An Unexpected Attack
- Dipper's POV -
We managed to set the cameras up last night and waited until around 10 AM. Unfortunately, my sister slept in so I decided to check on them, see if they caught something. I got dressed in the bathroom and went downstairs after I put my dirty clothes in the laundry. I told my grunkles I'll be out as I walked out of the shack and onto the dirt path. I soon came close to the tall trees, entering in. I hope we got the figure entering in and out of the warehouse. And see what times they entered and left.
I arrived at the place, smelling the rotting, foul odor already. I shuddered before climbing up the trees. I carefully walked on the branches and over to the spots, sitting down when I got near. I looked in the leaves. What I saw was no camera, not even evidence to see if it was broken or rip to shreds. This placement was right above the pathway to the warehouse. I decided to check on the other side, seeing if there was still one camera in it. None. The two cameras we set up were gone.
I sat there, trying to figure out where they had gone. Did the kidnapper see them and decide to break them? Or... did they know we were going to do this?
I climbed down from the tree and cross the pathway, staring at the void in the warehouse. I shivered from the sight before disappearing into the jungle. This is frustrating... They knew that we were coming. Why couldn't I see it?!
I halted, letting out a sigh before hearing a voice behind me. I turned around and spotted Gideon. I looked a bit confused for a moment until I spotted the two cameras in a clear bag, broken and ruined. "I think you left this here." He said, his voice was lacking emotion.
"... Did you break them..?" I asked quietly, nervousness rising within me.
"... I might of." He answered, dropping them down on the ground. He soon kicked them over to me. Probably damaging them even more. I stared at the cameras before looking back up. "I'm sure you have some more."
I held myself back from opening my mouth, a bit shocked at his guess. He... He must have been that person who was watching us outside of the mall yesterday. Why...? I knew he was suspicious from the start, but... why be working with a kidnapper while you... you... Oh. That's why. So nobody can side with that person if they accuse you of something. You are known as a friendly person instead of a suspicious person.
"I'm guessing that's a yes." He said. His voice soon created this eerie feeling, making me back away. I don't know what to say or do.
"Such a shame really." He said. As soon as he said that, he whipped out a knife and instantly sped up towards me with great speed. I didn't have time to dodge since the white-haired person was so fast. I cringed as I felt my cheek being sliced open. Soon I fell to the ground as my feet were off it. "Such a waste."
I squeaked before staring up at Gideon. I widened my eyes in fear, frightened of what's coming next. "You would have been so perfect for my master's play toy!" He said. His smile was sinister-looking as his face darkens with a wicked expression. W...what...?
"Aww, you're so scared! It's almost enjoyable!" He chirped. He places a hand right next to my head, having me pinned against the ground. I was frozen, I couldn't even feel like I was breathing. If I move... I might get more injured... He seems to grow more angry with my continuous silence. In an instant, pain shoots up from my left leg, making me shriek. "Should I do this every single time you go quiet?" He asked.
"N-no... n-no, please... no..." I managed out with a broken voice, following along with winces of the twisting he was making in my leg.
"Hehehe, you'll definitely make a perfect play toy!" He chuckled menacingly. "Too bad I can't capture you." What...? What do you... mean..?
"That would upset Kahlil very deeply." He chirped. "However seeing him upset and angry at your possible "kidnapping" would be more enjoyable than before!" No... n-no... please don't... I ... I don't want that... I...
I didn't even see Gideon getting moved off of me, nor did I pay attention. I laid on my side, my eyes still widened in fear, and holding back from any sound of pain. I heard some faint noises, however, my hearing wasn't focusing on that. It was mainly on the sound of my heartbeat.
After several minutes of silence, I heard a familiar voice. Their soothing tone brought my hearing back to reality. "We gotta get you back to the shack." Kahlil whispered. Even if I didn't want to move from the ground, my body was already reacting to his help. My limbs shook with fear, frozen in a state. "Come on, I'm sure you don't want to be here longer." I heard him whisper again. I was helped to my feet. I winced as I put pressure on my left leg. "I got you." He said quietly. Soon I was heading back to the shack, tore up and weaken from speaking. I... I hope... I don't upset anyone... else...
When we arrived, I was greeted by Grunkle Ford first at the door. He widened his eyes and told us to come in. I was led to the dining room and was told to sit in a chair. I obeyed and sat down, continuing to stare at the ground. "What happened to Dipper?!" I heard Grunkle Ford say as I heard his footsteps coming closer.
"... He... ran into some trouble..." Kahlil begin to say.
"What trouble causes something like this?!" Grunkle Ford said, raising his voice. I felt a hand being placed on my shoulder. I soon flinched and snapped my head over at Grunkle Ford, who was trying to reach the wound on my cheek. I calmed down a bit before looking away.
"Hey- OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED TO DIPPER?!" I heard my sister shouted, which made me flinch. I soon shivered in fear, thinking that something was coming at me.
"Lower your voice!" Kahlil hissed at Mabel.
"Sorry! But what happened?!" She said as I heard her rush over to me. I saw her shoes before leaping back in a fight-or-flight response.
"Hey! Relax!" I heard Grunkle Ford said, grabbing my shoulder once more. I wanted to run away so badly, I really wanted to. But the grip on my shoulder was just not letting me. I looked away from my sister, avoiding staring at her. "Dipper?" I heard her voice. I didn't bother to turn back. I didn't want to obey the voice that made my past life a living hell.
"Okay, that should be whats left of the wounds. Mabel take Dipper upstairs." Grunkle Ford said after a couple of minutes gone by.
"Okay! Come on Dipper." Mabel said, grabbing my hand. I flinched away from her, glaring daggers at her. She widened her eyes, backing away.
"Can I take him upstairs?" Kahlil asked.
"Either way works." Grunkle Ford said. Kahlil nodded and walked over to me when Mabel got out of the way. He soon helped me up and led me to the staircase. I am so sorry... I don't know how to get out of this state... "Maybe some resting should do it." I heard him whisper. I slowly nodded, hoping it'll work.
When I sat on my bed, I was just about to convince him to stay until he was already gone. I frowned, gripping the bed sheets tightly. ... Please be back soon... I hugged my knees, wincing from the slight pain shooting through my body. ... Why am I acting like this? I... I don't understand this...
I sat in the room, sitting in the silence. I feel like I was in here forever. I almost thought that everyone up and left me. Until my sister arrived in my room. I looked over quickly, soon frowning at the decision I made earlier. "I hope you're okay." She said.
I slowly nodded, refusing to speak. She smiled and slowly walk over to me.
"... S-sorry." I managed out.
"It's alright! I should be apologizing for doing that. You were still in shock and... I probably triggered something within you." She said.
"... I-" I stopped myself as I didn't have anything else to say. So I decided to look away from her.
"... Kahlil told me that Gideon attacked you..." She said, frowning.
"... Y-yeah..." I choked out, my tone shook.
"I'm so sorry that happened... I should have listened to you and went with you." She said, sitting right next to me.
I wanted to say it was fine, but it wasn't. Gideon's attack made me frightened of him even more... and... play toy...? I shuddered, hugging myself. I don't even want to know the meaning of that. At least I'm returning back to normal.
"Since it's Thanksgiving week tomorrow, let's... take a break from the case. We both need it." She said. I nodded slowly, agreeing with her.
"... Is he coming back?" I asked quietly.
"Grunkle Ford?" She guessed.
"No. Kahlil." I said quietly.
"Unfortunately, no. He left the shack after telling Grunkle Ford what happened. He didn't stay too long as he seemed uncomfortable." She explained. I frowned, soon guilt rising within me. Is it something I did?
"It's okay. I'm sure he's pissed off at Gideon for hurting you." She said. I nodded slowly. Maybe that's the reason why. Not for what I've done.
"Well. I'll be on my bed, doing stuff. Tell me if you-"
"Can you stay here for a bit?" I said quietly.
"Sure! Anything for you." She smiled. I soon leaned on her shoulder, staring at the bedsheets. I soon close my eyes, drifting off to my mind. I... I don't think I can continue this case ...
11:00 AM rolls around the clock, letting me know it's the last period. I slowly stood from my chair, watching all the other students go. "I'll get your stuff!" I heard my sister say.
"I've got it!" I said, almost falling over before catching myself.
"No, you don't. If we do end up letting you hold your stuff, you would have fallen as you did at the start of the period." Kahlil said.
"... Okay fine. I don't." I grumbled, giving up.
"Come on, gang! We have a table to sit at!" Mabel said, leading the way to the cafeteria. I limp beside Kahlil, making sure to stay right next to him in case I fell. I really wish I didn't have this wound. But of course, life made it much worse. I shivered, never wanting to go back to that scene. It was like a nightmare happening in real life. I shook my head. Let's just hope I don't experience another one.
We arrived at the lunchroom, glancing around the large space before heading over to the table.
"WOAH, What happened to you, Mason?!" I flinched from the voice, turning to Percy who had a smug expression. I soon grumbled, keeping quiet.
"Uh... Something happened..." Mabel smiled nervously, setting my things down on the table.
"Something? It seems like you got yourself in a fight." Percy said.
"I don't want to talk about it." I said, sitting down.
"Why-"
"Shut it." Mabel said, glaring at him.
"Alright fine!" He said, giving up.
"Anyway... How are you guys?" Alex asked.
"I'm doing well!" Mabel said, smiling.
"That is good!" Alex smiled.
"Well ... Not so much for me..." Cole said. I saw him working on a packet.
"Cole! Stop working on that stupid packet!" Percy said.
"It's not dumb." Cole said, looking up at us.
"Yes, it is! The dumb math teachers decided to make us work on this packet that we might not need!" Percy said, growing irritated.
"I mean if you don't do it, your grades gonna drop." Alex said.
"I hate that." Mabel said. "But luckily I have a great-" My sister place an arm around me before pulling me closer to her. "-brother to help me!" She chirped.
"Yay." I said sarcastically.
"Oh because he's too smart?" Percy asked.
"Yes!" Mabel answered, letting me go. I fixed myself up before watching the conversation unfold.
"Cole's the same way. I swear, I can't understand you, brainy people." Percy grumbled.
"It's not really called being smart, it's just being good at math in general-"
"Yeah, yeah, I get it, Cole." Percy said, interrupting Cole. "See? It's like they're speaking an unknown language."
"If he was speaking an unknown language, he would be using big words that you don't even know of." I said.
"... Okay, shut it brainy people!" Percy said, growing irritated once more.
"Does that mean I go back to working on my packet?" Cole asked.
"No, it doesn't!" Percy hissed.
"I'm sure you can go back to work after lunch is over, Cole." Alex said.
"I guess..." Cole said. He soon begins to put up the packet.
"I'd say we ban all of the math packets." Percy grumbled.
"I wish!" Mabel said, looking annoyed.
"They're mind-controlling us! Or... specifically the brainy people." He said.
"How?" Kahlil asked, raising a brow.
"Unless your stupid, I could tell you." Percy said.
"Says the half-wit." Kahlil hissed, venom spilling in his tone.
"HALF-WIT?!" Percy widened his eyes.
"Okay, we don't need to be calling each other names." Alex said nervously.
"He started it!" Percy said.
"Just drop it." I said, glaring at him.
"Fine!" Percy huffed. He soon mumbles to himself. Probably saying some bad things.
"Back to the topic... My day is going well-"
"What about the "girl" that dump you?" Percy asked.
"... I'm-"
"What?!" Mabel gasped. "What happened?!"
"... Percy's just playing around." Alex said. Although she quickly looked away from her, appearing nervous and upset.
"I'm not. I'm telling the truth." Percy said. "You see, this is why girls are unpredictable, why would you be dating one in the first place?"
"I-"
"Shut it, Percy!" Mabel said, glaring at him.
"What?! It's true!" He said.
"It's not." I said.
"Oh, you don't know what it's like." He said, glaring at me.
"We can't be assuming shit left and right, that's just making an ignorant move." I said, returning the glare.
"So? It is the truth!" He said. I sighed, wanting to leave from this filth. "You don't even know anything about them."
"And I don't need to. Stop trying to pry Alex open. If she needs some time to get over her break up, let her be." I said.
"Thank you, Mason." I heard Alex say.
"No problem." I smiled. I heard the annoying brat grumble to himself, however, I ignored him. Soon we were talking the usual. Seeing if any new things have happened. As we talked, time passed, as well the sound of the bell. We said our farewells and walk out of the lunchroom.
Once we stepped out of the building, fresh air welcomes us. I watched Mabel place my stuff down on the half wall. "There. We are staying here for a bit ... right?" She asked.
I was about to say something until Kahlil beats me to it. "Actually yes. Infact, I need to talk to Dipper alone. Can you please leave us be?"
I slowly looked over at him, confused. What does he need to talk about? I looked back at my sister. "Alright! I'll be over there." She said, nodding. She soon walked over to the other side. I soon begin to grow nervous, thoughts generating in my head. I leaned on the half wall, looking back at Kahlil. "... What is it?" I said.
"... It's about yesterday." He said.
I begin to feel a bit uncomfortable, my mind reminding me what happened before. "... About the attack?"
"Yes." He said, looking away from me.
"... What about it...?" I asked. He let out a sigh before turning back to me. "I know you want to save these missing teens and everything, but what happened yesterday just ... It made me worried about your safety."
I frowned, looking down at the ground. "... I didn't expect it." I said quietly.
"I know you didn't... However, you should know you'll be taking risks in this whole case. Especially when someone is capable of committing murder." He said, his tone slowly becoming stern.
"... I know." I said quietly, lowering my voice.
"If you knew, I'll ask you this. Can you try to be more careful next time?" He asked. "Because if you end up getting injured again-" I felt my chin gently lifting up by his finger. I looked up at him. "- I'm forcing you to halt this case." I flinched from his sudden cold tone, giving me the shivers. I gulped and nodded. "Okay." I said quietly. I soon looked away, thoughts trailing on my mind.
"I'm only saying this to not lose you one of these days." He said.
"I know. I understand." I said.
"Are you guys done talking secretly?" I heard my sister's voice. I looked over at her, walking back to us.
"Yeah, we're done." Kahlil said.
"Good!" Mabel smiled. Silence went by before I begin to interrupt it.
"Mabel?" I said.
"Yes?" She responded, looking at me.
"Have you broken up with your... boyfriend?" I asked. The realization on her face soon appeared as she facepalms herself.
"You didn't yet?" He said.
"I keep forgetting!" She said. "I swear, I don't want anything to do with Mermando."
"Speaking of which..." I looked over and saw the guitar guy approaching the flight of steps, staring up at us.
"Okay! I gotta do this! I hope he listens this time..." She said.
"This time?! So you're telling me he forced you to continue being his girlfriend?" Kahlil asked.
"... Yeah." She said.
"I swear, this guy doesn't know when to quit." He grumbled.
"Well, we'll be here, watching in case anything goes wrong." I said.
"Yeah. Maybe that will work this time." She said nodding. She took a breath in and let it out a few seconds later. "I'll be back." She then heads down the steps and over to him.
I slowly stood up straight, looking worried. Will it work for her? I hope it doesn't end up like last time. That was uncalled for. I stared at the scene, couldn't really see what's going on. I frowned, slowly hugging myself. I swear, I feel like this is all my fault-
I was pulled in close by the waist by Kahlil. I blinked before looking over at him. "What did I tell you about doubting yourself?" He said, cutting off my thought process.
"... Don't ... doubt what I feel deeply about ...?" I said, recalling the statement he said a couple days ago.
"Yeah, sort of. Just don't dig yourself a hole." He said quietly.
"I won't." I said.
"You sureeee?" He said, raising a brow.
"Yes, I'm sure." I said, nodding.
"Alright." He said. He soon left a kiss on my forehead. I smiled softly and begin to lean against him. "Don't fall now."
"I'm not." I said.
"Just warning ya."
End of Chapter 48