Chapter 6: The Magic Within Smiles

At Home Sweet Home's backyard, the Smiling Critters are looking at the Player for instructions on how to use their magic.

"Now, Smiling Critters, your medallions will activate their magic if you feel strong emotions," said the Player.

"Ah, so I unknowingly activated my medal, which caused all the dishes to be washed," said DogDay.

"Your medals will react to your desires to get things done for you if all of you think of the same thing."

"So, we all activated our medals."

"Exactly. Okay, DogDay, you'll go first because your family is always the lead knight in charge. Your magic consists of Solar Magic Techniques, Sensitive Smell, and Encouragement."

"I can understand what Sensitive Smell and Encouragement, but Solar Magic Techniques?"

"You have the techniques to perform sun-related magic. Here's a book on what they are."

The Player hands DogDay a book with his sun emblem and says, "Your father told me to hand you this book when you're ready. It will help in your training and journey."

When DogDay reads it over, he comments, "Hmmm. All of these techniques sound risky to do. Solar Attacks, Solar Aura, Solar Empowerment. Oh, Solar Healing. I want to try that. CatNap, scratch me."

"What?! No way," CatNap protests.

"Come on, I want to test my magic."

"I would never hurt you."

"Just do it! Remember when I never let you sleep all day? Do it for that."

CatNap closed his eyes as he scratched DogDay's face. CatNap was so ashamed that he covered his face.

"Okay, now let's try Solar Healing," said DogDay, touching the scratch.

His medal glowed orange, and his wound shone. Everyone watched, even CatNap, to see the scratch disappear and all heal.

"It worked," DogDay said.

"Now, remember, DogDay. Your Solar Magic Techniques only work when the Sun is out," said the Player.

"Does that include the Sun's light reflecting on the Moon?"

"You know what? I'm not sure."

"Aren't you supposed to teach us how our magic works?" CatNap questioned while touching DogDay's shoulder.

"Don't look at me like that. DogDay's ancestors never did it. Anyway, CatNap. Your ancestors always kept the Smiling Knights from losing control of their animal instincts and the strong surge of their magic. Your magic is Lunar Magic. Serenity Inducement allows you to induce feelings of peace and tranquility in others, helping to calm anxiety, stress, and Tail Manipulation."

"But what the Red Smoke I breathed to make everyone go to sleep?"

"That's a family curse."

"Curse?!" the Smiling Critters said in shock.

"But as long as CatNap uses it for good, he'll be fine."

"Right. Do I get a book on my Lunar Magic?" CatNap asks.

"Sure thing."

The Player gives CatNap a purple book with his emblem so he can read it.

"So, I can do Lunar Healing. It's kind of like DogDay's magic but different," said CatNap.

"Opposites with similar yet different magical techniques. We are meant to be BFFL," DogDay smiled and hugged CatNap.

"That's because our ancestors have known each other for generations."

"Do me next, Player!" KickinChicken said.

Hoppy Hopscotch pushed him aside and said, "No, me!"

"I asked first, cottontail!"

"Watch your beak, chicken legs!"

"Now, now, you two. Hoppy, you're next," said the Player.

"Hooray!"

"Darn. It's always the furry who comes first," Kickin annoyed.

"Hey!" DogDay, CatNap, Hoppy, and Bobby BearBug yelled.

"Okay, Hoppy. Your ancestors were the energy to get the Smiling Knights up and ready for battle. Your magic is Unlimited Stamina: you're never tired, allowing you to perform physical and mental tasks continuously without fatigue; enhanced Speed: Your boundless energy translates into superhuman speed, enabling you to move and react faster than normal humans, and Sensitive Hearing.

"Matches my persona perfectly."

Hoppy started to run and then came back with a bag full of groceries and said, "I did shopping for a whole second. This is great."

The Player said, "Good to know you got the hang of your magic already, Hoppy. PickyPiggy, your ancestors were the food suppliers to keep the Smiling Knights filled up for combats. Your magic consists of Enhanced Metabolism: Your body can process food incredibly efficiently, instantly converting it into energy. Food Sensing: You can detect whether a substance is edible, identifying toxins, allergens, and harmful ingredients with a glance or sniff. Unlimited Appetite: You can consume massive quantities of food without adverse effects, maintaining your health and energy levels."

"Sounds right for me," PickyPiggy continued. "By the way, Hoppy, your carrots have worms."

Hoppy takes them out and sees the worms coming out of it.

"Gross! Thanks for the save, Picky. I'll give these to Ratface in the Nightmare Creeps," said Hoppy.

"When is it going to be my turn?!" Kickin annoyed.

"Don't worry, Kickin. I was getting to you," said the Player.

"Sick! Now tell me what I got?"

"Your ancestors were appointed to keep the Knights confidence and calm in the face of danger. You have the magic of Stress Immunity: You're immune to stress's physical and mental effects, allowing you to perform at your best even in high-stakes scenarios. Willpower Manipulation and Enhanced Focus: They can maintain laser-sharp focus and concentration, filtering out distractions and staying on task regardless of external pressures."

"Kickin', focusing? Never thought it would happen," said Hoppy.

"I can focus, Hoppy!" Kickin yelled.

"Tell that to your grades in school."

"Don't dare bring up school! So, what does Willpower Manipulation do, Player?"

"It allows creating any kind of weapon or item imaginable," the Player answered.

"Hmm? Imagine of me surfing."

With his medallion glowing yellow, Kickin materialized himself surfing as Green Lantern does. His friends were so amazed that they clapped.

"Oh, make a bone," DogDay asks, which Kickin does.

"An apple," PickyPiggy asks, which Kickin created.

"Make a fish," CatNap asks, which Kickin materialized.

"This is so cool!" Kickin commented.

"And highly useful. Perhaps you can use Willpower Manipulation to create transportation for our journey," Bubba Bubbaphant suggested.

"I know what kind of transportation."

Kickin creates a yellow hotrod, which he stargazed upon.

"Not the kind of transportation that would survive any weather or conditions," Bubba said.

"Hey, it's epic. And besides, we must ride in style if we're going to fulfill the prophecy."

"Alright, Bobby BearHug. You're next.," the Player continued. "Your ancestors were the Hearts that keep everyone together. The magic you have is Love Empowerment, Healing Touch: Your compassionate nature will enable you to heal physical and emotional wounds with a simple touch, bringing comfort and relief to those in pain, and Protective Aura: Your compassion creates a protective aura around yourself and those you care for, shielding them from harm and negative influences."

"Yeah, the Power of Love rules," Bobby BearHug cheered.

"Then that would explain why her hugs have too much love in them," DogDay whispered to CatNap.

"It's a good thing I always avoid her hugs," CatNap whispered back.

The Player said, "CraftyCorn, your ancestors were creative enough to develop solutions. Your magic has Reality Drafting: You can sketch or write descriptions of objects, scenarios, or events and bring them into reality. Your creations are limited only by your imagination. Color Manipulation: You can control and manipulate colors, using them to create illusions, camouflage, or even influence emotions and moods. Enhanced Creativity: You have access to an exceptional number of ideas and can think outside the box, solving problems with innovative and artistic solutions."

"So what I draw or paint will come to life?" CraftyCorn asks.

"That's right."

"I want to see it for myself."

She takes out her painting equipment and begins to paint a carrot. When she was done, her medallion glowed white so that the carrot could come out of the canvas, but it was the size of the Player.

"It worked!" CraftyCorn cheered.

When Hoppy bites the carrot, she says, "And it's delicious!"

PickyPiggy took a bite, too, and said, "Yum!"

"Now, we won't have to worry about supplies for our journey," said Bubba Bubbaphant.

"That's right, Bubba," the Player said. "Now, you're the last I will tell you about your magic. Your ancestors were the brains who aid in outwitting enemies and finding traps. The magic you bestow is Strategic Thinking: You excel at planning and strategy, anticipate multiple outcomes, and devise the best course of action. Memory Mastery: You have perfect or near-perfect memory, can recall vast amounts of information accurately and instantly, and Enhanced Intelligence."

"Aw, yes. As an A student, it's not a surprise. Although, it's surprising I won't be able to fight."

"Same here," said PickyPiggy.

"I don't believe in violence," said CraftyCorn.

"Me too," Bobby answered.

"Well, I was planning to give you the weaponry and magical backpacks of your ancestors, which will help you in your journey," said the Player.

"Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" Hoppy and Kickin cheered.

"Alright. Just one second."

The Player summons an inventory portal to pull out DogDay's equipment: an orange backpack with a vanilla symbol on the lock, a tennis ball-like shield, and a bone-like sword.

The Smiling Critters were amazed to see them until the Player said, "DogDay, step forward and take a knee."

He kneels before the Player so they can knight him with his family sword.

The Player said, "DogDay, the Sun Knight, I hereby grant you the Vanilla Backpack, an endless magical storage with vanilla scent, the Tennis Ball Sheild, emitting a protective aura, and the Bone Sword, infused with the power of the sun."

The Player put the Vanilla Backpack on DogDay and handed him the Tennis Ball Shield and the Bone Sword. With his family sword and shield equipped, DogDay then swings, stabs, and slashes his sword. He shows his family sword before the Sun so it will shine. DogDay's friends clapped in amazement.

"Now, I'm ready for my gear and weapon," CatNap said excitedly.

The Player takes out a purple backpack with a lavender symbol lock and a Silvervine Stick-like Staff. Quickly, CatNap got on his knee to be knighted by his family staff.

The Player said, "CatNap, the Moon Knight, I grant you the Lavender Backpack, your family's magical endless backpack, and the Silvervine Staff, which emits gathers and controls your Red Smoke Gas, putting enemies to sleep."

As the Player puts the Lavender Backpack on CatNap, they hand him the Silvervine Staff. Feeling his staff, CatNap's feline instincts kick in, and he rubs his face up against it.

"CatNap, what are you doing?" DogDay asks.

"It's so soft and chewy."

CatNap starts to bite on his staff, freaking out his friends.

Quickly, DogDay pulled CatNap away from the staff and said, "Are you insane, buddy?! That is your family heirloom."

"Why didn't you start biting on your sword because it looks like a bone?" CatNap remark.

"A risk breaking my teeth and ruining my sword?! Fat chance!"

"Take it easy, you two. Your Bone Sword sharpens when bitten too, and when the Silvervine Staff can gather CatNap's Sleep Gas if he bites into it, thus gaining more power," said the Player.

"They do?" the Smiling Critters questioned.

"Indeed."

"Yeah!" CatNap cheered before continuing to bite his staff.

"I still find it wrong," DogDay speculated while looking at his Bone Sword.

"Hoppy, you're next," said the Player.

"Oh, yes. I hope I get something good. And not chewable," said Hoppy as she kneeled.

She notices DogDay licking his Bone Sword, finding it unique, and starting to bite into it like a dog. The Player shows Hoppy a green backpack with a peppermint lock and a carrot-edge Lightning bolt spear.

"Hoppy Hopscotch, the Lightning Bolt Knight. I shall give the Peppermint Backpack and the Carrot Spear that can summon storms and strike enemies precisely," said the Player, knighting her with her spear.

Once they put the Peppermint Backpack on her and gave her the Carrot Spear. She looked cautiously at her family's spear.

"Don't worry. It's not chewable," the Player spoke up.

After twirling her spear and piercing it upward, Hoppy said, "Nice! I didn't want to end up like DogDay and CatNap."

"I'm next," said PickyPiggy, taking a knee.

"That's right, PickyPiggy the Apple Knight. I will bestow you your family's Citrus Backpack, the Truffle-seeking Staff that can summon roots and vines to entangle enemies, and the Boar Tusk Dagger that can deliver powerful, precise strikes," said the Player, knighting her with the staff.

The backpack is pink with a Citrus symbol lock; the staff has a truffle on its edge and an apple crest on the sharp edge of the dagger. PickPiggy looked happy when the Citrus Backpack was here and got a hold of her two weapons.

"The Boar Tusk Dagger looks like a kitchen knife, and the Truffle-seeking Staff looks like a hand grinder," she commented.

"Always about food with you, Picky. Now, do me! Do me, Player," said KickinChicken.

"Hehehe. Well, you're going to love your gear," the Player continued, showing their hand to Kickin. "Star Knight, KickinChicken, I bless you with the Ylang-ylang Backpack, the Gump Spur Gauntlets, which can deliver electrifying kicks, and the Capon Feathered Cape, which grants the ability to glide and perform aerial maneuvers."

Starry-eyed, Kickin quickly took his yellow Ylang-ylang-lock Backpack, his Claw-like Star Symbol Spur Gauntlets, and a Main Tail-like Cape.

"This is so cool! I'm ready to kick and glide this journey throughout. Finally, all of the chickens' dreams will be granted upon me: to fly," said Kickin, doing high kicks that show sparks and float a bit.

"Um? Player, am I going to get a weapon?" Bobby BearHug asks while kneeling.

"Well, yes and no. It will also be used for climbing and grabbling," the Player showed their hand. "Bobby BearHug, the Heart Knight. You are given the Rose Backpack and the Cuddle Claws that can extend and retract, allowing for powerful melee attacks and grappling."

The Player presents a red Rose-lock Backpack and a Heart Ring.

"A ring?" Bobby asks while the Player puts on the Rose Backpack and places the ring on her left finger.

"This ring is what helps you activate your Cuddle Claws. All you must do is ball up your fist for the claws to come out and open your hands to make them disappear," said the Player.

"Okay."

When balling up her fist, her red claws reveal themselves. Seeing them quickly made Bobby open her hands to remove the claws.

She hugged DogDay and said, "No…I don't want to use them. I'm a lover, not a fighter."

When she hugs him too tight, bones crack, and he says, "Not again. CatNap, help!"

"I'm on it," said CatNap. She started purring, which calmed Bobby down and freed DogDay from her grasp.

"CraftyCorn, now it's your turn," said the Player.

CraftyCorn shyly kneels to claim her heirlooms. The Player removes a cyan Jasmine lockBackpackk, a white unicorn horn lance, and a rainbow invisibility cloak.

With the Lance, they knighted CraftyCorn and said, "CraftyCorn, the Flower Knight, I want you to possess the Jasmine Backpack, the Unihorn Lance that can channel magical energy for powerful attacks, and Invisibility Colorful Cloak that allows you to move unseen."

The Player puts the Cloak and the Backpack on CraftyCorn before handing her the Lance.

"I was afraid of this. I never thought my ancestors would have a weapon for violence," said CraftyCorn.

But by looking at her Unicorn Lance, she was amazed to say, "This spear…could it gather red from within people. I don't mind using it to get their red."

Her friends and the Player's eyes are in fear.

"She's like her ancestors before her, obsessing over a certain color. Even her mother inherited the condition, too," the Player commented.

"What? That's sounds made up to me," said Hoppy.

"Hoppy," Bubba Bubbaplant continued. "There is a condition known as Color Obsession Disorder or Color OCD. This is a specific subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to colors. People with this condition might feel an intense need to arrange objects by color or experience severe anxiety when encountering specific hues. Additionally, some individuals on the autism spectrum may exhibit a strong focus or obsession with certain colors, which can influence their behaviors and emotional reactions."

"As wise as your ancestors, it proves you're worthy for heirlooms and being a Smiling Knight, Bubba Bubbaphant. Please kneel," said the Player.

Bubba kneels as the Player shows their hand to him and continues, "Lightbulb Knight, may you raise to use these items that will give to you for the good of the future to all: the Lemongrass Backpack, the Trunk Mace that can create shockwaves and the Sheild of Truth that can generate a protective force field."

The Player shows him a blue Lemongrass symbol backpack, a mace with a trunk handle, and a Lightbulb shield. After Bubba has the Lemongrass Backpack on him, he grasps the Trunk Mace and the Sheild of Truth.

"There comes a time when action must happen for necessary reasons. Not even negotiations won't be part of the decisions," said Bubba.

"Now that you have all your gear, you can summon them with your medals," said the Player.

The Smiling Critters' pedants shine, so their gear enters the medals.

"Wow, now we can carry them wherever we go. Wicked," Kickin cheered.

"Easy for us to move around," said Hoppy.

"When do we begin our journey, Player?" DogDay asks.

"When you believe you are ready. I wish you good luck on your journey," said the Player, about to leave.

"Wait a second. Do you mean you're not coming with us?" CatNap questioned.

"This isn't my journey to prevent the spread of the Red Air upon the world and restore Playtime Land."

"But I will see you again, right?" CraftyCorn asks.

As they disappeared into the darkness, the Player responded, "It will be when the time is right for me to cross paths with you again."

The Smiling Critters blinked before DogDay said, "And I thought Baba Chops was the only one I know who could disappear into the darkness."

Suddenly, she showed her face behind him and said, "You called me, Doggy?"

He was so surprised that he screamed and jumped into CatNap's arms.

"You! How long have you been standing there?!" CatNap exclaimed.

The rest of the Nightmare Critters stood behind Baba as she said, "My group and I just got here."

"I heard you Critters are going to leave soon. We want to inform you that once you're gone, we will have your rooms," said Rabie Baby.

"You better not!" Bubba yelled.

"What are we supposed to do when you're gone? You're the best people we can annoy daily," said Touille.

"Wait a second, are you saying you'll miss?" Bobby smirked.

The Nightmare Critters were startled when Poe shouted, "Wrong, wrong, wrong! You are so wrong! We'll be so happy once you leave. No more lovey-dovey friendship, no more positive outlook, and no more encounters."

"No, you guys can't live a day without us around," said Hoppy.

"Yeah, right. I will finally be able to relax without you causing a stir," said Allister Gator.

"And there will be more food without Picky eating all," said Maggie Mako.

"You mean able to get eight more times of the desserts? But I doubt Mrs. Missy will let you escape it," PickyPiggy commented.

"You don't have to hide it if you'll miss us. Despite all of the troubles, we're going to miss Home Sweet Home and all the people we grew up with, including you guys," said CraftyCorn, holding Simon Smoke's hands.

The Nightmare Critters tried to hide their blush while Simon Smoke said, "Don't come crying to us if you miss us. But I wouldn't be surprised if you miss me, Craftybaby. Also, I'll be mad if you don't come back alive."

"By the way, we also came here to tell that lunch is ready. Race ya! Last one, there will be their lunches," Icky Licky shouted.

"Not on my watch!" PickyPiggy yelled as the Nightmare Critters ran off

"Mine's too," Hoppy agreed as the Smiling Critters ran off.