LADIES!! GENTLEMEN!! STEP RIGHT UP TO SEE THE ILLUSTRIOUS CODA BASPHER!! Massive props to @practicalmelon for this commission! Can not thank them enough!!

HOT damn! The madman actually did it! Not only did he actually have a meaningful conversation with Wick, he got his number, AND A DATE!! Somebody call Satan and tell him there’s a snow storm, cause hell just froze over. The rest of the day was soooo boring. I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of there. As I walked out to the courtyard, I saw good old water-wings taking off right into the sky. I swear he’s gonna get himself killed with how fast he goes. I let out a sigh filled with content. Not all of us can fly after all. So I began walking ‘home’. It was a pleasant day outside. The sidewalk and street downtown were bustling with people. My kinda people. I sat down on one of the benches and took out my guitar.

And then, there was music as I strummed. And that music was coming from me. Both figuratively and literally. See the lifeguard’s got water, obviously. And the wax-stick is a candle. Again, obviously. See, everyone here’s got something about them. Could be that you got water or fire or ice powers, that makes you an elemental. Or your DNA merged with either technology or objects and animals in nature. Then you’d be an animate or a fauna That’s what makes this world… this world. And me? I got one of the more… unique ones. I can absorb and redistribute sounds. That makes me a living amp I suppose. Doesn’t help I also got the amplified hearing as well.

But anyways, enough exposition. I was sitting there just strumming away. I could feel every vibration of the strings against the wood. It was beautiful. And then I hear the metallic footsteps of Statik around the corner. Great. Maybe… just maybe. She’d leave me alone. But of course, fate despised me having nice things as always. I took a deep breath as she stepped towards me, waiting for her to say something that she thinks is smart. But… she didn’t. She just.. listened. And so… I continued. Without a word between us. And then finally, I stopped. And when I looked up at her, she was smiling.

”You know, you’re not bad with that thing, Baspher.” She said, her tone almost sounded… happy. As if she was actually enjoying the music I was playing.

”Careful Statik, that almost sounded like a compliment.” I shot back. I saw her sink into her skin.

”It was one.” She said in a surprisingly timid voice. I felt my heart sink into my gut.

”Oh… didn’t know you liked rock.” I said as I offered her a spot next to me. And she did. I continued playing and she leaned in closer, probably to get a better listen. And then… something interesting happened: her head landed on my shoulder. I… didn’t know what to do so I just kept playing until I finished my song. Then… It was quiet. Too quiet. So I just… put my arm around her. It felt… nice. I looked down at her and she was smiling.

“You know you got a pretty comfy shoulder.” She said as she wrapped her arms around me. “And you play a mean guitar.” Her voice was… softer. I smirked as I began playing again. The world began to… feel nice. What was happening to me? Me and this girl had been at each other’s throats for years, since we were kids practically. And now we’re sharing what felt like a romantic moment. But it wasn’t that. Right? It couldn’t be.

Suddenly, in the midst of my internal questioning, I hear Statik perk up again. “You got anyone to go to homecoming with?” She asked, as if it was just a casual thing. I shook my head ‘no’. She then shot up with a bright cocky smile. “Perfect. You and I are going together now.” She said before walking off

…

…

YOU THOUGHT THAT WAS ALL!? NO!!

ENCORE!! ENCORE!!

The rest of the day went on as usual. Boring classes. Syllabus days. Blah blah blah. I felt as if I was gonna fall asleep in the middle of the day. But there was one thing I was looking forward to. Lunch time. One of the few things that hadn’t changed going from middle school to high school. I had brought my own lunch my mom had made, a cheese and ham sandwich with barbeque chips. I took it mainly because I despise how gross school lunches are. As I found an empty table to sit at I took it the minute. The cafeteria was packed from wall to wall. I was lucky enough to get this one. Per usual I took off my jacket and placed it on the seat adjacent to mine. It's always been a thing I did to save a spot if needed to. Saves the awkward conversation of trying to get someone to move. Not even a moment later I saw Coda Stroll his way over to my table, tossing me my jacket before swiftly taking its place. Coda almost perpetually had this look to him, a sort of look that let you know he's done something, and he'd be damned if he told you what it actually was.

“What do you have planned? I asked him before taking a drink of my lemonade.

“Eh, got someone new to sit with us.” He said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice. I felt my heart rate start to climb. I felt as if I was sweating bullets.

“Coda… please tell me you didn’t!” I pleaded to him. If this is what I thought it was, I was going to kill him. As I sat there trying to resign myself to my fate I took another bite of my sandwich. Whilst waiting I did the only reasonable thing a teen would do, Scroll on my phone till I find some cool shit! And my goodness, there was news. The qualifiers for sky racing were announced. I’ve been waiting for this all summer. Middle school was fun and all but this? This was the big leagues. And in my division, there was one man who was the guy to beat. Pyre. Him and I had been in a rivalry since the junior division. He was always just a little bit faster. But, like I said, I've been training, practically all summer.

Suddenly in the midst of my excitement, I felt something kick my shin. I look up and I see Coda, with a massive shit eating grin on his face. It took me by surprise that sitting right next to him was Wick, looking a little nervous.I wasn't surprised that it was Wick mind you, but more so how quietly he even got there.

“Oh! Um… hey Wick. What a surprise to see you here!” I exclaimed as I stared daggers at Coda, or what I'd call him in that very moment: A soon to be deadman.

“Ummm yeah. Coda told me you wanted to hang out with me so I — why is that a surprise?” He Responded his timid voice converting into one of mild confusion.

“Oh! He did!? Well that’s perfect!” I gritted through my teeth. I could see Coda snicker. 

“Anyways he also said you wanted to get to know me better? I-is that right?” He asked. I took a deep breath and looked over to him.

“Actually yeah. We’ve been passively knowing each other since about seventh grade? I always see you around but never really got the chance to know you, ya know?” I murmured. If it wasn’t obvious from my shaking hands or the sweat rolling down my back, I was nervous. Suddenly I see what I can only assume is a shrug from Wick.

“I guess that makes sense. So… what are some of your hobbies?” He asked. As he did I could hear his voice perk up a bit.

“Well… I’m a musician and a sky racer! When it comes to music I mainly like to focus on drumming and singing! I’ve been singing since sixth grade, as for drums I’ve-” I stopped myself as I looked over at him making a swift realization. 

Oh god. 

I’ve been talking too long.

Haven't I.

“Hehe… umm… sorry! I didn’t mean to ramble.” were the words that escaped my lips in a soft murmur.

“Oh! No, don't worry, you’re ok! I’d love to hear more.” Wick reassured, which definitely lifted the tension a little. There was even more of that… jump in his voice.

And so I continued “Ok… I’ve been drumming since about last year. That one dragged me into it.”  of course pointing to the culprit himself. Of course nodded in turn with a prideful look on his face.

“Damn straight I did! Needed someone else in my life that I can jam out with!” He exclaimed with a laugh. As he laughed I saw a mechanical girl with a TV head turn around with an annoyed look on her screen.

“Oi Baspher! I get your thing is sound, but how bout ya put yourself on mute! I'm picking ya voice up better than my own signals!” She called out. The group of girls behind her snicker.  I see Coda’s smile fade into something of annoyance.

“Why don’t you shut up, Statik! Make everyone’s day a bit better!” He barked back at her. And then we hear her scoff.

She smirked as she turned back around to murmur amongst her friends. We couldn’t hear her. But Coda could. And he looked pissed. Me and Wick chuckled a little.

“So… what about you? What are you all into?” I asked as I tilted my head. As I did I see his own perk up again.

“Oh ummm… kickboxing! I’ve loved it since I was a kid. That and… uhh nature. I love walking through the forest and the woods! It’s really relaxing!” Wick excitedly elaborated. The more he talked about what he was into, The more I could see his flame burning brighter and brighter. And it. Was. Adorable! Seeing him get quite literally fired up about what he loved made me feel all.. Warm inside. I felt myself getting calmer. We both seemed… calmer. Welp no better chance than the present!

“Ummm Wick? You said you liked walking through the woods. Do you think… I could join you? If not, that's totally and a hundred percent fine!” I asked. My voice was cracking the entire time. As I asked I could feel a slight tremble in my hand. Then I see his flame perk up again.

“I would love to!” He exclaimed. His excitement nearly overshadowed Coda’s shit-eating grin that just screamed ‘I told you so.

“Oh. OH! Ummm, when did you wanna? A little bit after school?” I asked. I still couldn’t believe that he actually said yes! This was probably the best first day of school I’ve ever had.

“Sure! I’ll meet you outside your place?” He Inquired whilst sliding his phone toward me. I caught it and put my number in and texted myself. After that I put in my address.

Beep beep beep! That was the sound of my alarm going off. 6:45 AM. On the one hand I did not wanna get up. But on the other hand, I had to. It was the first day of high school after all. As I get up and out of my bed, I stretch my arms out and sigh. “Time to make something of yourself, Volare.” I said to… myself. As I finally start to move, I go about my daily routine. First off: clothes. Same usual style: ripped jeans, white T-shirt and a light leather jacket. Then off to the bathroom. Teeth? Brushed. Hair? Slicked back. Face? Washed. Oh hell yeah, I was ready! There was just one last thing I needed to do. I went out to the living room to hug my parents goodbye. The room was… a mess. On the coffee table was a stack of old records next to one of those vintage record players. The couch was draped with too many blankets and pillows to count. Dad was still asleep on one of the chairs from working the night before, but mom was waiting for me. She pulled me into the tightest hug I could possibly imagine. “Good luck today honey! I know you’re gonna do great!” She said in the sweetest voice. I let out a light chuckle.

“Thanks mom. I’ll see you when I get home today!” I said as I let go of her. I then walked outside and grabbed a water bottle in the garage. As I walked outside, I splashed the water in the air. With a movement from my hands the water stopped dead in its tracks. I then began moving my hands, shaping the water in the air. I watched as he flowed around me, its fluid movements matching my own. Finally, the water went to my back. With a few more hand  movements, the water went to my back and morphed its shape into wings.  I took a deep breath as I flapped my wings and took off into the air. Now this was the way to travel. High in the sky, wind going through my hair. I could stay up here for days. But sadly I couldn’t. Because I eyed my destination.  Brollywing High. It was a square building, with people already bustling on the outside. Some were familiar to me. Most… weren’t. Well… that’s not nerve racking at all. With a small sigh to myself, I resigned myself to land.

As I did, who did I find outside the building tune his guitar? A man with hair down to his shoulders. Draped in a white jacket and a torn up tank top. “Baspher! You bastard, where the hell have you been!?” I asked as I pulled him to a hug.

Coda Baspher. My ride or die since day one. As we saw each other, a smirk went to both our faces.

“I’ve been performing! Been all up and down Montana. What about you?” He asked in return. His voice was deep and booming.

“Training. Not gonna let Pyre leave me in the dust.” I said as I began walking to class. I heard him chuckle.

“Yeah? Ain’t that what you’ve been saying for the past… all of middle school?” He asked with a tone akin to mocking. And due to that fact, I lightly punched his shoulder. But… he wasn’t wrong. Pyre and I had been on each other's asses for years. Ok well… it’s mainly been me chasing his ass but the point is still there. But I didn’t wanna think about it too much. Coda and I were walking into that school like we freaking owned it. We knew we didn’t, but damn did it feel good.

This was it. High school. I actually made it.  As I entered the school intending to head straight for my locker. However The entire hallway was filled to the brim with them and I will admit, It was… a bit disorienting. But I slowly got accustomed to it as I made my way down. I noticed the place was practically sprawling with people. Some of them were talking, others were simply just sitting by their lockers. As I passed I waved to everyone I knew. Then there was him. A short candle man with no arms and only one dark as midnight eye in the middle of his flame. He was draped in a green hoodie and blue jeans.

“Hi Wick!” I called out to him, trying my best to sound friendly.

“Oh! Ummm… hi!” He said in a bright but timid voice. “How are you?”

“I’m good… a little nervous for the first day.” I said as I  attempted to unlock my locker. Keyword: attempted. My nerves got the better of me and I missed the combination. I tried again. And bam! My locker opened up and I put my backpack in there.

“Yeah I get that. Well I gotta get going!” He said as he closed his locker. “Bye Volare!” He called out before walking off. I let out a sigh of defeat as he walked away. After Wick was gone Coda walked up to me and patted my shoulder.

“Smooth. Real smooth man.” He whispered to me before receiving another punch to the shoulder. He was snickering again. “You know… homecoming is in a couple weeks. You could ask him to go.”

“Yeah but… he barely knows me. It wouldn’t work.” I resigned. It was just the plain truth. It just wouldn’t work.

“Fine. You’re right. It wouldn’t.” Coda told me before walking off. As he did I could see that cocky smirk.

“Coda… what do you have planned?” I asked, following right behind him.