The Royal 3: Orion’s passage

January 22, 1012 A.G
Canterlot Castle.
7:30 PM

It was a chili winter night in the grand city of Canterlot. And right now, 22-year-old Atlas Jupiter Yukon was walking to the Castle’s entrance to meet up with Celestia so they can go on their date.

The last time we saw him, he was just an ordinary guy with magical powers. But ever since marrying Celestia back in October, he is now the emperor of Equestria. The first non-pony to become a member of the Faust royal family.

Becoming royalty was just as Atlas expected it to be. Big coronation, getting a new crown and going to parties with nobles.

But despite his new social status, he tries to live as normal of a life as possible.

When he was walking through the castle’s atrium, he found Galaxia leaning against the wall deep in thought.

“Good evening, Galaxia.” Atlas greeted.

This snapped Galaxia out of her thoughts. “Oh, good evening, Emperor.”

Atlas rolled his eyes and then smiled. “You know you don’t need to call me that. We’re family after all.”

“I know. I just like seeing your reaction.” She teased. “So how are you doing this evening?”

“I’m doing great. I’m going to take Celestia to the Golden Circle tonight.”

“Really now? I thought you was going to choose somewhere else.”

“I was, but I decided to go somewhere fancy this time. Before I go, can I ask you something?”
Atlas asks.

“Sure.”

“Are you ok? I noticed that you were thinking about something when I came in here.”

“Not really. Earlier today, I was using my hologram to check on universe, as I usually do, then it started going haywire before sunset. I thought that I had to give it a rest, so I did. Then I started to have a strange feeling that something is going on the cosmos. And the light show we’re getting tonight only raise my suspicion even further.”
She said before pointing at the window.

Above the mountain city was a beautiful aurora borealis. The ray of colors that were in the night sky would make anyone look at it with awe.

“You think whatever is happening in outer space is related to the aurora borealis?”

“Yeah. It’s beautiful don’t get me wrong, but it very unusual for this natural phenomenon to happen anywhere outside of the arctic regions, let alone the entire planet.”

“Maybe it’s just one big coincidence.” Atlas said.

“I hope so. But if it isn’t, I’ll be able to deal with it.”

Atlas checked his watch. “I have to get going. It was nice talking to you, Galaxia. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye Atlas, have a nice date.”

After her son-in-law was out of her sight, Galaxia decided to go to the castle library to relax.

===•••===
New York City, USA.
8:30 PM

It was a cold winter night in the city that never sleeps, and in the borough of Brooklyn there was a black woman in her late 40s, walking back home after a long shift at Brooklyn medical.

The snow underneath her shoes crunched with each step as her black hair flowed in the freezing wind.

Her name is Stephanie Nancy Yukon.

After 20 minutes of walking, she finally arrived at her two-story apartment.

“Andrew, I’m home.” Stephanie announced after she put her jacket.

“Welcome home, Stephanie. I’m in the living room.” Her husband replied in a British accent.

After she put her purse down, she walked into the living room where she found her husband relaxing on the couch while watching TV.

He is a white guy with soft brown hair in his late 40s. He is also taller than Stephanie. This is former astronaut, now NASA scientist Andrew Thomas Yukon.

“How’s your day, honey?” Andrew asks before Stephanie kissed him on the cheek.

“Hectic as usual, but I have no complaints. You?”

“I had a slow day today. But some of my work friends were asked to stay at work a few hours longer.”

“That’s unusual. Why is that?” Stephanie asks.

“Have you seen the northern light show that is happening over the city?”

“Yeah, it’s so beautiful. I even took some pictures of it while I was coming back home. Why do you ask?”

“Because it turns out this light show is happening all over the planet.”

“Is that even possible?”

“It shouldn’t be. Heck, all the major news channels have been talking about it all evening and some scientists are confused on what’s causing it in the first place.” Andrew stated.

“If I was in the shoes, I would be confused as well. But if there’s one thing I know, the boys would’ve loved to see this.” Stephanie replied, but quickly realized what she just said out loud. She looked over to her husband to see that he was now sad.

Mentioning their long loss sons was a pretty sensitive subject for both of them. Or anyone in their family. When they first heard of what happened to them, it felt like someone had stabbed them right in the heart. But when their friends described how they disappeared, it was like something out of a weird sci-fi novel. They couldn’t believe it. They wondered why and how this happened in the first place. Everyone else thought the same thing as well.

News of what happened to them spread like wildfire and quickly became one of the most famous missing persons cases in the Northeast US and Southern Canada. Thousands of people from both nations volunteer to search for them. But after years of searching and media attention, people gave up hope. Some family and friends also did as well.

Obviously, Stephanie and Andrew were devastated when the searches when the searches were unsuccessful. And they would’ve fell into a deep depression if it wasn’t for everyone around them and each other.

“I’m sorry.” She began. “I just-“

“It’s all right, Step. They would like to see something like this. I wish I could just see them again.”

Stephanie sat down next to him and gave him a hug. “Me too, Andy. Me too.”

===•••===
The very next day.
Canterlot Castle.
6:00 AM.

The moment the sun started to rise, Galaxia woke up and stretched her arms. She looked on her right to see that her husband was still sleeping peacefully. Unlike her, Nebula was the type to sleep in.

“I will see you later, my love.” She whispered before kissing him on the forehead and getting out of bed to get ready for the day.

After Galaxia arrived in her office, she sat down in her office chair and reached over for a small device that was shaped like a three-point star.

She brought it to the center of her desk and tap its center, which activated it and projected a large hologram that showed all the galaxies in her domain. Every morning and evening, Galaxia checks on her galactic realm to make sure that everything was running smoothly.

Some galaxies like the Milky Way, gets more attention from her than other since most of them have barely anything going on.

After a while, Galaxia decided to check on Equis and Earth before turning off her hologram for the day. Then she noticed a faint purple and blue line that stretched from Equis to Earth.

She zoomed in and her eyes wide when she saw its label. “Orion’s passage.”

===•••===
8:30 AM.

Apollo was in Luna‘s office, helping his fiancé with some paperwork when they both heard a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

The door open, revealing Raven inkwell. She entered the room and bowed. “Empress Luna, Emperor consort Apollo, Galaxia wants to both of you to come to her office immediately.”

“What for?” Luna asks.

“She didn’t say. I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right. You’re just doing your job.” Apollo said.

“Thank you for your understanding your majesty.”
Raven said before she left the office.

“I wonder what your mom wants to tell us.” Apollo said.

“Me too, but I have a feeling that it’s something big.” Luna lit her horn and teleported herself and Apollo in front of her mother’s office door.

They entered the office and saw that Atlas, Nebula, Celestia, Artemis, and Twilight were there as well.

“Finally, all of you are here. I’m assuming that you have some questions on why I gathered you all here.” Galaxia said.

“We do. This is the first time you have ever summoned us for an emergency meeting.” Twilight said as she rests her hand on her growing baby bump.

“Mom, what’s going on?” Celestia ask.

Galaxia folded her hands before speaking. “Orion‘s passage had opened up.”

“Oh my God.” Atlas said in shock.

“When did the passage reappeared?” Luna asks.

“Last night. Orion is the reason why there was northern light shows happening all over the planet.” Nebula answered.

“How can Orion cause all of those light shows?” Artemis asks.

“Since the passage is a shortcut through the vacuum of space, it has a magnetic field surrounding it to protect anything that goes through it. The light shows were result of the passage connecting to this planet and I wouldn’t be surprised if the same thing happened on Earth as well.” Galaxia explained.

“Ok, but how do we access the passage in the first place?” Celestia ask.

“We can use a special crystal to enter the passage. That’s what creatures used eons ago. I already asked Cadence to find one for us.” Galaxia said.

“Well, it looks like we have a lot of work to do.”
Twilight said.

“Indeed. Which is also the reason why I called y’all here. I know all of you will be done with all the preparations in no time. Me and Nebula will help out with your daily duties.”

“Mom, Dad, are you sure you want to do that? We can do fine on our own.” Luna said.

“We insist.” Nebula said.

“All right, if you insist.” Celestia said. “I’ll let you know if me and Atlas need some help.”

“Good. That is all for now. Will let you know if there’s anything else.” Galaxia said.

“Ok, we’ll see you guys later.” Atlas said before Celestia teleported the both of them away. Luna and Apollo followed suit while Twilight and Artemis walked out of the office.

===•••===
January 24
10:40 AM

Atlas was in his and Celestia’s bed chambers making sure he had everything packed before he went to meet his brothers in the castle courtyard.

The moment he woke up, Atlas was pretty nervous. He was excited to see his family and friends. But at the same time, he was worried about them.

A knock on the door snapped him out of his thoughts. He walked to door and opened it and saw that Firefly was on the other side.

“Oh, good morning, Firefly.” Atlas greeted.

“Guten morgen, Kaiser Atlas. I’m here to let you know that Prinz Artemis has just arrived and your friends from Ponyville have come to say goodbye.”

“OK, just give me a sec.”

After he grabbed his backpack and his carry-on suitcase, he left his bed chambers.

“Are the troops ready yet?” Atlas asks.

“Yes, they are. 12,000 army personnel and 1200 Marines are on standby. Ready to help you and your siblings defeat whatever adversary you may encounter on Earth. Some of our allies has also set aside some troops, but not as many as us. Surprisingly, the River Federation decided to volunteer three of its warships to be sent to Earth. When the battle starts, let us know with your walkie-talkies and will be there before you know it.”

“It looks like we are going to annihilating whatever we’re going to be encounter on Earth.”

“Indeed.” She replied.

A few moments of silence later firefly turned to her monarch and ask. “Are you nervous about your mission?”

“It’s that obvious?”

“Not really, you’re doing a good job of hiding it.”

“Thanks. To be honest, I am. I’m excited to go back but at the same time, I don’t know what I might find. Not to mention what my destiny has in store for me. You know, I wonder if the astronauts that landed on the moon, constructed ISS and the Moon base felt the same way before going on their missions.”

“In my point of view, what you and your brothers about to do is going to be way more important than anything our two species has done. You’re going to save your home planet and reunite humanity with the creatures of Equis. Any pony would be nervous if they have to do any of that. All you have to do is keep moving forward, no matter what.”

“You know what, you’re right. Thanks, Firefly.”

“No problem.”

Before they knew it, they had arrived at the castle front entrance.

“Atlas before you go, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“All of our friends in the Royal guard want me to want me to say goodbye for them. And until we meet each other again fighting side-by-side, we want to tell you good luck.” She said before presenting hand for a handshake.

Instead of that, Atlas gave her a big hug.

“See you later, soldier.” He said before ending the hug and giving Firefly a salute.

She saluted him back. “Have a safe journey, your majesty.”

After that, Atlas exited the castle and walk over to where Artemis' truck was parked.

“What took you so long?” Apollo asks.

“I was saying goodbye to Firefly. Can you put my bags in the truck for me please?”

“Sure thing.” Apollo said before he grabs Atlas’ bags and putting it in the back of the vehicle.

Atlas turns to face his friends. “Well, this is it every pony. We’re about to go back to planet Earth. I promise we’ll contact you guys as soon as we can.”

“We will hold you to that promise.” Applejack smiled. “But in all seriousness, have a nice journey home, and be careful.”

“Good luck on finding your human family.” Fluttershy said.

“Thanks, Flutters. Maybe when everything goes back to normal, we could introduce them to you all. Maybe even bring them over to Equestria for a visit.”

“When that day comes, will throw the biggest party they have ever seen, right Cheese?” Pinkie Pie said.

“You betcha, and don’t you worry, we’ll make sure there’s enough sweets to give every pony a sugar rush.”

“Hey Atlas, take some photos of your hometown for us and bring back some souvenirs too.” Soarin said.

“I will.” He said before turning to the Alicorns.

“Galaxia, thanks for training us for the unknown.”

“You don’t have to thank me, Atlas. I just did what any ancient warrior would do.” She smiled.

Atlas then hug Celestia. “I love you, Tia.”

“I love you too, Atlas. See you real soon.” She said before she kissed him on the cheek and ended the hug.

“Hey Spike, take good care of every pony for us!”
Apollo said after rolling down his window.

“Don’t worry, I will.” Spike replied.

After Atlas got in the truck, Artemis turn the keys in the ignition. “Bye every pony!” He honked the horn before driving away as every pony waved goodbye.

“Jesus, that was harder than I thought.” Atlas said.

“Yeah, but thankfully, it’s not forever though.” Apollo replied.

“Thank God for that.” Atlas said before he noticed a small pink crystal in a case sitting in the middle of the center consul. “Is that the crystal Cadence sent us?”

“It is.” Artemis replied.

“So how can we use that crystal to get inside the passage?” Atlas ask.

“Easy, all I have to do is touch the Crystal and say, ‘Orion’s passage’ and tell it where you want to go.”

“That’s interesting. At least we’re not going to be going somewhere random.”

“But that begs the question of where we should go? I think we shouldn’t take the passage to New York City. If anyone sees us coming out of the passage, we’re screwed.” Apollo stated.

“That’s a good point, but where else should we go?” Artemis ask.

“How about to Niagara Falls. The town is tiny compared to NYC and there’s less of a chance for the passage to be seen.” Atlas suggested.

“I think we should go with Atlas idea.” Apollo chimed in.

“Are you guys sure you want to go to Niagara Falls?” Artemis ask.

“We’re sure.” They both said unison.

“Ok if you say so. But I’m not excited for the 6 Hour long drive.” Artemis said before pressing down on the brake pedal until the truck came to a stop.

The road in front of them was cleared of traffic and there were barriers on both sides. Preventing any pony walking into the street.

Artemis took the crystal out of its case and said. “Orion‘s passage, take us to the town of Niagara Falls, New York.”

The crystal started to glow and the entrance to the passage appeared a few yards in front of them.

“Are you guys ready?” Artemis said.

“Ready!”

“Here goes nothing!”

The truck accelerated to a speed of 60 mph and drove right into the portal.

Moments later, the portal disappeared.

===•••===
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgKY7ZrcA9g&pp=ygURZnJlbmNoIGZ1c2Ugc3BhY2U%3D

The triplets couldn’t believe their eyes. All around them were different hues of purples and blues with tiny twinkling stars in the distance.

The surface truck was driving on is a platinum-colored road that was forming in front of them.

“Guys, are you seeing this?” Apollo said.

“Yeah, this place is way more beautiful in real life than in our dreams.” Atlas said.

“People back in ancient times took this place for granted.” Artemis said.

“I agree.” Apollo said.

“Remember when our guardian angels said that ships could go through here?” Atlas asks.

“Yeah, what about it?” Artemis said.”

“Do you think there’s water below us?”

“Maybe. Or the ships sail on stars.”

“After everything we had seen on Equis, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. But that would be so cool to see.” Apollo chimed in.

A few minutes later, a portal opened up, revealing a snow-covered alley.

After they came out of the passage, Artemis applied the brakes until the truck came to a complete stop.

After that, portal disappeared.

After a few moments of silence, the triplets got out of the truck without saying a single word.

Even though the snow was reaching their ankles, it was a beautiful sunny day.

Artemis walked towards the road with his siblings following him.

They looked around and saw that there weren’t that many cars driving on the road. But stores were open and some of the locals were walking down the sidewalks and enjoying their day.

Then they notice a flag hanging behind a window.
But instead of the banner of the sun and moon, it was the stars and stripes.

They stared at it for a moment before Apollo spoke up.

“We did it.”

“Holy shit, we’re back on Earth.” Atlas said.

The three brothers looked at each other and smiled. “We did it!” They exclaimed before high fiving each other.

“We’re back baby!” Artemis said.

“Hell, yeah!” Apollo agreed.

“Hey guys, I know we’re excited to be back. But let’s turn it down before we draw attention to ourselves.” Atlas stated before they checked their surroundings and let out a sigh of relief when they saw that they didn’t attract any unwanted attention.

“Let’s head back to the truck. We have a long drive ahead of us after all.” Artemis said before they walked back into the alley.

After they got inside the vehicle, Artemis turned the keys in the ignition and drove out of the alleyway.

“Since we’re back on Earth, do you think that Apps like YouTube should be able to work now? Apollo said.

“Oh crap, I didn’t think about that. Check the check if we can call other people besides each other.” Artemis said.

“I’m already on it.” Apollo said before he dialed his mother‘s phone number. “Dammit, it didn’t go through. It says my service is disconnected.

“How about the texting app?”

“It doesn’t work. The only people I can text you two.” Atlas said

“Great. It looks like we have to find our folks the old-fashioned way.”

While Artemis and Atlas were a disappointed that they couldn’t contact anyone. Apollo decided to look their names up on Google.
“According to Google, we are the most famous missing persons cases in New York State and the entire region.”

“How famous are we?” Atlas ask.

“There’s a lot of documentaries about us. CNN, NBC, and Fox News. Even the history channel made a documentary, but it's about us being kidnapped by aliens.”

“That’s weird. Out of all the things they could have done they decide to make that?” Atlas said.

“I’m not surprised that conspiracy theorists have done that. These are the same people that think that the moon landings from the 60s to today are fake. But I hate to admit it, they are sort of right about us.” Artemis said.

“Imagine everyone’s reaction when we finally tell them what happened to us in the last three years. They are going to think we’re crazy.” Atlas chuckled.

“Until then, should we make up a cover story?”
Apollo suggested.

“Definitely, we don’t want to raise any alarm bells. Thankfully, we have six long hours ahead of us.” Artemis said before he put on some sunglasses and turned on the radio as he drove onto I-190.