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Chapter Text

Star would have liked to enjoy this moment in peace. Finally, she was kissing Marco. But in her head, the interogation remains: Did she do the right thing?

*******

Wirt suddenly woke up. Something had changed. He couldn't be sure what, but he felt it in his bones. Maybe he was back...there? An image of the Beast appeared in his mind and he rushed to Greg's room.Thank God, he slept peacefully in bed with Jason Funderburker (the frog, not the guy). Okay, it's all good. They're home, without any of the quirks he can barely explained years later. He will just go back to bed and everything will be better tomorrow. But as he walked past the window, his gaze was drawn to something: What the freak is McGucket inc?

******

-Dipper? Dipper! Hey, the earth calls Dipper!
-What? What's going on, Mabel?

He has been trying for the last hour to figure out how to respond to the email that Pacifica had sent him. He had Hi for now.

-The thing that Grunkle Ford asked you to watch...
-I said yes to decorate it with stickers but glittering is out of the question!
- That's not even what I asked for but I maintain that it makes it look better. The light came on and it makes this sound that sounds like BLOWIE," imitated Mabel.
-Oh no.
-Shall I call our Grunkles?
-Yes, now!

******

-Anne...
-What, Sprig?" asked Anne half asleep.
-Do you see it too or am I still dreaming?

Anne looked out the window and saw it: the gate!

-This is not possible...
-Yet it's there," Polly replied, also waking up now.
-It looks like the gate that brought me here," says Anne confused.

It can't be real. She needs the music box and the stones. She can't leave yet.

-We' d still have to stop to be sure," says Sprig hesitantly.
-I guess we can ask Hop Pop to stop and take a look," says Anne, still hesitant.

It was probably nothing or a trap.

*******

-You've made it, bravo! shouted Luz enthusiastically.

Lilith had managed to do her first spell with paper and still seemed to be shocked by her success. Even though she and Eda could still use some magic through their palisman, it was understood that he had better learn the alternative techniques of Luz.

-I suppose with a lot of hard work and a good teacher this was bound to happen.
-You're welcome, Eda told her.
-I was talking about Luz.
-And who's your teacher's teacher?" Eda said, pointing to herself.
-And me! I too, have trained Luz to be a terrible warrior who will haunt the nightmares of the next generation!
-Of course, you have" said Luz, catching the little demon in an embrace. -By the way Eda, I hope you don't mind that I told Amity that she could come by today?
-Of course, she can even bring the idiot twins!
-Eda, I'm not sure this is a good idea," Lilith began.
-Come on sis, she's your biggest fan, besides!
-We can trust her," said Luz.
-Hoot! Hoot! Eda, I found another one! says Hooty.
-What did you find? Eda asked vaguely worried. -Another fly?
-No! Another source for the door!
-What?
-Except this one is bigger but it won't stop moving. Maybe it wants to play?
-Eda, what is he talking about? asked Luz.
-Just that ... Maybe you can go home.

*******

Coraline slept soundly: this is rare and she takes advantage of it when it happens. When she felt something tapping her cheek.

-Cat, let me sleep...

The cat continued and started meowing as well. She also felt something pulling her hair.

-You too, Fran? Why don't you bother Norman instead?

She finally opened her eyes and saw her boyfriend.

Norman sat in the right side bed with his eyes wide open and now fluorescent yellow.

-Oh sh...
-Cora!

Norman turned to his girlfriend with abrupt and unnatural movements.

-They arrived, they found a doorway.
-Who?

Norman says something in a forgotten language that Coraline was sure would cause long-term brain damage.

-I'm glad we're talking about it.

Just as quickly, Norman came out of his trance and fell back into bed. An invisible force began to run its fingers through his hair as Coraline approached him.

-What happened?
-I believe that you have just announced the beginning of a Lovecratien apocalypse, says Coraline in a flat tone.

Norman put his head between his hands and groans:
-Couldn't they have waited until we were at college?

Chapter Text

-You can't be serious, Dipper," said Ford as he looked at his nephew on the computer screen.
-Unfortunately, yes. The dimensional disturbance machine keeps ringing. Plus, Mabel and I noticed some ... change.
-Like?

Dipper disappears for a minute and comes back a picture of a animal similar to a mix of pig and goat.
-Sooz sent me the picture a few days ago. This animal that Mabel named Gomdler...
-Why Gomdler?
-Because Mabel said that the power couple name of Waddler and Gompers.
-Gompers is a female?
-She is now. Anyway, I thought it was just Gravity Fall being Gravity Fall or a side effect of Weirdmageddon. But no! Everyone seems to think it's normal for a goat and a pig can be able breed together. They are considered a possible chimera similar to the mule or tigron. I can find verifiable historical and scientic sources that I swear didn't exist a year ago! But now seems to have always been there.
-I see. So there are changes in our continuity but it seems that the Weirdmageddon is not the cause or at least not the only source.
-So, it's been a week since …
-For us, yes. But it could have been longer or more recent for others.
-Other what?
-Anomalies who are aware of the change.

*******

Wirt desperately trying to stay calm. Everything is fine. It's just exam stress, that's all. That's why there are companies he doesn't recognize, why his cell phone seems surprisingly small and full of weird gadgets, why the date on the calendar seems to be 10 years ahead of time when he's still the same age. He is not crazy. God or whoever is in charge (he doesn't know with what he saw during that Halloween with Greg 4 years ago). He convinced Greg not to say anything until he understands what is going on. He doesn't want the two of them to end up in a padded room in straitjackets.

-Hey, the big asparagus!

Wirt turned around to see a girl a little younger than him with dark blue hair and a pointed nose. Since when did the school allow unnatural dyes? Accompanying her, a boy of the same age, goth with a brush hairstyle and dark circles so heavy, they must have been in the guniss. Finally, a kid the same age as Greg with brown hair, a sickly yellow dress with a blue ribbon, black and white striped tights and old brown boots.

-What do you want?
-Just talk, said the girl.
-Not in the mood and don't have time for it, says Wirt and continues to empty his locker.
-Wirt, listen to Coraline, please, it's important, says the little girl.
-How do you know my name? And what are you doing here? This is high school, not elementary school.
-You should keep your voice down," said the boy.
-And why I do that? You're the one who bothered me, coming to school with dye and dragging your little sister here!
-It's my natural color," says Coraline.
-Oh, you're an anime protagonist?
-Sorry, Cora could have made a better entrance," said the boy, ignoring the outraged look from the blue-haired girl. -But trust my experience, you don't want people to see you talking to someone no one else sees.
-What are you talking about? She' s right there!

Wirt pointed at the little girl and she walked towards him, passing through his hand.

-I'm dead, said the little girl with a smile. -My brain was in a jar.
-What the...
-Just come with us for a milkshake and we'll all explain, the boy promised.
-I don't even know what kind of freak...
-Norman, medium. Coraline, the closest thing to Buffy you'll ever meet.
-Stop, Norm, says Coraline, holding back a smile.
-Nan. And Fran, ghost of a psychic who went to the next level!

Fran posed as if she were a superhero.

-Dude, there is something not normal going on right now. We are trying to understand what and you are one of those who are aware of it. I know what it feels like to feel that the whole world is crazy to the point of thinking that you are the one who is losing your mind. Just...give us a chance.

After some hesitation, Wirt replied:
-Half an hour and if I see the slightest sign that you are a cult, I'm leaving.

*******

-What do you mean, Eda?" asked Luz.
-I came across something like this a long time ago and that's how I created the door. But now I'm not sure if I'm up to the task of doing it all over again.
-Maybe with my help, even diminish, it could work? suggested Lilith.
-You know it's not bad at worst, interrupted Luz.-I prefer to wait if there are risks.
-That would be a first, says Eda suspiciously.
-Hoot Hoot, someone there! says Hooty bringing a diversion.
-I hope I'm not intruding," said Amity, trying not to let Hooty touch her.
-You're just in time!

Luz rushed over to Amity to hug her, too happy with her arrival. But she quickly noticed the change in her color and her stiffening.

-Amity? Are you all right? If you don't like it when I give you hugs, you can say so, you know.
-No! I mean yes! I mean I'm...I'm not used to it but I appreciate the hugs.
-Glad to hear it," says Luz with her most beautiful smile.
-You should appreciate the honor I am doing you by letting Luz give you hugs, interrupted King.
-Speaking of which," said Luz, grabbing the little demon to tickle him.
-Hi hi hi! Stop it! No, keep going! Hee-hee!

Amity hardly detaches her gaze from Luz to address the Claythorne sisters.

-Good morning mesdames...
-It's Eda. I've already told you, kid. And Lilith thinks the same thing, doesn't you, sis?
-Not only am I comfortable with this level of familiarity, but I don't think I deserve more.
-I uh... I'll get used to it.
-Good. Well, it's not that we're not happy to see you, but what do we do with the passage? asked Eda.
-Passage?
-Yeah. Eda thinks she's found something that might get me home," Luz says uncomfortably.
-Can it be used continuously or would it only work once?" asked a worried Amity.
-Who knows? It's going to take a lot of poking and prodding to find out. says Eda, seemingly ready to give it a try.
-Let's act with caution anyway, Eda, Lilith warns her.
-Of course, promised Eda with a vague gesture. -Owlbert, lead the charge!
-Samael, follow him!" said Lilith, releasing her own paladin.

******

-So Hop Pop, what do you think? asked Anne.
-I think it's dangerous and that we should continue on the road, he replied.
-But this may be Anne's only chance to get home, says Sprig.
-Not without Sasha or Marcy! says quickly Anne.

She wanted to believe that she could still give Sasha a redemption.

-But wouldn't it be a good idea to at least mark the place? asked Sprig. -It might come in handy if we don't find the stones.
-It's true that the music box is just junk without it, continue Polly.
-It's just... Oh, why am I even making excuses for myself? It's dangerous, that's why! got angry Hop Pop.
-Because everything we experienced before wasn't? insisted Polly.
-She's got a point," admitted Anne.
-So, let's take a closer look? asked Sprig.
-Yes!
-I said no!" cried Hop Pop, but too late, the three were gone.

*******

-Star, are you all right? asked Eclipsa.
-Huh? Uh yes, I'm great, of course!

Eclipsa had come to visit Diaz because Meteora missed Mariposa. Which wasn't really a problem since everyone seemed to get along pretty well. Meteora had even decreased her attacks against Marco (only biting him twice!). Globor and Marco's father were in the kitchen (he wanted to show the monster how to make nachos). Marco's mother, for her part, wanted to stop by the store to pick up a bottle of wine for the adults. Star, Marco and Eclipsa were staying in the living room with the babies.

-You would have been a good queen on the warfield and to look after the welfare of the people...But you lie too badly to have been useful in politics," Eclipsa mocked gently.
-Well, it's a good thing I'm not anymore.
-Neither am I," says Eclipsa.
-You weren't perfect, far from it, but I wouldn't even put you in the top 10 of the worst queens Mewnie has had.
-I think I can name at least one name on that list.
-Well, helping us in the end wasn't enough for me, says Star.
-I was referring to my own mother, not Moon.
-I, uh...It's just that I can't...
-I'm not judging you, Star. Quite the opposite, in fact. Even if your reasons were purely by the way she treated you rather than her attempt at genocide, I would still be on your side.

Eclipsa looks at the babies having fun for a moment before turning to Marco and asks:
-Marco, can I entrust the girls to you for a moment? I would like to ask Star what is most presentable for my mayoral campaign.
-You want to become mayor? Why do you want to be mayor?
-I want to experiment with this concept of democracy, she replied with a cheshire smile.
-Uh...Okay. Just not too long please. Meteora tolerates me at best, remember?
-Of course, we'll be quick! she promised as she trained Star by the hand.

********

-So now let's put our cards on the table: I know you haven't spoken to Moon for almost a year now," says Eclipsa as the two walked around the neighbourhood.
-How? ask Star.
-Because she called me and came to my house. I got everything: the accusations of having turned you against her, the crying, the pleas to convince you to come and see her, the threats, and so on...
-Oh no," groans Star in horror.
-Don't worry, I'm on your side here. If you want to talk to her, you will go by yourself, not because we dragged you by the hair. And I suspect I'm not the only one who thought that. The Diaz's have threatened the authorities if I understand correctly?
-Yeah, Janna even made it her personal mission to trap the garden and invent things to scare them like pretending to summon the souls of clowns who died of violent death.
-Such a charming girl, says Eclipsa without the slightest irony.
-I miss my dad. But she...I don't know. Every time I see her, I get so angry. I try to talk, not just blame, try to understand, try to fix our relationship. But...She's not very cooperative. Be, she just wants to pretend like nothing ever happened or she blames me for things I did and I know it wasn't right but she acts like it's worse. Like I'm even responsible for her choices, that I forced her to make her decisions.That I'm a brat who destroyed the kingdom and our great lineage.
-That wasn't even her lineage. And she was just as responsible, if not more so than you are, for what happened. In fact, even my lineage is that of a usurper, the monsters were the legitimate inhabitants of this world, not us, said Eclipsa with a joyless laugh.
-But she is my mom. I can't hate her.
-No one's asking you to hate her. On the contrary, hate requires as much effort as love. They are passions that devour and motivate people. Its real opposite is indifference. Nothingness. It's the worst thing and the sweetest revenge you can have Star.
-You seem angrier than I am," almost laughs Star.
-I listen to them Star. I'm a mother too. And...I found a disturbing resemblance despite their lack of connection between your relationship with your mother and the one I had with mine. It may have made my view of the situation less neutral. Maybe I'm projecting my problems.
-And what's your opinion?
-Star, your mother loves you. So much so that she wants to put you under a pretty glass bell so that you will remain a pure and unspoiled little girl. And too bad if you run out of air and dry up to become a shadow of your former self. At least you look good in paintings like that. So, as humans say: bye, see you next time.

Star remained silent before starting to laugh.

-What? what did I say that was so funny? Eclipsa asked innocently.
-You are terrible! I wish you were really was my great-great-great-great...
-Me too. Even without that, I am happy to have you in my life and that of my little family.
-Speaking of which. For my dad, what do I do?
-River wants you well and if I was sure he wouldn't try to force you to see Moon, I would tell you to contact him. Maybe start with an intermediary?
-Hey, something the last year prepared me for! It's gonna be...
-Star? Eclispa asked, seeing the surprise appearing on the teenager's face.
-FORD! Shouted Star with an expression of joy before he rushed towards an old man.

Chapter Text

-Ford! I can't believe you've been herethis whole time! It's been so long," said Star, hugging the old man.
-Me too, honey," says Stan uncomfortably looking for his brother.
-Princess Star? said Ford.
-There are two Fords?
-Poindexter, she is you're hiddens granddaughter or daughter?
-Of course not, Stan! This is Princess Star from the kingdom of Mewni.
-Oh excuse me, it's so obvious! his brother replied sarcastically. -I don't even know where Mewni is anymore!
-I-I'm sorry, Stanley. I forget that because of...
-Poindexter, you talk too much. I just didn't remember all the names of the dimensions you visited," Stan says softly.
-Oh! Right! Princess...
-Star. It's just Star now. I'm not a princess or queen anymore.
-Your cheeks," Ford then remarked.
-I don't have magic anymore either," said Star with a sad smile.
-Don't tell me that your mother took it away from you because of what happened...
-Ppff! Really, Ford? Just because I accidentally allowed you to running away doesn't mean my mom was going to take my magie away from me. So this is your version of another dimension? Star asked, not letting go of her grip on Stan.
-This is Stanley, my twin brother.
-So, you went home and everyone is fine. You can see that it was worth it!
Stan looked at Ford to see the same shame that sometimes appears when he was unable to remember something. What happened with that kid?
-And you, why aren't you home? asked Ford.
-It's not that I don't like dramatic revelations, but do you think we could discuss all this at the Diaz house? said amused Eclipsa.
The pretty little woman with green hair immediately caught Stan's eye, making him forget his dark thoughts.
-Hey gorgeous, didn't you hurt yourself when you fell out of the heaven?
-No, just broke a nail crawling out of hell.
-Even better, smile Stan.
-I am also married and unfortunately for you, I love this one.
-It was worth a try.
-And that's always nice to hear at my age. Star do you want us to bring Mister...
-Pines.
-Pines and his brother with us?
-Yes, yes, please!

******

The Pines were greeted by the Diaz didn't seem more shocked to see two unknown men come at their home. They were also comfortable with having a huge red monster with 4 eyes, horns, a tail and a smile full of fangs. Eclipsa's husband. Yeah, Stan won't insist...And also she had a child (he would never break up a family!).
-So, what's the story with you and the kid? Stan asked Ford.

Eight years ago

-Be quiet Monster! yelled the guard.
-Monster? Have you seen your high magical commission? A Baphomet who can distract with a corn dog, a sadistic woman covered in fur and flames, an impulsive crystal man-child with snake hands and a huge monster with skeleton head, mounting shoulder, sword antenna and also has six fingers on each hand like ME! Its my only anomaly while for the rest, I am a humanoid like you! Ford shouted from his cell before a bucket of dirty water was thrown at him.
-That was your portion of water for the day," said the guard before leaving a shivering Ford in his cell, mumbling insults into his beard.
You're in great trouble, thought Ford. Of all dimensions, he was going to end his life (which might be quite short considering the politics of criminal monsters) in Mewni. All that could be wished for was that Bill would never open the gate. At least this Hekapoopoo seemed terrified when he spoke of the demon. So at least someone on the commission had a preservation instinct about real danger. Not enough for helping, but at least that's what it was a step into the good direction!
-Are you really a monster?
Ford was startled when he saw a kid of 7 or 8 looking at him with a big smile and a weapon mass . Blond hair, two sparkling blue eyes and the characteristic mark of the queens of Mewni. The girl's marks were pink hearts. Ford wondered if it was a tattoo or a birthmark.
-You don't look like a monster. Just a person. You smell like a monster though," laughs the child.
-It seems that having twelve fingers was enough to qualify me as a monster. And I've been in the same clothes for 48 hours without having had access to a shower. No, sorry, I got a shower from the guard with what was probably another prisoner's pee!
Ford realized with horror what he had just done: he had shouted at the Crown Princess. Wonderful, she's going to cry and her mother will probably have his head cut off for that.
But all the princess does is say:
-That can't be it. Glossaryck and Omnitraxus prime have twelve fingers too and they are not monsters. Are you sure it's nothing else?
-Uh...I guess I tried to borrow a pair of scissors from Hekapoopoo.
-Hahaha, poopoo! Good one!
-Isn't that her name?
-Nan,this is just Hekapoo.
-Well, giving her personality, I can't be the first to make this mistake.
-She and the others aren't much fun, recognized Star. -My name is Star Butterfly. What's yours?
-Stanford Pines but my close friends and family call me Ford.
Well, 3 people used to do it.
-Okay, Ford. You stay here, I'll be right back! said Star as she left.
-Sure, says Ford.
It wasn't like he had a choice.

*****

-I'm back!
-Hmm what? said Ford, who had fallen asleep despite the cold and hunger.
-Close your eyes!
-Princess Star, I'm..
-It's just for a minute, come on!
Ford closed his eyes that he hadn't wanted to open anyway. He heard Star growling and grumbling as she pushed something between the bars of the cell.
-Open!
Ford opened his eyes and saw a poorly packed package on the cell floor.
-It's not a bomb, you can open it!
Ford, in shock, complied. In the package he found: a loaf of bread, two pieces of corn, a bottle of milk and a roll of toilet paper.
-Why is this?
-You will be able to exchange it with other prisoners, the guards give only 2 pieces a day, explained Star. -I think I should go. Mom will notice I've been gone a long time. I'll be back soon Ford, okay?
Ford, who had begun to eat the bread, nodded his head in affirmation.

Now

-Sounds like a sweet girl," says Stan.
-She still seems to be, continued Ford. -Smart and curious too. She asked me lots of questions about my travels through the dimensions. She had a thirst for adventure and she was only repeating the cruel comments about abnormalities learned by those around her without understanding them. Nothing a little education can fix. Call it Stockholm syndrome but I became attached to this child.
-Don't be dramatic. You were a prisoner and a kid is cheering you up. That's it! I mean, it's like when I was locked in the diamond dealer's villa and his boyfriend and I started to...
-What?
-Nothing!

Eight years ago

-Ford! Ford! Look," said Star, arriving with a scroll.
-Hmm, said Ford as he woke up before smiling as he recognized the princess.
-I passed my test!
-Congratulations, princess! You can be proud of yourself.
-You're can be proud too, you're good teacher. And it is not even the subjects of your dimension. Maybe I could convince my parents to make you my personal mentor!
-Me? A criminal monster? says mocking Ford.
-It doesn't count if you're on the royal court," says Star.
-Off course, said Ford, trying to hide his disgust. -Princess Star, it would make me very happy but even if your parents accept, it's impossible.
-Why? asked Star with sad puppy eyes.
-Because I have to go home. There are people who are in danger. And it's my responsibility to warn them.
Ford had a sad and worried expression. Star changed her tone then.
-Are they counting on you? Like the people count on the queen?
-I guess you could put it this way. I...I don't have an official title but...I'm trying to do the right thing. There is something really bad that wants to hurt my dimension and the people in it.
-What kind of monster is it?
-It's not a monster, princess. It's...so much worse. He's not scary. You want to trust him and he takes advantage of that. He makes you feel special and he is insidious. And before you understand that the trap has closed on you, you are alone and has his mercy...I...I'm sorry, princess, I didn't mean to scare you," Ford suddenly realized when he saw Star's expression.
-I'm a Butterfly, I'm not afraid of anything," replied the girl getting back together.
-I can see that, says Ford amused.
-You must be hungry. Do you want me to steal anything in particular from the kitchen? Star asked, changing the subject.
-I would be more than happy if you brought me another candy bar.
-Easy as pie!

Now

-He sounds pretty cool," says Marco.
-Yeah, apart from the other kids from the royal families, I didn't really have any friends. And Ford was quite nice, passing his grumpy looks, explain Star. -I would have really liked to give him a position in the court. He was a good teacher, he would have been great. But convincing my parents would have been mission impossible and even if I had succeeded...The look on his face when he talked about his dimension. He was homesick and scared. He wanted to come home even with that terrifying thing waiting for him. So I made a decision.
-Which was rational and carefully thought out," Marco laughed.
-You know me well," said Star before resuming.

Eight years ago

-Ford? I've got your candy," Star announced softly.
Ford was surprised that the usually loud princess was so discreet. Perhaps her parents had noticed her many trips to the dungeons?
-Take it, says Star, passing the candy between the bars.
Ford obeys, noticing the condition of the chocolate bar: the package seemed to have been opened and then poorly resealed, something hard inside. Ford was curious, opened it and found a pair of scissors badly stuck in the chocolate bar.
-Princess...
-I borrowed them from Manfred," smiles Star. -I forgot to ask for permission but it doesn't matter. You just have to send us back afterwards.
-Thank you Princess Star, thank you from the bottom of my heart," said Ford.

Now

-What went wrong? Stan asked.
-What do you mean? said Ford.
-You didn't come straight home. So something was wrong with the scissors," Stan explained.
-The dimensional scissors worked perfectly but I thought it was safer to just use them to create a breach and leave them to Mewni afterwards.
-You didn't want the kid to be in trouble," says Stan with a grin.
-The high magical commission were composed of a bunch of racist, cruel, power-hungry tyrants and for what I had learned from the books given by Princess Star, who manipulated the kingdom using the queens and did not hesitate to get rid of them if they revolted. God knows what they could have convinced the queen to do to Star to get her back on the right track. I refused to let that happen.
-And that made your legend better: Ford Pines, saved himself from a prison with only a pair of scissors to help him. Well, it's not as good as me escaping from a South American prison with a spoon, a piece of twine and a porn magazine...
-What?
-Or maybe I saw it in a movie," Stan says quickly. -You know what? We've already kept them waiting long enough, let's go see if your princess can help us.

*******

-So, now you know everything," Star says embarrassed. -I have destroyed the source of all magic and destroyed the links between dimensions. Some had such close links as the earth and Mewni, that they merged together.
-You've destroyed one source at most," says Ford. -And it's not even impossible that this kind of thing could happen naturally.
-Hey, do you hear that? It could have happened without you! exclaimed Marco. -It was inevitable and it's better that you know the universe is imploding.
-And blamed you entirely is reductive: I helped you, as my little Meteora and Moon even if she seems loved forget this fact, concludes Eclipsa.
-Should I assume that many have complained about the change? asked Ford.
-I can't say, modern conveniences seem pretty much appreciated," says Eclipsa.
-Magic was almost exclusive to the court people," Ford told his brother.
-So, the peasants have lost nothing, just gain the modern toilets and refrigerators?
-I think there is half of them that will still prefers the old way of life, recognized Star.
-There are people who wish it was still illegal for my parents to be married," says Marco. -Mewni's supernatural creatures were the only really scary thing and it doesn't seem so bad. No offense, Glodor.
-I don't take any Marco," replied Glodor. -It would not have been so surprising if people reacted so violently to our presence. But it was surprisingly calm.
-It seems that reality has been rewritten in such a way that many supernatural creatures are better accepted socially in many environments, be it because they are seen as natural, a myth that no one believes or exists in a control zone known only to the locals, says Ford looking at his notes.
-This is the last case here," says Glodor. -My race and several species of monster like Buff Frog are familiar to the area but if we go too far away...
-People would panic," completed Ford. -The merging of the dimensions thus created several other small anomaly zones such as Gravity falls.
-So, what? Stan asked. -It can be inconvenient but not really bad.
-Being careful isn't hard! added Marco. -I mean, nothing that wouldn't apply to bears or came home late at night.
-Or invited them to spend the evening at your house, says Eclipsa as she hugs her husband.
-I agree that the situation is not that serious, but something else worries me," says Ford. -Star, I know it's been a long time, but do you remember the danger that lurked near my dimension?
-Yeah, but you came home and kicked his ass, didn't you?
-WE kicked his ass," Stan replied.
-And it wasn't without loss, says Ford with an empty expression.
-Don't be dramatic, Pointdexter.
-My point is that I once conducted experiments that made me play with dimensional openings. That's what attracted this creature: Bill Cypher...
-Cypher? says Eclipsa with an expression of surprise on her face.
-Do you know him? Stan asked surprised.
-Not intimately, only by reputation. I have always been curious and hard to get intimidated. I always thought that all knowledge was good and I was not going to be discouraged to explore because some things are a scary . This kind of creature sees us as worms they can crush under their feet. It's good to have something to remind them that worms are what eat people in the end," Eclipsa smiles darkly. -Funny, maybe I should have been wary of another type of parasite closer to me. Anyway, it's no use crying over spilled milk.
Meteora uttered a squeal to attract her mother's attention and she picked her up with pleasure. Mariposa did the same to attract his brother's attention.
-This is my fear: perhaps we have attracted the gaze of another being like him, explain Ford. -And it is not only on you that the responsibility rests Star. My experiences, Weirdmageddon, the many cracks that seemed to be already there since at least the time of the discovery of america...We have to make sure that we are safe and that the only defect is the anomaly memory like us.
Star's expression then changed to one of pleasure and she uttered an exclamation of joy.
-It's a deal! Let's do it!
-What? ask Ford and Stan.
-Let's go on an adventure, me and Marco will follow you and your brother!
-WHAT? ask Marco.
-Come on, it's been more than a year since our last adventure! Don't tell me you don't miss it?
-Well...began Marco hesitantly. -I guess we have some experience in the field and it's spring break so...
-I never asked that...started Ford before Stan interrupted him.
-The girl has experience in dimensional travel and so does her boyfriend. The streets are not full of them!
-If you're worried about her losing her magic, you should know that Star inherited her father's warrior talent. She is anything but a damsel in distress, says Eclipsa.
-The same for Marco. He was trained in this human combat sport, karate I think it's called, says Glodor.
-He also survived through the dimensions to prove his worth to Hekapoopoo for what seemed like years, completa Star. -So, you see! We are more than prepared!
-And if you take out the argument that they are kids, you wanted us to get Dipper and Mabel, conclud Stan.
-Dipper and Mabel? asked Star.
-Our little nephews," Ford explained as Stan pulled out pictures of the twins.
-Oh, they look awesome, I can't wait to meet them! Says Star even more enthusiastic.
Realizing that he had been pushed to the wall, Ford gave in:
-I guess that's not a bad idea. You two and Eclipsa...
-Me? asked the latter surprise.
-Uh...Yes. You seemed to be the one here who has the most knowledge in interdimensional demons.
-I can give you my notes on the sujet, just say Eclipsa.
-Boo, can I talk to you for a minute in private?" Glodor asked.
-Of course, Gloddy, says his wife as he puts Meteora on Star's lap.

******

-If me and Meteora are the only reasons that you...
-Even if that's the case, it's more than enough," Eclipsa replied.
-My point is, if you think it's the right thing to do to protect our new home or even just Star and Marco, do it. I've been waiting for you for centuries, I can wait another week.
-Meteora will be sad if I go.
-And if you stay, you will gnaw your blood for Star. You know, sometimes I feel like I have to say I have a daughter and stepdaughter with the place she has in your heart. We are safe here. Meteora will miss you but we will spend all our time at Diaz's house so she can be with Mariposa. We'll talk to each other by zoom, boo! And if you really wanted to get into politics, imagine how hard it would be not to support a strong woman who has studied the dark forces that live between worlds for the good of others.
-You know that even if it was in my motivations, my main one was my curiosity on the subject, says mockingly Eclipsa who gives in gently.
-Yes, but the result is the same, isn't it?
-I guess...If I leave, it will solve the problem faster. Maybe I could even leave before the rest of the group. This is probably the best option.

******

-I will accompany you, said Eclipsa.
-Oh Eclipsa, thanks...
-But if you are asked later, my reasons were purely selfish! I am the queen of darkness after all. Well, ex-queen. And I want one of these devices with a good connection to talk to my husband and daughter every day.
-No problem, says Ford.
-Or we could bring the little bugger," says Stan with Meteora in his arms. -One look at this face, I could make millions with dolls in her image.
-I don't feel like sharing my baby too much," says Glodor with a smile, but there's an aura that says tried and see what happend.
Stan gave his daughter back to the monster and Ford declared:
-So it's settled, we leave tomorrow.

Chapter Text

-So what's your logical explanation for all this?" asked Wirt.
-Something played with space-time, dimensional limits or some other stuff like that, Coraline said while nonchalantly drinking her milkshake.

Wirt had a dry humorless laugh upon hearing her answer.

-Oh, it's just that?
-Or we're all crazy and good for the asylum," Norman said with a smile.
-Don't say that, Norman! Asylums are not fun!" said Fran.
-They are not like the one you used to be, Norman reassured her. -And even then, we promise you, you can stay with us as long as you need to.
-She wants her body? asked Coraline.
-Her body?" asked Wirt in horror.
Fran acquired and Norman said:
-Yes, please.

Coraline then took out of her bag a doll that strongly resembled Fran. She smiled before turning blurry and moving toward the toy. The doll came to life at once and Wirt had a backward move.

-Easy, the asparagus, said Coraline. -If people ask, it's just an electronic doll with a retro look.
-But it's more than that, isn't it?
-Souvenir of an old enemy. I reused her doll for a better purpose.
-Not afraid she'll come back and pick it up?
-It's hard when you've been death of starvation for a long time, said the girl with a cold smile. -Don't look at me like that, she shouldn't have tried to eat me.
-She's a hard candy," teased Norman.
-And you're an idiot.
-As long as I am yours.
-Always.
-Okay, not that I'm uncomfortable with you being turned on by your girlfriend slowly killing things but what exactly is going on and how do we stop it? ask Wirt.
-No clue," says Coraline.
-We have one or two," Norman stopped her.
-The realities have just merged that's all, says the doll.
-This is no a insignificant thing! Wirt got angry. -My life became ...
-Your life has changed since you fell over the garden wall," says Fran Bow.
-How does she know that?
-I told you, she's more that she look," says Norman. -You can be born with psychic talents like me, but sometimes you can also gain them after certain experiences. I'm guessing this is your case.
-I...I don't really know what happened that night with Greg. But something changed," Wirt said, lowering his defenses for the first time.
-That's probably why you and your brother have noticed the changes, unlike the rest of your entourage.
-And her?" asked Wirt. -She does not see ghosts.
-SHE has been fighting monsters, spirits and dimensional parasites since she was 11 years old. So, it's going to take something a little stronger to make me forget my reality, Coraline said coldly.
-Are you still angry about your new origins? ask Norman.
-Of course I am!
-New origins? ask Wirt.
-Ok, you say that you made an era jump because of the merger. Me, I have switched nationalities! When I was 11 years old, my parents moved and changed state. But according to them now, we changed continents. They are British! I am British! And I don't even have the benefits! Coralie growled in frustration.
-Well, between Brixit, the royal family and JK Row...
-I want the health service, going to Camdem Town and hunting Nessie.
-What did that poor beast do to you?" laughed Norman gently.
-I like the challenge, Coraline said pensively.
-What if we said Jack the Ripper's ghost instead? ask Norman.
-A leprechaun? proposed Fran.
-Yes! If they are as terrible as in this movie or just regular fairy level terrible, that is the first thing I would do!
-All right, if we survive, I'll put it on our bucket list, promised Norman.
-Okay, not that your murder plan isn't adorable, but what's your plan for dealing with all this? Wirt said, annoyed.
-Under construction, says Coraline.
-What?
-We need to find the source of what's causing the situation and see if this is it or if this is just the beginning," Norman explained.
-You've got to be kidding me!
-Hey, the supernatural doesn't come with an instruction manual, and on the rare occasion that it does, it gets even more confusing, Norman retorted. -Trust my experience.
-Well, I don't want this drama!
-The universe doesn't care what you opinion is, Wirt," says Fran. -You are collateral damage.
Wirt didn't know if it was the ghost's personality change or the fact that it came out of a cloth doll with an old music box voice that terrified him the most. Probably a combination of the two.
-Look," sighed Norman. -Normally, we would have taken our usual team but they were affected. They don't remember what happened in the previous timeline. Personally, the changes were not so bad on my side. The only really important change seems to be that Salma had participated in our ...adventure with the zombies and some other projects.
-Zombie? shouted Wirt in horror before lowering his voice as a customer turned in their direction.
-Yeah, it's a long and somewhat depressing story but hey, my town stopped thinking I was a nutcase at least after that.
-Wybit was also touch, says Coraline.-We can't risk bringing in people who might be affected by the changes.
-Why me?" asked Wirt, not really knowing if they were asking the other three or the universe.
-You were the closest Fran could find," says Norman. -Sorry dude.
-I'm really sorry, said the doll.
-There's no prophecy or anything like that, but we're in a bit of an emergency situation," Coraline acknowledged. -Maybe it's nothing and we should just learn to live some continuity changes. But it could also be the first sign that a storm is coming.
-And how do we check that?" asked Wirt.
-Fran and I have found a place where we can get more information," says Norman.
-Where is this?
-A small town in Oregon that has a reputation for being super ordinary and boring according to their brochure, which is usually the code word for saying we're basically Innsmouth, Derry and Stepford all in one terrible gift package, Coraline explained. -Their name is cool though.
-Gravity fall, says Norman.

Wirt laughed incredulously at the name.

-It's completely ridiculous.
-If a strange name is the only thing they have to blame themselves for, I don't see the harm," Norman retorted.
-For transportation...began Wirt.
-I have my license and you are 18, right? So if you're with me in the car, you'll be fine. I'll ask my sister if I can borrow her car. Coraline has her motorcycle...
-A motorcycle?
-Wybit started building it for me when we were 14 and finished building it when I was 16. He says it counts for all my birthdays and anniversaries until I turn 18. It was worth it, said with a smile Coraline.
-All right, I guess I can tell my mom I'm going to visit some universities.
-Great.
-Is Greg coming?" asked Fran Bow.
The three teenagers suddenly looked at each other in shock.
-No, it's too dangerous!" says Wirt.
-Is it safer for him to be alone? asked Norman.
-It could go either way," said Coraline coldly. -Do your parents know what happened to you? Because if they know then...
-No. Greg told bits and pieces but they thought it was just his imagination and I knew it was a bad idea to tell the truth. Do yours know?
-Mine are," says Norman.
-No, not really. I think they know deep down that something has changed but they'll never push it," says Coraline. -That's fine with me.
-He's your brother, you decide, conclue Norman.

*****

Dipper and Mabel were waiting with their suitcases in front of their home for their grunkles.

-Is it wrong that I'm glad we're meeting again with a mystery to investigate despite the circumstances? ask Dipper to his sister.
-Nah, it's at worst chaotic good? Lawfull bad? Uh, let's say you focus on the positive.
-Work for me.

The rental car appeared at that moment and the twins were surprised to see several people accompanying their Grunkles: A girl who must have been around 16 years old with long blond hair, huge blue eyes and the kind of outfit that Mabel had only seen in Japanese fashion magazines. A Latino boy around the same age with a mole under his eye and bright red sweater. And finally a small woman with green hair and a Victorian gothic outfit.

-Do you see that, Dipper?" asked Mabel.
-Yes, said her brother now suspiciously.
-Grunkle Stan has a girlfriend!
-Mabel, I'm not sure...
-OMG, you think the two teenagers with her are her children? Would that make them our cousins or just our aunt and uncle?
-Mabel, do you really think Grunkle Ford would let...

But before Dipper could continue, the car stopped.

-Kids!
-Grunkle Stan and Ford!

The two pairs of twins would jump into each other's arms, happy to see each other again. Their bonds had become more than deep after their adventures and the opportunities to see each other too rare.

-Is it just me or have you grown again?" asked Stan.
-No, that's right. I'm three inches taller than Dipper.
-With your heels," retorted her brother.
-I still have one more than you without them, Mabel continued.
-Lee grew up before I did, but I caught up with him within six months," says Ford.
-It's okay, Grunkle Ford," assured Dipper. -I'm not worried or self-conscious about it.
-It doesn't matter who is taller anyway," says Mabel.-So who is the lady? Is this your girlfriend, Grunkle Stan?
-Unfortunately for him, I am already taken. Hi, I'm Eclipsa Butterfly," she said, holding out her hand.
-And I am Star Butterfly! I was so excited to meet Ford's nephews!
-Hi, Marco Diaz...
-Omg, that is such a cool names!" said Mabel.
-Butterfly? Like the royal family of Mewni? asked Dipper.
-Royalty? ask Mabel with sparks in their eyes.
-Not really royal anymore, says Star uncomfortably. -But your name is really cool too, Mabel and Dipper!
-Oh thank you! Actually, Dipper is his nickname because...
-Mabel!
-Don't panic kid, I think our guests will like the reason for your nickname, Stan said as he took off the hat of the teenager showing his birthmark in the shape of the small dipper.
-Oh you have an embleme forehead! Star said excitedly.
-It's just a birthmark...
-You should call it that, kid. It sells better.
-Everybody, it's not that it's not interesting but maybe we should get to the point, says Marco.
-Good point Marco, says Ford.

*****

-So yeah, it's probably my fault," concludes Star.
-You and me both sister, said Mabel. -I ... a little help the weirdmageddon.
-Bill Cyper had thousands of years of experience in manipulation," said Eclipsa. -If it hadn't been Mabel, he would have found someone else.
-And you know Star, if the choice was between the universe imploding and the fact that now goats can breed with pigs...I can handle the hybrid," says Dipper. -I would even like to meet the different cultures of monsters from your world.
-This is a wonderful initiative, says Eclipsa.
-Honestly, it seems to suck more for you than us, says Mabel. -Don't you miss the royal life and the magic?
-Not exactly the life of a princess, says Star. -It's not as glamorous as people think. But the magic...I think it was for the best in the end but...It's just indescribable like sensation. Sometimes I feel like I've lost a piece of myself.
-Just because it was the right decision doesn't mean it was easy or without sacrifice," Ford said, looking at his brother.
-I admit that I sometimes I miss traveling dimensions too, says Marco.
-Despite everything that's happened, this whole family is still chasing anomalies," says grumpy Stan. -I guess once you catch it, you're stuck with it!
-What does it matter if my passion leaves me in ashes, if I feel alive for a short moment? asked Eclipsa. -There is no shame in nostalgia as long as it does not blind us to a better future.
-Do you have a sister? A brother? Cousin? A well-preserved aunt? asked Stan.
-No, no, yes but she was a brat and a lovely uncle but dead for 300 years.
-...Three hundred years?
-I guess that makes me a MILF.
-Getting back to business," says Ford. -All we have to do is go to my old lab to see if an influx has been detected. This way we could know how much our respective incidents influenced the merger and see if there were any complications. Everyone here has experience and as much as I am not comfortable with the idea of putting younger people at risk...
-It's nobody first rodeo, cut him Marco.
-Unfortunately, it is not.
-So we're going to team up with the fairy princesses? asked Mabel excitedly.
-If you're okay with that," says Stan.
-Of course we are ok with that. In fact, even if nothing passes, I like the idea of being able to talk to other people outside of Gravity Falls about our adventures," says Dipper.
-Same there, says Marco.
-So everything is...

Dipper's phone started to ring.

-Excuse me, it's...Pacifica!
-Do not make her wait big boy, answer! says Mabel. -It's his maybe girlfriend," continued Mabel, addressing the others.
-Oh! Star says with a big smile and stars in her eyes.
-Hey Pacifica, how you doing? I was going to answer your email...
-Hi Dipper, that's cool. I mean it's not like I'm waiting for you to answer, I'm pretty busy these days...Wait a minute, get off my back! Pacifica shouted at someone with her.
-Pacifica? Everythink is fine?
-Actually, no. I'm calling you because I think you, your sister and your grunkles need to get back to Gravity falls as soon as possible.
-What happened?
-Um...I have like 4 witches from another dimension with me. They are not aggressive towards me except for their fashion sense. And the high-pitched noise made by their...pokemon?

A high-pitched scream was heard at the same time.

-You see? Anyway, I think that's more your department so...
-No problem at all! We're comming!

Chapter Text

-Get off my leg!" shouted Pacifica trying to push King back.
-Hey, easy, he doesn't want to hurt you," said Luz, taking the little demon in her arms.
-Yes, I want to hurt her! She called me, the king of all demons, a pokemon!
-Do you even know what it is? ask Eda.
-I'M SURE IT'S NOT NICE!
-Is he really the king of the all demons? Pacifica asked Amity.

Because after eldrige god looking like a Nacho disguised as Mr. Monopoly, she was not taking any more risks.
Amity waved her hand implying a maybe.

-Thank you for informing your friends, young lady...
-My name is Pacifica Northwest.
-It's true that with all that, we didn't have time to introduce ourselves, the latina girl realized. -My name is Luz Noceda and I am actually from this dimension. This is my magical tutor, Eda Clawthorne.
Luz pointed to a woman dressed in red with grey and bushy hair. One of her eyes looked discolored and she had a sharp gold tooth.
-Hey.
-Her sister Lilith, Luz continued, this time pointing to a woman dressed all in black. She had a white streak in her black hair. She also had a discolored eye. It must run in the family.
-Pleased to meet you.
-You've met King and that leaves only Amity! Luz said as she pulled the green and brown haired girl into her arms. -Come on, don't be embarrassed! Say hello!
-He-Hello, she says awkwardly before pulling herself together and focusing on Pacifica. - I guess you are a human too?
The person Pacifica was 2 years ago will have see a weakness to use but the person she was now, decided not to do anything cruel.
-And one of the best specimens! You are lucky to have found me!
-I'm sure of it! Do you have a place where we can get away from prying eyes? ask Luz.
-Good idea, Luz. If we were able to pass, who knows what else may come? said Eda, pulling up her cap.
-I know just the place," says Pacifica.

*****

-Take care of him, okay?" asked Coraline, petting the old cat in Wybie's arms.
-Of course I will take care of him, who do you think I am?
-Sorry it's just that it's not getting any younger and I'd hate to go home and...

She can't even finish her sentence. She is not afraid her own death, but the idea of the cat's death terrifies her.

-He' ll be there. He can't leave without taunting you one last time.

The cat meowed as if to confirm as Coraline patted him between the ears.

-I would still like to know why you don't want me to follow you? I know, I know! The memory! But you just need to make me a list of the new stuff...
-We don't know if it affects other factors. Bringing you with Neil and Salma is unfortunately out of the question.
-Because the other guy is a better option? Wybie asked as he watched Wirt get into the car.
-Unfortunately, yes.

*****

-How did it go with Courtney?" Coraline asked Norman.
-She made me beg a little but she accepted. Also made me promise to come back in one piece like her car. And my mom made us sandwiches for the road.
-I like sandwiches, what are they?" asked Greg.
-Bacon-tofu and tomato with egg salad and...
-Or we can stop at a diner on the way, says Wirt.
-Will you sit with me?" Greg asked Coraline.
-Sorry, I'll follow you on my bike.
-A motorcycle? Can I ride it? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!
-When we return, you can ride with me, I promise if your brother is willing.

If Wirt could have killed with one look...Coraline would still be alive but it would have been a close call.

-But don't worry, you won't be alone, says Norman.
-Hi," said a voice.
Greg turned to see the little girl in the yellow dress sitting next to him.
-My name is Fran Bow, you must be Greg?
-Hi Fran...Greg said as he try to touch the girl's and his hand went through her.
-Are you a ghost?" asked Greg excitedly.
-Yes, I'm dead.
-Oh...Want to know a fun fact to take your mind off it?
-Even twelves!
-Oh dear god, no, Wirt sighed.

*****

-AAAHHHHHHH!

Anne and the Plantar fall hard on the ground.

-Anne?
-Yes, Sprig? Anne asked as she tried to crawl out from under Hop Pop.
-Is this your place?
-...Heu...

A little too much forest for her home but...maybe they were on earth. Anne looked for a sign to help her determine if it was possible and mirale! She saw a sign in English! Ok so at least they are in an anglophobic place, that's something.

-Mystery Shack!
-Do you know this place? asked Hop Pop.
-Nope! But it's in English so I can ask about where we are and how close we are to home!
-English? ask Polly.
-One of the language we speakin my world...and you too.
-We don't speak English. We speak croaklish, said Polly.
-So we speak two almost identical languages even though we are from two different worlds? What are the chances? asked Sprig.
-Very unlikely but that's not the point at the moment, says Hop Pop. -Anne, I don't think we can pass for local.
-It's ok, I'll go inside the Shake and you'll wait for me outside. The place looks quite deserted.
-I guess that's the best solution," Hop Pop said.

******

-Hello, welcome to Mystery Shake! Melody says. -Are you ready to be...Is this a new trend or have you been attacked?
-Um, I'm lost and will need a map. Maybe make a phone to call too please," says Anne.
-No problem. Cards are $2 but if it's just between us, I can let you use the phone for free.
-Thank you, you are too kind!
-Are you all alone?
-Nan, I am... with my host family. They wait for me near the car.

*****

-Anne has been gone a long time, right? ask Polly.
-Maybe we should...
-No! Hop Pop objected. -We are in Anne's territory now and I know she is a good person. But that doesn't mean that everyone here is like her.
-Hey, dudes!

The Plantar turned around to see a human who looked disturbingly like the frog that was working to the Curiosity Hut...but who was dressed with the clothes of the Curator Ponds.

-Are you like frog people? ask Soos.
-AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Chapter Text

-Witches!" said Ford. -And from another dimension too! This can't be good!...Can't you go any faster?
-I'm doing my best," says Stan. -Even with your gizmo for always have the green lights, Gravity fall is not next door!
-And I think we'll have to stop and use the bathroom," says Marco.
-There are jars at the bottom of the car, at worst, Stan says.
-I'm the one who has to go," says Mabel.
-Maybe I could make...
-Pointdexter, if you care about your life, you won't finish this sentence!

*****

The Plantar were running in horror, trying to escape from Soos who was chasing them.

-Dudes, stop, that's good, I don't even like frog legs!

Anne who had heard the screams came out of the Shake in a hurry.

-You?! Leave my family alone," Anne shouted, picking up a cryptic stuffed animal as an improvised weapon.
-Hey dudette, calm down, I won't eat your family! Are you a frog too or are you adopted?
-Soos! You can't ask that! Imagine if she just looked more like her mother? Melody said embarrassed. -Okay, my fiancé didn't want to insult you. Please give us back the kingfisher otter if you like!
-The...Yuck! No! Not until he leaves my family alone!
-Ok dudette. Look, I'm retreating," Soos said apologetically. -I don't eat frogs and I even freed the one we had to dissect in science class...
-You dissected us? said Hop Pop in horror.
-No...There are almost no schools that do it anymore, Anne assured.
-Look, me and my fiancé won't hurt you.
-We don't trust him!" continued Sprig.
-What have I done?" asked Soos, suddenly worried.
-Uh...said Anne realizing now that saying they had met another him who served an evil toad was going to sound...weird?
-We have a guy like you in our place who was serving a guy who tried to turn us into a statue! Scream Polly.
-I have an evil frog twin? said Soos a little too enthusiastically.

Or maybe he would understand at first try.

-That means he's the good twin," Melody said excitedly.
-...It makes sense," agreed Sprig.
-I'm not taking any chances," says Hop Pop.
-Is there anything I can do to make you feel more secure? Soos asked.
-Let us tie you up and leave us a weapon if you try to run away? says Polly.
-That's a little extreme," says Melody.
-Yeah, even I agree with that," says Sprig.
-What if I stay a respectable distance away and give you a nerf gun? ask Soos.
-Oh I love it!" said Anne.
-A nerf what?
-Trust me Polly, you gonna love it!
-Maybe we should notify Stan, Ford, Dipper, Mabel and Mcgucket, says Soos. -It is their spokes, the other dimensions.
-Hey, how do you know we're from another dimension?" shouted Polly.
-Well, you mentioned another me. Either that, or my father married a frog woman...Which I have no problem with. Except for the possibility that it would mean my frog half-brother is evil which would make family reunion awkward.
-Ok, make sens to me, says Sprig.
-Is traveling between dimensions a common thing for you're people, Anne? asked Hop Pop.
-It not meanstream, say Anne.
-We'll can close the Shake for the afternoon, Melody offered.
-That's a good idea! Soos exclaimed. -I will text Mcgucket and the Pines!
-I'm going to look for the nerf gun, said Melody.

******

-Soos, just texted me," says Dipper.
-Me too, says Mabel.
-Ours rang too, Ford.
-Is it urgent in your opinion, if he calls? asked Ford to his brother.
-Perhaps. The kid has a very personal definition of important, let's say.
-You'd better check it out, say Marco. -We never know.

Dipper started to read: it was general information and then...

-Interdimensional frog person?
-Oh, you think they's from BuffFrog family? ask Star.
-Or simply of the same ethnicity, says Eclipsa.
-I hope it's just that. We don't need any more complications," sighed Ford.

*****

-Pacifica! I'm glad to see you!" said Mcgucket.

The old man was in his usual attire, the luxury life had not really changed him.

-And who are your friends?
-Friend is a big word. They are...
-Luz Noceda, nice to meet you...
-Fiddleford McGucket, nice to meet you too Luz, said the old man, shaking hands with the teenager.
-She is a kind of witch as well as her friends and their...Demon King, Pacifica said after a hesitation.
-He's the King of all demons! said King.
-Oh, that's a cute little critter! Would you like some forest stew?
-...I like cookies best.
-I think my wife took some cookies from store if you want...
-Yes!
-No more than three, King. We don't have time to take care of you in sugarrush, says Eda.
-Three of them? Really Edalyn?" asked Lilith.
-Don't worry, he'll brush his teeth after, said Eda.
-That's not what I mean...
-Sorry to interrupt, Lilith," said Amity. -But I would like to know why Pacifica brought us here.
-Okay, without the Pines, he's the only one who knows what to do with weirdos like you!
-Weirdo yourself!
-I'm pride to be a weirdo, said Luz.
-We know, kid," said Eda gently.
-I think I am weird too, said McGucket.
-And we accepted you among us! continued Luz.
-Ohh thank you.
-Could we get back to the point?" asked Lilith. -These...Pines. When will they be back?
-They are on their way, Pacifica assured. -They can't do much better without a private jet.
-Also, I believe that Soos has found your friends, said the old man.
-Friends? ask Amity.
-Yes, he sent me a message saying that they had found a humanoid frog family from another dimension.
-Eda? ask Lilith.
-And it is necessarily related to me because...?

******

-Okay, we're there," says Wirt.
-Oh...whoa...Norman said with a twinkle in his eye.
-Are you okay?
-A little ... overloaded. This place is rich in energy.
-You want to get out? Ask Coraline who had just joined them.
-It's not so bad...
-Sure, you have the color of a toilet bowl, but it's nothing.
-Are you going to throw up?" asked Greg.
-Not unless we ride a roller coaster, Norman assured. -Where is Fran?
-She said she would go to the supermarket and give up a talk to the couple who live there for directions.
-This supermarket? asked Wirt, pointing to an abandoned building.

Greg nodded.

Coraline then saw the convenience store door open and as if carried by the wind, a package of pink candy flew in their direction.

-I asked the Duskertons and they told me where to find our friends," said Fran Bow. -They gave me candy even though I didn't have any money for Greg and me because I'm a sweet little girl.
-Thank you. Oh Smile Dip," said Greg, taking the package handed to him by the ghost.
-No way are you eating that! Wirt said as he tried to pull it out of his hands.
-The package says good until 2032, Coraline remarked.
-That makes it worse," Wirt continued.
-So, Fran, what did you learn?" Norman asked, trying to put on a brave face.
-I know where the house is where all our friends are waiting for us. The one of the zodiac with glasses.
-Do you understand any of this gibberish?" asked Wirt.
-Some of it. Fran is...she has a unique worldview.
-I see the five realitiess," Fran continued.
-Cool! How do I look in each?" asked Greg.
-Not now, Greg! We drove for I don't know how many miles because of this nonsense?
-Look at Norm's condition. We're in the right place," says Coraline. -Fran said she had a mutual friend with one of the residents of Gravity Fall who could help us.
-And this guy is still alive?
-Yes," says Norman.-Look, you can stay in the car with Greg if you want...
-I want to meet Palontras' friend! says Greg.
-No way!
-We're not going to do anything until we're sure the situation is safe, Coraline promises.
-We should head for the house if we want to get this over with," said Norman looking worse and worse.

******

-Whoa, that's super pretty, says Star.
-Oh look," said Eclipsa, pointing to a gnome.
-Don't feed them or come near you, Dipper warns.
-I don't think that's a problem anymore. Look," says Mabel.

Dipper then noticed that some gnomes had dresses and braids in their beards.

-Well. Good for them.
-We'll make an assessment of their new breeding pattern after we've worked out our interdimensional problems," Ford said.
-Or we could go get a bite to eat at the diner? suggested Stan.
-Let's see first how it goes with witches and frogs.

*****

-Whoah, that's fancy," says Coraline.
-A house like this, they have to have security," says Norman.
-Why don't we just ring the doorbell?" asked Greg.
-And what do we say?" asked Wirt. -Hi, we are 3 psychics, a survivalist and a ghost. Do you want to talk with us about change in continuity?
-I'm not a crazy compirationist," Coraline got angry.
-That's what they all say!
-Honestly, from a city that swears they were all on vacation at the same time during the month of August...They've probably seen worse even if they won't admit it, say Norman. -Fran?
-I don't like the shape of the house. It's too triangular.
-Fran, please get in the doll... What is this? ask Coraline.

A man and a woman in their early twenties were walking with their arms in the air with a sort of tadpole the size of a cat holding a weapon behind them. Two other frogs, one the size of a pre-teen and the other the size of an adult and a swarthy girl followed them.

-Oh F....Not on my watch!
-Cora waits, I...

Norman stopped mid-sentence and blood began to flow from his nose. His eyes glowed with a golden light.

-What's going on?" asked Wirt in horror.
-It is here. More dead than alive but it's there. Do you think they'll be able to make it scream through that pile of water and carbon? Norman said.
-What is he talking about?" asked Greg.
-Oh, it just picks up on other folks' signals, explain Fran Bow.
-Is he going to be okay?
-Norm?

For the first time, Wirt saw concern in Coraline's eyes.
With a poor smile, Norman answered:
-If we still had any doubts, I think we have our answer.
-Yeah!

*****

-Finally, Ford said as he got out of the car.
-Great, we can finally see his witches and frogmen! says Dipper.
-And Pacifica," smiled Mabel.
-Who is it?" asked Marco.
-Nobody!
-His possible girlfriend, Mabel continued.
-Ooooh! says Star now interested.
-Kids, we'll tease Dipper about his possible romantic life some other time, Stan says. -They are waiting for us!

Mcguckette and Pacifica were waiting for them at the entrance with two girls of their age: a short-haired Latina and a pale girl with green hair with some kind of dog. They also had two middle-aged women: one in red and the other in black.
Stan suddenly froze.

-Maryline?
-OMG," said Mabel.
-Who is it?" asked Eclipsa.
-His ex-wife!

******

Luz, Amity, King and Lilith turned to Eda.
-Edalyn, can you explain to me why this man just called you Marilyn?
-Uh... This guy...It's a funny story...Is he my ex-husband?
-WHAT?! screamed Lilith, Luz and King.
-Given their style, it's not that surprising, says Pacifica.
-I see your point, acknowledged Amity.

Suddenly screams were heard! Everyone turned to face them.

-You will let them go now!
-You can count on it, Blue!
-We're going to destroy you!
-Please stop dude!
-She needs help!
-Kids, no!
-Oh no, you don't!

******

Everyone came out to see the fight between a blue-haired girl with a club, a doll, a ruffled-haired girl with a tennis racket, a pink frog with a slingshot and a tadpole with a nerf gun. A larger orange frog watched the scene in horror. A young man was holding back a boy who wanted to join the battle while a pale teenager was face palming. Soos and Melody were sitting on the floor confused, scared and a little fascinated. Melody even took a bag of popcorn out of her bag to share with Soos.

-It's so cinematic," says Soos.
-We have to help them," says Ford, pulling out his weapon.

Marco got into a fighting position, followed by Star armed with a mace and Mabel with her grappling gun.

-Wait! Who do we help?" asked Dipper but was ignored.
-Everyone stop, we can surely disc...try to say Luz.
-Oh, they'll stop! Amity promised as she prepared to summon an abomination.

Pacifica approached Norman as Eclipsa came to meet Soos and Melody.

-What on earth are you doing? You are on the Mcgucket property, formerly the Nordwest property! Do you have any idea how much trouble you are in?
-I...Uh...tried to say Norman before looking at the group further away.
His eyes turned yellow and bright as he met Stan's gaze. Then he threw up on Pacifica's shoes.
-AAAHHHHH!!! THIS WAS ONE OF MY LAST PAIR OF DESIGNER SHOES!
-...Sorry.

Meanwhile, Eclipsa had joined the two young adults. She sat down next to them.

-Good afternoon, my name is Eclipsa Butterfly. May I know what happened?
-Hi, I'm Soos. Uh...We met this family recomposed of giant frog and human. I think they had some bad experiences in the past because of my evil twin from another dimension. I give them a nerf gun as proof of good faith. And the blue-haired girl must have thought it was a real one.
-It happens to the best of us, says Eclipsa. -And is this sweet popcorn?
-Chedar strong but I also have some with butterscotch in my bag, says Melody while opening her bag. -There. I'm Melody by the way and that Soos', my fiance.
-Oh, you two make a lovely couple," said Eclipsa, eating the popcorn.
-Should we...
-I think I'll let their energy get out a bit first.

*****

Fran Bow realized that they were all wasting time arguing with each other. What would Itward do in her place? Suddenly she knew.

-Stanley Pines!

Stan then noticed the little girl in the yellow dress. Where did that one come from?

-Stan-Ley-Pines! Tell Stan-Ford-Pines that I'm a friend of Pa-Lon-Tras! Please!
-Why don't you tell him yourself, honey?
-Because he can't hear me!
-What?
-Please! It's a big deal!
-Dipper," Stan said, turning to his nephew. -What do you see?
-A terrifying doll that moves by itself?
-Oh, fu-fudge it! Stan grumbled in frustration. - Ford! Listen to me, stop! In fact, all of you stop!
-I don't think any of them are paying attention to you," Dipper said in frustration.
-This might help.

They turned around to see Amity in the company of a purple mud creature whose mouth looked like a megaphone.

-It has a hole in the back of the head, shout what you have to say into it, Amity explained.
-You're awesome, Amity," says Luz.
-Oh come on, that's the kind of stuff you learn in second grade," said Amity trying to hide her embarrassment.
-When it's time to go, Stan said hesitantly before settling down.
-POINTDEXTER STOPS EVERYTHING! YOU ALL STOP EVERYTHING. THE KID OR DOLL IN THE YELLOW DRESS SAYS SHE KNOWS SOMEONE CALLED PALONTRAS!
-WHATS? would ask simultaneously several people on the battlefield improvise.
-Palontras? But that changes everything! says Ford happy.
-...That they say they are friends with a mythological figure? asked Hop Pop confused.
- An Axolotl with divine and beneficent powers, Sprig explained.
-Okay, I just found my limit," said Wirt. -Goodbye everyone, have fun and hopefully we never see eachother again! Come on Greg...
-You stay here! Pacifica shouted.
-I'm...
-Your friend just destroyed shoes that were worth more than some companies! No one is leaving until we have all the answers so that their sacrifices are not in vain, did you hear me ugly hispter?!
-Wirt, I think you should listen to the blonde girl," said Greg. -The one with no horn.
-The smartest thing I've heard today!
-Good idea, everyone come inside, says McGucket. -King went to get the cookies, we can all talk while eating them and drinking tea, coffee or even my famous moonshine made from worms.
-There's no more cookies," King said as he joined the others. -What did I miss?

Chapter Text

Everyone was now sitting in what had been the Nordwest's small living room but was the size of an apartment for four. Everyone had found a chair, a sofa, a pile of cushions or relatively comfortable furniture to sit on.

-Well, I think it would be a good idea for us to get to the bottom of this," said Lilith.
-As much as I support the motion, I don't know how we can handle this situation without having a 100 lily pad war again! says Hop Pop.
-I know!" says Luz. -Mr. Mcgucket, do you have a cool stick we can use, please?
-But of course, just wait!

Mcgucket comes back with what looked like the head and the neck of a sea monster with wires coming out of it.

-Will it fit?
-It's perfect!" says Luz.

She took the stick and said:
-This is what we're going to do. We're all going to take this stick, say our name, where we're from, why we're here and something fun about ourselves. All right?
-Like at summer camp? asked Wirt with disgust.
-Do you have a better idea? says Amity.
-It looks less risky than stuff i have done," says Stan.
-I think it is a aswesome ideas, say Mabel.
-Me too," said Star.
-I want to do it!" shouted Greg enthusiastically.
-I think the majority has spoken," says Dipper.
-All right then, I'll start: My name is Luz Noceda. I am originally from this dimension but I spent the beginning of the summer in the dimension of the Boiling Islands for becoming a witch. Unfortunately, Eda's magic door was destroyed so getting home was going to be more difficult than expected. So when we saw the portal we went for it. My fun fact about myself is that I am a fan of Azura the Good Witch.
-You've read this, right?" Norman asked Coraline.
-My mother gave me the first three so I tried to please her.
-You have all the eight book in your room," says Norman.
-No, but keep talking and you'll never know if you were wrong.
-I've only seen the movies," says Star.
-It's okay," Luz said. -They are quite faithful adaptations. Who is next?
-ME!

Luz gave the stick to Greg.

-Hi, my name is Gregori Walter but everyone calls me Greg. I am of this dimension here, I think. My brother and I are here because we are helping Norman, Coraline and Fran Bow with their mission! And my fun fact is I know a lot of fun facts and not just about rocks...Oh no, I changed my fun fact, it is I have a frog named Jason Funderburker. Is that good?
-It was perfect," said Amity. -Give the stick to someone else now.
-A mission? asked Ford suspiciously.
-Wait and see, says Coraline.
-I would like to know more about Quality of life of this frog, says Hop Pop.
-He gives him sugar-coated insects and he sleeps in his bed. It's fine," says Wirt.
-Can I have the stick please, Greg?" asked Lilith.
-Sure.
-Thank you. My name is Lilith Clawthorne. I am originally from the Boiling islands, I am here because I accidentally found myself in your dimension while trying to help Luz. My fun fact is that I really want to know what happened between my sister Edaline and this man," said Lilith accusingly, pointing the stick at two interested parties.
-Honestly, is it that important?" asked Eda.
-Yes.
-I'm also very interested in learning more about it," says Ford.
-So are we!" said Dipper and Mabel in chorus.
-Is this really necessary? That was a long time ago," says Eda.
-Yes, Edaline!
-My memory is fuzzy and I don't know if it's all public," Stan began.
-Do the best you can with what you have," Ford said sternly.
-Sigh...give us the stupid stick.

Lilith handed the stick to her sister.

-Very good. My name is Eda Clawthorne. I am also from the Boiling islands. I am here to help Luz and my buniss.
-Buniss? ask Ford.
-Eda sells human artifacts, Luz explained.
-It makes more and more sense," Pacifica whispered to Mabel.
-My fun fact: That was at least 30 years ago. I was in this human city where everything shines and hustling is the way to live.
-Vega, Stan says with a wistful smile.
-Yep.I had done some good deal and I see this human. Cute brown guy with a leather jacket that reeks of cheap cologne and trouble. And I'm just saying to myself: let's see where it goes! He said his name is Stetson Pinefield.
-Thanks for the compliment but you still tried to steal my car and managed to steal all our earnings! Stan retorted.
-Maybe I wouldn't have run away if your ex hadn't come along with the intention of swallowing me whole.
-Which ex?" asked Mabel overexcited.
-Stick," asked Stan.

Eda gave it to him.

-Hi, my name is Stanley Pine. I am from this dimension and I am here because the universe refuses to leave me and my family in peace. And I may have dated a biker leader who was also a vengeance spirit with a control over snakes. You know the stupid things you do in your late twenties early thirties. The breakup didn't go well.
-That's where you get it from," Dipper realized, looking at his sister.
-Bad? The guy decapitated me!
-Aren't you exaggerating a bit? ask Anne.
-No, it's just not a big deal to me.

To prove it, Eda detached her head from her neck.

-Oh dear! Scream Hop Pop.
-Is she a zombie as well as a witch?" asked Dipper.
-Cool, is your all body detachable or were you born just a head?" asked Star.
-Must be a fun party trick, says Eclipsa.
-No, it is a side effect of an elixir that I take and yes, it is. And it works with all the pieces, Eda says proudly.
-Oh, that explains a couple of things," says Stan. -You are not flexible, you are detachable!
-I'm both, silly!
-Anyway, you are gone with my winnings and almost my car. Fortunately for me, the reverends who are also a Elvis impersonators have a policy of giving you divorces for $20 if you've been married less than 24 hours without having to pay a alimony.
-At the time, I think she was the one who should have paid you alimony," says Ford thoughtfully.
-Oh, I'm fed up! Who wants that stupid stick?
-I do," said Star, holding out her hand.
-There you go, sweetie.
-Hi, my name is Star Buttefly and I am originally from Mewnie. I've been living on Earth for a while and definitely now since my dimension doesn't really exist anymore.
-Stop! What? Your dimension no longer exists? How did it happen?" asked Amity.
-Do you have 4 hours to spare? ask Marco. -Because it won't be easy to summarize.
-If it is the idea of loss life that worries you, know that this is not the case, explain Ford. -Destroy is a big word. The Mewni dimension has dissolved into other dimensions including this one.
-Just a minute," said Sprig. -How do you know that for sure?

Star was about to answer but Ford was quicker:
-I have studied the alternative dimensions as a field of study and due to an incident during an experiment, I have traveled among them. This is one of my areas of expertise.
-You should have saved that for your fun fact," said Mabel.
-I'll just find another one. Let's Star finish.
-My fun fact...Um...When I was still a resident of Mewni, I not only had magic but also heart-shaped marks on my cheeks and wings.
-Could you fly?" asked Greg.
-Sometimes when I took my butterfly form. It was really cool, I had six arms, real horns, my eyes were sparkling yellow like my wings! But at rest, they were just little things barely bigger than butterfly wings coming out of my shoulder blades.
-Wait what?" said Coraline.
-Yeah, I still have the hole if you want to see," said Star as she pulled her dress up enough to reveal her back.

Star, as if it was nothing, pushed two fingers into a hidden hole.

-Oh gross! said Pacifica.
-Whoa, that would have been handy for getting stuff across the border, Stan says.
-Don't worry, it's dry! Not like a kangaroo pouch, Star assured. -Your turn, Ford?
-Very well," said Ford, taking the stick. -My name is Stanford Pines, I am originally from this dimension. I am here in my capacity as an expert in interdimensional travel and anomalies. My fun fact is that I spent 30 years traveling between dimensions.
-Cool, me too, says Marco.
-What?
-Well, only 16 years old, says Marco.
-You look like you're 16 too so have you do this since you were born or...?" asked Dipper.
-Give me the stick and I will answer, promise Marco.

Ford gave it to him and Marco began:
-Hello, my name is Marco Diaz. I am originally from this dimension too but I spent 1 year in Mewni. I am here to help to the best of my ability. My fun fact is that I took a challenge given by a member of the magic high commission to win interdimensional scissors. I spent 16 years chasing her across dimensions. She just return me to my original age when I got it.
-Okay, that sounds a little intense," says Anne.
-The journey not so much. I had incredible adventures, met a lot of people who helped me in my quest and even had a dragon bike named Nacho, aka Marco.
-Do you have any pictures?" asked Mabel.
-Of Nacho? Yeah, wait," says Marco, taking out his phone to show her.
-Can I look too? asked Luz.
-And me?" asked Greg.
-Same thing here," says Norman.
-Sure, pass the phone.

Several cheers of adoration and envy were heard as the group looked at the photo. And one of disdain:
-She's not that cool," says King.
-Don't be jealous," said Eda.
-I'm not jealous of this stupid bike!
-You're really cute too," said Mabel.
-And scary?
-...Sure.
-Ah! You can tell that to your ride!
-Hekapoo? ask Ford.
-Do you know her? And you want to know if she gave me the scissors or...
-Unfortunately yes, I have met her. And I suspect she gave you the scissors. But what worries me is her request to hunt you. You were 14 years old, right?
-Do you blame her for putting Marco in danger or something else? asked Eclipsa.
-I'm a paranoid old man...Maybe it's just...
-I asked myself the same question," said Eclipsa coldly.
-Nothing has happened, says Marco quickly. -She just hit on me a little bit. I never returned her advances. No need to make a big deal of it!
-Where is this Hekapoo now? asked Hop Pop.
-She and the rest of her fellow creeps have ceased to exist, Ford said. -Sadly, she had peace with her disappearance so no justice here.
-If we all talk about all the terrible actions of these people, we would still be here in 3 days, said Eclipsa.
-Okay, I think we've cast a pall," says Marco. -Does anyone want to pick up the stick?
-Me!

Coraline and Sprig had spoken at the same time.

-Oh if you want to go first," began Sprig.
-It's okay, go ahead," says Coraline.
-You sure?
-Yes, I can wait 5 minutes.
-Very well," said Sprig, taking the stick. -My name is Sprig Plantar. I come from another dimension called Amphibia. I'm here because even if we love Anne, she has to go home eventually.
-I'll miss you guys too when we part for real, says Anne trying not to get wet eyes.
-My fun fact is that I am an excellent violinist. I'll play you something later if you want.
-Why not?" said Wirt.
-The scary blonde didn't take your tongue after all? said Polly mockingly.

Wirt grunted in his corner and Pacifica said:
-You forgot beautiful.
-Like a Dendrobatidae!
-Polly! Hop Pop got angry.
-Here," said Sprig, handing the stick to Coraline.
-Thank. My name is Coraline Jones. I am from this dimension or at least a version of it. I'm here to make sure this isn't the first sign of an attack and if it is, to take care of it. My fun fact is...maybe not really fun. I think I met someone from Mewni a long time ago.
-What?
-I think!
-Did you kill her? ask Wirt
-Are you for real? Norman replied coldly.
-That's a legitimate question with your girlfriend!
-No, I'm not the one who did this to her. I did kill the culprit though.
-Uh...Cool dudette? tried Soos.
-I understand why you asked now," Anne murmured.
-Lady, we need details!" shouted Polly.
- She had wings like a butterfly and marks on her cheeks. They looked like spider webs.
-Did you meet Obscura Butterfly? ask Star.
-Is she from Eclipsa's branch of the family or yours? ask Dipper.
-Mine," says Star. -One of the daughters of Celena the shy, my great great grandmother.
-I don't know if is her. They couldn't remember their names. Just some memories and details that were important to them.
-Them?" asked Dipper.
-Three ghosts. It was 2 girls and a boy. And he wasn't even sure of that. I ended up seeing them as they were when still alive. One of the girls was the twin sister of one of my friend's grandmother. The boy, because he lived in the house and was upper class, I was able to find him with some research. The second girl on the other hand. Yeah, a girl with butterfly wings and a funny marks was more complex to identified.
-Do you know what happened to her? ask Star.
-As your friend said earlier, you have 2 hours to lose?
-A summary will suffice.
-Alright: She was trapped by a creature named Beldam who lived between realities. She lured her, groomed her, sewed buttons on her eyes, played with her, sucked all the love out of her and threw her in a closet when she started to get bored with her new toy for going looking for a new one.
-...Jesus! said Mcgucket.
-You wanted to know," Coraline retorted. -At least...the last time I saw her, she seemed at peace. She and the others.
-You know all their names now," says Norman.
-Hannah, George and Obscura. I know who to raise my glass to now. And I'm sorry about your great-great aunt.
-And I am grateful for you're service. And killed her enemy.

Star had a satisfied smile and Coraline was surprised to return it to her.

-All right, who's next? Stan asked. -Preferably a lighter one...Mabel!
-With pleasure," said Mabel, taking the stick from Coraline's hands. -Hi everyone! My name is Mabel, I am from this dimension and I'm here for adventure, romance and kicking ass! My fun fact is that I have over 50 different sweaters and half of them made by MYSELF!
-So you did it?" asked Luz, pointing to Mabel's goth mermaid sweater.
-All by myself!
-So cool!
-Can I order you one with a crown on it?" asked King.
-KIng!
-No problem, I can do this for you in less than a week.
-Yes! I will reward you greatly when I get my kingdom back!
-Take all the time you need," says Mabel.
-That's all well and good but we don't have all day and time is money! Who's next?" asked Stan.
-Me!" said Polly, grabbing the stick from Mabel's hand.
-Haha, you're all gooey.
-My name is Polly Plantar, I am from Amphibia and I am here to protect Anne! My fun fact is that I really want to keep the nerf gun, please!
-Polly!
-It's okay, dudette," says Soos. -You can keep it.
-Really?
-Yeah, you're a good shot and I told you I was the good twin.
-Soos also has a twin? says Pacifica. -You are worse than my mother's tele novela!
-In fact, it's more like a frog version of him from another dimension that is evil," says Melody.
-Oh, I have one too!" says Ford. -Two in fact: a frog too and a shiba inu.
-I met mine too," said Mabel. -She hates kittens," says Mabel.
-What? That awful!
-She' s a monster!
-What's wrong with her?
-What is a kitten?
-Note, this is better than the opposite and being evil in almost all there versions, said Ford. -I know a terrible man in every dimension, destroys everything he touches.
-Rick?" asked Stan.
-Yes, Rick! And I'm still mad about it!
-It happened once! And maybe he was one of the good ones...
-There is no good Rick! He' s like cancer, there are just some less terrible than others!
-You're exaggerating a bit, aren't you?" asked Eclipsa.
-In Ford's defense, I would say that if it is statically impossible but we still haven't found evidence to the contrary," says Mcgucket.
-This conversation is becoming more and more complex, complains Hop Pop.
-Hey, why don't you pass then?" asked Anna.
-Good idea, Anne," says Sprig.
-I don't know...
-Come on, it's fun and everyone has to do it," says Luz.
-Sigh. Very well, said Hop Pop as he reached out to take Polly's stick. -My name is Hopediah Plantar, I am from Amphibia and I ended up here with my family because of an incident while trying to help my adopted granddaughter get home.
-So you are adopted, not a hybrid of human and frog ! says Soos to Anne.
-Yes, Anne said with a smile.
-I would have bet on a human-tree hybrid instead," Pacifica muttered.
-A fun fact about me is that I am a talented stage actor!
-Oh, can you show us?" asked Greg.
-Maybe later, we still have a lot of people to get through, says Dipper.
-So why not start with you, young man? asked Hop Pop slightly offended.
-Very good," said Dipper, taking the stick from the frog's hand.
-Hi, my name is Dipper Pines...
-What kind of name is that?
-Polly!
-I'm just asking.
-That's my nickname because of this," Dipper said as he took off his hat and lifted his hair.
-Oh!
-It's cool!
-This is the pretty birthmark I have ever seen!
-Thank. I am from this dimension and I decided to take the same path as my grunkle. I want to study anomalies and protect people, that's why I'm here. My fun fact...Um, I love Babba.
-What? ask Anne.
-Babba is a pop islandais group from the '70s," says Wirt. -They were quite successful in their time. There is even a musical based on their songs, Oh Mio Dio! Disco girl is their most famous song but I find that Silver, Silver, Silver, Laissez vous tentez or even Nothing left for the loser are better.
-...I think someone else likes them too," says Stan.
-I like vintage music, it's not a crime.
-Do you want to elaborate?" offered Dipper, holding out the stick.
-No thanks.
-You can wait to pass but we all have to do it," says Luz.
-And it's going to be a lot harder once I get through," King says.
-I'll take my chances," says Wirt.
-Give me the scepter!
-We'll have to give it back to Mcgucket afterwards, Luz reminds him.
-Oh, once everyone's gone, he can keep it, I don't mind.
-Yeah! Give it to me!
-All right," Dipper said hesitantly with King almost ripping it from is hands.
-I am the king of all demons but you can just call me King!

A sound of a safety catch and another electric one are heard.

-Hey, ex-brother-in-law," said Eda angrily as Stan locked his brother's arm. -Leave the little sweetie alone! He is on our side.
-Being cute doesn't mean anything! Bill was cute too!
-Bill? Did you think he was cute?" asked a confused Dipper.
-His voice and his top hat? tried Ford.
-I understand," said Mabel.
-Cora," Norman said as he held back his girlfriend's arm holding the taser. -Fran says there is nothing evil in him.
-I am a good king," said King.
-I see that, my apologies," said Coraline as she put her weapon away.
-Where was I? Oh yes! My kingdom is in the same dimension as Eda, Lilith and Amity. I am here to help Luz reassure her mother and to be able to return with us if necessary. My fun fact is...I have an army!
-It could be useful, that! says Marco.
-This is his army," says Luz, passing her phone.
-Oh," said Marco when he saw the pile of stuffed animals.
-We appreciate the offer but will keep them as a last resort. They are your soldiers after all, it would be foolish to waste them on a cause not related to your kingdom, says Anne.-Who is next?
-You haven't passed yet," remarked Amity.
-That's right. I'll go if the king of the demons will lend me his scepter?
-Sure," King said solemnly.
-Thank you, your majesty," said Anne, holding back a laugh.
-You are welcome, King said, not noticing anything.
-Hi, my name is Anne Boonchuy. I'm from this dimension, I think. I'm here because I thought I'd find a way to get home with my...friends.
-Do you still count Sasha as a friend?" asked Polly.
-Not now Polly, says Hop Pop.
-My fun fact is that I started to like ice cream with flies.
-Ew!
-Yurk!
-It's nutritious," says Ford.
-Next? ask Anne.
-I want to pass please, says Eclipsa.

Eclipsa took the stick and began:
-My name is Eclipsa Butterfly, I was originally from Mewni and I now reside in this dimension. I am here to help as best I can with my experience with some of the more controversial forms of magic. My fun fact...Oh I don't know? I think I'll go with the fact that like Sprig, I'm a musician.
-Cool! What are you playing?" asked the young frog.
-The guitar. We could play together if you want.
-With pleasure!
-Who will be next?
-I guess I can pass," said Amity. -My name is Amity Blight. I am originally from the Boiling islands and I am here to help... my classmate Luz. My fun fact is that I am a student in abomination magic to Hexside.
-When you say abomination, what exactly do you mean?" asked Dipper.
-The magic art of creating artificial beings.
-I'm intrigued, it sounds cool and morally questionable, says Norman.
-I won't show anything to someone whose name I don't even know," said Amity.
-Where are my manners? Stick please, says Norman.
Amity gave it to him and he spoke:
-My name is Norman Babcock. I am of this dimension or at least, the majority of my person before the changes. I'm here because I've started to ...feel something that is not local. Which brings me to my fun fact. I am a psychic. I see the dead and sometimes other things.
-Okay, so how much do you charge per minute to talk to my grandmother?" asked Pacifica.
-Do you want proof? That's fair. I hate those idiots who take advantage of people in mourning and profit from their crimes. I show them a glimpse of the real thing when I can.
-You should have seen this how...Coraline began before the doll came up to her sleeve. -What?
-You know we signed a contract who say we can tell that name, Norman reminds her.
-Stupid lawyer," Coraline grumbled.
-We'll come back to this later because I want to know more," says Mabel. -But show your proof first.
Norman turned to Pacifica and said:
-Your grandmother is indeed here. She says things that a grandmother should never say about a human being, let alone her granddaughter. And...oh gods, it's not politically correct! She just called me a really horrible slang. As well as the people you let in to a party?
-...You're really talking to her, Pacifica realized.
-I'm getting yelled at rather but yes. Speaking of which, I'd like to help Fran Bow during her tour if that's ok?
-Fran bow is her, right? asked Luz, pointing to the doll.
-Yes. Well, it's her borrowed body to communicate with people without psychic talent, says Coraline.
-I'd like us to do a survey," says Lilith. -Who sees a little girl?

Lilith herself, Stan, Wirt, Greg, Norman, Eda, Amity, Luz and King raise their hands.

-Ah well that's impressive, says Mcgucket.
-Before we lost our powers, Star and I probably could have seen her," said Eclipsa.
-I see her but it's as if the image is blurred, says Luz.
-Your magic must still be developing," says Star.
-I'm guessing.
-Was I always like this?" Stan asked his brother. -I don't remember.
-...Uh, I don't know either. You could have kept that to yourself, Ford replied quickly. -But enough about us, time to let little Fran Bow have her say!
-Are you ready?" Norman asked as he held out the stick to the doll and she climbed on.
-Yes! I'm Fran Bow Dagenhart! I am from the 3rd dimension. Not sure of it number now. I'm here to help Norman and Coraline with their mission! And making new friends too. My fun fact is that I used to be afraid of dolls. And now I use one to communicate with people. Life is ironic, isn't it?
-I guess. I was afraid of frogs before I found myself in Amphibia," Anne said with a nervous laugh.
-Who do we give the stick to?" asked Fran.
-Pacifica? Dipper offered.

To his pleasant surprise, Pacifica replied:
-Why not? My name is Pacifica Elise Nordwest. I am of this dimension and I still drag by force in the weirdness of this city against my will! My fun fact is that I am really trigger by you! concluded the girl while pointing at Anne.
-Me?
-What did she do to you? demanded to know Sprig, protector.
-She only has one shoe.
-Oh, it's true! I lost it during my arrival and I didn't think to replace it. I don't even notice it anymore.
-You can do it now, right?
-It's not that urgent...
-It is," Pacifica insisted.
-Oh we have a ghost, witches, a demon, giant frogs, psychics, monster hunters and mad scientists...And yet, she manages to be the most threatening of all," whispered Marco to Star.
-she sounds like an interesting ally, replied this one.
-Only 3 more and it will be your turn, says Lilith to Wirt. -Mr. Mcgucket, as our host, would you do us the pleasure of take the stick?
-Of course! But I warn you, my memory plays tricks on me sometimes.
-No pressure, says Luz.
-Very good. My name is Fiddleford Mcgucket and I am from this dimension?

All of Pines and Pacifica were nodding their heads.

-Good. I'm here to help if I can. And a fun fact about me: I started my own electronics company with my son. We are doing quite well together.
-Mcgucket inc? ask Anne.
-Yes, you know it?

Anne held up her phone with a tiny banjo symbol on it.

-Did you design it?
-Yes, are you satisfied with your phone?
-Am I satisfied? I can get the internet from another dimension!
-Wait what?
-I knew they were good but at this point?
-Can I have 2 of them please?
-Hey, don't ask that!
-It fine. Of course you can have one each! With pleasure!
-Well I believe that it misses only the lovebirds, says Eclipsa.
-Us?" asked Soos.
-Who else?" said Amity hastily. -Come on, we've hung around long enough!
-My name is Soos and I'm from this dimension. As an adopted member of the Pines family...
-He is?" ask Ford.
-Of course, says Mabel.
-I may have signed some paper," says Stan. -I'm sure I can use it for tax deductions.
-And my fun fact is that I am the boss of the mystery shack. We put the fun in not refund!
-That my boy!
-Ok, it's my turn now, says Melody. -My name is Melody, I live in this dimension and I'm here because... It's Saturday at Gravity Falls?
-That fair, Dipper said.
-My Fun Fact...I didn't mean to announce it like this but never mind! I'M PREGNANT!!!!

Exclamations of surprise and joy erupted from every corner of the room.

-Congratulations!
-Yes, congratulations...Can I say congratulations? This is good news, right?
-Soo, my boy!
-YES!!!! THE BEST NEWS!
-Do you want a boy or a girl?
-When will you lay your eggs?
-You will have to baby prove the shake!
-I'll knit him a sweater!

Soos kissed Melody, mad with joy while she laughed.

-It's going to be hard to beat that," Fran said, turning to Wirt.
-Who's care?
-What?" asked Mabel suddenly in anger.
-Fran was talking to me, I only answered her!
-We had almost forgotten you! Luz realized with horror.

Melody gave the stick to King who went to Wirt and handed it to him. He took it in stride.

-Great! My name is Wirt Walter. I would say that I am from this dimension but since the last few days, many things have changed to the point that I am not sure anymore. I am here because of these two and their ghost recovered in an asylum managed somehow to convince me to follow them and bring Greg with me!
-Drama queen, Coraline growled through her teeth.
-My fun fact: I want real answers and I want them now!

Chapter Text

-Uh, okay? When you say that, you mean what part exactly?" asked Pacifica. -Your stories are complicated!
-Our stories? says Mabel amused. -Girl, you are in these stories as much as we are whether you like it or not!

Pacifica sighed but did not deny it.

-Okay, that's fair," says Wirt. -Let's start at the beginning then: Four years ago...something happened to me and Greg.
-What exactly?" asked Ford.
-We went through the garden wall," says Greg.
-From what you brought back, I guess it wasn't just a garden," said Coraline.
-I have no idea what it was," says Wirt. -It was more of a forest than a garden and filled with people and things...I still don't understand why it didn't seem more abnormal than that when we were on the place!
-Things that you shouldn't have just accepted as reality? demanda Eclipsa. She now seemed intrigued.
-Do you think of another plane of existence? asked Lilith.

Fran Bow's doll started jumping with enthusiasm.

-Fran seconded the motion, Norman said amused.

Wirt then paled and said:
-Hey Greg. Why don't you go have fun with Fran Bow, King, Polly and Sprig?
-Why are you trying to evict us?" asked King.
-Yeah, like the hairy thing said!" states Polly.
-He must want to talk about a girl, says Sprig.
-What? ask Wirt.
-Oh, you mean Beatrice?" asked Greg.
-Ah! I was right! says Sprig with a wink. -Come on guys, I want to see Anne's world! he says as he drags his sister, Greg and King along.

The doll waved and Sprig stuck out his tongue to grab her.

-Oh gross! says Pacifica.
-So cool ! says Luz.
-So where can we hang out without problems? asked Sprig.
-We'll show you where! said Soos, taking Melody's hand.
-Good idea, you want to be our not-paying intern?
-No pay? says King not impressed.
-Not in money, but if some popsicles are missing it won't make much difference? asked Soos looking at Stan.

Stan simply raised his thumb to show his approval.

-Great! Let's go dudes!

Soos and Melody leave the Mcgucket mansion with Greg, King, Sprig, Polly and the Fran Bow doll that has ridden on Soos' shoulder.

-Ah, they're so going to set something on fire," said Eda emu.
-What? Ford said in horror.
-She's kidding, right, Eda? said Lilith sternly.
-Mostly.
-So Wirt, tell us about it," said Dipper, pulling out his journal and pen.
-Sigh...I'd say you're going to think I'm crazy but a lot of you already look like you're ready for the asylum.
-And one is armed," says Coraline with a mischievous smile.
-Who are you? The lost daughter of the Punisher? says Anne.
-All right, let's stop interrupting this young man," said Hop Pop. -Oh and Anne?
-Yes?
-Even if I ask you not to, will you tell Sprig everything?
-Most likely.
-Sigh..Please explain, Hop Pop said having just accepted that he would not win this battle.
-My brother and I climbed a wall near the cemetery garden and fell into the water," said Wirt.
-So you had a near-death experience?" asked Marco.
-No! Maybe...I don't know! I remember waking up in a forest and experiencing crazy things for weeks! And Greg remembers the same thing! He just...has a more positive view of it. I saw people, monsters, skeletons, witches ... very different from you, said Wirt addressing to Eda, Lilith and Amity. -Animals acting like humans, humans changing into animals, animals acting like animals and...uh...this thing...
-What kind of thing?" asked Dipper.
-The kind that still gives me nightmares.

Wirt turned to Coraline:
-It's not far from your Beldam. They call it the Beast.
-I have a feeling she won't be as cute as the one in the Disney movie," said Mabel in an attempt at humor.
-The cartoon one was can a hot but not the live-action remake one, says Star. -He was so creepy.
-I know that at least 2 people I met were dead. They had their graves in the cemetery. But the rest and especially the Beast. It was alive, it was even its only motivation, stay alive.
-Limbo," says Norman. -You were in limbo.
-I told you it wasn't...
-Limbo is not limited to the dead, says Eclipsa. -These are hollows between dimensions. Anything can fall in.
-She's right," says Lilith. -The laws of the universe become ... flexible in limbo. That's what makes it such a dangerous place...
-And amazingly beautiful, says Eda. -Pure chao without limit.
-And that's why we can come back, concludes Eclipsa.
-You say this Beast wanted to stay alive. I'm guessing his manner was not very...pleasant since you didn't want the younger ones to hear," said Hop Pop.
-...It almost devoured Greg. And it did it in such a deviant way, Greg didn't even understand what it did to him!

The panic in Wirt's voice as he recalled what had almost happened was obvious.

-What did it do?" asked Luz.
-It told him that if he disappeared, I could go home. Greg started to turn into a tree...
-What does it do with the trees?" asked Coraline.
-It convinced a poor woodsman to cut them for him by making him believe that by burning them, the soul of his daughter would remain present in a lantern. It was in fact the soul of the Beast! This thing has driven people to despair, to turn them into trees and consume them!
-Dirty rotten scum," says Stan.
-Yeah, definitely runs in the same circles that Beldam does," Coraline said with disgust.
-I don't like this new trend of having kids fight monsters," says Mcgucket.
-Sadly is nothing new, says Eclipsa.

Eda notices a strange expression on Lilith's face.

-Are you okay, sis?
-Uh, yes! That just sounded familiar. I've probably seen something similar in a book.
-Where?" Luz asked excitedly.
-I'm not sure anymore...I will try to remember this information.
-Let it come to you naturally. When you force yourself, it just makes it harder to find out," says Marco.
-It would explain why it had dead people, living people, monsters, talking animals and other things.
-You can find that at home too and it's not limbo, says Eda.
-All right, it was limbo! And now? asked Wirt. -Is it possible to return by accident? How do Greg and I get rid of this? And how is this related to the time jump?
-This is not related to the rest, says Star.
-How can you be sure of that?" ask Amity.
-That's too far from the original incident," Ford quickly replied. -As a specialist, I can theorize that this change is mostly the result of too many dimensional cracks.

Dipper and Mabel notice Stan's face twisting. Damn, Ford was talented at almost everything but this.

-Just like that?" asked Wirt suspiciously. -Don't you want more details?
-No, I don't think that's necessary. Now if we...
-What did you do?" asked Wirt.
-What?
-I said what did you do? You, your brother or your nephews. Because you seem really interested in leaving the subject.
-I see his point," said Anne, suddenly suspicious.
-But nothing! I don't understand why...
-That's okay, Ford," says Star. -Look, there have been many incidents that have weakened the fabric of this universe...But I caused the final blow.
-What?" asked Wirt.
-We are not 100% sure that...,began Ford but was interrupted by Eclipsa.
-While it is possible that your machine is largely contributed to as well as the various smaller trips by others present or not, Star, her mother, me and my daughter are the people responsible for putting the final nail in the coffin.
-And why? demanded to know Wirt hiding badly his anger. -Why did you wreck the lives of thousands of people? What gives you the right to impose this on us?
-I didn't know it was going to happen. I just thought that the dimensions would be separated forever but it seems that the one who was close or borderline damaged...tried to explain Star.
-Oh, so I guess it was too bad for those stuck in the wrong dimension!
-No, everyone would go back to their original dimension! says Star. -I wanted to stop the universe from imploding and stop Mina and her knights of evil!
-And where did this Mina come from? continued Wirt.
-Okay, I know what you're implying," says Marco. -Mina came from Mewni but all the inhabitants of this dimension are descendants of humans from our world who managed to travel through the dimensions.
-Why is it so common?" asked Anne.
-Personally, I do not complain, says Luz.
-There's definitely a market for guides, Pacifica says.
-I like the way you think, kid," said Stan.
-So there she is," continued Wirt.
-Who? ask Marco.
-The crazy woman named Mina. If she's human originally and everyone goes back to their original dimension then we're stuck with your psycho and her army!
-Without power, purpose or desire to try to function in a different way than a Mewni, says Eclipsa. -Mina is a pathetic creature who lives like an animal and is dangerous only to herself. Her allies are no better.
-And the rest?" asked Wirt. -How many people woke up one morning and twenty years had passed? Their memories changed? Their appearances? How many people are sure they are going crazy when IT'S YOUR DAMN FAULT?
-That's enough! says Marco, placing himself between Wirt and Star. -The universe could have imploded! I don't know if you realize how dramatic the situation was! We had no idea that fusion was even a possibility! We lost friends, Star lost family and her powers! We did the best we could, damn it!
-I'm not going to give you a pass because you were too stupid to...
-Stop! You're right to be upset but you should at least let her explain herself! Said Luz. -It's sad but sometimes there is no perfect solution!
-Or as Frankie said in Seduction Island: the road to hell is paved with good intentions, Anne tried.
-Not sure if he was the first to say it, but I think it's a reference we can all relate to," says Pacifica.

Most people in the room would nod in agreement.

-Very well," says Wirt. -They have a point, it's not if we could change anything. Congratulations Star, you have committed the perfect crime! Thanks for the answers, you'll excuse me now but I'm going to get my brother back and leave this place of misery!
-Now, young man," began Fort.
-Nothing! You have nothing to say when you are barely better than her! That's why you defended her!
-I...I ...It is not...That is to say...Oh boy! You're a brat!
-Nice callback, Hop Pop says.

Wirt left the room and headed for the exit.

-I'm sorry everyone, I should have explained from the beginning," says Star.
-I don't think it would have made a difference," says Eclipsa. -Wirt has a right to be angry. Waking up to these changes must have been overwhelming, not to mention that he is very worried about his brother after his adventures in the garden.
-She has point, says Eda. -We can try to calm him down but he may not be ready to forgive you.
-I understand," says Star.
-I'll talk to him," says Ford.
-With all due respect, Dr. Pines, I think this is a mission for me," says Coraline.
-You're not going to bring him back on a leash, are you?" asked Hop Pop in fear.
-It shouldn't come to this," Coraline said mockingly. -He and I seem to have more in common than I thought and...I have some good strategies for coming to terms serenely with the idea that the universe wants to rip you apart cell by cell laughing at you're misery.
-Do you have a book of these?" asked Mcgucket.
-Maybe I should write it down," says Coraline. -Since it's more common than we think. Anyway, I...
-I'm coming with you," said Pacifica.
-Why?
-Because he listened to me last time," says Pacifica.
-Fair enough, agrees Coraline. -Come Blondie.
-Don't call me that, Blue Freak.

The girls walked away looking for Wirt.

-Am I the only one who finds these girls terrifying? asked Hop Pop.
-You should have seen me at their age," laughed Eda.
-I think it's one of the few good phases of adolescence," says Eclipsa, amused.
-Hey," Star heard.

She turned to see Anne.

-Sorry for pushing the issue.
-It's nothing. You had a right to know. And Wirt has a right to be angry.
-It's true. Still, you did your best and you were honest... Not sure what I would have done in your place.
-You had rather understandable reasons, said Mabel uncomfortably. -Maybe then we could see how the others are doing at the Shake?
-Or just visit the surroundings? As long as we have moved in this dimension, says Amity.
-Good idea, says Hop Pop. -Have fun! In the meantime, we could chat over a drink?
-Oh, good idea!" said Eda. -I loved a glass of...
-Viper's alcohol! Says Stan at the same speed as if he were back on a TV game.
-You remember it! I am impressed.
-Me too," said a surprised Stan. -Probably because you could drink it like milk.
-I'm not sure that's appropriate in our condition, Edalyne," said Lilith.
-Killjoy!
-What it is with you and functional alcoholics? whispered Ford to Stan.
-I promised Sprig I'd give him the details, so I'm going to meet them at the Shake," says Anne.
-I come with you, says Amity. -I would like to be able to organize the next steps and see who are the little ones.
-I'd like to take a little tour of the city with Star first," says Mabel. -If you're in the mood.
-Sure, why not? smile Star.
-If you don't mind being the third wheel, I'll go with you," says Marco. -I even like to budget a little for shopping.
-I don't mind, but save the money for the Shake, it's the best place to spend it," said Mabel as Stan looked on approvingly.
-It's a good idea to do a little sightseeing," says Norman. -Dipper, what do you say?
-Uh...no problem, I can give you a tour too.
-I'm coming with you," said Luz. -We'll see you later, Amity?
-Uh...Sure, take your time!" said Amity quickly.

This caught Mabel's eye, before a smile broke out on her face.

Chapter Text

-So...anyone want some water? Juice? Soft drink? Coffee? Tea? My famous moonshine? asked McGucket.
-Hot chocolate, if you have any please, asked Eclipsa.
-After this day, I am intrigued by the moonshine, says Hop Pop.
-Me too," said Eda and Stan in chorus.
-We will be fine with water, says Lilith speaking for her and her sister.
-Soft drink for Lee and coffee for me," says Ford.
-Black like Musou? asked Mcgucket.
-Exactly!" says Ford. -I can't believe you remembered.
-Good memories seem to come back faster," says McGucket.
-If moonshine is out of the question, can I at least have some apple blood? Eda growled.
-I'll see what I can do," says McGucket.

He left in the kitchen while the other 6 watched each other.

-So, said Hop Pop breaking the silence. -What is the next step?
-Doctor Pines? asked Eclipsa, turning to him.
-Uh...I guess we need to find out if the recent events have caused any damage to our dimension or attracted the attention of something dangerous. Afterwards, we will work to send everyone home.
-That sounds easier said than done," Stan grumbled.
-And what do we do if there is something? ask Eda.
-First protect the children...
-If they let us, retorted Eda.
-I think a lot of them, after what they've been through, would laugh at us if we offered," says Eclipsa.
-Ford, you will correct me if your recollection is different but I don't think it discourages them.
-It's not for lack of trying but they always manage to slip through my fingers, says Hop Pop.
-Not to mention that there are at least four that we have no authority over," says Lilith.
-Wirt doesn't really seem interested and his brother is too young not to follow him, says Eclipsa. -But Norman and Coraline will resist.
-So what do you suggest? asked McGucket back with everyone's drinks.

Everyone stopped to pick up their glasses or cups.

-Oh mini marshmallows, you are very thoughtful, thank you, said Eclipsa.
-I tried to make your request Ms. Clawthorn, says Mcgucket.
-It's okay, we showed up unannounced!
-The coffee is perfect too, Ford assured.
-How's the moonshine, Frogie?" asked Stan.
-Full-bodied but very pleasant...I think I can hear with my eyes now though.
-Well...Oops, I dropped my ring," Eda said, looking Stan in the eye.

As everyone bent down to look, Stan took the opportunity to pour a little (just a little) of Hop Pop's drink into his can of pit soda and into Eda's glass of apple juice.

-I got it," says McGucket.
-Thank you," said Eda with her best smile.
-How is the juice?
-Very refreshing, says Eda.
-Back to the point...We all agree that if we tell the kids we don't want them to help us, they'll just do it behind our backs? asked Eclipsa.
-Yes.
-Without a doubt.
-I bet my two kidneys without a doubt on this horse.
-So what do you suggest?" asked Lilith.
-We have a better chance of putting conditions or a system in place to avoid the worst, says Eclipsa.
-Maybe keep it between us," says Stan. -Not sure they will let us do otherwise.
-I don't know, I'm beginning to think that keeping secrets only creates more problems, McGucket complained.
-Let's at least hear his proposal, says Hop Pop.
-It's pretty simple: if the danger comes, it's the kids first. We are second priority.
-It works for me.
-Perfect.
-I think we can all agree on that.
-I'd like to do an indentation," says Lilith. -Mr. Plantar, Mrs. Butterfly and my sister have charges. If our priority is the children, we cannot leave them orphans.
-I agree and I want to add my brother Lee.
-Thanks for understanding...began Hop Pop.
-No thanks, sis," said Eda. -Me or you, it makes no difference to Luz, King and Hooty.
-Same thing here! says Stan. - I'm legally dead and it's not like Dipper and Mabel don't have their parents or grandfather.
-Stanley, after what you've...
-Oh stop it! I'm fine!
-It's kind of cute to see you fighting over who gets to live. It almost makes me wish I was not an only child," said Eclipsa.
-I think we all need a second drink," says Hop Pop.

********

Wirt walked through the forest trying to remember where the shack was. In this dimension or in limbo, he was definitely not good at finding his way in the woods. Eventually, he would find that damn cabin, get his brother and find a way home.
He heard a growl. He froze before slowly turning around. He then saw a disgusting creature that vaguely resembled a completely naked child, covered with black hair, red eyes and sharp teeth.

-Crap. Easy, thingy, I don't want any trouble..
-GGGRRRRRAAWWWWW!!!! Said the thing before running after him.

Wirt started to run. His run was interrupted only when he heard the screams of the thing passed from anger to pain.

-WWWWHHAAAARRRRRRR!!!!

Wirt turned to see the thing recoiling as Coraline held him at aim with her nightstick.

-Go back to your hole.
-Hey, it's okay! This thing is just attracted to sugar. Walt must have some in his pocket. Give it to him and he'll go away," said Pacifica.
-I don't negotiate with people who try to eat humans," Coraline said coldly.

Wirt searched his pockets and saw that he still had a stick of that junk sugar with a psychedelic dog on it.

-Here," said Wirt, tossing. -Go get it!

The creature did not need be told twice and dashed towards the fallen treat in the woods.

-Well, says Wirt. -Are you and Norman ready to go?
-We are not leaving. And I will advise you the same.
-Thanks but no thanks. I pick up Greg and I promise to drop the car off at Norman's parents.
-It will be declared stolen, says Coraline.
-Well, we'll take the bus then.
-You're a little hard on Sunshine, Walt" says Pacifica.
-Star and my name is Wirt. What was the point of that stupid excersite if you didn't even remember our names?
-It was easier to remember your weird stories than your ridiculous names," Pacifica retorted.
-You call North-West. Even Butterfly sounds less stupid.

Pacifica looked like she was about to finish what the monster had started but Coraline stopped her.

-We can discuss this another time. Here, for instance, we have more urgent matters. Look, if your problem is that you don't want to put Greg in danger, I understand. But if your problem is with Star, then you'll have to get used to it. We clearly can't change the situation.
-You want me to forget about it? How can you say that? She screwed up your life too!
-Not so much. I'm part british now. It could have been a lot worse. Note, I understand. I don't like the idea of a bunch of terrorists from another dimension being here even if they are powerless. But it's too late now, the wine is poured, we must drink it. And I believe her when she said she did what she could. We've all had a time or made a mess of things when confronted with stuff that defy imagination. The Beldame almost got me, she almost got my parents. And the Beast almost got you like Greg, right?
-...
-That means yes, I guess," said Pacifica.
-Everything you said was true but it was also beyond Star's control. So look, you don't have to become her best friend but at least tolerate her until we have all the answers, deal?
-As if you left me a choice.

********

-It's a nice place, says Star while walking with Marco and Mabel.
-A bit weird but it has its charm, Marco agreed.
-Yeah, I love this city," says Mabel. -There was a time when I would have done anything to ensure that the summer would not end and that I would stay there forever. It was really stupid in retrospect.
-Hey, we all have these kinds of delusions when we're young," says Marco.
-Not sure that excuse works when you're putting people in danger, says Mabel.
-What do you mean?" asked Star.
-Look, what Wirt told you...you try to do your best. Maybe you screwed up but in the end you wanted to help. You were only motivated by others. It's better than doing something stupid for selfish reasons," Mabel began, trying to control her voice.
-Mabel...
-Wirt didn't have to yell at you like that! Ok, chronologically, he lives now in a more advanced time but come on! We have ipods and netflix, it's great! And I think it's cool that pigs and goats can breed together! Waddle is a great family man!
-Waddles?
-My pet pig," said Mabel, pulling out her phone to show pictures. -Look at him with his transgender wife and their adorable babies.
-OMG, they look like our goat pigs in Mewnie! More limited in color but that's okay, they are the cutest I've ever seen!
-You know, it' probably going to have to find them a home when they get older. You could adopt 1 or 2. I'd rather they be with someone I trust.
-Omg, I would love to adopt some! Oh, Marco? Do you think your parents are okay with this?
-Not the whole litter but we could probably convince them for two if they are neutered.
-Wait...
-Star, we already have the puppies, we can't risk them...
-No, it's okay, I understand. It's not that... You trust me? Even knowing what I did?
-Of course! You didn't even try to hide it! It's rare to see such honesty, especially in the royalty. By the way, I wanted your opinion on something...Have you noticed how Amity looks at Luz?

********

Anne was walking with Amity towards the Shack. Anne felt a little intimidated. Not sure if it was because this girl was an interdimensional witch who could create golem at will or if she reminded her of Sasha on some level. But after several months in Amphibia, she had learned to throw in the water.

-So Amity...what's it like at your place?
-Do you mean my house or my dimension?
-...Which one do you prefer?
-Both are fine.
-Cool! Do you...
-I see the Shack.

A large group of tourists were present at the entrance of the place. The girls would approach before being accosted by Melody.

-Hey, there you are! Here, don't tell Mr. Pines," she said as she handed them tickets.
-Why?" began Amity, but Anne grabbed her by the hand.
-We'll see soon enough! It's starting!

Amity and Anne join the tour group just in time! A cloud of steam and sparkle appeared before evaporating to reveal Soos in his Mr. Mystery costume and Greg in a similar outfit.

-Welcome dude and dudettes, I am Mr. Mystere and this is my assistant, Mystere Jr.
-Hello," said Greg enthusiastically. -We have lots of mysterious facts for you today!
-Well said Jr! We have new attractions just for you today! Come in if you dare!

The group begin the visit with Anne and Amity. Soos and Greg presented several oddities such as strange mixed stuffed animals, eccentric objects and other odds and ends. They suddenly arrive in a room with a cage where a purple sheet had been placed.

-Now I must warn you that under this sheet hides the King of the demons. He is extremely capricious and could destroy you with one move, so be careful!
-Fact about the king of demons, he has many powers including changing his appearance to deceive people!

Soos and Greg pulled on the sheet to reveal King. This one was sitting on a throne made of cardboard covered with gold and glitter paint. A crown and scepter that Anne was sure originally belonged to a Disney princess that had been painted gold and black.

-Awwwww!!!! says the adoring crowd.
-Do not AAWWWW me! I am the King of the DEMONS! I am the head of the infernal armies, the destroyer of worlds, the prince of darkness!
-This thing is too cute to be the devil, scoffed a tourist.
-Oh you think so?" said King, trying to sound threatening.
-Yeah, you...AHHH! Something cold and slimy hit me!

Anne smiles when she sees a yellow flash out of the corner of her eye: Sprig's tongue.

-The King has been weakened by the protections put on his cage but he still has some power, Soos explained.
-That's a mysterious fact about him," concludes Greg.
-Can we still take pictures? asked another tourist.
-Your magesty? asked Soos to King.
-Sigh, of course. For an offering, I'm even willing to give autographs," says King with a fake air of blasé.

A line immediately formed in front of the cage.

-He's really in character," says Anne to Amity.
-Yes, says Amity amused. -And Sprig help a lot!

The group then moved to another corner where a glass cabinet was placed. In its center, Fran Bow's doll was slumped.

-Here we have Fran Bow, the most terrifying doll ever," announced Soos.
-It's just a copy of Annabelle! complains a tourist.
-Mysterious fact: she's actually the one who taught Annabelle everything, says Greg.
-She's a little more social too, says Soos.
-Mysterious fact: we will be if it is good mood by...

A violin was then heard and the doll began to move.

-It's beautiful," says Amity.
-It's Sprig," says Anne with pride.

The doll then began to dance with jerky gestures and a horribly artificial voice was heard:
-"Yes, we have no bananas
We have-a no bananas today.
We've string beans, and onions
Cabbageses, and scallions,
And all sorts of fruit and say
We have an old fashioned to-mah-to
A Long Island po-tah-to
But yes, we have no bananas.
We have no bananas today."

The audience recoiled in horror (taking some pictures anyway) while Anna tried to hide her laughter. Amity whispered in her ear:
-She's quite adorable, I find.
-I think she has an acquired taste but yeah.

Then the music dies down and Fran Bow resumes her place in the display case.

-Now let's head to the aquarium if you'll follow me, says Soos.

The group moves to a large aquarium with greenish water. Something seemed to be swimming inside among the decorations.

-This is an extremely rare specimen of a species thought to be extinct. But an egg has been opened and scientists have hatched it.
-Mysterious fact: she ate all of them except for one whose top part she left off so he could tell the story, Greg explained.

Another move in the water and Anne saw sharp scales sticking out of the water.
Soos then took out a small slice of pizza from his hand and threw it in the air.

Polly then sprang from the water with a roar. At least, Anne assumed it was Polly. She wore a skull of another animal on her face, her dowry and tail were decorated with prickly scales and she had fake nails placed to look like claws.

The tourists recoiled with a gasp of horror (and camera flashes).

-Mysterious fact: Don't look her directly in the eye or she might eat you up!
-RRRROOAAARRRRRR!!!!!

The rest of the tour went well and at the end, after Soos invited the tourists to explore the store, he motioned for the girls to join him.

-So, you dudettes want to meet the artists in backstage? With their payments? he says pointing to the frozen treats.
-With pleasure, says Amity.

*****

-So you're an apprentice witch?" asked Dipper. -How hard is it?
-Yes but not very restritical you will think, Luz explained. -As I don't have the organs that witches have to use their magic so I use glyphs.
-Glyphs? Dipper asked as he continued to take notes.
-Yes, symbols that I trace and that create spells. I could show you if you want.
-For real?
-Off course! You too, Norman, if you like! Norman?
-What?" Norman asked with a confused look, seemingly looking for something. -Oh the magic? Maybe. I have an ancestor who was hanged at 12 for witchcraft, so I might as well honour her.
-It's horrible," says Luz in horror.
-Was she like you?" asked Dipper.
-Yes and yes, Norman said with a sad smile. -At least she is at peace now and the city is more ...respectful of her image. I'm from Blithe Hollow.
-The witch of Blithe Hollow is your ancestor? shouted Luz and Dipper in chorus.

Norman nodded in the affirmative.

-Whoa! The nephews of a dimension traveller, a princess, the descendant of a psychic witch...I meet some incredible people today!
-May we talk about this," says Norman. -I... I hate using that kind of expression because I sound like an idiot trying to sell you crystals but...I feel an energy.Something huge and chaotic. It is omnipresent. Sometimes it lets me breathe, other times I feel it eating my eyes from the inside. Do you know what that is, Dipper? Because between that and the city's insistence that nothing weird never happens, I have a feeling it's a very dangerous little secret.
-I think so," says Dipper. -This must be what's left of Bill.
-And who is Bill?" asked Luz.
-An interdimensional demon who wanted to gain access to our world to destroy it slowly with his friends because that is his definition of partying.
-Oh, not as nice as King that Bill, said Luz.
-No. And what is left of him? It's complicated...Technically the physical body he created for himself is close.
-Does it move?" asked Norman.
-What? No, he was turned to stone! Why?
-I told you, intensity changes. I didn't just throw up for fun in front of the mansion, it was unbearable.
-Do you want to do a test with the statue? ask Luz.
-Maybe," says Norman.
-But could it be dangerous?" asked Dipper, more curious than worried.
-Also a possibility, Norman acknowledged, surprisingly calm.
-Alright, le't go.

The statue of Bill still occupies its place in the woods, half buried and with vegetation growing over it. Despite this, it still made Dipper uncomfortable.

-So he's a nacho who's cosplayed as Mr. Monopoly," says Luz. -I understand what Ford meant now.
-So Norman, do you think you'll be sick?" asked Dipper, opening his journal.-Norman?

The teenager looks at the statue with an unreadable expression.

-Are you ok?

Norman did not answer and walked towards the statue.

-Stop!

But Norman finally reached the statue and shook hands with it.

-Norman?

Norman turned to them, revealing yellow eyes.

-What is this?" whispered Norman.

********

Stan, Ford, Eda, Lilith, Hop Pop, Eclipsa and McGucket had all ended up relaxing by telling their crazy adventures and the help of the mushroom moonshine.

-We may have been brought together for disturbing reasons but I'm having a great afternoon, aren't you? ask Eclipsa.
-I must confess to being pleasantly surprised, Hop Pop acknowledged.
-If I still had access to my powers, I would propose that we make it a habit.
-Let's just enjoy the moment," said Eda, moving closer to Stan.
-Not too much, we still have a lot to do," says Ford.
-Just long enough to make ourselves...representable, Lilith offered.
-It works for me," said Stan, giving Eda an interested look.
-I'm watching you two! Ford and Lilith said in unison before turning awkwardly to each other.

Eda laughed heartily before turning to Stan:
-Do you think he'll mind if we...
-What is this? ask Stan
-Hey, no pressure if you don't want to...

McGucket then started to scream:
-Stanford! He's back!

********

A shout was heard in the wood.

-Dipper? Pacifica said in horror.
-Let's go!" shouted Coraline, running in the direction of the scream, with Wirt and Pacifica following her.

********

-And you know everything," concludes Anne.
-Well, it was dark," concluded Sprig, licking his ice cream.
-Yeah, no wonder he's so grumpy after that.
-What did you think of the exhibition? ask Sprig.
-Really cool! Seriously, you are all so naturals!
-Of course I'm natural, I'm the king of demons," said King.
-Of course you do!" said Melody, rubbing King's head.
-Honestly, we'd love to have you for the rest of the week with us," says Soos.
-I'm sure that would be very nice," says Amity.
-Your world is not bad, Anne," continued Polly. -Except for the ice cream that lacks flies.
-Ask and you shall receive, said Soos, rubbing the popsicle against the flypaper before giving it to Polly.
-YEAH!
-Fran?" asked Greg suddenly. -What's wrong?

The doll seemed to be in a state of panic before it stopped moving with a jerk.

-Fran, are you ok?" asked Amity, taking the doll in her arms.
-No. Norman, he uses it. And Stanley, he's in it. He has to go! FAST!

Amity and Greg look at each other uncertainly but understanding that the situation was urgent.

-What's going on?" asked Sprig.
-I'm not sure. But it seems that Fran is worried about Norman and Mr. Pines...
-Is Mr. Pines in danger?" asked Soos.
-Maybe, Greg answered.

Soos replace his Mr. Mystery hat and said:
-All right, dudes. Let's go!
-I close the Shack, says Melody.
-Fran, where are they?" asked Amity.
-She says that Stanley is in Mr. Mcgucket's mansion with the other big kids. Norman is with Dipper and Luz near the statue. And Mabel, Star and Marco are heading for the Shack, which we can ask them to join us like that," Greg repeated for Fran.
-The statue? asked Soos suddenly frightened.
-What's wrong with this statue?" asked Polly.

*******

-Did it feel good?" asked Mabel.
-A lot, thanks again Mabel," said Star.
-So according to the map we should arrive at the Shack, says Marco.
-You know that I know the way by heart? Mabel reminded him.
-If we lose you and then we are lost in the wood?
-You're really defeatist," complains Mabel.
-Hey, it's Anne and Sprig!" said Star as two silouhettes rushed towards them.

Anne and Sprig would join them being taken 2 minutes to catch their breaths.

-Are you okay?" asked Marco.
-We ... we saw you ...
-And...we wanted...
-To warn you...
-Of what?" asked Star.
-Mabel...your great-uncle...
-My grunkle? Mabel asked, feeling her blood run cold.
-Sorry...
-Yes...Fran says...
-He and...Norman
-Are in trouble.

Chapter Text

-What is it?" said Stan, looking around the room, his eyes now yellow.

McGucket cowered behind Ford, terrified.

-It's back! What do we do?

Ford put his hand against the back of his gun, wondering if he could use it against Lee. Again.

-Does anyone want to tell me what's going on? asked Hop Pop. -Does he have a parasitic fungus?
-Later! Edalyne, come here," said Lilith, trying to control her voice.
-Everything is fine Li! Stan, what's wrong?" asked Eda worriedly.
-Stan? Oh I get it! Stan continued, looking at his clothes and hands before laughing.
-If you are not Stanley Pines, may I know your name? Eclipsa asked calmly.
-It's Bill Cypher! He's back!" McGucket continued to shout.
-I'm not Bill.
-Of course you would say that," says Ford.
-Does Bill laugh like this? ask Eclipsa.
-No, Ford realized.

A laugh is much harder to change than a way of speaking or a voice.

-So who are you?" asked Lilith.
-It's me, Norman! Norman Babcock!
-The kid with the spiky hair that looks like he hasn't slept in three years? Eda asked. -What are you doing in my ex-husband?... It come out wrong.
-It's the pot calling the kettle black," Norman retorted. -I'm not sure, I touched the pyramid statue cosplay as Mr. Monopoly...
-YOU TOUCHED BILL'S STATUE?" yelled McGucket.
-Yes," says Norman. -And I'm in Mr. Pines' body now. And it is surprisingly pleasant.
-Pleasant?" asked Ford.

This 17 year old boy in the body of a 60 year old man with vision, hearing , back problems and he feels good?

-Yes. I feel like I'm floating and anything seems possible," Norman continued.
-This is not normal," says Hop Pop.
-What was your first clue? ask Eda.

Norman started trying to snap his fingers.

-What are you doing?" asked Eclipsa.
-Not sure, said Norman before finally succeeding.

A blue flame sprang from his fingers.

-Luz was right, I can be a wizard," laughs Norman.

Hop Pop let out an expletive as he backed away.

-Sparkly, says Eda with a big smile.
-Fascinating, says Eclipsa.
-STANFORD, DO SOMETHING!" yelled McGucket.

Ford hesitates on his next move, terrified, not wanting to hurt his brother or the teenager and not being able to abandon Fiddlerford again.
And Lilith:
-No...

And Lilith had her suspicions confirmed.

-Come on, it's cool, ri...Ouch!

Norman grabs his cheek in surprise.

-What hurt you?" asked Eda.
-I don't know...

Stan's eyes rolled back into their sockets, turning brown again before he collapsed.
Eda rushed to Stan.

-Don't come closer...
-You can count on that! Hey, Stan! Can you hear me?
-Huh?What? Uh...Maybe mouth-to-mouth would help? said Stan waking up with his head on Eda's lap.
-He's alive, everybody!" shouted Eda happily.
Stan looks at the others whose expressions range from fascination to terror.
-Sigh...Sorry I didn't think the moonshine was that strong.

******

Norman woke up lying on the grass to see Dipper, Luz and Wirt looking at him worried. He could also hear Coraline screaming.

-What were you thinking?
-He woke up, didn't he? Pacifica retorted.
-You don't hit someone with a possible concussion!
-I don't think it was a concussion," Dipper remarked.

Coraline glared at him and Wirt leaned over to whisper to Dipper:
-If you value your life, I think you should shut up.
-Coraline," Luz shouted. -Norman woke up!

Coraline rushed to her boyfriend, looking worried.

-Norm, are you alright?
-Yes, I am fine except for my cheek. I just... Oh my God, what did I do?
-You were a demon for 10 minutes.

Norman looked up and saw Fran Bow floating above him.

-Hey, you out of your body? Did I worry you that much?

Fran bowed her head.

-I'm sorry, Fran.
-That's okay. You didn't know.
-Is he talking with Fran?" asked Dipper.
-Yeah," confirmed Wirt.
-Could someone put her back in her creepy doll so we can follow?" complained Pacifica.
-Wirt!

They then saw Greg, Amity and Melody running to join them.

-Is everyone okay?" asked Melody.
-We should be asking you that question," said Amity.
-Hey, I'm not even three months in, relax. The only thing you can tell already is my mama bear instincts and my love for pickles with caramel.
-Fran told us that Norman and Mr. Pines were in trouble," says Greg. -That's why we split up. We are the Gnome team and the others are the Manotaur team.
-We got the Gnome team? said Pacifica in disgust.
-We had priorities in another place," said Amity. -What happened?
-We couldn't ask him yet, he just regained consciousness! Coraline retorted dryly.
-I was in Stan's body," says Norman.
-You were inside my grunkle?" asked Dipper.
-No, you weren't," says Fran. -You were inside what was inside Stanley's head.
-What's in Mr. Pines' head?" asked Greg.
-Huh?
-Do you have the doll?" asked Coraline with her head in her hands.

******

-It's not that bad...Ford tried.
-Yes, it is," says Stan in horror. -He' s still here!
-But brain dead, says Eclipsa. -A lobotomised vegetable!
-Maybe, but are we sure it's definitive? asked Hop Pop.

Ford, McGucket, Lilith, Eda and Eclipsa would all look at each other to see if anyone else had the answer.

-It's probably best to avoid staking a beast with a stick for now, says Lilith. -We can do some research for the future...
-And what do we do if Bill comes back?" asked Stan coldly.
-Stanley, we have no idea if this will happen but stressing will not help...
-What else do you want me to do? I have a time bomb in my head that can put the town and possibly the universe at risk at any time!
-Okay, that's enough! You come with me" said Eda, taking him by the arm and leading him upstairs.
-Edalyne...
-I need a moment with Stan! Give us 5 minutes!
-5 minutes? I'm old but not on my deathbed!

******

Eda pushed Stan into the room and closed the door behind him.

-So how...
-Later, big boy. I have something more urgent.
-And what is that?" asked Stan grumpily.

Eda sighed before saying:
-Let's just say I had other reasons to flee besides a jealous biker boyfriend. It's hard for me to commit because...Do you remember that?" said Eda, pointing to her gem.
-Quite well," smiled Stan. -You liked it when... Wait, wasn't it amber before? Not that black doesn't suit you! It still pretty...
-Yeah, like my hair, it has changed color because of... I have a curse.
-A curse?
-Yeah, it happened when I was a kid, I was cursed. The details aren't super important.
-OK and that's what it does? Because lots of people have their hair turn gray quickly and again, even in black, your stone is pretty.
-Aging and health problems are also side effects, but that's not the point. These things happen sooner or later. No, the problem is that if I don't drink my potion regularly, I will turn into a man-eating owl monster. And the more time passes, the more I need it and it will eventually lose its effect. And believe me, honey. You don't want to wake up with a hungry owl monster in your bed...I know very well what it is like to have a time bomb inside you. And it's manageable. Maybe there are things that are impossible or more difficult now. Maybe one day, you will have to make a hard decision. But that doesn't mean your life is over. And there are people who will not want to be in the same room as you and will judge you. But there are also people who will hug you and call you brave for some stupid reason.
-That's...familiar, Stan said reflectively.
-Having a danger inside you?
-Even before the evil dorito. I've always tried to be careful about this. But sometimes that's not enough. Nothing happened to me but I saw a lot of them leave. People often better than me, treated as the dregs of humanity. For something out of their control and mocked by assholes saying that was all they deserved, Stan says, clenching his fists.
-I heard that. Everyone asks me what I did to make this happen. Because I must have done something wrong. It doesn't happen to good people," says Eda with a sad smile.
-You're a good person," says Stan.
-I stole your car.
-And my earnings.
-We won them together, some of them were mine! The car was just to have a souvenir so it's less justifiable.
-Of me? Stan asked in surprise. - It would be cute if you hadn't stolen the only thing I own besides the clothes on my back.
-You got it back, no?
-Your excuse is that I am quite resourceful? Find something better!
-Like what? You're the one who says I'm a good person, prove your point!
-Hmm...You know you're not my first lover who turns into something else? You, Jimmy, Darlene and a bunch of others. Not that I have a thing for it, I think it's me that attracts them...But you were probably the first one who was afraid to hurt me. The rest didn't care or ...well, thanks for not trying to eat me in the not-fun way.
-What about you? You think that stuff in your head is really going to be a problem? It was being in your head that caused Bill's loss in the first place. And you might as well be careful, all that happened was that a kid made a mistake. And who hasn't done so at their age?
-Seventeen-year-olds are dumb but not mean," Stan said with a sad smile.

*******

-Maybe we should go see what they're doing? said Hop Pop.
-No thanks, I shared a room with him as a teenager and I don't need to relive that trauma," says Ford.
-That would at least mean he's feel better," says Eclipsa.
-Lilith, what do you think?" asked Mcgucket. -Lilith?
-What? Oh well, let's leave them alone, they've had a hard day," Lilith said quickly.

A loud knock was heard at the door, startling everyone.

-What now?" groaned Hop Pop.
-I'll get the door," says McGucket.

No sooner had McGucket pressed the button, the door opened wide with Mabel armed with her grappling hook, Soos with his cane, Star with her mace, Marco in a karate pose, Anne with her tennis racket, Sprig his slingshot, Polly with nerf gun and King leading the charge hanging on Mabel's back.

-Release my Grunkle!
-Like she said! King states.
-Uh, where is Mr. Pines?" asked Soos.
-And the danger?" asked Anne.
-Sigh...Let's just say, it's over, explain Hop Pop.
-But still? asked Marco. -What happened...
-It's my fault.

Everyone turned to see Norman supported by Coraline and Dipper. Wirt was holding Greg's hand, Pacifica, Amity and Luz holding Fran Bow's doll.

-And I can't wait to hear what you have to say about it! Ford said angrily.
-Firstly, you are not his father and secondly, maybe you should go and take care of your brother. you know, the guy directly concerned? Coraline replied.
-I'm...

Eclipsa stopped him and whispered:
-She is defending her man.You don't have a logical argument that would work in this situation.
Ford sighed and Lilith took pity on him:
-I'm going to get them.

********

-So Norman, in your words and to the best of your ability...What heck was that? ask Hop Pop.
-It's...blurry," Norman said. -This force that was so repulsive had become...so attractive. I just wanted to get close to it. And when I touched the statue...I was surprised but I was happy. Like finding a $20 bill on the ground.
-Come on, I'm at least a $50," Stan complains.
-Shh!" said Hop Pop.
-You're a $746753," Mabel said as Stan affectionately ruffled her hair.
-When I was in Mr. Pines' body, I wasn't even afraid or uncomfortable with the implications. Just curious and amused. No scruples, doubts or worries. It's a bit scary looking back.
-I was drunk with power once. This stuff is nasty," says Marco.
-And Norman, can you assure me that you didn't feel anything uncomfortable? asked Eclipsa. -Muffled sounds, backache, missing teeth, etc.?
-No, light as a feather. Invincible, as if the world belonged to me.
-So it was Bill you possessed. Grunkle Stan was just a bonus, Dipper noted.
-Speaking of which, says Star. -At what point did Stanley gain access to Bill Cipher's power?
-None of them! I'm not touching that!" said Stan.
-It might actually stimulate him and woke him up, Ford says.
-Existence is defined differently when you don't have a physical body, says Fran Bow. -He must remember to exist.
-It is poetic, says Luz.
-If you think trauma is poetic," says Wirt.
-So I just ignore the malefic dorito? ask Stan.
-I think this is the best solution for...
-Perfect! Let's ignore the problem! Works for me!
-Are you being sarcastic?" ask Dipper.
-In my day, it was the only form of therapy," said Stan. -I can continue to live like this for the time I have left.
-Geez, you are cheerful, complains Anne.
-Anyway, it's not common for humans to have powers like Norman, right? says Sprig.
-It runs in the family," says Norman. -I'm probably not unique in my kind but it is definitely not common.
-So the chances of someone else with this kind of power finding the statue and...
-Unless it attracts them, Amity remarked.
-I had to be in front of it for that. Before, all it gave me was a headache and made me throw up. Not sure they will all be as stupid as me...
-You underestimate them, says Eda. -We have critters from where I come that do similar tricks to survive. We crossed 3 of them just this summer.
-I confirm, says Luz. -But there must be a solution.
-Yes, but I'm afraid we have bigger problems," says Lilith.
-What now?," Pacifica groaned.
-Whatever, we'll make it our business!" said Polly happily.
-There is something that takes advantage of the merger that has happened and...I now what it is.

Chapter Text

Everyone turned to the witch.

-What are you talking about?" asked Eda.
-The emperor Belos. I saw him communicating with...things. It was spoken through the mouth of a volunteer and their eyes had the same appearance. But not yellow. I saw different colors but not yellow, said Lilith.
-Bill wasn't unique, Ford says. -I don't know the level of diversity among the demons in his world but he had family. It would not be impossible that a member of this group shares similar ambitions. Try to do what he wanted with other dimensions. As much as I take everything he said to me with a grain of salt now, I remember that he had a certain animosity in his words.
-Don't tell me he was the white sheep of the family," growled Stan.
-Creatures like them have a moral sense of our own," says Eclipsa. -Very remote and incomprehensible to us.
-Why would the spider even try to understand the fly? says Coraline. -The important thing is how you get rid of it.
-That's easier said than done," said Dipper. -He almost destroyed the town last time and who knows what he would have done if if we hadn't trapped him in the perimeter.
-Do you think we can get access to their zodiac? Mabel asked.
-Why do you need their zodiac signs?" asked Anne.
-It's a little more complicated than that," says Pacifica. -It's a kind of ritual where everyone represents a sign but these things like ice bags and rainbows...
-Ok...says Anne dubiously.
-I've seen weirder rituals than this," says Norman.
-Same, says Marco.
-Magic has many forms, says Luz.
-Ok ok, the zodiac with bags of ice cream is valid, says Anne.
-Just a bag of ice," Ford corrected.
-Why not?" asked Anne confused.
-I'm with dudette on this," says Soos.
-Is it in their zodiac? asked Eda to her sister.
-I don't know," said Lilith hesitantly. -I never participated directly and I no longer have access to the resources I had by serving the emperor. If they were ever even available to us.
-You are dealing with people from different backgrounds," says Star. -We can surely fill in the blanks together!
-Is that your plan?" asked Wirt. -Going to meet demons and Lovecraftian monsters with only hearsay as weapons?
-It work the last time," remarked Greg.
-It's a demon fact! Fran Bow shouted enthusiastically.
-We've always kind of improvised," remarked Mabel.
-Thinking outside the box can have good results, says Luz.
-But making a plan can't hurt anyway, says Amity.
-We should gather all the information we have together, says Marco.
-I'm going to get my theory board!" shouted Dipper.
-You have a theory board? Wirt asked horrified.
-I think we've found our people," Coraline whispered in Norman's ear.

******

-All right," said Dipper after everyone had gathered in the room in front of the board. -What do we know?
-It seems that people who have had experiences related to alternate dimensions as well as people with parapsychological abilities are remembering the previous version of the universe before the merger, says Ford.
-And so are the creatures of the immaterial world, says Eclipsa.
-One or more of them are potentially working with Emperor Belos, says Amity.
-They have views on this dimension," says Coraline.
-And several others probably, says Hop Pop.
-It doesn't look good, powerful enemies like that, says Marco.
-But they are like Beaudelaire, says Fran Bow. -The boredom creates vices.
-And in English now? asked Pacifica.
-Anything is a good excuse to stab the other guy," says Coraline.
-Are they even aware that we exist, and if so, are we even worthy of their interest?ask Lilith.
-As long as it doesn't get personal, probably not, says Eclipsa.
-The dimensional rifts...Is it just my fault or could they also have played a role in this? asked Star.
-The merger clearly started the chain reaction, but since the original event, it's hard to say," Ford replied.
-There were alternative ways to cross dimensions in each of the original dimensions, McGucket noted. -Think of it as a fresh wound that needs stitches.
-I like that metaphor," says Polly.
-Do we have the means to destroy them like with this Bill? ask Sprig.
-Not sure," says Dipper. -That was close call the last time.
-Can we at least come up with an idea for a plan? complains Marco.
-That's a good question! How do we get there?" asked Anne.
-I'm not very excited about it but the interdimensional portal seems the only solution, Ford replied.
-The what?" asked King.
-It is a machine that allows to cross dimensions, says Mabel. -It makes the gravity disappear too.
-Cool, says Luz, Anne, Sprig and Greg at the same time.
-That explains the brochure," says Coraline.
-And maybe the name, says Norman.
-I would like to know more about this Belos guy, says Stan. -What's his deal?
-It's being a jerk, King answered.
-But what kind of jerk?" asked Soos.
-Yes! Is he a jerk who doesn't like Canadians?A jerk who erases children's chalk drawings on the sidewalk? A jerk who thinks fanfiction are bad? Melody asked.
-He is a jerk for many reasons, the main one being his views on wild magic but you just hit just on two secondary reasons he' as jerk too, Luz said.
-Wild magic? asked Hop Pop.
-Can you elaborate?" asked Dipper, ready to take more notes.
-That is to say, all magic that does not correspond to his pretty little definition by his standarts! Unless it's at his service, then it's perfectly acceptable, says Eda with sarcasm.
-He sounds like my mother," says Star with disgust.
-Not a good sign, says Marco.
-Okay, jerk statue confirm, dude, says Soos.
-And what do you think he hopes to gain? Stan asked. -It's not enough for him, emperor?
-Well, in Bill's proposal for me to join him, he had The Living God Option, Ford said.
-Oh just that?" asked Norman mockingly.
-Do you think it's true?" asked Sprig.
-The last thing they want is to turn a pathetic human into an equal," says Wirt.
-Definitely," says Coraline.
-But is Belos aware of this? Or does he think he is so special it doesn't apply to him ? ask Eclipsa.
-The second one," says Eda.
-Probably, acknowledged Lilith.
-And like all royals, he must have guards, armies and other defenses? asked Star.
-Yeah, confirms Luz. -The Emperor's coven is the only one that is allowed to learn all forms of magic.
-How convenient, says Marco sarcastically.
-So we're screwed? ask Wirt.
-Of course not! Have you seen what a badass group we are? Mabel asked.
-Badass? Wirt asked doubtfully.
-But yes! We have me with my incredible cuteness, my brother's brain , the badassery of my two grunkles, Mcgucket's mechanical skills, the power couple that Soolody are and Pacifica's ability to destroy anyone's confidence!
-It's a gift, what can I say," the blonde answered proudly.
-We have a former magical princess who can still kick ass even without it, her karate expert boyfriend, and the queen of darkness aka the original rebel royal ," Mabel continued.
-Rebel Royal would be a cool name for an album, says Star.
-I'll think about it," smiled Eclipsa.
-A psychic full of surprises, his girlfriend full of weapons and their little ghost who travels between the different planes of existence, Mabel continued.

Fran Bow's doll applauds the statement.

-Four witches who can travel through dimensions including my grunkle's ex-wife and the demon king!

King made a high-pitched noise that was probably meant to be a battle cry but was more adorable than anything else.

-A family of frogs as skilled in the arts as they are in battle, and their adopted human who has survived mosquitoes literally as big as her!
-Hey, they're not so bad," says Anne. - The wasps on the other hand...
-And you two, concludes Mabel by addressing to Wirt and Greg. -You are survivors, don't deny it.
-I'm not going to. In fact, there's a good reason we're survivors," says Wirt.
-Give your fact, Wirt! says Greg excitedly.
-We are survivors, because others were not so lucky. That's the only thing you need, dead people.
-Stop!

Wirt looked back at his brother in surprise.

-Why are you so mean?
-Greg, I'm not being mean, I just want to...
-Your brother is worried about you," said Sprig.
-...He's right. Greg, look, last time, you're almost...
-And Beatrice and her family? The woodcutter? Fred? Uncle Quincy and Aunt Marguerite? Miss Langtree and their students? Lorna? Jason Funderberker? We helped them! For me, it was worth it! Plus, we get along better," says Greg looking like he's about to cry.
-Greg...
-I want to help people even if they don't know it! I know it, it's enough for me and that's a awesome fact!
-Perhaps there is a middle ground, says Hop Pop. -Like not putting yourself on the front line but still helping.
-What do you think?" asked Amity.
-Okay, I can do that," says Greg.
-By the way," began McGucket. -I think this is the right time to ask you a favor: I prefer not to follow you.

Many people were surprised by his statement but nobody reacted violently.

-I understand, but can I ask you why Fiddlerford?" requested Ford.
-I just recover my mental health and the benefits of it. I don't want to lose it again by doing something that puts it at risk. I...I just got my boy back. I've already wasted too much time, I want to make the most of the time I have left.
-We understand," says Dipper.

After the damage caused by the memory gun, it was nothing short of a miracle that McGucket and Grunkle Stan recovered.

-Uh, Mr. Pines...
-I already told you, it's Stan or...
-Dad!
-It still feels weird.
-I would have liked to be part of this adventure but since Melody told me the news...I don't want to abandon her.
-You won't leave me, silly!
-No Melody, I need to be here, I need to be here for you, dudette.
-Soos. We get it, stay with Melody, says Dipper.
-Actually, that might be a good idea, Ford says. -We will need a control station. Fiddleford helped me create the machine and with his incredible talent in new technology, he was the obvious choice. But the task would be difficult for one person. The assistance of Soos and Melody would be useful.Who else wants to stay...

A long silence was his only answer.

-Well, it was worth a try," said Eda. -Pack your bags and find a good excuse to be absent the next few days!

Chapter Text

-How many sweaters do you think I need for the trip? Mabel asked.
-I don't know, maybe enough to last a week? answered her brother.
-Ok, I'll put on a dozen and knit some more at the worst. I'll take the grapple gun too. Do you think you can ask Grunkle Ford for a magnetic gun or are you just going to use your mind as a weapon?
-I don't know, maybe," Dipper said hesitantly. -I think you might want to ask Luz and Amity their opinion on this.
-Speaking of which, did you notice?
-Notice what?
-Luz and Amity! Don't tell me you don't feel the romantic tension!!!!
-...Yeah but it's not better to leave them...
-No, it is necessary to make sure that this incredible love story of witches which crosses the dimensions can be born and be sung in ballads by poets in...
-Hey the terrible twins!

Dipper and Mabel would meet to see Pacifica leaning against the door frame.

-How much room is there for a suitcase for the trip?
-Uh...What you can carry with you," says Dipper.
-Great! I'll have to survive on the minimum.
-If it's not too big, you can put some in my suitcase," says Dipper.
-Are you sure? Don't you have a lot of weird equipment to carry?" asked Pacifica.
-It depends on the size of what you're carrying but it should fit.
-Okay, let's take a look," Pacifica said hesitantly.
-Oh, I just remembered that Melody wanted to discuss with me of something important. I leave you alone!

Mabel left the room before either of them could respond.

-Your sister is subtle as a lime green ensemble with glitter.

******

-Okay then, this is what I have," said Coraline as she opened the trunk of the car and showed its contents to Wirt.
-...I drove a car with this in the trunk?!
-Don't panic.
-You have knives, rope, tape, crossbow, chemicals, handcuffs, tools and ... is this a bear trap?
-Well, it's never technically been used against a bear," says Coraline.
-You're crazy.
-If I am, what are you? Look, I just wanted to tell you that if you want something to defend yourself and Greg, to help yourself. I don't mind, because I trust you to take something you can handle and not just because it's cool.
-I'll think about it. What does Norman normally use?
-His brain. And that can be really scary.

******

-As a Homo-Rana, do you have different needs than homo-sapiens? asked Ford. -Maybe more water or excessive skin sensitivity?
-We are cold-blooded, so we are more sensitive to temperature changes," says Hop Pop. -Our diet involves many more insects, otherwise there is no time difference between us.
-That's good to know," says Ford.
-What about the ladies?" continued Hop Pop.
-Eclipsa and Princess Star have also become very nearly identical biologically to humans since the loss of magic, which makes sense given our common ancestry. The Clawthornes sisters and Amity seem to be more resistant than the average human and we will be on their ground anyway. I think that you and your grandchildren will find it easier to pass as locals than us.
-Perhaps. By the way, how is it going with your sisters-in-law?
-Sisters-in-law? Gosh, Stan and Eda were married for 24 hours! And just because they seem to be trying to bring back old feelings doesn't mean we should start thinking of ourselves as family.
-Not for the brunette anyway, says Hop Pop.
-The brunette? Lilith? Why? Ford asked confused.
-You seem to get along well.
-She...She is a very intelligent person but has been manipulated by an evil force so I can sympathize with her situation.
-Nothing else? asked Hop Pop.
-We have a chaotic younger sibling?

Hop Pop sighed before saying:
-I think you had the proverbial birds of a feather?

*******

-Okay then, which one should I take?" asked Star.

Marco turned to see his girlfriend holding a weapon in each hand.

-Between the mace or the axe?
-I also have a sword that is not so bad, says Star.
-Star, is this necessary?
-Without magic? YES!
-You can manage without magic, you proved it this past year...
-It's very different to do your daily routine and go to war against a dimensional demon.
-Star...
-Marco, I can't just do it, I have to succeed! Wirt is right, I have ruined the lives of a thousand people...
-What were the other options? Neither I, Eclipsa, Tom or even your mother could see it! You had to fix the mess caused by previous queens, Mina, the Magic high commisson and God knows who else! If someone has a better proposal, I want to hear it and I want them to tell me if them has thought about it in 24 hours under the stress and the risk of destruction of several dimensions! I have a feeling that the answer will be negative.Sometimes the best solution is just the least cruel option.
- Maybe, but that doesn't mean they can't be angry. I am.
-Remember that the majority of people here are not, pleaded Marco.
-I'll try.

Someone knocked on the door of the room they were in and Star went to open it. She found Luz on the threshold.

-Hey, sorry to bother you but Eclipsa told me to come see you.
-You're not bothering," Star said with a smile. -What did Eclipsa need?
-She asked me if I could offer you, Marco, Dipper, Mabel and the others if you wanted me to show you how to use the glyphs.
-Glyphs?
-Yes, that's how I use magic, since I don't have the organs of witches that allow them to use it normally. I don't know how effective it is here but in the boiling islands, it works well. What do you think?
-This is so cool!" said Star excitedly, jumping up and down. -What do you need?
-Oh just paper and pencils to start with," said Luz. -Are you interested too, Marco?
-Sure thing!
-Great, we'll start practicing after dinner if that's ok.
-Perfect!

******

-How does it look at your location?" asked Polly.
-It's...different," said Amity uncomfortably. -Does this dimension look like yours?
-There's similar stuff," says Polly. -The grass is green here too. There are some similar species but everything is smaller here, Polly continued, pointing to an insect. -Can I ask you a question?
-Even 12 if you like.
-How did you create your purple mud man?
-My abomination?
-Look, it's not the most beautiful thing I've seen, but I'd call it an abomination...
-Oh no, that's the term for calling them.
-Oh, okay. So your abomination, you absolutely need magic to make one?
-Unfortunately, yes. Why do you want an abomination?
-It's not that I want one but rather that I would like to use certain pieces.
-And for what purpose?" asked Amity intrigued.
-Well, I have this friend named Frobo...

******

-Will you show it to me?" asked Stan.
-Which part of my body are you referring to? Eda asked.
-Your owl woman form," says Stan.
-Depends on how much you want to die devoured.
-Your sister, your ward and your...King is what exactly to you?
-He is like Soo to you, I would say.
-It's a good thing we're separated, the family photo would be really weird.
-Oh because you think I would want to go to family parties?
-With the kids?
-...Okay, you got me.

*****

Norman was reviewing the notes that Dipper had lent him with Fran Bow sitting next to him.

-What do you think?
-From Dipper's information or from the ghost that is only composed of a nervous system?
-Let's say both.
-Dipper is gifted, they would have definitely given him Duotine if he was with me in the asylum. And I think it's really rude for him to stare at us like that but it's not like he could do worse.
-Fair.
-Are you talking with Fran Bow?

Norman looked up to see Anne arrive.

-Yes. It takes a lot of effort for her to talk and move with the doll, so when we are alone...
-Hey, it's okay. Besides, we all know about it, so there's no chance anyone will think you're crazy.
-It is indeed refreshing.

Norman looked Anne up and down.

-New look?
-Pacifica left me no choice," says Anne.
-The boots are cool," says Norman.
-Thank you," says Anne. -I can't feel my scalp anymore though. What does Fran think of it?
-She likes it. She...oh okay, I tell her.
-Tell me what?
-She said she was happy to have met you and that she is already looking forward to 78 years.
-...Not sure I understand but thanks.
-Me neither, but it looks positive.

*****

-So you're really a demon king? asked Greg.
-Of course I am!
-You must have powers then," said Sprig.
-Well, of course! But uh...
-But what?" continued Greg.
-But nothing! It's just that...
-You don't know how to make them work? asked Sprig.
-..Yeah.
-Hey, that's okay. Maybe it's like me, you start as a tadpole and become a frog. So you have to learn things like how to walk your legs. Is it the same with demons?
-Maybe. I've never met a demon like me before," King admitted.
-Oh, says Greg, realizing the implications.

Sprig patted King on the back before saying:
-I don't really remember my parents either. That's okay.
-We can explore this together, Greg suggested. -Find your demon facts!
-Good idea! Let's try to make a list of unique things about you and test it afterwards, says Sprig.

******

-I was never good at studying, my thing was making up my own tricks, -Eclipsa said, looking at the documents provided by Ford and Lilith.
-Like my sister, Lilith said. -She prefers to experiment with wild magic rather than settle for just one type.
-We make poor figures, three ancient magicians without power, said Eclipsa more amused than anything else.
-Luz could show you her alternative technique if you want, offered Lilith.
-The children come first. I can be patient.
-You are lucky. I'm going crazy with inaction.
-Well, keep yourself busy.
-Isn't that what we do with this research?
-There are other options," said Eclipsa with her Cheshire cat smile. -The brother of your ex-brother-in-law.
-Stanford Pines? What's wrong with him?
-Nothing. I find him very charming, don't you?
-Well, for an interdimensional criminal, he is indeed surprisingly pleasant company.
-Since you are now a rebel yourself, you could try to get to know him a little better.
-Do you think it could be useful for our mission? asked Lilith intrigued.
-In a sense, yes, says Eclipsa amused.

*******

-So dude, how do you want us to fix it? Soos asked.
-I'll probably just need you to check the signal once in a while and call me if I'm not on site," McGucket said.
-Okay, that doesn't sound too hard," says Melody.
-It shouldn't, no. I'll also show you the basics of what to do if an emergency happens and one of you has to act in my place...
-Don't worry dude, I know about repairing things, Soos said proudly.
-And if you feel a panic attack coming on, we're here too," completed Melody.
-Thank you," McGucket said with a genuine smile.

Chapter Text

-All right," said Ford. -Is everyone ready? Last chance to back out!
-I wouldn't count on that if I were you," said Luz.
-Young lady, far be it from me to meddle in matters that do not concern me," began Lilith. -But do you think that all this luggage is ...
-Yes, it is! says Pacifica. -We don't know what to expect out there and the right look can save your life! Have you read hunger games?
-As long as she carries them herself, why not? says Hop Pop. -And she is not the only one.
-These are weapons, Coraline and Star said in chorus.
-Mine are almost empty," Stan defended himself.
-Why are you bringing a lot of empty suitcases, grunkle Stan?
-...You want to bring back stuff for the Shake, Dipper realized.
-Hey, they're having a baby, kids are expensive," Grunkle Stan defended himself.
-We could exchange some things, I also need new merchandise, Eda with a smile.
-They are totally soul mates," Mabel whispered in Star's ear.
-And you, Greg, asked Amity. -Do you have everything you need?

Greg nodded, struggling to move in the huge padded coat given to him by Wirt.

-You don't forget, at the first sign of danger...began his brother.
-I'm hiding," says Greg.
-Good.
-We won't let anything happen to him, I promise, said Marco.
-What are you dragging Polly?" asked her brother.
-Something important," Polly said vaguely. -Amity helped me prepare it.
-That's nice of you," says Luz.
-It's nothing," Amity assured, blushing.
-Did you see?" whispered Star to Mabel who nodded enthusiastically.
-Before you leave, do you mind telling me how the lessons went? ask Eclipsa.
-Pretty good," says Luz. -I am proud of everyone.
-You're a good teacher," says Dipper.
-I agree, said Norman.
-How does this thing work?" asked Wirt suddenly.
-The portal consumes large amounts of energy and can cause gravity loss...began Ford.
-Ah, that's where the name comes from, says Anne.
-No. Well, it is possible that similar phenomena in smaller doses are caused...
-Maybe it's chance, maybe it's fate or maybe it's Maybelline," says Coraline. -It just doesn't matter right now.
-This is important," says Eclipsa. -Knowledge is power.
-Well said," replied Lilith.
-Speaking of important things, who took a first aid kit? asked Marco.

Hop Pop, Lilith and Amity raised their hands.

-Well, with me, that makes four.
-How will we communicate between dimensions? Anne asked.
-I managed to work with the mirror given to me by Princess Star," says McGucket.
-It's just Star now.
-Sorry. Finally, with the information from the portal and the magic reduced, we have been able to create a communicator.

Mcguette then showed a small metal box with a mirror in its center.

-We have tested it and it works...
-But there's a but," says Wirt.
-Yeah, dude, the connection is there but it's not always awesome, says Soos.
-You may need to make a human pyramid with the one at the top holding an antenna between his teeth, warns Melody.
-I've done worse for having a connection at school," says Anne.
-There is also a system to create a small interdimensional portal but you can only use it once.
-So we have to save it for the end of our mission," says Dipper.
-Yes, unfortunately it will only work once.
-May we talk about this," began Anne. -For my situation...
-I'm afraid we have some bad news here," says Lilith.
-What kind of bad news?" asked Sprig.
-Given the nature of the object used to carry you in Amphibia, there is a good chance that it is an equivalent system, says Ford.
-Three in, three out, says Eclipsa.
-Basically, you can't bring Marcy and Sasha back, you have to go back to Amphibia first to get back with them," says Hop Pop.
-Okay, good to know, says Anne.
-Another question or can we go? Last chance, says Ford.
-Oh me," said Pacifica.
-Yes?
-What's in and what's out in the Boiling Isles?
-...I'd say being bold with your hair is a good move," says Luz.
-Wearing something that has attempted to kill is good too, says Eda.
-All right, I can work with that.
-Now, is everybody ready?
-Yes!
-Yes.
-Heu...
-Perfect!
-We'll tie ourselves together with this climbing rope to make sure we don't get separated," said Hop Pop.

Everyone quickly tied up and tested the knots.

-Hey Amity!
-Yes Mabel?
-I think Luz needs help.
-Oh I am...
-You totally need help," says Star.
-You too...began Anne, pointing at Star's badly made gnarl.
-Not now!
-Yes...sure, I can help you Luz, said Amity blushing.
-Oh thank Amity, said Luz.

She also seemed to be blushing, Mabel happily noted.

-Hey McGucket," shouted Stan. -Get ready to start this hellish machine!
-We got this, Dad....
-Maybe we should practice calling him Grandpa for when the kid is here? says Melody.
-I...

Suddenly the portal lit up, the lights flickered and gravity began to fail.

-What the h...
-What's going on?
-Gravity fall, laughs Luz.
-It will be over soon...

Star wanted to rush the inevitable and swam to the portal to dive in.

-Dear god!
-I already regret!
-Do what she did! Coraline shouted as she moved towards the gate holding Norman's hand.

King spun around before Eda caught up with him.

-I got you!
-And I've got you!" said Stan, grabbing the witch by the hip.
-Anne, catch it!

Sprig's tongue wrapped around Anne's wrist.

-Thank!

Mabel turned to her brother:
-Mystery twins?
-Mystery twins! he said, grabbing his sister's hand, before diving towards the portal.

Chapter Text

Star lands painfully on the stone floor.

-Ouch!

She tried to reveal herself but Coraline and Norman fall on her.

-Aaah!
-Oh sorry, are you okay?" asked Norman.
-Yes...I think so.

While Norman helps Star to get up, Coraline raised her arms and the doll landed directly in them.

-Are you all right, Fran?
-She says it's more comfortable without a body...And get down!

Coraline obeys and Marco, Dipper, Mabel,Pacifica, Wirt and Greg join them.

-AAAHHH!!!
-Attention!
-My suitcases!
-Good plan," said Norman, starting to move them.

Luz, Amity, Anne, Sprig, Polly and Hop Pop landed at this moment on their improvised cushion.

-Is everyone okay?" asked Hop Pop.
-Yes!" shouted Anne, Sprig and Polly in chorus.
-Luz, are you okay?" asked Amity.
-Yeah, everything's fine. You, on the other hand, have cut yourself," Luz remarked.
-Where?
-Here," said Luz, placing a bandage on the purple-haired witch's hand. -I had taken my Azura theme bandages just in case...
-I thought you had to special order them from Japan to get them," says Coraline.
-Yeah, you're totally not a fan," Anne chuckled.
-I think the others are coming," says Dipper.

Ford came out first, agile as a man 10 years younger than him, his gun in hand.

-So cool, couldn't help but say Sprig.
-Tha...Ah!

Stan still holding Eda had just fallen on his twin brother.

-Sorry Pointdexter.
-King?! Where is King?" asked Eda.
-You had him five minutes ago," says Stan.
-Maybe he is...Ford began before being hit again by Lilith this time.
-Ouch! What the... Oh, titan, I'm sorry!
-It's okay, it's nothing...Get down!

Eclipsa landed using an umbrella to slow her fall.

-Hey all, I'm Mary Poppins!
-She really likes Marvel movies," says Marco. -...You all know what Marvel...
-Yes.
-Yes.
-No.
-I prefer the comics.
-Is anyone still missing? asked Eclipsa.

A furball was the last thing to project through the portal and land on Pacifica.

-Ahh Ew!
-Yuck? Did you look at yourself?
-King! Eda said as she picked him up. -Are you OK?
-Yes, their dense hair cushioned my fall.
-I'm fine, thanks for asking," Pacifica says.
-Let me do it," said Dipper, helping her up.
-Thank you. And don't lie to me, how disfigured is my face?
-You're look greast.

Pacifica sighed before turning to the others:
-Okay, someone with fashion sense and brutal honesty, now? Say, purple hair witch, supernatural fangirl with blue hair and former fairy princess, your opinion?
-You look fine," Star assured.
-You are fine," says Coraline.
-Just put your hair back," says Amity.
-Thank you," said Pacifica.
-Uh, where exactly did we land?" asked Marco.
-Oh no," said Lilith. -We have to get out fast!
-Why?" asked Sprig.
-We are in the castle of Belos, realized Luz.
-The megalomaniac wizard emperor who communicates with interdimensional demons and wants to conquer other dimensions? asked Anne.
-No, the insurance salesman who goes bowling on Saturday nights. Of course the evil emperor, you....
-Wirt, that's not cool! It was a lot of information and we didn't all memorize the names," said Mabel.
-I took notes," Luz confessed.
-As a man who has experience of being in the home of someone who wants to harm him, the best solution is to shut up, run as far away as possible and then decide who is to blame, says Stan.
-I approve of this plan," said Eclipsa.
-Ok but how? This place is huge...Star started.
-I'm sure my sis knows how to sneak out," Eda said with pride.
-In that case, guide us," says Ford.
-Right away," said Lilith.
-Can you at least give us time to pick up our bags first? Pacifica yelled.

******

The group gathered their luggage and headed for the exit...not noticing a golden figure following them.

Chapter Text

-We're almost there! says Lilith leading the rest of the group towards the exit.
-Once outside, would we be better off taking refuge in the woods or should we try to make it to your house? ask Ford.
-My house," Eda corrected him.
-Do you think everyone could make it in time...and that there is enough room? Amity asked.
-At worst, we set up a camp in the area, suggested Star.
-The fauna is a bit...aggressive, Star, Luz tried to explain.
-I'm ready to challenge that," says Wirt.
-Same thing here," says Dipper.
-3 words, says Anna. -Giant carnivorous heron!
-So, wilderness camping for all? Sprig asks.
-YEAH!
-Hush!

******

Hunter observed the strange gathering that had taken place in his uncle's castle before fleeing.
3 witches, including a former member of the emperor's convent, Lilith, her criminal sister and a student , a little demon, 3 people with amphibian traits and a bunch of colorful humans. Attacking them when they were such a large group was probably a bad idea. He could call for reinforcements...or he could observe the situation to identify their weakness and deal with it himself.

*****

-Dumb question but... Do we have any food?" asked Anne.
-...I have two chocolate bars? said Mabel.
-No one thought to bring food seriously? asked Wirt in frustration.
-I took it for granted that we would find it on site," says Ford. -We have locals after all.
-Oh yes! Let's go hunting, says Star excitedly.
-I'm for this plan!" said Polly.
-I am a vegetarian," says Pacifica.
-I can pick you some fruit, says Luz. -But...some of them are...alive.
-Whatever!
-I think it's a good plan! Half of us will go get supplies while the rest of us set up camp," suggested Hop Pop.
-Sounds like a good plan," Ford says. -I offer myself to go explore with the locals interested.
-That sounds like a job for me," says Eda. -Luz?
-Sure! Amity, do you want to come along?
-With pleasure, said Amity too quickly.
-Dipper, you want to join us?" asked Ford.
-Of course!

He was already looking forward to writing about his findings in his journal.

-I'm coming too," said Mabel, pulling out her grappling gun.
-I need some exercise," said Coraline, rummaging through her bag.
-Have fun!" Norman shouted at her.
-It's been a long time for me too," says Star, pulling out her own weapons. -I'm comming!
-Wait for me," shouted Polly before Hop Pop held her back.
-Oh no, you don't...
-Come on, Hop Pop, trust us," said Sprig.
-Can it really be worse than the local wildlife at home? Anne asked. -Giant stick insect spitting acid maple syrup.
-We don't have that here," confirms Eda.
-I guess...
-Thank you Hop Pop!
-I didn't say...
-Trust them," says Eclipsa.
-King," said Eda. -Can you take care of those who are staying?" asked Eda, winking at Stan.

Stan nodded and gestured to the twins (watch over mine, I'll watch over yours).

-A simple mission for someone like me! answered the little demon.
-Perfect! We'll be back with lunch in 2 hours max!
-Have fun!

****

-Well, it's not bad," said Marco, looking at the tent he had set up.
-I think I'm going to need help with mine," Lilith said piteously.
-Whoa, you suck on that," said Wirt, looking at Lilith's attempt.
-She, on the other hand, could help you, says Norman.

Pacifica had successfully installed her own.

Stan whistled impression before asking:
-Since when are you good at this?
-Since the butch lumberjack took pity on me. Still, it's cool that she and her dad are coming out together.
-Yes, time change.
-The fire is ready, says Eclipsa. -Only the marshmallows are missing.
-Do you think they grow in the corners? Wirt asked.
-Are you able to be anything other than sarcastic for 5 minutes? asked Hop Pop.
-I wasn't being sarcastic," says Wirt. -I've seen crazier than that.
-I'm with him on this. There are at least 3 dimensions where it grows like fruit, says Marco.
-There are none like that here," King says. -Raspberry screams are good though.
-Yummi! said Greg and Eclipsa in chorus.
-Hey, kid, if you're not doing anything, you could help us," Stan said to Norman. -Kid? Norman? Norm? Spike hair?
-Sorry, I was busy," says Norman coming out of his thoughts.
-Is there anything we should worry about? asked Eclipsa.

Norman looked down at the doll in his arms who shrugged.

-Too early to tell. Something abnormal doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. Everyone here is living proof of that. And dead to you," Norman said, cradling the doll in his arms.
-What's your weird thing like?" asked Greg.
-It's like ... an echo. But each version is a little different. Maybe it's proof that we are in the right place if something sounds like multiple versions of the same thing.
-Does Fran Bow think so?" asked King.
-Something sad. Cruel and abused, something familiar...

The doll suddenly stopped moving and Norman became concerned.

-Fran? Fran, if you don't want to search through the dimensions that's your right! Remember what you, me and Cora promised each other!
-What's wrong?" asked Stan.
-You don't become a wandering soul because everything was sunshine and rainbows, Norman explained. -I think it reminds her of something horrible from when she was still alive.
-Are you okay, Fran?" asked King.
-We'll see in 2 minutes," Fran Bow replied.

2 minutes later

Hunter decided that it was time to strike with the majority between them gone hunting and spooning of the vives.

*****

-It's now," says Fran Bow.
-What is now...

A ray of energy almost hit Lilith who avoided it only because Marco pulled her out of the field in time.

-We are under attack! Stan realized.
-What was your first clue?" retorted Wirt as he grabbed Greg to try to get him to cover.
-Here!" shouted Hop Pop as he opened a tent and motioned for Pacifica to enter too.
-It's the golden guard!" screamed Lilith in horror. -It was he who replaced me as head of the convent of Belos!
-Interesting information, says Eclipsa. -But I'm more curious about his sceptres," said the former magician, looking at it as if it were a mountain of chocolate.
-Please be careful!

Marco launched himself first towards the golden guard, attempting a karate chop but he blocked it easily. Then he sent the young man away.
Eclipsa dashed back and managed to block the scepter once with her umbrella. Before the guard hits her in the face and she collapses.
Hop Pop and Lilith look at each other before taking their turn! Hop Pop used his tongue to grab the arm of the golden guard while Lilith prepared a glyph against him. But the guard counterattacked using Hop Pop as a frog shield.

-Gar!
-Titan, I'm so sorry, Mr. Plantair," said Lilith, rushing to his side.

Wirt realised the gravity of the situation and turned to his brother and Pacifica.

-Protect him!

Wirt tried to get into a fighting position, wishing he had taken one of Coraline's toys.

-You'll have to go through me...
-Sure, no problem.

He knocked out Wirt without hesitation.
King was the next to attack, trying to bite the guard and he in turn pushed him away easily.

-Kai!
-Omg, he just kicked the puppy!" shouted Pacifica.
-King of the demons, Greg corrected her.
-One or the other would have him cancelled anyway!

The golden guard approached Norman who looked at him in horror.

-Who did this?" asked Norman.
-What are you talking about?
-I'm so sorry Caleb...
-That's not my name.
-NOW STANLEY! Fran bow shouted.

Stanley suck-punch cold the golden guard, who in turn fell to the ground.

-Serve you well!

Stan then turned to pick up King, before addressing Norman.

-What did you see kid?
-We're back! Just wait and see what...What happened?

Chapter Text

-So he's the golden guard? asked Luz.
-He was no match for my Grunkle," Mabel said proudly.
-What are you doing?" Norman suddenly asked.
-I want to see his ugly face! said Wirt starting to remove the mask of the guard.
-Me too, says Marco.

Wirt resumed his maneuver and removed the mask.

-Whoa, he's actually pretty cute," says Pacifica.
-What?" says Dipper.
-In the kind of elf hobo of a urban fantasy show way, explained Pacifica.
-I see what you mean," says Anne.
-You hit a child, Stanley," Ford snapped.
-So what? He start it!
-Did you know that? asked Hop Pop to Lilith.
-I knew he was young. Maybe not so much, but I knew it.
-Age means nothing, my mother was a war criminal with several genocides under her belt at the same age, says Eclipsa.
-And I thought mine was bad," laughed Eda.
-What do we do with him?" asked Coraline.
-Please tell me you have options other than murder," asked Sprig.
-Of course, I was thinking of questioning him," Coraline defended herself.
-Is he close to Belos?" asked Star.
-Very," said Lilith. -I don't know their exact relationship...
-Guys, we have a hostage!" shouted Polly proudly.
-Yeah! We're going to make Belos sorry he messed with us!" shouted King.
-Let's not sell the bear's skin before we kill it," said Ford.
-Okay, what does a bear look like? asked Hop Pop.
-As if I knew, says Eda.
-He means, we need to think of a plan first," says Greg. -It's an inter-dimensional explorer's fact!
-I think we should take care of the injured and then question him," says Amity.
-I believe that these are mostly minor injuries," assured Lilith.
-Speak for yourself, complains Wirt.
-Nothing is lost by being careful, says Marco.
-Norman?" asked King.
-Yes?
-How did you know his name?
-Maybe it's not his name anymore," says Norman.
-Less cryptic now, please? asked Anne.

Norman sighed before saying:
-Ok, I have no idea how to explain this simply but let's say that it is a recarnation of a guy named Caleb. Except that this is the process that seems to come out of Frankstein every time caused by a violent death and betrayal! I see them all, Norman said, sounding horrified.
-Who are all of them?" asked Dipper.
-The copies of Caleb that this psychopath is having fun killing, stuck here. This is so sick!
-Norm, I think you should sit down...
-I'm fine, Cora! I just need to... hit that Belo with a shovel!
-I don't know if we have one but you're welcome to use my mace if you want," says Star.

Luz then notices Amity's expression.

-Everything okay?
-I'm not sure. I think what I know what the golden guard is. Miss Lilith?
-I told you, it's just Lilith now.
-I'm sorry Lilith.
-But no, please, just ask me your question.
-Is it possible that the golden guard is a...Grimwalker?
-A what?" asked Sprig.
-I can see why you would think that, but those are legends," said Lilith.
-Lady, look around you," said Mabel. -I think we're past the point where the argument that it's just legends still carries weight.
-At least tell us if the legend matches what Norman describes, says Dipper.
-My grand-niblings have a point," Ford remarked.
-A grimwalker is an artificial being designed from the remains of people and several other ingredients like a Galdorstone, Palistrom wood, Stonesleeper lungs, Selkidomus scales, and the bone of an ortet, Eda explained.
-How do you know that?" asked Lilith.
-It was in a forbidden book filled with scary legends! And the cover of the book was shiny!
-Does he have anything that can confirm the nature of a grimwalker?" asked Ford.
-It's a legend so take it with a grain of salt but they are supposed to have magenta eyes, says Amity.

Polly then jumped toward the golden guard and lifted his eyelids.

-Yuck! What are you doing?" said Pacifica.
-I'm checking!
-It looks magenta to me," said Eclipsa.
-For me too, says Star.
-Same, says Anne.
-I'm color blind," says Stan.

All of a sudden...

-What's going on?" asked Hunter.
-AAAhhh!!

Polly threw herself like a cannonball into the face of the golden guard, knocking him out again.

-Polly!
-Was it necessary to do so?
-Dah!
-You go girl!...Tadpole? You go anyway!
-He's a teenager, for God's sake!
-Well, what do we do until he wakes up?

Chapter Text

Hunter woke up with a horrible headache. He then realised that his mask had been removed and he was tied to a tree.

-Don't even think about it.

Hunter then met the eyes of an old man with glasses and a gold chain.

-Who are you and how dare you threaten a representative of Emperor Belos? Hunter shouted. -Untie me immediately on his behalf!
-Whoa, if I had negotiated like that in Montana, I would have lost several phalenges.
-Hey.

A girl a little younger than him with brown skin and short hair was also present.

-I think we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Luz and this is Stan. And you, what is your name?
-...Hunter.
-And now I demand that you tell me what you were all doing in my uncle's castle!
-Belos is your uncle? asked Luz in surprise.
-Okay, kid," Stan said, turning to Luz. -The positive is that it is a first class hostage. The negative is that I'm pretty sure we'll be shot if we get caught or their nearest equivalent.
-So what do we do?

****

Now they have brought the spiky-haired human and the blue-haired human.

-I suppose I should call him His Highness? asked Coraline.
-Golden guard is sufficient...
-She was being sarcastic," says Norman. -Can I ask a personal question?
-No.
-I will ask it anyway and you are free to answer it. Belos is the brother of which of your parents? Your mother, your father, one of your fathers, one of your mothers, your genderfluid parent, I don't know," says Norman.
-Uh...That's my dad I think...Hunter says.
-You think?" asked Norman.
-It's a painful subject so we don't really talk about it...
-Do you have any pictures?" asked Coraline.
-No...

Stan sighed and asked:
-Kid, tell me if this sounds familiar: Belos to tell you sometimes that you remember some things wrong or you misinterpret it, he gets mad at you and five minutes later, everything is forgotten because you gave in to what he wanted you to do and he is all cuddler and proud of you, he is the only person you interact with for real, he...
-I don't know what you mean," Hunter said coldly.
-So he's not your only support when things go wrong?
-Uh...I have guards under my command...
-I mean family, friends, co-workers or just him," Stan insisted.
-I don't know what you are implying...
-I've forgotten big parts of my life but I still remember how to do cold reading and how bastards control their...targets," Stan said with a bitter expression.
-Isolate a prey to catch it," says Coraline coldly.
-Okay, I have another question," says Norman. -Does the name Caleb mean anything to you?
-No.
Despite his answer, there is a hesitation in his voice.
-Okay...Are you hungry?" asked Luz.

****

-How's it going?" asked Star.
-We opened the conversation, says Luz.
-So bad, says Pacifica.
-We've opened up the dialogue, that's something," insisted Norman.
-Do you want to bring him something to eat? asked Hop Pop.
-What is it?" asked Coraline curiously.
-Fairy stew, says Lilith.

Dipper looked horrified at the brown substance in which floated small colored silhouette.

-It tastes better than it looks, Luz assured.
-I'll stick with the cereal bar," says Wirt.

Star instead dipped a ladle and brought it to her lips.

-Mmm, tasty.

Anne held out her hand to taste as well.

-Not really different from flies, she says.
-You're not helping," said Mabel, equally horrified.
-We have these fruits, otherwise, says Eclipsa.
-Those who tried to bite me? asked Marco.
-This is the kingdom of demons," says Ford. -The vast majority of wildlife has the ability and desire to bite, or worse.
-And for the grim thingy, did you ask him? Polly ask.
-Grimwalker, Dipper corrected her.
-They understood what I was talking about," said Polly.
-If one of you know a nice way to say: hey, you've been lied to all your life and you're some kind of clone-liche-golem-replicant, ect...I'd like to hear it," says Coraline.
-Not at his age, says Eda. -2 more years and I would have advised to just pull the bandage and offer him his weight in blood grapes.
-The trick is to give him the tools to figure out what's wrong," says Stan. -The frog needs to realize that the water is heating up to get out of the cauldron!..Sorry if that was racist," said Stan, addressing the Planters.
-The reason we don't realize this is because our system adapts to temperature changes if they are minimal, Hop Pop says coolly. -We aren't stupid.
-Okay, I think the frogs in the expression are from our world. The ones that are basically what our monkeys are to us...
-Monkeys are smart," says Greg.
-I know, what I mean...
-Stanley, I don't see any continuity or you getting away with it," says Fran Bow.
-Arg! Forget what I said and just eat the stew!
-Or something else?" asked Pacifica.

*****

Hunter tried to free himself but the ropes were strong and seemed to be made of a material that would tighten when he struggled. He should find an alternative.
He also tries not to think about the old man's words. He plays with his head. Belos was his family, he took care of him and raised him. How could he imply that he was manipulating him? These thoughts seeped into his head no matter how hard he tried to banish them.

-Hey, Hunter.

He then saw a young witch with green hair.

-I brought you some stew and water.
-And how am I supposed to eat tie?

Amity made an abomination appear to whom she handed the bowl, the spoon and the bottle.

-Enjoy your meal.

Chapter Text

Amity returns to settle down with the rest of the group.

-I don't like it," says Star. -We should at least have another person to watch him.
-My abomination can handle it perfectly well, Amity said coldly.
-It might not be a bad idea, I mean the kid is technically a prince, right? Stan says.
-He is the head of the emperor's convent," says Lilith. -I don't think Prince is a good equivalent.
-If he is the nephew of the emperor, he is technically a prince, right? Luz asked.

This was followed by a concert of shouting, questioning and spitting of stew.

-WHAT? We're going to get executed! Hop Pop yelled.
-We've only been here two hours and already a diplomatic incident," Ford groans.
-Given that this crazy mission involves landing to thwart a dictator's invasion plans, I think a diplomatic incident is on the cards anyway," Wirt remarked.
-He has a point," says Coraline. -And we are not even sure that the two are really related.
-Hey, a family is as valid by blood as by adoption," says Sprig.
-It is more the possibility that he was manipulating him into to make sure he obeys, which is wrong in every scenario, says Norman.
-Maybe there is some true in what he says," says Anne. -Like he's his brother's clone or something.

Fran's doll tried to snap her fingers but remembered that the cloth fingers did not make a sound to her frustration.

-Mesozoic camping is not documentary, growled Pacifica.
-Ok, first: how dare you, this is a classic, says Marco. -Second, as Mabel said, we've all seen crazier.
-That doesn't mean we can handle it though," says Wirt.
-Geez, you came back from limbo, be a little positive, says Mabel.
-Guy, King said suddenly.
-Not now...

A jet of light shot out and almost hit Stan.

*****

-What just happened?

Not that Stanley is complaining about having Eda over him, but...Is it new that these eyes are black and yellow? Pretty hot, if he is honest.

-Are you hurt?" asked Eda.
-Don't think so, says Stan. -Where do these feathers come from?
-No time! Eda said, realising that the beast wanted to get out.

Hunter stood there with his stick.

-What did you do to me?
-Are you allergic to fairies?" asked Anne.
-What kind of wild magic does the old man use? Hunter says, pointing to Stan.
-Old man? My twin brother is 10 minutes older than me and the frog is older than me too!
-He's not a witch," says Lilith.

Given the incident with Norman, not sure if that makes Hunter's implications invalid.

-Why don't you tell us what you're blaming him for?" asked Eclipsa.
-Or we could just all jump on him since we're twenty against one but what do I know? Coraline muttered.

Polly seemed ready to take her advice but Amity catches her with an abomination.

-Hey!
-We need to think of a strategy," says Amity.
-Norman?

The teenager looked up to see Fran outside the doll addressing him.

-Talk to him, maybe it will help our chances for the next step.

It was worth a try.

-Hunter, it's not his or anyone else's fault that you're questioning now!
-But we're still sorry for tying you to a tree.," said Luz.
-Can we talk?" asked Dipper.

A ray of light passed near Dipper, burning grass. In response, a grappling hook was thrown and hit Hunter in the chest.

-Mabel, what are you...
-It's not me, it's her," Mabel said in shock, looking at Pacifica.
-I don't know how to shoot but I can aim at a nerd with a bad hair style like nobody's business!
-Okay, that's it!

Sprig jumped to land next to Hunter.

-Look, if your uncle is honest, go back to the castle, ask him your questions and then you can start chasing us again. But if you think something is wrong with us or anyone else, you should investigate. Smart people ask questions.

Doubt flashed in Hunter's eyes but they were interrupted by a horrible dragon-like creature made of hands.

-What the hell is that? Wirt shouted.
-It is reptienlien but with paws like Anne, says with disgust Polly.
-I think he's cute," says Star.
-Me too, says Greg.
-Uh, Amity," said Dipper. -What are the eating habits of this creature?
-Carnivore with net preference for still alive, replied the witch.
-I think we should worry about what's on his back," says Lilith.

A small being of red colour and dressed in white was riding the beast.

-A friend of yours?" asked Ford.
-Let's call her a former co-worker.

The beast landed near where Hunter and Sprig were.

-Kikimora," Hunter said with relief. -You received my message.
-Yes Golden Guard, we learned about the intruders who broke into the emperor's castle before kidnapping and unfortunately killing you.
-What?
-Move!

The dragon tried to close its jaws on Hunter and the pink frog, they narrowly avoided it.

-Sprig!
-We have to help them!" shouted Luz.

Ford drew his weapon and dashed forward followed by Star who had grabbed her mace.

-Those who need a weapon, follow me," shouted Coraline.
-There's no way you're going to fight," Stan said angrily.
-Will they give us a choice?" asked Norman, pointing to the beast.
-Get some glyph, says Luz.

This was going to be their baptism by fire but they had no other option. She handed some to Dipper, Mabel, Marco and Anne.

-Ok, so remember there are four glyphs: light, ice, fire and plant...
-But you can combine them to create other effects, says Dipper recalling the notes he had made in his journals.
-Magic that works through art and imagination, perfect for me! says Mabel.
-I will do my best," says Anne.
-I will take some for Star, says Marco.
-I've got your back," said Amity as she conjured up another abomination.

Polly jumped to join Coraline followed by Norman, Wirt and Greg.

-Ok, I have swords, knives, crossbow, electric stick, stick, axe...
-Dip on the sword! shouted Polly.
-You're not going to..." Wirt began before seeing Coraline hand the weapon to the tadpole.
-Leaving her defenseless against this horror? You can bet on it!
-I would like to borrow one of your toys," said Eclipsa.

*****

-Stan?
-Yes, Eda?
-Don't freak out.
-Because of the hand-monstrosity dragon that is about to slaughter us? I can freak out and kick his ass at the same time!
-No, I mean...you wanted to see the owl beast, right?
-Oh.

******

-King, come back here," said Lilith holding back the little demon.
-They need me," King said, struggling.

He finally lets out a cry of frustration causing Lilith to drop him. Despite this, the scream continued to grow to the point of being deafening.

-How does he do that?" asked Anne, trying to cover her ears.
-I don't know," says Luz.

The hand dragon seemed to be affected by the scream, causing it to recoil and giving Hunter and Sprig a chance to flee.

-But don't let them run away, atta...Ahh!
-You will leave this young man in peace now! Ford shouted continuing to fire his laser gun.

Kikimora tried to throw a fireball in his direction but Star stuck something against her mace before hitting the fireball which turned to ice and send it back to the demoness.

-You have nothing to envy your ancestors, says Ford impressed.
-And that's just fine for me," says Star with a smile.

A ball of light enveloped Sprig who grabbed Hunter with his tongue. The two boys find themselves at Mabel's feet holding her grapnel with glyphs drawn on it.

-What was that?" asked Hunter in shock.
-Grappling light shield, said Mabel proudly. -You're welcome.

A strange plant began to grow around the dragon's tail, preventing it from moving.

-It works!" shouted Dipper with joy.

*****

Kikimura stood up, her head still spinning.

-Do not move.

The demoness saw a blue-haired girl aiming her with a crossbow.

-You think I'm afraid of your ridiculous toy? I am part of the emperor's coven!
-I don't really care," replied Coraline. -I just wanted you to look at me.
-Wha..AAAAAHHH!!!

Eclipsa had just electrocuted her with Coraline's tasez.

-I need to do an umbrella trick with this toy that has integrity afterwards," says Eclipsa.
-I've got a guy who can do that for you when we get back," says Coraline amused.

*****

-Sprig, are you okay?" asked Anne.
-You should ask him that," said the pink frog, referring to Hunter.
-Why Kikimura would...
-She is evil, said in chorus the other two.

*****

A large monstrous creature attacked the dragon. A creature with a massive body, fangs and black eyes. Much smaller than the dragon but combined with the efforts of the others, seemed to force the dragon to retreat. He recovered his mistress with his tail before fleeing.

-What is this thing?" asked Wirt in horror.
-She's not a thing!" said King.
-It's Eda," says Stan.

With no opponent to fight, the owl beast suddenly turned its attention to its allies.

Chapter Text

-Luz?" asked Dipper.
-Yes?
-What do we do with ...Eda Owl?
-Normally, she has a potion for that to manage it but...It doesn't really work anymore.
-Do you have more good news like that?" asked Pacifica.

Eda let out a growl, causing many to back away while others drew their weapons.

-Ford, what do you think you're doing?" shouted Stan.
-I want to knock her out...
-The hell you do!
-Lilith," asked Star. -What are the alternatives?
-Nothing, said the witch. -My sister's curse is getting harder and harder to deal with and more difficult to suppress with time.
-A curse? said Mabel. -Grunkle Stan, you have to use the true love kiss!
-Not sure I can do that before she eats my face.
-It's not that kind of curse," says Lilith.
-I have some stuff in my bag that might help," says Coraline.
-Girl, no offense, but what you have is your bag...," began Anne.
-I mean, I have some stuff that can knock a horse out.
-How did you get that?" asked Wirt.
-It doesn't matter," says Coraline. -Maybe we can put a little in a steak, give it to her and let nature take its course.
-You know that we already have many biological differences with humans and Eda in this form even more?Amity remarked. -No way if it's going to work. It could even make her more aggressive or hurt her!
-Well, the local, if you have a plan go ahead, I'm listening!
-Are you even sure she's dangerous? asked Eclipsa.
-Are you serious?" asked Hop Pop.
-I mean, is she mischievous? Or just an animal that doesn't know any better?
-Luz, Lilith? asked Star.
-No idea," said Luz.
-What difference does it make?" asked Norman.
-You can try to reason with her," says Fran Bow.
-What?
-This is an awesome fact! Greg with enthusiasm.
-Fran, I don't speak beastly owl!
-Do the same as with Abigail or Stan.
-Abigail got me into her mind and I wasn't even in Stan's!
-Please don't ever say it like that again," says Stan.
-Could someone give us Fran Bow's part of the dialogue? asked Marco. -It's hard to follow.
-And make it quick," Sprig said as he watched Eda approach with a growl.
-Norman?

The teenager turned to see King approaching him.

-Fran says you can help Eda. I promise I won't take it out on you if you fail, I...I want you to help her. She's almost my mom...
-King, I...
-Young Demon, I sympathise with your situation, loving Anne as much as my other grandchildren despite the obvious biological difference. BUT SHE STILL TRYING TO EAT US UP!
-GRRRR!!!!
-If we immobilize Eda, do you think you can communicate with her?" asked Ford.

Norman saw Fran nodding.

-I think so, he finally said.
-We're really going to try it on a maybe? ask Wirt.
-I think we have no more choice, says Marco while Eda tried to attack Hop Pop.

She was stopped by Hunter who sent a magic jet to her face.

-I still don't trust you but the situation is...
-Hey! Same for me!" says King.
-I'm sorry, Eda," Luz said, using a plant glyph to hold her back as the beast howled.

Dipper, Marco, Mabel and Star join her. Coraline grabbed her boyfriend and turned to Sprig.

-If she just blinks aggressively, you bring him back with your tongue at top speed!
-Yes miss!
-I have his back," says Polly.
-I think having her loved ones near her might help," said Eclipsa, motioning for Lilith, Stan and King to join them.
-The rest should stay away, says Amity. -Too many people around could make her panic.
-Fran says to hurry up, says Greg.

Eda was screaming, struggling, and the vines were about to snap any minute.

-I'm sorry, Eda, normally I would really like to have your consent and...
-Guys, we don't have all day!

Norman sighed before grabbing the creature's face.

-Let's go, he heard Fran Bow say.

*****

Norman found himself on a beach.

-It's pretty," says Fran.
-Yeah, I was preparing for something more disturbing," says Norman.
-Like?
-You're too young for that," Norman said, ruffling her hair.

His heart sinks, being able to touch Fran is something incredible. Not a doll but this little girl they found him and Coraline. This little girl who has already suffered too much and died before Norman and Cora's parents were even born. Death is inevitable but that doesn't mean that part of you doesn't wish things were different.

-Do we explore?" asked Fran.
-I don't feel too comfortable delving into Eda's private thoughts. Let's just try to find her and the beast.
-Okay...Can I still hold your hand?
-Of course you can," said Norman, holding out his hand.
-I wish I could do that with Coraline too.
-I'm sure she will love it too.
-You are ruining my life! They both heard.
-I think we should go this way," says Fran.

******

-Is this normal?" asked Marco showing Eda and Norman looks empty.
-Has anything been normal since the beginning of this story? Pacifica replied.
-Coraline," asked Dipper.-You've been together for a long time, do you...
-I don't know," said Coraline dryly.-The psychic abilities that run in Norman's family were not very explored because of the tendency to end up on the end of a rope, in an asylum or just being the object of ridicule. He had started to really experiment with his powers maybe a year before we met.
-Tell me more, says Mabel.
-Seeing and talking to the dead, visions of the future or past, possession, a possibility of necromancy...
-Necromancy? shouted several of the group members.
-I meant your meeting with Norman," said Mabel.
-Another time,Coraline sighed before continuing. -He never did, but one of his ancestors did," says Coraline. -In her defence, it was seven idiot witch-hunters who had her hanged and probably many others before her.
-When you put it that way, it doesn't really make you want to cry for them," says Amity.
-For what it's worth, having spent the next few centuries trapped in rotting corpses as monsters hunted by villagers has made them develop empathy, says Coraline.
-But he is not a witch.

Everyone turned to Hunter after he asked the question.

-No, he's a medium," says Wirt. -The blonde with horns on the other hand is an ancient witch, right?
-Not exactly, says Star. -I am descended from humans but we had mutated because of magic.
-The inhabitants of Mewnie are probably one of the species that have influenced the representation of fairies, says Ford. -Human size, butterfly wings, wand, eccentric fashion, allow incredible miracle but also terrible curse. Honestly, the concept of a witch is incredibly broad and complex, not to mention the variations from one dimension to another.
-Why do you want to know that?" asked Sprig to Hunter.
-And more importantly, did we quit being enemies?" asked Dipper.
-Welcome to the gang," Greg said as he tried to jump into Hunter's arms.
-Maybe go slow," said Hop Pop, stopping him. -Young man, do you want to leave or stay with us?
-What?" said Polly, King and Hunter in chorus.
-None of the options are good, Hunter complains.
-If we promise not to re-attach you? asked Anne.

*****

The beast was struggling trying to flee to the water but still held back by the red thread that bound to Eda.

-You don't want to be here either? asked the witch.
-Eclipsa was right, it is not evil, says Fran Bow. -It's really adorable actually!
-It hurt my father, forced me to leave my lovers and made me an outcast. This thing is harmful...What are you two doing here?" asked Eda when she saw the two young people.
-We're trying to help," Norman said uncomfortably. -But if you want us to leave...
-Honestly, I don't really care," says Eda. -I've been fighting with him for so long.
-I know it's not easy, but I've learned the hard way that sometimes monsters are more complicated, especially when they are linked to curses," says Norman.
-Did someone you know get cursed?
-My ancestor cursed the people who killed her for the crime of being different.
-I would think you would appreciate it.
-They had realized their mistake and going down to the same level as them is not something I want to become.

Fran took Norman's hand knowing he was thinking of someone else besides Abigail.

-Whoa, kid, you're mature.
-I'm trying," says Norman amused.
-Hey mini ghost don't...
-They won't hurt me," Fran Bow said, leaning toward the beast.

The beast let itself be touched by the child without showing any aggression.

-They are just tired.
-Well, that gives us something in common," said Eda in frustration.

Fran continued to play with the creature to Eda's great fascination.

-I know she's dead but still, she's not afraid of anything this kid.
-She's dealt with worse," says Norman. -I don't doubt that this creature is dangerous and has prevented you from having a normal life, but if Fran says it's not bad, I know she knows what she is talking about.
-At this point, says Eda thinking.
-Yes.
-What's that?" asked Fran, pointing to the golden wave bringing bottles to the beach.
-Oh that," said Eda, picking one up. -That's what I thought helped me fight the curse.

Eda stared at the creature's face before continuing:
-Maybe it was the wrong strategy. I don't want to be there but neither does he.
-So what are you going to do?" asked Fran.

Eda took the bottle and opened it to let some of the golden liquid flow into her hand before presenting it to the beast.

-Do you think? Shall we call a truce? For now at least.

The beast seems to hesitate before starting to lick the liquid in Eda's hand before jumping on Eda's lap who, to her own surprise, started to caress her.

-It looks promising," says Norman.
-Time for fusion dance! says Fran bow.
-What are you talking about...

*****

-Norman?

The young man opened his eyes to see his girlfriend, Dipper and Sprig leaning over him.

-Oh, hi," Norman said as he tried to stand up.
-Easy, Norm, you were in trance for at least half an hour," said Coraline.
-It seemed shorter to me. Did it work?
-I think so," said Sprig, pointing to the sky.

A scarlet figure was flying.

-What's that?
-My ex-wife!

Chapter Text

Eda was flying. Not because of Albert but because of herself. It is an intoxicating sensation. When she got back down to the ground, she heard a whistle.

-Eda, you look so cool! says Luz.
-Thank kiddo.Do you like what you see? Eda asked Stan mockingly.
-I wish I could have seen it on our wedding night," said Stan.
-Ok, let's calm down the old furry, said Wirt, plugging his brother's ears.
-What's a furry?" asked Greg.

Wirt grunted as he heard several more chuckles of his misery.

-What if we focus on Eda's new powers first? asked Marco.
-You can reach a higher form, says Star in shock.

She tried not to think about her own insectoid form and the jealousy that came with it.

-So, it's settled then? from Sprig.
-It looks like it," says Eda.
-Edalyne, this is amazing," said Lilith.
-I agree with you," says Ford.
-If the curse is a being with a conscience, can we even call it that? Dipert asked as he opened his own journal. -Are we closer to a form of possession?
-It is indeed a very interesting theory...

While Dipper and Ford discussed theories, King threw himself into Eda's arms.

-I'm so happy you're ok!
-Me too! laughs Eda.
-Do you think you can change from one form to another freely? asked Lilith.
-They's got something to say about it, but if we can get along, yes," replied her sister. -Why? Would you like to try?
-We'll see," says Lilith quickly and uncomfortably.
-I could help," says Star.
-With your experience of transforming power into a superior form of combat? asked Ford.
-Just say super saiyan, say Anne.
-Or just come to the point," says Coraline.
-That or I thought I'd take her curse...
-What?" say Ford and Marco in chorus.
-Well, I've got experience...
-It's not exactly the same animal, princ...Star," says Ford.
-Both are mutations into more animalistic forms caused by wild magic, says Eclipsa.
-You're not actually saying...
-I said similar, Hop Pop, not identical," clarified Eclipsa. -And while it will be fascinating to experiment, I'm not sure that we have the means, the opportunity or the desire to test the moral limits associated with this.
-Ok, good point but it's up to Lilith to decide if she wants...
-No.
-No? Star asked in shock.
-As tempting as it is, my sister has this curse because of me. I'm not going to spread it to other innocent people, even with their consent.
-Did you create it?" asked Dipper, already starting to take notes.
-No! I just...
-If we knew who created it, we'd have gone to see them a long time ago, Eda interrupted them.-And since we're talking about new talent, don't think I haven't noticed yours!
-My sonic scream? Haha! This is the proof that I am a powerful demon!
-You're more than that, says Fran Bow amused.

King turned his head towards the ghostly figure and asked:
-Do you know what I am?
-Of course, says Fran.
-...WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO BEFORE?
-...I thought you knew," Fran Bow said sheepishly.
-Okay, someone tell her get in the doll or one of you weirdo who sees ghosts tell me what's going on because I want the tea, says Anne.
-I'll do it," says Greg.
-I'm lost," says Hunter.
-Hey, don't worry, we'll help you keep up," said Sprig.
-We'll be watching you very closely," says Amity.
-Fran Bow points to the ground, says Greg.
-...King is a worm? asked Polly.
-He doesn't have the characteristics of an insect demon, say Lilith and Ford at the same time.
-No, she says that all this was born from my father.
-I'm not sure I understand," said Mabel.
-She's not implying that... says Amity in shock.
-Implies what?" asked Hop Pop.
-Eda? asked Luz in shock.
-The place where I found him was well kept but I never thought...
-But will someone answer? The suspense is killing me!" shouted Polly.
-Oh my Titan! Lilith exclaimed before falling to the ground.
-But what are you doing?" asked Wirt.
-I guess it's a big deal," says Coraline as Luz nods in confirmation.
-There's a resemblance," Ford acknowledged. -He's like...what do you call it again, Mabel? When they need an adorable version of a scary creature?
-They make a cutie out of them!
-Hey, he indeed looks like a cutie of a Titan.
-Titan as in Greek mythology? asked Dipper.
-If you mean a colossal being with a creative power linked to the very conception of the universe there, yes, Eclipsa explained.
-So this thing is a legendary pokemon, actually," said Pacifica.
-The boiling islands are born from a Titan body, says Amity.
-...So what, he's demon Jesus?" asked Coraline.
-Don't think it's the right mythology, Dipper says.
-King? Luz asked worried.
-...I need François!

And King runs off to the tent.

*****

-No!" cried Eda. -Give him some space.
-But he's a Titan! cried Lilith.
-I also think that from a scientific point of view, we should...
-Pointdexter, not that I'm the best at making decisions, but do you remember the last time you interacted with a super-powered entity?
-Hey, don't compare my kid to that evil nacho!

Luz sighed as she watched the sibling duo battle it out.

-Can someone please elaborate on this Titan story? asked Dipper, notebook in hand.
-Hot tea for everyone, please," says Anne, with Mabel and Pacifica nodding approvingly.
-I'll do my best," says Amity.
-If not, I can explain for you," says Hunter.
-No offense, Hunter," says Marco. -But if that's your uncle's version, I'd like an alternative.
-My family and the Magic Council did the same to us in my home dimension," says Star.
-What was it?" asked Hunter.
-Mewni.
-Ah, I remember my uncle was interested in an alliance with you.
-Really?
-Why does everyone accept the existence of multiple dimensions without further resistance? complains Wirt.
-Because it seems ridiculously accessible in a world where it's considered a myth so imagine where it's seen as normal," says Coraline.
-Question on that, says Sprig. -If King is this level of ...power? Could things like this Bill be drawn to him?
-Not that we want to use him as bait, it's more like...He's still a tadpole like me so he's missing some pieces.
-And Bill had the ability to possess people. He needed their consent, but he was good at manipulating them, I know that from experience," says Dipper.
-And I suppose the chances are it's a talent of his own rather than a common ability of his species," says Amity.
-They are practically non-existent, Mabel growled.
-Nobody's going to touch King," says Luz.
-Of course not, he's the king of demons," says Pacifica mockingly.
-And a Titan.

Half the group gasped (and Coraline pulled out a weapon) before realising it was just Eclipsa.

-Gosh, no wonder they call you the Queen of Darkness," says Anne.
-I didn't mean to frighten you," said Eclipsa, amused.
-Can we go and see King?" asked Greg.
-I think that apart from Luz, he should perhaps be left alone," says Hop Pop as he joins them. -No offense to the little ghost, but she dropped quite a bomb on him.
-I didn't mean to!!!!! cried the doll in a discordant voice.
-What the hell is that?
-That? asked Coraline threateningly as Norman held the doll against him.
-Wrong move, buddy," says Mabel in Hunter's ear.
-Let's update Hunter while Luz goes to see King," suggested Amity.
-You're the best," says Luz, squeezing Amity before heading off to the tent.
-Why is Amity all red?" asked Greg of his brother.-Is she allergic to Luz?
-Quite the opposite, my dear Gregorie," says an amused Mabel, casting knowing glances at Star.

Chapter Text

King still hasn't come out of the tent.

-You know, we've got time to waste," says Mabel to Coraline.
-Meaning?
-You and Norman," says Mabel. -Monster hunter and psychic! It's almost a little like Romeo and Juliet.
-I'm curious too," says Anne.
-Same, says Pacifica.
-Me too, says Sprig.
-Only if there's violence in it," says Polly.
-Oh, there are," said an amused Coraline. -So it all began with children disappearing...

*****

Stan sighed, leaning against a tree.

-What's wrong?" asked Hop Pop.
-Apart from the whole mess with my brother, my ex-sister-in-law, my ex, her demon Jesus kid and the rest?
-..Yes?
-Since we've got one more kid and King probably wants his privacy, we'll have to rearrange the tents.
-Coraline and I can share one," says Norman.
-Oh kid, if you think we're going to leave you alone with your girlfriend," says Stan.
-Why? ask Hop Pop.
-Seriously?" asked Stan. -You have children! You're 17, you're not just thinking about consequences, and nine months later...
-Ah, realized Hop Pop. -It's true, it's more risky for you mammals.
-Risk for us? says Stan insult.

Norman tapped something on his phone and showed it to him. Stan began to read before exclaiming:
-Whoa! Sure like that, it's hard to have an accident.
-With this too," says Norman, holding up a small box. -We're not stupid and our parents let us sleep in each other's houses.
-You don't want to end up with 2 children," says Hop Pop.
-2?
-Fran Bow. Just because she's dead doesn't mean she doesn't count, says Hop Pop. -I'm speaking from experience.

Norman, like Stan, understood at once. No mention of Sprig and Polly's parents had made the situation clear.

-Yeah, Fran is great," says Norman. -I'm glad we found her.
-How did it happen, anyway?
-It's really simple, we'd been working together for 1 year and we heard these rumors of haunting in this old abandoned asylum.

******

4 years ago

-I can't believe you wanted to come with me," says Coraline's mother.
-Hey, an excursion is an excursion and the landscape is pretty," replied her daughter.

She's lying. This place a glorified dump. But it's a glorified dump with a worrying number of missing children. A very special kind of child. Those who are not or think they were not wanted. The latest victim (Hiro) was a Japanese immigrant boy. Dirty predator, all the same. She can't exactly go to the police for that so it's up to her. Maybe if it's lucky, she'll blow its head off rather than let it starve to death.

*****
Norman ran. He had to find her before it was too late.

-Misfortune? Misfortune, where are you? Please!

Norman sees the fox with his boots and bag.

-Ok, could you be a little more pro-active please?

The fox shrugged.

-Really? Norman says in frustration. -Look, I...

Benjamin then turned his head towards the street and ran.

-Hey, what are you doing? Wait, we have to find Misfortune! Norman said, running after him.

Blinded by the urgency of the situation, he continues to run before being stopped by a hand.

-Are you trying to kill yourself or what?

She's about his age, with blue hair, hazel eyes, a trumpet nose and a false Mandy Millier look.

-What?
-You almost ran into the traffick," said the girl in irritation.
-Oh, sorry, I'm trying to catch up with someone," says Norman.
-Who? Maybe I've seen them.

A bipedal fox walking between dimensions wearing boots and carrying a rucksack.

-Oh, that's all right, I can manage...
-Do you know how suspicious it sounds to chase after someone, refuse to tell me who they are and all that during a wave of disappearances? said the blue-haired girl sarcastically.
-You're the first person who seems to care," says Norman looking at the posters on the wall already torn and scribbled.

*****

-The worst thing is that he said it in a really surprised tone," Coraline told the others. -None of us were locals and apart from some parents, we were the only ones who cared.

****

-Does that entitle me to a prize? Coraline asks mockingly.
-I can buy you a cookie and write icing on it: Meets minimun standart of human decency, if you want, says the boy with a flattop.
-Never accept sweets from strangers.

His gaze then moved down to her chest (the beginning of her chest, let's say) but before she could break his nose, he said:
-You got an adder stone?

Coraline looks down at her necklace. Miss Spink and Miss Forcible had given her a pile in their will.

-Yeah, not that I believe in that kind of new age nonsense but it looks cool so.
-Yeah, most of it's just worthless jewelry," says Norman, without taking his eyes off the necklace.

Not yours, though.
Perhaps he should take a chance.

-My name is Norman Babcock. What's yours?
-Coraline Jones but you're still a stranger.
-A stranger like you, trying to understand what's going on here," says Norman. -We both want to work it out, but we don't want to say everything either.
-So what do we do?" asked Coraline sarcastically. -We swear on our cats' heads that our attentions are noble?
-I'm more of a dog person.
-Not helping.
-Okay, if I showed my credentials, that would help? And then you tell me yours.
-Deal, Coraline agreed.
-I see dead people.
-...OK, we've finished," said Coraline as she turned to leave.
-Hey, I'm telling the truth!
-Oh sure," Coraline said with disgust. -If you'll excuse me, I've got more important things to do than play with an idiot trying to make himself interesting by exploiting others!
-Look at me with your adder stone," says Norman defiantly.
-What?
-Look at me through your collar and you'll know I'm telling the truth," says Norman.

Call it trauma, but he can't handle being called crazy and a liar.
Coraline looked at him, now hesitant before obeying. What she sees in the hole in the stone shocks her:
There's a sort of greenish-yellow energy emanating from his body. Like lightning trying to escape his body.

-You believe me now?

To have a pretty girl throw you up against the wall and cling to your body is the dream of many. The Swiss Army knife to the throat is probably more optional.

-What are you and what have you done with these children?
-Take this off!

*****

-Wait, you held him hostage with a knife and nobody intervened? ask Anne.
-I think I was too subtle in my description of this trash can of a place," retorted Coraline.

*****

-Not until you answer me!
-I'm human! I just have abilities...
-Not the first time I've heard that," continued Coraline. -Is that why you look like an electric storm?
-Same! Eletric storm? You really see me! The first person in my family known to have this kind of power was tortured and killed at the age of 11 and the town built its economy on it!
-You are from Blithe Hollow?
-Yup. And it doesn't get any better: my family tree is full of suicides, forced internment in asylums and rampant addiction problems. Me? I was lucky, all I had to endure was mockery and insults. You see, that's why I don't shout it from the rooftops! I thought that...I don't know, the necklace and the fact that you know something fishy is going on in this town had me hoping for better reaction.

The Swiss Army knife leaves Norman's throat. It's a start.

-A bad experience," says Coraline. -And those after weren't much better. For the moment, the majority seems to be chaotic evil. But...
-But...?

Coraline sighed before asking:
-Wasn't that someone you were chasing? It was something else.
-That's not what attacks children, Norman says quickly.
-Ok. Was it an animal?
-...Yes," Norman replied hesitantly.
-My only ally when that thing came after me was an animal.
-You trust the fox more than me?
-So it was indeed a fox," said Coraline.
-You seen Benjamin?
-Has he got a name? The cat never let me give him one.
-Do you talk to animals?" Norman asked in shock.
-No. Not really... Just when I was in this very specific dimension.
-I want to catch him but you have to explain this while we walk!
-Does he know where this creature is?
-And his latest victim.

*****

-I hope it's getting more romantic," complains Mabel.
-Depends on your definition," says Coraline, amused.

******

-Okay," said Norman as the two ran into the woods. -Something you should know first...
-If you want to tell me that their victim is already dead, I suspected it already," retorts Coraline.
-How..?
-You see the dead, right? Then you must have seen the first stage. Because that's another thing my experiences have taught me. The horror doesn't stop with your heart beating with them.
-You're right," sighed Norman. -You're so freaking right!
-Anything else I should know?
-His victim's name is Misfortune Ramirez Hernandez.
-Misfortune?
-Yeah, her parents wanted to know what they thought of her from the day she was born.

*****

-You can't be serious, says Sprig.
-The worst is yet to come," said Coraline sadly.

******

-They sound like parents of the year," says Coraline.
-Yeah, says Norman. -The father is a brute but the mother, I don't know, she just seems to be in a bad situation.
-And the creature?" asked Coraline.
-I don't know what it is," Norman admitted. -Just an idea of what it's like.
-Go on.
-He wants to play with them. But what he considers a game...
-Deadly, and they're just replaceable toys," concludes Coraline. -It's the Beldam all over again!
-Beldam?
-Yeah, she was all about playing with me, sewing buttons over my eyes and sucking all the love out of me until I died. Well, I suppose that's a bit of good news, I was expecting to have to look harder with what I'd found to know how to kill it!
-Can you elaborate on both points?
-You're depriving them of their food source. And wait, it's in my stuff," said Coraline, stopping to search the bag.

She took out a sheet of paper on which symbols had been drawn.

-I've checked, it looks like solid stuff and not just random wicka symbols. Do you recognise any of these?

Norman took the sheet and his expression changed.

-Benjamin showed them to me. I think that's why he and that thing were able to come here.
-Coming here?
-In this dimension. How else did your Beldam get here?
-Either she did it herself or those who helped her get here did it centuries ago. This was carved into the fence not long ago.
-What fence?
-The house next to the rubbish dump, very close to the road.

And suddenly for Norman, the mask fell.

******

-What does he understand? Pacifica asked.
-That we had a worse monster than Morgo," said Coraline.

*****

-What's that..." began Norman.
-We're on his turf," says Coraline.

Her gaze is now cold and haunted.

-It's time to play his twisted game.
-Played his game?
-They love to play, even at the cost of their own safety. But they're all cheats," says Coraline, pulling a retractable baton from her bag. -You want a weapon?

At the same time, something is projected in their direction. Something hairy and orange.

-Benjamin? Norman said in horror.

The fox coughs and tries to move but clearly has more broken bones, if not worse. Norman takes off his jacket and tries to pick him up, but he shakes his head. The fox tries to push his bag towards them.

-Do you want us to take it?" asked Coraline.

God, she really trusts animals more than him," realises Norman.
The fox nods.

-Misfortune," says Norman.
-Ready to kick some monster ass? ask Coraline.
-It's not my first time.

****

-You hit Benjamin! Misfortune screams.
-This repulsive ball of fur never stops bothering us! growled Morgo.
-I don't want to play with meanies like you! Misfortune continued to shout.
-I think you heard the lady," says Norman.

Morgo turned to the two newcomers and gave them what Coraline thought was a smile.

-Look, you've got two new and improved friends here!
-I know the boy with the spiky hair," says Misfortune. -You're a friend of Benjamin's!
-Yes! My name is Norman! Please come with...
-Watch out!" shouted Coraline, pushing the boy aside as Morgo threw a field of flame at him.
-No!!!!

Misfortune had rushed to strike the creature, much to his confusion.

-You don't even know them.
-Norman is a friend of Benjamin's and the blue-haired girl is his! That's good enough for me!
-Norman, can you save me some time?" asked Coraline.
-I'll try," says the boy.

His gaze is drawn to something on the floor, fallen from Misfortune's bag: Nine little straw dolls. With something crying and screaming inside.

-Misfortune! Throw me the dolls!

The little girl understands and abandons Morgo, who is showing signs of confusion:
-What dolls?

Doesn't he see them?" thought a surprised Norman. Maybe he can change that.
Misfortune tossed him the bag and the dolls fell around him.

-I know you're scared, I know you're in pain, I know you're confused and think no one cares about you. I care about you, Coraline here cares for you, Benjamin and Misfortune too. And there were other people who cared about you. And I'm sure you care to stop that lying bastard from continuing to tell you that he's the only one who wants you to use you for his own pleasure! Take what you need," concludes Norman, digging his fingers into one of the dolls.

****

Coraline rummaged through the bag and found what she hoped was the Fox's secret weapon. A kind of scepter with a giant Diamonds at the end. The fox had tried to use it against the parasite, but failed. It was going to have to be more aggressive.
Coraline rummaged in her own bag. She'd used it before, but never on a live target. She glanced at Norman. His yellow eyes flashed again and she could see nine little balls of light attacking Morgo. She could also see the blood dripping from his nose and hear his wheezing.

****

-Norman has incredible powers," says Coraline. -But his body can't keep up.

******

Baptism by fire, it is!
Coraline placed the sceptre in her crossbow as best she could. She hesitates for a moment. The anatomy is difficult to compare with that of humans. Aim for the red stone in his chest or his eye? If it doesn't seriously injure his eye, it will at least blind him, she decides.
She shoots and the sceptre sinks into Morgo's eye. It seems to annoy him at most.

-Is it?
-Oh, come on...groaned Coraline.

And then this stupid sceptre decides to work. The light bursts forth and Morgo screams with a thousand screams, Coraline can feel it resonating inside her. It's frightening before it becomes pathetic. Morgo desperately tried to reach out to Misfortune, who refused the slightest contact.The balls of light glow with a brightness that makes him recoil. Out of desperation, the creature sets about opening a rift between the worlds and running in and out of sight.
He is injured, the thing that injured him is stuck in his eye, continuing its damage, he is without food, in his hole unable to get out. Maybe she should follow him anyway to finish the job...
As she approached the crack, she felt a small paw stop her.

-Even if you tell me it's basically a baby, that's not going to stop me opening its head like a melon," says Coraline to Benjamin.

Benjamin says nothing but he shows her something.
There are 2 Normans. The first is holding Misfortune's hand and the second is on the ground, blood pouring from his eyes and desperately trying to breathe.

*****

-Norman's dead? scream Sprig.
-He's literally been with us from the start," sighed Pacifica.
-The living dead do exist," says Anne.
-Let her finish," ordered Mabel.

******

-I think I've overdone it," says Norman.
-I want to change my gifs," says Misfortune sadly.
-Your gift?
-I wanted to give mommy eternal happiness. Because it's my fault if everything goes wrong in her life, it's because she couldn't have an abozion.
-...We're in New Mexico," says Norman. -It's not...
-I want you to have my gift. You and the blue-haired girl. You help Hiro.
-Misfortune...
-Oh bloody no, not on my watch! screamed Coraline.

Norman's body continues to receive spam and she decides to go all out. Coraline starts squeezing Norman's chest and giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

******

-AAAAHHH!!! Your first kiss with him was a lifesaver!
-Okay, first of all, I think it only counts if you're dating and Norman and I only started a year after that," says Coraline. -And secondly, have you ever given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? He was in cardiac arrest with blood flowing from his orifices and other bodily fluids. I'm not a fussy girl but I like it more relaxed and clean.

******

-Coraline, I don't think it's going to work...
-Shut up and try to breathe instead!
-Benjamin! Misfortune shouted with joy.

The fox had joined them. Still wounded, but with an expression of joy on his face.

-Benjamin, can you help Norman? Please!

The fox nodded and approached the teenager's body. He presses his paws on Norman's chest and nods to Coraline to continue her mouth-to-mouth.
It's not as if they've got much to lose," realizes Coraline before starting again. Suddenly she felt something against her mouth.

-Aw...Everything hurts.
-Would you rather be dead?" asked Coraline, laughing but feeling tears welling up too.
-Only if you put me out of my misery...cough...Seriously, I need pain killers.
-Are you going to be okay?

Norman and Coraline would then remember the dead little girl.

-Yes, Misfortune, I'll be fine.
-You too, Caroline?
-Yes, little Blessing," said the girl.
-That's not my name.
-Caroline isn't mine, either. Find the right one and I'll do the same.
-K.
-What do we do now? ask Norman.
-If Benjamin can travel between dimensions, I'd like to make sure that's the end of Morgo," says Coraline.

The fox shook his head, pointed to the dolls and took Misfortune's hand.

-I think he's only got enough either to help Morgo's victims or destroy him," says Norman.
-I see," sighed Coraline. -Well, we'll just have to hope that the bastard dies in terrible pain, otherwise I'll be there.
-You can use my wish," says Misfortune.
-You're wish?
-Misfortune gives us the wish she wanted for her mother, that of eternal happiness," says Norman.
-Whoa," said Coraline, realising. -That's really generous, Blessing. Thank you.

******

-Is that why your relationship is so strong?" asked Mabel.
-Maybe," says Coraline. -They say that trauma helps you to bond.
-Trauma? ask Sprig.
-The end of the story...I don't know how happy it is, let's say.

*****

-I can't exactly say what she did to the police, just points in the right direction," said Coraline, looking at the road where the body of a little girl lay.
Misfortune. She had left an anonymous message anyway.
-I'll take care of it," says Norman. -You can come if you like...
-Of course I'm coming, it's non-negotiable. Have you looked at yourself? You look like a zombie.
-Nah, believe me, I've seen it, I've look better.

*****

When the door opens, Coraline has to stop herself from gagging. The smell of the house like the woman is absolutely foul. Like her soul, one must believe. She has a bottle of surprisingly good booze in her hand compared to the remains of the house.

-What fuck do you want?
-We're friends of Misfortune," says Norman.

She laughs and asks:
-Really?

Looking back, Coraline realizes that they're far too old, and that she's probably never seen them...

-She has no friends, explains Mrs. Hernandez taking a sip from her bottle.
-She had friends," Norman said coldly. -Her best friend's name was Hiro.
-He's disappeared," said Coraline. -His parents are worried sick...
-It's not my fucking problem what little Vietnamese...
-Japanese," says Coraline.
-Who care, I...
-You should if you're responsible for their deaths," says Norman.

Silence and surprise before she says:
-No. I don't know these stupid crouch gobling!
-And that's the worst part," says Coraline. -Not only have you caused the death of your daughter, but of at least 9 other children.
-She's dead?

Omg, Coraline wishes the police were here. Because when you shout that with a smile like I've just won the lottery, that's got to count as circumstantial evidence, right?

-Yeah, she is," Norman says coldly. -The little girl who just wanted you to be happy at the expense of herself, despite the fact that you'd been abusing her since she was born.
-I've been taking care of it for 8 years and I never wanted it! cried the woman.
-Why didn't you have an abortion then?" asked Coraline.
-I couldn't because the country had made it illegal...
-Not only are you a monster, you're stupid!" screamed Norman. -Many states have made abortion virtually impossible for women. But not New Mexico, where we find ourselves. It's a state with the latest delay allowed, without consultation, parental permission or any other stupid rule! And if it really took you 8 months to realize you were pregnant, well, there's a law that allows you to drop your child off at a hospital without having to give your name, the reason why...
-It was just as well! My mom wanted me to stay in school or get a job and stop seeing my boyfriend, otherwise she was going to kick me out! When she found out about the parasite, she finally left me in peace! Well, almost! Oh, don't drink! Don't smoke! It'll hurt the baby! And then this bitch leaves me this stupid dump because me and Thierry got married because his stupid family insisted! She ruined my life! And she should give me double what I get in compensation for that! She can have the brat, I don't care!
-She gives you money?Misfortune thought you had (kissed) some mens to feed her other than these rotting rabbits! Where did it go?
-It's a good bottle she's got and her clothes... they're pretty good brands for someone who lives in a dump like this," says Coraline.
-Shut up, you...

*****

-Whoa...," Anne cried in horror. -Who says that to a 13-year-old girl?
-The same kind of person who summons a demon from another dimension to give him her daughter, whom she's been abusing since birth.

******

-Classie lady, Coraline said, unimpressed. -Where's the book?
-Book?
-That you used to call Morgo," says Coraline. -Or are you going to tell me that you've just googled how to offer my kid to Satan in exchange for beer?
-You're nuts!
-We found your inscriptions and your filthy little bag right next to where your daughter's body lies," says Coraline. -Don't worry, the police called and we didn't touch anything. They don't need to believe that monsters exist, just that you were foolish enough to believe in them and give them your daughter.

Miss Hernandez falls silent, realising at last what awaits her. Then a twinkle passes through her eyes and she has a stupid idea. She slams the bottle against the door, breaking it before shoving it under the noses of two children.

-You! It was you who killed her! You're clearly two satanic kids, just look at the way you dress and...I'm sure you're playing D&d!
-What exactly is your super plan? You're going to stab us with a broken bottle and place the clues in the hands of our corpses? asked Coraline.
-I hadn't thought of that but it's a good idea!
-Oh for f...
-Okay, I've had enough," said a voice sounding like thunder.

Coraline and the murderess turned to see Norman, whose eyes were bright and yellow again.

-I died today for your daughter. I've seen everything you've and you're husband done to her. I've heard all the lies you've used to justify yourself. You know that if one person lies about a fact, the next 100 who tell the truth won't be believed? I interacted with the souls of the collateral victims of your actions. And what's worse, until the very end, Misfortune had nothing but compassion for you. Me, I can't. Morgo looks like an angel next to you!
-The kid was a waste !
-Your mother must have felt the same way.
-No, I was perfect, unlike regular kids! The only real exception, and my parents didn't even realize it! And the other parents would probably thank me if they knew they don't have to torch these brats because of me!
-Nobody's stopping you from going and telling them," retorted Coraline. -Why don't you test your theory...Norman?!

The light that came out of Norman like lightning attacked Misfortune's mother.

-You don't deserve to live, you don't deserve to die, you deserve to suffer!!!!

Miss Hernandez tries to scream, but only a grunt comes out of her mouth and Coraline can see her skin turning green.

-Stop!" said Coraline, holding Norman back.

*****

-Why did you stop him?" asked Pacifica.
-Because she doesn't deserve to become a victim and he a monster.

****

-Why? Norman asks, echoed by the voices of the victims.
-Because you'd have to give her exactly what she wanted," says Coraline. -For Misfortune. She no longer has her daughter. She can carry on being an uneducated alcoholic waste, without any allowance from her mother or the government, stuck with a brute of a husband.

Norman's expression calmed and being a pathetic what came out of Miss Hernandez's mouth.

-Yes. She doesn't have her daughter any more, that's all. The rest of her situation is as horrible as ever. Maybe even worse. The police will investigate, the neighbours will talk about the abuse, the grandmother too. They'll notice that the children have all disappeared near her home.Worst result, prisons and best result, your situation is worse than it was originally as a social outcast. Who would have thought that a demon would give you a deal that sucks? Coraline began to laugh.
-You're right," says Norman with his eyes still shining, before turning to Miss Hernandez.
-No more mask for you. You'll have your eternal happiness, and you won't have to pretend to be something you're not.

A kind of theatrical mask materializes on the woman's face and Norman rips it off. Coraline feels a shiver of hatred run through her.

*****

-What did he do?" asked Sprig.
-I can't explain the exact details," says Coraline. -Even Norman found it hard to explain. He said he removed the mask she presented to society. She may lie, but we know instinctively and she'll react without hiding her emotions... Like smiling and saying how happy she is that the little bastard is dead when the police come to tell her that Misfortune has been hit by a car.

******

Norman lets her go and almost collapses on the floor, but Coraline catches him.

-Hey, don't die again!
-I'm fine. Thank you for preventing me from...
-Don't mention it. We grab the book while she's still passed out and get out of there fast.

******

-What the f***, you made me, little f** and c**?
-Stay classie ******, Coraline said, closing her backpack with the book inside.

Stolen from the library. Who would have thought?

-We told you: eternal happiness, says Norman. -But hey, not my fault if you didn't read the monkey's paw.
-I'll say you killed her! They'll believe me, the chief of police thinks I'm sexy and you're two goth kids who probably play video games!

Norman showed his gloved hands before grabbing Coraline's gloved hands.

-Miss Hernandez, what's our name, where are we from and do you have any proof that we were even here?
-I...
-That's what we thought," said Coraline before squirting bear spray into her eyes.
-AAAAAAA!!!!

And the two ran off. They run and run and never slow down. Until they collapse and start laughing. Too much emotion and stress. And that's much better than crying.

-You're...something," says Norman.
-You too," said Coraline, trying to catch her breath. -Do you know the time? My mum might be worried.

Norman shows her his watch and says:
-Maybe I should follow your example. My sister must be getting impatient.
The two deviated for a moment before Norman finally gave in:
-Do you have e-mail? Just in case?
*****

-AWWWWW!!!!
-For God's sake, if you're going to react like that to an email, what's your reaction going to be to the real thing?

Chapter Text

-Welcome to Oswald Asylum!" said Coraline.
-Ah, I'm regretting it already," says Norman.
-Do you think we should have brought the others?
-Don't think they're necessary. How much is the customer already offering?
-500$.
-Nice. We help stray souls and save up to go to Chicago.
-And beware of those who seek us out.

*******
-Who pays kids to do this? asked Hop Pop in horror.
-You'd be surprised," says Stan. -It's not even in my top 10 worst jobs I've ever had. Seriously, 500$ at 14...I would have done it for sure and I would have even refurbished the asylum to turn it into a haunted house.
-It was already haunted," said a frustrated Norman.
-Even better, we save money.

*******
-God, that's creepy," says Coraline.
-Is this your first asylum? asks Norman.
-The first one that specialises in children," says Coraline. -After the 2nd World War, God knows what barbaric things they did to them.
-I know, Norman groans.
-Sorry.
-Don't. It's not your fault...And I like that sometimes, you forget. It makes me feel normal.
-How many?" asked Coraline.
-...Ten...No, eleven...When it has Siamese sisters, how much does that count as?
-Count by head," says Coraline.

*****
-We did the right thing because Siamese sisters weren't born that way," says Norman.
-What? Hop Pop says in horror.
-Yeah, some sick doctor sewed them together...
-You said it was Oswald Asylum?" suddenly asked Stan.
-Yes, why?
-It sounds familiar and makes me want to hit something.

******
-Poindexert? I have a question for you.
-If it's anything other than whether your ex and her lovely lonesome have finished with the titan or what the rest of the plan is, go for it! says Ford, looking exhausted.
-Does the name Oswald mean anything to you?
-You mean like a guy we went to school with, who killed a president or the civilian name of the Penguin in Batman?
-Like Oswald Asylum.
-...Okay, that's not good.
-Why? And why do I remember this?
-Dad yelled that once. And it was one of the few times he seemed to regret it.
-Now I definitely want to know more.
-He was angry and yelling at us for I don't know what. He ended up saying that maybe instead of having two useless mouths to feed, he should have left us at Oswald Asylum and gone home with a check. Which is very bad taste when you're Jewish.
-Go on.
-I rummaged around after seeing Mom's reaction. Oswald Asylum was an institution where many children died and which only closed after the death of its director and a good part of his staff. Oswald Harrison, whose real name may or may not have been Olaf Hermann, famous Nazi doctor who liked to experiment on children, especially twins. Why do you want to know that?
-Guess where I see death people found their little ghost.

******
-Well, you took your time, Hop Pop complains. ...And do we have to start from the beginning given...
-I'm making him a resume," says Stan, pointing to his twin. -You may resume, Paranorman.

The teenager rolled his eyes but obeyed.

********
-Adelaide, I swear it's better for you," Norman begs.
-I want to finish my drawing first," says the little girl.

Norman inhales, trying not to look at the shadows around them, the bloodstains on the bed and the little girl's body that goes from normal to almost dead to doll to doll covered in blood.

-Adelaide, I'm sure your parents...
-I didn't mean to," said Adelaide in a trembling voice. -I didn't want him to...
-No! There's nothing wrong with you and anyone who says there is is just because they're as bad as the man who hurt you and they know it so they pretend you're the problem.

Adelaide looked at Norman, clearly doubting his words.

-Please, trust me...
-Norman...
-Coraline, I'm doing my best...
-Norman, I see a decapitated horse with a stick stuck in it and a demoniac clowm's head which was not the case 5 minutes ago.
-...Oh no.

*****
-How bad does a haunting have to be for...
-We need at least 11 on the scale of...began Ford before Norman could cut him off.
-Are you a psychic too?
-No but...
-But let the guy stuck with it 24 hours a day explain, please.

******
Adelaide disappeared and Norman didn't blame her. Things were about to get ugly.

-All right, you want to play? We'll play," said Coraline threateningly. -You win, we're yours.
-But if it's us, you let the kids go," says Norman.
-They're going to cheat," said a voice next to Norman.

The boy turned to see a little girl about ten years old with a yellow dress and brown hair.

-How did you get here?
-My friend Itward said you might need some help.
-Itward?
-Yes, I'll introduce you to him if you...
-Norm, is this one a friend or foe?
-Friend! My name is Fran Bow...
-Nice to meet you, can you help us now Fran? Coraline asked, energetically shaking a burning piece of sage. -We'll do the presentations later!
-Okay," said Fran before grabbing Norman's hand.

Norman's eyes immediately widened and blood began to flow.

-Dirty traitor! Coraline screams before realising that the visions are becoming blurred and starts to scream before the sound is muffled. She also noticed that the child's eyes were bulging and blood was pouring out of them.

Once the room was calm again, the two collapsed. Fran Bow's hand becomes intengible again and passes through Norman's.

-Are you okay?" asked Norman.
-Still dead, but the moral is good," Fran replied.
-Hum-hum. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need some details," says Coraline.
-Like what?" asked Fran. -I told you: my name is Fran Bow and I'm dead.
-In order," said Coraline. -How did you die? Who are these people and why are they so powerful? And what you did to my bo...my friend who is a boy?

*****
-Really? Stan asked, amused.
-She nit does it, but I know what I've heard and Fran confirms it.

*******
-They did something that slowed my heart down until it stopped beating but left my brain intact, explain Fran. -I'm sure it's all thanks to Remor.
-Remor? Like Remorse? ask Coraline.
-I don't think so, or maybe it's ironic that he can't do it. And I just combined our abilities with your boyfriend.
-He's not my...
-He's your friend and he's a boy. He's your boyfriend.
-You can't deny that logic, Cora.
-I should stop worrying when you're unconscious. So you were a psychic too before you died, Fran Bow?
-Maybe," said the ghost hesitantly. -Sometimes I would see things. Especially with Duotine, but it happens even before that. They thought I was crazy and I thought so too, but no, it just made me see Ultrareality.
-Is that why they locked you in here before you died?" asked Norman.
-No, it's because they thought I killed my parents. But it wasn't me, it was Remor...
-We believe you," says Norman.
-Until proven otherwise," says Coraline.
-Coraline!
-No, she has a right to be wary. Sometimes I'm even suspicious of myself. Not to mention that it's different in every reality. Maybe there's one where I actually did it.
-Reality?" asked Norman.
-The different dimensions and timeline.

*****
-She could see through different dimensions? asked Ford in shock.
-She still can, but...it's not good for the spirit," says Norman. -What that...doctor did to her and her family...it's just abominable. No wonder her heart gave out.

******
-No offence," began Coraline.
-But I was interned in an asylum, so you have doubts?
-A little, the teenager admitted.
-What are our other options?" asked Norman, rising to his feet. -Also, she's not malefic. Just impressive.
-Meaning?
-It's like swimming next to a blue whale. It's super impressive and a little scary, but it's not something that would hurt me on purpose.
-A blue whale? Oh, that's sweet," Fran says. -Some things I'm not sure are real, but others I am.
-Start with what you're sure of and what's important," says Norman.
-Dr Oswald is dangerous and must be stopped. Death wasn't enough. And...my aunt is helping.
-Your aunt?" asked Coraline.
-She's...at his service. Like everyone else here.But it stops today," said the child as blood began to flow from her eyes again beford smiling.
-Do you have a plan?

*****
-Did you have one? asked Hop Pop.
-We had the beginnings of a plan," says Norman.

******
-This should be there," Fran said, pointing to what looked like a bathtub.

Norman and Coraline shuddered in disgust. The smell is suffocating.

-Are you sure you want us to do this?" asked Norman.

There are two sides to this question: one for Fran's safety and the other for his poor nose.

-Yes. It's not about me anymore," says Fran. -It's okay if you want to find a mask first. I guess it doesn't smell that great.

******
-What was in the bathtub?" asked the twin brothers.
-Do we really want to know? pleaded Hop Pop.
-OFF COURSE, WE DO!!!

******
Brains marinating in the bathtub like nightmarish jellyfish.

-I think I'm going to be sick," says Norman.
-I think that given our age, our condition and where we are, we'll be sick anyway," says Coraline with disgust.
-How do we even do it?
-Couldn't you just tip the tub over and jump on it? Fran asked.
-First of all, it's disgusting," retorted Coraline. -Secondly, it's not hygienic. And thirdly, are you even sure it will work?
-For what she wants, yes.

Another Fran Bow was standing behind them.

*****
-Secret twin! Stan shouted. -Why does everyone have one?
-Well, at least here they have an excuse," says Ford. -Oswald was fascinated by identical twins.

******
-Auntie Grace, that's enough.
-Grace? Norman asked in surprise.
-Yes. Everyone always said I looked like my mother, and she's her twin. Of course we look identical at the same age," Fran Bow continues.
-You're a filthy liar...
-She has the right to defend her case too," Coraline interjected. -So other Fran Bow, why are you more reliable than first Fran Bow?
-Nothing. It's my word against hers.
-...Well, that's straightforward," says Norman.
-So what are you proposing? ask Coraline.
-The complete destruction of the spirits of this place.
-WHAT?

*****
-WHAT? shouted the 3 men.
-What what?

Dipper had joined them.

-Oh no," Stan complains.
-Why won't you answer my question?
-Look, it's not that I don't want to explain, it's that you're inerrupting the best part of the story.
-Dipper's brilliant, he'll understand even if he misses a bit," says Ford. -Please go on.

******
-I don't know if destroyed is the right word," says the second Fran bow. -Do we stop existing, just stuck in another dimension, change form or something impossible to explain with the human mind? All I know is that I don't want you and the others to keep hurting people, dead or alive.
-You're crazy!
-And I thank you for it. Seeing you in this form kill my parents, who was also your brother-in-law and your OWN twin sister before accusing me of the crime and making me internet so you could experiment on me really did its effect on my brain.
-I like the sassy one," says Norman.
-Me too, but I still need more, Norm," says Coraline. -Hey Sassy Fran!
-Yes?
-Is your brain in there?
-No,my brain is in a jar upstairs.Is yours also Aunt Grace? You know what? I don't even care. This is what Palontras installed to keep them out. Not that it stops them from hurting people.
-She's a liar!
-Give us a better argument than that," says Norman.
-Norm?
-Yes Cora?
-It's comming back.

Indeed, a tree with shrunken heads as its fruit was now in the same room as them.

-What do we do?
-For me, that's the winning argument," replied Coraline.
-For me too," says Norman before declaring:
-Our money's on Sassy Fran.

*****
-Bet double on Sassy Fran too!" shouted Stan.
-...You already know who the real one is," Dipper reminded him.
-Unless a 3rd one comes along," says Ford.
-That would be a good twist," says Hop pop.

*****
-What? asked the first Fran. -Have you lost your mind?
-Who hasn't lost it here?" asked the 2nd Fran.
-She's got a point," says Norman.
-So we...Hey!" cried Coraline.

A long tentacle of white hair had just wrapped itself around her wrist. The hair tried to pull Coraline towards the window and Norman grabbed her to hold her back.

-Let her go!" shouted the 2nd Fran.
-You can count on it, silly girl," says the first (and fake) Fran.
-Well, at least we've got our answer! Coraline shouted, struggling. -Hello, auntie dearest!
-Hush, you're not what I'm interested in, says Grace. -These abilities are just so...
-Hey well, I'm not interested in old Nazi lady ghosts," retorted Norman.
-I'm not a Nazi.

*****
-She's going to say: I was just following orders after that? Dipper asked in disgust.
-Do you know how many times I've heard: I'm not a Nazi, I just don't like Jews, blacks, etc.? says Ford.
-Delusion is a hell of a drug," says Stan.
-So you've got that too," says Hop Pop. -And yet, there are fewer differences between you all than between frogs, salamanders and toads.
-Don't underestimate us," Stan says mockingly.

*****
-I'm pretty sure you worked for one, you became one by association, lady!" shouted Coraline.
-Aunty, why are you doing that? Fran asked. -What did it even get you?
-It's for Dr Oswald, it's a great cause...
-You're dead," says Fran. -I'm dead, Mommy and Daddy are dead. Probably Mr. Midnight, too. We're stuck here. Nor Remor, mother Mabuka or Dr Oswald care for you...
-He cares about...
-No, he doesn't care. But she gave up everything for him and to admit she was wrong would be to lose the only thing she has left," says Norman.
-It's sad," says Fran Bow sincerely.
-I'd have said pathetic, but you do what you want, kid," says Coraline.

Grace gave her niece a scornful look before disappearing.

*****
-Mind, heart and strength, says Hop Pop. -The three of you make a dangerous team.
-Thank.

******
-Oh no," Fran Bow cried.
-What?" asked Norman, still trying to help Coraline free herself.
-They're on their way," Fran Bow replied.
-Who?" asked Coraline. -And are they worse than...ah!

The hair loosened her wrist. It probably means that what happens will be worse.

-The Kamalas. We need water!

*****
-What are Kamalas?" would ask Dipper and Ford in chorus.
-Simply put, they are spirits that feed on fear and despair, explained Norman. -There's a guy named Leon Castillo who wrote a book on the subject but...Since he was clearly losing his mind, was Dr. Oswald's mentor and talked with creatures whose alignment was chaotic even when they played nice, I don't know how reliable that is.

*****
-Water, you say?" said Coraline, rummaging in her bag. -I've got a hot and a cold bottle. Is that enough?
-It's really case for case," says Fran Bow.
-We run," Norman decided.

****
-...You didn't run fast enough," asked Dipper.
-No, but our gym teachers would have been proud.

*****
You like that, don't you? That they believe you?
The voice resembles his own, Norman realizes. In his head. And it's horribly familiar.
What happens when your parents, sister, friends and Coraline are gone? Will you keep them around like pets? And even so, you'll look CRAZY!
Shut up, shut up, shut up, keep thinking over and over Norman.
Maybe you should go first. It's not like you don't know what comes next. Or maybe, just maybe...Are you afraid of becoming like Agatha and loving it? To be a cruel god of life and death.
No, I don't...I'm not...I don't want to...

****
-The worst thing is how familiar it is," says Norman. -If you've ever been in a bad phase where you just want everything to stop...That's it. That's literally what these things do.
Putting you in the worst hellhole you've ever been in, with no light to guide you out.
-I remember that," says Stan with a blank look.
-Did you meet these things too? asked Hop Pop.
-No, I don't think so," says Stan.
-When?" demanded Ford.
-Not sure," says Stan. -Why don't you let the kid finish?
-I...
-Grunkle Ford, Dipper interrupted him. -I think we should let Norman continue and talk to Grunkle Stan later.

Secrets of the Universe reads like a 3-4 year-old book for Ford. But the human heart has always been more complicated for him. So he gave in to his great nephew's request.

-Please resume, Norman.

****
They're all dead...or wishing they were. You failed," whispered the voice in Coraline's head.
-You're a goddamn liar! Coraline shouted, trying to shut her up.
I can hear her fingernails scratching in the well. She's so hungry! Her hatred and desire for revenge against you were stronger. She's on her way. She is coming. SHE COMES AND DEVOURS THEM ALL
-You're lying! I killed her! And I can do it again!
Of course you can, you little psycho. You love blood as much as what you hunt. You depraved little freak. You're always after more. How long before you've killed them all and moved on to hunting your own kind?
-It's not real, it's not real," said Coraline, hyperventilating.
But one day it will be.

****
Norman feels like this thing has been whispering horrors into his head for a century. He tries with all his might not to think about the shards of glass beside him. Suddenly, a wet cold hit him.

-It's not real, Norman.

Fran Bow stands with a bottle of water in her hand as the Kamala twists and changes color to reveal a humanoid white creature.

-Go away!" says Fran Bow. -If you're not going to help for some stupid excuse about destiny, at least you and your buddies can stay out of our way! And don't even think about attributing our exploits to you! I don't care about you, I'm making my own destiny!
-...Wh-what're you talking about?
-It doesn't really matter," says Fran Bow. -Coraline needs help. I used up all the water with you.

Coraline lay on the ground, the shadow creature crouching over her body. Her gaze was empty and terrified.

-It's not real, it's not real, it's not real, she repeats in mantras.
-Cora! Norman said as he tried to stand up, still weak from the attack.
-I freed you first because I thought maybe with your powers...Fran Bow began in horror.
-It's ok Fran, we just need to find some water...

A horrible explosion sounded and a jet of water fell on Kamala and his victim, who were both screaming.

-What the...Norman said, looking up at the ceiling and seeing that a pipe had fallen through.
-Aunt Grace?" Fran Bow asked in confusion.
-Latter! Norman said, dragging himself over to Coraline.

The white shape tried to approach her, but Fran Bow screamed:
-Get out of the way, Crumb!

*****
-Crumb? Dipper asked.
-She died in the '30s," says Norman.

*****
-Cora!" says Norman, leaning in (no, let's be honest, he basically fell next to her).
-Norm? Coraline asked weakly. -That...
-It's real. I'm real! I'm...mmhh!

Coraline kissed him. And Norman doesn't have the strength or inclination to push her away.
It's not clear how long it's been, but they hear:
-Aww!

Both stop and turn to see Fran Bow.

-I mean cough cough," tries the little ghost.

Norman and Coraline recoiled in shock and began to regain their composure:
-I'm sorry, that thing was messing with my head," says Coraline.
-It's nothing...Actually, it's a lot," says Norman. -Not bad at all, very pleasant in fact...Could we...
-Can we kick some stupid ghost butt before we decide whether to pretend it never happened or...you know?
-...Sure. I really want to talk about it. Once we're out of here.

*****
-The conversation went well, " laughs Stan.
-I'm going to need a full report on this," says Dipper. -For science.
-Really?" asked a confused Ford.
-I'm sure he's got some scientific experiments going on with the blonde," laughed Hop Pop.
-Princess Star? Ford asked in shock.
-Pacifica, said the others as Dipper turned a cherry hue.
-I'm supposed to be the idiot twin, remember Pointdexter," says Stan.
-Can we resume please?" asked Dipper, wanting to change the subject.

*****
-So," says Coraline. -True Fran bow?
-That's me!
-What is the next step?
-We have to find a way to free the others and leave the rest locked up," says Fran Bow. -I have a friend who can help from the outside once it's done.
-What does this friend look like?" asked Norman.
-He's a skeleton with yellow eyes like a cat, sharp teeth and a great way of dressing. He even has a top hat. His name is Itward.
-Reassuring," says Coraline.
-Clothes don't always make the man," Norman defended.
-And the skeleton, says Fran Bow.-He's trustworthy, I swear. I'll do my best to guide you between dimensions.
-Dimension? ask Coraline.
-Yes, that's why they wanted my brain," Fran Bow explained. -I can see through the five realities. I think I've always been able to, but it got worse after I started using Duotine.
-What's that?" asked Coraline.
-Mostly cocaine, says Norman.
-And they say it was better before," laughed Coraline.

*****
-Ford?
-Yes, Lee?
-Did you take cocaine during your tests for the portal?
-Of course not! Do I look like Rick Sanchez?
-I was just asking.

*****
-I don't think there's anything we can do to Remor except send him back to his mother," says Fran Bow. -He's lucky, he still has his mother and I think he loves her.
-He's the one who...
-He helped Grace take my form and killed my parents, says Fran Bow. -I hate it, but he probably likes it because he feeds off it. That suck.
-The word is weak," says Coraline.
-We should concentrate on the others," says Norman. -The ghosts and the Kamalas.
- If they become Valokas again," says Fran Bow. -Don't care. They will not.
-I have a feeling you've got a lot of history with them," says Coraline.
-They use me. But I don't take it personally. They use everyone for the greater good.
-And the greatest good is them, i guess? Coraline said mockingly.
-They're not that different from Dr. Oswald," says Fran.
-That explains how they get corrupted so easily," says Norman with a sigh. -So water. What else do we need?
-Guile and travel between dimensions to found Okhula," says Fran Bow. -Luckily, you have both.

*****
-Okhula? ask Ford. -It's...a person?
-Her pronouns are she, her and them, says Norman. But she's more or less a giant eye with muscles.
-Okay, can you help me sketch her," says Dipper, putting his journal in front of Norman's face.

*****
-So, is there an opening or are you going to transport us? asked Coraline.
-I think we can try the second one but it will be my first time with humans, said Fran. -I've only done it with Mr. Midnight, my cat.
-Ok, I'm trying to be positive but two teenagers are definitely heavier than a cat.
-Cats are also good at wandering between dimensions," says Coraline.

*****
-Really? ask Dipper.
-According to Coraline, who found hers that way," Norman explained.
-From personal experience," says Ford. -They're good at finding them but terrible at giving directions.
-We'll take your word for it," says Hop Pop, who was already finding the situation too confusing.

*****
-What do we do if we don't? asked Fran.
-...Fair point, says Norman.
-Worse scenario, we'll all be roommates in death," says Coraline.
-Yeah! Fran Bow shouted before her eyes rolled back in her sockets.

Norman and Coraline were prepared for a shock or a strange sensation. No, they just fluttered their eyelids and there they were. Everything was black, bloody red like organs and blinding gold.

-I don't know what I was hoping for," Norman said with a sigh.
-The tendency among monsters from other dimensions is to go big or go home," retorted Coraline.
-Be tacky too?
-I've seen your room, you've got nothing to say," said a voice that sounded astonishingly slimy.
-Oh my! Coraline said, gesturing to pick up her weapon.

A giant eye moving thanks to the muscles linked to the ocular glode approaches them.

-Hi Okhula, these are my friends Norman and Coraline. We need some help.
-And what kind of help are you asking for?
-Mabuka knows everything, but you see everything," Fran Bow continued.
-So you've come to plead for my help," says Okhula.
-What's the price?" asked Coraline.
-I ask you're pardon? says Okhula.
-There's always a price with you," said the blue-haired girl coldly.
-True.

****
-What did she want? asked Hop Pop.
-Just the sweet feeling of superiority over Mabuka," says Norman.
-Really? asks the bewildered frogman.
-I get it, said all the Pines together.

****
-Are you sure?" Norman asked Fran Bow.
-I've looked at all the alternatives," says the little ghost sadly. -I'm out of options, so I'm going to do it. But the Valokas can find another puppet after this. They are literally Kamalas in sheep's clothing!
-Well said," commented Coraline.
-If it fails...Thanks for helping me," says Fran. -It's a loss because you do great things in most continuities and more than anything, you're happy in many.
-Great, you're a shipper," sighed Coraline.
-Thank you," replied Norman before shouting:
-Hey *(%&%$#%# Nazi Ghost! Ready to lose as always?
-Even death doesn't stop us.

A man in a wheelchair and several other figures, including Grace, were now in front of them.

-Glad to see you've come to your senses," continued the ghost.

*****
-How do I describe the guy?" says Norman. -Let's say you see him and you know he's not allowed near a school.
-Not surprised here," says Dipper.

*****
-We'll do it, but I want Mr. Midnight first," says Fran Bow.
-That stupid cat?
-You can't call someone stupid when their IQ is higher than yours," says Coraline.
-British, always pretending everything's fine and wanting to mate with all the impurities around," retorted the doctor.
-Look," says Norman before Coraline can reply. -You'll get what you want, she just wants her cat. Do you want to wait another 80 years?
-Doctor, said Grace.

****
-I'm not going to lie, I stopped breathing just then," says Norman.

*****
-We should just give her her cat and get on with your big project.

Where's the damn trap, can't help but thinking Norman.
A little black cat appears and he hears Coraline whimpering. It's impossible not to think of the Cat in this situation.

Fran picks up the cat and says:
-I love you. And that's why I understand if you don't forgive me.

The knife passed through the cat.

-What are you doing?" shouted the doctor.
-He shouldn't be alive after all this time," Fran whines. -I didn't realize...
-They knew it would protect them," says Norman.
-Or that dear Remor, if they fail, he could at least enjoy Fran's suffering as a consolation prize," says Coraline.

*****
-A....dimensional rift? asks a horrified Ford. -Inside a cat? For over 70 years?
-We got Anne from a century-old music box, declared Hop Pop. -Is it less shocking for you?
-Yeah, it's cruel but not that weird," says Dipper.

*****
-You can stay here and think about your actions," said Fran Bow as the blood drained from her eyes. -Me, Norman, Coraline, Mister Midnight and the kids, WE'RE GOING!
-No!" cried Dr. Oswald. -Remor, do something!Remor?
-Who would have known that the demonic creature who lives off the suffering of others wouldn't care about you? Coraline said mockingly.
-I believe in redemption, even for the worst of humanity, or at least I try to," says Norman. -I'd send a descendant 3 or 4 generations down to see what at become of you.
-Thank you.
Aunt Grace just said that with no trace of irony and a sad smile. As the spirits are sucked through the portals, Fran says:
-Auntie...I forgive you. I'm tired of being angry and you're not the worst of the lot.

******
-She knew," realized Dipper.
-Yeah, says Norman. -I think Grace was tired too, but didn't know what else to do.

*****
-He's going to be here," says the little boy's ghost.
-Damien, I promise you that wherever you go, that priest won't be there," says Norman. -I don't know what it looks like, but I can promise you that people like him go to a very different place than you do. Please your majesty, trust me.

The boy hesitates but begins to fade.

-Thanks for your trust," smiles Norman. -That leaves you.
-I'm not ready," says Fran Bow. -Not because I'm afraid, but because I've still got things to sort out. All this potential that others have tried to use: the people in the asylum, Remor, the Valokas, I'm sick of it. I want to use it for what I consider right.
-And what do you think is right?" asked Coraline.
-You two," says Fran Bow. -You're a lot of fun too. So ... I join the useful to the pleasant.
-Do you want to stay with us?" Norman asked in shock.
-Probably more often with Norman, since Coraline isn't a medium.
-Oh, that can be arranged," says Coraline. -I knew I'd done the right thing by keeping it.

*****
-The doll!" realized Dipper.
-It took her a bit of getting used to, because Fran's afraid of dolls, but she's got it," says Norman proudly.
-The ghost who regularly interacts with horrors from other dimensions and even worse people...is afraid of dolls? asked Hop Pop.
-Phobias aren't logical," says Dipper. -My sister is afraid of moving clay figurines.
-This is oddly specific," says Norman.
-Is that the odd thing out for you?
-..yeah.
-So Fran Bow has been following you ever since? asked Ford.
-Yes. She's happy and so are we.

Chapter Text

-Hey,” says Luz as she enters the tent.
-Not good,” King says.

He hugged François, partly hidden under one of the sleeping bags.

-It's normal,” says Luz, sitting down next to him. -But you know that doesn't change anything, right?
-Yes and no,” says Eda. -What you are doesn't change anything for me or Luz. The rest of existence, on the other hand...
-It's not his problem,” says Luz.
-It is, Luz. As it is my problem to have to hide my curse. If you're different, they won't let you exist in peace, especially if they think you're dangerous or possess something they want.
-And you? King asked.
-Nothing,” assured Eda. -Well, maybe I feel a bit stupid for not understanding who you are in hindsight.
-You and the rest of the boiling islands,” Luz retorted.
-TOC-TOC, said Stan's recognizable voice. -Can we come in?
-We? ask Eda.
-I'm here too,” says Amity.
-King? ask Luz.
-...I guess Amity and stepdad want to come, that fine,” says King.
-Stepdad? Stan said, confused, as he came in.-We're divorced!
-Your actions around Eda say otherwise,” retorted Amity.
-Oh, you want to go there, green hair? asked Stan. -Because I'd love to talk about people who change their behavior in front of a pretty lady of their liking.

Stan felt a little bad as he watched the little witch turn into a tomato right before his eyes.

-Hey! Can we focus on King's emotional crisis, please? asked Luz.
-Sorry King.
-If you manage your sister, I'll manage my brother,” says Stan. -Who else would have a problem with him being a titan in the group?
-By the way, how did Hunter take the news?” asked Luz.
-Good,” says Amity.

10 minutes ago

-What? says Hunter. -It's not possible as this mogul could...
-And yet,” says Amity. -Well, I'll let you digest that.
-Wait! You can't just say that and walk away...

And yet that's exactly what Amity does.

Now

-King, you might not like it,” began Amity.
-When you say that, it doesn't encourage me.
-Maybe we should gather as much information as we can on the titans to help you, she concludes.
-Pointdexter must know something, and probably the Queen of Darkness too,” says Stan.
-I wish I had a cool title like that,” whines Luz.
-You can have one, but I wouldn't recommend darkness for you,” says Eda. -There are rainbows that are darker than you.
-There's also some dark stuff that's really ridiculous too, like Luz,” says Amity.
-Hey! King shouted, ready to defend his almost-sister.

But Luz proved she could stand up for herself.

-Aww, thanks Amity.

She's got so much blood rushing to her head, King wonders if she's going to have an aneurysm.

-Are you ready to face the rest of the group? asked Eda.
-Yes.

*****

-Guy? GUYS!!!!! Scream Luz. -We have something to announce!
-Omg, she's going to do it,” says Mabel.
-Dude, I wouldn't bet on a public statement, Ann says.
-Hey, don't jinx it!
-I just wanted to say something...But it's very important and comes from the heart,” Luz continued.

Dipper could see his twin's excitement in her eyes.

-King is a titan...let's move on.

Mabel cowers, disappointed.

-Better luck next time,” says Polly.
-Okay,” says Marco.
-What? ask Hunter
-Yeah, I've got better gossip to offer,” says Pacifica.
-I highly doubt it, it's a Titan, what more do you want? continued Hunter.
-I hate to agree with the guy who works with the dictator, but he's got a point,” says Wirt. -Like King, I'm sorry for you, it's not like you lied, you just didn't know. But it's a big deal!
-Okay, but what exactly will that change?” asked Star. -Being cautious? I think we're already trying, anyway.
-Can a titan be possessed?’ asked Coraline.
-No, says Lilith, Ford and Eclipsa.
-So Star is right, who cares?
-Maybe he can kick some bad guys' butts,” says Gregg.
-Wait, I didn't say that...
-But I can and I want to! cried King.
-King, you're not doing to...
-But I want to! HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!
-What's he doing there?” asked Ann.
-Ah, it's just a noise he makes when he's angy,” says Luz.
-Isn't this cute? ask Eda.
-It is,” said Star and Eclipsa in unison.
-He sounds like an angry teapot,” says Mabel.

Luz suddenly noticed that the sound produced by King lasted longer than usual and became louder.

-No, it" not cute, Greg said, plugging his ears.
-There's something wrong,” says Amity.
-Stop please, says Sprig.
-King? ask Eda.
-Grunkle Ford, says Dipper. -What's going on?
-I'm not sure...
-HIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!
-Take cover!” cried Fran Bow.

Those who could hear her took shelter from the others.
A beam burst from King's mouth and struck a stone, which exploded.

-...That was cool.
-Do it again!” says Greg.