10 VANDERPLANS

CHAPTER 10 VANDERPLANS Alexander, Rip, and Nikki flipped through Ms. Vanderpants's secret file on their walk home. "I can't believe she's been spying on us!" said Nikki. "She must be trying to figure out how to stop us," said Rip. "Look! She even wrote about me turning into a monster at the golf course!" "This file folder means she's for sure the boss-monster," said Alexander. "Right," Rip said. "So what kind of monster is she?"

"Good question," said Alexander. "Well, what kind of powers does she have?" asked Nikki. "She's strict," said Alexander. "...and she never smiles." "She's always on time," said Nikki. "And she, uh, only wears gray," said Rip. "She was wearing a bumpy leather thing this morning, under her clothes. Sort of like armor," said Alexander. "You know," said Nikki. "None of these things are really monster powers." Rip paused and cupped a hand to his ear. "Speaking of monster powers..." "Do you hear clicking again?" asked Alexander. "Yeah," said Rip. "But you don't?" "Nope," said Alexander. "It must be related to your monster powers. Can you experiment tonight and practice transforming?"

"You mean eat sugary stuff? Sure!" said Rip. Nikki twisted her hoodie strings. "I still don't know how we can battle Ms. Vanderpants, when we don't even know what kind of monster she is." "Whatever she is, we can handle her," said Alexander. "We've been training all year for this! We're quick, and smart, and we have two powerful monsters on our side! You both rest up and meet me in the morning, behind the school. Early." "For a 100th Day monster battle!" said Nikki. "Sweet!" said Rip. "Vanderpants won't know what hit her!" "I'll draw up a battle plan tonight!" added Alexander.