Chapter 17
"Adelphie, the prisoners?" Mel asked when she emerged. She bowed and led forward Dipper and Mabel. "Your good work is done, Adelphie. You have my permission to leave to make these prisoners a meal. It must be finished when the sun is at its peak in the sky."
"Yes, ma'am." Adelphie said and descend the dark steps once again.
"I expect you had a good sleep." Mel said, looking at her nails.
"You kept us in a jail." Dipper said darkly. Mel laughed.
"Yeah, appears I did. And you have anything to say about it?" she said.
"Yeah, I do." Dipper replied.
"I wouldn't, if I were you, Dipper Pines. I might just kill you right now." Mel said, leaning in. "You'll stay on my good side if you know what's best for you... and your sister." she added.
"Leave my sister out of this." Dipper said angrily. "If you know what's best for you." Mel growled.
"Never. Talk to me like that. Again." She closed her eyes. After five minutes they flashed open and she snapped her fingers. "Let's begin."
...
The twins found themselves in a huge arena- but with no seats or people. A loud voice came in Dipper's head.
"Dipper. Pines. Would. You. Rather."
"She's talking in my head!" he screamed, writhing in pain. Mabel was doing the same.
"We can both hear it!" she rasped.
"Cut yourself." the voice said.
"Or?" Dipper asked.
"Cut Ryan."
"What!?" Mabel asked in shock. A cage was brought down from the top of the arena with Ryan inside.
"You don't. Even know him." the voice said. "This is. Easy. Choose. Him." Dipper looked in the cage. Ryan was crying. "Cut. Him, Dipper. Save. Yourself. Protect. Your sister." Dipper set his face in determination.
"Never." he said. "I choose me."