CHAPTER 3: A HAWAIIAN REUNION, IN AUSTRALIA!

After the dogs, bird, and kangaroo headed back for home, the gang enjoyed some fun in the sun. Charlie Brown and Frieda played in the ocean, Claudia, Jadan, and Skylar made some sandcastles. Zac and Andrew would meet up with them soon. Peppermint Patty, Franco, Marcie, and Franklin played some volleyball. Linus and Eudora did some seashell searching on the beach. And Krissy and Red laid out to get some sun. Later, everyone would meet back up for lunch, and Zac and Andrew would join them at that moment.

While eating, Linus was wondering about the poachers Jadan was talking about earlier. He asked her, "Who are the poachers selling their products to?"

"From m' research, they are sellin' 'em under th' guise o' a legal taxidermy company," said Jadan. "There are places that sell 'roo pelts that are legit an' legal. They do it as part o' an eco-friendly and safe environment relegated by th' government. The poachers are doin' this illegally, without any regulations or safety standards. They are also keeping the 'roos in unsanitary, overcrowded pens at their illegal farms."

"Good grief, that's awful!" said Charlie Brown.

"My mum an' dad are also seein' what they can do 'bout th' poachers," Jadan continued.

"Well if Uncle Xavier and Aunt Claire are also involved, then at least I don't have to worry about you getting into trouble," said Krissy.

"No need t' worry, cuz," assured Jadan. "I know t' call th' authorities if needed."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," said Krissy, sighing with relief. After lunch and letting things digest, the gang went back to the beach activities.

Later the contestants for the surfing contest had arrived, and the waves were perfect for surfing. They had come far and wide for the contest. The gang decided to watch things unfold. That was when Marcie noticed a familiar face.

"Sir," she began to Peppermint Patty, "doesn't that surfer look familiar?"

Patty took a look. "It sure does, Marcie!" he agreed happily. "Come on everyone! Let's go down there." And the gang went to see the person they knew. Patty tapped on his shoulder. He turned around and was shocked to see who it was.

"Patty?!" It was Danny A'oi, their friend from Hawaii.

"I thought that was you, Dan-O!" said a happy Patty.

"What are you all doing here in Australia?" Danny asked.

"We're visiting the cousin of our friend here," said Marcie, pointing to Claudia. "This is our best friend Claudia Grandin. And this is her cousins Jadan and Joey, who live here."

"Aloha," Danny greeted.

"G'day, mate," said Jadan and Joey.

"Patty t-told me about the surfing c-c-contest you two were in last y-year," said Claudia.

"Yeah, it was a good competition," said Danny.

"Did Renee come with you?" asked Frieda.

"Sadly she wasn't able to come," Danny replied. "She actually started doing odd jobs at your uncle's resort this year and even giving some hula lessons."

"Y' uncle owns a resort in Hawaii, Frieda?" asked Jadan.

"He does, Jadan," Frieda responded. "That's where we all went last summer."

"So are you in the contest too, Patty?" asked Danny to Patty.

"Not this time, Dan-O," Patty replied. "We didn't even know there was a contest going on until we arrived here. Plus I haven't planned on doing any surfing contests this year, though I probably will surf for leisure, provided the contest isn't going on that day."

"I see," said Danny. "Well I better get registered. It was nice seeing you all again, and nice meeting you, Claudia, Jadan, and Joey."

"Likewise," said Claudia.

"Good luck, Danny," said Franklin.

"Thanks, guys!" said Danny.

NEXT CHAPTER: WHAT ARE THE PETS UP TO?