The Frozen North of Equestria. A harsh land of snow and tundra, one of quiet bliss when not being disrupted by the blowing winds and blizzards. Neither were occurring this day, save for a small breeze that blew over the frozen tundra. And yet, the quiet land was disturbed as a mechanical beast flew down the ice road. The beast’s roar was deafening compared to the quiet landscape, but the way the metal gleamed in the light of the sun made it more a sight of beauty than of terror. Its blue color shined as the Celestia’s sun’s rays were reflected off its surface; its streamlined appearance glimmering like the snow it drove over.

This was the personal vehicle of Equestria’s one and only DJ Sparkle. Sitting behind the steering wheel of the car was said Prince, once again in his old human form. The only thing looking different was the shoulder guard on his left side that showed this was a limited form of the omnitrix. Right beside him in the passenger seat was his dear wife, Twilight Sparkle, currently occupying her time by reading a book: Heroes of Olympus: The House of Hades. The book itself was a gift from DJ to his daughter Nyx, but Twilight enjoyed the series just as much as her younger daughter.

Speaking of Nyx, the alicorn filly was currently in the back seat of the car, along with her older pegasus sister, Scootaloo, and young dragon uncle, Spike. Nyx could be found staring out at the landscape that her family’s car rode past or engrossed in the movie that Spike had playing on her father’s laptop computer. Scootaloo, unlike her sister, was occupying her time with one of the portable game systems that DJ had “acquired” from Earth. The one she had, a Gameboy Advanced SP, was constantly flashing with movement as she played through the levels of her current favorite game, Tony Hawk Underground 2. Although, the little filly could be found taking peeks at Spike’s movie as well. The drake was content with just watching movies during their ride. Spike had started with Man of Steel, one of DJ’s favorites and Spike could definitely see why, and then went on to Batman Begins. DJ had gotten the little guy hooked on comic book characters from Earth to almost the point of his adoration for the Power Ponies.

DJ just enjoyed the sounds of his family as he focused on the icy road that was leading them to their destination. As they drove along, DJ couldn’t help, but think back to what had happened the previous day that had led to this trip through the Frozen North.

***Yesterday***

It was a normal day in Ponyville. No monster attacks, no acts of chaos and destruction, and no fiery explosions. Just peace and quiet for the Sparkle family inside the Books and Branches Library. The summer was nearing its end as August was slowly dwindling away. DJ and Twilight’s latest great achievement had occurred early in the month in the form of their first wedding anniversary. As DJ called it, a night of love and deep passion. Only the younger fillies did not get what he meant, but all of their friends and Spike knew what he was referring to, if Twilight’s blush was any clue.

The Sparkle family was currently in the middle of a delicious lunch, prepared by Spike and Nyx, consisting of celery soup and daffodil sandwiches. Of course, DJ still found eating flowers a little weird, due to his background, but the taste was enough to deter him away from such thoughts. Tastes like chicken! Ha, not really, but how often am I gonna be able to use that here? Said lunch was interrupted, however, by Spike belching out green fire and a letter that rolled onto the table.

“Excuse me,” the drake apologized. Twilight levitated the letter over to herself and unfurled it. She began reading it out loud for the whole family to hear.

"Dear Twilight, DJ, and family. It has come to my attention that my grandchildren’s summer vacation will be coming to an end in only a few weeks’ time and they have not had a true vacation this year. So, in an act to rectify this, I wish for all of you to join me in the Chrystal Empire tomorrow for a family vacation! I do hope to see you all there soon. With love, Celestia."

When Twilight finished reading, she had a look of pure confusion. “Well, this is definitely new for her. Kind of seems out of character for Celestia, if you think about it.”

DJ just shrugged. “My mother is the definition of ‘out-of-character’. She can be kind and motherly one day and a cold-blooded leader of millions the next. You really never know what she’ll do, so why bother thinking about it? As applies in many instances here, Celestia will be Celestia.”

“Since when is the Princess cold-blooded?”

“You haven’t read some of the stories Earthlings came up with. Strange stuff, man, strange stuff.” DJ shook his head from those thoughts. “Anyways, I think she might be on to something. A family vacation doesn’t sound like a bad idea. What do you girls think?” DJ asked turning to his kids.

Nyx and Scootaloo were smiling happily with their mouths open and nodded feverishly, getting a small laugh out of their father. “Sounds like fun! We can visit Uncle Shining and Aunt Cadence!” Nyx said with joy.

“Yeah, I can finally meet this new cousin of mine! Guard Armor may be young, but I really want to meet him,” Scootaloo said.

Twilight then turned to her number one assistant. “What do you think Spike?”

“I think it could be fun. We haven’t been to the Crystal Empire since the war with Sombra and that was nearly a year ago.” Everypony cringed at the memory of that tyrant and what he did to the family. “Anyway,” Spike continued after recovering, “It would be good to see how the repair work went. It should also give us a feel for how the Equestria Games will be next month. I say we go for it!”

DJ and Twilight smiled at the gathered family and then at each other. “Let’s get packing then!” they both said in unison. The rest of the day was spent in preparation for the last minute trip. They packed rather easily and then went to inform everypony else of what was happening. The library would closed for the entire time, but Rarity and Fluttershy offered to house sit to keep it clean and make sure Owlowiscious and Speedy were well fed. The next morning, DJ and Twilight loaded all of the luggage into the trunk of DJ’s modified ’02 Chevy Cavalier Coup, while the others piled into the back. Spike, Nyx, and Scootaloo were going for their first ever car ride and that in and of itself was enough to excite them. With everything loaded up, DJ ‘human’-ed up as Twilight got in the passenger seat. He climbed in himself, started the car and took off, making sure to avoid the town proper. And off they went towards the Frozen North and the Crystal Empire.

***The Present***

DJ’s memories were interrupted by Nyx who was jumping in glee in the backseat. “Look! Look! It’s the Crystal Empire! I can see it!”

They all looked out ahead and indeed the little filly was correct. The Crystal Empire loomed in front of the Sparkle family as they approached. Buildings made entirely out of crystal could be seen everywhere, the Crystal Palace towering above the great empire. They all felt so much warmth as the car passed through the shield of the Crystal Heart and approached the entrance to the Empire. The family was met by two crystal guard ponies who looked at the strange vehicle with suspicion and caution.

“State your business here… creature,” one said with a scowl. The other readied his spear, just in case. Twilight decided to do as she did the last time they drove up to a capital city and stuck her head out of the window to address the guards.

“Greetings! I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. Princess Celestia has requested my presence at the Crystal Palace. Would you two be kind enough to allow us to pass?”

The two guards looked at her in shock, blinking a few times to check if they were really seeing what was in front of them. One started to raise a hoof, “Uh…--“

“It’s an experimental carriage, known as car. My family and I use it as an alternative to train travel. Less expensive,” Twilight explained to the dumbfounded ponies. They blinked again and then stepped to the side.

“Enjoy your stay in the Crystal Empire, Princess Twilight and family,” said the guards in unison. DJ put the car in drive once his wife had pulled her head back into the vehicle and sped off into the Empire. They two ponies just watched in awe and wonder as it drove off. “We don’t get paid enough for this,” they both commented.

DJ sped down the road as fast as he could, only slowing down to avoid collisions. He wanted to get the castle as fast as possible so as to avoid questioning of his mode of transportation. In less than ten minutes, he was pulling up near the entrance of the palace and put the car into park. DJ made sure to power down the omnitrix before getting out and letting the kids and Spike out as well. The guard ponies near the palace entrance were also entranced by the vehicle as well as by the ponies piling out of it. It didn’t help when five Discords appeared, all wearing bellhop uniforms, grabbing the ponies luggage in their arms. One of guards had run off to get the prince upon the sight of the car pulling up and had just returned with Shining Armor. He and two of the guards were approaching the family and heard the older, blue stallion speaking with the tallest Discord.

“Guys, you really don’t have to do this,” DJ insisted. “This feels degrading. Like I’m taking advantage of you five.”

“Look, boss,” Uno urged. “Our jobs are to be your assistants; that’s what pops assigned us to you for. Being luggage handlers is certainly a part of the job descriptions.”

“He means, we’re all bellhops!” said Tres with a goofy grin. Uno and DJ gave him a deadpanned stare. Dos bopped his brother in the back of the head for his stupidity.

“As I was saying,” Uno continued, “Trust me, on this boss. We would feel lazy if we didn’t do this. Besides, we rarely come out much anymore. We need something to do.”

“Oh, alright,” DJ relented. “Just stick close. I have no idea how crystal ponies feel about your old man.”

“They find him amusing from what I’ve learned,” said Shining Armor as he approached his brother-in-law. DJ jerked his head towards the new pony and smiled brightly.

“Shining! How the hay are ya?” DJ gave the older stallion a big hug, lifting him up off the ground.

“I’ll be fine once you put me back on the ground,” Shining wheezed out. DJ did as he asked and let him drop to the ground. “Oof. Not what I meant, but then again, it’s you.”

“Somepony’s finally learning,” DJ quipped. Twilight, Spike, Nyx, and Scootaloo rounded around the car to this sight, causing the lavender mare to rush towards her BBBFF.

“Shiny!”

“Twily!” They both embraced each other. When they separated, Shining continued. “I’m glad you all could make it.” He walked towards his nieces and younger brother. “So how are my two favorite nieces?”

“We’re your only nieces,” Nyx commented, but still took a hug from her uncle. Scootaloo was unsure, mostly because this was her first time meeting Shining Armor as her uncle.

“I’m fine,” the little pegasus squeaked out. Shining looked down at her with a soft smile and then lowered himself down to her level.

“Hey there Scootaloo. It’s nice to finally meet you. I can see why your mother and father would take you in. I get the sense that you’re a very strong filly and I am very happy that you are a part of this family.” He never let his smile drop for a second and ruffled her mane, gaining a small smile out of the filly. “There’s a smile,” Shining said as he rose back to a standing position. “And what about my little brother? What have you been up to?”

“Mostly hanging out with DJ and doing my chores,” Spike said with a shrug. “It’s been fun, though. DJ’s been teaching me how to sword fight and he says I’m getting pretty good.”

Shining stared at the drake with his mouth agape and then turned to DJ who was giving the stallion an evil grin. DJ shrugged. “Little dude’s got hands, err, claws. They’re meant for that sort of thing, so yeah. Spike’s good. Not as good as me, but still good.”

“What you mean good as you?” Shining asked in offense.

“Who beat who in sword fighting?”

“You cheated!!”

“Still beat your sorry flank. Don’t you remember the first rule?”

“’Humans do whatever it takes to win.’ Yeah, I remember. Still doesn’t count!”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night, bro.” Shining just glared as DJ smiled smugly. Twilight just shook her head in exasperation.

“Stallions,” she said loud enough for all present to hear. Said stallions turned to give the mare deadpanned glares. “Can we just go inside the palace now? I think Cinco’s about to get squished.” DJ and Shining turned to look at the diminutive draconequus who was struggling under the large bags he had on his back.

“I think that would be a good idea,” Shining remarked. “Come on, I’ll show you the way.” The group started to follow the Crystal Prince, two guards falling in behind. Another pair of guards stood watch over the ‘royal vehicle’.

“If you’re guards put even a single scratch on that car, I’ll have your head,” DJ warned.

“It’ll be fine.” Shining looked over his shoulder at the two guards who had their spears pointed at the car, looking at it with suspicion and fear. Shining saw that DJ noticed this two and was glaring at him. “Two scratches at most,” he relented.

The group were walking up several flights of stairs that would eventually lead to the throne room of the Crystal Palace and they were making idle conversation to pass the time. “So, Shining, any idea why my mother decided to drag all us out here on a sudden family vacation?”

“Princess Celestia kinda sprung it on us last second, too.” He stopped for a second to recall what DJ had just told him. “Wait, what? Mother?”

“Long story,” DJ said with nothing more.

“Is there anypony you aren’t related to, yet?”

“You really want the answer to that question?”

“No.” They walked in silence from there and soon found themselves in the presence of Princess Celestia and Cadence. “Look who’s here!” Shining said as an introduction.

“Twilight!” exclaimed Cadence who ran up to her.

“Cadence!” Twilight exclaimed in return and rushed up to her sister-in-law in return.

“Sunshine, sunshine, lady bugs awake, clap your hooves, and do a little shake!” They two mares went about their routine and ended in a laughing hug. DJ and Shining looked at the pair with deadpan stares.

“And they wonder about us?” DJ muttered to Shining Armor.

“Tell me about it.”

“I am glad you all could make it,” Celestia said as she approached the others. Her motherly smile was radiant amongst them all. “It is so good to see everypony.”

“Wassup Cellie!!” DJ proclaimed with a hoof held high. Several ponies and one dragon face hoofed, palmed in Spike’s case. Celestia just giggled a little.

“You know that’s not how you address me,” Celestia corrected him.

“Sorry, ma.” Now it was Cadence’s turn to be in shock. “That’s right, we’re technically cousins now. Surprise!”

“Apology accepted, my little pony.”

“What did we talk about?” DJ said with a warning glare. Celestia simply rolled her eyes.

“Don’t call you little. Yes, yes. Apologies, my son.”

“Better. Now, what’s up with the sudden vacation idea? And where the hay is my little sister?” Celestia replied smoothly, but seemed troubled for some reason.

“Pixel Berry is currently on a diplomatic assignment to the Minotaur lands. She will be unable to return in time. Aside from that, the vacation idea, as you call it, is not what you probably think it is.” Celestia trotted over to one the windows and left the others to think about that cryptic statement. “Here is a hint. Twilight what happened six month before DJ came to Equestria?”

“I traveled through the mirror and into that humanized Equestria,” Twilight answered almost immediately. “What’s that have to do with anything?”

“Wait just a bloomin’ second!” DJ proudly proclaimed, going British. Time to get Sherlock with it! BTW, I am allowed to do this because I am descended from the Brits! So buck up, gov’nor! “Let me get this straight. Six month prior to the point of mine arrival in Equestria was when Twilight traveled to the other Equestria? And it has been two years since. So that would mean that precisely two years and six months have transpired since said occasion.”

“And what does that mean?” Twilight asked, still not understanding.

“Well, you see love, one can translate two years and six months into several ways. Two and a half years, or thirty months, or, perhaps, thirty moons. See the connection now, my dear?” Twilight’s eyes widened as DJ laid everything out.

“The portal is open!” she proclaimed.

“That’s correct! Tell her what she’s won, Celestia!” DJ exclaimed, suddenly wearing a suit and holding a microphone. Celestia looked just as confused as the others. DJ sighed and removed the clothes. “Nopony ever understands my witty humor.” Twilight patted him softly on the back as he sulked.

Celestia smiled little, just to humor him. “You are both correct. I have summoned you all here so that you may once again travel to the human Equestria. Since Twilight made such good friends there, I thought that she may wish to visit them. Since there isn’t a national crisis at the moment, a family vacation seemed like a good way for all of you to unwind a little. The portal will reopen tomorrow morning, so I encourage all of you to get some well-deserved rest tonight.” She ushered them all a way. After a moment, only Celestia, Shining Armor, Cadence, and DJ remained in the throne room. “Something on your mind, my son?”

DJ gave her a knowing smile. “They’re gone now, mom. So, spill. What’s really going on? Don’t even try lying, either. Applejack has taught me quite well on that front.”

Celestia let out a resigned sigh. “I figured you would be able to detect that something was amiss. You see, the portal between our two worlds does not open every thirty moons. It opens once every full moon. We told everypony that little bluff so that nopony would stay curious about the mirror long enough to actually remember it. Lately, I have detected disturbances between the realms and I would like you and Twilight to investigate. I don’t think that it is anything serious otherwise I would have informed you as such and the girls would not be going along. All we need you to do is to keep your eyes and ears open for anything strange while on the other side. I know you won’t let me down.”

DJ took everything with a nod. “I’ll do my best, mother. You can count on that. And thank you for this. The girls have actually been asking for a way to end their summer vacation on a high note for a few weeks now, but I have been drawing a blank. I’ll see all of you in the morning.” DJ walked out of the throne room, leaving the others, including smiling Celestia, behind.

As DJ trotted down the hallway to his room, he saw Twilight speaking with one of the guards. It was just her and the stallion, so DJ assumed the others had retired to the room. There was something familiar about that pony and it began to get clearer and clearer as he approached the pair. Is that…? No, no it can’t be? But it was. Twilight was speaking with one the more controversial characters from the show, Flash Sentry. For the first time since the two of them were together, DJ was feeling something unknown towards his wife. He felt… jealous! Oh crap! No, no! Do NOT fall for the old sitcom cliché. Just stay calm, there are probably just talking. Do NOT overreact!

He kept repeating that like a mantra as he neared the two ponies. “Hey Twi!” DJ called out, causing both ponies to look at him. Twilight smiled and urged him forward, while Sentry just stared him down, not exactly sure who this stallion was.

“There you are DJ. I was just on my way to find you when I bumped into a familiar face. DJ meet Flash Sentry. He’s a… old friend. Flash this is my husband DJ.” The two stallions stared at each other as they shook hooves.

“Nice to meet you,” DJ said without emotion.

“Likewise,” Flash replied in the same manner. “Well, it was nice catching up with you Princess Twilight, but I must return to my duties. Your highness.” Flash bowed to them and trotted down the nearby hallway. DJ turned to his wife.

“Should I be worried?” he asked her.

Twilight glanced between Flash and her husband, sudden realization occurring. “Oh, me and Flash? What makes you say that?” she asked nervously with a blush.

“I know what happened on the other side remember? I told you that that particular adventure was a feature-length movie and it included a blooming romance between you and Mister Sentry. So, yeah, I’m a little weary.”

Twilight laughed nervously, but turned seriously a moment later. “Right, forgot about that. No, DJ you have nothing to worry about. Me and Flash did date a little, but it didn’t develop into anything.”

“Any particular reason why?” The couple began trotting towards their room as DJ grilled Twilight for information.

“Alright, fine. Flash didn’t feel comfortable around Nyx and accidentally mentioned to me that I should consider finding her another home.” DJ started to feel a burning hatred toward that pegasus. “He did admit that Nyx was a nice filly, but he was just far too cautious to ever see her as anything more than Nightmare Moon. So I broke it off. We settled everything and we’re just friends. No hurt feelings.”

“Okay. If you say so, Twi.”

“Aw, is somepony jealous?”

“Shut up! I have my reasons!” Twilight giggled and leaned into him.

“I’m not going anywhere, DJ. You’re the stallion for me and I’m not letting any other mare take you away from me, either. Remember that.”

“Yeah, yeah. I got it memorized.” He tapped his skull for emphasis. The two ponies giggled a little as they went to their bedroom for the night.

**********

The next morning, everypony awoke for breakfast and enjoyed quite the royal feast, consisting mostly of crystal berry based products. DJ didn’t mind, mostly due to them tasting like blueberries, his favorite. As the young ones ate, the elders hashed out all of the plans for the vacation. They would meet up with Twilight’s friends and basically go from there. Nyx and Scootaloo were anxious to get to travel to another world, though that didn’t stop Scootaloo from playing with Guard Armor who giggled the whole time. They thought it would be one of the greatest experiences of their young lives. Spike, meanwhile, was huffing a little and DJ picked up on it.

“Somethin’ on your mind bud?” he asked the drake.

“I’m not sure I want to go with you guys,” Spike admitted.

“Why’s that?” asked Twilight. The others were a little shocked by his statement.

“Because the last time I went, I got turned into a dog! Sure the ear scratching felt nice, but I didn’t feel right. Felt like I really was just a pet.”

“Good thing I got something to make up for that!” DJ said proudly. They all looked at him with confusion. “Duh, the omnitrix! Right Omni?”

“Of course, sir,” the device replied. “Once on the other side, I can detach from the good sir and then be recoupled to Master Spike. The good sir’s keywords can still be used by the good drake as well.” The others just continued to star at the device around DJ’s neck, while DJ smiled proudly.

“Ain’t this guy great? Don’t worry Spike, I got ya covered.”

Spike smiled in return. “Thanks, bro. I can always count on you.”

“You know it!”

With breakfast finished, the group of seven ponies and one dragon found themselves in the room holding the mirror that led to the human world. “Alright everypony, I wish you all good luck and fun times,” Celestia said encouragingly. Shining Armor and Cadence offered their farewells, too, while Guard Armor waved his hooves and said “Bye-bye!”

The Sparkle family approached the mirror hesitantly. Nyx and Scootaloo were the closest ones, with Twilight and Spike behind them and DJ bringing up the rear. None of them seemed too eager to go, so DJ got impatient. With a quick blast of Force energy, DJ sent his family flying into the mirror and through the portal, Twilight yelling at DJ angrily the whole way through. DJ smiled a little as they went through and noticed that the mirror was pushed a little as well, now facing the ceiling instead of the ponies. DJ turned to his mother and in-laws.

“We’ll see you all in a few days! Now watch as I dive headfirst into new adventure!” DJ jumped up, using his wings for aided flight and dropped into the awaiting portal. “Geroni-bungaaaaaaa!!!!” And with that scream of excitement, the Sparkle family was on their way to another world for adventure and fun.