Here we are. The last chapter of the story. I hope you enjoy this, and thanks for the ride! :)
Chapter 15: From Hero To Legend
Sandy was still weeping, holding SpongeBob’s corpse closely. She held one of his hands and covered it on her heart with both hands, breathing heavily. Tears still rolled down her cheeks. She removed one arm from her heart and gently caressed his expressionless face. Sandy whispered, “I can’t help but think this is all my fault you’re gone, SpongeBob. I can’t live without you. I love you too much.” She leaned down and kissed his forehead, despite her air helmet being in the way. The kiss was shaky and full of pain and passion.
Everyone else was silent, looking down in sadness, some in tears. Mindy, however, was deep in thought. She said aloud, “Wait. SpongeBob is the Pure Spirit. He sacrificed himself for Sandy. Even though he’s dead, all he needs is his true love to revive him. The problem is that according to the True Love Scroll SpongeBob doesn’t have a true love, yet every sea creature is listed. Then he brought Sandy along for the journey, who’s a land critter, and the scroll doesn’t list land critters. And the way they confessed their love before the final fight and the way Sandy cried when he died must not be coincidence. If Sandy is a land critter, and the scroll only lists the names of all sea creatures, and since SpongeBob’s true love isn’t a sea creature, then…” Mindy gasped. She screamed, “SANDY! IT’S YOU!” Sandy looked up, confused, “Huh?”
Before Mindy could explain, SpongeBob’s corpse glowed and started floating. Sandy gasped and backed away. She stared, “SpongeBob?” As he was glowing, SpongeBob was transforming to his normal self. His wounds healed and his color reappeared. His chipped tooth became full again. The glow started fading and SpongeBob’s body lowered back to the ground and landed softly. Sandy knelt next to him, “SpongeBob?” SpongeBob’s eyes opened slowly. He shot up and looked around, “Huh? What happened to me?” Sandy cheered and hugged him, “SPONGEBOB! YOU’RE OKAY!” Upon hearing this, the others looked up quickly and to their surprise and delight, they spotted SpongeBob, revived and okay. Instantly, they all cheered. Patrick and Mindy quickly ran up to the SpongeBob and Sandy. Mindy was the first to reach and hug them. Patrick grabbed the three into his arms and picked them up, and all started to laugh. Plankton screamed, “NOOOO! BUT I KILLED HIM!! HOW IS HE ALIVE?!”
After Patrick put them down, Sandy asked SpongeBob, “What happened to you? How are you alive again?” SpongeBob answered, “Wait. I’m the Pure Spirit! That explains everything!” Patrick and Sandy were confused. Sandy asked, “The pure what?” Mindy explained, “I forgot to tell you guys back in the dungeon. Ever since he came back from Shell City, I found out that SpongeBob has a gift. He is a Pure Spirit, amongst the purest and happiest people in the world. Only a select few in the world have this gift. SpongeBob can conjure anything against all odds in order to save the lives of others.” Sandy took it all in. She asked, “Then how do I have something to do with this?” Mindy continued, “I was just getting there. See, when a Pure Spirit sacrifices their life for another, then only his or her true love can revive him through romantic affection. That explains how SpongeBob survived the building collapsing on top of him. You revived him through affection without realizing it.” Sandy gasped, “Wait, so I revived him? That means I’m his…” Sandy stopped and turned to SpongeBob. She beamed and pulled him into a big hug, laughing with joy. She couldn’t believe it. She was SpongeBob’s true love! She loved the thought, and made her love SpongeBob more. SpongeBob laughed and hugged back. He was delighted at the fact that he did have a true love, and he was even happier that his true love was Sandy all along.
Neptune swam to the group, smiling. He said, “I would like to thank you all for helping me restore my throne!” He turned to SpongeBob, “Especially you, SpongeBob.” SpongeBob said, “But I didn’t do anything.” Neptune laughed, “Of course you did! You never gave up, no matter how much the odds were against you. You also motivated us to fight for our freedom and confront Plankton despite how outnumbered we were. You thought of all of us before yourself. You also appear to have found true love on the way too.” SpongeBob glanced at Sandy, and both blushed and smiled sweetly at each other. Neptune continued, “Your determination is what saved us the most, SpongeBob, and because of that, I thank you! I am forever in your debt!” He bowed. Everyone else in the room bowed to SpongeBob as well.
SpongeBob smiled, flattered at the bowing. Neptune got up and announced, “SpongeBob Squarepants and Sandra Cheeks, for your efforts and actions that helped save us all, I announce the both of you as official legends of the sea! Would you both like to be my personal knights in shining armor and my personal protectors?” Everybody cheered. SpongeBob and Sandy glanced at each other and sighed. SpongeBob answered, “I’m flattered by the offer, but Sandy and I just want to go back to Bikini Bottom and return everything to the way things used to be before Plankton destroyed everything.” Neptune understood, “Very well. You can go back to your normal lives, but I will send Mindy here to call you if I ever need serious help.” SpongeBob and Sandy both nodded. SpongeBob stepped forward, “Everyone, no life changing journey is ever complete without learning some important life lesson. Through this whole thing, I learned that even when the odds are against me, I should never give up hope. As long as the people that love me have my back, I’ll be okay.” He turned to Patrick, Squidward, Mindy and Mr. Krabs, who all smiled at him.
SpongeBob finally turned to Sandy, who smiled widely. He his hands with hers and said, “I also learned that love overcomes all obstacles. Sandy, before this journey, I was afraid that we wouldn’t be friends anymore, and I used this journey as a chance for us to be best friends again, but I realized that we ended the journey not as friends, but true loves. Thank you for helping me on this journey, Sandy. I couldn’t have done any of this without you, especially since you revived me twice.” Sandy smiled, “I thought the same thing, SpongeBob. Before the journey started, I thought ya’ll would hate me for kicking you out all those times, but since the first night, I realized that you would never hate me. I’ve always loved you, SpongeBob, but I was just too afraid and skeptical to say it. I don’t have to worry about that anymore, because I know it’s true that we are meant to be.” SpongeBob finished, “And now we’ll be together forever.” Tears appeared on both of their eyes as they looked at each other, love filling the air around them. They pulled into a big hug. Sandy believed that this wasn’t enough for her, so she separated from the hug, to SpongeBob’s surprise. She took a deep breath and took off her air helmet. SpongeBob took the hint and wrapped his arms around Sandy as he leaned in and closed his eyes. Sandy leaned in and the two fell into a passionate kiss. Everyone cheered for the two newfound lovers.
Patrick, Squidward and Mr. Krabs came up to SpongeBob and Sandy. Squidward was the first to speak, “You actually pulled through again, Squarepants. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I owe you big time. We would all be Plankton’s slaves if it weren’t for you and Sandy.” SpongeBob smiled. Mr. Krabs walked up, “Lad, I never doubted you for a second. Ever since Shell City, I knew that you’d break through! I knew I could trust you, boy!” SpongeBob smiled, “Thanks, Mr. Krabs.” Patrick then spoke, “You did it, buddy! You saved the world and won the game!” SpongeBob laughed as Patrick picked him up in a big bear hug. SpongeBob then started to suffocate due to Patrick’s strength, “Pa-Patrick! Put me down! I can’t… can’t breathe!” Patrick gasped and put him down. He apologized, “Sorry, buddy.” SpongeBob took a moment to regain his breathing pattern. Neptune swam in front of the group, “Come on, folks. Let’s get you all back to Bikini Bottom. But first…” He ignited his sceptre and aimed it at the large curtains at the edge of the room. He commanded, “Everyone out of the building!” SpongeBob and the group were among the first to leave the building. Everyone else ran as fast as they could to the immense double doors.
Moments later, everyone stood and stared as Planktopolis 2 burned to the ground from inside out. Neptune, SpongeBob, Sandy, and Mindy all turned around when they heard whimpering coming from behind. They spotted Plankton crying. Dennis, Manray, The Strangler, Karen, and Flats were all next to him, handcuffed and groaning in pain. Plankton groaned, “I was so close… I was SO CLOSE!” He started silently weeping again. Karen sighed, “I told you not to celebrate before it’s really over.” Plankton just kept weeping. Police boatmobiles and buses all arrived at the scene. Everyone cheered and entered the buses. The police arrested Plankton and his crew. Before being placed in a miniature cell, he growled and made a death glare at SpongeBob, Sandy, Mindy, and King Neptune, “YOU WILL ALL PAY! I WILL DESTROY YOU ALL WHEN I GET OUT OF HERE! STARTING WITH YOU TWO LOVEBIRDS! YOU HEAR ME? I WILL HAVE MY REVENGE!” Sandy sighed, “For someone so tiny, Plankton has a huge temper.” He was then carried away in the police boatmobile. SpongeBob nodded his head in agreement. One final bus arrived, and SpongeBob and the group entered it, except Neptune and Mindy who entered their seahorse-drawn carriage. They all headed off to Bikini Bottom to celebrate.
The bus ride took eighteen hours as compared to the three-day walk. Everyone was finally rested and ready to exit the bus. Everyone exited one by one. Squidward was the first, followed by Mr. Krabs, then Patrick. SpongeBob and Sandy still stood by their seats. SpongeBob looked outside the window, nervous. He gulped. Sandy helped him to the front of the bus and stopped before the door. Sandy asked, “You ready, SpongeBob?” SpongeBob held her hand and nodded. The bus doors opened. SpongeBob and Sandy shielded their eyes at the sun’s rays. They then heard chanting, “SpongeBob! SpongeBob! SpongeBob!” SpongeBob smiled widely, gripping Sandy’s hand tighter. SpongeBob stepped down the bus as all of the Bikini Bottomites cheered and chanted his name. The town was still in ruins, but all of the robots were gone. Gary, freed from the pound, was waiting next to the bus doors. SpongeBob, who spotted him, cheered, “GARY! You’re okay! Thank goodness!” He placed Gary on his head and took Sandy through the crowd.
Everyone in the town met up at Oyster Stadium to celebrate. SpongeBob received more thanks and made more autographs than he did after returning from Shell City. He told many of the folks that Sandy should also receive credit for saving the world. Sandy stood by his side, flattered at SpongeBob’s modesty. The party lasted all day. SpongeBob and Sandy left at around midnight after SpongeBob told Patrick to take Gary home for him. They stopped in front of Sandy’s treedome. Sandy placed her hands in SpongeBob’s and said, “Thanks for bringing me home, Spongebob.” SpongeBob smiled, “You’re welcome, Sandy.” Sandy then asked, “So do ya’ll want to stay overnight? I wanna keep my promise from the first night. We can see a movie or eat or something.” SpongeBob answered, “Sure! Let me just grab some stuff that might have survived.” Sandy nodded, “Okay! See ya in a bit!”
SpongeBob headed back to Conch street. He gasped at the sight. His and Squidward’s houses were both destroyed. He noticed Squidward crying at his front porch. SpongeBob wanted to comfort Squidward, but he was in a hurry for Sandy, so he continued on to what was left of his house. SpongeBob walked onto what was left and looked around for anything that was inside. He gasped again at the damage inside his home. He went up the stairs, which were mostly intact. His room was also mostly intact, except for some burn marks from fire, pictures fallen and the massive hole in the ground and ceiling. SpongeBob looked around for anything that he could take. He noticed something on the floor next to what was left of his bed. He picked it up and noticed the photo album of him and Sandy. He gasped as he opened the album and reminisced the good times again. He fought tears as he turned each page. He snapped out of it soon after and put the album in his pocket. He then remembered about Gary. He asked Patrick to take him home, but there was no sign of him. First, he checked Patrick’s rock, which was entirely intact. He knocked on the rock, which opened after the second knock. After the rock opened, SpongeBob saw Patrick sleeping on the couch watching the television. Gary was at his side, annoyed by the starfish’s loud snoring. Gary somehow jumped into SpongeBob’s arms happily. SpongeBob laughed. He said, “Oh, Gary! I missed that from you! Since our house is destroyed, you have to sleep here! I trust Patrick, Gary. I’m sleeping over at Sandy’s and I can’t have you sleep there because there’s no air in her dome.” Gary meowed sadly, but because he was intelligent for a pet, he understood. He put on earmuffs and slithered down next to Patrick’s couch. He made one last meow before hiding in his shell. SpongeBob said, “Goodnight Gary.” He closed the rock and ran back to Sandy’s treedome. Sandy spotted him from through her dome and promptly opened the door. SpongeBob, his air helmet already on, ran into her arms and panted. After he regained his breath, Sandy asked, “What took you so long? I almost fell asleep waiting.” SpongeBob apologized, “Sorry, Sandy. My house was destroyed, I had to talk to Gary, and some other stuff.” Sandy gasped when she heard SpongeBob’s house was destroyed, “Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that, SpongeBob! How long would you like to stay here?” SpongeBob replied, “I don’t know. I have to wait for Barg’N Mart to be repaired so I can buy a Pineapple Home in a Can again. It’s okay, though. As long as you’re here, I’ll be just fine.” Sandy smiled. She looked at the time on her tree. She sighed, “Three in the morning. Well, there goes our chance to do something tonight. Might as well sleep now.” SpongeBob followed Sandy as they went up her stairs. She opened the door to her bathroom and turned on the water in the tub. She asked, “Will you be comfortable sleeping in here?” SpongeBob answered, “Sure, Sandy.” He climbed in and removed his water helmet. He got into a comfortable position and relaxed. Sandy said, “Well, goodnight, SpongeBob.” SpongeBob smiled and responded, “Goodnight Sandy!” They did a short kiss. Sandy then turned off the bathroom lights. SpongeBob pulled his photo album back out and placed it next to the tub. He laid back down and closed his eyes. Before he knew it, SpongeBob fell into a deep sleep.
The next day involved SpongeBob helping Mr. Krabs repair both Krusty Krabs. During his lunch break, SpongeBob asked Sandy if she wanted to watch the sunset at Jellyfish Fields after work like they used to when they first became friends. She obviously said yes. Six o’clock came by quickly. SpongeBob checked his watch and gasped. He yelled to Mr. Krabs, “Sir, It’s six! I gotta go see Sandy!” Mr. Krabs laughed, “Okay, me boy. Off you go then! See you tomorrow!” SpongeBob waved and sprinted to Sandy’s treedome. When SpongeBob was out of sight, Mr. Krabs chuckled, “Ah! About the time the boy found love!”
SpongeBob knocked rapidly on Sandy’s door, excited for the sunset. Sandy, just as enthusiastic, opened her door. SpongeBob asked, “So Sandy, you ready to go?” Sandy smiled widely, “You bet!” They ran toward Jellyfish Fields and found a random cliff. When they reached it, they sat down at the edge of the cliff and panted. Moments later, the sun hit the horizon of the fields. It was a beautiful sight as the sky turned a tropical orange, peach, red, pink and purple, combined with the light teal blue that filled the rest of the undersea sky. The bright green grass and seaweeds and the dark purple rocks all glowed the sun’s color. SpongeBob and Sandy stared at the sight. They then stared at each other, smiling widely at each other. SpongeBob spoke, “Sandy, I missed this…. so much.” Sandy replied, “Me too, SpongeBob.” SpongeBob spoke again, “I can’t believe this whole thing is over. Thanks again Sandy for coming with me. You saved my life and you never gave up on me.” Sandy smiled, “Thanks, SpongeBob. I want to thank you for making my life down here so much better. What I said on the first night of our journey came straight from my heart. I really do love you, SpongeBob, always and forever.” She placed her hands in SpongeBob’s and smiled dearly. SpongeBob smiled back, “I love you too, Sandy.” Sandy placed her hands on her helmet and took a deep breath. She took it off and held SpongeBob’s hands again. They both stood up and started leaning in. Moments later, their lips met in a compassionate, loving kiss. After about thirty seconds, they separated from the kiss. Sandy put her helmet back on and sat back down. SpongeBob then wrapped his arm around Sandy’s body. Sandy wrapped hers around his body and laid her head on his shoulders and they both stared again at the beautiful sunset before them, looking forward to their futures together. No longer were they friends. Now they are forever more.
It was all over. Their worries, their doubts, their life-changing and dangerous journey, all the threats among them; they were all over. SpongeBob had changed for the better throughout this whole experience. No longer was he a kid or a town hero. He was now a legend of the sea. With Sandy by his side, SpongeBob knew he would be safe and happy, forever.
Ah! Nothing cheesier than true love, but since SpongeBob's technically a kids show, I have no regrets. Also, my apologies if the end was a bit generic. I'm not a romantic writer nor am I familiar with love stories. I honestly don't even like romantic stories. The description of the sunset was inspired by what I learned in my AP English class, since we're learning about the Romantic Era and their nature descriptions. I digress. Soo, I hope you guys enjoyed the story! BUT! I'm still making an epilogue! Stay tuned for that I suppose. :P Again, thanks for the ride! I hope to expand more of my ideas into stories, except more comical than romantic. I would also like to say that all chapters + prologue and epilogue will be posted free of errors in time.