Dipper stepped outside of the gas station, Fire close behind him. He made his way over to the motorcycle that was parked next to the single gas pump that was there.

Well, at least it didn't get stolen. He thought. He sat on the bike, Fire close behind him. The familiarity of Fire's arms around his waist somewhat comforting, and no doubt Fire heard that thought, but right now he could care less. He started the bike and revved forward slowly, pulling out of the gas station and onto one of the two lane roads that led to the highway.

The first thing he noticed was the solitude. After riding around for a few minutes, he couldn't see another car anywhere close, not even in the parking lots of the spaced buildings. It was definitely strange, but Dipper didn't think much of it. Right now, all he was focused on was getting the hell out of here and to this Marco character.

"Hey, D?" Fire asked behind him.

"Hmm?" He asked her. There was a short moment of hesitation on her part. It lasted only a few seconds, but more than enough to be noticeable.

"...Nothing." She said, gripping a little harder. Dipper turned back to her.

"Hey, is something-" He was cut off abruptly by the sound of a sudden explosion.

BOOM!

The bike shook underneath them, and Dipper tried desperately not to fall off the bike. He looked behind him, and his eyes widened as he gazed upon a tornado of fire, at least twenty feet high. Dipper stared back at the sight. The way the fire and smoke twirled into the air against the backdrop of the dark sky was...beautiful. Like a piece of art, brought to life before his very eyes, writhing and pulsing. Dipper couldn't bring himself to look away form such a sight.

"Dipper, look out!" Fire yelled behind him. His head swiveled forward as he was ripped back to reality, and he saw an enormous piece of concrete protruding out from the ground. He tried to swerve, but he wasn't fast enough, and the front tire hit the jagged ground. Dipper was sent flying forwards, Fire right behind him, and the bike being tossed to the right of them. Dipper let his instincts take over as he somehow found the energy to turn in a complete circle in midair turned and wrap his arms around Fire, as his body hit the ground.

He felt the bones in his right arm shift and heard an audible crack, as multiple pieces of metal from the now destroyed bike pierced the skin and muscle on his back. The leg of his pants tore and so did the skin on his right leg as he slid along the concrete, but he was somehow able to keep his head from hitting the pavement. At first, it was as if someone had put a heated blanket on him, it was strangely warm and unexpected. Then the pain started to increase dramatically. The warmth turned into an inferno of torture, and he found himself unable to move. It probably didn't help that he was still clutching Fire in his arms, adding weight unto the injury, but he wasn't able to think correctly. He just continued to follow his instincts, clutching Fire like she was the last thing in the universe. Of course, she probably couldn't be injured, but he felt a need to protect her. He turned his body so that maybe the pain wouldn't be as bad, but the sudden movement just made it worse.

"Dipper!" Fire said, quickly but carefully getting out of his arms. The sudden change of pressure also caused him pain, but it soon grew a little weaker thanks to the freedom of his injury. But that still did not change the fact that it hurt like hell. "Are you all right?"

"Oh, yeah, just a bruise." Dipper lied. The truth was, his arm was probably broken in three places. And his leg was bleeding profoundly.

"You idiot, you can't lie to me, I'm in your head." Fire said, slowly turning him on his back. The pain shot through the entire right side of his body and even into his face somehow. He couldn't help but yell at the immense suffering he was in.

So this is how it ends, Dipper thought, go figure.

"Shut up, Dipper, you aren't dying." She said. "I'm sure that I'll be able to fix it in no time, just give me a minute."

"Mmm-hmm." Dipper hummed in agreement, his eyes closed. He didn't expect this to be how his day turned out. His eyes squinted closed and took quick breaths, working through the pain.

"You gotta get up, Dipper. There's no telling if that thing will get any closer." She said. Dipper just nodded, trying to listen but not quite comprehending the entire situation.

"Come on, Dipper, we gotta hurry!" She grabbed his good arm and slowly hoisted him up. He took his time as much as he could, slowly sitting up and working to get onto his left foot. His back screamed in denial and his arm burned from the shock every movement caused him, but he didn't get up. Soon he was on his knees, and working to stand. He made the mistake of using his right leg first. Despite Fire doing half the work, it felt like a million bees had stung him. He grunted in pain, but refused to back down, and in one quick movement stood up.

"That's it, Dipper, there we go." Fire said, her voice reaching him in a soothing tone. Dipper's eyes were still closed. He had somehow lost the energy to open them, though he doubted that he could see through the heavy blanket of pain tears that had developed in his eyes.

"RRRRAAAAAAAAARRRRGH!" The guttural roar was so loud that it was physically causing Dipper pain. The ground shook and it seemed to go through the very trees. Dipper wished he could see what was going on, but he could feel the energy slowly draining out of him. He would need Fire to be his eyes.

"What was that?" He asked. He felt Fire gently nudge him forward.

"We need to leave, now." She said. Dipper decided now was not the time to pry and started to walk. He tried to match her pace, but his bad leg was just in too much pain for him to go to fast. Even if he couldn't see it, he could feel how slow they were moving. It was downright ridiculous.

"Is that thing fast?" He asked. He could feel Fire's breath on his cheek,and judging from how fast it was, she was either having a hard time caring him or was very scared.

Hopefully not the latter.

"No, just big. If we can find somewhere to hide, we'll be fine." She said breathlessly.

Easier said that done, Dipper thought. No matter how slow it was, Dipper doubted that they would make it anywhere before it got to them. And every step just made Dipper worse and worse. slowly, he dragged out the steps, forcing his eyes open just to see the world around him spinning.

Dipper's balance gave out as he fell to the ground, pain rippling through him in unbelievable waves. He coughed, feeling the warmth of his blood make it's way out of his lungs and onto the concrete under him. He heard a sickening crack as he fell back on his inured arm, and he could feel the skin on his back ripping. He didn't have time to scream before he felt reality slipping from his grasp, and everything start to turn black. As he lost consciousness, he heard a few, final words.

"...This is why I hate road trips..."