The Bikini Bottom Study Initiative is an inclusive club that only the brightest biologists and paranormal experts can join. Stanford Pines applied for this job many years ago to continue his Unified Theory of Weirdness research. He almost forgot about it, but he received his acceptance letter a day before he left on the Stan-O-War 2.

Stanford said, "Huh, you know, I almost forgot I applied to this; I don't even remember what the initiative is studying that piqued my interest.

Stanley chuckled, "Well, whatever it is, I want in on it too."

Stanford scolded him, "Now Lee, you and I both know you'll probably be bored to tears."

Stanley said, "Well, if you wanted to be a part of it, Poindexter, It's probably a lot more exciting than it seems."

Stanford scoffed, "We've been through literally the end of the world, I doubt it be any more exciting then that."

Sandy was sitting in her tree dome when she received a call from the French Narrator.

"Howdy," She chirped, "What can I do for you Frenchy?"

The French Narrator said, "Ah, Sandy. The Head of Research for The Bikini Bottom Study Initiative wants to talk to you; you may only refer to them as The Executive."

"Okay," Sandy said.

She waited for the phone, and it hummed as she was transferred.

"Hello, Sandy," a deep, imposing voice echoed, booming, "How are the specimens? 590-November-Golf-3, 56-Uniform-1-Delta, Kilo-Romeo-Alfa-Bravo-5, 5-Tango-Alfa-Romeo, 9-Lima-Alfa-November-Kilo-Tango-0-November and 5- November-Alfa-India-Lima."

"Oh, Executive," Sandy replied, "They're fine. We're practically best friends!"

"That's The Executive to you," They hissed, "And I regret to inform you that is exactly the problem! My research staff has grown especially attached to 590-November-Golf-3 and 5- November-Alfa-India-Lima. They have begged me for permission to extract them from their natural habitat to study him on his own. You did your job too well!"

"You want to take away SpongeBob?" Horrified, Sandy asked, "he's essential to their ecosystem!"

The Executive hissed, "It doesn't matter; his little misadventures free in the ocean are ending, and we no longer require your services. It was a pleasure doing business with you, Miss Cheeks."

They hung up, and Sandy was horrified. She hurriedly put on her suit and rushed to SpongeBob's house.

SpongeBob was outside, checking his mail. Gary was on his head, just hanging out.

"SpongeBob," Sandy shouted, "Get inside, quickly!"

SpongeBob chirped, "Hey Sandy! Why? Is something wrong?"

Sandy stopped to catch her breath and said, shoving SpongeBob across the ground, "There's no time to explain; just get inside!"

SpongeBob said, "Okay!"

He rushed into his house as a little aquatic camera fitted with fin-like propellers swam down. On its side was etched 01-DSO.

Sandy laughed at the camera, "Take that, land folk! SpongeBob is safe inside his house."

She then walked away very smugly.

SpongeBob asked himself, "Land folk?"

Gary just shrugged. He then peeked out to see the aquatic camera, and a sweet smile spread across his face. He then came outside.

"Oidso," SpongeBob politely greeted the camera. It's nice to see you again; I just got my mail. Do you want to see it? Of course, you do; you're a Camera Fish."

He let Oidso in and showed off his mail.

"Look," SpongeBob said, presenting what he found in his mailbox, "I got the newest Mermaid-Man Super Fan Monthly issue. A letter from my pen-pal in Rock Bottom and my electricity bill."

He turned away from Oidso and sighed.

SpongeBob said, "I better take care of this right away. I made a promise to Rita: no more late payments. She was very nice to me on the phone."

He pulled Gary off his head and set him on the ground in front of Oidso.

"Here," SpongeBob said, "You stay here and keep an eye on Gary while I take care of this."

He left the room as Oidso watched Gary intently. Gary slithered to the chair and sat in it before putting his head in his shell and napping.

Suddenly, SpongeBob heard an artificial voice chirp from a speaker, "Hey, SpongeBob. Can I talk to you for a second?"

SpongeBob stopped what he was doing and approached Oidso.

"Why, of course," SpongeBob said, smiling softly, "Oidso. What do you want to talk about?"

Oidso replied, "I wanted to offer you a chance to go someplace else where you don't have to pay any more pesky bills and be able to live without work or worry."

SpongeBob smiled and said, "Oh, but I like my job at the Krusty Krab, and I have friends here in Bikini Bottom who would worry about me if I left. Yes, bills are annoying, but this is my home."

Oidso went quiet as if thinking.

Oidso asked, "Would you like to meet my friends?"

"I already know about the other Camera Fish," Spongebob chuckled. I was the one who helped you guys settle into Bikini Bottom."

Oidso said, "Oh no, these friends are very different. I think you might have overheard Sandy calling them land folk. They've been so eager to meet you, and I know you like making new friends. So why not visit them?"

SpongeBob gave it some thought and asked, "Will I still be able to go home eventually?"

Oidso replied, "Oh, for sure!"

SpongeBob said, "Then I would love to meet them."

Oidso said, "Excellent. Now hold onto something; they'll temporarily move your home into our home."

SpongeBob then sat on his chair next to Gary and fastened a seat belt that just happened to be built into it. Then, the house started shaking as if the ground was being scooped up underneath it by a giant claw attached to a submarine. Then, it carefully pulled the house up from the ground, detaching the utilities. It pulled it into a bay of sorts where the claw originated. There was an airlock that had to drain before SpongeBob could get inside. Scientists eagerly waited to see SpongeBob's house in person, and they were cautious about placing the house into a giant rectangular aquarium quickly before too much sea water drained. It was perfect. The inside of SpongeBob's house was a bit of a mess when it all stopped, but he sighed in relief.

Oidso piped up, "There we go! Welcome to my home, SpongeBob. Why don't you head outside, And I'll introduce you."

SpongeBob went out with Gary and Oidso trailing behind and was intimidated by the sight of large creatures towering over his house and the rectangle aquarium. The Aquarium was slowly lifted so SpongeBob could see their friendly faces.

SpongeBob waved to them, and they waved back with big smiles.

"Meet the team," Oidso said, "That gentleman over there on the computer is my best friend, Odin!"

The Scientist on the laptop lifted his eyes to meet SpongeBob's and grinned.

"Over to his right with the cute headband," Oidso explained, "Is his girlfriend, Jessica."

The lady Scientist gave a knowing nod.

"And on the far right is the newest member of our team," Oidso said, "Standford, he has six fingers, the weirdo."

SpongeBob raised his hand and noted, "I only have four; I don't see how six is any weirder than that."

Stanford sighed in relief, but his voice was muffled by the glass and water, "Finally, somebody understands it."

The other two scientists looked at him in concern but dropped it for now.

They carefully took the tank to a new room and gently transferred it off the little wheeled device onto a table.

"There you go, SpongeBob," Odin said, his voice also muffled by the glass and water. "Now we can start connecting your utilities to ours, and you'll be all set."

"Allow me to grab," Stanford started and was quickly interrupted by Jennifer, who said, "Go find our utility guy, and we'll handle it."

He nodded and rushed away.

"You'll have to forgive him," Jennifer said, her voice a bit hard to make out, "He isn't used to your particular customs."

SpongeBob was a bit confused but said, "Of course!"

"You might want to wait before tidying up," Oidso said. You don't have power or running water right now. In the meantime, our team in the RD department made you something special."

Jennifer carefully pulled a box from her pocket and sank it into the Aquarium. It floated down, and SpongeBob rushed to receive it. He opened the box to reveal a little earpiece. He put it on. Jennifer then pressed on her earpiece with a smile.

"There we go," her voice chirped over the earpiece. Now we can communicate with you more directly."

SpongeBob said, "Oh, thank you so much! I guess this means Oidso is going to be around more often?"

"Yep," Jennifer said, "however, we do have to take him away now and then so he can get some sleep. He has a bed, after all."

"Okay," SpongeBob said, then he went to Gary and said, "Did you hear that, Gary? Oidso will be visiting us more often than ever!"

"Meow," Gary replied.

Scientists set up the tank to filter the salt water continually.

One night, SpongeBob was visited by Bill Cipher in a dream.

Bill greeted SpongeBob warmly, "Hey there, Spatula! Nice to meet you; my name is Bill!"

SpongeBob asked, "Wait, what did you just call me?"

Bill answered, "Spatula! Or do you want me to call you Fry-cook, Sponge-Boob, Simple Sponge, or Kiddo?"

SpongeBob looked perturbed but took a deep breath.

SpongeBob said, "Just call me by my name, please."

Bill said, "Sure thing, SquarePants."

SpongeBob asked, "Have I met you before?"

Bill answered, "Nope, but I know all about you and all your friends!"

SpongeBob asked, "How?"

Bill answered, his Pupil narrowing, and his voice deepened, "I SEE EVERYTHING!"

His body flashed lots of images SpongeBob didn't recognize. It then returned to normal. (Normal for Bill, anyway.)

Bill then said, "Enough talk; I need your help."

"Oh," SpongeBob asked, "What do you need?"

Bill answered, "I need your help to return to my body. I managed to escape from Stanley with my power, but I need another vessel to carry me back into Gravity Falls' idiotic barrier to get my body back."

"Woah," SpongeBob said, "You mean I need to go on land for a long time? I don't know if I can do that."

Bill said, "Oh no, don't worry about that. I'll hang out here in your Dreamscape until we get there, and then I will take care of the rest."

Bill set up a hammock and laid in it.

SpongeBob said, "Oh, okay!"

Bill asked, "Is there anything you want in turn for helping me?"

SpongeBob thought briefly before asking, "I can ask for anything?"

"Yeah," Bill said, sitting up, rubbing his hands together, and asking, " Do you have something sinister in mind? Do you want me to steal something for you? Burn a small country? Do you want someone dead, SquarePants?"

"Oh, no, thank you," SpongeBob said politely and sweetly, "Nothing like that. I want something a little less destructive."

"Let me guess," Bill sighed, "Eternal youth."

"Nope," SpongeBob said, "But you must get that a lot, huh?"

Bill rolled his eyes, "You have no idea."

SpongeBob said, "All I ask is for you to give me your friendship!"

Bill was confused and asked, "That's all you want?"

SpongeBob chirped, "Yep!"

Bill turned away and thought about it. SpongeBob started bouncing a little with excitement. His soft body squeaked as it squished and stretched. Bill turned back with a chuckle.

Bill said, "Alright, Sponge, you caught me in a good mood. I'll humor you, my friendship, for the time I'm using your subconscious as my cruise."

Bill laid back down and summoned a coconut full of liquid with an umbrella and a silly straw.

SpongeBob said, a bit nervous, "Just be careful; this place can be much for villains. I can handle it; of course, it's my mind. But if you have evil intentions, your 'cruise' might turn out the opposite of what you want."

Bill chuckled, "Whatever you say, pal."

He took a sip through the straw with his eye. Then he sat up and made a flame appear in his hand.

Bill said, "It's a deal."

He offered his hand to SpongeBob. SpongeBob took it with his hand eagerly and shook it. Suddenly, Bill felt a soft sweetness come over his mind and spirit like an ocean wave. He quickly let go of SpongeBob's hand, and the feeling immediately dissipated.

Bill muttered, "That's never happened before."

SpongeBob said, "So, tell me a little about yourself, Bill."

Bill said, once again reclining in the hammock, "Well, in case my appearance didn't clue you in, I'm not exactly from your world. I come from a place called the Nightmare Realm."

SpongeBob pulled out a little folding chair from behind himself, sat on it, and asked, "Oh? What's that place like?"

Bill explained, "Oh, you know, a chaotic mess of a universe unbound by laws, rules, or reason. I turned it into my playground a few hundred thousand years back. But I grew bored, and over time, it became unstable. I had to find a new world to call home, so to speak."

SpongeBob asked, "If you're so powerful, can't you heal the Nightmare Realm?"

Bill took a thoughtful sip from his coconut before replying, "Eh, the fabric of that reality was already frayed before I started my little party. Even if I wanted to try to fix it, it would have been too little, too late."

SpongeBob was saddened, "Oh, I see."

Bill took another sip from his coconut.

SpongeBob then asked, "Wait, a party?"

Bill replied, "Yep, all my friends and I are always living life to the fullest! I call them the Hench-Maniacs! They are so much fun; you'll meet them yourself, Sponge."

SpongeBob asked excitedly, "Really?"

Bill answered, "Yeah, but only after I get back in my body. Maybe you can join us if you have what it takes."

SpongeBob said, "That's a very kind offer, Bill, but I already have a group of friends."

"Who," Bill asked but then interrupted himself with a chuckle. "Oh, right. You think those Scientists who uprooted you from your home ocean are your friends, right? Sorry to break it to you, kid, but..."

"Oh, not them," SpongeBob interrupted Bill, "They're still just acquaintances to me. I'm talking about all of my friends back in Bikini Bottom!"

Bill was caught off guard but kept that to himself. He took a sip from his coconut to steady his nerves.

Bill said, somewhat dismissively, "Oh yeah, the other fish folk. I see them planning to bust you out of here with that squirrel in a suit."

SpongeBob asked, "What? Sandy wants to bust me out?"

Bill answered, "Yep."

Sponge Bob said, "But these guys are harmless. They want to study me by myself for a little while. I need to send a message to Sandy somehow to let her know I'm okay."

Bill said, "Good luck with that, kid. The only way you can reach her now is to enter her dreams."

"That's a great idea," SpongeBob said, "Thanks Bill!"

Bill sat up in surprise and watched SpongeBob stand from his chair and walk to the edge of his dream.

"Stay here," SpongeBob said, "I'll be right back."

He then disappeared from his dream and entered Sandy's dream. Sandy was stressed, dreaming about being in a creepy version of the submarine SpongeBob was currently held in. The machines towered over her like buildings, and the Scientists were like shambling monsters. SpongeBob came to her as she was hiding from one of them.

"Hey, Sandy," SpongeBob chirped, then Sandy placed her hand over his mouth to silence him. The monstrous version of Odin stopped for a moment to listen. It was quiet, say for the hum of the ship. Then, the monstrous version of Odin shambled away. Sandy sighed in relief.

Her attention then turned to SpongeBob. She let his mouth go and growled, "I thought I told you to stay out of my dreams, SpongeBob."

"Sorry, Sandy," SpongeBob whimpered, "But I figured this was an exception because it's an emergency. You need to call off the rescue party. The land folk meant no harm in taking me."

Sandy asked, "How can you be so sure? They took your whole house."

"They told me themselves," SpongeBob said, "It's only temporary. I'll be home eventually, and everything can return to normal."

Sandy said, "I don't know, SpongeBob; I didn't exactly get the impression they just want you there temporarily, taking you and everything you own out of the ocean."

SpongeBob held Sandy's paw in his hands; even through her suit, he could tell his friend was very shaken. He said with a sparkle in his eye, "I promise I'll be home for your birthday next year. If you promise that if I'm not, then you come after me, okay?"

Sandy took a deep breath and said, "Alright, I promise."

SpongeBob then let her go and said, "I have to go now; sweet dreams, Sandy!"

He then stepped back from her dream into his. Bill was still there, looking at Spongebob in amazement.

SpongeBob asked, "Everything alright, Bill?"

Bill answered, "Oh, I'm fine. I didn't expect you to have such control over the Dreamscape."

SpongeBob asked, "The Dreamscape?"

Bill outstretched his arms and said, "This place where you and everyone in your world come to dream. You seem to be able to manipulate it to your will."

SpongeBob let that information sink in and said, "I guess I do. All that studying up on lucid dreaming paid off!"

Bill got up from his hammock and hovered off the ground as he began to stare at SpongeBob. He floated around Sponge-like a sea bear, pacing a cage.

SpongeBob asked, "What are you doing?"

Bill stopped for a second to blink, and another jolt of soft sweetness shot through him. Then he muttered, "There's that feeling again."

SpongeBob was concerned and asked, "What feeling? Are you okay?"

SpongeBob reached out to Bill. Bill shirked back, snapping, "I'm fine; just stay away from this area of your mind."

He drew a line in the ground with his finger to a square of his hammock. Then, from the drawings came four big black triangles growing from the ground like trees. Then they all leaned inwards, closing Bill off from SpongeBob and encasing him in a black pyramid. He immediately set an illusion on the place to make it appear like he was reclining on the bow of a cruise ship, summoning himself a little flower necklace and a pair of sunglasses for his eye.

SpongeBob was outside and worried as he watched the walls go up and dark red etching appear on them. His alarm blared, waking him up from his dream. When he woke up, the image of the black Pyramid weighed heavily in the back of his mind. But he got up cheerfully, as always, to prepare for a new day on the submarine.

Today, for lunch, he took the emergency patty from his pocket, cooked it, and assembled a Krabby Patty the right way.

"I'd better savor this," SpongeBob said, "I wonder if Bill's ever tasted a Krabby patty."

At the same time, Bill summoned a covered platter for him to eat. (He wasn't hungry; he was just bored doing Nothing.) He uncovered it; initially, it was a small pepperoni and olive pizza. Then, it was hit with an electric wave, transforming into a Krabby Patty.

Bill asked himself, "What the?"

Bill picked up the sandwich, giving a short stare before he felt his body shapeshift to have a bit more width. Then, with great effort, he opened the seam between the top of his new pyramid form and the rest of his body. Inside the split, it was lined with sharp teeth and a forked tongue resting on the bottom. He tossed the Patty into this opening and quickly shut it up. With a quick chew, he swallowed the Krabby Patty.

Bill quipped, "Woah, that was tasty!"

Back to SpongeBob, he rubbed his belly and muttered, "Absorb the patty slowly, body; there's no telling how long before our next one."

His belly rumbled in reply. Stanford came into the room with the earpiece in. SpongeBob rushed out of his house to greet him.

"Hiya Stanford," SpongeBob chirped, "How are you today?"

Stanford politely greeted, "Ah, Good morning, 590-November-Golf-3. I'm fine this morning; let me know if you notice anything off about your tank."

SpongeBob asked, surprised, "What did you just call me?"

Stanford answered, "590-November-Golf-3; it's how your name is noted in our documents. Do you prefer to be called something else?"

SpongeBob answered, "I would prefer it if you called me something like Robert or Mr. SquarePants."

Stanford said, "Very well, then, Robert."

"The tank is great," SpongeBob said, "The water is getting kind of chilly, but nothing I can't adapt to."

Stanford pulled out a laser thermometer and pointed at the water.

"Hmm," Stanford said, "It has gotten a few degrees colder without direct sunlight to warm it."

He put the thermometer away, pulled out a little device, plugged it in, and set it on the glass next to the water filter.

"There we go," Stanford said, "This water warmer should keep your tank at a comfortable temperature."

"Oh," SpongeBob said, "Thank you!"

Stanford smiled and said, "You're quite welcome, Robert."

Stanford then wrote something down on the clipboard paper.

SpongeBob asked, "What are you doing?"

Stanford answered, "Ah, I'm writing a report on my change. It's just a bit of bureaucratic notation for the others."

SpongeBob said, "I see."

Stanford then went around the room, checking the different machines. He then sat down at a desk and took out a journal. He began writing in it. SpongeBob followed him, watching him work with curiosity.

"Hey Robert," Stanford said, "Do you have any family back in the ocean?"

"Oh," SpongeBob said, "For sure. I have a scrapbook from our last reunion!'

He rushed into his house from the back door and returned a few minutes later with a book. He then blew a bubble around it, which floated out of the tank and onto the desk. Stanford pulled out a pair of tweezers, put on some gloves, and carefully opened the scrapbook. SpongeBob then told Stanford everything as he went through the book. SpongeBob was helpfully gushing about his family and all the fun they had during the reunion. When he finished his story, Stanford was a bit misty-eyed. The SquarePants family was so loving and kind to each other. (Or at least that's the impression SpongeBob gave.)

Stanford dried his tears and said, "It sounds like you love your family very much."

"Oh, for sure," SpongeBob said, "You can thank them for the sponge I am today."

Then SpongeBob asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'll be alright," Stanford answered, "But I can see now why we've been studying you guys for so long."

Stanford carefully closed the scrapbook and gently put it into the tank. SpongeBob quickly blew a bubble around it so it would float down slowly.

SpongeBob addressed Oidso, "Come on, I'll show you the scrapbook too!"

Then he rushed off inside with Oidso trailing behind.

Stanford wrote something on the clipboard and then recounted everything in his journal. When he finished, he was surprised when a little glass of lemonade was suddenly delivered to his desk via bubble.

Stanford looked to the tank, and sure enough, SpongeBob smiled sweetly. He also had a little pitcher and a second glass of lemonade.

Stanford chuckled, "Thank you, Robert; I suppose I should take a break."

He gently lifted the glass from the desk and carefully sipped the lemonade. It was a bit salty but was otherwise delicious.

SpongeBob asked, "Would you like some more?"

Stanford said, "Oh, no, thank you. I'm going to grab a coffee."

He then very carefully put the glass into SpongeBob's tank. SpongeBob quickly caught it with a bubble Stanford and then left the room.

Oidso asked, "Are your bubbles full of air or water?"

SpongeBob said, "It depends on what I need it for. If I need them to float far away, I'm not in it, usually air. If I'm in it or it's going a short distance, it's full of water."

Oidso chirped, "Fascinating."

Then, Stanford returned with a cup of coffee.

SpongeBob greeted Stanford, "Welcome back!"

Stanford smiled, "I was gone for less than five minutes, Robert."

SpongeBob chuckled, "Oh yeah."

Stanford took a sip from his coffee.

SpongeBob asked, "Do you have any family, Stanford?"

Stanford thought for a moment and replied, "I do. My twin brother is working as a janitor here on the ship. You might bump into him; his name is Stanley."

SpongeBob was slightly surprised and asked, "Was he recently visited by someone named Bill?"

Stanford was in the middle of taking a sip when he jumped at that name. He nearly drowned himself and spat out his coffee in shock. He coughed for a few minutes.

SpongeBob said, "Oh my goodness, are you alright? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you."

Stanford snapped, "How do you know that name?"

SpongeBob answered, "Oh, well, he appeared in my dream last night."

Stanford's face drained of color, and he said, "Please tell me you didn't shake his hand."

SpongeBob was slightly afraid and admitted, "I did; I didn't think there was anything wrong with just an agreement between friends."

Stanford marched over to his desk, set his mug down, and took a deep breath.

Stanford said, "Robert, I'm going to put this in terms you couldn't misunderstand. Bill Cipher is not your friend. He will turn you into his puppet the first chance he gets. You are in great danger if you don't break whatever deal you made with him. Bill can and will turn against you sooner than later."

SpongeBob was a bit upset but took a deep breath.

SpongeBob said, "I understand. I should talk to him tonight."

Stanford said, "Good, and don't let him manipulate you any more than he already has. He will lie to you if it means keeping whatever you agreed to give him."

SpongeBob said, "Don't worry, I may not be brilliant, but I'm not gullible."

That night, Bill was there alright.

"So," Bill said, "you know the truth, now? I'm guessing you want me out of your head now. Well, too bad. I'm here to stay until you get me back in my body."

SpongeBob didn't move; he didn't even look at Bill.

Bill said, "Say something, will you? You just standing there is just awkward."

SpongeBob asked, "Did you get what you wanted from Stanford?"

Bill answered, "Not really. My Weirdmageddon was supposed to go global and destroy this pathetic world."

SpongeBob asked, "Was it worth it?"

Bill retorted, "It would have been had I fulfilled the prophecy."

SpongeBob said, "Let me guess, it's your destiny to crush our pathetic universe in your incomprehensibly powerful hands."

Bill chuckled, "Yeah, you must get that a lot."

Then Bill, as if he realized something, asked, "Who else has tried to destroy your world, SquarePants?"

SpongeBob answered, "Sponge-Glob back when he was still Gloobius Maximus. He nearly destroyed my home and that of all my NickToon friends."

Bill said, "Oh yeah. I guess I forgot that happened."

SpongeBob was quiet and still again; now he was thinking. Bill sat on his hammock, staring at SpongeBob.

"Wait," SpongeBob said, "Wouldn't that mean you already fulfilled your destiny and the prophecy? You've already brought Weirdmageddon onto the world. You don't need to do that again."

Bill laughed. SpongeBob was upset but didn't say anything.

"Oh, you're serious," Bill said; he sighed, "Fulfilling the prophecy has been my only purpose. Why don't I feel any different if that's already done?"

SpongeBob said, "I don't know, but it could be because you would never feel better by fulfilling the prophecy. You said it yourself; you feel that your apocalypse should have gone global. You had what you wanted, and it just wasn't enough."

Bill was quiet; now he was thinking.

"So," SpongeBob asked, "What will you do now?"

Bill answered, unsure of himself, "I, well, hmmm. Now, I want to rest."

SpongeBob said, "I'm not asking you to leave. Just don't get too comfortable. I'm getting you back into your body, and Stanford can think whatever he wants to. Land folks are so quick to hold grudges, but not me. This time could be a chance for you to become a better person if that's something you want."

Bill said, "Not now, please."

SpongeBob smiled and said, "Of course."

The submarine came to port, and SpongeBob's tank was transferred to a mobile laboratory. The laboratory was driven into the state of Oregon and to an aquarium. SpongeBob's tank was set up against a painted wall resembling the sky SpongeBob was used to seeing. Stanford then shrunk a pallet of boxes with a modified flashlight and carefully set it into SpongeBob's tank.

Stanford explained, "This should be a month's worth of supplies. The Aquarium might give you other things to help you during your stay."

SpongeBob chirped, "Thanks, Stanford."

"I guess this is goodbye," Stanford said, "It was nice knowing you, SpongeBob."

"It was nice to know you too," Spongebob said, "Dr. Pines."

Then, Stanford walked away.

That night, SpongeBob made his escape with Gary in tow. He packed a small bag and blew a bubble around them both. They floated up and out of the tank. Gary helped the bubbles move in the air as they carefully left the Aquarium. Guided by Bill's directions, they traveled into the woods and to Gravity Falls. SpongeBob carefully set them down in the lake created by the falls. He set up a tent for Gary and set out on his own out of the lake and into the woods. That night, SpongeBob stopped to take a nap.

Bill asked SpongeBob, "Weren't you concerned about not being able to breathe water for a long time?"

SpongeBob answered, "I was, but then your shape reminded me of my friend Bubbles' triangle pendant. I remember him because he blessed me with the ability to breathe air."

Bill said, "Oh, I see."

The next day, SpongeBob came to Bill's body. It was quite a bit bigger than SpongeBob. He used one more bubble to float up to the statue's hand, and when he landed, he made sure to land with one hand on Bill's.

SpongeBob asked, "Did it work?"

Suddenly, Bill's hand clasped around SpongeBob. The stone crumbled away as Bill restored himself. Bill's crazed laughter echoed as he pulled himself from the ground. Bill then calmed down and gently cupped his hands around the now-little SpongeBob.

Bill asked, "Do you want to be big, buddy?"

"Oh," SpongeBob said, "No thank you. But I would appreciate a hug before I go. I don't want Gary to get too worried about me."

Bill set SpongeBob down on the ground and shrank to hug SpongeBob. SpongeBob hugged him back. It was like trying to hug a thin book. Then they let each other go, and SpongeBob left Bill's side with a smile.

"Bye, Bill," SpongeBob chirped.

Bill answered, "Oh, we'll meet again, SquarePants. But until then, thanks for everything!"

SpongeBob returned to the lake, stayed there for a night, and then left to return to the Aquarium.

Some time passed, and SpongeBob returned home. Long story short, he managed to put a bubble around his whole house after two months of trying and failing to convince the scientists at the Aquarium to let him go. Then, it floated back to Bikini Bottom. He was happily reunited with his friends.

In moments of quiet, his thoughts would often turn to Bill. He wondered if he was trying new things now that he had no more obligations.

Bill lived in a cottage well hidden in the deepest part of the forest. He occupied his time doing menial tasks. It was peaceful. The sounds of nature were so soothing as he went about his days. He would have liked to live that way forever. But, alas, his tranquil existence was interrupted by the appearance of Stanford, and Stanley came to the cottage's front yard. Bill sighed as the twins entered the cottage, and he sat on a comfy chair in his living room. The Pine twins entered. Stanford is wielding a gun, and Stanley is wearing brass knuckles. They stood in front of Bill in a threatening manner.

"Sixers," Bill said, "Open-mouthed Bass."

"The jig is up," Stanford said. It's time for you to answer for your crimes, Cipher."

Stanley snapped, "I'm going to punch your eye out in real life!"

Bill said, "Okay."

The twins were confused.

Stanley asked, "Aren't you going to defend yourself at least?"

Bill sighed, "Do I have to?"

Stanford retorted, "Aren't you afraid we'll kill you?"

Bill countered, "No, I look forward to it. Maybe I'll see my world one last time before I'm cast into hell."

The twins exchanged worried glances.

Bill sobbed, "Oh God, what have I done?"

He buried his eye in his hands as he cried.

Stanley quipped, "Well, that escalated quickly."

Stanford was stunned.

Bill was inconsolable and deeply saddened, saying, "I'm a monster."

Stanley told Stanford, "We should probably come back another time."

Stanford replied, "I don't understand this. I thought Bill would be more hostile than this. I wonder what might have happened to him that made him be like this."

They looked at Bill, who was still crying his eye out. Then, they left the cottage.

Stanley said, "Let's be grateful that he isn't destroying the universe."

The great Axolotl watched this unfold as he waited for his visitor. Bubbles entered his presence, and the Axolotl turned his attention to the Dolphin.

"The One who Watches," Axolotl addressed Bubbles, "Or at least that was your old title."

Bubbles bowed low and said, "Wise and gracious Axolotl, I am honored to be in your presence."

The Axolotl chuckled, "Rise, Bubbles, you do not need to do that. I didn't summon you here so that you may cringe."

Bubbles straightened up and asked, "Why did you summon me then?"

The Axolotl wiggled its gills, and suddenly, a little golden bubble with an hourglass encased inside appeared before Bubbles.

The Axolotl answered, "I have decided I need someone far more wise than a baby to take care of time here. I thought about this for a while and decided to make you the new Time Steward."

Bubbles whistled in surprise, and the Axolotl chuckled.

Bubbles said, "I'm honored you would give me such a title."

Bubbles then grabbed the bubble with his mouth and swallowed it.

The Axolotl said, "Now go. You have a lot of work to do."

"There's just one thing I don't understand," Bubbles said, and then he asked, "Why?"

The Axolotl chuckled and said, "Out of all the beings of this timeline, you were the only one to make an effort to use your time powers for kindness and not selfishness."

Bubbles went about reinstating the Time Police.

Bubbles told his right-hand man, Blandin Blendin, "Alright, the first order of business is to ensure everyone refers to me by my Title; I'm thinking the Time Steward."

Blandin wrote it down and said, "Got it!"

Bubbles chirped and clapped his fins with excitement.

Bubbles then calmed himself to say, "The second order of business is to start cleaning up this mess Time Baby made."

Blandin noted, "In his defense, the Axolotl chose him as an infant. Looking at the records, I think the only thing Time Baby hasn't done was capture Bill Cipher."

Bubbles said, "I should tell my friend I got this new job. Tell the troops to search the last place Bill was spotted and investigate if there are any clues as to where he's hiding now."

Blandin saluted and said, "Yes sir, Time Steward, sir!"

Bubbles chuckled, "No need to be so formal."

Blandin said, "Sorry."

Bubbles then left Blandin's side and used a portal to visit SpongeBob. SpongeBob was in the middle of scolding the scientists when Bubbles popped in.

SpongeBob said, wrapping up his speech, "You guys need to get a grip on reality seriously. Until then, I don't see any reason to let you back into Bikini Bottom!"

The submarine threateningly floated closer in front of SpongeBob. Behind SpongeBob, Bubbles spotted Neptune also coming close, wielding his Trident. He aimed it at the submarine threateningly.

Neptune asked, "The Sponge said to go and not return without an apology. I suggest you take that advice, or I'll make you vanish."

The submarine floated backward and then turned around and floated away.

SpongeBob turned to Neptune to bow and said, "Thank you, your majesty."

Neptune said, "You're quite welcome!"

Neptune then swam off. Bubbles came to SpongeBob, a bit bewildered.

SpongeBob greeted him warmly, "Hey, Bubbles!"

"Hi SpongeBob," Bubbles said and asked, "What was that all about?"

SpongeBob said, "Don't worry about it."

Bubbles said, "I have good news! I've been given a new job as the Steward of all Time!"

SpongeBob excitedly squealed, "That's incredible! Congratulations!"

Bubbles beamed with joy and burst out in light laughs.

SpongeBob said, "I made a new friend. I don't know if you met him, but keep an ear out; he'll probably mention me first."

Bubbles asked, "How do you know we'll meet?'

SpongeBob said, "Uhm, I don't, but just in case."

Bubbles chuckled, "Oh, alright."

Bubbles left SpongeBob's side and returned to his new office. He changed his cape, and a magical pendant would suppress Bubbles' urge to make unnecessary noises while speaking.

Blandin rushed in.

Blandin said, "Time, Steward! We got him! He turned himself in and looked rather exhausted. But we got him!"

Bubbles said, "Thank you, Blandin. Let's start the trial as soon as possible."

The trial started, and Bubbles received Bill's crimes: Grand Reality Arson, Psychic Terrorism, and Violating the Mind of a Time Officer.

Bubbles asked, "How do you plead?"

Bill groaned, "Guilty."

Bubbles said, "Very well, then. Does anyone have anything to add before I give Bill his punishment?"

Blandin said, "The Nightmare Realm will collapse within the next millennium unless somebody wants to repair it."

Blandin glared at Bill. Bill rolled his eyes and said, "Like I told SquarePants, it's too late. I have the power, but the fabric of that reality is too frayed to be fixed."

Bubbles was surprised. Bubble's gut reaction that the magic prevented him from expressing was to whistle and squeal. Bubble's body still thrashed as if trying desperately to break free, like a deep connection was calling him to embrace his aquatic quirks. The court watched in concern, but he managed to collect himself.

Blandin asked, "Who's SquarePants, and why did you react like that?"

Bubbles answered, "SpongeBob SquarePants, a friend of mine. The pendent prevented me from making my natural dolphin noises. Whenever I was around him, it was like the ancient tongue of my ancestors just had to come out."

Blandin asked, "You mean his presence brought forth an instinctive need to communicate like your ancestors?"

Bubbles nodded and asked Bill, "So, what happened? How did you meet Spongebob?"

Bill answered, "I managed to break free from Stanley Pines and came to SquarePants so I could have a vessel to get back into that barrier and get my body back. He had agreed to it because I agreed to be his friend. It was the easiest deal I ever made."

Bubbles asked, a bit shocked, "You made a deal with SpongeBob?"

Bill retorted, "Is that a surprise? I make a deal with everyone."

Bubbles said, "No, you misunderstand what I mean. SpongeBob is emotionally intelligent and doesn't lightly ask people to be their friends. He must have seen something in you that no one else has."

Bill scoffed, "Yeah, right. Are you seriously going to trust the judgment of an insignificant little sponge over what the cosmos has mandated to occur on this day? That's so idiotic."

Bubbles asked, "Did you want to be put in Infinite Prison for the rest of your immortal life?"

Bill said, "Yes! It's what is supposed to happen! I don't understand why you would want to defy fate."

Bubbles once again felt the magic suppress the urge to burst into laughter. But his body wiggled joyfully. He centered himself.

Bubbles said, "You know what, you're right, I can't defy fate. Therefore, Bill Cipher, I sentence you to 500 years of community service helping us fix the Nightmare Realm."

Bubbles slapped his tail fin on the ground, releasing Bill from his chains.

Bill asked, "Wait, what?"

Blandin said, "Yeah, I don't think I understand why you would give him such a light punishment either."

Bubbles said, "If there's one thing I know about SpongeBob, he likes to be visited by his friends. Bill gave SpongeBob his friendship; I gave him a light punishment so he may still see SpongeBob."

Bill said, "But Time Steward."

Bubbles corrected, "Please don't be so formal, Bill. Call me by my name, Bubbles!"

Bill asked, "You were the one who gave SquarePants the power to breathe air?"

Bubbles said, "Indeed I am. That 'insignificant little sponge' helped me from my most boring job. I see no reason why SpongeBob couldn't help you."

Bill said, "Wait, you mean that little sponge... hmmm... Very well, I'll take my punishment, Bubbles."

Bill then left the courtroom; he cooperated with the Time Police to fix the Nightmare Realm. His Hench-Maniacs were not too happy to be sent to Infinite Prison for their misdeeds. It was still chaotic, but now less so if that even made sense to anyone but Bill. Bubbles came to him to officially release him from his community service.

"Nice work, Bill," Bubbles said. You should feel lucky that time works differently in different worlds with me in charge. So, while you spent 500 years working in the Nightmare Realm, it was only five days back in Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob will be glad to see you."

Bill said, "Thank you, Bubbles. If I may ask, how did you meet SpongeBob?"

Bubbles answered, "Oh, that's easy. SpongeBob used a time machine to come into the future."

Bill turned away, thinking. He then turned back.

"I see," Bill said, "What an unusual set of circumstances; they almost feel fabricated somehow."

Bubbles said, "I know about the book, Bill. I'm just surprised at how powerful even the pages seem."

Bill chuckled, "I'm more surprised you didn't take full advantage of it. But don't you have important Time Stewarding things to do?"

Bubbles said, "Oh right, thanks. No wonder SpongeBob counts you as a friend."

Bubbles then left the Nightmare Realm. Bill was a bit bewildered but shook it off. His crazed laughter filled the air.

Bill said, "If I can get my hands on that book's pages, my Weirdmageddon will surely be universal!"

Bill said, "There was one in that little Sponge's head. I'll pay him a little visit."

That night, SpongeBob was asleep, and Bill came to his mind. Bill looked around, admiring how SpongeBob's Mindscape had set itself up.

Suddenly, he heard SpongeBob's voice call out, "Bill, what are you doing in my mind again?"

Bill looked around, and sure enough, the Sponge was standing there. He looked worried.

"SquarePants," Bill greeted, "Oh, I was just visiting you, my friend!"

SpongeBob asked, "Why not come here physically?"

Bill answered, "Gravity Falls has a barrier that prevents me from leaving physically. But my spirit can go wherever the Dreamscape can!"

SpongeBob said, "Oh, that makes sense!"

Bill said, "While I'm here, can you share some of your favorite memories with your other friends with me?"

SpongeBob chirped, "Of course, follow me!"

Bill created a second version of himself.

Bill to Bill, "I'll distract the Sponge; you find the page."

The second Bill saluted, "I'll do my best, ma'am!"

The second version of himself floated off. Bill then followed SpongeBob into his mind.

The second Bill looked all around Mindscape. His eye peeking in and out of doors, searching. Finally, he came across the book page.

Bill summoned a pen and wrote, "The magical book this page originated from created a copy of itself just before it was destroyed and was given to the all-seeing and all-powerful Bill Cipher for safekeeping."

Bill then felt the book fall into his lap in the waking world.

Bill interrupted SpongeBob, saying, "Sorry to go so soon, bud. But you must wake up for work, and I have another friend to see."

SpongeBob said, "Okay, bye, Bill! It was nice to reminisce with you!"

Bill returned to his body with the book on his lap, just as planned. He read through the book and saw that it had been tampered with before. He chuckled to himself.

"Puny little human," Bill said, "You're so narrow-minded. Now that I have this book, the real fun can begin."

Weirdmageddon descended upon the whole universe as Bill finally broke free of the bounds of Gravity Falls. His laugh reverberated across the world. He awaited one hero as he sat on his throne, which was made of frozen human agony.

SpongeBob was dragged into Bill's presence. Now, SpongeBob was so small—barely even the size of a quarter to Bill. It made him feel powerful.

Bill gave SpongeBob a smug squint and said, "This is all thanks to you, SquarePants! What do you think? Like what I did to the place?"

SpongeBob looked around; his face was full of fear.

"Here it comes," Bill muttered, "I can already hear his annoying little voice say those three little words."

SpongeBob asked, "You did all of this?"

Bill chirped, "Yep!"

SpongeBob said, "So this is the Weirdmageddon you cared so much about."

Bill muttered, "Come on, I know you want to."

SpongeBob asked, "So what are you going to do next?"

Bill answered, "Party until reality crumbles away!"

SpongeBob asked, "Whatever happened to wanting peace?"

Bill laughed, "I used an ancient technique called lying. You're an idiot."

SpongeBob was surprised.

Bill muttered, "Say it, come on. Everyone asks me the question when they finally realize I tricked them."

SpongeBob gave it some thought; Bill was getting excited.

"Here it comes," Bill muttered.

"How," SpongeBob said, "Sad. You had Nothing else to do with your life than this?"

Bill hid how flummoxed he was by putting SpongeBob in chains.

SpongeBob asked, "What's going on? Why am I in these chains?"

Bill answered, "I'm destroying Bikini Bottom, and I can't have you stop me. So, I'm putting you away. If you try to escape, let's say Bubbles isn't the only one with power over your body."

SpongeBob was upset and asked, "Why would you want to do that? Bikini Bottom is my home, and I thought we were friends."

Bill laughed twistedly; he was still waiting for those three little words.

Bill then answered, "Silly SquarePants, I had tricked you! Your universe's destruction is imminent! You're such a simple-minded fool!"

SpongeBob pulled on his chains; Bill dragged SpongeBob close and dragged him close to his eye.

"This is the moment," Bill thought, "He's going to say it!"

SpongeBob then teared up and started sobbing.

SpongeBob asked through tears, "How could you?"

"Boom," Bill said excitedly, "There it is! He said it loud and clear for the whole universe to hear! Tell me, SquarePants, how does it feel to figure out you've been betrayed finally? Is there anything to add?"

SpongeBob was surprised, then he thought about it and said, unsure of himself, "You're not my friend anymore?"

"Bingo," Bill said, "We've got a Bingo here! Right on cue! Just as I suspected. Oh, that's such music to my ears. You truly are a treasure of entertainment, SquarePants."

SpongeBob asked, "Has this happened before?"

Bill said, "Yep! You aren't the first pure-of-heart sucker I managed to snag! Oh, you thought you were the first, huh? It probably doesn't feel like it, huh? Tale as old as time. Your sweet little psychic attacks did Nothing to change me. Bubbles thought that you could help me. Yeah, right, not after today."

SpongeBob was quiet; he seemed to be floored.

Bill said, "Well, nice knowing you kid!"

SpongeBob said, "Wait."

Bill asked, "What?"

SpongeBob retorted, "Did you just bring me here to scare me away?"

Bill asked, a bit tiredly, "What?"

SpongeBob said, "You were bluffing!"

Bill chuckled, "Of course I wasn't."

SpongeBob said, "Prove it then, destroy Bikini Bottom with me watching."

Bill sighed, "Fine."

Bill tossed SpongeBob into a cage and brought his giant Pyramid Palace to the little island of Bikini Atoll.

Bill then dragged SpongeBob down to the water with him and shrieked, startling the citizens, "Alright! Quiver in fear all you who dwell in your soon-to-be saltwater tomb! This reality is mine, and you are all subject to my rules! Time is dead! Meaning has no meaning! Existence is upside down, and I reign supreme!"

Everyone looked at SpongeBob's cage, and he waved cheerfully, "Hi guys, meet my new friend, Bill Cipher! He rules the universe now."

"Oh, okay," Patrick said. It seemed to have calmed the rest of the citizens as well. Then, a Wave of Weirdness washed over the town, and bubbles of Madness filled the waters around it. A few buildings crumbled as the ground shook. Then, when Bill made the ground stop shaking, the citizens erupted in applause.

Bill asked, "Wha- Why are you cheering?"

Harold said, "That was incredible!"

Norma chimed in, "You're so powerful!"

There was agreement murmuring among the fish folk.

Bill turned to SpongeBob and asked, "Shouldn't they be more afraid?"

SpongeBob said, "This is probably the most exciting thing they've seen all month. And have you met Neptune? Nothing but drama with that guy."

Bill took a deep breath and looked over the town. They all looked so happy to see him despite the chaos around them. It was bizarre to see the town in shambles and its citizens too distracted by the excitement of a new leader to notice. Bill had to fight himself for a few minutes; it brought back a painful memory. He aimed his hand at the town.

Bill said, "Prepare to be liberated!"

The crowd clustered tightly around where the blast would be; Bill closed his eyes, trying to look elsewhere. SpongeBob drew a little image of Bill and pinned it to the outside of his cage as if forcing him to see.

Then, Bill pulled out his magic book and burned it in his hand, leaving Nothing. He put his other hand away and said, "There you go. I liberated you. I must go."

Bill released SpongeBob from his cage and floated back to his Pyramid Palace alone.

SpongeBob smiled to himself as he watched Bill leave.

Patrick rushed to SpongeBob and asked, "Are you okay?"

SpongeBob chirped, "I'm fine, and I think Bill will be as well."

Patrick said, "Is he usually that intense?"

SpongeBob said, "You have no idea."

Suddenly, mournful sobs were coming from the Pyramid Palace. SpongeBob sighed as his friends clustered around him.

"You're going to go up there and comfort him," Squidward asked, "Aren't you?"

SpongeBob chuckled, "You know me so well, Squiddy."

SpongeBob blew a bubble around himself and said, "I'll be back."

He then floated up into the main hall of the Palace. Bill lay on the ground, crying. SpongeBob landed on the ground, and the bubble popped.

Bill moaned, "Go away, Sponge. I am not in the mood to hear your speech about friendship or whatever."

SpongeBob didn't answer; instead, he lay down next to Bill.

Bill asked, sitting up, "Did you hear me? I thought I told you to scram?!"

SpongeBob took a deep breath, sat up, and replied, "I didn't mean it."

Bill asked, a bit confused now, "What?"

SpongeBob said, "When I said I'm not your friend anymore. I didn't mean it. Even if I did, I wasn't the one who gave you my friendship."

Bill facepalmed and said, "That was very clever, Sponge. Unfortunately for you, it wasn't nearly clever enough. You see, I only agreed to be your friend when I was in your head. Technically, I'm not your friend anymore since I'm not in your head."

SpongeBob smirked and said, "No, that's not what we agreed on. You said you'd be my friend for the time you spent in my mind. And well, you're still on my mind. I worried that I had made the wrong choice, that you would do something bad."

SpongeBob stood up and said, "But today proved you still have a heart underneath all that anger and ego. I can help you, Bill, if you'd let me."

SpongeBob offered his hand to Bill. Bill shirked back.

Bill asked, "Help me with what exactly?"

SpongeBob smiled sweetly and answered, "Find something new you like to do that isn't so destructive to the universe and yourself."

Bill asked, "But why?"

Bill stood up and noticed that he towered over SpongeBob again. This time, it felt very odd.

Bill said, "All I've been doing has been breaking your innocent little heart. I took away some of your power, threatened your home, and nearly destroyed everyone you care about."

SpongeBob chirped, "That's right, you did try to do all that."

Bill asked, "So why are you still so kind to me?"

SpongeBob replied, "Because that's what friends do."

Bill was frozen in shock for a moment. SpongeBob's hand was still reaching for Bill.

SpongeBob said, "We can work together. I can show you how to be nice, and you can show me more of your wonderful self. What do you say, Bill?"

Bill then started laughing hysterically. SpongeBob chuckled himself, a bit confused.

Bill snapped in a deep, imposing voice, "IDIOT!"

He put fresh chains onto SpongeBob and forced him to kneel. Bill hovered close, his body turning red with anger.

"THERE IS NO VALUE IN MY FRIENDSHIP," Bill hissed, "I LIED! DON'T YOU GET IT? YOU WASTED YOUR TIME COMING HERE! AND NOW, MY LITTLE PUPPET, I WILL DESTROY YOU ONCE AND FOR ALL!"

SpongeBob looked him in the eye with empathy and asked, "What happened to you, Bill? Who hurt you? What did you see that made you snap?"

That gave Bill pause, he thought for a moment. His red glow faded back to yellow.

Bill answered, "This isn't the first time I was bound by prophecy to destroy a home. I was bound by prophecy to destroy my home. The Second Dimension was a flat world with shallow people, empty ideas, and pointless dreams. I was forced by the hand of fate to obliterate it. And now, the third Dimension you hold so dear. There was no Gravity Falls in my world to hold back the inevitable blazing inferno of my wrath. I don't understand why this world was spared by circumstance while I had to watch as my world burned away. It's just not fair!"

He teared up again and collapsed into the ground. SpongeBob managed to wiggle out of his chains and rushed to hug Bill.

SpongeBob said, "I'm so sorry you had to endure that. You must have felt so scared."

Bill admitted, "I did, and now I'm the only one of my kind."

Bill hugged SpongeBob back, still crying. But as he sobbed, the world started changing. Weirdmageddon's influence on it seemed to shrink away. The world was slowly restored, but some bubbles of Madness were still floating around the Pyramid. Bill's throne disappeared.

Bill finally calmed down in SpongeBob's arms and said, "I wouldn't mind it if I got to stay here with you."

SpongeBob chuckled, "And do what?"

Bill said, "I don't know, I just don't want to leave you again."

SpongeBob said, "Well, I can think of one thing you can do."

Bill asked, "What's that, pal?"

SpongeBob let Bill go and said, "Patch things up with Stanford. You really rattled him and, apparently, also his brother."

Bill asked, "Will you come with me?"

SpongeBob said, "I must let my other friends know I'm leaving again, but sure!"

Bill let him go. SpongeBob blew a bubble around himself to float back into the water.

As soon as Bill was alone again, he had a moment to collect himself and asked, horrified, "What is that Sponge doing to me?"

SpongeBob hugged all his friends and said, "Don't worry, gang, I'll be back before you miss me. But right now, I'm needed elsewhere."

Patrick hugged SpongeBob back, sobbing, "I miss you already."

Spongebob chuckled and let them go. Mr. Krabs gave SpongeBob a paper bag.

Mr. Krabs said, "Here's some extra patties so you don't get too hungry."

SpongeBob chirped, "Thanks, Mr. Krabs!"

He put the bag in his pocket, blew a bubble around himself, and floated away, waving to his friends.

SpongeBob returned to Bill's side, and the Pyramid floated back to Gravity Falls. Stanford was already there; he was preparing a significant weapon for Bill.

Stanford said, "I'm thankful that we managed to find another power source for this thing. Now we once again have a single shot to end his tyranny."

Stanley asked, "Is that necessary? I mean, you saw him in that cottage. It seemed like he was going through some stuff."

Stanford said, "Look around you; Weirdmaggedon practically destroyed Gravity Falls again! I think he was putting up an act as he did before to try and manipulate us into giving him mercy."

Stanley said, "Well, here he comes."

The Pyramid came over the town. Bill nervously glanced at SpongeBob.

SpongeBob said, "Let me go down there first. He's probably planning to try to destroy you somehow."

Bill asked, "But what if he tries to hurt you?"

SpongeBob reassured, "Don't worry, I can regenerate my body from anything."

Bill was worried and said, "Just be careful, SpongeBob."

SpongeBob blew a bubble around himself and floated down to the Pine twins. The bubble popped as he landed.

Stanford was surprised and horrified, asking, "Robert, what happened? Why didn't you break things off with Bill?"

SpongeBob took a deep breath and said bluntly, "I think you misjudged Bill. And frankly, I'm shocked that you couldn't see how much pain he was carrying. But, I came here of my own free will. Bill came to me for my help, and I helped him simply as can be. I didn't break things off because I could tell something was wrong. I know he's evil, but I don't care. He hasn't hurt me in any way that I couldn't heal from. He wants to move forward now, and you should do the same. I'm not asking for you to forgive him right away. I am asking that you at least hear what he says."

Stanley picked up SpongeBob off the ground by the shirt. Bill was on guard but was patient.

"You're tiny," Stanley said, gently poking SpongeBob's body. "And soft."

SpongeBob chuckled, "Thank you!"

Stanford asked, "How are you breathing on land like this?"

SpongeBob explained, "Well, my friend Bubbles shot me out of his blowhole; he's a magical talking dolphin from the future!"

Stanford asked, "You've been to the future?"

SpongeBob said, "Oh, for sure! My friend Plankton built a time machine, and we went to the future and met Bubbles! We made him lose his job, but it all worked out!"

Stanford said, "Fascinating."

SpongeBob asked, "Can you put me down, now please?"

Stanley gently placed SpongeBob on the ground. SpongeBob then blew a triangle-shaped bubble. Bill floated down, looking ashamed. Stanford was surprised.

SpongeBob asked, "Now, what do we say?"

Bill sighed, "I'm sorry."

Stanford said, a bit surprised, "I-I accept your apology."

SpongeBob said, "That's good enough for me."

Bill scooped up SpongeBob so he would sit on his hand.

Bill said, "I'm going to put you in a bubble for a moment. I need some time with the Stan twins, alone."

SpongeBob said, "Do what you need to do. I'll be patient."

Bill encased SpongeBob in a bubble so he wouldn't see or hear anything. Then, he sent the bubble back into the Pyramid.

Bill looked around and said, "Woah, this place is a mess!"

Stanley said, "No thanks to you."

Bill asked, "Did I do that?"

Stanford asked, "Why are you doing what Robert asks of you? What did he offer you that's worth something so humiliating?"

Bill snapped, "None of your damn business! I don't have to explain myself to you anymore! This is over, we are done. I don't want to lose this opportunity to be more than just another apocalyptic nightmare because you want revenge; you had your chance."

Stanford and Stanley were shocked.

"If I catch wind that you're coming to take that sweet little Sponge away again," Bill said, taking Stanford's collar and leaning in close, His voice deepening, "I WILL END YOU!"

Bill let him go and chirped, "See you in your nightmares, Sixers!"

He then vanished, teleporting away.