The falls

chapter 26

Neomi and Jessica stood at the towering gates of the new Northwest Mansion, the grandeur of the estate even more imposing than they remembered from the last time they were there. The cold iron gate stretched high above them, with a faint chill in the air, setting a stark contrast to the mansion's lavish appearance. Jessica held a determined look, while Neomi was more visibly anxious but still eager to get through.

"We've got to try," Jessica said quietly, more to herself than Neomi. "Lilien might be our only shot at getting someone with influence to listen."

Neomi nodded. "Right,"

They approached the entrance, where a tall, stuffy butler in an immaculate black suit greeted them. His sharp eyes scanned them up and down with clear disdain.

"Can I help you?" the butler asked, though his tone implied he was already certain they weren't worth his time.

Neomi stepped forward. "We're here to see Lilien. We've got something really important to talk to her about—it's a matter of Gravity Falls' safety."

The butler raised an eyebrow and looked down at her as if she were some sort of insect he might squash. "Miss Lilien Northwest does not entertain visits from common folk. I'm sure you understand."

Neomi clenched her fists. "We were at the last party she threw here. She invited us herself!"

The butler's expression hardened, but before he could respond, a familiar voice called from inside. "What's going on out here?"

Lilien Northwest appeared in the doorway, her blonde hair perfectly styled and her posture as poised as any young heiress. Her face softened into a smile as soon as she saw them.

"Neomi, Jessica!" she exclaimed. "I did invite you both last time. What brings you here?"

The butler stiffened. "Miss Northwest, I was just—"

"They're guests," Lilien interrupted, waving him off casually. "They're allowed to see me."

The butler stepped aside reluctantly, bowing slightly as Lilien gestured for Neomi and Jessica to come inside. The grandeur of the Northwest Mansion was even more breathtaking than they remembered, with sparkling chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and expensive art adorning the walls. But they didn't have time to admire it—they had a much bigger issue at hand.

"Thanks for seeing us," Jessica said, her voice filled with urgency as they followed Lilien into a more private sitting room. "We need to talk to you about something serious. It's about Bill."

Lilien raised an eyebrow. "Bill? As in Bill Cipher? I thought that triangle demon was long gone."

Neomi nodded quickly. "That's what we thought too, but I've been having dreams—visions—about him coming back. He talked to me, in human form this time, and he said there are still interdimensional rips he can use to recreate weirdmaggedon."

Lilien's face paled slightly. "Are you sure? I mean, Bill Cipher almost destroyed everything... If he's really coming back..."

"We're sure," Jessica said firmly. "And we've already started putting up defenses at the Mystery Shack. But if Bill does return, it won't just be us who are in danger. Everyone in Gravity Falls could be at risk again."

Neomi leaned forward. "We're telling you because we need help. If Bill does come back, people will need somewhere safe to go. You're influential—people listen to you. We thought... maybe you could help make sure people know where to find safety if it comes to that."

Lilien paused, considering their words carefully. She glanced at the butler who stood nearby, his expression still cold and judgmental, before turning back to them.

"I'm not my mother," Lilien said softly. "And I'm not going to ignore something this serious. If Bill Cipher is really coming back, I'll do whatever I can to help."

Jessica exhaled in relief. "Thank you. We just need to make sure that when it happens—if it happens—people are prepared."

Lilien nodded. "You're right. And if this is as big as you say, I'll start working on a plan to make sure the town knows where to go. You two aren't just common folk. You're trying to protect this town. I'll make sure you have the support you need."

The three of them exchanged determined glances, a shared understanding forming between them. They didn't know exactly when Bill might return, but they were ready to fight—and now they had someone influential on their side.