The next day, a gathering was held in Zero Gravity's town hall. Everyone was sitting in the row of seats, murmuring amongst themselves.

"Order! Order!" Officer Blubs told them, standing in the front of the room, with Deputy Durland and Mayor Soos by his side. "We are here to discuss Gideon's recent prediction. Gideon, the floor is all yours."

Gideon stepped forward, and regarded the crowd of people calmly. "Yesterday, I had a disturbing vision of the Guardians destroying every inch of this town. Since I value the safety of this place, I think we should secure the Guardians, especially the Heart and Mind Guardian who has been visiting the mortal realm often."

"Any questions?" Blubs asked the citizens.

"I have one, dude," Soos chimed in. He regarded Gideon wearily. "Little dude, your predictions never failed us before, but don't you think this one is kinda, maybe a little, ridiculous? I mean, the Guardians protected this town since forever, why would they suddenly pull a 180° and ransack the place?"

The townspeople murmured in agreement, and fell silent, when Gideon spoke.

"It's understandable that you have your doubts," Gideon replied. "But, the fact that most of the Guardians went into hiding after I mentioned the vision, should be proof enough. They are definitely hiding something."

"I have a question," Shandra said, holding out her mic. "If this prediction is real, how are we supposed to compete with immortal beings?"

"I already have a solution for that," Gideon said, then nodded towards the officers.

They nodded back, before turning around, and picking up a huge briefcase that had been resting on the side. They opened it, before the showing the crowd of people. Inside, rested a crossbow, edged with glowing blue symbols.

"This crossbow is enchanted to shoot arrows that will immobilize Guardians or magical creatures," Gideon explained. "Don't worry, it won't hurt them too much. After they are defenceless, they will be sent to a special facility, that is already being prepared. There, they will be interrogated, and hopefully, we'll get to the bottom of this."

The crowd of people looked at each other, as though unsure whether to believe him or not.

"Little twerp..."

"Bill, ssh!" Dipper hushed him. "We're supposed to be undercover."

Way in the back of the room, three people stood. They were none other than Dipper, Mabel, and Bill. They were in disguises, which consisted of fake mustaches, trenchcoats, and sunglasses.

"Couldn't we have gotten better disguises?" Bill snapped. "This fake mustache is itchy as hell."

"Hey, these are best the disguises you can get," Mabel protested. "Trust me, I've seen it in movies."

"Can't you just disguise yourself as a human with magic, like you always do?"

"Nah, that's less fun."

Bill sighed. "What are we even doing here? We should be looking for Will."

"We will, but we need to know what Gideon is planning," Dipper said.

"You should've at least sent Stan or Wendy to break into Gideon's home or something," Bill remarked.

"I doubt Will is being kept in Gideon's mansion," Dipper told him. "Plus, Wendy and Stan are busy arranging a meeting for the other Guardians and creatures of this town. We need to inform them of what's happening."

Bill gritted his teeth in frustration, but didn't utter any protests. Dipper regarded him in sympathy.

"Bill, just hang in there," The brunette said. "I promise, we'll get your brother back."

Bill frowned. "It's my fault--"

"No, it isn't," Dipper told him, firmly. "You had no control over the situation. Trust me, we'll fix this."

"Guys, Gideon's talking again," Mabel told them, and they instantly turned towards the young psychic.

"And, in case any of you still have your doubts," Gideon started. "Let me show you what is at stake." He turned towards the officers. "Can you please close the curtains?"

The two looked at him curiously, but otherwise, did what he asked. They closed the curtains in the room, blocking out the sunlight that flooded out of the windows. Pretty soon, there was darkness in the room, until a faint glow radiated from Gideon's palm. The people stared in amazement, as the glow brightened.

"Let me show you, what I see," Gideon spoke, eerily.

Then without warning, the glow increased in size, to the point where it filled the room with a blinding light. Mabel, Dipper, and Bill froze, as a vision invaded their minds. In it, was Zero Gravity Town, wrecked in every corner, and filled a dark fog. There were people flooding the streets, screaming in fear. On top of the buildings, the Guardians were standing intimidatingly. The vision became more disturbing, when the bodies on the ground became noticeable, some of them were burnt the crisp, while the rest had arrows sticking out of them that suspiciously looked like Robbie's arrows. The vision ended, when there was a bright blue explosion nearby, that somehow shook the whole world.

When the three came to, each of them were in shock. Everyone else in the hall shared their expression, except for Gideon. The glow that had been in his hand was gone, and he regarded them all with a calm and collected look.

"So, does anyone object to my idea?" Gideon asked them, a confident glint in his eyes.

No one replied. The room was filled with a deafening silence, as the citizens submissively stayed in their seats. Even Soos, who had been suspicious of Gideon, now stood in silence, as he sank in the situation.

By then, Bill couldn't take it anymore. Gideon was lying to them, and they believed it! And for all the blond knew, the brat could be holding his brother hostage with Jill and Kill supervising. Bill couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

Without a second thought, he stepped forward. Dipper noticed, and instantly knew what was coming. "Bill, don't!"

Bill ignored him, and ripped off the fake mustache and sunglasses. He glared at Gideon, and shouted. "Hey!"

Everyone turned to him, including Gideon. For a second, there was a flash of darkness in his eyes, before he gave Bill a blank look. "And who might you be?"

Bill gritted his teeth. "Stop playing dumb! You know who I am," He hissed, before turning to the townspeople. "Everyone, don't listen to a word he says! The Guardians are not against you, Gideon is lying to you."

"What accusations!" Gideon gasped. "Sir, I am only concerned for the safety of my home. Why would I lie?"

The blond glared at him. "Because, you're working with Demons," He growled. "And thanks to you, my brother is gone!"

"Bill, calm down," Mabel told him, but was ignored.

"Listen here, Blondie, you're starting to sound a little hysterical," Gideon remarked. "Demons? Really? Also, I don't even know your brother. If you're that worried about his whereabouts, file a report by the police--"

"I don't need to, because I know you have him!" Bill yelled, enraged. "Tell me where he is, now!"

"Young man, I would have to ask you to kindly leave," Officer Blubs told him, firmly. "You are causing a disruption in a place of order."

"I'm not going anywhere, until I get answers," Bill spat.

"Then, we'll have to move you by force," Blubs replied.

Bill narrowed his eyes, and was about to make a snappy remark, when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He turned around, to see Mabel.

"Don't worry, officers," Mabel said, in an unconvincing British accent. "My brother and I will make sure to escort this ruffian off the premises."

Blubs tilted his head. "Well, alright. Though, I don't think I ever seen you two here before."

"We don't go out that much," Mabel chuckled. "Now, we'll be off! Pip pip, jolly good show, more random French words. Bye!"

Quickly, she rushed Bill out of the room, with Dipper following close behind. Once they were a safe distance away from the town hall, the Guardians took off their disguises.

Dipper turned to Mabel. "What was with that fake accent?"

"That, dear brother, is called being in character," Mabel remarked.

He rolled his eyes at her, before turning to the blond. Dipper's brow creased with worry, when he saw Bill standing with his back facing towards them. The male brunette approached him carefully, and reached out a hand to the blond.

"Bill, are you--"

He was cut off, as Bill moved away from him. Dipper frowned, when the blond began to tremble slightly.

"Bill?" Dipper spoke, gently.

"It's hopeless," Bill rasped, clenching his hands into fists. "Will could be dead for all I know, and I can't do anything about it. I'm so hopeless..."

Dipper regard him silently, then turned to Mabel. "Can you give us a moment?"

Mabel blinked, but quickly understood. She moved to the far side of the pavement, out of earshot. Once the two had their privacy, Dipper turned Bill towards him. He felt a clench in his heart, when he saw the blond's eyes rimmed with tears.

"Bill, I know you're frustrated, but you're only stressing yourself out."

"You think I don't know that!?" Bill snapped, sharply. "Right now, stressing is the only thing I can do, Pine Tree!"

"But, it doesn't have to be," Dipper told him. "I promised you we'll get Will back, and I intend to keep that promise. But, you're no help to your brother, if all you do is drive yourself crazy. It's going to be okay, you're not alone in this."

Bill's lip trembled in frustration. Then, his facial expression relaxed, and he wiped his eyes dry. "Alright."

"Thank you," Dipper told him. "Now, we should be meeting the others in the forest."

The blond sighed heavily. "No offense, but the last thing I need right now is another meeting."

"Unfortunately, it's not optional," Dipper responded, apologetically. "But, if you're tired, you can always wait for us back at the shack."

Bill appeared to be weighing his options. In the end, he said. "I'll go with you," He decided, and added nothing more.

The male Guardian nodded, then carefully placed a hand on the blond's shoulder. "In that case, let's get Mabel and be off."

❇❇❇

Bill followed the two Guardians into a clearing. Almost immediately, he was bombarded with the outbursts of an argument.

Gathered in the clearing, were Guardians and creatures alike. Robbie and Pacifica were there, along with Wendy's friends, and Candy and Grenda. Then, there were a bunch of half-bull manlike creatures, a bear with multiple heads, Jeff and the rest of his gnome posse, and other creatures Bill didn't recognize. Wendy and Stan were currently trying to keep things in order, as shouts rang in the background.

"What's going on here?" Dipper demanded, stepping forward.

Robbie pointed a finger towards Jeff. "This pipsqueak is ticking me off!"

"Says you, Cupid!" Jeff shot back. "Also, what kind of maniac wears leather in the midst of summer? Like really, does common sense ever occur to you or...?"

"Shembuloc!" Shembuloc shouted.

"Woah, no need for that kind of language, my friend," Jeff told him.

"Shembuloc..." Shembuloc sighed, apologetically.

"There seems to be a sort of conflict," Wendy explained to Dipper. "Some of the creatures, specifically the Manotaurs and the gnomes refuse to let us hide out in the forest."

"Why should we?" Chutzpar spat. "All Guardians ever done is interrupt our manly ways and protected that wimpy Multi-Bear."

Multi-Bear growled. "We'll see who's wimpy, once I use your horns as toothpicks after I feast on your flesh!"

"MB, chill!" Wendy told him, and he backed down reluctantly.

"Plus, if it weren't for the Guardians, my horde would've gotten a queen by now," Jeff complained.

"You were kidnapping people, you freak!" Mabel snapped.

"You underestimate how desperate we are, ma'am."

"It's not like I'd want to hide here," Pacifica scoffed. "This place is revolting, so are you guys."

"Urgh, here we go again, the Guardians think they're better than us," Jeff griped. "You guys already have a dimension of your own, why do need this forest?"

"Our dimension was burnt out years ago," Dipper told him, sternly. "What we have left, is only powerful enough to let my family inside. If anyone else entered it, it would break, especially earthbound Guardians."

"You forgot the part where it's our problem," Chutzpar snarled.

Robbie narrowed his eyes, then took out his bow and arrow. "I'm going to skewer you morons!"

"Bring it on, noodle arms!" The Manotaur roared.

Before a fight could break out, Stan lit himself on fire and shouted. "Enough!"

Obviously, it did the trick, as everyone fell silent. Afterwards, the flames emitting from Stan's body extinguished, leaving no marks on his body or clothes.

He regarded the others, his golden eyes were harsh, making them not meet his gaze. "Look, I know this whole arrangement is a hassle, but it's for the greater good," He said. "We Guardians made a vow not to hurt mortals, and I don't think we can convince them either since they're scared now. Also, this doesn't only effect us Guardians, but all of Zero Gravity Town."

"What do you mean?" Multi-Bear questioned.

Stan didn't answer, only turned towards Dipper. The male brunette understood his great uncle's signal, and looked at the group, before clearing his throat.

"My sister and I just came back from the town hall, and we learnt that the prediction Gideon made is fake. He seems to be working with the likes of Demons."

Immediately, everyone stared and erupted into a bunch confused murmurs. Pacifica shook her head. "That doesn't make sense, what would Demons want with this town?"

Dipper didn't answer, and then a voice spoke out.

"I have an idea on what."

Everyone turned to Robbie. The Cupid held a dark gaze, and Bill caught it flickering in his direction for a second.

"Not long ago, I came across two Demons, and they mindcontrolled me," Robbie explained, earning a couple of stares and gasps. "At first, I wanted to believe the whole things was a nightmare, but it was real. I can't remember all the details, but they always seemed to be talking about something...or specifically, someone."

Without hesitation, Robbie turned to glare at Bill. "Now that I think about it, those Demons looked a lot like you..."

All eyes were on the blond, and Bill felt glued to the spot. His courage wavered, as he realized he was outnumbered. Then, Dipper came to his rescue, as the brunette stepped in front him defiantly.

"Robbie, there's no need for such conspiracies," Dipper told him.

Robbie's eye twitched. "You think I'm making this up!?" He snapped. "I know what I heard, and I know what I saw!"

"I agree, what are you hiding?" Pacifica interrogated, glaring at the male brunette.

"Yeah, tell us the truth," Multi-Bear injected.

Soon, everyone was pressing Dipper for information. The brunette looked at the crowd worryingly, before turning to look at Bill. The blond could only stare back at him blankly, and then he nodded. Bill found no point in hiding it anymore. Dipper looked shock, but then he slowly turned to the others.

"I should've told you this earlier," Dipper sighed, after everyone silenced. "There's something about the Cipher twins that you need to know..."

And like that, he explained everything. He told them about how the One Eyed Beast that destroyed everything, had reincarnated into the boy before them. As this went on, Bill felt the air growing colder around him, as gazes of pure shock, horror, and distrust focused on him. Once Dipper stopped, there was a moment of silence, as everyone took it in.

"I knew it!" Jeff exclaimed, triumphantly. "I knew Blondie was that legendary monster! And the other creatures thought I was crazy to try and sell a kid's corpse for bounty!"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Pacifica said, looking astonished. "So, all of this happened, because of Bill?"

"Yes, Pacifica," Mabel said, softly. "Kill and Jill want to revive Bill back to this normal self."

Robbie had been silent this whole time. Then, he darted his gaze towards Bill. "In that case, the Cipher twins should leave this instant."

Wendy sighed. "Robbie, listen--"

"No!" The Cupid snapped. "Why are you protecting them? They caused all of this! It'll be better for everyone if they just leave."

Bill remained quiet, which made Dipper chime in. "We're working on it, Robbie. There's no need to act rash."

"You're supposed to be protecting this world from threats like him!" Robbie shouted, pointing to Bill. "Either you do your job and end him before he kills us all, or him and his brother go back to wherever they came from."

Dipper gritted his teeth, then released a deep breath.

"Let's put it up to a vote, then," Pacifica decided, most of the group nodded in agreement.

"Good idea!" Jeff beamed, then turned to the others. "All in favour of kicking the Cipher twins out, raise your hand...or paw...or any other appanage."

Immediately, hands shot up into the air. The Wendy's Changing friends hesitated, before raising their hands in agreement. Mabel's eyes widened, when Candy and Grenda slowly followed suit.

"But guys, Will is your friend," Mabel protested.

"I'm sorry, Mabel," Grenda said, apologetically. "We're supposed to protect you."

"Protecting you, means protecting the town you love," Candy said.

Mabel looked heartbroken, and Dipper put a comforting hand on her shoulder. The male brunette watched nonchalantly, at the raising hands. He didn't react, until one more hand shot in the air, and he recognized it immediately.

"Bill?" Dipper breathed. "What are you doing?"

Sharing his shock, everyone regarded the blond, as he raised his hand in the air, with a expressionless face.

Bill turned to Dipper calmly. "They're right," He said. "All I've done is caused trouble for you and this town. After we save Will, we're leaving."

Before Dipper could reply, Bill turned to the group before them. He smiled sadly at them. "I don't know if this will change anything, but I'm sorry." Then, the blond left the clearing.

Without a moment of hesitation, Dipper bolted in the direction the blond took. "Bill, wait!"

Behind him, voices raised, and Wendy and Stan could be heard trying to soothe the conflict. Dipper ignored it, and moved away until the voices were out of earshot. He looked around in search of Bill, but huffed in frustration when he realized the blond was already gone.

"Dipper."

Dipper jolted and turned, only to see Mabel. "Oh, hey," He said, awkwardly.

Mabel tilted her head at him. "You seem upset at the prospect of Bill leaving. What changed your mind?"

A lump grew in Dipper's throat, as he thought back to that twisted memory.

"Mabel...do you ever wonder what Ford had done that day when Bill attacked?"

"Dipper, what are you talking about?" Mabel asked. "Everyone knows Ford got thrown into a portal before he could do anything."

Dipper shook his head. "No. That's not true."

Then, he told her everything. Everything about the prediction, to Ford's plan to banish Bill, and right to Bill's demise. Once he was done, the twins wallowed in an unbearable silence.

"Ford did that?" Mabel breathed, in disbelief.

Dipper merely nodded.