After Time

Twelve

"It's about Odysseus, contemplating killing Astyanax." I watched, amused, as he blanched for a second.

(A/N: I don't really like doing author's notes, but I wanted to clarify that I have not written these lyrics. They are from EPIC: The Musical and I hold no ownership over them. It's a musical that's currently in the works but the first few songs have been released you should listen to them they're great!)

"Oh, that's a bit heavy but okay," he said. I chuckled. "What if there was a lyric along the lines of Will these actions haunt my days, every man I've slain, is the price I pay endless pain?"

I grinned, "I love that!" Then I thought, "What was your name again?"

He smiled lightly, "Dakota Finnick, it's a pleasure."

"Andy Jackson, lovely to meet you."

We continued working on the song and eventually had two of the verses figured out, but we wanted something epic at the end. "It should be Odysseus pondering morality, I think," I said. 

He nodded, "It's your song." He played a bit of a melody on his clarinet and stopped. "It could be like 'where does the line get drawn' type of thing."

"When, does a comet become a meteor?" I sang, getting excited. "Yes! That sort of thing. When, does a comet become a meteor? When does a candle become a blaze? When does a man become a monster?"

"Awesome!" He exclaimed loudly. A few people turned to look at him. He cringed, "Sorry."

The bell rang, and we started packing our stuff. The teacher, Mr. P, called Dakota and me to the front as everyone left. "I was listening to you two," He told us. "That was incredible!"

We looked at each other, and back at the teacher. "Thank you?"

Mr. P grinned. "It's true. Now, If you'd like, I want to help you two make this into an entire show."

My eyes widened. "What? It wasn't that good though, we were just messing around."

Dakota frowned, "I thought it was good."

"Mr. Finnick is correct, it was good. But, as I understand it is your song?" My new friend nodded before I could protest.

"Andy," Dakota looked at me. "Do you want to make a musical?"

I pulled a face, "I do, but I don't know if I have the time for it."

"I don't expect you to finish it," Mr. P assured. "These take a long time to write, and you're both students. I think it's always worth a try, though."

"How would this even work?" Dakota asked.

"As a part of the music department here, I have access to the school's studio. You both can work on it at your own pace, and I can help by singing, playing instruments, and even hiring cast members. Whatever you need, I'll do what I can, and I'll see if I can get other students and reach out to help as well," Mr. P said, "What do you say?"

I sighed but smiled in anticipation. "Let's do it."

Dakota grinned widely, looking a like a Kool-Aid vampire. "Let's do it."

Mr. P smiled, "Let's do it."

Line Break

'I've been gone for a week, Andy.' Percy complained after I told him about what had happened. He had an impressive poker face.

I burst out laughing. "Do you want to hear the first song?" I asked him excitedly. We had a few days to finish it. He nodded and I grabbed my guitar. I played the song, 'Just a Man', and looked over at him. He was grinning and clapping. I smiled slightly in return.