The argument that occurred that afternoon in the Mystery Shack took hours. Everyone wanted to go to the bus stop and meet this mystery person. It was sunset before the final decisions were made.
Ford was an obvious. He had dealt with the paranormal for years, and new how to spot a dangerous entity. Also he was the only one with experience in self defense.
Dipper Gleeful would also be going, part for the fact that this stranger might have information on how to get him home, also everyone was nervous what would happen if they were to say no to him.
Which left one slot. Mabel and Pacifica were more adamant about going than Soos, and Wendy had already left to go back home since her dad would explode if she came home late.
In the end, Mabel won the argument. Pacifica went off to stand next to Soos, muttering how it was rigged and completely unfair under her breath.
So the trio walked toward the bus stop on the other side of town. Ford stared suspiciously at Dipper the entire time. He still didn't trust him, he could be capable of anything.
As they walked, Dipper looked at the ground. Whoever they were meeting, whatever they were meeting, might have a clue on how he could get home. I mean, it's not everyday you come across a being that write out messages in purple fire, he thought to himself. Surely he knows how to get me out of this forsaken dimension, right?
Just as the sun began to sink below the treetops, and the sky was a mix of dark blue and purple light, they reached the bus stop. Mabel recognized it as the bus stop where she and Dipper had first arrived, and where they had left Gravity Falls seven years before.
It was seemingly in the middle of nowhere, with tall redwoods surrounding it. A bus sign had been placed on the side of the road, indicating that it was indeed a bus stop. Mabel was also pleased to note that bench had been placed there, probably not long ago since it seemed to still be quite new.
But, as they looked around, no one was to be seen.
"Well, where is he?" Dipper searched the bus stop, sighing impatiently. "Or she." Mabel pointed out. Dipper looked at her, confused. "You can't go assuming this person's a dude," she explained. "They could be a girl as much as they could be a boy, we don't know."
Dipper rolled his eyes, but smiled nonetheless. This quirky counterpart of his sister made it hard not to. Then an idea struck him. "You know what? Five bucks says it's a guy." He said. Mabel took the challenge. "I'll take that bet."
"This is no time for childish games," Ford interrupted. "Right now we are facing a paranormal being with unknown intentions. Not many creatures give up information for free, so expect some kind of price."
Mabel was about to respond, but the loud crash of thunder and a quick flash of lightning (or at least they thought it was lightning) in the sky interrupted her. She screamed, but it was over in less than a second. A still silence fell around them.
Ford looked into the cloudless sky curiously, but everything lay still and quiet like nothing had happened. "Odd." He remarked. "Understatement much?" Dipper asked under his breath.
The three looked back to the bench, and to their surprise, there was a man sitting on it. He wore shiny black shoes, black dress pants, a white collared shirt, and a black necktie. His raven black hair was neat and gelled, and his eyes flashed a violent purple. As he sat, he looked off into the forest across the street, humming an eerie tune to himself.
Dipper, through his surprise, smiled triumphantly and held out his hand. Mabel noticed it and begrudgingly got out her wallet and slapped five bucks into it.
The trio stood there, waiting for the stranger to acknowledge them, but he kept humming and began tapping his foot with the rhythm. The message was clear: he was waiting for them to make the first move.
Mabel took a deep breath and walked up closer to the bench. "Um, excuse me, mister. Are you the one who told us to come here? Something about knowing what we seek, and offering valuable insight?"
The stranger finally stopped humming and turned to look at her. Mabel took a step back in surprise.
"Tad?" She asked incredulously. Tad smiled and stood. "Ah, Shooting Star. Wonderful to see you again and properly meet you." Tad held out his hand for her to shake it, but Mabel was too overcome with shock to process the simple greeting.
"Wait, I'm confused. Who's this guy again?" Dipper asked, raising an eyebrow at the refined man who stood before them. "This is Tad Strange. He lives in Gravity Falls, or at least I thought he did." Mabel explained, getting over her shock just enough to speak again. "But I've seen you before," Ford said. "I thought you were just a regular human."
"No, actually. I am a dream demon, just like a certain former triangle is." Tad explained. There was a pause as Ford took that in. "You... can't be serious." "Of course I'm serious." Tad replied. "I wear a necktie." He gestured to the black necktie he wore. "Serious people do wear neckties." Mabel added, back to feeling herself.
"Wait, that doesn't make sense," Ford replied. "If you're a dream demon then why didn't you help us during Weirdmaggedon?"
Tad took a moment to answer. "Unfortunately, I was turned to stone before I could do anything. Trust me, if I could've, I would've helped you in an instant during that horrible time."
"Why didn't you ever tell us that you were a demon?" Mabel asked. "I think that's pretty self explanatory," Tad replied. "Especially considering your uncle's reaction." Mabel looked over to Ford to see him giving Tad an untrustworthy glare.
"How long have you been living in Gravity Falls?" Dipper asked. Tad smiled. "Not all of my information comes for free, you know. There's always a price to pay..."
Mabel frowned. "Come on, dude. Don't be such a square." She whined. Tad looked at her, very much offended. "Uh, I am a demon, thank you very much."
"How can we trust you?" Ford asked, bluntly. It was a simple question, but caused a silence to fall around them. Tad shrugged. "I guess you can't. But if you really want information... we could always... make a little wager." Tad pulled out a silver coin and started to flip it rythmically.
"A... wager?" Ford prompted. Tad explained. "Wagers are similar to Bill's deals, though only one of us will get what we want. This wager of ours will be that if you win, I will answer any question of yours, but only one, so choose wisely."
"And if you win?" Ford raised an eyebrow. "Then you'll do something for me." Tad answered vaguely. "And what will this 'something' be?" Dipper asked. "Guess you'll have to find out." Tad replied, but seeing the looks of reluctance and distrust on their faces, relented. "But it's completely harmless, don't worry."
Mabel and Dipper were silent as they thought it over. Ford was the only one who had made up his mind and shook his head fiercely. However, after a few moments, Mabel stepped forward. "Okay," Mabel nodded, taking a deep breath.
"What?! Mabel are you crazy? He's a demon, he can't be trusted!" Ford exclaimed. "Just because you have a bad experience with one, doesn't mean we're all the same." Tad pointed out. Ford glared at him. "Demons are known to be inherently evil! Who in the world would trust one?" He replied harshly. "Apparently your grand niece." Tad crosses his arms. Mabel laughed nervously. "What? No, of course not! I'm just partaking in your wager thingy and trusting you won't cheat- oh." Mabel began. Dipper raised an eyebrow.
"Look, Mabel has made the decision. That's that." Tad said firmly. Mabel nodded and turned to Tad. "So, how do we do this?" She asked. Tad smiled.
"Heads, or tails?"
Mabel thought about it. "Um, how about... tails?"
Tad flipped the coin, which flashed violet in midair, and landed perfectly on Tad's palm. He looked at Mabel with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Tails. Congratulations."
Mabel squealed excitedly, and thought about her question. She'd only get one, and she needed to be careful with it. "Okay, guys, what should I ask?" She said turning to Dipper and Ford. "How to get me home." Dipper said immediately.
Mabel turned to Tad. "Okay, how do we get this Dipper home and my brother back home?"
Tad inclined his head. "For the Gleeful twin, the entire duo must be together in order for him to go back home."
Dipper went still. "But, my sister is already home. How can I go back to my dimension, if she's still there?!" He exclaimed, anger rising in him. Tad merely smiled, oblivious to his growing anger. "I sense no solution for your current predicament... yet. But that doesn't mean one won't arise."
"And what about my brother?" Mabel asked, ignoring the shaking with rage Dipper next to her.
"Actually, I'm sensing he's much closer than we think." Tad said, his smile dropping as he looked off into the distance.
And right on cue, a swirling vortex crashed open above them, sending a screaming Dipper Pines falling onto the sidewalk in front of them.
Soo, what'd ya guys think?
This chapter is actually pretty long compared to the others, but just by a bit. Also it took a while to get it exactly where I wanted, so there's also that.
And ALSO, Tad is a dream demon. When I heard about this idea a little less than a week ago, I was like... YES. So now whenever I think of Tad, I think dream demon.
Annnd, this is the official twentieth chapter of Seeing Double! *cue celebratory noises and confetti*
Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed, and I'll see ya later, entertainers!