Ya...it's been awhile. But it's here now. Excited to say that I have passed my reach ahead course. Just started school again a week ago. Hey, I even got into anime. Just started a new story 'Double Take' (set in The Host Club universe) with my friend Kitty-Key-Chan. So I guess I have something to work on after the last chapter. Woopdy doo. But I hope you all enjoy this almost conclusion. I've worked as hard as I can on it. Please comment if you can, I always enjoy hearing your feedback. With that said, enjoy the chapter.

As always. Stay awesome, nice shoes, BUY GOLD! -Silver :)

"When the wound given is deep. The action to rectify needs to be from the heart, because the word 'sorry' is not enough to sew a cut so deep."
― Trishna Damodar

Nadilines POV:

Providence begins to pull me back further with Lumi's possessed body, dragging me away from Bills reach. I wince as the cold knife against my throat continues to draw blood.

"You've been borrowing something of mine. And I need it back." He hisses in my ear.

"Borrowed? What are you talking about? I only found out about your existence 10 minutes ago!"

"And who's fault is that, child?"

I take a second to think, looking at my terrified brother with disappointment. "Bills."

"He never told you the truth, did he?"

"No."

"Would you like to find out?"

At those words, Bill immediately steps forward. "Don't you dare!"

"HUSH BOY! You've done enough." Providence scolds. But it only phases Bill for a second, as he instantly ignores the order. He begins to trudge forward, confidence surging through him, strong and bold. But it's not enough. With his second arm, well, Lumi's arm, Providence lifts up a hand and rapidly changes our surroundings. The dark, rotting hallway flashes brightly in a blinding light. I squeeze my eyes shut as Providence continues to keep me hostage. Reality starts to warp back to normal, but the snowy whiteness stays, as I now see that it is staining the floor, ceiling and four square walls surrounding us. I look up from the ground and spy Mabel and Dipper shackled to the white wall like torture victims. To my right remains Bill, forced onto his knees, and chained from head to two in padlocks. His back is arched and he faces the ground, most likely from the intense weight being pushed down upon him.

"Gosh, I hate demons!" Mabel yells in annoyance, giving Lumi/Providence a glare most foul.

"Welcome to the dog house children! The center of this wicked little mind. The one place where poor little Bill can't quite grasp."

What? Where the hell are we now? The pure whiteness of the room stings my eyes, making small tears sting my eye lids. It's just so...bright. So calm, besides the obvious confinement we are all in.

"Like it Nadiline? It is quite suiting really. If there was one thing, one tiny concept that your brother could not understand, what would it be, hm?"

I take a few seconds to compose a proper answer. "Light?" I guess bluntly.

"Nope! Try again!" he laughs, clearly enjoying my cluelessness.

"Freedom?"

"Nada! One more time!"

"...acceptance?"

"DING DING DING! WE HAVE A WINNER!" he sings out annoyingly. "A fun little hot spot isn't it? I have always enjoyed this room. The pure confusion of it. The complete and utter lack of possibility. It's so...so... g. Don't you agree?"

"Cut to the chase Providence. Just say whatever monologue you have up your sleeve." I here Bill grumble from across the room, his blonde hair a tangled mess around his face.

"Pushy, pushy Cipher. When oh when will learn to just have a little fun, huh?"

Bill answers him with a crude glare.

"Fine then. Why don't I tell you all a story, hm? Besides, it seems you little children are not going anywhere any time soon." he chuckles lowley. "Don't you want to know how it all started Nadiline dear? It wasn't just a simple summoning ritual and a quick last second deal from your desperate brother, oh no. There is so. Much. More."

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is demonic beginnings. The first chapter. The pure essence of it all...I can feel that brain of yours just begging for it."

I don't respond. I've been waiting for so long, waiting for the last piece of the puzzle to click. Only, there were some pieces still missing. He could give me them. He can answer everything, but the terrified expression on my brothers face starts to make me have second thoughts-

"Once upon a time…"

I'm done with waiting.

"-there was a man. Not a special man. Not even one worth a second of anyone's time. He was weak, unimportant, useless. Do you know what that man's name was?"

I remain silent, hoping he will answer the question for me.

"Bill Thomas Cipher. The first to be exact, and your great grandfather Nadiline." He whispers into my ear, sending an uneasy chill down my spine.

"Well...I suppose technically he would be your great, great, great, great, grandfather, but let us not go into detail. He lived in a rather boring point in time. No technology, no creativity, no disease or natural disasters. Those little bugs we call humans had nothing better to do than stuff their mouths with food, walk around like ants, and wait for their ultimate demise of old age. So. Very. Boring. In short, it TICKED ME OFF." his grip on me grows ever so tighter as he growls with anger at his own words.

"There were so many people, and they had so much potential. Yet they squandered like dying rats! They never really knew how to party. But that is only because there was no one of particular importance. No one to guide them to an exciting future. That's when I decided to make my own fun. To give someone a purpose, and in return, they would give me mine. Who better than a scrawny little widower with no life to live? I gave him a gift."

"You gave him a deal." I hear Bill cough out as he remains pressed under the heavy weight of chains.

"What other gift was I to give?" Providence chuckles in response. "I approached the man and offered to give him power and importance, so he would stand taller amongst others and bring prosperity to his world. Pretty nifty present, don't you agree?"

"You tricked him!" Bill suddenly yells with rage. "You told him that he could help people! But no! You used him as a toy!"

"So you do remember! Good for you boy! I was starting to think you were getting slow on me!" Providence laughs.

"Remember?" I hear Dipper question, as he looks to his left from his place pinned against the wall. He stares at Bill cold and hard. "You knew about this guy!? You're with him!? And to think I was just starting to ease up on you!"

"It's not my fault!" Bill pleas.

"OH, BUT IT IS! Your fore father chose this fate! He shook the hand! Importance! Power! That was what I promised him, and that is what he got! He became my vessel, and so would every one of his kin after! Father to son. Grandfather to grandchild. Every damn Cipher that walked on this earth was mine from their first breath to their last! You! Your father! His father before him! Piece by piece to get me to where I am today!" he laughs, pure insanity dripping from his voice.

I'm terrified of him. I admit it. This particular being is uncontrollable. Maniacal. This demon. Not Bill, he was just the wooden doll whilst Providence played Pinocchio with his soul. But I don't think this 'real boy' is gonna sing us a song. Oh no.

"But why? Why did you need him?" I growl out, curious as to what the point is to such a complicated plan.

"I didn't NEED anyone. All I needed was a meat suit to trot around in and to prepare a few errands. I have much power, but to a limit."

"So in order to walk amongst us, you needed a vessel to posses?"

"Smart girl. All I wanted was a little fun whilst time slipped by. Time, dear Nadiline, too much time. I am capable of many things, reality is not the boss of me. But it's the ticking clock that has always gotten the better of my power."

"So you're waiting for something? Is that it?" I ask him curiously, sucking in a cold breath of dead air as the clues click into place.

"Precisely. There is a particular event that is ticking closer with every passing day. An event that will change your world as you know it...a tad dramatic for my taste, but I admit, it does have a ring to it." he laughs again.

"So you took over Bill Cipher, and used his ancestors as fresh baited puppets after the old one died. Man after man, all until you reached the point in time you prefered?"

"Well, I have had a few minor setbacks...men sticking their noses around in places where they shouldn't walk. But I have my ways to break the impasses."

"I could imagine..." I hear Dipper faintly mumble.

"You make it sound as if death is unknown to me, Pinetree. I'm afraid you couldn't be more wrong. In fact, it is as common to me as it is for you to speak. If I had to carry all of the souls I have slayed, I would have a very hard time flying. Not that I regret any of my choices, far from it actually."

"You enjoy it. I always felt it surging within your being, the years I have been your vessel. Every day. Every night. I could taste the thirst for blood on my tongue." Bill growls.

"Because whether you like it or not Cipher, you and I are one. I own you. Your brother and sister as well."

"I"m sorry?" I question sarcastically. "You do not 'own' me. I belong to NO ONE. Not Bill, not Lumis, and

Now it was Bill's turn to chuckle. A sly grin appears on his face as shaggy blond hair hides his one remaining eye. He laughs...at the point where all of his secrets have been spilled out, the very minute I'm craving to have my hands around his throat for lying to me! And he laughs.

"And what, may I ask, is so funny?" Providence asks sternly.

"Oh nothing. Just your pure ignorance, as always. Because, ha! Here's the joke: you can't kill us!" he laughs with just as much insanity as Providence before…

Ok. Maybe a just smidge of that crazy rubbed off on him in the first place. My bad.

"And why is that, boy?"

"BECAUSE, you moron, YOU need US! Not just me! You're stuck with her and that damn meat suit you're wearing too! 'Borrowed' you mentioned? More like stole! She never borrowed anything from you! Neither did Lumis!"

"BUT. YOU. DID! You summoned me out of your soul that evening of 1874, searching for a way to save your precious brother from disease. I gave you a deal! Two large pieces of my power, one for him, saving him from an ultimate demise. And one for your sister, as sacrificial payment. But also in return, I get to keep them as puppets along with you! Multiple vessels that provide more eyes for me. While boring old Lumis remained in Germany, I had the reliable sister travelling ALL over. She gave me a good eye in the sky for earth's current events."

"But I can free them…" I feel my spirit lift a bit at Bill's comment.

"Yes, yes. Killing the sibling. We have been over this Cipher."

Spirit dropped. Oh no he didn't."'Killing the sibling'!? Bill, what hell is he talking about!?" I scream at him, appalled by the drastic statement.

"Oops. Spoilers dear Nadiline. Spoilers. But hey, you were bound to figure it out sometime."

"Figure what out!?"

"Coursed with guilt for years for his consequential choice, old Bill started searching for answers. Answers on how to remove me from his kin and himself, permanently. And while my hold on him had become weaker ever since our little split, I was unable to see the plan he was devising. One little trip into our shared subconscious had given him enough clues on how to free you three. Death. Kill one sibling, the other two will become free, my power returning to I alone. That's the whole reason he invited your second brother to Gravity Falls in the first place. To talk him into sacrificing himself, for you. That would leave me without a vessel from the Cipher bloodline. No more kin to take over...considering plans with sweet little Ruth had been foiled. You just had to let her go, didn't you Cipher?"`

"I had to." Bill sneers bitterly.

"You should have been more considerate. Mortal emotions are delicate you know. But I guess you were stronger than I though. Strong enough to break that poor girls her heart. It was quite amusing really..."

"I did it for my family you sick freak! If I never had children, then you were left without heirs!"

"So...so that's what happened to you and Ruth? You cut her off? You sent her away?" Mabel asks Bill sadly, giving him one of her puppy killing sad faces.

"I did what I had too. For my family tree." Bill says in his defence. But there's no judge here, straight to jail for him.

"She would have been the mother to my next vessel. But you had to go and ruin it. Either way, your actions were all in vain. Even when you never produced heirs, that couldn't stop me from loosing the ones I already had. At the snap of my fingers, all of your future years turned to dust, new plans were forged. Paused immortality, a way for me to keep my vessels fresh and rot free. It's a precious and extremely rare gift that you should all be grateful for."

"So after Bill failed to have a child, you kept him alive for all of these years? Lumi and myself too?" I question, confused a to what his intentions were.

"Precisely. Three Ciphers instead of one. There's a first for everything. But now the time has come where I must become whole again. Three vessels may be fun for awhile, but I miss my power. I miss my strength. So, as I said, I'm going to need it back now."

"And what happens if you take it? Huh? Will we survive?"

"You will. But I'm not placing any bets on poor, disease ridden, brain damaged Lumis. Once that humanity kicks in, who knows if he will survive. Though, it will be quite entertaining to find out…"

"You're sick." I spit at him.

"What was your first clue?" he cackles.

"So you're going to our power, killing Lumis in the process, keep ahold of Bill as a vessel, and bring on whatever plans you've been holding?"

"Bingooo! Give the girl a prize!" Providence laughs maniacally, only to slowly have the laugh die out mysteriously. "All though...there could be another way to finish this. Something more...interesting." he sneers.

Before I know it, the knife against my throat disappears, and providence forcefully shoves me to the ground and onto my knees. I let the breath escape my lungs from the sudden blow, my hands and knees supporting me as I stare at the crisp, white ground. I let my long cyan hair cover my face as Providence starts to walk slow circles around me.

"You want your brothers to be free, yes?" he questions me curiously.

I refuse to answer, knowing anything I say could have drastic consequences.

*BAM*

"NADI!" I hear Bill yell as a sharp pain emanates from my face.

I realize that it a leather shoe had collided with the side of my face. The pure shock of it sends me flying to the ground, landing me on my side. The familiar taste of copper slides over my tongue. I spit to the ground, revolted by the memories the sickening flavour gives me. Red liquid stains the white floor, more of it continuing to drip from the edge of my mouth. Cyan strands move from my face as I give a sly smile to the demon above me.

"Answer me when I'm talking to you, child." Providence scolds.

"Child? I'm old enough to be your great grandmother young man." I mock sarcastically.

*BAM*

Another kick. This time to the opposite side of my face. My body slides against the floor, sending me just a few feet away from my chained brother.

"You better get a better attitude Nadiline. I'm becoming rather fed up with you and your families wisecracks."

"It's a Cipher thing. Get with the times Providence." I mock once more as I sit up from the ground. Providences/Lumis face grows irritated and enraged, resulting in him to walking at a fast pace right towards me. I spy his hand suddenly raise to the air, ready to slap the wize ass out of me. I squeeze my eyes shut as I wait for the blow...but none come. I slowly open my eyes to see the hand has stopped mid air, just inches from my skin. Providence glares at me with an intense rage, one I easily mimic back at him. But then his frown slowly forms into a smirk, his hands moving to the lapels of Lumi's green suit, smoothing them down as he composes himself.

"You really know how to makes people tick Nadiline, dear. Those emotions of yours can really set a man off. So powerful...so strong. You'd be nothing without me." he sneers once again, looking at my beaten face triumphantly."You want your brothers free from my power. Don't you girl?"

I know what the result will be if I don't answer him again, and I rather not find out which part of my face he'll mess up next. I slowly nod my limp head, cringing at the immense pain coming from my bruised (and most likely swelling) cheeks.

"That's what I thought." he grins. "I propose...we make a deal."

I don't get the chance to hold back the snort I make, and it was clearly heard throughout the room. I let myself go as the snort becomes a chuckle. Then the chuckle becomes a laugh. Before I know it, I'm cackling like a mad woman on the floor, resulting with shocked stares from everyone in the room.

"You think I'm making jokes?" Providence question sternly.

"I don't know! You tell me!" I snort at him, giving a wide open mouth grin, it stings like hell, but I can't stop myself...

"Oh jeez, I think she's cracked…" I hear Dipper comment from afar.

"I might as well have Dip!" I laugh, continuing to roll in the ground, my hands wrapping around my body in an attempt to calm myself down. Dear lord...I'm becoming my brother! I keep trying to compose myself, but whatever I do, just more of my obnoxious laughter comes pouring from my blood ridden mouth. "Hahaha! A deal!? You want ME, to make a deal with YOU!? That's priceless!" I cackle.

"Is that so?"

"Hell ya! Just what makes you think I would do something like that?! Ciphers making deals with you is the whole reason I'm in this mess! Why we're ALL in this mess!" my fits of laughter suddenly become more angry with every word.

"Well instead of avoiding it, why don't take the time to hear what I have to say?"

"Okey dokey!" I laugh happily, my rage bubbling away. Providence looks at me with an expression I can't decipher. I snort loudly at my thought. "De-Cipher. That's funny right there...hehehe."

"I don't seem to recall what you mean, but honestly, neither does anyone else here." Providence muses, raising his arms and looking at the other three with mocking confusion. "Anyway, here's what's on my mind. I let your brothers go. No strings attached, no tricks. Heck, I'll even erase whatever little bug it slowly gonna kill Lumis from the inside out. Hey! Better yet, how about I fix that soup of a brain as well? No nerves, no stutter, no death. Just a free ride to humanity." he sways dramatically. "Sweet deal, don't ya think?"

"And what do you get out of it? What's the catch?" I ask in the most serious tone I can get out. Yet still sounding like a weak laugh.

"Ah! Still such a smart girl! Always one step ahead!" he smiles, pointing a finger at me. "Let's see, what do I get? What do I get?" he questions himself, suddenly levitating into the air, doing somersaults and flips as he holds a hand to his chin in thought. "Oh that's it!" he chirps happily. Before I know it, he floats right up to my swollen face, dark demon slitted eyes staring directly into my own.

"You." he states simply, a cold smirk and serious eyebrows plastered on his face.

"Me?"

"You." he repeats. "I set your brothers free. YOU become my new puppet. What do ya say?"

I feel my hands push on the ground, my knees lifting from under me as I get to my feet. I wobble a bit at first, trying to get some balance, until I find a sturdy pose just beside Bill. I kneel down a bit until his face is just in front of mine. I look him dead in the eye, a wicked grin spread across my features. "Can you believe this guy?" I snort at him, pointing a thumb at the demon behind me.

Bill just looks at me with complete and utter shock, most likely contemplating what has likely snapped in my sanity. But to my surprise, he begins to mirror my smile, his white teeth gleaming brightly. "Quite the pain, huh?" he replies.

"I can't believe you've had to live with him inside your noggin for over a century! How do you do it brother?" I snicker.

"Hey, don't give me all the credit. He's knocking around your brain as well!" he giggles insanely. That I do not mirror. No. Because I don't find this funny. Why would I? He's been lying to me my entire life as to who he is, who he made me become, and what was in my very consciousness everywhere I went. He always knew.

Bill notices my sudden unamusement, his smile falls. "What? What's eating you now?" he questions me with utter cluelessness.

"You really are an idiot." I scowl at him. Bill stares at me silently. I detect extreme discomfort emanating from the twins, obviously uneasy with our crumbling relationship.

"Um, helloooo? Still here Ciphers." Providence waves, obviously annoyed about being cut out of the conversation.

(Initiate background music= watch?v=pUZeSYsU0Uk "Cold" by Jorge Méndez. Just for added effect. ;) - Silver)

"Ya, no can do Provo." Bill deadpans, answering his question before I can. "Nadi may be a bit on the scrambled side right now, honestly I blame the shoes to the face." he says bluntly, "but even she isn't stupid enough to take that bargain."

"Wait, who says I'm not?" I quickly strike back at him. His amusement retreats, becoming serious once more.

"I do, Nadi. There's no way I'm letting that sicko anywhere closer to your subconscious. Not for me, and not for Lumis." he argues.

"I don't believe that is your choice Cipher. Besides, this is the whole reason I'm giving her this deal in the first place! If my plans are going to go down without a hitch, I need a reliable and obedient vessel, something you have failed to show me for awhile now. And all because you damn sister turned you soft. I miss the good old days! Terrorizing humans, messing with Pinetrees dreams! Was it really all that bad? We had a good thing going kid..."

"Now things have to change…" I finish for him, casting my gaze to the ground. Providence lands onto the floor, wrapping an arm around my shoulder possessively.

"You heard the girl. Things have to change indeed." Providence teases, another wicked grin plastered against his face.

"NO, they won't." Bill growls intimidatingly. "Providence, I'll do whatever you say, obey your every whim. Let ME be your vessel. Anything to free them...all of them." Bill looks up sadly to the twins, showing remorse for the situations he has put them through. "Just let her go!"

'Bill what are you doing? Why won't you let me take the reins for once? I'm a big girl! I can handle this!' I argue in my head, knowing fully well that he can't hear my thoughts without providence. I'm so tired of him acting like the false hero that he is. Providence has chosen me...that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make for Lumi's freedom. He was the victim here. He never had gotten a say in any of this. And now look, he's Providences living Pinocchio.

"Please...please…" Bill begs once more, tears beginning to stream down his face. Wait...tears?

Providence immediately removes his arm from my shoulder, slowly walking up to Bill. both hands in his jacket pockets. He kneels down next to Bill's face, just as I had a few moments ago...

"So soft, yet so unreliable. This wouldn't be the first time you have lied to me Cipher, I significantly doubt this will be the last. Just what makes you think I should believe you? Hm?"

"Because...because…"

"Ya? Spit it out kid!" Providence yells angrily.

"BECAUSE I'LL LET YOU TAKE CONTROL!" he yells back at the top of his lungs. More tears coming to stream down his face. I feel something strong. Something cold.

It's fear.

Something I haven't felt in Bill for a VERY long time. What ever Bill is talking about, whatever he is proposing, it can't be good. My theory is just proven when Providence stretches his smile so wide that it looks like it hurts.

"Give in? You'll give in?" he says with excitement. Bill doesn't respond. He just lowers his head to the ground and gives a slight nod. Providence rises from the ground, slaps his hand on his knee and raises his fist in the air. "We are back in business!" he yells, making the twins and I feel very uncomfortable.

"Wh-what's he talking about?" I hear Mabel ask fearfully.

"Didn't ya hear him Shooting Star? Did ya!? He's giving in! He's giving in! OHHH FINALLY! It must be my birthday 'cause I just received one HELL of a gift!" he cackles maniacally. "You surrender every single ounce of YOUR humanity, all of your emotion, memories, hopes and dreams!? And you let ME take control! All for your dumb siblings!? Cipher, you are too much! But like I said, I'll hold up my end of the bargain. Your consciousness for your family's freedom."

Out of nowhere, Providence tumbles onto the ground. Lumis's body along with him. He looks limp and lifeless, his eyes shut closed and limbs immobile. In a flash of bright green light, Providence rises from Lumi's limp body, full demon form. Green at first, with a singular rectangular eye, changing to a familiar yellow with almond eye. With the exception of the lack of bowtie and tophat, Bill's distinguishing accessories.

"It's about damn time Cipher." At his words, the chains pinning Bill disappear, letting him stumble onto his feet. Providence floats over to him, right hand already blue with flames. "Now, why don't we seal the deal, huh? What do ya think?"

Bill rises to the ground, his dirty, tear ridden face looks at me with utter sadness. An eye that pleads for forgiveness. I shake my head, asking him to stop. To just stop THIS.

My own self-control snap once more, I feel myself running towards the two, my emotions guiding my movements. 'WAIT! STOP! Providence! Take me instead! Please! I'll do anything, ANYTHING! Just leave him be!" I plead, running faster. Before I know it, a bright yellow litten bars surround me, trapping me in a cage spell. I punch at the bars uselessly, they won't budge. I'm trapped...tears sting my eyes and wounds, dripping like waterfalls down my swollen face. "Why won't you let me do this!?" I cry out at Bill. "Why won't you let me save you this one time! You've always been there for me! Always! Even when you've lied to me, I know I hated you for it, but you always did it for my happiness! I get that now! Please! Just let me SAVE YOU, just this once…" I cry out. I hate letting my damn emotions take control like this, but I have had enough years closing myself in. Keeping my self worth shut out, never letting my freedom see the light of day. I'm finished.

I look up to my elder brother, hoping to hear the answer I'm wanting so very bad. But Bill just shakes his head, denying my pleaded request. I see him mouth the two words I've heard him say to me so many times before. But they never meant a thing to me, until now.

'I'm sorry.'

The human and the demon. Two shaking hands. One flame of blue. And a final flash of light to the inevitable...

One last chapter to go… -Silver