Protection (ballad version)

Crawling through the acrid haze, Wiping soot off from my palm, Didn't notice through my days, Hair turned grey, yet walking on. He prepares a fight anew, Director of will's cruel test, Maybe even me and you, I must stand, though pain's abreast. Well, perhaps just like before, His method won't be truly fair, My bruised eye, now black and sore, Victory songs won't see or share. With a gesture wide and bold, He will halt my every stride, And a tech defeat, controlled, Will record my losing tide. He by habit throws his darts, Always did it with such skill, But this time, it tears apart, He's amazed and standing still. He speaks flattering design, But behind, lies dark deception, But it's just a stupid try, For I possess protection. Many times I had to fall, Gazing in void's dark appeal, Where the dragons, jaws so tall, Tear away what's left to feel. Let the weight of loss descend, Pride to foes it may impart, Now the battle scores don't lend, Just this fight within my heart. Velvet soft to steel I turned, Old wings off, no longer mine, It was hurtful, lessons learned, Life's harsh rules, in sharp design. While he plans another fight, In routine, his days unwind, I become myself anew and bright, Ruthless steel machine, you'll find. He by habit throws his darts, Always did it with such skill, But this time, it tears apart, He's amazed and standing still. He speaks flattering design, But behind, lies dark deception, But it's just a stupid try, For I possess protection. For I possess protection. (Possess protection)