Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2021 18:07:56 +0000 (UTC) From: Joseph Klimczak Subject: The Tales of Sol 26 The Tales of Sol 26 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 26 Jeff finds Out We got back to the hotel a short time later and we all went to our rooms. It had its effect on us all and they guys just wanted to turn in. Jeff and I headed for his room when the door closed I took his hand he just looked at me in the moonlight his eyes sparkled like sapphire and I could almost make out his aura it sort of gave him a halo effect he was an Earth Angel I was feeling really bad about what it was I had to do. But it was time for a leap of faith. "Jeff I have something I need to tell you," I spoke very softly "What is it Mike, can you tell me anything?" Jeff whispered taking my hand into his I could feel the warmth they gave off and it was giving me the strength I needed right at this moment "Jeff there are things, I have been keeping from you guys mostly for your own protection," I started Jeff gasped as he looked down at my free hand. I looked at it and saw that my hand were glowing. The colors represented the elements of the Earth: green for Earth, red for Fire, clear for Wind, blue for Water, and gold for Heart, the colors that would come from the Planeteer's rings. "Mike, how are you doing that?" Jeff asked "My connection to the Earth is deeper and stronger than I had let on," I said as I formed an object in my hand. I made a small cross made of pure silver finishing with a silver chain so it would fit around Jeff's neck. "Wow!" Jeff exclaimed as I stopped my magic show. "Only a few others know of this one of them being Drew," I said as I placed the cross around his neck letting my hands fall to his side and bringing Jeff into a hug softly squeezing him. Jeff softly squeezed back then pulled away just enough to look into my eyes I could see something forming in his mind "Nick had another nightmare the other day, Drew said you had done something so that Nick could get some rest," Jeff spoke softly "I called upon the Earth to help, yes," I confirmed. "So what did you do?" Jeff softly asked "Acting as a conduit I was able to channel a small portion of the Mother's love into Nick, it was enough to give him strength so he could get some rest," I answered "I have been doing more ever since," I told Jeff That got his attention, "In what way?" "The more I've learned to use my powers the more I am able to do," I answered "Such as?" Jeff asked "Well in Nick's case the same powers and energies I used or tried to use them to penetrate the alcohol to see what happened but they couldn't," I answered as best I could. Jeff then pulled me in closer giving me another hug then said, "Thanks," I just held him wishing this moment would last forever. When he pulled away again Jeff asked, "So what else can you do?" "I have minimal control over Earth Elements, and I can enhance my eyesight and what I can hear," I informed him. He looked at me with a strange expression. "Jeff I am not a danger to you guys," I said "Sorry Mike I kinda zoned out there it's just strange to hear this." Jeff confessed "I understand," I responded. I began to get up thinking he wanted me to leave him but Jeff stopped me by pulling me into a tighter hug. "Look it doesn't change what I think of you; so you have some really cool mojo," Jeff smiled As soon as he said that, tears ran down my face. Then something passed over Jeff's eyes "Mike are you the Guardian?" I sighed again "Yes Jeff I am," "I thought so," Jeff smirked "How did you figure it out don't say it was my voice," I asked "The Guardian has come to our aid, the first was when we were taken hostage and now when we were trapped on the George Washington," Jeff answered "The first I won't have known it was you, but this latest and yes your voice gave you away mostly," Jeff went on. I just listened as I listen to this smart man "I don't know how you knew but you saved us," "The Guardian will always be there for Jeff all of you," I said finally "Lets get some sleep," Jeff recommended "You got it," I said as he led me to his bed As I laid there Jeff put his arm around me and pulled me closer and put his head on my neck. Jeff whispered in my ear, "I love you," "I love you too," I replied Jeff turned my head and gave me a kiss turning so I faced him and I returned the kiss it was just the right thing to do and we both smile and kissed again Jeff then said, "Goodnight my love," then gave me one more kiss and we fell asleep in each others arms. On a pier along the Schuylkill River a man in a black and red jester's costume held his hand out and a large circle hovered in midair. While the rest of the pier was illuminated by the nightlights of the street poles inside the circle it was a bright sunny meadow. "My children will never know darkness," the jester remarked. As his henchmen brought more children to his realm. The next morning the sound of birds chirping mixed with the sounds of honking cars from the busy street filtered in. I opened my eyes to see my love lying with his arm still around me. I took hold of his hand the warmth that radiated off of him made it hard for me to let go when he started to pull away he stirred a little then he whispered into my ear "Morning sweetie," "Morning big man," I greeted, giving his hand a kiss. Jeff smiled then kissed the back of my neck sending shivers down my back. "I love you," Jeff said "I love you too," I replied shifting so I was now facing my boyfriend "So how did you sleep last night?" Jeff asked "With you laying there right beside me, how could I not sleep good?" I chuckled "Just checking," Jeff said as he held me there. "You will always be beautiful in my eyes," I sang softly "You not so bad yourself sexy," Jeff smiled I leaned forward and kissed him then the moment was shattered when Jeff's phone rang, sighing out loud and making me laugh as Jeff picked it up "Yes?" He answered in mild irritation "Yes we are up, yes we did, Nick cut it out, no we didn't do it quit asking nosy, ok we'll be out in a few minutes," Jeff said answering every question I just laughed as his cheeks turned a nice scarlet as he hang the phone up "Nick was wondering if we were going to be at breakfast," "Really it sound more like he was prying for gossip," I laughed "Well that too," Jeff laughed, pulling me back into another embrace. I kissed his chin and suddenly I felt somewhat uncomfortable so I asked, "Jeff do you think I should tell the rest?" "That is up to you babe but I can tell you Nick and Justin wouldn't judge you any differently," Jeff told me. "I hope you are right," I told him Jeff just gave me a squeeze "I mean if were me just coming out of the closet that one thing," I told him "It will be fine Mike," Jeff responded "Jeff not everybody has friends who are two different people or have special powers," I sighed "You'd be surprise," Jeff laughed "Let's go join the guys I am sure they will like to see us before they come charging in to drag us apart," Jeff suggested "Do we have to I am very comfortable in your arms," I smiled slyly "And while I'd love to stay here till the end of time we do have to get up," Jeff laughed pulling me in tighter. With that we got up, made ourselves look more presentable and went to Nick's room. "Ah the two love birds finally make their appearance," Nick snickered "What are you talking about?" I asked "Oh please even I can see how close you two are," Nick smiled knowingly He was enjoying embarrassed look on our faces "There is also the fact that you two are holding hands," Nick pointed out. I looked down and saw that we were indeed holding hands; it just felt so natural. When the rest got here I began shifting uncomfortably. I wanted to tell them but I didn't want to either. "You ok Mike?" Jeff whispered "I am still trying to decide," I whispered back Seeing how uneasy I was, Drew decided to join us and sat next to us. He whispered, "What's wrong?" "Mike told me the truth last night and wants to tell Nick and Justin but he terrified," Jeff whispered "You'll be fine Mike we love you," Drew supplied trying to reassure me which wasn't making my decision any easier 'Boy do I like being complicated,' I laughed to myself "What are you three whispering about?" Nick asked as he had a smile on his face. "Don't worry handsome we are just planning on your birthday party," I stated "Really?" Nick perked up "Yea now stop being nosy son of a bitch," Jeff snickered "So Jeff, new necklace?" Drew asked, drawing attention away from what we were talking about as he pulled the shinny cross up and looked it over. "Mike got it for me," Jeff said proudly "It's nice," Drew stated running his fingers over it "Just remember to keep it away from electricity," I warned "So that means no sex right?" Justin injected "Well I had thought about it but your right Justin having sex with you would be a bad idea," I responded with a straight face Justin just looked back at me. I could see the color of his face starting to change colors like a chameleon and they just got redder as the seconds passed. "Justin my man I never seen you so red," Nick cackled Nick laughter set us all off as we just laughed at the ever changing colors of Justin face "So what do we do today?" A still red face Justin asked changing the subject once our laughter died down Before anyone could answer my cellphone chimed in I left to go get it. "Mike I need you to get to the Geothermal Plant," I heard Dave say "Am I late?" I asked "Oh no you aren't, but there has been a development with kidnappings," Dave said "Oh okay and I have some information that might help, just not sure if Mother Goose can help," I replied "Mother Goose?" Dave remarked "My thoughts too but I trust my source," I stated "Okay I will tell you some more when you get here," Dave hung up I quickly got changed and reentered the common room I could already see the disappointment on Jeff's eyes "Sorry babe but I have to go to work Dave need me," I said sadly "Mike, can I join you?" Jeff asked "Are you sure I don't know how long this is going to take," I inquired "We can meet the guys at the mall or even at the stadium," Jeff was antsy just to spend some time with me "We can meet at the mall," Drew answered before I could ask, "Okay," I gave in. Jeff and I left so I could go home and change for work. Sitting inside one of the many unremarkable buildings on the pier of the jesters lumbering henchmen came up to him. "Boss we had some meddler he prevented us from getting those children," a burly looking goon stated "And who is this meddler?" the man in multicolored jester's outfit asked "Is it the same guy who got Hank arrested?" The jester demanded. "We don't know his name but he wears a brown sleeveless cloak and brown vest," the goon reported "Could you see his face?" the Jester asked "No he had hood and mask combination," the goon reported "What else can you tell me about this meddler?" the Jester asked "He is a superb fighter, he had tremendous strength," the goon reported "How strong?" the Jester "He tore that van apart like it was made of aluminum foil," the goon remarked "Hmm that is trouble keep an eye for him, and tell me everything you know about this meddler," the Jester demanded "Yes Boss," the goon acknowledged A few moments later my truck pulled up to the Philadelphia Geothermal Plant's main gate Luis was back "Hello Luis glad you came back," I greeted "Thank Mr. Pennock, and thank you so much," Luis smiled brightly in a way only a new father could smile. "How are your wife and child?" I inquired "Mother and daughter are doing just fine," Luis was beaming with joy "I am very relieved to hear that Luis," I sincerely said. Before we went further indicating my companion, "Luis Graves I like you to meet a friend of mine Jeff Timmons," I introduced "Greetings Mr. Timmons," Luis smiled "Greetings Mr. Graves," Jeff smiled back "Jeff and I are on our way to see Dave," I told Luis "Mr. Pennock I trust your judgment Mr. Timmons will be fine I will let everyone know you are here with company," Luis stated I thought about "Luis I need you to pass something along about that, if I hear anything from anyone about Mr. Timmons being here, his celebrity status is not to be discussed, nor is he to be asked for any kind of autograph, the first person who does will be cleaning out the smoke pit with a toothbrush," I commanded That got Luis attention when he looked at Jeff and finally recognized him and with a small smile. "No problem I will pass it along to Stella and I have no doubt that she will enforce your punishment," Luis nodded Once we drove off Jeff turned to me "Clean the smoke pit with a toothbrush?" he smirked "I am former military a little extra duty can go a long way," I firmly stated When we got to my parking space Jeff got out and I took him to the main desk where I introduced him to Stella "This is Jeff Timmons, Stella," "A pleasure to meet you sir, I will make sure that you are not disturbed while you are here," Stella reassured "And anyone who gives you any kind of problem, you tell me I will not only have them cleaning the smoke pit but I will find them something else," Stella stated firmly "Uh thanks," Jeff said nervously "Don't worry Jeff they won't be walking on eggshells around you," I reassured Stella shook her head in agreement "The whole point is to make sure you are treated fairly and so you aren't afraid to be here," "Thanks I feel better," Jeff chuckled "We have to go, Dave is expecting us," I said Stella smiled and allowed us to continue on our way. "Jeff if this takes too long and gets too much for you there is a nature trail you can visit," I said as I pointed out the large pane glass window. Jeff was in awe of the the field and we left for Dave's office As soon as we entered Dave's office my mentor asked "What does Mother Goose have to do with this?" "Dave, you remember Jeff?" I indicated my lover next to me. Dave turned and blushed when he realized it was not just me. "Hello Jeff it is good to see you again," Dave still blushing held out his hand Taking it, "Good to see you again too Dave," Turning serious I answered Dave's question, "I am not sure but Gaia brought me to Hope Island last night and she reminded me that not all Fairy Tales are works of fiction," That got Dave thinking but before he could respond Jeff made a noise cutting us both off, Jeff was startled "Did you say Gaia?" "Mike did indeed say Gaia," Dave answered for me "That means," Jeff started to piece something together "That you are," "Jeff, he is sort of, but not at the same time," Dave again spoke in away to help my love understand what just found out, From the look on Jeff's face I knew this was getting a bit much as he was trying to figure out what he got himself into. "Don't worry Jeff, it is a lot to take in I am very glad Mike has trusted you with this secret," Dave somberly expressed "I am dating," Jeff started to smiling "Not entirely, Jeff, he was killed in battle but a piece of him now resides in me," I told my boyfriend. "I am sorry Mike, I just, it just," Jeff was stuttering as the pieces were finally coming together on what I was truly trying to tell him last night. "Believe me Jeff, I am still trying to come to terms with it myself," I confessed Before we went on I had to bring us back to why Dave called me in. I quickly informed him. "Jeff the reason Dave asked me here is because while on a tour of the plant we came across a worker asleep on the job who was also drunk," Jeff was able to get himself back together after hearing Dave speak about Jared, "What?" Jeff gasped "Mike defended me of course, but in the middle of that Mike also discovered something deeply trouble, Jared the worker was severely depressed because his six year sister was kidnapped four months ago, his family kicked him out and the police wouldn't help him," Dave injected "Oh my," Jeff gasped again "That was just the tip of this iceberg because we found out not only was Sarah a target but there have been cases for months of children to the point that over 300 children have gone missing," I spoke up Jeff was dumb found and then his mind went back to last night and the night before. "Mike, was that why you were late when Drew went to meet you?" "It was while coming to see you, Drew needed to talk to me, as we got to your floor I spotted one flight down a child being abducted in your hotel," I answered "And you said that mother was most likely trying to save her child," Jeff pointed out "That has also be confirmed," I sadly acknowledged Dave answered for me "Jeff I know this is a lot for you to take in but yes we have uncovered a major crime here and it is all about kidnapped children," Turning to me Dave asked "And what does Mother Goose have to do with this?" "I am not sure but last night while we were watching Titanic Gaia brought me to Hope Island to inform me that this has happened before and that it somehow got turned into a fairy tale," I answered as best as I could. "So you, or that is Gaia, is saying that something from our past which was turned into a children's story could be behind all of this?" he was not knocking the idea entirely "You have been fighting crime longer than I, can you truly say it is out of the realm of possibilities?" I inquired "Honestly no I can't," Dave admitted Jeff asked "Mother Goose?" Before we could go further there was a knock at the door "Come in," Dave spoke Dave was in his office when Stella opened the door "Sir the Evens are here," "Bring them in," Dave waved them in. Jeff found a seat in the corner and just stayed out of the way. As Jared and his parents were brought in Dave smiled, "I am glad the police finally let you go Jared," "I am even happier that my parents forgave me," Jared sighed "Joyce, Frank, this Mike Peannock he is my bodyguard," Dave introduced "A pleasure to meet you under these circumstances," I held out my hand Frank Evens took it, "It is a pleasure, Dave tells us you helped uncover the reason behind Sarah's disappearance," "Not the reason because we still don't know why she was even picked in the first place," I reiterated "Still you gave us more information then the police gave us four months ago," Joyce growled "I am truly sorry for all of this I really am," I said I could see Jeff as he would shift in his seat listening to us as we tried to consult the Evens. He was just horrified that all of this was happening under his nose. "We just wish we had better news there is so much more than Sarah's disappearance going on," Dave spoke up "You told us you think she was part of something much bigger, some kind children's kidnapping situation," Mrs Evens spoke up "Much bigger it seems that the photo studio had its computers hacked and someone put a virus in to track any photo that contained children around Sarah age," Dave supplied That got my attention "A virus you say?" "That was part of the information I wanted to give you the police tech department found evidence of malware and others imbedded into that studio's computer system," Dave answered Jared was shocked "But why? "We are trying to figure that with the aid of the police and others we are find all this out," I spoke "If there is anything you can tell us that could help," Dave asked "I wish we could help after all this time I don't even remember what the photographer looked like," Joyce said "We didn't even think about that place being involved," Frank grumbled "No you were too busy accusing me of losing her," Jared retorted righteously "I am so sorry son," Joyce cried We talked for another hour when the Evens left "Mike if you had anything to add to all of this?" Dave asked "I wish I did there is too much about this situation that is unclear," I answered "I will look into you and Jeff have to get to the mall to meet up with the rest of the band," Dave supplied as he ushered us out of the office. Jeff was quiet the whole time we walked back to my truck. It wasn't until we were driving to the mall that Jeff still in deep thought broke the silence, "Mike I owe you an apology," he finally said "What for?" I asked "I got so upset when you didn't come up with Drew I thought you didn't want to be with me," Jeff responded "Jeff..." I started to say but Jeff interrupted, "Mike I was listening to your conversation and I was not only struck by how much you cared for that family even after Jared attacked Dave," Taking a deep breath "But what really gets me is beneath our very feet children were endangered and one of them was even abducted and would have succeeded if not for the Guardian's timely arrival," "Jeff..." I tried to say Jeff cut me off again, "Mike I am so proud of you saved that little girl," "But I failed that woman," I signed A smile appeared on Jeff's face as he looked out the window "What?" I had to ask "I just found out that I am dating Captain Planet," Jeff snickered in delight I smiled knowing Jeff was okay with my secret, "I am not really Captain Planet, but I do carry his soul," "That is still incredible and makes what you said last night make more sense," Jeff understood. "I was worried you would have a problem knowing that," I confessed "I can understand that but I will tell you this I am fine with all of it, including you being the Guardian," Jeff said sincerely I grabbed his hand and kissed it "Thank you love you have no idea what that means to me," "It is nothing more then you did for us," Jeff said After a moment of silence Jeff finally asked "So anything you need to pick up?" "I don't know whenever I go shopping I going in for one thing and come out with fifteen different things and half I didn't need in the first place," I told him "I'm the same way," Jeff chuckled As we got closer to the mall I got a ping from the Mother, "Jeff," I said with a bit of iron in my voice, "in the glove compartment I have my Fighting Pike," I told him He opened it and asked, "What does it look like?" "It's the cylinder like object," I informed him Jeff found it then asked, "What's wrong?" "I just got a warning from the Earth," I told him "A warning?" Jeff asked "Think of it as a sort of early warning system," I replied "Ok so what's wrong?" Jeff asked "The Earth is never clear when she sends them, just that I need to pay attention to my surrounding," I answered "This is freaky," Jeff said then started to blush a little "It's okay, Jeff it's going to take some getting used to," I smiled We pulled into the mall and just as we were about to enter I stopped us. "What's wrong?" Jeff asked I didn't answer him right away. I made my ears a bit more sensitive and tried to listen to what was going on inside the mall. "Beside no one is going into or coming out of it the mall is too quiet," I told him "Any ideas?" Jeff asked "No," I sighed Looking around the mall parking lot I noticed that people weren't leaving the mall at all. I hit a panel and the screen appeared on the dashboard "BEATTI," I said. "Online," She replied "First say hello to Jeff," I requested Jeff just gave me an odd stare. "Hello Mr. Timmons," my truck spoke to him. "Ah hello truck," Jeff didn't even know how to respond. I laughed at my lover's awkwardness at talking to my truck. "Long story short this is my computer, she is my technical eyes and ears," I informed Jeff "Is there anything you can't do?" Jeff gasped "Later, BEATTI bring up the probes for this mall," I said getting back to business The screen changed bringing up the mall's exterior view. There were a bunch of vehicles on the other side of the mall. The taletail of flashing lights told us it was the police. They had swarmed the other side but they weren't moving. "Mike?" Jeff whispered "Hold on Jeff?" I told him putting my hand on his lap, hoping to calm him. "Ok BEATTI bring up the interior," I ordered The image changed again this time. I could count several blips of people in a single section of the mall. "BEATTI have the probe scan for 98 Degrees' probes," I ordered Jeff gave me an odd look but he was too enthralled with the monitor when the screen showed three pings in the area of the mall where the mass of people were gathered. Shuddering in anticipation for what I am likely going to hear,I then ordered, "BEATTI have the probe scan for weapons," once again the probe sent out a pulse and the bounced off the multiple signatures. "They are being held hostage," I told Jeff "What do we do?" Jeff asked "We do nothing," I told him "I am going rescue them," I pressed on "Not without me your not," Jeff responded sternly "I might not be able to protect you," I pointed out "I can look after myself," Jeff said confidently "Ok but first we need to get in," I told him We got out of the Ram and made our way to a side wall "How are we going to get in without being noticed?" Jeff quizzed "By making a new entrance, like this," I answered by punching the wall making a nice size hole for us to enter. "Wow," Jeff awed "You ain't seen nothing yet," I smirked as we entered the mall through the new opening. Scanning the area which appeared to be a restroom making sure no one was around I closed my eyes and formed my Guardian costume then put my hand on Jeff then gave him a red jumpsuit and black hooded mask. "Wow!" Jeff muffled voice cheered "Are you Okay?" I asked "This is wicked cool," Jeff said. I could see the smile under mask. "Good now this is what we are going to do," I said, giving Jeff the plan. Leaving the restroom we made our way through the mall. We came upon several bodies putting my hand on them. I couldn't sense any life from them. I could only imagine the thoughts going through Jeff's mind as we made our way. A masked man came running out with some kind of automatic rifle firing as he ran. My hand shot up and a chunk of granite rock shot up out of the floor shielding us from the bullets that flew our way. I took a quick glance over at Jeff and I could see the shocked look in his eyes but when he saw that we were shielded he calmed down a bit. Looking around us I spotted a water fountain. "We need to cool this trigger happy yutz a bit," I said as I took out my Fighting Pike. Hitting the release button my Fighting Pike sprang into action. Pointing one end at the water fountain. A blue light emanated from the tip and went into the fountain. Water shot out of the basin. Moving the Pike back towards our gun happy friend and directed the water. Striking the assailant causing him to be forced backward, and on to his ass I charged him. The young man brought his gun back up and tried to fire, the chlorinated water had rendered the gun useless. Running at him he used I took hold of the barrel and squeezed it shut. Then shoving the whole gun back at the assailant with the butt of the gun. It slammed into his chin, causing the young man to cry out in pain. Forcing the gunman to let go of his weapon, allowing me to take the gun out of his hand. I made a pretzel out of it then gave it back to him "Here you go, a nice paperweight," I smirked in sarcasm. Without further conversation I brought my Fighting Pike around knocking him out cold. "Let's go," I said to Jeff as I held out my hand again two metal strips from a nearby garbage basket shot out binding themselves around the bandit effectively securing him. "This is so unreal," Jeff muffled voice stated "I am sorry," I apologized "You have nothing to be sorry about Guardian, now let's go find our friends," Jeff responded by putting his hand on my shoulder as we moved on. I took time to note my power levels. I was relatively good for now. But I didn't want Jeff to see the strain. We made our way to where the hostages were being kept as we got closer. I could make out the voices of the hostage takers. "We demand safe passage or we kill the hostages," The ringleader stated BEATTI kept us up to date on their current status; she even informed us when we were close. We came to a wall that was just outside the main entrance where the mall goers were now being held hostage. I did my best to discreetly look around where I could see Nick on his knees along with the rest of the mall patrons. There were several goons nervously walking around with semi automatic weapons. Looking back at Nick I saw he had blood running down his face, on either side of him were both Drew and Justin. There was mistaking Drew's fears as he was pale as a ghost. Justin looked calm on the outside but on the inside I could sense the barely contained terror in his body. There were too many for me to fight and too many for me to protect. There was only one option. "Change of plans," I whispered to Jeff "What are you going to do?" He whispered back, answering him, "I am going to take care of those goons, while you help the hostages out of there," "But, their guns?" Jeff quivered "Don't worry I will take care of them," I told him "Just get ready," I warned "What are you going to do?" Jeff asked again "You will see" I warned I pulled out my Pike and turned it so it was vertical and brought it down to the tiles. Due to the silence of the mall, my Fighting Pike made an echoing noise as it met with the solid ground. Jeff watched as Guardian closed his eyes, while Jeff's eyes traveled down Guardian's quarterstaff to where it touched the tiles. A green pulsating light rippled out and a moment later and the Earth began shaking, subtly at first but as Guardian increased his concentration the quake got stronger. The rock star looked into the other room and the whole mall took a big dip in the ground, making everyone including bandits lose their balance, some even fell to the ground. "Go Jeff!" Guardian called out "But, the earthquake?" Jeff asked "Your cross will protect you," Guardian reassured him Like everyone in the food court, Drew felt the Earth beginning to rumble "What the hell is going on?" The ringleader cursed while everyone was scared shitless Drew found hope in the quake when it began to get stronger making everyone standing fall over, he had a feeling he knew who was behind it. "Guardian is here," Drew whispered Jeff ran into the food court praying Mike knew what he was doing; running to his band mates first. One of the gunmen saw Jeff and began to raise his gun; it made a cocking noise as he prepared to fire. Sensing the danger I began to increase the pull of the local magnetic field of the mall. Wiping clean every computer and computer control system that was inside the mall but it also pinned the bandit guns to the ground. Everyone in the courtyard gasped as electronics all seemed to short out at once several bandits were sprayed by electrical arches making them drop their weapons, several were swallowed the floor, others were pinned down. Jeff was the only one not screaming or shaking as he ran to the hostages The combination of the earthquake and magnetic increase was really making me concentrate. I could feel the sweat run down my back as I tried to keep everything together. A very familiar looking man in a black jumpsuit and mask ran towards Drew. It was the voice that gave him away even as a whisper Drew knew it anywhere, "Let's get you guys out of here," He said as he undid Drew's bonds. Not wanting to give his band mate away, "Jeff?" Drew whispered The man just winked at Drew as he freed both Justin and Nick. The mall took another major dip when some of the thugs tried to get back up, the only one still on his feet was Jeff. His cross was glowing as it sensed the changes in the Earth. Jeff freed the last of the hostages and they all ran across the shaky ground and out the door and into the arms of the police. Jeff watched as Drew told the police that the hostages were all freed; when the police began to storm the mall Jeff ran back to his boyfriend. Jeff made his way back to me and said, "That's it, they are all out, the police are coming!" Letting up on the quake and magnetic pull the power exertion had finally taken its toll; "I couldn't find anything I liked anyway, we should just go home," I smirked, when I tried to move only to nearly fall over Jeff immediately by my side catching me "Are you ok?" Jeff asked "I will be as powerful as I seem to be, I have my limits," I gave a weak smile. With Jeff's aid we made a discreet exit and we left the mall as the police stormed in arresting the bandits. Just before we exited the mall I changed back to our normal clothes, and with Jeff help I was leaning up against my truck trying to regain some equilibrium. "Are you going to be ok?" Jeff asked again. The sun felt great as it recharged my strength but I still didn't trust I was completely recovered. "Yes but I think you should drive us home," I reassured him. "Alright," Jeff helped me into the Ram. My head fell against the headrest. Laying back against the passenger seat I felt the amplified heat from the sun. I was still very weak and the energy was slowly returning. Jeff got into the driver seat and we were off. "That was awesome," Jeff smiled. In a weak voice "What part?" I asked "The whole thing I mean is this how it is for you?" Jeff squealed "For the most part at least since I got my powers anyway," I laughed as my body began to adjust and settle down. "Are you feeling any better?" Jeff questioned "A little, my powers aren't infinite at least not yet the more, I use the more it drains me," I replied "What else can you do?" Jeff asked "I can control elements of the Earth to a certain degree," I told him I told Jeff about how I used tornadoes to save the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant and Norristown Pennsylvania from the Schuylkill River when it was flooding. "Cool," Jeff awed "Yeah but it's still hard," I informed him as I explained the training Dave and I did after that. After hearing about my trials and errors. "I can only imagine what that has to like," Jeff said, putting his hand on my lap. "So is there anything else I should know?" Jeff asked "Yes just like Captain Planet I do have several weakness," I told him "Such as?" Jeff asked "Well pollution for one has a definite negative impact," I told him. "So it's just like Captain Planet then?" Jeff asked "Exactly like him," I confirmed "But you're not totally like him though?" Jeff questioned while rubbing his chin "Not at the moment," I replied "So what other stuff?" Jeff asked "Well any impurities really Jeff," I told him "But how do you define impurity?" Jeff asked but then he said "The other day when you were around Nick, I remember you were getting flush," "Nick's hopelessness had an effect on me like any toxin," I nodded Thinking on how much it affected the band Jeff really wasn't all too surprised. I went on to say"Strong source of hate and evil can also have an effect," "What can they do?" Jeff asked "They make it hard for me to maintain my connection with the Earth by causing interruption I can't us the powers that were invested in me," I answered "But I've seen you battle vampires, surely they would affect you?" Jeff pointed out "Depending on the breed yes there is a chance but the average vampire is what I would categorize as class three evil," I told him "I didn't know there were classes of evil," Jeff laughed "Well either way the effect is minimal," I responded "Well I for one am happy that we have someone like you watching over us," Jeff smiled proudly "Why that?" I queried "Just because," Jeff winked "Let go home," I suggested with a mocked irritation At that moment BEATTI decided to make herself known by saying "Sir I have someone on hold." "For Mike or for Guardian?" I asked "For Guardian," BEATTI replied, There were no more secrets with Jeff at this point I hit the comm. button on the console and answered. "This is the Guardian who may ask, is speaking?" "This is Razeel I need you to meet me tonight," 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