Prologue
The rising sun was a streak of blood across the edge of a mostly dark morning sky when the baby blue roadshow van plowed through a deep thicket of pine trees. Printed in swirling white letters, the side of the van read, "Pines Twins: Magicians and Performers Extraordinaire" Below, in notably smaller print, the words, "In Association with Pines Family Circus, GR, Oregon" could be seen. A thick curtain of black velvet hung over the back windshield, concealing the passengers inside. In the near darkness and thick forest, the vehicle was almost completely camouflaged as it glided down the dirt path.
Inside, 14 year old Maybelle and "Dip-Dop" Pines sat in silence. The brunette twins had almost identical outfits: A light blue dress shirt, dark slacks, and shiny black shoes. They also possessed matching amulets, glowing aquamarine stones that bore an unsettling resemblance to the cold eyes of both teenagers. Dip's was on his shirt collar, whereas Maybelle preferred to wear hers atop a black headband that kept her long, chocolate colored hair out of her eyes. Her twin's own bangs were gelled back to reveal his abnormal birthmark that was a carbon copy of the Big Dipper on his forehead. He actually acted quite proud of its 'magnificence', and he and his sister were quick to attack anyone who thought otherwise.
Breaking the eerie silence, Maybelle spoke up in a smooth voice that implied she was a better singer than many, "Gravity Rises, huh? What a funny name."
"Oh, I'd believe it. This place is sure to be a sleepy little hick town. But don't worry, Sister. We're going to change all of that." Dip-Dop brushed his fingers across the shimmering surface of his amulet, the light beginning to pulsate as the van passes the welcome sign into the small Oregon town of Gravity Rises.