Confrontation (The Lion and the emptiness)

Through the darkness a room and a mirror ...

He paces back and forth, with eyes of fire, a growl that shakes the floor. His roar shatters the window's glass as well as confidence, shakes the soul. His gaze never waivers, piercing the façade. He has come for his meal. He will not be dissuaded. The Beast.

A mane decades old, it greys more by each passing moment. Each of his paws bare the evidence of battles past, his body displays the scars through its dark hue. He has been through many an engagement, and survives to intimidate even more. A Lion tracks his prey.

The beast darts across the room, speed that belies how aged he has become. He cuts me off from exit. I stand motionless, my soul shakes, my heart pounds and my mind races. But I stand motionless. His eyes study me up and down for seconds that go on forever. Do I move? Will he move? The Lion speaks!

"You are a fool! You chase and you chase and still your hands fill with shadows and smoke. You were not man enough to keep her, and you never will be." His roar deafens the room. All that can be heard are his words.

"You flee from them because you know you are powerless to protect them. Their futures will be mine just as is your present. I will devour their spirit the same as I have taken yours." His grumble shakes the floor beneath my feet.

"I have taken your hopes and your dreams before, and I mean to feed on them again! Your successes are hallow. Your accomplishments false. What have you ever REALLY done boy? You have never been able to stand up to me. Just how do you expect to face me now? Speak boy ... SPEAK!" The Lion smirks.

I speak ...

Darkness can only be pierced by light. Lies are exposed by truth.
This demon can only be cast out by the hand of the most high.
Emptiness can only be filled by the fullness of self acceptance.
I don't suspect I can leave this battle alive, this battle is my life.

I extend my hand to her and I wait.
I hold a love that can make her whole,
but she must grasp it before it will work
So I wait ...

Protect them? They need no protection from you.
They simply need do what I should have done so many times before,
They need only face you and watch you fade to nothing.

I admit my faults, I confess my sins,
I acknowledge I have no answers, merely the questions.
I release my grip on pride and humble myself,
Through this, power reveals itself.

Your master is a lier!
Your tools, confusion and intimidation.
You are fear! And I simply need face you to defeat you!