Love is a knightmare Chapter 3, a gravity falls fanfic

AN: Alright everyone… Time for another chapter. And yes, I am working on my previous work right now to update old fanfics that I neglected so they will have more chapters. Also…Please check out my published work. It would mean so much to me to get more fans for my books. But until then, I hope you all enjoy another chapter of Love is a knightmare…

Warning. Chapter contains: Profanity, violence, and suggestive themes. Reader's discretion is advised.

Chapter 3 Unfair Circumstances

After lunch, Grenda gave Dipper her wooden sword for his hefty club. Dipper was now able to fight Robbie with a weapon he's more comfortable and familiar with. For years, Dipper and Mabel practiced and sparred with each other in the woods of Piedmont. Even though Dipper hesitates to hit his sister, he still has the training and footwork down and would definitely hold his own in a fight.

The rest of the trainees came to the square too for the remaining scrimmages for the day but the instructor, Manly Dan, hasn't shown up yet. However, Dipper saw Robbie and his friends approach Dipper and his new friends…

"What's going on here?" Nate said seeing Dipper doesn't have his club.

"Looks like they traded weapons." Thomson added.

"You know that's against the rules pipsqueak." Robbie said while advancing from his friends to right in front of Dipper.

"There weren't any rules that said we couldn't trade weapons!" Dipper protested.

"Don't care! I'm your senior, squirt! My words are law!" Robbie said until he was startled by Manly Dan approaching him from behind…

"Excuse me! Do you mind repeating yourself!" Manly Dan said with a stern voice that shook Robbie to his core.

"N-N-Nothing. S-Sir!" Robbie stuttered.

"Good. Now, both of you get your assess in that pit and prepare for battle!" Manly Dan demanded.

"B-But sir. His weapon is-" Robbie said.

"I SAID MOVE!" Manly Dan shouted and Robbie and Dipper hurried into the pit.

Dipper readied his new weapon in his stance. Robbie glared at him and adjusted his stance to match Dippers. Both were ready and awaited Manly Dan's order to begin…

"FIGHT!" Manly Dan shouted.

Robbie wasted no time as he rushed Dipper into the defensive. Dipper managed to block Robbie's blow but he got pushed back to the wall of the pit. Candy and Grenda, cheered Dipper on while Robbie's friends did the same for him in turn…

"Give up runt! You will lose one way or another!" Robbie shouted in Dipper's face while pinning him against the wall.

"N-NO!" Dipper shouted back as he managed to push Robbie back and swung his sword but unfortunately, Robbie dodged it and got some distance from Dipper.

"BASH HIS FACE IN!" Lee shouted.

"Make that little bitch cry!" Nate yelled.

"TAKE THIS!" Robbie shouted as he kicked dirt up in the air and some hit Dipper in the face blinding him.

"Damn it!" Dipper said as he tried to wipe the dirt off his face but was met with a kick to his gut and got knock back to the wall again.

"No!" Candy cried.

"Get up Dipper!" Grenda shouted.

Dipper was coughing hard and Robbie laughed. He then walked up to Dipper, whom was on all fours trying to regain his breathing, and smashed his head into the ground with his boot. However, because Robbie hadn't used his weapon on Dipper, the matched still continued…

"How's that dirt taste asswipe!?" Robbie sneered.

"Pines! If you don't get up now and continue the fight, I will take it as a forfeit!" Manly Dan shouted.

"You know what pipsqueak? I'm going to miss you when you're gone. Come to think about it, I heard you have a sister. I think I will pay her a visit once I become a squire and leave your ass in the dirt!" Robbie said as he kicked Dipper a few feet.

Dipper was getting angry as he picked himself from the ground. His face was bleeding and dirty, one arm struggled to hold up the sword, while his other was holding his gut which hurt unlike anything he felt before.

"I-I'm going to make you pay!" Dipper forced himself to say to Robbie.

"Well, I guess it's time to put this little twirp down. It was fun kid!" Robbie shouted as he dashed for his finishing blow.

Robbie was so confident Dipper didn't have any strength left, he planned on using his sword to hit Dipper's head to win the match. However, Dipper dropped down in the last second and tripped Robbie to the ground. Dipper then used the momentum and bashed Robbie in the back of the head with his sword. Dipper won but Robbie was furious with blind rage and pushed Dipper off. He then went on the attack and wailed on Dipper over and over again despite Manly Dans protests.

"THAT'S THE MATCH! STOP IT RIGHT NOW!" Manly Dan shouted in anger but Robbie ignored him.

"DIE DIE DIE!" Robbie shouted but then was met with a massive blow to the face by Grenda's club knocking Robbie off Dipper and leaving him unconscious.

"Dipper!" Candy shouted with worry.

"Medical!" Manly Dan shouted then men came with a stretcher to take Dipper.

Dipper was then taken inside while the rest of the trainees remained outside gossiping about everything that just happened. Both Candy and Grenda were worried about Dipper but couldn't follow because Manly Dan would stop them.

"Enough chatter! You three!" Manly Dan shouted as he looked at Nate, Lee, and Thomson.

"S-SIR!" The three answered in nervousness.

"Take that garbage out of here." Manly Dan demanded as he pointed to Robbie.

"R-Right!" They all said and jumped down in the pit to take the unconscious Robbie out and then move him to the barracks while everyone watched.

"Enough gawking! Time to finish the sparring matches! Those of you that passed in my eyes will be granted to be a part of the selection ceremony. Those who failed, will remain here!" Manly Dan shouted…

Meanwhile in Piedmont

Mabel and David were in David's study awaiting Mark Douglas, Piedmont's Guard Captain, to arrive. Then suddenly the door to the study was knocked on and then opened. Mark came in and closed the door behind him. Mabel was fearful of Mark because the way he looked and acted ever since she was a child. His face had scars and he was missing an eye which he never covered for all to see. He also smelled of alcohol and death since he never washed that often and only had a few clothes, so he never changed that much.

"You wanted to see me, Lord Pines?" Mark said in a deeply unsettling voice the made Mabel nervous while she sat in a chair to the side of the room where her father was at his desk.

"Yes Mark. I'm afraid we are going to have to make some cuts to your pay along with the other guardsmen. Due to the fact that we currently-" David said until Mark bashed his fist hard against the wall and made a hole.

"Again, with this shit?! This is the second damn year Pines! My men and I kept you and your little spit of land safe for twenty years! I lost my eye, half my men, and my woman to bandits, beasts, and monsters protecting your lot! And this is what I get for thanks!?" Mark yelled.

"I know! But I have to look out for my people too! I lost my wife, now my son, and I'm trying to keep what little I have left!" David protested.

"Well, all your precious little sheep will have to survive without me or my men now! We're done. Keep your damn coin, we leave tonight!" Mark snarled as he glared at David then at Mabel who was lightly shaking in fear. Then, walked out of the room and slammed the door on his way out.

David then let out a deep sigh of defeat afterwards. Then after a moment to himself, he looked at Mabel.

"You ok sweetie?" David asked.

"Y-Yeah. What's going to happen now?" Mabel asked.

"Well for starters, we recruit all the able bodies we can for a militia to help guard the village. We would need to equip them with any weapons we have in our store room. Furthermore, we pay them half of what Mark and his men were getting and then I will hire another group of mercenaries to pay to keep our village safe." David said.

"But how are you going to get another group of mercenaries if we don't have the money?" Mabel asked the saw David get up and walk over to his cabinet.

Once he opened the cabinet, the grabbed a book which looked very old and had the number two on the cover…

"What's that?" Mabel asked.

"This is one of three spell books, that one of your great ancestors made. He was the court wizard during his time but mysteriously vanished and left two of the three tomes behind. I had to sell one of them to the Magic Academy many years ago and now I will have to sell this one as well to make enough money for the new band of mercenaries to protect the village." David explained.

"Why didn't I know about this before?" Mabel asked.

"Because…Your mother didn't want me telling you and Dipper about this. Magic is a dangerous tool to use. If done incorrectly, it could harm both the user and those around them." David said as he was hesitant to explain.

"Does that mean…We can use magic too?" Mabel asked.

"The magic does run in our bloodline. However, it takes years to master. Your ancestor, my uncle, had to practice since he was five to meet the status of court wizard. However, that's a long story. Regardless, since we don't know how to use magic, we have no choice but to sell what your great uncle left behind." David explained.

"So where is the Magic Academy? And how long will you be?" Mabel asked.

"Well. I would need a full day's ride to the west to reach the Magic Academy. So, about two days if I leave early tomorrow morning." David said as he put the book back in the cabinet for now.

"Once you get back, how are you going to get the mercenaries? From the capital?" Mabel inquired.

"Yes. Before I leave, I will immediately send a courier to the capital to post the opening for a mercenary band. I will detail the pay, our location, and the length of time they would have to serve. Hopefully, we will get an experienced group that can handle any situation." David said as he was exiting the study and Mabel followed.

Meanwhile at the Royal Castle…

"Father!" Pacifica protested while following him and his guard walking down the hall way towards the war room.

"Not now Pacifica. I have important matters to attend." King Preston said.

"I want to know why you would have Sir Dipper killed if he fails the squire selection in one month's time?!" Pacifica demanded.

"I already told you before. It was my decision and I won't waste resources on a backwater noble's child! From what I heard he passed instructor Manly Dan's sparing test but now that little welp is using up medical supplies!" King Preston shouted.

"But Father, he was severely hurt and needed medical attention. All other trainee recruits that were hurt the same or worse needed to be treated as well. So why are you so hard on Dipper and not any of the others?" Pacifica said until Preston stopped and faced his daughter.

"Do I sense that you actually care about this boy?" Preston questioned with a serious tone.

"N-no…I-I just thought it was unfair given his situation." Pacifica shuttered in nervousness and now was afraid. Then suddenly Preston pulled out a small bell.

"I have not the time for this foolishness." Preston said as he rang the bell which Pacifica hated because she knew what that meant as two maids came immediately.

"See to it my rebellious daughter is confined to her quarters. I will not have her spew such protest against my decisions. Make sure she is taught a lesson and behaves like princess should. I have more important things to deal with." Preston ordered and the maids bowed in compliance when he took his leave with his guards.

The maids escorted Pacifica towards her room but she wasn't happy about it. When she reached her room and went inside, one of the maids pulled out a key and locked the door behind her. This happened two times before and Pacifica hated it. Mainly because it would be weeks before she was allowed back out. She was given food and maids came to hand bathe Pacifica when she needed it. However, the only glimpse of the outside was from her window but it was too high from the ground so she couldn't talk with anyone that walked by. Every time that bell rung, it was like she was being imprisoned.

"Damn it…" Pacifica said as she just walked up to her bed and fell into it.

"…Stupid. Why didn't I just leave things alone?" Pacifica muttered to herself as she grabbed one of her pillows a began to tear up.

However, Pacifica was done living like a bird in a gilded cage. Always having her ideas stolen by her father then used for his own purposes. Always, obeying her mother's curriculum of how a princess should act. Always kept away from the world and never really meeting new people unless they came to the castle. Just like Dipper, the first boy around her age that she took a real interest in. She wanted Dipper around so they both might grow closer to each other and that's why she insisted he becomes the next knight of the kingdom. However, her father took it as an opportunity to try to have him killed and that didn't sit right with Pacifica.

She suddenly got out of her bed and opened up her closest. She had a plan to see Dipper again. However, it was extremely risky and the likelihood that she would get caught would lead to severe punishment or worse…

In the war room, generals and staff officers were in deep conversation until the doors opened and the King entered. Immediately, everyone inside straightened up and shouted in unison: "All hail the king."

"Enough. What's the situation?" Preston demanded.

"Well, my lord. Our men have encountered large wolves which were attacking livestock a week's ride to the northern farmlands. Out of the twenty soldiers that were stationed there, only four made it back in one piece." One general stated.

"If they just arrived after such an ordeal, we should heighten our security and defense of the capital." The guard captain of the capital said.

"Agreed. If these large abnormal wolves managed to follow these men, then it's possible that they could endanger the townsfolk. You have four days to secure our borders captain. Go now!" Preston ordered and the guard captain saluted in obedience before he took his immediate leave.

"What are these wolves my court wizard, Bovard Eveningstar?" Preston asked the tall elderly wizard in the room.

"From what I gathered from the report of the soldiers, I believe these wolves to be werewolves my lord." Bovard said.

"Werewolves?! In our lands? Surly you jest." Preston said.

"Not at all my lord. It's been recorded that these monsters come from the dark territory and devour all matter of flesh. They are ranked in three stages. Wolfmen, Lycan, and Worgen." Bovard said.

"What's the difference?" Preston asked.

"Well for starters, Wolfmen are wild werewolves. All humans that were bit by a werewolf start out as a Wolfman class. For years these werewolves stay in their wolf forms and mindlessly attack any living creature that isn't their kind. They only obey the higher werewolves that they consider their alphas. Second, we have the Lycan. This type is larger and transforms into their wolf form during a full moon. However, the humans under this particular type of werewolf curse tend to be strays instead of being in a pack. However, they rarely do form a pack if under control of the more powerful species…The Worgen. Worgen are the final stage of werewolf that we have records of. They shapeshift at command, control lesser werewolves, communicate in the common tongue in both forms, and have far superior strength compared to the other forms." Bovard explained.

"Then what class of werewolves are we dealing here now?" Preston asked.

"…I would have to visit one of the places where they attacked to gather evidence to know exactly. However, I would need a team of soldiers to protect me while I research." Bovard suggested.

"Very well. I will assemble what forces I can spare to send with you on your research. In the meantime, we will fortify our defense accordingly for these werewolves. If they are just the wolfman breed, then it would be just a horrible accident that happened at the farms. However, we must be prepared if the worst shall occur and it's a Worgen with a Lycan pack." Preston said.

"Agreed my lord. I shall depart at once." Bovard said as he took his leave.

"Who shall go with him my lord?" A soldier asked.

"Hmm…I know exactly who to send." Preston said as mischievous smile formed on his face.

An hour later…

Dipper laid in a cot with his face and torso covered in bandages that were soaked in herbal water to heal what wounds they could. However, his pain was severe and it only increased every time Dipper breathed…

"D-Damn it…" Dipper struggled to say as he grabbed his ribs that were throbbing from the beating he received from Robbie.

"If I don't get better soon before the selection ceremony, then I might not get picked to be the next squire for Wendy's team…" Dipper thought as a small tear rolled down his face.

Suddenly, a mysterious girl in dark robes approached Dipper. He was frightened because he thought this could have been an assassin sent from the king to kill Dipper. He tried to yell for help since he was alone but the girl quieted Dipper by holding his mouth with her hand before he screamed. Dipper's eyes widened once she slowly reached in her robe and was about to pull out something which he thought would be a dagger.

But to Dipper's surprise, it was some sort of potion. The girl lifted her hood and revealed her face and elf ears but then place a finger on her lips to hush Dipper before removing her other hand to ensure he doesn't raise an alarm…

"W-Who are you?" Dipper asked.

"My name is Amanda. I was secretly sent by Princess Pacifica to give you a healing potion for your wounds. But you mustn't tell anyone of this meeting. If word got out and reached the king's ears, then my lady would be in worse trouble than she already is." Amanda said.

"What do you mean? Why is she in trouble?" Dipper asked.

"First drink." Amanda said as she gave Dipper the potion.

Dipper was hesitant at first especially since he originally thought the royal family wanted him to fail so he could be killed but something was telling Dipper that he should trust Pacifica. So, without another second to waste, Dipper drank the potion. Suddenly, he felt lighter and the pain was disappearing within moments. He then checked himself and all his wounds were gone…

"T-Thank you." Dipper said astounded as he handed back the empty bottle.

"I can only be brief before anyone comes and I am discovered. When Pacifica found out you were to be killed in a month's time if you didn't pass in becoming a squire, she was livid. She didn't want you to be killed nor did she think her father would make such a rule in front of her. Before she confronted her father on this matter, she instructed me to give you this potion to heal you. However, she was quarantined for courting her father and now she remains locked up in her room until further notice." Amanda explained.

"Wait. What? I thought she wanted me to fail like her father?" Dipper asked.

"That's completely false Sir Dipper. Why else would she have suggested you partake in this journey to become the next knight if she didn't feel fond of you?" Amanda said which left Dipper speechless…

"Time's up. One last thing before I go. Do make it out of this in one piece. The king isn't going to give up on failing you just because you passed your first test." Amanda said before she put her hood back on and quickly left out the back of the medical ward before someone else came in from the front.

"Sit here son." The medical doctor told another trainee and he did what he was instructed.

"Y-You!" The trainee shouted at Dipper and he recognized who it was…

"Robbie…Why are you here?" Dipper said getting his guard up in case he attacks again.

"Why else would I be here, dumbass? That friend of yours with the club bashed my face! Now I need stitches." Robbie shouted.

"Alright you two, enough of the squabbling. You can save it after I treat the both of you." The doctor said as he walked up to dipper and checked on him.

"My word! How did you heal so quickly? Those wounds you received should have taken you at least a week to fully heal from." The doctor said in astoundment.

"I'm not sure. Maybe the herbal bandages were stronger that what you thought." Dipper lied.

"Perhaps. The pharmacist could have accidently given me some stronger herbs than what I ordered. However, this is still bizarre. Regardless, I'm glad you are feeling better now." The doctor said choosing to believe Dipper's lie. However, Robbie knew better but kept quiet about it for now…

Suddenly, a military messenger came in the medical ward and addressed everyone inside…

"Attention. By royal edict, members of the military core have been selected by his majesty, King Preston, on an expedition to the northern farmlands. Recruit trainee Dipper Pines of Piedmont, and recruit trainee Robbie Valentino are to meet Court Wizard, Bovard Eveningstar, at the front gate within the next few hours." The messenger said.

"W-Wait what?!" Both Robbie and Dipper said at the same time in disbelief.

"Hold on son. These boys are in my care right now. I can't discharge them until I am positive, they are physically ready for such an endeavor." The medical doctor said.

"From what it looks like, one looks completely healed to me. While the other has only minor injuries. Make haste or his majesty will take this as sign of defiance in his orders. Which I assume you all know is severally punishable." The messenger said before taking his leave.

Later on, in Piedmont…

Evening was fast approaching but near the outskirts of Piedmont, Mark Douglas and his men gathered for a summons by someone from the village…

"Mark what are we doing out here? Shouldn't we get ready to leave this damn village?" One of the mercenaries asked.

"We will but one of the villagers came to me and said he had an offer we couldn't refuse. So, I figured we hear him out but if this is bs then we will kill him." Mark said as he was sitting on a crate.

Suddenly, someone in dirty robes came up to Mark and his mercenaries and revealed his face…

"Nice to meet y'all. I'm glad you came." Gideon said with a huge smile on his face.

"What do you want boy? Spit it out before we slit your pig throat." Mark demanded.

"How would it sound if you were able to take what's left of David's riches?" Gideon offered.

"What do you mean boy? That lowlife noble is broke. Why the hell do you think we left him in the first place?" Mark said as he gripped his sword handle getting impatient with Gideon.

"What if I told you that he lied about his finances? And that he actually had enough to paid you and your lot in full." Gideon lied.

"And how would you know that boy? Sounds a little farfetched." Mark said.

"My family handles the finances and we discovered Lord David wasn't reporting in everything he received from the capital. I have the ledger here if y'all are interested." Gideon lied as he pulled out the ledger from his robes and handed it to Mark.

Mark read the ledger and saw all the times David went to the capital and returned. Then he saw the last two times. One time, which was three years ago before David's wife's death, and the last time which was yesterday. Then, he saw the amount of money the tributes David received and saw that the amounts were different…

"What is this?" Mark said.

"He told you that he didn't have enough to pay you this year, didn't he? Well maybe he was lying to y'all to keep all that money to himself." Gideon lied with a smile.

"That…bastard!" Mark shouted as he chucked the book to the ground in anger.

"Here's the deal. I only want two things. The magic book which David has and his daughter Mabel. You can kill everyone else and take all the money for yourselves." Gideon offered.

"…Boy. Do you realize what you're asking us? We maybe mercenaries but we aren't no bandits. If we do this, we will only kill the ones that resist us. Understood?!" Mark shouted as he stood up.

"Fully. Now I will go back to the village and you all be ready to attack in an hour." Gideon said while putting his hood back on and walking away from the mercenaries.

"Boss?" One mercenary said.

"We will take what's owed to us…but we will make sure that little piglet won't get what he wants." Mark said.

Back in the village.

"And here we are." David said to Mabel as they viewed the makeshift militia that were armed with only a few swords that they had left, wooden spears that were sharpened to a point, and used tools that were worn out.

"Are you sure this will be enough until you hire new mercenaries to protect the village?" Mabel asked.

"To be honest dear, it would have to be. These twenty men from our village were all we could scrounge up. Only a few have actually been in a fight in their lives while the rest only been laborers." David said.

"Sigh. Well, I guess they would have to do. Brobro and I would have tried to join too but I am sure you would have stop us if we did." Mabel said feeling a little sad Dipper wasn't here right now.

"I would. However, I know you both would have done your best to protect our home if I allowed it. Now, I have to talk with the militia." David said as he walked away from Mabel and approached the village militia…

"Men. I know you all haven't been guards before, and I know some of you might feel nervous about it. However, I want you to know that this is only temporary until I hire some new mercenaries to protect the village. Know that I will pay you for your efforts upon my return. My daughter, Mabel, will be in charge since she is the next in line to lead this village. Listen and obey all orders she gives you during my absence." David ordered.

"Yes, my lord!" The militia shouted in obedience.

"Good. Now first ten shall take sentry at our village borders for the next five hours. Afterwards, you all shall change shifts for the other ten for the same amount of time. In which time, you shall rest and eat when you are not at your posts. I will make sure you all carry an emergency flare to alert each other and the town should any danger comes. If you see a flare being shot into the sky, first priority is the safety of the populace. Make sure they are all secure inside any buildings nearest them. Second, are the defenses. Run to the immediate danger and fight off the threat to the village. Lastly third, tending to any wounded. Our town's doctor only has three people in his employ. If he needs your help, aid him to the best of your ability. Understood?" David said.

"Yes, my lord." The militia agreed.

"Good. Now carry out your orders. Dismissed." David said and the village militia took their leave.

"So, you are leaving in the morning, right?" Mabel asked.

"Yeah. I will be gone before the sun rises. Hopefully, a mercenary group would have seen my request for aid and would be here by then. If I'm not here before they arrive, I would need you to explain the details about our village." David said.

"B-But what if I can't?" Mabel nervously asked feeling like they would be like Mark; scary, violent, and dangerous.

"You can Mabel. Remember, that the militia will be here to protect you and the village until they come and-" David said until he heard a flare go off west of the village.

Suddenly, the alarm bell was being rung and people in the distance began to scream…

"Mabel. Listen close. Go to my study and retrieve the book. If these are bandits, they can't get the book before I can sell it!" David instructed.

"But!" Mabel said.

"No buts. Now go and get the book. I have to aid the militia." David said as he pulled out his sword and ran towards the danger.

Mabel had no choice but to go back home and get the magic book before the bandits steal it. She prayed her father and the villagers will be alright but couldn't worry about them right now. She had been given a task by David and she knew it was for the sake of Piedmont…

Back at the Royal Capital…

Dipper and Robbie finally reached the front gate. However, there were a few things both noticed. One, it was starting the become nightfall which was weird for them to embark with it being so late. And two, their party members…

"Hey guys!" Grenda shouted with enthusiasm and Candy waved next to her.

"Sup." Tambry slightly greeted while reading a map.

And then there were two more whom were cloaked and their faces hidden…

"Good you two are here. Now we will be off." Bovard said.

"Question, wizard dude. Who are they?" Robbie asked referring to the mysterious cloaked members of the group and one of them revealed her face…

"I am Amanda from the elven forests of the north. I've been an adventure for Gravity Falls for many years and I'm going to be your guild through the forest for a faster route to your destination." Amanda explained.

Dipper knew her but didn't say anything because he knew it would nothing but trouble for her if he had to explain how they met to everyone.

"And you?" Robbie rudely demanded but suddenly Amanda spoke in her stead.

"Her name is Elise my elven party companion. Forgive her, but she is shy and doesn't want to reveal her face. Now we best be off." Amanda stated but looked directly at Dipper for a moment.

"Good. Now that introductions are over with, let's go." Bovard said as he and Amanda took the lead of the group.

Tambry and Robbie walked together, Dipper gossiped with Candy and Grenda, and the nervous Elise stayed by Amanda's side but every now and then she would turn to glance at Dipper…

TO BE CONTINUED…

AN: I know this took longer to write. Sorry about that. I hope you all leave great reviews. Look forward to writing for you all again. BYE.