Dipper Pines ran through the Gravity Falls Forest at an alarming speed. The tears stuck in his eyes started to make his vision blurred. He quickly wiped his eyes as he continued forward.

"Stupid life…" he mumbled to himself. "Stupid family…let's see how far they get without my help…" His legs pumped harder. He didn't care where he was going, as long as it was far, far away from there…

No matter how fast the small boy flew through the foliage, it wasn't enough to escape the memory of what just happened. The scene continued to play over and over in Dipper's mind: his great-uncle (or "Grunkle") Stan had gathered all of the Mystery Shack employees in the Gift Shop for an emergency meeting.

"Thank you all for coming…" the elder greeted, "…even though you really didn't have a choice in the matter…"

Wendy sat at her station at the Gift Shop Counter and rolled her eyes at Stan's incredibly lame comment. Soos stood on the opposite side of the room and coughed into his fist.

"Anyways," Stan continued. "We are gathered here today to discuss recent matters that have plagued our beloved Shack…" His eyes lowered towards Dipper and Mabel sitting on the wooden floor, "…or i.e. what Dipper did…"

Dipper rose to his feet in order to defend himself, "Grunkle Stan, I know that I messed up!" He looked around the room, "I admit it; I made a bad judgment call…"

"Bad judgment call?!" The old man questioned. "You tried to perform an exorcism! And worse, on the most dreaded person in all of Gravity Falls: the tax collector!"

"He was speaking in tongues!"

"He was having an allergic reaction to whatever you sprayed him with!"

"It was just holy water…" Dipper groaned, "…among other things…"

"Either way, kid, thanks to you, we're getting an audit!"

"Wait!" Mabel interjected. "Why's it so bad that we're getting a car?"

There was a brief silence as all the Mystery Shack gang silently stared at the confused girl. Stan started again a moment later, "Anyways, you really stepped in it this time, kid!"

"Sorry, Grunkle Stan, but I was positive that he was really a –"

Stan threw out his arms in frustration, "And this is where the problem stems from! You see ghosts and goblins and other craziness everywhere, and I for one, have had it!"

Dipper saw everyone focused on him alone. He held his hands up, "Okay! Okay, guys! I screwed up! I already owned up to it! But, what about all of the times I was right about these things?" He looked around to each of his family and friends, "All of you have experienced something weird in this town with me at least once, so can we stop acting like I'm making all this up?"

The room fell deathly silent as Dipper and Stan maintained their stand-off. Dipper broke his eye-contact as he sensed movement by his feet. His eyes widen as he watched as his twin get up and head towards their great-uncle.

"Mabel!"

Stan laughed as patted his niece on the shoulder, "That's right; join the winning team…"

"It's not that you're wrong about this stuff, Dipper…" Mabel explained with a frown, "It's just that you have a way of taking these things too far! There's always a spooky adventure or a creepy mystery, and sometimes, it gets…old."

Dipper couldn't believe his ears! "But…Mabel!"

"They kinda got a point, dude…" Soos interrupted as he went to stand by his employer. "I'd say your mistake was spraying the guy before he made his assessment…"

"You see, kid! I'm not the only one that fed up with this garbage!" He smiled as he looked out the corner of his eye at his last target, in an effort to hit his nephew below the belt.

"Isn't that right, Wendy?"

Wendy's eyes shot open as her name was mentioned. Her freckled face turned a pale white, "Who, me?"

"Yeah, you!" Stan demanded an answer from his teenaged worker, pointing his cane straight at her, "What says you? Does he go over the top with this nonsense or not?"

She bit her lip as she turned away from the group and towards her distraught friend. He looked up with Wendy with pleading eyes. Dipper hated this! Watching his crush being stuck in the middle reminded him of when all of her friends ganged up on her during their stay at the haunted Dusk2Dawn convenience store.

"Um…"

After a few moments of deliberation and awkward stillness, Wendy pushed herself away from her counter and came around the other end. She stopped in between the two sides and sighed to herself. She gazed one last look at Dipper before moving towards Stan's group. Wendy stood at Soos's side…

"Sorry, Dip…" she stumbled, "…but sometimes…I mean…a little bit…"

"HA!" Stan prided. "They all think the same as me!" He lowered his weight on his custom 8-ball cane, "What do you have to say for yourself now?!"

Dipper was still in shock over Wendy's "betrayal." He couldn't contain all of the anger and sadness swelling within his small frame.

"FINE!" he made a swiping motion with his tiny hand towards the others. "If that's the way all of you feel, then so be it! I'm done! I'm so done!"

He opened the gift shop door exit, "From now on, you're all on your own! The next time something crazy happens around here, you can just deal with it yourselves!"

As Dipper slammed the door shut, Wendy called out, "Dipper, wait a sec!"

Stan held out his cane to halt her, "Let him go. He'll come back sooner or later! Mark my words: he'll probably be crying his eyes out about a scrapped knee or a bee sting."

Soos clapped his hands and chuckled, "Hey that rhymes!"

Stan's face dropped, "That was unintentional." He spun around and bellowed, "As for everyone else, GET BACK TO WORK!"

Mabel and Soos followed Stan back through the parlor door before parting to do their individual chores. Wendy remained alone in the gift shop, her gloomy green eyes focused on the exit her partner in crime used moments before as guilt crept in through the back of her mind…

Dipper shook his head in an effort to clear his thoughts. He looked up to the cloud-filled sky, "This will show them! I wish…I wish…they would see how it would be without me in their lives…" He forced out a laugh, "Yeah, right!" He blew air between his lips, "If anything, those guys would probably think it would the best thing ever if I fell off the face of the earth!"

*THUD*

A second later, Dipper found himself face first in the dirt. He turned around to see that his sneaker literally crashed through the soft forest floor. He pulled himself up in an effort to pry his foot loose.

"Come on!" he strained. "The last thing I need is to be stuck in the mud!"

Dipper stood upright to better adjust. As he put more weight on the spot, a creaking sound started to rise up.

"What was that?!"

Suddenly, Dipper let out a high-pitch scream as the ground gave away beneath his feet. He slid uncontrollably down a deep decline. Dipper held his hands up to his face to avoid getting hit by loose twigs and branches.

He flew over a small ledge, only to land directly on a small bump. The momentum flipped the small detective, making him roll down head over feet.

"WWWWHHHHOOOOAAAA!"

*CRASH!*

Dipper opened his eyes as the sun's light seemed to tease him. He slowly got up and found his balance. He felt extremely dizzy and even nauseous.

"Ohh, my head!" he bemoaned as each hand grasped a temple. While trying to become focused, Dipper turned around to see where exactly he fell from. Instead of finding some sort of slide, an enormous hill stood in its place.

"That…was insane!" He thought to himself. "Who hides a secret passageway in the middle of the woods? Or better yet, why?"

Seeing that he was completely blanketed with grass and dirt, Dipper bent down to wipe himself off.

"I wonder how far I strayed from town?" He spun around on his heels, only to be left speechless.

Instead of finding more of the Oregon wilderness, Dipper found himself standing before a towering metropolis! Huge gray and light blue skyscrapers seemed to stretch as high as the skyline itself. Cleanly paved roads were swarmed with dozens of the latest high-tech automobiles. Countless people flocked back and forth; the populace was busy, and yet maintained a type of quiet.

Intrigued, Dipper slid further down the hill and drew closer to the new landmark. "What is this place? You'd think that Stan would say something about an entire city booming right next door to Gravity Falls; if not for the business aspects alone!"

Dipper walked into the purple-shaded sidewalk and made his way into the city. At the entrance, a huge white billboard greeted him:

WELCOME TO G-CITY!
POPULATION: YOU!
"Once you're here, you'll never want to leave!"

"G-City, huh?" Dipper inquired. "Seems like a really lame name for such a cool-looking place!" He ambled further down the street, peeking excitedly into every window. Each contained a different and extremely eloquent shop. "Food, clothing, high-end electronics…incredible!" Granted, such things were an everyday occurrence in his hometown of Piedmont, but in contrast, Gravity Falls was supported by nothing but mom-n-pop shops. One could not find a brand name of any type while there.

As Dipper went along his way, he noticed something off about the people surrounding him. No matter who he passed, men or women, adult or child, every single one sported the same suede blue outfit and wore the exact scary smile. They did not even acknowledge the differently-dressed pre-teen before them.

"Weird…" commented Dipper. "Maybe it's some cult thing…or the latest underground fashion movement."

Dipper heard a nasally voice screeching over what sounded like an intercom nearby. He followed the sound around the corner until he found a strange exhibit:

"A HUMBLE TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT FOUNDER OF G – CITY"

He walked into a hollowed out end of a building. The outer wall of the indent was blanketed with several rows of video monitors replaying the same infomercial over and over. In between, there were various statues placed all around, each having their own personal information booth; the majority involved a sort of miniature hero in warrior armor.

As Dipper continued to explore, he heard the voice over began its loop again:

"G – City continues to grow and prosper in a new age utopia, all in thanks to its leader and founder, Gideon Charles Gleeful!"

Dipper immediately spun around to see that the image of his nine-year-old arch nemesis covered every television set. "WHAT?!"

"My story is one of modest beginnings…" Gideon narrated. The screen shifted to that of the Tent of Telepathy, "I started out as a simple, traveling entertainer until I came upon a tiny town called Gravity Falls…." The monitor displayed another image reflecting a photograph of the town's main street slowly morphing into the city that lay before Dipper. Gideon's story continued, "It was through divine intervention that I was able to work with the kind and gentle people of Gravity Falls and change their world for all the better!" A new picture formed on-screen of Gideon being joyfully hoisted into the air by the townspeople of Gravity Falls. Dipper noted that one of the folks photographed was none other than Wendy's father, the burly lumberjack Manly Dan. "For my contributions, the people of Gravity Falls fell in love with me, and I loved them back!"

"Yeech!" Dipper stuck out his tongue in disgust. He heard the background music change melody to reflect a more serious, somber tone. The original chronicler matched the new pace, "But times weren't always so bright…"

Dipper's mouth opened at the next scene. A screenshot of his Grunkle Stan was shown on the multiple TVs. Gideon's voice explained further, "Stanford Pines and I met as friendly rivals, but as I learned more about his private life, I discovered that he planned a horrible fate for Gravity Falls. As the people's champion, I moved to put an end to his wickedness forever!"

Flustered, Dipper threw himself against the wall of televisions, "You killed Grunkle Stan?!"

As if Gideon heard him, the imagery laughed at Dipper's reaction, "Not to worry, dear viewer. I'm not one to cruelly take a life. I only sealed him away! He pointed towards the screen, "To learn the true fate of Stan Pines, all you need is to turn around…"

Dipper followed the instructions and winched backwards at the sight before him. In one of the statue displays, his Grunkle Stan stood frozen for all eternity in what resembled carbonite. As Dipper mourned the dreadful state of his great-uncle, he heard Gideon moving forward,

"His lackey was the only one to try to fight for his friend. When defeated, he asked to share in his outcome. Being the considerate person that I am, I was more than happy to abide by his simple request…"

Dipper looked downwards and gasped upon the sight of his friend and co-worker Soos. The poor man-child was immobilized in a kneeling position at Stan's feet, positioned as if he was begging for mercy.

"Man…" Dipper asked himself, "How the heck did I miss this thing?"

As he analyzed their confinement, the storyteller went onwards, "However, it was through this experience that Gideon was able to meet the love of his life…"

Dipper's gaze went back to the electronic wall, "Please don't let it be who I think it is; please!"

His hopes were instantly dashed as the form of his twin sister was plastered on every screen, "…young Gideon was hopelessly enthralled from the first time he laid eyes on Stan's niece, Mabel." The wall's imagery soon was plastered with that of Mabel and Gideon sitting hand-in-hand on a pink loveseat. Gideon giggled into the microphone, "Yep, it took a couple of tries and courtings, but I was finally able to capture her heart…" He reached up and adjusted his collar, "Plus, it didn't hurt to get some extra help from my lucky bowtie, did it, marshmallow?"

Mabel looked up and slowly answered her companion in a robotic voice, "Yes…Gideon…it…did…not…"

Dipper pulled at his hair as he watched the cringe-inducing scene, "How could she – I mean…" His eyes focused on Gideon yanking on his pendant – the same mind-controlling pendant that Mabel destroyed earlier.

"Could Gideon have made another one?" Dipper wondered. "Is this how he got Mabel to go along with all of this?"

A close-up of his despised rival stretched over all of the screens simultaneously. "Because of my endless efforts, the people of Gravity Falls chose me to lead them into a new scale of peace and unity. My G-City is the result, a strong and independent nation, free of the cruel tyranny of the local and national governments…."

The stunned boy stared as footage played of several tanks, aircrafts, and even missiles approaching the odd city. Before they even came close, each exploded without any rhyme or reason!

"What?! What was – "

"Of course, I have my own ways keeping their pesky little noses out of our business…"

The video concluded by reflecting the wicked mastermind sitting comfortably on a recliner conveniently placed next to a fireplace.

"By now, you have only seen a fraction of what we can accomplish when we work together, fair citizens of G-City. It is my privilege and absolute honor to be the person to lead us into the future…"

The camera zoomed in on his deceptive, chubby face, "…for the way I see it, today, G-City; tomorrow, the world!"

He waved good-bye to the viewer, "Until next time…"

As the video began to loop over, Dipper felt like he was losing his mind. He held his hands to his head as it throbbed in agony.

"This is crazy!"

In a state of confusion and outrage, Dipper ran from the exhibit and stumbled into the streets, crashing into the passerbyers,

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!" he screamed at the top of his lungs, "WHY WOULD YOU LET HIM DO THAT TO YOU?!" The townsfolk simply walked past the raving child while maintaining their eerie grins. Dipper grabbed an older male by his blue shirt and shook him, "DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT HE REALLY IS? OR WHAT HE HAS PLANNED FOR YOU?"

Unlike the other commuters, the man slightly lowered his head while preserving his beam. "Kid, you need to control yourself before they come for you…" he warned through gritted teeth.

"Who's coming? What are you talking about?"

The man rose, "I've already said too much…" With that, he continued on his way.

"Wait!" Dipper demanded. "What do you mean? Why are you people so afraid to say something?!"

A split second later, he was roughly tackled to the ground from behind. Dipper tried to rise, but he felt a knee in his back.

"HEAD DOWN! HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK!"

Dipper tried to turn his head to see, "What are you do – "

The voice screamed louder in his ear and pushed his face down to the pavement, "I SAID HEAD DOWN! HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK!"

His arms were roughly pulled behind him and secured. The hard pressure against his spine finally let up.

"ON YOUR FEET!"

Dipper was yanked upwards by his blue vest. He raised his head to see that a muscular man in a grey uniform stood before him. His face was protected by a matching grey helmet with white coverings. Black shoulder guards extended from his arms. Comparable colored gloves and boots topped off his armoring.

Since he was still restrained, Dipper guessed that a similar person was positioned behind him.

"Are you guys supposed to be cops or someth – "

"CITIZEN OF G-CITY! YOU HAVE BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF SPEAKING OUT AGAINST OUR GREAT LEADER!"

Dipper shot back, "On whose authority? Found guilty by what court? There is such a thing as freedom of speech, pal!"

He cried out as a quick slap was delivered to the back of his head, "You're in the wrong nation, egghead!"

The first officer continued on, "YOU ARE SENTENCED TO REPORT FOR REHABILIZATION AT ONCE!

The worried tween tried to step forward, "Hang on a –" only to be dragged off his feet. Dipper shouted to the outside world, "YOU CAN'T! DON'T LET GIDEON DO THIS!"

Once more, the citizens of G-City ignored the distraction in front of them and went on their creepily smiling ways. Dipper lowered his head in defeat as he was led away. As they walked, he could hear the conversation of the two officers coming from overhead:

"Man, they just keep getting weirder, aren't they?"

"Nah, this shrimp is nothing in comparison to those other guys…"

*KA-BOOM!*

Dipper, the patrolmen, and all the nearby citizens were knocked to the ground. A giant explosion erupted from one of the stores across the street. Pieces of flaming debris and broken glass flew through the air and onto the streets.

Finally, the inhabitants of the town finally broke their façade. A large outcry echoed throughout the city streets as they ran in various directions away from the violent scene.

"Darn rebels!" The lead officer shouted to the one holding Dipper at bay, "I'll go check the scene out. You bring that brat back to HQ!"

As he ran towards the fire, Dipper was pulled away further.

"Hey," he tried convincing his captor, "Don't you wanna help your friend out. Y'know, see if there are any hurt civilians or anything like that?"

The grip on Dipper was tightened, "Nice try, punk!" The overpowered lad was pulled into an alley close by, "Don't you worry; you'll get what's coming to you soon enough…"

Dipper struggled against his captor for freedom, providing the perfect distraction as a shadowy figure snuck up from the darkness and quickly incapacitated the officer.

"BAH!"

The pre-teen jumped back as the soldier fell down at his side. He turned around to see his rescuer. The tall and slender hero wore a similar armor to that of the corrupt lawman, except it was pure black and had been severely worn out. A corresponding helmet with face plate concealed their identity.

"Are you alright, kid?" a muffled voice asked from within the shell.

Dipper shyly rubbed his shoulder, "Umm, I think so…"

His liberator snatched his hand, "Good…" The sounds of police sirens grew louder. "…cause we have to go, NOW!"

With that, the black warrior ran through the alley, dragging Dipper along for the ride, "H – H – HEEYYYYY!"

They stopped at the edge of the nearest building. Dipper soon found a gloved hand covering his mouth.

"SHH! Do you want to get us caught?"

A squadron of police cruisers zoomed right past the duo. "You see?!"

Dipper nodded in response as he was led by the hand around the corner. There was nothing there but a few garbage cans and a completely gratified wall.

"A dead end?!" Dipper looked up at his redeemer. "Now what do we do?"

He watched as the slim figure pulled back their right glove, revealing a wristwatch. A button was pressed, and all of a sudden, Dipper watched as the wall began to shake.

"No way…"

The top and bottom of the dead end opened, revealing a secret passage!

"Neat…" Before Dipper could fully take in the incredible sight, he was yanked inside the entrance. The doors quickly shut as the two ran pass. Exhausted, both leaned against the closest wall and let out a huge exhale.

"That…that was a close one!"

"No kidding…"

The black suited fighter fumbled with its helmet. Dipper lifted his head upwards, "Thanks - *HUFF* - Thanks for the save back there! I guess I owe you one, huh?"

The covering came off with a gentle *POP*

"Don't mention it, small fry. It's what we do!"

Dipper gasped in shock as the true identity of his knight in worn out armor was revealed; his stunned brown eyes met the emerald ones of his secret crush, Wendy Corduroy!