Disclaimer: I don't own Codename: Kids Next Door and I make no profit from this fan work. I'm just a geek, with a tad too much spare time, having a little fun. Like playing with action figures.

Tetsu here. Glad everyone liked Chapter 1. I hope everyone likes this chapter too. This was all originally going to be part of Chapter 1. But, it would have been too long, and it just seemed like the moment of arrival would be a better place to end that chapter. In fact, I’m still not to where I wanted the story to be at by the end of chapter 1!

This also kinda turned into a 2x5 chapter. So, Abby/Hoagie fans, this one’s for you!

Anyway, for purposes of this story, anything spoken in the native language of the people of Wana-wana Island will be written in brackets like this.

And, so allow me to bring you….

Chapter 2: Mustard Mambo

Earlier that day, Lizzie had just finished her phone conversation with Nigel. Satisfied, for the moment, now that he had agreed to take her toCaptain Clod’s Seafood Hut she hung up the phone.

“Another argument with Nigel?” asked her mother who had just walked into the room a few minutes earlier.

“Yeah, but it’s OK now. Nigie’s gonna take me out tomorrow” Lizzie explained.

“He keeps canceling his dates with you. Are you sure he’s going to keep this one?” asked Lizzie’s mother, cautiously.

“He better! I’m getting sick of this” announced Lizzie. “Anyway, I have some homework to do, and I want to have it all done by tomorrow so I won’t have to worry about it when I’m out with my Nigie” she added with a dreamy look on her face.

Lizzie then excitedly retired to her room to work on her homework and daydream about tomorrow.

Lizzie’s mother just shook her head. “Lizzie, I just don’t think that boy is right for you” she mumbled to herself with a sigh as she also left the room.

Much later in the day, Nigel, Rachel, and Kuki had just arrived on the island. They looked around and it was gorgeous! Beautiful palm trees swaying in the wind, pretty sandy beaches, a great view of the sparkling blue ocean, and even some charming souvenir shops were all in view. It was a tropical paradise.

“So pretty!” exclaimed Kuki as she took in the sights.

“Mm hmm” agreed Rachel with a nod and a smile.

“Indeed. Quite lovely” added Nigel.

Just then they were greeted by a small group of Natives, two boys and a girl, all about the same age as them.

“Greetings, KND agents. My name is Tika and this is Tak and his brother Tok. We’re here to assist with the investigation and act as your guides. Tok is also an interpreter, if necessary” Tika explained.

“We’re pleased to meet you, and we appreciate your help” replied Rachel as she extended her hand, which Tika gladly shook. The two girls exchanged friendly smiles. It was clear that they would get along fine.

The two native boys, on the other hand, had a look of mischief in their eyes as they looked at Nigel.

“That foreign boy looks so clueless, Tok. We usually don’t get to mess with foreigners until tourism season starts. This is going to be fun!” Tak whispered to his brother.

“Shh! We don’t want Tika to know what we’re planning” Tok whispered back with a wink. The two brothers held back a snicker as Nigel’s eyebrow raised just a bit at the sight.

“Would you like us to give you a tour of the island?” Tika offered.

“Oh yes! That would be wonderful” accepted Rachel, then she turned towards her comrades. “Ahem, this is Tak, Tok, and Tika. They’re going to help us with our investigation, and they’ll be showing us around the island” she explained.

The two groups then exchanged handshakes, but just before Tok shook hands with Nigel he spit in his hand.

“It’s a traditional Wana-wanese greeting” he explained, but the fact that he was obviously suppressing laughter did not escape Nigel. Nor did the angry glare Tika shot at Tok.

Nigel decided to just shrug it off.

Back at the ranch, er excuse me, back at the tree-house, Numbuhs 5, 2, and 4 had just returned from their mission. They were covered in mustard and not very pleased.

“Well, we got ‘im” Numbuh 4 meekly stated.

Numbuhs 5 and 2 shot him a death glare.

“When Numbuh 2 passed out the new mustard grenades he’d been developing, what did I just say?” asked Numbuh 5.

“Um…don’t use them unless we really need them” Numbuh 4 meekly replied.

“And, what did Numbuh 2 warn us about?” she continued.

“Er…um…don’t throw it in enclosed areas” Numbuh 4 responded.

“So then tell me, why. Why ‘on God’s green earth’ did yo’ trigger-happy, impulsive, reckless, thick-headed behind think it would be a good idea to throw all your mustard-bombs at once, in that tiny kid’s room, on the first sight of the Count? We almost drowned in that mustard! The kid we ‘saved’ said next time he’s taking his chances with Count Spankulot! Their house was flooded and destroyed!! His parents almost sued us!WHAT THE #& WERE YOU THINKING?!” Numbuh 5 demanded.

“I guess I wasn’t” Numbuh 4 answered sheepishly.

Abby shot Wally another death-glare.

“Look, I’m sorry. I’m used to Kuki chattering in my ear about stupid, girlie Rainbow Monkey crud. It keeps me from gettin’ too worked up” Wally defended.

“Well just because your Girlfriend isn’t here to calm you down, doesn’t mean you should fly off the handle like that and cover everybody in mustard. Try, for once in yo’ ridiculous life, to think before you act!!” Abby ordered.

“Hey I think all the time! Like right now, I think you yell too much, and I think I’ve had enough o’ this crud!” Wally shot back.

“Oh, you did NOT just say that” Abby grumbled darkly before flying into a rage, as she reached out and tried to strangle him.

“Calm down Abby. Just relax. You’re the ‘cool’ one, remember?” said Hoagie as he gently held her back and tried to calm her down as she continued her attempt to wring Wally’s neck. The whole time, Abby was shouting a string of profanity and death-threats that would shock anyone who knew the normally laid-back, cool and collected girl.

As he continued to hold-back and calm down Abby, Hoagie observed the “scared rabbit” look on Wally, the so called “tough-guy” of the group’s face. ‘I hope Nigel is having an easier time on his mission’ he thought to himself.

Meanwhile on the island, Nigel, Rachel and Kuki were given the “grand tour” by the three locals. They were currently in the “town square” where various shops selling everything from generic beach items to traditional tribal goods surrounded them. There were also many, many clothing shops, and even ice cream stands!

“Yay! Ice cream!” Kuki shouted with innocent glee as she searched her pocket for enough money to buy a cone.

“Numbuh 3, this isn’t a vacation” Nigel scolded.

“Nigel, its’ okay. Let her buy some ice cream. It won’t jeopardize the mission, and honestly I think I could go for some, myself” Rachel corrected.

“Ah, very well. I guess I’ll get some too” Nigel conceded.

As the whole party sat on a bench, each with an ice cream cone, they continued to take in the sights. Strangely enough, except for the people running the stores there were hardly any people around.

“Our number one industry, here on Wana-wana Island, is tourism. You three arrived here shortly before the main tourist season starts, however. So, you may notice that it’s sort of deserted here” explained Tika.

“I see. You know, you’re pretty good at this. You sound like a professional tour guide” joked Rachel.

“Actually, I’m head of the board of tourism here. I’m in charge of making sure the tour guides know what they’re talking about, and I make sure the hotels are up to code, among many other tasks” Tika stated in a very professional tone.

Rachel was stunned. “Wow! B-But, you’re only about 11! How could you have that kind of job?” she asked in astonishment.

Tika flashed a proud smile. “Because, I was the most qualified. We don’t make too big a deal out of whether someone is a kid or adult here. Besides, don’t you also have a pretty high position for someone who’s 10?” she asked.

“Yes, but only because I’m just a kid. Kid’s Next Door is, after all, an organization by children and for children. I wouldn’t be able to get a real adult job like you have” admitted Rachel.

“Well it’s not like I spend all my time at my job. Tourism is our main industry, but there’s still not a lot of it here. I still go to school and everything, but I spend a few hours a day being Tourism Board Director. And, I really enjoy it” clarified Tika.

‘I wish I enjoyed my job more’ thought Rachel to herself. Then shaking off the thought she turned to Tika and asked “Say, is it true, what they say about the marriage age here?”.

“You mean about it being 10? Yes it is, but that doesn’t mean it happens very often. In fact, I don’t think anyone under the age of 17 has been married on this island for about 33 years. You have to understand, for a long time, the average lifespan here was about 30. But, a few decades ago we stopped isolating ourselves, and once modern medicine made it’s way here, the average lifespan rose to around 80 like everywhere else. But, nobody really bothered changing the laws, so technically it’s true” explained Tika with a somewhat embarrassed smile.

“It sure is an interesting place you live in here” comment Rachel with a wink, then she started to laugh.

Tika joined in. And soon, both girls were chuckling merrily, while Tak and Tok shook their heads, and Nigel and Kuki (who didn’t speak the language) just looked on cluelessly.

“Um…Rachel, what was that about?” asked Nigel.

“Oh we were just chatting. But she did mention that she’s head of the Board of Tourism, here” Rachel explained.

“Wow, at her age?! That’s amazing!” Nigel reacted.

Tika blushed upon hearing Rachel’s translation of Nigel’s comment.

“It’s not that impressive, really” said an embarrassed Tika, her modesty getting the best of her.

“Ooh, what’s that pretty mountain there?” asked Kuki pointing towards an imposing looking mountain off in the distance.

After Rachel translated Kuki’s question, Tika answered “That’s Mt. Wana. It’s a dormant volcano considered to be the most significant part of the island. In fact, Wana-wana Island was named after it. A lot of tourists actually come here to take pictures of it. Sometimes artists even come here to draw or paint pictures of it”.

After Rachel translated what Tika said back to her teammates, Nigel, or Numbuh 1 rather, took on a more serious, “back-to-business”, expression. “Numbuh 362, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” he asked.

“That Mt.Wana is just the kind of place where Father might be?” inquired Numbuh 362, as she also resumed her role.

“Precisely!” confirmed Numbuh1.

“But, aren’t there more places to hide here in the city?” asked Numbuh 3.

“Okay, here’s what we do. Numbuh 1, Tak, and Tok, why don’t you three go search the volcano for any sign of Father. Search carefully. Remember he’s fond of places like that. Numbuh 3, Tika, and I will search the city for him or any information leading to him. Sound good?” planned Numbuh 362.

Everyone nodded their agreement.

“Numbuh1, if you do find Father you are not to engage him in combat. You are to report to me, and we’ll send for the rest of your team. Understood?” Numbuh 362 ordered.

“You know I’m not so reckless as that” replied Numbuh 1.

“I’m serious! You’re a very responsible agent, but when it comes to Father sometimes you let your personal grudges against him overtake your better judgment. You don’t have your teammates here to back you up. I just want you to come back to us, Nigel” Rachel clarified as she put her hand on his cheek affectionately.

Nigel smiled at her touch, and took her hand.

“Don’t worry, Rachel. If I find him, I will not rush in half-cocked. You know me better than that” he reassured.

The two stood there smiling at each other for a couple seconds until they suddenly noticed everyone staring at them.

“Now what in blazes are you all staring at?!” demanded Nigel.

“Um…Let’s just go” suggested an embarrassed and blushing Rachel as they each split off into their separate teams and went towards their destinations.

Back at the Sector V treehouse, Abby had just left her room with her clean set of clothes on. The other two operatives, having gotten to the shower before her (as she needed time to calm down) were already dressed and waiting for her.

“OK, Now we’re all cleaned up, and Numbuh 5 has had a chance to cool down. And, I just got a wonderful idea. Since, what happened was all your fault, Numbuh 4, I’m sending you to clean it all up” Abby Lincoln announced.

“Fine, whatever! Hoagie, where do you keep that big vacuum thingy at?” asked Wally.

“Oh no! You ain’t gettin’ off the hook that easy! You’re gonna be cleaning up all that mustard with this” Abby explained handing him a soup-spoon.

That’s right, a small ordinary soup-spoon!

“WHAT?! What kinda crud is this?!” protested Wally.

“You’re lucky it’s not a tea-spoon! Now get yo’ macho reckless behind out to that house and clean up that mess, NOW!” ordered Abby.

Hoagie looked on with astonishment as Wally left the treehouse mumbling something about “stupid, cruddy mustard-bombs”. Then he turned his attention to Abby who, while no longer homicidal and seething with rage, still didn’t look very happy.

“Wow, Abby! I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so angry before” said a very shocked Hoagie Gilligan.

“Oh, I’ve been angrier! Usually just at Cree, though” explained Abby.

“Ah, Cree. So how has she been, lately?” asked Hoagie in a dreamful voice.

Abby answered his little question with a death glare.

“Um, sorry” Hoagie said nervously as he crashed down to reality.

“Still have that little crush, I see” Abby asked with disgust.

“Well…she is kinda alluring…” Hoagie tried to defend.

“Evil, Hoagie. The word is ‘evil’! My sister is nothing but trouble. Even if she did date you, even if the whole KND vs. Teen-Ninja thing somehow didn’t apply, she’d still just use you and dump you when she got bored” Abby explained.

Hoagie gave her a shocked look.

Abby sighed. “I’m saying this not as a KND member, but as a friend. I see the way Cree treats her boyfriends, all the time. I don’t want that to happen to you” she clarified.

“You’re upset about Maurice. That’s what’s bothering you, isn’t it?” realized Hoagie. It was now his turn to sigh. He hated to admit it, but he always had a touch of jealously toward Maurice due to all the affection that Abby and Cree obviously felt for him. But, at the same time, he felt guilty over that because he knew Maurice was a good person, and he didn’t want to hold something against him.

“Well, it does bother me seeing him with Cree all the time, but really I’m just still angry about what happened today” replied Abby.

“Well, it’s not like it’s the first time Numbuh 4 has screwed up” Hoagie pointed out.

“Numbuh 5 knows that, but I’m just more so mad at myself. Numbuh 1 put me in charge and we end up botching the mission. I feel like a failure” Abby confessed.

“It could happen to anyone. Wally just got a little trigger-happy. It’s not your fault” Hoagie reassured.

“I guess. I think I just need a cold soda and a little Miles Davis and I’ll be alright” said Abby.

“Well, I have a full case of root beer and Miles Davis’s “Birth of the Cool” album in my lab” offered Hoagie.

“You listen to Miles Davis?” asked Abby.

“Well yeah, I think classic jazz is great music to have on while I’m working” explained Hoagie.

“I never figured you for a jazz fan, Hoagie. I always just assumed you were into polka or something” Abby mentioned, still astounded.

“Oh come on now, I’m not that dorky” Hoagie commented.

“I’ll say! You know, you’re cooler than I thought” Abby remarked with a smile.

Hoagie blushed at the smile. “Aw shucks! Hold on, I’ll go get the album and a couple bottles of root beer” he said as he went into his workshop.

While in his room he thought briefly about the effect Abby had on him, but also about the similar effect Cree had. “There’s just something about those Lincoln girls” he thought to himself.

A couple minutes later, the two friends, both the “hipster” and the “nerd”, were listening to the album and enjoying the cool frosty beverage. Numbuh 4 still hadn’t returned, and they were kind of enjoying the tranquility.

“Hoagie, I want to thank you for holding me back earlier. I don’t know how I would have explained it to Kuki if I killed her boyfriend” said Abby, half-joking.

“It’s Ok. Say, speaking of those two, what day do you have in the pool?” asked Hoagie.

“Five days ago” she replied regretfully.

“I picked a month ago. Doesn’t that suck?” Hoagie answered as the two started cracking up laughing.

As they both laughed at their gambling loss. Hoagie thought about how, just drinking soda and listening to music with Abby was turning into the best afternoon of his life. But there was one thing that would make it better.

Hoagie stood up and yawned quite loudly while stretching his arms. As, he sat back down he attempted to put his arm around Abigail, but was interrupted by her saying “Hoagie, don’t spoil the moment” in a slightly irritated voice.

Slightly embarrassed, Hoagie sat back down normally, and the two continued as if that “yawn” had never happened.

Back on the island, at the city to be precise, the girls were still investigating. They were searching for any sign of Father. But, suddenly it seemed like Tika had a question.

“So Rachel, what’s going on between you and that Nigel guy?” asked Tika

Rachel blushed. “W…What do you mean?” she asked.

“ “Oh Nigel, please come back to me!” ” Tika impersonated.

“He’s my best agent and a dear friend, that’s all” Rachel explained.

“Just a friend?” Tika asked.

Rachel sighed. “Yes. In fact, he has a girlfriend, a scary one, and I don’t want to get on that girl’s bad side” she explained.

“Hmm, that’s a shame. He’s cute!” Tika observed.

“That, he is!” agreed Rachel.

Rachel and Tika started laughing as Kuki wondered what they were just talking about.

“What are you laughing at? C’mon tell me! Tell me, pwetty please!” begged Kuki as they walked through the streets.

To Be Continued!

Next chapter: I can’t believe I went another full chapter without getting to the accidental wedding that was supposed to happen in chapter 1!

Oh well, this gives me more room to explore the island some more. What sort of mischief are Tak and Tok up to? How long is Wally going to be cleaning up mustard? Will this story ever get to the bloody point? Does anyone even care?

Answers to all these questions Next Chapter!

GROOVY CONTEST

At some point in the story, somebody’s going to win that 3x4 pool!
I already know who, but I’m not telling!
So, I invite you all to guess until then.
Whoever guesses right, will win a special imaginary Rainbow Monkey Gold mega-prize!
And, the first person to guess right gets a “shout-out” in the chapter!
Good luck!