Hey, all, I know it's been ages (August of last year) since the last update. Between acting school, work, four illnesses, work, events, sewing projects, work, family obligations, and of course work, I haven't had much time for writing. The last time I wrote was a short BillFord story for Christmas. At long last I finally got the inspiration and wrote chapter 42. As a treat for having to wait so long, this chapter is extra long, just under 10,000 words.
The heavy rain spat against the windows. Even if the shop had been open it wouldn't generate many customers with such weather.
Bill and Ford stood in front of the now gaping hole that led to the basement. The demon's fists clenched as he glared at his ex. Stan leaned against the doorway with a cold slice of pizza in hand.
"I'm not doing it," Bill spat.
"We don't have any other choice," Ford explained for the sixth time. He rubbed his strained eyes behind his glasses. "Now do you want to defeat Kryptos or not?"
"I'm not hooking my head up to that machine and letting you see my every fear," Bill retorted. He crossed his arms and leaned towards the taller man. "And what makes you so sure that Oracle knows?"
"There's no one I trust more," Ford replied. "She's the one who sent Handrina to us."
"And much good that did?" Bill argued. "All that hag did was give us useless information. What good is using these bonds if we don't know how?" Bill held up his hand.
"I don't know," Ford hissed. "That's why we need to find out." He took a deep breath and let the fresh air alleviate his boiling blood. "Jheselbraum said it's something you fear most."
Bill stood speechless. He turned away from Ford and looked at the raindrops splattering against the fogged panes.
In a quiet voice the smaller man said, "You want to close up the gate to every dimension for the rest of eternity?"
Ford started, not expecting those words. He watched Bill's chest slowly rise and fall in synchrony with the soft sounds of the blond man's breaths.
"Yeah, I mean do you really gotta do something that drastic?" Stan questioned.
"If it's our only chance to protect our world against Kryptos, and anyone else like him, then so be it," Ford stated.
The room became silent save for the steady fall of rain.
"Look, Sixer, I don't think your mind machine will work," Bill said breaking the silence. "The memories are locked away tight." He knocked on the side of his head, ignoring the sudden bout of dizziness.
"We have to keep trying," Ford persisted.
Bill shook his head. "It's pointless." Ford opened his mouth to insist a second time, when Bill replied, "Look, last time I was in the Mindscape there was a hallway of doors. I'm sure one of them will have an answer. Maybe we can find something else, something that won't force us to close all contact to the other dimensions."
"Oh hell no," Stan grumbled. He threw the pizza crust to the floor then stomped his way over to his brother and Bill. "I remember last time you pulled that stunt and almost got yourself skewered and fried."
Ford sighed, "That's true. We were only able to keep the eye open for about a minute. That won't be enough time to explore."
Bill groaned then punched the wall. "I'm gettin' so damn tired of all these stupid rules because of this stupid body." He curled his fingers in and let out a long, hot breath. "Why do fleshsacks have to be so helpless?" Bill punched the wall three more times.
The ceiling slightly cracked and a few small pieces of wood fell down onto Bill's hair.
"What about the Mindscape?" Soos said from behind. All turned to see the handyman in the doorway with a half-eaten sandwich in hand. He took another bite then said in between chews, "Like we did back at the hospital."
"That's way too dangerous," Ford countered with a wave of his arm.
"Hey, why not?" Bill argued. Ford glared at his ex. Bill continued, "I mean think about it, we have no threats this time. We'll have plenty of time to search."
Ford considered the idea. "If we do, I'll be accompanying you," he said. Bill rolled his eyes. Ford ignored his boyfriend's behavior as he thought over his recent meeting with Jheselbraum. Ford suddenly remembered how when he was in her presence in her palace, how she kept watch over him while he meditated. He met eyes with Stan.
"Oh no, what are you thinkin' now?" Stan grumbled.
"If we do enter the Mindscape, I'll need someone to keep watch, someone we can trust," Ford said giving his brother a smile.
"The only problem might be too many of the doors are locked," Bill stated. He pointed to his forehead and said, "Last time I needed the third eye to open a sealed room."
Stan glared at his twin. "Not happening."
Ford crossed his arms and thought. He smiled as an idea struck him, "I think I may know someone who can help us."
The author ran to the wall phone only to hear the signal had been disconnected. He slammed the phone back down on the receiver and cursed the government agents for the hundredth time that week.
Soos tapped Ford on the shoulder. The old man turned to be greeted by the smiling face of the younger. Soos slid his phone into Ford's hand.
Ford dialed the number he had memorized. The other line rang three times before the familiar, friendly salutation greeted him.
"Hey, Fiddleford," said Ford. "It's me, I'm calling from another phone." He paused then with a deep sigh said, "I know this is a long shot, but do you happen to know how to get in contact with Handrina?"
Fiddleford laughed. "Yer in luck, we happen ta be havin' lunch right now at The Club."
Fiddleford reached his hand over the table and placed it atop the wrinkly one belonging to his date. The woman gushed and giggled at the touch.
Ford quickly explained the situation to which Fiddleford listened then relayed it to his date. Handrina thought it over for a moment then agreed.
The friends spoke their farewells then Ford hung up and returned the phone to Soos.
"They'll be here around three," Ford announced.
"I hoped we'd seen the last of her," Stan grumbled.
Ford sighed. "I'm not to keen on it, but what choice do we have?"
Stan and Soos mumbled their agreement.
"This better not take all day, I have a date tonight," Bill announced.
Soos dropped his half empty can of Pitt Cola.
"How? With who?" Ford exclaimed.
"Someone I contacted on the internet," Bill answered. "And don't worry, we ain't goin' nowhere except my bedroom."
Ford gripped both of Bill's shoulders and asked, "Are you insane?"
"Yes," Bill said and peeled Ford's hands off of him as if they were rotting garbage. "But that's got nothing to do with it."
"Eh, we did worse things in the seventies," Stan commented.
"Not helping," Ford chided his brother.
"Bill, I don't think that's such a good idea," said Soos.
"Well I didn't ask your opinion," Bill snapped.
Bill pushed open the door that separated the gift shop from the residential portion of the house. "Let me know when the hag gets here," he said then went to make himself comfortable in the living room.
Just on the edge of the border of Gravity Falls and the neighboring town, the Pines twins along with their mother rested in a motel room paid for by Tyler Cutebiker until he could find them a vacant house on the outskirts of town. Their room was on the first floor, so if the need to flee arose, it would take them less than two minutes to cross through the barrier.
Mabel sat with her hands and nose pressed against the window where she watched the rain fall. On such a dreary day it was fitting Mabel wore a gray sweater with a lightning bolt. Seated in the chair behind her was her twin brother. Their mother currently showered giving them a brief moment of privacy.
"So much for taking Mom to the pool," Mabel said. "Or the mini golf course. Or anything fun."
Dipper only hummed in reply.
Mabel looked over her shoulder to see her brother deep in thought.
"Thanks for not telling Mom about last night," the female twin spoke.
"Hey, it's what we do," the boy said. He paused for a moment. He glanced over in the direction of the bathroom then asked in a lower voice, "How are you doing?"
"I'll be fine," Mabel said, although she didn't quite believe it herself.
Around five Mabel suffered another nightmare starring Aaron Thalen. Only this time she screamed without aid from Bill, or any of her family. Mabel's distress woke Dipper from where he slept on the pull-out couch. He rushed to the bed to find his sister contorted and inaudibly pleading with the figment behind her eyes.
Carefully without waking his mother Dipper shook his twin back into consciousness. Mabel sat up, gasping for air, her fingers dug into Dipper's night shirt. She broke down into tears the second she recognized the face of her closest friend.
Once she calmed enough to move, she and Dipper snuck outside the motel room. The two sat down on the curb where the sidewalk met the parking lot. The air warm and thick clued the two in that rain would soon follow.
The girl internally wondered if she'd ever again enjoy a peaceful night of sleep. A part of her wished to return home and pretend the summer never happened. Perhaps her grunkles were right all along.
The twins stayed outside until the first raindrops made their entrance. A scattered drizzle at first and slowly built up until they were forced to seek refuge inside their room. Mabel crawled back under the covers of her bed while Dipper went to the bathroom.
Too afraid to sleep Mabel laid there staring up at the ceiling. Dipper emerged from the bathroom and walked back to the couch. He glanced over at his sister who pretended to be on the verge of sleep. The moment she heard Dipper's first snores she opened her eyes. The cut on her face suddenly burned. She curled into herself and silently cried.
The hours passed on faster than she anticipated. Close to nine Madison woke. She looked over at Mabel who pretended to also wake, rubbing at her eyes. She held her hands over her face solely so her mother wouldn't see the puffiness or tear tracks.
Now they sat in silence, unsure of the day, all contentment of being in their favorite town erased.
The bathroom door opened and Madison emerged wearing a yellow blouse and jean skirt. Her hair was pulled into a bun. Her ears adorned with diamond studs that matched the small diamond on the gold chain necklace.
"Mabel, are you going to brush your hair?" Madison asked as she ran a hand through her daughter's mess of a mane.
Mabel pushed the other woman's hand away, remembering why she enjoyed having a summer without their parents around. The female twin headed to the mirror outside the bathroom where the hairbrush rested on the counter.
"What do you kids want to do today?" Madison asked.
"It's raining, so there really isn't much," Dipper said. "Maybe we can eat breakfast at Greasy's Diner then go to the mall."
"Oh! I should totally call Grenda and Candy!" Mabel exclaimed.
"I think for now it should just be us," Madison argued.
Mabel frowned, but ultimately conceded. After she fixed up her hair and pushed it back with a blue headband, the three set out.
Madison considered renting a vehicle, but Tyler convinced her it wasn't necessary due to the town's public transportation. They waited at the bus stop a block away from the motel for ten minutes until the bus stopped before them.
There were only two other people on the bus when they boarded, both strangers to the twins. Dipper and Mabel sat close to the front and Madison in the seat behind them. It was a quiet ride to the restaurant they frequented many times during their two summers.
Their clothes damp when they entered the diner, the three stared at the usual amount of customers within. Madison wrinkled her nose at the state of the place. She nearly shrieked when an opossum dashed across the dining area.
"We're leaving," Madison stated.
"We can't go, Lazy Susan always gives us discounts," Mabel protested.
Madison searched the establishment until she found the health score posted up by the cash register. She pushed a flyer for a local concert out of the way to see a low B on display.
She grimaced down at her children and asked, "How many times have you eaten here?"
"Plenty," Dipper answered.
"Grunkle Stan is engaged to the head waitress," Mabel added.
"I thought they broke up," Dipper retorted.
Mabel shook her head. "They're getting back together."
Dipper turned so that he fully faced his sister, his mouth in a huge grin. "Did Grunkle Stan say that?"
"No, but I know they will," Mabel replied then sat down at a booth.
Madison stood in front of the table with her arms crossed. "We're not eating here," she stated.
"Mom, the food is good, we haven't gotten sick once," Dipper said then scooted into the seat next to his sister.
Madison felt a presence approach and turned to see the smiling waitress standing beside her with a notebook and pen in hand. She scowled at the woman's overuse of makeup.
"You must be their mother," Lazy Susan said and extended a hand. Madison accepted the friendly gesture. "Mabel looks so much like you."
Madison smiled.
Susan continued, "She's helped me out more than once. Stanley's lucky to have a great-niece like her."
Madison glanced over at her daughter who beamed at the praise. Dipper nodded his agreement to the waitress' words.
"I'm hoping I'll get to be your great-niece too," Mabel said.
"Me and Stan got a lot to work out," Susan confessed with a sigh. "I told him to call me after everything gets settled."
Susan handed a menu to each of the kids. She then cheerfully placed one in Madison's hand as the latter slipped into the booth opposite of her children.
"Two orange juices for you?" Lazy Susan asked the twins who both nodded. She then turned her attention to their mother. "Are you a coffee drinker?"
"If it's good," Madison answered.
"I don't mean to brag, but my coffee's the best here in town," Lazy Susan said. She lifted her lazy eye and manually shut it, then joked, "Wink."
Madison wrinkled her nose at the sticky residue on the plastic menu. She pulled her hand away to inspect her fingers. She then put the two fingers to her nose to receive a faint smell of syrup.
Lazy Susan returned with their drinks. Mrs. Pines considered letting their server know about the state of the menu, but due to the low score hanging on the wall, most likely Susan already knew. She placed the mug in front of Madison and informed her it was on the house.
A quarter to three Bill sat on the kitchen table with Soos in front of him. The handyman shakily removed the bandages from Bill's head. With a gloved hand he grabbed the thick gauze pad secured against Bill's damaged eye.
Against his best attempts Soos' eyes widened and he sucked air in through clenched teeth. He immediately regretted his actions and opened his mouth to apologize, however Bill silently held up his hand.
He looked down, his eye unable to function. Dr. Boyd offered his professional opinion that the eyeball be removed incase of infection. Thus far Bill negated the suggestion, however each time someone changed the bandage, the darkness on the right side made it clear that eye would never work again.
Soos gently pressed a new gauze pad against the injured eye. With his tongue slightly out he carefully wrapped a new bandage three times around Bill's head. The clamp snapped in place and the handyman offered his best smile.
Bill muttered a halfhearted thanks as he hopped down from the table. He held out his arms to catch his balance. Bill shut his eye as the few seconds of spinning seized him. The right hand grasped the edge of the table until the dizziness wore off.
Soos watched with a frown, but chose not to say anything. Bill wondered out of the kitchen and into the living room where they awaited their guest. Soos and Ford had moved Bill's bed into the living room for two reasons: for one it allotted more space, and two, they wouldn't subject even Handrina to the disaster that was Bill's room.
The following minutes contained awkward silent and even more uncomfortable conversation complete with failed attempts at humor. Bill excused himself to the bathroom twice in a ten minute period; Ford kept an ear out for the sounds of vomiting, only to be relieved both times that his ex didn't feel the need to further damage his esophagus.
Half past three the four jumped at the knocking on the front door. Without waiting for an answer Handrina let herself inside. She shook her head, beads of water flying in every direction. Stan would have complained had it not been for several other leaks throughout the shack.
"You're late," Stan said.
"Be grateful I came at all," Handrina replied.
"We are," Ford intervened. He sent a dirty look in his brother's direction then offered the best smile he could muster to the guest.
Soos took Handrina's drenched jacket and hung it up on a coat hook in the employee's closet. Ford led the clairvoyant into the living room.
"I don't know how much help I'll be," Handrina said as she entered the room she visited just yesterday. "I already told you I don't do spells."
"I will read the spell," Ford said. "We need you to help us open the third eye long enough for Bill and I to access the locked rooms."
"I'll do what I can," said the Handwitch.
Bill laid down on the bed and shut his eye. A few seconds later that golden orb opened and he frowned at the four.
"I can't sleep knowing you're all watching me," Bill complained.
"My time is valuable," Handrina stated.
Ford sighed then beckoned Soos over. He whispered into the handyman's ear, who looked up in shock. Ford firmly nodded which put Soos in motion despite his gut pleading him to disobey.
A few minutes later Soos returned with a small vial in hand. Only a few milliliters of the liquid remained. Ford concluded it would be enough to serve their purpose.
"Here, this will calm you," Ford said and handed the vial to Bill.
"This better not taste like garbage," Bill groaned. He sniffed the substance, surprised to find no scent.
"It's tasteless," Ford assured him.
Bill wrinkled his nose at the clear liquid inside, but drank the potion regardless.
He laid down on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling. Time passed and Bill felt himself grow tired. His eyelid fluttered and within minutes he fell into a deep sleep.
"Damn, Ford, what you give him?" Stan asked.
"It's a sleeping potion," Ford explained as he took the empty container from Bill's limp grasp. He placed Bill's arm over his belly then listened to soft snores coming from his ex. "It's the same one Dipper slipped him over spring break."
Soos stomach twisted. "It's uh...not gonna hurt him, is it?"
Ford shook his head. "It just makes you sleep." He gripped at his chin and looked off in the distance. "But I haven't done much research on all the side effects, so I don't recommend using it regularly."
"Too bad, we could've sold that to all the insomniacs in town," Stan lamented.
"Not likely, I got that potion in Dimension eighty four," Ford explained. "And that was the last of it."
"Enough talking, let's get on with it," Handrina interrupted.
Ford agreed. He opened the binder to the correct page. He looked over at his brother who held the shotgun in hand just incase. Soos stared down at the pistol his boss had given to him in the incident there were any intruders.
"Is this a bad time to tell you I never shot a gun?" Soos asked Stan.
The old man scoffed then advised, "Don't think. Just aim and pull the trigger."
Soos gulped. He glanced over at the scientist and witch and wished he were accompanying them into the Mindscape.
Ford recited the spell. Both his and Handrina's eyes flashed white and within seconds they were transported inside Bill's head.
The blinding light diminished and the two stood within the Fearamid.
"Took you long enough," Bill groaned from behind.
The two turned to see the demon levitating with both arms crossed. Ford gasped at the sight of the blond man with both functioning eyes.
"You don't look phased," Bill said to the handwitch.
"This is nothing special, I meditate within my own Mindscape plenty of times," Handrina replied.
"Really?" Bill asked, his voice slightly higher.
Handrina nodded as she looked around. "Though mine is nowhere as elaborate as this."
"We can admire the decor later," Ford interrupted. "We have infinite rooms to search."
Bill smirked. "You're right. Maybe we should split up to cover more ground."
"Negative," Ford retorted. "This place is too vast, we could easily get lost, and I fear to think what may happen if you wake before we can reunite, and one of us becomes trapped."
Ford walked on ahead and gestured for the others to follow.
Bill frowned. He took a glimpse at Handrina to his left, what he intended to discuss with her would have to wait little longer.
The bus pulled in front of the Gravity Falls Mall. The three Pines stepped off the public transport and into the rain. They rushed towards the entrance of the building, their shoes splashing up water as they moved. Madison grumbled under her breath for not selecting a more suitable pair of footwear to endure the weather.
As soon as they stepped inside they were greeted to a cool blast of air conditioning along with varying sweet smells from the cookie stand. Melodies of different songs caught their attention as they passed by an assortment of stores.
"This place looks amazing," Mabel admired.
"Yeah, they fixed it up well," Dipper commented.
"What do you mean?" Madison asked from behind.
The twins started. They looked at each other then up to their mother.
"The earthquake last year messed this place up really bad," Dipper explained.
"We didn't think it be open by summer," Mabel added.
Madison hummed, faintly remembering her children mention the earthquake while on the phone with Stan and Ford.
The three meandered about the mall. They entered a variety of stores, but bought nothing. In no time they found themselves enjoying each other's company, compared to previous shopping trips in Piedmont when they were younger.
The candy kiosk caught Mabel's eye. She ran towards the giant spherical machines with her brother close behind. They each grabbed a bag and inspected each of the machines for their favorite of the candies. Quarter inserted into the slots they turned the levers and the twins filled the plastic bags with an assortment of candy they'd feast on over the week.
Madison watched on with a smile. It reminded her of when her children were six years old and they accompanied their Grandpa Shermie to the most famous candy store in Glass Shards Beach. Those two tiny faces lit up at the variety of brightly colored sweets that lined the walls and aisles. They rushed around, gleefully pointing at each option. Large eyes stared up at mother and grandfather, begging with skillful pouts for a little of this and a bit of that.
Dipper reached his hand into Mabel's bag causing her to playfully punch him in the arm. The two laughed and tied their bags up with shiny twist ties. Madison smiled as they headed back towards her, a glimmer of the six-year-olds still present in the teens.
The three continued their stroll through the mall, passing by stores, their ears caught a multitude of songs fitting to each shop.
"It's not good to eat that much candy," Madison commented as her children munched on the sweet snacks.
"Grunkle Stan said we're going to get old and achy one day, so there's no reason to limit the things we want to eat," Mabel argued.
"Oh, he did, did he?" Madison asked with a raised brow.
"But Grunkle Ford keeps in top shape," Dipper countered.
"Good point, so you can be like him and give me your candy," Mabel teased and reached for Dipper's bag.
"Hey!" Dipper cried as he pulled away, spilling a few gummy bears on the floor.
"That's enough," Madison said and stepped in between the twins. "People are staring."
"Wow, real mature, half pint," called a voice.
The three looked over to see Wendy walking over with Robbie, who had his arm around her. Dipper glared at the teenager who had sent him that insult, despite having grown a full two inches since last summer.
"What are you guys doing here?" Mabel asked as she moved closer.
"Not much else to do today," Wendy answered.
"Are you guys...um...back together?" Dipper asked.
"Sure," Wendy said and smiled at Robbie who kissed her on the cheek. Dipper felt the urge to vomit. "We're actually going to look at baby clothes."
"Are your parents expecting a little one?" Madison asked.
Wendy stood speechless for a moment. She glanced over at Robbie who gave her an awkward smile then she looked down at her own belly.
"Not exactly," Wendy said.
"Oh," Madison said, a slight blush on her face.
"I'm not ashamed, it happens," Wendy stated.
"So you decided to keep it?" Mabel asked.
"Her," Wendy corrected.
"How far along are you?" Madison asked.
"Two months," Wendy answered. "But I already know she's a girl."
Mabel turned to face her mother. "Can I go with Wendy to help her pick out clothes?" She pumped her fist against her chest. "She needs her fashionable aunt to make her look fabulous."
The couple chuckled.
"Me too," Dipper said.
Madison agreed and even offered to accompany them. The five headed in the direction of the store All Things Baby.
The place smelled of powder. The walls were a pale yellow and baby blue with various cutesy animal decorations. The store was separated into sections for furniture, clothing, feeding, toys, and accessories.
Mabel rushed to the girl clothes and started selecting the cutest dresses.
Madison stepped up beside Wendy. "Are you sure you want to buy all this before you know for sure?" she asked.
"I'm not buying, just looking. I'll buy when I get the gift cards at my baby shower," Wendy explained.
"Well, I at least want to buy you this one," Mabel said. She held up a powder pink dress with puffy sleeves and two rows of lace along the bottom of the skirt. A tiny bunny wearing a white bow sat in the center.
"Mabel, I can't let you," Wendy protested.
"I insist, you can consider it my baby shower gift since we won't be able to attend," Mabel pressed.
Wendy smiled. "Well, when you put it like that."
"That's kind of you," Madison said to her daughter.
"That's Mabel for you," Robbie said. Madison turned to see Robbie staring at the female twin as he spoke. "You know, I was going through a rough time last summer, because, well..." He ran a hand through his hair. "Something stupid I did. Mabel was the only one who cared enough to help." He looked into Madison's eyes. "Even when I pushed her away she refused to quit on me."
Madison hummed and looked over at Mabel who handed the hanger that held her gift for Wendy to the mother-to-be. Mabel returned her attention to the rack for other options. Dipper, however, held onto his elbow as he alternated between looking at Wendy and the floor.
Robbie laughed and continued, "She said she made it her personal mission to make me happy again. And, well, I mean things weren't perfect, but she did."
Madison stood and simply nodded, unsure of what to say.
Dipper listened to his sister laugh as she found cute items for Wendy's future baby. She delighted in showing them to the older girl and making comments of how she wanted to buy out the entire stock of clothes.
"Hey, Wendy," Dipper finally said. He repeated her name louder to be heard over his sister's excited voice. The redhead looked down at the short boy. "Can I talk to you, in private?"
Wendy glanced over at Robbie to see him talking with the boy's mother. She excused herself from Mabel who busied herself with finding more gifts.
Wendy followed Dipper a little ways down so that they'd be out of earshot of everyone else. Wendy held the hanger hook with both hands.
"Look, I don't meant to be in your business or anything, but...why are you back with Robbie?" Dipper asked.
Wendy stood quiet for a few seconds then she gave him an awkward smile. "I'm actually surprised myself," she said. Wendy leaned against the back of an oak dresser. "After everything that happened, after I was released Robbie came to my house, and-with my father in the room-we had a long talk."
"What did he say?" Dipper asked.
Wendy shrugged. "Lots of stuff. I told him I wasn't getting an abortion even though he wanted me to, but after we talked he finally manned up. He promised to be a father to our child."
"But aren't you worried?" Dipper interjected. "I mean he's already screwed you over before, more than once?"
A wave of anger crashed over Wendy. "That's not your concern," she snapped.
"I'm sorry," Dipper said, holding out his hands. "I just...I want to make sure you're going to be okay, you know."
Wendy released angry air from her nose. "I know," she said. "But he is the father. He's going to be a part of my life whether I want him or not."
"But you don't have to be his girlfriend," Dipper said.
Wendy shook her head. "He's changed," she said. "He wants to work things out. And I-I want to give my daughter the best she can have, you know." Wendy looked up at the models of baby mobiles hanging from the low ceiling. "I know how difficult it's been for my father after my mom passed away."
Dipper lowered his head.
"And sometimes I really wish I had a mother," Wendy continued. "I don't want my girl worrying the same thing. I want her to have lots of people who love her to be there for her. And if her dad really wants to be a part of her life, I'm going to let him. I owe it to my child."
"I understand," Dipper said. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
"Don't stress it," Wendy said. She used the dresser to help adjust her posture. "I'll be fine, you don't have to worry about me." Wendy turned away from Dipper and headed back to where Mabel stood with seven hangers in her hand.
Robbie and Madison looked up as Wendy and Dipper came back into view.
"Where'd you go?" Robbie asked.
Wendy shrugged. "Dipper wanted to show me something, but I think it's a little expensive." She shoved her hands in her jeans pockets. "I'll put it on the registry though, maybe we'll get lucky."
Mabel looked over at her brother whose eyes begged her to drop it. For once she complied.
The three searched through the general knowledge corridor of Bill's Mindscape. Only the doors with relevant labels were even considered. Of those, the doors that could be opened were quickly scanned as they knew they didn't have much time.
Ford's eyes caught a gold plaque that read: Dimensional Hopping. He snapped his fingers and pointed to the door, cluing the other two accompany. Ford turned the knob and pushed only to discover it to be locked.
Handrina gestured for Bill to kneel down, which Bill obeyed. Handrina placed her hand atop of Bill's forehead and chanted a mantra she often used during meditation. The markings on Bill's finger glowed blue and the third eye opened, causing the lock on the other side of the door to release. Ford pushed open the door as Handrina broke her contact with Bill.
The demon grunted as he rose to his feet.
"That's a neat trick," he said with a smirk.
Ford turned his head and ordered the others to follow him inside. There were rows of shelves half of them hidden behind glass, each book dedicated to a specific dimension, and how to travel from one particular dimension to another.
"Why are these locked up?" Handrina asked.
"I was only able to travel to certain realities," Bill answered. He stepped up to the secured shelf and put his hand against the glass. He tapped on it, only for the knocks to ripple on the glass like water. He looked over to the other shelf with the books thrown haphazardly about the shelf, some having fallen on the floor. "Most of those are dimensions I've already destroyed."
Ford walked over to the dilapidated shelf. He picked up a book from the floor to see: Dimension 22 written on the worn cover. He open the book and flipped through the first few pages to see them completely blank. He pressed down on the page and the book disintegrated into ash in his hands.
All those pages were once filled with histories of civilizations from those dimensions. Countless lives and cultures that once existed are now no more, forgotten as though they never existed in the first place. Ford stole a glimpse at Bill and tightened his fist with the realization that his own dimension came close to suffering the same fate just last summer.
"Most of these I was only able to communicate through the Mindscape," Bill said. He chuckled and turned around to take in the room. A vague lost memory told him the information stored in this room used to be easily accessible to him in his true form, the knowledge from there used to frequent his mind. With a sad laugh Bill muttered, "Now I need help just to enter my own mind."
Ford checked all the books on the broken shelf to discover they were all damaged maps of traveling to dead dimensions. A few more books were destroyed at his touch, but most of them were left unharmed, not that it mattered.
Ford approached the glass case. He materialized a giant magnifying glass with attached smaller, more zoomed lenses. He pressed the device against the glass and to the best of his ability checked the titles on the side binding of each book.
"You can enter your own Mindscape at will?" Bill asked Handrina.
The handwitch nodded. "It took many years of meditation, but now it's a breeze," she revealed.
"Do you think you can teach me?" Bill asked.
The handwitch pursed her lips.
"Imagine how much easier it'll be for us all if I was able to travel these rooms on my own during sleep," Bill proposed. "Since my stupid human body requires rest, I'll be able to put it to good use."
"I don't recommend you make a nightly habit of it," Handrina warned. "Mindscape meditation is severely draining."
"Of course, but right now is kind of an emergency, don't you agree?" Bill questioned.
"You do make a point," Handrina said. She put her hands on her hips. "But how will you access the locked rooms." She took hold of Bill's hand and stared down at the bond marks. "This bars you from the majority of your knowledge."
Bill leaned in and whispered with a smirk, "Not if you show me how you were able to open my eye,"
"And just what are you two conspiring?" Ford demanded as he turned, the magnifying glass down by his knee.
"Are you always this paranoid?" Handrina asked.
Bill chuckled. "Please, he's the inter-dimensional definition of the word."
"Well, it's not like you didn't play a huge factor in it," Ford retorted.
Bill shrugged, still laughing.
"Did you figure out a way to open it?" Handrina asked.
"There's no need, from what I gathered none of these books provide information on how to close the portal to dimensions," Ford explained.
Bill scratched at his chin. "You know, maybe we're doin' this all wrong," he mused. "Perhaps this isn't in knowledge." He set his gaze on Ford. "You said the Oracle said it was something I feared most, right?"
"Then it would be in the hallway of fears," Ford finished and threw down the magnifying glass. "Let's go!" He took hold of Bill's hand and rushed out the door.
"Won't even wait for an old lady," Handrina griped as she struggled to keep up.
They passed by the entrance to the infinite maze of memories, the door that showcased all of Bill's dreams, subconscious thought, and an endless hallway of magic and spells. Finally they stopped in front of a door that looked like it belonged at the entrance of a medieval castle. The heavy, gothic arched wooden door with a skull-shaped metal knocker and circular metal handle. At the top center of the door was a opening concealed with three iron bars. Underneath the slot was written in Bill's native language: Dungeon of Fears.
Behind that door sat all of Bill's fears that ranged from the most minor to the deepest-that one being Ford's destination. Ford pulled the handle and the door squeaked open past him, leaving the group staring into a darkened corridor, lit only by torches inside iron sconces made in the design of human hand bones.
Ford took a deep breath, apprehensive to what horrors rested behind the threshold. Just as he moved to step foot inside, Bill clamped a hand on Ford's shoulder and pulled him back.
"Let me go in here alone," Bill said.
"Absolutely not," Ford negated. "I need to see this information for myself."
Bill stepped in front of the entrance. "I'm not going to give you access to this place," Bill defended.
"Bill, get out of the way," Ford demanded.
"These are my private feelings," Bill pleaded with a hand over his chest. "I will not let you gain all this ammunition against me."
"Bill, please, this may be the only way to stop Kryptos and you're selfishly interfering."
Bill stood speechless, staring into the face of his ex. "Selfish?" he asked. "You're asking permission to enter the most vulnerable part of my mind, and you're calling me selfish?"
"Everyone's lives are at stake, so yes," Ford argued. He put a hand on each of Bill's shoulders and held tightly. "Now move, or I will move you."
Bill lowered his head and shook it.
True to his word Ford gripped Bill's shoulders and pushed him, but Bill's feet stood firmly on the floor. Ford tried again, and Bill faltered.
"Stop it!" Bill cried and swatted at Ford. "This is my mind, you can't do this to me here!"
Ford grabbed both of Bill's hands and pushed him up against the wall. He looked into Bill's eyes to see a slight red in the whites.
"Look, I won't...I'll let you look first," Ford promised. "I'll let you look inside all the doors first, and when we find the one we need, we'll look together."
Bill thought for a moment. He silently nodded, not wanting Ford to look inside that section of his mind at all, but at least he'd be granted some privacy.
Handrina stood inside the dungeon with a torch in hand. Ford and Bill followed after. Ford grabbed a torch and Bill's eyes glowed.
Each door looked like the entrance to a medieval prison cell. Bill opened the first to witness the sight of him nearly drowning earlier that summer. He shuddered and closed the door.
Handrina opened a door to her right to see the mangled and decomposing corpses of the Pines family and Soos. She slammed the door shut.
"What was it?" Ford asked.
"Nothing you need to see," the handwitch responded and moved on ahead.
They searched through a few others, none of which would help their current situation. Ford became interested when he heard Handrina laugh at what she witnessed on the other side of the room, but a confirmed negative from Bill would keep that secret a mystery forever. Handrina, however, nudged Bill in the side and teased him. He slapped a hand over her mouth, which she easily dodged, laughing harder.
Bill stopped in front of the next door that was cracked open six inches. He pushed it a bit more and peered inside, instantly regretting it. That face that had haunted his nightmares of recent, and likely would for a while longer grinned back. Bill heaved it shut only for the door to open again.
A robust arm reached out from the door as Bill attempted to close. A second hand caught the edge of the door and pushed against Bill's lesser strength.
"Sixer! Help me!" Bill yelled.
Ford and Handrina rushed to his side. The two helped Bill try to close the heavy door. Ford looked as a head peeked out. He stared into the demented eyes of Aaron Thalen. The man's smile increased. From the right hand he produced a scalpel that glistened from the flame's light.
Thalen thrust his weight against the door causing the three to fall down. The door now fully open allowed the man to step out with the scalpel still in hand.
"Bill Cipher, the beast with one eye," Aaron laughed.
Bill's vision became fainter. He put a hand over his left eye to find himself in permanent darkness. Panicked he touched the injured one to feel an all too familiar sticky liquid and gasped at the scarlet on his palm when he removed his hand.
Ford and Handrina grimaced at the missing orb, revealing the empty socket and a thin trail of blood fell down the blond's cheek.
Thalen grabbed Bill by the collar and sliced the sharp edge of the scalpel against Bill's left cheek. "How about I take this one too?"
The door behind them swung open to reveal Abigail Powers standing tall. She gave Aaron permission and he lowered the tool to the demon's remaining eye.
Ford grabbed Thalen in a headlock from behind. He pulled the serial killer from his ex, with one arm around the larger man's neck and the other hand gripped tightly around Thalen's right hand. He squeezed until Thalen released the scalpel. It fell to the ground.
"It's not real," Ford called as he wrestled with the illusion of Thalen.
"It's not real," Bill repeated. He laughed. "It's not real." Laughing he pulled himself to his feet, slightly hunched over. "No, it's not real." He picked up the fallen scalpel and stared at his reflection to see both eyes intact. "It's not real," he said softly.
Powers vanished from behind Bill.
"You're not real," Bill said while laughing. "I killed you." He thrust the scalpel into Aaron's throat causing him to gurgle as blood poured from the wound. "And I'll kill you again."
The image of Thalen slowly dissolved into a gray mist. Ford caught his breath and Bill fell to his knees. The door that housed that fear slammed shut, echoing in the dungeon.
Ford approached the smaller man. Bill looked up at Ford who looked equally shaken, and all he could do was laugh. Tears leaked from Bill's eyes which he wiped away with his shirt sleeves. Ford held out his hand. Bill stared at the gesture for a few seconds before accepting the offer; Ford pulled his ex to his feet.
They looked over at Handrina who wore an expression of surprise and confusion. Deciding it would be too much to explain Ford suggested they move on.
They came to the end of the dungeon. The door to the left bore no inscription, just an engraving of Bill Cipher's true form. Etched on the door to the left was the infinity symbol.
Bill opened the door on the left and was engulfed in a golden light. He shielded his eyes until his body adjusted to the brightness and when he opened his eyes he saw a mirror reflection of himself.
Bill stepped in closer and touched the reflection. The mirror cracked and the markings on his finger glowed. The light diminished and the weaving pattern expanded. Bill watched in silent horror as his entire body became decorated in those markings.
He glanced up to see his triangle form only transparent and without color. Bill reached out and the triangle shut his eye then disappeared. The frail creature in the mirror became more emaciated until all skin withered away leaving only dry bones which turned to dust.
A tiny rock marker remained where his reflection once stared back. The faceless figures of the Pines twins stood in black clothing behind the rock with flowers in hand. The twins set the bouquets down at th grave and then turned away to leave. Bill watched the flowers rot and weeds gradually covered his miniscule gravestone.
The mirror broke into shards which crashed down at his feet. The room fell black.
Bill backed up until his body collided with Ford's.
"Are you ready?" Ford asked as he looked at the door in front of him. "This has to be it." He studied Bill's face and frowned. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah-yeah I'm fine," Bill said hurriedly.
Ford lifted a brow.
Bill cleared his throat. "I'm a little shaken up by what we've seen, but I'll be fine." He looked straight ahead and put on a false smile. "Let's do this."
Bill opened the door and the three looked into what looked like a starry night. The triangle form of Bill floated in the center with his arms behind his back. A younger version of Ford accompanied him. Ford squirmed at the utter delight on his younger self's face.
The stars switched to the blueprints for the portal that would connect all dimensions when finished. Before Bill revealed his true intentions.
Ford stepped further into the room. Looking at the equation it finally made sense.
"Can it really be that simple?" Ford gasped.
Bill and Handrina stared at the old man.
"I need to reverse it," Ford whispered. "I need to reverse the entire equation."
"And that'll close every method of travel between all dimensions?" Bill asked.
Ford lowered his head. "Yes," he said although he felt his heart shatter.
The author pulled the journal from his pocket then produced a pen from his breast pocket. "I'll need to rewrite the entire equation," Ford stated. "I destroyed the originals."
Bill backed out of the room. He glanced over at the door behind him and felt the overwhelming urge to vomit.
"Are you okay?" Ford asked when he noticed Bill's face.
"I'm not feeling so good," he admitted. Ford went to put the pen back in his pocket and Bill held out a hand. "No, no, you take notes, I just need some air."
Ford nodded then turned back to his task.
Bill's attention fell on the Handwitch who stared in awe. Bill put a hand on her shoulder then motioned for her to follow. Quietly Bill and Handrina snuck out of the dungeon.
"What are we doing?" Handrina asked once they were back inside the main area of the Fearamid.
"I need your help with something important," Bill answered as he power-walked.
"Must we walk so fast?" Handrina complained.
"We don't have much time," Bill replied.
"Where are we going?" the handwitch questioned as she exerted her energy to keep up.
"The restoration room," Bill responded. "I remember exactly where it is."
In the eighty ninth dimension stood a seedy bar. The lights were dim and the music slow as the sultry atmosphere that crept its way through the open doorway. The patrons sat around drinking away the misery of the humid day, knowing tomorrow would be no more pleasant than the one before.
Through the open doors stepped the band of six. They made their way through the hazy building and up to the bar. He slammed his hand down on the surface and demanded the strongest drink they had.
The bartender sneered at the rhombus, but a glare from the female demon put him in motion. Pacifier groaned as he sat down. He wiped away the sweat collected on his forehead and underneath his belly.
"Do we really gotta be here, it's miserable," the tiny demon complained.
Pyronica sat down in the chair next to Kryptos and crossed one leg over the other. Xanthar sat down next to her, and 8-Ball on the other side of him. The sixth, a transparent, eyeless creature wearing a gray trenchcoat by the name of Hobb, leaned against the bar.
After destroying Jheselbraum's dimension they were transported to the next one, dimension eighty eight, a near vacant realm being pulled into a black hole. That's where they met Hobb. He didn't give much information, only that he too held a grudge against Bill Cipher.
"I heard rumors this is where that dimension traveler has been known to visit," Hobb said.
"Isn't that man a bumbling drunk?" Pyronica asked.
"Yes, but he apparently invented a device that allows him to skip dimensions at will. Sanchez, they call him," Hobb replied.
"Sounds convenient," Pacifier commented.
The bartender served the group their drinks.
"I've heard that name, he supposedly has ties with the human bonded to Bill," Kryptos added.
"I come here frequently, hoping to run into him," Hobb said. He squeezed the glass until it cracked. The amber whiskey dripped from the deeper crack in the side.
"Hey, what I tell you?" the bartender barked. "You break another glass and you buy a whole new case."
"What do you know about a man named Sanchez?" Kryptos asked, pulling the bartender's attention away from their new acquaintance.
The bartender spat in disgust. "That man's banned from this place. He caused enough chaos for one lifetime."
"Much good it did us to come to this sh-y place," Pyronica grumbled before she downed her entire glass of whiskey.
A massive one-eyed creature towering over eight feet, with large ears and five horns adorning his head moved up next to Pyronica. He put a huge hand on her thigh causing the pink demon to scowl.
"Hey, scrumptious, how 'bout we have some fun," he said with a wiggle of his eyebrows.
Pyronica smirked. "Sure, you look tasty."
Before the other patron could react Pyronica projected her tongue which wrapped around his immense body, then she swallowed him in six bites. The tall demon licked her luscious lips then let out a loud burp.
Several other barflies turned away, albeit muttered about what they just witnessed. Two others who had their eyes on Pyronica suddenly lost all interest.
The bartender slid a fresh glass of Pyronica's preferred beverage towards her.
"It's on the house. That guy's always looking for an excuse to not pay his tab and scares away all the ladies," he explained.
Pyronica tipped the glass in her server's direction then gulped the burning liquid down.
"We're already behind schedule," Kryptos said as he swirled the whiskey and ice in his glass. "You promised us a lead, and I gave you a fair chance."
Hobb straightened up.
"Can I do it? I'm pissed enough having to be in this hot place," Pacifier begged.
"Hold up, I told you what I know," Hobb said holding up his hands in front of him. "We're on..." He looked over at Pyronica who only smirked knowingly. His eyes landed back on Kryptos who sat with his arms crossed, impatience clear on ihs face. "We're on the same team."
Kryptos released his hold on the glass letting it crash on the ceramic tiles below. Hobb jumped backwards. The rhombus moved out of his seat and levitated over to the trenchcoat-wearing creature, who cowered before the smaller being.
"You're bold to assume you'd ever have a spot on my team," Kryptos boomed.
"Yeah, our leader's very picky," 8-Ball added.
"Look, I-I-I come here a lot," Hobb explained. He pointed to the bartender who busied himself with cleaning a glass. "He-he can vouch for me."
Kryptos kept his eyes on Hobb.
The eyeless creature continued, "I heard he comes here. I-I even heard he knows Bill." Hobb gave a weak smile. "It-it was an honest mistake. A chance. It was a chance."
"A chance you blew," Kryptos growled.
"Don't-don't do this," begged Hobb. He took hold of Kryptos' wrist. "I'm your ally. I hate Bill Cipher just as much as you."
All conversation ceased at the mention of Cipher's name. From behind they heard the bartender slam the clean glass on the counter. Kryptos glanced up to see all eyes either on him, or trying their best to pretend they weren't staring in his direction.
"I told you never to mention that name in here," the bartender said. He pointed a ray gun in Hobb's direction. "It makes the other customers uncomfortable."
"Fearing his name is only giving him what he wants," said a feminine voice from the table across the way.
The gang looked over to see a peach star-shaped demon sipping liquor from a thin glass. Her eyes closed and eyelashes about four inches in length. She opened her eyes to reveal large purple irises.
The bartender lowered the weapon. "Keep your voices down," he said then turned to a new group of customers approaching the bar.
"Consider yourself lucky this time," Kryptos spat at Hobb then made his way to the stranger.
"Very lucky," Pacifier said with a pout. He, Xanthar, 8-Ball, and Pyronica followed their leader to the table.
"You're acquainted with Cipher too?" Kryptos asked.
The star frowned. "Not quite, but I have my reasons for wanting him dead," she said.
"Well, we already have something in common," Kryptos said with a laugh. He introduced himself and his party, purposely leaving out Hobb.
"Bellmar," she said then finished off the rest of her drink. "Trust me, if I knew where he was he'd been dead a long time ago."
"You seem confident," Pyronica commented.
Bellmar sent her a glare then returned her gaze to the leader.
"I know where Bill is, the good news is he's trapped in a human body and can't leave his dimension," Kryptos said.
"How'd he get trapped?" Bellmar asked.
"A human tricked him," Pacifier answered.
Bellmar sat stunned for a moment. A few seconds later her lips curved up into a smile. She shut her eyes and chuckled. The laugh erupted into a full guffaw. Kryptos smiled. Pyronica pursed her lips, the flames around her body glowed brighter.
"Yes, it's fitting," Kryptos said. "Always thought he was superior to everyone else, and now he's among the lowest."
"What I'd give to see him in that pathetic form," Bellmar said.
"Me too," Hobb added, although no one paid him any attention.
"We're in search of a way to travel dimensions," Kryptos revealed. "I'm ready to tear that dimension apart, and make him suffer. It'll be sweet to see him writhing in agony as I take away everything dear to him."
Bellmar lit up. "You said you know where he is?" she asked. Kryptos replied with a nod. Bellmar smirked, "If you can provide the location, I can get us there."
"Excellent!" Kryptos yelled, his grin as wide as his face.
"But on one condition," Bellmar said holding up a finger. "After you're done toying with him, I get to be the one who ends him."
"Kryptos, no," Pyronica protested and grabbed her boyfriend by the arm. She spun him around so that his eyes stared into her glaring one. "You promised me I could kill him."
"Pyra, dear," Kryptos said as he patted her hand. "Sometimes we have to make sacrifices to get what we need." He turned back towards Bellmar and extended his hand. "We have a deal."