RC9GN: Time Switched Ninja

By: Miss-DNL

Chapter 5: Stank-A-Thon

"Yes! A four! I'm so giving Bash a wedgie!" Plop Plop exclaimed gleefully with a fist pump. The rotund teenager had just rolled a red twenty-sided die, the front topmost number land as four. He and his friend Chang had been members of the Der Monster Klub for three days now and Plop Plop was enjoying it more than he expected, which was by a honking lot! With him and Chang the Klub had a grand total of six members, accordion Dave having agreed to join the same day as they had. Julian seemed slightly disappointed Bucky hadn't answered his request, but with more than five members he was plenty happy.

Chang personally wasn't that into the game, in fact he found it a bit vindictive. Der Monster Klub, which was the name of the game and Klub, was about being monsters and terrorizing those who had wronged them. There wasn't even a Ninja, which was a bit off putting for Chang as he was the Ninja, but he supposed it was a harmless outlet for the group's frustration. If his biffer was enjoying it as well then Chang was more than happy to play along.

Looking around the table he allowed himself a moment to be surprised how many friends he'd made. He'd set out a goal to make more friends during high school and already he'd made five: Julian, Juggo, Theresa, Dave and Bucky. Julian was the Der Monster Klub leader and the eccentric, peppy Goth. Chang learned by the game pieces he made, along with the throne he constructed, that his family was pretty well off and he was quite the craftsman. Juggo, also sadly known as clown boy, well, wanted to be a clown. Theresa was leader of the school's new twirl team, and friends with Debby Kang the school's up and coming reporter. Dave, better known as accordion Dave, was Hispanic but his family moved from France. Bucky while not a member of the Klub had more classes with Chang than Plop Plop did, so Chang maintained his friend status with him through class time. While Chang was pleased to see he'd achieved one of his goals already he knew it wasn't his main goal anymore. In fact with more friends he'd need to be more careful about keeping his identity as the Ninja a secret.

That wasn't his only concern with his new friends. Chang's dark brown eyes slide over to the popular kid's table, particularly to the muscle bound brunette. Personally Chang didn't even understand why Bash was popular when he picked only pretty much anyone but apparently he was. Since their encounter in the locker room Chang hadn't had another close encounter with the bully but they'd exchanged plenty of daggered glares with each other. This typically occurred when Bash tried to go after one of his friends, usually Bucky.

Oddly enough Bash had also been helpful to Chang, not that he was even remotely aware of it. After the Ninja saved Bash and his friends from a stanked Julian. Afterwards Bash began openly supporting the Ninja. It was also apparently because his step-father didn't like the Ninja, which was none of Chang's business. With him, somehow, being popular there was a slight attitude shift among the students concerning the Ninja. More were beginning to think the Ninja was good again.

It also turned out that Julian was a supporter, as the Ninja was "dark" and "mysterious" which of course the peppy Goth enjoyed. Chang had to stifle a chuckle when he overdramatically stated how "dark" and "mysterious" the Ninja was, in his typical flare of dramatics. Personally Chang didn't consider himself "dark" or "mysterious", well, as the Ninja he supposed he was naturally "mysterious" but he definitely wasn't dark.

While Julian had retold his brief encounter with the Ninja, which through his words seemed grander than it really had been, Chang got to see how his new friends felt about his alter-ego. Theresa was a supporter, and had been after she saw he was destroying the robots for free and heard of him taking down the spider monster. Dave was seemingly indifferent about the Ninja, but it was hard to tell with his lack of enthusiasm for most things. Juggo was the only one who was really uncertain. It was a bit upsetting but Chang was certain he could change Juggo's opinion with time. The clown-to-be was typically a bit skittish about anything threatening.

Chang was pulled from his thoughts by a unanimous gaps from the group. That could only mean one thing.

"You rolled a five!" Julian stated looking to Dave, whom was the one that had rolled the dreaded five, "Your target hasn't changed his underwear in five days, and thus has become…a monster!"

An amused smile fought its way onto Chang's face, he hadn't really fought hard to hide it anyway. The premise of not changing your underwear for five days causing a student to become a monster was something Julian seemed to wholeheartedly believe. Which brought up some gross thoughts about the Goth's underwear habits. Thoughts which Chang kept buried for the moment as he was still working on his food.

"Oh no…Now I must fight him." Dave said seemingly indifferent about the turn of events, his eyes blinking slowly. Chang always felt he was on the verge of falling asleep, the bags under his eyes didn't help that. He pondered if he was an insomniac.

"It's your turn next Chang," Julian said now that Dave's turn was spent. He gestured to the dice with his hand, voice lifting into a dramatic high, "You must now roll!"

Chang smiled and took up the dice, briefly musing over the irony of him playing such a game before tossing his dice. His monster self was a crow/raven-like creature wearing tattered version of his clothing. Again he had to respect Julian's talent as a craftsman. He rolled his dice and spent his turn going after one of the random victims. He got a feeling Julian knew he wasn't really invested in the game but wasn't bothered. So long as he was here they had a defense against Bash so at least they were covered as they played during lunch.

Theresa perked as she got an alert on her McFist Phone, an eager smile lit up her face while she announced, "Hey, Heide's me-cast is on!"

"Who?" Chang questioned blankly as he looked across to the orchid haired girl. Theresa quirked a brow questioningly at him, who didn't know about Heidi Weinerman's gossip report?

"You'll have to forgive him." Plop Plop stated casually, used to having to explain his friend's lack of tech savvy. He patted Chang on the shoulder like he was some naïve child, getting a slightly annoyed look in response. "Chang here isn't very "hooked" to tech stuff." He shrugged, "Just isn't his deal."

The explanation seemed to be good enough for Theresa as she turned her cellphone around so the others could. On the screen was the show title "Heidi School" it quickly flew off screen and was replaced by an upper class student. A red head with a red clip in her hair and beauty mark under her right eye. Chang raise a brow a fraction in mild interest as he listened to the report she was going.

"Hey peeps! It's your best BFF, Heidi!" Heidi said enthusiastically from her gossip room, it was impressive she was popular enough to have on in the school. Chang recalled passing by it a couple times but never bothered to pay attention, he was too focused on getting to and from class. He was unfortunate enough to have his all over the school. The gossiper energetically continued on, "Big news today! The annual Norrisville High Talent show is set to start auditions tomorrow!"

"Talent show? Already? Wow." Plop Plop said with vague surprise, usually stuff like that happened later in the year. Least that's what he thought, maybe it was a high school thing. Disregarding whatever Heidi was saying now Plop Plop looked to his bro, "Hey Chang, you should enter in the talent contest!"

The suggestion caught Chang off guard, looked to his shorter friend in confusion, "What? Enter the contest? With what skill could I impress others by displaying?"

Plop Plop snorted and rolled his eyes, "Your martial arts, duh."

Blinking a couple of times Chang realized the obviousness of that answer, "Oh." He uttered before mulling the idea over in his head, "I do not see a reason not to take that path. Though I am uncertain what sort of display is worthy of winning..."

"We can work on that tonight." Plop Plop decided with a casual shrug, he took a bit out of his cake fry. He then looked over to Juggo, "Why don't you enter too? Show off juggling and stuff."

Juggo jumped a bit on his seat, "What! Really?"

An idea must have lit up in Julian's head because a sudden smile appeared on his face before turning into a grin. Standing from his throne, how he got it into the cafeteria was a mystery as was why it was allowed, he held his arms out, "Yes! We should all enter!"

Theresa furrowed a brow looking at their Klub master in a questioning manner, "Why all of us…? I was thinking entering anyway, but why all of us?"

Still standing, appearing something like a ring leader at a circus, Julian held a finger up as he began his explanation, "For starters, friendly competition is always welcomed." This statement got murmurs and nods of agreement. He held up another finger, "Two, then there will be higher chance of one of us winning! A Klub effort for us to take the prize!"

"Also it'll be fun." Julian finished simply, as he sat back on his Der Monster Klub throne. Looking to his Klub members he was happy to see they were chatting in agreement. He put his hands together and addressed the group again, "So, who will be doing what? We already that our Chang will be doing martial arts and Juggo will of course juggle."

"My accordion is my only passion…" Dave said monotonously eyes blinking slowly again. The others had a hard time believing the "passion" part but nodded in agreement regardless.

Perking up in her seat Theresa cheerily gave her answer, "I already have a twirl routine in mind! Oh this will be fun! I can already tell!" Looking across from her she asked, "What about you Plop Plop?" Turning turning her attention to their group leader she added, "And you Julian?"

Plop Plop motioned to his best friend, "I'll be helping him, so it'll be a dual effort. We'll probably include him breaking a stack of boards so I'll be playing pack mule." He rubbed his arms forebodingly, "Or training dummy…" The rotund friend gave his fitter friend a look when he heard snickers slip past his lips. He pointed at him accusingly, "Don't you start."

"I had not begun." Chang insisted despite being caught. His attention was diverted to Julian when he heard the ironically cheery Goth hum thoughtfully. He was curious of his answer, would Julian involve his craftsmen ship somehow?

"I'm torn between earwax sculpting or playing the mysteriously, marvelous Theremin." Julian pondered, an elated grin cutting its way across his face as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. His ensuing giggles would have been considered creepy to others, and slightly still were to his friends but they disregarded them.

Juggo rubbed his neck sheepishly, "Uh, how about the Theremin…?"

"Yeah…" Theresa agreed a wary smile at the center of her expression, "It'll be easier to impress judges with." Mentally she added, 'And not seriously gross them out…'

"Well, I suppose you're right..." Julian pondered while holding his chin idly, Theresa gave a few rapid encouraging nods which thankfully got through to him. Julian nodded, his pointed teeth poking out as he smiled brightly, "Yes, I've decided I shall play the Theremin. Oh!" He clasped his hands together excitedly, "I just thought of the perfect song to play!"

"That's great Julian." Theresa responded with a vaguely relieved smile on her face.

"Yes, but it'll be very troublesome to get it on stage. It's quite heavy." Julian stated appearance becoming puzzled as he wondered how he was going to get the metal contraption onto the stage.

"I can assist you with that." Chang stated normally before he popped the last of his tater lumps into his mouth.

Julian was happy with the offer of help but frowned believing he'd be troubling his friend. He shook his head causing a look of confusion to form on Chang's face, "Oh, I wouldn't want to bother you when you'd be preparing your own act…"

A chuckle came from Chang, "I have doubts that I'd be brining much for my moment on stage."

"And if he will, I'll be carrying it." Plop Plop reminded as he pointed to himself. The shorter, rotund teen shrugged, "Besides if this is a group effort to take the gold then we'll need everybody ready to go for show time."

"Further I do not believe that I shall have trouble lifting this, Theremin." Chang insisted with a smile.

Julian smiled and thankfully nodded his head, "Then I thank you."

The rest of the school day went by pleasantly with no issues, not even a monster or robot attack. Chang had kept his eye out regardless but was thankful when nothing happened. There had been a few speculative whispers in the halls about the Ninja's seemingly reformed behavior. Most were still untrusting of the Ninja but Chang was pleased to see that there was some debate, he was causing a marginal change. For now he'd be happy with that, and when next chance was given he push forward for more.

When the final bell of school rang Chang and Plop Plop hopped onto their bus, Chang gave a brief wave to Hank who returned it. His biffer creased his brows at the action and turned his head to him questioningly when they got to their seat, "What was that? You're okay with the guy now? I mean-I'm glad and all but, when?"

Chang gave his friend a reassure smile while moving his backpack to his lap, "I managed to speak with him by chance one day while journeying to my upstairs class. A misunderstanding was cleared. That is all."

Plop Plop looked to his lap considering his friend's vague answer. He still didn't know what happened between his friend and the bus driver in the first place, but it wasn't like he could complain about whatever it was being resolved. Shrugging off the nagging feeling he wasn't being told something important Plop Plop moved on, "Alright."

While he was maintaining his smile Chang couldn't help but worry that it was getting too easy to fool his friend. He frowned sadly inside, he felt that he was abusing Plop Plop's trust. Reminding himself it was to keep his friend safe Chang focused his attention back to reality when Plop Plop started speaking again.

"Now here's my idea for your act." The stocky brunet started, a mischievous grin grew onto his face, "Are you good enough to break a brick yet?"

Chang rolled his eyes amusedly, "I am not."

"Drat." Plop Plop muttered to himself, he rubbed his round chin thoughtfully, "Well, how many boards are you up to then?"

By the time Chang and Plop Plop had been dropped off at their stop they already had a planned out what Chang would be doing for his performance. He'd be breaking as many consecutive boards ad he could, Chang was confident he'd at least be able to do five. Being the Ninja he practice harder than he had before. He was certain his skills had improved, his aim was to get over ten boards broken. Plop Plop had hurried home to go out with his Dad to buy what they'd need. Chang had promised to pay him back but Plop Plop dismissed the offer and left before his friend could argue him out of it.

Coming into his room he shut his door behind him, put his backpack next to his desk and pulled his homework out. Placing the papers onto his desk he pulled the Ninja Nomicon out and put it to the side. He looked at the book a moment, but the book remained inactive and with that he began his homework. The room was silent aside from the sound of Chang's mechanical pencil scratching down his answers. By the time dinner was over Chang had finished his homework and began practicing with his bamboo staff going through all the sets he knew.

While he was practicing he saw a red flash from the book pulling his attention to it immediately. Setting his training staff aside Chang made his way to the book, wondering what it had in store for him this time. It wasn't frantic as it had been when Julian had been turned into a spider monster so he took that as a good sign. Perhaps it had training for him, Chang felt himself become eager at the thought. He took a seat at his desk before opening the book and his mind was taken inside.

Despite trying to right himself as he flew into the book's inner world Chang still managed to face plant. Groaning he wondered how he could still feel pain when it was just his mind inside the book. Was it just his mind reacting the way it normally would to such an event? Chang supposed that made sense. Rubbing his forehead he pulled himself to his feet, the pain quickly receding till it was gone.

Blinking he focused his dark brown eyes, looking ahead he saw Randy standing waiting for him. They were inside the dojo again like when they had first met. Chang was relieved it was a more believable location this time, unlike the void. Looking at the first ninja Chang felt he appeared calmer than during his other visits. He still had a lively air about him but it seemed more…focused?

"Good to see you're on time shooby!" Randy chimed, he laughed amusedly when it caused a groan from the younger ninja. He grinned behind his mask, looking at him like a teasing older brother, "What's the matter?"

"Please stop calling me that…" Chang grumbled irately, he should have known better than to assume the first ninja's goofball personality would be gone.

The adult ninja tilted his head back as if pondering his request, tapping a finger thoughtfully on his chin while doing so. Randy tilted his head to the side, squeezing one eye closed as he thought more hardly about it. Chang was left wondering what was going on in the active spirit's head. A doodle light bulb appeared above the ninja's head as his eye light up, "Ah! I got it, I'll call you grumpo," He held a pause, thoughtfully murmuring to himself, "Or maybe grouchy…"

Chang's shoulders slumped as he half muttered, "Is my true name not sufficient enough?"

"Nope!" Randy answered, he turned around, "Come'on Grumpo, your lesson is this way."

Sighing in defeat Chang followed behind the elder ninja, which with each visit he was finding it harder to believe was older then himself. He followed Randy through the same hall they had the first time. This time though he was able to see the end of the hallway. It seemed the Nomicon adjusted itself to whatever lesson it was going to teach him.

The younger Ninja looked at the elder one, "What is to be my lesson?"

Randy hummed briefly, wondering how to answer without giving too much away, "It's a bit of a history lesson and a bit of an explanation."

It was a bit disappointing that he wouldn't be learning any fighting skills but Chang perked hearing the last bit, "Explanation to what exactly?" He asked curiously, tilting his head up.

A laugh came from the first ninja, "Hold on a minute. Got to be in the right setting for this ya'know?"

Chang wasn't sure that the setting of where he learned this lesson really mattered but he followed regardless. Randy opened the doors at the end of the hall and once more they were in the torch lit room. The shogun wasn't present this time though, leaving full view of the artwork behind him. The new ninja was surprised to see it was a ninja, likely Randy, doing battle with some skull faced monster, the vile green mist pouring out from around him. Chang had a good idea he was going to learn the origin of the miasma but said nothing as they took two seats in front of the painting. Then the first ninja began to speak,

"Centuries ago," Chang was surprised by how even and collected Randy voice while speaking, leaving the younger ninja silent, "a great war was waged between good and evil, between me and the Sorcerer."

"Sorcerer?" Chang repeated, he looked back to the artwork and to his partial surprise the painting was playing out a battle between the Ninja and the skull faced Sorcerer. The ninja was fighting valiantly but nothing he did seemed to be actually damaging the evil being.

Randy continued on, not responding to Chang, "He too powerful to destroy." The first ninja gripped his legs tightly, the fact still seeming to frustrate him. The artwork continued playing the battle long since passed. The Sorcerer fell down into a seemingly never ending pit and was sealed away, "So I locked him away, deep underground, his prison sealed with a sacred stone. In the darkness he waits…"

The younger ninja felt a chill go through his body seeing the visage of a laughing sorcerer appear on the magic artwork, in combination with the dead serious tone from Randy. The first ninja continued on with the tale, eyes remaining on the artwork, "Wreaking havoc, possessing the vulnerable using that which they hold most dear, gaining power from chaos. Once he gains enough power, he will escape and darkness will reign. Preventing this is the sacred duty of the Ninja"

"I see…" Chang said slowly, taking in the new found job of his-feeling the weight of added responsibility, but he also felt his drive to protect burn stronger within him. This left Chang both uncertain yet determined. He nodded curtly, "I understand. It is I whom must keep the Sorcerer locked away now."

Randy nodded in turn. He looked back at the painting, gazing at it losing himself in memories for a moment. Chang looked at the first ninja wondering to himself what was going through his minds. His battle with the Sorcerer? It was likely enough. Shaking the recollections off Randy looked to the new ninja, "Anyway, there's a reason I'm telling you this."

Chang blinked in wondering, as Randy went on to explain, "Ya'see it's about the talent contest…"

The younger ninja quirked his head to the side, what about the talent show would concern the first ninja? He furrowed his brows failing to find a reason, "What of it?"

"Well…" Randy drawled rubbing his neck, "People tend to get devastated if they lose…and more so if they don't even make it into the talent show. Which leads to a lot of Stankings. Just a heads up."

"Stankings…?" Chang repeated dubiously, he frowned at the expression, "Is that truly its term?"

"Ya-huh," Randy answered with a nod.

The newest Ninja sighed, applying his palm to his face, "Why…?"

"Because I said so." Randy answered matter-of-factly, leaving the one response for the younger ninja to be a conceding sigh.

Chang nodded slightly, there was no use in questioning the first ninja's reason for labeling the miasma as "stank". "Yes, well I shall keep my guard risen…"

"I know you will!" Randy exclaimed, voice ringing with certainty. Chang couldn't help but smile at the first ninja's confidence in him. The elder ninja looked to him, "Just better to explain this before a major stankfest happens. Also pretty standard beginning lesson. Whelp," Randy patted his legs, "See yah later!"

The first ninja simply patted the ninja of 2013, but for some reason it sent him sailing through the painting and back into his waking body, all while yelling in surprise. Inside the book Randy couldn't help but laugh, he wiped a fake tear from under his eye. That never got old.

It was the day of the talent contest try outs, and for whatever reason people were gathered in the auditorium to watch. Wasn't that supposed to be reserved for the actual talent show? Chang digressed as he helped Julian by carrying his Theremin to the backstage. It was a bit heavier than it appeared but there was still no issue. Placing it down were Julian wished Chang exhaled, flexing his hands to loosen them after carrying the metal contraption from the car Julian had arrived in. Honestly it was the distance that got to him, he needed to work on that.

Chang looked to his peppy goth friend he could see worry etched on his face. Julian knitted his hands together and bit his lower lip out of anxiety, he could feel his feet getting cold. Though his skinny friend said nothing Chang went up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. This startled Julian a bit causing him to jerk his head to him. The purple clad goth relaxed a seeing Chang bearing a reassuring smile.

"You shall do fine my friend, ease your worries." The olive haired friend patted Julian's shoulder a couple of times to further comfort him.

Julian gave a hesitant nod, managing a smile that was shaky at best, "Y-yes, you are right."

Chang motioned to the strange contraption he had carried, "Practice. It will benefit your nerves greatly."

The top hat wearing goth nodded in agreement, moving over to his instrument to begin working his nerves out. He paused looking back to Chang, "By the way. Do you know if the others have arrived yet?"

"It is only you and I thus far," Chang answered having arrived shortly before Julian, "but I am certain they will appear shortly." Noticing a couple of their friends entering the back stage he pointed to them, "Plop Plop and Theresa hath arrived already."

Both Chang and Julian were about to greet their two friends when they saw their expressions, causing them to hold their words. Both of them looked considerably worried about something. Theresa was tightly gripping her twirl stick, expression panicked when she spoke, "Guys we have problem."

Chang looked from his biffer to the girl, "What is wrong?"

Plop Plop, holding a bag filled with supplies for Chang's act, frowned tightly and pointed to the red curtain that lead to the stage, "Look who the judges are."

After exchanging a look with Julian both of them moved over to the edge of the curtain and peeked past it. Much to their horror Bash and Mick were sitting at the judges table, high fiving and cheering to themselves about how they were going to ruin people. Chang shot a glare the two jocks way but pulled himself back knowing nothing could be done. Still this was not good for him and his friends. There were enough people auditioning that Bash could fail them and not get in trouble-though Chang doubted he cared about that. His eyes widened a fraction when he recalled Randy's warning. His friends were all at risk of being controlled by the Sorcerer's dark magic. Thankfully Plop Plop wasn't actually in the contest, but that still left at least four possible monsters.

Concerned for his friends he found his hand subconsciously grabbing onto the ninja mask that was tucked away in his pocket. Plop Plop noticed Chang was way more concerned than was to be expected, "Hey, you okay?"

His voice jerked the taller teen out of his internal panic attack, Chang nodded jerkily, "Yes, I am fine. I…" He looked to the red theater curtain, "merely cannot believe he is of judging material…this does not bode well for us."

Plop Plop snorted, "No it doesn't, but we can't just chicken out like shoobs!"

Chang was about to argue but then caught his voice, looking off the olive haired teen worked over the situation in his head. If they remained in the contest Julian, Dave, Theresa and Juggo would be at risk of being stanked. With four monsters on the loose the Sorcerer would gain more power and possibly break free. On the other hand if they all backed out Bash would know about it, and would never let them live it down-especially not Chang. The leaner teen of the group felt anger bristle fiercely Chang couldn't let that happen.

"Yes, you are right Plop Plop. We mustn't take the easy way out, it'll only lead to worse hardships." Chang affirmed getting a curt nod of agreement from his bro. Julian swallowed a hard rock down his throat while Theresa nodded nervously.

When the talent show actually began Chang stood by his friends, his posture rigid with concerned worry. He did his best to hide it, but Chang could see Plop Plop eye him worriedly every so often. Chang didn't draw further attention to himself by questioning it and pretended not to notice. He and his friends had all signed up around the same time so they'd be up for Bash's chopping block one after another. The order being: Theresa, Juggo, Chang, Dave and then Julian. Chang had tried to raise everyone's spirit but it hadn't done much, there was no denying Bash was going to humiliate them publically. Leaving Chang to hope he'd be able to destank four monsters in a row.

"First up is Theresa Fowler: Captain of the Twirl Team!" Heidi Weinerman announced as she broadcasted the try outs on her blog. A camera was attached a hot pink headband she was wearing, its sight focused squarely on her face.

After her friends wished her luck Theresa hesitantly walked out onto the stage, clutching her twirl stick for dear life. The leering grins on both Bash's and Mick's faces weren't much of a comfort. Glancing off stage she saw her gang of friends give her encouraging gestures, she nodded back to them. Taking a breath she did her twirl routine, executing it rather flawlessly though some of her movements were a bit jerkier than usual, caused by the worry sitting solidly in her stomach.

Finished she looked cautiously over to the two judges, a forced worried grin shivering on her lips. Bash seemed to contemplate his response, leaving Theresa shaking like a leaf on stage. Suddenly he blurted out laughing, "Lame!"

Theresa eyes when wide looking like she'd been shot as Bash proceeded to laugh, "And your stick is stupid!"

"Next." Mick grunted, a slightly amused curl to his lips.

Theresa quivered on stage before running off stage, crying loudly as tears streamed down the side of her face. It wasn't just that Bash had called her lame but a large portion of the crowd had laughed. Not to mention Bash had called her passion stupid. It hadn't helped that she had done well, only to be shot down by an insensitive jerk. Her friends tried to give her comforting words but it fell on deaf ears as she ran out the back door.

Chang's eyes widened when he saw green mist come out of a vent and follow after her. He gripped the mask that was inside of his pocket. He looked at Juggo who was heading up to the chopping block that was the stage. Realizing he'd made a big mistake he briskly hurried over to the exit.

"Where are you going!?" Plop Plop called in surprise.

"I merely want to console Theresa." Chang answered quickly, "I shall return shortly."

He pulled the door shut quickly behind himself, scanning the hall he was happy to find it empty. Hearing a loud crash he immediately pulled the mask over his face, as the Ninja he rushed down the hall. He ran faster when he heard alarmed cries of students, coming across a monster sized hole he saw a plant-like monster rampaging through the auditorium. Students were already quickly fleeing from the scene. Monster Theresa was swatting away chairs with her super-sized twirling sticks like they were made of plastic. Seeing the batons were letting off an eerie glow the Ninja swallowed his regret and charged at her.

Plant monster Theresa hissed in pain as something hit her on the back of the head causing her to lurch forward. Now plant-like she held her body up like a snake as the Ninja landed battle ready in front of her. Eye a glaring yellow she hissed focus remaining on getting to Bash Johnson. She swiped her long thin arm at the Ninja to keep away but the warrior effortlessly leapt over the twirl stick and lunged at her. A screech was ripped from the plant monster's throat as the Ninja nailed her jaw with a powerful kick.

A thud echoed the auditorium as the monster crashed backwards, hissing Theresa struck the Ninja as he tried to slice one of her twirl sticks in half. The black and red warrior was sent sailing into a seats, crashing into them a pile was formed as he slid across the ground. The Ninja groaned, rubbing his head, hearing a honking noise Chang snapped his head up. With another crash a stankified Juggo entered the scene, resembling a coulrophobic's worst nightmare.

Getting to his feet the Ninja evaded a strike from the plant monster. Landing on monster Juggo's head causing the monster hit itself when he leapt off. He needed to stop the judging from happening! Turning the Ninja sprinted towards the judges table, for whatever reason the judging was still going on. A large red claw caused him to reflexively leap back, pulling himself into a back flip he dodged two more strikes from the now four armed Juggo.

Crouched down Chang gritted his teeth as he was announced to be disqualified for not showing up. He was going to have to explain himself to Plop Plop for being a no show. That was a problem for later though. He needed to at least destank one of his friends before another show up, though hopefully that wouldn't happen.

Tossing some Kunai the Ninja destroyed the juggling pins Juggo tossed at him, unfortunately that wasn't what Juggo held most dear. Running his mind fast as he could the Ninja thought of what his clown friend cherished. Spotting the small unicycle he figured it out, a ghostly green glow confirmed it.

Taking out his ninjato the Ninja charged headlong at the clown monster, sliding onto the ground he narrowly avoided a swipe from Juggo. Feeling the breeze brush against his face as he slid. Leg outstretched the Ninja successfully kicked the unicycle out from under Juggo, the top heavy monster tumbling onto the ground. Much to Chang's dismay however, the clown creature righted himself by walking on his long arms. Wasting no time he slashed the tire of the unicycle releasing the cursed miasma.

The relief the Ninja felt when Juggo returned to normal was short lived as plant monster Theresa mindlessly rampaged over to them, leaving a dazed Juggo in her warpath. Using his scarf the warrior snagged Juggo and jerked him out of the way while jumping clear of Theresa's course. Frustrated by her new target avoiding her wrath Theresa shrieked angrily smashing chairs that were near her.

Head swimming and confused Juggo held his forehead while his focus cleared. Seeing the masked visage of the Ninja he yelped fearfully, causing him to notice they were on the metal beams that supported the roof. More afraid of falling from such a height the student held onto Ninja for safety.

"At ease. You are safe." The Ninja said gruffly, yet maintaining a softness.

Juggo nodded quickly then meekly asked, "Um, can we get down from here…" He held his voice when he saw the rampaging plant monster down below, "Oh, I guess not. Huh?"

The Ninja nodded curtly, carefully placing Juggo down on the metal beam before jumping down to reengage Theresa in battle. Using his kusari-gama he ensnared Theresa, the chains wrapping around her tendril like arms and body causing her to drop her stanked twirl sticks. While the plant monster struggled he walked over and grabbed the two batons. He sighed, there was no way to release the stank without badly damaging the item.

"Sorry Theresa." He said to himself before he snapped the two baton sticks on his leg. Tossing the busted sticks aside the Ninja quickly moved over to catch the dazed Theresa. No sooner than he did there was a pair of screams. Chang sighed, running of the list in his head he guessed that Dave had fallen under the Sorcerer's power.

Turning around he wasn't surprised to see a stanked Dave, whose arms seemed to be accordion-like now, had Bash and Mick clutched in his clawed hands. The Ninja couldn't help but roll his eyes at this. Twice already had Bash and his gang's bullying made them targets for monsters. He didn't hope that would change anytime soon though, feeling that'd be asking too much of Bash and his crew.

Looking at monster Dave the Ninja was confused to find no eerily glowing items, not his Berea or overhauls (Chang was a bit happy about that). It was a no brainer that Dave's most cherished thing was his accordion but he didn't see it. Was it misplaced like Julian's hat had been? The Ninja had no further time to ponder this when stankified Dave began playing Bash like an accordion, Mick pinned under one of his feet.

While Dave was distracted by his revenge the Ninja charged landing a two footed kick to his face. The stanked student crumpled backwards freeing both Bash and Mick, the two immediately moved away from the monster. Bash was about to make a remark to the pale blue skinned creature when Mick wisely dragged him away. This got Chang thinking that maybe Mick was the smarter of the two.

Stanked Dave pulled himself up to his feet, a wheezing noise escaping his mouth. Noticing his retreating targets Dave pulled his arm back before it launched forward making accordion noises as it stretched out. Noticing this the Ninja had an idea, he pulled out a bladed ninja ring from his sash.

'Please let my suspicion be true…' Chang hoped to himself as he hurled the ring at Dave's outstretched arm. His stomach went into knots as the ring cut open the accordion like arm, but to his relief from the cut stank was expelled.

"Thanks Ninja…" Dave thanked drearily as the warrior caught him before he could fall to the ground.

The Ninja simply nodded in reply as he helped Dave stand steadily on his own two legs. He looked around, with Bash and Mick gone there was no more danger of students being insensitively crushed. Deciding his work was done he extracted a red and black smoke bomb from his sash-

"Hey Ninja!" Chang nearly jumped as Heidi hurried over to him. Stunned by her appearance the Ninja froze, had she stayed in the gymnasium even with the monsters? Then again Bash and Mick had continued judging. Heidi held a microphone out to him, "Any words on the debate about you returning to good? And what about the people saying the headband/scarf is so unfashionable?"

The Ninja was about to rebuke her words when he saw her camera, he froze realizing thousands would be seeing this. Out of reactionary impulse he tossed the smoke bomb onto the ground without saying a word.

Coughing Heidi swatted at the reddish orange smoke, sputtering out, "Rude!"

Out of the ninja suit Chang walked along the back of the school heading back towards the auditorium. His mind was focused on what had just happened though. He worked his lips into a worried frown, he'd never reacted like that before. The thought of speaking to a large group of people had suddenly become a frightening thing in his mind, making his stomach twist into knots and heart race. Not wanting to think about it anymore he shook his head, tossing the thought to the back of his mind.

"There you are!" Chang lifted his head as he saw Plop Plop and Julian making their way over to him. The shorter teen threw his arms up into the air incredulously, "Where in shooblivion did you go!?"

Chang rubbed his neck sheepishly, "As I told you to find Theresa, but I have been unsuccessful in locating her. Has she returned?"

Plop Plop's aggravation quickly subsided, he opened his mouth and then closed it unsure of how to put what he wanted to say. He shrugged unsurely, "Basically? As it turns out the monsters are people…?"

"Yes! It seems the monsters are people under the control of some dark spell!" Julian elaborated sounding far more excited than worried about the development. His arms were up against his chest, hands close together as they shook in delight. Expression absolutely lite up in wonderment.

The two other teen looked at him a moment before Plop Plop looked back to Chang and nodded, "Yeah, pretty much what he said."

Chang managed to pull off a convincing expression of worry, "Is she alright!?"

"Yeah, the Ninja came in and did something to turn her back to normal. Same with Juggo," Plop Plop motioned to himself and Julian, "We got out of there after Dave turned into a monster. I don't hear any crashing anymore, so I think the Ninja got things under control."

Julian looked to Chang with a frown, "Unfortunately, you were disqualified because you didn't show up for your turn…"

The olive haired teen of the group shrugged, "That is fine. I was more concerned for Theresa."

"We should go check and see if everything is alright." Julian suggested, his two friends nodded in agreement when he added, "I would like to get the chance to admire the rampage work of the monsters before we're not allowed in the area! Maybe there will be some blood!"

His two friends could merely sigh in reaction

Here we go this AU's "So U Think U Can Stank?" up next is "McFists of Fury!"

Looking forward to getting a hack at that story. Here we can see Chang seems to have a fear of something...Which of course will come into play more later on. Also am I the only one that thought it was weird that people came to watch the talent show "auditions" because I don't think that's how that is supposed to work, but whatever.

Guest reviews: I'll be doing this from now on so fear not guest reviewers!

To Commander M: Yes you are correct! I had not thought about it but with the way Ninja's were switched around what you say is correct! Thank you for mentioning that!

I'd also like to thank my other reviewers as well for the support up till now as well :) You guys are great.

Hope you enjoyed this ch, and await the next!