Daycare Day
Based on INUbis' Smiling and Nightmare Critters animations
It was a cloudy day at School. The Smiling Critters were at their lockers preparing for the day. CatNap held MittenKiten, who had her mittens and botties in DogDay's hands while standing close by. Bobby BearHug was putting on rose paw lotion on MittenKitten. Bubba Bubbaphant was sorting through his locker to find the right books. Hoppy Hopscotch kicked a soccer ball up and down, using her head. KickinChicken looks at himself in a mirror in his locker to ensure his appearance is still cool. As for PickyPiggy, she is looking through everyone's lunch boxes to ensure everything is healthy and fresh to eat. CraftyCorn is looking over her school supplies to check if she has everything in her backpack.
"There you go, MittenKitten. Now your paws are moist and fragrant," Bobby said with a loving smile.
"Now that I'm finished admiring myself, who needs their fur brushed?" Kickin showing MittenKitten's brush.
"Hold on, Kickin. I'm just putting on her mittens and booties," said DogDay, putting the baby Critter's accessories back on.
"Aw, look at you, MittenKitten. You're the cutest baby in the world," Crafty going over to her.
"Who says she's the cutest baby?" said a voice from far away.
The Smiling Critters turned their heads over the direction it came from. They see the Nightmare Critters walking over—GoldyClaws on the head of Icky Licky.
"True cutest is more than just appearances. Surely, you know what we're talking about," said Rabie Baby.
"How would you know? Cuteness is not your thing," CatNap said.
"It's in our theme song, FatNap. We're cuddly, cute, and creepy," said Touille.
"You mean your commercial song."
"Don't you have a class to attend, Nightmare Creeps?" Hoppy questioned.
"Yawn…As if we ever wish to stay in class," Allister Gator answered.
"Unfortunately, Ms. DF is one persistent old lady. We need to get our baby to thDaycarere of the class before heading over," said Poe.
"Wait, are you asking us for directions there?" Bubba asks.
"Hmph! Like we want your help? Please. Besides, you're heading over there. Why can't we follow?" Simon Smoke is being sarcastic.
"Uh…," the Smiling Critters were getting nervous.
"You're being stranger than usual," Maggie Mako questioned.
"Wait a second. You never took your baby to the Daycare, did ya?" Baba Chops said.
"She caught us…," the Smiling Critters thought.
"Can you blame us? What if the babies over there get MittenKitten sick? What if it's unclean?" DogDay said.
"But babies need their time on their own. How else are they going to be independent?" Baba said.
"You have a point, Baba. But we can't help but sneak her into our classes to keep an eye on her."
Suddenly, Miss Delightful showed herself from behind the Smiling Critters.
When she spoke, the Smiling Critters jumped in fear and then turned to her.
DogDay shielded his friends as she said, "So…My hunch was correct. I thought you were keeping your backpacks close in class during the week, which was suspicious."
"Miss Delight, we can explain!" Picky tries to speak up.
"Oooh, busted. Who's the better Critter now?" Icky smirked while GoldyClaws nodded.
"Now, now. I understand why you want to keep your baby close, but remember that your education is also important."
When Miss Delight takes MittenKitten, she says, "If you can't bring yourself to leave her in the Daycare, I'll do it for you."
CatNap stuttered while trying to reach for his baby Critter.
The Smiling Critters sweat in worry, and Miss Delight says, "This day requires your full attention, Smiling Critters. You and the Nightmare Critters will join a class together because it will help you become better guardians for your babies."
"Why do we need lessons to be better guardians? I say we check out like pros," said Icky.
Suddenly, Ms. DF appeared behind the Nightmare Critters, holding "Barb."
She said the Nightmare Critters hid behind Baba for cover while they were startled, "Because you don't want to accidentally harm your newest member or be a bad example toward them."
Ms. DF picks up GoldyClaws and says, "Since it will be your first time going to the Daycare, Ms. Delight and I will guide you. Follow us, children."
As the Critters followed their teachers, they were shocked to discover a bare-lit school hallway similar to the one in Chapter Three.
"Ms. Delight and Ms. DF, why are we going through a hardly lit and seemingly scary hall?" Bubba asks.
"Because the shortcut to the daycare is under maintenance, I still wonder why they haven't fixed the lighting for this hall yet," Ms. Delight answered.
"I don't like it here," said Crafty, holding Simon's arm without knowing.
"I kinda like it here," Simon smiled.
"Same here. I like that it's dark," Poe agreed.
But when the group passed a mirror, it showed that their reflections were replaced with two Poppy Playtime Miss Delightful monsters and the Ruined Critters(Smiling and Nightmare.) The Critters screamed while rubbing their eyes. After doing so, they looked at the mirror again and saw their reflections.
"Crikey! Please tell me I was the only one who imagined that," said Maggie.
"Nope. I imagined it, too," said Picky.
"Is there a gas leak in the house?" Allister fans himself.
"Either that or Touille farted," said Icky.
"Or you let out your poison gas, Icky," Touille shrieked angrily.
"Come on, you two. We're at School," said Bobby.
But the Critters stopped when they saw the shadowy shapes and sinister smiles of Monster Huggy Wuggy, Kissy Missy, Mommy LongLegs, and Daddy LongLegs.
"Hello, children…," they said eerily.
The Smiling and Nightmare Critters screamed in terror while MittenKitten and GoldyClaws jumped from their adopted families' screaming, but the Delightful Sisters were confused. Then the Wuggy and LongLeg Couples responded with screaming.
"Don't scream like that. You scared us. It looked like you've seen monsters," said Kissy as she held Huggy's arm and shivered.
"Miss Missy. Mr. Wuggy. And Mr. and Mrs. LongLegs, what are you doing here?" CatNap asks.
"It's our day off, and we will be joining your class to learn how to be better guardians for your youngest members," Daddy answered.
"And also drop off our baby at the Daycare," Mommy showed Baby LongLegs.
"Hi, hi," Baby waved to the Critters and the Delightful Sisters.
"Hi, Baby," the Smiling Critters smiled while MittenKitten wagged her tail in the interest of Baby LongLegs.
"Weird. Usually, babies scream at the sight of us," said Baba as she and her friends waved back at Baby.
"Well, you can be scary sometimes so that it would make sense," said Kickin.
"Don't push it, Chicken."
"Sorry."
"I understand why the LongLegs are here, but why the Wuggies?" Poe confused.
"We want to help with lessons, of course. Besides, I'm the caretaker of thDaycarere," said Kissy.
"You, Ms. Missy," Hoppy surprised.
"Weird. Didn't we see you working at Playtime Co?" Allister asks.
"One feeds the body, and the other nourishes the soul," Kissy answered.
"Aw, that's so sweet," Bobby commented.
"I'm confused, though. You and Huggy aren't even married, yet still want to help with the lesson," said Mommy.
"Well, actually, Mommy. Um?" Kissy gets quiet while Huggy holds her hand.
"Oooh, drama time!" Rabie is getting excited.
"If you want to say something, Kissy, go on," said Miss Delight.
"We won't judge. Right, Nightmare Critters?" said Ms. DF.
"Uh…yeah," the Nightmare Critters giving thumbs-up.
"These guys," Smiling Critters thought and shook their heads.
"Huggy and I are married now!" Kissy blurt out.
In this order, while gasping in shock, were the LongLegs, the Critters, and the Delightful Sisters. But the Delightful Sisters were so shocked they accidentally let go of MittenKitten and GoldyClaws. With a quick reaction, the Critters quickly dropped down and caught their babies.
"For three years now, in fact," Huggy added, jaw-dropping everyone even more.
"I'm even three months pregnant," Kissy showed a positive pregnancy test.
"What?! You keep those secrets for so long?! Why didn't you mention it in Playtime Plains? Everyone would've been happy for the couple who been boyfriend and girlfriend for so long that they've finally decided to get hitched and want to have a family together," said Mommy.
"We didn't want to show off. And besides, we're new to this," said Huggy.
"I don't believe it. How did I not uncover those secrets?!" Rabie was the most in shock that she squeezed GoldyClaws.
"Ey, Rabie. Good easy on GoldyClaws," Maggie said quickly as she pulled the baby out of her arms.
"You two must be pro-secret-keepers, for Rabie cannot find out," Baba said to Huggy and Kissy.
"Tell us how you're able to hide it for so long. This may be good for me and my friends," Icky smirked.
"Nuh-uh!" Rabie yelled in disapproval.
"New friend on way! New friend on way," Baby LongLegs touching and petting Kissy's belly.
"Actually, Baby, the Doctor said we're expecting four," said Kissy.
"Four?!" Simon is in shock.
"Quadriplets?!" Bubba amazed.
"They must've worked hard to bear them," Touille whispered to Icky.
"Despite having a lot of plot twists, congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Wuggy," DogDay smiled.
"I'll make baby items for you as your congratulatory presents," said Crafty.
"Right after class, you can, Crafty. We still need to drop off at thDaycarere," said Ms. Delight, trying to take MittenKitten back.
But Critters hissed at the Delightful Sisters, shocking them and making them stand back.
"Children, why did you do that?" Ms. DF was confused.
After clearing his throat, Daddy said, "You two accidentally dropped their babies. So they're right to hiss at you. Thankfully, they caught the two before they hit the ground."
"We're so sorry, children. We got so shocked without noticing," said the Delightful Sisters.
But they jumped because they could detect the bloodlust from the Critters with glaring eyes.
"Touch our babies again, and we'll stop going to school," Picky threatened while holding MittenKitten very close.
The threat scared the teachers and the LongLegs couple to laugh.
"They're already in Mama and Papa Bear mode. Anyway, let's keep going to Daycare," Mommy commented before she, her family, Huggy, and Kissy walked ahead.
"Yes, Mommy," the Critters quickly ran after them.
But they turned back to the Delightful Sisters with stink eyes before continuing their walk.
"They hate us now," the Delightful Sisters cried.
Everyone then arrived at a perfectly light hallway with a door labeled "Daycare."
"Here we are. The School's Daycare" said Kissy.
The door opened and revealed Doey the Doughman, who said, "Hiya there, pals. Come on in."
"Doey the Doughman," the Smiling Critters said happily.
"Hello, Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters. How's the little ones?"
"They're doing great. Every day is a happy day with MittenKitten around," Bobby answered.
"GoldyClaws is a great student. She will make a great Nightmare Critter," Allister patting GoldyClaws' head.
"Hehehehe, I love hearing you show how much you love them. But I'm more grateful that the pair will be part of thDaycarere. Finally, Baby won't be lonely," Doey says, taking Baby, MittenKitten, and GoldyClaws.
"Huh?" the Critters were confused.
"You mean Baby LongLegs is the only baby in the Daycare?" CatNap asks.
"Unfortunately, it's the truth. There are not many babies in Playtime Plains," said Daddy.
"Daddy and I were getting worried about our child's social skills. We're very grateful that you, Critters, found MittenKitten and GoldyClaws. And add in bonus, soon the Wuggies will have some on their own," said Mommy.
"It would be nice to have more people move into Playtime Plains so the population won't decrease," Huggy nodded.
"Anyway, Doey. We're counting on you to look after the babies from now on. If anything bad happens to them, punishment will be guaranteed," Poe says, threateningly smiling.
"Don't worry. I'm the best babysitter in all of Playtime Plains. Enjoy your school day," said Doey, getting the babies to wave goodbye to their families.
The Critters' group leaves, but DogDay returns and says, "Uh, make sure you keep them warm."
When he leaves, CatNap comes back to say, "And make sure they're clean."
When he ran off, Baba showed up and said, "Feed them well so they won't go hungry."
But then all the Critters returned so Simon could say, "And they like- they like to be rocked, too."
But then Mommy and Daddy's arms came over to pull them away while Bubba screamed, "Call us if you need anything!"
"Hehehe. The Critters love their babies. Anyway, MittenKitten and GoldyClaws, welcome to the Daycare," said Doey, going inside.
Inside the thDaycarere, it's Playtime themed. The nursery has a warm, lively atmosphere, designed like a whimsical toy factory. Think of large building blocks as seating, walls decorated with cheerful characters like Huggy Wuggy (made safe and friendly for babies!), and interactive gears and levers (baby-proofed) for little hands to explore. The Play Areas are Baby Toyland: Soft mats surrounded by oversized, plush toys, mirrors, and sensory play stations for tactile exploration. Mini Conveyor Belt Adventure: A crawling track with colorful obstacles like soft arches and gentle ramps, giving babies the sensation of being in a factory's toy-making process. Musical Playground: Instruments like baby-safe drums, xylophones, and keyboards in the shapes of toys create a sound garden for little musicians. The Daily activities are Colorful Puppet Theater: Caregivers use playful puppets to engage the babies with songs and stories. Toy Builders' Corner: Babies play with stackable blocks and soft toy parts to "build their own toys" (with lots of assistance). Magical Music Hour: A mix of nursery rhymes and soothing toy factory-inspired melodies fills the space during downtime.
The entire space would be baby-proofed with soft edges and non-toxic materials. Quiet nap areas mimic a cozy toy chest with soft lighting and gentle lullabies. Each month, there's a "Toymaker Celebration" where parents see their little ones explore themed activities, like designing their first plush toy (guided by caregivers). Babies would leave with a tiny, baby-friendly version of a Playtime Co. plush as a keepsake. Toy Factory Café: A cozy section with baby-friendly high chairs designed to look like mini assembly line seats. Tables could have colorful, detachable toy gear for babies to fiddle with while being fed. Parent's Corner: A space for nursing or bottle-feeding caregivers, equipped with soft armchairs and cheerful wall art inspired by Playtime Co. plushies. There could be a station with bottle warmers and a selection of baby snacks. Interactive Meal Times: Soft screens or projectors could display calming visuals, such as playful toy characters dancing as babies enjoy their meals. Dreamy Toy Chest Nap Zone: This would be a softly lit room with individual napping pods shaped like open toy chests. Each pod could have a plush interior, soft blankets, and soothing lullabies playing in the background. Nightlight Stars Ceiling: Gentle, glowing stars and moons are projected on the ceiling, offering a calming environment for babies to fall asleep. Cuddle Companions: Each baby gets a sanitized, baby-safe version of a Playtime Co. plush to snuggle with during nap time. The plushies could have gentle lavender scents for added relaxation.
MittenKitten and GoldyClaws were amazed by the place.
Doey said, "You like it here?"
They both meowed in agreement.
"I'm happy to hear. Have fun while I prepare your lunch," said Doey, putting them and Baby LongLegs down.
With Doey walking off, the focus is now on the three babies; they can talk.
Baby LongLegs said, sounding like Tommy Pickles, "Me so happy to make new fwends! Name is Baby LongLegs—dey and dem!"
MittenKitten then said, like an innocent baby girl, "Me MittenKitten! Yay, niceee to seeee you! Teehee!"
But GoldyClaws walked over to a fort made of pillows to go underneath it to enjoy the dark and be left alone.
"Who dat?" Baby asks.
"She's GoldyClaws! GoldyClaws, come playtime, yay!" said MittenKitten.
"Me wan' be 'wone," GoldyClaws said in a deep baby girl voice.
"But it's pwetty pwaytime! We gots to pway!"
"I wike to watchy and stay in dis fort!"
"Aww! Soowy, Baby. GoldyClaws is a big party poopie."
"Na-uh!"
"Hu-uh!"
"Na-uh!"
"Hu-uh!"
But Baby gets between them to say, "Shhh, you two! It's aww good! Wanna doodle-woodle!"
"Okey-dokey, me wanna doodle my fam-bam," MittenKitten wagged her tail.
"Da dwawing table is dis wayy! Fowwow meee!"
The two happily laughed while crawling over to the table. GoldyClaws watches them with interest but stretches out her body to act like a laze.
In a classroom, the Smiling and Nightmare Critters took their seats with their teachers behind them to observe. Huggy and Kissy are standing close to the teacher's desk. Daddy is writing on the board on Types of Parents while Mommy sits at the desk.
Mommy said, "According to my husband, both Critter Crews were able to adopt a baby they found in their territory. We reviewed their records to determine their parenting, raising, and nurturing eligibility. The Smiling Critters seem capable, although their interests and hobbies are in question."
The Smiling Critters pouted in embarrassment while the Nightmare Critters giggled.
"As for the Nightmare Critters, them on the other hand, as well as their histories and backgrounds."
"Hey, an Angel was on our side to let us keep GoldyClaws, so there's no need to be judgy," said Rabie.
"Although the records aside, we believe you should take a test on your parenting," said Daddy.
"A test?!" the Critters in shock.
"I don't know if there will be a test! I didn't study," Bubba panicked.
"That's not fair," Icky complained.
"Easy, kiddos. Not that kind of a test. It's more like a personality test. It means there are no right or wrong answers," said Daddy.
"Personality test? Like to check if we are good or bad?" Kickin confused.
"Something like that. The test will give you examples of what you do in the position of parent role. Some questions are multiple-choice, and some are written."
"As you can see on the board, we have listed the types of parents," Huggy continued. " Helicopter Parents: Always hovering, closely monitoring every aspect of their child's life, often to ensure safety and success. Free-Range Parents: Encourage independence, allowing their child to explore and learn through natural experiences with less supervision. Authoritative Parents: Balance high expectations with empathy, clear rules, and open communication to guide their children. Authoritarian Parents Tend to be strict, emphasizing obedience, often with less flexibility or discussion. Permissive Parents: Warm and indulgent but may avoid enforcing rules or discipline, prioritizing their child's happiness. Attachment-Focused Parents: Prioritize emotional bonding and physical closeness to foster a secure and trusting parent-child relationship. Tiger Parents: High-achieving, disciplined, focused on academic or extracurricular success, often setting rigorous standards. Uninvolved Parents: Provide minimal supervision or engagement, often due to personal circumstances or philosophies. Playful/Creative Parents: Love engaging in imaginative play, crafting, and activities that foster creativity and joy in their child's life. Overachieving Parents Push their children to excel in multiple areas, sometimes projecting their ambitions onto their kids. Mindful Parents: Focus on being present, fostering emotional intelligence, and teaching their children to manage emotions with care. Tech-Savvy Parents: Introduce their kids to technology early and often use digital tools to aid parenting."
Kissy took the tests and said, "Before we hand out the tests, tell us what kind of parents you think you are listed on the board."
The Critters give some thought.
The Smiling Critters said, "We prefer mindful, playful, authoritarian, and permissive."
"We are 100% free-range," said the Nightmare Critters.
After Kissy chuckled, she said while handing out the tests, "I'm sure you think that, but there's only one way to find out. Take your time and get comfortable."
"We know you'll do well, children," said the Delightful Sisters.
But the Critters hmphs in anger and ignored them, causing the Sisters to get upset.
"They still hate us…," they cried.
At the School's Daycare, Doey goes through the Toy Factory Cafe to prepare lunch for Baby, MittenKitten, and GoldyClaws. Baby and MittenKitten are happily drawing. GoldyClaws continues to watch the pair. She yawns and decides to go over to them.
"I made fwowers for Mommy and hatsy for Daddy," Baby showed their drawing of flowers were hats.
"I drew my famwee," MittenKitten smiled, showing her drawing of the Smiling Critters.
"Whosie your Mamma?"
"Mama."
MittenKitten pointed to her drawing of CatNap.
"But kitty nap's a boy-bow."
"Mama is Mama."
"Otay! What 'bout your Dada?"
"Dada."
MittenKitten shows the drawing of DogDay.
"Mama Catty an' Dada Doggy! An' da otha ones?" Baby commented.
MittenKitten respond with, "Uncle Bubbie! Auntie Bob-bob! Big Bro Kicky! Big Sis Hoppity! Cousins Crafty-warty and Picky-wicky!"
"But dey not your fwamily, why call dem dat?" GoldyClaws came over.
"Dey's way better than da last fam'ly I had. I wuv my new fam'ly. You wuv your new fam'ly too, huh?"
"Mine vewy hard to know if famwee or fwiends."
"But dey wuv you, wight?"
"Mayyybeee?"
Baby said, "I see dem as your famiwy, but dey look scawy-wawy."
"Fa-miwy is funny-wunny."
"Baby, MittenKitten and GoldyClaws, lunch is ready," said Doey, holding baby food and warm milk bowels.
"Meow," MittenKitten and GoldyClaws wagged their tails.
"Yeah! Lunchtime!" Baby clapped with joy.
Back in the classroom, the Smiling and Nightmare Critters are having lunch as their teachers, the Wuggy and LongLeg couples, grade their tests.
"It's lunchtime. I hope the babies are eating well," said Picky.
"They got the Doughman with them. I'm sure he's got plenty of dough to feed them," said Maggie.
"Maggie, his dough isn't edible," said Poe.
"It's not? Why is he called the Doughman?" Kickin asks.
"You seriously thought that he was made from cooking dough?" Hoppy annoyed.
"Colored cooking dough is possible."
"Ugh."
"It appears I need to prepare a lecture on edible and inedible dough after school for a certain couple of Critters," said Bubba.
"Huh?! Please don't me and friends have to be part of it," Touille questioned.
"I think so. Your intelligence isn't strong enough to understand," said CatNap.
"Oh, you think you're smarter, huh?!"
"I don't think, I know. Even I know what poisons and traps would kill a rat."
Touille, shaken in fear before Baba, said, "Shut up, the both of you. I'm trying to eat."
"I prefer peace when I dine, too," said Allister.
"How demanding," Crafty commented.
"Never get between a Critter Beast and his meal, Princess," Simon said.
"Children, we know you're still eating, but we've finished reviewing your tests and came up with the results," said Daddy.
"We don't mind," said DogDay.
"Ahem. Bubba Bubbaphant, you've scored as the Wise Guide Parent. You would likely be the parent who always emphasizes education and thoughtful decision-making. You encourage reading, learning, and making smart, informed choices, gently steering the little ones toward personal growth."
"Oh, hooray. That's exactly how I would approach raising MittenKitten," Bubba smiled before slurping on lemonade.
"Next, Bobby BearHug, you end up as the Nurturing Parent. With a big heart, you would prioritize emotional warmth and compassion. You'd foster a home filled with love, hugs, and constant reminders of how special the children are."
"How wonderful," Bobby smiled while munching on berries.
"CraftyCorn's test says she's the Creative Parent. She would support her children's artistic expressions, inspiring them to see beauty in everything and encouraging self-expression through creativity and imagination."
After eating a salad, Crafty giggled joyfully and said, "Art is my passion, and I would love to see MittenKitten's creativity when she's ready to make some."
"Next is KickinChicken. You have been scored as the Cool, Fun Parent. You would be the parent who makes life exciting and adventurous. They also encourage kids to face their fears, stay active, and have fun while keeping their "cool" demeanor."
"Ha! It was obvious from the start," Kickin smug while chewing a sandwich.
"Here's DogDay's test, which explains that he's a Supportive Leader Parent, almost like a father figure. He would lead by example, always optimistic and full of encouragement. Including inspiring kids to persevere and find the silver lining and fostering teamwork and friendship."
"I did have a hunch. I felt like I was a father to our baby," DogDay said, wagging his tail with a bone in his mouth.
"PickyPiggy's was something of interest. She's like a Health-Conscious Parent. She would ensure kids eat balanced meals and develop good habits while indulging in fun snacks."
"Food is important to help our baby, MittenKitten, grow. She does eat a lot like me, but healthily," Picky answered before swallowing a whole watermelon.
"Right…Hoppy Hopscotch scored as the Energetic Parent. She would keep the family energized and enthusiastic, encouraging everyone to try new things and stay active. She might sometimes struggle with patience but would always be the child's biggest cheerleader."
"I regret nothing," Hoppy said before chomping a carrot.
"And lastly, for the Smiling Critters is CatNap. Your score is the Calm and Reassuring Parent, but it's so motherly to heart. You would prioritize relaxation, ensuring kids have a steady routine and plenty of time to recharge. You'd be a quiet but comforting presence, offering a sense of security."
"Mother?! But I'm a male. I can't count as one," CatNap is in shock.
"In a social and emotional sense, anyone—regardless of gender—can take on the role of a caregiver, nurturer, and protector, embodying the qualities often associated with motherhood. Besides, you were the one who found your baby first. I wouldn't be surprised if she imprinted on you."
"That's reasonable. Also, Nightmare Critters, start teasing, and I'll put you to sleep so you never know the scores."
"Heh…," the Nightmare Critters smirked.
"He even sensed they were about to tease," Huggy whispered to Kissy.
"A true mother in the mind, body, soul, and heart," Kissy whispered back.
"Okay, Nightmare Critters. We will go over your scores. And I must say: quite shocking. Let's say you could make as quirky and unconventional parents," said Mommy.
"Eh?" the Nightmare Critters were concerned.
But then they turned to the Smiling Critters, who gave off a "We knew it/We told ya so" look, which annoyed and made their rivals groan.
"Baba Chops…You matched the scores for the Reserved Parent. You would be introverted and protective of your space. You encourage a child to enjoy solitude and quiet reflection but might need to work on stepping out of their comfort zone to engage more."
"So this is a good and bad thing?" Baba responds.
"Icky Licky is the Competitive Parent. He would be the type to push a child to excel at everything, often turning small achievements into competitions. While he'd love to see a child succeed, he might sometimes struggle with sportsmanship."
"I need my baby to have a competitive spirit, so is it that wrong?" Icky said.
"Rabie Baby, the Gossiping Parent. Rabie would be that parent who always knows (or thinks she knows) what's happening in the community. She'd likely share stories (sometimes exaggerated!) about the child, enjoying the social buzz but possibly crossing boundaries."
"I want my baby to be known by all. GoldyClaws is a baby everyone should reckon with," said Rabie.
"Allister Gator is marked as the Laid-Back Parent. Allister would prefer a relaxed parenting style, encouraging a go-with-the-flow approach. He'd foster a calm home environment but might need to balance relaxation with teaching responsibility."
Allister is seen yawning, not caring if the results are alarming.
"As expected for your response. Now to Simon Smoke. You are labeled as the Show-Off Parent. You would love flaunting the child's accomplishments, always eager to share the kid's latest achievements with everyone. You'd inspire confidence but might unintentionally pressure the child to maintain a flawless image."
"I would never do that to my baby. Putting pressure on GoldyClaws is the last thing I do," Simon said, pounding his fists on his tasks.
"Sorry, but results are results. For Poe, the Broody Parent would be the contemplative, introspective parent who enjoys quiet, darker aesthetics. They'd teach their child to embrace individuality and creativity, though they might need to work on staying positive."
"But how else should I teach GoldyClaws about our world's harsh and dark reality?" Poe said.
"It's nice to know you wish to stay honest and true to your baby. Up next is Touille, whose grade is for a Chaotic Parent. He would bring a whirlwind of energy, always collecting "treasures" and finding joy in the little things. He'd teach the child spontaneity but might need help with structure and organization."
"I'm organized. I keep my collection neat and maintained," said Touille.
"And the last goes to Maggie Mako. You are the Indulgent Parent. You would encourage savoring life's pleasures—especially sweets. While creating a fun and lively environment, you might struggle to introduce moderation and balance."
"Okay. Who even created a test like this?" Maggie questioned.
"They did," the Wuggy and LongLeg Couples pointed to the Delightful Sisters.
"Huh…," said the Critters with suspicion.
"If you forgive us, we'll give you a homework-free week," said Ms. DF.
"Huh?! You mean it?!"
"Of course. We're truly sorry for what we've done," said Miss Delight.
"We forgive you," the Critters smiled.
"That's one way to win back your students," said Huggy.
"Okay, Critters. Since we've determined the types of parents you are, we'll teach Parenting 101," said Mommy, beginning to erase and write on the board.
"Rule Number 1: Communication is Key," Daddy continued. "Create an open and honest environment where your child feels safe sharing their thoughts and feelings. Listen actively and validate their emotions. Rule Number 2: Consistency & Boundaries. Children thrive when they know what to expect. Set clear rules and consequences, and follow through consistently."
"Rule Number 3: Lead by Example. Your actions teach more than words. Demonstrate the behavior, values, and attitudes you want your child to adopt. Rule Number 4: Encourage Independence. Allow your child to make choices and learn from their mistakes. This fosters decision-making skills and resilience."
As the LongLegs continued talking, the Critters began to wonder how their babies were doing.
At the DayCare, Doey pats the backs of Baby LongLegs, MittenKitten, and GoldyClaws, so they burp.
Once they did, Doey said, "Okay, babies. While I prepare your beds for nighttime, play as lively as you want."
As Doey gets to work, MittenKitten says, "Do you wanna pway taggie-wag?"
"Oh, binky, yes I wub!" Baby said happily.
Then MittenKitten used her tail to tag Baby while saying, "Okay! Taggy, you itty-titty!"
As MittenKitten walks away, Baby, with arms up, responds, "Me it! Me it, me it, me it, me it, me it!"
GoldyClaws stood there, not wanting to play.
Baby then tags her while saying, "Tag, you it! I winny, I winny!"
"No want it! You take it back," said GoldyClaws.
"You gotta taggy me firsty!"
Baby runs away, frustrating GoldyClaws. She tries to pursue it, but the scent of warm milk leads her to a pile of plushes. MittenKitten has her head out of the pile to pretend to be a stuffed toy to be hidden.
"Hehe! GoldyClaws can't find wittle me here," MittenKitten thought.
But because of GoldyClaws' nose, she got to MittenKitten's face.
"Uh oh," MittenKitten said.
GoldyClaws tagged MittenKitten with her paw, saying, "Gotcha, milkykitty."
"Mew's it! But not fur long, heehee!"
"No way!"
GoldyClaws ran off, but MittenKitten gave chase. They head over to the Mini Conveyor Belt Adventure. They jump, crawl over the soft arches, and run on the gentle ramps. Baby LongLegs is hiding at the Builders' Corner with stackable blocks in front of them. Seeing how the baby Critters were playing, Baby ran over to join them.
"Wet's wace! Wet's wace!" Baby said.
"Me gonna winnn!" GoldyClaws yelled.
"No, you not! Wittle silly," said MittenKitten.
Doey looked at them and chuckled at seeing them having so much fun together.
"I'll wait until they tired themselves out," he said.
Back in the classroom, the Smiling Critters take notes from the lesson. The Nightmare Critters are taking notes to show the Smiling Critters that they can be better than them.
"Though these are claimed to be rules, not all parents could perfect them. You are bound to make mistakes while you take care of your babies. For example, Mommy unknowingly lost Baby in the Game Station Arcade," said Daddy.
Mommy elbowed Daddy on the side while saying with an embarrassing look, "I only lost sight of our child because I was complaining to the manager about how unclean the ball pit was."
"Ugggh! Disgust! That ball pit could give you pink eye," said Bubba.
"The elephant in the room is right. I was once a victim of the ball pit's infested pink eye germ. It took me a week to get my sight back," said Touille, touching his right eye.
"That's what you get for being a filthy rat," said CatNap.
"Excusez-moi! May I recall that you bathed yourself with your tongue!"
"What?! Eww! Where did you learn that, Touille?!" Simon disgusted.
"Rabie."
"I heard Moonkitty doing that while acting like a real cat," Rabie teased.
"Hey, I was only licking my paws during that time," said CatNap.
"I'm not going to ask why you were doing at that time, CatNap," said Miss Delight.
"You still owe me a new mug, CatNap," said Kickin.
"And my cake," Picky added.
"And don't forget what you did to my laptop," said Bubba.
"Alright, I get it," CatNap rolled her eyes.
"Finally, you decided to stop talking. Is it naptime already?" Allister asks.
"Not yet. Now it's time to learn where babies come from," said Kissy.
"And since you're all so smart, there won't be a need to sugarcoat it," said Ms. DF.
"Oh, gosh!" Icky screamed while the Critters panicked and sweated.
"It's a good thing I brought barf bags," said Picky, showing bags.
"Now, it all starts with a male and female coming together and combining their DNA through their bedtime merriment, and I mean the commitment kind," said Ms. DF.
The Critters screamed in horror as their faces turned red.
Back at thDaycarere, the babies were passed out of their race. So, Doey scooped them up and put them in one bed at the Toy Chest Nap Zone. He tucks them in, adds a stuffed toy, and turns lullaby music with the Nightlight Stars Ceiling. Doey turns off the lights to lie on the floor and sleep. In Baby LongLegs, they dream of a kid in yellow pants and their hair is long. They seem delighted while dreaming. However, MittenKitten and GoldyClaws were shaking in their sleep. MittenKitten's dream has her running in an orchid forest with her former family: an orange father Light Elemental Cat, a purple mother Dark Elemental Cat, and six older siblings(red Fire Elemental Kitten, blue Water Elemental Kitten, green Earth Elemental Kitten, yellow Wind Elemental Kitten, cyan Ice Elemental Kitten, and pink Aether Elemental Kitten). She was happy with her family as they frolicked. But after she turned back, she was horrified to see her entire family slaughtered by a group of shadows in the form of humans.
Scared, MittenKitten fled while the voices of the humans were heard saying, "Kill all of them! None of these beasts should have power over our species! Their fur will fetch a hefty price. Is that all of them? I think one got away! Don't let it escape! None of its kind should exist!"
A cage was dropped on top of MittenKitten, and she noticed the Smiling Critters from afar. They appeared disgusted to find out that she was an Elemental Cat.
They start walking away, leaving MittenKitten behind before a shadow human takes her away.
She cried, "Mama! Dada! Unkie Bubba! Auntie Bobby! Brobby Kickin! Sissy Hoppy! Cuz Crafty! Cuz Picky! Don't let them take me! I'm not an Elemental Cat! Please! Come back!"
Meanwhile, in GoldyClaws' dream, she was cuddling up against two adult Behemoths with her fur color and eight siblings who bore the colors of the Nightmare Critters. She and her siblings began to play roughhouse as their parents watched. But then an excavator started to collapse the cave. GoldyClaws witnessed her family crushed by the falling rocks before fleeing to escape. A rock landed on her tail, and she wince in pain. GoldyClaws notices the Nightmare Critters at the entrance and becomes happy, thinking they came to save her. But she was shocked to see their faces looked angered from seeing her valid species. They turn their backs to leave, being crushed by the collapsed cave.
She cried, "What are you doing?! You can't leave me here, you jerks! You took me! I'm your responsibility! Don't go! Baba, Icky, Rabie, Allister, Simon, Poe, Touille, Maggie! Don't leave me to die!"
Because of the nightmares, MittenKitten and GoldyClaws woke up and began to cry, which caused Baby and Doey to wake up.
"MittenKitten! GoldyClaws! What's wrong?!" Doey was concerned and came over.
"Fwends, it's okey-wokey! Just icky dreamsies," Baby trying to comfort them.
But the baby Critters continued to cry while Doey picked them up and tried to calm them to rock them back to sleep.
"Nooo, don't go! Me no monster! You wuv me?!" MittenKitten and GoldyClaws continued to cry.
Baby looked very concerned upon hearing those words.
Back in the classroom, the Critters sat with traumatized faces while Miss Delight said, "And now you know where babies come from."
"Goodbye, innocence," said Bubba.
"I hate that we're too smart," Icky complained.
"I wish we were dumb," Allister agreed.
"I'm starting to rethink wanting a family of my own," Crafty said.
This disappointed Simon, so he slammed his face on his desk, shocking his friends and the Smiling Critters.
"Uh…Simon?" Baba confused.
"I think I lost my chance…," Simon muttered.
"Huh?"
But then the feeling of MittenKitten and GoldyClaws' crying hit the Critters. Then, they can faintly hear them.
"Wait, do you hear that?" Hoppy asks.
"Hear what?" Huggy said.
"I don't hear anything," said Kissy.
"Crying…," Rabie said.
"Crying?" Mommy asks.
"It's our babies! They need us!" CatNap screamed.
The Smiling and Nightmare Critters quickly ran out of the classroom and headed to thDaycarere.
"MittenKitten, hang on," Bobby shouted.
"GoldyClaws, we're coming," Poe shrieked.
"Hey, wait! We're done with today's lessons. And no running in the halls," Ms. DF called out.
"If they can faintly hear and feel their babies crying, this is what I need to see and witness how they'll deal with the situation," said Daddy, who began to follow with the rest of the adults.
The Critters continued to run through the halls without looking back.
"Doey better not make them cry," Maggie shouted.
"I don't think he's the type to make babies cry," said Picky.
"Everyone has a flaw. Doey must've done something," said Touille.
Once they arrived at the Daycare, Kickin opened the door and said, "What is going on here?"
Doey turned to them while the baby Critters continued crying.
"Critters, thank goodness here. MittenKitten and GoldyClaws were sleeping until they woke up and started to cry. I tried everything, but they won't calm down," said Doey.
But when MittenKitten and GoldyClaws saw their families, they cried as they tried to reach them.
Baba takes GoldyClaws and cradles her while her friends surround them to join in the comfort as Allister says, "Hey, hey, hey. GoldyClaws, it's okay. We're here. You can relax."
"MittenKitten, it was just a nightmare. Don't cry. We're not going anywhere. CatNap, your purring," said DogDay, holding MittenKitten close and their friends around them.
When CatNap came closer so his purring could be heard, MittenKitten began to calm down while hugging DogDay tight. GoldyClaws gripped Baba's wool to stop crying.
"That's it. There you go, GoldyClaws. You're fine. We all have nightmares at times. There's no need to worry," Simon said, petting GoldClaws.
"Whatever their nightmares were, it must've been scary," Bubba said.
Baby LongLegs crawled over and tugged on DogDay and Baba to get their attention.
"Baby LongLegs, what is it?" CatNap asks.
"Love them?" Baby asks.
"Love them? As in, we love MittenKitten and GoldyClaws? Of course, we do. They'll always have a special place in our hearts," Bobby said.
"Leave them?"
"Don't be silly. Why would we leave them? Even my friends and I aren't that bad to leave a baby behind," said Icky.
"Even monsters?"
"Even monsters? I don't get it," said Allister.
When the adults arrived, Doey said, "I think Baby is trying to say, will you leave your babies if they become monsters, or do you still love them if they become monsters? Either that or it's both."
Hearing this shocked everyone. The Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters looked at their babies, who still had teary eyes as if waiting to hear their answers.
"I see. Their nightmares must've been about us abandoning them if they are not who they think they are," said Bubba.
"Abandonment. What a scary and understanding feeling. I think this is why the people who left them in our care picked us," said Baba.
"MittenKitten, please understand. We never think you're a monster and don't believe you could become one. But even if that was possible, rest assured we'll never leave you, and we'll always love you," said CatNap, touching her face while his friends nodded.
"That goes for you, too, GoldyClaws. Monster or not, you will always be the best baby we ever encounter. Critter Beasts must stick together even if one wants to be alone," Baba smiled while her friends did it.
Hearing this made MittneKitten and GoldyClaws smile in relief, which touched everyone around the Critters. But then the Critters fell and fell asleep with genuine smiles.
"Wait…What about the lessons?" Ms. DF said.
"Shhh! We can continue them once they wake up. It is nap time, sister," Miss Delight whispered.
"I'm not sure if the Critters need lessons. I think they're doing just fine," said Huggy.
"You could never know when they need more, Huggy," said Daddy.
"It never hurts to help them prepare them more," said Mommy.
"I agree. Sweet dreams, Smiling and Nightmare Critters," Kissy smiled.
Doey puts Baby back to sleep as the Critters snore.
The adults walked out and closed the door quietly so they could continue sleeping. However, the Smiling and Nightmare Critters' pedants began to glow in their signature colors, hinting their bond is robust and unbreakable.
THE END