Addison and Bree were leading the Mighty Shrimp down the halls towards the elementary school gym for a very special practice. It was time to combine the Mighty Shrimp and Mini Shrimp together to prepare to cheer at the last home basketball game. Everyone was fired up, even Bucky and the Aceys. When they walked through the doors, the kids saw them and they started cheering wildly. Thankfully, Addison, Bree, and Coach Leah had already created a plan and it was time to put their captain skills into action.
Once everyone was inside Addison blew her whistle to grab everyone's attention. Thankfully the kids quickly quieted their excited cheering.
"Good Afternoon everyone. Who's ready to have an amazing practice?"
All the kids and other cheerleaders let out shouts of delight.
"So first off, we have to put you in different groups, listen for your name to be called and there will be four to six Mini Shrimp with each group of Mighty Shrimp OK?" Bree called out.
Addison, Bree, and Leah all took turns calling kids out to form the groups. Until Addison finished calling the last group. "And finally, this last group will be led by Bucky and me. I need Amya, Hadley, Kinzley, Kellan, and Zoey!"
The group of excited kids ran up to Bucky and Addison, Zoey couldn't stop herself from giving Addison a hug in greeting. Addison finished the last of her announcement. "Alright all the high schoolers should follow the plan we gave you yesterday, and if you have any questions come ask Bree, or me. And Coach Leah will be walking around ready to lend a helping hand. We have 30 minutes of working in small groups before we'll all come together again."
"So, Go Seabrook!" Bree called out.
"Go Mighty Shrimp!" everyone else returned.
Now Addison turned to her group. "OK, first we're going to get all stretched out so we can cheer our best and while we do that let's go around the circle and everyone share a fact about you. I'll go first. Bucky is my cousin."
"Woah." Several kids let out.
"That's too easy. My fact is that I am the absolute greatest cheerleader and captain that the Seabrook Mighty Shrimp has ever known."
"OK, Bucky you can tone it down." Addison tried to remind him.
"What? You asked for a fact. Who's next?"
"I'll go!" Kellan raised his hand. "My favorite color is blue!"
"Let me guess, do you like pastel blue?" Addison asked.
"No dark blue like the ocean. I love going swimming at the beach!"
"OK interesting, who's next?"
Hadley went next." My favorite animal is a giraffe. Did you know that they're the tallest animals in the entire world?"
"Yeah I did know that, but thanks for sharing." Bucky told her with a kind smile on his face.
Now Amya spoke up, "I have a pet cat. Her name is Jynx because she's a black cat so she's bad luck. But not really she's super nice."
"That's cool. What about you Kinzley?" Addison asked.
"My favorite color is green, for both Zombies and the Mighty Shrimp." Kinzley waved her pom-poms in the air to emphasize her point.
"Awesome. And last but not least, Zoey?"
"I love cheering, but other than that I also like drawing things and playing with Puppy."
"I know, I've seen your beautiful masterpieces."
They finished stretching for a few more minutes, asking the kids about their school day. "Good job everyone now that we're stretched out. We can start working on big routine we'll be performing at halftime this Friday. Addison stood, standing up herself. "So everyone stand up and we'll begin."
Addison and Bucky worked with their group, teaching them all the basic moves. The plan had always been that they would teach it to all the kids in small groups to make it easier to focus on everyone before coming back together as the entire team. The routine was nowhere near as complicated as their normal performances but was designed to give all the kids a good experience that would help them in the future when they were finally old enough to join the real squad.
One thing that did surprise Addison was seeing Bucky working with the kids, the reason she made him her partner was that she didn't quite trust him to not be his usual cocky, self-centered self. But he was acting calm and understanding with the kids, always excited for them, eagerly answering any questions. It was kind of surreal witnessing a side of Bucky she hadn't seen since she started high school, this was the Bucky he had always been whenever they used to practice cheerleading. She hoped that this would continue into Cheer Camp in a few more weeks, especially after the offer she and Bree were thinking about making to him.
When the time was up. Addison called all the groups together again and started choreographing the routine with everyone. The Mini Shrimp thankfully had lots of experience cheering even for their young ages and most followed directions well. They continued to practice the big halftime performance for another half hour. By the end of that time, everyone was looking good. It wasn't quite ready, but Addison and Bree were both confident it would be cheerfection by Friday.
After a quick water break for everyone they once again broke into small groups to teach the kids all the short cheers used to fire up the crowd during the game. They all went just as smoothly and Addison and Bree even walked around to test every group and everyone again passed with flying colors. Everyone was working hard and having so much fun that before anyone knew it. Coach Leah blew her whistle to end the practice. After a final huddle and break out, most of the kids got packed up and ready to go home with their parents. Zoey was still waiting for Addison on the bleachers as she was going over things with the high schoolers. After a few more minutes Bree and Addison dismissed the rest of the cheerleaders and finished cleaning up the gym before walking out with Zoey and Bonzo.
Pretty soon they found Zed who had just finished his practice and they all started walking towards Zombietown together.
"Addison today was so great, I'm so excited to cheer with you and Bree and Bonzo and Bucky and everyone else at a real game!"
"I'm glad you had fun today Zoey, your whole team was super fired up."
"Also I can't believe you're teaching everyone some of my cheers."
"Of course we are Zoey, your cheers are great. I can guarantee we'll be pumping up the crowd and the players." Bree promised.
"So I hear practice went well, how was school today Zoey?" Zed asked.
"Good, we did a really fun art project today, it's too bad it wasn't your day to come to class, but I think we'll still be working on them tomorrow so you can see them then."
"I can't wait till tomorrow then."
"Did you have a good day?" Zoey asked.
"Yep, not as fun as elementary days, but I still enjoyed most of my classes."
"We get it you're great with kids." Addison playfully elbowed him.
"So are you Addison, you really led all of us today." Bree butted in.
"Gru too." Bonzo said, squeezing Bree's hand tighter.
"Yeah Bree, Bonzo's right I couldn't have done this without your help too. But speaking of which, do you want to know who else is surprisingly good with kids? Bucky." Addison asked them.
"Really? Mr. …what is Eliza's favorite nickname lately? Mr. Sparklepants Cheer God? Bucky, your cousin?" Zed asked.
"Yeah, I swear he was acting like a completely different person, he only mentioned his own cheerfection once at the beginning then spent the entire time focused on the kids. Bree, I think I'm willing to give him a chance at what we've been discussing." Addison explained.
"OK if you're sure we can talk to him whenever."
"How about we get through this week, and we'll discuss it after Zed wins the game. Just to make sure this isn't a one-time thing, and we can also watch how the Aceys' do this week."
"Sounds like a plan Addison."
"What are you two conspiring?" Zed asked with a grin.
"We've been thinking about making Bucky and the Aceys Assistant Captains again, but we want to give them a test with something Bree and I need lots of help with."
"Anything I can do?"
"Sorry cheerleaders only." Bree answered.
"But Zoey did you think Bucky was good today?" Addison asked her.
"Yeah, not as amazing as you guys but I can tell he's one of the best cheerleaders I've ever seen."
"Thank you Zoey. Oh looks like it's time for us to split up again. See you tomorrow Zed and Zoey." Addison said, giving each a hug.
"Bye!" Everyone called out as Bree and Addison parted ways towards their houses and the Zombies entered Zombietown.
On Friday, it was finally the day of the big game, the first round of playoffs for the state championship. Both the cheerleaders and the basketball players had been practicing hard all week. Addison and Bree were certain that the Mini Shrimp were even better than Seabrook perfect and ready for their cheer debut.
Zed and the basketball team had been just as focused and ready to win. Other than during classes and limited time spent with Addison. Zed had been studying the playbook and film from Coach around the clock. It was the final home game and the first game that truly mattered. They hadn't gone completely undefeated, but some considered them contenders to go all the way, and no one wanted to disappoint. After one final game plan talk in the locker room, the Mighty Shrimp burst out onto the court to the standing cheers from the crowd led by their amazing cheer team. They, along with all the Mini Shrimp had created a tunnel from the locker rooms to the court to get the entire team fired up for the big game.
Go Seabrook! Go Mighty Shrimp! Go Seabrook! Go Mighty Shrimp! Go Seabrook! Go Mighty Shrimp!
After a few last-second warm-up shots, the teams lined up around center court. Ready to begin. The referee threw the ball up and Zed leaped high to tip it Ryan behind him who then shot down the court to make the first basket of the game with an assist from Jack. From that point on it was game on. The Mighty Shrimp and the Saints were evenly matched in almost every aspect of the game. They had played each other before so both sides knew how the other liked to play. One thing the other team did was push Zed hard, they knew he was the not-so-secret weapon of the Mighty Shrimp. At halftime, they were perfectly tied 30-30. Zed and the other players ran to the locker room to catch their breath while they could and come up with a new game plan for the third quarter.
Now it was time for the cheerleaders to take the court. Addison herself had felt especially busy at this game, she of course wanted to keep her eyes on Zed, but she out of all the cheerleaders was responsible for all the Mini Shrimp in the bleachers as well. She was running a tight ship, and everyone was having fun supporting the basketball team. Most of the kids were just as invested in the game as everyone else. And all the cheers they performed from the sidelines were going off without a hitch after their long week of practice.
Once everyone was lined up on the court the music started blasting from the speakers and Mighty Shrimp were fired up and ready to get the crowd right up and on their feet. Everyone was dancing and cheering perfectly in sync with each other and with the music. Several kids that were able did cartwheels and backflips with ease, and a few even got a chance to fly through the air before landing safely in Bonzo's arms. And then it was the grand finale, kids were placed on high schoolers shoulders and revealed giant letters to spell out LETS GO MIGHTY SHRIMP! As the rest of the team led by Bucky showed off their cheertastic jazz hands.
As the music quieted. The crowd roared its excitement and approval. Now everyone was even more fired up for the game to continue. The applause went on for several minutes until it finally quieted down enough for Addison to take a microphone and give directions so all the kids could find their parents. Just in the nick of time as all the cheerleaders finally left the court and were back on the sidelines or with their parents, the basketball teams returned to even more excited cheers and applause.
Addison caught Zed's eye, and both sent a nod of encouragement the other's way as they got ready for the second half.
The second half was just as intense as the first if not more so, the lead switched back and forth constantly, neither team was able to build more than a four-point margin. Zed was really feeling it. He hadn't made any normal shots at all during the second half, only free throws because of how strong the defense was, and as the game wore on, more and more fouls were called on both teams. One of the Shrimps' starters, Jack, had already fouled out, and Zed was playing precariously with four for most of the fourth quarter. But both he and Coach knew he needed to stay in for as long as possible. At the same time, two of the Saints' starters had fouled out as well.
As the final minute ticked down it was still tied. Coach called his last timeout to give his team the game plan. Looking at them he knew most of his strongest players were either in too much foul danger or too worked out to go into overtime. Both teams were fighting for every inch up and down the court. Coach knew they needed something big to win. He gave the game plan, and it was risky but everyone agreed to it.
Zed led the breakdown. "Let's go Mighty Shrimp Break! On 5! Huh!"
Erik passed the ball into Zed who was immediately pressed by two other players, but he quickly pivoted around and lobbed the ball down the court like it was football. Straight to the opposite corner of the court where no one was standing. But Ryan was sprinting as fast as he could from where he had been standing at half court, with a quick juke step to leave his defender in his dust. He caught the ball, pivoted, took a breath to calm himself and let the shot loose seconds before his defender caught up to him. The ball flew through the air and banked in to score. Seabrook was now up by 2 points with 30 seconds left to play.
While the Saints scrambled for the ball and return to the other side, the rest of the Shrimp minus Ryan who was sprinting back into place on defense got ready. Nothing would get past them. They played tight but clean, they could not risk another free-throw shooter. With the final 3 seconds remaining, the opposing player with the ball lobbed it up, as the buzzer sounded the ball hit the rim, but bounced off and back onto the floor.
The whole gym was silent for a moment before everyone broke into applause. The Seabrook crowd was screaming their excitement for their team. This was the first time ever that the basketball team passed this first hurdle, and everyone was ready to celebrate.
The basketball players let out breaths of relief and happiness. Claps on the shoulder were sent all around before they headed back into the locker room. While the cheerleaders led their last cheer for the night.
When Zed left the locker room, Addison jumped into his arms. "Congratulations Zed!"
"Thank you, Addison, I couldn't do it without your cheers all night. Even in my hardest moments, I was still listening for you."
"Glad I could help."
"And even though we were in the locker room for most of it, it sounds like your Mini Shrimp performance went amazing."
"Yeah it couldn't have gone any better, and you kept everyone on the edge of their seats the entire game. I don't think anyone will forget tonight anytime soon.
"Yeah, Coach congratulated us in the locker room, but asked us that next time we try not to keep it so close, he says he was sweating through his slacks the entire game like he was the one running up and down the court."
"Oh speaking of not forgetting, your dad and my parents want to go out for a late dinner to celebrate."
"Sounds like a plan. I'm starving."
"You aren't too tired are you?"
"Not if food is on the table."
They started walking towards the doors and after everyone congratulated each other on their great nights, they all walked over to a nearby restaurant to eat a very delicious meal as they continued to celebrate before everyone returned home for the night. Zed was still tired but Zoey wouldn't stop talking about how much fun she had. Zevon mentioned that Eliza had recorded as much of Zoey's first time cheering as possible and Zed promised to watch it with her first thing in the morning. Right now all he wanted was sleep.
Another week passed and Zed was once again on the court. Their next game against the Panthers was just as heated as last week's game. But in the second half the opposing team was able to pull away despite their best efforts. The nail in the coffin was when for the first time all season, Zed was fouled out with four minutes of game time to go. Unfortunately, try as they might, the Mighty Shrimp ended their season in a final defeat. Zed couldn't hear anything over the roar of the opposing team's crowd, he, along with the others just walked off to the locker room.
Once in the locker room, Coach tried to remain upbeat with his despondent team. "Well boys, I don't know what to say. I know this isn't how we wanted everything to turn out, but trust me that I'm telling the truth when I say I couldn't ask for a better team. We not only had the first winning season in all of Seabrook basketball history, we also got first in the conference. Don't let this one game define you. I want you to remember everything else we've done all season. Now, one more time. Zed?"
"Let's go Mighty Shrimp Break! On 5! Huh!"
Before Zed exited the locker room, Coach pulled him aside. "There's my monster player, thanks for joining this team too. I don't know what I would ever do without you."
"Thanks, Coach, you've been great all year."
"Don't beat yourself up over this game, I know it can suck to sit on the bench at the end, but you didn't do anything wrong. It was a tough game and these things happen. The only thing you can do is focus on next year."
"I will, thanks Coach."
"But also keep in mind, that means football will be starting soon, of course, there's also plenty of other things you can do too."
"Don't worry Coach, I'll keep working hard."
"That's all I can ask Zed." Coach gave him a hug before Zed turned to push open the door to the locker room.
But after leaving the locker room, most of the cheerleaders and the crowd that had traveled to the rival school lined the hallway to give the team their heartfelt congratulations. They had already made Seabrook history and were looking forward to next year. About halfway through, Zed found Addison and pulled her along with him through the rest of the tunnel.
When they made it outside and had some space to breathe. Addison quickly texted Bree to take care of anything cheer-related.
"Hey, you did amazing out there Zed, how are you feeling?"
"Bummed, but not as much as before, did you organize that tunnel?"
"Just the cheerleaders, but everyone else saw us and joined in, I was just as surprised as you."
"I'm upset at myself a little bit for losing because I keep going over every shot I missed, that those four extra points were all we needed, and then it absolutely sucked being forced to the bench that last quarter, I'm proud of my team, but sitting there knowing there was nothing I could do to help them anymore was the worst."
"No one could expect more from you. This isn't your first loss, and it won't be your last, but I know you'll come back stronger. Just like you did at the very first football game, and like we did after homecoming." By now they were sitting in the back seats of the bus and waiting for everyone else to get seated and ready to leave.
"I know, thank you Addie." Zed gave her a tender kiss. "There was a part of me worried that somehow me and Ezra would be blamed because we're the zombie players."
"Of course that won't happen. It's only because you're on the team that the basketball team made it this far at all, you're already making school history."
"I know. How about we talk about something different. Is anything new going on with cheer? I know your spring competition is in a month or so, right?"
"Yeah, about that, you've been so focused on basketball the last few weeks I didn't want to distract you or anything. So you know how spring break is in two weeks?"
"Yeah, I can't wait, it's starting to get warmer, and we'll have two weeks to do whatever we want together. I for one would love to finally go to the beach with you." Zed finally let his smile return.
"I'm sorry, but that isn't going to be happening over spring break. Every year the cheer team uses those two weeks to go to Cheer Camp for complete focus and perfection of the routine for the Spring Competition. So I'll be gone that whole time."
"Ahh man, two weeks? That's the longest I'll have to go without seeing you since forever. And you're sure I can't come along? I've got stealth, and smarts on my side."
"Sorry Zed, cheerleaders only, apparently there are a ton of traditions involved as well, in fact, Bree and I don't really know the traditions so we're going to give Bucky and the Aceys' a chance to show their leadership skills again and they'll pretty much be running the camp. Do you think that's a good idea with all the zombie cheerleaders we have?"
"I think so, everyone deserves a second chance. And I've noticed the last few months, I don't think any zombie would call Bucky their friend yet, but he isn't using hand sanitizer or panicking or anything if he's near a zombie. Lately at least."
"Yeah, I know cheer is just as important to him as it is to me, so I know he'll take everything seriously, it's just the Bucky the cheer-god part I'm worried about. But I'm cautiously optimistic."
"So anyhow can I still call and text you every day?"
"Actually no, apparently one of the rules is no phones allowed so they don't disturb the shish boom ba of the sacred ground that is cheer camp." Addison said in a thick serious voice that brought a genuine smile to Zed's face. "Only Leah our chaperone can have her phone for emergencies. But we can still send letters. I'll write to you every day."
"Not the best, but I'll take it. You are going to rock that cheer camp and win that trophy when you get back, I'll write to you every night. And I'll be working on a project of my own." Zed started whispering the last part to himself as ideas flew through his head. "Oh yeah, that will be perfect."
"What was that last part?"
"Nothing you need to worry about. You just be your usual amazing, cheertastic self and inform me of all your accomplishments. And I'll keep you up to date on Seabrook while you're away."
"Good, sounds like a plan. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner, I just didn't want to mess up your important games."
"Don't worry, as long as I have you with me, I can't mess up too badly. And now I can just focus on the next thing. I'm sure Zoey, Eliza, and I can still have plenty of fun while you're all away."
The next two weeks flew by in a blur, most of the teachers had projects, tests, and papers due right before the break so everyone was busy. But on the last day of school, when everyone else had already gone home, the school parking lot was buzzing with activity as the excited cheerleaders returned to begin the journey to cheer camp.
Zed was waiting with Bonzo who was super excited, this would be the first time other than games that he would be traveling outside of Seabrook, with his bag all packed he was raring to go. If not a little nervous, besides the other zombies on the trip, only Bree and Addison could understand zombietongue, and he knew Bucky and the Aceys were in charge, but his anticipation and usual optimism was overriding his nervousness. When he found Bree he gave her a hug, but she distractedly shoed him away as she was busy checking over everything with Addison. But she did say sorry and promised with a wink and a blush on her face that they would have plenty of time later.
Zed was scanning the crowd the entire time but didn't catch sight of Addison until almost everyone else was on the bus. He walked over and circled her in a hug.
"I'm gonna miss you." Zed said, resting his chin on the top of her snow-white head.
"I'll miss you too. But I promise I'll write you a letter every day." Addison turned around and returned the hug, leaning into his chest before looking up to meet his eyes.
"I will too. I'll be counting down the days until I can do this again." Zed said as he leaned down to share a last kiss with Addison, both held it for as long as possible.
"I know, I will too. I love you. Gar Gar Gaza."
"I love you too. Gar Gar Gaza."
"Alright, you two let's go! We have a lot to do." Bucky called out the window, for some reason he was already using his megaphone to project his voice.
"I'm coming Bucky!" Addison gave Zed's hand one final squeeze before letting go to walk up the bus stairs and sat beside Bree. She watched out the window and locked eyes with Zed as the bus drove away. She was excited for her first cheer camp experience, but just thinking about two weeks of no Zed was already making her homesick for his cool embrace.
Zed stood on the school sidewalk, frozen, watching the bus pull away until it was out of sight. He pulled out his headphones and started playing Bamm on full-blast to cheer himself up as he sang to himself and shuffled down the street alone towards Zombietown. Zed knew he was being silly, but he also knew without a doubt these would be the longest two weeks of his life.
AN: Get ready for Zombies 2 chapters to start next week!