I haven't read proof this before updating, which is probably a mistake. But everyone is making mistakes in this chapter, so hey.
Stan stared at the pancake with a face akin to disappointment. It wasn't supposed to be stuck to the ceiling. Now he had two options; he could get a chair and try to wrestle his breakfast back from the ceiling, or he could just leave it there and wait until gravity did it's magic. Seeing the collection of greasy circles around the unfortunate pancake gave him his answer. It didn't matter anyways, it wouldn't be the first time that he let one stuck there, and that time that one fell on Ford was hilarious.
He picked a few steaming pancakes for himself, letting the rest on a plate in the counter in case the kid decided to get up (or in case his brother remembered to eat) and sat at the table with a mug of coffee and the newspaper. A few minutes later he heard footsteps going down the stairs (he really had to change the wood, it was getting too creaky) and a dishevelled Pepper, still in their pijamas, entered the room. The kid looked at him, then at the pancakes, frowned when they saw the one in the ceiling and turned to look at Stan again with an unspoken question. Stan just grunted, not wanting to explain that he had gotten too excited while cooking. Pepper's frown deepened but they seemed to drop the subject in favour of grabbing their own serving of pancakes. A good decision, in Stan's opinion.
Pepper sat in front of him, still silent. Stan wasn't used to the silence; Dipper and Mabel had always filled it in the summer when they were younger and his brother had filled it with his rants when they were on board of the Stan O' War. He hadn't realized how used he had gotten to the chatter around him until now, and it was unnerving.
Pepper was a quiet kid, that, he had discovered the day before when Dipper left. He had tried to teach them how to scam a few tourists, and the kid had learnt well, he had to admit it, but it was obvious that it took some effort from their side to open that mouth. They reminded him of Stanford when he was little, always quiet and lost in thought. And speaking of the devil...
"Stan, why is there a pancake in the ceiling, again?" Stan shrugged, making a generic sound, and noticed that the kid was trying to hide a grin with their mug. Ford sighed and poured himself some coffee, sitting with them afterwards. Stan was surprised that he had gotten his nose out of his books to come and have breakfast, then again, they had a guest. Ford proved his brother's guess by talking to Pepper. "What do you have planned for today, Pepper? If you have nothing to do, we could show you the town, or we could go fishing to the lake."
Seeing the expectant looks of both their grunkles, Pepper almost felt bad for letting them down. "Uh, I kinda wanted to explore the forest a little..." When they saw the slight strain in Ford's smile they quickly added an apology. "But I won't be out the whole day, we could go this evening..."
"Sounds like a plan, eh, Pointdexter? We can start preparing the fishing rods, and I'll ask Soos if he wants to come with, business is going slow today anyways." Added Stan, who was eager to cheer his brother up. Ford scratched the back of his head, not seeming convinced.
"I don't know... Letting you wander alone in the forest seems a little..."
"Aw, c'mon Pointdexter! I let Dipper and Mabel wander in the forest all the time and they were fine!" At this, Ford shot Stan a meaningful look that made him sweat and shrink a little in his chair. Pepper looked at him cocking their head, now that was some interesting reaction. They mentally made a note to ask about it later, knowing that it would be harder to get any information from Stan with Ford in the same room. Then joined Stan in trying to convince Ford.
"It'll just be for a while. Besides, I won't wander far from the shack, and I'll have my phone with me so you can call me."
Ford slumped, defeated. "Fine, but if you so much as see anything weird, you call us right away." Pepper quickly nodded, eager to gain his approval, and tried not to dwell on what would their grunkle mean with 'anything weird'.
Breakfast ended quickly after that, with Pepper listening to the twins' bickering and banter (which seemed to be the two only settings they had) and providing short answers when asked about something. It's not that Pepper didn't liked to talk, more like they always tried to say what people wanted to hear, and that was hard with people you had just met. So at first they just liked to listen, get to know people better. Some people would say that they were being manipulative, modelling their words to fit a person like that, but the truth was that Pepper just wanted to avoid any disagreement or argument. They didn't like to be at odds with people, it made them anxious.
So Stan and Ford talked, and Pepper listened and learnt.
Once they finished their breakfast, Pepper went upstairs to change clothes. They wore something simple, some shorts, a shirt, sneakers and a hoodie tied around their waist (it had been a present from their auntie, and it was their favourite). Pepper grabbed their backpack and checked it's contents while walking downstairs. Water bottle? Checked. The spare keys Stan had given them? Checked. Sunscream? Yep. Pocket knife that (for some reason) Stan had sent them as a bithday present last year? Checked. Cap...? Where was the cap? Pepper rummaged some more before remembering that they already were wearing it, they tsk'ed in annoyance and went to announce that they were leaving to their grunkles.
The forest in itself was a sight to behold, with trees like pillars that seemed to hold the sky-like ceiling. It was full of life too, and Pepper found themselves trying to walk as quietly as possible, in hopes of seeing some sign of wild life. So far they had caught sight of three squirrels and a bird they couldn't recognize, the animal sightseeing wasn't going too well. They also had picked a blue flower they found curious and put it inside of a notebook to dry, but besides that, their exploring turned out to be quite uneventful. Or so Pepper thought until they heard it. Him. The Voice.
They had sat to rest against a stump they had found when they heard it for the first time. It seemed to come from everywhere and no place at all at the same time. That was... odd. It sounded happy, but in a hollow way; as if someone was trying to fake a smile with their voice. Something in it made Pepper's hair stand on end.
"Hey kid, tired of walking already?" It said with false cheerfulness.
"Who is there?"
"You know, I met another wimpy kid like you once," continued the voice, ignoring Pepper, "he wore a cap and stuck his nose into other people's business too! So much in common, you would be suuuch. Good. Friends!"
"Who are you? Where are you hiding?" Repeated Pepper, who was starting to feel a mix of panick and annoyance.
"Sheesh, impatient, are we? But I guess you do have a point, kid! How ill mannered of me, I haven't introduced myself! Bill Cipher, at your service! And I am everywhere! But, if you want something more specific, you can watch what's in front of you."
Pepper frowned and stood up, searching the forest for signs of another person. Their eyes met with a strange shape that they hadn't noticed before, it was covered in moss and vines, and something told them that the voice was talking about it. What else could it be? Besides, checking wouldn't hurt anybody.
They knelt beside it and started peeling off the vines, what proved to be a challenge, as they were much more tight than Pepper had thought. Soon Pepper saw what was behind them: a stone statue in the form of a triangle with an extended hand. They frowned in distaste, had they gotten their hands full of moss just for this? And why was it wearing a top hat?
"Is this a prank or what?" Pepper asked to the nothingness, feeling more annoyed than before.
"I know that it is hard to comprehend that such a handsome face could exist, but it's no joke, that's me. The one and only! And now that we've finished with the introductions, how about making a friend a favour?"
"We're not friends."
"Ouch. That hurts, y'know? You hurt my feelings. That's no way of treating your new friend, and, let's be real here, you are in dire need of a friend. Alone, new in the town, stuck here for all the summer..." The voice listed. "Does that ring any bells, Woodpecker?" Pepper frowned, knowing that Bill was somewhat right.
"I have my grunkles-"
"They're old!"
"-and my name is not 'Woodpecker'." They deadpanned.
"Aaaw, don't be mad, it's just a little nickname for my new friend! And we both know that Stan and Ford are not going to do. I mean, fishing? Really? I'm much more fun! And you hate boredom, don't you? What's wrong with a little bit of fun?" It was true, as much as their grunkles tried, well... Let's just say that fishing was not one of Pepper's passions. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to talk with the guy, right? They could just leave if he got too creepy.
"You don't seem to be young either... And how do you know my grunkles names? And the fishing thing?"
"What a sharp mind, those are some good questions... That I will answer if you do a little something for me." Pepper frowned, suspicious, but let him continue. "What about a deal? A favour for a favour, yes? That would be fair. See, I just want to get out of here, see the world! I've been stuck in this statue for decades now. So the only thing I need, is for you to get me outta here, and then I'll make sure you won't get bored ever again! Do we have a deal?"
"No."
"That's what I wanted to hear! Now come closer and... Wait, what?"
"I don't like those terms, they're too vague. And what are you anyways? Why are you stuck inside a statue?" Pepper inspected the statue, as if it would give them the answers to their questions.
Bill fell silent for a few seconds, he hadn't expected the kid to make so many questions. Then again, he hadn't expected the kid. After a while he composed himself, being quiet for too long would make the kid even more suspicious of him, and he couldn't pass this opportunity. Who knew when would anyone get near his statue again? No, he had to get Woodpecker's help. He had to.
"Then why don't you make your terms yourself? As long as I get out I'm fine with anything! As for your other questions, I'm the spirit of knowledge, that's why your ancestors sealed me here. They couldn't bear The Truth. You know how people are afraid of things they don't understand, they even burnt people, for God's sake! Get it? God's sake, because they burnt them for heressy." Pepper ignored the awful joke, trying to decide what to do about Bill. They were silent for a few minutes (that felt like eons for Bill) before giving an answer.
"Then how about I write a contract?"
"Yes, yes! That would do! But where do you plan to- Oh, I see you've got a notebook... And a pen... Ooookay... You know that normal kids don't usually bring that for a trip to the forest, do you?"
"Normal kids don't make deals with spirits of knowledge."
"Touché." Bill decided to shut up and let the kid work, he didn't wanted them to change their decision of helping him last minute. He was so excited that he was almost bouncing, 'almost' because statues can't bounce, but that would be solved in no time. He was, perhaps, too excited. And excitement made him make mistakes. For one, he let the kid write down their deal, which meant that he was letting them rethink it, which meant that there would be less loopholes for him to 'fill'. But he didn't care at the moment, after all, it was just a kid, and he was Bill Cipher. No kid could write a decent contract, let alone one that would outsmart him. The kid's voice brought him back to reality.
"I'm done. Do you want to read it or..."
"No, no, it's okay Woodpecker. We're friends, I trust your judgement! Just sign it and we'll begin to enjoy our summer. Ah, and no ink," he added when Pepper lowered their pen, "only blood will make it valid. Just let a drop fall on the paper and we're good."
Pepper took the pocket knife from their backpack, not really pleased with the 'drop of blood thing', and made a little cut on the tip of their left index finger, just enough to draw blood. And let the finger hover over the scribbled notebook page, waiting for the drop to fall.
Stan was watching TV in his couch when Ford entered the room, sporting a worried expression. Now, Stan really wanted to keep watching this. The duchess was finally going to declare her undying love for the baron in public, and reveal herself as the long lost twin of the queen. But he knew that he couldn't just ignore Ford, so he sighed, muted the TV and directed his attention to his brother.
"Alright Poindexter, spill the beans."
"I don't think this was a good idea." Blurted Ford in return. Stan was silent for a moment, confused.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I mean, when have any of us ever had a good idea?"
"The kid, Stanley! I'm talking about Pepper!"
"Oh, that. Don't worry, it's just the forest, I'm sure they're okay." Ford shook his head, suddenly he looked older, tired.
"No, not that. What I try to say is that we shouldn't have agreed to taking care of them. The last time we took care of children a dream demon nearly took over our world. I don't think they ever realized just how near had they been to-"
"Exactly! Nothing that happens from now on can ever top that! Relax, Poindexter, we've had the monsters under control since the weirdmaggedon. Remember that they owe me for letting them hide in the shack and saving their sorry asses. What could ever go wrong?"
The drop fell to the paper rolling down a bit, still pulled by gravity, and stopped before falling out of the paper. Pepper didn't knew what had they've been expecting, but it wasn't that. That had been too simple, too innocuous, too... boring. They were shaken off from the disappointment by Bill's eager voice.
"Alrighty Woodpecker! Now for the final act, you just have to shake my hand!" Pepper stood slowly, looking warily at the statue's outstretched hand. What would happen if they just ran now? Would the deal be off? Would this so called spirit curse them and swear revenge? As tempting as it was, curiosity won over and Pepper grasped the statue's hand.
Suddenly blue flames generated from the spot Pepper was touching, and started spreading from the stone hand to the rest of the statue, that was soon engulfed in them. Pepper tried to pry their hand and get away, but they found that the statue had moved and was now grabbing their hand tightly. Lucky for them, the blue fire didn't spread further up their arm, and most important, it didn't burn anything. Pepper tried to shield their face from the source of light with their free hand, and they did it in time, because right after that the statue before them emmited a flash of light.
Everything went still and eerily quiet for a second, and then the hand of the statue started shaking with fits of giggles. Soon the giggles became a manic laugh that flooded the forest. Pepper risked a glance at the being that was now before them, it was the triangle they had seen half buried in the ground - a distant, muted part of Pepper's mind noticed the top hat and a bowtie - but now it was yellow and had a slight glow. Bill started floating, still holding Pepper's hand, until he hovered over them. His only eye was closed as he laughed. He was free, finally!
"Gee Woodpecker, I really owe you. Who would have thought that a member of the very family that trapped me would be the one to free me? Oh, the sheer irony! This is hilarious! Wait until I tell good ol' Sixer, I can't wait to see his and Fez's faces! Oh, but I can't forget about my new friend, can I?" He said, turning his attention on Pepper once again. "Don't worry, Woodpecker, I will keep my side of the deal. You won't be bored ever again, because Weirdmaggedon is. About. To. Begin!" With a manic laugh, Bill rised both his hands to the sky in a dramatic pose. This would have struck fear, or at least a slight discomfort, on anyone watching. If something had happened. But it didn't. Instead Bill awaited silent, eye still closed and never changing position, until he decided to try it again. "I said. Weirdmaggedon is about. To happen!" Pepper, scratched their cheek, trying to look anywhere but the yellow triangle in front of them. "Right about NOW!" Silence echoed and Bill finally opened his eye, directing his gaze at the sky first (nothing had changed, not even a red speck on it) and resting it finally on the kid in front of him."What did you do?" At Pepper's lack of an answer, his eye turned black and his whole body changed to red. "What did you DO?!"
"I, uh, wrote a contract?"
"... What the hell did you write on that? Why can't I use my powers?!"
"Oh, you can use your powers, just... not however you want... or whenever you want to... or for whatever you want to..." A silent stare was the only answer Pepper got, so they decided it would be best to read the concerning clause out loud. Clearing their throat (and avoiding eye contact with Bill) they started reading from the contract. "Bill Cipher won't be allowed to use any powers he might have if the result of them opposes to Pepper Pines wants and/or needs. He will only use said powers in aid to Pepper Pines or any third party that Pepper Pines feel the need to specify. If the aim of these powers is ever percieved by Pepper Pines as harmful or detrimental, the effects will be automatically cancelled and will never take form..." Bill fell silent for a few seconds, before extending his hand and motioning for Pepper to hand him the contract. Thinking that he wanted to read the terms, Pepper complied (careful not to touch his hand, they were still a little freaked out after the whole flame ordeal). Once in his power, Bill was quick to try and torn the contract to pieces. He was once again met with disappointment when he found out that the paper in his hands didn't had a single scratch. There was an awkward silence and Pepper was the first one to break it. "Yeah, you can't break the contract... It's written, on the contract."
Bill's grip on the contract faltered, and the paper fell slowly to the ground. Then he himself floated down, letting the lower side of the triangle touch the ground gently, before he suddenly fell face down. Then he screamed. Loud. Like a wailing baby. Punching the ground and pulling up handfuls of grass with his tiny, black hands.
Pepper thought it was hilarious.
Stan hummed while setting the table. He had been doing that a lot these last years, humming, not setting the table (that too, but the humming was more unusual). It was, probably, because he was happier. Actually, scratch the 'probably', he was happier, and he had all the reasons to be. He had gotten his brother back (in more ways than one), he had a tight relationship with his favourite kids (plus Soos and Wendy) and the travels with his brother had turned out to be more profitable than he had expected. So now he had a family, friends and enough money to live comfortably the rest of his life. So he was happy. More than happy, he was blissfully happy. Thrilled. Overjoyed. That is, until Bill Cipher entered his kitchen.
With a war cry (that sounded more like a startled scream to Pepper), he threw one of the spoons he had been holding in his hand to the triangle, hitting him right in the eye. Between Bill's pained screams and Stan's yelled threats at the triangle, it was a matter of time for Ford to arrive.
When he finally got to the source of the noise, he had to stop for a moment to really appreciate the whole beauty of the scene before him; Bill Cipher hovered as near to the ceiling as possible trying to avoid being hit. His eye was closed, and he was covering it with a hand while yelling all sorts of insults (some he had never heard) towards Stan. Meanwhile his brother tried to hit said triangle with an oily spatula (most likely the one he had been using to cook) while cursing, jumping on some occasions to try and reach Bill. And finally, but not less important, a very uncomfortable looking Pepper tried to blend with the wall behind them. Needless to say, they weren't being very succesful.
Ford took a moment to massage the bridge of his nose, trying to regain some calm (and feeling very much like it was seeping away from every pore of his being), before speaking.
"What's going on here?"
I have no idea how contracts work or the proper terminology to use. Just throwing this out there. In case anyone does (please don't get angry at me).
