Reverse Falls: Welcome to the Show

11] Stage Fright

Gideon and Pacifica had both frozen in their tracks as if they had witnessed a crime scene.

"We're going in there, aren't we?" Pacifica said in a small voice.

Gideon gulped before replying. "Yup."

. . .

Dipper hoisted Mabel's arm around his neck once she had woken up and had the strength to at least limp. Robbie rushed forward, looking panic-stricken.

"Here, let me help."

Dipper shoved past him without even blinking.
"I don't need any help."

"But Mr. Pines-"

"-she's my sister."

Robbie slowly stepped aside to let Dipper pass, then he stepped onto the stage to face the audience. There were whispers of disappointment and confusion as the employee motioned for the security guards to show everyone to the exits.

Meanwhile, Dipper finally arrived in the dressing room. He gently placed Mabel on a velvet sofa, then slammed the door shut.

He didn't regret his outburst towards Robbie. It was nice to get the negative emotions out whenever he had an excuse to do so. Then again all what he ever really felt was negative emotions.

Mabel's eyes popped open, flashing the same shade of blue as her amulet. She sat up.

"I sense something."

Dipper pulled up a chair next to Mabel and gently pushed her head back onto the pillow.

"You need to rest. It's a miracle you didn't get hurt! That could've been bad if we had actually been on stage for everyone to see. . ."

"Never mind that. I told Bud to meet us in the chamber as soon as he had his hands on the journal." She messaged her temples and shut her eyes in concentration. "My amulet tells me he arrived here on time. . . but now it's telling me that there's intruders. Two."

"And who might that be?"

"Pine Tree and Shooting Star."

Mabel slowly sat up and pushed herself off the love seat. Her legs trembled, threatening to give way. Dipper jumped forward and caught her before she collapsed on the floor.

"You're not going in there. You're too weak," Dipper pleaded.

Mabel's eyes narrowed and her bottom lip began to quiver.

"How dare you call me weak? After all these years, I've finally managed to accept my powers and control them, but now you call me weak?"

"That's not what I meant," he said. "If it makes any difference, I'll go after them instead. You stay here."

Mabel began to stand up in protest. "I will no-"

"-that wasn't a request!"

Dipper's amulet flared a bright blue as his hands curled tightly into fists. Mabel gasped as a blue aura wrapped around her wrists and bound them behind her back. Her mouth snapped shut against her will.