Smiling Smitten
Based on INUbis's Smiling Critters series
This is the story of how the Smiling Critters were given their newest member (https/matchmakeramethyst/art/The-9th-Smiling-Critter-and-Nightmare-Critter-1153625127).
It all begins on a particular night at the Smiling Critter Neighborhood. An anonymous shadow appeared at the entrance of their neighborhood. They were holding a box but also wearing a Grab Pack. The shadow entered the neighborhood with light footing and silence presence. They came across Bubba Bubbaphant's jungle shack. The shadow peered through the window and saw him asleep in bed with a book covering his face. They soon went over to PickyPiggy's Barnhouse to see her in her bed, chewing her pillow in her sleep. The shadow used their Grab Pack to go up so they could peer into the window of Hoppy Hopscotch's carrot house. She was drool sleeping in bed, but her feet twitched because of her energy. The shadow swung over to CraftyCorn's tower to see her sleeping with her prized crayons in her arms. They returned to the ground to go to KickinChicken's chicken coop house. By looking through his window, he was asleep in his nest bed while sucking on his thumb. The shadow held their mouth so as not to laugh before walking to DogDay's doghouse. DogDay is sleeping on his bed with a CatNap doll by his side.
"CatNap, come on…The other Critters are watching…Go easy, buddy…," DogDay mumbled.
The shadow was so bewildered by DogDay's sleeptalking that it unknowingly went to Bobby BearHug's beehive house. She was hugging on a body pillow.
"I love you," Bobby sleeptalked but hugged her body pillow so tight that it popped into a balloon.
The shadow stood back and turned to CatNap's house. They nodded before looking into the box they were carrying. But when the shadow placed the box near the bushes in front of CatNap's house, they began to shake as if deeply saddened to leave the box without a choice. The shadow took out a note and placed it into the box. Then they pulled out a blanket and covered the box before running out of the Smiling Critter Neighborhood.
CatNap opened his house's front door the next day with a smile.
After deep breathing, he said, "Such a lovely day… to stay indoors and be asleep all day."
But then he sighed and said, "If it were possible. But with my friends, it's hard to get sleep."
But when he heard a cry, his ear flicked and startled.
"A cry?" CatNap looked around.
When the cry got louder, CatNap quickly approached the bushes to find the source. That's when he saw the box the unknown person left, labeled, "Please take care of me."
"What? Who left this here?" CatNap confused.
He uncovered the white blanket, and he gasped.
Meanwhile, DogDay kicked open his front door and let out a howl. This caused the other Smiling Critters, who expected CatNap, to come out of their houses with big smiles.
Smiling Critters(Except CatNap): E, everyday! [Hoppy hopped over to DogDay's house while Picky ran over with an apple in her mouth.]
KickinChicken: When you are down and out…[Kickin is on his skateboard en route to DogDay's house.]
Bobby BearHug: No need to frown and pout! [Bobby skipped her way over by tossing flower petals into the air.]
Bubba Bubbaphant and CraftyCorn: 'Cuz Smiling Critters' here to say[Bubba and Crafty slide over to each other and high-fived each other.]
Smiling Critters(Except CatNap): E, everyday! [With DogDay in the middle, the seven Smiling Critters came together with hands in the air in joy.]
But then they all looked around and saw that CatNap was missing.
DogDay sighed and shook his head, "Once again, CatNap didn't show up to our morning song. We better go get him."
As the seven Critters walked to the CatNap's house, Picky said, "Remind me, why do we do that every morning?"
"Because it gets us upbeat and energized to enjoy the day," said Hoppy.
"Totally. No day should be wasted away," Kickin agreed.
When they arrive at CatNap's house, Bobby knocks at his door and says, "CatNap, wake up. It's another Critter-riffic day. Let's go out and play."
But there was no answer. DogDay, Bubba, and Hoppy lift their ears to listen carefully.
"I don't hear him. Not even his snoring and breathing," Bubba said.
"Maybe he went out for a walk," Crafty suggested.
"Either that or try to escape from us again," said DogDay.
"Well, he didn't do a good job," Bubba pointed toward CatNap's tail sticking out from the bushes.
"Hey, CatNap. You missed the Morning Song," DogDay called, which made CatNap's tail straight up in shock.
CatNap poked his head out of the bushes and said, "You know, DogDay. We don't have to do the Morning Song every day."
"But it's a Smiling Critter tradition."
"Yeah. A tradition that you made up."
"I thought it would be fun, but never mind that. What are you doing in the bushes, CatNap? Taking up gardening?"
"Nope, but I found something I thought we would never encounter in our neighborhood."
"A meteor?" Bubba asks.
"A friendly alien?" Bobby guessed.
"Buried treasure?" Kickin added.
"A skeleton of a dinosaur?" DogDay asks.
"A map to places outside of Playtime Plains?" Hoppy asks.
"A red-producing flower?" Crafty asks.
Everyone looked at Crafty confused but then looked at Picky when she said, "A Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwich Tree? What? At least my suggestion isn't too much like Crafty's."
"When I mean red producing, I mean red paint."
"Right…But it's neither any of your guesses," CatNap came out of the bush while holding a bundled-up white blanket.
When CatNap unbundled it a bit, his friends gasped. Bundled in the banket was a white baby cat with pink blush cheeks and a down cowlick swirl that covered their eyes.
"A baby kitten? Awwww," Crafty finds it adorable.
"CatNap, did you have a secret child?" Kickin joked.
"I'm a male cat, Kickin. It's not possible. I found her in this box in the bushes," said CatNap, using his tail to pull the box out.
"Hello, little one. Where's your mommy and daddy?" DogDay gets closer to the white kitten.
"Please take care of me? Oh dear. Someone abandoned this kitten here," said Bubba, examining the box.
"How dare they! I ought to boot them to Mars for this," Hoppy, angered by this act.
"Wait, Hoppy. There's a note in the box," Bobby continued, picking it up and reading it. "Please take care of this sweetheart. She was my baby until my boss, a violent cat hater, found out about her. I couldn't let them find her, so I traveled far and wide to find the perfect permanent home for my little white snowflake. That's when I discovered you, the Smiling Critters. Deep down, your hearts are pure enough to give this kitten a better life than I could provide. Grant her a name and keep her safe. Signed, a grieving owner."
"That's even worse. Forcing someone to give up something precious as this baby girl is heartless!"
"Chill, Hoppy. So, what do we do now?" Kickin said.
"Well, we can't leave this kitten out here by herself," said CatNap, tail wagging while touching the kitten's head.
"CatNap's right, Critter Crew. The owner is counting on us to help this kitten. CatNap, can we use your house?" said DogDay
"Sure."
"Critter-riffic. Kickin, prepare a bath for the kitten. Hoppy, get some peppermint oil to remove any bugs on the kitten. Bubba, get some books on how to care for kittens. Picky, prepare some milk. Bobby, get your first aid kit if the kitten has any injuries. And Crafty, get your sewing kit," said DogDay.
"Right away, DogDay," they said.
Kickin and Picky go into CatNap's house while Hoppy, Bubba, Bobby, and Crafty leave for their houses to gather the materials they need. DogDay then noticed CatNap was holding the kitten very carefully but looked down on her with such passion in his eyes before they both walked into his house.
"I can tell you want to help this baby, buddy. I love it when you show a caring heart," DogDay wagged his tail.
"DogDay, you and the rest know why I want to help this kitten," said CatNap.
"Yes…She's just like us…Abandon by the ones who looked after them since birth…"
DogDay felt sad, but CatNap held his shoulder and said, "That is why we must do this. I want to give this kitten something we could never get back: a family."
DogDay looked down at the kitten and moved her cowlick swirl to reveal her baby eyes.
DogDay and CatNap blushed in admiration at how cute she was before Kickin called, "DogDay! CatNap! The bath is ready."
"Coming," they both said.
In the kitchen, Picky is stirring a pot of warm milk. Bobby, Hoppy, Bubba, and Crafty have arrived.
"Hi, guys. I'm almost done making the warm milk. Bobby, do you have any baby bottles on you?" Picky asks.
"Yes, Picky. So, Bubba, what kind of injuries are we expected to see on the baby kitty?" said Bobby, showing her a red heart.
Bubba answered, "Hmm. From looking at the kitten, I see it had only been left behind since last night. She didn't appear to be dehydrated or malnourished. Hypothermia is likely because it may have been cold last night, but she had a blanket, so it's a 50% chance. Infections, parasites, and injuries could be possible. Respiratory isn't likely since she looked capable of breathing. And eye infections, hard to tell with her eyes covered. But in case, I'll do a check-up. So prepare for anything, Bobby."
"I'll go see DogDay, CatNap, and Kickin in the bathroom," Hoppy leaves out of boredom.
"I'll get to work on the cloth diapers and baby clothing," said Crafty, starting to knit.
In the bathroom, Kickin is scrubbing the white kitten, who seems to be enjoying herself because of the warm water and soft bubbles. DogDay and CatNap were watching from the side and wagging their tails in enjoyment.
"Hold still, little kitty. I know you're having fun, but I must get you clean. Why don't you two help?" Kickin said.
"We are supervising. Besides, we think you and the others deserve the chance to touch her," said DogDay.
"True. Even I can't resist its cuteness. Don't be jealous, CatNap."
"I'm not. I'm glad I won't be babied anymore since I'm the youngest in our group," said CatNap.
When Hoppy arrived, she said, "Hey, guys. I brought my peppermint oil."
The kitten begins to spin around for fun, causing soap foam everywhere.
"Soap tornado. Haha, cool!" Kickin laughed.
"Sounds like you're having fun," said Hoppy.
"I think she's ready for the oil."
Kickin takes the kitten out of the tub. CatNap places a towel on the bathmat so Kicikin can put her down. Hoppy takes out a green cloth to apply the oil on the kitten.
"Once I'm done with you, little girl, you are going to match my scent," said Hoppy happily.
"I tried to find something else that could be another clue about a new friend here. And that's when I found this," said DogDay, pulling out a purple pacifier as a necklace.
"She even has her pendant. How cute," CatNap commented.
"Okay, you two. The kitten is all oiled and clean," said Hoppy as she dried the kitten with the towel and then boops her nose.
The kitten responded by licking her finger, which caused Kickin, DogDay, and CatNap to be in awe of her and have hearts in their eyes.
Bobby entered the bathroom and said, "What's going on here? You better not have cute moments without me and the others!"
"No, we're not," said CatNap, quickly picking up the kitten.
"I found this in the box. The owner wanted us to look after her," said DogDay, showing the kitten's pendant.
"Fine then. The baby needs so much more attention to be cared for," said Bobby.
Rabie Baby was flying outside the house, trying to find gossip.
"There's got to be some sweet gossip to get in this area, especially if it involves those Smiling Freaks," she said.
She flew over to CatNap's house, hung upside down, and peeked through the window. Rabie then looked surprised to see CatNap carrying the kitten.
"No way…Does CatNap have a secret child?! Oh…this spicy stuff!" Rabie takes a picture with her phone before flying off.
In the living room, DogDay puts the kitten's box down and then spreads it on her blanket on the floor so CatNap can place her there.
The Smiling Critters sat around her as Bubba said, "I want to begin the examination with her eyes. Do we have anything to hold up her hair?"
"I brought this homemade flower pin," said Bobby, taking the same pin from CatNap's Day Off.
"Hey, isn't that-?" he questioned.
"This will look way better on her than CatNap."
After Bobby puts it on the kitten, it holds her swirl cowlick and lets her see clearly.
"Letting the kitten keep it on for now would be best. She needs to see our faces to be comfortable around us," said Crafty, who has knitted 32 cloth-colored(in Smiling Critters' colors) diapers but is still knitting some more.
"Don't you think that's enough diapers, Crafty? Won't we potty train the kitten with a litter box?" Kickin asks.
"Hey, that's offense, Kickin. Also, embarrassing," CatNap flushed in embarrassment.
"Well, judging how much milk Picky is making, we're going to need a lot of diapers," said Crafty, pointing to a gallon about her size filled with warm milk.
"Picky, is that necessary?" Hoppy asks.
"She's got to be super hungry for being left behind," Picky answered.
Bubba used his magnifying glass to examine the kitten.
"Meow?" the kitten confused.
"She meowed! It sounds so innocent," DogDay blushed from being charmed.
Bubba said, "Well, she has no eye infections. You clean everything off good that was on the kitten. Injuries aren't visible."
"Should we check her temperature?" Bobby asks, taking out a thermometer.
"Uh…That won't be necessary, Bobby. But I would like to take a weight test to know how old this kitten is."
"Okay."
When she takes out a weight scale, Bubba places the kitten on the scale.
The kitten put her paw on Bubba's hand, causing all the Smiling Critters to adore it.
"I appreciate the cute gesture, little one, but I must check your weight, please," said Bubba, trying to act professionally.
The kitten sat still while Bubba continued the inspecting.
He said, "Well, since her ears are open and she has gained three pounds, I say she's three months old."
"Still practically a baby in my eyes," said CatNap.
"Honestly, it's questionable how human and animal aging would come to people like us," said Crafty, now with 64 cloth-colored diapers knit and still knitting.
"Woah, that's fast knitting, Crafty," Hoppy commented.
When Bubba looks at the kitten's dehydrated paws, he comments, "Oh, my. Her paws could use some lotion. Bobby?"
"I'm on it," said Bobby, taking out a rose paw lotion."
"I'll hold her still for you, Bobby," said CatNap, holding out the kitten's paws.
As Bobby applies the lotion, DogDay asks, "Can she walk with the lotion on, Bubba?"
"Nope. We should cover the kitten's paws so it won't come off her paws when she walks or licks it."
"I got the mittens and booties ready. I made it into mine and DogDay's colors," said Crafty, showing the orange baby mittens and the light blue baby booties while 96 cloth diapers were done as she knitted more with her feet.
"Okay, Crafty, I think it's enough diapers, and thank you for knitting," said DogDay, taking the mittens and booties.
"You can never be prepared enough."
Bubba reads a book and then calculates, saying, "I don't know, Crafty. It says here that 3-month-olds must change diapers 6 to 8 times daily. Assuming an average of 7 changes per day, 92 cloth diapers would last roughly 13 days before needing to be washed and reused. If we wash every 2-3 days, we'll have plenty of diapers between washes with comfortable washing 18-24 cloth diapers per load. But because of our eight washing machines, they are divided into 11 and 12. So, yeah, DogDay is right, Crafty. We're good on diapers."
Once DogDay put the mittens and booties on the kitten, the kitten looked at them confused and looked up to CatNap for an answer.
"These accessories will help you walk better like the pin is helping you see. Try walking, little one," he answered.
CatNap lets the kitten down.
The kitten stood on all fours, amazed that her feet felt soft. As the Smiling Critters clapped, she walked toward the middle of the circle.
"Awesome. You're doing good, little kitty," said Kickin.
The kitten then jumped into Crafty's arms to lick her face so she could thank her for the accessories.
"Aw, you're welcome. Hold still so I can put on a diaper," said Crafty, putting a purple cloth diaper on the kitten.
The kitten then jumps into Bobby's arms and snuggles up her face for the lotion.
"Aww, you're a sweetheart," said Bobby, nuzzling her face onto the kitten.
"Careful, Bobby. Don't overdo it with the love," said CatNap.
"Don't know, CatNap. She seems to like it," Bobby answers while the kitten nuzzles back at her.
"Coming through with warm milk. Is kitty hungry?" Picky presents the bottle of warm milk.
The kitten's face lit up at the sight of the milk. She jumped into Picky's arms so she could be fed.
"Drink hearty, little one. You need a lot of milk to grow big and strong," said Picky before bottle-feeding the kitten.
"I love this hopping energy of this baby. We gotta keep her," said Hoppy.
"Totally! Imagine what the adventures would be like with this swirl cool cat around," said Kickin.
"Now, hold on! Let's be logical. Taking in a baby and caring for it is a big responsibility. We had to feed her-" said Bubba, until Bobby interrupted.
"Wash her and dress her and rock it to sleep," Bobby said gleefully.
"If we're going to keep her, I'll make a little bed, a pillow, a blanket, and a stuffed toy," said Crafty, who draws for ideas.
"If we're going to keep her, we'll need a lot of warm milk and kitty food. The little sweet cream just finished her 3rd bottle," said Picky, feeding the kitten a 4th bottle with the empty three bottles on the floor.
"Woah! We only took a few seconds off the kitty, and she's on her fourth bottle?" DogDay said.
"Nice to know I'm not the only one here with a big appetite."
"Critters, be reasonable. If we want to keep the kitten, we must adopt her legally. But since neither of us are adults, it's impossible," said Bubba.
"That's because no kid has ever tried, Bubba," said DogDay.
"Does that mean we can keep her?! Really, DogDay?! Really?!" CatNap asks up to his best friend's face with joy and tail wagging.
"Our sleepy kitty wants the responsibility to look after a baby?"
"Obviously. She's a cat like me. And besides, her previous guardian asks us to look after her until she's old enough to care for herself."
The kitten climbed onto CatNap's lap to purr and lay on her.
"Sorry, Bubba. But I'm not taking any chances. We are keeping this kitty," said DogDay, giving the kitten's neck massages.
"Yeah!" everyone cheered but Bubba.
"Oh, well. The more, the merrier. I can't say no to face this cute. What kind of name should we give her?" said Bubba, patting the kitten's head.
"Well, if she were a boy, we would call her CatNap Jr," said DogDay.
Everyone looked at him with questioning faces.
"What? She was found by CatNap so that it would be fair. But since she's a girl who seems to like to be her best, how about MittenKitten?"
The kitten waged her tail as CatNap said, "I think she likes it."
"Okay. MittenKitten, it is. Our newest Smiling Critters!"
As DogDay puts MittenKitten's pendent on her, everyone cheered.
At Nightmare Hollow, Rabie heads over to Baba Chop's house. She sees Simon Smoke and Maggie Mako trying to pull Baba out of her house, but she holds onto the sides of the door. Icky Licky is having a staring contest with Poe so that they can wait. Allister Gator sleeps on the ground while Touille is rummaging through Baba's garbage shot.
"Come on, Baba. Simon says we go out and create chaos!" Simon shouted.
"Well, Baba Black Sheep wants some sleep!" she shouted.
"Butt Maggie wants to party with all her friends present. Imagine all of the treats I could eat!" Maggie yelled.
"Can you keep it down?! I'm trying to sleep. And Touille, can you rummage quieter?" said Allister.
"What else should I do until Baba leaves her house?" Touille answered.
"Hey, it's Rabie. Sup, Baby?" Icky waved when he saw her.
"I win," said Poe.
"What?! Rabie distracted me! You must've bribed her!"
"Well, you shouldn't have kept your eyes off me."
"Nightmare Critters, I got some good gossip to share today," said Rabie, getting on her feet.
"Who cares?! I want to sleep all day, but Simon and Maggie won't give me the time of day," Baba almost broke free.
"But it involves the Smiling Critters."
"Smiling Critters?!" all her friends said.
Touille fell out of the garbage shot. Allister woke up and stood up. Icky and Poe looked at Rabie. Simon and Maggie unknowingly let go of Baba, who was sent speeding into her house, and a crash was heard inside.
Baba came out of her house with a mischievous smile and said, "Go on."
"I saw Moonkitty carrying a white kitten," said Rabie.
"So? He's babysitting?" Touille was unimpressed.
"Nope. It's like he's holding it like a father. It may be he's a secret child."
"Now, that's hard to believe. He's too sleepy to produce one."
"Well, how do you explain this?"
Rabie shows her phone of CatNap holding MittenKitten with care.
"No way. He's too lazy and sleepy even to be caring for a baby like me," said Allister.
"Are you sure you didn't photoshopped it, Rabie? I mean, you always do," Poe questioned.
"As if I want to photoshop something like gossip this good. If you want proof, let's go see the Smiling Freaks."
"And wreck the day?" Baba asks.
"That's our leader," Simon smiled.
"Finally, a good chance to get even with Chicken tenders and race the rabbit of the Freaks," said Icky.
"Oh, this is going to be sweet," Maggie licks her lips.
"Not that sweet," Maggie," Poe, annoyed.
"Enough talk, let's go," said Touille.
"For fun, I'll go," said Allister.
The Nightmare Criters laughed before running off.
Back at the Smiling Critter Neighborhood, DogDay shows a schedule chart of the Smiling Critters, excluding MittenKitten's faces, on a whiteboard. His friends wrote in their day planners while MittenKitten slept in CatNap's lap.
*Find the schedule in my DeviantArt account.
DogDay said, "Alright, Critter Crew. After minutes of careful thinking, the wheel of names decision with Bubba's calculations, including rock, paper, scissors, and tic tac toe games, we've created a reasonable schedule to see who looks after MittenKitten. On top, as you can see, is who will keep her at their house for the day, and by the end of that day, MittenKitten will move to the next person who keeps her in their house for the day after that. Though MittenKitten will stay at one of the houses during the day, we will take a two-hour shift to look after her, spend time with MittenKitten, get breaks, or get anything else we have planned for those days done. Starting tomorrow, we'll do my Homestay schedule. Everyone, write this down in your planners."
"It's so complicated. But if it means for me to have a chance to spend time with our newest member and stay at my house, I'm in," said Kickin.
"But wait. Don't we have school? How are we going to explain this to Ms. Delight?" Bubba asks.
"I heard there is a nursery in our school. We can drop MittenKitten off there while we take classes and meet her during lunch or recess," said Bobby.
"So, what do we do now?" Hoppy asks.
"We should all go to City Hall to have MittenKitten registered. That way, we can keep her legally," said DogDay.
"City Hall? I don't know. My stomach turns whenever I go there," said Picky.
"How else are we going keep MittenKitten, Picky? I'm done with her carriage, baby bag, and blanket," said Crafty, presenting MittenKitten's blue baby carriage with a green baby bag and a yellow baby blanket.
"I didn't even know you can build, Crafty," said CatNap.
"Building is like making art, too, CatNap."
"Fair enough. MittenKitten…Oh, MittenKitten. Wake up."
CatNap scratched her head with one finger. She opened her eyes before yawning and stretching like a cat. MittenKitten saw her new stuff and wagged her tail in appreciation. CatNap then placed her in her baby carriage. Bubba and Picky go through the baby bag to ensure everything for MittenKitten is there.
"Thank goodness you put a lot of space in this bag, Crafty. We have enough room for anything we need to look after MittenKitten," said Picky.
"It looks like we're ready to go," said Bubba.
"It won't be long until you become one of us, MittenKitten," said Kickin, tucking her in with the yellow blanket.
"Race to the door, Critters," said Hoppy.
"Easy, Hoppy. We're not in a rush," said Bobby while DogDay and CatNap carried the baby carriage.
But as soon as Hoppy opens the door, the Nightmare Critters are there with Baba, about to knock on the door. The Smiling Critters screamed at the Nightmare Critters' sudden visit. And then they screamed from being surprised.
After the Smiling Critters screamed again, CatNap said, "What are you guys doing here?!"
"What's it look like? We're here to mess around," said Touille.
"We don't have time for this. We got business to see at City Hall. So move it."
The Smiling Critters moved through the Nightmare Critters. The Nightmare Critters then followed them to walk with them.
"Hey, woah there! We did not come here to be pushed around and not have a chance to get answers," said Allister.
"If it's a chance to get answers on homework, it's not happening," said Bubba.
"Wait? We have homework?" Simon concerned.
"Don't change the subject. Rabie told us that CatNap is seen with a secret child," Icky teased.
"I heard the joke before, Icky."
"Chicken told you the joke, did he?"
"Hey, how did you-?" Kickin questioned.
"When you have rivals, you got to think like them to get the better of them."
"He's right," said Bubba.
"Meow meow," MittenKitten spoke and poked her head out of her carriage.
The sight of her made the Nightmare Critters blush from her cuteness and fell silent.
"Grieving tombstones, you do have a baby kitten with you. Are you babysitting?" Poe said.
"No, silly raven. We found her alone and decided to take her in," said Bobby.
"What?!" the Nightmare Critters angered.
"Someone abandoned this little one!? Who was it?! I'll make their skull part of my collection!" said Baba, taking out her pocket knife.
"Wait, Baba! It's not what you think. They had no choice but to leave MittenKitten in our care. Here's the note that came with her," said DogDay, handing over the note.
"MittenKitten? You named her, didn't ya?"
"If she was a boy, I named her CatNap Jr. because he found her first."
The Nightmare Critters were unamused and looked at his friends, who shook their heads in agreement with them. Baba then takes the note so she and her friends can read it, which makes them even angrier.
"What kind of boss threatens to harm the pets of their employees?! May they be eaten by the most bloodthirsty predators on the Earth!" Maggie yelled.
"It's nice to know that you cared in your Nightmarish way," said Picky.
"Whatever. But this is strange," said Rabie.
"How so?" Crafty asks.
"The owner traveled a long way and chose you to look after the kitten. It sounds like they planned to give you her for a different reason."
"Either that or not, but one thing's for sure: we're making MittenKitten part of our Smiling Critter family," said DogDay, as MittenKitten gets petted by her Smiling Critter older members.
"What?!" Nightmare Critters are in shock.
"Woah, woah, woah! Are you serious? Are you going to make her part of your group? As in, you wish to adopt her?" Simon asks.
"That's right. MittenKitten's last owner wants the best for her, and we'll grant their last wish," said Crafty.
"Yeah, but that means you would have to feed her, wash her, dress her, get her sleep, and change her diaper."
A fart noise was heard for MittenKitten to giggle in embarrassment.
"See what I mean," said Simon.
"I'll take off this," said Touille, picking up MittenKitten.
"Wait? You want to change her diaper?" CatNap questioned.
"Oui."
Touille turns his back to get work on changing MittenKitten off-scene. He takes a wipe, a clean orange cloth diaper, and baby powder.
He turned around and showed the sparkly changed MittenKitten, saying, "Viola! She is clean."
The Smiling Critters were amazed as CatNap took her back and said, "But how did you-?"
"I'll do anything to get this," said Touille, showing the dirty and filled cloth diaper.
His friends were so disgusted that they covered their noses, and the Smiling Critters backed away and continued their walk to escape the smell.
"Dude, put that thing away! It's like you're holding dark matter!" Poe yelled.
"But I want to add this to my collection," said Touille.
"You better get rid of it, or it's bath time at your place!" Baba yelled.
"Le buzzkill."
Touille throws it away in a trash can. The Nightmare Critters then notice the Smiling Critters getting away and run after them.
"Anyway, Simon has a point, Smiling Critters. Are you one hundred percent sure you want to take of MittenKitten all by yourselves?" Baba asks.
"That's right. There will be challenges, but we'll smile through them," DogDay answered.
"Meh, it's your decision, and we can't stop you."
"But Baba, it's not fair! That means we have nine Smiling Freaks to deal with! We're outnumbered," Icky complained.
"FYI, life isn't fair, Icky. And besides, don't blame us if you succumb to the light and become just like us," Kickin said as his friends giggled.
"Hell no! As if we won't go down without a fight!" Maggie yelled.
"Language! MittenKitten is here!" Bubba covered MittenKitten's ears, who seemed blissfully unaware.
"Oh, yeah! If you can take in another member, we'll also find a new one. We'll raise this newbie to be as proud and strong as us," said Simon.
The Smiling Critters laughed hysterically while Mitten started sucking on her binky pendent.
"What's so funny?!" Allister questioned.
"You want to do the same thing as we do? Take in a baby and raise them to be part of our group? That's hilarious!" said Hoppy.
"And what's so hilarious about even-ing the score?" Rabie questioned.
"Responsibility doesn't sound like you, Nightmare Critters."
"I changed your baby's diaper for you," Touille stomped his foot.
"Only once. That still doesn't prove you don't have what it takes to care for a baby," said CatNap.
"Like you're any better. All you do is sleep all day. It makes you lazy but in a bad way. You're fine, Allister."
"None taken," said Allister.
"I'm more than just a sleepy kitty, Ratatouille. I was the first that found MittenKitten, and I intend to raise her to be her own Smiling Critter," said CatNap, holding out his hand to Mitten so she could hug and snuggle it.
"Sacre bleu."
The scene changed to City Hall, which resembles the Counselor's Office from Chapter 3: Deep Sleep. The Smiling Critters and the Nightmare Critters are standing before the building. MittenKitten was sucking on her binky medal while playing with her tail.
"Here we are, Critters. City Hall," said DogDay.
"Unbelievable! When did City Hall make statues of you guys at the top?!" Baba said in disbelief.
When everyone looked up, they saw the front of the rooftop featuring the Smiling Critters on top.
"No fair!" Icky complained.
"Was that always there?" Bobby asks.
"You mean you never noticed?"
"It's been a long time since we've visited City Hall. So, it's hard to remember."
"Not to me. I remember that the statues have always been there since it was built. I'm not sure why they depicted it to us, but I think we were well-liked for this," said Bubba.
"Hmph! Just because City Hall has your likeness doesn't mean you're the top Critters in Playtime Plains. It won't be long until my Critters and I get statues in our glory," Simon smugged.
"You mean statues like those?" Crafty smirked and pointed out the scene.
The Nightmare Critters' jaws dropped when they noticed town square the statues of the Smiling Critters holding hands.
"See what good behavior gets you?" Kickin smirked.
"We are the top Critters here, after all," Hoppy grinned.
"Eat superiority, Nightmare Critters," Picky teased.
"Enough of talking. Let's get MittenKitten adopted," said CatNap, heading into City Hall.
As the Smiling Critters go in first, the Nightmare Critters growled in annoyance.
"What do those Smiling Critters have that we don't?!" Allister yelled.
"Whoever's idea to make statues of the Smiling Freaks for City Hall and town square are fruitcakes!" Touille crossed his arms.
"Fruitcakes? Yum!" Maggie smiled.
"Not those kinds of fruitcakes, Maggie," Poe rolled their eyes.
"Nightmare Critters are the best. And it won't be long until Playtime Plains sees our potential, Critters," said Rabie.
"Hey, Nightmare Critters. You're coming or not?" DogDay called.
"Yeah, yeah. Don't let your legs get clawed off," said Baba.
Once both Critter Crews enter the City Hall, they go down the hallway to the receptionist's room.
"Weird. A hallway once you entered the City Hall? It's more like a councilor building for kids to me," said Allister.
"I did hear that Playtime Plains is doing so many budget cuts so things could remain cheap, even playing low salaries," said Rabie.
"And this is the richest spot," Simon sarcastic.
"Aye, mates. A vending machine. They better have something sweet to eat," said Maggie, going to the vending machine.
"Oh, good. I'm getting hungry," said Picky.
MittenKitten shows her bottle to Picky and Maggie.
"Hehehehe. No need, MittenKitten. But it was nice of you to offer, but it's your food," Picky pats Mitten's head.
"That's right, wee one. Besides, it's just warm milk. Nothing sweet to have," said Maggie, using the vending machine and getting some candy.
MittenKitten begins to drink the bottle before the Critters enter the waiting room.
"Two doors? So where do we go next?" Kickin asks.
Suddenly, a pair of yellow hands burst out of a door, grabbed the Smiling and Nightmare Critters, and dragged them into the receptionist's room. They screamed as soon as they were caught and pulled. The hands dropped into seats while MittenKitten remained in her carriage but was placed between DogDay and CatNap. The hands were revealed to be from Daddy LongLegs.
"Hello, and welcome to Playtime Plains' City Hall. I'm receptionist, Daddy LongLegs. How may I help you, youngsters?" he tipped his hat.
"Daddy LongLegs? You mean the same one from our dream in Playtime Co?" Hoppy whispered to Bobby.
"Could be not as scary," Bobby whispered back.
"Mr. LongLegs, why did you bring us into your room like that?" Crafty was still shaken from what he did.
Simon tries to calm her down by touching her shoulder, but she hugs him tight, turning his face blue.
"Forgive me. This city hall is quite old-fashioned compared to the current trend. It was the only way to bring you in because I have good hearing," said Daddy LongLegs.
"Understood. We've come today because my Critter Crew and I would like to adopt this baby kitten found abandoned in our neighborhood. And we mean by child-wise," said DogDay, chin tickling MittenKitten.
"Adoption, hm? Aren't you a little young to be adopting a baby?"
"Yes. Yes, we are."
"And do you have proof that this kitten was found?"
"Yes, sir. From this note that came with her, the person who left her behind even gave her persimmon," CatNap says as she hands the letter to Daddy.
Once he began reading it, Daddy said, "This is genuine, and I smelled the tears left on it. Are you aware that adoption could be made if one of the adopters is an adult?"
"Yes, we're aware, but we still want to register MittenKitten as a Playtime Plains resident and care for her until she's old enough to be alone."
"Already attached and even given the baby a name… Hmmm…I may know just the guy that might lend a hand. Follow me, Smiling Critters."
"What about them?" Bobby pointed to the Nightmare Critters.
"I'll let my assistant keep them company. Oh, Yarnaby," said Daddy.
"Yarnaby?!" Smiling Critters were shocked.
"Yarnaby?!" Nightmare Critters were surprised.
"Meow?" MittenKitten confused.
Yarnaby then barged into the room and said, "The name's Yarnaby! Would you.. Warn-a-be my friend?"
Everyone but Daddy looked at him with narrow eyes, and Yarnaby answered, "Yeah, I know. It's cringe."
"No, it's not that. We can't believe you can talk," said Baba.
"Just because I walk on all fours doesn't mean I ain't able to talk."
"True."
"Go play with the Nightmare Critters good, Yarnaby," said Daddy, opening the door for the Smiling Critters to follow them.
When the Smiling Critters and Daddy leave, Yarnaby crouches and says, "Wanna go for a ride?"
The Nightmare Critters smiled before they jumped on Yarnaby's back.
Back with the Smiling Critters, they followed Daddy LongLegs as the workers were busy on their computers for work.
"The Head of Child Welfare Authority is "out," for the moment so that I will take you to the next fellow in charge," said Daddy LongLegs.
"Okay, Mr. LongLegs," said DogDay.
"Meow," MittenKitten said.
"What is it, MittenKitten?" CatNap asks.
"Meow."
MittenKitten reached out her arms for him.
"Aw, okay," said CatNap, picking her up.
MittenKitten then nuzzles up against his chest and starts to purr.
"Awwww," said the Smiling Critters, charmed by the baby kitten's act.
Daddy chuckled, "I can tell you really want her. I'm sure he'll come up with something to help you."
The Smiling Critters and Daddy arrived at an area resembling Safe Haven filled with inhabitants.
"Oh, wow. They sure are a lot of people here," Hoppy commented.
"Hello, Double D. You got company," Daddy called out.
Rolling over like a ball, Doey the Doughman reveals himself.
"Doey the Doughman!" the Smiling Critters said in excitement.
"Meow?" MittenKitten confused.
"Only the best caretaker and babysitter in Playtime Plains ever," Bobby answered.
"Hiya there, pals! I'm the 2nd Head of the Child Welfare Authority. Doey or Double D is what my friends call me. How can I help you, Smiling Critters?" Doey tips his hat.
"The Smiling Critters would like your help in adoption. I'll leave the rest to you, Double D," said Daddy, leaving the room.
"Sup, Doey. My Critters and I want to take this kitten we've found today so she can be one of us until she's old enough to take care of herself," said Kickin.
"Oh, that adoption. You seem a bit young to be capable," said Doey.
"True, but we can look after our houses like real adults," said Crafty.
"Hmmm…Scout! Look up the Smiling Critters' records!"
Scout the Bot showed up holding folders and said, "On it, sir."
"Let me analyze your records and profiles, and I'll produce the best result. Enjoy your time here while you wait."
"I hope we'll be approved to take her in," Picky said.
"They got to, Picky. MittenKitten's last caretaker is counting on us to grant their final request," said Bobby.
"I can tell faith is on our side, Critter Crew. Imagine the days we will have with MittenKitten around," said DogDay.
The Smiling Critters' eyes gleam with broad smiles as they enter their imaginations.
In Bubba's imagination, he is teaching MittenKitten complex math equations, and Bubba looks proud when she solves them by using her tail to hold the chalk for writing.
In Bobby's imagination, she is hugging MittenKitten while MittenKitten licks her face as hearts surround them both.
In Crafty's imagination, she is working on a painting but then notices she is out of red until MittenKitten pushes a bucket of red paint to her, making her smile.
In Kickin's imagination, he is on a skateboard while wearing a baby carrier with MittenKitten. They both wear shades as they ride.
In DogDay's imagination, he is giving MittenKitten a piggyback ride.
In Picky's imagination, she and MittenKitten are sharing ice cream.
In Hoppy's imagination, she and MittenKitten raced each other at top running speed.
In CatNap's imagination, he sleeps like a typical cat with MittenKitten close to his face and his tail wrapped around her to keep her close and safe.
But then all the Smiling Critters imagined together frolicking and laughing all over Playtime Plains, with MittenKitten swinging happily by DogDay and CatNap. The Smiling Critters were so caught up in their imagination that they didn't notice that Doey was watching them from afar with worried eyes; as for MittenKitten, she was playing with CatNap's medal so she could act like she couldn't see Doey staring at her and the Smiling Critters.
Doey returned to the office, close to another entrance door, where Scout and Medic, the Bots, looked over the files on the Smiling Critters.
Doey pounds his fists and shouts, "I can't do it! I can't tell the Smiling Critters that they can't take in the kitten as their own! They fell in love with her so hard. If we said no, their hearts would be shattered!"
"Unfortunately, Mr. Doughman, it's the law. They can't adopt because they're not adults. Even they can handle the responsibilities as adults, including being smart young geniuses," said Medic.
"There must be something we can do for them so MittenKitten could stay with one forever. Why not let them adopt her as a pet?"
"Not quite. They, too, have to be adults to adopt a pet."
"Ugh! The law is unfair to children!"
"They had to be strict, or things would be chaotic. And I mean the type that would lead the children to be bad illegally."
"May I suggest we take in the kitten as a ward of Playtime Plains as we did to the other children. We can allow them daily visits to check up on the baby," Scout suggested.
"We can do that, but how will we tell the Smiling Critters? They'll probably put a fight or a complaint," said Doey.
But the door opened for a silhouette with light behind to appear before the three.
"Oh, it's you! You came back! You're always traveling, so we didn't expect your return any time soon," said Doey.
The person pointed toward a photo of the Smiling Critters.
"So you heard? The Smiling Critters are planning to take in a new member and adopt a white baby kitten whom they named MittenKitten," said Scout.
Then Medic said, "Unfortunately, we can't allow it since they're adults. The law is the law. Emotions can't do anything to give one an advantage-"
Then, the person handed Doey a document connected to MittenKitten and a court order. After looking into it, he, Scout, and Medic were shocked.
"Is it possible?!" Scout surprised.
"It's hard to believe, but it's right in front of us," Medic added.
"Honestly, even though you're not as high up as the others, you can do the impossible. You are one unpredictable human, but you never give up showing hope," Doey smiled.
Back with the Nightmare Critters, they are outside City Hall, riding happily on Yarnaby.
"I always wanted to ride on a lion," Icky cheered.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it, Nightmare Critters," said Yarnaby.
"Cozy and cuddly for me to sleep on," Allister commented.
"I saw the kitty with your friends. Are they planning to adopt it?"
"Ha! Those guys?! Our friends?! That's ridiculous. They're our rivals, which is better," said Poe.
"I highly doubt their purple cat would even want to be friends with us, including moi," said Touille.
"Yeah. They want to keep the kitten, the dog named MittenKitten," said Baba.
"That's a shame," said Yarnaby.
"I know! The nerve to outnumber us is vexing. They even laughed when we mentioned wanting to find one of our own to even the rivalry," Icky said.
"Not that. I don't think they won't have a chance to keep her. The law states that only adults are allowed to adopt."
"That's law. It prevents everyone from doing whatever they want because they want to "keep order so no one won't become illegally bad," and blah, blah, blah," said Simon.
"As much as I see their expressions besides smiling, it's pitiful. How about spreading rumors that our government is corrupted and run by stupid people?" Rabie said.
"Totally. We should take them to the ice cream shop that gives 60% off on sixteen ice cream cones with three scoops and customized three toppings for kids like us," said Maggie.
"Yeah!" her friends agreed.
Yarnaby nervously smiled and thought, "They said the Smiling Critters are rivals, yet they show sympathy and care and wish to assist and hang out with them. I guess it's their way of saying they're friends."
"You were think about friendship, weren't you, Yarnaby?" Baba questioned with her friends, making questioned faces.
Yarnaby quickly answered, "Oh, not at all! Do you want to see me go at top speed?
Yarnaby began to run so fast that the Nightmare Critters screamed as they held on for their lives.
Back with the Smiling Critters, they watched MittenKitten still playing with CatNap's Cresent Moon Medal.
"Come on, MittenKitten. Do me next," said Kickin.
"No! Do me!" Hoppy pushes Kickin's face away.
"It's common for babies wanting to stay with one person they've come close contact with first," said Bubba.
"I wonder what's taking Doey so long," said Bobby.
"I didn't think adopting a baby would take this long," said Crafty, knitting a wrapped baby carrier.
"I know. It's almost time for lunch, and my Apple Watch isn't lying," Picky says, looking at her Apple Watch(shaped like a real apple).
"Meow," said MittenKitten.
"What was that, MittenKitten?" CatNap asks.
"Meow."
MittenKitten looked toward a direction so the Smiling Critters would look. When they did, they saw Doey coming over with Scout holding some paperwork and Medic holding some records.
"Doey, how did everything go?" DogDay asks.
"Medic," said Doey.
Medic said, while shuffling them through with organization, "We looked over your records. Immaculate, responsible, intelligent, yet questionable habits and interests were listed as concerning."
The Smiling Critters pouted while blushing in embarrassment, with MittenKitten tilting her head in confusion.
He continued to say, "Though you have the capabilities to raise the baby, adoption couldn't happen because you're children."
"Huh?!" the Smiling Critters in shock.
"I told you!" Bubba said.
"Don't rub it in, Nerdphant," said Kickin.
"However…," said Scout.
"However?" Hoppy questioned.
"Let's just say a certain Angel convinced us and the law to allow us to keep MittenKitten."
"Really?" the Smiling Critters surprised.
"Yes…They came to us and gave us a court order of approval for you to adopt her."
"Meaning we can keep MittenKitten?!" Bobby was excited.
"Not so fast. All you have to do is sign her adoption papers, and she's all yours."
Scout presents the adoption papers. Quickly, the Smiling Critters took out their color-code pencils and began to sign them.
"Hehehehehehe. You love that kitty so much. Take good care of MittenKitten and MittenKitten; keep them smiling," said Doey, adding the stamp of approval on the papers.
The Smiling Critters cheered while everyone around them clapped for them.
DogDay helped up MittenKitten like Baby Simba and said, "Behold, our newest Smiling Critter, MittenKitten!"
"Alright, DogDay. Don't go overboard," CatNap smiled.
"Here's your official Smiling Critter Badge, MittenKitten," said Crafty, showing a rainbow badge with the baby's name and putting it on her diaper.
"We have Smiling Critter Badges?"
He then noticed he had one on as Crafty put the badges on herself and her friends.
"There are now," Crafty smiled.
"Come, my friends. Let us have a celebratory lunch," Picky suggested.
"Wait! I almost forgot the Angel wanted me to give this to MittenKitten," said Doey, showing a present.
"Aw, baby's first present. This will go well for her scrapbook," said Bobby, taking a camera and a picture.
When Doey presents the present to MittenKitten, she pulls the ribbon off, causing it to unravel. The present shows a white blanket with her pendant symbol on it.
She wagged her tail in gratitude as she took it.
"Wait…This Angel, did they mention anything else?" said DogDay.
"Yes. They said they're glad you're still friends," said Doey.
The Smiling Critters expect MittenKitten, who is cuddling her new blanket, to begin to think of the Player for a moment.
"If you see them again, tell them we're grateful for everything they've done for us from the past and now," said DogDay, as his friends nodded.
"I will," said Doey.
"Let's move, Critter Crew. We got some celebration to do!"
"Yeah!" his friends cheered while MittenKitten clapped.
Once the Smiling Critters leave, the same person from before pokes their head out from the darkness and is revealed to be the Player.
"Are you sure it's a good idea for them to take in a Critter like MittenKitten? We could've at least told them that they found an Elemental Cat," Doey said, holding MittenKitten's profile.
But the Player puts their hand on his shoulder.
"You're right. They should find out by themselves. The Smiling Critters can handle a baby Elemental Cat, right?" said Doey.
The Player nodded until Doey said, "Still, I wonder who looked after her before. How were they able to look after MittenKitten for three months?"
The Player shrugged but patted Doey to ensure the nine Smiling Critters would do alright together.
Outside of City Hall, the Smiling Critters came out. MittenKitten was placed back in her baby carriage while sniffing her new blanket and showed it to her family.
"You're right, MittenKitten. I can smell warm milk on it," said Bubba.
"Then it's settled. That will be her signature scent," DogDay gives a thumbs-up.
"Where are the Nightmare Critters?" Crafty confused.
"They probably ran off to cause mischief again," said Kickin.
But then Yarnaby came over and skid to stop, causing the Nightmare Critters to fall off his back and land on their faces.
"Nightmare Critters, are you okay?" Bobby concern.
They showed their faces so that Poe could say, "No."
"I'm guessing you had too much with Yarnaby," said Hoppy.
"He was too fast. I think we were close to losing sight," Allister said as the Nightmare Critters got back on their feet with the Smiling Critters' help.
"So, how did it go? Did they say no?" Maggie asks.
"Wrong! We got her adopted!" Picky is showing the adoption paper.
"Woah, you actually did it. I'll admit we're impressed," said Rabie as her friends nodded.
"So if you can adopt, we can too," said Icky.
"Yeah, sure, whatever," CatNap rolled his eyes.
"Do you still think we have what it takes to do what you're doing?" Touille asked, annoyed.
"Judging how you act and look, I give you no time to prove yourselves."
"Anyway, my Critters and I will have a celebratory lunch for this success. If you want to come along, you can follow," said DogDay as the Smiling Critters left.
"You guys are still strange. But I don't mind a free meal," Baba shrugged.
As the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters walked together, MittenKitten stared at the readers/viewers to show that her eyes can change color to any elemental attribute(red for fire, blue for water, green for earth, yellow for wind, orange for light, purple for dark, light blue for ice, and pink for aether). After that, she then winked before the scene faded black.
THE END