Albel threw his head back, making some vague attempt at trying to sleep, yet the voice of his father still troubled his thoughts.
Didn't this experience make you stronger? It seems like you've grown weaker with time Albel, soft and weak, what other reasons could you have for running from your problems, hiding with this girl?
"Be silent and still your tongue you pestilent old fool, lest I still it for you."
The voice chuckled softly, almost mockingly.
You're all talk Albel, I am a part of your own imagination, how exactly do you plan on cutting out my tongue? I just say what you're too afraid to admit.
Albel sighed, trying to ignore the voice's mocking remarks.
Nothing to say for yourself? Hmph, perhaps you are a coward, because you're not the boy I remember, the old Albel, Albel the Wicked, was a strong man, a force to be feared, a nightmare to thousands, and yet here you are, cowering!
Albel's eyes widened, he yelled out.
"I will not tell you again old man! Be silent before I make you silent! That time is behind me, never again shall I be the man who slaughters innocent men, women and children! I may have been at the peak of my power then, but I would rather be a good man with less power than one who is corrupted by it, by being what I am, I draw from different strengths."
The voice of Albel's father laughed once more, even more mocking and sinister than before.
Step into your own world then, prove me wrong...Fight me, Albel.
"As you wish...Father."
Albel rose from his chair, stepping forward and then closing his eyes, he held out his gauntlet before him, dark, black crystals, similar to the ones that brought about Kyrian's downfall sprung from it, crawling up his arm rapidly, covering his entire body, encasing him in the thick, black mass.