Different Form, Different Time

Prologue

"Hello, Bill." The Axolotl says. "I'm glad to see the Theraprism has helped you."

"Oh, yes, Ax! I feel like a new demon!" Bill exclaims. Three hundred years in this hell hole, three hundred years of torment, but finally he completed the program. Did he learn anything? Sure. Is he going to use the skills and resources he was given? Absolutely not. He's Bill Cipher, dream demon, master of the mind, chaos god, creator of nightmares. No amount of therapy will break him.

"To prove you are willing to be an interdimensional law-abiding citizen, I am willing to grant you reincarnation."

"Really?! That's amazing, I can just imagine all the good I will be able to do, the lives I can change for the better!" Gods, this is exhausting. Ax better buy this.

"I'm glad to hear. You will be reincarnated as a human local of Gravity Falls. You have a chance to build a life in a world where your," Ax pauses, thinking, "Ah, yes, Weirdmageddon, has been forgotten. None of your past transgression will be held against you."

Bill fights the urge to roll his eye. Of course he'd be sent back to that gods forsaken place, and the Pines family won't even be there for him to destroy.

"Being human, your abilities will be limited. Don't want that body burning up in flames." Ax continues, chuckling.

"Probably for the best. Don't need any temptations. But I'm sure there will be plenty of ways to help that world."

"You truly have been healed. Now, off you go."

Bill closes his eye as his surroundings fade away.

▲▲▲

The summer of 1999, Mr. and Mrs. Cipher became the proud parents of their son Bill. It was obvious that he was a very special boy, advancing much faster than the other babies, even showing signs of high intelligence and supernatural abilities. They raised their child well, but even the best parents can fail to contain an interdimensional demon. Especially if they have no idea of their child's nature.

No one really knows what happened, but that didn't stop the rumors from spreading. The story varies depending on who you ask, but one detail remains the same.

"That Cipher kid was always trouble, has abilities that no one should have. If you ask me, it should have been him who died. Would've saved this town a lot of trouble. He lives in the woods now, wouldn't be surprised if someone came out with his body right this minute."

According to the police, there was some sort of strange surge of energy, or maybe it was a fire. All they know is that the Cipher residence was obliterated, Mr. and Mrs. Cipher's bodies torn to charred bits, and the eight-year-old boy fled to the woods.

He stayed there four long years before the twin brother of the hermit scientist showed up. After hearing out the townspeople's warnings, the self-proclaimed Mystery Man ventured into the woods and retrieved the child.

"Stanley Pines, nice to finally meet you." He greeted the boy. "I've got a business proposition. I give you a place to stay, food to eat, and a dysfunctional family; and in return you work for free and give me ideas for my business."

Bill didn't have too much of a choice in the matter, but at least someone cared about him, in their own strange and possibly demented way. Besides, there was something about the Pines twins, he just couldn't put his finger on it. Especially Standford, of course, he never saw the man much. The guy was completely insane, something in his mind snapped, and the only time he came out of his lab was when Stan forced him out. Even then, Ford avoided Bill, muttering in fear when they were in the same room.

When he was thirteen, Stan's brother Shermie died. When they went to his funeral, Bill was drawn to Dipper and Mabel Pines, Stan and Ford's great nephew and niece. There was something so familiar about him, it almost enraged him that he couldn't figure out why. But perhaps the feeling was mutual, since Dipper approached him first. Or maybe he was just confused.

"I didn't know Grunkle Stan had a kid." Was the first thing he said, but at least he was interesting to talk to. Emotions were never Bill's strong suite.

"Adopted. Bill Cipher, nice to meet you."

Mabel on the other hand, avoided him at all costs. She and Ford must have shared the same instincts. Dipper seemed to enjoy Bill's company though, like Stan. It was another four years before he got to see him again.

AN: I am so excited for this fic. Hopefully, this wasn't too confusing. I want to keep some element of mystery revolving Bill's human past. I hope you guys enjoy. I'll update every Sunday and Wednesday. For those of you here from Tumblr, don't be afraid to give me suggestions. And for those of you who want more Billdip content, check me out on Tumblr dismalnightsposts.