Chapter 1: Moving On, Moving Out
Chapter Text
Sam Manson wasn’t happy when one of her best friends spend their whole summer break in some town in the nowhere of Oregon. But it was relieving to know that Danny was happy in a town even smaller (hence more boring) than their Amity Park. Albeit she could understand if just Danny enjoyed to have a break from his wacko parents and their contaminated food.
The following year, he visited his great uncles again. Not the whole summer, but still a good thunk of it. Danny visited Gravity Falls for three years in a row, before he had his ‘accident’, the day he half died and became a ghost.
Turns out his parents were onto something.
And Danny was not really surprised that ghosts were real. Sam first noted this when he returned from his first trip to Gravity Falls, when he was twelve, turned thirteen. Sam figured he just rolled with his parents’ ideas because he still had to deal with their green glowing flavor of crazy for another six years. Even though his great uncle, who was also a supernatural scientist but more legit, offered Danny an apprenticeship.
This would mean Danny would move away. He rejected it. However his sister Jazz, who was of the opinion he was wasting a big chance, let it be known Stanford would ask again when Danny was older. Jazz claimed Stanford said thirteen is a bit young for this.
The second year, Danny rejected. The third year he rejected again, but Sam had a hunch he wanted to. (That year, he spend Christmas in Oregon. Knowing how his parents ‘celebrate’ that holiday, Sam wasn’t fully sure if it was even relating to Stanford’s offer. She could understand if he just wanted a normal Christmas for a change.)
Right after he returned, he became Phantom. Now he simply could not leave Amity! Then, Sam knew for sure Danny wanted to take his relative up for the offer. She could see he wants to and she could hear it in his voice, the desire and pain to say no.
The summer after that, Danny didn’t go to Gravity Falls. The year after that, Sam told him, rather aggressively at that, while they were relaxing in the Sophomore’s room, “Daniel Janus Fenton!” “Oh, full name.” Valerie muttered. Sam continued, “Tucker, Jazz and I know you miss that tiny town, you were miserable last summer, so get your butt going and visit your relatives!”
“But Amity Park! The ghosts!” Danny tried to argue. “I want to, but…”
Tucker chimed in, “I get what you mean, dude, but Sam and I aren’t half bad capturing ghosts. And we have Valerie now! Val could easily cover for you on her own! Why don’t we treat that summer as a test run? Who knows, maybe you still can become Stanford’s apprentice.”
“Wait, you won’t mind that? If I accept?” Danny asked surprised.
“Well, it would suck if you leave, but true friends shouldn’t stop each other from following their dreams.” argued Sam. “And you already had to give up on being an astronaut.”
“Jazz still calls you an idiot for rejecting.” added Valerie. “Jazz! She also gets a hang on ghosts! When she isn’t in college. Ellie drops in sometimes.” Ellie, his clone and honorary cousin, still avoids Amity, reason being that knock off Dracula they have as a mayor, but she visits from time to time. And she does partake in fights, too.
“I… well, I don’t have to spend the whole summer…” Danny said. “And I slowly get a hang on making portals.”
“Don’t rely on that.” Valerie told him. “Now get packing, your relatives probably miss you.”
“She is right! Get packing! Hush, hush!” Sam demanded, handing him one of his luggage pieces.
“Who’s packing?” Jazz asked as she stepped into her brother’s room.
“Danny is visiting your great uncle’s again.” Sam stated.
Jazz’ eyes widen. “Really? Finally! I inform mom and dad!” She then left again.
With that, Danny was off for weeks.
If it wasn’t for the ghosts, Sam would have had a deja vu from that first summer without Danny.
The first week, Danny did not message or call them much. Then he did and apologized for that. He and his relatives and friends in Gravity Falls had to catch up. After that, there was steady communication.
Then there was no peep from Danny for nearly a month. Even Jazz was worried, so worried that she took a break from University and drove to Oregon, only for them to not hear from her either.
Then both popped up again. Jazz was unbothered that she had to catch up in her classes, she only said her stint was ‘worth it’. Neither told them what had happened.
This, again, reminded Sam of the first summer. Steady messages, then no peep for a while, only to return and not tell them anything of note.
Danny returned three weeks before their Junior year would start, only to announce he accepted Stanford’s deal, which meant he left Amity Park. Aside from that, he and Jazz looked normal. Heck, Jazz even started to wear a crescent moon charm around her neck. Sapphire blue like she always wears on a black necklace. It appeared to be nothing wrong.
Sam and Tucker did say they would be happy for him, but it still hurt that he just left.
That was months ago. It didn’t go unnoticed that Phantom was gone, aside from sporadic visits as Danny finally got a hang on creating portals, so the team had been worrying that people, aside from Wes, realized Danny was Phantom. On the topic of Wes, said boy approached them on the second day of their Junior year.
“Fenton isn’t here, Lancer said he switched schools. West coast, right?” He started. “Phantom hasn’t been seen in a while, too. Isn’t it crystal clear?”
Sam sighed. “Yes. Listen, Weston. Please don’t tell anyone-”
“Relax, Manson, I won’t. I came to the realization that doxing Danny would just do more harm than good. As Phantom, he protects us. Not just from ghosts, but the GIW, too. These nutters. I… was just frustrated no one put one and one together.” Wes explained. “Well, I… I don’t want to be friends, not that I would mind, but I don’t want to be an enemy of sorts. Peace?”
Sam, Tuck and Val looked at each other. “Peace.” they all agreed.
Wes then said, “Let’s get going, I heard from Coach Tetslaff that Lancer has an announcement to make. A field trip.”
“Boring.” Sam said.
“Across the country. Plane flight.” Wes informed her.
“Not boring.” Valerie said. “Hawaii?”
“Oh please, Casper High is too broke for Hawaii.” Tucker chided. “Albeit with Vlad’s donations…”
“What about him, anyway? If you don’t mind me asking?” Wes wondered as they walked though the corridor of the school.
“The Mayor is Danny’s Godfather. He was college friends with his parents.” Sam explained.
“He is into his mom and totally jealous. He even tried to convince Danny to denounce Mr. Fenton and become his son.” Tucker added.
“He knows Danny is Phantom.” Valerie said. Wes eyes widen. “Apparently Danny isn’t the only half dead weirdo.”
“Oh, don’t tell anyone about this. Vlad and Danny have a deal to keep each other’s secrets safe.”
“Your luck this floor’s empty.” said Wes. He sighed. “So Masters funds the school to appease Danny… but Danny left?”
“Vlad seems to be convinced Danny will return to Amity.” said Valerie. “That man is delusional.”
“Figured.”
Sam, Valerie and Tucker sat in Lancer’s English class, which was their typical bore.
“Class! Listen! We were granted to take you on a field trip! Beyond Illinois!” he announced. “We will visit a small town in Oregon. That town used to claim they were the most haunted area in the US. A scientist in the late seventies even claimed it was the most paranormal place in the whole world. Well… two years before the portal of the Fenton’s opened, the Gravity Falls denounced their claim, admitting it was an attempt to power their tourism industry.
“Well, the Doctors Fenton managed to track spectral energy in that town, at levels not too far from our small city.-”
Sam interrupted him, “Are you saying this trip’s destination is a potentially ongoing scientific investigation?”
“Oh, no! The doctor’s Fenton visited that place often already. Turns out that scientist from the seventies is a relative of theirs. The three said Gravity Falls is save, that there is nothing to see… well, as Dr. Pines still lives there and returned to his studies-”
“Maybe he just retired there? He lived there for decades.” Tucker said, now being the one to interrupt their teacher. “We talked to him, actually. He is a relative of Danny, after all.”
“So the crazy does run in the family.” Paulina mused.
“I suppose. It is just, I’ve read Dr. Pines pitch of his studies… now that the portal is open, I really want to know what had came out of it.”
“Mr. Lancer, is this trip an excuse for you to meet your academic idol?” Wes asked, getting a few laughs from the Jocks.
Mr. Lancer just chucked. “Maybe… either way, please have your parents sign this letter.” He then proceeded to hand out some sheets. Lancer added, “I admit, besides having the chance to meet Dr. Pines, I am curious what had happened to Daniel in the last few months. It is always disappointing when students leave our school. Aside from graduation, of course. Especially the, er, quirky ones.”
“Fentoenail’s quirky, alright.” Dash said. “He’s probably being a looser, Oregon Edition.”
Lancer sighed. “Baxter!” The teacher then saw Star’s arm was up, “Ms. Kaiser?”
“Considering how far away this trip is, will we have chaperon's? Considering we had three, not counting the teachers when we just visited the Art Institute of Chicago…” Star asked.
“This is an excellent question! I send a group email to your parents, not only informing them of the trip but also asking if anyone wants to volunteer.” Lancer explained. He then chuckled, which was disturbing for some of the class. “Turns out the Drs. Fenton were still in our systems! Well, as it is proven that Gravity Falls is or at least was a supernatural hot spot, we invited them.”
The class chatted about this.
“Aren’t chaperon's supposed to be parents of teachers who attend our school?” one girl asked.
“I bet they just agree to have an excuse to go there.” one of the jocks said, “We al know how doting they were on Jasmine and Danny.”
Star answered, slightly darkly, “Makes you wonder why he left for a different state like that.”
“Not only that, but the major, one of Casper’s biggest sponsors, also chaperon's.” Lancer informed them. “I have a feeling this will be a great trip!”
“Fuck!”
“Language, Ms. Manson!”
After school ended and Tucker was in his home, Tuck called Danny, who accepted the call.
“Dude, you never believe what Lancer announced!”
‘You visit Gravity Falls. I know, Casper High booked Gruncle Stan’s Shack as one of the activities.’ his friend replied. ‘I have the feeling he will have me act as a guide.’
“Don’t you have school?” Tucker wondered.
‘Tuck, part of the deal with Ford was being home schooled by him. The week you’re here falls onto a local holiday, er, tradition, so there is no school in Gravity in that week. Ford respects that tradition, even though he can’t stand the tradition.’ Danny explained, ‘Well, his twin annoyed him into letting me off to hang out with my local friends.’
“Pioneer day?” Tucker guessed, “Some places are patriotic enough to celebrate longer than a day.”
‘Nah, that’s in early summer.’ Danny told him. ‘Tuck, there is one thing I should warn you about: Ellie is in Gravity Falls… in fact I convinced my grand uncles to essentially adopt her.’
“Wow! So, she has a fix spot now?”
‘Yeah.’ he confirmed. ‘On that note, she is now officially my cousin.’
“Good for her! Wait, is her name still Danielle?” Tucker asked.
‘No, she is now Eleanor.’ Danny added, ‘She picked the name herself. Like, she did not allow any other name. We claim she was the result of one of Gruncle Stan’s one night stands with an illegal immigrant.’
Tucker laughed. “And he rolled with that idea?”
‘Dude, it was Stan’s idea.’ Danny said. ‘Hey, did Lancer pick any chaperon's so far?’
“Your parents. Apparently they were still in the school system – stupid administration – and Lancer just rolled with it.” Tucker explained. Danny didn’t reply, which weirded Tucker a bit out, so he continued, “Didn’t Dr. Pines say Gravity Falls gave up their claim and was officially cleared? Or was it reopened due to the portal opening?”
‘A bit, yes, but I’m certain mom and dad mainly volunteered to see me. They said they wanted to visit for a while.’ Danny answered. ‘Well, sounds like it will be an intense week. Anything else? My break ends in a bit.’
“Right, you work for your great uncle. Wait, can’t you clone?”
‘Yes, but I only have one phone that I need to reach Stan or my colleagues.’ Danny stated. ‘And the original is in a lab were phones due to their signals aren’t really allowed.’
“Cool!” Tucker swooned. “Before I forget… um… Vlad also volunteered.”
‘I would say shit, but I think I can handle Vlad.’ Danny answered, ‘It will still be annoying, though. So, my parents and Vlad.’
“My mom and Ishiyama – she is Kwan’s aunt after all – will come.” Tucker added. “So, yeah, she’s still cuddling Kwan.”
‘Hey, will the class be allowed to move around freely?’ Danny then asked. ‘I would like to catch up with you guys. And I want to introduce my girlfriend to you.’
“You got a girlfriend?” Tucker said shocked, “Unfair!”
‘It is not.’
Danny walked into the kitchen. There, Stan was trying to teach Ellie how to make pancakes, while Ford read the news paper. Ford was also the first to notice Danny, “Is something wrong, Danny? Any… issues regarding your powers?”
“No, no, not my powers. It is just, Tucker called me about the trip. I… don’t get me wrong, I am happy to see my friends again, but…” Danny spoke. “Sam, Tuck and Val have a good reason to be pissed at me. I just dipped, essentially.”
“Valerie comes?” Ellie asked. “Yay!”
“Danny, I am sure your friends understand that you had to leave due to your powers… malfunctioning.” Ford assured him, “They understand if you just need distance from Jack and Madeline. Considering their newest invention…”
Stan added more cheerfully, “You said yourself they wanted you to take up Point Dexter on his offer! They have no reason to be angry.”
“Danny, do you still worry you left Amity Park without any defense?” Ellie chimed in, “Sam and Tucker have the experience and Valerie is awesome! Don’t worry!”
“I suppose you’re right.” Danny agreed. “Guys, mom and dad are chaperon's, and so is Vlad Masters.”
Ellie yelped hearing that, but Stan said, “We can deal with that creep!”
“Ah, yes, the halfa…” Ford said. “From what you told me, I think someone should keep an eye on him.”
“I could ask Jeff and the Gnomes, or the manotauers. Maybe Ma and Pa? Their ghost signatures are weak enough to stay undetected. Even by Vlad.” Danny proposed.
“Whatever you do, I won’t hide!” Ellie declared.
“Figured.” He then left the kitchen and returned to his room in the attic. That room had been remodeled. Danny and Ellie have separate rooms now. There is also a third, albeit small one in case Jazz visits again. She said she would.
Despite the renovation, this probably cursed, triangular window was still there. Staring out of it, Danny felt reminded of him. The demon who nearly destroyed the world when he was twelve. After that, he had to reconsider if his parents were wack.
Well, he already reconsidered that when he had to help Pacifica with her familial curse. On that note, Ford’s ghost scale is trash, considering what he knows now about ghosties now.
He looked away from the window and walked into his room. “I wish I could talk to Clockwork.”
If he would step into the Infinite Realms, panic would ensue and the Observants would kick out again. Not that scaring the Observants isn’t the most hilarious thing to do in a while.
The starting point of their trip was at the school. From there, a bus would drive them to Chicago Air Port. The class was surprised how chill the Fenton’s were that drive, even if they wore their teal and orange suit.. To be fair, Lancer had all their attention on them as he asked about their relative.
After a while, Principal Ishiyama chimed in with a question, “Drs. Fenton, not to be judgmental, but I was quite surprised when you said your relative would homeschool Daniel.”
“Well, I was at first skeptical as well, but Ford has literally a dozen PhD’s.” Maddie answered, “And considering that traditional education didn’t work with Danny…”
“But can your one relative deliver what he needs?” Ishiyama asked further.
“Apparently, so far Danny’s grades are like when he first started. You see, Ford cooperates with their local High School. This includes they give Ford material and test papers. Some teachers even help him at grading.” Maddie explained. “Now, socially, I admittedly worry a bit. Danny does have friends there, but many of them are a bit older than him.”
Vlad then chimed in as well, “Maddie, if his social surroundings worry you, my offer still stands to pay for a private school. Even Amity has one.”
Maddie rejected, “But you have to consider, I’m somewhat glad he is away from Amity Park.”
The bus was silent. Dead silence as the class misinterpreted that sentence.
But Maddie did not notice and continued talking. “Vlad, please consider, Danny always ran off when ghosts attacked, he was highly uncomfortable when we talked about our work. In conclusion he must be afraid of ghosts. Away from Amity, he doesn’t have to live with that constant fear and can focus on normal teenage things.” She punctuated her speech with a smile. “Not to mention, he is very happy there and tries his best that we don’t change our opinion.”
Angela Foley said, “Mayor, sir, Principal Ishiyama, the most important point is that Danny is happy there.”
Chapter 2: Welcome to Gravity Falls
Chapter Text
The plane landed in Bend, Oregon. From there, they drove eastward further into the state. As their bus to Gravity Falls got moving, Dash peaked onto Lancer’s map. “Roadkill County? Seriously?”
“At least we aren’t going to Boring, Oregon.” Kwan said. “Can’t imagine how much of a snore that would be.”
Paulina whined, “Why can’t we go to Crescent City in California? Then we would have access to a beach!”
Dash told her, not being interested in her whining, “If it makes you happy, there is a town called Paulina close by.”
She lighted up. “Really? Awesome!”
Lancer got up from his seat at the front and walked to Tucker, Sam, Valerie and Wes at the back. “Mr. Foley, have you told Daniel that we’re coming?”
“Yes, but he was already aware. One of the activities you booked runs over his great uncle’s business.” Tucker told him. “He also said his great uncle may assign him as our tour guide.”
That surprised Lancer. “But won’t he have school?”
“Danny gets home schooled by Dr. Pines, he lets Danny off for the week.” Sam supplemented. “But that’s because there is some town festivity over the week were there, all school’s off in Gravity.”
“Oh, Mr. Pines did mention a celebration when I was booking the tour.” Mr. Lancer recalled. “Drs. Fenton…”
“We are not aware what it is.” Maddie admitted, “Just that it is a recent thing the town fell in love with.”
“I can’t wait to see what has them so excited!” Jack added.
“Considering how rural Gravity Falls is, I doubt it is that exciting.” Vlad added.
“Says the man who lived in rural Wisconsin amidst the corn fields for twenty years.” Maddie countered, her arms crossed.
Hours later, the group arrived in Gravity Falls. After driving though a seemingly endless forest, they came into the town. Paulina felt relief that the first building they saw was the local mall. It was decently sized, but far smaller than Amity’s smallest Mall.
Well, it wasn’t the first building they saw. That honor was given to a big mansion on a hill. “Oh, I wonder who lives there!” Tiffanie, an Afro-American girl of the A-List, asked.
Tucker told her, “Oh, Danny mentioned the Mansion! It used to belong to the Northwests, but they had to sell it three or four years ago due to debts.”
Sam then corrected him, “But Danny also said that family bought it back after they bounced back financially.”
“Ah…” Tiffanie didn’t bother to answer when Sam and Tucker answered.
After the mall came a small dinner, a cafe and an arcade. The bus turned left, then right as they passed a decrepit old manor. “If that place isn’t haunted…” Nathan muttered. He lived in Amity, he has a sense for haunted areas. “Foley, did Fenton mention this Manor, too?”
“Yeah, some movie producer lived there. Old guy who did Claymation.” Sam recalled. “Danny and a few others explored it once. He said there is nothing. As in, there isn’t even furniture in there.”
“As if this isn’t haunted!” Nathan complained.
Maddie mentioned, “Mm, we weren’t aware about this mansion. Maybe we should check it out when we visit on our own.”
Their hotel was right besides the town library, which pleased Lancer. In fact Dale, one of the jocks, accused him of picking this hotel for that exact reason. Lancer corrected him, “This Hotel is in fact the only hotel. Well, aside from the Northwest Resort, but that one was out of our budget.”
While Mayor Masters donated quite a lot of money, he did lessen the amount once Danny left. He regretted that decision, “You could have asked me for more. Even the Northwest Resort would have been a drop in the bucket for me, Principal Ishiyama.”
The woman laughed awkwardly, “Now, now, we won’t want to take advantage of your generosity. Not to mention that the resort’s bells and whistles would distract from the educational aspect of this trip.”
“Ah, I understand.”
As they arrived at their hotel, they checked in. The woman working there told them they can rent movies here, something included in their stay. “You did pay for it, might as well use it.”
Before the class got to their rooms, Mr. Lancer told them, “Considering it is already late, we will eat dinner at the hotel, but tomorrow, we have a tight schedule! Now, the rooms.”
Tucker ended up sharing a room with Wes. The jocks took the biggest rooms, that weren’t on the girl’s floor. Tucker and Wes ‘volunteered’ to take the smallest room, so that they could talk in private about Danny. Valerie and Sam did the same on their floor, which is under the boy’s floor. The hotel isn’t big, so half a class fills up a whole floor.
“Honestly, I’m surprised Danny decided to move here.” Wes said while Tucker messaged Danny that they are there. “I mean, this town is tiny! He can’t go ghost here without being caught. It is even more likely here!” He pointed out, “Didn’t you say he needs to fly like a dog needs walkies?”
Tucker thought for a bit. “Yeah, I see your point, but have you seen the forest? It is so dense, he can easily hide. Not to mention Danny lives a bit away from the town proper.”
“Yeah, in a tourist trap.” Wes stated flatly. “His relatives would notice… heck, wasn’t one also a supernatural researcher?”
“Yeah, but Dr. Pines focuses more on demons than ghosts and even then, he researches the supernatural in general. He may not pay attention to ghosts.” Tucker said. Thinking about it, Tucker had no idea if the Pines were aware about Danny being half dead.
If they were, he could understand even more why Danny moved here. He would have a home where he doesn’t need to hide. Well, that wasn’t with the mayor.
“D-Demons? If ghosts are real, I doubt I can survive those…” Wes said.
Tucker froze. “Right… I wasn’t sure if he was joking.” He typed into his chat with Danny ‘Are demons real?’
Minutes later he received an answer. ‘Yes, but they should have no access to our reality, so I doubt you see one. At least a dangerous one.’
‘You met one, didn’t you?’
‘Tuck, it’s late.’ Then he was offline.
“And?” Wes asked.
“He said we’re unlikely to meet one, but yes, they do exist.” Tucker then realized something. “Listen, we’re not telling Sam about this. She would want to summon one.” Wes just nod.
The first day, a Monday, started with a light breakfast at their hotel. As the class collected in the lobby, Mr. Lancer explained, “Our Guide – an associate of the Mystery Shack - will meet us next door at the library. He will explain the town to us. Thursday to Saturday, you can move independently but I ask you to stay in groups at the very least. We don’t have enough chaperon's or teachers to supervise all of you.”
“Does that mean we can go to the mall?” Star asked.
“Yes.” their teacher confirmed.
“But we have to wait until Thursday…” Paulina complained.
They left the hotel and walked right next door to the library. Right there at the entrance to the library was Danny. But he looked different. Instead of his red and white shirt, he wore a red checkered flannel shirt over a long sleeved black shirt. Additionally to that, his hair was longer and he wore a blue cap with a minimalist pine tree on it. “Welcome to Gravity Falls, everyone.”
“I assume you’re our guide?” Lancer asked.
“Correct, Mr. Lancer.” Danny confirmed. “While the town stopped to claim they are the most haunted, the occult is still a big deal here. On that note, the main event is a masked ball-” The girls, namely the A List girls, started to cheer at that. “-Hosted by the Northwests. It is held on the town square at night.”
He could see that Sam got annoyed by the A Lists and said, “Well, we will stand out without dresses and costumes, not to mention, do we even have time for this ball? I’m sure Mr. Lancer has a tight schedule planned for us.”
“I did intent a tight packed tour and camping.” Lancer admitted, “But I suppose we could cut the camping short for the festivities.”
Danny just stared at him. “You plan to camp? In this forest…”
“Your great uncle said we’re not allowed-”
“Then why are you planning to camp?” Danny snapped, to the class’ surprise. His parents and Vlad also shocked by his outburst, however for differing reasons. “Most of the forests are off limits! For a good reason.”
His outburst was followed by dead silence. They knew him as the timid nerd, and even Sam, Valerie and Tucker knew he was, aside from being Phantom, not one for confrontations.
Danny then continued to speak, “Save yourself the time when the authorities come knocking and stay away from the forest.”
“You said most of the forest is off limits, but not all.”
“Lancer, do you want to camp in someone’s lawn? If you do that, this may happen. The accessible area is tiny.” Danny explained. “But I suppose you could camp in the area between the Mystery Shack and… but you’ll need a guide. While that area is marked, the markings aren’t reliable at all times.”
“Why?” Mikey asked.
“Besides that marking that forest is work, someone steals some of the signs.” Danny explained. He sighed. “Well, if you want to attend, I would say we use some of the saved time and go to the mall, so that the girls can get dresses and masks. Heck, just masks would be enough.”
Star ran up to him, “When exactly is the ball?”
“Saturday night. Friday… is kinda like a fair. No, it is a fair.” he said. “I’ll say we go to the mall on Wednesday. It is closed on Friday and very busy on Thursday. But now, your tour of the town. We will officially begin at the square and end the tour at the Mystery Shack.” He gestured to follow them.
Passing a building and then turning left, they walked into a rather big town square. On the other side was the church – it looked unused – to the left was the town hall and on the right side of the square was the police station. There were also a few stores around the square, like a hardware store.
“Make sure you remember this place, this is where the festival will be. Unless it rains.” Danny told them. “Then it will be Northwest Manor.”
“Where is that?” Paulina asked.
“Outside the town.” he said, “Albeit somewhat close to the Mystery Shack.”
“Why is the church so…” Sam asked. “It is in a worse state than Amity’s.”
“Most people aren’t religious here.” Danny said, “Heck, I know more Jews than practicing Christian’s here.” He then added, “Near the High School is an actually abandoned Church, total ruin, too.”
Jack then walked to him and gave him a hefty hug, “I missed you, son! And look how much you have changed!”
“I just let my hair grow and changed my clothes. And it is not like I wear the old ones time to time.” Danny explained. “However the hat is a new fixture.”
Maddie then criticized the clothes. “Aren’t the long sleeves a bit much?”
“No? Even with sleeves, I’m slightly freezing.” Danny answered. “Now let’s continue. We can continue our little family reunion when you’re free of your chaperon duty.”
After that, they left the town square. They continued left, where they passed the museum, the jail and the circle park. At another fork, Danny stopped. “If we would go left, we would pass the lookout point, the TV station and the golf course, as well as quite a few houses. The end of the street is restricted as it leads to Great Uncle Ford’s actual research project. He likes to be undisturbed.”
So they continued right. That outer street itself was empty, however they could see one particular building. “Everyone, the penitentiary.” Danny informed them. He stopped then crossed the street, going to the wire fence of the penitentiary.
At the fence was a small, pale child, two years younger than Danny, with pale but big hair, wearing an orange suit. Danny greeted him, “Ey, Gid! Got a break from Juvie on steroids?”
“Yes, however I have to say, I prefer the jail.” the kid answered, “More entertaining fellow inmates.”
“If you say so, Gideon.” Danny said, “I’m stuck playing tour guide for my old class.”
“Oh! What are you being punished for, Alkaid?” Gideon asked.
“No punishment, just getting paid.” Danny corrected. He then crossed his arms, “Now please drop the nickname.”
“No.” Gideon answered, “Now, is Ellie in town?”
“Not telling you.” Danny said. “Let’s continue.”
However his mother asked, “Why is this child in here?”
“He may look innocent, but Gideon is just one ritual away from being a demon.” Danny said. “Little creep… but seriously, let’s get going.”
“Wait, wait, wait!” Gideon said hastily, looking at Maddie, “I didn’t knew you have two sisters, Alkaid!”
Maddie kneed down to Gideon’s height, “I’m their mother, Gideon.” She stood back up. “Nice to meet you, Gideon.”
“Gideon Gleeful, ma’am!” Gideon yelled as they moved on.
“That kid is giving me the creeps!” Tiffanie complained.
“You don’t know half of it.” Danny said, “There are reasons why he is in the penitentiary.”
Sam sped up her walk to catch up with Danny, “What about that nickname? Alkaid, what does that even mean?”
“Alkaid is a star of the Big Dipper Constellation.” Vlad informed them. “Daniel, I believe to recall that you were quite passionate about astronomy, so why are you annoyed with that nickname?”
“It started with an insider joke that hadn’t been funny anymore in months.” Danny explained, “Doesn’t help that Gideon of all people calls me exclusively by it. Well, him and… eh, doesn’t matter.” They arrived at another crossing, “The street to our right is largely irrelevant. Aside from homes, there is one seasonal holiday store, think Spirit Halloween. But our local store, despite it’s name, changes with the seasons. All year overpriced, though. Well, this street does lead into the town center. Past it is the laser tag, the junkyard and Gleeful’s car sale.”
“Oh, related to Gideon?” Ishiyama wondered.
“His father runs it.” Danny said, “Most local businesses are family run and we only have chain stores in the mall.”
“We? It sounds like you integrated quite tightly into the town, Daniel.” Vlad commented.
“Yes, and? And considered this place my second home since I was twelve.” Danny countered.
After more minutes they reached the lake. “Welcome to the monster lake and Gravity Falls beach! Aside from when it is fishing season, this is a nice ocean beach substitute.” Danny said.
“What about that island?” Mikey asked.
“Scuttlebutter island is privately owned by McGucket. We’ll pass his new house.” He stopped talking as many of his old classmates were laughing. “Yes, the island has a funny name. Very mature, everyone…”
The street at the lake was lined with an all you can eat buffet, McGucket’s house, the local elementary school, the civil center, and a theater, as well as an eatery aimed at Lumberjacks and Pines’ Pawns. Danny informed them, “Despite the name, the place is not owned by my great uncles. Pine trees are just kind of important here.” He gestured to his hat.
“The street to our left leads to the cemetery, the mini golf course, the water tower, the high school and one of the Northwest’s many businesses.
Danny then led them right. “At the end of this street… is the cliff. However a dirt path leads to the Mystery Shack.”
They passed the Funeral home, a giant statue of a man with an ax, the arcade, the aforementioned auto sale – the class was weirded out that Mr. Gleeful greeted Danny, unlike his son he called him Daniel, though – a studio and Claymore Manor,
When they passed it, Danny told them, “When I was twelve, gruncle Stan and a few friends visited the old manor. So we can confirm, no ghosts here, the manor is just very old and really in need of an renovation. However Mr. Claymore moved away, so it is just abandoned.”
“But something must be wrong with it, if that guy moved.”
“Dash, he still lives in Gravity, he just moved into a retirement home.” Danny corrected him. They continued walking. They passed an old convenience store. Despite the closed sign and abandoned sign, the store did not look abandoned. Sam then saw how Danny’s ghost sense triggered.
She was a bit surprised he did not run off to fight this ghost he sensed. Unless he is familiar with the ghost and knows they won’t do anything. Soon they reached the dirt path, and the Mystery Shack at the end. Once again, the sign read Mystery Hack, as the S just can’t stay.
The door of the shop then opened and Stan, in all his Mr. Mystery attire, said loudly, “Welcome to the Mystery Shack!”
“Dr. Pines?” Lancer asked carefully.
“Nope! That would be my brother, Stanford Pines.” Stan said. “I’m Stanley Pines, but you can call me Mr. Mystery.”
“Soos did it better.” Danny judged. Soos returned the mantle of Mr. Mystery to Stan after the twins returned to Gravity Falls. He isn’t sure why Soos did that, but who is he to tell Soon what to do in his life?
“Shush, kiddo. I’m not paying you to be judgmental.” Stan said to Danny.
Jack then asked, “Where is Stanford, anyway?”
“The off limits research side I mentioned.” Danny told him. “Now, don’t you have to guide them though the Mystery Shack?”
“Right!” he shushed them into the building. “But you are not off the hook, Danny!” Stan handed him a bucket and a mop. “It is your turn to clean the goat’s stable.”
“Just because Ford gave me the week off doesn’t mean I can be your full time employee.” Danny argued and then left, leaving the class, teachers and their chaperon's with Stan.
Vlad observed Stan while he showed them the shack. For all Vlad cares, Stan is irrelevant. His business is trash, Stan himself is a mess. Vlad could not fathom what the boy likes about this place.
Then again, this is Stanley, not Stanford. Daniel is, according to Madeline, Stanford’s apprentice, not Stanley’s. If his brother is anything to go by, he does not understand why Daniel rejected his offers but accepted his hermit relatives.
The bell rang and three people came into the shack. Stan approached them, “Ah Soos, Wendy! Finally! Ellie, Danny’s taking care of the goat.”
“But that is my task!” a girl answered. She looked like Danny. Vlad knew she was Danielle. “After all, he is my goat.”
Stan answered, “If you claim him as your pet, you need to care for him. If you don’t then I’ll let Danny pick the name for the goat..” Danielle screeched and ran out of the shop. Stan laughed at her reaction and proceeded to show them a plaited platypus.
Soos, the tall, fat guy with a question mark shirt, turned out to be some handyman, while Wendy was the cashier. Vlad’s standards lowered when she read some magazine in her boss’ vicinity.
Vlad decided, he needs to get Daniel away from here.
Danny – after showering due to the goat stench – guided them back to their hotel, so that they memorized that path, especially the part without an actual road. He told them to have Sam, Tuck or Val call him if they need a guide.
“Wait, Daniel.” said Lancer. “About the camping, you said an area near the Shack would be okay?”
Daniel nod. “Ah, you still want to do this? Oh well, fine. But I’ll keep an eye on you from the shack that you don’t go any deeper into the woods.”
“Or you can join us.” Tiffanie proposed. “I want to know about this town, you must know some stories by now.”
“I want to know how you know this Gideon kid.” Kwan admitted. “A middle schooler in prison is kind of…”
“Eh, I have nothing to do anyway.” Danny said, “Fine. Do you think you can come to the shack on your own or?”
“Well, I suppose it is enough if you meet us where the road ends.” Ishiyama said. “Why did no one pave that track yet?”
“He claims the dirt path adds to the theme of the Shack.” Danny answered, “But he is just a cheap skate."
Chapter 3: Sightseeing
Chapter Text
The class spend their Tuesday mainly in the museum to Lancer’s pleasure and the classes annoyance. After a lunch break in the restaurant next to their hotel, they met Danny near the Mystery Shack.
He carried a backpack, camping gear was hanging off the yellow pack. Danny reminded them, “Remember, most of the forests is off limits.” He then lead them into a small smidgen of forestation that was allowed. Danny lead them to a clearing, surrounded by pine trees. The Northwest Manor could be seen from there – to be fair it was on a hill – as well as the shack. Well, the roofing of the shack. “To keep it simple, as long as you can see the manor, you’re good to go.”
Mr. Lancer took from there. “Well then, lets set up our tents!” After Danny was done with his in a very short time, he walked over to Vlad who of course had the most expensive tent of them all.
“Isn’t that a bit much for one night?”
Vlad looked up to Danny, “I was originally told we would camp for more than that.”
“Hey! I didn’t make that rule!” Danny snapped. “Stan should have told Mr. Lancer…” He then started to walk away, but Vlad grabbed his arm. The older man dragged him into the trees. “Vlad-”
“Daniel, do you really like it here?” Vlad demanded to know. “Aside that I doubt that staying here does anything for your obsession, after all you are a Guardian Spirit-”
“I’m not a guardian spirit! My obsession is space.” Danny corrected him. “I’m only so protective of Amity Park, because it was my haunt.” He then added, “And because I am not as selfish as you, I can’t ignore people in danger.”
“But even then-”
“Red does a wonderful job, Fruitloop.” Danny stated, “Sam and Tucker assist her, Jazz too, when she visits. And I start to get a hang on making portals.”
Vlad piqued up hearing that, “Does that mean I see you more around in the Realms?” Danny didn’t answer. “Daniel, aren’t you bored here? Or lonely?”
“No? I have friends here-heck, I have a girlfriend now! And family. Family that doesn’t shoot me on sight.” He sighed as he said the last part.
“Vlad, are you saying mom would try to end me, or end us, if she knew?” Danny then asked, “My great uncles know I’m Phantom. They know Dani is, well, my clone. They don’t shoot us, nor does Ford conduct experiments. Well, he asked many questions, but that’s it.”
“Madeline would…” Vlad did not end the sentence. “But aren’t you missing Manson, Foley and Gray?”
“Of course I miss them, but this is why I practice portal making.” Danny answered. “Oh, Fruitloop, do you want me to return to Amity Park? That won’t happen anytime soon.” Danny then left and returned to his tent.
When the last tent was standing, they started to hike though the forest. Danny, every few minutes made sure they could see the manor, wasn’t that talk active to his parents annoyance. While the Fenton parents tried and failed to talk with Danny, Lancer conducted his lecture about the local wildlife and the differences to the local flora and fauna of Illinois.
Star preferred to watch the Fenton antics over listening to Lancer, even though the later may be graded when they return to Amity Park, but Danny actively ignoring and dodging his parents was too funny to miss. Her eyes followed her ex-classmate as his walking speed got faster, he was striding to Lancer. However her gaze stopped at a shadow in the trees. It was horse shaped. Then it ran off.
“Are there wild horses in the forest?” Star asked.
“It was probably a horse from the local farmer. His animals, mainly his bovines, constantly break out and ran off.” Danny stated, “Ford and I found one of his cows so often near the Omega site, we started to wonder if he frees them intentionally just to annoy us.”
Lancer asked, somewhat excited, “When is your great uncle free? I would like to talk to him.”
“Definitively this Friday. Stan may force him to take a break a bit earlier, though.” Danny answered. “Ford’s a bit of a workaholic.”
“Oh, is he?” Vlad chimed in.
“Not on the level mom and dad are, though.” Danny corrected. “Well, he reconnected with his old assistant, they have to ‘catch up’ on working together.”
“Mm.” Vlad hummed.
The sun was starting to set, signaled by how the sky started to turn orange. The class build a camp fire, including logs to sit on. Paulina clapped her hands as they sat around the fire to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, Fenton, what is going on with Gideon?”
“Gideon is a psychopath.” Danny stated nonchalantly. “Diagnosed and all. He kidnapped Ellie and attacked me with a knife.”
“Holy sh…” Dale said, so shocked, he discontinued his cuss on accident. “But he is so young!”
“That’s why it took a while for anyone to notice his behavior.” Danny said while eyeing his marshmallow.
“What about that haunted Manor?” Dash asked, “In general, are there ghosts? I doubt Amity Park is the only place where ghosts are a thing.”
“Claymore Manor is not haunted, it just really needs to be renovated. Heck, I checked it twice for ghosts.” Danny answered, “Once with Stan and friends and once with Ford, after he realized ghosts were a thing. And of course we have a few ghosts, but they prefer to move on after their death, or stick around the cemetery. Which means: Mom, dad, don’t bother. The local ghosts are harmless. They attack no one. Heck, most people who die don’t even linger.”
“Oh, as if there aren’t any dangerous ghosts!” Dale exclaimed.
“Well, there was that one time a ghost haunted Northwest Manor and tried to kill the Northwests, but he got neutralized. I don’t want to say exorcised…” Danny explained. He then searched for something in his backpack. He took out a field journal. “That reminds me, Ford made a discovery about ghosts you would like to know.”
“Oh, what is it?” Maddie asked excitedly.
“Madeline, calm down. Your relative doesn’t study ghosts, what does he know?” Vlad said.
Danny sighed, clearly annoyed. “While it is true that Ford didn’t study ectology directly, he does study the supernatural in a more broader sense. Which means sometimes he does work on ghost related things, especially since the portal opened.” Danny explained. “Not only did that rift destabilize Amity, hence more natural portals like the one that opened in the boy’s toilet once, but portals open all around the world. A few opened here in Gravity. Stan and Ford found some while traveling, in Europe and near the Antarctica.”
“Hm, why didn’t we ever notice this?” Maddie wondered.
“You always focused on Amity Park and surrounding. Now that thing Ford discovered… eh, he can explain it more detailed but the gist is: You know how natural portals close after a while?” Both parents nod. “Well, ambient ecto energy leaks though them, not just ghosts. Now, if a portal closes and none is nearby, they get cut off from that energy. If they are cut off long enough, their powers evolve and change. They become more passive, they can’t interact with the physical world. Like, that Manor ghost could not blast ecto but temporarily reanimate an animal’s head. Well, it was an illusion, to create fear. Man, I don’t know what Archibald would have pulled off if fully charged.”
“Archibald?” Wes asked.
“Other effect of this ‘detox’, their ghostly obsession becomes less intense – which does mean a ghost could destabilize and fade, meaning they stop existing – they’re thinking more clearly. Which means some may go by their human names again, as opposed to calling themselves ‘Box Ghost’. Unless they are amnesiac. Turns out, not all ghosts remember their past lives.” Danny said. “Like I said, Ford has more data on that. Oh! And we discovered some ghosts’ obsessions can be places! I’ve found a ghost whose obsessed with one specific cabin.” Wendy’s mom. By now Edith moved on. Turns out she just needed one good yell at Manly Dan to move on.
Maddie answered hyped, “This may be a scientific break through! We could use this to hunt ghosts more effectively! If we shut the portal down-” “Won’t work.” “Won’t work?” she repeated.
“Like I said, opening the portal made the separation between the Ghost Zone and our world unstable, natural portals pop up more often. This is especially near Amity the case. If you shut of the portal, the natural portals will power the ghosts. It makes no difference.” Danny told them. “Not to mention, if you were to restart the portal, it will cause another power blackout – maybe not as wide reaching as last time but still – and…” He was hesitating, should he point out where the start button had been placed? “Even if it would work, those changed ghosts, you may not be able to handle them.”
Maddie crossed her arms, “What is that supposed to mean?”
“The ghosts you deal with, with their infinite supply of ecto, are somewhat corporeal, be it just ectoplasm. Those ghosts are as solid as a hologram, truly incorporeal. Like I said, they can’t interact with the physical plane.” Danny explained. “Which also means Fenton Thermos cans don’t work on them, as well as most of not all of your weapons. Ford’n’I figured that out the hard way.”
“Oh, fudge! That is a problem!” Jack said frustrated. “Did Fordsy find a solution?”
“First of all, don’t call him that, he hates it. It reminds him of an old ex.” Danny told him. “Secondly, I found a solution-yes, without Ford. Turns out some superstitious believes do work on passive ghosts.” Danny then searched for something in his backpack. “Remember the ghost in Northwest Manor I mentioned? Pacifica Northwest and I figured out these ghosts can be caught in silver mirrors.” He showed them a silver mirror. A ghost of an angry woman was in there and hammering against her prison. She demanded to be let out. “This is Roxanne. She haunted the abandoned cinema.”
“Mm, I didn’t see an abandoned cinema.” Ishiyama pointed out.
“Yes, because it is running again, the small one near the Laser Tag. Roxanne had been in this mirror for a while now. Ford and I still need to figure out how to handle here.” Danny explained. “The thermos does not work on her.”
Mrs. Foley asked, “But what happened to this Archibald ghost?”
“He moved on, meaning the thing that kept him tethered to our world had been resolved. Like I said, passive ghosts have a clearer mind, some can’t be talked to. Roxanne not being one of them.” Danny said calmly. He looked to his parents. “I know you two don’t think one can talk to a ghost, but then again you are convinced ghosts have no emotions or aren’t sapient.”
“They think that?” Roxanne chimed in, “No wonder you fled the nest, boy.”
“And back into the backpack you go.” Danny said, hiding her mirror back into the backpack.
Maddie crossed her arms. “How comes you are now interested in ghost hunting? Now that you moved out and changed your surname?”
“First of all, Ford and I study ghosts, we don’t hunt them. I try to talk it out, with the passive ones at least. Secondly, unlike with you, it isn’t embarrassing to be associated with Ford.” Danny snapped at her. He then took out a folded sheet of paper from his journal.
“Changed name?” Valerie asked, very perplexed.
“Changed my name to Daniel Janus Pines.” Danny answered crudely. He unfolded the paper. “Just a new surname.”
“Why do you consider us to be embarrassing?” Maddie demanded to know. “What is so bad about us that you changed your surname?”
“Read this.” Danny said, handing her the paper.
Vlad peaked over her shoulder and read. “A college rejection?”
“To a community college near Amity. I was considering to attend a college near Amity.” Danny clarified. “Read it. The orange marked part.”
Maddie read out loud. “Mr. Fenton, we are sad to reject your application. While your grades are satisfactory and your apprenticeship under PhD. Pines is quite impressive, we can’t have a Fenton attend our college. Due to your parents track record, we can’t risk having any of their relatives on our campus.”
“I received multiple rejections, essentially reading the same.” Danny said darkly. “Did you know Jazz received the same letters? She only got accepted after Ford and an acquaintance vouched for her. Even then, she was denied a scholarship. Jazz also changed her surname. Not Pines, though. She opted for your maiden name, mom. I’m surprised ‘Runner’ isn’t blacklisted like that.” Danny took a deep breath. “I got accepted into a nearby college – near Gravity, mind you – after changing my surname to Pines.”
Then, dead silence. Maddie stared onto the letter, Jack to the ground. The class remained silent as well. Mrs. Foley took a deep breath. She had a feeling this may happen, however she was surprised even Jasmine was affected.
Vlad looked between Danny and Madeline. ‘Looks like I now know why he stays here.’
The silence remained until the bushes rattled. Everyone flinched until an older teen in a black hoodie came though. Danny recognized him. “Oi, Robbie! What are you doing in the forest this time of day?”
“Jeff challenged me to a fight.” Robbie answered. “That your old class?” He laughed. “You all look awkward.”
“Robbie…” Danny said.
“Anyway, I get going! Seeing you around, Pines!” Robbie left the clearing.
It took an hour for the class to get chatty again, however none of them asked Danny any questions. Each group was under themselves, however Danny’s super hearing picked up on some discussions about what had just happened.
Sam asked, to break their silence, “How’s going ghost here? In such a small town…”
“I do not need to hide, Sam. Ford and Stan know I’m, well. They know about Ellie as well. Wendy, Soos and a few others do, too. Which includes ghosts.” Danny said. “Remember the Convenience Store? It is run by a nice pair of ghosts.”
“Wait, ran by? As in-”
“Yes, Tuck. Everyone is aware they are ghosts.” Danny said. “Gravity Falls is a wonderful place for me.”
“That thing with the ecto energy cut off, does it affect you?” Wes asked carefully. “Are you…”
“I work on opening portals, like Wulf. So far, it is enough to recharge.” Danny said, “Not that I need to. Gravity Falls is a magnet for the supernatural and everything weird. Natural portals open quite often here. Heck, right now, one is in the basement of the shack.” Ford complained about a blob ghost pest. He had been warned not to leave the ectoplasm he was experimenting with unsupervised while the portal was open.
“So, there are normal ghosts here?” Valerie pointed out.
“Rarely. Active ghosts seem to avoid Gravity Falls. And it takes a lotta ecto energy to turn them into corporeal ghosts. A short lasting natural isn’t giving enough energy.” Danny clarified. “Not to mention, many of the local passive ghosts are place bound, they rarely have a portal open nearby.” Danny typed something on his phone.
Tucker saw he had a message on his PDA. From Danny. ‘Ghosts fear demons. They avoid them, not the Falls. Demons are especially dangerous to corporeal ghosts.’ Tucker remembered, they don’t want Sam to know about demons. ‘Demons are nothing to sneeze at nor something to fuck with.’
Tucker typed slowly, ‘Did you deal with a demon.?’
‘Yes. Let me tell you, they make Pariah and Dan look like a joke.’ Tucker breathed sharply. It takes a lot for Danny to say that. ‘I prefer not to think about these nightmares.’
Sam laid in her tend. It was dark outside but she could not sleep. She could not miss that Danny messaged Tucker, nor Tucker’s reaction to the text. Sam hates it when her friends keep something from her, friends just don’t do this! Unless it is a birthday surprise, but her day was months ago.
“What the…” she heard someone say. A soft, female voice. “Oh!”
Star. Sam knew it was Star. Sam got out of the tend and looked for the blonde. She saw Star kneed near the bushes by Sam’s tend. Going there, Sam saw what had Star so excited. There was a fucking unicorn.
A blue horse, with a slight glow, a long, sharp, glowing horn and a colorful mane. Considering ghosts are a thing, to see other creatures are real is not that shocking. “What are you doing here?” someone asked.
Both girls looked behind them, but no one was there. However a figure approached the Unicorn. “Celestabellebethabelle, what are you doing outside your sanctuary?” Danny stepped out of a bush.
The unicorn’s horn glowed and a voice came, “I’m bored. Can we spar?”
“Only a short spar, Celestabelle.” Danny said. Switching to a combat ready pose, he added, “Bring it on.” The unicorn galloped at Danny who jumped onto the creature, riding on her back. She tried to throw Danny off, but he held on. Celestabellebethabelle ran around the forest. “Your speed is nothing for me!” Danny mocked. Celestabelle ran back to the clearing. Danny jumped off.
“Ah, get away from the tents!” He whisper-yelled. Celestabelle stopped in her tracks and retreated. “Thanks. That noise spell I set up only works in the clearing, so we need to keep our spar outside it.”
Celestabelle huffed in acknowledgment. Then the attacked Danny, horn pointed at him at full speed. Danny didn’t dodge, which worried Sam, instead he grabbed her horn and threw her over. She slammed against the ground and stood up. Shacking.
“Okay, enough sparing. That was nice.”
“You adrenaline junky.” Danny said
“No, I’m a masochist.” she corrected him. Then she ran off.
Star and Sam backed away, unsure what the heck they just saw. Then they noted each other. “Did you know he…” Star did not finish her sentence.
“No…” Sam answered. “Not the unicorn, not that he can magic… uh, good night.”
“Good night…”
Back in her tent, she sighed. “Since when can that egg head use magic? Does Tucker know?” she whispered.
“What do I know?” he asked, peaking into her tent.
“Were you eavesdropping on me?” Sam demanded to know as she pulled him in.
“No, I was just going for a piss and heard you on my way back. Now what are you mad about?”
Sam sighed again and told him about what she and Star had witnessed. “… and according to that Celestiabeth-whatever, Danny knows magic.” She then crossed her arms. “Tucker, I did not miss that Danny send you a message. Are you two keeping a secret from me?”
“Us four, Wes and Valerie know. I forwarded them the messages.” Tucker admitted. “I… read for yourself.” Tucker handed her his PDA, chat room with Danny open, full well knowing the risk of Sam destroying the PDA is not zero. She read the text.
“Demons are real…” Sam said, staring at the piece of tech.
“Danny was worried you would ignore his warnings – which you often did – and try to summon one.” Tucker said. “He made it clear demons are nothing to take lightly.”
“Mm, I did ignore him in the past, didn’t I?” Sam asked, “Yeah, I can see why he wanted to keep this a secret. Past me would have wanted to summon one. Do you think Danny knows how to summon one?”
“Sam…” Tucker said in a scolding tone.
“I won’t! I won’t!” Sam promised.
Chapter 4: In The Pine Tree Forest
Chapter Text
The sun arose, the light waking up the first one’s of the campers. The adults were the first to rise, however Danny was the first of the minors, followed by Kwan. “Holy shit, Danny!” he exclaimed. Everyone out of their tents looked to Danny, and the ones somewhat waking up rushed out. “Is that a Lichtenberg scar?!”
“Ignore the scar, Kwan! Is that a tattoo on his other arm?” Dash countered.
Vlad left his tent and looked what the noise was about. There stood Daniel, no shirt on, his scar on display. From his left hand to his left leg, a lightning pattern. The scar, Vlad was familiar with, however the tattoo on his other arm…
The tattoo, all in all, was weird. It was a circle, lined with symbols – he could see a star and a six fingered hand = surrounding a triangle with an eye.
“Daniel Janus Fenton!” Maddie screeched, “What is on your skin? We didn’t allow you tattoo’s!”
“First of all, it is Pines now.” Danny corrected her, nonchalantly. “Secondly, this is a scar, a Lichtenberg scar. The one I got in the lab accident years ago.”
“But the tattoo-”
“You gave custody to Stan, not just temporary. Stan and Ford are okay with it, in fact Stan tries to annoy me into getting a second.” Danny informed her. “And I already had it on your last visit. Or did you forget about it because it Is not ghost related?”
Maddie remained silent, however Jack had something to see. “May I take a closer look?” Danny extended his arm, letting Jack take a closer look. “Oh, whoever made it has talent, perfect lines. The imagery is a bit weird, but it is somewhat, what was that word, cool?”
“Jack!” Maddie scolded her husband.
Then the Jock’s took a look. Dale commented, “Mm, never thought Fenton would get one.”
“Did it hurt?” Kwan asked.
“Yes.” Danny said truthfully. “But it was manageable. The scar was worse.”
Then Sam took a look. “Sam! My arm!” But she did not let her grip loosen up.
“Oh… awesome.” She said, “I’m a bit jealous.”
Wednesday was the day… where the A-List girls convinced the rest to go to the Mall to prepare for Saturday. Sam was very bothered by it, but Valerie told her, “When it is done, it is done.”
As the class followed Danny though the mall like some ducklings, they noticed that pretty much every person they passed, knew Danny. At least could he not go a few steps without someone greeting him.
“Oh, hey, Astra!”
“Tambry! I told you Danny is just fine.” he told her.
Tambry snapped a picture of him. “Yes, but your reaction is funny. And! Posted.” Danny rolled his eyes. She eyed the class. “I didn’t know Malls are part of trips?”
“They want to attend the Ball this Saturday.” Danny answered. “Hey, have you seen Pacifica?”
“Yeah, she and her friends should shop for dresses.” Tambry answered, “I doubt Erica and Anastasia found something by now. Bye.” She then left. “Don’t show them Gideon!”
“Too late for that!” Danny yelled after her.
“Who is Pacifica?” his dad asked. “Your girlfriend?”
“Yes.” Danny answered nonchalantly.
“As if you have a girlfriend!” Dash said, as if Danny’s reply offended him personally.
“Oh, he has!” a blonde girl spoke. She was flanked by two other girls. “Me!”
“Hey, Paz!” Danny greeted her. “Erica, Anastasia.” The girls nod as they heard their names. “Did you already pick your outfits for the ball?”
“Yes. For once, Erica didn’t take an hour picking something.” Anastasia, the darker skinned girl, replied.
Erica just said, “Hey, that dress was love at first sight!”
“Oh, and Danny, remember, we match colors this year.” Pacifica told him.
“I know. You and Ellie remind me enough.” Danny replied. “Were you already told my class attends?”
“Yes, from Stanley, actually.” Pacifica confirmed. She then send a smile their way. “Prepare yourself to be impressed.”
Danny just rolled his eyes, “Paz, it is just the Anomaly-”
“I know, but do you really think my parents won’t take the chance to brag about their wealth?”
“No…”
Pacifica’s phone then rang. “Oh, we need to go. See you, Danny!” Pacifica and her two friends left the scene.
Sam crossed her arms, “Seriously, one of those?”
“Oh, shush, Sam.”
Thursday, after another museum tour, the class flocked to the laser tag place Danny had mentioned. They weren’t the only players there. “Oh! Hey, Robbie! Nate, Lee, Thompson.” Danny greeted a group of older teens. Aside from the emo with the stitched heart, the glass didn’t recognize them. “Wanna play against the class?”
“Easy.” Robbie said, tapping his laser gone. “Don’t cry when you loose!”
Nate rolled his eyes. “And to think you got into college, Robbie.”
Lancer, to his class’ annoyance and partial surprise, joined the game. Edward assumed this would be similar to video games. It turns out it was not. He was the first to be hit by Daniel Fenton. Well, now Pines. Normally, as a teacher, he is always somewhat saddened when a student changes their name, even if it is, like now, understandable. He had a hunch their reputation would make it hard for the siblings. It did for Jasmine. She showed him and Mr. Garcia her rejections, followed by a plead for help to write better applications. Garcia said nothing would help. He was wrong, a name change helped.
After Edward was out of the game, he watched the others. To no ones surprise, the Fenton parents had good aim. But Daniel was better. Mrs. Gray, too.
If the parents got practice from their ghost gunning, why was Daniel such a shot?
“Oh well.” And Mayor Masters was out.
As the game ended, Edward asked Daniel, “When can we talk with Dr. Pines?”
“Friday.” he answered. “Saturday at the latest.”
…
After their round of Laser Tag, Danny’s phone rang. “Oh, shot! I need to go!”
“Why that?” Maddie asked.
“Ford send out an emergency signal!” He yelled before running off.
“Ford’s in trouble? Let us help!” Jack replied, running after his son. His wife followed suit.
Maybe it was them just being used to handle ghosts, but the other Amity Parker’s followed suit.
Danny could hear them running after him. So he leaned a tiny bit into his supernatural speed and dashed though the trees of the forest. Of course, the jocks, Sam and Valerie had the least trouble giving chase.
Danny tried to run as fast as he could without reaching inhuman speeds. For a second, he considered to ditch his cover, but he decided it would be too risky depending how his parents react, if they would make everything worse for Ford.
By the time he reached Crash Site Omega, it became pointless to go ghost. He turned to them, looking annoyed. Lancer asked, “What is this site?”
“Crash Site Omega.” Danny replied. He walked to the entrance and jumped in.
Jack and Maddie, understandably so, were worried when their son jumped into some underground facility or bunker, so they followed him.
“Why the fuck is this called a crash site?” Dash wondered. He walked closer to the opening, but Kwan stopped him. “Dude!” Dash pushed him aside. “I wanna see what Pine Cone is doing-and yes, I already got a new nickname for him.” Dash climbed in.
“Mr. Baxter!” Lancer yelled, following his student. The rest of the class followed their teacher. So did Mrs. Foley and Principal Ishiyama.
The later woman stopped Vlad from entering after her. “Mayor, sir, I need you to stay on the surface. If this hole collapses, you’ll need to call the authorities-I think they are aware of Dr. Pines’ project?”
“Of course, Ishiyama.” Vlad agreed.
However when he was sure everyone was out of earshot, Vlad conjured a clone who followed them, mainly to keep Maddie and Danny save.
The class followed Danny though – at least they assumed it to be – a bunker. Danny walked into a dark corner and said, “Has anyone a flashlight on hand? Tuck?”
To no ones surprise, his PDA had a flashlight. It illuminated Danny who broke off a metal pole from the interior of the bunker. Then he continued walking down the path he had in mind.
Tucker didn’t deactivate the light, instead he pointed it at the other areas of the bunker, revealing a set of bones. “Holy shit, aliens!” Nathan yelled in utter surprise.
“Well, this is a crash site after all.” Danny commented.
Mikey looked to him, “You were aware of the aliens the whole time?”
“Yes.” he answered nonchalantly.
“You don’t seem shocked, Daniel.” Lancer pointed out.
Danny just shrugged. “Ghosts are a thing. Aliens didn’t seem to be that far fetched.”
Star just thought, ‘And the unicorns.’
They then arrived at a cliff, only a pole was visible, the rest was pure darkness. Danny pulled something out of his backpack. It looked like a chubby gun, but instead of a pipe for projectiles, it hat weirdly shaped prongs perturbing out of it.
“Stay here.” Danny said before jumping down. The gun thing stuck to the pole, letting Danny slide down the pole.
“Oh, a magnet gun!” Mikey commented.
Vlad’s clone froze when he saw Daniel jump. After seeing he was sliding down, he cloned again, the third Vlad following Danny.
Maddie looked down the cut off. “We need to follow him!”
“Danny seems to know what he is doing.” Jack pointed out. “And Ford must be down there.”
“And he seems to be in trouble, Jack!” Maddie countered. “If Ford can’t handle it, how could Danny? We need to get down there.”
“But how?” Ishiyama asked. “I doubt any of us has a magnetic gun like Daniel’s.”
“Erm.” Valerie voiced.
“Val, don’t.” Sam said strictly, looking at Valerie.
She shook her head. “But Danny-fuck the secret!” The infamous red suit of the Red Huntress started to spread over her body, followed by the appearance of her flying board. “We’re going down. I’ll fly groups op three down there, okay? Or do some of you want to wait here?”
“We should stay together.” Ishiyama argued.
…
The clone watched Daniel run though the dark emptiness of the ship, until they reached an area where curious while balls flew around. Danny looked around before yelling, “Ford!”
Then they heard a hammering. One ball, a cord hung from it, the cord caught at the walls. “Danny!” The clone heard from the ball. Vlad’s clone, invisible, floated to the ball and saw a man in it, Ford, holding to a cord.
Danny jumped to the ball, still with the pipe in hand, slammed it onto the ball. It broke and an older man fell out of it. Danny dropped the pipe and grabbed a grappling hook from who knows where and grappled to the ceiling. Swinging around, he caught the man. Both landing on the ground.
The man was taking deep breaths. “Good job, Danny.”
“Ford, is that you?” Maddie asked. Danny and Ford looked to her. “What is this place?”
“Crash Site Omega. But I suppose you know that already if you are here.” Ford then saw the rest of the group emerging. “Why are you all here-wait, Danny, is that your old class?”
“Yeah. And chaperons. Weren’t you told to stay there?” Danny spoke, looking to the group.
“We were worried! You just jumped down here!” Sam snapped at him. “Valerie revealed herself as Red to get us down here. We were that worried!”
Danny blinked. “Oh. I’m sorry, Val-”
“Save it. Now, how do we get out of here?” Valerie interrupted him.
Ford said, “I’ll show you the way out. Follow me.”
They came out in the woods. Ford told them, “I need to continue with my work. Danny, could you lead them back to the shack?”
“Sure, Ford.” he agreed.
“Wait, Dr. Pines!”
Ford waved him off. “I’ll answer your questions tomorrow, Mr. Lancer.”
Night time was approaching. The Casper students were in their hotel and taking in what was a communal lounge. Dash stepped in front of the weirdo trio who were on a bunch of bean bags and demanded to know, “What is going on with Fenton! He acted so weird! And these space balls-since when can the nerd do that.”
“In hindsight, he didn’t seem surprised when the ghosts first appeared.” Kwan chimed in.
Sam sighed and got up. “We don’t know what is going on with Danny. We just know he changed since moving to Gravity Falls.”
They met Danny at the Anomaly Fair, he was with Pacifica, Wendy and Robbie. Lancer instantly searched for Ford. Vlad, however, approached Danny, who told his friends he’ll be back in a bit.
As they reached an isolated corner, Danny asked Vlad what he wanted.
“I want that you return to Amity Park, Daniel.”
Danny crossed his arms. “No. Why should I? Last time I checked, Red and the others keep the ghosts – including you – in check.”
Vlad sighed. “Don’t you miss Amity Park?”
“Not really. Sure, I miss my friends, but I can just open portals.” Danny countered. He opened a small portal to run his point home, then closed it. “Not to mention my grades here had been shot up.”
“Madeline told me you need to repeat a year.” Vlad countered.
“Because Oregon and Illinois have different requirements. I repeat because I am missing some credits in subjects deemed irrelevant in Illinois.”
“Oh, that, well. But won’t you prefer to graduate more punctual.”
“As if I won’t graduate a year later in amity Park, difference being for a different reason. Why do you even want me back? Without me there, shouldn't you have an easier time with mom?”
Instead of answering, Vlad just left and searched for Dr. Pines. Said man was being interrogated by Lancer.
“Dr. Pines?”
“Oh, Mayor Masters, right?” Lancer had the grace to leave the two.
Vlad nod. “How is Daniel? He said he is happy here, but…”
“Danny is happy here. He sure is relieved to not constantly keep his eyes open for your other half.”
Vlad froze.
“I know he is Phantom and that you are Plasmius. He told me a lot about what had happened in Amity Park. Including your cloning attempts.“ Ford said, “And do not try possessing me, I found a way to protect me from that. Now leave Danny and Ellie alone.”
Vlad huffed and left.
Sam, Tucker Valerie, Wes and Danny got snacks and sat on a picnic bench, over-viewing the fair. Wes asked, “What is this fair for? And the ball tomorrow?”
“It sounds silly, but it is to celebrate the supernatural side of Gravity Falls.” Danny explained. “Originally it was meant for the last week of August, but after discovering that there is a magical influx around this time of the year, it had been moved.”
“Considering how open this town is to this type of thing, do your great uncles know…” Sam started.
“That I am Phantom? That Ellie is a halfa, too? That she is a clone?” Danny completed her sentence. “Yes, yes and he figured out himself. In fact, quite a few people here know about us. Namely Pacifica.”
“Man, you got a girlfriend…” Tucker whined. “But Too Fine Tucker Foley’s still single.”
“Maybe you would land a girl if you stop calling yourself ‘Too Fine’.” Ellie butted in. “Valerie!” She hugged the older girl.
“How’s Gravity Falls? I can’t believe you settled down.” Valerie asked.
“It is nice to have a family. And I am traveling outside school hours.” Ellie said. “Danny isn’t the only one who practices portal making. So far I am better.”
Danny rolled his eyes. “You have a head start. And an actual teacher.”
“It isn’t my fault ghosts like me more!” Ellie said. “I’m simply cuter.”
“Sure! We can go with that.” Danny said. “How did you like Gravity Falls so far?”
“Less boring that I expected.” Sam said, “But I am sure we would have enjoyed it a bit more without the restrictions of a field trip.”
“She has a point. The A-List’s presence sure was ruining it.” Tucker agreed.
Danny said, “Well, next summer you could visit me. Gravity is the best when it is summer and we could may add a trip to California.”
“Oh, hot babes in Cali!” Tucker mused.
Wes shook his head. “You’ll be eternally single, Tucker.”
Valerie asked, “I assume you’ll bring Pacifica?”
“He better does.” Said girl butted in. “So, you are his friend group in Illinois? Nice to meet you.”
“listen, Danny. Ford’s looking for you.” Pacifica said, slightly worried. “He had tracked a weird energy… relating to…”
“I see.” He stood up. “Need to assist Ford, see ya later! Or tomorrow. We’ll see.” Danny said and left, Pacifica followed him.”
Sam asked Ellie, Relating to what?”
“… one of Ford’s projects.” Ellie said hesitantly, “I better help them. Danny, wait for me!”
Sam sighed, “They are hiding something from us and I don’t like it.”
Valerie disagreed, “Ford’s a scientist. He isn’t Maddie and Jack Fenton, he may just not want kids he doesn’t really know to be privy about his projects.”
Wes agreed, “It may be dangerous at that.”
“Danny-”
“Ford knows he is Phantom. He has a strength we do not possess.” Wes countered. “He may not be the Dr. Fenton, but he is still related to them, hence bending the rules when it comes to relatives. He may just be very lax with Danny and Ellie, regardless of their powers.”
“Wes has a point.” Tucker said. “And who knows, maybe we receive an answer tomorrow.”
“I hope.”
Valerie pulled up the zipper of Sam’s dress on her back, before turning around so that Sam can return the favor. Bot were adding the last touches to their outfits for the ‘Anomaly Ball’.
Valerie and Sam both had trouble finding dresses in Gravity Falls Mall, albeit for different reasons. Sam found nothing produced to her standards – normally she struggles to find something in her style – but Pacifica organized her a dress that was made from neutrally produced fabrics and put together outside of a sweatshop. She was sure Pacifica hired a seamstress working for the Northwests for the dress.
The strapless dress in question being purple and to the ground with black fluff rims.
Valerie on the other hand just found nothing in her style. In the end she opted for a red summer dress that barely didn’t look like a summer dress and a darker jacket over it.
“Nice of Pacifica to organize this dress for you.” Valerie said. “Normally you complain about girls like her.”
“Yeah, even if it was on Danny’s request. Pacifica is different from the girls my parents introduced me to. I suppose Danny made a good catch.” Sam replied. “I was worried when I first saw her.”
“Jealous?”
“No! You?”
“A bit.” Valerie admitted.
Then someone knocked on their door.
“Come on!” Sam yelled. The door opened and Tucker and Wes stepped in. Both wore similar rented suits, only the color of their flies differentiating. “Exited?”
“Not gonna lie, a ball is more interesting than camping.” Wes said. They then heard loud laugher. “Wow, the A-List is really enthusiastic about it.”
Sam nod. “Have you seen the dress Paulina bought? A full on ball gown.”
“She will complain when we drive back. She will need a case just for the skirt!” Valerie joked.
Chapter 5: A Crash Course in Demonology
Chapter Text
It was still time until the ball started. Jack decided to use the time to watch a movie. Their hotel lend some older DVD’s, included in the price. He pointed out, “Considering its length, we know to get going when the credits roll.”
She saw no reason against it, so they decided to watch. Jack choose a horror movie. However Maddie won’t agree it to be horror. Not because it isn’t jump-scares chasing jump-scares, but the scary stuff is so passive. A thriller would be better.
A thriller about a cult town. The plot was rather intriguing. The main characters were parents, which made them relatable… Well, aside from the fact that this pair divorced, each with a new spouse.
The pairs took care of a teen. The character, David, reminded them of Danny. Black hair, a name starting with D, bad grades and a struggle to find a college that accepts them. Until David got accepted to a college none of them heard about.
Jack, ever the slight movie critique, complained, “They consider it shady because they never heard of it? God forbid someone doesn’t go to an Ivy League college!”
“Yeah, weird plot point.” Maddie agreed. “… maybe Danny was bothered by how much Jazz pointed out her college… Even without our… influence.”
Jack didn’t answer, his attention was on the movie.
Both pairs decided to visit David in his college town half way though his first year. They were bothered by the silence from David, the lack of calls.
“Jazz would say he either focuses on his classes,” - based on David’s characterization rather unlikely – “or he never really coped having a split family.” Jack pointed out. “Mm… Danny doesn’t exactly call us much either...”
The pairs noted not only does David act off, the town itself is weird. From the pristine yet zany houses “Talk about a Home Owner Association.”, to the fact that the college has it’s fingers everywhere. “Is this nepotism?” Jack muttered as the Dean’s daughter, and mayor, greeted the parents.
Soon, the town folk became rude to them… kind of. Not aggressive, but just asking “When do you plan to leave?” struck them as rude. Especially since they got more pushy.
Then, the tone of the movie flipped. At night, David’s mother saw something from her hotel window. Cloaked figures, walking though the nearby forest, carrying torches. After that scene, the townsfolk asked if they would like to stay instead.
T hey decided to leave, but David asked them to stay. “You know, Salvation is a nice place to live. I consider to continue living here past college. Maybe you could move closer? Salvation would be a nice place for retirement, too. Better than than noisy, dangerous Chicago.” It doesn’t help that the protagonists are Mid-westerners like them.
The next night, the pairs just decide to leave. But their cars are set aflame. It turns out, the cultists , lead by the Dean, were behind it. David joined a cult. Or got brainwashed. Or assimilated. The father died in the end.
Then, the credits rolled over the small screen of the old TV.
Then it was time to prepare for the ball.
Jack helped his wife with her dress. A turquoise not unlike her normal suit. As soon as they were finished getting ready, Maddie’s phone rang. “Jazz calls!”
They opted for a video chat. “Jazzy-hands! How’s Harvard?”
“Still awesome.” Jazz replied. “Why are you dressed up?”
“Apparently Gravity Falls has an Anomaly Ball.” Maddie said. “Everyone seems to dress up, we didn’t want to stand out.”
“Oh! Right. Hm, I’m surprised they still do it with you all being there.” Jazz said, to the confusion of her parents. “How’s Danny? Acting distanced? Aggressive? Aloof?”
Maddie sighed at her daughter’s psychoanalysis. Jack told her, “Danno’s upbeat! Less angsty than… than in Amity Park! And he got a girlfriend!”
“You met Pacifica? Good.” Jazz stated.
Maddie asked, “You knew about her?”
“I kinda annoyed Danny into confessing to her.” Jazz admitted. “Anyway, have fun on the ball!”
“We will!” The call ended. Maddie wondered, “I wonder what she meant?”
“With that?”
“Oh, forget it. It was probably nothing, dear.”
When Jack and Maddie saw the town square, they were impressed. Fairy lights hung from the telephone mask, a local band – High Schoolers mainly – were playing and they got to see Stan and Ford in suits. While Ford wore his tidy like Vlad, Stan didn’t even bother with the tie. He even showed some of his chest.
Maddie and Jack observed the festivities. They noted two things. For one, the Gravity Folks kept to themselves, and spoke in hushed tones. They even stopped talking when one of the Amity Parkers came.
Jack mused, “Does this remind you of this movie, too?”
“The one with the cult?” she asked. Jack nod. “Yes…”
“He rarely calls us… we didn’t even know he had a girlfriend.” Jack recalled. “Are… are you saying this is like a cult?”
“Jazz said she is surprised they aren’t hiding this from us. Hiding what? Cult activities? I just can’t ignore the similarities.” Maddie admitted. “I mean, I may just overthink it. Or miss having Danny close by…”
“That’s probably it.” Jack agreed. Even if he also felt weirded out by the parallels.
The second thing Maddie noted was that, not only did Pacifica stay close to Danny, so did the two Stans, the young adults Robbie and Wendy, that weirdo Gideon who got out for today, that McGucket, Soos and Ellie. An odd group to surround a teen.
Then, Danny froze and left the square. It reminded her of the times when Danny ran, only for ghosts to appear soon after. She heard the rumors of her son’s ghost sensing bladder. “Oh great, I didn’t bring any ghost gear.”
Vlad came and told her, “I doubt you’ll need it.”
“But Danny-”
“Don’t tell me you believe that juvenile rumor, Madeline?” he countered.
She shook her head. “Then again, ghosts exist. You might never know what insanity is real.”
“Shit! Now?” they heard Danny yell. Ford instantly pulled out a gun.
“Danny?!” he yelled.
His nephew came running. “Ford! Another rift!”
“What rift?” Lancer asked.
“This rift!” Gideon yelled, pointing at the sky. There was a flaming X, growing bigger. There, a purple square, three eyes, wearing a melon hat, a bow tie and holding an umbrella floated out.
It ‘spoke’, hard to say without a mouth, “Bill Cipher, I can sense your presence. Stop hiding and pay your debt!”
Danny wasn’t sure what was more worrisome. The fact that a demon broke into their dimension or that, according to that demon, Bill Cipher is in Gravity Falls. Either way, he demanded to know, “Who the hell are you?”
The demon floated closer to Danny and eyed him. “Don’t act stupid, Cipher. You know who I am! But for anyone else in this silly town, you can call me Tad Strange.”
Ford had his gun aimed at the demon. “What are you talking about? We banned Bill into the Nightmare Realm!”
“Yet I can sense his presence!” Tad countered. “Right there!” His thin arm extended, poking Danny. “Interesting human disguise, Cipher. I’m surprised you didn’t twist it into nightmare fuel.”
“I’m not Cipher!” Danny snapped.
Tad floated closer, mere centimeters away from Danny. “Then why does your magic feel like Cipher’s?”
“Stay away from my son, ghost!” Jack yelled, aiming an ecto gun at the demon. He muttered to Maddie, “Brought some. Creep stick at the belt.” She then clipped the stick from his belt.
Tad, however, was not impressed and just stared at them. “Don’t you dare comparing me to pesky ghosts! I am a demon, woman! Older than your dimension, more powerful than any ghost dreams to be!”
Ford yelled at them, “Don’t you interfere! Demons are not your expertise! They are nothing like ghosts!”
“But-” Maddie tried to argue but Danny interrupted her.
“For once in your life, stop acting as if you know everything!” Danny snapped, “You can’t fight a demon!”
Jack lowered his gun, but Maddie asked, “What do you know about demons?”
“Unlike you, I fought demons.” Danny admitted. “On that note. Llepxe cinomed, egassem sdrawkcab!” His tattoo glowed white a magical wave pushed Tad away from him.
Tad’s three eyes blinked. “What was that? It feels like Bill’s magic… but it isn’t demonic magic. Who are you?”
“C wumn sio iun iz nbcm lyufcns!” Danny chanted, this time blue magic hitting Tad Strange.
“Demon magic now?” Tad spit. “What are you?!”
Danny shrugged. “A freak of nature? Part demon, at least.”
Tad then crossed his hands. “Break, please! What did you say? Part demon?”
Danny snapped and his form shifted. His form became a blue triangle. His shape was split with a white lightning-adjacent scar, parts of his cyan body missing some parts, replaced by pieces of the galaxy filling the gaps. Some missing blue parts floated around him. Last but not least, one singular eye, a yellow iris shining in black sclera.
Tad floated around him. “A human-demon hybrid! I haven’t seen one in millennia! What an oddity! Indeed, indeed. No wonder why you feel like Cipher, he always has his fingers in the weirdest things! Is my assumption right that he is the reason why you are mashed?”
“He tried to turn me into a demon.” Danny explained. “But like you can see, my form is unstable.”
“Yes, the gaps and the scar look painful.” Tad agreed. “What is your demonic name, child? I assume Cipher gave you one?”
“Alkaid Cipher, but I go as Astralis.” Danny told him.
“Ah, Astralis Cipher, got it!”
“You didn’t get it.” Danny said, rubbing his eye. “Bill isn’t here, mind leaving?”
Tad shrugged. “Theoretically nothing keeps me here, but I want to know more about you, Astralis. However I still sense Cipher in other realities… I will check on those. Who knows, maybe we meet again in a few millennia. Farewell, Astralis!” Tad vanished into nothing.
Danny rolled his eye. “Name’s on point.” He turned back to his human form and told the Amity Parkers, “Listen, you all have questions. I’ll answer them, but only if you don’t interrupt me and, “ - he looked into Maddie and Jack’s eyes – “put the weapons away. Not that ghost weaponry would work on demons anyway.”
Lancer was the first to say anything. “The people here know? That you are…”
“A demon? We know.” Mayor Taylor said. “In fact, he saved our town twice.”
Ford spoke, “This other demon is searching for Bill Cipher. This demon attacked our town. The first summer you send Danny and Jazz to Gravity Falls.”
Jack gasped, “You have been a demon since you were twelve, Danno?”
“No. I only became a demon last summer, in Cipher’s second attempt to take over our reality.” Danny told her.
Sam pointed out, “This is why you decided to move to Gravity Falls!”
He nod. “I don’t have to hide here. And Gravity Falls anomaly pull… as a demon, of course I want to be here.”
“What now pull?” Dash wondered.
Ford explained, “Gravity Falls, or the land we are on, has a pull that attracts anomalies, the supernatural. Which is also why Cipher tried to take over from here.”
“Why did the demon turn Danno…” jack started to ask.
Ford admitted, “Cipher tried to recruit Danny and me into his group. His attempts were a bit more proactive with Danny. He considered us weird enough to fit into his group of, well, inter-dimensional criminals-”
“Wait, what?”
“Demons, Maddie. I told you demons are nothing like ghosts.” Ford stated. “Demons make no sense. They seek out the weird. Then again, Cipher is even by demonic standards a dangerous oddball.”
Sam asked, “Is this why you weren’t surprised when the portal opened, that ghosts are real?”
Danny shrugged. “I saw weirder things in Gravity. Including ghosts who run a convenience store. Honestly, I was afraid things would go downhill when they manage to build a functioning portal… but it was weirdly okay.”
“Weirdly okay?” Ishiyama stated, arms crossed.
“Hey, unlike the first inter-dimensional portal, my parent’s portal didn’t create a rift that could allow a demon like Cipher to step in. A city wide blackout is nothing compared to Ford’s portal.”
Valerie said, “Is portal making something in your DNA?”
Danny shrugged, opening two tiny portals in his palms. One a familiar ghost portal, the other looked like the rift. “Well, I can open portals into the ghost zone and dimensions other demons frequent. So, maybe?” He closed them.
Star then spoke up, “Does that mean the unicorn we saw was real?”
“Yes.” He whistled. Then said unicorn came out of the forest. “Don’t approach her, Unicorns are assholes and their horns put some weapons to shame.”
“Nice introduction, Astra.” the unicorn ‘spoke’.
“Shush, you, Celestebelle.”
“Astra… that weirdo Gideon knows?” Tucker asked.
“Everyone in Gravity Falls knows.” Pacifica said. She hugged him. “Some more than others.”
Jack then asked, “Does this anomaly ball relate to this?”
Mayor Taylor said, “The Anomaly week is a recent addition. It is supposed to foster community in the town. Until a few years ago, we weren’t aware about our supernatural neighbors.”
“Maybe we can do the same with the ghosts!” Paulina proposed, “Maybe Phantom returns!”
“Unlikely…” Danny said.
“Ghosts are dangerous!” Maddie stated.
“Ghosts can’t hold a candle to demons.” Danny said. “Aside from a few black sheep, ghosts are chill!”
“As for Phantom, I doubt your Guardian spirit returns.” Ford said.
“Why?” Paulina demanded to know.
“Aside that your city wasn’t very appreciative of him…” Pacifica said.
Danny added, “A demon got to Phantom, in a way.” Sam, Tucker and Valerie flinched, while Wes just looked between them and Danny.
“Who? You?” Paulina accused.
Danny shrugged. “Well, you aren’t wrong-” Paulina then tried to hit him, but he caught her arm. “Technically speaking.”
“How?” Kwan asked. “Oh, wait! Was it an accident? Because you didn’t have your demon powers for long?”
Wes pointed out, “But why would Phantom be in Oregon? He’s a Guardian Spirit, they rarely leave their haunts.”
Danny sighed and two rings appeared. He transformed into… a version of Phantom. The hazmat suit was ripped, an eye gauged out, replaced by a yellow glow. From the eye, a black lightning pattern spread over his graying skin.
“Before I became the demon Astralis, I managed to become half dead, half a ghost. You know that part as Phantom. Ford told you Bill tried to recruit us, yes? He was intrigued by my half dead state. But as even just the presence of a demon can end a ghost, he tried to turn me into a half demon.
“My demon half… slowly destroys Phantom. Which is also why my demon form looks so shattered. The sides fight each other.” Danny explained. “Ghosts avoid demons due to this. In fact, I am kinda forbidden to step into the Ghost Zone.”
Maddie stepped closer. “How did you become a ghost?”
“Your incompetence.” Sam said.
“Samantha!”
“It is true! They have no sense of lab safety, the portal was and still is an OSHA violation and they store volatile ectoplasm in their kitchen fridge!” Sam pointed out. “He literally had an accident with the portal! It is a wonder he only half died. Or didn’t die earlier.”
“Does Jazz know?” was all Jack asked.
“Does what know?” Danny countered. “A ghost? Demon? She knows everything.” He shifted back to human.
Maddie stated, “You moved here so that we can’t hunt you anymore.”
He shook his head. “Nah. You’re too incompetent as hunters to reason a move. I moved because of the Anomaly pull. And to get a hang on my powers in a save environment. As in, Gravity not only attracts weirdness, but it also contains it. Power malfunctions can’t spread outside the town.”
Wes assumed, “Is this why we never heard of a demonic take over?”
“Yes.” Danny confirmed.
Jack said, “I don’t get it. I thought ghosts-”
“Are automatically evil?” Ford interjected. “You are awfully closed-minded for scientists. You just pick a statement and try to mold your research into proof that aligns with your opinion. That isn’t research.”
“But the ghosts-”
“Mom, if the ghosts do something, let me know and I pay them a visit.” Danny said, his eyes glowing yellow with cat slits. “And even then, you just need to get rid of Plasmius, the Wisconsin ghost, then things will be chill. Most ghosts treat Amity as a hangout. Kitty and Johnny just want to race around, Ember to do her music. Most ghosts keep to the zone. Only Plasmius and Spectra are an issue.” Then his phone rang. “Hello? Jazz? What about Spectra? You what? Oh, okay.” The call ended. “Okay, Spectra is no more. Jazz used a demonic spell on her.”
Vlad huffed. “What about the likes of Nocturne, Vortex and Undergrowth? What if the ghost king returns?”
Danny sighed. “Jazz knows how to summon me, and I’ll teach Valerie and Wes how to. And Nocturne specifically? As I am a Dream Demon, I can literally sense when he becomes active. Nocturne is a non-issue.” Nocturne knows not to fuck with a demon. “As for Plasmius, a demon called Pyronica owes me a favor. I think she and her friend Teeth would like to make him fade. Ghost cores are a popular snack under certain types of demons.”
“Why only them?” Sam and Tucker asked, offended they will be excluded. “What about snacks?”
“Because both of you can’t be trusted with instructions on demon summoning.” Danny stated. “For different reasons. And I said what I said, some demons eat ghost cores. Heck, some ghosts snack on ghosts. Well, mainly blob ghosts…”
“But they are cute!” Star protested.
”So are rabbits, yet some eat them.” Danny countered.
“What now?” Lancer asked. “Now that we know about...”
Mayor Taylor told him, “You do it like us! Don’t tell anyone not in the know!”
Danny then said, “I could delete and edit your memories!”
Wendy hit him playfully. “But you suck at it!”
“Yeah, I better not.” He then looked directly at his parents. “Will you keep silent about this?”
Maddie and Jack looked at each other. Jack nod. “We will.”
Maddie added, “I suppose this really means you won’t return to Amity.”
“Yes, but I can visit you in your dreams.” Danny said, “And that is not a joke, I can walk into dreams. After all, I’m a dream demon.”
The next day, Sunday, their bus left Gravity Falls, driving to Bend, Oregon.
“Stop it, Sanchez! I will not tell you how to summon Danny!” Wes told her off, “He only told me in case of emergencies! Your misplaced crush isn’t an emergency.”
“Not to mention he literally has a girlfriend.” Kwan pointed out.
While the teens argued, Vlad was thinking. ‘Well, looks like recruiting him won’t work now.’ Not to mention he said he could send a demon his way to eat him!
He closed his eyes, then found himself in a black and white corn field. “Hello, Fruitloop!” Danny’s demonic form appeared.
Vlad sighed. “What now? Wanna eat me yourself?”
“Ew, no! Only corporeal demons do that!” Danny protested. “Dream demons, normally, aren’t. I just wanted to let you know Pyronica will only pay you a visit when you misbehave.”
“Which means?”
“Move on! Stop hitting on a married woman! And don’t you dare killing dad!” he glowed red.
Vlad raised an eye brow. “But you called them-”
“Incompetent? Doesn’t change I love them.” Danny admitted. “And being a shattered demon fucks with my emotions. Demons are not made for emotions, period.”
When Maddie and Jack stepped into Fenton Works, jazz sat on their couch, reading a book. “How do you like his Demon form?”
“Looks painful.” Maddie gasped. “You really knew?”
Jazz put the book down. “When he first became a demon, his emotions were haywire. Turns out most demons are emotionless… sort of, it didn’t mesh well with his human side and even less with his overemotional ghost side. On that note, any painful things he said about you are just a side effect of this contrast in being.”
Jack waved her off. “Please, I am well aware I rarely hit shit. He just spoke the unfiltered truth.”
“Jack!”
“Jazz is eighteen, Mads.”
“And I heard worse in my dorms.”
Jackell18 on Chapter 5 Fri 22 Aug 2025 01:53AM UTC
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ABSOLute06 on Chapter 5 Fri 22 Aug 2025 02:04AM UTC
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GreetingsFromSpaceWhale on Chapter 5 Sun 31 Aug 2025 04:30AM UTC
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ABSOLute06 on Chapter 5 Sun 31 Aug 2025 08:22AM UTC
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