This story was inspired by two different stories by two other authors. FFN refuses to allow me to post a link to them, but they were "Not What He Seems" by Blufox03, and "Genderbent Reverse Falls Drabbles" by ShatteredDreamsAmongOtherThings. I hope everyone that likes how this story goes, will also go show them some love. I hope you enjoy.
=-=-=-=-=-=Chapter Start=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Within Gravity Falls, after thirty long years, Preston Northwest was finally able to return to his birth home. Having been able to finally get the townsfolk to forgive his family for their past misdeeds.
The Northwest family had been proven as frauds and cheats a little over thirty years ago while Preston was still a young child, and this motivated him. He had his life torn apart right before his eyes as their family misdeeds were presented before the townsfolk, and they banded together to run them out of town. The experience changed him, and it made him realize some things.
Preston, since watching his own father lose his mind, power, and prestige, grew to be a better man. He wasn't as rich as his family once was, but he has gained a small fortune from his own hard work. After his family and fortune were shattered with the truth, he learned to use it to protect his new lifestyle.
His wife Priscilla, having won her hand with a hard-earned yacht race, a yacht he himself built. The other racers barely knew how to control their boat when competing with a real racer, which didn't help when considering he was only allowed entrance so they could all pick on his family for losing their fortune. His father had started to look better when he won. But by then, it was too late for him to turn around.
So, it all fell to his shoulders to prove that the Northwest family of the present was greater than they ever were. Working harder than anyone thought he would, or even could, to bring his family back the fortune they lost. He was for the most part successful in his endeavors, and he has even been allowed to return to his hometown. The mansion that was once his, still out of his reach, but he was still able to get a rather nice house along the edge of town.
There were three buildings right along the borders of the town now. On one end, the Mansion, now owned by the Pines family, the Mystery Car Lot to the opposite side of town, and now his own two-story house along the side, halfway between the two, opposite to the lumber yard.
Preston worked hard to enter and win several competitions in his youth to jumpstart his new, legit, fortune. Taking smart investments, purchasing the right small businesses and helping them expand to new heights, and now owns several businesses legitimately, even going so far as to repurchase his father's old mudflap factory.
A far cry from the spoiled rotten little brat, he has grown to hold more value in things that were not so easily lost. From his family's fall, he has gained much, but none greater than the respect he has for earning every single penny to his name. The sweat, tears, and blood he poured into every last task to bring his family out of the rut his predecessors had led them into. And for all his efforts, he has learned humility, respect, honor. He has grown to appreciate everything he has, because under no fault of his own, he lost it all, and through his efforts, regained even more.
Fifteen year-old, Atlas Northwest looked up to his father and took after him a good deal. They were a happy family, learning to predict stocks and calculate the risks with each choice, Preston practically home schooled him along with the regular schooling he has. Atlas has had poor luck with making friends, the kids his age within his parent's circles were horrible to him, while those in his school only wanted to be his friend for his money. He has never even gotten an actual girlfriend because they complained about him taking them on cheap outings.
Needless to say, Atlas was rather lonely in his life, having only his family to understand him.
Preston had hoped that earning his way back to his original hometown would have helped his son to make a friend, with people here being the way they are, things could be better. The townsfolk weren't too keen on putting his family on a pedestal any longer after what that scientist did all those years ago. The man had been praised for dragging his family name through the mud, and it cost him his father.
But enough of the past, the present is where they are, and things were looking to be a fine summer, though it had just begun. And up in his recently unpacked room, Atlas Northwest was just finishing getting ready.
Choosing to dress in a simple white T-shirt, red jeans and sneakers, he grabbed his favorite tie-dye jacket from its spot on the wall hook next to his door. Giving one last look at his bedroom to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything. Didn't need anything from his bed to the right, his computer desk to the left, sparing a thought on whether he should find something to hang upon his bare walls, before shrugging about the unimportance of it.
Atlas took off, towards adventure.
On his way out, from next to the door Atlas shouted to his mother about exploring the town, grabbing a tie-dyed umbrella from the umbrella stand. Attaching it to his lower back, it hung loosely from the back of his belt, and he was out the door after hearing his mother shout back confirmation.
This was Atlas' first trip into town, so not many recognized him. Especially seeing as his parents were brunettes, his blond hair coming from his mother's mother, keeping people from recognizing him as their child without actually stopping to think about it.
And as the day moved forward, Atlas was able to explore throughout the town in peace, several people were nice as they greeted him with a smile. Atlas explored through the side of town leading to the Mystery Car Lot, figuring he could explore the other side another day. Atlas had run into the owner of the lumber yard, a large muscular man named Manly Dan, as he found a nice little diner.
The owner was a rather nice older lady named Suzan, he felt it was rather insulting to give her a nickname based around her lazy eye. He got the chance to meet the two main police officers, Blub and Durland, and though he didn't introduce himself, he did wave to a couple of older teens that were hanging out next to the diner itself. Only the boy with a purple streak in his hair waved back, and he got a cup of something with ice dumped down the back of his shirt for it.
The mall was in the opposite direction, and the majority of buildings on this side were residential, so other than the large section of the park, there wasn't much to explore. So, after a small snack at the diner, to check the quality of the food and service, he decided to go check out whatever the Mystery Lot was, and why there were so many signs pointing to it. Besides that one that was pointing the wrong way, showing the back of it that had a crudely painted message saying, "The Lard Lot, this way".
As Atlas reached the car lot, he wasn't greeted right away, though because he was a kid, he couldn't fault the owner for not trying to sell him a car. Better to guess he wasn't old enough and be wrong, than to try and get him a car and he be underaged. The building looked more like 'shack', would be a more appropriate name for it, the side having what looked to be a gift shop, the cars looking to be around the back of the building.
Ignoring the welcome sign that invited him to look around back at the cars that were for sale, all the cheesy promos to say they were a 'steal' right along with it. He was greeted by an older girl at the register. She didn't look bad per say, but she was a bit on the lanky side. She had obviously dyed hair, with some of her blonde roots showing, and she looked somewhat skittish though serious.
Absolutely everything in here was overpriced and low quality, some didn't even try to hide it. Those were glass shards being called crystals… Atlas has never before been so underwhelmed over something, and he may never be again.
Now if only he could ignore the guy rambling his ear off about his opinion on whether a panther shirt or a tiger shirt would be better. Atlas' opinion is neither, seeing as they were charging forty bucks for them. Atlas took a note to watch what he consumed here, because if it was something in the water, he was going to do his best to avoid it.
Atlas was chased off as Bud noticed him avoiding buying anything, and critiquing his merchandise negatively. As he began his walk through the woods staying on the trails, on his way to return home, he heard a scream from deeper within the woods, away from the trails.
Without thinking, Atlas sped through the trees, reaching back and gripping his umbrella with his left fist as he came upon a younger pudgy girl that was going the opposite way. Before they could collide, Atlas side stepped and linked his right arm with her own, causing her to come to a halt behind him as he searched for what was chasing her.
As the girl was clinging to his back, Atlas didn't have to wait long, as from the woods came a wolf. It was rather large for an ordinary wolf, but a wolf, nonetheless. Atlas acted quickly as he grabbed the handle of his umbrella, a twist of the wrist, and he was brandishing a slim saber at the beast, his draw unsuspected and quick, beheading the unprepared beast with a quick strike, ending the threat.
Turning to the girl, Atlas found her staring at him in awe, her attention switching between him and his concealed weapon. She wasn't too much shorter than him, maybe a couple years younger than himself, wearing a red shirt, along with a vest and a pair of brown slacks and white sneakers. She was on the pudgy side, giving her cheeks an adorable pinchable look, with a natural blush. Powder blue eyes, and pale blonde hair, she was rather adorable in a baby sister kind of way, especially with how she was staring at him right now.
Ensuring there was no blood upon his blade, he sheathed it before checking on the girl. The girl was still staring at the umbrella as he tried to get her attention. The girl finally turned to him as she asked. "What is that sword made of?"
Atlas shrugged as he gave his answer, "silver. My family was originally from here and my great grandfather was rather paranoid. He ensured he always had a silver blade on him after he insisted he was being chased by werewolves for weeks on end. I just decorated the umbrella to my liking when my father allowed me to have it. My name is Atlas, it is nice to meet you."
The girl shook her head as she realized she had forgotten to introduce herself before gawking at the weapon. "My name is Bonnie Gleeful, it is a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for saving me from that werewolf."
Atlas did his best to keep smiling, "what makes you believe that was a werewolf?"
Bonnie pouted. "Because he was a human when he lured me out here and tried to eat me. He pretended to want to be my friend, then as soon as he had me alone, he showed me what he was, and I ran away. I didn't wanna get eaten, and as crazy as it sounds, I am telling the truth."
Logic told Atlas not to believe her, but seeing the look in her eye, he could tell she believed herself, which caused him to give her the benefit of the doubt. "Good thing my blade is silver then, I guess my ancestor was possibly right to be paranoid."
Bonnie smiled as she chuckled with him, before they tapered off to nervous and awkward laughs. Making sure the umbrella was secured on his belt, Atlas moved to return to the trail. "We should return to the safety of the trail. If you feel uncomfortable heading home alone, I can help you out. But it is starting to get late, and I should be heading home soon."
As the two began the trek out of the woods, Atlas turned to Bonnie. "So, I guess that means you're on team Edward?"
Bonnie pouted at him, "I don't care to explain how silly you sound. Who even cares for a story that makes monsters that kill you by draining your blood sparkle. And I swear, if those movies have any truth to them, the werewolves, that rip you apart for food, are obviously allergic to shirts with how often that other boy rips his off."
Atlas took a second to think on that, thinking through the commercials he had seen, and he could believe it. Bonnie chuckled when he actually started to think about it, "I live at the Mystery Car Lot, so if you want to head back to town I should be close enough to get home without trouble."
Atlas turned to her as he smiled. "Well, if that is what you want, I guess it should be close enough. See you later Bonnie, I hope we can have a full adventure together one of these days, rather than me just stepping in at the end."
Bonnie was all smiles as she heard him. "Well, we can always set something up for tomorrow."
Atlas looked slightly surprised, before smiling as nodded. "You got it, tomorrow we can meet up at your car lot, and figure out something from there."
Atlas smiled as he decided to make an attempt to make a friend. Having never had a real friend before, and with Bonnie not knowing about his money, this was a chance for a real bond of friendship to form.
From Bonnie's perspective, as the older boy that saved her walked away, she was ecstatic for pretty much the same reason. A lot of people enjoyed picking on her for her personality and how pale she was, or over her chubbiness. And that was why she was so open to making a friend with someone inviting her into the woods, ignoring her logical thought that was saying that was a red flag. She just wanted a friend, was that so wrong of her?
As Bonnie walked off to her home, she noticed the customers had already gone, and her mood only increased. She didn't enjoy the overly large crowds her dad, Bud Gleeful, encouraged. The man practically turned some of his older and more collectible car models into a car show, and charged people to take a seat and get a picture taken in them. Should probably mention he removed the batteries from them so they couldn't be stolen, but as long as the hoods remained closed, they still had plenty of appeal to both young and old.
Bud was just someone that enjoyed earning money, not really caring much about much else. Not since her mother passed away at least. He had spiraled downward a bit, never too far, but he had stopped showing love much, if at all. He had wound up throwing himself into earning money, for what reason she had no idea and he never answered when she asked.
But ever since that day years ago, she was practically on her own, her room in the attic feeling all that more hollow as she decorated it with her hobbies. She would on occasion pitch in to help around the gift shop to earn some money, her dad paying her for what she does unlike his handyman or the cashier both of whom get a check every week.
As Bonnie reached her room, she stepped over and pulled out a burgundy journal, a golden six fingered hand with a solid three upon the center of the palm. She opened it and turned to the end, going to her last entry, she began to write about what she found out today, and to write about what she had done and who she met.
Bonnie had found this journal not long after the funeral for her mother when she was seven. She was walking through the woods, just getting some fresh air after everything that happened. She had kicked a rock in slight frustration, before being caught off guard when she heard the clunk of stone against metal, which caused her to discover a secret locker that held the journal and talked about the many different monsters of Gravity Falls.
This book talked about some frightening things, and some were even magical, although there were some dark implications with the use of some of this information. But the journal had stopped halfway through, almost as if the one writing it had suddenly disappeared. Bonnie believes someone was hunting the author through the context clues, and even believed they hid the journal to keep them from finding this information and using it for nefarious means.
It also held a warning, "TRUST NO ONE". After reading it, as well as some of the other entries, Bonnie was convinced that her mother's death wasn't an accident or illness. Someone had set her mother up to die, and Bonnie had an inkling that Bud knew more than he was willing to say, that the sudden turn to such a greedy personality was caused by the threat being loud and clear.
Bonnie had been doing her best to figure out who or what was doing this, who was behind everything going so badly for her family. Someone was out to get them, she just had no proof and no leads. Part of her believes the author could have been under threat from the same people, that they could relate to her. Maybe they took someone important to them away, and they knew they were next, so they hid their records to help warn and guide the next victim.
Bonnie had put all her efforts into figuring this mystery out for the last several years, and hasn't made any leeway. The only thing she suspects is that it might have something to do with the Pines family, seeing as they are the only family with the power to remain hidden after murdering someone. But seeing as this is just a suspicion from when she was seven, there wasn't much progress.
Her obsession with this belief has caused others to view her as a paranoid conspiracy theorist, the lowest on the social ladder, leaving her with no friends, and fewer chances. Just some random girl that talks smack about the Pines family just because they are more popular than her father's lousy car show.
Maybe that Atlas boy, someone she has never seen around here before, could be a real chance for a first friend. A chance for someone to hear her out with all this, before he gets blinded by the sparkly outlook the Pines family puts up for the rest of the town. All she could do was hope. Bonnie decided to get some rest as she finished her journal entry.
Atlas had a heck of a time explaining his day to his parents, Preston displaying his pride in his boy after learning he had saved someone. Preston remembered how spoiled he, himself, was when he was a toddler, and he always regretted letting riches and pride corrupt him. He will even on occasion admit that he should thank that scientist for ruining his family reputation all those years ago. He feels he is happier, and much more free than he ever could have imagined feeling.
Atlas went to sleep that night, wondering how his new friend would react if she knew who his family was. He had avoided telling anyone his last name because his father told him they may still feel some bitterness from before. His father was concerned that they would still be looked down upon, but if they were to ever move forward, they must face their past, heads held high, and take responsibility for the actions they committed.
Preston was adamant that Atlas should be allowed some freedom, for the sins of his forefathers should not weigh down his shoulders. Atlas deserves a chance to enjoy his youth and Preston wanted him to have a clean slate, so he would face the judgment of the townsfolk, so Atlas could be free to live without the baggage of their history.
Atlas could only hope they got this whole situation sorted out before he grew up to have kids of his own.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=End=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Something I want to mention before signing out, I am terrible with naming people and animals, so the names for the characters are honestly thanks to a couple of others. Bonnie I believe was a common fan choice for Gideon, and while she doesn't show up in this chapter, Callisto is the name I chose to use in place of Dipper. I chose it after some research thanks to Sesshoru, who made mention of it in a comment on another of my stories. Atlas was a name I snagged from Bootes-D-Huntsmen for Male Pacifica from his story. And the rest of the names for the rest of the characters I gender swapped, was thanks to my friend Sanely Sanes. So thanks Doods.