The Dolphin Room
Requirements
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Requirements
After getting a text from Mia, your band gathers in the Musician Hangout for a meeting...
Danny: What’s the problem, Mia? What kind of trouble are we in?
Julian: We’re rock stars, Danny. If we’re not getting in trouble, we’re doing it wrong! Right, Ezra?
Julian grins and raises a hand for a high-five... But Ezra’s oblivious, staring sullenly at his phone’s screen!
Mia: Um, Ezra? Care to join us? We’re having a meeting!
Ezra: Huh? Oh, my bad...
Ezra puts away his phone and half-heartedly high-fives Julian.
Julian: That was just... just pitiful.
Mia: Annnnyway, as I was saying... I got a call from Mr. Prince, the owner of the Dolphin Room. And he wants to meet. ASAP. Didn’t say why.
Payton: Uh oh. This is like getting called to the principal’s office when you have no idea which thing they found out about...
Ezra: I think we know what he’s gonna say. The guy runs the most iconic music venue in the region, and a bunch of teenagers just blew off his marketing advice.
Nishan: You mean, keeping me out of the press materials? If he really insists, I guess we could--
Ezra: If he insists, we could tell him to take a hike. We’re a band. This is who we are. If he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t have to let us play at his joint.
Danny: I’ve got a feeling that’s exactly what’s about to happen...
Julian: Well then, let’s go face the music. Pun absolutely intended.
Time - 9 hours
Later, you and your bandmates are sitting anxiously in the waiting room outside Mr. Prince’s downtown office... The doors creak open, and Mia steps out, closing them quietly behind her...
Payton: Mia! What’d Mr. Prince say?
Nishan: Has he sworn vengeance?
Mia: He wasn’t exactly thrilled that we went against his wishes. He’s not used to being ignored. But he was impressed that we still managed to have such a huge turnout at the album release party, sooooo...
Ezra: So we still got the gig?
Mia: The show will go on!
Payton: Woooooo!
Ezra: Oh yeah! We do what we want, and clubs STILL beg us to play there! That’s how you know we’re big shots!
Mia: Well, there is a but. And it’s a big but.
Nishan: Don’t laugh, don’t laugh...
Mia: The bad news is, Jack Carver’s band is playing here the same night!
Ezra: ...Jack?
Julian: Ah, who cares? We blew them out before, we’ll do it again. NBD.
Mia: It’s not the same group. He dropped all of his bandmates after we beat them in the Battle of the Bands...
Payton: Well, that’s rude.
Mia: He’s been going around convincing the best musicians in town to join him in a supergroup. Like, professional ringers.
Julian: So what? If I’ve learned one thing playing with you guys, it’s that rock ‘n roll is about heart and energy. And you can’t hire that.
Nishan: Hear, hear! We’ll send them running for the hills again! Right, Ezra?
Ezra: Huh? Oh, yeah... nothing to worry about. But this is still the biggest show of our lives. We’d better be perfect!
Requirements
Soon, your band is practicing back at the Musician Hangout. You reach a solo at the end of a song... but Ezra doesn’t play it!
Payton: Um, Ezra?
Ezra: Oh, right!
Ezra jumps into the solo... but he’s missing half the notes!
Mia: Okay, time out, people! Everyone, stop playing!
Nishan; What’s going on?
Mia: I don’t know. Ezra, care to tell us?
Ezra: I’m fine. Just take it from the top--
Julian: Man, your head’s not in the game. You’re just standing around, staring into space! If you were in my huddle, I’d have to bench you!
Danny: He’s right, Ezra. What’s the deal?
Ezra: Fine...
He reaches in his pocket and tosses you his phone.
Ezra: THAT’S the deal.
Time - 16 hours
You read through the messages on Ezra’s phone...
Danny: ‘I miss you’... ‘I can’t stop thinking about you’... there are dozens of these!
Payton: Who’s sending them to you, Ezra?
Ezra: ...it’s Lena.
Nishan: The love of your life who cheated on you with your best friend and bandmate, the nefarious Jack Carver, only for him to dump her a week later?!
Ezra: Yes, Nishan. Thanks for the... sensitive recap.
Mia: And after all that, she wants you back?
Danny: Ezra... I know this girl meant the world to you... But I think it’s reaaaally dangerous to get involved again with someone who hurt you so badly.
Ezra: I am NOT getting back with her. Period. I’m not even responding to her, but it’s just... Messing with my head a little.
Payton: Are you gonna be okay, Ez? Playing a show with the guy she left you for?
Ezra: I said I’m fine. And I’ll be even better once we wipe the floor with him. From the top. A-one, two, three four!
That weekend...
Mia: Okay, Danny, time to load up the van and head over to the Dolphin Room for tonight’s show. We’d better give out some tickets so our friends can attend. Having people to lead the cheer is, like, THE most important thing.
Danny: I’m on it!
Requirements
Your band arrives at the famous Dolphin Room to find it already packed with fans!
Julian: Whoa!
Ezra: Welcome, my friends... to rock ‘n roll history.
The crowd pulses with energy. The entire venue feels alive with electric anticipation. Your bandmates walk past walls covered with signed photos of the iconic bands that launched their careers here.
Ezra: You’ve got the Canoodlers, you’ve got Bigfoot and the Yetis, you’ve got... Jim Fox?!
Danny: Your musical idol? He played here too?
Ezra: No, he-- he’s standing right over there!
Mia: What are you waiting for? Go talk to him! I bet he remembers you from the Red Canyon Festival.
You watch from a distance as Ezra jogs up to Jim Fox. They shake hands and talk amiably... then Ezra walks back to you, grinning.
Nishan: What’s he doing here, Ezra? Don’t tell me he’s one of the ringers Jack hired!
Ezra: He told me he’s starting his own indie music label... and he’s scouting for talent.
Payton: OMG, OMG, OMG! WE’RE talented!
Ezra: Then we’d better prove it tonight.
Ezra: Jim says he remembers us from Red Canyon. He says we’ve got potential.
As Ezra talks, you see a familiar figure walking up behind him.
Ezra: I think if we just stay focused, we’ll--
Danny: Um... Ezra?
Ezra turns around and comes face-to-face with the person standing behind him.
Jack Carver: Long time no see, Ezra.
Requirements
Ezra: Shouldn’t you be setting up on stage?
Jack Carver: I’ve, uh... got something I need to say to you...
Ezra: Too bad, ‘cause I’ve got NOTHING to say to YOU. So get out of my face.
Jack Carver: Come on, man. Just give me a minute.
Ezra: Are you deaf, man? That’d explain your music. I said, walk away!
Jack nods and starts to trudge off.
Mia: What was that? That’s NOT the Jack we’re used to. Looks like he’s got something heavy on his mind.
Ezra: I don’t care. That guy was my BEST friend, and he stabbed me in the back.
Payton: I don’t know, Ezra. It sounded important. Maybe you should hear him out.
Ezra: ... Yo, Jack! Spit it out. Just what is it you want to tell me?
Time - 18 hours
Jack turns back to Ezra, as the rest of you look on...
Jack Carver: Look, you’ve got every reason in the world to hate me...
Ezra: You’ve got that right.
Jack Carver: But the truth is, I’ve been haunted by what I did for a long time. I’ve been afraid to face the truth... So I’m here to tell you... Lena misses you, man. I miss you.
Ezra keeps glaring at Jack, but you can see him flinch.
Ezra: ...
Jack Carver: Lena and me? When we split a week later, it wasn’t because we were using each other... It’s because we knew pretty fast that we were the worst mistake of each other’s lives.
Ezra: ...
Jack Carver: Are you gonna say something?
Ezra sneers at Jack.
Ezra: Yeah. Trusting the two of you was the worst mistake of mine.
Jack hangs his head and shuffles off to rejoin his band. Ezra turns back to you, his face betraying the turmoil he tries to keep hidden.
Danny: Ezra? You gonna be okay?
Ezra: You kidding? I’m golden. Now I’m even more amped to whoop them tonight. Let’s join the crowd. Jack’s band is about to go on.
Requirements
The curtain draws back, and the crowd at the Dolphin Room erupts in a cheer! Jack steps out on stage, his familiar smarmy grin back in place.
Jack Carver: What up, Dolphin Room? I’m Jack, on guitar, and we are Zero Hour!
One by one, the other members of the brand new band walk out on stage to more applause!
Jack Carver: We got Liz bangin’ on drums! Wally strummin’ on bass! Corey hammerin’ the keys! And last but not least, our super-fine singer with a super-fine voice... Lena!
A drop-dead gorgeous girl struts out into the spotlight in massive heels, flipping her hair. The crowd goes crazy! Ezra’s jaw drops.
Nishan: Wait, SHE’S one of Jack’s ringers?
Ezra: Oh man...
Time - 14 hours
Zero Hour performs a series of complex songs, each one executed with expert precision.
Julian: Wow. Uh, guys, they’re... I’m just gonna say it. They’re GOOD.
Deep into their set, they turn down the energy, and Lena croons a sorrowful, heartbreaking love ballad...
Payton: Danny, look! Lena’s staring right at Ezra!
Beside you, Ezra looks troubled. He turns away from the stage.
Ezra: Forget this...
Ezra pushes his way toward the back of the venue, disappearing amid the crowd.
Danny: Ezra, wait!
Julian: What’s happening?
Payton: Ezra just took off!
Nishan: Is he gonna be okay?
Mia: Did you hear those lyrics Lena was singing? ‘Gimme a second chance, I’ll treat you right... take my hand and we’ll dance through the night’? After everything that girl put him through, that’s got to eat at him...
On stage, Jack’s band wraps up their encore!
Jack Carver: Yeah! You like that? We are Zero Hour! Buy our album!
Julian: Well, the clock’s running out! We’ve got to get Ezra back here, now!
Danny: I’ll find him.
Requirements
You find Ezra standing alone in the back of the venue, staring at the pictures of famous musicians...
Danny: Ezra! There you are. We have to go set up... ...Ezra? Come on, talk to me.
Ezra: You know, for a long time... after what Lena and Jack did to me... it was like nothing was real. I started to think that everyone in the whole world just used each other. I thought it was pointless to care about people. Everyone says I turned into a flirt, a player... but it’s because nothing meant anything.
Danny: Ezra, that’s not true.
Ezra: I know, Danny. Ever since you guys gave me a chance at your school, I’ve been getting better. When I see how you guys treat each other, how you treat everyone... it makes me believe in people again. But then, I see how easily Lena could go back to loving me, after how she hurt me without so much as blinking... It makes me wonder again if it’s all meaningless.
Danny: Meaningless? Look at us! Our band! We’re still together, after everything! After all the hardships and in-fighting... And you couldn’t find five people who are more different than we are. There’s only one thing that keeps us together... and that’s the fact that we mean something to each other.
Ezra’s quiet for a moment, then he looks up at you with a grin.
Ezra: Well, Danny... when you’re right, you’re right.
You lead Ezra backstage, where your bandmates are setting up. They all look up, anxious.
Payton: Ezra, are you--
Ezra: I’m good.
Julian: How are we gonna follow up Jack’s band? They were awesome!
Ezra: Only one thing matters right now, and that’s us. Right here, right now. And we’re about to rock some faces off.
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You and your bandmates take your places on stage. The curtains draw back, and you’re lit up by the brilliant spotlights! The crowd cheers!
Ezra: How we feelin’, Dolphin Room?!
The audience roars in response! You can see dozens of fans wearing the band t-shirts Nishan designed!
Payton: Thanks for coming out! We’re ‘The’! Danny, count us in!
Danny: And a-one, two, three, four!
Time - 20 hours
Your band kicks off the show with a fast-paced pop-punk song! Soon, the entire audience is dancing!
Payton: ‘I don’t need another, so long as we’ve got each other!’
You and Ezra launch into soaring, dueling solos! He sidles up to you...
Ezra: They’re loving it! Let’s keep the energy up!
Danny: I have an idea!
You swing your guitar over your shoulder! You hurl your guitar behind you, spinning its strap around your shoulder! It flies back into your hands, and you continue the solo! The crowd gasps and cheers!
Ezra: Nice!
Your band closes out with a thunderous, upbeat finale! The audience breaks out in deafening applause!
Ezra: Thank you! Thank you, Dolphin Room!
Danny: Goodnight!
You and your bandmates run backstage as whistles and cheers rain down on you! Mia meets you there!
Mia: I’ve never heard anyone cheer that hard, and that’s, like, what I do.
Payton: I’m still too excited! We need an afterparty to wind down!
Ezra: Hang on a sec, guys.
Ezra turns to you.
Ezra: Danny here helped me get past some stuff I’d never really gotten over. I think I’m finally ready to bury the hatchet with Jack and Lena. Wanna come with?
Danny: I’ve got your back.
Requirements
You and Ezra walk through the hallways backstage at the Dolphin Room.
Danny: I’m proud of you for doing this, Ezra. When people hurt you, it can be really hard to let it go.
Ezra: It was hard. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.
You round a corner and see Jack and Lena standing outside a dressing room down the hall.
Danny: There they are. Wait a second... are they...
Ezra looks closer... and his eyes go wide.
Ezra: They’re making out!
Time - 12 hours
You stand by Ezra, who watches from a distance as Jack and Lena make out...
Ezra: ...
Danny: Oh no... Ezra, let’s get out of here...
Ezra: Those messages from Lena asking for me back... That big speech from Jack saying he was sorry... it was all an act. It was all just to mess with my head.
Danny: Ezra... I’m so sorry.
Ezra shakes his head and walks away. You quickly follow.
Danny: Ezra, some people are just jerks. But I don’t want you to stop believing in people.
He pauses and looks back at you.
Ezra: You know what, Danny... I won’t. Just because they don’t put meaning into anything doesn’t mean I can’t. You showed me that.
Danny: So... you’re gonna be okay?
Ezra: Already am.
You and Ezra rejoin your friends on the venue floor, laughing and joking about the show.
Julian: That was an epic time. I’m PUMPED for our next show!
Ezra: Yeah, no matter what happens with Jim Fox, I’m pretty proud of how we pulled together up there.
Mia: Speaking of...
The crowd behind you parts, and Jim Fox glides through. He beckons Mia to follow him.
Mia: Well, here’s hoping I come back with good news!
Requirements
You and your friends watch with bated breath as Mia talks with Jim Fox. Suddenly, someone puts a hand on Ezra’s shoulder!
Jack Carver: Hey, man, that was really something up there. You guys are special.
Ezra: Save it, pal. No more games. What was it? Were you afraid you couldn’t beat us fair and square? You needed to mess with my head?
Jack’s pouting expression evaporates. He smirks.
Jack Carver: Guess we couldn’t fool you, smart guy.
Ezra: You might’ve gotten me, Jack. But unlucky for you, I’ve got friends watching my back.
Jack Carver: Heh. The lot of you are real cute. A merry band of losers. We’ll see just how well you all get along when MY band gets signed to your hero’s new label.
Payton: Sorry to burst your ego’s bubble, Jackie, but our manager’s talking to Jim Fox right now!
Jack Carver: Psh. Good luck. You’ll need it.
Time - 23 hours
Mia comes back from her conversation with Jim Fox...
Julian: So? What’d he say? Out with it!
Nishan: Are we getting signed? Are we officially rock stars?
Mia: Well, this sort of thing requires a lot of managerial negotiation and back-and-forth, but...
Mia looks to each of you in turn... and smiles.
Mia: Welcome to the big leagues.
Ezra: I... We... Holy...
Danny: Ezra? You still with us?
Ezra: Yeah, it’s just... this has been a literal dream of mine since I was little.
Julian: Well, wake up, amigo, ‘cause this just got real!
Julian pulls you all into a big group hug!
As your group hug breaks up, you see Jack Carver standing nearby, looking smug.
Ezra: You hear the news, Jack? Jim Fox went with the talent.
Jack Carver: He sure did.
Mia: Then just what are you so cheery about?
Jack Carver: ‘Cause he signed us too.
Payton: What?
The rest of Jack’s band step out from the crowd to flank him.
Jack Carver: A label needs more than one act, babe.
Julian: Um, Ezra? Was THIS part of your dream?
Ezra: Assuredly not, man.
Nishan: Oh no... it’s the darkest timeline.
Lena sidles up beside Jack and laces her fingers between his.
Jack Carver: Well, Ezra... looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.
Will your band be able to cope with being Jack Carver’s labelmates? Or will be and Lena tear down your dreams of rock stardom? Find out in the next quest!
- Mia
After getting a text from Mia, your band gathers in the Musician Hangout for a meeting...
Danny: What’s the problem, Mia? What kind of trouble are we in?
Julian: We’re rock stars, Danny. If we’re not getting in trouble, we’re doing it wrong! Right, Ezra?
Julian grins and raises a hand for a high-five... But Ezra’s oblivious, staring sullenly at his phone’s screen!
Mia: Um, Ezra? Care to join us? We’re having a meeting!
Ezra: Huh? Oh, my bad...
Ezra puts away his phone and half-heartedly high-fives Julian.
Julian: That was just... just pitiful.
Mia: Annnnyway, as I was saying... I got a call from Mr. Prince, the owner of the Dolphin Room. And he wants to meet. ASAP. Didn’t say why.
Payton: Uh oh. This is like getting called to the principal’s office when you have no idea which thing they found out about...
Ezra: I think we know what he’s gonna say. The guy runs the most iconic music venue in the region, and a bunch of teenagers just blew off his marketing advice.
Nishan: You mean, keeping me out of the press materials? If he really insists, I guess we could--
Ezra: If he insists, we could tell him to take a hike. We’re a band. This is who we are. If he doesn’t like it, he doesn’t have to let us play at his joint.
Danny: I’ve got a feeling that’s exactly what’s about to happen...
Julian: Well then, let’s go face the music. Pun absolutely intended.
Time - 9 hours
Later, you and your bandmates are sitting anxiously in the waiting room outside Mr. Prince’s downtown office... The doors creak open, and Mia steps out, closing them quietly behind her...
Payton: Mia! What’d Mr. Prince say?
Nishan: Has he sworn vengeance?
Mia: He wasn’t exactly thrilled that we went against his wishes. He’s not used to being ignored. But he was impressed that we still managed to have such a huge turnout at the album release party, sooooo...
Ezra: So we still got the gig?
Mia: The show will go on!
Payton: Woooooo!
Ezra: Oh yeah! We do what we want, and clubs STILL beg us to play there! That’s how you know we’re big shots!
Mia: Well, there is a but. And it’s a big but.
Nishan: Don’t laugh, don’t laugh...
Mia: The bad news is, Jack Carver’s band is playing here the same night!
Ezra: ...Jack?
Julian: Ah, who cares? We blew them out before, we’ll do it again. NBD.
Mia: It’s not the same group. He dropped all of his bandmates after we beat them in the Battle of the Bands...
Payton: Well, that’s rude.
Mia: He’s been going around convincing the best musicians in town to join him in a supergroup. Like, professional ringers.
Julian: So what? If I’ve learned one thing playing with you guys, it’s that rock ‘n roll is about heart and energy. And you can’t hire that.
Nishan: Hear, hear! We’ll send them running for the hills again! Right, Ezra?
Ezra: Huh? Oh, yeah... nothing to worry about. But this is still the biggest show of our lives. We’d better be perfect!
Requirements
- Payton
- Julian
- Nishan
Soon, your band is practicing back at the Musician Hangout. You reach a solo at the end of a song... but Ezra doesn’t play it!
Payton: Um, Ezra?
Ezra: Oh, right!
Ezra jumps into the solo... but he’s missing half the notes!
Mia: Okay, time out, people! Everyone, stop playing!
Nishan; What’s going on?
Mia: I don’t know. Ezra, care to tell us?
Ezra: I’m fine. Just take it from the top--
Julian: Man, your head’s not in the game. You’re just standing around, staring into space! If you were in my huddle, I’d have to bench you!
Danny: He’s right, Ezra. What’s the deal?
Ezra: Fine...
He reaches in his pocket and tosses you his phone.
Ezra: THAT’S the deal.
Time - 16 hours
You read through the messages on Ezra’s phone...
Danny: ‘I miss you’... ‘I can’t stop thinking about you’... there are dozens of these!
Payton: Who’s sending them to you, Ezra?
Ezra: ...it’s Lena.
Nishan: The love of your life who cheated on you with your best friend and bandmate, the nefarious Jack Carver, only for him to dump her a week later?!
Ezra: Yes, Nishan. Thanks for the... sensitive recap.
Mia: And after all that, she wants you back?
Danny: Ezra... I know this girl meant the world to you... But I think it’s reaaaally dangerous to get involved again with someone who hurt you so badly.
Ezra: I am NOT getting back with her. Period. I’m not even responding to her, but it’s just... Messing with my head a little.
Payton: Are you gonna be okay, Ez? Playing a show with the guy she left you for?
Ezra: I said I’m fine. And I’ll be even better once we wipe the floor with him. From the top. A-one, two, three four!
That weekend...
Mia: Okay, Danny, time to load up the van and head over to the Dolphin Room for tonight’s show. We’d better give out some tickets so our friends can attend. Having people to lead the cheer is, like, THE most important thing.
Danny: I’m on it!
Requirements
- Spend 150,000 coins
Your band arrives at the famous Dolphin Room to find it already packed with fans!
Julian: Whoa!
Ezra: Welcome, my friends... to rock ‘n roll history.
The crowd pulses with energy. The entire venue feels alive with electric anticipation. Your bandmates walk past walls covered with signed photos of the iconic bands that launched their careers here.
Ezra: You’ve got the Canoodlers, you’ve got Bigfoot and the Yetis, you’ve got... Jim Fox?!
Danny: Your musical idol? He played here too?
Ezra: No, he-- he’s standing right over there!
Mia: What are you waiting for? Go talk to him! I bet he remembers you from the Red Canyon Festival.
You watch from a distance as Ezra jogs up to Jim Fox. They shake hands and talk amiably... then Ezra walks back to you, grinning.
Nishan: What’s he doing here, Ezra? Don’t tell me he’s one of the ringers Jack hired!
Ezra: He told me he’s starting his own indie music label... and he’s scouting for talent.
Payton: OMG, OMG, OMG! WE’RE talented!
Ezra: Then we’d better prove it tonight.
Ezra: Jim says he remembers us from Red Canyon. He says we’ve got potential.
As Ezra talks, you see a familiar figure walking up behind him.
Ezra: I think if we just stay focused, we’ll--
Danny: Um... Ezra?
Ezra turns around and comes face-to-face with the person standing behind him.
Jack Carver: Long time no see, Ezra.
Requirements
- Ezra
Ezra: Shouldn’t you be setting up on stage?
Jack Carver: I’ve, uh... got something I need to say to you...
Ezra: Too bad, ‘cause I’ve got NOTHING to say to YOU. So get out of my face.
Jack Carver: Come on, man. Just give me a minute.
Ezra: Are you deaf, man? That’d explain your music. I said, walk away!
Jack nods and starts to trudge off.
Mia: What was that? That’s NOT the Jack we’re used to. Looks like he’s got something heavy on his mind.
Ezra: I don’t care. That guy was my BEST friend, and he stabbed me in the back.
Payton: I don’t know, Ezra. It sounded important. Maybe you should hear him out.
Ezra: ... Yo, Jack! Spit it out. Just what is it you want to tell me?
Time - 18 hours
Jack turns back to Ezra, as the rest of you look on...
Jack Carver: Look, you’ve got every reason in the world to hate me...
Ezra: You’ve got that right.
Jack Carver: But the truth is, I’ve been haunted by what I did for a long time. I’ve been afraid to face the truth... So I’m here to tell you... Lena misses you, man. I miss you.
Ezra keeps glaring at Jack, but you can see him flinch.
Ezra: ...
Jack Carver: Lena and me? When we split a week later, it wasn’t because we were using each other... It’s because we knew pretty fast that we were the worst mistake of each other’s lives.
Ezra: ...
Jack Carver: Are you gonna say something?
Ezra sneers at Jack.
Ezra: Yeah. Trusting the two of you was the worst mistake of mine.
Jack hangs his head and shuffles off to rejoin his band. Ezra turns back to you, his face betraying the turmoil he tries to keep hidden.
Danny: Ezra? You gonna be okay?
Ezra: You kidding? I’m golden. Now I’m even more amped to whoop them tonight. Let’s join the crowd. Jack’s band is about to go on.
Requirements
- Payton
- Julian
- Nishan
The curtain draws back, and the crowd at the Dolphin Room erupts in a cheer! Jack steps out on stage, his familiar smarmy grin back in place.
Jack Carver: What up, Dolphin Room? I’m Jack, on guitar, and we are Zero Hour!
One by one, the other members of the brand new band walk out on stage to more applause!
Jack Carver: We got Liz bangin’ on drums! Wally strummin’ on bass! Corey hammerin’ the keys! And last but not least, our super-fine singer with a super-fine voice... Lena!
A drop-dead gorgeous girl struts out into the spotlight in massive heels, flipping her hair. The crowd goes crazy! Ezra’s jaw drops.
Nishan: Wait, SHE’S one of Jack’s ringers?
Ezra: Oh man...
Time - 14 hours
Zero Hour performs a series of complex songs, each one executed with expert precision.
Julian: Wow. Uh, guys, they’re... I’m just gonna say it. They’re GOOD.
Deep into their set, they turn down the energy, and Lena croons a sorrowful, heartbreaking love ballad...
Payton: Danny, look! Lena’s staring right at Ezra!
Beside you, Ezra looks troubled. He turns away from the stage.
Ezra: Forget this...
Ezra pushes his way toward the back of the venue, disappearing amid the crowd.
Danny: Ezra, wait!
Julian: What’s happening?
Payton: Ezra just took off!
Nishan: Is he gonna be okay?
Mia: Did you hear those lyrics Lena was singing? ‘Gimme a second chance, I’ll treat you right... take my hand and we’ll dance through the night’? After everything that girl put him through, that’s got to eat at him...
On stage, Jack’s band wraps up their encore!
Jack Carver: Yeah! You like that? We are Zero Hour! Buy our album!
Julian: Well, the clock’s running out! We’ve got to get Ezra back here, now!
Danny: I’ll find him.
Requirements
- Level Ezra
You find Ezra standing alone in the back of the venue, staring at the pictures of famous musicians...
Danny: Ezra! There you are. We have to go set up... ...Ezra? Come on, talk to me.
Ezra: You know, for a long time... after what Lena and Jack did to me... it was like nothing was real. I started to think that everyone in the whole world just used each other. I thought it was pointless to care about people. Everyone says I turned into a flirt, a player... but it’s because nothing meant anything.
Danny: Ezra, that’s not true.
Ezra: I know, Danny. Ever since you guys gave me a chance at your school, I’ve been getting better. When I see how you guys treat each other, how you treat everyone... it makes me believe in people again. But then, I see how easily Lena could go back to loving me, after how she hurt me without so much as blinking... It makes me wonder again if it’s all meaningless.
Danny: Meaningless? Look at us! Our band! We’re still together, after everything! After all the hardships and in-fighting... And you couldn’t find five people who are more different than we are. There’s only one thing that keeps us together... and that’s the fact that we mean something to each other.
Ezra’s quiet for a moment, then he looks up at you with a grin.
Ezra: Well, Danny... when you’re right, you’re right.
You lead Ezra backstage, where your bandmates are setting up. They all look up, anxious.
Payton: Ezra, are you--
Ezra: I’m good.
Julian: How are we gonna follow up Jack’s band? They were awesome!
Ezra: Only one thing matters right now, and that’s us. Right here, right now. And we’re about to rock some faces off.
Requirements
- Payton
- Julian
- Nishan
You and your bandmates take your places on stage. The curtains draw back, and you’re lit up by the brilliant spotlights! The crowd cheers!
Ezra: How we feelin’, Dolphin Room?!
The audience roars in response! You can see dozens of fans wearing the band t-shirts Nishan designed!
Payton: Thanks for coming out! We’re ‘The’! Danny, count us in!
Danny: And a-one, two, three, four!
Time - 20 hours
Your band kicks off the show with a fast-paced pop-punk song! Soon, the entire audience is dancing!
Payton: ‘I don’t need another, so long as we’ve got each other!’
You and Ezra launch into soaring, dueling solos! He sidles up to you...
Ezra: They’re loving it! Let’s keep the energy up!
Danny: I have an idea!
You swing your guitar over your shoulder! You hurl your guitar behind you, spinning its strap around your shoulder! It flies back into your hands, and you continue the solo! The crowd gasps and cheers!
Ezra: Nice!
Your band closes out with a thunderous, upbeat finale! The audience breaks out in deafening applause!
Ezra: Thank you! Thank you, Dolphin Room!
Danny: Goodnight!
You and your bandmates run backstage as whistles and cheers rain down on you! Mia meets you there!
Mia: I’ve never heard anyone cheer that hard, and that’s, like, what I do.
Payton: I’m still too excited! We need an afterparty to wind down!
Ezra: Hang on a sec, guys.
Ezra turns to you.
Ezra: Danny here helped me get past some stuff I’d never really gotten over. I think I’m finally ready to bury the hatchet with Jack and Lena. Wanna come with?
Danny: I’ve got your back.
Requirements
- Danny
- Ezra
You and Ezra walk through the hallways backstage at the Dolphin Room.
Danny: I’m proud of you for doing this, Ezra. When people hurt you, it can be really hard to let it go.
Ezra: It was hard. I couldn’t have done it without you guys.
You round a corner and see Jack and Lena standing outside a dressing room down the hall.
Danny: There they are. Wait a second... are they...
Ezra looks closer... and his eyes go wide.
Ezra: They’re making out!
Time - 12 hours
You stand by Ezra, who watches from a distance as Jack and Lena make out...
Ezra: ...
Danny: Oh no... Ezra, let’s get out of here...
Ezra: Those messages from Lena asking for me back... That big speech from Jack saying he was sorry... it was all an act. It was all just to mess with my head.
Danny: Ezra... I’m so sorry.
Ezra shakes his head and walks away. You quickly follow.
Danny: Ezra, some people are just jerks. But I don’t want you to stop believing in people.
He pauses and looks back at you.
Ezra: You know what, Danny... I won’t. Just because they don’t put meaning into anything doesn’t mean I can’t. You showed me that.
Danny: So... you’re gonna be okay?
Ezra: Already am.
You and Ezra rejoin your friends on the venue floor, laughing and joking about the show.
Julian: That was an epic time. I’m PUMPED for our next show!
Ezra: Yeah, no matter what happens with Jim Fox, I’m pretty proud of how we pulled together up there.
Mia: Speaking of...
The crowd behind you parts, and Jim Fox glides through. He beckons Mia to follow him.
Mia: Well, here’s hoping I come back with good news!
Requirements
- Mia
You and your friends watch with bated breath as Mia talks with Jim Fox. Suddenly, someone puts a hand on Ezra’s shoulder!
Jack Carver: Hey, man, that was really something up there. You guys are special.
Ezra: Save it, pal. No more games. What was it? Were you afraid you couldn’t beat us fair and square? You needed to mess with my head?
Jack’s pouting expression evaporates. He smirks.
Jack Carver: Guess we couldn’t fool you, smart guy.
Ezra: You might’ve gotten me, Jack. But unlucky for you, I’ve got friends watching my back.
Jack Carver: Heh. The lot of you are real cute. A merry band of losers. We’ll see just how well you all get along when MY band gets signed to your hero’s new label.
Payton: Sorry to burst your ego’s bubble, Jackie, but our manager’s talking to Jim Fox right now!
Jack Carver: Psh. Good luck. You’ll need it.
Time - 23 hours
Mia comes back from her conversation with Jim Fox...
Julian: So? What’d he say? Out with it!
Nishan: Are we getting signed? Are we officially rock stars?
Mia: Well, this sort of thing requires a lot of managerial negotiation and back-and-forth, but...
Mia looks to each of you in turn... and smiles.
Mia: Welcome to the big leagues.
Ezra: I... We... Holy...
Danny: Ezra? You still with us?
Ezra: Yeah, it’s just... this has been a literal dream of mine since I was little.
Julian: Well, wake up, amigo, ‘cause this just got real!
Julian pulls you all into a big group hug!
As your group hug breaks up, you see Jack Carver standing nearby, looking smug.
Ezra: You hear the news, Jack? Jim Fox went with the talent.
Jack Carver: He sure did.
Mia: Then just what are you so cheery about?
Jack Carver: ‘Cause he signed us too.
Payton: What?
The rest of Jack’s band step out from the crowd to flank him.
Jack Carver: A label needs more than one act, babe.
Julian: Um, Ezra? Was THIS part of your dream?
Ezra: Assuredly not, man.
Nishan: Oh no... it’s the darkest timeline.
Lena sidles up beside Jack and laces her fingers between his.
Jack Carver: Well, Ezra... looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.
Will your band be able to cope with being Jack Carver’s labelmates? Or will be and Lena tear down your dreams of rock stardom? Find out in the next quest!