Finally, the first day of the tournament had come, and Sirius was ready to take part in it. First of all, he and the other fencing club members assembled at the train station — the tournament was taking place on one of the open fields nearby the village of Ponyville, to which ponies could only get by train or wings if they had ones. Sirius was already dressed in the armor, both his longsword and shortsword securely buckled to his side, waiting for action. His trainer Pride Fight was carrying the club's banner: a rectangular piece of cloth on a pole. A golden longsword was pictured in the center of a crimson background.

Soon, the whole club embarked on a train to Ponyville.

"Sirius, I recently got something important." Pride Fight said to the colt. "These are the rules as I understand them: one, there will be five qualifying rounds, which are based on 'one hit — win' rule; second, the hit points required to win the round increases, meaning that you have to hit your opponent more to defeat them the further you go, and the said rule applies to all rounds after the qualification. For example, your first real battle will require three hits to win, each part of body excluding the head is one point while the head grants you instant victory. However, try not to use said tactics: the audience expects a great show, and ruining it with one hit won't do well for you.

"The third isn't a rule, just a reminder. There are three nominations: Skillful, Artistic, and Secret. The latter, of course, will be revealed once a winner of either of the first two is chosen. Though, only battles with nobles will count towards Artistic, and there just a few of them, so count on your luck. You need to impress them, there is a very important reward. It will be an invitation to a certain event, which I'm not at freedom to speak about.

"The Skillful victory will grant you astounding reward of exactly five thousands bits. Princesses are especially generous this time. It's because they're reunited once again, and this year is the first one after her nightly majesty princess Luna returned to us.

"And a special prize will await you at the completion of the third, secret nomination. Even I don't know what you will get. Is everything clear?"

"Yes, sir." Sirius nodded. "I will do my best."

"If you do indeed, you won't have to call me 'sir' any longer, young stallion." Pride Fight chuckled. "It would be me calling you a sir. You will deserve it... if you achieve victory, of course."

Fire of anticipation burned within Sirius as the train approached the Ponyville train station. As it slowed down, the former human was already near the door, unable to wait. He was ready to take action and win the tournament, whatever the cost. He had spent quite some time mastering his swordsman skills, and he was certain the victory was already his. Equestrians were a peaceful nation, and no warrior of peace was stronger than the one who had to pass hardships on the way to the top.

Becoming a swordsman he was at that day was a challenging task for Sirius, and for both his mind and body. Years of continuous training, many different tournaments, learning from various clubs and schools of fencing, spending days and nights reading old manuals, all of it was forever carved into Sirius. He was by no means a knight as he served no one, but he was indeed a warrior to be respected and feared.

As the train stopped and the doors opened, Sirius followed Pride Fight into Ponyville. As soon as the whole club disembarked, the former human looked around.

The village looked very good by his standards. He used to looking at poorly made or shoddy old houses, its denizens either drunk or getting there, all the while swearing loudly. He didn't exactly like villages. Mostly, there was no work or entertainment in such places, leaving its denizens to get drunk because nothing else was available to them but a bottle or two of cheap alcohol.

However, it wasn't the case with Ponyville. It was bright and colorful, looking lively and inviting. The ponies bore genuine happy smiles as they walked around and chatted about different topics. The whole village was filled with joy, it was truly a peaceful sight Sirius didn't expect to see.

Maybe the new world wasn't that bad after all.

Foals of different size were around the club members but still kept distance, gawking mostly at Sirius. He didn't blame them — children were always curious regardless of species. Besides, he would be acting the same if he were their age. However, he didn't have a soft spot for children — he tolerated them at most. As long as they didn't bother him, he would be fine. He had been sworn at by some brats, and it didn't help that it was the majority of kids he used to see.

"Look, dad, a knight!" a colt said, gesturing at Sirius.

"It's because of the tournament, different knights gather and test their skills. This one looks determined to win." a stallion, the father of the colt replied.

"Are we going to watch?" the colt asked, looking at his father with pleading eyes.

"Of course we will. Maybe you will later take part in one of such tournaments, who knows?"

Subconsciously, Sirius straightened himself. He wanted to look good for the occasion, after all. Besides, he considered fencing a noble art, one that everyone should strive to learn about and then master. It was no boxing or any other sort of hand-to-hand martial arts. It was a bigger, better form of art to Sirius. Muscles had a limit and they all looked the same, while a sword could be in many shapes or forms, as well as purposes. One can paint their own body, but nothing could even compare to the beauty of the steel.

Off in the distance, a large arena could be seen with tribunes around them. There were some tents set nearby, and ponies in armor and without it walked around, preparing for the grand tournament. Royal guards could also be seen patrolling around the arena and guarding the entrance.

Pride Fight proudly marched towards the arena, the club member following suit with Sirius right behind the old stallion. The colt was practically bouncing in anticipation, feeling a lot of energy in his body ready to be used in fights. He would prove all of them that he was strong. He was going to prove he was tough, ready to achieve this important victory.

"The tournament is going to last for a few days. The first one will be dedicated to introducing all the participants." Pride Fight told Sirius. "All of them will get to make their first impressions. There will be a lot of ponies taking part in this, after all.

"The second day will feature duels between those who passed the qualifying rounds. Also, two winners for the first two nominations will be chosen. The third day will be entirely dedicated for the Secret nomination, and then the celebration that follows suit. A grand feast arranged for all the duel participants, and the winners will get to sit next to the princesses.

"It is a chance to show yourself, young stallion. I believe no one else is a match for you. I'm confident in your victory." the old stallion smiled proudly at Sirius. "Show them that they fight like fruit shop owners in comparison to you."

"I will do my best, sir." Sirius nodded. His confidence and dedication to the tournament grew. There was no way he would lose that tournament, even if it meant fighting his place to the top, battle after battle, duel after duel. It would all be worth it. He would prove the princesses that he needed no help, that he was strong, powerful, unbroken.

Finally, the club members reached a rather large tent. It was red in color and had golden edges.

"This is where we will stay for the duration of the tournament." Pride Fight said. "It's our home for a while, get comfortable. Toilets and showers are outside to the right, look for a wooden building. The tournament is starting in half an hour."

Sirius decided to rest for a bit. But first of all, he looked around. The tent was indeed huge, he could even jump without hitting the ceiling with his head or horn. It was also wide, allowing everyone plenty of space. There was a large rectangular wooden table in the middle, two benches by its longer sides, and a seat in the front. Along the walls of the tent, beds with chests of drawers were spread out evenly, allowing everyone plenty of personal space. Sirius chose one in the corner, and Iclyn chose one nearby. They silently agreed to stay close.

There was also a large bulb of magical light hanging in the center of the tent, illuminating it. A couple of windows provided light as well, making the tent seem lively and comfortable.

And so, Sirius rested on a bed, thinking about the upcoming tournament. All his other thoughts were pushed away into the depth of his mind, only a thrill of action, cold concentration, and lust for adrenaline remained. He unsheathed his swords multiple times, checking them for any chips and other imperfections. There were none, of course, but it didn't stop him from glancing at his elegant and yet deadly-looking weapons. Their straight polished blades, slightly curved silvery guards, fake leather-wrapped long handles, and pear-shaped pommels were in their full glory, on display in front of Sirius. They were ready to be used by a professional.

Soon, trumpets sounded, signaling for the participants to assemble in the arena for the Equestrian princesses to see them.

"It's time, Sirius." Pride Fight spoke. "Don't hold back — their majesties put a powerful spell on the arena which wouldn't allow anything hurtful to happen."

Sirius responded with but a nod, sheathing his blades and standing up. Making sure every strap was secure, he headed to the exit.

Sirius stood in a rank of about one hundred different ponies: earth, pegasi, unicorns, even a couple of lunar pegasi were in the mix, and all of them were taking part in the tournament. Most ponies bore silvery or golden armor, with a couple exceptions.

One such exception caught Sirius' eye: it was a cyan pegasus mare clad in dark-gray armor that featured golden edges. A spear was strapped by her side, and a sheath for a sword hanged by the other. There were also claw-like hoof guards on her legs, glistening in the sunlight. However, it wasn't what caught Sirius' eye the most — it was a rainbow-colored mane styled in a mohawk. He had seen colorful ponies, but none such as her, and it surprised him.

Trumpets sounded again, and a pony spoke. It was a stallion with a strong voice which boomed across the arena, gaining the attention of the audience.

"Today, we have all gathered to celebrate the first year of the reunion of our princesses: her sunlight majesty Princess Celestia and her nightly majesty Pprincess Luna!" ponies applauded loudly as the two princesses bowed slightly, smiles on their faces. "It is a great day for our kingdom, and all the participants in the tournament are fighting for the glory and honor of our benevolent rulers!" applauses were heard once again. "Announcing our knights!"

The order went from left to right, starting with two peculiar-looking ponies. Both were steel armor with elaborate golden ornaments.

"Blueblood Senior of House Blueblood!" the first pony was introduced. It was a large stallion with white fur and blonde mane. He held his head high, a helmet in his hoof. He looked like a knight from the books, indeed.

"Fancy Pants of House Aegis!" the next pony was introduced. It was a stallion approximately in his late twenties or thirties. He had white fur and blue mane, as well as a blue mustache. He simply stood straight, and then bowed.

Many ponies were introduced before the turn came to the rainbow-maned pegasus mare.

"Rainbow Dash of Ponyville Fencing Club!" the announcer spoke, and the pegasus straightened up before bowing respectfully to the princesses.

Before Sirius' turn came, he took a look at the tribunes. The uppermost part featured a tower-like structure with two Equestrian princesses on the top balcony. Celestia and Luna smiled at their subjects while looking at the participants. Luna's gaze passed by Sirius without recognizing him.

Then, there was a lower balcony. Another alicorn was seated there along with whom Sirius remembered as the captain of the Royal Guard — Shining Armor. The alicorn was pink in color of the fur, having a three-colored mane: soft yellow, dark-pink, and bluish-purple. She had a small crown atop her head, and she looked less comfortable on her own throne. She often glanced at Shining Armor and seemed to calm down.

There was a third balcony, much wider than the first two. It had what Sirius didn't quite understand: five ponies, each of them didn't look like they were royalty. It genuinely surprised them — why were they so important to be put near the princesses? They looked young, too.

Under the tower, an orchestra pit was placed. The orchestra featured string, brass, and percussion, as well as a full choir. Currently, a soft tune was played on a big harp, its melody carried across the arena as the choir added a pleasant humming.

"Sirius of Golden Sun Fencing Club!"

Immediately, Celestia and Luna looked at him, their smiles slightly fading, but not completely. They were surprised to see him there — none of them had known of his skills yet. At least they hadn't seen him in action. Sirius was going to prove to them that he was not to be messed with. He could stand on his own.

Meanwhile, Luna decided to watch him closely. What did he want to accompish? She needed to find out, she needed to understand his motivations. Was he there for the violence or for the actual fencing? She had to be sure he wasn't a violent being. While she understood it was quite paranoia-inducing, she expected anything from the alien who carried a mini-cannon.

Soon, all ponies were introduced, and first pairs were named. The arena was large, and yet only two pairs could fight at a time.

The orchestra played a fast-paced, rhythmic melody, perfect for the fights. The choir and the strings were silent, letting the brass and the percussion sing in a powerful tone, capturing the emotions of the battles perfectly, building up tension with each bass thump and trombone blow.

Sirius had to wait some time before his turn came. He was standing against a lunar pegasus stallion. Sirius stared him dead in his slit-pupil eyes, ready for action. In turn, his opponent didn't break the contact. The former human unsheathed his sword and prepared to fight. The lunar stallion had claws for hoof guards and a sword in his maw. He bore no armor but a simple purple and gray clothing, loose but yet tight enough not to be an uncomfortable burden.

As soon as the round started, the pegasus flew up in the air. Sirius anticipated the move, and thus moved his sword accordingly. He expected his opponent to go for the head, even if any hit was enough to win.

His predictions came true when the lunar stallion dashed, swinging his artificial claws, but missing completely as Sirius ducked and jumped out of the way, his legs working like springs. He didn't have the time to hit, however.

Luna watched Sirius closely, her eyes glued to him. He moved with a grace of a hunter, and with a speed of a carnivorous beast. His movements were fluid, and yet unpredictable. His stance was low as if he prepared to pounce on unsuspecting prey, ready to sink his teeth deep into it. He lacked expression, he was fully concentrated on the duel. While Luna knew that all lunar pegasi were more on the warrior side than other ponies, Sirius was another deal entirely. He was even more a warrior than any of them could ever hope to be.

The lunar stallion tried the same move again. He flew in absolutely the same way, allowing Sirius to quickly calculate an optimal dodge and slash motion that would bring him swift victory. He wasn't going to prolong the fight more than needed.

As predicted, the lunar stallion attempted to strike in the same fashion again, but his luck ran out — Sirius dodged to the side and swung his blade, which connected with the leathery wing of his opponent, sending him crashing to the ground. The crowd gasped at the move as Sirius retracted his sword and sheathed it, knowing well he had won.

Luna saw everything in that move Sirius performed: grace and deadliness, as well as skill. He fought well and didn't hesitate to take any action. She was also sure the blow would've separated lunar stallion's wing from his body with a clean cut if the spell wasn't there. She shuddered at the thought, proceeding to reinforce the invisible protective dome around the arena.

"What a brilliant move done by Sirius!" the same announcer spoke, acting as a commentator for the event. "A masterful dodge and not less skillful strike to the vulnerable spot! Applause for this young stallion, for he is more tricky than he looks!"

Sirius turned to the princesses and bowed, eliciting a reaction of thunderous applause from the audience as they cheered him.

"Bold one, too!" the commentator spoke again. "Already bowing to our princesses as if he is already winning! Wish him good luck, for even I see him passing into the duels!"

Sirius wasn't doubting about it in any way. His opponent was predictable, he didn't expect others to be much more difficult. Maybe the nobility would prove to be a challenge. Or that rainbow-maned pegasus by the name of Rainbow Dash — he saw how much of a warrior she was. She moved quickly, not letting her opponent a chance to react. She would indeed be a formidable opponent if she passes the qualifying rounds. Sirius didn't even doubt it — he saw her as someone who would put a lot of effort into winning.

He just needed to pass another four qualifying rounds, and he would be in for the duel stage.

And he was sure he wasn't going to lose.

Author's Notes:

Yes, the Mane 6 are watching the tournament, and Rainbow Dash is taking part in it. She was always a fighter, and I figured out she could very well be into fencing. Besides, so much attention from ponies would surely make her big ego even bigger. She likes attention and to fight. Combine these two together, and you will get a devoted swordspony. I doubt she would miss such a tournament or even fencing as a whole.

What's better than beating people up with a stick? It's a stress relief, after all. Combine it with the love of attention and praise, and you will get a very powerful combo.

I believe Rainbow Dash would look close to this. Note: I didn't draw this particular picture.

On a side note, a tournament of thirty to forty people lasts a whole day even with three qualifying rounds, and then duels of three rounds (winning in two grants victory) with a time limit of forty-five seconds, as well as women nomination, general no ination, and dual wielding (parrying dagger or a small shield). A tournament of twenty to thirty people lasts slightly shorter, but it is due to hit limit of two points: body hit equals victory while arms and legs one hit each, you can't hit the head, crotch, feet, neck, and hands.

I'm speaking from experience since I'm also into fencing, but more into one-handed. I use a sabre, for example. It has far more hand protection, and I get my hands hit quite a lot when I use a longsword. I think there's a crack in my knuckle or something like that — it hurts if I punch something too much or too hard.

So, it's pretty realistic how a tournament such as one depicted in the story can take up to three days. There are about a hundred participants, after all.