Sooooo, uh, I really should be working on CTA... But I needed a break from writing it. (Lol, with how long it takes for the chapters, you'd think I've already HAD enough breaks!) Sooo I looked up some simple prompts... this monstrosity happened... I'm sorry.

Um, this is just me writing... Miss Red said no. She's signing me up for intervention/ rehab... Fanfiction addiction is real, stay safe!

With that, here's some more Fanfiction!

I don't own the characters or locations... I know, so sad.

Also, this will not (hopefully) be as long as CTA. Maybe 10 chapters at the most.

I apologize for any errors. (Tense, spelling, continuity, etc.)

One last thing, Weirdmeggedon never happened. (yay?) Then a little detail here and there is different... I'm sorry for any confusion, but feel free to ask for clarification! Also, sorry for any and all OOCness... (Out of charecterness) I kinda struggle with that sometimes (all the time...).

Enjoy!

Prompt: All of the characters find themselves living as teenagers in high school for some reason.


Author's note:

Hello, if you have picked up this book, then, I assume, you have an interest in the oddities of the world. I plan to Write this as a journal. I am about to go to one of the weirdest places in the USA. Gravity Falls, Oregon. I will write this as I am there. There I can document what I see and do every day. As well as teach about how to best deal with the paranormal. Documentation about them, etc.

When I go there again (or any other place of notable interest to the paranormal community), I will write about that visit as well. It may take this one trip to fill this book, it may take five, but there is always more weird out there.

I hope this is informative and helpful. Or just a fun read while you are on a trip. Enjoy.

Stay curious,

~Pinetree

Introduction

Hello, I am going to use the pen name 'Pinetree' (more on that later). Call me 'Pines' if you really wish.

I have a twin sister named Mabel, and I'm fascinated with everything 'odd'. I am currently in my third year of college (My sister is going for her fine arts degree and she's also in her third year, but we don't go to the same school. I may get into that later as well, but don't count on it).

My sister and I have spent every summer with our Grunkles (Grunkle = great uncle) since we were twelve. They live in a town called Gravity Falls. It is a paranormal enigma in, and of, itself! Gnomes, a lake monster called the Gobblewonker, Manatours, ghosts and so much more -Mabel told me to write that there were Unicorns too… but I have yet to see them.

Um, my Grunkle Ford is also an author (Among other things) and he said a really good way to break the ice with a regret from your past… I could list quite a few, but I'll stick with the subject of school, seeing as it's fresh in my mind. I regret not getting to go to high school in Gravity Falls. I think it would've been a really great experience for me and I missed out. I wish I would have tried harder to make that happen.

He also said throwing out random facts about yourself are fun too, as long as it's done tastefully. So, my favorite month is August. First of all, that's mine and Mabel's birth month. It also happens to be the month school started… back when I was in school. I'm in college now and it's a little different. I was excited every time.

I always did have an affinity for the school environment. I loved all my classes and got straight A's all through high school with no problem.

Well, all A's except that one time Mabel talked me into taking an art class…

I got a B in that class -apparently only painting pictures of monsters and ghosts for every project is a no-no. Mabel's definitely always been the artsy one anyways. My paintings never were on par with hers.

Never again will I take an art class. I'm attending college to minor in science and major in writing/ publishing. Then I'm off to see the world and all its greatest mysteries.

This journal will serve as an account of what I do and see. However, I figure you should trust the author if you want to be invested in the story more. Though… in our field, you shouldn't trust anyone.

Mabel walked in. I knew it was her because she didn't to knock. The semester was over and we both were on winter break. We decided to spend it in Gravity Falls of course. I decided to end my entry there so we could hit the road before it got dark. She came to pick me up so we can start our break. She has the car, I don't. Our parents got us one to share… but when we went to different colleges sharing the car became a lot harder to do.

I let Mabel keep it because I work right next to my apartment, which is right next to the bus station that goes straight to the college. Mabel didn't live near her workplace or the college so it made obvious sense to let her have it. I'm not even mad about it. She treats that car like it's her baby. She even named it. I don't actually remember the name, but whatever.

Anyways, that's all the time I have for now. Today is the first day of Winter break, and I plan to enjoy every minute! Stay tuned for the next installment!

Stay curious,

~Pinetree

I shut the new journal Mabel had gotten me for Christmas and stuffed it into a bag. (She can't keep secrets for the life of her, she gave it to me about a week too early. Not that I'm complaining, it's a really nice, leather bound one. She also got me a quill. One made from the feather of a Question Quail. I'm not actually sure though.)

"Heya, Dip-Dop. Ready to hip-hop on outta here?"

"Gimme a second, Mabel. I need to grab my bag, then we can go."

Mabel really hasn't changed over the years. She doesn't have braces anymore… and that's about it. Oh! She gave up on the 'boy crazed' phase.

That was a pretty hilarious day. She came in holding hands with Pacifica one day when we were fourteen and the rest is history. They've been together ever since.

I-I mean it's not like I'm jealous of her… I just kinda wish I had someone. Mabel keeps telling me I just haven't found 'the one' but I… I feel like that's not entirely true. I don't think it's Wendy. The second summer we went to stay at the Mystery Shack, I didn't really feel anything for her. Romantically, of course! I still think she's the coolest person I know, but she'd just like Mabel is to me. A sister, or that one really cool cousin you never get to see. I don't know. Maybe Mabel's right.

Mabel told me I may be looking into the wrong gender for my soul mate, but I don't think she's right. I mean, I have no qualms with being something other than straight, my family doesn't either, but I don't really like either gender, honestly.

I mean, sure, cute people are cute -sometimes hot even- but I don't want a relationship with any of them, you know? Something deep inside me is telling me that'd be betrayal. My instincts haven't killed me yet, sooo.

I thought about all of this as we walked out of the small one room apartment I reside in, and get in Mabel's car. We got in and Waddles popped up from the back seat. I wasn't really surprised, but I was kind of impressed Mabel had talked her landlady into letting her have a pig on the premises.

Mabel drove, which, again, I didn't mind. I hadn't driven in a while and I'm a little out of practice.

I had things to occupy me on the drive there. It wouldn't take more than six and a half hours, but who knew what detours Mabel may try.

This one time we took a seven hour detour because she saw a cat and wanted to follow it. She got us so horribly lost our GPS didn't know where we were. I've been the navigator since then… So it'll take between six and thirteen hours to get there…

I was just going to work more on my journal. I actually did plan to get it published one day. Maybe Grunkle Stan would like to sell it in the Mystery Shack's gift shop.

I look over at Mabel, who was jamming out to a song on the radio. I picked my quill and journal up and began to write. I was sure Mabel would interrupt me soon, but I wanted to see how far I could get before that happens.

A game, if you will.

Entry #1

I always had my suspicions about what was really out there, but I discovered oddities were truly real my first summer in Gravity Falls. Mabel and I were twelve and we were forced to stay with our Great Uncle Stan. He was (and still is) a con artist. He runs a tourist trap called the 'Mystery Shack' and, of course, we were forced to work there. Which wouldn't have been that bad, but he made me do all the really hard stuff.

I guess the weird stuff started when my sister started dating a guy… that turned out to be a few Gnomes in clothing. It was awkward for everyone.

Long story short, they tried to make Mabel their queen. Creepy, I know. They aren't so bad once you get to know them. They just might try to make you their queen a few times. No harm no foul. (There will be more on the Gnomes in my later analysis, what they eat, where they live, how tall they are on average, these encounters I'm writing are more of a lead in for the information on all of the oddities I've documented (and some my Grunkle Ford has in his journal. More on that later as well.)

Stay curious,

~Pinetree

Mabel started talking after that and, as much as I may have wanted to, it would be rude to continue writing. We hadn't seen each other in a while, so we had lots to talk about and catch up on.

"We had a project that reminded me of you."

"Oh, yeah? What was it? 'Paint the most dashing and heroic person you know'?" I asked, even though I was sure she was going to make fun of me in some way.

"Close! We had to paint the wimpiest person we could manage, then we were given partners and our partner had to try to make them into a hero. I used you as an inspiration."

"Aw, come on! I haven't even been that scrawny since we were, like, twelve !" And, while that was mostly true, I was still really thin and scrawny… But not wimpy!

"And thirteen and fourteen and, need I go on?"

I huffed and crossed my arms playfully, staring out my window… She wasn't entirely wrong anyways. "Don't bother." I turned back and stuck my tongue out at her.

"Whatever you say bro-bro." She smiled happily. "So, any cool… whatever you guys do at your school?"

"Not really. I aced my exams, of course… they were still terrible though. Did you pass yours?" I looked over to her expecting her to look really shameful because she didn't study. She surprised me though with a dazzling smile.

"Easy peasy! Pacifica helped me study." That really didn't surprise me. Pacifica went to the same school and Mabel, but Pacifica was going to major in Fashion.

"How is she, by the way? I don't get to see or hear from her much."

"She's great. She is having a little trouble with her parents… but that's nothing new." Mabel sighed, then continued. "When we get to the Shack, she's going to stay with us for a little while. Stan already okayed it."

I really don't like the Northwests. They treat their only daughter like crap and it's ridiculous. Pacifica is sweet, caring and headstrong. I don't know how her parents could treat her like that.

The school they go to is much closer to the Falls than the one I go to. Pacifica usually goes home for all the breaks and weekends to visit with her family… they don't treat her fairly though. I'm glad she's moving in with Mabel when they graduate.

We talked for the majority of the ride. Waddles was snoozing in the back. I actually forgot I was even holding my writings until they fell on the ground.

"Is that your Christmas present? You aren't supposed to use that until Christmas!"

"Well, you aren't supposed to give gifts until Christmas, but look here." I stuck my tongue out.

"I guess rules are there to be broken." Mabel scrunched up her nose.

I put both the journal and quill into the backpack I had at my feet.

"Hey, wake Waddles up. We need gas. I'm going to stop and I know he's a hungry piggy." Mabel said, as she slowed down.

She pulled the car over to the only gas station until you cross into Gravity Falls. It wasn't the best of places to stop, it gets robbed all the time… but it's the only place near so we had to. Otherwise we'd run out of gas and walk the rest of the way. Been there, done that. Trust me, it's not fun.

"Hey, I'll run in and pay while you pump the gas, okay? I need to stretch my legs." I knew she preferred to use her credit card… but I honestly prefer using cash.

"Oh, let me get you my card." She reached for her purse.

"Nah, I'll get it. You've been driving, think of this as a reward for not killing us… yet. Go ahead and fill up the tank." I actually had quite a bit of money, not having a car, I don't have to pay for gas, and I got into college with a full scholarship, so I really only ever need to pay for my books and my apartment. I'm not rolling in money, no way, but I'm a lot better off than some. "You need anything else?" I asked as I got out of the car, grabbing my backpack on the way.

My wallet was in there… It was just a pain it the butt to get, I'd way rather take the whole bag with me anyways.

"No, we still have snacks in the trunk that I forgot about. Are you sure, I can get the gas, really, Bro-bro."

She smiled. I knew she could, but I was paying for the gas whether she liked it or not!

"Ugh, just let me be a good brother for once."

"Aw, fine." She pouted good naturedly. I can't believe how much of a kid she still is. Well, scratch that, yes I can.

She never really grew up, but it suits her. If she were to act like a normal adult… I'd find the aliens who kidnapped (and replaced) her, then I'd give them a nice beat down.

Yeah, you heard me. I have been working out! You need it in my field. Getting caught by monsters with sharp teeth is, shockingly enough, bad for your health. I… I won't lie, I'm still pretty scrawny… much to my dismay.

Also to my shame -and you can't tell anyone this- Mabel is still taller than me. Only by, like, an inch though. Not that I'll admit it out loud.

I walked into the dingy building. It was really creepy, it almost looked abandoned. There wasn't even a person behind the counter. Soooo I did the logical thing and called out to see if anyone was actually here.

I am a professional… ya know, mostly.

"Hello? Is anyone here? I, uh, My sister and I just got some gas…" I felt the need to emphasize I wasn't here alone.

There was no answer, of course… I left the money on the counter and walked guardedly out to Mabel… Except, Mabel wasn't there… her car was gone.

I flipped out for a second before composing myself. I need a level head or I'll just make it worse.

I pulled out my phone, it was on seventeen percent. I turned the brightness all the way down and tried to call Mabel.

It rang eight times then went to her voice mail.

"Howdy! You've reached Mabel, I'm sorry I missed your call. I'm probably busy bedazzling something. Leave a message after the 'Boop' and I'll call ya back as soon as I can! Boop!" I hung up the phone. There wasn't a point in leaving her a voicemail, she never listened to them anyways.

I tried calling her again. And again. And a fourth time for good measure. Same result each time. I didn't even have enough of a signal to text her.

It looked like I was walking to town… a little over ten miles from the -now abandoned- gas station. I sighed really heavily and did some math.

"If… if the average person walks three miles an hour… I probably walk four… if I don't stop at all I can make it there in… two and a half hours…" I often talk to myself. It helps me focus my thoughts, Though, it does get me weird looks from time to time.

"Better start walking, I guess…" With that I headed off towards town.

Now, you may be asking 'But Dipper! You didn't try to call your Grunkles!' and you would be correct. There's a good reason though.

A little ways into the second summer we stayed with them, Grunkle Stan thought up a brilliant plan to get out of paying the phone bill. He… well let's just say no one will sell him a cell phone now. For the same reason, Grunkle Ford can't get one because they think he's Stan in disguise.

As for the house phone… I honestly don't know why we have it. Grunkle Stan always picks up, says 'We don't want any.' then hangs up. And, finally, I would have called the gift shop phone, but it closes at eight p.m. on Saturdays… it was getting close to nine…

So, I weigh my options. Stay here at the possibly haunted and abandoned convenience store, or walk two and a half hours in the dark…

"Isn't this lovely." I said, as I started my long walk. It's a really good thing I brought my bag. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have had a flashlight.

Man, in my journal, I'm going to write down rules and ways to stay safe on dangerous missions like this.

I walked for no more than five minutes…

"Why is it so dark…? It is only nine, right…?" It was so dark it was like the light from my flashlight was being absorbed. I couldn't see even a foot in front of me. I didn't want to risk checking my phone. I needed it alive for if Mabel called.

"Awesome… Abandoned gas station it is…" I turned to head back the way I'd come. The weirdest part was it got lighter outside as I did. I brushed it off as just another weird thing.

When I got there, it looked even more run down… If that were possible. But, to its credit, it did have doors and walls intact. There was even a dim light buzzing somewhere… though what put me more on edge was my money was now missing from the counter.

I wanted to leave, but where was I supposed to go? Gravity Falls was ten miles away. I couldn't do that in pitch blackness. Stay outside? Not a chance. I'm not on very food terms with a lot of the paranormal creatures… and there are bears out there.

I may be brave, but I'm not stupid enough to think I could out wrestle a bear.

I mean, if there really were someone, maybe I could talk them into giving me a ride to town… or at least closer than the station.

"Hello…? Is someone here?" Again, no answer. Not that I was expecting one anyway. "Okay… well I hope you have no problems with me staying here for the night… I would have just kept walking, but it's really dark out there. I'll leave as soon as the sun comes up, I swear." I honestly just kept talking to make myself feel better.

I pulled out my journal and quill to continue writing.

Entry #2

Many strange things have happened to me. I'd believe the majority was made up if I weren't there. I've faced a lot and it's been kinda scaring, but I wouldn't trade it for anything! Well, probably.

So far my vacation kinda sucks. I'm only about six hours in and -I won't lie- my predicament kinda sucks right now. I'm sitting in an abandoned gas station. It's run down and it smells like mold. I'm ten miles from town and even though it's only nine p.m., it looks like there is just nothing outside. Just the absence of light. It's kinda freaky.

Anyway, I'm here because my sister kinda left me as I came in to pay for gas -there wasn't anyone here then, either- but I left the money anyway. Then I walked back outside and my sister (and the car) were missing. I'm afraid something bad happened to her. I have faith in her though.

I guess I'm going to try to sleep. The faster I sleep, the faster I can wake up and make the ten mile trek to the Falls.

I wanted to write down some rules to keep safe in situations kind of like the one I'm in now.

One: get out of any immediate danger. These steps will do you no good if you aren't safe enough to stop for a minute and think.

Two: Stay calm. A muddled mind makes impulsive and dangerous mistakes.

Three: Identify the problem. If you know what the problem is, you can go about finding a solution a lot better.

Four: Brainstorm all possible solutions. Even if they seem a little out there, you should give each a little thought.

Five: Narrow down your possible solutions. The ones that seem too far out there, you can put those in the 'probably not' pile.

Six: Weigh your options. Think of pros and cons for each and every one.

Seven: Act. Take your best idea and put it into action. If it fails, restart the process.

Stay safe and stay curious,

~Pine-

Wait! I keep meaning to explain why I call myself 'Pinetree' and I meant to do it earlier, but I forgot.

When I was twelve, I made some really stupid decisions. One of which lead to me getting possessed by a Dream Demon named Bill Cipher (Probably more on him later). I do believe that's one of my worst mistakes.

While he possessed me, he threw my body down the stairs (breaking my arm), stabbed forks into my arm and poured Pit Cola into my eyes… It was a very awkward hospital visit.

I Had nightmares about him until the end of my first year of college.

Anyway, he used to call me 'Pinetree' and I know what you're thinking "Why in heaven's name would you want to go by that?!" and to that, I say… I honestly couldn't look at actual pine trees for years. Trees haunted me. And only those kind. It was so hard to keep the fear to myself when my parents insisted we go camping. How could I explain it to them without sounding crazy?

I have decided to use that as my pen name to remind me not to do anything rash, to always remember the danger of what I do and to remind me my actions have consequences. I got off lucky when I was twelve, I may not be so lucky next time.

So, that, readers, is why I end my entries like that.

Stay curious,

~Pinetree

I put my journal and quill back into my bag and laid down on the least disgusting part of the ground. I kept hearing sounds. None good… I settled in. It was going to be a long night.


Uh, so how was it? Good, bad? Something else?

Please, let me know! I... May not even finish this... I'm a little nervous about posting it, its kinda stupid so far...

Enough rambling!

Have a wonderful day/night/whatever!

~MissTaken