---

        Luna stood on the balcony, using her magic to paint the night sky. Discord watched her intently, drinking and singing a random song. Luna looked back and scowled, looking at the dancing pony. “Could you please stop?!” she shouted.

        “Oh, Luna! Tsk, tsk…Didn't even notice you there!” Discord made his drink disappear and made a chair appear in middle of the balcony. He sat and stretched his legs. “How are you? Excited for tomorrow, Lulu?”

“You really think I should be excited about this? It's just a contest to find a new guard, and Celestia is getting paranoid!” she sat on the floor, switching her view between Discord and the night sky; now she produced her favorite part: the stars.

“Don’t be a silly filly Lulu!” Discord came out of the chair and walked to his sister in law, smiling in an ironic way, “You should never underestimate the Lord of Chaos! I know more things than you think…” Discord waved his tail in Luna’s face, teasing her.

“What do you mean by that?” Luna raised an eyebrow.

“I mean that, the things that I’m aware of are far greater than you could ever imagine,” Discord chewed on a caramel covered candy apple, chipping a piece of his tooth.

“I don’t know why I try to believe you, Discord.” Luna narrowed her eyes and scowled at the playful alicorn.

“Because you’re as gullible as your sister.” Discord taunted.

“Oh really?” Luna asked, looking to the sky and putting the last 5 stars in place. Discord did not answer, just made a chocolate bar with his magic and began to eat it with a smile on his face.

“Yes, indeed, you and Celly are very gullible, but…” He started to answer with his mouth full, “I say this when it comes to future. You expect that everything and everypony will stay the same, but I can see good and bad changes coming. Besides, without changes, life would be so boring!” Discord said as he sat on the chair again, his voice becoming dramatic as he said 'boring'.

Luna smiled at her complete night sky and turned back to Discord, her smile dropping. “You don’t see the future Discord, you and I both know that only my mother had that ability,” she walked to the side of the chair, staring at Discord’s face, “Whatever it is, I’m no longer interested. It’s just a guard and an idiotic contest. I know that changes may come, but you do not define or know them.” she walked to the door going into the hall of the castle, but turned back and finished her thought. “I dictate change when it comes to my life.”

Then she disappeared through the Castle’s door, but stopped as Discord started talking to her. “Carry on Lulu! I say that important things will happen soon! And you can't do anything do change this!” he shouted, leaning on the chair and looking at the mare leaving.

Luna ignored him, going to her bedroom to sleep.

Discord shook his head, lying on the chair and watching the night sky while drinking a chocolate milkshake.

He could be crazy and random sometimes, but this time Discord could be right.

---

        “Rise and shine, Lulu!” Discord’s playful voice could be heard as a bright light entered Luna’s bedroom, making her open her eyes slowly. “Celestia told me to wake you up, it's nine in the morning and the contest is about to begin! You better go see who's there to compete to be your future guard!” He was standing beside the bed Luna, grinning. Today, Discord was different. He wore a red robe with a nightcap on his head, which was... snoring?

        “Okay, I going…” murmured Luna in a groggy voice, turning to the other side of the bed and trying to get away from the light coming from one of the windows of her room.

        “Tsk, tsk!” Discord smiled evilly. “Luna... Did I ever tell you that I nominated you for the Ice Bucket Challenge?”

        “Yeah, ok...” Luna yawned, still mostly asleep.

        “Do you accept?”

        “Mhmm...” Laughing softly at her answer, Discord made a bucket of ice water appear above Luna. The bucket tipped... and suddenly Luna was completely awake, soaking wet, and very cold. Discord's laughter echoed through the halls as he fled from the Princess of the Night.

        “Damn you Discord!” She was furious with him, but would not be coerced into his childish games. She had things to do. And as himself had said, the contest would start and she should be there.

        She toweled off and put on her royal robes. She also called a maid to replace her bedding, as it was now soaked. She hoped it didn't hurt the wood. Her bed was made of the finest, most rare wood in all of Equestria. It went well with her dark purple dressing table and wardrobe.

        She then walked down the hallway heading toward the training center of the Castle. The sun crossed by all the large windows, illuminating the whole castle. Luna wondered where Discord was, until she saw him in the painting room, drawing a picture of a glass of apple cider. She rolled her eyes as she walked slowly and looked around. When he saw Luna pass in front of the doorway, Discord turned back in his chair and smiled brazenly. But she kept going toward the training center.

---

        Iron beating iron, the sharp grating of stone sharpening tools, grunts from fights, and more were heard from the stairs to the castle exit where Luna found the Training Center. Getting closer, the Princess of the Night saw a row of at least twenty ponies stood in the great arena, where Celestia, fully armored, was fighting with one participant.

        The arena was outdoors, making the place nice and warm with the sun shining everywhere. The floor by itself was full of paintings representing Equestria, and there were statues surrounding the area as well: a manticore, a chimera and a hydra.

Luna saw how the participant, a white pony with dark green mane and blue eyes, fell to the ground when Celestia pulled a move that would have been fatal, should it be completed fully. There was a counter to it, thankfully, but it was apparent that he didn't know it. He probably wouldn't be chosen.

        Upon realizing Luna had entered, Celestia and the ponies around (minus the one who had lost) looked at her.

“Finally, sister! You're awake!” Celestia, wearing her golden armor and holding her helmet, walked over, smiling. "I want you to get to know the participants," Luna nodded at her.

The two went around, meeting all the participants. Some Luna liked, others she could've done without. All in all, 21 ponies were there to compete for the position.

“Wow, Tia, I didn't think so many ponies would come,” Luna whispered to her sister, as they stared at the participants. The Sun Princess smiled at her sister.

“And I present them all to you,” Celestia said looking at her sister, who widened her eyes and looked discredited to the older sister, “What?”

“Won't this go on for a while if you do that?”

“We have all the time sister world, so we will spend the whole day here. By the end of the day, only one guard will remain,” Celestia smiled solemnly and then heard a sigh from her sister, “What is it?”

“It might last all day...” Her eyes sparkled and she lowered her ears, “I still have to sleep, remember…”

“No Luna, we will stay here till the day’s end. You can handle it if you really want a guard,” Celestia said it with a quiet voice, but serious. She heard a little ‘But I don’t…’ from Luna, but don’t let her complete the sentence. She spoke to the ponies gathered, “This is your Princess! The Princess of the Night!

“Which of you will protect her with your very soul! You take the risk of dying for her! If this unsettles any of you, remove yourself, please.” Nopony moved a muscle. “Alright then, my little ponies! We have four tests. These are: hoof-to-hoof combat, weaponry, fighting against and recognizing changelings, and sociability with the princess!”

Luna was pretty sure that between four o'clock and five o'clock she would be very sleepy. Heck, she didn't even know if she'd make it that long. It would be very tiring, slow and boring. Most ponies here didn't even know how to throw down with a stick. Luna didn't know why Celestia had chosen those ponies. This would be quite funny, given that there were maybe six ponies who knew what they were doing.

“Come, we've finished the first test. We shall move to weaponry.” Celestia said and then walked toward a training center within a small rental side of the arena. All ponies followed, including Luna, who was walking carefully and paying attention to some participants.

A stallion was just behind Luna. He was a Pegasus, dark blue mane with a dark purple body and light blue eyes. His Cutie Mark was two arrows crossing together. He was probably good with weapons.

Luna saw a pony walking beside her, and her eyes widened. It was a beautiful Pegasus mare with a dark blue coat, a mane with two shades of pink, blue eyes and an earring with feathers. Her Cutie Mark was a whirlpool with blue feathers floating in it. She wore gray armor without the helmet, leaving her tail and his mane out, letting the wind sway it. She was looking around, almost anxious, but soon stopped when her gaze crossed the princess, who was looking at her intently.

“Oh, Prin-Princess Luna!” she stopped and was up in front of Luna, revering the princess.

“You don't need to do that, miss…” Luna started.

“Barding. Moonlit Barding,” she answered excitedly. There was a smile on her face, a mixture of nervous and proud. Even so, she seemed very humble. She had probably come from another city, maybe Cloudsdale. She didn't have the air of sophistication around her like most ponies would.

Though Luna really didn't care, she smiled at the excitement of the younger mare, who followed Luna as she resumed walking.

“Well Miss Barding, is good to know you. We... um, I am very impressed with your excitement,” the Princess said. Moonlit seemed very investigative, if the way she took in her surroundings and simultaneously payed attention to Luna were any indication. Though it did seem to Luna was the most peculiar pony Moonlit ever saw. “Have you always wanted to join the guard?”

“Kinda. ‘My father was a guard, actually. One for Princess Celestia…” Her ears lowered to remember something, causing Luna to look at her. Moonlit stared at the ground as she walked. Luna looked at her, concerned. “My father died during a battle. So I want to honor him and be like him until my death. If I die, it'll be for all the ponies in Equestria. Well… It will be if I stay.”

“You don’t have any brothers? They could come in your place. There are very few mares on the guard. Only…” Luna observed the surroundings and saw only seven mares, “Seven. Eight with you.”

“No, I don’t have any brothers. Not anymore…” There was a terseness in her voice, making the fur on the back of her neck bristle when the memories of the past came. It seemed very personal, which worried Luna slightly., “Oh, you must be wondering why I'm doing this... I'm not really sure myself. I can't explain it, Princess, just…”

“'Tis alright, Moonlit Barding. Your past is your past, and I don’t need to know it if you do not wish to share.” Luna said with a warm smile, making Moonlit respond with the same. The Princess certainly knew how the mare felt; she knew very well.

“Well, thanks Princess Luna. You're very kind.”

Neither spoke anymore, but they continued walking next to each other. The ponies entered into the Internal Training Center, where they all lined up next to each other. Before Moonlit made her way to the line, she let out a 'Bye!' for Luna. Luna didn't respond, but smiled and made her way to Celestia.

The Internal Training Center was Luna’s second favorite place to stay; the great garden of the castle was her first. As children, she and Celestia played there and also watched their father train against some guards. Artermis was good with swords, one of the unique talents that Celestia inherited from her father.

The center was a cold place with a marble floor, and had multiple different arms hanging on the wall; swords, arrows, halberds, flails, stilettos, you name it. There were three large windows illuminating the place, but it wasn't enough and so they were using torches hanging on the wall and from the ceiling. There were two pillars at the entrance, which held a roof for shade. There was also a large painting in the center of a wall, and it showed the picture of the royal family gathered in late afternoon. Luna remembered that day... It was a week before the fatality. The fatality that left her more alone than ever.

Don’t remember that Luna, just… Keep going, she thought. Her thoughts were interrupted by her sister.

“Here we will fight with weapons, as you all know. We have forty different weapons in this room. Since we have an army and every army needs weapons, the rest of these are stored in elsewhere. We will not be practicing with those.” Celestia paused to observe all the ponies, then continued, “My little ponies, please, choose only one weapon. And try to identify the most appropriate for each of you.”

Most ponies were calm, going to the weapons hanging on the wall and choosing carefully. Other five or six left running by going to a random weapon and catching with the mouth or horn. It certainly would affect the way Celestia see some ponies there, and Luna also had a bad impression when she saw a mare trying to carry a flail in her mouth despite it being a lot heavier than she could handle. She staggered from the weight, almost falling down.

Once all chosen, both sisters sat on the marble floor and Celestia continued, “Very well. Now, two ponies will fight at a time. Who wishes to start?” two stallions, one red and one dark green, eagerly stepped forward, weapons in their mouths; both were earth ponies. “Good, let’s start!”

This was going to be a long afternoon...

---

Luna was beside Celestia, lying on the floor beside her. They were both tired, and both hoarse from yelling and screaming and such. True, they were once used to yelling, what with the Royal Canterlot Voice, so that gave them an edge, but at least that was controlled and usually limited. Unfortunately, most of the performances were just terrible. Most ponies hadn't chosen their weapons correctly, and were easily defeated by others. Not unexpected, and usually funny.

“Next!” Celestia yelled one last time. A mere two ponies remained. Two pegasus mares, their weapons in their mouths. One was Moonlit Barding. Luna stood up automatically, excited to see how the young mare would be the test. In the Princess' private opinion, Moonlit looked promising, and she was confident that the mare would win, even if her opponent was a little bigger than her. The other mare was holding a flail in her mouth, while Moonlit had chosen a sword.

Both were positioned facing each other holding their weapons until Celestia gave the signal.

        “Begin!”

        The two were on each other immediately. The ponies who had already battled were all sitting in a corner of the room totally quiet, impressed with the dexterity of both mares. Luna and Celestia were as well. Moonlit, now with her helmet, was fast, easily dodging the blows coming from the flail. Like a lion, the other mare stalked in circles, gauging Moonlit, feeling her defenses. Moonlit was a little less cautious, preferring to attack when the opportunities presented themselves. She would strike the flail, attempting to make the the other mare drop her weapon.

Even without the caution, Moonlit was proving to be the smarter opponent. The next time the mare missed, she brought her sword down on the flail, breaking the mare's grip on the weapon; the mare moaned in pain as the flail dropped. Furious, her eyes narrowed at Moonlit. The bigger mare launched herself towards the weapon on the ground, and started to turn towards Moonlit again.

Moonlit had seen what she was doing, though, and threw herself on top of the Pegasus. She heard some "Oh!" and "Wow!" coming from her audience, but did not care and continued. To finish the show, she pressed the sword against the mare’s throat, which was protected with the armor.

“Give up?” nopony knew if it was a question or a statement, Moonlit said it so calmly, no hint of celebration or threat.

The mare beneath her nodded, then Moonlit left her.

Everypony was quiet for a moment, watching the mares remove their helmets and shake hooves. The crowd began stomping their hooves against the floor. Moonlit smiled and looked over to the Princesses, who were also clopping their hooves on the floor.

Moonlit just thanked them with a humble smile and joined with others, blushing with all the attention they were giving her.

“Congratulations my little ponies! All were impressive! Now…” the tired and hoarse voice of Celestia was cut by her sister, now excited.

“We move to Changeling combat and recognition!”

Almost all ponies smiled at the princess, standing. Celestia was suddenly silently curious about her sister's sudden change.

Why the sudden excitement? Well, at least she's excited ... Wow, it's six o'clock! Ow... My legs hurt...

---

A short break, moon raising, and star orientation later, Luna was back with the group, watching Celestia explain different points of interest on a changeling body, such as pressure points and places which would render the camouflage of a suspected changeling inoperable. There were multiple dolls and guards showing demonstrating Celestia's orders.

        Celestia herself didn't seem too excited about the whole thing. Taking a break, she walked over to Luna and sat in a chair which was levitated over. She stretched out her legs and groaned.

        “How can you be tired after that?!” Luna said brightly, not taking her eyes from the fighting ponies.

        Celestia sighed and raised a eyebrow. “Define 'that'.”

        “The last fight!”

        “Well, it was really impressive, but we have more one test to do… Unfortunately…” the Sun Princess replied, muttering the last part.

        “Well, I'm excited for the next test!”

        “Good to see that Luna,” Celestia replied, smiling at her sister. She might be tired, but happy to see her sister had something that made her happy.

        And then the test was over. Now was the most important part: sociability between the guard and the Princess.

---

“Uh uh, what’s your favorite color? And your favorite food? And what’s is…” Luna was face to face with a very lively pony, a mare, which certainly would not be good for guarding. She could be compared to Twilight Sparkle’s pink friend, but with an even higher voice.

        “Next!” Luna shouted.

        “Already?” asked the green mare.

        “Yeah, you were… Good to know. Good luck to you,” Luna lied.

        The pony left, bubbling. Luna sighed, and leaned onto the railing of her balcony. Even she was getting bored now.

        When will it be-

        “Moonlit Barding!” Celestia called.

        The mare smiled, stood up, and made her way to the balcony. Both stared at each other for a moment, then Luna began, “You, young lady, were really amazing fighting with weapons. You have the gift of your father.”

        “Well, I tried, but that was nothing. May have been years, but I've heard about your father, and I know he was one of the best wrestlers that Equestria ever had! You must know a lot about battles, but I know that, like everypony, you hate it… ‘Cause, I heard about…” Moonlit got uncomfortable, cringing in her chair, thinking that Luna would be mad at that. Rather, the Princess just stared her hooves for a moment and then looked back at Moonlit.

        “I know. Everypony knows about that by now. But that’s past. Besides, I still love my father,” Luna smiled, making Moonlit happy, and then shifted in her chair, trying to think about something else. Despite herself, she wasn't very good at communicating with ponies.

        Moonlit harrumphed, “You draw a lot of attention wherever you go, don't you?”

        “Lots. Not always good, either. Some ponies are still scared of me, but a friend helped me learn that being scary can be fun sometimes…” she smiled, remembering Twilight’s pink friend.

        “It must be terrible to have ponies not wanting to talk to you because of your past, I'm sorry” Moonlit lowered her ears.

        “You don’t need to be sorry, you've done nothing. After all, I'm used to it,” Moonlit received a smile from the princess, as if thanking her for her kindness. Then they stay quiet for a moment.

        “Uh, don’t ‘ya think is better for us to finish, Princess Celestia must be waiting for us…” murmured the dark blue pony.

        “Yes, uh… It was very good to know you, Moonlit Barding. Good luck!” Luna said, smiling warmly.

        Moonlit rose from her chair and headed to the door. She was the last of the list; now for the results.

        “Good news, my little ponies!” Celestia walked into the dining room, where they had left the contestants, accompanied by her sister. She was happy now, because the results were right there. Literally, she was holding a small notebook where she had counted the advantages of all ponies and now she would announce the chosen one. “Please, pay attention.”

        Everypony stayed quiet and turned to the Sun Princess.

        “You were all very impressive, some with many skills and some with only one or two, but everypony tried their best. If I could, I would contract everypony, but my sister just needs one guard and that is…” The room was silent for a moment, the only sound the breaths of the many ponies there. “Moonlit Barding!”

        “Whurt?” Moonlit asked, surprised. Her mouth was full of food, which she quickly swallowed. Everyone was looking at her now.

        “You are the chosen one, Moonlit Barding. Congratulations!” Celestia repeated.

        Moonlit recovered from her shock and smiled, not celebrating her victory, only smiling. Some ponies came congratulated her and others gave the obligated cheers. After all congratulations, all ponies except Moonlit and Luna were gone. Celestia had gone to sleep, thankful for everything being over.

        “You succeeded. Good job. I am very happy for you. I wish you have a good stay here at the castle. It will be your second home now,” Luna winked.

        “I don’t have any home, Princess. I just… Live with a friend.”

        Luna's eyes widened in surprise, then frowned. Would it be wrong to make her home the castle itself?

        Luna sighed, “Apologies, I did not know… But, well… We have many rooms in this castle and just two have a pony. Did you want to be the third?”

        Moonlit blinked five times again and widened, “Are you… I mean, are you, the Princess of the Night, offering me residence in the castle?”

        “Sure. You're my guard now, I can do that. Just bring your belongings to the castle tomorrow and I will show you your room.”

        “Thank you so much Princess, I promise to be a good guard for you! I'll do all training with Captain Night Banjo! He's the best, isn't he?” Her voice was excited. She bowed to Princess and then began to leave, almost bouncing.

        “Miss Barding wait!” called the Princess of Night. Moonlit looked back with a giant smile/ “I will be the one to train you, nopony else. Just me.”

        “Awesome! I mean… Thank you Princess, it's such an honor for me!” She turned and then walked away, bouncing like Twilight’s pink friend.

        Luna just nodded and smiled. She would have a long night ahead. Not to mention a long day tomorrow.