A/N: Okay, I feel like I owe you all an apology for this. This story was on hiatus for a LOT longer than I anticipated. I was going through some things at the time, and I was barely able to keep up with Powerless. However, I'm proud to say that chapter 4 is finally out. I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 4: The Stan O' War II

Wendy was shivering as her damp clothes clung to her body. Despite the fact that she was wearing a heavy fleece blanket and nursing a hot cup of coffee, the cold sea air seemed to bite right through her. A dense fog surrounded the fishing trawler, leaving her in the dark as to where they were located. Stan had pulled her and Dipper aboard, and Ford had brought her the blanket and coffee. Both the Pines brothers had disappeared below deck, leaving Dipper and Wendy alone. An awkward silence stretched between them as Dipper tended to her injuries.

"Are you feeling any other symptoms?" Dipper asked, breaking the silence. "Any weakness or nausea from the sedative?"

"No," said Wendy. "Just a little dizzy."

"That should subside soon," Said Dipper. "Looks like they used a lighter anesthetic. The burns are second degree, but shouldn't take too long to heal." He finished with her treatment, standing up and putting away the medical kit.

"Now, wait a damn minute," said Wendy. "You owe me an explanation. M-more than one." Wendy could barely control her shivering.

"I'll give it to you," Said Dipper, helping her up. "But right now, you need to get out of those wet clothes. I have a room set up for you." He began leading her down the stairs from the deck into the cabin of the trawler.

"A room?" Said Wendy. "We're on a fishing boat, Dipper. How could I have a. . . room. . ." She stopped dead as Dipper opened the door to the cabin. It was as if she just stepped into the parlor of a mansion, with high walls and vaulted ceilings, complete with furniture, carpets, and even a fireplace. Looking to her right she could see a door that led to the command deck of the ship, and further down into the parlor was a hallway that split off in different directions.

"How. . . what . . .?" Wendy stammered, unable to believe her eyes.

"It's bigger on the inside, I know," Said Dipper, chuckling. "Ford got the idea from watching British television back in the 80s. During his time in the Multiverse, he discovered a way to experiment with pocket dimensions, which allows us to manipulate time-space to-"

"You're hurtin' my head, brainiac," said Wendy.

"Sorry," Said Dipper. "You're staying in my old room down the hall. There's a shower, a bed, and a change of clothes for you. I moved into the library a few doors down so if you need anything, you can just come get me."

Wendy nodded and watched Dipper walk away to his room before calling after him. "You have a library?"


The hot shower felt like ten minutes of pure heaven on Wendy's skin compared to the cold sea she was suddenly plunged into. The room she was in was small, but rather plush. There was a four-poster bed, armoire, bathroom, desk and bookshelf. On the bed were a pair of clothes, consisting of jeans, a t-shirt, and basic undergarments. A note was left by them from Dipper, reading I hope they fit, we'll get you more clothes when we reach port.

Wendy got dressed and sat on the bed for a while. Her body ached from the various injuries she experienced the past few days. Dipper had given her some painkillers, but they have yet to kick in. Her heart was still pounding and her head was swimming with different feelings. She could still hardly believe that Dipper was alive. And just a few hours ago she was at home in Gravity Falls, now she was on some weird bigger-on-the-inside fishing trawler with her bosses. Those people tried to kill her, and she had no idea who they were, why they wanted Dipper, and what was going on. After stretching for a moment, she left the room to search for the only guy who could give her answers.

She strolled down the hall to the library, knocking on the door. A few minutes later, it opened to reveal Dipper. He had also changed out of his wet clothes into a simple black sweatshirt, khaki pants, and black boots. She didn't notice it before, but he was quite a bit taller than she remembered him. His chest and arms were much wider, indicating a powerful build under his sweatshirt.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, stirring her out of her thoughts. He stepped aside and let her in the room.

"Fine, I guess," she said. She took in her surroundings. The library was much larger than her room, with stacks and stacks of books, a few computer stations, and a workbench of some sort, with odd machine components and various other parts strewn across it, a hot soldering iron resting on its stand.

"This place is amazing!" She said in wonderment.

"Yeah, you get used to it after a while," said Dipper, smiling.

"But where are we?" She asked.

"Geographically? The Norwegian Sea," said Dipper. "About twenty leagues off the coast of Norway."

"Norway?!" Said Wendy incredulously. "How did we get here?"

Dipper pulled out the small remote device that he used back at the compound they just came from. It had several buttons and dials on it that Wendy couldn't begin to understand what function they possessed. "This is a portable transdimensional cross-rip device," he said. "A portal generator," he added in response to Wendy's confused look. "It tears a hole in space-time, folding it so two geographically separated places connect in an instant, allowing you to step through it like you would a doorway."

"How did you make that?" Asked Wendy.

"Well, it's a funny story," said Dipper. "I'm heading above deck, if you want to join me, and I can tell you about it."

Wendy nodded, following him out of the library and up the stairs to the deck of the ship. Apparently, about two years ago, Dipper and the Stans were sailing the Atlantic near Greenland when, out of nowhere, they saw what appeared to be a small alien aircraft floating in the water. To their surprise, there was an older man inside it, roughly around Stan and Ford's age. At first, they believed he was dead, but after bringing him aboard, they discovered he was black-out drunk. Ford recognized him from his time in the multiverse. Though he had never met the man, he was a wanted criminal, just like Ford was. After the man came to, he and the Stans surprisingly hit it off very well. To Dipper, he was like a mix between both of the Stans' personalities: a fun-loving, rough around the edges type with a genius intellect.

After he recovered, he showed Ford and Dipper the most amazing technology they had ever seen: a handheld portal gun, which allowed him to travel between dimensions at will. After providing the schematics for Ford, they were able to recreate the device. It had been an invaluable tool in their travels, and had saved them from several close calls in the past.

Once they reached the deck, Stan and Ford greeted them enthusiastically. Stan was operating the ship's helm, while Ford seemed to be writing something in a new journal.

"How are you feeling, Wendy?" Asked Ford.

"I'm all right," Wendy replied.

"Of course she's all right!" Said Stan, chuckling. "If the kid showed up any later, she probably would have already escaped on her own."

"That's another thing," Said Wendy, stopping and turning to Dipper. "Who were those guys? What do they want with you?"

Dipper and Ford exchanged concerned looks before clearing his throat. "They're the Illuminati," said Dipper.

"You've got to be pulling my leg," said Wendy, rolling her eyes. She knew these guys were into conspiracy theories, and they have come across secret societies before, such as the Society of the Blind Eye, but the Illuminati? That was hard to believe.

"It's true," said Dipper. "Although, they're not really like the way they're portrayed in the media. They're actually much more dangerous."

"Okay," said Wendy slowly, waiting for an explanation.

"Throughout history, there have always been individuals who have desired to know the meaning of the universe," said Dipper. "Scientists, philosophers, shamans, magicians, you name it. It is human nature to have an insatiable curiosity about the mysteries of life, the universe, and everything."

"Okay, so?" Said Wendy.

"This curiosity also makes us an easy target," said Ford. "I myself am a prime example of this. I let my lust for knowledge blind me to the dangers of wanton exploration, without truly preparing myself for what could be out there."

"But what does this have to do with the Illuminati?" Asked Wendy.

"Well, the Illuminati were a group of enlightened and intelligent men from the 1700s," said Dipper. "It was believed they were founded by Johann Adam Weishaupt, a German philosopher. He believed in exploiting the notion of secret societies in order to form an organization that could benefit humanity."

"Over the years, the Illuminati were met with staunch resistance," Ford continued. "Mainly from the clergy and government at the time. Many members were exposed by the monarchy, and their presence among society caused an uproar among the public. Eventually, in 1785, secret societies were banned by the monarchy, and those caught participating were met with harsh punishments."

"In an effort to preserve themselves," Dipper continued. "The core members of the Illuminati trained apprentices to carry on the cause. They in turn would train apprentices and continue the legacy for centuries. Over time, however, things changed."

"How?" Asked Wendy.

"Bill Cipher," said Ford darkly.

"What?" Said Wendy, shocked.

"He had been trying to enter our world for millennia," Said Ford. "He has destroyed countless dimensions, including his own. He believed it was his destiny to bring about the destruction of our dimension, and he began contacting humans throughout history. Because he didn't have a physical form, he would appear in the dreams of intelligent and enlightened men, posing as a spirit or a muse, and attempt to instruct him on ways they could bring him into this world."

"He started with a shaman named Modoc," said Dipper. "But he quickly realized that our technology at the time was not nearly what he needed to build the portal to enter our world. But after coming into contact with the Illuminati, he saw an opportunity to groom a legion of scientists, philosophers, and geniuses that would one day bring him into this world.

"The Illuminati soon became a cult, worshiping Bill Cipher," continued Dipper. "He convinced them that humanity was too weak, too corrupt to survive. They believed that he would remake the world into a chaotic paradise, where the enlightened would rule over the foolish."

"That's insane," said Wendy.

"Indeed," said Ford. "Naturally, after I first contacted him, he saw a means to speed up his plans by directing me on building his portal. And the rest, you already know."

"But why are the Illuminati after you?" Asked Wendy. "Bill Cipher is dead."

"Well, they believe that he can be resurrected," said Ford. "And they think that we are the key to doing so."

"How?" Asked Wendy.

"We don't know," said Dipper. "That's what we've been trying to find out for the past four years. But this group is tricky, and pinning them down is like trying to catch smoke with a lasso."

"But why didn't you tell me you were alive?" Asked Wendy, crossly.

"Because they were the ones who destroyed our home," Said Dipper sadly.

"What?" Asked Wendy, shocked.

"They caused the explosion that killed my parents and . . . Mabel," Dipper clarified, his sister's name catching in his throat. "They came to our house to kidnap us. They wanted to draw Ford and Stan home, and they believed this was the best way to do it. But they didn't expect our parents to fight back. During the scuffle, they managed to blast the furnace with one of their weapons, causing the home to go up in flames. Grunkle Stan and Ford were able to get there just before I burned to death, but not before . . ." Dipper paused, his face growing dark. Wendy looked away, feeling a small twinge of guilt. Deep down, she knew that this must have been a painful memory for Dipper, losing his sister and his parents on the same day.

"But what about your arm?" Said Wendy, trying to change the subject. "Who did that?"

"Grunkle Ford and Mr. McGucket worked on this together," said Dipper, lifting his arm and articulating the fingers.

"Some of our finest work!" Said Ford proudly.

"So McGucket knows you're alive?" Said Wendy. "Does anyone else?"

"No," said Dipper. "But things are getting more complicated. That Gremoblin attack wasn't a coincidence. They set the beast on you, knowing it would draw me out."

"Wait, does that mean they're attacking people we know?" Said Wendy, alarmed. "What about my family? Our friends?"

"Taken care of," said Ford. "We don't believe that they'll attack your family, as it would raise too much suspicion with your accident and subsequent disappearance. However, we are actively monitoring them, just in case."

"What about Soos, and Melody?" Said Wendy.

"They're safe," Said Ford quickly. "They're with Fiddleford."

"Old Man McGucket?" Said Wendy.

"Yes," Dipper replied. "They're living in his mansion, which he has equipped with the latest technological and supernatural security and defense systems money can buy."

"Are you going to tell them you're alive?" Asked Wendy.

"No," said Dipper. "Not yet. It's better if they don't know I'm alive or where to find me. That will ensure their safety."

"Y'know, I'm getting real tired of this crap," said Wendy angrily.

"What?" Asked Dipper, confused.

"You being alive and not telling people," Said Wendy.

"It can't be helped, Wendy," Said Dipper firmly. "You yourself saw what happens to people who know."

"So your answer is to take me to live on this fishing boat with you and your uncles for who knows how long?" Wendy said.

"Taking you here was the only thing I could do to keep you safe," Said Dipper, exasperated. "It's for your own protection."

"Who says I need you to protect me?!" Snapped Wendy. "Who said I wanted to be on this rust-bucket?!"

"All right, then, fine," Dipper huffed. He pointed his portal device at the hull of the ship, and a blue vortex appeared. "This portal will take you back to Gravity Falls. Go ahead." He gestured for her to walk through.

"Wait, really?" Asked Wendy, taken aback.

"Really," Dipper nodded.

"Just like that?" Said Wendy.

"What do you want, a kiss on the cheek?" Dipper paused, then shook his head. "Forget it. Look, you can go back to Gravity Falls. You can stay with McGucket, along with Soos and Melody, but they've already attacked you once. If you go back there they'll be waiting for you. I was barely fast enough to save you this time. The next time I might not get there fast enough."

"Oh, you would love that, wouldn't you?" Said Wendy, rolling her eyes. "You love to see me in danger and begging for help again, huh? My knight in shining armor."

"No, I - ugh, well, what do you want to do?" Said Dipper.

"What do you want me to do?" Wendy shot back.

"I'm asking you!"

"Well I'm asking you back."

"Well, fine then, do whatever you want, I don't care!" Said Dipper, throwing his hands up.

"Well, then I'm staying here, just to spite you!" Said Wendy, folding her arms and turning away.

"Good," Said Dipper.

"Fine!" Said Wendy.

"Fine!" Dipper shot back. He turned and walked down into the cabin of the ship, while Wendy went and sat on one of the deck chairs, leaving the Uncles behind, glancing at each other.

"I think that went well," Said Stan.


Dipper was sitting at his workstation, grumbling and muttering unintelligibly in frustration as he worked on one of his devices. Occasionally, he would mumble words such as "women!" and "thinks she knows everything!" as he worked.

"Still a hit with the ladies, huh kid?" Said a voice behind him. Dipper turned to see his Grunkle Stan behind him, drinking a cup of his favorite Pitt Cola.

"She's just as bull-headed as I remember," Said Dipper.

"Yeah, all the good ones are," Said Stan. "I met my ex-wife on a trip to Vegas, and let me tell you, she was a real spitfire. One of the reasons I was attracted to her."

"Why did you get divorced?" Asked Dipper.

"Well, not everyone is prepared for that kind of commitment," Said Stan. "And other people are just in it to get something. By the time I figured that out, she was already halfway to Mexico with my car."

"Oh," said Dipper sadly.

"Yeah," Said Stan. "But hey, I try not to live with regrets. Life's too short." Dipper said nothing, returning to his work. Stan frowned. "You shouldn't let it get to you though, kid. She's not really angry, she's just upset at the situation."

"I don't know, Grunkle Stan," Said Dipper. "What should I do?"

"I think you should go talk to her," Said Stan.

"She doesn't want to talk to me," Said Dipper. "She must hate me right now."

"Kid, take it from someone who knows," Said Stan, placing a hand on Dipper's shoulder. "If she really hated you, she would have walked through that portal."

"You think so?" Said Dipper.

"I know so," Said Stan.


Wendy sat on the deck of the rocking ship. Her temper had subsided, and she already began to regret the things she said to Dipper. She was confused, upset, and frightened, having nearly lost her life twice in the past week, and was still trying to process all that had happened.

Wendy looked up at the sound of someone approaching. Dipper had returned, carrying two cups, with a sheepish look on his face. He sat down next to her, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Hey," he said simply.

"Hey," she replied back.

"I brought you a Pitt Cola," Said Dipper. "Stan knows the recipe, so we brew it ourselves."

"Figures," Wendy chuckled, taking the soda.

"So, how have things been in Gravity Falls?" Said Dipper.

"Fine," said Wendy.

"How's your family?" Asked Dipper.

"Fine," said Wendy.

Dipper scratched his chin awkwardly. "How about your friends?"

"Fine," Wendy said again.

Dipper looked sadly into his cup of Pitt Cola. Silence stretched between them, only the sound of seagulls and the crash of the sea against the boat penetrating the awful cold silence.

"Lee and Nate went off to College," Said Wendy, finally breaking the silence.

"Yeah?" Said Dipper, looking up. "Where to?"

"West Coast Tech," replied Wendy. "They have plans to go into business together designing software."

"Interesting," said Dipper.

"Thompson got a general manager position at the Royal Ragtime movie theater," Wendy continued. "Robbie and Tambry got married and moved to Portland."

"Seriously?" Said Dipper.

"Yeah, and get this, he's an accountant now," said Wendy.

"You're kidding," said Dipper, laughing.

"Oh, yeah," said Wendy. "And he's a total nerd about it, too. We're talking glasses, suit and tie, even a pocket protector." They both laughed for at least ten seconds as Dipper imagined his old rival becoming the very thing he used to tease him relentlessly for.

"They had a baby last year," said Wendy, her disposition suddenly turning somber.

"O-oh yeah?" Said Dipper, surprised.

"Yeah," said Wendy. "A baby girl. They named her Mabel."

"Wow," Said Dipper. He knew that Mabel was responsible for them getting together, but it still touched him immensely that they would honor the memory of his sister in such a way. They must have grown up more than he had realized. The awkward silence returned, with Wendy seemingly growing more despondent as each second passed.

Dipper sighed heavily. "I'm sorry," he said.

"For what?" Asked Wendy.

"It's my fault you got mixed up into this," Said Dipper solemnly. "You must hate my guts right now. Wouldn't blame you if you did."

Wendy drank deeply from the cola before tossing it aside. "Y'know," she said. "I am pretty pissed off."

"Yeah?" Said Dipper sadly.

"Yeah," Wendy said. "When I found out you were dead, I cried for weeks. I barely slept or ate. My friends all urged me to move on, but I couldn't. All I could think about was you. All the things we've been through, all the fun we've had. It was all over. I would never see my best friends again. I would never see you again."

Dipper looked as if her words physically pained him, but he said nothing, continuing to listen.

"And now, I find out that you've been alive this whole time," Wendy continued. "Yeah, I'm mad as hell."

Another silence stretched between them. "But I'm also really happy," Wendy said finally.

"You are?" Asked Dipper, confused.

"Yeah," Wendy replied. "I thought I would never see you again. Even with everything that's happening right now, it feels like old times again. I can't tell you how much I've missed this. How much I've missed you." Dipper turned away, flushing slightly. He yelped in pain as Wendy punched him hard in the arm, taking care not to hit his metal arm this time.

"But don't you ever let me think you're dead again!" She said crossly. "Or I'll have to kill you myself. Deal?"

"Deal," said Dipper, chuckling.

"So," said Wendy. "Did you meet any girls on your adventures these past four years?"

"Well, there was this one mermaid, but she tried to drown me," said Dipper.

"Dude. Spill." Said Wendy.

"Well, we weren't dating, but she kinda had a thing for me," Said Dipper. "But she was the crazy jealous type. Turns out her sister also had a thing for me."

"You're kidding," said Wendy, laughing and punching him again. "Look at you, Dr. Fun-Times."

"Yeah, she started sending me messages in bottles," said Dipper, chuckling. "Needless to say, that didn't sit over well with. . ."

The two continued talking and laughing and discussing their life since they last saw each other. Ford and Stan exchanged knowing glances at each other. It was the happiest they had seen the boy since before losing his family in the fire. They hoped he would enjoy it as long as possible