Chapter Text
It was dark out as the moon shone over the suburb of Echo Creek, and not a sound was heard as the citizens of the town were fast asleep. Unbeknownst to them, a mysterious new visitor had arrived.
“Alright Echo Creek, let's see what all the fuss is about." I said to myself as I looked into the rear view mirror, watching my brown eyes and black glasses glittering back at me. With my arm hanging out of the window, the tattoos on my bare arms seemed to blend into the shadows as my hand played with the wind rushing past the truck.
My leather bracelet clung to my wrist, plastered flat against the skin. The rainbow thread woven into the center of it was reflected in my silver ring. Beside me, notebooks, scattered papers, and sticky notes cluttered the passenger seat. Echoes of past cases strewn about, reminding me of my new task.
I glanced down at the stack of reports in my car, multiple assaults and disappearances with the victims found having lost most of their blood. The police were baffled, and the government wasn't able to send help as they were dealing with the aftermath of an “ongoing incident” in New York. I kept my own theories jotted down in my blue journal, adorned with a silver pine tree and the number four. Just over a year ago, a catastrophic event had fused our dimension with another, unleashing a wave of supernatural flora and fauna into Echo Creek.
Monsters, and what seemed to be a medieval world of humans, had been forced to cohabitate, forming a precarious relationship with the townsfolk.
My great uncle Ford had visited shortly after the fusion, accompanied by Agent Powers. They had discovered the strange new inhabitants, and had laid the groundwork for a fragile peace between humans and the strange new creatures. But lately something was off, assaults on monsters had started occurring. Agent Powers finally offered me an opportunity to work as a freelance paranormal investigator for the F.B.I.’s Unusual Incident Unit.
I was ecstatic.
My phone buzzed, snatching me away from my thoughts. When i answered, a familiar voiced hummed through the speaker.
“Hey Dipper, you made it there yet?” Mabel’s voice crackled through the phone
“Yeah, I just got here.” I said,keeping one hand on the steering wheel as I navigated through the dark streets. She sounded as bubbly and bright as always, but I could hear that familiar tinge of concern in her tone.
Mabel was still in high school, determined to get the full senior year experience while I had managed to skip the rest of mine entirely. I wanted to focus on the paranormal, already having published three of my journals and even a guidebook. My ambition led me here to Echo Creek, a town that had seen some serious dimensional weirdness in the last year.
"Just make sure to take care of yourself, okay? I didn’t spend two weeks helping you update your look just for you to skip on basic hygiene," Mabel teased, but I could hear her anxiety seep through the humorous facade.
“I know, I know. And you better make sure not to get banned from school again for those glitter bombs,” I said, my grin most likely audible to Mabel.
She laughed, but quickly turned serious again. “Still, I can’t believe you decided not to head back to Gravity Falls for the summer like normal. You know the Grunkles are gonna miss you, right?” I’ll miss you is something she doesn’t need to say.
I felt a pang of guilt at that, knowing we barely got to see each other at all except for when we were there. “I know, Mabs. I just.. I can’t head back yet.” I tried to keep my tone light, but I couldn’t shake the heaviness creeping into my voice. “There’s too much happening here. This place needs my help.”
Bill. His presence in my mind was a constant threat, a ticking time bomb. Heading back to Gravity Falls with him still there was just too risky. I can't go near, not with his statue there, not till I’m sure I can keep Bill contained.
“So what’s the big mystery this time?” She asked, not-so-smoothly shifting the topic.
“I’m thinking it might be vampires.” I said, taking a peek at my notes while trying not to crash.
“Wait, like the hot sparkly kind? Screw Gravity Falls, take me with you!” Mabel snorted and laughed.
I groaned. “No, not like the ones from the Midnight, or Moonlight, whatever the hell series Mabs. Real ones. I haven’t confirmed anything yet, but it’s looking that way.”
“You’re always in the thick of it huh? Be careful bro.”
“I will,” I promised..
Mabel sighed on the other end and then, in a more hesitant voice she added, “Oh, and... do you uh, want me to say hi to Paz for you?”
My chest tightened. I hadn't talked to Pacifica in weeks. Between preparing for this trip and everything else I hadn’t even thought to call her. “Yeah, it’s fine. Just tell her I’m sorry for not keeping in touch. Things got... hectic.”
“Mason Alexander Pines, you’ve been ignoring her for weeks!” Mabel’s voice sharpened, clearly annoyed.
I winced, already bracing for the lecture. “It wasn’t on purpose! I’ve just been busy. Skipping two years of high school is harder than it looks.”
Mabel huffed. “Still can’t believe you pulled that off. How did Dad even agree to it? He’s usually like the king of ‘education comes first’ and all that jazz.”
“That was the easy part. I already had enough credits to get into college, heck none of the advanced classes were much of a challenge compared to deciphering ancient sumerian.” I bragged a bit before continuing, “After that, I showed dad that my journals were also turning a profit, so I wasn't in any financial harm. I may have made a powerpoint presentation and pie charts.”
“You made charts?” She asked incredulously.
“And graphs,” I said smugly. “But the real MVP was Dana. She backed me up. Said my plan was well thought out and that I could try it this summer. If things don’t work out, I’ll move back.”
Mabel let out a low whistle. “Dana? As in Dad’s girlfriend? She actually helped you?”
“Yeah. Honestly, she’s great. Nothing like those entitled girlfriends you hear about online. She’s smart, supportive, and actually feels like part of the family now.”
“Wow, you really lucked out there,” Mabel said, though her tone was still tinged with disbelief. “Still, I think skipping senior year was dumb, now I have to survive it without my number one dingus.”
“I couldn’t stay stuck in school Mabel. There’s so much out here we don’t know about. Think about it. Gods Mabs! We’ve met actual gods because of Vic and Val! Hell I found out dimensional travel has been a thing for years on earth because of tulip.”
She sighed clearly torn, “I get it Dipper, it’s just... you’re missing out on a lot. Senior year prom, making new friends... I just don’t want you to regret it later.”
I could feel her words weighing on me. I hadn’t even thought about prom or making friends. High school had always felt more like a prison than anything else.
“Maybe.” I said quietly. “But honestly? Does that really sound like me? Most of the kids think I’m weird anyway. High school just... isn’t my thing. Besides, I've made some friends because of the supernatural. I just can't make friends with the other kids at school.”
“Maybe because you never gave them a chance.” Mabel said softly. “You said it yourself, you spent this year so focused on getting out you barely hung out with anyone.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s just easier dealing with monsters than high school drama Mabs.”
“That’s not the point Dipper. You can still chase mysteries but you deserve a little calm too. You deserve to enjoy life.”
Her words hit me harder than I wanted to admit. I knew she was right, but I couldn’t afford calm, not with Bill still lurking in my head, not when I didn’t know how to stop him. How could I relax when everything could fall apart at any moment?
“I’ll think about it over the summer okay?” I finally said, though my tone was far from convincing.
Mabel’s concern lingered, “You promise?”
“I promise” I replied, forcing a smile she couldn’t see. “Look, I’m just about to find a place to crash for the night, I’ll call you later.”
“Okay.” She said, but I could still hear the worry in her voice. “Stay safe Dipper.”
“I will. Take care of yourself too, Mabs. And... say hi to everyone for me.”
“I will. Just try not to get yourself into too much trouble okay?”
“No promises.” I said with a grin and hung up.
After that, I got out of my car, whispering "Faciem Meam Dissimulo” under my breath. The tattoo on my shoulder hummed with a gentle glow while a veil of mist enveloped me. I glanced at my reflection in the car mirror and saw that my dark oak hair had transformed into a striking platinum blonde.
“Figures.” I muttered, brushing a hand through my hair. The blue eyes staring back at me were a painful reminder of what I had lost.
Pacifica.
She had wanted to move on, to leave the supernatural behind, while I was caught up in its chaos. Our breakup had been amicable. She told me I deserve someone who shared my enthusiasm for the supernatural, but that didn’t lessen the ache in my chest. I felt it every time I was reminded of her.
Taking a stroll through the town, I carefully observe my surroundings. While it wasn’t as small as Gravity Falls, it still felt familiar, as if something was out of place. It reminded me a bit of Los Angeles when my great uncle Ford visited me. He was looking into artifacts that Grunkle Stan might have mistakenly sold there. I was pretty sure some items were still unaccounted for but I hoped they wouldn’t cause any problems.
With the amount of dimensional activity here I wondered if I could conduct my portal research tomorrow.
The town itself looked peaceful at night. The cool air filled my lungs with a sense of calmness that you usually don’t get from places like this. It reminded me of my second summer in Gravity Falls after feeling so out of place back at L.A. . The architecture was striking, modern yet displaying clear medieval influences scattered throughout.
Just as I was about to leave I heard a loud thud. I contemplated just continuing on my way, but curiosity got the best of me and I ran toward the noise. An alley with two girls and a knocked-out minotaur was not on my bingo card for tonight.
The minotaur looked pale and unconscious, its large frame sprawled across the floor as two bite marks could be seen on his neck, still trickling with blood.
As for the two girls.
One had pale skin and jet black hair, dressed in black jeans, a red sweater, and a black jacket. And she had the human girl pinned to the ground, her teeth mere inches from the girl's neck.
The human girl had dark hair and tan skin. She wore a green shirt, black ripped jeans, brown boots, and a blue coat. She was struggling to get the other girl off her. Seeing the red stains on the pale girl's lips I immediately recognized a vampire attack.
I grabbed a card from my deck, feeling for any trace of sunlight from the moon above me. I let it all gather into the card before yelling out.
“Fiat Lux!“ I threw the card as it engulfed itself in pure sunlight from my fingertips, cutting through the dark like a sword as it singed a good chunk of the pale girl's hair off. Her face covered in an expression of fear,. As the human girl stumbled back, the vampire’s instincts kicked, in causing her to flee away from the two civilians.
Without a second thought I sprinted after her. I couldn't risk her targeting anyone else. My breath came quick as I muttered a chant under it, fingers tracing fluid patterns in the air. A soft golden light flared from my hands wrapping around the two fallen civilians. though something in the magic told me the Minotaur wasn't fully healed I made a mental note to check on him later. But for now, I had to keep moving, dodging the vampire as she sent her shadows to attack me.
I chased after her, even when she jumped to the roof of a house, I followed. With each leap my heart raced faster and faster, the wind whipping past me as I pursued the pale girl. She moved with an otherworldly grace, her feet barely touching the surface of the rooftops.
Focus Dipper, she’s just ahead. The sound of my own breath mingled with the distant hum of the town below, the thrill of the chase pushing me forward despite the dread pooling in my gut. She paused and turned around, stopping me in my tracks.
She lunged at me with incredible speed, her feral claws coated in shadows sought my throat while I dropped low. My boot struck hard into her shins, and she let out a sharp hiss as she stumbled. Her eyes flashed with rage as they locked onto mine. I kept my fists up ready for her next move.
Okay, so red eyes could be a sign of her being a part of the red court, but her pale skin and use of shadows means grey court is the more likely option.
She didn't hesitate for an instant. She charged again, but this time I waited until she got close enough, and then ducked as I tackled her, my hand locking around her throat. I could feel the runes on my skin flow with energy as I slammed her into the concrete, pinning her beneath me.
“Let me go, you worthless piece of shit hunter!” She spat, struggling against my grip. The runes were giving me enough strength to keep her down as she hissed from the silver ring on my finger, the engraving of a pine tree branding her skin.
“Doesn't seem so worthless, seeing as how I got you right where I want you.” I shot back. Tightening my hold just enough to remind her who had the upper hand as her struggling slowed. I leaned in closer, my voice almost a whisper, “Now, I’m gonna ask you some questions and you're gonna answer them, or I’ll hold you here till the sun makes things uncomfortable…”
I emphasized the last word by digging my ring into her neck as she hissed from the pain.
“Now, what does the Grey Court want with this place?” Questioning only when I was positive that my grip on her was secure.
A slow sly smile spread across her lips, but before I could react, her form dissolved into shadow and I felt her icy breath behind me, sending a chill down my spine.
“Crap.” I muttered, ducking as her claws attacked the air where my head had been moments before. I rolled to my feet, my heart pounding as we found ourselves at the opposite ends of the rooftop. She smiled again, but this time it was a taunt.
Then without warning, she let herself fall backward, disappearing over the edge. I sprinted to the railing, peering down over the edge down at the street below.
“Damn it.” I cursed under my breath as I watched the spot she disappeared from. I groaned, pushing my frustrations aside.
As I left the rooftop, I let the magic disguising me dissipate.
My hair and eyes returned back to their proper color. I headed back to the alley, the area only illuminated by flickering street lights as I looked around for anything, for any clue. All I found was a few droplets of blood.
I examined the minotaur, thanking the gods that he was alive. I carefully reached into my bag, retrieving a vial of cyclops tears. Just a few drops is all that is needed.
Pouring a few onto his neck, its effects were instantaneous as the puncture wounds closed up. All that remained were two small scars.
I took my knife from my back pocket and carved out an eye with small fangs on a wall.
I also called the local police, making sure they'd find him before anything else did. As I was about to head back to my car, another strange noise drew my attention. I felt something crack underneath my boot , and as I looked down I saw what looked like a shattered rosary.
Kneeling down, I picked up a shattered bead. The texture on its surface felt warm to the touch, and I wondered who it might belong to. But, I shook my head, not caring much even though I didn't want to leave it broken like this. I muttered a spell to fix it up, as I felt energy ebb from my fingertips into The beads till it all started to mend itself. I then returned it to the ground.
As I walked back to where I parked, the dim glow of a nearby convenience store caught my attention as my stomach grumbled. I hadn't eaten anything since this morning, so I figured a quick stop wouldn't hurt. The store’s light flickered above as I walked inside. I grabbed a pack of chips and a drink they call a drippy.
Before stepping back outside, I glanced at my reflection in the door's glass, the tattoos on my forearms still noticeable as I mumbled a silent chant, causing them to stay hidden for now.
As I headed back to my car, I turned to see the girl from earlier, looking around as I walked towards her.
"Can I help you, miss?" I asked as I approached her. She looked at me puzzled for a second before responding.
"Huh? Oh, sorry I was just… Um, catching my breath after jogging. Sorry." She said as she walked away looking too tired to question me.
Something nagged at the back of my mind as I watched her walk off. I could feel faint traces of witchcraft from her, but shrugged it off since she was probably part of the local coven and not wanting to get into more trouble.
After she disappeared, I got back into my car and drove around the town for a bit, checking for any more signs of vampiric activity. But the streets were silent; no signs of anything unusual or vaguely threatening. Not even a stray shadow down the alleyways.
After a fruitless search that left me feeling more frustrated than hopeful, I narrowly avoided the probing questions of local authorities who were curious about my presence. The night was closing in and I needed a place to rest when I stumbled upon a cheap motel. Its neon sign that flickered in the dim light read ‘The Snuggly Possum.’ It looked worn yet somehow inviting; a refuge from the chaos outside. As I pushed open the door, a faint jingle announced my arrival.
The receptionist looked up from her desk, her expression a mix of boredom and curiosity. I approached the counter, trying to mask my weariness with a casual smile.
“Just need a room for a few days.” I said, my voice sounding more strained than I intended.
She typed my request into an old computer, glancing at me occasionally as if trying to piece together my story.
“Room 12” she said her voice tired yet friendly I nodded thanked her and headed down the dimly lit hallway the scent of stale air and old carpet filling my lungs
As I reached my room I could feel the weight of the day lifting slightly I unlocked the door and stepped inside ready to settle in for a few days of solitude hoping to gather my thoughts and regroup for whatever came next
I had brought enough money with me to last for a while. I tossed my bags on the side of my bed the worn fabric of the beds comforter crumpling under the weight as i took a moment to gather my thoughts the low hum of the air conditioner barely breaking the heavy silence of the room wih journal in hand I settled back against the pillows releasing Tension i didn't know i gained during the night.
As i flipped through a fresh page i began writing down my encounter with that vampire from earlier how it was clear she was unpredictable but felt weaker compared To the ones great uncle Ford had told me about she was atleast a lieutenant as she wasn't as feral or animalistic compared to fledgelings
The more i wrote the more my theories on the town being targeted by vampires was right to say the least but that only brought in more questions
“why were they here the grey court should have most of there members and lesser courts stationed in europe after they were pulled out last year” i thought as i remembered Parawatch was buzzing at the news and great uncle ford noticing it aswell
if it wasn't the Grey Court that's Attacking it could be one of the lesser courts in America so that would rule out the main courts I pointed out to myself as i listed them off as candidates
I took my laptop from my bag turning it on I minimized a few tabs some unedited videos I haven't finished posting yet and a few emails I haven't read yet
I opened up Gaggle and typed in the link
I looked through a few rumours on Parawatch that were open thank the Axolotl for the internet as i checked out the a Current thread discussing about the vampires here looking through a few fakes here and there some mentions of the american courts but nothing mentioning anything similar to the girl i fought until i found a recurring name
“The Arcana” From what it says a lesser court started gaining more prominence after the Grey Court dipped there hands away from America there members resembled Grey court vampires but had abilities that didn't seem to match
“But if that's the case why would they need a place like this” I wondered as i tried to see what been going on so far it seems after major skirmishes and battles all over the country something had culminated over in New York it might have something to do with that eruption in Mt Etna but ill have to research it some other time as it mentions how this court started gaining power after taking new territory from the weakened forces around the country but had an incident somewhere earlier this year in a small town in oregon
“Pendleward” it seems that i might have to head over to oregon sooner than i thought Hmm definitely need to look into that but for now i think I should tidy up around me i thought as i packed my laptop away going back to writing in my journal
Once i finished documenting my theories my thoughts drifted on the girl from earlier. There was something about her that felt off, a lingering sense of unease. Why was she out tonight? From the traces of magic I sensed around her, it was clear she at least had some knowledge of the supernatural, but she didn’t seem to have much experience with it.
“If she were conducting her own investigation.” The thought gave me a headache. The idea of dealing with an inexperienced witch in a situation filled with danger was gonna be a paim. If she didn’t know what she was doing, it could lead to serious complications for both of us. That was something i couldn't afford.
“Huh wonder if this is how Powers and Trigger feels everytime they find me solving a case there on” I thought remembering the pair of UIU agents I wanted to impress the first time I met them
I sighed trying to push my worries away for the night as it was getting late i needed a clear head if i wanted to deal with this mess in the morning.
I nestled my head into the pillows as i let sleep wash over me lifting some worries from my mind for the day to come.
But as I opened my eyes I found myself somewhere else surrounded by an eerie familiarity The unmistakable feeling of my old bed back at the Mystery Shack held me in place The same scratchy faded quilt covered me and the smell of old wood and forest air was thick around me
The Shack’s rickety flooring creaked as I stood up every step echoing in the silence Dread settled deep in my gut I already knew what was coming but knowing didn’t make it any easier I pushed the door open greeted by a twisted distorted version of the home I once cherished
Around me grotesque versions of creatures I’d seen in Gravity Falls lurked in shadows and corners exaggerated features contorted in silent screams moving like they were stuck in a nightmare loop The Shack’s once familiar walls now stretched and warped decorated with odd symbols that flickered with an unnatural light No matter how far I walked the nightmare wouldn’t change It wouldn’t end
At the heart of it all was Weirdmageddon The moment froze in twisted beauty and horror the chaos and colors swirling around me choking me with memories I’d tried to bury
I’d been having this dream for years now No amount of therapy or rituals could ever wipe it from my mind Over time I got used to it to a degree used to seeing friends and family frozen in tortured scenes I reminded myself it was just a dream but it didn’t make their silent horrified faces any easier to bear
The cacophony of silent cries faded as the familiar presence entered like a stain creeping into the dream’s edges poisoning everything in its path
He appeared just as he always did The 2D eldritch terror drifted down from above like a snake dropping from a branch before shifting into something unsettlingly familiar This time he took my own form
“Oh Pine Tree” Bill said his laughter vibrating through the dreamscape like nails on glass His appearance mocked me a twisted doppelganger wearing black pants a white long sleeved shirt under a yellow vest and a black coat An eye patch covered one eye but the other glowed a sickly yellow feline and all seeing with an unnatural grin stretched across his face
“When are you going to give in kid Yours and Sixer's little barriers won’t hold me forever” He floated in a lazy circle around me hands tucked behind his back
“When will you understand that you’re never getting control of my body Bill” I said exhausted by this nightly routine “You’re not as strong as you think”
He laughed a sound that echoed too loud bouncing off the twisted walls of my dreamscape “You’re such a killjoy I’d just take it out for a little spin fry a couple of folks cause a little mayhem where’s the harm” His voice was light almost innocent as he grinned and shrugged
“It’s never going to happen so just get out of my head” I shot back anger rising in my voice
“Oh you’re so fun when you get angry Pine Tree” Bill’s voice dropped taking on a mocking pitying tone “Didn’t I tell you This is the only place left for me After that grumpy old uncle of yours blasted me out of existence the only place a piece of me survived was right here” He tapped his head but the motion stretched and twisted making his entire body ripple into a monstrous sickening shape
He took a step closer, his voice warping and cracking like a broken record “And until I get my body back I’m going to haunt you Every. Single. Night.”
His words sank into the silence settling like stones in my stomach I fought the shiver that ran up my spine
“And you know it’s only a matter of time kid You’re already following old Fordsy’s path You’ve left Llama you’ve gone off on your little solo mission without Icebag or Shooting Star You’re alone kid and we both know that the longer you’re alone the easier you’ll break” he said looking at me with a sadistic grin as his outfit changed into a mockery of great uncle ford's
“you're gonna end up just like fordsy You’re gonna end up all alone pushing every single one who cares about you just like he did” his voice said filled with nothing but glee
The sneer on his face widened that yellow eye flashing with a perverse delight He could sense my weariness my desperation He thrived on it
“I’ll never give in” I shouted stepping closer trying to keep my voice steady “Even if it’s the last thing I do I’ll never let you take control you isosceles jerk” In a rush of anger I spat in his face which was a mistake
Bill’s grin faded replaced by a cold dangerous glint in his eye He wiped my spit away with a gloved hand his gaze narrowing
“You’re going to see soon enough Pine Tree” he said his voice now dark and dripping with menace “You can’t hold me back forever Like it or not I’m a part of you now” He tilted his head and motioned to the chaos surrounding us “And it just so happens that this little town you’re playing hero in has everything I need to get back in the game”
I froze “What are you talking about”
“Oh wouldn’t you like to know” He laughed eyes glinting with wicked amusement “Echo Creek has resources special people special objects and a whole lot of untapped chaos enough to crack open my cage and finally let me out of this little mind prison”
As he spoke the twisted landscape around us seemed to pulse in sync with his words closing in on me His smile grew wider impossible and monstrous as he reached into the dark air pulling a contorted shrieking creature toward him
The thing writhed and twisted as he gripped it by the neck its form shifting merging until it was nothing more than a long jagged sickle He held it up admiring it like a prized possession then turned that glowing eye back to me
“One way or another I’ll get control over you and when I do Pine Tree you’ll never get it back” He took a slow step toward me the sickle gleaming ominously in his hand
My body locked in place every muscle frozen as he closed in his smile wide and razor-sharp I struggled pushing against the invisible force that held me my heart pounding faster with each step he took
He raised the sickle aiming it at my eye I could see the twisted reflection of my own face in the blade distorted screaming as he swung it down And then
I bolted awake gasping for air my heart racing the faint glow of dawn creeping through the window
Just like every other night Bill’s voice echoed in my mind fading as I woke “See you soon Pine Tree And remember this town has everything I need"
I wiped the sweat off my face and looked at my clock. It was 7:00 am.the tattoo on my left arm burned as Bill was locked away again. i sighed in relief as I grabbed my glasses from the bedside table looking for my adderstone attachment. I looked into the mirror and placed it in front of my glasses as I checked my eyes.
Two normal brown eyes stared back, no slits nothing yellow, just the regular brown eyes I see every day.
I sighed in relief at the sight but my thoughts were still racing as a haze was over my head I needed to talk to someone so I grabbed my phone. I scrolled through my contacts a bit before I found her, I pressed the call button and waited till a voice answered.
“Yo Dipper, what's up my guy?” Wendy said from the other end breaking me away from the fog in my own head.
“Nothing, it’s just the thing again.” I said, hearing a sigh from the other end.
“Geez. How bad was he this time.” She asked, concerned.
“It's just like always. It’s gotten worse after what happened last year.” I said, memories bubbled up as dark landscapes and a certain book crossed my mind.
“You know they'd always be willing to help. We’ll always be there for you.” She said, talking about the others.
“Yeah, I know.” I said, knowing I'd have to tell them eventually
“It’s just hard. It’s been three years but the memories are too fresh for everyone, especially with last year.” I said nervously.
“Dude you know I’ll always be there to talk you through these things but they have to know eventually especially Mabel she's worried about you I dont want what happened to Ford to happen to you.” She said reasonably, and worried for me.
“I know but eventually doesn't need to be now, besides as of now he can't do any damage so I’ll keep him at bay till I can get rid of him or keep him locked in. He won't trick me like Great Uncle Ford. I won't let him.” I said, not knowing if I was convincing her or myself.
“All right, I’ll let you handle things then. Just be careful. Where are you at by the way? All Mabel told us was that you’re gonna go off on your own for a bit.” She asked, curiously while changing the subject. While reminding me that i forgot to call mabel last night
“So far I’m still in California investigating some disappearances.” I said my voice calming down.
“Huh, natural or supernatural?” She asked.
“Supernatural. There are vampires here and I’m gonna flush em out.” I said confidently.
“Well if you need help give me a call. I can be there in an hour if I ignore the traffic lights.” She said jokingly, maybe,
We talked more for a bit till I felt fine enough to go through with the rest of the day even with the thought of what bill said got stuck in my head. I decided to take a look around the place again, maybe I could take a look at the library.
I thought of things I could do here and made a mental list, after that I took a shower and got dressed. I left in tan cargo pants a fitted black shirt some flannel and a small satchel, as I stepped out to explore the town.
At first glance, Echo Creek was just your average town. But when the citizens came out of their houses you could see it wasn't normal. A plethora of different races coexisted in one community. It reminded me of Gravity Falls but somewhat less threatening making some sense as to what bill was talking about.
but with how they destroyed there source of magic it was hard to believe they'd still have strong enough to conjure a spell much less let bill restart Weirdmageddon . I visited a few places and saw some of the royals I heard about here. I made a note to talk to them after gathering more evidence about the vamps, later on I went to the library.
The library was definitely nothing to brag about a note on the sign stating it was one of the only buildings that survived the cleaving which is what they called the event that fused their town
Looking at the door frame I checked for any recognizable marks or symbols to see if I can get any help here
I didn't see any of the usual signs but I did see a star of aquarius on it which was weird to say the least as atlantis never had any activity here in california before
It was okay atleast looking like your average town library
I looked around the place a bit before I saw a book that might have what i need. It was titled "The History of Earth and Mewni. By Sandra Witwicky" I checked the book out and passed by a table where I saw the girl from last night in the corner of my eye. She had some vampire guidebooks arround her and was currently reading a book I was all too familiar with because well wrote it I wondered if they had a few of my other books in stock but decided not to dwell on it
I sat down for a bit of light reading, careful to make sure no one noticed me as I read the first few chapters.
The history was enlightening to say the least with the little bit of information to go off of on how the mewmans werent native to mewni it made me suspect an old theory me and great uncle ford had that the portals not only brought alot of the supernatural into the world they also let some of our own out of it.
And while this might not be enough proof of humans possibly going to other worlds existed it made me wonder still with how similar Human and mewman biology Seemed to be the idea still held some merit
I was pulled out of my thoughts when I got a call from someone I met on one of my travels, a paranormal investigator like myself with a life similar to mine.
"Hey there Val, what's up?" I asked The person on the other end.
"Not much, Mason. Just finished exploring another ruin in Monte Macabre. What about you?" Val said. A few years ago Val and his brother found out a lot of family history. Their summer in "Monte Macabre" turned out to be more eventful than planned.
"I'm checking on a possible vamp infestation in a town in California UIU sanctioned as well " I said.
"Huh, how serious is it?" Valentino asked me.
"Possible level 4 scenario." I said over the phone.
"Is it the Red court" Valentino said with a bit of bitterness.
For a brief explanation there Are 3 main courts that vampires follow with many lesser courts that are more known my friend Val has bad history with the Red court ever since he was 13
"Nope so far im assuming the Grey Court is the one scheming here but if you're not too busy I need you to get someone to look into some things for me, some rumours up in Oregon." I said into the phone.
“Sure, but you need to be more specific. You of all people, should know how much of a hotspot that place is.” He said jokingly.
“Pendleward, it's somewhere in the mountain regions. Last I heard, A lesser court was gathering there when a fight happened. Their king might have perished in the fight and I might be dealing with the fallout of it.” I said into the phone, keeping a low voice to not draw attention.
“Got it. But didn't you say it could be the grey court why would a lesser court be involved“ Val said skeptically.
“Call it a hunch but It makes some sense a lesser court needing to rebuild and what better place than a new weirdness Hotspot.” I said into the phone.
“That's a bit of a stretch.” Val said incredulously.
“Maybe but I think it’s worth checking on.” I said.
“Well how bad is it down there anyway?” Val asked.
"From what the reports say most of the attacks are on the mewmans or monsters with no rhyme or reason. The only one I can think of is magic " I said, still talking to Val till I heard a the sound of a squeaky floorboard.
Not wanting to get caught, I used a spell to turn invisible as another tattoo of mine lit up blue as i held my breath. As I turned around I saw the girl from the night before. She walked out into the open and looked around.
"What the, how? Did he?-Dang it. Alright, Janna, guess I have to keep looking, I suppose.” She said to herself aloud as she looked around. She looked cute if I was being honest with myself.
Her bangs were hidden under a dark blue beanie, giving a better view of her face, she had dark brown eyes and tan skin.
I blinked, surprise hitting me. So, her name is Janna. She looked cute, I had to admit. Her dark brown eyes were sharp beneath her dark blue beanie and her tan skin glowed in the library's light She wore a black shirt over a yellow undershirt denim shorts and sturdy black boots Mabel would’ve said she was definitely my type but I shook off the thought. Focus Mason
I remained still, silent as I watched her leave, my heart racing. Once I was sure she was gone I let out a breath, shutting off my spell .
There was only one thing i could think off
"Her name is Janna." I said aloud a familiar warmth filled my chest but dissipated as i shook my head
“Whose name is Janna?” Val said from the phone.
“No one, I gotta go plan for tonight.” I said, wanting to change topics.
“Fine, but call if you need help. I gotta make sure V- Wait Victor- What the hell! Put that artifact down!” He yelled before cutting the call.
After that I started walking to the receptionist to check out the book before heading out. Deciding I should check on my supplies.