"Dipper?" The man-child that is Soos cried out, "It is you!"

Soos picked Dipper up with one arm and Mabel in another. "I'm so glad to see you guys – I've been worried sick, what with all the weird stuff that's happened and all that."

Melody came out from the Mystery Shack and Dipper was pleasantly surprised. He'd really liked her, but sometimes worried that Soos'… weirdness would scare her off one day. Yet, here she was, wearing a Mystery Shack shirt and everything.

"Are Gruncle Stan and Great Uncle Ford here?" Mabel asked, looking over Soos's shoulder into the cabin. Her face fell when she didn't see anyone else.

"We haven't heard anything from either of them in weeks," Melody said, before adding, "But from all the stories I've heard about them, I'm sure they're fine."

Soos nodded in agreement.

"Come on in," He led them inside before turning back, "Come on you two, you're more than welcome inside. Melody can fix something for everyone to eat – everyone here looks starving."

Mabel smiled, along with Star and Marco, but Dipper was still disheartened about the lack of the Pine Twins. Well, the original Pine Twins. Where could they be?

In no time, they were scattered around the living room. Melody brought out a bag of chips and a cup of water for everyone.

"Food is limited at the moment, but the Mystery Shack has plenty of water since she gets her water from the water well out back. Feel free to drink as much as you want," Star had already finished her cup by the time Soos had finished and left to get a refill.

"Ever since Bill tried to take over the town," He continued when she came back, "I've kept the Mystery Shack filled with non-perishable foods in the lower levels. There's a decent amount, but we still need to ration.

"We have no idea how long whatever is happening is going to last."

The candles seemed to dim on that note. There was a weight to the air around them and no one spoke for a few minutes.

"If Ford isn't here, then that means that it's up to us to figure this mess out," Dipper said, taking a stand, "There must be some way to reverse The Collision. I'm going to look through Ford's papers since he's had experience with Mewni and magic before. The journals may be burned, but maybe he wrote something about his travels somewhere else."

"I'll come with you," Mabel said and they took the elevator behind the vending machine down to Ford's office. Star grabbed Marco's hand and took him into the kitchen.

"I still don't see why they're trying to separate the worlds instead of encouraging us to live together in peace," Star grumbled, "I mean, I destroyed the realm of magic – the power that brought the planets together no longer exists and will never exist again."

"We should be exploring every option," Marco said tiredly. This wasn't the first time they'd had this debate.

"But we're wasting time in this small time instead of helping the monsters in need!" She exclaimed, "And the mewmans and humans too. Everyone is suffering out there while we're prioritizing a cold trail."

"Uh, I don't mean to interrupt you guys," Soos stood at the entry way, "But I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. I think I have something that you could like, Star."

Melody, Soos, Star, and Marco crammed into the elevator and took it down to the lowest level.

"Wait, how is this elevator still working? Didn't we tear it out when we made the Mystery Shack into a battling robot?" Star asked.

Soos hesitated before turning to Melody.

"Uh- How is it still working, Melody?"

Melody shrugged.

"Well, ya got me. By all accounts, it doesn't make sense."

The doors opened up and Star saw a surprisingly big basement with what appeared to be a primitive interdimensional portal. Star remembered seeing them in history books before their technology was condensed into scissors. This must've been how Ford came to mewni, she thought. Bill must've used Ford's body to build it. His plan didn't work for some reason, she assumed, but neither Ford nor Dipper ever told her why or how Bill was thwarted in the early days.

"I've never seen one of these portal machines in person," she said in awe.

"You know what that is?" Soos asked.

"It's early mewman technology," she replied, "Very primitive, but it was how we crossed dimensions before we figured out how to harness magic reliably…"

Her words died off as she realized why she was brought down here. somehow, she'd missed the gathering at the base of the portal.

Monsters, and not just any monsters, but mewman monsters were here!

"When Bill attacked Gravity Falls, the Mystery Shack was a safe-haven for many," Melody said, "When the world went sideways, Soos and I felt it was only right that this place a safe place for those who needed it once more.

"You grumbled about how Dipper doesn't think that monsters, mewmans, and humans could live in harmony," Soos said, "I don't claim to be as smart as that kid, but look around. The hardships outside have brought everyone together down here. There is no prejudice, or hatred, just people who are trying to survive."

Star stood in awe once again, Soos was right! It had taken a moment to make the distinction, but now she could clearly see both mewmans and humans intermingling with the monsters.

"Wh- how?" She stumbled, "This is amazing!"

"It's really simple," Soos said, "We offer them shelter, food, and water. In return, there cannot be any fighting. Everyone here had to choose between living out there or learning to live with each other. They're free to come and go, and even wander around the Mystery Shack, but I had them hide down here when we heard a group of people approaching. We've been told stories by refugees about group vigilantes and gang violence. There hasn't been anything like that in Gravity Falls yet, but we'd rather be safe than sorry."

With that, Soos announced that it was all clear up above and they were free to roam around again. Then he and Melody went around distributing chips and slices of dried meat. Star could barely contain herself in excitement.

"Isn't this amazing, Marco?" She asked, but when she looked at him, he was staring at the ruined portal machine. She asked the question again and was ignored once more. Marco seemed entranced by it.

Star shoved him in the shoulder lightly and his eyes snapped into focus.

"Huh, what?" He muttered. The bags under his eyes were only getting bigger. Star was really worried about him.

"I was asking how you were doing," she said, "You look like you could really use some rest."

"It's nothing," he dismissed, "I'll go to sleep earlier tonight."

Star nodded, relieved. Things had become so tense between them after their worlds collided. Right after they'd confessed their feelings for one another.

Perfect timing.

"Hey, Marco," She asked before she lost her courage, "I just wanted to let you know that even with everything that is happening around here, I still really care for you."

His face softened slightly before he turned away.

"I know you do," He said, "and I still really care for you too, but it feels like there's this deepening wedge between us."

"It's just, considering recent circumstances, there are more important issues than us, "Star tried to justify, "and I'm so busy stressing out over the lives of my people. I promise that once this is all over, we will get the happy ending we both deserve."

"I understand," Marco said, and took the elevator back to the surface. Star let him go; hopefully he was getting the sleep he so desperately needed. She wanted to be there for him, she really did, but could she justify the needs of one over the needs of her entire race?

She hadn't when Mina threatened everyone. She'd seen her tapestry before destroying the realm of magic. It'd been wrong, but the choice had been made before then. What was happening out there was bigger than the two of them, but after this, then she would take him out on the date he deserved.

Marco had gone through so much with her, and she had no idea where she would be without him. That incredible human had put up with her antics and somehow fallen in love with her. Even when his life was put in danger because of her ignorance, he stayed by her side. Marco was too good for her.

"Is that Star Butterfly?" Slime Monster came up, interrupting Star's inner spiral.

"Slime!" Star broke into a huge smile and ran up to pull him into a hug, "I'm so glad you're alive. Where's Princess Spiderbite?"

"We weren't together when," He gestured his hands around them, "This happened. I have no idea where she is, or if she's even alive. Slime sat down and hugged his knees.

"I'd been hoping she was with you," He whispered, "I knew it was a long shot, but it helped me get through the day. Now what do I do?"

Star sat down beside him and pulled him into a side hug. It got her all slimey, but she didn't care.

"You make sure that you survive so that when she finally finds us, you're there to see it. This can't be the only safe place on Earth for mewmans and monsters. I'm sure she's still alive.

"In the meantime, I think I have a way to help," Star said, "This place is great, and Gravity Falls is used to the weird and unexplainable. If we send a few monsters into the surrounding area, they can spread the word that this town will accept them."

"What makes you think the humans out there will be so kind?" Slime countered, "I was out there for a week before finding my way here. I've been shot with guns, Star. Any normal monster would've been killed. I only survived because I don't have internal organs."

"I've been here before and I can guarantee that these people are used to monsters," Star promised, "In fact, this place is native to a few monsters. There's a natural interdimensional rift here and, last summer, the monsters teamed up with the town to defeat an ex-member of The Magic High Commission.

"I can personally vouch for their hospitality," Star took a deep breath before continuing, "So, will you help me?"

(Line Break)

Marco needed some air so he went for a walk in the forest.

That portal had messed with his mind. He'd watched it fix itself in a matter of seconds and then activate. He'd watched as it separated the two worlds and restore the realm of magic. He'd watched as he and Star walked through for a new adventure, just like old times. Back when they were close.

He should've expected that Star would do something like that, pull the 'I need to protect my people card' even though she was no longer princess; her lineage had long been proven illegitimate. It was something Marco couldn't counter without looking like a soulless monster.

Marco stopped walking and sat down with his back to a tree.

He should be on her side, but with all the nightmare's he's been having, Marco just wanted to spend some time alone with Star. She may not have any powers any more, but the way she affected him was still magic to him. She could always make him smile, and that's something he really needed.

But no, she put the impossible task of saving the day in front of him. It was unreasonable, Marco knew that, but shouldn't he get to be a little selfish with his girlfriend? Shouldn't he have that right?

Were they even dating? Star and Marco had done nothing that couples usually do. Instead of taking each other out to dinner, they watched as their friends were executed in the streets. Instead of going to a movie, they made a video pleading for the hostilities to end.

Marco fingered the USB drive in his pocket; the one that had the video Star made. He'd kept a secret on instinct. Star probably assumed that it was lost when the castle burnt down. Why did he keep it from her, Marco wondered?

Because Marco knew that Star was keeping something from him and it only felt right that Marco kept something from her in return.

Still, if Marco cared for Star, which he really did, he should give her the flash drive. She would be overjoyed, even if she would later resent Marco for keeping it from her for so long. It was the right thing to do…

Yet, Marco couldn't bring himself to seek Star out and hand it to her. Something was holding him back. Deciding to worry about that another day, he got back up and continued his walk.

Dinner was canned soup, but no one was complaining. It was much better than anything Marco had eaten in days. The only bitter taste was that Star wasn't with them. Soos said that the last time he saw her, she was downstairs talking to the monsters.

She couldn't even be bothered to have a meal with him.

That's not fair, he argued with himself, she must be doing something really important if she isn't here right now.

He was still arguing with himself, even when he was laying on the couch trying to fall asleep. Alone. Star hadn't come up from the basement in hours, and he hadn't gone down to see her. It was petty, but Marco couldn't help himself.

He'd just been so tired recently and having an imaginary argument took energy that he didn't have.

"Are You Sure About That?" Marco jumped. Where had the voice come from? He turned in a circle and saw nothing, "Up Here," the voice said again and Marco looked up. Sitting on a tree branch was a yellow pyramid.

When did he go to the forest? He must be dreaming, Marco decided. It didn't look like his usual nightmare, but he was cautious nonetheless.

He floated down slowly until he was eye level with Marco. He struck out his hand, "The Name's Bill."

Marco stifled a laugh; Bill was such an ordinary name. It was like naming your dragon cycle John. A look of rage flooded through Bill's eye, but Marco didn't see it. Bill retracted his hand.

"What do you want?" Marco asked, "I don't think I've seen you around Mewni." Marco was pretty sur he'd remember as weird as this one. He was literally glowing.

"Listen Kid," Bill said, "I'm Going To Cut To The Chase. I Can Help You. You Want Star To Spend More Time With Star And I Can Solve The Problem."

Marco stared at the creature in front of him warily. Anyone that could make promises like that was either very powerful or very stupid. Marco hadn't decided which one Bill was – or which one Marco hoped he was.

"What do you have in mind?" Marco asked warily.

"It's Simple Really," Bill said, "I Help You Rebuild That Portal And Then It Restores The Realm Of Magic. From There, Star Can Use Her Magic Wand To Cleave The Two Worlds Apart. Then It's Nothing But Adventures For The Two Of You."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then Both Worlds Will Fall," Bill said "Only You Have The Power To Save Everyone."

"Yeah and only I can prevent forest fires too," Marco snipped, "I've heard that speech before, you're going to have to try harder if you want my attention.

Marco's head was filled with images of entire cities burning. Dead bodies ripped apart lay scattered on the ground and then in the distance saw the outline of a mushroom cloud.

Marco fell to his knees.

"What… What is this?" He whispered. One of Star's tiara was in front of him. It was bloody.

Even though they were at odds with one another, it brought tears to his eyes. He would do anything for her.

Anything.

"This Is What Happens If We Don't Team Up," Bill said, "I Can Stop All Of This From Happening.

"Just Agree To My Terms," Bill reached out his hand and it erupted into blue flames, "Oh, And Hand Over That Little Flash Drive."

"So, Do We Have A Deal?"

Marco stared at his surroundings. It felt like a trap, but what choice did he have? Besides, it was all just a dream. This 'Bill' character was only in his head; it wasn't like he could actually do anything. It was just a dream.

He reached out and shook Bill's hand.

"We Have A Deal," Marco said.

Bill Smiled.

AN: Sorry about the wait for this chapter but life got in the way. I celebrated Christmas with my family, went camping (twice), moved back into my college dorm, and met up with some old friends. I also got a head start on my next semester of classes because I can already tell that I'm going to be in for a lot of work. My French teacher has set some pretty high standards and my German History class (1918-1945) basically has me reading two textbooks and four historical novels, as well as four essays and other assignments over the semester. And that's only two classes!

I will try and make sure to find time to keep the story going, but if I don't upload for a lil' bit I'm not dead I promise. And if I do take too long, leave a review telling me to hurry up.

Now that that's out of the way, what did you think of the chapter? Bill has made his first official appearance, Dipper is trying to find some piece of information that could save his planet, and Star is doing Star things.

I'm not entirely sure when Stanley and Ford will make it to the Mystery Shack (if they ever do!) but it's a long trip to cross America in a post-apocalyptic world.

Also, did anyone catch my Emperor's New Groove reference?

See ya!