There was fire everywhere.

The air was thick with the screams of townspeople, blending with the cackles of creatures from other dimensions as they tore the town apart from its core.

It was a party, they said— a celebration their boss had waited centuries for.

His vision shook. He clung to anything he could find to keep himself grounded, to stay sane. This was the end of the world as they knew it. Prophecies coming true, yet no one had ever asked for this.

He watched as his friends; Soos, Wendy, Candy, Grenda, McGucket—were taken away, turned into stone. Even his former enemies; Robbie, Gideon, and Pacifica—shared the same fate. And there was nothing he could do.

He saw his family—Stanford, Stanley, Mabel—trapped inside the blue pyramid, screaming and reaching out for help. Their fists pounded against the barrier. And still, there was nothing he could do.

Then he saw Y/n.

Lying on the floor.

Bloody.

Not breathing.

And there was nothing he could do.

How could he save her now? He had failed her.

The promise they had made, to watch each other's backs and protect one another, lay shattered.

He woke up with a sharp inhale.

It hurt his lungs, but he forced himself to breathe. Hot air pushed out through his nose, and he could feel the weight of it in his arms. His palms were damp, sweat clung to his temples, and a thin sheen coated his skin.

The world around him was dark except for the moonlight slipping in through the window of their shared bedroom. He turned his head to the left. Mabel was still breathing. He blinked rapidly. She was there. Good. He was awake.

His eyes locked on nothing in particular. He was sure he was staring even as his vision blurred. His chest rose and fell unevenly, each breath ragged. Mabel's words echoed in his head.

"I'm okay. Mabel's okay. We're safe. Everything will be okay."

Now that he was back in Gravity Falls, he could see it. The town had returned to something close to normal. His friends were safe. His family was safe. Y/n was safe.

Y/n.

One second, she was the anchor that kept him grounded, the reminder that things were okay. The next, she was the center of every worst-case scenario his brain could invent.

She never did anything wrong—it was his anxious brain twisting things, inventing problems that weren't there. Still, he couldn't stop thinking about her.

Dipper shook his head, trying to think positive, just like Mabel always told him.

Anything positive about Y/n?

Where could he even start?

He reached for the cool chain under his shirt and pulled out the pendant. His thumb traced the grooves: the bud in the center, the petals circling it. A daisy.

That necklace carried everything. It pulled him back to the bus stop, to the way she slipped it off and placed it in his hand. To the moment he worked up the courage to kiss her cheek. He remembered the adrenaline flooding his body—cold hands, heart pounding loud in his ears, her eyes shining, the pine-scented air around them.

It all came together like an orchestra of senses, wrapping him in the memory of her.

He let out a small breath, slowly feeling himself calm down. Thank you, Mabel, was always his final thought before drifting back to sleep.

***

https://youtu.be/yN7OV9_dwYU

***

The next morning, Dipper grabbed a cup of coffee and a single muffin from Abuelita before heading out for a walk in the forest. The sun was rising, the chill of night slowly giving way to the warmth of morning.

The trees were lush and green, alive in a way Piedmont never was. Back home, he was usually buried under endless homework. Here, the birds sang, gnomes bickered, and Manotaurs wrestled with fallen logs.

Then, something white caught his eye. A pristine coat glimmered in the sunlight. She was crouched down, gently petting the plaid fur of her plaidypus. Waffles cooed at her touch, the sound soft and oddly endearing.

Dipper peeked from behind a tree, all too aware he probably looked like a crazed stalker. So, summoning his courage, he stepped forward—

—and promptly tripped over a root.

She heard a rustle to her right and narrowed her eyes at the bushes. Probably just the wind, though sometimes small critters—or even ducklings—hid there. Curiosity won out. Rising to her feet, her white coat swayed behind her as she stepped away from Waffles to investigate.

Meanwhile, Dipper lay facedown in the dirt, silently begging the earth to swallow him whole. He'd tripped headfirst into the bushes and decided the safest option was to stay put until she left. But then her voice carried through the trees, and his body went rigid, curling up as if he could shrink out of existence. Excuses spun in his head, none of them good.

"Hello?"

The single word sent a shiver racing down his spine.

"Anyone there?"

He had no choice now.

Before he could move, a squeal and hiss erupted behind her. She spun around to see Waffles squaring off with a startled deer. "Hey, hey! Don't fight," she rushed to say.

That was Dipper's chance. He pressed his palms to the ground and scrambled away, keeping low. The thick foliage shielded his escape, and his footsteps were as light as possible as he disappeared into the woods.

He tried to catch his breath, leaning against the trunk for leverage. That was close. It was far too early to talk to her, not when the nightmare still clung to him and made it impossible to act normal around her.

Frustration boiled up, and he smacked his head with his fist a few times. Here he was again, shutting down, hiding, being pathetic. Even after her reassurance that night, his cowardly side still had control.

He pushed himself further into the forest, not caring where his feet carried him. Anywhere away from Y/n—just thinking it made his stomach twist. This walk was supposed to calm him, but all he felt was a gnawing unease.

He stopped cold in his tracks.

In the center of the clearing stood a statue—tilted, half-buried, streaked with moss and cracks. The shape alone made his stomach twist. The crooked lines, the eye carved deep into stone, his outstretched hand frozen forever.

His breath hitched. Even as a statue, even locked in time, it still felt wrong.

Dipper's hands curled into fists. He told himself he wasn't being watched anymore. He didn't have to glance over his shoulder, didn't have to fear someone peeling into his head and reading his thoughts like an open book. The nightmares, the whispers, the promises—they couldn't reach him here.

What stood before him wasn't endless or all-knowing. It wasn't alive. It was just stone.

The figure that had tormented him all summer, that had pulled every string and nearly broken his family apart, was nothing more than a frozen relic. Solidified in time. Stuck in this one place, with nowhere else to go.

For the first time, Dipper could see him clearly. No tricks. No games. Just a statue in the dirt.

Defeated.

But why was he still afraid of him?

Before he realized it, his feet were already moving. The statue grew smaller behind him as he ran, branches snapping under his shoes. He didn't think—he just needed distance.

The familiar roofline of the Mystery Shack appeared through the trees. Relief swelled in his chest. He slipped through the back door and shut it quietly. The house was still,

except for a soft click-clack of keys.

Drawn to the sound, Dipper followed it into the living room. Ford sat at the table, posture straight, eyes locked on a glowing laptop screen.

Sensing that he wasn't alone anymore, the older man paused mid-sentence and twisted in his chair. "Ah, Dipper. Good morning."

"Good... morning," Dipper said, trying to catch his breath as he took the seat across from him. "What are you working on?"

Ford returned to the keyboard, his voice steady over the rhythmic tapping. "I'm digitalizing my journal for future use." He glanced at the paper then towards the screen again. "There were so many discoveries Stanley and I found in the Arctic."

Dipper watched the keys fly beneath Ford's fingers. For someone his age, he typed with surprising speed—maybe the extra finger helped. Still, it was faster than most people could manage.

"Planning to publish it?" Dipper asked, the sound of typing and the quiet of the Shack easing the knot in his chest. Soos must have been leading the first tour; the building felt peaceful.

"Still considering it," Ford replied, finishing a paragraph before glancing up. "It might be worthwhile. Stan is busy selling the treasure we recovered, and I have this. We'll see."

He sipped his coffee, a small grin tugging at his mouth. "This is amusing so far. I can't believe how much I missed this kind of gadgetry," he chuckled, remembering McGucket. Then he looked at Dipper. "So, how was your morning walk?"

Dipper stared at the table. He didn't want to talk about it, but the memory sat heavy in his chest. Seeing that statue—seeing her—stirred something he couldn't name, and he would rather do anything than try.

"Grunkle Ford, I... I need to tell you something," he said, his words halting as if each one weighed a ton.

Ford immediately paused, tilting his head. "Yes? What is it?"

"I've been... having nightmares."

The way Dipper said it made Ford freeze. His fingers hovered over the keyboard before slowly falling still. He turned toward his great-nephew, eyes soft but focused, offering quiet understanding without a hint of pity.

Ford slid the laptop aside and closed it, giving Dipper his full attention. He leaned forward, forearms resting on the table, waiting.

Dipper twisted his fingers together, unsure where to start. But if he kept holding it in, the weight would only grow heavier. He trusted Ford more than anyone to hear him out.

So he began to talk, carefully recounting every detail he could remember. As the story unfolded, Ford's brow furrowed, concern deepening with each word. He listened without interruption, but behind his steady gaze was something else—a flash of guilt. He blamed himself for not noticing sooner. To him, the fact that Dipper had carried this alone only proved how strong the boy truly was.

Ford leaned back slightly, his fingers steepled as he studied Dipper with a thoughtful look. "You know," he said after a pause, his voice calm but carrying a sense of wisdom, "sometimes the best way to keep nightmares from eating at you is to share them with someone you trust."

Dipper blinked, unsure where this was going. "Like... you mean you?"

"I mean Y/n," Ford replied gently. "She's a great listener. She'd never judge you for how you feel."

Dipper's stomach twisted. Y/n. Of course. The thought made sense, but it also sparked a wave of doubt he couldn't hide. "I... I don't know," he admitted, his voice tight. "Wouldn't that just make me look—" he swallowed. "I don't want to seem... weak."

Ford shook his head. "Dipper, trust me. I know the two of you. You've both grown far more mature than most people your age. Sharing this isn't a weakness. It's courage."

The boy dropped his gaze to his hands, his fingers twitching against each other. The idea of opening up to Y/n warmed him for a second, but his insecure heart squeezed tight, whispering every reason to stay silent. Still, Ford's words settled somewhere deep inside him, steady and patient.

"WHAT YOU REALLY NEED IS A BOAT!"

"Grunkle Stan!" "Stanley!" Ford and Dipper said at the same time, snapping their heads toward the doorframe where Stan was leaning with a smug grin.

Dipper nearly jumped out of his seat, standing straighter. "H-how much have you heard?"

"Enough to come up with a flawless plan!" Stan shot back, his tone gruff but laced with that unspoken care only he knew how to show. He might not say it outright, but everyone in the room understood—he worried about Dipper and Y/n more than he let on.

Ford pinched the bridge of his nose, already exasperated. "Stanley, what are you going on about now?"

"Just—hear me out!" Stan raised a hand. "Dipper's problem is that he can't talk to Y/n without freezing up. If he gets the chance, he chickens out. So what's the solution? We—"

"Please don't say we trap them in an enclosed space—"

"—Trap them in an enclosed space!" Stan declared proudly, as if he'd just solved world hunger.

Dipper blinked at them. "...Again?"

Stan scowled at Ford, hands on his hips. "Hey! Don't knock it 'til you try it. The perfect place to spill your guts is in the middle of the lake, inside a boat. No one around, no distractions—just the water, the view, and a little honesty."

Ford groaned, burying his face in his palm. "Stanley, that's ridiculous."

"Ridiculous?!" Stan barked. "It worked on you! You opened up on the boat once, remember? Vulnerable as a soggy tissue!"

Ford's head shot up, his cheeks heating in protest. "Hey, that was one time!" he snapped, arms crossing with an adamant pout.

Stan smirked knowingly. "One time was enough to prove my point."

Ford sighed. "It does sound like a good intervention plan," he admitted. "A boat."

Dipper looked at them exasperatedly. "Great Uncle Ford?!" he called out in disbelief.

Ford continued to talk to Stan, his hand on his chin. "I don't suppose we can't lend them the Stan O'War II, do we?"

"Bro, are you nuts?!" Stan screamed. "They can't drive, let alone reach the steering wheel!" He pushed down the memory of Y/n driving in Ford's old car 25 years ago. "Besides, I have another boat that they can use. No biggie."

"And how are we supposed to tell our dear Y/n about this, Stanley?"

There was a pause, a silence. Stan smiled uncomfortably. "I have full trust in you, Poindexter!" He patted him on the shoulder.

Ford squinted his eyes. This plan had no assurance at all!

Soon enough, the brothers were bickering back and forth—Ford's voice sharp, Stan's booming, both convinced the other was hopeless.

"I'll ask her."

The two older men stopped, looking at Dipper with slight shock.

"I'm only doing it to prove a point," Dipper added, trying to be casual. "She's not going to agree."

Stan and Ford shared a knowing glance. If there was anything they knew about the girl in the times they spent with her, one of those is—

***

"Yeah! I'd love to go!" Y/n said cheerfully, her smile softening the sharp angles of her white coat as she slipped her hands into its pockets.

Dipper stood tall, smug. "Hah! I knew it—wait, what?"

She slightly laughed, tilting her head. "It's one of my favorite pastimes."

"Right, right. I totally knew that!" Dipper said, nodding a little too quickly. He cleared his throat, his voice cracking halfway through. "Uh, let me just clarify: you really want to go? With me? Just the two of us? In a boat?"

The more his panic showed, the harder she tried not to laugh. "Uh, yeah? Unless you'd rather bring Mabel with us?" she teased, trying to sound casual. "I'm fine with whatever. It's a slow day today."

Dipper didn't notice the slight tremor in her voice—or how she suddenly started speaking faster, her usual calm replaced with nervous energy. Inside her coat pockets, her hands were balled into fists, the only hint that maybe she was just as flustered as he was.

Dipper scratched the back of his neck, trying to play it cool. "No, no! Just the two of us sounds... fine. Totally fine. Great, even." He forced out an awkward laugh, eyes darting everywhere but her face.

She smiled at him—softly this time, almost amused by his nervousness. "Then it's settled," she said. "What time are we leaving?"

"Uh—uhh," he stammered, scrambling for words. "After lunch? Yeah, after lunch! Gives us time to, you know... prepare."

"Prepare for what?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

He froze. "Uh... the... wind?"

That made her laugh, a small, genuine laugh that echoed in the clinic. "Sure, Dipper. Let's prepare for... the wind." She turned to leave, her coat swaying lightly behind her. "See you later."

Dipper stood there long after she left, feeling like his heart might actually give out. He placed a hand over his chest, muttering under his breath, "Okay. You can do this. It's just a boat ride. Nothing terrifying about that..."

But even as he said it, his mind was already racing—about the lake, about being alone with her, and about all the things he wasn't ready to say.

***

It was already afternoon when Dipper waited by the docks, standing beside the newly fixed Stan O'War—the same boat they rode during the summer. It looked a little worn but still reliable, or at least that's what Stan kept insisting. Dipper only hoped it would hold up for the rest of the day.

Not long after, Y/n arrived with a duffel bag slung over her shoulder, her steps light and full of energy. Dipper couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, greeting her with a grin that came almost automatically. She returned it with a soft smile of her own.

They climbed aboard, and with a quick turn of the key, the engine came to life. The boat slowly drifted away from the dock, cutting through the calm water until they reached the middle of the lake.

"So, Dipper," Y/n called out over the gentle hum of the motor, her gaze fixed on the rippling water ahead, "what made you invite me out here?"

"Oh, you know," Dipper started, trying to sound casual, "thought it'd be nice to just... enjoy the scenery. Plus, you like boating, right? So, it kinda worked out."

Y/n let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah. Conveniently perfect timing, huh?"

As they reached the middle of the lake, she rested her arms on the edge of the boat, watching the reflection of the clouds drift across the surface. The wind carried the faint scent of pine and water.

"This is actually really nice," she said softly, her voice barely above the sound of the seagulls. "Peaceful."

"Unlike the clinic?" Dipper tested, a lighthearted smirk tugging at his lips.

She let out a short laugh. "Yeah, definitely not like the clinic. There's no screaming, no accidental explosions, no plaidypus stealing my snacks every once in a while."

He laughed again, the tension in his chest easing just a little. "Heh, you can bring him next time. I missed the little guy," he slipped without knowing.

Y/n noticed this, causing her to smile warmly. "Next time?"

Dipper paused, realizing what he had said. A flush sprawled across his cheeks as he frantically searched for words. "Uh, sure, why not?"

They locked gazes, until he had to quickly look away, focusing on bringing out the fishing supplies, pretending to be fascinated by the ripples on the water— anything to distract himself.

After setting up their fishing gear, they soon settled. The boat rocked gently, and the air between them felt comfortably quiet, albeit them sitting back to back. All that was left was to wait for the fish to bite the bait.

Dipper cleared his throat, his voice breaking the stillness. "Do you remember the last time we were out here with Soos, Stan, and Mabel?"

"Yeah," Y/n said with a small laugh. "You guys ditched Stan and I to go chase the 'Gobblewonker', only to find out it was fake. Then you had to jump back in the boat and make reparations."

Dipper chuckled under his breath. Her retelling was blunt—definitely a jab at him—but hearing it made him oddly relieved. It meant her memories were still coming back. McGucket had said they would, especially while the erasure was still recent. Still, Dipper couldn't help but make sure for himself.

"So, was this really about fishing, or did you just wanna reminisce?" she asked.

His grip on the rod tightened slightly. He hesitated. "...Both?" he said, forcing a small smile.

Y/n hummed knowingly, flicking her line back into the lake. "Thought so."

The two proceeded to chat about random food opinions when the water around them began to ripple strangely. A low vibration rose from beneath the lake, making the boat rock hard enough that Dipper and Y/n had to grip the edges for balance. "Whoa, what was that?" Dipper said, glancing around.

Y/n leaned over the side, squinting into the dark water. She murmured something, eyes narrowing as if she could will the lake to clear.

"Y/n—?" Dipper started, but before he could finish, a deep guttural growl echoed from nearby.

He looked up just in time to see something massive gliding beneath the surface, sending up a powerful wave that slammed against their boat. Both of them were instantly drenched, water dripping down their faces and sleeves.

Dipper sputtered, removing his wet hat, and pushing his soaked hair out of his eyes. "Was that...?"

Y/n blinked through the water and followed the silhouette. "It can't be..."

But it was.

There was no mistaking it. It was the real Gobblewonker.

Dipper couldn't believe what he was seeing. The monster that had been proven fake a year ago was suddenly right there, real as the sunlight glinting off the water. Unless... McGucket rebuilt it? No, that didn't make sense. But even that wasn't the most shocking part—what really threw him off was the bright, eager grin spreading across Y/n's face.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" she asked, eyes glimmering with thrill.

He swallowed hard, his voice shaky. "I know what you're thinking, but you can't be serious."

Another mournful wail echoed from the depths, and both of them turned toward the sound. Y/n looked back at him, her expression soft yet determined. "But what if it's hurt?"

"Or maybe it's hunting—and we're next!" Dipper countered, his tone somewhere between warning and panic.

Y/n burst out laughing, and Dipper froze mid-sentence. Her laughter was so genuine that for a second, the tension broke. When she shot him a confident smirk, he could only stare. "You know I can protect you, right?"

He wanted to laugh with her. He wanted to let her confidence rub off on him. Seeing her this fearless made something in his chest feel lighter—but then his brain, ever the pessimist, started flashing worst-case scenarios again. He blinked hard, forcing them away.

Finally, he nodded, voice steadying as he said, "Okay. Let's go."

"Woo!" Y/n shouted over the roar of the engine as it started up. Dipper gripped the motor, steering with visible hesitation. "Come on, Dipper, it's gonna be fun!"

He sighed under his breath. A year ago, she wouldn't have invited him to something like this—let alone agreed to go with them.

***

So they followed the ripples of the water— as well as the sounds it was making. Closer and closer, Y/n was already confirming in her head that it was hurt and it was in need of healing. Luckily for her, she didn't need to bring a box of first aid kit or whatever healing herbs in her bag. All she needed were her hands.

She caught the uneasy look flickering on Dipper's face. Maybe all he needed was a bit of reassurance. So, every once in a while, she offered him a small smile—a silent reminder of her promise. I can protect you.

They eventually arrived at a cliff where a waterfall🗝 cascaded from above. The two gazed up, tracing the height of the mountain. The sight felt familiar to both of them—Dipper recalled visiting it before with Soos and Mabel, while Y/n remembered crossing this place decades ago with Ford and Fiddleford.

"Trembley Falls," she muttered under her breath. She looked behind her to find Dipper's eyes again, and they shared a knowing nod before approaching the waterfall.

They had to be quiet as to approach the creature— as much as Dipper didn't appreciate getting his clothes wet again. Well, they were already dripping in the first place, so what's the point?

But before they could pass through, Y/n signaled him with a stop. "We should leave the boat here."

Dipper agreed, They could enter on the sides of the waterfalls and not be completely showered by the waterfall— thus not getting his socks wet. He nodded, and brought the boat to the side by the rocks. After securing the boat, they climbed onto the rocks and made their way behind the falls.

Inside, the cavern opened up before them. It was dim and cool, the only light coming from small, glowing ores embedded in the rocks above—like stars scattered across a night sky.

Y/n recognized this place instantly. Memories of walking here beside her two mentors resurfaced, but she pushes them aside. She needs to stay focused now.

They hadn't planned for a full-on expedition, so of course, they forgot one of the most important things—torches. The cave was pitch-black, shadows swallowing every step they took.

"Are we sure it came through here?" Dipper whispered, leaning closer as if the dark itself might hear him.

"I honestly don't know," Y/n admitted softly. "But since we haven't heard it make a sound, it probably went somewhere else."

"Okay, then we can check over there," he said quickly, his hand brushing against her sleeve as he started to move toward the exit. The air felt thick—too tight, too damp—and Dipper was ready to get out. "Come on."

"Okay, okay," Y/n laughed quietly, the sound echoing around the stone walls. "Where's all that bravery from last summer?" she teased, her voice light despite the eerie quiet.

Dipper rolled his eyes and turned back to reply—but the words froze in his throat. His gaze fixed on something behind her, on a massive shadow rising from the dark water.

"Y/n," he breathed.

"Yeah?" she asked, tilting her head toward him.

He didn't move. His eyes stayed locked upward. "I can't tell if it's looking at us," he whispered.

Y/n turned slowly, lifting her gaze. The shape was clearer now—a huge figure, its heavy breathing filling the cave. Steam puffed from its nostrils, rising like smoke.

"Me neither," she said quietly.

Dipper took a cautious step back. "Y/n," he urged again, voice tight. "Come on."

Y/n stayed still, her breath caught as she tried to read the creature's movements. This was her first time seeing the Gobblewonker—the Gobblewonker—right before her eyes. The monster that was never meant to be seen was now staring right back at them.

It wasn't moving. For a moment, Y/n thought maybe, just maybe, it was calm. "Maybe it just—"

RAAAAAAAAAWRRRRRRRRRRR!!

The cave thundered with the creature's roar, shaking the ground beneath them. Y/n stumbled, losing her balance, but Dipper caught her just in time. They both looked up—just to see the Gobblewonker's gaping jaws ready to strike.

"Go, go, go!" Dipper shouted, dragging her toward the boat. He yanked the motor's cord without hesitation. To hell with his wet socks, the engine sputtered to life, and they shot forward across the lake. Dipper knew that they wouldn't really outrun the Gobblewonker, but he'll take any chance they could get.

"WHY IS IT CHASING US?!" Dipper yelled over the roar of the water and the beating of his heart. "We didn't do anything!"

"I don't know! I haven't seen it before!" Y/n shouted back, gripping the edge of the boat. "Just drive!"

They sped across the lake, the boat bouncing violently over the waves. The monster's shadow loomed behind them, closer than they'd like, but somehow—by luck or miracle—they began to pull away. The Gobblewonker's roars grew distant.

Dipper didn't question how they managed to outrun it. He didn't want to question it. Right now, all that mattered was that they were alive—and far enough to breathe again.

"Okay, we lost it. For now," Dipper panted, still gripping the sides of the boat. The lake had gone eerily still again, ripples fading into quiet. All they could hear was the hum of the motor winding down.

"I am both in disbelief that the Gobblewonker is actually real and confused on why it's chasing us," he said, twisting his hat to squeeze out the water.

Y/n rested her chin on her hand, thinking. "Either it's hungry, but with Gravity Falls' ecosystem, that seems unlikely. I didn't get a close enough look at its face to tell what it was feeling."

Dipper gave her an incredulous stare. "Maybe it's just a natural hunter, Y/n. You know—predator, prey? We are in the prey category."

"We can't really assume anything at first glance especially if we haven't encountered this one before," she said, pursing her lips. "Gravity Falls' creatures are complex beings."

He stared at her for a long second.

She blinked at him, unimpressed.

"Don't even start," she muttered.

***

The two of them began to conspire– despite Dipper's hesitancy– about the Gobblewonker's possible cause for chasing them. Fishing was out of their minds now, this was more interesting. If only there was land, Y/n would be pacing around it, while Dipper might as well just dig a hole and bury himself in it.

"We have to find a way to lure it in, somehow," Y/n wondered aloud, her stare fixed on the expanse of water.

Dipper huffed shakily. This is insane— they're back to trying to catch the attention of the Gobblewonker again. A year ago he would've been more excited with this adventure, but this time, he didn't wanna dare cross the line.

"I think us being the bait is enough," he huffed exasperatedly, fidgeting with his fingers. "The moment it sees us, it's not gonna hesitate and come straight for us."

She nodded. "I suppose you're right."

"So what do we do then?" he asked, already regretting the question. "What are you thinking?"

The urge to say, "I'll just stand there and prove that I won't hurt it" was stuck in her throat when she caught Dipper's concerned gaze. She opened her mouth to reply, but a sudden roar interrupted her— as well as the feeling of the boat rocking back and forth. They stopped talking, watching the ripples of the lake dissipate.

They waited in bated breath, sharing an expectant gaze with one another. Dipper slowly reached for the steering handle, and when the surface of the water was broken by the Gobblewonker, that was their clear sign to—

"GO!" Y/n commanded, gripping the sides of the boat in anticipation. Dipper started the boat again and they were off, trying to outrun it again. He was thanking the heavens that the boat hasn't broken down yet, but he wouldn't dare share that aloud and jinx themselves.

"We forgot the part where we're supposed to tranquilize it first!" Dipper shouted over the roaring wind, clutching his hat so it wouldn't fly off. "It still looks mad enough to eat us!"

"I'm working on it!" Y/n yelled back, gripping the edge of the boat as the Gobblewonker surged after them. Its roar echoed through the lake, sending another wave crashing against the boat. The boat tried to surf through it but the Gobblewonker was swift, rising up from the lake and bringing its head down to cause a massive wave that sent the boat forwards.

Dipper and Y/n barely had time to brace themselves before realizing where they were headed—a small, isolated island dead ahead.

They buckled their knees as the boat hit land with a brutal crash, splintering into pieces upon impact. Dipper felt the sting of wood shards digging into his skin, but he didn't care—he immediately turned to look for Y/n. She was already on her feet, eyes wide, staring up at the massive shadow before them. She was transfixed at its details, finally taking in its appearance now that it was close and revealed by the light.

Dipper paused as well, turning his head. This was the Gobblewonker— its metallic sheen replaced by murky scales, bright lights for eyes looked more naturally hazy instead, and its teeth were randomly placed.

It wasn't the mechanical monster controlled by McGucket like they remembered. It was real.

And it was observing them.

Like a moth drawn to a flame, Y/n crept closer, her steps light and measured. Dipper watched her hand stretch forward, his voice breaking through the tension. "Y/n?" he called softly, but she didn't respond—her focus fixed entirely on the creature before them. The Gobblewonker didn't move, just... watched her, its head slightly tilted.

But Dipper's instincts screamed that this wasn't safe. It could lash out at any moment. His pulse quickened. What if this was some kind of trance? What if its eyes were pulling her in?

"Y/n," he tried again, louder this time, pushing himself up. Pain shot through his legs like fire. He hissed sharply when he saw the small patches of blood staining his jeans—splinters buried deep into his ankles. But he forced himself to move. She was too close now. Just a few centimeters away from touching it.

"Y/n! — OW!"

His shout seemed to snap her out of it. She blinked rapidly, startled, before turning toward him. "Dipper!" she gasped, rushing over and ignoring the looming shadow behind her. "You okay?"

He let out a weak chuckle between groans. "Um, no," he admitted, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the pain. "But I'll walk it off, promise."

Y/n bit her lip, deciding not to mention the tears building in his eyes. She knew splinters could sting like crazy, just as sharp as paper cuts— so she heard. "Okay, just stay still," she said gently.

"Yep, that's... what I'm doing," Dipper quipped through gritted teeth. He tried to keep still as her hand hovered over the wounds. A soft warmth spread through him, replacing the pain with a soothing pulse. The sting dulled, then vanished entirely.

Before he could thank her, a deep rumble filled the air. They both froze. The Gobblewonker was still there—no longer roaring, but breathing heavily. Its massive head lowered, nostrils releasing puffs of mist.

Dipper tensed, ready to bolt at the first sign of aggression. But then... it lowered its head further, the sound that came out next trembling and low—almost like a whimper.

"It..." Y/n whispered, her eyes wide as she studied its movements. "It was trying to talk to me."

Dipper suddenly felt a wave of realization wash over him—if the Gobblewonker had wanted to eat them, it would've done so by now. The thought oddly comforted him, easing the tension in his shoulders. "Is it hurt?" he asked, his voice quieter this time, almost sympathetic.

"I can check," Y/n replied, glancing back at him. There was a flicker of hesitation in her eyes, as if she was asking for his approval before moving closer. The gesture caught Dipper off guard—why was she asking him? Still, he gave her a small nod.

She returned a faint smile and rose to her feet. Moving slowly, she approached the Gobblewonker with deliberate calm. The creature's massive form shifted slightly, its eyes tracking her every step. It wasn't hostile—just wary, like it wasn't sure if it could trust her yet.

Y/n began to whisper softly, her voice low and steady, words Dipper couldn't quite catch but sounded like comfort. Inch by inch, she closed the distance until her hand finally met its snout. The Gobblewonker flinched at the touch but didn't pull away. Instead, it let out a deep exhale, mist curling from its nostrils as if in relief.

It took her a minute to inspect the creature's form, but after doing a roundabout, she frowned. "I'm not seeing any... external wounds," she pointed out, sharing a look with Dipper.

"Then... it's not hurt?" he asked dumbly.

Y/n shook her head lightly, her eyes narrowing as she looked up at the Gobblewonker again. The creature's low, trembling whimpers filled the air—it was definitely in pain, even if the reason wasn't visible. Her expression softened. Maybe... it's an internal pain?

She rested her palm gently against its scales, deciding to try anyway. Normally, she could identify the pain wound before treating the patient. But this time, it was like trying to guess in the dark. Still, she couldn't just stand there and do nothing. Whatever was hurting it, she wanted to ease that pain somehow.

Without even realizing it, she leaned forward until her forehead rested against its cool, damp skin. It felt right, having some sort of a connection. A faint glow began to bloom where they touched, spreading softly through the air.

Dipper could only sit on the ground, frozen, his eyes wide in awe.

The tips of her fingers glowed softly as she kept her hands near the Gobblewonker. Then he noticed— her chest was faintly glowing too, right where her heart was. He could just imagine the power coming from her soul, warm and pure, the answer to any pain.

He had seen her do amazing things before, and it was always amazing every time he was close enough to witness it with his own eyes. She wasn't forcing the healing, it was flowing through her, as if the universe has trusted her with the power completely. She definitely deserved having that kind of power. Her being her. With her kindness, her courage, her soul— everything good about her.

He selfishly wondered if... no. Dipper shook his head hard, trying to chase the thought away. But it lingered anyway—an image of Y/n doing the same to him, her glowing hands brushing against his temple, drawing out the things that haunted him: the sleepless nights, the panic, the memories he couldn't shake. Those were kinds of pain too, weren't they? Maybe she could take them away, make him feel whole again. The idea burned in his chest, it was almost... shameful.

The Gobblewonker stirred, its massive eyes softer now, less wild. The tension that once filled the air had lifted, replaced by an odd calm that made Dipper's shoulders finally ease. Y/n looked exhausted, her glow dimming, but the gentle smile on her face made it clear that it was worth it. She didn't speak much after that, only breathing, watching the creature with quiet understanding.

Turns out that healing something without knowing the source of the pain... was slightly taxing— but also quite impossible.

Because she found out why it was hurting, and her healing powers had told her in the middle of the process— or maybe it was the Gobblewonker's subconsciousness telling her. Apparently, it was suffering through mental trauma a long time ago and has been trying to go to her clinic but couldn't really access it without trying to be seen.

She nodded at the Gobblewonker, a wordless promise that it wasn't alone anymore. Then she turned toward Dipper. Their eyes met, and for a moment, he swore she looked like light itself—tired, kind, and impossibly good. She smiled at him, and he could only smile back, his heart aching with something he couldn't quite name.

***

"Well that was an adventure and a half," Y/n said exasperatedly as the two of them watched the Gobblewonker make its way back to the bottom of the lake, its tail being the last thing they saw before the waters were still again.

After having no other way of getting back to the main dock with their boat being obliterated, the Gobblewonker offered them a ride back as a way to repay. It was definitely in a better mood then, making Y/n chuckle in excitement. Albeit being terrified, Dipper pushed down his worries and rode with her until they went back smoothly and safely.

Dipper breathed a sigh of relief once they were alone again. He noticed that the sun was setting and he deflated, realizing that through this entire trip, his supposed plan of telling her his nightmares resulted in a Gobblewonker chase and another patient that Y/n had to heal.

The plan failed, causing him to sigh heavily.

Y/n noticed this, and she turned to the boy. "You know? I've noticed you've been off... the entire day. Is something bothering you?" she asked softly, worry seeping in her features.

Dipper groaned. He was caught, there was no use in lying about it. Or maybe, he wanted to bring it up, he just didn't know how. "I wanted to tell you something," he began, playing with the hem of his shirt. "It's the reason for this entire trip."

She remained silent, but never did she leave her eyes on him. She waited on what he had to say.

He took a deep breath, half-expecting the world to throw another interruption his way—but no, this was his moment. Now or never. Dipper reached out and clasped her hand, holding onto it like an anchor. He kept his eyes down on their joined hands, afraid that if he looked up, he'd lose his nerve entirely.

And then, slowly, he began to speak.

It hurt, feeling his throat close up as he spoke. His eyes were stinging, as he felt it— the feeling of humiliation, anxiety, vulnerability, seeping through him. He still hadn't stolen a glance at her eyes as he rambled his heart away.

Y/n listened closely, not saying a word. It all made sense now—the sleepless nights, the haunted look in his eyes, the day he bolted out of the clinic. It wasn't just bad dreams. It was trauma. Deep, lingering trauma that he'd been carrying ever since the chaos of last year. She felt her heart ache for him.

She had read about this kind of pain before—in the psychological chapters of her medical books—but reading about it and seeing it unfold before her were completely different things.

Still, she was glad he told her. Letting it out, even through broken words, must have made his chest feel a little lighter. Finally saying it—it was like releasing a breath he'd been holding for far too long.

But then, to her shock, Dipper suddenly sank to his knees.

"Dipper—" she gasped, startled. "What are you—?"

Her words cut off when she saw his tears. He was trembling, face red and wet, voice raw.

"Please..." he choked out, looking up at her with desperate, tear-filled eyes. "Heal me."

"What?" Y/n whispered, her voice barely leaving her lips. It wasn't that she didn't hear him—she heard every word perfectly. But the weight of his request froze her, like her brain couldn't process it fast enough.

"Heal my pain," Dipper repeated, gripping her hand tighter as if afraid she'd pull away. His voice cracked, trembling between desperation and exhaustion. "Like what you did with the Gobblewonker. Just—just take this bad feeling away so I can be better. Better for you. Better for us." His words tumbled out, raw and uneven. "I want to see you and actually feel happy, not terrified. I don't want this constant fear that keeps creeping in whenever I look at you. It's not fair—to you, or to me."

His knuckles turned white as he held on, like he was clinging to his last bit of hope.

"Dipper..." she murmured, lowering herself until she was eye level with him. Her hand reached up, resting gently against his cheek.

For a brief moment, Dipper let his eyes flutter shut. The warmth of her touch spread through him like sunlight after a storm. He felt the tension in his chest ease, the ache in his heart soften. Is it working? he thought, clinging to that fragile hope. Is she healing me? Is it finally gone?

"I can't."

His eyes shot open. "What?" The word slipped out before he could stop it. His mind tried to reason with her response, to understand it logically, but his heart was already breaking apart in his chest.

"I can't," she repeated, her voice firmer this time.

His brow knit together. "You can't... or you won't?" he asked, the tears finally stopping.

"I won't," she responded, telling him what he needed to hear. She looked resolute, strong, despite the soft hand on his skin. "I don't want to. You may call me selfish or downright unfair, but you gotta think about this, Dipper. Healing isn't meant to be used that way. Even if I could take your pain away, I shouldn't. Trauma—what you feel—it isn't something that can just be pulled out of you like a splinter. It's not meant to disappear in an instant."

Dipper remained silent.

"Pain like that... it's something you have to live through," she continued softly, her thumbs brushing away the tears. "You have to face it, understand it, and let yourself grow from it. If I take it all away, you'll lose the part of you that learned how to survive it. Taking it away completely... it will be like taking a part of you with it too. That pain isn't who you are, but it shaped who you became."

She hesitated for a moment, lowering her gaze.

"Your heart, your mind, that is yours to mend, at your own pace. Because the real healing should come from you."

Dipper nodded slowly. Everything was clearer now.

Her eyes lifted again, meeting his. "And I'll be here. I'll stay by your side through every step of it. But you have to want to heal, not just be healed."

He pulled her into an embrace, a gesture better expressed more than words he couldn't say. She didn't hesitate to return it, her arms wrapping around him as if to hold together everything that was breaking inside him. For a long while, they stayed like that, letting the silence speak for them.

All the fear, the guilt, the exhaustion slowly melted away between them. When they finally pulled apart, the air felt somewhat lighter. They both smiled faintly, their eyes tired but at peace. Maybe she couldn't heal him with her powers, but hugs could heal, too.

"I'm so sorry," Dipper muttered, finally letting the words spill out. "I took advantage of your powers. I didn't mean to overstep." His face burned with humiliation, a groan slipping out. "Ugh, that's so embarrassing."

Y/n reached out and helped him stand, her touch gentle but grounding. "Hey," she said softly, her smile kind. "You're not the first one who's asked me to take their fears away." She brushed some dust off his sleeve, her tone calm and patient. "But I don't really see fear as something that needs to be healed. It's not like a wound."

She paused, glancing toward the lake where the Gobblewonker had disappeared. "Creatures like it—they don't think or feel the same way we do. They don't have the same kind of mind that remembers or replays pain. Humans do. That's why it's easier to heal them."

"You're amazing at what you do, by the way. In case it hasn't been said yet," Dipper said, flashing her a tired but genuine smile.

"Thank you," Y/n replied softly, standing beside him as they watched the last sliver of sunlight disappear beyond the trees. The sky darkened, wrapping the world in cool shades of blue and purple. The night sky enveloped them as they walked home, the street lights guiding them. They suddenly felt hungry, and the smell wafting from the Mystery Shack only fueled their hunger more.

Dipper wanted her to come with him to the Shack, and she obliged. The two entered through the back door where the kitchen was, and unsurprisingly, it was full of people. Even the Stan twins were there, playing a... video game? Mabel was crocheting a pillow case. Abuelita was busy cooking, while Melody and Soos were busy helping her by wrapping the spring rolls.

Everything stopped when Dipper and Y/n stepped in. Heads turned, chatter died down. Mabel looked up, eyes gleaming, expecting to see them holding hands—but instead found two tired, slightly damp people with matching faint smiles. Whatever happened out there clearly didn't go as planned, but at least they looked... okay.

Mabel jumped from her seat, tossing her yarn aside and engulfing them both in a tight hug. "You're back! And you're not dead! Yay!"

The noise of the house resumed, and Dipper and Y/n found themselves sitting on the ground, watching Stan and Ford play horribly, laughing at their mistakes. The sound of the house was comforting, familiar, and safe.

Soon, dinner was ready. Everyone crowded around the table, passing dishes and talking over one another. Mabel rambled about her day, Ford shared another Arctic expedition story (one none of them had heard yet, surprisingly), and Soos praised Abuelita's cooking like she was a five-star chef.

Eventually, the conversation turned to Dipper and Y/n.

"So," Stan said between bites, pointing his fork at them. "How was your little fishing trip? Catch anything big?"

The two froze. Their eyes met across the table, silently reliving the chaos—the chase, the roar, the boat crash, the healing, the Gobblewonker.

Y/n swallowed hard and turned to Stan. "We have to tell you something..."

A heavy silence fell.

And then—

From outside the Mystery Shack, an owl peacefully snoozing on a branch jolted awake at the sound of a man's anguished cry echoing into the night:

"NOOOOOOO! NOT THE STAN O'WAR! MY BABYYYYYY!"

***

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OTTRWTRO AENXW' WFVZCETX JCTWPC ES MLV BHTEA EZVVY OCNDIW
🗝:???

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CONTINUES IN CHAPTER 38! 

 [author's note]

would you believe that they're only 13? me neither.

it doesn't really matter when they literally went through the end of the world and survived. but you guys can correct me if i am portraying things wrong. don't worry though! this will be the last heart-wrenching chapter before moving forward with the more lighthearted ones! of course, like y/n said, healing isn't linear. there's still gonna be bits and pieces, but it's all part of the process. 

im not going to lie, this chapter was very exhausting to write. the process was all over the place; the beginning and the end parts were quite easy to write, but the middle parts and the scenes relying on dialogue are a pain... there were moments where i am quite literally just forcing myself to write whatever just to get it over with because it has been 2 months of no updates. 

thanks for letting me rant. but yeah! what are your thoughts on this chapter? please let me know! do you have questions? ask me anything! also, is there anything you're looking forward for the future? maybe something between y/n and dipper? maybe something about y/n? something about the other characters? let me knowwwwww! 

oh also! which one do you guys prefer more? a chapter with two plots (A plot and B plot) like in Chapter 36, or a chapter with only the A plot like in Chapter 37?

i love you guys