The Royal 3: Orion’s passage

January 26 2012 A.D.
Manhattan, New York.
8:00 AM

Douglas opened his tired eyes and let out a yawn. Try his best not to wake up his wife.
He roll over on his side and picked up his phone from the nightstand to check the time.

Around this time, he would be either going to work or taking his son to school. Depending on what day it was. But today is not an ordinary day.

After using the restroom as quietly as possible, Douglas left the bedroom and walked over to the to the window in the living room. As expected, it was another cold day in New York.

Douglas then went over to his son’s room to check on him. He open the door and saw that Patrick was wide awake, watching the Octonauts.

“Good morning, son.” He greeted.

“Good morning, dad.”

“How long have you been up?” Douglas asks.

Patrick looked up at the analog clock on the wall and said. “I woke up at seven, I think.”

“Since you’re up, do you want to come with me and have some breakfast?”

“Can I stay in my pajamas?”

“Of course. I’m going to be doing the same thing. Just wear a jacket.”

“Ok.” Patrick said before the jump from his bed and got his winter coat from the closet. “Is mom coming with us?”

“No, she still asleep.” Douglas answered.

“What?” Patrick said shock and disappointment. “But mom said she would join us.”

Douglas got down on one knee. “I know she promised. But we were all over the place yesterday and stayed up really late. So how about we let her sleep in?”

Patrick understood what his dad was saying. “All right.”

“So, what should we get for mom?” Douglas an after getting back up.

“How about we get her some waffles?”

“That sounds good. How about we get her some sausage or bacon with the waffles?”

“Why not both?”

“You know what? That’s a good idea. Your mom is going to love that.” This made his son smile.

After getting his wallet and the room key, Douglas and Patrick left the hotel suite.

===•••===
9:05 AM

After having a nice breakfast in the hotel’s restaurant, Douglas and Patrick came back to their hotel suite and freshen up.

After that, they basically did nothing but watch TV and enjoyed their morning. As Douglas was channel surfing, Deborah finally came out of their bedroom.

“Morning, Debbie.” Douglas said before he saw how red her eyes were.

“Good morning.” She said, rubbing her eyes.

“Did you sleep well?”

“Sort of, I didn’t fall asleep until around 2 AM. That’s all.”

“2 AM? That’s weird, usually you’re out like a light anytime a pillow touches your head.” Then he realized what was going on. “Ok, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She answered, as she sat down.

“Really? You don’t stay up late because of nothing. Don’t say everything is all right because you’re a terrible liar.”

Deborah sighed. “Fine you got me. I was up late because I couldn’t stop thinking about the triplets.”

“What about them?” Douglas asks.

“Where to begin? Remember when I told you about the coin Patrick found, and how Artemis reacted?”

“Yeah.”

“Well to me, the way Artemis reacted look like he saw a ghost or something. When he told me and the other people at the table, how his wife got the coin, I didn’t believe it. Because it looked too good of a condition to be that old. It almost looked brand new. Realizing this made me think.”

“About what?” He asked, wondering where this conversation was going.

“Everything! The stories they told us, the people they met, the village they were living in and how they got back to us. I feel horrible for saying this, but I think everything they were telling us is a lie.”

“Now that’s a bit far-fetched. Deborah, you know them way longer than I have, and we both know that they’re good honest kids. They wouldn’t tell lies to us for no reason.”

“I know, but I’ve been noticing red flags all over the place. The biggest one is that no one from the US or Canadian border patrol contacted our family or local authorities that the triplets were trying to cross the border. You and I both know that there is no way you can miss that massive gray truck they were in.”

“That’s really concerning since they are pretty well-known.” Douglas said.

“I know. Another red flag is their wardrobe. When we were by them after arriving at JFK, they were wearing the same clothes that they took on the trip to Niagara Falls. If they were really in the wilderness for three years, they should be in taters, not in good condition. Same thing with all their other possessions, like their phones, shoes and bags.” She explained.

“Ok, so if everything they told us was a lie, then where were they for the past three years?”

“I have a theory that they were found by some horrible people, and they were held captive or being traffic for all this time. Maybe the triplets escaped their captors, and they are so traumatized or embarrassed by it that they can’t bring themselves to tell us. Possibility their wives and friends are in the same predicament.”

Deborah balled her fists. “If I wasn’t five months pregnant, I would’ve been in Canada by now and hunting every single one of those bastards down.”

“Before you begin to prepare for your murder spree, we need to see if what you’re suspecting is true. But how are we going to do that?”

“Simple, we’ll ask them. After all, we are going to be with them all day.” Deborah answered.

“You really think that would work?”

“Yeah, it’s no different from our daily lives as agents. Eventually, one of them will crack.” She then leans back on the couch. “I really hope that my suspicions are incorrect, and this is me having one of my paranoid episodes again.”

“You’re not paranoid, you’re just a bit overprotective.”

She looked at her husband and said. “Oh really? You forgot about how I acted when Patrick was only a few months old?”

“You were just doing what you thought was best for him. Anyone that experienced all the stuff you did would’ve done the same thing.” Douglas reassured her. “How about you give your mind a break and have some breakfast. Me and Patrick got you a to go box.”

“What did you two get me?”

“Waffles with sausage and bacon. It’s in the microwave waiting for you.”

“Aww, you guys spoil me. Thanks.” She said, leaning on her husband.

“You’re welcome.” He said as she got up and went to the kitchen.

After she was out of sight, he began thinking of what she just told him. If he has to be honest, it’s scared him that the triplets might be going through something horrible like human trafficking. If it was true, Douglas didn’t know what he would do with himself.

“God, please don’t let that be the case.” He said quietly.

===•••===
11:00 AM

Before the Anaheim-Lewis family knew it. It was time for them to meet with the rest of their family.

After they got ready for their day out, they left their hotel and walked to the nearest Subway station. When the family made it to the Subway platform they only had to wait for a little while before the train arrive. Luckily, the station wasn’t that crowded, so they were able to find seats with no problem.

Eight minutes later, the Subway train arrived at Rockefeller Center Station. After they left the station, they entered Rockefeller Center made their way to the ice rink waiting area. Where the rest of their extended family were waiting for them.

“Good morning, everyone.” Deborah greeted.

“Morning, Auntie.” The triplets replied.

“Good morning, Deborah, morning Douglas. We’re so glad that the three of you came.” Stephanie said.

“We wouldn’t miss to stay out for the world. Where is Edward and Sarah?”

“They’re at their apartment playing cards with a few friends because to them it’s way too cold to go out.” Amelia said. “I don’t blame them, it’s bone chilling out there.”

“So how come you’re not playing cards with them in their warm apartment?” Douglas asks.

“As much as I love to beat their asses in a game of cards, I came to NY for a reason. Besides, I can do that while we watch the triplets’ interview.”

“Interview? What do you mean?” Douglas asks.

“Stephanie, didn’t you tell them the news?” Maya said.

“Oh shoot, I am so sorry. I forgot to tell you all.”
Stephanie facepalmed.

“Tell us what?” Patrick ask.

Atlas put on his ice skates before speaking. “This morning, we got invited to be interviewed on NBC nightly news!”

“Wait! The same new show that has Lester Holt as its host?” Douglas asks.

“That’s the one.” Apollo said excitedly.

“How did you get invited on to the show?” Deborah asks.

“One of the show’s employees came to our apartment. We said yes almost immediately.”

“Ok, and when is the interview happening?”

“Monday at 6 PM.” Artemis answered.

“Congratulations boys, you three must be so excited.” Douglas said.

“They are. Tomorrow, we plan on getting these lads ready for their big moment. Haircut, new fancy outfit. Everything.” Andrew said.

“Are we going on the show?” Patrick asked.

“We are, but we’re only gonna be in backstage. We’re not going to be on tv.” Stephanie explained.

“Aww.” He said disappointment.

“I’m sure the backstage will have a lot of interesting stuff for you to see.”

“Ok.”

“I’m going to rent us some ice skates. I’ll be right back.” Douglas said before walking away.

After everyone put on their skates, they all went out on the ice rink. While Amelia stayed in the warm waiting area.

The entire family was having a blast. Patrick, Stefan and BJ were having fun racing each other while the rest of the family was just content with gliding on the ice.

Deborah was also having a nice time skating, remembering the fun times she had here. She would’ve done some ice tricks like she did anytime she skated. But decided not to since she is five months pregnant.

When she and her husband were on their third lap, she couldn’t help but overhear a conversation the triplets were having with Barlow.

“So, are you guys planning to go back to college?”
Barlow asks.

“Not really.” Apollo said.

“I don’t think so.” Atlas answered.

“Not anytime soon.” Artemis replied.

“What why?” Barlow said in shock.

“Don’t get us wrong, it would be nice to get our diplomas. But we were able to build ourselves a life back in the villages without them, and we’re satisfied with that. Plus, I don’t want to be away from my wife long period of time, especially with the kid on the way.” Artemis said.

“I get where you’re coming, from believe me I do. But if you don’t have an education, you won’t go far in life. Maybe you can take online classes. The old college started offering them a year back.”
The marine suggested.

“But that means we have to stay in NYC for that since the villages don’t have electricity.” Atlas pointed out.

After running out of ideas, Barlow decided to concede. “All right, I’ll drop it. You boys are adults now and you control your own fate. But if I was you, I would get my education ASAP.”

While they change the subject, Deborah was shocked. The three most ambitious boy she has ever met decided not to work towards their dream careers. She didn’t know what to think. It was so out of character for them.

“Dougie, did you hear all that?” She said.

“Yeah, I did. I can’t believe they actually said that. Why would they not want to pursue their dreams?”

“I don’t know, but I have a feeling that it’s not because of their wives or that village.”

“So, what should we do?” He asked.

“You keep on skating for now while I ask one of the brothers when I have the chance. Got it?” Deborah said.

“Loud and clear.”

“Good.”

Her chance came sooner than expected when she saw Apollo skate away from the rest of the group and head back inside of the waiting area.

A minute later, she followed suit. After she got off the ice, Deborah walked over and sat next to her nephew.

“Oh, hey Auntie, didn’t expect you to be in here.”
Apollo said after taking a drink from his water bottle.

“Well, my little girl kicks me after I spend a certain amount of time exercising. So, I take a break until she stops.” She said, as she rubbed her large baby bump. “I overheard what you and your brother said to your uncle earlier. Was that all true?”

“Yeah, it was. When we were coming down to the big apple, we were trying to figure out how we would tell you all. I’m guessing your surprise by this?”

“I am, Douglas was too. You really love it out there, do you?”

“I do. It’s a beautiful place with nice people and a lot of good memories. It can take anyone’s breath away.”

“That sounds nice. Speaking of driving down to the big apple, where did you cross the border from Canada to America?” Deborah asked.

“Niagara Falls.”

Apollo didn’t know it, but he just handed a smoking gun to his aunt.

“That’s odd. The last time I checked all of the bridges that crosses the Niagara River were permanently shut down. The only way to cross is by plane or ferry via the Great Lakes. If you did take the ferry, the authorities would’ve been alerted, and your parents would’ve been called.” She said as Apollo’s blood ran cold.

She scooted closer to him and said. “Apollo, you could be honest with me, were any of the stories you and your brothers told were true at all?”

‘How? I thought we had everything covered!’ He thought. “Yes, all of the stories we’ve been telling you are true. What would make you think otherwise?”

“I noticed some things that I could not ignore. Whatever is going on with you and your siblings, please tell me so we can contact the proper authorities. You three are going to be ok, I promise.” She said sincerely.

“Auntie, I appreciate your concern. But you have nothing to worry about. This is just all a big misunderstanding.” Apollo said, trying to be as cool as a cucumber, but the nervousness in his voice said otherwise.

That confirmed it for her.

“I’m going to go back on the ice, see you there.”

After he left, all Deborah could feel was sadness. She couldn’t believe it. Her suspicions were correct.

===•••===

Apollo could his heart trying to break out of his chest as he skated on the ice.

He only arrived back home two days ago and already one of his family members was onto him and his brothers. And of course, it had to be one of the federal agents.

Even though she didn’t suspect anything like magic or Equestria, it was still a big problem.

“Pluto, Jupiter, we have a problem.” Apollo said, skating right next to them.

From the tone of his voice, the military engineer and the architect knew that their sibling was being serious. “What is it?”

After making sure that there were no family members nearby Apollo said. “Auntie Deborah is onto us.”

“…...What?” Artemis said.

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

“When I went to sidelines to take a little break, Auntie Deborah sat next to me, and we started having little conversation. She then asks where in the northern border we entered the US from, I said the Niagara Falls. She told me that that was impossible because all the bridges that crossed the Niagara River were shut down permanently. Unless we took a ferry, which we didn’t.” Apollo explained.

“Wait, I thought people were banned from going near Niagara Falls, not the entire river itself.” Artemis said.

“That’s what I thought too. Anyway, she told me that if we did cross the border, the authorities would’ve been alerted, and our family would’ve been told that we were still alive.”

“So, what you’re telling us is that we were screwed the moment we set foot in the US?” Atlas said.

“When you look at it from that point of view, yes, yes we were.”

“So, what should we do?” Artemis asks.

“How about we tell them when we get home?”
Atlas suggested.

Artemis look at his brother like he grew two heads. “Are you crazy?”

“I know it’s a bit sudden, but we have to tell them eventually. We can’t lying to them forever.”

“I know that, but if we do it too soon, it’ll blow up in our faces. Not only that, how would they react when we showed them what are wives and fiancé look like. I wouldn’t be surprised if they would be disappointed at for even falling in love with them. Let alone starting a family with them.” Artemis said. “We were just reunited with them. I am not ready for that scenario to happen just yet.”

“I don’t think that would ever happen. Our family always told us growing up that they will love and support us, no matter what.” Atlas stated.

“Yeah, if any of us was gay. Not marrying mythical creatures that humanity thought was a myth for hundreds of thousands of years. Tell them the truth now is dumber than lighting a match in a fireworks factory. No offense.”

“None taken.”

“Instead of telling our family the truth tonight, how about we tell them on Saturday. That gives us two days. Enough time for us to figure out how to approach the subject and mentally preparing ourselves for the fallout.” Apollo suggested.

“That’s not a bad plan.” Artemis said.

“I don’t care what we do as long as we tell them.” Atlas stated.

“Ok, we will tell them on Saturday. For now, let’s just enjoy the rest of our day.” Apollo said.

“Hey triplets, do y’all want to race with me and your father?” Maya asked.

The Brothers looked at each other and coming to an agreement. “Ok.” They said before skating over to them.

===•••===
1:00 PM

After spending two hours skating at Rockefeller Center, it was time for the Yukon and Anaheim families to leave.

While they were waiting for the subway train to arrive, Maya walked over to Douglas and ask.
“Douglas, do you know what’s going on with Deborah? When I was talking to her, she looked like she had something on her mind and staring off into space. She told me it was nothing, but I have a feeling it’s not.”

“I do.” He said before beginning to whisper. “Ever since the party last night, Deborah has been suspecting that the triplets weren’t being 100% honest with us.”

“Why?” She whispered.

“Because she noticed some things that didn’t make sense.”

“Like what?”

“Like how Artemis reacted to that coin, to them wearing the same clothes from three years ago, that should be in tatters if they were living in the wilderness. And the fact that they supposedly cross the border, even though that the border patrol never contacted Andrew or Stephanie that their sons were alive.” Douglas explained.

“That is strange. Where did they enter the US from anyway?”

“Apollo told her that they drove over the border in Niagara Falls.”

“That’s impossible.”

“I know.”

“So, if they weren’t in the wilderness for three years where were they for all this time?” Maya asks.

“We don’t know, but Deborah believes that they encountered some horrible people but recently escaped. And the loved ones that they met over the years are in the same predicament.”

“Jesus that is horrible. Should we tell Stephanie and Andrew this?”

“Until we have enough evidence and one of the triplets are ready to talk, we shouldn’t tell them anything. I don’t want them to be paranoid over nothing.” Douglas said.

“All right. Is there anything to help?”

“Just be there for the triplets.”

“You know I always do that.”

“Exactly.” Douglas said before the train finally arrived.

===•••===
Central Park.
1:20 PM

Central Park, one of the most famous places in the city. A peaceful place right in the middle of America’s largest metropolis.

The Yukon and Anaheim families were walking through this winter wonderland, looking for a nice spot for themselves.

Eventually, they found a nice area with a café nearby. And the best part was that it wasn’t as crowded as other areas in the park. Most of the family members opted to play in the snow, while others like Amelia and Deborah decide to relax on one of the park benches.

The triplets were making snow angels, when they were hit by a few snowballs.

They looked to their right to see their little cousins trying to hide behind a large out tree.

“Are you guys thinking what I’m thinking?” Artemis asks.

“Yep.” Atlas and Apollo answered before all three of them started making their own snowballs.

They waited a little bit before Patrick peered from behind the tree. That’s when Apollo threw a snowball. Hitting him right in the face. After that, Stefan and BJ made a run for it. Laughing and screaming as they did so.

Apollo and Artemis chased after them while Atlas dealt with Patrick.

For the next few minutes, they chased after their younger cousins all over the place. Some of the snowballs that they threw at each other miss their targets and hit other family members. Which made them join in the fight as well.

Eventually, Apollo and Artemis were able to pummel the cousins with a bunch of snowballs.

“OK, ok we give up.” Stefan laughed.

“Are you sure? Because we can do this all day.” Artemis said.

“We are sure.” BJ answered.

They both helped their cousins up. “You guys got us good.”

“What can I say. You guys were easy targets.” Stefan said.

“Where is Patrick?” BJ asks.

“He’s in the middle of the fight.” Artemis said as he watched his cousin throw snowballs at anything that moved. “Anyone up for round two?”

“I am!” BJ said.

Stefan said nothing as he threw a snowball in Artemis’ face.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Artemis said before all hell broke loose.

===•••===
25 minutes later.
1:55 PM

Atlas was sitting on one of the park benches, taking a break from all the fun. Watching the snowball fight that his family and a few strangers were participating in.

“Hey Atlas. How come you’re here not over there?” Douglas said as he sat down right next to his nephew, with a cup coffee in hand.

“I’m just taking a little break.” Atlas answered. “I’m going to join the game in a few minutes.”

After a few moments of silence, Douglas turns to Atlas and ask. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you ok?”

‘I knew he was going to ask that.’ Atlas thought. “I’m doing fine, why do you ask?”

“Because your aunt and I are worried about y’all and are afraid that that you are not truthful with us. And I think I know why.”

Atlas remain calm. Knowing that his uncle doesn’t know anything about where he was for the past three years.

“You three are afraid that we are not going to take you seriously or be disappointed. If you feel like that, I promise that’s not going to happen. Do you understand?”

“I understand. But you don’t have to worry about anything, we’re fine. I’m going back in the fight.” Atlas said before getting up from the seat and walking away.

“Have fun.”

Moments later, Deborah came over and said down next to Douglas. “Did he tell you anything?”

“Nothing but lies.” He answered.

“Dammit, I thought he would spill the beans for sure. Should we just confront them and just demand that they tell us the truth?”

“Nah, give them time. Like you said, once them should crack. All we have to do is be patient.”

Deborah rests her head on her husband shoulder.
“You’re right. I hope that they tell us before their interview.”

“Me too, honey. Me too.”

===•••===
2:10 PM

“Well, that was fun.” Amelia said as she and the rest of her family were walking out of Central Park. “Where are we going next?”

“Coney Island!” Patrick said.

“Sorry bud, we can’t go there. It’s closed.” Barlow chimed in.

“What why?”

“Because of all the snow.”

“Aw man. I just want ride on one ride.”

“Maybe next time Pat.” Andrew patted him on the head.

It was at this moment, when Artemis had an idea.
“I know where we can go next.”

“Where?” Andrew ask.

“Toys “R” Us.”

“Oh God, no.” Maya and Deborah said at the same time.

“Toys “R” Us! Toys “R” Us!” Patrick, BJ and Stefan chanted in unison.

“Why should we go to Toys “R” Us?” Maya ask.

“Because it has a Ferris wheel and it would be a nice way to end our day out.”

“Artemis that’s a nice idea but you know how your little cousins are going to act. They would want us to buy everything in that store.” Deborah said.

“Especially BJ.” Maya added.

“No, I won’t.” BJ said.

“Instead of getting toys for them, how about we just get them candy?” Apollo suggested. “If that place still sells candy that is.”

“Toys “R” Us still sells candy.” Barlow said.

“Hmm, a payday bar sounds good right about now.”
Said Amelia.

“I want to go on the Ferris wheel.” Said Apollo.

“Me too.” Artemis said.

“We can go to Toys “R” Us, as long the three of you promised to behave yourselves.” Stephanie said to her a little nephews.

“We promise.”

===•••===
2:30 PM
Times Square.

After they left Times Square 42 Street station and cross the crossroads of the world, they finally arrived at the flagship store of Toys “R” Us.

Unlike other Toys “R” Us establishments, this one is huge. Three stories of everything a kid could want. Toys, video games, candy, the latest technology, anything you can think of this store had it. And right in the middle, is a three-story tall Ferris wheel with the Toys “R” Us logo in its center.

“Thank God, we’re out of the cold.” Amelia said.

“Wow, this place hasn’t changed a bit.” Atlas said as he looked around the store.

"With a lot more technology." Apollo said.

“Have fun kids, we will be here waiting for you.” Stephanie said before she felt something tug on her winter jacket. She looked down and saw Barlow Junior looking up at her.

“Can you come with us?”

“BJ, I would love to, but I don’t like heights. How about you ask your uncles or other aunt?”

“But I want you to come.” He said with pleading eyes.

“Come on mom, join us. Atlas is coming along for the ride too.” Artemis said.

“Atlas, you’re going with them?” Stephanie asked.

“The Ferris wheel is not that bad, unlike the other rides that this daredevil somehow convinced me to go on.” Atlas pointed his thumb at Apollo.

Stephanie looked up at the Ferris wheel. Her son was right. It wasn’t as intimidating as the ones in amusement parks, but it was still 3 stories tall. But she never let her nephews down and today she wasn’t going to break her perfect auntie record.

“Ok, I’ll go.”

“Yay.” BJ cheered.

“Have fun.” Deborah teased.

===•••===
20 minutes later.

After the fun Ferris wheel ride was over, Stephanie, the triplets and nephews met up with the rest of their family.

“Hey everyone, how was the Ferris wheel?” Andrew asks.

“It was a lot of fun.” Patrick said with BJ nodding in agreement.

“We had a nice time.” Atlas said.

“That’s good to hear. What about you, Stephanie?”
Maya asks.

“It was fun, a bit terrifying, but fun.” She said with a bit of a nervous tone.

“Did anything interesting happened?” Barlow asks.

“Not that much happened, besides mom freaking out anytime the carriage swung a little bit.”
Artemis answered.

“Well, I’m glad all of you had fun. Now, let’s go and buy some candy already.” Amelia said.

“Maybe I could buy a Snickers or a Twix.” Stephanie said to herself. “You know what? I’ll just buy both.”

===•••===

After they left Toys “R” Us, they went over to Stephanie and Andrew‘s apartment to spend more time together as a family and have a nice dinner.

After that, they decided to call it a night and went their separate ways. Not knowing that they were storm clouds on the horizon.