Date: Sat, 11 Dec 2021 18:31:38 +0000 (UTC) From: Joseph Klimczak Subject: The Tales of Sol 23 The Tales of Sol 23 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 adieu I give you the next chapter of Tales of Sol. The Tales of Sol 23 For the Children I sat in front of the main computer in the command center and I fed BEATTI the photo of Sarah. "BEATTI, I need you to do a city wide search for this child, she has been missing for four months," I commanded as I typed heavily into the keyboard. "Yes sir," BEATTI confirmed as three monitors came to life cycling through the probes. I also sent that plea to all the animals in the area and asked them to keep an eye out for her. Of all my surveillance equipment they stood a better chance at spotting her and still remain unseen and go unnoticed. While I was busy working on finding Sarah, Jeff and the rest of 98 degrees were in New York on a televised interview. Jenny stood on the side. She smiled outwardly, but inward she was sneering. "These guys are so sickening. It will be a joy to crush them. That meddler was a problem though," Jenny thought. She blew a fake kiss towards Nick who blushed when he looked at her. "That meddler seems to have problems of his own. I wonder if I can exploit it so how," she sneered as she eyed Jeff. "He was the key to the meddler's downfall even if he wasn't the key to the meddler's true powers. I will have to make sure the meddler never meets the one," She grumbled. Jenny watched as 98 Degrees performed several numbers for the audience. She had to fake her excitement. It was easy for her to fake interest in the works of these puny mortals. After all, she's been playing this part for centuries. The meddler was the one Jenny had to worry about and the one she had to stop before he got any stronger. Dave was busy trying to follow up on what Jared told us, he was currently at the police station asking around. While leaving me to concentrate on actually finding Sarah I spent hours going over every bit of information we could get our hands on, but we were no closer to solving this mystery. I huffed in frustration as my weary eyes strained over the blurring images. I thought to myself `How the hell does a child go missing like the way Sarah did?' That answer came back, because it happens all the time countless children have gone missing everyday, and what tends to follow is not always a happy ending. The guys were back on the bus Luc was briefing the band on the upcoming charity in Atlantic City as more details emerged he wanted 98 Degrees to have all the information they could get. Luc also kept them apprised of all their upcoming concerts with some being canceled like the one in Jackson, Mississippi a recent storm damaged the venue and the concert got pushed back a week. They had several more interviews and small performances to attend to in New York, before they could head back to Philadelphia later that night. Jenny had joined them and again she had to hide her disgust. Any idea that helped create understanding was a threat to her ability to exploit human ignorance and fears for her purpose and having the meddler involved will only cause more trouble for him. The meddler was the only one who had the power to make people see through their own ignorance and that was dangerous. "I will have to try and put an end to this gathering of hope," Jenny thought Dave was still with Jared and the police when Sargent Howder came over to him, "Mr. Matthews I believe we might have stumbled on to something much bigger then one missing child," "I don't understand," Dave gasped "I don't understand it myself Mr. Matthews, but while doing a search into that photo studio we found a number of erroneous entries in their computer system and it seems Sarah wasn't the only missing child linked to that place," Howder answered as best as he could. "How many are we talking about?" Dave requested "As far as we can tell over 50 children have gone missing, and all of them were linked to that photo studio," Howder answered "50!" Dave gasped "How the hell do 50 children go missing and no one even noticed?" Dave demanded "Mr. Matthews we don't know and that's what's got Chief Rodgers fuming. There is no reason 50 children should go missing and no one pick up on it," Howder growled "That security guard of yours seemed to have stumbled upon something and all he did was ask a drunk worker a simple question," Chief Rodgers sneered walking up to the conversation "Which all began when Jared took a swing at me this is so kind of strange butterfly effect one thing leading to another," Dave muttered "I still don't get how your assistant knew of Sarah to begin with," Officer Howder pondered "I trust Mike completely, I doubt he knew it was this big. Just knowing that Jared was in trouble is enough for me to know he is not one to dismiss easily," Dave regarded "And how do we know your security guard isn't the one behind this?" Sergeant Howder demanded Even Chief Rodgers looked at his officer funny "Sargent do you think he would have even come down to the station if he was somehow involved?" "Sir we have seen too many wackos do crazy stuff to not think about it," Howder defended himself "Not on this level. We have 50 children missing and there is no way I can see Mr. Pennock waltzing in here and revealing himself to us," Rodgers shook his head in disregard to the notion. "Okay sir but that still leads to the question: how did we let something this big slip under our nose?" Sargent Howder demanded. "That is what we have to find out," Chief Rodgers remarked. Jeff and the rest of the 98 Degrees were in their bus driving around New York. They still had one more stop to make. Jenny, insisting that she needed coffee, was unable to continue with them. After promising she would catch up before they returned to Philadelphia Nick finally agreed. When they found a place, Jenny got off and they continued without her. Jeff was staring out the window. "Are you okay Jeff?" Drew came up behind him. "I was just thinking about Mike," Jeff blushed "I don't blame you he is a very special person," Drew agreed "It is not just that. There is much he has kept from us," Jeff noted "Jeff we hardly know him, sure we spent time with him. Do you think he will trust us soon?" Drew said "No, I know trust takes time," Jeff conceded "Give Mike time he will come around," Drew spoke gently, Drew looked away hating the fact that he had kept something like Mike's powers a secret from the rest of the group, but he trusted Mike's warning too. In the Lair I was frantically going over every video that ran on multiple monitors, and all still images that popped up every second on my screens. I was determined to find this girl. Dave came into the Command Center "Mike I have more information it seems you were right to question that photo studio," "More than you can even imagine," Dave said as he held out the folder "Sarah is not the only one," "What do you mean?" I asked as I took the report from Dave and read it "It seems there have been a number of children abductions that seem to tied to this place," "How many?" I asked going over the report "At least 50 children in the past year have all gone missing," Dave said "50 children and no one has put two and two together?" I gasped "The abductions have been so random that no one seems to take notice," Dave said, putting a disk into BEATTI's mainframe. "All the abductions have been chalked up to some random act," Dave said as even more information scrolled over the main monitor "How does this photo studio fit in?" I asked "It seems that every missing child has had their picture taken there," Dave answered "Again why have they not been questioned?" I growled in disbelief "They are being questioned now," Dave scowled Turning back to the main monitor as Dave put a disk into the computer and the faces of those missing children were made larger thanks to the size of the monitor. Looking up at the images of missing kids I sighed "By the Mother's Hand," my hands flew over the console as I added them to BEATTI's search parameters. In an instant they were scrolling through the fourth monitor as the probes tried to home in on them. Jeff and the rest of 98 Degrees had just wrapped up their last interview and were now beginning their journey back to Philadelphia and with hours to spare. Jeff was getting excited the closer they got. What none of them knew as Luc was updating them on the Mutant Charity, was that miles ahead of them as cars and trucks of every size and shape drove back and forth over the George Washington Bridge. Below the river's surface and damped by the water cracks formed and widened quickly, as the barge with its deadly cargo was still spewing toxins into the river. Those toxins had been eating away at the stone foundation of the bridge support tower. With the constant vibration of the passing motorist and currents of the river the cracks widen allowing the toxic goo to get to the supports inner foundation, more stones loosen and fall away from the south support tower. As the bus sped down the road everyone was sitting and relaxing there was no use worrying they would be on the road for the next several hours. Jeff was still looking out the window and he could see the George Washington Bridge in the distance. "Soon Mike Pennock, we will be back," Jeff said in a dream-like state. No one knew that miles ahead and below the surface of the Hudson River. The south support tower for the George Washington Bridge was now on the verge of collapse as the toxic waste from the sunken barge had eaten away at the stone foundation. I was pouring over every lead and every detail we got now that we had a much bigger case then we knew on our hands. We manage to weed out any kind of bias as children being abducted came from all walks of life every race, every religious background, even sex played no favorites. These abductions didn't seem to be very choosy about who they were kidnapping from. The only key was the photo studio. Something about that place made it the epicenter of all these abductions. "Sir," BEATTI spoke up, breaking my concentration. "Yes BEATTI?" I said in a in cohesive voice. "I have been going over more police records and based on the current investigation, I found more discrepancies," BEATTI reported "What kind of discrepancies?" I requested breaking away from the monitor rubbing my now very dry eyes. "While that photo studio seems to be at the heart of this problem it is not the only one," BEATTI reported "What do you mean?" my attention returned to the damn screen to see even more information coming up as BEATTI showed what her anonymous revealed. "There have been other reports of children abductions that have been overlooked and thought to be a random action," BEATTI voiced I gasped "How many?" "We can add another 20 or 30 children to the 50 from that photo studio," BEATTI answered "So we are now up to about 80 missing children. How the hell did anyone miss this?" I frowned as I watched the information scroll before me. "Sitting here is not being productive, I need to fly," I announced as I got up, changed into Guardian and took to the air in the Sea Dragon. Dave with Sargent Howder walked up to Jared's parents home knocking on the door several officers had accompanied him. When Mrs Evens opened the door "Mr. Matthews, a pleasure to see you again." turning to the police officer "And who are you?" "I am Sargent Howder, Ma'am, of the Philadelphia Police Department," the officer greeted "Hello Joyce, may we come in?" Dave requested "Of course can I get you anything?" Joyce offered allowing Dave and Sargent Howder to enter her home. "Can I get you anything?" Joyce requested "No thank you Joyce, I don't know if been made aware that Jared was arrest," Dave got straight to the point "I heard you found him drunk, and asleep on the job, I heard that my son had attacked you, and that bodyguard of your stopped him," Joyce sneered in disgust "You don't sound surprised," Dave confessed "Not at all, he was always getting trouble, and I will never forgive him for what happened to Sarah," Joyce barked Taking a deep, calming breath Dave slowly spoke, "Joyce, listen to me there is a lot more going on here," "We believe Sarah was the victim of a massive child abduction. One that is just now coming to light," Dave spoke carefully the shocked expression on Joyce's face showed she didn't completely comprehend what Dave was saying, "All of seems to center in on that place you took Sarah to get her photo taken," Dave insisted This made Joyce stammer "You mean someone targeted my daughter?" "It certainly looks that way," Sargent Howder said while speaking for the first time. "Joyce, it is very important to remember what happened that day. You took Sarah to that photo studio. We think Sarah was one of 50 children abducted," Dave pressed on. This made Joyce scream "What do you mean, Jared really had nothing to do with Sarah's disappearance?" "Jared's only crime was turning away from Sarah for a split second to go for a toy that his little sister wanted," Dave sighed Joyce began crying "That is all it took for someone to grab her," "Joyce, listen to me this wasn't Jared's fault, nor yours. Your whole family is grieving from this tragic moment, that was not your doing, we really need your help in finding your daughter and those who are responsible for all this pain," Dave persisted Turning to the officers who had accompanied Dave "Is this true?" Officer Howder answered, "Mrs Evens the mountain of evidence we have uncovered, leave no room for doubt someone out there and quite possibly that photo studio has been stalking and kidnapping children," "My God how could I have not seen it?" Joyce fell back into her couch "Mrs Evens we all failed here, there is no excuse whatsoever to miss something of this nature," Officer Howder sneered in anger Joyce called her husband and demanded he come home. The bus carrying 98 Degrees had just reached the George Washington Bridge when the toxic mess finally ate through the stone foundation, causing it to shake violently. The south tower began sliding into the Hudson River. Everyone in the bus screamed as they were thrown about. The Sea Dragon soared through the sky with the continuing reports of missing children mounting time was now of the essence. While in mid flight BEATTI had refined her search parameters and we now had a total of 100 confirmed reports of children abductions not just in Philadelphia but the surrounding suburbs. This butterfly effect was just growing thanks in part to the disappearance of Sarah. It led to a problem that I didn't even know how I missed. "You have walked into a much older problem," I looked up to see Gaia ghost image in the clouds "What do you mean?" I asked "This happened once before," Gaia responded. Before I could ask further I was hit with a ping from the Earth followed by BEATTI interrupted urgently, "Sir the George Washington Bridge just collapsed!" Turning my attention down to one of the Sea Dragon's tiny cockpit monitors "What happened?" I demanded "Unknown sir, the report just came in, the south side support tower of the George Washington Bridge is sliding into the Hudson River," BEATTI reported "How far are we currently from the bridge?" I inquired "At our current heading and speed we should be there in 20 minutes," BEATTI stated "That is still a long way to go," I noted as I altered our course to take us on a direct course for the George Washington Bridge and increased the throttle to get more speed out of the rotors. "One other thing sir," BEATTI reported "Go ahead BEATTI," I said "The bus carrying 98 Degrees was also on the bridge," BEATTI reported "What!" I gasped "According to their probes they are fine, but I don't know their full condition," BEATTI reported A quick wave of my hand and a tail wind gave the Sea Dragon an added boost as we flew faster "Hang on guys I am coming," My monitor came to life "Guardian are you there?" I turned to see Dave "Sorry Phantom, but the Hudson is about to take George Washington down river ," I answered Something caught my mentor's attention he looked away for a moment "Oh I see, yes well doesn't need any more addition on the river bottom," "I am on my way as fast as my helicopter will carry me with a touch of natural assistance," I advised "This can wait until you get back to the Lair, but I have more information from Jared and Sarah's parents," Phantom said "I will look into it when I get back Jeff needs me," I told Phantom "Of course and I will pass along any more information as it comes in, good luck I hope you get there in time," Phantom informed me "In the meantime you need to look over what BEATTI has also uncovered," I told my mentor "Oh my god this worse than we thought," I heard Dave say Drew was the first to regain consciousness. Their bus was at a steep angle. "What the hell just happened?" Justin moaned while he rubbed his head Jeff tried to get up only to slide back down the bus's carpeted floor, "All I remember is getting a new perspective on the tour bus's carpet scheme, I thought we were about to get onto the George Washington Bridge," "We did and it is collapsing," Luc said as he managed to get a window. Jeff and Justin stumbled to a window seeing the road had an unusual shape as one side was bending towards the water below, the other was pointing skyward. Nick was still lying unconscious on the floor of the bus and Drew ran to him. Grabbing hold of his big brother looking out the window and seeing nothing but blue skies. Looking around the tour bus as it shook with the bridge, Drew whispered "Mike," The bridge's groans could be heard inside the bus and it was only getting louder. Arriving at the George Washington Bridge I saw New York and then a brief image of planes flying into the World Trade Center entered my mind. I forced myself to grip the flight controls harder trying to banish the unwanted memories. Those war memories came forward, so was Drew's plea for help, I used that plea to force my mind to the immediate disaster before me. The south tower was listing dangerously to the left. The road on either side of the support tower was being dragged down with it. Making other parts were warping and being lifted upwards. As the south side of the George Washington slowly slid to the left into the Hudson River. The only reason it hadn't was the suspension cables were straining to keep the bridge level. There was several vehicles were already careening to the left. "BEATTI find 98 Degrees's tour bus quickly," I demanded. On one the small monitor BEATTI displayed the bus among several cars. Moving the Sea Dragon to hover above their bus. "We've got to make this quick, lower both winches," I said as I got out of my seat. Opening the cockpit door a rush of air filled the cockpit ignoring it I jumped out. Getting a solid hold on the port cable line as it descended down to street level. I didn't wait for the line to come all the way down. I jumped off. around me the air was filled with the moans and groans of this dying bridge. I had a flash of images from my time in the navy when the Carol Vinson would roll back and forth. There were times one could see nothing but water and others nothing but sky. Looking from one side of the bridge to the other. I saw just that. To my left nothing but water, to my right nothing but sky. I tried to steady myself as my sea legs kicked in. The bridge was rumbling beneath my feet. The steel supports straining beyond their limits. "No time for a trip down memory lane I have a job to do," I grumbled to myself as I grabbed the hook. I dove under the bus crawling to the undercarriage BEATTI reported "Sir this was not some faulty lug nut sir," "Say again!" I had to yell over the groaning bridge. "A scan of the river shows there is high levels of toxins in the water and around the base of this tower ate away at the stone foundation," BEATTI reported "One step at a time," I said as I jumped back on the roof. I quickly latch the cable line to itself. I jumped back off and grabbed the second line, repeating my last run. "Okay BEATTI lift slowly, I've got a bridge to save," I said as I spotted several very large iron beams sitting idly at a storage depot along the New Jersey side of the river. "Just what I need to iron out these creases," I commented as BEATTI began lifting 98 Degree's tour bus. A sudden snapping noise caught my attention as one of the massive cable supports snapped. One side came crashing down just missing the occupancy who abandoned their car just as it was sliced in half. The other half of the cable flew around wildly, opening the bus's roof hatch. I held out my hand and a small whirlwind picked the couple up off the road and deposited them inside the now much safer 98 Degrees tour bus. "Begging your pardon but these lovely people are fan," I remarked jumping off the bus and grabbed hold of the still wild cable line using it to swing me over to the depot landing just shy of the iron beam stoke pile. "Phantom told me I should lift more weights," I said and with a slight grunt I picked up the closest iron beam and threw it at the George Washington Bridge. I took hold of the flying beam. I looked back down at the iron beams. "A little magnetism is needed," I pointed my hand to several beams and three of them flew off the ground and followed me back to the George Washington Bridge. Directing the beam I rode it towards the Hudson River. Just as it slammed into the water I jumped off it. Landing on the closest flying iron beam and changing its direction it went into the Hudson River slamming into the riverbed in a different spot. Not wasting time as I pushed the iron beam driving it further into the water. I jumped off it and on to the next flying iron. "Over the bridge we go," I said as I used my magnetic properties to lift the two remaining iron beams up higher and over the bridge. I rode the one iron beam until I could see the river below and with a final thrust I propelled myself over to the remaining falling iron beam. Shoving the beam through the water into the river bed on all four sides of the south tower iron beams stuck out of the river. Not taking the time to admire my handy work I jumped off the last iron beam and landed on the still crumbling stone foundation. I took hold of the metal frame and pushed it up just as the river carried away the concrete. Groaning "I need a bit more magnetism here," as I pushed the south tower back up. All four beams were pulled under the tower. I let the bridge come to rest on the tops of the iron beams. It all dropped a few feet as the iron beams took the weight of the bridge. Fearing it could all still slide into the Hudson River I quickly jumped off. Landing on the Jersey side I looked back to see that the bridge had at least managed to settle on its temporary support. It would hold long enough for me to finish securing the still slacking cable lines. The middle of the bridge was still dipping towards the Hudson River. "Okay I don't think the bridge is going to last," I huffed out as I ran up the river bank and back to street level. "Guardian thanks for your aid," the fire chief came running up "It is not over yet this bridge is still going down river," I frantically said "But there are still hundreds of people still trapped on the bridge," one of the firefighters warned as he looked back towards the fatally damaged suspension bridge. "I know and I believe I can hold it long enough for them to be rescued if we hurry," I said as I ran to one of the massive cable lines. The fire chief yelled into his radio telling every rescue personnel that they will have only one chance. I pulled on the cable line and the right side of the bridge began to straighten up. Not letting the cable to slack I pulled it with me as I grabbed the other line and with both lines in hand I pulled as hard as I could and the whole bridge straightened out. Everyone gasped. But there was little time to waste as rescue teams from New York and New Jersey swarmed onto the bridge. A very loud voice spoke out over a megaphone, warning everyone on the bridge to evacuate. People abandoned their cars and ran to safety. The rescue teams were directing the surge of people off the bridge. I was struggling to keep it all straightened out, the bridge kept trying to pull away from me as my feet dug into the asphalt. I was feeling the sweat pure down my body as I tried to keep it all together. Rescue helicopters swarmed in helping to get more people off the bridge. I heard animals trapped in their cars whining "I can't let you down either," I snapped using my powers I managed to free them and soon even more panic filled the scene as dogs and cats and other animals began to run for safety, "Mother we really need some support!" I called to the Earth. Several large breeds of dogs were scooping up the cats and smaller dogs. Large birds flew in from their trees swooping down carrying even more animals to safety. From the safety of their bus Jeff and the rest watched as rescue continued Jeff was stupefied as he watched as even animals were coming to the aid. Drew also watched he knew Mike had powers but this was the first time he saw just how much. The crowd was now thinning out and the fire chief came running over to me "The bridge has been evacuated!" he screamed. I heard the cries of a lone frightened kitten in the middle of the bridge. Just as the cable line slipped from my grip I allowed it to take me with it. I pulled out my grappling gun and fired at one of the retreating fire helicopters. swinging in I scooped the frightened kitten off the road just as the whole road and its contents fell into the river. The fire helicopter flew back to New Jersey with me and my furry companion tagging along. As the chopper lowered to streets below I hit the cable release and soon I was back on solid ground. The fire chief looked at me "Now the bridge has been completely evacuated," I said as I gave him the trembling kitten "That was still incredible," the fire chief said in awe. "There is one last thing that needs attention," I said as I looked at two towers, the only thing left of the George Washington Bridge. "BEATTI can you find the source of this destruction?" I called into my combadge as I took a leap and landed on what remains of the south tower. "There is a sunken barge at the former base of the of bridge and it is still leaking toxic waste into the river," BEATTI informed I looked down at the water and used my powers to peer through the water and I spotted the culprit "Since I can't go for a swim, I will just have to bring the barge to me," I stated I held out my hand and around the remains of the south tower water began spinning. The water whirled above the sunken barge pulling and its deadly cargo came back to the surface. Before it could slip back under I dove under the barge after getting a good grip I brought it out of the river. Some of the toxic goo was running down my back, I could feel it sap my strength. I had to concentrate. I saw a concrete pit and put the barge and its cargo into it. I fell forward as the toxic waste really began to sap my strength. Trying to put the pain aside I looked around and saw a hazard waste truck sitting idly. "That is just what I need," I said as I ran to it and jumped to the top of the tank, opening the top lid. "Not only idle but empty too perfect," I weakly grinned, pointing my fingers to my whirlpool with its deadly contents. It shot up into the air and coiled over to the open hatch and poured the toxic goo into the truck. Enough of the water had washed over me and taken the toxic waste with it. I got some of my strength back enough for me to finish this job. I got under the truck and brought it to the authorities. "This gentleman is the cause of this disaster," I said as I put the truck down. Then pointed to the barge "And that barge was carrying it," I informed them The one who looked like he was in charge "Thank you Guardian we will take it from here," A quick solute I ran back to the Sea Dragon it had landed and still attached to 98 Degrees' bus and the band along with a couple I rescued had come out "Is everyone okay?" I asked "We are just fine Guardian ," Nick reassured Acknowledging the couple "And I hope you didn't mind a few people hopping a ride on you tour bus," Justin smiled, "We were happy to oblige," Drew also spoke up, "Sure anything to help our fans," I could feel my strength waning a glance my helicopter got the blades moving again "I am glad I will just unleash you and you can continue your journey," I said as I removed the winch from the bus. BEATTI took the Sea Dragon up, removing the last line I held on as the winch pulled me back up to the Sea Dragon. As soon as I could reach the side hatch and open it. It wasn't until I got back on board and out of sight that I had collapsed to the fuselage between the energy usage and the toxic waste I was unable to move. "BEATTI you better fly us back," I barely managed to groan out before I lost consciousness. Back in New York in a hotel being used by another boy band the sounds of passion could be heard by everyone. The group was pleased to hear the sounds coming from the room after all that happened. The sound of a girl screaming "Oh Yes Nick!" made all but one person in that room smile. The young man held his bible in his hands, sending a prayer to God for guidance. While he couldn't put his fingers on anything but what he felt from the lovely brunette that was making love to his best friend Brian knew in his heart that it was evil. "I know my love but I have to go, I will call you soon," The Brunette said as she closed the door behind her. Walking towards the elevator `This is so much fun,' the brunette thought as the elevator closed `death to all that brings hope and joy to this miserable world," I woke up inside the Lair's medical bay. Dave came up to me "Are you alright?" "I have been better," I winced "I really need to be careful with using my powers," I groaned as Dave helped me out of the medical bay's bed "That was a hell of a job Mike, you should be proud," Dave remarked. "Sadly I couldn't save the bridge," I groaned "But you save lives both human and animal alike, the bridge can be replaced, those lives can not," Dave countered with compassion. I nodded weakly as I remembered what BEATTI reported. "That bridge didn't collapse on it own there was barge filled with industrial waste at the base," I reported as I tried to get back up "I gathered as much when I saw your back," Dave commented "Cap would return to the Earth whenever this happened but we need to find another way for me," "Yes we do, we know the sun and water will help but we still need a better way to replenish your energy especially after what you just did trying to save the George Washington Bridge," Dave agreed Turning to a table beside the medical bed. Dave sighed, "There is no rest for the weary, we still have another problem on our hands," Dave as he gave me a folder. I took it as we made our way back to the command center. Dave and I went over the report that he got from Jared's parents. I read through the report and made reference to a specific information, "They were recommended that photo studio by a person at school?" I asked "Yes that person told Joyce about that photo studio's performance and excellent customer service," Dave said "So why is that photo studio, why is it so special that someone would use them to help kidnap children?" I asked as we left the infirmary. "We are looking into the person who suggested that studio to the Evens and see where that lead takes us," Dave answered "And thanks to that pain in the ass computer of yours, we now know that there even more children missing and that photo studio isn't the only place," Dave handed me yet another folder "While you were rescuing Jeff and those people, BEATTI compiled more seemingly random child abductions that fit the MO of this mystery. We now have several other places to look into including the toy stores throughout the region," Dave said as we walked down the hall towards the Command Center. "Before I got to the George Washington Bridge, BEATTI reported that there were other abductions and that the new total of missing children was now around 100," I remembered Dave nodded then added, "That research was even more refined and numbers had increased," "By how much?" I had to ask knowing damn well I wasn't going to like the answer. "I have already passed this information on to Chief Rodgers who is going ballistic by the way, nevertheless there is total of 250 children who have gone missing in just the last four months, all by seemingly random events," Dave stated I came to a stop and was staring at wall chewing over the information when something jumped out, "Gaia said something and I am not quite sure what to make of it," "What did she say?" Dave asked "We have stumbled on something much older than mere children kidnapping," I told my mentor. "What?" Dave gasped "That is what I said," I chuckled then turning serious "She said something like this has happened before," "Did she say when?" Dave asked "We didn't get that far some fool decided to park a toxic waste barge at the bottom of the Hudson River and caused a major traffic nightmare for both New York and New Jersey," I grumbled "They are still investigating where that barge came from," Dave nodded in agreement When got to the Command Center I suddenly remembered a bit of much happier news, "I forgot to tell you about being invited to a charity that supposed to raise awareness for mutants," I told Dave "Really who wants you to go along?" Dave was actually very happy "Jeff and the rest of 98 Degrees of course," I snickered "That is great since we have to keep looking for those children, I will see if I can send you to this charity as a member of the Geothermal Plant," Dave suggested "You don't have to," I said "Mike I want it going far and wide that our plant back mutant rights," I saw what Dave was driving at. "Okay I won't fight you on this now about these missing kids," I said as we went back to work. After hours of extensive search and research including a few more calls from Philly PD and calls back to Chief Rodgers as we all brought each other up speed on any and all investigations, which included a rise in the number of missing children bringing the current total of children to 300. I got home to BEATTI saying "Sir you have an incoming phone call," Picking up my phone "Hello?" I answered "Hey Mike it Drew we were wondering if you wanted to come on over," I was more than glad to have something other than missing children to think about. I smiled. "Sure thing Drew let me grab a quick shower and I will be right there," I answered. We quickly hung up and I ran to grab a shower. Walking up to the hotel I saw Drew standing outside "What do I owe the pleasure?" I asked "I just wanted to thank you," Drew said knowingly "For what?"I asked unsure what Drew was referring to. "London Bridges definitely fell down and it almost took us with it," Drew remarked Not making easy for my smart friend, "I don't know what you are talking," I smiled "Let's take this somewhere else," Drew recommended "If you insist," I shrugged "Mike, you really should work on your voice, Guardian," Drew laughed as we boarded the elevator. Not being able to deny this since Drew figured it out to do otherwise would be a stain on my honor, "Has anyone else figured it out?" I queried "I don't think so but since you told me about your connection to the Earth and seeing the Guardian do all that incredible stuff like holding a whole suspension bridge by its cables long enough for all to escape, I knew," Drew confessed "You are very smart my friend," I conceded "I didn't know you had that kind of strength," Drew awed "I don't even know how strong I truly am," I admitted "Why not?" Drew asked "My powers are getting stronger by the day," I tried to explain Scratching his head "I got one question," Drew requested "What is that?" I inquired "At one point animals began assisting other animals, how?" Drew inquired "Among my many talents when it comes to the natural world, I can communicate with animals and in that evacuation many were left behind as people ran for safety," I told Drew. I could see the horror of what could have happened "I was able to free them, but without the help they would have never made it so with the aid of the Earth and her children no life was lost on that bridge," I regaled as I saw the image of those animals fleeing their doomed predicament. "That is incredible," Drew was speechless "Just don't say anything to the others I will reveal the truth in do time," I requested "Don't worry, while I don't agree with it I also know you are right at how dangerous if we knew your secret," Drew agreed We got off on their floor "Dave is ecstatic not only that you are asking me to come along to this charity but I..." I was cut off by a Ping. "What is it?" Drew asked Kneeling down to the floor I put my hand to the carpet and was able to see through the floor. I saw a man with a child in his arms running out the door. "I need to go Drew something fowl is going on one flight down," "What is it?" Drew asked "There is a man and I think he is trying to kidnap a child," I answered "Go!" Drew said "First I need to change where's your room?" I stated Drew and I ran to his room. He let me change, Drew watched with both astonishment and pride as I went from Mike Pennock to the Guardian "Go I will let everyone know you are going to be a touch late," Drew urged I nodded in agreement. Instead of going out the door I went to the Balcony "Going down," I said as I jumped over the railing and landed on the balcony below. Drew had just entered the common room "Drew where is Mike I thought you said you were going to meet him?" Jeff asked "He will be here something important just came up," Drew answered Opening the patio door, the room was a mess. There were definitely signs of a struggle. I found a young boy of African descent about 13 years in age lying unconscious on the floor. I ran to him placing my hand on his still very warm forehead "Good still alive," I sighed in relief. My head snapped in the direction of the broken in door to see a shadow running down the hall, "Hang on young man I will do all I can," I said Calling into my combadge "Phantom we have a kidnapping in progress at 98 Degrees's hotel," I shouted "There is a wounded teenager who needs medical attention," I reported as I took off running, "See if you can track the parents," I shouted as I flew through the door and out into the hall. "Acknowledge Guardian medics are on their way and BEATTI is bringing up the hotel's information. We should know who that room belongs to," Phantom came back. I took a second to find the scent of the little girl. It came to me "I am going after them," I stated "Good hunting the police have also been informed," Phantom replied. As I gave chase coming to the fire exit, I opened the door looking over the side I saw a masked man running down the stairs. "I am really not in the mood for a run, I am taking the direct approach," I jumped over and took the most direct route to the floor below. Pointing my hand down a gust of wind shot up the stairwell slowing my descent with ease but not soon enough to stop the man who was running out of the building. I followed and saw him running towards a van. I took chase firing my grapple towards the streetlights and swung until I landed on top of the van. "What the hell?!" I heard "I don't know, just gun it!" I heard a second voice just as the van took off under my feet. I was a victim of the law of motion and I fell onto the van's roof, taking hold of the edges I struggled to stay on; they tried to shake me off. Holding firm I pointed a finger at the driver side wheel and a small flame shot out striking the tire. A loud pop filled the air as the tire exploded sending the van into the air as the driver lost control The van lost its balance and tipped over to the left. I managed to jump off and then prevented the van from falling. When I looked up I saw a man pointing his gun at me. I just drove my hand through the glass taking hold of the gun pulling it out of his hand then ripped that door off the van "Okay the fun ends here," I said as I pulled the driver out of his seat. "Where is the child?" I demanded "Which one?" the masked man smirked in defiance. "Drop my partner or I will kill the brats!" the man in the passenger side demanded I looked into the van and saw at least five children all about the age five or six "You barbarian!" I screamed and just as I put the driver down but I never let the buffoon go as five police cars suddenly surrounded the van "Hands up and step away from the van," I heard an officer ordered "Back off cops or I'll shoot these brats!'' The man demanded before anyone could do anything. The passenger side door came away and a black robed figure pulled the gunman out and threw him to the sidewalk. That figure then cold cocked him rendering him unconscious. The police slowly approached the van "Here you go boys this boob and his buddy over there are all yours," I gave the police the driver "Careful officers there is more than one child in this van," I suggested At that moment I heard "Sasha!" I turned to see Sasha's mother come screaming. The police tried to stop her. "Let her through," I ordered as I ripped the sliding door off and found the young girl scooping her up. I personally returned Sasha to her mother. "Thank you so much Guardian!" The Mother screamed in joy as she embarrassed her daughter "It was my pleasure madam," I smiled in relief as I watched the family reunion. "Oh my God we just stepped out to get dinner," the husband raved "How is your son, I am sorry I didn't fully check him out," I apologized to them "His older brother is with him now, those assholes used chloroform on him, paramedics are looking him over now," the father answered "And you just rescued our daughter," the mother held out her arms I gladly gave her back her daughter Backing away so the police could do their job, I turned to see my black cloaked figure recognizing her instantly "It is good to see you again Razeel," "You too Guardian we will talk later," Razeel greeted I held out my hand when Razeel took my hand in a shake and was surprised when I put something in her hand. "What is this?" Razeel asked "A key to the Lair you will need it to not only find it but to get in," I told her "We will talk later I am supposed to be somewhere," I told Razeel "Of course we will talk later," Razeel agreed We departed and once I found a safe place I quickly changed back and then I went to a nearby pizza parlor "If I am going to be late the least I can do is get pizza," I muttered as I ordered several pizzas. 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