Chapter 32: A Tale She's Heard Before.
(Third Person)
Emily sat on a flat roof of a building, quietly staring at the stars above her. She sighed heavily to herself and looked down. The ground far below her. On slip and she'd be dead, but that didn't scare her. She had down this many times before, and she was used to this height. Emily took in a deep breath again and felt the wind blow her hair. Suddenly the door on the roof creaked open and Emily turned to a familiar sight.
"Hey Georgia."
The other girl smiled warmly, her necklace shining against the single light in the door. She wore a pink tank top and jeans while holding two mugs with steam coming off the top.
"Hey, coco?" She asked, playfully holding them up. Emily laughed as Georgia walked over and say down next to her sister.
"Always." Emily said and took the mug that was offered to her.
"What are you doing? Olivia's head count is in ten minutes, and you know how she gets when we're missing from that." Georgia asked playfully as Emily took a sip.
"I know, I know. We get the 'stern gaze'." They two laughed playfully and Emily sighed again. Georgia raised an eyebrow.
"Uh oh, I know that sigh. What are think about that bothering you this time?" Georgia asked and took a sip of her own coco.
"Hmmm, Stan and Ford." Emily shrugged and Georgia paused mid sip and turned to Emily once again.
"What about them?" She asked, in slight confusion. Emily sighed and looked down at the coco, seeing her reflection ripple in the drink.
"It's silly, don't worry about it." Emily waved it off, but Georgia shook her head and wagged her finger.
"No no no, somethings bothering you, and we aren't leaving until you tell me." Georgia insisted and Emily raised an eyebrow.
"Your gonna risk Olivia's 'stern glare' for me? I'm touched!" Emily laughed while placing a hand over her chest, fake swooning and the two burst into giggles before Georgia cleared her throat and calmed down.
"Okay, but seriously, what's up with Stan and Ford, and why's it making you sad?" Georgia asked in a serious tone. Emily took another drink from her coco and sighed before looking up in the starts.
"It's just...in the flashback episode, they were best friends...just like you and me, and yet, one bad day ruined their relationship for over 30-40 years...I just...I know it sounds like I'm repeating Mabel here, but I don't want that to happen to us..." Emily explained and Georgia looked at her sister and put down her mug before wrapping her in a one-arm hug.
"Hey, come here." She said and Emily scooted closer to Georgia.
"What brought this on? That episode has been out for a while now." She asked and Emily sighed again.
"It's just in of those thoughts you have at random I guess. I don't know, I keep remembering the day we officially claimed that we were sisters and the caretakers there just laughed like we were playing a game, and now I know that they didn't even think we'd last." Emily said somberly.
"And that's why we didn't stay long after." Georgia declared and Emily chuckled.
"In all seriousness Emily, I get why your scared about that happening, but I don't see that coming to pass." Georgia said in a serious tone.
"Really why?" Emily asked, turning her head to face Georgia.
"Well, I don't know how to explain it, but I just feel like that no matter what happens, we can get through it. I always feel like I can talk to you about anything, and I know you'll talk to me when you need to. This is just something I just know naturally." Georgia said and turned to the stars.
"It's like the sky, full of mysterious, yet I know it's there."
Emily was quiet for a moment and turned to the sky as well. She felt a calm sense of peace overwhelm her and she felt relaxed and happy. Georgia was right, nothing was going to tears them apart like that.
Nothing.
Suddenly Georgia started having a coughing fit that caused Emily to turn and place her hands on Georgia's shoulders. As quick as it started the fit stopped and Georgia relaxed.
"You okay?" Emily asked in concern and Georgia nodded.
"Yeah, frog in my throat. Way to ruin a perfect moment." Georgia joked, giving jazz hands. The two laughed and stood up. "Come on, lets head inside."
"Okay." Emily laughed and grabbed her mug before walking to the door, but stopped and turned to see Georgia staring off into the distance one hand holding the mug, while the other on her necklace.
"Georgia?" Emily asked and Georgia snapped her head back to Emily.
"Huh, what? Sorry, just thought I heard something." Georgia said and shrugged. "Never mind, come on, we still got one minute until head count."
"After you." Emily said, opening the door and Georgia walked inside and Emily followed her, shutting the door behind.
The stars above glowed brighter for one moment before becoming dimmer once again.
(Emily's P.O.V)
Okay, theme song has definitely already happened, and now we are staring at Stan's brother Ford that walked out of the portal like it was some ordinary doorway.
Cool.
"Finally! After all these long years of waiting, you're actually here! Brother!" Stan cried happily and reached his arms out for a hug, only to have Ford punch him square in the face, causing us to flinch.
"Oh! Ow! What the heck was that for?!" Stan exclaimed in anger.
"This was an insanely risky move restarting the portal! Didn't you read my warnings?!" Ford asked in disbelief.
"Warnings, schmarnings. How's about maybe a thanks for saving you from what appears to be, I don't know, some kind of sci-fi sideburn dimension?" Stan asked, shrugging off the anger.
"Thank you? You really think I'm gonna 'thank you' after what you DID THIRTY YEARS AGO?!" Ford exclaimed in anger.
"What I did? Why, you ungrateful..." Stan lunged for Ford in an attempted to punch him, but Ford ducked and grabbed him.
"Don't expect me to go easy on you, just because you're...family..." Stan grunted and he was slammed into the ground. "Ah!"
"HEY! BREAK! IT! UP!" I cried on the top of my lungs and clapped my hands. The original mystery twins froze and looked up at me and I glared angrily.
"I said...BREAK IT UP!" I cried again and stomped my foot, not taking my angry eyes off the two, who still didn't know what to do. I sighed and stepped to the side, letting Mabel come up from behind me.
"Hey, hi. Mabel here. Quick question: WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON HERE?!" She cried. Stan and Ford seemed to snap out of it and stood up.
"Stan, you didn't tell me there were children down here. And some sort of large, hairless gopher?" Ford questioned, looking at Soos, who laughed.
"Heh heh. I get that a lot." He said.
"Also, we are teenagers." Nate cut in, wrapping an arm around my waist. Stan sighed and gestured to Mabel and Dipper.
"They're your family, Poindexter. Shermie's grandkids." Stan explained and Ford's expressing soften.
"I-I have a niece and nephew?" Ford asked in disbelief. Awww, he does smile! He then pent down to sake Mabel's hand.
"Greetings. Do kids still say greetings? I haven't been in this dimension for a really long time." Ford introduced and Mabel stared at his hand in awe.
"Whoa, a six-fingered handshake? It's a full finger friendlier than normal!" Mabel exclaimed.
"Heha, I like this kid. She's weird." Ford laughed and we the turned to Dipper, who finally got over his shock and started geeking out.
"I-I can't believe it. You're the author of the Journals!" Dipper gasped.
"You've read my journals?" Ford asked, taking out number 1 in curiosity.
"I haven't just read them; I've lived them!" Dipper exclaimed and bang walking in circles. "I've been waiting for so long to meet you, I-I don't know what to say I have so many question I..." Dipper then started to breath heavily and hunched over as Mabel came next to him.
"Uh, Dipper are you okay?" Nate asked in concern.
"Oooooohhh I think I'm gonna throw up...Hmmpf! No-no, false alarm. Hmmpf! Just gotta ride it out!" Dipper groaned and Mabel patted him on the back and cleared my throat.
"Dipper found Journal 3 earlier this summer, and we've had some adventures where it's been really helpful. So, he's really excited for meet you, as you can see." I explained and Ford nodded.
"Listen, there'll be time for introductions later. But first, tell me, Stan: are there any security breaches? Does anyone else know about this portal?" Ford asked his twin, who crossed his arms and looked away.
"No, just us. Also maybe the entire U.S. government." Stan deadpanned.
"The WHAT!?"
"The government. You know, those fancy people who sit in a giant building and make all those important decisions for our lives." Soos explained and I facepalmed.
"I think he got that Soos. Who would have thought that stealing toxic waste, something that is extremely dangerous to use, would attract some kind of important figures to investigate?" I said in a sarcastic tone.
"Uh Emily, are you mad?" Dipper asked. I sighed and slumped my shoulders.
"No, I'm not mad...I just want to get everything calmed down." I explained, pinching the bridge of my nose and Nate placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. I looked over at him and smiled.
"Uh guys, I think the Agent dudes are back!" Soos called over and we rushed over to get a better look at the security footage.
"Fan out! We're not going anywhere till we find Stan Pines and those kids!" Powers exclaimed and the agents started searching.
"Okay. It's all right. We've got a while before they find this room. We just need to lay low and think of a plan." Ford said thoughtfully and started writing in his Journal.
"Well, it looks like we're stuck down here for a while. Who wants to tell us their entire mysterious backstory?" Mabel asked.
"Yes, I have some questions about this myself, Stanley." Ford replied.
"Stanley?" Dipper questioned.
"But your name is Stanford." Mabel said.
"Wait, you took my name?! What have you been doing all these years, you knucklehead?!" Ford exclaimed.
"Wait hold up, both of you names are Stan?" Nate questioned and I patted his shoulder.
"Let's just put a pin in that..." I muttered and Dipper turned to Stan with crossed arms.
"Okay Grunkle Stan, no more lies! You owe us some answers: What's the deal with this portal? Why did you keep this a secret?" Dipper asked.
"And what happened between you and your brother?" Mabel questioned and Soo walked up behind her.
I hope all this aligns exactly with my fanfic, Stan. If not, I will be very disappointed." Soos said sincerely.
"Fandoms in a nut shell." I muttered and Stan sighed before scratching the back of his head.
"Okay okay okay, I have a lot of explaining to do. It all started...a lifetime ago...nineteen sixty something. Glass Shard Beach, New Jersey. I lived with my ma and pa in the Lead Paint District in the family pawn shop. Dad was a strict man. Tough as a cinderblock and not easily impressed." Stan begun.
"Glass Shard Beach, really selling it on the name." Nate muttered, I stifled a laugh as Stan continued.
"Ma was a pathological liar, which served her well as a phone psychic. And then there was my nerdy twin brother, Stanford. As if his abnormally high IQ wasn't enough, he also had a rare birth defect: six fingers on each hand. Which might have explained his obsession with sci-fi mystery weirdness. As for me, I had what mom liked to call: personality. But as different as we were, we were the perfect team. And every day we'd wander the beach, looking for adventure." Stan explained, happily reminiscing.
"Looks like the apples didn't fall far from the tree." I said playfully and ruffled Dipper's and Mabel's heads, they laughed and tried to pushed my hands away. Stan sighed.
"Yeah, anyway, me and Ford here found an old ship wreak one day and started fixing her up. Then a couple of those dweeb bullies show up and started taunting us, but I say to heck with them! I vowed that day, me and Ford would sail across the sea searching for treasure and possibly babes!" Stan said and I couldn't help but feel my smile dip. Knowing very well how this story would end.
"Those were the good times. Those bullies may have been right about us not making many friends, but when push comes to shove, you only really need one. Ford's brains seemed to get more impressive every year. So did our pet project. Sure I got in more than my fair share of trouble, but when your brother's the smartest kid in school, you've always got a leg up on the competition. The future was lookin' bright. For both of us. Till one day..." Stan's voice trailed off.
"Ah dude, what happened?" Soos asked worriedly, biting his nails. Stan sighed.
"We got called down to the principal's office. Turns out Ford got the attention of some stuffy college. They liked his recent science project, a motion machine or something, anyway...Ford was actually getting really excited and I knew he had a high chance if getting in, unlike me, who barley managed to stay in school. Without Ford I was just half of a dynamic duo. I couldn't make it without him. And now, thanks to that dumb college, I was gonna lose my brother forever..." Stan trailed off once again.
"What...what happened? Did Ford get in to the college?" Nate asked and Ford tensed up and Stan lifted both his hands.
"I'm getting to that...I went back to the gym and...went a little crazy...next thing a know the thing starts smoking and a piece fell off. I panicked and placed it back on, thinking everything was going to be okay...I didn't realize I left...a bit of evidence...Ford comes back the next night, and not only was the machine busted, but the people denied him, and I left a bag of toffee peanuts at the scene of the crime, pointing everything at me. Needless to say, Ford wasn't happy, but Pa was furious. He threw me out of the house, saying I wasn't allowed back until I made his family rich. Thanks to one dumb mistake I had no brother, no home, no nothing. But I had a plan to fix everything..." Stan explained.
Hearing the actual story instead of seeing the actual flashbacks had a much different tone, I was seeing the same background instead of the brighter colors that the scenes of young Stan and Ford, it was only the dark room that held a once functional portal, that was now broken behind us. I took a shallow breath and felt myself shake, and it wasn't from the cold. Nate noticed my discomfort and wrapped me in a hug and leaned my head on his shoulder.
"Oh! This story's so sad! I know what you two little broken teacups need: to hug it out! Hug it out! Hug train's comin' in the station. HUGAPOLOOZA! TWO THOUSAND!" Mabel urged happily, getting more frustrated as Stan and Ford refused to even face each other.
"Kid, will ya knock that off? I'm tryin' to tell my life story here." Stan snapped. Mabel huffed, cruising her arms and sat down, pouting.
"Fine, but mark my words, I will get you two to hug if it kills me!" She declared. Stan shook his head and proceeded with his story.
"I had decided I wasn't gonna show my face at home until I made something of myself. Unfortunately, the treasure-hunting business was slow going. Apparently gold was some kind of...rare metal. Luckily I struck a different kind of gold...in sales!" Stan said happily.
"How'd that work out?" Nate asked. Stan winced and rubbed the back of his head.
"Well, my first product was a Shammy, a cloth that could magically clean up any stain that got on someone's clothes. I had made my mark, all right. Unfortunately, so did the Shammies. Apparently the cheap dye I used to color them only made stains worse. Customers went crazy about that. Fortunately they were using Stan Co. brand pitchforks, heh, those fell apart quickly. I was officially banned from New Jersey, but with a quick name change, Steve Pinington was ready to take on Pennsylvania."
"And what happened there?!" I asked raising an eyebrow.
"Well, I started advertising my next product, a bandage called the Rip Off. Guarantied to be easy to remove and not give you rashes...it gave ya rashes. Like before, people were not happy, I traveled the whole country, sometimes outside of it, always one step ahead of the law, looking for something that would be my big break." Stan explained.
"Whoa. So that explains all the fake IDs." Mabel said in realization.
"I had a feeling it had something to do with Stan's shady past." I commented and Dipper turned to Ford.
"But, wait, what about you? Did you end up going to your dream school?" Dipper asked.
"Not exactly." Ford deadpanned.
"Oh no, community college?" Soos asked in horror.
"No no, I attended a school called Backupsmore University. It was not anyone's first choice...In a place like that, I had to work twice as hard. Luckily, that's what I do best. I went from undergrad to PhD three years ahead of schedule, wrote a thesis that was nationally ranked, and was awarded an enormous grant for my own scientific research! But what to study? My whole life I'd been teased for my six fingers. But that got my thinking about anomalies: things that were odd, unusual, statistically improbable. And according to my investigations, there was one place with a higher concentration of these things than anywhere else. A small lumber town in roadkill country, Oregon: Gravity Falls." Ford explained.
"What a coincidence, that where we are now!" I said in mock surprise. Nate laughed and nudged me closer.
"You're funny."
"I try to be." I smirked. Stan then cleared his throat.
"Meanwhile, your old uncle Stan was doing great. I had come up with a sophisticated new business strategy...I was in great shape, living on my own, and the best part was: I didn't need help from nobody!" Stan denied, but we could all clearly see that it was not the case.
"I was heading out on my own as well. I set to work using my grant money to investigate the strange properties of this town, but what would I find here? After seeing a giant hand grab my car it hit me. Bingo! I began to investigate at once. I knew I'd have to record my findings. I began to keep a Journal."
"AAAAAAAAAAH! THE JOURNALS!" Dipper cried happily and we all stared at him.
"Sorry, sorry." Dipper cleared his throat. "Just got excited there, about the journals. Keep-keep talking." He urged.
"I began to keep a Journal..."
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Dipper squealed again and Ford coughed.
"Just going to ignore that. There were anomalies everywhere. And the more I looked, the more I saw. From flying eye bats, to gnomes, one in particular I got to know, Shembulock, I believe." Ford said thoughtfully tapping his chin. The twins and I winced and gave each other a nervous glance as Ford continued.
"It was finally a place where I felt at home, but something nagged at me: where did it all come from? It seemed to me the answer must come from outside of our world, a dimension of weirdness leaking into ours. I realized the only way to understand Gravity Falls would be to build a gateway: a portal to the source of its weirdness. But I couldn't make it alone. I decided to call up my old college buddy, Fiddleford McGucket, a young but brilliant mechanic, who was wasting his talent trying to make personal computers in some garage in, Palo Alto." Ford contuied.
"So that's how McGucket knew you, and how you got the laptop." I said.
"Wait, you know him?" Ford asked in disbelief. I fiddled with my necklace nervously.
"Yeah, he's probably...different than when you last saw him." I mumbled. Nate then squeezed me hand and I held it back. "Keep going."
"Many long nights were spent perfecting the machine. It would be a crowning achievement of my studies. An answer to the source of this town's anomalies. The time had come to test it. Unfortunately, Fiddleford got tangled in the ropes that our test dummy was attached to. He was lifted partially into the portal. I managed to pull him out, but afterwards he was in shock, sputtered out nonsense and refused to continue the project, tried to convince me to abandon it was well, it was my life's work. But after Fiddleford left, I couldn't seem to keep it together. I was in over my head, and feared I was losing my sanity. I needed help. Someone I could trust." Ford's voice trailed off and he groaned, rubbing his eyes.
"He sent a postcard to me, and I made my way to his house. Tell ya what, it was creepy, but Ford over here was acting crazy! He was paranoid and acted like he wasn't sleeping recently. He showed me the portal, and gave me the first Journal, telling me to get in a boat and bury the thing as far away as possible. I lost it, angry that it was the only thing he sent me for, I attempted to burn it, and that's when we really got at it. We fought, and I guess the portal controls were hit because that thing turned on. I was pushed on the panel, got burned and shoved Ford a couple times. Next thing I know he's floating and heading towards the crazy portal. I didn't know what to do, he yelled for help and tossed my the Journal and disappeared. The portal then shut down, and he was gone." Stan explained and I felt tears in my eyes weld up. Stan sighed and continued.
"I'd lost him. I didn't know if he was dead or alive in some distant galaxy, but I knew his journal must have the answer to getting him back. Somehow. I didn't get much sleep that night, or the night after that. I tried for weeks to turn that dumb machine back on. But without the other two journals, it was hopeless. Finally I ran out of food. I had no choice but to go into town." Stan sighed.
"I then realized that I had barley enough money to get by, that's when I was mistaken by a couple of the people as Ford. They started geeking out about how interesting Ford's place was. That's when the very first tour I gave started, it started out rock at first, but eventually it came around the people love it! So I came up with a plan. I couldn't leave my brother's house until I figured out how to save him, but I needed to pay his mortgage somehow. For once in my life, people were actually buying what I was selling. And so the Murder Hut was born! Later renamed the Mystery Shack. Finally I found something I was good at. For once being a liar and a cheat paid off. The old me was dead, and I'd faked a car crash to prove it. By day I was Stanford Pines: Mr. Mystery. But by night I was down in the basement, trying to bring the real Stanford back." Stan explained he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I couldn't risk anyone learning the truth and sabotaging my mission, so I lied to everyone: the town, my family, your parents, even you kids." Stan finished. Dipper looked over at his uncle with sympathy.
"So all this time you were just trying to save your brother. Grunkle Stan, I'm so sorry I didn't believe you." Dipper apologized.
"That's okay, kid. I probably wouldn't have believed me either." Stan said. I then let go of Nate's hand and walked over to Stan.
"When I first got here, you said you knew what it was like to lose someone close to you, and I may not have fully understood it then, I do now. I don't blame you for what you did, I would have done the same of it meant I could see Georgia again." I told him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Aw Emily, that's nice to hear from you." Stan said with a sincere tone.
"I heard talking! It was coming from downstairs!" An agent cried from upstairs.
"Oh no, it's too late, the agents are comin' for us!" Stan cried I fear.
"What do we do?!" Mabel asked, panicking.
"Aw, man. I was so spellbound by your dramatic tale I forgot all about those dudes." Soos said.
"Wait, forget. That's it! I think I know a way we might be able to defeat those agents!" Dipper cried in realization, and pulled out the memory gun, handing it to Ford.
"Of course! I don't know how you got a hold of one of these but, this is perfect! If I can just amplify the signal to a radio headset frequency..." Ford said and started working on it.
"Okay, you get surprised when I have I gun, yet you had one yourself?" I questioned Dipper and he grinned sheepishly.
"Spur of the moment?" He shrugged and I rolled my eyes playfully.
"Don't worry, I'm not mad." I said, winking.
"There. Now everyone PLUG YOUR EARS! GET DOWN! NOW!" Ford cried and we all covered our ears while crouching down. A few seconds later, we all looked around.
"Everyone good, everyone know your names?" I asked and they nodded.
"Okay, but what about the agents, that thing didn't get rid of them." Stan said and Ford stood up, walking to the elevator.
"Leave that to me." He said and quickly went up. We followed close behind and saw Ford walking over to the agents.
"What? Where am I? Why am I standing in front of some sort of goofy fun knick-knack house?" Powers questioned, rubbing his head.
"Stand down, gentlemen! I've been sent with the latest intel from Washington. According to this very real report, the power surges in Gravity Falls were actually due to radiation from an unreported meteor shower. A total embarrassment for your whole department. Luckily I'm here to take this mess off your hands, but I'll need of all your... floppy disks, and 8-tracks...right?" Ford asked, after flipping through several of Mabel's drawling and held out his hands.
"What's an 8-track?" Nate asked and I stifled a laugh.
"Something that hasn't been used in a while." I explained.
"Uh, everything about this case is contained on this drive." Powers said as Trigger handed Ford a flash drive that read 'PINES'.
"Well, what are you waiting for, a kiss on the cheek? Get out of here before I have your butts court-martialed!" Ford exclaimed and pointed away with a stern gaze, causing all the agents to nervously salute.
"Uhh, yes sir. Apologies, sir." Powers said and turned to everyone while whistling.
"False alarm, everyone!" He cried and tripped on his way to his car. All of the agents quickly fled the scene and vanished. Ford the gave the flash drive to Gompers, who ran off. That when the rest of us ran out.
"Great uncle Stanford, that was amazing!" Mabel cried excitedly.
"Let's not go crazy; it was serviceable." Stan said grumpily.
"Thank you, kids, but please, call me Ford." The author urged.
"Sure! Thanks, Great Uncle Ford. So, uh, would you mind if I ask you a couple billion questions about Gravity Falls?" Dipper asked eagerly clicking a pen and holding a notepad.
"Um, well I-uh..." Ford stuttered, but Stan cut him off.
"All right, kids, it's been a long day and me and my brother have a lot to talk about. Why don't you hit the hay, huh?" Stan said.
"But, it's the author! I've been waiting so long to ask questions about..." Dipper pleaded, but Stan grabbed the younger twins heads and pushed them away.
"I said. Hit. The hay!" He said sternly and the two walked back into the Shack. Soos looked up worriedly.
"I'll just...let myself out." Soos said, sidestepping away as he took out his phone.
"Wendy, I've got something amazing to tell you. Clear the next fourteen hours!"
"Uh, we should go too." I urged Nate, and grabbed his hand. "Oh wait your hat..."
"I have it right here, I grabbed it after Ford rushed off to confront the agents." Nate explained holding his hat up. I laughed and we walked towards my treehouse and I wasn't ready for the sight.
It was practically demolished! I didn't even realize how bad it could have been. Several of the boards were missing, and you could see inside the treehouse. I was frozen in the spot and Nate gently shook my shoulder.
"Hey, Emily?" He asked and I quickly rushed over to the tree and climbed the tree and burst open the door and gasped at the interior. It was like a tornado hit the place! I sighed and noticed that Bear-Bear was safety sitting on the ground and I picked him up, squeezing him tight. Nate the came up after me.
"Hey, you gonna be okay?" He asked and I gave a sad smile.
"I...I don't think I can fix this right away...but yeah, I'll be okay." I assured him and Nate pulled my into a hug, only for a board to fall and startle us. I laughed and quickly pulled out my sleeping bag and put the gun and holster away in the trunk. I then grabbed my sleeping bag and Bear-Bear before we climbed down the ladder and Nate gave me another hug.
"Are you sure you don't need anything else?" Nate asked. I shook my head.
"After today, I think all I need is a goodnight sleep. I'll see you later?" I said and Nate pulled me in for a kiss. Once we parted Nate gripped both my hands.
"You know you can call at anytime right?" He asked and I pecked his cheek.
"I do."
We parted ways and I entered the Shack, stepping over some rubble, and I noticed Stan and Ford's conversation was starting. That and Ford had changed into his classic outfit. I hid to the side as they started talking.
"Look at us. When did we become old men?" Stan asked.
"You look like Dad." Ford commented.
"Ugh, uck, don't say that." Stan grimaced and the two aligned and I couldn't help but smile at that, but it quickly turned into a frown as Ford sighed heavily.
"Okay, Stanley, here's the deal. You can stay here the rest of the summer to watch the kids. I'll stay down in the basement and try to contain any remaining damage. But when the summer's over, you give me my house back, you give me my name back, and this Mystery Shack junk is over forever. You got it?" Ford said sternly and Stan glared.
"You really aren't gonna thank me, are you?" Stan asked, only to receive no answer from his brother. "Fine. On one condition: you stay away from the kids; I don't want them in danger. Cause as far as I'm concerned, they're the only family I have left."
Stan walked away upstairs and Ford turned away. I clenched my fists I'm frustration. Those two can be so gosh darn stubborn! It was so annoying! I groaned and decided I should confront Ford.
"You shouldn't avoid this." Ford turned to see me leaning against the doorway.
"What do you mean?" Ford asked. I sighed and walked over to him.
"Look, I get that your mad at him for everything that's happened, but despite you guys having a bad argument Stan spent 30 years to get that portal fixed so you could come home, you should at least be happy about it!" I snapped and Ford just looked away.
"Sorry Emily, but this isn't your place..." Ford said and I sighed heavily.
"Fine, I won't say anymore about it...for now." I said and walked away. "But just one more thing to think about."
I turned my head to look at Ford, making my head partly in the shadows for dramatic effect.
"Don't you think this is exactly what HE would want?"
Ford raised an eyebrow at that and I sighed.
"And no, I wasn't talking about Stan." I added and walked up the stairs, leaving Ford alone with his thoughts.
I walked over to the twins room and knocked on the door before opening it and saw the twins were in bed already, but they sat up when I entered.
"Room for one more?" I asked and Mabel smiled and rushed over before pulling me inside.
"Always." She said and I rolled my sleeping bag out between the twins beds and settled in. Closing my eyes and attempting to drift off.
"Hey Emily?" I opened my eyes slowly and saw Mabel looking worriedly at me.
"I know you're probably going to fix your treehouse...but can you stay with us for a few more days...please?" Mabel asked and I smiled back up at her.
"If it means that much to you, yes. I wouldn't mind having a sleepover that lasts a while." I said. Mabel beamed happily and yawned.
"Thanks Emily. Goodnight." She said and started drifting off.
"Goodnight Mabel. Goodnight Dipper." I yawned and slowly closed my eyes and snuggled up with Bear-Bear.
Then feeling the soft pulse of my necklace.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
...I swear I have never worked this fast on a chapter before...BUT I WAS INSPIRED!
This chapter is dedicated to mew mew 124 aka Purple Orchid 8863, the artist of the NEW COVER!
WHAT!? NEW COVER! That's awesome! And it's much better than that yin-yang symbol!
She sent me the image yesterday and I got heavily inspired to complete this chapter so I could 1, show everyone the new image and 2, dedicate it to mew mew 124 for her amazing cover, she has done some amazing artwork for Emerald Vs. Gold, so check it out on Deviantart at Purple Orchid 8863.
Also, please leave a review for this chapter, and don't expect another update so soon, this was a rare moment...I'm hoping to get more work on my other stories, so please be patient. That's all I ask.
Now I'd like to personally thank mew mew 124 for the amazing cover, you're an amazing artist! And I'm so honored that you liked my story so much that you wanted to make fan art of it. You've made a dream of mine come true.
Thank you.
I hope everyone enjoyed the flashback at the beginning. I figured it be nice to see Emily's last before hearing about Stan and Ford's past again. Now you guys have seem more about Georgia, and it won't be the last time we hear from her. *wink*
And now, the review from last chapter.
AlchemyWriter: Wait no longer my friend, I hope you enjoyed it!