Up & Down Falls.

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- Dipper's POV -

The sky was an orange-ish color as sunset was occurring. We were walking from the parked car, under an umbrella as Mother Nature decided it was time to rain her tears down on us, gotta love Mother Nature. It was about 20 minutes before the show began as Uncle Stan was giving us some trouble going out there. He didn't want to leave because he didn't want to miss his shows. Trust me on this one, he'll be fine.

There was a large crowd of people in front of the entrance, but soon it cleared up once everyone rush in like it's Black Friday. I guess it is a popular show since everyone is very excited, this will be an experience. We walked into the vast tent as there were many seats inside the tent. We decided to sit in the middle where a lot of people weren't happy about our presence being here. Who cares, your here for the show, right? So deal with it!

We took a look around, seeing that everyone was chatting so loudly about the show. I sat in silence, waiting for the show to start. It finally started as everyone quieted down. The lights dimmed down so the only light that was shown was the stage lights in front of us. The stage curtains pulled away from the center, revealing a white-haired teen, standing all proud.

He put his left hand on his hip and stood proudly in front of us. He was wearing a light blue suit with white buttons from his collar to the end of the shirt in front. His pants were the same. He wore a feather hat as the same color as his outfit. I was impressed that he dressed entirely for the show, I mean... I did see him in the same outfit in the poster a few days ago... but seeing him in the flesh is fantastic!

When he spoke to us, he had a country accent. ``Howdy ya'll! I am so glad you decided to come and join me for tonight's show! I am seeing some new faces in the crowd, and I can't wait to show you folks what I got in store for ya!`` He waves to us with his other free hand. I turned to see some people waving back at him, returning the greeting. I wanted to wave as well, but... I decided to stay motionless with my actions for now.

``As for every year's newcomer show, allow me to introduce myself.`` He cleared his throat and spoke charmingly. ``I am Gideon Gleeful, also known as Youngster Gleeful, proud talent user of the show Old Great Gleeful! I am a magician that will show you beyond magic that you never saw in your life. I will try my best to make your worth time!`` He said. ``If you don't find this show fun at all, then what's the point being here? Hm? I guess kids and friends convinced you to come here. That's alright! I will still give you a show you will never forget.`` He ended that sentence off with an unusual, creepy feeling to me. I'm not quite sure for the others as they were cheering him on... Something about this... teen gives me the creeps.

As soon as the show began after his speech, he gave off a fantastic performance. He was making cards disappear from his hands, pulling stuff out of his feather hat, and having some volunteers come up and help him on one of the tricks. All of them were very interesting! I don't even know how he was doing this all! Must have taken a lot of practice and skill for such a young boy. I didn't even realize it has already ended, I wanted to see more what he has to show. I guess I could ask them next time whenever he has a show. We exit the seating range as I wanted to see if I could find my friend in these crowds. It was about 9:00 PM as everyone was talking to one another about the show, even fangirling by the looks of it. They agreed and let me have 30 minutes before we had to go. I smiled and thanked them before wandering off into the crowd.

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I managed to run into a familiar face that got my cheeks blushing like there's no end. ``Hey, Dipper!`` Wendy said, approaching me as I tried to fight my emotions back. ``H-Hey!``

``How was the show? Did you like it?`` She asked, wearing a green dress.

``It was great! I wonder how he performs those tricks!`` I said, still thinking about that thought.

``Takes a lot of skill to perform in that show.`` She said, smiling. Her smile made my cheeks turn red again as I avoided looking at her. She's so cute when she smiles.

``Finally, found ya.`` I heard a familiar voice as Wendy and I looked over. ``It's been a while, Kahlil.`` My friend nodded, inviting himself into the conversation.

``It has.`` He responded, having his arms behind his back. So, it's been a while since they met... that would make sense if... he has a problem with her. Since I still remember invading his personal space without his permission.

``How you've been holding up?`` Wendy asked, talking to Kahlil.

``Oh, you know...`` Kahlil began, giving Wendy a mean look. ``The usual.`` I looked defensive for a moment towards my friend. That was mean... even if I don't know their relationship between the two, that was still mean!

Wendy looked like she was feeling guilty from his unfriendly tone. ``Oh, well... I mean besides the... rumors and all of that. How's... your life doing and all of that.`` She was slow in her words, nervous and sad at the same time. She just wanted to know how he's been doing. And all he's doing is not giving an answer about his life. What did she do? Or, what happened more specifically?

``You do realize everything you shoved out the window affected my entire life, right? Of course, my father still being a butthead, and my mother is such a quiet victim with all the damn drama that happened back at home. All of that is normal, and I am used to it by now. But, how's my life been doing... it's hell, but...`` He trailed off, looking down at the ground. I listened in to their conversation, observing each of their words carefully.

``It's been... getting a bit better.`` Kahlil said. ``Not the whole, being insulted by the other town folks or everyone in general. Just, someone who... decided to... hang out with me.`` He finished, looking back up at Wendy with a calm tone. I know he's talking about me, and it is clear that he is. I looked over to Wendy, who nodded in a relaxed and chill manner.

``That's good. That is all I want to hear. You know I care about you.`` Wendy said, smiling.

``Do you?`` He then went back to his unfriendly tone again with a scowl expression. Kahlil! Why do you have to bring back the drama? Wendy was just concerned for you, and then you decided to deny that and tell her forward. What is going on?

``...I do. Why you think I asked?`` Wendy said. ``... What else... do you want to hear? And I'm sorry, Dipper, that you had to listen to this.`` She told me, I nodded, accepting her apology. I wanted this, I wanted to know what was going on between them, and I wanted to solve it. I looked over to my friend, still having a scowl expression towards her.

``... I may be, you know, invading personal space or friendship space if that even exists, but why is Kahlil so... aggressive towards you, Wendy?`` I asked, finally speaking up to her. She looked at me, sighing.

``Every part of my family wants to stay away from him, and every time we hang out. I kept feeling a wary pull to move away from him. I felt like someone or something was telling me to walk away from him... and every time it feels like that, we do not hang out anymore. And I feel guilty that I felt that way.`` Wendy explained, having a depressed tone in her voice. A "wary pull"? Usually, you wouldn't really feel a gut feeling towards your friend. You would have that when you guys first met. This isn't something that would come naturally to you. Someone or... something is pulling you away with an invisible pull. I know that Jungle Falls is weird, but hearing that an invisible pull is going around is something different.

``Did this ... wary pull happen before all of the drama?`` I asked, making sure it's not a natural gut feeling.

``... No... It began right after...`` Wendy trailed off, looking up at Kahlil. He crossed his arms as he turned away. ``Go on.`` He said.

``Right after he came back.`` She finished, looking back at me.

``Someone or some kind of magical entity is doing this. Your not feeling it naturally. But... I don't know if anything in magic exists.`` I said.

``Dipper, I know magic exists, I have seen it before.`` She said, interrupting me.

``Good! Then my guess makes sense... right?`` I asked.

``I didn't realize at first, but it makes sense a bit, though.`` She said nodding.

``Good. Also, I want to say something to both of you.`` I said, looking over at Kahlil, who's back is turned towards us.

``Go ahead, if Kahlil even listens.`` Wendy said, looking up at Kahlil. I frowned. I noticed that my friend turned around to us again. ``What'd you need to say?`` He said, waiting impatiently.

``Do not interrupt me when I say this, because I will snap if you do.`` I warned Kahlil, glaring at him. He calmed his attitude and nodded. I cleared my throat before speaking. ``I know the rumors are wrong and can make your life a living hell. I know that, but you shouldn't let it get to you. Even if everything isn't right, in my opinion. And you shouldn't let it get into your relationships with people who want to stay with you. That invisible pull you feel, Wendy?`` I looked over to my crush. ``Ignore it. Do not follow what it says, it is not in control of you, and you know that.`` Wendy nodded. ``After this, I want to see you two get along with each other again. Even if I don't know your friendship at its fullest, please do. Losing friends is terrible, and it will hurt you, I know that from my experience.`` I finished glancing at them.

Silence interrupted after that, leaving them in their own mistakes. I spoke to Wendy like a normal person, why can't I do that when I see her and just blush in shyness? I shook my head, avoiding my thoughts about her. I noticed it had been a long silence after I just spoke. I believe my 30 minutes are up, so it's time for me to go.

``Want to catch up, Kahlil?`` Wendy asked, making me a bit shocked. Since when did my speech helps anyone? I looked over to my friend, waiting for his response.

``Sure. I'd love to.`` He manages to smile a bit. Oh, wow. I am deeply shocked by this discovery. I looked over to Wendy as she looks at me. ``Thank you, I think what you said helped boost my loyality up. It was failing a bit, but now. I think that helped.`` She smiled. I blushed slightly. ``No problem! I'm glad I helped your relationship with my friend.``

``Oh, you never mentioned you and Kahlil were friends.`` She said.

``I have no time to stay here, I need to go to my uncles now.`` I said, avoiding the topic. I don't have time for that! Maybe another time. I heard my friend chuckle as I got embarrassed. ``What was that for?!`` I accidentally shouted at him.

``Oh, nothing. Go with your uncles, they must be waiting for your slow ass.`` He said. I glared at him. ``Okay. I'll go.`` I said, don't start Kahlil; don't make me argue with you. I waved to both of them before leaving the friend group. Stupid Kahlil! I sighed as I refreshed myself from all of that, I didn't realize I was nervous when I was speaking. I'm glad that's over.

As I walked, I felt a gut feeling, I felt like something was watching me. I looked behind me, noticing how few people there were. I looked forward and picked up the pace, getting more paranoid by the second. I arrived at my uncle's car as both of my uncles yelled at me for being late. It passed the time limit that I needed to come out. I apologized to them, feeling guilty, but at least I fixed a broken friendship.


I was called out of bed by my boss at work. They told me they didn't need me today as they were picking new co-managers. I guess they didn't want me to ruin it. That's alright, I'll meet the new folks when I go back to work. That means another day off, I must be lucky. After the call, I was getting another call. Not from the phone, but downstairs. I decided to get up and walk down with my messy hair. I was still tired from last night.

I received a surprising gift that I was never excepting. It was a new phone that Uncle Ford gave me. He wanted to celebrate me working my best at my job. I was pleased for his kindness, I'm grateful for that! I set up my new phone from my old flip phone and everything from it. Uncle Ford asked me, ``What will you do with your old phone?`` I was going to sell it, I told him. He nodded as he leaned down beside the table to pull out a journal.

I asked, ``What did you date in that journal?``

``I wrote strange things that have been happening in the Jungle and its creatures. I do have a lot so far, but this is just one of them. I have two more down in the basement. Maybe if you have some time, we can look over these journals.`` Uncle Ford said, making me get interested in these.

``Nice! What do you have so far?`` I asked.

``Different types of creatures, a few that were simple while others were complex. Here, I can show you a few.`` He offered. Of course, I accepted, I wanted to know what he had so far. He pushed the journal over to where I was as I took a look at it. He showed me that there were these drawings of tiny people. Oh, he met them. I hear him explain that he found three so far. Good. The fourth one is horrible, they hide high up in the trees. He then showed me a Multi-Jaguar, a total of six to eight heads, and a weird body structure. I never saw this type of creature, I wonder if Kahlil can show me it one day.

Before I forget, I told Uncle Ford that I wasn't needed in my work today. He nodded as he told me he was going to study his journal for a bit. I nodded as I stayed where I was. He sat back down in his chair as he read his journal. As soon as he started to, I heard a bell go off. That would be my new phone's ring. I sighed. ``Did a girl already find you?`` I ignored his question, pulling out my phone and opening it up.

Now

[Hiya~] ``A annoying infact. Trying to be flirty with me.`` I grunted in annoyance. I hear him snicker in the background.

[Who the hell are you?] I texted back. I could have ignored and blocked the number, but I wanted to see if this was a wrong phone number situation.

[Woah! Not trying to invade you or something, thought you would notice, guess not.] The stranger typed back fast, which made me nervous. I don't know this person.

[Who are you? I will block this number if you don't answer.] I texted again, getting a bit impatient.

[OKAY. DON'T BLOCK YOUR FRIEND, JESUS. It's Kahlil, okay? Don't threaten me anymore. ;-;] I chuckled, seeing that they are panicking that I threaten them. ``What are you laughing about?`` I heard Uncle Ford ask. ``I have no idea.`` I said, not trusting this stranger at all.

[How do I know this is Kahlil?] I texted back after looking back down at my phone.

[You live at the Mystery Shack. You showed me where you lived basically.] - Creepyboi.

[You work at the Greasy's Diner] - Creepyboi.

[And you are nicknamed "Dipper" correct?] - Creepyboi

``This stranger isn't a girl. It's my friend being weird as usual.`` I said. I heard Uncle Ford let out a laugh as I was annoyed. ``Didn't realize your friend was after you that fast.`` I glared at my uncle as he stopped. I look back at the chat, sighing.

[Yes. How'd you get this number though?] I texted him, how did he? I only send it to Uncle Stan, Uncle Ford, Wendy, and my Boss. Also, I didn't realize he had a phone!

[Wendy gave me your phone number, by the way, I'm with her atm. so yea.] - Creepyboi.

[You asked for it.] I texted. I don't trust it one bit. He definitely asked for it.

[Yep! Yes, I did~] What's with the "~" symbol?

[Anyways, I gotta go, talk to you later~!] Seriously, what's with the symbol? I sighed, I may have to ask him in person. I exited out of the chat as I turned my phone off.

The rest of the day was usual, I didn't go out or do anything. I was too busy playing on my new phone. I get to do more things with my phone and actually interact with it. My flip phone wasn't doing that. Also, where will I sell my flip phone at? I could reset it and give it to somebody who needs a phone. I could do a good deed. I don't know, I may have to decide on it.

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As soon as I notice it, it was the next day. I woke up with a phone in my hands, noticing that I was sleeping with it. I sighed, now's not the time to stay in bed, I have to go to work today. I got out of bed and got dressed for today. I put my phone in my pocket as I went down to have some breakfast. After that, I was taken to my job by Uncle Ford. I do hope everything has calmed down lately.

It's still the usual, but less pushing around and shoving... I guess they got the idea to ease up on me. I just hope they can accept me, Phyllida is already accepting me as it is. I don't know about Gregg, though... Anyways, besides all of that, work was average, nothing big happened, I don't think anything happens anyways. Although I am sad that I didn't get to see one of the trial co-managers, maybe I can get to see them next time.

I stepped forward out of my job as I stretched out my limbs. I was finally done, it was getting kind of boring in there. Oh well, I hope it'll be busy tomorrow. I started my way down the sidewalk toward home. I recently downloaded some music onto my phone, so I could listen to it while I walk. I looked over to the sky, seeing it already turned orange as it is. I looked ahead, enjoying my music.

``MASON.`` I jumped at the shout, removing my earphones quickly. I glanced where the voice came from and saw Kahlil crossing his arms behind me in an annoyed expression. ``...Sorry?`` I frowned.

``People and their earbuds, man, they'll be deaf by the time they turn 30.`` He said, walking over to my side.

``I won't! I don't even have it up that loud!`` I said, glaring at him.

``Sure you didn't... if you did, you would have heard me.`` He said. I huffed, putting one earbud in my ear while the other rest on my shoulder. I turned and continued my way, seeing as my friend was following me. ``So, let me guess. You want to hang out?``

``I guess. Why not.`` He said. I wasn't guessing then? He clearly doesn't know what to do.

``I see you guys listened to me the other day.`` I said, bringing up the topic from two days ago.

``Mhm, it helped actually. And thanks for that..`` He said.

``No problem, big grumpy pants.`` I said.

``What's with the names all of a sudden?`` Kahlil said. I look over to him and shrugged. ``Just recalling that scene, I just thought you were grumpy.``

``...I'm never grumpy.`` He said, looking away from me. I look ahead. ``Of course, your not.``

``You don't know if I'm grumpy or not.`` He said.

``I know. That information is locked. I have to unlock it first, actually to know if you are. If you are, then that's my achievement.`` I said. The way to the Mystery Shack was quiet. We did start or... attempt to start conversations, but we ended up going silent. That's fun. I guess we both enjoy the silence. We got in view of the gift shop as I noticed an unfamiliar car in one of the parking lots, right beside my uncle's. I did hear that Uncle Stan wasn't going to open the shop today, so... who's that?

I looked over to Kahlil as he was looking at the ground. I looked over at the door of the shack, preparing myself for what's next. ``You know, I haven't told my uncles about you.``

``... You really are keeping me your little secret...`` He said. I slowly looked over to him. ``I didn't mean to! I just didn't have time to tell them. I was too focused on doing... other stuff. Also, you're not my little secret. I don't have one.`` I said.

``Yes, you do. Everyone is forbidden to go into the Jungle. You broke that rule, and now you have to lie every time you come home.`` He said.

``I meant little secret! That's a huge secret.`` I said, looking away from him.

``What's the difference? They're both the same!`` My friend said.

``Just shut up.`` I grunted. We walked upon the porch as I knocked on the door. We waited patiently. ``So, how are you going to introduce me?`` He asked. I stayed silent, getting socially awkward. I have no idea. The door opened as Uncle Ford answered it. ``Oh. Welcome home... and your friend, I suppose?`` He greeted.

I nodded. ``Yep. This is Kahlil.``

``Oh, that name seems familiar. Anyways, come in, you two, we have guests!`` He turned and walked back in the shack. We have guests, why? I sighed as I walked in, looking over to my friend entering as well. I looked over and saw a teen in the gift shop area, who looked familiar as hell. Wait. Why- Wait, Why is he... did he come to... greet us? My thoughts were trying to find the right words to come up with a question. I halted as I turned to Kahlil. ``...I have no idea what's going on...`` I whispered.

``Your uncle just said you have guests, what else is happening.`` He whispers back, chuckling.

``Oh, right. But why him for all the other people can come visit.`` I whispered.

``He's popular within the town. Of course, he comes to the ones who are interesting to him.`` He whispered.

``What?`` I stared at him. ``Interesting? You're saying my family is interesting to him?``

``I don't know!`` He shrugs. We both look up when the white-haired teen turns his body towards us, holding a T-shirt. ``Oh. Hello!`` I stood still, trying to figure out how this would work. Soon I was getting shy and quieter. My friend noticed my absence as he nudges me to speak. I didn't want to- I mean, I want to! It's just, meeting the person who was on stage was different in person.

``I think you know who I am.`` Gideon said. Yes, I do, you're Gideon Gleeful. ``I know it's a surprise seeing me here, I was just checking out this gift shop, I didn't realize Stanley runs one here in Jungle Falls. At least everything looks decent enough to buy.`` He said.

``It's also cute that you're so shy.`` He said as I didn't speak after that. He just called me cute, excuse me, but what? What do I respond to that, another boy just called me cute. What? I-I don't know w-what to say to him.

``It's alright, I won't hurt you.`` He said, putting the T-shirt back up on the hanger. He turned to us as he walked over. ``So, what's your name?``

I gulped, forcing myself to speak since I was in the silence for far too long, and he's asking a question. ``...Mason.`` I said as my anxiety was rising through the roof. ``Uh... I'll be back!`` I quickly said as I ran out of there. I'm so awkwardly shy for no reason! He's just a normal person, why do I act like this?

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- Kahlil's POV -

I watched my friend take off into the staff entrance, noticing how he was hesitating to speak to Gideon. I understand how's that is. I look over to Gideon, who was glaring me down with an emotionless expression. His facial expression spooks me a bit as I avoid looking at him.

``You made a new friend, how pleasant is that Kahlil?`` He said with an empty tone.

``...It's... okay.`` I said, hesitating to speak.

``I'm so proud of you, you know? I didn't realize you made a friend after what? 4 to 5 months? When you guys met?`` Gideon asked, smirking. He was obviously being sarcastic. I stayed quiet, he doesn't need to know when we met-

``When did you guys meet.`` He said louder after he grabs my collar shirt and yanks me close to him as I panicked. ``Eight days ago.`` I choked out, afraid that he might hurt me again. ``Even if your out of my cage, you are still under my control.`` He said, shoving the words into my depraved mind. He lets me go as I fell backward, catching myself as I stood there, shaking in fear.

Gideon chuckled, getting humor out of this. ``I wish I could continue our paths, I guess it can wait. I did promise you I won't bother you. But you know what? I love hurting you, it's music to my ears.`` He said. I backed away from him. I soon hit a dead end behind me.

``I won't hurt you when Mason is here. I wouldn't want to make him sad, would I?`` He turned away. ``By the way, nice seeing you again, Kahlil.`` He walks into the staff entrance.

As soon he was out of sight, I collapsed to my feet, hugging my legs close to my chest. Is he going to harm me afterward? I can't stay here, can't stay here when he's here. I can't let that happen to me again. I let it happen to me for far too long, even when I could've do something! He tricked me, he trained me into a coward whenever we meet. He loves to see me in pain. I... I...

I... can't.

I-I-I can't... stay here...

It's unsafe.

...

End of Chapter 4