Chapter 3: Party Peninsula
Back with the Critters, the Nightmare Critters happily run through the forest, and the Smiling Critters chase after them.
The Nightmare Critters cheered, "Party time! Party time! Party time! Party time!"
"Wait! Hold up! Slow down! Stop!" the Smiling Critters yelled.
"Party time! Party time! Party time! Party time!"
"Come on! Quit running! Do you even know which way the city is?! Halt!"
With no choice, Hoppy Hopscotch snapped her fingers to enhance her and her friends' speed to get ahead of the Nightmare Critters.
"Down, Nightmares!" DogDay shouted, pointing to the ground.
Surprisingly, the Nightmare Critters stopped and sat on the ground.
"What the?! Hey, how did you do that?!" Simon Smoke said.
"I don't know. Maybe my magic," said DogDay.
Smirking, CatNap said, "If it was your magic, can you train them to be more civilized?"
"You better not, or I will have taken your doggy tail," Baba Chops threatened.
"Anything but the tail!" DogDay panicked and hid behind CatNap.
"But this is serious, Nightmare Critters. You don't even know which way to the city," said Bubba Bubbaphant.
"Haha, don't underestimate us. The Nightmare Critters can hear and smell a party a mile away," said Icky Licky.
"You can?" KickinChicken confused.
"We're party animals at heart. So, we know where to find it."
"And if our party hearts are correct, we find the entrance right behind these leafy bushes," said Allister Gator, going to an Anthurium.
"It's called an Anthurium," Bubba Bubbaphant corrected.
"Whatever."
When Allister pulled it down, the Critters saw a lush rainforest setting with natural waterfalls doubling as dance floors, bioluminescent trees casting party lights, and open-air pavilions made of bamboo where music flows all day and night. Critters of all kinds are together in harmony, celebrating life under the canopy of paradise. The buildings are constructed around and within the natural environment, using sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and bioplastics. Canopy Towers: Towering above the rainforest, these multi-level platforms host party venues, observation decks, and lounges. Connected by vine-covered bridges, they offer breathtaking views of the peninsula. Treehouse villages: Residential areas feature charming treehouses nestled in the trees, each designed with unique themes—like glowing lanterns, tropical flowers, or seashell motifs.
"Wow," the Smiling Critters were amazed.
"See? What did we tell ya? We always know where the party is. Now, let's go have fun," Maggie Mako cheered.
"Remember, we need to get supplies," said PickyPiggy.
"Uggh! Learn to have fun, Piggy."
"Hey! Who are you?!" a voice said in the distance.
The Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters turned to see the Zodiac Critters made by Twitter user dragon_fox_jun coming to them.
"We never seen you around these parts. Are you new?" Airy the Ram asks.
"Yes. We're travelers in search of supplies. It's our first time here," Bobby BearHug.
"Cool. All are welcome at Party Peninsula. We are the Zodiac Critters. And since you're new, we'll give you the tour of the place. Gemi, Mimi, get the tour bus," said Boris the Bull.
Gemi and Mimi the Magpies showed up with a party tour bus.
"And we take this tour," said Poe.
The Nightmare Critters pushed the Smiling Critters onto the bus so they could ride at the top. When the Zodiac Critters get in, the bus drives into the city.
"Welcome to Party Peninsula, new Critters, where the party never ends," Gemi continued. Our city is surrounded by Eco-friendly glowing groves of natural bioluminescence, creating a magical ambiance for nighttime celebrations. We have Critter Cuisine Markets, which offers every critter's favorite foods, from fresh fruits to nectar bars."
"That's nice to hear. We need some food supplies," said Touille.
Then Mimi added, "There are Wildlife Bandstands that allow talented critters to show off their musical skills—think frogs drumming on lily pads or birds singing harmonic tunes. And for relaxation areas so you can take a break from all the partying."
"Good for me," CatNap commented.
"Right now, we are entering the Melody Meadows," Candance the Crab continued. "This district reverberates with live music and dance. From buzzing outdoor jazz plazas to secluded forest clearings for salsa under the stars, this is where critters embrace the rhythm of life. Treehouses double as performance stages, and glowing vines illuminate the nights like fairy lights."
"Can we do karaoke there?" Hoppy Hopscotch asks.
"Of course."
Leo the Lion says, "Next, we have Festival Forest, a sprawling area dedicated to traditional festivities from around the world. Critters host cultural parades, fireworks spectacles, and themed carnivals, all celebrating unity and diversity amidst the towering rainforest canopy."
"Nice to know this place has an area where allowed do traditional parties," said Baba Chops.
"Right now, we are in the Glow Grove—the nightlife hub, where bioluminescent plants light up the surroundings in mesmerizing colors. Enchanted lagoons serve as dance floors, with critters twirling to ethereal beats. Floating bars drift by, serving nectar cocktails and tropical delights," said Vesta the Fox.
"A lagoon to laze around in? Perfect," Allister commented.
Xana the Kinkajou says, "Welcome to the Euphoria Esplanade. It is a relaxed yet vibrant space for self-expression. Critters explore art installations, poetry readings, and open mic nights. Beautiful murals climb the walls of nature-inspired amphitheaters."
"My home to express my talent," Poe smiled.
"Same too," CraftyCorn wagged her tail.
"And here we have the Peaceful Paws Retreat. For those who need a break from partying, this tranquil district offers calming spas, meditation groves, and healing streams. The sounds of cascading waterfalls create a serene backdrop," Corio the Scorpion said.
"I love spas," Rabie Baby said.
Artemis the Archer says, "Let's not forget the Critter Carnival Complex. Hosting everything from acrobatic performances to playful games, this district bursts with energy and excitement. Sky bridges connect treetop arenas where critters from all over the peninsula come to perform."
"Right on," Hoppy said, excited.
Calliecorn then said, "We also have the Aqua Jubilee Cove. This water-themed district is a critter's paradise for splashy celebrations. The cove features crystal-clear lagoons and cascading waterfalls, with floating party rafts hosting aquatic festivities. Critters can enjoy synchronized swimming shows, underwater dance parties, and paddle-powered parades. Glow-in-the-dark fish illuminate the waters at night, creating a magical aquatic spectacle."
"Good for me," Maggie said.
"And now we show the Skyline Serenade Heights," Arius the Blue Heron continued. "This elevated district takes the party to the skies! Perched on towering cliffs and interconnected by hanging bridges, the Heights offer breathtaking peninsula views. Open-air aviaries host colorful bird performances, and balloon rides carry critters to mid-air dance platforms. The district has a whimsical charm with cloud-kissed terraces where critters can sip nectar cocktails while watching sunsets."
"Seems extreme, but nice. Is that everything?" Bubba asks.
"We're almost to our last stop, The Tree of Harmony," said Pipi the Koi Fish.
Once the bus arrives, the Tree of Harmony is a towering skyscraper constructed with natural materials shaped like an enormous rainforest tree.
Pipi said, "This skyscraper is the administrative and cultural centerpiece of the city. Our mayor takes office and residence inside. Perched high in the canopy, offering breathtaking views of the peninsula. The mayor is benevolent and ensures every critter's happiness and well-being. Their suite includes an open-air terrace for hosting diplomatic 'dance-off summits.'"
"He has an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of the districts, with telescopes to see the glowing rainforest at night. There are Community Halls for planning island-wide festivities and initiatives. And a Sky Lounge, a luxurious retreat at the treetop level where the most significant celebrations are held," said Cici the Koi Fish.
"This mayor sure knows how to live it large," said Simon.
But when a bell rang, the citizens of Party Peninsula came running over the Tree of Hour with joy.
"What's going on?" DogDay asks.
"The mayor is coming!" the Zodiac Critters cheered.
The entrance of the Tree of Harmony opened to reveal Bunzo Bunny while the citizens cheered for him.
"That guy is the mayor?" Baba questioned.
"And he's wearing clothes," Rabie added.
Bunzo Bunny: I like to move it, move it [Bunzo takes out a megaphone to sing into it.
I like to move it, move it [He moves his head side to side.]
Ya like to… [Bunzo points to the citizens.]
Citizens: MOVE IT! [The Party Peninsula Residents lift their hands.]
Bunzo Bunny: I like to move it, move it [Bunzo plays his symbols to the song.]
I like to move it, move it [The residents then start to dance to the song.]
I like to move it, move it [Coming out from behind Bunzo are MothFlare from Twitter User amberluvbugs and Tibbz from Twitter User TibbersTTV to join in the festivities.]
Ya like to… [The two Critters lifted Bunzo in their hands.]
Citizens: MOVE IT! [Then they walk through the crowd as they carry Bunzo.]
Bunzo Bunny: I like to move it, move it [Bunzo makes his ears continue to play the cymbals.]
You like to move it, move it [Bunzo points to Lovejoy Monkey made by Twitter User BeanPIlls, who winked at Bunzo.]
They like to move it, move it [He then points to the Magical Critters made by Twitter User Astral_Onyx, who fangirl screamed for their mayor.]
We like to…[MothFlare and Tibbz toss Bunzo into the air.]
Citizens: MOVE IT! [Bunzo dances with MothFlare and Tibbz once he gets on his feet.]
Bunzo then shouted, "All Critters all over the world! Mayor Bunzo Bunny 'pon ya case, man! I love how all the Critters move their body. And when ya move ya body. You know, move it nice and sweet and sassy, alright?"
"What kind of mayor is this guy?" DogDay confused.
"I just saw 26 blatant health code violations," said Bubba.
"I'm loving this guy. He knows how to keep the party up to eleven," said Icky, as he and his friends danced to the song.
The Smiling Critters jumped at what they saw off-scene when Bubba said, "27!"
Bunzo Bunny: Critter! Physically fit [The Zodiac Critters are seen on the dance floor so Bunzo could point at Airey so he can spin on his head.]
Physically fit [Bunzo points to Boris so he can spin around.]
Physically, physically, physically fit [With Bunzo pointing over the Magpie Twins and the Koi Fish Twins, the Magpies flew a circle together while the Koi Fishes bump each other.]
Critter! Physically fit [As the party continues, Maggie says, "We should've brought chips and dip."]
Physically fit [But the Smiling Critters noticed the Zodiac Critters aren't there with them.]
Physically, physically, physically, ["Hey, where did our tour guides go?" Kickin confused.]
Physically fit ["Uh, duh! Do you not see them on the dance floor?" Poe said.]
Critter! Nice [When the Smiling Critters noticed, Bobby said, "How did they get there?"]
Sweet, fantastic. "What are we waiting for? Let's get down with everyone," said Baba, leading the Nightmare Critters out of the bus.]
Big ship 'pon de ocean that a big Titanic ["Hold on, what about the supplies?" Picky asks.]
Critter! Ya nice, sweet, energetic ["What about the party?"]
Big ship 'pon de ocean that a big Titanic ["We need to keep us fed, clean and healed for our journey," said Crafty.
Critter! Ya nice ["What about the journey?"]
Sweet, fantastic ["Our journey to Playtime Land…," CatNap confused.]
Big ship 'pon de ocean that a big Titanic ["Why are we going to be Playtime Land?"]
The music stops with the sound of a record player pause because Baba's words shocked the Smiling Critters, her friends, and herself.
"Who said that?" Baba confused.
"You did," Bobby answered.
"This place's atmosphere is making you forget the mission, Baba," said Hoppy.
"That was super weird. Okay. Maybe we can have fun once we get the places, right?" Baba asks.
"I guess so," said DogDay.
"Anything to get back to dancing. I was putting on one rat-tastic groove," said Touille.
As the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters walked away, the citizens cheered from Bunzo's party.
"Thank you, Critters. Thank you. Now, continuing partying on," Bunzo said.
As the citizens depart, Bunzo notices the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters from a distance.
He squinted his eyes and said, "MothFlare. Tibbz."
The pair approached him with MothFlare and said, "Yes, Mayor Bunny?"
"Ya need something, boss," said Tibbz.
"It appears we have newbies on our turf. Get the Fun Police to keep an eye on them," Bunzo gesturing to the Smiling and Nightmare Critters.
"But what about those party poopers?"
"He's right, Mayor Bunny. We haven't been able to catch them for five years now," said MothFlare.
"I'm sure these newbies will lead us right to them," said Bunzo, clashing his cymbals three times.
For some reason, MothFlare and Tibbz's eyes glow yellow, and they say, "Yes, Mayor Bunny."
Meanwhile, the sixteen shadows are hopping from building to building in the city like ninjas. They stopped on a canopy tower and spotted the Smiling Critters and Nightmare Critters.
"There you are," they said before hopping after them.