The Royal 3: Orion’s passage

January 25, 2012 A.D
Brooklyn, New York
7:25 AM

Apollo woke up hearing the sound of an alarm coming from his iPhone. He let out a groan as he uses his magic to levitate the device from his nightstand to his hand.

After he turned off the alarm, Apollo sat up in his bed and stretched his back.

His old bedroom was exactly the way he left it three years ago. The walls are painted baby blue with a few posters on them. Most of them were about airplanes or space exploration, but two of the posters were sports related.

After Apollo played around on his phone for a little bit, he decided to get out of bed and get ready for the day.

15 minutes later, Apollo walked down the stairs and enter the kitchen to see his dad cooking some breakfast and his siblings eating at the counter.

“Good morning, Apollo. You’re up early.” His father greeted.

“Good morning everypo- *ahem* I mean everybody.” Apollo responded.

“Morning.” Atlas greeted

“Good morning.” Artemis said.

“What’s for breakfast?” Apollo asks.

“Waffles and bacon. Do you want some?” Andrew asks.

“Yes, please.” Apollo said as he sat down on a stool right next to Artemis.

“All right, coming right up.”

While he was waiting on his food, Apollo decided to watch the TV. “I didn’t know you guys were watching Today show.”

“Of course we are. It’s been a long time since we last watched the show and we used to watch it every morning. So why the heck not?” Atlas said.

“Damn right.” Artemis chimed in. “I wonder what their main news story going to be.”

A few moments later, his question would be answered when the Today show came back from commercial.

TV: ‘Welcome back to the today show everyone today’s top story is about the Niagara Brothers. Almost 3 years ago on June 11, 2009, three identical brothers name Atlas, Artemis and Apollo Yukon disappeared at Niagara Falls, New York by strange circumstances. As time went on, people start giving up hope they’ll ever be found. Thankfully, this tragic story has a happy ending. Since yesterday afternoon, the three boys have been spotted in Brooklyn and in Manhattan. Social media post about them has been going viral as well.’

The triplets stared at the TV in utter shock.

“Oh my God.” Artemis mumbled.

“We barely been in the city for one day and they already know we’re here. I have to give it to them. These reporters are really good at their jobs.” Atlas said.

“Man, I was hoping that we would get a few days of peace. But it looks like we have to deal with everyone’s eyes on us from now on.” Apollo grumbled.

“Of course everyone’s eyes are going to be on you three. You’re the most famous set of triplets in New York State. Since when you guys became so shy?” Their father asks.

“We didn’t, it just we dealt with this before.”
Atlas said.

“Oh? Pray tell.” He asked before taking the strips of bacon off of the pan.

“A few weeks after we arrived at the villages, we became pretty popular among the locals. The reason why is because they never had ‘outsiders’ like us before. Before we knew we were asked a bunch of questions about ourselves and our hometown in front of an audience. We even received love letters from a ton of girls. Those five months of fame were weird but fun at the same time.” Artemis explained.

“I’m not surprised that happened since the three of you are pretty handsome fellows.” Andrew complemented.

“Dad.”

“What, it’s true. Why do you think that you went from single to married and starting a family in just three years?”

“By being ourselves and treating our dates right?”
Atlas answered.

“Those two things are very important but looks also play role as well.” Andrew walked over to the counter and placed Apollo’s meal before him. “Here we go. Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Apollo said before cutting his waffles and taking a bite.

“So how are we going to handle our newfound fame this time?” Artemis asks.

“Like we did last time, smile and wave for the camera.” Atlas replied.

===•••===
10:30 AM

Apollo was relaxing in the living room, looking at some funny videos on Facebook when he heard the doorbell.

“I got it!” He got up from his comfy chair and open the front door to see that there were five familiar faces outside. Two guys and three girls.

Two of the girls on Apollo left, have white skin and dark brown hair. They are the Marino sisters; Annie is the older sister, and Claire is the younger sister. Standing in between the sisters and the guys is a black girl with black hair that went down to her shoulders. Her name is Tasha Heron.

Standing right next to Tasha is a tall, black guy with soft curly black hair. His name is Tyrone Anderson. Behind all of them is a tall white guy with hazelnut colored hair. His name is Nicholas Donetsk.

All of these people are the triplets’ childhood friends.

“My brother from another mother, is so good to see you!” Tyrone said before they did their special handshake.

“I thought you guys weren’t coming over until later this evening.” He spoke.

“We were, but we decided to see you guys now and make up for lost time.” Nicholas said with a water down eastern European accent.

“Well, I’m glad you guys decide to come over a few hours early.” Apollo replied as he allowed his old friends into the apartment. After he closed the front door, Apollo walked over to the stairs. “Atlas, Artemis, you need to come downstairs!”

“Why?” Atlas yelled back.

“It’s a surprise.”

A few moments later, they came out of Atlas room. “This better be good because we were just watching an episode of the Boondocks.” Artemis said as they walked down the stairs.

“Don’t worry, it will be.” Apollo smiled.

The moment Atlas and Artemis came into the living room, their eyes wide with shock.

“No way. I thought we won’t see you until this evening, not that I’m complaining.” Atlas said.

“We couldn’t wait until then to see ya. So here we are.” Tasha said.

“In that case makes some room for us.” Artemis said.

A few special handshakes later, Artemis and Atlas sat down.

“I’m guessing you guys have a lot of questions for us.” Apollo said as he got comfortable in his recliner.

“That’s the understatement of the century. We don’t even know where to begin.” Claire said.

“Yeah, it’s going to take hours for you three to answer all of our questions.” Nicholas said.

“How about we start talk about the elephant in the room? Is it true that you guys gotten married?” Annie asks.

“We have. We even got the rings to prove it.” Artemis said as he showed them his ring.

“Wow, that’s a beautiful ring.” Tasha complemented.

“Thanks.”

“So, who’s the first one to get married?” Tasha asks.

“Believe it or not, it’s Artemis. His wedding was last February and he’s the one that’s becoming a dad soon.” Atlas answered.

“No fucking way!” Tyrone said in surprise. “You’re joking.”

“We’re not. In fact, I’m the last one to get married. My wedding is in February.” Apollo replied.

“Huh, I always thought Apollo would be the first one to get married.” Tyrone said. “Do you have any photos of your wives?”

“Unfortunately, no. Our phones got damaged when they went through the portal.”

“That’s sucks.” Nicholas said before the group of friends heard someone coming down the stairs.

“What is making all that noise?” Stephanie wondered before she saw her sons’ friends. “Oh, hello kids.”

“Hey Mrs. Yukon.” They greeted.

“What are you guys doing here?”

“We’re making up for lost time.” Nicholas answered.

“That’s wonderful. Do you need any refreshments or anything?”

“We’re good.” Atlas said.

“Ok, if you need anything, I’m upstairs.” She said.

“Glad to see that Miss Yukon is back to joyful self.”
Annie said.

“Yeah, can’t remember the last time she was like this.” Tasha replied.

“It was really that bad?” Atlas asks.

“Yeah. The amount of times your parents nearly fell to a deep depression was way too high. They didn’t tell you any of this, did they?” Tyrone stated.

“Not really, but you can tell that the past three years wasn’t kind to them.”

“Any good parents would’ve been depressed like Mr. and Mrs. Yukon. If anything happened to me, my parents would’ve had a heart attack.” Nicholas chimed in.

“You’re right about that. Thank goodness they went to therapy.” Annie said.

“Ok, before this conversation goes down a depressing path, how about we ask something more positive?” Tasha suggested.

“Yeah, that’s sounds a good idea. Triplets, we heard that you were living in a village in the middle of the Canadian wilderness for three years. Is that true?” Tyrone asks.

“Yes, it is.” Atlas lied. “Besides a few nearby villages, we were in the middle of nowhere. The only thing you can see was mountains and trees.”

“It must’ve been pretty peaceful out there.” Claire said.

“It is. You can even see the stars at night.” Apollo said. “But if I have to be honest, I really miss the city, barbecue, and Black Friday.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1kGPm7GwFkM&pp=ygUUZGV2aW91cyBkaWVzZWwgdGhlbWU%3D

“Lord, help us.” Claire chuckled.

“Speaking of Black Friday, is that holiday still around?” Apollo asks.

“Hell yeah, it’s still around. And it only gotten bigger and better.” Tyrone answered.

“Oh really?” Apollo had a big grin on his face.

“Yeah, you three would’ve loved it. Oh, wait you can. I have some videos of the best fights that happened on Black Friday.” Tyrone said as he handed his phone to Apollo.

(A few minutes later.)

“Jesus, that was insane.” Artemis said in shock.

“Told ya.” Tyrone smiled.

“Well, it looks like we know what we’re going to be doing on Thanksgiving.” Atlas said.

“You boys haven’t changed one bit.” Tasha chuckled.

“Why would we? Just because we’ve been living the in woods for three years of our lives, doesn’t mean we are going to change personality wise.”
Artemis replied.

“Let’s hope that stays that way.” Annie said.
“Triplets, we were thinking of going to Juniors after coming over here, do you want to come?”

“We like to, but we don’t know if we can. Our parents have been a bit protective for obvious reasons. But it wouldn’t hurt to ask.” Atlas got up from the couch and went upstairs.

When he got to his parent’s master bedroom doors, he knocked on it and waited for a response.

“Come in.” His father said.

He the door to that his parents were watching truTV world’s dumbest.

“Hey son, what do you want?” Andrew smiled.

“Nothing, I want to ask you two something. My friends invited me, Apollo and Artemis to go to Juniors. Can we go?”

As expected, his parents were caught off guard by this. “Can we come with you?” His mom asks.

“….No, it’s just a little outing with friends, that’s it.”

“Oh.”

Five seconds of awkward silence later, Andrew spoke up. “Fine, you lads can go ahead. Just be back before 1 o’clock, because we’re going to pick up your aunt from JFK and Uncle Barlow and Auntie Maya are coming at the same time.”

“Thanks dad, we will be back before you know it.”
Atlas said before left the bedroom.

Stephanie turned to her beloved husband with a frown on her face. “Andrew, thought we agreed that we would be more proactive about protecting our kids.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t live their lives. You don’t want them to develop cabin fever.”

“I rather have that than our boys…. disappearing again.” She said, getting scared at the thought.

Andrew wrapped an arm around her. “I’m scared too, but that doesn’t mean they can’t live their lives. They’re only going to juniors, which is just down the street from the Barclays Center, not on the other side of the state. They’ll be fine.”

‘That’s what they said last time.’ Stephanie thought.

===•••===
11:05 AM
Juniors

After the triplets and their friends arrived at the world-famous diner and ordered their milkshakes, they decided to get back to their conversation.

“Enough about us, what’s been happening to you guys while we were gone?” Artemis ask as he finishing up a sketch on his notepad.

Claire looked at Tyrone and Tasha before speaking. “Should one of us tell them or one of you going to do it?”

“Tell us what?” Apollo asks.

“That me and Tasha have been in a relationship for a year and a half now.” Tyrone said as he pulled Tasha closer.

“Nice.” Artemis said.

“Congratulations you two.” Said Atlas.

“Finally, it’s about damn time. I thought you two would never confess your feelings.” Apollo laughed.

“Wait, you knew?” Tasha asks.

“Yeah, I knew something was up between you two ever since the end of our senior year in high school. In college, your feelings were so palpable that you can cut it with a knife. Heck, I even considered to force you both on a date to confess to each other. But I decided not to.”

“Since senior year? That means you were the first one to notice.” Nicholas said.

“Pretty much.”

“Well, thanks for allowing us to figure our feelings out.” Tyrone said.

“You’re welcome. You know, I’m glad that my suspicions were correct. Now I know what Cadence feels on a daily basis.” Apollo said.

Who’s Cadence?” Tyrone asks.

“Cadences is the leader of one of the nearby villages and cousins of Celestia and Luna. She is also a really good matchmaker."

“Oh, so she is royalty as well?” Nicholas asks.

“Yes, she is."

A few moments later, their waiter came over to the table and pass out their milkshakes.

After the waiter left, Atlas sipped his chocolate milkshake and spoke up. “Besides these two lovebirds, did anything interesting happened to any of you?”

“I went on my first cruise last year.” Nicholas said.

“How long was it?” Artemis ask.

“An eight day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale. It was a great vacation, but let me tell you it took me three days to get used to the ship.”

“Why?” Apollo ask before he took a sip of his milkshake.

“Because the ship I went on was massive. Every time we went into Port, I couldn’t help but be amazed on how tiny all the other ships were compared to it.”

“Do you have any photos of your vacation?” Atlas ask.

Yes, I do. Nicholas said before handed his phone to the triplets.

The first photo they saw was Nicholas and his family standing on a pier right next to a large vessel named the Oasis of the seas.

“Damn, that thing is huge.” Said Apollo.

“Did you get sunburnt?” Artemis ask.

“Yeah, I did. It was a particularly hot day and I didn’t put on enough sunscreen.”

“At least you had fun on that day.” Atlas said before he swiped to the next photo.

“I must be seeing things. There’s no way there is a park on that ship.” Apollo said in shock.

“I see you found my photos in Central Park. That’s the most peaceful spot on the ship especially late at night. That my favorite spot on the ship.”

“What else does this behemoth have?” Atlas ask.

“A boardwalk with a little carnival area. But there’s no roller coasters sadly.”

The triplets thought he was playing with them, But they realize he wasn’t when they saw the rest of his photos.

“Congratulations Nicholas, I’m jealous now.” Atlas said before he handed the phone to Nicholas.

“Whoever’s the CEO of Royal Caribbean must’ve be crazy to build this.” Artemis said before he decided to put his art stuff away.

“Annie, Claire, do you have any interesting stuff to share?” Atlas ask.

“Besides the things my parents and our friends have already told you, not really.” Annie replied.

“Are you sure? We all know how much you and your sister like to surprise us.”

“We’re sure.” Claire answered.

===•••===
1:25 PM

After spending two hours catching up with their childhood friends, it was time for triplets to head back home.

When they came back to the apartment, they encountered their mom getting ready to pick up her sister and her family from JFK.

So, Apollo decided to go with her while his siblings stayed home.

When they arrived at JFK, they immediately found their relatives waiting for them.

After the SUV came to a stop, Apollo came out of the vehicle to greet them.

“Hello auntie-“ before he can finish his sentence, his aunt slammed into him and hugged him tightly. His aunt is a black woman in her late 30s and 7 inches shorter than Apollo. (5 foot 10.) Her name is Deborah Andrea Anaheim-Lewis. Stephanie’s younger sister.

“My nephew back home! It’s so good to finally see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too, Auntie.” Apollo replied as he felt the oxygen getting squeezed out of his lungs. A moment later his aunt ended the hug much to his relief. He expected this, she was always a pretty strong lady.

“Apollo, my boy, how are you doing?” Deborah’s husband greeted. He is a tall black man with a fade hairstyle. His full name is Douglas Lewis.

“Everything is going great, Uncle Douglas.” Apollo said as he greeted his uncle with a strong handshake.

“Damn, your grip got stronger last time I saw you. Have you been working out in that village?”

“Mom already told you about that?”

“She did. In full detail too.” Deborah answered.

“Oh man, I wanted to tell you guys.” Apollo said playfully.

Apollo look down to see a little six-year-old boy looking up at him. Rocking the same haircut as his dad. His name is Patrick Malcolm Anaheim-Lewis.

“Hey Patrick, long time no see.” Apollo smiled.

“Hello Apollo, I missed ya.” Patrick said, hugging his adult cousin.

“I missed you too, little guy.” Apollo pat him on the head before the kid let go.

“So do you need help with your luggage?”
Apollo asks.

“Yes, please.” Douglas said, appreciating the offer.

After they put the luggage in the trunk and got in the car, Stephanie drove away.

As the family members got reacquainted with each other Apollo made a mental note that he had his siblings should stay on their P’s and Q’s from this point forward.

Because Deborah and Douglas weren’t ordinary people, they were highly skilled FBI agents.

===•••===
1:55 PM

“Hey everyone, we’re back.” Stephanie announced as they enter the apartment.

“Welcome home, we’re in the living room and the kitchen.” A very familiar Chicago accent replied.

“Is that who I think it is?” Apollo said as he walked into the kitchen. When he got there, he saw there is a glasses wearing chubby black woman in her early 40s with long brown hair, standing near the kitchen’s island. Standing right next to her is a black guy with short black hair, also in his early 40s

The woman’s name is Maya Anaheim, one of the best aunts anyone could ever ask for. Her husband‘s name is Barlow Anaheim, the triplets' uncle and Stephanie’s younger sibling and Deborah‘s older brother.

“Uncle Barlow, Auntie Maya.” Apollo smiled as he hugged them. “It’s good to see you both.”

“It’s good to see you too. Finally, my nephews are back where they belong.” Maya said with her Chicago accent.

“Welcome home, young man.” The marine said after they ended the hug.

“Thanks.”

“What about us? You passed us by like a full Laurie.” A thick British accent said.

Apollo looked to his right and saw that his grandparents from both sides of his family were sitting in the living room.

Elderly couple sitting on the couch is his father‘s parents, Edward and Sarah Yukon. They are both white with very gray hair.

Sitting next to them is his grandma on his mother‘s side of the family. Her name is Amelia Anaheim, she is a black woman with a poofy black and gray Afro.

“Sorry granddad, sorry grandma.” Apollo said as he hugged his grandparents.

“It’s all right dear.” Sarah said.

“You know we can’t stay mad at you for long.”
Edward said before Apollo separated from them.

“Apollo come here, let me see my long-lost grandchild.” Amelia said.

“Good afternoon, Grandma Amelia.” Apollo greeted before hugging her.

“Good afternoon to you too, baby.” Amelia said before they separated. She then turned her attention to her eldest daughter. “Stephanie, I bet you and Andrew must be happy to have your boys back.”

“We’re not happy, we’re a static. It’s been a long time since this house has been full of life like this.”
She replied. “Before I forget, how was your trip on the Acela express?”

“Oh, it was wonderful as usual.” She beamed.

“Lucky.” Patrick chimed in.

“What’s going on with the little one?”
Edward asks.

“Oh, he’s just a bit jealous that grandma was able to ride the bullet train to NY instead of him.” Deborah answered.

“Patrick is still the same train, loving kid?”
Atlas asks.

“Of course he is.”

“Aww, don’t worry child, when we go back to DC, you can ride with me.” Amelia said.

“Ok.” Patrick said before going over to his cousins.

“How are you doing, cousin?” Artemis asks.

“I’m doing fine. I miss you both.”

“We missed you too, little buddy.” Atlas said.

“So, what y’all been doing while we were gone?”
Stephanie ask.

“Your sons have been telling us their stories about their lives in the village. Girl, let me tell you that we were shocked of what they were telling us. Especially the first one.” Maya said.

“Agreed. One minute you were watching a beautiful waterfall with your friends and the next you’re in the middle of nowhere. It’s a miracle that everything turned out fine at the end.” Edward said.

“Not only that, but they also got married and one of them is starting a family out there. If that’s not perseverance, I don’t know what is. And I’m proud of them for that.” Barlow said.

“Wait, one of my nephews is going to be a father?”
Deborah said confusion before turning to her sister. “Stephanie, why did you tell me?”

“Because I wanted it to be a surprise and a good way for you to reveal yours.”

“What’s the surprise?” Apollo asks.

“Before I tell the three of you, I want to know who is going to be the new dad?”

“I am.” Artemis answered.

“Well, you’re not the only one expecting a baby.”
Deborah smiled.

“You’re pregnant?!” Atlas realizes.

“Yep.” She unzipped her winter jacket, revealing a large baby bump. “My baby girl is coming in April.”

“Aww, Patrick going to be a big brother.” Apollo said.

“Congratulations. You too, Uncle Douglas.” Atlas said.

“Thank you. You know, me and Deborah thought that we had to raise our daughter without you guys around. But I’m glad that it’s not the case.”

“Same over here.” Edward said. “Speaking of babies, when is yours coming?”

“May.” Artemis said.

“That means they’re only going to be going a month apart, how cute. I have a feeling they’re going to be great playmates.” Deborah said.

“First Twilight, then Cadence, now Auntie is expecting a baby. I wonder who else is going to be next?” Apollo mumbled.

‘Don’t worry, Titan. You will find out soon enough.’ Atlas thought.

“Artemis, are you going to bring your wife to the states to have the baby?” His mom asks.

This was a question that Artemis wasn’t prepared for. “Honestly, I don’t know. We never have the discussion before. Maybe there’s a chance she might consider it since she always wanted to come to NY after I describe what it’s like here.”

“I’m glad she’s considering it. Since childbirth could go south real fast, and it will be sad if anything happens to her or the baby.”

“Hey triplets, I heard on the Internet that you guys are back in the spotlight. Is that true?” Barlow asks.

“It is. Honestly, I’m not surprised that the media is interested in us again.” Atlas said. “While we were hanging out with her friends earlier, we encountered a few people wishing as well and all that.”

“Are you all talking about my boys newfound fame?” Andrew asks as the walk into the kitchen.

“We are, and from the sound of it, they’re handling it pretty well.” Barlow replied.

“Well, I’m not surprised since they told me this morning that they’ve been through this before. They even got in a few admirers if you know what I mean.”

“Oh really?” Maya said, as she looked at the triplets with a grin on her face. “Is that how you got Twilight and Celestia?”

“Nope, we were friends with them before that little trend happened.” Atlas answered.

“But we have to admit that those few months were very weird and fun at the same time.” Artemis said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if these next few days will be the same as well.”

===•••===
7:30 PM

After nightfall came to the city that never sleeps, the party that Stephanie and Andrew have been planning all day was now in full swing.

Friends and family from near and far came over to the Yukon residence to see their lost loss relatives and to have fun.

While most of the guest were eating or watching a basketball game in the family room, Patrick was watching Despicable Me in the living room with his two cousins. They were both black just like him, but that’s where the similarities ended. They have brown hair, just like their mother and the older one wore glasses.

The older cousin is nine-year-old Stefan Anaheim, and his younger brother is four-year-old Barlow Anaheim Jr. But everyone in the family calls him BJ.

“Patrick, would you ride that roller coaster if it existed in real life?” Stefan asked after they watched a roller coaster scene in the movie.

“No.” Patrick said, knowing where this conversation was going.

“Why not?”

“Because that roller coaster is scary looking.”

“Oh, come on, you went on the Cyclone last year with no problem at all. what’s so different about this one?”

“Some of the track goes upside down and you know how I don’t like going upside down.”
Patrick answered.

“Scaredy-cat.” Stefan teased. His younger cousin didn’t respond.

“Patrick, can you get me another soda, please?”
BJ asked as he presented his cup to his cousin.

“Sure.” Patrick grabbed the cup out of his hand and walked away.

As he made his way down the hallway, he accidentally bumped into a stool, which had Artemis’ bag resting on top of it.

The bag tipped over and its contents spilled all over the floor. Immediately, Patrick started to clean up the mess, like the good little boy he is.

When he was almost done, he noticed a shiny gold coin. Patrick picked up the coin and examined it. The coin was the size of a silver dollar coin, but it was light as a nickel.

On one side of the coin has a picture of a weird looking person on it, with the title, ‘United Kingdom of Equestria’ in small letters on the top rim. (The person in question is Nebula.) The other side of the coin has a picture of a building with a large dome. With the title ‘50 bits’ on the bottom rim. (The building is the Senate.)

“Wow.” Patrick mumbled as he looked at the beautiful coin.

After he cleaned up the mess, Patrick went to find his older cousin. Eventually, he found Artemis in the dining room, enjoying his dinner.

“Artemis, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what is it?” Artemis inquired after he pushed his chair back.

His little cousin showed him the coin he found.
“Where did you get coin from?”

Artemis swore that he had a fucking heart attack in that very moment.

“Where did you find that?” He said, as he tried to be as calm as possible, and failing miserably.

“Your bag. I accidentally tipped it over when I was coming over here. Sorry.”

“It’s all right.”

“Artemis, are you ok?” Maya asked.

“I’m fine, why do you ask?” He replied, feeling himself beginning to sweat.

“Just checking.” Then she noticed the coin in Patrick’s hand. “What is that?” She said with great interest.

“Artemis’ coin.” Patrick said.

Before Artemis can say anything, his cousin handed the coin to his aunt.

“This is nice. Deborah, look at this coin, isn’t it beautiful?” She said, showing the coin to her sister.

“It is. But the person on the front looks weird. Artemis, where did you get this?”

“Uhh.. that’s my wife’s….good luck charm.” He answered. “She told me that her grandma found it a long time ago.”

A part of Deborah didn’t believe her nephew. She wasn’t an expert on coins, but this coin was in too good of a condition for anyone living off the grid could maintain. If anything, the coin look like it was brand new. But she didn’t want to correct her nephew, so she kept her mouth shut.

“What the heck is Equestria?” Maya wondered.

“You mean Equestrian?” Sarah asks.

“No, it’s equestrian but without the N.”

“That sounds like a name of some ancient kingdom or something.” Edward chimed in.

“It does have the title United Kingdom in front of it. So maybe it’s related to Great Britain?”

“I doubt it.”

“Guys, I know my wife’s coin is interesting and all that, but can I have it back?” Artemis asks.

“Oh, sorry.” Maya said as she handed the coin back to Artemis.

“It’s all right, I’ll be right back.” Artemis caught up from his chair and left the dining room.

“Did you notice how on Artemis was acting?” Maya whispered.

“Yeah, I noticed that too. I wonder why he looked like that.”

“Maybe he thought we would lose the coin or something? After all, it does belong to his wife. Possibly a family heirloom.”

“If that’s the case, that is one important heirloom.”

“Agreed.”

===•••===

Artemis was now in his bedroom, walking in circles as his mind was in panic mode and his heart was beating out of his chest.

He couldn’t believe it. All the planning, the stories everything the triplets created could come crashing down tonight.

All thanks to a little coin Artemis forgot to remove from his bag.

He doesn’t blame Patrick for this, not one bit. Any gold coin would attract someone’s attention, especially a six-year-old.

But it doesn’t make his situation any better.

Suddenly, he heard a knock on his door, which made him let in a sudden breath. “Who is it?”

“It’s me, Atlas.”

“Come in.”

“I got your text. Is everything all right?” Atlas said after he closed the door.

“Atlas, I fucked up.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Yes, I did. That coin is going to make them ask questions, and I’m not ready to tell them the truth yet. Not after the mountain of lies we told them.”

“Dude, we have to tell them the truth one day, it’s inevitable. But thankfully, we’re in the clear for now.” Atlas said.

“What do you mean? That coin contradicts everything we’ve been telling them for the past 24 hours.” Artemis said in confusion.

“I know, but it’s just a coin, not a video or photograph. After you texted me, I decided to go over to the dining room to ask what happened. They told me how Patrick found your coin and thought that it was interesting. They assume you were acting nervous because you didn’t want to lose it since you told him that it was Twilight lucky charm.”

“Wait, so they’re not suspicious of anything?”

“No, they’re not.”

A wave of relief washed over Artemis. “Oh, thank God, I thought we were done for.”

After Artemis was finally able to calm his nerves, he looked at his brother and spoke. “Come on let’s go. They’re going to get suspicious if we stay up here.”

“Yeah, we don’t want that. Do we?” Atlas rhetorically asked.

“No, we don’t.” Artemis said before they left the room.

===•••===
Manhattan, New York
2:30 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pswx6OQp1Ks&pp=ygUjb3BwZW5oZWltZXIgdGhlIGRlc3Ryb3llciBvZiB3b3JsZHM%3D

Deborah was looking out a large window in her suite's living room, while drinking a cup of hot chocolate.

Normally, she wouldn’t book an expensive hotel suite. But since she was here for a special occasion, she and her husband decided to splurge a bit.

And it was worth it, thanks to the beautiful view of Lower Manhattan. But in that same view had New York newest addition, the One World Trade Center, which was still under construction.

Before the original twin towers fell, Deborah was just a rookie. Happy that she became an agent just like James Bond. But after, she was assigned to missions that made her counter worst of humanity, mainly foreign and domestic terrorism.

Despite those missions, she never regretted becoming an agent. After all, her career gave her a comfortable life where she never had to worry about money, and she met the love of her life in the Academy.

But her line of work also made her promise herself that she would protect anyone close to her, especially family.

Which is why she is still awake. Ever since she left her sister‘s apartment, her instincts were telling her that something was wrong with Artemis.

The way he reacted when he saw that coin and his fidgeting afterwards raised a few red flags in her head. That behavior wasn’t the look of someone not wanting to lose a lucky charm. That was the look of dread.

Which made her mind wander to so many horrifying scenarios.

Were they being trafficked? Did someone find them and decide to hold them captive for all this time?

The thought of her nephews, who she sees as her sons, being put through a nightmare like that made her blood boil. She was also starting to question if any of the stories they told her were even true.

If they really came from Canada, that means they would had to cross the US-Canadian border. If they did, the border patrol would’ve alerted local authorities contacted their family. In her experience, it was really suspicious that no such thing had happened.

And what did the coin represent?

It didn’t matter now; she knew what she had to do. If anyone can help her nephews, it was her and Douglas.

After she finished her hot chocolate, she washed the cup, put it away and went to bed. Trying her best to get a full night’s rest.