Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2022 05:17:29 +0000 (UTC) From: Joseph Klimczak Subject: the tales of sol 36 The Tales of Sol 35 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 36 Never a Dull Moment Bringing the Sea Dragon to the helipad everyone but me exited making their way to the outer door I stayed behind. So I could complete the shutdown procedures, As the lift began its journey down the shaft I went over the checklist my thoughts kept coming back to the Pie Piper. Not because he was now probably trapped in his own little world. I could not make myself feel bad for him. The Pie Piper only had himself to blame. No my complaint was how slow I was at stopping him. It wasn't until the lift came to the a stop and the cockpit door opened up that I realized I hadn't finished my checklist. Jake asked, "Are you okay Mike?" Putting the checklist aside I simply looked at the joystick trying to contemplate the events. "I can't get over how I missed the Pie Piper connection, we had all of the pieces and it wasn't until you said his name that it all fell into place," I growled in frustration. "Mike while your party was out saving those kids I looked over all of your reports," Jake started to say, "From what I could piece together there was no way you would have been able to," "You had dozens if not hundreds of reports of kidnapping each one more random and bizarre," Jake stated "Jake, Gaia, told me that our fairy tales were the key," I said, hitting the shutdown keys and switches harder than necessary. "Mike do you remember your fairy tales almost all of them have some kind of child eating monster and witches who preyed on kids," Jake reminded me "That jerk you took out at the hospital was every bit the ogres in those stories," Jake spoke up before I could reply "And yet it took you seconds to think about the Pie Piper," I huffed in self disgust "I don't even know how he came to mind it just seem to fit his MO," Jake shrugged "And that is the problem Jake it is in his story, he made off with children from a whole town, 300 children from Philadelphia is but a scratch in it 1.5 million population but it still fit what we read in his folk lore," I noted "Mike I think you need to focus on what you did do not what you didn't, You stopped the jackass, sealed him in his own little world and saved thousands of children in the process, That is an amazing accomplishment," Jake advised "Dave said the same thing," I nodded in resignation Jake and I made our way to the Command Center where Travers was on the main monitor. "Hello Travers I first want to thank you for your assistance," I was the first to speak "We owe you thanks as well for at least ridding us of the Pie Piper his reign of terror is at least for the time being is over," Travers acknowledged We filled Travers on everything that happened, Travers in turn informed us about the magicians and the spells they caste to help weaken the barrier. "It is a good thing they did without the full use of my powers we could never had gotten everyone to safety," I admitted "He isn't kidding Quenton there were thousands of children and between myself, Dave and the K9 units we still would have left hundreds behind," Dana agreed "Our magicians also state that one of reasons they were able to do so was the Piper was distracted so this was a team effort," Travers stated. We had to wrap this up Jake and I still had to get home. By the time we did the sun was just starting to peek over the horizon. "Mike I am in," Jake suddenly said "I am glad," I smiled as we went in. After taking a shower I crawled into bed Jeff was still there curled up "Morning love," he whispered "Morning love," I returned and kissed his warm cheek. "How did it go?" Jeff whispered "We won, the kids are now going home and the Pie Piper has returned to being just a folk lore," I sighed as I began to drift off to sleep. I woke up hours later to an empty bed I figured Jeff had left the others to practice tonight was the Mutant Awareness Concert and they still had to practice I got a call from Professor Xavier to tell me that his X-Men were still going to be there, after I hung up on him Dave called to give me an update of the monumental task of reuniting all those children with their family. Families across the world were rejoicing as they were reunited. I heard the front door close and when I went down stairs I saw Nick fall back on the couch and his head hit the headrest. "How are you doing, Nick?" I asked "I was thinking about Jenny and how much I wish she was going to be there for tonight's concert," Nick was starting to cry. I was by his side in seconds "Nick, Jenny wouldn't have cared one way or the other," I pointed out. "It doesn't matter if she was the Devil it mattered that I wasn't alone," Nick huffed in frustration Without thinking I hugged him and in a flash an image filled my mind. I had to pull away Nick looked at me "What is it?" he asked "Nothing that we can deal with right now but after tonight's concert you and I are going to sit down and hammer this problem," I stated firmly "You know something?" Nick's whole mood changed after he looked at me. "All I will say is this Nick don't give up on hope it has a way of correcting things," I smiled warmly. "Nick, do me a favor go back to practice and do what you love to do, that will do you a world of good, and then after tonight we will solve this," I requested with assurance at the end there. After getting Nick out the door I had to make my way back to the Geo Plant there was still one last matter to attend to. After making one stop along the way I was there moments later. Entering Dave's office with a gift wrapped package, I made a stop before coming to the Philadelphia Geothermal Plant. I saw Jared and his family along with Sarah talking to Dave "Thank you Mr. Matthews for believing me," Jared thanked tears were still pouring out of their ducts as the man couldn't believe his fortune. Dave wouldn't accept the praise, "Don't thank me, it was my assistant Mike Pennock, who insisted that there was more to your drinking problem," Dave gestured towards me. Sarah ran up to me "Thank you sir," I bent down and Sarah wrapped her arms around my neck. "Thank you for helping my big brother," I squeezed back "My pleasure darling and with your brother's permission I can't think of anything better than to give you something," I smiled warmly Jared eyes watered "Yes, Mr. Pennock," Producing the wrapped package I gave it to Sarah, "You and Jared should open this together," I suggested Sarah took the present and with her big brother's help they unwrapped revealing the very doll that Sarah wanted. The look of pure joy on Sarah's face was only matched by the absolutely astonished look on Jared "Jared, he got me!" Sarah screamed "Yes he did, thank you so much Mike," Jared began to cry "It seemed only appropriate that after all you've been through, Sarah should get the doll she wanted," I smiled. Dave was beaming with pride and joy as he saw Sarah's eye tear up. She ran back to me and hugged me. I picked up Sarah and then addressed the doll, "This doll was our butterfly effect, it set off a whole chain of events that lead to thousands of children being rescued," I stated, that got Jared's attention he really hadn't thought about it in those terms. Sarah looked at me inquisitively, "What is a butterfly effect?" "Somewhere in this world a small butterfly is just flapping its wings, it does not know that its wings has the power to change the course of a storm that can affect countless lives," I informed the little girl Jared took in my words as he looked down at the doll in his sister's hands. "So if I never took Sarah to get this doll?" Jared pondered Dave agreed, "Then you wouldn't have gotten in trouble with me and all those kids would have gone missing because the police and Guardian would have never picked up on the larger issue," Dave looked directly at me as he spoke, reminding me of that very butterfly effect. I was taken back by that fact and wondered if I would have if not for Jared taking a swing at Dave. Would have I even caught on to the Pie Piper and his kidnappings. I didn't like the thought of me missing something of this nature. Dave then said, "While not as fun as that little gift of Mike's I too have something for you Jared," Dave was giddy at seeing his employee reaction. "What is that?"Joyce, Jared's mother asked "I am dropping all charges against Jared and I would like nothing more than to have you back," Dave answered Jared's face was even more astounded then even after seeing the doll Sarah wanted "Are you kidding?" "Absolutely not, if I fire you then that bastard, gets away with more then kidnapping but he would have also destroyed a family in the process," Dave remarked Joyce turned to her son and nodded "Jared please come home, please forgive us," she pleaded Tears of joy streamed out of Jared's eyes "I forgive you, if you can forgive me," Jared's father stated firmly, "This was none of your doing son and we were wrong to accuse you of a crime of that madman," Dave and I sat with Jared and his family Sarah was busy playing with her doll when Dave saw the time he turned to my to say "Mike don't you have a prior engagement to attend," Looking down at the clock I had three hours to get ready for the Mutant Awareness Charity, "I hate to run but I better get going I am supposed to meet Jeff and the rest an hour before the charity concert," In an unseemly looking building a crowd of men gathered around a podium each not so gentlemen had their faces covered with a whole head mask. Coming to the podium came their leader striding with an air of superiority and arrogance. Pounding his hand down onto the podium the leader's bulbous voice boomed throughout the hall, "The time has come," the crowd cheered. "Tonight we will purge this world of not only mutants but we will purge this world of their sympathizers," The Leader bellowed the crowd roar in cheers and shouting. I was busy getting dressed incorporating my Guardian's costume into my tux my Fighting Pike in a pocket inside my blazers I was trying to straighten my tie when BEATTI piped up, "Sir Mr Timmons is here," "Let him in," I grumbled as I just couldn't get my tie to straighten I heard a wolfish whistle and I turned to see Jeff looking absolutely stunning in an all white tux of his own. My main man was most definitely a suit and tie kind of guy. "Hello to you too love," I smiled warmly turning back towards the mirror my smile turned into a scorn as I huffed "Damn ties I can never get this damn things to straighten," Jeff came over to me "Here allow me," Jeff took hold of my tie pulling it over my head and rearranged it, placing it back around my neck sneaking a kiss here and there Jeff managed what I could not "There you look like a million bucks," Jeff growled in lust he pulled me into a hug and when he felt my Fighting Pike. Jeff quickly pulled back, even pulling the Pike out from my pocket. "The Guardian might be needed to night," I acknowledged Jeff silently nodded and put the Pike back in my pocket then agreed, "I don't doubt it Mike a lot can go wrong tonight and it is good to know the Guardian is going to be there," "You are equally stunning Jeff, but Luc would kill us if we were late," I smirked as I gave Jeff a deep and passionate kiss. As we kissed I could feel his hardness against my own "Sir, Luc is calling demanding to know where you two are," BEATTI said forcing Jeff and I to breakaway from passionate moment "Damn we are going to have to finish this later," Jeff huffed in sexual frustration but when he saw the time "Shit! We really do need to get going," Jeff gasped as he pushed me out the door "Do not worry sir I am arming up, have a great time," I heard BEATTI report. I just laughed as Jeff practically shoved me into the limo as soon as we were zooming down the street Jeff hit the button to hide us from the driver Jeff turned to me "Now that we are on our way I can do this," Jeff growled as he moved in to make out with me. When the limo pulled up to the arena that was hosting tonight's charity Jeff and I had barely enough time to get ourselves presentable. I was shocked to see how many people were attending this. I recognized several celebrities. I saw Chris Evans, Eminem, Matthew Fox, Mark Walhberg, Jimmy Fallon, Matt Damon, and Ben Affleck. I also saw Kelly Clarkstown, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton and the list goes on. "Wow I didn't know you celebrities cared so much," I gasped "Well some of us do, we are human as the rest of the population, some let their fame go to their heads, and I will bet half are here just to further promote themselves, but yes we do care about our fellow man," Jeff conceded When the door of the limousine was opened by the driver we were soon overwhelmed with countless camera flashes. We were bombarded with question "This is a good friend of 98 Degrees's Mike Pennock," Jeff announced to the press "And who are your Mr. Pennock?" one reporter asked "I am here to represent the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant. My boss Mr. David Matthews owner of the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant, as his personal assistant and since he couldn't attend tonight, Mr. Matthews asked if I would come and represent our power plant," I shouted over the roar of voices "We want it to go far and wide, that Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant supports any efforts that promotes good will toward our fellow man," I yelled out Jeff might find this kind of madness normal but even on the Carol Vinson I didn't feel so confined "If you will excuse us but we would actually like to get to the charity," Jeff smiled making the reporters laugh and many moved aside but one gentleman approached us "And how does catering to mutants help your fellow man?" The man bellowed Taking a look at the loudmouth before me I asked back, "Aren't you a mutant too?" "I am not a freaking mutant," the man roared ignorant anger "Well you are taller than me are you not?" I pointed out "Judging by how you hold that pen you are also left-handed," I pointed to the hand that held his pen. "You do know in ancient times just being left-handed was considered a freakiest problem and that many would go to great lengths to deny that?" I tried to educated "Mutants are an abomination they are not like you and me with simple characteristic differences," The man belligerent attitude told me that nothing I said would change his mind "Yes, we should all be blond hair and blue eyes, let us all look exactly alike as if we were all cut out from a cookie cutter," I remarked I did hear a number of murmurs among the crowd as they agreed or disagreed. Looking around at the crowd "What are you some kind of mutant lover?" the man bellowed "Nature, herself is filled with mutations, species have to evolve in order to endure an ever changing environment," I said calmly "You are some kind of mutant lover," the man wound up his fist. I heard Jeff say "That is a mistake," as the fist came my way I caught it in the palm of my hand. I twisted his arm making the bully cry in pain "You need to get your blood pressure looked at," I said through my teeth, then brought my own fist around. The bully in typical cowardice flinched when my fist didn't hit him. He slowly opened his eyes. "Brute force will never change minds, only through courage and understanding can we truly achieve our goals," I stated and then flicked him in the nose. When I let go of his fist Jeff and I moved to enter the charity. "This isn't over mutty lover!" the bully roared, "Mike I am surprised you didn't punch him," Jeff said with pride, "Wait for it, Jeff," I held up my index finger. Within seconds our would be assailant was sneezing uncontrollably "How?" Jeff looked back "Knowledge is a far more effective weapon then even guns," I smirked Taking one last look at the belligerent badger Jeff watched as he was still sneezing "You are going to have to teach me that trick," Jeff laughed When we entered 98 Degrees's dressing room he pulled me into a kiss. "Okay you two don't make us pull out the fire hose," Turning our heads Justin was smirking "Sorry Justin we didn't mean to leave you out," I said and kissed his cheek. Justin was red as strawberry "Justin you need to do something with your complexion," Jeff, Justin and I turned to see Nick and Drew enter the room making us all laugh "Mike, was just being Mike," Jeff snicked "Oh we saw, Justin was asking for it," Nick snickered "You guys missed it," Jeff said proudly as he told them of our encounter with Mr. Rightness "When he threw that punch at Mike I half expected my boy to punch his lights out but instead somehow caused the bastard to sneeze uncontrollably by flicking his nose," Jeff wrapped up his anecdote "I am surprised myself Mike I know you are more than able to defend yourself from somethings like that," Justin smirked "Nah, meeting force with force, never works out, but taking aim at someone pride will have a more meaningful consequence," I waved off the response "Seeing that bastard sneezing was definitely a point on Mike's side," Jeff laughed Luc had given us a call that we were all needed to hurry that everyone was beginning to gather in the main hall The Charity was in full swing. I found myself among celebrities and mutants alike. Several Mutants would show off their specific mutant powers. I heard several celebrities talking about upcoming movies they were in, or upcoming concerts they were going to be performing. I was pulled aside by several asking my connection to 98 Degrees seeing how I was always by their side. I told them how they had performed for a benefit concert for my boss and mentor Dave Matthews. Eminem even said "I heard you had a dust up with their manager George," "How did you hear about that?" I asked "Drew mentioned it," Ben Affleck answered "It was my fault they were late, there was no reason for George to degrade them for an action that I help create," I answered "Why would you take the heat?" Eminem asked, "were you just trying to get in their favor?" "Mr. Marshal, what do you know about me?" I asked back "Only what those goof from 98 Degrees tell us and I find it hard to believe that you would do that out the goodness of your heart," Eminem sneered "I could say the same about you," I redirected "What the hell are you talking about?" Eminem sneered Looking directly into the rapper's eyes to the point he had to look away "You have an interesting reputation Mr. Marshal, one that I know is well earned," I spoke neutrally. Waving my hand to encompass the charity "This charity is meant to bring awareness to mutants is it not?" "Yes so?" Eminem sneered again "What would a celebrity with your reputation of promoting bigotry towards homosexuals be doing here, throwing your support behind an injustice as the prosecution these mutants have to endure on a daily basis is out of the kindness of your heart?" I countered "I meant nothing by those remarks against gays," Eminem stammered This made Ben and several celebrities around us look directly at Eminem then back at me and again back to Eminem. "He has a point Marshal," Matt Damon agreed Regaining some of his composure Eminem glared at me but also looking around for support, "What just happened, why the hell do I have to justify why I am here to this loser," The Rapper fumed in indignation. "Because you questioned his integrity and since I have seen him walk among us he obviously not here to just schmooze with us," Ben Affleck stepped up "Yes sure tomorrow he will blast to every newspaper and news organization how he hung out with a bunch of celebrities," Eminem said sarcastically I turned to Eminem. "Trust is not something I take lightly, it is earned and I can see that I have not earned that with you so if you excuse me I will move on," I walked away until I found Drew "Are you alright?" Drew asked "I am fine," I nodded Ben Affleck was by our side "Mike please don't think because of what Eminem said that we all think you are not trustworthy," "Thank you Mr. Affleck," I smiled warmly Looking at Drew, "You guys are lucky to have him as your friend," Ben said, then disappeared into the crowd before I could make a response. "What was that all about?" Drew asked "Oh Eminem was wondering why I hang out with you rowdy bunch," I waved off the situation. "Because we love you," Drew wrapped his arms around me and hugged me "You are very special to us," I was taken back by his touching words and warm embrace. I took this moment to cherish it because I really didn't know how many we had left. Drew and I made our way back to the rest of 98 Degrees when I spotted Jeff in his white tux even in the low lights I was taken back by his beauty Drew saw and smile "Jeff is the lucky one here," "I don't know about that," I shrugged I was hit with a Ping followed by my ears picking up the faint sound of guns cocking in the mix of chatter of voices and loud music. Which really got my attention. After adjusting my eyesight I looked around the arena. In time to see armed men storming through the crowd shoving mutants and celebrities alike into a huddle. It didn't take them long to surround us "All right no one move!" we all heard. One gunman pointed his rifle at me. Without thinking I grabbed the barrel, squeezed it shut, and shoved the rifle's butt into the gunman's chin. In a cry of pain the gunman fell backwards. Another masked goon came my way. I grabbed his gun and drove my knee into the middle, bending the rifle. As I dodged the bozo's fist, I returned the favor with the palm of my hand uppercutting the masked man in the chin. More gunmen charged I heard celebrities and mutants alike gasp. I heard more then one person say holy fuck. When I spun on my right foot and in a roundhouse my left foot took out several gunmen as they rushed me. With the last gunman getting my foot into his chest sending him sprawling on the deck. While I was still spinning in a fluid motion. I pulled my Pike out from its spot, a quick flip of my wrist and it sprang into action. Returning to an upright position I twirled the Fighting Pike a few times, before swinging the Pike. Catching one gunman in the chin and another in the stomach. I brought the Pike around in time to intercept the fist coming at my face. The goon cries in pain were short lived as I struck his chin and he went flying. Another Neanderthal tried his luck. I ducked his fist by crouching down, while bringing the broad side of the Pike to the gunman's chin dropping him like a rock. I swept the Pike around sending multiple bandits flying in every direction. Before I could recover from my attacks, I felt the butt of a rifle smash into my chin sending me to the deck, Jeff was by my side in an instant holding my head up. I was a little dazed but the Earth had already healed the injury and then heard "Anyone else want to play hero?" I looked up and a half dozen gun barrels were pointed at me and Jeff. Now was not the time for me to act. A flick of my wrist and the Fighting Pike retreated to its stowed form, I couldn't risk Jeff getting shot. "Mike, are you okay?" Jeff asked "I will be it was a glancing blow," I whispered "That was incredible," Jeff said with pride With a touch of iron in my voice, "This battle is far from over, I still have an ace up my sleeve," I ferociously whispered Jeff was taken about by the forcefulness in my voice but he also took comfort "I am so glad we have a Guardian watching over us," Jeff whispered I looked at the rest of 98 Degrees and they all knew just by my look at what was coming. Eminem whispered to Drew "I am sorry I had no idea," Drew looked sternly at Marshal "This is not over," "I am so glad I didn't get the crazy man mad at me," Marshal awed Drew in defense of his dear friend's integrity bore a holes at the Rapper, "There is a difference Eminem," Before Eminem could respond flood lights bathed the whole room. "Listen up everyone, this absurdity of a charity was only allowed to happen so we could make an example of you mutant lovers," I recognized the voice as the man whose nose I flicked. It was coming from the catwalk that looked down on the arena's main hall and gave this looney a superiority complex as he looked down on everyone in disdain and disgust. The flood lights also gave me an idea. Turning to Jeff "Brace yourself," I whispered "Brace myself?" Jeff asked "Those lights are so bright and hot that they have weakened this spot," With my hand on the floor I sent a pulse through it and a hole formed under Jeff and I. "Mike!" "Jeff!" I heard as we suddenly disappeared "Those two are only the first," I could hear the bastard cheer. Eminem actually paled "Did Jeff and that dude really" Nick simply nodded "They will be fine," "This will be over soon," Justin intensely growled as he looked at the hole where his two friends just fell through. We fell several feet pointing my hand toward the oncoming floor below. A gust of wind shot out and slowed our descent. Making sure I was the one who took the brunt as we fell. We both let out an "Oof," I positioned myself with no pun intended under Jeff and we hit the floor below. The impact left me dazed and while it was not how I pictured it seeing Jeff on top of me, this would have been romantic in any other situation. We both let out a groan as Jeff rolled off of me "You need to find out from Luc if this building was inspected for pest and shoddy construction," I remarked as I got us into a sitting position "Mike are you alright?" I sat there for a moment "Yes, just had the wind knocked out of me that is all," I said softly With a kiss of appreciation, "I have never been so glad for your powers," Jeff commented as he looked back up at hole in the ceiling. "Next order of business," I responded as I got back on my feet as the Earth had healed my injuries sufficiently enough that I could move again. Looking back up at the hole in the ceiling myself, "It is time for the Guardian to crash this party," I slowly got back on my feet. "The only one who won't be happy will be Mr. Bigot" Jeff chuckled "I am sure now I just need to go for a spin," I stated as I spun on my right foot. When I stopped spinning I was out of my tux and in my Guardian costume. Before I could take the next step Jeff in a wicked grin pulled me into another kiss, "Now I can say I kissed the Guardian," I laughed then turned serious as I looked back to the hole in the ceiling, Jeff who also looked back, "So how are we going to get back up?" Jeff whispered Taking hold of Jeff "One small step for Faith," I said as I moved us under the hole "One giant leap for Hope," I stated as I bounced on my heel and pushed us back up with a gust of wind propelling us back up through the hole of the ceiling and into chaos. "Mutants are a plague that must be wiped out, all of you mutant lovers are a threat to humanity's very survival!" the bully bellowing voice filled the hall just as much as the flood lights. Two of the goons pointing their guns down the hole got a fist to their face. As Jeff and I came flying through the hole. They were sent flying and all of us landed but Jeff and I landed with far more grace than those clowns. Putting Jeff down "Time for round two," I stated as two more bozos came charging at me. With my Pike in my hand gave it a quick shake and it sprang into action jabbing two more goons trying to out flank me. I quickly dispatched the two coming at me with a left swing and the Fighting Pike smashed into their faces. As six more came charging from different directions I said, "Okay you boobs I see how it is, I guess I will just have to turn around and cry," with that I spun of my right foot and with the Pike held firmly in both hands I helicoptered catching all six buffoons squarely in the jaw. The spinning actually lifted me up off the ground. I managed to see two gunmen pointing their weapons at Jeff. Landing behind them "Have you two met personally?" I asked as I grabbed their collars and smashed their heads together with enough force to knock them out. Two more gunmen came this time firing their laser rifles as they came running, "No no I can't accept these, they belong to you," I said as the lasers blast bounced off the palm of my hands and back at their guns melting them. Another pair of muscle bound oafs came at me. I waited with my hand behind my back and in a quick flick of my wrist my Fighting Pike sprang into action. Huddled among other celebrities and in a whisper Nick asked "Jeff I am so glad the Guardian is on our side?" "This is very true," Jeff said as he watched Mike quickly dispatched two more gunmen with his metal bow- like weapon. I swung my Pike until the right end smashed into the jaw of the gunman right in front of me. From overhead I heard the bellowing of an angry little man, "Stop that mutant lover," the bully sneered pointing my way three more gunmen charged "Seriously can you boobs take a hint?" I snickered "Oh well Brute force always loses to slick ideas," I smirked as I pointed my fingers to the floor ice formed under the charging men's feet as the crowd made room, all three slid into the wall. Two more overly confident goons charged. Pointing at the large tub of ice cold water it leaped out and washed over my enemies. The poor suckers dropped to the floor as the shock from the ice water hit them. "Man that is what I call cold?" Drew cackled as he watched Guardian literally ice his opponents. More goons made an attempt and with several swipes of my Fighting Pike I quickly put an end to their rampage. "I could fight you guys all day, I haven't even worked up a sweat," I joked as I smashed my Pike against another lumbering dope, "Nevertheless I should take care of the source of this transgression," I stated as I ran at one of the falling gunmen I grabbed his head and in a jump I put my foot to the top of his head and used it to leap over the crowd flipping over everyone "Thanks for the assist," I said as I landing a few feet next to the bellowing ringleader of this craziness "I think it is time you and I had an heart to heart," "Get back you mutant loving garbage," he sneered as he pulled out his own gun and fired. Dodging the laser blast "Man, have you had your blood pressure checked you are really getting hot under the collar," I moved forward with a speed that caught him off guard. Grabbing his gun and crushing it to metallic dust, "Angry words and energy weapons all have one thing in common. They spout off wasted energy and can cause great harm, This madness ends now," my voice boomed over the raving lunatic. "Not until every mutant is stomped out of existence," the ringleader bellowed "Here is where I put my foot down" I retorted as I brought my foot down causing the whole catwalk to shake making Mr. Loudmouth fall on his sorry ass. Now it was time to infuse a wee bit of knowledge to the throng below. "Here is a quick biological lesson," I said in a voice that carried over the whole charity "We are all mutants with special powers of our own," Getting back on his feet, "That is a disgusting notion," the ringleader roared "Some humans are left handed, some humans are short, some are farsighted, some are nearsighted, there isn't one person in this room who is completely perfect," I went on as if the bully hadn't spoken "Some have red hair other have brown hair," I spoke "Those are normal human difference," The ringleader growled "Did you know that being left-handed was once a crime and you were marked as not being a normal human?" I pointed out "And that being born with red hair you were considered to be a spawn of the Devil," I spoke over the crowd. "People with poor eye and bad hearing were all marked as unfortunate and some went to great lengths to hide them, special eye wear and listening devices were made to make it look classy instead of a problem," "And let's not forget that someone thought the perfect human was a blond-haired blue-eyed white man," I pointed out looking at the man "You would have been considered a sub human because you have brown eyes," I quickly said before the psycho could make a remark. However the facts were completely missed when the loon decided to shout. "These mutants are freaks of nature," The masked ringleader snarled "Nature never thinks of her children as freaks, she loves them all," I said right back. "Only humans see differences and that those differences must be feared," I spoke before the lunatic could spout more ridiculous nonsense. I could hear everyone in the charity who was not part of this three ring circus of a hate group. The Ringleader pulled out as small pistol and said, "I have had enough of your nonsense, mutants are a plague on humanity," "That is funny I was thinking the same thing about you," I smirked "You are a mutant lover," the ringleader growled firing wildly "Anger and Blasters can't change the truth," I simply said as I held up my hand and the blast shot back at the moron. Dodging the laser blasts "Call it what you will people like you are a threat to humanity," the ringleader sneered His hot temper obviously got the better of him as he charged me. I waited calmly and when he was in reach like a cobra I brought the palm of my hand to his chin and the ringleader went flying backwards when the hand holding his gun hit the metal grate and the blaster went off. A laser blast struck the ceiling and damaged a number of support beams. In seconds the whole roof began to collapse. Debris was raining down everywhere. The whole crowd cried out in panic. The maniac fled like the coward he was. "Now this is a problem," I retorted, not even bothering to look back, The arena coming down on top of us, now that was a problem I had to deal with. Pulling out my grappling gun and fired a line to the closest support beam. It quickly took me to the damaged section. A quick inspection told me that, there was no way to save the arena, instead I had to buy everyone time. "I got to keep this together until everyone can get out," I said to no one as I pushed the braces back together using my grapple steel line to hold it together. The whole ceiling was shaking as more sections fell away. I flew around the ceiling trying to mend one support beam after another as fast as I could. At this point I was just trying to keep everything together until the whole arena cleared out. Jeff ran out of the doomed arena along with everyone else a person tripped before him. Jeff stopped to help pick up much to his surprise was Chris Evans "Hey man this not the best time to land a position," Jeff quipped "Thank Jeff, where is that amazing friend of yours?" Chris asked "He is around, probably trying to make sure everyone gets to safety," Jeff pushed Chris to the exit. There was no saving this place; dust was filling the air. I couldn't stop to see what was happening below as the arena fell apart around me, "BEATTI!" I pulled out my combadge "Yes sir," I heard "I need you to tell me when building clears out I am can't stop to check," I ordered as I went to another crumbling beam "Sir we don't have probes there I can't help you," BEATTI reported "Great just great," I growled "We will be your eyes," I heard in my head "Is that you Jean?" I telepathically asked "Yes your words touched a lot of people tonight and now you are proving your point in saving us all," I heard Jean's reply "We can discuss this at another time just let me know when this building is empty I can't keep it together much longer," I quickened my pace as a large steel beam broke away. I flew under it. I took the weight on my shoulders as I tried to keep everything from caving in. In a grunt I put the beam back into place encasing both ends in ice to help keep it in place as I moved to the next problem. "Guardian the building is clear!" I heard Jean in my head I was about to fly out when everything came crashing down. Within minutes I was left flying in the air with just a steel beam and a small patch of black top. Coughing as the dust settled. I saw that I was floating in mid air over a pile of rubble that was once the arena still holding up only the remaining support beam. "Don't I feel like a dunce," I blushed, making the whole crowd laugh as I let what I was holding fall and land on the wrecked arena. "We have a friend who is still trapped in there!" I heard Nick Lachey call out "I will see if I can ever locate him," I said as I dove into the rubble. Jeff and the rest 98 Degrees awaited for Mike to come out of the rubble but the scraping sounds of a manhole being lifted made everyone turn to see a grimy hand reach out "Hang on Mike!" Jeff screamed as he helped his boyfriend out of the sewers. I coughed as Jeff followed by Drew helped me out of the sewers "Mike are you alright?" "I am fine the lower section of that arena was actually pretty well built," I brushed the dust off my tux, "it didn't come crashing down until I found the sewer grate which was fun since electricity went out while I tried to find it," I remarked Jeff helped me smooth out my tux as I complained, "I think I will lodge a protest that says if building collapse is imminent please exit here," I grumbled This made the crowd actually laugh as I brushed the dirt off my hair. Eminem came up to us and he held out his hand "Mr. Pennock I owe you an apology," I took his hand. "I accept but I don't know why?" "I judged you poorly it wasn't until I saw you take on those lowlifes, you could have just let them take you hostage but you fought back," Eminem explained "I did nothing special," I waved off "Mr. Pennock you were incredible and makes me very glad that I didn't get you mad," Eminem gasped "I don't like violence, it rarely solves anything, and never changes people's minds," I just shook my head in dismissal. "I can't believe I never met a person who didn't take joy in kicking dipshits asses," Eminem gasped "Do you truly think my fist changed those bigots' minds?" I stared hard at Eminem Regretfully Marshal admitted, "No closed minds like those assholes I don't think even an ass kicking could get them to change," Then Eminem turned a wicked grin on me and said, "But kicking their asses had to be fun," "Not for Mike, I know he is a honorable person," Drew remarked "How do you know?" Matt Damon asked coming up to our crowd "When Mike took the blame for us with our manager, George took a swing at him Mike barely moved but it was enough to knock the jerk on his ass, but it didn't hurt him severally," Justin spoke "Mike has shown us time and again how quickly he will defend us," Nick smiled "Still I can't image all those short tempered rejects from a cracker factory would been given quarters after they did that shit to us," Eminem remarked "They understood violence but when Guardian spoke of how little differences between normal humans and mutants," Jeff said as the X-Men made their approach "His words had a more of an impact then the schmuck's bellowing even close too," Jeff said with pride. "I never heard a normal human stand up for us like that," Cyclops stated "You are all the same in the eyes of," I started to say but Ben Affleck interrupted, "In the eyes of God," I smiled, "Him too," I quickly turned an apologetic glanced to the heavens "However there is someone much closer who is also very glad you were all born the way you are," I stated softly Jean asked "Who?" "The Mother, she is very glad you were made the way you are," I answered. "Who is the Mother?" Chris Evans asked "Mike is talking about the Earth Chris my friend here is deeply spiritual," Jeff stepped in Kelly Clarkstown walked over. This is the first time I would interact with the pop star, "You mean like a Wiccan?" "No, no I respect all of Earth's religions in this case I believe in the Earth herself," I reiterated Chris Evans asked, "Isn't that same as saying you are a Wiccan?" I shook my head "I can see how it sounds like I am splitting hair but in this case my faith is in not some kind of deity who is supposed to be in charge, I believe in the first being the Father created," "God created many beings," Ben Affleck pointed out "God created the Earth first and she shows us everyday the wonders of our creator," I tried to clear up. "You believe in the Earth and God that sounds controversial," Matt Damon made the next statement. "Everything belongs to the Father, he is absolute but he created this world to be our home and protector," I was doing my best to explain my belief. "Mike," Jeff quickly interrupted "You don't need to justify your beliefs I love and respect them," Jeff tried to defend me Chris Evans quickly interjected, "Hey I wasn't trying to question your beliefs i try to see everyone's point of view," I looked at the handsome star "I am not offended Mr. Evans but it is because of that belief we are all sons and daughters of this same world that makes any kind of prejudices seem absurd," I remarked We all talked a bit more while we waited for pickup from the ruins of the Mutant Awareness Charity, The police and other recuse teams arrived taking the injured away and taking that loudmouth's goons into custody. When our limo arrived we all got in and I spent the trip listening to the band talking about how I kicked major ass both as myself and as Guardian. Drew was ecstatic about how I dumped cold water literally on those buffoons. It was a good end to a crazy event. 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