Nicktoons Unite: Turning the Tables

5: 𝔑𝔢𝔦𝔤𝔥𝔟𝔬𝔲𝔯𝔰

Jimmy POV

We stood silently between the big brown rock and the navy tiki house. Based on my observations, houses on the edge of town are not badly damaged or heavily covered with graffiti or fire. Just like Mr Krabs's house, Spongebob, Squidward and Patrick's houses look unharmed, not like the ones where most of Bikini Bottom's population lives at. Since we knew Spongebob wasn't going to be at his home we decided to start at Patrick, we walked to his house and Danny knocked on the rough surface of the rock. It was silent for a while, Danny tried again to no reply. "I think nobody's home," Timmy said, but seconds after he said that the rock tilted and lifted itself, almost knocking us back by the number of air bubbles that were below it, it blinded our vision for a bit before we can finally see the pink starfish.

"What do you need?" He asked in a bored tone. Danny smiled, "Hey buddy! It's us, remember? That time we saved you from Plankton" trying to refresh the star's memory. His expression didn't change at all, "Danny Fenton? Jimmy Neutron? Timmy Turner?" I recited our names, hoping it'll trigger something in his brain. Judging by how his expression hasn't changed, he doesn't remember us. I decided to go straight to the point, "We're here to look for Spongebob. You're his best friend, you should have some idea where he is" I said. The star oddly seemed unfazed by the fact his best friend was gone.

"Look," he said, his voice silken with frustration "I don't know who you people are but some of us are busy doing nothing. Good day to you" and slammed the rock back down. "Say what now?", Danny tried knocking again but the star wasn't responding anymore. I don't know how best friends work, but judging by how Cindy and Libby are best friends, they know important info about each other that other normal people don't know. I guess not all best friends are like that. "Let us move on to Squidward, we shouldn't waste time," I said making my way up the pathway to the front door. I realised Turner kept looking down and walked slowly. Something must be bothering him.

I knocked on the wooden door, it took a while before the wooden door creaked slightly open. Squidward had a lot of chains that held the door from opening any further than an inch, I wonder what made him put this many. "For the last time, I don't want to do any more interviews! Get off my property you annoying reporter!!!" He yelled from the inside, "We're not here for an interview, we're here to talk" I affirmed. Timmy and Danny stood awkwardly behind me, listening carefully for any movements from inside the house. There was a sudden thud, and then silence. I spoke again, "I don't know if you remember us but we are Spongebob's friends from another dimension. We were the ones who saved your town before.". I stared into the house, but unfortunately, I couldn't make out anything due to the lack of light.

Squidward POV

I sat quietly behind the door, and after listening to these kids, I realised they weren't lying. My memory is a bit fuzzy but I do remember those stupid kids that saved the town from Plankton's attack. Thanks to them, I had to go back to my miserable life working at the Krusty Krab. I'm assuming there are more of them outside because another voice spoke this time, "We're here to ask if you have any idea where Spongebob went. You're the closest neighbour to him, you must've at least seen him going somewhere". I felt anger rising in me, Spongebob. Because of him, I'm stuck in this mess. Because of him, reporters keep coming to my property trying to interview me. It's not like I'm not ready for an interview, I'm always looking my very best. But the questions aren't related to me, it is related to Spongebob. He is the reason why my life is so miserable!! If these idiots think they're going to bring back that annoying brat, then I have only one thing to say!!!

Timmy POV

     We heard another loud thud and the door slammed right onto Jimmy's face. He fell back, placing a hand over the part where he felt hurt. As Danny went over the check for any injuries, suddenly Squidward yelled  "I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT ANNOYING IDIOTIC BAFOON!!! GO AWAY!!" from inside his house. I got angry that he pushed my friend that way, I walked closer to the door and yelled back "What's your big problem with Spongebob?! He never did anything bad to you!!". I heard a sarcastic laugh from inside, "He ruined my life!! His morals, his beliefs, his outlook on life and his demeanour!! ALL OF IT IS ANNOYING!!! ITS BETTER IF HE'S GONE!!". I was about to wish for the door to disappear so I can beat him up but Danny placed a hand on my shoulder and slowly shook his head.

     I disappointedly walked away from the tiki house and onto the sidewalk. I can't imagine how Spongebob lived in such a place. I always envied how happy Spongebob is, he acted like he grew up in a happy and healthy environment. I know what it feels like to be treated badly and ignored. How did he go through hell every day and still have his goofy smile on his face? I'm lucky enough to have Cozmo and Wanda, but him? He has no one. How does he cope with his loneliness? Does he have anyone?? "Don't let those words get to your head Turner" I heard Jimmy say, I looked up and realised I was further behind than the others. Danny and Jimmy stopped walking to allow me to catch up with them.

Jimmy POV

     "You've been thinking, that's something I rarely see from you," I said in a joking tone, hoping to brighten the atmosphere. He grunted in response but was still deep in thought. "What's on your mind bud? You shouldn't gatekeep, that's pretty selfish" Fenton joked this time. Turner looked away from us and stared down the road, we followed his gaze thinking there was something there until he spoke "Do you guys think we're good people?". Fenton gave an awkward chuckle and responded "Of course we are! I mean, we all have our demons. We make mistakes but we learn from them.", I realised Cozmo and Wanda has had nervous and sad expressions on their faces since.

     "I need some time to myself" he slowly said as he slowly walked away from us down the road, his fairies floated away from him, leaving him to himself. "What's that about?" I asked the fairies who stared back at their godchild. "He always thought Spongebob had a happy life here. He envies him sometimes for being so carefree and not taking what other people think into mind. Now I guess he realised Spongebob was no different from him and maybe perhaps even had an even more hard life to live. You might be wondering why this concern him, it's because he's a big softie on the inside and cares for his friends. Spongebob might be the only person who appreciates him for who he is. And the only person he will admit to as his friend. So I guess he thought he has failed as a friend to be there for him when the hard stuff comes by." Wanda explained. I sighed, I'm not good with emotions but it's worth a try.

     I walked over to him, he was sitting by the road staring down at it as if he was waiting for the sponge to appear. I stood next to him and he sighed, "I thought I made it clear I wanted-" I cut him off, "If you're going to blame yourself for Spongebob's disappearance then you're stupid." I bluntly said. He looked up and said, "I am stupid. Your point?". I rolled my eyes and continued, "It's not your fault for not realising that our friend was in trouble. None of us could ever think this was going to happen". Fenton, Cozmo and Wanda came over to listen, "it's my fault." I said earning a confused stare from him.
"How is it your fault?" He asked, it was my turn to look down "I'm the brains of this team, I should've realised something first, but I didn't and to think I let this slip by me means I've failed as a friend too." I said as I finally sat down next to him.

     Danny suddenly laughed, it surprised us, his laughter sounded sad, "you guys aren't the only ones at fault..." he said.

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