Hey guys! Here's the next chapter, with just one away from the two groups finally meeting. As a side note, I made several jokes about how people mispronounce Oregon, so hope the humor's appreciated to those who get it. To OMAC001, you are right that there is a revenge scheme cooking but there's a much bigger plot going under the surface too. For everyone else, thank you for the continuous reviews, I'm really glad you guys like the story! Thanks guys and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, or Rick and Morty
After finishing their stories, both Mabel and Steven were thoroughly confused and amazed. Neither of them were used to meeting people who lived lives as extraordinary as theirs. But there was something bothering them... why hadn't they head of each other?
"Wow Mabel... Gravity Falls sounds like an awesome place." Steven smiled. "You and your brother really discovered magic stuff everywhere there? Who would've thought the world ending apocalypse would come something out of conspiracy?"
"Yeah! Dipper led the investigations though. He was always into that stuff, way before I was!" Mabel laughed. "I teased him with it, said that he never would get a girlfriend. And then he was crushing on the coolest girl in Gravity Falls, Wendy, who was older and way out of his league. Grunkle Stan would join him too and then Soos would..."
Steven frowned when Mabel trailed off. "Something wrong Mabel?"
"Yeah. Sorry Steven... I just miss them." Mabel reassured. "So these Crystal Gems ladies sound awesome!"
"Well everyone is Beach City is awesome." Steven replied proudly, but then sighed. "I know what you mean about missing them but... honestly, I've been enjoying myself here. I'm not really in any hurry to go back."
"Why?" Mabel pressed.
"Because... it's been getting pretty intense lately, and I've been asking a lot of things that no one has the answers to." Steven admitted.
"Grunkle Stan called it puberty." Mabel joked.
"That's not what I mean, and that's another thing! I don't know if I'll even go through puberty like a normal kid!" Steven lifted his shirt slightly to reveal the pink gemstone, to which Mable previously thought was a high quality belly-button rhinestone. "Like I said... my mom was the leader of the Crystal Gems and was a full gem. She had me with my dad, and she... left me with so many unanswered questions, unsolved problems... I don't even know what I am!"
Mabel frowned as Steven ranted, and pat his shoulder. "Steven... did you want to come here?"
At this, Steven shook his head no. "No. I was upset after talking with my dad about my potential 'destiny', but I didn't go to bed last night wanting to be somewhere else. As much as I complain, I love the Crystal Gems. I love everyone in Beach City, especially my dad. And as scared as I am... I didn't plan on running from anything."
"That's good." Mabel nodded. "I learned the hard way in Weirdmaggeden that you can't run from your problems."
"Yeah..." Steven bit his lip before asking. "Mabel... how did you say Weirdmaggeden happened again?"
"Ugh! By this evil triangle monster thing named Bill!" Mabel clenched her fists at the memory. "Think the triangle on the dollar bill but yellow, add a top hat, old style cartoon legs and hands, and cane- then you get Bill. And I know that sounds crazy, but all he had to do was wave his hands and he could do anything. Except leave Gravity Falls thankfully."
"Yeah..." Steven smiled uneasily. "Hey Mabel... you know how you mentioned that your brother was into to supernatural and sci-fi stuff? Why did you guys never visit Beach City? The Crystal Gems and I would've loved to talk to you!" That was a bald face lie- they'd tolerate the Pines siblings for Steven's sake, but they wouldn't be up for interview questions at all.
"We've never heard of you." Mabel answered. "That's a good point. Unlike Gravity Falls, your sci-fi stuff was all out in the open. Not to mention, you're all the way out on the East Coast in that state I nor anyone else ever head of- it would've been too much money for us to fly to the East Coast."
"Still... it's weird that you and brother haven't heard of the Crystal Gems. We would've been on the news at some point, or you would have read Ronaldo's blogs at some point." Steven pointed out.
"If he's a hipster blogger who writes about stuff no one believes or cares about, then you're right." Mabel affirmed.
"Mabel... have you been kidding, when you mentioned that you never heard of Delmarva- even when it's famous for seafood and beaches?" Steven asked nervously.
"No, never. Why?" Mabel rose a brow.
Steven bit his lip, and unconsciously clutched his stomach. He was trying to desperately to stave off the anxiety rising, ever since Mabel mentioned Weirdmaggeden. "Well, I think it's so weird that we haven't met yet. I mean... your brother sounds like that would reach out, so I just thought..."
"Thought what...?" Mabel didn't like the sound of this.
"That that it maybe possible that... we're from different worlds?" Steven smiled nervously as he shrugged. "I know it sounds like something out of a crossover fanfic, but hear me out! You've never heard of Delmarva or the Crystal Gems, even though your brother and probably your uncles would've reached out! Your brother likes to follow sci-fi and supernatural blog posts but never reached out to Ronaldo or me, even though you should've heard of us at some point. Plus, we're in this weird space! Is it really so crazy that there's more than world, or universe, or whatever...?"
"No. I actually was thinking the same thing you were." Mabel admitted. "If that's the case, how'd we get here? Why were we brought together?"
"That's what I'd like to know." Steven muttered in a frustrated tone.
After a moment of silence passed, Mabel sighed. "Hey Steven... I've been meaning to ask you something- why have you been ignoring your lion?"
Steven frowned and looked over the pink feline. "What do you mean? He's fine."
"He's hasn't stopped pacing since we started playing video games, and after beating the final boss of that Panda Kung Fu Warriors three times- I think I can say that it's been awhile." Mabel pointed out. "Besides... doesn't he have to go to the bathroom for that?"
"Lion's magic makes that unnecessary." Steven explained. "But I haven't been ignoring him."
"You're acting so relaxed and casual, while he's acting like his paw's going to get caught in bear trap at any second." Mabel pointed. "You should want to get out of here just based on that. Whenever Waddles doesn't like something- I step away from the situation."
"Yeah well... doesn't look like we can leave." Steven turned his head away. "Besides, Lion's probably just being paranoid."
"Has he ever been wrong?" Mabel asked.
"Well no... but panicking about our situation isn't going to make it any better?" Steven replied. "You probably had to be patient during Weirdmaggeden right? But that turned out okay."
"Yeah..." Mabel suddenly grew very uncomfortable when she remembered something that was said earlier in the conversation. "Hey Steven... how did you know that Bill was connected to Weirdmaggeden?"
"What do you mean? You told me when you started talking about how your brother found in the journals or something. And you just described him a moment ago." Steven answered.
"No. I mentioned the journals." Mabel admitted. "But I didn't specifically say how Bill was connected to Weirdmaggeden until later. Bill was summoned by a crazy guy that stalked me all summer, and nearly killed my Grunkle Stan, me, my brother, Uncle Ford and everyone Gravity Falls. So tell me the truth Steven- did Bill bring us here?"
"Mabel-" Before Steven could cancer, one of the wooden bed posts on Mabel's canopy bed came loose and knocked her over the head. She slumped forward, and was soon in prone position. "Mabel!" Steven stood up and tried to shake her. "Mabel!"
Lion suddenly growled, and immediately curled himself around the children. Steven didn't realize it at the time, but he had started shedding tears and quickly began wiping them away. He swallowed hard and looked up to see none other than the cartoon triangle himself.
"Hey squirt! Shooting Star's got smarter than the last time I saw her!" Bill rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "She actually managed to figure out it was me! Honestly, if you told me that nine months ago I wouldn't have believed it."
"Bill." Steven interrupted. "You lied to me... how could you have done that to Gravity Falls? How could you keep something like that from me?! No wonder you didn't want me talking to Mabel about you! She would've told me what a rotten guy you are! Is that why you brought her here?! For revenge?!"
"You never asked about Gravity Falls. You were in a different world, so it obviously wasn't relevant to us!" Bill shrugged. "It'd be like you caring if the Diamond Matriarch blew up their Citadel if they thought it was full of traitors!"
"That's different! And besides, I would never want innocent Gems to get hurt!" Steven yelled. "And answer my questions! Why did you bring Mabel here with me?! What's the point of all this?! You said if I came to visit you- I could meet my mom!"
"No. I said that if you wanted to know the truth about being the chosen one for the Crystal Gems, then all you had to do was come visit me. I just didn't say how long your visit had to be." Bill explained. "Don't worry! When I'm ready to make a deal, I'll let you know. As for why I brought Mabel here... well I thought you'd get along. I mean, you're both the overdose of sugar in your respective groups!"
"Bill... what are you?" Steven asked carefully.
"I'm me of course!" Bill declared proudly. "I was made by someone awhile ago with no emotions or sense of consequence that transpired onto me! I LOVE what I am!"
"Okay." Steven tried to think of something else. "What if I make a deal to send Mabel back to her family? If she doesn't want to be here, then she shouldn't have to say."
"Doesn't work like that kid!" Bill shrugged. "Bedsides... don't you like your easy-peasy lifestyle here? All you have to do is put up with it a little longer, and you get what you want! Including meeting the highly mysterious Rose Quartz!"
"I guess..." Steven sighed. "Why would you do that to Gravity Falls?"
"Cause I wanted to!" Dipper shrugged again. "But don't worry. I have no intention of do that to Beach City! I didn't bring Mabel for any reasons like that! You may not like it in here that much now, but you can get whatever you want! This bliss isn't gonna last kid- you better start asking for stuff before you have to return home. You know- the land of unanswered questions. Besides..." Bill paused. "Have I not been your friend? Why would I ruin that now?"
"I guess..." Steven looked over at Mabel. "What do I tell her when she wakes up?"
Bill's flippant response only furthered Steven's fears, "If she does remember- I don't care. But if she doesn't- keep your mouth shut! We had a deal after all!"
/
After Peridot and Lapis arrived back with the news, Pearl immediately began going through the old textbook to see if she could identify anything that could be of use.
"So this other human took Steven to this Gravity Falls place?" Amethyst summarized.
"We don't know for sure, but it's currently our only lead." Peridot explained and turned to Greg. "Do you know where this place called 'Or-'ee'-gone' is?"
"Sure I do, but it's all the way on the West Coast. I played a few concerts in Cannon Beach and Newport, but... I didn't spend much time out there. Honestly, unless if you go to California- the West Coast beaches are pretty boring." Greg sighed. "I'm trying to remember if I ever took Steven there, but I can't say that I recall."
"Is there anyone from Or-ee-gone who would want to hurt Steven?" Lapis asked.
"No. Like I said, I don't think Steven's even been there. It's far away, there isn't much to see there unless you're in California, and it was too expensive." Greg answered.
"Was there an angry fan that became a celebrity stalker?" Amethyst asked, recalling some of the TV shows Steven and Connie watched behind Pearl's back.
"I can't say that I've ever been that famous." Greg chuckled, rubbing the back of head sheepishly. "But what about this other human that Sapphire mentioned? What did he look like again?"
"As I said before: an organic being seemed to be male with a tall lean structure, gray spiking hair, and some form of white cloak with sleeves." Peridot described the reports. "Does that match the description of any other humans from your memory?"
"Sorry. I don't know anyone who even remotely looks like that." Greg shook his head. "What else did those reports say? That he had a portal gun thing? If he has something like that, why would he need you guys or Steven? Couldn't he just build the stuff himself?"
"We don't know the answers to any of this information, so the first thing we need to do is head to this Gravity Falls location." Pearl stated. "Since there obviously isn't a warping pad, we'll have to collect the geographical locations manually."
"Dude. How are we supposed to do that, when Sapphire and Ruby can't fuse." Amethyst indicated to the pair with her thumb behind her, to which Sapphire was at least back on her feet. Ruby as still at her side, helping her steady herself. "Without Garnet, we don't even know if we'll end up in the right location!"
"Which is why I purpose we go to the Moonbase." Peridot suddenly spoke up. "As I explained to Lazuli, we need to collect field data on the atmospheric nature of the Earth's spaces to determine when exactly the data spikes occurred, as well as what may have caused it. As much as I like the idea of a quick and efficient rescue, we're obviously dealing with a human that requires caution."
"What are you saying?" Amethyst didn't like the sound of this.
"I am saying that we have two reasons to go the Moonbase- to analyze the Earth's data, along with any other relevant information, and to collect the exact coordinates of Gravity Falls. Or did you forget that particular feature?" Peridot explained.
"I still say Steven's rescue should come first. You won't have a time limit on your research then!" Lapis argued.
"Peridot's right." Pearl sighed, surprising everyone in the room. "Steven does need rescuing, but we're not doing him any favors if we end up captured because we were careless. We need to investigate first."
From the couch, Ruby bit her lip and asked, "What do you think Sapphire?"
Squeezing her partner's hand, a warm glow emitted with her beautiful smile. "Yes."
Meanwhile, Greg shifted nervously and asked, "So, where does that leave me? I can't exactly go with you to the moon."
"... You can't come with us Greg." Pearl stated, not looking at him.
"Well I know I can't go with you to the moon, but once you guys get back-"
"No. She means not at all." Amethyst sighed, knowing everyone else here was in agreement. "You understand right Greg?"
Clenching his fists, Greg snapped. "No! Steven is my son, and he needs to know that I haven't forgotten him! No matter where he is... You guys may have raised him to be part of the Crystal Gems, but make no mistake- he's my son. And I'm not staying put and doing nothing. I will go with you to save my son! Rose's son!"
"Greg..." Ruby tried.
"No! Besides, I've been in plenty of dangerous situations with you guys before! Remember when I got kidnapped by a Diamond?" Greg pointed out.
"We're not saying you're not tough dude." Amethyst stated.
"Then what?!" Greg exclaimed.
"Because you'll just get in our way." Pearl's words cut worse than her sword. "I know you want to help Steven, but what will you do if you get captured or even worse-tortured- in front of Steven? We don't know the nature of the enemy we're dealing with, so bringing along anyone who isn't needed will be a hindrance."
"Hey, you can't keep us back." Lapis frowned as Peridot nodded.
"We won't." Pearl affirmed. "Both of you will most likely be needed- with Peridot's intelligence and Lapis' control over water. But Greg... the best way you can help Steven is staying here, waiting for him to come home. If you were the last person he confided in before his disappearance, then you'll definitely be needed in the place that's supposed to be his home. You're the ONLY other human that knows Beach City is Steven's home... don't underestimate your importance."
At this point, Greg was crying though he was sure Pearl wasn't fairing any better. He couldn't help but feel bitterness towards the ballerina-like Gem- Pearl had always considered him weak and fragile compared to the Crystal Gem. Even though their relationship had improved recently, Greg couldn't help but feel a little animosity.
"I forgot my son... I have to make it up to him." Greg explained quietly.
"As did the rest of Beach City, which is why we need you to stay here and make people remember Steven. Show them that tape, and make them remember what a vital member Steven is to their society." Pearl smiled sadly. "Part of why Rose Quartz chose you is because you taught us how to make Earth our home. It may have been our shelter and sanctuary for thousands of years, but it didn't become our home until you came along. You helped use integrate with the town's people, to truly understand Earth life, and showed us the beauty that Rose saw in this planet every day. Rose chose you for a reason Greg... don't disappoint her."
Clenching his fists and swallowing a giant lump in his throat, Greg looked up to the Crystal Gems and nodded. "Tell Steven that a big hug and jam session are waiting for him, when he gets home."
/
Dipper took a breath as he took in the giant dimensional gate his Uncle Ford set up- it somehow looked even bigger than last time. He had a taste of other worlds thanks to Weirdmaggeden, and he wasn't exactly excited for more. As he and the others looked at the gate, McGucket was punching in a bunch of numbers and letters- getting it ready for transport. As exciting as the prospect of peering at different worlds was, Dipper just wanted to find Mabel and he had no idea how he was going to do it.
Adjusting his backpack, Dipper smiled fondly down at the little pig. Waddles barely left his side since Mabel's disappearance, so he was probably just looking to Dipper for comfort. Petting his head, Dipper knelt down to his level. "Don't worry Waddles, I'm gonna get Mabel back." The pig oinked, and shoved himself forward into Dipper's arms. Dipper hugged back, but then stood up and adjusted his back up. He had triple-checked to make sure the journal and VHS tape were in there- snacks and refreshments could be somebody else's responsibility. Funnily enough, it was usually Mabel.
"So... we ready to go?" Dipper asked.
"Just a few more minutes." McGucket answered.
The boy sighed and turned to the group in the room, some of these people were the last people Dipper expected help from and others were people he least wanted to request. Robbie and Tambry he had nothing against it was just random, while Gideon and McGucket were no surprise, Pacifica might as well have been recorded in one of the Journals. Speaking of which, where were the other two? And why could McGucket remember Mabel but his Grunkle Stan and Uncle Ford couldn't?
"Hey kid." Dipper turned to his Grunkle Stan. "You sure you're up for this? Me and Ford can probably rescue this sister of yours on our own?"
"If you can't remember her name, you obviously don't remember what Mabel looks like. You definitely need me to come along." Dipper replied.
"What about the rest of the yahoos?" Stan indicated to the group behind him with his thumb. "Other than Ford, should any of these guys go with us?"
"Why are you asking me?" Dipper rose a brow.
Stan rubbed the back of his head bashfully, "Look kid... I may not remember having a great niece named Mabel, but I do remember two things: one- twins run in the family and two- you're pretty good at this supernatural detective stuff." Noting Dipper's look of surprise, Stan continued. "You figured out almost everything about the journals even with me running interference, and handled yourself pretty well with the Gravity Falls weirdness- and Bill too. So if you say you have a sister, then I believe you. I mean- you haven't steed use wrong before."
"Thanks Grunkle Stan." Dipper smiled. "You really think I'll make the right call here?"
"It's gonna be me or Ford in this case." He gestured to the man, who had been readying different ray guns and other weapons. The man had enough weapons to fill an armory, and his expression said even that wouldn't be enough. "So your call kid- who makes the A-team?"
"What's the A-team?" Dipper asked.
"TV show that existed long before Cartoon Network decided to show nothing but Teen Titans Go." Stan sighed. "Even before the days when kids had a reason to great up on Saturday mornings, and eat cereal until noon in front of the television. And nothing but non stop action and hardy laughs were on the tube! Ah the good old days..."
"Uh... Grunkle Stan." Dipper interrupted.
"Right Sorry." The old man stopped his rant. "So, who's it going to be?"
Dipper bit his lip slightly, mulling over his thoughts. Even though this was a big decision, Dipper came to his conclusion pretty quickly. "It's gotta be you and Ford- no one else."
"WHAT DID YOU SAY DIPPER PINES?!" Gideon shrieked. "YOU ARE NOT LEAVIN' ME BEHIND!"
"Gideon..." Dipper tried.
"You are not leavin' me behind, while my princess needs savin!" Gideon continued. "It's my turn to be the hero, Dipper Pines!"
"If that's all you can think about- then I know I've made the right call!" Dipper snapped. "This isn't about being a hero, or cool, or any other cliché archetype! This is about saving my sister, and getting life as we know it- back to normal!"
Everyone went quiet at the boy's outburst, and waited for someone to speak. Surprisingly, it was Soos who spoke up afterwords, "Come on dude... we've been on a lot of adventures together... bring us with you."
"Uh... we haven't." Robbie spoke up.
"Yeah... I'm good with staying here too." Tambry nodded. "What about you Wendy?"
The red-head scratched the back of her head thoughtfully. "I don't know... I mean it sounds awesome and can't be any worse than Weirdmaggeden."
"Yes it can. It will be worse." Ford rubbed his temple. "I still don't like the fact that you and Stan are going, Dipper. It should just be me and Fiddleford."
"Ain't nothin can get me to go see that mad man again. Besides, you need me hear to bring you back!" McGucket clearly had no intention of going to begin with, and everyone knew he was right. "Dipper's makin' the right call. Bigger party might not be the best idea, and we need everyone here in case another Weirdmaggeden hits us, or worse! Ford... you and Stan are just the muscle and guide in this! Dipper needs you two- just you two!"
"So it's cool if I stay here?" Wendy clarified.
"Young lady, your coolness will be needed here! You're the only one here who can shoot a bow, shoot a gun, know Apocalypse training- why, you're the most useful one here!" McGucket laughed.
"Hey, what does that make us? Chopped liver?" Robbie complained.
"Basically." Tambry sighed. "But seriously, we'd be no help and we're good manning the home front."
"I'd still like to go!" Soos raised his hand.
"No Soos." Stan spoke up. "You're needed to man the Mystery Shack while I'm gone. I left you in charge, remember?"
"Oh yeah!" Soos saluted. "Don't worry Mr. Pines! I won't let you down!"
"Right..." Stan then looked at Gideon, who was now staring at the dimensional gate. "You're stayin' here Gleeful."
"I'm going." The boy ignored him.
"No! You're stayin here!" Stan argued.
"You need me! I'm the only one who knows the Journals as well as Dipper and Ford!" Gideon argued.
"And as we've established, this goes beyond the Journals!" Ford yelled. "We don't even know if Bill's involved! This may be all of Rick's doing! In which case, the fewer chances of casualties we have- the better!"
"It's not fair!" Gideon exclaimed.
"And neither is forcing yourself along in this adventure, probably just be one giant liability!" Stand snapped.
Gideon immediately went silent, and turned away from the group. As Dipper watched the interaction, he couldn't help but feel bad and looked down at Waddles- who still hadn't left his side. He looked at the pig and couldn't help but smile- of course he remembered Mabel. It was because of her, Waddles was saved from Pacifica. Dipper couldn't believe his parents thought that he would've sought out the pig himself to save, much less agree to take him in. But that was the power of Mabel- she won people over, whether they wanted to like her or not.
Smiling, he pet Waddles head and walked over to Gideon. "I don't expect you to understand my decision and that's okay. I need to make sure as many people are here as possible in case this is Bill and we do have another Weirdmaggeden."
"It's all been said before, Dipper Pines." Gideon glowered.
"Yes, but I just thought of the most important job of all and Mabel will appreciate it the most- trust me." When he got Gideon to turn around, he continued. "It probably won't make her your girlfriend, but it will definitely make her like you and she'll owe you big time."
"What's the job?" Gideon asked.
"This little guy," Dipper gestured to the pig beside him, petting Waddles head. "Waddles is probably more important to Mabel than any boy band posters or jerky unicorns... he's her baby. And sense none of these guys are gonna have time to watch Waddles- or accidentally kill him in the case or Robbie and Tambry, and I honestly think Wendy's family will eat him- it should be you that takes care of Waddles while we're gone."
"...Her baby?" Gideon hesitantly pet the pig, who nuzzled his hand in return. "You are a cute little fella, aren't you?"
"So what do you say Gideon? Take of Waddles for Mabel?" Dipper held out his hand.
Looking at the hand, Gideon swallowed a lump in throat and shook it, "Promise me you'll bring her home, Dipper Pines!"
"I promise." Dipper smiled.
A sudden loud sound screeched through the room, and everyone turned to see McGucket firing up the dimensional gate. "You ready?!" McGucket yelled to the three Pines men.
Looking at his two uncles, Dipper tried to calm the anxiety and nerves he was feeling. The gate was just as intimidating as the last time he saw it activated, with his pulse seeming to merge with the electricity surges. Adjusting his backpack, Dipper walked towards the gate.
"Hey wait, little dude!" Wendy yelled, causing Dipper to stop and look at her. Without saying anything else, Wendy took off the signature cap Dipper had given to her after Weirdmaggeden and switched it back with the hat she gave Dipper. "For good luck dude. You ready?"
Adjusting his old pine tree baseball cap, Dipper smiled, "As ready as I'll ever be."