So I've watched the finale and after one day I decided to write a chapter that will address Ford's torture scenes and what Bill did to him during Weirdmageddon.

Special thanks to mathes0n from tumblr, who's posts mobilized me to write this piece.

It never ends

The nightmare was over. Bill was defeated, Gravity Falls was restored into its previous, relatively good state and everything was coming back to normal. The world was saved.

Except, maybe Stanley still had amnesia, but after one day with Mabel's scrapbook it seemed that his memory was slowly coming back. So now all the effort of Stanford and kids was put into helping Stanley remember himself. Meanwhile, Soos, Wendy's family and couple of the Gravity Falls citizens – in sign of solidarity and gratitude – was rebuilding the Mystery Shack, sometimes even talking with Stan to jog his memory. And sure enough, Stan kept remembering new things with every day. It was a slow process, sometimes even painful, when Ford and kids were getting into more sad parts of Stan's life, but it was paying off.

Ford wanted to help his brother, he really did. After all, he agreed on their very risky plan and he was the one, who pulled the trigger. Stan was happy to sacrifice his own identity to save kids (and the rest of the world, for that matter), and the state Ford put him into was heartbreaking not only for Mabel and Dipper, but for Ford himself too. So it was only fair for the scientist to do as much as he could to get his brother back.

Ford thought he should be happy. The monster had lost. He wasn't a threat to anyone anymore. No more concerns whenever the rift was safe or not. No more secrets and regrets. No more feeling of Bill's watching their every step to hurt them. They won. On the surface, it seemed that Ford was finally free, because his mission was completed.

But he didn't feel free. Nor victorious, for that matter. If everything, he was even worse than earlier.

To the old nightmares from the portal joined the new ones. Nightmares from these couple days of his worst fears materializing in front of him – monsters running rampant on the streets, people getting turned into stone (or worse); Bill being triumphant like never before. And him, Ford, trying desperately to stop the demon before he would do any more damage; trying and failing.

And so Ford was waking up in the middle of the night, sometimes even screaming. Still, he wasn't the only one. Kids were dreaming about Weirdmageddon too and so they needed consolation and someone, who would be there for them. Stan was good with it, but more often than not, Ford was the one, who was taking care of Dipper and Mabel. After all, it was his fault they had nightmares in the first place.

Ford quickly realized that he had to be strong for his family. He not only had to help his brother regain his memory, but also reassure the twins that they were safe. And since he had to be strong, there was no room for angst over his own nightmares and mental scars. So he pretended before everybody that he was fine… but it was not an easy task.


Dipper and Mabel noticed quickly that something wasn't right with their Great Uncle Ford. He seemed normal on the first glance, he was even smiling and laughing from time to time but once in a while his smiles looked like they were forced. And there was also the fact that the kids sometimes were hearing his screams in the night. He was also awfully quiet at times, with a sad or hallow expression, like he was thinking about something which bothered him. But when they've asked him if anything was okay, their gruncle gave them one of his forced smiles and said:

"I'm fine, kids."

It was odd, but while gruncle Stan was getting better, gruncle Ford seemed to get worse with every day. Even before the Weirdmageddon Dipper noticed that his gruncle was very secretive and had problems with sleep. Obviously, there were things on the other side of the portal that left some impact even on the Author. But this time it seemed to be more intense and more visible than ever. Great Uncle Ford was sometimes… jumpy. And depressed.

That's why Dipper came up with a theory that some events of the Apocalypse made him that way. Well, of course, you don't get over the End of The World just like that, but Dipper couldn't shake the feeling that during imprisonment in Fearamid, something horrible happened to gruncle Ford. Mabel agreed with this theory, especially because she said she heard how Ford was screaming: "Bill, stop!" She was sure she heard it right, more than she was sure that unicorns are jerks.

But the most glaring thing that something was wrong was that time when Dipper couldn't sleep so he walked downstairs to eat some midnight snack. At the kitchen table he spotted Great Uncle Ford, who's back was turned to the boy. In the dim light of the lamp Dipper could make out the glimpse of memory gun and letters: "-pher" on the screen.

"But he can't erase his memory. Literally." The boy was later explaining to his sister, when they were in their bedroom. "He has metal plate in his skull that would deflect the ray of the memory gun."

"Maybe he just wishes, he could erase it." Mabel said. "And he's sad, because he can't." She gave a soft sigh. "You know, it's kinda ironic. One of our gruncles wants to remember his past, while the other wants to forget."

"And he doesn't want to tell us what happened." Dipper saddened. "Even me. And I thought that after all the things we've been through Great Uncle Ford trusts me."

"Yeah, that is weird." His twin replied.

"I just want to know what exactly happened," Dipper confessed. "so I would find a way to help him."

"But, Dipper," Mabel turned to him and added: "maybe it's too painful for him, so he doesn't feel like sharing."

"It probably is." Dipper admitted. "You're right. I shouldn't pressure Ford to open up to me."

He was thinking about this for one and half of an hour – about the fact that his great uncle was obviously hurting because of something that Bill Cipher did to him. Dipper remembered his own encounters with Bill, especially that moment when he has been possessed by the demon. It was one of the most terrifying experiences of his life – observing how Bill was abusing his body, letting it fall down the stairs, sticking forks into arms and doing lots, lots of other horrible things to his "puppet". When Dipper regained his body, he was shocked to discover that he was only tired. Still, he was scared that Bill might possess him again.

And there was no doubt the dream demon had done something much worse to Ford. After all, Dipper himself witnessed how his great uncle was turned into gold. Was it all the devil triangle did to him? Or was there something more?

Come to think of it, when they've arrived to the Fearamid and turned everybody back to their true form, Ford had fresh burns on his skin.

Part of Dipper didn't want to think about it. Because there was one very clear conclusion, and the longer he was reflecting on this conclusion, the more scared and guilty he felt.


The next morning, the boy was looking for gruncle Ford. He found him in the kitchen browsing through the cereal boxes. Dipper felt how his heart started to pound faster. But he said "hi" to his great uncle, who returned the greeting with nod and quick smile; and then the kid sat at the table. He observed Ford for a moment. The scientist seemed normal – just a guy looking for something to eat on breakfast. Dipper could almost forget about Weirdmaggedon, Bill and the portal; could almost forget that Stanford Pines went through hell.

"What would you like for breakfast, hm?" Gruncle Ford suddenly asked, stopping Dipper's train of thought.

"Oh…" The boy looked at him. "I'm not hungry."

"Oh, okay." Was Ford's only response.

Finally when the man found the right cereal, he put it into bawl and drowned it in milk. Then he sat in front of Dipper and smiled to him friendly. The boy cleared his throat and said:

"How did you sleep, Great Uncle Ford?"

The scientist stopped the spoon of cereal in the midair and looked at this great nephew with surprise. Then he put the spoon down and replied:

"Wha-why, my sleep was good, I guess."

Dipper doubted that, considering the fact that around 4 am, he went down the stairs to use a toilet, and he heard his gruncle saying something in his sleep. Suffice to say, Ford muttered the words rather frantically.

"How about your night?" Ford asked. "Did you sleep well?"

"Oh, yes, yes." Dipper replied quickly. Judging by Ford's expression, it was too quick to be considered sincere, but the man didn't want to push it. The kid straightened on his chair and looked into his gruncle's eyes, making him uncomfortable. "Great uncle Ford," He began. "if there is something bothering you; something you would like to talk about, I would be happy to listen." And he shot the man a reassuring smile.

Ford smiled too, but his smile was awkward and for a moment he was avoiding eye contact with his great nephew.

"Thank you, Dipper." He said, finally looking at the child. "But don't worry about that."

Dipper didn't move on with the conversation. He decided to change the subject.

"So, Great Uncle Ford, I was thinking…"

"Yes, Dipper?" Ford's eyebrow raised.

"Do you have any plans for today? Because I was thinking about a session of DD&MD."

Ford smiled.

"We'll see. I was going to meet with Fiddleford today." For a moment his eyes were directed towards something in the distance.

"Oh, okay." Was Dipper's response. "I guess, you two have some catch-up to do."

The fact that his gruncle didn't say anything and was still avoiding his gaze made Dipper a bit suspicious.


Ford took a deep breath and entered the mansion that now belonged to his former lab assistant. Fiddleford McGucket greet him, shook his hand and led the way. He was very eager to show Ford his new house and so he was stopping from time to time to point at something and tell what it is in his own way (he basically made up names for couple of objects in the house), before they finally came to the nice cabinet. Fiddleford sat at mahogany desk, while his guest took a seat on the sofa.

"So," The engineer began with a smile. "you said through the phone that you want to talk about something."

"Yes." Ford said and added: "I know, I'm asking for much from you and if you refuse, I'll understand it completely. But hear me out."

"Of course."

Ford took a deep breath and said:

"I want you to modify the memory gun."

McGucket's expression changed from friendly to worried.

"Why? Did something happened?"

"No, no, it's just… it's just that…" Ford took another deep breath. "I need to use the memory gun on myself." He looked down. "There are certain things I would much rather forget. A stuff of nightmares." He added quietly and put his gaze back on Fiddleford. "But I can't use the gun, because its ray doesn't pierce through the metal plate in my skull. You understand, do you?"

"Yes," McGucket still looked worried. "and let me tell you, Stanford, that I've been there. You won't stop at one tiny memory. You will want to erase more and more, no matter the cost. And, as a result, you will end up with dementia."

"I suppose you're right." Ford looked through the window.

It was a sunny day. Flowers were blooming, birds were chirping. Outside former Northwest Mansion there was nice forest landscape with mountains afar. Most of people would feel happy and peaceful, seeing this beauty of the nature.

Ready to talk, now?

I won't… I won't let you into my mind.

What do you think, pals? Another 500 volts?

"Then again," Ford turned to the engineer. "I can't see any other way to end this torture."

Fiddleford was observing his guest for a moment, with an expression of melancholy and sympathy.

"So what exactly happened?" The old man asked. "You know, before we've rescued you."

Ford suddenly felt uncomfortable. He didn't reply. He didn't even looked at his host. He really didn't want to talk about it. Not with Fidds, not with anyone else.

"Something had to happen." But it seemed that Fiddleford was going to press on him to talk. "You look terrible, Stanford. It's obvious, you weren't sleeping well for couple of nights. So what's bothering you?"

Ford looked at Fidds, but then gazed on the floor.

You're making it so much harder than it needs to be…

"The talking helps." The engineer went on. "Bottling this things inside won't do you any good." He smiled. "I'm sure there are people, who would listen. I, for example."

Ford turned to Fidds with surprise, but then went back to avoiding his eyes. How could he tell Fiddleford about his nightmares?

"Well then," Fiddleford continued after long moment of no response. "how about Dipper? I'm sure he will listen to you."

"Dipper has his own burden." Ford finally gazed at his host. And his gaze was fierce. "He doesn't need mine."

"So maybe Stan?"

Ford gave a heavy sigh.

"Stan has to regain his memory. I won't load him with my problems."

"But you have to tell someone." Fiddleford insisted. "Or else it will eat you from the inside. Bill obviously did something horrible to you. What was it?"

Perhaps torturing those kids will make you talk…

Ford clenched his fists.

"I don't want to talk about it."

With that extra finger, you will fit right into my freaks…

"Don't be a stubborn, old man, Stanford. Tell me."

You're making it so much harder than it needs to be…

"I only want to help you. What Bill did to you?"

Those kids are caring about you. And you care about them too. Do you?!

"Ford, what Bill did to you?"

What do you think, pals? Another 500 volts?

Ford was on the verge of screaming. He took a deep breath to calm down. For a moment, he thought that everything was going to be fine, but then… a vinyl record started to play from the other room. First there was a short musical intro performed by an orchestra and then…

We'll meet again,

Don't know where,

Don't know when,

But I know we'll meet again

Some sunny day…

"Sorry, Tate loves old songs, so he play them sometimes at random." Fiddleford explained.

The song was sang by a woman, but all Ford could hear and see was Bill playing the piano and singing this song in the penthouse. And as a vinyl record went on, Ford remembered the chains on his limbs and neck; and the electricity going through his body. And he could see the triangle monster hovering in front of him, taunting, threatening to do horrible things to Ford. And the scientist knew that whatever torture the damn demon will subject him to, Bill will find his pain hilarious.

"Stanford? Are you alright?" Fidds' worried voice seemed to come from some other place.

Ford couldn't take it anymore. He stood up, came abruptly to Fiddleford's desk and leaned over the other man.

"Do you want to know, what Bill did to me?" His blood was boiling, and before Fidds could say anything, Ford went on: "Well, first he turned me into golden statue and used me as a backscratcher. But it wasn't the worst. The worst was that I didn't know what happened to Dipper, or Mabel, or… or Stan… And… and…"

He felt sadness filling his heart as the memories of that time were flooding his mind. He was never so helpless in his life, then in this couple of days of being a motionless statue. The fact that Bill was using him as a backscratcher wasn't the worst. The worst was that all this time he was observing the destruction of Gravity Falls and didn't know what happened to Dipper, Mabel and others. He was especially worried for Dipper. After all, the boy was all alone in the middle of the Apocalypse. Ford's imagination was bringing him the images of his great nephew being scared, lonely, mutilated and killed in the most cruel ways possible. And his gruncle couldn't do anything about it. He couldn't even move a finger.

And Mabel. What was happening to her? Was she even alive? For all Ford knew back then, she could be lying somewhere, wounded and helpless. Maybe she even witnessed how her friends shared some horrible fate.

The scientist turned to Fiddleford and said with a weakened voice:

"You can't even imagine how it's like to observe everything falling apart. My worst nightmare was coming true on my very eyes. If it wasn't for me, Weirdmaggedon would have never happened. And if the kids have died back then, it would be my fault. I couldn't do anything to protect them. I could only watch."

"Golly, Stanford…" McGucket was observing him with astonishment mixed with sadness.

"But it wasn't over, oh no!" Ford took few steps back and went into full-blown rant, while walking from corner to corner. "When he realized that natural magnetism of Gravity Falls is preventing him from leaving the town, he turned me back and tried to convince me to give him equation removing the magnetism. And since I didn't want to give it to him, he used force."

Ford stopped in the middle of the cabinet and looked at Fiddleford. The engineer's expression suggested that he quickly realized what Ford's words meant. The old man went from realization to sadness.

"It took us few days to build the robot around Mystery Shack." He turned his sympathetic eyes on his former partner. "All this time, Bill was…?"

Ford only nodded.

"I'm so sorry, Stanford. I… I didn't know…"

"I didn't want anybody to know." Ford said.

He went back to the sofa and sat down with a soft sigh. There was a moment of silence. Ford didn't want to talk, and Fidds probably thought that speaking up right now would be inappropriate. Strangely enough, letting out some of the steam made Ford feel a bit better. For once he wasn't keeping it all inside; for once he didn't have to pretend that everything was fine. Telling about this trauma was strangely liberating, if only a bit. And Ford realized that once he confessed something about what happened to him, he wanted to confess more.

"But the worst part of all of this," He glanced at Fiddleford and then went back to staring at the space in front of him. "wasn't the tortures, wasn't being turned into statue. Hell," He smiled wryly. "it wasn't even the fact that I had to stay awake all this time to not let Bill into my mind." He saddened and looked at his host, saying quietly: "The worst part, Fiddleford, is that I sometimes dream about being Bill's prisoner." The scientist took a deep breath and continued: "So he's always in my mind. The torture never ends."

Fiddleford was silent. He only stared at Ford with compassion and sorrow. Ford could almost read from his face the helplessness; the fact that McGucket had no clue what to say or do with the newfound knowledge.

"So you see why I want you to modify the memory gun."

"Yes, I do." Fidds said calmly.

"But you won't do it." Ford replied.

"No, I can't." The engineer shook his head. "It would be dangerous for your brain." He suddenly stood up and came to his guest and looked him in the eyes with a sympathetic smile. "But I will tell you this: You are not alone, Stanford. And you can always call."

Ford returned his host's smile.

"Thank you for your time. Now," He stood up. "I've told Stan I will be on a dinner. It's almost dinner time."


When Ford left the room, Fiddleford stopped smiling and looked at the big wardrobe in the cabinet.

"You can go out."

The wardrobe's door opened and Dipper came out. He looked distraught and awkward.

"Poor Great Uncle Ford." The boy said.

He was horrified, sad and confused. But he knew he wanted to give his gruncle a big, warm hug.