The Royal 3: Orion’s passage

4:50 PM

Apollo was driving on the I-87, quietly sing along to the radio while his siblings were fast asleep. It’s been over six hours since Yukon triplets left Equestria and began their road trip across the great state of New York.

Since then, they drove through beautiful scenic areas, heavy traffic and saw familiar sights they thought they would never see again.

But since they only had 20 dollars between themselves and not wanting to be seen, they didn’t stop for anything except for the usual bathroom breaks.

Driving across a large state like New York is pretty exhausting. Which is why Apollo decided to switch with Artemis three hours ago. Much to Artemis’ appreciation.

As he was about to leave Yonkers, New York, the beautiful skyline of New York City started to appear in the distance. A city, he is proud to be born and raised in.

“Hello, New York. Long time no see.” He smiled.

Before Apollo can wake up his siblings so they can see the skyline, he heard a loud siren that made his blood run cold.

He looked in the side mirror and saw that there was a cop car with its lights on.

“Oh shit.”

Apollo thought of all sorts of ideas of how to get away from the cop car. Each one was just as dumb as the last.

“It looks like putting all those spells on that fake license plate was all for nothing.” He sighed before putting on his right indicator.

He pulled over to the lane on his right and to his surprised, the cop car sped past him. Leaving him in the dust.

“Huh, I stand corrected.” He mumbled before going back to his original lane.

“What was that?” Artemis yawned.

“Yeah, what’s making all that noise?” Atlas chimed in as he rubbed his eyes.

“The cops.”

The grogginess Artemis feeling disappeared he heard that. “Cops!”

“Where?!” Atlas looked out of the window.

“Don’t worry, they just passed us.”

“Oh, thank God. I don’t know what I would’ve done if we actually got pulled over.” Artemis said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_zBH6h33Ew&pp=ygUhb25jZSB1cG9uIGEgdGltZSBpbiBuZXcgeW9yayBjaXR5

“Wait a minute, are we in Bronx?” Atlas asks.

“Yep, we’re back home. I was about to wake you guys up to see the skyline, but the police decided to do that for me.” Apollo smiled.

“Hell, yeah baby, we’re back in New York!” Atlas cheered.

“New York, New York. City, so nice.” Artemis started.

“They named it twice!” Atlas and Apollo said in unison.

After they drove into Manhattan, they decided to take the more scenic route. Which added an extra 40 minutes to their drive, but they didn’t care. Seeing how much the hometown has changed over the past three years with more than worth it.

They went past Central Park and drove through Times Square. They even decided to drive around lower Manhattan before going over the Manhattan Bridge into Brooklyn.

“Wow, I can’t believe how much the city has changed while we were gone.” Artemis said.

“Who knew that so much gentrification could happen such short amount of time. I can’t wait to explore the city more.” Atlas commented.

“Same over here, but for now, let’s find a parking space.” Apollo said.

“With a vehicle this big, finding space big enough for it, is going to be impossible.” Artemis stated.

“Hey, have a little bit of hope. Anything is possible.” Atlas replied.

“We’ll see.”

A few moments later, Apollo spotted a large parking space right in front of the childhood home. “Artemis, might want to eat those words now. Because I just found the parking space right there.”

Artemis said nothing.

After doing a U-turn, Apollo parked right next to the sidewalk. The first one to get out of the vehicle was Atlas. “Finally, I can stretch.” He said as he stretched his arms.

“Hey Artemis, do you have the keys?”
Apollo ask.

“It’s right here.” Artemis replied as he took his keychain out of his pocket.

But before he can walk up the stoop, Atlas stopped him. “Hold on now, do we even know if our parents still live here?”

“Of course they do, why wouldn’t they?” Apollo said.

“Think about it. They bought this apartment to raise us and we’ve been missing three long years. Possibly presume dead as well. It wouldn’t be surprising to me if they did move away because this place reminds them of what they lost.”

“Oh crap, you’re right. I can’t believe we didn’t realize this sooner.” Artemis said.

“Before we jump to that conclusion, how about we just ask someone if our parents still live here?” Apollo suggested.

“Are you crazy? You want to reveal ourselves now?” Artemis ask in shock.

“What else should we do, Pluto? We either ask someone or we stay in the truck for God knows how long.”

Artemis sighed. “You have a point, but who are we going to ask?”

Atlas snapped his fingers before speaking. “How Mr. Tony? His pizzeria is just down the street. He would definitely know if our parents still live here.”

“Titan, do you have any suggestions?” Artemis ask.

“Nope, do you?”

“I can’t think of anyone that’s nearby. I guess, Mr. Tony is our best and only option.”

“Great, I’ll go over to the pizzeria and ask him.”
Atlas said before he wrapped his scarf around his neck and the bottom half of his face.

“Ok but be careful, Jupiter.” Apollo said.

“Don’t worry, I will.” Atlas said in a muffled voice before walking away.

===•••===
Marino pizzeria.
5:35 PM
Five minutes later.

The sound of a bell could be heard as Atlas enter the cozy pizzeria. The place is decorated in a way that makes you feel like you were in Italy. With pictures of the Italian countryside, family members and newspaper clippings of the restaurant's achievements.

‘This place hasn’t changed one bit.’ Atlas thought as he walked up to the counter.

Behind the counter is a white Italian man with black hair and an impressive mustache. He was currently talking on the phone. His name is Tony Marino, owner of Marino pizzeria.

After he put the phone down, he looked at Atlas and smiled. “Welcome to Marino pizzeria, how may I serve you today?” He said with an Italian accent.

“I’m not here to order anything, I want to ask a question.”

“Certainly, what is it?”

“Do you know if Mr. and Mrs. Yukon still live down the street?”

“…Unless you’re a family member or a friend of theirs, I don’t feel comfortable giving that information so freely.” Tony said, thinking that the man in front of him was the paparazzi.

Atlas wasn’t surprised. Tony has always seen everyone in the local community as his Family and always looked out for them.

So he decided to do something that he might regret later. “Don’t freak out.” He said before pulling his scarf down.

To say that Tony was shocked would be a complete understatement. Standing in front of him was a boy who he watched grew up into a fine young man that Tony thought he would never see again.

After he stared in stun silence for a few moments before trying to speak. “A..Atlas, is that you?” His voice was full of emotion.

“Yes, it is, Mr. Tony.”

The 51-year-old rubbed his eyes to see if they were playing tricks on him. When he saw that his eyes were perfectly fine, he walked from behind the counter and hugged the young man. “Oh my God, I can’t believe it. It’s you, it’s really you.”

“I missed you too.” Atlas said, hugging him back.

This little moment between them got the attention of some of the patrons in the pizzeria, and they started to whisper to each other.

‘Dammit, I guess the cat is out of the bag.’ Atlas thought before they ended the hug.

“Emily, come out here real quick. There’s someone you need to see.” Tony yelled.

A few moments later, a white Italian lady with brown hair walked out of the kitchen while wiping a flower covered hand on her apron. “Let’s make this quick, you know I’m busy in the kit-“ The moment she saw Atlas, her eyes widened.
“This can’t be. Is that one of Stephanie‘s boys?”

“It is, Miss Emily.” Atlas smiled.

“Oh my God, this is a miracle. Welcome back.” She said before kissing him on his cheek. “I can’t believe you’re here. What happened to the three of you?”

“Well, we got sucked into a portal and ended up in the middle of a large forest in Canada. Luckily, for us we’re found by a local village, and they took us in. That’s where we were for the past three years.” Atlas explained.

“Thank goodness you three were taking care of by such wonderful people.” Tony said before noticing the ring on Atlas’ ring finger. “What is this?”

“Oh, that’s my wedding ring. I got married last October.”

“Aww, that’s so sweet. Congratulations on your marriage.” Emily said.

“Thank you. I’m not the only one though. Apollo got engaged in December and Artemis got married in February. In fact, he is going to be a dad soon.”

“Artemis is going to be a dad? Mamma Mia, this is great. I can already imagine the looks on your parents faces when they see you and hear the news. Tell Artemis that we said congratulations.” Tony said.

“I will, but enough about me and my brothers, how was everyone doing after we disappeared?”
Atlas ask.

Their faces fell. “Oh geez, where do we start?” Tony wondered. “Everyone in the local area was shocked when you three went missing. Your parents were devastated, it was such a sad time.”

“But during that time, everyone came to get her to support your parents, not only Brooklyn but the entire city. We were saddened when the search and rescue missions came to an end, but everyone still looked out for your parents, even to day.” Emily explained.

“That explains a large mural of us in Manhattan. So they still live here?” Atlas ask.

“Yes, they do. Sorry for not telling you sooner. You know how I am.”

“It’s all right, Mr. Tony, I understand. Oh, I almost forgot, how is Annie and Claire doing?”

“They’re doing great, Claire is finishing up her final year of culinary school and Annie became a therapist.”

“That’s wonderful. I’m happy for them.” Atlas said before checking the time on his phone. “It was good seeing you guys again after so long. But I have to get going.”

“Wait a moment, I’ll be right back.” Emily said before going back into the kitchen.

Moments later, she came back with two brown paper bags and handed them to Atlas. “Here you go.”

“What is this?”

“Garlic bread and some brownies, on the house.” She answered.

“That’s not necessary, I can pay for this. I don’t have that much money on me, but I-“

“I insist. You and your brothers must’ve went through a lot in the last three years. It’s the least we can do.” Emily smiled as Tony nodded in agreement. “She’s right, you know.”

“All right, you win. Thanks for the food and I’ll see you later.”

“See you real soon, my boy.” Tony said before Atlas left the restaurant. “It was really nice seeing him again. The Angels above were really looking out for them.”

“I couldn’t agree more. Should we call Stephanie and let them know that her boys are back?” Emily ask.

“Nah, I think it’s better if they do it themselves.”

===•••===
5:38 PM.

Andrew Yukon was driving down Flatbush Avenue in his green 1998 Ford Explorer, coming back from a long day at work. For the entire day, he and his colleagues were analyzing the data they gathered from the global Aurora light show that happened last night. And they found what was causing such an unusual event. Another magnet field.

But this created more questions than answers.

Like the space enthusiast and scientist, he is, Andrew tried to figure out where this field came from, but to no avail. He figured that he would have a better luck tomorrow.

When he arrived on the street where his apartment is located, he saw that there was a big gray heavy-duty truck parked right in front of his home.

“What the hell?” He said slight frustration. Finding parking during rush-hour was already hard enough. But luckily for him, there was another space nearby.

“Bloody tourists.” He mumbled as he parked his SUV.

After he cross the street and walked half a block to his apartment, Andrew noticed two young men hang out on his stoop.

“Oi, Young lads! I don’t want to be rude, but can you please hang out somewhere el-“ Andrew froze when he saw their faces. They did the same.

His mind tuned out everything as he stared at the young men. He rubbed his eyes then he was hallucinating. When he realized that he wasn’t seeing things, tears started to form in his eyes.

He got closer to them and said. “This can’t be, Artemis, Apollo?”

“Hello, dad long time no see.” Apollo greeted while trying to keep his emotions in check.

This was a straw that broke the camel's back as Andrew hugged both of his sons tightly and began to cry.

In that moment he felt all sorts of emotions he hadn't felt in three long years, and it felt wonderful.

“Dad?”

He looked up to see his third and final baby boy standing a few yards away.

Almost immediately, he ran over to them and joined the group hug.

“I knew my boys would come back someday. You don’t know how much me and your mother wanted to see you all again.”

“We missed you too, dad.” Artemis said before they ended the hug and wiped away their tears.

“Come on lads, let’s get out of the cold. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
Andrew smiled before he and his sons enter the apartment.

After his sons made themselves comfortable in the living room, Andrew pulled his phone out of his pocket and started dialing his wife’s number with shaky fingers.

Stephanie: “Good afternoon, Andrew. What’s up?”

Andrew: “Afternoon Steph, are you almost done with your shift?”

Stephanie: “Yes, I am. I’m about to leave in a few minutes. Andy, why does it sound like you just finished crying? Is everything ok?”

Andrew: “Everything is wonderful. You’re not going to believe this, but our boys are back home.”

Stephanie: Andrew, that’s impossible. The search and rescue efforts were discontinued more than a year ago. You know this. It hurts me as much as it’s hurts you to say this, but they’re gone. But they live on our heart.”

Andrew: “That’s what I thought too until I found them standing in front of our apartment. I don’t know how they came back, but they did. I’m going to give one of them the phone.”

Andrew handed the phone over to Apollo.

Apollo: ”Hello mom, how’s it going?”

He didn’t get a response as he heard the phone on the other end hit the ground.

A few seconds of silence later, and he heard his mom again, but this time it sounded like she was getting emotional. “Apollo is that you?”

“Yes it is, mom. The rest of us want to say hi as well.” He said before putting the phone on speaker.

”Hi mom.” Atlas greeted

“We can’t wait to see you again.” Artemis said.”

Then they heard their mother crying.

Stephanie: “Oh my God, my baby boys are back! You don’t know how happy I am that you’re safe and sound. I’ll be back home as soon as I can.”

After that, she hung up.

10 minutes later, Stephanie slammed open her front door and ran into the living room.
The moments her sons saw her they gave her one big hug.

===•••===
6PM
Five minutes later.

“I have so many questions.” Stephanie said as she sat down while trying to process everything that just happened. “What happened to you three?”

“It’s a very long story, but we can tell you a summarize version of it.” Artemis said.

“It’s right we’re all ears.” His dad replied.

“After we got sucked through that weird portal, we ended up in a forest in Canada. We were out in the elements for a little while, until a few people from a nearby village found us and took us in. That was our home for the past three years.”

“All this time you three were in Canada?” Stephanie put her face in her hands. “I knew we should’ve looked beyond the Niagara region.”

“Honey, don’t blame yourself.” Andrew said before he turned to his boys. “What is it like in that little village?”

“It’s a nice little community, about 1000 people live there, including ourselves. Everyone is very friendly with each other. The other five villages that are nearby pretty much the same.” Atlas answered.

“After they rescue you, did they try to contact anyone to let them know that you’re still alive?”
Stephanie ask.

“They did but they weren’t able to contact anyone since they barely had any technology at all. And we were in a very isolated area so we had no bars. We tried our best to find civilization, but we weren’t successful. After so many failed attempts we gave up. But it wasn’t all bad, we made some new life long friends, learned new things and found love.” Apollo said before showing them his engagement ring.

“Is that what I think it is?” Stephanie said in shock.

“It is. I’m engaged.”

“Oh my gosh, my little boy is engaged. I’m so happy for you.” She hugged Apollo tightly.

“Thanks, mom but I’m not the only one.”

“You two are engaged as well?” Stephanie asked as she looked at her other two sons.

“We’re not engaged, we’re married.” Atlas answered. “I got married back in October.”

“I got married back in late February. Hey mom I would recommend you sit down for the news I’m going to tell you.” Artemis said.

“Ok, what is it?” She said after sitting down.

“You and dad are going to be grandparents.”

“What.” Stephanie said with wide eyes.

“Are you serious?” His Andrew said in shock.

“Yep, and if I remember correctly, my kid should be born in May.”

Both of his parents stared at him for a few seconds before Stephanie jumped up for joy and yelled. “I’M GOING TO BE A GRANDMA!”

“Blimey, I never thought this day could get any better. I can’t wait to see the little fella.” Andrew smiled.

“You know what, we’re going to go out to celebrate.” Stephanie declared. “And I know just a place to go.”

“Where would that be? Every borough has something fun to do.” Atlas said.

“Oh, come on boys. You’ve been away from civilization for so long that you forgot about one of your favorite restaurants?”

It took them a moment to realize what she was talking about. “We’re going to TGI Fridays?” Artemis asks.

“That’s right. You know I haven’t been there in a long time.” Stephanie said.

“Why is that?” Apollo asks.

“Because the place reminded me of you three and I didn’t want break down in public.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. The three of you are back home and that’s all that matters. Just give me a sec I going to get my jacket.” She said before walking away.

“Boys, before you even think about it, we’re not taking that behemoth to Manhattan. There’s no way in hell thing is going to fit anywhere.” Andrew said.

“Andy, what are you talking about?” She yelled from down the hallway.

“The large truck that’s outside of our apartment belongs to our boys!” He said.

She walked back into the family room. “Really, huh. Where did you get that truck? It looks really nice.”

“Don’t encourage them.” Andrew said with a deadpan look.

“It’s a long story.” Artemis said.

===•••===
Manhattan
6:45 PM.

After they arrive at the restaurant in order their meals, the triplets told their parents all the fun adventures they had with their friends and family back in Equestria.

Even though they had to change their stories a little bit to not raise any suspicion, they were still 98% accurate. Unfortunately for Apollo, he wasn’t able to tell them any of his stories that happened during Black Friday.

“Celestia and Luna are that skilled?” Andrew asks.

“Yeah, they can be pretty intimidating when someone tries to harm anyone in their village. When we first met them, we thought they were just two pretty ladies sitting on their thrones.”
Atlas said.

“That’s why you never judge a book by its cover.”
Stephanie said before taking a sip of her Coca-Cola. “Artemis, can Twilight fight as well?”

“She could defend herself, but she’s not as skilled as the royal sisters. After she gives birth, she’s planning on to take some lessons with Galaxia.”

It was at this moment when the waitress came over to their table with their food. After she left, Atlas took a big bite of his bacon cheeseburger.
“Oh my God.” He said before swallowing. “I forgot how good this is.”

“Better than that pescatarian lifestyle?”
Andrew asks.

“Don’t get me wrong, they know how to cook really well, but I miss this. I think I forgot what bacon taste like to be honest.”

“Man, I’m in heaven.” Apollo said before he took another bite of his ribs.

“I can see that. The way you three are eating is like you’re starving or something.” Stephanie said.

“Starving for good old Americana, yes, yes we are.” Artemis said before he sipped his Pepsi.

“Oh, I almost forgot, do you have any photos or videos of your home away from home?” Andrew asks.

“No, we do not. That weird portal damaged our phones a little bit and the camera was one of the features that was damaged.” Apollo lied.

“That’s unfortunate. Well, hopefully we’ll be able to meet them very soon.”

“….Yeah, soon.”

===•••===
Brooklyn, New York
10:30 PM

After a fun evening in Manhattan, the Yukon family decided that it was time to call the night and go back home.

After they arrived at their apartment, Andrew look back to see that his sons weren’t coming inside. “Are you coming?”

“We are. We just need to get something from the truck first.” Atlas said.

“All right, we’re inside if you need us.” Andrew said before closing the front door.

After that, the triplets got inside of their truck.

Apollo opened up the glove box, revealing a black and green walkie-talkie.

He turned it on and said. “Earth to Canterlot, is any pony there?”

A few moments later, they heard a response.
“Good evening triplets, this is Canterlot speaking.”

“Good evening, Celestia.” Apollo replied before handing the walkie-talkie to Atlas.

“Did you arrive safe and sound?”

“Yes, we did. New York City changed a lot in the past three years, and we just came back from a nice evening with our parents.” Atlas said.

“That’s good to hear Atlas, how are they doing?”

“They’re doing well now. When we first arrived back home our parents were so happy that they literally broke down crying. We did the same.”

“Well, that’s only natural since you guys haven’t seen each other in a long time. Did you tell them about us?” Celestia ask.

“Yes, and no. While we were making our way to NY, we decide to make up a cover story about us being in a Village in the middle of the Canadian wilderness. Besides that, and your powers, we pretty much told them everything about every pony back home. We even told them that Artemis truck is a rental.”

“That is pretty smart.” Celestia replied.

“Thanks, but we don’t feel good telling them that cover story.” Atlas said.

“I know it’s hard for you to stretch the truth to your parents. But I think you’re doing the right thing. Besides your important mission, the three of you came back to Earth to reunite with your family and make up for lost time. Not to make them scared for the future.”

“We know, but it doesn’t make it any better.” Artemis said. “But at the same time, I am not excited to tell them the truth.”

“I think they’ll be happier to know that you been safe and sound on an alien planet than surviving in the middle of nowhere.”

Atlas chuckled. “You got a point there. So how is everything going back in Equestria?”

“Everything is fine. Twilight and her friends are back in Ponyville. Mom and dad are sleep and Luna is patrolling the dream realm. Apollo, Luna said she loves you and have a good night. Artemis, Twilight said the same thing.”

“Tell Luna I said I love you too.” Apollo said.

“Tell Twilight, the same thing as well.” Artemis said.

“Don’t worry, I will.”

“Before we end this conversation, I want to ask how is everything doing on the world stage?” Apollo asks.

“Besides weird troop movements in the Changeling Empire, everything is fine as far as I know. The River Federation is still a techno capitalist nation, and Kemerovo’s King is still being everyone’s favorite mad stallion.”

“Looks like everything is right with the galaxy.” Atlas said.

“Hold on, troop movements? Shouldn’t we be concerned about this?” Artemis asks.

“Normally, I would say yes. But it’s more than likely a military exercise. The reason why I called it unusual is because they’re very close to the border. Just in case, the Marines are tracking there every move.”

“Phew, that’s a relief.”

“Is there anything else you want to ask?” Celestia inquired.

“No, that’s all for now.” Atlas answered.

“All right, good night.”

“Good night, Tia.” Apollo said.

“Night, Celestia.” Said Artemis.

“Love you, Atlas.” Celestia said.

“Love you too, Celestia. We will talk to you again very soon.” Atlas said before he turned off the walkie-talkie and handed it to Apollo, who put it back in the glove compartment.

After that, the triplets got out of the truck and entered the apartment.

“Atlas, Apollo, Artemis, can come into the living room real quick?” Stephanie asks.

“Ok.” The triplets replied as they walked into the living room.

“What’s going on, mom?” Apollo asks.

“Since you guys are back home safe and sound. Me and your dad decided to take the rest of the week off. We also let the entire family know you’re back and now they are coming over tomorrow.” She beamed.

“Really, that’s great. When are they coming?” Atlas ask.

“Auntie Maya and Uncle Barlow should be here early in the afternoon, and the rest of the family will come after that.”

“It looks like we’re going to have another busy day tomorrow.” Apollo said to his siblings.

“What do you mean by that?” Andrew asks.

“We were planning on to see our old friends.” Atlas answered.

“Well, in that case, we can invite them over if you want.” Stephanie said.

“Really?” Artemis asks.

“Of course, they missed you guys as much as we did. I will call them tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Andrew replied.

A few moments later, Atlas yawned. “I’m going to bed.”

“I think it’s time for me to go as well.”
Apollo said.

“Same.” Artemis replied.

“Good night, lads.” Andrew said.

“Good night, dad. Good night, mom.” The triplets replied before they went upstairs.

After they got ready for bed, the triplets went to their old bedrooms and drifted off to dreamland. Not knowing that the news of the return was quickly spreading throughout the city.