Dipper was infuriated. His sister had trusted Stan over him? How could she? How could she choose anyone else over him- her twin brother- the amazing sibling who'd sacrificed so much for her, over and over again? It wasn't fair. It was clear to him that she cared more about that crusty kitchen sponge of an uncle than she did about him.

Dipper secluded himself for days, not sleeping, barely eating. He was too upset. The author was there- they could speak- all the secrets of Gravity Falls could be revealed to him, but he didn't care anymore. He felt numb. He'd always thought he was Mabel's favorite family member.

He clenched his fists. He was gonna be right about that, no matter what.

He flipped open the journal and read the instructions. His stomach churned- he knew what he was doing was stupid, but he didn't care. No doubt something horrible would come of it, but he'd pay the price. The summoning was surprisingly easy. A nauseatingly familiar form prepared before him.

"Hey, hey, hey, kid! Didn't expect you to summon me. You've found your precious author. What's up?"

Dipper took a deep breath, not making eye contact.

"I want to make a deal."

Bill Cipher's eye lit up with interest.

"What do you have in mind? Oh-wait! Let me guess. You want...Superpowers? All of the author's knowledge? OH- maybe you're sore about your sister trusting that wrinkled old oaf over you-"

"Enough! Fine! I'm mad that Mabel picked him over me. I want to go back in time and make sure that I shut the portal down before she makes the decision, but I can;t use the tape measure since I don't have one. Can you do it?"

Bill cackled excitedly.

"Sure, kid, but you know, all my services come at a price."

Dipper swallowed hard. Bill would undoubtedly steal his body or eat his flesh or make his teeth into a necklace or replace all his organs with silly string, but he didn't care. bill could kill him, so long as he died Mabel's favorite family member.

"Take whatever you want once I'm done, I don't care!"

Bill stuck out his hand. Dipper hesitated for a second, but took it. No going back.

In an instant, he was standing before the button, arm raised and ready to shut the machine down.

"Don't touch that button!" Stan cried, rushing into the room.

Not this time. Dipper slammed his hand down, closing the portal off for good. Stan could never prove his innocence now. The old man collapsed onto his knees.

"Dipper, what have you done?" Tears flowed from his wrinkled eyes. "I've worked for thirty years to get him back- now he's gone for good! I'll never see him again! My brother!"

Dipper shook his head.

"He's lying. C'mon, Mabel. C'mon, Soos. We've stopped the destruction of the universe. Let's go."

He turned on his heel and started to take his leave, walking right past Gruncle Stan without a second glance. Soos and Mabel followed more hesitantly. Mabel couldn't help but pause at Stan's side.

"Dipper...I think we just made a mistake."

Bill's voice filled the room entirely. Blue flames erupted from a pit in the center.

"YOU BET YOU DID. I'LL BE COLLECTING MY TOLL NOW, DIPPER!"

Dipper extended his arms.

"Take my body or teeth or whatever. I have what I need."

Bill snickered.

"TIME TRAVEL AIN'T EASY, KID. YOU'LL BE PAYING WITH MORE THAN THAT BRITTLE OLD MEAT PUPPET OR THOSE TEETH OF YOURS."

He seized Mabel's ankle and ripped her backward into the pit.

"Dipper!" She wailed as she was yanked into the abyss.

The pit closed up in an instant, swallowing the flames just as it had swallowed Mabel.

Dipper started at the re-sealed floor in horror.

'Well shit that backfired.'