Ask the Orion Triplets!

Hey there and welcome everyone!

I’m Mintaka Tyrone Pines (the guy on the right), but please, just call me Taka. You might be a little surprised by how I look—yeah, I’ve got heterochromia, which means I literally have one of each of my parents’ eye colors. But let’s not get too hung up on that. At least my hair is a natural blonde, I'm certain of it, and not half-half!

So, welcome to the blog my sisters and I set up! Nita’s the one with all the brains (definitely the smart one), and Nilam, well, she’s got seven fingers, which is kinda cool. As for me, I’m the "dork" with the journal chronicling all of our adventures. You might’ve heard of our parents—Dipper and Pacifica Pines? Yep, we’re their kids. Besides sharing some tips and tricks for surviving the weirdness of Gravity Falls, we might just spill a few juicy secrets about our parents. Hehe, just make sure they don’t find out about this blog, alright?

And I shall let my sisters introduce themselves:

Hi! I'm Nita! I am the eldest of the three. At least by a couple of minutes. (only 13 minutes, Nita!) People often call me a spitting image of my dad, minus his birthmark. Some even say I’m the “Girl Dipper” because, like him, I’m pretty nerdy and ace my tests, though not without hard work! But honestly, I’m not exactly as adventurous as my siblings. They love dragging me into their shenanigans while I’d much rather stay out of trouble. Sometimes I wish people could see me as more than just my dad's mirror. It’s not that I don’t love my dad—I just want to be recognized for who I am, you know? Anyway, if you’re into drama series, hit me up! What? I don't know anything about Unforgettable Lovers! Sure, the actress is gorgeous, but—what? Stop asking!

Heyo! I’m Nilam, but my dad likes to call me by my middle name because of my rather unique seven fingers on one hand. Most people just call me Nilam, though! I might look like my sister, but trust me, we’re pretty different. I’ve got my mom’s blue eyes, and apparently, I take after my Aunt’s impulsiveness and artistic side. I love embracing who I am, and if anyone thinks otherwise, well, I’ve got some karate and judo skills I’d be happy to show off. Besides that, I’m really into arts and crafts, and I play the piano! I’m not as nerdy or brainy as my dad or sister, but I’m cool with that—I don’t mind working hard to get where I need to be!

Nilam: Almost forgot to reply to this- whoops! Sorry!

Nita: Yeah, sometimes asks got mysteriously swallowed up for some reason. Or due to some glitch. But anyway, time to answer!

Taka: Yep, yep... So... Hmm, actually by some chaotic coincidence, our cousins' birthdays falls on April Fools.

Nilam: And very fitting, considering they're Gravity Falls' ultimate pranksters. And we can't do anything because it's their birthdays.

Taka: Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if Au and Rora learned half their tricks from Aunt Wendy. Mom often mentioned how she could be a menace on this day.

Nita: I'm not surprised. Anyway, actually this year is pretty alright. Ever since they turned 18 and left for law school, they’ve stopped planning huge prank operations against us.

Nilam: Though we still have to be on alert when this day comes. Like last year, they swapped the sugar with salt. Or that time they dyed all the Mystery Shack uniforms red and pink. Oh, and the year they released some badgers into the gift shop and scared plenty of the tourists away. And chewed up the outhouse.

Nita: I thought that was you, Nilam

Nilam: Hey! I had nothing to do with the badgers!

Taka: Or well, just a few weeks ago they smeared glue in my ushanka. Thankfully Aunt Mabel managed to get it out.

Nilam: So yeah, that pretty much sums up our April Fools'. We just got out of one of McGucket’s death traps so every one of us were honestly too wiped out to pull any pranks. Totally unrelated to our cousins, by the way. That one was a goof-up by Uncle Soos.

If you can give people in 2025 something new from your timeline, without any limitations of any form, what would be your answer? Like, a type of tech or trend that's worth happening far earlier than it actually happened? Even a word of advice or information is good ;)

Sorry, but we find this question way too complicated for us to answer. This is something best directed to our parents! And we don't want them to know about this blog so, well- sorry about that.

Hope to see you around!

Nilam: Answering your questions, of course!

The triplets laugh

Nita: But seriously, we usually prefer to stay at home. Or just indoors in general.

Taka: Yeah, not gonna risk getting wet. Mom would kill us. So if Nita isn’t buried in her homework or revision, she’s usually catching up on the latest episode of Unforgettable-

Nita (rolls eyes): I also watch documentaries, Taka.

Nilam: As for me, I like to keep active. We’ve got a treadmill at home, plus there are tons of exercise videos. I try to get Nita and Taka to join me-

Taka: Yeah, no thanks. I’d rather be gaming. Speaking of which, when are we finally battling Count Moorehead?

Nita: Not today, Taka. You still have homework. Weren’t you just asking me about The Merchant of Venice?

Taka: Ugh. Fine. But at least rainy afternoons mean one thing: Mom making us some nice tea. Or, even better, hot chocolate.

Nita: Ooh, yeah, nothing beats Mom’s tea on a rainy day. She always makes it just right.

Taka: Or when she makes hot chocolate with those fancy marshmallows? Peak cozy vibes.

Nita: Can't forget Aunt Mabel's cookies!

Nilam: Then we'll all just chill in the living room, wrapped up in blankets while the rain pours outside…

Nita: And if Dad's around, he would tell us some crazy stories.

Nilam: Very true (sighs)

Nilam: You mean their first summer? Oh, absolutely! Dad and Aunt Mabel never get tired of telling those stories.

Nita: Though, most of the time, they tell them as cautionary tales. Like, "Stay out of the woods, or you'll run into territorial unicorns and aggressive gnomes," or "Mess with magic, and you might wake up with white hair". That sort of thing.

Taka: Or, well, never trust a dream demon. Or a hand witch.

Nilam: Very wild tales, but honestly? We’ve seen enough weirder stuff ourselves to know they’re telling the truth.

Taka: Growing up in Gravity Falls, you’d have to be willfully blind not to believe in the supernatural.

The triplets laugh.

Nita: Exactly! But if we had to pick a favorite story… hmm, that’s a tough question.

Taka: I think the time they fought the Shapeshifter in Great-Grunkle's bunker was pretty wild. The way Dad describes it, it was straight-up terrifying. Imagine battling a version of yourself, only for them to escape and try to take over your life.

Nita and Nilam, who are nearly identical, glance at each other

Nilam: Nah, I think I’d go with the one where Dad and Aunt Mabel worked together to uncover the true founder of Gravity Falls. I love how Aunt Mabel's silliness saved the day.

Nita: Oh, come on, the Summerween Trickster story wins, hands down! A monster made out of thrown-away candy that eats kids who don’t take the holiday seriously? That’s both hilarious and nightmare fuel.

Nilam: You're saying that because you like sweets and the extra Halloween.

Nita: I do not!

Taka: Either way, it’s kinda crazy how much they went through in just one summer. Even surviving a literal apocalypse.

Nita: And no matter what, they always stuck together and had each other’s backs until the very end.

Nilam: Oh, and let’s not forget one particular adventure. Because if it hadn’t happened, we wouldn’t even exist!

Taka: Oh? And what might that be?

Nilam: Mom and Dad’s ghostbusting adventure, obviously! Y’know, the one where they had to undo a family curse, fight a vengeful spirit, and where they hugged and kissed and-

Nita: Whoa, whoa! I don’t remember any kissing.

Taka: Yeah, pretty sure you’re thinking of Uncle Soos’ fanfic version.

Nita: Or one of Aunt Mabel's dramatic retellings.

Nilam: Still, you can’t deny that adventure changed everything. That was the moment Dad really saw Mom in a whole new light.

Nita: True, true. You’ve got a point there. I mean, Dad really did push her to be a better person after that.

Nilam: Yeah, and look at them now. Married to each other, having more ghostbusting adventures-

Taka: And raising three kids who grew up chasing the weird.

Nilam: It’s almost like the universe planned it this way.

Nita: Not that we’re complaining!

Taka: Nope. Not one bit.

Nilam: Ehhhh this is a very difficult question! Both are too cute and adorable!

Nita: Cats for me

Taka: Dogs for me

Nilam: Wow, you two don't even need to hesitate?

Nita: Well, it's a rather easy question for me

Taka: Same here

Nita: About Pet-Parent... well Dad and Mom didn't really allow us to keep pets. Especially since that hamster incident some months ago

Nilam: Yeah...

Taka: And according to Dad, most animals in Gravity Falls are very dangerous. Especially unicorns. Nita actually wanted one as a pet some years ago.

Nita: Hey!

Taka: But ultimately, that hamster incident also proved that none of us are capable enough of handling a pet.

Nita: Honestly, knowing you two guys, if we ever get a pet, I think you would push all the responsibilities to me!

Taka: That's not true! I will take care of it well!

Nita and Nilam continue to bicker in the background

Nilam: You know we can't answer this question! We can't choose!

The triplets laugh

Taka: But… as long as you promise not to tell our parents or anyone about this blog... maybe we’ll let you in on a little secret. First, though, let’s introduce our family tree.

Nita: Yeah, yeah...

(source)

Nita: So we are here (points at where the threads from Dipper and Pacifica converge). Dad's side have a lot more cooler aunts and uncles. But Mom's side... well, we don't talk much about them.

Taka: "Grandmother" and "Grandfather" are jerks, alright.

Nita: Mom is their only child, so that's all there is to it.. So let's focus on Dad's side. Well, er Dad’s side isn’t huge either - just him and Aunt Mabel.

Nilam: But Auntie Mabel is married to Uncle Kev, and Uncle Kev has a whole bunch of siblings. Especially Auntie Wendy!

Taka: And how can we forget our cousins Aurora and Aurelia?

Nita: Right, right! Silly me. And actually, it’s not updated yet, but Aurelia’s engaged to Ford - Uncle Soos’ second son.

Nilam: And actually Uncles Gus and Marcus are actually married, but their wives and kids aren’t on here yet.

Taka: We don't really see them as often, though.

Nita: Aunt Mabel tried to get as many people on the family tree. Maybe she would update it another time.

Taka: Anyway, back to the real question... I already have an answer in mind. What about you two?

Nita: Yeah, I've already made up my mind.

Nilam: Me too!

Taka: But instead of just saying it outright… let’s leave it in code. A little mystery never hurt anyone.

Nita: Ooo, I like that! Good call, Taka.

Taka: And we aren't going to tell you who wrote which. We let you guess.

Nilam: Alright then. So here we go!

NHAGVR JRAQL - FUR'F URYCVAT ZR JVGU OBKVAT NAQ PBASVQRAPR

LEB AMEITN UAHTI WSTF ARCGN IODNUF STI

FRXVLQ DXURUD RIWHQ DFFRPSDQLHV PH DW ZRRGFKXQN DFWLYLWLHV

Nita: A portal as in Great-Grunkle Ford's Interdimensional Portal? Hmm... that's an interesting question. We haven't thought much about it beyond what Dad told us about the multiverse.

Taka: But Nita, wouldn’t it be exciting to travel across dimensions? Imagine meeting different versions of ourselves—seeing how our lives could’ve turned out if we’d made different choices!

Nita: I don’t know, Taka. We’re only thirteen. It’s not like we’ve had to make huge choices yet, like picking a university or moving out of Gravity Falls.

Nilam: But Nita, haven’t you seen those multiverse movies? Sometimes even tiny things like, I don’t know, swapping your shoes around can make the difference between an ordinary day and complete catastrophe.

Nita: That's true... the butterfly effect and all that.

Taka: Sometimes I wonder if there's a version of me with just brown eyes or blue. Instead of heterochromia.

Nita: That’s totally possible.

Nilam: Or what if there’s a universe where Mom and Dad never moved to Gravity Falls? Maybe we grew up somewhere totally different. Like Piedmont.

Taka: Or maybe there's a world out there when I'm a girl and you two are my brothers.

Nita: Or a a timeline where Dad married Aunt Wendy instead of Mom.

Taka: Then we wouldn’t even exist, Nita.

Nilam: That would be weird to think about.

Taka: Honestly, I quite wish to see a universe where I’m the oldest sibling. Just to see what it’s like bossing you two around for once.

Nita & Nilam: (in unison) Nope. Absolutely not.

Taka (laughing): Just kidding. Either way, if we ever got our hands on a portal, we’d have to be smart about it.

Nilam: Yeah, or we might accidentally vaporize an entire universe… or ourselves.

All three shudder.

Nita: Honestly? I don’t think we’re ready for a multiversal adventure just yet. For one, Dad said building a portal is incredibly risky.

Nilam: It might take thirty years to build one, give or take.

Taka: And let’s be real: Gravity Falls is weird enough already. There’s still plenty of stuff to explore right here without needing a portal.

Nita: Exactly. And more importantly, instead of wondering how our lives could have gone, we should just focus on being the best versions of us in this reality.

Nilam: That's true. No point obsessing over what could’ve been when we’ve got plenty to deal with in this reality.

Taka: I concur. So I suppose that's it for this ask?

Taka: This is an interesting question because, yes, we have. Like there was the time when we accidentally broke Mom's tablet and tried to cover it up. But well, actions have consequences, and we got into deep trouble about that.

Nita: And there was also that time when Nilam tried to pull a horse stunt but broke her shoulder.

Nilam: (groaning) Ugh, you’re never going to let me live that down, are you?

Taka: Well, that shows not to horse around, didn't it?

Nilam: groans

Nita: And then of course there's the time when these two dragged me along for some gnome hunting and we nearly got thrown into the Bottomless Pit.

Taka: Ah, how can we forget? That was quite an adventure, wasn't it?

Nilam: An adventure that got us grounded for a month.

Taka: Come on, though, you have to admit it was worth it. We also stopped a civil war in the process. And you were all on board with the adventure... need I remind you of that again?

Nilam (snorts): Yeah, but I thought we were just going on a quick detour!

Nita: Anyway, if not for Dad, we might have ended up skewered by those gnomes.

Taka: True, true. You guys have a point. But let’s not forget the lesson we learned from it.

Nita: About not being reckless?

Taka: That perhaps we should have packed snacks along.

Nita: Seriously? That’s your takeaway?

Taka (chuckling): I mean, we should have been better prepared. Like I should have double-checked the map and brought along a compass...

Nita: That's not the point. You always drag us into-

Nilam: Anyway, yeah, we got ourselves into a fair share of trouble. But what's life without a bit of fun and exploration? Like, Mom and Dad loves to share about their adventures... so why not we go on one ourselves?

Taka: That reminds me... Dad and Aunt Mabel's first adventure here was also dealing with the gnomes, wasn't it?

Nilam (grinning): Oh, right! And wasn’t there something about a leaf blower saving the day?

Nita: More like their trust in each other. Honestly, it’s kind of cool how he and Aunt Mabel handled those gnomes as kids. And creepy ghosts, or rogue time travellers...

Taka: Makes you wonder how we’d measure up if we were in their shoes, doesn't it? There's more to explore out there.

Nita: Yeah, but Taka, shouldn't I remind you to be more cautious and not rush headlong into adventures?

Nilam: Well, it's more like adventure coming to us.

Taka: And when they come, how can we resist the call to adventure? We have a legacy to uphold. And even if we get into trouble, so what? It's still worth it!

10 posts!

Nita: Well, we all have our own interests outside of Bloodcraft or D, D, and more D. Like, Taka’s into journaling, Nilam’s into exercising or composing music in her free time. As for me, I’d rather read books, listen to music, and-

Nilam: Catch up on the latest episode of Unforgettable Lovers, right?

Nita: No! I only watch documentaries! I don’t care if Zhi Ting ends up with Su Wen or whatever that dumb Chinese period rom-com is about!

Taka and Nilam: (exchange knowing smirks)

Taka: Oh, really? Then why don’t we talk about Nita writing fanfiction-

Nita: (snapping back) Yeah? And don’t you also write Space Trek fanfiction? Something about a secret agent exposing-

Taka: (interrupting, flustered) How do you even know about that? Wait, have you been you reading my fanfic?

Nita: And who’s the one commenting on my latest Prince Huang side story?

Nilam: Guys, stop arguing! (rolls her eyes as Nita and Taka continue bickering) And here they go again... Okay, I’m logging off. Yeah, they also like to argue in their free time.

Nita and Taka: (in unison) We don’t!

Nita: Uh...

Taka: Yeah, this isn’t even a question. Nilam wins, hands down. No way would we challenge her, even if you paid us a million dollars.

Nita: Yeah. And I mean, she’s trained in a bunch of martial arts—taekwondo, judo—and she’s a three-time karate champion at our school. Right now, she’s actually at her boxing lesson with Aunt Wendy.

Taka: We can't match up to her, really. It's not a fair contest. So, why? You thinking of taking her on?

Nita: I gotta warn you: She might be small like us, but she's fierce. Don't underestimate her, really.

Taka: Yep. Even the bullies know better than to mess with us when she’s around.

Nita: It got her into plenty of trouble, though.

Taka: You don't say. Anyway, if you do need fighting tips, Nilam will be happy to ask!

Nita, Nilam and Taka: Silly Water Fun Slides in Grand Lakes, Michigan!

All laugh

Nita: But ok, seriously, we need to properly answer the question...

Taka: Yeah, yeah. You're right. Nilam, you seem to have an answer ready, so you can begin.

Nilam: Heyo and thanks for the ask! Sorry for not responding for long; we've been pretty busy with school and stuff so we didn't get to check our blog as often. Hmm, thats a very good question. We've know Gravity Falls for all our lives, except we sometimes travel down to Piedmont to visit grandpa and grandma at Dad's old home for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah or Rosh Hashanah. And sometimes we would go on holidays, like I can still distinctively remember we went to Jeju about five years ago.

Taka: Yeah, kind of wish we get to see more of the world around. Before Mom and Dad got married, they always tell us about their many adventures around the world. Often with our great-grunkles and sometimes our Aunt Mabel.

Nita: But honestly I cant think of growing up anywhere else. As Nilam said earlier, we've known Gravity Falls all our lives. Perhaps things would be different if we're like from the big city, where things are largely normal and so on.

Taka: Perhaps less opportunities for some adventure.

Nilam: Yeah, Dad said Piedmont was actually very boring, especially after their first summer here.

Nita: I don't think living in Piedmont would be that bad really.

Taka: Maybe not, but we would sure miss out a lot of cool stuff here. Stuff Dad likes to talk about.

Nilam: Yeah, that I agree pretty much. I won't chose anywhere else really.

Taka: Same here. And you, Nita?

Nita: Maybe not. But just to wrap up, anywhere else won't be too bad. Just, Gravity Falls is a place unlike any other and, while I might not be a great fan of the supernatural, this is still our home, after all.

Taka: Anything else to add on, Nilam?

And our blog is boopable, so go ahead and send to us some boops! Hehe

Taka: Oh boy here we go...

Nita: Yep, I’m the oldest! Older than Taka by a whole thirteen minutes.

Taka: And even with that she always acts like it’s years of wisdom and experience.

Nilam: Yeah. She always says, “As the oldest, I have to make the big decisions.”

Nita: Well, someone has to! Besides, it’s not like you guys listen to me anyway.

Taka (rolling eyes): Pfft... Whatever. We're all thirteen anyway. So why do those minutes matter anyway?

Nita: That's because... When I was your age-

Taka: Stop that! Please! Not that joke again...

Nilam: Ok, you guys should chill. We need to get back on topic.

Taka: Yeah, right. Right. So, erm... Yeah, as much as I hate to admit it, on a technicality, Nita is the oldest. Followed by Nilam-

Nita: 6 minutes 18 seconds younger than me, to be exact.

Taka (rolls eyes again): And yeah, there's me. But overall, we're all still the same age. As for our Dad and Aunt Mabel, yeah, we've heard tales about their rivalry based on their age. And their heights. And everything else.

Nilam: I suppose it's inevitable we would compare against each other, really. I mean, I know of friends with siblings and they're always competing over who’s stronger, faster, smarter... you name it.

Taka: And, I have to admit, Nita here is the most intelligent and responsible among the three, while Nilam is the strongest and most creative. As for me...

Nita: You're still the most adventurous and bravest among us, Taka.

Taka: Thanks, Nita. (grins) At the end of the day, we have our own strengths and all. Like, Dad often told us how many times Aunt Mabel had offered him a new perspective when solving mysteries. Like how to be less serious and yeah, just take a step back.

Nita: All in all, we're a team. And whatever comes, we'll stick together and face it head-on, like our Dad and Aunt did.

Nilam: Yeah. Like different pieces of the same puzzle.

Taka: You mean our Great-Grunkles? Well, we were pretty young when they passed, so we don’t have many strong memories. But our parents and Aunt Mabel talked about them a lot, and we often visit their graves every year. There's also this one photo of us with Great-Grunkle Ford…

Nita: I think that was when he was telling us some crazy story about him and Grunkle Stan. Like some fairy tale with them as the heroes.

Taka: Yeah, sounds right. We were probably six or seven? That was also around the time when Great-Grunkle Stan died in an accident.

Nilam: I still remember Great-Grunkle Ford comforting me about my seven fingers. He always stood up for me, especially against bullies.

Nita: Isn’t that how you and Audrey became friends? Didn’t she bully you at first, but then Ford had a talk with her?

Nilam: Yeah, she apologized, and we just… clicked. Turns out, we had a lot in common, and we’ve been best friends ever since.

Nita: Ford had a way of handling things like that.

Taka: Didn't Dad say both him and Great-Grunkle Stan were bullied when they were very young?

Nilam: Yeah, I think so. Dad mentioned something about how they both had it rough growing up.

Nita: I think Dad mentioned that’s one reason Ford connected with us so much. He knew what it felt like to be different, and he wanted us to embrace that instead of hiding from it.

Taka: They both had their struggles growing up, but in the end, they became legends. Kinda cool to think about, actually. I just wish we had more time with them both.