I would love to own them, but I don't. Hell! I'd just love to own the "fireman!" Oh well. I guess I'll just dream.

Too Late?

"Watch out!" he shouted at me as several 'props' for Save the Citizen were hurled in my direction.

One of our opponents had the ability to manipulate matter around him to form a kind of force field that both protected him, or others, and could be used almost like a catapult. I was able to dodge most, but one got past my defenses and clocked me a good one. I was pinned and too dazed to notice my other opponent moving in releasing her own special type of knockout gas in smoky clouds of gray.

"No!" I heard someone shout as a fire ball flew and ignited the gaseous cloud leaving me the chance to get up and out. My partner's fire singed our chemical releasing opponent.

"You will pay for that you evil bastard! Die like your father should have!" our opponent shrieked as she released another cloud of gas straight in my partner's face while her partner formed a force field around him trapping him in place with the gas.

It took me only a second to realize that something wasn't right. The gas within the force field he was trapped in wasn't the harmless gray, but black. That wasn't knockout gas it was poison!

Horrified, I saw his form crumple to the ground. I didn't have to be next to him to know he wasn't breathing.

"NO!" I shrieked.

End Dream Sequence:
I jerked awake and had to take several gulping breaths to calm my heart and breathing back down to normal. How long have I been sitting here? I can't process the time. All I am aware of is the sound of his shallow breaths and the feel of his hand in my own. His hand is pale, limp and amazingly quite soft. I can't help think that he looks so very small and vulnerable lying in the bed. This thought startles me. I have never thought of him as "small" ever. He is taller than me for Christ's sakes! His presence shifts others out of his way as he walks down a hall. Imposing, strong, even majestic are words that have flickered through my mind as he has walked towards me and the others in the hallways, never "small" or "vulnerable." Tears prick me eyes as I regard him. His bed is elevated slightly to help him draw in each struggled breath. His long hair is spread out on the stark white pillow making the red streaks stand out even more in comparison from the dark locks. His long lashed eyes are closed. A breathing mask is over the lower part of his pale face. I can see the tube that was placed through his parted lips to help force more air into his lungs. He is covered in blankets and hooked up to numerous life giving machines.

Rage burns in me as I sit watching my dear friend fighting for his life. He was here because he protected me. He was here because another had decided to punish him for crimes that he had never committed. The thought that the students responsible for this had been expelled is not comforting enough. This wasn't fair.

Finally my tears fall as I lower my head onto the bedside. His lungs had been unmercifully burned and the toxin levels in his system were shutting down his bodily functions one by one. Doctors who were experts in poisons and toxins were frantically trying to create an antidote, but time was against them. Warren was dying and there was nothing I could do even with all my super powers. I wasn't ready to lose him.

"Will?" I heard a soft voice murmur as a small hand began to rub my back.

I looked up to see my girlfriend Layla and the rest of our friends. I could hardly stand their concerned looks. This was my fault. I hadn't been fast enough to protect Warren.

"How is he doing?" Layla asked softly as she went to the other side of the bed and held Warren's other hand gently in her own.

"Yeah man. Is there any improvements yet?" Zach asked as he, Ethan, and Magenta sat on whatever surface or chair was available.

"No. Warren is fighting, but he is steadily getting weaker," I said sadly, "The poison he breathed in has entered his bloodstream. There is nothing that can be done for him until an antidote is found and if they don't hurry not even the antidote will save him."

"But Principle Powers was able to round up the top doctors and toxicologist in the world," Ethan said hopefully, "They'll be able to counteract the poison."

All of our eyes turned towards Warren when he made a hoarse, rattling noise as he sucked in what seemed to be an especially painful breath. I stood quickly and pulled the blankets down to Warren's waist to begin massaging his throat and chest area gently.

"It helps to ease the pain," I said as I noticed the questioning looks the others gave me.

"What Ethan said is true right?" Magenta said worriedly, "They will get the antidote for Warren in time. Right?"

"I don't know," I said as I tucked Warren back under his blankets and sat back down, "I hope so. How did you guys all get back here anyway? I thought there could only be two visitors at a time."

"Oh…um…well we kind of improvised," Layla said blushing.

"What do you mean 'improvised?'" I asked curiously.

"I hid in Layla's bag in my guinea pig form with Ethan in his popsicle form," Magenta retorted, "That was a disgusting experience."

"I resent that!" Ethan snapped as I chuckled at his indignation.

"Even if he would never say it out loud, I know Warren would appreciate that you came," I said gazing back at Warren.

"We came for you as well Will," Layla said, "Your parents said that you haven't left Warren's side since he was rushed here three days ago. You need to get some fresh air and rest yourself."

"I'm not leaving," I said tensing up, "Someone needs to be here so he knows that he isn't alone."

"Dude, we could take turns," Zach offered.

"No!" I snapped and then immediately softened at the shocked looks the others gave me, "I'm sorry, but I won't leave him. He's hurt because he was protecting me. I can't leave him."

"Would you at least get some sleep on the other bed in the room?" Layla asked, "We will watch Warren for you and wake you if there are any changes good or bad."

I reluctantly agreed to their request, but truthfully I didn't think that I could sleep. The bits of sleep I had been able to get were always wrought with nightmares of what had happened. I had just recently been honored enough to have gained Warren Peace in my life.

"Please dear God don't let me lose my best friend," I prayed as I laid down and closed my eyes for my friends' benefit, "There is so much more he needs to do in his life."

To be continued…

Review or I won't continue. I have an inferiority complex that nobody will like my stories. So shoot me!

Just kidding! Review me so you can help me decide in what direction this story should go.