#windip

Here you go, none of the artwork is mine to claim

November 12, 2015

Dipper sat up and coughed. Looking around, he saw they were in the middle of a twenty foot crater in the middle of the woods.

“How?” Pacifica choked out and coughed up some dirt. “How did we get here?”

“I had an idea when I summoned Blendin… when I pressed the two time tapes together.. they pushed back like when you press two magnets together… The event’s weren’t adding up. It was a gamble that my insane idea would shoot Blendin back to where he was and give me the time tape. I was surer it was the right idea, when he was shot.”

Dipper held the time tape. It was completely shorted out. He put it back in his jacket pocket.

“Will he be all right?” She asked. Dipper nodded.

“I’d like to think so… maybe I can find a way to contact him again.” Dipper said.

“What do we now? I’m sure they’re looking for us.”

Dipper thought to himself and looked down at Billeah. He felt Pacifica behind him and wrap her arms around him.

“Is McGucket ok?” Dipper asked.

“He looks to be sleeping.” She said.

“You still have the neuralizer?” Dipper said.

“No… I won’t let you do that to me.” Pacifica protested. “I know what’s going on in that head of yours… I won’t let you leave me here alone while you go off into the woods and live like a crazy person and try to carry out your… whatever plan.”

Dipper turned to her and smiled. He pulled her face to his and gave her a kiss.

“Now who's crazy? They’d find me after all. Go and wake him up.” Dipper said. Pacifica blushed and shook the sleeping old man.

“Ghwa what? Where am I? OH no... It happened again, didn’t it?” McGucket said and looked around like a scared animal. “What did I do this time?”

“McGucket, you’re ok… Come here and look at my cousin could you?’

McGucket scampered over to Dipper and looked at her.

“She’s sleeping…” he said.

“She’s frozen… You can erase memories… can you access them as well? Like tap into her mind so we can talk?”

McGucket’s face froze and he slowly went walleyed, then his pupils snapped forward again. With a stern look he nodded.

“Give me the neuralizer gun.” Dipper asked. Pacifica held it out, but refused to give it to him.

“Can you make this explode?” Dipper asked. McGucket nodded. “Ok… Can you make it explode… and make it look like we got our minds wiped… but not fry our brains is what I’m asking.”

“Let’s see…” He said and snatched the gun from Pacifica’s hand. He opened it up and fiddled with it while scratching his ear with his toe. “Just close your eyes before it explodes.”

Dipper barely had time to cover his eyes and shield Pacifica when the gun whined and emitted a huge flash of light. Dipper blinked back the stars and McGucket’s face was slack.

“He… didn’t close his eyes.” Pacifica said softly. She looked down at the gun in his hand, the wires and bulbs were black and frayed, it looked beyond repair.

“McGucket? Dipper said. He heard the sound of helicopters in the distance. Pacifica looked up, trying to find where they’re coming from. Dipper smiled when McGucket locked eyes with him. For the first time since he’s known the man, his eyes were clear and bright… the insanity that riddles his mind full of holes was gone. He held his finger to his lips, and Dipper made a zipping motioning to his. McGucket’s eyes slid back to their crossed and glazed look.

“Pacifica…” Dipper said. “You don’t remember the last twelve hours… go that? We were home cleaning up the mess… then nothing. NO matter what they say… what they do… that’s what happened.”

“What about her?” she asked, pointing to Billeah.

“I’m thinking…” Dipper said. He could hear the helicopters fast approaching. He climbed out of the crater with Billeah in his arms. His heart leapt when he saw a familiar peak. He was in Gary’s territory. Dipper’s eyes scanned the trees. He saw a massive pine and ran full speed to it with Billeah in his arms. Pacifica followed close behind.

“What are you doing?” She said out of breath.

“I’m her pine tree…” Dipper said. He closed his eyes and pushed out with all his might his intentions. The tree pixies came out of the branches and surrounded him with their song and dance. He willed them a question… will they protect her?

“Dipper…” Pacifica trailed off.

The pine tree Dipper picked split open down the middle. Dipper set her inside and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“I’ll fix this… I know I keep saying this, but I’ll come back for you… We’ll fix this together. But for now, sleep. Dance and play in your head… and be wrapped up in your pine tree. I’ll always protect you.”

The sprites spun around the tree, reforming the bark to hide the secret package it kept. Dipper grabbed Pacifica’s hand and ran back to the crater. He was relieved to see they made it in time. It took the helicopters another five minutes to land. Agent Trigger and Powers burst out of the chopper and ran to greet them. They covered the three of them in a blanket and bagged McGucket’s Memory gun.

*           *           *

“You going to RSVP?” Stan asked Mabel. His craggy gaze stared disapprovingly at Mabel who tossed the white invitation on the table.

“Why should I? He abandoned all of us.” She snapped. She tossed a can of tomato soup in the microwave and set it to cook. She swore as sparks flew inside, and tore the door opened to retrieve the can. She poured it into a bowl and threw it back in.

“You… You can’t just not go... It’s Dipper’s wedding! He’s your brother!” Stanford said.

“Tyrone needs me… That’s the brother I have to take care of. I didn’t choose to graduate early and go off to college and abandon all of us just to impress the local rich girl. I can’t take the time off and he’s not fit to travel.” Mabel snapped. “I’m sure I’ll see it on the news anyway. Another big Pines merger and such.”

“Mabel.” Stanford said. She walked around him and brought the soup over to her other twin Tyrone. He’d always been smaller and weaker than her and Dipper. The complications of his birth left him… special.

“Hey, Tyrone… How ya doing! You like the new sweater I knitted you?” Mabel said and kissed her brother on the head.    

Tyrone’s gaze didn’t even reach her. His arms and legs were contorted beyond repair, and his neck twisted to the side, the result of an accident that happened just after their parents died. Dipper was always resentful of it, because it was his fault. She warned him that Tyrone was too weak to climb the tree, but Dipper egged him on.

Tyrone always looked up to Dipper, like she did. She learned her lesson. You can’t trust or rely on anyone. She promised herself to always be there for her brother, and that she’d never leave him, even if he couldn’t see her or show her that he knows she’s there.

“Oh, silly, you spilled some...” She giggled and wiped  the tomato soup. “After this… I’ll get out the sock puppets ok?”

“Stan…” Stanford said. “I don’t know how much I can take of this.”

“We promised Dipper to watch her… and we will.”

They left the hall and casually glanced at a carved square in the wall, it’s lips formed a slight smile.

*           *           *

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul

November 12, 2015

“It’s so dark… I can’t see…” Wendy said.

“I have the flashlight on… the light’s just not hitting anything.” Stanford said.

“Just keep walking forward… that’s what the others would have to do…” Dipper said. “Everyone should hold hands.

It took a few minutes to get everyone connected. Stan pressed on, blindly walking in inky blackness.

“There’s a light up ahead.” Mabel said. Stan redirected the group to the light source.

“This is why I couldn’t find it… this place is outside of time itself… How is this place even be possible?” Blendin said. .

“Are we in the Mindscape?” Dipper asked

“No… this is different.” Billeah said.

The group got closer and the light grew. They could make out a structure in the middle of the inky blackness.

“That almost looks like a Stonehenge.” Dipper said quietly. They could hear voices coming from it. Stan moved the group behind one of the massive stones. They peek around the edge and looked to see who was there.

“Dad?” Wendy said. Dipper put his mouth over hers and pulled her back. Manly Dan looked in their direction and returned to his conversation with Mr. Poolcheck.

“Oh… not Susan…” Stanford said. Dipper could hear his heart break as Lazy Susan pulled open her eye and scanned the darkness..

“Of course.. it’s a closed eye!” Dipper said with a forehead slap.

“And that B thing must be a pool whistle.” Mabel said, pointing to Mr. Poolcheck.

“Everyone’s almost here.” Mr. Northwest said as he walked in from the blackness. Officer Blubs and Shandra Jimenez, the local news anchor walked in with him.

They heard muffled struggling as Agent Powers appeared with the Greasy diner’s fry cook and Gideon’s father who was carrying McGucket.

“We’re missing one…” Mr. Northwest said.

“I’m here! I’m here!” a familiar voice said from the darkness. Mrs. Valentino trotted in with her big smile. “I got turned around… sorry!”

“Agent Powers… do you have the Memory Nullifier?” Mr. Northwest asked. He nodded. “Good set it so we forget who each other are until we’re summoned again. This should be the last time we convene like this. Imperium!”

“Imperium!” Everyone shouted and thrust a hand in the air.

“With the cutting of this string, we shall bring order to this world of chaos!” Mr. Northwest said. Mrs. Valentino produced the wavy bladed knife she used to summon back Robbie.

“We need to stop them!” Dipper said. “We need to get the memory nullifier. If we wipe their minds of all this, we’ll be able to get them to work on our side… Manly Dan would be the first one to use it on.”

Dipper gave the shrink flashlight to Pacifica after flipping the stone around. .

“This stone is about ten feet… use this on me first till I’m about that size. Then Stan and Grandpa With our size increased, we should be able to handle the skirmish without hurting anyone.”

“I got a jar!” Mabel said, and produced a glass jar from her bag.

“What do we do with that?” Wendy asked.

“Well, Dipper will be big, so make the jar big and put them inside!” Mabel said with a grin

“Like what Gideon did to us.” Dipper said with a smile. “Good plan. Pacifica, get us first, then the jar. I’ll go for Agent Powers first so I can grab the memory gun. Grandpa you go for Manly Dan. He’s going to be the toughest one”

The crowd formed a circle in the center of the smooth glass like stones that formed the monolithic structure. They chanted in an incomprehensible dialect and the stones began to glow a dark, eerie green.

Pacifica flipped on the light and Dipper saw everyone get smaller. Wendy had readied her axe and stood in front of Mabel. Pacifica pointed the flashlight to Stan. As soon as Dipper saw his uncle start growing he stepped out behind his cover and slammed his foot into the ground.

“HEY!” He roared. “Knock that off!”

The sight of a giant Dipper was too much for them, they stood there dumbstruck as Dipper reached down and grabbed Agent Powers. His training must have taken over, and he quickly withdrew his sidearm and fired it. Two shots cut into his cheek. Agent powers quickly held the gun against the second knuckle of his thumb and fired three rounds. Dipper’s hand exploded with pain and he threw Agent Powers against the green thrumming stone. He slid down motionless. Dipper took a second, worried he killed the man, but was relieved to see his chest rise and fall.

Dipper looked down at his hand; he could barely move his thumb. Agent Powers must have packed hollow points because the back side of his hand looked like ground beef.  

“You ok?” Stan asked as he grabbed Manly Dan and set him inside the giant glass jar. Dipper nodded.

“Blendin, grab the Memory gun from Agent Powers!” Dipper shouted. Everyone inside the circle had come to their senses and scattered. Wendy shot out like a rabbit and chased down Lazy Susan. She tackled the elderly woman and held her down till Stanford grabbed her and put her in the jar. Blendin quickly took aim and shot the inhabitants with the memory wiper as they were placed inside. Dipper couldn’t grab anyone, he did his best to block them from disappearing into the darkness and let Stan and Stanford grab them.    

Mr. Northwest was the last one grabbed. Blendin used the memory gun on him, and he collapsed next to everyone else.

“Good job!” Dipper said. “Pacifica, could you get us back to normal size?”

Pacifica obliged and shrunk everyone back down. Dipper gave a one armed hug to Mabel as she rushed forward with gauze from her bag and quickly bandaged Dipper’s hand

“Hey! He’s taller than me!” she complained and snatched the flashlight from Pacifica.

“But… I like him taller.” She whimpered.

“Nope, we had a deal... I’m one millimeter taller than he is… FOREVER!” She said and flashed him with the light. “That’s better!”

“So… that’s it?” Blendin asked. “Can we get out of here?”

Stan came back with McGucket and untied his wrists.

“You ok?” Dipper asked. McGucket nodded.

“Scared the squirrels out of my boots but I’ll live… wish I could erase the horrors I done seen, but I guess waking up and screaming in the middle of the night is in the cards dealt to me.”

“So… what do we do from here?” Wendy asked.

“I guess we can shrink the whole jar for easy carry… and then try and make our way out of here.” Dipper said.

“Umm… How come the stones haven’t stopped glowing?” Mabel asked.

In the center of the monolith black smoke had pooled and was not dissipating. Lightning arced from the tops of the stones with an ear splitting crack of thunder. The whole black cloud collected and condensed into a bubbling ball of black ooze. Lightning arced across the surface as the smoky ooze bubbled and frothed faster and faster.

“I didn’t think it would be this easy…” Dipper said with a groan. “Ok guys… here’s the…”

An inky black tendril shot out and grabbed Dipper by his throat and yanked him up to the floating black mass. Glowing red eyes formed and an evil, jagged smile crept across the blob.

I have you now

Dipper struggled but felt him losing consciousness. He couldn’t breathe. He had hoped to save this as a last ditch emergency. Closing his eyes, he focused on the green gem around his wrist. His staff and Wendy’s axe flung into the inky blackness. Dipper fell, but stopped inches from the ground.

“Dipper! NO!” Mabel screamed. “Don’t use that!”

He and Mabel talked about Gideon’s gem at length when he returned from the woods, before his incarceration. They both tried it a few times, and agreed it was pure evil. Each time they used it, they could feel corruption inside themselves. Dipper could almost forgive Gideon, knowing he was influenced by such a thing… almost.

If he had told Mabel he was bringing it, she would have made him leave it. He needed to save her… so he lied to her… again.

“Dipper!” Mabel screamed. He threw a barrier around the inner circle, refusing to let the ink blob hurt her again. Mabel, Wendy and Pacifica pounded against the shield. He couldn’t hear their screams. His mind was focused on the inky mass who now took a humanoid form. It paced left and right, its head twisted and dripped into itself.

“Kill you... I will… take them back… take them all back!” it said, slobbering it’s words.

“Never!” Dipper said and launched his axe and pole at the mass. The ooze split in two, and the projectiles passed between him harmlessly. It launched another tendril assault. Dipper opened himself up to the gem and he dodged them effortlessly. He flung an arc of green fire at them and they burned away. The creature screamed in pain.”

“I’ll swallow you in darkness like you did me!” It screamed and bubbled; the humanoid shape swelled and filled the enclosure. Dipper walked forward defiantly and let the inky blackness surround him.

*           *           *

Mabel didn’t know how long she screamed. Her brother walked into the darkness to face whatever monster it was without flinching. Pacifica and Wendy held each other, tears streaming down their silent faces. Billeah stared like a stone statue.

“Grandpa… Stan… Do something!” Mabel pleaded. She pounded on the green shield, mere inches from the slithering shadows that franticly lashed about.

“We have to trust him.” Stan said, and put her arms around her. “The shield is holding, we can only hope he’s still ok inside.

The ground shook and Mabel was knocked off her feet.

“What was that?” Blandin asked.

“Agent Trigger must have blown up the door.” Stan said.

“So… we’re trapped here?” Blandin said. “We… we can’t be!”

“I’m sure there’s another way out. We know at least you make it out alive.” Stan said and patted Blandin on the shoulder.

“What’s taking so long?” Pacifica asked. “It feels like hours.”

“It probably has… remember last time Dipper went inside that thing? He said he fought it for a few minutes… time probably grinds to a halt for him.”

There was a green flash that split the black ink and dissipated against the shield. The darkness engulfed the brief light burst and went back to its slithering pulsating mass.

“Attaboy, Dipper…” Stan said.

No one said a word. The green flashes seemed to appear at a faster rate. Each flash was engulfed within shadows.

“Pacifica! You let your father out right now!” screamed Mr. Northwest. Some of the others stirred. Pacifica walked over to Blandin and took the memory gun. She fiddled with the settings and slowly walked over to him. “What are you…?”

Pacifica pulled the trigger. His eyes rolled back and he collapsed on top of Manly Dan. Mabel watched as she emotionlessly fired the gun over and over until everyone was back unconscious. Pulling out the flashlight from her purse, she shrunk the jar and picked it up. She carried it back to the group and sat down with it between her legs.

“Hey… I think something’s happening.” Wendy said. Mabel looked at the barrier. She was right. The flashes became more and more intense. Each time the flames hit the shield. It was harder for the shadow to overtake it.

“Hey… Cover your eyes everyone!” Stan shouted. Mabel saw a tiny dot from the middle of the darkness grow brighter and brighter. The tiny sun expanded to the full size of the barrier, burning away any shadow and exploded beyond.

It took a moment for her eyes to adjust. She thought she was going crazy. There were two Dippers. An older Dipper, with a missing eye and covered in burns, and a naked twelve year old Dipper.

“You can’t stop me!” said the twelve year old Dipper. His eyes were black sockets and glowed with a dark energy as he paced around the circle. Dipper’s barrier was gone. Mabel saw the gem on his wrist was shattered.

Her brother was pacing an equal distance. The look on his face made her sick. He had a hungry look like a wolf staring at a sheep.

“Oh my god…” Stanford said. “We did this to him.”

Stan put a hand on his brother's shoulder. “You were right… it was necessary.”

Mabel tried to run to him but Stan grabbed her and held her to him. He covered her mouth to keep her from screaming.

The twelve year old Dipper lunged at him. Dipper sidestepped and grabbed his wrist. Her stomach twisted hearing the sound of bone breaking. She saw her younger brother writhe in pain, get up and rush the hunter Dipper who broke his other arm.

“You will not hurt them” He said in a cold voice. “I will not let you hurt them!”

“Pinetree…” Billeah said. Her eyes wide with terror. “Oh no… Pinetree, no!”

Stanford caught hold of Billeah who tried to run in. Dipper grabbed his staff and swung it as hard as he could. Mabel heard ribs cracking as he repeatedly beat his twelve year old self. Any sense of danger was gone from the black eyed child. He was now a cowering boy, sobbing as Dipper beat him.

Dipper dropped his staff and stood over his younger self.

“Mabel!” young Dipper called. His face lit up with a smile. He crawled slowly towards her. “Mabel I’m here! I’m back… I watched… I’m sorry... I should have trusted you… I should have… Rick promised to bring me back to you… he made that happen!”

Something cold fell over Mabel. Dipper walked over to the crawling boy and slowly knelt down. Mabel shook her head frantically and couldn’t scream to stop him. Dipper wrapped his arm around the boy’s neck and lifted him up.

The young boy’s face filled with fear. His broken arms couldn’t even reach up as Dipper’s strong arms tightened around his throat.

Dipper stared at Mabel and Billeah whose screams were muffled by Stan and Stanford’s hands.

“It has to be done Mabel… we have to stop it…” Stan said in her ear. She closed her eyes but still hear a distinctive snap.

She didn’t want to open them and heard the sound of something drop on the floor. Her chest hurt… she felt it… she felt it!

Stan let her go. She could barely stand.

“Dipper…” Wendy said. Her mouth was covered. The hunter look was still in his eye. Slowly he walked back to where his staff and her axe were and he picked them up. Walked back and returned the axe to Wendy. Pacifica’s expression was stone cold.    

Dipper stood in front of Stan and looked up at him.

“I made the hard choice.” was all he said.

“No… the pine tree fell… the pine tree fell.” Billeah said. She was on her knees pulling her hair.

“I’m here… I won.” Dipper said.

“No… you don’t understand… I lied. I lied for you.” Billeah whimpered over and over. Mabel’s stomach dropped.

She walked over to the crumpled remains and nudged it with her foot. The inky blackness was gone from young Dipper’s eyes; they stared off, not focusing on anything.

“It won’t go away…” Mabel said, her voice shuttered. “When the unicorn died… it turned to mud.”

“Mabel…” Dipper said. His voice sounded like he was starting to come back to them.

“Dipper… it’s fake… right? It’s not real? It’s just a shape shifter… or … or, oh god...” Mabel said and collapsed. Her hand was trembling “That scar… his appendix.”

Mabel reached for his hand, and pulled it out from under his back. There was a gold bracelet on it that matched the one she wore... Mabel dropped the hand in horror and scooted away.

“Mabel...” Dipper said and ran to her.

“DON’T TOUCH ME!” She screamed.

Everyone was silent. Mabel couldn’t control herself. She crawled over to the still form of her brother. The scar, the bracelet she gave him. She didn’t think about it, and figured the bracelet they bought together was destroyed in the accident… and he was burned where the incision was. Who was he? Who was the man that invaded their lives and… and killed her brother!

“HE WAS TRYING TO GET BACK!” She sobbed. “HE WAS TRYING TO PROTECT ME FROM YOU! YOU BEAT HIM! WHY DIDN’T YOU STOP? WHY DIDN’T ANY OF YOU LET ME STOP HIM!’

Mabel couldn’t see, all she could do was cradle her brother. She felt a part of her die at that moment.

“No… no, no, no!” Billeah sobbed. “Mabel! Don’t!”

“I hate you…” she choked. “I hate you both.”

The same pain in her chest when Robbie died, Soos left, Dipper defeating Gideon, and when she watched her brother die, stabbed her again. She didn’t care anymore.

*           *           *

Dipper watched his sister crying over the creature he killed. Billeah was hysterical and not making any sense. He won… what was happening?

Silently the stone monoliths levitated in the air. They saw the long blocks spin like a clock and slowly slide together.

“No… It’s broken… it’s all broken.” Billeah said as she rocked back and forth.

Dipper watched as the monoliths formed a giant square. A mouth formed, and two arms and legs seemed to pour out of the stone. When they were formed, a bowler hat seemed to grow out of its head.

Its mouth opened and gave a chilling laugh.

“Thank you, Dipper. You worked out quite well.” The creature said.

“Billeah. For one coin I fully release you!” Dipper screamed and lunged for Billeah. Billeah’ eyes flashed a glowing blue and her hand was covered in blue fire. Dipper reached, but his cousin was levitated up out of his grasp.

“Oh, I don’t think so…” Rick’s booming voice said. “Bill, what a quaint form. So fragile.”

“Kill me then, Rick.” Billeah spat.

“Oh ho ho, you think I’m stupid? None of our kind has done what you have. We don’t know the consequences.” Rick shook Billeah like a doll and turned her upside down. He brought her close to his mouth and blew on her. She seemed to convulse and go limp. “Hahaha… so frail…”

“What did you do to her?” Dipper screamed.

“I did what she’s yearned for all these years… I opened her consciousness. All of her overmind is now available to her… sadly; the information is too much for her tiny brain. She’s trapped in her own mind… I’ve taken the liberty to ensure she will never age or die. Her lust for mortality shall be her eternal prison!”

“I defeated your monster… How could you be here?” Dipper screamed and threw his staff fruitlessly at the monolith.

“My monster? Didn’t you figure it out? She lied to you! When you disrupted your little bubble… sorry… I need to speak in smaller terms. When you destroyed your universe… Bill re-created it… made some changes and plopped you right in… You’re a smart boy; you know two objects can’t occupy the same space. So at the moment of your little ‘accident’ she swapped… you for him.” Rick said with a deep chuckle. “When I found him, he was already clawing his eyes out with madness. I gave him a way to take his life back. The one that you stole.”

Dipper couldn’t believe it. Rick dropped Billeah. She fell what seemed like forever, and landed like a rag doll. Her leg was twisted at an impossible angle, and her head was to the side.

“What are you going to do with us?” Stan shouted. “You won now!”

“I don’t want you to think me cruel.” Rick said. He waved his hand and the jar Pacifica clung to was pulled from her arms. Rick regrew his avatars and set them in front of him. “You can choose… I will not harm or destroy you no matter your choice. Your insignificant lives will not hinder my plans.”

Two doors appeared in front of him; one red, one white.

“The red door will mark you, I will always know you and your dealings, but you shall still know yourself. Should you move against me… there will be consequences.” Rick said. “The white door will renew you. These events will be cleaned away and you go back to your lives like this never happened.”

“Can you bring him back?” Mabel said. “Bring him back and I’ll go through the white door!”

“Mabel, no!” Dipper shouted. She gathered up her brother in her arms and walked to the doors. Rick waved his hand and the white door opened.

“I assure you, if you go through the white door… you will have a brother waiting for you on the other side.”  

“Mabel, come back!” Dipper screamed. Mabel looked back at him with cold and hollow eyes and stepped forward. The door slammed shut behind her.

Dipper fell to his knees. He felt someone next to him. He looked up to see Pacifica. She helped him to his feet and put her arm through his and held his hand.

Wendy stepped forward.

‘I… I want the white door…” she stammered, she kept glancing at Dipper with a look of horror on her face. “I can’t… I can’t get that out of my mind… I want to forget Dipper killing that boy…”

“Wendy!” Dipper protested. He reached out to her and Wendy jerked away and shook her head..

“I thought I knew you… I… the Dipper I loved could never be so cruel.” Wendy said and walked through the white door.

“Go…” he said to Stan and his Grandfather. “I’ll be ok. Go through the white one.”

“Like hell we will.” Stan said and stormed through the red door. Stanford followed suit and made a rude gesture at Rick.

Blendin stood next to Dipper and was playing with his fingers. “I… I don’t know what to do… if I forget; it will cause an anomaly…”

Dipper looked to Pacifica.

“My place is with you… no matter what.” She said. “I saw what you gave up to protect us; I won’t throw that sacrifice away.”

Dipper grabbed Blendin’s arm and pulled him next to him. He walked with the two of them up to the crumpled form of Billeah and looked at her.

“Pacifica, go get McGucket…” Dipper said. Pacifica ran back and helped up the old quivering man. His mind seemed to have checked out and she led him up to Dipper.

Dipper gathered up Billeah in his arms and looked up at Rick. His giant mouth grinned from ear to ear.

“Have you chosen?” he said. Dipper nodded.

“I choose neither!” He shouted. Pacifica grabbed ahold of him and Dipper pulled out the spare Time-Tape. He snatched Blendin’s’ working one and shoved them together

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” Blendin screamed. Rick waved his hand and Officer Blubs and Agent Powers drew their firearm and unloaded their guns. Blendin dove in front of Dipper and used himself as a human shield. Blendin hugged his time-tape while Dipper clung onto the future version, and they both winked out of existence.

November 12, 2015

Dipper handed Mr. Northwest a portfolio and opened another on the pile next to him. He read over the proposals, highlighted key points and made notes in red pen with his impressions and observations.

Mr. Northwest silently glossed over the folder that was handed to him and nodded to himself.

“Mr. Pines.” Mr. Northwest said. “You’re free tomorrow afternoon, are you not?”

“Yes sir.” Dipper said, scribbling a note and closing the folder. He deftly set it on the desk and opened the next one.

“I have a board meeting in Seattle, I want you to come and sit in.” He said.  

Dipper nodded and chewed on his pen.

“That’s a habit you’re going to need to break.” Mr. Northwest said. Dipper took the pen out of his mouth and made some notes.

“I’ve been told that before.” Dipper said. Mr. Northwest laughed and went over the file.

“I must say, it’s been a joy to have you around. I’m getting more work done than usual. Your notes are quite insightful.” Mr. Northwest said.

“Take your daughter to go see Lion King. The opening on broadway is next week.” DIpper said flatly. “I should have freed up your schedule enough for the trip.”

Mr. Northwest’s jovial smile fell.

“What are you implying?” He asked.

“You’re a busy man. Since I’ve started interning, I’ve alleviate your workload, so instead of filling the openings with more work, you should fill them up with your family.” Dipper pointed out and made a note.

“You’re being rather blunt today.” Mr. Northwest said.

“You're a capable leader of industry, I don’t need to mince my words for you.” Dipper said. “Pacifica’s always told me she’s lonely and you’re always away. If you keep this up, you’re going to lose her. She has four more years till she’s an adult, and then what? She moves out and away. She’s already shown the single mindedness that she gets from her father. You don’t want that turned against you.”  

“I can see your point.” Mr. Northwest conceded.

“I’ve already arranged everything, just go to the airport. I’ve scheduled flowers to be sent to your wife as well. It will be a lovely surprise sprung by a loving father and doting husband.” Dipper said and passed him another folder.

“And what’s in this for you?” He said suspiciously. “Why go through all the trouble? You’re no longer in Pacifica’s crosshairs.”

“She’s my friend, and I can see this family’s legacy going up in smoke because of a workaholic father and inattentive mother.” Dipper said. “We both know, the most important thing is your family.”

Mr. Northwest studied Dipper as he made some highlights and wrote in the folder. Dipper closed the folder and gave Mr. Northwest a grin as he handed it to him.

*           *           *

“It’s been months…” Billeah said as she sat next to Dipper on his bed. Dipper was reading a math book and making notes for his homework at Caltech.

“That’s how time works… it start with days, then weeks, then months.” Dipper said. Billeah smacked his arm, causing his pen to scratch across the page. “Hey!”

“Blendin has not returned.” She said.

“Blendin’s a time traveler. He’ll show up when he shows up… We know we’ll see him again, otherwise he wouldn’t have given me the time-tape to begin with.” Dipper said.

“What if that was him returning?” She asked.

“No, he would have said the location if he found it… I think we learn the location, and then whatever happens to Blendin happens.”

“So… we fail.” She said softly.

“How so?” Dipper asked.

“If we stopped it, Blendin would not have been hurt and not given you the time tape.” She said.

“That’s a possibility. But, if we’re stopping some of Rick’s avatars from summoning him, won’t you think there would be armed guards? Blendin could have come with us to the location, we stop it, and we get shot at as we escape… so it could be a win.”

“I can find out…” Billeah said. Dipper thought about that already, and shook his head no.

“We don’t want to put you in Rick’s crosshairs. If you’re only partially aware and Rick attacks you on the mindscape, you wouldn’t be able to fight him off in your present state.” Dipper said.

“You don’t know that.” Billeah countered.  

“Neither do you…” Dipper said.

“I can find out…” Billeah said.

“Not yet… I do plan on letting you go play up there soon, I just… need some time.” Dipper said.

Billeah sighed and took Dipper’s book away from him. She rolled him to the side and laid down next to him. Dipper let her put his arm around her and she nuzzled into his chest.

“Someone’s lonely.” Dipper said. Billeah kept quiet. “Someone might say you’re getting too old to do this.”

“Never…” she said defiantly. Dipper sighed and pulled her close. He could feel her tiny body relax as she took shelter under her pinetree.

Dipper must have nodded off, he felt someone crawling on his bed and slide behind him.

“Hey brobro, I wanna get in on the cuddle train.” Mabel said and wrapped her arms around him. “She looks so cute sleeping like that.”

“Yeah… my arm’s asleep though.” Dipper admitted.

“You’ll suffer through it for her.” Mabel said.

“I’ll suffer anything for the both of you.” Dipper said. Mable squeezed him and buried her head in his back.

“That’s so not fair.” Mabel said.

“What?” Dipper asked.

“You… you’re always protecting me, throwing yourself in harm’s way for me. Solving spooky mysteries and I follow behind you every step of the way; I just… don’t feel like I really do anything for you other than be your damsel in distress.” Mabel said.

“You have your grappling hook. That saved me countless times.” Dipper said. Mabel kicked his calf. “Hey, shoes off when you get in my bed!”

“Shh! You’ll wake her!” Mabel said. “And you know it’s true. You’re done with school and going to two colleges! What am I doing? Knitting sweaters!”

“Mabel, you’re a part of me. I’d be devastated if I lost you.” Dipper said.

“You always say that... but do you realize how destroyed I’d be if I lost you?” Mabel asked. “I love you, Brobro.”

Dipper hugged Mabel’s arm.

“Do you hear that?” Dipper asked. Mabel sat up. Billeah’s face twisted in pain as his walls cracked into squares and morphed into screaming mouths. They all screamed the same thing

I’ll destroy you!

The whole house shook through the sonic barrage. All the windows exploded out and then mouths disappeared.

*           *           *

Dipper stretched his back after he swept up another pile of glass. Mabel called the girls and they came over to help clean up. Stan and his Grandfather began to put up some protection wards around the house to try and prevent another attack.

“It’s getting worse… isn’t it?” Wendy said. Her face was painted with a look of worry.

“The voice… it sounded hurt and angry… I’ve never known anyone to be so angry before.” Mabel said softly. “I think I recognized it.”

“I don’t know what it is, but I’ll do my best to stop it.” Dipper said.

“You should all stay at my place for a few days; I can have someone clean all this up.” Pacifica said. She crinkled her nose at the garbage bag. “I’m… serious… I can pay someone to do this… I won’t mind.”

“Stop griping and get sweeping!” Wendy said. Pacifica sighed and swept the dirt and glass that covered the tile floor of the kitchen.

“Ok… we got some glass guys coming in next week.” Stan said, looking around the carnage. “We need a place to stay till they’re done.”

Pacifica raised her hand.

“I have plenty of room, and well, I’m sure I can get you a deal with our staff to… make this place presentable.” she said.

“Why didn’t you say so earlier? Drop everything and let’s get outa here.” Stanford said as he came back in with a garbage bag.

“You think that’s really ok?” Dipper said. “I mean…”

“Why? Just because she’s loaded and offering to throw some charity our way?” Stanford said. “I say make it rain, honey!”

Pacifica and Mabel giggled as Stanford started dancing.

“It really won’t be a bother; I’ll just double check with Daddy.” Pacifica said and pulled out her phone. “Hey Daddy!”

Pacifica spoke to her father for a few minutes and had a worried look on her face as she hung up.

“Said we can’t have company tonight… he’s going to a late meeting.” Pacifica said.

“That’s all right; we can stay in a hotel or something.” Stanford said.

“His calendar is clear, and he doesn’t need to be there for us…” Dipper said. “How did he sound?”

“Distracted… annoyed.” Pacifica said.

“That’s odd.” Dipper nodded.

“You two going to tell us?” Wendy said.

“Well, Mr. Northwest is always brief and direct. I’ve stayed over plenty when he wasn’t there, he’s not one to worry about company… it’s odd he’d tell her no.” Dipper said.

There was the crackling of gravel and everyone turned to look out the blasted front window. A black van with tinted glass was careening towards the house. It slammed on it’s brakes and skidded to a stop. Blendin exited the passenger side door and tore open the driver’s side and helped out Agent Trigger who was holding his shoulder. Stan and Stanford rushed forward to help.

“Get inside!” Agent Trigger screamed. Dipper rushed to the first aid kit while Wendy helped him out of his jacket.

“Looks like it’s clean through” Stan said with a nod and opened the first aid kit.

“Agent Powers has gone rogue.” Trigger said, his expression reflected hurt and betrayal more than pain. “I got a lead on McGucket… and was following up on it when… Agent Powers said I got too close.”  

“What happened, Blendin?” Dipper asked.

“I’ve been sneaking through the time stream… the event is locked out, I can’t approach it. I know where it is, just not how to get there.”

“What event is he talking about? When I was shot, this man came out of nowhere and got me to a car, told me to get to you guys.” Agent Trigger said and winced when Stan poured alcohol on still bleeding wound.

“He’s still bleeding badly; we need to get him to a hospital.” Stan said.

“Cauterize it, we may need him” Stanford said. “I’ll get the screwdriver…”

Dipper grabbed Wendy and Pacifica and moved them to the stairs.

“You two should leave.” he said.

“No way!” They said in unison. Dipper groaned.

“You don’t get it!” Dipper protested.

“You don’t get it. We’re as much involved in this as you are.” Pacifica said. They all turned to look at Agent Trigger as he let out a scream. A small trail of steam was coming from his wound as Stanford jammed a white hot screwdriver into the bullet hole.

“Almost done…” he said and twisted. “There… now the back.

“I think I’m going to be sick…” Wendy said.

Stan patched up Agent trigger and Mabel fashioned a sling for his arm.

“Blendin, tell me what’s going on.” Dipper said.

“It’s tonight… I’ve listened to people whisper about bringing someone to our world... and a sacrifice.” Blendin said nervously.

“It has to be McGucket…” Stan said. “Why else would Agent Powers try and shoot Trigger?”

“He must be the tie!” Dipper said, looking at Agent Trigger’s tie.

“I’m confused...” Agent Trigger said.

“Let’s head to the library and get everyone up to speed.” Dipper said and helped Agent Trigger to his feet. Wendy and Pacifica followed the rest to Dipper’s library and he pulled out Journal 3. Everyone was silent as he explained who Rick was, and what he knew. Wendy and Pacifica’s faces looked devastated when he mentioned his suspicions about their involvement.

“What’s that?” Pacifica asked. “It’s… my Llama.”

“This… is what we’ve been keeping from you two.” Dipper said. “I’ve been trying to protect you from all of this.

“That’s Mabel’s sweater… I remember her wearing it… and Robbie’s hoodie” Wendy said.

“Like Rick’s avatars, these are the originals. I haven’t figured all of them out, but you can see who’s no longer with us.” Dipper said.

“And.. the triangle in the center?” Pacifica asked. Dipper reached his hand out and felt Billeah’s tiny hand. He pulled her forward.

“This… is Bill Cypher.” Dipper said. “When the portal opened and I fell in... it did irrefutable damage. With Bill’s help, we fixed it. I tricked a higher dimensional entity into taking on human form. In doing so, it’s lead our world to the attentions of Rick.”

“That explains the anomaly I’ve been reading... no one knows what to do with it.” Blendin said.

“So… Billeah is this one eyed triangle thing?” Wendy asked. Dipper nodded. “Ya know… it explains so much.”

Pacifica walked to Dipper and put her arms around him.

“You’ve been carrying all this… you should have shared it with us sooner. We could have helped.”

“He’s looking for us…” Billeah said. “We’ve grown brighter.”

“If you all knew… He’d redouble his efforts. He wants to drive us apart. We’re bound together and form a barrier that protects the world from others like Bill. If any of us fall… in life or faith, then he’ll have enough power to fully form within our world, and there’s no way for me to trap him like I did Bill.”

“I don’t like this…” Blendin stuttered. “I… I shouldn’t be here. This is too much temporal knotting for me to even be near… one wrong slip can drastically change our future.”

“Blendin, where is this happening?” Dipper asked. He tapped on his wrist and a map pulled up of the town. There’s a red blinking marker showing a back alley on Main Street.

“Oh not there…” Stan said. He grabbed journal 3 and flipped the pages. Slamming the book down him showed the entry “Cursed doors”

“This thing… you go in, and you never come out. I’ve tried for years to get them to board it up, but no one seems to notice it… unless you have to go to the bathroom really bad. Then you’re never seen from again. I’ve documented quite a few around town… but this one is the worst.”

“They must have McGucket… if they kill him, they’ll remove enough of the circle to bring him back.” Dipper said.

“I’ll call for backup… we need to put a stop to this!” Agent Trigger said, and grabbed his phone.

“Do that, but we’re going in the door. You’re not a part of this… not like we are. We can use the support, but not you or your men are going in that door.” Stan said. Agent Trigger nodded.

“We’ll grab anyone who comes out.” Agent Trigger said.

Dipper grabbed his backpack and loaded the three journals into it along with his Presidential Key. He reached behind a bookshelf and pulled out a quarterstaff. He couldn’t bring his spear, if Rick’s avatars were gathering; he didn’t want to kill them.

“I’ll get my Grappling hook.” Mabel said and ran upstairs.

“You guys… are really prepared.” Pacifica said.

“Just stay behind us… I know we can’t stop you from coming.”

Dipper didn’t notice when Wendy left, but she came back in with her Dad’s double bladed axe and grinned.

“Figured… we’re dealing with doors… this could help.”    

Everyone piled into Agent Trigger’s van. Stan drove to Main street and parked in front of an alley behind the Malt shop Dipper and Pacifica have their lunches.

“It’s been here all this time?” Dipper said. Stan nodded.

“If you don’t know it’s there, you won’t see it… unless it’s hungry.”

“Dipper…” Pacifica said and pointed. On the other side of the street was a news van, Wendy’s truck, and a Rolls Royce.

“Do you think they are all going to gather?” Dipper asked. Stan shrugged.

“Once inside, let’s wait until they all are here, then we can see who they all are.” Stan said. Everyone nodded.

“I’m scared…” Pacifica said. Dipper squeezed her hand to reassure her. Wendy smacked his shoulder.

“I’m scared too…: Wendy said to Pacifica. “don’t be such a baby.”

“I’ll have some eyes on the roofs in about five minutes. We’ll keep out of sight till you come back.

“If we’re not back in an hour… blow up the door.” Stan said. He turned to Wendy and Pacifica. “Last chance to get off the crazy train… because we don’t know when this tunnel’s going to end.”

Wendy and Pacifica looked at each other and nodded.

“We’re good.” Wendy said.

Stan led them down the alley and to the door. Dipper could see it breath, like it was alive. There was a crack that ran horizontally across the face, making it look like jagged teeth. Without warning… the door opened. Behind the door’s face was inky blackness.

September 6, 2015

Dipper was reading one of his textbooks about statistics in the bed of Wendy’s truck. She slept on his lap, arms wrapped around him. They had driven to the meadow for a picnic and a swim. The late summer heat felt nice as they air dried.

“Dad asked if you’d come over for dinner” She said. “He thinks you’re avoiding him.”

“Why would I be avoiding the giant axe wielding father of my girlfriend of three months?” Dipper asked.

“You’re keeping track?” Wendy said.

“Well, three months, six days and seven hours… but no… I’m not” Dipper said with a chuckle.

“Nerd.” She said sat up. “You’re coming to dinner.”

*           *           *

Dipper climbed the steps of his home after Wendy dropped him back off. Manly Dan was always welcoming and he had an awesome time with her brothers. He always felt like family there.

“Sup Bro.” Mabel said on the swing. “How’s your summer romance going?”

“Great… just got back from Wendy’s house, we had dinner there.”

“Cool... cool.” Mabel said. She swung her legs and got a slight rock going.

“How’re your summer romances going?” Dipper asked.

“I’ve sworn off those this year… This summer was all about me.” Mabel said. “Although those Corduroy twins are looking mighty scrumptious. You seem to be having some good luck with the redheads.”

“Mabel… If Wendy and I ever get married and get a white picket fence… those twins would be your brothers in law.” Dipper said.

“Just means I have to make my move pretty soon then… Maybe I’ll get married before you, then You’ll have Wendy as a sister-in-law.” Mabel said with a grin.

“You are evil… you realize that right? I mean… Gideon? The Gnomes? None of them can compare to the sheer darkness that’s all wrapped up in the glitter and bubble gum that is Mabel.”

“I know.” Mabel said.  

“This summer was a surprisingly quiet one… no vampire bat attacks, no zombies, no trees trying to eat me, no exploding unicorns… nothing.” Dipper said, sitting next to his sister.

“That’s because you’ve been shut away from those books.” Mabel said with a grin. “The Stans are taking care of them… I hear them sometimes talking about it.”

“I don’t know how I feel knowing there’s crazy stuff going on and I’m not in the middle of it.” Dipper said looking at his hands.

“That just makes you normal Dipper… that’s what you need, or you’ll go all cray cray on us. You don’t want to be ack’in cray cray do you bro bro?” Mabel said.

“No… I guess not. I do miss it, though.” Dipper said.

There was a blinding green flash from the gravel driveway.

“Get inside and get Stan!” Dipper screamed and jumped over the railing. He heard the screen door slam shut. Dipper ran full speed to where he thought the light came from.

“Blendin Blandin?” Dipper said as he skidded to a stop. Blendin the time traveler was laying on his driveway; clearly shot multiple times.

“Don’t have much time... Dipper!” He said, his breathing was labored and looked to be losing a lot of blood. “You’re the anomaly... oh, thank heavens. I was afraid it was… You’ve got to stop them… stop them from bringing him back. It’s going to ruin everything! You have to warn me tomorrow! Tell me about today so I’ll listen!”

“Dipper!” Stan shouted from behind him. He could hear the crunching of the gravel and the sound of two pairs of steps. Blendin reached down to his belt and pulled out his time tape. There was a bullet hole in the center.

“Give this to me.” Blendin said, and pulled what looked to be a ripcord. Dipper covered his eyes as the green light flashed again, and Blendin was gone. All that was left was a blood stained outline of where he fell.    

“What the heck is going on?” Stan said, skidding to a halt behind Dipper. Dipper looked down at the time tape in his hands.

“Apparently I’ll find out tomorrow…” Dipper said. “I need to be let in the library.”

Stan and Stanford looked at each other uneasily

*           *           *

Dipper stood in front of the double oak doors that lead to his sanctuary. He didn’t know how long it had been since he was inside and safe surrounded by his knowledge.

“Son, the minute we get a whiff of you losing it, you’re done… got it?” Stan said. Dipper nodded.

“Grandpa, make sure Billeah’s occupied, I don't… want her involved just yet.” Dipper said. “We might need to use Bill, and the less he sees now, the less prepared he’ll be if I have to call on him.”

“Want me to go play with her?” Mabel asked. Dipper shook his head no.

“You’re my control sample… you’ve experienced this timeline, I need you to tell me inconsistencies as I remember them.” Dipper said. Mabel saluted, kissed Stanley on the cheek as he moved upstairs to hang out with Billeah.

“We, ahh… Well, you’ll see.” Stan said and unlocked the door. He moved aside to allow Dipper to open it.        

He expected his library to be covered in dust and spider webs but it was completely clean. Two large oak desks had been moved in and littered with papers. A large chalk board was there with various notes and formulas scattered over the surface. Dipper took it all in. He stopped in the middle of the room and looked to the north wall. Six columns of shelves were removed and Bill’s seal was carved into the wood paneling. Each of the ten symbols had a shadowbox covering the spaces. Dipper walked forward to take in the ten foot mural and touched Bill in the center.

“We… uhh... kinda took over the place.” Stan said. “You had so many good reference materials, and the shelves were empty, so we were able to re-organize the books to make room.

Dipper looked and saw Robbie’s hoodie, Soos’s shirt and Gideon’s bolo tie in their places.

“This… feels right.” Dipper said.

“Yeah, we thought the same.” Stan said. “Well, you’ve got the floor. What’s with the tape measure?”

“It’s a time machine. You pull it back so far, and you’ll go back or forward in time by that amount…” Dipper explained.

“Blandin was a paradox enforcement agent, When we got Waddles, I was… trying to win over Wendy at the pioneer day parade. When we ran into him and I stole his time tape… caused a bunch of paradoxes and got him fired. Then we went to the future with him to take part in a competition judged by a Giant Time Baby to win a TIme Wish. His was to wish us out of existence, and we wanted to wish Soos a chance to see his real dad. We won, but Soos didn’t want to use the wish, so we got Blendin his job back and gave him some more hair. and Soos got an infinite slice of pizza.”  

“Yea, that sounds about right…” Mabel said.

“Wait… Giant Time Baby? You met him?” Stan said.

“Wait, you know about GTB?” Dipper said.

“Well, know and meet are two different things. I’ve heard rumors, and whispers of a giant sleeping child frozen in the icecaps.” Stan said.

“During our… escapades with the time ruler, we witnessed his awakening and destruction of the world…” Dipper said. “He established some sort of totalitarian society in the future.”

“During my travels, I’ve heard whispers… He and Bill were sorta at odds with each other too.” Stan said.

“You know, you and me need to sit down with your journals and go over each page together…” Dipper said.

“Someday kid, just not now… What exactly did this Blandin guy say before he vanished?”

“That there was an anomaly, and he was glad it was me… that we need to stop them from bringing him back.” Dipper said. The time tape sparked in his hand and glowed slightly. “I think I know how we can get some answers.”

*           *           *

The next morning Stan and Stanford stood around a picnic bench with Billeah, Mabel and Dipper. Dipper ripped a piece of duct tape and taped a red screwdriver to the time tape.

“What are you doing?” Stan asked.

“Sending a message.” he said with a grin. He looks at the time tape and there was a flash of light. A second time tape appeared in front of him, with the screwdriver duct taped to it.

“Three… two… one” Dipper said and pulled the tape out a quarter of an inch and let it snap back. The time-tape and the screwdriver disappeared.

“That’s one helluva trick” Stanford said.

Dipper grinned, grabbed the time tape and stared at it. Another time-tape appeared with the screwdriver. Dipper counted down and sent the tape back in time.

“How many times you going to do this?” Stan said after the twelfth time.

“This is getting boring.” Mabel said.

“Lucky 13.” Dipper said with a grin. “I’ve probably built up enough temporal energy to get noticed… now let’s break something.”

Dipper reached his hand out and picked up the newest version of the time-tape. Holding both tape measures he slowly brought them together. He felt like he was pushing two magnets with the same polarity together. Lightning arced between them and he could feel them protest their close proximity.

There was a flash behind him

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” Blendin screamed and rushed Dipper. Dipper deftly moved to the side and Blendin barreled past him and stumbled onto the picnic table. Dipper smiled, put the tape measure in his pocket, and sent the other one back in time.

“Do you know what that would have resulted? Are you trying to get me fired again?” Blendin said as he recovered from his fall. “What were you thinking?”

“I had no way to get ahold of you.” Dipper said. Blendin sat down and took a few deep breaths. He checked his device on his arm and looked up at Dipper.

“There’s a major anomaly here, and not the one you created to get my attention… When did you steal my time-tape again?” Blendin asked.

“I didn’t steal it, you gave it to me.” Dipper said.

“Why would I do that? You know that’s a violation of the Time Paradox code.” Blendin said.

“Look down.” Dipper pointed. They had moved the picnic bench right next to the Blendin shaped bloodstain on his gravel driveway. Blendin looked down and his face dropped.

“I’m not supposed to see that!” He said. “I’m… are you trying to drive me insane?”

“You appeared, handed me this, and told me to give it to you today… then you vanished.” Dipper said. “You looked pretty shot up too.”

“Shot? Shot? With projectiles? You know what this means?” he said. “It wasn’t Lolf and Dundren who were after me, they would have vaporized me! Sometime in the future… I get filled with holes by primitive 21st century weapons! WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME ALL OF THIS? Did you move my body or something? I look like I lost a lot of blood.”  

“No, you pulled that.” Dipper said and pointed to his red zipper under the collar of his jumpsuit.

“Oh good. That’s an emergency ripcord. If I was able to pull it, I should be in the medical center.” Blandin said with a sigh. “What exactly happened?”

Dipper recounted the events while Blandin nodded through the key points.

“This sounds like something I would not be involving myself… I don’t know who was returning, or who you need to stop… but I should really get back to work. I’m sorry if I don’t have any answers.”

“Do you know Rick Imperium?” Billeah said. Blandin dropped his time-tape and looked over to her.

“H... how do you know that name? No one is allowed to say it. The Great Time Baby demanded it.” Blendin said while fidgeting with his fingers. “What have you gotten me into?”

“Tell me what you know about him.” Dipper said. “It’s important.”

“Ohh… so many rules… It’s hard to talk about. We’re implanted with chips in our heads to prevent us from causing irreparable damage to the timeline. The fact that I’m talking about the chip to you people means I’ve already done it… or will do it… I’m sorry; I got a C in Temporal Languages.” Blendin said.

“So, if you can talk to us about Rick, then you’ve already done it and the chip won’t activate… right?” Dipper asked. Blendin nodded.

“Well… He released the Great Time Baby from its icy imprisonment… Rick was able to manifest into the real world… how is blocked to us. No one knows when or where this happened. All we know is when he came into the world, everything changed. It was world peace, but not the kind you twenty-firsters write about. Technology exploded because of….OWWW… can’t talk about that.” Blandin said while he grabbed his head for a moment. “Ok. Rick’s influence brought a utopia… but lead to conformity.”

“When we saw the Great Time Baby destroying the world, everything looked really weird. The buildings were all square and blocky… it was really ugly.” Mabel said. “The colors were terrible.”

Blendin nodded. “That’s Rick.”

“Wait… I don’t understand. If Rick released the time baby, why did the giant diaper go all King Kong on the world?” Stan asked.

“I don’t think Rick intended for GTB to be released.” Blendin said.

“Wait… if Rick’s influence gave humanity and explosion of technology… Mabel, remember those buildings? We were in Gravity Falls when we arrived… we only moved forward in time, we never moved our location. Where were the trees?” Dipper asked.

“Yeah, the whole city was all polluted and smelled like old people.” Mabel said.

“I think Rick’s empire will increase deforestation and create a need for more minerals. He’s going to cause global warming to have the earth conform to his desires. Then the ice caps will melt and GTB will be released.” Dipper said. “It all makes sense.”

“He always was a big crybaby…” Billeah said with a smirk. Blandin looked at her and down to his readout on his arm.

“I don’t even want to ask about you… I’m afraid I’ll get reeducation if I know the answer…” he said. Billeah shrugged.

“Look Blandin, you’re already involved. Now, I can go, or you can go… it’s up to you.” Dipper said with a grin.

“Go? Go where?” He asked. “I’m confused…”

“Find out where Rick’s going to be resurrected. I’m sure that’s what you’re trying to have me stop.” Dipper said.

“This… this goes against everything I’ve worked so hard to get… You may not be concerned about what happens in a thousand years, but that’s where I live, that’s my life! What if I help you and go back to find everything changed and different! I’m not brave… I’m not even that smart. I got beat by two twelve year olds at Globnar!” Blendin said. “And… and I’m going to get shot! Why would I go do something when I know I’m going to get hurt and possibly die?”

“I know it’s scary, but we need you. You’re a player now, not just an observer. You’re choices are going to affect things, not just keep them from changing. Today is your day to decide.” Dipper said, putting his hand on Blendin’s shoulder. Blendin nodded without a word, pulled his time-tape, and disappeared with a flash.

“What now?” Mabel asked.

“Go about our business… and wait for Blandin to return. Stan and Grandpa, can you look into what it would take to summon Rick to our reality?” Dipper asked.

“It will be hard… the seal is still powerful.” Billeah said. “We’ve secured many, but, the loss of one more may be enough to let him into this world.”

May 7, 2015

Dipper’s head was under the covers. He watched everyone chatting to each other on his phone, talking about school and laughing. He occasionally sent in a smiley face, but didn’t talk. He heard the commotion of everyone coming home from school, but ignored them. His door was locked and he stayed under his makeshift cover fort, ignoring the occasional knock from Mabel or Billeah.

Pacifica sent him a text.

You didn’t show… :-( - Pacifica

I can’t leave the house… - Dipper

I was worried when you didn’t get in the car… are you mad at me? - Pacifica

No… - Dipper

You know I hate that… talk to me. - Pacifica.

No… - Dipper

Fine, I’m coming over. - Pacifica

Please don’t… - Dipper

There was a soft knock at the door. Dipper sat up and looked down at the phone.

Please let me in…

“Umm… come in?” He said, confused. He quickly unlocked it and retreated back to his blanket and covered himself except for his face

The door opened and Pacifica walked in. She had her wall up, Dipper could tell. She was afraid of getting hurt right now. She carried herself rigid and what he called ‘proper’, each step and movement was decisive and there was no wasted movement. She took a chair and set it to the side of his bed, and slowly sat down.

“You seemed dressed for war.” Dipper said and rolled over.

“I’m not leaving…” Pacifica said defiantly. “You think I didn’t hear what happened? What were you thinking going off into the woods by yourself?”

“That I wanted to walk to school like a normal person, not show up in a limo.” Dipper said coldly. He heard no reaction from Pacifica. She was ready for him.

“Be that as it may, I was worried and came to check on you. You missed our meeting.” she said matter of factly.

“And what would we be discussing at our negotiation table?” Dipper said, rolling over to face her. “The fact you gave Wendy a pass?”

Pacifica stared down Dipper; her face was stone and not showing an ounce of reaction.

“You know what happened… I’m sure my sister blabbed the whole thing.” Dipper said and threw himself back around.

“I…” Pacifica started, and then cleared her throat. “I gave Wendy the information she needed to make her own decisions. It’s what I would do to any friend of mine, and yes, even though we may have similar interests, I value her friendship, as much as everyone’s else in our rag tag group, and will not see that go down in flames!”  

“How does it make you feel?” Dipper asked, sitting up. Pacifica’s eye twitched, and she broke her gaze. “Right now… behind the shield you have up.”

“No…” Pacifica said defiantly and relocked her eyes on Dipper. “I will not let you do this to me. I have… we have cried over you for years, each tear was heartfelt and legitimate. I cherished each time and they were necessary. But each time I chose to cry them. I will not let you pull them from me out of spite. We all know what your choice was. I had hoped to show you another way. I knew… in my heart if I gave that to Wendy, I’d lose you. Cherish your time. Because when the goddess you desire fails your expectations, I may not be there to pick up the pieces.”

Dipper’s hands were shaking. He couldn’t bear to look at her. He felt guilty choosing Wendy, but what could he do?

Pacifica moved from the chair and sat next to him. She put his hand in hers and rubbed the back of it.

“No matter what happens with you and the redhead harlot…” Pacifica said. Dipper snorted a laugh. “I’m here and your friend. Knowing you are happy… makes me happy. It… hurts, that I’m not the one to make you happy. I’ll be honest, deep down I had hoped you would have spurned her advances and rushed to me, proclaiming your love and devotion… but I knew it wouldn’t happen. You’ve been through so much, you deserve something and… if I can’t give it to you, then maybe she can?”

Dipper squeezed her hand, and pulled her to him for a hug. Pacifica wrapped her arms around him and clung onto him.

“There… no chance my rousing speech changed your mind… is there?” Pacifica said with a sniff.

“That’s the thing…” Dipper said and pulling away. “I don’t… know what to think. All this weird stuff and with Gideon being involved… there’s shadows moving in the background. The Pines know everything, but we’ve been trying to keep You, Wendy, and a few others as far away from it as possible. It’s… the secret that I’ve been keeping. I still don’t want to go into it, but… I worry that it may have helped you decide to give that paper to Wendy… or that Wendy is being influenced.” Dipper felt his chest tighten again. He didn’t want to have a breakdown in front of her.

“Dipper…” Pacifica said softly. “You’ve been through so much this last year, you can’t tell good from bad.”

Dipper’s chest hurt badly. All his anxiety was rushing in on him. His mind was racing trying to connect the strings. Was this how Billeah was all the time?

“Dipper… Dipper you okay, honey?” Pacifica said, rubbing his back. Dipper felt flushed. He couldn’t breathe. He tried to stand up and fell back on his bed. Pacifica got up and ran to the door. “MABEL!”

*           *           *

“You need to get him to the doctor, psychiatrist, something! He needs antidepressants and something for these panic attacks.” Pacifica lectured.

“He’s fourteen, he don’t need stuff to muddle his head. Doctors give that stuff out like candy.” Stan said. “He’ll be fine; he just needs to work through it.”

“No he’s not; you didn’t see him when I picked him up in the woods. He’s a smart kid, really smart, and with all the crap we’ve been filling his head with, it’s all crashing down around him. He can’t tell what’s what.” Stanford said.

“You need to tell me what’s going on, I’ve stood idly by and had my hand tied while you two apparently decided Dipper was the savior of the earth or something.” Pacifica scolded.

“Universe...es.” Billeah corrected. Dipper felt her move his cold compress and put her hand on his forehead. “He’s still hot.”  

“Just keep it on him… he’s not sick, just… well I guess he is sick, but it’s more in his head.” Stan said. “He’s tough, he’ll work it out.”

“Stop saying that!” Stanford shouted. “Look at him! Really look at him!”

“You think I didn’t go through this? Huh? You think I didn’t have my reality fall away from me and had to push forward to survive? He may be young and dealing with crap, but so did I! I made it out just fine, and so will he!” Stan said with raised voice.

“Will you stop thinking he’s a little version of you?” Sanford yelled. Dipper opened his eyes a crack. His uncle and grandfather were face to face and looked like they were about to come to blows. Mabel was in the corner hiding in her sweater and Pacifica looked like she was about to erupt. His bedroom door burst opened as Wendy stormed in.

“You two! Get the HELL OUT!” Wendy screamed from the door. Everyone looked over at her in shock. Dipper watched through half lidded eyes, she was visibly out of breath. “I can hear you to from the SHACK! I literally just RAN HERE to get you two to SHUT UP!” Wendy surveyed the room and saw Mabel cowering in the corner, taking a trip to sweatertown. “I swear to god I’ll get my axe if you two don’t take it outside.”

She rushed over and put her arm around Mabel as Stan and Stanford begrudgingly left.

“Where were you?” Pacifica said snidely.  

“I had to work… I figured you’d be here already.” Wendy said dryly. “Mabel, you okay?”

Mabel nodded inside her sweater.

“Just… give me a moment.” she said through the fabric.

Wendy stood up and walked over to Dipper’s bed. She slapped his leg.

“Scoot over, I know you’re awake.” Wendy said. Dipper scooted over enough for Wendy to sit down. She removed the compress and felt his head and cheeks. “Will you stop standing there and sit down? He has enough room on the bed… and don’t give me that look. I know you were here all night again… rather convenient you didn’t call me.” Wendy said dryly.

“Dip? How you feeling?” Wendy said softly and stroked his head.

“Honestly? Very uncomfortable.” Dipper said. Wendy slapped his shoulder and chuckled.

“Well, deal with it.” Wendy said and got up.

“Why do you have to be so violent with him?” Pacifica said, rubbing his shoulder.  

Wendy paced the room and put her arms behind her head. She didn’t say anything but blew air between her lips as she paced.

“Every time I think he’s getting better, he starts to feel worse. I told them to get him some help, but they’re stubborn and want him to ‘work it out on his own’.” Pacifica said. “I think he need to see a psychiatrist and get on some sort of medication to control these fits of his. He’s always keeping all his stress inside, he needs someone to talk to.”  

“Fuuudge…” she said, drawing out the udge. “Well, everyone’s here anyway… not like any conversation we have won’t be told to everyone else.”

Wendy grabbed Dipper’s chair and sat down.

“Dipper, honey… I know this is my fault.” Wendy said, and ran her fingers through his hair. “I… may have pressured you… a little.”

Pacifica scoffed

“A little? You stalked him, shot him, and field dressed him in one night. He didn’t have a chance!” Pacifica retorted.

“Nope…” Billeah agreed. Mabel giggled from under her sweater.

“It’s nice to know we can all be so candid about the situation.” Wendy said dryly.

“There’s nothing candid about it… you broke him.” Pacifica said and turned to Mabel. “See what happens when I let others play with my things?

Billeah leaned down and whispered to Dipper, grinning ear to ear. “This is why I wanted to be a girl…”

“You’re... things?” Wendy said indignantly.

Mabel peeked out of her sweater grinning ear to ear.

“Hey… since my brother has so many vested interests… have you two heard of the term Polyamory?”

“What?” Pacifica said in horror.

“What’s that mean?” Wendy asked. Grinning looks on Mabel and Billeah answered that question.

“I’ll write up a schedule… Shall we invite Candy, too?” Billeah said, her laptop was already in her lap. Mabel nodded.

“WOAH! Hold up!” Wendy stammered and raced Pacifica to grab Billeah’s laptop. Billeah deftly moved it aside and out of their reach. She countered the attack with a raspberry.

“I find it hard… to share my things.” Pacifica said indignantly.

“That’s twice you referred to Dipper as yours… and as an object!” Wendy said.

Dipper quietly watched this play out. Oddly enough, the arguing helped relieve his anxiety. Mabel was grinning and trying to meddle with Billeah, Wendy and Pacifica were having it out, but he could tell both of them needed it. He didn’t want to interfere.

“It’s just a term, I don’t see Dippy as a trinket I’d so callously toss aside for years until someone gets their eyes checked and find it’s worth more than it looks.” Pacifica shouted.

Things were starting to go bad.

“Excuse me? He was TWELVE! I don’t care how close in age we were… that was… Eww!” Wendy said.

“Why don’t we have Dipper say something?” Billeah said with a grin. He was going to kill her.

“Are you crazy?” Pacifica said. “He’s not in any sort of emotional state to be making choices! He’d do something crazy and not want to hurt anyone’s feelings and probably run away and become a hobo! He’s already shown to be a flight risk, and apparently can live for months out in the woods!”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to say from the start!” Wendy yelled. Pacifica stammered and fell silent.

“Oh…” she said.

“You finished?” Wendy asked. Pacifica nodded. “I swear to god, if you’re making up a dating schedule, I’ll break that laptop.”

Billeah grinned and pressed a button. “Deleted…”

“Dipper… What I was trying to say is… I came on too strong. I was being selfish and I put a whole bunch of pressure on you. That’s the last thing I wanted to do. We all know you have mixed feelings about… others. I’m honored and love that I’m one of them. So… here’s my proposal. We kinda move back the whole thing back and just hang out… no pressure. I won’t hunt down blondie with my axe if you hang out with her. I just ask you respect my feelings… and respect hers.”

Dipper looked over to Pacifica. She folded her arms to her chest and gave a slight nod. Dipper took a deep breath and nodded as well.

“I… I think that will help.” Dipper said.

“Sooo… does that mean Candy can…” Mabel said with a grin.

“No!” Wendy, Pacifica and Billeah said in unison. Wendy and Pacifica looked at Billeah who opened her laptop and started typing, ignoring the icy stares.

*           *           *

Dipper was awake at 1am again. He paced the house, jiggled the door to his library, and still found it locked. He yearned to go inside and find a sense of normalcy again. He missed his books.

“Come and sit down,” his uncle said from behind him. “We need to have a discussion.”

Dipper walked over to the kitchen island. He saw his Grandpa was already sitting down. He counted two beers on the table, walked to the fridge and helped himself to one. Sitting down he glared at them as he cracked it opened.

“Was I this bad when I was his age?” Stanford asked Stan.

“It’s about right…” Stan said, reaching over and pulling the beer away from Dipper before it reached his lips. “This… stops.” he said, jiggling the beer.

“Takes like crap anyway…” Dipper said. “Are you ever going to let me back into the library?”

“You got your crap together?” Stan asked. “Any more emotional baggage that’s going to break you down because it’s too heavy to lift?”

Dipper remained silent.

“Something we’ve been meaning to tell you before you checked out on us, we found McGucket.”

Dipper’s eyes looked up. “Where?” he asked.

“He’s working for your girlfriend’s father.” Stan said.

Dipper looked confused.

“The blond one…” Stan added. Stanford chuckled.

“Ah the joys of youth...mention a girlfriend and he has to run down a list….” Stanford said. Stan shot him a glare, which promptly shut him up.

“McGucket is working for Mr. Northwest?” Dipper asked.

“No one knows why, he won’t talk to his son. He’s at some lab in Idaho. You asked why we’re doing this. Well, do you really trust Mr. Northwest with the portal technology, or the ability to wipe memories?” Stan said coldly.

“He could use his influence for good.” Dipper protested. “Just because he’s rich doesn’t mean…”

“Dollar bill?” Stanford said softly. “It makes sense. It was his lawyer who helped you, and his judge friend that sentenced you. It wouldn't be too hard for him to sway the judge for a harsher sentence, or even arrange the media circus, all because his daughter has a… vested interest in a commoner.”

“That… doesn’t mean he’s the dollar bill.” Dipper said.

“We suspect Manly Dan’s the axe. and we know Gideon’s father is the hat, it seems to be a reoccurring theme here of being related to Bill’s circle.” Stan said.

“But why? Why would Dan be sided with Rick? He’s so nice to me! I’ve always felt welcome in his home. We went to a Manotaur lodge meeting together!” Dipper said. He felt his chest start to constrict. “And I know... I suspected Mr. Northwest… but…”

“From what we’ve studied, Rick’s avatars don’t even know they are sided with him. Just like Bill’s avatars were unaware,” Stan pointed out. “The four of us together are a bright enough light to attract Rick’s attentions. I know you want to bring Wendy and Pacifica into the fold, and we will. I promise. That leaves McGucket left. You’ve severed Gideon, Robbie died, and Soos cut himself away. Before I endanger any more kids, I want to get McGucket on board.”

“What do you need me to do?” Dipper asked. Stan and his brother looked at each other.

“Nothing…” Stanford said. “Finish school, stick to your plan. Get… better. Live a normal life and be a kid for crying out loud. Let us handle McGucket. We’ll keep you posted. Just, make sure the girls are safe, that’s what you do best.”

“I have Gideon’s star in my room. It needs to go next to Robbi’s hoodie and Soos’s shirt.” Dipper said softly.

“I’ll make sure it’s put there safely.” Stan said.

*           *           *

Dipper closed his eyes and felt soft, delicate fingers run through his hair. He was in the meadow he had taken Mabel to before the big slumber party. Pacifica was on her knees and had his head in her lap, softly trailing her fingers through his hair.

“I must say, the shaggy look does have its qualities.” Pacifica said.

“I can’t believe you made a schedule…” Dipper said, his voice drawn out as he was engulfed in euphoric relaxation.

“Wendy and I spent an entire evening talking… and we’ve come to terms.”

‘With what? the poly...whatever Mabel was talking about?” Dipper said.

“In your dreams, lover boy…” Pacifica cooed. “Since the whole dating situation is much too stressful for you right now, and you seem to have dug your heels in the dirt with it. We’ve decided to just divide our free time and ensure we can enjoy your company on a more… regular basis.”

“So… I just do what I’ve been doing? Hanging out with you, hanging out with Wendy, and that’s it?”  

“That’s all we expect of you.” Pacifica said with a smile. “After all, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us. There’s plenty of time for you to decide.”

“And Wendy’s okay with that?” Dipper asked.

“We’ve laid out terms...” Pacifica said mysteriously.

“And what happens if someone we don’t know comes into our lives, and I fall head over heels in love with them?” Dipper asked. Pacifica’s nails suddenly dug into his scalp.

“Oh I’m sorry, did that hurt?” Pacifica said sweetly. “This is such a lovely spot your sister told me about.”

“I’m trying not to think about it… This is where we found the unicorn… and the blob.” Dipper said. His hand started to shake. Pacifica shushed him and continued to stroke his hair.

“You’re always sheltering us; let us shelter you for now. We need you to be strong for what lies ahead.” Pacifica said, and bent over. He felt her soft lips touch his ever so gently. It wasn’t rough and passionate like Wendy, but filled with caring and worry.. His anxiety washed away and he reached up to pull her close to him. Pacifica pulled away and moved his hand down.

“Why did you stop?” Dipper asked.

“That’s part of our terms…” she said coyly “A tactic of last resort, should we need to snap you out of your own head.”

“Want to go for a swim?” Dipper asked.

Pacifica nodded and got up, pulling Dipper with her. At the water’s edge, he took off his shirt and pants down to his boxers. Pacifica looked him over and grinned. She pulled his hat over his eyes.

“No peeking” She said. He heard her get into the water and shouted for him to come in.  Dipper pulled his hat back and saw her pile of clothes next to him and she was swimming farther away, he noticed a silky white backside being flashed to him. Pacifica laughed at Dipper’s shocked face.

“I figured that I got to see yours!” Pacifica said, and waved him in. Dipper dove in and raced over to her.

June 1, 2015

Wendy stood in front of Dipper and combed his hair. He protested as she pulled the brush through the knots and applied product to style it.

“You trying to scalp me?” Dipper demanded, wincing from another attack from her brush.

“Pacifica’s going to be here in less than an hour and I promised her I’d make you presentable.” Wendy said.

“You realize how weird that sentence is, right?” Dipper said. Wendy smacked his shoulder with the brush. He rubbed his arm and kept his mouth shut as she kept combing.

“I am trying not to think about it.” Wendy said, tightening his tie and giving him a once over. “I’m sure she’ll find something to complain about.”  

He had promised Pacifica a normal school experience and taking her to the last dance of the year was part of that list. After Dipper’s high school exam and SAT’s, he only stayed for his Gym credit and to be an aid to a few teachers. He spent most of his free time in the school library, away from the whispers and glances from most of the student body. His rag tag group had gotten quite the reputation and being released from juvie didn’t help matters.

“You sure you won’t come?” Dipper asked. “I’m sure we can get you a date.”

“Part of the truce, Pacifica gets you for this dance, and I get you for my senior prom next year.” Wendy said with a grin. “I was going to take you to junior prom but you were still in lockup.”

“Who’d you take?” Dipper asked, slightly jealous.

“I went solo… danced with Tambry and the guys. Robbie was there. No one wants to really talk about his… condition. His parents are doing really good keeping him from smelling.” Wendy said.

“I still regret not shoving my spear through Gideon’s heart.” Dipper said coolly. His hand was trembling. Wendy spun him around and hugged him.

“Shhh. That Dipper is gone… not here. The sweet kind Dipper is here the one who’s going to go to a lovely dance and have a good time with my established rival. I’ll hang out here till you get back and we can talk about how it went. I want lots of pictures, and try to spill something on her, ok?”

“Catty much?” Dipper said with a grin.

“Hey, we have a truce and I love her like a sister, but I can wish some embarrassment on her. I’m sure she says the same about me.” Wendy said.

Mabel burst into Dipper’s room wearing a pink glitter covered dress with Candy and Grenda trailing behind her.

“THERE'S A LIMO OUTSIDE!” Mabel squealed.

“There’s always a limo outside…” Dipper said in confusion. “Pacifica’s picking us up…”

“‘NO! COME LOOK!” Mabel squealed. Dipper looked out his window and groaned. There was a white stretch Hummer that had pulled up outside. Just when he had gotten used to being driving around by Pacifica’s ride, she had to make an even bigger scene.

“Ok… that’s cool” Wendy said. “I’ll have to borrow that next year.”

“You realize she’s not our personal piggy bank… right?” Dipper said. The five girls shrugged.

“Who am I to deny her when she buys me pretty things?” Mabel asked with a grin. “We’re her friends and it’s the nature of our relationship. She buys our affection… we let her… We all love her, and it’s just how she shows it. Don’t fight it, brobro, just embrace the sugar momma! I mean… it’s not like we ever really ask her to get anything, she just offers.”

“I ask her for things.” Billeah said with a grin. She was wearing a slim yellow and black dress with a plunging back. Her hair was straightened and parted over her missing eye, like Jessica Rabbit. Billeah blushed when she caught Dipper staring.

“Embrace it… but not too much… I’ll break her hand if she gets too grabby.”  Wendy said fixing Dipper’s tie and kissed him on the cheek.

“Just when I thought it couldn’t get tackier around here...” Stan said from behind them. “What in the heck is that?”

“A stretch hummer… it’s pretty bad-ass!” Wendy said.

“We’re going!” Mabel squealed and ran down the stairs followed by Grenda and Candy.

*           *           *

Dipper looked out the window as the limo drove up to the school. Pacifica held his hand and rested her head against his chest. She didn’t say much during their ride there. Candy, Mabel, Billeah and Grenda took turns taking selfies on their phone and photographed every square inch of the stretch Hummer.

“Something on your mind?” Dipper asked. Pacifica shook her head no and kept quiet.

The limo rolled up to their school. They could hear the thumping sound of music coming from the gym. Everyone got out and took turns posing in front of the limo for Mabel. Walking up to the double doors where the dance was, Candy and Grenda moved to his left side and Mabel and Billeah to Pacifica’s right, sandwiching Dipper and Pacifica in between.

“Might as well let you walk in with style, Brobro… who else will show up with five hot ladies on his arm?” Mabel said, grinning ear to ear. Candy wrapped her arm around him. Dipper extended his arms to reach all five and added a strut to his step as they walked through the streamers covering the gym door.

“Too bad Marius was in Austria and couldn’t come.” Mabel said, looking over at Grenda.

“Yeah, we talk all the time; it’s just that long distances are hard on relationships.” Grenda said and walked straight for the snack table. Mabel’s face lit up when Billeah reached into her purse and withdrew a packet of FunDip.

“Mabel! NO!” Dipper said. Before he could stop her, she had snatched the packet and ran to the punch bowl and dumped the whole thing in.

“LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!” Mabel cried over the noise of the room.  

“What… did she just do?” Pacifica asked.

“Don’t drink the punch…” Dipper said, slapping his forehead. “Hey, there’s Robbie! What’s he doing here?”

“I don’t know, let’s go talk to him!” Pacifica said. She grabbed Dipper’s hand and pulled him to the teenage zombie who was leaning against the wall, watching the dance with disinterest.

“Hey Robbie!” Dipper said. Robbie turned his head to look at Dipper. Wendy was right about the delay, it took a few seconds for recognition to set in, then his face lit up with a smile.

“Hey Dipper! Cool eye patch, did you get taller?” Robbie said, and turned back to the crowd, his face went slack again.

“So… what’cha doing here?” Dipper asked. Robbie didn’t look at him, but pointed to a young blond haired girl who was talking with her friends.

“Tambry’s sister… didn’t want to come alone… Tambry’s… working.” Robbie said. He seemed to struggle with the words.

“How’s life as a Zombie? Any regrets?” Dipper asked. Pacifica elbowed him in the ribs.

“Oh? Yeah, it’s… really cool. I never sleep... I miss sleep. I can listen to music as much as I want to. I don’t have to go to school… I don’t miss school. There’s this… stuff… amber? resin? I have to keep on my skin… it’s sticky. I’m always sticky. I don’t like it, but it keeps the bugs off me.”

Pacifica looked at Dipper with an uneasy expression and tugged on his arm.

“Hey Robbie, good catching up with you. I’ll see you around.” he said. Robbie didn’t seem to hear him; he was studying one of the balloons that were tied to the table he stood next to. Dipper followed Pacifica to the dance floor. A slow song was set, and he took her hand and set his other on her waist.

“I don’t think you’ve ever danced with me.” Pacifica said with a smile. Dipper spun her around and gave her a twirl.

“Something I had hoped to rectify. I may have been practicing with Mabel and Billeah to ensure my feet go where they need to.” Dipper said

“My poor Dippy, always studying for his tests…” Pacifica chuckled.

“I don’t have years of dance classes under my belt.” Dipper said, and pulled her against him. Pacifica's face blushed and he laid her head on his chest as they rocked with the music.

“Dipper?” Pacifica asked. “What do you… really think of me?”

Dipper remained silent while they swayed with the music.

“I can’t see myself without you in my life.” Dipper said. “You’re a strong person I admire. You’re beautiful, caring, and compassionate. You’ve changed so much since I first met you, and I admire that you saw your flaws and broke through them. You light up the room whenever you walk in, and I know how lucky I am to have you with me right now.”

“That’s almost perfect.” Pacifica said. “I know how skittish you are but our situation hurts so bad… just, tell me now. Don’t say anything final, a yes or no will do. Is there a chance… even remotely, for us? Could you fall in love with me?”

Dipper paused and turned Pacifica’s face to his. Her lip was trembling and could barely look at him. He thought of Wendy waiting at home for him, of the whole craziness that surrounded him. One thing was clear; he knew how he felt even if he was torn.    

“Pacifica…” he said. She put her finger on his lips to stop him.

“Just… yes or no. I’m not asking you to get on one knee here.” She said with the tone she used while her walls came up.

Dipper turned her to look him in the eye. He put his hand on her cheek and wiped away a tear with his thumb.

“Yes,” he said softly and pulled her into a kiss. Pacifica wrapped her arms around his neck and held him there as the song changed to an upbeat tempo, the two of them still swayed to their own music.

*           *           *

Dipper sat at their table and took a sip of uncontaminated punch as he looked around for everyone. He saw Billeah and Pacifica talking on the other side of the gym. Billeah looked upset, and so did Pacifica. They stormed away from each other, Pacifica on the phone and headed to the girl’s room.

“Sup, Bro!” Mabel said, her eyes were slightly skewed and she was grinning ear to ear. “You like the rainbows?”

“How many cups of punch have you had?” Dipper asked.

“Purple!” Mabel said. Dipper sighed. He looked around and saw Grenda and Candy talking to some of his classmates. He couldn’t find Billeah.

“Pictures! NOW!” Pacifica shouted from behind him. Dipper started, almost spilling his punch. How’d she get behind him? He set down his cup and was yanked out of his seat then dragged to the photographer.

Pacifica stood in front of him and pulled his arms around her. He took care to stand on the left, so the eye patch wouldn’t show up as much in the photo. For the second shot, Pacifica turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her forehead against his and gave him an almost seductive smile. Once the photo was taken, she stormed off mumbling to herself.

Dipper stood there dumbfounded and returned to his seat. Pacifica was in the corner on the phone and shoved it in her purse and sat down next to Dipper.

“Everything ok?” Dipper asked.

“You haven’t seen your cousin… have you?” Pacifica said with a plastic smile. “Because, I’m going to kill her!”

“I haven’t seen her since you were talking to her… What’s going on?”

“Did you bring your phone?” Pacifica asked. Dipper shook his head no, handed him her phone with a huff. “I just wanted one night with no drama…”

Dipper opened Pacifica’s phone to the group chat. There was a video of their slow dance. The music was too loud to hear what they were saying. Dipper’s heart raced at what happened next. He saw himself kissing Pacifica for what seemed like an eternity. Billeah’s caption to the video was things heating up for Dipifica!

He scrolled down and saw nothing else. No one had messaged or commented.

“You think she saw?” Dipper asked. Pacifica’s arms were crossed and she was tapping her foot rapidly.

“What do you think? Who do you think I was on the phone with?” Pacifica snapped.

“I’m sorry.” Dipper said, handing the phone back to her.

“Why? Why do you have anything to be sorry about? It’s the two of us who are crazy!” Pacifica said. “You know what she said? Guess!”

“I…” Dipper said,

“I guess we’re even!” Pacifica snapped and slammed her fist on the table. Mabel’s cup was knocked over. She quietly mopped up the mess. “Why? Why would she do this?”

“Wendy?” Dipper asked.

“No! Billeah! She’s always starting things!” Pacifica said. “I just wanted… a nice night.”

“Billeah is an agent of chaos who’s only been able to watch events as they unfold for eternity, now that she’s corporeal, she tends to go mad with power… but she doesn’t mean to hurt anybody, she just likes to watch the drama…” Mabel said, clearly under influence of Fundip.

“Is she going to be ok?” Pacifica asked. Dipper nodded.

“We’ll worry about Billeah’s little video later. Tonight’s about you and me, and let’s keep it that way ok? No more phones, no more Wendy. I promised you a good night, and a Pines keeps his word.”

Pacifica nodded and put away her phone. Dipper stood her up and took her back to the dance floor.

*           *           *

The ride back was filled with awkward silence. Billeah and Pacifica were on opposite ends, and Mabel was talking incessantly to herself. They had dropped off Candy and Grenda first, so the uncomfortable silence increased once they left. Pacifica had not let go of Dipper’s hand since he took her back on the dance floor. He didn’t know what to feel.

Looking over at Pacifica, he thought to put his arm around her and let her lay on his chest like she liked to do, but her body language told him she had a wall up, and just holding his hand was all she wanted.

When the limo arrived at the Pines residence no one spoke as they saw Wendy’s truck still parked outside.

Billeah pulled Mabel out of the Limo and walked her inside the house, leaving DIpper alone with Pacifica.

“So…” Dipper said.

“Go…” She said with a snip. “She’s waiting for you.”

“Why don’t you come with me? We can all talk…” Dipper asked.

“Wendy and I have already talked. Now you need to talk to her.” Pacifica said. Her voice was cold. Now, more than anything he could use a supernatural attack to take the focus off him. Dipper leaned over to give her a good night kiss on the cheek, and she leaned away.

“Go talk to her first.” Pacifica said. Dipper slid himself out of the Limo and took a step back as Pacifica shut the door. He watched it drive away and turned around to see Billeah watching from the doorway.

“I hope you’re happy.” He said with a snap. Billeah looked down at her feet and didn’t say a word. He walked past her and into the kitchen and saw he retreat after Mabel upstairs. Opening the fridge, he was slightly disheartened to find it empty of Stan’s beer.

He turned around, hoping to see his uncle or grandfather. He could use the advice right now, Stan’s gruff and straightforward approach to things, or his Grandfather’s kind words and jokes. He knew Wendy was upstairs in his room waiting for him to come up. It would hurt her if he didn’t. He felt like a dead man walking.

“What did I do wrong?” he asked himself. He didn’t do anything wrong… did he? Dipper took a breath to calm him down. He didn’t need to have a panic attack right now. He’s going to go up to Wendy, let her air her grievances and see how the cards fell. That’s all he could do.

Dipper walked upstairs and opened the door to his room. Wendy was laying in his bed with her face in his pillow. He quietly closed the door, sat next to her and put his hand on her back.

“Hey…” he said softly. Wendy scooted over and gave him more room.

“Did you have a magical evening?” She asked in the pillow. “Because… it looked really… magical.”

“Wendy…” Dipper said. She rolled over and glared at him. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy, her cheeks flushed. She gave him a weak smile and held his hand.

“Tell me… all about it.” She said.

“Well… Billeah slipped Mabel a bag of fun dip… and she proceeded to spike one of the punch bowls. I was able to knock the whole thing over, but only after Mabel had her fourth glass.”

“That sounds crazy.” Wendy said with a chuckle.

“Robbie was there. We said hi to him… he’s still a zombie.” Dipper said. “He was taking Tamby's sister…”  

“And then what happened?” Wendy said. “Please… just tell me?”

Dipper looked at his shoes.

“We had a dance… it was a slow one. We talked and… Pacifica asked me something.” Dipper said. “She asked me if she had a chance with me, even the slightest… if I felt anything for her. She said I didn’t need to make a choice or stress about it, just answer yes or no.”

“I saw what the answer was.” Wendy said and sat up. “I probably should go.”

“No... Please wait!” Dipper asked, grabbing her hand. Wendy half-heartedly tugged and let Dipper pull her next to him. She buried her head in his chest and let out a sob. Dipper rocked her back and forth and ran his fingers through her hair.

“I can’t do this… I can’t.” Wendy said between hiccups. She clung on his shirt. “It hurts so badly. I’m trying so hard.”

“It’s my fault… I let you two do this, and I’ve only hurt you both. I’m sorry.” Dipper said. “I try to be brave and face all the challenges for me… but when it comes to you two, I’ve been indecisive and selfish. I’ve let you both compromise yourselves over me and it has to stop.”

“Don’t do this…” Wendy cried. “Don’t. I won’t be able to handle it.”

“Tonight I told Pacifica that I can’t see myself without her in my life.” Dipper said. “She’s a strong person I admire; beautiful, caring, and compassionate. That I’ve admired how much she’s changed since I first met her. I know how lucky I am to have her by my side.”

Wendy’s hiccupping sobs erupted. Dipper clung onto her and continued.

“She asked me what I thought of her… Not what I thought of you.” Dipper said. “That, when I wake up in the morning, I wonder if you’re up yet. How my hands go numb anytime I’m near you. I can listen to you talk all day, and not notice the time fly by. The amount of passion and love you carry in your heart is something I’m envious of.”

“Really?” Wendy said as she looked up with a smile and sniffed her nose.

“When I first got out of the hospital, your touch electrified me when you put on my lotion. My arm cramped in the popcorn bowl just so I can touch your fingertips. Pacifica means a lot to me, and if things were different… well… what I’m trying to say is that you mean a lot more. Tonight… all I could think about was how hurt you were.” Dipper said, looking into her eyes.

“Dipper… don’t play with me… don’t… not unless it’s real.” Wendy whispered.

“Wendy… I…” Dipper was about to say when Wendy covered his mouth with her hand.

“I won’t be able to handle it… just kiss me please.” She said. Dipper drew her to his lips and held her. Her embrace was like holding fire in his arms. His chest burned, his heart ached and he felt it over every square inch of his body.

*           *           *

“At least you kept your pants on, kid.” Stan said after ripping off his covers. Dipper covered his eyes and protested as the blinds were torn opened.

“Ahh… what’s that for! It’s Saturday!” Dipper groaned. He looked around, and saw Wendy wasn’t there.

“Where do you think she is? Using up all my hot water.” Stan said.

“Oh…” Dipper said, a slight grin crept across his face.

“Wipe that smirk off and get your head back on straight.” Stan said. “You’re wise beyond your years, but judging by the atmosphere… you better wear a helmet.”

Dipper didn’t understand until he heard the crackling gravel of a car driving up the pavement.

“Yup… and better wear a cup along with it.” Stan said and left his room. He shouted downstairs. “Loverboy’s up!”  

Wendy came back in with only a towel and was drying her hair.

“Hey, you’re up… I didn’t want to wake you… Mind if I borrow your shirt?” Wendy said holding up one of his larger sports jerseys.

“Umm…” He said as she turned her back and dropped the towel and pulled his shirt on. “You could have warned me!”  

Wendy looked over her shoulder with a grin. “It’s not like you’re a stranger to them anymore… Mr. Handsy…” She said, and put on her jeans. “Pancakes?”

Dipper pulled the covers to his chest and shook his head.

“I… think I’ll stay up here.” Dipper said. Wendy gave him a stern look and yanked the covers off him. “Hey!”

“Be a man and get your ass downstairs.” Wendy said and pulled him out of bed.

“But…” Dipper said and looked out the window.

“Yeah… I know!” Wendy said and shoved him out the bedroom. “Suck it up.”

Dipper walked down the hallway with Wendy behind him.

“You told her?” Dipper asked.

“She’s as much my friend as she is yours. I’m not going to lie to her, just like she didn’t lie to me. She would have told me what happened even if Billeah didn’t spring it on us like she did. She admitted everything and apologized profusely over setting you up. I called her on it, and said you made the choice, she didn’t do anything.” Wendy said. Dipper stopped and turned to look at her.

“How’d she take it?” Dipper asked.

“Cold and impartial, cfrigid and detached.” Wendy said with a frown.

“That bad…” Dipper sighed.

Mabel, Billeah, Grenda, and Candy were on pancake duty… Mabel half-heartedly directed the process and clung to a blender full of Mabel Juice. She looked strung out and hung over at the same time. Various plastic dinosaurs stuck out of her hair and half her face was covered in glitter, like she fell asleep on some art project she was working on.

“Hey… bro…” Mabel said. She reached her lips to attach to a silly straw and took a large pull. “Fun Dip… rocks…”

Wendy sat down and helped herself to some pancakes when there was a knock at the door. She looked at Dipper, and then the door. Dipper sighed and opened it.

Pacifica stood there with oversized sunglasses.

“Oh... hi.” she said nonchalantly. “I was invited to breakfast.”

“Can… we talk?” Dipper asked. Pacifica looked at him, leaned over and looked at Wendy who was shoveling a huge bite of pancake in her mouth, and back at him. He couldn't read her expression with such large sunglasses. She waved to his porch swing and went to sit down. Dipper followed and sat next to her. He reached over to hold her hand; she deftly pulled it away, and inspected the nails on it. Apparently he was the one who needed to start the conversation.

“I… didn’t want to hurt you.” Dipper said. “I’m sorry.”

“Oh, we are well beyond apologies.” Pacifica said. “The whole… ordeal… was a silly idea anyway. Clearly you’ve made a decision then.”

“Yes… I have… and I’m sorry it wasn’t...” Dipper said.

“Me?” Pacifica said. “If you’re sorry that it wasn’t me, then you would have chosen me. Am I right? I am a big girl and can handle the truth.” Pacifica said. “So far… as I see it… you’re not entirely to blame. I… really don’t see any blame in all of this. You… we… we tried. Part of me always knew this would be how it ended. I tried to prepare myself.”

“I meant what I said… last night” Dipper said. “Understand that. I see that you... even now.”

“I suppose…” Pacifica said.

“You know… My Grandpa has a copy machine… We can run over there and make a paper clone of me. Then there would be no hurt feelings!” Dipper said with a grin. “There was this party at the shack… I made this overly complicated plan to try and get Robbie away from Wendy. I made six or seven copies of myself…”

“Dipper makes an overly complicated plan? I’ve never heard of such a thing!” Pacifica said with a chuckle. “Sweetie, even a copy of you won’t be the real thing.”

“Yeah, they tend to fall apart once they get wet anyway…” Dipper said. “Can… we go back? I don’t want to lose you as a friend. I… I need you in my life just as much as I need Mabel, Billeah, and Wendy.”

“You’re never going to lose me. Is that what you’ve been so terrified of?” Pacifica asked with a concern look on her face. “You were never going to lose me. I may be hurt… passive aggressive… or even straight mean to you at times, but I would never keep you out of my life.”

“You… tend to block out things… I just don’t want to be one of them.” Dipper said softly. Pacifica sighed and gave him a hug.

“We’ll go back to our lunches… ok?” She said. Dipper nodded. “And if she breaks your heart… tell me and I’ll make sure they never find the body.”

Pacifica grabbed Dipper’s hand and led him to the door. She pushed him inside and closed it behind her. Dipper sat next to Wendy, and Pacifica took the seat opposite of her and grabbed a plate. She loaded up a few pancakes and poured syrup over the stack and grinned.

May 13, 2014

Dipper watched the clock. The second hand ticked away as he sat in the empty classroom. The answer key mocked him as he read the problems over and over. He knew the answer, but he wanted to be sure and passes with a perfect score. What good is skipping four grades if you get a C?

Dipper committed to his answer and filled it in. He let loose a huge sigh of relief as he softly placed the pencil down. He looked at the clock, he had ten minutes left. Enough time to double check his answers.

“Dipper, time’s up!” said his math teacher. Dipper sat his pencil down and pushed forward his sheet.

“We’ll have your results in a week. Congratulations! Have you looked into furthering your education or what your plans are for the future? I’ll help you any way I can.” He said, shaking Dipper’s hand.

“Well, I have an interest in Cryptography and Math sciences… but I really don’t want to leave Gravity Falls.” Dipper said. “It’s just… I’m also nervous attending a college with how young I am, and my physical appearance may also be a slight hindrance.”

“Dipper, your accident and other… mishaps over the course of your time here at GF Middle School has not stopped you from achieving this milestone. I’m proud to have taken the time to help you, and I’m sure we can find some way to accommodate your future scholastics. It’s the 21st century, I’m sure we can have you attend any school you want remotely. Let me make some calls and see where we are… Do you need a scholarship?”

Dipper shook his head no.

“My parents left enough for that, plus, the insurance and the grant from the government for my uncle’s research will pay for me to have at least three master degrees if I want them.” Dipper said nervously.

“Well, I hope we can find you a challenge.” His teacher said.

“Oh... umm, I know it sounds odd, but I’d like to major in business management… that’s a double major right? I know it’s an odd mix.” Dipper said with a chuckle.

“It’s an odd mix, but par for the course with you.” His teacher said “I’ll go make some calls, Are you looking to get into an Ivy League school?”

Dipper nodded. He’s trying to think ten years ahead, and if Rick’s influence is in finance and business, he needs to learn it. He’s sure Pacifica would be ecstatic if he got into one of the big three, even if it was done remotely.

“With your transcripts, I’m sure there won’t be an issue. I’ll help you get applications sent out before the end of the year.”

*           *           *

Dipper fidgeted with his tie, Pacifica fussed over the suit she picked out.

“Are you serious about this? I made sure to schedule you an hour… He’s very busy and I’m just really nervous. You haven’t spoken since… well, the forest incident.”

“I’m sure… I’ve mapped out what I want to do, and I’m going to have to pull a few strings.” Dipper said.

“Dipper, please,” Pacifica said pleadingly, “I just… I don’t know. I have a bad feeling.”

Dipper kissed her cheek softly and grinned.

“Off to the lion’s den!” Dipper said and opened the door to Mr. Northwest’s office.

“Ah… Mr. Pines, come sit down!” Mr. Northwest said with a grin. He pointed to one of the two large backed chairs that sat in front of his office desk. He poured himself a glass of brown liquid from a crystal carafe and held it out to Dipper. He shook his head no. He had gone over countless books on negotiations and business etiquette. One rule that instantly came to mind was to decline all first offers of gifts, always accept them should a follow up request be given.

Dipper stood next to Mr. Northwest’s desk and had his hands crossed in front of him. As Mr. Northwest moved around to his seat, Dipper offered his hand in greeting. Mr. Northwest grinned and took his hand with both of his. Dipper was ready and deftly put his free hand on top and gave Mr. Northwest a pleasant grin. He felt Mr. Northwest’s grip tighten slightly and let go.

Score one for Dipper.

“I’m terribly sorry about your recent ordeal. I want to assure you the judge who oversaw your case is no longer associated with me. I don’t know what he was thinking.” Mr. Northwest said.

“It was a bad deal but life is full of them. One can only pick himself up and crawl his way back to the top.” Dipper said as he sat down in the chair that Mr. Northwest did not indicate. Another power moves to position dominance in this conversation. Mr. Northwest paused mid-drink and grinned.

“Has anyone ever told you, that you have a boardroom presence?” Mr. Northwest chuckled. “I know many veterans who would probably crack under the pressure you’re giving me, and I have no idea why you’re even here.”

Dipper opened his briefcase and slid over a carefully typed up proposal.  

“Mr. Northwest, you’ve known me some three years now, and you know I have a vested interest in our community. I’ve just graduated high school four years early and got top marks on my SAT’s. I have enough money already saved to get into the two colleges I want…” Dipper said, and trailed off.

“Two?” Mr. Northwest said, looking up at Dipper.

“I plan on completing a doctorate in mathematics… specializing in theory at Cal-Tech.” Dipper said flatly.

“That’s a very ambitious goal, but you mentioned two collages…” Mr. Northwest said, flipping through the transcript he provided him.

“I also will be obtaining my DBA at the same time. I’ve included the class schedules, and workload in the last few pages. Everything will be remote, so I’ll be here, and able to assist should any… oddities… arise.” Dipper said. Mr. Northwest nodded.

“So, this is all a good plan… but why come to me? You seem to have it all planned out.” Mr. Northwest said.

“I want to get the DBA from Harvard.” Dipper said flatly. Mr. Northwest raised an eyebrow at Dipper.

“My school?” Mr. Northwest said. “I admit, it’s a good school, with your grades as they are, you should be a shoe in. Why do I have the feeling there’s something more here. You’re not asking me to make a few calls to get you in?”

“Even being a remote student, I have the chance to pledge… sir.” Dipper said coolly. “I want to pledge Delta Sigma Pi.”

Mr. Northwest’s grin grew even wider.

“Now, we know the objective, I’d like to know the reasoning behind wanting to go to my school and pledge my fraternity. This seems rather… presumptuous… even for you.”

“Aside from my Uncle and Grandfather, I have no other family to speak. It’s said if you wish to become successful in life, model yourself after someone who is successful. You sir, are the most successful person in my life, and I wish to carve my own way in this world and make a name for myself, just like the Northwests.” Dipper said.

“Hrm…” Mr. Northwest said, rubbing his chin and looking over Dipper. “It’s no secret my daughter’s infatuated with you… why not just marry into the family and ask me for a job? It would be much easier.”    

“Sir,” Dipper said. “The relation between Pacifica and I is nowhere close to that. She’s a good friend. I value her company and insight. And should there ever be a Northwest-Pines merger, I believe you would respect me more if I came to you as an equal, and not someone trying to better his family name by marrying into royalty.”  

“So… is that all?” Mr. Northwest said. “I feel there’s a third thing.”

“I’d like you to schedule an hour a day for me.” Dipper said. His Uncle was going to kill him for this.

“For what?” Mr. Northwest asked, he leaned forward and rested his elbows on his table. Dipper felt like a mouse being inspected by a snake.

“That’s up to you. Remember what I said, I wish to model myself for success, I wanted to give you a chance to be a sculptor.” Dipper said. He wanted to position himself close to one of Rick’s avatars so he could study them. He’s sure Rick would want the same opportunity.

“You realize how valuable my time is.” Mr. Northwest said. “But, I think I can find the time once a week.”

“Four days.” Dipper said without dropping a beat. Mr. Northwest smiled.

“Two…” he said, extending his hand. Dipper followed suit, but didn’t place it in his.

“Three. I have the contact information of Delta Sigma on the back. After summer is over, I’ll spend pledge week over on campus, and return here to continue my course work. I plan to use our time together to research a subject for my thesis, you can never start one too early.”

Mr. Northwest grabbed his hand and shook it.

“I’ll have you start interning once you pledge Delta Sigma, no sooner. You have to show me you’re cut out for this sort of thing. I can make a call, but you have to get yourself in.” Mr. Northwest said. Dipper nodded.

“I won’t let you down.” Dipper said. He got up with Mr. Northwest and was walked to the door. He opened the door for Dipper and gave him a pat on the back. Pacifica was waiting in a chair just outside with a worried look.

“Dear… every time you bring Mr. Pines over, I’m more impressed.” He said. Pacifica smiled ear to ear and nodded, ran to her father and gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek. “All you needed to do was ask Pacifica to ask me, you know I’d do anything for my little girl.”

“I didn’t want to come to you that way. I wanted to do this on my own, the only favor I needed was the hour to meet with you. I can sleep better knowing your choice is based on my actions and reasons, not placating your daughter.” Dipper said. Mr. Northwest gave him a nod and turned back to his office and closed the large oak doors.

“Damn those rules…” Pacifica huffed. Dipper looked quizzically at her and she grinned. “I just want to grab you and have my way with you right now.”  

Dipper smiled and gave her a hug.

“This does not help…” Pacifica said.

“I know…” Dipper said.

*           *           *

Dipper and Wendy were laying in the back of her truck at the meadow, watching the clouds.

“Holy crap, so you went in there and did like power plays on Mr. Northwest?” Wendy said in shock.

“Yeah… little ones, but it’s like… maneuvering with wolves. You have to show dominance in subtle ways. Like, when I shook his hand…” Dipper said and sitting up. “I offered my hand first… that’s a point against me, since I took the submissive role. Mr. Northwest grasped my hand with both of his.”

Wendy did so and grabbed Dipper’s outstretched hand with both of hers.

“Well, you put one hand like you're shaking and you cover the back of my hand with your other one…. ya like that.” Dipper said. And he took his free hand and placed it on top.

“This is called the upper hand, since it’s the one on top. So, with our minor skirmish, I won.”  

“You make it sound like war.” Wendy said with a chuckle. “That’s so weird.”

“It is. I’ve been reading up on the psychology of business and the corporate culture. The higher up you go; everything is like a chess game. From seating placements to the refreshments you serve to guests, and all the rules change from country to country.”

“And this is what you want to do? Become a corporate fat-cat?” Wendy said in shock. Dipper shook his head no.

“I want to understand and learn about it. I want to be able to mingle, and see what’s really going on. I’ve been thinking about how things are moving, and when we’re in our 30’s, that culture is going to be even more prevalent than it is now.” Dipper said.

“But what about all the weird stuff you study? I thought you’d be a Bigfoot hunter or something.” Wendy said with a chuckle.

“I plan to keep my finger on the pulse of cutting edge technologies and fringe sciences, that’s why I’m going to study math. That’s the language of the universe.” Dipper said, holding Wendy’s hand.

“You’re really putting me to shame…” Wendy said. “You have your whole life planned already. Me? I don’t know what I’m doing once I graduate. Cut trees? Work at the Shack? Move in with this cute Harvard boy I know?”

“Ha…” Dipper said.

“Hey, you have your life plan, I have mine.” Wendy said. “How did the princess take the whole experience?”

“She cursed her deal with you.” Dipper said with a smile.

“And what did you do?” Wendy said.

“I gave her a hug.” He said with a chuckle.

“Oh, you are evil.” Wendy said with a laugh. “I almost feel sorry for her.”

*           *           *

Dipper walked home with a slight skip in his step. Today was a good day. As he was climbing up the porch, Mabel and Billeah tackled him and drug him inside.

“We heard how awesome you were!” Mabel squealed.

“So… cool!” Billeah agreed.

Stan and Stanford came over and patted Dipper’s shoulder.

“You did good kid, but what’s this whole master plan they’ve been rambling on about?”

“Well, I have a few months left before the Diploma is official. So, I finish school, have one last summer, and then start college. Since I’m banned from the library, I better focus my efforts on other academia.

“So what school you pick? You gonna leave us?” Stan said with a grimace.

“No, I’ll be attending remotely… except for rush week.”

“HA! Rush week?” Stanford laughed. “You? Joining a frat?”

“Not just any frat! Mr. Northwest’s frat!” Mabel grinned.

“Wait… Dipper.” Stan said sternly. “Back up and explain your little scheme slowly… because I’m old and didn’t hear you right. You’re going to Mr. Northwest’s fraternity?”  

“We suspect him as part of Rick’s circle. I’m in the prime position to maneuver myself right next to him and watch his day to day dealings. We may even get a lead on McGucket.”

Dipper explained his plan to his family. He went over a notebook that mapped out in detail his plans for the next ten years.

“When I’m 24, I should be able to either acquire a company and build it up to rival Northwest Industry or have a major stake in theirs. Either way, they won't be able to make a move without me knowing.”

“And the math?” Stan said.

“Universal language. I want to understand what you, McGucket, and Stan built. I want to understand the world around me and delve deeper into its mysteries.” Dipper said.

“I don’t like this one bit.” Stan said with a groan.

“Hey… let the kid try, we’re pushing up on the years, we need someone to take over.” Stanford said and gave his brother a side hug.

Mabel pulled out a giant “Happy Graduation” cake and set it in front of him. Waddles sat down next to him expecting his piece.

“I’ll call the girls and we can really get the party started!” Mabel said with a smile.