Heartless, right?

Chapter One

Dipper stares out the window of the bus, mind clouded with worry. In the seat beside him, Mabel and Waddles are cuddled together, fast asleep. A peaceful sigh escapes his sister's lips, and realization hits him. He still found it strange that she was okay with the two being separated. Only six years ago, she was willing to stop time forever, just so the twins could stay together. And now Dipper is thinking of finding a college in California.

"Stopping at Gravity Falls." The driver calls back.

Dipper is jarred from his thoughts as Mabel comes crashing down next to him, "Well, good morning to you." He laughs.

The twins grab their bags and head to the front of the bus. As the bus nears the stop, they see the Grunkles, Soos, Wendy, Candy, and Grenda. The door barely has time to open before Mabel jumps out, squealing at Candy and Grenda. Dipper steps off, thanks the driver, and pats Waddles in Mabel's direction.

"Dude, how's it going?" Soos asks, pulling the boy into a bear hug.

"Good, how are you and Melody?"

Soos drops him and grins, "Oh dude, it is so awesome. She wanted to come, but had to go to the doctor." He leans in and whispers, "She might be pregnant, but don't say anything yet."

Dipper smiles and nods, zipping his lips. Wendy appears behind him, throwing him in a headlock.

"Dipper, I'm gonna have to get one of those shrinking gems if you don't stop growing." She laughs.

Once he frees himself, Dipper turns around and gasps. Wendy's hair barely reaches her right shoulder, and the other side is shaved down. She laughs again and punches Dipper's arm.

"Hey, I actually thought it looked good." He pouts.

The three join the rest of the group, Grunkle Stan ruffles Dipper's hair and grabs his bag.

"Seems like a long time since we last saw you, kiddo."

"Speaking of the last time we saw you, have you given any thought to joining the college?" Grunkle Ford asks.

"Yeah, I got in." Dipper smiles, but Ford seems to notice the strain.

"But Mabel..." He presses.

"There's this super awesome fashion college at home, I felt like it was more my thing." She explains excitedly.

"You know I have a full birthday week planned, but we can stay here if you guys want." Stan interjects.

●●●●●

He felt it the minute the bus entered city limits. The Cipher Wheel, back to its full potential. Six months ago, Bill broke free of his prison, a new master plan in mind. The Pines family destroyed him, humilitated him, and they thought they could get away with it?! But he escaped and was going to get his revenge. Even managed to create a body that could contain his power. But the young Pines twins failed to show up as expected. And until today, Bill began to lose hope for his quest of revenge.

Standing at the edge of the forest, he studies his first victim. Pinetree sits on the porch, staring at a piece of paper, only glancing up when the door opens.

"Is that the letter?" Sixer asks, taking a seat next to the boy.

"Hmm, oh, yeah."

"What's got you so down?"

"I'm just worried about Mabel. She'll be alone in California, and if anything happens, I won't be there for her."

"But if you stay in California, there still won't be much you can do. You're both capable adults, and she won't always come to you for help. Even if you go to the same college. But I'm not sure I can picture you as a fashion designer." Sixer laughs, waving his fingers.

Bill shakes his head. Seems even Pinetree couldn't escape the strange human tradition. From everything he knew, college was nothing but a money trap for fresh adult humans hoping to get better careers, but it never seemed to go as planned.

"What do you want to do?"

"I don't know yet, I'd love to stay here, but until I'm a hundred percent sure that Mabel will be okay, I don't think I can."

Sixer sighs, defeated, "Whatever you choose, make sure it's not a decision you regret."

So, Shooting Star won't be hanging around? Though it does pose a problem for Bill, the thought of Pinetree sticking around excites him. The boy's mind will be fun to destroy. Besides, once Pinetree's finished off, the others will be a breeze.

AN: Two updates in one day. I'll most likely be updating once a week. If y'all have any ideas for the title of the book, I am open to suggestions.