A/N: I haven't forgotten about y'all, I've just been busy with work and trying to find the will to work on a book. I hope y'all enjoy this last chapter and thank y'all so much for the reviews. I have an archive of our own account now with the same name filled with more works.
"Sandy," SpongeBob winced, opening his eyes. He was in the castle's infirmary, the familiar gray and white walls greeting him. The door was pushed open, Patrick bursting into the room, bawling his eyes out.
The pink starfish rushed to the prince's bedside, grabbing his hand as he sobbed. "Are you okay?" Patrick blubbered, wiping his face.
"Yeah," it felt like he had been hit by a ton of bricks, but he was okay in a sense. "Where's Sandy?" he asked, sitting up in bed.
"Outside, Holly's. . ." Patrick paused, frowning.
The door opened as Sandy walked in, her purple robes clean despite what she had just done. She smelled of smoke and ash. She sat on the edge of the infirmary bed, saying, "I have to go,"
"Go where?" SpongeBob asked, reaching for Sandy's hand.
"Home," she simply answered, looking away from the pair. "Nightwell is safe. . .you're safe."
"Y-you can stay, there's room. Especially for the kids."
Sandy shook her head, smiling. It was a rueful smile, barely reaching her eyes. "I can't stay, if you. . .if Nightwell is in danger again, I can't protect it." she said, taking the sponge's hand in hers. "I can't protect you."
"Then I'll go with you,"
"You're needed here," Sandy said, standing up and heading towards the door. "You can see me off tomorrow."
SpongeBob recovered quickly, his wound healing with Sandy's magic. He swallowed as guards were stationed outside the room he was in, making his way towards Sandy's room. He pushed open the door, biting his lip as Sandy put her last robe in her bag.
"Well," Sandy started, walking over to hug the sponge. He returned her embrace, tears beginning to well in his eyes. "If you ever need me, I'm on land."
SpongeBob nodded, swallowing back his urge to beg. To plead for his friend not to leave him. He watched her go, bracing his hand against the doorframe to the castle. Nightwell needed him more.