It's A Wonderful Ocean

by CJS51703

An overworked and under-appreciated SpongeBob wishes that he had never moved to Bikini Bottom. He gets to see just what the city looks like without him, and he realizes that you should be careful what you wish for. Spandy, but that's not a main focus.

2. Chapter 2

***Well, here it is. The second chapter. All rights go to Stephen Hillenburg.

Chapter Two: Planktopolis

Industrial. That's the first thing that came to SpongeBob's mind after opening his eyes. The whole field had been converted into a highway and parking lot. Trash was scattered everywhere. The highway walls were covered in graffiti. Cracked pavement in the lot hinted that no one had used it in years. "Here we are. Bikini Bottom without you, also known as Planktopolis," Princess Mindy said grimly. It hinted at who the head of this city was. The two stood there until a fish named Fred approached them. Around his neck was a metallic shock collar. "What are you doing out of city limits at the time of the day?" Fred asked monotonously. SpongeBob cocked his head to the side in confusion. "Why do you say that? Where do I have to be at three in the afternoon?" he asked. Then there was a steely cold grip on his right arm. "How did you disable your shock collar? Master Plankton will not be pleased with your absence, especially on Taxation Day," Fred said. This whole conversation was confusing. He didn't look as if he was going to say another word on the matter, so SpongeBob turned to Princess Mindy for clarification. "What in the heck is he talking about? What's Taxation Day?" he asked in a low voice. "You'll see," was the only answer that was given. So the three continued their trip into the city. Many citizens were building statues while the others walked around as appointed supervisors. All of them wore gray uniforms with the Chum Bucket logo across the front. The whole town was dismal and depressing. SpongeBob kept lookout for anyone he knew and came across a shocking sight: the Krusty Krab had been condemned. Boards were rotted, the furniture inside was falling apart, and the glass was cracked. And outside of it sat Mr. Krabs. His clothes were tattered and torn beyond recognition. Everyone passing by ignored his pleas for spare change. SpongeBob was being pulled along too fast to say a word to his old boss. "Come on. He won't recognize you anyways," Princess Mindy reminded. Finally, the threesome reached their destination: the Chum Bucket. There was a small line leading out of the double doors. Everyone in line seemed nervous to be there. Almost as if their lives depended on it. And who would be standing outside the doors but Squidward? "Name?" he asked. "Oh, come on, you know who I am! SpongeBob SquarePants!" the quirky sponge replied. "There is no one named 'SpongeBob SquarePants' by the town records. You will have to see Master Plankton. Go, the seastar inside will show you where you need to go," Squidward ordered. His voice was montonous, just like Fred's. "Hey Mindy, how come no one's spoken to you?" SpongeBob asked. "They can't see me, but they can see you," the princess in question explained. The pair walked inside of the Chum Bucket. There was probably the most surprising sight of the day: everyone inside was eating Krabby Patties! "Because the Krusty Krab is closed!" SpongeBob realized. He continued a quiet trek to where only Patrick was standing. "Halt! Who are you?" he demanded with hard expression. This was definitely a different Patrick. "Squidward told me to visit you, something about not being in the town records. Apparently you'll take me where I need to go," SpongeBob explained. His former best friend lead him behind another set of double doors, past a set of stairs that went down somewhere, and into an office at the back. There, upon a little throne in the seat of a normal-sized throne, sat Plankton. Patrick left to go back out to his post. SpongeBob stood stock-still for a moment. Everything made sense now! The Krabby Patties, the shock collars, everyone's uniforms, all of it! "Plankton." The name hung in the air until the one in question spoke. "I think there's a 'Master' in there somewhere. And where's your payment? It is Taxation Day, after all," he reminded. "I owe you nothing. You've ruined Bikini Bottom single-handedly!" SpongeBob exclaimed. Plankton raised his eyebrow. "Bikini Bottom? This is Planktopolis, cheesehead. Anyone without a payment goes downstairs. Patrick!" Plankton called. The pink starfish knew his cue. He forced SpongeBob down the set of stairs and locked him into what felt like a prison cell. All was silent until another voice asked, "What're you in for?" It was Sensei Fuzzy. He was also clad in the same Chum Bucket uniform. He looked as if he'd been down here for years. "No payment. You?" SpongeBob asked. "I wanted my students to rebel against Master Plankton, but he intercepted our plans and brainwashed all of the weaker ones. My strongest-willed one...she's confined to the grill," Sensei Fuzzy explained. He went and sat in the corner of the spacious cell, facing the wall. "Guess who she is," Princess Mindy said. "Sandy," SpongeBob gasped. She had outsmarted Plankton once before. Why hadn't she done it again? "I have to go see her," SpongeBob declared. He sounded more defiant than he had during his conversation with Plakton. "Alright. But you're only wasting our time. We don't have longer here if you want to go back home!" Princess Mindy warned. She promised to meet SpongeBob outside and left. The sponge, now free, ran in search of his dear friend.

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