Coach Sally returned to her role with energy, addressing the team with a warm but urgent tone.
"Hey guys, I'm back! I was down for quite a while with food poisoning—still no idea where it came from. Nick and Tiffy have been doing a great job leading in my absence, and I've heard good things. But listen, the semester is ending soon, which means the inter-school games begin next term. We need to prepare hard. There's no time to waste!"
With Sally back, Shadd stepped down from her temporary captaincy. The team was reenergized by the restored structure and camaraderie. Nick, however, kept a low profile. He intentionally avoided Coach Sally and some of the more attention-seeking girls, focusing instead on his training—and on Tiffy.
---
Zonal Tournament Begins
The new semester kicked off with intensity. The zonal regionals were hosted by Malacca High School.
"We've got a shot at revenge this time," Captain Nick said confidently in the locker room. "Only two teams move forward. Let's make sure we're one of them!"
The cheerleaders weren't present—they were preparing for the national arts tournament happening concurrently—but the basketball squad was ready.
After several games, the expected happened: Dasheen and Malacca, bitter rivals, met in the finals. Nick and Lawrence, both team captains and former friends, faced each other with burning determination. Each was playing for more than just school pride.
Eye to eye, they challenged one another. They blocked each other's shots, drew fouls, and kept the pressure on—but stopped short of full-on dueling, knowing the strict penalties such behavior could attract.
In the end, Malacca edged out Dasheen by a single point. Both teams, however, advanced to the nationals later on after other series of games.
---
National Games — Basketball & Arts
"Welcome to the National High School Basketball Games at Chicogo Square Gardens!" the announcer's voice boomed. "Schools have trained, battled, and sacrificed to be here. The best of the best now compete for scholarships, the prestigious cup, and a one million dollar prize from the Ministry of Sports!"
Meanwhile, the national arts competition took place at MettLife Stadium, running parallel with the basketball games. Both Dasheen and Malacca had reached the finals in cheerleading and basketball—a rare coincidence.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the first cheerleading finalist… Malacca High School!"
Malacca's squad entered in striking blue uniforms, performing flawlessly under Faith's leadership. Their routine was met with a roaring ovation.
Backstage, Faith grinned. "That was amazing. Let's wait and hope the judges were impressed."
Soon after, Dasheen's team appeared in maroon blazers and matching skirts. Their opening included an unexpected mix of trumpets, violins, and drums.
"Go! Go! Dasheen!" they cheered, beginning their routine.
Midway, an awkward moment stole the spotlight. Tiffy unexpectedly attempted the highlight acrobatic jump—a move the team had agreed Shadd would do. Her landing was clumsy. The routine lost its sync, and backstage, frustration flared.
The results were predictable.
---
National Basketball Finals
Back at the court, Dasheen and Malacca battled once more for glory. Lawrence, fired up by his sister's disappointment, nailed several three-pointers. Nick responded with equal fury. The teams were neck and neck.
In the final quarter, the score tied at 103-103 with three minutes to go. Malacca surged ahead by five points. Then, with ten seconds remaining, Nick landed a clean three-pointer, narrowing the gap to two. As the final seconds ticked down, he launched a desperate long-range shot from his own guarding zone.
The buzzer rang.
The ball hovered… bounced… and dropped into the hoop.
Dasheen had won.
---
Disappointment at Home
At dinner, Lawrence and Shadd were silent, barely touching their food.
Their father frowned. "What's wrong with you two? You look like you just got scolded by the president. Care to share?"
Lawrence finally spoke. "We lost the national basketball final. By a single point. I didn't even get the MVP title, even though I led in scores. Nick won that too."
Shadd added, "In cheerleading, we agreed I'd do the jump, but Tiffy took over without warning—and messed it up. We came second. Faith got the top artist grant. I'm just… disappointed."
Their father leaned back and nodded. "I understand. But moping won't fix anything. Learn from it. Adjust. And remember, there's always another chance."
---
Tiffy's Apology & Party Plans
The next day at practice, Tiffy addressed the cheer team.
"I'm really sorry, guys," she said. "I messed up. I thought Shadd wasn't ready for a national performance. She's still a junior and has time to grow. But I should have trusted her and get stuck to the plan. Please forgive me."
The team, though reluctant, nodded in acceptance.
"But we still have something to celebrate—Nick won the game for us!" she added with a grin. "And to honor that, I'm inviting everyone to my place this weekend for a celebration!"
All agreed, except Jasmine and Shadd, who remained quietly unimpressed.
In class, Coach Sally congratulated the team.
"You did brilliantly at the nationals. Nick—your buzzer-beater was legendary. Tiffy's hosting a celebration. I expect full attendance. She'll provide directions in case anyone gets lost."
Later, Tiffy and Marie brainstormed.
"What theme should we go with?" Marie asked.
"Maybe something fun… or mysterious. Like Halloween?"
"Let's combine both. Mystery and fun!"
"Perfect. I'll announce it and tell everyone to dress accordingly."
Marie hesitated. "Did you notice how Jasmine and Shadd reacted? They didn't seem too happy."
Tiffy shrugged. "They're probably still sore from the nationals. Besides, everyone has to come. It's about team spirit."
"Let's just hope no one rats you out to Sally about what really happened…"
"They won't. Unless Shadd suddenly grows a spine."
But in private, Jasmine and Shadd discussed just that.
"If Tiffy keeps acting like she owns us, maybe we should say something," Jasmine muttered.
"Let's wait. If she pushes too far, we'll report her—quietly," Shadd replied.
---
The Party
Saturday came fast. Jasmine and Shadd met at Elizabeth's house, giggling as they tried on costumes before heading to Tiffy's place.
The house was dazzling—lights, music, and decorations that fit both themes: mystery and fun. Tiffy welcomed everyone.
"I know it's not Halloween yet, but thank you for joining our mystery-themed party! Marie and I thought it would be fun. I see most of you went the spooky route!" She raised her glass. "Let the party begin!"
Music boomed, food flowed, and laughter echoed. Tiffy had arranged segments: free mingling, fashion shows, bonfire stories, and a DJ set.
Around the bonfire, the crowd hushed as Nick shared a story.
"Ever heard of Sea Gins?" he began. "They trace back to my ancestors—the Liputians. They believed in four forbidden gems, each containing magical powers capable of creating hybrids. Half-human, half-animal. Werewolves, vampires, sea creatures…"
People chuckled nervously.
"These beings transformed during full moons. The only way to reverse it? UV-infused chemicals. Secret societies use them for power… but if the gems are destroyed, the hybrids lose their strength."
Shadd, curious, leaned in. "I've heard of this—Crispine Empire versus the Liputians. My granddad used to tell stories about forbidden magic. I never believed them… until now."
Nick nodded. "I've never heard of them attacking humans. Maybe they're tamed. Used as guardians. But who knows?"
The fire flickered.
For a moment, no one laughed.