Note to self: Possessing people is hilarious!

Mabel knew Dipper was sleep-deprived, which was how she was able to get that stupid triangle out of her brother, so it didn't surprise her when he started nodding off a little in the car ride back to the shack. Mabel happily let him rest his head on her shoulder, wrapping her arm around him to provide comfort. She didn't notice the way Dipper flinched and winced in pain under her touch, her thoughts mulling over everything that happened today.

To think of all the sensations I've been missing out on

As they were pulling up to the Mystery Shack, a piece of paper by her feet caught Mabel's eye. She bent over to pick up thought, jostling Dipper and making him give a slight whimper. Mabel thought he was just being overly dramatic, but as she read over the note, she could feel the blood drained from her face. Looking closer at Dipper, she could see bloodstains slowly appearing on his white shirt and dripping a little around his hands.

Burning, stabbing, drowning.

"Grunkle Stan!" Mabel said as soon as they came to a stop, panic and worry making her even louder. "Dipper's hurt! Please help him!"

"I will kid…" Stan assured, sounding more sincere than usual as he carefully picked up Dipper. Mabel followed close behind as they hurried into the Shack. Grunkle Stan carefully put Dipper in the easy chair, Mabel staying by Dipper's side as Grunkle Stan hurried to get a first aid kit. Together, Stan and Mabel carefully removed Dipper's jacket, Mabel gasping at the sight while Grunkle Stan had to force himself from swearing. Dipper's body was covered in bruises and strange puncture marks.

It's like a buffet tray of fun!

Grunkle Stan didn't ask any questions, though it was clear he wanted to, choosing instead to start treating the various wounds. Mabel could only stare in shock, wondering how she could have missed this. How could she have so blind to what was happening to Dipper? He had even told her she had needed to go to the hospital, but she had brushed off all his concerns, saying he just needs a good night's rest.

Once I destroy that journal, I'll enjoy giving this body its grand finale

She had been so wrapped up in her play, caring far more about one of her crushes than her own twin. Even though she had changed her mind at the last minute, she had been willing to give the journal to the demon in her brother's body. She had been so focused on her own desires, that she hadn't even really considered the consequences of letting the demon have his way. She had thought the worst that could happen is the journal would be gone and her brother would be mad at her for giving it away.

By throwing it off the water tower!

But there had been far more than just the journal at stake. The very fate of her twin had rested in her hands and she had almost thrown him away, just because she wanted to impress a boy.

Mabel was shaken out of her thoughts by Grunkle Stan picking up Dipper as soon as he finished treating Dipper's injuries. Mabel numbly followed them upstairs and crawled in next to Dipper as soon as Grunkle Stan put him down, unwilling to be away from him. Grunkle Stan opened and closed his mouth several times, trying to find the words to help comfort the twins or to ask what happened. In the end, he just said goodnight and left the two of them alone to recover.

Best of all, people will just think Pine Tree lost his mind, and his mental form will wander in the mindscape forever.

Mabel curled up next to Dipper, careful not to hurt him more. Dipper carefully put his arms around her and held her close, anchoring himself to the real world. They clung to each other, finding strength and comfort in each other's presence. They had come so close to losing so much and it frightened Mabel how her selfishness had kept her from seeing the true risks. She had almost lost Dipper, her brother, her best friend, her twin. She hadn't even noticed he had been hurt and that someone else was running around in his body. She vowed to try and be better and to try and make up for all this.

Dispute both of them being exhausted from the events of the day, neither of them could really bring themselves to fall asleep. They just held each other, trying to remind each other the nightmare was over.

Want to join him, Shooting Star?