//------------------------------//
// Chapter One: The Champion of Earth 
// Story: Winter's Heft 
// by Langas 
//------------------------------//

	Those chosen to serve creation, and the path of preservation, are rarely aware when they consciously decide to work towards a world perfect in composition and revolutionary in flow. To think that oneself will cause all of reality to be saved somewhere down the line  is mindboggling. Not concerned for such matters, Lyra Heartstrings awoke on April the 27th inspired by the realm of dreams.

Sitting up in her bed, she looked down to her hooves, which stuck slightly out of her blanket in their current position. Lyra grunted, as she adjusted the blanket to cover her hooves.

There, she thought, snuggling deeper into her covers.

What had she just been dreaming about? Some kind of... odd philosophy, where everyone was an individual in regards to objections, yet all beings within the philosophy worked towards a common goal. Some way of thought that allowed Ponies to act less strictly and enjoy their lives more, yet submit to greater power less frequently. Lyra giggled. She wondered what her Internet friends were up to, and how they would react to this odd idea. Lyra unfolded her Laptop from beside her bed and logged on to EquesCom, the premier instant messaging site of Equestria.

Lyra posted her thoughts on her profile:

"I believe I may be on to something in regards to philosophy. Some kind of series of personal choices, serving a greater good in a nondirect way. I dunno. I'll get back to you later on my thoughts."

There. Descriptive, To the point, and altogether serviceable. Lyra hoofbumped herself. Almost toppling over, Lyra regained her balance after the short wobble that came after the self appreciation. She checked her friends list to see if anyone had messaged her while she slept. Surprisingly, nobody had tried to contact her while she was sleeping. To Lyra, it's the little things that count, because they make the combined body better in form and function, and waking up to not having been messaged overnight was one of those things. It meant she wouldn't have to work early today. More importantly, it meant she could sleep in for a couple more hours hopefully, before she went off to work. Before she slept, though, she might as well see who's online.

The Ponies she knows personally are marked as Local. However, the much larger group of her contacts belonged to a greater category, the Foreign. The latter title is less meant to impose a feeling of unwelcoming in those within it, but rather to invoke a sense of accomplishment, that of all the people Lyra Heartstrings had met online, they had been the ones found worthy to be her contacts. They are rarely grateful enough for Lyra's magnificence. Lyra should talk to them about it sometime.

But then who to talk to? Lyra has so many friends ( Many don't go online much, but it still counts ). On one hand, she could talk to Clouds-Above, a friend she met on an image board a while back. Yet still, she could always talk to ConstantConsideration ( Twilight Sparkle, from the library ) or OffhandOperatorApples, Big Mac from Sweet Apple Acres. Big Mac naturally talks to Lyra more than most other mares, chiefly because she's one of the few who isn't fawning over the youthful farmhand. He's actually quite talkative, if you can mention something he feels strongly about.

Then, of course, there's Lyra's boss, SalesSpecialist ( His profile is for business, hence his serious nomenclature ), who messages her whenever she has to work any earlier than her regular 1-to-8 shifts. Though the situation comes up less often than Lyra expected when she first started working for the Market Stand owner, he sometimes needs a little help setting up shop and attracting customers every now and then.

Lyra hesitated for a second, then exhaled sharply.

What a good day it is she thought, as she laid back down and slept for a couple more hours.

Lyra awoke happily as she had the time before, except for a different reason. Essentially, she was happy for a reason she could not quite explain. Yawning, she got out of bed and headed for the shower. She had an hour to get ready for work, so she wasn't in the greatest hurry. Many ponies argue that showers are redundant, but Lyra always believed that showering is a method of displaying civility, even in their great expense. Rarity from the Carousel Boutique is one of the few ponies in Ponyville, along with Twilight, who agrees with Lyra on the matter. Stepping into the darkened bathroom, Lyra flipped on the light, immediately brightening the room with radiance.

The water heater had stopped working yesterday, and the repairspony was supposed to come today. Even still, the thought didn't really help when Lyra was blasted with the first cold jet of water. Shivering, Lyra immediately retrieved her hoof from the stream of water pouring from the shower head. Slowly, she began to submerge herself further into the water, until she had entered the stream completely. The water was still cold, but had now become manageable, as Lyra had adjusted to the freezing temperature.

After her shower, Lyra dried herself off with her freshly cleaned towel laid out on the counter of the bathroom. Rubbing the towel through her turquoise mane as she hummed to herself. She looked in the mirror at herself.

"Ready for another day of work, Heartstrings?", she asked herself in an interrogative manner.

Lyra brushed her teeth as she finished drying herself off. Most ponies, unlike as with showering, brushed their teeth. No amount of magic could rid you of Gingivitis. Meanwhile, some ponies brush their teeth out of enjoyment, and therefore have perfect smiles. Such a devotion is admirable, honestly; as long as their compulsive teeth brushing doesn't hurt anypony.

Lyra turned off her bathroom light as she entered her bedroom. Sighing, she opened her closet, releasing a gust of air from the confined space. The job had a uniform; however, unlike most ponies, Lyra enjoyed wearing clothing and was disappointed in the small amounts of coverage her work uniform provided her. The Outfit consisted of a white cap, with an orange bill extending out of it with "Wishwhinny's Retail" printed on the front of it. On her torso, she wore a dark orange vest, with the company symbol ( The Celestial Sun with some common Electronic goods displayed in front of it ) embroidered onto her chest, next to her front left hoof. She wore a saddlebag with advertisement fliers strapped onto the sides of them ( The advertising companies were willing to pay good money to get their advertisements placed within a foot of Lyra's flank for her entire working day ).

Heading downstairs, Lyra began to hum again, except this time humming a catchy tune that she had heard the other day about some obscure factory where Pegasi were converted into raw energy through means of harnessing their life force. It's a rather
silly concept, but makes her wonder what secrets Celestia hides from the common ponies. Lyra shrugged, then went to her kitchen to eat breakfast.

Lyra looked at her clock. She had seventeen minutes until she had to leave for her commute, which took about ten minutes. She contemplated for a moment as to whether she should prepare something for herself or pick up something to eat on the way to work. She decided on the latter, chiefly due to her lack of delicious, hot muffins that Sugarcube Corner prepared every Tuesday, topped with whatever condiments you asked for ( Condiments on muffins had been devised by Pinkie Pie, who orders every condiment available on her muffins every time she buys muffins on Tuesday without fail ).

Stopping momentarily to glimpse outside, Lyra noticed the golden rays of sunlight filtering into her room. Today was Tuesday, April 27th. She had woken up to thoughts previously unheard of to her relatively simple mind, and was about to embark on her commute to her job. All of Ponyville wakes up before Lyra on a daily basis, but few keep their thoughts awake as long as Lyra Heartstrings. Truly, Lyra was a lucky member of a select few who did not regret the duties and downsides of her job.

How lucky can one mare get? Lyra thought to herself, as she left her home, locking the door behind her. As she stepped off her front lawn, a passerby, waving to her, greeted her with "Good Afternoon". As she neared Sugarcube Corner, more people greeted her in such a manner. Entering the shop, Lyra placed her order to Mrs. Cake, who stood on the opposite side of the counter. "I'll take a Chocolate Muffin with Caramel and Powdered Sugar." Lyra said, adjusting her hat. "Okay," responded Mrs. Cake cheerfully, "That'll be two Bits.". Lyra handed the coins over, as Mrs. Cake relayed Lyra's order to Mr. Cake, who immediately went to work producing the muffin.

Lyra sat in a booth by the store's front, looking outside. Slight panels of frost were developed on the edges of the window nearest Lyra, hinting at the true nature of the season. Lyra blinked as she stared out at the window at the Carousel Boutique, just next to the forest bordering Ponyville. Rarity and her friends were sitting outside the Boutique, laughing and conversing. For that reason, Lyra was always jealous of Twilight's Job. Getting to make friends and unite the community for a living is a pretty easy, yet very essential job. Before Twilight, Pinkie Pie maintained the position the best she could, before eventually deciding to do odd jobs to earn money. A fairly risky decision, but what do you expect? It's Pinkie Pie.

"Lyra, sweetie? Your Muffin's ready." Mrs. Cake said, across the almost empty bakery. Lyra trotted over to the counter, then picked up her order. She turned to leave, but not before Mrs. Cake stopped her and said, "And here you go, Sweetie; on the house." as she handed Lyra a steaming hot cup of Hot Cocoa. Graciously, Lyra accepted the cup. "Thank you, Mrs. Cake. What's the occasion?" Lyra asked, taking a sip from the cup and taking a bite from her Muffin. "Oh, nothing special, Lyra. Just wanted to thank you for your frequent visits." Mrs. Cake said, casually looking at the mare. Lyra responded, laughing, "Well, if you want to talk about frequent visitors, I think I saw Pinkie Pie on her way over on my way in.". Mrs. Cake laughed, saying "Oh, no! I'd better get the hubbie to make the rest of the reserve!". Lyra bid the Mare and her husband farewell as she walked out the door.

Lyra almost bumped into Pinkie Pie as she exited the warm bakery into the brisk midday air. The springy mare giggled, maneuvering around Lyra, as she continued into the bakery. Lyra kept trotting, out to the area immediately outside of Sugarcube Corner, where she encountered Twilight, who was inspecting the architectural assets of a house nearby. "Hey, Twilight." said Lyra, approaching the inquisitive Mare. Twilight jumped ever so slightly at the greeting, implying that she had been startled. Twilight hiccuped almost immediately. "Lyra! I didn't see you there." Twilight exclaimed in a surprised manner. Twilight hiccuped again. "Hey there, Twilight. Just on my way to work. Say... " Lyra said, grinding her hoof back and forth gently along the ground. "... You wouldn't happen to be versed in Philosophy, would you?" she asked, sheepishly. Twilight responded almost immediately. "Yes, Lyra, I'm very versed in Philosophy. After all, Celestia promotes the application of knowledge developed in the past through means of constant reinforcement via surveys and --" Twilight said, before being cut off by Lyra putting her hoof on Twilight's muzzle. "Good. I think I explored some realm of Thought I had never really thought about before in my dreams. Honestly, it doesn't even feel like Luna inspired these dreams. What thoughts did I entertain, you ask? " Lyra said, releasing Twilight's mouth. " Thoughts of success through lenient ruling. A way of life in which ponies could rule themselves, while at the same time pledging loyalty to Celestia. That's what I thought about." said Lyra, proudly. Twilight thought for a moment, then said "That's odd. I can't really think of what you're describing. I mean, after all, it's not like there's really any alternative to Celestia's absolution, right?" Twilight said, with confidence. " Eh, I guess you're right. That's why you're the smartest mare I know." Said Lyra, walking off. "Well, i'm off to the job." said Lyra, waving goodbye.

Twilight bit her lip. This was bad. What kind of sorcery had given Lyra a taste of Humanity? The quarrel Twilight had with the matter was not that she had seen Humanity in function, but rather that Lyra speaks in such open tongues of the matter. As per Celestia's orders, the tablets, and their implications were to remain unknown to the populace, and a single teller of secrets is all it takes for the whole realm to know about one little fact: That we aren't alone. Twilight began to move immediately to the train station. Celestia must be warned.

Work had been slow nearly all day. As five rolled around, Lyra was rearranging the merchandise that was to be on display for the evening shoppers. Suddenly, from the opposite side of the marketplace, a Royal Courier, clad in Pristine armor, trotted across the path, looking for somepony. Lyra went back to her work, moving the goods from inside the cart's interior to its outer displays. Suddenly, from behind her, Lyra heard a familiar voice say, "That's her, right there.". Lyra looked back, to see Applejack pointing the Courier in her direction. The courier approached Lyra. "Good afternoon, Miss Heartstrings." he said, bowing to the mare.

"Good day, Courier. What message do you bear for me?" said Lyra, smiling at the Courier.

The Courier began to sweat a little. "Uhh... your ruler... Princess Celestia... has... asked for your... uhh... attendance at her Royal Castle at once..." he said, trembling slightly. Lyra, as well as everyone else nearby stopped what they were doing for a moment. The Courier looked around. Soon after, everyone resumed their activities, with some of the civilians casually taking glances at Lyra. Lyra regained her composure, as she had slouched a bit in shock from hearing this news, then addressed the Courier.

"Very well, Courier. But then tell me, Sir Courier, why do you tremble at my hooves? Surely a brave stallion like yourself has no fear of a maiden pony like myself." Said Lyra pathetically, blushing and batting her eyelashes at the Courier.

The Courier gulped. "... n... no, Missus, I think i'm trembling because of your beauty." the Courier remarked quietly.

Lyra turned away shyly, blushing. The courier regained most of his wits. "Well, Sir Courier..." Lyra said.

The Courier interrupted. " My name's Noble Cause, ma'am.".

"Well then; Sir Noble Cause, I bid you safe travels, and hope to see you again in Canterlot upon my arrival." Lyra replied, smiling at Noble Cause. Stiffening himself, still sweating, Noble Cause galloped off, back to Canterlot.

Maybe I can return to Canterlot before Lyra returns to Ponyville. After all, Celestia never mentioned how long she would need Lyra's assistance. thought Noble Cause, as he galloped through the wooded expanse. However, before then, I need to reach the Far north, and Report to the Northwatch executives he thought, as he traveled along the wooded expanse, golden armor jumping noisily about the incredibly agile stallion.

Lyra giggled as the flustered stallion galloped away. How funny it was that this courier, who had no way of staying for longer than a few minutes in one place, had found such beauty in her. Nopony had really ever brought up such speculation before; Lyra didn't even think of herself as beautiful. She smiled as the Sun started to approach the horizon. Sunset was coming, and Celestia isn't the kind of pony you want to keep waiting for too long. Lyra went home to change and shower.

As Lyra finished drying off, she heard a noise from her computer. One of her friends had messaged her; it was Big Mac. He had messaged her just minutes before, probably from his portable computer. She thought she had seen him just across town square, at the cafe when the courier came. Lyra checked his message.

"Celestia, huh? Well, moving up in the world, I guess. Just try not to go through what Applejack did, with neglecting everyone until Twilight finally told her to get back to her life. Though I trust that you won't, Lyra; above all other ponies i've come to know, you seem like one of the better ones. Say, also, that Courier was kinda into you, eh? Don't worry-- If you just ignore the ponies who go after you, they go away. Most of the time."

But that's just it. Lyra didn't know what to think about the Courier. Well, one thing was for certain; he was kind of cute...

Lyra dressed herself in a heavy cloak for the occasion. The winter nights had become ghoulishly cold, and her Cloak was the warmest thing in her possession. Undoubtedly, Canterlot would be warm once Lyra got there, but there was no absolute chance that this trip would be anything more than a simple 'Yes or No' question. Stepping outside into the cool air, Lyra headed towards the train as the sun began to set.

Lyra caught the last train leaving the station for the night. On board with her, there were three other ponies: A Weatherpony from Baltimare, a Hermit from Rambling Rock Range, and some stranger from a place Lyra was unfamiliar with. Lyra fell asleep on the ride to Canterlot.

When Lyra awoke, Canterlot was within about a mile. Groggily, Lyra sat up, adjusting her cloak. Within minutes, the train arrived at Celestial Station. Stepping out of the train, Lyra payed the conductor her fare. Walking onto the platform, she noticed the other passengers slink off into the night in various exits. Lyra lingered.

What if I was summoned for punishment? Lyra pondered, looking up at the spires that lay before her. This question stuck within Lyra's mind for a few moments, then vanished. She eventually came to the conclusion that if Celestia really wanted to punish her, she would simply have to proclaim an order or cast a spell and she would have Lyra in any way Celestia wanted her.

Lyra headed up to the Palace Grounds, mindful that she was approaching Princess Celestia. On her way to the palace grounds, through Canterlot, Lyra saw nopony outside. The streets were completely barren and devoid of ponies.

Lyra reached the Palace gates within minutes. Approaching the golden gate, Lyra began to hasten her pace. Suddenly, the Golden Gate was slammed in front of her via arcane magic.

"And just what do you think you're doing?" asked a voice from the shadows, stepping out to meet Lyra. It was Twilight.

"Twilight? What are you doing here?" responded Lyra, tilting her head.

"I should ask you the same!" Twilight retorted, locking the Palace Gate.

"What do you mean?" Lyra said, suddenly disheartened by Twilight's actions.

"Lyra, trust me. That philosophy you were thinking about doesn't matter this much. You don't need to know about it. Honestly. Everyone who learns about its dark secrets becomes insane, or even worse. You should just--" Explained Twilight, before being interrupted by a flash of light from behind the gate.

The gate opened instantly, and the lock was cast aside as Celestia stepped out in front of Lyra and Twilight. Celestia beckoned for Lyra, "Come inside. We have matters regarding your fate to discuss.".

Twilight interjected, "But Princess, why must she know? About the... Other Lands?".

"Because, Twilight," Explained Celestia, "She is one of the chosen bloodlines of the Tablets. She is the Champion of Earth, regardless of her willingness to fulfill the role.".

Lyra held her head for a few seconds. "Wait, what?"

Celestia, Twilight, and Lyra retreated to within the Palace to discuss the matter at hand. "Lyra, I don't know exactly how to tell you this, but you and all your kin are to be Champions of Equestria in relations to the realm of Earth." Celestia said, addressing Lyra.

"Earth?" Asked Lyra, hanging her cloak by the massive palace door.

"Yes, Lyra. Earth. You see, long ago, in ancient times, there were five realms, each born with its own fair share of Passion and Judgement; each with their own Night, dark and fearsome. But with time, these five realms began to drift. Passion was drawn to one realm, while the darkest Nights were drawn to another. Eventually Five unique realms were left, with three of them overcome with total control by the individual forces of Night, Passion, and Judgement. The two other realms, which were freed of the forces of Night, Passion, and Judgement were named Earth and Equestria. They coexisted for many thousands of years under past rule, until the great return occurred, and Brutal Nights, as well as unconquerable Passion and Hope-crushing Judgement began to seep into the two worlds, threatening them with annihilation. Great artificers of old worked together, from Earth and Equestria alike, to create the Binding Tablets. Renamed over and over again, these tablets were used a couple centuries after their creation, with the combined arcane energies of generations of sorcerors, to separate Equestria from the realms of Night, Passion, and Judgement. Unfortunately, Earth was also lost in this binding, and a great ally was forsaken by our kind. For thousands of years, the tablets had held their power. That is, until the binding spell was broken by a zealot compelled by Passion's Love and Night's Fear. Upon breaking the seal, the Zealot was consumed and the three realms have begun their passage into Equestria. At the same time, they have begun to move into earth as well. We have plans to meet with our Earthen allies again someday, but as for now, we gather our Champions. The Champions, created by the drifting essences of the spirits used to bind the realms to their exile, are emissaries of Equestria in the face of our greatest threat of our time. I have been able to identify one Champion thus far, being you, the Champion of Earth. Lyra, we must venture forth from this land, to seek cures to our ailments. Lyra...", Celestia paused.

"We must carry the day."

After the briefing, Celestia had sent Twilight to show Lyra to her room. Upon reaching her room, Lyra fell onto the bed she had been lent. Tomorrow, she would awaken a Champion in Heart, even if today she had awoken a Champion in Spirit. She shall stand valiant, bridging the gap between Equestria and Earth. She shall save Equestria, Earth, and whomever she judges worthy.