A Change Of "Heart"

Chapter Twenty Eight: Elaborate

Bill's P.O.V. :

I slumped down next to a tree, exhausted. I had just spent the day talking with people, apologising, and convincing them to do tasks for me. They were all reluctant to at first, but when I informed them it was for Dipper and explained what I needed them to do, they were more than happy to oblige. My plan was to create a 10 part apology scavenger hunt-like thing. After my quick breather I stood up and prepared my section of the apology.

"I hope he likes this..." I prayed, running a hand through my hair, anxiously.

Dipper's P.O.V. :

"Diiiperrr..." A voice echoed. I didn't want to get up, I was so tired and my bed is so.. soft.. and..... comfy..... "DIPPER!"

"GAHH!" I screamed, bolting straight up. I jolted my head to the - Very rude - voice, who I soon recognized to be Mabel. She had those stars in her eyes, a gleam which can only mean something huge has happened. "Whaaat??! 'M sleepy... "

"No time for that!" Mabel grabbed my arm before I could rub the sleep out of my eyes and she practically threw me out of bed. She is abnormally strong and I am still not over it. "I have a surprise for you! Come on, it's downstairs!"

Her voice was all sing-songy. I reluctantly agreed and shoved her our of the room so I could get dressed and ready for whatever she had planned. Placing my hat upon my head, I opened the door only to find Mabel standing directly in front of it. I jumped back at least two feet.

"Mabel! What has gotten into you today!?" I walked over and placed the back of my hand to her forehead, checking her temperature. She seemed fine. Dragging me - Again - down the stairs, she sat me down at the table where a fairly large box was placed upon it. "Hmm? Did Mom and Dad send us something?"

"No, Silly! Just open it! You'll find out!" Mabel was practically shivering with antici-...... pation (A/N: I really hope you get the reference...). I opened the flaps to the box and inside was a letter covering another box, but this one was wrapped like a present. Picking up the letter, I opened it and two papers came out. One was a note and the other was a treasure map. The letter read:

"Hiyya, Dipper! How'd you like to play a game with me?! Follow the map and you'll find the next clue!

Signed, A Code"

A.. Code? Who would possibly name themselves a code? As I was contemplating the list of people who would do something like this, I looked over to Mabel for some context. She sat there with her twinkling eyes and wide grin, watching my every move.

"So!?! What are you waiting for?! Go follow the map!!!" Mabel exclaimed, pushing me out the door. I was about to protest when she practically read my mind. "Live a little, would ya!?"

With that, she slammed the door on my face. I heard the faint, but unmistakable, sound of the door locking. Figuring there was no use in competing with her, I turned around and studied the map. Thankfully, it had pictures of landmarks on the way.

The first was obviously the Mystery Shack. Then, there was a dashed squiggly line to some sort of tree with a carving of a puzzle piece on it. I started on my trek to the tree, doing my best to follow the directions.

{Time Skip Because I Don't Want To Write About Dipper Walking!}

It took a few minutes, but I finally reached the tree! I ran my fingers over the puzzle piece, noting that it was recently carved. Pushing my fingers a little more, the puzzle piece popped into the tree, revealing a secret compartment. Inside of it laid another letter, a rose petal sitting gracefully on top.

"Ah, I knew you'd find this! Take this token and hold onto it! You'll need it later!

Signed, A Puzzle"

I smiled lightly at the note, putting the petal in my pocket. This could be more fun than I had anticipated! Welp, next stop: The Waterfall!