collided as Ath3na tackled it to the ground. 

She heard a scream, and she wasn't her or the creature writhing in her arms who was screaming. 

Ath3na felt herself get lifted off her feet and then thrown away like she weighed nothing more than a bag of popcorn. 

She landed hard on the pristine white surface. 

"Ouch," she groaned. 

"Ath3na!" Jaybird yelled. "Look out!" 

She'd just raised her head only to have it slammed back down by hands that grasped at her neck. The back of her head smacked against the ground. The pain of it sent a shock through her system, blurring her vision momentarily. 

"Ath3na~~a," the creature hissed in a distorted version of Lyghtning's voice.