Who's Really the Monster?

Dipper ran. That was all he could do.

Every part of him burn in pain as he pushed through the forest. Even breathing hurt enough to make tears come to his eyes.

Dipper glanced back to see the dark creature was still chasing him. Its yellow eye glowing with malicious intent. He wanted to scream or yell or something! But he knew it wouldn't help. It'd just get him killed. That's what he got from listening to that stupid Dorito. Come to the center of the forest, he said. It'd be fun, he said. Bull sh-

The root he tried to jump over, caught the tip of his shoe, sending him sprawling to the ground. Rocks tore into his skin as he skid to a halt. With a groan, Dipper forced himself to get up, only to have something grasp the back of his vest and lift him. He screamed as he reached for the ground desperately.

"Whoa, whoa, kid," came an all too familiar voice from above him. "Calm yourself."

Dipper froze, his mind slowly processing that voice. "Bill?" he questioned as he slowly looked up to see that glowing triangle.

"Bingo, Pine Tree!" The demon lowered him to the ground and flew around him, poking at the few scrapes he had. "So, what happened kid? You'd missed the meeting time!"

Dipper glanced around himself, ready to point out the creature that was chasing him, but saw nothing. There wasn't even a foot print! "Th-there was a…" he started as he frantically looked for the animal in some small hope that he didn't imagine it all.

"A what?" Bill asked impatiently. He looked at his blackened hand as if he was checking his nails for dirt.

"A monster," Dipper mumbled lamely. He had no proof. He probably did imagine it. His shoulders fell as he sighed. "I'm probably wrong. It could have just been my imagination."

Bill's eyes crinkled in amusement, unnoticed by Dipper. "I believe you kid. There are tons of beasts in this forest." He twirled his cane as he floated out in front of Dipper. "You should be more careful. You never know if one just decided to eat you," he stated as he gazed off in the distance.

Dipper stared up at Bill, pondering over the demon's words. "What do you-"

"Let's get you back to the shop, Pine Tree," Bill suddenly cut in. "You look horrible."

Dipper gave the demon a mock glare, but he knew he was right. He was covered in dirt and blood. "Yeah, alright."

Bill followed Dipper closely as the boy lead them through the woods, just as he did earlier.