Author's Note

Guess who's back from her trip to Tartarus!

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."