...
...
I stared at the starry human, eyeing their blue light before they moved to the left. I spotted the door opened wide as the two superior starries were getting up to exit the bus. I did the same as we stepped off it. I looked up to the environment once we left the transportation station. Trees. A forest greeted us as they towered over us. Thought we would go to a reasonable area or a beginner sphere. "Welcome to one of the Reflector Spheres in Sector 2!" Gidlax announced with arms opened wide in front of the group. "I could have brought you guys over to the Central Sphere, however, nothing ever happens in there."
"Living Spheres sounds better than this, where the starry humans could actually get used to the way this realm is," Bill said, glaring at Gidlax. Living and Reflector Spheres? I wonder what those are. Since I know that the Imperial Sphere is the main control center for all of the spheres in this galaxy-like realm. I wonder if the starry human next to me is interested in them like I am. I glanced at them, frowning at their blank facial expressions. As well as those blue glowing eyes. I looked back at the two superior starries who were glaring at each other. I think it might be a good moment to ask about their condition.
"Is this starry human sick?" I asked. I watched the two stop as they looked over at me. Gidlax glanced at the creature beside me and gave a suspicious frown before speaking, "Unfortunately they are. I was told to watch over them from the Lord himself so we can keep an eye on this sickness."
"You do know that we-"
"Anyways! I think you may have some questions about what a Reflector Sphere is, right?" Gidlax asked, interrupting the demon from speaking. He glanced at me as I blinked at the situation. That just gives off bad vibes about this guy. I should be wary around this governor. I nodded, spotting the irritation spreading across his face slowly before disappearing a second later. "Good choice. Reflectors are spheres that reflect off of what is happening within a world." He turns away and begins to walk forward. We followed behind him as I eyed the governor, not trusting this guy. "For example, from where you are from, will appear in one of these Reflectors. There are not that many as Living Spheres. In this sector, there are only five of them."
"What is the limit for Living Spheres?" I asked, glancing at the surroundings.
"Unlimited." He answered. "Oh! And if you haven't noticed by now, Living Spheres are inhabited by those star-shaped creatures. They have their own structure within them, etc. Some of them appear different than others, however, they're all the same to me."
Interesting. So I can guess that this realm has its own citizens without the usage of Reflectors. Though, what is their purpose? "Is there anything I need to be aware of them?" I asked.
"Spheres aren't dangerous! You should know that by now." Gidlax said, letting out a snicker seconds later.
"I meant Reflectors," I said, giving him a blank stare.
"Why don't you go and find out yourself?" He said, halting his footing. He turned towards me with a smug expression. "I'll give you some time to explore this Reflector on your own."
I blinked before throwing on an irritated expression. I mean, he does have a point. I could go forward and spot out how they work and such. I sighed, feeling irritation disappearing as I spoke, "Okay. Do I return back to the Terminal if I am finished?"
"If you know your way back," Gidlax said, snickering.
"... Okay," I said. That- ... great. Well, let's get this over with. I took one last glance at them before turning and venturing into the forest on my own. I stared at the trees that I pasted, wondering if there was a civilization nearby. Infact, do I guess what world this sphere is reflecting off? I halted and turned around, focusing glancing at the trees and environment. The forest is familiar ... almost as if I walked through here multiple times. I looked over at the birds that landed on a tree branch, doing the usual. I looked over in a direction and walked forward.
I stepped out of the forest, stumbling upon a familiar town. I blinked in surprise as I recognize some buildings. I rushed over to see if they're the right ones from my world. I stopped in the front and stared at the building's name: Greasy's Diner. Wait, is this sphere reflecting off of Gravity Falls? I turned around and spotted some familiar residents of the town. Yes, it definitely is! How can a sphere do this?! This is incredible! I quickly moved out of the way when some folks were walking through me. Huh? They didn't seem to notice me standing there in the beginning. Could it be possible that they cannot see me? Gotta be. So, it's like spying on them without even being there in the first place. Strange but intriguing at the same time. I stood on the sidewalk, watching everything move in place. I turned in the direction of the Mystery Shack, tilting my head in curiosity. I walked forward, heading over there.
Once I arrived, I looked up at the old shack. It appears to look the same as the one back on Earth. It's fascinating that this sphere is mirroring this. I glanced over at the side, catching my sister walking from the spot I left her in. She headed for the porch and entered inside. I glanced back at the side and walked over, spotting the same gargoyle as before. I watched the gargoyle turned and shifted into a creature, more so a large version of itself. I halted and widened my eyes in surprise. They turned towards me and stared at me with a shocked expression. "... How did a starry human get here?"
"... By traveling here?" I answered, keeping my distance. Why do you have a similar facial structure to Grunkle Ford? Wait.
"Ah, you must have arrived with your guide, kid." They said, wiping themselves off before approaching me. "You best go back to them if you're lost."
"No, I was allowed to explore this sphere on my own," I said.
"On your own? Wouldn't that violate a rule of a guide?" They said, tilting their head slightly. They soon shook their head and waved a hand carelessly in the air. "Well, it's not my problem and I shouldn't be worried about what other guides teaching the new about this world."
"Uh, can I ask you something?" I asked, hoping this question is right after all of the interactions from before.
"You about to ask why I was here right?" They guessed. "I'm afraid it's not your business, kid." They answered before walking past me.
"Wait! I have to know if you're the gargoyle that knows me and my sister." I said, reaching out for them to stop. Fortunately, they halted their footing, slowly turning their body towards me with a surprised expression.
"... You and your sister...?" They said, completely facing me. "Dipper?"
"Grunkle Stan?" I asked, sounding a bit desperate for a second. Is this the great-uncle that always been there since he died? Without a thought, he rushed over to me and gave me a big hug, lifting me off the ground. I didn't care as I hugged him back tightly. "It is you! I knew it was you!"
"I never expected my great-nephew to be here, in this realm." He said, squeezing me before putting me back down on the ground.
"I can't believe it! I have to tell Mabel this!" I chirped happily, bouncing excitedly where I stood.
"Hey, kiddo." Grunkle Stan said, kneeling down to me. "I never expect this form made me quite large and taller."
"It looks fine on you. Fits you perfectly! Since you're hard to break." I said, smiling.
"Ha! That's what it takes to bring down an old man like me! Death can't ever get rid of me even if he tries!" He said, holding up a fist. It's so nice hearing his voice again.
"That's good." I said.
"So, how have the others been doing? Crying too much of missing me?" He asked, putting his fist down.
"The atmosphere is always ruined whenever you are mention, but we do cheer up after making jokes about you always harsh on us," I answered.
"Jokes? That is how you guys cope?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.
"It's always the good moments you give to us," I said. I saw a split second of softness in his eyes before it is replaced by toughness again.
"Alright, I'll agree with that." He said, giving a small smile. "How's the guiding coming along?"
I froze before glancing away from him. I frowned a bit before sitting down on the ground. I looked back at him with an unsure expression. "It's been a fun ride."
"Since your guide let you go on your own, I'll agree on their take." He said.
"Of course you would," I said, looking down at the ground.
"It is another way to learn about the world on your own, kiddo." He said.
"I know. At least I don't have them watching my excitement on how this sphere is mirroring Gravity Falls' citizens, buildings, and its environment." I said, looking back up at him.
"Yeah, that is the strangest thing about this world. Besides the point, I'm glad it allows me to still interact with you guys." He said, smiling softly a bit.
"How does that works?" I asked, curiosity sprouted within me.
"Let's speak somewhere else more privately." He said, getting up as I did the same. I nodded as he led the way.
We traveled on one of those hover buses and went where he wanted to arrive at. Once we did, we got off and walked through the empty streets of a house theme town. What I meant by that is that only houses or apartments lie in this sphere. This is the housing area for superior starries? It seems like it as I noticed one of the different-looking creatures passing by us. I wondered what I get turned into when my transformation day comes. We arrived at a house as we entered it. I looked around it, displaying the basic needs of a human back home. I turned around to my grunkle who walked over to the living room. I followed him as he sat on the couches. "Come sit, kiddo." I heard him say as I obeyed. I stared at the TV before glancing over at him.
"Now, I don't know how any of these abilities of a superior starry work." He said, frowning.
"Oh. That's fine." I said, feeling disappointed.
"I never understood them one bit, but at least I got enchanted strength to kick some starry's ass!" He said, barking a laugh as he glanced at the TV.
"Really?" I asked, raising a brow.
"Definitely can! I won 70 matches so far!" He answered, picking up a soda can and opening it.
"Matches? You can fight other superior starries here?" I asked, looking shocked.
"In the Coliseum Spheres. You can book a match and fight other creatures there. Some of them are tough, but not enough to beat me." He answered. "At least, that's the only activity interesting around here."
"Never knew such a thing existed, this realm is something else," I said, glancing over at the TV.
"Well, I do get money every once a while when one of those star freaks wants to live in those homes." He said.
"... Great, it also has money. What type of currency are we talking about?" I asked, looking back at him.
"Fighting Tokens. You get them from the matches in the Coliseums." He answered.
"Tokens, not a bad currency. How much you charge them for?" I asked. Don't tell me it's 100 of them.
"50 every month." He answered. 50?! Well, it is half of a 100, but every month? How much would that be in this world? The lord mentioned that ... my transformation day begins in 14 years... does he really mean it?
"What time would that be for here?" I asked. It must be a mistake, clearly, he means 14 days?
"Between 28 and 30 years. This world's time goes by years rather than days." He answered. Ah. It would make sense. No idea why it's a year, nothing ever happens within a year that fasts, unless the Living Sphere goes by a very slow time within its sphere. Maybe it does. I nodded before looking away.
"Do they ever pay their rent?" I asked.
"Some do, some don't. I did have complaints but what will they complain about? I'm their landlord, I don't think they can complain about me at the costly price. I think it's a fair deal!" He answered.
"Says someone who charges 10 dollars or 20 dollars fee to enter into one of those parties or festivals you host," I said jokingly, glancing at him with a smirk.
"It's how business work, Dipper!" He said, placing his soda down before glaring at me.
"Your expensive business." I joked.
"Kid, don't make me kick you out of my house." He grunted.
"Alright! I'll stop with the jokes!" I snickered nervously.
[[ Where. Are. You. ]] I jumped from my seat from the angry voice in my head. I froze, forgetting about the other two superior starries in the forest.
"You okay, kiddo?" Grunkle Stan asked. "Looks like you flinch from an invisible bug."
"I forgot about my guide," I said, getting up from the seat.
"Oh right, well it was nice seeing you again, Dipper." He said, getting up from his seat.
"I guess I will see you in the real world?" I asked, looking at him with a smile.
"Definitely, I always arrive early in the morning. You can also always come here instead. Just look for the Housing Sphere on the panel in sector 2." He said, pulling me in for a hug. I hugged him one last time before we let go of one another.
"Alright. See you soon, Grunkle Stan!" I said, turning and navigating my way to the door slowly. I didn't want to leave him just yet, I wanted to stay with him. I guess I can't have my way this time.
"You too, kiddo." I heard him call out before I exited the house. I stood in front of the building before letting out a sigh of relief. That's some nice peace away from those two.
"What were you doing here?" I flinched from the recognizable voice as I turned towards the demon who was glaring daggers at me. How did you find me that fast?
"That would be none of your concern," I answered.
"Then how did you find this sphere? I suppose you got help from another superior starry." He guessed.
"... Yes. Just to forget the issues that I had to deal with when I returned to the terminal," I admitted.
"Ugh. Anyway, let's get you back to your world. I think you have enough lessons for today." He said, annoyance lingering in his voice. He turned and led the way. I kept quiet and followed behind slowly. That's good. I need to do something back on Earth. Once we arrived back at the Imperial Sphere, I was led back to the planet Earth as I was taught to teleport myself back into the world.
I opened my eyes, spotting a book in my lap. I glanced up and around myself, noticing I was in my room. I looked over at the window, realizing how late it was. The evening got here, letting me know I had some time left to tell my discovery with Mabel. Though ... how will I ... explain that? Well, for starters, it might improve our relationship, and then she could start communicating with him. However, when we look back at it in the past, Grunkle Stan never spoke to us. Only gave a few hand signs and that's it. Hmm... I looked over at the stack of paper I had on my desk, giving me an idea. I closed my book and placed it beside me before getting up. I walked over to it and grabbed 1 stack of paper. I grabbed two pens and clip them to the stack before heading out of my room. I navigate my way over to my sister's room, whom I heard voices.
Mabel took the old room we used to share together as kids. I walked over to the door and knocked on it. I stepped back and waited patiently. I heard a loud voice before feeling heavy footsteps. I watched the door slam open as I stared at my irritated sister. She widened her eyes and stood straight by the archway of the door. "... Dipper?" My nickname left her mouth before she added on more words. "What do you need...?"
"Well... I might have figured out that gargoyle who visits us is Grunkle Stan." I said. I watched life entered her and making her more alive as she gave a wide smile, eyeing me excitedly.
"Really?!" She said. "I ... I really hope that's the case for this situation! The appearance when he showed up after his death and kept coming back when we shoo him off. Especially when the gargoyle showed affection and emotion to us. Most of them were sad. But never mind that. Do you really think so?"
"Yeah. I wanted to test that theory with these. If that gargoyle is really Grunkle Stan and he can write his name on paper, then we really found out this creature is connected to him!" I said, smiling happily. I was choosing my words carefully so that they separate from the real truth of this.
"Yeah! Let's do that first thing in the morning!" She chirped, bouncing over to me to give me a tight hug. I looked shocked before giving her a hug back. I'm surprised she's giving me a hug after all of this time. We let go of each other as she squealed happily. She bounced back into her room and shut the door. I blinked before smiling softly. I looked down at the items I dropped. I picked them up and turned over to the staircase, walking down them.
I then walked through the hallway the next day, in some fresh new clothes and the same stack of paper and pens. I stood by the gift shop arch, turning towards my sister who was catching up to me as she struggles to put her arm through her jacket's sleeves. Once she was finished, she gave me a smile, signaling me to lead her out of the shack and back around the spot where we met the gargoyle at.
Mabel rushed in front of me, spotting him before I did. "Hello! We got something exciting to give to you!" She announced. She sat down on the ground as she patted the ground for him to sit. I sat by her as Grunkle Stan did the same, starring at us confused with his light yellow eyes. "We wonder if you can write your name on some piece of paper!" She said.
I unclipped the pen from the paper, placing the stack on the ground. I moved them in front of the gargoyle, handing him a pen. He slowly took it, struggling to hold it as he only had three fingers and a thumb. He stared at the papers, grabbing them, and stared at the blank space. He got to work writing what he wanted. Both Mabel and I waited in patience, excited to see what he wrote.
He flipped and placed it down in front of us, rubbing Mabel's hair as I grabbed the sheet of paper. The handwriting was messy but we could understand it. My sister screamed in joy before turning and jumping in Grunkle Stan's arms. I chuckled quietly before glancing at the two huggings each other tightly. I glanced at the sheet of paper, wondering if I could get Grunkle Ford out here too.
"We gotta tell Grunkle Ford! Grunkle Stan is alive!" Mabel said, letting go of him and turning towards me.
"Well ... not quite," I said, smiling nervously.
"Well I know that he's in another different creature's body, but he's still alive regardless!" She said, getting up to her feet. "I'm going to get him!" She added on before running back inside. Grunkle Stan looked confused at me as I wrote back to him that we were getting Grunkle Ford. He understood and gave a small smile. I'm so grateful that this realm allowed him to do this every single day. Let's just hope the two can understand his reasoning.
End of Chapter 3