The Cipher Fighters
Chapter 1:
The day after the mayor of Gravity Falls was selected, the family decided to have a relaxing day at home, for real this time. Stan and Ford were watching old cartoons, while Dipper and Mabel played a game of Dungeons, Dungeons, and More Dungeons.
" You know, I'm surprised the Northwests didn't run for office," Dipper uttered as he pondered his next move. "Isn't the desire for power their thing?"
" Maybe they're still recovering from that party," Mabel retorted with a shrug.
" Or the gravity anomalies," Dipper stated then his eyes widened. "I'm calling Pacifica."
Dipper stood up and walked into the kitchen. He grabbed the phone and began dialing numbers. The phone rang until he heard a voice on the other end of the line.
" Hello, you have reached the Northwest residence," a familiar voice uttered. " This is Pacifica speaking."
" Oh, thank heavens," Dipper muttered under his breath then spoke normally. " Pacifica? It's Dipper. Just calling to see if everything was alright."
" Other than my home being in shambles and my parents freaking out and ditching me for Tahiti, no injuries have been reported," Pacifica answered. " Now I know why they call this place Gravity Falls. Say. You wouldn't happen to know about any of this floating and earthquake business, would you?"
"Uh…," Dipper started as he tugged at the collar of his shirt.
" I mean, there must be something about it in that book of yours," Pacifica said.
" Yeah, let's go with that," Dipper grunted.
" Dipper, you're racking up my phone bill," Stan shouted from the living room. " Long distance calls ain't cheap, you know?"
Dipper covered up the speaking part of the phone and turned to the living room.
" Grunkle Stan, it's within the same town," Dipper hollered back.
" Well, then you're wasting electricity," Stan bellowed. " You have a cell phone, right? Run your parents' phone bill up, okay?"
Dipper glowered then replied with a sigh. He uncovered the phone and began speaking to Pacifica, again.
" Look, Pacifica," Dipper began, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers. " I gotta go. Why don't you come over later? It's not like your parents will be worried and you could use some time away from that place. Catch up and be a real kid for once. That's all."
" Sounds great," Pacifica responded. " I'll be over there soon. Chio."
There was a click on the end of the line. Dipper hung up the phone and walked back into the living room. Mabel was smirking at him, earning a raised eyebrow from her twin. Next, he lowered them and pointed a finger at his sister.
" I know what you're thinking," Dipper spat. " It's not what you think. You don't have any proof."
" What," Mabel squeaked, rolling her eyes. "I'm just excited about Pacifica coming over. That's all. I am also surprised you invited her over. What happened at that party?"
" I met the real her," Dipper uttered. " Turns out her parents have been forcing their expectations on her this whole time and she never agreed with it. She's actually cool once she lets her guard down."
" And this is coming from somebody who said she was the worst," Mabel murmured. " How much apple cider did you drink?"
"None," Dipper retorted then sat down to take his turn, grinning. " Ah. I got it."
An hour later, Pacifica arrived at the shack. She knocked on the front door. Stan opened it, still wearing his underwear.
" Oh, it's you," Stan grumbled then pointed behind him. " Mabel is upstairs and Dipper is somewhere around here."
Pacifica walked inside the shack and looked around. She glanced at the board game on the living room floor. It had been turned upside down by Mabel after she lost to Dipper, tossing the pieces everywhere. Pacifica then looked at the TV, which had been turned off. Next, she looked at the vacant couch chair, which had a newspaper hanging on the armrest. Pacifica proceeded upstairs, the steps creaking the whole way.
Meanwhile, down in the basement, Ford was recording some research into a journal. Dipper stood next to him, watching. Ford sniffed then stopped to scratch his nose. Dipper leaned closer. The older man glanced at the child.
" Do you mind," Ford uttered. " You're in my thinking bubble."
" Sorry," Dipper peeped as he stepped to the side. " So, another invention, huh? What does this one do?"
" I'll tell you after I have completed it," Ford retorted. " In the meantime, I can show you my other projects."
" Great," Dipper chimed then glanced at one of the monitors displaying Pacifica getting something out of the vending machine. " But that'll have to wait. I have a friend over."
" Girlfriend," Ford raised an eyebrow, grinning.
"Just a, you know, a friend who just happens to be a girl," Dipper replied as he made his way toward the elevator.
" Yeah right, you rascal," Ford chuckled, closing the book. " Tell me about her."
" She is my age, about my height, has blonde hair, and is grouchy until you get to know her," Dipper stated as he waited for the elevator door to open.
" Oh," Ford said, intrigued. " And what is her name?"
" Pacifica Northwest," Dipper uttered as the door opened. "And stop looking at me like that Great Uncle Ford. You're freaking me out. Look. I told Mabel. She is just a friend. That is all. Nothing else. There is nothing going on between us."
" Says you," Ford snorted. " So, a Northwest, huh? Normally, they don't socialize with the lower classes."
" Well, I did some things for her and her family," Dipper stated as he walked into the elevator. " Long story. She is the only one who will come near us, though. Her parents, on the other hand…"
The elevator door closed. Next, the elevator started going up. Pacifica had just sat down at the kitchen table when Dipper entered the room.
" Hey, Pacifica," Dipper's voice cracked. " When did you get here?"
" Like, an hour ago," Pacifica answered. " Your sister just finished giving me a tour of the place. Is she always this…talkative?"
" Yes, she is," Dipper retorted. " Anymore questions?"
" Why did your parents send you to this place," she asked. " Do they hate you? Is this their way of punishing you? Are they just as crooked as your uncle and you're part of a family of criminals? Your real home is the same way and this wouldn't have made a difference?"
" My parents wanted me and Mabel to get some fresh air," Dipper started. " They love us. This is not a punishment…I think. No and no. Our home is similar to Robbie's."
" Where exactly are you from," Pacifica questioned.
" Piedmont, California," Dipper uttered.
" And yet, I never left this town," Pacifica muttered. " So, what's it like in Piedmont?"
" It's a big city," Dipper explained. " Lots of homes, businesses, schools, malls, people…"
" Ah," Pacifica uttered.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Mabel was putting away the board game. Her cellphone began ringing. She pulled it out of her pocket and placed it against her ear.
" Hello," Mabel answered.
" Mabel, it's Grenda," Grenda grunted. " Sleepover night is still on."
" The sleepover," Mabel squeaked as she widened her eyes." That's tonight? I'm sorry, Grenda. I can't go. I have a family thing to deal with."
"What kind of family deal," Grenda asked.
" My brother," Mabel retorted then paused as she heard laughter coming from the kitchen. " I'll fill in the details later."
"Okay," Grenda chimed." Bye."
" Bye," Mabel chirped then they both hung up.
Mabel finished putting away the board game and leaned against the wall closest to the kitchen. She peeked through the doorway. Dipper and Pacifica were building a tower out of plastic forks.
" I never get to do this stuff at my home," Pacifica peeped. " Never really get to do anything fun, actually."
" Well, looks like today is your lucky day," Dipper stated. " Between me and Mabel, you'll have lots of fun."
" Great," Pacifica said.
" What are you doing, Mabel," Stan asked, causing Mabel to jump.
" Gah," Mabel screamed, looked up, and took a deep breath. " Oh, good. It's just you."
Stan glanced in the kitchen just in time to see Dipper and Pacifica finish building their tower. He walked into the room.
" Perfect," Dipper piped then looked toward the doorway. " Oh. Hey, Grunkle Stan."
" Dipper, can I talk to you alone," Stan asked.
" I need to use the ladies' room," Pacifica stood up from her chair and walked out of the kitchen.
" What is she doing here and why is Mabel being weirder than usual," Stan asked.
" She needs some time away from home and Mabel thinks I like her," Dipper uttered.
" Well, do you like her," Stan questioned, shrugging an arm.
" Not like that," Dipper answered, sternly.
" Well, like her or not, keep an eye on her and don't be showing her things that only the family should know about," Stan grunted. " Such as what's behind the vending machine."
" Sure thing, Grunkle Stan," Dipper uttered.
" Good," Stan stated then left the room just as Pacifica re-entered.
" Let's go outside," Dipper chanted.
" Okay," Pacifica chimed.
The two walked out of the kitchen and headed out into the woods. Mabel followed them, hiding behind trees and bushes. Dipper and Pacifica were chatting.
" So, this is what's it like in the woods," Pacifica stated. " I thought it would be scarier."
" These woods can be, until you know your way around and get out by dark," Dipper retorted, earning a yelp from Pacifica. " Relax. You're in excellent hands."
Pacifica tripped over a tree root. Dipper caught her in a dipping position. Pacifica stared into Dipper's eyes, cheeks turning red. Dipper chuckled.
" What," she snapped, glaring.
" That old tree gets everybody," Dipper stated then lifted Pacifica until she was upright. " It lifts its root and trips passersby. I'm not kidding."
"Just like Grandfather Willis from the movie Rebecca Wolfe Before the Name Change," Pacifica uttered then looked at her boots. " Ugh. My boot is scuffed. Thanks a lot tree. You owe me a new pair of very expensive uggs."
They both cackled and continued their walk until it was dinner time. Stan and Ford were stuffing their faces, while arguing about who was the worst cook. Mabel was taking small bites, while watching Dipper and Pacifica have a food fight.
" I told you, Ford," Stan uttered. " If you have to use artificial flavors and msg, you are a terrible cook. It's cheating though, so I admire that part."
" And if you have to use the smoke detector as a timer then you are a terrible cook," Ford stabbed back. " At least you cook your food thoroughly, so I can give you that."
" Take that, Pacifica," Dipper shouted as he flicked some mashed potatoes into Pacifica's hair.
" Take that, Dipper," Pacifica uttered as she dumped a glass of milk on his hat.
" Take that," Dipper hollered as he threw more food then stopped, eyes widening. " Whoops. Sorry."
A spoonful of applesauce was splattered all over Stan's face. Stan took his hand and wiped it off, glaring at them.
" Alright, that's enough," Stan grumbled. " Time for your girlfriend to go home. It's getting late."
" She's not my," Dipper started, but was cut off by Ford.
" He's right, Dipper," Ford interrupted. " I'm sure her folks will be very worried."
Dipper nodded and Pacifica called her home for a limo. After Pacifica left, Ford went back down into the basement, Stan went to his room, and the twins went to the attic.
" So, how'd you enjoy your time with Pacifica," Mabel uttered as she sat down on her bed. " You kinda left me out there."
" Whoops," Dipper said as he sat down on his bed. " Sorry, Mabel. Hey! She's coming over tomorrow. Maybe you can hang with us then."
" Nah," Mabel uttered. " I think I'm going to spend time with Great Uncle Ford. You've been hogging him lately, so now it's my turn."
" Okay," Dipper stated then pointed a stern finger at her. " Just don't touch anything without his permission and don't break anything. He hates that."
" Got it," Mabel said with a nod.
Soon, they drifted off to sleep. Morning came rapidly. The twins got up and went their separate ways. Dipper went straight to the bathroom. Mabel went straight to the basement. Dipper walked out of the bathroom in his usual everyday clothes, which he had decided to wash, and combed hair. He bumped into Stan and fell onto the floor.
" Where you off to, Kid," Stan sniffed the air. " And why are you wearing my cologne?"
" Pacifica's coming over today and I want her to feel more at home here," Dipper retorted.
" You smell like you're ready for a hot date," Stan scoffed." She's waaaay out of your league, by the way."
" Listen, I don't like Pacifica like that," Dipper uttered. " She's just a friend."
" That's what they all say," Stan chuckled as he rolled his eyes.
There was a knock at the door. Dipper dashed over to the door and opened it.
" Hey, Pacifica," Dipper chimed.
" Hey, Dipper." Pacifica inhaled then raised an eyebrow. " Are you wearing cheap cologne? Ugh. You smell like old man."
" Hey," Stan shouted. " Nobody's asking you to smell me, Blondie."
" Ignore him," Dipper rolled his eyes. " Hey…Um…Let's go into the forest. I found this abandoned tree house."
" Sounds fun," Pacifica peeped.
The two ran off into the forest. On their way there, Dipper heard a whisper and turned around. He shrugged, turned around and began walking again. He heard the whisper again, gasped, and turned around.
" Dipper Pines," the voice whispered. " Pine Tree."
" Pacifica, did you hear something," Dipper asked.
" No," Pacifica retorted, glancing at him. " Why?"
" Dipper Pines," the voice continued whispering. " Pine Tree."
" Something keeps whispering my name," Dipper said. " I think we better go back."
" Dipper Pines," the voice echoed venomously. " Pine Tree."
"Ugh," Dipper groaned as he grabbed the sides of his head, sitting down.
" I don't hear anything," Pacifica stated then widened her eyes at Dipper. " Are you alright?"
Dipper curled up into a ball on the ground, shivering. Pacifica gasped then grabbed Dipper, dragging him out of the woods. Soon, the whispers stopped. Dipper stood up and coiled his arms around himself, shaking. Pacifica was still holding onto him.
" What was that all about," Pacifica questioned.
" I don't know," Dipper trembled. " I heard something whisper my name and before I knew it, my head ached and stuff."
" We better get you inside," Pacifica soothed. " You look pale."
Pacifica helped Dipper into the shack and onto the couch chair. She covered him up with a blanket then went to seek out Stan. Stan was in the gift shop, working on more repairs. Pacifica approached him and cleared her throat.
" Mr. Pines, I think something is wrong with Dipper," Pacifica uttered.
" Like," Stan said, raising an eyebrow.
" He claims he heard somebody call his name while we were in the woods," Pacifica started. " Next thing I knew, he's on the ground, grabbing his head. I had to drag him out of the woods. I don't think he's feeling well. He's in the living room."
" I'll go check on him," Stan sighed then left for the living room. " You can go home."
When Stan got there, Dipper was asleep. Stan placed his hand on his forehead. The boy was burning a fever. He was tossing and turning, while muttering.
"Bill, no," Dipper murmured. " You stay away from her…Leave them alone…Gideon…"
" Kid, wake up," Stan hollered as he grabbed Dipper by the shoulders and shook him awake.
" Huh," Dipper grunted then looked up at the old man. " Oh, it's just you."
"You alright, Kiddo," Stan said.
" No," Dipper replied as he rubbed the top of his head with his hand. " I think I'm coming down with something. Good night."
Dipper ran upstairs and into the attic. Stan glanced at the clock. It was barely passed noon. Down in the basement, Mabel managed to break several beakers and cause a few of Ford's machines to malfunction. Ford groaned in frustration and booted Mabel out of the lab. The old man sat down in his chair, sighing. He picked up one of his journals and began skimming it.
"Stanford Pines," a voice whispered. " Six Fingers."
"Hmm," Ford glanced up from the book then looked back down.
" Stanford Pines," the voice whispered, again. " Six Fingers."
" Who's there," Ford shouted as he looked up and around. " Mabel? Dipper? Stan? Soos?"
The scientist narrowed his eyes and went back to reading.
"Stanford Pines," the voice growled. " Six Fingers."
" Whoever you are, come out now before I," Ford screamed in pain as he grabbed the sides of his head, falling out of his chair and onto the floor.