All That Jazz

      Awe.

      That’s about the only word Helen the Elderlygirl Kacheek could come up with as she stared at the glossy ticket resting on the table in front of her.

      Her dearest friend Walter, an Elderlyboy Shoyru, had mailed her his Christmas present early this year, with strict instructions on the envelope to open it as soon as she received it. So she had carefully opened the envelope’s flap and pulled out the card, a simple, black and white thing(card), decorated with the members of Jazzmosis in little Santa hats and Elven ears.

      The card had brought a soft smile to her lips; it was no secret among her friends that Helen carried an undying love for Jazzmosis, having dedicated an entire room in her NeoHome to their memorabilia—hats, posters, CDs, etc.—that she’d collected over the years. However, unfortunately, that memorabilia had accounted for all her Jazzmosis interaction; no matter how hard she tried every month she never quite had enough Neopoints left over to be able to afford a ticket to actually go see them perform in person.

      Which was why when she had opened up Walter’s card and that glossy, white ticket reading J a z z m o s i s X m a s S p e c i a l in brilliant red had slipped out and onto her kitchen table, Helen could only sit and stare at it, completely gobsmacked.

      After a moment, she reverently reached out and picked it up, flipping it over and reading the details on the back: Jazzmosis Special Anniversary Performance, Tyrannian Concert Hall,

     January 1 Y21.

      She couldn’t believe it. After all these years, she was finally, finally going to go see Jazzmosis.

     -----------

     1 January Y21

      Helen, Walter, and two of their friends—Agatha an Elderlygirl Aisha and Harold an Elderlyboy Xweetok—stood in the midst of a pulsing crowd outside of the Tyrannian Concert Hall in the early afternoon on the first of the New Year, eagerly clutching their Jazzmosis tickets and waiting to be allowed entry into the concert hall. Helen had pulled out both her Jazzmosis T-Shirt and her Seasonal Jazzmosis Hat for the concert, wanting to look as Jazzmosis-y as possible for the big day. (She’d even considered taking a dip in the Rainbow Pool to paint herself Checkered for the occasion, but thought that might be going a little too far.)

      They were rather surprised at the turnout; the concert seemed to be nearly sold out, considering the amount of Neopets of all species and colours surrounding the Concert Hall.

      Helen could feel her little heart pounding away; she was so nervous. Walter’s tickets would put them right up near the stage, in the 7th row! She’d be so close to Jazzmosis that she’d almost be able to reach up and touch Robert’s saxophone as he swayed along to their jazzy tunes.

      Suddenly, a loud commotion broke out near the Concert Hall entryway. Helen could just about make out a Buzz flit out and tack something up on the doors. Soon, dozens of Buzzes were flying up over the lip of the Concert Hall, each carrying a stack of fliers in their arms. Once they reached the apex of their flight above the crowd, they unloaded the papers, letting them flutter down onto the crowd.

      The title of the papers read, “JAZZMOSIS SPLIT! MANY SHOWS CANCELLED!” in large writing. As Helen continued reading, she found out the reason behind the split will be published in a newspaper by February.

     1 February Y21

      After a month of waiting, the newspaper with the Q&A of the Jazzmosis members was released. She got her purse and went to the bookstore in Neopia to purchase a copy. After she paid for the newspaper she went home, sitting at the table as she got inside. She then put her reading glasses on and began to read what they had said.

      Her eyes flitted across the page as she read each question and answer.

     This week on the Neopian Times, we have Duke and Robert from Jazzmosis. Here to answer our desperately sought after questions. We’re here to give you the up-to-date exclusive on why Jazzmosis has split, and what could happen for the history of music.

     First we asked Robert and Duke why they weren’t performing in the Xmas Special.

     Robert: ‘I accidentally stepped on Duke’s drumsticks, breaking them. We had recently gotten out of a debate so it looked like it was on purpose.’

     Duke: ‘I don’t think that’s where it started, but it definitely had played a part in it, in the end. I believe we first decided not to go on because we were arguing about what the best songs were to sing tonight, and then everything got difficult from there.’

     Next we asked if they’ll ever reconsider reuniting the band.

     Duke: ‘I honestly cannot say. I don’t know if it’s a good time to think about this, with all that just recently happened.’

     Robert: ‘What if we got your drumsticks fixed?’

     Duke: ‘No! They cannot be replaced! They’re irreplaceable! I got these from my great great grandmother and I don’t believe there’s any place in the neo-world that would have them. It’d be a miracle.’

     So what kind of drumsticks did you have? If you remember, that is.

     Duke: ‘I had a really rare mix of a special Twig and Plant! I don’t think I can ever find anything like them again.’

     Helen then skipped down to the bottom of the page, and read.

     “You heard it here folks. Jazzmosis...is...over.”

      She was in complete shock, thinking her all-time favourite band could not be over. After taking a little while to think, she went over to Walters home in a hurry.

     20 minutes later

      Helen knocks on Walter's door, clutching the newspaper in her hands. Walter opens the door and is surprised to see her, he says, “Hey Helen, how are you today? Come in Come in.”

     Helen replies, “I’m not well! Have you seen the paper? They’re over! I can’t believe they are over!”

     They sit at the kitchen table for what seems like several minutes, then it hits Walter.

     “I have an idea! What if we go on an adventure to find the rare resources to get his drumsticks replaced? Would that work?”

     Helen ponders for a second, and then speaks “Actually, I think that would be a lovely idea! However, I cannot afford to go find the items that his old drumsticks had! I couldn’t even afford a ticket, remember?”

      Walter walks into his bedroom without a word, and returns with what seems to be a Neopia Money Jar, filled to the brim. Helen is, once again, in shock. She squeals thinking about all the travel, and how she might actually be able to save the band.

     Walter tells Helen, “It’s time to pack! We will go to Donny, he must know where we can start to find these items. Helen agrees and briskly walks out the door, and returns home.

     1 March Y21

      Helen and Walter start on their journey to Terror Mountain.

     “Hey, Helen. Are you ready to go?” Walter asks. “I’ve been excited to go travelling with you, my dear friend. I know in our old age it’s not something you’d think to be excited about. However, I do hope we can reunite your favourite band.”

     Helen replies, “Thank you, Walter. I am ready to go, kind of nervous. Am I supposed to travel when nervous? Let’s go. I believe we have a lot of work to do.”

     Hours later

      They arrive on Terror Mountain and get a tour up the mountain so they don’t get lost. After about 1 hour of walking, with several stops, they arrive at the top of the mountain.

     “I see Donny’s shop!” Walter exclaimed. “Let’s hurry, and hope he can help.”

     Walter opens the door for his dear friend, Helen. “After you.”

     “Thank you,” says Helen. “Hello? Is anyone here?” she calls out, in hopes someone shows up.

      “Oi, what are you looking for?” Donny says, sneaking up behind Helen.

     ‘Oh hi! We’ve come here on such a long trip and hope you can help us,” Helen pleaded. “My favourite band is splitting up over some drumstic--”

     ‘O, Jazzmosis’ Donny said, cutting Helen off. ‘Give me two o’ yer twigs and one o’ yer plants and I can fix it fer ya!”

      Complete disbelief came across Helen's face, and then it hit her. “Oh no! I completely forgot to bring them with me. Where have I left my head today! I will go searching for them, and then return to you if that is okay?”

     ‘O yer, fine. Hurry, I’m a bit busy.’ Donny said quickly, waving them off.

      Helen and Walter walk down the mountain and get two rooms at the lodge.

      2 March Y21

      Walter and Helen split up, looking for the plant and twig. Planning to meet up later that night they spend time in stores, asking questions. No luck. Starting to get frustrated, Helen begins asking the locals that are around all cheerful. Where one person finally comes out and says they have a spare Farn Plant, and she could have it for just one smile. She complies, “Thank you so much! Now I must find Walter.” Helen turns around to leave, bumping into Walter. “Oof!” Helen stumbles. “Walter! I found a plant!”

     Walter chuckles, “And I found someone who gave me a twig. Let’s go back to Donny and see if he can make a new pair for Jazzmosis.”

     Following the same path they took the first day they were here, Walter and Helen made it to the top successfully.

     “Phew, I think I’m getting too old for these hikes, Walter.” Helen chuckles, making Walter chuckle too. They knock a few times and then enter the shop. “Hello! Donny? We’re back with a Twig and a Plant hopefully they are the right ones.” Helen said, hopeful.

     ‘Oi, give ‘er here.’

     They hand over the items, with hopeful expressions on their face as Donny walks away with them.

     ‘Got some bad news fer yer. I recall making this many many years ago, but these aren’t the right ingredients I’m ‘fraid.’

     Complete horror took over Helens face. Panicking, she says, “if those aren’t the right ones, will I ever find them? There are hundreds of types. No wonder he isn’t so hopeful!” Helen starts crying.

     Walter comes over and pats her on the shoulder, “I’m sure we will find them. Let’s go home and contact his manager, Bernard, the Kyrii. And then we will go from there, okay?”

     Still sniffling, Helen replies “ Oh- okay, I guess that’s a great idea.”

     5 March Y21

      “Have you gotten any luck in finding who the manager of Jazzmosis was?” Helen asked hopefully. Walter responds, “No, am afraid I have not. We can try to go catch them at their favourite place to eat, though.”

     Helen agrees and they head out for lunch. She then spots the manager sitting alone in a booth, and then she squeals. “Ahhh!! Hi!” hurrying over to the booth.

     ‘May I help you?’ The kyrii says, stunned, that he was recognized. Helen replies quickly, and almost inaudibly. “ Hiyes can youtellme please whatduke's drumstickswere madeof?” she felt embarrassed and decided to take a few breaths and retry her sentence. “Hi, sorry, yes. Can you please tell me what Duke's drumsticks were made of? I’m on the search with my dear friend, Walter, to obtain them. Hopefully, we can get Jazzmosis back together. I will stop at nothing to get them back together.” She smiled wide, optimistic.

      “Why yes, I do know exactly what they are made of. However, I’m afraid they are very rare and no longer sold. You will need two bamboo plants and one zaptwig. The zaptwig is what will be the most difficult job for you. I wish you luck. If you do, by miracle, get the sticks again please come back here. I will be here waiting for you to tell me if you’ve got it or not and I will tell Jazzmosis as soon as physically possible. Alright?” The Kyrii chirped.

     Helen turned to Walter, “You know what this means? An adventure! Just like we’ve always wanted to do, Walter!” She giddily left the diner without ordering, she just had to start looking for the plants. Entering the Gardening Supplies store, she quickly asked if the nice Blumaroo would happen to have the Bamboo Plant in stock. He quickly responded, “Yes! Yes we do. We were just about to get rid of them to make room for more stock. Would you like them? Half price, just for you, young lady!” Helen giddily replied, “ Not necessary, I’m fully prepared to pay! I would hate to have you lose out on money, because of me. How much is it?”

     ‘200 neopoints please!’ she handed over the 200 neopoints and left the store happily knowing, she has completed half the task.

      “Where to next?” asked Walter.

     ‘Well, since I didn’t happen to see the zaptwig here, we must have to go somewhere else. I’ve been asking around and I heard from a couple people that the twig is retired.” she frowned. “But! I heard a rumour that is probably worth checking out. People kept telling me that if I’m lucky, Fyora might be able to help us! If we just need it enough, she will help. But first, we must go to Faerieland! And find that dreaded hidden tower.”

     ‘We leave in a few weeks, Helen!’

     2 April Y21

      Once again, the two set out on a world trip. To the beautiful Faerieland this time. It takes 3 hours.

     “I think we should rest up before trying to look for the hidden tower, don’t you think, Helen?” Walter nudges her softly.

     ‘ Yes, of course! That is such a great idea, Walter. I will see you tomorrow.’

     3 April Y21

      Early that morning, Helen and Walter set out to Faerie City to ask around and find the tower.

     “Excuse me, would you happen to know where we could find Fyora or the Hidden Tower?” Helen asked a faerie passing by.

     The faerie pondered for a moment, then lit up as she recalled where she last saw Fyora, “I remember seeing Fyora yesterday around the employment agency! Maybe ask in the agency and someone can help you get to it!”

     Helen smiled sweetly, thanking the kind faerie for her words and then turned to Walter, “We best get going to optimize our time in Faerieland.”

     Walter nodded and led the way deeper into the city.

      Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the employment agency.

     Walking inside, the two were immediately greeted by a sweet faerie. “Hello! Welcome to the Faerieland employment agency, how may I help you today?”

     “Oh yes, hello. My name is Helen, and this is my friend Walter. We came across a nice young faerie on the way through here who recommended we ask you guys for help. We aren’t here for a job at all, however, we do need to find the Hidden Tower. Would you be able to give us more precise directions?” Helen looked hopeful.

     “Oh yes, of course. So if you go out of our building, to the left and straight forward after that, you’ll find some hidden stairs that lead up to the clouds, and that is where the hidden tower is! I believe Fyora is there today if you’d like to talk to her.”

     Helen beamed, “Thank you so much. You’ve been so helpful!” She then turned to the door to leave.

     Walter said, “Thank you for your time.” and left as well.

      Thirty minutes later, they ascended the stairs and found the hidden tower.

     Inside they went, and were immediately greeted by Fyora.

      “Hello! Welcome to the tower, how may I help you today?”

     Walter noticed Helen a little starstruck over Fyora and decided to answer, “Hello, I am Walter and this is Helen. We are on a mission to help Jazzmosis get back together and have been informed what they need to do so. We are here today because we are hoping you are able to help us find a retired item. Zaptwig is what it is called,” Walter looked uneasy asking for help.

      Fyora thinks for a moment then says sweetly, “Yes. I think I do have one left. Let me go check to be sure! You guys are doing a great job and I’m sure a lot of people will be thrilled about what you’re doing!” She swiftly disappears into the back to look for the twig.

      Meanwhile, Helen and Walter look around the tower admiring all the unique items.

     They questioned quietly why anyone would want to have dung in battle, then dismissed it as they heard Fyora coming back.

      “I have only one left! For you, it’s free. I see you are doing a good deed, a selfless one and would like to give you it as a reward!”

     Helen smiled as a tear rolled down her cheek, “Thank you Queen Fyora! We appreciate this so much!!!”

     Fyora handed the twig over. Walter took it and thanked Fyora before they were on their way back to Donny.

     4 April Y21

      The next day, they made their way back to Terror Mountain. Quickly going to the top of the mountain to Donny.

     Helen and Walter enter Donny’s shop. “Donny! Hello. We’ve got the two items you need to repair Jazzmosis’ drumsticks!” She hands the items over to him.

      “Hmm...ye did a good ol job!” He takes them and starts working, “They will be done in 2 hours.”

      ‘We will wait.’ Walter says, grinning.

      Two hours later Donny comes out happy with his work.

     “They are done. Fer 200 NP, they’ll be yers” Donny grinned.

     Quickly Walter paid him 200 NP, grabbed the new drumsticks. They both said thank you and left the shop.

     “That was a lovely adventure, Walter.” Helen smiled and hugged Walter.

     ‘I feel like it wasn’t real and it actually was all a dream. Let’s get this to Jazzmosis and reunite them!’

     5 April Y21

      Helen and Walter were on their way to meet up with Jazzmosis in the Neopia Central Neolodge.

      They met up with the band in the cafe of the neolodge, presenting a nicely wrapped pair of drumsticks. Beaming up at the drummer, Duke, who was staring in awe.

     “How did you get these?!” Duke questioned, baffled.

     Robert patted Duke on the back softly, chuckling. “Is that any way to say thank you?”

     ‘Yes yes, thank you! This is great.’ Duke exclaimed.

      The manager turned to the two and offered two tickets to their next show, with a blank date. “Keep watch in the newspaper. We will announce our next date shortly!” He got up and went to contact them immediately.

      Jazzmosis was back.

     12 April Y21

      The newspaper came out at 8am, as normal on Friday. Walter was already over at Helen’s excitedly.

      Helen invites Walter inside and offers him some tea. “You’re here early today, Walter.”

     ‘I couldn’t wait. This couldn’t wait.” Walter placed the newspaper on the table facing Helen.

     She shrieked. “This is amazing! I’m so happy!!!”

      The Newspaper’s front page read; Thanks to two amazing superfans, Jazzmosis is back! The two known as Helen and Walter have gone through hoops and hurdles to get Jazzmosis back together. And thanks to that, Jazzmosis has set a new date for their performance to April 20th, Y21. We hope to see you all there!

      Helen was crying, tears of joy. “I cannot wait for the concert, thank you so much Walter! This is a dream come true!”

     20 April Y21

      Helen and Walter went to Jazzmosis with their exclusive ticket with backstage entry. They were beyond excited and had a blast. In the end, they saved Jazzmosis and had fun doing it. Helen went on a trip she would never have thought were possible and got to support her favourite band while she was at it. Walter was happy to give Helen her most desired wish.

     The End.