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Oh my. Oh my my. What a ruckus that poor Lil’ Gideon had found himself in. Here they were, the people of Gravity Falls – and widdle ol’ him - trying to save the world!
Certainly, the apocalypse had initially seemed to be a good thing, but how was he supposed to know that it would turn out to be a hindrance? Moreover, how could he have known that his previous trump card, the demon Bill Cipher, would turn out to be a dangerous foe instead of a useful friend?
Really, if he were raised an honest child, he might have admitted that he was partially to blame for this horrible chain of events; But he was raised a fake psychic, which meant that he was far more inclined to disregard these thoughts.
Moreover, no one needed to know that this was actually quite favourable for him; Because while the apocalypse might have turned out to be a bummer, saving the world seemed to offer him the chance of a lifetime!
Here he was holding his beloved Mabel’s hand, because HE was a necessary element in the crudely drawn configuration; Lil’ ol’ him, chosen by something beyond his understanding to destroy Bill Cipher!
To be hailed as one of the saviours of the world was also just the perfect thing to use to keep himself out of jail after all this… It would be DOWNRIGHT criminal of them, if the people of Gravity Falls would insist on his imprisonment.
When all of this had started, the moment had felt incredible; holding his future bride’s hand, and then as he joined with the others… to see them all shine as brightly as the stars! He couldn’t help but be awed at the power that he was witnessing. The power that HE was responsible for. Even the power of the incomplete Zodiac had been impressive.
But then… then, the appearance of the mighty and cute amphibian and its widdle slide-show was simply another surprise; a surprise that might be a fit for the ever growing pile of conversation topics for his future therapist.
Now, in theory, witnessing multiple instances of one's rival being in horrible pain might seem like a fun and entertaining idea. However, in reality, it was not nearly as amusing as he’d once imagined it to be, and Stanford Pines was to blame.
Or… well. Stanley Pines was to blame.
This whole thing had been mighty confusing. He’d seen the caricature of Stanford Pines while he’d been dancing in the cage, but to see Stanford again with that second group? That had been truly mysterious.
He’d assumed the apocalypse had split the old man apart at first! Kaboof, and then there were two. The answer that those two were simply brothers was kind of disappointing. So much weirdness at hand, and then it’s just siblings? Anyhoo, it had been the obvious assumption to make that Stanley was the uptight one; The one that offered the solutions, the mysterious one – one clearly too smart to dabble with the likes of Dipper and Stanford.
The revelation that Stanford Pines was actually NOT Stanford Pines, but Stanley Pines stirred many emotions; The loudest being intense anger and hatred. Because Stanford Pines made him look the fool – and Gideon Gleeful hated it.
Truthfully, if not for Mabel’s hand in his, he’d have raised and shaken his fist at his rival. How dare the old man dare and trick lil’ ol’ him?!
And now, if he were honest he had assumed that this whole “banishment” ritual wouldn’t take too long, and yet, Stanf- Stanley really must love to inconvenience everyone. Though, Gideon had to admit that this amount of near deaths was bordering on impressive; And while he wished eternal turmoil onto his foil – he also would really like to return to reality.
However, his wishes were unheard, as the scene shifted once more, the location surrounding them falling into itself and creating itself anew in front of their eyes. Shockingly, this place spoke of familiarity, soothing something within Gideon that he had thought long forgotten; Thus, it caught his interest rather quickly.
Their new location was quite spacious, and well illuminated. Gideon could hear far more voices not too far away, and with just a little movement he could see that behind him there was a large crowd of people present; all looking towards them. The look that he saw in the crowd’s face was a familiar one, even if he hadn’t seen it in a while – an audience ready to be bedazzled and charmed.
A quick glance upward and he could see the floodlights, as well as the spotlight, which was turned to a spot further to the right of them; From his position, Gideon could see a few gadgets and props that were left just out of sight of the audience.
One lanky and tired looking figure walked past him, and that’s when Gideon noticed the few cameras that were all pointing toward the stage; And suddenly Gideon’s familiarity made sense. He could barely believe it, this wasn’t just a stage, but THE stage from “Magical Moments with the Miraculous and Marvellous Magician Max Magini”, a show that he’d watched religiously for years.
The taped recordings might have belonged to his mother once, but he had seen their worth far more than she ever did – so taking them had felt right. His collection included nearly every show that had ever been performed, but the final one – a tape that had gotten lost according to his parents. It was the perfect showcase why they were unfit to handle anything of worth.
With a sigh, he turned his head back to face the audience; trying to find any trace of Pines in the crowd.
“I can’t believe you had the chance to witness Max Magini in person!” Gideon spit out. He might have pitied his rival for just a moment, after some of these more harrowing instances of near-death; but to know that STANF-… that STANLEY PINES had seen his idol live? Oh that just made him angrier.
“...squirt, you liked that boring show? Should have guessed you’d enjoy the likes of Max. Huh.”
“What do you mean, boring?! THE TRICKS; THE ART, YOU OLD CREPI-” a tug on his arm interrupted him, reminding him that maybe it was for the best not to start a fight considering the importance of this ritual succeeding.
“What I meant to say is: it’s always important to appreciate good talent, and while Max might be more dubious, I had been thinking more about his talented assistant.”
There was no other sound but a short huff coming from the other side. It seems like Stanley too had been given some sign to let this be. And it was the perfect time, because now the actual show was about to begin.
Out into the spotlight stepped a man that looked just like he had on all of Gideon’s precious treasures! Max was wearing dark purple boots, and his famous purple breakway jumpsuit, with a pair of red trousers covering the bottom half. The belt was horrendously golden, same as the large and glittery letter “M” that was visible on his chest. The magician’s luscious hair was covered with a dark purple top hat with a few golden sequins rounding off the outfit itself.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, “I, the Miraculous and Marvellous Magician Max Magini, welcome you to another night of wonders and magic; Tonight, I’ll make the impossible possible, and the unbelievable believable! You won’t be able to see magic such as this done anywhere else.” and as he spoke waved his arm and a few more golden sequins that he must have hidden were thrown across the stage.
The audience clapped politely, and a few more excited shouts could be heard. Max then did a few more flashy moves, and Gideon had been in such awe that it took him longer than it should have to notice a second figure appear on stage; But when he did, Gideon couldn’t help his little squeal of excitement.
In front of him was the last official assistant to the Miraculous and Marvellous Max Magini! A late addition to the show’s final season and probably one of Gideon’s favourite TV characters: John.
This was great. This was perfect, John also just looked like he’d come from his ol’ tapes! The young man’s brown hair was slicked back, with a small glittery pin on the left side, and an easy expression: giving the audience a grin that spoke of showmanship. He was wearing a similar jumpsuit to Max, though, it seemed duller than its counterpart. From this close, Gideon noticed that this suit, even with the additional glittery sequins on the suit, had a certain rough and handmade quality to it. He could see a pair of worn shoes, another sign that John’s stage outfit hadn’t been given as much care as it should have.
But none of that mattered, because Gideon was face to face with his past idol – and this close to the other – he could see all the details that the tapes couldn’t show. From the bits of glitter on the man’s face to the… to the... scar on John’s throat. A scar that resembled a wound that they had all witnessed its creation of not too long ago. Gideon’s grasp on Mabel’s hand loosened slightly; his face growing pale.
No. No!
It can’t… It can’t be. But it had to be. Gideon hadn’t seen the man in the audience, and so far everything had centred around Stan Pines. How had he so quickly forgotten the implications behind this false reprieve from all the horrors?
“Hello you great folks out there” said Stanley Pines, as all of Gideon’s previous excitement died and all his nightmares became reality. “I’m John, here to offer my assistance to the Miraculous and Marvellous Max Magini.” The smile was still on the man’s face as he continued. “And I’ve got with me some nice and sturdy rope. It’s beautiful isn’t it? As purple as Max’s clothes for sure!”
He was sure that he could hear the old man’s laughter. Mocking him. Oh he hoped that the other was re-experiencing all these injuries – a fair compensation for his own emotional damages.
Meanwhile, in the scene itself, the audience, too, was laughing. Max’s own smile looking strained in comparison.
“Hand the rope over, John.”
“I will, but to ensure that you won’t be able to trick ANY of us, how about I let someone in the audience check for you that the rope is real, huh?” – he walked towards the live-audience and picked out a young woman that wasn’t too far away. As the camera followed Stan, one could see multiple smaller signs with statements such as: “WE <3 U JOHN” and “John: The Magician's ASSistant”. When Stan offered the woman the rope, she carefully ran her hands across it and checked its sturdiness, while occasionally glancing at the assistant. Stan let her do this at her own pace, while the audience laughed at Max’s small impatient taps.
It was a familiar sight, a play well rehearsed between Main Act and Assistant; and yet, seeing it here… seeing it now. Gideon could recognise that this anger on Max seemed far too real.
He watched as Joh- Stanfo- STANLEY returned onto the stage, still smiling brightly at the crowd and his boss, and Gideon began to wonder if the other had been unaware of Max’s hatred; That this dynamic had never actually been planned, but had simply been a by-product of naivete.
“Thank you, John.” was said through gritted teeth, as the assistant began to measure the rope so that it would be halved in size. He then pulled the newly created loop upwards; presenting it to Max.
“I, the Miraculous and Marvellous Max Magini, will now use this lovely pair of scissors to destroy my assistant’s rope.” And they all watched as the magician moved closer to Stanley, and his aim with the scissors being closer to Stan’s hands as they should have been. The scissors nearly cut into the assistant’s fingers, if not for Stanley’s quick reaction and corrective maneuver.
Gideon’s own eyes widened as he witnessed this, while Max’s eyes in the scene were narrowed. The hand that was not holding the scissors clenched. Though, this only lasted for a quick moment, before the magician turned away from his assistant to face the audience once again. All traces of the man’s previous tension had disappeared.
“My assistant will show you now that the rope has been cut.” and as Max spoke, Stanley removed one of his hands, which dropped the piece of the rope – revealing two separated bits.
“Now, while breaking things might be easy – it’s a true MAGICIAN’S ability to fix the broken that is yet to be revered. So unlike my dear assistant, I will be able to turn back the clock and unmake the tragedy.”
Meanwhile, Stanley created a knot made with the bits on the top, before handing the rope over to the magician. Then the other deliberately and silently moved away, towards the backdrop of the stage; Probably to get the next prop for the show, while Max Magini continued with the trick.
With Stanley gone, Max addressed the audience: “Not to harp on John, but I do feel like the placement of the knot itself was quite uncreative.”, and with a wink and smile he began to move the knot along the rope. From the middle to the upper end, and from there back to the lower end. He then started wrapping the rope along his hand and continued to talk.
A few surprised gasps could be heard from the audience, but Gideon wasn’t impressed. He might have been once when he’d been young, but by now most charlatan’s knew how to trick the people with this illusion. Moreover, it hadn’t been Max that made it possible, but Joh- Stanley.
“Now, the best way to fix it really, is just your mindset. It’s simple magic, just based on one's real wish to undo what has been done.”
He showed his hand, now wrapped in rope – and then began unwrapping it; The knot now completely gone and the rope once again in one piece. The audience remained amazed by this simple trickery.
Truly, the show pattern itself became quite repetitive. For the next twenty minutes or so, John would appear with a new prop, gather the audience's interest, and sometimes showcase some simple sleight of hand tricks, while Max Magini would then suddenly take over as to “present” the trick’s results.
Honestly, Gideon had always known that John had been a better performer than Max could have been; but seeing it here was something else. The ease with which the assistant handled everything had always been inspirational. Though, knowledge truly turned out to be a curse far worse than he’d ever imagined. To be aware that his idol was none other than his sworn enemy? To witness this craft, only to have to attribute it to the old man that he so despised? It was mortifying; Seeing it all now was just rubbing salt into this newly developed wound.
They’ve reached the intermission of the show without much else happening, and Gideon began to truly wonder why they were even here. He could hear similar questions from the others, though, most of them were seemingly happy with the lack of any obvious life-ending dangers close by.
And that’s when a young Stanley Pines appeared from further backstage, carrying with him a rack full of sharp swords.
Gideon, and most people from their little group let out a frustrated sigh.
“Max?”, the assistant placing them closer to the actual stage, then turning around to look for the other magician.
“Yes?” the other man appeared, carrying with him a… small basket. Gideon recognised the setup, this was for the box trick! A trick where a magician’s assistant would be placed in a box, with the performer then stabbing the basket with multiple swords. Even at a glance, Gideon was able to tell that this basket was far smaller than the usual basket for a box-trick.
“What’s the matter, John?”
“I just… I just wanted to ask if you really wanted to premiere a whole new set tonight? Not that I don’t trust you, but… “
“But? That sounds like doubt to me.”
“It’s just, those tricks are known to need some precis-”
“Oh, but everyone already told me how talented you are, I know you can handle it.”, as he was saying that he placed his hand on Stan’s shoulder, the other stiffening slightly. “It’s not like we’re unfamiliar with this trick.”
“No, I know that. Just… the new basket? It’s… it’s smaller isn’t it? Doesn’t that make it more dangerous?”
“Ah that, you noticed that?” Max moved his arms, as if brushing something aside. “What a smarty you are. It’s simply a means for easy travel, but don’t you worry about it, alright? Now go prepare the other props, while I get my make-up fixed.”
“Alright, you’re the boss.” With that the two parted, as Stanley continued to grab a few more bits and pieces. He grabbed the set-list, removed the clip that held it together, and read through the many pages to see if he had everything prepared. Remaining completely unaware of the maliciousness radiating from Max.
Oh Gideon knew what this was about. “Would it be fair to assume, old man, that you’re about to become more familiar with these swords than you would have liked to?”, he said in the direction where he’d assumed Stanley was.
“Well, guess we’re about to see, aren’t we?” came a rough and annoyed answer. Followed by a muttered “was I simply too naive or too desperate to see through this asshole?” that definitely hadn’t been meant to be heard; And while Gideon always appreciated the chance to mock the enemy when he’s already down, he did have enough of a social understanding to know that it might not be the right moment to do so.
He would, however, remember this, and if they’d all survive then use it against the other in the near future.
An announcement was made, which signalled the end of the intermission, the people once again filling the seats of the auditorium, while both Max and Stan were watching from behind the stage. With everyone back in their place, Max Magini also returned to the spotlight.
“My friends, it is so nice that you are all here with me tonight. Tonight, the night of nights; Where I present you with our newest set. A true magician’s set that sets us apart from all these laymen and charlatans.” Max made a few gestures, and sprinkled some more glitter with the wave of his hand. Then he called for Stan, who brought with him the small basket from before, now placed on a serving trolley.
There were no visible signs of nervousness, as he pushed the cart. Instead, he was simply smiling that well worn showman smile, one that promised that the audience would be entertained. He didn’t have to say anything to catch the audience's attention, as he placed the trolley next to Max. Noticing their looks he waved at them, and smirked, before he left to grab the sword rack.
Max, meanwhile, was happily talking about the basket itself:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the basket of refuge.” And as he says this, he carefully moves the trolley so that the audience can see that there is nothing else but the basket. “Its size big enough to hide even another human. Thus, we could consider it a pretty decent hiding spot.” Max was now playfully winking at the cameras, and Stanley finally returned with the sword rack, as well as a large purple cloth piece.
Max giddily waved at Stan, so that the other would return to his side. After that he took the purple cloth from Stan’s hand and unravelled it for the audience. Stan meanwhile climbed on top of the trolley and started to shimmy down.
“It seems like John is ready to try this hiding spot for himself, but let’s give him a hand.” and then he threw the cloth over his assistant. With both hands on Stan’s shoulder, he pushed the other down more forcefully than necessary and then placed the lid on top; Some of the purple cloth was still visible from the outside.
Gideon was sure that he could see a manic glint in Max’s eyes, as he’d been manhandling his assistant. However, the moment was over quickly, and the magician continued as if nothing had happened. For the audience’s sake he, once again, turned the trolley – so that it was made clear that no trickery was involved.
The magician then moved toward the rack, and grabbed the first sword. He waved it around a few times, smiling as he did so, and then sauntered back to the basket that was waiting for him; He was eyeing it carefully.
He playfully leaned to the audience and said in a conspiratorial tone: “The problem with this hiding spot specifically, though….” his grin turning larger “is that it’s already compromised.” And with that he plunged the sword through the basket.
Gideon could hear both sets of their live-audience gasp, and he could feel Mabel’s hand gripping his. It was slightly painful, but in a way that was manageable.
It was clear that one sword wasn’t enough, Max took a second sword, and then a third… a fourth. Gideon was aware how this trick was meant to work, how precise the assistant had to be positioned. However, if the person holding the sword is trying to maim the person on the inside…
“Oh my. John hasn’t really said much since I’ve started, has he?” was all Max had to offer, before removing the swords that he’d so gleefully used. However, as he removed each sword he seemed to notice the lack of blood on it.
Oh, lil’ Gideon could see the moment it clicked in the other magician’s eyes that his plan hadn’t worked. His actions didn’t waver, but the other’s eyes had widened and the quick glance to the basket was enough for a fake psychic to read the guy’s emotions.
The lid was removed, and the figure covered in the purple cloth sprang up, throwing the cloth away as he did so.
Stanley Pines looked unharmed. The audience was applauding, and he bowed before stepping out of the basket. “This really had been a cutting-edge foray into magic.” With a grin he took control of the trolley and moved it away, leaving Max still on stage. The other’s grin froze in place.
“True that. And tonight is your lucky night, because we have more tricks where that came from!”
Gideon could hear some whispers that suspiciously sounded like a: “It can’t get much worse, can it?” before a young Stanley appeared with a large glass tank with a locking mechanism on top and with a pair of cuffs.
“You’re kidding me.”
There was a huff from the old man, “Listen, it’s not my fault that a lot of early magic was either sleight of hand or escapist stuff.”
They watched as Max and Stanley filled the tank with water, while having a clearly rehearsed argument about which of them was supposed to attempt the trick. It all felt staged up until Max changed the script:
“I thought I’d make it more fun for us, and had the audience decide during the intermission.” leading to a look of shock on Stan’s face.
“You di- what?”
“Don’t worry too much, the audience loves you.” and then he brought forth an envelope that he’d hidden in his jacket. “It seems like they want to see your performance tonight.”
The young man didn’t have much time to mask his shock, but he moved his hand quickly toward his slicked back hair, where the glitter pin was still resting and let out a sigh.
They watched as Stan was cuffed and secured, and just moments before he was put into the now filled water tank, Gideon saw Max remove the aforementioned pin from Stanley’s hair. The assistant now trapped in the water tank, and the lid closed. Max was watching it from the sidelines with interest.
The assistant had remained calm as he was put into the water, and his first action was to move his cuffed hands towards his hair – where the hairpin was supposed to be. The moment he noticed that it was gone, Stanley’s eyes had widened – and a quick glance outside the tank confirmed that it was now lying on the floor.
The old Stanley pines muttered something about his obliviousness and stupidity, but then didn’t say much else.
The people from the zodiac were all tense, as they watched a calm return to young Stanley’s gaze. A small smile even reappeared again, before he began to move his hands again. With a less graceful shuffle, he managed to move them to his side, where he barely managed to reach into his jumpsuit pocket. A lock of concentration on Stan’s face, and then he revealed his hidden treasure: the paper-clip from the set-list.
In a short amount of time, he unravelled the clip so that he could actually unlock the cuffs on his hands and feet. Gideon had admit, that the speed in which Stanley did these things was even more impressive, considering that this was all improvised.
Now freed, Stanley swam upwards, an attempt at pushing the lid open, only to find himself still trapped. A quick glance toward Max, and the magician simply waved at him, throwing more glitter at the stage – and then casually walking to the opposite side of the tank. However, it didn’t take long for a loud crack, as Stanley had used his momentum to punch the lid again, and this time it actually moved enough so that he could move it aside. It didn’t take much longer and Stanley was out. Gasping for air, before glancing at the hair-pin on the ground that had meant to stay with him.
“Impressive! You’re getting better with each try. Please, a round of applause for my assistant, while he catches his bearings.”
The audience applauded, and Stanley climbed off the tank. He took a few more breaths, and then bowed for the audience. Max started another routine, while Stanley began to remove the tank. Backstage, Stanley also quickly towelled himself off.
It was nice when the show continued with fewer death-defying stunts, but really, it became more and more obvious that the magician had thought Stanley would have been severely injured by now. Most tricks right now were part of a solo act, with Stanley spending far more time backstage all of a sudden. And whenever his help was needed, Gideon could see from the furrowed brows that Max Magini was truly angry. He was barely masking it anymore. His smile looked so fake, even the stupidest person in the audience should have been able to see behind it. It was jarring watching all of this unfold, while the young assistant acted like nothing was wrong, like he was used to this.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I, Miraculous and Marvellous Max Magini, have pondered for a while how to end this brilliant show. And how else to end it, but with a bang?”
This time a young Stanley Pines walked on stage, carrying with him a small metal cup and a gun.
“The bullet catch? The Bullet Catch! THIS GUY WANTS TO MURDER YOU AND YOU ARE PERFORMING THE BULLET CATCH?!” Gideon couldn’t help but shout. “The trick mostly known for its dangers even when performed safely? I always knew there was something wrong with you Stanfor- STANLEY PINES, but this… I can’t believe your stupidity.”
“I thought Max was a swell guy, that’s all. Was kind enough to let me go on stage and make some money during a rough time.”
It seemed like most people were on lil’ Gideon’s side, and didn’t that feel nice? But there was nothing left for them to do but watch. At least it would be over soon. At least that’s what Gideon was thinking before he heard the brother of the old man interrupt.
“Wait… I think I’ve… seen this?”
“What?”
“It was televised… I’m sure I’ve seen this while living in the dorms at Backupsmore”
“Oh.”
There was a moment of silence, as the group watched the young Stanley get into position, the metal cup now placed in his mouth.
“Those were real bullets?”
The old Stanley Pines could be heard laughing, “They were supposed to be wax bullets…. They weren’t.”
Max Magini smirked as he lined up his shot.
The tension was rising, the audience in the hall leaning forward in their seats, ready to witness a miracle.
The gun fired.
The audience could be heard gasping, and…
… and a young Stanley Pines caught the bullet in the metal cup; He was once again completely unharmed. However, it was clear that this was the moment where he’d realised what had been going on all night. With a shaking hand he removed the metal cup from his mouth. His eyes had widened, while the rest of his body had tensed up at the sight of the magician still holding a real smoking gun.
Max Magini was standing still, his mouth in open shock. Moving from the gun in his hand to Stanley and then back again.
The audience went wild and clapped, some people were screaming. But both Magician and Assistant were standing still watching the other.
“You… you actually….” Stanley couldn’t look at his boss, but faced the ground. “I can’t believe it. What is it, were you jealous? Was I a RISK? What is this? I thought we were FRIENDS?”
Stanley’s stage persona was nearly completely discarded. His face marred in disbelief and betrayal. Meanwhile, Max’s face was expressing all the anger that he’d held back.
“YOU… don’t you, YOU were supposed to stay in YOUR LANE. BUT NO. You kept going, kept trying to improve your craft. I knew you’d try to steal my fame. And I won’t let you do that.” Max started laughing. “You know what, John?”
Stanley looked up, and saw that Max had raised the gun again.
“You’re fired.”
The bullet hitting Stanley straight in the gut. Everyone saw how the young man collapsed, dropping the cup with the first bullet. Everyone had heard the scream of agony, as the young man moved his arms toward the wound.
The room was silent, and Max was panting.
He turned to the cameras. A real smile now on his face. “And that’s it for our show tonight, Goodnight.”
The room devolved into chaos. People were shouting, asking if this was real, others were considering walking onto the stage, and the cameramen and additional stage hands were already running towards Stan, but Max didn’t care. The magician dropped the gun, and then performed his final vanishing trick to reach the backstage area.
Stanley was slowly bleeding out. People around him were asking him questions, or were trying to find a land-line to call for help; but none of it made sense to the young assistant.
“I guess I caught two bullets tonight, must be a new record.” could be heard from the body at the floor; but none of the people present seemed to appreciate it.
Gideon and the rest of the circle watched as first aid was applied, as they tried to ensure that Stanley would survive until he was brought to a hospital. There had been a few doctors in the audience; It had been pure luck. Max Magini had cancelled any other trained professional, further cementing that all of this had been one huge murder attempt.
The people surrounding him were all talking at once, but Gideon didn’t really care. He also didn’t really care about the first aid being provided – they all knew Stanley would survive. No, Gideon was watching the set that he’d grown so familiar with, and wondered if that had been the reason his family hadn’t had all the show’s tapes.
The last thing that Gideon heard, while the zodiac magic began to do its thing, was a sombre discussion between the two brothers. Even from afar, he could hear that one of the brothers was distraught.
“Stanley… I… I thought that that whole scenario had been staged.”
“Staged that I was shot in the gut?”
“Yes. I thought this was all just simple trickery for dramatic purposes... so... I had just assumed that you were fine.”
“And you never wondered?”
“I… No. No, I didn’t.”
“…”
“Were you fine?”
“You know I survived.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Alright. It was pure luck, or lack of talent; Because Max was a bad shot. I was hospitalised and I hated it, but at least the studio covered the resulting bill as long as I remained quiet about it.”
After that lil’ Gideon clinked out of the conversation. He was here to try and save the world, and not to listen to some emotional drivel. Especially emotional drivel concerning his sworn rival. Instead, he focused on the nicer things in his life: He kept holding Mabel’s hand, and while it still felt nice, he really hoped that all of this would be over soon.