Note: For those of you who want to know where I've been and what the fate of my other stories is, read the Author's Note at the bottom.

The Games Rich People Play

Chapter 1: The Game Pieces

"Pacifica, darling, come down! We can't be late to the party!" Priscilla called up to her daughter, sounding very impatient.

Said daughter was staring into her vanity, far less chipper than usual. Here she was, on brink of spring break, and she had to go to a week-long event for rich snobs. Dipper and Mabel had so many plans for the three of them to do… but no, some philanthropist from some resort island invited her family to a high-class party. And of course, her Dad accepted so he could brag to those not as rich as him… as well as brown nose to the ones who were richer.

It didn't help that her father had miraculously brought them out of their "rich poverty" (as he called it) and even past their former high point of wealth. So now, they were richer than ever. Now, her parents could afford better security that kept her in, while keeping everyone else out. At least, it would if Dipper and Mabel didn't have access to a plethora of Gravity Falls weirdness. But that was beside the point. They wouldn't be able to help her while she was on an island off the west coast of Mexico.

It was bullshit. Pure, unadulterated bullshit. Luckily though, she managed to get one last video call in to the twins about her plight. That way they could cancel all their breakout plans for the week. On the upside, she was glad to know they weren't very happy about any of this either.

"This is the worst thing ever…" Mabel fell under the desk, sulking. "Over seventy percent of my plans for a fun filled spring break are ruined!"

Her twin, Dipper, was utterly steamed. "I still don't get it." He threw his book across the room. "How have your parents not learned a single thing about humility by now? Heck, I'm still trying to figure out how your dad got you guys so rich again. I tell ya Paz, something's up."

"I think so too, but it's not like there's anything I can do about it. They really beefed up security to make sure I couldn't get away; they even managed to get some of the best bodyguards that money can buy. I think I even saw a ninja…" Pacifica did catch someone watching her from the shadows... she really hoped it was a ninja. "And even if you guys do have a way to get me out. we're leaving earlier than you get here. My dad's pulling all the stops to make sure I get to that party."

Dipper raised an eyebrow. "Who on earth is he trying to impress that he so desperately needs you there?"

Mabel popped back up from the floor. "Yeah! I mean, what's up with this shindig that's making him be a bigger buttface than usual?"

Pacifica shrugged. "Usually it would have to do with the host, and how they're some bigshot that dad looks up to. Or so I thought… See, the other day I eavesdropped on him while he was talking to my mom. I was half-right. Apparently, a few of the guests are some of the biggest names in modern business. Most of the time, dad's content with being as egotistical as the rest of the guests are. But these guys are so big that my dad doesn't want to risk displeasing or offending them, so he's trying to "give them every ounce of respect they deserve" or whatever. That includes making sure that every Northwest is there. Though why he wants to please them, I don't know."

"Well, whatever it is, you're clearly getting the short end of the stick." Dipper's face suddenly grew worried. "He… he hasn't tried using the bell, has he?"

Pacifica rubbed her arms, giving him all the answer he needed.

Mabel became as serious and worried as Dipper was. "Oh no, Pacifica… are you…?"

"I'm fine." She replied, though the opposite was very clear. "I wasn't prepared for it, but I'm fine."

Dipper looked as if he wanted hug her. "Paz…"

"Look, you guys don't need to worry about me. I'll be alright. It's only a week."

"And then a few months until summer." Mabel added, not convinced.

"I know you're worried. But I swear, I'll manage."

Dipper looked off to the side. "You shouldn't have to."

They all just sat there for a few moments, knowing they had to end the call, but not wanting to say goodbye. It took a little bit, but Pacifica finally spoke up.

"I… I swear I'll be okay when you see me."

They looked at her, still worried. Both of them sighed. They waved to her as they all signed off.

She was broken out of her thoughts by a knocking on her door. "Pacifica Elise Northwest! Stop wasting time! We have to get going already!" She sighed and picked up her suitcase.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." She opened the door, where her father was waiting for her.

"Hmph. You'd better drop the attitude. Especially when we get to the party. Is that clear?" Preston requested… though it sounded more like a demand.

"Crystal." Though if she were to be honest, she wasn't sure if she was going to abide by that.

Preston turned to go back to the mansion entrance. "You'll understand once you see the people attending. They are truly the best of the best! The cream of the crop! Who knows? Perhaps after you see how amazing they are, you'll finally drop this rebellious act."

"Yeah." Pacifica muttered the next part under her breath.

"I'm sure they'll leave some kind of impression on me…"


A man was looking over information on his rather large computer. "There's no doubt about it. All of the suspects we traced are going to that party."

"Then I take it you'll be attending after all?"

"There's a chance that they're going in order to meet with each other. If they really are connected to the recent shipments, then I need to take this opportunity. Make a few calls, I'll need someone to watch the city while I'm gone."

"Of course, sir."


A young boy impatiently tapped his foot as he watched the news report on a young teen hero. "And you're sure those two traitors won't be attending?"

An older girl replied in a robotic voice. "Indeed. Unlike you, they haven't paid bail yet."

"Good. I need a vacation after that "villainous team up" crud, and it would be rendered moot if they ended up attending."


A teen girl watched as her two friends packed up various tech into a duffel bag. "You guys remember that I'm only doing this for the mission."

"We just need to see exactly what that fruit loop is up to. I get the feeling this isn't a simple week of leisure for him."

The other boy fixed his glasses. "Hey, look on the bright side. At least you can still wear your usual type of clothing."

"Yeah, but that doesn't stop the event itself from assaulting my senses."


"And why exactly should I go again? I have no reason to waste my time at such a pointless event."

"Cause if we don't, our "gracious host" will start bothering us about the next event he decides to hold. Just like the last several times. I don't like it any more than you do big bro, but maybe if we finally go to one of his parties, he'll be satisfied."

"And if he isn't, I'll make sure he understands how much I hate it when people needlessly bother me."

"Let's… hope it doesn't come to that. Though I do know who we can invite to make sure we don't get too bored."


Back in the Northwest's limo, Pacifica suddenly felt a strange feeling crawl down her spine.

"Huh… for some reason I feel more nervous about this event than before…"


Eh heh… heh heh. Hey guys! For those of you that may still be following me, I bet you're surprised to see me pop up after so long.

*sigh* Look, I'm gonna cut to the chase right here and now. I've been gone due to a mix of things: real life, procrastination, and an unfortunate third thing. That third thing being what happens when you finally go back onto your old profile and look through your old stories- regret and disinterest (I guess that's technically four things).

Yeah, I finally caught up with my profile a little while ago, and I'm sorry to say, but I ain't feeling so good about my old stories, and not just because they're unfinished. I suppose I should give you the rundown.

Ben 10 vs The Greatest in the Universe- An ambitious story that sounded nice in theory, but probably would've been very messy in execution. Not sure what I was thinking when I thought of this idea, but now? I feel like this would've been an exercise in trying to see how many times I could justify certain flimsy plot points and how much I could stretch your suspension of disbelief. It DEFINITELY doesn't help that after looking back through the series, I realized I really despise Omniverse (except for a few things, like Rook, don't worry). This one's probably going to be straight up discontinued before it could begin.

Discord Messes with: Naruto- At that point in time, I thought I was a brony. But as the months went on, my interest in the show dwindled. I suppose that unlike others, it really was a phase in my case. It doesn't feel right for me to continue this now. However, I do think this one was the best written out of my two stories that I actually wrote more than one chapter for. What kept holding me back, was writing Discord. Fears of making his unpredictability predictable, feeling as if I was trying too hard, etc. That sort of thing. But yeah, I think I'm going to let this story be adopted, once I figure out how that process works.

Beasts of Ragnarok- This was going to be my magnum opus at the time. And honestly, I feel like the crossover idea itself still works. But among stupid writing decisions, odd pacing and forced plot points, I'm no longer proud of it. At the moment, I'm not sure what I'll do with this one. Continue it, have someone adopt it, completely rewrite it- no clue yet. But I'll figure that out.

In the meantime, take a look at my first new fanfic for my comeback. Been thinking about this one for a while. See if you can guess who those other characters are!