project-after-falls

[project-after-falls]

After Falls Chapter One

Chapter One

The New Employee

Gravity Falls. Just west of Weird, and north of the strange. It seemed like a hidden town in the middle of nowhere, but every town has its secrets. Why, just one summer ago, they nearly face the end of the world. A large X-shaped portal tore into the sky and multiple shapes and sizes of demons ran amok, including one that was shaped like a cheese nacho with a top hat. However, that all changed when the famous Pines family came to the rescue, and all was saved. And that day, Mayor Tyler declared from that day on, it was to "Never Mind All That". Yeah, just basically forget about it, and don't share it with anybody. And, the town went on as usual. It still had its weird critters and creatures, but they've come in terms to live unanimously.

That summer ended quick, and there was a goodbye to a pair of twins that went back to California. Dipper and Mabel Pines shed tears and hugs with their Great-Uncle Stanley, and his twin brother, Stanford Pines. Dipper exchanged hats with his once crush, Wendy, and Mabel was able to bring home her sweet pig, Waddles.

But, that wasn't all. Stanley Pines had retired as Mr. Mystery from his dedication at the Mystery Shack, and passed his legacy to his trusted employee, Soos. From there, the twin brothers set off on an expedition to find treasure, mysteries, and babes. And so, Soos, and his girlfriend, Melody, ran the shop, like always. It was incredible peaceful at best.

That is, until things got a little hectic with short staff. Well, it was only him, Melody, and his Abuelita, who lived in the living room for the most part. They needed help fast. "Why don't we put up a flyer for hire?" Melody suggested. "Or even on our website, too?"

"Sounds like a great idea, dude!" Soos definitely needed help with cleaning and stopping the clogging in the toilet. With flyers out and website up-to-date, they waited until someone picked it up. And lucky for them, they did.

A young brunette followed the directions to the dense forest, finding the shabby shack with big letters "Mystery Hack" on the rooftop. The letter "S" was on the ground. Must've fallen off. She adjusted her glasses and knocked on the front door. No answer. She tried again. Still, no answer. Is this the right place? Were they out? No, there were cars, multiple even. Maybe there's a tour going on. She went around back and found the gift shop entrance. She entered in with a sigh. "Hello? Anyone here?" 

Melody laughed and approached the woman, ignoring the odd feeling of being watched. "Sorry! We're here! It's just been so hectic. Soos's grandma pretty much only cleans so we had to put out a new flyer. I'm Melody! What's your name?" Meanwhile, as the nice young lady was being interviewed, two familiar faces were on their way to the mystery shack as well. But to that...later.  "Oh gosh I'm sorry, you're probably exhausted!" Melody gasped. She hummed, then led the brunette into quiet room. "So, what's your name then? And are you new in town? Don't think I've seen you around!" She asked excitedly.

"It's all right. No problem." She sat down, but not before extending her hand to shake. "My name is Kiara Phoenix, and yeah, I am new in town. I'm just looking for a steady job for at least a year due to studying at Evermore Institute." 

"Oh, that one for the fine and performing arts?" Melody asked.

"Yes, ma'am. My classes are evening time, so I am free most of the day as well as weekends."

"Well, that'll work well for us. We mostly need help around the town. It tends to get crazy here in the daytime."

Kiara then handed her the resume. "I specialize in customer service and money management. These are the places I have experience in."

"I see. And any reason why you left those places?"

"Multiple reasons."

"Well, I won't ask for details, but I can promise you that this place would be perfect for you. When can you start?"

"Now." Goodness, this woman was straight the point. The young brunette has a stoic expression the entire interview. Can she really pull this job off?

"How about you shadow me for the day to get a good feeling of the place?" Melody asked and the woman nodded.

Kiara gave a small smile. "Sure thing. Sounds perfect." She said as they stood up. Suddenly a happy shout broke through from outside the house.

"MR.PINES!!!!!" 

"Holy jeebs, Soos, you don't have ta body slam me kid!" Melody and Kiara looked at each other then walked outside to see a large boat being towed by a red car. Two similar looking older men were being hugged by Soos aka Mr. Mystery himself.

"Now Stanley, you can't blame him, haha!" The trenchcoated male laughed as Soos let them go. "He missed you. To be honest, I missed this place myself." The other, in a black jacket huffed grumpily but looked over fondly.

  "Yeah, yeah, Poindexter. 'Sides the kids are coming tomorrow so...." He trailed off, looking onward. The trenchcoated male caught sight of the new face as well. "Soos? Who is that?" 

"Oh! That's our new employee I think! Hey, Melody! Bring her down here!" Melody looked at Kiara.

"That's our cue!" She laughed. "Don't mind Soos by the way! He gets excited a lot. He's great though! I'm sure you'll love it here!" She chirped sweetly. The girls approached and Kiara smiled respectfully. 

"I'm Kiara Phoenix. Pleasure to meet you both." 

The trenchcoated male smiled friendly, along with his black coated counterpart. "Stanford Pines. And this is my twin brother Stanley Pines, the original maker of the mystery shack." Kiara looked at the other, finally recognizing him.

"Oh, yes, of course!" 

"Ha! My reputation precedes me." The other crowed cockily. 

"It proceeds something alright." Stanford smirked as he teased his brother.

"CAN IT POINDEXTER!" 

"We'll be in the gift shop to do training for a bit," Melody led the new girl. "If you need us, that's where we'll be."

"Sure thing, dude. I'll be helping the Pines move back in." Soos turned to the old men. "You...are moving back in, right?"

"Of course, we are! This is our home!" Stanley laughed.

"At least for the summer," Ford added. "And we can help you the sales, if needed."

"That would be great, Mr. Pines!" He picked up their suitcases and helped them to the rooms that he kept locked away from curious customers and unwanted robbers. 

"So, where'd ya pick up that glasses chick?" Stan asked. 

"She must've picked up our help wanted ad. Melody was interviewing her."

Stan nudged his brother with a big smile on his face. "There ya go, Sixer!" He said cheerfully. "How's about you go socialize with the newbie, huh? She looks like a nerd like you!" The chubbier twin teased. Ford rolled his eyes with a groan.

  "Stanley, not everyone with glasses is a quote unquote, NERD." Ford chided. But regardless, he approached Kiara anyway. "Excuse me, Miss Kiara, was it?" He asked. Kiara turned smiling a bit.

"Just Kiara is fine....Stanford, right?" Ford waved that off a bit. 

"Ford will do, just to save confusion. I, uh, wanted to ask if you'd like a tour or something. If, uh, Soos or Melody didn't give you one already."

  "I was going to shadow with Miss Melody..." Kiara began, but a group of people walked into the door.

"Actually, I got this for right now. Go ahead, and take a look around with him." Melody encouraged with a pat on her shoulder. The brunette nodded and turned to the old man. "Well then, lead the way, Mr. Ford." Ford's cheeks heated up a bit, but he gentlemanly bowed.

"Of course, I'd be happy to! This used to be my house after all, before my brother turned it into it's current state." Kiara looked back at the other twin then back at Ford. "You'll need a tour anyway if you're going to work here." Meanwhile Stanley And Soos were getting everything back in. 

"Thanks, Soos! Gotta get ready for when Thing One and Thing Two come back in a few days."

"Oh, Mr. Pines, you haven't changed a bit!" Soos laughed. "But it'll be great to see Mabel and Dipper again!" 

"You said it, Soos!" Stanley smiled, patting his successor on the back.

Off in the distance, the residents of the Mystery Shack had no idea another figure was watching them. A singular eye that was surrounded by a purple glow hid amongst the trees. 

"I finally found them! The Pines family! " The voice in the shadows chirped as a young lad with odd colored eyes and dirty blonde hair stepped out. He had a purple and black dress shirt, with tie and black pants. However, the strangest was of the pointed tail that swished back and forth. "I need to watch over them a little longer....after all, I still need to find your soul.... William."