The group were now strolling through a path in the woods. Night was already crawling overhead, and soon they were surrounded by an eerie darkness. Despite the creepy scenery, Wendy and her gang were unfazed. Understandably, considering they were powerful beings. As for the Cipher twins, Will was anxious as always, while Bill had other thoughts on his mind.

He shifted his gaze to the two people in front: Wendy and Robbie. Bill was mostly looking at the Cupid, before eventually turning to Dipper. The Guardian was also eyeing Robbie, and his lips thinned. The rivalry between the two young men was obvious, but he still decided to test his theory.

He slinked closer to Dipper. "So, what's it with you and Leather Pants over there?"

Dipper tossed him a hard look, as though annoyed that Bill decided to talk to him. Then, he said. "Nothing much. Unlike most Guardians, Robbie was born and raised in the mortal realm, so there are very few times we interacted."

"Then, why are you acting like he just kicked a puppy?"

The brunette's lips curled into a grimace. Obviously, he rather not have this conversation, but the blond couldn't help his curiosity. Though, Bill didn't know what came over him, as to be interested in Dipper's life.

Dipper's gaze darted to the two figures in front, and Bill looked to see Robbie with an arm around Wendy's shoulders. Finally, everything was clear.

"Oh, someone's jealous," He taunted.

Dipper rolled his eyes. "I'm not--"

"Don't even deny it," Bill chuckled. "Who knew a inter dimensional warrior could be insecure compared to a dude in tight pants."

The Guardian flushed. "I refuse to talk about this, Bill."

The blond thought about pressing him, but decided against it. Bill could be reckless, but that didn't mean he was gonna pester someone with a sword.

"Alright," He sighed, then took a glance at Robbie curiously. "Strange, I expected a Cupid to look like one of those chubby babies with wings."

"Robbie isn't an ordinary Cupid," Dipper said. "He doesn't specifically make people fall in love, he only gives hope to those with broken hearts. He is a very skilled archer, be lucky that he doesn't recognize who you really are, or else he would've plunged an arrow into your skull the second he saw you."

Bill rolled his eyes. For once, he would like to go somewhere in this town, and not be mistaken for the enemy and targeted by every weirdo in sight.

"Hey guys!" Wendy called from in front.

The group paused, and looked ahead of them. Behind a tall fence, was an abandoned looking store. Dry paint chipped off from it's brick walls, the windows looked dusty and gave little view of the inside, and hanged limply on it's roof was the giant sign Dusk 2 Dawn.

"Here it is," Wendy smiled, gesturing towards the store. "The condemned Dusk 2 Dawn."

"Cool!" Lee and Nate beamed.

"Why was it shut down?" Will asked, nervously. "Was it rats, or--"

"Try murder!" Lee said, eerily.

"Some folks died there," Nate agreed. "It's been haunted ever since."

"Ooohh!" Mabel said, excitably.

Will trembled. "Uh, haunted? Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Wendy clapped him on the back encouragingly. "Don't worry. If there's any paranormal activity, I don't think they'll be any match for us Guardians and Changelings."

That made the boy relax a little, empathise on little. One by one, the group climbed over the fence. Bill looked up worriedly, as Will struggled on the top.

"Dude, hurry up!" Robbie called, impatiently.

"Okay, okay," Will sighed, shakily.

He struggled some more, and accidentally slipped off. Bill's eyes widened fearfully, when his twin plummeted to the ground. Fortunately, Dipper rushed forward, catching the boy before he could hit the ground.

"Thank you," Will breathed, gratefully.

"Whoo, Dipper!" Mabel cheered. "Nice save!"

Wendy smiled, and Robbie clicked his tongue before turning away.

After Dipper placed Will on the ground, the group moved forward until they stood before the shut doors. There was a hustle, as Robbie tried to yank it open. Dipper then volunteered, and tried to open it, but only got the same result.

Robbie scoffed. "I thought the Guardians of the World Balance were suppose to be strong."

Dipper shot him a glare.

Growing impatient, Bill stepped forward. "Let me give it a try."

"Yeah, I can't open it, but I'm sure the mortal can break it down like Hercules," Robbie rolled his eyes.

Bill shot him a hard look. "You underestimate my breaking and entering skills thoroughly."

Without another word, he approached the side of the building. Using the boxes and the dumpster, he climbed to roof. He then faced a vent, and he could hear sounds of protest from Will and Wendy, but he ignored them. Bill then proceeded to punch the vent, and on the third try, he busted it open. He climbed into the tight space, having a bit of difficulty squeezing in his shoulders. After a while of crawling through the vents, he came out a vent in the store. Bill wiped the dust off his shirt, before heading to the doors and opening them easily.

He smirked at the surprised group. "Be my guest," He said, gesturing inside.

"Good call inviting this one!" Nate beamed.

They entered the store, closing the door behind them. Darkness surrounded them, and Bill felt a chill up his spine. Meanwhile, the rest of the group were marvelling the place.

"Where do you think they keep the dead bodies?" Lee smirked at Nate, and his friend nudged him playfully in return.

Suddenly, the store was filled with light, almost blinding Bill. Once he recovered from the flash, he realized Wendy was standing by a pair of light switches. She strutted to the center of the floor, smiling at the Cipher twins.

"What do we do now?" Bill asked.

"Anything we want," Wendy replied, coolly.

The boys grinned at each other.

❇❇❇

And so, the once abandoned store was their territory of fun and laughter. The group spent the majority of the time having food fights with expired snacks, filling colas with mints and watching them exploded the liquid everywhere, and other activities.

Will was busy dodging the flying food around him, laughing, before coming to an abrupt halt. Before him, was a stand with pink sweet powder. He grabbed a pack, and looked at it curiously.

"Smile Dip?" He read.

"Hey! It's been long since I seen that product."

He turned around, and saw Mabel standing there. "I never heard of Smile Dip before, is it any good?"

Mabel grinned. "I should know, I invented it."

Will's eyes widened. "Wait, you did?"

She nodded. "It was a gift I created for the mortals years ago, and it was pretty popular. Unfortunately, it got discontinued."

"Why?"

Mabel shrugged awkwardly. "Something about causing hysteria and hallucinations. But, yet again, what do lawyers know?"

Will tossed a nervous glance at the pack in his hand, then hesitantly tore it open. Inside was the glittering pink powder, that smelled sweet.

"Maybe I could try a little bit," He decided. "What's the worse that could happen?"

"That's the spirit," Mabel smiled.

The blue haired boy took out the stick, and then dug into the candy contents. He licked the powder off, and his eyes went wide.

"How does it taste?" She asked.

"I can see sounds...and hear colours," Will said, blankly.

"Oh no."

Meanwhile, Wendy and Dipper were sitting together on one of the shelves.

"Thompson, come here!" Robbie called.

Thompson ran past eagerly. "I don't know what it is, but I'll do it!"

"Whoo, Thompson!" Wendy cheered.

Dipper chuckled. "Your friends are quite the wild bunch."

"Yeah, I was kinda surprised you wanted to come, to be honest," Wendy admitted, shyly. "You and Mabel are always working, I hope this isn't wasting your time or anything."

Dipper frowned, before placing a hand over hers. "It's the least we can do. You are special to us..."

Wendy smiled warmly, making the brunette blush and flinch his hand back. "Thanks, Dipper, and--"

"Wendy!"

Dipper narrowed his eyes, when Robbie slid up next to the shelf. "I just found some old lottery tickets, I bet you I can find five lucky stars."

"Excuse me, we were just in a middle of a conversation," Dipper remarked.

Robbie looked at him coldly. "Relax, you don't own her."

Dipper was about to snap back, when Wendy chimed in, probably sensing an argument. "It's okay, Dipper, how about we talk later?"

The brunette fought the urge to protest, and frowned as Wendy got off the shelf and walked alongside Robbie. For a split second, the Dark Cupid sent a glare at him over his shoulder.

Jeez, what did I ever do to you?, Dipper wondered, in annoyance.

"Tough luck, Pine Tree."

The Guardian looked down, where he saw Bill inspecting him. Not wanting to give the blond a reason to taunt him, Dipper balked defensively.

"Whatever you saw, it's nothing," He insisted.

Bill tilted his head. "I barely count your horrible attempt to flirt as nothing."

"I wasn't flirting!" Dipper snapped, flushing.

"Hell yeah, you weren't," The blond retorted. "You were blabbering like an idiot."

Dipper frowned, suddenly a little insecure. "I was?"

Bill nodded, then smirked. "If you want someone to practice flirting on, my door is always open," He teased.

Dipper looked at him blankly. "I rather be crushed into stardust and thrown into the deepest depths of space."

"A simple no would've been fine," Bill pouted.

Dipper suppressed a smile, and then said. "Is that the reason you're talking to me? To give me terrible dating advice?"

"Partially. But, I also wanted you to help me carry ice from the cooler."

"Why do you need ice?"

"To pour it down Thompson's pants."

"Suddenly, I wish I haven't asked."

Bill chuckled, then tugged at Dipper's leg. "So, you gonna help me?"

"Why can't you carry it yourself?" Dipper questioned, impatiently.

"I have weak upper body strength."

Liar, Dipper thought. Despite Bill's age and lean form, he was boarder than his brother, and his arms did have a fine amount of muscle to them.

He wanted to decline Bill's offer, figuring that the blond was just lazy, but then he caught Robbie and Wendy chatting happily together by the counter. Dipper frowned. He suppose he needed a distraction about now.

So, he followed the boy to the cooler. Bill moved forward, and yanked it open, cold mist drifted into their faces.

"This place is pretty nice," Bill said, smiling around the store. "It's hard to believe that people think it's haunted."

Dipper was about to nod in agreement, when he froze, upon looking into the cooler. "Bill..."

Bill stared at him in confusion before following his gaze, and he released a small gasp. As the mist cleared, it revealed a floating object, which was a brain with eyes and tendrils flowing from it's sides.

"I spoke too soon," Bill breathed.