February 4, 2012 A.D
New York City, USA
4:40 PM

It was a cold and cloudy day in New York, and right now the Yukon triplets were getting ready for their big interview.

Ever since NBC announced the new time and date for the TV special two days ago the news spread like wildfire across the US and the world.

Social media was no different. Many people on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social platforms were wondering what the triplets will reveal about the aliens and their world.

As expected reporters from other news outlets like CNN and CBS were trying to find one of the triplets and ask them some questions. Especially Artemis, since there were a lot of reporters and upstate New York and in Connecticut.

Luckily for them, the reporters were unable to get close to them. All thanks to the Royal guard.

Speaking of Artemis, he was downstairs in the living room, wearing a gray suit, drinking a cup of peppermint tea and playing on his new phone while waiting for the rest of his family to come downstairs.

He was almost done with his tea when his brothers, his mom and the cousins finally came downstairs. Atlas was wearing a fancy black suit while Apollo was wearing a tan suit. Everyone else was wearing business casual outfits.

“Wow, looking good, Artemis.” Deborah complemented. “Sis, you were right. They really did choose some fancy outfits.”

“Told ya. Our royals have a good taste in fashion. I have a hunch that their entire wardrobe is like this.”

“No, it’s not.” Said Apollo.

“Sure it is.”

“Artemis, where is your dad?” Douglas ask.

“He’s waiting in the truck for us.” Artemis answered.

“In that case, we better get going then.”

“Before we do that, I need to take some pictures.” Stephanie said.

“Do we have enough time for that?” Deborah ask.

“We have time for a few.” Atlas said, as he checked his watch.

“Come on boys, get in front the camera.” Stephanie said as her sons walked in front of her.

“Can I be in the photo?” Patrick asked.

“Of course you can, go right ahead.” Stephanie said before her little nephew walked over to his cousins.

“All right, everyone say cheese.”

“Cheese!” The boys smile before Stephanie took a few photos.

“Now, that is going in the photo album.” She put her phone in her purse before she and her family left the apartment.

As they were getting in the truck, Andrew looked up from his phone and said. “Finally, I thought I had to go back in the house and drag all of you out.”

Stephanie rolled her eyes. “We didn’t take that long.”

He turned to his boys. “Let me guess, photos?”

“Photos.” They answered in unison.

“I knew it. Now, since everyone is seated, let’s get going.” Andrew put the key at the ignition before driving away.

After picking up Barlow and his family, Andrew went across the Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan. 34 minutes later, they arrived at Rockefeller Center. Where a large crowd of people were waiting, standing behind steel barriers. With a ton of NYPD officers and Royal guard soldiers making sure that everyone in the vicinity was safe.

“All right lads, this is it. We’ll see you inside.”
Andrew said as his sons exited the vehicle.

“Don’t have too much fun without us.” Said Barlow.

“Don’t worry, we won’t.” Atlas replied.

“See you guys later.” Artemis said before closing the door.

After the truck drove away, the triplets entered the lobby of Rockefeller Center. Smiling and waving to the crowd while doing so.

Apollo whistled when he saw the beautiful lobby. “Wow, this place is nice.”

Artemis agreed with Apollo. “If the lobby looks this, I can’t wait what the rest of building looks like.”

“Well, we’re going to find out soon enough.” Atlas said before a light skin Hispanic lady wearing a button up shirt and skirt approached them.

“Hello, your majesty. You three might remember me, but just in case, my name is Maria Rodriguez. I am the executive producer for NBC Nightly News.” She introduced herself before shaking their hands.

“We remember you, you came over to our apartment last week.” Apollo said.

“That is correct.” She smiled. “Is the rest of your family coming?”

“They are, they’re just looking for a parking spot. Is that going to be a problem?”

“No, not at all. They can still get to studio if they sign in at the front desk.” She explained. “Follow me, Mr. Holt has been eager to meet you three.”
She said as they began walking with two royal guards following behind.

After taking the elevator to the fifth floor, The triplets were now on the set of the famous evening news show.

“So this is where the magic happens?” Atlas spoke up.

“That’s right. NBC nightly news has been calling this studio home since the early 70s. But sometimes we do film the show in DC.” Maria explained as she lead them to a door of a private make up room.

“While we are getting ready for the show, you three can stay here.”

“Thanks, Ms. Rodriguez.” Artemis said.

“You’re welcome, your majesty. See you three later.” She answered before walking away.

After she left, the triplets entered the room.

“Look at this! We got our own private room, like Hollywood celebrities.” Apollo said, excitedly. “We even got the fancy mirror with the lightbulbs.”

“Yeah, it is something.” Atlas sat down on one of the couches with Artemis sitting across from him.
“But it’s not surprising that they gave us this room since we are special guests.”

“I know, but it’s still hard to believe. We are going to be the most famous triplets in the world, If not already.” Apollo said before they heard a knock at the door.

“I wonder who that can be.” He said as he open the door.

Standing right in front of Apollo was the host of the show himself.

“Hello, your majesty. May I come in?”

“Of course.” Apollo out of the way.

“Oh my gosh, Lester Holt is here.” Atlas said before he snapped out of his shock state. “I mean, what brings you here, Mr. Holt?”

“I came over to say hello the famous Yukon brothers in person. Even though I already know your names, can you guys introduce yourselves so that I won’t mix up one brother for another?”

“Sure thing. My name is Artemis.”

“I’m Apollo.”

“And my name is Atlas.”

“Well it is a pleasure to finally meet you all.”
Lester smiled. “

“Same over here it’s not every day when a famous news reporter we grew up watching wants to interview us. When your executive producer told us that you were eager to meet us, we couldn’t believe it.” Apollo said.

“There’s a reason for that.” Lester said as he sat right next to Atlas. “You three have a very unique story, possibly the most unique in human history. You three went from one of the most infamous missing persons case in the state of New York to saving New York City, Connecticut and New Jersey from an alien attack. You also lived on an alien planet for three years. I’m surprised no other news outlet has tried to interview you yet.”

“That’s because we were keeping our powers, our lives back in Equestria and other things a secret so wouldn’t freak everyone out. We were planning to tell them eventually, and then the changelings attacked.” Atlas explained.

“Understandable. If I was in your shoes, I would’ve done the same. But that’s on the past, now the world is eager to hear your stories.” He said before getting up to leave.

“Well, I have to get going. Again, it was nice finally meeting three, I’ll see you all on set.”

“See you later, Mr. Holt.” Artemis said before the news anchor left the room.

===•••===
6:28 PM.

“It’s almost time for your big moment. Are you nervous?” Stephanie asked her sons.

“A little bit, but we’ve done this before.” Atlas replied.

“You’re not nervous because we’re here, are you?”
Auntie Maya teased.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just we’re going to be on national TV in front of all of America. Which is a completely different beast compared to Equestria.” Apollo explained.

“That’s it? Lads, listen to me, you’ll do great. Don’t worry about what the stupid Yanks in this country might say, got it?” Andrew said as his Liverpool accent got stronger with each word.

“Loud and clear.” They said in unison.

“That’s my boys. Now off you go.”

“Break a leg.” Barlow said as the triplets walked on set.

A minute after they took their seats behind the news desk, the Director spoke up.

“NBC nightly news begins in 5,4,3,2,1.”

After the camera started rolling Lester Holt looked up at the camera.

“Good evening, welcome to a special episode of NBC nightly news. Three years ago, three young college students disappeared at Niagara Falls under mysterious circumstances. Because of this, their case caught the nation’s attention as search and rescue teams from the U.S and Canada spend months looking for them. But their efforts were on vain, and an exclusion zone was set up around Niagara Falls to prevent anyone from meeting the same fate.”

“But just last week they came back out of the blue and save us from an alien invasion that could’ve doomed us all. Those same heroes are here with us today. I would like to introduce Atlas, Artemis, and Apollo Yukon. Welcome to the show, gentlemen.”

“Thanks for having us.” The triplets responded.

“Now, as you already know, everyone is very curious about the planet you were on for three years, especially the nation called Equestria. So, the first question of the night is what is life like in Equestria?”

Atlas was the first one to speak. “Equestria is a beautiful and diverse country. The nature is unbelievably beautiful and everyone over there is nice and welcoming.”

“When we first arrived there, everyone was apprehensive of us, which is understandable because we’re aliens to them. But after a while, they treated us like one of their own. But we did get a little bit of fame for a few months because we’re not from their world.” Apollo explained.

“You were famous over there?” Lester ask.

“Yes, we were. We don’t know when exactly it started, but we started noticing our newfound popularity like a few weeks after we arrived in Equestria. It was at the point where we had a section in their newspapers talking about us. We were interviewed and everything. It was a fun but weird time for us.” Artemis spoke. “We even got some letters from some mares asking us out, but we rejected them because one we didn’t know them and two, we had our eyes on other people.”

“And all of this happened in the first few months?”

“Yeah, life is weird.” Atlas answered.

Lester agreed. “That is true, but that’s also what makes it fun.”

“Amen to that.” Apollo commented.

“Since you guys brought up that Equestria is a diverse nation how diverse is it, ethnically wise?”
Lester asks.

“It is a very diverse place. There are six different pony tribes that are native to the kingdom. Unicorns, Pegasi, Earth ponies, Sea ponies, Thestrals and Kirins. Each tribe has their own unique language, culture, and special abilities. Despite their differences they get along with each other really well.” Atlas said. “In Canterlot, where me and Apollo live, it’s not uncommon to see signs written in three different languages.”

“And all of the tribes are really interesting.” Apollo spoke up. “Like the Pegasi for example, they control the weather and live in cloud cities.”

“How?” Lester asks, surprised that such a thing was even possible.

“Their magic gives them the ability to touch and walk on clouds. When we told our friends that humans don’t control the weather they were shocked.”

“They were also shocked when we told them that we landed on the moon multiple times and have a moon base.” Artemis commented.

“So no nation on Equis has done any space exploration?” Lester inquired.

“No, some of them did like Equestria and the River Federation for example. But the most they have done so far is a few space walks and launch a few satellites in the past few years.”

“They’re not really that focused on space exploration like humanity is. But the interest is growing.” Atlas added.

“Huh interesting.” The News show host said in thought before speaking again. “Another question that everyone is wondering is how were you and the different creatures of Equis were able to come to earth in the first place? Did they make that portal or is there something else going on?”

“Before we answer that, we just want to let you know that what we’re about to say is going be very hard to believe.” Apollo said.

“Ok.” Lester was getting pretty curious.

“The passage that we came through, was not made by anyone on Equis. It has been around for thousands of years pre-dating every ancient civilization that has ever existed. Its name is Orion‘s passage, it’s an intergalactic tunnel that connected Earth with Equis. That passage is the reason why we have “myths” about Griffons, unicorns, dragons, and other creatures because they were on earth a long time ago. The passage is also the same thing that took us from earth to Equestria.”

“How come they didn’t come to us sooner in the modern day if there was a tunnel connecting us to them? And do you know why the passage took you to Equestria first place?”

“Because it was closed for a really long time and it was eventually forgotten about by both planets. And to answer your second question we weren’t born with powers for no reason.” Atlas paused before continuing.

“A few months after we discovered our powers we were visited by our guardian Angels in a very vivid dream. They told us about Orion, its history with our two planets and they told us why we were born with magic in the first place. They told us that we were destined to reintroduce Earth and Equis.”

“What?” Lester couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Everyone in the studio couldn’t believe it either, except for the triplets family, they already knew.

“We said the exact same when they told us that.” Artemis spoke up. “We couldn’t believe it, but after they explained everything, we understood. They also told us that when Orion opened back up something from Equis will attack the U.S few days after. We asked them why they couldn’t stop it themselves and they said they couldn’t do anything because it was inevitable, and if they tried something much worse would happen.”

“If you knew that an attack was coming, how come you didn’t alert the authorities?”

“Believe me we would’ve. But we didn’t know what was coming and when or where it was going to happen. For all we knew some horrible monster from the late Galactic era would come through that portal and ended up in New Jersey or Pennsylvania. It could have happened when we were coming back to New York. We didn't want to start a panic before invasion started.”

“Before we left for earth, we organized a large army to help us fight whatever we were going to face. Thank goodness it happened when we were in Times Square.” Apollo said.

“Wow that’s a lot to take in. For what it’s worth, I believe you I really do. It’s somewhat explains why the events of the past week happened. But there is a good chance that there’s going to be some skeptics out there.” Lester stated.

“Honestly I don’t blame them. If I heard someone saying the same thing that we were, I would be have a few questions as well. But if they have seen what we have saw over the past three years, I believe that they would change their minds.” Atlas smiled.

“Let not forget that now there is a whole new world out there. What’s more exciting than that?”
Artemis said, moments later the show went on a commercial break.

===•••===
8:40 PM.

After more than two hours of being on national television, the triplets’ interview was finally over.

During that time they told the world everything they knew about Equis and the adventures they had. They had some laughs and occasionally shocked some people. It was safe to say that the three Royals had fun.

After they got off the set the triplets walked over to their parents, auntie and uncles.

“You three did great up there.” Stephanie smiled.

“Thanks mom. We had a pretty good time talking with Mr. Holt.” Apollo said.

“See? I told you you’ll do great.” Andrew spoke up.

“So how were you guys doing while we were on set?” Artemis ask.

“We were either watching y’all or taking advantage of the snack bar.” Uncle Barlow answered.

“Oh, our stars are back.” Auntie Maya was coming over to them while a little cousin was following her. “Sorry for not being here when you came back. We were just getting some sodas.”

“I was wondering where you were.” Artemis commented before turning to his cousins. “How you three doing.”

“Good.” They said.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“So, are we ready to go?” Atlas ask.

“We are, but we’re not going home yet.” Stephanie answered. this confused to triplets and the cousins.

“Where are we going?” Stefan ask.

“We’re going to Chili’s.”

“Really?” Apollo ask.

“Yeah. You didn’t think we would celebrate your big moment now did you?” Uncle Douglas said.

“Not really.”

“Is that the reason why you told us we couldn’t have all the snacks we want?” Patrick asks his mom.

“That’s right. So you could have whatever you want. Well, within reason, of course.” She answered.

“Yay, let’s go.” BJ said trying to run, but his dad picked him up before he got too far.

“I’m happy you’re excited, BJ, but the restaurant going nowhere. Don’t worry, we’ll be there before you know it.” Barlow said as he and the rest of the family walked towards the elevator.

===•••===
February 5.
11:20 AM

Atlas was in northern Manhattan, more specifically the upper West side, oversee the reconstruction efforts in the area.

Ever since it started, ponies from all Entente counties were a great help to their human counterparts. The unicorns and Kirins were using their magic to assist construction workers to repair important infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Pegasi and Thestrals were flying while carrying important materials to areas in need.

And the sea ponies, earth ponies and Zebras were helping out however they can.

It was like if it was only yesterday when the locals had little trust in the ponies at all, now they were getting along with them just fine.

Maybe re-introducing the different species to each other wouldn’t be as hard as Atlas thought.

It was at this moment, when Atlas felt his new iPhone vibrating in his right pocket.

I took it out and saw that he received a text from Tyrone. Which said. ‘Atlas, if you are available, can you please meet me and our friends at Juniors? We need to talk.’

Atlas stared at the screen for what felt like a minute, wondering what his friends wanted to talk to him about.

He wanted to go to see what was up, but he can’t just leave his soldiers alone.

Which is why he grabbed his walkie-talkie and said. “Luna, come in, Luna.”

“This is Luna speaking what’s going on, Atlas?”

Atlas: “Nothing is going on right now. I’m just wondering where you are.”

Luna: “I’m in the area where the Empire State building is located.”

‘Oh thank goodness.’ He thought before responding. “Well since you’re close by, I need you to do me a favor.”

“And that would be?”

Atlas: “Can you watch over my troops in the upper west side for me please? I have something to attend to in Brooklyn.”

Luna: “Sure thing.”

Atlas: “Thanks, Luna.”

“No problem.”

After putting his walkie-talkie back on his belt, Atlas teleported to Juniors.

A few moments after he arrived, Apollo and Artemis appeared as well.

“Atlas? Artemis? What are you doing here?” Apollo asked, surprised that his brothers were also here as well.

“Tyrone texted me that we needed to talk.” Atlas answered.

“I got a similar text from Annie.” Artemis said.

“I got one from Tasha.” Said Apollo.

After they looked at each other for a few seconds they looked at the entrance in front of them.

“What the hell is going on?” Atlas said as they entered the restaurant. After they spotted their friends sitting in a booth, they walked over to them. A few of the patrons were staring at them, but the triplets ignore them.

“Good morning guys, it’s been a little while.” Apollo greeted as he and his brothers did their special handshakes with their friends as they sat down.

“Morning triplets, how are you doing?”
Nicholas ask.

“We’re doing fine. Today has been pretty peaceful.” Artemis answered.

“That’s good to hear.”

“So what do you want to talk to us about?” Artemis ask.

“We want to know why you three were not 100% honest with us?” Tasha said.

‘Oh God, I had a feeling this was going to happen eventually.’ Artemis thought

“You guys don’t know how shocked all of us were for the past week. When you came back to us, we thought that things were finally going to back the way things were before y’all disappeared. Come to find out that the friends we knew since fourth and fifth grade have superhuman powers and part of a royal family of an alien nation.” Tyrone said in a serious tone.

“That’s not even scratching the surface.” Claire spoke up. “Apollo, you send out your royal guards to give us your wedding invitations. I understand that you, Atlas and Artemis were busy protecting the city from God knows what was trying to take us over. But it’s still hurt a little that you didn’t try to deliver us the invites personally later in the day.”

“In your interview yesterday, you told the world about Equestria and the new family and friends you made over there, which is great. I’m happy for you guys, but I wish you would’ve told us that when you first came back.” Nicholas said.

“We have an idea why you didn’t tell us, but we want to hear it from you three. This time, no made up stories and no lies.” Annie stated.

Apollo sighed before putting his hat down on the table. “Sorry for keeping you in the dark for so long. We didn’t mean to hurt all you like this.”

“Yeah, at the time, we felt like it was the best course of action for us because we didn’t want to cause a panic, and we were afraid that everyone would be scared of us.” Atlas said.

“What?” Tyrone said with wide eyes. “Afraid? Artemis, is this true?”

“Unfortunately, it is.”

“Why would you think that your own friends and family would react like that?” Nicholas ask.

“Because we didn’t want to be treated like freaks because we have superpowers. We don’t need that on our conscious while we’re trying to save the world from supremacist ran empires.” Apollo explained. “We thought it would be easier to explain everything after the violence was over.”

“If anyone called the authorities and told them what was going to happen we were afraid that we might get arrested as well. Which would’ve prevented us from saving the world.” Atlas added.

“I went along with it because I didn’t know how everyone would react to me starting a family with a non-human. Sometimes, I couldn’t sleep because of it, even before I came back to Earth. When Apollo and Atlas told me that they brought Luna over to our home, I swear to God I nearly had a fucking heart attack.” Said Artemis.

“How did they react to meeting Luna?” Claire ask.

“They accepted her with open arms and they approved of Artemis’ relationship with Twilight.”
Apollo spoke. “Anyway, those are the reasons why we stretched the truth to you.”

“Stretching the truth still counts as lying, but now I understand why you did it.” Annie commented.

“I agree. I want to let you know that I would never treat you or your families like that.” Tyrone said.

“Same over here.” Tasha reassured them.

“Me and big sis would never do such a thing.” Claire said as Annie nodded her head in agreement.

“I might be a lot of things, but I’m not a hateful degenerate.” Nicholas stated.

“So we’re still friends?” Artemis ask.

“Of course. we knew each other for most of our lives. It would be stupid for us to destroy a friendship that old.” Annie said.

“Next time don’t stretch the truth or lie to us, ok?” Tasha smiled.

“We promise.” Atlas said. “But I have a question though. Why did you guys decide to have this conversations and Juniors of all places?”

“Because this is where we met up last time and we thought we can have some milkshakes and catch up without any bullshit.” Nicholas said.

“I like the way you think, I can go for a milkshake right about now.” Apollo said as he grabbed the menu. As the rest of the table followed suit.

A few minutes later, a waiter came over to their table and asked. “Is everyone ready to order?”

Atlas look as friends before turning back to the waiter. “Yes, yes we are.”

Author's Note

Sorry for taking so long. Life and writers' block got in the way.