Chapter 42:
Once Upon a Zeppelin
Twilight was hard at work in her study in her castle signing many papers lots of ponies wanted her to sign. And to her she is finding this boring considering she’s got a pile of papers about two times Celestia’s size.
She only stopped signing when the quill she was using broke who then groaned in annoyance. Lucky for her, Spike got her a new one in just a few seconds.
But then the little dragon felt something in his stomach as he let out a huge belch which launched a scroll in front of Twilight.
"Oh, thank goodness.” Spike said in relief. “I thought I had too many deep fried gems for a moment." He then grinned when she glared at him for doing so as she warned him before against doing so before reading the scroll. Her wondering and bored expression of the letter's contents turned into a happy smile.
"It's from my parents! They just won a free zeppelin cruise and get to take the whole family!" Twilight said as she trotted in place before frowning and sighing as she remembers all of the work she still has to get done.
“I wish we could go, Spike. I wish we had time to go with them but there’s just too many princess duties I need to take care of." She lamented as she then focused her quill on pressing forward with signing the papers.
"Come on, Twilight. Even Princess Celestia takes a break sometimes, and she raises the sun." Spike tried to persuade her into pursing this once in a while opportunity to spend time with her family to no avail as she sadly focuses on her papers. Spike then rolled up his non-existent sleeves in response as he pushed Twilight out of the room not taking Twilight saying no for an answer. "You need a vacation! I can keep track of the friendship log, boost community morale, and answer fan mail for a few days."
"But, Spike, you're as much a part of my family as anypony. I can't just leave you here to do all that work and leave you out of this vacation just for my sake!" Twilight responded in protest.
“Not a problem!” Spike assured her. “We can arrange to have all of your work put on hold until after the vacation! They understand that you need to take time off.”
“But…” Twilight again tried to protest as both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walk inside to interrupt her.
“Spike is right, Twilight.” Princess Celestia agreed with the young dragon as she politely added her input. “Even we take vacations from time to time and we strongly insist that you and Spike take this opportunity to spend time with your family.” She warmly advised her former student.
“And don’t worry about all of your work.” Luna also assured her. “We’ll take care of it for the next few days.”
“But you’ve done so much for me.” Twilight again protested for the third time in the row. “I can’t just dump all of my work onto you.”
“Twilight, it will be okay.” Celestia again assured her it’s no big deal. “I’ve managed to rule Equestria on my own for a thousand years so I think a little extra work won’t hurt me and my sister.”
“Now go on and get ready so you two can have fun with your family.” Luna motioned them with a hoof gesturing them to do so. “It’s not every day you get this opportunity.”
"All right.” Twilight relented in defeat. “I guess you’re not really giving me much of a choice here. Write back to my parents to tell them we can make it!" She said to Spike as she ran off ahead. "I'm gonna go pack everything neatly into one suitcase!"
As she and the other princesses watch Twilight leave, Spike says to them.
"Wait for it..." as Twilight speaks up on cue.
"Cruises have activities, right?! I should probably make a schedule?!"
"And, there it is." Spike said as if he expected that as they look forward to their well-earned vacation while both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna chuckle in amusement of Twilight’s adorable antics.
Twilight and Spike met up with the rest of the Sparkle family as they all boarded the zeppelin together along with the rest of excited cruise ponies who have gathered together. Twilight Velvet fondly exclaimed.
"Oh, gee. I am really looking forward to a relaxing vacation." Twilight Velvet happily said as she led every pony onto the zeppelin to which her husband Night Light giggled as he whispered to Twilight who was walking right next to him with Spike on her back along with her saddlebag.
"Watch out. She won't admit it, but when your mother says "relaxing vacation", she means "doing something crazy". Last time, she ended up bungee-jumping over Luna Bay!"
"What was that, hon?" Velvet asked as she quickly caught on to what her husband was telling their daughter.
"Oh I was uh... just telling Twilight here about my new bingo strategy book! It's a, heh, real page-turner!" Night Light quickly and nervously replied as he gave a knowing wink to Twilight.
"Oh I can't wait to get onboard this zeppelin and fly like a pegasus!" Shining Armor expressed his excitement over this vacation as he levitated Flurry’s mobile basket with his magic.
“Really?” Twilight teased with a knowing smile. “I remember you getting airsick on Admiral Fairweather's Wild Ride at Pony Island."
“I remember that!” Spike recalled. “He sure left quite a trail back then. That the poor ride attendants and their manager had the misfortune to be standing there.”
Shining Armor reacted in shock and embarrassment hearing this along with his wife as she and Spike both snicker hearing this.
“Oh please.” Shining Armor countered. ”I outgrew airsickness a long time ago.“
At that moment the loudspeakers on the zeppelin turned on as a voice is heard from the speakers.
"I hope you ponies feel welcomed aboard, because you are!” The voice addressed everypony.
“Well, that was an... assertive welcome.” Twilight brought up taken aback by that a little.
“And yet sounds familiar.” Spike also brought up as he placed a claw on his chin wondering as if it came up before as the zeppelin takes off and boards from the dock.
The Sparkle family then went straight to their assigned cabin so they could unpack and much to their delight they got the royal suite to which it only cost them one bit from Twilight Velvet who paid the bellhop for showing them the way.
They then all looked around and marveled at their surroundings as looked around the room’s luxuries.
"So this is what it feels like to be big-time contest prize winners," Night Light commented in amazement as he surveyed the room. "I just wish I could remember what contest we won?"
“Wait. You don't know where this prize came from?” Twilight asked in surprise.
"When somepony offers you a free vacation, you just sign the paperwork and don't ask questions!!"
“I don’t know if things work that way.” Twilight replied unsure if that was a wise move. “Personally, I would double-check to know what you’re signing up for before agreeing to the terms because if there’s one thing I know about contracts is that they can someway bite you in the flank if you’re not careful.”
"Well, from the looks of things seems like there's no catch so far as everything including the tickets all looked good.” Spike brought up no harm done so far.
"At least not yet." Twilight thought to herself still not completely sure of that.
"Especially when it means we all get to fly off together.” Night Light also brought up proving Spike’s point. “What should we do first?"
“Well, I did categorize the ship's activities and make a schedule organized by each of our interests." She said as she pulled out a long sheet with various colored bars, each with a different name written on them, as well as a pointer from her saddlebag that she directed to the first colored bar. "Dad, you're easy. Bingo tournament right here."
“Oh, I just love how the numbers and letters are organized in their little boxes. It's so satisfying." Night Light said as he looked at his section of the schedule.
“Like father like daughter.” Spike commented to himself with a small chuckle as Twilight directed the rest of the family to the next colored bar.
"Shining Armor, they've got a tiny boat race in a tiny pool here. We can race each other." She told his brother next.
"Aw, sis. Only you would remember I love tiny things." Shining Armor who tickled his daughter’s tubby as she giggled in response.
"And Cadence, there's a Peewee Princess Playtime here that Flurry's gonna love!" Twilight told his sister-in-law as Flurry flapped her wings in response hearing that.
"Oh, wonderful!" Cadence said in response as Twilight Velvet eyed the schedule next, as she caught her attention to something particular on it.
"Hmm, this here barrel ride at Neighagra Falls sounds interesting." Twilight Velvet said sounding interested by it to which Twilight then wrote down on the schedule with an "Eh, why not?" expression before pinning the schedule to a wall in the room.
“I just want to see you all have a good time. And this works out perfectly, because we have room for the one thing I wanna do!” Twilight happily said as she pulled out a book from her saddle bag. “Our ship passes the Frozen North at sunset, which is the only time you can see the astrological phenomenon known as the Northern Stars. It's like the stars are shooting out of the setting sun!!"
The rest of the Sparkle family all oohed in amazement hearing of it.
"Well, we definitely don't want to miss that.” Cadance replied.
"And I’ll make sure she doesn’t miss them.” Spike told Cadance as he hops off of Twilight’s back.
"Then it's settled." Twilight declared, before eyeing her schedule more closely at something in particular. "Hmm. But we don't have anything to do right now. Any suggestions?"
Before any pony could voice any suggestions the loudspeakers spoke up again as the voice from before announced.
"Attention, cruise ponies! Don't let this zeppelin be a bore! Leave your room and see the tour!."
“A tour could be fun.” Cadance suggested as the rest of the Sparkle Family nods in agreement as they set out to seek the tour.
Once out on the deck, Shining Armor stuck his hooves out to feel the wind as it whistled past him.
"I'm flying! I'm—" He began, only to suddenly feel air sick again as his face turned green and covered his mouth as if he was going to throw up.
“I'm afraid Flurry may be airsick.” Cadance spoke up as she approached her husband with Flurry in tow with a knowing smile. “Since I know that isn't a problem for you, would you mind taking her below??"
Shining happily accepted his wife's request after picking up Flurry Heart he quickly went below deck to recover so he can throw up in private as Twilight walked up to Cadance who both didn’t say a word about as the loudspeaker voice speaks up again.
“Far to our right, you can just make out the white tufts of Cloudsdale, where Princess Twilight Sparkle once toured the weather factory.”
“How'd he know that?” Twilight asked in surprise as her parents and Spike all walked up to her. “And why announce it on a cruise?”
At that moment the ponies on the cruise all marveled in amazement at sight of the alicorn princesses.
"Why don't we move to the other side of the deck.” Cadance suggested as she leads Twilight away from the admiring fan ponies who re gathering around to close for comfort.
“We are now high enough to see all of Canterlot, even the royal tree where Princess Twilight and her brother Shining Armor were born!” The voice from the loudspeaker further announced.
“What? That's not right.” Twilight expressed incredulous looks with Cadance at this false statement as every pony including her parents marvel at something down below.
“No it isn’t!” Spike agreed.
“Um, you guys know that's not where we were born. What are you so excited about?" Twilight then asked her parents.
“Well, it is a really nice tree, sweetheart.” Night Light told his daughter as he pointed to said tree as his wife nods in agreement to which Twilight rolls her eyes in response.
“We just wanted to say how excited we are to be here!” One of the fan ponies yelled spit into her face
“Um... yeah. Us, too.” Twilight politely and nervously replied as the loudspeaker voice spoke up again.
“On our route north, we will pass the spires of the Crystal Empire, where Princess Cadance rescued her Alicorn baby Spike from a monster made of fire!”
“Well, that doesn't even make sense.” Princess Cadance expressed her incredulous over that false statement.
“Why do I get the feeling that our captain’s is getting his facts mixed up with his fantasy flights?” Spike wondered.
“Well, "Royal Grandparents" sounds a bit fancy, but of course you can take our picture.” Night Light humbly told the fan ponies as she and his wife pose for pictures.
“What?!” Twilight now expressed feeling quite annoyed along with Cadance as the cruise ponies amongst wearing t-shirts with the princesses faces on them, along with wigs, horns, and wings just like them one of the fans wearing a tacky mask of Princess Cadence asking for her autograph to which alarmed her quite a bit as she found it pretty creepy. "Okay, that's it! Does anypony know where the cruise announcer is?” She then asked everypony who all pointed towards the captain’s quarters on the upper deck.
Twilight soon made her way up to the captain's deck and threw open the door.
"Excuse me, sir," She sternly told the captain tone of voice. "What's the big idea?"
“You can call Iron Will "Iron Will"!” The captain revealed himself
“What are you doing here?” Twilight glared at him. “And why do you keep announcing random things about me and my family?”
“The assertiveness seminar market dried up, so Iron Will started a new career organizing themed vacation packages!” He explained himself.
“And the theme of this vacation is...” Twilight questioned with a suspicious raised eyebrow as he announced over the loudspeaker.
“Everypony, stomp your hooves if you are here for the premiere Cruise of the Princesses Experience!” He announced to every pony as banners of Princess Twilight and Princess Cadance roll down for every pony to see much to Twilight’s discomfort.
Back down to the royal suite where Shining Armor and Flurry Heart were waiting as the rest of the family gathered together with Iron Will where they question what’s going on and try to sort everything out.
“Iron Will, I'm not sure it was entirely honest of you to offer this cruise to my family without telling us that ponies bought tickets just to see Cadance and me!” Twilight scolded the Minotaur.
“Iron Will outlined all the details of the cruise in the Prize Acceptance and Consent Form that you signed.” He firmly replied with crossed arms as he presents said forms to which her mother looks at with her magic.
“Well, when somepony offers you a free vacation, who reads the fine print?” Twilight Velvet sheepishly replied.
“And that’s why you always read the contract before signing.” Spike grumbled in an “I told you so.” tone.
“Iron Will prides himself on providing a quality vacation experience.” He said as if he claims he has everypony’s interest at heart. “But if Twilight Sparkle and her family don't want it, Iron Will can cancel the cruise and break the hearts of every princess-adoring pony on board.” He then said ready to pull the plug on their trip if they’re not interested in complying with his demands as one of the fans gushes from the nearby window
“I love you, Princess Twilight!” One of the fans exclaimed as Twilight closed the window.
“As much as I want a family vacation, I don't think I could entertain all these cruise ponies. My hooves are pretty full taking care of Flurry Heart.” Cadance commented to Twilight.
“I guess we were just so excited by the idea of a family cruise…” Twilight Velvet commented sadly. “…I guess we didn’t take the time to fully understand what we were getting ourselves into.”
Night Light then sighed as he knew what had to be done.
"All right. I guess we better turn this ship around." He said as Twilight reads the contract her parents signed before thinking of an idea.
“Wait hold up!” Twilight spoke up. “Wait! Iron Will, what if I offered you a deal? If I agree to do some of the princess activities you want, will you promise that me and my family gets to do the activities they want?” She proposed.
“Sis, you don't have to do that. We want you to enjoy yourself, too.” Shining Armor spoke up in protest.
“Come on Twilight, it’s not worth it!” Spike agreed with her brother.
“I don't want the vacation to end now or let down all these ponies who were looking forward to seeing us.” Twilight refused to back down from her stance. “So what do you say, Iron Will? As long as I get what I want do we have a deal?” Twilight offered her hoof to shake the Minotaur’s hand with.
“Princess Twilight has a deal!” Iron Will agreed as he shook her hoof.
"Great!" Twilight smiled as she turned to her father. "So it looks like we have some time before Dad plays Bingo."
"Actually, we have just enough to pick the winner of our grand-prize raffle!" Iron Will declared as he ushered Twilight away.
"Oh well who doesn't like prizes?" Twilight sarcastically agreed while smiling to herself knowing she can turn her words into her advantage against the scheming Minotaur.
The raffle took place on the main deck of the zeppelin. Ponies all gathered as Twilight and Iron Will stood on the upper deck with a huge barrel full of slips of paper.
"Alright, cruise ponies! As the zeppelin flies, it's time for somepony to win a prize!" Iron Will announced to the crowd who all cheer and applaud as Twilight approached the barrel.
"Thank you all so much for being so gracious and respectful to me and my family," Twilight spoke to all the cruise ponies before turning her attention to the barrel to randomly draw the winner. "And now, without further ado, the winner is..." She pulled out a slip of paper, unfolded it, and read the name aloud. "Star Tracker! Congratulations, and I hope you enjoy your prize!" Then she turned away ready to lead her father away. "Okay, Dad! Bingo Time!" But as she walked away she bumped straight into a gray earth pony who had a light gold mane and tail with light blue eyes, and a couple of upside down horseshoes beneath a star for his cutie mark. "Oh, I'm sorry, but I don't actually have the prize on me." She apologized as Iron Will took hold of a microphone as he announced to the cruise ponies gathered below. "Congratulations to Star Tracker, who wins the grand prize spending the day with Twilight as an honorary member of her family!”
The crowd cheered at the announcement as confetti bursts into the air.
"That's the prize?!“ Twilight exclaimed in shock as Star Tracker laughs nervously in reply.
"Okay, well... I guess you should come with us, honorary family member." Twilight reluctantly obliged.
"Sure, there's always room at the bingo table!“ Night Light agreed as he approached him who smiled widely in response.
The three made their way to the bingo tournament where Night Light and Star Tracker were both seated as Twilight made her way to address everypony at the table she would assume her role as the bingo caller.
"Is everypony ready?!" She called to everypony into a megaphone.
"Sure are, sweetie!" Night Light called back. "Give that cage a whirl!"
"What did you say, Dad?" She asked through the megaphone as he was too far away for her to hear as Star Tracker suddenly appeared next to her.
"He... He said to, uh, uh, give it a-a whirl." Star Tracker told her.
"Oh. Um, thanks. I think." Twilight said in alarm seeing Star Tracker. “Could you please not stand so close to me going forward please?”
“Of course, princess!” Star Tracker replied as he went back to take his seat.
Once than was taken care of, Twilight assumed the role of the caller as she rolled the cage with one of the balls containing on the lettered numbers comes out for Twilight to read.
“I-19” She called out.
“Hey, hey! Now we're talkin'! This Princess Bingo is great!” Night Light exclaimed as he stamped that number on his bingo card and waved to his daughter to let her know he heard that.
“Princess Bingo! Princess Bingo! Princess Bingo!” Every pony chanted as they waited for the next number to be called.
As soon as the bingo tournament was taken care of she headed off to the next activity she'd planned for her family which is at the zeppelin’s tiny pool where the boats are just as tiny as Twilight described.
Shining Armor was already there getting into his boat though now looking queasy and green.
"Phew. Just made it." Twilight said in relief that she made it on time as she met up with her brother and mother but still bumped into her. “Ahem, personal space.” She told the fan pony who backed up a few steps.
“Sorry!” Star Tracker quickly apologized.
“Anyways, know that I’m here, I’m ready to give the tiny boat race of your life!” She happily told her big brother who then felt like he was going to vomit and then forced it back down.
“Sure am.” Shining Armor replied as he tried to feign his air sickness for the sake of being able to spend time with his little sister. “I just hope you're ready for this!"
“Sure am!” Twilight eagerly said as she put on her life jacket. “But are you sure you’re okay?” She couldn’t help but ask out of concern seeing her brother look very green.
“No way. How can I be airsick? I'm in the water, so it totally cancels out!” He tried to deny to no avail as he nearly threw up again.
“I don't think that's how it works. But I'm ready if you are.” Twilight replied not having her concern eased up but gets ready to get on the other boat only for Iron Will to show up and get in the way.
“Technically, Princess Twilight Sparkle should officiate the princess paddle boat race.” Iron Will interfered as he tried to remove her life jacket only for Twilight to stop with her magic.
“Uh-uh, no you don’t!” Twilight assertively told him as she held up the contract. “I hosted the bingo tournament and now I get to do something I want to do to. That was the deal!”
“That’s right!” Twilight Velvet agreed. "She did what you asked and now she deserves to something she wants to do."
“Unless of course you want me to a pull the plug on your Princess cruise and tell everypony the truth.” Twilight also added as she threatens to tear up the contract with a devious smirk.
Iron Will nervously gulped as he tugged on his tie as the ponies who have gathered wondered what she is talking about before reluctantly sighing.
"Very well." He then accepted in defeat as Twilight readjusted her life jacket as he walked over to officiate the race as the two siblings get ready to race as Twilight looks on with a satisfied smile. "On your mark, get set, go!" He announced.
The two boats quickly whirred to life as Twilight took off on her boat and just in a blink of an eye and in a few seconds In a matter of seconds it was over, and Twilight won.
"Looks like I win again, big brother." Twilight somewhat gloated a little.
"Congrats, Twily?" Shining commented as he slowly stepped out of his boat as Twilight followed after him. "Even though I... I was still weighed down by air sickness.” He then felt his stomach retch again. “Uh-oh!” He then tried to make it to a trash can only to lose control and throw up onto the ground and narrowly missed Twilight’s hooves as every pony looked on in disgust and just ran off.
“Well that’s just great.” Twilight sighed in disgust as Twilight Velvet walked over to help her son up.
“Aww, that's all right, dear. We'll take you back to the room.” Twilight Velvet helped her son make her way back to the room. “Spike is currently down there playing Ogres & Oubliettes.”
“Oh boy, I love Ogres & Oubliettes!” Shining Armor happily said through his queasy air sickness fogged mind.
“Now I got to clean this pool up.” Iron Will groaned in disgust as he walked off to get a mop as Twilight secretly sneaks away still smiling even when she nearly got hooves covered in vomit seeing that worked out perfectly to her advantage.
Meanwhile Cadence while unaware of what was happening was overseeing Flurry Heart playing at the Peewee Princess Playtime to where Flurry Heart's idea of fun seemed to involve stacking other foals on top of each other like blocks. Only Cadence was very concerned about her daughter’s rough behavior by this and especially when none of the other parents seemed to share her concern. Not even when the pile of foals toppled over and Flurry tried to pick them up again with her magic.
Cadence moved to quickly pick up Flurry just as Twilight arrived just as she was cleaning her hooves up with a towel before tossing it into the nearby trash can.
"Cadence, I'm so glad you got in the Peewee Princess Playtime!" Twilight happily told her.
"Flurry is having a wonderful time.” Cadance smiled as she quickly moved her wing to stop Flurry from picking up another foal with her magic. “Although her idea of fun could be worked on a little more."
"Well at least you around to keep an eye on her." Twilight assured her. "But since I’m here I available for some quality bonding with you!"
“That’s wonderful!” Cadance said in delight before bringing up a question in mind. “But what about Iron Will? Won’t he notice you’re not upholding you’re end of the bargain?”
“Oh don’t worry about that?” Twilight smiled deviously in response feeling self-assured with herself that she has this under control. “I gave him a special smoothie that will ensure he won’t be around to bug me for the rest of day.”
“What?! Twilight! You didn’t…” Cadance exclaimed in shock.
“Oh, no, no, no, no, no Cadance.” Twilight quickly spoke up to clear up she didn’t kill him. “I just added a little something that would put him to sleep for the rest of the day while having a duplicate of me take care of the princess activities while I’m spending the time I deserve with my family.”
“Oh, Twilight.” Cadance chuckled with a roll of her eyes. “Always so devious. But as soon as Flurry is done playing when we can head over to the museum for a tour of the place.”
“Well in the meantime I don’t mind watching her play with them and try to make new friends.” Twilight said to show she is more than happy to oversee Flurry playing with the other foals.
At that moment Star Tracker appeared with an eager smile as he again gets in Twilight’s personal space.
"Oops! Sorry!" He said as he backed up again after again seeing the look Twilight was giving him again.
"Anyway as I was saying…” Twilight spoke up again paying no attention to what just happened. “After the museum tour I plan to spend some time with Mom for a few barrel rides at Neighagra Falls! And now that Iron Will is taken care of I don’t have to worry about missing that."
“While it’s nice to see that you’re now having a good time…” Cadance said. “I just hope what you’re doing isn’t going to backfire on you.” Cadance added while now sounding a little worried.
"Relax. The duplicate is solely focused on the princess activities Iron Will wanted me to do so even if he questions me he’ll never tell the difference." Twilight again assured her. “As long as everypony is happy it’s a win-win. Especially as long as I get to see the Northern Stars tonight with everypony."
“I know but I’m just telling you to be careful because the last thing anypony needs is thinking you’re slipping back into your old ways manipulating ponies for her own gain especially after working your way into every pony’s trust into becoming a great princess.” Cadance tried her hardest to voice her concerns with the right words so that Twilight doesn’t take it the wrong way.
“And I can safely say I’m not.” Twilight replied not taking offense to that comment. “Even when I’m reformed I know how to use my skills for good.”
Even though Cadance isn’t completely convinced both alicorn princesses find themselves drawn to the other parent’s attention.
"Why don't you play and make a princess friend?"One of the parents suggested to her foal as she and the other parents proceeded to shove their foals directly into Flurry Heart's face.
Cadence quickly came over and picked Flurry Heart up with her magic deciding she has had enough.
"Uh... I am so sorry, everypony, but it looks like Flurry needs her nap. " She lightly and somewhat assertively said as she walked away with a concerned look on her face at the other parents treatment of her daughter and Twilight dipping into her manipulative nature again as the three ponies walk away from the daycare area.
The three ponies took their time enjoying the museum tour as they all marveled at their surroundings while the duplicate handles the photo-shoots and Q&A questions on being an alicorn.
Because Twilight can keep to her schedule she was able to join up with her mother for a barrel ride. After the first time the two ponies both enjoyed the barrel rides so much they actually got together for as many barrel rides as they could enjoy until they ended up riding on their last rides.
Following the latest barrel jump both ponies got out as both Twilight and Twilight Velvet's manes flopped around from all the water from the barrel as they both laugh together having really enjoyed it.
"Oh! Neighagra Falls was amazing!" Twilight’s mother happily exclaimed while rocking back and forth in the barrel, causing her mane to flop into her face. "The endless open air, the water in my mane! Oh! The small confines of the barrel!”
Night Light came trotting up with a camera hanging around his neck as he gave his wife a knowing wink and laughed.
"Another 'relaxing vacation' in the books, hon." He said to his wife as he kissed her on the cheek.
“It sure is.” Twilight grinned as she dried her mane and took off her life jacket. “I’m just glad I was able to make it when I did and boy that sure was fun!” She also added to emphasize how much fun she had as Star Tracker joined in on the little get together.
“And I see you are managing both having fun and your princess duties just well!” Her mother couldn’t help but compliment her. “And nice to see you standing your ground to that Minotaur so you can spend the time you deserve to enjoy yourself and relax!”
“Well I had to pull a few strings but it has been doable.” Twilight truthfully said with a smile.
"Well I just want you to remember, it's your vacation too. So don’t feel pressured into doing all of this just for the sake of pleasing everypony because everyone knows how much you care for others no matter what.” She then gently reminded her to know where to draw the line.
"And I can assure you everything is going exactly as planned." Twilight then told her parents that she’s got everything under control.
“Well all right then.” Night Light agreed without an argument. “We’ll see you later tonight when the Northern Stars come tonight!" He bid his daughter farewell as he and his wife walked off.
As soon as her parents left and she made sure no pony was around she casts a spell to have her duplicate disappear as soon as she was done one of the scheduled princess activities and got herself out of everypony’s sight so no pony would get suspicious.
Twilight then came back onto the zeppelin where she made her way back to the royal suite where she meets up with the rest of family where they are watching Shining Armor and Spike enjoying Ogres & Oubliettes.
Once she made it to her room she pulled out a book to bid her time until the Northern Stars with a content smile that she managed to out-play Iron Will by beating him at his own game even with a signed contract.
And sure enough the entire family was able to marvel as every pony got together to see the Northern Stars by the time night with Iron Will being the only one who missed out on the Northern Stars as he had just woken up as the effects of the sleeping pill had just worn off. Once he saw the last star fly away he was enraged that he slept from the wonderful experience as he glared daggers at Princess Twilight.
“Princess Twilight!” Iron Will shouted at the alicorn’s direction as the entire cruise looks on at the angered Minotaur, “You put something in Iron Will’s drink didn’t you?!” He angrily accused the alicorn with a finger to her face who simply shoots back an annoyed look.
“Ok, look Iron Will…” Twilight started as she simply pushed aside Iron Will’s finger. “…First of all, I don’t know what you’re talking and you’re letting your anger cloud your judgement and second, I did what you asked and a deal’s a deal, so if I were you I’d back off before you hurt somepony.”
“Oh don’t even try to deny it!” Iron Will refused to back off. “I know who you are and deep down you are the same manipulative and power-hungry alicorn that took over Equestria and everypony knows it!” She further accused the alicorn as the rest of the crowd gives bewildered looks of what he is talking about as Iron Will glares at her.
Knowing that Iron Will is correctly onto her and that further trying to argue is going to prove she is no better than Midnight reacts with quick tears sounding hurt by those comments.
“Why are you doing this to me?” Twilight cried out as she flew off back to her room in tears. “I’m just a pony just wanting to spend quality time with my family who did everything you asked of!”
“Because Iron Will knows you’ve cheated him out of a deal Midnight Sparkle!” Iron Will yelled out in her direction as she cries and flies off. “And everypony knows it!”
Every pony look on completely shocked reactions at what they have just seen with open jaws and that Princess Twilight is just seeking time with her family and Iron Will just flat out accused her of being evil without any proof.
When Iron Will turns around feeling satisfied with himself he finds himself confronted by Twilight’s family who all look on angrily at him as Shining Armor bucks into him head on for what he said to Twilight.
“Okay, what is your problem?!” Shining Armor furiously told off the Minotaur. “Don’t get mad at my sister just because you slept through the Northern Stars when she did everything you asked of her!”
“That’s right! How could you say those awful things to her?!” Cadance added as she flew up into his face. “Especially when all Twilight wants is to spend time with her family, something that obviously isn’t as important to you!”
“You ought to be ashamed of yourself bringing up her past like that after everything she’s been through just working tirelessly just to get herself back into everypony’s good graces to show how sorry she is for the trouble she caused back then!” Spike told him off just as furious as everypony angrily glares at him.
“But Iron Will isn’t making any of those up.” Iron Will nervously tried to defend himself. “She totally did all of this!”
“Right and she could be behind bringing tiny ogres and oubliettes coming to life crawling up my bed!” Spike sarcastically commented not buying his attempts to convince them for one second.
“I can’t believe you!” Cadance said in disgust for making her sister-in-law cry. “Forcing Twilight into doing all of those princess activities at her own expense and blaming her for your troubles!”
“Now if you’ll excuse us I have to go and comfort my little sister!” Shining Armor stormed off in the direction of the royal suite.
“And don’t expect any payment for this trip because you don’t deserve it for treating our daughter like that because we’re not paying it!” Night Light scolded Iron Will as he glared at him as he joined Shining Armor, Cadance, and Spike back to the room.
Even Flurry Heart slapped him with her wing for making her favorite aunt cry like that as she flew over to join her family.
“But…” Iron Will tried to speak up only to be cut off by Twilight Velvet.
“You have a lot to think about!” She sternly said to him not even looking at him in disgust with his behavior as she walked by.
Immediately, all of the ponies on the cruise were saddened to see Twilight hurt like that and they all ganged up on Iron Will demanding refunds to which Iron Will groans in defeat seeing that he has no choice in the matter.
The whole family then went back to their quarters where they found Twilight deeply hurt by Iron Will's hurtful comments crying on her bad with her face buried in her pillow. Upon seeing her completely hurt and stung like this, Twilight finds herself greeted with hugs of comfort by every pony in her family.
“Oh, sweetie.” Twilight Velvet said with sorrow and sympathy as she hugged her daughter. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Twilight said in between sobs as she returned the hug. “I just don’t understand why he has to be so mean to me?”
“Because that Minotaur is just a jerk who’s upset he missed out on the Northern Stars and taking it out on you.” Spike replied as he grumbled at Iron Will for making Twilight cry like that like he holds a grudge against him while giving her a great big hug to which she kindly returned.
“He had absolutely no right to treat you like that, Twily.” Shining Armor added as he placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder as he looked back with a protective and disgusted glare in Iron Will's direction. “What he said was very uncalled for.”
“I mean seriously on top of turning Fluttershy into a nasty overly-assertive pony who made her friends cry for the slightest offense that was going way overboard.” Spike further added his disgust. “Comparing you to Midnight like that."
“I just hope we never have to see that awful Minotaur in business again for hurting you like that.” Night Light agreed as Cadance placed a comforting wing on Twilight’s back just a knock is heard on the door to which Night Light answers.
When he opens the door it is Star Tracker and a few of cruise ponies looking hopeful they could speak with the upset princess.
“Hello…” Star Tracker nervously greeted. “Sorry to interrupt but we were hoping we could talk to you for a minute.”
“What is it?” Twilight asked as she tilted her head up and calmed herself down and wiped away the tears from her face.
“Well, we just wanted to come by and apologize for what Iron Will said and did you.” One of the cruise ponies started to explain. “Especially after we learned of the deal he forced you into.”
“Really?” Twilight asked in surprise and interest of where this is going. “What did you all do?”
“We forced him into giving everypony refunds and called the Canterlot authorities to have him arrested when we get back to Canterlot.” Another cruise pony explained as he held up a bag of bits to give to both Twilight Velvet and Night Light. “Having said that we also came to give you the refund you all deserve after Iron Will tried to scam you all like that.”
“Really?” Twilight Velvet asked in surprised delight.
“Oh, whoa, um, thanks.” Night Light gladly accepted the refund. “Although you really didn’t have to do all of that.”
“Please, we insist.” Star Tracker insisted. “You deserve it. Especially after he made Twilight cry like that and bringing up your past like that.”
“Yeah, you and your family deserve time to get away from your troubles and had we known sooner what scheme Iron Will was playing we would have respected your wishes much sooner than when we did.” The first cruise pony said.
“I know. That guy had some nerve for reopening that wound.” The second cruise pony agreed in disgust. “Especially after everything you went through.”
“Well, thanks for coming and telling me all of that.” Twilight spoke up with a heartwarming smile as she let's loose a few happy tears as a result of those heartwarming words. “You all have no idea how much that means a lot to me.”
“Well at was the least we could do. After all you deserve time off after everything you’ve done for all of us.” The first cruise pony thought nothing of it as they prepared to leave. “Now I think it’s time we let all of you be for the time being and I hope you all enjoy the rest of your vacation.”
Star Tracker then moved to leave to only to be stopped by Twilight.
“Hold on, Star Tracker.” Twilight called out as she placed a stopping hoof on his shoulder.
“Huh?” Star Tracker asked in confusion. “Am I in trouble for getting into your personal space one too many times?” He asked sounding a little worried of where this is going.
“No, no.” Twilight quickly assured him. “You’re not because there’s something I want to do off of the schedule that includes your participation.”
Everyone in the room gasped hearing this.
"Who are you?“ Star Tracker suspiciously commented.
"Don’t worry, it’s still the Twilight Sparkle you all know and love.” Twilight assured everypony. “We're just going to do something I want us to do, as a family. Honorary members, too."
"Wow." Star Tracker commented in amazement. “That’s very kind of you, but really this your vacation for you to enjoy.” He added as he tried to kindly back out of the offer
“Ah, ah, ah.” Twilight insisted not taking “no” for an answer as she hugged him. “I insist, since you and the other cruise ponies did me a huge favor standing up for me back there. So know, I’m giving you something in return to show how much I appreciate it. After all, it’s part of your prize and I intend to honor my word to let you spend the day with me.”
“Okay.” Star Tracker agreed unable to find it in his heart to refuse the princess’s offer. “What did you have in mind.” He asked as Twilight lead everypony outside.
“Some nice quality family time bonding over ice cream.” Twilight happily replied as they made their way to the ice cream cart to get ice cream where everypony gets a scoop of favorite flavors of ice cream of their choice, even Flurry Heart is old enough to help herself to a scoop.
Everypony then got together holding up their scoops of ice cream as they all sit on the nearby bench and get together for a group hug as they all watch the sunrise as the zeppelin flew back towards Canterlot.
While the family hugs, Twilight herself secretly smiles to herself feeling satisfied that it all worked out perfectly as she enjoys her ice cream.
At the same time, Midnight was monitoring her and her family from her orb.
“Clever mare.” Midnight complimented. ”And very devious pulling the crocodile tear trick on Iron Will like that.” She said to herself as she pulled out the images of her previous scenes of manipulation and beating Iron Will at his own game. “It sure feels good to be able to take down those who deserve to be taken down a peg doesn’t it.” She then further commended as she thinks of an idea. “Perhaps maybe I can use this to my advantage. Question is what would be the right approach to get this all to work out in my favor.” She then wondered with a devious smile as she watches the entire family enjoy themselves and relax as their zeppelin ride makes their way back to Canterlot in the direction of the sunrise.