AN: Hey everyone! I'm back! Sorry for the long wait yet again. I've been super busy and wanted to focus on my books. Speaking of which, if you are a horror-fiction lover like me, then you can check out my work. My books: Town of Horror and The Real Nightmare are great for the thrill-seeking readers to get into. Available on Amazon, Barns&Noble, and Booksamillion websites for paperback and ebooks. But anyways, I hope you enjoy this new series I came up with for Gravity falls fanfiction.
Disclaimer: Gravity Falls is owned by Alex Hirsch, Disney, and Disney Television Animation. All rights reserved.
Warning. Chapter contains: Profanity, violence, and death threats. Reader's discretion is advised.
Chapter 1 The hard decisions.
The year was 1204 during the middle of spring. Early in the morning, in the country side of the village Piedmont, grunting could be heard along with wooden sword clashes by the neighboring village…
"Come on Dipper! You will never get made into a squire if you keep holding back like this!" Mabel yelled after she knocked Dipper back with her strike.
"I'm trying! But it's not fair considering you're not only a girl but also my sister!" Dipper stressed.
"My gender has nothing to do with it Dipper. Father told us years ago when we were children that there were female bandits took out his men in a scrimmage. They too hesitated just because they were women and they died!" Mabel stressed.
"I…I know that but still…" Dipper said until he was met with another one of Mabel's blows.
"No buts! Or I will kick yours! Fight like you mean it Dipper. Women will respect you more if you treat them like equals instead of something that's fragile." Mabel lectured.
"…Understood." Dipper simply said.
Suddenly, the local bell tower rung and Mabel and Dipper stopped their sparing match…
"It's the morning breakfast bell. Let's go bro bro." Mabel said as she and Dipper hurried back to town but not before stashing their wooden swords so their father won't find out.
In the town square people were lining up to get their daily breakfast which was given to the local populace that either paid taxes to the local lord, Sir David Pines, or had contributed labor for the town.
Mabel and Dipper were David's only two children. However, his wife Caroline was brutally murdered two years ago while in transit to the royal capital. Bandits ransacked her carriage and killed her along with her guards. At least that is what the official report said when the capital scouts came to tell Lord David what they had found. However, neither Dipper nor Mabel would accept that is what happened. So for the last two years, both secretly practiced swordplay in the woods to hone their skills and become a knight's squire once they become the age of 18.
"Oh, young Dipper and lady Mabel it's so nice to see you two again." Lady Susan, the town's cook, said as Dipper and Mabel approached the food table once it was their turn to get their breakfast.
"Good morning Mrs. Susan. It's nice to see you again as well." Dipper said.
"My how you two have grown! I remembered it like it was yesterday when you both were running around the town and playing games with the local kids. Now you both are almost grown adults now." Susan said.
"Yeah, next year we decided to move to the capital once we are officially adults and Father gives us his blessing." Mabel said.
"It's going to be so lonely here once you two are gone. Please be safe when that day comes." Susan said.
"Thank you. We will." Both Dipper and Mabel said at the same time as they took their food.
.
.
.
Meanwhile in the royal capital of Gravity falls…
"Pacifica!" Queen Priscilla Northwest called from the hall to Pacifica's room.
"Yes, Mother?" Pacifica answered as she emerged from her room in her bedroom dress.
"Your father, the king, has decreed that you should find a suiter next year once you come of age." Priscilla said.
"Must this happen Mother? Can't I not decide when I want to be wed?" Pacifica argued.
"No. If you do not choose by next year, we will choose for you. Now, get ready. Nobels from across the kingdom will be arriving tonight and we shall host them in the great hall. This would be a golden opportunity to search out potential suiters for next year. Keep that in mind my daughter." Priscilla stated as she took her leave.
Pacifica went back into her room and fell to her bed. She then screamed her frustration in her pillow. She hated how she was being controlled and she especially envied the lower class to have the true freedom she deeply desired. Especially when it came to the matter of love.
Pacifica didn't have any love interests to speak of but she longed for the right to decide whomever she wanted on her own time. She didn't want to be slapped with a man that she knew nothing about. More still, it would be a young man from nobility that wouldn't know the first thing about winning her heart. This was all to ensure the royal bloodline isn't tainted by a commoner or from someone from lower status. There was nothing romantic about this soon to be engagement.
Suddenly, a knock could be heard from Pacifica's door…
"Princess Pacifica? It's time for your bath milady." A maid said announcing it from the door.
"Very well." Pacifica said as she was still annoyed but was ready to get this day over with.
.
.
.
Back with Dipper and Mabel
Dipper and Mabel finished their breakfast then went back to their house where they lived with their father. Upon opening the front door and walking inside, both were immediately approached by their father David Pines with a stern look on his face.
"Dipper, Mabel, I heard you two were sparing again out in the woods. Is this correct?" David questioned.
"N-No Father!" Both Dipper and Mabel said in nervousness knowing that they weren't supposed to be but David knew better.
"How many times have I told you two that swordplay is forbidden for our family. We're nobles even if we are the lowest ranked in all the kingdom. By right, neither of you should even mingle with the common rabble. However, I gave you free reign because I thought it would build good character and to familiarize with everyone to gain their support once one of you becomes the next lord or lady of this domain." David said.
"But Father! We want to live our own lives once we come of age next year. Why can't we give up our right to nobility to pursue our own path?" Mabel questioned.
"Like I said, this family is of nobility. I can't allow both of you to give up your right to rule this domain. Especially since your mother died and cannot produce another heir. At most, I might allow for one you to leave but the other must stay with this family to continue our rule. However, that will be your decision to make once the time comes." David said.
"Yes Father." Dipper and Mabel said defeated by what their father said.
"Now I want you both to wash up and get changed into your formal wear." David said.
"Why?" Dipper asked.
"Because we were invited to the Northwest family's gathering tonight in the kingdom's capital in Gravity Falls. If we attend, we will gain the financial support that will help our village survive the upcoming winter later this year." David said.
"Yes Father." Dipper said and left with Mabel to get ready for tonight's party.
Several miles away in the dark territory…
Deep in the dark mountains, a gathering of 5 evil monster lords was happening in a great hall of a cathedral…
"Welcome to my home. It's so nice to see you all again." A vampire mistress greeted.
"Can it you old leech! I only left my pack to see what the problem was, Veronica. I don't want to spend more time with you than I have to!" A werewolf pack lord snarled.
"Come now Tor, you don't have to be so hostile towards our host. I'm sure Lady Veronica's issue is genuine. Why else would she summon all of us here?" A dark elf lord stated.
"True Sir Vold. Though, this is quite rare. Even I, Lord Decar the undead king, rose from my grave to answer her call." The zombie lord Decar said.
However, the fifth lord stayed silent while he stood in place in his black robes and with his hood covering his head…
"Right then. I called you all here to discuss the alliance soon to happen between the human, dwarf, gnomes, and light elves. These races never before worked with each other but now intend to forge this union in order to start hunting down our races." Veronica stated.
"Snarl. Those weak races can't do us any harm! They would regret their folly in the attempt!" Tor shouted.
"We dark elves have been waging a secret war with the light elves for a millennium. So, it would make sense that our ancient enemies would seek help now given our old stalemate. However, is your intelligence accurate that those filthy dwarves are joining this alliance? They hate all elves both light and dark. Also, they don't trust humans because they steal their technology and ore." Vold explained.
"Yes. From what my scouts have told me in many reports leading up to this alliance, the dwarf king and human king had come to an agreement to exchange their cultural skills and to stop the theft. To our knowledge, money had also been paid to the dwarven kingdom in apologies to reconcile and repair the tarnished relationship between human and dwarf." Veronica stated.
"That still doesn't explain the light elves. Sounds like you are hiding something vampire queen. You might have lived a few centuries, but us elves have lived over a thousand years before your brood even existed. So, we know when someone isn't telling us the whole truth!" Vold said as he started to get angry.
"My apologies. The dwarves had come to an agreement with the light elves to help them with their metal work in exchange for the light elves' blessing of nature to grow better crops in their northern lands. Despite their hatred for elves, the dwarven survival depended on their food. So, in their humility, they brokered a deal with their old enemies." Veronica explained.
"Why would they come after us though? We hadn't any interaction with any of them for almost a century?" Decar asked.
"It's because they know we still pose a threat. This alliance will take place after the summer when autumn begins. All four of the races will house their monarchs in the gnome kingdom which is a neutral territory. The alliance will be forged in a treaty signed on magical paper binding each one of them to obey it throughout their bloodlines. Once signed, they will begin their plans to wipe us out." Veronica explained.
"So, all we would have to do is stop it before it happens! I will gladly rip all their heads off and my pack would feast on their flesh!" Tor shouted.
"I agree action should be taken. However, we must move discreetly." Vold stated.
"My children can easily take care of the humans during the cover of night." Veronica said.
"And my undead necromancers would reanimate the corpses to fill out our ranks." Decar said.
"I hate to disagree with any of you on your plan of attacks…" The mysterious fifth lord finally spoke which got the attention of everyone.
"But perhaps a deal can be struck." The lord said as he took off his hood and revealed his demonic yellow eyes that had blue flames coming out…
Back in the human realm…
Dipper and Mabel spent the long carriage ride in boredom not caring for the stupid party they would have to attend…
"Dipper. I know it's not prudent or to your liking but Princess Pacifica Northwest is to soon find a suiter. Perhaps you could get in her good graces. Who knows, you might become the next king someday if you marry. Hahaha." David joked.
"Very funny Father. You know we aren't even considered by the royal family, let alone to be engaged by them." Dipper said.
"Oh, come on Broseph! You need to find a girlfriend! All the other girls back in our village wanted to get with you but you turned them all down! Be more flexible!" Mabel teased.
"And what about you Mabel? You not only turned down 3 of the local boys but severely injured 2 of them." Dipper replied back.
"Sigh…Don't remind me please! It's bad enough I had to apologize on Mabel's behave but also had to pay for their medical treatment." David said as he recalled the occasions in distress.
"Hey! They deserved it for trying and failing to seduce me with empty promises. If any man can't handle me in fair combat, then I shall not settle for anyone." Mabel said while crossing her arms in her pride which only made both Dipper and David sigh again in frustration knowing it's hopeless for Mabel's love life.
Finally, the Pines family arrived to their destination… The great town of Gravity Falls, the kingdom's capital…
Once inside, the carriage continued towards the direction of the royal castle. Dipper and Mabel saw outside their window, commoners were glaring at them with distaste and disgust. Especially since nobility was seen as an annoyance when the taxation was raised to pay for their upcoming alliance with the other kingdoms. But in all actuality, it was to fill the coffers of the King and his family…
"Ignore them you two." David said.
"But Dad, why are they angry at us? We don't live in the kingdom's capital. So why would they glare at us like we are evil?" Mabel asked.
"It's because we are nobility. Regardless if we lived here or not, the populace deemed nobility to be a blight on their lives just because one of us made their lives harder to live. In short, there is nothing we can do since we are the lowest ranked of the nobles. At best, we can make our opinion heard at the next annual meeting but that's it. Nothing will come of it unless all parties agree at the subject at hand to change what needs to change." David explained.
"I-I understand…But I just feel so bad for them." Mabel said.
"It's like Dad said Mabel. We can't help everyone unless someone helps with us too. It's a losing battle all the way around. Everyone in nobility would have to be on the same page but that's easier said than done." Dipper said.
"Sir. We are nearing the royal castle." The carriage driver said.
"Very good. Alright you two. Remember your manners and only speak when spoken to. Understood?" David questioned.
"Yes Father." Both Mabel and Dipper said in unison.
"Good." David said.
The carriage turned towards the right as the road connected to the royal castle looped around for all that arrived. Once it was their turn in line, the Pines family exited the carriage. This was actually Dipper and Mabel's first time being at the castle or even the kingdom's capital for that matter but it was a marvel to behold.
Dipper and Mabel were stunned at the sheer size the castle as they gawked at the whole building. Suddenly, one of the butler servants came up to the Pines family and greeted them…
"Welcome Sir David. You and your offspring shall follow me while your baggage is to be carried in. On behave of the royal family, we welcome your attendance and stay." The butler said.
"Wait! Stay?" Dipper and Mabel said which gained a glare from both the butler and David.
"What did I just tell the both of you in the carriage?" David said.
"Sorry Father." Dipper and Mabel said.
As the butler guided them towards the main doors of the castle, David further explained the situation…
"The reason why we are staying, is because the roads are too dangerous during the night. All noble families that live many miles away from the royal capital are expected to stay less they would be attacked during the night by bandits or creatures on the road. One last time. Please be on your best behavior once inside. Greet our host and thank them for their hospitality." David stressed to his children.
"Yes Father." Dipper and Mabel said.
The doors finally opened up and the inside main hall was filled with guests. Dipper and Mabel saw with awe at the expensive décor inside the castle. Everything from the red velvet carpeting, the massive chandeliers hanging above, the elegant lighting around the great hall lit up the place beautifully, and the lovely music the bards were playing while the guests feasted on the most exquisite food in all the kingdom.
"Sir David. May I present his royal highness and family." The butler presented with a gesture.
David immediately dropped down on one knee and posed in a sign of respect. Dipper and Mabel did the same once they noticed their father's action.
"Raise your heads." King Preston ordered and the Pines family did as told.
However, once Dipper laid eyes on the royal princess Pacifica, his heart skipped a few beats for a moment but then immediately looked at the king as he began to talk…
"Sir David Pines…" King Preston said.
"My lord." David responded.
"Truly has been a while since your attendance has been seen. This lack of visitation is very offensive to the crown. Honestly, every noble should make an effort to appear to the capital at least once a year to accept my generosity and tribute." King Preston said which slightly irritated Dipper but he kept his cool.
"My apologies my lord. Due to my wife's death, these past few years had been hard to make an attempt to see your grace." David said.
"Pfft! Pathetic excuse!" Priscilla spoke which angered both Dipper and Mabel but still held their tongue because of what their father told them.
"Yes. Such a lazy reason to blame a death of a lowborn commoner you married to not arrive at my beckon call." King Preston remarked which infuriated the Pines family.
"In any case, it doesn't matter now. The whole ordeal shall be forgiven." King Preston said.
"Thank you…my lord." David said in frustration but did his absolute best to stay calm.
"Indeed…You should be grateful. However, the matter of the two-year absence shall be penalized. So, this year's tribute for the Pines family shall be cut in half." King Preston said which angered Dipper to the point of no return.
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!" Dipper shouted which quieted the whole room…
"MINDLESS CUR! KNOW YOUR PLACE!" King Preston shouted in anger.
"I am deeply sorry my lord! I shall punish the boy for his insolence!" David begged.
"See that you do! I will not tolerate this! Your tribute will now be cut in half yet again!" King Preston shouted as he took his leave with his family that followed.
The rest of the guests whispered and gossiped afterwards but David ignored that as he grabbed Dipper by the wrist roughly and walked him away from the crowd…
"You're coming with me." David simply said.
"Wait! Dad!" Mabel protested.
"You stay here! I need to talk with your brother alone!" David ordered and Mabel had no choice but to obey.
Once Dipper and David were secluded down a vacant hallway, David stopped and yanked Dipper in front of him…
"WHAT IN THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING!?" David shouted as he could not hold in his anger any longer.
"What do you want me to say Father?! He was insulting us! Mother died and he can't understand that we suffered these last two years!" David protested.
"He is the king Dipper! Whether we like it or not, we cannot defy him! King Preston and his family rules this whole kingdom! And now, we have quarter of the tribute to take home with us thanks to your outburst!" David yelled.
"B-But!" Dipper stuttered.
"NO BUTS! Now… I have to plea with his majesty to reconsider the further divide in the tribute because what we would take home now won't help the whole village! I used up all of our savings these last two years to help the people but now it's all gone. Our people would suffer and die unless we get enough money to help them!" David explained which Dipper took note because David was right.
"I-I'm…sorry Father." Dipper said defeatedly.
"Sigh…Dipper…You know I love you. You know I love our family and your mother…To this day I still miss her…And if any other man would made these crude remarks about our family as the king did, you know I would have stood my ground and fought for you, your sister, and your mother. But Preston is the unfortunate exception. Now find your sister and go to your rooms for the night. The servants will guild you." David said as he then took his leave.
Once David left, Dipper slammed his fist to the wall in anger. Not only because of the King, but also himself for not thinking about the villagers. After all, he or Mabel would have to take care of them once their father dies and one of them becomes the next lord or lady of the domain.
"Stupid..." Dipper whispered to himself in frustration.
"You got that right." Dipper heard a voice say.
He looked around and then saw Princess Pacifica standing a few feet away…
"L-Lady Pacifica!" Dipper said as he knelt in haste.
"Oh, stop already! Pleasantries are already done with. No need for that…" Pacifica said as she moved closer towards Dipper.
"Forgive me…I'm still kind of new to this…" Dipper said with a mild blush which made Pacifica giggle a little.
"Well, I do have to say. You were the first to ever speak against my father in that way. You're Dipper Pines, right?" Pacifica asked.
"Y-Yes. It's nice to meet you." Dipper said as he extended his hand for a shake but was dismissed by Pacifica.
"Hmm… No this won't do." Pacifica said with a smile.
"Um…Sorry?" Dipper said in confusion.
"Even if you are a noble and didn't go against my father, you are still too low of a rank to be around me." Pacifica said.
"Um. Ok. So why are you talking with me now then?" Dipper asked.
"Because I'm going to help you and you are going to help me." Pacifica said with another smile.
"What do you mean?" Dipper asked.
"A knight." Pacifica simply said.
"A knight is going to help?" Dipper asked but was lightly hit in the head by Pacifica.
"NO dummy! You will become a knight once you trained and earned the respect of the royal court." Pacifica said.
"How would that help?" Dipper said and Pacifica sighed in frustration.
"You becoming a knight will allow your village to gain more financial aid and in turn allow you to be around me without any problems." Pacifica said.
"But I'm still confused on a few things." Dipper said.
"UGH! What?!" Pacifica asked in more frustration.
"Your father won't allow me to simply become a knight especially after today. Also, even if I'm knighted, why do you want me to be around you?" Dipper asked.
"Well for one…My father will forgive this trivial matter in time. As for why I needed you to be around…that's none of your business right now." Pacifica said while crossing her arms.
"Ugh. Fine! But it doesn't matter anyways. My father won't let me leave our village to be a knight. He has no other heir besides my sister and myself." Dipper said.
"Oh, I'm sure all the arrangements will be settled before you know it…" Pacifica said as she took her leave before Dipper could protest further.
Meanwhile in the royal throne room…
King Preston sat on his throne while his wife, Queen Priscilla, was in the main hall with the guests. All the yearly tributes went out to all the nobles that supported the king in maintaining the kingdom and its populace. However, Lord David of Piedmont begged the king to reconsider in quartering his tribute…
"Please my lord! I understand cutting my tribute in half for lack of attendance in these last two years but won't you reconsider not penalizing the tribute again? My people need that money to survive the winter. They worked so hard in making sure Piedmont continue the growth of the crops in trade for the kingdom. Without paying for their labor, they would suffer along with their families!" David plead while kneeling.
"You should have thought of that before bringing that upstart son of yours into my halls…Did you honestly think my generosity is a charity!?" King Preston shouted.
"N-No my lord. I know you graciously give all your highness's nobles the funding to continue your rein and our standing but still…won't you-" David said until the throne room doors were opened.
"Ah Pacifica. What do you need my daughter? I'm in an important meeting as you are well aware." King Preston said.
"Yes Father. I just got done talking with Sir David's son just moments ago and I believe I could be an assistance in this problem…" Pacifica said as she made her way to her father and facing David.
"Alright. I shall hear this opinion you have. If I find it a valuable option then I will consider it. However, daughter…I'm sure you understand that you would take responsibility should this plan of yours harms the throne in any way." King Preston said.
"I do Father." Pacifica said.
"Very good. Now, speak." King Preston said.
"I suggest we take Lord David's son and put him in the core. If he lives in the royal capital for one month and successfully becomes one of our knights' squires, then a small percentage of his earnings from that point forward will go to the village of Piedmont. The rest will go to the crown in recompense for his rebellious attitude." Pacifica suggested.
"Hmm…Our military core, huh?" King Preston pondered.
"Very well. One month. If Dipper Pines of Piedmont becomes a squire, I shall allow this stipulation. This would be more lucrative than withholding the tribute for this year. Very well… In exchange for your tribute to be restored before that boy's outburst, you shall surrender your son to our knight's military core." King Preston proposed.
"B-B-But Sire! He's my heir to the village of Piedmont! I can't surrender him without him knowing how to work the village." David said.
"If memory serves, you have a second child, Sir David. She will be your heir and take over your village once the time comes." King Preston said to much of David's displeasure.
"Very well. I shall instruct my daughter from this day forth my king…My son is yours now." David said defeatedly.
"One last thing Sir David." King Preston said.
"Yes, my lord…" David said.
"Should your son fail or the worst case make me angry again…I shall have his head! Do I make myself clear!?" King Preston said which shook David to his core.
"Understood…" David lightly said while holding back fearful tears…
TO BE CONTINUED…
AN: Another story for the ages. Please leave good reviews. See you next time…BYE!