Thank you to Female Fantasy Freak, Energy witch, ImpossibleJedi4, Berrybanana05, CookieSenpai, Ella Le Hissy, Firefox, Modest Mouse, CornChip, BakuganNerd52, 2021FanGirl, Marisol777, Frostbite, Catgirl PA, Dum Dum, and Invader Ash for your reviews on chapter twenty five.

CookieSenpai: No, I don't have a Roblox account, in fact this is the first time I've heard of it. No, I'm not a Steven Universe fan.

Firefox: I'm considering it. I have a possible idea which may bring her back.

Catgirl PA: Maybe sometime down the road, but as of now probably not.

Dum Dum: No, not in this story. I've already got so many more things that need to happen, I don't think there will be time for that at the moment.

Invader Ash: Of course Fiddleford will come back. I already have something in mind for him.

His hands trembled as they hovered over the doorknob. In the depths of his heart he knew this was merely a dream, nothing that good could exist in this cruel reality. He tapped the side of his face and his long lips curved into a grin as he decided if it was a dream, then there was no reason to deny himself to look inside.

Those gold eyes took one last glimpse at the door that held memories of his former friend and teammate. In a slow motion his gaze switched to the door that housed the possibility of restoring his powers. A laugh nearly escaped his lips when he rationalized that returning to his true self would give him the power he needed to defeat Kryptos.

He ignored the second door and turned the knob of the left door. He stepped through the doorway to find himself in a familiar room. The fireplace lit itself, brightly illuminating the penthouse suite. At once the memories rushed back and Bill recognized the fireplace, the ornate rug, two plush chairs, a terrifying grandfather clock, and the window that looked out onto a grand view. Towards the wall sat the grand piano. At once Bill rushed over to his beloved instrument and let his fingers brush over the ivory keys.

How he remembered wanting to bring his beloved Sixer to that room after he claimed control of the town, and eventually the world. Before he destroyed everything in that dimension he wanted his old friend and puppet to experience the spoils of joining his team. Fate, however, had different plans, although it still worked out for Ford to be a constant in his life.

At the reminder of Ford Bill pulled his hand away from the piano as there wasn't time for him to bask in his former glory. Walking away from the beloved instrument proved to be torture. He turned to survey the portion of his Mindscape designed after the luxurious room.

In the corner a four-foot long mirror hung on the wall. Bill slowly made his way over to the object he didn't recall being a part of his suite. The blond gasped at the reflection staring back at him. He reached out his arm and his pale fingers touched the glass in syncrhony with the black ones on the other side. A single eye stared back at him. Although the triangle contained no mouth, Bill could sense his smile.

"I missed you," the reflection said.

Bill let his fingers slide down the mirror as he stared at the reflection of the creature he had once been. A lively, glowing dream demon with his fancy bowtie and top hat floated in the center of the mirror. Bill brought his hand to his face and watched as the triangular reflection copied.

Gold eyes tore away from the mirror only to look up at the portrait that hung over the fireplace. An image of King Bill stared proudly ahead with the crown atop his head, a scepter in hand, and his left foot atop the earth. The picture once a trophy of his victory now mocked his defeat; what more it reminded him of how far he had fallen.

"To think you almost had everything," a familiar voice said from behind.

Bill clenched his fists and swiftly turned to see the pink demon grinning at him.

"You can't be here!" Bill hissed. "Sixer banished you! Your power is useless." Bill swiped at the air.

The image of Pyronica laughed. "I'm not real," she said and narrowed her eye. Her luscious lips curved into a smirk. "I exist in your memory. Try as you might, you can't get rid of those so easily."

Bill scoffed. "This stupid bond did a good job of that."

"But not me," Pyronica said. She sat down on one of the chairs and materialized a martini glass full to the brim in her hand. "We were more than friends at one point." She pointed her pinky at Bill. "Don't forget."

"And we're nothing now," Bill snapped. He marched over to the door and held it open.

With a frown Pyronica poured the alcohol onto the floor. She levitated from her spot on the furniture then made her way to the exit. In the doorway she spun, her cape swaying about her legs, to look her former leader in the eyes.

"To think you gave up all of this for your human," Pyronica spat, indicating the suite with a wave of her hand. "What a fool." She held her palm to her lips and blew dousing the fireplace. With that she left the room, vanishing into dust.

Bill heard the flames erupt and turned in the brightness of the new light to see three torches hanging on the wall. He looked to the right to discover the penthouse suite in darkness while this new addition to the room beckoned him over. He shoved his hands into his pants pockets and made his way over to the area lit by the torches.

Before him stood a rustic bookshelf in which each of the books were covered in dust. Cobwebs hung haphazardly from the bottom of each shelf. Bill extended his arm into the shelf as a few beetles skittered about his sleeve. He swatted them off then reached for one of the books.

A swift brushing of dust from the archaic book revealed a title that read: Restoration Through the Blood Ruby. An etching of the very jewel decorated the front cover. He opened the front cover of the heavy book and let his eyes skim through the first few pages. He stopped when he reached the page that included a diagram of the transferring of magic through blood while holding the gem. The memories of Chandler and Luciano surfaced causing him to slam the book closed.

Realizing it would be near impossible to retrieve the item, especially with Ford required to be so close to him at all times, it wasn't a likely possibility. What more, Ford forbade the use of blood rubies.

He shelved the book just incase the rare occasion that he came across a blood ruby, he'd have easy access to the knowledge of its magic.

The next book sparked his interest as it did not contain a title, but an image of a knife made of silver sat in the center of front cover of pure gold binding. The knife was decorated with emeralds and sapphires. Bill chuckled as he imagined Stan's reaction to seeing such a book.

The twenty four karot gold book weighed down his hands. Bill spied a podium just a few feet down and heaved the nameless book onto the wooden stand. The podium creaked under the weight which Bill ignored. He flipped through the pages and his smile gradually fell when he realized the significance of the symbol on the front cover.

Each chapter had been dedicated to a specific weapon that contained the power to sever the bond by slaughtering the mage who cast the spell. The tools originated from various dimensions. Every other turn of a page displayed a gruesome diagram on how to utilize the weapon on the human captor.

The next page showed a drawing of the Sorian dagger Pyronica had given him to murder Ford. Bill gritted his teeth at the sight of the weapon that nearly cost him Ford's love. He threw the book on the floor. It sprawled open, the page of the Sorian dagger flipped over to reveal the picture on how to use it to end the human's life. Bill snapped his fingers and the pure gold book went up in flames.

"There has to be a counter to this spell," Bill grumbled as he scanned the titles engraved into leather bindings. "Each spell has its weakness."

Just as he reached for the next book he heard painful yells and grunts coming from outside the window. He rushed across the room and placed his palms down on the window sill. The blond peered forward to see the window looking into reality where the phantoms of pain increased the electrocution by another two hundred volts.

"Sixer!" Bill yelled.

He tried to push open the window, but it wouldn't budge. He banged his fists on the glass, and while it cut at his skin, the panes neither busted nor cracked. Again he called for Ford, but there was no way for the sound to pass through the glass.

Bill rushed for a door, then skidded to a stop when he took another glimpse at the bookshelf. The torches' flames waved in the darkened room, chiding him for contemplating leaving a mine of information behind, the kind that would undo the spell.

The increased yelling outside the window pulled his attention away from the shelf. Bill clenched his fists and gritted his teeth, cursing the bond for giving him human emotions. Even more he berated his own heart for loving.

His gaze landed on the thick books, one of which contained a solution to his problem, and ultimately the approaching dilemma named Kryptos. Perhaps there was just enough time for him to search one more source.

The sounds of electrical currents pouring through a human body reached his ears. Bill reached for the closest book in hopes he could quickly scan it as he was pulled back into reality.

"Bill! Help me!" Ford yelled.

Bill gasped. The cry came from outside his Mindscape. Bill recoiled his arm and the two books his fingertips barely touched toppled to the floor.

Gold light surrounded his body and he felt himself floating at a rapid pace through one dimension into the next. With a smile Bill promised himself he would return before long when he had an ample amount of time to search the room.

Bill opened his eyes to find himself back in the Corduroy cabin. A finger rhythmically poked at his cheek. The demon glanced down to see Pincushion pressing her finger against the flesh. Bill swatted her hand away then made his way over to the barrier.

The phantoms' workshop was encased in an invisible block to keep the participants from fleeing. Sitting just ahead of the forcefield were the pranksters who watched the tortures for their own amusement. They snickered as Bill glared in their direction. Deciding he'd deal with them later, the demon kept his attention on the phantom ahead.

Nailhead glanced up from his current experiment to see Bill tap the invisible wall and the barrier vanished. The male phantom started and stepped away from Ford. The human gasped for air and relaxed for the first time since he willed himself into Nailhead's custody.

"How did you do that?" the phantom asked. "What? What are you?"

Bill grinned. "Oh, I'm a native of the Nightmare Realm," he answered. "If I were you, I'd release Fordsy here and let us be on our way."

Nailhead growled. "I'm afraid I can't do that." He looked over at Pincushion who nodded in agreement. "There are rules."

"Oh, yes, rules," Pincushion said as she cautiously made her way over to Bill.

Ford watched, too weakened from the electrical shocks to speak; he barely had the energy to move.

"I understand that, but Sixer and I have important things to do," Bill said. He extended his arm. Nailhead moved into a defensive stance and then notice that Bill held out his arm as if wanting to make a deal.

Ford swallowed which only agitated his dry throat rather than relieve. Surely sophisticated sadists wouldn't be foolish enough to fall for Bill's trap. He then pondered if Bill still had the ability to make deals while in his human form, and how he kicked himself for not considering just because Bill refrained from doing so, didn't mean it was impossible.

Nailhead hesitated for a moment. He looked into Bill's eyes combined with a confident smile. Slowly he clamped his hand around Bill's and they shook.

"Thank you for a wonderful experience of such delightful agony, but we must be on our way," Bill said.

Nailhead yanked his hand away. "You don't mean that," he cried.

"Oh, but we were just getting started," Pincushion whined. She pushed herself against Bill. "It's been so long since we had a willing victim." Her eyes enlarged and she cupped her hands. "There are so many tortures I've invented over the long wait. You...you're not going to deny me? Are you?" Her bottom lip quivered.

"Ah man, the show's over," the taller prankster complained.

"It was just gettin' to the good part," she shorter one grumbled.

Nailhead crossed his arms. "You can't just leave without a transfer."

Bill smirked. "Oh, I know that," he said. "How about those two?" he said and nodded at the pranksters.

The lower-class ghosts stood up at the mention of Bill's offer. Before they could flee Bill snapped his fingers and trapped both spirits in a blue forcefield. They kicked and yelled as they were pulled against their will through the barrier. Bill released his hold on the pranksters and they fell before the phantoms of pain.

"Here you are, adequate replacements," Bill said indicating the offering.

Nailhead and Pincushion exchanged glances. The female shrugged and the the male bobbed his head.

"We won't have to worry about them dying on us," Pincushion said.

"True," Nailhead replied. He stroked his chin. "And they can quickly regenerate."

Pincushion squealed and folded her hands. "Oh, Nailhead, can we have them please?" she cooed.

"No, no, you don't want us!" the taller prankster yelled.

The male phantom cackled. "I don't see why not," he said and petted the female atop the head. The nails protruding from her head pressed into her skull making her hiss in delightful agony. He then turned to Bill. "Exchange accepted. You two are free to go."

"Please don't!" the shorter prankster screamed.

The category two ghosts huddled close to each other while the grinning Pincushion towered over them. In both hands she held a staple gun.

"Oh, we're gonna have lots of fun," she said with a giggle.

Ford and Bill watched as the two pranksters were dragged away by the woman who wore nails in her body as jewelry. Despite all they had done, Ford couldn't help to feel pity for their endless torture.

"First, fix him," Bill demanded, pointing at Ford who still had countless three-inch nails embedded into his flesh.

Nailhead pressed his fingers together. "I don't normally do this."

A thought struck Bill and his grin curved even wider. "Perhaps I can make it worth your while."

Nailhead lifted an non-existent eyebrow. "Go on," he said.

"This summer I have a few friends coming for a visit," Bill said. He slipped his arm around Nailhead's shoulder. "There are two in particular I'd like you to meet."

"Friends?" Nailhead questioned.

"Not anymore," Bill said with a grin. He patted the phantom on the chest. "There's nothing I'd enjoy more than to see them suffer."

Nailhead smiled. "Too bad you won't join us," he said.

"Sounds like fun," Bill said bending his arms up at the elbow. He pointed a thumb back at Ford. "But Sixer here won't like that too much."

"Very well," Nailhead said. He held his hand out towards Ford and at once all the nails were ripped from the human's body. Ford yelled out in pain and fell face forward on the floor.

Bill rushed over to where Ford coiled into himself and grunted. He inhaled deeply to alleviate all the pain circulating throughout his body. Bill watched the wounds on Ford's body close up. Ten minutes later Ford finally found the energy to move to his knees. Bill ignored the severe pain in his abdomen and helped Ford to his feet just as the barrier vanished.

"I'll hold you to your word," Nailhead said to Bill. He touched the wound on Bill's abdomen and the bleeding stopped. Bill watched it close up as Ford' has. However, he knew it was only a matter of minutes until he passed out from overriding the bond.

The phantom waved his arm in a dramatic fashion then disappeared.

"What was that about?" Ford asked, surprised that he no longer felt any pain.

Bill grinned. "Let's just say we have another ally when Kryptos gets here."

Ford hummed. "Were you able to find anything out on Kryptos?" he asked.

"I uh..." Bill began. He coughed into his hand then said, "The door was locked. I couldn't get through."

Ford nodded. "I thought so," he said. When Bill showed confusion Ford elaborated, "You were only in your head about a minute."

Bill smiled as he had forgotten how much faster time passed in the Mindscape.

Jasper swooped over to where the two living men stood.

"Friends, you're safe," the ghost child said as he clasped his hands. "I couldn't bear seeing you hurting like that forever."

"Well," Bill said and clapped the ghost on the shoulder, his fingers slipping through the ectoplasmic form. "You won't have to worry about those creeps harassing you anymore."

With that the two headed for the door.

"Wait!" Jasper called with one arm out in front of him. "Are...are you really leaving?"

"We have to," Ford replied.

"But..." he paused and lowered his head. "You'll come back? Right?" His large eyes looked up at the two.

"Not likely," Ford answered then continued on towards the exit.

Jasper slumped down against the wall. He lowered his head and wept as the two visitors left the cabin for possibly the last time.

"You did what?" Stan asked.

Bill and Ford stood in front of Ford's twin while Dipper and Mabel stood to their right.

"We tested Mindscape entry," Ford explained. He looked over at Bill then back to his brother. "It worked.

"No, no, no," Stan said shaking his head. "Go back to the being stabbed and tortured part."

"Oh, yeah, phantoms of pain," Bill replied. He lifted his shirt to reveal the scar on his belly Nailhead purposely left behind to remind Bill of his promise. Each of Ford's nail pricks also left a puncture scar.

"Whoa," Dipper said as he starred at the hardened tissue.

Mabel poked at Bill's stomach making him laugh. "Yep, feels like a scar alright," she said.

"So let me get this straight," Stan said while he pinched the bridge of his nose. "You purposely let these things torture you for your dumb research?"

Bill nodded.

"It's not dumb, Stanley, it's important that we find of Kryptos' weakness before they arrive," Ford explained. He sighed. "But Bill couldn't get through the door."

Bill sucked his bottom lip in while the guilt of his lie twisted in his stomach. The hundred tiny scars on Ford's body only heightened his remorse.

"So you nearly got yourself killed over nothin'?" Stan questioned.

"It was a good star-"

Ford was cut off when the newspaper smacked him aside the head. He looked up to see it fall a second time. Stan whacked him a total of seven times while ranting. The twins and Bill watched in speechless awe. Stan then smacked the rolled up paper atop Bill's head.

"I know you had somethin' to do with it too," Stan grumbled.

"You don't hit someone who's been severely electrocuted," Ford said.

"Couldn't do any worse than you tried to," Stan retorted.

"I've taken care of myself for forty years," Ford reminded his brother.

"Yeah, and now you're an old man," Stan argued. "You can't just bounce back like that nomore. Trust me, I know."

Ford decided to spare Stan his comment on how he kept himself in good shape when Stan hadn't.

Stan threw the newspaper on the table. "Now, I'm gonna go get me some rest." He smiled with his hands on his hips. "I got me a big day tomorrow."

"Oh?" Bill asked.

"He's going to Vegas," Dipper answered. Under his breath he whispered, "But he won't take us."

"Ooh, Sixer, can we go? Can we go?" Bill asked, grabbing onto Ford's arm and jumping. "Remember how much fun we had last time when we went with Fiddlesticks?"

Ford put his hand over Bill's mouth and pulled him closer. In a grave tone he demanded, "We're not talking about that." He glanced up to see the other three staring at him with curious expressions. Ford straightened his posture, folded his arms behind his back, and said, "Wouldn't you rather take Susan?"

The teens both looked away.

Stan dismissively waved. "Oh, me and Lazy Eye are over."

"What?" Ford asked.

"When?" Bill inquired.

"Yeah, but it's for the best," Stan said with a smug grin. "And instead of throwin' myself a pity party, I'm gonna go have myself a good time. Maybe find someone better."

With that Stan took his leave.

Mabel grabbed Bill's hand. "Please, you have to go and keep Stan from falling in love with someone else."

"What happened?" Ford asked.

"We don't know," Mabel said looking over at Dipper than back to the men. "They just broke up." She blew a raspberry then said, "Just like that."

"Look, kids, this is Stanley's business," Ford said.

"But he's making a mistake," Mabel cried. She pulled on Ford's jacket. "At least until I hear Lazy Susan's side of the story." She brought out the puppy eyes. "Please."

"We'll do what we can," Bill said.

"Thank you," Mabel replied and hugged Bill. She rememebered his wound and immediately broke hold. "I'm so sorry."

"Eh, it doesn't even hurt anymore," Bill said.

Ford sighed. "Well, Bill, I suppose we best start packing."

A little ways downtown a woman clicked through her computer. She chewed on the edge of her pen. She had come so close to figuring out the Pines secret, but just needed one more big lead.

She looked up at the knock at her office door. The redhead stretched out her arms then rubbed the stiffness in her neck. The door opened to reveal her husband.

"Go onto bed, sweetheart, I'm going to be a little longer," Caroline said.

The man frowned. Caroline could only laugh as she remembered only a year ago when he would say the same things to her on the nights he was fortunate enough to be home.

"Are you still working on that case?" he asked.

Caroline nodded. "I promise it'll only be a little while longer and then I'll have the proof I need."

"Then we can leave this horrible place?" he asked.

Again she nodded. She knew how her husband hated the town of Gravity Falls and even worse the name Pines tasted like the bitterest poison. He had been hesitant when she requested the rent a small house on the edge of town until she could bring back everything Stan and Ford Pines had stolen from him.

"Don't stay up too late," her husband said.

Caroline agreed. She returned her attention to the files on her screen. Another half hour of skimming files she came across one that caught her attention.

"Bill Cipher and Stanford Pines were on the scene when an ambulance was called for Thaddeus Strange," Caroline read. She minimized the article then brought up a town directory to find only one in town who bore that name. She smiled. "Tad Strange, huh...I'll be paying you a visit tomorrow."