Notice the new cover? I LOVE IT SO MUCH. Yes, I did draw it. I feel like I had improved a lot from around the time I drew my first cover, so I decided I needed an update. :D

Why is it only Mabel? Where is Dipper and Stan and Ford and Bill and Pacifica—?!

Well, why don't we find out?

Paul Starhaven: Expect… good… what?

Temmi Flaeks(Guest): omg! Another cookie from another person! Thank you! *swallows it whole*

Someone(Guest): WHAT AN HONOR! I FEEL SO GRACED!

AWSR(Guest): Yes, yes, yes!

Andy1997: my greatest intentions! and you're welcome!

aerizel: You might wanna keep lying down.

hijackforever: I quite also like how I set it up as of thus far. YES, ALLOW ME TO SHOW YOU!

maranoismylife: THANK YOU, YOU'RE AMAZING!

KittyCat151: YES MADAM! I APPRECIATE IT GREATLY!

Trase: :o, oh my! My story is comparable to a book?! ;A;

Aqua Burst 07: When the time is right… *coughs*

HeadsofScwab: Oh, thanks! ;-;

Guest: Ah, well, since Grunkle Stan had given him some advice earlier in the story, I'd want the reader to assume that Dipper had already tried some of it. And failed. Miserably. *laughs*

Mylittlechainsaws123: I can't wait to see what you'll say when you see what happens next!

Guest: Thanks!

cesar k-non: I shall try to update faster! Also, unfortunately, the couple maaaay take some more time. :c but no worries, It'll happen!

ItaShootingStar: OKAY!

Retrokill: very.

Since a lot of you asked, I put a Dipifica notice at the end author's note.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gravity Falls.

"The calm—"

A dainty hand tightly grips onto a bouquet of flowers, before placing them down gently onto the stubby grass. It lied in the center, in front of a pair of dull, gray tombstones. Two adolescents stand side-by-side, mulling over their personal thoughts.

After a few more moments, they bid their farewells. Silence filled the cemetery as the twins headed for the bus.

Ten-year-old Mabel Pines was sweet, innocent, adorable, and very, very trusting. She loved to say hello to everyone and play around in the grass. She loved to paint pretty pictures of all things nice and wonderful. She never forgot to say "please" or "thank you," and she made sure to spend time with everyone, including her dolls, parents, brother, bugs, animals; just name it.

Adults loved her.

"Wow!" She shook with glee. "That is so cool!"

The chef smiled nervously, "I'm just doing what I do best!"

"That's great! You're a real good example of passion and yummy food!"

The waiters nearby grinned fondly.

Animals loved her.

Small and soft pairs of feet trampled her current position. As she lied down on the grass, bunnies, kittens, and puppies went out of their way to cuddle with her. She giggled into the fur of a creature, "So cute!"

She sneezed a cute sneeze, snorted, and giggled again.

Her family loved her.

"Kids? What—" Her mother stopped right at the doorway of the kitchen, followed by her father. Mabel held her hands behind her back and rocked on her heels, while Dipper was sitting on the floor. He pointed at her, "It was her idea!"

Flour coated the walls, cabinets, counters, stove, and just about the entire kitchen. Egg yolks and shells were scattered along the hardwood flooring, plus sugar and some chocolate chips. Mabel held up her frosty hands with a toothy grin, "Happy birthday, daddy!"

Their parents only sighed, before laughing warmly.

Kids?

"Have fun, brat."

"Stop singing!"

"You talk funny."

"That drawing is horrible!"

"I'm cuter."

Not so much.

"Listen, we saw your brother out there!" The short-haired girl pointed towards the trees. Her friends nodded. She continued to push Mabel forward, "We would have gotten him, but we were too scared."

Mabel played with one of her braids, "...I'm kind of scared, too."

Then, she grinned, throwing her arms wide, "Like, I'm gonna pee my pants!"

All of the other girls grimaced and gagged. The main girl made a face, "Ignoring that. Anyway, you love being in there! The only difference is that you'll have a reason now!"

"But…" Her smile faltered once more. She didn't sound so convincing, "my mommy said that it's not good to go in there around this time. A-And I should go get her to help me…"

"If you don't go now, what would happen to him later?"

"...I don't know."

"Exactly!"

Mabel looked at the girls, then at the forest.

The sun was just about to set, and she had been waiting for her brother to get done in the bathroom. Had he snuck out without her noticing? Maybe, he had saw something cool and got lost. Oh no, what if something will happen to him? What if it already did!? They were right!

"I-I'll see you guys tomorrow!" And then, she ran off into the woods. The girls behind her snickered, before leaving the scene.

Saturday mornings were always a charm. A whole day that was much better than the rest of the week combined. This Saturday morning was warm, surely to heat up as the day continued. Regardless of how wonderful and anticipated Saturdays were, the next day was the main event. For the twins, their fourteenth birthday was to be tomorrow, and they couldn't wait to celebrate it.

Mabel was all set to adventure for the day. Another product of her majestic sweater-knitting skills hugged her body, and a backpack was hanging over her shoulder. She twirled the grappling hook in one hand as she grinned, "It'll be fun, bro-bro! A once in a lifetime experience! Or multiple times!"

"And extremely dangerous," Dipper gave her a pointed look. She shrugged, "Waddles is coming along. It can't be that bad."

He shook his head, "I should go with you."

"Really?!" Mabel bounced up and down. He hummed in thought, until Stan popped up in the doorway, "Yeah, you should go with Mabel this time. She sounds like she's gonna do some pretty serious dangerous stuff."

"Then it's decided," Dipper snapped his fingers. He dashed up the stairs, then reappeared in front of her, his own backpack slung over his shoulders. Mabel clapped excitedly, "Yay! Can't wait!"

As the twins and her pig were leaving the shack, Stan waved at them, "Have fun! Don't come back too soon!"

"Got it!"

"No, I'm serious!"

Mabel furrowed her eyebrows, but shrugged it off as they finally disappeared from their great uncle's line of sight. Stan waited for a few moments, then went back inside. His brother was already getting the decorations out. He questioned, "They're gone?"

"Yep, wasn't that hard." Stan cracked his knuckles. "When is everyone coming?"

"Right around—"

There was a rapping at the door.

"—now!"

Stan went to reopen the door, where there was now a significant amount of people waiting for any type of introduction. All of the guests had arrived through a covert web of messages. It went like this: They invited Fiddleford, Soos, Wendy, Candy, Grenda, and Pacifica, in which Wendy invited her family and friends, and they invited their family and friends, and so on. Stan groaned mentally; this was even more people than last year!

Stan clapped, "What're you waiting for? I'm not paying you to stand around!"

Wendy remarked, "You're not paying us at all, though—"

"No time for chit-chat! We have a party to set up!"

The guests brushed off their momentary indignation and began to flood into the now seemingly small shack. Then, there was a line of people exiting with party supplies in hand. Tables were being set up, covered by long, colorful sheets. Food was being lied out along the surfaces. Drinks were being poured in standard red, plastic cups. There was a lively ambience that came along with the work they were putting out. A variety of people took the myriad of decorations and hung them up. They taped streamers here and balloons there.

"The karaoke should go here!" Fiddleford claimed. Another man shook his head, "That looks awkward!"

"It's perfect! Convenient, centered, and appealing!"

"Are you crazy, old man?! It's completely unattractive!"

"Who do you think you're talkin' to?!"

"Get 'em! Get 'em!"

"Be quiet!"

"Don't silence the cheerleader!"

"Hey!" Stan entered the living room. He banged a wooden spoon against a pan, causing many to cover their ears and whine. He waved the pan, "Break it up! Leave it for when the party actually starts!"

There was a moment of incoherent grumbling, before the karaoke was set up where both men had agreed it was fine.

Both the inside and the outside of the shack was being worked on. The Corduroys moved around and stored away the furniture in the basement to make room for games and more tables. A large banner was put up at the very top of the shack, proclaiming in big, round letters, "Happy 14th Birthday!"

Stan went out the back, where a rusty truck filled with boxes and tools were waiting. The window rolled down to reveal a grungy, muscular man wearing shades. The con-man whispered, "You got the stuff?"

"Of course I do, you oversized raccoon." He tapped the side of the truck, cueing his coworker to step out and set down the boxes. Stan loaded their empty trunk with cages crowded with pugs. He instructed madly, "Now go! Get outta here!"

A cloud of dust was left in its wake. Stan opened one of the boxes and was graced with the brilliance of the packets of Smile Dip. Breathing in, he sighed, "Ah, the smell of illegal candy."

While he began to quickly reposition the boxes into the shack, Pacifica exited from the front door. Her eyesight was greeted with surprising teamwork and coordination.

"Honestly, how many people came?" Pacifica asked Ford as she leaned back against the totem. He was making sure no one was goofing off too much. They both enjoyed observing the rapid movement. He guessed, "I'm not entirely sure. Perhaps, half the town?"

"Really?" She snorted. "That's a bit much, don't you think?"

"Well, the more the merrier?"

She chuckled as she commented, "And what if some random guy just decided to come—"

Suddenly, a chill shot up her spine and tingled her scar. A small notion in her head was grateful that she still had her ability to sense dark power. However, when she turned around, there was nobody remotely threatening. Just the continuous chatter and activity of more party guests. Ford turned his focus on her to inquire, "Something the matter?"

"I hope not…" Pacifica mumbled as she still scrutinized the area. Out of nowhere, there was a large bang, followed by multiple gasps. Pink, sugary liquid began to stain the grass and seep into the dirt. A table was toppled over, along with a large glass bowl. To their fortune, it was still in one piece. Stan cried out, "The punch! I risked my freedom for that!"

"Sorry, Mr. Pines," Wendy said sheepishly as she punched Robbie, "we'll go buy another one."

The group of teens left in Thompson's van to purchase more punch for the party. Ford sighed in annoyance while Pacifica tried to ignore her paranoia that most likely Dipper had rubbed off on her.

Speaking of which, he and his sister were currently treading through the forest with none other than Bill Cipher. Mabel took pictures of trees, flowers, birds, her brother, Waddles, Bill, her grappling hook, herself, all three of them without their knowledge or consent.

They were heading towards a certain area that required a certain path to be taken in a certain way, one that Bill had memorized in his eternal free time. Mabel couldn't stop herself from skipping. He glared, "That's annoying."

"So?!" She grabbed him by the collar and shook him, "A unicorn, Bill! I'm going to see an actual unicorn!"

She let go abruptly and seized Dipper's shirt, who had been standing idly by. Her shaking was even more aggressive, "A UNICORN!"

"Alright!" Dipper took her wrist and made her release him. Bill huffed, "Don't come crying when you realize they're full-blown asses."

She ignored his words and was still beaming like a crazy psychopath by the time they reached their supposed destination. The area seemed much more brighter, glittery, and all in all magical. Her eyes caught onto some fairies flying closely by. She gasped and hopped in place, unable to contain her excitement. More pictures were taken.

"Where are they?!" Mabel squealed, prompting Waddles to copy her. Bill rolled his eye, "Under human circumstances, they need to do this deep-voice chanting whatever. I can just ask."

In a split second, the area was blazing in blue and yellow. Mabel's happy expression froze as Dipper jumped, startled. He pushed forward and was about to strangle the dream-demon. "What are you doing?!"

"I'm asking."

"This is not asking! This is nowhere near asking!"

A trembling interrupted them as a glade dramatically rose from the ground. As Bill stopped the fire, the twins were amazed to find there was no part of the area that was even slightly singed. The doors opened, allowing a graceful creature to be gazed upon. Just as Bill was about to exit, his hand was in a crushing, iron grip from the female twin. Mabel's face was practically challenging the ethereal glow from the structure in front of them.

"I am Cellestabellebethabelle!"

"...Huh?" Dipper was squinting while Bill avoided looking at her. Mabel squeaked and took another picture, before stuffing the camera in her bag, "Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh!"

She ran up to the creature right outside the doors and shook her hoof, "I am, like, your number one fan. I think you're super awesome and beautiful and I love your hair! Can I taste your neck?"

"This is insane." Dipper mused from afar.

"Is that why you have come?" The unicorn's horn glowed a hot pink whenever she spoke. Mabel replied blithely, "Yeah, partly. But the bigger reason was because—well, it's you! Or what you are! I mean, look!"

Mabel pulled her sweater, "It has a unicorn on it!"

"Yes, yes, I see." The creature nodded, before focusing her attention on the dream-demon, "And why did you come here with him?"

"What?" Mabel looked behind her, remembering that her brother and Bill were with her. Dipper blinked, looked at himself, then to Bill. He had his index finger switching back and forth between them as his face contorted with puzzlement. The blonde slapped it away, "She means me, you dumb meat doll."

"Indeed!" The unicorn neighed a hostile sound, "Those associated with the likes of him are unworthy! Unpure!"

Mabel nervously smiled, "I-I don't understand…"

"He is filth, scum, a being of true evil!"

"For a unicorn, I'm surprised you speak so much horseshit." Bill snarled. Dipper rubbed the back of his head and mumbled, "I kind of agree with both sides."

"What makes you say that?" Mabel questioned her lightly with discretely tense shoulders. "He has barely done anything wrong lately!"

"Are you serious? He had intended to burn our sacred home!"

"I was just asking!" Bill remarked. Mabel disregarded him, "Your home didn't even have a mark!"

"You dare argue with me?"

"I…" She noticed her feelings were much more heavy now. She shook her head, "No! No, I love you guys!"

A heart suddenly shone on her sweater, overtaking the unicorn that she adored so much. The unicorn retorted, "Well, I don't think I'm taking any liking towards you. Your heart is impure! Tainted by him!"

She shooed them away with her head, "Go on. Do not come back until you are... pure of heart!"

"Y-Yes—" The doors shut on her face. "—ma'am…"

Mabel exhaled softly, causing Dipper to walk up to her and place a hand on her shoulder. He consoled, "Hey, don't worry. I wouldn't trust a creature like that."

Mabel looked at him with uncertainty, before shaking her head. "No, no. She's right. I have been lacking in the goodness department! I make fun of you a lot, and I like to mess around with Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford."

Bill and Dipper watched as she stepped up and gazed at the sky. "But from now on, not anymore! I'll do so many good things, that I'll have the purest heart in all of Gravity Falls!"

Her loud declaration had sent the fairies in a frenzy, which caused many of them to hit trees and rocks. They plummeted one by one after releasing their tiny shrieks. The three watched them; Dipper was cringing, Bill was amused, and Mabel had an indifferent look. She gestured, "The fairies—They're fine."

Dipper could've sworn he heard a small voice shout, "No we're not!"

Bill declared in a monotonous voice, "Even though your idea of helping Gravity Falls citizens would be fantastic, I think that—"

"Great, it's decided!" Mabel stuffed her grappling hook inside her bag. She seized Bill's hand and Dipper's vest collar and began to drag them back to the town. After a long time of hauling, bickering, agreeing, and walking, Bill chose to claim aloud.

"You're gonna do this for no real purpose, Shooting Star."

"Shush, do you hear that?" Mabel paused to listen. "It's the sound of people crying for help all over Gravity Falls!"

"I don't hear anything." Dipper interjected. She continued on her way. "I can because I can feel the desire in my heart to do good things!"

"Yeah, sure. And I have two eyes." He narrowed his lone eye. "Which I don't."

"Look, we're already here!" She showcased the majestic, old-timey appearance of the town.

"Okay, so we just need to go around Gravity Falls and help people!" Mabel clapped. "And you two are gonna help me help people! Or be my witnesses. Either works."

"I'd rather die." Bill deadpanned. Mabel hit his arm. "Don't be such a Debbie downer!"

"Bill. My name is Bill."

"Whatever, negative Nancy."

"Bill—"

"Anyway," Dipper cleared his throat, "I think I'm just gonna watch from the side."

"Sure, more good deeds for me!" Mabel twirled around. "Where should I start? Oh, Grunkle Stan might need—"

"Nah." Bill cut off abruptly. "It won't count since you've already helped them a lot. Try elsewhere, preferably far away from the shack."

"Uh…" Mabel shrugged. "Okay! Let's start with… that guy over there!"

An aged man was standing in front of quite an old-fashioned cart that was full of ripe, round cabbages. Dipper seemed slightly doubtful as Bill was downright fazed. That man appeared as if he didn't even belong here. Mabel bounced right up to him and gave her friendliest grin.

"HI, I'm Mabel Pines, and how may I assist you today?"

He hesitated. "How much?"

"Completely free!"

"Really?" His eyes sparkled, "Then please, help me sell my beloved cabbages!"

Mabel waved. "No problemo!"

There was a young man passing by. She clutched the end of his shirt and shouted, "YOU WANT A CABBAGE?"

"Let go of me!" The man stumbled on his feet as he fled the scene. Mabel frowned at the inconvenience. Dipper facepalmed while Bill failed to suppress a snicker. The old man was shocked, causing her to fret. She reassured, "Aha, I was just messing around!"

"O-Oh…"

"Here, I have a foolproof plan." Mabel picked up Waddles and spoke to him quietly. Once she let the pig off, he scurried up in front of a couple and sat down. His wide, teary eyes were very compelling, and much too adorable to look away from. The woman was captivated. "Oh, honey. This pig… it makes me wanna buy a cabbage."

"Really? Because I now feel like buying twenty." The couple nodded at each other in agreement. Mabel beamed and yelled, "Well, step right up to have your very own cabbage!"

At first, the couple were dubious, but seeing that they desperately desired a cabbage, they went over and pulled their money out. Other citizens also saw the lovely cabbages and the endearing pig, charming them into buying their own greens. Bill frowned; at this rate, Mabel would help out enough people, and they'd have to return to the shack too soon. He can't afford to fail his deal! He really wanted to see the Stan twins dance in the center of the town in their underwear!

With a flick, he shot a small flame right next to Waddles' hoof. The pig was greatly frightened, and rammed right into the cart. Wood exploded and dust soared as the cabbages rolled away from Mabel and the old man. The myriad of people began to pick them up hurriedly. The merchant cried, "My cabbages!"

Mabel frantically began picking up the cabbages and piling them in a safer spot. She stressed, "Don't worry, mister! I'll help you build your cart, and then we can sell more cabbages!"

He sighed. "You can just help me make my cart, but after that, I'll be on my way."

As his sister and the merchant started to reconstruct the cart, Dipper punched the dream-demon in the arm. He glared, "I saw you do that."

"Oh, no. You caught me!" Bill smirked. The male twin hissed, "Why did you even do that?"

"What can I say?" The blonde lied smoothly, "I have a trigger finger that even Shooting Star can't stop. Seeing her help people all day will be torture."

"Jerk." Dipper huffed. Bill was about to set another flame, one to set the cart on fire, until the male twin slapped his hand. The dream-demon growled, and Dipper clenched his fist. Mabel looked up, "Hey, you two better not be fighting!"

"We're just having another friendly argument, Mabel," Dipper crossed his arms, keeping his eye on Bill. "Keep working."

"Aye, aye, Sir Dippingsauce."

And that's how the hours passed. Mabel speeding around Gravity Falls in efforts to assist anyone who had the slightest troubled look on their face. She was full of boundless amount of energy, never once showing any annoyance at the people she helped. Okay, maybe a few times, but she didn't give up!

In the meanwhile, however, Bill and Dipper were about to cut each other's heads off. Bill was always trying his best to sabotage whatever he could in order to delay time. Whereas, Dipper would always be there to stop him the second time, and if he was fortunate enough, the first time. They were steadily growing more and more vexed at the other. Mabel was ignorant to their apparent fury.

One more attempt to spoil her good deed later.

"Okay, that's it!"

Dipper and Bill were tumbling on the ground, throwing blows at each other. Mabel, however, wasn't there to stop them. Waddles had ran off towards the cliff that was just above the railroad tracks. Being the good pet owner she was, she followed him in pursuit of wondering why he was running away in such a hurry.

Once Mabel found out where Waddles had run off to and why, she could no longer move. Another girl, maybe a little bit older, was standing by the cliff. She was peering over, her feet twitching to take a step. She couldn't be…

"Uh, hi!" Mabel called timidly. The girl was instantly alarmed that someone else was up there with her. She turned her head slightly, "What are you doing here?"

"I-I could be asking you the same thing!" Mabel gradually stepped closer. "That's a-a pretty dangerous spot to be in!"

"I know." The girl looked back at the edge of the cliff. "But it's freedom."

"That's not freedom." Mabel responded adamantly, "That's throwing yourself in a cage called death."

"What would you know?!" The girl snapped. "Why do you care?! Just turn around and leave like—like everyone else!"

"I'm not leaving until you're okay now!"

"So you're just gonna leave in the future?"

"I-I can't promise you eternal friendship," She gulped and coaxed, "but believe me when I say that someone else on this world can."

The girl hugged herself as she stepped slightly closer off the edge. Mabel was still inching towards her. "Haven't you ever wanted to explore the world? Haven't you ever wanted to feel what someone has to offer for you? What the world wants to show you? There are so many wonders that can makes you happy! Especially a friend!"

Mabel was only a few feet away now. "It's not that you want to die, you just want to start living."

Tiny, round tears were rapidly rolling off the girl's face.

Just as she was about to turn away from the edge, a strong gust of wind blew her off balance. Mabel froze as the girl shrieked, disappearing from her sight. Yanking her grappling hook out, the female twin raced off the cliff and jumped off without hesitation.

The wind whipped her hair and slashed at her face as her free hand was extended far in front of her. She could barely see through teary eyes, but she knew that she was closing in on the girl. Her dive position allowed her to speed up through the air. But she'd need to react fast, as they had just passed by the railroad. Suddenly, her hand caught onto the girl's clothing. Within a split second, Mabel embraced her as firmly as she possibly could.

The grapnel shot out above them and hooked right onto the railroad. There was a sharp jerk at the abrupt halt, which made Mabel grit her teeth. They swung back and forth until they eventually came to be stationary. She sighed with relief, before asking the girl, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah! What is that thing?"

The female twin grinned, "Grappling hook!"

The girl actually managed a small giggle, before exhaling. She disclosed her thoughts, "Your words and nearly dying really… made me think."

Mabel had her finger pressed against a button, which cautiously maneuvered them both towards the ground. The girl smiled a small smile.

"I think I do wanna start living, by my own accord."

They reached the ground.

"Thank you," She bowed, "Even if I don't know you, you're an absolutely wonderful person."

She turned on her heels and escaped before Mabel could stop her. Oh well, it only added more to the general human kindness factor. Even if she didn't know that girl, it didn't mean she couldn't help her out. And she was paid with compliments and gratitude. Mabel hopped around with joy; she felt like her goodness department was spilling over with liquid diamonds!

"Mabel!" Dipper ran after Waddles, with Bill right behind him. The pig was just as delighted as she was. He examined her briskly, "Are you okay?!"

"I'm more than okay!" Mabel pumped her fist, "I just rescued a girl from herself! Now I'm sure to have the purest heart in all of Gravity Falls!"

She pointed forwards, "Let's go back to the unicorn so she can bathe me with luck, magic, glitter, and worship!"

Bill looked up at the setting sun. It was almost time, anyway. He nodded silently, much to Dipper's suspicions and Mabel's glee.

Once they reached the glade, Mabel breathed in deeply, then marched right up to the doors. She knocked twice, and gave her most determined, brightest look. The doors opened dramatically once again to reveal Cellestabellebethabelle. The unicorn looked her up and down, but Mabel didn't back down. The female twin stood proud, "Go on! Check again!"

The heart shone on her sweater once more, but the unicorn still neighed in dissatisfaction. Mabel was dumbfounded, "W-What?"

Bill grounded his teeth, "Shooting Star…"

"That's not possible!"

"It is." The unicorn shook her head, "Your heart will just never be able to change. It will always be impure!"

Mabel felt tears crawling in her eyes, until another voice called from behind the unicorn, "Whoa, whoa, hold up."

Two more unicorns stepped out from the shadows. The blue one scoffed, "Are you really trying to pull the 'pure of heart' scam again, C-Beth?"

"What?" It was Dipper's turn to express his prominent rage. Cellestabellebethabelle growled, "Guys… shut up…"

"No, what are you guys talking about?" Dipper stood next to Mabel, who hadn't moved an inch. The blue unicorn explained bluntly, "She just pulls this scam to make humans leave. We can't actually see 'purity of the heart' or whatever, just wherever the closest rainbow is. Oh, and really cool rave music."

Bill and Dipper were just about to unleash their boiling wrath, until Mabel spoke with a strained voice.

"All this time… All this time, I thought I was a bad person, but you're even worse than me!" Her body quivered with rage as she shouted furiously, "And you know what?! I don't need your stupid opinion, anyways! I know I'm a good person! I spent all day helping people and doing good things!"

"Please, that doesn't change the fact you hang out with that hooligan over there." Cellestabellebethabelle motioned. Mabel angrily pointed, "He's cooler than you are! You're just—just a fake!"

"Boohoo, you discovered our secret!" Cellestabellebethabelle taunted, "Whatcha' gonna do about it? Huh? Huh?"

Colorful liquid stuck to her hand after she decked the unicorn straight in her muzzle. Mabel stared at it, while Bill cheered. The unicorn shook her head from the blow, before neighing harshly at the challenge. The female twin brushed aside all of her prior admiration towards these mystical creatures, and cracked her knuckles. Soon, the twins and the dream-demon were engaged in combat with three pretentious unicorns.

At the shack, Grunkle Stan called everyone for their attention. He announced, "Alright, the kids will be here any second!"

Just as he spoke, Mabel, Dipper, and Bill had all popped up from the shadows of the forest. The large crowd simultaneously greeted, "HAPPY FOURTEENTH BIRTHDAY!"

There was an awkward silence as they took in the colorful and beaten up look that the three had. Shiny, multicolored flecks and smears of dirt dominated their appearance. Their clothing was torn in various places, and their hair was disheveled. Mabel was missing her headband, and there was a massive rip in the middle of her sweater where her unicorn had once been.

But she was beaming. "Oh, my gosh! A surprise party?"

Dipper also grinned, "Let's get on with it!"

As the celebration commenced, Bill floated over to the great uncles. He smirked, "I did my part."

They sighed in apprehension of their future embarrassment.

Ten-year-old Dipper Pines was curious, smart, kind, and very, very selfless. He loved to observe his surroundings and study the way things do what they do. He loved to read any and all the books he could read. He never forgot to say what he meant, and he made sure to do his best, whether it be doing good in school, as a son, and as a brother.

Adults loved him.

"Of course," He explained in a formal tone, "what is the use of wars against these countries? We all destroy ourselves! Global warming requires us to use a secondary, renewable energy source!"

His science teacher chuckled, "Well, aren't you bright."

"Quite a few points there, dear," His history teacher commented. "You'll make a fine leader with that sort of voice and confidence."

Books loved him.

Dipper sat in the public library, reading away as his sister ran around silently, playing with her dolls. His eyes scanned the words as quickly as he understood them. Suddenly, his infamous paranoia was nibbling at his brain. Someone was approaching behind him. However, he opted to keep reading, since paranoia often visited him.

At that moment, when one of the boys was about to creep up on him, a book had fallen out of its position on the shelf. It dropped onto the boy's head, smack dab in the center. It sent the boy collapsing onto the ground.

"Ooh." Dipper whispered to himself as he turned the page, totally ignorant to the unconscious boy moaning in pain.

His family loved him.

"First place for the Reading Bowl?" His mother hugged him tightly, "Oh, I'm so proud! Good job, sweetie!"

His father ruffled his hair, "This calls for celebration!"

"Ice cream?!" Dipper gasped, also making Mabel anticipate their answer. Their parents nodded firmly, causing them to cheer.

Kids?

"Freak!"

"What kind of name is 'Dipper'?"

"Ew, gross!"

"Don't talk to me!"

"Oh, hey! Haha, Dipper didn't get any. Oh, man, and I thought I was the class loser. Hey, everyone, Dipstick didn't get any!"

Not at all.

"Stupid testosterone…" Dipper grumbled. "When I'm older, I'll get so much more than them. And maybe a leather jacket… a tattoo? Oh, and a girlfriend… yeah…"

Suddenly, one of the meaner girls popped up in front of him, followed by her posse. He scrunched his nose in disgust, "What do you want?"

"Chill, Pines. We just came to tell you that we saw your sister running out into the forest," The girl claimed. Dipper had just exited the school after getting back his school supplies from a couple of older boys. He frowned, "What? She knows not to go in there around this time."

"I don't know, I could've recognized that… girl anywhere."

"Is this a joke?" Dipper hoped. The girl shook her head, "I'm serious! And I wouldn't wanna take any risks. Something may happen to her!"

"Well, why didn't you stop her?" Despite his words, he was already preparing to make a dash into the forest. The girl was smirking as he was facing away from her.

"I got scared. I thought I saw something else in there."

He was already gone by the time she finished her sentence; his school stuff was abandoned on the concrete.

The next morning was… particularly interesting.

Mabel groaned as she held her head, "What happened?"

She looked around at the trashed room and grimaced at the dry stickiness of her mouth. Patting her face, sugar and Smile Dip attached itself to her fingers. She was a lot more exhausted than she's ever been at a hardcore party. Bringing her gaze upon her brother, he was knocked out cold. A chuckle rose from her throat. Of course her brother would be in a worst condition. He didn't have the kind of party hangover tolerance that she has.

She exited the room to wash herself off in the bathroom. After a refreshing shower and clean clothes, she entered the room to find Dipper still asleep. That wouldn't do! It was their fourteenth birthday, for crying out loud!

Dipper blinked opened his crusty eyes to a chin and a pair of googly eyes. The mouth moved, "Hey, Dipper! You wouldn't wanna miss out on Mr. Upsidedownington, would you?!"

"AAH!" He toppled out of bed with the blankets tangled in his limbs. Mr. Upsidedownington revealed to be Mabel, who was excited as ever. Dipper laughed, "Oh, no. Not Mr. Upsidedownington…"

"Mr. Upsidedownington thinks you need to shower!" Mabel continued in her fake voice. "Also, nice marker tattoo!"

"What?!" Dipper ran to the bathroom, and lo and behold, a triangle with an eye in the middle stuck out on his cheek like a sore. The most annoying part was the fact the triangle had a stick hand, and that stick hand was making quite a rude gesture, even if it only had three fingers. His other cheek had the words "REVENGE" written boldly. Dipper groaned, "I'm gonna take some time trying to wash this off."

"Good luck with that!" Mabel said. After about half an hour in the shower, Dipper came back, appearing as crisp as she was. It looked as though nothing happened to them while they stood in a room where a candy tornado may as well have occurred.

Once the younger twins reached the bottom of the stairs, bands of cloth were tied over their eyes. Suddenly, hands flew over their mouths and pulled them outside the shack. Dipper tried to break free and rescue them both from the current predicament. Mabel licked the kidnapper's hand, to which he retracted it immediately. She only grinned, "Those were six fingers! Grunkle Ford, what's going on?"

"Shoot…" Ford grumbled. Stan exhaled in exasperation, "Good going, Poindexter, you gave it up!"

"Can someone tell us what's going on?" Dipper pleaded. Stan's gruff voice was quite giddy, "Happy fourteenth birthday, you runts!"

"This is our gift!" Ford shoved the two kids into the car. As the older Pines began driving them off into the unknown, Mabel whispered, "Well, isn't this exciting?"

"Our gift is a kidnap-victim simulation?" Dipper questioned. Stan scoffed, "That's ridiculous! I already gave you that last Christmas!"

"Right… shouldn't have forgotten about that." Dipper replied. Stan agreed, "Uh, duh. That was the whole point of your gift!"

Dipper blew a raspberry. "Where are we going?"

"Just keep the blindfold on, kid." Stan ordered the younger twins. Mabel mindlessly waved her hands around, "That's okay with me! It makes me feel everything at a whole new level!"

Dipper snorted, "Haha, stop it! That's my face!"

"It's your cells!"

Unexpectedly, the car bumped against something, causing them to bounce off their seats. Dipper questioned again, "Uh, are you guys wearing blindfolds too, or something?"

"No, but with these cataracts, I might as well be!" Stan narrowed his eyes and leaned in, "What is that? A trashcan?"

"This will be great fun!" Ford said cheerily, already used to how reckless Stan drives. The twins often rose from their seats and screamed at abrupt sounds of collision. Finally, the car came to a sudden halt. Ford stated, "And that's why we wear seatbelts, kids!"

The twins exited the somewhat scruffy vehicle, and took off their blindfold. Stan and Ford were both geared out in some unbuttoned collared shirts, cargo shorts, and fishing vests and hats while showcasing the large banner. The former twin proclaimed, "Ta-da! It's fishing season!"

He pointed to Ford, "And thanks to our nerd here, we have the best boat in Gravity Falls!"

"The original name was Stan o' war, because, well, only Stanley and I used to go fishing every year, but now you kids can come along with us!" Ford introduced his sophisticated boat, "We call it now: the Pines o' war!"

It was a pretty sleek trawler, with some visible usage located at the bottom of the boat. Dipper was in awe, "Whoa, that's so cool! And this'll be our first time fishing!"

Stan grinned as he held up an infamous book, "I even brought along the jokes!"

Dipper's awe vanished. "No—NOO!"

Ford put two fishing hats on the younger twins' heads that were respectively labeled "Dippy" and "Mabel." He mentioned blithely, "Stan handmade them."

"They're so cute!" She secured hers on her head. Dipper didn't know how to feel about wearing two hats at the same time. Ford pushed them inside the boat, then threw their bags aboard. The great uncles climbed on after them. Ford elaborated, "I made sure to pack your camera since I know that you love to take pictures, Mabel."

"Aw, sweet!"

Ford got the boat started and moving as Stan was teaching Dipper how to put on his bait and throw the hook in the water. She took out her camera and began taking a myriad of pictures. It was all so heartwarming and such a pleasure to the eye! These were sure to go in her scrapbook!

The scientist set the boat on autopilot and stepped out on the deck to join his family.

"Ten bucks that you can't catch a fish with your feet!"

Stan shook his hands with Mabel, "You're on!"

They laughed and enjoyed the mildly hot day out on the lake. The water was a navy blue, deep and mysterious. Probably slightly polluted from motorboats and litter, but still shimmering with elegance. Peering over, Mabel could see the fish swimming hastily along the surface, where some of them dove deeper into the water. Besides the lame jokes, the twins had never had so much fun doing something so simple, so normal.

"Look, I got one!" Dipper held a smaller than average fish on his line. Stan snorted, causing Ford to elbow him in the gut. The scientist commended, "Well done, my boy!"

Mabel took another picture of Dipper beaming as he held the fish up. After she was done, he took the hook off and tossed it back into the lake. She thrusted her camera into her Grunkle Ford's chest and took hold of her own fishing pole. She said, "Watch how it's done!"

"You've never went fishing before!"

"I'll still do better!" With a grunt, she hurled the hook far out into the lake. It was only a few moments until she was suddenly yanked forward. Her abdomen hit the raised edge of the boat, making her groan in pain. The three males yelped in surprise as they tried to help her pull out whatever she had snagged on. However, the line broke, and whipped back. Ford was in disbelief, "I modified these lines to strengthen their endurance!"

"Yeah, well, whatever that was, it was definitely stronger than your science," Stan remarked. Dipper rose an eyebrow, "What was that?"

"Who knows?" Mabel wiggled her fingers in a spooky manner, "Maybe it was the great lake monster—"

Out of nowhere, a monumental figure burst from the lake, splashing ample amounts of water on the Pines. It soared over their heads, shadowing the trawler. Mabel shrieked, "Holy crap, it's the great lake monster!"

"What in the world?!" Stan held onto the kids as the boat aggressively rocked back and forth. There was another giant wave of water that doused them all as the creature landed in the lake. Ford darted to the edge and scanned for the being, but there was no sign of it. Stan demanded, "What the heck was that?!"

"The Gobblewonker, an ancient lake monster." Ford described to him instantly, "Fiddleford had told me about it. He attempted an imitation of the creature a long time ago as a prank. But it was destroyed by the creature itself."

"Fiddleford used to be really immature, huh?" Dipper mused. Ford shrugged, "Pretty much."

"Well, isn't that great!" Stan threw his hands up. All the males jumped at Mabel's scream. She panicked, "My camera! Where's my camera?!"

"It must have fallen on accident," Ford guessed with a hand on his chin.

"Is your camera even waterproof?!" Dipper asked her. Before she could reply, Ford interrupted, "I happen to have tweaked that as well for this trip, although I hadn't exactly anticipated the attack…"

"Look!" Mabel pointed in the water. The Pines observed as the camera's neck strap was hanging on the creature's lengthy neck. They both disappeared into the depths of the water. She cried, "We have to get it back! I didn't get to print out my pictures from yesterday, and I took so many today! I still need to take more!"

"No worries, sis." Dipper consoled, "I'm sure we'll get it back."

"Oh, we are getting it back," Stan declared, "No matter the costs."

"Okay, now that's a little—" Dipper was cut off as Ford nodded, "Yes, we will dive deep and explore wide if we have to!"

"Look, I don't think—"

"Yes, let's do it!" Mabel blurted. His twin and his great uncles all looked at him for his response. Dipper sighed, before perking up, "Let's get that camera back!"

They all cheered. "Yeah!"

Ford took control over the boat again, checking his radars and navigating the boat around the grand lake. He continuously checked to see if his radar had caught the signal of anything. Stan and Dipper leaned over the edge with fishing poles, and Mabel had her grappling hook armed and ready. The scientist shouted, "He's near!"

"Alright, let's show this old, stinky thief who's boss!" Mabel pronounced. Dipper grinned cheekily as he whacked Stan on his head. Their great uncle complained, "Hey! I'm no reptile!"

Dipper shrugged sheepishly. At a moment's notice, the Gobblewonker emerged from the surface and leaped over their boat once again. Stan reeled his fishing line back, "Get ready, you overgrown lizard—!"

A surge of freshwater tackled him down onto the boat. Dipper and Mabel both gave a battle cry, but her grappling hook only jabbed the creature's rounded body. Dipper went wide-eyed when his hook actually caught onto the fin of the lake monster. Suddenly, he was wrenched away from the boat and diving into the water, leaving both of his hats drifting onto the boat's floor.

"Dipper!" Ford cried out. Stan hacked out more liquid, and Mabel was feverishly surveying the water.

I greatly underestimated our predicament! His notion wailed. Dipper kept his eyes open and his hold fastened as the Gobblewonker swam rapidly through the water. It seemed to have sensed that something was dragging it down, so it came to a standstill. Bending its long, scaly neck, Dipper was met eye-to-eye with its dark, jade ones. It took no time at all for his chest to ache from the lack of oxygen. Opening his mouth, only bubbles arose. Dipper rushed upwards and gasped for air.

"There he is!" Mabel alerted. Ford shifted gears and sailed the boat towards Dipper. The Gobblewonker perceived the fast ripples in the water, and began seamlessly moving through the murky, blue deep, hauling the young boy with it. Dipper continuously spat out water that overwhelmed his taste buds and endured the force of the water against his body.

Ford growled, putting the boat on autopilot once more. The boat was no longer chasing after the monster, but rather speeding perpendicular to it. Stepping out onto the deck, he commanded, "Hand me that grappling hook, dear."

Mabel gave it to him wordlessly. Ford nodded, "Stanley, launch me!"

The con-man grinned as he lifted up his brother and pitched him with great accuracy. Ford squinted his eyes as he flew over his grandnephew. Whirling around in the air, he shot the grapnel at the boat and used the momentum to snatch Dipper. Once the two landed safely on the boat, Stan cracked his knuckles and prepared to jump off, "Now it's my turn!"

He sprung off with such force, the boat nearly flipped upside-down. Stan dove straight at the Gobblewonker, colliding with it underwater. He tore the camera from its neck and gripped onto its rugged skin tightly. Extremely distraught and disturbed, the lake monster erupted from the lake once more and glided over the boat with Stan riding on top of it. He cackled as he rushed off of its back, "Thanks for the ride, sucker!"

Landing safely, there was a final gush of water, then serenity took over once more. The great uncles fist bumped as the younger twins were still recovering from the experience. Mabel flung her hands around, "That was super flipping awesome!"

"Yeah, you guys have the coolest great uncles in the world," Stan bragged as he rubbed his knuckles against his chest. He plopped the camera in her hands, to which she pressed it against her cheek lovingly, "Oh, my sweet baby!"

Mabel placed a hand on her hip, "Even though I'm eternally grateful, it doesn't mean I won't whip your butt at fishing!"

Stan and Ford's faces cracked with rapture. Dipper barged in, "You're on!"

After a whole day of ordinary fun, the birthday twins and their great uncles returned to the shack. They smelled like raw fish and wet dog combined, so showers were the only thing occupying their minds. Once they entered the living room, two rectangular, mini presents were located on the table. The younger twins glanced at each other, before racing towards the table. Stan and Ford smiled as the kids viciously ripped apart the wrapping and the ribbons.

"Whatcha get us? What'd we get?" Mabel flipped open the tiny box to reveal… a pink crystal. Dipper's box also contained the same crystal, but blue in color. She nibbled it, "Is this rock candy?"

"No, silly kid," Stan scolded, "and don't put anything that looks like candy in your mouth!"

"What are these?" Mabel flipped it over and back. Dipper's face lit up with recognition, "These are crystal communicators!"

"Bingo!" Stan praised. Ford nodded, "This'll make it better for us to contact each other and anyone else in case of emergency."

"How do I turn this thing on…?" Dipper mumbled as he analyzed the blank crystal. Mabel was repeatedly poking it in hopes of finding serendipity. Stanford's words didn't really register in their ears. Irked at being ignored, he snatched the crystal from Dipper's hand, who let out a distressed, "Hey!"

Ford pressed a specific spot on the crystal, causing it to light up with holographic shapes. Dropping it into his grandnephew's hands, he and his brother watched as the two younger twins were fully immersed with their new technology. Ford rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "Perhaps this was a mistake."

"Don't worry, Grunkle Ford!" Mabel wasn't very reassuring as she continued to look down, "We're just setting these up so they're good to go!"

"All right, well, you should shower first before anything else," Ford suggested. Dipper turned around and began walking away, but still had his gaze on the crystal, "Got it."

He bumped into the wall.

"I still got it."

"Mabel!" Dipper sprinted as fast as he could, "Where are you?!"

"Help!" He could hear her desperation. It was so rare, and so very discomforting. "Please!"

He skidded to a stop and found her at the base of a tree. But he only took a second to look at her before his eyes locked onto the drooling wolf in front of her. It didn't look like it was asking for any type of caressing, nor did it want to play. It was ravenous, and food was just in its sight.

The young twins were frozen. Mabel pleaded, "Dipper… do something…!"

"I-I…" His eyes darted at the large rock at his feet, then back at the wolf. She felt her fingers twitch and her breathing erratic. Suddenly, everything became slow motion when the wolf pounced towards Mabel.

His feet and hands flew on their own. Control was out of his grasp.

And once recognition finally phased through his mind, there was crimson liquid dripping down his cheek and splattered across his clothes. However, Dipper had no clue why he was standing in between the animal and his sister. Mabel seemed relatively unharmed, but she appeared as though the life was sucked out of her. The wolf in front of them was inanimate, just like the tainted rock lying next to it.

And that's how their parents found them.

It was already winter.

Snow almost always fell day after day. If not, the sky was just grey, and the air was like walking in ice.

"What's this?" Dipper eyed the open folder lied down in front of him. Pacifica explained, "It's your first mission outside of Gravity Falls."

"Huh? Why?" He furrowed his eyebrows. She stated simply, "There are small towns and cities across the nation that require assistance against the monsters. It would be a great boost in our reputation and union."

She gestured, "This mission will only be located somewhere near the coast of Oregon. It's a good start to give you a taste of what you'll be doing from now on. Plus, you're going to be my guinea pig so I can see who and where I can send my other Soul Fighters."

"So you're saying I memorized everyone and everything in Gravity Falls for nothing?"

"Of course not." She rolled her eyes. "It will still be very useful."

"Right…"

"Well, what're you waiting for?" Pacifica waved him off. He arched an eyebrow, "You realize I don't really know how to teleport, right?"

"Just channel your thought of destination into soul essence and send it into the teleporter."

"Of course, more learning on the job." Dipper saluted, "I'll see you later."

Pacifica was a little surprised he was being so friendly with her, but decided to reply anyways, "You better."

Dipper took the file and made his way to the teleportation pad in the corner, and stood on it. Closing his eyes, he focused his thoughts and pushed them downwards into the pad. Opening one eye, he found that he was still in the office. Pacifica was staring at him with a blank look. He flushed, "Give me a moment!"

He closed his eyes again and ignored Pacifica's presence in hopes that it would help him. He repeated his actions with more precision this time, and before he knew it, light absorbed him.

He reopened his eyes to find an old man and a young woman staring at him. He waved uneasily, "Uh, hello."

Be professional, He could practically hear Pacifica's voice berate him in his head. Dipper cleared his throat, "My name is Dipper Pines, and I'm here to assist you on your—"

He briefly checked the folder, "—pest issue."

"Oh, yes," The woman nodded, "there are small monster things that keep destroying our vegetation!"

"I'll get right to it then!" Dipper stepped off the pad and out into the open. The town's ranking of modernization was very much similar to Gravity Falls, although the difference was it was more ocean dependent. Fishing and fish-based stores were located all along the boardwalk that was close to the shore. People wore clothes that suited the currently cold weather, however. Seeing that fishing season was over, people depended on the crops they grew and the fish they caught during the summer.

The male twin spotted a mini monster tearing apart the leaves of a tree, and leaped to kill it. The creature evaded his attack and skittered across the ground. It actually took Dipper a few minutes of repeatedly stabbing the ground and boosting his speed to take out the little thing.

He checked the folder again, and puffed with exasperation, even when he had barely done anything. There was a lot more to eliminate.

A few hours later, Mabel was skipping through town, her own mission in mind. She made sure to show everyone how beautiful her teeth were without the train tracks on top! If not for Pacifica's reflexes, they would banged into each other as they both rounded the corner. The blonde reprimanded, "Shouldn't you be more careful? The roads and sidewalks are icy."

"True, true," Mabel twirled, "But I can't help it! Look!"

Mabel grinned, flashing her straight, pearly white teeth. Pacifica was taken aback at the brightness, "Whoa, you got your braces taken off?"

"Yep! It's been two years. And you're the final person that I've shown it to! It's also at the expense that I wear retainers every night, but it's all part of the process!"

"What process?" The blonde arched an eyebrow. Mabel flipped her hair, "The process of beauty, of course."

Pacifica snorted. The two females started walking towards Greasy's Diner.

"Don't you have any other clothes?"

"Huh?" The blonde responded as they took their seats. Mabel chided, "If you always wear the same clothing, how will people know your favorite type of chip sauce? Or what thing you'll be doing that day?"

"I have other clothing," Pacifica pursed her lips, "but not as random as yours."

"They're all wonderfully crafted by yours truly!"

Their food appeared on the table. Pacifica prompted, "You know, I've always wondered. Do you go to school?"

"Uh," Mabel scratched her cheek, "well, no. But Grunkle Ford likes to pull me from my free time and teach me a lot!"

She pointed at the blonde, "I could ask you the same thing, though!"

"Private tutors." Pacifica voiced with a hint of smugness. Mabel mumbled, "Fancy."

She groaned and threw herself on the table, "I know I said you were the last person to show my beautiful teeth to, but Bill hasn't seen them yet! I actually haven't seen him in a day or two."

"Tragic." Pacifica sipped her coffee. "I'm sure he might be off, doing conniving nonsense."

"Old habits die hard," Mabel input, "like how Dipper still sings Disco Girl in the bathroom sometimes."

A pause.

"Was I supposed to know that?"

"...No."

Her tone of voice seem to disregard the slip-up, yet there was still a trace of mirth, "Anyway, I feel like I must inform you that your brother will be attending missions outside of Gravity Falls from now on. But it won't be anything he can't handle."

"Why?"

"Political reasons and… justice." Pacifica clarified. Mabel hummed, "I guess I don't need to be worried about him, then. What about you? Got any secret feelings of dread or, maybe, love, for my dear bro-bro?"

Despite her hurried tongue, Pacifica understood her clearly. The headmistress scowled, causing Mabel to laugh. The brunette waved dismissively, "Don't worry, you have my blessing!"

"Shush!"

"Dipper and Pacifica sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N—"

With a precise flick, a spoonful of pancakes invaded Mabel's mouth. Pacifica smirked as the brunette was forced to chew. She pointed her fork at the headmistress, "How dare you!"

"I think I did the public a favor."

"The people don't seem to mind."

"I'm a part of the public," Pacifica shrugged, "A bigger part."

"But you're one person."

"It's not about quantity, it's about the quality." Pacifica twirled her fork, before shoving the pancake in her mouth, "It's how the world works."

"Don't be such a Bill…"

"Are you so in love that everything reminds you of him?"

"No!" Mabel shot up to cover her mouth. She leaned in and said in a hushed voice, "He might be listening."

Pacifica rolled her eyes and swatted her hand away. "If he hasn't gotten the message yet, then there surely must be something wrong with his senses."

"I'm just good at being subtle!"

Pacifica was adamant. "Not at all."

Mabel pouted.

Without either of them knowing, Dipper had arrived back at Gravity Falls. He stepped off the teleporter and took his shoes off to pour sand out the windows. He felt exhausted both physically and spiritually since that first mission required him to hop around in unknown territory and chase after little bitty monsters.

That area wasn't even outside of the state, and yet he still had some difficulty getting around so he could finish the job faster. Perhaps he could brush up on his geography to have an advantage for his next mission. There was no telling how different a state would be from its neighbor, and he knew from experience because California and Oregon were quite dissimilar indeed.

There was already a few inches of snow by the time Dipper made it to the library. Closing the door behind him, the frigid wind was shut out from the inside of the warm, comfortable room full of books from across the globe.

It didn't take long at all for him to detect the notorious dream-demon also within the small building. Dipper was greatly surprised to see Bill in the library, actually searching for books instead of burning them. He approached him carefully, "What are you doing here?"

"Wasting my time, it seems." Bill flipped through a few pages of a worn book, before throwing it over his shoulder. He was quite solemn, Dipper noticed. The blonde brought his attention onto the male twin, who looked back at him with uncertainty in his eyes. The dream-demon stated flatly, "Do you know that Shooting Star nearly lost control when you almost died? Both times, actually."

Dipper eyed him skeptically, "What are you talking about…?"

"Her feelings can trigger her power," Bill seemed to be speaking from a report, "and that power is something you or her don't want to lose control of."

Bill stared him in the eyes. "Do you know why your city was destroyed?"

"How do you—"

"They sensed her. They were looking for her—"

"Shut up!" Dipper finally yelled, "What the heck are you saying?! Who is 'they'? What power would Mabel have?"

Bill casted his gaze downward. "I'm not sure who, and I don't wanna believe in my own knowledge. That's the fucking infuriating part."

He looked back at the male twin. "Whatever she may possess, though, doesn't change my opinion of her. I advise you feel the same way."

Then, he vanished.

Dipper's fingers twitched, before he sat down at the table. His initial intention of reading about the geography of each of the states in the United States was wiped clean. He couldn't help but pick up a book of his own and begin reading for whatever he was supposed to be researching for that may regard Soul Fighter powers and Soul Fighter history.

His mind flashed back to his family, to his original city, to the attack, to anything that may contain clues that could connect Bill's words and the possible, hidden truth.

A week later after the incident, Mabel seemed to have recovered from witnessing the unfortunate occurrence between her brother and the wolf. She would surround herself by much sweeter, adorable animals to replace the appearance of the fallen predator.

However, Dipper was another story. Before the experience with the wolf, he had been training with his father in becoming a Soul Fighter. Mabel was given the option to only observe. But for Dipper, he had just woken up one Saturday morning a few months ago, eaten breakfast, expecting a regular day. Out of the blue, he and his dad were holding wooden swords and were standing out in the backyard.

"What's this for?"

"Soul Fighter training!" His dad grinned, "You'll need to start learning now while you're still young!"

"Um… why?" He asked politely. His father only stated vaguely, "It'll be important for the future."

Still unconfident, Dipper disregarded the feeling and went through with the practices.

Although, currently, his feelings were much stronger, now. His hands shook when he swung, and his mind always flashed back to the blood that was not his, yet it spotted his skin.

One day, he confessed.

"I'm sorry," Dipper sniffed, "but I don't think I want to continue Soul Fighter training right now. I-I can't."

His dad opened his mouth to say something, but his mother beat him to it, "Oh, honey, that's fine. We can continue another day. Now, go play."

His eyes seem to light up, before he ran off to find Mabel inside their house. He was practically bouncing with excitement when Mabel saw him. She asked, "You asked?"

"I asked!" He beamed, "They agreed!"

"Yay! Let's play some mini golf now!" Mabel grinned, before frowning as she looked around, "Wait, I think I forgot my stick downstairs. Set up the course!"

"Okay!"

Mabel sprinted to the first floor and looked for her golf club. Her smile widened when she found it, but her ears had caught onto something just when her hands seized the club.

"You know we can't allow him to take too much time off! He needs to be ready!"

"He's just a child! I know what we have to do as Soul Fighters, but I am a mother first!"

Their voices became softer. Mabel struggled to listen.

"...they'll need to...it'll be too late...needs to learn…protect Mabel no matter what..."

Her mother became firmer, "It's as I said: we'll continue another day. But right now, he just… killed a regular creature of Earth. Give him some time!"

He demanded, "Do we have time?"

There was a moment of silence, yet they hadn't resumed their intense conversation. Mabel ran back upstairs.

Dipper slowly stepped up the stairs, onto the porch, and prevented himself from going further. His hand twitched as his heart hammered in his chest. The pounding was banging in his ear—thump, thump, thump—

The door opened. "Dipper? Get in here; you'll freeze!"

Ford's worried look was nearly enough to let his mouth run on about all the questions on his tongue. The great uncle left the doorway clear for him to enter. Mechanically, the young boy stepped inside, one foot right after the other. Stan noticed his odd way of moving, "The bathroom is free."

Dipper shook his head. His voice was weak, distant, afraid, "Can we talk?"

Ford looked at Stan, who looked at him back. They nodded at the same time and made their way to the dining table. Dipper stood by the edge, stiff as a tree. His eyes were allowing the great uncles to see the gears shifting, turning, changing, in his head. Suddenly, his mouth was dry and his tongue was dead weight. The pounding only got louder, and he barely heard Stan ask, "Kid, are you okay?"

He wasn't. He felt like he was drowning in something that had no volume, no surface to exit, or that he was stuck inside a room with no windows, no air, nothing to use, no one to see. He had never been more scared of knowing something, and he never thought that it would be about himself and Mabel. Regardless… he had to know. He had to.

"Why…" His mind stopped for a split second. It was now or never.

"...Why are we here? Why are Mabel and I… here?"

To him and to his family and to the entire world that sounded like a very stupid question. The great uncles blinked, expecting some kind of chuckle to arise from Dipper. His mouth didn't manage a single twitch. Ford furrowed his eyebrows, "I-I'm sorry?"

Dipper's voice quavered, "I'm sorry, I just…"

He breathed.

"The night before my parents and my town were attacked, what happened before that?" Dipper shot out abruptly, "We were obviously too young to know anything. Did mom and dad ever seem… suspicious?"

"I…" Ford took his own deep breath to settle his startled mind, "I wouldn't use the term suspicious. They just seemed… secretive."

"What do you mean?" A small part of Dipper wished that his great uncles would say "nevermind!" or tell him that he was wrong and that his parents weren't hiding anything from them. Ford was deaf to his inner thoughts, "When you were born, your dad had never taken his eyes off of your mark."

"M-My birthmark?" Subconsciously, he reached up to graze it with his fingers. Stan frowned, inputting his own observations, "And your mom shared this look with your dad, a strange one."

"They knew something, didn't they?" Dipper fretted instantly, "What did they know?!"

"Whoa, kid, keep in mind that we were kept in the dark, too," Stan reminded calmly. Ford shook his head, "We can't tell you exactly what you want to know, but we can tell you what they had said once."

Dipper's breath hitched, "...Yeah?"

Ford felt guilty for the answer he was about to give. It wasn't anything too grand or complicated. "It was just to protect you two at all costs if anything were to ever happen to them. But they never specified why or when, which we, of course, found odd, but didn't question. We assumed it was just an overprotective parent thing."

The young boy was visibly crestfallen, "...That's it? They—did they know what was going to happen to them? That'd they die?"

His question went unanswered. He dropped his gaze to the floor, disappointed, more perplexed than ever. The great uncles felt the dissatisfaction waving off of Dipper. Ford pursed his lips, "There's some things that you'll have to figure out yourself. We don't know."

"I've been trying!" He fumed abruptly, "I've looked at almost every historic book in the library, I've been asking questions and trying to connect the pieces, but I just don't have enough information!"

"That's okay!" Stan waved his hand, "You might just be overthinking this!"

"What?" He was appalled, "You think that this was just some coincidence?"

"Kid—"

"No!" Dipper snarled, "My parents died for a reason! A reason that they didn't tell anyone! They didn't even tell you!"

The great uncles couldn't respond to their furious grandnephew. Dipper clutched his forehead, "Were they raising us because we were their children? Or because we were more important in the long run? Did they—"

A pang wrenched his heart. "Did they even care about us?"

"Of course they did, Dipper!" Ford snapped, but painfully slow in his ears, "They sacrificed themselves for you!"

"For what reason?!"

"The obvious reason! They loved you two both!"

"If they loved us so much, why were they hiding something from us?!" Tears stung his eyes as he yelled, breaking his voice, "They're not even here anymore and they're still hiding it!"

"Damn it, Dipper!" Stan stood up and slammed the table, "How are you so blind? To protect you!'

"Both of you stop this right now!" Ford also rose to his feet. Dipper stood his ground, "Why? Are you afraid of the truth?"

"Dipper, you're digging too deep into nothing!" The scientist tried to reason with him. Dipper rapidly shook his head, "I know that there is more to this, and so do you two!"

Ford hesitated while Stan motioned wildly, "And then what, Dipper? What's next after you uncover some grand secret? What do you gain from it?"

"I—" He choked, "—I don't know."

Dipper held back frustrated tears, "But I need to know."

"Why?" Ford questioned. "Why are you asking now? What made you want to know now?"

He squeezed his arm and conceded, "Bill said Mabel almost… did something when I got hurt during Pacifica's party, and when Gideon attacked us. He said she's got some sort of… power."

"What power?" Ford urged. Dipper looked lost, "I don't know."

Everyone went quiet. All at once, a series of thoughts clicked in his head, forming the epiphany that he was so very afraid of, yet so eager for. He gripped his arm tighter. "What if… that's why?"

Ford nearly refused to ask. "...What?"

"The main reason mom and dad died…" Dipper looked at them both, "was to… protect Mabel…?"

The floor far beside them creaked loudly under pressure, and all three males whirled their heads towards the entrance of the shack.

The door hit against the wall with such force, it rattled the rest of the shack's walls and the items resting on it. A few smaller objects descended to the floor and even fewer broke from the height. Dipper bolted to the door to check who had done it; his guess was instantaneous. He really, really hated being right, sometimes.

"Mabel! Wait!"

Her back was fading as she sprinted towards the forest. The snow beneath her was traitorous, leaving her footsteps for him to follow. And he did.

Their great uncles' shouts were already distant and faint. It was muffled by the freezing wind blowing on his ears. He didn't bother stopping, or turning around to wait. He just had to find her.

He felt ten all over again, chasing after his sister into the forest in fear that something might happen to her. Except, this time, she appeared that she didn't want to be found. But now, he could save her from whatever voracious animal that she might cross.

"Stop!"

She didn't yield, and neither did he. They both kept running deeper and deeper into the white maze with walls made of trees. The crunching of snow and the sound of his breathing replaced the drumming in his ear. However, his foot caught onto an overgrown root, causing him to plunge into the frigid crystals. By the time he hoisted himself up, Mabel was out of his sight. But the footprints were still there.

Whereas, on the other hand, Mabel was fleeing for reasons unbeknownst to her. She was terrified and confused and hurt and in heavy denial. Her parents death; weren't they just unlucky? Did they really die because of her? Why did this have to be much more complicated than it seemed? Why couldn't they had just moved on with their lives? Why did she need to question her own existence?

Her body gave out on her as she collapsed onto her knees and held herself up with her hands. White filled her vision, whether it was from the snow or from the spots in her eyes. She had no idea how long she had been running, where she had been running, or exactly why. But it was such a compelling impulse; it seemed so promising. It was as if physically running away from the problem at hand was the best choice because it steeled her mentality of ignoring the issue.

Out here, she wouldn't be bothered. She could stay here for a few seconds or minutes or hours and just take a break from reality. She could just sit here and think about something she didn't want to think about. She could just relish the peace and quiet and maybe sleep for a little while. She could do so many things out here.

She could… could...

...could…

...freeze.

The light around her faded. The air became impossibly more frigid, gnawing at her bare skin, but there was no ice on her cheeks. It wasn't from the weather. No, this was another type of cold.

Mabel looked up, and immediately, all of her torturous feelings swirled into one: fear for her life. These creatures were no wolves. They were gigantic, terrifying, bloodthirsty, dark beings. Four, five, six, eight, ten, fourteen, twenty-two—

She was surrounded.

I don't understand. Her thoughts buzzed like a beehive. They're here now?

"Mabel!"

Dipper was high up in the air, against the pale light from the sky. She turned her gaze onto him, watching him as he shot down and sliced through one of them, eliminating it instantly. He forced his sword away and jumped back, towards his sister before the others could touch him. Tugging her onto her feet, he begged, "Make a break for it!"

"A-And leave you here?!" She exclaimed incredulously. He continued to force her forward, "There's nothing you can do here! Get Grunkle Stan and Grunkle Ford!"

"There's no time—!"

"For me!" With a battle cry, he lifted her and hurled her outside the ring of monsters. She shrieked, but only to land safely in a heap of snow. Mabel picked herself up and shook the snow out of her hair. However, once her eyes focused onto the fray, she couldn't move away from her position. Dipper was exerting his skills to the best of his ability as the monsters charged him altogether.

What would happen if she were to leave right at this moment? What if she came back and all that was left was blood and… and a dead body?

Dipper moved as fast as he could with the amount of energy he had left. The mission from earlier and seeking Mabel through the snow forest made him use up much of his soul essence. He darted left, right, back, and forward, evading attacks. Sparing a single split second, he summoned his sword and blocked a collection of blows. He exhaled heavily, before springing upwards and killing another creature.

His hair snapped against his face and his limbs maneuvered on pure instinct. The sword in his hand had his mind now. It was his ticket to survival, to freedom, to safety, to home.

Sliding underneath, he back flipped and ricochet against one of the creature's back. His sword stabbed through another cold body, pulling his own behind his weapon. Black blood showered the blank canvas of nature. It was as if they were just creating Rorschach tests for some giant's demented mind. Ebony painted his cheeks, his clothing, his sword.

Remember.

Before he could stop to think, a limb struck him in the abdomen, sending him plummeting to the ground. The snow only slowed his recovery as another monster stomped down upon where he lied.

"Dipper! NO!"

Remember.

The distorted figures of ink rampaging through the small city. Both ruby and sable blood decorated the destruction. Screams of children, teenagers, adults alike reverberated ghastly.

A single voice. "Where… are they…?!"

Remember.

The monster exploded into murky liquid as Dipper ripped through the body. He targeted another one right next to it and aimed straight for its chest.

"You will never have them!"

Something powerful wrapped around him, catching his arms against his body. There was no time for him to comprehend as a scream began to tear at his throat. His whole existence was cracking into fragments. Limitless agony took over his senses.

And then, he was fine. His body was whole, his bones were intact, maybe a few bruises to pop up here and there, and definitely some more soreness to appear next morning. All in all, he was alive. The grassy ground was very soft and soothing against his skin.

Wait.

Grass?

Dipper forced himself up to rest on his knees. But he didn't get very far afterwards, for the sight that awaited him encased him in invisible cement.

A circle of brilliant, viridescent flora below, and a vast cerulean oasis encircled by ashy clouds above. Just beyond the springesque area, there was the same, mundane snow that washed out the sky and blanketed the earth. How had this occurred?

"Mab…el…" Dipper gulped down his already feeble voice. Nonetheless, she didn't bother looking at him, nor did it seem like she heard him at all. Her back was the center of his vision as her hair was hovering wildly. There were narrow fissures in the ground, and as he used his eyes to trail back to the source, he discovered that it was where she had been standing only a few moments ago.

He locked his gaze onto her back once more. Her body was fully engulfed with a pastel yellow light that bordered a blinding white. The glow was very exquisite, yet the aura she emitted was not even remotely close to the zone of delicacy. The air was extremely hot, but somehow, still very tranquil. He hadn't felt this warm inside and out since summertime.

Suddenly, she slowly raised her hand. It was then and there that Dipper realized that all of the manifold of evil creatures were being trapped by the similar light that veiled his sister. Their position was the same way he had just been, floating off the ground and being crushed by the sides. Nevertheless, there was no hope for them, unlike his prior situation. Although, he hadn't even known that—out of all people—Mabel would be his savior.

Albeit, how was she even able to pull this off? What was this?

She closed her fist.

There was a sole moment of cacophony. Ghastly distorted and screeching sounds echoed throughout the forest as the creatures disappeared immediately in a blaze of ivory, purgatory flames. What was left in their wake was a rain shower of pitch-black droplets. She didn't turn around.

"How did… you do that…?" Dipper was in absolute disbelief. That was unbelievable! It was incredible! She was—

—falling.

He yelped and caught her before she could hit the ground. Mabel was unconscious, breathing in and out in a rhythmic fashion. Her expression was unperturbed, apart from his own. Dipper's face was twisted in bafflement as he resumed to intense brainstorming. It all happened so abruptly and apace that he had no time to even confirm that it really happened. That Mabel just took out about thirty of those monsters all together.

It was ironic. Having such a power like that would nearly make her seem like the real monster. But he didn't see her in that way, not then and not now. She was just Mabel Pines, his sister that loved glitter and being weird.

He didn't want to believe that Bill was actually telling the truth about Mabel. He didn't want to believe that his parents really died for mostly the sake of her powers. But, isn't that how he got in this situation in the first place?

He had believed, anyway.

His feelings over his definite belief were still muddled, however. Even if he was absolutely oblivious to what her powers may be, at least he had a better lead now when he continues his search for information.

Despite the fact that the sun was now shining down on his sister and himself, reminding him that they were both still very much alive, he detested it. These circumstances didn't match his current state of mind. He didn't feel the slightest bit enlightened, so the wide ray of sunlight was just mocking.

Dipper kept a secure grip on his sister as he knelt there, surrounded and blotched by black specks. They basked in the temporary sunlight that was sure to vanish soon since the swirling clouds above were just about to invade the oasis. The sky would darken again, the greenery would be hidden away, and the freezing wind would be sweeping through the area.

He waited for it to come because he knew that it would happen.

And that's how their great uncles found them.

"—before the storm."

You don't hate me, right? :3

THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING FOR THE RECAP; I'M SORRY.

I was so excited to post this chapter; you have no idea.

By the way, (no one prompted me, I just felt like including this), there are some things I wish to rewrite from earlier chapters. I had done short chapters, I was barely getting started, and I was pretty unoriginal. I think once the story's over, I may rewrite the first twelve or so. But the reason I haven't done so yet is because, well, firstly, it takes up more time, and secondly, they mark the beginning of my writing. I can really see how much I've grown and developed my style, and I'm a sucker for old memories.

Anyway, for Dipifica:

I'll keep being honest with you all. I have been visualizing the way I'll be writing when Dipper and Pacifica become a couple in my head since I first thought of the plot for this fanfic.

(Drawn a lot of their moments, too. I actually wrote one of the major, future Dipifica moments because I was testing how I'd write it and I just wanted to preview it but then deleted it since I was getting ahead of myself.)

I'm truly apologetic if you are just dying to see them become official, or maybe you're just curious. Anyway, point is, please wait for me. As I said, this story may take quite a while to finish.

But just to give you guys some relief: no, they don't become canon right at the end of the story. It'll be somewhere in the middle.

And that concludes it. If you're dying at the moment, it was my intention!

Until next time!