Chapter 8

Mabel's Roundtable

"Okay, okay, so this is how it's going to work out," Mabel explained to everyone. "We're all going to take turns to introduce ourselves. Yes, I know some of us have already met, but we need to catch up and be on the same page. I'm also getting some serious vibes of distrust, so this is going to be a chance to bare our souls!"

"Oooo! I'm going to love this game!" Collector exclaimed eagerly.

Cosmic magic flowed through the portals connecting all the differing timelines. In accordance with this Cheap-wheat-whatcha-ma-calls-it's instructions, another, more futuristic version of her family had reached out to another timeline to right when she and Dipper were getting ready to leave Gravity Falls. The greatest summer vacation of all time! The end of their greatest adventure; no others had even come close.

It turned out that they were also reaching out to the versions of Anne, Marcy, Sasha, Luz, and all their friends at the immediate end of their respective, crazy summers. All super young kids, because the Disney executives and powers that be would never allow young children to die so easily. Anne even came back from disintegrating after using too much magic!

They were already learning so much about each other!

With the Collector's magic connecting them all, everyone was astra projected into a dream-like world where their minds could more freely express themselves. The little murder cherub had been so accommodating when she began explaining her intentions to help everyone bond. Everyone found themselves astral projected onto an artificial plane crafted by the Collector. That way, they wouldn't have to worry about cancelling each other out. The Mabel dimension was a peculiar anomaly and was sadly not the norm throughout the multiverse.

Mr. X and three versions of Ford had already gone over the plans and everything else. It was a little too complicated for Mabel's liking, but what she did like was seeing an older version of herself.

I'm sure the other Mabels will all agree with me that this is a great idea! She beamed at the younger kids and said, "Alright, in order to do this, I need everyone to be totally honest with the whole group. If you aren't, we'll see it, so no trying to worm out of it!"

Younger Dipper groaned, "Seriously? Mabel, this is a horrible idea! I know exactly what you're going to-!"

"Each person is going to introduce themselves, their best moment, their worst, their big hope, and their biggest fear," Mabel shouted, overriding him.

"Oh, that's a great idea, Mabel!"

"You go, Mabel!"

"Thanks, other Mabels! Validation for the win!"

"But how is that supposed to help us get to know each other?" Younger Sasha asked.

"Recalling all of those things will bring up memories in their purest form! By seeing everything that we've all done, it will make this go much quicker. And we'll come to trust each other because we're all telling the truth."

"Just roll with it, dudes," all the Wendys said together.

A bunch of Amphibians from the youngest timeline were also a part of the group and taking everything in with no small amount of trepidation. But there was nothing to worry about! Middle Mabel was going to take the lead and show everyone how it was done. Once they saw that there was nothing to fear, she was certain everyone was going to get in on the exercise.

Mabel floated forward and introduced herself.

"My name is Mabel Pines. 29 years old with three degrees in glitter, fashion, and making friends!"

"Holy dang, I gotta step up my game," Older Luz said.

Younger Luz was gushing over the fact that was seeing a much cooler, older version of herself that was still with all her friends.

"One of the best moments of my life was making peace between the Squirrel Raiders and the Coalition of Annoying Unicorns," Mabel said proudly. The Collector's magic filled the space, recreating the moment. "And what is probably my worst moment was giving into Bill's tricks and starting Weirdmageddon." With those words, Collector's magic perfectly replicated the horrifying moment when Bill stepped into reality and took over Gravity Falls, breaking up Mabel's family.

As they watched the isosceles demon take on flesh and bone, Willow looked ready to hurl.

"I think we really need to take back what we said before," Amity said, hollowly.

"Suddenly, I don't feel so bad about what we did," older Marcy said, rubbing the back of her neck awkwardly. The other girls turned to give her an incredulous look.

"My greatest hope!" Middle Mabel declared. "Is that the wedding I plan for Dipper and Pacifica will be the greatest wedding of all time! And if the other Mabels will let me, I will also help plan their brothers' weddings!"

Everyone else was blinded by a flashflood of images swirling around them. Glittering cakes, zombies from underneath Northwest Manor serving hors d'oeuvres to the guests, and a chorus of singing waffles with buff arms as Ford gave away the bride. Stan and Soos and Manotaurs were best men. And there were cakes made from glitter! The expired apple cider would flow freely! And-!

"I am still processing that there are two versions of myself dating Pacifica and Wendy," Youngest Dipper muttered to Soos. "Like, how is this not any moreawkward!?"

"I don't know, dude. But I'd keep watching if I were you. Though, I'm kind of blind and queasy with all of this," Soos said uneasily.

"And my biggest fear is dying alone!" Middle Mabel shouted, summoning a grave which read 'Here Lies Mabel, No Longer Able, to Send Several Timez a Cable.' Not even Waddles was there to mourn her. The Collector's magic was way too accurate now that she thought about it.

However, glancing around, she clearly saw everyone's reactions. They were captivated by the imagery. A wide variety of emotions were passing between them. The other Mabels nodded and agreed. All three Dippers had also made sense of what they were witnessing. It made sense that her family would finally get it, but it was gratifying to watch the witches and frogs along with their human friends finally get it. They were nervous about bearing themselves, but she could read it in their faces; they would all accept her challenge.

Though she wasn't too sure about King. Who was super cuddly by the way! Her second greatest wish was to hug him and rub her face in his fur!

"Well, if this is the game and the best way to move forward, then count me in!" Younger Sprig exclaimed, floating forward. "Hi everyone, I'm Sprig Plantar, eleven years old! And I am loving seeing my older self over there! It makes me so happy to know that I get to see my best friend again in the future, which was my biggest hope, so…"

New images were conjured and swam around everyone. As Sprig spoke, Mabel and the others watched how Sprig feared losing his friends and family again, watching Younger Anne dissolve into dust and leaves after using up too much magic. He wanted to save the world again and beat these Archivists. Without knowing who they really were, large, mummified newts dressed as scholars towered over them, wielding energy swords.

Sprig's entire story played out before them with all the dangers that he dealt with every day, with a goody smile on his face. Amphibia was a way more dangerous place than Mabel or the witches had assumed. All those corpses just strewn everywhere! It was one thing to see the bones of the Titan jut up everywhere, but hundreds of individual skeletons were just haphazardly strewn about the road where the frogs came from!

But when everyone saw Sprig's best moment, it was not any one thing, but all the adventures with Anne. The tears they shared on a balcony, rescuing each other from a large snake, fighting a massive robot atop a skyscraper. To Sprig, there was no one moment, but a life made better by one great friend.

"Dude… Thank you," Younger Anne said, floating up beside her best friend.

Middle Mabel glanced over to the older versions of those two friends. Their own eyes sparkled with emotions and bittersweet memories. In the instant, she knew she could trust these two. Her sentiments were reflected in everyone else's expressions. At least eight others were floating to address the others. They came forward to bear themselves to the rest of the group chosen to save the multiverse.

BPM ZMAB WN BPM KPIXBMZ EQTT KWVAQAB WN KPIZIKBMZ AVIXAPWBA IVL KQXPMZA!

King: Family swirled around King, and the dream that he would one day be as big as his parent. He had been so consumed with the desire for power and to make a place for himself, because he felt like he didn't belong. Images of shades and skeletons faded away to reveal the people he loved so much.

Collector was so happy to see his best friend again, both the younger and older versions of him. Proof that peace could be had between ancestral enemies. King was disappointed with who he had once been, but he was so happy to finally be moving forward. And he was going to use all his powers to save the people and home he loved.

2-9-12-12 11-14-15-23-19 23-8-1-20 8-1-16-16-5-14-5-4 8-5-18-5.

Wendy: All three Wendys came together to bear themselves to the group. The progression of cool girl to hardcore woman was impressive. They had each lived a very different life from the other, but one thing they shared in common was how their lives had changed for the better by meeting the Pines Twins. But from there, they diverged.

The youngest Wendy felt her lowest point was nearly letting her friends all break up over a misunderstanding around Robbie and Tambry. Middle Wendy was still gutted about how her escape to Portland had gone up in flames. The oldest Wendy was dealing with the dredged-up trauma of losing her mother.

Perspective. The same three girls deep down in their souls, but the events of their lives had shaped them quite differently.

Sprig and Mabel began to appreciate the differences between their various selves.

Everyone else oohed and awed at the Wendys' badassery. All the times they had taken on monsters, helped saved the day, run amok with friends or Grunkle Stan. But deep down, they feared that they would ever be good enough. That perhaps the people they deeply loved would one day leave them too. Defeat was one bad misstep away.

The oldest Dipper zipped forward and hugged his Wendy.

"I'm not sure how I should feel about this," Pacifica told herself.

The youngest Dipper was very uncertain now. His barely teenage heart was hammering fast, but his mind and soul had matured enough during the summer to learn that romance was complicated and there were other things that sometime took precedence.

Collector allowed the Wendys to have a private conversation between them, muting his magical projection of their thoughts. The tough, cool girl needed a private moment.

Sasha and Grime: Older Sasha happily joined her younger self and Grime as they came forward next. Grime felt it was best to get the awkwardness out of the way as soon as possible. Plus, he was not going to let Sprig, his apprentice, show him up.

"It's great to see you again, Grimesy," Older Sasha said, giving him a hug.

"You're all grown up, and as intimidating as ever!"

"I need to be. I deal with a lot of troubled children."

"You have a load of troubled children?" Younger Sasha asked, nervously glancing at Sasha's waist.

"Hey! Don't get any funny ideas! They're not mine, I'm just their counselor!"

"Is that really what I am going to do with my future?"

Older Sasha was about to say something, but then paused. "You know, I don't have a clue. I think you're free to become whoever and whatever you want. I'm just happy with my decision, because I wanted to help others out and prevent them from doing what we did. Not that I believe any of them are going to get sucked into another dimension…"

"This is probably why the multiverse has rules against us meeting our other selves," Grime said, ouching into his one fist. "And we're holding up traffic, so, shall we begin?"

The Collector's magic allowed them to play out their events together, ruling as tyrants over the valley. How Sasha had been a horrible friend, but they also showed their journey towards redemption. Sasha learned it was better not to manipulate others. Both girls agreed that the best things and the worst things in their lives revolved around their close friends. Their one desire now was to protect everyone they loved and make sure that they never slid back to who they once were.

Grime hoped he would one day be able to play the harp again.

"That is such a beautiful dream," Luz said earnestly, eyes sparkling.

WYMS OKRTTQU NSUXG EIVQU SI APDGXEP LEXO MQ VTIERUI.

Willow: Both Willows conjured up the same history. She was a girl transformed by the early years of bullying she had endured. Both Amitys felt uncomfortable under the playback of their torment and how Willow had suffered. However, that period of bullying had primed Willow in a unique way. Meeting Luz and being inspired by this silly, out-of-place human propelled the witch along an unexpected trajectory.

Knowing what it was like to have only a few friends, to be undervalued and misunderstood, Willow was able to reach out to others with far more kindness and empathy. She embodied everything she wanted in a proper leader. However, she was undermined still by a sense of poor self-confidence. Even the older Willow was still plagued by it. And this is where the Willows began to diverge. Younger Willow really relied on her friends to pull through when she felt inadequate, but the older Willow knew they would always be there. Her relationship with Hunter was her rock, now.

"Wait, wait, wait! Please don't show them that!" the older Willow screamed, firing off spells into the Collector's magic. Embarrassing images of the two of them slinking off into the woods to-

Anne, Sasha, and Marcy covered the frogs' eyes. Grime joked, "I might go blind in my one good eye."

"Well, at least I don't have to worry about her," Pacifica muttered under her breath, blushing a little.

"Woo! You go girls," the Mabels cried out. "At least some ships sailed!"

"Why does everything have to be about romance with you?" the youngest Grunkle Stan asked.

What Collector was able to still project was Willow's ambition to continue protecting the world and the people she loved. She knew the power of the Archivists firsthand, and she was not going to let them threaten Luz's home world. Though she still deep down doubted if she was good enough.

GSVRI NFOGREVIHV IVHRWVH DRGSRM Z HGZI, NFXS ORPV DSLEROOV RH LM Z WLLNVW HMLDUOZPV.

Soos: There wasn't a single dry eye as everyone watched Soos' story and mind play out. An innocent boy abandoned by his father, who found a questionable, but ultimately true hero in Stan Pines. Despite his appearance, Soos earnestly did his best for everyone he loved and to make others happy. He was a man who throughout three timelines had found real happiness. With Melody, with the Pines, with Wendy, his Abuelita, and everyone in Gravity Falls.

He had long overcome his fear of British bulldogs, but what he feared now was losing everything he had. Everyone that made him a man with a purpose. He feared letting down Stan.

"I'm open book, I guess," Youngest Soos chuckled.

"But it's the kind of book you keep going back to," Middle Soos replied.

"And the sequels just keep getting better and better," Oldest Soos added. "Life is a wonderful journey if you go with the right people, and we have the very best! And I can't wait to save the world again with a whole bunch of new friends!"

"Why!?" Amity screamed, ugly crying. "Why is this gopher man playing my heartstrings like that toad's harp!?"

9-20'19 9-14-3-18-5-4-9-2-12-5 20-8-1-20 13-1-18-3-25'19 8-5-1-4 4-9-4-14'20 5-24-16-12-15-4-5 4-21-18-9-14-7 20-8-9-19 5-24-3-8-1-14-7-5.

Ivy: Ever an enigma, sure a friend and definitely a shippable partner for Sprig, but a mystery all the same, the older and younger Ivys took their turn. What unfolded before the others was a story of a girl who felt like she didn't fit in. She wanted adventure. She wanted to find her father. Having survived the war for Amphibia, there wasn't much that Ivy feared except to grow old or somehow become incapable of pursuing her dreams.

Her lowest points when was she lost her father and when Wartwood was demolished, but Collector's magic perfectly recaptured her joy and the experiences of reuniting with Sprig and helping defeat King Andrias and the Core.

"Another redheaded gal at heart," Young Wendy said. "We're going to be good friends."

"You guys fought a gigantic newt king?" Amity asked.

"Well, it was actually Anne who fought him," Sprig amended.

"Yeah, no big deal," younger Anne said. "I just beat him up with some space magic while K-Pop was playing."

The witches all looked at older Anne as Luz said, "And you decided to work in a zoon after that!? Woman, what were you thinking!?"

"Um… Isn't this supposed to be Ivy's time to shine?" Maddie asked.

All three Sooses nodded contemplatively before the youngest one asked, "Could we replay that whole battle charge again? That was giving me some major Princess Mononononokay of the Gorge of the Gusts vibes, and I gotta say, I was loving it! The perfect merger of medieval and futuristic technology is only second best to mecha anime!"

"Tell me more," Gus said.

Eda: Both Edas flew out to greet each other.

"That is a wicked sickle hand. I'll have to remember that," younger Eda said.

"It really comes in handy spooking the new students."

"Let me guess, you have it rigged to come off in any of them are brave enough to shake it?"

"You bet it, girl!"

Collector began conjuring up the magical images that captured Eda. The wild witch full of spunk and skill. She still regretted how things turned out between her and her family. She prized her time with Luz and was so happy to have both her blood and found families in her life.

Her lowest points of succumbing to the curse and temporarily losing her ability to wield magic still shadowed her. Despite coming to terms with the curse, its mysterious origins continued to haunt her. And it was hard to humble herself in the face of all she had lost. However, Eda was proud to be a mother figure, and the older Eda was ecstatic to be a head mistress.

"Is teaching really that much fun?"

"It is when you get to set and enforce all the rules you want!"

"Blerg! Who needs rules?"

"Trust me," the older Eda said, resting her sickle on the younger woman's shoulder. "You're going to love rules when you start dealing with horrible students."

"Woah! I think I just found myself!" the youngest Grunkle Stan shouted, pointing. "Right there, in a corner! See, right after getting hitched we returned to the hotel for some sweet, sweet lov-!"

"Collector, cut it out!" Both Edas screamed.

GSV GHXSVZKDSVGAZI DZMGH GSVN GL KRXP FK GSV KZXV.

Stan: "You sly dog. Great eye!"

"Well, the cataracts haven't robbed me of everything just yet," the youngest Grunkle Stand said. "Think we still have a chance with her?"

"No," the other two Stans answered.

United, the three of them opened their mind to the Collector so they could reveal their long, often sad, but ultimately triumphant, happy tale. As the Tale of Two Stans played out once more for everyone, Mabel whistled, "Grunkle Stan! Grunkle Ford! You two were a catch! How did you guys not get girlfriends!?"

"It's complicated," Ford said, getting hot under the color. The youngest version of himself catching Lilith's eye. He determinedly looked away.

"I made sure to revise the fanfictions," Oldest Soos assured his younger selves as the story continued unfolding.

King giggled, "You seriously married this guy, Eda?"

"Yeah, I did."

Older King and Luz had both been around Eda long enough to catch what their younger versions had not. While Eda might have found far more fulfillment with Rain, there was something about that memory and this ridiculous man that still spoke her. A small ember from an old flame. There was far more to the story than either of them were letting on.

All of Stanley Pines' virtues and vices were on full display. Hunter was glad he was no longer an imperial authority, otherwise this guy's rap sheet would be sending him up the wall. Anne and Sprig were getting excited to work with this cranky, old man; he looked like a on of fun. Hop Pop was relieved to see how much a of a family man Stan was. The fact that he sacrificed himself to help save the whole world and nobody knew about it struck a chord with the other heroes assembled.

"Whoever this Cheepa-ma-what's-it is, he got one thing right," Amity finally said.

"Tscheapwhetzar," Marcy corrected. "Come on guys, you've said it wrong like five times already! It's really not that hard to say!"

"He got together the right group of heroic weirdos to save all our timelines and worlds. We've been through hell and more, making great sacrifices and winning against all odds, despite how weak and pathetic we've been. And if Eda's ex can save the world, I don't see why we can't win either!"

NS FSTYMJW ZSNAJWXJ, YMJD FQQ FQWJFID RJY YT XFAJ HMWNXYRFX.

Hop Pop: There was only one Hop Pop in the entire gathering. He wasn't sure what to make of that. He had just been scooped up with all the youngin's when crazy, misty magic swirled out of a portal and sucked them all into this strange place. He had listened carefully to all the explanation and understood the call for unity and for everyone to get ready to save the universe. It came a little close on the heels of their great victory against the Core, freeing Amphibia. Their world's wounds were still so fresh.

It was all too close for comfort, but duty was calling.

Watching a fellow old-timer like Stan Pines expose himself after his ex had also borne her heart, Hop Pop knew that he needed to hop to it and participate. He coughed and floated forwards, saying, "I suppose it's my turn now."

"Ooooo! Hop Pop backstory!" Polly shouted. "This is going to be sweeeet!"

Hop Pop's mind was opened to everyone. His fear of death came up once again, however, it was a fear that had greatly been tempered by seeing Anne's sacrifice and himself dealing with so many close shaves. He had found more reasons to keep on living and empowering his grandchildren and friends to make the most of their lives. Furthermore, he now had Silvia back in his life.

Everyone feared death to some degree. What it would stop them from doing and what it would do to their loved ones. But for Hop Pop, it was no longer a fear that motivated all of his biggest decisions.

"Wow… I didn't want to believe that Hop Pop met Death and lost his hair, but now… Yeesh!" Older Sprig said, nervously rubbing his head full of hair.

"How could you not believe that story after we saw Polly turn into a were-frog!?" Anne screamed.

"Well, I could see that with my eyes then, but Hop Pop's tall tale…"

Ah, boy, don't scratch or rub that beautiful hair too much, or you won't need to face Death to lose it, Hop Pop thought with a chuckle.

It was tragic to replay his greatest regrets of being unable to save Polly and Sprig's parents. Then there was the time he lied to Anne and buried the Calamity Box. And there were plenty of times he made a fool of himself. But he was comforted by the fact that he had already resolved those issues with the people he loved. And it heartened him to see he wasn't the only old fogie who had screwed up so much throughout his life.

"You know, I'm not going to make buttered frog legs out of the guy," Grunkle Stan rasped. "This guy is a-okay in my book. Look at him literally punching robots! I tried that once, and it did not turn out well."

"Oh? Are we finally allowed to talk out loud about the time you got your butt kicked by an animatronic badger?" Wendy teased.

Hop Pop looked into the faces of two different timelines of the people he loved. Their feelings were reflected in their eyes. Sprig, Polly, Anne, Marcy, Sasha, and even Ivy and Maddie. And yes, Grime, too. They were all here to support him and help save the world. They didn't see him as a liability, but an asset. A great friend, mentor, and hero.

If Hop Pop were to suddenly croak his last, it had been a great life!

"Huh… I keep thinking like I've met this old frog somewhere," Younger Eda mused.

Luz steepled her pointer fingers and said, "You're right! I just can't remember it! Arg! Curse multiverse shenanigans! How many crossovers have there been without us knowing a thing about them!?"

20-8-9-19 3-8-1-16-20-5-18 9-19 23-8-25 16-5-15-16-12-5 4-15-14'20 2-5-12-9-5-22-5 3-18-15-19-19-15-22-5-18-19 23-15-18-11.

Hunter: Younger Hunter took in his older self as they floated forward to bear themselves to the rest of the group. He was covered in the same scars and bore the same tired expression, but there was a softness to his eyes that Hunter had never seen in his own reflection. Before him was a man who at peace with himself and who had found happiness doing whatever he was doing.

Hunter did his best not to pry. For a change, he didn't want to think half a dozen steps ahead. The future was going to be a surprise he wanted to enjoy to its fullest.

Well, that would be if they made sure to save the world from the Archivists. And that prospect terrified him. Collector was nearly unbeatable on his own, and he was just a kid! The other Archivists were ancient, towering, nigh-omnipotent creatures.

"Are you ready?" Older Hunter asked nervously.

He nodded in the affirmative. "Do your thing, Collector!"

"You got it!"

The Collector's magic flowed around them, pulling out and manifesting both Hunter's experiences and personalities. It quickly became clear that there was a serious gap in Hunter's past and identity. He wasn't just his own man, but the clone of Belos' brother. There was an entire history missing. That fear, that specter, that gap took the form of Belos' royal regalia striking a harsh shadow across the magic images playing out Hunter's life.

Deep down, both Hunters still feared that somehow, someday Belos could return through them and hurt the Boiling Isles.

However, that was countered by Hunter's new family. His friends made him so much better, beginning with how Gus had opened up to him, how Willow had accepted him, and how Luz inspired him. Thanks to Eda, Lilith, and their father, Dell, the older Hunter had learned far more about magic, wild magic, and the great potential there was in their abilities. Younger Hunter found himself spoiled slightly by all that he was going to learn.

No matter what, Hunter was a witch. He was loved. He belonged.

And that was all he needed.

PZ LHY KYUALPRAYQ MLZZ, SBN RVLX GH VVHX OEIVK MGXED U' MGXIC!

Dipper: It was Dipper's turn to step forward. Each timeline had a curious version of Dipper. The youngest was the overly sweaty, nervous, and still in his trademark summer clothes kind of a kid. Middle Dipper wore more stylish clothing, though stylishly rugged would be the better description. And he wore Wendy's hat. That made Younger Dipper very confused, but not as puzzled and amazed as he was (the same for Middle Dipper) at seeing the Oldest Dipper. He wore a beat-up trench coat, clearly he shaved, and he wore the pine tree hat, all battered and travel worn.

What would the magic show for these three very different Dippers?

I've dealt with my own clones, but this something else…

"Hi," Younger Dipper said, his voice cracking.

"Hahaha, yeah, I don't miss that," Middle Dipper said.

Older Dipper tipped his hat and said, "Don't worry and don't overthink it."

"You're saying that to me!?"

"Good point," Older Dipper laughed. "Let's just let this happen and get it over with."

Three very different versions generated three diverging portrayals. Younger Dipper had just gone through the most insane summer culminating in stopping Weirdmageddon. The biggest moments for him had revolved around finding the author of the journals, standing up to Bill, and forging powerful relationships with his twin sister, friends, and great uncles. He was a weak kid, and had gone through a lot humbling and growth. But he felt confident he could face the unknown future with a smile on his face and hope in his heart.

Middle Dipper had moved on from the formative summer. His life now revolved new studies and adventures, navigating his relationship with Pacifica, and preparing to join his great uncles in dealing the prevalent fallout from Weirdmageddon. He saw that summer as not the greatest moment in his life, but a springboard to something new. Nowadays, Middle Dipper dealt with trying to not let his head get too big and giving himself a break. There was no need to overthink things, which he did on the regular.

Older Dipper was an entirely different creature. He had returned to Gravity Falls the same year as Weirdmageddon to deal with Wendy's crazed ex-boyfriend, Mark Epstein, and a new god who had been suppressed by Bill Cipher's presence: Madladl. That adventure had gotten Dipper and Wendy together into a relationship, and they had been joined at the hip and hand ever since. In their quest to find her mother and deal with other monsters and happenstances that came about because of the Tscheapwhetzar's interference, Older Dipper had grown into a capable warrior and adventurer. Much like Grunkle Ford had been, but far more tempered and saner.

"Woooooah," the younger Dippers said together as the final, larger story played out.

"Don't worry about trying to fill my shoes. Each of us has a different story to live and to tell. Go out and make your own choices and hold onto the people you love most. They'll set your right and have your back no matter what."

The two Dippers agreed, promising to do that.

Older Dipper smiled warmly, thinking, Perhaps Mabel was right. If anything, having that assurance that we are fighting for more than just ourselves, but for everyone and for other versions of ourselves with their own lives… It means that we can't let ourselves lose!

He looked over to his Wendy. She returned his smile.

Yeah, this time, they were going to win no matter what.

Maddie: Maddie felt a little inadequate coming forward. All of these other humans, frogs, witches, weird gopher-men, they all had incredible histories. They were the main actors in saving multiple worlds and taking on fascinating demons, monsters, and emperors. While Maddie had played her own part in defeating King Andrias and the Core, she wasn't anywhere nearly as important as backwater frog like Sprig!

What could she possibly contribute beyond a few spells in bags?

Both Maddies acknowledged each other with a somber nod. Collector's magic swirled around them, displaying their inner heart and thoughts. At the forefront was their mad desire to meet this Bill Cipher and study him. She wanted to keep her family safe, even though her sisters still found way too many to annoy her. Both Maddies feared that their understanding of magical and the occult was lacking. Would she only ever be a two-bit witch stuck at the baker's stand in Wartwood?

Even the older Maddie, though going on adventures to the newly uncovered continent she knew that the kids and professors from Newtopia University were eying to take over the whole expedition.

I'm kinda pathetic, aren't I? Why am I worrying about any of that stuff when all of our worlds are once again at risk?

"Just remember, Maddie! You're my magic arts master!"

It was then that Maddie noticed both Marcys. The expressions on their faces clearly said that neither girl found Maddie too small or too unknowledgeable. After all, she had taught them. Even if was only a small bit that she could contribute to this quest, in two different timelines, Maddie could make a difference. And not just for Marcy, but Sprig, Ivy, Anne, Sasha, and Grime. They all knew how critical her powers could be. But more than that, they were her friends because they simply wanted to be. No strings attached.

"Alright, let's do this," Older Maddie said confidently.

12-15-15-11 9-14 7-18-1-22-9-20-25 6-1-12-12-19. 20-8-5 6-9-18-19-20 3-12-21-5 20-15 16-18-15-3-5-5-4 18-5-19-9-4-5-19 20-8-5-18-5.

Gus: Watching Maddie willingly expose her own doubts and fears gave Gus an extra push of courage. Sure, he had found his place in the Boiling Isles with great friends and had taken his magic to such a level that it was helpful to everyone. Both Older and Younger Gus knew they'd get along just fine. But if came down to saving the world again, anyone else could do more! Luz, Amity, Willow, Hunter, King, Eda…

Steadying his breath, Younger Gus joined Older Gus.

"I can tell you are not an illusion," Older Gus observed with a wry smirk. "I'd never let anyone else see just how nervous I am. Unless I was trying to trick them."

"I might be trying to trick you."

"Perhaps…" Older Gus tapped the magical mirror studded to his ear. A quite ripple emanated from him. "See, nothing there."

Younger Gus beamed. "I can't wait to get where you're at."

"Why's that?"

"Because I can tell you are one of the real cool kids. A trend setter. And I want to master my magic even more!"

"The big thing you're going to be remembered for is how you surf your staff," Older Gus laughed.

Collector's magic took hold and replayed their whole history. It was clear to everyone that Gus was a true friend, though sometimes anxiety and self-doubt gripped him, with his friends at his side, Gus was unbeatable. It was very cathartic for both Guses to watch their lives and thoughts play out. It was nowhere near as embarrassing as either had feared. Instead, they clearly saw how much they had grown.

Younger Gus laced his fingers behind his head and whistled, "Suddenly, I feel even better about our chances!"

8-21-14-20-5-18 23-9-12-12 14-5-5-4 13-15-18-5 20-8-5-18-1-16-25 1-6-20-5-18 20-8-9-19.

Ford: It was their turn. Ford couldn't put it off any longer. All three old men, though nearly identical, except for the quantities of grey hair, drifted towards each other. Ford had learned it was better to trust others than to live in fear and put himself on a pedestal. His infinitely better twin Stanley had proven him wrong in the best and had saved the world in the process.

These days, Ford was more open and forward, finding goodness and love in the world where he had only once seen prejudice, idiots, and the fascinating anomalies that he believed would give him a place in the world. It was a much more positive place to be in his life. However, he had a time trusting the men before him.

How can I be sure they've been through the same journey as myself? Even the slightest deviation from my own timeline and he could spin off to be a know-it-all prick or a megalomaniacal villain!

Each Standford was clearly thinking the same thing.

"You look really old," the Middle Ford said to Oldest Ford.

"You don't look old enough."

"And as far as I'm concerned, this is an abomination of multiversal magic, which has me questioning if we can even take on the Archivists." Youngest Ford said tersely.

"We agree," the others said in unison.

Oldest Ford added, "But I think there is hope. I know my family and I know yours. And these others look capable. My only question is-"

"-if I can trust you, too," Youngest Ford replied.

"Precisely," Middle Ford muttered.

The Collector's magic swirled about them, boring into their memories and heart. Just like with Stanley, his whole story played out for everyone. It was a little embarrassing exposing himself to strangers like this, but then again, he had written all of this down in his journals. The exact same journals he had thrown into the Bottomless Pit, consigning them to appear somewhere!

His bizarre childhood played out, and how he didn't stand up for Stan when his science fair project went bust. The shame of splitting up his family and striking it out alone, blaming Stanley that his destiny now had to be achieved the hard way. His path towards Gravity Falls and how Bill Cipher took him in.

So far, so good… We have the same history. Where does it split, if it even does?

Everyone got to see the crazy events leading to Ford's growing insanity, how Bill had tricked him, how he called Stanley to the Falls and was thrown through Bill's evil portal. His journeys across the multiverse played out in a brilliant collage of memories that filled the entire dimension.

"Wow… This guy is well traveled!" Anne commented.

"So, this is the multiverse," Luz awed. "It's what I always imagined, and yet it's even crazier than I expected!"

All the events of Weirdmageddon played out once again. Everyone who hadn't lived through it were still shocked by all of the horrors and terrifying disorder that consumed the valley. And to see how close the entire universe was to being consumed by a demonic, nightmarish, crazed party.

It was what happened after that 2012 summer where Older Ford knew things would get dicey. His story was perfectly the same as the youngest version, so he could trust him. The Older Ford continued his life adventuring with Stanley and fighting weirdness over the globe. And even though other adventures came along, Middle Ford appeared to be a true man.

It was Oldest Ford where the story clearly deviated. Just as with his great nephew, everything changed with Wendy's ex and the interventions of the Tscheapwhetzar. He and his family were the only oddity here. The ones who didn't belong in a timeline created by some mad, inscrutable being from even outside of the multiverse.

What if I am the real danger here? he wondered.

"Well, it looks like we've all led messed up lives," Youngest Ford said.

"That's putting it very mildly and child-friendly," Middle Ford replied.

"But neither of you are a danger as far as I am concerned, from what I can see here. And owing to the fact that Mr. X's instructions and this Tscheapwhetzar's call for us to go our separate ways, I think it is entirely safe to go along with this plan."

Oldest Ford didn't sigh with relief, instead letting out his anxiety by saying, "It will be a pleasure to work with you both."

He extended his hand and shook with each of them.

So, that is what a six-fingered handshake feels like. Ford thought happily, relishing the impossible moment to meet himself and not get obliterated in the process. It filled him with hope.

Polly: "Finally! My turn! My turn!" Polly shouted, half-running, half-flying to take her place. "I can't wait for everyone to see my twisted mind and awesome backstory!"

"You know, I've gotten so used to Polly as a frog, its hard to see her again as a tadpole with legs," Older Sprig said.

Younger Anne gasped. "Oh my gosh, dude! You need to tell me about this!"

"She's turned her bow into a kind of signature handkerchief. And she wears these dirty overalls that she does all her tinkering in," Sprig began describing.

"Hey! Older Sprig, don't distract from this awesome moment!"

"Ever the show girl," Younger Sasha chuckled.

"I'm getting a hankering for frog legs again," one of the Stans said loudly.

"Grunkle Stan!" Youngest Mabel shouted indignantly. "That's like saying you want to eat Waddles! How could you eat someone so cute and adorable?"

"I'm not just cute, but tough and awesome!" Polly said.

Grunkle Stand harrumphed. "Look Mabel, how many times do we have to go over this? It's not my fault that creatures like her are naturally delicious."

"You are not eating my granddaughter!" Hop Pop croaked, enraged.

"Let's just get on with this," Collector laughed, playing out Polly's story.

By this point, everyone was on board with having the Plantars as part of the group, and Older Anne was spending more time catching up with Older Sprig than anything else. However, everyone could agree, this pollywog was one tough cookie!

PODF ZPV'SF EPOF SFBEJOH CMFFE TUFBN O' TUFFM, DIFDL PVU UIF NPOBSDI NFSDFOBSJFT!

Amity: It's okay, you're only bearing your heart, soul, and weaknesses to a bunch of strangers. If Willow could do it, then so can I!

Both Amitys found their hands gently squeezed by their respective Luzes, encouraging her. With a quick hug and peck on the cheek, they were off, flying to greet one another. Subjecting herself to Collector's magic brought back some unpleasant memories. Being turned into a puppet had been such a horrifying and invasive curse, being unable to act for herself. Just thinking about it made her skin crawl.

"At least I know that we're still together," Younger Amity said, gazing over at Older Luz.

"I can't say it's always been the easiest, but it has been the best," Older Amity answered.

That was when the power took them. Images of their pasts as a bully, living in the horrible home that had once been the Blight Family. Being molded into the perfect student and tossing Willow aside. And then she met Luz and everything was turned upside down. Amity's whole world fell apart, but for the better. She found herself, helped save her family, save the whole world! And she had fallen in love.

Amity worried if she was really worthy of the good life that she had. Had she done enough to atone for the bully she had been? It was hard sometimes to accept that she had grown as a person.

The others saw all that embarrassing stuff, and the awkwardness of her falling for Luz, but they also witnessed her incredible powers, and how she would stop at nothing for the people she loved. Even facing her then-greatest fear of standing up to her family.

"Same girl," Older Amity said smugly.

"Nah, I'm younger."

"Which is why you need to stick close to your friends. Rely on them, and you'll all get through!"

3-1-14 25-15-21 2-5-12-9-5-22-5 20-8-1-20 12-1-18-19 9-19 21-19-9-14-7 20-8-9-19 3-8-1-16-20-5-18 1-19 1 6-15-18-13 15-6 1-4-22-5-18-20-9-19-9-14-7!?

Shmebulock: The strange gnome fell into the dimension, touching the Collector's magic. Before he could be zipped away to maintain everyone's privacy, the Pines heard him speak for the first time. His great curse removed by the cosmic powers held by the Collector.

"Why is there so much focus on shipping right here!? And why hasn't anyone told me how Dipper and Pacifica finally got together? And where can I find more information about this Tscheapwhetzar? And why is he collecting everyone's stories? How does our multiverse fit into a place even beyond our own plane of existence or understanding? Is it heaven or hell? And on the subject of shipping, does Anne have a bo-!?"

"Okay, out you go," Collector said, snapping his fingers and zapping the gnome back to Gravity Falls.

LBFP AOYZ NI NHANPKQ.

Lilith: Lilith felt out of place in all of this. Yes, it was grand and wonderful to observe and study, but there was no older version of herself present. Apparently, Older Lilith stayed behind to keep an eye on the Isles and Hexside. Well, that answered one question about her future.

Hop Pop and Grime were the only ones who had come with the three timelines who weren't meeting other versions of themselves. But they were beasts, anthropomorphic frogs and toads, who didn't seem to have any magical capabilities. So very different from her.

And yet I'm also going to open myself up, and admit to all my wrongs before a bunch of strangers…

The Collector's magic played out her history and character just like all the others. A girl who did something very wrong… Blinded by Belos' lies, she cursed Eda, then hunted and fought against Eda, until she realized how she had been used. Then robbed of her magic, she had been made almost powerless, until studying under Luz. From a prodigy to a national hero, to a hunted criminal and freedom fighter. Lilith's story was one of redemption, and one of lingering regret for what she had done to her sister and how that action had poisoned her family.

Why do we make these choices, she wondered, thinking back to what she had seen with Hop Pop, Stan Pines, and Ford Pines. Why do we hurt the people we love? Why do we have to make so many mistakes to find the right way for ourselves? I wish it didn't have to be like this…

Still, even if Lilith wasn't the hero and sister she wanted to be, her actions clearly bespoke someone who was trying. Someone, who by the gauge of the witches, had largely succeeded. That's what everyone else witnessed as well.

THE MOST UNEXPECTED THING IS A MESSAGE THAT ISN'T IN CODE!

Luz: It felt strange bringing up the rear. Luz was usually the first to jump into something new and crazy. She was also very open about herself, and yet she was the last to float forward and greet her other self. Older and Younger Luz weren't too much different aside from height and aura of age. Though Younger Luz noted that Older Luz was far surer of herself.

"Wow… I'm surprised no one else has said this yet, but this is like Back From the Past on magical shrooms!" Younger Luz said. "Could I destroy the whole universe by asking you the wrong question? Oh, the power! And oh the crushing fear and responsibility!"

Older Luz laughed and answered, "I think we're safe here. Ask away."

"Nah, I'm good. I'd rather go through life not knowing and enjoy every surprise. Besides… I'm not scared anymore. I know where I belong and who my friends and family are." She looked back at the whole gang from the Boiling Isles.

"That's good. Keep on doing that," Older Luz said, hugging her.

Collector's magic worked its miracles one last time, playing out for everyone. From her youngest days, to her father's passing, getting lost in school, coming to the Boiling Isles, finding a new family and friends, fighting against Belos, getting crushed to the absolute depths and clawing out a victory thanks to King's father and the support of her found family, Eda and King.

Watching it all play out again calmed Luz down. While it sucked that she and Eda never had a hot springs adventure or specific beach episode, there was so much she had accomplished in such a small amount of time. She had grown into a girl she was proud of. It was nice to know where one belonged.

Sure, she still had social anxieties and other problems to get over, but seeing everyone else exposed like this, Luz finally understood it was no better or worse than them. Everyone had their own problems and were working through them. Such a simple lesson, but one that was easily forgotten in the chaos of daily life.

Thanks Mabel. This might have taken a while, but this was absolutely the right thing to do!

8-15-16-5 25-15-21 5-14-10-15-25-5-4 20-8-9-19 5-24-16-5-18-9-13-5-14-20-1-12 3-8-1-16-20-5-18! 14-15-23, 15-14 23-9-20-8 20-8-5 19-8-15-23!

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Once everyone had gone through the proscribed process of letting the Collector play out their minds and memories, an odd sense of understanding and camaraderie settled over the three timelines. Everyone had their specific duties and role to play in this mission to save all the timelines and the whole multiverse. The youngest versions of everyone quickly huddled together. They needed to get together quickly and figure out how they were going to put a stop to all the ripple effects of crossing so many timelines and incredible powers, as well as finding a way to corner William Cryptic and help the oldest Pines destroy him. And as the youngest Wendy was quick to also remind them: find her mother.

The middle group quickly assembled and already began discussing how they were going to face off against the Archivists.

The oldest Pines prepared themselves to back into the thick of things and hunt down their old-new enemies.

Trust forged between them, an unknown timeline and impending disaster unfolding just outside their view, all the heroes across three worlds and three very different stories activated their communication spells. The Collector opened their respective doors and each group stepped into their newest adventure.