The Storybook Dimension

Summary: Many years in the future, Warren Peace finds himself at the mercy of an old friend. Warren X Will slash.
Author: Seren Maris
Genre: Angst/Tragedy
Rating: T

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Not Today

Prologue

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“Thy friendship oft has made my heart to ache; do be my enemy–for friendship’s sake.” – William Blake

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Like most of their battles, it could have gone either way. But, just like in school, one was slightly more powerful than the other, and today luck was not on Warren’s side.

It took only a single blow, and he felt himself falling, tumbling towards the icy surface of the ocean. Sky and water blurred into one, and Warren made one last, futile effort to escape.

However, even his powers could not save him here. His flames fizzled and died, extinguished by the water that was now all around him. Stunned, Warren could do nothing as he was pulled ever-deeper into the cold, dark ocean.

‘This is it,’ he realized, strangely at peace. ‘It’s over.’ He would drown, and evil would rule the city.

But even as his vision faded and struggles grew weak, he felt a heavy hand encircle his arm, pulling him towards the surface. And then, just as suddenly, he could breathe again. Using his last remaining strength, he attempted to twist away from his captor, only to be caught in a vice-like grip.

“Don’t try to resist,” Devastator commanded sharply, pulling Warren along with him as if he weighed no more than a feather.

And Warren, too weak to fight any longer, allowed his savior to do as he would.

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Looking back on it later, Warren would remember little of the flight through the air, except for the freezing wind, and Devastator’s crushing grip.

But when he came to his senses, he was lying on the metal floor of what was unmistakably Devastator’s lab. Getting to his feet, Warren took the opportunity to examine the room in detail.

He was in some sort of cage, the bars built out of adamantium. Beyond his metal prison, there was row upon row of panels and sensors. On a massive screen on the wall, Warren could see detailed satellite views of the entire city, as well as cameras monitoring the most important – and vulnerable – buildings in the city.

Encircling his neck was a seamless metal collar. It was heavy, and cold against his skin. Warren pulled at it, but it wouldn’t budge.

Did Devastator build all of this himself? Considering his grade in Mad Science, it seemed impossible. But the evidence lay before him.

Dr. Medulla would be proud.

Somewhere to the side, Warren heard a door slide open, and turned to look into a pair of familiar eyes. “Hello, Will,” he somehow managed.

And that was how Warren Peace found himself face to face with what was quite possibly the most powerful supervillain alive.

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To Be Continued

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