Author's Note: Big thanks to everyone who reviewed for chapter 6! In this chapter the plot starts to thicken…P.S. I've decided to start using border lines. I find it divides my paragraph up into nice, neat sections.

Lozzay: Thanks for saying it wasn't boring, but I still think it was. Anyway as long as you liked it... You're welcome for the review!

Juel Haruna: Thanks for the comment. Not to brag or anything, but I consider myself to be a huge fan of SB. That's why I know so much. I'm glad you like it. Thanks!

tinksbelle85: I'm glad you think it wasn't boring, but I still think that it's not one of my better chapters. The reason why I didn't have interviews is because it would add even more to the boring-o-meter. Lol. Including this chapter, there will most likely be one or two more chapters until you find out who the hooded stranger is, and his plan is. I'm glad you like the fic. Thanks!

A. Nonymous: Lol. I'm glad you still like it. Including this chapter, there will most likely be one or two more chapters until you find out the hooded stranger's identity. You're welcome for the permission.

WoRdLiFeCeNa4: Yes, I know it was boring. It was probably one of the worst chapters I've ever written. Anyway, thanks for the great comments.

flaming-1251: I know. I'm so ashamed of that chapter. Anyway, thanks for reviewing!

Anon: Umm…Thanks for reviewing. It will probably be one or two more chapters until you find out who the hooded stranger is.

ComicCrystal: I'm happy that you think I'm a really good author. I'm going to consider the Squilliam and Squidward one. I didn't know it already had been done. I might not do it now… Thanks for reviewing!

Chapter 7

Squidward woke up. He smiled possibly the biggest grin he ever had on his face. Today was opening day. Squidward jumped out of bed and did his morning routine. Instead of putting on his brown shirt as usual, he dressed into his manager suit Patrick gave him. Squidward looked out his window. It was a bright and sunny day. Nothing could possibly go wrong. Or so he thought…

Squidward exited his house and started his stroll to his restaurant.

"Hey, Squidward!" yelled everyone's favourite undersea sponge to the octopus. Instead of twitching at Spongebob's voice like he normally did, Squidward turned to Spongebob with a big grin. Not even the yellow cube would ruin his day.

"I wanted to tell you that I took today off so I could go to the grand opening ceremony," said Spongebob.

Squidward's expression turned to one of confusion. "Ceremony?" he asked. "What ceremony?"

Spongebob laughed. "You should know; it's your restaurant!"

Squidward just stood in front of the sponge, confused.

"Well, I'd better get going. I need to buy some snail food for Gary. See you at the ceremony!" Spongebob ran off.

"What was that all about?" thought Squidward to himself.

All of a sudden, Patrick's rock opened up. "Oh!" exclaimed Patrick as he spotted Squidward. "I'm glad I caught you. I need to tell you something." Instead of falling off his rock like he normally did, Patrick carefully made his way over to Squidward. "Since this is the day the Shimmering Star opens, I figured we should celebrate in some way. So, I took the liberty of arranging an opening ceremony! It will be held at exactly 12 noon. You (being the manager) will cut the ribbon, officially opening the restaurant. Various people have been specially invited…"

"Specially invited?" asked Squidward, his curiosity rising every second. "Who has been invited?"

"Oh, just the basics," said Patrick in an 'it doesn't matter' tone. "You know, everyone with class, (it's a five star restaurant after all,) a music group, (you can't have a ceremony without music), and the original owner of the restaurant. What was his name again? Oh yes, I believe it was Squilliam Fancyson."

The entire colour in Squidward's face drained. It was Squilliam that sold him the restaurant? It was a good thing he didn't say his name when he was talking on the phone. "Patrick, I…" but then he changed his mind. Squidward remembered how good it felt when Squilliam had to endure his old five-star restaurant. He had a lust for that feeling again. Besides, Squilliam didn't have the authority to take back possession of his restaurant. He official documents had already been signed.

"Yes?" asked Patrick.

"I think it's a great idea," said Squidward. The colour had returned to his face.

Patrick smiled. "Good!" he exclaimed. "I also made this…" Patrick shuffled for something in his pocket. Squidward realized that he was wearing his waiter's outfit. Patrick found what he was looking for. "Tada!" he exclaimed. He held up something that looked like a menu. It was a menu!

"Where did you get this?" asked Squidward, holding it in his tentacles.

"I made it!" announced Patrick. He wore a smug smile that made him look proud of himself.

Squiudward examined the menu. There was a picture of a star on the front. It was silver with a golden edge. Above was the word 'menu'. Squidward opened it up and found an enormous variety of tasteful looking appetizers, entrées, main courses, desserts, and beverages. He closed the menu. On the back, at the very bottom of the page was the same star that was on the front, only smaller.

"This is gorgeous!" exclaimed Squidward.

Another smug smile came from Patrick. "Thank you!" he said.

"When did you have time do all of this?" asked Squidward.

"During the night,"

At this, Squidward paused. "Don't you need sleep?" For the fist time since Patrick became a fancy waiter, he looked puzzled.

"What's sleep?"

Squidward was sitting in his office chair. He peered at the clock. Five minutes to twelve. The ceremony would begin soon. A lot of people were already waiting outside. Patrick was with all of the other staff in the kitchen. They were to prepare and serve the meals when everyone was invited inside after the ceremony.

Squidward was nervous. Squilliam would be there. He knew he had nothing to worry about, but just one simple mistake and his reputation would be ruined. Again. Squidward drummed his tentacles against his desk. He became fidgety whenever he was really nervous. He had no reason to be. Everything was ready. The tables were set. The supplies had arrived. The staff was ready to work. Everything was ready; except Squidward.

He peered at the clock again. Two minutes. Squidward looked at the scissors on his desk. He would be cutting a ribbon soon with those scissors. One minute. Squidward aroused from his desk. He should go now. He wanted to be right on time.

He exited through the backdoor. He nervously walked around the big star. He peered around one of the points. He was surprised so many people had come. A good portion of Bikini Bottom citizens were awaiting for the ceremony to start. Squidward fumbled with the scissors. He looked at the golden watch he was wearing. It was a present from Patrick. Squidward told him it wasn't necessary. (The ceremony and menus were gift enough). But Patrick insisted. Patrick soon received the privilege of head waiter.

Squidward took a deep breath. He turned the corner. The chatting crowd immediately became silent upon seeing Squidward's arrival. Squidward walked up the podium in front of the restaurant doors. Everyone was silent. Squidward had at least fifty pairs of eyes looking at him. He gulped. He then gave his speech.

Minutes Later

"And without further adieu, I open the Shimmering Star!" announced Squidward. He took the scissors and cut the ribbon. Everyone cheered. "You are all welcome to eat. There is plenty of room for everyone!"

Lots of fish and other sea life entered the restaurant. After making sure everyone was escorted in, Squidward entered the restaurant.

He looked around. Fish were already being attended to by waiters and waitresses. Squidward smiled. His restaurant was open. His five star restaurant was open! Squidward was joyful. However, that feeling was son destroyed.

"So, it was you. Eh, Squiddy?" Squidward cringed. He knew who it was. He turned around and saw Squilliam Fancyson standing behind him. "I should have known you might have tried to own a five star restaurant again!"

Squidward was silent. He wasn't sure of what to say. Squilliam was his rival, but yet he gave the restaurant to Squidward. Shouldn't that make him grateful? No; what was he thinking about? Squilliam was his enemy.

"Lost for word? Eh, Squiddy?" said Squilliam mockingly.

Squidward smiled on the inside. The mean part was about to be let out. "I really am lost for words," said Squidward. "Of how stupid you were to not even recognize it was me over the telephone.

Squilliam scowled. "You should be thanking me, Squiddy. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't even have this restaurant."

"Well soon you will be thanking me for a lovely meal."

"Please, no!" exclaimed Squilliam. "I don't want another maniac waiter serving me like last time."

This time it was Squidward's turn to scowl. "It was an honest mistake. I insist you try our food."

Squilliam looked around. If truth be told Squidward's restaurant was spectacular. Much better than the old one he had. However, he would never admit that to Squidward.

"I'll give it a try," agreed Squilliam.

"I hope you'll enjoy. Patrick!" called Squidward. Immediately Patrick was standing beside Squidward. "See to it that our guest is given the best seat in the house."

"Right away!" announced Patrick. He led Squilliam over to a fancy looking table.

Squidward couldn't hold back the smug smile that was yearning for his lips. This was all too great. He had a five star restaurant, it was going perfectly, and best of all, he had a chance to rub it in Squilliam's face.

Things were going great. It was ten days ever since the ceremony. Squilliam was completely blown away by the food. So was every other fish that ate at the Shimmering Star. Every day the restaurant was full. Squidward was outside, greeting people who were entering the restaurant.

"Hello, nice evening isn't it?" Squidward said to a nice looking couple. He opened the door and the two fish stepped inside. Squidward was enjoying his new life. He felt that nothing could go wrong. Until…

"Squidward!" called someone in the distance. Squidward squinted into the darkened evening, trying to make out who it was that was calling to him.

Mr. Krabs emerged from the darkness. He appeared to be very sad about something.

"Mr. Krabs?" asked Squidward, surprised. "What are you doing here? Isn't it still business hours for the Krusty Krab?"

"That's just the thing," said Mr. Krabs. "The Krusty Krab is going out of business!"