//------------------------------// // Plankton and Cozy Glow // Story: Cinematic Adventures: The Spongebob Squarepants Movie // by extremeenigma02 //------------------------------// Meanwhile, excitement was building before the Krusty Krab. The entire place was decorated with various, colorful balloons complete with a big banner which read, ‘GRAND OPENING’. Right beside the restaurant was a large tent, hiding a very special surprise for the citizens of Bikini Bottom. All the residents of Bikini Bottom crowded around the big stage, many of whom are proud supporters of the Krusty Krab. Standing onstage was everybody’s favorite newsman, Perch Perkins, talking in front of a television camera. “Hello, Bikini Bottom. Perch Perkins here, coming to you live from inside the Krusty Krab restaurant.” The news anchor smiled into the camera, his teeth sparkling against the bright lens. “For years, this was the only place to get a delicious and mouthwatering Krabby Patty – until today, that is!” The announcement made everybody cheered, the townspeople roared with excitement and anticipation. “That’s right, folks. Longtime owner, Mr. Krabs, is opening a new restaurant called the Krusty Krab 2,” Perch Perkins announced. As the news anchor spoke, Mr. Krabs walked onto the stage, waving to the crowd. The huge tent pulled off along the building next to the Krusty Krab, revealing the newly constructed ‘Krusty Krab 2… Which looks exactly like the original restaurant… Right next door! Wow… Talk about lazy writing. Does your friend ever shut up? Actually... No, he doesn't. Everybody cheered again, as Perch Perkins continues. “First of all, congratulations, Mr. Krabs!” Mr. Krabs himself stepped up to the microphone. “Hello,” He said. “I like money.” “So, tell us, Mr. Krabs, what inspired you to build a second Krab restaurant right next door to the original?” Perch Perkins asked. “Money.” But not everybody was happy. Across the street, it was a very different scene at Plankton’s restaurant, the Chum Bucket. The place was a gloomy little shack, with walls in need of fresh pain and wobbling tables. As usual, the Chum Bucket was empty, not a single customer in sight. Plankton, the teeny-eensie-weensie owner (and longtime nemesis of Mr. Krabs), stood at the window. He watched the opening ceremony at the Krusty Krab 2 through a long telescope. “Curses!” Plankton cried. “It’s not fair. Not fair at all! Krabs is being interviewed by Perch Perkins, and I’ve never had even ONE customer!” Plankton got so angry, the giant vein along the back of his head nearly exploded. “Don’t get all worked up again, Plankton,” Karen the Computer said. “I just mopped the floors.” “Oh Karen, my computer wife,” Plankton sighed, shaking his head sadly. “If only I could have managed to steal the secret to Krab’s success – the formula for the delicious Krabby Patty.” Plankton yearned for the secret formula so long, he imagined the bottle, with the written formula, floating over his head. He tried to reach for the bottle… But it fades away before his eyes. “Ahhhhh!” Plankton screamed. He began to pace across the room, back and forth, trying to think of a plan. Just then, he heard the sound of clattering in the back of the restaurant. The noise stopped his pacing, as the little guy turned towards the swishing back doors that appeared to have just opened. “Karen, what in the world was that?” Plankton asked. “Don’t look at me,” The computer responded. Plankton slowly works his way toward the back of the restaurant, where it was pitch black. He could hear tiny clattering off to the side, and cautiously approached the light switch, which thankfully he installed at his own height. He quickly flips the lights on, and his one eye widens in amazement and shock by what he saw. Off in the corner of his lab, crouched in a hiding position, was what appears to be a tiny little seahorse But clearly, this was unlike any seahorse Plankton has ever seen. It had the body of a horse yet the tail of a fish. It’s coat and scales were a light pinkish color, matching its huge eyes perfectly. The mane was a light grayish blue and very curled. While this discovery was shocking to Plankton, he was quite upset this creature was in his lab. “What in the name of Davy Jones’ locker are YOU doing here?!” He asked. The little sea filly held her hoof up to her mouth, signaling him to be quiet. “Shh… Hiding,” She whispered. “Well… Go hide somewhere else! This is private property!” “I can’t, mister… I stole something very important, very precious. I’m pretty sure that those I stole it from are going to want it back… And they won’t be too happy when they find me!” Plankton raised his eyebrow over his one eye in surprise. He didn’t know why this little creature would admit to committing a crime, and to him especially. Seeing as how the two just met on this day of all days. And yet… And yet he couldn’t help but feel intrigued at the same time. “So, not that I care, but… Exactly ‘what’ did you steal?” He asked. The little filly scoffed, with a light chuckle. “Yeah right! Like I’d show you anything. How do I know you won’t run and tell someone what I’ve done! I’ll be in big trouble!” “Oh, please!!! Like I’d want anything to do with any authority figures? After many attempts they made to stop me from doing the same thing!” The little filly looked at the tiny single celled organism quizzically. “What do you mean?” She asked. “Well, you see, I myself have tried to steal something very important myself,” Plankton explained. “Let’s just say that once I finally have it, I’ll destroy my arch nemesis and take over this wretched little town!” This seemed to put a smile on the little filly’s face, as she swam out of her hiding space. “So… You like evil plots, too?” She asked excitedly. “’Do I like evil plots’?” Plankton laughed. “Kid, there’s no other way to live! Sheldon J. Plankton’s the name, but you just call me Plankton.” The little filly stuck out her tiny hoof, which Plankton shook with his even tinier stub. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Cozy Glow. So… What exactly is it you’re trying to steal?” Plankton scowled, his brow furrowed in anger, as he looks back out the window toward the large gathering over at the Krusty Krab. “It’s the one thing I’ve never successfully stole… But it’s the one thing that’s the ley to my ultimate domination of this town: The Krabby Patty formula! Oh… If I had that formula, then people would line up to eat at my restaurant. I’ve tried to get it, kid. Lord knows, I’ve tried…” As he spoke, Plankton led Cozy Glow and Karen to the back of his ‘Evil Laboratory’. Inside, electricity crackled from the huge metal rods, chemicals bubbled in large beakers. On the walls, hundreds of bottles lined up. Each bottle was marked, specifically: Failure Number 87 Miserable Failure Number 190 Really Tragic and Horrible Failure Number 262 "Uh... How exactly did you try to take over this town?" Cozy Glow asked, looking at the bottles. "Don't ask..." Plankton replied. Plankton ignored the various equipment and bottles, instead he walked toward a giant metal cabinet and opens the bottom drawer. “I’ve exhausted every evil plan in my filing cabinet,” Plankton explained. “From A to Y.” “A to Y?” Cozy Glow questioned. “Yeah, A to Y. You know, the alphabet?” “What about Z?” “Z?” “Z,” Karen added. “The letter that comes after Y.” Plankton scratched his head, before flipping through his files. “W… X… Y…” The moment he found the aforementioned file, he froze. “And Z!” Plankton pulled out a thick folder marked with a big Z. “Plan Z!” Plankton said triumphantly. “Here it is just like you said!” Karen and Cozy Glow rolled their eyes as Plankton flips through the pages. Reading all about Plan Z. “Oh… Boy!” He gloated. When he was finished, he hopped around the evil laboratory. He was so happy; the tiny evil genius was practically giddy. “Ohh… It’s evil!” Plankton sang. “It’s… It’s… Diabolical!” He stuck his nose in the folder and gave a huge sniff. “And it’s lemon scented! This plan has got it all!” When Plankton closed the folder, his eyes glowed with an evil aura. “This Plan Z can’t possibly fail!” He exclaimed. “Where have I heard that before?” Karen sighed. Ignoring his wife’s snarky remark, Plankton showed the plan to Cozy Glow. For an evil little pony herself, even she didn’t quite know what to make of it. “So… How exactly is this plan going to help you?” “Simple. As soon as Phase One is in action, piece by piece the plan will come together on its own. And once it all comes in full circle, I, Evil Genius Sheldon J. Plankton, will FINALLY rule the world!!!” Cozy Glow thought over what he was saying, until a tiny twisted smile creeps its way along her face. “You think I might be able to help with your evil plot?” Plankton raised his brow again, smirking at her question. “What could you possibly have to offer kid?” He asked. Cozy Glow reached behind her, revealing the sacred pearl of Seaquestria. Upon seeing the large jewel, Plankton’s one eye widened hugely. “This is the sacred pearl of Seaquestria, which gives the kingdom all its power. You allow me to conquer the world alongside you, and this baby will ensure not only dominion over this town, but my own world as well!” Plankton thought over this plan, eventually deciding he liked what he was hearing. The possibility of ruling over not one, but TWO worlds at the same time was far too tempting. For when there’s another world, that meant an opportunity of expanding his ‘Chum Bucket’ business with a new line-up of potential customers. He smirks toward Cozy Glow, who in turn did the same. “Kid, I think this is the start of a beautiful… Evil… Partnership,” Plankton grinned evilly. He and Cozy Glow give another shake, signifying their official partnership. Then Plankton left the evil laboratory, sliding through the dining room. “So, enjoy today, Mr. Krabs!” Plankton cried. “Because by tomorrow, I’ll have the formula. Then everyone will eat at the Chum Bucket, and I will rule the world!” Plankton slid out the front door, shaking his fist at the people of Bikini Bottom. “All hail Plankton! All hail—” Suddenly, a giant foot came down on Plankton’s head, squashing him flat, like he was nothing more than… Well, Plankton. The giant black shoe Plankton was stuck to the bottom of belonged to SpongeBob SquarePants himself. He was leading the group of seaponies on his way to work, and he’d been singing the ‘promotion song’ almost the entire time. But the moment he heard the ‘SQUISH!’ sound – and Plankton’s cries of agony – SpongeBob stopped. “What is it, SpongeBob?” Twilight asked. “Ew!” He said. “I think I stepped in something.” “Well, scrape it off then,” Applejack told him. “We don’t wanna be late, sugar cube.” SpongeBob slammed his foot down, wiping it on the ground. "Aaaaaaaaarrrggghhh!" Plankton howled. “Do y’all hear tiny screaming?” Apple Bloom asked. “Get… Off… Of… My… Shoe!” SpongeBob grunted, wiping again. "Aaaaaaaaarrrggghhh!" “You know, I’m starting to hear it too,” Sweetie Belle nodded. “Ditto,” Scootaloo agreed. “I stepped in something gross,” SpongeBob said. “Now it won’t come off.” “Not in something, ON something, you twit!” SpongeBob lifts his shoe and found Plankton stuck to the bottom. “Oh, sorry, Plankton.” SpongeBob reached down and peeled Plankton off his shoe. “Owwww!!!” “Uh, SpongeBob… Who is that guy?” Spike points out. “Oh, don’t worry,” SpongeBob brushes off. “It’s just Evil Genius Plankton, Mr. Krabs’ rival in the fast food industry.” At first, the girls, especially Spike, nodded in understanding and were about to head off. But then they stopped at not only the mention of two keys, but how SpongeBob said it so nonchalant, like it was no big deal. “Did he say… ‘Evil Genius’?” Fluttershy asked, silently. “Are you on your way to the grand opening ceremony?” SpongeBob asked Plankton. “No, I am not on my way to the grand opening ceremony,” Plankton sneered. “I’m busy planning to RULE THE WORLD!” Then, Plankton laugh maniacally while the ponies and Spike looked on with a bit of concern, yet confusion how such a tiny organism could hold such a devious mind. SpongeBob just stared at him, blinking twice. “Well, good luck with that.” With that said, SpongeBob skipped away, singing, ‘I’m ready! Promotion. I’m ready! Promotion’ and all the while Plankton watched him, along with the ponies, going ahead. “Goodbye Mr. Plankton, sir!” Sweetie Belle called out. “Stupid kids…” Plankton muttered, shaking his head. Yet all the while, as they made their way toward the Krusty Krab, Twilight Sparkle couldn’t help but look back toward Plankton with great concern. “Um… SpongeBob?” Twilight spoke. “Yes… Twilight?” SpongeBob smiled. “Doesn’t it kind of bother you that you literally know an Evil Genius in your town?” “That is mighty suspicious,” Applejack agreed. “Somethin’ bout him don’t feel right.” “Oh, don’t worry about Plankton,” SpongeBob brushed off. “He’s actually not a completely bad guy once you get to know him.” “Well maybe so, I know we shouldn’t be judgmental, I should know,” Rarity added on. “But still, we’ve only been here for a day and still have no idea where in Equestria, or rather where on ‘Earth’, that pearl ought to be nor Cozy Glow for that matter.” “Yeah, the only ‘pearl’ anyone in this town knows about is Mr. Krabs kid,” Rainbow Dash replied. “Which I still don’t understand how that works, but whatever.” “And if ‘world domination’ is on Plankton’s mind, what with the Pearl being so powerful—” Twilight continued. “Oh girls, relax!” SpongeBob replied, casually. “Most of Plankton’s ‘evil schemes’ typically involve trying to one-up Mr. Krabs in fast food… And most of the time they never work. And don’t worry: Despite how exciting it’ll be to become the manager; I haven’t forgotten about your lost pearl. If this Cozy Glow is somewhere in town, she’ll probably try to blend in with the crowd who don’t know her. And with everyone gathering for the grand opening today, maybe we’ll be lucky to find her.” “Here’s hoping,” Spike replied. Eventually, SpongeBob and his new friends reached the newly introduced Krusty Krab 2. While the ponies friends seemed confused over looking at two buildings, nearly identical, and practically side-by-side, in SpongeBob’s eyes it was unbelievable. As a matter of fact, as the ponies looked over the crowd, noting the whole town had arrived, they made a real show over it. As if to say the new Krusty Krab 2 restaurant was cooler than the original. “I tell ya girls, Mr. Krabs is a genius!” SpongeBob said. “No wonder he makes so much money.” “’No wonder’ is right,” Applejack agreed. “Honestly, I can’t see what the big fuss is.” “Maybe it looks the same on the outside, but it’s better on the inside,” Apple Bloom suggests. “Just leave the thinkin’ up to me, lil sis. It’ll come eventually.” Apple Bloom shrugged, as they joined the townspeople. Not the first time that Apple Bloom had a suggestion only for it to be turned down so quickly. But that’s just the life of being the younger sibling in the family. “Welcome!” Mr. Krabs greeted. “Welcome, everyone, to the grand opening of the Krusty Krab 2!” Mrs. Puff, the Pufferfish and SpongeBob’s Driving School teacher since… Well, for as long as she can remember (To her chagrin), inflated her puffy belly with a scowl, as she turned to Sandy Cheeks. “I can’t believe we paid nine dollars for this!” She said. “I paid ten!” Sandy replied. As SpongeBob and the others pushed their way to the front of the crowd, the ponies saying, ‘Excuse me’ and ‘Pardon me’ along the way, they spied Mr. Krabs. The proud owner had his claws raised, as he prepared to cut the ceremonial ribbon and official declare the new restaurant open for business. “Before we begin with the ribbon cutting,” Mr. Krabs continued. “I’d like to introduce our new manager.” “Yes!” SpongeBob shouted, dancing in a circle. “Yeah! Now we’re talkin’!” “Omigosh, omigosh, omigosh, omigosh, omighosh!” Pinkie hopped. “I’m so excited, I could pee!” The ponies and Spike turned toward Pinkie wide-eyed, before slowly scooting away along with the other townspeople. Squidward, who reluctantly sat next to SpongeBob, released a deep sigh silently hoping this will be over soon. “Ahem… Well, anyway,” Mr. Krabs began. “The new manager is a loyal, hardworking employee…” “Yes!” SpongeBob said, sticking his thumb to his chest. “Here it comes, SpongeBob!” Scootaloo said, anxiously. “… And the obvious choice for the job,” Mr. Krabs added. “That’s so true!” Sweetie Belle cried, holding her cheeks. “And it is a name you all know—” “Yes… Yes…” Apple Bloom clapped her hooves. “—A name that starts with an S.” “That’s me!” SpongeBob crowed. “Oh quit the torture and say it already!” Spike called out, as Twilight turned to him. “What?” Mr. Krabs rolled his eyes, before he proceeds. “Please welcome our new area manager… Squidward Tentacles!” Behind Mr. Krabs, a huge banner with Squidward’s face was lowered from the ceiling. Another banner unrolled below, which read: ‘CONGRATULATIONS, SQUIDWARD’! To say the girls and Spike were shocked was a MAJOR understatement. “WHAT?!” The Mane Six shouted. “WHAT?!” The CMC shouted, equally shocked. “WHAT?!” Spike gasped. Both Narrators: WHAT?! French Narrator: Eh… Saw that one coming… “YES! YES!” SpongeBob screamed. The ponies and Spike turned to the side, as SpongeBob jumped up and down like the crazy yellow sponge. He quickly turns toward Squidward. “Better luck next time, buddy. Woooo-hoo!” “Uh… SpongeBob?” Apple Bloom tried to speak. But SpongeBob didn’t hear her. He just leapt onto the stage, nearly knocking Mr. Krabs aside. “Yeah! All right! Hooray for me!” SpongeBob cried. “Oh my…” Fluttershy whispered, lowering her head. “This is not going to be good,” Twilight spoke, nervously. Before the stunned crowd in the audience, SpongeBob spoke into the microphone. “People of Bikini Bottom, as the manager—” “Ah… SpongeBob,” Mr. Krabs said, tapping his shoulder. “Hold the phone, folks. I’m getting an important news flash from Mr. Krabs. Manager stuff. Go ahead, Mr. K!” Mr. Krabs leans in, whispering something in SpongeBob’s ear. As the yellow sponge listened, he unintentionally repeated his words into the microphone. “I’m making a complete what out of myself?” Mr. Krabs cringed, whispering further. “The most embarrassing thing you’ve ever seen?” SpongeBob repeated, loudly. Mr. Krabs whispered one more time. “And now it’s worse because I’m repeating everything you say into the microphone?” This was confusing for SpongeBob, while the Mane Six and their friends just slapped their hooves over their faces. “Ooh… SpongeBob…” Rainbow Dash moaned, shaking her head. “I can’t bear to watch…” Rarity added, covering her eyes. “Oh, for crying out loud, SpongeBob!” Mr. Krabs yelled. “You didn’t get the job.” SpongeBob’s jaw dropped; his eyes went wet… Even underwater. Still, he couldn’t believe his own ears, the worst five words an employee can ever hear. SpongeBob’s heart just sank. “What…?” He squeaked. “You… Did not… Get… The Job…” Mr. Krabs repeated, with emphasis. “But… But why?” Mr. Krabs sighed, as he placed an arm around SpongeBob’s shoulders. “SpongeBob, you’re a great fry cook, but I gave the job to Squidward because being manager is a big responsibility, and… Well… Let’s face it – he’s more mature than you.” SpongeBob looks up toward Mr. Krabs with the saddest eyes the little sponge could make. “I’m not mature?” “Oh, lad,” Mr. Krabs said. “I mean this in the nicest of ways. But, well, there’s a word for what you are… Er… Ah…” Either Mr. Krabs couldn’t remember the word, or it was difficult even for the money-making fast food owner to say it, if only not to hurt the little sponge’s feelings. Needless to say, the crowd decided to help him out. “Dork?” A fish suggested. “No wait… That’s not right,” Mr. Krabs shook his head. “Not ‘dork’…” “A goofball?” Pearl suggested. “Closer, but no…” Soon a bunch of random fish, even an old lady, began throwing out suggestions. “A ding-a-ling?” “Wing nut?!” “A Knucklehead McSpazatron!” With every insult thrown at SpongeBob, the little sponge grew even more depressed and discouraged. Tears formed in the CMC’s eyes, feeling so bad for their friend. “Okay, that’s enough!” Mr. Krabs commanded, patting SpongeBob’s back. “Look, what I am trying to say is… You’re just a kid. And to be a manager, you have to be a man. Otherwise, they’d call it a kid-a-ger. You understand-ager – I mean, do you understand, SpongeBob?” “I guess so, Mr. Krabs,” SpongeBob mumbled. Heartbroken beyond description, SpongeBob climbed off the stage as the whole town, including the Mane Six and the others, looked on. Pinkie Pie was so sad, her mane deflated like a balloon. As the little sponge trudged away, Mr. Krabs called to him, but SpongeBob couldn’t hear anything. He was just too sad… So sad, in fact, he sang a rather depressing tune. “I’m ready… Depression…” SpongeBob sang, with a sigh. “I’m ready… Depression…” “Oh poor SpongeBob…” Pinkie cried, her tears floating to the surface. “What a low blow, for the little feller,” Applejack added. “All that hard work for nothin’!” “Mature Squidward may be,” Rainbow Dash replied. “But hardworking and loyal… Nah, I don’t see it.” “I can do without the audio commentary, pony girl,” Squidward muttered. “You know, girls,” Apple Bloom said, to her two friends. “I truly feel sorry for SpongeBob.” “I know what you mean,” Scootaloo nodded. “All that work and he gets turned down for having a childlike personality.” “I can’t imagine how this could get any worse,” Sweetie Belle replied. “HOORAY FOR SPONGEBOB!” Suddenly, everyone looked up and saw Patrick Star, parachuting down from the sky. SpongeBob’s best starfish friend was all covered in balloons from below the neck and just above the kneecaps. He dragged a giant banner for a parachute, which read ‘HOORAY FOR SPONGEBOB!’. “Patrick, look out!” Twilight shouted. But it was too late. Patrick crashed right into the giant Squidward banner, sending the whole stage crashing to the ground. The crowd scattered in panic, running as far away as possible. The ponies were suddenly caught by Squidward’s banner, as everything fell apart. In the midst of the wreckage, Patrick burst through the banner, his dopey sweet voice calling out: “HOORAY FOR SPONGEBOB!” Patrick cried, looking around. “Where did everybody go?” Several heads popped from out of the banner, as the ponies and Spike looked at Patrick with an annoyed expression. “Oh, hi guys!” Patrick replied, cheerfully. “Did you all catch that?! How did SpongeBob feel?” “Patrick… Buddy…” Spike spoke, taking a deep breath. “We need to talk…”