Chapter 2: Meet the Grunkle
The four kids were now deep in the heart of the forest. Even Dipper wasn't sure where they were. On the plus side, it looked like they had lost the anteater thing for now.
"Who are you guys?" Steven asked. Mabel plopped down on the grass unceremoniously.
"I'm Mabel, and this is my brother, Dipper."
"Wait. Who are you?" Dipper inquired suspiciously.
"Jeez, Dipper, we just met these guys! Go easy on them!" Mabel giggled.
"It's okay." Steven put his hand out for Dipper to shake. "I'm Steven Universe, and this is Connie." Dipper reluctantly shook Steven's hand.
"What kind of last name is Universe?" Dipper sneered.
"What kind of first name is Dipper?" Retorted steven.
"Touché." Dipper replied. He exchanged a subtle smile with Steven, then turned to Connie.
"So… Your name is Connie?"
"Uh, yeah. Nice to meet you." She blushed despite herself.
"We should get going," Mabel said as she hopped to her feet. "Hey, Steven and Connie! Wanna meet our Grunkle Stan?"
"Your what now?" Connie was confused.
"Our great uncle. It's an affectionate nickname." Mabel explained.
"Oh, seems neat. So you guys don't live with your parents either?" Steven said as they started walking again.
"Well, we're just here for the summer." Dipper said. "So, anyway, you're from Beach City, right? Have you seen the blog—"
"'Keep Beach City weird? Yeah, my buddy Ronaldo writes it." Steven wasn't really in the mood to think about home just now, but he indulged Dipper anyway. First impressions were important.
"Oh, man! I love that blog! Wait… I think I recognize you from it, actually."
"Wh-what? No way. That must be someone else…" Steven was starting to regret opening up.
"Um… I doubt there are two people in Beach City with that shirt named Steven Universe."
"Oh, whatever. Hey, what's that?"
The group was coming out of the forest into a clearing, at the center of which stood the Mystery Shack.
"Woooaah." Connie adjusted her glasses.
"Pretty neat, huh? We live here." Mabel said smugly.
"Looks neat. You should see the gems' pad." Steven was indignant.
Dipper eyed Steven skeptically.
"Let's just go inside…"
When they opened the door, they were met with a shocking display. Wendy was sprawled out on the floor, her ruby hair spread across the wooden paneling. A trail of blood led from the back door up to the second. Floor. Dipper had no time to try and act manly.
"Oh my gosh! Wendy!" He shrieked. The four of them ran into the room. Steven knelt down in front of the unconscious girl, but Dipper shoved him aside in a panic.
"Hey! What gives, man?"
"I know how to deal with this. Trust me!" Dipper spat.
"B-but! I have healing powers! Come on!"
Dipper wasn't interested.
"I'm gonna give her mouth-to-mouth."
"No! That only works in the movies. I'm telling you, I have magical, alien healing powers!" Before Steven could focus on his gem, Dipper leaned in and began to puff his own breath into Wendy's mouth. Her eyes snapped open instantly.
"Blugh!" She wiped her mouth and shoved Dipper back. "I was just taking a nap! Jeez!"
"Wh-what?" Dipper was humiliated. "Then how come you were on the floor?"
"It's surprisingly comfortable," she shrugged.
"Wait, then why is there blood over here?" Connie asked.
"Wait, what? Who are you? And who's he?" She pointed at Steven.
"I can explain!" Mabel shouted to grab the others' attention, waving her arms frantically.
Pretty soon, Wendy was up to date. While Mabel explained, Connie analyzed the blood.
"This is fresh," She said ominously. Everyone turned to face her as she adjusted her glasses.
"That sort of makes sense." Wendy said. "I was only asleep for a couple of hours… Wait, where's Grunkle Stan?!" She hopped to her feet and reached behind the counter. She withdrew a shotgun.
"Woah! Since when have we had that?" Dipper raised an eyebrow.
Wendy shrugged, then said:
"Come on, kids. Let's go save Stan."