It didn't take long after getting back from Gravity Falls for Dipper to get bored. It was a struggle to readjust to ordinary life after a summer of magic and mystery. Mabel struggled too, but it wasn't nearly as hard for her, as she made friends easily and was constantly doing something exciting. Meanwhile Dipper spent many nights flipping through the pages of the magically restored Journal 3, waiting for the next summer. Him and Mabel still talked often about their experiences, and their friends there, but she was the only one he could talk to about this, as anyone else would think he was crazy.
Boredom turned to depression, and by late June, Dipper had withdrawn, having little interest in socializing, except with Mabel, though he still didn't do that nearly as much as he used to. His sole beacon of hope was the letter that read,"See you next summer!" He knew that if he could just hold out until then, everything would be okay. He would be in that mysterious, magical, perfect town, see his friends again, and be happy. One day, though, everything changed.
He overheard his parents having a conversation. "Dipper hasn't been the same ever since he got back from that town," said Lisa Pines, the twins' mom. "You're right, and it's only gotten worse throughout the year," said Andrew Pines, their father. "I don't think the kids should go back this summer. It wasn't good for them, especially Dipper," said Mrs. Pines. "I agree, dear. Do you want to tell the kids, or should I?" said Mr. Pines. Dipper had heard enough. His heart raced, and his breathing became quick and shallow. He dashed up to his room, as tears streamed down his face. I'm never going to see Gravity Falls again, he thought. He would live a normal, boring life devoid of mystery or magic. He couldn't give all of that up after having a taste.
He had almost lost all hope when a certain yellow triangle materialized, draining the world of color as he appeared. "Well, well, well. What do we have we here?" said Bill Cipher. "W-w-we killed you. You can't be here," Dipper stuttered. "Please, kid. If Stan's memories can come back, so can I," Bill stated, rolling his eye. "Why are you here?" "Isn't it obvious, Pine Tree? I'm here to make a deal," Bill said, punctuated with a cackle. "What sort of deal?" asked Dipper. "Well, I save you from a normal, boring life in exchange for you letting me stick around," Bill laughed. "N-no! Last time I made a deal with you, you stole my body and destroyed the laptop, why would I want you around, and even then, why would you want me around?" asked Dipper. "Well, then have fun with your completely ordinary life. And to answer your question, I like you. You're interesting. Almost like Sixer, when he was younger, without that obnoxious sense of self-importance," said Bill. Dipper thought about this. He knew that this was almost definitely untrue, and just a means to an end, but it did feel nice to have someone appreciate him. He also tried to rationalize it to himself with the old adage, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer." If Bill stayed near him, then he could keep an eye on him and thwart his plans. He had made up his mind. "Fine. On one condition; you can't hurt anyone in my family." "Well, then, we have a deal!" cackled Bill, outstretching a hand wreathed in blue flames. Only hesitating slightly, Dipper reached out and shook it, sealing the deal. As soon as he did this, his vision faded, and he felt a searing pain in his head. There was also a feeling that was almost like when he was expelled to the mindscape after Bill stole his body, but different somehow. The last thing he heard was Bill's roaring laughter before blacking out.
