A few weeks passed as everyone returned to their normal activities, Seabrook's track teams were doing fairly well, and everyone was studying hard for the upcoming end of the school year, as well as working on their secret project. They all met together in the woods on the weekends to keep testing each other without their Z-bands and no issues ever arose. Zed, Bonzo, and Eliza had also been trying some things on their own as well. Not quite alone since they always made sure to have their significant other with them. The more time they spent without the Z-bands, the more they felt uncomfortable wearing them again. The whole time Eliza was busy recording and compiling all their information so that they could have a solid case to present when the time came, and now it may finally happen.
The election for the two new seats on the city council had happened three days ago and the votes were finally all counted. To no one's surprise Willa's mother Winona was chosen to represent the werewolves. But to everyone's surprise, especially Zevon, he was voted in as Zombietown's representative. He had never actively campaigned or anything but he was known as a leader not just on the construction site, but also for always being willing to lend a helping hand and advice to his neighbors.
So that Friday night, Zevon held an open house to celebrate with plenty of cauliflower snacks. Addison and Willa's parents were there, and pretty much the entire population of Zombietown made its way through to congratulate him. By now it was getting late and only the gang and all their parents were left, after they had all helped clean up everything they decided it was time to reveal their plan.
The teens all met in the living room for a few moments to go over their game plan one more time before returning to the kitchen where all the adults were still chatting about recent news around town. They all lined up along one wall, while Eliza set her computer on the kitchen table along with several binders full of all her notes.
"What's all this Eliza?" Zevon asked.
"Zevon, Winona, we just want to congratulate both of you again, we know you'll both be great leaders for all of Seabrook."
"Thank you again, but let me guess, you have some more changes you'd like me to try to make now that I'm in, right?" Zevon crossed his arms.
"That's correct."
"So what is it now? As long as it's reasonable I promise I'll support it."
"Don't worry, our," Eliza gestured to all her friends lined up around her, "proposal is very reasonable. We think it's time to get rid of the Z-bands entirely."
Several of the adults looked like they were about to spit out their drinks, their eyes wide in disbelief and surprise that Eliza would even make such a suggestion.
"Yeah, no. Literally anything but that. If I brought that up on my first day, even Dale would probably send me straight to Containment. Now, what do you really want?" Zevon tried to joke halfheartedly.
"We are being serious Pops. Just hear us out. All of you."
"Kids, don't be ridiculous." Missy admonished them. "The Z-bands keep everyone safe."
"Except when they don't." Addison said, grabbing hold of Zed's hand.
"Addison, I know that was scary, but it's dangerous for everyone if the zombies don't have Z-bands. We know they aren't perfect but there's no other way for them to stay in control." Missy reminded all of them.
"Actually there is. Please just hear us out." Addison asked.
Most of the adults shared dubious glances with each other.
Winona spoke up, motioning between herself and Waylon. "We've already been informed of their project, and we support them one hundred percent. We believe it can work. We trust our children, the least you can all do is hear them out don't you think?"
"Alright you guys, I know you wouldn't just bring this up out of nowhere," Zevon motioned at the binders full to almost bursting, "and obviously you have a pretty good argument prepared, so I'll hear you out."
"So will I, I won't make any promises, but I'll hear you out too." Dale added.
"But Dale-"
"Missy, there's no harm in listening to them."
"OK. Let's hear it. The floor is yours." Missy agreed with finality. Addison suspected that if she had her gavel she would have banged it on the kitchen table.
Everyone took turns explaining everything they had been doing, from the similarities in the origins of both werewolves and zombies and how the moonstones worked, to their experiences going full-zom with and without moonstones and how they felt right on the inside when using the moonstones to channel and control their powers compared to the Z-bands. Eliza led most of the argument, but they all worked together to fill in any gaps anyone forgot.
Nearly two hours later they finally finished their whole spiel. The adults had occasionally asked questions throughout their presentation, and pretty much all of them had something to say about hacking their Z-bands and intentionally going full zom, but the more evidence they provided, their anger quickly cooled down.
Eliza closed them out. "So that's everything we've done so far. Did we break some rules? Yes. But do we think we are right that this can work for all of us? Yes. We know it won't be overnight, but we all believe the moonstones can make us our true zombie selves. Years ago, we discovered there is no cure for zombies, because we are not a disease. We will never be human, but we aren't monsters either. We are zombies, and after fifty years of waiting I know we can finally be exactly who we are supposed to be."
"I can't believe I'm saying this but you've convinced me. If everything you said is true…I'm all for it." Zevon smiled after a few moments of silence from everyone else.
"Really Zevon? I'm sorry, but I'll need more proof. And I'm very disappointed in all of you that you would go behind our backs and break the law. Especially you Addison. You could have been in so much danger." Missy said once again.
"But I wasn't Mom. Zed, Bonzo and Eliza never wanted to hurt anyone. They never for a second acted like they did at the homecoming game or all the other stories you always told me about rogue zombies. They acted just like they always do. You have to believe us. Let us show you. It's just like the werewolves. They need the moonstones to live. The zombies need the moonstones to truly live and thrive too. They just never had them before now."
"I promise Missy, I would never have put Addison in any dangerous situation if I could stop it. We all knew it could work, and it did. She makes me complete, and I never want anything to happen to her, just like I know you do. But the moonstone also makes me complete in a different way."
"Zed, I know you would never hurt Addison, but I'm sorry but I don't like thinking about that other side of you."
"Missy." Dale interrupted. "I know we don't have to worry about Zed's zombie side hurting Addison either. I saw them work together when he got sick and he was mostly in control, not perfect I admit, but given the situation, better than I would have ever expected. One thing was for sure, he wasn't rogue even though he didn't have a Z-band then. Whether that was because of Addison, or his necklace, I don't know. But I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt."
Dale turned to face everyone else. "I'm willing to work with you guys on this, but no more running around the woods alone. I'll want my people working on this with you to make sure everyone involved is safe. But are the werewolves willing to share their moonstones?"
"Yes we are. The cave where the Moonstone crashed to Earth still has hundreds of stones embedded in the rock. We will happily share them with the zombies if it can make them who they are meant to be. We would also be willing to help train them to adjust to the moonstones. For our pups when they first get theirs, it can take some time to truly master it, but from what I've seen of these three at least, they are ready to lose their Z-bands for good." Winona stated calmly.
"I don't know. I'm sorry but I don't know how I can trust a zombie without a Z-band." Missy still looked worried.
"Would it make you feel better if you could talk to one without a Z-band? Let us prove it to you."
"I suppose Eliza, I just need more evidence."
"Well, you've already been listening to an unbanded zombie all night." Eliza held up her left arm and pulled down her sleeve, revealing her bare wrist.
"WHAT?" Several of the adults exclaimed, taking an instinctive step back. While most of the teens turned to Eliza with equal surprise.
"Eliza I thought we decided we weren't going to do that until after they all agreed?" Zed asked her, sounding exasperated and not actually surprised in the least.
"Well I knew some people still wouldn't believe us unless they saw the evidence for themselves. So I took matters into my own hands."
"OK, you have me convinced for sure then Eliza. I never suspected for a second you didn't have your Z-band. I know I shouldn't be surprised, but please tell me you still have it and are willing to put it back on for now." Dale asked, rubbing his head like he had a headache.
"Of course Mr. Wells I'd be happy to once this meeting is over."
Missy sighed but had a smile on her face. "OK, then I'm willing to learn more, and I will bring this up with the rest of the city council. With the four of us, in we'd need to convince at least two more members to do this. And I know this will quickly become a public issue, so we'll have to have public forums, and possibly a referendum for something this big." Missy was muttering under her breath and her eyes seemed to scan invisible graphs and poll numbers. "Alright I agree, as long as you do everything under the guidance of Dale and the Z-patrol. And nothing at all further until after we get approval from the rest of the city council."
"OK we can live with that." Eliza agreed, and after a few moments and some pointed looks from the rest of the adults, Eliza put her Z-band back on her wrist while rolling her eyes.
The adults asked them a few more questions about some of the specifics before everyone began to head home for the night, several with doggy bags full of cauliflower treats. Until it was only Zed and Zevon left in the living room after they had finished cleaning the last of the dishes.
Zevon sat down in the recliner and glanced over at Zed, sitting on the couch beside him. Zoey had been upstairs in her room playing with Puppy after she had gotten bored when all her friends had left with their parents so she hadn't heard anything. Zevon had just checked on her and she was already fast asleep in her bed, Puppy curled up right beside her.
"Zed, first of all, I know why you're doing this, and I can't thank you enough, because if this works this will change everything for us. I promise you I'll do my best to make you and all the rest of Zombietown proud. No one except probably Eliza will be fighting for this harder than me. But son, I don't know what I'm going to do with you." Zevon shook his head, looking exasperated. "Every time I hear about you kids messing with your Z-bands terrifies me. Nothing good has ever come from us messing with them, because either we get sick or we go rogue and get punished for it."
"I know Pops, just think of everything you'd be able to finally do if you don't have to worry about awakening some inner monster, or always having a reminder of how people still see us sitting on your wrist all the time. And the feeling of absolute freedom and rightness, I almost can't explain it. I know we're just like the werewolves, we are meant to be so much more than what we are now. The Z-bands hold us back and put us on a leash that we don't need. The moonstones make us complete."
"So you've all said."
"Pops, if you want, when we told Willa and Wyatt's parents they gave us another necklace that could be for you." Zed pulled out a hand-carved wooden box and opened it up, revealing a glowing blue moonstone within. "You can see what it's like if you want, although Eliza would have to hack your Z-band first."
"No, Zed, No. Not yet. I know from everything you kids have told me that it's safe, but I'll wait until it's officially allowed. If you say it works I trust you guys, full stop. But if I'm representing all of Zombietown now, I need to do things the right way. When we do announce it I'll be the first in line, you can count on it. Not just for me, but for you and Zoey. None of us will ever have to go through what happened…to Mom and what almost happened to you, or any of the other countless problems that have sprung up over the years."
"Thanks Pops."
"I'm proud of you son, and I know Mom is too. Are you reckless? Yes. A little crazy? Absolutely. But your heart has never steered you wrong Zed, keep following your heart, and I know you'll be successful."
"Do you want a demonstration then? I can turn off my Z-band right now if you want."
"That won't be necessary, Why Eliza gave you access to that I don't know." Zevon chuckled. "So does Addison need to be with you to keep you calm like at the hospital?"
"No, we've tried it plenty of times away from our…significant others. Addison definitely has the biggest effect on me compared to Wyatt or Bree."
"Wait a minute, Wyatt? Is Eliza dating Wyatt?"
"Yeah, I know shocker right? How he survives her silver tongue I don't know, but they both make each other happy."
"No, that just makes more sense now, Eliza's still the same she always is, but I could see that those two were both the masterminds behind this whole thing weren't they? Plus how he never left her side throughout this whole thing even when the rest of us were doubting some of her claims. Good for them."
"So anyway, I still miss Addison if she isn't with me, but around my friends at least I don't go all monstrous and angry trying to protect her. And I can still keep my cool even if she isn't around. Even though she is still all I think about, but as you can guess that's pretty much normal for me anyway. Also, I figured out my zombie side loves football as much as I do. Next season is going to be awesome."
"But have you thought about how that might be like you cheating again from this year if you use your powers? I know the werewolves take off their necklaces to race during track."
"Yeah I guess, but don't worry Pops I'm sure we'll figure something out."
"So if you played football, I'm assuming that means you're even fine with getting tackled and knocked around without getting angry?"
"Oh yeah, one day Wynter tackled me like a dozen times to practice, I think she could be a great asset for the football team, I'll try to connect her and Coach this summer. But anyway yeah, totally cool, and everyone else is totally cool as well. Well, there are some things that set us off, for me I can pick up on anything Addison's feeling and that flips my switch in an instant. Bonzo is also protective of Bree of course, but also don't mess with any of his art while he's a zombie, trust me. And Eliza is downright scary if anyone else tries to mess with her computer."
"So you all act mostly the same, but certain things still make you act different?"
"Yes but I promise we are always in control."
"Alright. And one last question, Zoey already has a necklace right?"
"Yeah she does."
"OK, don't tell her about any of this before we get official permission or anything, we don't want her to spread rumors around the elementary school and then have every parent in town panicking that we're just getting rid of the Z-bands and no other information from their kids, or worse, she acts like you guys and messes with her Z-band and hurts herself."
"You got it Pops, my lips are sealed."
"Good, well we should probably head up to bed then. Goodnight Zed." Zevon stood up and walked upstairs.
"Goodnight Pops." Zed said, following him up to his own room to see if Addison was ready to say goodnight yet.
When Addison got in the car with her parents, she just knew she had a lecture coming, she had been surprised her dad had been so supportive from the very beginning, even though their methods definitely weren't approved, at least he was behind them now. Her mom had acted pretty much like she had expected. She knew her mom had changed her views on zombies, but the potential risks of no more Z-bands admittedly sounded crazy without any explanation. She was just glad they both supported them in the end.
"So Addison, is there anything else you've been keeping from us?" Missy asked from the front seat.
"No Mom, just the moonstone thing, I promise, and I'm sorry we went behind your back to do this but we knew no one would support us if we didn't have any evidence first."
"And you promise nothing dangerous at all happened at any point?"
"No, everyone was always perfectly safe, it took some practice but as you saw tonight, Zed, Bonzo, and Eliza are all perfectly safe and happy without their Z-bands. I promise the moonstones work."
"Alright then. We just want you to be safe more than anything, you know that right? And we also want Seabrook and Zombietown to be safe too."
"I know that Mom."
"Now I honestly don't know how well this will go down with the public. For twenty years we've all been told the only thing keeping us safe are the Z-bands, I hope you and your friends are all prepared to be the center of attention. I'm sure literally everyone will have just as many questions as we did tonight."
"I understand that. Do you really think more people will agree?"
Dale answered her, "If you use all the arguments you did tonight, I don't see why not. Plus when the Z-Patrol endorses it after we can all see it for ourselves I think we'll have lots of support. Obviously, the zombies will be excited, and it sounds like the werewolves are behind the plan. A lot has changed this past school year, I can guarantee there will be people who will fight this every step of the way, but we all know how much the town is continuing to change. Addison, I'm cautiously optimistic."
"Thanks Dad. Can I ask why you were so supportive? To be honest, I thought you and Mom would for sure be the hardest to convince."
"I know why you're doing this Addison. I was there when Zed was sick remember? Zevon told me about Izabelle. If that had happened to you or Missy, I don't know what I'd do, and I know it was even worse for you just sitting there watching. I was terrified myself. But you saved his life Addison, even though you should never have needed to. I promised myself then, that I would do whatever that takes to make sure no one has to be in a needless, painful situation like that again."
"Yeah, that is the main reason." Addison admitted, fighting back tears like she always had to whenever she thought about that horrible day. "But there is so much more, just like everyone was saying. They can finally be their real selves, and no one will ever have to be afraid of them again."
"We understand Addison," Missy said, "just please, don't let Zed do anything more until we can give you all official permission."
"I promise Mom. We won't do anything more behind your back when it comes to this."
"So, and what did Zed say about you, that you're his zombie whisperer?" Missy asked.
"Yeah," Addison blushed, "I know his zombie side loves me just as much as he always does, he listens to me and apparently I'm all he thinks about even more than usual. He's always just as tender and affectionate as always with me, maybe even more so. But after all the practice he's great even if I'm not there with him. But even then, he says he's still always thinking about me."
"That's good." Missy nodded. "Again I want you both to be safe, and we know by now that we can't keep you apart even if we tried."
"You don't have to worry Mom. I'll say it a thousand times because if there's one thing I know is that Zed, Z-band or not, will never hurt me."
They made it home and after telling her parents goodnight, Addison got ready for bed and tucked herself in under her blankets and dialed Zed.
"Hello?"
"Hi Zed, you getting ready for bed too?"
"Yep. I still can't believe that actually worked, we not only convinced Pops, but somehow even your parents are agreeing to this, and they don't hate me for putting you in potential danger."
"Because they know I was never in any danger. Also, I found out the reason my Dad was so supportive from the get-go."
"Why's that?"
"When you got sick, he was just as scared as I was, and Zevon also told him about your mom, then all he could imagine was if it was me or Mom it was happening too, and he promised himself he would do whatever he could to make sure nothing like that ever happens again."
"I'm so sorry for putting you through that."
"Stop apologizing for it Zed. It wasn't your fault. All I care about is that you're healthy now and we are making sure it won't ever happen again."
"I know, I'm also surprised that your parents didn't run out of the room when Eliza told them she didn't have her band on."
"Well it worked didn't it?"
"Yeah, it did. But I could tell everyone was scared when they saw it."
"Are you really surprised Eliza did it? I'm surprised she's still wearing her Z-band at all."
"Probably because she doesn't want to ask to be dragged to Containment, although it looks like we're all going now."
"Yeah, but for a good reason for once. And maybe for the last time, if you have a moonstone, you shouldn't need any more Z-band checks."
"Good point, you always make everything better Addison."
"You do to Zed. You were great tonight, just as great as everyone else was."
"Don't cut yourself short, they never would have listened to us without you there."
"While that may be true, we only know this works because of you three proving it will. Did Zevon say anything when we left?"
"Just that he's proud of me, but also a little scared about the messing with our Z-bands in secret part, but he's also excited. But he told me I can't tell Zoey until we tell everyone. Just to make sure she stays safe."
"Yeah that makes sense. Well, it's already pretty late so we should probably hang up now."
"Goodnight Addison, Gar Gar Gaza."
"Gar Gar Gaza Zed. Goodnight."
On Saturday the next week, everyone was back in Zombie Containment, but for once they all wanted to be there. After going through their presentation once more in front of the newly expanded city council meeting, they had gotten approval to keep doing their research, so now they were being tested in every possible way by members of the Z-patrol. Emotionally, physically, and mentally, if you could think of a test that could be performed, Zed, Bonzo and Eliza had probably done it. Thanks to all their practice, none of them were phased by any of the many doctors and scientists that were constantly surrounding them. None of them so much as growled without being asked to. To everyone's surprise and relief, even Zed was totally fine without Addison being in the room, even though he was of course much happier when she was sitting there beside him.
While many of the scientists had been wary of their idea at first, by the end of the day, most of them were almost as excited as the teens were. While many of them had been working on constantly improving the Z-bands for most of their careers, they more than any humans knew how many issues, risks, and other problems that were always popping up, and so far it seemed like the moonstone necklaces were better in every possible way.
It seemed like the moonstones helped fight zombies' aversion to cold, even though their body temperatures were just as cool as they were normally. And while they kept complete control of their bodies, it seemed like their pain tolerance had increased, none of them had even flinched when their blood was drawn. The energy provided by their necklaces also seemed to block their bottomless hunger and kept them from feeling completely drained from using their powers.
By the time they finally left Containment it was almost dark out, and while they had eaten lunch together earlier, everyone was starving after their long day, but thankfully none of them craved any brains.
All their parents; humans, zombies, and werewolves had all come to observe for most of the day, and all were happy that everyone was still safe and happy. Even Missy was now firmly behind them after she witnessed the three of them acting just like they always did, and especially Zed, who she always had her eye on since Addison was almost constantly near him.
They all went out and got pizza for everyone. While they ate at the restaurant, they had ended up divided between an adult table and kids' table, not that anyone really minded.
"I know everything went well today, but it was so much simpler when it was just us doing this." Eliza grumbled. "Everyone at Containment constantly questioning everything we've done or suggest."
"That's just because none of us will argue with you." Wyatt teased her.
"Well, yes, except for Zed and Bonzo being stubborn and annoying, and sickeningly sweet sometimes. "
"Hey."
"Za!"
"You both know it's true."
"Fine guilty. But you're one to talk." Zed shot back.
"If we didn't have to be on our best behavior in front of all those guys…I'm probably pretty lucky none of them actually know zombietongue to know what I was saying to them."
"Yeah we know, we heard most of it too." Zed nodded.
"Plus the fact that they had you guys start everything back at square one as if none of them read any of the reports we made." Willa added.
"Hey, every day's an improvement, cause baby steps-" Zed started singing.
"Don't!" Eliza groaned.
"Well fine then." Zed pouted until Addison kissed his cheek.
"For more good news, we already have about one hundred new necklaces dug out and ready to use when we do finally get approval." Willa told everyone.
"I wonder how they're going to choose who gets them first?" Bree asked aloud.
"My mom and dad said they were working on that, they were thinking they would just start doing it in the order that zombies are already scheduled to get their Z-band checks. But obviously you three and Zoey will get to take them off first when you get the chance. They were also talking to Willa and Wyatt's parents to make some kind of training program, and obviously, we could all help teach it possibly." Addison explained.
"Hey Zed, does Zoey know about what her necklace can do?" Eliza asked.
"No. Pops said not to tell her until its official. We don't want her to spread it all around the school so by the next day the entire town panics over rumors that the Z-bands are being removed without any other explanation. Also, we don't want to get her hopes up for nothing if for some reason this doesn't work. Or worse, she pulls a you and tries to take her band off herself."
"Hey, if Zoey wants to use me as a role model can you blame her?"
"No, I suppose there are worse people she could idolize." Zed smiled.
"So change of topic, we've been talking about Z-bands and moonstones literally all day, how's everyone's last few weeks of school shaping up?" Addison asked.
"Well track is almost over, only two meets left. Coach Clevenger thinks we have a good chance of taking several events to state." Zed shared. "School-wise, besides math and one paper I have to finish, I've got nothing to difficult."
"Same here. I'm on like page seven so thankfully I'm almost done." Bree sighed.
"That's been great. I told Mrs. Nelson about our project and she's letting me write my research paper on everything we've been doing, so its practically done already. Just have to wait and see what the actual conclusion will be." Eliza added.
"Prrimaverra conzierto!" Bonzo announced.
"Oh yeah, I can't wait either Bonzo." Willa gave him a hi five. "I am a little nervous though, this will be the first time I've sung on stage in front of an actual audience, not just singing and dancing and howling with the pack or with you guys. I even have a solo for a few measures."
"Don't worry Willa, it's a high school choir concert, I'm sure you'll blow everyone away like a house made of straw." Wyatt reassured her.
"Cause we're big bad, fierce werewolves that are scared of nothing." Wynter declared.
"That's right Wynter, I don't know I feel like it would just be weird singing in front of hundreds of other people. But I'll have Bonzo playing along the whole time so I know he won't let me down." Willa reached across the table to give Bonzo a fist bump.
"Anything major with you Addison?" Bree asked.
"No, just the same papers and final tests you all have. Plus track and project moonstone of course. As great as this whole school year has been I'm ready for a few months off."
"Yeah, me too. Coach mentioned we'll have football offseason stuff to do this summer, plus Pops thinks it wouldn't hurt to look for a job if I can find one that will hire me. But I'm more focused on school, sports, and project moonstone right now."
"I'm sure if nothing else you could apply to the zombie employment service, most of the jobs still suck but you could find something for the summer at least," Eliza suggested.
"I know, the rest of you have summer plans?"
"Same as you, really focused on project moonstone, but I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind me working or at least doing something." Eliza shrugged her shoulders.
"We'll probably be busy taking care of the pack or something, I do know our parents want to try to bring the pack more into Seabrook, so who knows? Maybe we'll all get jobs too." Willa also shrugged.
"Nothing definite right now."
"Same here Bree," Addison replied, "other than we'll have plenty of cheer stuff to do. Bucky's been asking me about holding summer cheer practices too. I don't even have the headspace to think about that right now. We'll probably just follow whatever they always do."
"Sounds good to me Addie."
"Trabargarr en mi Dadz' ztore." Bonzo revealed.
"Oh, that sounds interesting, way more fun than any job I could probably find." Bree smiled at him.
"I do ezery yarr." Bonzo told her.
"So it sounds like we'll all be hopefully busy this summer, but I hope we'll still have time to hang out together."
"Of course, we will Addison. Maybe we should come up with a list of things we can all do together." Bree suggested.
"That sounds great. Does anyone have any ideas?" Addison asked the table as they continued enjoying their pizza.
AN: Surprise! You got this chapter a day early this week because today marks one whole year since I first started writing this story. I am so grateful to all of my readers. I hope you all love reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. As always I plan to continue this for as long as I have ideas. I have the next couple of chapters already planned out, so now I'll say I'll for sure take Zed and Addison through summer vacation. I also decided to go back to the beginning and write the rest of the first movie that I skipped over when I started this. It will be mostly the same but with a few tweaks or additions. If you want to read it, it's called Watch It Come Together. Thank you to all my readers again, this year has been so much fun and I don't plan on ending this anytime soon.