Tales of Sol

The Tales of Sol 40 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com

This my second attempt to write so please tell me what you think. This is a fictional story it is not intended to imply that any of the celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories do yourself a favor don't get caught. The same goes for those people whose countries have these sites made illegal. And for everyone else enjoy

Captain Planet and related characters was created by R.E Turner and copyright by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions

Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and copyright by Warner Bros.

Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount

Transformers and all related characters, and props are trademarked by Hasbro inc. Copyright Rhino Home Videos and AOL Time Warner Entertainment CO

He-Man, She-Ra, related characters, and props are trademarked by Filmation 1980's

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox.

Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros.

X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.

To those who've been reading Tales of Sol. I want you to know that while there is sex in this story. That is not is sole purpose and yes I do hope the sex sense makes you all hard and gets you off.

Sol is an adaption from my childhood favorite show Captain Planet and the Planeteers, The cartoon showed us that the world can be a better place if we took a few moments to care for it.

Tales of Sol is meant to express hope.

It is also shows how music can have an impact in our lives. While I don't know if my favorite bands 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys or Nsync have ever read this. They saw me through some of the hardest moments of my life and offered in their own way hope. To them I say thank you.

I dedicate the Tales of Sol to all of my brothers and sisters of the US armed service past, present, and future.

I like to thank my friends who I had the privilege showing these chapters with. They helped with editing and inspiration,

John Rivera, Albert-Russ Alan Rivera-Odum, Derbe.D. Hunte Yvette Ortiz Samuel Diaz Jr for all their help in Making The Tales of Sol an enjoyable story to write.

And I have a few other names starting with the beginner of this universe James the author of Tales of a Real Dark Knight. I still hope to reconnect with you dear friend and all the rest of this series.

Blake the author of Tales of a New Phoenix

Jeremi author of the Tales of Young Mutants

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

And now without any further ado I give you the next chapter of Tales of Sol.

The Tales of Sol 40 Fate is in control

I woke up the next morning with a kink in my neck, I had fallen asleep on my couch. I got up half expecting to see Nick or Justin sitting in my living room. I was getting too emotional and I needed to reinforce my mind control exercise. "Gaia?" I asked

"Yes?" She appeared in my living room

"Why can't I control my powers like I know I can?" I asked

"Mike you are taking on responsibilities that most people would have no idea how to take on," Gaia pointed out

"I know that but the rescue of Jessica took a huge drain on me. What happens if I have to fight for days or longer?" I asked

"I could drain my life force and drop in the middle of the battlefield?" I questioned

"That is why you need to go to New York Mike while Dave Matthews is an excellent teacher in the field of combat Professor Xavier and the X-Men are better equipped to handle beings with special gifts," Gaia told me

"Why not come to Hope Island and you could teach me Gaia?" I asked

"I could show you what you can do only Professor Xavier can teach you on how to use them," Gaia said

"But New York I am not sure I am ready to go there," I sighed

"That is your other reason to go, you must face the unknown or the Dark Lord will use it against you," Gaia stated.

"And what kind of warrior would I be if I let fear control me?" I sighed

Gaia looked into my heart and said "Fear is a natural response to facing the unknown Mike, you are no more in control of it then and that is not why you need to go to New York,"

"Then Why?" I asked her

Gaia smiled warmly and yet mysteriously, "Go to New York and find out you will be surprised how it will turn out," at which Gaia returned to Hope Island. I just stood in my living room lost and uncertain. I somehow made my way to my bathroom and took a shower.

I left for work. I was still very conflicted on well, everything, I didn't even acknowledge my own hunger as I had skipped breakfast. There were many questions that needed to be answered, What I needed to do?' How the Backstreet Boys fit into the grand scheme of it all?' `Will I like the outcome when these questions are answered?' All of these questions were put on temporary hold when I pulled up to the front gate. I showed Larry my ID and he let me through. I needed Dave's help in solving some of them.

Entering Dave's office I was still in a somber mood.

"So Mike, what is that we need to talk about?" He asked, taking note of the expression on my face.

"I am hoping that young woman named Stacy will give you a call, I gave her your businesses card, and I think will be an excellent replacement for Margret," I told him

"Where did you meet her?" Dave asked

"At last night's concert," I replied

I explained what had happened before the concert and I saw nothing but pride in how I handled the situation and said he would definitely look into not only the Eric situation but would hear Stacy out if she decides to call.

With that out of the way I fell back into a guest chair, Dave immediately knew something was wrong,

"Mike, what is wrong? You look like you are going to cry," Dave asked

"It is Jeff, he, and the guys left, after last nights concert," I told him

"And you miss him already," Dave joked until he noticed my dour expression and knew this wasn't just separation due to 98 Degrees's Tour schedule.

"He is not coming back is he?" Dave asked, knowing this was a separation all together.

"No, it seems the fates have their own plans for both of us, we are both destined for someone else," I told him.

"Yeah those people can be a pain in the rear," Dave sighed

"I still miss him Dave," I let out a pained sigh

"You can't stop your heart Mike, you two were very much in love even I saw that," Dave stated softly

"Fate seems cruel at time, Mike, you will always have strong loving feelings for Jeff," Dave remarked

Changing slightly before I started crying "While fighting the Sentinels last night I was approached by the X-Men," I told him

"Oh?" Dave asked

"Yes Professor Xavier wants me to come to New York," I told him

"What for?"Dave asked

"The team we are trying to build, how they can help, and how we can help them," I told him

Dave knowing my feelings for New York and staying close to Philadelphia, "But you are not keen on the idea," Dave noted

"Not really but even Gaia is saying I should go," I responded

"Then you should go," Dave suggested

"I will think it over," I said

"Mike, I know you don't like the idea of going to New York, I get the impression that there is more going on, do you want to tell me what is really bothering you?" Dave prompted

I pondered then said, "Dave something else happened last night,"

"What?" Dave urged me to continued

"I met him," I responded

"Him? Who?" Dave pressed for more.

"The one, the key, the person I have loved for so long," I grew even more unsure about all of this, the look in Dave's eyes twinkled a bit then he remembered who else was performing last night and as if a bell had gone off.

Dave put two and two together and yelled out, "It's Brian isn't it?"

I gave my mentor a bewildered look until it hit me, "Am I just a book? Can everyone just read like that?" I chuckled slightly

"No but Brian make sense," Dave smiled

"How?" I asked

"He is you in every way except he shows his feelings and he doesn't possess Godlike powers," Dave told me

This made me chuckle slightly again then my face "Yes I finally met Brian Littrell," I said as my head fell into the palms of my hands.

Getting up from behind his desk Dave I could hear his shoes striking the floors.

I heard his voice and it was definitely closer when I looked up Dave was there, "And you don't think he feels the same way?" Dave said coming around to my side

"It is not just that," I said getting up so I could look out the office window and down at the woodlands below, Dave was there with me.

Looking down at all the trees as if the could give me strength I sighed again, "I have many doubts, about all of this Dave," I said looking out at the forest

"What are you feeling Mike?" Dave asked

"Like I don't deserve any of this," I finally said

"From the moment it happened, I haven't figured out why the Earth, is asking me of all people to be her champion," I said

"And I can't see why Brian, would even be interested in me at all, I mean what do I have to offer him?" I couldn't even look at my own reflection as I stared out at the trees

Looking out at the trees himself Dave turned to me and said, "While I can't speak for the Earth Mike but ever since you put on that Guardian costume you have more then proven that you are every bit the protector that name stands for," It was moments like this that Dave was more then my boss and mentor but he is also very much a father figure.

Dave then said, "Mike you have much to offer Brian should he decide you are the one,"

"I am a nobody Dave," I told him "I am the lone blade of grass in the field that no one even notices," I said

"Mike, I chose you as my assistant for a damn good reason, because you had something no one I have ever interviewed had," Dave said, turning me towards him. He was the father figure I had been missing in my life.

"You have proven time and again, that I was right to offer you a position here," Dave said

"How I didn't even get the chance to show you my resume," pointed out

"Mike, I have seen you work here, I have seen you fight, and I seen how you are handling the powers you have growing inside of you," Dave said

"Brian would be lucky if he chose you," Dave said

"I count myself lucky to have you as my assistant and I will be looking into this Stacy if she calls, because you are asking me too," Dave said

"Why?" I asked

"You told me you thought she would make a great secretary, and I am guessing she had done something that drew herself to you?" Dave said

"She and I talked and there was something in her voice, that told me all she needed was someone to believe in her," I answered

"Mike I think the same goes for you, someone who believes in you," Dave said, putting hand on my shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

"Brian will be damn lucky to chose you, Mike," Dave said reassuringly

Looking at my mentor I couldn't help but smile "Besides he looks damn fine in a towel,"

That got Dave laughing when I told him about our meet and greet after the show.

Dave's phone rang "Dave Matthews,"

"Ah, Ms Ketchem I have been expecting a call, my assistant Mr. Pennock hoped you would," Dave spoke to Stacy. I left the office and decided to walk the nature trail.

Getting lost in the trees I huffed despite Dave's words I was very discouraged.

I was a little surprised when I turned the bend and saw Gaia standing by a single tree "Gaia?" I asked

"Mike, you see this lone tree?" she gesture towards it

"Yes?" I didn't know what else to say.

"You might know it but the two of you share a lot in common," Gaia said

She pointed at the scars in its bark "Many years ago a fire burned through this forest,"

"This tree was not only injured, it also bore witness to untold death and destruction, that fire had caused" Gaia said I found myself putting my hand to its trunk

"The scars from that fire are still visible," Gaia brushed one of the scars

"And it nearly died," Gaia said "But its roots are deep in the ground, it found the strength to keep growing," Gaia spoke gently

"But how could it live with all it had witnessed?" I asked her

"Hope, Mike," Gaia smiled "This tree hung on to it,"

"Look around you Mike this world is filled with beauty and wonder," Gaia spread her arms to encompass the who forest

"You were chosen by the Earth to be her champion because it knows your heart and it is a good one," Gaia smiled "She was right to choose you too,"

"But what about Brian what do I offer him?" my hand was still on the tree

"I never been someone who one would want to hang around," I cried

"You have a lot offer Brian and not just because of your powers they don't, make you, who you are," Gaia softly said "You make you ,who you are," Gaia put her hand on my shoulder

"And don't worry about Jeff either he too will find someone who will be there for him just as you were," Gaia soothed "The power is yours," Gaia spoke then returned to Hope Island

I still had my hand on the tree. Gaia showed me I slumped to the ground and still couldn't get myself to feel like I was worth it. Leaning against the tree I slid down its rough bark dung into my back. I could feel the wet grassy dirt as I sat in it, putting my head into my arms and curling up into a ball letting out a depressed sigh. I sat there for a few moments when something slightly brushed against my shins. Caught my attention I looked down and there was a rabbit sniffing around my leg. I looked up and found myself being surrounded by animals of all kinds. A balded eagle even landed on my shoulder and nuzzled my cheek. Slowly I moved my hand down to the rabbit and it gladly rubbed up against my open palm. These wonderful creatures' message was clear and not one had to say a word. "We need you, and you are worth it," I looked out between the trees to see the sun as even more animals approached me.

"Why little ones? why would you put your trust in me?" I asked the eagle,

"You are our champion, and we believe in you," its eyes told me. fresh warm tears rolled down my cheeks as a fawn nuzzled the other side of my face. These creatures were putting their trust in me. They did what no one, not Dave nor Gaia could say or show me. I slowly got up and the eagle and the deer moved off allowing a black bear approach it stood on its hind-legs and lounged at me and gave me a real bear hug "We need you champion," was all that hug told me

Gaia stood in the Crystal Chamber looking through planet vision. Gaia watched as nature itself was answered Mike's question so beautifully her champion was surrounded by all the beautiful creatures of nature each one of them, telling Mike the same thing, "They believed in him and that he was needed, and he was worth it,"

"Okay my friends you all win," I laughed. They all backed away "I am here for you too," As I stepped forward every animal let out a cry. I put my hand on the tree and even it was letting me know that I was it's champion and I was worth it. The Earth herself was letting me know that believed in me that gave me strength as I walked with my head held high. The animals had parted returning to their places in the forest as I walked out and returned to the Geothermal Plant.

Walking back into Dave's office where Stacy had not only called but she actually came in so Dave could interview her.

Just as he was finishing his interview with Stacy her eyes were all aglow as Dave hired her right on the spot "Mike was right you are going to fit in here just perfectly," Dave shook her hand "But how all I did was show him to his seat?" Stacy stammered

"Random acts, are never random acts," I said coming up right behind her "Welcome to the team," I shook her hand

"Mike, what is that in your hair?" Dave asked

I pulled out what turned out to be a feather from the balded eagle that sat on my shoulder I smiled "I will tell you later,"

Dave nodded then hit the intercom "Stella can you come to my office?"

"Right away Mr. Matthews," Stella responded she entered the office a short time later "Stella I like you to meet my new secretary Stacy Ketchem," Dave introduced

"A pleasure Ms. Ketchem," Stella greeted

"Stella, will you take Stacy around, and get her checked in with human resources, and go through all the standards for all new hires?" Dave requested

"Absolutely, Mr. Matthews," Stella said as she lead Stacy out of the office and on a tour of the Geothermal Plant

After they were gone Dave took the eagle's feather from my hand and asked "What the hell happened out there?"

"And why was there an eagle's feather in your hair," Dave as he twirled the feather around

"You and Gaia both kept trying to tell me I was worth it, and you both believed in me" I said taking the feather from him I twirled the quill it a few time the whole feather spin then brushed it against the palm of my hand

"I still couldn't get myself to believe it," I told him

"Someone had to step in and she did," I said holding up the feather

"Who?" Dave asked eyeing the feather differently

"The Earth herself told me she sent her children," I spoke softly caressing the feather

"The animals of Nature all came to me, putting their trust in me to be their champion," I began to tear up

"An eagle actually landed on my shoulder it looked at me," I told him Dave gasped "I could see in its eyes all things that words could not express," I said

"Mike that sounds too incredible to believe," Dave gasped

"Trust me I know, however look out your window," I smiled as I pointed to it Dave turned and on the ledge was my bald eagle staring in at both of us.

"It is okay he is my mentor," I told the eagle Dave gasped as the eagle just stared at us "Mike if I didn't see this with my own eyes I wouldn't believe it," Dave stammered

I laughed, "Neither would I until I had a tiny bunny rubbing up against my shin,"

The eagle let out a screech then spread its wings in a majestic manner, and then the eagle turned leaping off the window ledge, flapping its wings, the majestic bird flew off screeching as it flew around the power plant then flew back into the forest.

"The Earth herself," I started to say

"Just showed us both she is alive," Dave stared after the departing eagle

"I wish this still helped where Brian is concerned," I sighed

"Mike you just had a bald freaking eagle sitting out on that ledge staring us both down. How can you still be worried about Brian?" Dave inquired

"Man and beast are two different animals," I laughed this made Dave laugh

"That is very true," Dave agreed

"Give him a chance Mike you might Brian might surprises you as every bit as that eagle just did," Dave suggested

"I will Dave," I smiled

"Let's put in that call to Professor Xavier personally," Dave started to say when through my combadge BEATTI announced "Sir you have a call coming in,"

"From who?" I asked

"From Nick Carter," BEATTI answered

Dave picked up the phone as BEATTI transferred the call.

I took the phone "Hello?"

"Hey Mike it is Nick,"

"Hey Nick?" I answered

Dave laughed "The eagle has landed," I looked at my mentor in disbelief.

"I was wondering if you wanted to hang out?" Nick asked

I was still taken back but said "Sure if you guys want me underfoot,"

"We would love to have you around," Nick said

"Okay I don't need you to twist my arm let me quickly grab a shower and I will see you," I agreed

"We will be at the Spectrum practicing," Nick informed me

"We will hold off the call for now Mike go and have fun," Dave was grinning ear to ear.

"That is very true,"Dave agreed "Give him a chance Mike you'd be surprised at how things turn out," Dave suggested

At that moment a special receiver in Dave's desk began to beeped.

Dave went to it and activated it "Go ahead BEATTI,"

BEATTI chirped "We are intercepting an Amber Alert from the local police station," "No rest of the weary," I said

"What is the nature of the Amber Alert?" Dave demanded

"5 year old child by the name of Chris Tucker went missing near his home three hour ago," BEATTI reported

"Dave we both need to go," I told him

"I agree," Dave concurred

Dave told Stella that he and I were going out for lunch, she acknowledged as we went to the secret passageway that led to the subway that took us to the Lair.

We changed into our respected costumes and boarded the Sea Dragon. We were airborne a short time later.

Landing the Sea Dragon close to several police cars I got out while Phantom took back off taking an aerial view waiting for my report. I kept a channel open to the Sea Dragon when I asked "What appears to be the trouble Chief?"

Holding out his hand and I shook it "A pleasure Guardian," Chief Rodgers said then he got down to business "Young Christopher went missing shortly after his mother turned her back to him," I turned to see the mother crying being consulted by another officer as he tried to reassure her.

"Any idea where he could have gone?" I asked

"No we've only just begun the search," the police chief replied

Walking up to the mother, "Excuse me ma'am can I ask you something?" I came up to her

She cried "What?"

"Do you have any idea where your son could have gotten to?" I asked

"If I knew that I wouldn't have called the police!" she cried

I didn't take her rant seriously because I was cold, but because I knew she was upset and showing any kind of response might just make things worse.

"Do you have anything that belonged to Christopher?" I asked her instead

She held up a toy ball, "This is his favorite ball," I took hold of it and began to draw little Chris essence from it.

"What are you doing?" The mother demanded

"I am going to find your son Harriet," I smiled

"How did you know my name?" Mrs Tucker asked

"I know many things, but that is for later, Mrs Tucker right now your son, is my main concern," I smiled slightly then turned serious as I closed my eyes using Chris's essences to help me find him.

"Where were you two standing?" I asked Mrs Tucker without evening opening my eyes "Take me to the exact spot you two were standing."

She grabbed my arm, and led to the spot where she last saw her son. I opened my eyes then knelt down placing my hand right where the boy was standing "What are you doing?" Chief Rodgers asked as I saw little Christopher a butterfly was flying around him. His curiosity and sense of wonder got the better of him as he chanced after the butterfly.

"As I said I am going to find the boy," I answered

"We've already checked over here, what can you find him if we couldn't?" The Chief Rodgers growled

I already had the image in my head and took off running in the direction the boy had taken. "That is because he is not in the area you need to cast your net a little wider for this one,"

The police were not that far behind "Phantom do you read me?" I called into my combadge

"Yes, Guardian what do you need?"my mentor replied

"I have the boy's scent, he took a westward direction, what is in that direction?" I reported

Chief Rodgers gasped as he looked west himself.

Looking out of the cockpit "I see a gully," Phantom responded

Fearing the worst I ran, the police chief called for his men to follow as we all ran. The Phantom flew the Sea Dragon towards the gully "Guardian! BEATTI has picked up the boy,"

"Where is he?" I demanded

"He's fallen into the gully," Phantom confirmed my worst fears. I edged the side of the gully and looked over. Christopher was too far down. I had to enhance my sight. So I could see little Chris laying face down on a very narrow ledge.

Chief Rodgers came up behind me "What do you see?"

"Phantom was right, the boy has fallen into the gully," I told him

The Chief looked over himself to see the boy "Sweet Jesus! how in the world did he get down there?"

"The boy was chasing a butterfly," I replied after I saw the event in my mind

"Is he?" the Chief asked A wail too far and too soft for anyone but me to hear. I could now make out Chris's cries over the wind blowing over the gully "The boy is alive," I told him

"You can hear him from all the way up here?" The officer asked

"Yes," I said turning to the Sea Dragon "Phantom lower the winch I am going to save the boy," I requested

"You've got it Guardian," I heard when the cable line was in reach I grabbed hold

"Now lower it slowly," I requested

The winch slowly lowered and as I got closer I could hear little Christopher crying but that wasn't all. I also heard a cracking noise coming from the ledge. It wasn't able to support Christopher's weight and was giving way.

"Faster! Dave, our troubles are getting shaky!" I hollered

Dave picked up the pace on the winch and I lowered even faster. Coming up to the boy and his crumbling ledge.

I said, "Okay young man, you picked a very bad spot," I carefully picked him up just as the rocky overhang crumbled

"I've got him, now bring us back up!" I yelled "Phantom, tell Chief Rodgers we need medics,"

"I've got him, and he told me one was on standby," Phantom confirmed as he changed to a higher altitude taking me and my little friend out of the gully.

From where I was as we pulled out I could see the police, medics and Mrs. Tucker were all waiting for us at the ledge. The Phantom maneuvered us so we were coming to an awaiting stretcher. Once my feet were back on solid ground I let go of the winch and lowered the boy onto the stretcher.

"He got a nasty cut in his abdomen and some internal injuries," I told the medic she saw the blood on Chris's shirt along with the tear in it. The police and Mrs Tucker ran to us.

"Christopher!" Mrs Tucker cried and went to pick him up when the Police Chief stopped her

"He took a nasty fall Mrs Tucker but he should be fine once the medics take a look at him," I told her. The medic allowed her to take hold of his little hands.

"Thank you!" Mrs Tucker sobbed

"You are welcome ma'am," I smiled as the medic loaded the child and the mother was allowed to ride along. Chief Rodgers took my hand "Thank you for your timely rescue," as the ambulance drove off.

"My pleasure Chief," I shook his hand

Dave have moved the Sea Dragon just above us and the winch was still down "Now if you will have to excuse me but I must go," I grabbed on to the cable line

"How will we contact you if we need you again?"Chief Rodgers asked

"Don't worry I will know," I stated as we left the area by the time the winch was back up and I was on board we were en route to the Lair.

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com

I also recommend the following stories it was because of them I got into writing in the first place.

"Tales of a Real Dark Knight" by authorjames

"Marvel Knights" also by authorjames

"Tales of the New Phoenix" by Blake

"Tales of a Superhero Band" by Leo

"Tales of a Young Mutant" by Jeremi

"Tales of a Thunder God" by Tony Justiss