The next day, Zyon arrived at the pool to see Mr. Poolcheck steaming mad. "You!" he bellowed when he saw the teen. "Get over here!" Zyon raised his eyebrows as he slowly walked over. "Wuz up?" Mr. Poolcheck shoved a long stick with a net at the end. "Do you know who broke the pool skimmer?" he screamed as his bloodshot eyes bulged out. "You got security cameras? You can find out it you do." "Security cameras? How much money do you think being the Public Pool Attendant makes?" Zyon was about to answer when he was cut off. "Almost nothing! My life is a joke!" Zyon was about to speak again when he was once again, rudely cut off. "I want you on a twenty four hour stake out. If one more piece of equipment gets taken, you're fired!" Zyon narrowed his eyes. "Seriously?" Someone from behind Zyon cleared their throat. He turned to see Dipper standing there with is dopey grin. "Excuse me, Mr. Poolcheck? I would be honored to be the one to guard the pool supplies." "Uh, he asked me, Dip," Zyon spat out. "Stop calling me that!" Dipper returned. "And I'm going to guard the supplies." "You know what? Both of you can do it! Nothing better get taken or-" "We're both fired?" Zyon broke in. "Yeah!" their boss stomped away. "Wait a minute," Zyon said. "What did I just volunteer to do? Forget it, this job is not worth it!" He turned in time to see Wendy walking over holding a megaphone. "Hey guys, I just tricked Soos into thinking the little ducks on the intertubes are being enslaved and he has to free them." Dipper and Zyon both laughed, then stopped and stared at each other. "Well, I guess I can watch the supplies for a little while. " "Yeah, I guess I will too," Dipper replied. The two of them backed away from each other still keeping a close watch on the other person. Zyon stood on the lifeguard stand, periodically checking the tool shed. He looked over at the other stand where Wendy sat. "Hey Wendy, just wanted to ask you something." She looked over. "Yeah?" "Who do you want to be the assistant Lifeguard? Me or Dipper?" A frown formed on her mouth. "Uh, well, I think either one of you would do a good job." "Yeah, but Dipper is a kid. He can't handle the pressure of a job like this." "Listen, I realize you don't like him. In fact, sometimes, you sound just like R-" Wendy quickly covered her mouth and turned away. "No, I uh-forget it. So, you like working here more than the Mystery Shack?" "Yeah, I get free snacks. But, now all I do is work. If I'm not at the Mystery Shack, I'm here and vice versa." "If you had to pick one job, would it be here or the shack?" "I couldn't quit working at the shack," she said. "Why not?" "I-well, it's complicated. The whole reason I have that job is because of the relationship my dad has with Stan. And even though Stan has threatened to replace me with a toaster, I know he needs me to work there." "I don't understand. I mean, no offense, but he can get another cashier." "One who will keep their mouth shut about Stan's scams and his tax fraud? Not really. Plus that other incident with that kid." "You mentioned something about a kid before. Both you and Soos mentioned him. So, you're gonna let me in on it?" "I don't know. Are you gonna tell anyone. I mean, since your parents work with the law, they would arrest Stan in seconds." Zyon thought about this. He was in a position of power. He could make Stan pay him more so he'll keep his mouth shut. Or Stan could just fire him. He really didn't have any proof. Well, the Mystery Shack was enough proof to see a scam, but no one seemed to care. "No. I won't say anything." "It's no big deal. They found him. Stan and the parents found the little boy in the attic." "So, the little boy got lost in the shack? That's it?" "Well, he wasn't breathing when they found him. That's why he got rushed to the hospital." "Wasn't breathing? What happened to him?" "I don't know." Zyon squint his eyes. Wendy flashed him a smile. "So, about the last event of the competition-" "Actually, I had a talk with Mr. Poolcheck. He's concerned about the pool supplies so he told me and Dipper to keep a watch. Whoever does a better job, gets to stay." "Oh, okay that works. I was gonna have you two battle to the death, but this won't involve any clean up afterwards." "Is anyone in this town right in the head?" Zyon asked. Wendy laughed. The time the pool would close came and everyone exited the area. Zyon saw Wendy heading out and ran to catch up. "Hey-" he began. Suddenly, a muscular arm attached to a large hand reached out and grabbed him. Mr. Poolcheck turned the boy around to face him. "Where do you think yur goin'?" he bellowed. "Uh, home. The pool's closing." "Look here pint size, you gave me your word that you'd stay here and guard those supplies!" "Wait! You mean I gotta stay here overnight? But, my parents are expecting me home." "You wanna keep your job?" Zyon was about to say 'screw it' when he saw Dipper walk over. "Don't worry Mr. Poolcheck. I'll guard those supplies overnight. No one is going to steal anything tonight." "Uh, me too," Zyon quickly added. Their boss nodded and walked away, giving them some relief. NIght came and Zyon still sat on the lifeguard stand. He looked up to see millions of stars in the sky and one possible UFO. Maybe this wasn't so bad. He was getting paid over time, which was a foreign term to Stan. No one was there, except for the kid in the pool filter. It was so peaceful. After a while, he got bored and climbed down. As he walked around the pool he noticed someone by the door to the pool shed. He ran over, ready to pounce on whoever it was. As he approached, the person turned and shined his flashlight towards him. "Oh, it's you." Zyon heard the familiar squeaky voice. He looked down at Dipper wearing his pool patrol hat. "I don't understand why you're staying too," Dipper said. "I got this" Zyon squint his eyes. "Oh no you don't! You're not taking my job!" Dipper finally exploded. "I went for this job first!" "No you didn't! He already gave the job to me and then you came horning in on it." A sly smile appeared on his lips. "And I know why. You think if you get this job, then you'll get to work with Wendy all summer. Why are you bothing? She's not into you!" Dipper's expression softened and he turned away. "I know that," he said solemnly. "But, that's why I have to do this." Suddenly, a clanging sound came from the other end of the pool. Zyon and Dipper ran over to see the last person they expected to be at a public pool at night. Stan stood in his suit holding a pair of pliers that he just used to cut a hole in the fence. "Grunkle Stan? What are you doing here?" "I have no idea. I must be sleep walking. Also sleep talking." He stared at Dipper, hoping he bought that. "You're the one destroying pool supplies." "What? No. What I'm doing is much better than that," he said with a victorious grin. "I'm getting that chair before Gideon does! Then maybe I'll destroy some pool supplies. NIght's still young." Zyon narrowed his eyes. "Really, Mr. P? You really gotta be that petty?" He stared blankly at the boy for a moment. "Yes," he answered plainly. "Alright Grunkle Stan, time to go," Dipper said. He blew hard on his whistle. "Fine I'm going." Stan started to walk back through the hole, but did a quick turn and ran towards the other side. Dipper ran after him. "This is so stupid man. Why am I here?" Zyon ran towards the bathrooms. He didn't see Stan or Dipper anywhere. Then, Dipper came out of the men's bathroom. "He's not in there," he said. "Let's go back to the pool shed." The two rushed back. The door to the woman's bathroom opened and Stan poked his head out. He walked over and sat on the pool chair he claimed was the best one that was equal distance from the snack bar and the bathrooms and had the right amount of sun and shade. He lay down. "Now I only have to wait fifteen hours before the pool opens up-. This was a good plan," he said with an accomplished smile. Zyon and Dipper arrived at the pool shed to see Mabel with the cooler on the golf cart that belonged to the shack. "Mabel! Dipper cried. "Is there anyone not breaking into the pool tonight? What is Soos here too?" Just then, Soos fell over the fence into the pool area. "Go home Soos." "You got it," he said as he tried to jump up to reach the top of the fence." "Yo Mabel, what you got in the cooler?" Zyon asked. "That's top secret!" she said and zoomed off. "Mabel! Come back here!" Dipper shouted. He jumped in the pool cart and rode after her. Zyon shook his head. He walked over to the pool filter where the poor kid who was put in solitary still was held captive. He pulled out the vent. "You've been in there long enough. Go home." The boy who didn't look older than ten swam out and practically jumped out of the pool. "Thank you!" He grabbed Zyon and held him tight. "Oh my God, thank you so much!" "It's fine," Zyon grunted. "Just go home!" "Yay!" he shouted and ran out through the giant hole in the fence. Zyon walked over to Stan who was lying down with his eyes closed. He bent down and spoke just above a whisper to the old man. "You're really sad, you know that?" A snort erupted from Stan as he mumbled and rolled over, deep in sleep. Zyon started off towards the hole. "No! Come back!" he heard Stan erupt. Zyon turned to the old man who was still fast asleep. "Whatever," Zyon grumbled. Mabel and Dipper were long gone. How was he going to find them. Then, it came to him. How else? Hey, Crimson, are you free? Flying in the night sky, Zyon felt more in his space. He looked down to search for the twins. Suddenly, a water balloon flew past his ear. Turing his head, he looked behind him. His eyes trailed down to Dipper down in the pool vehicle lodging balloons at the golf cart Mabel drove. Another balloon flew over the golf cart and up at him. "God, that kid has bad aim," Zyon criticized. Crimson followed the chase all the way to the lake. Crismon dropped Zyon off under the thick trees and vanished. He ran out to where the twins were arguing. "What do you think you're doing Mabel! I'm gonna lose my job because of you!" "But Dipper, I needed the cooler!" "Why?" Suddenly a sneeze came from inside the cooler. Dipper opened the cooler to reveal something he wasn't ready for. A young man with a hispanic origin and a long blue fishtail rolled out. Mabel sighed. "I needed the cooler to transport my friend who is a merman. "What the hell?" Zyon cried as rushed over. "Who's that?" "This is my friend, Mermando," Mabel said. "Mermando?" Zyon asked skeptically. "What kind of name is that?" "It is what people call me," the merman answered. "This is because Mermando is my name." "So, what's your deal?" Zyon asked. "I think I am dying!" he said as he collapsed on the ground. Mabel noticed the water in the cooler was all gone. Mermando's face turned blue. "Aqua!" he gasped. "Aqua, por favor!" "He needs water!" Mabel cried. "Dipper, you're a lifeguard, give him CPR!" "But he doesn't breathe air!' "Then do reverse CPR, doy!" Dipper immediately began pouring water into his mouth and blew it into the merman's mouth. "I hate this!" he shouted, but did it again. "I hate this!" Mabel began taking pictures. She laughed quietly to herself. "Blackmail." Zyon stood there, trying to figure out why Dipper didn't just throw Mermando into the water. Finally, the merman sat up. "Thank you," he said to Dipper. "But. why didn't you just roll me into the lake?" Dipper groaned and slapped his forehead for his own stupidity. Now, fully emerged into the water, Merando splashed around feeling free. Then, he stopped and looked sadly at Mabel. "I am glad I met you. I just have one problem. I need to call to my family, but my voice is faded and my throat is soar." Mabel thought for a moment, then it came to her. "I got it! BRB!" She ran to the pool vehicle and grabbed the megaphone. Dipper snatched it from her. "Dipper, I need your loud caller thingy." "Mabel, I can't! I'll lose my job!" Mabel gazed sadly at her brother. "Have you ever fallen for someone, but you know deep down that it won't ever work out?" Dipper's gaze fell. Even Zyon had to admit that her words got to him too. Dipper sighed and handed the megaphone to his sister. She threw it to Mermando. "Thank you Dipper. I am indebted to you." 'You have no idea," Dipper whispered to himself. "One more thing, before I go." Mermando put his hands on the edge of the dock, pushed himself up and gave Mabel the kiss she was wishing for. Dipper turned away, disgusted. The merman swam off, leaving the three with a dented cooler, a dented pool vehicle and no megaphone. "I'm not sure how we're going to explain this to Mr. Poolcheck," Dipper said. "Well, I'm tellin' him the truth!" Zyon returned. "That she stole pool supplies and led you on a high speed golf cart chase! Also I'm telling him that Stan cut his fence." Zyon began to walk away. Dipper turned to Mabel who already had a broken heart. "Hey, wait!" He chased after Zyon. He ran right in front of the teenager. "I'll take full responsibility. Don't tell him about Mabel or Stan. They're my family." "Are you serious? Why would you do that for your sister, man?" "Do you have any siblings?" Dipper asked. Zyon's gaze fell to the ground. "No." "Then you wouldn't understand." Zyon let those words sink in. Ever since his was a child, he felt other kids looked at him like he was privileged just because he didn't have to share anything with siblings. However, he also didn't have anyone to back him up when bullies came after him. He was always alone. "Z?" Mabel called. Zyon turned to her. "I don't want you guys getting fired because of me. You can tell him whatever you feel is best, okay?" Mabel walked over to the golf cart and drove off. Zyon sighed. He didn't know what he should do.
The next day, Mr. Poolcheck was beyond livid. "Who is responsible for this mess?" he screamed. Dipper looked at Zyon. He opened his mouth to speak, then," "I did it, sir." Zyon said. Dipper's eyes widened. "I mean, I didn't break the fence, steal your megaphone and cooler and dent the pool cart, but I failed the stop the person who did. Actually, Dipper is the reason, you still have a pool cart and cooler." "As far as I'm concerned, neither one of you has what it takes to handle the anarchy of a public pool. You're both fired!" He snatched their whistles, shoved them in his mouth and swallowed them. The boys did a sideways glance at each other, then slowly back away from their former boss. "If one more thing goes wrong today-!" Soos landed on the pool side of the fence, grabbed the duck floaties and threw them over the fence. "You're free little ducks!" he said gleefully. Poolcheck turned with a steaming glare. "You!" he yelled. "Oh no!" Soos shook with fear. He rushed over to the fence and got over it just as the madman barreled through the thick wired fence. The boys walked towards the pool exit. Their eyes perked up as Wendy walked over to them. Strange, she was in her normal clothes. "Hey Dudes, guess what? I just got fired." "Really?" Dipper asked. "How did that happen?" Zyon asked. "I took too many snacks." She showed them under her hat. The three of them laughed as they left the pool. Zyon came home to an empty house again. He was used to this, but the air felt heavy. He went upstairs, ignoring the eerie feeling looming over him. Once in his room, he felt a little safer, but he had to do something to drown out the silence. Zyon grabbed his phone and sat down on his bed. Putting his earbuds in, he looked through his song list. He finally found one with a calming melody and listened to it as he drifted to sleep. Zyon opened his eyes to see a familiar place, his bedroom from his old house. There was a door that led out onto a small deck. He walked outside to see his old neighborhood. "Are you homesick, kid?" he heard a familiar high pitch voice. Zyon looked up to see a strange triangular figure with a hat and bowtie. "Oh, it's you. Wuz up?" "Wuz up, yourself. You know I've been watching you, right?" "And?" Zyon asked. "You're kind of getting sweet on Ms. Ice Bag." Zyon made a crude sound with his lips. "Why do you call her that? Her name is Wendy." "You know why," the creature returned. Zyon rolled his eyes. "Is there a purpose for this meeting?" "Of course. I need to talk to you about your dragons." "What are you talking about?" "They had a baby, right? I need you to give it to me." "I don't think Crimson and Oceana will give up their kid." "They can have another one. Dragons have offspring all the time." "But why?" "Two reasons," the dream demon held up two fingers. "One, I need to uh, feed that thing, you know that keeps watch on the interdimensional door to my world and two, you owe me a whole bunch of sacrifices for showing people your dragons. Rather than having you kill another person, I'll just take the dragon's baby. Maybe that will deter them from showing themselves to mortals." "Wait a minute!" Zyon raged. "You said that I can't let people know that I have dragons. I know I showed them off for those people at the shack, but no one knows they belong to me." "I'm talking about your friends. You now have three friends who know you have dragons, Ice Bag, Shooting Star and Pine Tree." The demon glanced menacingly at Zyon. "You don't want to have to kill any of them, do you?" Zyon grit his teeth. "NO!" He let out a long sigh. "You can have the baby." "Great!" the demon's eye formed a smile. "I have to let you go, but I'll catch up with you later." With those words, the dream demon was gone. Zyon woke up. He ran over to his closet where the baby dragon slept in the box. He wasn't surprised to see it was gone.