As Dipper, Connie and Chloe comforts Lincoln, Dipper has him seated to the bed to resolve Lincoln's sorrows. He only knows Lincoln for five days since the beginning of the camp. So, it should be an option for him (or them) to open up to Lincoln. Additionally, he takes Lincoln's message shirt and gets astounded from the outpoured messages that are marked there. He soon realizes what got into his teammate.

"Hey…uhmm…Lincoln," Dipper utters as Lincoln wipes away his tears, "You missed your family, don't you? I find your shirt…and I guess you've pondered about it. About them?"

Trying to hold his tears while latching on Connie, Lincoln confirms with a nod from his face.

Getting his answer pulls many strings for Dipper to relate to him. Albeit Mabel attending at the same camp, he knows that he misses other dear stuff back home. He wants to share his empathetic feelings but he wishes not to avoid showing pessimism and vulnerability being the designated leader of Squad 19.

Suddenly, at the verge of his tears, Lincoln blurts, "I just missed…them. Usually in camps like these, I always have my sisters on my back. But they're not. Sorry I about this guys. I just missed home."

The three then watch Lincoln use his own shirt to wipe his tears as the handkerchief that Connie gave to him was overly soaked with tears. Momentarily, Chloe feels his grief and starts shedding her own tears. She tries to wipe if off from her glasses but they keep flowing out of control.

"You know…Lincoln, I missed home too," Chloe shares as she sits beside the grieving Lincoln, "Ins and outs in college, but I always have my parents by my side. And my best friends too."

"Your bear friends?" Lincoln asks.

"My bear friends," Chloe confirms, "Though I have peers in college, it was Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bear that help me whenever I get lonely. And they're not here." She then covers her eyes from weeping.

Luckily, Connie relates to Chloe's grievances since she initially was a loner. But thanks to Steven's heart and empathy, she improves on her character. Thus, this situation truly paves the way for her to use her empathy skills to action. She then proceeds to embrace both and tell this insight.

"Hey, Connie, Lincoln, I understand you both," Connie commiserates, "I was like this once. I was pining for a better place to be in than to leave myself hurt from all the loneliness. I knew that. But I never knew I was never lonely. Then came a true friend who knew me and believed in me. And never knew he would also let me see my family in a different way. But the point here is guys, even if you feel like missing home or what, it's not going to end there. So, let's just seize whatever moment comes to us. It's okay to let out your feelings. It works for me. But in the end, you have to take your sword and move on."

"I always bring my sword," Lincoln utters, "Well my figurative sword, not a literal sword. That would be crazy. It's pretty relieving anyway."

"That would be sneaky if you bring such a weapon to camp without surrendering it," Chloe remarks sarcastically after she wipes her tears.

"It would be cool actually if we allow swordfights in camp," Lincoln comments.

"Oh, I would definitely beat Steven or that Finn guy if that ever happens," Connie laughs about it, following the two to laugh with her.

All the while, Dipper watches his teammates get back in better shape. He just finds reliving to witness their sudden bond happen in empathy. With that, he smiles on it.

Suddenly, Brad Carbuckle from My Life as a Teenage Robot, the squad's monitor/score checker, bursts from the cabin door and calls out on the kids. "Guys, what are you still doing here?!"

"We were just resolving stuff," Dipper says.

"Well, you better hurry up. The games are about five minutes from now," Brad alerts them, "Go now, or your squad will be lagging behind." He then widely opens the door, for them to step outside and go to their squad who is waiting at the open grounds.

Even though the situation is resolved, Dipper knows that he needs to engage more to his team. He then looks back at his teammates and pronounces to them, "Let's talk about this later, after the relay games, whatever they are."

"Good call," Connie remarks, "Come on guys!"

"Here we go, another race of sorts," Lincoln comments.

"Count me out on that, if it's any physical activity," Chloe says.

"Stay positive, guys," Connie encourages, "Who knows? Maybe it will be okay."

And with that, the four members of Squad 19 head out to their teammates, with Brad showing them the door and guiding the way to the grounds.

After a grueling afternoon of sprint relays, the victor is Squad 1, which has the likes of Adrian Agreste (from Miraculous), Marco Diaz (from Star vs. the Forces of Evil) and Ferb Fletcher (from Phineas & Ferb). As forSquad 19, they ended up as the third to the last in the ranking.

With the weight of defeat loaded on their shoulders, the squad walks tiresomely to a nearby bonfire pit to rest. Dipper, as so are the others, feels exhausted from the proceedings that he opts to excuse himself and his team from the ongoing engagements in camp, as seen from their background. Dropping himself on a log, he asks the team, "You guys fine we stay at this bonfire for a while?"

"Nahh it's cool," Howard Weinerman says while being carried by Baljeet and Janna, "I just need a place to…hurl." Feeling internal gut movement, as effect from the games, Howard hurls to the side.

"That's okay, dear friend. That's it," Baljeet encourages Howard for calmness. He pats Howard's back as he continues to throw his lunch. "You good?"

"Yeah, I just need to a pain reliever or a stomach reliever or something," Howard implies.

"I have a handy medicine pack in my cabin," Baljeet implies, "I think I may have what you need."

"Good Baljeet. So can you get medicine for Howard?" Dipper asks.

"Would be delighted to," Baljeet replies.

"Great! Okay take someone with you and get medicine for Howard," Dipper directs his teammate, "Jeff, maybe you can go with him?"

"Do I have to go with him?" Jeff Randell asks.

"Yes. It's still the buddy system. Read the rulebook."

"Okay, cool," Jeff says, and then has Baljeet guide him to their way.

Howard, meanwhile, is still hurling. Janna tries to comfort him by patting his back to let all the lunches out. Growing concerned of his welfare, she asks Dipper, "Should I take him to the clinic?"

But Howard refuses. "No! Don't take me there!"

"Why not?! You are hurling all over the place." While talking, Janna sees Howard still hurling. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna take you to a mortuary, like I care."

"Janna, don't scare him. Get him water or something to calm him," Dipper orders her.

"Okay, as you wish," Janna replies, getting up from her position.

"And Gretchen, guide her," Dipper commands.

Grunting, Gretchen from Camp Lakebottom replies, "Can some of us just rest for a while?"

"No camper left behind, Gretch."

"Fine. But we're sticking to the snack bar."

"Avoid the snack bar!"

"Okay, sheesh.

Right behind, Tulip from Infinity Train hides behind a tree and checks the palm of her hand, where the number "46" is glowing on there. This is the first time he sees a shift in number since her ride on the surreal train. One thing she suspects is that something supernatural has happened, and she failed to notice it.

Suddenly, Dipper notices Tulip from behind. "Uhmm Tulip, is something wrong?"

"Oh nothing, Dipper," Tulip defends, "Just checking my notes on my hand."

"You wrote notes during the games?"

Giggling, she utters, "Yeah, weird right?"

"Well okay. Just to let you know. I am still delighted to be your leader, even though we almost end up in the last place." Dipper ends with a sad note.

Tulip glances on this. Not wanting to disappoint anyone, she resorts to an alternative solution from showing empathy, which also has some hidden agendas. "Uhmm hey, I tell you what. I'll treat you, so youcan lift your spirits up."

"What are you gonna do?"

"Will buy you some a nougat bar."

"I already have Janna and Gretchen to do that."

"Yeah, but you only told them to buy snacks. I will buy you one."

"I will go with you," Howard says, rising from his seat.

"Wait, Howard! I thought you're sick?" Connie lays her concern, "You need some rest."

"I never said I'm sick," he justifies, "I am just dizzy. Besides, I need something to digest to properly digest the medicine."

Dipper is hesitant to bring one more pair out since he wishes to gather his teammates. Even suspicious eyes to Howard and Tulip, he nevertheless sends them out. "Alright, but be back for goodness sake."

"Will sure do," Howard replies and then guides Tulip on their way.

"Uhmmm I would rather stay behind. You follow the lead," Tulip requests.

"Sure, whatever you say," Howard responds before going on their way.

Bushed at what became of the day, Dipper drops his body to the log. While he looks upon the clear starry night, Lincoln opens up to him.

"Tired, eyy?" he asks.

"You have no idea," Dipper says.

"You know what Dipper, whenever I get tired, I always say to myself, 'I will always do the same thing, but I refuse to stay back just because I'm tired'. It's always like that in my house everyday. Chaos but you have to get across the battlefield."

"Oh, really? Man, never thought your life's like that. You said you have ten sisters, right?"

"Mhhhmmm."

"No way, you have ten sisters?" Chloe asks.

"That's...right."

"Woah, I mean it's incredible to have diverse gene pool. It rarely happen to American families. You must be a proud brother."

"Well, unless my sisters try to meddle me. They always do, especially Luan's puns."

"Wow, I wonder what it feels like living with ten sisters. That would be a big one to imagine."

"Trust me, it's like living in a funhouse. A survival funhouse."

"I have a sister too," Dipper shares, "She is here. You might have known her. Both of us, we got off from a lot of trouble. That's why we have each other. Except for glitter scrapbooking. I will do everything, just to excuse myself from scrapbooking." The four of them then laugh.

"I wish I have a brother or sister like yours," Connie follows along with the sharing, "I mean back at Beach City, we always feel like family. But I never felt like being a brother or sister to someone."

"How about Steven?" Dipper asks.

"Steven is a good friend. My best friend even. I think he counts," Connie replies, "But our relationship is different." But quickly, Connie jumps focus from her, "Hey, how about you Chloe? Any siblings?"

"No, it's just me, with my parents," Chloe replies, "To be honest, I always feel like a little sister that some people push around."

"Don't think of that way," Dipper reacts, "You're a good sisterly girl. We'll have to see."

"Really?" Chloe responds, "I just realized I was that way to my bear friends, who felt like my bear brothers."

"That's great!" Connie exclaims.

"Great to have you guys bonding over...siblings," Dipper utters, "Great to have you guys as friends since day one, even though we're kinda moody that day."

"Yeah, definitely," the three agree collectively.

Feeling motivated, "I tell you what. The four of us, let's make an oath to each other, that we are going to have the best summer ever. What'd you say?"

"Count me in!" Connie replies enthusiastically.

"Well, I am always open to brand-new experiences to boost myself socially," Chloe follows, "Count me too!"

"Well Lincoln?" Dipper asks the 11-year-old who is left behind.

Lincoln is still adamant of what he can make for one month without his sisters. But then again, he and Clyde have moments together, in the wilderness no less. But seeing that he has friends he can count on like siblings, he finally makes his decision. "Okay, sign me up!"

"Alright!" Dipper utters as the four of them clasp hands together. "Okay, let's make this summer the best ever!"

"Yeah!" they all exclaim in hope.

Just as they are in the peak of motivation and hopefulness, Lincoln's phone suddenly rings. "Oh sorry." He then answers it, to see his sisters wanting to videochat with him.

"Hey Linky!" they greet to him.

"Hey guys!" Lincoln greets them back.

"We just literally thought we could greet you a good night, so you wouldn't be sad about us," Lori says.

"Don't let the bedbugs bite!" Luan pops out, but gets shoved away by Lori.

"And I hope you find one for me!" Lana says.

"Oooh Lincoln, you have fire for hair?" Leni asks.

"No Leni, we're just gathered around the bonfire," Lincoln clarifies.

"Ohh okay," she utters in response.

"Hope you're still on fire dude!" Luna says.

"I am," Lincoln answers.

"Wait Lincoln, who are those behind you?" Lola asks.

"Oh, these are my new friends Dipper, Connie and Chloe," Lincoln answers then shows his phone to the three, "Say 'hi' to them guys!" To which they greet back.

"Aww, they look so great! Hi guys!" the 6-year-old pageant queen greets back. "The campers here are annoying. One even tries to throw yogurt at me!"

But Lynn pushes herself towards in front of the camera. "Out of my way guys!" Lynn says, "Any bullies there, my dear brother?"

"Nahh, you may call them competitive ones," Lincoln stresses.

"Ughh Lincoln, I showed you the ways. Show them who's boss! And tell them if they don't stop, once I get there, I'll there them apart," Lynn articulates.

And while she aggressively pep talks her brother, Dipper feels smitten by the girl he sees in the camera. He gets attracted by her freckles, her face complexion and her show of force. At this stage, he might be experiencing puberty. But for now, he just gazes at the athletic girl on the camera.

"Got it?!" Lynn finishes her statement.

But Lisa shoves her away, "Don't listen to Lynn, Lincoln. She jeopardized the team after mistaking a wooden bench for a karate board."

Seeing the resemblance, Chloe remarks, "Hey! That girl looks just like me."

"And attends college too," Lincoln points out to her.

"Just if anything haunts you will haunt them back," Lucy assures.

"I wouldn't count on that, but thanks Lucy!" Lincoln replies.

Then Lori takes the camera back to her focus. "Okay Lincoln, it's literally three minutes before curfew. Scratchy Bottoms is a lot to get used to. How you doing?"

"Almost great," Lincoln says, "I mean it turned out to be great, once I think about that."

"Great! We just want you to greet a good night. Hope you have a good rest."

"I will. I will try, if Howard won't snore."

"Okay good, bye Lincoln!" Lori bid goodbye.

Then suddenly, the Loud sisters then huddle around the camera and greet him goodbye, "Good night Linky! We love you!"

"Bye guys!" Lincoln replies back as they end the call. He then places his phone back in his pocket.

"So that's your sisters?" Dipper asks.

"Mmmhmmm," Lincoln replies.

"They are great, aren't they?"

"Uhmmm Dipper, why are you blushing?" Connie asks him.

"Blushing? I am not blushing."

"Yes, you are. Your face is starting to redden," Chloe observes.

"It's a skin condition," Dipper defends sorely. "Honestly."

The girls then laugh at Dipper's failed attempt to hide his sudden feeling.

"Well, great to have this night with you guys," Lincoln remarks.

"Yeah, you too," Connie agrees, "But you know what would be exciting?"

"What?" Dipper asks.

Connie then takes out an acoustic guitar, then strums the song "Spirits" by The Strumbellas.

I got dreams in my head and they won't go

Spirits in my head and they won't go

I got dreams in my head and they won't go

Spirits in my head and they won't go

And for the rest of the night, the Squad serenades in campfire song. Dipper feels satisfied that his teammates are able to get along with each other, while Lincoln feel joy out of experiencing something out of his comfort zone. Such a delight for more adventure to come later on.

Catch more of Lincoln's exploits in camp on my latest, ongoing story "Camp Season".