20 Spongy Years: A World without SpongeBob

1999-2019

Chapter One

SpongeBob

I jumped out of bed in the morning, turning off my blaring alarm clock.

"It's another beautiful day in Bikini Bottom, Gary!" I announced. "And another exciting day at my favorite underwater eatery, the Krusty Krab!" I laughed at this. "I have to say that, but glad I'm not forced to, because it's true, it's 100% true! Okay, Gary, it's time for your morning grub." I looked at where Gary sleeps, but he wasn't there. "Gary?" I looked around. "Gary, where are you, boy? Gary!" I looked around the whole room, including under the bed. But my mollusk friend wasn't in sight. I pondered about this. Hmmmm, where could he possibly be? I snapped my fingers when in an idea struck me.

Of course! Gary must be really eager that he went down for breakfast already! Can't say I wouldn't blame him. I called down to my pet. "I'm coming, Gary!" I went downstairs.

"Okay, Gary." I said once I got downstairs, and went into the kitchen. "I know you're eager to eat your breakfast, but you can't open it without me. You tried to open a can last time, but you got everything messy, remember? We wouldn't want a repeat of that. Gary?" I shrugged. I'm sure he'll come running once he smells his snail food. I opened the Snailpo can, and poured it into his dish. I called to him again.

"GARY; BREAKFAST!" I waited, and waited, and waited. "GARY!" I decided to look around, and kept repeating my pet's name over and over, in hopes he'll come. He did not.

I checked my whole house five times, but didn't find him. Hmmm, if Gary doesn't come soon, I'll be late for work. I looked at my watch, and gasped. I only had eleven minutes until the restaurant opens. But I can't go to work when Gary's missing. As much as I love the Krusty Krab, I love my pet more. I have to call Mr. Krabs, and tell him I can't go to work, not yet. He has two pets of his own, so I'm sure he'll understand my situation. I walked off to the phone.

"Hello, Mr. Krabs." I greeted him on the phone.

"SpongeBob!" Mr. Krabs said angrily on the other end. "Where are you? It's almost time to open, and I need my fry cook! Squidward's here, and he often gets here after you. What's the holdup?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Krabs, but I can't come to work." I had to hold back the phone, for he shouted too loud.

"WHAT?!" I placed the phone by my ear again. "What do you mean?"

"Maybe later, but Gary's missing. I searched everywhere, and can't find him anywhere."

"Aww; Gary's missing?"

"Yeah.

"Remind me who Gary is. Is he your second cousin?"

"No, my pet snail, Gary. I'm sure you two met before."

"Oh, yes, Gary! I remember him. Gosh, I'm sorry he's missing. If Pearl went missing, I know I won't want to come to work either until I know she's safe and sound."

"So you know how I feel, and going to accept my absence?" I again had to hold my phone back.

"NO! YOU COME TO WORK NOW, SPONGEBOB! TIME IS MONEY!"

"But..."

"NOW! A daughter is much more important then a pet; a daughter's family."

"So is Gar..."

"NOW OR YOU'RE FIRED!" I sighed sadly, not wanting to argue any further. What was the point?

"Yes, sir." I hung up, and went outside, possibly for the first time, dreading to go to work.

When I got to work, the whole eatery was empty and dark. What the? I just called Mr. Krabs. He and Squidward should be here, along with all the hungry customers. Where are they? I opened up.

"Hello? Mr. Krabs, Squidward? Where is everyone?" The lights then came on.

"SURPRISE!" Mr. Krabs, and all of my friends beside Squidward shouted. Sandy pushed a button, and confetti exploded everywhere. Almost everyone I knew was there, even folks I didn't know, and Gary."

"Meow." My pet meowed, blowing on a noisemaker.

"What is all this?" I asked. I then saw a banner colored like my spongy body 'Happy 20th, SpongeBob' it read. I couldn't believe it. "Is this all for me?"

"Yeah." Sandy stated. "At least that's what the banner says."

"They say it's for you, SpongeBob." Patrick put in. "It could be for another SpongeBob. If that's true, then we wasted our time. I don't know any other SpongeBobs, do you?" He looked at everybody else. "Do any of you guys know any other SpongeBobs? Am I the only Patrick?" I was excited, then I was confused.

"Guys, I'm flattered that you did all of this, plus kidnapping Gary, for me, but why? It's not my birthday, and I'm older then 20."

"Don't you remember what today is, boyo?" Mr. Krabs asked.

"Uh, May 1st?"

"But do you know what happened 20 years ago today? Something special?" Squidward muttered something that I couldn't hear. I shrugged.

"Uh, sorry, guys. You're going to have to just tell me. I have no idea."

"Today, 20 years ago, is when you first started working for me here." Mr. Krabs told me. I got amused by this.

"Oooh, that's today? Gosh, 20 years? It feels just yesterday when I almost died from that fake heart attack." Squidward muttered something else that I didn't hear.

"It was yesterday, SpongeBob." Patrick said. "Remember? I remember like it was yesterday because it was."

"No it wasn't, Patrick." Sandy said. Patrick turned to her, confused.

"It wasn't? Gosh, time sure does fly fast. I don't get that. How does time fly? It's not real, and doesn't have wings." He shrugged, "Oh well!"

"So, when does the party start?" I wanted to know. "Did you close the Krusty Krab just for the occasion."

"No." Mr. Krabs stated. "I would never do that. Are you crazy?"

"He's not crazy." Patrick said. "He's SpongeBob."

"Anyways, the party starts tonight here after work."

"Then why did you invite all of these people?"

"To surprise you."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense."

"You bet it does! Now you and Squidward, GET TO WORK!" He looked at everyone else. "And for the rest of you, get out of here unless you're getting food." Everyone that wasn't staying began to leave.

"I'll take Gary home." Sandy offered.

"Thanks, Sandy." I said to her as she and my snail left. I looked at Gary, glad that he was okay. I then went to my work station.

I kept looking at the clock all day, hoping that the hand will go faster, so it can be the end of the day and party time! But no matter how many times I have looked at the clock, secretly wishing for the time to go faster, it moved in a snail's pace.

Then, finally, I was mopping the floor up front, I looked at the clock again, and just as I did, the minute hand moved to '12.' I looked at the hour hand, it was on the '8.' I beamed. 8:00pm, closing time! I cheered as I dropped the mop onto the floor. Squidward was also cheering.

"And I am out of here!" He got out of his boat, and walked away. "Bye, SpongeBob! Bye, Mr. Kraaaaabbbbbbbbs!" He screamed as he slipped, and fell to the floor. I looked over him.

"Sorry, Squidward." I apologized. "I was mopping there, and guess I was so excited, that I stopped a bit early." Squidward moaned. "Also, we're supposed to have a party for my 20th anniversary of me working here, remember?"

"Oh, yeah." He said. "How on earth could I forget that?" I helped him up.

"Don't worry, Sqiddy, at least I helped you remember it before it was too late, right?"

"Right; I do not want to miss the party!" He said that in a deadpan manner. I do not know why though. I thought he'd be more excited. Oh well. I'm sure he'll be more excited during the party.

"Darn right, you don't! This is going to be the best party ever!"

"Oh boy, I can't wait!" Again, I don't know why he said It in a deadpan manner.

"Man, it is that time already?" Mr. Krabs asked as he came out of his office, looking at the clock.

"It sure is, Mr. Krabs." I answered. "Isn't it great?"

"For you it's great, are you ready?"

"You bet I am!" He looked at the floor.

"Continue cleaning the floor, and it'll start before you know it!" I saluted.

"Yes, sir!"

"But if we're having a party here, why is SpongeBob mopping? Won't sea folk slip and hurt themselves while they'e dancing or something?" Mr. Krabs thought of this.

"Good point. I don't want to be sued again. We'll tape this off when the party begins, and as soon as it dries, remove it." He left. And with that, I resumed on mopping.

"Okay, Mr. Krabs," I said after I put my mop and bucket away in the supplies closet, and taped it off. "I'm don..." I was awestruck by all the critters and fish folk that showed up. Sandy even brought Gary back, and had him on a leash. "Wow!" When I went to the supply closet, the restaurant was almost empty, now it was the complete opposite!

I scanned the room, and my eyes stopped on two familiar idols of mine. It was Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy! I ran up to them.

"Hey, Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy!" I greeted. They looked at me. "What are you two doing here?"

"We're here for the party." Barnacle Boy answered.

"And to stop evil if it comes!" Mermaid Man added. Barnacle Boy sighed.

"Yes, that too, but hopefully evil never comes, and we can enjoy the party."

"Oh, you can never be too sure, Barnacle Boy. Evil could be lurking in the shadows, ready to strike at any given moment."

"Uh-huh!" He looked back at me. "Anyways, we were invited, and decided to stop by. We can't stay too late. We have to be back at Shady Shoals at 10."

"Well, it's great to have you both. I'll see you soon. I'm going to talk to some other sea folk." And so that is what I did. I walked on.

Next, I saw Fred...and his girlfriend, the nurse from the hospital. I was shocked to see them both.

"Fred, you here for the party? I thought you'd be in the hospital; no offense."

"No offense taken." He spoke. "I'm on a date with my lady, first date to be precise. This is one of the nights she has off, so I thought why not go to your party?" I smiled. I was truly honored. I don't know Fred that well, and to think he picked here of all places, to take his special lady for their first official date.

"Well you two have fun." I told them. "Fred, and..."

"Bazooka." She answered.

"Do you have a name Nurse Bazooka?"

"Yeah, I do. It's..." She was about to say it when the DJ spoke into the mike up front behind a stereo system.

"Goooooooddddddd evening Bikini Bittomites!" He boomed into the mike. Everyone quietted down, and looked at him. "My name is PJ DJ, and despite my name. I hate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and is deadly allergic to them, so don't ever feed me one, or be near me with one whatever you do. Are you ready to have a fun time tonight?"

"YES!" Everyone all said at once

"Then let's do it!" Everyone cheered. He looked at me. "Oh, and happy 20th anniversary of working here, SpongeBob!" I was shocked again. He knows me? Mr. Krabs probably told him, but yay, I'm famous! This is my day; I felt so special! I also thought his name was a little funny. His last name was DJ, and he's a DJ, and his first name is PJ? That's hilarious and ironic at the same time!

Anyways, all joking aside, music started blaring from the speakers, and everyone started dancing to the music. Fred and Nurse Bazooka looked back at me.

"If you don't mind, SpongeBob," Fred began. "I'm going to start dancing with my girl."

"Go ahead you two love sea birds." I said to them both. "Just don't break your leg. Don't go beyond the tape."

"I don't need to." Fred answered. "Not with Nurse Bazooka here." Bazooka blushed.

"Oh, you!" She said. Fred smiled.

"Yeah, me." I stepped aside as the two moved to the dance floor. Sandy and Patrick then went to my side.

"Well, SpongeBob," Sandy started. "What do you think of all this?"

"Are you kidding?" I asked. "I love it!" Sandy smiled.

"Figured you would."

"Can we stop talking, and dance already?!" Patrick whined "I want to show off my moves!" I laughed.

"Sure thing, buddy!" I agreed,

"And in a short while," Sandy put in. "I have a surprise for you, SpongeBob." I became interested in this.

"Ooh, a surprise? Aw, but why did you have to say it now, now I won't be able to concentrate on dancing!"

"You will because you're going to get lost in the music." Patrick said to me. "I hope not too lost, because that'll be sad because then you can't..." He covered his mouth. "Oops; almost ruined the surprise. That wouldn't be good. Now let me shut up, and we can dance." With that, Patrick took my hand, and we two walked to the dance floor, followed by Sandy.

A bit into our dancing, Sandy said something to me. I leaned in to try to hear.

"What?" I asked. "Sandy; you have to speak up! I can't hear you." She tried again. "What? The music's too loud!"

"I said I'm going to get your surprise now!" She shouted. I gave her a thumbs up.

"Sounds good!" I said back. "Can't wait!" And with that, she went off.

A few minutes later, Patrick spoke. Once again, I couldn't hear.

"What?" He tried again. "Speak louder, Pat, I can't hear!"

"I said you'll love the surprise." He stated.

"Oh, I know I will."

"You will?" He then looked disappointed as he stopped dancing. "Aw, man, you know the surprise already?" I shook my head. He was confused. "Then how do you know?"

"I know cause I know."

"Oh, I guess that makes sense I guess."

"You bet it does, now let's continue dancing until my surprise gets here!"

"Sounds good to me!" And so, we continued on dancing.

"SpongeBob!" Sandy said running to me. Patrick and I stopped dancing, and looked at her. "Your surprise is ready."

"Really?" I asked. Sandy nodded.

"Yup!"

"Well, where is it?" Sandy handed me a blue blindfold. "Is this it?"

"No, it's outside. I need you to..." I got excited.

"Oh, boy, is it a boat? You know, hard to believe, I can drive flawlessly when I have one of these over my eyes." This time I heard Mrs. Puff mutter something that I couldn't hear.

"No." Sandy replied. "Now, as I was saying, I need you to wear it over your eyes, so I can lead you to it."

"Okay!" I put on the blindfolds. "Lead me away, Sandy, but don't tell me. I want to be surprised." I then laughed to myself. "Of course you won't tell me. You want it to be a surprise. Silly me!" Patrick laughed too, and said he didn't get it. I felt a hand grabbing mine.

"Okay, SpongeBob." It was Sandy. "I'm taking you to your surprise now." She led me away.

"Okay," She said as I felt her releasing me. "You can look now." I removed it. "Ta-da! What do you think?" I looked, and was in awe. It was like Sandy's tree dome, only it wasn't, and there were jellyfish inside. "Since you like to jellyfish, I thought to build this. Now you can show us how's it done."

"I love it, Sandy!"

"I knew you would."

"I knew he would too." Patrick spoke up, and somebody, I think Mr. Krabs, shushed him.

"You know what's weird? I had a dream Patrick and I built a dome like this once in an unfamiliar territory. Or was that real?" I shrugged. "I have no inkling, Anyways, you were there. Along with Mr. Krabs and Squidward." Squidward muttered something again. "Gary was there for a bit too, but then he went off to who knows where."

"That's an interesting dream, but anyways, you can go in there, and jellyfish to your heart's content, go back in and dance, or both. A lot of people can't fit though, so be aware of that."

"Duly noted. Now, who wants to jellyfish with me? Any takers? Sandy, since you build this, how about you go in there with me first?"

"I'd love to."

After I jellyfished for a bit, each with a friend, I went back inside to dance some more, and had more punch and snacks.

Then it was cake time! Mr. Krabs presented me with a cake shaped like a jellyfish. There were lit candles on it, circling the number '20' on it.

"Make a wish." Larry the Lobster said to me. I thought of a wish, and blew out the candles. Everyone cheered.

"What did you wish for, SpongeBob?" Patrick wanted to know.

"I can't say or it won't come true." My friend was confused.

"Why?" I shrugged.

"I honestly don't know."

"It's stupid." Squidward said. "You can say it, and if it comes true or not, it all depends on fate, not because you said it out loud." I saw Mr. Krabs nudged him.

"Be nice, Mr. Squidward." He said through clenched teeth.

"Whatever. Say your wish. Don't say it. I don't care."

"I can't say my wish." I spoke again. "But I think it's going to come true." Mr. Krabs pulled out a knife, as he cut into the cake.

"Now, who wants some?" He asked. Everyone cheered. "One dollar per slice." Everyone groaned. "Hey, you know me! You want it? You have to earn it!" People pulled out their dollars from their wallets. "Now, you all get me!"

"That was a great party, Mr. Krabs!" I told him after the party. I had Gary on a leash beside me. Mr. Krabs turned to me.

"I'm glad you liked it." Mr. Krabs said. "Now here's to another 20 years, and beyond what would you say, lad?" I cheered.

"I'll work here until the day I die, Mr. Krabs!" My boss smiled.

"Glad to here it, boy. Now get some rest, and see you in the morning." I saluted.

"Yes, sir!" Squidward sounded less thrilled.

"What?" He questioned. "But it's almost one me in the morning, and we still have to work?" Mr. Krabs was irritated by this.

"Well, it isn't my fault that you partied all night."

"Yes, it is! I wanted to go home early, but you said I had to stay here to support SpongeBob. His idols went home early."

"That's because they're old, and live in a retirement home. You're much more younger and in shape."

"But that's not fair!"

"Quit complaining, Squidward. I can't control when you were born. The more you talk and stay here, the less time you sleep at home. Work resumes at 8:00 sharp."

"But...but..."

"See you then, boys!" He then left. Squidward sighed. I felt bad for him.

"Cheer up, Squidward." I told him. "If you get home now, and go to bed right away, you can get maybe six hours in."

"Hooray!"

"That's the spirit! See you at opening." I looked down at my sleepy snail. I tugged at his leash to wake him up. He did immediately, yawned, and meowed. "Come on, Gary." We were on our way.

As soon as I stepped on my welcome met in front of my house, I took out the key from underneath. I put it in when I heard a noise, deep sea breathing.

"Is that you, Gary?" I wanted to know when my snail screamed. "Gary, what's wrong? Why are you randomly screaming?" I was then mad. "Don't you know fish folk are sleeping at this hour of night? How rude!" He hissed, and screamed again. "Gary, I command you to stop that th..." I felt someone grab me, and I, too, screamed.

Gary

It was horrible! A guy in scuba diving gear just grabbed SpongeBob, and was running off with him, as he struggled in his grasp. I gave chase.

"Gary!" SpongeBob shouted at me. "It's no use; you can't outrun this guy! Save yourself, and get help!" But I didn't. I kept on chasing him. "Gary!"

I then saw him swim off in the distance. I was exhausted, but saw what he was swimming to. It was a boat (Plankton called it a 'butt' after drinking far too much Kelp Beer, Sandy called it a boat. Given that Sandy was the land expert, I'll have to go with her on this, plus Sandy's not evil so that's another reason why I trust her more).

I was determined. I had to keep going! I slithered some more as fast as I could.

But it was too late. The boat left, and as soon as I got to the edge, the boat was gone. I couldn't believe it. My owner was gone.