Hey, everybody. So I have good news. I'm moved into my new apartment! Yay! All the stress of moving is over. Everything is now in the apartment, but not exactly organized. :P
Also I have decided to rewrite the early chapters of Bonded. So far chapters one through ten have been redone, nothing really new as far as plot, but it's much better written. The sentences flow better and most of all I realized I tend to write in a passive, so that had to fixed quite a bit. I'm going to at least rewrite the first twenty chapters and from then on see if there needs to be any more revision.
Next, I wish there was a way on Fanfiction that I could send you all notifications about what's going on with the progress of this story and I try to reply to all signed reviews, but a way I can send out mass bulletins to everyone at once to explain any delays, etc., and also a way to notify those who aren't signed in. Well, I now have an Instagram, and if you want you can follow me on there and I'll give updates for this story as well as a few others. The name is the same as my pen name: LittleAmberAmethyst because apparently Amber Amethyst was already taken.
Thank you to Energy witch, Fantasy Fan 223, Battleangel911, Ms. Cipher16, TDICELEBRITY14, Phoenix-Inferno18, Quickest Secret, Million Lights, Abigail Rose V, and the five Guests for your reviews on the last chapter. Most of you seemed to agree that Bill deserved the slap. He's still going to be a bit of a jerk in this chapter too.
So here is chapter forty, that means it's the end of Bonded: Year Two Season Two. Season three will begin with chapter forty one. I hope you all enjoy.
At first everyone was stunned into silence. While this had not been the first time Mabel ran away, they all believed the thirteen-year-old had more sense than to behave like the seven year old version of herself.
"She what?" Ford asked as he moved to his feet. His elbow accidentally bumped Bill who groaned and gripped at his throbbing head.
Madison handed over the note to Daniel; his eyes skimmed the page while Ford and Stan read over his shoulder. Daniel folded the letter in his hand then looked over at the kitchen door Mabel most likely exited last night. He sharply inhaled as he recalled what Stan said about wild animals in the woods.
Daniel turned to his son. "Dipper, is there anyplace Mabel likes to go? More than usual?"
Dipper opened his mouth to speak, but Soos cut in with, "If she didn't want to be found, she probably wouldn't go to one of those places."
"He's got a point," Wendy replied.
Soos curled his index finger over the tip of his chin. "Unless she thought we'd think that and went there anyway to throw us off."
"Dipper told me there's wolves and bears out there," Daniel cried.
"And not just that," Ford said more to himself.
The color drained from Madison's face. She grabbed her husband's shirt sleeve.
"I guarantee she's fine," Wendy said to Madison. "She's stronger and more capable than you think. I've seen her look danger right in the eye and then decorate it with a ribbon."
The brunette released her death grip on Daniel's now wrinkled sleeve.
"In any case it wouldn't hurt to ask around," suggested Ford. He threw open the back door. "I can question some of the...locals, see if they've seen her."
"We can take my car and search the town," Soos offered as he waved Mabel's parents to follow after.
"Mabel, in town all by herself." Madison gasped. Her nerves twisted as she forced herself to walk.
"What of it?" Stan asked with raised arms. "She does it all the time."
Madison's worry switched to rage and Stan became the victim of her glare.
"What? It's a small town, everyone knows everyone," Stan defended.
"She's thirteen," Madison argued, her voice rising.
"So what?" Stan protested. "Me and Sixer walked up and down the beach everyday of our summers."
"Uncle Stan, times have changed since then," Daniel said trying to hide the worry in his voice.
"My little girl is already vulnerable enough being a stranger-"
"Oh, zip it, honey, everyone knows her, Mabel made sure of it," Stan interrupted.
"I don't know why I agreed to-"
"Oh, will you all shut up," Bill snapped with both hands holding his pounding head. He looked up, his face a slight shade of green. "You're all getting worked up over nothing. She's at Candy's house."
Bill felt seven sets of eyes fixed on him.
"And how do you know that?" Ford asked as he briskly walked towards his ex.
"I slept outside, dumbass," Bill explained. He rubbed at his somersaulting stomach. "She told me where she was going and told me not to tell."
The realization that he broke his promise to Mabel caused the pain in his skull to increase. He rubbed circles around his left eye.
"And you didn't think to say anything before?" Ford yelled.
"Not so loud," Bill whined as he held his throbbing head. "Nobody asked me."
Ford grabbed Bill by his wrists and hoisted him to his feet. "You just let her leave? Knowing she was leaving this morning?" he boomed.
"Not so loud," Bill yelled.
"Answer me!" Ford shouted and shook Bill by the wrists.
"Yeah," Bill snapped. "Yeah, I did." He yanked his arms awave from Ford's hold. "She asked me to do something for her, and why shouldn't I?" He stepped up to Ford so that their noses were a mere inches apart. "She's the only one who gives a sh- about me."
Ford stared at Bill for a few seconds. He pinched the bridge of his nose and turned away from the smaller man. "I don't have the patience to deal with this right now," he said.
"Yeah, just go ahead and make decisions for everyone," Bill spat. "I bet none of you even let her say her piece before you decided what was best for her."
Dipper looked down, Stan rubbed the back of his neck, and Soos fiddled with his hands.
"That's what I thought," Bill mumbled.
Ford let the anger pass through him then smiled up at the other six. "The good news is we don't have to waste time searching."
Mabel sat on the edge of Candy's bed where she looked out the window. The sun shone especially bright that morning to the point Mabel wished Candy didn't always roll the blinds up first thing when she woke. The digital clock on Candy's nightstand read it was almost a quarter past nine. By now her parents should have figured out she was gone. Now she waited for time to count down until her parents changed their minds.
Candy entered the room with a sad smile. She announced to her guest that breakfast awaited for her downstairs. Mabel leaped down from the bed and followed her friend to the dining room. Candy's parents attended a brunch in town with a few colleagues from work leaving the house to their daughter and her friend.
This was only the second time Mabel had been inside Candy's house as they usually met at the Mystery Shack, a mutual location somewhere in town, and on more than one occasion at Grenda's house. Candy's family seemed to be fond of pale green due to it being the key hue in the wallpaper and carpet. The rest of the furniture was a shiny mahogany that complemented the choice of green.
Candy stopped just short of the dining room and extended her arm towards the doorway with a huge grin on her face. Mabel lifted a brow, but went along with whatever game her friend planned. The girl's hazel eyes lit up at the sight of four familiar faces seated around the wooden table.
Grenda hopped up from her chair, knocking it to the floor, and rushed to her friend. The larger girl lifted the smaller one into a tight embrace. Seated at the table were Pacifica, Torrance, and most surprising Gideon. He gave her a small wave that out of curtesy she returned.
"Candy told us you might be going home, so I panicked and called everyone, then we all met here as a surprise," Grenda explained.
Mabel smiled.
Grenda returned to her seat leaving only two vacant ones. Mabel chose to sat down next to Grenda allowing Candy the one next to Torrance.
Once all were seated the six began the meal of bacon, toast, and pancake, everything on the plate a little burnt. Pacifica wrinkled her nose at the black spots on the bottom of her pancake. Just as she opened her mouth Torrance slid the bottle of maple syrup in front of her.
Mabel pushed the bacon to the edge of her plate.
"Oh, Mabel, I'm so sorry, I didn't even think..." Candy apologized.
"Don't worry about it, it happens all the time," Mabel said. She stared down at her plate, most of the contents save the pork consumed leaving a sticky trail of syrup behind.
Grenda pulled the strip of bacon from her mouth and set it in the center of her plate. The chewed pieces in her mouth she spit into the center of her napkin, then balled the soft paper into a ball.
"Hey, everyone," Mabel said. All chattering and chewing ceased. She lifted her head and gave them all a smile. "I...thank you all for all your help."
"Of course, that's what friends are for," Candy stated.
Pacifica hummed, but didn't say anything.
"Really, my grunkles aren't going to jail because of us," Mabel shared. "And Bill's still alive."
Grenda's smile fell when she recalled what the demon had done two nights ago. The nagging feeling of having witnessed Bill's powers once before resurfaced.
"Hey, Mabel, can I ask you something?" Grenda began. Mabel nodded and Grenda set her silverware across the near empty plate. "Bill, um...have we...what is he?"
"Oh, um..." Mabel said. She looked over at Pacifica who shrugged. "I don't really know, Bill and Grunkle Ford never went into it. Someone from another dimension."
"I know that," said Grenda. "But...I got this feeling I've met him before. I mean before actually meeting him at your place." She wrinkled her forehead and asked, "Did we?"
Mabel exchanged glances with Pacifica and Gideon.
"Did we?" Grenda repeated.
"I did," Gideon said. All eyes landed on the boy at the end of the table. "Remember? I used your uncle's journal to contact him," he continued. "And I guess I must've told you all, or I told Mabel and she told you."
Mabel stared speechless at the boy she had forgotten was as good of a liar as Stan. Of course knowing the nature of their business she shouldn't have been surprised.
"Yeah, that must be it," Mabel said with a big fake smile. "I must've told you girls."
"I don't remember you saying anything like that," Candy replied.
"Oh, uh...maybe I just told Grenda then," Mabel said with a forced laugh as she rubbed her left arm.
"I don't think we'd forget something like that," Pacifica added.
"Maybe," Grenda said. She picked up her fork and stabbed it at a piece of pancake. Almost as quickly she laid it back down.
The group finished breakfast and took the dishes to the kitchen where Candy announced she'd wash them later. She led them to the living room and closed the blinds and drapes upon Torrance's request.
Mabel and Grenda took their favorite spots on Candy's sofa while Torrence selected to sit on a cushion at Candy's feet. Pacifica sat in the armchair and Gideon across the way on the love seat..
The doorbell rang prompting Candy to excuse herself from the room. Mabel glanced up at the youngest person in the room. She rose from the couch and sat down on the love seat next to Gideon. The boy's cheeks flashed a light pink and despite his attempts, he couldn't keep his grin at bay.
"I feel I should thank you in person, you know, separately," Mabel said. She looked straight ahead as she spoke. "This whole thing was your idea and I'm wowed how you made it all work."
"Well, scheming is my specialty," Gideon replied.
"Oh," she said and sat quietly for a moment. "Well, thanks, you really saved my family."
Gideon nodded. "I hope this makes up for what I did. You know with Avery and all."
Mabel stroked her chin. "I guess I can forgive you," she said and then pulled him into a side hug.
Gideon shut his eyes and inhaled her scent of sugar and strawberries.
"If the offer is still open, maybe we can still be makeover buddies," Gideon suggested.
"Oh, I'm always up for makeover parties," Mabel replied. "Maybe you can even join us on girls' night."
"Mabel, we can't have a boy over for girls' night, I mean it's even in the title," Grenda protested.
The five looked up at the sound of Candy's raised voice. They heard her feet run down the hallway while she spoke in a hurried and loud voice. Another voice countered Candy's plea, one Mabel instantly recognized.
Madison Pines turned the corner into the living room with her hands on her hips. She glared at her daughter who lowered her head in response. Candy stepped in after Madison with Daniel, Ford, Stan, Dipper, and Soos in tow.
"Mabel Heather, you better have a good explanation," Madison hissed.
"I'm not leaving," Mabel muttered.
"What was that?" Madison asked with a raised brow.
Mabel glared up at her mother. "I said I'm not leaving." She jumped up with clenched fists. "I like it here and so does Dipper. You don't even know what happened, and you're not even considering our feelings."
"Mabel, you will not speak to your mother in that tone," Daniel said firmly and he walked closer to the girl.
"I think we should give them some space," Grenda said and motioned for the others to follow.
Pacifica nodded and moved to her feet. She, Torrance, and Gideon followed Grenda back into the kitchen where they'd wait until the conflict resolved.
Madison shook her head. "Mabel never had this attitude before she came here," she said then turned towards the Pines brothers. "I don't know what kind of example you or that redheaded girl at your shop is setting for my children, but I don't like it."
"Mom," Dipper gasped.
"Now you just wait a minute," Stan said and pointed a finger at his niece-in-law. "Mabel's always been her own person. And maybe gettin' away from your restraints is just what she needed to grow."
"Are you questioning my parenting?" Madison snapped. She put a hand over her heart and stomped over to Stan.
"Madison, this isn't helping," Daniel tried.
Madison ignored her husband. "Daniel wanted them to come here to get away from the big city life and I let them. And since they enjoyed it so much I let them come back again." She put one hand on her hip and with the other she pointed at the conman. "But I don't think you're a good influence for my kids."
"You parents think you know everything," Stan scoffed. "Well it's a good thing they got away from you for a while."
"And it's a good thing you aren't a parent," Madison retorted.
"Mom, please, that's enough," Dipper intervened. He stepped between the two. "Please stop. This is bad enough already."
"Yes, I think we all just need to cool down," Daniel added as he stepped behind his son.
"No, you need to pick a side," Madison demanded.
"There's no need," said Ford. "I had a chance to think it over last night. Stanley and I discussed it again in the car and we decided that after all that's happened, it's best the kids go home for the time being."
Dipper lowered his head. Ford placed a hand atop Dipper's hat and waited for the boy to look up at him.
"None of this is your fault," Ford explained. He then knelt down next to Mabel. "You can always come back another time."
Ford reached out to pet her hair, but the girl darted out of his reach. With crossed arms she turned her back on Ford.
"Uncle Ford, I am concerned about what Bill said about house arrest," Daniel began.
"He was drunk, didn't know what he was sayin,'" Stan interrupted.
"I see, and is he drunk like that all the time?" Madison questioned.
"Not really, more than often on a sugar high, kind of like Mabel," Soos said with a laugh. He looked over at the female twin hoping the joke would've cheered her up, but Mabel kept her gaze on the wall away from her family.
Daniel put a hand on Ford's shoulder and leaned in so only he could hear. "I do hope you two don't always fight like that in front of the kids."
Ford folded his hands behind his back. "I'm afraid we do fight quite a bit, but in private. Last night was an exception."
"Um...if I can help, maybe Mabel can stay here with me for the rest of summer," Candy suggested. The others who had forgotten the girl was still in the room turned to look at her. The tiny girl slightly shrunk at the sudden attention. "This way she can stay here, but not at the Mystery Shack."
"Yes, can't we do that?" Mabel asked as she turned around. She stepped up beside Candy. "Please?"
"Do you really think I'd let you stay after that stunt you just pulled?" Madison scolded. "You're lucky I don't ground you for the rest of summer."
"That's kind of you, but for more reasons than one I highly recommend they spend the rest of their summer at home," Ford said.
"Besides, that's something we'd have to discuss with your parents," Daniel added.
Mabel shook with a sob.
"It's just for one summer, sweetie," Stan said. "I'll be glad to have you back next year."
Mabel broke into tears and rushed into Stan's arms. He pulled her in close then wrapped his strong arms around her. Her cries muffled against the cloth of his shirt.
Candy lowered her head and tried not to cry herself. She felt another presence and turned to see Gideon who peered over the doorway. His heart broke at the sound of Mabel's cries. Gideon slipped away with his phone in hand, his finger pressed the fourth number on speed dial.
It took another ten minutes for Mabel to say goodbye to her friends. She hugged Candy and thanked her for trying her best. Grenda hugged Mabel, although it didn't feel as warm as usual.
Torrance stepped forward and extended his hand to Mabel. She accepted the shake and he pulled her smaller hand to his lips where he kissed her knuckles.
"It was an honor to meet you, Mabel," Torrance said. "I hope only a few moons pass before I can see your smiling face again."
Were her heart not bursting with pain she would have gushed at the line. Instead she could only give him a tearfilled smile.
Mabel stopped in front of Pacifica who tried to put on a stoic face, but Mabel could see the sorrow in her eyes. She took Pacifica's hand in hers.
"Thanks for everything," she said. She pulled the other girl in for a hug. Pacifica shrieked at the sudden closeness, but soon after accepted the embrace. Mabel continued, "I hope we get to hang out next summer."
The two parted and Dipper moved in. He rubbed the back of his head and said, "I guess Mabel said it all." He gave a nervous laugh then looked the blonde in the eyes. "Really, you helped us twice. Maybe, you know, we can spend more time together next time."
Pacifica shrugged. "I'll see what I can do." She crossed her arms and looked over to the side. "My schedule is always super busy, but I'm sure I can pencil in time with a geeky loser somewhere."
There was one other Mabel wished to share parting words with, but he didn't see his face in the crowd. Mabel asked Candy who revealed no one had seen Gideon since Mabel's parents arrived. Mabel hummed, certain she'd see enough of the Gleeful child next summer.
"Alright kids, we've wasted enough time," Madison announced with her hands on her hips.
The twins followed their parents and grunkles outside. They piled into the backseat along with their parents while Stan, Ford, and Soos entered the other vehicle. Mabel let her suitcase fall to the floor.
The ride back to the Mystery Shack was a silent one, although the anger in the room burned and suffocated all inside.
They pulled up to what the twins had dubbed their second home. Madison ordered Mabel ten minutes to pack her things, or she'd be eighteen by the time she visited Oregon again. Mabel hurried into the house and up the stairs with Dipper close behind her.
The twins' eyes widened when they arrived in their bedroom to see all of Mabel's clothes nicely stacked on her bed. The redhead turned around and gave the twins a smile. She held out her hand and Mabel handed over the suitcase.
"I knew it was only a matter of time before you were found out." Wendy said as she opened the bag. She set a pile of sweaters into the suitcase. "Word of advice, don't go to a friend's house when you run away." Wendy shoved Mabel's clothes into cramped spaces. "They always find you."
Mabel approached her bed and put her hands atop the now packed suitcase. With a sigh she slammed it shut. Mabel pulled the bag from her bed, it bumped against the wood floor, she then sauntered to the door. Dipper and Mabel followed behind in the somber parade.
Mabel's feet touched the ground and her suitcase banged against the bottom step and onto the floor after. She looked up to see the slightly glossy gold eyes stare at her.
There was no doubt Bill had told her family where she had run to, he was the only one who knew. However she didn't want her last interaction with Cipher to be one they both regretted. She dropped her suitcase and wrapped her arms around Bill's waist. Bill gave her a sad smile and patted her hair.
"It sucks you have to go," Bill said.
"Indeed it does," Ford said as he walked towards the twins. Mabel turned her face away. "Please don't be mad at me, my dear," he said as he moved closer. Mabel turned her back. "This is the only way we can guarantee your safety."
"And it's our top priority to keep you safe," Stan added. "Just think of all the great things we'll do next summer when we don't have another apocalypse hanging over our heads." He put a hand on each twin's shoulder. The two sidehugged their great-uncle.
Bill leaned in and whispered to Mabel, "If you want I can blow out their tires." He snapped his fingers and a blue flame flickered for half a second.
"Not happening, Bill," Stan scolded.
Mabel chuckled. "Thanks, but Mom's already mad, that'll just make things worse."
Soos volunteered to carry Mabel's suitcase to the car. The kids hopped into their parents' vehicle. Soos shut the trunk then stepped backwards with tears in his eyes. Daniel inserted the key into the ignition. Dipper and Mabel waved to their family and friends.
The car moved into reverse. He stopped for a total of three seconds to move the gear into drive. The wheels crunched over gravel and traveled six feet before the sound of police sirens reached their ears.
Daniel immediately put the car in park. An electric blue jaguar and two crown Victorias with Gravity Falls Police written on the side pulled into the Mystery Shack parking lot.
"Oh now what do they want?" Stan grumbled.
The driver side doors to the police cars opened revealing acting Sheriff Gregory and Deputy Durland. Tyler Cutebiker exited the jaguar. All three made their way to the Pines' car.
Daniel rolled down the window as he and Madison exchanged heated whispers. Daniel's heart raced, certain he still had another month before inspection was due.
Tyler reached out his hand to shake Daniel's slightly trembling one. He introduced himself as the mayor of the town then gave him the names of the two officers behind him.
"I heard you're taking Mabel and Mason Pines out of state," Tyler said.
Daniel answered, "After all that's happened we..." he turned to his wife who gave a firm nod, then returned his attention to the mayor. "We decided, all of us actually..." He waved his finger between himself and the Pines brothers on the porch. "It's the best move."
"I'm afraid the case isn't closed," Gregory said.
"Yes, and until then, your kids can't skip town," Tyler finished.
Mabel and Dipper gasped. The two looked at each other and Mabel's sorrow lifted into a huge grin.
"Are you serious?" Madison exclaimed.
"We are, ma'am," said Gregory. "Due to the severity of the case, it'll look best on the family if it involved parties aren't leaving town in the middle of the investigation."
"Now hold on, I thought you said everything was clear," Stan said as he moved towards the police.
"I just got a call from Agent Trigger," Tyler explained. "We have nothing to hold any of you on, so I was able to get you out of jail, but, Trigger said the feds want us to keep everyone involved in one area."
"But is it possible to move them to another town?" Ford inquired. "Nearby for questioning, but still outside the perimeter of Gravity Falls?" Ford lifted his eyebrows twice. "Did you forget what I told you?"
Tyler put a hand on both of the Pines brothers. He pulled them in and whispered, "Don't worry. The second we get word of invasion they'll be the first ones out."
"You're making a huge mistake," Ford boomed. "By the time they get here there won't be time to evacuate. You need to start moving everyone out immediately."
"I will take care of my town," Tyler argued.
"You don't know the extent of their power," Ford retorted.
"Perhaps if you hadn't been so quick to erase my mind, I might be more eager to agree with you," Tyler replied. Ford stood dumbfounded. The mayor continued, "But right now I don't want a panic."
"Well when those creatures get here you're gonna have much more than that," Stan said.
"Exactly, when," Cutebiker said. "I don't want this town freakin' out if nothin's even happened yet. And how do you want me to tell 'em how I know about this?"
Ford sighed. He glanced over at Bill who glared in his direction then returned his attention to the cars in the parking lot.
Mayor Cutebiker scratched at his head for a moment. "At the very least I can locate you all in a vacant house near the border."
Ford looked over at Stan. "The barrier held them last time," he said.
"Are you sure they won't figure out how to get through this time?" Stan argued.
"I can't know until they arrive," Ford said with a heavy sigh. "I can try to have Bill access his past memories, but we had little luck in the past." He stole a glance at the blond.
"How long will this take?" Madison asked as she opened the car door. She threw off her seatbelt and stepped one foot on the gravel. "They have school in a month."
"And I can't take off work for an extended period," Daniel added.
"Aren't Stanford and Stanley Pines their guardians for the summer?" Gregory asked.
"Not anymore," Madison replied and sent a glare in the Pines brothers' direction.
"Very well, if you come with me to the station we can arrange to have them put in foster care until the case is resolved," Gregory stated.
"Mom!" Dipper and Mabel shouted in unison.
"Maddie, please," Daniel said. Madison looked over at her husband's pleading stare. "They're not the best, but they're the best choice we have right now."
"Fine," Madison relented. The twins cheered. "But I'll be staying with you," the Pines woman said with a finger in the air.
"What?" Mabel asked.
"Oh great," Stan grumbled.
"What about work?" Daniel asked.
"I'm due for a vacation," Madison answered. "And since you kids think this town is so wonderful, maybe I'll find out why."
"Maddie, are you sure?" Daniel asked.
"Never been more sure," she answered.
"Well that's it, we won't be coming back ever again," Mabel whispered to Dipper.
Meanwhile about two blocks away from Candy's house Gideon closed his cell phone. He smiled in pride of his flawless impression of Agent Trigger. It turned out that theatre class had come in handy after all.
With the phone now pocketed Gideon began his trek back to his house. At the very least the next time he'd see Mabel she'd be smiling.
Later that night Ford and Bill sat in the living room where Ford moved Project Mentum until he had a chance to properly ventilate the laboratory. The helmet clung tight to Bill's head while he tapped his fingers on the inside of his elbow.
Madison had declined Stan's offer to stay in the Mystery Shack until the mayor found them a temporary residence. She took the twins to the nearest motel, the very same one Bill lodged in when Ford kicked him out of the house. Madison agreed to let her kids visit their great-uncles for a maximum of two hours each day as long as she was in their presence.
With a beer in hand Stan joined his brother and the demon in the living room. Ford looked up and released a sigh to which Stan gave him a sympathetic stare. He patted Ford on the shoulder then turned his attention to the monitor. Phrases surrounding horrile fates he hoped to befall Stanford, Abigail Powers, and the agents scrolled across the screen.
"Bill, if you're not going to focus then this is a waste of time," Ford said.
"Fine by me, this is all a waste of time if you ask me," the blond snapped and tore off the headpiece. He tossed the metal helmet to the carpet then crossed his arms. "We're wasting time, I told you what we need to do."
"And I said you ain't doin' it," Stan argued. He glared at his twin just incase the mirror image of himself agreed to go along with Bill's plan. "You ain't killin' yourself leavin' me alone to figure all this weird sh- out."
"I know I saw a door," Bill reminded them and pointed to the side of his head. "If I can access that room I might be able to find a weakness." He crossed his arms and grinned. "And even if it doesn't it'll still be worth it to see you tore up by a gremloblin. So get to it I.Q."
"Say something else, I dare ya," Stan snapped and waved his fist.
"Ooh, you're gonna punch me, go ahead," Bill volunteered. He pointed to his right cheek. "Sixer smacked the other one, so this one's all yours."
"Don't tempt me," Stan said as he lowered his arm.
Ford turned off the main engine of Project Mentum. "I can't work like this," he said. "The risk of errors is too great." He shut off the last of the monitors.
"Well I'm goin' to bed, and you better too," Stan said and gently slapped his brother on the back.
As soon as Stan was out of earshot Ford turned to Bill.
"I get you're pissed at me and I don't blame you," Ford said. He folded his hands behind his back. "But I need your help, and I need to trust that you will help me. My family's lives are depending on this."
"And I needed to trust you'd protect me," Bill countered. "And you let me down and left me to die."
"Bill," Ford snapped.
"But Kryptos will die by my hand, that you can trust," Bill stated.
Ford nodded.
His farewell to Bill was met with mumbles Ford rather not have repeated. While he had no intentions of sleeping, he decided at the very least he should meditate to clear his overactive mind.
Ford moved outside to the gravel parking lot. He arranged twelve candles in a circle then lit each one with a single match. Ford then took his spot in the center of the circle and shut his eyes.
The sounds of the forest became more pronounced. A few insects fluttered by his face. The wind picked up dousing two of the candles leaving only a thin stream of white smoke behind. Ford focused his mind on the Silent Void as Jheselbraum taught him, a place in the Mindscape that a rare few managed to access.
Ford couldn't say when he finally transcended to the Silent Void, but he opened his eyes to see himself in that space made of soft pink sky with a few sparkling white lights. There was no temperature, no time, and no exact location. All the worries of the day vanished when inside that plane of pure peace.
The author freely floated through the eternal pink space. In the Silent Void his age no longer hindered him.
"I wondered if you'd arrive," said a familiar voice from behind.
Ford turned and there she stood just as he remembered. A slender form, kind smile, and seven eyes each having spent centuries gaining knowledge and wisdom.
"Jheselbraum," Ford greeted. "I'm glad to see you. Perhaps you can help me."
The oracle smiled. "Whatever you seek it must be quick, I'm afraid our meeting will be short. By the hour's end I will be dead."
And thus ends Bonded: Year Two Season Two. Season Three begins with chapter forty one. I hope you all liked.