Chapter 44: The Abyss

"Ahhh, feel that fresh air." Stanley Pines stood at the stern of the Stan-O-War II as their ship blast through the water with Ford's advance engines as they quickly head back to the United States.

It has been an exhausting adventure. They fought monsters, discovered a secret civilization, almost hooked up with a guy, and befriended the ruler of the seas, Leviathan, or at least got on his good side.

"Soon we'll be dropping anchor in New Jersey, back at Glass Shard Beach … why did we agree on going back there?" Stanley took a deep breath as the mere thought of heading to his once home still hangs on his mind and its haunting memories. "You think they'll recognize me, Bro? I know Crampelter moved out of state, but hardly any of us made friends. So I'll probably be safe from the cops."

Stanley heard no response from his brother. He turned around to see him steering the ship with his head in the clouds.

"Still thinking about that old temple, are you?"

"Yes, Stanley. Also I'm still mad we're leaving so soon." Stanford glared at his brother. "Is attending Wendy's sixteenth birthday really that important?"

"Bro; that is not a quick and easy answer." Stanley walked up and sat next to Ford. "Gears in your head still want to figure that all out."

Stanford sighed. "I've made far more documents than I'd expected and we've found the true source of the strange phenomena, yet there's still more."

Stanley shrugged his arms. "Well you can't know everything, nor do we want to." Stanley shivered. "I hope Dipper doesn't go too deep on that internet."

Ford tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "It started out so exciting."

"We're flashing back to us breaking and entering Levi's place, are we?"

(Flashback)

"Oh my gosh, those things are hilarious, and terrifying." Stanley laughed as he and his brother drove their submerged Atlantian ships, which they were too picky on not naming them submarines, through the dark waters of the Abyss the Leviathan was held in for years.

"Indeed they are." Stanford said. As they watched the alien-like sea creatures in their natural habitat, Stanford pressed some buttons on his ship and a record logo appeared on a screen showing the animals.

"The creatures here have no sunlight, thus they must adapt to these cold and harsh waters without eating for days, or even months." They drove passed a sea creature glowing in the dark. "Yet they've evolved special abilities to hunt food and ward off predators."

"And they'll make great expensive pets!" Stanley grinned from ear to ear.

"Don't even think about it." Stanford laughed, "Unless you want to sell these recordings I'm making for a cheap horror film."

"You just gave me a million dollar idea."

Their joyful moment was soon disrupted when their lights shined on a pillar with ancient writing. "What do we have here?" It was Stanford's turn to smile ridiculously as he carefully drives around the pillar and examined the writing that weren't warned out yet.

He was unable to understand the writing, but he jolted down each character in case some Atlantians might decode it. However he came across one image that made his old bones shivered.

"Bill…."

Stanley moved his ship close and spoke to his brother though the ship's communication device. "Great. His face is everywhere."

"And that is how he watches us." Stanford said. "His image is like a window to our world. But Bill Cipher is dead, so these things are practically worthless now."


Elsewhere in another dimension, all of Bill's gang in the Nightmare Realm were watching Stanford looking at the image.

"They killed Bill!" All of Bills henchmen cried and hugged each other while some refugees quietly cheered in the background.

"Eh, I never really liked-" one lesser known minion was then swallowed by Pyronica.


After examining the pillar, Stanford suggested that they could be very close to more structures.

"Maybe it's on giant place." Stanley spoke. "Big guy, big place."

"Or a large cavern that goes down deeper than any other trench." Stanford smiled. "But don't forget. He can change his size. He could easily live in a doll house." Ford chuckled at the thought of Levi living in a doll house owned by his grandniece Mabel. "Well only one way to find out."

The twins noticed some more ruins and followed forward as they passed by more pillars and odd looking animals. The structures they've found were nothing too overwhelming, all except for one.

"…My word." The Stan Twins moved their lights around a gargantuan sized pillar sticking from the rocking ground of the ocean, with images of the Leviathan all over it. The near radius of the pillar could be the same as the empire state building. In fact, the pillar could be just as tall as the tower itself. "Did the Leviathan build this? Can he grow arms? Does he have arms?"

"Bro…." Stanley caught his attention as he aims the lights up ahead.

From what they are able to see, there stood what looks like a huge entranceway of a temple. Not as massive as the pillar, but was enough to give it a massive sense of wonders. The brilliant mind, Stanford, wasn't too caught up in awe as he made sure he recorded their start of a new adventure and be ready to start new ones.

"Well, care to dive in first?" Stanley grinned as he aimed the lights directly into the entrance.

"Why don't mind if I do." The twins drove into the temple.

Stanford was right about his hunch on the Leviathan changing size to fit his home. However this was no mere dollhouse with plastic hourglass shaped people, but was still very large with multiple hallways that looks suited enough to be in a royal castle.

"That monster really knows how to keep his place snazzy." Stanley said as they passed by a stature of the Leviathan, and shivered. "Even a statue of him gives me more creeps than Gideon."

Stanford couldn't help but stare at the statue, not entirely, but enough to wonder what secrets the beast holds. Looking back to his recent document of the smaller pillar, he gaze at the Bill Cipher image and recalled the promise he made to Leviathan, to not ask about his knowledge of Bill Cipher.

"I can understand why Bill would want to seal the Leviathan away." Stanford spoke which caught Stanley's attention. "Bill probably feared at the Leviathan would wipe out humanity and his chance of deceiving a fool to create a portal machine. But just telling us not to ask any questions though?" Stan wrote his words in his new journal. "He may know more about Bill Cipher; perhaps even before he was sealed."

"Like that fortune teller in some dimension?" Stanley asked as he referenced the new entries Ford made from the other dimensions."

"The Oracle." Stanford thought back to his destined arrival to Dimension 52. "Jheselbraum the Unswerving."

"So that's how you pronounce it." Stanley mentioned. "So what is it with her? I would randomly guess 'short time girlfriend' just to tease ya, but that's not possible."

"You're right there. Not possible." Ford waved his hand. "But believe me, I did not find her attractive that way, but we did enjoy each other's company. She's the one that gave me this metal plate and told me about Bill." Stanford knocked his head. "Maybe we'll meet again. Bill is destroyed now thanks to someone with the same face as me." Stanford smiled at his brother while he laughed.

"I punched him while I was just wearing my boxers and undershirt."

"You should wear more clothes around the shack more often." Stanford said. "Soos's grandmother lives there now."

"She better not girly up the place." Stanley sternly said. "Or go looking in my room."

They pass by the statue as Stanford told about his stay with Jheselbraum and what she revealed to him about Bill Cipher.

"Sheesh, even I'm not crazy enough to blow up the planet just to get more gold." Stanley said as they travel pass more images depicting the sea serpent.

Then they came across what looks like a rubble of rocks just lying on the ground. "Looks like he's not that spotless." Stanley looked around the rocks for any chance of finding something valuable, but noticed one interesting rock. To get a better look at it in hopes for gold, he used his ship's mechanical arms and lifted it up. "Say bro, look at this."

Stanford looked closely at the rock with the ships cameras. "Interesting. This looks almost like … actually this looks exactly like a foot of an elephant or a rhino." Stanford took the rock with his ship and examined it properly. "Well this does have some claws, so this is supposed to resemble a foot." Stanford examined the pile, there wasn't anything else clear, but the ways some looks doesn't look natural. "This must be the remains of another statue." Stanford looked at the foot again. "But this wouldn't be any good for a sea creature like the Leviathan."

"Maybe he has some land cousin he hates." Stanley looked at the pile.

"Hmmm …. That doesn't sound impossible." Stanford placed the foot in a cargo hold of the ship. "We should explore more." Stanford looked at his air meter. "How are you on air?"

"I'm good for another six hours." Stanley smiled. "Seriously, this is the only thing those fish guys got right about us air breathers."

They continued their expedition in the temple and found carvings and small statues of other sea creatures, including some prehistoric creatures like plesiosaurs and coelacanths. As they explore more and more, the came across the necessities to the temple such as living rooms, a dining area with a food storage room (apparently Levi really likes crabs, or they're just stealing his grub while he's out), and what looks like bedrooms with large bedding.

"Well he likes to entertain. That's for sure." Stanley smiled as they passed thought a well decorative hallway with several staircases. "But who would want to see his hideous mug?"

"That is a very good question." Despite Stanford's hawk eyes, was only till now he realized something obvious. "And we're underwater, why are there stairs?"

Then several large glowing crabs walked by.

"There's you're answer."

Stanford rubbed his chin. "I'm not too convinced."

"Still thinking big there." Stanley smiled. "Just make sure I'm with you before you make any more deals with cyclops from another dimension."

"I swear on my life." Stanford held his heart.

They traveled more throughout the temple as Stanford's feeling about the architecture design makes more sense as they find large chairs suitable for giants, objects that look like they're meant for candles, a few large fire pit like objects outside in an old courtyard with nothing but sand, and an ancient observatory.

"….. is this an observatory?!" Stanford's jaw dropped when they see what looks like a large telescope pointing up to the ceiling which looks like it could open up. He examined the structure all over and concluded it was indeed a large telescope.

"O.K this place does get dry." Stanley smiled. "So does the water drain or does this go up to the surface?"

Stanford started grinning like a child. "I don't know. I want to find out. I want to find out NOW!" Stanford's overly hyper Christmas morning grin slowly faded when he saw the oxygen meter. "We have three hours left already." He looked at his brother in the other ship. "And we still need to head back to Atlantis 2.0."

"Too bad you don't have one of these." Stanley showed off the artificial gills and smiled.

"Oh, these." Stanley felt sheepish as he looked at the gills laying right next to him and the swim suit to help with water pressure. "We have plenty of time to-"

"Ooooooh, forgot about the fuel."

Stanford slowly looked at the fuel meter, which is half full.

"Darn it….."

They turned their ships around to head back to the temple. "So bro ….." Stanley tapped his fingers. "We'll this place has a lot more secrets, still have no idea how big it is, and I want to get back to Gravity Falls before Wendy's sixteenth birthday ….."

Before Stanford could say anything else, they heard a loud noise from down the hall; which sounded organic, and large.

"Quick, hide!"

They drove their ships behind a Leviathan statue and turned their lights off. Waiting patiently, they watched something large walk pass them, a giant lobster with mantis-like arms walking by with glowing blue spots around its body to reveal its form to the hidden twins.

"I giant mantis shrimp." Stanford whispered to himself. He was well aware of the powers a normal mantis shrimp has. They are able to deliver powerful blows with their claws and have one of the most complexed eyes in the known animal kingdom, which both abilities are a danger to both Stans.

Using the ships camera, Stanford used the footage to zoom in on the creature to estimate is size without risking anything too close.

Thankfully the shrimp (well it's practically the size of an elephant) did not looked towards the statues and walked away. Seeing the close was clear, they set their lights to low and moved away from the statue. "Stan, those mantis shrimps can easily destroy these ships, and will most likely eat us. We need to leave this temple now."

"Didn't Levi give us full protection in the ocean?" Stanley reminded his brother, but thought of something. "Aaaaand we're trespassing his place right now looking through his stuff while he's at the Gulf of Mexico. Just follow my lead."

Stanley motioned his brother to exit from a courtyard, but after quietly moving through the temple, they discovered two giant mantis shrimps at the exit.

"Where the H were these guys this entire time?" Stanley asked while holding in his frustration.

Seeing another one heading their way, the twins maneuvered their ships to a hallway they haven't explored yet.

If it weren't for their adrenaline levels rising as they try to keep calm, they would marvel at how unique this hallway was compared to the others. The architecture was unlike anything they've seen with swirled pillars holding the ceiling with bizarre looking yet well designed patterns running diagonally. The flooring was made from pure white stone that reflected the light off their ships, but the one thing that the twins did noticed were carved images of different animals.

Yet with the light from one of the bioluminous Mantis Shrimp reaching in the other end of the hallway, they drove their ships a little faster and took quick glances of a carving of Leviathan.

Thankfully Stanford was swift enough to use the camera to record whatever their low lights made visible to them as they kept their eyes pierced for any more lights.

"There it goes." Stanford said as the light faded away. "We can't stay like this, we'll eventually run out of fuel and we'll have a greater chance of losing our lives if we go there in just diving suits."

"Hey bro, I think see a light."

Stanford was startled that it could be another shrimp, but the light Stanford pointed up ahead looked different and larger, as if a small crack of sunlight was beaming through the temple.

Stanford didn't believe it was from an organism like the mantis shrimp, but he urged Stanley to stay alert.

The light was coming from a large doorway that was slightly opened which the ships could easily fit through. Once inside, they found a very large room with the light source above them, and what looks like the water's surface.

"I think our hunch is correct." Stanford said as they drove underneath the light. "The temple could possible either rise to the surface or drain the water from within the temple. Whatever the case is, there is dry area up there.

"Air wise or toxic gas wise?"

Stanford rubbed his chin. "Good question. Luckily our ships are well equipped to test gas levels." Stanford rummaged through some cabinets and found the equipment. "However this will take a while, so just as long as there are no immediately threats, we should see for ourselves."

That's when the entire room lit up with the lights coming off from countless of Giant Mantis Shrimps.

"…I should start study the science behind jinxing. I could uncovered many information no scientist in the world would ever consider the-"

"Bro, not the time for nerd talk. Time for saving our keesters." Stanley pointed out as some of the Mantis Shrimps took noticed of the ships' presence. They didn't appear hostile or sees them as prey, but one false move could mean the end.

The Stans ducked down to avoid being spotted by the overgrown crustacean buffet as Stanley looked up to the surface.

"Can these things go up land?"

"Perhaps, but they won't be able to attack us as dangerous as in the water. It's our best shot."

They slowly floated to the top, but one Mantis Shrimp swam above and gently landed on top of Stanford's ships, causing it to sink down slowly as Stanley's ship continued its pace.

Thinking quickly, Stanley looked through the ship's equipment for anything useful. After throwing random objects around, he found the perfect tool for the job.

'Glowing Treats' it said on the package. 'Great for distracting hordes of blood thirsty monsters that can easily kill you in a split second and drag your remains where no family member will ever find them.'

"This is the most disturbing yet easily eye catching description for a product." Stanley wasted no time as he skimmed through the instructions and placed the treats in a vent.

The treats were dropped from underneath the ship and after sinking several feet, the treats began to give up a purple glow.

All of the Mantis Shrimps looked directly at the treat and swarmed towards them at once, fighting each other for the few bites of food.

The one on Stanford's ship was the last to notice as it swam off and floated to the bottom to join the brawl.

"Fight, Fight, Fight!" Stanley cheered as both he and his brother quickly reached the rippling surface.

When the ships broke the surface, the brothers exit their ships and breathed in the fresh air.

"This is oxygen, right?" Stanley asked.

Stanford checked himself out and breathed again. "Yes. This is indeed pure air …. And yet it was far more likely for this to be toxic vapers."

"Well we're O.K.!" Stanley shouted as he placed his fists on his hips. "We're away from those monster and are now in aaaaaaa HOLY MOLEY!"

Stanley stared in awe as Stanford looked around to fully see the beauty of what they found.

They were still in the temple, there was no way they could have reached land, but the room itself looked as if it was the bright and sunny land sitting above the dark and cold ocean.

There, they were in a the largest room they've seen in that oceanic temple, but the only thing in that room that resembles the ocean itself was the beach several yards ahead of them. Stanley and Stanford drove their ships close enough to the shore to reach the sandy beach that leads to a majestic forest with nothing but green plants and beautiful colorful flowers.

The slowly looked up to see the greenery reaching the walls and ceiling as massive light-producing crystals sticking from the ceiling gave off the sun-like light and heat into the underwater arboretum.

They took all the time they wanted as they walked down a stone path as they watched each and every species of plant new to science.

As they approached a yellow flower with blue spots, Stanford's pupils grew as he watched a butterfly with white wings landing on the flowers, and the white wings copying the patterns on the flower.

"Write, write, write, write, write, write!" Stanford quickly jolted down notes and drawings as Stanley couldn't be more excited.

"This here, this is what we've been talking about through our whole childhood!" Stanley said grandly as he gazed around the forest. "Minus the babes and treasure, which I should check later, we're on this journey for adventure and discovering whatever crazy and amazing thing this planet has to offer us, and rub it all in Dad's face!"

They continued their path down the trail as Stanford tried out his new 'digitalized camera' as he praises the clearer shots he can easily see and edit.

Their journey through the forest felt like hours as they discovered more and more species of plants and insects.

Before even the slightest of disinterest formed into their minds after seeing nothing but flowers, they eventually came across a large clearing of grass with a large stone platform up ahead.

After crossing the meadow, the explorers got a good look at the 20' circular platform with unknown writing across the circle and a small centered giving off multiple colored lights.

After recording everything he sees and giving his own thoughts, Stanly pointed above and there were three carved images of different creatures in the ceiling, which includes the Leviathan.

Well two creatures. Stanford and Stanley noticed a third space covered in burn marks.

"Guess it's the guy Levi hates." Stanley pointed out the scorched area the Leviathan could have done himself. "So this means he can go on dry land if he gets angry. I hope he doesn't follow us back to Jersey."

Stanford prayed and prayed that this all has nothing to do with Bill Cipher. He just wants to ask Leviathan endless questions about his findings in this temple alone.

Who made this building and for what? Why is there a haven of unknown plants and insects here? What are those glowing crystals? What is the creature who depictions in this place was destroyed and why, speaking of ….

Stanley looked over to the second untouched carving of a creature. It was hard to make out, but it looks like either a bird or a dragon covered in feathers or perhaps modified scales. Or it could be something completely different like a flying mammal, or something ridiculously stupid like a worm wearing a fur coat. He blames the Leprecorn for that last thought.

Stanford set his feet on the platform to get a closer look at the center and to see if anything could activate.

Taking out his scanner, he recorded the middle section to find any new readings.

To add more mysteries he would kill to get solved; he received a faint signal, a signal familiar to him. "Amazing….." Stanley slowly stood back as he gazed around the green meadow and the forest surrounding them. "This is very weak, but this is giving off the same energy as the phenomena I first detected in these waters."

"Woah, really?" Stanley smiled. "Like when that shield broke and out came Levi."

"Yes. If I could record the reading from that event, I could possible understand more about what trick Bill used." Stanford pointed the scanner away and checked his surroundings. "Maybe there's still some energy left over from the-"

Suddenly to his surprised, this scanner started going crazy and in a split second it malfunctioned before his eyes.

He just stood there in awe at what just happened. "Stanley. Do you know what this means?"

"It broke?"

"No! Well yes that happened, but the reason why it broke." Stanley dropped the device. "This place … or wait. Maybe it did just break due to me dropping it in the sink back at Atlantis 2.0." Stanford wiped some sweat off his forehead as he excited heart slowed down. "For a minute, I thought ….. well actually that could still be the case. Seems unlikely, but plenty of people said that about many great discoveries such as-"

"Get to the point, Pointdexter." Stanley said in a dead tone.

"Sorry." Stanford took a deep breath. "This entire temple may possibly be giving off a bigger reading than I recorded while we were still back at Gravity Falls. Buuuuuut." Stanford looked back at the platform. "If that was the case, then I wouldn't have gotten that small signal there." Stanford pointed at the center of the platform. "So it must have just broke."

"Well for some reason I'm not buying that." Stanley smiled. "Want to explore more before another monster of the day shows up ….. alright, whoever runs the jinx machine, what's next?"

Upon answering Stanley's question, the next threat had appeared … an annoying bug buzzing around his ear.

One swat at it and it was over; Stanley's ear is now safe.

"O.K. … say what's that?" Stanley pointed at a piece of paper on the edge of the platform.

Stanford did not notice that until now while he was recording the writing. He picked up the paper and was shocked to see it was a letter, a letter in plain English.

"Who, where did this come from?!" Both twins were completely shocked by this. "Stanley, are you pulling another prank again?"

"Not me this time, bro." Stanley held his hands up. "Just see what it says."

Stanford adjusted his glasses and read the letter out loud, while being careful not to say something stupid his brother may have wrote.


To the Pines twins that calmed Leviathan's wrath.

What you've done was remarkable. I was astonished by the seemly-fatal blow to Leviathan and later calming its wrath. I was probably just as shocked as you when I witness the beast reattaching its head like that. I mean you guys cut it right off and it starts acting like playdough with magnet powers. They should do that in a kaiju movie.

When I wrote this letter, it was on short noticed as I was about to leave. But I figured, with your curious minds, you will discover this place while Leviathan was not here. And when I said I, I mean both me and Leviathan. Yes that's right, he knows….

..

Both Stans gulped.

…..

It was I who have display that light from this abyss before Leviathan left… unless you didn't see it. It was early in the morning after the party. I was never any good at big parties, the crazy Stan was acting crazy, I doubt he would wake up early. It actually took me a while to figure out that light signal in his temple. I'm getting off track.

I spoke with Leviathan personally and I have to say, we agree on a lot of things, not 100%, but enough to enjoy each other's companies.

..

"So this person speaks dolphin?" Stanley asked.

…..

You're all probably wondering who I am.

Well isn't that a can of worms or something. Look, I don't want to say too much, but I would say that I was your neighbor in that hotel and I was the one who got angry that you guys ate all the food. Seriously, do you have any idea how long of a travel this was? And I was so looking forward to trying out their homemade waffles!

I was also the one who beat that crab up and told Mermando where the sacrifice was going to be. He and his wife (I don't want think of that too much) are kind hearted creatures, and apparently you two looks like it as well.

..

"Ha, this guy's wrong about that." Stanley laughed. "I'm bad to the bone, especially when I help Mabel out in her beauty pageant for stuffed animals … shut up, Ford!"

…..

You two must have plenty of questions, and I'm sorry for feeding you more, but I cannot say anything relating to that creature called Bill Cipher (cool name though. Leviathan gotten angry when I said that).

But I do have a message from Leviathan that he feels that you should at least know.

Leviathan and other creatures were apart of some 'Plan B' to destroy Bill Cipher. Now I know a few more details about Leviathan and his pals than you do, and I didn't learn this from Leviathan first.

Also he wants you out of his temple now. You should see an angry swarm of bees flying around you.

..

That's when the Stans noticed the swarm of bird sized bees flying above them.

"They're flying, and yet they're not making and buzzing noises." Stanford said in a horrified tone.

…..

And those Mantis Shrimps should leave you alone. Leviathan said that he would have threatened you guys to stay away from here despite giving you protection, but he decided to be cool and told his guards to just scare you off. Looks like Bill Cipher scared him more than I thought.

"Huh, guess we could have gone exploring more." Stanford mentioned. "Remind me to get a better look at that hallway with all those animal carvings."

So that's all Leviathan wanted to say. But I still have more to write.

Look, I heard that you came all the way from Gravity Falls. Well I have a very important request from you. I really really want to figure out something that's been bothering me for far too long. Please look in that chest and take out what's inside, unless you already did that.

"Chest?" Stanford noticed the small chest next to where the note was. "What do we have here?" Before Ford could lay a single finger on it, Stanley swiped it away. "Stanley…."

Stan wasted no time in seeing what the chest hold. "Gold gold gold." He took out the object kept in the chest and found a necklace with a blue gem. "Hmmmm. I'm sure it's forth a shiny penny."

Ford sighed as he continued to read the letter.

That gemstone can allow us to communicate. When you reach the United States, heat the gem up with either a fireplace or a heater (not microwave safe), that's practically dialing. Why's it like that, I don't know.

I'm running out of space here, but I don't want to have a quick conversation about the weather and what not, it's important.

I really want to have a word with you. You have no idea how much of a help you could be, even Leviathan couldn't help me.

To the one who helped save you, ….. I'm not giving a name just yet.

P.S. If you remember the sound of my voice, that's just how I sound like when I'm mad. I do have a gender.


Stanford took a moment to think about the request the writer made and the necklace Stanley handed over.

"Fascinating. Someone else spoke with Leviathan, and that beast was a part of a plan to destroy Bill Cipher." He paced around the platform. "And what are these other creatures the writer spoke of? And what does he need help with?"

"Fascinating." Stanley rubbed his chin while he acts like his brother to tease him. "And when will those bees attack us if we don't leave right now."

Both Stans looked at the silence bird-sized bees slowly approaching them.

(End Flashback)

Stanford and Stanley sat peacefully in the bright sun. They've switch the boat's engine to low so they could enjoy a good lunch as they talked about their last quest in the Arctic Ocean. After going through his digitalized camera and the dim recordings he took in the hall, we wasn't really able to see what those other carvings were, and sadly he couldn't check on their way back because the mantis shrimps quickly covered them up with curtains, and he could have sworn one of them were mocking him.

"Still tick about those other creatures that guy with the weird voice said." Stanley said as he handed Ford a soda. "So I guess Levi does have friends. Their parties must be hilariously scary."

Stanford kept his puzzled face. "There's just so many things that came up, I can't really think straight." He slapped his head as he gave Stanley a tired look. "Heck, I'm probably overlooking obvious questions right now."

"Well that's what your diary is for. I guess." Stanley leaned on his chair. "Write down what happen so you can look them over later with a clear mind."

"Heh, that's actually good advice." Stanford took a deep breath and relaxed as he let his mind go easy as he enjoys the sun. He looked at the necklace in hand that could communicate with the writer. But since they've asked to talk when he has time and when he arrives back to the states, he decided to put that to the back of his mind like all his other thoughts.

"And if it makes you feel better, Soos can check that video out and make it brighter or something involving computers." Stanley sighed as the thought back to what's ahead of them. "Going back to Jersey, crossing the country, and heading back to Gravity Falls. We should definitely pay the kids a visit." Stanley nudged Ford. "And you need to see Shermie and his boy."

"That sounds like a great idea. We should surprise them."

"Ha, Mabel would tackle us and I'm sure that will be stronger than those punching shrimps!" Stanley laughed. "And then we'll go back to Gravity Falls, after checking our luggage for a certain over-hyper stowaway, and we can be back in time for Wendy's birthday."

"Wendy Corduroy's birthday." Stanford looked at Stanley. "Brother, why is her birthday important?"

Stanley knew this would come up. He took a deep breath and looked at Ford right in his eyes. "Ford, if Wendy wasn't an employee at the shack, I probably just wished her a good birthday, but the fact she's going to drive a car and that it would be three years since she turned thirteen and then ….. right…" Stanley sat up. "You weren't here when ….."

Ford recognized that look in his brother's eyes. "Stan, if you don't feel like-"

"No no. You really need to hear this just in case you bring something up." Stanley looked serious for what he was about to say. "It all started when Wendy turned 13."

End of Chapter

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A/N: If you are not aware yet, I have given all past chapters their own code to decipher. Have fun!

Also I have a poll on my profile where you can vote for 3 of your favorite chapters in this story up to chapter 40.