Here is the next Chapter. Thanks to AquaBurst07 for being my Beta!
Ch. 12 (Some things are better left unknown)
The two stood frozen in an awkward staring contest. Gideon cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"I-um, I'm going to go to bed!Goodnight!" Pacifica said in a rush.
The bedroom door closed behind her. She sighed and walked over to her bed, flopping down dramatically. Why is this even such a big deal? It's not like she hasn't seen him shirtless before.
Memories from camp flooded back to her. There was the time she pushed Gideon into the lake against his will. Then shortly after when she had to dive in after him because he couldn't swim. She laughed to herself. What type of teenager doesn't know how to swim?
But this was different. Gideon wasn't the same chubby kid she met in camp. Instead, he has a medium build, slight abs and powerful, blue eyes. She, even in the moment, couldn't take her eyes off of him.
She forced her eyes shut. Her thoughts drifted to Gideon in the towel and recalled something a little disturbing. The gash on Gideon's neck had run all the way down and across his chest. He was hurt worse than Pacifica thought and he just brushed it off. Pacifica's face turned red again as she found herself thinking of Gideon's torso.
She shoved those thoughts aside. After a while, she drifted to sleep.
Pacifica found herself sitting at a booth in Lazy Susan's Diner. From what she could tell, the building was completely empty. As soon as she stood up, she felt incredibly light headed, and began to wobble on her feet. She heard the chime that indicated a person entering the diner, and when she turned to see who it was, she lost her footing and began falling toward the floor. She closed her eyes, waiting for the impact that never came. Pacifica waited for her head to stop spinning before opening her eyes again. She was greeted with a pair of beautiful green eyes peering down at her.
"That was a close one." A familiar voice said. Pacifica's vision cleared and Dipper's face came into view. She felt his arm around her as he gently carried her back over to the booth. To her chagrin, he sat down right next to her.
"Thanks, I suppose." Pacifica said, sitting away from him.
Dipper frowned. "If you still feel dizzy, you can rest your head on my shoulder."
Pacifica still wasn't sure she could trust him, but her head was throbbing and she figured a shoulder would be better to lean on than a windowpane. He put an arm around her as she leaned over.
"Do you still want to know about the rivalry between the Pines and Gleefuls?" he asked. Although it hurt, Pacifica nodded her head on his shoulder. "Very well."
"It started a long time ago, Mabel and I were only toddlers. Our parents died when we were young, so we were sent to Oregon to live with our Great Uncles, Stan and Ford, who welcomed us with open arms. They were also twins, and they are the original magical act for the tent of telepathy. Soon after our arrival, Bud Gleeful and his pregnant wife moved in and started up the Mystery Shack. At first there was no harm in a little friendly competition, but after the brat was born, things got out of hand."
"If you were just an infant, how do you remember all of this?" Pacifica interrupted.
Dipper was silent for a moment, and his grip on her tightened. "I'd rather not say. Anyway, should I continue?"
Pacifica shifted on his shoulder as he relaxed again. "Yeah, sorry, go ahead."
"So as soon as Gideon was born, my life went straight to hell. The Tent wasn't doing so well because one of the Mystery Twins had decided not to make any more appearances. While Grunkle Stan worked the tent, Ford was sucked into the paranormal weirdness that seemed to only reveal itself around the Gleeful family. After a few years of this, the Tent of Telepathy was running out of loyal customers, and the Mystery Shack was booming thanks to the support Ford provided. Grunkle Stan was furious at his brother. Not only had he betrayed his own family, but he added salt to the wound by running behind everyone's back with that woman."
Pacifica raised her head at this. "What woman?"
Dipper removed his hand from around her shoulder and looked off into the distance. "Bud Gleeful's wife." Pacifica stood but instantly regretted it as another dizzy spell took over. She sat back down and looked over at Dipper, his image was fading.
"But she died," Pacifica's voice wavered. "She died when Gideon was born."
"I don't know who told you that, but she was definitely alive and well for many years after Gideon's birth."
"Then why doesn't he remember her?" Pacifica could hardly see Dipper anymore as he shrugged.
"I don't know, maybe Bud took his memories."
"Why would he do that? What happened to Gideon's mother?" Pacifica was becoming more frantic the more Dipper faded away.
"I'm sorry, Pacifica. I have to go now."
"Wait!" she yelled and reached out for him, but she only caught air.
Pacifica woke up with her head on the floor. Still halfway on the bed, Pacifica lifted herself off the floor. When she fell out of bed, she must have not woken up because the top half of her was freezing while the half that had been covered in blankets was warm. Also, she had an intense migraine. That must have been why she was so dizzy in her dream.
"The Dream."
Pacifica angrily got out of bed and raced downstairs, fully prepared to confront Bud Gleeful about Gideon's mother. She called out his name, knocked on his bedroom door, and searched the whole house, irritated to find that she was completely alone. She was doubly irritated because her head would not stop pounding. Pacifica took a deep breath and decided to search for Tylenol first before continuing her rampage. After taking the headache reliever, she went back up to her room to get dressed. She figured she might as well look decent when scolding her elders. Before she went inside, she Pacifica noticed a sticky note on her door.
"Went to the store to pick up some groceries with dad. Be back soon." Pacifica read aloud. "P.S. sorry about last night. I like your hair BTW"
She laughed at the last part. Without removing the note, Pacifica quickly got ready and took this time alone as her chance to search the shack. After all, she was about to accuse Bud of hiding away Gideon's mother based on a dream about someone from their rivals family. "I need evidence." So Pacifica began to search.
She started with the living room. Practically moving every miscellaneous item there, Pacifica flopped down on the recliner, ready to give up. She looked over at the picture above the fish tank. Narrowing her eyes, she got up and tried to get a closer look at it. It was an image with a single person, Gideon's mother, standing half turned towards the camera. She had a serene smile, and beautiful, flowy, dark blue hair. Pacifica reached up for the picture but her fingertips barley brushed the bottom frame. She dragged the t-rex head in front of the fish tank and stood on top, using one hand to stable herself against the giant tank. She reached out again, pinching the corner of the picture and once she thought she had a good grip, she pulled. Unfortunately, the string holding the photo up snapped and sent Pacifica tumbling backwards. She landed hard on the floor, the back of her head hitting the T.V.
Rubbing her head, she looked up to see the photo slowly drifting to the bottom of the fish tank. Crap! Despite her newly throbbing head, she got back on the t-rex head and dove halfway into the tank to save the picture. Thankfully she got it out of the tank before too much water seeped into the frame. Dripping and miserable, Pacifica opened the back of the picture frame and something fell out. She knelt to the ground and picked up a key with a beautiful ring attached to it. Was this a wedding ring? Pacifica looked back at the picture and saw that it was folded over. Slipping it out of the frame and unfolding it revealed another person in the picture. A stranger who looked an awful lot like the old Pines man. He was standing a few feet behind Gideon's mother, also half turned toward the camera. In red pen, there were devil horns and markings around the man's face.
Could Dipper's story be true? She looked at the ring in her hand, then back at the picture. Her left hand was clearly visible, and clearly ring-less. She unconsciously placed the ring back in her pocket as her mind raced. Why would Bud keep this picture? Pacifica started to feel bad about looking into this; but if Gideon's mother was still alive, he had a right to know. Pacifica quickly put the picture back in its frame and did her best to re-tie the string and hang it back on the wall. She was still a little damp and covered in fish water, so she decided to take a shower.
Moments after Pacifica had hopped in the shower, Bud and Gideon walked through the door, each had their arms full of groceries. They headed straight for the kitchen to put everything away. After the groceries were taken care of, Gideon grabbed a granola bar and headed upstairs to check on Pacifica. As he reached the top of the stairs, Gideon heard the shower running and made a U-turn. He didn't want another incident like the one from the night before, so he decided to watch some T.V.
Pacifica came downstairs moments later and found Gideon fast asleep in the recliner. She went over to the T.V. and turned it off, which immediately woke him up.
Pacifica smiled. "Hey Gideon."
"Hey" he replied. Pacifica looked down. "Is something wrong?"
"I was thinking about last night."
Gideon turned red at this. "I'm sorry Pacifica. If I had known you were there I would have waited to exit the bathroom."
Pacifica shook her head and looked back up. "It's not that. Your scar. You never told me how seriously Bill hurt you."
Gideon flinched at the name. "I wonder where that demon has disappeared to. I don't know if you remember, but before you were dragged off to Mabel's insane slumber party, he possessed you."
"What! What did I-what did he make me do?"
"Nothing, it's what he said that has me worried." Pacifica sat down on the armrest of the recliner and put a hand on Gideon's shoulder. "He said, 'We've unleashed a great evil on this town."
"Could he be referring to that monster we let lose?"
"Maybe, but I think the evil he was referring to is the Pines family."
"Why would you say that?" Pacifica asked. "I mean, I know they are horrible people and everyone says not to trust them, but there are always two sides to every story."
Pacifica debated whether or not she should mention Gideon's mom.
"Are you joking?" Gideon stood suddenly and turned on her. "Are you actually sympathizing with those monsters?"
Pacifica stood to face him. "No, Gideon listen. Maybe there's a part of the story you're missing."
It seemed that whatever Pacifica said went in one ear and out the other.
"I don't believe this. I thought you were my friend!"
"I am your friend!" she yelled then composed herself. "Gideon, I don't have a lot of evidence yet, but there's a possibility that your m-"
"Hey kids, what's all the ruckus?" Bud Gleeful interrupted. The two, startled by Bud's sudden appearance, quickly mumbled that nothing was wrong and it was just a small disagreement. "Well, it's getting late. Why don't you two head off to bed?" Pacifica looked up at the clock, it was only 7:30. Gideon took this opportunity to run off, and as Pacifica went to chase him, she was stopped by Bud. "We need to talk." his voice was stern.
"What's wrong Mr. Gleeful?" Bud pointed over to the photo of Gideon's mom, and Pacifica felt like ice had fallen in her gut.
"Now I know young kids these days are all curious and want to get down to the bottom of things, but some things are better left unknown, you hear." Pacifica just nodded. "I don't know how much you know kiddo, but Gideon is my son, and I only want what's best for him. Don't ruin his memory."
"But what if she's still-" Pacifica began to protest.
"Ah ah ah, no more." Bud cut her off. "Just leave the matter alone and enjoy the rest of your summer okay."
Pacifica did not respond. Bud stepped aside and she quickly ran off to her room. She slammed the door and slid against the back of it. She was upset and didn't notice the other presence in her room.
"What's the matter Blondie?" a familiar voice spoke.
Pacifica looked up, and was surprised to see a man where a floating triangle should have been.
"Bill?" she questioned. "What happened to you?"
"Oh this?" he said, gesturing to his human form. "Just a little joke What's more important is that I have a proposition for you."
"No way." She turned to leave the room, hoping that he would not be able to follow.
"Wait!" he sounded desperate for a moment, causing her to pause. "I, uh, I don't have a lot of time. I can only hold this transmission for a few more minutes at most. Listen carefully." Pacifica turned back to him and waited. Bill smiled. "As much as I hate to admit it, the Mystery Brats have complete control over me and my all-powerful-dream demon actions. I need you and your chubby friend to help me break a contract."
"How are we supposed to do that?"
Bill paused, and his image flickered out for a moment. "I'm working on that part."
Pacifica rolled her eyes.
"Just promise you'll help me. I'll stop bothering you and Gideon about the journal."
Pacifica chewed her bottom lip. If Bill stopped bothering them, maybe their summer could return to normal. But he couldn't be trusted, could he?
"How do I know this isn't a trap set up by Mabel and Dipper?" she asked.
"Come on, kid. I'm an all-powerful dream demon. Does it look like I want to serve those Mystery Knuckle Heads? I'll answer that for you. No!" Bill started to turn red. "I'm running out of time, will you help me or not?"
Pacifica thought it over as Bill's hue returned to a soft yellow.
"One condition," she said.
"What!?"
"We let loose a creature in Gravity Falls. Can you take care of it?"
"Of course I can. I'm an all-powerful-"
"Dream Demon. Yeah, yeah; I get it."
"So we have a deal?"
His toothy grin almost made Pacifica back down, but she wanted more than anything for Gideon's safety. That included the weight on his conscious.
"Fine."
Bill reached out a fiery blue hand, but before Pacifica could take it, he disappeared. Pacifica sighed. Does this mean the deal was off? She was almost relieved, but still very uncertain about a number of things. Instead of sleeping that night, she decided to say up and knit. She didn't want another visit from Dipper.