Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2021 15:46:43 +0000 (UTC) From: Joseph Klimczak Subject: The Tales of Sol 20 The Tales of Sol 20 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 don't home 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. 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 adieu I give you the next chapter of Tales of Sol. Tales of Sol 20 Making an impression Approaching the Lair I brought the Watcher's helicopter around for a landing. No sooner do the wheels touch the helipad the hydraulic lifts start their descent into the Lair. Just as the rotor blades slip beneath the surface the huge bay doors begin to close. I had to turn on the Chopper's interior lights as the doors cut of the light and plunging the whole bay in darkness at least until the bay's own lights came on and became strong enough to illuminate most of the missile silo that normally housed the Sea Dragon which was now in the hangar, Half way down now that was no way they could find the Lair I waved my hand again a light formed over Travers and his pilot's eyes removing that cloud I had put in place they blinked a few times to get use to the light levels. The lift finally came to a full stop making an audible clank that echoed throughout the bay. When I was sure we'd stopped moving I opened the cockpit door, nodding to the watcher, and his pilot we were safe to leave the helicopter. Travers stepped out, and I directed him and his pilot through the hatch that led to the corridors. I gave them a brief rundown about the Lair and its functions. "The Lair used to be a nuclear missile silo Dave bought it and converted as a base of operation for the Phantom," I informed Quenton, "Impressive," The Watcher almost sounded like he meant it "We've had in the past asked the Phantom to join us in our fight against vampires and other demons," Travers stated as we made our way to the elevator that would take us to the Command Center. "We talked about it and while he respected what you've done he felt that just dealing with humans and their troubles was where his calling laid," I answered for Dave "Then why are you coming to us now?" Travers asked "Because a good soldier seeks allies when fighting his enemies," I responded "You were really in the military?" Travers stopped in his tracks turning to look at me "Yes," I answered with the pride that came with such a statement. "That does explain my inability to intimidate you," Travers chuckled "That and the fact that I already faced far worst no offense," I smirked "What could be worse then your tour of duty?" Travers asked "Coming face to face with those overgrown windup toys for one," I snorted "You really don't care for Sentinels," Quenton gave me a quizzed look "No, they pervert everything that is good about technology," I didn't even bother to hide my feeling for Sentinels "I do not blame you, we've lost two Slayers to them, while they were working side by side with mutants who had come to aid us," Travers replied. Before I could say more we entered the Command and Control Center, "This is the control center of the Lair," I welcomed the Watcher to the heart of the Lair. Dave was sitting in front of BEATTI going over the information our new Probe Network which offered even more surveillance then my original not that I've stopped using them the newer ones offered a more birds eye-view thanks the information I gleaned from my fusion to Captain Planet and my new eyesight these probes were the size of a grain of sand and virtually undetectable. "As you can see we have vast network intelligence gathering devices," I told Quenton "That I can see, what are they?" He asked "I call them probes and we have two versions," I told him I directed him to where the probes were produced he seemed impressed which I took as a good sign. "Our primary are no bigger than a grain of sand they were created after I got my powers that and with the help of our supercomputer BEATTI," I stated "Impressive," Quenton spoke "Our secondary are about the sizes of an American quarter," I told him "Both are capable of tapping into most forms of communications, and monitor everything in infrared imagery which comes back here to the Lair," I pointed to the main console as more images flashed in front of us as we approached Dave stood up and turned around. Looking around at the Lair the Watcher observed "You a vast understanding of technology and a far greater grasp then even our most tech savvy personnel," "That is putting it mildly," Dave smiled "Mr. Quenton Travers I like you to meet my mentor and employer Mr. David Matthews," I introduced "It is a pleasure to meet you face to face Mr. Matthews," Travers greeted "You too Mr. Travers," Matthews shook his hand. "Even before receiving Captain Planet's soul, Mike's technical expertise made him indispensable when I brought him on board months ago the Lair was nothing compared to this, it is because of Mike we have a pain in the neck AI," Dave explained with a growl at the end. "AI? Do you have artificial intelligence too?" Travers was intrigued "Her name is BEATTI, short for Binary Engineered Artificial Thinking Technological Intelligence, I built her using what I learned while in the Navy," I told the watcher. The arrogant that was there earlier was now replaced with astonishment "How do I know this BEATTI exist?" "Greeting Mr. Travers it is a pleasure to talk to you and not over the phone," my computer chose that moment to speak up. Dave and I just smiled at Quention's dumbfound expression. "That was you and not Majel Barrett who had called us?" Travers was amazed "She was indeed the one who called you and while Dave and I were out testing my new powers," I took some satisfaction in seeing the tough old bird being shown. That there are indeed people who might know a little more than he did. I saw Dave and for some reason he too had this look. "I am a lost for words," Travers stammered in disbelief "If you think that impressive we are not done on the surface Mike found an abandoned helicopter hangar we have in the distant we are still working to improve it ," Dave remarked and brought it up on the main monitor "What do you plan to do with that building?" Travers asked "I have plans to expand to it and make it a back up position for the Lair in case there is ever a need for such a place," I answered "But for now it is housing, yet another piece of Mike's ingenuity," Dave said, pulling up the hangar's internal view to show my baby. Travers and even his pilot were staring with gaping eyes "Are you telling me Mr. Pennock built his own helicopter?" "I wish but no," I laughed in embarrassment "While exploring the hangar Mike came across that old girl and he has made improvement on it," Dave explained "That is truly remarkable," Travers was now almost respectable in his tone. Indicating the hangar again I had to bring up one other aspect of that hangar that might get missed because of its purpose I stated "The one thing that I am making sure that both that hangar and the Lair are capable of is to hold people in case of a disaster," I said "If you do not want people to know where your Lair is, why allow it to be used to hold people?" Travers asked "Secret location or not there is no excuse for not granting humanitarian aid when it is called for," I told him "That would be Mike's military training speaking," Dave inputted "Not entirely," I smirked "What else could make you speak like that?" Dave inquired "Honor," I told him The was all Dave needed to hear because I could see the smile on his face "That is the other thing you need to know about my pupil Travers," Dave remarked "What he speaks of honor?" Travers asked "Speaks it, oh no, Mike doesn't just speak about honor he lives it," Dave stated "Without honor a warrior is nothing but a bully," I said "Mike's code of honor is probably what made him candidate for Gaia to implant what remained of Captain Planet beside his connection to the Earth," Dave said seriously "You have a connection to the Earth?" Travers asked "I have faith in this world is more like it, and apparently she has faith in me," I answered "How did you acquire a connection to the Earth?" Travers asked "Where are my manners," I redirected "So, is there anything we can get you to eat or do you want to get down to business?" I asked "If it is alright with you, I'd like to see what you can do," Travers responded "I can eat later," He Finished "What about your pilot?" I addressed the gentleman who had largely ignored me the whole time. "Well I am a little hungry," the pilot indicated "Dave, can you see the pilot while I take Travers to the Holo-Room?" I asked "Of course we will meet you there," Dave agreed, escorting the pilot to the galley. Turning to Quenton Travers "This way," I directed, him Vampire came at me out of the dark. I swung my Fighting Pike catching it in the chin sending it flying into the tree behind it. One tried to sneak up behind me only to have me jab it in the stomach. It dropped to the ground as the next vampire took her turn raising my right hand. I fired a fireball at her, killing her on impact. The Vampire that I dropped the first time grabbed me from behind and was about to bite down. A quick motion re-stowed my fighting pike and another quick motion released it driving one end into the ground and the other right under the Vampire chin I heard a snapping noise as it broke his jaw the blunt force was enough to make him fly back into his friend. They got back up and with a quick change in the hand positions I swung the side that was currently facing down and brought it up connecting to the vampire's chin again doing a spin kick I caught him in the chest and sent him into his friend behind him and they were both sent into a tree branch behind them piercing their demon's heart they disintegrated into dust . "BEATTI level 5!" I heard Dave order. More vampires came charging out of the dark forest five this time "Only Level 5 I am up to level 15 against the Jem'Hadar," I smiled "Jem'Hadar? What is a Jem'Hadar, some sort of demon that I never heard of?" Travers asked "Creatures from Star Trek they are some of toughest warriors in the series," I informed Travers looked at me "I know they are fantasy but with my Holo-Room I have been utilizing the various species from Star Trek to prepare myself for whatever awaits me." I told him "I've battle Klingons, Romulans, and the Jem'Hadar and other species from Star Trek and each of them helped me prefect my fighting style," I stated as I readied myself for the next series of vampires came after me holding up my Pike I began to twist it going faster until I had a column of wind blowing capturing them in the whirlwind I sent them all flying back in the forest many of the evil creature crashed into trees, and some hit the ground while others landed in water while they were all stunned I held my right hand up again producing ice stakes flying them at Vampires freezing them solid. Now with the Vampires immobilized I again produced my Fighting Pike and began spinning it creating another whirlwind increasing the speed until the force of wind shattered the vampires into micro-fragments. "I am impressed," Travers praised as I dodge another vampire that came at me. I swung my Fighting Pike around catching the male vampire in the balls it dropped like a lead weight. "I am glad you like my style of training," I smiled as I smashed my Pike into the jaw of a vampire while dodging another fist while three more vampires charged me. One vampire jumped on my back and was going to bite down when I set my body on fire. It jumped back as the flames consumed his body, "This is fun," I laughed as I killed the remaining vampires by bringing the flames on my body to the focal point on my hand and I released the flame in a lance out at them. "Just remember Mr. Pennock this war is no laughing matter," Travers reminded me I couldn't help myself I looked at him then laughed, "You have no idea how pale your little war compare to the battle I am training for," "And what kind of battle are you preparing for?" Travers asked this actually seemed to get his attention more then my fighting style "One that cost the lives of Earth's greatest hero and his team," I told him. A quick flick of my hand over my Fighting Pike made it retract into its stow position. "One, that I was thrown into because of my connection to the Earth, BEATTI end program!" I huffed as I put the Fighting Pike back in its place along my belt loop. The holo-environment dissolved into the grid filled room. "The First is still out there Travers and I have to prepare for that encounter," I huffed in frustration "I have to be able to counter anything he tries to come up with," I told him "Not only that but I have to keep him and every forces of evil from ever getting to Hope Island, for if Hope Island falls so too does all hope," I told him Dave came up to me putting a hand on my shoulder. He knew what was at stake when we talked about it during our training cycle. He wasn't happy with the responsibility Gaia shoved on to me but he supported me nonetheless. "Well I am quite impress I will instruct this city's Watcher and Vampire Slayer that they are going to be working side by side with you," Travers announced I smiled, thankfully I had a new ally then a thought came to me "Now I want you to know something I will work with, not for the Watcher's Council," I told Travers. "But if you want to work with the Council we will have some say in these matters," Travers said "Yes but from an allies' point of view the Lair belongs to Mr. Matthews and myself, we are allowing to use it facilities but at no time do you own us," I told him "We are also available for any help you and the Watcher's Council may need in the future," I made sure to let Travers know that this isn't one sided. If they are going to help me I have to help them. Travers looked at me for the first time someone was challenging and he wasn't sure how to react then he smiled, "I am going to like working with you Mr. Pennock," "Why is that?" Dave asked "Because you are truly a challenge Mr. Pennock," Travers replied I shook my head then asked, "What about Ms. Summers?" He just stared at me as if I had grown two heads. Giving Travers a knowing look I smiled, "Do you truly think you can hide anything from the Mother?" This made Dave chuckle as he saw the shock expression on the Watcher's face "Mr. Travers, would that Slayer be a young lady who goes by the name Razeel?" I asked "Yes," Travers finally replied "Good we have met several nights ago," I smiled "We'll be in touch," Quenton said as I escorted him and his pilot back to Travers's helicopter as the helipad began to rise. I agreed to allow him to witness our flight back to Philadelphia International when not only agreed to keep the exact location of the Lair will remain confidential. But he agreed that could at least put the blind fold over his pilot escorting them through the terminal. I waited just to make sure their plane took off before snapping my fingers. Returning to the Lair and there was something else I had to tell Dave. "Dave we need to talk," I said "Okay what's up?" Dave asked "It's about Nick, last night he had a really bad nightmare," I said "Really, what about?" Dave asked "I have no idea," I sighed "However Drew knows that I have a much deeper connection to the Earth then I've had let on," I told Dave "How did he find out?" Dave asked the astonishment on his face wasn't lost to me and I chuckled "I had to use my powers to help Nick," I informed him. "He must have been in a lot of trouble for you to expose yourself like that?" Dave commented "Dave, Nick, and I are too much alike in the aspect that we both are fighting our demons and that we try to hide it from our loved ones," I told him. "The difference between us is I perform mind focusing exercise to hide my feelings he hides behind the alcohol," I told him This revelation must have been new since Dave didn't know that Nick was not only drinking but drinking heavily. Putting that aside he knew that by revealing my powers to one I'll be revealing it to the rest in do time. "What are you going to do now?" Dave asked "Pray that when the rest find out what I am they accept me," I replied "I am sure they will," Dave said. I shook my head and said, "I don't know Dave but I have a bad feeling about it," "You're worried about what they will think?" Dave asked Shaking my head and looked at him "I am" Putting a reassuring hand on my shoulder "It will be okay Mike," Dave said "Please don't make that kind of promise," I pleaded "I won't," Dave assured I left the Command Center so I could return the Sea Dragon to her spot on the Lair's helipad. When the lift came to a rest Dave was there at the main hatch "Oh that reminds me," Dave smiled "I assumed you would like to have a little more variety in your arsenal then just your Fighting Pike so I went, and had a few more weapons made for you," Dave said, walking me through the hatch. I followed him and he took me to the Lair's weapons locker which for a time only really held extra Fighting Pikes and Dave's Phantom Cane. There were now new weapons covering the walls and isle. I had no idea how Dave got these passed me or how he got them delivered here without me noticing. There were many different weapons from all over the world: swords, knives, guns, and more there was enough to equip an entire army. I was already planning holding training exercises so I could learn how to use every weapon Dave had put into the weapon's locker "Planning on us having our own army?" I asked picking up a weapon that I haven't held since basic training. The M-16 still felt natural to me even though I really didn't care much for guns. "No but you never know when you will need an M-16," Dave laughed "However since your Fighting Pike was inspired by one science fiction that you would appreciate a couple more weapons based on science fiction, on top of that your skills with swords," Dave spoke "I am sure you will come to love two specific weapons that I had made," Dave smiled when took me to the bladed section of the weapons locker two swords caught my attention. I knew them as soon as I saw them. We moved through the bladed section where I noted that Dave had more D'k tahgs made, was he really planning for me to lose a weapon or two. But when I saw two particular swords I finally knew what Dave was suggestion One of them was a one handed weapon about the size of a traditional short sword but blade sort of fanned out in one direction with tip tapered off with three point, there was a secondary shorter blade in front of the sword's hilt forming a sort of shield protecting the hilt and the user hand. Under the weapon the label read 'Mek'leth'. The next sword was much larger and even more intimidating then the Mek'leth; it was definitely a two handed weapon that I have seen being used on Star Trek. Tip to tip it was 116 centimeters with three spots for hand grips. It was curved or crescent was a better way to describe it. The primary blade formed up front, each ends tapered off above the first and third handle positions on each ends. Forming the sword's shorter but deadly forward section. The handle of the sword extended further out into blades completing the sword's overall length. The ends had there own smaller crescent blade that gave the sword a hook on both ends adding to the weapon's already intimidating look. Under it read 'Bat'Leth' Dave indeed knew me too well. For him to have these weapons based on the ones used by the Klingons in Star Trek made for me. The fact that I hadn't thought about doing it myself made me feel a little embarrassed after all the Bat'Leth meant Honor Blade in Klingon. I smiled and grabbed hold of the Mek'leth, getting a feel for it. I gave it several good swings. Liking the way the sword made sort of singing noise as it slashed through the air the Mek'leth felt right in my hand. I swung it a few more times then put it back in its place missing the feel of the weapon already but there was time for me to familiarize with both weapons at a later date. "Thank you Dave you are a good friend," I told him "I try, now shouldn't you be somewhere before your friends wonder where you have gone?" Dave reminded me. "I will leave shortly but thinking about our arsenal and my new knowledge there several additions I want to add beside the swords and even the new probes," I said as we went back to the Command Center. "What other stuff do you want to add?" Dave asked "We have a lot of close range weapons, swords, knives, staffs and the like," I noted as I sat down at the main console and began entering commands into the keyboard. "I can understand that but can you handle a Bat'Leth and a crossbow too?" Dave asked he knew I was right of course. But so was juggling multiple weapons in the heat of battle can be costly. "Not necessary is it amazing that despite their size a sting from a tiny bumblebee can pack quite a big punch," I answered as I had BEATTI look up all known insect sings and venom, along with reptilian and other animals that have ways to paralyzes their prey or defend against predators. Looking at the information on the screen I saw Dave thinking "So you are planning to make small stingers that pack a wallop?" Dave inquired as he was becoming intrigued by the concept. "Something like that, the trick will be to make them hurt but not kill," I acknowledged with a shake of my head "There are a number of natural ideas that can leave a victim alive without killing them," Dave agreed "Yes there but in what dose will be high enough to bring down a musclebound human so to speak," I asked as I looked up several more bee and ant stings. One in particular insect that had a very powerful sting for their tiny size was the fire ants. I had BEATTI run a check on any research into fire ants to see if there was a breakdown of their stingers. Dave looking at it and was also nodding in the direction at least one of my thoughts was going, "Oh yes, those little buggers have one hell of a punch for their size," Dave commented as the breakdown of fire ants venom was displayed "This one could be modified to say take out a robber without him say running through the door," I made reference to the guy I took out last night. "But what about vampires can you make your little stingers affect them too?" Dave asked That got me thinking "BEATTI put a request through to the Watcher's Council and see if they would be willing to pass along anything that I can use, let them know that anything I come up with will be shared with them for their uses," I requested. "Yes, Sir, you should head home sir Jeff and the rest will be there in about an hour," BEATTI recommended after acknowledging my request "I guess I really should keep looking up all those natural venom and anything I can use I want to assemble a wrist mounted system by the time I get back here," I made my own request as Dave and I got up to leave the Lair. I was driving home when BEATTI called me "Sir I just intercepted a call for you," "Petty Officer Pennock we need you to report Willow Grove tomorrow," I heard the message I hit a button on my steering wheel to answer the the message I got First Class Petty Doggin answered, "Greeting Petty Officer Pennock, we received the parts needed for the jet you guys have been working on we need you to help install and test," "Aye I will be there," I agreed hanging up so I could concentrate on my driving. When I got home I began to start dinner Jeff and the rest had just spent a grueling day practicing a warm meal was required. By the time I heard their limo pulling up the house I had the pot roast just about ready. I had made sure to grab plenty of things to drink minus any alcoholic beverages. Feeling strong arms wrap around me and a tender kiss to the back of the neck "Hello sweetie," I smiled as I brought his hand to my lips so I could kiss them. Turning to see Jeff's beautiful blue eyes staring "Hello how was your day?" Jeff kissed me "Grueling Dave had me training all day to helping me getting better at protecting his plant and I just found out that I am needed on base tomorrow," I answered as mashed potatoes adding sour cream to them. Jeff took over so I could check on the roast. "You don't have to do all of this," Jeff said as he helped with dinner "You guys spend your time on the road eating junk food and overpriced hotel crap," I explained "I can't argue with that logic," Jeff chuckled as he grabbed the loaves of bread I asked him to cut up while I cooked. Drew came into the kitchen "I am going to say this," Drew commented as he sniffed the air "I am so freaking glad we are not spending time at that blasted hotel," Drew cheered as he watched Jeff and I prepared dinner "I was just filling Jeff in on my day," I told Drew "I am sure they were filled with fun and excitement," Drew chuckled "Well we had a big wig come through so we could expand our influence," I added to what I already told them. "I hope it was worth the effort," Jeff said as he cut more rolls. I asked Drew to get the plates and other stuff needed to start setting up the table. When Jeff left to use the bathroom Drew took over in helping with the preparations "Hey, Mike, I wanted to let you know I haven't told anyone what you did to Nick, expect to say that you heard Nick crying and you did some kind of prayed for him," "I do appreciate it Drew. I am sorry that you have to cover for me. I will tell them when I feel they are ready to hear," I said. "Mike, you have nothing to worry about, we love you greatly," Drew tried to reassure. "Drew it is not that I don't trust any of you," I tried to say but Drew held up his hand to wave it off the explanation. "Mike I see the news and see how people can react to differences in others and your fears are justified," Drew said "Even among us celebrities there are prejudiced that are so deep that nothing done lately has been much help," Drew explained "Drew this goes beyond even mundane prejudices. What you saw is not even a fraction of what I am capable of doing," I said as I looked into the oven and basted the roast. "I know the group we can handle whatever you have to tell us," Drew said just before Jeff brought Nick and Justin down. Which was perfect timing. I just brought the roast out to rest Jeff requested, "Can I slice it up love?" I gave Jeff the carving knife Nick looking very haggardly smile "Man I am so glad we are not eating out," Casting Drew a side ward glance he was looking at me with the same concern and in a quiet voice Drew asked, "I don't suppose you can perform that same trick twice?" "Whatever he is going through is beyond my ability to heal. This is psychological. Anything I can do would be a cover up," I sighed and said in an equally soft voice. Drew was crestfallen as he took the mashed potatoes to the table coming back just to get the other side dishes. "Mike I really wish you had at least some beer," Nick complained as he eyed the table and saw that I had not put any kind of wine, beer, or alcoholic beverage. Justin spoke up, "We are Mike's guest Nick we should respect his home," "I do but he is hosting 98 Degrees and we should have a say what we get served," Nick grumbled Drew was applauded, "Nick that was uncalled for Mike does not have to cater to our every whim he is giving us a warm home cooked meal I can live without wine for even a little while if it means our bellies will something good in it," I tried to feel okay but something in Nick's tone was affecting me deep down. Jeff, seeing the downward look in my face, stopped cutting the roast to say "Don't take Nick's bellowing hard Mike, he has been like this for some time now and we don't know why," Jeff pulled me into a loving and comforting hug. "I know I can sense there is something buried beneath the surface of his rage," I somberly said. There was more to it. I was feeling hopelessness coming off of Nick and it was affecting my own powers. Like all toxins Nick's negative emotions were having a subtle, but definite affect on my powers. I just wish I knew where it was coming from. After we ate dinner I had to sit up in my room for a few moments. Drew knocked "Come in Drew," I had to whip the sweat off my brow. "Mike, I want to apologize for my big brother's thoughtlessness," Drew said, then he stopped when he saw me sweating, "Are you okay?" Trying to get up but I was forced back down by nausea "I am fine, just light headed," I tried to say as I felt queasy. "You are not fine what happened?" Drew asked as he sat beside me "Nick's is not just feeling depressed Drew," I had to lay my head down "What is he feeling?" Drew asked "He is hopeless," I sighed "I have been telling he that for years," Drew quipped, I chuckled at the double meaning to my statement "Not that kind of hopeless," I chuckled around the uneasiness Drew helped me back up "I am still learning how to use these new powers Drew and what I got from Nick was a very deep and dangerous feeling of lost and despair," I answered "And those negative feelings are affecting my powers," I tried to explain "But what caused him to feel so hopeless?" Drew asked no one while helping me back to my feet. Drew's concern was helping to dispel the darkness that was affecting me and I could move again. When we came out of my room Jeff was by our side "Mike where did you go are you alright?" Drew came to my aid "He is fine all his training today finally caught up with him," "I am fine I think I did overdo it at work today Dave warned me I was pushing myself too hard today," I acknowledged Jeff took me from Drew's arms and wrapped me into his. That act alone had a positive effect on my powers and it. I kissed Jeff on the cheek. Drew stepped aside, allowing us a few moments alone. "Are you sure you are alright?" Jeff asked "When I am in your arms how can I not be alright," I squeezed him and then kissed him "Okay love lets get downstairs," Jeff ushered me down where I was greeted by a very remorseful Nick "Mike I am so sorry for acting like such an ass," Nick apologized letting go of Jeff I pulled Nick into a hug. When I did that jumble of images flashed in my mind's eye. "It is okay Nick," I finally said "No, it is not you who opened your doors to us, and offered us a place out of the limelight, and how do I repay your kindness by being a jerk," Nick was filled with self disgust. I just held him, whatever he was going through was hard on him and it was taking its toll on him. I whispered into Nick's ear "You have love right here Nick, the love of your brother, the love of your friends," I could not use the same trick twice on Nick but a more subtle approach might help. Passing between us unseen was a golden light aimed at his heart. "Mike, I don't know what I am doing," Nick whispered to me. Everyone in the kitchen was watching us. Drew was the one most interested since he knew a little about what might be going on. "You are in trouble and you are lost but you will find your way very soon," I whispered softly into Nick's ear Nick just looked down at me but what I saw told me that even the powers of the Earth couldn't penetrate the despair in Nick's eyes. Whatever happened to Nick is not something out of hate but out of love and his heart is yearning for it other half. As everyone but Drew went to the door so they could leave for the hotel "I will catch up with you all," Drew told them Pulling me aside Drew demanded, "I know you tried again Mike what happened?" "Drew what ever happened even my powers can't get through," I said with regret "What could have happened that would cause him such despair?" Drew asked "You are asking the wrong person but I can tell you that his heart is in pain," I tried my best to explain the feeling that I got from that hug. "That is more of an answer then I have had in months Mike but what do we do about it?" Drew was sounding desperate "First tell me about Jenny?" I asked Drew as I couldn't get a clear reading on her either. "Jenny honestly Mike I have no clue we had stopped off at Missouri, our bus had broke down and Nick claimed that met her at a diner," Drew scratched his head "From there they were inseparable," Drew finished "Has she helped Nick any?" I was more concerned that this Jenny was at least providing some comfort to Nick. "I don't know one way or the other Mike, Nick seem happy around her but then when he is alone he drinks even heavier," Drew sighed I listened to Drew's concern and here that Jenny was just there but who she is the question. After saying good night Drew left and just before I could close the door Jeff walked back in "It is cold out there can I stay here?" Jeff winked "Hmm?" I pretended to think it over and then pulled my love into a hug followed by a sweet and tender kiss the got hotter by the minute. Taking Jeff to our room we quickly undressed pulling me on top of him Jeff began making love to me. That is it for this chapter more to come. 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