Chapter 164: Conquering One's Inner Pain

"I specifically remember being told I wasn't allowed to reject my inner self," Ath3na stated. 

"You're not rejecting her, love, but you are going to have to try and attempt to conquer her," Lyghtning replied.

Both women had their gazes focused on the other Ath3na, who, upon seeing Lyghtning's timely interruption, looked like she was about to go on a nuclear meltdown — she literally looked like she was about to explode. 

The flames that licked the edges of her form had extended, making this other Ath3na look quite similar to that old X-Men character with the red hair — Ath3na had forgotten her name. 

"Phoenix," Ath3na said, finally remembering the hero's code name which had been at the tip of her tongue. 

"Come again?" Lyghtning asked. 

"I, I mean, she, looks like Phoenix but with blue flames instead of red," Ath3na explained. 

Lyghtning spared her friend an incredulous look.