For all of you who read Bonded and wondered where all the action-packed chapters are at, well, I've got one ready for you now. :)
As a warning there is violence and blood in this chapter.
Thank you to BILL CIPHER, Energy witch, Berrybanana05, Invader Ash, ImpossibleJedi4, BakuganNerd52, Mosaic Mouse, Ella Le Hissy, and Firefox for your reviews on chapter nine!
Firefox: Actually FiddlefordxAbuelita would be cute. Or the Hand Witch. Yes, I can see some chemistry between the two of them. I'm definitely going to give him a love interest, but it will be a little ways away. I haven't yet decided if she's going to be a human, or a magical creature.
Stanford Pines didn't dare lower the tranquilizer gun. The girl on the other side swallowed at the memory of the time just last year when the creature took the form of her body. Her stomach twisted as she recollected fighting a mirror image of herself for the journal.
The shapeshifter blinked. He took in the guns aimed at him, ready to take him out should he make one wrong move. The red eyes landed back on the human responsible for his captivity the past thirty years. Even with three decades of aging he could sense the man before him was the same he came in contact with the day of his hatching.
He looked to his right to see the redhead also armed with a tranquilizing weapon. She was the same one he met before-how long had it been: weeks? months? years? She still appeared to be about the same age, so it couldn't have been too long.
Just ahead, a little ways behind the two armed human stood an unfamiliar third. Although they never met, there was something about the light-haired one that caused a jolt of fear in his heart. The red eyes studied the stranger. While his molecules and blood spelled human, he could see that was not quite the case.
Shifty looked from one person to the other. The weapons they held worked only to sedate him if he got out of hand. Stanford had willingly released him. The shapeshifter grinned; whatever the reason they woke him, they needed him alive.
"I don't have time for formal introductions," Ford began. "Soon our universe will be threatened with another massive threat, and we're going to need your help to fight back."
The shapeshifter chuckled. "You lock me up for years and only release me when you need something."
"I'm giving you the chance to be set free? Do you wish not to take it? If so I'll have you locked back inside," threatened Ford.
The creature gripped onto the edges of the cryogenics tube. Wendy gulped as Shifty's foot touched the ground. Slowly he fully emerged from the containment unit. The girl kept her gun aimed at the creature. She held her breath as she anticipated at any second he'd lunge for her.
The shapeshifter locked eyes with Bill. He recalled both from Ford's memories and what was written in the journal how the human hoped for a breakthrough with that creature. He put too much trust in him only to be betrayed. The story wasn't too different from Ford and his own.
Those red eyes shut. Before anyone could move he switched into bat and dashed away from the group over their heads. Wendy aimed her gun and shot, barely missing. The bat leaned to the left, the angle allowed him to avoid the second dart.
Bill hurried after the escapee. He reached out his arm and allowed his energy to create a forcefield around the bat. Bill swung his arm downwards causing the shapeshifter in bat form to slam against the storage room floor. Bill skidded across the cement floor, stopping just in front of Shifty.
The bat switched into the form of a gremloblin. Bill backed up as Shifty swiped at him. The shapeshifter was too quick as the claws ripped his shirt and left red markings across his chest. Crimson droplets dribbled on the floor. Bill jumped out of the way to avoid a second strike. The shapeshifter followed closely.
Bill landed in a kneeling position just as Shifty advanced. With a grin he waited until the assailant moved into place. Bill moved out of the way for the shapeshifter to realize to late. Ford and Wendy winced as the shapeshifter in gremloblin form rammed headfirst into a cryogenic tube.
A few feet away Bill landed and gripped at the wall. He leaned against the hard surface as his free hand sat against the injury.
"He's hurt," said Wendy.
Ford hurried over in Bill's direction. He halted upon seeing the shapeshifter pulling against the tube. Now was the time to strike. Ford aimed the gun and fired just as the shapeshifter forced his head free. Ford swore and took another shot.
Shattered glass rained about the creature's body. Seven streaks of red cascaded down his head and neck. A small chunk of glass protruded from the wound atop his head. He massive hand grasped the shard and yanked it free causing Dipper to gasp from where he watched from the glass window. Wendy held a hand over her mouth as she felt her breakfast trying to force its way up.
The dart embedded itself into the false gremloblin's belly. The object was merely swatted away without the drug affecting the creature in any way. Ford shot again in the back of the leg. Just as before the dart proved to not be potent enough. The author tossed the gun away and reached into his pocket for the tranquilizer syringe he packed that morning before their outing. The dosage was stronger and more effective, and for that reason he had hoped he wouldn't need to use it.
The shapeshifter turned on Bill. It switched into the figure of a giant centipede with razor blades attached to each leg. He scurried over towards the retreating Bill. The demon dodged the ten attacks. Shifty faked right then sliced the razor across Bill's torso. The blond yelled in pain as he fell to the ground clutching the wound.
Bill looked up to see the final blow approach. Bill shut his eyes tight to hear a clanging of metal. Gold eyes flew open to see the teenage girl who stood in between him and the attacker. The girl's hatchet caught one of Shifty's razor blades. She pushed back and he fell on his back. Wendy used that moment to advance.
She jumped atop the shapeshifter only for him to transform into a manotaur and kick her off. The girl flipped and slammed up against the wall; the hatchet clanged against the floor beside her. She slid down clutching at her throbbing shoulder. Gingerly she bent down to grab hold of her trusty weapon.
Ford gently shook Bill. The blond sat up and hissed at the pain that shot throughout his abdomen. The syringe was abandoned as Ford ripped pieces of his gray sweater to use as a bandage. He saw the shadow and turned too late to see the Shapeshifter in his true form standing overhead. Shifty snatched Ford by the throat and hoisted him above the ground. The scientist clutched at the creature's firm hold while his dangling legs kicked in hopes it would connect.
"Grunkle Ford!" Dipper called as he ran into the room with Ford's laser gun in hand.
"Dipper, get out of here!" Ford shouted.
Shifty dropped Ford then took the form of a giant tarantula. The large spider swiftly scaled up the wall and across the ceiling before he leaped behind the younger teenager. Dipper spun around to watch the arachnid turn back into his true form.
Ford sat up and reached over for the capped needle that lie next to Bill. As Ford stood the demon grabbed hold of him to move to his own feet against Ford's wishes.
Dipper pointed the laser gun at Shifty who easily smacked it away. The boy backed up against the wall all while the shapeshifter slowly gained on him. He grinned at the trembling child. How long he had dreamt of taking vengence on the boy who had imprisoned him in that holding chamber. He planned to make his revenge as painful for young Pines as possible.
Before he could strike Bill tackled him to the ground. Shifty kicked him away then transformed into the figure of a burly man with a hammer for one fist and a mallet for the other. The hammer fist busted Bill in the jaw. He howled and grasped at the sharp pain that exploded through his face. Certain that his jaw was broken he spit out a wad of blood along with a molar. Bill looked up to see the mallet aimed for his face.
The demon rolled out of the way. He held out his hand to materialize a rope around the shapeshifter's neck. With the pull of his hand the rope moved down his arms where it tightened and wrapped about his wrists. In that moment Ford jumped atop Shifty's back. His hand uncapped the syringe. In a swift move the needle plunged into the skin between the neck and shoulder.
The shapeshifter screamed as he took on his true form. He writhed at the pain which sent Ford tumbling to the ground. Dipper picked up Ford's forgotten tranquilizer gun. The boy nodded at the older teenager on the other side of the room. She mouthed her counts: one...two...on three they both shot. Eight tranquilizer darts pierced the creature's flesh.
Shifty screeched and writhed. He twirled about as he pulled five of the eight darts from his skin. His fingers clamped about the sixth that stuck out from his thigh. The medicine inside the needle combined from what the teenagers shot into him slowed his body. It became difficult to move his limbs. The red eyes slowly shut and he fell forward, smacking his face against the hard cement floor beneath him.
Wendy carefully approached the unconscious monster. She kicked at his side twice then let out a heavy breath. Ford took the laser gun from his nephew and aimed it at the shapeshifter.
"That was too close," Ford commented. He looked between the two teenagers. "Are you okay?"
"My shoulder's not broken, but I think it's badly bruised," Wendy said as she gently rotated her aching body part.
Ford made a mental note to have Stan put her on light duty for the rest of the week. He then looked over at his boyfriend who used the wall to aid him to his feet.
"Bill, I'm so sorry," Ford said. He reached for the wounds on Bill's chest only for the demon to turn away.
"It's good, Fordsy," Bill said with a laugh, despite the severe pain required to talk. "I've been wanting a good fight for some time."
"You need a dose of the potion," Ford decided. "There's plenty back at the shack."
Bill leaned forward to pick up his bloody tooth.
"Dammit!" Ford cried. He put his hands over his face. The tips of his fingers slightly lifted the glasses from his face. He chanted that same swear word seven times. "We're going to have to take you to a dentist."
"Can't you fix it?" Bill whined. He quickly shut his mouth and held his hand over his tender cheek.
"I'm not that kind of doctor," Ford answered. He noticed that Bill's cheek had started to swell. "We may have no choice but to see a doctor."
Ford picked up Shifty. The unconscious creature was placed back inside the tube and Dipper ran into the other room to freeze him in place. Ford shook his head regretting that nothing had been accomplished in return for the physical sacrifices his teammates had to endure.
"Do you think he can really help?" Wendy asked.
"He's powerful," Ford replied.
An idea struck him. There was a chance that they could use his powers for their advantage, but he would need some help. As much as it annoyed him to have to ask his old friend for yet another favor, it was one that would be beneficial. Besides he wondered if Fiddleford would enjoy making a device to help him control the creature that had caused him a severe anxiety attack decades prior.
With Ford and Wendy's help Bill ascended the stairs out of the bunker. He held his lips together so as not to let any sounds of pain to escape his lips. The four made their way outside the secret laboratory where their possible future ally temporarily slumbered.
Ford left Bill in Dipper and Wendy's care as he carefully examined the area. Upon finding no prying eyes he beckoned for the others to follow. The teenagers treaded slowly so as not to damage Bill's injuries further. They reached the false campsite where the two youngest members of their party decided to let Bill rest inside the tent.
Bill laid his head on the folded up sleeping bag. Ford tossed aside Bill's unbuttoned shirt and slowly removed the makeshift bandages. He groaned at the gashes on his lover's abdomen. His right cheek swelled twice its normal size. Bill took Ford's hand in his.
"Dipper," Ford called. "Do you remember where the miniature refrigerator in my lab is located?" The boy nodded. "Inside you will find a few vials of green liquid. Please bring me one back. And bandages. Bring the whole first aid kit if you can."
Dipper nodded and hurried off in the direction of the Mystery Shack. Bill tightened his hold on Ford's hand as a strong pain wave washed over him. Wendy sat down next to the injured teammate. She removed her blue flannel shirt and offered it to Ford to use as a bandage.
"Fordsy," Bill said weakly. Ford stopped wrapping the fabric to stare into Bill's glossy eyes. The blood loss would soon cause him to lose consciousness. "If-if I die," Bill said.
"Don't talk like that," Ford instructed.
"If I do," Bill continued. He took hold of Ford's hand and placed the old man's palm against his chest. "I...I love you, Sixer." He shook.
"Wendy, get him a blanket," Ford ordered.
The man's tone forced her into action. She unzipped her backpack to reveal a thick beige blanket. After another temporary bandage was applied the blanket covered his shaking form.
"You're going to be just fine," Ford said. He leaned down and kissed Bill on the forehead.
Dipper would soon be back with the required items.
Dipper reached the Mystery Shack at the worst possible time. Tourists covered every inch of the gift shop and too many stood outside with his grunkle, took pictures with the outdoor exhibits, or surveyed the property for any other weird findings.
Mabel who manned the register, and Soos who helped the customers find what they needed stared at Dipper. The girl beckoned her twin over.
"You're just in time, I think I need to take five," Mabel greeted with a laugh. Her laughter faded the instant she noticed the rising anxiety in her brother's face. "What's wrong?"
She then looked down to see a few splatters of blood on Dipper's shirt. The girl gasped and hopped down from her spot which caused the customer in line to shout after her.
"You're bleeding?" she cried.
Dipper put his hand over Mabel's mouth. He switched the sign by the register to closed then ushered the girl over to a secluded corner.
"It's not my blood," Dipper whispered. Mabel let out a sigh of relief. He zipped up his vest to keep any others from noticing. The male twin checked to make sure no one listened then leaned in to his sister. "Bill's hurt. Bad." The girl gasped. Again Dipper put his hand over her mouth. "I need to get the potion from the lab." He looked out towards the window. "I can't even sneak in under the porch. There's too many people."
Mabel thought for a second. Her eyes brightened as she got an idea.
"Hey, everyone!" Mabel called. The girl ran over to the entrance of the gift shop. "There's something so incredibly cool you all have to see." She held her arms over her head in a V. "It can't be believed."
Within seconds the entire gift shop stood empty. Dipper looked out the window to see the crowd following his sister. Stan watched baffled, but decided to let the girl carry on if it possibly brought in revenue.
Once the coast was clear Dipper tapped in the code. The first time his nervous fingers accidentally pressed the wrong numbers, requiring him to enter it a second time. The thirteen-year-old rode all the way down to the bottom floor.
Dipper rushed to the refrigerator. Various capped items sat inside. On the bottom right shelf he saw the green tubes. The boy plucked two just incase it was needed and inserted them into his vest pocket. Dipper checked the screen to see Soos kept any potential customers from entering. The boy hurried out of the lab and down the Mystery Shack steps.
A firm hand stopped him. Dipper spun around to look into the face of his perplexed great-uncle.
"Dipper, what's going on?" Stan asked. "Why's your sister showing off Waddles in a suit?" The crowd eagerly snapped pictures of the incredible pigman.
"I don't have time, I'll explain later," Dipper cried and pulled himself away from his grunkle.
Stan scratched his head while he watched his nephew run into the woods. The old man turned back to see the tourists ask to take a picture with the mutant pig. Mabel grabbed an empty pickle jar that littered the lawn and required fifteen bucks a photo.
Stan smiled widely at the girl and had to hold back tears of pride. He had taught her well.
Back at the camp ground Ford stood with his cell phone against his ear. After he heard the entire story, their personal doctor asked Ford to repeat it once more.
"A shapeshifter," Ford said for the third time. "He can mimic the form of any creature after just seeing it once." Ford looked back at the tent that housed his boyfriend. "Bill is severely injured."
"The potion didn't work?" Boyd asked.
Ford sighed. "My nephew went to retrieve it," he answered. "It usually takes three days to heal, but I'm worried about his jaw. I fear it may be broken." Thus far all the tests he performed on rats, not once had the potion showed any cure on broken bones.
Ford heard the doctor heavily sigh on the other line. A few seconds of silence passed before Boyd said, "I know a surgeon who may be able to help."
"Will he keep quiet?" Ford inquired. "We can't risk that social worker finding out about Bill's condition." Once he was certain Bill would not bleed to death he could sort out a decent lie for the surgeon, but Avery would be a different story.
"He will," Boyd answered. He then added, "For the right fee." Ford's breathing hitched. With a sigh he added, "I'm afraid he's not cheap."
Again Ford stared in the direction of the tent. For now Bill slept, but he would wake in a world of pain. If what he feared was true, then Bill would be unable to eat or talk without agony for the next few weeks. It would be too much for even a masochist like Bill.
"I will give him your number," Boyd said. Ford thanked him then went to hang up. "That social worker," Boyd said before Ford hit the 'end talk' button. "What's her name?"
"Caroline Avery," Ford answered.
Boyd stood quietly for a moment. He asked Ford to stay on the line for just a few minutes more. Ford complied then looked out in the direction Dipper would appear at any minute.
"I checked the hospital registry," Boyd said. "Her name's not on the list."
Ford inhaled sharply. "What does that mean?"
"She's not associated with the hospital," Boyd answered. "We've never had a Caroline Avery, or even an Avery at all on staff."
"Could she be independent, or from another company?" Ford asked.
"It's possible, but she would've had to sign in," the doctor answered. He scrolled through the list of all the professional visitors in the past year. "There's no record of her in our system."
The news didn't surprise him much. He thanked Boyd for his time and for recommending the surgeon. The author hung up then looked out in the distance where he saw the faint figure of the fast approaching boy.
Dipper stopped just short of his grunkle. He leaned over with one hand on an oak tree to catch his breath. Once he caught his bearings he handed the first vial over to Ford.
First things first, he would treat Bill the best he could then wait the three days. He knelt down next to Bill and gently shook him awake. Bill opened his mouth to speak only to wince at the sharp pain. The demon laughed and mumbled something about hilarity that barely registered by how little he could open his mouth.
Ford tilted Bill's head back while Wendy poured the correct amount into Bill's partially open mouth. The demon slowly swallowed and wrinkled his nose at the taste. The two helped Bill to lie flat down on the mat where Ford treated his wounds. At the very least Shifty's claws didn't contain the same neurotoxins as the real gremloblin. Soon the side effect of fatigue would overtake him.
Once he finished dressing the wounds Ford stood. He looked over at the teenagers who awaited his word on what to do next.
"I think it's best Bill and I camp out here tonight," Ford said. "If he's well enough to move tomorrow we'll go home."
"I'll stay here with you, Grunkle Ford," Dipper decided.
Wendy shrugged. "I already told my dad I'm camping with some friends, so I'll be here too."
Ford nodded. He decided to call the shack and let Stan know. Most certainly Mabel would want to join in the fun. Perhaps even Stan would want to relive one of their childhood memories of camping out on the beach during summer break.
Well this counts as the second chapter of the Shapeshifter arc. He's not gone. He will have a role to play in this story.
I hope you all enjoyed the action and drama of this chapter.