At Sweet Apple Acres, the Turtles and Rainbooms were training Trixie, Wallflower, and Sapphire. Wallflower had two hidden knives and Sapphire had a spear with a brush at the other end. Trixie and Wallflower were currently sparing.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but you were right, Mikey, Wallflower is a natural," Raph admitted.
Mikey smirked, "Told ya."
"It’s good to see Father’s legacy carry on," Karai smiled.
"He would be very proud," Blade said.
Mikey turned to Sapphire, "So, Sapphire. I hear you and Sunset are working on something to make up for all the trouble you caused."
"Well, not totally make up," Sapphire noted, "I've still got a month's detention to go through. But it's a start."
"What are you two working on?" Mikey asked.
"That's for me to know and you to find out, Mikey," Sapphire retorted.
"Aww!" Mikey pouted.
"Well, I do know one thing, Sapphire," Leo chimed in. "You and Wallflower are progressing well."
"Although, Trixie on the other hand," Donnie began, as Trixie gave a yelp that followed by a thud. "Needs a little more training."
Wallflower had pinned Trixie, similar to how Karai had pinned Leo when they first met.
Karai muttered to Gabby and Angel, "I taught her that." And the two snickered.
Trixie noticed Sapphire was drawing something on her sketchbook, "Please tell me you're not drawing this?"
"Oh, I'm not drawing this, I'm sketching this," Sapphire showed the sketch of Trixie being pinned. "There's a difference."
Trixie groaned in annoyance while everyone just laughed.
Caitlyn took a picture, "That’s going in my personal collection."
"Yeah that’s a keeper!" Zach agreed.
The next day at CHS, all the students had gathered by one side of the building where a big sheet was covering something on the wall. Sunset and Sapphire stood next to it. Some students gave dirty looks at Sapphire while the girl lowered her head, knowing that all the students were going to be giving her the outcast treatment. Sunset laid a hand on her shoulder having been there before.
Celestia appeared with Luna and spoke, "As you're all aware, Sunset Shimmer and Sapphire Night have worked together to paint something wonderful for our school. It also doubles as the beginning to Sapphire making up for all the trouble she caused."
"Aside from her detentions," Luna chimed in.
Celestia then spoke sternly, "And I sincerely hope that some day, you'll find it in your hearts to forgive Sapphire. After all..." She glanced at Sunset as she continued, "Nobody's perfect. Now with that being said, it is with great pleasure that we reveal our new Canterlot High mural!"
Sunset and Sapphire pulled away the sheet to reveal huge painting of a horse rearing on it's hind legs in a sunrayed background of blue and yellow. Below were big letters that said "GO WONDERCOLTS!" The students' faces instantly lit up as they gasped in awe before they cheered.
Pinkie popped up with her party canon, "Now let's celebrate!" She pulled the cord and confetti burst out.
"Wicked mural!" Carter said.
"That is awesome!" Rainbow exclaimed.
"Yeah. Hey wait a minute!" Karai noticed that the Rainbooms were still in the audience with them all. "Shouldn’t you girls be getting ready to preform?"
"We ain’t performing this time," Applejack said.
Mikey screamed in a panic, "Aah! The Meanbooms are back!" He jumped at Rarity, only to hit the girl's diamond shield.
"Michelangelo, we assure you we’re not clones!" Rarity assured him in annoyance.
"We decided to let someone else perform this time," Twilight explained.
"But if you're not preforming, who is?" Gabby asked.
Gabby's question was soon answered as the Rock N Beats appeared with their instruments and standing in front of the microphone was Bright Eyes. Off to the side by another microphone stood Patch, Sweet Note, and Clover.
Lancer announced, "Hello, CHS! We're the Rock N Beats and this song goes out to our friends, the Rainbooms!"
Melody tapped her sticks as she called, "One, two, three!" Then the Rock N Beats started playing while Bright Eyes sang...
When the song ended, the crowd cheered.
"Dang! They're good!" Angel said in awe.
"You can say that again!" Carter agreed.
"And Bright Eyes sure can sing," April stated.
"Metal!" Casey exclaimed.
"Increíble!" Gabby gasped.
"Wow!" Buffy said, wide eyed.
"I thought Rainbow Ditch destroyed their instruments?" Blade asked in confusion.
"Vinyl fixed that," Rainbow explained. "She found replacements for their instruments."
"Nice!" Keno smiled.
Mikey spoke sounding remorseful, "Guys, I'm sorry again for not telling you guys about the Meanbooms."
"It's alright, Mikey," Leo replied. "We understand why you did."
Donnie nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we always let your immaturity blind us to your honesty."
"Just know those days are long gone, little bro," Raph assured, rubbing Mikey's head.
"Yeah, I know that now," Mikey grinned, turned to the Rainbooms. "And I'm sorry for not telling you girls either."
"Well, I would’ve probably been too angry to listen so I don’t blame you," Rainbow admitted.
"We’re all sorry, Mikey," Twilight said.
"Even our counterparts betrayed your trust," Fluttershy said sadly for her and Pinkie.
"However, we are grateful that you still tried to clear our names, despite your mistrust," Rarity said in gratitude.
Pinkie smiled, "Yeah! You didn’t give up on us. That's what matters!"
"But, in the future, I will be true to my Pinkie Promise and will listen to you when something like this happens again," Sunset stated.
"We all will," Applejack added, then the girls all group hugged Mikey.
"Thanks, girls," Mikey said. "And I promise to keep trusting you all."
Later, Vinyl Scratch was playing her turn tables while everyone was dancing. Lancer then approached Bright Eyes, "Hey, Bright Eyes."
"Hey, Lancer, what's up?" Bright Eyes asked.
Lancer spoke nervous, "I was wondering if you'd... you know. Like to dance with me?"
Bright Eyes blushed before she answered, "Yeah. I'd love to." She took Lancer's hand and the two began to dance.
As he saw Leo accepting Twilight’s invite to dance as well as Mikey following Shini, Zach looked toward Angel and walked over to her.
"Hey, Angel? I-I mean, would you like to- that is, if you want to-" Zach stammered.
Angel chuckled and answered, "I love to dance, Zach!" And the two walked up to the dance floor.
Carter sat off to the side and looked over a to Buffy, who was surrounded by guys asking her to dance, and shrugged.
"Hey, Carter," Flash said, as he and Donnie took a seat next to him. "You gonna ask Buffy to dance?"
"Nah, she’s got plenty of that," Carter replied, a little dismally.
Donnie patted his shoulder, "Hang in there, Carter, you’ll get your chance. Take it from me."
Carter glanced back over at Buffy, who turned all guys down flat, and smiled in reassurance.
Later, Bright Eyes stepped out after dancing with Lancer, looking dismal when Blade came up to her along with the others.
"You did great out there, Bright Eyes," he congratulated, before he noticed she looked depressed. "So that was some mural huh?"
Bright Eyes mumbled, "Yeah, great."
"You’re sad about going home aren’t you?" Leo stated.
"I don’t know if I even wanna go back to Equestria." Bright Eyes said.
"What? Why ever not?" Rarity asked, in confusion.
"But that's your home," Karai added.
Blade, Leo, Sunset, Zach, Caitlyn, Buffy, Rainbow, and Mikey looked awkwardly at each other as they knew the reason why.
"Uh, Bright Eyes," Sunset spoke up. "I think it's time you told everyone the truth."
"What truth?" April asked.
Bright Eyes sighed before she confessed, "The real reason I followed Blade here. I short of... ran away."
Everyone was surprised, as Applejack asked, "Now why would you go and do a thing like that?"
Bright Eyes explained, "You all heard about what Cozy Glow did, right?" And everyone nodded, including Gabby, Angel, Carter, who had recently been told about the evil filly. "Well, ever since then, Headmare Twilight and her friends made things difficult at the school. They don't trust me because I took Cozy Glow's old job, or the other students for that matter. So they've been treating us with suspicion. In fact, Rainbow Dash's counterpart accused me... just for smiling!"
"Say what?" Casey asked in surprise.
"My word!" Rarity gasped.
"Oh no!" Fluttershy covered her mouth.
"That does sound like something Rainbow Dash would do," Applejack noted, while Rainbow rubbed the back of her head awkwardly, knowing she was right.
April turned to the Turtles, "And I thought you guys were paranoid from your first fight with Shredder."
"No argument there," Donnie said, remembering the incident well.
"So that’s why you didn’t want Sunset to tell my counterpart that you were here," Twilight realized.
"You do know she’ll eventually know the truth, right?" Spike pointed out.
"It’ll just make her think I’m more like Cozy Glow and probably send me to Tartarus!" Bright Eyes exclaimed.
"Hang on, Bright Eyes!" Karai rebuked, "Princess Twilight definitely won't do that. If there’s one thing we know about Princess Twilight, is that she will learn from what she’s done."
"All the girls will," Sunset assured.
"There's something else," Bright Eyes added. "I sometimes feel partly guilty for what happened with Cozy Glow."
"Why would you feel that?" Raph asked.
Bright Eyes explained as a brief flashback occurred, "I was in the hallway when Mikey tried to warn you guys about Cozy Glow. After hearing Mikey's suspicions about her, I wanted to tell you all that I agreed with him, that I had my own suspicion. But I couldn't be sure since I had no proof. So I didn't say anything. If only I had spoken up, then maybe none of that would've happened!" She covered her eyes in remorse.
"Bright Eyes. I know how you feel," Blade spoke up.
Bright Eyes looked up, "You do?"
Blade nodded, "I felt guilty when I stayed at Canterlot Castle when I could have either joined the others at Tartarus or stayed at the school with Starlight. After Chancellor Neighsay explained everything to Princess Celestia and Luna, I felt so helpless even though I had my ninja skills when I didn’t have magic. When I heard what Neighsay did at the school of Friendship, I was so irked I couldn’t face him when he wanted to make amends with me. While I was mad at the stunt he pulled, I was more angry at myself for not being there for the friends who helped me back to civil life. It wasn’t until I wrote to Tempest about it and visiting my sister that I was able to accept Neighsay's offer of friendship."
"I guess we both feel like we could have done more that time," Bright Eyes said.
"Yeah, we all have our missteps," Blade went on. "It’s how we learn from them that determine who you are."
Leo spoke next, "Bright Eyes, we understand your reasons, and we’re not gonna force you to go back if you don’t want to, but I want you to know this. We are all proud of the ninja you’ve become."
"And we see you at the same level as the Young Six," Raph added.
"And you have been a huge help with the Equestrian magic we’ve dealt with," Donnie noted.
"You’ve even helped out at our training with the CMCs," Mikey said as Keno nodded in agreement.
"And helped us come back together," Sunset spoke on behalf of the Rainbooms.
"And take it from someone who walked out before, it will get better," April said, recalling the time she left the Turtles out of anger for causing her dad to get mutated.
"And even if our counterparts still act like that, we’re proud of you no matter what!" Rainbow declared.
"To the end!"
Suddenly, Sunset's journal started glowing. She opened it and spoke, "It's a message from Princes Twilight."
"Uh, what's it say?" Bright Eyes asked nervously.
Sunset gave a knowing smile, "Why don't you see for yourself?" And gave her journal to Bright Eyes.
The girl looked at the message and was surprised by what she read.
Dear Sunset Shimmer, for the first time, this message isn't for you, but for Bright Eyes. Please show it to her... Bright Eyes, if you're reading this, then I want you to know that it was very unfair of us to treat you with distrust and suspicion. And for that, me, Applejack, Pinkie Pie. Rarity, Fluttershy, and even Rainbow Dash are all truly sorry driving you away. If you decide not to return, then we understand. But if you do, I promise that things will be different from now on, but the choice is yours. Your friend, at least I hope I still am.
Twilight Sparkle.
Bright Eyes smiled warmly at the message and looked up at Sunset as she said, "Told you that you being here would teach them a lesson."
Later, Blade and Bright Eyes stood by the portal, saying their goodbyes to Turtles, Allies, and Rainbooms.
"Well, it looks like the Equestrian magic is under controllable conditions," Donnie stated.
"Which means it's time for us to head back to New York," Raph said.
"And it's time to go back to Equestria for us," Blade spoke while Bright Eyes nodded. "I'm due to check in with Princess Celestia."
Leo stepped forward, "And, Blade, before you go, could you give this to Princess Twilight?" He handed him a letter.
"Of course," Blade nodded.
Wallflower spoke, "Sapphire had to start her detention so she wanted me to tell you goodbye and hope next time she'll get to know you guys more."
"I hope for that too," Bright Eyes said, "And Wallflower? Thanks."
"For what?" Wallflower raised a brow. "I should be thanking you, Bright Eyes."
"Still, I'm glad to be your friend now," Bright Eyes said, and the two hugged.
Trixie suddenly came out of nowhere and wrapped Blade in a tight hug, "Farewell, my dear Blade Swipe! Parting is such sweet sorrow!"
"I'll miss you too, Trixie!" Blade struggled against the hug.
"We'll always have Canterlot High!"
"She is such a ham," Raph muttered.
"Exactly what I said," Wallflower agreed.
Bright Eyes said her goodbyes, "It was great seeing you again."
"Oh, we wish you two could stay longer," Fluttershy said.
"Me too," Bright Eyes replied. "But I have friends and family back home. And I'm sure Blade's more then anxious to get back." She pointed to Blade who was desperately trying to keep Trixie from kissing him, and everyone laughed.
Apple Bloom spoke up, "Just so you know, you're always welcome as an official member of the CMC!"
"Yeah!" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo added.
"Thanks girls," Bright Eyes smiled.
"Hope you and Blade come back one day," Mikey said.
"Definitely," Bright Eyes promised.
"Absolutely," Blade added, "There's still many things I wish to see in this world." Then he whispered, "Just as long as you keep Trixie off of me."
Soon, everyone had said their goodbyes and the two walked toward the portal.
Blade spoke to Bright Eyes, "I have to admit, Mikey was right. You following me here was a good thing. And I'd love nothing more than for you to accompany me next time. But let me tell you, being mutated by the Kraang was nothing compared to Trixie!" He shuttered.
Bright Eyes laughed. "At least you have Starlight to keep our Trixie off you in Equestria," She said as they both went through the mirror.
Leo then turned to his brothers and friends, "Come on, team. Let's go home."
Back in Equestria, Princess Twilight, the girls, Starlight, Spike, and the Young Six waited anxiously in front of the portal. Then the portal glowed before Blade and Bright Eyes stepped out. Bright Eyes still on her hind hooves wobbled around before she dropped on all four of her hooves.
"That was weird," she said.
"Bright Eyes!" Ocellus cried in joy.
Yona tackled Bright Eyes into a hug, "Yona happy Bright Eyes back!"
"I missed you too, Yona," Bright Eyes smiled.
The rest of the Young Six hugged her, glad that she came back. Just then, a big blue colt burst in, "Bright Eyes!"
Bright Eyes blinked in surprise, "Teddy?" Before she could say anything, Teddy wrapped her in a hug.
"I was so worried about you, little sis!"
"I noticed," Bright Eyes stated.
"Aww!" Silversteam cooed.
Teddy realized what he was doing and quickly let go, clearing his throat, "Glad you're back, nerdette."
Bright Eyes smirked, "Glad to be back, rebel rouser!"
"Hey!" Teddy pouted while of the Young Six and Spike snickered.
"Welcome back, Bright Eyes," Starlight said, "It's good to have you back."
"It's good to be back," Bright Eyes replied.
"She really handled herself well and was a big help," Blade stated.
"That's great!" Sandbar said.
"I'll say," Spike agreed.
Bright Eyes then approached Princess Twilight, "I read your message. And I forgive you."
"Thank you, Bright Eyes," Princess Twilight smiled, "And I'm very happy you decided to come back. But you're still getting detention for running off."
"Yeah, I figured," Bright Eyes noted.
"Oh, and Rainbow Dash has something to say... right Rainbow Dash?!" Princess Twilight frowned at the said pegasus as did the others.
Rainbow flew over to the filly in remorse, "Bright Eyes, I'm real sorry I accused you. That was not cool."
"I'll say it wasn't cool!" Bright Eyes frowned. "Accusing me just for smiling, really?" Rainbow looked down in shame. "But, nopony's perfect. So I forgive you too."
Applejack spoke next, "We're all sorry for mistrusting you, Bright Eyes. And we've decided while you're serving detention, we'll give you extra credit on the projects we've made difficult for ya."
"Like your unfinished dress for one," Rarity said.
"And your baking projects," Pinkie added.
"And Harry promised not to spy on you," Fluttershy said. "At least, check in case you need help."
"And since you were a big help for the Turtles and Sunset, you'll just be dusting erasers after class when not working on extra credit," Princess Twilight finished.
"Sounds fair," Bright Eyes admitted.
Twilight hugged her, "Welcome back. and thank you. For giving us another chance."
"I'm happy too," Bright Eyes returned the hug.
Starlight spoke, "You'll also be happy to know that Twilight had an assembly while you were gone and apologized to the school, even the ones who dropped out. And now they're back as well.
"They are? That's great!" Bright Eyes exclaimed.
"Of course, somepony will need to show them around..." Princess Twilight said, knowingly.
"Say no more, Headmare Twilight," Bright Eyes said. "Your friendship assistant is on it." And she trotted out, the Young Six and Teddy following.
Blade spoke, "Oh, and Leo asked me to give you this." He handed her the letter.
Curious, Twilight levitates the letter to her and opens and reads it while Leo narrates)
Dear Princess Twilight,
I know I could’ve had Sunset write this in her journal but I wanted to write to you in my own words. I know you were upset about Bright Eyes sneaking into our world with Blade Swipe. But I believe she had a wonderful time with us. Mikey especially. Despite scolding her a couple times, Blade was as glad as I was that her training saw her through. I’m sure Master Splinter would be proud. I know you have so much going on running your school after the stunt Cozy Glow pulled and, this is just wishful thinking, but I hope one day you could visit us again someday. Maybe we could hang out again.
Here’s wishing you well
Love,
Leonardo
Twilight smiled and shed tears as she saw that everyone had signed it.
On their way to the school, the Young Six and Teddy had questions for Bright Eyes.
"What was that world like?" Ocellus inquired.
"Did you have super fun adventures?" Silverstream added.
"Did you get to kick some bad guys' butts?" Smolder asked.
"Uh, what was Sensei Raph like in that world," Teddy inquired.
Bright Eyes stopped and turned to answer them, "Well, it was exactly like Councilor Starlight said. That world was just like Equestria and at the same time it was totally different."
Teddy and the Young Six looked confused, as Yona spoke, "Yona not get it?"
Bright Eyes rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I didn't at first either. The only way to understand is to see that world for your-self!" Something had crashed into her, knocking them both down. Bright Eyes looked up and saw a pegasus colt who looked just like a certain boy she knew.
"Sorry about that," the colt apologized. "I should've watched where I was flying." He held a hoof. "I'm Lancer."
Bright Eyes took his hoof and smiled as he helped her up, "I'm Bright Eyes."
"Nice to meet you," Lancer said. "Anyway, I better get flying. Me, my brother, and friends are heading for the School of Friendship."
"Hey, that's where we're going!" Silverstream stated.
"Maybe we could all show you guys around?"
"In fact, I was on my way to do that," Bright Eyes said, "I happened to be Headmare Twilight's Friendship assistant."
"Cool," Lancer said, "I'll meet you there." And he flew off.
"He seems cool," Teddy admitted.
"Yeah he is..." Bright Eyes smiled.
Ocellus looked at her puzzled, "Why are you smiling like-" she glanced back at Lancer and got the hint, "Oooooooo!" She gave her friend a knowing grin.
Silverstream gasped, "You like him!"
Bright Eyes stammered, "What? N-no I don't!"
"That blush on your face says otherwise," Gallus smirked.
"Bright Eyes like Lancer Pony!" Yona teased.
Bright Eyes frowned in annoyance, "Really guys, I don't even know him. It's just that he-"
Pinkie suddenly popped up, as the Mane Six walked up, and spoke fast pace, "Totally reminds you of this boy you met, who was a skater, played in a band, and fought this really nasty bully in a tournament, before teaching you how to skate, then sang a song with you at a rollerskating derby before helping you and Mikey get proof on these evil clones of our counterparts, then saved you from getting whacked by this mean girl, and finally asked you to dance at a mural party! Right?"
Bright Eyes looked surprised, "How did you know that?"
"Just a hunch," Pinkie shrugged and bounced toward the school, leaving Bright Eyes and her friends puzzled while the rest of the Mane Six just laughed.
Soon, Bright Eyes and the others arrived at the school where pony Lancer and other pony versions of Logan and the Rock N Beats stood waiting. Princess Twilight opened the doors and they hurried inside as they all began to sing, starting with Bright Eyes...
[Bright Eyes]
This brand new school of friendship Is home to everyone
[Ocellus]
We're learning how to trust
[Gallus]
We're here to all have fun
[Rarity]
With friendship ties that bind us
[Applejack]
Tighter than the strongest bonds
[Fluttershy]
We're hoof-in-hoof
[All]
In hand in hoof in wing or even claw
[Twilight Sparkle]
There's a griffon in the garden
[Rainbow Dash]
Hippogriffs hang in the hall
[Spike]
And the door will be open
To all creatures great and small
[Pinkie Pie]
And a yak or two or three
[Yaks]
Sing in perfect harmony
[Starlight Glimmer]
That might have been a changeling
[Fluttershy]
But it kind of looks like me
[All]
This school of friendship is for all of us
A place where we belong
Where we all learn to share and trust
The only rule here is to find your way
And friendship always wins at the end of the day
[Bright Eyes]
Some things you just can't teach with books
Some things you only know
[Twilight Sparkle]
So trust your heart and let us lead
And your friendship's sure to grow
[Lancer, Logan, Melody, Sweetheart, Ace, Patch, Clover, Half Note, and Sweet Note]
And once we master kindness
We will spread it 'cross this land
[All]
And give the gift that's ours to share
So others understand
This school of friendship is for all of us
A place where we belong
Where we all learn to share and trust
The only rule here is to find your way
And friendship always wins at the end of the day!
After that, the Young Six had a question for Princess Twilight.
"Um, Headmare Twilight, Sandbar spoke, "Do you think that someday we could visit that world where the senseis live."
"At least after Bright Eyes is done with her detention," Ocellus added.
"Yak want to see senseis again!" Yona said.
"Oh yes!" Silverstream nodded. "It sounds like fun! Like another field trip!"
"I'd like to learn some new ninja moves," Smolder said.
"I'm kinda curious about this world," Gallus admitted.
Starlight turned to Princess Twilight, "You know, I would like to visit Karai again. Maybe Blade and I could chaperone them?"
Princess Twilight looked at Leo’s letter and then smiled, "I suppose I could arrange a field trip there," She answered, before adding, "As long as I know about it beforehoof." And the Young Six cheered.