Send Him Off With a Warning!
- Kahlil's POV -
I'm not quite sure that was the right choice of talking about what I thought a few days ago. However, it did clear up some things about my family. Found out that my dad doesn't want to lose me although he dislikes the person I am today. So he's balancing on a line whatever to support me or not. That's...- I know it can be confusing for him however I didn't realize he meant his word. Maybe talking stuff out to my family is making my life a little better. I would have never talked to them about it without the help of Dipper. I smiled softly, feeling warm inside. I walked on the sidewalk, staring at the tall trees of the jungle. I looked over at the town, halting my steps. Still don't like this small town, but at least the harassment stopped. I did flee to the jungle with people throwing insults and names at me left and right for no reason. Right now, I don't have that mood to escape to the jungle. I kinda want to explore the town and see what has changed since I last ... did that.
I can visit the jungle later.
"Oh, lucky me. It seems we have met once more." I snapped over at the familiar voice, glaring daggers at Gideon. "And what a surprise. Could we chat for a bit?"
"And why is that?" I asked.
"No hard feelings, I just want to have a talk with you. Does the circle park seem like a good place?" He suggested. His mind is suspicious as hell, but I'll see what he wants.
"Sure."
"Wonderful! Come along." He said, turning in the direction of the park. I slowly followed behind, wary of his motives. His mind is awfully emptied. Did he train his brain so that I can't read it? Is he trying to pull something sneaky? Does he know it won't work on me this time around? Don't tell me he underestimates what I can do. We arrived at the park as he led me to a spot that was far away from any people to spot us. Well, the park didn't seem busy with young folks running around. Yeah, everything seems suspicious. Oh, by the way, now that he has learned this new trick of clearing his mind, I can't tell if he's lying or not. Gideon leaned against the tree as I stood away from him. "What do you want to talk about?" I said first. I place my hands into my pockets, staring him down with hatred.
"Don't be so rushy and aggressive, it's rude you know." He said, frowning.
"Fine." I said, easing my behavior. Soon a dull expression appeared on my face. Although, I happen to feel like someone was watching me from somewhere as if I was their prey. I know what you're doing, Gideon. You're not making me disappear just yet.
"Eh, it works. So, about that day." He begins. "I swear we told you to not intervene in our work." As he spoke, the surroundings around us turned grey, however, I didn't bother to pay attention. I didn't want him catching me freezing time. "Did you disobey us?"
"What'd you think?" I said. "I don't need to listen to some assholes who think they rule a small town."
"Oh, Kahlil. Have you not learned your lesson? We did grant you freedom under one condition and it seems like you broke that rule." He said.
"Seriously? I was not going to stand there and let you harm my boyfriend like that." I hissed.
"You should have. And it's a shame that you don't know the truth." He said, shaking his head. What truth? Your fucking lies? I looked a bit confused at his statement.
"You don't know? Oh, he hasn't told you yet. What a shame, might as well tell you." He said. ... What? What do ... you mean?
"He has told me that, things are not really going well for the both of you. That he doesn't feel like he needs to be with you." He said. "You know, you should've known not to trust people when they already used you for what you have."
... W-what..? Dipper wouldn't... what...? Why the fuck would he tell you something? This doesn't make any sense. He wouldn't tell something so personal to someone who literally injured him. "Liar." I hissed.
"Oh, I'm not lying. Just to let you know you can't really tell." He said, frowning. "I feel really bad for you. You thought you had the perfect relationship with someone and they already want to break up with you. What a pity full sight that is."
"Stop spilling out your fucking lies." I snapped, my eyes turning into demon eyes.
"Kahlil! Calm down your aggression! What did I tell you about it being rude?" He said, giving me a look. He soon shook his head. "It's really pitiful that things had to be like this. You could have stayed with us and lived normally. We weren't going to kill you."
"Living with you fuckers? My life would have been put through so much hell to get to a certain point that I wouldn't have to give a shit about you." I hissed.
"We didn't do that-"
"Shut up." I grumbled, glaring daggers at him.
Gideon soon returned the glare back at me, irritation spread across his face. "Who are you talking to? That is no way to talk about someone like that. I think it's time we teach you more lessons." He said, approaching me.
"If I would have used your guys' lessons in a good way, it would be to avoid you assholes." I grumbled.
"Let me tell you something, your messing with the wrong person, Kahlil and I'm sure you won't like it when I get on my bad side." He hissed.
"Your fucking around with a demon, I'm sure you won't like it when I switch to mines." I grumbled, ignoring his taunt.
He halted and let out a sigh. "It's a shame that your going to waste your freedom of life like that." He shook his head. "NOW!"
A smug expression spread across my face as I stood in silence, staring down Gideon's confused look. Silence went on as he repeated the signal again. Soon he was looking around, trying to figure out why is his signal not working. "What the hell is happening?" He asked himself before turning back to me. "He should be here, making you freeze up."
"Maybe he gave up on your ass?" I said, snickering.
"He wouldn't do that! That's nonsense!" He said, growing more frustrated. He soon paced around, not realizing the surroundings have changed yet.
"So, are we done here?" I asked.
"We are not! You are not going anywhere!" He hissed.
"Too bad, I got places to be." I said, making my eyes turn back to normal.
"NO YOU DON'T." He shouted, rushing over to me. He tried to grab me but I was quick to move away from him, soon he floated up as my magic grasp him. "LET ME GO THIS INSTANT!" He shouted, slowly turning into a whiny baby.
"Nah, I think I'll just let you float there." I snickered, enjoying this.
"YOU ... YOU!" He said, trying to reach out to grab me. I think it's time if we put you to sleep. I snapped my fingers, causing my magic to pull him backward, slamming him into the tree hard. My magic disappears as I watch him fall, faceplanted into the ground. Soon his mind was freed from what was letting me read inside. It looks like I knocked his ass out. Good. I'd like to see that every single time I do that.
I guess he did underestimate what I can do. I turned and walked away from the scene. I looked around before seeing no one nearby. Soon I unfreeze the time, leaving life as it be. I walked out of the park and away from the area. I breathe out, feeling my heartbeat race against my chest. Oh my god, I don't think I've held my breath in for that long. And... Oh my god... he was going to get me ... captured again?! I shuddered, frowning. I don't want that. I don't want that at all.
I walked into the jungle, feeling stress and fear rising up within me. Too bad Gideon ruined my mood to explore the town. I don't think I can when those two are out there. I climbed up a tree and hid in its leaves. I hugged my knees together, keeping quiet. Soon I begin to whimper. It's not going to happen, not yet and not now. I shut my eyes, trying to block out the fears. I soon heard a voice down below. What is that? I opened my eyes and looked down. I carefully shift on the branch, leaning down to see who it was. I froze up, widening my eyes as I stared down at the kidnapper, keeping myself from making any type of noise. Soon I was breathing rapidly, as I heard my heart race once more.
Keep quiet, Kahlil. Keep quiet, we don't need him to know we're up here. I watched him look around as if he was looking for someone. Or... his next prey. Why is he here? WHY IS HE HERE?! Why? Whyyyy?! He should be bothering the others. AWAY FROM THIS JUNGLLE? My mind screamed at me to run, flee away from the person who harmed me before in the past. But at the same time, I don't want to make any sounds.
I soon lost all of my movements when I heard his voice. "I know you're here. I watched you come through here!" ... What... What do I do? I... I need to move. I need to run away, find somewhere else to hide- "You don't want to upset us, do you?" The kidnapper said.
I managed to shake myself out of my frozen state, pushing back the thoughts of obeying him. I'm not going through that hell again! I turned around quietly and crawled out of the leaves. I stood up when his back was facing me. I soon started to climb branches, much higher and much harder to see me. I stood up on the tallest branch and traveled deeper into the jungle.
-protector?-
"Not now, voices ... I'm having a mental breakdown..." I hissed, my tone filled with panic. I just... I just need to calm down before I lose it. So far, I avoided thinking of the place. And I hope to keep it up. I went to the Resting Grounds as I was greeted with friendly faces. I didn't greet back as half of my senses weren't working properly. I grew more panicked as I tried to find an empty den. I sat in one and huddled close to the walls, lying on the floor surface of the den. I shut my eyes and hugged myself. Please... please go away. I don't want to feel like this anymore. I don't... I-I...- I lost my way to my thoughts, to my feelings, to my senses...
Knowing this one, I was lost in another episode.
- Dipper's POV -
Well. Things are looking good so far. Nothing seems to be bad or horrible. Well, except for my sister's news. She told me how much she hated the thick math packet and was glad for my help, she finished it. I'm glad I could help her. I was sitting in the lunchroom, listening in to my friend's and sister's conversation. It was about that time of day, almost close to school ending. I can't wait for it to end so that we can continue that case. We didn't get anything done yesterday due to school distracting us. So I'm hoping we can get something done today. I looked over at Kahlil who has his head down. It... looks like he's asleep. I'm guessing he didn't get enough sleep last night. Looks like school is hitting us hard on the head this year. "Man, I guess I'm not the only one who's dealing with school the hard way." Percy said.
"Well, I'm sure you two will get there." Alex said.
"Yeah... I wonder how Kahlil is doing. He... hasn't been looking so good today." Mabel said.
"Well, maybe he's still up in the clouds, you know, some of the students who still want to stay home from school." Percy guessed.
"You're the same way, Percy." I said, looking back at them.
"Yeah, I know. So I feel his pain." Percy said, frowning slightly. "Well, you guys should be lucky. All three of you are graduating next year." He huffed in jealousy.
"Yep! And then after that, I'll try to open up a clothing store." Mabel said.
"A clothing store? For what?" Percy asked.
"I want to make many designs and I have so much I've drawn and wrote down. So I wanted to at least display them or give them away! I know it'll be tough to get it started." Mabel said. "But I'm prepared!"
"Where are you going to start it?" I asked. "Where would it be?"
"... I ... uh, I haven't thought about that one yet..." She said, frowning.
"Well, you have plenty of time!" Alex smiled.
"Yeah!" Mabel nodded.
"What do you want to do, Dipper after high school?" Alex asked.
"... Something better than being a cashier." I answered quietly.
"Be a Detective!" Mabel suggested.
"... A detective?" I raised a brow at her.
"Mhm! I think you'll make a perfect one!" She smiled.
"Isn't being a detective like ... you have to solve cases left and right?" Percy asked. "And... do all of that smart stuff?"
"Being one means you solve crimes, cases, and situations with information that you receive from witnesses or ... victims? Not quite sure about that one. You can also collect evidence or search ... records in the database." I explained. "... I might actually be one, now that I think about it."
"See?" Mabel said.
"Damn, I see all of that in you." Percy said.
"Is it because I'm smart?" I asked, giving him a look.
"Yes." Percy said.
"Hey, it's a good thing! You'll be solving cases and helping people with each step!" Alex smiled.
"Yeah!" Mabel agrees.
"But all of the hard work you'll face... wouldn't it be challenging and difficult? Wouldn't you give up?" Percy asked.
"Detectives don't give up with all of the pieces they can find in their hands." Cole said.
"Exactly." I said. "Regardless if it's difficult or not, detectives can still find a way to solve that case. ... Sometimes." I said.
"Sometimes? What happened in those times?" Percy asked.
"Like what ours is doing with the whole missing teens case, nothing is getting done for those people." I answered, frowning.
"Oh... Right." Percy said.
"I was thinking if we younger people could help solve them. But whenever I walk up to the Police Station and say I found evidence to that case, they say to drop it as the case has been long forgotten and dropped." Cole said.
"Those cops don't care!" Mabel snapped.
"... I might have a theory about that part..." I said.
"Theory of the cops not doing their job?" Cole asked.
"Well... yeah. They do other stuff to the town but they don't do anything or any safety that deals things around the case. They don't even let us know if we should stay on alert or not. And I feel like it has to deal with this ... possession that one of my friends dealt with." I said.
"Possession?" Percy, Alex, and Cole said. "Please continue" Cole said, interested in my theory.
"When me and Mabel were hanging out with our friends for a bit, we came across talking about the topic, and suddenly one of them decided to deny the case and let the grown-ups or higher-ups, in this case, do it. Or just ignore it and continue on with life. She did it as her whole persona changed. Like a switch." I explained.
"Yeah... Now I think about it, it felt like I wasn't talking to the chill and friendly Wendy." Mabel said.
"... So people are getting possessed without even realizing it?" Alex asked.
"That what it looks like. And it all circles around the case." I answered.
"The cops might be under the spell then..." Cole said. "But how do we find that source?"
"No idea... I didn't even think that the spell has to deal with it." Mabel said.
"Okay. Since it's clear you guys are trying to solve this case, I think I'm willing to help you guys out." Cole said.
"Why don't we all help you guys out?" Alex asked.
"I don't think I'll be a perfect fit for this..." Percy said.
"Think about it! Once you solve the case, you could get all the ladies you want~" Alex grinned, turning to Percy.
"Count me in!" Percy agreed. Of course, he would agree.
"Okay! Do we let them in, Dipper?" Mabel asked me.
"More minds could help us solve this mysterious spell and the case so let's do it. Although I do have to give you a heads up." I said.
"Yes, we know it'll be risky!" Percy said.
"Not that." I said.
All three 9th graders look confused before listening in. "I really wish I could deny all of you guys offer but I'm a bit desperate to find those missing teens. It's mainly because the kidnapper is watching whoever is on the case."
"Fuck." Percy cursed.
"Language!" Mabel said.
"Sorry, but dang." Percy said.
"What happens if we are caught?" Cole asked.
"You disappear as Pacifica did." Mabel said, frowning.
"... Kidnapped?!" Alex said, looking shocked.
"Precisely." I nodded.
"Do we have to pretend that we're not working on the case?" Cole asked.
"We could use that method but, the kidnapper already knows that me and Dipper work on it. You three, it's a different story." Mabel said.
"Should we exchange phone numbers? That way we can contact each other if we find something?" Percy suggested.
"Yes! Good thinking, Percy!" Alex chirped. I nodded, smiling.
"I guess I'm not dumb after all." Percy said.
"Eh, it depends." Alex said.
"Depends?! Ugh." Percy rolled his eyes.
"Okay. We'll be exchanging numbers with each other and trying to figure out this mysterious spell-"
"How would figuring out the mysterious spell work?" Mabel asked, interrupting Cole.
"If we can figure out how all citizens of Jungle Falls being manipulated in some way, then possibly we can try and get the police on our side." Cole said. Wait, if everyone adores Gideon as well... does that means he controls them too to like him? Or am I overthinking? That could be a hint at where the source is coming from. So if we solve that, then all of the citizens of Jungle Falls can break the spell and turn against him. "How does that sound, Dipper?" Cole asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"That could possibly work." I said.
"It can?" Mabel asked.
"Okay. So far of our knowledge, the kidnapper only has one minion and that is Gideon." I said.
"What about him?" Alex asked, her behavior suddenly changing.
I narrowed my eyes before continuing, "You may not believe me when I say this..." I begin, lowering my voice into a whisper. "Gideon, what I believe, is working with the kidnapper."
"That's nonsense!" Alex quickly said.
"I thought he was mysterious from the get go." Cole said, showing no signs of possession. "Trying to be super friendly, and positive about things-"
"He is!" Alex said, cutting him off.
"Alex, is that you?" Mabel asked.
"Yes, it's me!" Alex said, irritation spreading on her face. "Why are you saying Gideon could be with the kidnapper? A talented wizard could never side with a foul person like him!"
"Alex." I said as she glares at me. "Do you know what you are doing?"
"Defending him, why else would I be?" She grumbled.
"Why defend a short kid like him?" Percy asked.
"Don't you guys see?-"
"Alex, everything is okay." Mabel said.
"No, it's not!" Alex snapped.
"There's no need to get angry. You don't deserve none of this possession." I said.
"I'm not possessed! That's stupid! Infact why would you believe such a thing?" Alex hissed.
"Alex...?" Percy frowned, scooting away from her.
"Okay, I'm not quite sure how can we get a possessed person or get them to break the spell." Mabel said.
"I'm not possessed! Why do you guys keep saying that!" Alex shouted. Soon I felt this sudden fear as I saw it on all of our faces. I slowly turned to Kahlil who was waking up. Shit.
"What is all of this fucking yelling?" Kahlil hissed, glaring at all of us. I looked over at Alex who looked terrified.
"... Uh... nothing, nothing at all!" Percy smiled nervously. "You can go back to sleep-"
"Do you think I'm that fucking dumb?" Kahlil snapped.
"... sorry." Percy whimpered.
"Oh, Hi Kahlil! We were just talking about drama topics and one of us happen to shout, so it's all good! Nothing too serious!" Mabel smiled nervously, lying as well. Although that fear isn't hiding that lie very well.
"Y-Yeah!" Percy tried to agree, though all of our lies aren't convincing him.
"Seriously, tell the truth. I want to know why, oh why, fucking why it had to wake me up." Kahlil hissed.
"... We were discussing the ... case while you were asleep ..." I said, trying to control my trembling.
"... Oh ... Great." I heard him grumble.
"Yeah! Nothing bad about it. Just discussing ideas and stuff." Mabel said, trying to lighten the mood through her fear.
"Y.. yeah." Percy said, managing to say. We sat in silence, trembling with this sudden fear. I breathe in and out, turning towards Kahlil who was scanning each and every one of us. Once his gaze landed on mines, I decided to put an end to this fear. Can we stop ... you know, feeling this fear? He narrowed his eyes at me before turning away from me. Soon the fear stop and I breathed at last.
"Gosh, that sudden fear came out of nowhere!" Percy said.
"... I don't want to experience that again." Mabel said. I looked back over at our friends. "I felt like I was cornered."
"Exactly! I feel like I was going to die!" Percy said.
"Your being too overly dramatic." Alex said. Is she going back to herself?
"Yeah..." Percy said slowly, unease by Alex's comment.
"... So... after that situation... are we going back to the topic of the case?" Cole asked, looking unsure.
"I don't think we should." Alex said immediately. Nevermind, she's not back to herself.
"I know you don't want to Alex." Mabel said.
"Well duh, you guys started to talk crap about Gideon!" Alex snapped.
"Well, I'm sorry! I just don't trust him anymore!" Mabel said.
"Don't try to turn against her, she isn't herself." I said.
"I am!" Alex shouted.
"Lower your damn voice!" I heard Kahlil snapped at her. Alex soon shut her mouth, looking terrified once more.
"Okay. You know what." Percy begins to say. "We are going to find out what is going on with you, Alex and we're going to fix you!" He said, landing his hand on her shoulder.
"Yeah! But how do we figure out where the mysterious spell coming from?" Mabel asked.
"Since Alex and more possessed people reacted strongly to the name "Gideon," I'm guessing he's done something to them." Cole said.
"We can't be sure. He surely can't get to each and everyone one of us." I said.
"That is true... there must be something he's giving out to us while- wait! He is!" Cole said, looking slightly shocked.
"What is it?" Mabel asked.
"Okay, I'm not quite sure if my theory is true. Whenever I go and visit Gideon's Magical Show, the staff there always try to persuade me into taking these little pins of Gideons home. I deny them every single time, however, they seemed like they were kinda forcing me to take it home." Cole explained.
"Forcing?" Mabel raising her brows.
"Those stupid pins? Why would they convince you to take those homes?" Percy asked.
"Could it be that something is in that pin?" I guessed.
"Could be, but I don't know for sure." Cole said, frowning slightly.
"When is Gideon's next show?" I asked.
"Tomorrow night." Cole answered.
Mabel gasped before speaking her idea, "We could go to his show and grab one of the pins and examine them ourselves!" Mabel said.
"Yeah!" Percy said.
"However only two of us will go, so Dipper...?-"
"Uh, no thanks..." I said, looking a bit afraid.
"Why not?" Percy asked, looking annoyed. I looked over at him as I recall the attack from Gideon. I frowned and felt guilt rise within me.
"I could go, I don't have anything important to do." Cole offered.
"Alright!" Mabel nodded.
"Dipper, I'm wondering why you didn't want to go undercover." Percy said.
"... I don't want to see Gideon again right now." I quickly said.
"Oh, you saw him?" He said, looking surprised.
"... Last Sunday I did. But it was nothing of what you think." I said.
"You could have asked him why he was-"
"Even if I wanted to, I would have done so before. However, I don't know his true motives with the kidnapper. I'm not quite sure why he would've worked with someone like him." I said, interrupting Percy. I rubbed my bandage on my cheek. "Besides, I don't think a minion like him would tell."
"Yeah, him telling us why he's doing all of this would be too easy." Cole said. Silence fell upon us before a bell interrupted it.
"Alright! We're exchanging phone numbers before we're heading out of here. All of us." Mabel announced.
"Okay." Percy said. Soon all of us besides Kahlil exchanged phone numbers. Mabel and I told them to be careful and not act suspiciously. If they do, who knows what the kidnapper will do. Soon we waved them off as they left us at the table.
"Okay. What you'll be doing tomorrow?" Mabel asked me. I stood up with my binder in my arms.
"... Well, we can't do anything yet until we get the pins so probably school work and stuff." I answered. I soon looked over at Kahlil, who is having trouble standing up.
"True. Anyway, it's time to head out now!" She said.
"I know. I just wish school lasted about longer." Kahlil said quietly. I raised a brow, looking curiously at him. Why?
"Yeah, well come on." She said. Soon the blond grabbed his stuff and stood up from the table. "... Hey, are you feeling alright?" She asked.
"I'm fine, just a little slow today." He answered, looking to be out of it.
"Okay." She said before leading the way. Soon concern rose up within me. I stayed by Kahlil's side, keeping in check with how he is. We exited the school and stood by the half wall, breathing into the fresh air. I scanned the group of students before looking over at the two. "Well, I guess that means we relax today." Mabel said.
"I guess. Probably catch up with some homework." I said.
"Yep!" She chirped. "Wait, no!" I chuckled at her changed expression. She glared at me before huffing. "You tricked me!"
"I only suggested it." I snickered.
"Same thing!" She said, grumbling.
"Whatever you say." I smiled. She turned away from me and leaned on the wall. I did the same and closed my eyes. Silence awaits us as I enjoy the wind breezing through my hair, along with the faint voices.
"... Uhh... how did I arrive at school...?" I heard Kahlil say as I looked over at him.
"Well, you must have walked here." Mabel asked. He looked so out of reality as if he was disoriented.
"... But I don't remember that..." He said slowly.
"Well, I guess some people forget how they arrived here." Mabel said.
"Do you remember anything that happened at all today?" I asked.
"... No. Did something important happen?" He asked, looking at me. I widened my eyes, looking confused. I stood up straight and thought for a moment.
"Oh wow. You don't remember that conversation that happened a couple minutes ago?" Mabel asked.
"No. I don't." He said.
"Wow. I wish I could forget something like that." She said. "It must be a power of yours."
"It's not a power, Mabel." I said. Really? Do you want to feel disoriented half of the time?
"It's not?" She said, tilting her head.
"It doesn't feel like one anyway." Kahlil said. "... I just feel really confused."
"I mean, it could have happened!" Mabel said.
"... No, I don't think it is... My powers don't make me feel confused. They don't make me that way at all. And I'm still trying to figure out how I got here. Wait. Did school end?" He asked.
"Yes. It ended a couple of minutes ago." I answered.
"... Just, how..." He trailed off.
"Don't dwell on it too much." I said. "You don't need to stress yourself."
"Ugh, good idea... I'm already exhausted trying to do that." He mumbled.
"... Okay. Time to get going!" Mabel said, approaching the steps.
I looked over at her, picking my stuff up again. "... We're going...?" I heard Kahlil whisper.
"Yes. Well, I'm not quite sure about you. Are you heading home?" I asked. When I looked back at him he looked panicked. I looked worried, trying to figure out what's wrong.
"I don't want to go."
End of Chapter 50