SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH

Hey there!

My name is Dipper Pines, and I guess this is the start of my own journal! I actually got this book as a gift from my twin sister, Mabel, four summers back after she got herself stuck somewhere in the multiverse (already a sign of what's to come here). This all happened while we were staying in Gravity Falls, Oregon- a town where some of the most bizarre things happen and some of the weirdest creatures live.

We went through so much in that one summer. It's too much to go over here (it's probably just enough to fill a two-season TV series and maybe some books or something), but to sum it up, Gravity Falls changed our lives in ways that we couldn't have ever imagined. From the adventures we had to the friends and family we made along the way (one of whom literally came out of a portal), it really was a summer like no other for a pair of kids.

I brought this book back with me to our home in Piedmont, California. At the time, I thought it would be a great place to record weird findings and any other interesting parts of my life. But as it turns out, Piedmont isn't exactly the weirdest place… and I'm not exactly the most interesting person… (And trust me, I wasn't trying to fill up this book talking about how good my lunch was or which girl rejected me this time.)

So, I kind of ended up just shelving this book, letting it collect dust for a few years as I just readapted to having a normal and boring student life. That was until this morning when Mabel and I finally traveled back to the town of Gravity Falls. So, after all this time, I figured that maybe it was time to give this thing another shot now that I was in the right place. And boy, it didn't take long at all to get straight into the action again!

Not even when we reached Gravity Falls, I already had an engagement with two really familiar faces…

MY OLD PAPER CLONES

-Dipper #3 and Dipper #4 (Tracey and Quattro): two paper copies of myself from when I was twelve, made back during our last summer in Gravity Falls to help me get with a girl. Last time I saw them, I caught them hiding in my closet, and they ran off.

-Haven't aged at all over the years. They still looked like me when I was twelve. (Man, did my head really use to be half my height?)

-Split personalities: Tracey is more dominant, whereas Quattro was more submissive. It was like watching a physical representation of my preference for control of a situation fighting my anxious curiosity. (I guess I've slightly improved over the years?)

** WEAKNESS: Liquids (R.I.P. QUATTRO)

For the past few years, these guys had been traveling around aimlessly with the intention of getting back to the Mystery Shack so they could get supplies for a hot air balloon to travel the world. Although, their first plan when they found me was to knock me out in the forest and try to take over my life. (I don't remember ever being this devious, but who knows what these guys might have gone through during all this time...)

Luckily, Mabel caught onto their act, and after a high-speed bus chase, Quattro ended up melting in a riverbank. Even after all those two tried to do, I still couldn't help but feel bad for Tracey. So, we helped him and got him his supplies when Mabel and I returned to the Mystery Shack. He seemed grateful, and hopefully, he was because I never wanna see myself again.

It's late now, and there's still so much more to write about, such as seeing all of our old friends again. But there will be a time to write about everyone soon enough. As it is, I'm just happy to have made it to Gravity Falls alive and again. It hasn't even been a full day in this town, yet it feels like all the magic is still there, waiting for us. I don't know how things will go this time around, but as today has already shown, no matter what happens, as long as I got Mabel by my side, I know there's nothing to worry about.

Kind of crazy to think that we were only twelve the last time we were here. I can't imagine the things we might have to deal with now that we're older (besides acne and other awkward developments that came with puberty). I guess we'll just have to wait and see what secrets await us this time.

This is Dipper Pines, currently predicted salutatorian of Piedmont High School and recent Bird Calling Contest winner, signing off for the night.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH

DERRICK MENDEZ

Now here's someone I didn't think I'd be running into this summer. My best friend back home from Piedmont was sent here to Gravity Falls for the summer. Apparently, he did something so bad back home that his dad sent him here to stay with grandpa (who has coincidentally been a resident for quite some time now). I asked him what happened, but he refused to tell me about it. I guess it's not my business, but it really makes me think about what he possibly could've done...

I guess I'm still glad to see him though. Besides Mabel, he's been the only true friend I've managed to make back home. There was this one time after my Sophomore Homecoming dance- Derrick told me not to go, and I should've listened because… well... let's just say that I was publicly humiliated in front of the school and my date. That night, I was mortified, and I thought my life was over. But Derrick found me sulking outside the gym and invited me back to his place where we downed sodas and ate leftover pizza while playing Bloodcraft: Overdeath until sunrise. That's still one of my fondest memories to this day.

So yeah, even despite his troubled behavior and criminal record (he has a stealing habit… I imagine he might get along well with Stan), he's mostly a really great guy and a truly caring friend. I just wish he and Mabel got along better, but those two just can't stand each other. Maybe it's something to work on this summer, just like his stealing habits.

OH! And I finally convinced him that Gravity Falls weirdness exists! I just can't believe that to finally believe it, it took him almost getting incinerated by a…

FIRE-BREATHING DRAGON

-The one we fought was HUGE! They look exactly like the type of dragons you'd see in any fantasy book or something. Red, scaly, long wingspan, etc.

-Possibly tameable? This one was under the control of a bunch of gnomes, so maybe it wouldn't be so hard for Mabel after all.

** WEAKNESS: A giant net (I guess?)

About that… seems as though Mabel's gone and fallen for the new Mystery Shack hire that Soos picked up earlier this year, Ryland Reeds. Compared to about 90% of Mabel's past crushes, this guy actually seems normal for once, which, ironically, is the strangest thing about him. However, Mabel's been past her boy-crazy phase for some time now, so I think (or hope) she'll handle this guy better than the ones before. That said, lying about who got kidnapped by gnomes and knowing how to tame dragons isn't the best start...

Let's hope it's only up from there.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7TH

Mabel and I ran into an old enemy of ours today by the name of...

GIDEON GLEEFUL

Four summers back, this white-haired ten-year-old kid tried to kill us numerous times. By the end of the summer, he decided to give up his evil ways and try to become a normal kid, as he put it.

After four years, I guess that claim rings… mostly true? Instead of lusting for power, promising vengeance, and screaming folksy threats at everything, he's settled for a newspaper job working for Toby Determined. I honestly can't say whether this is really a step up or a step down from what he used to be… He still has his prison buddies helping him out when he needs, so I guess that hasn't changed.

Though, for as much as I came to hate Gideon after all he's done to us that summer, I have to give him credit. He really helped us out today against…

MR. NESSMAN

This guy came out of nowhere. I can't even really say I know what his plans were, but for some reason, this banker had the full intention of trying to steal the Mystery Shack away from us, even when Soos still had time to pay off his bills. Luckily, he failed, but even then, I still don't know what he was trying to accomplish.

Apparently, the Mystery Shack sits on expensive land since Weirdmageddon made it and our family popular? But nothing about that makes any sense at all. I have a strong suspicion that was just a cover to hide the real reason he wanted the Mystery Shack. I'm going to dig deeper into this case once the Shack is financially stable again.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9TH

UPDATE:

Surprisingly, Gideon's come through yet again!

Not only has he published papers retracting all the negative press that's been hurting the Mystery Shack, but he also came over today to inform us that Nessman's plan to foreclose the Shack wasn't actually his own plan. In fact, he was actually HIRED by someone else; a much wealthier and higher class person than he is. The way Gideon described it, it seems like this person is trying to repay his or her debt using sketchy means and is keeping it a secret.

This sounds like someone is currently in the work of designing a cover-up. My first instinct was the Northwest family, but then I remembered that they haven't been on top since Weirdmageddon. It still sounds like something right up Preston Northwest's alley, but I shouldn't narrow it down this early. Gideon's going to post an article on Nessman tomorrow, and he told us to lay low for a while afterward and not jump right on this mystery. So until then, I'm gonna be thinking about who this person is. Whoever they are, they targeted us. And if they did it once, they can do it again.

But I know that in due time, we'll find out who they are. And we'll make sure they get the payback that they deserve for trying to mess with us.

SUNDAY, JUNE 12TH

Just got back from helping Mabel babysit Ryland's little brother...

EVAN REEDS

-HUGE contrast to his older brother. He's actually pretty smart, nerdy (like me!), and is actually well-versed in the weirdness of Gravity Falls.

-He's twelve years old… just like Mabel and I were when we first came to Gravity Falls.

-Surprisingly well dressed for his age- white-collar button-up shirt, black tie, slacks, and dress shoes (sounds like a chore as far as daily wardrobe goes).

-He's a hacker! And a surprisingly good one too. Could be very helpful in our future adventures. It's honestly kind of scary just how skilled he is. (I'm not kidding- his bedroom is like half-computer.)

Hearing Ryland talking about him yesterday, I was honestly scared that we were potentially dealing with something along the lines of the second coming of Gideon before meeting him. But as it turns out, he's a pretty good kid, and it was Ryland who was actually neglecting him for so long. Luckily, it seems they're now on the road to patching things up.

I just wish we could've gotten off on a better start with Evan. Unfortunately, Mabel's crush on Ryland has brought back the worst parts of her boy-crazy days, and I had to tell her because I wasn't gonna do another summer of getting dragged into helping her try to impress someone. I want Mabel to be happy as much as anyone else, but at this point, she needs to know when she's pushing it. The good thing is that she seems to have finally caught herself in that regard, so maybe things will be different going forward.

I hope so because I'm still aching from kids running over me during laser tag. Should probably sleep that off.

But I gotta say, it's kind of strange to see Mabel so committed to this guy. Even her high school boyfriends never seemed that great. I would've expected her to be over Ryland already, but she seems like she's really going for something serious with him. And she's never had a truly serious relationship, so maybe that's why she's been a bit crazier with this guy.

Whatever happens, I hope she gets what she's looking for, so as long as she keeps herself in check.

MONDAY, JUNE 13TH

Ran into another old friend of ours this morning in the form of…

PACIFICA NORTHWEST

-Used to be a rich, spoiled brat

-Still rich ("ten-percent less"), still spoiled, but less of a brat (Hey, it's progress!)

-Has been working at Greasy's Diner for the past few years since her family first lost their money. Still keeping it to preserve somewhat of a normal life (Once again, progress!)

-Still refuses to admit she's friends with us (Can't win 'em all)

-Has gotten "hot". Mabel's words, not mine. Wait, why am I writing this down

I'd say we left off in a much better place with Pacifica than we did with Gideon four summers ago. Overall, she's clearly made some kind of effort to change over the years. I just find it kind of strange how her family managed to get so much of their money back so soon and build a whole new manor as well (Built in six months?!). I guess it's not my business to question every detail regarding that, but again, very strange. Still nice seeing her again though.

Soos just got back from the store in a panic. Apparently, he was flanked by a swarm of giant vampire bats infesting a section of the woods. I remember reading Ford's journal with the blacklight and learning that giant vampire bats were actually giant fruit bats, but Soos insisted that these bats actually attacked him and tried to suck his blood. Now he's hiding in the closet thinking he's going to become "NosferaSoos".

He seemed really shaken up, and if these were truly vampire bats, then a lot of other townsfolk passing by the same area could be just as easily attacked, and some might not make it out as Soos did.

So, Mabel and I have been loading up on gear to go hunting down these bats later tonight. For this, I'll be bringing the old height-altering flashlight. Given how big these bats could get, I figured it could be used effectively to shrink these guys down and make them easier to deal with. I'm also packing stakes, garlic, walkie-talkies, and a normal flashlight.

Mabel is just packing snacks. Well, at least she already has spares of all of my gear in case anything goes wrong on my end.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14TH

UPDATE:

So we couldn't find any vampire bats last night. On the other hand, we did find out that ants can talk. Well, sort of.

ANTS

-Can actually use their antennae to communicate their thoughts with signals, like a really tiny walkie-talkie

-Have a long history of worshipping humans since the beginning of time or something like that. They wanted us to sign a peace treaty so we wouldn't step on them anymore. Yeah, uh, I don't think that's gonna spread around the rest of the world so easily.

** WEAKNESS: They're ants. Just give them food or step on them, I don't know.

-Also, the title of Ant King has been left reserved for humans all this time. I guess that means I'm technically a royal now! Take that, Pacifica!

Oh yeah, speaking of which, Mabel and I saw her again last night at her job at Greasy's. Well… her old job. We kind of got her fired after a bunch of shenanigans at the diner last night.

However, she didn't take it as badly as I expected. Even though she's going to have to revert back to a full-time rich girl schedule again, at least we know she's changed. As sassy and snippy as she can be, she's still a good person at heart, and hopefully, she'll use that goodness to bring some positive change to her family name now that they're rich again.

I just hope Mabel knows to lay off the 'M' jokes next time and never tells her what it means. I can't imagine the embarrassment that would cause both of us.

Now to clean up all this dried Mabel Smoothie on my clothes, and then make up for all the sleep I missed last night.

NOTE: NEVER DRINK OR DIRECTLY SMELL MABEL SMOOTHIE

THURSDAY, JUNE 16TH

Tomorrow is the second to last Friday of the month, which means Summerween!

Soos is going to throw a costume party here at the Mystery Shack and has already decorated it for the occasion. Fitting enough, I suppose. Partying isn't any different than how Mabel and I have spent Halloween these past few years. We haven't gone trick-or-treating since we were thirteen, which is kind of a bummer, but nothing unexpected as we've grown up. We're not adorable enough anymore to do twin dances on people's doorsteps for candy. The neighbors have just found it creepy.

Still, costume parties have been fun. Mabel and I continue to prove time and time again that we're the masters at Halloween costume ideas. Trick-or-treating might be a bust these days, but that doesn't mean growing out of Halloween altogether. That said, we haven't talked about what we plan on wearing tomorrow. I feel like Mabel's probably already a step ahead of me there.

Honesty, I think both of us are just a bit more concerned about what's going on with Grunkle Stan and Great Uncle Ford. We haven't heard from them since before leaving for Gravity Falls, and Mabel even tried calling them earlier to no response. I'm sure they're probably okay, but I can't help feeling at least somewhat concerned. We've waited almost four years to see those two again. I just hope that we actually do get the chance to see them...

FRIDAY, JUNE 17TH (Summerween)

I was starting to think that there couldn't possibly be another creature scarier than the Summerween Trickster to go up against today. Boy, was I wrong...

Let's start with the positive: Grunkle Stan and Great Uncle Ford have finally returned! Unfortunately, they came back with the worst possible guest imaginable...

BILL CIPHER

I never thought I would ever have to write that damn name again. The same triangular dream demon that tried to destroy Stan's mind, stole my body and tried to destroy the universe during Weirdmageddon four years ago. I thought he was destroyed when Ford wiped him from Stan's mind with the memory eraser, but as it turns out, he's still been inside his mind after all this time. Now, he has the ability to take over Stan's mind and body seemingly whenever he pleases.

We've dealt with him for now, and Ford's already looking into a way to get rid of him again as soon as possible. But still, I can't get over Bill being back. I've had to deal with occasional nightmares about him coming all the way back to Piedmont. Each time, I woke up telling myself that things were okay and that Bill was gone. Even though I didn't expect him to come back in this form, it looks as though I was always wrong.

In the end, I'm just glad that Stan and Ford made it back alive. Once this whole Bill thing blows over, it'll be nice to spend some proper time with them and go on adventures together just like old times. I'm still excited to show Ford the rest of this journal and everything we've come across so far, and I'm sure Mabel's excited to binge-watch all the newest Duck-tective episodes and movies with Stan and Berry (her new Snacken, as Ford calls it)

SNACKEN

-Like a Kraken, but colored like a bright, blended berry smoothie

-Capable of growing up to 30 meters in length (Berry is just about a foot)

-Attracted to sugary sweets, which actually keeps them calm and friendly

-Repulsed by salt, which sends them into a fit of aggressive frenzies

-According to Ford, these things are native to the Colorful Creatures Dimension, where the oceans are actually made of strawberry-watermelon taffy water. These creatures are naturally very tame over there, but being warped into our salty oceans instantly irritates them.

-Stan says this baby one has been wrapping itself around his head since they found it. It hasn't done so to anyone else from what we've seen. Mabel suspects that it might've known that Bill was in Stan's head. Hmm...

Anyways, I'm looking forward to seeing Grunkle Stan and Ford again in the morning. I know they need to focus on destroying Bill, but there's so much we still need to catch up on. It's been four years! And according to Mabel, it was apparently their birthday a few days ago? I'm not sure. I don't think Stan has ever told us when his birthday was. Regardless, she was quick about that and sprinted off to make copies of some fliers before I had a chance to ask.

She's still making copies as I write this. It's 1 A.M.

Who needs sleep anyway?

SATURDAY, JUNE 18TH

So if there's anything I learned today, it's that personal hygiene and daily showers are very important. Because otherwise, I'll let my friend convince me to sneak into Ford's lab and use his cologne while neither he nor Stan is there, only to quickly learn that cologne was an experimental love cologne that attracts everybody who smells it to you.

I admit that at some point, my lack of a flirt game has left me fantasizing about what it would be like to have every girl fall in love with me. After today, I think I've gotten a fairly good glimpse of what it would be like if half of the town fell for me. And just like that, I think I actually prefer it when girls don't pay attention to me. Being popular is LARGELY overrated.

Anyways, aside from most of the craziness that went on today, there was still some good to be had. Mabel threw a welcome-home party for Stan and Ford and while things started off rocky, I'm happy to say things ended really well. Once everybody had gone home, we spent the rest of the evening in the living room listening to some of the adventures they went on when traveling the world. Of course, when it comes to Stan telling a story, it's hard to tell what's true and what isn't, but I was willing to take most of it for granted anyway. (If Ford rolled his eyes, it probably wasn't true.)

In general, it was good to catch up with them after so long and just be a family again. Having them back really fills a hole that had been missing these past few weeks since summer began.

On the other hand, I found out today that Wendy's actually leaving Gravity Falls at the end of the month. She didn't say too much, but she doesn't seem any more thrilled about it than I am. She might come back occasionally, and of course, there's video chat and stuff, but still, I'm so bummed, man. We've barely even hung out these past few weeks! At least now, I know for sure that whatever adventure comes up, if I can get Wendy in on it, I will. As she told me, it's all about making these last few days count, and that's what I intend to do.

Hi! Mabel here! Writing in Dipper's journal again because I can't seem to find my diary anywhere after tonight's party. I think I saw Gideon somewhere around here earlier. Wouldn't be surprised if he stole it…

I just needed to write about how excited I am that Ryland finally asked me out! AAAAHHHH! I've been taking things slow with him for what feels like forever! (It actually hasn't even been three weeks yet. Huh.) He wanted to take me out tonight, but I had to be the strong one and let him down easy because I needed to spend time with my favorite grunkles in the world! We're still on for Monday though, and I just can't contain myself!

I reunited with Candy and Grenda earlier today and we're already planning a sleepover tomorrow night to make dresses and watch this PG-13 romantic horror movie that Grenda found in her mom's closet that she's been saving for us all these years! Ooh-la-la! Spicy!

I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight. I'm just so happy! I'm going to remember this day for the rest of my life! I wonder where Ryland's gonna take me on Monday. I wonder what dress I'm gonna wear to our wedding! I'm thinking I want a diamond-encrusted ring shaped like Waddles. When won't it be too soon to tell him that? Hmm… maybe I'll just drop a hint before my birthday…

Now Dipper's demanding I give him his book back. He's just jealous that I got a date, and he still couldn't make it to first base with Wendy, even when she was in love with him! It's okay, bro-bro! Your time will come!

Mabel doesn't know what she's talking about. I dropped my feelings for Wendy years ago! Why else would I drop out of a chance to kiss her?

...I really need to stop writing these in pen...

MONDAY, JUNE 20TH

Went on my first mission with Ford today. Well, not so much a mission as he said, but we went back to the old bunker in the woods to retrieve his Quantum Destabilizer. It was all supposed to be a quick and easy trip, but as it turned out, the Shapeshifter was free and had been pulling different strings around us all while we were in there, luring us into a trap where it could strike.

It almost worked, but luckily, we all fought back hard against it. Derrick was there and he actually managed to get in the final blow, kicking the Shapeshifter into the security room where it was crushed to death. That was quite a mess to walk past…

I feel so bad for bringing Wendy along on this trip. I said before that I wanted to try and count her in on whatever adventures we had left, but this wasn't one to drag her into. The Shapeshifter freaked all of us out the last time we went to the bunker, but it seemed to take the biggest toll on her. I told her nothing would go wrong this time, yet it seemed like everything went wrong the deeper we went in.

Wendy told me that she was fine and not to stress about it, but here I am, still stressing about it. I just hope today doesn't mess with her head too much as the last bunker trip did. She's already got a lot going on as it is.

At least we got what we came for. Ford and our old friend, Old Man Fiddleford McGucket, will be developing a schematic reworking the Quantum Destabilizer into a weapon that can safely neutralize Bill from Stan's mind. Not sure how long that'll take, but we're making progress. Hopefully, it won't be too long before we're rid of Bill.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22ND

Things seem to be getting pretty stressful for Wendy now that she has this move coming up. One trip to her house to drop off boxes, and we catch her yelling at her dad, mentioning her mom right in front of him. I don't think I've ever heard Wendy even mention her mom before, but I guess there's a reason. I've never seen Manly Dan look so hurt.

I get that tensions must be high in the family given Wendy is leaving town as a result of college expulsion. (I can imagine the expenses must be awful if she took out student loans) Even the bunker stuff could also be messing with her. Regardless, I just hope she's keeping a strong head through all of it.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23RD

VALORA CORDUROY

Of all the things to possibly uncover this summer, I never could've possibly imagined any of them would involve finding out Wendy's mom is actually alive as some sort of interdimensional vigilante who saves refugees and brings them back to their home dimensions. She's everything one would expect Wendy's mom to be: mellow, confident, badass, and friendly (when she wasn't trying to kill us).

But she's also afraid of going back to her family. I don't know whether I agree with her decision or not, but I can't say I don't understand. Somehow though, I still feel like if she went back to them, they would still accept her. Still, I know it wouldn't be easy.

I don't know how to feel right now. Part of me feels like I shouldn't even be writing about her or any of this. In fact, I shouldn't have even known about her. I'm usually so on top about staying out of others' personal business, yet I dragged Mabel along into family business that didn't concern us. Now we have to live with the knowledge that Wendy's mom is out there without being able to tell Wendy herself.

Maybe we should tell her. Or maybe we shouldn't... I don't know. This situation is too complicated for us. This was never our business. If Wendy's gonna find out about anything, it should be from Valora herself. This is their family, and it would be their patch that needs resolving. It wouldn't be right coming from us.

I don't know if this is the right decision, but all I want is for Wendy to be alright in the end. No matter what happens, I can only hope for the best for both of them.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24TH

Wendy came to work today, and it actually looks like she's doing better! Much better than how she seemed yesterday. Apparently, she also went heisting with Stan? Don't know too much about that part, but Stan was on house arrest this morning.

As for Wendy herself, she actually looked the least stressed I've seen her since we got here. I don't know the full extent of what might've happened in the time since we saw her yesterday, but she seems to have mellowed out again, just like the Wendy we know. If she's happy, then I'm happy that she's happy, and I wouldn't dream of doing anything that could ruin that.

Also, it sounds like Ford and McGucket have gotten a lot of work done as far as that Quantum Destabilizer goes. Looks like there will be more work soon enough.

SUNDAY, JUNE 26TH

Went adventuring with Ford, Stan, and some friends today to hunt down components for the Quantum Destabilizer's power source. Figured I'd catalog the anomalies we came across:

SCREAMING VINE SQUIRREL (Or SPEARREL)

-Speed of a normal squirrel

-Very aggressive

-Produces pearls (like a clam?)

-Very loud screech (headphones recommended; seriously)

** WEAKNESS: Can be lured/calmed with mossy vines/overgrowth / Crossbows? (Ford was about to shoot it.)

CRUSHROOM

-Can grow really large

-Slams fist down as an act of defense

-Grows in darker parts of the forest

-Just terrible

** WEAKNESS: Unless you have a mech suit that fires missiles, I would just run.

SCORNET

-Giant

-Obsessed with killing

-Located within a cavern in the side of one of the hanging cliffs

-Not very kind

-Not very smart either

** WEAKNESS: Their intelligence

According to Ford, he now has all the parts needed to get to work on the power source, which means it's all just a matter of time before the Quantum Destabilizer is ready to use on Bill. Soon, we'll be rid of him once and for all.

Wowza, looks like you've been busy, bro! Sorry, I wasn't there to help you guys. That Screaming Vine Squirrel just sounds like it's dying to be petted!

Anyways, while I was at Ryland's BMX tourney, I met this huge butthead named Yuri Wyatts, who was actually sold a magic amulet from Gideon. Whaaat?

As it turns out, Gideon had a bunch of magic amulets. He says he got them from "Folk from the space." Whatever THAT means.

Though I gotta say, he really helped us out with taking down Yuri! I never thought I'd actually be saying GOOD THINGS about Gideon. That's a lot weirder than any magic either of them could possibly use! I wasn't sure about him last time, but now I think that Gideon has really changed!

Okay, maybe not ENTIRELY. He got all nervous and jittery when I asked him if he took my diary at the last party. Now I know for certain he took it… But creepiness aside, at least he's trying to be good! Points for effort!

Folk from the space? Hmm… I wonder if Gideon might be talking about the Crawlspace? (How would he know about it? How does he access it?)

I'll probably have to go check that place out again at some point…

MONDAY, JUNE 27TH

So that vampire bat problem that went unsolved a few weeks back was brought back up again today. The Gravity Falls Gossiper had a report about giant bats terrorizing hikers by a nearby town trail. Mabel and I read about this and geared up appropriately. Wendy caught us on her lunch break (which isn't much different from her actual shift) and said she wanted in.

After a long day of searching the town for signs of bat activity, Wendy located a cave in the woods. Inside, we found the hideout of a vampire by the name of Count Orlacuedwardula. (What the hell?) We had to fight our way to him, using all of our stakes on his vicious bats until we were cornered. As he started monologuing about sucking our blood or whatever, I realized I had one last piece of wood in my bag and quickly carved it into a stake. I passed it to Wendy, who managed to nail a perfect throw right into the Count's head! (I am not scarred for life.)

So, as it seems, I think we've put an end to the vampire/bat situation. Mabel and Wendy suggested going out for victory pizza, but I dropped out. I wasn't really in the mood for pizza. I mean… vampire hunting really takes its toll on you! You know?

Ugh… I don't know what's wrong with me, man. I shouldn't be like this… I should be OVER this by now. Yet here I am after all this time, and it feels like I've learned nothing. Have I seriously not moved on? Am I really weak-minded enough to think I still have feelings for someone I was over a long time ago? Was I ever over her? Or am I falling for her again? Or is it just because she's moving away, and I'm upset about it, or…?

What is it? What is any of this? Why are feelings so complicated? Why are feelings so terrible? Why can't I just KNOW how I feel about someone without having to write out everything going through my head in a stupid book? I'm sixteen, yet I feel like I'm twelve all over again. Just a stupid guy with a stupid brain that can't control his stupid feelings. Why am I so stupid?

It never happened then. It's not gonna happen now. So when will I be over it? When will I know? What's it gonna take for me to finally move on?

TUESDAY, JUNE 28TH

Yesterday, I was just a normal teen having trouble with his feelings. Today, I'm an undersea war veteran… still having trouble with his feelings but with a sense of reassurance.

NOTE: MERMAN / MERMAID ARMOR - INCREDIBLY IMPRACTICAL IN BATTLE

This was definitely not how I predicted my night would turn out, but anything's possible when it comes to Mabel and her matchmaking efforts. At least she seemed genuine about retiring that side of her. Given the amount of trouble her matchmaking has gotten us into, I'm glad that book is finally closing.

At the same time, I have to admit that she was actually onto something tonight.

Love really is its own fight. I've been stressing about my inability to control my feelings as if they were something to be mastered. The reality is that mastering your own feelings is an impossible game. However I may feel about somebody could shake me up or put me down, but all I can really do is learn from those feelings and try to do better with them.

And after today, I think I will do better. I guess that sometimes, in order to move on from someone, you just need a little help from someone else. And maybe... that someone else has more to offer than you might've originally thought.

(God, if Mabel finds out about any of this, I'm never gonna hear the end from her)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29TH

Okay, I think I'm officially over parties for the rest of the summer. Don't even throw us a 17th birthday party later on. Mabel might want otherwise, but honestly, just give me candles on a cake, and I swear I'll be happy.

I don't know what's happened to Robbie over the years, but that guy just seems to have relapsed entirely back to the jerk he used to be. Maybe even worse. The guy literally pulled out a sketchy board game to play just to try and humiliate me. It didn't work out, and he was quickly exposed, but that hardly mattered because as it turned out, the game was HAUNTED.

FATAL FLAW

-Had to fact-check Robbie's words. Apparently, this game was outlawed soon after release after the creators were found dead right beside one of the boards. Almost all known copies of the game were subsequently destroyed or hidden, but some copies are still out in public.

-Don't know where Robbie got this particular board. He says from a "special dealer". Part of me believes this dealer had to have been supernatural themselves

-Comes with its own built-in lie detector. Ask players questions, shock those who don't tell the truth.

-The game itself is a SENTIENT HIVEMIND. "Infects" people through direct eye contact. Once possessed, the game has total access to your entire mind, including your deepest thoughts and feelings that you might not even be totally aware of yourself.

** WEAKNESS: Destroy the game board!

Post-possession depression is intense. As I write this, I'm busy fighting the strong urge to just cry myself to sleep for seemingly no reason. Mabel already gave in and has been sobbing for an hour now. She's trying to give Waddles belly rubs to make herself feel better, but it's not working. Waddles is very confused right now.

The craziest part about today is honestly the fact that of all of us at that party, the only one who didn't get possessed by Fatal Flaw was Thompson! He was actually the one to save the day in the end. I'm actually proud of the guy. For once in his life, he's actually scored a win. Even if he unnecessarily rubbed it in a bit at the end of the night, I can't blame him that much. He definitely had a better night than Robbie, THAT'S for sure.

All that aside, Wendy leaves town tomorrow morning. It feels kind of surreal that this is still happening. I guess dealing with this Fatal Flaw depression now will soften the blow for when it's time to say goodbye, but I still imagine it'll be tough. I just wish we had spent more time going on adventures and junk together before this point. She says she'll pop in now and then once she's settled in her new place, but I'll still miss just having her around.

No matter what happens, I wish nothing but the best for her. She's gone through a lot already and it seems like she's managed to keep a steady head over the past week. Once she's gone and on her own, at least she can finally catch a break from all of this.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30TH

PHEW! Man, am I glad to hold this book in my hands again. I thought this would have been vaporized along with most of the Shack. I guess that's already an indication of how this day has gone. So much has happened that I'm not sure where to begin. Guess I should start at the beginning:

Bill used Stan to trick Wendy into shaking his statue's hand, bringing him back to his physical form and turning her into a statue! To escape from Bill, all of us tried to flee into Dan's wine cellar, which we learned was actually turned into a hidden entrance into…

THE CRAWLSPACE

-A black market / underground city self-ran by paranormal thieves that hide there during the day. I think Stan would get a kick out of this place if he were allowed down there. (Not that that would stop him.)

-Shopkeepers and salespeople scamming others around every corner. Honestly, the Mystery Shack wouldn't feel too out of place down there.

-Looking around, I've seen shops for both mystic amulets and cursed board games. I think I know now how Gideon and Robbie got ahold of their gimmicks...

-Numerous entrances. Each through designated cursed doors. A key is needed to unlock one.

-Use "Portal Potties" to exit.

This wasn't my first venture into this place, but it was my most explorative and insightful trip. It also wasn't my first time getting captured down there to be sold off in a paranormal auction. Luckily, Manly Dan and his sons came to the rescue and busted us out so we could make our escape.

Just as we returned to the surface, we found out that Bill had possessed the auctioneer just so he could force us out of hiding. Turns out that despite being brought back, Bill was almost completely powerless and needed Ford's help to get his power back, so he took Ford with him back to the Mystery Shack. As hopeless as things started to seem, we eventually remembered the key to defeating Bill…

THE ZODIAC

Once again, this isn't all that new to me. When we fought Bill during Weirdmageddon, Ford told us that we were all part of a prophecy meant to defeat Bill. We had all of the right people at the time and tried to do it. And it was working! Until Stan messed it all up, that is... And so, we never got to see what would have happened if we completed the prophecy...

...until today!

We spent about an hour gathering everybody we needed for the prophecy again. At the same time, Wendy was somehow freed from being a statue too! (Mabel tells me it's because of Dr. Stone's stone-hugging therapy an hour before. I refuse to acknowledge this being the case.) By the time we had everybody ready to go, we made our move on the Shack and ambushed Bill in the basement, and saved Ford (who had already managed to rebuild a portal frame during all this time).

After a long fight and one very close call, Stan somehow activated the portal to distract Bill while the rest of us got back onto the zodiac and completed the prophecy. By the time Bill realized what was happening, it was already too late for him. Once everything finished, Bill was defeated and turned into a statue once again (but this time, it didn't cost sacrificing anyone's mind to do so). At the same time, the portal was in ruins, much like the rest of Ford's lab and a large portion of the Mystery Shack. The damages will take time some time to repair, but that's fine because at least we all made it out alive.

This also meant Wendy was finally able to leave for college. Before we all went back to her place, we went out real quick to get one final victory pizza to celebrate beating Bill. It was nice to have that one last moment together with her. It only made it even more bittersweet by the time we all said our goodbyes to her. Before she left, we even switched hats, so now I have my old lucky pine tree cap again. I wonder if it still has any luck to spare?

Gotta say that I'm pretty emotionally drained after everything that's happened since last night. It's been a hectic month, to say the least, but now that we're finally done with Bill, the rest of the summer is starting to look bright! Without having to worry about Stan suddenly trying to kill us now, it feels like Mabel and I are finally getting back to what we've been waiting nearly four years for. It still stinks Wendy won't be there for all of it, but I'll still be happy knowing she's out doing her own thing the way she wants.

As it is now, it feels like our summer is finally getting started. And I can't wait to see what's next!

(Chapter updated as of March 26, 2024)