Author's Notes:

Here it is, Episode 15 everypony. Big thanks to Dennis Mattison who put forth the ideas expressed in this episode following his winning contest entry. It was a big help. As usual, the adjoining site will be updated with avatar images and more as soon as I am able to get to it.

The subtle noise of distant talking awakens the young mare. Her eyelids slowly begin to part, and as her sight returns to her, Star takes a quick look around. She's home, back in her own time at the Princess Twilight Sparkle Memorial Library. As she lays there, trying to compose herself, she notices that her friends are standing not too far away, talking amongst themselves about how they had found their friend unconscious there. She can't make a lot of their conversation out, but from the little bit she can, she understands that they've been really worried about her since they discovered her there. It makes Star wonder exactly how long she's been gone. It felt like only a day, but her friends words make her think otherwise. Has she just been unconscious for a long time since her return, or is it something else? And of what she witnessed, can she even tell them all about it? Would any of them even believe her if she did? To travel through time and meet the six Element bearers of legend sounds more like the plot of one of Conan Royal's stories. It's certainly a tale that she herself would never believe had it been one of her friends telling it to her.

But what she had witnessed back then was huge. Everything she learned is a huge breakthrough for their cause. She now knows of how Oblivion had come to arrive in Ponyville those months ago, and why he possessed Sevulva Star; unable to achieve a physical form after the ordeal. Of course, when you're blasted through time by Alicorn Princess magic, it will tend to have quite an effect. Maybe for now she should keep this to herself, at least until she and the others are able to find Bri. This is something everypony will need to know, and she feels that she should tell them all at the same time. Finding her friend is more important at the moment. Star begins to climb to her hooves, gathering the attention of her friends who trot over with pleased, but still worried, expressions.

"Are you ok, Star?" Terra asks her, his face as white as a sheet. Eyes only half open, he has dark bags underneath them, and it's clear that he's been without sleep for some time. This only causes her more confusion, as she truly does feel that she's only been gone for a day at the most. Something isn't right here.

"Yes," she slowly replies as Chupa helps her over to take a seat on the staircase, "ugh, but my head hurts something awful. How long was I out?"

"That's the thing," Fluttershy replies, suddenly walking into the room from the kitchen. She too has a tired expression, and on her back lays Spike, fast asleep. She carries a hot towel in her mouth, which she places on her young friend’s head to ease her pain. "You disappeared two weeks ago, back when we first started the task force. We've been tirelessly searching for you ever since. Oh, Grace has been so worried about you. She's been crying for days now. We all had come back from Canterlot just this morning, after visiting the princess about it. We found you just laying there on the floor, and we didn't know what to do. Where did you go?"

"I...I don't remember," Star tells them all, trying to avoid eye contact as she hides the truth, "the last thing I remember is searching for information. Then...then everything just goes blank. But don't worry about me. If it's truly been two weeks now, we have to find Bri more than ever. Oblivion has to be getting even more powerful, and if we don't act soon, somepony else will die." The others all nod in agreement, understanding that what she's saying is true. Their worry over Star remains in them, but they can see that she is now back and seems to be alright for now. Their fear over Bri's fate overshadows all else now, and they wonder where the energetic young mare could have gone to, and whether or not it does truly involve Scatter Brain or Babe Chenko like they believe. In the end, they just hope that she's alive and doing well.

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Meanwhile, deep in the massive Crystal Mountain Range of the Frozen North, Bri Happer shivers as a cold wind screams across the path, biting at her coat with vicious tenacity. Beside her trots the stoic and emotionless Babe Chenko, the leader of the Brotherhood of Silent Pathfinders, a secret organization dedicated to finding the long lost Pinkie Pie. On her other side walks Scatter Brain, a stallion she had met back when she was last in Ponyville. He claims to have been dating Pinkie prior to her disappearance sixteen years ago, and had joined the brotherhood after his release from the institution he was wrongfully put into. The Brotherhood has many other members, some of which she had already met. Scatter says that there's one hundred members in total scouring the entirety of Equestria for the pink mare. She, Scatter, and Babe are the head group, and as such, have gone ahead to the very deep reaches of the land.

Her mind travels back to Ponyville, and she thinks of the friends she just left behind. She hadn't even told them she was leaving. It's been such a long time now, and she can only imagine how worried they must be for her. And her family, her little sister Honeysuckle. She's probably the most scared of them all. Her little sister was closer to her than anypony, and though this is something she feels needs to be done, she can't help but miss Honey's cheery laughter and happy attitude. She didn't even tell Star, her best friend whom she's always felt the most comfortable telling everything to. She never had a chance to tell her, or anyone. It had come up too suddenly, and if she didn't leave when she had, it might have been too late. Time is running out, and if they can't find Pinkie Pie before then, all the world will fall to Oblivion.

As Bri’s mind races, Babe suddenly puts out a hoof to stop Scatter and her. Looking around, he nods and tells them that they're going to stop for the night and set up camp. By this point, Bri is used to this, and begins to unpack the cart. She hands the tent materials to Scatter, who begins to put them together to the side of the mountainous path. Babe, meanwhile, begins to set up a circle of dry firewood, lighting it to prepare heat and a source to cook upon. That's where Bri's job begins. Pulling out the package of haydogs, and a can of beans, she begins to cook the food. It's not the best, but it's all they have. The good food ran out a month ago, and since then they've had to ration out their goods a little more wisely. After she finishes cooking the food, Bri begins to dish it out to the three of them, giving to Scatter first, then Babe. She finally takes the remainder for herself and takes a seat on a log the leader had set up.

"We should be almost there," Babe quietly tells the two as he slowly eats his food, "the village should be close enough to reach tomorrow."

Looking at him frustratingly, the mare sighs and says, "You promised to tell me everything before we got there, remember? What is this all about, and why did you need me for this? It's been so long and you've kept me in the dark this entire time. To be perfectly honest, I'm getting sick of this." Scatter looks to Babe with a look as if to tell him to just do it. Bri sees this, and her anger subsides, replaced by confusion and intrigue. She wonders what the two stallions could be hiding from her, and why they deemed it necessary.

"I guess you do deserve to know," Babe tells her, finishing his food before he lays back on the log and looks to the stars, "but I warn you, anything you thought you knew about Pinkie Pie will be shattered when you hear this, because Bri, she wasn't just the happy party pony you would've thought. In truth, Pinkamena faced her inner demons for the entirety of her life. As a filly, she lived on a rock farm a short train ride out of Ponyville. Her parents were hard working ponies who never truly cared for their four daughters like they should have. Because of this, Pinkie often found solace in her relationship with Maud, the sister she was closest to. Marble and Limestone, her other two sisters, were more like her parents however, cold and uncaring."

"Pinkie left the rock farm at a young age, moving to Ponyville. By this point she had begun to try and raise her own spirits, throwing parties for others, including one that inspired a young Cheese Sandwich to go into the business himself. However, she was still haunted by the depression she had felt for most of her young life. As she grew up and made new friends, she became the bearer of the Element of Laughter, but it wasn't enough for her. You see, she had been hiding her deep sorrows from her friends the entire time, and when the incidents sixteen years ago occurred, she broke. Pinkie went into a deep depression unlike any other time in her life, to the point where she attempted to commit suicide and almost succeeded. It was her sister Maud who arrived in time to stop the mare from slitting her own throat, but it didn't help. Pinkie didn't run away from Ponyville. She didn't just disappear for these past sixteen years, nopony hearing of her since. Her weakness, her sorrow, her depression. All the pain she had been feeling caused her to be the perfect host."

"Host....wait...you don't mean!"

"Unfortunately Bri, I do," Babe woefully continues as he looks up at the sky, "Pinkie Pie was Oblivion's first host. For the longest time, I myself didn't even know all of the details. I had been only a colt back when this all began. However, I learned everything in due time, and I found out that while Oblivion had not the power to take full control of her, he entered her subconscious and convinced her to act upon her darkest feelings. She left town and has not been seen or heard from since, all because of her master's dark will. Without her, he would have the ability to grow strong again."

"All of this began long before the incidents even took place," Scatter suddenly adds, speaking up for the first time in a while. He looks with sorrow filled eyes at Bri and continues, "when Oblivion had been banished by the combined power of the princesses. Their goal was to send him to the future, to a time when his defeat would be possible, to this time. However, it didn't go as they had originally planned, and only a matter of years had passed before he was able to return. Though when he did, he was weakened, a shadow of his former self, yet still strong enough to spread his influence and cause plenty of destruction, leading up to the incidents sixteen years ago, where everything culminated with his takeover of Pinkie."

Nodding, Babe continues to speak from where Scatter left off, telling the confused mare, "This is why we need to find Pinkie Pie, and why we have to save her. It is our belief that she is still under Oblivion's influence, forcing her to hide out and keep herself from the public eye. This will stop anypony from trying to free her and stop Oblivion from enacting his will upon the world. He never counted on us, however, willing to do anything and everything to save the mare, even sacrifice our own lives if proven necessary. You see Bri, the Element of Laughter is the second most powerful of the six Elements that the bearers had back then, after the Element of Magic of course. She's the only one who can control the power and finally put a stop to this evil."

"But what about everypony else in the Brotherhood? Why do you need so many of us?"

"It's not just that there's a lot of us," Scatter replies, once again taking the reigns of the conversation, "it's who we are. Every single person in the Brotherhood has a personal connection to Pinkie Pie. Some of us actually knew her all those years ago, and others, like yourself, have been inspired by the stories of her. No matter what the connection, we all strive for her return. We've actually known about you for a long time Bri, and wanted you to join us because of your deep love for Pinkie, and wish to find her. That's why I had been stationed in Ponyville, so that you'd eventually find me in your search, and so that I'd be able to bring you to Babe Chenko here. This has all been planned since he was a colt, back when Princess Twilight took him under her wing."

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Early the next day, back in Ponyville, four of the five remaining friends meet up with each other in the center of the town, right beside the ever-flowing fountain. They had awoken to find letters taped to their doors, telling them to meet Terra there at no later than ten this morning. Yet for some reason, the leader of the task force himself is the one to not be there at the aforementioned time. Luckily enough, they aren't kept waiting for too long, as they soon see their friend trotting up the southern road towards them, but he isn't alone. A second stallion comes with him; coat of a deep brown with a silver mane. He looks nervous, almost as if he had been forced into following Terra. They look to their friend, who has a confident, pleased expression, and as he approaches, they ask him who this new stallion is.

"This is Nosittam Sinned," he explains, pushing the mysterious stallion forth, "he's a member of the Brotherhood of Secret Pathfinders, an organization to which Scatter Brain belonged. When I asked him if he knew anything about Bri, he tried to run. I believe he knows something about where she is."

"Well, that was fast. I didn't expect a lead like this so soon," Star replies, laughing a little out of whimsy. Stepping forth, the mare stares down the stallion for a moment, then asks him, "What is the Brotherhood of Secret Pathfinders? And what have they done with our friend Bri?"

However, Nosittam refuses to tell them anything. Instead he shuts his eyes in an effort to avoid eye contact with them, turns his head away, and shuts his mouth tight, refusing to speak a word. It's clear that whatever secret he's guarding, it must be big. It's also clear that he knows exactly where Bri is. The five of them begin to ruthlessly question him, asking any and every question they can think of regarding both the Brotherhood and their friend. However, nothing seems to loosen his lips. They know it isn't a lost cause, and prepare to take him to the makeshift dungeon prepared for the task force over these past couple weeks, when suddenly, a loud noise is heard above them. Flying down, a messenger hawk lands on Nosittam's back, a letter placed in the case worn on it's back. The stallion opens his eyes, showing surprise at the sudden arrival of the bird, but before he can do anything, Terra pulls out the letter and unrolls it to read aloud.

"Nosittam, we are close now. The village in which Pinkie Pie had been staying these past sixteen years is within sight now. I have included a map to our location. If you take the train to the Crystal Empire, the rest of the walk shouldn't take more than a week or two. Send Asian back with your reply, and we shall await your return. Briance, Scatter, and I will locate Pinkie before you arrive, and convince her to join our true cause, the cause that the princess had trained me for. Your friend, Babe Chenko."

Pulling the map out from the case as well, Terra looks it over and sighs. He shows the letter and map to his friends, then to Nosittam himself, who's begun to sweat profusely. The five of them, surprised and excited from this new information, resume their barrage of questions until finally, the stallion can no longer resist, and he breaks down. Nosittam tells them that he'll reveal everything, but only if they let him go. He explains that he needs to write back to Babe and head out there as soon as possible. And so, over the next few minutes, he tells them everything. All about the Brotherhood and their goal and why they need Bri.

"We have to go," Star quietly says, looking over the map again, "we have to go find these ponies, and Bri."

"Even if we do take the train, it will be Hell catching up with them. We're not prepared for that kind of journey Star," Terra tells her, to which the others all nod in sorrowful agreement. This kind of journey would be too hectic for them right now, especially considering how much they're needed in Ponyville, considering that most of them are members of the task force. However, Star refuses to give in, bringing up how they need their friend, and how they won't be able to stop Oblivion without her anyways. But Terra refuses to let up, adding, "I understand, I really do. I want Bri back as much as you Star, but you have to think logically about this. If we leave, Ponyville is defenseless. We'd be putting our town at risk, and I can't do that. My number one goal here is to protect Ponyville. Right now, it's the greater cause."

Screaming in rage, Star takes the map and without another word to her friends, gallops off alone towards the direction of the train station. If none of them are going to try and get their friend back, then she'll just have to do it herself. She can't believe how selfish they could be, refusing to help save Bri for a pitiful excuse like that. She hears hoofsteps behind her, and thinking it's one of her friends having changed their mind, she turns her head. However, Nosittam is the one coming up, deep in chase with the letter in his mouth. It's clear that he wishes to go as well, so the mare doesn't slow down, hoping that he'll catch up. She sees the clock tower not far off and sees that it's almost eleven, which is when the first train for the day will leave. She'll arrive right in time to get to the Crystal Empire, and from there, to the mysterious village where she knows she'll find her friend.

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Trotting cautiously down the steep path, the three members of the Brotherhood can hardly believe what they're seeing. They're almost there. It's seemed like forever since their journey began, but now they can see the remote village hidden amongst the Crystal Mountains, a trek that little to no pony has been willing to make before. Pure white buildings made of the finest marble sit there, only ten minutes away or so. They can see the tiny forms of ponies moving around, unable to make anything specific out at this point. But just the fact that they've finally achieved their goal is enough to celebrate over. Just minutes ago, Babe had sent out a hawk to deliver a message to one of the other Brotherhood members. It was right at the first sight of the village, when they realized that today they would finally find Pinkie Pie, and bring her back to Ponyville.

However, one thing's been bugging Bri for a while now. Last night both he and Scatter had said some things that confused her, and gave her a lot to think about ever since. She feels that they know more than they're letting on, and that there's just more to the story that they have yet to reveal. As they continue onward, she brings this up to the two, and with a sigh, Babe agrees to finally reveal the remainder of the information regarding not only the Brotherhood and Pinkie Pie, but himself as well. Scatter suggests that they not stop for this, and so the ponies all agree to discuss this as they trot along the path towards the ever growing village in their wake.

"As Scatter had told you last night, I was taken under Princess Twilight's wing, twenty years ago now. It was only days after the princesses had banished Oblivion to the future. Princess Twilight came to visit me at my home in Germaney. I was just a colt, and had never even heard about the evil of Oblivion. However, she told me that I was to become her apprentice. A simple Earth pony like me from Germaney becoming the apprentice of a princess. It's hard to imagine, even now. She taught me the magic of friendship, and the power of belief. Four years later, she took me aside and told me something I never would've thought I'd hear her say. She told me that her time was almost up, and that one day, I would be required to start a movement that would save not only Equestria, but the entire world. She, and the other princesses, vanished the very next day. I didn't know then what she was talking about, but when the deaths began to happen, and when Pinkie Pie disappeared, I knew what I needed to do. I knew that I needed to form a group dedicated to stopping Oblivion upon his return. However, it wasn't until a few years ago that I was able to complete my goal."

"I began working with Princess Aurora, the only remaining one in all of Equestria. She took over Princess Twilight's role in teaching me, and I was finally ready to take charge. So I began to search out those with special connections to Pinkie Pie. My studies had revealed to me of how important she was in all of this, and so that became the main focus of the Brotherhood, to find and save her. To bring her back. After that, we would look for Princesses Twilight, Cadance, Luna, and Celestia, as they were needed as well. What I hadn't expected was to wake up one morning to find a pair of golden goggles, a gem embedded into them. Along with the goggles was a note with only one word on them, Agelian."

"I knew right away that it was an Element of Harmony, and that I had to bring it to this Agelian. But I did not know anypony by that name. I searched for a long time, until I heard about the Best Young Flier Competition, and the competitor Agelian Wingblade. It seems that the Elements have returned, and have chosen your set of friends as the new bearers, Bri. Pinkie Pie is the key to all of this. Even without the Element in her possession, she remains a bearer of it's magic. That is the true power of the Silver Element, or what had most recently been called the Element of Laughter. Unlike every other Element, it is the only one to permanently implant it's bearer with magical powers, no matter the race. Her very soul is the magic of the Silver Element, and because of this, she has the power to kill Oblivion for good, and end the pain and suffering he has brought to our world."

It's certainly a lot for the young mare to take in. All of this history, the news about the magic of the Silver Element. Has everything been connected like this from the beginning? Ever since that day when the princesses sent Oblivion into the future? Could this very moment somehow end up being intertwined in the stories that one day will be told of the grand battle that is to come? The grand battle between the Element bearers and Oblivion; a war she knows is coming and cannot be avoided. The only real question is not whether it will happen, but when. She feels that the answer is sooner than hoped, and it terrifies her. Will she and her friends be ready when Oblivion makes a full revival? Will they have enough time to gather the remaining Elements? So many questions, so many answers left open.

As the three of them trot onward, they finally arrive at the village. Larger than they could've ever imagined, they look in awe at the gorgeous marble architecture. Stone streets with no plant life to be seen. No small animals scurrying about. No singing birds, no bustling ponies, no smiles anywhere. Everypony in town seems to be stuck in the grind of daily life. Just going from point A to point B with no passion for their actions. They are surviving, and making a living, but what kind of life is that? Without happiness, life is meaningless. Without a joy and passion for what you do, there is nothing worth doing. The three of them slowly walk down the road, catching quick glances from the surrounding villagers, none of whom seem to even welcome them. A tear falls from Bri's eye at the depressing sight. This is nothing like home.

This is the village where Pinkie Pie's been for sixteen years? How could someone so brilliantly joyful live in such a dispiriting, remote part of Equestria? It just doesn't make sense. So they continue on, asking everypony they see if they know anything about Pinkie Pie. Few of the villagers even answer, and those who do can't give them any helpful information. This isn't right. Why does nopony seem to know who Pinkie is? The intel couldn't have been wrong, could it? Babe had been so sure of the lead, and now even he finds this situation distressing. Though Scatter is probably the worst. At his wits end, he rushes around, almost begging on bended knee for any information at all. Tears stream down his face as each and every time he comes up empty hooved. It's heartbreaking to watch, knowing how excited he was to finally see his long lost love.

They continue through the village for what seems like hours, and eventually come to the last part they have yet to check; a giant monastery at the very end of the small commonage. Though it is made of the same marble as the rest of the buildings, it seems to give off an intimidating presence the likes of which Bri has never felt. Gargoyle statues guard the front gates, and spiraling towers decorate it’s large, ornate design. Inside the gates they can see monks slowly walking around with the same gloomy expressions as the rest of the villagers. They wear dark brown cloaks with black ties around the mid-section. The hoods are lifted up, hiding the majority of their faces. Just the atmosphere of the place is enough to drive the strongest of ponies to the brink of madness, and to bring Bri to tears.

She's lived her life traveling across Equestria, bringing happiness and joy to all of the ponies she's come in contact with. She's seen the beautiful Neighagra Falls, breathtaking White-Tail Woods, and even the fantastic Stable Hills outside Fillydelphia. Everywhere she's gone, from Germaney to Trotland has been filled with ponies always accepting to her joyful attitude and happiness. Throwing parties has never been a problem, having fun has never been an issue. She's never been in a situation like this, where just being there has not only stumped her, not only thrown her off her game, but has brought her to the point of desolate sorrow. Seeing this, Scatter places a hoof around her, comforting the mare in this hard time.

As Bri mournfully sobs into Scatter's shoulder, Babe sourly approaches the gate, having been getting progressively frustrated as time has gone on. Looking around, he calls out to the nearest monk, "Excuse me, is there somepony I can speak to? I have an important question about someone." Nopony answers, and only stares intently at the stallion for a moment before one of them turns and heads into the building. A moment later he returns, joined by an older stallion in a black cloak. He walks forward, right up to the gate, and stares at Babe with the same blank intensity as the other monks had. It's obvious that this pony is in charge, the head monk as it were.

"Excuse me sir, but we're looking for Pinkamena Diane Pie. We've gotten information telling us that she's spent the past sixteen years here, but nopony has been able to tell us anything," Babe explains. The head monk cocks his head to the side at the mention of Pinkie's name, then begins to mutter to the other monk for a moment. He then orders the gates to be opened, and invites the three guests to come in, and for his followers to show them proper courtesy during their stay. So as the gates slowly swing open, the three ponies enter and follow the head monk into the main building.

Leading the three visitors to a secluded room in the back of the monastery's main hall, the head monk closes the doors and turns to face them. He has a serious expression, different than that of the stoic, unexpressive look he and the others had been showing prior to this. Pain, sorrow, anger, and so many other emotions are etched into that simple expression. A life lived through hardships and trials. Yet here he stands, firmly expressing his beliefs through active worship, and keeping watch over this remote mountain village with his associates. He is a stronger pony than most.

"I know of the pony you seek," the head monk tells them, causing all three to perk up in keen interest and excitement, "but she did not go by the name you have given us while she was here. I believe this is why nopony knew who you were referring to. Lady Diane came to our village, and to our monastery, sixteen years ago now. She spoke of horrors that nopony should ever have to live through. The brutal deaths of close friends, the pain and misery of a haunted past. She was at her wits end, and didn't know what to do. She had to get away from those memories, and so we agreed to do what we could to help."

"We took Lady Diane into the monastery. Gave her a home, a job. Though the one thing we were never able to give her was happiness. That simple task seemed to be beyond our means. All we could offer was security, and even that faded away in time. Just months ago, when the dark stars appeared in the skies of Equestria, she came to me in the dead of night. She said that she had to leave, and wouldn't explain why. The only thing she would tell me was that she was needed elsewhere. She left everything she had brought and went on her way right after that. Her room hasn't been opened since. I am sorry that your journey here has been in vain. I can tell that you've been going for quite some time. Rest your weary bones and have some food. Make yourselves at home."

As the head monk begins to lead them to a split quarters to rest in, Babe asks, "We are expecting a friend to join us. Will he be welcome as well?"

"He shall," the head monk replies with a nod, "all are welcome here."

They reach the split room and head in. Though it's still early, the three of them collapse onto their beds, exhausted from the long trip that has ended up being a waste of their time. The lead wasn't wrong. They were on the right track, but were too late. Pinkie had left long ago, and now they have no idea where to look. Where would a mare with nothing left in the world go? The only place they could think of is here. Sighing, Scatter goes to open the window, when suddenly, their messenger hawk flies in. The arrival of the bird causes all three of them immense surprise, which soon subsides, turning into mild curiosity of what Nosittam's response will be. Removing the letter from the birds carrying case, Scatter reads aloud, "On my way."

A simple note, and all they needed to hear. Bri returns to her previously relaxed position on her bed and looks up at the ceiling, wondering if she'll ever be able to meet the hero who inspired her so much. Apparently though, the Pinkie she thought she knew isn't the real Pinkie at all. All those stories of her happy-go-lucky attitude, her constant happiness. It was all an act to hide from the pain and misery she had been trying to escape her entire life. The events from sixteen years ago just cemented it, breaking her spirits and causing her inner demons to come out, taking over her mind, quite literally. With the sorrow she was experiencing, it's no wonder that she'd be unable to resist Oblivion's influence.

But now the monstrous evil is growing stronger. Surely those he possesses will no longer just be the ponies with weakened states of mind. He'll be able to take over those who still have the strength to fight back. After not much time, nopony will be strong enough to resist his influence. Not even the likes of Princess Aurora. If that happens, if the day comes when that terrible truth comes to fruition, then the entire world will be at his hooves, and nopony will be able to stop him. They need to find Pinkie Pie and the remaining Elements of Harmony before that can happen. They can't give up now. Looking over, she sees Scatter sobbing to himself by the window. He was so quick to comfort her, who would she be to not repay his kindness?

Stepping off the bed, she walks over and wraps the stallion in a hug. She too shares in his sorrow, his pain, but not in nearly the same way. She was simply inspired by the pink party pony, but he knew her first hoof. He took her to the Hayburger on Saturday nights. He shared milkshakes with her, and stared lovingly into her eyes as she stared back. He spent countless nights in an asylum, perfectly sane, but distressed. He dreamed of her, and fantasized about the day when they'd be reunited. Yet with every turn, his hopes seem to be crushed more and more. His dreams are shattered, and his fantasies proven to be just that. He truly loved her, and it's even more of a reason that they cannot give up now. They have to find her, for Scatter's sake. Then suddenly, Pinkie's inspiration explodes into Bri's mind once again, and an idea pops into her mind.

"Scatter!" she yells out, making the stallion jump out of her embrace, "I have the perfect idea!"

"Idea? For what?" he asks, confused as he wipes the tears away from his eyes.

"Let's throw a party for the entire village! And not just any party, but a Pinkie Pie style party! Everypony here seems to uptight and sad. I know you felt it too when we arrived. Maybe since we have time before Nottisam gets here anyways, we can liven this place up! Let's show them how much Pinkie Pie gave to our lives and make everypony smile smile smile!"

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A week or so passes with just the two of them planning the big extravaganza. The monks, surprisingly, agreed to lend a hoof and even have the celebration in the monastery's west gardens. However, they had run into a problem regarding materials. The village, though large in size, didn't sell any party supplies. It almost seemed like the idea was a lost cause, until Scatter remembered that Pinkie had a room while living here, and that according to the head monk, she had left everything behind when she left those few months back. Of course, there's no guarantee that she had any party supplies with her, but there's always a chance, and so they decided to take it. Meeting with the head monk, they politely asked him for access to the room, explaining their reasoning. Though hesitant at first, he eventually agreed. Inside the two of them found everything they needed. She had indeed packed party supplies when she left Ponyville sixteen years ago, and they seem to still be in good condition to use.

So finally they reach the day of the party, and the villagers have all turned up. They were simply asked to come to the gardens, though had never been told the reason why. So pretty much all of them show confusion as they trot up, talking amongst themselves as they see the tables set up with bowls of punch and various snacks. Some of the chairs have balloons attached to them, and it almost looks like what they'd expect of a six year old's birthday party, though Pinkie would always take that as a compliment. An old record player is running, playing Pinkie's favorite song, but not a single pony seems to have even cracked the smallest of smiles. That's when both Bri and Scatter make their arrival, coming out into the garden from within the monastery. Behind them they pull something large underneath a tarp, halting right in front of the gathered crowd.

"Everypony, when we arrived here at your village, we noticed something. You all have plenty of food, good homes, and even a seemingly good community. But one thing you don't seem to have is enjoyment, happiness, smiles. Today we want to change that. We want to turn your frowns upside down and bring you a party the likes that would make Pinkie Pie proud, or as you probably know her, Lady Diane. Thanks to the head monk of this very monastery, we have planned this party using supplies that once belonged to Pinkie herself," Scatter tells them all, smiling as wide as he can with real joy filling his heart.

"Pinkie Pie had a hard life," Bri continues, "one that I never would have imagined her to have suffered through. I never knew her personally, like my friend here, but I knew enough about her that through all the sorrow, through all the pain and suffering she felt, she would always soldier through and make sure that everypony around her smiled. Yes, she faltered from that goal when she came here, but with what had happened, can you blame her? She was not herself. Who knows how long it's been since anyone's been to a good, old-fashioned Pinkie Pie party. Well, now we no longer have to wonder. Though she isn't here to throw this party herself, her spirit resides in myself and Scatter, who carry on her legacy through the inspiration she gave us all these years."

Smiling, she nods to Scatter who grabs one side of the tarp. She grabs the other, and as they pull it off, the villagers gasp in awe at what they see. A bright, shiny blue cannon with pink wheels on which sit floral designs. They can hardly believe it, just as neither Scatter or Bri could when they found it. The legendary party cannon, an invention created by Pinkie Pie herself to spread happiness to everyone whenever the situation called for it. After sixteen years of inactivity, sixteen years of no one seeing it's amazing beauty, Bri and Scatter fire the cannon together, shooting confetti and other party decor into the gathering of ponies before them. At first nothing seems to happen, but then one by one, they begin to smile.

These ponies, who hadn't known happiness in a long time, smile and laugh. Joy begins to fill the gardens. Ponies start to dance to the music. They sing, and talk, and enjoy each others company. They drink punch and eat snacks and even play pin the tail on the pony. And the two who had planned it all look on at everypony having fun, and with tears of joy in their eyes, smile like never before. On this day they have honored their memories of Pinkie, and brought happiness to a village that needed it more than most. They powered through what started as a depressing situation, and just like their hero always had, made the best of it to see others smile and enjoy themselves. It's all been worth it for this one moment.

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A few days later, during another party, Nottisam and Star finally arrive at the village, their journey being nowhere near as long as the Brotherhood's, though still being tiring. The two of them walk into the village, completely surprised by what they're seeing. It's true that they had no idea what to expect from the place, but this certainly wasn't it. It doesn't take long for Star to find her friend, as Bri is standing on a table in the middle of the village wearing a lampshade and throwing buckets of confetti around. A wave of pure joy sweeps over her, finally seeing her friend after so long, and she can't help it. Lunging forward, Star tackles her friend in a warm, love-filled hug, pleasantly surprising the partying mare.

"STAR!?"

"BRI!"

They embrace for what seems like an eternity, overjoyed to just see each other again. When they finally release, Bri explains everything that's been going on. The entire journey and how she was able to bring joy to the village when there was not a bit of it to be seen. She explains why she left without telling anypony, and the situation with Pinkie Pie not being there as they had thought. And she introduces Star officially to her friends, Babe and Scatter, whom she's made such deep connections with on this journey. It's amazing how things can change so suddenly. She would've never thought something like this could happen, that she could bring other ponies joy like this, and she tells them all that. This isn't something she ever expected herself to be able to do.

"Bri, I came here when nopony else would because you've always brought me joy. When my parents died, it was your happiness that allowed me to keep going. Your friendship saved me from sorrow, and it's obviously done the same with all of the ponies here. Never doubt yourself, or think that you're just a silly pony. Everything you do makes your friends happy, and we'd all be sad if you weren't around."

"Thank you," she replies, tears once more in her eyes. Wiping them away, she turns to face her new friends, and with the greatest of love and respect hugs them as she says, "Babe, Scatter, I love you two as much as the ponies I've known all my life. You two are priceless friends that I am glad to have met, but this is unfortunately where we have to say goodbye. I'll always consider myself a member of the Brotherhood, but my place is back with my friends in Ponyville. I don't regret taking this journey, as it's made me value those I care for that much more."

As she releases the two of them, Babe nods and looks to Scatter. He seems downtrodden by this news, as he had become very close to the mare. Smiling, the older stallion tells him, "I want you to remain stationed in Ponyville, Scatter Brain. Who knows, Pinkamena might well return there one day, and one member of the Brotherhood won't be enough to keep watch over the entire town."

Eyes widening in pure joy, Scatter shouts out and hugs his leader before running forth to share a hug with Bri. For the rest of the day they all enjoy the party, having fun and celebrating reunions, friendships, and joy in a joyless world. At the end though, it finally reaches the time for the three ponies to return to Ponyville; Bri, Scatter, and Star. They need to return home and rest, preparing for their continuing search for the Elements of Harmony and a way to finally put an end to Oblivion once and for all. At request, the head monk brings forth his best magic users, who agree to teleport the three to the Crystal Empire so that they can take the train the rest of the way home. Bri and Scatter bid Babe farewell, and turn to the unicorn, ready to head out.

"I want you to have this," one of the monks tells Bri suddenly, handing her a package, "it belonged to Lady Diane when she was here. She told me to hold on to it and give it to the pony I deemed worthy of it. Please, wait until you get to the train to open it." The mare nods at her request right as she begins to disappear alongside her friends, heading to the Crystal Empire. It seems like not even a second passes until they rematerialize outside of the Crystal Empire train station. They hurry in, buying their tickets and getting on right on time. It's hard to believe that things have progressed this quickly. So much has happened since she left all that time ago. So many great things that she wouldn't change for the world. And as the three of them find their seats, she opens the package given to her by the mysterious monk. A small golden broach, in the center of which sits a pink jewel. Tears come to her eyes, and to the eyes of her friends. They know what this is, and exactly why Bri was given it. Pinkie is out there somewhere, and though she may not be her usual self, she had the foresight to save the Silver Element, now the Element of Joy, for the mare most deserving of it. The mare who brought joy to a joyless world.

Back at the monastery, as everypony around continues to party and have fun, the hooded monk who had given Bri the Silver Element heads back into the building behind her. Her hood hangs low as she slowly walks through the large hall and up the hallowed staircase that leads to the second floor. Another hall sits before her, this time a hallway of bedrooms. It's been such a long time since she's been in there, in this cold, unfriendly building. It seems so much more welcoming than before. Even the gardens are different than what she remembered. Though she guesses that she has Bri and Scatter to thank for that. Both of them have done well to make these other ponies happy.

She finally reaches the end of the hall, and her old room. A quiet peace comes over the monk, and she opens the door for the first time in many months, slowly walking in. With a quick look around to make sure nopony is watching, Pinkie Pie removes her hood and smiles for the first time in a long time, her flat hair inflating just a little bit as a small portion of incomprehensible joy enters her heart. The kind of joy she hasn't known since the incidents sixteen years ago. She knows now that she made the right decision entrusting the Element to that little pony. Maybe one day Bri Happer will even take all of her sadness away. Maybe one day, she can share a smile smile smile with the friends she has left. Maybe one day, she'll no longer have to hide.

Preview for Episode 16
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He's dead; why is he dead? And why is there a candlestick in the kitchen? The clues are many, and with suspects about, only one truth will prevail. Time to solve a mystery.