*Disclaimer* I do not own, nor have the rights to Gravity Falls or any of its characters, please support the official release.
Gravity Falls: Return to the Falls
"Bro! Bro! Bro!" Mabel bounced as her and Dipper walked down the school's hallway. "Bro! Bro! Bro!"
"Mabel, it's a little early for you to be this hyper," Dipper said, putting a hand up to his face.
"IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO BE HYPER!" Mabel shouted, causing some of the other students to look over at her and Dipper.
"How much Mabel juice did you drink this morning?" Dipper asked, squinting at her.
"That doesn't matter," Mabel exclaimed, brushing her hands at Dipper, "besides, I'm super excited because, because, OUR CLASS IS GETTING A NEW STUDENT TODAY!"
"Mabel, we don't even talk to half of the kids in our class..." Dipper stated as they got to their lockers.
"So, new kid, maybe they'll be cool and get to be part of our group!" Mabel bounced as she put her bag in her locker.
"I doubt it," Dipper chuckled, "although I do feel sorry for them, there's five days left in the school year, moving at the end must be hard."
"Hey, we showed up at the beginning of summer last year," Mabel laughed.
"Yeah, and it was a while before anything interesting, by that I mean finding the journal, happened. It was even longer before we had any friends, it even took a while to get close with Wendy and Soos," Dipper added, putting his bag away, pulling out a book, notebook, and pen.
"We're also almost done with the school year, I hope this summer is just as eventful as the last!" Mabel bounced.
"Yeah," Dipper sighed, "I actually hope not, we don't need anything as wild as last summer. I could use a calm summer."
"So, what are your plans for the summer then?" The voice suddenly came from behind Dipper, making him jump.
"Geeze Paz," Dipper said, embarrassed, "didn't hear you walk up."
"Didn't mean to scare you," Pacifica laughed, "honestly, I'm excited for summer, I'm hoping we work on our journals more, maybe some mini golf," Pacifica smiled, holding her book up to her chest.
"Oh, yeah, I want to play mini golf as much as I can this summer," Mabel smiled, "it'll be fun having my rival with me." Mabel laughed putting an arm around Pacifica.
"Yeah," Pacifica laughed back.
"As for me, I'll probably just try to work more on the journals, probably help Grunkle Ford out and apprentice under him for the summer," Dipper answered.
"You would want to spend your whole summer learning," Mabel laughed.
"Can you be anymore of a nerd? Come on, let's have as much fun as we can this summer!" Pacifica declared, "we only have so many left before we're boring adults who don't get to enjoy summer, let's make the best while we can."
"Yeah, mini golf, lemonade, mythical creatures," Mabel started listing, "we should try to get to the pool more often!"
"Oh, I never got to go to the public pool, parents wouldn't let me, I'd love to this year," Pacifica said, "how about it Dipper? Let's the three of us go to the pool together this summer!"
"To the pool huh?" Dipper said, thinking about what happened last time, and about Poolcheck, as well as lifeguarding with Wendy. "That'd be fun."
"Yeah, and I can get a new swimsuits and show it off for when we do!" Pacifica cheered. Dipper smiled at Pacifica, he then suddenly tensed up, staring at her. He stuttered as his jaw drop, making some random sounds, a bright red covering his face.
"Bro?" Mabel asked.
"Wha... well would you look at that," Dipper stammered, "I think the bell rang, I better get to class." Dipper rushed off towards the classroom.
"What was that about?" Pacifica asked.
"Oh, I can probably guess," Mabel smiled, "last summer Grunkle Stan accidentally gave me a talk explaining why boys our age are all awkward, and sweaty."
"That explains why Dipper just acted all weird and suddenly ran off?" Pacifica asked, confused.
"Well," Mabel thought, thinking about how the last thing said before Dipper freaked out was Paz talking about getting herself a swimsuit. "I think it explains exactly why he did just that!"
Chapter 14: Stranger Things Have Happened
"Alright class," the teacher started, a boy was standing at the front with the teacher. He had long dark, hair and a nasty look on his face, he was wearing a grey jacket, which he had his hands in, and jeans. He was leaning back and looked like he didn't care about being there. "This is Arthur Canyon, his family just moved to Gravity Falls and he will now be in your class. Say hello Arthur," the teacher finished.
"Teh," Arthur grunted, looking away from the teacher and the class. Dipper noticed that that the class already had a negative atmosphere, except for a few of the girls.
"So... dreamy..." Mabel said, staring, wide eyed, at Arthur. Gideon noticed this and started glaring at Arthur.
"You can take the available seat at the front of that row," the teacher said, faking a smile at Arthur's attitude. "You'll be sitting in front of Mabel Pines, maybe her cheery and random attitude will have an impact on you." Arthur shrugged as he sat down in front of Mabel, Gideon looked like he was about to snap. Candy was trying not to laugh at Gideon, Grenda and Marius were staring quietly at Mabel as she fangirled. Pacifica laughed slightly, while Dipper just stared at Arthur, something seemed... off.
"I'm so happy," Mabel whispered to herself.
"Mabel you crush on every new guy you meet," Dipper sighed.
"Hi, I'm Mabel," Mabel said, ignoring Dipper, Arthur looked back at her, then turned back forward.
"How dare he..." Gideon shook in his seat.
"Well class, I'll be right back, I need to get something from the counselor's office, just, study up while I'm gone," the teacher said, before leaving. After a moment of silence, Gideon got up and stormed towards Arthur.
"Can I help you?" Arthur asked, not even looking up from his book, Gideon had his hand up, like he was about to say something.
"Yeah, you can," Gideon glared, "you can move back to wherever you came from!"
"Gideon!" Mabel and a few other girls exclaimed.
"Believe me kid, I'd rather be there than here," Arthur stated.
"What's that mean, Gravity Falls is an amazing place!" Gideon shouted.
"Well, make up your mind, do you want me to leave, or do you want me to stay," Arthur smiled, smugly.
"You better watch how you talk to lil ol' me!" Gideon declared.
"What is your problem with me?" Arthur asked.
"You see this, precious, delicate, flower sitting behind ya," Gideon said, gesturing at Mabel, Arthur looked back, then went back to his book. "you done stole her fragile little heart, and I don't want that lil ol' heart getting broke."
"I have no interest in her or you," Arthur said, not even looking at Gideon.
"Gideon, calm down," some of the classmates stated.
"Don't tell me what to do! Ya'll don't understand, if Darling Mabel is going to marry anyone it'll be lil ol' me!" Gideon declared.
"Bleh," Mabel shook.
"So, that's what this is about," Arthur sighed, closing his book, "look kid, I have no interest in her, and from what I gather, she has no interest in you." This statement caused a few kids to laugh.
"How dare you? She belongs to me, understand?" Gideon raged, Arthur suddenly shot him a look.
"She belongs to you?" Arthur said, closing his book.
"She is mine," Gideon declared, pointing at himself.
"Here I thought she was a person, I didn't realize she was some object," Arthur started, "no wonder she isn't interested in you."
"I oughta hurt you," Gideon exclaimed, throwing a punch at him, Arthur effortlessly moved his head out of the way.
"I'm not going to fight you," Arthur said, staring at Gideon, Dipper noticed a slight blue glow shine around Arthur's eyes, Arthur seemed to scan the room real quick. "Tell you what," Arthur started, "after school, come by my house, you want this girl's heart, we can fight for it, but it has to be at my place."
"Deal!" Gideon glared.
"You can even bring help if you want," Arthur scoffed, "like, him, for example," Arthur pointed at Dipper.
"What? Why me?" Dipper exclaimed, "I don't want to fight!"
"Deal!" Gideon exclaimed, "after school, Dipper and I are going to beat you up, Dipper doesn't let boys go after his sister!"
"No, I just don't let you..." Dipper said, but Gideon seemed to ignore him.
"Good, then leave me be," Arthur said, going back to his book. Dipper was still staring at Arthur.
"Are you going to fight him?" Pacifica called forward.
"Of course not," Dipper said, "however, something, it's just bugging me, I can't tell what it is."
"I'm sure it's nothing, he's just new," Pacifica said.
"Maybe," Dipper squinted.
"Hey, why'd you get all weird and run off earlier?" Pacifica asked. Dipper's face went red, causing him to panic, causing him to fall, slamming his face on his desk.
"Ow!" Dipper exclaimed.
"Dipper!" Pacifica called, worried.
Everyone was walking through the lunch line, Dipper was laughing with Pacifica and Mabel as he filled his lunch tray, he noticed that everyone was avoiding a table in the middle. It reminded him of when he first moved back, when Pacifica was forced to sit by herself. Dipper noticed that Arthur was sitting at the end of the table everyone was avoiding. He had his usual scowl, and seemed angered.
"Geeze, he always looks angry," Pacifica said, noticing Dipper staring at the empty table.
"No, no that's it, he's not," Dipper said to himself.
"What?" Pacifica asked. A look of determination fell on Dipper's face as he pushed past the people in the lunchroom. Dipper got to the table and dropped his tray down, right across from Arthur, who didn't even look up. Mabel got excited when she saw were Dipper sat and quickly put her tray down beside Arthur. Pacifica sat directly beside Dipper and across from Mabel, Grenda sat beside Mabel, and Candy across from her. Marius sat beside Grenda (obviously) and Gideon walked up to the table, he froze, staring at the group.
"What're ya'll up to?" Gideon asked as he sat beside Candy, across from Marius.
"We are obviously eating our lunches," Marius stated.
"That is not what the little sparkly man meant!" Grenda exclaimed, hitting the table.
"Grenda, why must you always be so rough?"" Candy asked. Dipper smiled to himself as his friends interacted, this all seemed familiar, yet different. Paz and Mabel started talking some and everyone seemed to be in their own conversations.
"Look," Dipper started, "I don't want to fight you, and I don't plan to fight you."
"I don't plan on fighting you either," Arthur said, not looking up from his food, Dipper was surprised that he responded, and how quickly he responded. "I can tell you aren't the type who fights, at least, not unless you have to..." Arthur finally looked up, then looked over at Pacifica, "or unless it's something you deem worth fighting for."
"Then why..." Dipper started.
"I need the two of you to come to my house," Arthur stated.
"Why us?" Dipper asked.
"You mean you don't know?" Arthur asked, looking up, "the small one I could understand, but you, I thought you could've figured it out by now."
"I'm sorry, I'm even more confused now," Dipper stated.
"I guess if you didn't understand then you would be," Arthur said, "look, I just need the two of you to come to my house, alone."
"That um... that seems... kind of weird..." Dipper said.
"My family is originally from here," Arthur stated, "longer than most. My family was actually one of a select few who were chose to guard this area, many years before this town even existed. After the town's founding we realized that the area seemed to be in safe hands, and most of the families moved away, made new lives. My parents decided to come back, they had never been here, and were always curious, my father wanted to know where it all started, the weirdness."
"What?" Dipper asked.
"Surely you've at least noticed that?" Arthur asked.
"Yes, I have," Dipper said.
"Good, if you hadn't, it would've made explaining this a lot harder." Arthur said.
"Explain what?" Dipper asked.
"Just, trust me, you and him, alone," Arthur said.
"I'm sure Mabel will want to come, after all, her and Paz have probably been listening to this entire conversation," Dipper said.
"They haven't heard a word," Arthur said. Dipper looked around, everything seemed quiet, almost still, "I'm surprised you didn't notice sooner," Arthur laughed.
"HEY!" Dipper exclaimed, Arthur laughed, then snapped his fingers. Everyone was loud again, talking, moving about. Dipper just stared, wide eyed, at Arthur.
"Just trust me," Arthur said.
"I'm Dipper, Dipper Pines," Dipper said, Arthur smiled slightly.
"You already know who I am," Arthur stated, "are you going to eat that?" Arthur asked, taking Dipper's dessert from his tray.
"Hey!" Dipper shouted.
"Thanks," Arthur smiled, quickly eating it.
"Here," Pacifica said, putting hers on Dipper's tray, Paz was sitting awkwardly, blushing.
"Paz, I can't, it's yours..." Dipper said.
"I... I don't mind," Pacifica answered.
"If you don't want it..." Arthur started, Dipper quickly grabbed it, guarding it, staring at Arthur, who shook his head and laughed.
"Mabel, you just can't," Dipper said as he and Mabel walked through town.
"Why not, I want to know where he lives, I mean, wouldn't you be curious if you were me?" Mabel asked.
"I am curious, that's why I'm going, I'm not going to fight," Dipper sighed.
"What if Gideon tries something?" Mabel asked.
"I'll stop him," Dipper said.
"Bro," Mabel started.
"Just, Mabel, trust me, please," Dipper said. Mabel stared at him, "just trust me," the memory of Arthur randomly saying that to Dipper entered her mind.
"Okay Bro," Mabel said, "I trust you."
"Good," Dipper smiled, "I'll be back soon, don't worry."
"You better," Mabel teased, hitting Dipper's arm. Dipper nodded, he turned and saw Gideon waiting by a fountain, Dipper started walking towards him. Mabel stood in place for a moment as she watched Dipper, "you can come out."
"Wha," a flustered Pacifica fell out of the bush she was hiding in. "How did you know?"
"I saw you following us when we left school," Mabel smiled, "want to sneak with and follow them?"
"Of course," Pacifica nodded. Dipper and Gideon were walking towards the outskirts of the town.
"So why'd you decide to sit by him?" Gideon asked, staring at Dipper.
"Because he's new, and was by himself, and doesn't seem like a bad person to me," Dipper answered.
"He's obviously a bad person, and we're going to teach him a lesson!" Gideon smiled, "I'm glad you decided to help lil ol' me!"
"We're not fighting, I'm fairly certain he wanted us there for a different reason," Dipper said.
"You're too naive Dipper Pines, anyway, Lil ol' me refuses to let that scoundrel take precious Mabel's heart," Gideon said.
"Yeah, okay," Dipper shook his head, "we're almost there."
"I hope he's ready for the fight of his life!" Gideon said, determined. Dipper and Gideon got to a large house on the outskirts of Gravity Falls, it stood by a cliff, overlooking the lake.
"I don't remember there ever being a house here," Dipper said staring.
"There has never been," Gideon said, looking at the house, "it definitely looks creepy..." Gideon shook.
"I, actually agree with you there," Dipper said as they walked up to the house, it had an old, Victorian style knocker. Gideon shrugged as Dipper reached up and knocked it.
"It seems we have company!" A woman's voice called from inside.
"Oh, joyous day, I'll be right out!" A man's voice called, Dipper and Gideon looked at each other, skeptically, as they heard various noises coming from inside the house. After a while the door slowly creaked up.
"Um, we're here to see Arthur Canyon..." Dipper started.
"Well, you've come to the right house!" A man happily declared, throwing the door open, he had a robe on and a strange hat, both Dipper and Gideon looked shocked.
"Oh, not just guests, by guests for our Arty!" A woman came out, dancing excitedly, she had long dark hair, and was wearing a dress shirt and skirt. "His first day and he's made two great friends!" The woman danced. "I'll go get him!"
"You... do that..." Dipper said.
"Oh I am so relieved," Arthur's dad sighed, "It's so hard for Arty to make friends, I'm glad he did, and on the first day!"
"Actually, we..." Gideon started, before Dipper put his hand over Gideon's mouth.
"We weren't expecting his parents to be like this, from how he is, and, how your house is," Dipper said.
"Ah, yes, well, this house has been in our family for generations!" Arthur's dad said, Dipper and Gideon both sighed.
"That doesn't even make sense," Dipper said to himself.
"THEY WHAT!?" Arthur's voice came from inside the house. "HE'S DOING WHAT?"
"Ah, Arty, he's so eccentric," Arthur's dad laughed.
"I don't know if that's the word I'd use to describe him," Dipper laughed.
"Ah, yes, he appears this tough kid, but he's a great person once you get to know him," Arthur's dad laughed.
"Oh, I definitely can't wait for 'Arty' to get out here," Gideon smiled.
"So, how'd you become friends, I'm curious?" Arthur's dad asked.
"He stole my love's heart!" Gideon exclaimed, irritated, a confused look crossed Arthur's dad's face.
"Look, Mr. Canyon, we just..." Dipper started, he stopped when he saw the strange blue glow coming from Arthur's dad's eyes.
"I see," Arthur's dad said, he suddenly seemed different, more serious.
"Wha... what?" Dipper shook.
"You both have the flame of magic, that's why he chose you," Arthur's dad said. Dipper's eyes widened.
"Magic?" Gideon asked, "what do you mean by 'flame of magic'?"
"I'll let Arty explain that to you," Arthur's dad said, "come in."
"What's wrong dear?" Arthur's mom asked as she walked up to the three.
"These two, have the flame," Arthur's dad said.
"Oh," Arthur's mom started, "lucky."
"You guys are early," Arthur said, walking up to the group.
"You... you said right after school," Dipper stated.
"Oh yeah," Arthur laughed, putting a hand to the back of his head.
"He is nothing like how he presents himself," Dipper sighed.
"That's our little Arty, so forgetful," Arthur's mom said, pinching his cheeks.
"Gah, mom!" Arthur said, blushing, "don't call me that in front of people!"
"Why not," Arthur's dad said, back to his cheery attitude, "Arty is your name after all."
"If you're going to call me a nickname at least use Art!" Arthur exclaimed.
"What kind of parents would we be if we didn't embarrass you," Arthur's mom said, rubbing his head.
"I'm taking these guys downstairs," Arthur sighed, "follow me." The three walked down some stairs into a large room, the room was filled with weird items, and strange set ups. The center of the room had a circle with four pedestals, each had a large, rounded, stone resting at the top.
"Where'd this house come from?" Dipper asked, looking around.
"We brought it with us, used a shrinking and growing spell, it's been in the family for years," Arthur said, grabbing a couple of books.
"Wha... what are you?" Gideon asked.
"I come from a family of wizards," Arthur answered.
"Wizards?" Gideon asked.
"Yep, the two of you are wizards as well," Arthur answered.
"What are you talking about?" Dipper asked.
"The two of you, have you ever used spells before, read an incantation?" Arthur asked.
"Well, yeah..." Gideon said.
"I found a journal with a bunch of incantations that I've used, like raising the dead, entering people's minds," Dipper started.
"I've used mind control before," Gideon stated.
"Anyone could've done those things just by reading the incantations though," Dipper shrugged.
"Nope," "Nope," Arthur said, stacking some bottles from a cabinet. "They only worked because you used them, you two have the flame of magic, only people with that flame can use spells."
"What... Grunkle Ford wrote those all, plus, Grenda bellowed and summoned unicorns," Dipper said.
"See that, that is magical creatures, it was the deep bellow that broke their hiding spell, it didn't require magic," Arthur answered, "Grenda does seem to be the type to be able to do that."
"What about my Grunkle Ford?" Dipper asked.
"Let me see," Arthur said, grabbing a book, he walked up to Dipper and put a hand on his shoulder, "what's his full name?"
"It's... Stanford Pines, he's my great uncle," Dipper said. Arthur's eyes began glowing, they returned to normal and he set his book down.
"Stanford Pines, he used to have the flame," Arthur said, "however, his experience with Bill, and his travels, drained him, it's only natural he lost his magic, as is what Bill does."
"What? Bill, he's possessed me before," Dipper said.
"Than this training is a great risk," Arthur said, "the stronger you get, the stronger he'll become."
"We destroyed Bill, last summer," Dipper said.
"Did you? Interesting," Arthur said, "regardless, there are others, plus other beings you'll face, like the demon Cogo."
"I defeated Cogo," Dipper added.
"No," Arthur grunted as he uncorked a bottle, "you resealed Cogo, there's a difference. Look you'll both need to train, so you can protect yourselves and those you care about, plus, it's magic, who wouldn't want to learn magic?"
"You've got a point," Gideon said, Dipper looked at him, "what?"
"Alright," Dipper sighed, "what do you need us to do?"
"Stand in the middle of that circle," Arthur said, gesturing towards the middle of the room.
"Lil ol' me will be first," Gideon laughed as he ran up.
"Those four stones will levitate based on your magic level," Arthur said. Gideon nodded as he ran into the middle. One stone started glowing, before rising up in the air, about three feet from the pedestal.
"WHAT?" Gideon outraged, "it must be wrong!"
"Don't be discouraged," Arthur said, "I myself, have been practicing magic and I can only get two stones to rise, most beginners can barely get the first stone to rise a few inches, you managed a few feet, that's impressive."
"Oh, shucks, it was nothing," Gideon said, bashfully.
"Here," Arthur said, handing Gideon a couple of books, "these are spell books, read them, practice them on your own, you'll learn magic fine, after a while I'll teach you more. Dipper, you're up," Arthur said.
"Okay," Dipper said, standing in the middle, the entire room seemed to start shaking, Arthur's eyes widened. All four stones rose into the air, they proceeded to crash into each other, a light emitting from them. After a while a stone that looked similar to the Knowledge, Strength and Heart stones slowly fell down, landing in Dipper's hand.
"What, what was that?" Gideon asked.
"That's the Magic stone," Arthur's dad's voice called, causing the three to jump. "One of four powerful stones, existing since before this town, back when the original families were chosen."
"The stones?" Dipper asked, his eyes widening.
"Arty, go get that book, it'd be best for him," Arthur's dad said.
"Right away," Arthur said, his dad gave him a key and he ran upstairs.
"I am considered a powerful wizard," Arthur's dad started, "and I couldn't even get all four stones to rise. It was no coincidence that Arthur met you here today, you are a special one, chosen for something bigger than all of us."
"Yeah... I kind of learned that last summer," Dipper laughed awkwardly. After a while Arthur returned, he held a large, black book, which was bound with a chain and had a lock on it.
"This spell book, I don't even know what's in it, no one has been able to open it," Arthur's dad said, "I'm sure it'll be useful to you." He finished before heading back up the stairs.
"Where's the key to open it?" Dipper asked.
"If you're meant to have it, you don't need one," Arthur said, handing Dipper the book, the second it was in Dipper's hands the chains and lock vanished. "Look, you two don't really need me anymore, most wizards learn on their own, if you have questions, I'll be happy to help though."
"OOOO I can't wait!" Gideon exclaimed, "I'm going to learn some now!" He said before running off. Dipper was staring at the Magic stone and the book.
"I'm telling my sister, and Pacifica, about this," Dipper said, "and about you."
"You can't," Arthur said.
"I'm involved now," Dipper smiled, "which means they are as well."
"I understand," Arthur smiled, shaking his head.
"You know, you don't have to teach me anything, but we could still become friends," Dipper smiled.
"As the chosen guardian of the Magic stone, I'd be honored," Arthur smiled.
"Okay, see you at school tomorrow," Dipper smiled, before he left.
"I like him," Arthur's mom said, causing Arthur to jump.
"He's definitely unique," Arthur said.
"You do realize what the stone means right?" Arthur's dad asked, also seeming to appear out of nowhere.
"Yes, things are going to get serious," Arthur said.
"That's right, and you're involved, whether you want to be or not," Arthur's dad said.
"I'm proud, but also worried," Arthur's mom cried.
"Don't worry," Arthur smiled, "I doubt I'll play that big of a part in this story."
"That's everything," Dipper said, Pacifica and Mabel were staring at him.
"A wizard, he must've cast a love spell on me," Mabel cheered.
"I... doubt that," Dipper sighed.
"Magic, that's... wow..." Pacifica said.
"Can we see some, please, please?" Mabel said, pushing Dipper.
"Alright, calm down," Dipper laughed, opening his book and flipping through it, he was reading a certain page, Dipper extended his right arm, cupping his hand. "Flos... cristallum!" Dipper exclaimed, a flower made of crystals started forming in his hand, all three smiled as they watched it. Dipper stared in amazement before handing it to Pacifica, who blushed. After a while, the three separated, Dipper was laying in his room. He was staring at the Magic stone, turning it in his hand, "I wonder what it means, this all seems so weird." The scene transitioned to Pacifica, who was laying in her room.
"Dumb nerd," Pacifica smiled, staring at the crystal flower.
(Chapter 14 END)