The Order of the Cipher

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The sun shone brightly on the afternoon, sparkling through the trees along the path. School had let out a few hours prior, afterschool activities letting out currently, Dipper found himself heading home alone, along a path leading him up Sausal Creek, running just along the dividing line between Oakmore and Piedmont. It was one of his favorite trails as of late, reminding him of the adventures of Gravity Falls not too long ago.

With bag thrown over his shoulder, cap bravely resting upon his head, he managed to make his way across the jagged path in hopes of finding a picturesque spot in order to bring home to Mabel. Though the days before had been drearily rainy, the sun finally basked the trees and dirt with a summer like glow that would no doubt spark Mabel's memory just as it is for Dipper.

Finally, he came across a break in the path, which he had only walked once before. It called to him like a beacon, glowing almost unnaturally in the sun and begging him forward. Pulling one arm back into his bag and grasping his camera, Dipper proceeded into the wooded area, feeling the brush of leaves, twigs and foliage. His heart was a flutter as something continued to lure him into the growing darkness. At this moment, he felt something was wrong.

He jolted at the sound of his old walkie-talkie buzz to life, followed by the muffled voice of his sister. Stumbling over a fallen tree trunk, he fell into the mud, covering his boots, pants, and jacket as well as his hat falling off his head. Grumbling, he slipped the walkie-talkie from his bag, placing it front of his face and smiled gently.

"Hey, Mabel," Dipper hummed, resting his chin on one hand.

"Dipper! Where are you? We've got game night!" cheered Mabel, only slightly garbled by the static of the machine.

"I'm still running through the creek. Think I've found something new," grinned Dipper, pushing himself up. "Great, I'm covered in mud now."

"Mom's gonna be so pissed," snickered Mabel, voice fading in and out.

"Ever feel like…you're being led somewhere…for like a purpose?" mumbled Dipper, fixing the strap of the bag on his shoulder. "This place makes me feel like I'm back there…you know."

"I…think so…" murmured Mabel. "You're still gonna get me some pics, right?"

"Of course, Mabel. I'm just gonna walk a little further," nodded Dipper, continuing down the nonexistent path.

Holstering the walkie-talkie, Dipper felt the brush with his hands. They were soft, almost wet, and smelled of spring air. The musty odor, the simple light, the squish of his shoes sinking in the barely mud surface…they all reminded him of the mystery and enrichment that was Gravity Falls, a part of him that both filled him with happiness for family and friends but also with nightmares that still haunted him to this day.

A bird cascaded through the branches, echoing the sound of shattering stillness. Dipper stared up, watching the leaves ruffled and fluttered downward toward him. He heard the faintness of a twig snapping as the not so gentle steps of a fleeing being ran pass. Dipper quickly looked around, the feeling of something wrong spiraling around him.

"I didn't ask for this to really be Gravity Falls," gasped Dipper, spinning around in search of answers.

He stopped dead, eyes widened at the sight of a single tree standing in the woods. It was nothing special, wood darkened by the recent rain and branches handing low, it matched all the others around it. The reason this tree stuck out to Dipper was the marker cleverly carved into it. The smooth marks, brightly shown by the tan of the wood, moved cleanly in a perfect shape. Unmistakable.

"No way…" Dipper whispered, pulling his camera out.

It was impossible in thought but there was a perfect carved rendering of Bill Cipher, top hat and all. It was detailed, bricks along his bottom, bow tie darkened against the rest of him, arms stretching out. It could be nothing else. Dipper clicked the camera quickly, watching the flash illuminate the haunting image for a brief moment before cutting out.

"Gotta get out of here…" pleaded Dipper.

The animals around him scurried, suddenly creating an ocean of noise that sent Dipper's heart racing. He panted, looking around hastily. Shoving the camera back into his pocket, he took off swiftly. His boots meshed in the mud, sinking and sliding with each step until they finally touched solid road.

Still the image haunted him.