Chapter Fifteen: Psyche-idyllic

   I took a step back as the man approached me. Suddenly, I felt nothing behind me and looked to see that the hole in the ground had a ninety degree drop and I was in front of it.

  "Who are you?" I asked timidly.

   "I am Lord Saber Strike. The second. Prepare to die at the hands of a master swordsman," he said.

   "Saber Strike, it wouldn't be fair to attack me when I have no way to defend myself," I said innocently.

   "True, but nevertheless I must carry out Talpa's and Scarbna's commands." With that he raised his swords above his head. The red stones embedded in the golden handles reflecting the early rays of the sun. I closed my eyes as I waited for him to strike. Please work, I wished to myself. Saber Strike slammed his swords down toward me. They bounced away with a clanked.

  "What magic is this?" he asked in frustration as he kept slashing away at the invisible barrier that surrounded me. With every stroke, the light from the sparks showed, for an instant, a light purple shield.

   "So, you hide behind your shield, but how long will it last?" said Saber Strike.

  "Long enough for you not to hurt her," said Sage as he jumped down next to Saber Strike, fully armored and sword drawn. Saber Strike stood between me and Sage, with a cave entrance behind me.

   "Sage!" I said happily, losing my concentration. Saber Strike noticed this and struck out with his sword. It slammed into my right thigh and the impact sent me flying down the cave's entrance.

   "No!" yelled Sage angrily as Saber Strike sliced through the rock above the entrance. Large boulders blocked the entrance. A glimpse of sunlight reflected off of Saber Strike's swords.

   "What?! Those are the Soul Swords of Fervor, but how?" said Sage in astonishment as Saber Strike turned around.

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    I sat up and rubbed my head. It was pitch black inside the cave, as the only source of sunlight was blocked off by the boulders in front of the cave.

  "Great. I hope there are no bats," I said jokingly, trembling slightly. I tried to stand up, but as I put pressure on my right leg, pain shot through me. I dropped back down to the ground. I placed my hand on the rock floor, only to feel a sticky liquid.

   "What? Could this be blood? My blood?" I said, getting even more frightened by my speculations. I took off my cover up and wrapped it around my right thigh.

   "This was my best sweater set, go figure," I said, slightly aggravated that it was getting soaked with blood. I tried to stand again after a few minutes. It still hurt, but not as much. I walked ahead slowly, keeping one hand along a wall and dragging my right leg along, keeping it as still as I could. The cave was longer then I had figured, but it was high enough for me to walk standing straight up. The blackness never got any lighter, but as my eyes adjusted, I could see faint outlines of the sides and ceiling of the cave.

  "I should have gone on that cave trip back in the tenth grade. But did I? No. I thought, hey, I wouldn't need to know how to go around in a cave. But where am I now? Stuck in a pitch dark cave with no experience!" I said, my voice getting louder with each word. The echo was loud, annoying and only reminded me of my frustration. Suddenly, my hand came across something fuzzy and warm. I stopped dead in my tracks. I moved my hand inches away as the fuzz began to move. Whatever it was, it was moving, probably standing up. A bright light filled the cave and I shielded my eyes from the light. It dimmed slightly and illuminated the surrounding area. Once my eyes adjusted, I looked at what was making the light.

  "Oh my gosh. It's a . . . a . . . a unicorn!"

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  Sage blocked another blow from Saber Strike.

   "You have no spirit, boy. Fight back," he said. If I let my guard down and attack, he could seriously injure me with those swords. But how did he get them. White Blaze carries them on his back when he dons the armor of Black Blaze. Unless that now there are two of that same type of sword. That is definitely not good, thought Sage to himself. He ducked under Saber Strike's attack and punched up with his free hand at Saber Strike. He jumped back and in that second when his guard was down, Sage slashed his sword at Saber Strike knocking one of his swords away. It skidded to a stop, dangling over the edge of the cliff.

  "Nice move, but I'm afraid it was all in vain," said Saber Strike, delivering an upper cut that connected with Sage's head. Sage was sent back and slammed into the boulders that blocked the entrance to the cave. The wind was knocked out of him and while he caught his breath, Saber Strike proceeded in reclaiming his fallen sword.

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  The unicorn stood in front of me, it's single horn illuminating the cave. This unicorn had hoofs that were black as night. It's skin was white as snow, and not a blemish could be found anywhere on the coat. It's mane and tail were also snow white. It's horn glowed white, but shimmered silver. The eyes of the unicorn were purple. It neighed and lowered its head, bringing the horn close to my right thigh. I went tense and didn't move as the horn touched my thigh. I felt a wave of calmness come over me and I was no longer afraid. I looked down at my thigh as the unicorn lifted its head back up. My cover up was perfectly clean, as if no blood had ever touched it. I untied it and put it on, also noticing that the cut was gone and the pain had completely subsided.

  "So, you can heal. What else can you do?" I asked out loud. The horse nudged me with its head, wanting affection. I reached out my hand slowly as I began to stroke its neck. I found it to be solid and real and warm. I smiled and began to pat its head. As I touched its head, I felt sleepy. I sank to the ground, already in a deep sleep and dreams already entering my mind.

   A little girl was riding on top of a white pony, that had one silver horn, a snow white coat, and night black hooves. Behind her, a band of men, on black steeds, chased her. "Run faster, girl. Hurry Starlight, before they catch us, those wicked men," said the little girl to her unicorn. She reached into a side pouch as unicorn and rider approached a mountain. She pulled out tiny silver balls, which she tossed behind her. As they hit the ground, they exploded, blocking the men's sight with white smoke. She quickly turned Starlight into the dirt path that led up the mountain. As the dust trailed behind her, the girl picked up the sounds of the men's frustration. This trail was well hidden and only she knew its exact location. She smiled hopefully as Starlight slowed down and entered a cave near the top of the mountain. She hopped off the young unicorn and led her into the cave. The sides were lit by candles and the cave was well lit. Near the back of the cave, the little girl ran her hand along the wall, finding a secret panel. She pressed her hand against the panel and the back wall of the cave opened. Inside, was a white marble courtyard fit for a king. White marble pillars held the cave ceiling up and the white marble floor glistened like the sun. Starlight's hooves striking against the marble echoed loudly throughout the underground courtyard. In the center, purple draperies hid a soft bed the size of a large stable. The girl led the foal onto the bed. The foal folded its long knobby legs under it and laid down. Reaching into her right pouch, she produced a silvery powder and blew it into the foal's face. The purple eyes dissapeared under silky lashes as Starlight lowered her head and slept. The little girl said softly, "Sleep as you must, until the one meant for you finds you by destiny. Forever you shall sleep, never aging over the year of two. When she comes, do not delay in helping her." She closed the draperies and turned around. On the ground in front of the draperies, the girl unwrapped a bundle she had been carrying. Inside was a purple mask that would fit over Starlight's head. The other item was a sheet of purple armor for Starlight to wear, a saddle built in. "For you, Starlight," says the girl as she leaves the courtyard and closes the panel. Running out of the cave, she looks around before heading down the trail. Soon, she is clear off it and looks around. Walking out into the field, she hears hoof beats. She turns her head, looking over her shoulder at the leader of the pack. "Where is the unicorn?" he asks sternly. "I won't tell you. You are not meant to have her!" said the girl. "I do not follow tribal traditions, only his orders. Where is the unicorn!" "I'd rather die!" "Then so shall it be!" The man took his sword and slammed it foreword at the girl. She gasped in pain, as the man pulled the sword out of her stomach. She fell to her knees and then to her back. She held her hand over her stomach and as tears freely flowed from her eyes, she refused to scream. In an instant, a man with white hair and black armor approached her. He raised his sword above her, and said, "Girl, you can not hide it forever. I will have it, for it pleases my mistress. And she always gets what she wants. As do I." He slashed the sword down, aimed at her throat.

  "No!" I screamed, sitting up in fear. A cold sweat dripped down my back. I stood slowly. The unicorn's horn still glowed, illuminating the area.

   "Starlight, what a pretty name. I wonder if there is a secret panel in here." I ran my hand along the wall, until I felt a shift in the face. I moved my hand back and pressed. In doing so, the cave's back wall slid open and the unicorn shimmered into nothingness.

  "A hologram? But it was so real," I said in amazement, walking foreword. Inside, I saw a white marble courtyard, exactly as I saw it in the dream I had. On the floor, in front of the draperies, was a purple mask and armor fit for a horse. Or a unicorn. I started walking foreword, but a small marble column caught my attention. It was to the left of the entrance. On it was a silver ball that glowed with a purple light. I picked it up.

   "Love," I said as my fist closed around it. Instantly, white and purple sub armor appeared on my body in place of my clothes. I looked over myself with approval. Looking again at the table, I noticed an inscription. It read, Wearer of this armor of Psyche, all around you is yours, for you have been chosen by powers greater then you can imagine. Take everything will good conscience and remember this place, for it is your haven. I stopped reading and looked over to the draperies. I walked over and pulled them back. There laid Starlight, in her glory and youth, at the age of two. I reached out and touched her head, between the eyes and below the horn. Her head went up and her purple eyes took in her new master. She blinked once before standing up. Her legs wobbled at the unaccustomed weight. After a few seconds, Starlight walked foreword, nudging me with her head. I laughed and petted her back. She started to frolic, but stopped as she sensed my fear and worries. Starlight walked over and stopped in front of the armor that laid on the ground.

   "Let's see if it fits, shall we?" I asked politely, picking up the mask. I unfastened it and slipped it over her horn and adjusted it around her eyes. I fastened it and reached for the sheet of armor. I slipped it over her head and adjusted it evenly on her back. I reached for the straps that dangled from one side. After buckling them and testing the support, I grabbed the reins and led Starlight out of the courtyard. The wall closed behind us.

  "Can we have some light in here please?" I asked my new friend. She neighed in response and her horn lit up the cave. I smiled appreciably and began to walk into the depths of the cave, back toward the entrance I had come from. In a few minutes, we reached a dead end. I looked around with confusion written on my face. But up above, I heard the sound of metal striking metal and the groans of pain.

   "Time for me to kick some booty. You in? I hope so. Armor of Psyche, Tao Chi!" I shouted. A purple light surrounded me and as it left, I stood in full armor. It was different than before. Covering my shins were two smooth plates of purple armor. Around my waist was a belt of purple armor that was connect to sheets of purple armor. One fell on each thigh and another for the rear. On the top of my hands and forearm, purple armor rested. My shoulders were covered by small shoulder protectors, made of purple armor(think Lady Kayura's armored shoulder). The upper part of my body was covered in a skin tight, solid purple armor that looked like you couldn't move, but I found I could move easily. Peeking from behind my right shoulder were two hilts in two sheaths. On my head, a helmet made from purple armor appeared. It was similar to Ryo's but minus the horns. I flipped on my visor, a sheet of silver metal that covered my mouth and nose, leaving only my green eyes showing.

   "Stand back. I'm blasting us out of here," I said. Starlight seemed to understand me for she backed away. My swords began to glow with golden energy.

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   Sage stood up and spat the dirt out of his mouth. He got to his knees, only to be knocked down again by Saber Strike. His sword, only a few feet away from him, was lying just out of his reach. He stretched his hand out and tried to grab the handle.

  "No can do, Halo," said Saber Strike, slamming his foot on his hand. He grimaced in pain as Saber Strike dug his heel into his hand. This is not good, thought Sage. An explosion brought both Sage's and Saber Strike's eyes to the entrance of the cave. A bright light sprouted out of the cave, smashing the rocks to bits. A purple armored figure came out of the cave, and opened her visor.

  "Saber Strike, I am seriously ticked. Now come here and fight," I said, unsheathing my swords.

   Good luck. That girl is going through some serious PMS, thought Sage. Saber Strike started circling around me, when he noticed Starlight coming out of the cave. She walked over, and stood in front of Sage, sensing his distress.

  "What is that?!?" asked Saber Strike, staring at the horn.

   "That is Starlight. Now that we all know each other, shall we begin? I do have a life, you know," I said aggravated. Saber Strike turned and slashed his swords at me, which I easily blocked. Sage watched as flashes of silver struck each other, their clanks forming a rhythm unique only to them. He grabbed his sword and placed its point in the ground, using it to push himself up. Once up, he placed his weight on Starlight. After clearing his head, he really gave Starlight a look over.

  "What is going on here? You can't be a real unicorn," said Sage. As if in response, Starlight snorted. Sage just shrugged. Saber Strike realized that this girl he was fighting was a match in skill for his own, maybe even better then he. So he decided to take matters into his own hands. Jumping up into the air, he landed behind the weakened Sage. Before Sage or myself could react, he grabbed Sage and threw him off the cliff.

   "No!" I shouted, running to the cliff and dropping my swords. I dove to the ground and looked over the edge. Sage was holding on to a root and it was giving way. I reached down and yelled,

   "Grab my hand!"

  Sage reached up with his free hand, grabbing mine. As the root was pulled out of the wall, by his weight, he grabbed my hand with his right.

  "You are not a light boy, are you?" I asked through gritted teeth.

  "Very funny," said Sage. He motioned for me for turn around. Saber Strike loomed above me and smirked under his mask.

  "This is too easy." He was about to strike down, when he was hit in the back with a white bolt of light. He turned around, his eyes holding pain and anger. Starlight stood, her horn still glowing from the attack. Saber Strike approached her and in an angry wrath, stabbed foreword. Starlight reared up in pain and she slammed into the ground. A pool of red blood formed under her. My eyes flashed red and my anger rose. I gazed my eyes at Saber Strike. His swords flew out of his hands.

   "What is this?" he asked.

   "Crystal when she's angry," said Sage as his body was floated up and over the edge of the cliff. He was lowered to the ground safely, rubbing his arms. I walked over to Saber Strike and delivered a right hook to his face, followed by a knee to the stomach. While he was down, I gracefully picked up my two swords.

  "Now that you have thrown me into a cave, nearly killed my friend, and mortally wounded Starlight, you shall feel my wrath," I said. My swords began to glow purple, and it radiated from them.

  "This is bad," said Saber Strike, stepping back.

   "You got that right. Psychic Takedown!" I screamed, touching the tips of my swords together. Purple energy spiraled toward Saber Strike, pushing him back and over the cliff. In a bright purple explosion, Saber Strike was no more. I sheathed my swords and walked over to Starlight.

  "I can heal her," said Sage.

   "Can you really?" I asked. He nodded as he placed his hands over the wound. His hands and armor glowed green and the energy spread to cover Starlight. As the glow subsided, Starlight showed signs of life as she flipped to a sitting position. I powered down and so did Sage.

   "What took you so long?" asked Sage jokingly.

   "She did. I'm mean, do you really think I'd react normally to a unicorn?"

  "What do you mean? Starlight is a horse."

  "No, can't you see the horn on her head?"

   "What horn?" I looked at Starlight, whose head held no horn. I ran my hand over her head. I just shrugged my shoulders and hopped onto her back. Offering Sage my hand, I said,

  "Want a ride?"

  "Sure," he said, sitting behind me. I put Starlight into a trot down the mountain.

   "Oh, by the way, I don't have PMS." Sage's mouth dropped open and he stayed in silence from shock. I smiled and stifled a laugh as the sun blazed brightly from the sky.