Equestrian Requiem; A Hero's Return

I have these dreams that seem like memories…

I have these memories that seem like dreams…

I see myself fighting alongside ponies…

What does it all mean?

Eight ponies laid beaten and bruised on the ground next to me as a large dark being loomed over us.

“This ends now!” I said slowly standing and looking up at the dark being, raising a large broadsword in front of me. “I won’t allow you to hurt these ponies any longer!”

“Your bravery is commendable but look at yourself.” The dark being said letting out a low evil laugh. “You can barely raise your sword let alone stand. You’re friends have fallen and you are alone. What chance do you think you have?”

“He’s not alone!” A voice said with a cough. I looked to my left to find a large dark blue Alicorn standing beside me.

“As long as he’s willing to fight then so are we.” A slightly larger white Alicorn said, standing at my right.

“So be it,” The dark being said before unleashing a wave of dark energy.

“ONII-CHAN!”

I woke up to the sound of my four year old sister Emma knocking on my door, calling me that stupid nickname.

“Onii-Chan, you need to get up or you’ll be late for your tournament.” she called from the hallway.

“Alright, alright, I’m up, I’m up.” I said sitting up in my bed. “I knew letting her watch all that anime was a bad idea.” I grumbled when I heard her footsteps echo down the hall. Rubbing the last of the sleep from my eyes I took a look around my room. A few trophies sat on a shelf above my computer across from my bed. My small collection of games and consoles sat in front of a small TV next to it with pop cans and chip bags from my late night gaming session still lying on the floor. “That the fifth time I’ve had these dreams this month.” I thought to myself thinking back to my dream. “I really got to stop playing Kingdom Hearts right before I go to bed.” Shaking my head clear of the dream, I began picking up the garbage from last night off the floor and put it in the trash. Once that was done I grabbed a pen from my computer desk and walked over to my calendar. “Today’s the day.” I said marking off yesterday and looking at today’s date which was circled and had the words “BIG TOURNAMENT” written on it.

After getting dressed and putting the sheets in the hamper I took a long look outside my window at the ocean as I took a deep breath. I then let it out slowly as I grabbed my stuff and went down stairs for breakfast, putting my stuff by the door.

“There you are,” My mom said as I sat down at the table. “I was beginning to think you fell back asleep.”

“Are you kidding?” I said pouring myself a glass orange juice. “How could I sleep in today?! You know how long I’ve been waiting for this day.”

“I know honey, but are you sure you want to go through with this? I’m mean I know you’ve been taking lessons and all but are you sure you’re ready for this?” she asked putting a plate with a stack of toast on the table.

“I’m sure mom,” I said taking one of the slices of toast. “This is something I just got to do. Besides,” I paused taking a bite of the toast. “You worry too much.”

“Onii-Chan’s right, you worry too much.” Emma said sitting in her chair.

“You're right but I’m a mom, I’m supposed to worry about my kids.” Mom said with a small laugh. “So, would you like a ride to town square?”

“No thanks. It’s not that far and it’s a beautiful day so I think I'll walk." I said finishing my breakfast.

“Alright but you better leave now then if you don’t want to be late.” she said as I got up and walked to the door. “Be safe and good luck at the Tournament.”

“I will and thanks.” I said as I checked my wooden sword over before putting it back in its sheath and strapping it to my back as well as my bag before making sure I had my lucky moon pendant and heading out the door and heading towards town square.

As I made my way through the small town, I was suddenly stopped when I head a noise from a nearby ally way.

“Who’s there?!” I called into the ally, griping the handle of my sword.

“A kid like you shouldn't be playing with such dangerous toys.” A hooded figure said stepping out of the shadows, his hood hiding his face.

“Hey, who are you calling a kid!” I said angrily, drawing my sword to which the figure laughed. “What’s so funny?” I asked griping the handle tighter.

“Brave but foolish.” The figure said before disappearing in the blink of an eye.

“Hey! Where did you go?!” I yelled looking around to no avail. “Weirdo,” I said to myself, sheathing my sword before continuing on my way. “Uh-oh!” I said looking at my watch and noticing that I was going to be late for the sign in if I didn’t hurry up. I started running as fast as I could, not noticing the hooded figure watching me from the roof of a nearby building.

Town Square had been blocked off to all street traffic and was all set for the Swordsmen Tournament. Street venders littered the streets selling different food and drinks to the many spectators that showed up. Several large tents were set up as waiting rooms for the competitors where they could prepare for and rest after each match. A large Stage had been set up where the judges would sit once the tournament began and where one of the towns’ local garage bands was currently keeping the crowd entertained. A raised platform sat in front of the stage to act as an arena with large bleachers surrounding it. I made my way over the registration desk to check in and find out what block I was in.

“Ok, sign here,” The man running the registration desk said, handing me a small form.

“What’s this?” I asked looking at it.

“Just a small release form saying that we aren't responsible for any injuries you may sustain during the competition.” He explained before I signed it. “Alight then,” The man said looking over the form. "You’re in Cell Block C in the Journeyman level competition. Here’s your confirmation badge, please proceed to tent 3C.” he said handing me my badge signifying I was a competing.

“Alright, thanks,” I said before making my way over to the tents.