The Trip of Terror Part 1(A fan sequel to INUbis's Hide and Sleep)
Based on INUbis's Smiling Critters series
It's a bright, sunny day with a Playtime-themed eight-seated School Bus on the road. Miss Delightful is on the wheel. Meanwhile, in the backseat are the Smiling Critters. In the 1st row are CraftyCorn, Bubba Bubbaphant, CatNap, who is annoyed and in a cat carrier, and DogDay. Crafty is doing origami. Bubba is reading the history of Playtime Co. and DogDay, which has his head sticking out the window and letting his tongue move to the speed of the window. Bobby BearHug, Hoppy Hopscotch, KickinChicken, and PickyPiggy are in the second row. Bobby is hugging her Huggy Wuggy doll in excitement. Hoppy and Kickin are throwing a football together. Picky is looking over the Playtime Caferita Menu while eating an apple.
"Okay, class. Roll call," Miss Delightfuk turns on the radio for SMILE EVERYDAY song from Cougar Macdowall, Va.
To the song, the Smiling Critters sang, "Bobby BearHug [Bobby raised her hand.]
CraftyCorn [Crafty waved.]
Bubba Bubbaphant, hurray [Bubba raised his trunk.]
Hoppy Hopscotch [Hoppy does a finger gun.]
KickinChicken [Kickin spins the football with one finger.]
PickyPiggy [Picky puts an apple in her mouth after calling her mouth.]
DogDay [DogDay sits on top of CatNap's cat carrier.]
CatNap's not invited." [CatNap rolled his eyes, causing a record stop to be heard to end the song.]
"Now, DogDay, get me out of here!" CatNap yelled, violently moving the carrier and causing DogDay to fall back into his seat.
"Not until we get to Playtime Co. Don't even think about acting cute to trick me into letting you out," DogDay crossed his arms.
"I hate that you know me too well. Wait! Did you say Playtime Co? As in the very toy company that gives our School donations?"
"The very same."
"I'm so excited to get there. I want to get a hug from Huggy Wuggy himself and maybe get him to autograph my Huggy doll," said Bobby.
"I like to ask how they were able to make their toys. Including getting the iconic toy Poppy Playtime to talk," said Bubba.
"I heard there is a station that will allow you to create your toy. Maybe I can make one into my likeness," Crafty finished creating an origami crown and put on her horn.
"Woah! That would be cool! Toys that are made in our images! We'd be selling off in the toy stores," Kickin pumped up his fist.
"If I had a toy like me, I want it to be able to run around and play," Hoppy nodded.
"I want my toy to be able to eat anything in a fast space," Picky smiled.
"There's only one way to find out, children. We'll be there soon. I also want to inform you that another class will join us on our factory tour," said Miss Delightful.
"Another class?" CatNap questioned.
"Another class means new friends! Where are they from, Ms. Delight," DogDay cheered.
"They're from the Juvenile School," Ms. Delightful smiled.
But hearing this caused the Smiling Critters to be eye-widden in shock by the sound of broken glass in the background.
"The Juvenile School?! Woah!" DogDay fell on CatNap's carrier in shock
Picky swallowed her apple whole in response and started to choke. Kickin's football bonks him on the head for losing his balance. Bubba fainted and did the Family Guy lying pose. Hoppy and Bobby hugged each other in fear. Crafty ripped an origami dragon in two.
As Kickin does the Heimlich Maneuver on Picky, CatNap says, "Please tell us you're joking, Miss Delight. Are we seriously going to tour the toy factory with Juvey students?"
Once Picky spit the apple on the floor, Kickin held her shoulders concerned, and Picky said, "I heard one student got in for eating a dog alive. No way, I don't want to be their next meal."
But hearing Picky say that made DogDay faint. So CatNap used his tail to unlock his carrier, get out, check on his best friend, and try to wake him by touching DogDay's face with his cat paw.
Bubba woke up and said, "Miss Delight, why are we taking a tour with delinquents? Is this some lesson we need to participate in?"
Once DogDay woke up but was shocked to see CatNap had escaped his cat carrier, Miss Delightful said, "Listen, children. These students are troubled at heart and find comfort in doing bad habits. So their teacher and I came up with the idea of getting you together to help them improve. They're orphans just like you. I'm sure you will find some way to get them to be friends with you."
Feeling sympathy, Bobby said, "How sad. Don't worry, Miss Delight. We'll do our best."
"Me too. If my art can make them happy and change, I'll do it no matter what," said Crafty.
"What's in it for us?" Kickin questioned.
"Yeah, there's got to be a catch," said Hoppy.
"If you succeed in getting along with them, I'll let you have a School Day Off," said Miss Delightful.
"School Day Off?!" the Smiling Critters smiled.
"That means a full day of sleep for me! I'm in!" CatNap raised his hand.
"That's the only way to motivate you to participate in this field trip?! Unbelievable," DogDay commented.
"Hey, I'm giving you what you wanted, DogDay. I thought you'd be happy."
"Uh, well...*sighs* You got me. I am happy for this."
Miss Delightful stopped the bus and said, "We're here, children. Welcome to Playtime Co."
With the school bus door opened, the Smiling Critters happily ran and saw Playtime Co. in its colorful and clean glory.
"Wow," the Smiling Critters commented.
"It's even bigger than I thought," Hoppy said.
"Does anybody else feel like...we've been here before?" Picky wondered.
"For some reason, yes. Although I have no recollection of the place, the feeling is nostalgic," Bubba answered.
"It's like we never left here," Crafty added.
Suddenly, another school bus parked beside the Smiling Critters' school bus. But this bus is red instead of yellow. Walking out of the bus is another Miss Delightful while carrying a crate. The crate is labeled "Caution, Dangerous, Critter Beasts, and They Bite."
"Sister!" Miss Delightful cheered while the Smiling Critters were surprised to see a double of their teacher.
"Sister!" the other Miss Delightful, putting the crate to hug her.
"There's two Miss Delights?!" Picky shouted.
"Now I'm wondering if these students from Juey are doubles of us, too," said Hoppy.
"That's impossible. This other teacher is her twin sister. Right, Miss Delight?" Bubba asked.
"Yes, she's my sister," said both Miss Delightfuls.
"Um, okay? What should we call you tell apart?" Crafty asked.
"Like you always called me, Ms. Delight," said Ms. Delight.
"My students often call me Ms. DF," said Ms. DF.
"I guess that will work. Where are you students, Ms. DF?" Hoppy asked.
"They're right in here. I need to let them out first."
Ms. DF patted the crate she carried out.
"Your students are in the crate?" Bubba questioned.
But the crate started to move up and sideways, and monster roars came from it. Seeing and hearing this caused the Smiling Critters to run and hide behind Ms. Delight in fear. They shake and chatter their teeth in fear.
"Heh. The new students sound like a wild bunch," DogDay is trying to be nice.
"Oh, they are. A unique group of party animals," Ms. DF took out a crowbar.
"I don't like the sound of that or from the crate," CatNap said suspiciously.
A loud banging was heard from the crate, making the Smiling Critters sweat. When Ms. DF put the crowbar into the crate, the Smiling Critters gulped. She pulled the side of the crate down with a smile, and the Smiling Critters covered their eyes with Ms. Delight's dress so as not to see the new characters. But the darkness was inside the crate, and it became quiet. The Smiling Critters uncovered their faces to see, but they were bewildered by the unusual silence from the moving crate. So, they slowly walked an inch to the crate.
"Hello?" Bobby called.
Just then, a green hand came out of the crate to claw the ground, causing the Smiling Critters to gasp and be surprised. A blue hand clawed on the right side of the crate, and then a red one got on the left side. Soon, eight pairs of eyes appeared in the crate's darkness, including growling.
"Aye, pollo!" Kickin yelled as DogDay shielded his friends.
The Nightmare Critters then show their faces while simultaneously trying to pull out of the crate. Seeing the Nightmare Critters stopped the Smiling Critters from being in fear and becoming curious as they all got out of their crate.
"That was the worst spaceless place I ever encountered," Baba Chops complained while rubbing the back of her head.
"Tell me about it, girlfriend. I couldn't breathe," Rabie Baby agreed, stretching her wings.
"What's worse is that Touille was farting in there the whole time. Amen to fresh air at last," said Maggie Mako, fanning her nose.
"I had rotted egg sandwiches for breakfast with dehydrated beans. I couldn't help it," Touille shrugged.
"Ugh! It's too sunny! I'm going back inside," said Poe, crawling back into the crate.
"So this is the famous toy factory? Lame," Simon Smoke, looking at Playtime Co. before sharpening his fingernails with his teeth.
"Well, anything is better than being locked in an airless box," Allister Gator said, lying on the ground and preparing to sleep.
"God, Ms. DF, you could've put holes in that crate! We might've died, Grandma," Icky Licky yelled.
"Language, Icky. Or do you want to meet Barb again," Ms. DF said, taking her weapon named Barb.
The Nightmare Critters all hide behind Baba.
"Good. Poe, come out, or Barb will come to meet you too," said Ms. DF, waving "Barb."
Terrified, Poe ran out of the crate and joined their friends behind Baba.
"Perfect, you're all here and accounted for. Nightmare Critters, meet the class that will join us on our tour of the toy factory, the Smiling Critters," Ms. DF introduced the Smiling Critters.
When the Nightmare Critters noticed the Smiling Critters, the atmosphere began to feel uncomfortable as they stared at each other eye to eye. A tumbleweed rolled in between the Critter groups while Ms. Delight and Ms. DF smiled. The Smiling Critters, but CatNap, nervously smiled and waved at the new Critters. CatNap, on the other hand, looked at the Nightmare Critters with suspicion, thinking they were nothing but trouble. The Nightmare Critters raised their eyebrows in the questioning of seeing new faces around their ages and outside the Juvenile School.
"Quite a colorful bunch you guys are," Baba spoke up.
"How thoughtful. You guys looked wild with energy," DogDay answered with a smile.
"That wasn't a compliment."
But DogDay approached Baba's face with a wagging tail, making her friends back away.
He shook her hand and said, "Nice to meet you all. My name is DogDay, the leader of the Smiling Critters. You guys are taller in person. Quite a growth spurt from the looks of it. And you are?"
She answered before backing away, "Baba Chops, the forced leader of the Nightmare Critters. Three words, doggy treat: 15 feet distance."
"Oh, right. I guess I was being too up in your face, Baba. Also, my name is DogDay."
"Whatever, Doggy treats. Anyway, you seem like an eager beaver. I guess I have to tell you who is who. The frog guy is Icky Licky. Major challenger and complainer."
The leaders look over to Icky, who is inspecting Kickin.
"Hi, I'm KickinChicken. You look like a talented Critter," Kickin said.
"Nice to know the fresh meat has a good eye. Icky's the name, and playing is my game. Wanna go for a round for a challenge, Chicken?" Icky smirked.
"Totally. It'll be fun."
"Sweet."
"Oh, dear. Icky found a new victim," Baba commented.
"Ehehehe, don't you mean playmate?" DogDay chuckled nervously.
"No, I don't. The bat chick is Rabie Baby. Gossiper and secret seeker."
The leaders noticed CatNap behind DogDay in a protective mood.
"You look like a dog chomper, black sheep. I don't trust you or your ragtag of beasts," CatNap hissed.
But Rabie Baby appeared behind CatNap with a mischievous giggle and said, "OMG, is something going on between you and your leader, Moonkitty?"
"What are you talking about, batgirl?"
"There's no way that this is friendship. More like a bromance."
She flew over to Bobby, who was picking her ears.
"You hug everyone with those fingers? The Red Bear is an ear picker!" Rabie teased.
"Gah! No!" Bobby shrieked.
"Too late! I'll spread the word!"
"Yep. Classic Rabie. The alligator is Allister Gator. Sleeping and vegging are the best things he can do," said Baba.
The leaders and CatNap looked to see Allister sleeping on the ground while Hoppy was trying to be friendly to him.
"Hi, I'm Hoppy Hopscotch. Ever wanted to hop to the moon?" she asks.
"Hop to the moon? That sounds like a lot of work. I'd rather wait for the moon to come to me," Allister yawned.
"Where's the fun in waiting? I'll help you feel more confident, Gator."
"Yeah, right."
"I like him. Make sure you tell him I'm a sleep lover myself," CatNap smiled.
"I don't think he'll listen if I do. Next, we have the dragon, Simon Smoke, the proud and popular spitfire. Simon? Simon?" Baba said but noticed Simon had his eyes locked on something.
He was staring at CraftyCorn, watching Kickin and Icky arm wrestle on the ground. Simon then noticed her wearing her origami crown before she "beautifully" took out her canvas to draw, with her hair and tail moving to the breeze and eyelashes fluttering. Simon's eyes formed heart-shapes, his tongue sticking out and wagging his tail.
"Ow-ow-owwwgaaa! A beauty royalty," Simon howled with smoke rings and flew upward with his feet fluttering.
He then licked his hand to straighten his hair, sucked up his gut, and flexed his pecs before he walked over to Crafty with bouncing eyebrows.
"Uh, what's he going to do? With Crafty?" DogDay is getting suspicious of Simon.
"I don't like him already. DogDay, give me the signal, and I'll put him to sleep," said CatNap, cracking his knuckles.
Simon takes CraftyCorn's hand and kisses it, startling her
"Hi...I'm CraftyCorn. Can you help me with my painting?" she tried to hide her discomfort.
"Sure thing, Princess," Simon takes the canvas and draws it.
He hands back to show he put his phone number with his name and winked, "Call me, Craftybaby. I'm available on Burning in Love."
But in his thoughts, he said, "If I win her over, wedding bells with money rain from the sky."
"What?!" Kickin overheard before throwing down Icky's arm.
"Augh! You cheat! That wasn't even an arm!" Icky yelled to hide his pain.
"I got a clear shot, DogDay!" Bubba is holding CatNap like a bazooka and is about to fire his Red Smoke by pulling his tail.
"Hold your fire!" DogDay held his hand.
"Awww," CatNap disappointed.
"Hoppy and Bobby are going in for us."
Hoppy stepped on Simon's tail, making him twitch, and said, "Crafty, is this guy bothering you?"
"No?" Crafty was confused as Simon glared at Hoppy.
"Good! He needs a welcome hug from me, Bobby BearHug," Bobby hugs Simon too tight for his bones to crack.
"Ouch! Easy on the hugs, rosy cheeks!" Simon yelped.
"Huh, someone finally put in his place. Next, we have the dark and brood raven, Poe. The sun they hate and the dark they love," said Baba.
Poe appeared behind DogDay and said, "I hate you and your sunny disposition. You make me angry."
"You need a hug," DogDay responds.
"Did someone say hug?" Bobby hugs Poe, making them annoyed to twitch their eye.
"I think she made them hate something more than the sun. Now for the ratty runt of our group, Touille. He's a trash-loving nasty chef with a big mouth who talks too much," said Baba.
Touille approaches Bubba with a bag of filthy peanuts and says, "Bonjour, Mousier Elephant in Blue. Would you like some peanuts I found in the trash?"
Seeing them made Bubba drop CatNap and say while covering his nose, "No thanks. I'm on a peanut diet."
"Rat?" CatNap poked his head out from behind Bubba.
When Touille spots CatNap, he says, "I tawt I taw a puddy tat?"
"RAT!" CatNap yelled angrily and showed his claws.
Touille dropped the peanuts and ran, saying, with CatNap giving chase, "I did! I did taw a puddy tat!"
The Tom and Jerry chase pair circled DogDay and Baba eight times with the speed increase of each spin. The pair soon led to them running all over the parking lot with their friends watching them as they passed them. Touille went underneath the School bus, and CatNap followed. Cat noises with punches and clawing were heard before Touille ran out to climb his school bus. CatNap flattened like a table until he shook himself back into shape to climb after Touille. The pair ran along the bus and then ran in the air. Touille halts at CatNap and then points down. They looked down in shock before falling into their teachers' arms.
"Now, CatNap, chasing a vermin is cliche. You're better than that," said Ms. Delight, putting CatNap down.
Touille acts shaken for Ms. DF to say, "Oh, poor Touille. Did the bad ol' puddy tat frighten you? There, there."
Ms. DF held Touille with care, unaware that he was blowing a raspberry at CatNap, which made him hisses back.
"Hahahahaha. They'll get along just fine," Baba sheep-laughs.
"From my perspective, I don't think so," DogDay said.
"Nice to know you have some doubt in ya, dogshine. And last but not least, the shark Maggie Mako, sweets eater to the end to keep her belly full. Lucky for you, your friends, my friends, and I, she's out of her bitting phase."
But then a chomping sound was heard, and Picky screamed, "OUCH! My pork butt!"
"Never mind."
Everyone looked to see Maggie biting Picky on her butt.
"What was that for?" Picky said.
"It's called greeting biting. I'm Maggie, and you are tasty, pork belly," Maggie answered.
"Hi there, I'm PickyPiggy. How about biting on an apple instead?"
"Healthy fruit? Yuck!"
"Excellent. Everyone has given their greetings," said Ms. DF, putting Touille down.
"Right, sister. Let's begin our factory tour," Ms. Delight lead the way.
"So, Ms. DF got a twin sister. I want to know more," said Rabie, as her friends were surprised by this.
"Well, it's nice to have a tour with the Smiling Freaks," Baba said sarcastically, walking off.
"Smiling Freaks?" the Smiling Critters questioned as the Nightmare Critters walked ahead.
"Haha! We like it, Baba," Poe smiled with the rest of their friends.
"Smiling Freaks, ha!" Icky snapped at the Smiling Critters.
"So that's how it's going to be, huh? Since you kindly gave us a nickname, we'll give you one back. How does Nightmare Creeps suit you?" Hoppy smiled with sarcasm.
"Nightmare Creeps?" The Nightmare Critters questioned.
"Ah! It's too late. You gave us a nickname, and so did we. Toodles, Nightmare Creeps. Including you, ratface," CatNap said while walking ahead with his friends.
"Of course, you know this means slapstick violent rivalry. Golden age classic style, that is. En garde," Touille said.
As the Critters and their teachers walk toward the entrance to Playtime Co, the security camera is watching them as if curious about the Smiling and Nightmare Critters. By entering the Playtime Co. Lobby, the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters looked impressed. But then they get surprised by another Miss Delightful at the front desk.
"Hello, sisters," said the Miss Delightful Receptionist.
"Hello, sister. Good to see you again," said Ms. Delight and Ms. DF.
"There's three Ms. DFs!" Poe said in shock.
"Triplet sisters, huh? I guess that's normal," said Bubba.
"You must be the lucky students to be touring our toy factory. You may call me RecD, which stands for Receptionist Delightful. Looking to your left, you can see the Security Room where our friend Boogie Bot is stationed," said RecD.
The Smiling Critters and the Nightmare Critters see Boogie Bot waving over to them before doing a cute little robot dance.
"Cool. It's a real robot. Maybe I misjudged this place after all," said Simon as everyone clapped.
"Isn't there toy production based on him?" DogDay asked while raising his hand.
"Of course. Some of our employees who worked here for a certain period would have the honor of Playtime Co. producing their likeness in their toy lines. Maybe if you work here, you might have a toy design too," RecD said while noticing the camera watching her.
The Smiling Critters had stars in their eyes in wonder while Kickin asked, "Really? You think we have what it takes to have toys that look like us?!"
"Oh, please. You Smiling Freaks? Getting a toyline? That's rich," Icky scoffed.
"I think we have potential. After all, we are good role models, unlike a certain group of creeps we know," said Hoppy.
"Who says good two-shoe toys would sell? It's the wild and free kind that makes the money," said Maggie.
"And, of course, the wild and free is within our group. It's hard to find traces of it in colorful clowns," said Allister.
"Would any toy company want to base their toys on Juvenile students? I find it hard to believe any possibility," said CatNap.
"Even if you have a toy line, I bet yours will be recalled as soon as you debut, FatNap," said Touille.
"What did you just call me, Dirty Rat?!"
"I think both the good role models and the rebellious models have what it takes to make great toys, even for Playtime Co.," said RecD.
"See, it's fair for all of us," said Bobby.
"Yippie," Baba said with sarcasm.
"Your guide will be with you in a moment. While you wait, look to your right and check out the gift shop, which the Bron the Dinosaour will help you," said RecD.
"Yeah, a gift shop. That's the best part of tours," said Crafty.
As the Critters head to the gift shop, Bron opens the door and says, "Enjoy what the gift shop has to offer. Remember to eat your greens."
"I like him," said Picky.
"I don't," Maggie unamused.
"I did hear that Bron is not a fan of broccoli, though," Rabie teased.
To hide his embarrassment, Bron said, "It's okay not to like all greens, but it's good for your health. Now, which toy would you like? A Bron? A Candy Cat? A Boogie Bot? A Cat Bee? A Huggy Wuggy? A Mommy LongLegs? A Bunzo Bunny? A Poppy Playtime?"
"Children, our tour guide is waiting for us," said Ms. Delight.
"But Ms. D, we didn't even get a chance to look inside the shop," said Kickin.
"I think I heard a train set inside, too," Hoppy added.
"Run along, children. You can check the shop once it's time to go home," said Bron, pushing the Critters toward their teachers.
Ms. Delight and Ms. DF led the Critter toward the Main Lobby, where its shutters were raised.
The two Delightfuls said, "Critters, welcome to Playtime Co."
The Critters walked down the hall and were wide-eyed to see a tall Huggy Wuggy Statue. Familiar characters like CatBee, Candy Cat, Kissy Missy, and Bunzo Bunny are walking by from the Testing, Innovation, Office System, and the Power Room.
"Woah, it's a statue of Huggy Wuggy. It looks so-" Kickin said.
"Freaky! It looks like he'll come to life," Poe uncomfortable.
"So, where's our tour guide?" DogDay asks.
Suddenly, the Huggy Wuggy Statue moved and said with a giggle, "I'm right here."
Startled, the Critters screamed and ran to hide behind their teachers.
"I hate that you're right, Poe," Allister said.
"No way. You're the Huggy Wuggy," said Hoppy.
"Eeee! You're going to be our tour guide?! This is amazing. I'm your biggest fan. Will you sign my Huggy doll?" Bobby goes over to him and shows him her doll.
"Of course. Anything for a lover of hugs," Huggy signs Bobby's doll.
She then hugged him, and he responded with a hug right back.
"Mr. Wuggy, why were you just standing there like a statue?" DogDay asks.
"It's part of the element of surprise when it's my turn to be a tour guide," Huggy continued. "To start our tour, I will tell you which rooms lead to where. The green door is for the Testing Room, where toys are tested to see if they're right for sale. The blue door will lead us to the Theater, where guests like yourselves can enjoy the plays of our excellent actors and watch movies based on our toys. The red door will take you to the Cafeteria, where our employees can eat. That is where we'll go and have lunch. The yellow door is the Power Room for the Grab Pack Accessible Doors to stay powered. Any questions?"
"What about the other doors? Including the door that's labeled Innovation. It appears there's no way to access that room," said Bubba.
"I'm glad you asked. The room with one blue handprint will take us to the special room we will visit first. The other room with the blue and red handprints leads to the Office System, where our employees work on plans, accounts, sales, and anything else business-related. As for the Innovation Room, only the top brass of Playtime Co can come in and out of that door. And trust me-"
Huggy looked into the Critters' faces and said, with an upsetting expression, "You do not want to go in there."
"I'm almost afraid to ask, but why?" CatNap asked.
"Well-"
Huggy then pointed his eyes over the security camera and smiled, "Because we have important people who are hard at work for our business, and it's best to give them privacy so they can concentrate."
"If you so, blue man. Now, please give us some space," said Baba.
When Huggy stepped back, he said, "Now follow me to the special room. For it's a surprise just for you."
When Huggy leads the way, the teachers follow. But the Critters stare deep at the Innovation.
"Does anyone else feel like that Innovation means something scary?" Crafty asks.
"You know, as I saw the employees pass by, I heard that this company kidnaps children to experiment on them to make Bigger Bodies that look like the toys," Rabie teased.
Hearing this made Crafty hide behind DogDay.
Simon said, "Ha, don't listen to her, Princess. Rabie would make bogus stuff up for fun."
"Yeah. What kind of toy factory would turn kids into toys? Sounds like something from a horror game," said Maggie.
"Children, hurry up," Ms. Delight called.
"Coming, Ms. D. Last one to the special room is rotten egg," Kickin runs ahead.
"You will be rotten," Icky goes after him.
As the other Critters walked over, DogDay said while the camera continued to watch them, "Hey, don't trip and fall."
The Critters arrive at the Make-A-Friend Machine Room, where stationed there is Boxy Boo's box.
"Welcome to the Make-A-Friend Machine, which will show you how toys are made in the factory," said Huggy.
"I knew it!" Crafty said.
"A machine that makes you free toys. How cool is that? Also, Icky, you lose. You're a rotten egg," said Kicken.
"I have a sore knee," Icky complained.
But then the box's crank begins to move by itself, and music from it plays for Boxy Boo to come out happily and say, "Hello, and I'll be your helper to make your toy."
"Who is that?" Baba asked.
"Uh, more importantly, what is that?" Rabie added.
"I'm Boxy Boo. Elliot Ludwig invented this Make-A-Friend Machine. Can anyone tell me who he is?"
"He is the founder of Playtime Co," Bubba answered.
"Correct. With this wonderful device, you can witness the assembly of a Playtime Toy. But I need some help. I need three people. Would anyone like to volunteer?"
"Oh, me! Me! Me! Pick me! I want to try! Choose me!" the Smiling Critters raised their hands.
"It's just making a toy. Calm down," said Poe.
"Aren't you going to raise your hand?" Bobby asks.
"We don't want toys," said Touille as his friends shook their heads.
"Suit yourself."
"Hmmm...I pick the chicken, the unicorn, and the pig," said Boxy Boo.
"Sweet!" Kickin cheered.
"Horray," Crafty smiled.
"Alright," Picky clapped.
"I need you three little helpers to pull on the levers from the Toy Parts Distributor over there," said Boxy Boo, pointing to where it is.
"Go ahead, Kickin, Crafty and Picky. You got this!" DogDay cheered.
All three went to each station alphabetically and pulled the levers for Cat-Bee parts. The Critters came over to watch the process with childish curiosity.
The Smiling Critters notice the Nightmare Critters' excitement for CatNap to say, "And you said it's just about making toys."
"Shut up," said Touille.
"Now that the pieces are in place. Let the process begin," Boxy Boo pushed the power button.
As the toy process continued, the Critters watched as Boxy Bo said, "By watching the parts, the first machine it will go through is the Coloring Contraption, which has every knowledge of what color our toys are supposed to be. Next, the colored parts of the toy go through the Assemble Appliance, which has every toy design data in its main frame. Lastly, the Inspection Indicator for any defects to the toys. You don't want a broken or miscolored toy, do you, children?"
"No," the Critters answered.
"Exactly. No one likes a toy that would hurt you or is a color you didn't expect. Any questions?"
"What do you do with toys that have defects?" Bubba raised his hand.
"Simple. The toys go to the Destroy-A-Toy Station, the Recycle Mill—an incineration facility designed to specifically incinerate or dump remaining/unused toys within the Playtime Co. factory."
"Cool! A place where things burn," Simon commented.
"That doesn't sound recyclable to me," DogDay shakes his head.
"Um..." Boxy Boo tries to say something
Boxy Boo then sees the security camera closing in on the location and says, "It may sound unrecyclable. But believe me, with destroyed particles from those toys. We use them to recreate them better than ever."
"Thank you for the demonstration, Boxy Boo. Now, children. Let's head to the Theatre. There might be a play or a movie ready for you," said Huggy.
"Will there be popcorn?" Picky asked.
"And candy?" Maggie added.
"Of course. Right this way, children," said Huggy, leading the way.
"Move out, Smiling Freaks," said Baba as the Nightmare Critters shoved the Smiling Critters away to leave.
"DogDay, just give me your word, and I'll put them to sleep," CatNap said, cracking his neck.
"Ah-ah-ah! Remember: School Day Off," Ms. Delight said.
"Right. Making friends with them equals a school day off."
"This is going to be a long day," said Hoppy.
Then Ms. DF went over to the Nightmare Critters and said, "Remember our deal, Nightmare Critters?"
The Nightmare Critters became concerned and looked back to the Smiling Critters walking with their teacher.
"Yes," the Nightmare Critters answered their teacher.
"Good Critters. Now let's hurry on," said Ms. DF, leading the way.
"This is going to be a long day," Allister mentioned.
When the tour group leaves, Boxy Boo to gets a call from the Playtime Phone and answers, "Hello? Sir! What can I do for you? What?! But they're just kids! But! Okay, I'll find a way for you to meet them."
Ms. Delight and Ms. DF opened the doors to the Theater. Huggy walks in before the Critters see the vibrant Theater filled with Puzzle Pillars, slides, arts and crafts tables, see-saws, swings, merry-go-rounds, and employees working at the concession stands.
"Here we are at the Playtime Theater," said Huggy Wuggy.
"This place looks fancy," Kickin commented as he, Bubba, CatNap, and DogDay walked a bit as they looked around.
"The carpet seems soft to sleep on," CatNap said.
But then the four ran into a giant pink ball and fell on the floor.
When they saw it, DogDay said, "Woah, that's one big pink...ball?"
But then it moved to reveal that it was Mommy LongLegs' lower body, startling the guys.
"Oh, beg pardon, ma'am. We didn't see where we were going," Bubba trying explained.
"Hmhmhmhm, no worries. Mommy understands."
"Mommy?"
"That's right, I'm Mommy LongLegs. Hostess of the Theater."
As she gave her introduction, the guy Nightmare Critters and Poe laughed at the male Smiling Critters as Simon whistled, "So, you're into something like that, huh, boys?"
"Hehehe. For a second there, we thought you were colorful softie clowns. Glad to know you can get naughty at times," said Allister.
"What?! No! What makes you think we'd be interested in something like that?! " DogDay and three friends were embarrassed and blushed.
"Oh, don't tell me you didn't get a kick out of that piece of art," Icky pointed to Mommy.
"I oughta get a kick on your face to make it look like artwork," Kickin yelled.
"Heh, Kickin is in your name. Why are you called KickinChicken anyway? Your last name makes it sound like you're a girl. Although, you like boy stuff: pulling pranks, playing sports, and trying to act cool. Frankly, you are a weird one. Unless you are a masculine girl like your rabbit friend?" Touille said.
"Uh, that term is called a tomboy. And who says that guys can't do what girls can do and girls can't do guy's stuff?" Bubba informed.
"Hey, guys, and Poe. Get over here," Hoppy called.
"Yeah, sure, whatever," Poe answered.
Once all the Critters had gathered, Mommy said, "It's nice to meet new adorable faces at Playtime Co. Unfortunately, we only have a couple of hours before the big show that will be presented. But Mommy has better ideas for all of you. You can play, draw, solve, and eat as you wait. But don't overeat or you'll miss lunchtime at the Cafeteria. What's the time?"
"PLAYTIME!" the Smiling Critters cheered.
"That tagline is getting cringy," Baba whispered to her friends, giggling at her comment.
"Gather around, class. We will discuss how play time will work," said Ms. Delight
When Mommy gets a call from her Playtime Phone, her smile turns into a frown. She hangs up and whispers to Huggy.
"Pardon us, everyone. We have a meeting with the higher-ups. Please enjoy your time," said Huggy before he and Mommy ran off quickly.
"Wow. For people love their jobs, they're sure in a rush," said Bobby.
"Now, my sister and I were thinking we decided to separate you into four groups of four for better understanding each other," said Ms. Delight.
"Uh?" the Nightmare Critters confused.
"Let me phrase it that only the Nightmare Critters would understand: new friendships are radical!" said Ms. DF.
"WHAT?!"
"If I have to guess, two Smiling Freaks and two of us will be in each group," said Touille.
"Quit calling my friends and me that, Nightmare Creep," CatNap yelled.
"Well, it's true. It's freaky that you smile all the time. I mean, who does that?! It's impossible."
"Well, it's creepy that you and your friends constantly act like nightmares. Surely, there must be times when you need a break from those dirty attitudes."
"For a Smiling Freak, you got a lot of pussy, tomcat!"
"You want me to skin the living Jerry out of you, rugrat?!"
"Take it easy, you two. Now, for our first group. DogDay and Baba, since you're both leaders, it's best to keep you together," said Ms. Delight.
"Yeah! I can't wait to get to know each other," DogDay hugs Baba.
"Mitts off, mutt," said Baba, for DogDay let her go.
"Now, CatNap, you will also be part of the group," said Ms. DF.
"May I suggest letting Touille join our group? I want to find a way to make it up to him," CatNap showed his claws, startling Touille.
"Nice try. Rabie Baby will instead be part of your group."
"Sweet. I want to learn more about the bromance between Sundog and Moonkitty," said Rabie, who flew to CatNap.
"Batgirl, you got some intentions I don't want to help you with."
"Our second group is Bobby, Poe, Hoppy, and Allister," said Ms. Delight.
"Oh, no," said Poe.
"Fine by me," Bobby smiled.
"You better stay up and play with me, Gator," Hoppy pulled Allister over to her.
He yawned before Ms. DF said, "Our third group will be CraftyCorn, Simon, PickyPiggy, and Maggie."
"Ain't that great, Princess? You and I are destined to be together," Simon put his arm around Crafty.
"Please keep your claws off me," Crafty lowers out of his arm.
"Want to find some snacks at the concessions, Maggie?" Picky asks.
"Totally," Maggie gives a thumbs-up.
"And lastly: Icky, Kickin, Touille, and Bubba," said Ms. Delight.
"That's good because I want a rematch on that arm wrestling. There should be no distractions," said Icky, pointing at Kickin.
"Fine with me," Kickin agreed.
"I want to talk about trash," Touille said to Bubba.
"And I want to talk about cleansing," Bubba responds.
"Smiling Critters, Nightmare Critters, my sister and I will catch up with our other sisters. Until then, play safe and get along well," said Ms. Delight, leaving with Ms. DF.
"Sisters?" the Smiling Critters questioned.
"There's more?" the Nightmare Critters added.
Huggy, Mommy, and Boxy are hugging each other and quivering in Elliot Ludwig's office, where a TV is on the desk.
"Those Critters with the sweetest smiles and the nightmarish smirks...They have potential...They have talent...So much experimenting to uncover their secrets...Bring them to me..." said a voice.
"Yes, the Eye of Playtime," the three answered.
CatNap sleeps with the first group on a rug while Rabie swoops around him. Baba sits on the bench reading a book, and DogDay sits a few inches away.
But he slid over to her and said, "So, Baba? How did you become the leader? I'm curious."
"They feared I bring death on them because they know how dangerous I get when I'm angered or annoyed from being bothered and not having my space," Baba answered.
Nervously, DogDay scoots away a bit and says, "I'm sure they not only elected you because you are the most feared. I think there's a sweetheart beneath your black yet soft wool. Surely, they look up to you for help and protection."
"Either that, or they know I might leave to stay alone forever, which is why they made me the leader. Perhaps it might be I'm the eldest of the class."
"Oh, so you meet your friends through class, huh? So did I. The first time I met my friends, including my best friend, CatNap, was the best thing that could ever happen to me. Anyway, what are you reading, Baba?"
Baba grinned and showed the title, "DogTales of their Final Days."
Neverous, DogDay said and tried to leave, "Hehe, nice. I'll let you get you back to reading."
But Baba pulled him in and smiled, causing him to gulp. "No, no. I want us to get along. I would like you to know more about me, too. Here's my favorite story: a dog getting legs removed from its best friend and chained on the wrists and neck with dog collars in a cage."
CatNap looked annoyed as Rabie said, "Seriously, what is your relationship with your sunny doggy? It has to be more than best friends and bromance mates. Have you ever been alone? Do you go to your houses by yourselves? Do you act like puppies and kittens gain admiration from each other? Do you ever take baths together? Are you both-?"
But Rabie was cut off because CatNap grabbed her lips and said, "Please be quiet."
But as soon as he let go of her lips, she started to ramble on. Annyoed, CatNap walked off, but Rabie flew after him to get any information. As for the second group, Bobby looks at Poe inside a tube slide. Hoppy is on a see-saw with Allister, sleeping on the other end. She hopped on her end happily and laughed from the fun.
"You looked so troubled, Poe. Want to talk about your feelings?" Bobby suggested.
"You want to know how angry I am about the sun and how happy I am in the dark?" Poe annoyed.
"Sure. I hope to understand what troubles you and what gives you comfort."
"Wait? You're serious? You'll actually listen to me?"
"Of course. A heartfelt lending ear."
"Well, it all started when I was an egg. I was nearly cooked in a flaming joke called the sun."
As Poe continued, Hoppy stopped hopping to say, "Come on, sleepy Gator. Learn to have fun."
"I am having fun," Allister mumbled in his sleep.
"When are you going use that energy to do something?"
"When are you going to calm down and chill, tomboy?"
"I know the perfect way to get you going around."
"Huh?"
Hoppy picks up Allister, startling him to say, "What the heck?! I weigh heavier than you!"
She placed him on a merry-go-round and then got on to spin it so fast. When Hoppy stopped it, she laughed while Allister was dizzy from the spinning.
"How does that make you feel?" Hoppy asked.
Allister then passed out from the dizziness and landed on his stomach, making Hoppy facepalm in disappointment. As for the third group, CraftyCorn is trying to focus on the Collage Puzzle Pillar. Simon tried to get her attention by showing her a beautiful drawing of herself. PickyPiggy and Maggie are ordering from the concession stand run by CandyCat.
"Hmm...Maybe I should press this square. And then that one. Next is this square...No! Uh! I was so close, now it reshuffled," said Crafty.
"Hey, Princess. I have something you might like. Come on, Craftybaby. It's art." Simon shows her his drawing, but she moves her head to focus on the Puzzle Pillar every time he uses it to block her vision three times.
"Not now, Simon. I must get this puzzle right, or I won't get a prize."
"Okay. Allow me."
Simon gets in front of Crafty to face the Puzzle Pillar and starts shaking and punching it, screaming, "Stop stealing my unibeauty's attention!"
"Simon, what are you doing?!" Crafty is in shock.
"Make sure I get extra butter on my popcorn," said Picky, holding a pretzel, a Mommy Lemonade, and a cheese pizza.
"Make sure my caramel popcorn has sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a cherry on top," said Maggie, holding a milkshake, funnel cake, and a choco apple.
Once CandyCat handed them their popcorn, the two girls smiled.
"Aren't you ever worried about eating too much sweets, Maggie?" Picky concern.
"No. I don't care what it does to me," Maggie answered.
"But sweets will make your body bigger and cause you to lose the energy needed to function daily. I do have some diet suggestions that might help."
"Ha, what a joke!"
"I'm serious, Maggie. Without fruits and vegetables, we won't be able to play every day."
"Ugh! You made me lose my appetite, Piggy. And just for that, you're getting a punishment bite on the butt."
"What?!"
Maggie was about to bite Picky, but she jumped and ran off. As Maggie chased after her, they left their food flying in the air for CandyCat to catch them with her tongue and eat them whole. Soon, Simon stopped messing with the Puzzle Pillar until it made a winning sound.
"Yes! Here you go, Princess. Your Princely Knight in Flamming Armor has won you... a Bron toy head?" said Simon, pulling from the Puzzle Pillar's prize station.
"Huh? What kind of Puzzle game gives toy heads for prizes?" Crafty confused.
"Bah! You don't need this. Here, take my drawing a prize."
When he showed his drawing, Crafty was amazed that she took it and said, "Wow! Such impressive detail! You made so pretty."
"Well, I could never miss any detail from a girl like yourself," Simon smirked.
"Your art skills are surpassing mine. Do you think you can teach me some pointers?"
But Simon has Crafty between his arms by putting his hands on the table behind her, flirting with her, and wagging his tail, "Oh, I can teach more than just pointers in the arts. I can teach what I know about love."
Crafty became nervous until she spotted Picky running by and said, "Picky?"
"Huh?" Simon confused.
But then Maggie accidentally bites Simon on the rear, causing him to scream and move upward. Crafty is free from Simon's grasp, and Picky returns to see where Maggie went. They looked around to see where Simon and Maggie went, but they were unaware that Simon was flying above them in pain from Maggie still biting him. The last group, Icky and Kickin, competed on Maze Puzzle Pillars. Touille is rummaging in a trashcan, and Bubba is reading a history book on Playtime Co.
Bubba said, "Interesting. Thomas Edison created the voice box for toys, invented in 1890, and voice boxes were made in 1939 by Alvino Rey. The first toy for the Playtime Co, Poppy Playtime, was made in 1950. Elliot Ludwig must've combined the parts of the toy voice box and the other voice box for Poppy Playtime to converse with a child. Toy companies need to keep secrets of how they design and build toys. However, his sudden death at his age is unlikely, even though he has suspicious behavior and concerning health irregularities. What if he was murdered? If so, but by who?"
Touille poked his head out of the trash and said, "Sheesh and my friends say I talk too much. Are you interested in mysteries? Did you know that evidence is often thrown in the trash?"
"A common solution for criminals would do, but it's quite flawed. Law enforcement agencies are well aware of this tactic and often search through garbage to uncover hidden evidence. The practice even has a name: "garbology." Criminals might think they're being sneaky, but they often underestimate the diligence and resourcefulness of investigators."
"Garbology?"
"I'm glad you asked, Touille. Garbology studies a society's waste and what it can reveal about people's lives, habits, and consumption patterns. It's like archaeology, but instead of ancient ruins and artifacts, it focuses on modern trash. Garbologists sift through garbage to uncover patterns and insights into human behavior, often used in academic research and criminal investigations. Fun fact: Garbology can reveal much about consumer habits, waste management practices, and socio-economic conditions. It's amazing what you can learn from someone's trash."
Touille was so happy that he wagged his tail and said, "There's a study involving garbage?! The very thing I love?!"
Touille jumped out of the trashcan, covered in filth, and sat beside Bubba, who was disgusted by this.
"This is great! I can gain a career as a garbologist and prove to my friends that garbage can still be useful. Bubba, teach everything you know about it! Oh, by the way, I collect garbage too. There's so much I want to say about it."
"Oh, gosh," Bubba's ears went down in fear.
Once a winner sound was heard, Kickin cheered, "Woooooooo! I won!"
"Gah! The wheel is rusty!" Icky complained.
"Well, you should be lucky you didn't win, Icky. My prize is the bottom half of a Boogie Bot," Kickin shows his prize.
"What the?! What kind of game console gives toy parts as prizes?!"
"Yeah. Weird. You wanna take a break?"
"Not until I beat you."
"Bro, chill. There are times when one wins or loses. Let's kick back and relax."
"How can I relax when I took a loss?!"
"Dude, you need some help."
"I'll feel better soon as I beat you!"
"Yep, he's that kind of sore loser."
Meanwhile, with DogDay, he runs into the Cafeteria.
"I was able to get away from Baba. I needed a break," DogDay panted.
"Here, doggy, doggy. I got more DogTales to tell you," Baba's voice was heard from afar, causing DogDay to panic.
He spots a janitor's closet, so he runs inside to hide.
Baba poked her head into the Cafeteria and looked inside. She shrugged before leaving. Hearing she's gone made DogDay sigh in relief.
He jumped when CatNap, also inside the closet, said, "Wow, DogDay. I never thought you would come here. Who am I kidding? You would be the last of us to hide in here."
"CatNap?! Wait! Is everyone else here, too?" DogDay said.
Bubba was seen lying in the Family Guy position. Hoppy came out of a cardboard box. Crafty and Picky were on the top shelves. Kickin was underneath a bucket, and Bobby came from behind a broom.
They all said, "Yep."
"Let me guess: Your Nightmare Critter was too much for you to handle, too, DogDay?" Bubba is showing his face.
"I wouldn't say hard to handle. I need a break," DogDay fake smiled.
"DogDay, we know your fake happy look. Admit it, you had enough of Baba and wanted to escape."
"Can you blame me?! She was talking about dog deaths."
"It's alright. Touille wouldn't stop talking about garbage, and he was so close to me that his trash scent made me breathe hard."
"I tried my best to listen to Poe, but I broke out of it and escaped too," Bobby upset.
"That Rabie wouldn't leave me be and stop asking so many questions. I was lucky that Simon and Maggie were acting up for her to take notice so I could escape as well," said CatNap.
"Picky and I managed to come here because of what Maggie was doing to Simon. He just too close to my comfort," said Crafty.
"Icky wouldn't allow me to take a break from his challenges. Thankfully, Simon accidentally flew into him, allowing me to flee," said Kickin.
"Maggie almost bites me as a form of punishment," said Picky.
"Allister's lack of energy made me come here too. I don't think he noticed I left," said Hoppy.
"Okay, guys. Let's all calm down. There's still a way we can befriend the Nightmare Critters and help them be better," DogDay said.
"DogDay, it's clear we don't want to do this," said CatNap.
His friends gasped, and Bobby said, "CatNap, how could you say?!"
"What I'm saying is the truth. We were all freaking out to learn that we were going on a field trip with Juvey students during the bus ride over. Ms. Delight motivated us with the reward of a school day off. We even fled because we couldn't stand the Nightmare Critters' and their antics. And those facts make us worse than them."
Ashamed, everyone, including CatNap, lowered their heads to realize that they were trying to do good for gain.
"CatNap is right. We were focused on what we wanted out of the field trip instead of doing the task out of the goodness in our hearts," said Bubba.
"Some good role models we are," Kickin upset.
"This is making my tummy sick from this disappoint
"Well, the Nightmare Critters are orphans like us. I'm sure that's why they act how they are," said Crafty.
"Remember those wise words, everyone. The darkest times call for the sunniest smiles," said Hoppy.
"Hoppy has a point. Let's do our task right without the reward in mind," said DogDay.
All but CatNap nod their heads.
"CatNap...," everyone said to him.
"I'm still in the mood for that reward, so I still can't find in the goodness of my heart to do the task. Still, I'm going to do it. But if the Nightmare Creeps get too much, I'm putting them to sleep," CatNap said.
"Close enough."
But the power went out when the Smiling Creatures emerged from the janitor's closet. Darkness covered everything, and only their eyes could be seen.
"Oh, great. Just as soon as we've seen the errors of our ways, this happens!" Hoppy complained.
"Hoppy, I had to deal with enough complaining all day. So, please don't," Kickin lowered his eyes in annoyance.
"Does anybody have a flashlight?" Picky asks.
"Wait. Doesn't our medals glow in the dark?" Bubba asked.
"Our medals shine, Bubba. I don't think that's possible," Bobby said.
"Well, Bobby. It doesn't hurt to try," said DogDay.
"And how do we get them to glow?" CatNap questioned.
"Let's try rubbing them."
Rubbing sounds were heard, and the Smiling Critters' medals glowed in their signature colors.
"Wow, that did it," CatNap said.
"But why did the power go out?" Picky asks.
"Let's find Ms. Delight and the others," DogDay suggested.
But as soon the Smiling Critters turned, they were wide-eyed to see the creepy grinning Nightmare Critters staring at them through the eyes. Their medals also glow in their colors so that they can see through the dark.
Baba said sheepishly, "We ALWAYS use the darkness to find anything or anyone we're looking for."
Horrified, the Smiling Critters jumped toward the hanging lights on the ceiling. They quivered as they held onto the lights. The Nightmare Critters laughed at their frightened reaction.
"Oh my gosh! You should see the look on your faces! It's priceless!" Rabie is taking pictures with her phone.
"I don't know why the power went out, but I love that it's dark," said Poe.
"Wait! You're saying you didn't do this?" Crafty asks.
"Woah, woah, Princess. Bad to the bone, we may be, but that's not a bad idea for a future prank. However, we didn't even know where the fuse box is," said Simon.
CatNap used his tail to slide his friends down as Maggie said, "Why are you Smiling Freaks here? Are you trying to sneak to get the desserts before us?"
But then footsteps ran past the Critters from behind as CatNap gets caught DogDay in his arms.
"What was that?" Bobby asked.
"Nice try, Nightmare Creeps," Kickin crossed his arms.
"Uh, that wasn't us," Allister said as his friends shook their heads.
The footsteps were heard again, causing the Critters to look around.
"Is someone there?" Hoppy called out.
"If this is a prank, you are picking on the wrong Critters, bub!" Icky yelled.
A hand touched CatNap from behind, making him cat scream and let out his sleep gas.
Everyone coughed at this as DogDay said, "CatNap! Why?!"
On the other side of the Cafeteria, someone pulled a lever down. This opened a hatch underneath the Critters, causing them to fall in and scream. When the hatch closed, the power came back on. Huggy, Mommy, and Boxy in Gasmaks go to where the Critters fell through.
"We're so sorry. But we know you'll find a way out of this," Mommy said.