Disclaimer: I don't own Gravity Falls
AN: Backstory time. A few years ago ...
" Come on , Dipping sauce ! Hurry up !" He bounced with excitement ." Aren't you excited ?"
Her young self rubbed her arms , only a thin , ratty jacket covered her . " Your attitude has changed ." Her voice was still childish , lacking in the air that everyone associated with the Dipper Gravity Falls one day would know .
" Well , yeah . " Abel ran a hand through his hair . " I'll definitely miss my friends . But ... like you said , this will be a better life for us , you know ? We can be with our uncles , in a big mansion where we'll have anything we want . You can explore the woods with Great Uncle Ford ," Her lips curled up a bit at that .
" You think … do you really think he'll mentor me ?"
He punched her in the shoulder ." Duh ! You're the biggest , smartest nerd in the world , of course he'll mentor you !"
She blushed a bit . " Thanks , Abel."
" Anyways , while you guys do that , I'll have a whole new town of babes ."
" Shut up !" She laughed and pushed him into the snow .
Dipper's hand rested over the knocker , hesitant to knock . Abel sighed and slid her hand in hers . " Ready to begin our new lives ?" He gave her a smile .
" Right ." She nodded , and with that she pounded against the door . As ready as she'd ever be …
The door opened , their Grunkle Stan stood before them in a baby baby blue suit and smelling strongly of coffee .Abel tackled him in a bear hug while Dipper still stood back. It had been years since the last family reunion ... " Hi , Great Uncle Stan ." She weakly waved .
" Hey , kid ," His face became stern . " That's Grunkle Stan to you ." He pulled her into a noogie .
" Stan !" She laughed and struggled to finally pull away .
" Where's our new fancy clothes and stuff?" Abel looked into the entryway .
" Geez kid , you haven't changed a bit . Go in the hallway , Suse will hook you up with a hot chocolate , you must be freezing in that jacket ."
At the mention of chocolate Abel rushed through the door .
" Pft , a boy on a mission . Coming in ?"
" Yeah . But ," She looked around him ." Where's Great Uncle Ford ?"
" Well ." He rubbed his neck . " He's working in the lab , said he was to busy to greet you guys ."
" Oh ." Her face fell .
" I'm sorry , kid . But I'm sure you can meet him later . In the meantime , come inside before you die of hypothermia ." He led her through the halls into a dining area where Abel alternated between downing hot chocolate and shaking his sketchbook at a Latina who seemed to hang on to every sketch .
" And this will be silk and this will have twenty bows !"
" Dude , you'll be like the most stylish kid in Roadkill County !" They high-fived .
" I see you've already met Suse , a recent addition to the staff ."
" And the Daughter Mr .Gleeful never had !"
" There you go again putting words in my mouth ." He grumbled . " Come on , may as make yourself useful and show them to their rooms ."
Their legs ached as they finished the stairs up to their joint corridor . Abel took it upon himself to open every single door in the hallway , gasping as he found each room bigger than the next while their uncle struggled to keep up .
" Is that a sewing room ?" Abel began to jump and down before moving to door . " Oh my gosh , Dipping Sauce , your room has it's own private library !"
She clutched her backpack to her chest . " Grunkle Stan , did you prepare these rooms just for us ?"
" Of course not ! Well , a bit . But Suse did it . I didn't see the point in putting in the work in just for you two gremlins , but -"
" You're an awful liar when you're trying to be tough , Stan . This library is a really nice touch ." She wondered in .God , she would never leave her room . She plopped down on her sofa while her twin ran to inspect his own room . She certainly was glad that they were now living with their Uncles , their only real family in her opinion . She had all the books she could read , all of the forest to explore . But still , she was bothered . Was Ford really to busy to greet them ?"
She pulled out her wallet to look at a crumpled photo from when they last met . It only contained the two pairs of twins , with her looking up at him like he was her world . Her brother had teased her for being a fangirl forever after , but it was deserved , wasn't it ? Her Great Uncle was confident and intelligent , and even introduced her to the world of the supernatural . As far as she was concerned , he was her hero .
She shut her eyes as she listened to her brother become increasingly louder the more he explored their corridor . Yawning , she settled into the cushions. Her and her brother were safe , they were with their uncle's now . For what seemed to be the first time in her life , she could truly relax .
It was a few days later when Ford finally emerged from his lab . Abel almost stood up to greet him , but there was some sort of air that convinced him to stay in his seat and awkwardly wave with his sister . But that only lasted for a second before he smiled and slid across from them .
" Abel , how would you like to design very special outfits that will be shown to huge audiences ?"
" Oh , I ...I would love it !"
" And you , Dipper . Wouldn't you love to not just learn about the supernatural , but also possess such powers alongside your brother ?"
" Well , that sounds great , Great Uncle Ford . But how ?"
He chuckled . "My knowledge of such things have grown since we last met , children . With my help , you can accomplish incredible things ."
Abel leaned forward ." What was that about huge audiences of people ?"
Their uncle pulled a blueprint from his pocket and smoothed it on the table . " I have been desiring to build this for a long time ."
Dipper noticed the title . " The Tent of Telepathy ? You mean we can gain the power of telepathy ?"
" More than that , Dipper . Telepathy , psychokinesis , levitation ...perhaps even more ."
" So we'll perform that in a giant tent , like a sideshow attraction ?" Abel raised a brow .
" It's far more than just a tourist trap , Abel . You'll be performing real magic . The crowds will adore you two all while your powers can grow stronger . What do you say ? "
They looked at each other . It certainly sounded amazing …
" We'll do it , Great Uncle Ford."
He grinned widely and shook both of their hands . " It's a deal ."
The sun was starting to set when their uncle led them down the metallic stairs to his lab . They unconsciously kept close to the other . It was just as impressive as Dipper imagined , but far creepier . It certainly didn't help that their uncle instructed them to step inside a large summoning circle before lighting multiple candles .
" Hey , Uncle Ford ?" Dipper's voice struggled not to break ." What are you doing ?"
" I'm contacting someone very a powerful , someone who helps people like us . People who have the potential to be legendary , with the right help ." The candlelight flickered in his eyes . " Trust me .'
Able grasped her hand , whether for her or his own comfort she didn't know . He began to chant phrases she recognized as Latin , normally at first and then to their shock his eyes began to glow white . Both twins let out a small gasp as the world turned to black and white , the only source of color being themselves , their uncle , and a man dressed in blue and blacks who floated above the ground .
" Hello Will ."
" S-stanford . Long time no see ."
The twins let out an exhale. He certainly didn't seem threatening , it was rather anticlimactic ."Weepy Will " Abel thought . That would be a good nickname for the being who was obviously the most scared one in ... the room ?
" I'm sure you know I haven't summoned you for small talk . I've come to make a deal ."
" Of course . " He shakily smiled . "And what will that deal be ?"
Their uncle beckoned him closer to whisper in his ear , though the being that was called Will seemed hesitant to approach him . Their Uncle whispered softly but menacingly , causing what she now identified as something akin to a demon to host a wide display of emotions before settling on acceptance ." Of course , Stanford . Come here children , the contract has been set . Simply shake my hand ." He offered both of his hands to them , eyes glistening with a pity both directed at them and himself , before they took them in their own . What from followed next was pure agony .
Their screams overlapped as they collapsed and writhed on the floor .Acid on their skin , thousands of sensations buzzed in their brain to the point they were sure they had reached insanity , their breath left them , and then , nothing .
They slowly regained their vision and breathing , and eventually sat up with some difficulty .Their uncle stepped forward to tower over them ." Your power comes from him , his miserable life is yours now . Do what you wish with him , he can't be killed no matter how much you put him through . Isn't that right ?" He sneered down at the blue demon , who had apparently gone through the same agony as they had .
" But you said-"
" I realize what I said .A deal is a deal ."He turned on his heel to walk out . " Now , if you'll excuse me , I have work to do .
" Wait , Great Uncle Ford ! Can't I come with you ?"
" I'm afraid you can not . "
" But -"
" You two really ought to get more acquainted with your powers , Will will assist you any problems. Until then ." Then he slammed the door , leaving his niece and nephew alone to figure out just what had happened .
The tent was going up soon , and their powers were still not controlled to even be presentable for cheap tricks for tourists . At one point Abel had to run home from town to sit alone in his closet , as he had found that every thought within a hundred yards buzzed in his brain at once . It was yet to be safe for her to practice levitation in the same room where Abel practiced throwing knives .
One night their Great Uncle Ford came from his lab , explaining that Will was to be their assistant . " You needn't worry about grazing him in practice ."
" But can't he be hurt ?" They looked over to him , who was sitting at the end of the table with an empty plate while silent tears slid down his pale cheeks .
" He will heal . I told you , do what you need to with him . Now , while Abel practices with Will , I want you to come with me ."
Dipper leaped up , causing the table to rattle .
" Do you need medical assistance , Miss Gleeful ?" Will asked half-heartedly .
" She's fine . Come on ." He once again led her to the lab , and this time she didn't have her brother to cling to . Not that that mattered , she assured herself .
He stopped abruptly as soon as they reached the landing and turned towards her ." Dipper . That nickname came from your birthmark , correct ?May I see it?"
She self consciously pulled her bangs from her forehead .
He inspected it and nodded . " A mark like that is quite rare you know . You shouldn't hide it ."
" But it's embarrassing and weird and-"
" Dipper , if there's one thing you must change , it's your confidence . That is one thing you must not lack . You don't want to be perceived as weak , do you ?"
Her fidgeting hands froze and dropped to her sides ." Of course not ." She forced her voice to be as calm and confident as possible .
" Good . Now , how has magic been going ?"
She resisted the urge to turn her eyes downcast . " Not well . Even with Will's help , our powers come in chaotic bursts . Soon enough tourist season will come , and we might not be prepared ."
" I told you , have confidence in yourself . When I started to dwell in magic , I struggled too . I mastered it through practice and control . I'm sure you can too . " He moved to a locked cabinet and pulled out a journal . " See this ? This isn't just any book . This contains spells of great power , some you can't even comprehend . Keep on working on your magic , Dipper , and you'll inherit this from me . "
Her mouth opened as she ran her fingers over the spine . But then she noticed something . " Number two ?"
His face grew grave . " Yes , there are other journals , ones I wish to posses . If you ever come across them , you must gain them through any way you can , understand ?"
" Of course ." Her hands reached for it .
He immediately pulled it back . " Not until you sufficiently master your powers . Remember , practice and control ."
She hid the disappointment in her eyes . " I won't disappoint you , Great Uncle Ford ."
He grinned . " I know you won't ."
Control . Just focus on the object .
She shut her eyes , took a deep breath , and …
" Hi'ya dipstick !"
It dropped to the ground .Another broken teacup .
" What do you want , Abel ?"
He rose an eyebrow . " Someone's being a grump . You know , maybe maybe if you actually got sleep you wouldn't be so cranky ."
" I don't have time to sleep , Abel . I have to practice , and you should too ."
" When did you get so tight ? It's nearly midnight ."
" And yet I still can't levitate a damn tea cup !" She took in a breath .
Calm down , you mustn't get overemotional or express inferiority .
" Abel , I suggest you practice , and if not , leave me in peace ."
" Fine ." He rolled his sketchbook under his arm ." I was going to show you my costume designs , but if you think breaking teacups is so important I'll leave ." He slammed the door behind him .
She sighed and turned front . Focus .
" Children , I have a surprise for you ."
Abel looked up from his pancakes and her a book . Their Uncle presented two blue stones to them , pretty but rather dead looking .
" These will help control your powers . Go ahead , focus your powers on them ."
They shut their eyes and simply let their powers seep out . When they opened them again , the stones shone a deep blue .
" Keep these on you at all times , and your powers won't come into sudden bursts ." He rose from his seat and once again retreated to the lab .
She watched him go , wondering when she could join them . She shut her eyes , pulling on the strings ( no longer explosions ) of power . When she opened her eyes , she had found the book trembling six inches above her head . She let out a little laugh . Perhaps she could join her uncle sooner than she thought .
" When we invited the kids , you promised you wouldn't do shit like this !"
" That's a rather crude way of putting it , Stanley ." He waved him off . " And I didn't promise anything ."
" You should know ! They're your niece and nephews , not your little toys to use !"
" Who says ? Honestly , you're not one to talk about morality . Weren't you the one that thought up the Tent of Telepathy ?"
" I was talking about scamming tourists with cheap card tricks , not freaking infusing them with black magic , Stanford !"
" It's all the same , isn't it ? You get what you want , a cheap money grab . The relevance to you stops there . Don't forget whose house it is , who kept you off the streets and out of jail ." He began to ascend to his lab . " As for the twins , I'll do what I wish , just as I will with you . I have been extremely generous with you Stanley , but I will take the necessary actions if you force me to . "
His twin was shaking with rage completely . " Stanford , If you lay a finger on them -"
The lab door snapped shut in his face .
Will looked at the man out of the corner of his eye , the one that used to be so full of curiously and innocence , who would look up at him with a sense of wonder in his eyes as Will did his best to explain the universe . He looked at him now , cold eyes scanning blueprints and field notes .
Will missed that man .
" If you're going to cry , the least you could do is be more quiet about it ."
" You lied ." He whispered to no one in particular .
Ford stiffened slightly before turning to him ." No , you merely misinterpreted our deal . Not that it matters . You couldn't say no if you wanted to , isn't that right ?" He tilted the demon's head up harshly .
Will chose not to say anything , just to let his tears slide down his cheeks . Where was the young man who had given him hot chocolate for the first time ? The one who talked to him until dawn about his latest discoveries until he finally collapsed ? The one who always gave him thanks when he woke up transported in his bed ? And how had he warped into this?
" I remember how it went Stanford-master ." He corrected . " I'm sorry ."
Ford looked down at him , the corners of his mouth stretching upwards as he saw the blunette's face grow more fearful by the second . " You realize your duty ?"
He nodded . " I-I'll condition their powers and serve the Gleeful household , until the contract is broken ."
" Good , perhaps I won't have to punish you as much as I thought you would . Now , about their powers …"
" I'm sure you know two twins with a magical ability are stronger together than apart , and t-that the magic I have given them can rise to an extraordinary height if trained properly ."
" And how long will it take to advance to the most complicated spells ?"
" If practiced often…at least several years …"
He let out a growl and Will raised his arms in defence out of habit .
" Anything else ?" He asked through gritted teeth .
" The enhancement of their powers comes from them simply possessing it together. Their individual skill levels won't be affected by the other's ."
" Hmm. I suppose that's for the better ." He relaxed .
" Stanford ." Will suddenly noticed from the corner of his eye a large machine behind glass . " W-what's that ?Don't tell me you're trying to access other dimensions !"
" It's the natural next step , isn't it ? That portal will open a hole in time in space , allowing me access to many more worlds ."
" You could destroy the world ."
" Certainly . But I know the precautions for keeping myself safe , as well as how to power it . Your magic in the twins wasn't only for a sideshow , you know ."
" But -"
" Our contract agreed that you were limited in what you could give , but that doesn't apply for the twins . The best part is I don't have to wait . Their raw power will be enough . And of course ," he imitated their handshake . " You can't tell anyone , understand ?"
Will only murmured a shaky response . Knowing the demon couldn't tell even if he wanted to , Stanford descended to the main floor .
" Oh children !"
Will burst into tears .
" Great Uncle Ford !" Dipper gaped at the machine . "You built a functioning multidimensional portal ?"
Abel , who was still rather bitter , scoffed . They were sure to go on a nerdy rant soon enough .
" Not completely functioning , I am afraid . But that's where you come in
. Your raw power can power this portal ."
" And what , you can go go to a science dimension where you two can be even bigger nerds ?" Abel raised his brow .
Stanford pressed his lips together . " If this portal opened , we could assess knowledge and power beyond your dreams . We could explore the multiverse . I only need your help ."
" But we have barely begun to master our powers , how can we -"
" That's the good thing , Dipper . I need your raw power , no mastery necessary .What do you say ?"
Abel watched his sister bounce on her feet while their uncle began to flip switches at the control panel . At least she's smiling .
It started with the pulling of one string of power , then another , until they could feel every one at once . Dipper lips curled up at her uncle , and he was about to reply when the machine began to thunder with such power the entire room began to shake..
Suddenly , Dipper felt the urge to curl up and take a nap . Almost as if the machine wasn't just using their magical energy ...
" Kids , get away !"
She woke from her doze with a start at her Grunkle's voice . He was standing several yards away , but to her realization , his voice was droned out by the machine . Still , they could clearly interpret what their Uncle's waving arms meant .
To their horror , at that exact moment , they felt their feet leave the ground , the portal starting to suck them closer .
She felt like ought to have done something , but her mind seemed to grow stupider by the second . The little she could process included this : Both of her Uncle's screams , incredibly loud sobbing , and a tugging motion on her wrist , and these final words .
" Stanford , do something ! Stanford-"
Then everything faded to black .
She woke up with a groan . She could swear she didn't have a single drop of energy left in her .
" Good morning , Dipstick ." A voice called weakly from her left .
" Abel ?" She squinted to see they were in twin beds in an unfamiliar room , a guest bedroom most likely . " What happened ?"
" I haven't been awake much longer than you have , but if what I think I remember was correct …" He sunk further into his mattress .
They heard a knock on their door .
" Young masters ?" The demon entered . " How are you feeling ?"
" Awful ."
Will chuckled nervously and pulled in a food trolley . " I figured you would wish to have breakfast to recover your strength . It has been two days , after all ."
" Two days ?" No wonder her throat felt parched . She tiredly pointed to the water pitcher , and Will got the message. " Where's Great Uncle Ford ?"
" Uh , he's...out ?"
" He went out to go find unicorn breath while we're we're in a comma ?" Abel crossed his arms .
" Well , actually , he went out for a longer people of time then that . A sabbatical , he called it . He left a letter , leaving instruction that you are now masters of the house ."
Before Abel could began to curse their Uncle's name , Dipper cut in " But why us ? Where's Grunkle Stan ?"
" Oh dear , you don't remember?" He wrung his hands and gulped ." Your Uncle ….in the process of saving you from getting sucked into the portal ...he , how do I say this ? Your Grunkle Stan got trapped inside the portal in your place ."
For the next week , Abel found that Dipper was impossible to talk to . Every time he tried to talk to her , about their Grunkle especially , he was lucky to receive a grumble in response . She buried herself in her work until she literally collapsed . He watched as Will sadly placed her into bed every night or so , noticing that even when she was asleep her face didn't relax . He did not question the journal that he had found tucked into her bed , or how it was the only thing that seemed to fill her mind besides strengthening her powers .
Dipper paused her groaned into her hands , looking through her fingers at her reflection in the dressing room mirror . The stage makeup did a decent job at hiding her under eye circles , but did little to mask her panic . It was a simple act , they had practiced it a hundred times prior , the stage had been checked over thoroughly by Suse … so why did she feel so nervous ?
Channeling her Uncle Ford's advice , she took a deep breath and began to work her face into a neutral mask .I . Am. Fine. She lied to herself . If she could just steady her hands long enough to perform tricks , then everything would go smoothly .
" Miss Gleefull , we're on in five minutes . " Will peeked around the corner .
She didn't speak as he tied her cape around her shoulders , or as she stood up to make way to the stage .
The curtains rose , revealing the anticipating audience .
Her uncles would come back , she would master every spell on earth , her every dream of her new life in Gravity Falls would come true .
" Ladies and gentlemen , introducing for the first time , Dipper and Able Gleeful !"
Until then , the show must go on .
AN: Kind've want to explain backstories for these guys. Hey , do you guys have any suggestions for (one) date ideas for Dipper and Pacific and (two) any supernatural creatures and occurrences of Gravity Falls to investigate ? I plan to eventually post this story on A03 under Shattered Dreams AmongOtherThings . I'd like to hear what your ideas on a better title or summary , or really any other alterations you think I should make . I'm also going on a shortish hiatus , perhaps a little over a month or so ? I wish to pursue other projects , but I'm sure I can squeeze in some writing here and there .See you next time , and thanks !
