This chapter contains a good bit of violence and blood.
Credit for the main ideas in this chapter (and the last two) go to Guest.
Thank you to Energy witch, Berrybanana05, Ella Le Hissy, Catgirl PA, Firefox, Frostbite, 2021FanGirl, ImpossibleJedi4, Fantasy Female Freak, CornChip, DarknessLegends, Bill Cipher, Christina730, MooMoo Mouse, Guest, Mosaic Mouse, and Marisol777 for your reviews on chapter fifteen.
Bill and the twins sped from the shack. They made it into the forest seconds before Soos' truck came into view. Dipper wondered if perhaps he should enlist their older friend's help, but were too far past the driveway before he could mention it to the others. In hindsight Mabel realized she should have at least left a message for Stan so he didn't send out a search party ready to mangle the shapeshifter.
The three sets of footsteps pounded through the forest. Sunlight darted in an out of the spaces between the trees as they ran past. Dipper's foot splashed in a puddle shooting up water onto the others. Bill's face contorted into one of pure rage as he thought over what that impostor could possibly be doing to his Ford.
Out of the corner of his eye Dipper caught a shadow dash by. He skidded to a stop which caught Mabel and Bill's attention. The two exchanged glances then looked back at Dipper who scouted the area for any sign of the potential threat. The boy shook his head then started off again.
Before they could move five paces Bill held his arms out in front of the twins nearly clothes-lining them. He instructed them to stand behind him as his gaze focused in the area he sensed the other creature.
With a loud roar the beast jumped into view. Mabel screamed and held onto Dipper who almost cried out when he recognized the animal who blocked their path. Dipper tried to move ahead, but Bill barred him from getting too close. Bill stood in front of the twins with his arms out as he slowly approached the creature who stood in defense, ready to pounce.
"I told you I'd come back for you," Multibear's lead head spoke.
Bill grinned. How much he detested the wires as he wanted to let the bear know before he shredded him to spaghetti noodles how much he would enjoy it.
Multibear reared up on his hind legs while Bill moved into a defensive stance with the flames surrounding his hands. His eyes switched to crimson.
"We don't have time for this!" Dipper cried.
Multibear charged at Bill who leaped into the air. All seven heads turned to see Bill land on a tree branch behind them. He jumped from the branch, snapping it off and with his magic transformed it into a spear. He landed atop the bear's back and with a grin aimed the spear for the heart.
One of the paws scratched at Bill, slicing the skin on his side. A few drops of blood splattered on the forest floor as Bill back-flipped and landed upright with the spear still in hand. He spun it twice then aimed at the advancing face. The spear skewered one of the smaller head's eyes. The multibear screamed in pain as two of the paws inspected the damage. Five heads glared at the demon.
Bill held tight to the spear with the arrowhead pointed at the creature. Bill charged and bashed one of the heads with the back of the spear. He spun around and aimed the sharp end for another face. The clawed hand aimed for Bill's head.
"Stop it! Both of you!" Mabel yelled. She lodged herself in between the two just as they were about to launch their attacks. Multibear moved onto all paws and Bill tossed away the spear.
"Mabel, are you crazy?!" Dipper screamed.
"Don't protect him," one of Multibear's heads said.
"He doesn't deserve to live," a second added.
"Let me finish him," said the main head.
"He's not like that anymore, I promise," Mabel countered. She turned on Bill with a fierce glare that surprised Bill, yet also reminded him that she was related to Ford. "Did you forget about Grunkle Ford?"
Bill gasped. He looked down in shame. He glared up at the Multibear and hissed through his wired teeth. "Later."
"We'll never get there in time," Dipper lamented. He then looked over at the bear and ran over. "Please," he begged. "My great-uncle Ford is in danger. We have to save him."
"Ford," Multibear's main head said. He recalled the mentioned man treating his wounds after he was caught in the beartrap. "Climb on," he said. The many paws helped Dipper and Mabel onto his back. He then glared at Bill and nodded for him to climb on as well.
"Do you know where the hollow tree is?" Dipper asked as Bill climbed aboard.
"Of course," said the head on the top right.
Once the three were settled the smallest head said, "Hang on. We're gonna go fast."
With that the Multibear took off through the forest.
Fiddleford's thumb pressed against the self-destruct button on the remote. He stared down at the tiny device he developed thirty years ago as a way to take the coward's way out if things got out of control. With a press of the button the bunker would implode, causing no damage to the forest or the rest of the town.
The creature who had given him one of the worst anxiety attacks of his life rested in a tube ten feet beneath their shoes. He looked up at the man he believed to be Ford who grinned waiting for him to press the button. Fiddleford stared back down at the remote then lowered it.
"I don't know 'bout this, Stanford," the engineer finally said. Shifty's grin fell. Fiddleford continued, "I know he's only trouble 'n all, but jus' killin' 'im, I don't feel right."
"Do you remember what he did to you all those years ago?" Shifty countered.
Fiddleford nodded as he received flashbacks of that night in the bunker.
It was his turn to feed the shapeshifter. As he inched closer the monster busted free from his cage and grabbed Fiddleford by the throat. Fiddleford tried to call for help, but a slimy, yet strong hand clamped over his mouth. Three extra arms sprouted from Shifty's torso. Two held his squirming body in place as the shapeshifter scurried over to where the shelf where rope was stocked.
With a grin two of Shifty's arms bound him with the rope. Fiddleford yelled louder, but the firm hand atop his mouth kept the sound from reaching Ford. The young engineer closed his eyes and prayed that Ford would walk in and rescue him. He felt his prayer was answered when the hand released from his mouth. His blue eyes opened just as Shifty shoved a sock in his mouth.
Fiddleford shook as he was lifted and thrown into a cabinet. The human trembled, unable to speak as the door shut trapping him in a tiny box of darkness. His heart pounded at an unhealthy rate. He hyperventilated, the sock only hindering him worse. He knew for sure in that cramped cabinet he would meet his end.
Shifty put a hand on the old man's shoulder. "It's for the best," the creature said in Ford's voice.
Still something about that voice was void of tender emotion he expected to come with the words. Fiddleford stared closer into the other man's eyes. It looked as though they tried to display warm affection, but only came off as artificial.
"Hey, Stanford," Fiddleford said. He turned and stashed the remote back in his pocket. "I know this has to be hard fer ya, ta just let that shapeshifter die?" He turned back to Shifty with a warm smile. "I mem'er how you use ta hold him. I thought it was kinda weird, but you always liked that weirdness."
Shifty glared. Fiddleford moved closer to the man he was now certain wasn't his friend and former colleague.
Fiddleford put his finger against his chin and stared off into the distance as more memories hit him. "I mem'er when that shapeshifter was no bigger 'n a palm, and you poked him in the belly. He laid on his back an' you kept ticklin' his little tummy, makin' 'im giggle."
Shifty gritted his teeth. So what if Ford had been kind to him in his infant stage. It didn't make up for all the years he spent alone in the bunker with himself for conversation.
"Or when he'd cry when you left him alone in the cage at night," said Fiddleford. He chuckled at the memory. "So you got him a pacifier and a stuffed bear to help 'im sleep."
Shifty turned away from the human. He stared in the direction of the bunker where he left Ford to die alone as the researcher had intended that fate for him. How quickly Ford turned from being a nurturing, caring soul to one who wanted to keep him locked on ice for all eternity.
Fiddleford continued, "An' you bought that pitchure book of animals. You read off the name of the animal while the shapeshifter changed into 'em. You gave 'im a jellybean for each success."
"Stop bringing up good times, I've already made my mind," he snarled. He had to stop himself from letting his true eyes shine through the illusion.
"It had to be hard fer ya ta lock 'im up the first time," Fiddleford immediately countered. He pressed his finger at the false Ford's chest. "You cared fer 'im so much."
"But-but he's dangerous," Shifty argued. He pushed Fiddleford away. "He...he..."
"You don't wanna kill 'im, do ya?" Fiddleford asked. He put his hands on his hips. "Stanford's been too good to ya. And that niece of his has too."
"What?" Shifty yelled, his true voice broke through. "How? How did you?"
McGucket pointed at the shapeshifter. "Ya might look like Stanford, but your eyes don't hold his passion, his emotion." Fiddleford smiled and reached into his pocket. "You don't really wanna kill someone who's been good to ya?"
"He left me to die alone!" Shifty screeched.
Fiddleford pulled out a backup remote he designed for Shifty's collar. He brought it along just incase Ford's plan didn't go as he intended, and as predicted it didn't.
Shifty gritted his teeth and clenched his human fists. He stared back at the bunker where the true Ford rested. He then glanced back at Fiddleford. Earlier he had watched the old man produce the remote from under his beard; he had a good idea where it rested. First he needed to disarm Fiddleford.
"I didn't want it to have to come to this," said Fiddleford. He threatened to press the button and ordered, "Now, tell me where the real Stanford is."
Shifty backed up against the hollow tree, nearly falling down the stairs.
"Come on, I'm sure Ford will forgive ya," Fiddleford said. "Don't ruin what can be secon' chance."
The two turned to face what sounded like an approaching stampede. Multibear halted causing Dipper to fly forward. One of the heads clamped onto the boy's vest and lowered him to the ground. Bill took hold of Mabel and the two of them levitated to the forest floor. The three ran towards Shifty and McGucket.
"Grunkle Ford, you're in danger!" Dipper cried. He stopped in front of the two.
"Whatever do you mean, Dipper, my boy?" Shifty asked. He glanced over at Fiddleford then back to the child.
"Get back!" Fiddleford called.
The twins ignored McGucket.
"You got the wrong Bill," Mabel explained. "The one you took with you was the Shapeshifter."
"It-it's not your fault," Dipper interrupted. "His acting's so good he had us all fooled."
"But the real Bill is here," Mabel said and held her hand out to indicate the blond man who stood behind her.
"Bill?" Fiddleford asked. The mentioned looked over at the engineer then back at the fake Ford. Bill narrowed his eyes having caught the meaning behind McGucket's stare. He then yelled over at the twins, "That's not Ford, you two need to get outta here now."
"Ah, yes, well we all sometimes make mistakes," Shifty said.
"Where's Sisser?" Bill growled.
Multibear picked up a scent that wasn't Ford's. He moved onto all legs with his back arched and each mouth bearing fangs.
Bill's eyes narrowed. "Where's Sisser?" Bill inquired. He hobbled towards Ford. A few droplets of blood from his earlier wound rained on the vibrant green grass.
"That's not..." Dipper began. His eyes widened when he noticed Bill, McGucket, and Multibear all staring at the man who resembled his uncle. "Oh no," Dipper gasped. He looked around for any sign of his great-uncle. "Grunk-Grunkle Ford," he whispered.
Mabel clamped her hands over her mouth when she too realized.
"Kids, get behind me," Fiddleford instructed.
Shifty knocked the remote from Fiddleford's hand. As soon as it fell in the grass his boot smashed it to pieces. With a snarl Bill lurched at Shifty. The shapeshifter grabbed hold of McGucket and used the squirming man as a shield.
"Let him go," Bill snapped.
"You're in no place to be giving me orders," Shifty responded in his own voice. He pushed the long white beard out of the way to reveal the pouch attached to the engineer's pants. He slid his hand into the pocket to grasp hold of the other remote that would destroy the bunker and ultimately end Ford's life. His eyes widened when his hand only touched lint.
Fiddleford laughed. "Too easy," he boasted. He hurled the remote at Dipper who leaped up and caught it. "Quick! Destroy it!" he ordered.
Shifty tossed Fiddleford to the ground. He took on the form of a gremloblin and charged at the boy. Multibear stepped in front of Dipper and raised himself up on his hind legs. He pushed then pinned the shapeshifter down on the ground. Five growling heads all wanted to take the kill.
The shapeshifter switched into the form of a giant scorpion with a mace for a tail. He swung his tail which bashed one of the heads in the face. He swung again and the spiked ball smacked the bear in the center of his belly. With a loud whine the creature went down.
Shifty switched into a giant bat and flew over top of Dipper. He landed in front of the boy then switched into his true form. Dipper fell backwards and scooted away from the creature who towered over him. He looked to his right to see Mabel looking after the injured member of their party.
Shifty grinned and plucked the remote from Dipper's hand. "Too bad that six-fingered freak isn't here to watch you go," he said with a chuckle. "It's time to say goodbye, Dipper."
The boy shut his eyes only himself showered with goo. He quickly opened his eyes to see Shifty gurgling with a hand of five fingers welded together in the form of a blade impaled him through the heart. Sticky, green blood gushed from the wound. His limp body leaned over the form of Bill. Bill's left hand clamped tightly to the shapeshifter's right arm. The markings on the pinky finger glowed gold.
With crimson eyes the demon removed his arm from the Shapeshifter's chest. The magic he used to turn his hand into a weapon dispelled and his fingers returned to their regular form. Bill shook his hand to rid it from the majority of the green blood that stained it.
"Where's Sisser?" Bill hissed.
The shapeshifter stared up at Bill with his mouth hung open. He moved his lips, but the words wouldn't come.
"Where's Sisser?" Bill repeated in a heavier volume.
Shifty's mouth formed into a smile. "You'll never find him," he whispered then laughed.
Bill seethed at the sound of that laugh. Dipper sat frozen wishing he had the strength to cover his ears. Bill arms dropped by his side as gurgles mixed in with the laughs. With his remaining energy Bill raised his arm and with his fingers chopped Shifty's head clean off his neck. The taunting laughs ceased.
Mabel gasped. She turned away and rested her head on the injured Multibear. The bear put one of his paws atop the girl's back and gently patted as she sobbed.
Dipper swallowed and gathered the strength to pull himself to his feet. His legs wobbled, but he soon regained his ability to walk. The boy stared down at the shapeshifter hoping that what Bill did was enough for Shifty to stay dead.
Bill's eyes shut and he fell forward. Dipper caught the fainting man and sloppily lowered him to the ground next to Shifty's corpse. The golden glow on Bill's finger vanished leaving only the black weaving in its place.
"We need to find Grunkle Ford," Dipper said.
"I think I know where he is," Fiddleford said.
The two made their way over to the bunker. Mabel hurried over to Bill's side. Multibear limped behind her. The girl stroked Bill's hair and sadly smiled at the sight of his gentle breathing. Her eyes then landed on the dead form of a creature she had hoped would eventually warm up to her as Bill had.
Her fingers hovered over the gaping wound where Shifty's head should have been. The gooey blood leaked out the opening staining her white stockings. She turned away with the reminder that he only wished to harm Ford and had Bill not intervened when he did Dipper would be the cold carcass lying in the grass.
Multibear leaned over. Mabel squeaked as she thought he was about to exact his revenge on Bill. Instead three of the heads sniffed at the unconscious Bill's hair. The bear sat up then looked down at the Pines girl.
"He really loves Ford Pines?" the lead head asked.
Mabel nodded. "If you told me that last summer I wouldn't believe you." She smiled. "I like to believe he's fond of all of us." She glanced over at Shifty then with teary eyes looked back at Bill. "I know he's good, even if he still doesn't believe it."
Fiddleford and Dipper gasped at the sight of the damaged security room. The old man felt a hint of pain knowing his genius security plans was finally destroyed, but he figured it was for the best.
The two hurried into the observation room where they found Ford lying on his back with the cell phone just out of his grasp.
"Grunkle Ford!" Dipper yelled. He ran over to Ford and put his hand behind the old man's head and the other atop his chest. His eyes filled with tears. He shook him harder than he intended. "Grunkle Ford! Grunkle Ford, wake up."
Fiddleford picked up the empty syringe. He saw the other one lying close to his friend's body. With his hand he instructed Dipper to back up. The boy obeyed. He moved over towards the control panel to give McGucket the room he needed to work. The brunet folded his hands and prayed that Fiddleford knew what to do to revive his relative.
"He's overdosed," Fiddleford said. From behind he heard the boy wail. Fiddleford tilted his friend's head back and lowered his mouth to his. It had been too long since the last time he performed CPR, but hoped the method hadn't changed much since the seventies.
Dipper watched with an aching heart as Fiddleford breathed for Ford. He gave the larger man chest compressions. He moved to offer him two more breaths. Dipper gripped onto the ledge of the control panel as he watched another round of compressions.
"Please, Grunkle Ford," Dipper whispered as tears leaked down his face.
In the middle of the third set of chest compressions Ford gasped. He violently coughed. Dipper squealed in delight and gave thanks. Ford turned over on his side and vomited. Fiddleford jumped out of the way and waited for his friend to empty his stomach.
Fiddleford caught Ford before he fell in his own vomit. The author's forehead was covered in sweat. He smiled up at Fiddleford then felt pressure around his middle as Dipper wrapped his arms around him.
"Grunkle Ford, I thought, I thought," the boy said. Sobs overtook him. Ford sat up and returned his nephew's embrace.
Ford jolted. Dipper looked up. Ford turned towards Fiddleford. "The shapeshifter! Bill!"
"He's dead," Dipper said. "Bill killed him." Ford's eyes widened.
"He didn't have a choice," Fiddleford added. "That thing woulda killed the boy if he didn't." He pointed at Dipper.
"I know you told us not to go into the lab, but if we didn't you'd be dead and Bill..." Dipper trailed off.
Ford lifted the boy's chin. Dipper's brown eyes met with Ford's.
"I'm relieved you chose not to listen to me," Ford said with a smile.
"Actually, it's Mabel you should thank," said Dipper.
"She's here?" Ford asked and looked around the observation room.
"She's looking after Bill," Dipper informed him.
Dipper and Fiddleford helped Ford to his feet. His back ached from having spent too much time on the hard floor. The other two helped Ford through the damaged security room and up the stairs. Ford shielded his eyes as they stepped into sunlight.
Ford couldn't quite run, but he moved as fast as he could over to where his niece and the Multibear knelt. Down in the grass was the beheaded form of the creature he once considered a pet. His heart ached a bit at having lost someone he once cared for. Any sympathy he held for Shifty vanished when he remembered all he tried to do to him and his family.
Ford then looked down at Bill. He sat down next to Mabel. His fingers ran through Bill's hair. The blond moaned at the touch. Ford whispered Bill's name. Bill slowly opened his eyes. Ford wasted no time bringing him in close.
Bill gasped. He grasped at Ford's arms.
"Bill, it's me," Ford said. He put his hands on either side of Bill's face. "It's me. It's Sixer."
Bill glanced down at the corpse beside him. He then looked back into those eyes that belonged to Ford. His Ford.
Softly Ford sang, "You made me love you. You made me love you."
Bill's eyes lit up at the melody of the song he wrote for Ford. He smiled and threw his arms around his beloved.
"Bill," Ford said and snuggled his face in the crease of Bill's neck. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. For everything."
So in the previous story every sixteen chapters marked the end of a part/season. In this story I'm considering making it every twenty chapters. However, this chapter marks the end of the Shapeshifter arc. So perhaps this would be the perfect place to end the first part/season.
The bit with Fiddleford's flashback of how he was tied up and locked away by the Shapeshifter is actually canon in Journal 3. In that entry we only get to know that Shifty bound and locked away Fiddleford, but not how, so the bit before he's locked in the cabinet I made up to go along with what actually happened to him in the journal.
As cruel as Shifty may be, baby Shifty is adorable. In the journal Ford states he viewed Shifty as a pet, so I imagine they had some cute bonding moments when Shifty was little that I had Fiddleford bring up in an attempt to stop Shifty.
After all that drama and action, a lighter fluffier chapter will come next. :)