Questions and Answers

The Lunar Guards are one of the most revered and mysterious fighting units in all of Equestria. And as my own personal guard, the responsibilities carried by these brave ponies is something that can barely be described in words, though I can try. But to first answer the question of how many guards I have, the answer is dynamic, as I have to explain something unique about the Lunar Guard.

The Lunar Guard are not a static force, they do not operate in one place, and for only one purpose. No, rather, they are a strike team, frontline attack force, last line of defense, support brigade, intelligence collective, and patrol platoon. At any given time, the Lunar Guard are spread across Equestria in a number of roles, doing a number of tasks, all of which help keep Equestria safe.

This would be surprising, because the common perception of the Lunar Guard is that they are my personal guard, and nothing more. Now, I cannot blame ponies for thinking this, as I have never allowed commoners to be privy to this information, but I think that if all were made aware of the Lunar Guard’s duties, maybe the few ponies who are paranoid of the guard may change their minds.

So as to the number of Lunar Guards, the answer is many and few, and no real number exists in any sort of paper form. Rather, the Captain of the Guard holds the total number in his or her own mind. Though this is inefficient and dangerous, it ensures that no pony can steal the information without facing the Captain. (Something which should most definitely not be taken lightly.)

As to how one would become a Lunar Guard, the answer is possibly even more complex than the first.

All Lunar Guards are a special kind of pony called the vespertilionis equus, more commonly referred to as “bat ponies”. These special ponies are made, not born, from the fusion of my own personal magic and the natural magic of the pony. In this way, it does not matter the race of the pony, whether unicorn or pegasus, because by this infusion the fundamental nature of their being is changed. The core of their magic is morphed into a new form, and so does the pony's body become something altogether different. Thus, they are a new breed, and not a new race, because the essence of their being is changed.

This distinction is important, because by understanding that their entire being is changed leads to understanding that the process is not without pain. In fact, it takes three years of observing a candidate in order to know whether they could survive the process. Once the candidate is deemed able, they are put through a rigorous physical and mental aptitude test involving incredible feats of strength and will. Even after the candidate passes this, if they do, the pony is sent into a direct interview with the Captain. Then, finally, the pony is made aware of the process and what it will mean, and only if they choose to accept will the pony pass on to the ritual.

Lunar Guards live longer than any other pony, besides Alicorns, and have increased abilities overall. So that while the process to becoming a Lunar Guard is fraught with peril and pain, the outcome is a pony that stands above regular equines, in a breed all of their own.

Luna sighed. Her bath was going quite well, and all of the toils of night court washed away into the sudsy tub. It had been a risk to tell such knowledge of the Lunar Guard, but even if somepony wanted to abuse it, the very thing that they have learned about would end any action.

The Lunar Guard somewhat scared Luna. In battle they were as ferocious and dangerous as her, and even outside of the lines of war they could be terrifying. Luna shuddered, the bath was getting cold, and she knew that they would never betray her, but the mixture of cold water and repressed memories were a toxic combination.