Welcome to the Deep End [An AU BillDip]

Chapter 27

I saw the glee in Mabel's eyes as I was let down from the hot clutches of the net. Mabel smiled at me, holding her hand out, "Thanks, Dipper..." she said slowly. Standing up on my own, I gave her a very neutral stare, I was not happy being here, but I cared about Mabel, I really did.

What was concerning me was the deal Bill and I made. How exactly was I going to work for these humans, when I can't even walk on land? That wouldn't be possible, unless... Oh no.

"Mr. Pines..." I heard in a creepy tone, the hairs on my back making themselves known, "There's only one way to stay here, and... the expression on your face shows me you've already figured out what..." he grinned mischievously.

I turned around, laughing nervously. A few crew mates raise their eyebrows at my reaction, but I don't care what these humans think of me right now. Oh no, my tail. Fuck no. Nope! Never! Not possible! I stared down at the glistening tail, covered in a beautiful shade of blue. I sniffed, then took a deep breath. It wasn't too late to turn back. The bright blue seas welcomed me, the waves I couldn't leave Mabel with Bill, there's something off about that guy... it was a gut feeling. I remembered Mabel's worried expression if I were to leave her, it was heart-aching. For my sister, I will do this for my sister.

I turned around with determined eyes, "...do it.." I said, gritting my teeth after, saying those simple words felt like a part of my identity was ripped out. It was way too late to turn back now.

Bill raised an eyebrow, "Boy, you're really an idiot! Who would do that for a mere sibling?" he laughed, placing his hands on his hips. Mabel put a hand on my shoulder, "Dipper would." she whispered.

Bill sneered at Mabel, "Whatever, I'll transform you right here, Mr. Pines. Say goodbye to your precious fins. You should be happy I'm not selling you. A merman is quite rare around these parts." he finished, bringing his hand out of his pockets.

I was nervous, my heart was thumping and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks. A handful of blue flames appeared in the man's palm, the wisps licking at the air. I'd never seen fire before, it was only told in old stories Great Uncle Ford used to tell me. However, I wasn't aware humans could use magic. This was news to me.

I remember one story that Great Uncle Ford mentioned, it was about an ocean on fire... although that was impossible, right?

Bill interrupted my thoughts, "Listen, kid. The deal was for you to work for me, me
taking your tail away is considered you helping me, yes?" he asked, giving me that annoying toothy smile.

I probably looked confused, my brows furrowing, "I guess I'm helping you potentially... Giving up my tail to work for you." I mumbled.

Without another word, he then brought the fire across the surface of my tail. I flinched as his hand made contact. I wasn't a touchy guy, and only the closest people were allowed to interact with me. Quite frankly! I've only known this guy for about an hour, and he's human!

Mabel smirked at me, "You're blushing." she said, pointing at the obvious reddening of my face.

"S-shut up!" I said back, while Bill snickered. Overcome with embarrassment, I blinked then looked towards the ground. My face felt hot.

I made eye contact with such a disgusting human.

Before I knew it, I could feel my tail coming apart, the ends slowly sprouting weird stubs that I assumed were the toes. The blue color of the scales began to erode away into a paler color. I felt like crying, such disgusting mutations had corrupted my once, magnificent tail. Then, it was over. I slowly stood up, wobbling a little bit, but I could maintain my own weight. Shaking slightly, I gave a small smile to Mabel. She returned it.