“There’s no time to think!” yells Blendin. He grabs the twins and tosses them into the rickety mine cart. “Let’s get out of Time-Dodge,” he says as he releases the brake lever.

The centuries-old mine cart shakes violently as it goes; it feels as though it’s going to rip itself apart at every turn. Metal screeches and sparks fly as the iron wheels struggle to keep the cart on the track. The twins and Blendin duck as they sail under low-hanging stalactites and an overpass. Bones of dinosaurs flicker past them in the ancient strata of the walls.

“Guys, I think we lost him…” says Mabel. “So, uh, should we maybe try to slow down now?” Her words are lost to the deafening whoosh of wind racing past the cart. She grabs the brake lever and tries to engage it, but it snaps off.

The mine cart picks up speed.

Dipper pulls out his flashlight. It flies out of his hand and disappears in the mine shaft.

They’re in complete darkness.

They hold each other close just as—

SMASH!

The mine cart strikes a pair of bumpers and upends, throwing the gang forward. They scream but land softly in sand.

Blendin lights a match and makes an impromptu torch out of his cowboy vest. It looks like they’re standing on a sandy beach in a cavernous chamber, beside a crystal-clear glowing blue pool.

Ahead of them is an enormous pair of oak doors and a sign that says TRESPASSERS BEWARE! A few glowing jewels are scattered on the underground beach.

Dipper says, “Everything about this feels very…”

“Pirate-y!” says Mabel with a smile.

“Guys. Beyond those doors!” says Dipper. “We must have found the Time Key!”

Blendin hops up and down with manic glee. “We did it! The treasure will be ours in no time! And we can finally stop making all these frustrating choices!”

Dipper, Mabel, and Blendin each put a hand on the doors.

Their fingers tremble, and they look at each other and grin.

OPEN THE DOORS TO THE TREASURE ROOM: GO HERE