Chapter 6: The Critter Knights Legacy
At the beach area of Party Peninsula, the Frowning Critters and Dream Critters are seen running on top of the palm trees while carrying sacks on their backs, but something inside is struggling and screaming.
Once they jumped off the palm trees and landed on the beach, WimpinChicken said, "That was close. We have had a lot of close calls in the past, but that was the closest that the Fun Police almost got us."
"I blame myself for not mentioning that Frowny Fox was watching us," said Easy Peasy.
"Come on, Easy. The Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters couldn't sense his presence nor Dogpressed coming up from behind them," said Groddy GrudgeBear.
"Speaking of the Smiling and Nightmare Critters, shouldn't we let them out?" Dogpressed presented her sack.
"Fine."
The Frowning Critters and Dream Critters untied their bags and held them upside down so the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters could fall out.
"What the skulls?! You Frowning Frauds and Dream Dorks kidnapped us?! What's the matter with you?!" Baba Chops yelled.
"I'm sorry. It was the fastest way we could think of to escape from the Fun Police," said Ben Horns.
"FYI, it was your idea, Ben," said Bliss Teen.
"Bliss!"
"Wait a minute, why are the police after you? You guy are the party poopers?" Bubba Bubbaphant said.
"First off, they are called Fun Police and second of all, it's gross to poop on parties," Dumbba Dumbbaphant said.
"Not that kind of party poopers, Dumbba."
"Pfft, trying to arrest me, my group, and the Dream Critters is an excuse by the Mayor because he knows where on to him for five years," said IckyPiggy.
"On to him? What did he do?" PickyPiggy asks.
"We may not have any proof, but we believe he's working for the Prototype by minding control of everyone in Party Peninsula and anyone who enters it. As well as making them forget their old lives after coming to this place," said Lee.
"The Prototype?!" The Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters stood up.
"Despite coming here and having enough time to try and uncover his secrets, that Bunzo Bunny is a tricky one and good with keeping the Critters in control," said Coco Crocodile.
"How do you Frowning Frauds and Dream Dorks know about the Prototype? Unless-" said Allister Gator.
"How strange. Your magic is in the 25% stage, but you have discovered so much more than we could. If your assumption is right," said CatFeine.
The Frowning Critters and Dream Critters make their pendants glow to summon their magical weapons. Catfeine; the Twin Dagers. Dogpressed; the Shadow Blade. Floppy FlopZee, the Dreamcatcher Staff. IckyPiggy, the Venomous Dagger. Groddy; the Flaming Sword. Dumbba, the Stone Hammer. UniqueCorn: the Thorn Whip. Wimpin; the Mirage Bow. Ben; the Friendship Staff. Easy: the Tea Infuser Wand. Bliss, the Truth Blade. Coco; the Chrono Clock Staff. Sally Sodden; the Harmony Staff. Lee; the Sunbeam Staff. Virgine; the Éclair Scepter. And Matt Mako, the Toothpaste Trident.
The wind blows slowly to show the Frowning and Dream Critters' serious faces and the Smiling and Nightmare Critters' surprised expressions.
"We are also descendants of the Critter Knights," said CatFeine.
"What did you think? A cool reveal, huh?" Unique smiled.
"WHAT?!" the Smiling Critters and the Nightmare Critters shouted.
"Very late with that response, though," said Coco, while she, her friends, and the Frowning Critters made their weapons disappear with magic.
"I don't believe it! You're part of the Critter Knights!" Poe shocked.
"How long did you know?" Bobby BearHug asks.
"We'll tell you everything soon. Right now, let's go to our place," said Sally Sodden.
The Frowning and Dream Critters walked away, followed by the Smiling and Nightmare Critters. The Four Critters arrived at a large beach hut as waves were heard. The hut's roof is crafted from woven palm leaves, allowing it to stay cool during the sunny days and harmonize with the tropical environment. Each Frowning and Dream Critter painted a section of the hut with their favorite colors and patterns, creating a patchwork design that mirrors their diverse spirits. A spacious wooden deck surrounds the hut, scattered with comfy hammocks and low tables made of driftwood. Perfect for enjoying sunsets or hosting beachside gatherings. Behind the hut is a thriving garden with fresh produce and a grove of coconut palms for their culinary creations.
"Welcome to our Critter Hut. We made it when first arrive here," said Lee.
"I'll admit. It does suit you and your group," said Simon Smoke.
"It's best we talk inside. Even though no one is around, it's best to take precautions. Besides, the Prototype has a special crystal that will allow him to see anyone from anywhere from afar. Just like how he was doing to you now, Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters," said Matt.
Critter Cres gasped and looked around while Rabie Baby said, "Eww! And I thought I was the stalker here."
The hut's interior features a large open area with comfy seating and quirky decorations. Glow-in-the-dark seashells and hanging lanterns illuminate the room at night, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Each critter has a private sleeping nook crafted to fit its personality. The kitchen is the heart of the hut, where critters gather to cook meals together. Brightly painted cabinets are stocked with tropical fruits, and a large central table allows everyone to enjoy meals as a family. A raised loft area serves as the critters' space for games, crafts, and storytelling. Filled with cushions and supplies, it's a hub of creativity and camaraderie.
Once the Four Critter Crews entered, Sally said, "Take a seat, and we'll tell you everything."
As soon as everyone sat down, Floppy said, "It all started five years ago, before we left Critter City. We activated our magic."
In a black-and-white memory, the Frowning Critters and Dream Critters were seen gazing in wonder at their glowing pendants in the backyard of Home Sweet Home.
Virgine said when the Player showed up, "We were completely obviously about our families' legacy, Playtime Land, its prophecy, the Prototype, and Princess Poppy until the Player showed up and explained everything."
Player is then seen talking to Kissy Missy as Matt said, "As a way for us to begin training, Player convinced Mrs. Missy to allow us to leave. They covered it up as we were adopted and moved out of Critter City."
"Hold it! How come your magic was unlocked before my Critters and me?" Kickin asks.
"That we don't understand. But Player said our magic is considered very rare along with yours," CatFeine continued. "The Smiling Knights are masters of the White Arts, utilizing benevolent magic. The Dark Nightmare Knights are powerful in the Dark Arts, using malevolent magic. The Nether Arts utilize practices that are netherkinetic in nature and are specialized by the Frowning Knights. And finally, the Aether Arts utilize practices that are aetherkinetic in nature and are under the control of the Dream Critters."
"And Nether and Aether are?" Hoppy asks.
"Nether is mine and my friends' families' magic, and Aether is the Dream Critters' families' magic," said Dumbba.
"Close, Dumbba. Nether magic is a shadowy, enigmatic force tied to the realms of darkness, decay, and the unknown. Like demon magic, it is often associated with the underworld or subterranean planes. Nether magic draws its power from deep, hidden energies. But Aether magic's polar opposite represents the ethereal, celestial, and transcendent forces of light and purity. It's tied to higher planes of existence and the unseen threads that connect the cosmos. Almost like angel magic," said Easy.
"Unfortunately, our side is only at 75% of the magic being unlocked. While for your side, you only have 25% of magic unlocked. Meaning all of us can't do the magic that our ancestors mastered," said Dogpressed, while CatFeine hugged her to comfort her.
"Now you're making us give more questions. What is this 75% of your magic and 25% of our magic?" Icky asks.
"Let us continue our backstory!" Groddy said.
"Oui," Touille rolled his eyes.
"Anyway, Player helped us move to Party Peninsula and said these words to us before beginning to train us with our magic and weapons," said Sally.
In the black and white memory, the Frowning Critters and Dream Critters stared at Player looking at the horizon.
Player looked at them and said, "I have seen. The vision I will speak. In five years, you will walk the path with the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters on their journey to Playtime Land. Historic knowledge you shall share with them. Never let your superiority blind you to helping them prepare for the battle that lies at the end of the Red Poppy Road. And always remember, the power of friendship is what will bring victory."
"Player want us give you these. They are books on all of your ancestors' achievements, including your parents'," said IckyPiggy, showing books each in a color of a Smiling Critter or color of a Nightmare Critter.
When the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters began reading it, they were amazed by what was written in them.
"Wow. My ancestor, the 5th Baba Chops, won a duel against the Grim Reaper?!" Baba smiled.
"Listen to this! My ancestor, the 20th CatNap, clawed the eye out of a rampaging Wendigo King," CatNap wagged his tail.
"My ancestor, Hoppy Hopscotch the 12th, could hop to the moon with just one jump! She lived my dream. It means I could do it too," Hoppy grinned.
"My grandfather, Touille the 28th, could tame an Emperor Trash Golem. I want to meet those," Touille shrieked with joy.
"Just imagine if we did something like these," Crafty said.
"To be on the same level of accomplishment sounds easy since we inherited their genes and blood," said Simon.
"That would be tough because you haven't unlocked your magic yet," said Bliss.
"Shut up, snitcher!"
"But it's the truth."
"Now, about the percentage," Ben continued. "You see, Player explained that our magic has four unlocking stages. The 1st stage is 25%, which is the Smiling and Nightmare Critters- well, only 12/16 of you. That 25% stage is when you unlock your three-family major magic and magical weapon. Stage 50% is when you can summon your families' enchanted armor within your pendants."
"We had knight armor this whole time?!" Kickin said.
"Duh, what kind of knight who does have armor?"
"We want to see them," said Picky.
"Only for emergencies," said Easy.
"Oh, next you'll tell us we can summon horses?" Icky complained.
"Actually, yes. That's the 75% stage where you can summon the 1st Generation's spirit horses. Every knight needs a noble stead."
"Doh! Then I guess you had to summon them for emergencies too," Poe said, annoyed.
"We can summon them at any time and allow you to meet them," said Lee.
"We want to see them!" Bobby excited.
The Frowning and Dream Critters held their pendants so their family spirit horses could come out. But the pendants are as small as the size of their hands and are held behind by their riders. Each one is colored like its owner.
"Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters, meet our spirits," CatFeine continued. "Café the Eclipse Horse, Sky the Raincloud Horse, Lichen the Z Horse, Tart the Green Apple Horse, Chili the Broken Half-Hearted Horse, Mow the Broken Lightbulb Horse, DewDrop the Jewel Horse, Mayweed the X Horse, Alpine the Band-Aid Cross Horse, Chai the Death Hazard Horse, Sorbet the Pear Horse, Huckleberry the Stopwatch Horse, River the Dollar Coin Horse, Seed the Cloudy Sun Horse, Meringue the Croissant Horse and Oral the Mouth Wash Horse."
"They're small fries," Allister commented.
"They can shrink into any size so that it won't be crowded," said Floppy, as the Frowning Critters and Dream Critters petted their Spirit Horses.
"Can we pet them?" Crafty questions.
But the sixteen little spirit horses looked away from the Smiling and Nightmare Critters with disgust.
"Ah! Rude!" Rabie commented.
"We just want to pet you," said Allister.
"I'm sorry. Despite being allies for generations, the Critter Knights had issues with each other," said Ben as the Spirit Horses returned to their owners' pendents.
"For example, every Smiling Knight generation tried to befriend every Nightmare Knight generation, but sadly, they are too stubborn to submit to friendship and prefer rivalry. And there's the Frown Knight generation; they are picky and aren't fond of making new friendships. And lastly, the Dream Knight generation is too trustworthy, meaning enemies can infiltrate their friend group to gain vital information and attempt assassinations. So, if understand what I'm getting through," said Dogpressed.
The Smiling Critters' and Nightmare Critters' eyes shrank in realization, and they said, "Oh, that explains everything. It runs in the families."
"Exactly. Sometimes, family similarities, interests, and hobbies being passed down is a blessing and a curse."
"If it is a curse, maybe there's a way to break it with friendship and limitation," said DogDay.
"DogDay, I love you, but you are such a brown nose," CatNap commented.
"Eh, it was worth trying. Love to hear how much you say show your affection for me."
But both of their words made Baba and Rabie slam their faces against the wall.
"Hey! Cool it, you two. It took us two years to finally perfect this hut," Groddy yelled.
Simon then whispered to Baba and Rabie, "Hey, you two. I'm pretty sure it's best friendship-wise."
"Now that we've cleared out what is going on, we need to get down to what we currently want to do," said Easy.
Bliss took out the files and said, "These are information of every resident in Party Peninsula. There is one thing but the mayor something in common; their families used to serve under the Critter Knights."
"Seriously?! Like servants and squires?!" Maggie was surprised.
"Yes, but strangely, they have no memory of how loyal their families were to ours nor their purposes. We uncovered this as soon as we started trying to blend in," said Virginie.
"So, we concluded that Mayor Bunzo Bunny had something to do with it. We been digging up a lot information about him," said IckyPiggy.
"That doesn't sound like you at all," said Kickin.
"Yes, but the Frowning Knights are not only masters of Nether Arts, but we are also Reconnaissance Knights. It's our job to gather intelligence about enemy movements and terrain. We are stealthy, observant, agile, and silent," said Wimpin.
"Wait. Wouldn't Rabie and Bliss fit the description?" Hoppy asks.
"Nonsense. The Baby Clan are known to be too much spilling the beans to everyone, and the Teen Clan are too truthful that they can't keep valid info to themselves," said Floppy.
"It's the truth," Bliss said without denying.
"Sure, rub it in." Rabie rolled her eyes.
"So, what kind of knights are we?" Allister asks.
"The Dream Knights are Support Knights, by providing aid during battles, such as healing, morale boosting, or logistical support. The Smiling Knights are Defense Knights specializing in protecting their allies and fortifications. And the Dark Nightmare Knights are Attack Knights, offensive warriors who lead charges and engage enemies directly."
"Indeed. It fits me and my friends perfectly," said Sally.
"Same for me and mine," said Simon.
"I couldn't agree more on how you describe my group," said Crafty.
"Now, back with Bunzo Bunny. We learned he was the court jester for the Royal Family of Playtime Land, and his cymbals can create sound waves that make people feel," said Ben.
"So, he has magical cymbals that he once played, and he makes people feel anything. Like the mind control you mentioned," said Baba.
"Yes, but his cymbals are White Art crafted. Even CraftyCorn the 29th assist in making them," said Easy.
"Mom…" said Crafty.
"But the Prototype's Red Air control might have affected mind control," said Touille.
"Yes, which is why we need your help to expose him finally," said Dumbba.
"And if I have to guess, you couldn't get evidence because of Bunzo's mind control cymbals that he prevented you from getting your way," said CatNap.
"Correct. We must devise a plan to expose Bunzo and free the populace from his control. If I'm correct, the giant fuzzy purple grape can remove the Red Air with his Slivervine Staff, and the Smiling Critters can purify with their pendants; the little bit of the White Arts passed onto your family bloodlines," said CatFeine.
"You still call me a grape, huh?! I'll go right up your nose for that!"
"Ha!"
CatFeine surprises Dogpressed by giving her mug. After CatNap cracks his neck, he and CatFeine prepare to fight each other.
But DogDay grabbed CatNap by the tail and said, "CatNap, remember, CatFeine is a girl."
"I still can't believe that orange cat is a girl," said CatNap.
"Hehehe. Fine then. Let's begin discussing the plan. Virginie, you got the disguises ready," said CatFeine.
"My Glamour Magic is always top-notch for any disguise," said Virgine, snapping her fingers to reveal her clothes.
The Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters looked concerned and said, "Do we have to wear those?"