Seeker of Darkness

"Why are we here" Gideon voice shook as he exited the dark portal, he kept close.

Jafar didn't seem to answer as they pressed forward, "In order for the next phase of our plan to succeed I need to get in touch with an old friend of mine" he sneered, his expression looking dark, he did not wish to be here in the list.

The first thing Jafar did as soon as they formed their alliance and humiliated the Pine's family was take them to a new world. Or more like a world he had once known so very long ago

Hollow Bastion.

How he loathed this place, when he, Maleficent and the others had created their alliance and their conquest of the universe. Though he admired the decor of the castle, he hated her, and most of all her prattling and disregard for anything he had to say. He was as just a powerful sorcerer as she was and yet her own arrogance blinded her in the end. He remembered when Maleficent and the Heartless had conquered this world. It was early in their alliance, and yet it was one of their more prominent victories. Back when the darkness was growing into its zenith. When he and the others were scuttling about capturing princesses and nearing the ultimate power that would soon be theirs, before that boy Sora ruined it all and destroyed everything with one simple act. It seemed like simpler times back then.

"Ah...Can she be at that castle?" Gideon asked, sounding nervous.

"Not anymore" Jafar's voice darkened, his eyes narrowing as he tightened the grip of his staff, "Unfortunately she now lives in a fortress of her own making, one that is a symbol of her...failure" a small smile came across his face, the idea of Maleficent failing was definitely something of irony.

They were so close to victory, he hated to admit it but Maleficent's plan had been successful. Even when she was becoming more enamored with the boy Riku, she had been succeeding at last. All the Princesses of Heart were finally hers and the power of Kingdom Hearts would soon come to fruition. Overconfidence was her downfall, her superiority or supposed superiority over others had caused her to think she was more than what she was.

Something told Jafar that even she was part of something large that was going on. During his time with Dipper he had heard about a Xehanort and talked about something larger going on than just Maleficent and the others. It would be interesting to find out more once he had gotten his revenge upon Sora and the others.

First things first, he needed to find out what had happened.

Slowly Jafar outstretched his hand and tapped some invisible wall, only to reveal a large magical barrier blocking them. This must have been part of the wish. To keep the Villains out while still keeping them alive. A cruel trick, better to be one with the darkness then trapped, seeing the realm of light continue without them.

"Still haven't found your freedom ," Jafar snickered.

"And you haven't found yours"

Gideon froze as he heard this new voice. A green flame emerged as a tall looking woman, dressed all in black, wearing a headdress with horns appeared. To his surprise, Jafar bowed to her if only a few inches and smirked.

Maleficent, the Mistress of all evil had arrived.

It had been a while and yet despite his bravado, he still felt a bit of unease when around her. Jafar could feel power emanating from her. Her cold demeanor, her regal form. Even behind a barrier Maleficent still had that commanding presence that had drawn her to him in the first place. It was that sort of demeanor that allowed her to command a horde of villains and a legion of Heartless to near universal domination. Despite the calming nature, he knew better than ever that there was always a roaring dragon ready to be unleashed. Best if he kept his distance.

"Maleficent," Jafar said. giving a dramatic bow, not that he cared but he would still show some respect to his former mistress.

Maleficent looked at him, her face stern before smirking, always so smug "Jafar, I am glad to see my allies are still part of the outside world, even if limited to a lamp and apparently a very young and pudgy looking master"

"Partner" Jafar interjected, annoyed in his tone before he calmed, "Young Gideon and I are in an alliance for mutual benefit. As we once were I believe, so very long ago, and perhaps...maybe again".

"Do you plan on releasing me?" She asked with a raised brow.

Jafar chuckled, "Unfortunately that was made by a wish and that would require a wish, and sadly do to...Miscommunication, I cannot afford that wish"

It was a partial truth, granted he didn't really care either way. Maleficent would just be extra compeition in his revenge against his enemies. Once he was done with that, he would of course continue on his pathway to everlasting power. Despite being a genie, Maleficent

"Of course you can't" Maleficent replied, her voice had anger in it, though not fury, the two just looked at each other again before she spoke, "So why have you come, I doubt someone with your many plans and schemes just to talk and requaint"

"No of course, I do have a plan, but if I succeed then it will allow you to be freed of this barrier to continue your silly little schemes to control all of Kingdom Hearts, and all I require is a bit of knowledge"

"The knowledge to what exactly"

Jafar took a few steps closer so that he was as close to the barrier as possible before speaking in an excited hiss, "To break the laws of magic"

Now the plan was set, ever since Dipper had put that tiny idea in his head, it would be his new mission. Breaking the laws of magic. Something about it was too enticing to not go about it. To have the powers of a Genie, but not be bound by its rules, rules set by whatever ancient from long ago. How could Maleficent herself not be interested in this.

However, to his shock, she merely laughed.

"Oh Jafar" She chuckled, almost indulgently "I knew you were mad, but you have really outdone yourself. To seek revenge against your enemies is one thing, but to go for a goal as breaking the laws of magic, truly is a sense of desperation"

"Desperation" Jafar replied, glaring at her, "What is desperate about seeking a power greater then that of Kingdom Hearts itself, if one can break the laws of magic then one no longer can be under the thumb of anything, or anyone"

Maleficent raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Ah. So the truth comes out, your desire to no longer being under the heel of anyone. That deep secret hatred of you being second best to someone. This is why you would seek this power. For what's the point of being a powerful Genie, if one must be under the heel...Of a master. I admit Jafar would be a humiliation. Makes me glad I am merely trapped by a shield, you are trapped by something far worse...Hubris"

Hubris!

Jafar didn't have a lack of hubris but ambition, vision, he wanted to go beyond just the normal magics and go for something bigger, larger and far more than anything even Maleficent herself didn't want to try. Granted taking over the hearts of all worlds was quite a goal. But breaking the laws of magic, the very foundations of everything that he had known and longed for, that was definitely a goal with going for.

"I have lived under your thumb for a long time Maleficent," He said taking a deep breath, "I was your second in command during our conquest of the universe, before Riku came into the picture. I was vizier to the sultan. The things I have done, the bodies I have buried, so yes, forgive me...If I ..Wish ...To longer..be SECOND RATE!"

"Oh Jafar…. Maleficent shook her head and gave him a condescending grin "And that is why you will fail. You were always consumed by your anger, one should be wary of letting it burn too fiercely. It's why you were never able to best me in leadership or take Kingdom Hearts for yourself even as a all powerful Genie".

"Then why I am out here and you in there" Jafar sneered.

Maleficent glared at him for a moment before smiling again, "A setback yet, but a minor one, I still have my allies, my Heartless and one day I will be free for I have the patients to wait. If you on the other hand continue down this path you will end up with nothing but disappointment that I can guarantee"

"Then I guess we have nothing else to say" Jafar sneered back at her.

"Perhaps we don't," Maleficent chuckled, "Just know that your temper will be your undoing in the end"

With that Maleficent vanished leaving the two of them alone standing by the fortress.

"So...What do we do now?" Gideon asked, Jafar just stood there for a moment.

"Perhaps I can help" A new voice came one far more cold and stoic

Jafar turned as a portal of darkness appeared. An individual dressed in a hooded coat emerged. The portal closed behind him as he just stood there in silence for a moment. A newcomer, and an alley of the darkness by the looks of it. Jafar had heard whispers of these black coated individuals before. From Dipper himself who talked about being attacked by one. Perhaps they had knowledge that proved useful, or were an enemy.

Either way, he would tread carefully.

"And who may you be?" Jafar asked slowly approaching him.

The hooded man removed his hood revealing spiky blue hair that covered his eye, "Zexion...and I think I know what you might seek. I'll assist you...in exchange for one little thing"

"And what would be?"

"Riku...I desire Riku".

Gideon just blinked, "That's...That's very creepy"

"Why would we help you?" Jafar sneered, eyeing them closely.

"Because we all share a common goal, apart from mutual distaste of a enemy we are both seekers of darkness"

"I've heard of that concept once, in Maleficent's old fortress". Jafar said twirling his beard

Zexion smirked, "We all yearn for the darkness, desire its power, as Maleficent did, as Xehanort did, as my superiors do to achieve their aims"

"How do I know you aren't merely lying to me?" Jafar sneered.

Zexion frowned and waved his hands summoning a portal to the darkness, "Follow me, I have proof that may prove interesting to you"

Jafar looked at Gideon who seemed frightened, "Very well" he said, much to the shock of his new master though he did not object. Instead they both went into the corridor of darkness. Black cold ice surrounded them but only for a few seconds until they followed the coated figure now into a very present looking library.

"By allah" Jafar hissed.

The former vizer looked around the pristine place. Gideon was in shock. Layer upon layer of books stood before them now. Many of them are volumes of wisdom. Ancient secrets that could yield great power. It was only a moment before Jafar realized where he was and looked at Zexion now shocked.

"This is the library at the castle of Hollow Bastion" Jafar stated as he looked over some of the volumes, "Maleficent's old fortress, and the old home of the mysterious figure Ansem the Wise, correct?"

Zexion nodded, "Yes, currently occupied by the Anti-Heartless resistance, but don't fear, I had a few Heartless be spotted near the northern perimeter, they will be distracted by them for a bit so we can get what we need to prove to you I am a trusted ally"

With a wave of his hand Zexion summoned a book and opened it, he nudged Jafar to approach and read it.

"Are you sure we should trust this guy" Gideon glared at Zexion, "He seems like a no good con person to me, even the hair"

Jafar held out his hand as he looked at the Book.

My studies have gained me many pieces of knowledge I would never have expected. But one in particular has come not from something but from someone. An interdimensional Traveler, by the name Ford Pine's. Apparently his research has gone quite further than anyone else does to the laws of traveling through space. But he has learned much, the ability to break the laws of reality, even the laws of magic is possible, but that is a secret that he has kept to himself, in his own journal.

Jafar's eyes widened, "So...The answer I seek is back in Gravity Falls yes?"

"Keep reading" Zexion responded, "Ansem the Wise was quite the scholar for his time. He made many friends as well as many enemies"

Jafar went back to the book

Or at least one half does...The other lies with me, and I will ensure no one has it

"Until now" Zexion smirked, "Our Organization has it, and we'll be happy to give it to you...For a price of course"

Jafar gripped his staff but he knew he could not do anything, "And what price is that?"

"Like I said..." Zexion responded summoning another book in his hand, "Riku...Bring me the boy Riku, and you'll have the key to unlock the mysteries of destroying the barriers of magic once and for all"

-000-

"Huh? Hey! What's going on here!" Dipper woke up feeling weight around his knees and wrists. He started struggling as he tried to wiggle his legs only to feel them being crushed against a dark surface.

As his vision starts to return Dipper starts to find himself in a dark void of some sorts. He could hear the sound of dripping water echoing from what had to be a pipe. His body was aching and it felt like all the energy had quickly zapped from him. Last thing he remembered was Jafar's attack and then the endless darkness. When he blinked a few times, he began to realize that he was in his Grunkle Ford's laboratory, recognizing the rocky patterns and metalwork that had been under the shack. He also found himself tied to a chair, and realized that he was tied up.

Quickly Dipper tried to break free of the bonds, however his tiny body couldn't bear the strength of the rope. Already he was cursing himself for his weakness, wishing he had tall muscles, like Riku, or even Max, or Mabel's insanely super strength she was sometimes able to summon.

"Come on….dumb weak body". He kept muttering as he tried to set himself free from the binds. The more he wiggled his knuckles though the more he felt the rope scratch his skin.

"Won't work dude". He heard Wendy's voice and quickly gasped.

Dipper stopped struggling instantly as he heard that voice. He looked to see Wendy sitting right next to him tied down in another wooden chair. His heart skipped a beat. The two of them were stuck together. He already felt a bit of sweat trickle down his forehead as he started to get nervous. The two of them are tied up in the basement, probably because of Jafar or Gideon, most likely both. Worse, she was stuck and he couldn't do anything.

Right now though it didn't seem like they could get anywhere. Both were stuck in a chair in the Mystery Shack's basement.

"Don't worry Wendy, I'll get you out" Dipper struggled again. He was stretching his body, his face turned blue until he ran out of breath, tongue hanging out as he panted.

Wendy just rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair as best she could, "Again, not going to work dude, trust me I tried".

Dipper tried again for a few more seconds to again fail. He barely lasted a few seconds this time before needing to breath . "Okay, you're right," He said, giving that up.

"So...How are we gonna get outta here?" Wendy asked.

"How did you even get here?"

"Came in the moment I saw that evil wizard dude knock you out," Wendy said, her voice becoming a bit timid now, "I tried getting at him but he knocked me out like a light...My bad for forgetting that I don't really know how to handle magic".

"Yeah, I mean heat of the moment right," Dipper muttered.

The two let out a chuckle. It made Dipper feel better, knowing that Wendy wasn't going to judge him for not getting so easily beaten by Jafar. Though he wished he could have fought better, harder, more skilled.

Wendy sighed, "Welp, looks like we're stuck down here, what happened"

"Alot"

Dipper went on to tell Wendy about what happened with Jafar, Mable, a newcomer named Max. He wondered what actually happened to Riku. He hadn't been seen in a while. Though Dipper didn't worry too much, Riku seemed like a survivor, someone who knew how to fight. Someone the Dipper himself wishes he could have been like. Strong, confident, a real warrior, with powers and strength.

After a moment the two just sat in silence. The room was barely lit but they were still able to see each other more or less. That made Dipper happy, a familiar face, someone to at least talk too. Though they were still covered a bit in the shadows, as the drip of water from the pipe echoed around them. Also despite the quiet Dipper's mind continued to race, trying to think of a million different contingencies and plans to get out.

Wendy, while annoyed, at least looked calm on the surface. Dipper wondered though how much of a front she was putting on. She was tough but the situation was still dire.

"Man after thinking we were done with all that weird Heartless and Keyblade stuff it found its way back to us huh" Wendy said, "Guess I should have known, not like your life isn't filled with weird things already"

Dipper sighed, "Yeah"

"Hey, I like it ...Sometimes. Beats teaching."

"Huh?"

"Oh something a friend of mine said"

"Ah"

Dipper admired that even bad situations Wendy was able to keep that sense of humor which he loved about her. Just being in her presence kept calm and not completely freaking out. Although he did think of what was happening to his sister and Stan being stuck in stone at the moment. Still he wished he could be more for her, that he had the power or something to make it better. Defeat this psycho genie who was holding them hostage.

Speaking of which.

Jafar, the one who put him there, seemed to be in a somewhat foul mood but quickly smirked the moment he saw the two of them tied down. His robes swiveled and sulked as he moved. It was like watching a snake walk on two legs.

A few feet away was Gideon, he seemed nervous, but again regained that smug confidence as he saw them. However when he looked up at Jafar he seemed a bit nervous. Intimidated perhaps by his own Genie. Dipper would have found it hilarious if he weren't tied up.

"I hope you admire the accommodations," Jafar said with a sickening venom of glee in his voice. He stood in between both of them, gazing more at his staff then them "Itty bitty living space this is not, this is far better"

"Is it really that bad in that lamp?" Dipper asked.

"Yes" he hissed.

Dipper frowned, "Oh-"

"But no need to dwell on the past," Jafar interrupted, though he gripped his snake staff tighter, "I'm more interested in the future, more importantly my future"

"Ahem" Gideon coughed, "I think you mean OUR future, I am still technically your master"

Jafar scowled before turning to Gideon with a smile, "Of course young master Gideon...my mistake"

"Okay? But why are we alive" Wendy asked looking confused

"Bait!" Gideon yelled, "So Mabel brings me those journals and be my Queen! I'm gonna get everything I've ever desired and more! Best of both worlds really".

"Well...Not quite" Jafar corrected much to Gideons shock, the evil vizier gently nudged him with his staff as he continued, "While you will be in our hands to ensure your friends and family eventual return for a daring rescue, from what I was told and what I've seen you may actually prove useful in acquiring something for me"

"What?" Dipper gasped, "I'm not helping you with anything!"

Wendy nodded, "Double for me!"

"Yeah, and we know you can't kill us" Dipper smirked..

"He can't" Came a new voice, feminine by the sounds of it, "But I can"

Dipper heard the sound of footsteps echoing in the lair now. From the shadows, he saw a man wearing a black coat with sharp blue hair covering his eyes appear. He seemed stoic, his eyes dull looking, something very unnatural, even inhuman about him, despite looking very human.

"I'd like you to meet Zexion" Jafar said, giving a polite bow, "He had allied himself with us in order to begin our quest. He seems particularly interested in our endeavors, and has offered quite a unique opportunity for me and our plans".

"Zexion?" Dipper asked. "What kind of creature are you"

"Greetings young Dipper," He said to the blue haired individual, "Yes, I have decided to help the wizard for research purposes. My superiors are interested in this little experiment, the end of the laws of magic. Something of such caliber deserves to be experiment didn't you know"

Jafar looked flattered, "See, not even back for a day and my word is spreading"

"What do you want Jafar? '' Dipper sneered, trying to break free again but failing.

"Power, revenge, anything that gets me an advantage over anyone" Jafar shrugged.

"And Mable as my Queen!" Gideon said with excitement.

"Ew" Wendy grunted, "Seriously kid that's crossing some lines"

"Yeah, how are you going to do that?" Dipper replied bluntly. "Seriously, she doesn't like you….Get away from her….It's like...Gross, and sick...and like ...Really bad"

Jafar smile grew devilish, his shadow now over both of them now "Simple, if I give Ienzo here the journals, he will give me something far greater in return"

"Which is?" Dipper asked.

"The ability to break the laws of magic?"

Dipper's eyes widened, he knew that idea because he had given him that idea but he didn't know that was a reality. Already horrible thoughts ran through his head. If Jafar was able to destroy the laws of magic it would be a disaster for not just him, but for everyone. All of reality to break because of this, it would mean chaos on a scale his Grunkle Ford had warned him about. This could not happen, he could not let this happen.

"A-a-how!" Dipper squeaked.

"All in due time" Ienzo replied, "First the journals, we need the location of them, surely he must know where his sister would go"

"I-I don't know, and even if I did I wouldn't tell you" Dipper objected.

Wendy nooded, "Neither would I you creeps"

"Then intimidation is in order," Jafar replied, "Perhaps a bit of pain will…

"No…." Ienzo said, slowly walking up to him now, "Pain is only useful, if done properly, hearts are fickle things that way, they are useful as they can be a hindrance.''

"I couldn't agree more" Slowly, ever so slowly Jafar begins to place his bony hand antop of Wendy's skull as the eyes of his snake staff begin to glow an even brighter shade of blood red. Like a snake beginning to coil its prey the vizer got in closer lowering the head of the staff towards Wendy's eyes. She tried to avoid it's gaze but couldn't resist looking towards it.

"See young Master Pines," Jafar replied as he continued to enact his spell, "One can learn many things in life...And if there is one thing I have learned through my years of life. There are things far worse than death"

Closer Jafar got, and with that the more distraught Wendy was becoming. Her eyes started glowing red as the Snake Staff was now directly upon her now. She was becoming stiff as a board. Slowly succumbing to his magic. A wicked smirk growing on the vizier's face as the hypnosis continued to take hold Dipper bit his lip trying desperately to break free but he knew he couldn't and thus knew what he had to do. Her body started to look more and more limp as the mind started to shut down. He had to do something or otherwise she could be seriously hurt or worse.

"I-Okay!" Dipper sighed, "I-I might have a few ideas"

Jafar smirked, "Go ahead ... tell us"

Dipper nodded, "Okay….Here it goes…."

-000-

In the Shack's living room Jafar continued to rummage through various archives or as Dipper called them his Grunkle Ford's Journal trying to deduce what he could. There was so little about what he was hoping for, but in terms of this town there were some strange and unique creatures here. Perhaps those who would be willing to follow his will should the need arise. Though in the meantime, the Heartless will forever remain his most faithful servants, as they had in the time when he was Maleficent's most valuable second in command.

"I hope the research goes well" Zexion said, Jafar seeing he had appeared behind him.

Jafar sneered and turned toward the book, gripping his staff tight, "Sadly nothing useful, but soon I will have all that I need when you deliver it to me"

"Yes, yes, of course" Zexion nodded, "You are quite determined to have such a power"

Jafar closed the book and glared at him directly now, "Because I am a immortal Genie but limited to base rules for what? Designed by some deity or multiple deities that wanted to limit the power. Why should I, someone who was tricked into this life be forced to follow these rules. I would rather destroy these boundaries and anything else that dare stand n my way"

Zexion nodded and smirked. "That is a very bold endeavor. I admire such research in the field, and like I said I will aid you. But first like I said you must give me Riku"

Jafar then paused, thinking about it, something didn't add up, he turned to face Zexion now, his eyebrow raised, "Tell me my strange friend, what is it about Riku that you hold on such high regard. Why not his little Keybrat of a friend...Sora. After all a young boy who holds the legendary Keyblade, isn't that something quite fascinating to behold"

"Sora is being dealt with by others of my Organization '' Zexion replied. Jafar was taken a back to not only be given this information, but also to know that Sora was alive and breathing. For the time being though it seems

"Oh...Well...I hope he is dealt with in a manner most becoming of him" Jafar chuckled darkly, "If you require assistance on that front, believe me I will be more than happy to obliged"

Zexion held his hand, "No need, he is a very delicate matter"

"Oh, I see, but again why Riku?" Jafar again hissed, tapping his finger on the tip of his staff, "I remember him from the time he was a useful tool for my former ally Maleficent. He was quite a loner, but a powerful person in darkness. It's why she was quite taken by him from the start. Personally I always saw him as a future threat that needed to be dealt with sooner rather than later"

"Indeed, and she would be right, he would made a good Seeker of Darkness"

"A what?" Jafar eyebrows raised.

Zexion smirked, "A seeker of darkness, have you not heard of such a thing"

Jafar shook his head, "I have actually, but only whispers in the shadows, nothing too much I'm afraid. Maleficent had a nasty habit of keeping secrets from the rest of us during our alliance. Even from me her most loyal and faithful second in command. She was never trusting that way"

"Yes, I see…" Zexion looked at him with what Jafar thought was content but only for a second, "But in any case, yes, a Seeker of Darkness, it's an old title, not one used in centuries. It was said that individuals like these well as the saying goes, seek darkness. To learn from it and…

"Use its power I guess?" Jafar snickered, ideas of conquest coming over him.

Zexion shook his head, "Not exactly, oh yes they used darkness, but it was more to understand it, to truly be one with it, not just to go on some crazed power trip like Maleficent tried to do when she foolish used the Heartless as mere minions to conquer worlds"

"I see…" Jafar laughed, "So the darkness is more than what it appears, that's not surprising, from what I managed to sneak by her Maleficent knew things but perhaps didn't understand them from what the originator of her secrest told her"

"Yes," Zexion nodded, "From our own Organization believe we think a man called Xehanort told her much"

"That name I don't know,"

"You don't really need to know anything about him anymore, he's long gone. Though he too was a Seeker of Darkness and to Seek the Darkness, means to embrace a lifestyle, that no mere mortal could ever comprehend"

Jafar stroked his chin, his mind deep in thought, "Mortal yes...But what a Genie?"

-000-

Shame.

Dipper felt shame as he told Jafar a few places where Mabel might have gone too, he tried to come up with a few lies along the way but either then that he didn't really matter. Jafar and the Heartless would find them in time. Ienzo just sat there watching them for a bit, as Wendy recovered. Still, he felt like he didn't really have a choice in the matter, the situation required such sacrifice

How could he let himself be so easily coerced like that. He should have been stronger for Mable, or for Wendy. Maybe he could have outthought it or something but no, no he was just once again weak helpless Dipper. Unable to do anything, just like he could when the Heartless attacked, just when he saw his entire world get gobbled up by those dark, horrible creatures.

"Darkness is a fascinating thing" Ienzo said breaking the silence, he began to pace around the room not even bothering look at Dipper and Wendy any more, instead he seemed tied into his own thoughts "Being able to break even the hardest of wills, though from what I see, yours isn't that much. Regardless, will get what we want soon enough, my people always do in the end"

Dipper sighed as he looked ashamed but quickly that shame turned to anger as he faced Ienzo, "Why do you want Grunkle Ford's journals in the first place, you aren't even from this world"

"You're Grunkle Ford was a traveler of the worlds, if not by his own accord correct?" Ienzo stated matter of factly, "He has connections to something my fellow members desire, or at the very least could lead us in the right direction? They may be a clue to the end goal"

"Which is?"

"Not telling" Ienzo snickered, "Just no that this go far beyond anything you can comprehend"

"Does this-" Dipper bit his lip unsure if he wanted the answer, "Does this have anything to do with Sora?"

Ienzo looked intrigued, "Ah, so you do know, well I'll tell you this, yes, he is a part to play in all of this. He thought defeating Xehanort was going to be the end of it all, but it wasn't at the end of the day. Darkness is never ending, sometimes it takes many forms, sometimes it takes on the same, but at the end of the day, it is never defeated, never tamed, always festing, always coming back, stronger then before. ``

Dipper felt horror overtake him. So in the end Sora didn't win, he was still fighting, and Gravity Falls, Wendy, Mable, Stan, everyone, they were still in danger. All because of him, all because of his weakness. It felt just like when he couldn't do anything to save Grunkle Ford when the Heartless attacked, or how at the end of the day he didn't do anything when he was in Traverse Town, instead having to have faith that some kid with a Key would save the day.

Wendy groaned as she woke up. Immediately Dipper cleared his thoughts, he had to be there for his friend first and foremost.

"Well," Zexion smirked, "I'll leave you and your friend alone, I'm sure you have much to discuss"

With that they vanished just as Wendy's eyes began to open up again.

"Ugh, what happened," Wendy said blinking a few times, "Man does my head hurt, don't tell me I went to a rave or something"

"No, no" Dipper sighed, "We're still captured, you were um...Getting tortured and stuff"

"Oh," Wendy frowned, "Interrogation?"

"Yeah? For me...You were um...Used as bait"

Wendy scowled, "Ugh, great, I hate being used as a prop! I mean come on, that's just wrong and messed up on so many levels"

"Yeah…." Dipper took a deep sigh and leaned up against the chair, "Ugh, Wendy this is all my fault, if I wasn't so stupid or if I was stronger, then none of this would have been happening"

"Come on Dip that guy had weird dark voodoo magic, even I can't go up against that, and I consider myself one tough cookie".

Dipper frown just grew.

"Dip" Wendy sighed, "Come on, you don't need to be strong, just be you...Okay"

"No Wendy, if we don't find a way out of this, then we are all doomed, not just you...But me ...Everyone!"

"Don't say that," Wendy frowned, "Your strong Dip, stronger than you think, I know you can get us out of here"

"Can I?" Dipper yelled, "Can I really? I got us into this in the first place, I've proven myself weak over and over again, and for what...To prove myself to a Grunkle who isn't even here, or that I could wield one of those weird Key things. I'm useless Wen, I haven't done anything worth my while"

Wendy frowned, "I'm sure you'll get us out of here...I know you can"

Dipper took a deep breath, and then, he saw something.

Shattered Glass.

The scuffle from earlier must have affected the lab for there was a bit of shattered glass that came from one of the cabins. Finally, an idea came to him. Quickly, he began to scuttle his chair, moving his body as best he could. If he could reach the glass, he might be able to free himself, and if he was able to free himself and Wendy and get out, find Mable and hopefully, hopefully bring a end to this

"Dipper what are you?"

"The glass"

Wendy saw the glass and began to move in that direction, because of her body mass and strengths he was able to move the chair far quicker then Dipper and pick up the glass. She cut the rope she was tied too and managed to break free first.

Dipper was next.

"Oh thanks" Dipper said, trying to hide the disappointment, he really wanted to free them first.

"No prob, come on, let's get out of here"

"Yeah, yeah" Dipper hid a frown from behind and muttered under his breath, "Weakling Dipper, weakling".

Running was not Dipper's strong suit; he knew it.

However, he would run as fast as his tiny legs could carry him through Gravity Falls vast woods as they tried to find Mable, Riku and the rest. Hopefully things were not too late Wendy managed to keep up a good pace, however, he could tell that something lurked in the darkness. Eventually he could feel his legs started to give way as he tried to press on, until he eventually collapsed on the ground.

The pace was trick as he went through the thick leaves of the forest, hoping to find his Sister and figure out a way to end this mess. Despite focusing on the trail, his mind kept racing to different areas, all the contingencies and plans he could think of in order to defeat Jafar, Gideon and Ienzo. All this talk of darkness and his Grunkle Ford made him wonder.

Before he kept thinking he did collapse on the ground feeling himself tripping and falling a few feet flat into a pile of mud. All his thoughts and worries went blank. It was actually nice if it weren't for the pain of falling that took away anything pleasant.

"Dipper!" Wendy stopped turning back to help him up, "You okay dude"

"Ugh, I hate my tiny legs!" Dipper grumbled as he started to sit up, seeing his pants completely drenched in mud.

He tried not to look at Wendy for a moment avoiding her gaze. He didn't want to look weak or foolish in front of her at the moment. Dipper tried his best to look brave, in control, as not to worry her. Deep down though he knew all of it was a silly idea. For Wendy wasn't a damsel in distress, she was her woman who could easily take care of herself. If anything she was taking care of him. Still, his own pride was starting to get in the way at the moment.

Wendy straightened him back up, "I could carry you on my back if you want"

"No!" Dipper scowled, taking a deep breath and calming "I mean...No I'm fine"

"Sure" Wendy asked

"Yes" Dipper sapped.

That would be the ultimate humiliation and he wasn't about to deal with that.

"Maybe-" He continued, "Let's rest for a bit, think about our next move, otherwise we are just running in circles...Or worse"

Wendy seemed unsure as he looked around, "If you say so, if anything we should head to my place and get some of my dad doomsday supplies"

"Yeah, yeah, good idea" Dipper leaned behind a tree and sat for a moment, his breathing heavy, part of him was tired, another was having an anxiety attack, "We can-we can-"

Wendy kneeled toward him now putting a hand on his shoulder, "Breath dude, breath-"

"I'm breathing, I'm breathing!" Dipper said, "Stay calm, the fate of your world isn't at stake, a evil wizard and weird haired guy aren't trying to destroy anything, the only weapon possible in fighting this thing is in the hands of a kid who is who knows where….Everything is in shambles!"

"DIPPER!" Wendy shouted

Dipper felt everything in his mind start to rush now, he was lost in the woods, his legs couldn't run that fast, Mable was out there somewhere. Grunkle Stan disappeared somewhere. Gravity Falls probably was going to fall to darkness again. It was over, it was really, really over, and there wasn't a thing he could do about it. He needed something, a miracle, something, anything, he would do anything at this point just to get the advantage.

"In and out Dip, in and out" Wendy breathed with him, it was definitely helping, "That's it kiddo, that's it"

Kiddo...Was that he was just a kid. Sora was just a kid and yet he was considered a great hero that was going to protect the universe. Even though he was clearly failing at that. Why did he get to be a hero, while he, Dipper, was a failure and a kid. Already these thoughts made his breathing worse again.

"Dude, stop thinking for a minute!" Wendy said angrily, taking him by the shoulder now. "You're always putting everything on your shoulder and stressing yourself out! I get it, but dude, stressing isn't going to solve anything!"

"Sorry, sorry-" Dipper said, taking a deep breath, Wendy's voice snapping him out of it. However he still clenched his fist and slammed it on the ground, "I'm sorry! It's just, it just seemed like everything is falling apart and I can't do anything about it.

Wendy frowned and sat down for a minute by his side, putting an arm around him and pulling him in for a hug. At that moment Dipper felt his cheeks turn red, he had never been this close to Wendy before in a long time, if ever. He felt his heart pounding. He had to remind himself that he was still young, she was too old, that their relationship would never work now, it couldn't work. If he was older then maybe but right now it was just silly kitty love. Nothing more, it could never be anything but.

"Look, Dipper um-" Wendy looked a bit confused as she tried to speak, "I know things look bad, okay things are bad, really bad, like world ending bad"

Dipper grimace, "Thanks for the load of confidence"

"Sorry, I'm not good at this" Wendy grunted, taking a deep breath, "But my point is, if you let stress get to you, your just gonna feel helpless and make bad decisions" Wendy continued, sighing, "I know I sound like a after school special but it's true. I mean come, you've been through worse, you can get through this right?"

"Yeah, I guess" Dipper sighed.

"You guess?"

Dipper shrugged, "I don't really have much reason to be hopeful right now, Grunkle Ford is missing...Again!...Mabel is who knows where, Heartless are here- Wait?" He looked up and saw them, the growing shadow getting closer "H-H-Heartless!"

Behind them, Dipper saw the mass shadows beginning to form over them now. Forming in waves, their yellow eyes darting towards them all now.

Quickly the Heartless surrounded them blocking off any means of escape. Wendy clenched her first ready to do battle against them. Dipper for his part tried, but he knew deep down that he wouldn't be of much help to them, not with his tiny arms. However they just stayed there silent, not moving, as if they were waiting for something, or someone.

"Brave...But foolish" From a dark portal Jafar arrived looking smug.

Dipper sneered, "Jafar!" He felt himself being pushed behind a tree being pinned down.

"Weak," Jafar snickered, using his magic to keep Wendy in a magical behind, "Helpless, only reason I don't kill you or turn you into a Heartless is because bate will be needed"

"B-Bait?" Dipper grunted, barely able to talk.

Jafar chuckled, "Yes ...Bate...You will be bated so that your sister and that pathetic little brat Riku arrive, and thus my deal can be finished and I can get everything I've ever desired. Rather simple don't you think".

Dipper watched in horror as Jafar just laughed, now he truly felt helpless.

-000-

Zexion had a strange feeling towards this boy Dipper Pines. He was a strong hearted individual, that was for sure. This entire expedition to Gravity Falls honestly wasn't as bad as he would have thought. Sure he had to deal with that annoying Genie Jafar and his little henchman Gideon but for the most part it was working out. All of this at the end of the day was to get to Riku, if he could get to him then all of it would be worth it.

Riku, the hero of darkness, who had his heart shattered only to come back. An empty shell, neither pure light nor pure dark. A perfect balance at the moment but one wrong turn and it all could all go against him once again.

Though the sooner he could get out of this drab dull little world the better. Apart from Riku everything else was so unnecessary and bizarre. His Organization would have no need for any of it really. It didn't fit into the ground designs of anything. Just another boring world with boring people. Even it's more unique attributes were still worthless at the end of the day.

However, with the Pines boy, he could see a potential usefulness.

There he was just looking down from his chair. They had tied him too, his other companion Wendy tied up to another chair struggling to free herself. These poor humans, how they were merely pawns in a much wider game. Although he did wonder again if that Pines boy had the curiosity that he once did so long ago. Perhaps a test was in order

"Tell me child, have you heard of the Seekers of Darkness?"

Dipper looked up intrigued but glared at him, "The what?"

Ah, curiosity, good this was good, that meant there was hope for this one perhaps. A future heart that could prove valuable to the Organization's goals, should it all be worthwhile.

"The Seekers of Darkness" Zexion continued as he took a book as if it had information which it did not, "Long ago, when Keyblade Wielders numbered in the hundreds-"

"Hundreds" Dipper eyes widened.

"What did you think there could only be one?"

"Uh yeah a little"

Zexion laughed, "Oh my, you really don't know much do you, well no, there can be more, so many more. Some of them didn't bind themselves to the light like our current master Sora did. No, they wanted to learn about a higher power. Thus they sought out the darkness, to learn from it, to control it"

"Why would anyone want to control the darkness, all it ever does it cause misery"

"To those who don't understand it" Zexion corrected, he could tell this one had a self-righteous about him, that could easily be exploited, "Understanding is the first way to break away the fear, to break away the fear, you must understand"

"Well, I don't understand"

"Not now" Zexion smirked, "But I could see you one day understanding, if you ever wish to become a seeker of darkness"

"Ugh, like one of your weirdos" Wendy hissed glaring at him, "Leave Dipper alone okay, he's been through enough as it is"

"I do apologize for the inconvenience, I merely use people like Jafar, I honestly don't care about any of what he has to do"

"Then why are you allying with him?" Dipper asked.

Zexion shook his head and sighed, "Because lesser beings who use darkness are easy to manipulate my boy, I mean look at him, a genie but yet with little understanding of the deeper powers he holds. To not understand is to not have power at all"

"Well I guess knowledge is the best power" Dipper muttered to himself.

"Precisely" Zexion said before turning around to head out stopping near the door before saying, "You know, you could make a interesting Seeker of Darkness if you wished think about it"

Zexion didn't need to look back to know that he intrigued the boy, in the long run he wasn't quite sure why he was planting seeds in his head, but something told him that asset or not, this Dipper Pines could be a interesting piece on the grand chessboard, for ultimate control of everything.