Chapter Text
This island had many names on different maps, but the locals always called it simply "The Valley." That statement isn't entirely accurate, as the island's terrain is quite diverse. The actual valley occupies at best a third of the entire island, but the locals had grown so accustomed to the name that nobody particularly cared.
This island is located in the Atlantic Ocean and covers an area of about 50 square kilometers. Although the island once hosted colonies, research stations, and even a resort, all of it vanished at some point. Some places shut down, others moved away. In the end, the only remaining functional structures were a lighthouse and a couple of piers.
Returning to the island's geography, it was unique in every respect. The northern part, which included the valley, was in a broadleaf forest zone and consisted of wooded terrain, crisscrossed by rivers and featuring a large meadow. At the foot of the mountains lay a lowland that became a large swamp.
The south of the island, partly due to the mountains blocking the cold northern wind, was subtropical, while a small western area was a semi-desert.
All in all, the island seemed an ideal place to live — fertile soil, pleasant climate. Yet, for absolutely inexplicable reasons, large settlements never lasted. In the end, the only thing sustaining the island's population became the lighthouse. It seemed that besides the keeper, no one would remain. However, over time, several Critters migrated to the island for various reasons. Some loved the quiet, others the natural beaches, some wanted a peaceful place for research. And so, to DogDay, who had been appointed the lighthouse keeper, 13 more Critters gradually joined: the scientist Bubba Bubbaphant, the medic Bobby BearHug, the artist CraftyCorn, the athletes KickinChicken and Hoppy Hopscotch, the farmer PickyPiggy, the reclusive Baba Chops, the former journalist Rabie Baby, the two friends Allister Gator and Icky Licky, the theatrical Poe, the unremarkable Touille, and the pastry chef Maggie Mako.
They all came to The Valley for different reasons; some, like rare tourists, but they loved it so much they decided to stay and live there.
The Critters maintained friendly relations — often spending time together, having fun, exploring the island, and handling organizational matters.
Life in The Valley went on quite peacefully until one moment…