Zero Falls: Season One

Dreamscapers-Part Four

Dipper hated to admit it, but he had never been so afraid in that moment.

He had reached the end of the ladder. Dipper was expecting to see nothing but darkness at the bottom. But, instead, he was almost blinded by a flash of gold. When his eyes adjusted, what he saw was the biggest hallway he seen yet.

The walls were plated gold. A collection of glowing symbols floated in the air, and moved constantly. There were many doors, and Dipper could practically feel the power radiating from them.

For a moment, he was paralyzed. He just couldn't believe he was here, standing in the depths of the Demon's mind. On one hand, Dipper wanted to leave, but on the other, he wanted to open every door in sight. Eventually, he shook his head, snapping out of his trance. He had a job to do.

Quickly, he began his search. Dipper walked through the halls, grasping at any door in his sight. The first memory he opened, took place years ago. Dipper saw Bill and Will as kids, sitting crosslegged, as their older brother, Tad, was tutoring them. Dipper didn't know much about Tad, only that he was the most powerful Cipher, and he would often teach his younger siblings spells, mostly Will and Bill.

Dipper watched, as Tad summoned a swirl of purple light in his palm, and showed his younger brothers.

"You see, magic is an extension of our bodies," Tad noted, the purple light pulsing. "It is not something we can force out, but something we use normally like we do with an arm or a leg."

Will stared in awe, while Bill titled his head curiously. Meanwhile, the light in Tad's hand disappeared, and he looked at Will intently.

"Will, since Bill already got the hang of his powers, I think it's time you summoned yours."

Will rubbed his arm nervously. "I don't think I can..."

"Not without any assistance, of course," Tad smiled. "Since you've been studying all you can about healing magic, how about I be your first practice subject?"

"Really?" Will perked up. "OK, let's do it!"

Tad nodded, before holding up his hand. There was a shimmer of light in his palms, then a sharp knife materialized in his grip. Will's eyes widened, when without hesitation, Tad pulled up his sleeve and stabbed himself in the forearm. He dug the knife deep to it's hilt, before dragging it down to his wrist, creating a huge gash that leaked blood onto the floor. Will watched in horror, while Bill looked on with calm interest.