Alex didn't move to avoid the punch, not even flinching as the fist made contact. Hitting him was like hitting a brick wall. The flames had no effect on him, and Alex grabbed Kyron's face between his hands. "You're RIGHT, I'm not like you. I've had it far, FAR worse than you, so if you want to continue your little self pity party why don't I show you what TRUE torment is?" Alex's eyes flashed white, and in that instant a flood of disjointed memories and emotions assaulted Kyron's mind.

[i]Sitting alone at a table, eating bread and cold soup. Trying to get his parents attention, but being pushed away instead. Crying in a corner, staring at a picture of his only friend. Being in the middle of a burning bus, surrounded by screaming people. Staring down at a still warm body, fresh blood on his hands.[/i]

"I felt like you do once." Alex said softly. "I thought that I could deal with all my problems by myself, but that stubbornness only led to more suffering. All I want to do is spare you that suffering, that ungodly amount of torment that comes from losing control. Do you truly believe that you can choose the right path all on your own?"