Sprunki Babies, Episode 39: "Durple’s Bathtime Blues"
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The Beat Box nursery was alive with activity as Ripple clapped his hands to gather everyone. “Alright, Sprunkis, it’s time for bathtime!”
The announcement brought a mix of reactions. Pinki twirled excitedly. “Bubbles!” she squealed.
Gray groaned, dragging his drumsticks along the floor. “Do we *really* have to? I’m not even that dirty.”
“Yes, Gray,” Ripple said with a chuckle. “Everyone needs a bath—it’s how we stay clean and healthy.”
Bianca handed out towels while Danny prepared the tubs. The Sprunkis began lining up—except for Durple, who stayed in the corner with his arms crossed and a determined scowl on his face.
“I’m not taking a bath,” Durple declared.
Wenda turned to him, confused. “Why not? Baths are so much fun! There’s splashing, and bubbles, and toys!”
“Because I’m a dragon!” Durple said, puffing out his chest. “Dragons don’t take baths. Water and dragons don’t mix.”
The other Sprunkis exchanged curious glances. “Why not?” Skye asked.
Durple hesitated. “Because... dragons are supposed to be strong and fiery and... awesome. If I take a bath, I might stop being a dragon.”
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Ripple knelt beside Durple, speaking gently. “Durple, even dragons need to stay clean. Taking a bath doesn’t make you any less of a dragon—it’s just part of taking care of yourself.”
Mr. Tree’s deep, wise voice filled the room. “Durple, water may wash away dirt, but it will never wash away who you are inside. True strength comes from within, not from avoiding things that make you uncomfortable.”
Durple frowned, still uncertain. “But what if I don’t like it?”
Skye stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. “You know, Durple, I used to think baths were the worst. One time, I didn’t want to take one at all.”
Durple looked at him, surprised. “You? Why not?”
Skye shrugged. “I didn’t like getting wet. It felt weird, and I thought I didn’t need baths to be cool. But then Ripple used Mr. Computer to explain why baths are important.”
Durple tilted his head. “What did he say?”
Skye smiled. “He told me that baths help keep us healthy and clean. When we don’t take baths, dirt and germs can build up, which can make us feel itchy or even sick. After hearing that, I decided to give it a try—and guess what? I actually liked it.”
Durple crossed his arms, thinking it over. “So... baths are good for dragons, too?”
“Totally,” Skye said with a grin. “And once you try it, you might even have fun!”
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Ripple offered his hand to Durple. “How about we make this bath special for you? A dragon bath, just the way you like it. What do you say?”
Durple hesitated, his tail flicking nervously. “...Okay, but it better be good.”
Wenda clapped her hands. “I’ll go with you, Durple! We can be bubble buddies!”
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Danny and Ripple got to work setting up a special bath for Durple. They filled the tub with extra bubbles, added a few colorful bath bombs, and even placed a rubber dragon toy in the water. Wenda’s tub, right next to his, was decorated with floating flower petals and a toy boat.
“Here you go, Durple,” Ripple said, gesturing to the tub. “Your very own dragon bath.”
Durple approached cautiously, poking at the bubbles with his finger. “It... doesn’t look terrible,” he admitted.
Encouraged by Wenda’s enthusiasm and Skye’s story, Durple climbed into the tub. The warm water and soft bubbles wrapped around him, and he let out a surprised laugh. “Hey, this isn’t so bad!”
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The other Sprunkis cheered from their tubs. “Told you it’s fun!” Pinki said, blowing bubbles into the air.
Gray, drumming on the edge of his tub, added, “And now you’re the cleanest dragon ever!”
Durple splashed and played, pretending to breathe bubbles like fire. “I’m a bubble dragon!” he declared, making Wenda laugh.
“Look out, everyone!” Wenda called, steering her toy boat through the water. “The Bubble Dragon is here!”
Even Mr. Tree chuckled. “You see, Durple? Even dragons can find joy in the simplest things.”
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After everyone was clean and wrapped in their towels, Ripple gathered the Sprunkis in a circle. “I’m really proud of all of you today, especially you, Durple. You faced your worries and discovered something new.”
Durple beamed, his purple skin shining brightly. “Thanks, Ripple. And thanks, Skye. Your story helped a lot.”
Skye grinned. “Anytime. Baths aren’t so bad once you get used to them.”
Wenda nudged Durple playfully. “Told you they’re fun!”
Mr. Tree’s leaves rustled as he spoke. “Today, Durple, you’ve shown that even dragons can grow. That makes you truly strong.”
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As the Sprunkis snuggled into their beds, Durple whispered to himself, “Still a dragon... and still awesome.” He smiled, knowing that a little water could never wash away who he truly was.
The nursery lights dimmed, and the Sprunkis drifted off to sleep, dreaming of bubbles, bravery, and the joy of trying something new.
