"Oh, hey Dipper! You seen Mabel? I thought I heard her laughing like a maniac a second ago," Stan asked, scratching his head.

I tried to calm myself down, still reeling from that eerie encounter. "Uh... Stan, I don't think that was Mabel…"

Stan raised an eyebrow. "Well, unless she sprouted two heads and started speaking in tongues, you're probably overthinking it, kid." He chuckled, but I couldn't shake the icy feeling that something was seriously wrong.

After Stan wandered off, I grabbed the journal and flipped it open, searching for anything that could explain what had just happened. My heart raced as I skimmed through pages of cryptic notes, symbols, and sketches. And then I found it—a drawing of an eye, surrounded by strange, burning blue flames.

Bill Cipher.

I slammed the journal shut, my mind racing. Bill couldn't be here. I'd made sure of that after the last time he tried to make a deal with me. But if he wasn't here for me… then why was he targeting Mabel?

"Mabel," I whispered under my breath, dread sinking in.

I sprinted out of the room, my sneakers squeaking against the wooden floor as I rushed toward the wax figure room. The door was ajar, and as I approached, I heard familiar voices inside. It was Candy and Grenda, laughing like nothing was wrong.

"Mabel, that was such a great idea for the finale!" Candy's voice chimed through the door.

I stopped short, my heart pounding. Was it really her? What if Bill was still in control? What would he do to them if I just barged in?

Taking a deep breath, I carefully nudged the door open. Inside, Mabel was standing there, her usual wide grin plastered across her face as she talked animatedly to Candy and Grenda, showing off one of her puppets. For a moment, I thought everything was fine.

But then I saw it—her eyes. That same unnatural, glowing yellow flickering in the depths of her pupils. Bill was still there, hiding just beneath the surface.

"Mabel!" I called out, trying to sound casual as I approached.

She turned to face me, her grin widening just a little too much. "Hey, Dipper! What's up?"

I swallowed hard, trying to think of a plan. "Uh, can I talk to you for a second? Alone?" I shot a glance at Candy and Grenda, who were still blissfully unaware.

Mabel's—or rather, Bill's—grin didn't falter, but she nodded. "Sure thing, bro-bro!" She turned to her friends. "Be right back, guys. Don't start the sock battle without me!"

I led her out of the room, my mind racing with what to do next. Bill was unpredictable and dangerous, and I had no idea how to get him out of Mabel without making things worse. As soon as we were far enough away, I stopped and faced her.

"Mabel," I said, my voice shaking. "I know you're in there somewhere. You need to fight this. Don't let him control you!"

For a moment, there was a flicker of something in her eyes, like Mabel was fighting her way back. But then Bill's mocking laughter filled the air.

"Oh, Pine Tree, you're so predictable," Bill sneered, Mabel's voice taking on that unnerving dual tone again. "Did you really think you could just talk her out of it? That's adorable!"

"Why are you doing this?!" I demanded, my fists clenching. "Leave her alone!"

Bill leaned in closer, Mabel's face twisted into a mischievous smirk. "Why? Because you two are *so* much fun to mess with! And besides, I needed a puppet for my big show tonight. She volunteered!"

"Volunteered?" I echoed, feeling sick. "You tricked her!"

"Well, tricked is such a strong word." Bill waved Mabel's hand dismissively. "I prefer *persuaded*. But don't worry, Pine Tree. If you're really that desperate to save her, I'll make you a deal."

I stepped back, shaking my head. "I'm not making any deals with you."

Bill grinned wider, his eyes glowing brighter. "Oh, I think you'll reconsider when you hear this one. All I want is a teensy-weensy favor. You let me use that ol' journal of yours for a little bit, and in return… I'll give Mabel back. Simple, right?"

My heart dropped. I knew I couldn't trust him, but if I didn't do something, Mabel would be stuck like this, a prisoner in her own body. And who knows what Bill would do with her next.

I tightened my grip on the journal. There had to be another way, but time was running out.

"What's it gonna be, Pine Tree?" Bill asked, Mabel's hand reaching out toward me. "Her… or your precious journal?"

I hesitated for a second too long. Bill's grin widened as he took a step closer.

"Well, looks like you're not ready to decide just yet," he said with a wicked gleam in his eyes. "Guess I'll just have to enjoy the show until you do!"

Before I could react, he turned and skipped back toward the wax figure room, leaving me standing there, heart racing, and my mind spinning with a plan that still hadn't come together.