Squidward no Death Note (SpongeBob X Death Note)

Smoke still curled into the sky like a greasy tentacle. Sirens wailed in the distance. An ambulance screeched to a halt in front of the charred remains of the Chum Bucket.

Squidward watched from behind the Krusty Krab's register, eyes narrowed.

Two paramedic fish approached the rubble and emerged with a tiny stretcher. Upon it, covered in a white sheet, was a body no longer than a spoon. Plankton.

"Too late," one muttered. "Incinerated almost completely."

Beside the wreckage, a smoldering circuit board sparked faintly. Karen — or what was left of her.

Inside the Krusty Krab, silence reigned.

Even Mr. Krabs was uncharacteristically still, claws limp at his sides, mouth slightly agape.

The door jingled as a tall, thin man in a slick brown suit walked in, carrying a briefcase.

"Eugene Krabs?" he asked.

Krabs blinked. "Aye?"

"I'm Plankton's attorney. Or, well… was. He requested I deliver his last will and testament in the event of his… well, this."

The lawyer cleared his throat and opened a sleek datapad. "Ahem. Recording playback initiated."

A holographic projection of Plankton shimmered to life above the table.

"Well, Krabs, if you're hearing this, then I am dead. I guess you won, or I failed spectacularly. I know we were rivals in the end, but I have never forgotten our childhood friendship. I hope nothing but success for you and your business. To ensure that at least one of us makes it, I am donating all Chum Bucket liquid assets to your restaurant. I had some recent real estate investments that made quite the penny. Take care of the secret formula for me.

— Your friend, Sheldon."

The hologram flickered out.

Krabs's jaw trembled. His eyes welled. He let out a loud, guttural sob, clutching his chest.

"Blast it all, Plankton… you sentimental little barnacle…"

Squidward blinked, stunned. "You're… crying?"

Krabs turned, his expression raw with grief and horror. "Was it you, Squidward?! Was this your doing?!"

Squidward's blood ran cold. "Wha—no! Of course not! I've been right here the whole time. Standing behind the register, remember?"

The lawyer nodded. "Indeed. I arrived shortly after the explosion. Squidward was present. The paramedics confirmed the cause — gas leak ignition. Tragic, but not suspicious."

Krabs looked between them, breathing hard. Then, shoulders slumping, he sighed and wiped his eyes.

"Sorry, lad. I—this is just… a lot."

He sniffled and straightened up. "You and SpongeBob… take the rest of the day off."

"Really?" Squidward blinked.

"Aye. I need to be alone. In me office."

Krabs disappeared behind his door, and the click of the lock followed.

Outside, the sky had darkened with ash and late afternoon haze.

Squidward walked home beside SpongeBob. The sponge's eyes stayed glued to the sidewalk. He hadn't said a word.

Squidward glanced sideways. "You okay?"

SpongeBob didn't respond.

They walked in silence. The streets were quieter than usual.

Lurala floated along beside them, arms behind her messy-haired head.

"Well, that escalated quickly," she cooed. "Two down. How does it feel?"

Squidward glanced back at her, uneasy. "Plankton was a jerk. Always has been. Maybe he had a soft side… but he spent every day trying to ruin our lives."

Lurala smiled. "So you feel less guilty now?"

"…Maybe. A little."

They reached SpongeBob's house. The sponge trudged up his steps, still silent.

"See you tomorrow," Squidward said awkwardly.

SpongeBob just nodded and went inside.

Squidward exhaled slowly and walked next door.

Inside his own house, he slumped into his armchair.

Lurala leaned on the back of it, her grin wide. "You really could get used to this, you know. Influence. Power. People listening to you. Fearing you."

Squidward scowled. "I doubt I'll get that raise now."

She shrugged. "But you did get the day off."

He cracked a faint smile.

"…That's something, I guess."