Chapter 3: Merry to Missy Meadows
It was morning, and the Critters were walking out of the cave.
"Baba, Rabie, Simon, we got to head into the village. Don't make me call you losers for being the last to come out of the cave," Icky Licky called in the cave.
"Are they still embarrassed from what they did last night?" Allister Gator yawned.
"Baba, it wasn't your fault. You were just sick," DogDay called out.
"I'm never coming out of this cave! NEVER!" Baba Chops yelled off-scene.
"Look, despite you traumatizing me, my best friend and the shy girl of my group, you decided to follow me and the Smiling Critters on the journey. Plus, Baba, Player gave you your family relics in combat. It would be best if you used it," said CatNap.
"We'll just get in your way! Even though I enjoy teasing you, kitty, I violated your boundaries, which is beyond my limits!" Rabie Baby shrieks off the scene.
"You have limits?"
CraftyCorn grabbed CatNap by the ear and said, "CatNap, we're supposed to make them feel better, not worse!"
"Crafty, DogDay is here."
DogDay is shown growling at seeing his best friend get hurt, but CatNap quickly wraps him up his tail and says, "Easy, DogDay. I deserve it. Remember, anger increases animal instincts."
"Baba, Rabie, Simon, we forgive you. We know you didn't mean to commit your past actions," said CraftyCorn.
"That's right."
As CatNap purrs on DogDay, DogDay says, "Please, Baba, Rabie, and Simon. We all need each other if we're ever going to make it to Playtime Land in one piece and restore it."
Everyone remains quiet, waiting for Baba, Rabie, and Simon's answer. Slowly, the three show their embarrassed red faces.
They walk past DogDay, CatNap, and CraftyCorn with their heads down.
"Let's go…," said Baba, Rabie, and Simon.
"Hey, you three. Don't let this embarrassment ruin the great name of Nightmare Critters," said Poe.
Maggie Mako pounded Poe's head and said, "Shut up, Poe!"
She then took three extra-large chocolate bars and said, "Baba, Rabie, Simon, have some chocolate."
"Thanks, Maggie," Baba and Rabie said as they took it and ate it.
"Simon, we haven't heard a peep from you. You good?" Touille asks.
Simon Smoke then gives Touille an annoyed "be quiet" look while he takes a big bite from his chocolate bar.
"Oui, I see, Simon," said Touille.
"It's good to finally see your faces out of the cave," CraftyCorn going to the Nightmare Critters with Smiling Critters.
But Baba, Rabie, and Simon become distant from their respective crushes, and they hide behind their friends.
"Geez, you three, cool it down. My friends forgave you, and you didn't mean to do it," said KickinChicken.
Simon then blows fire toward Kickin, but Hoppy Hopscotch quickly pulls him away from the flame.
"Hey! You better not fry my friends just because you're embarrassed," Hoppy yelled.
"Come on, everyone. Missy Meadows is just up ahead," said DogDay.
"I need someplace where I can be alone and wallow in my shame," Baba said, walking ahead.
"You, Rabie, and Simon need a hug," Bobby BearHug suggested.
"Do we look like we need a hug?"
Baba, Rabie, and Simon give Bobby stern looks to make it look like they don't need a hug, but Bobby hugs all three of them without concern.
"Bobby, it's best you stop doing that. I wonder if Missy Meadows has information about this Claw and more about Playtime Land," said Bubba Bubbaphant, looking over Missy Meadows's book.
As the Critters walked on Red Poppy Road, PickyPiggy said, "I wonder if the place has a great market where we can buy some supplies, especially food."
"Same here, Piggy. I need to restock on my sweet stash," Maggie playful punches Picky on the arm.
"Yeah. Ouch…"
PickyPiggy rubs her arm in pain.
"And as soon as we find our place in Missy Meadows, we can rent an inn and sleep real beds," CatNap blushed and wagged his tail.
"Kiaaa, I totally agree with you, CatNap. I'm looking forward to sleeping comfortably again," Allister said, holding CatNap's hands with joy.
"I know, right?!"
CatNap and Allister happily jumped up and down as they held down.
"Le what the-? To think the only person in our group that putty tat can get along with is the lazy gator of the bunch," Touille confused.
Rabie swallowed her chocolate in jealousy but noticed DogDay pulling CatNap away from Allister while saying, "Okay, guys. Let's not forget why we're going to Missy Meadows. We need to keep going."
"Doggy treat, we're already here," said Baba Chops, pointing ahead.
The Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters see a sign above the entrance, "Missy Meadows." They can see the floral meadows painted with a kaleidoscope of colors from countless blooms. The air is filled with the sweet, intoxicating fragrance of flowers, which wafts gently through the streets. The wooden houses are charming, with cobblestone paths leading up to them and gardens overflowing with vibrant blooms. At the center of the town, there's a bustling marketplace where locals gather to trade goods and share stories. The town's heart lies a picturesque square, where flowering shrubs and trees surround a grand fountain. The local marketplace is a vibrant hub of activity where vendors sell freshly cut flowers, homemade jams, and artisan crafts. Children play in the open fields, laughter echoing through the air, while farmers tend to their crops and shepherds guide their flocks. The town's atmosphere is peaceful and serene, a perfect blend of nature's beauty and Missies(in pink, orange, purple, and white) warmth. The community is close-knit, with everyone knowing each other by name and always ready to lend a helping hand.
"Oh, it's so beautiful," CraftyCorn complimented as everyone looked touched by Missy Meadows.
Shedding a tear, Simon said, "It's enough to make a grown man cry. But not this man!"
He looked at his tear and said, "Get back in there, tear."
While tightening his face, Simon could make the tear go back into his right eye. Everyone looked at him in shock.
The Smiling Critters looked at the Nightmare Critters, and Rabie said, "Don't look at us. We had no idea he could do that."
Bobby sniffs and says, "Can you smell the scent of floral tranquility?"
CatNap took a deep breath and said, "Yes, Bobby. Oh, there is nothing like something pleasant to the nose to ease up into relaxation. We must find a place to stay to take in this wonderful sensation."
Touille sneezed and said, before blowing onto CatNap's tail, "It's More like pollination. I'm all stuffed up from allergies."
Angered, CatNap showed his claws and said, "That's it! I'm having Ratatouille for lunch!"
But then familiar pink arms surround the Critters, and they look to see a sharp-tooth grin, Kissy Missy, saying, "I finally got you…"
The Critters screamed in terror and jumped out of her arms, preparing to defend themselves.
"Mrs. Missy?!" the Critters, surprised when they recognized her.
"It took me weeks to catch up, but it was worth it," said Kissy Missy.
"What are you doing here, Mrs. Missy?" KickinChicken questioned.
"But if she's here, who's in charge of Home Sweet Home back at Critter City?" Icky added.
Back at Home Sweet Home, Miss Delight and her nine identical sisters have the orphans gathered in the dining hall.
"Who's ready to learn what we can eat?" all ten said.
The scene returns to Kissy Missy, saying, "Thankfully, I got Miss Delight and her sisters to watch everyone back at Critter City."
"Okay, that answers one of our questions. What about the part of why you are here?" Bubba said.
"That's right. I tried to catch up with you, Critters because I want to bring the Nightmare Critters back home."
"What?! No!" the Nightmare Critters yelled.
"We can't go back now. Check out this sweet backpack and weapon I got," said Baba, showing her Anise Backpack and Nightfall Axe.
Kissy Missy jumped and said, "Gah, where did you get that?!"
"Player gave them to me. They said they're my family heirlooms."
"Hey, wait a minute. Did you know that we were related to magical Dark Knights?!" Simon spoke in suspiciousness.
"How can you tell a bunch of kids like you that you can do magic and we're descendants of powerful knights?"
"Consider how we were at the past, you have a fair point," said Rabie.
"But the Smiling Critters needs us. There's no way they could take care of themselves outside of Critter City," said Maggie.
"Um, excuse me? As my friends and I recall, you guys looked like you were struggling in the wilderness. It's clear you're the ones who won't take care of themselves without us," said PickyPiggy, as her friends nodded.
"Yeah, right. You don't even have proof."
Hoppy then pulls out a photo of the dirt and malnutrition.
"How did you get that photo?" Rabie yelled.
"Someone has to document our adventures," Hoppy answered.
"Le what?! You have been taking pictures of everything we've been through?!" Touille shouted.
"I'm taking the pictures. Bubba's the one writing everything down. I provide visuality for him."
While holding a blue notebook labeled "Journey to Playtime" and writing on it, Bubba said, "And believe me, I've been writing a lot."
"Even the event in the cave?" Baba asked in embarrassment.
"Uh…All I wrote is about discovering new crystals."
"Cave?" Kissy Missy questioned.
"Yeah, we camped in a cave before entering Missy Meadows."
Kissy Missy blushed, and the villagers tried to hold in their laughter and began to eavesdrop. The Smiling and Nightmare Critters looked and noticed the onlookers giggling.
"What's so funny?" Kickin asks.
"Um, well…I couldn't say since you and some of you Critters are boys," Kissy Missy said, scratching her head.
"Huh?" Bobby, CraftyCorn, Hoppy, PickyPiggy, Baba, Rabie, Poe, and Maggie are confused.
Kissy Missy gestures for the female and Poe to come over to whisper the explanation.
"Something that the females can understand. This sounds sensitive," Bubba feeling uncomfortable.
"Eh, I don't care," said Allister.
"Me either. If it's something female-related, why bother knowing it?" said CatNap.
"Since it's coming from you, curiosity killed the cat," said Icky.
"Since Poe is included in the group, does it mean they're a girl?" DogDay curious.
"What did I just say?!"
"But I'm not a cat."
"Icky was being metaphorical, sunnydoggy!" Simon yelled.
"Zur alors! Sometimes my friends and I can't tell if you're too dense or stupid," said Touille.
"Woah, did Rabie look over our medical records?!" Kickin concern.
Icky, Allister, Simon, and Touille are facepalming while the residents surround the guy Critters in curiosity.
"Oh, hello," DogDay waved.
Kissy then said, "So that's it. That's the purpose for the Cave."
The girl Critters, except Poe, were blushing in embarrassment. But Baba and Rabie were the most embarrassed, and their bodies were red.
"Those crystals…And me, Rabie, and Simon touched them!" Baba baas in shame.
"I never thought it would be possible to do that to those who came in contact with those stupid crystals," said Rabie.
"Oh, thank goodness Simon was under its effects and did not end up sick from the rain," CraftyCorn relieved.
"How are you relief from what you experienced last night, Crafty?" Bobby confused.
"I think we should be more concerned about how to tell the guys," PickyPiggy suggests.
"The numbskulls are kinda dense about a topic like this," said Maggie.
"Not all of them," Hoppy spoke.
"Alright, I'll do the honors," said Poe before going to the guys.
"Huh?" said the girls and Kissy Missy.
"Ah, Poe. It appears you're done with the conversation. So, what's the deal with the cave?" Bubba asks.
Without thought, Poe bluntly said, "We camped out a make-out spot called the Crave Cave."
The guys became embarrassed while Poe continued, "Those crystals when in contact, cause the person to get roused in animal instincts to get hot and bothered with the birds and bees. Thus, it would mean Baba, Rabie, and Simon were affected by the Crave Cave Crystal effect. Fun fact: The crystals are also eggs for the Missys and Wuggies, which, for some reason, we'll all have to learn how it's possible when we're older."
"Ugh, can Poe be blunter anymore?!" Kissy Missy thought, displeased.
The residents giggled while the Critter girls sighed and shook their heads. So flustered, in order but all together, DogDay, Touille, CatNap, Icky Licky, KickinChicken, Allister Gator, Bubba Bubbaphant, and Sime Smoke slapped Poe on the face, off the scene—the on-onlookers in shock as the eight sound of slapping. Poe's face is covered with red, slapped hits while looking annoyed.
"You don't have to be that upset from what I told you," said Poe.
"We have every right to be upset," DogDay yelled.
"Wait…Then that would mean I'm holding an egg," Simon said, holding a blue crystal.
CatNap hissed, "Are you kidding me?! Why did you pull it out of the cave after what happened?!"
"What? I can't sell it for mola that might help in our journey?"
"I'll take that," Kissy Missy snatches the crystal.
"Aw, man."
"But on the bright side, at least we know why that incident occurred. I'm sure you, Baba, and Rabie wouldn't do something like that," CraftyCorn goes to Simon.
He blushed while saying, with Baba and Rabie nodding like crazy, "Yeah, that's right. As acting like baddies, we have to have limits. Glad you seen the light, princess."
"Tomorrow, I'll take the Nightmare Critters home. But let's rest. We can all stay at my old house," said Kissy Missy.
"No, we won't go home," the Nightmare Critters crossed their arms.
"You have a house here, Mrs. Missy. I thought you were from Playtime Land," said Hoppy.
"Missy Meadows is my birthplace and 1st home. Playtime Land is home where I mature into an adult," Kissy answered.
"That sounds kind of you, Mrs. Missy. We're actually planning to stay in Missy Meadows for a while to resupply and gain any information we can," said DogDay.
"Not a bad idea. But once you and your friends prepare to leave, I'm taking the Nightmare Critters back to Critter City," said Kissy Missy, walking ahead.
"No!" the Nightmare Critters said in dismay.
"We said it three times, Mrs. Missy! We won't go back!" Simon yelled.
"Wait, I thought Critter City disappeared," said Maggie.
"Oh, that. As soon as you and the Smiling Critters arrived at Critter City, Player cast a magical barrier to make it invisible, so the Prototype won't find you and send his minions to kill you earlier," Kissy Missy answered with a smile.
The Smiling Critters gasped in fear while the Nightmare Critters were surprised.
"Then we're quite relieved our parents left us there," CatNap's fur goes up in fear.
"Oui. It explains why it disappeared when we got out of the city. A very clever idea," said Touille.
"Come on, everyone. It's time to get some rest in the first town we arrived at," said DogDay, following Kissy with his Smiling Critters.
"Hello! Did you not hear she wants to take me and my friends back to Critter City?!" Allister yelled as he and his friends followed.
"Nice fluffy beds…," said Hoppy.
"Yeah, beds!" Allister ran ahead.
But not far from the Critters and Missy, the same person with grey observes them. They leave the shadows to reveal themselves as Daisy in marionette form.
"You will be resting forever, perhaps forever," she said.
Daisy rubs her neck for seeds to come in her leaves. By scattering them all over the ground, Oxeye Daisies, Shasta Daisies, Desert Star Daisies, Crown Daisies, and Blue-eyed Daisies rapidly all over Missy Meadows. But as they grew into Daisy's size, the fast-growing process was sucking the life of the flowers in Missy Meadows, making them wilted and disheveled.
"Go, my pretties. Go and give them the paradises they desire," Daisy laughed evilly but sounded innocent.