Chapter 5: Foil Dreaded Patrick's Plans!

Patrick ended up arriving at Bikini Bottom City Hall while in hot pursuit of Dreaded Patrick. Over by some train track, he saw the villain stand about in the open. What was Dreaded Patrick doing? He had just finished tying an innocent starfish to the track, and was planning on having the poor guy be run over by a train.

Patrick: "Oh no... that poor man! He's on the train tracks and he's… *gasp* ...ALMOST NAKED! I must stop that incoming train and get him dressed... but how?!"

Starfish Guy in Underwear: "Excuse me, don't you have super strength, Starfishman? Push back the train with it!"

Patrick: "Hm… Good idea!"

Dreaded Patrick: "Starfishman?! ... Whatever. Even you should know your own limits! You can't stop an entire train by yourself!"

Patrick: "We'll see about that, Dreaded Patrick! ... ... Hrrrrgh...! This is... not looking… so good...!"

Dreaded Patrick: "So be it! Prepare to be run over by this train too, Starfishman! Mwuhahahahah!"

Patrick: "Must... save... almost... naked guy...! Hrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!"

By some miracle, Patrick was able to save the innocent starfish in underwear from that train. The locomotive was forced to a stop as it malfunctioned. This infuriated Dreaded Patrick, as he was forced into a corner. Then, lackeys popped out from posters to lay waste to Patrick.

Dreaded Patrick: "Curses...! Don't think that this is over between you and me, Starfishman!"

Patrick: "He got away again... At least this guy is safe in my care though… … More goons... I should deal with them. Yaaah! ... ... Time to go and free him! Hah! ... Well? Aren't you going to thank me?"

Starfish Guy in Underwear: "I don't see why I should... I'm still in utter peril."

Patrick: "But... I stopped the train for you."

Starfish Guy in Underwear: "I know… but, can't you see that I'm only in my UNDERWEAR?! I'm not going anywhere without my damn clothes!"

Patrick: "Never fear, almost naked citizen: I, Starfishman, shall find your missing clothes and you will be embarrassed... NO MORE!"

Patrick was able to obtain all five pieces of clothes that the man told him to get. The man was so happy to have his clothes back and left, thanking the superhero for this good deed. Patrick himself was happy for the man, and sighed in relief. That's when he remembered that he still needed to track down Dreaded Patrick. The mayor came up to Patrick, telling him that he should clean the town of Dreaded Patrick's minions. He did so and the mayor thanked Patrick from the bottom of his heart. The mayor left and Patrick continued his pursuit of Dreaded Patrick. He looked around Bikini Bottom for a while, and that's when he finally saw the villain with so many of his minions. Dreaded Patrick was at the Bikini Bottom National Bank, threatening to take fish hostage if he didn't get the money that was requested from him.

Dreaded Patrick: "I swear to Neptune… if none of you fork over this bank's cash, I will take ALL of you hostage!"

Patrick: "Not so fast, Dreaded Patrick!"

Dreaded Patrick: "Urgh… ... You repulsive, five-pointed fathead… of course you would come running to the scene."

Patrick: "Let the fish go, Dreaded Patrick! These citizens have done nothing to you."

Dreaded Patrick: "Not until I get the amount of money that I desire… ... You hear that? You better hurry with handing the cash over to me."

Bank Teller: "Tch. You are taking money that belongs to others, you bottomfeeder."

Dreaded Patrick: "Huh? ... Say. That. Again. Did you just dare call me a bottomfeeder? Do you have ANY idea who I am? Well, I know exactly what you are. You are nothing more than a regular bank teller... who works for a national bank in Bikini Bottom. What makes you think you have the right to call me a "bottomfeeder"? You know… I COULD just take you hostage as well. After all, there's nothing stopping me from doing so. Take a look around: Every corner of this bank is filled with my loyal minions. ... You should be paying attention too, Starfishman; because one false move, and these fish are history."

Patrick: "Barnacles! I have to do something, but he's threatening everyone here with his minions! What can I do?! ... Hey, there's a ringing phone nearby...! Perhaps I can use it! ... Uh... Can I answer this call for a second?"

Dreaded Patrick: "Meh. I don't see the harm in you doing so. Even if you did call the police... that would only make things worse for you, Starfishman."

Patrick: "... Hello?"

Guy on the Phone: "Starfishman, I've caught wind of what's been going on. Listen here: You only have one chance to save the fish here and prevent Dreaded Patrick from taking the money."

Patrick: "How can I use this one and only chance, Phone Guy?"

Guy on the Phone: "Do you see a button on any of the walls here? Pressing that button with your Super Charge will turn all the lights off for thirty seconds. Also, I should remind you that you have night vision. So when it does get dark, you can see and stick it to Dreaded Patrick's minions. Be careful though, you don't want Dreaded Patrick to see you dash over to it. He'll think that something's up and act on instinct."

Patrick: "Heeey, I see the button! Don't worry Phone Guy, I'll press that button without Dreaded Patrick's notice. …"

Dreaded Patrick: "So, was that Davy Jones' Locker calling for you? I would really appreciate it if you just… disappeared, Starfishman."

Patrick: "Um... No, it wasn't. This anonymous caller told me that Mr. Krabs had some... affair, so to speak and they asked me to get you."

Dreaded Patrick: "Bah. Like I care at this point... Anyway, there's nothing you can do, Starfishman. Just stand there and don't interfere with my- Wait, the caller wants to hear from moi?"

Patrick: "Uh, yeah."

Dreaded Patrick walked over to the phone, temporarily distracted by Patrick's little lie. Patrick then used this one and only chance to charge at the button, causing the lights in the building to go out. His night vision allowed him to see Dreaded Patrick's goons and he attacked them all. When the lights did come back on, Dreaded Patrick realized what had truly happened.

Dreaded Patrick: "What in Great Barrier Reef is going-?! ... Curse you, Starfishman! It looks like I'll have to cut this short and scram!"

Dreaded Patrick kidnapped one particular starfish before he left, along with only a small sum of money. Patrick was upset by this, he wasn't able to fully stop the villainous starfish. Well, he was still able to save all of the other fish in the building and managed to safeguard most of the bank's money, so not all was lost. But without a new lead to go off from, he couldn't find Dreaded Patrick or his minions. Not even the guy on the phone could help with finding any leads. Feeling somewhat defeated, Patrick went back to his rock and waited for when Dreaded Patrick could strike again. A couple of hours passed and his TV didn't display the usual static. The news came up, explaining that Dreaded Patrick was able to utilize resources that he stole from others to build a rocket. He then tied the innocent starfish he kidnapped to it, saying that the poor fish would be the first of his kind to be shot into space. Dreaded Patrick dared his archnemesis to enter his lair, which he then revealed its location. The villain gave Patrick only two hours to try and save the kidnapped starfish before the rocket blasts off into space.

Patrick: "That's where he's been?! This whole time, Dreaded Patrick has been under my nose! ... Wait, I don't even have a nose… ... N-no! I need to save that fellow starfish! Starfishman is coming to the rescuuuue!"

Patrick scrambled his way to the location, but then found himself in a strange place. He took in his surroundings and his eyes shot out a bit in shock.

Patrick: "This is weird... What is this place? Why are there pictures and statues of Dreaded Patrick everywhere in this area? …! Why did this door just shut behind me?"

Dreaded Patrick: "I see that you decided to stop by at the Dreaded Patrick Employment Fair. Perhaps you'd like to meet my new recruits? Mwuhahaha!"

Patrick: "Oh... well THAT'S certainly an upgrade."

Dreaded Patrick: "You better not take these recruits too lightly, they WILL crush you."

Patrick: "Yeah right, I'll just take them down like I did with the rest so far!"

In front of Patrick was an entire group of large minions with armor slapped on them. Patrick knew that these wouldn't be easy to take out. He noticed a ringing phone booth nearby and took the call.

Guy on the Phone: "Starfishman, those larger minions will pose a big problem to you."

Patrick: "How so?"

Guy on the Phone: "See that armor on them? As long as they wear those sets, your Super Turbo Twist and Super Bluster Puff attacks won't have any effect on them."

Patrick: "Then... what can I do?"

Guy on the Phone: "Try using your Super Charge attack on the armor plating. If you do it enough times, the armor might come off and you can use your other attacks on the minions."

The guy on the phone hung up and Patrick readied himself for a brawl. He did just as he was suggested and it was actually working. One by one, he slowly took out the large minions. Although, he did get hit several times while trying to knock off all that armor.

Dreaded Patrick: "You'll never defeat me, you pink palooka!"

Patrick: "No-! Come back! ... Fishpaste... … Uh... How the heck do I get out of here? Okay, I see buttons for me to slam… but they're attached to more of those box-critters. Still, maybe I should try slamming these things."

Patrick began to slam down on those buttons, releasing the box-critters, and activating the pathway to Dreaded Patrick's lair. He also had to power up a single windmill to open the door to the other side. Once the door did open, he went through it and continued to make his way to the lair. Patrick fought a few minions here and there, as well as one or two armored goons on the way. At some point, he stopped as another door closed behind him and he heard Dreaded Patrick laugh again from a distance.

Patrick: "That Dreaded Patrick, he's always causing trouble and laughing in that funny way... If only there was something I could do to shut him up. Hm... ... I know! I'll push over his statue with my Super Charge! That'll show him… ... ... Oof! Don't mess with Starfishman, Dreaded Patrick! No more will the good citizens of this town have to put up with your evil ways!"

Dreaded Patrick: "Curse you for knocking down my statue! You haven't seen the last of me, Starfishman... This should teach you NOT to meddle in my plans. If you thought that my newer recruits were bad, they don't even compare to my newest one... This single, loyal minion has already proven to be invaluable. You'll surely be slowed down here as you grimace, wondering how much time you have left to save that poor starfish. Starfishman, meet... The Dreadinator! The minion that shall keep you here and have things seem hopeless to you... he's coming for you! As for me... I can't just stay here, now can I? I have to be watching over the rocket back at my evil lair. Sayonara, you pink imbecile! Mwuhahaha!"

Patrick: "Oh no! What do I do?! I don't see or hear a phone booth in this area! This guy is HUGE and has the same armor that those other big guys had. I don't think I can do the same thing to this Dreadinator that I did to the bigger minions. There must be something I can do here… ... Eeyaaah! I better think of it fast! C'mon brain, think!"

Patrick pondered what he could do while running from The Dreadinator. He kept running away, thinking of a possible way of defeating the titanic threat. This persisted for a few minutes until The Dreadinator stumbled over several holes. It eventually got caught up in two particular holes. The Dreadinator was unable to step out of them and this moment gave Patrick an idea. He decided to see if he could Super Charge The Dreadinator's legs. He did so, causing the titan-sized starfish to sway and lose its balance. The Dreadinator fell over and couldn't get back up.

Patrick: "Eat my Super Ground Slam, Dreadinator!"

Patrick slammed down on The Dreadinator's chest multiple times. He felt pretty good about taking down the threat, but it wouldn't go down so easily. The Dreadinator found the strength to get back up and free itself from the holes.

Patrick: "Uh-oh… I should... RUN! AAAAAAAH!"

Patrick continued to run from The Dreadinator, screaming and panicking. He got himself on to higher ground, in hopes to avoid further confrontation. While he moved about on this higher ground, Patrick noticed a bunch of safes hanging on some rope from a giant crane. They were just above The Dreadinator's head when it went under them.

Patrick: "... ... Ah-ha! The safes, of course! ... C'mon…!"

Patrick saw buttons that were for a device made for moving and dropping the safes. His running turned into a full-on sprint as he approached the buttons. He stopped and avoided The Dreadinator's attacks as he positioned the safes to be above the titan. He timed the Super Ground Slam, then unleashed it. The crane released the bunch of safes and they fell on The Dreadinator's head, causing it to fall from the immense weight. Safe to say, Patrick successfully defeated The Dreadinator and he was happy.

Patrick: "Yay! That'll teach you, titanic evildoer!"

Patrick was able to move on to Dreaded Patrick's lair. When he found it, he met up with the villain himself. At first, they just stared at each other with serious eyes. Then, Dreaded Patrick spoke some words, starting up a brief exchange between him and Patrick.

Dreaded Patrick: "So... you've managed to defeat The Dreadinator. Impressive…"

Patrick: "It all ends here, Dreaded Patrick."

Dreaded Patrick: "Oh really? I like to see you foil this plot of mine. How about… you enjoy this drop?"

Patrick: "Huh? ... W-woooooaaah!"

Dreaded Patrick pushed this button from a remote control. This caused Patrick to fall through a trap door that was directly under him. The heroic starfish's scream faded from Dreaded Patrick's ears as mere seconds passed. Patrick landed inside an elevator shaft, set to move as soon as he came down on its platform.

Dreaded Patrick: "Ah, Starfishman... I'm so glad that you decided to come here to save this poor starfish from his soon-to-be demise. Mwaaaah haa haa! Look above you, and you will see that our pointy friend is soon going to be shot up into space on this rocket."

Patrick: "These guys are always getting themselves into scrapes, and look who has to save them... ME!"

Dreaded Patrick: "You have to beat me there first, pinky! I'm going to take great pleasure in sending your new pal into space, Starfishman! But, first... SQUASHING TIME!"

Patrick: "Let's go, Mister Elevator… hurry up!"

Dreaded Patrick began to ascend the elevator shaft with a special vehicle while Patrick was stuck on the elevator, which was also ascending. Minions came raining down to destroy Patrick. Left with no other choice, he had to defend himself from the big hordes of goons heading his way. Using just about all of the abilities he had been using so far, he dealt with numerous waves of these peons. Later, more and more larger and armored minions came forth.

Dreaded Patrick: "Tch. What does an evildoer have to do to get rid of a superhero these days? You're resilient, I'll give you that… but let's see how you handle these! You've met your match... In fact, you've met your master... Mwuhahahahaa!

They almost overwhelmed Patrick with their sheer numbers, but he was able to pull through them and made it to the top. Dreaded Patrick was furious that his minions couldn't put the superhero away.

Dreaded Patrick: "No...! No! NO! I can't let that pile of puce-colored suckers get the better of me! Aggggggggh! This is quite vexing...! How is this chubby cerise clot managing to thwart me?! Give up, you miserable excuse for a sea creature!"

Patrick: "Not today, Dreaded Patrick!"

Patrick dashed through a hallway to meet up with the innocent starfish who was tied up. He managed to get to him before Dreaded Patrick did, but that didn't guarantee the safety of the victim. Dreaded Patrick exited his vehicle and attacked Patrick.

Dreaded Patrick: "Yyaaaaaaah! Take that! And that! You won't get the chance to save that poor starfish, he's as good as gone! Starfishman, let's finish this... ... Mano a mano! EAT SAND!"

Patrick: "So be it, Dreaded Patrick! You won't stop me from saving him!"

The two traded blows back and forth for several minutes. Neither one of them wanted to give up. Both of them began to bleed through these continuous attacks. At one point, Patrick found an opening and threw Dreaded Patrick to a wall. Using this time, Patrick made progress to free the innocent starfish. But, as he was getting the hostage out of the last knot... Dreaded Patrick grabbed Patrick and quickly tied him up to the rocket, knowing that it was going to blast off very soon.

Dreaded Patrick: "If I can't blast that innocent fish into space... then I just have to tie YOU up to this rocket just before it goes!"

Patrick: "N-no! Stop! Hrrrgh! Hrrgh! ... Why can't I break free... with my super strength?"

Dreaded Patrick: "MWUHAHAHAHA! This is the power of Dreaded Patrick, Starfishman! That rope was made to be very durable, so even YOU can't escape from its clutches…"

Patrick: "This isn't fair! I'M the good guy! YOU'RE the bad guy! I'M supposed to wiiiiiiin! Yeeaaaaaaugh!"

The rocket took off with Patrick tied to it, leaving Dreaded Patrick very satisfied with the result.

Dreaded Patrick: "Okay… that's my arch-enemy defeated. Now what? Take over Bikini Bottom? ... Wait a minute… ... I don't know for sure if Starfishman is going to die in space. What if he pulls through by some... miracle? Perhaps I should go see if he dies before I go crazy with taking over the city…"

Dreaded Patrick walked back to his personal room in the lair to come up with a way to get into space himself. He wanted the superhero's death to be confirmed in his mind. So, he immediately began to plan out his own trip to the stars.

Author's Notes: Patrick was able to save an almost naked fish from being run over by a train. He then got the clothes back for that same fish. After that, he cut Dreaded Patrick's bank heist short and pursued the villain. He had quite a lot of trouble just getting to Dreaded Patrick's lair. The Dreadinator in particular gave him some hell. When he did reach the lair, he was met with Dreaded Patrick. The evil starfish had Patrick fall through a trapdoor, leading to an elevator shaft that started to ascend. Patrick then raced Dreaded Patrick to the top, which he won. However, the two brawled it out by the rocket. Patrick found an opening to free the hostage, but that caused him to be tied up himself by Dreaded Patrick. It was unfortunate that the rocket began to take off while Patrick was still very much binded by that strong rope. Dreaded Patrick felt really good about supposedly defeating his nemesis. However, he soon felt a "what if" scenario rush into his mind, causing him to make a plan to launch himself to space to see for sure that Patrick is dead. How will Patrick survive the sheer scope and size of Space? Well, you all won't know for sure until we come back to him. Meanwhile, we will turn over to see how Squidward handles his dream. The next couple of chapters will consist of ENTIRELY new content, so look forward to that. I think you guys will like the premise that I make for the squid's dream. Next chapter, Chapter 6: Clarinet Trouble.