I made and own the artwork above. It's Nicole drawn in the KND art style. I hope she came out alright! I know I forgot the "e" in "Nicole", but I'll try to get to fixing it later. My dyslexia got the best of me this time it seems lol.

Sorry for taking so long to update any stories - life is busy, life is hectic, and sadly in a lot of cases, life comes first before writing.

Setting; Codename: Kids Next Door (KND)

OC; Hope Honey - OC I made and created who has been used in other stories before, including this book

Death; ???? - Doesn't remember

Reincarnated As; Herself, only in a different world/setting

Pairings; Nigel Uno/Hope Honey, one-sided relationships, ?????

H.O.P.E - Honey Our Purpose Evolves

I'm glad that you all think that Hope and Nigel make a cute couple too. After thinking if it should be Nicole or Hope when I was first thinking this story out, I figured that Hope would fit the best in this position and setting.

Please know that while I will be using episodes and ideas from the cartoon, were the episodes I do use have a chance of being out of order (especially earlier episodes in the series), this is not going to be canon. I already have a sequel idea to this story. Meaning, there will be plots and things going on that never went on in canon!KND. It won't end the same either in this story like it did in the show. Just a heads up. Might be more serious in some places or overall give time and as the story goes on - much like the show did now that I'm thinking about it. In any case, just wanted to let everyone know so I don't get complaints about what is going on in the story.

Now, onto the story! Let's jump right in like how the cartoon does!

-Chapter Start-

'You know, when I agreed to be Nigel's girlfriend a week ago, I should have expected to be kidnapped at least once. Given how important he is and all the possible enemies he has and might have in the future.' Hope thought to herself in a strange calm way as she sat on a very comfortable, old-fashioned looking, sofa. 'Although, on the other hand, I wonder about the laws in this place! I mean, who the heck pays to go to a Zoo filled with kidnapped children? That sounds like a horror film in the making. Wouldn't the parents and police be storming this place?'

Glancing at the bars that kept her trapped in the rather large, and strangely very nice and comfortable, cage and then shifting her gaze to the other cages in sight and various kids in them, Hope could only decide to put all her questions in 'Cartoon Logic' for the moment. At least her cage has a couch, cushions, a coffee table, a comfy looking chair, rug, a few paintings hanging up on the bars, a lamp, a record player and weirdly enough a small fridge filled with drinks and snacks. Felt like a weird hotel. More on the creepy side because of the whole being taken against her will, but at least she doesn't have to worry about dying via hunger. Gives others time to stage a riot and get out or for the KND to bust this whole place up.

Only if her Mother doesn't do that first. Say what you want about the adults in this weird world, but Bunny Honey is not a woman to mess with on any given day and Hope knows that her Mother would storm any place for her and make any and all people, children to adults, rue the day they decided it would be a fine idea to do something to her.

'Then again, Nicole is the most likely one to start the riot first before Mama finds out I'm gone or for Nigel and the others to notice. It's not like I made plans with Nigel today and Mama thinks I'm staying the night at Nicole's.' "You know, this is a well thought out kidnapping plan in my case." Hope hummed under her breath as she thought to herself. Glancing to the empty cage from across from her, Hope could only wonder where her best friend/older-sister-not-by-DNA is.

Honestly, Hope could sigh and lay down on the couch, not able to totally fit on it because of being on the taller side of things, closing her eyes and think back to the whole meeting that started this mess in the first place.

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"Screwdriver." A hand came out out from underneath a tarp, palm out and waiting.

"Big or small?" Hope asked, digging around the toolbox and only coming across two screwdrivers.

"The small one for now." Nicole wiggled her fingers until Hope put the screwdriver into her hand. It soon disappeared back under the tarp. "Might need the bigger one here soon though." Nicole warned, making Hope hum and grab the other so she didn't lose sight of it.

"What are you working on anyway?" Hope asked, tilting her head and taking in the weird shape that the tarp and sheets made. "You're always working on it when you can."

"I'm working on some pieces of junk that my older brother had laying around and turning it into something great!" Nicole smugly told her best friend, head peeking out from the tarp showing the grease on her face. "The idiot was going to throw it all away! So I took it instead. Besides, with him starting high school and his part-time job, he felt guilty for not spending time with me anymore and isn't going to say anything to Mom about me building whatever I want in the garage."

"Yeah, but what exactly are you building?" Hope repeated her question, now looking the mysterious covered item in concern. She has no idea what Nicole's older brother, Dan, used to have or why he needed 'pieces of junk', but she does have an idea that Nicole would turn it into something fun, cool and/or potentially life-threatening. On accident or purpose for the last option. Depends on the day. "It's not a bomb, right?"

"You'll see when it's done." Nicole insisted without pause, face giving nothing away.

Hope wasn't assured. "Just please tell me it's not a nuclear bomb." She nearly begged, already seeing her best friend doing that just for the giggles. Or if someone set her off enough.

"It's not a nuclear bomb." Nicole huffed and rolled her eyes at the thought of it. "Where would I get the nuclear stuff for that anyway?"

"I have a feeling you would find a way. Either that or Dan would somehow get you some if you asked him." Hope wearily stated making Nicole laugh and agree.

"Now, give me the bigger screwdriver--"

*~DIIIING~*

Both girls paused at the sudden doorbell going off.

"Excuse me! Is anyone home?" A muffled voice called from outside.

Glancing at one another, the girls just looked confused.

"Is your Mom expecting someone?" Hope asked, watching Nicole get out from under the tarp to grab a rag to wipe her face with it.

"Mom is at work and Dan is at some club meeting at the High School I think." Nicole told her friend, putting the screwdriver in her pocket for later. "This shouldn't take long." She muttered, starting to walk off with Hope following behind her. Hope putting the screwdriver into her sweater pocket with a shrug.

Going to the front door, Nicole cautiously opened it with Hope peeking over her to see who it is. Both blinked at seeing an old woman with white hair, business dress and tie, black heels and sunglasses on.

Opening the door more, Nicole frowned. "Can I help you?" Nicole asked while Hope frowned, getting a weird feeling about all this.

"Yes; I'm looking for--" The old short woman paused, getting out a little notepad and flipping pages before stopping on one with a small smile. "--a Nicole Nemesis and a Hope Honey?"

"I'm Hope Honey ma'm." Hope answered without thinking as she noticed something off about the old woman. Pushing up her glasses, she narrowed her eyes when she noticed something...moving behind the woman's back? 'What in the....?'

"Oh, so polite!" The older woman gushed happily with a giggle. "Yes, very polite indeed!"

"Yeah...." Nicole muttered, looking the woman up and down. "I'm Nicole Nemesis."

"Oh that's wonderful!" The old woman grinned, putting the notepad away. "I'm Mrs. Goodwall." She introduced herself happily. "I'm here to invite the two of you to my new Children's Zoo."

"No thanks, I have plans for today." Nicole didn't even hesitate to answer.

Hope nodded in agreement. "Sorry, Mrs. Goodwall, but I promised to help Nicole out today." Shrugging, Hope gave a airy smile down at Nicole. "Maybe we can go another day?"

"Of course you'd love spending the day petting goats and sheep." Nicole chuckled with a fond eye roll.

"Oh dear, there seems to be a misunderstanding." Mrs. Goodwall put a hand to her lips, looking worried. Nicole, who was about to shut the door, stopped and frowned while Hope felt confused. "My Children's Zoo isn't a Petting Zoo, dearies."

Hope leaned forward a bit when Mrs. Goodwall moved a bit. Getting a better look at her back--"Is that a tail?" Hope muttered, eyes going wide.

"What other kind of zoo is it then?" Nicole snorted at the same time, ruefully amused. "A zoo filled with kids?"

"Why, yes!" Mrs. Goodwall smiled at seeing the girls were understanding what she was saying. "And you two are invited to be in the attractions! Of course, the zoo isn't fully finished, so you might have to share space with other types of children, but I promise to make it a very comfortable environment children need to grow while the various adults come and see you all!"

A short pause.

Then Nicole exploded.

"Why in freaking heck do you think we would want anything to do with that?!" Nicole yelled, getting red in the face and looking seconds away from just hitting the old woman. "I don't know who you think you are, but you got another thing coming if you think we're going to agree to anything like that! You can take your offer and stuff it right up your butt lady!"

"Oh dear! How impolite!" Mrs. Goodwall gasped, looking horrified at Nicole's words and actions. Which Hope couldn't understand why. She thinks it's a pretty reasonable reaction to some weird old woman, with a tail of all things, coming by and saying she wants to put you in some weird zoo for adults to point and laugh at.

"--and you better be sure that I'll shove my fist so far down your throat--"

"Ma'm, thank you but no thank you on your offer." Hope tried to speak over her friend's growing yelling, mentally wondering just how messed up everything is that she is even in this situation to start with. "I think we're just going to stay home. With the doors locked. And windows. With the police and our family on speed dial. With bats in our hands just in case. Far away from you."

"--Bat?! I'll use a freaking pellet gun! You ever come near me and Hope again I'll break your face you no-good little--"

"Far, far away from you." Hope went on, tugging on her beanie. "So, sorry but not sorry, we're not interested." 'Nor is any kid more than likely.' Hope mentally ended with a sweat-drop. Turning back to her friend, she went to stand in front of her and try to calm her down. Or at  least go rant inside the house so she can close and lock the door.

Distracted by Nicole's anger and yelling, Hope didn't notice the old woman going silent.

"Dearies, my so many misunderstandings." Hope heard, making her frown and start to turn her head. "You thought you had a choice in the matter."

The next thing Hope knew was a quick prick of pain, like a needle from a shot or from getting a vial of blood taken without the numbing, and falling down to the ground.

'Am... Am I fainting again?' Hope thought to herself slowly, not feeling herself hit the ground as everything around her started to blur together. In the distance, as if miles away, she could hear a big commotion. Yelling and....something else. Her mind started to stop, everything going dark.

'I'm so sleepy....'

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"--we said to let us out right this instant!"

Jerking up, Hope scrambled to fix her glasses on her face, nearly falling off the couch. Once fixed, Hope blinked and looked around to find she was no longer alone. Lifting a hand and licking her lips, Hope figured she must have fallen asleep for a while.

Shaking her head, Hope turned her attention to the commotion and gave a small smile at who she saw. "You guys got stuck here too?" She asked with a chuckle, rubbing her neck as the group of siblings called 'The Delightful Children From Down the Lane' turned as one to stare at her.

"Hope Honey." They greeted as one, giving a nod in greeting, voices monotone.

"Hello Bruce, Constance, Lenny, David and Heather." Hope nodded to the shortest blond haired boy, the girl with pigtails, the boy with the football helmet, the tallest boy, and then finally the girl with long blond hair. Giving them all a smile, she missed how they all twitched. "You know what's going on?" She asked in concern, stretching out from where she was sitting.

"No." The siblings answered as one, shaking their heads. "One moment we were drinking tea in the garden, the next thing we knew we were waking up here."

"Interrupted tea time?" Hope scratched her cheek before getting up and going to the fridge. Opening it, she glanced around before her eyes lit up at what she found. Grabbing the end of her baggy sweater, she used it as a makeshift bag as she put some cans in it. Being careful, she went to the couch once more, sitting the cans on the coffee table.

"It might not be much, but here is some canned tea!" Smiling brightly, Hope gestured to the cans she found. "I know you guys like your tea time." Hope could remember them having a set time for tea during either recess or lunch, depending on the school year. She never really hung out with them or anything, she only knew their respective names because of sharing a class with them last year, but they weren't hard to notice. Besides, they've been nothing but polite to her every time she saw them.

Although, for some reason, she thinks she is forgetting something about them. Maybe more than one thing. She knew they were considered the bad guys in the cartoon, but a lot of facts about them were blurred together. Oh well, something to forget and throw out the window - because nothing in this world makes any sense, so what's the point in remembering and forgetting?

They looked at her with cold blue eyes before they nodded as one. Small smiles growing on their faces. "Thank you." Each one thanked as one, going to sit on the couch together and grabbing a can of tea for themselves.

Giving a smile, Hope went to sit back down before stopping her in tracks at what the siblings said next.

"Honestly, to think we were kidnapped along with those Kids Next Door too."

"The Kids Next Door?" Head turning so fast she was shocked it didn't snap, Hope could feel her heart beating faster in fear. "Nigel and the others are here?!"

"Of course." They nodded, gesturing to the cage right besides them. "Didn't you notice them knocked out in the cage a few feet away from us?"

"I'm an oblivious airhead!" Hope said in a rush, moving as fast as she can to the cage bars. Now noticing and seeing the others in the cage, all seemingly asleep. Grabbing the bars, Hope sighed and lightly banged her head on them. "First Nicole, now them. Great, just great. I didn't even notice them! And they're all wearing bright colors! Some girlfriend I am--" Hope muttered to herself with each bang, stopping herself short when a hands grabbed her shoulders.

Turning her head, Hope gave a surprised little jolt at seeing the siblings behind her. David and Lenny both holding her shoulders, while the other three looked up at her.

"Hurting yourself would do no one any favors." They stated factually, David and Lenny letting go of her shoulders once they saw her stop. "While we do not understand why anyone would agree to date Nigel Uno, it is obvious he is fine and no harm has been done to him. There is no need to worry about that as of right now."

Slowly letting go of the cage bars, Hope couldn't help but smile at the group. "You know," Hope started to say, giving a airy lopsided smile. "You're all sweet." She didn't ever think that people who were thought to be evil would try to stop herself from hurting herself, even if she wasn't actually aiming to do that. Yet, here they were trying to.

"....Sweet...." The Delightful Children slowly repeated before they all shook their heads. Gesturing to the coffee table, they all said as one "Why don't you join us for tea time? We're sure that those rude Kids Next Door will wake up soon. Better to finish tea time before all the unclothe behavior starts."

"I don't like tea, but as long as I can drink some juice instead, sure!" Hope bluntly said, going to the fridge. Grabbing a juice box, she went and sat down on the carpet at the coffee table, right across from the Delightful Children.

Putting the straw in, Hope took a sip before turning her attention to the group. "So, um, Bruce, what's your favorite color?" Hope asked, wanting to start a conversation to get rid of the silence in the cage. And also to not listen to the other kids in other cages doing whatever. She didn't want to linger on the fact that her boyfriend and friends are in a cage right next to her and the fact that her best friend is MIA pretty much.

Better to focus on the little mercies and positives unless she wants to have a mental breakdown.

Looking straight into Bruce's eyes, Hope noticed how they all seemed to look confused. Which honestly just confused her.

'Has no one ever asked what Bruce's, or any of their, favorite colors are?' Hope could only wait for some type of answer or subject change. Mentally shrugging, she decided to just drink her juice and wait for an answer.

Eventually, they all stated as one "Red."

"Bruce, you're favorite color is red?" Hope asked to clarify it was Bruce's or if it was all of their favorite color. All of them nodded. Hope just nodded right back with a smile, not noticing their little twitches. "That's nice! Red is called a passionate color, you know?" Hope then gestured to what she was wearing. "My favorite color is green if you couldn't tell."

"A mature color." The Children stated, although Hope had no idea if they were talking about the color green or red. Oh well, she'll take it as a compliment either way.

"Thanks!" Turning her gaze to Heather, Hope tilted her head. "What about you Heather? Got a favorite color? Oh! How about your favorite animal instead?"

Another long pause.

Hope took another sip of her juice box and started humming.

"Purple.....and cats."

"Really? I'm more of a dog person, but I like cats as long as they're not mine. What about you David?"

If they were stuck there, might as well make small talk. Hope doesn't see anything wrong with that. What's the  harm it could do?

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"The heck..." Nicole groaned in pain. Eyes screwed shut, she lifted a hand to rub her shoulder that was throbbing in pain. It took a few seconds before her distorted mind caught up with her, everything that had happened making her eyes shoot open and her getting up as fast as she can.

"That crappy old lady! Hope!" Gasping, Nicole quickly looked around only to find grey walls and a sturdy jail-like door, it being made out of cage bars. Rushing to the door, she grabbed the bars and gave it a quick shake, only to scowl at seeing it doing nothing. Kicking it once, Nicole took a step back and tried to look around the bars.

Outside all she could see were trees. Some bright colored things, buildings maybe, were out there. But they were too far off to the side for Nicole to see them clearly. She could hear other people walking and talking, what seemed to be some screams or yelling, but nothing she was able to make out.

Seeing it as a lost cause for now, Nicole turned back to the grey, cement walls to try and see if there was anything else. The walls were smooth. No windows. There was only a light hanging above her, but it was turned off at the moment and Nicole knew there was no way she could reach it.

'Come on! Come on! Think of something! Anything!' Taking in a deep breath, Nicole tried to calm herself down. It didn't fully get rid of the panic, fear and pure anger all the way, but it calmed her enough to where she wasn't seeing red anymore. 'Alright, okay--there are no windows. The door is a no-go, the walls are solid con--'

"Oh my, it seems like the Wild Child is up early!"

Vision going red, Nicole snapped her head around with a snarl. All but leaping to the door, Nicole gave a enraged yell, trying to get her hand through the door to hit Mrs. Goodwall. The old woman just frowned at the behavior.

"Now, now--there is no need for such violence." Mrs. Goodwall scolded, reaching a hand up to touch her bruised cheek. "Really, deary, do you really need to act this way?"

"You kidnapped me and my best friend! How else am I supposed to act?!" Nicole pounded on the bars that made up the door. The lock harshly jingling at her actions.

"I suppose having a Wild Child will be too much for my Children's Zoo." Mrs. Goodwall sadly sighed, ignoring Nicole's words. "Oh well, at least I got a rare Sickly Child. One out of two isn't bad."

"Sickly--Where's Hope?!" Nicole demanded, body tensing up as her mind went to worse case scenarios.

"Not to worry about her." Mrs. Goodwall waved off the worry with a gentle smile. "Her exhibit isn't finished just yet, so I put her in one of the more safer and clean cages. Such a polite girl she is, it's no question why she was recommended to me."

"Recommended?!" Nicole gasped before freezing as the implications hit her. Someone recommended Hope. The old woman had said before that 'One out of the two isn't bad', implying that Nicole, herself, was recommended.

Someone, maybe more than one person, wanted to hurt them or get rid of them.

"Now, be a good girl, won't you?" Mrs. Goodwall giggled, not paying any more mind to the rapidly paling girl. "I have to check the other exhibits before lunch time."

Numbly watching the evil woman walk away, Nicole's hands trembled.

'Whoever decided it was a good idea to try and mess with me and Hope....' A glint entered Nicole's eyes, a raging fire growing inside of her. 'Is going to regret it by the time I'm done with them.'

Backing away from the door, Nicole frowned and grumbled. Leaning on the farthest wall from the door, she slid down it until her butt hit the hard ground. Shoving her hands in her pockets, she gave a hiss when her hands hit something cold and...metal.

Confused, she grabbed it and pulled whatever it was out. Blinking, a slow smirk grew on her face when she saw the small screwdriver.

One way or another, she was getting out.

And she had the tool to do it.

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"Oh my aching--" Wally groaned in pain, slowly getting up with his hand on his head. When he sat up, something touched his hand. Turning his attention to it, he grinned when he saw that it was a yellow earring with the number '4' on it. "--Hey, I got an earring!"

Another groan caught his attention. Head snapping to the sound, Wally beamed when he saw it was his lead, Numbuh 1. Walking over, Wally pointed to Nigel's ear with a smile. "You got an earring too!"

"Wha--Where are we?!" Nigel gasped, finally waking up fully. Wally opened his mouth, but another voice cut him off.

"Nigel?!"

Jerking up as fast as he could, Nigel gasped at the sight of his girlfriend in a cage right across from him. Running to the bars, he grasped them tightly. "Hope, what are you doing here?!" He asked in a panic. However, his shocked face quickly morphed into a horror filled one when he finally noticed the others in Hope's large cage.

"You say that like she had a choice, Nigel Uno." The Delightful Children From Down the Lane answered blandly, coming to stand right besides Hope to look at the KND operatives with a blank stare.

"You step away from my girlfriend if you know what's good for you!" Nigel snapped, trying to pry open the bars as his protective instincts took over and failing to even make them budge. So lost in his worry he didn't even pay any mind to some adults throwing peanuts at Wally, who quickly started to growl like a wolf. The Delightful Children just raised one eyebrow each, seeming to mock them all.

"Nigel?" Hope frowned in confusion, not understanding the boy's anger and panic.

"Hey! What is all the racket about?" Abby groaned, finally opening her eyes along with Hoagie and Kuki. The girl blinked, glancing around with a confused look on her face. Two of her friends were slowly getting up, another looked seconds away from trying to chew on the metal bars in a desperate effort to get out, and the final one just jumped onto the bars like a savage animal, growling at some adults who were now running away.

Getting up, Abby glanced around with a bad feeling in her stomach, trying to piece together what was going on. "Where are we?" She asked aloud, taking in all the different cages and big walls keeping them trapped.

"We're in a Children's Zoo. But, you know, where kids are forced in the cages and not cute animals." Hope bluntly stated, crossing her arms with a sad frown. "We've been kidnapped." She added on helpfully.

"It isn't that hard to figure out." The Delightful Children stated factually. "Truly, you all must be failing your classes in school." They mocked as one.

"Ha! Well at least someone finally put you in cage where you belong!" Wally snapped right back, rushing to stand next to Nigel to stick his tongue out at the Delightful Children.

Before the Delightful Children could say anything, Hope grabbed the bars and leaned on them. "Wally," She started with a puzzled look on her face. "You're in a cage too. You--You do know that, right?"

Wally paused at this fact being thrown at him. Thinking about it, he suddenly growled, letting go of the bars and huffing, crossing his arms angrily. "Who's side is she on anyway?" He grumbled, only to flinch back when Nigel glared down at him with a grown.

"Think about what you're saying!" Nigel hissed out at the shorter boy, making said boy gulp and look away and kick the ground.

"Sorry...."

"Yes, Hope is right!" The Delightful Children laughed together. "Just more proof of our theory of your failing grades."

"Would you all just stop so we can figure out what is going on?" Abby cut in, stomping to stand next to Nigel, Kuki and Hoagie following close behind.

"Oh, how fabulous!"

However, before anything else could be said, Mrs. Goodwall finally showed herself. Walking to stand in between the two cages. Hope did a double take at the sight of a huge and darkening bruise on the woman's cheek.

"The Obnoxious Kids Cage has awaken full of activity!" She gushed, clasping her hands together in delight. "I see you met your counterparts," She gestured to where the Delightful Children and Hope stood. "In the Delightfully Charming Children Exhibit!"

"We are good children. Please release us." The Delightful Children pleaded, clasping their heads together.

"Yeah, you can't keep us here!" Hoagie called out angrily. With that called out, it was like a flood gate opened, making the others demand to be let out as well.

"--no way I'm staying here--"

"--crummy place, I'll break the bars if I have to--"

"--inbow Monkey show starts at three--"

"--ope and us go right now!"

"Settle down children, settle down." Mrs. Goodwall interrupted the yelling, hands doing soothing gestures. Once she got their attention, their voices starting to die down, she went on. "Now you see, this is exactly why I created this state of the art Children's Zoo." Grabbing her tail, she started to twirl the end of it happily as she explained everything. "Adults are fascinated by children, but they're far too wild to keep in their house." Clapping her hands in delight with a large grin, she started to point out some of the nearby cages. "I have so many different exhibits! Like the Nerd Enclosure, the Gossip Cage, and, of course, the Ugly Children Display."

'Wow, that's so rude and mean--potentially giving those kids self-body issues that'll last their whole lives.' Hope blandly thought to herself as everyone else looked at Mrs. Goodwall in horror.

"But, by far, our most popular attraction is the live feeding of the Obnoxious Brats to our School Yard Bully." She finished, looking excited and happy.

"I'm a bit confused on why I'm here." Hope slowly said, glancing around and breaking the horror filled silence. "I mean, I know I'm not some evil kid running around and egging people's houses, but I'm pretty sure I'm not very charming and delightful."

"Oh, no--you my dear, are a rare one!" Mrs. Goodwall turned to Hope, brightly smiling. "I never thought I would ever catch a Sickly Child! Sadly, the cage is still being crafted to fit your needs. And as a polite girl, sharing a cage with other good children will do no harm. I made sure to put a little fridge in there just in case for you. It should last you a week--"

"She already ate all the snacks inside. All by herself might we add." The Delightful Children informed the old woman without even blinking an eye.

"Oh dear. Maybe some new modifications to the Sickly Child Enclosure will be needed." Mrs. Goodwall muttered to herself in worry.

"Okay, I get that--but where's Nicole?" Hope asked in worry, hands clasped together over her chest.

"Hmmm?" Mrs. Goodwall jolted out of her thoughts, only to laugh while she puts a hand on her bruised cheek. "Oh, the Wild Child? A shame she turned out to be too wild to keep in my zoo--Wild Children are rare to get a hold of! She would have been able to stay if she just went down without all the fuss."

"You kidnapped us." Hope deadpanned, heart dropping in fear. "You should expect the victims to fight back."

"Yeah, I'm not shocked Nicole hit ya!" Wally added in with a snort. "She might be a girl, but man, does she hit harder than some of the teens I've fought!"

"Well, that hit got her a ticket to going along with you impolite little brats!" Mrs. Goodwall snapped, although she kept her smile. Pointing at the KND, she beamed. "You all are today's two o'clock meal!"

"What?!" Hope's jaw dropped, nearly tripping as she flinched back. "That-That's--" She struggled with her words, mentally screaming at the fact that apparently cannibalism is okay here. Never mind the fact that her friends, best friend and boyfriend were all going to be fed to a school yard bully like a few pounds of raw stake to a lion.

Mrs. Goodwall just laughed, waving to them all as she walked away. "See you all at lunch time!" She called out, not even looking back at them once.

The Delightful Children tilted their heads as one, glancing to a dangerously swaying and paling Hope. "Hope, perhaps you should sit down before you faint." They moved as one, Bruce grabbing her hand while Heather grabbed her other arm gently. Guiding her to the sofa.

"Hey, don't touch--!" Nigel called out angrily, growling only to snap his attention to Hoagie when he put a hand on his shoulder.

"Numbuh 1, I know you don't like it, we don't either, but they're not hurting Hope." Hoagie whispered softly, raising a finger. "When we figure out how to get out of here, we can the figure out how to get Hope and the rest free too!"

"Hehe, yeah, going into over-protective boyfriend mode isn't going to help!" Kuki giggled at her leader's actions. "We gotta get out first, then you can go all; 'Let my girlfriend go or else!'"

"I--I guess you're both right." Nigel sighed, giving a glance to see Hope now sitting on the couch with the Delightful Children walking to the record-player. Straightening up, he looked back at his team sternly. "All right team, we have--" Nigel lifted an arm, pushed back his sleeve to look at the watch there. "--we don't have much time. We need to get out of here now! Spread out Kids Next Door!"

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Winding up the record-player, the Delightful Child watched their enemies rushing around to find a way out. One even trying to bit through the metal bars as if they were butter. Failing of course, but they all knew not to think that Sector V was on the smarter end of the spectrum. Lucky, perhaps, but not smart in where it mattered.

Letting their gaze wounder, letting the music wash over them once they stopped winding up the record-player, it landed on Hope Honey.

Truly, the girl confused them all. However, in the end, they all were slightly envious of the tall girl.

The other child could pass for a teenager if she truly wanted. A step closer to being an adult. Hope Honey was tall enough and more than thin enough to do so if she truly wanted. Yet, not once have they ever seen her try to do so. Maybe it was her oblivious nature at play? Not even noticing that she had the power to do something that many others, them included, crave.

In the end though, they all for some reason could never hold that against her. She was truly oblivious. An airhead, a self admitted one at that. It was hard to be angry at someone who doesn't even notice what they were envious of. Frustrated and annoyed at times, but never angry. Although, on the other hand, they were only slight envious. As it is obvious that the girl had more than one health issue that might come her impressive height and worrying thinness.

No, Hope Honey mainly confused them with a mix of something else.

The girl had the habit of calling them all by their respectful names. Asking questions to them all, but also to each individual. It was strange. Not even their Father did that. To everyone, they were one in the same.

Sometimes..... Sometimes (almost every time) when Hope spoke to them, they could hear voices. Their own voices, but yet not. Strange, different, but themselves. No, not themselves. Those voices in their heads, screaming to be heard yet were little more than whispers were--

"AAAAHHH!"

"--LET ME OUT OF THIS PLACE--"

"--I CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS--"

Flinching back violently, the Delightful Children looked to where the KND are only to find massive chaos. All the KND, besides two, were running around like they lost their heads. Kuki Sanban running around, waving her hands in the air as she screamed in panic. Hoagie P. Gilligan was doing the same thing, nearly smashing into Kuki a few times. Wallabee Beatles, on the other hand, was climbing up the metal bars of his cage and yelling out things they could never repeat--not words delightful children should use, ever. 

Nigel Uno and Abigail Lincoln, unlike the others, were not screaming. Although it wasn't much better in Nigel's case, as he was slamming his fists on the metal bars with a look that screamed pure murder. A new look on his face that actually made them freeze and take a step back at, turning their attention away from him quickly. At least Abigail was sensible enough to stand there and do nothing they thought together.

Sooner or later, the KND will no longer be an issue to them. Just standing there is the best option. For them at least. Means peace and quiet.

"Oh!" Quickly turning their heads, all of them blinked at the sight of Hope holding up what looked to be a screwdriver. "When did I put that in my pocket?" Hope asked in confusion, tiling her head.

"That's it!" Abigail's voice cut through the chaos, forcing them all to look at her.

Frowning, they all frowned and started to worry as a thought hit them all at once.

If they do make it home in time for lunch.....Father.....!

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Hope blinked at Abby, who was dramatically pointing out her. "What's it?" She bluntly asked, not knowing what the other girl was talking about.

"We can use that screwdriver to undo the cage!" Abby explained with a determined grin, gesturing to the corners of the cage that were screwed shut.

"Um..." Hope glanced at the edges of the cage she was in. While she could see what Abby was talking about, Hope knew herself. She wouldn't call herself handy, not like Nicole or Hoagie.

Seeing Hope's face, Abby gestured to herself. "Just toss it over and then we'll get you out after." She told the taller girl with a confidant smile. Wally, on the other hand, was not smiling. Scowling, he jumps off the cage bars and onto the tree, leaning down on a branch and giving Abby a glare.

"What are you saying, Numbuh 5! If we do that, then the Delightful Brats will get out too!" Wally snapped. Abby raised an eyebrow and simply pointed in front of her. Wally frowned in confusion and slowly turned his head, only to pale dramatically at the glare his leader was giving him.

"Do you want to say that again, Numbuh 4?" Nigel slowly asked in a cold voice that reminded Wally of snow.

"I-I don't--" Wally stuttered, not seeing what he did wrong.

"You just said that you didn't want to get Hope out of the cage!" Hoagie whispered to Wally in a rush, looking nervous. "If we don't get the Delightful Kids out, then we don't get Hope out!"

"N-Nothing! I said nothing!" Wally blurted out, waving his arms as if to wipe away what he said.

"That's what I thought." Nigel stated, finally looking away. Wally nearly fell out the tree in relief.

"Wooow~!" Kuki giggled, clapping her hands in delight. "So that's what an overprotective boyfriend looks like? Numbuh 1 can be soooo scary~!"

Shaking her head, Abby turns her attention back to Hope. "Just throw it as hard as you can!" Abby instructs.

Hope glanced at the distance between cages before shrugging with a worried frown. "I'll try." She said, walking to the cage bars. Lifting her hand, she slowly aims it, holding it like a dart almost, then throws as hard as she can.

"AH!"

Wally screams, quickly falling out of the tree to dodge the screwdriver that hit just where he was. As it wasn't thrown too hard, it didn't get stuck in the tree and fell harmlessly to the ground. Yelping, Wally whines and rubs his head. "Man, am I glad that she doesn't have the strength to back up her aim!" Wally grumbles, making Kuki snicker.

"Just imagine if she had Nicole's strength!" Kuki beams, making Wally pale at the thought. Abby rolls her eyes and grabs the screwdriver, handing it off to Hoagie.

"Alright, Numbuh 2, you get to work while the rest of us will keep a look out." Abby instructed everyone, gaining nods of determination all around.

"Kids Next Door, let's get out of here!"

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"Um..." Hope blinked at the sight of all the kids in the cage across from her rushing into places. Some acting as look outs while others covered Hoagie from sight. Hoagie working hard at unscrewing the screws that hold the cage together. Shrugging, Hope can only leave them to it. They're the professionals.

Turning her head, Hope frowned at the sight of her cage-mates pacing back and forth, muttering to themselves. Something about lunch and their father?

"Hey, you guys okay?" Hope asked in concern, walking over to them. They paused in their pacing, looking towards her as one with deep, worried frowns on their faces.

"Father will be most anger if we do not make it in time home for luncheon." They answered as one, face growing more worried at their words.

Hope tilted her head in confusion. "I don't see why he would be mad at you. I mean, you all were kidnapped against your all's will." She bluntly answered, rubbing the back of her neck in thought. "A good Dad might be angry that you missed lunch for no good reason, but would be more than angry and worried that you got kidnapped. I know my Mama and Dad will be furious enough to raise heck when they hear about this."

"He...won't be angry at us?" They slowly asked, frowns lessening on their faces. Hope beamed right back.

"I mean, he might at first until you explain yourselves. You all have a good reason if you miss it or late, and it's not your all's fault when you think about it. It's Mrs. Goodwall's fault for kidnapping you." Hope explained, feeling better when they all stop frowning. "Just explain what happened and I'm sure everything will be alright."

"Yes..." The Delightful Children nodded in agreement, little smiles growing on their faces. "I think we shall try it."

BAM!

Jolting, Hope nearly fell on her face from how fast she turned at the sudden slam while the Delightful Children just turned their heads nonchalantly. Across the way, the KND finally got the cage wall to fall off with the help of the screwdriver.

"Hope!" Nigel rushed to the cage that held his girlfriend and arch-enemies. Getting to the door that was close tight with a padlock, he grabbed a nearby rock and slammed it a few times until it came off. Nearly ripping the door off in his rush to open it, he ran towards Hope and pulled her close, face buried in her sweater, relaxing when she wrapped her arms around him.

"Thank you, Kids Next Door."

Nigel tensed right back up at the robotic words, swiftly letting go of Hope and pushing her behind him, glaring at the Delightful Children from Down the Lane. It took a moment for the words to work their way through his mind, but eventually he slowly blinked. "You're....welcome....?" He slowly answered lowly, eyes watching them for any sudden movements.

The Delightful Children nodded. "If you don't mind now, we will be leaving." They turned before pausing, "Goodbye, Hope Honey." They stated like good children that they are.

"Goodbye Bruce,  Constance, Lenny, David and goodbye Heather!" Hope brightly called back, not noticing the sudden twitch from the group and Nigel. "See you all later, have a great lunch with your Father!"

"Hope, you really shouldn't talk to them." Nigel warned, grabbing her hand into his own and tugging her close as he led her out of the cage. "They're big enemies, wanting nothing more than for adults to subjugate all kids everywhere!"

"They've always been nice and polite to me." Hope said with a shrug and a lopsided smile on her face. "Besides, I don't have to worry about the adults winning or anything happening when you're on a job, right?"

To the kids watching it was as if an arrow shot Nigel straight in the heart at Hope's words. Their leader went totally red, steam coming off him as he stuttered and sputtered, trying to form words and failing over and over again. The taller girl on the other hand just looked confused and concerned over all this.

"Gross!" Wally gagged dramatically. Hoagie joined him while Kuki giggled and gushed over the two. Abby rolled her eyes fondly before snapping her fingers to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, we got ourselves out--now what, Numbuh 1?" Abby asked the leader of Sector V.

Snapping out of his daze, Nigel straightened, gaining a stern and serious look upon his face. Although the affect was slightly damped by the fact he refused to let go of Hope's hand. "Sector V, our mission here is to get everyone out of here! Time to break those locks!"

With those words, it was a mad scramble to breakout all the children in time before the insane old lady came by.

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"Now what Numbuh 1?" Kuki asked, looking over the huge crowd of children in front of them with a bright, happy smile. "There's so many of them!"

Humming, Nigel rubbed his chin in thought. "Numbuhs 2,3 and 4 will heard them to the nearest exit. Numbuh 5 and I will stay back in case of that crazy old woman comes by." He eventually ordered.

"Alright!" Hoagie saluted along with Kuki and Wally. The three rushed towards the crowd, yelling and calling out as if they were cattle farmers and the big crowd were cows. One girl almost ran off in the opposite direction, but Wally got on all fours and started snarling and growling like a dog, scaring the girl. He bit her pant leg, the girl screamed, rushing off to follow the crowd with Wally snarling close behind.

Abby could only slowly shake her head.

"Hope, you should follow--" Nigel started to say, only to pause when he turned his head up to see Hope's worried face and slightly teary eyes behind her large glasses. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Nigel quickly fired off, getting worried himself as he checked over his girlfriend.

"Nicole's not here!" Hope blurted out, hands clasped together tightly. "I know she was taken with me, Mrs. Goodwall even admitted to it, but she wasn't in any of the cages! Not even the bully one!" Hands to her chest, Hope curled a bit where she stood, getting paler. "What if she's hurt or already been fed to the bully!" Hope never once thought that she would have to actively worry about cannibalism of all things, but that doesn't change the fact that the thought of her best friend being fed to someone like a prime piece of beef makes her want to throw up and faint.

"Hey now, we'll find the girl, don't worry." Abby calmly and slowly said, raising her hands to try and settle Hope. "Nicole is a firey one, she'll be able to handle herself until we find her."

"Yes, no kid will be left behind." Nigel firmly stated with a nod, trying to comfort Hope. "Everything will be fine--"

*Click*

"Now, now, I wouldn't say that."

All three kids quickly turned and went wide eyed at the sight of Mrs. Goodwall standing there, dart gun locked and loaded, pointed right at them.

"Hope, get behind me!" Nigel quickly shoved Hope behind him, trying with all his might to cover as much as he can given that he only comes to her chest area. His mind whirling as he tries to come up with a way to get them all out of this safely. Hope quickly reaches out and grabs onto Nigel's shoulders, fingers clawing at his red shirt. Abby slowly shifted her weight, getting ready to dive at the woman at a moments notice.

"Such naughty children you all are! Impolite brats you all are! I come back from my lunch break and what do I find? All my hard work undone by you snot nose little brats!" Mrs. Goodwall snarled angrily. "How dare you all undo all my hard work?! Now I am going to have to hunt all those children down again--after I put you little impolite brats in your place!"

"Our place?" Abby scoffed with an eye roll. "Our place is kicking butts of no-good adults like you!"

"Put down the dart gun." Nigel commands, eyes sharp, taking in every motion the woman does. "You've already lost."

"Now you listen here; I will not be told what to do by a bunch of bad little children!" Mrs. Goodwall scoffed right back, not noticing how Hope's eyes widened and were looking at something behind her. "You all will apologize and get back in your cages like good--"

*BANG*

"AH!"

Both Nigel and Abby blinked, going wide eyed at the sight of Mrs. Goodwall falling to the ground with a heavy thud. Once she is down, there stood Nicole right behind the woman. Face in a angry snarl and holding a dented metal folding chair in her hands.

"Nicole!" Hope gasped in relief, rushing around Nigel to Nicole, hovering over the girl and fretting over her. "You're okay? She didn't hurt you? Where were you?" Hope fired off, only stopping when Nicole tossed the chair and huffed, face relaxing back to normal.

"She put me in some type of jail cell across the zoo. Luckily I had the small screwdriver." Nicole lifted her hand to show it, bruises on her hand and wrist showing as well. "It took a bit to squeeze my hand through the bars to get to the lock, I don't have skinny hands like you Hope, but I was able to pick the lock." Nicole scowls at the knocked out woman in front of her, looking seconds away from kicking her. "Then I saw this old hag and thought 'Hey, this chair would look great going upside her head!'"

"It was just like wrestling!" Hope beamed with a laugh. "You gave her the chair!"

"Should have gave her the big boot to the face--" Nicole started to say only to yelp when the ground started to rumble. Grabbing Hope's arm, Nicole tugged her back just in time. A huge crowd of kids came rushing by to the exit nearby, running over Mrs. Goodwall in the process.

"Dreams do come true." Nicole breathed out in awe, watching the crowd run off.

Abby stepped towards where the crowd ran off, nodding her head at Nigel. "We should get out of here." She told the others.

"You're right." Nigel agreed, walking over to Hope and grabbing her hand. Hope smiled and started walking with Nicole walking right besides her.

"Well, this sleepover started horribly." Nicole snorted, rubbing the back of her head. "And we missed lunch too!"

"I am hungry." Hope agreed with a sad sigh and a little pout. "Maybe we can pick something on the way back?"

"Numbuh 5 wouldn't mind some ice cream." Abby mused aloud, crossing her arms as she walked.

"Pistachio sounds good right about now." Nigel agreed with a smile. All the stress of the day rolling off his back. The only good thing that happened before now was not having to fight the Delightful Children.

'I'm a bit shocked they didn't try anything.' Nigel mused to himself silently. 'I thought they would have told Mrs Goodwall or even Father where we were.' Shrugging it off, Nigel beams at his girlfriend and friends and starts talking about ice cream flavors.

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"Argh...."" Mrs Goodwall groaned, slowly sitting up with a hand on her head, eyes closed tight from pain behind her glasses. "Those no good little--"

"Excuse me, are you the owner of this zoo?" A male's voice asked behind her.

Mrs. Goodwall lips twitched up into a polite smile, slowly turning her head around. "Why, yes! Yes, I am the owner--" Her voice got caught in her throat when she fully turned her head.

There, right in front of her, stood a tall man that looked more like a dark shadow than anything else. Bright yellow eyes glaring down at her, fists resting on his hips. A group of children stood behind him, glaring down at her.

"That's her, Father." The Delightful Children stated, pointing at her. Making her feel like she was on the chopping block.

"So, you're the one who got the bright idea to kidnap my kids?" Father lowly asked, eyes narrowing even further. "Well, better to set an example for other adults to follow. Kids, stay back! Watch how your old man here deals with troublesome people who have to be reminded of their place."

"P-Please!" Mrs. Goodwall begged, the shadow over her growing bigger and bigger. "Please no! I'm sorry! Please--NOOOOO!"

-End Chapter-

Sorry it took so long to get this out and posted for everyone to enjoy and read. Everything has been a bit crazy in the world. More so than lately. I'm doing fine myself for the most part. I hope that everyone is doing fine and that you're all safe and healthy. Make sure to be careful when outside! 

For the Delightful Children, the blond girl has no official name. Fandom calls her Ashley most times, one voice actor from the cartoon called her Cissy once I think too. But as she has no official name, I decided to name her Heather, as it is can be considered an old fashioned name but still one used more commonly.