...
...
"Trust me! It's real, Grunkle Ford." I heard my sister say. I looked over my shoulder and watched her pull our nerdy grunkle over here with rushy steps. Once they arrived, she pulled him down with her. I spotted an annoyed glare at her from him before it disappeared a second later. "Alright! Alright, I will believe you. Now, what is it about the gargoyle?" He asked, repositioning his coat as he glanced at both of us.
"Well, Dipper and I discovered that this is Grunkle Stan!" Mabel announced, smiling widely with happiness shown on her face. Grunkle Ford looked confused as she jumped a bit, in she forgot about something. She quickly turned to the papers in front of us. She grabbed the used paper and show it to him. "This was proof of how this gargoyle is Grunkle Stan!"
"... Uh, sweetie I can barely understand this." He said, grabbing the sheet and examining the handwriting. I scooted over and looked at it closely. "It seems like this gargoyle wanted to communicate but didn't know how." Grunkle Ford said.
"I know it's hard to understand but it clearly states that this is Grunkle Stan!" Mabel said, huffing as she made a frown. I sighed, looking over at the words carefully. I'll be grateful if you helped him understand it. I showed him the messy letters, explaining them in what question Grunkle Stan was asking. He was asking us how we were doing.
Grunkle Ford widened his eyes a bit before nodding. "Well Stanley, thought your handwriting couldn't get much worse than your attitude."
"Also, he can't hear us," I said.
"Yeah, we figured that out when he was making weird faces at us," Mabel said.
"Ah ... that makes sense." He said, looking up from the paper and onto the gargoyle who appeared to look irritated at him. I smiled nervously as anger appeared on his face.
"I think he knows what you said," I whispered.
"Not much of a concern, but you know I don't mean it, brother." Grunkle Ford said.
Grunkle Stan gave a small grunt and looked away from us. Though, we didn't hear it. "... We also cannot hear him either," Mabel said, frowning.
I slowly looked over at her, giving her a shocked expression. "Ah, so something is blocking us from communicating with words out loud." Grunkle Ford said, nodding his head slowly.
"We can still communicate with him, Grunkle Ford..." Mabel said, giving him an annoyed look. "Don't tell me you plan something to speak other than this." The gargoyle waved his hand in the air, grabbing a sheet of paper and writing something. He soon showed it all to us. 'If Stanford is planning something to talk better than this, then let him have it. I'd like to see what he comes up with.'
"... Ugh, fine," Mabel grumbled, making murmured comments about it.
"Hey, if I figure out how to connect you guys' voices together, then maybe you might hear his once again." Grunkle Ford said.
"I know... I just ... don't want to go through all of the trouble just to communicate better than this." She said quietly, looking back at him. "But I guess no one here doesn't have a problem besides me with it, so go ahead." She shrugged as she waved a careless hand in the air.
"Alright, do either of you know where he came from?" Grunkle Ford asked, looking at both of us. "I might need to take some samples and make it work in our prototype communicator device."
"... A what?" Mabel asked, looking over at us.
"Something that any inventor or high superior would like to see if there is an easy way to communicate with just a small device. Not huge or needing any of that stuff ... It's difficult to explain..." I answered. "Let's just put it simply. It helps you translate and speak in other languages. Well ... it was supposed to do that." I added on, grumbling with an irritated expression, staring down at the ground. It soon disappeared as I looked back at my sister. "It's still a work in process."
"Exactly, but since we came across this, I might be able to solve this." He said. Are you? Are you able to break the barrier between this world and the realm? I should maybe say something about that ... "Back to the question, did you guys get a chance to ask where he is from?" He asked.
"I ... did not ... never really thought about where he came from." She said, tilting her head quietly.
"... I do," I said, both of them looked over at me as the gargoyle soon followed after.
"... You do?" My sister asked, having a confused expression. "How come you know and not me? Why is it you?"
"I don't know why it's me, it just happened," I said, looking away from her annoyed expression.
"No, no, no, it doesn't just happen. There has to be a reason for it!" She said, getting up to her feet.
"... Mabel-"
"I want to know why and how you know this instead of me. Don't even butt in Grunkle Ford. I want to know why my brother knows this instead of me." She said, cutting him off as her voice filled was with slight anger. I glanced up at her, staring at her irritated expression though I swear I saw a mix of disgust in there. Maybe some jealous? Who knows. I flinched from the gargoyle who stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder, he was giving hand gestures to calm her down. He stared at her with a surprised expression, maybe he never saw her like this. I have ... and it says for the reasonings I did.
"So? Where is he from?" My sister asked me again.
I gulped, glancing down at the ground before looking back up at her. "A realm. A realm that's astonishing for nature in its space-filled life. It has its life and some weird creatures. Those creatures tend to be known as superior starries ... where they look different from each other. Grunkle Stan is one of them and somewhat his form makes him become a gargoyle." I answered.
"And I thought I had the wide fantasy mind in the family that wouldn't exist in reality." She said, eyeing me. It looked like she didn't believe me. I frowned at the sight of her reaction.
"What Dipper says is true." Grunkle Ford said.
"Well, let's see what Grunkle Stan has to say," Mabel said, crouching down and writing something on the paper. She soon showed it to him, giving him some time to write.
Grunkle Stan read it and then wrote back to us. 'Yes, it is true pumpkin.' Mabel widened her eyes in shock, slowly looking towards me. Her left eye twitched a bit before giving up in defeat. "Well, never knew it was."
"Anyway, with that out of the way, I'll be taking him down to the basement. You coming, Champ?" Grunkle Ford said, glancing over at me.
"Can I talk to Dipper before you guys go do whatever scientists do?" My sister asked quickly.
"Sure." He nodded to her before guiding the gargoyle away from us and into the shack. I glanced away and looked at my sister who had an unfriendly expression. I looked around frantically before realizing I was taking some steps backward. Am I really scared of her? We stood in silence that felt like 20 minutes went by. I felt the wall against my back as I glanced back at her with an uneasy expression. Nervousness rose within me as I prepare myself for what she has to say.
"Why do you have to ruin everything that I used to love?" She asked. "Why? What is there so interesting about me that you have to ruin everything I touch and see?"
"... I ... I didn't-"
"Yes. You. DID. But I forgot your too oblivious to see it. You're always with Grunkle Ford down in the basement, turning into someone that I may never get the chance to see again." She said, taking a step forward towards me. "I thought when you ... you wanted to see Grunkle Stan, I thought maybe you changed and realized your mistake for this whole disaster. I thought you changed your mind and want to hang out with me every single moment of our lives." She stopped and glared at me with a nasty look.
"Instead I was wrong. I should have seen it when it was coming. Now I know that you tricked me-"
"I didn't-"
"YES, YOU DID. YOU ALWAYS TAKE EVERYTHING I CHERISH AWAY!" She shouted, interrupting me. I shut my mouth as I realized I can't even say my part in this argument. "WHY ARE YOU THE WAY YOU ARE?! What happened to that old brother of mines?"
"... I'm still here..." I responded quietly.
"No, you're not. You're just a replica of that person. The only purpose for you now is to achieve what you want to do in life. Abandoning our dream and going in your own pathway. Sometimes I wish you never took the Apprenticeship under Grunkle Ford. But what you pulled today ..." She trailed off, slamming her hand on my shirt, gripping my collar shirt. "I don't think I can forgive you."
"Mabel ... I didn't do it for my selfish gain," I said, frowning.
"You sureee? It seems like you did. You're not fooling me this time, Dipper." She sneered.
"... Is there any way I could make it up to you...?" I asked quietly.
"Stay out of my life. Do not talk to me, don't ever share a conversation with me. Just. Don't take the things I love away." She hissed, venom filling in her voice before she let go of me. She backed away, turning around and grabbing the papers off of the ground. I stood there frozen with my eyes wide. ... I didn't ... this time around I didn't. I ... I- Discovering that the gargoyle was Grunkle Stan was excellent news and I thought we both would ... be happy about it. I thought ... we would. As soon as I blinked, I wasn't in the environment anymore. I was out in the vast space once more, floating next to the planet, Earth.
I stared in the void of the space as I dived deeper into my mind. Many thoughts bloom in my head, memories begin to flood in from the past as my brain forced me to watch them over and over. My arms wrapped around myself, hugging me tightly as my eyes well up with tears. I know, I know it's my fault brain. I don't need to be reminded. [[ Did something happen down on that mortal world of yours? ]] An recognizable voice faded into my head, causing all of the thoughts and memories to disappear. ... well, the good thing about telepathy is that it snaps me out of this state. I'm grateful for that. I blinked and wiped away my tears. I soon looked over at the yellow light figure. [[ ... You sure you want to be thanking a demon on that part? ]]
[[ ... No ... not really, Bill. But this one time, I have no choice. ]] I said, speaking with my mind. [[ So, what will we be learning today? ]] It'll be a good idea to distract myself with something interesting.
I didn't hear his voice again, staring at him confused. Something wrong? [[ ... Okay. Since you left me with Claws back there, I'm going to take you to a different sphere that may be useful in this lesson. ]] The demon said in telepathy a minute later. [[ Follow behind closely. ]] He moved towards the large sphere in the background as I obeyed. We arrived within the Imperial Sphere before traveling over to the terminal. We locked in our destination and hopped on the hover bus. I sat on the seat and turned towards the window, staring at the clusters of dust space in the far distance. I watched everything zoom by us immediately, letting me know we were moving. Once we arrived, we got off. I glanced around, taking steps forward to see the star shape structures in the distance. "Are we ... in one of the Central Spheres?" I asked.
"No, we are not. We are in a Living Sphere." He answered, walking ahead of me. I looked over and followed behind.
"Oh. I see. What's the difference with Central Spheres?" I asked, looking over at the environment.
"Governors live and make meetings, etc. in their Central Spheres. There is only one in each Sector. Nothing too special about them." He answered.
So ... Gidlax owns one? That... is nice. I bet he has to handle much of the drama he deals with in his sector. We halted on a sidewalk, making me question some of his motivates. But I didn't bother to ask so I explored the surroundings with my eyes. There was a star in the middle of the Plaza. It was flowing out blue-green liquid on the top like a fountain. I stared at it curiously, wondering if these guys have their own water. It might be their water, who knows really. An idea pops into my head as I turned slowly to the demon. He stared at me with a suspicious look. "... What is it?"
"Does each Living Sphere's time travels the same with the other spheres?" I asked.
"... Living Spheres are the only one that has a different time. While you're in here, it takes ... probably the same time in your mortal world." He answered.
"Ah. That would make sense. These citizens are this realm's living beings." I said, nodding before turning away. I scanned once again, spotting a starry human in the background. I tilted my head, wondering if they're a part of the sphere or not. I watched them walk on the sidewalk from here. Though I noticed something off about them. They appear to walk in a robotic way or in such a way a normal being wouldn't be without their freedom. I looked up to their eyes, the same glowy blue light coming from them. I widened my eyes slightly as I felt worried.
"... Superior Starries don't get sick, do they?" I asked.
"They don't." The demon answered. "Not quite sure why Claws lied about that one."
"He lied to cover up something big about whatever he's doing," I said quietly, watching the starry human approach up from the right.
"Something big? You think so? You have only been in this realm for 3 years, Pinetree. How could you come up with that so fast?" He asked curiosity sparked in his voice.
"You've seen it, haven't you?" I asked.
"... Yes, but I don't think it's dangerous. Anyone can do anything in here as long as it doesn't threaten the Lord himself." He answered.
"... Then what's allow and not allowed?" I asked.
"Erasing other Superior Starries are not allowed. As well as overthrowing the high ranks, destroying spheres, and traitors. You can do anything as long as it does not break those four rules." He answered.
I slowly turned towards him, giving him a wary look. I glanced back at the arrival of the starry human, frowning slightly. I have a bad feeling about this. "You sure there won't be anybody that hates being stuck under the leadership of the lord?" I asked.
"Well-"
"Besides you." I cut him off.
"... I don't know about that one. But if there is someone that dislikes the lord, that'll be interesting to watch whatever they have planned." He said. I stared at the starry human, eyeing the blue light before it turned towards something behind us.
"There you guys are!" A voice called from behind. I looked over my shoulder and stared at the superior starry from before. "Ah, he's here this time."
"Why do you need to follow us everywhere we go?" Bill asked in a harsh tone, turning towards Gidlax who walked over to the starry human.
"You are in my Sector so I need to keep an eye on you guys," Gidlax answered.
"..." I blinked at the governor, giving him a dull look. Seriously? Is this just another excuse to stick with us?
"You may not like it little brat, but I must keep an eye out in case anyone causes drama in my sector," Gidlax said, giving me a death glare.
I sighed in annoyance, already tired of this. Maybe this was a bad idea. I thought that this realm could have to take my mind off of this distress. I guess it can't when a stupid governor is following us.
"Now, what are you guys up to in this sphere? This is the Living Sphere you know." Gidlax said, displaying a smirk on his face. "This is boring, everything the same thing. Shouldn't you take him to somewhere exciting?"
"Is that the only reason? Just to keep an eye on us?" The demon asked.
"Well yes, I wouldn't lie to any of my visitors," Gidlax answered.
"You did once," I said, backing away from him.
"I did? When was that?" He said, narrowing his eyes at me. "When did I lie, insect?" He added on, turning his tone into a venom one. Dang it, I shouldn't have done that. I've could have kept it to myself.
"I learned that you guys don't get sick," I said quietly. "They're being controlled like a puppet, right?"
"Wow, you are becoming very suspicious lately. I guess Lord Galroon was right about you." Gidlax said, dodging the question. I frowned before glancing away. What did I get myself into? "He should have given you to me instead of you. You aren't keeping track of his behavior."
"Why should I control his behavior?" The demon asked.
"Tch, of course. With every new superior starry you are given, you became lazy with the job." Gidlax said, giving him a disgusted look. He soon turned towards me and approached. His hand begins to emit a blue glow. I raised a brow before looking up at him. "Why don't we switch? You wouldn't have to deal with this pipsqueak."
"Frankly that idea sounds nice, but unfortunately, I would upset Blister deeply. So no." The demon answered.
"We can keep it a secret. He doesn't have to know." Gidlax said, glancing over at him. I looked behind me as trees stood there. I glanced back at them, slowly stepping back into the trees.
"... My answer is final." The demon said, turning towards me. [[ And don't you dare leave. ]] I heard his voice in my head. I halted and froze, frowning again. I just want to escape this. I want to leave. He approached me and grabbed my wrist.
"You really gonna be like that, Bilx?" Gidlax said, narrowing his eyes at us. "You know you hate doing this, why not give it a break? I'll be sure to take good care of him." I shivered, shrinking back a bit.
"No," Bill said coldly, dragging me away. I looked away from the superior starry as I kept my head low. We returned to the terminal as I still heard his fainted voice in the background. Why is he following us? Is he doing it to bother you? The demon gave me a blank expression before inputting the destination. He soon led the way over to the hover bus as I got on. I stood by the seats as I stared at them. I glanced back over at him as the doors shut. "I have no idea why he's following us." He answered at last. "But he's about to make me lose it."
"... Maybe he's suspicious of us?" I guessed quietly, sitting on the seat. He stayed silent, walking over to the other seats away from me. I turned away and over to the window. I sighed and leaned on my elbow. [[ I KNOW WHAT YOU DID. ]] I flinched and squeaked at the stone-cold, eerie voice in my head. [[ AND I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. ]] The voice fades out as the bus moved. I widened my eyes as fear overcome me. No ... he's not suspicious of us, he's ... after for me. For what? What did I do to him? Is it because I left him in the other sphere? That's ... ridiculous... ugh. I can't get peace here, can't I?
We arrived at the destination as I looked over at the entrance of the doors opening. I watched the demon walk from the other seats and over to them. He turned towards me, giving me an irritated look. I stood up and rushed out of the bus. I landed on the ground before recognizing the familiar surroundings. Wait ... why am I back at the house theme sphere? I looked back over at the demon confused. "We can continue our lesson another time. I took us here so you can finish your conversation with that other superior starry." He said. I gave him a bewildered expression, wondering why he's doing this. "So, are you going or are you to stand there, Pinetree?"
"... I'm going," I said quietly, turning away and walking forward. I'll ... question it later. Right now, I need to clear my head.
I walked down the pathway and over to the house that Grunkle Stan took me. I knocked on it before stepping back. I waited and waited, and soon it gave me the idea that he's not here yet. I flinched from a voice and turned towards it, watching someone familiar run up to me with a hand waving in the air. I relaxed before giving him a small smile. "Sorry, kiddo." Grunkle Stan said.
"It's fine." I said.
"So, your guide let you here, or did you sneak out to find me?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.
"... He let me here..." I answered.
"Good." He said, turning towards the door and unlocking it. "I need to talk to you about something."
"About what?" I asked. He let me in first as he walked behind, closing the door.
"About you and Mabel." He said. I froze in place before slowly turning towards him. "Did anything happened between you two?" Why did you bring it up? I don't want to think about her.
"No. Nothing happens." I lied, giving a lighthearted smile.
"You sure?" He asked, raising a brow.
"Yep!" I said, keeping up my facade.
"... Alright, kiddo." He said, giving me a concerned look before brushing it off. He turned away and walked over to the living room. Once he was out of sight I frowned, hugging myself tightly. I don't know why I needed to lie about that. No, I needed to. I didn't want to think heavily about it. I don't need him getting involved with our sibling drama. My arms fell beside my side, gripping my pants tightly. I can fix this. I'm sure there's still a chance somewhere I can fix it.
I just hope ... it doesn't damage me even more than it did before.
End of Chapter 4
forgot to upload this yesterday. x-x
hope you enjoyed this chapter. ^^