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These past days have been ... tiring. Not physically on Earth, but in the Starry Realm, yes. Its been. I didn't expect to train every single time I walk into the world. Then again, there's no reason to complain, I'm sure the other new s. starries are like this in the same way. At least I get breaks in the real world. I was sitting on a stool, talking with Soos. Grunkle Ford gave me a break as he wanted to finish the last touches to the translator device. I'm not so sure if it'll work, but I'm hoping it does. "Dipper." I turned my head over to my sister, who was standing there with her arms cross. "Can I borrow him, Soos?"

"Sure, dude!" Soos nodded with a smile.

Mabel nodded, shifting her gaze over to me. "Come." She spoke before walking over to the archway. I tilted my head and got off of the stool, wondering what she needed. I followed her through the archway, hallways, up the stairs, and into her room. I widened my eyes a bit as she never lets me in if she needed something. I stood in the center of the room as I heard my sister closing her door. I observed my surroundings, seeing more items placed around as clothes were on the floor. Now I notice that the room is messier than before. "I need to ask something of you, brother."

I glanced over to Mabel who walked over to her bed. She turned over to me, folding her arms. "A friend and I came across something weird in the forest and ... I want to see if you are willing to come along and identify what the weird thing in the forest. Both of us thought that it seemed like it could cause a threat to the entire town."

I raised my brows, worry spreading across my face. "How long ago did you guys discovered this?"

"A few days ago." She answered, before looking panicked the next. "I know, I should have told you sooner but ... I'm hoping it didn't spread out from its original position."

"I could... there shouldn't be anything dangerous in the forest." I spoke, looking confused for a moment.

"You may never know, brother." She shrugged her shoulders. I narrowed my eyes and glance away, spotting a picture on the wall. "Oh! I forgot to tell you! I finished this!" I heard her chirp as she rushed over to it. I walked forward, remembering something from a couple days ago. Maybe I can try to stop Gideon through her. Though ... I'm not so sure she knows he has a starry superior form in the realm. "You standing next to Grunkle Stan. Though ... I still don't know why you turned yourself into a deer last time."

"O-Oh. That... it happens whenever each starry turns into their animal form." I explained, looking nervous for a moment. I shook drop the behavior and placed on a stern look. "Can I ask you something?"

She slowly turned towards me, giving me an uninterest look. Confusion spread across my face though she answered before I could have thought about her behavior. "What is it?"

How do I ask this? Do I say if she knows anyone in the realm? That wouldn't get the point across. Maybe... "Do you know anyone besides me and Grunkle Stan about having a form in the realm?" I asked.

Her eyes widened for a moment before relaxing. She gazes away from me, looking as if she was thinking about her answer. She soon looked back at me, nodding. "I do."

So he told her about his form. I wonder why. "Well, I might have run into that person way too many times. And during those times, they have been causing trouble with me."

"Like what trouble?" She asked, looking confused.

"Causing stress to me on that day," I answered.

She widened her eyes, looking horrified. "Gideon did that?"

"Yes." I nodded. I believe so, that's the only reason behind my body acting weird when I wasn't in it.

She frowned and glanced down. "... I didn't realize ..." She looked back up to me with an annoyed look. "I will talk to him about that. I didn't realize that caused you trouble."

I narrowed my eyes, becoming a bit wary of her statement. "For now, will you come out with me and my friend over to the spot?"

"... Right now?" I asked. What ... did she say before? Something causing me that much trouble and yet ...- No, no don't think that way, maybe I misunderstood the context of how she worded it.

"Tomorrow?" She suggested.

"Sounds good." I nodded. Though ... do I continue being suspicious of my sister? I shouldn't be, she isn't hiding anything.

"Good! Now I need to clean everything up before my friends come over!" She announced. "Would you mind making your way out the door?"

"... Yeah, I'm working on it." I nodded quickly before turning and exiting the room. I closed it and stared at the doorknob. I still feel a strange vibe from her. I sighed annoyed, feeling frustrated. Nothing is suspicious of her, brain. So stop it with this gut feeling. I made my way downstairs and continued where I left off. In a moment, darkness fell upon the shack, letting us know its nighttime. I sat down on my bed, staring at my floor for a bit. I just got changed into my PJs, wondering about the conversation that happened today. I made a disgusted look, disappointed in myself as I keep going back and finding out what my sister meant with her suspicious behavior.

I shook my head. I need a night's rest. I scooted back and lay down, covering myself with the sheets. I closed my eyes, seeing the void before sensing my conscious fading away. Soon I felt myself floating back to the realm, causing me to open my eyes to the vast space. I sighed tiredly, rubbing my forehead before taking a glance around. There were no signs of the demon, making me feel relief. Good, good. Let's keep it that way. I turned towards the large sphere in the distance, floating over to it. I landed within the Imperial Sphere, walking a bit wobbly before stabilizing my steps. I can see that I'm getting used to walking with these legs. That's good.

I headed over to the Terminal, halting in the entrance. Where was I going? The demon isn't here, I can get some free time before he comes and drags me away. I nodded to myself. Maybe I can practice what he has taught me. Oh right, the Spar Sphere. I walked over to the panel and opened up the destination. I went over to hover my hand above the one I wanted to go to, however, some memories flashed in my head. I lowered my deer ears, wanting no part of Gideon's game this time. So I decided to put my destination in for the Spar Sphere in sector 3. He won't find me there, right?

I glance over to the hover bus and entered in, allowing it to take me to the sphere. I eyed the stars zooming past me, waiting in silence before I arrived. I stood up, exited the bus, jumping down onto the floor and out of the Terminal. I widened my eyes, scanning around the training spots. There were barely any s. starries in them! I wonder if this Spar Sphere is less known than the rest. Fine by me. I walked forward, eyeing the training spots before spotting a familiar figure who's waving his hand. "Grunkle Stan?"

"Didn't expect to see you here, Dipper. What's up kiddo?"

I walked over to the white transparent fence, "Nothing much."

"Are you escaping from all of those folks out there?" He asked, turning away and over to the area.

"Probably." I snickered. "It's so peaceful here."

"That's the benefit for this sphere within Sector 3. You get the whole sphere to yourself. Well, until you came." He grunted, turning over to glare at me.

"Hey! I only came here just to train. I won't interrupt your practice at all, Grunkle Stan." I spoke, waving my hands in the air in a panicked matter.

"Training eh? Let's see what that demon taught you so far." He narrowed his eyes. I flinched towards the gate opening. I was expecting to practice alone, but I guess I'll practice with you. I entered in, lashing my tail before looking over to him. "What have you earn so far? Fire powers?"

"Oh, no fire powers. Just an ability to see future paths." I answered, frowning a bit. That's a disappointing ability... it's not that useful. It only gives me visions that may happen in the future. That vision from before, I'd doubt it'll happen.

"Future Sight? Wow, kiddo, I'm completely jealous." Grunkle Stan grunted, glaring at me.

"I'm sure you don't want this ability at all, it's ... not much of a use," I said, shaking my head.

"The ability to see in the future is a useful tool. Of course, if you worry too much about the future, it may cause a danger to you. Though you must use it wisely, have you gotten any ... messages? Whatever its call." He shrugged.

"Its visions and yes, but I only brushed it off as it may not happen right away. Future paths change up as time goes on, so I know it won't happen." I said, lowering my deer ears.

"... Paths in the future only change if you change something up in the present. Eh, I'm not cut out for this topic. What other abilities have you earned?" He questioned, dropping the future topic quickly. I perked my deer ears up, thinking quietly. Wait. That is the only ability that has awaken so far. I frowned slightly and shook my head. "None? I'm surprised, kiddo."

"Is there something you have to do to activate the hidden abilities?" I asked.

Grunkle Stan shrugged, "Probably, some of us may have only one ability and that's it while others have more." I lowered my deer ears, disappointed a bit. "Now, let's move on. You know when to dodge, etc?"

"Yes. I know how to." I perked my deer ears back up, giving him a dull look.

He narrowed his eyes before placing one foot on the ground and pushing against the ground, jumping swiftly at me with a sharp claw readying itself to tear my face. I instantly leaped out of the way, watching him miss me. He seems to smirk before throwing in another strike. I quickly pushed my feet against the ground, causing me to leap backward. He threw another as I would dodge it immediately. He halts and grunts before attempting to sweep me off of my feet. I hopped over his leg and swiftly swept him off of his two feet. "ACK."

He fell down on the ground, rubbing his head. "Damn, kiddo. You're quick."

"I know, I've been getting better with my movements during combat." I smiled, walking around him.

He slowly stood up, wiping himself off before turning to give me a smirk. "Good. You'll need that energy when to escape narrow routes."

I nodded before one of my deer perked towards something breaking behind me. Before I could register the noise, I felt someone ram me down into the ground. I winced and glared up at the person, only to widened my eyes at the appearance of the figure. They looked to be corrupt in shadows as their white eyes and smile would widen with eerie happiness. I yelped from something sharp digging into my back before I watched Grunkle Stan grab and pry the figure off, throwing them over to the side. "Get up kiddo, this one's mine."

I heard him say before I nodded. I quickly got up and walked away from the scene, glancing back at them. The figure shrieked a painful pitch, making me flinch and cover my ears. What is that thing?! It leaped instantly at my great uncle with its shadow mist claws out. He stood stiff and grabbed its head with his hands, squeezing it tightly before it decided to move its head out of his claws. He clenched his teeth before attempting to grab it again. The figure dodged again and grew a long, thick tail. It used it and wack him into the white fence. It snickered and laughed like a hyena before turning its white eyes towards me.

I had a horrified expression as panic rise within me quickly. It grinned and was about to dart over to me until Grunkle Stan came in and grasp its head again. It shrieked again before he slammed it against the ground. Soon he stomps on it quickly, hearing the last of its shrieks. The shadowy mist figure dissolved into thin air, disappearing for good. He sighed annoyed and turned towards the shield. I followed his gaze, eyeing the hole. So that's where it came from? How did it even breakthrough?

I watched Grunkle Stan fly up slowly to repair it with only placing it back together. It emitted a faint white glow before disappearing a second later. He turned and glided down to me, having an irritated expression. "Another one got through this sphere, I swear they like to swarm around this one the most."

"What was that?" I asked.

"An intruder. Trespassers the lord calls it." He shrugged before stretching out his limbs.

I remembered hearing the word from a few weeks ago. I'm assuming this is normal for everyone here, though I wonder what happens if we don't successfully get rid of them. "Are they a danger to this realm?"

"Mostly to the spheres." He answered. "I have no idea what would happen if they get their hands on one or ... I don't know what. Anyway, this is the reason why training and practicing your moves is important. You may come across an intruder on your own and there may not be any s. starry nearby to help you."

I nodded, understanding these sphere types now. That is right, s. starries are meant to protect spheres from these trespassers. What happens if they don't? I shivered and shook my head. I don't what to know the results of that. "Ugh, made me get a cramp in my leg. I'm going to go ahead and summon a dummy for you." He grumbled, walking over to the gate.

"Wait- you can do that?" I asked, looking surprised. Right beside the gate was a panel that was fading into existence.

"Yes. You don't see me fighting air, do you?" He commented, inputting something in the panel. I shifted my gaze over to the human-sized dummy that appeared in the middle. Curiosity rose within me as I nodded slowly to this new discovery. A white pole appeared in its hand as I tilted my head. "You can summon one too." I heard Grunkle Ford say. I nodded and stared down at my hands. I made them into fists before putting them together. I pulled them apart, forming a white glowy pole in my hands within seconds. I widened my eyes, impressed by this realm's weapon source. I grip the center and swirl it around a bit before turning my gaze over to the dummy.

The dummy turned towards me and got into a fighting stance. I looked a bit nervous, putting the pole in front of me to defend myself. Before the spar even begins, I sense someone nearby in an instant. The pole disappeared in my hands as I shifted my gaze quickly towards the air behind me. I pinned my deer ears, turning towards the uncanny presence, and swiftly kick it. "Kiddo?" I heard Grunkle Stan ask, hearing the confusion in his voice. I sense it moving over towards the ground, letting me know I hit my target.

My gaze turned into glare once the air revealed itself. "Damn, didn't realize you have a strong kick, Pinetree."

"F-ck you." I hissed.

"Are you kidding me?!" I heard Grunkle Stan shout in the background.

"I'm guessing you're using your senses better this time around." The demon observed, ignoring the comment I made.

I grunted and turned away. "I guess you can say that." It was so much better before you came.

[[ Wow, I'm hurt. ]] I heard his voice in my head, causing anger to twist on my face. Get. Out.

"What brings you here? Just checking on my nephew? Well, there is no need." Grunkle Stan hissed, glaring down at the demon.

"Seeing that he is processing well, I guess there is no need for me to be here. However, I want to stay anyway." Bill shrugged.

"Of course." Grunkle Stan sneered before gazing over at me. [[ I wish you had a different guide. ]]

[[ Me too. ]] I telepathy back to him, twitching a bit from the irritation within me. I glanced over at the dummy who was waiting for me to summon the white pole again. I glared at the demon, watching him approach the sidelines just to watch. I shook my head slightly before turning towards the dummy. I wonder. What if I could awaken one of the abilities? I'm not so sure about one of them... infact, I don't know any of them besides the one I have. I do know the wolf's abilities, white flames or just manipulating it for his own purposes. I tilted my head, glancing down at my weird-colored hand.

There is a possibility of an s. starry having that ability again. Though, I'm not so sure if I'm the right s. starry to have it. Why am I sounding like I want to steal it from them? There's no possible way to steal an ability from another s. starry, unless ... that certain type of ability is real in this realm. I shivered slightly before shifting my focus on the dummy. "Are you going to attack the dummy or not, kiddo?" I heard Grunkle Stan call out. What about if I just borrow the wolf s. starry ability for a bit? Would that work in my favor? I sighed, shaking my head and giving up. I shifted my hands into fists and placed them together before jumping back from my right hand is on fire.

"You do have fire powers!" Grunkle Stan shouted, standing up from the fence and walking over to me. I attempted to shake the fire off, however, I came to the realization that it wasn't hurting me in any way. Besides the point, the flame was white as I widened my eyes. "Why did you hid this ability away from me?"

I blinked and glanced up at my great uncle, lost at words to say. Did borrowing the wolf's ability worked? Or was it because I was remembering how he used it?

"Interesting..." I shifted my gaze over to the demon's words, watching him approach us with careful steps. "You managed to copy the same power as that Mutt."

"Wait copy?" Grunkle Stan questioned.

"Only a few s. starries have it." The demon responded, turning his gaze back to me. "And your nephew happens to be one of them."

"Wait- WAIT. I can copy other s. starry's abilities? or powers- whatever." I asked, widening my eyes.

He nodded, "Two abilities that you have awoken, I'm curious to know what will awaken next."

I glared at him before glancing down at my hand, which wasn't on fire anymore. Well, that is useful. I might take some time to get used to this power.

End of Chapter 9