"I woke last night to the sound of thunder/How far off I sat and wondered/Started humming a song from 1962/Ain't it funny how the night moves?/When you don't seem to have as much to lose/Ain't it funny how the night moves?/With Autumn closing in..." - Bob Seger.
Robbie had been right. While they had been roaming around in the underground maze, the rest of the town was indeed decimated due to the overwhelming number of monsters roaming around and wreaking havoc. It took several weeks for the townsfolk to repair the damages; it unfortunately did not magically fix itself after the Mystery Shack company banished Bill. The mayor even tried to issue a bill ordering Gravity Falls residence to forget the unpleasantness, calling it the "Never-Mind-All-That" Act, but unfortunately some scars are too deep to forget, too ingrained within the mind to ignore.
Nonetheless, it was a joyous occasion as the word spread throughout the town that the representatives of the destiny wheel had vanquished the malefactor that was Bill Cypher. What Pacifica had told her mother had been correct; this was good PR. She showed that a Northwest could work with the common people and even become close friends with them, that their elitist barrier they had held for so many years was only paper thin, and when it came to uniting against a common enemy, that barrier would easily break. It was then even more unfortunate that she and her family had lost their house, due to her father's stock investment in harnessing "weirdness bubbles" for scientific research. The irony was that the local hobo genius moved in once the property was up for sale. Preston was at least able to make enough back for a large condo within town for the three of them to live. Needless to say, it was more than a little shock to the system for Pacifica, especially when she learned a deceased, disgruntled, former Northwest Mudflaps employee was haunting her room. Was there anyone in town her family had not hurt? She had her work cut out for her when it came to fixing her family's name.
The Pines twins had enjoyed their summer, but summer would not last forever. Autumn would soon be here, another sign of the passage of time and a time for decay and new growth. All part of growing up.
Ford had once again seen the importance of family from their ordeal in the cave, and while he would have offered Dipper an apprenticeship in Gravity Falls, he understood the folly in this in that it would separate him from his beloved, off-the-wall batshit crazy but charming sister and did not press the matter. While he did desire to tour the globe with his brother again, he still felt the weight of age upon him and knew that someone would still need to continue his research of the weirdness of Gravity Falls. But who?
Nonetheless, he would enjoy the festivities of the twins' birthday party, of which the whole town was now taking part. He sat on the steps of the newly repaired Mystery Shack and watched Mabel talk to her friends, whom she hadn't seen through the ordeal.
"So, what did you two do during the Weirdmageddon?" Mabel asked.
"OH IT WAS INCREDIBLE!" Grenda exclaimed.
"Yes," Candy said, "We went looking for you at the Mystery Shack, only to see it in shambles."
"WE WERE SO WORRIED!" Grenda explained.
"We thought that yellow triangle thing had killed you," Candy continued, "That's when Mr Long Beard McGucket showed up and convinced us to fight back against the monsters."
"HE HELPED US TURN THE HOUSE INTO A GIANT ROBOT!" Grenda shouted, "IT WAS THE COOLEST THING EVER!"
"Yes, indeed," Candy replied, her eyes alight with excitement, "The very transhumanist creation of which I've been dreaming. Full human improvement. With the help of some of the friendlier forest monsters, we erected a giant mecha from the parts of the house. We controlled it through mental and physical connectors. We and our weapons were one with each other. With it, we helped the national guard fight most of the monsters in town."
"AND I GOT TO PUNCH A 100-FOOT SQUID-FACED GARGOYLE BACK INTO THE GRAVITY FALLS LAKE!" Grenda added. Mabel thought for a moment.
"That gargoyle thing," Mabel asked, "It wouldn't have gone by the name of Cthulhu would it?"
"WHAT'S A CTHULHU!?" Grenda asked.
"Dunno," Mabel said, "But I think I saw it in one of Grunkle Ford's journals. But it doesn't matter. I'm back here with my best friends on my birthday!"
"We're happy to be here for you, Mabel," Candy said, hugging her.
"WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE OKAY!" Grenda said, getting in on the group hug, "AND WE'RE GLAD YOU AND THE GROUP STOPPED THAT LOUD MOUTHED DORITO!"
"He was really annoying when he appeared in town," Candy said, "But through it all, I think I gained a new-found liking to robotics. I would love to research how to design and build them."
"AND I WOULD LOVE TO PILOT AND CONTROL THEM AGAIN!" Grenda said, "MORE STUFF TO PUNCH!"
"Greetings, ladies," Ford said, walking up to them, "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation."
"Hello, Mr. Pines." Candy said.
"THANKS FOR HELPING OUR FRIEND!" Grenda said, "WISH WE COULD HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THE FINAL SHOWDOWN!"
Ford knelt down. He always felt it was important to meet the level of those with whom he was speaking.
"Listen," he said, "I'm sure you're well familiar with my vast studies in science and the paranormal. I've actually been considering starting an internship program in studying the preternatural and supernatural forces surrounding the town. Candy, Grenda, if you two would be interested in becoming part of this program, you could easily continue your exploration into your interests in engineering and new robotic design. I'm moving my lab from beneath the Mystery Shack to McGucket's new mansion, where we could have a chance to have more space and better facilities. With all the strangeness that continues to take place throughout this town, it would be like an adventure every day. And don't worry; I would work it around your school and music camp. What do you say?"
"WORK ON COOL ROBOTS andapossibleteleportertoMarius'house IN PACIFICA'S OLD MANSION?" Grenda exclaimed, "YOU GOT YOURSELF A DEAL, MR PINES!"
"Indeed, we gladly accept your offer, Mr. Pines," Candy said, musing to herself, "I've already got a new design in mind. It could be a robot that could play video games and tell jokes. I'm thinking of calling it BMO."
Mabel pulled Ford aside near one of the glittery park tables Wendy had helped set up for the party.
"Grunkle Ford," Mabel said, pausing for a moment to think on her words, "Thanks for offering that to my friends. But I know deep down, you wanted to offer that to Dipper after you two got to know each other. What was the change?"
Ford chuckled and shook his head in amusement.
"And separate the new Mystery Twins?" Ford asked facetiously, "Ha! It'd be remiss of me to separate you and your brother. You two clearly need each other. Two halves of a whole that no one should ever disassociate from each other. So, why not offer this to your friends? They're like an extended family anyway, right?"
Mabel smiled, overcome with joy.
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you," Mabel squealed, throwing her arms around him, "Oh, I know it means so much to them, and to me for staying near Dipper."
The party went off stupendously. Stan announced Soos would be the new head of the Shack, Mabel smashed the memory-wiping machine as a sign she would never forget any of the townsfolk, and the twins both blew out their cake. Dipper said something to the crowd.
"You know, on my first day here," he began, "If you had asked me what I wanted, I would have said...adventure, mystery, true friends, but looking here at all of you I realize that every wish came true. I have everything I wanted."
"Thanks to y'all savin' us," Gideon shouted from the crowd, "I learned to open my heart to kindness. No more evil doin'."
"Promise, Gideon?" Mabel shouted back.
"Promise," Gideon said with a wink, "Lil' Gideon, regular ol' kid!" As he said this, he thought of what his prison friends could do to anyone who would dare bully him.
Pacifica looked over at him. He had come a long way since since he had first met the twins; maybe she could make the same improvements to herself. Or perhaps she already had. Hopefully the twins saw this. She wouldn't stop putting up the tough front she always had, but she was going to do her best to keep her temper and her judgmental attitude in check.
But the question still remained of what the twins thought of the gifts she picked out for them.
"Hey, you two," she called out, "When are you going to open your presents? I broke a nail wrapping them." She held up her hands, still covered in scotch tape, which got a laugh out of them.
And of course they were pleased with the new custom made putter and Ghost Harassers DVD set. Was there ever any doubt?
And so the day came to an end. The group was gathered at the bus stop. Mabel said goodbye to Candy and Grenda, telling them they were always going to be her best friends.
"And Pacifica," she said, throwing her arms around Pacifica's neck, "I'm glad we could finally be friends."
"Yes, I am, too," Pacifica said, gently pushing her off, "And I'm sorry I was so mean to you…To all three of you. Candy, you're obviously really smart, and your quirks really are endearing. And Grenda, you've really got this Gina Carano, Joan Laurer thing going for you; don't lose sight of it."
"AWW, IT'S OKAY, PACIFICA!" Grenda shouted, bear-hugging Pacifica, causing her to gasp, "ANY FRIEND OF MARIUS IS A FRIEND OF MINE!"
"Yes, we forgive you Pacifica," Candy said, patting her on the shoulder, "And if you want to date Dipper, I won't get in the way."
"You had a crush on him, too?" Pacifica asked, eyebrows raised.
"Oh yeah," Mabel answered, "It's been an ongoing three-way battle all day between you, Candy, and Wendy."
"MABEL AND I HAVE BEEN TAKING BETS," Grenda said excitedly.
"So now that Candy's out of the race, it's down to you and Wendy," Mabel said, looking over at Dipper and Wendy exchanging hats, "If you want to make your move, now is the time to do it."
Looking at the two of them, Pacifica clinched her fists. The jealousy she was feeling was purely irrational, especially since she knew their relationship was platonic (she did have plenty of conversations with her at the birthday party regarding it), but her rage built nonetheless.
Just after Wendy gave Dipper the note that everyone had signed, Pacifica stomped over to where they were.
"And I think this awesome girl here has something she wants to give you, too." Wendy said. Pacifica pushed her index and middle fingers into Wendy's stomach and pushed her back, shooting her a glare, as if to say "Back off." Pacifica looked back at Dipper, a somewhat surprised look on his face. She looked him over, trying to come up with something to say. After all they went through, after all the development they went through this summer as the people they would become, what could she really say to this boy she had come to adore? After staring at each other a moment, he finally smiled at her and took her hand.
"It's okay," he said, "Just try to relax and let loose for once."
"Dipper," Pacifica finally replied, "I'm...I'm really going to miss you..."
"I'll miss you, too," he said, laughing back at her.
"Don't laugh," Pacifica said, "This is really hard for me." She paused for a moment. But the pause was too long. She looked back up at him, and her instincts reacted. She immediately kissed him, this time much longer and more passionately than she had. Dipper realized he felt tongue this time.
Wendy and Mabel both smiled at this.
"OH MAN," Grenda said, "I LOST FIVE BUCKS." She handed five dollars over to Mabel, who accepted it enthusiastically.
"You better Skype call me every day, you understand, Dork?" Pacifica stammered. "You hear me? Otherwise, I'm going to miss you and your sister too much!" He could tell she was starting to tear up. Wendy handed Pacifica the "See you next summer!" note everyone had signed, which she then handed to Dipper.
"We will, don't worry," Dipper said, "As often as we can."
And so, the group watched the twins (and their new pet pig) climb on the Greyhound bus back to California. They all ran after them, waving at the window and shouting their goodbyes. Pacifica was distraught, perhaps more than the rest of them, but she was doing her best not to show it, choking back her sobs.
"It's okay, kiddo," Stan said behind her, "We're all missing them already."
"Miss Northwest, if I may," Ford began, "I'm starting an apprenticeship program with McGucket Industries. Candy and Grenda here have already signed on board. You have a more exceptional mind than you may believe and have shown a great resilience and resolve within the cave when we were facing Bill; I think you would fit in nicely. I spoke briefly with Preston and Priscilla regarding it, and they seemed to agree so long as we could work it around your school schedule. Just think, you could still visit your old home while gaining a new vocation in science, or business if you prefer, given your family's history. I'll sit with the three of you and work out the details if you would be at all interested."
He paused; he could see that she was confused by this.
"The other reason I ask is because I know you're still having nightmares and visions of the Yithian world. I would like if I can to perhaps analyze this and put a stop to it, to finally give you peace of mind and better sleep. You may not believe it, but despite your parents' demeanor, they are concerned for you, and that's one of the reasons they agreed to this."
"AND WE'LL HELP YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY!" Grenda said.
"Gravity Falls nightmares have ended," Candy said, "It's time for yours to end, too."
Pacifica smiled. Even if her home life was terrible, she at least had some real friends on whom she could rely. And if it meant getting rid of whatever was haunting her dreams, she would do it.
October 31st, 2012
"Can you believe it?" Pacifica groaned to her laptop screen, Dipper being on the other end, "Halloween fell right in the middle of the week this year!" She was dressed as a black cat this year.
"Tell me about it," Dipper said; he was dressed as Batman. "We've got school the next day! Ugh! At least I finished my homework beforehand."
"You're one up on me there," Pacifica said, "I've still got about a paragraph or so left on my science report for tomorrow. But hopefully it won't be too hard. It doesn't help that the teacher gets on my last nerve. Something about his voice, I don't know."
"Hi Pacifica!" Mabel shouted, popping up on the screen. She was dressed as her interpretation of the Carrie Kelly Robin. "Tell her the good news already, Dipper!"
"Well, we were going to surprise you," Dipper began, "But we're coming back up for Winter Break, along with mom and dad this time!"
"That's great!" Pacifica said, "I was hoping you two could bug the crap out of me again sooner than next summer."
The three kids laughed.
"Mom and dad are ready to go!" Mabel said to Dipper, "Bye Pacifica! Happy Halloween!" With that, she raced off screen through the bedroom door and down the hall.
"You, too," she responded, rubbing her temple. "Sometimes, I wish I could bottle your sister's energy."
"I could use an energy boost myself to get through some of my classes," Dipper said, "But...it'll be really nice to see you again."
"It will," Pacifica said, smiling awkwardly, "Now go on, Dipstick! We both have people waiting on us!"
"Sure, princess," Dipper said, "Bye for now! Happy Halloween!"
"You too, nerd!" Pacifica said, she paused to blow him a kiss, closed the Skype call, and shut the laptop. She then raced down the stairs where Candy, Grenda, and two of her other friends were waiting.
"What took so long?" one of her friends asked.
"Just had an important call," Pacifica said, grabbing her bag off a nearby chair near the front door.
"And why did you invite the nerds?" her other friend asked, pointing to Candy and Grenda, "They've been weirding us out the whole night."
"Hey, they may be weird, but they're still my friends," Pacifica said, "Give them a chance, okay?" She walked over to Candy and Grenda. "So what are you two dressed as?"
"I WAS KIND OF GOING FOR THIS POST-APOCALYPSE THING!" Grenda said, "MY DAD JUST SHOWED ME THESE OLD MOVIES CALLED THE MAD MAX SERIES, AND I GOT THE IDEA FROM THAT! AND LOOK!" She held up her arm, showing a robotic, light-up glove that reached up to her shoulder, "I MADE THIS IN ONE OF MCGUCKET'S LABS!" She threw a punch in the air and grunted.
"And I'm wearing a costume based around my new BMO designs," Candy said, making a "Bee-upe!" noise afterward.
Pacifica paused.
"You both look great," she said, patting the air with her hand as if to reassure them.
The night continued, and the group visited plenty of residences when, at one point, Pacifica looked off between two of the houses and saw something between the trees of the back woods near the suburban neighborhood. It looked like a large dragonfly, but it's head appeared to be glowing. It showed red, blue, and green colors and continued to change. The odd thing is that it kept staring at her. She heard what sounded like the beating of wings from a large swarm of insects and saw the thing begin to move from behind the tree. This was not any normal insect; it was now clearly the size of a Clydesdale horse. She then saw what looked like more of the red, blue, and green flashing lights in the distance above the tree line, appearing similar to the aurora borealis. The thing dashed towards her from between the trees and…
Pacifica then found herself again in the ancient city of Pnakotus where she was closing a book with her claws and placing it on a large shelf full of other books.
"No one must find these," she heard an ethereal perversion of her voice say.
"Nyarlathotep will seek them out," another Yithian said from behind her.
"He is already making his way to Earth from the second dimension," her own voice said again, "We will be sure he does not take a physical form. I have already projected my consciousness into a young woman three billion years from now."
"Indeed, The Old Ones will not win," the other Yithian said.
Just then, Pacifica's vision changed. She was now hovering over ancient Egypt, where Nyarlathotep, the Crawling Chaos and Dark Pharaoh, stood over an enslaved multitude high atop the stairs of a wondrous golden palace. He wore a golden triangular headress and threw out his arms, as if to command the multitude to continue their adoration of him. He then laughed hideously, the sound flooding the air like poisonous gas.
She recognized the laugh. It was clearly Bill's.
The next thing she knew, she was resting against the tree of one of the houses, an ambulance blaring its lights from the street, and some EMTs, her friends, Priscilla, and Ford all standing over her.
"What?" she mumbled out, "What happened? Where am I?"
"You're safe, sweetie," Priscilla said, "You're okay now."
"You fainted, passed out, and started foaming at the mouth," Candy said.
"I CALLED 911 RIGHT AWAY!" Grenda said.
"We were so worried," her two other friends said in unison.
"Is she going to be okay, Dr. Pines," Priscilla asked, a genuine concern in her voice Pacifica did not recognize.
"Yes," Ford said, "We will do what we can to put an end to this. No more night terrors for you, young lady."
December 22nd, 2012
After some time and many brain scans, the horrid nightmares and dreamscapes eventually ceased. Pacifica was able to return to a normal life with better sleep. As soon as December rolled around, she, along with the rest of Gravity Falls, were all excited to see the return of the Pines twins.
The group waited at the bus stop near the Mystery Shack. The air was frigid, a light snow covered the ground, and pines were still caked in frost. The sky was a light blue with the sun giving a slight vermillion tent in the east, thick clouds stifling its spread; it was an interesting clash of colors similar to modern water color paintings.
"I'm not complaining," Wendy said, "I'll be glad to get to see them again, but did they have to come this early in the morning?"
"They wanted to enjoy as much daylight as they could," Stan said, "I'm sure there's quite a bit of this town the twins want to show their parents,"
"How were your sailings in the arctic sea, Mr. Pines?" Candy asked.
"Harrowing," Ford said, "But we now have quite a few new interesting stories and plenty of paranormal data to research."
"And I found plenty of treasure and a really hot babe," Stan said, "Even my nerdy brother here met this Russian chick who I think had a thing for him."
"Yes, well, I…" Ford stammered, blushing.
"Guys, look," Pacifica shouted, "I see them coming!"
Sure enough, the bus appeared over the hill in the distance and came closer in no time at all. The vehicle finally stopped, the door opened, and Mabel leapt forth from the stairs.
"We meet again, Gravity Falls!" she shouted in her usual comic fashion.
Dipper stepped off from the bus as well, holding plenty of books and packages in his arms.
"Dipper!" Pacifica said, throwing her arms around his neck, causing him to drop everything in the road, "I'm so glad you came back!"
And there we have it, and end to the story. I've worked on this for over a year now. I had fun working on it, and I hope you had fun reading it. It's a very Pacifica centered story. I guess I kept going with it because I was kind of annoyed that they gave this character some development and backstory and didn't do anything with it. But I hope I've remedied that at least a little. Also look up the song "Freddy the Red-Brained Mi-Go" to get an idea of what Pacifica saw in the woods.