>>9489553APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES AFTER DEFEAT
>Amy Flame sits in a secluded alcove behind the arena, cheeks bright red, both hands balled tightly into fists and covering her eyesAmy [internally]: "How could this happen? How did Nikki beat me so easily?"
>the heavens open and the rain begins to pour"Typical."
>Flame leans back and lets the cold March rain soak her face and hairAmy [internally]: "I don't understand, I did everything right... didn't I?"
>Flame feels a slight tickle in her nose, it's slightly warm, not unpleasant, then a small voice which sounds eerily similar to her own "Did you?"
>She flinches in her seat and hurriedly looks from left to right>the voice speaks again"Do you really think you did everything right?"
Amy [aloud]: "God?"
>Flame hears laughter in her headAmy [aloud]: "Okay, fine, who are you and why are you talking to me in my voice?"
"I'm using your voice because it's the only one you'll truly listen to, isn't it?"
>Amy sits downAmy [aloud]: "Okay bu..."
"And stop speaking out loud for goodness sake, use your internal voice!"
>two stage hands walk past, one glances at Flame but says nothing and continues walking"You said you did everything right. Was it right to not ask for help when you needed it? Was it right to worry your friends, again? Why did you try to do this alone?"
Amy [internally]: "I don't..."
"More lies."
1/2
