Disclaimer: I do not own Gravity Falls
This is very long.
Edited and revised 7/13/15
~~0~~0~~0~~
Dipper bit his lip as he dragged the prickly hairs of the broom across the floor once more. Glancing down at his wrist, Dipper took note of the time as he always did.
11:22 a.m.
Groaning, he stepped to the side to brush away more invisible dust. Why did Stan have to make them work Fridays?
Dipper's mind wandered to fantasies of what would happen later that day. Of a forest with filtered light caused by jade leaves, whose air buzzed of magic and mystery. Of beautiful places. Of terrible creatures. Of a certain god who might not be all that bad...(but still pretty bad).
Questions ran rampant through Dipper's mind. Ones that couldn't be found in a book and ones that couldn't be asked. Bill was said to be evil, but he wasn't really. Right? Why was he so friendly? Why was he interested in him? The god said it was because he wanted entertainment but to Dipper it more or less seemed liked he was lonely. Then again, Dipper wasn't good at reading people. How could he be able to read a god?
The young brunet sighed as he sidestepped a shopping patron and continued with his sweeping.
He hadn't exactly gathered all pieces of possible information about the mysterious god. No, he'd dug through old books, done field research, fitted multiple golden puzzle pieces together creating not quite a picture, but an idea of a larger picture and perhaps there really wasn't a way to see the image that was the mystery of Bill Cipher, but that didn't mean he couldn't get better focus on what he saw now.
Although Dipper had never been a fan of old stories that stretched the truth, even he had to admit old wives tales could be useful.
The only problem was who he could ask.
Mabel and him had heard whispers of old tall tales when they were young in school from other children. Of evil monsters in the woods, of creatures who would eat bad children, of a dastardly villain in the woods who would give children who wandered too close to his domain terrible nightmares.
Though Dipper stood by his logic that urban legends and tales of that sort were silly and exaggerated, every story had some nugget of truth and history in it.
Who could he ask? He didn't really know of any elders in town and he would never ask Wendy if she remembered.
Speaking of Wendy...
Dipper briefly stopped sweeping to watch the redhead ring up another customer, smile small and fake, eyes gleaming with boredom.
The young brunet gave a small sigh, cheeks tinting slightly. Dipper was grateful that she didn't get caught by Stan after being chased off. Who knew what would've happened if she had. Nothing good, Dipper imagined.
Turning away from Wendy to avoid staring at her for too long again, Dipper dived behind a shelf, sweeping the little dirt and dust collected underneath.
Ugh, he hated sweeping.
Poking his head back out, the young brunet worked his way back out into the open, not wanting to knock anything over again.
"Heya Dipper," A friendly voice said. "How's the sweeping going?"
Dipper looked up and grinned at his friend Soos. As always, Soos wore a peaceful and happy expression.
"Nothing much," Dipper dismissed. "Still reading about Project Gemini?" The young boy pointed at the magazine the man-child was holding, fuzzy pictures depicting amazing technology and spacecraft.
Soos beamed downwards at him. "You know it, dude! I mean, they want to go to the moon! Like, the actual moon! Isn't that crazy?"
Dipper laughed and voiced his agreement, "Yup! Magic and machines can do a lot together, can't they? Anyways, how are you doing today?"
Soos shrugged. "Well, I just fixed the sink again," The man said, getting a short interruption from Dipper via groan. "Though Mr. Pines didn't tell me what to do afterwards so..." Soos trailed off.
Dipper rolled his eyes. "Sounds like Grunkle Stan."
"What about you, dude? Heard you got grounded or something..." Soos gave Dipper a suspicious and disappointed look, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Dipper groaned once more, eyes darting to the floor briefly. For whatever reason, the thought of Soos actually being disappointed at him put a sour taste in his mouth. Scratching the back of his neck nervously, Dipper relayed on the...cut version of what actually happened, gut twisting a bit at the lie.
When his short story was done, Soos simply stared down at Dipper with surprised, crestfallen eyes. "That's not cool, dude," He finally said. "Not cool at all."
Dipper sighed and placed his head against the broom, the sick feeling in his gut burning stronger. "I know. And I've learned my lesson. Won't happen again."
Soos nodded. "It's okay to mess up once in awhile, just make sure you learn from your mistakes, dude. Just remember, everyone makes mistakes. Even the President!"
Dipper blinked at Soos's strangely wise comment, but gave the man-child a wide and grateful grin nonetheless. "Thanks, man."
"So, why did you take the journal in the first place? You didn't go into the woods, did you?"
Dipper shook his head sharply. "No! Of course not! It's just...I wanted to know more about the forest and what lives in it...you know?"
Soos gave the young brunet an easy smile. "Hey, it's fine. If you want to know stuff about the woods, there are plenty of people to talk to."
"Well, I don't know..." Dipper trailed off, scuffing his shoe against the floor, eyes darting to either side. "Mabel's more...social than I am."
Soos clapped a heavy hand on Dipper's shoulder, giving it a light and reassuring squeeze. "Hey, don't worry about it, dude. After your grounding, you can go to the library and get plenty of books about the forest!"
Dipper bit his tongue at the irony.
"Well...I actually wanted to know more about the legends."
"Like kid stories?"
Dipper felt his face heat up a bit. "Yeah."
Soos's eyes flashed with a bright, excited look as his easy smile grew into a larger grin. "Well, why didn't you say so, dude? My Abuelita knows all about those stories! She used to tell them to me when I was a kid."
Dipper beamed at his friend, heart light and mind already whirling at the possibilities. "What? Really? Can- can I, you know..."
Soos laughed, "Sure you can talk to her! She'd love you! I can take you over there today if you want. When are you getting off your shift?"
Dipper gave his broom a sly look before leaning it against the wall. "Right now. Stan didn't tell me what to do when I was done sweeping."
Soos started for the door. "Awesome! Where's Mabel? I bet she'd like to come too!"
Dipper shrugged in response, already a step behind the larger man. "Hanging out with her friends, I think."
"Oh, okay then. Think we should go pick her up?"
"Nah. She's not into stuff like this," Dipper responded.
"Hey, where are you two going?" Wendy called out as the two reached the door.
Blushing faintly, Dipper waved back. "Just going over to Soos's place to, uh, hang out!"
"I thought you wanted my Abuelita to tell you children stories about the forest?"
Dipper blushed harder as Wendy cocked an eyebrow at him. "Ah, yeah...uh, bye Wendy!"
Grabbing Soos's arm, the young brunet slammed the door open and hurriedly dashed down the steps.
"L-let's go!" Dipper stuttered, already past the point of berating the older man on embarrassing him in front of Wendy.
The drive didn't take long. Though the Mystery Shack was at the edge of the treeline at the edge of town, Gravity Falls was a decently small place. Not tiny by any means, but not large either. Just a simple town in a simple place with an impossibly complicated and hidden history.
The two friends chatted amiably as Soos drove, soft rock playing in the background quietly. The two talked about anything and everything that came up, from work to school to even the weather.
Finally, Soos pulled up to his house. It was a rickety old thing, shingles dropping off and wood old and split in some places, but even from the outside had a certain motherly- or grandmotherly, in this case- charm.
Climbing out of Soos's truck, Dipper tripped over his own ankle, falling onto the harsh and hot ground in a heap.
"Ow!" He cried out, nursing a small, bloody gash on his knee.
"Dude, are you okay?" Soos called out, worry clear in his tone.
"M'fine," Dipper said, slowly standing back up. Reaching down, he brushed dirt away from the wound. He'd have to disinfect it as soon as he could. Wincing a bit at the pain, along with the gross feel of blood dribbling down his leg, Dipper limped over to a waiting Soos, showing him his leg.
"Ah, man, dude! That looks like it hurts! I'm sure we have some band aids though."
I think this will take a lot more than band aids. Dipper thought. However, all he did was nod.
Soos lead him up to the house, goofy smile all the way. Dipper was struck by the surprise that after all these years, he had never actually seen Soos's house.
It was strange, but not unheard of. After all, Soos practically lived at the shack.
That anxious thought gave way to more. Did Soos have a bad home life? An abusive relative?
Soos threw open his door. "Abuelita! I'm home!" He cried.
Dipper blinked as he was ushered in by a grinning Soos. Standing in the foyer, Dipper did a quick take on his surroundings. The home was small. From the entrance alone he could see the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Plaster was peeling off of old, yellowed walls and the scent of old sugar mixed with the stench of mothballs. Crosses were hanging crookedly on the wall to his right while the wall on his left held a picture of a younger Soos, beaming brightly into the camera, holding an ice cream cone.
"Ah, Soos! Welcome home sweetie," An older, slightly accented voice called out from the living room.
Dipper gulped thickly, nervous in the prospect of meeting another person. He could already feel sweat pool in the palms of his hands. Nervously, he flattened his bangs, hoping his birthmark was properly covered.
Soos lead him deeper into the house. Anxious, Dipper stared at the walls, taking in the many different photos of Soos before letting his eyes flicker to the abnormally clean floor.
"Hey Abuelita! This is my friend Dipper Pines! The one I'm always telling you about," Soos said, taking a seat in the nearby couch.
Dipper looked up at Soos's grandmother. Like her grandson, she was a bit on the portly side with giant corkscrew curls of gray hair. Wrinkles lined her soft face and her brown eyes, though weighed down by age, were still bright. She gave him a welcoming smile, causing Dipper to relax slightly in her presence.
"Hello, Dipper Pines," She greeted, her voice cracking with age, but still warm. "How ar- oh, you're bleeding! Soos, go get the first aid kit," She cried.
Soos saluted her, standing up straight. "Yes ma'am!" He barked before leaving.
Soos's Abuelita beckoned him to sit on the nearby couch.
Dipper complied.
"Just sit your leg up on that coffee table. Don't want your socks to get stained."
Dipper glanced down at his white socks, already speckled with his cherry-red blood. "Okay," He murmured shyly, doing as she ordered. He couldn't stop himself from shifting every few seconds, ants crawling through his veins. He could not sit still.
As soon as Dipper placed his leg onto the table, Soos charged right back in, white kit in hand, and gave it to his grandmother with a smile.
"Here you go," He said proudly, taking a seat next to Dipper.
Soos's Abuelita thanked him before cracking the kit open, taking out a small spray bottle of disinfectant and a roll of bandages.
"Could you go get me a wet rag?" She asked Soos.
Like before, the man-child hopped up, saluted her, and ran off to get the needed item.
She chuckled in response.
"Soos is such a good boy," She started, unwrapping the bandages some and making sure there was still disinfectant in the bottle. "I'm grateful to have such a good child."
Dipper blinked in response.
Soos walked back in with the wet rag and handed it over, taking a seat next to Dipper as he did so.
Wet rag in hand, Soos's Abuelita went straight to work, dabbing the blood off Dipper's leg and wiping away the excess dirt he hadn't brushed off before. After a few more experimental dabs around the wound itself, the older woman switched it out with the disinfectant, which she promptly sprayed right into the scrape.
Dipper let out a hiss as pain splintered through his leg, a terrible burning sensation of chemicals.
"I'm afraid I've never been to good with magic, or I would have used that instead. Are you okay?" She asked.
Dipper gave her a tight nod. "Yeah," He squeaked out.
Soos gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
After making sure the wound was clean, the older woman picked up the bandages and started winding it around his knee, over and over again. The material was surprisingly soft and comfortable and she made sure not to wrap it too tight or too loose. Once Soos's Abuelita was satisfied with her work, she cut and tied it off, a small smile playing on her chapped lips.
"There we go. Done. Want a lollipop?" She pulled out a red sucker from the first-aid kit.
Not wanting to turn her hospitality away, Dipper accepted the treat and stuck it in his mouth, wincing at the stale cherry flavor.
"So Abuelita, Dipper here wanted to ask you about the stories of the forest," Soos told her.
Dipper flashed him a grateful look.
The older woman gave Dipper a warm, nonjudgmental look. "And what stories would you like to hear? Soos always loved the ones about goblins..."
Dipper took his leg off the coffee table and leaned onto one of the arm rests. "Actually, I, uh, heard that an actual god or something lived in there..." He trailed off, uncertain, hand rubbing the back of his neck absentmindedly.
The woman leaned back, a small frown on her face. "You want to hear the story of the Nightmare King?"
Dipper choked on his sucker trying to hold back his chuckle. Nightmare King? Bill the Nightmare King? It was such a stupid title.
Quickly schooling his features before she could notice his amusement, Dipper gave her a terse nod.
The woman turned to Soos suddenly. "Soos, how about you go clean up your room while I tell Mr. Pines here the story?"
Soos's originally elated face fell into disappointment, but he did as she said, giving Dipper a half-hearted goodbye before bumbling away.
The young brunet turned and gave the older woman a questioning look.
Soos's Abuelita stared at him with tired eyes. "Soos would get scared of a story like this and with him working so many jobs, he needs a good's night rest."
"Is that why he's never h-" Dipper blushed, catching himself from asking such a personal question. "Oh my gods I'm so sorry! You don't have to, um, answer that I didn't mea-"
She cut off his ramblings with a wave of her hand. "No, no. It's fine, dear. Soos works three jobs right now. He's such a good boy."
Dipper blinked and flushed a bit more, recalling his earlier thoughts. How could he ever think this woman could be abusive? No wonder Soos was everywhere in town.
He was trying to support his grandmother.
"Oh." Was all he could say.
The older woman gave him a calming and easy smile. "Would you like to hear the story now?"
Dipper gave her a grateful grin and settled himself down into a more comfortable position. "Yes please!"
"A long time ago, there lived a terrible god," She started. "One that was corrupt and evil, who held no regard to human life. Every year he would terrorize the people of the country-side with terrible nightmares. Most didn't- couldn't wake up from their terrors and would be stuck in their coma of fright until they passed away. The unlucky ones did indeed wake, however."
A shiver raced down Dipper's spine. Remember, it's only a tall tale. He reminded himself, recalling how Bill's fingers felt when they had run through his hair. Dipper quickly put his face into both hands, effectively hiding his slight blush.
She continued on, "When the unlucky ones woke up, they weren't the same, just shells of their former selves. Some went mad, hurting themselves or loved ones. The ones that didn't couldn't live with what they had done, and killed themselves. This went on for many years, the Nightmare King reveling in the power he had until a brave man stepped forth."
Dipper was leaning on the edge of his seat, eyes wide.
"The brave man was tired. His brother had fallen to the nightmares, along with his close friends. With no one left but himself, he swore revenge on the Nightmare King."
She flashed the enraptured Dipper a small, sad smile before continuing.
"He journeyed into the Nightmare King's realm, located deep in the forest in a place so dark and depraved, not even color could shine. However, the Nightmare King's land was a wicked one and heavily protected. One had to survive every single fear they had to get inside."
"However, without friends or family, the brave man had no fears. All of them had died in the wake of his grief. Unchallenged, he strode forward easily and unstopped, right up to the Nightmare King."
"What did he do?" Dipper gasped at her pause, mouth wide open.
She continued on, as if he hadn't spoke. "The Nightmare King was aghast that someone could walk in so easily and demanded who they were and why they had come. The brave man wasn't frightened in even the Nightmare King's presence. No, he was angry and answered him- That he was there to not only enact revenge, but to stop him once and for all."
Dipper's eyes shined.
"The Nightmare King laughed a terrible laugh, throwing his head back to make fun of the mortal who had the gall to stride in a make threats. So busy with his laughter and hilarity, he didn't see the man draw out a holy sword, engraved with all the blessings of the fallen. Not making a sound, the brave man jumped up and slit the Nightmare King's throat."
"Did he die?" Dipper asked.
She shook her head slowly and continued, "No. The Nightmare King collapsed as his neck bled gold ichor- blood of the gods. The Nightmare King was a terrible being. So terrible, that not even gods themselves recognized him as their own. Yet, that meant nothing. He was still a god and thus, could not be killed by a mere mortal."
Soos's Abuelita eyes hardened.
"But, they could be trapped and drained. With the god weakened, the brave man was able to take both him and the Nightmare King out of his evil realm of terror, bringing them back to the world of color. There, he sealed the god into the realms of the forest, a place where he could never leave. Unable to get back to his home and severely wounded, the Nightmare King turned what was leftover of his powers to the brave man, slaughtering him on the spot."
Dipper's mouth dropped open fully, eyes blown wide. He didn't think that the hero would-would...well, die.
"Despite the man's death, the barriers held. The man had bled his selfless blood onto the ground, filled with his eternal love for his family and all things good, his eternal hate for the Nightmare King, and everything he stood for. Unable to leave and cut off from his powers, the Nightmare King faded away into a husk of his former glory, only able to feed off of those who wander into the woods in hope of one day collecting enough energy to break free and wreak havoc once again."
Dipper was speechless. Absolutely speechless.
The ghost touch of Bill's hands ran over his skin, warming it up and causing goosebumps to rise.
It's just a story. Obviously not true.
All stories had a nugget of truth in them. Where was the truth here?
The older woman gave him a worried look. "Are you okay, dear? Did I scare you?"
Dipper quickly shook himself out of his stupor and gave her the best smile he could. "No, no! I'm fine! Really. So, that's it? That was...depressing."
She gave a small, weak laugh, "So it was. But no, there is a different, but similar story as well. Do you want to hear it?"
Dipper nodded quickly, "Yes, please!"
"Well, this one is very similar, but there are some key differences." The older woman cleared her throat and began.
"Once upon a time, deep in the country, lived a selfish and greedy god. This god wanted nothing more than worship and rule over the innocent people of the town. Sweeping in, he easily took the town, without a thought. However, he was a terrible lord. One that did not care for human life. He tortured his subjects with cruel nightmares. If the poor victims woke up from his abuse, they were never the same, either going completely mad or simply killing themselves to stop their pain."
Dipper shuddered.
"This evil went on for many years until three brave brothers stepped forward, ready to take down the evil, godly tyrant. However, they couldn't do it alone. A being appeared before them, another god, who promised power to the three as long as they swore to take down their tyrant, The Night Terror."
"At least he has a better name now," Dipper muttered thoughtfully.
The older woman shot him a slightly confused glance before continuing, "The new god blessed each of them with a certain power. To the oldest, he gifted strength, to be able to do what needed to be done. To the middle child, he gifted willpower, an inner fire that would never fizzle out. Lastly, to the youngest he gifted intelligence to be able to see what would otherwise be hidden. Ready to take on The Night Terror with their gifts, the three brothers made their way into his palace to confront him, taking out every guard that got in their way. Though the were very tired by the time they got to the throne room, they were more than ready."
"The god was waiting for them. The good god from before had, in fact, betrayed them to The Night Terror in a promise for power."
Dipper scowled, "What a jerk."
The older woman smiled slightly at his comment before continuing.
"However, despite the warning, the three were ready. The first brother fought bravely with the god and with help from the youngest brother, was able to trip and trick The Night Terror and pin him in place. Weakened and humiliated, the middle brother strode forward and using his knowledge of the magical arts, was able to bind the god to the forest, trapping him eternally."
"The god was enraged by their actions and that anger lead to strength. He threw the first brother off him and continued to fight for revenge. Though the three brothers were able to hold their ground longer than any other mortal should ever be capable of, each did eventually fall. First was the older brother, who had strength but not smarts. With a few dirty tricks here and there, he promptly fell. Next was the middle brother, who had the willpower to stand, but not strength. He fell next, heart ripped out from his chest."
Dipper stared at her in horror.
"The last brother, alone and doomed, had intelligence, but not the willpower to continue or even to try and get away. Drawing his own sword, he slit his own stomach open and died. Despite the death of the three brothers, The Night Terror was still trapped. Unable to draw power from the nightmares he corrupted his subjects with, his entire empire fell. Just a husk of his former glory, The Night Terror still lingers in the woods, killing anyone he comes across to take their life energy so that one day, he can break free."
Dipper was speechless once more. He didn't know which story was worse. Both ended in tragedy and decay. It sickened him.
The nugget of truth...
Well, both stories ended with not only the hero, or heroes, dead, but...well...Bill trapped in the forest and wanting to get out.
However, there were a lot of things living in the forest, many of them dangerous. Plus, Bill hadn't ever really...hurt him.
Annoy him? Yes.
Embarrass him? Yes.
Got way too close? Yes.
Dipper remembered how the god held him like a child. Like something that needed to be protected.
An image swam to the forefront of his mind.
How lonely Bill looked, golden eyes slightly dimmed, looking far away, reminiscing. How that normally morbidly cheerful grin would simply drop.
Not in a frown and not normal for the god either.
Dipper glanced down at his watch, eyes bulging when he read the time. He was going to be late!
"Thank you so much for sharing those stories! I, um, I have to go now. It's getting quite late."
"Oh, it's no problem. But please keep these stories away from Soos. Don't want him to get nightmares, after all."
Dipper gave her a small nod. "Will do."
Getting up, the young boy once again thanked her, making his way to the front door while denying the need for a car. He was late as it is and he already had his notebook and pen on him. That's all he really needed anyways, really.
Finally squirming away from Soos's Abuelita, he gave the street a quick glance back and forth. Making sure no one was watching him, he sprinted straight into the forest.
Hopefully, Bill won't be too annoyed.
~~0~~0~~0~~
Bill could feel when Pine Tree entered the forest. Magic buzzed around the intruder, weaker than before, but still prominent.
His annoyance, his ire bubbled inside him. Sparks of blue flame crackled along his skin, recently fed but still hungry.
Pine Tree wasn't only late, but at the wrong entrance.
Bill growled lowly. Looks like the little tree needed to be taught a lesson.
Bill blipped away.
~~0~~0~~0~~
Dipper bit his lip nervously, blood pounding in his veins. He was not only late, but at the wrong entrance as well.
Bill still hadn't showed up.
Dipper padded into the forest, eyes darting around. Without his backpack, he felt especially vulnerable.
The young boy had already walked a good deal, unable to see civilization behind him. The forest air buzzed around him, oppressing. Dipper's heart twisted in guilt while his gut knotted in fear.
Slowing down to a stop, Dipper stared ahead blankly, feeling the filtered light fall across his face in warm patterns that did not match the cold feeling pulsating through him. His breathing grew heavier, ragged as time crawled on. His knees trembled, pain blossoming in one. Sweat perspired on the back of his neck and his palms, chilling him even further.
There was a flash out if the corner of his eye. Of something blue. Bright.
Angry.
Dipper whipped around, looking like a deer trapped in headlights. The air around him grew heavier, pressing in on him from all sides, it's hot embrace doing nothing for his frigid skin. The young boy's bottom lip quivered and his breathing became frantic and shallow.
"Well, well, well. Someone's late," A cheery but tight voice noted, echoing slightly in the dead silence.
Bill strolled out from behind a tree, back ramrod straight. Blue flames seemed to flicker on his skin, noticeably brighter than before. The gold in his hair had actually changed, becoming more red with anger. His one visible eye was completely black with a single red pupil, a soulless black void that held little regard for anything, thin red slit like the gateway to Hell.
Dipper didn't even realize he had been backing up slowly until he collided with a tree. Shivering more than ever now, the young boy cowered slightly under the god, unsure if what to do.
Easily angered.
What damning words. Why hadn't he taken them to heart?
His small, dry pink tongue darted out to lick his chapped lips. Finding some semblance of breath in his lungs, he gasped out, "I'm so so so sorry! I-I lost t-track of time a-and wasn't n-near the Mystery Sha-Shack." His voice shook and he cowered down even further.
Before he could blink, Bill was before him, that single, terrifying eye holding his biggest fears. The god towered above him, larger than life. Larger than the universe.
Dipper didn't know he was on the ground until he stopped slipping. Since when had he even started?
The god's legs were either side of him, effectively cutting off any chance to escape. Bill crouched down, still taller than him.
At this point, Dipper could feel the sparks of flame, hot and bothered, on the god's skin. Before, the fire was warm and inviting, wrapping him up like a blanket. Now, all the flames promised was pain.
Curling in on himself, Dipper tried to hide his eyes under his hair, only for Bill to grab his chin and make him look upwards at him.
Dipper felt a few terrified tears bubble in his ducts, not spilling over yet.
"Really, now? And why were you not at the- what was it you called it? Mystery Shack?" Bill's voice was smooth and deadly.
"I- I was at a friend's house," Dipper stuttered. Unable to turn away from that blackened eye, Dipper blinked fast and hard.
Now tears were definitely leaking out of his eyes, hot and salty down the contours of his face, wetting Bill's glove as they dropped onto his hand.
Bill pulled away from Dipper slightly, removing his hand. He sat back on his haunches, still pinning him in place, but not nearly as overbearing as before.
"Really now?" He repeated.
Dipper nodded quickly, hair flaring out at the force of his nods. "Yes! Yes! Really, I'm really, really sorry! It won't happen again!"
This time, Bill visibly relaxed, tenseness draining from his slim form, hair once more shining bright gold. His eye slowly faded back to a more normal color, still darker than usual but nowhere near as terrifying as what is had been before.
"Make sure it doesn't," Bill said stiffly before grabbing Dipper's upper arms and yanking him upwards.
Still trembling from what just happened, Dipper stared upwards at Bill with wet eyes, sniffling slightly. "I will," He responded solemnly.
Bill stared down at the kid, his toes curling in his shoes at the expression the boy had on his face. Pine Tree's smiling, bright face was cute and precious for sure, an oddity he'd never seen before. However, seeing the child fearful of him, seeing him cower before him was beauty in and of itself. With the child staring up at him with such wet, soulful eyes, Bill was taken aback by the expression. It was one of sadness and lingering fright, but also guilt.
Pine Tree was feeling guilty for letting him down. How...strange. Interesting.
He really was a weird kid.
Bill flashed a smile down at the child, letting his sharp teeth glint in the light. He buried a hand into Dipper's hair, the strands weaving between his fingers.
As always, the child's hair was surprisingly soft.
"Good," Bill removed his hand and took a few steps back, "Now, shall we go?"
Dipper stared as Bill took a few steps back from him, gifting him more personal space. Still feeling a bit bad for letting the god down, Dipper gave Bill a small smile before wiping his eyes away and stepping up to Bill's side to join him.
"Yeah. Where are we going to go?" He asked, eyes slowly gaining that bright and odd light.
"Oh, you'll love this place, Pine Tree!" Bill said while summoning a black cane to twirl around, hitting the trees as he started walking.
Dipper ran to catch up, the god's legs much longer than his own.
"Oh, what's it like?" Dipper questioned, pulling at the bottom of his shirt in excitement.
"Why, you'll just have to wait and see! It's a surprise, after all."
Dipper groaned through an excited grin. "And we have to walk there?"
"Yup! Walking's good for you!" Bill chirped.
Dipper rolled his eyes, "So, uh, Bill?"
The god cocked an eyebrow at Dipper's shy, questioning tone. "What?"
"Um, what do you do when I'm not here?"
Many things flashed through Bill Cipher's mind, but he spoke none of it. The kid didn't need to know, after all.
"Oh, this and that," He started, voice laced with boredom. "Wander around. Torture some animals. Once in awhile have a conversation with one of the more, ah, smarter denizens that live here."
"And that's all?"
"Well, what else is there to do?"
Without even actively realizing it, Dipper grabbed Bill's hand and gave it a small squeeze, turning his sympathetic brown eyes up to the god's singular gold one.
"That sounds so boring!" He cried out.
Bill shrugged, "Yeah but it's not like I have a choice."
"That's- that is..." Dipper fell quiet, blushing a little, "Listen, tomorrow is Saturday. I'll come in the early morning and- and we can hang for the entire day. Is- is that okay?"
Bill gave beamed down at the child and squeezed his hand back, lightly swinging it back and forth, "That would be great!"
Dipper giggled at Bill's enthusiasm, his guilt melting away, being replaced by giddy joy.
The two started to head down a deep slope. For once, the trees didn't block the startling blue sky, letting the color be seen stretched out in all directions. The sun sat heavily in it's nest above, cradled carefully against the firmament like a child, burning bright.
As the slope downwards got steeper, Dipper became more aware of exactly how many rocks and roots were on the forest floor and exactly how clumsy he could be.
Dipper tightening his grip on Bill's hand, "Um, B-Bill? I think I'm going to fall!" He cried out, stumbling a bit against the blond's side.
Bill quickly snaked a long arm around his shoulders, steadying him easily. "You're fine," He said dismissively.
Dipper winced at the weight of Bill's arm, his wounded knee throbbing under the accidental pressure the god put it under.
"Um, could you, uh, not put so much weight on my shoulders? My knee is throbbing."
Bill looked down at the young brunet inquisitively. "Throbbing? But I didn't hurt you today."
Dipper decided to ignore the end of that sentence.
"No, I fell before I came here and hurt myself. Wait a minute! Couldn't you-"
"Nope!" Bill interrupted, popping the P cheerfully.
"What? Why?" Dipper responded.
"I said I'll protect you from harm in the forest, kid. Not outside."
Dipper scowled, "You jerk."
Bill laughed.
Finally, the ground evened out into a flat plain leading right into another tree line.
Bill let go of his hand slowly and strode forward. "Well! Here we are," He said, punctuating his sentence with a clap of his hands. Stepping past a darkened pine tree with needles slightly darker than most, the god glanced behind himself and motioned for Dipper to follow, gleaming white smile obvious in the low light.
Blinking, Dipper followed the god deeper into the forest, past a few trees, right into...
A grove. A grove was the best word to describe what he was looking at. Pine trees towered high above, high and dark, blotting out all sunlight besides the beam that fell on the massive crystal before him, splintering the light into a beautiful hot pink and cyan. Large mushrooms peppered at area as well, red with white splotches, giving the entire place a fantastical, mystical feel. More, smaller crystals poked out of the ground underfoot, shimmering in the low light.
"Wow. This place is amazing!" Dipper cried out, stepping fully into the grove.
Bill smirked at him, "That's not all." The god pointed forward at the large crystal in the center, "Watch."
Dipper examined the crystal a bit more, not exactly seeing what Bill was pointing at until a bird flew through the cyan light.
Dipper fell backwards in shock as the little creature grew into a massive beast, it's black wings beating powerfully against the trees as it tore through the vegetation, taking off into the wide blue skies above.
"Whoa! So cool!"
Bill laughed at the excited expression in Dipper's face. His happiness was an oddity, his fear a delicacy, and his excitement a strange mixture of the two.
Though Bill would never admit it out loud, or even to himself as a thought, he knew that that look of discovery, of wonder was probably his favorite expression Dipper made.
A giant butterfly fluttered around the edges of the grove before sweeping forward, right into the hot pink light. The insect shrunk quickly back to it's normal size, fluttering away afterwards.
Dipper slowly stepped forward, careful not to step into the size-altering light. Sitting right before the crystal, Dipper cranked his head upwards to stare at it, enraptured by it's magical beauty. "Thank you, Bill," The boy whispered.
Bill loped up and sat down behind the young brunet, stretching out his long legs on either side of his body. "No problem Pine Tree."
Dipper took his notebook out from his pocket, along with his trusty pen. Leaning slightly against Bill's chest absentmindedly, Dipper balanced his notes on his lap, opening to a new page and titling it The Crystal Grove. The boy went to quick work roughly and terribly sketching out a few mushrooms and the crystal before them, starting on his paragraphs of description.
Bill watched the brunet write over his shoulder, grinning in amusement as he did so.
Bill took me to a strange and magical grove somewhere in the forest, down a slope, where the pine trees are a bit darker than usual. Inside there is-
Bill's amusement grew as Pine Tree not only described the grove and it's properties, but how the god had lead him to it and the possibilities the grove could present him.
What an explorer and inventor the little tree was.
Bill leaned back on his hands, drawing in his legs slightly without the brunet's notice, drawing the boy closer.
Dipper rubbed his wrist a little after he finished the page, smiling down proudly at the work he did.
Reaching out, Dipper quickly pulled up a few strands of grass and tucked them into the page before putting both notebook and pen away, giving himself a mental reminder to tape them in later.
Not realizing how close Bill's legs were, Dipper tried to stand up only to trip and fall forewords, hitting his head on the massive crystal.
"Ow!" He shouted as pain shook his head, scrambling his mind. Sitting up on his hands and knees, Dipper lightly touched where his head collided with the crystal.
Hissing at the large bump already forming, Dipper quickly made sure the crystal in front of him was okay, relieved that it hadn't cracked or broke.
"Good, I didn't break it," He sighed under his breath.
Behind him, Bill sat up, crossing his legs fully, "Geeze, kid. How clumsy can you get?"
Dipper twisted his body, sitting back down to face Bill. "It's your fault! You tripped me up!"
Bill rolled his eyes, small chuckles escaping his lips. After all, Pine Tree was worried more about an inanimate object than himself.
He really was a weird human being, wasn't he?
Dipper sighed once more at Bill's amused expression.
Figures. He thought.
"Just heal me," Dipper groaned.
Bill started humming what sounded like Pour Some Salt On Me as he snapped his fingers.
Flames licked up and down his body, bright and blue, consuming him easily. They comforted him, easing tension in his muscle as they collected around his head, reversing the swelling. As soon as Bill finished the old song, the fire disappeared, leaving him a bit colder than what he would admit.
Dipper slowly stood up, feeling better than ever.
"Thanks."
Bill shrugged, "All part of the deal." The god glanced up at the darkening sky. "Don't you usually leave by now?" Though Bill's voice stayed light, there was a clear, bitter undertone.
"Oh, yeah! I'm going to be late! Think you could, um, get me back to where I normally meet up with you?"
Bill smirked, "Sure. What will you give me for it?"
Dipper blinked. "Another...hug...?" He said eventually, flushing furiously.
Bill stood up and opened his arms. "Very well," He grinned.
Before Dipper stepped into the god's awaiting arms, he quickly bent down and plucked a crystal out of the ground, a small one, and slipped it into his pocket. Padding forward, Dipper carefully leaned in, wrapping his arms around the taller being's waist, burying his head in Bill's center.
Bill's arms fell around him easily, hot fingers trailing along his sides, sending strange, unexplainable shivers up his sides.
Once more, they were gone in a flash of blue.
~~0~~0~~0~~
Dipper carefully tapped the grass into the notebook, noting it's darker color compared to most of the forest. Slipping the crystal he had taken out as well, Dipper took time to briefly admire its wondrous shine before bending down and tucking it inside the loose floorboard.
Relaxing in his chair, Dipper glanced at the empty bed across the room. Dipper loved his sister dearly, more than anything in the world, but sometimes it was nice to have some time to himself.
Plus, he was glad Mabel had found such good friends. Besides, better a crazy sleepover at Grenda's than here in his opinion.
Twitching, Dipper bent over to scratch at the bandage wrapped around his knee. Noting how dirty it had gotten during the day, Dipper slipped out of his room and down the hallway, into the bathroom. Pulling out more bandages, he carefully unwrapped himself.
Dry, disgusting smelling blood coated the inside of his bandage, but the wound was completely gone.
Like he never got cut in the first place.
Blue flames came to mind.
Dipper blinked in surprise before blushing, moving to put everything back.
Who cares about old stories meant to scare children? He's seen the truth and in the wake of that, no urban legends could stand.
After all, old stories are always exaggerated anyways.
~~0~~0~~0~~
GLSSHU PDNHV EDG GHFLVLRQV
~~0~~0~~0~~
For once I'm updating at a normal time~
And look! Longest chapter yet at 7,200 words! And the next day. I'm on fire.
This is what happens when you literally do nothing at school. After this week it'll be the summer and I'll be able to write more!
I want this story only to be 30 chapters long, but with how everything is developing, we'll either get longer and longer chapters, or more chapters. Well see how it goes.
Okay, last time I posed the question whether this story should be dark or not. Most of you here said between a 5 and 10. On AO3 a LOT of people voted and said the same thing, plus pointed out the fact that this fandom has a lot of dark things plus a lot of fluffy things, but nothing between or blending the two.
I won't say how dark this story will get, only that it will get darker. I've changed the rating to teen if that signifies anything.
crabbySeer- Oh wow, I have no clue how you were able to sit around and try to solve it! That's crazy! I also regret to say that it has nothing to do with a fee and the word 'you'd' is not in it...but still, I'm really impressed you even tried in the first place! Oh, and if you do make a playlist/fanart for this story, I will legit cry from happiness. Oh gosh, I am so flattered right now! Oh, and I hope you liked this chapter!
Katherine Apollo Karma- Haha, maybe I'll make a oneshot collection of fluff for this story in the future! For now, I'll work on the actual, well, story. But afterwords...well, anythings possible! Oh, and I'm glad you like this AU! Thanks a ton!
BlueStar- Plans indeed~
random name- It's getting there, slowly but surely!
guest- Haha, if I did it'll actually ruin the story (slightly) However, I will say this: The Cipher is in Vigenere.
Anyways, as always, I hoped you enjoyed this longer chapter! Thanks for reading!