Chapter 21

Breaking Waves

Darkened laughter resounded throughout the bowl as the pebbles settled. The red glow of the spell lingered, but it didn't set. The spell was cast away! Natalie stopped laughing in shock; Spongebob was glowing bright blue, unharmed by her attack.

"That's quite enough," SpongeBob snapped, "From both of you big bullies."

"Oh, you're a stupid little witch," Malum said, still guffawing, "That spell wasn't strong enough. You honestly thought the Void would give a worthless sorceress the power to overcome a deity like Aquarius?"

SpongeBob was confused and asked, "Did you just assume I'm using Aquarius' power?"

This startled Natalie and intrigued Malum.

"If Aquarius isn't protecting you," Natalie asked, "Then how did you resist my spell?"

"Because I didn't want to be a human," SpongeBob replied, somewhat bewildered.

Natalie then asked fearfully, "How powerful are you on your own?"

"I'm not sure," SpongeBob answered, "I've never been pushed to my limit, it's no fun just to end things right away, and I don't see why I should hurt my enemies when more often than not, the universe does that for me."

"What the *Dolphin Laugh," Natalie said, her eyes wide.

"I understand now your going to be my enemy," SpongeBob said sadly, "I hope you understand that you will never succeed, and your goal will drive you to madness."

Natalie was frozen in shock.

"Yeah," Malum said to Natalie, "Good luck with that sport."

Then the cracks disappeared quickly.

"This isn't over," Natalie pouted and then disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"See you soon," SpongeBob chirped.

He felt the comfort of the water flow through him. Spongebob looked around still smiling.

"I know you here," Spongebob said softly, "You must have followed me, I have felt your presence for a while."

Silence met him, but he felt a bit embarrassed for some reason.

"It's okay," Spongebob reassured, "I can tell you were just trying to protect me."

The water grew warm and cozy. Euphoria and excitement enveloped Spongebob.

"You must be Aquarius," Spongebob chuckled, "I don't understand why I can feel what you feel."

"What can I say," a calm voice replied with a chuckle, "I'm a strong influence."

Spongebob looked around and spotted the conch shell, laying on the ground, glowing a brilliant ocean blue. It must have somehow gotten out of its box in the scuffle.

Spongebob got down on his knees to have a closer look and cooed sweetly, "You don't have to hide anymore."

The Shell glimmered as Aquarius replied, "I'm afraid you're wrong my son, the time isn't right."

"Will you be helping me in the meantime," Spongebob asked, "so my friends and home can go back to normal?"

"Of course," Aquarius answered, "I will do everything in my power to restore Bikini

Bottom as it was before that tyrannical titan weakened my magic."

SpongeBob gave the conch a gentle hug. Everything seemed to get a bit fuzzy for a few minutes before Spongebob woke up, still in Patrick's arms.