My Little Pony Q: Tales From The Theatre

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Road Less Taken
Chapter 2 - Cozy City
Chapter 3 - Blind City
Chapter 4 - Theatre
Chapter 5 - Wait and S.E.E.S
Chapter 6 - Cinematic Tale
Chapter 7 - Nothing Is Promised
Chapter 8 - Popcorn

Chapter 1 - Road Less Taken

It was another average day in Ponyville, which definitely means it's anything but normal compared to the rest of Equestria. Today in Twilight's castle were it's very owner as well as her best friends in one of several libraries, the group of ponies and dragon were surrounding the crystal mirror and looked almost ready to go through. Emphasis on almost since a question arose from a certain marshmallow-white unicorn, "So if I'm getting things in order we are to transform into some other bipedal species as well as. .regress in age?"

She asked her purple alicorn friend while being a tad disgusted at the thought of being treated like a filly again, Twilight simply nodded a bit sheepishly and responded, "Well it sounds weird when you say it like that but that's how it is. Any other questions?"

It took a moment as the group thought things over but just when Twilight was going to announce something an orange hoof shot up, this one clearly belonging to Applejack as she began to speak, "Now how are we going to get around there being two of us? Because I feel like I heard something from Spike about how two who're the same but different can't interact."

Then it got to being the dragon's turn to interject while he was busy putting on a surprisingly average sized backpack with Rarity's cutie mark, "That's a time travel thing AJ, though I'm not sure if anypony's ever confirmed that. Guess we'll be the first!"

This statement really got Twilight thinking about how that situation should be handled, but she ultimately decided that there shouldn't be any harm in there being two of her friends for a day. So now that everypony looks satisfied with whatever questions they may have as well as newfound knowledge of what's on the other side, Twilight flipped a switch with her magic and a moment later the machinery connected to the mirror produced a soft hum as the it went from something you'd find at Carousel Boutique to something truly deserving of a room dedicated to itself as evidenced by the purple swirly glow welcoming everypony to step through.

And just that they did, as well as bounce and fly in if you're Pinkie and Rainbow.

The transition between dimensions is that of a bright but not so blinding white that took on the form of an endless plain with a walkable surface that blends in perfectly with the sky around them. As the group kept moving forward they passed by a stylized three that looked like it came out of a movie, then a two, finally a one. As they passed by it they all assumed it was perfectly normal and just meant they were finally getting to their destination, everyone except Twilight and Spike who's never seen anything like this before but decided not to worry any of their friends just yet since there isn't anything to do in this space except move forward.

Like a door every portal leads somewhere and even a malfunctioning portal is no exception, where the seven of them ended up being a city that somehow feels bigger and. .brighter then Manehatten. The first thing everypony noticed is that unlike what Twilight told them, they were still the same species as they were before and Spike was the first to bring it up and proudly too as he exclaimed, "Alright! I'm not a dog!"

The group looked around and back to themselves in confusion, Pinkie just digging into her mane and holding a picture of her human equivalent in a hoof and sighing then putting it away. "Y'know this place seems awfully familiar." Fluttershy noted as she turned to Spike who's excitement lessened by the pegasus staring at him, though not using the stare just yet as she went on. "Spike, are we in your Power Ponies comic again?"

The idea was neat and anypony could see the reasoning behind Fluttershy's question though Rarity was quick to point out that, "If we were we'd have been wearing those costumes, and yet here we all are wearing nothing. Except that. .guard? Detective, maybe? I've never seen anypony wear something exactly like that before."

Standing right there was a white stallion with blue eyes and a yellow mane, a pegasus wearing a dark gray hat with a black rim alongside a golden symbol on the middle of it with a rook. He also donned a gray collar with a black tie that matched the hat perfectly, finishing the look with some sort of utility belt that has a wire coming out of it connecting to a walkie talkie somehow connected to the pony. "Nope, that's the common cop of the comic. Maybe we could ask him where we are?" Spike asked to nopony in particular as the rest of the group got the idea and approached the officer with Twilight being in the front and the first to speak.

"Excuse me, but we were heading somewhere but seemed to have gotten lost, if it's not too much trouble could you tell us where we are?"

The cop looked the group over for a moment, his gaze hardening at the sight of a unicorn and an alicorn but decided not to report anything just yet and answer the question. "This is the 1st ward of Cozy City - don't you know anything about the megalopolis?"

Flying a little lower than usual, Rainbow loudly whispered to Spike, "Ugh, what a crappy name. Ever heard of it?" The purple dragon shook his head without vocal response since his attention was on the cop and whatever crucial information he has. The cyan pegasus only somewhat cared as she went on a bit louder, "Who even names a place Cozy City?! It's like the setting of a story for foals!"

As Rainbow went on her mini-rant the cop was hearing this perfectly clear and spoke up, "You're all acting awfully suspicious - where did you say you came from?"

Not wanting to anger the cop at all, Twilight did her best to calm him down while Rainbow got the sign and did her best to stay silent but still grumbling something to herself. "Ponyville, of course! From a magic mirror in my castle that kind of. .malfunctioned."

The cop wasn't buying any of it and only seemed to make him more upset as he got in a stance that would've suited either a fight or a chase, "Ponyville?! Magic Mirrors?! Everyone around these parts knows that magic isn't real! Now you're all pretty shady - let's hear what you've been up to around here, and don't feed me any more lines!"

In a newfound state of shock and panic, Twilight wasn't sure what to do or what to say that could possibly clear up any misunderstanding and now he's speaking into that mic! 'WhatdoIdo? WhatdoIdo? WhatdoIdo?', the alicorn thought to herself on repeat not even noticing Rarity step forward looking a bit cross herself and with quite a lot to say, and his appearance being similar to Blueblood wasn't helping anypony. "Now you listen here! I'v-"

But her words were cut off by the thunder of hooves against pavement coming to face the group, another cop judging by the uniform. This one an earth pony with a blue coat and a dark blue mane that went well with the hat. That seemed to snap Twilight back to reality as she exclaimed, "M-m-more backup?!"

The pegasus cop wasn't having any of it seeing as he's pointing a hoof forward at the seven of them and yelled to his subordinate, "They're acting suspiciously! Arrest them immediately!" The earth pony cop nodded and responded seconds away from galloping after them, "Roger that!"

Thus the chase began with Rainbow making sure she wouldn't be caught as she yelled to her friends, "Oh crap, let's get out of here!" Without wasting a millisecond, the pegasus was already gone with only the rainbow highlights left over from her speed. The rest of the group galloped like their life depended on it with Fluttershy being the last to take off to apologize rather frantically to the cops, then dashed off while using her wings for boosts to have a better chance at catching up with her friends.

"Go! Don't let them get away!" The cops said to each other as they went after the seven, though the Mane 6 and Spike still had no idea where they're going so they kept moving forward along the road until they hit a dead end.

Even if several earth ponies and pegasi could be seen walking around, it's all in a direction that'll lead them right back to the infuriated police officers. "This can't really be a dead end, I simply can't be arrested! Who'll be there for Sweetie Belle?!" Rarity said while holding a foreleg in front of her eyes and looking away, if this were still Equestria she'd have landed on her coach by now.

"But it's not really a dead end." Rainbow and Twilight said at the same time, something that caused them to look at each other with a somewhat derpy grin then Twilight continued the statement as a solo act. "A quick glance and I can tell that this is some sort of portal, but weirdly enough it's just floating without a catalyst. But there isn't any time to think about it, as long as we're out of here! Everypony jump!"

A pair of pony cops were now lost on where the group they were chasing went, unaware of how they actually ended up in someplace that isn't Cozy City. Twilight and her friends were also unaware of a lot of stuff as well, just knowing that they're safe. "Why's it so bright?" The rainbow maned pegasus asked as she looked around the new place with everypony else just murmuring something to themselves.

"Where are we? I mean, it was a whole city just a moment ago and that meanie cop even called it a mega. .something!" Pinkie stated in a more subdued version of her usual cheerful and bounciness, clearly even she's interested in getting to the bottom of this mystery.

"Well if you look behind you, darling, you'd find a screen. I have a feeling we're in a movie theatre." While their eyes adjusted to the new lighting they could spot what looked to be hundreds of chairs, oddly enough only the first row looked to be for ponies, but the message was still sent as the same unicorn gasped, "I can't believe it! If that portal from before led us here, then were we not apart of a movie?! To think our debut on the silver screen would be like that! I demand to speak with whoever's in charge, I simply MUST star in a certain. .detective film."

Applejack simply nodded, "You're right about one thing, I think it'd do us best to find out if anypony's here. Rainbow and Fluttershy, you two take to the skies and look for anypony between these seats!" Turning towards Rainbow, AJ just scratched her hat in confusion on where Fluttershy is. The farm girl knows her well enough that she wouldn't just run off instantly, meaning that, "June bugs on a filly's muzzle! Fluttershy's still in the movie!"

Twilight, however, still had her doubts and also felt it'd be right to scan the area first. So she spoke up about it, "Well who's to say that she didn't keep running and might be somewhere in this theatre? I think we should look around before making any irrational decisions. After all, those cops may still be on the look out for us.." At this point AJ was ready to start an argument but what Twilight brought up did sound like something Fluttershy would do, besides it isn't easy to catch a pegasus.

So she conceded, "Alright sugarcube, let's look around for her in this place then."

So they all went looking throughout the theatre in search of Fluttershy, any one of them even calling out her name every now and then with no answer from the pegasus they're looking for. So with no sign of her in this room they moved onto the next, that being the concession stand. "You know I'm getting a feeling that this cinema is actually abandoned." Rarity piped up to break the silence as she and her friends kept up the search, in response Pinkie just asked, "Why's that?" This got Rarity to point at the prices listed with a hoof, "These! They're actually fairly priced! What kind of a movie theatre has popcorn for as much as a store sells it for?! Why can't they all be like this?" She said that last bit a tad under her breath, the whole thing causing Twilight to roll her eyes as the group kept moving on.

Next up in the list of places to look for Fluttershy: The Ticket Booth! Believe it or not, but she isn't here either but something else about it caught Twilight's interest. That being the machine used to dispense tickets, oddly enough there's two holes for slips of paper to go through, and if one were to look close enough they'd find small pictures carved into it that showed a slip of paper going into it, and another going out. Do you need a reservation for a simple trip to the movies? Hopefully there's going to be an explanation for that soon.

Now they've ended up at a door that reads 'STAFF ONLY' in big letters on a pseudo-clapperboard. Even if Twilight would twist the door open with her magic, it wouldn't budge. Applejack just read a bit closer into what the sign has to say for nopony in particular, "Authorized Personnel Only, makes sense that it'd be locked."

Twilight responded, "I may have a spell for forcing it open though, though I guess that wouldn't help in our search for Fluttershy, now would it?" The orange earth pony just nodded as they trotted along.

Seems now they've found themselves in a projection room and at least one pink party pony is interested in whatever's in here that isn't Fluttershy since that mare isn't here either. "Murder on the Owl Express, Picture Perfect, Train Rush, The Big Parade. They look like they're made by two completely different directors but star the same kid, wonder how that happened. Got any ideas, big guy?" Looking up they all came to face some sort of creature that's entirely black with only a blue and white spotted tie and a yellow mask. Expressionless and devoid of life would best describe it, but Pinkie would at least try to get it to emote. "Come on, work with me here! Picture this, you're sneaking through a movie studio that's run by penguins and owls! Go!" Yet what might as well be a giant doll just stood there.

"Pinkie darling, don't you think we should keep up the search instead of. .act with dolls?" Rarity did her best to persuade her wacky and uncharacteristic friend, and it worked since the pink mare immediately dropped it as they all went to go somewhere else in the theatre.

The last place to search is the main lobby, and by that I mean they were hoping Fluttershy would be relaxing on one of the many couches, but she still isn't there and instead Rarity laid down on it with Spike joining her on a handle, it's not the usual couch but this'll do. "It's no use, we've been spirited away and we can't find her!" The unicorn cried out while putting a foreleg in front of her eyes once more, though if she's actually crying or being dramatic it could go either way.

Not wanting to deal with either of those, Rainbow felt it'd be best to speak up, "But don't you think it's weird that nopony else is here? All we found was some weird doll, but who put it there? Seriously! How'd we end up here?! And how do we get out?!" Seems she got more heated as she went on, as if the cinema is closing in on her with each passing second.

"Well how about those doors? They're locking us in, why don't we have Twilight try to unlock them when we get Fluttershy back?" As they walked over to where Pinkie is, they all found exactly that. Several locks on the door, strangely enough with themes. A steel lock shaped like hoof-cuffs with police tape on it at the bottom, one that looks like it's made of dinosaur bones below a futuristic looking one, that one being at the top, and finally a space themed one with stars scattered about it throughout the middle.

"Well if she's nowhere in here, I think it's about time we check the movie we were in." Twilight spoke as she headed off to where they all first were.

"Y'know now that I look around it kind of feels creepy, like some zombie could pop out at any moment.." Dash said to herself, shuddering at the memory of her candy prank gone wrong.

But she couldn't dwell on the past for too long since Pinkie Pie shouted something that easily got her attention, "Hey! Somepony's there!"

Two of them to be exact, the first being a light brown earth pony filly with a black mane that has purple at the tips. She wore a red cape with a pattern on it that resembled a wave of water. Not much more to mention of this one involving her freckled face. Next up is a cyan pegasus colt with an unkempt dark grey mane, oddly enough with red tips only on his tail. He also wore something; a dark-blue, long-sleeve, button-up shirt with an extra dark grey set of pants. Each piece of clothing having holes cut out for his wings and tail. Finally a dark blue hat to complete the look, of what? Not even I, the narrator, am sure. All I can really say is that the two are no older then teenagers and look excited at the appearance of others besides the two here.

"Guess that answers one question, Dashie!" Pinkie said as she trotted to the two ponies she doesn't recognize and turned to face Rainbow, just to playfully stick her tongue out. Then she retracted her tongue and turned to face the two, "So what're your names? I'm Pinkie Pie!"

The pegasus was the first to speak up with a smile, as if being in Pinkie's presence is enough for that, or maybe he already knew her and is excited to meet her. "Well this is Cap."

"And right besides me is Pikpik!" The earth pony now known as Cap continued, that getting a light chuckle out of the two as if they've been friends for quite a while.

Being the princess of friendship, Twilight couldn't help but smile at their display, and by the looks of it neither could the rest of her friends, especially Pinkie. But the alicorn still had something to ask them so she stepped up and asked away, "Excuse me, but have you two seen our friend Fluttershy? She's a yellow pegasus with a pink mane and three butterflies for a cutie mark."

Pikpik quickly replied with a hint of sorrow in his voice near the end of his statement, as if he wanted to go after her but couldn't. "Of course, though it's really unfortunate. I saw her get taken by those cops, I hope someone rescues her soon, I'm not sure if she'll do well alone like that." Hearing that Twilight turned back to her friends as her gaze hardened with determination.

"Well girls, are we ready to save Fluttershy?"

"Put me in, coach!"

"I'll give them something a lot bigger to worry about then suspicion!"

"Heck Yeah!"

"Yee-haw!" Everypony exclaimed, clearly ready to rescue their missing friend. Yet Spike stayed silent. When they were done with their rallies and war cries, he spoke up.

"Actually Twilight, I think it'd be best if I stayed back and provided support. After all, most of the adventuring stuff you do just isn't for me." That was something Twilight was perfectly fine with and actually kind of glad about, knowing that he'd be safe here and could help out in other ways.

So she walked up to her draconic little brother and patted his head with a playful grin, "It's what you've done before, why stop now just because we're in an interdimensional theatre?" He just smiled back and ran off to the concession stand, hoping to find some gems.

With hooves making thunderous noise as they galloped to the screen, they stopped when the filly yelled, "Hold it!" Of course everypony halted and looked at her in confusion, to which she responded to their faces with, "Don't even try to fight Fillyglow, not yet anyway. Anyway I'm off to raid the concession stand for it's candy supply!" Cap started off rather seriously, but that tone quickly died out before she went looking for as many sweets as she could handle. That and Pikpik who disappeared, most likely wherever Spike is. The Mane 6 just looked to each other then jumped back into that city within the movie.

Author's Note

Y'know I've actually never seen Equestria Girls and I probably never will so I'm going off the assumption that only Twilight and Spike went through the portal :twilightsheepish:
Anyway I hope I did good for my first ever fanfic :twilightsmile:

Chapter 2 - Cozy City

"Now, how should we get around the area? I reckon it wouldn't be too wise to wander around like a thestral in the summer sun celebration..." The orange country mare stated out loud, having no idea how to navigate the city and from looking at her friends, neither does anypony else. It took a bit for the group to figure something out but Twilight found something on the sidewalk that may be able to help them, that being a stray sheet of blank paper with a drawing of a human girl with cat ears on it, likely from a foal scrambling to get everything together but dropping a lone sheet amidst the panic. Though the origins for this sheet could only be left up to speculation as there doesn't seem to be anypony around with a saddlebag for it to slip out of.

Either way the alicorn of the group picked up the sheet of paper up with her magic and turned to Pinkie Pie and popped a question, "Say Pinkie, do you happen to have a pencil somewhere in your mane?"

With that the pink mare just sighed, "Twilight, do you really think I'm able to channel my gags and jokes in such a way that I can consistently bring out what I need? It takes a lot more then you think to be a party pony!" And so the silence returned once more, though Twilight was going to break that, Pinkie went with it instead by sticking a hoof into her mane and pulling out a somehow perfectly sharpened pencil, "I'm just messing with you Twilight, here you are!" Offering it to her purple friend, it was accepted into her magic alongside the paper, everypony initially curious as to what she has in mind but with those two together they're starting to get the idea of...

"To help figure out the area and not get lost, I'm drawing a map!" Just that she did, already jotting down the portal back to the theatre as well as the roads around them, and they haven't even started walking around yet. Yet she's efficient with the limited space too, getting an idea of how huge the city is so she's representing each area in a way that's small yet easy to tell what's what with the use of special symbols on special things. "Alright I'm done jotting this area down, onto the next!"

Following in a close group they all went along the sprawling metropolis with ease, the closest thing to danger so far being some easily avoidable holes in the middle of the road, even then that's blocked off with police tape. In fact, there's so little danger at the moment that some could treat it like a trip to any other city, "You know now that I take a closer look at the advertisements plastered everywhere, most is of that Cozy Glow!" Rarity exclaimed with a hint of toxicity in her voice at the end of her statement, repulsed at the fact that there's so much representation of that psychotic filly who sent herself and her friends to Tartarus.

Curious about Rarity's rather obvious discovery, everypony else looked up and around to spot the same thing, Twilight being the most taken back by it all as evidenced by her slowly walking back and saying no under her breath. "I thought Discord petrified her, how's she back?!" Raising her voice to the point where she's essentially yelling, everypony trotting along the sidewalk stopped to just look at the princess of friendship in confusion about why she's yelling. In response she lightly blushed in embarrassment and walked away through a gated fence with her friends following closely.

"You'd think that since we're in some sort of alternate dimension that there'd be several of us, after all didn't you specifically say that when we were about to go to Canterlot High? Or did you contract poo brain?" Rainbow got to telling her friend in an attempt to help her stop stressing out, even placing a foreleg on Twilight's forehead for emphasis. That being something that got a giggle out of the alicorn, who already looked to calm down and back to mapping out the area, filled with determination to figure out what's with this world's Cozy Glow.

"Hm? Is that...?" Applejack said to herself once she noticed a set of stairs leading underground, something that anypony hasn't seen around so it must be of importance, she'd actually go to it if it weren't for the giant hole in the ground, it's too deep and wide to just go through or walk around too so it looks like they'd have to find another way across.

Rainbow, however, wanted to go and rescue Fluttershy as soon as possible so she flew down to Twilight's level and asked her a question in a tone that's fitting of the rush she feels she's in, "Hey Twilight, think you can do that flying spell for the others? It'll take too long to go around and we don't know what's up with Fluttershy!"

"Dash, we all want to bring back Fluttershy as much as you do, and believe me I would've if I could've, but that's a bit too intense for me to do at the moment so I think it's best we find another way around." Truthfully as she's gotten better with magic, Twilight probably could give everyone else in the group a temporary set of wings but there's also the map to keep in mind, that definitely shouldn't be dirtied anymore then it already is since there's a chance it could become unusable.

So the group turned a corner and went through another metallic chain-link's gate and kept walking along in pursuit of the stairs but the hoofsteps ceased when they spotted a dragon much larger then the group walking in a circle, likely patrolling the area. This one's a red dragon with a mask that covers everything about their head except the eyes and mouth, not to mention the dark blue bodysuit with flame symbols on their wrists and gems around their legs, as well as a gem on the center of their chest. Of course most of the attention goes to the giant wooden club gripped tightly in one hand and an open hand of overly sharp claws for the other.

"Twilight, darling, any way we can slip by this beast unnoticed? Because as much as I hate to even think of it, we wouldn't fare well against it." Rarity whispered in Twilight's direction, hoping she has a plan. Twilight couldn't respond immediately since she's too focused on observing the dragon and after a bit she came up with something.

"Alright girls, I want you all to stick to me as close as possible. I can slip us by this dragon!" And everypony did just that, huddling up with Twilight while also making sure she's in front. The dragon kept at it's circular path and when it had it's back turned, the group did their best to match it's speed, somewhat surprised that it didn't react to the sound of hoofsteps but then again there's dozens of ponies around so the noise can blend into itself. It went by quickly as the five of them left the dragon who's still on the lookout for villains, unknowing of the group who easily slipped past.

But speaking of them, they went around the rest of the city with ease until they halted once more due to the yells of Pinkie Pie, "Is that a ladder?! I wonder where it leads!" Immediately running up the ladder and getting to the other side perfectly fine, she came back to meet with the others just as quickly with something to announce, "Good news, we have a shortcut to the theatre!" That got a smile out of Twilight, content with the fact that her map is coming together perfectly, and with that distraction out of the way they all went back to exploring Cozy City.

Another dragon who believes they're a hero, most likely sent to patrol this area after reports of a group containing a unicorn and an alicorn. But this one wouldn't have the pleasure of spotting them as they used the same strategy of trotting behind the club-wielding reptile. Good thing they never went back to the theatre just yet too since right beyond the dragon is the stairs they were looking for! Heading down the gates that read, 'COZY CITY - SUBWAY STATION' It's true to the name, leading the group to an area underground with a loud bullet train coming through, hordes of ponies coming in and out, then the train left fast enough to have the manes of everypony blow erratically, no matter how far away they are from it.

"So. .does anyone have bits on them?" Rainbow asked sheepishly, fully expecting to board the mysterious new breed of train. All her friends got to shaking their heads, confirming that the train isn't an option at the moment. Good thing there's another set of stairs opposite to the ones they came out of, so they went through the ponies just going about their day and up the stairs to be greeted with the open city from before, but a different layout and what's hopefully a step closer to Fluttershy.

Now's as good a time as ever to check up on our caped earth pony, hat-wearing light-blue pegasus, and assistant to Twilight. Spike was at it munching on unsalted popcorn, mostly since he couldn't figure out the popcorn machine just yet, but it's still enjoyable for popcorn he just found on the concession stand counter, though it's still confusing that it isn't stale. Yet he had bigger questions on his mind, "So why is it that the one wearing a hat isn't named Cap?" In response the two ponies in the theatre looked at each other and just shrugged with a light grin on their faces, though that's most likely because they enjoy each other's company.

After a bit, empty boxes of popcorn and candy littered the top of the concession stand's counter, complete with the two ponies and dragon laying around it, too full from snacks to move. Or at least they thought so anyway since a little later they got back up one by one hearing a pounding sound from somewhere within the theatre. Staying silent to better listen in on the pounding, the three walked around until finding themselves back at that door with the 'STAFF ONLY' sign, the pounding becoming near deafening at this point. Curious as to what could possibly cause such a sound Cap was the first to speak up to it wondering if it's even capable of speech as well as intelligence with a, "Who's there?"

Absolute silence from the other end until a female voice speaks back with a confused, "I've heard that traditionally one would respond with a who's there? Or perhaps you're more serious and would like to be graced with my name and presence, then please step inside since I believe the door to be broken." Pikpik and Spike each shared their own looks of confusion at the idea of someone who doesn't even know what a knock knock joke is, while Cap was left giggling to herself like she knows who's beyond the door and can barely wait to get in contact with the mystery girl.

Reaching up to try and pull the doorknob, the dragon's claws couldn't even touch the doorknob let along grip it, so with a polite request to stand on the back of the pegasus, he got on and tried once again. Gripping the doorknob and twisting it forward, the door swung open to reveal another theatre room, though this one is quite different from the last one they've seen considering how this one is entirely blue, from the seats to the floors to the walls; it's all either a blue, black, or white. Greeting the three from within the room stood a human woman wearing entirely blue, a sleeveless dress with a circle pattern down the middle, as well as rough looking boots and gloves that go up to just below the knees and shoulders respectively, there's also a hat that just screams elevator attendant. Really the only thing she wears that isn't blue is a pair of black leggings. Aside from that she has light skin, white hair in contrast to her youthful appearance, and finishing the look with yellow eyes. Finally there's something being carried by the girl, a large and brown ancient looking tome. What it's for could be anyone's guess, but that's a thought for later.

"My oh my~, to think that those who aren't bound by the contract could gain access here. I suppose I was a fool for expecting my master to give that cat a voice, hopefully in the future. But where are my manners?! I am Elizabeth, a humble velvet attendant at your service! Until we figure out what's with all these seats, then I shall only be of service to my guest." Elizabeth ended her introduction with a bow, then looked back to yell for someone, "Theo! We have visitors that aren't quite guests, I advise you introduce yourself to them!" From the front of the room messing with the projectors, that was halted when someone new rushed over to join Elizabeth, standing by her side.

This one is awfully similar to her, anyone who can see the colour blue can easily tell that they share the same stylistic choices. Same blue clothes, same light skin, same short and white hair contrasted by a young adult appearance, same yellow eyes. But what differenced them besides how one is male and the other female, would be how Theo donned a velvet blue suit, the same circle patterns from Elizabeth's dress appearing on two sides below the open top that presented the undershirt and tie. Similar to his partner, he's also wearing a hat. This one more miniature and may have a bellboy come to mind for those that see it. "I deeply apologize for not introducing myself earlier, yet I am most pleased to make your acquaintance regardless. You may call me Theodore!" With that alone it's obvious that he's the more polite one of the two, but before anyone else could think let alone introduce themselves Elizabeth cut in, "Now with that out of the way I have a tragedy to bring up! It's that we lost our guests, if our master were here, he'd have our heads on a stick!" That certainly got a reaction of shock out of everyone besides herself due to the sudden shift in atmosphere, nothing that violent coming up much if at all in their lives. While for others it's just surprising to think that one could kill a velvet attendant, it certainly got a shiver out of Theodore's spine.

"Sorry but I don't think we're the ones you should be asking for help involving missing people, we just provide support!" Spike said, unsure of how to deal with the two since they seem like a duo of wild cards, knowing good and well that Elizabeth would fit in well with everypony else in ponyville which isn't helping the situation at all. At least Theodore seems more reasonable and easier to deal with. "But I'm sure once Twilight and the others get back, she can help find whoever they are alongside Fluttershy!"

"But for now, what exactly is this place?" Pikpik asked, subtly comparing the blue clothes and gray hair on himself to the two velvet attendants, wondering if he's one of them. His mind racing if ponies can be velvet attendants too, among other things.

"Well I'd be so excited to show you of what goes on here that it's enough to make my cheeks slide clean off! Now have you ever heard of a Persona?" Elizabeth began a speech she may or may not have rehearsed, everyone else taking a seat on a nearby chair or on the floor if their leg count is above three. Listening closely out of curiosity wondering what the newfound knowledge is and why tables aren't weak to fire, while with Theo and Cap, it's just review and their expressions showed it. Pure, unfiltered, absolute boredom.

Author's Note

Yo guess what! New chapter fresh out the oven and into your tender hands ready to incinerate them, leaving your hands into useless stubs, forcing you to take this with your mouth but losing your hands will all be worth it when you take it all in. :pinkiehappy:

Anyway figure imma update this story on a weekly basis since I have games to play, books to read, homework to do, and jobs to job. Y e a h :pinkiesmile:

Chapter 3 - Blind City

"You know know that I think about it and look around it's rather odd, there aren't any other unicorns around." Twilight said to no one in particular yet got the attention of her friends anyway, especially Rarity. It's true too, within the hordes of ponies living in the city not a single one had a horn atop their head, not to mention how some gave odd looks to the group in search of Fluttershy, while others either walked away faster or did their best to ignore them. "It's. .like they're scared of us, or just curious like they've never seen one before." Considering how the whole city is themed after Cozy Glow, or at least what's supposed to be her, Twilight and her friends figured that it makes sense how there aren't any species that can use magic, certain that it's supposed to be no more in this movie.

"You know now that I think about, with all the magic gone here who's to say we aren't also here to bring it back? Think about it! A movie starring a false-hero as the bad guy and the lowly citizens rebelling to restore the city to it's former glory! Or, something like that..." Pinkie exclaimed with her iconic never-ending cheer and excitement, filled with Detemmienation to give this film the best ending she can! So with her head held high and an even springier spring to her hops, the party pony turned two corners and through another wired fence gate with her friends doing their best to keep up. Though as they galloped after Pinkie, they ended up bumping into her wondering why she stopped, Rainbow could've swore she saw the pink mare stop mid-air for a moment before succumbing to gravity but it's nothing to think too hard about when it involves Pinkie. Either way she turned to look at her friends who crashed into her and spoke to them with a hoof outstretched up to a giant monitor at the top of a skyscraper, "Look, they're playing a movie for us while we're in a movie!"

An advertisement for some kind of gadget was being presented. By the looks of it it's worn above the hoof on either foreleg, consisting of a metal cuff with a screen on it. It's advertised to be able to monitor the wearer's health, personal inventory, and plenty more, like have a radio and the ability to scan the area around for things of interest. The blend of technology and magic was beginning to interest Twilight and she was interested in a name for this device so that she could get it after getting the necessary bits. Unfortunately the ad was cut short so a new emergency broadcast could take place.

The image of a blue and green planet flashed by on the monitor with Cozy City and some sort statue of Cozy Glow in another one of her cute acts was on the top of the planet, which may explain why it's always night without an alicorn around. But before that cut-in could be examined any further, it cut in to the live feed!

Meanwhile in a different movie; this one of an abandoned dinosaur exhibit that's been untouched by humans, ponies, and monsters alike for years, letting the wildlife flourish with jungles and open plains for every dinosaur to make do. This one stars a herd of velociraptor-like dinosaurs, hoping to find a place free from predators - a paradise. But this isn't about them, instead it's about a tall human-like skeleton wearing what some theorize to be armor, though it's hard to come to that conclusion with the scarf, gloves, boots, and exposed spine. Of course, this could be none other than The Great (and Powerful) Papyrus! Unfortunately he's been separated from his brother, the tiny human, and the rest of his friends. Even still he somehow felt a disturbance, so he shouted to his brother already having a feeling of what it is, "SANS! ARE YOU PRANKING ME ACROSS TIME AND SPACE AGAIN?!" No response from the shorter skeleton, but there was one from a pterodactyl, who woke up and the first thing it did was screech and go flying around. "Wowie, the surface sure is different from what I imagined, I wonder how Frisk lives with it.." Was what he said to himself while going about the area, curious if an of Alphys' family is here.

But back to the oversized monitor in Cozy City, on the live feed stood the filly herself: Cozy Glow. Or at least what resembled her, since usually the girl wouldn't dress like the mysterious mare-do-well without the mask and hat, the only real difference in outfit is how the emblem in the center has been replaced by an alicorn amulet. Behind her had that same statue from the cut-in, except this time it has several times more detail, like anyone being able to spot Grogar's bell held in the statue's raised hoof. "I have an announcement to make to all my friends here in Cozy City, it's serious too so you better pay attention!" It's obvious she's going for the cute act once more, even winking while playfully sticking her tongue out a tad at the end of her sentence to really hammer in the façade and everypony's attention. It's effective too since just about everyone in the background plus Pinkie could be heard going, "Awwww"

Waiting for the crowd to settle down, the supposed super hero spoke once more, "Now guess what! With a little help from my best friends over at the police station, we've captured one of the six bad guys who tried to threaten the harmony of our u. .to..pia!" Intentionally fumbling at the end of that statement, it got another reaction from the audience in the same manner as before, something that delighted her knowing that every single pony is essentially eating out of her hoof. She was sure to show it too, giving a wide smile towards the camera before trotting to it, moving the camera to focus on somepony else. That being Fluttershy! That got a stronger reaction from everypony around, oddly to the friends of Fluttershy, they're all cheers.

"Wooooo, you're so awesome!"

"Fillyglow's our hero!"

"We love you, Fillyglow!"

So that's what the caped pony in the theatre meant by Fillyglow, but names were lost on Rainbow Dash as she stayed flapping her wings in place, getting more ticked off by seeing this kid who should be trapped in a stone prison prance around triumphantly while holding a friend of hers prisoner. She'd speak up but she also knew that wouldn't be heard over the booming voice that the speakers made sure everyone in the area heard.

"However - there's still the rest of them! We got to make it a team effort to find them and capture them, but I also don't want to put any of you in harm's way! They have magic so they can do all sorts of stuff, maybe even disguise themselves as one of us! So I'll be there for you and fight through them, since while they have alicorn magic, we have the magic of friendship!" With the power of video editing, five mugshots were somehow taken of each remaining member of the mane six and made to appear on the side of Fillyglow, something she coordinated and pointed to with a foreleg. "These are the ones who're even worse than bullies, enemies of justice itself! I'll make sure each and every one is properly punished upon capture!" Setting the appendage back in it's usual position, she walked around a tied up Fluttershy who's shaking in so much fear everyone's surprised she hasn't passed out. "Let's start with this one! Come one, come all, to Cozy Glow Square to witness her punishment exhibition!" Striking a pose that consisted of getting on two legs and putting one foreleg above her face and the other below it, she held that for a second before taking to the sky and assuming her usual quadrupedal position once more. "Evil's got to be punished.. Isn't that right, everypony?"

"Yeeaaahhhh! Fillyglow!"

"Punish those witches!"

"Yeah! Punish 'em!"

"Wha- punishment exhibition?! What the heck did we do?!" Rainbow and Applejack said simultaneously, the latter of which stomping a hoof into the pavement and leaving a noticeable crack in the ground. Though unlike the pegasus, AJ was a lot better at letting anger get the better of her, if that were to happen it could attract attention and get another one of her friends kidnapped and that's the last thing they'd want. "Now this does make me even more concerned for Fluttershy, we still have no idea what that Fillyglow has in store for us if we were to just go straight for her. After all, don't you all think she's using Fluttershy as a hostage?"

"Well what other choice do we have?! I say you all distract that false hero while I go and save Fluttershy myself!" Rainbow snapped back, taking off through the city and turning a corner before being stopped in place by a purple aura surrounding her body, then trotted the user of said magic: Twilight Sparkle with the rest of her friends following behind. Despite being halted completely in mid-air, Rainbow's wings were still somehow flapping just at an extremely slow rate, just what kind of determination does this mare have?!

"Rainbow, I want you to calmly think this through." Twilight spoke while making a demonstration of slowly breathing in. .and out, not letting her magical grasp on the pegasus come undone just yet. "You have to remember that there's wanted posters of us being hung up, so that means we're being targeted by everyone in this city. If you leave us, splitting us apart even more, I'm not sure if the four of us can take on what that Fillyglow has in mind for a punishment exhibition.." Taking notice of Rainbow's wings coming to a complete halt, Twilight felt that her friend either calmed down enough to hear her out or just got tired from trying to fight magic. Either way, she felt it's about time to finally lift her down to the ground and let her go. But what she didn't notice was a hint of pain in her own voice. "This is another time where we all need each other, so can the cooler Rainbow Dash please come back?" A bit taken back at the use of such a word, the alicorn figured that's the best way to get through to her at the moment.

By the looks of it most of what was said got to the cyan pegasus who just chuckled to herself and responded, "Heh, cooler? I'm so fresh I belong in the produce isle! But yeah, I guess I did get carried away trying to fly off somewhere I don't even know, so thanks?" Rainbow said, clearly confused at the end wondering whether or not that deserved such a word, but also because there's a small part of her still not used to thanking others. But thoughts like those would be left to herself as she took to the skies once more, flying comfortably above the rest of her friends as they kept moving forward into an alleyway.

"I'm aware we are to hide for the time being but must it be here? There's an overflowing dumpster right there, the scent alone is making me wan-" Before the unicorn of the group could mutter another complaint, her mouth was met with an orange hoof and it's owner shushing her while alarmingly close hoofsteps could be heard. Then that hoof looked to have vanished yet could still be felt, the same could be said for Rarity's own disappearing muzzle! Before a question could be uttered, it seemed to answer itself when a purple glow floated absently in the air, then that disappeared too. The only thing that hasn't was a pair of colts passing through the alleyways speaking amongst themselves.

"Did you hear? Seems like yet another criminal's slipped into the city, besides those witches."

"Really?! How's this one like then?"

"I.. don't know.."

"Well, if they're defying Fillyglow, they've got to be criminals... right?"

"That's what she's saying, so I guess whoever this is has to be. I mean, even if I said I didn't think so, that'd just be painting a target on my own back."

"True - I'm pretty sure everyone else feels the same, anyway..."

The chatting voices grew fainter as they trailed off, soon the only evidence that they were ever there being the distant hoofsteps. Twilight just sighed in relief now that she can take off that invisibility spell, thankful for her magic training sessions with Starlight that led to learning that spell. But that exchange did interest her, basically confirming that not everyone is too on-board with Fillyglow leading, most likely just supporting her because she's in a position of power. As for who this other criminal? The only one who Twilight and her friends could expect is Starlight, mostly since she lives in the castle as Twilight and likely overheard various bits of information about Celestia's previous student. But that's something they'd have to wait and see for, right now they went to trotting out of the alleys and into a different area.

Despite most of the elements of harmony exploring a new world with technology unknown to Equestria all around them as well as an actual audience, not much of note was going on for a while, just avoiding contact with the same dragon with delusions of being a hero and some friendly banter. That is until Rarity took notice of a cluster of searchlights illuminating a plaza; perhaps these are here for surveillance and keeping the population in check, or maybe they're just here to better spot the ponies Fillyglow believes to be problematic. Extending a hoof outwards to point at the searchlights, Rarity got to happily explaining their purpose, "Lights set up in this fashion - that can only mean one thing! We are to locate their power source and promptly shut it down, or destroy it. They're equally effective."

"What, do you have personal experience with it?" Rainbow asked teasingly, that just getting an eyeroll from Rarity as she went looking for the switch, deciding to humor the pegasus with the events of the fifth entry in her favorite book series.

"Well I did read about in the latest Shadow Spade novel, primarily with the introduction of the newest character! He's a stallion named Crow, though it's odd since he always wears a white prince-like outfit, which gave him the title of detective-prince, ah how could I almost forget that..." The unicorn went on while walking along the blind spots of the searchlights, turning a corner and her talking to herself ceased, just being replaced by confusion at how easy it was to find the switch. 'This is surely a trap, who'd leave the switch that turns out the lights on just some random wall? Maybe that dragon forgot about it..' Hesitantly raising a hoof and laying it right on the button, she gently pushed it down. The searchlights in the area cutting out, inactive and powered off, perfect for Rarity's friends to meet up with her and be a singular unit of five once more. With the nature of her friends, not without congratulations either.

"Alright, you showed those lights what for! That's Rarity for you!" It's a mystery that even the top scientists couldn't answer of how Pinkie could get excited from just pushing a button, though that's something everypony is used to.

The next area was just as confusing as the last, there were more searchlights but they were set up in a way that anyone could walk in a straight line and not be caught. Seems like while Fillyglow was setting up the most precise and complex parts of running the security of this city, she forgot the more simple stuff. Yet the ponies went on ahead with looks of confusion strung on all their faces, minus Pinkie Pie.

After more walking in a straight line with the searchlights being far behind them, another set of stairs leading down with the words 'COZY CITY - SUBWAY STATION' was found, and so another trip through the foreign underground took place! Similar to every underground space it has what most would expect, a bearded pegasus stallion sleeping on the ground using various newspapers as a bed, a sight that Rarity was appalled at, saddened that she didn't bring any bits with her. Pinkie was also upset at her lack of bits, but this one was because of a stand that sells fries, the potato variety that isn't very common in Ponyville. It smelt delicious too and the audible rumble of her stomach proved just how much she wanted it. She'd have gone looking around the ground for stray bits too if it weren't for Applejack biting the party pony's tail and dragging her up the stairs.

What Twilight jotted down on her map as the 3rd avenue, was quiet. Abnormally quiet. There's barely any sounds of hooves stomping against the concrete, not to mention police tape and traffic cones thrown about. 'Is this about that other criminal those colts mentioned?', Is what went through the alicorn's mind, drawing out the area regardless and making a note of the significantly lowered number of others. Not even cops to go with the tape, it's weird being in a lit up city with so few around. But what others were around were easy to note; it looked like a cop but more anthro but not exactly human-like, it's completely black with a blue mask featuring the number one drawn on the mask's forehead. Most noticeable of this thing is the large gaping hole through it's middle, featuring a single key inside of it. Perhaps it goes with the handcuffs it's swinging around wildly in a hand.

Yet this thing wasn't after her nor her friends, instead going after a human stepping out of an alley. The first thing they were seen doing is cutting something black down with the same blue mask, the being shriveling into dust after going through a single strike of the human's sword. Once they stepped closer towards it's next foe, Twilight and her friends could get a better look at them.

For a start he's male, something that Twilight can easily tell from her previous encounter with humans. More specifically he has blue hair that drapes over one eye and a set of headphones, the music loud enough to barely be heard by others. With a bored expression and a hand reaching for a gun snuggled safely in it's holster, he pressed it to the side of his head in a calm manner and simply said out loud, "Come forth, Orpheus!" Pulling the trigger, a beam of light shone behind him with a puff of smoke revealing itself when the light died down, presenting a robot-like being floating behind the boy. It's largely blue with the same hairstyle as it's user, that and the head looking to be the only organic things about it. Settled on it's back was a harp, or a lyre if you're obsessed with humans. Reaching a hand back, it generated a fireball and threw it at speeds Rainbow was impressed by. Though it didn't hit the shadow-like officer of the law, instead opting to take out one of two more that just spawned, that being another barely sentient blob of black that usually go down in one hit, now being another one of those times. The other shadow that just spawned being a red tank that's no taller then the average mare. The armor would make this more difficult to take down than the other.

"They're getting attacked by another of those crooked cops!" Rainbow yelled, rushing to the blue haired boy's side fully intending on joining his battle.

"Weird, I thought I heard that humans couldn't use magic. Either way, I'm helping too!" Pinkie exclaimed while rushing to join Rainbow.

"It's decided, we can't leave him to fend for himself. We'll fight with you!" Twilight rallied with Applejack and Rarity giving a resounding 'Yeah!', the three of them joining the persona-user

Taking notice of this, the human just muttered to himself and gripped his sword tighter, "Great, reinforcements. More horses too, but these feel. .stronger than the rest."

"Heck no! We ain't your enemy!" The pegasus snapped back to this new person then flew straight for what resembled a cop.

Author's Note

I feel like things are going too slowly, even by my standards. Oh well, at least I introduced my second favorite door. But still, any ideas for what his name should be? :trixieshiftleft:

Chapter 4 - Theatre

Author's Note

Guess who's back from her trip to Tartarus! :trollestia:

Chapter 4 - Theatre

The cop-like shadow being was the first to respond with hostility at the sight of others joining the fray, quickly moving an arm to it's own holster, pulling a gun on the rainbow-maned pegasus and firing. But either it has terrible aim or Rainbow's too fast; either way the result is the same and the bullets are easily dodged and just as easily the mare flew straight for the cop and delivered a kick straight for it's head, knocking it down. Amidst that Applejack decided to join Rainbow, primarily by
getting right behind the cop and bucking it right when it fell back, sending it flying high into the sky before stopping mid-air in the height of it's ascension due to a light-blue aura surrounding it then forcefully slammed down onto the red tank that was getting ready to fire. All this caused the shadow to melt into the ground, leaving nothing behind but the damage onto the tank and the key it was holding in the middle of it's body.

Looking back at their next opponent, the cracks around it's armor have only grown in the few seconds it took for everyone's attention to turn to it. Then it all shattered, revealing a gray and metallic inside that. .isn't all too different from it's vibrant red exterior. But that's something no one got to thinking about at the moment, especially Twilight who was busy charging a beam and now that their opponent's defense has been lowered, now is the perfect time to finish it off! So the alicorn flew up directly above the tank and released a beam strong enough to leave a crater but not finish it off, only significantly weaken it. Confused by this thing not disappearing like the last one she decided to ready another one, except she couldn't since Pinkie got in the way. If one were to look into the crater they'd see that she's busy loading it into the party cannon, then the party pony gave the cannon a light kick which had it fire the tank somewhere far away from where they are, complete with confetti littering the ground below it's flight path.

Everyone left at the theatre was busy watching the movie that Twilight and her friends went into, now with 3D-glasses on everyone except the two ponies since their ears aren't compatible with the glasses. That didn't stop them from enjoying the film anyway, especially because the movie wasn't made with 3D in mind, that just being something Spike and the velvet residents wanted to try out, only to be met with red and blue disappointment. But the movie itself is satisfactory, several 'ooohhs' and 'aaahhs' coming from all five of them, not to mention how the velvet attendants looked especially excited at the sight of the blue-haired boy. But where the real excitement lies was the actual use of 3D when the tank came flying right into the portal leading into the theatre, then blowing up in a puff of black smoke.

"So this is what you two were speaking of, it really does look and feel like we're in the movie!" Theodore exclaimed while Cap and Pikpik looked upon the screen in terror.

"Well, that takes care of that. Thanks." The blue-haired boy said while turning to the group of ponies that saved him the hassle of a fight, skipping the song 'Mass Destruction' on his MP3 player.

"No problem, you looked like you needed help so we had to step in! Though WHAT WAS THAT ROBOT BEHIND YOU?!" Rainbow Dash excitedly questioned while looking around for the being in question only for it to be nowhere in sight, so she turned back towards the human who looked at her with a confused expression. Pointing the gun-shaped device to the side of his head once more and pulling the trigger, the same robot-like creature appeared behind him and floated in place awaiting an order.

"Were you referring to Orpheus? I use it to fight shadows like that, among others. Though speaking of shadows, is it really safe to be out in the open like thi-?" He asked while stopping mid-sentence after noticing the sight of everypony being fascinated with his persona, so he decided it'd be fun to make it take out the harp that was once attached to it's back and play a song that reminded them of winter wrapping up.

Amidst that Twilight approached him and spoke up to give a proper response, "You're right, we should all head to the theatre where it's safe."

"Why would a theatre be safe if anyone's able to barge in?" The blue-haired boy asked the alicorn who lit her horn in response, teleporting everyone in front of the same portal from before leading to a movie theatre that everyone jumped into, even if he's still unsure of whether or not to trust them, they saved him so he should at least hear them out. Calling back his persona, he jumped into the portal and found himself in just what they spoke of: A movie theatre.

"Bravo! Bravo! A stunning performance!" Elizabeth clapped and cheered from within the seats, rising up to greet everyone that's stepped out of the silver screen, those who've chosen to stay behind following the velvet attendant. "Oh my, who knew someone such as I would get to meet so many stars all at once. I never imagined you busy seven would have time to meet up with your fans!"

"Elizabeth, why're you here?" The persona-user asked her to which she quickly and enthusiastically responded

"I could be asking the same to you, shouldn't you be in Tartarus? Though I rather not dwell on that too long, I'm curious about those you've brought with you and I imagine they are with us."

"Oh yeah, we never got each others names, I'm Makoto Yuki and she's Elizabeth." He said pointing at her, the girl bowing at that.

"It's nice to meet you Makoto, I'm Twilight Sparkle and these are my friends: Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike!" With the newfound knowledge of their names, Makoto couldn't help but giggle at the idea of them being called that. Though between all of them he couldn't find anypony who looks like they'd be named Spike. Maybe the grey-maned pegasus? He doesn't look like he fits the naming system the others have, even if his mane is shaggy, Rainbow's is even more.

To put an end to any more confusion, the dragon himself stepped closer to blue-haired boy and tapped at his leg with a claw, this causing the taller of the two to look down and finally realize who Twilight was referring to when she mentioned Spike, the spikey scales at the top of his head in a mohawk style being a clear indicator of that. Though he wasn't surprised much at meeting a dragon, perhaps it's due to already having met one in the movie as well as encountering all sorts of monsters in Tartarus. Or maybe he just doesn't care.

Looking back up, he spotted a duo of ponies that went unmentioned by Twilight, or at least none of the names she listed fit neither of the two. The earth pony was doing her best to sneak a peek at the princess' map while the pegasus between them was interested in the human that's stepped out of the big screen alongside everypony else, he's even deciding to whisper something to his friend, "Y'know, he somehow looks edgier in person." This got an annoyed eyeroll out of the filly.

Twilight took notice of this, deciding to levitate the map over while a bit curious about what interests Cap so much, though before the alicorn could ask about it the filly spoke up, "Hey Twilight, could you turn that around?" Complying with the request of the earth pony, Twilight flipped it over from the unnecessarily detailed map to a drawing she didn't think much of. It's looks to be a human girl with animalistic ears, a neutral expression overtaking her face. The quality is certainly inconsistent, most notably in the eyes considering how the right one is more detailed than the left. Though what's most notable is how the paper is ripped around the drawing. Seeing this, Cap's expression changed for the better, the curiosity quickly being replaced with a sort of nostalgic joy. Even giving an excited, "Yeesss!" to herself.

With one mystery solved, a new one popped up which fueled Twilight's curiosity ever more, so naturally she pressed onward. "You know from what I've heard barely anypony knows about humans, especially one in. .this state. Have you ever been to Canterlot High?"

"At the moment I will neither confirm nor deny whether I've been there or not.."

"Well okay then, assuming you haven't how would you know about this well enough to have a picture?"

"That's easy! I had a friend who had a character like this, so I decided to make a doodle of it! It's a real shame he left so I couldn't give it to him though..."

"I. .see. It must not feel great for friends to leave so suddenly.."

"Yep, it's pretty bad. But still, I haven't introduced myself!" Bringing out a hoof to make her cape sway in the non-existent wind, she turned to Makoto and began to speak in a triumphant tone, "Be not ashamed of being unaware of thou who risked life, limb, and a piece of paper inside the very movie you stepped out of! But now you can cleanse your shame in the glory of my presence, remember it well for I'm Crazy Cap! Or just Cap for short."

Even a narrator isn't needed to tell of how dramatic she tried to make it sound, succeeding in her attempt all the way through until choking at the end. Everypony and Spike being genuinely surprised that the filly didn't include a 'Great and Powerful' somewhere in her monologue. Makoto finding the crazy part fitting for somepony to be named after. This leaving two unintroduced to him, so he decided to continue the trend of finding more about these ponies little by little before getting to the second velvet attendant, especially curious about the unintroduced pegasus' name. "And you are?"

Unsure if he's the one being spoken to or the other velvet attendant, Pikpik raised a single wing in confusion which got a nod out of Makoto. Now he raised the other wing, got on his hind legs, and breathed in deeply before tucking both wings back in and going to four legs ~~as Celestia intended~~, giving a painfully average, "I'm Pikman."

Well that covers everyone except- "And that's everyone of importance!" Elizabeth called out, intentionally leaving out the man dressed in blue besides her. This kind of behavior is something everyone found strange, even for Elizabeth. So who better than our resident persona-user to figure things out with her?

That would be ideal but Rarity spoke first, "That's preposterous, we're going to be needing all the help we can get here and proper communication is absolutely vital!"

"Very well, let's omit the details and cut to the chase. Theo, the floor is yours."

"A-ah, that's right! While coming to this world, I was separated from my guest. I've searched everywhere in this movie theater, but I've found nary a trace of her." Theodore spoke with urgency, considering a proper introduction but coming to the conclusion that what Elizabeth gave is sufficient.

"So it seems others have been split up besides one of our friends, then I know I'd be glad to assist in her search! Can you provide a description?" Rarity asked while taking Twilight's map and pencil in her own magic, ready to write things down on the back besides the drawing.

"Well she's a high-school girl wearing headphones, I suppose it'd be wise to include the fact that she's not a pony."

"Thank you for that, we'll be sure to bring her back as soon as possible. It should be easy since humans are a lot more noticeable in a city of ponies!"

"Oh, thank you so much! It would be most helpful."

Once more, it was Elizabeth's time to cut in, ready to bring him down from the joy of not disappointing their master purely because it's entertaining. "Theo, it takes more than attitude to express one's gratitude."

"More than attitude? So you mean... I need to bow deeply as well?"

"Not in the least. According to my intuition, I believe these people have slipped into this world out of the blue and are now trapped here. And, mayhap, their only exit is secured with numerous intimidating locks..."

"How'd you know all that?!" Rainbow questioned, only to get a gloved finger on her muzzle from Elizabeth telling her to be quiet, Theo taking it as a chance to continue.

"Much happens in the course of life. We've experienced quite a bit of it ourselves. Our arrival here was inevitable as well, we have been delivered by fate."

"That is why my foolish younger brother Theodore will be providing you will all the assistance you need."

"Huh? S-sister!?"

"'Good company on the road is the shortest cut to one's grave', I believe is the saying. In any case, we must uphold the spirit of helping those in need."

All too familiar with her, Makoto's already suspicious of the girl that charges over 4,000 yen for a single pixie, so he spoke up about it in hopes of not having anyone else fall victim to her scams. "This sounds too fishy to me, how specifically would you be aiding us?"

"Well, is there any place nearby where we can set up shop and fleece you-I mean, please you with our fine wares, perchance?"

"She totally just said 'fleece you'."

"I didn't hear that, laaalalaaa..."

"This is how you get a megidolaon to the face. But still, this is a movie theatre, there's always a concession stand."

"Now then, everypony, let us all skedaddle to the concession stand!" And just like that, she was off dragging her brother by an arm outside of the viewing room to the main area. Everyone else following, worried of what fate may befall Theo.

Here they all stood, in front of the concession stand that was a bit of a mess after Spike, Cap, and Pikman were done with it. Bits of stray sugar and drops of soda spread across the counter, if this weren't a pocket dimension it would be a fly's paradise. Three cups of popcorn also stood proudly, though only two of them having popcorn inside since Pikman finished his. Seeing this, Elizabeth took a cup of popcorn and started loudly chewing on each piece of popcorn. All while her brother took in the stand and saw more than a mess left over by children, "Ah, this is quite impressive. There is an abundance of space, I believe that I can prepare a number of items here that will be useful to you. Though, I'm afraid I don't know all the details just yet, I do apologize for that. Nevertheless, I vow to provide an assortment of goods that will make your hearts dance in rapture so preparations are due immediately!"

So he went off in search of cleaning supplies while Elizabeth followed, the two returning with a can of wipes and a spray bottle snuggled in Theo's arms while his sister was having at it with the popcorn, but she was carrying more than the popcorn you eat, for she found a giant mascot costume of popcorn. Though that looks like the only thing going to use since when they returned all the trash was cleared out and the counter was somehow clean, leaving the velvet siblings shocked while Rarity spoke up. "It only looked like you needed to clean up, so we decided to use a bit of magic and do that for you! Consider it a thank you for helping us bring back those who're near and dear to us."

If it weren't for the constant chewing of Elizabeth and her popcorn, he would've been brought to tears at how someone's done something for him like this. It's a nice change from Elizabeth. .not being the best, he'd rather leave it at Lavenza and that stray cat she found to be real pleasures to be with. But it's not too kind to dwell on what her guest may be like, for he may accidentally ignore a different sister of his, even if she's speaking while eating. "My, this foodstuff called popcorn... *munch* *munch *munch*"

"Sister! It's ill-mannered to eat and speak at the same time..."

"Theo, you should- *munch* *munch* -try shoving this much in your mouth at once as well... *munch* *munch*"

"Are you attempting to desiccate me!? This is just like that confounded soybean powder all over again!" Looking upon the counter fully intending to cease amusing his sister like this any further and get to things that would only prove beneficial to those helping to retrieve his guest, a container with popcorn in it halted that very thought. After all, what about it could possibly have her be constantly eating it? Telling himself that it's just a little bit he'll be consuming, he got the popcorn and started popping bits into his mouth, being mindful to chew as quiet as possible and savoring the flavor. "*Munch* *Munch* My, this is quite... *Munch* *Munch* Hmm, If I were to change the seasonings- *Munch* Perhaps I could create new flavors.."

"Huh? New flavors?" Pikman thought out loud, already anticipating more varieties of the food. To which Theo replied with what might as well have been starry ideas.

"Oh? Does that interest you? Then, I shall also devote myself to the creation of new varieties of popcorn!"

"Then we'll leave it to you, then. I look forward to the new varieties of popcorn as well." Makoto said, looking around for any spare popcorn only to come up empty-handed. Noticing the look in his one visible eye alone, Theo could tell what it is he sought while also taking into account the popcorn discussion. So he offered what was left of the snack to the blue-haired boy, something gladly accepted.

"Of course, I shall get to that right away!"

"One moment, please - there's one final touch that must first be made.." Bringing the cup full of popcorn to her mouth as if it is a most delicious beverage, all the edible popcorn has been vanquished! 200 XP Gained! It's a shame she's already at max level though, but there's still more popcorn tucked into her arms being saved like a secret weapon. This variety is one to be worn judging from how it's quickly flipped open to show several holes for legs, arms, and a face. Perfect for someone like Theo.

"S-sister? I believe that all the preparations have been completed!" Already getting an idea of what's going down, he already knew to accept his fate. Daring not to flee from the mascot costume that's been placed upon him, leaving him a warning of what's to come if one were to eat too much popcorn. "Sister... Is this truly the attire necessary for a vendor such as I?"

"Theo - can you feel it? The curious elation that's mingling with your deep, rich embarrassment? That feeling and costume are crucial for expressing your hospitality!"

"Dear me - now that you mention it, I do feel as if my heart is being uplifted.."

The reactions to these two were varied to say the least; some found it entertaining, a certain somepony saw the two as a puzzle to be solved, and few just deadpanned at it. One of them being Spike who put a hand on his forehead and looked down, "Should I bother pointing out how wrong they are?"

"Just forget it - If you start now, there'll be no end to it." Makoto replied

"An airhead and her put-upon brother, this comedy sketch sorely needs a straight man. Applejack, you should join them!" Cap decided to join in their commentary, the proposal of joining the velvet siblings even as a joke getting a startled no from the mare herself.

"Well then, everyone: I will be acting as your vendor here at this concession stand." The newfound mascot of popcorn bowed deeply, continuing on his explanation of the role he'll be filling. "Not only will I be selling the current merchandise, but I will continuously add new stock as well."

"New stock? How would you receive shipments in our current situation?" Twilight asked, to which Theodore was more than ready to counter with an explanation.

"I will process the materials that you acquire within the movie into new merchandise. And, I will do so using this popcorn maker!" Somehow stepping behind the counter with the girth the popcorn god would be proud of, he began to demonstrate just how an unsuspecting popcorn maker could be used to create beneficial items that do more than taste good. "Allow me to demonstrate: For this occasion, I already have the requisite materials. I'll simply put them in the popcorn maker - then flip the switch!" Having no idea what he's doing, he rushed to grab whatever items could provide some use. There's a knife and a roll of plastic bags under the counter, these could work. Getting them both and inserting them into the popcorn maker, popping sounds started to come out of it and after a short bit it ceased, the lid opening to reveal six saddlebags, all of which themed after the velvet room rather than anypony's cutie mark. Or perhaps that would be Theo's cutie mark.

Twilight's left eye just twitched as strands of hair begun to stick out of her mane.

"There you have it: brand new bags, perfect for carrying items you can bring to me in exchange for my services. See? Wasn't that easy?"

"But, how?! I don't even know where to start with this nonsense!" Twilight yelled, refusing to just accept a knife and a plastic bag turning into a perfectly fine saddlebag with a popcorn maker. At least where she's from things made a semblance of sense but over here things were thrown out the window, at least the velvet attendant is trying fish the logic back.

"Popcorn is made by roasting corn kernels and making their internal contents expand. In other words, it's the manifestation of a kernel's hidden possibility. Thus, this miraculous metamorphosis is attainable only through a popcorn maker!" This left everyone speechless, the room becoming quiet. Too quiet. So it was up to someone to break it like a vein of diamond.

"He somehow made that work.." The one with the honor of shattering the silence being Applejack. With the world back to it's semi-natural state, Theo felt it would be right to finish that up and get started on all the duties that come with running a shop, and everypony went back to talking among themselves while trying the saddlebags on. Rarity finding the colors most ravishing because of how well it goes with her coat and mane.

Then Elizabeth and Makoto had to leave them due to something in the velvet room, then Cap and Pikman heading back to the viewing room for the movie 'Fillyglow'. This leaving everyone else to just rest and chat among themselves before they head back into the film.

That bipedal masked blob. It's there. Cap looking annoyed at it's presence while Pikman is confused about why it exists, so he decided to ask about it. "Why do you think that thing walks from here to the projector and doesn't speak to us? That's pretty rude of it.."

"I like to think it's scared and puts on that goofy mask for intimidation purposes, or maybe it's like Vinyl and can't speak. Except I know it can."

"Really? What, did you make it when I wasn't looking?"

"Nope, gut feeling."

Chapter 5 - Wait and S.E.E.S

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 6 - Cinematic Tale

Taking slow steps towards the gates leading towards the heart of the city, things became awfully quiet for a bustling city. Fitting for what's about to go down, the only noticeable sounds are that of various pegasi wings flapping and Pinkie's constant bouncing around. Then loud cheering from behind the gates when the sounds of wings lost the faint buzzing common in foals. This would be as good of a time as ever to jump in, and just that they did, Twilight utilizing her magic to force the gates open as they all walked in. Then the crowd fell into a silent murmur at the sight of those having been branded criminals heading right to where they are. Everypony in the area a tad taken back at how.. non-threatening they look. They couldn't really have all too bad intentions, right?

Though of everyone in the main group, Rarity was the first to speak up in disgust about the statue that stood firmly planted in elevated cement. "Bleugh...!"

Twilight was quick to respond, eyeing the bell that she was sure was gotten rid of. Though she was quick to remind herself that several of the same item could exist parallel to each other between dimensions. Though it's presence is still odd enough to point out, "I know, I'm starting to see how someone like Cozy Glow could be seen as an all-powerful hero. To think that's why there's no unicorns around.."

For a moment the unicorn was confused until she noticed Grogar's Bell herself, the sight making her want to faint. Not because of it's presence, but because of how much the rustic metal clashes with golden sheen of the statue. How could anyone find this presentable let alone acceptable?! "I-It's horrible... That statue is utterly reprehensible! No, even more than that - It's nothing less than a sacrilege against beauty itself!"

It was at this the sparks that ran Twilight's brain would slow down immensely, or they would if she just met Rarity today. She's actually grown so used to it that all she could do is mutter a groan while the human on her back grew curious and decided to hop off and lean forward to get a closer look. Big mistake since now he's dangerously close to vomiting and gave his own disgusted response, "Seriously... It's garbage."

Makoto's response getting Rarity to stand a little prouder with pride, knowing at least someone in their group has an eye for beauty like she does. Though that was quickly interrupted when she and the rest of her friends jumped back in shock at the sound of a loud and high-pitched voice that everyone except Makoto immediately recognized as belonging to Cozy Glow, in this case it's Fillyglow shouting as she landed in front of the statue and by extension, Fluttershy. "No, it's all of YOU who're reprehen- no, reprehansib- no, YOU ARE ALL BAD GUYS!"

With the newfound revelation that the one who runs this city is clearly a child, Makoto could only be described as underwhelmed at the moment. Though it seems his teammates felt differently seeing as they looked more agitated than usual and got into what resembled a battle stance, except Twilight who reluctantly followed suit with her friends and didn't seem nearly as enthusiastic to confront who she saw as Cozy Glow like this. Yet the filly still looked as confidant as ever as she began to speak, "HAHAHA! Well done in making it this far, evildoers of my Cozy City!"

"Why thank you, darling. Now release Fluttershy at once!" Rarity was quick to reply with false kindness in her voice which quickly went to something more fierce, as fitting as a hard hat with a bow on it.

"Nonsense! With the preparations almost complete it's nearly time to punish the trash of society before me! Not just your meek little friend, but soon all of you too!" Fillyglow exclaimed as Makoto tilted his head to the side a bit in confusion and just questioned her.

"Trash of society?"

"HAHAHA! That's right! Not only do you disobey me, the head of this city! But you sow discord among the citizens and bring only chaos to our peaceful society. How else should I refer to such garbage?"

"You fiend! I simply see no way for this self-centered attitude of yours to be in the right!" Rarity shot back, her horn began to glow that same blue hue until it cut out from a rock hitting it. The one who threw the thing coming from a hoof that belongs to Fillyglow, seems she isn't too on-board with magic.

"Self-centered? I wouldn't be too confident about that..." Fillyglow proclaimed and let the town's people speak for her.

"Those are the criminals, right?" Said a brazen stallion

"If Fillyglow says so then they have to be..." Spoke a weary foal

"If you say they're criminals, then take 'em down!" Yelled an agitated mare

Everyone in Twilight's group could only look and listen along in a mix of confusion and concern at how everypony could be supporting this Fillyglow so aggressively, like they're being held a mirror and hate what they see. Or maybe not, either way the hero of the city kept running her mouth while Makoto was reaching for the evoker fit snugly in it's holster, getting that out and waiting for the perfect time to strike when she least expects.

"You may be crooks, but golly, I have to say that it's nice how even the likes of you won't abandon your friends! But still, since you've went against me that just proves even further that you're nothing but garbage who ruins our society even further!" While that seemed to get everypony with Makoto upset, he was mostly unfazed by it and took in a deep breath, then let it go. Putting the evoker to his head once more, the trigger was pulled and the same robotic figure from before appeared before him. A moderately large ball of flame growing on a hand then being flung at the filly who was sent flying without the flapping of her wings, crashed right into the statue too, leaving several cracks where she was in the gold.

Yet that seemed to be for the worst for the main group since when she realized what was about to go down, Fillyglow enthusiastically flew a bit closer to the bell that dangled wildly after the impact but didn't fall off, perfect for gripping it with her hooves and sucking some magic enough. Though not all of it would be necessary, just enough for the wings on her back to grow out and a horn to stick out of her mane. This kind of power would be enough to shut them up, the power of an alicorn.

Flying away from the statue with more energy then usual, she decided to divebomb into the street and look up to those who defy her, several cracks making themselves known and even more rocks flying from the impact. Who knew that this is what earth ponies could do! But magic's also an option, and what better way to use it than by firing a beam straight at Twilight. Though instead of doing damage, it just surrounded her in a red aura and ricocheted off to the closeted one to her. From each pony to the next, even Makoto was inflicted with a spell that they quickly found sealed their magic, evidenced by Orpheus disappearing mid-spell and Rainbow falling out of the sky as she was about to deliver her own attack to the self-proclaimed hero of the city. Yet the filly herself just struck a pose which got quite the reaction out of the audience, then fired another laser at Pinkie, who easily dodged only for it to hit Rarity, sending the unicorn flying back far enough to almost crash into the gate. The only thing that stopped that being a lasso wrapping itself around her body and moving her back with the group, courtesy of Applejack while Twilight certainly tried.

Everyone else gave their own attempts too but at fighting back, Pinkie getting a rude awakening that her pinkie-ness has been stripped away, genuinely shocked that the only things she got out of digging through her mane are clumps of hair, frosting, and rocks. Well the frosting is always welcome, so she ate that while Rainbow galloped straight for Fillyglow and slid so their backs are facing each other, ideal for bucking her into Makoto's direction who slashed forward with his sword. Yet, she was barely affected by their team attack. Easily breaking free and flying high into the night sky, complete with flips that sent the audience into a feral frenzy. They were especially loud when Fillyglow divided into the ground from a lot higher and faster, the rocks from the impact flying everywhere, though the ones going to the audience were stopped with magic and lobbed at her opponents. She wouldn't even think to harm those she considers a friend, even if her definition is a little warped.

As for Twilight and her friends, considering the hefty amounts of rocks and their lack of magic, the group certainly tried to deflect them but with each one deflected, three more would take it's place and strike. Leaving them all close to fainting while Fillyglow laughed triumphantly, boasting about how easy it is while the rest could barely hear it. All they could do is watch as the hero of the city flew to their direction to give a finishing blow at speeds Rainbow would be proud of if it weren't for the situation. But Makoto had a counter for this, reaching into a pocket he dug out a simple white container and said to his newfound friends. "Well there isn't much we could do here, let's GoHo-M." Thus the container was thrown on the ground, teleporting them all back to the theatre, leaving Fillyglow to just look around in confusion and just.. scream in frustration. Much to the freight of the citizens of Cozy City.

Cap was busy trying to pick things up with her hooves, deciding to start simple with a pencil. Pikman was also there with a pencil on a hoof like they're magnetized, but it's just hoof magic. Something that the filly of the two can't wrap her head around, "How the peck do you do this? Are you sure you're not an alicorn?"

"Nah, I think you're just being a chicken." Pikman responded, setting the pencil down and picking it back up slowly in an attempt to give a demonstration. Cap definitely did the same motions but the magic behind it is certainly harder to replicate, though it did stick to her hoof for a solid second before dropping back on the popcorn littered ground of the theatre's viewing room for Fillyglow. "See? My great and powerful assistant is making progress!"

The two smiled and the pegasus clapped in approval, though that could also be taken as a sign of welcoming those who went into the movie back. That's what they did too, setting the pencils down and trotting over to them, Cap was the first to greet them with a question that's been burning in the back of her mind for a solid three minutes at this point. "Oh neat, you return! Where's the other one?"

"You mean Fluttershy? Good question, how come we all came back but not her!" Rainbow was quick to ask, already getting herself back into the air to question Makoto up in his face. He took a step back with that same blank look he usually has, though it's nowhere near as blank as Maud's.

"Personal space, Dashie. Besides, those have an area of effect. Though I don't know why that psychotic kid didn't come with us.." He did his best to explain, still not fully understanding how these work. If only his sister were here, she'd have the right thing to say and more, but it's best not to dwell on that. Instead he put his thoughts on something else and announced it to the rest of the group, the experience as co-field leader back with S.E.E.S coming to use. "But for now, I think it'd be best to plan out our next move and start our own preparations. Twilight, I have a feeling you know more about this than I do, any suggestions?"

"Of course, just like last time Cozy Glow was able to utilize Grogar's bell and turn herself into an alicorn. Except this time around she's learned a rather advanced spell that we've all fallen victim to. Maybe if there were a way we could take the bell without her noticing and put the magic back in the bell. But how to go about it is the hard part.." Twilight went on, Makoto tilting his head in confusion at the mention of them having gone through something vaguely similar. Looks like he's the only one who's unaware of Cozy Glow too since everyone with him looked to understand. It.. doesn't help the mild feeling of loneliness.

So here they all thought of possible solutions, more being added to the all when Spike stepped in and immediately stepped out, coming back with a manebrush that was taken by Rarity's magic and used on the mane and tail of herself and Twilight, everyone else naturally having messy hair that needn't be touched upon any further than their beds have. "So what're you all talking about this time? And why're you all beat up?" Asked Spike, to which Twilight responded.

"Apparently the Cozy Glow of this world can disable magic, something that we learned when she fought us over Fluttershy. So we're trying to think of ways to counter or disable that.."

"Well if it's anything like last time, why not just steal what's giving her that kind of power then take back Fluttershy?"

"Ok but how...?" Twilight said to herself, only getting a shrugging Spike in return who's attention turned back to Rarity. Then Makoto gave his own input.

"Since it's a city, who's to say there isn't an electric box to disable all the lights? If we're to go through with this idea I think it'd be back at that split path area. But first, I have some preparations to make. Pinkie, think you could come with me?" And just like that the two were off, Rarity having an idea of what it could be and believing she could be of use, so she followed them. Leaving the rest to make their own preparations.

"Rarity! You're joining us, that's great! I was just thinking of asking for your help too but I didn't know exactly exactly what Makoto wanted, so I held back. But here you are, it's amazing!" Pinkie exclaimed with joy as they all made their way to the area behind the ticket dispensing machine, the same one where Theodore's popcorn costume was found. It houses a wide variety of things, even stuff you wouldn't normally find in a movie theatre; like cloth of various colours and a sewing machine for some reason.

But that just made their job leagues easier, Makoto getting that out of the top shelves and into a lower one, low enough to be plugged in. "So Pinkie, what were you thinking as far as armbands go? Preferably not an orange one that says ranger, I don't feel like getting copyright striked.."

"I got it! Rarity, how about black and white ones that look like film tape?"

"Film tape? That would look absolutely stunning darling, I'll be sure to make enough for all of us!"

At this point if Pinkie were to bounce any faster she might cause an earthquake, or a fire, or both. She's really and truly too excited and some of it is rubbing off on the other two, smiles that're unable to come off adorned on their faces. So they waited with more energy than they know what to do with, Pinkie being too familiar with the feeling and beginning to sing, then Rarity, then even Makoto.

"Your movie
Your storyline
All decided
Before the curtain
Rises
How does it feel
To be inclined
T'ward fate so certain

How can you change a thing if your life
Has been written into stone?
Your life's been written into plot lines
By another
Can you make it your own?

What you gonna do what you gonna do
Your life plot written by someone but you
What you gonna do what you gonna do
Will you stand up and fight through

You are looking without seeing
It's not like you were blind
But something had you fleeing
From what you could find
Just hiding in plain sight:
You're already always free

Now you're looking and you're seeing
Your every choice is fine
No plot limits your freedom
And the story line
Is yours for the making
The road less taken
Could be where you're meant to be

Come join me
I know a path
Out of this maze
So we can be who
We are
Our truer selves
Sure we'll stumble
And we might fall too

But we'll get up and wipe the dust off
It might turn to stardust yet
This new encounter will set us off
On a new path
Where new lines intersect

What you gonna do what you gonna do
Would you be brave enough to stand up, break the rules
What you gonna do what you gonna do
Would you join me and fight through

You were moving without vision
Some hidden puppeteer
Had predefined your mission
Cut the strings he moved

And suddenly you proved:
You're already always free

Now your eyesight's gained precision
Your every choice is fine
And no more indecision
Bugs your story line
It's yours for the making
The road less taken
Could be where you're meant to be

We about to take the ride
And multiply
The path and friends
We gonna multiply
What was given
Was a bit too shady in my mind
And the roadless path
Will be constructed by us
I can't guarantee
Anything but I know that it won't be tedious yup
The more serious
I say take a breather and chill and enjoy the ride

We got up and wiped
The dust off
Our courage set us free, yeah
And now our lines
Have met in time
Our lives
Intertwined

We were moving without vision
Some hidden puppeteer
Had predefined our mission
Cut the strings he moved
And suddenly we proved:
We're already always free

Now our eyesight's gained precision
Our every choice is fine
And no more indecision
Bugs our story line
It's ours for the making
The road less taken
Could be where we're meant to be"

And before they knew it, ten armbands were made just as Pinkie requested. Naturally they put each of theirs on, Makoto setting it on the arm parallel to the one that already has his S.E.E.S armband. "Y'know, you two look great in those."

"Of course darling, most of what I make is of only the highest quality!" Rarity proclaimed proudly, enjoying how the accessory blends with her coat in the best way possible.

"I can tell, I should get Ms. Kirijo to commission you some time when this is all over, assuming we find a way to contact each other across dimensions anyway.." He went on, going from a tone that's proud of the friends he's made to a sadder one. Yet Rarity was still confident about it and did her best to comfort him.

"Oh I'm sure Discord could bring us back together in due time, though now that I think about it he's probably the reason we're in this mess. Though those dressed in a velvet blue also exude that energy for some odd reason, they seem harmless but at the same time not."

Makoto gave an understanding nod when the velvet attendants were brought up, having fought more than what's found their way into the theatre back in Yasogami High with another group of persona-users who might just rival these ponies in weirdness. Teddie and Pinkie Pie would've gotten along so well, but such is the way of life. "I'll have to ask about Discord sometime later, he sounds interesting. But still, think it's about time we gave these to the rest of the gang?" He asked and got the two getting up in response, Rarity picking up all the armbands with her magic as they all made their way to meet up with the others.

Everypony was out doing various things either for preparations or just leisure. Twilight was making her way out of the Velvet Room, Applejack getting items with the help of Theodore and his popcorn machine, Rainbow Dash re-reading a Daring Do book she brought with her with intentions to show Sunset in place of her flying, Spike trying to figure out the ticket booth, Finally Cap and Pikman were doing their hoof-holding exercise again away from others out of the earth pony's embarrassment. When Makoto, Rarity, and Pinkie came back, everyone's attention was on them with curiosity in their eyes about the floating accessories. Since Pinkie suggested they come into existence, she was the one to announce it, "Attention Everypony! I present to you all, Friendship Armbands: Movie Edition!"

Right on the non-existent cue, Rarity was sure to float one to everyone except the velvet attendants. Looks of approval were shown throughout all their faces as they put theirs on, the scene getting Rarity to giggle to herself and stomp her front hooves in excitement.

Then Twilight made her way to Makoto with her own announcement to make, "Guess who just learned that unicorns and alicorns could use the Velvet Room, this gal!"

Surprise didn't even begin to cover what he felt, but because of his quiet nature all they saw was his single visible eye widen in shock, "So you can summon Personas too?"

"Not quite, I find it rather unnecessary since I can already do magic. So instead Elizabeth gave me a Persona and now I can use whatever skills it had. Right now I'm going with Ame-No-Uzume! So don't be shocked if I blow you away with my newfound healing skills!" She definitely sounded proud of herself, but was brought down a little by Spike and Elizabeth all the way from the Velvet Room booing her for that series of puns.

"Nice, looks like we're even better equipped to head into the movie. What say the rest of you?" Looks like Makoto is proud of what the alicorn can do, the excitement building up for when they head back in. It looks like everyone's ready too, everyone except Rarity who wanted to try the Velvet Room for herself. But contrary to his expectations, she was quick about it with a colder aura than usual, already making her way to the movie while bidding goodbye to Elizabeth. The rest of them following the unicorn back to Cozy City through the same big screen-portal.

Author's Note

Apparently I'm new to writing fights so I think this should give things an interesting twist :twistnerd:

Chapter 7 - Nothing Is Promised

There it is, that gate where Fluttershy and Fillyglow surely are. It's tempting but Twilight and her friends came back with a plan that doesn't involve getting the hee ho beat out of them in such a one-sided way. So she teleported them all to the last avenue they were at with a simple pop that got a nearby citizen to heavily consider putting a stop to drinking. The intersection is where they ended up though, this time they all made their way to the right side, pushing a set of doors that resembled dumpsters more than doors. So those were set aside with magic since the only one who'd touch that is Applejack, even then she'd heavily hesitate. Then for some reason there's another down the corner of this one, it's like this is the intersection of garbage, and with the stench that no one can tolerate it might as well be. Making their way out as fast as they possibly could, Rainbow busted through the filthy doors and left them open long enough for everyone to get out, closing them the second Makoto got out so the smell couldn't breach containment.

Slowing down a more casual trot for most of the group, things went back to as normal as things could be. Clouds standing out in the night sky, several spotlights decorating the night sky, red searchlights stopping the group in their tracks, and the lights in several apartments cutting out showing that it's about time for some to rest in the abyss of the night. Wait a moment, those searchlights again! More of them halting their progress dead in their tracks, with an annoyed groan from a certain pegasus, they all turned around to look for the switch, surprised to find one that's a tad different from the rest right in front of them, the difference being red and green lights to the side of it, but only the red light was lit up. With a flip of the switch by a purple hoof, the spotlights in their way cut out and green ones lit up in front of the garbage corner. "A two-way security system, maybe I should have these installed at the castle.." Twilight spoke to herself which took Makoto by surprise, even if he didn't show it much.

"Castle? Are you royalty where you're from? Maybe those with both a wings and a horn are, or not. Enlighten me."

"Well the proper term would be Alicorn, and just because somepony is one doesn't make them royalty, I've seen.. quite a few just living their lives. And to answer your question, I've actually been the princess of friendship for quite some time now but recently I've been appointed the princess of Equestria. It's a lot of responsibility but I'm sure I can handle it, especially with my friends to back me." Looking to the rest of her friends as they went on in search of something to disable the lights with, they each gave their own looks and cheers of approval, Pinkie's being a literal cheer. Makoto just deadpanned in response, not sure what to make of it and having no idea how to respond, so he walked alongside the others in silence. Even when they came across another set of searchlights, these being that same green colour that Twilight already knew how to respond with, that being flying to the switch and coming back to re-group, and the walking and talking forward could commence as normal, like Makoto asking about Equestria after he's had some time to think about what Twilight had to say.

Their progress came to a screeching halt once more when coming close to those same robots that stand guard at the searchlights, it stood lifelessly while watching and waiting for those deemed criminals by Fillyglow. Good thing it's looking in the direction opposite of them so Twilight can freely teleport back to the switch, flip it, and teleport back. Causing it to move in the same set path from before, which so happens to be where Twilight and her friends are so they were sure to get out the way and keep moving forward to more green searchlights and another robot of the same model. Groaning at this and teleporting back mid-way through, she returned in front of the robot just as it started it's set path. Though it didn't step on her, instead mechanical tentacle-like appendages sprung forward in an attempt to secure and contain it's target. Though considering its hulking size, it comes to no surprise that it's slow enough for the alicorn to fly away with the only contact being a claw brushing against her tail for less than a second. Then she flew as far away from it as possible with the rest of her friends following from a distant, except Rainbow Dash who easily kept up until they both slowed down to keep up with the pace of the rest.

Together now, they were quick to spot a cop standing guard at a seemingly random location, just besides a manhole. (Or would it be a ponyhole?) "Oh great, another one of them." Rarity spoke with hostility in her voice, "But why's he standing over there?" She asked without expecting an answer out of anyone, just openly stating her curiosity over the presence of the police pony.

"Maybe he's just slacking off, he definitely looks like the lazy type." Rainbow responded which got an annoyed look out of Rarity.

"No matter the world, I highly doubt they'd let an enforcer of the law be like that! No, I believe he has a purpose!" Eyeing the area, she spotted the manhole and took note of the fact that it's open, basically confirming that's what's being guarded. Now to find out how to gain access, she turned to Twilight and Makoto specifically since she feels like they know the most on things like this. "Upon closer examination I've come to the conclusion that an entrance underground is being guarded, I now ask you two what you think would be the best way to get to it."

"Well.. considering how trigger happy they were to arrest us when we first got here, I don't think talking it out is going to be an option. Plus I could freeze him in place but I could only do it for so long, and if I teleport him, I'm sure he'd report the location of where he was and more of them would be on our tails. Leaving us with the only option to.. take him out." Twilight stated, clearly hesitant to be the one to start a battle but feeling that it's a better alternative than being surrounded by cops. Or even worse, whatever those shadow-like creatures are that she found alongside Makoto.

Speaking of him, he's completely indifferent to it and just said, "I don't care." Then drew his sword, already walking up to the pony before being stopped by Rarity extending a foreleg.

"Wait - I'd like to propose an idea first. After taking him down, why don't we avail ourselves of his uniform as well?" Spoke the mare which got a confused look out of everyone in the group, even those back in the theatre.

Wondering what she intends to do with the uniform, Rainbow was just about to make a joke about the next line of clothes being uniform-themed, but she was beat out by Makoto who simply stated, "Strip the cop? Dang, you should at least take him out to dinner first."

This got a giggle out of Rainbow and Pinkie, Applejack and Twilight looking annoyed and a bit sickened while Rarity's face went from a pristine white to a tomato-like red. "Darling! I hope you realize some things are better left un-said! But still, the uniform is a just in-case measure. Like if we come across more cops I'm sure we could sneak past them this way."

They all gave their own nods of approval and approached the cop who was quick to react to the sight of several species that according to Fillyglow shouldn't exist, "Ah - Suspicious characters! You're all under arrest!" Apparently Rainbow's right too, getting a closer look they can all easily tell that this one's the lazy type too. But what nopony saw coming was the cop going from green to pitch black and melting into the floor, then re-appearing as four separate beings, all those same obese police-like shadows with a gaping hole in the middle of their stomach with a key in the center and munching down on a donut.

Being the fastest out of all them, Rainbow was the first to move by flying back and delivering a kick to one of the shadows, the force causing it to spit it's donut out and be knocked into another shadow. With their attention on Rainbow, Rarity was able to light her horn and have a cold wind come out of it, the wind circling around all the shadows and growing stronger by the second and before they knew it, they were all trapped in a prison of ice. Now it's Makoto's turn, who brought forth Orpheus and had it play a tune with it's harp, that being a song of flames that had all the shadows overheat and quickly got the ice to melt, so much so that it even set them on fire. They're almost down and they all knew it, Twilight being the one to finish their attack chain with a wind attack. By itself it wouldn't have done much but coupled with the flames, it only intensified them and quickly had them incinerated. Ending the battle with cheers all around and shadow corpses crawling together to go back to their pony form, good thing that uniform is still as good as they found it! Just slightly sweaty, who knew equestrian ponies could sweat..

Tearing the uniform off with her magic, Rarity held it far enough from her so she wouldn't endure the scent of somepony else's sweat. Yet when they all went down the manhole, they ended up in a sewer that got the mare to stick her snout in the clothing she once rejected. It's all so bitter and sour that it's nearly overwhelming, yet looking to the rest they seem just fine, showing that it's just a her thing. Though for being sewers worth guarding it's awfully empty, just a straight tunnel without anything to light the way, so Twilight and Rarity lit their horns to illuminate the area, showcasing a large machine with various small levers and one big one to the side.

"Why would anyone.. put the lights switch in the sewer of all places? It's so impractical it looks like it's out of desperation." Applejack said, pausing when she heard the sounds of hooves stepping across a thin layer of water over cracked cement. Thankfully the sound is coming from the entrance which gave them a bit of time to prepare for whatever's coming next. "Well Rarity, looks like that disguise is about to come to use. Welcome to the force." And the unicorn was sure to follow up with AJ's statement, putting the outfit on, quite a few in the group immediately noticed that it looked more like a cosplay then an actual cop, Applejack being one of them. "Y'know.. I haven't seen a single cop with make-up on, are you sure this will work?"

"Nonsense, darling! Nonsense! I'm sure the outfit alone will do just fine, observe!" Moving the hat on-top of her horn and cutting the light out from under there, she took a few steps forward to confront the cop, one who looks like he'd pass out at any moment due to a severe lack of sleep. "Backup isn't necessary at the moment, for I've arrested those who go against Fillyglow right when they were going to sabotage the lights."

"We would've gotten away with it too if it weren't for you meddling cops!" Pinkie exclaimed to really sell it, and so far it did since the police pony looked convinced and ready to leave. Having only one more thing to say out of suspicion from what he saw before entering.

"Alrighty then, just give me the password."

"Eh? The password?"

"Yep, we found an officer missing his uniform and I'm making sure that you aren't an impostor. So, password."

Looking around the area out of nervousness, she wasn't prepared in the slightest for this. Thankfully as she looked back, her friends looked ready to step in if push comes to shove. But as for the password, she just went with the first thing that came to mind. "Trick question, darling. There is no password!"

"Alright, I'm out. Good luck containing them Miss...?"

"Cave.. Johnson. Well, I'm sure you can get the last one, farewell for now."

"Isn't that a stallion's name? Eh, I'm sure you have your own reasons. I should really go and get a refresher on how they all look like.." Then he walked away and climbed the ladder back outside, oblivious to what 'Cave Johnson' just mentioned, it's already being set into action. Though there isn't much action to it, just Pinkie jumping and wrapping her forelegs around the big lever and letting gravity do the rest while flicking the smaller levers at random with her tail. Then the sounds of rushing hooves against a metallic ladder could be heard making it's way down following the general lack of light in the city, but what the now-awakened cop was nothing. Just the sparkles of twilight left behind after a teleportation spell back to the town square.

"Citizens of Cozy City, this is a public announcement. The exhibition at Cozy Glow Square for punishing the evildoers will finally begin. I repeat..." Spoke another cop who looked suspiciously like Rarity, the only differences being the lack of a horn and make-up. Despite the public's excitement for such an event, the officer sounded unenthusiastic, like they're being forced into it and just want to get to something else.

"Looks like those folks who defied Fillyglow are finally getting punished!" Exclaimed an excited mare

"If Fillyglow says they're evil, then it was bound to happen!" Nervously yelled a younger pony.

Flying proudly in alicorn form, the hero of the city stayed there for a bit to really soak in the public's praise, it's so nice, it's such a shame she knew it wouldn't last long, even if it's her job to prolong it as much as possible. Wild magic tends to do that, and being forced to use enough to turn her into.. this didn't feel right. But it's all for these loyal citizens that she's here to protect, it's only fitting that she keeps acting like the hero they need. "HAHAHA! As you all know, I am the absolute justice of this city!"

"Yeah!"

"If we just follow Fillyglow, our city will be peaceful, right?!"

"Indeed! It's only through my- no, our existence that Cozy City's peace is maintained! However, violators of that peace have appeared. Anyone who opposes me is evil and a criminal, but don't worry, for I'll always be there to punish this evil disrupting our peace with my own justice!" With her words of reassurance, more cheers from the crowd roared in excitement much to Fillyglow's pleasure. The sounds of hooves hitting against the pavement starting to mimic an earthquake with their own ponified clapping.

"Now, let's start the countdown! Those who threaten our peace are to be punished by my own hoof!" Fillyglow announced, the surrounding lights all around the city cutting in and out for each number to show that everypony's taking part in this. Starting off with a, "Five!" Both the crowd and Fillyglow said simultaneously while her horn started to glow a deep red, though not yet at Fluttershy since right now all her attention is at the crowd.

"Four!" They all shouted, the Rarity-lookalike beginning to fidget in place while Fluttershy did her best to slip out of the confines of being wrapped in rope, to no success. Only being able to look in terror at what's going on, the fear subsiding just a bit after seeing a familiar figure making it's way in the crowd.

"Three!" The figure in the darkness rushed through the crowd with urgency, only stopping once the lights cut out. This caused the crowd to shout in panic while Fillyglow looked around in confusion, flying around searching for who or whatever's the cause, getting that answer in the form of Twilight's teleportation leaving her and the rest of her group in front of the statue where Fluttershy's tied up, everyone except Rarity. Though those who are present were all quick to act, Rainbow and Applejack getting Fluttershy out of the rope wrapped around her and Twilight levitating Grogar's bell to her, already at it putting the magic back from what Fillyglow's taken for herself.

Naturally she wouldn't go down without a fight, flying towards Twilight and ready to fire the laser that she's been charging, that ended up being fired straight up into the sky when Rarity landed on her. Leaving the filly to have her horn retract back into her body and her wings regressed significantly to a pair that could be mistaken for belonging to a certain flightless foal were it not for their colour. Of course, Rarity was quick to step off when she realized just what she was standing on.

Now with Fluttershy stretching her wings and thanking everyone, even shortly exchanging names with Makoto. It looks like it's time for the curtains to fall on this film. Yet against Twilight's better judgement, she wasn't satisfied. Laying in-front of her being A Cozy Glow, and after the one in her dimension being turned to stone alongside Chrysalis and Tirek, she couldn't help but feel guilty about it. As if she failed her as a teacher and that things could've been prevented with Cozy Glow. At least a reformation like Discord and Starlight, but if she were to be released from her stone prison now, then surely the other two would be. Leaving the filly better left as a sour memory and thought as what could've been. But unlike what once was with things like Moondancer or a library book that never got returned on time, this memory would never leave Twilight. So hopefully talking to this one would help.

"Cozy Glow, it's me, Twilight. I'm not sure.. exactly where to start. Maybe it'd be best to apologize for how I let you down, though you probably wouldn't understand what for since you just look like the one I knew." The alicorn went on, attempting to start something up with the filly that just growled in annoyance and sat up to listen, gathering what little strength she could muster for a last ditch effort at getting rid of these criminals. "But still, I guess it'd be better for me to just say what I've had on my mind for far too long. You may not forgive me now or ever, but I'm sorry. For not knowing that you were sending letters to Tirek out of everyone and letting him manipulate you into taking all the magic in Equestria out, for getting the Cutie Mark Crusaders in trouble when you just wanted to help them join the school of friendship, for sending you to Tartarus instead of getting you the help you deserve, and.. imprisoning you in stone with other villains who deserved better. Even if you're not my Cozy Glow, it's still nice to finally say this."

After everything that was said, Twilight sounded like she was on the verge of tears yet none of those were shed. As for Fillyglow, she was taken back and unsure of how to respond. Did she even want to fight after hearing just how genuine it felt coming from Twilight? Maybe not, but something inside of her, no, on her got her to say otherwise. With eyes beginning to take on a red aura, the gem on Cozy's alicorn amulet began to glow as she responded. "Touching, isn't it? I almost want to let you go on your way and give you this." Reaching into her outfit, a stylized key that fits the city perfectly was held around her foreleg.

"So you know that we're in a movie?!" Twilight asked, the guilt and sadness quickly leaving her in place of curiosity, wondering just how it'd feel for somepony to know they're just a piece of media.

"Of course! There's a large assortment of locks in the theatre, and this would get rid of one of them. If you can escape with this key, you'd have to get into more movies and retrieve more if you truly want to escape. Though I'm tasked with making sure that a certain somepony doesn't leave, and you're making that really difficult! But unlike my previous incarnations, whether it be that weird parody or Kamoshida, I'll be more then ready to take you down!" Jumping up and taking flight, a deep black and purple aura surrounded her with two rolls of film tape spinning so fast in opposite directions of each other that not even Rainbow Dash could make out what's on there. But what Rainbow and everyone else could make out is what came out of the aura, she's still recognizable as Cozy Glow. But a lot larger, big enough to rival several buildings in the city, though still smaller than Tirek at his full power. Her mane and tail have also grew along with the height increase, growing more wild and unkempt the more it strayed from it's usual curliness, in a stark contrast to what the bows that adorn her head and tail would keep in check. Those grew wild as well, some even finding a way to wrap around her torso. Though not nearly as much as the armor that's taken the place of the hero outfit, an unmissable rook shape making itself known across her chestplate and shoes, along with the helmet, all are made of a bronze. Finally there's the wings, the feathers having been shed for something more bat-like. Yet the newly grown horn is back and taller than ever, fitting for an alicorn and princess of Cozy City.

This.. is Chaos Cozy.

"Whoa! What the heck?!" Yelled Rainbow in shock, surprised that she has to fight that.

"N-no way!" Said Twilight, unsure of how to feel about taking down a variant of this filly again. Especially after venting to her, she still knew what had to be done. Taking to the sky and charging her horn with several sparks of electricity crackling around it, that was fired at Fillyglow and easily countered by the hero of the city, a red beam clashing against Twilight's own then overpowering it, knocking the alicorn out of the air and into the ground while Fillyglow laughed maniacally.

Though that laughing ceased when those much smaller than her still persisted in fighting, even after what they've seen happen to Twilight. Whether it be high-speed kicks from above, Ice magic surrounding her legs, A short-sword cutting at what it could reach, Powerful kicks to break the ice, or things that Fillyglow herself couldn't properly put into words, they all weren't doing much damage. She actually felt bad for them, but an unfair fight that they have to overcome is in the script, so it's a part she must play to the best of her ability. Though with the power she was given from a source that a mere amulet could only hope to achieve, it was painfully easy raining lasers down on all who opposed her. Yet it wasn't as easy getting them to hit, that rainbow pegasus and party pony especially being insistent on not getting hit. Plus Twilight got up, and already she's flying to her friend's side and erecting shields to protect them. Disgusting.

"Welcome back, Your Majesty. In case you can't tell our attacks aren't doing anything and without a navigator I'm having a harder time finding a weakness. Any ideas since you're more familiar with that!" Makoto asked Twilight from within her shield that's already being whittled away by Fillyglow, pointing to the monstrous pony with a finger with urgency in his words and actions.

Though she's having a difficult time responding, already putting all of her focus and magical energy into the shield that's moments away from being shattered. Fluttershy was the one to answer in the alicorn's place, albeit in a volume that's difficult for someone who's always wearing headphones to hear. "Well.. I'm not sure if it's the best idea but.. when I was tied up and watching you fight Fillyglow for the first time, I couldn't help but notice that something as simple as a pebble to the horn was enough to stop Rarity's magic. Maybe.. that could apply here too." Good thing he could always lower the volume so he could hear certain teammates better, kind of like when his own navigator first joined S.E.E.S, Fluttershy is really starting to remind him of her. Though the song he's currently playing is great, her suggestion is even better and it's about time to take the offensive in a meaningful way.

"Fluttershy, if you can, I'd appreciate it if you can get a feel for the enemy's weakness. Twilight, we got a plan ready so your barrier won't be necessary. Everyone else, we're targeting Fillyglow's horn in any way we can!" Makoto's role as co-field leader of S.E.E.S started to kick in full gear, maybe a bit too much since Fluttershy doesn't have a Persona, let alone one for navigation. Yet she and the rest of them did their best to fulfill his commands, Twilight acting first by setting down her shield just when Fillyglow was charging up an especially powerful laser, though that only struck the tip of Twilight's tail as everyone split up and did their separate thing. Rainbow and Twilight taking to the skies and gathering all the clouds they could find, the two of them kicking and fusing the newly formed mass of cloud with magic until any more would cause it to explode. As for Pinkie and Applejack, they made their way up the pony that towered over them in their own different ways. Applejack using her lasso to grip at parts of the hero's mane and bow to swing from one part to another until reaching the head of the bigger alicorn, Pinkie, however, just brought out her party cannon from Celestia-knows-where and shot herself to Fillyglow's head. As for Rarity, she couldn't teleport and knew that her frosty wind couldn't reach that kind of height, so why not strike from down here? With a glow from her own horn, an earthquake-like rumble could be heard from the shaking ground, all that to produce a gem. Then another, then even more. She knew exactly what to do with this. Makoto Yuki, he summoned Orpheus and had it play a song on it's harp, though it didn't look like much from an outsider's perspective, everypony he's allied himself with felt stronger, what he cast is Matarukaja. Finally, Fluttershy. She flew around, curious how to even find a weakness, but she's trying her best.

"Everything's in place, now!" He shouted to his teammates, the pitch-black cloud exploding straight downwards after being struck by Rainbow and Twilight's team kick, Pinkie and Applejack bucking with full force as if they're still on a farm, and Rarity commanding all the jewels she's found tucked beneath the ground to be sent straight towards Fillyglow's horn. With all the damage being applied in one fell swoop, it snapped off and got sent flying in a way that would give Fizzlepop flashbacks. This caused Fillyglow to scream out in terror from the weight of all those attacks combined, yet that didn't hurt nearly as much as how it felt seeing her horn go flying off.

"I got it, this one's weak to fire!" Fluttershy announced as she flew around her friends so they'd all be aware. How she came to that conclusion is anyone's guess, the announcement getting a devilish grin out of Makoto that gave Twilight an idea of what's about to go down. So she picked Applejack and Pinkie off of Fillyglow's head with her magic and set them back onto the ground. Seeing this, Rainbow flew back while dodging the magic burst that came out of Fillyglow's unstable magic, the pegasus trusting Twilight's judgement in clearing the way for what Makoto quite literally has cooking. With a pulled trigger planted directly on his head and a summoned Persona, he had it bring forth a flaming pillar that grew even taller than Fillyglow could hope to be. Having to endure that alongside being caught on fire, she cried out in anguish but that could barely be heard over the roar of the flames and the stomping from the hero's hooves attempting to take just one of them down, but the fire that refuses to die out is blinding her. Even flapping her wings wasn't doing anything helpful, just fanning the flames to a point where she couldn't handle it.

Falling over on her side, she shrunk back to her usual cute yet cruel self in a defeated silence, thankful that at least the flames died down in the transformation back. Though what she wasn't thankful of is the fact that Twilight is still here, it's even worse considering how she looks to be pitying her, yet the two stood in each other's presence without saying a word. Then someone else broke their silence, someone from the crowd. "Fillyglow told us she was absolute justice. Maybe.. maybe she actually isn't justice incarnate. Either way, out of all the things to watch, that was one of them."

"Dang, they don't seem to care about Fillyglow anymore." Said Pinkie in a casual manner, getting a nod of approval from both her friends and the audience around her, a group she fully intends on coming back to.

"Pitiful.." Rarity said to herself, ready to leave at any moment.

"Nngh.. My justice.. The city.. doesn't need it?" Fillyglow said to herself, Twilight ready to respond on how she needs to be a better leader, but the pegasus already threw the key at the alicorn's hooves and flew off, something she let happen.

"Well, it looks like we're no longer needed here. I think it's about time we head back, what do you all think?" Twilight asked as she picked the key up, the magic cutting out for a brief second from time to time, a crystal clear sign that she's been using it too much in such a short span. So teleportation is out of the picture, and they all have things on their mind to say, so walking and talking back to the theatre wouldn't be too bad of an idea.

"A movie theatre?!" Said Fluttershy in disbelief at what Makoto was talking about, but he's so nice and gets along with the rest that she has no choice but to believe him.

"Yep, inside there would be two other ponies, Spike, and two others from my world." Responded Makoto, already easing up just being in her presence.

The two went on as well as everyone else as they made their way back, even the robots de-activated and the dragons halted their patrol. A group of cops even approached them asking to sign their hats, one of them being that Rarity-lookalike who the real Rarity took pleasure in speaking with, so much so that she had to be dragged back by Applejack. Things were uneventful going forward, the group finding the portal back to the theatre and jumping through it.

They were greeted by thunderous applause from Cap, Pikman, Spike, Elizabeth, and Theodore. It may not have been as much as back inside the movie, but it certainly made them feel more like stars. Everyone except Fluttershy who instinctively cowered behind Twilight, then stuck her head out to survey how bad of a crowd it is, surprised to find so little of an amount of viewers that hiding herself became more embarrassing than usual. So she stepped out from behind Twilight and trotted down the steps alongside her friends, already being greeted with an Elizabeth that got out of her seat with something in hand, another film-themed armband that matches the rest was being extended from the velvet attendant to Fluttershy, who accepted it and slipped it on, enjoying how it looks alongside the others.

"Oh, where are my manners! I'm Elizabeth, an attendant of the Velvet Room. There's my brother, Theodore, another Velvet Attendant. The pony with a hat is Pikman and the one without one is Cap, please be sure not to mix them up. Finally the baby dragon you see there is Spike, if there's anything you wish to know, feel free to ask." Elizabeth stated, pointing to everyone that was brought up and bowing when she was done speaking. Though no matter how many times she does that, her hat never falls off. Weird.

"Umm.. I already know who Spike is. But why are we in a theatre?" Asked Fluttershy, which no one knew how to respond to. So the velvet attendant just said the first thing that came to mind that would deflect the question somewhere else, like the sun.

"Isn't that something for you to find out? After all, I distinctly remember Fillyglow saying that she was tasked with keeping some pony in, among other things, of course."

"You're right, Elizabeth. I'm curious myself on just who she could've been referring to, not to mention how Makoto and his team ties into all this too. But for now.." Twilight cut in, levitating the key higher to be the new focus of attention. The magic surrounding it cutting in and out more often, showing that she could barely keep it up. Rarity looked to agree, taking the key in her magic and heading to the front door with Twilight and the rest following her.

"Wow, there's so many locks. Whoever's here must really be intent on keeping us here." Fluttershy went on, gazing upon the four locks containing them. "If only Discord were still here, he'd have us out in an instant!"

"Still here? That makes it sound like you saw him in the movie." Twilight pressed onward, curious if she actually saw Discord here and how he'd know they're here.

"Yeah, in the countdown I saw him in a really weird costume. Then when the lights cut out he froze and when you teleported in, he disappeared."

"Yep, that definitely sounds like a Discord thing for him to do, only stepping in to help when absolutely necessary. I'd love to think more on things, like what the original version of that movie was, or who Kamoshida is. But I'd like this door to be a step closer to open, Rarity, if you will." Twilight asked, something that the unicorn happily responded to by sticking the key in the lock that fit the theme. Turning it got both the key and the lock to produce a bright and blinding light, but only for a short moment. For when it stopped, they were both gone, leaving behind three locks.

"Well that's that, Darling. I don't know about all of you, but I'm going to rest for a bit before we look for more keys. Plus this uniform is not something I wish to be in any longer. Farewell for now." And just like that, Rarity was off. Then Fluttershy with Makoto, who wanted to know more about his world and what it's like living on an island. Pinkie Pie was next to take her leave, curious if she can make use of the Velvet Room in any way besides being a place that looks and sounds nice. Rainbow's stomach growled so she decided to tend to that over at Theo's stand. This leaving Applejack and Twilight Sparkle.

"If you want to talk about it, sugarcube, I'm here to listen and give my own take on it." Said Applejack, walking to and sitting on a nearby couch, motioning for Twilight to join her. Something that the alicorn accepted, taking a seat alongside AJ, she had a bit of trouble forming her thoughts into a concise statement, but did her best as any good princess should.

"Well the thing that's bothering me the most is just who's intentionally being kept here? I have a feeling it's me but it could very well be somepony else like Pinkie, Rainbow, or Cap."

Author's Note

Writing and summer school do NOT go together, so I can't do this once a week. And honestly I'm losing my motivation to keep this up.. :pinkiesick:

Chapter 8 - Popcorn

Apparently not even Pinkie could use the Velvet Room, truly proving that it's exclusive to Wild Cards and general magic users. But she didn't mind, for she's actually on a mission to find out just where that music is coming from and who's playing it. Asking Elizabeth did provide a clue though, the velvet attendant just saying that Nameless and Belladonna plays it. When asked who they are and where they are, she stayed silent with a playful grin, most likely withholding information on purpose. Something that Pinkie wouldn't be satisfied with, so she put on a detective's hat and pipe, blowing bubbles into it as she went outside the Velvet Room to press anyone who seems like they'd know. Makoto was the obvious first choice since he uses the Velvet Room the most and Elizabeth has been knowing him for what feels like almost a year.

His discussion with Fluttershy was still going on, and it only intensified when Rarity decided to join them. All three of them sharing how their worlds are alike and different, then that topic changed to the adventures they've had in their respective worlds when Tartarus was brought up. Fluttershy being immediately appalled at the fact that Makoto's team goes to Tartarus to exterminate shadows, but after some explanations she seemed fine with it. Not for or against it, wondering if it's possible to reach a middle-ground with the shadows, or if a bear-y nice shadow exists. She'd have to find out if they can be communicated with the next time they're encountered, since due to her experience with Angel Bunny and to a lesser extent, Discord, she's rightfully confident in dealing with things commonly seen as evil.

Just when they were going to bring up their less exciting day-to-day adventures, which is essentially hanging out with friends and that one person you don't get along with but they're in the group anyway since other's enjoy them for some reason. Pinkie bounced in a literal sense, it'd be weird if she didn't. This got the attention of the three, though at the moment she's only interested in Makoto. "Say, do you know anything about Nameless and Belladonna? All I got to go off of is that they play the song in the Velvet Room, but I can't find them anywhere. It's like they're.. i n v i s i b l e."

"I've only heard of them twice, both of which just mentioned off-handedly outside the Velvet Room. Sounds like you should find someone else to ask. Though I don't know who else would be connected to that place.." Said Makoto, Pinkie taking it as more empty words she wouldn't be satisfied with, purely more fuel for her pipe, and the amount of bubbles being blown somehow proved she did it in a literal sense. Then she trotted off to the concession stand, leaving Rarity to continue their discussion with a new topic, particularly how Pinkie is vaguely reminding them of how she acts around a certain somepony named Star Dancer.

Rainbow was enjoying a carrot dog with far too many toppings, the sheer amount causing Theo to fear for the cleanliness of the carpet, though those fears were soon relieved seeing as she ate it quick enough to be true to her name. The pegasus then requested another, scarfing it down at a pace that's somehow faster than last time. Not a good idea when Pinkie's in the area, especially when she just popped up besides Theo, startling the two and getting the pegasus to choke on her food. Gagging in a feeble attempt to get a problematic onion piece out of her throat, Theodore was there to slap her on the back and get it out of the mare's throat. "Oh. . hey Pinkie, I didn't expect you here. The carrot dogs are great, though not food cart quality. I'm not sure why but apparently the more illegal it is, the better it tastes. For some reason that applies to inter-dimensional carrot dogs to some extent, you interested?"

"Carrot dogs?! I'd love to!" Pinkie said excitedly, a bit hungry herself to the displeasure of Theodore who had to endure the creation of one with frosting as it's topping. Thankfully this one was eaten in one fell swoop, it might as well have been inhaled, seems like being a pink bundle of chaos gives you that ability. "Oh yeah, Theo! Second in command of The Blue Brigade also known as Velvet Navy! You know anything about a Nameless and Belladonna? Elizabeth is being weird about them and Makoto doesn't know about them, so I'm asking you!"

"The pianist and the singer who cover their eyes and ears while performing, they're fellow denizens of the Velvet Room who provide the music. A track that's designed to sooth the very soul, though when the Velvet Room took the shape of the elevator, they've begun to.. reside in different areas that most wouldn't see at first glance." Theo went on while restocking the hot dog rolling machine with mostly carrots with some hot dogs sprinkled in.

"So what you're saying is that this isn't your average everyday hide-and-seek.." Taking her hat and pipe off and stuffing it back into the hammerspace known as her mane, she was ready to begin a search starting at the Velvet Room. "This is advanced hide-and-seek!" And she was off to the Velvet Room in search of the attendants that have been lost to time, only stopping in her tracks when she heard the voice of the loudspeaker begin to speak, oddly enough it has a deep male monotone voice.

"We have an announcement for our customers, A new movie will begin showing in theatre 2 momentarily. I repeat.."

Since everyone has an idea of how things go around here, they all made their way to the second theatre, and just like Fillyglow this one also has a large amount of promotional material in-front of its door. This one's theme being dinosaurs, something that caught everyone's interest, especially Spike and Fluttershy who were more than interested in seeing actual dinosaurs live and how they differentiated themselves from dragons. Stepping inside after messing with the cardboard cut-outs for a bit, they all made their way to the seats closest to the screen, some surprised to find Cap and Pikman already there, Cap covering her ears with her eyes fiercely shut while Pikman was there to comfort her by setting a wing over her, even if just being there is enough.

"Hey you two, what.. happened here?" Rainbow asked, her voice getting the filly to take her hooves off her ears and open her eyes, yet Pikman was the one to respond.

"I'm not entirely sure, she just got like this when the speaker came up." Spoke the younger pegasus, Rainbow not entirely sure why and just being sure to sit next to the two, the rest following by taking their own seats. Ponies in the front and bipeds in the row behind them.

"So you know that masked blob?" Asked Rainbow before being shushed by Pinkie when the curtains began to rise and the screen lit up, that same countdown from when everyone arrived showing up on the screen until it hit zero, cutting out and revealing an island inhabited only by animals.

"On a remote island in the distant sea.." The trailer started, showcasing shots of various plants and trees that don't grow anywhere near Ponyville nor Tatsumi Port Island, even tracks that vaguely resemble most dragons which stopped at an entrance way to another area of the rainforest, the object clearly looking out of place with it's metallic look and caution sign, yet fitting in due to the claw marks and how it looks so worn down the lights on it ceased to function. "There exists a theme park of living dinosaurs, revived through genetic manipulation." The booming stomp of a dinosaur could be heard all throughout the theatre thanks to it's speakers, a shot of it's eye being clear despite various leaves obscuring the rest of it's face, for some reason the unknown dinosaur had makeup on.

"When the humans left, the island became a natural habitat for the once-lost creatures." Similarly to the last dinosaur shown on-screen, a running herd of what loosely resembled velociraptors had hair. Well-kept straight hair at that which flowed almost too naturally as they ran from whatever predator could be after them. Perhaps the hoard of pterodactyl flying high above them? Their eyeliner making them look like they were born in the uncanny valley. "It was a land ruled by the carnivores, where the law of the jungle prevailed!" Taking the focus away from the herd of velociraptors, a shot of what may be a T-rex was shown giving a ferocious roar. "Meanwhile, the herbivores struggled to survive in this harsh world." Then the larger dino began chase after the herd, a battle of legwork that the smaller group had a feeling they wouldn't win as they felt the shaking of the earth hit harder with each step. "Desperate and powerless, they formed herds as they struggled to escape the carnivores.." Somehow finding something inside themselves to sprint even faster, they came across a bridge that's too narrow for the predator to even step on without having it break. So it roared and stomped off in annoyance as the prey made their way across the bridge. It was going well, but no matter the species of dinosaur, they weigh far too much for something made with humans in mind. They even found out themselves when the bridge snapped in half when the last member of the herd almost made it across, thankfully it hung on the edge of the cliff where the bridge once stood, rickety but proud.

"At this time, an evil rises from within the ranks: one that can't take a hint and fall in line! No one agrees with her, yet she continues to oppose the herd with their opinions! Numbers don't lie! The majority rules!" This time a scene centered on dinosaur with brown hair, a stark contrast to the rest of the herd with black hair. Each scene with her had her talking to the rest, in one shot she was up-beat, and the other the girl was worried. Yet the rest of the herd only had fear in their eyes as they walked off forward leaving her behind at such a distance no one can tell they're associated. Yet she followed anyway, running to the front of the herd in an attempt to stop them with tears in her eyes. But she was already cast out from the herd, so no matter what she said would get through to them. "A useless opinion voiced by a lone dissenter is nothing but a nuisance! Will the righteous majority ever be able to silence the evil minority and finally be able to find peace and tranquility within the 'paradise' of ancient legend!? The greatest, most massive dinosaur movie ever brought to screen: Jurassic Tale! Now Showing!"

"Great, another movie that left a bad taste in my mouth and that's just the trailer!" Pinkie was quick to say, clearly disgusted until she took a sip out of a half-full cup of lemonade that was left behind from when just those who stay at the theatre were watching Fillyglow. "Ick, it has a lingering aftertaste too.."

"Yeah, we've only seen a few bits and pieces of this and it already feels similar to Fillyglow - like it's making me feel kind of empty inside." Twilight followed up, her mind also wandering to whether or not she can have a bit of Pinkie's lemonade.

"I can't believe you two were trapped here with stuff like this to keep you entertained, good thing we're here to fix that!" Rainbow enthusiastically said to the filly and colt, this getting a smile out of the two, a cheer from Pikman calling the mare 'Great and Powerful' getting her to take to the sky once more and soak up the glory and admiration like a sponge. "Heh, I feel like me and you are going to get along well, kid!" Playfully messing with the top of his head ensued, something that got a playful giggle out of the two of them.

Meanwhile Twilight made her way to Cap with a question that's been eating at her since the trailer started, "Considering how you went into the last movie and even had a word of advice for it, do you have anything for this film that can help?"

"Well if my memory serves correct, there should be another group trapped in the movie. As for who exactly, I'm unsure. Just that they're shaped like friends, if that makes any sense.." Cap responded, sounding unsure of herself but Twilight was satisfied with the newfound knowledge of the film.

As for Fluttershy, she couldn't help but think about the trailer, not of what it was about, but the dinosaurs that it starred, "Hm... Hmmm..."

Being the one to sit right behind her, Spike decided to ask about whatever the pegasus has in mind with a simple, "What's up?"

"Oh - well, it's not that big a deal. But aren't dinosaur movies more like - BLAAAAM! Or, something like that..." Even to her closest friends, Fluttershy's quiet nature being juxtaposed by a heart-felt yell was still surprising to see. Especially paired with the use of wings to mimic the claws of various dinosaurs.

"Yeah, yeah! And they're all like, GRAAAAAAAARH! And KA-BOOOOM!!! Right?" Spike went on, having fun with his own impressions of how dinosaurs sound.

"They're also like ROOOOOAAAAAAR!" A Makoto that was sitting besides Spike and behind where Twilight was gave a ferocious roar of his own, the blank look on his face getting a chuckle out of everyone who turned to look at him, their laughter getting a smile of his own to form across his face.

"Ooh, yeah! And then it's all like, BOOMBOOMBOOMBOOM!!" At this point they were making loud noises that were further and further off from what a dinosaur would sound like with each sound, but that didn't matter when the three of them were having fun. Especially Fluttershy, who normally can't make loud noises since there's always someone around, whether it be an animal or somepony, it's nice to just make wacky sounds.

"While I won't comment on the explanation you three gave, I do get the meaning." Rarity broke the chain of various sounds by getting back to a semi-coherent discussion, but alas Discord rubbed off on them all too much, so that may be something that's only achievable in dreams.

"There was a meaning?" Makoto asked with that same goofy grin only having grown, yet behind it he knew what the unicorn was referring to. A stark contrast to Fluttershy pretending to know what Rarity is talking about but having no idea, seems she was that invested in dinosaurs.

"Yes, darling, do pay attention. A dinosaur that wants to save her companion, but can't speak up because of the majority opinion. This is supposed to be a dinosaur movie, but it's too realistic - as if we're watching the painful difficulties of pony life!" True to Rarity fashion, she couldn't help but insert a flair of drama at the end. Even if everypony is used to it, good thing Elizabeth isn't one so she could freely gasp.

"Rarity.. I think you're reading too deep into it. It's just a dinosaur movie, not every film here is deep. Honestly none of these are, they're just simple films set to keep simple children entertained. There's not much more to it." Cap was quick to respond, doing her best not to be obvious on how she isn't one for what Rarity's going on about. Though that was a failed attempt, since Rarity got to making a double gasp and immediately speaking in retaliation.

"Honestly what we've seen has been quite the opposite, unless you weren't paying attention. Films of how anyone disrupting the peace is evil and everyone constantly worries how others feel and think, I'm just wondering why they're like this. Alas, we won't get our answers here." Rarity certainly looked content with herself. Cap, however, was ready to yell objection and speak more on how she felt, but decided to hold her tongue, not believing it to be worth it with something as small as this. So she stayed quiet while the other's spoke, various what-ifs clouding her mind.

"We even got a key so we really don't have any other choice, you all ready?" Asked Twilight, various forms of yes being heard throughout those who went in, accompanied by those getting out of their seats and making their way to the big screen. Pinkie being the last, grumbling something about postponed hide-and-seek and the forgotten velvet attendants.

"Oh, are you after Nameless and Belladonna?" Asked Cap who overheard enough to really gauge her interest.

"Yeah! Do you know anything about them?"

"Just the fact that the two of them as well as Demon Painter don't exist. But what will exist is a wonderful performance!"

"Hah, I'll have to see for myself! Not the movie though, I can only see myself through so many layers and walls that it becomes a real doozy. Bye-bye for now!" Then Pinkie was off bouncing into the movie, immediately tripping on an inconveniently placed piece of paper. Twilight was the next to go in, helping Pinkie up and taking the paper for herself, wondering what that's doing here, it will make a good map though. The rest went in without trouble, though there was immediate trouble inside. Not dinosaurs or venus ponytraps, but Rarity really and truly not being one for the rainforest.

"Let's just get this over with as fast as possible, the heat is already getting my mascara to run and I only brought so much with me!"

"Why don't next time we go back to the theatre, we just leave ya there?" Deadpanned Applejack, already familiarizing herself with the area while Twilight was drawing a new map on the next sheet of dirty paper, quickly finding another drawing on the back. A clear sign that Cap was here too.

Author's Note

Welcome to another edition of: I can't spell certain words so I add in substitutes that dampen the experience! :derpytongue2: