Date: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 01:39:43 +0000 (UTC) From: Joseph Klimczak Subject: The Tales of Sol 65 The Tales of Sol 65 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com This is a fictional story it is not intended to imply that any members of the Backstreet Boys, Nsync or 98 Degrees are gay, or any of the other 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 To understand what is happening in the next couple of chapters read Tales of a Real Dark Knight they came from James. If are reading James I hope you like my take on your story. The Tales of Sol 65 World ripped away I brought Gregg to the Lair and showed him around. He stammered at the sheer complexity of it and even awed at how after I received my powers. I made the additions of the hangar and later the Island. It was a lot to take in and the more he saw the more I could see Gregg wanting to be a part of it. I showed him several of the improvements including the new lake, the stream the fed it and the Lair's power. "Mike this is incredible," "This is a place to bring Krystal so she can see beauty," I stated We saw a lone wolf roaming the land "Mike look,"Gregg pointed "That is Balto," I nodded Gregg thought about it "That is the wolf cub you saved from those poachers," "Yes, we were afraid of letting him return to the wild but here around the Lair he has regained his life," I answered "That is incredible and that wolf has you to thank," Gregg turned to me "You have always cared for this world Mike and I can see why you are Sol," "I wish I knew sometime," I shrugged "Mike, look at this place, this stream is filled with life and so are both lakes. You made this landscape and using it to help keep our world safe for everyone." Gregg pointed out. We returned to the Lair and was greeted by Dave and Jake. "You would be welcome company Gregg," Dave encouraged "This is so incredible and it is terrifying," Gregg said "Tell me about it," Jake joined us "Gregg Coven, this is Jake Morow," I introduced They shook hands as we went around some more. I introduced Gregg to Dana and Blaylock. It was getting late Gregg needed to get his daughter and I needed to go on patrol so after returning him back to my home. With Gregg telling me he would think about it. I got back to the Lair without the Sea Dragon. I had to make my patrol on foot but not before snapping my fingers and appearing in Fairmount Park. "We need to find something to eat," One of the vampires cried as they huddled in the dark section of the park "Calm down Lemx we will find something soon," The Vampire named Jaex commented "I am hoping we find some really beefy guy they are always full of good blood," Lemx smirked hungrily "Is that your stomach or your dick man?" Welton laughed "Both I want to fuck the guy then eat him," Lemx lustifully luststated "Well I am for one want to find a cheerleader," Welton snickered "You have your taste I have mine," Lemx laughed "What about a Guardian?" They heard from behind them "Well I guess he will do I mean at least he's gay," Lemx considered not even turning to see where the voice came from. "Yeah Gay Angel will you join us in a gangbang?" Jaex sneered looking directly "Yeah and I got my instrument already for you strapping boys," I answered, swinging my Bat'Leth back and forth a few times. Jaex was the first to charge only for me to cut him down with my Bat'Leth. Lemx managed to jump on my back while I was taking out Jaex. Lemx began to press himself against me pushing his hard demon dick into my back. "Yeah I am going to ride you like a horse," he leered. I could feel his penis as it began to harden as he humped my back. "Did you ever kiss your mother with that mouth?" I tried to get him off of me. "No but I ate her with it," Lemx sneered as he continued to hump my back. That made me cringed as I tried to break his grip and get this horny bastard off my back. "Beside I would figure you like having me on top of you," Lemx snickered as he repositioned himself so his dick was right at my ass. I could feel his dick pressing into it. I cringed again and tried to get the vampire off of me. I also felt his hands running all over my body like we were lovers "Mmm so strong," Lemx moaned as his hands roamed down to my crotch giving me a rough squeeze. "Sorry I prefer real men not dead demons," I answered as I threw my head back striking him in the face. I heard him cry in pain and finally let go of me. With the vampire now off of me his friend Welton decided to take his turn at bat and jumped at me. I swung my Bat'Leth. He dodged the strikes and then knocked it out of my hands. Not wasting time I brought the palm of my hand up striking his jaw sending him reeling backwards. I went to pick up my Bat'Leth from where it lay uselessly on the ground. Welton had recovered from the blow and made lunges for it too and soon we were wrestling for control of it. I struck out with a right hook landing a blow to Walton's ear. I saw pain register in his eyes before he yelped, placing a hand on it. It was enough to loosen his grip and I yanked my sword free; the force caused me to twist to the left. Taking advantage of the situation Lemx jumped on my back again and put an arm around my neck and began to squeeze, the air began to thin and I started to see spots driving us backwards I shoved the both of us into a tree. Lemx again released his hold on me and breathing became easier. "Sorry guys but I've out class you both," I told them Welton came at me again and I swung my Bat'Leth catching his left shoulder slicing a thin line in his demon flesh. Welton growled as he backhanded me in return taking advantage of the blow I whirled around on my left foot and struck out with my right leg catching him in his midsection and we both fell to the ground. I was the first to recover and brought my Bat'Leth down intending to behead the vampire but he saw it coming and rolled out of the way and I ended up hitting the dirt instead. Pulling the blade back out its tip was slightly brown from the wet dirt. "All of this is making me hornier and hungrier," Lemx sneered as got off of the ground he grabbed his crotch "I am going to enjoy sticking this in you," "Sorry but I am taken," I said as I threw a fireball at him Lemx manage to jump out of the way. Walton who was finally back on his feet just sneered at me, his face distorted by his demonic heritage. He was hunched into a half crouch position looking like he was ready to leap at me. Which he did. I fell backward to the ground avoiding his advance. I swung the lower end of my Bat'Leth so the curve blade would cut into midsection as he flew over me. And before Walton could recover I got back on my feet and brought my weapon down splitting his skull in two the vampire dusted before I could finish the swing. And the Bat'leth was slicing through air. I saw Lemx, the only vampire still standing. "How will this battle end?" I asked He sneered as he looked me over licking his lips in lust "With you bent over pants down and me raping you," "I think not," I said as I formed another fireball and threw it at him jumping out of the way. Lemx lunged himself and was too quick for me to dodge and had me pinned to the ground. Smiling victoriously he forced my legs apart "This is how I prefer my victims," Lemx began grinding his crotch into mine. The vampire bent down and gave me a kiss forcing his tongue into my mouth. My body responded to the stimuli "See I knew you'd go for this," Lemx snickered. Pulling back and he moved his hand to cup my dick. I tried to will myself to calm down but superhuman or not my body was responding all the same. He managed to get his hand into my pants and began to feel my now hard dick, "Mmm you have such a nice cock I can't wait to slide my mouth over it," Lemx moaned as he slipped his hand into my underwear I tried to calm but the feeling of his hand on my dick was having the desire affect Lemx was hoping for he pulled his hand out it was covered in precum he licked it off his hand "Yes you taste so good I want to suck you," After a moment he smiled "I must say this has turned out much to my liking. I was afraid that I was going to have to share you with my friends but you took care of that," Lemx moved his hand to his zipper and tried to open it. "And once you see what it is I have to offer you'll be begging me to fuck you," Lemx tried to free his harden cock I tried to break away but he had the leverage and held me in my place. Looking at his demonic face I felt a sort of primeval instinct wash over me. After all some have fantasized of having sex with a vampire, but I wasn't planning on being one of them Lemx still pinning me pulled himself up to show me his dick I was soon staring at it and I had to admit it was a nice cock "You like?" Lemx asked as he gave it a few strokes. "I am going to make you eat this," as he brush the head of his cock against my lips I could feel the precum as it wet my lips I tried to keep it from coming in, he kept smacking my lips with his demon dick and some made it through unable to stop I swallowed 'not bad for a demon' I forced myself to think but not say. "Yes you like Lemx's cock don't you Guardian," Lemx smirked as he rubbed the shaft of his cock along my lips. I could now smell it and as much as I didn't I was very turned on. "You want to open that mouth and let me in I know you do," Lemx started poking his penis on my lips trying to get me to open but I wouldn't "Think of how it would feel to have these balls slapping your chin," Lemx said as he showed me his rather impressive balls. I couldn't let this go any further or I might give in to this, so knowing that I couldn't get up because Lemx held me down I allowed myself to seep into the ground instead then moved out of his range. "It is not that easy," I told him "You are only delaying the inevitable," Lemx put his dick back into his pants and re-zipped them. "Is that so," I replied, hefting my Bat'Leth. I had let this fight go on longer than I should have. "You can't tell me that seeing my cock didn't turn you on," Lemx sneered "I know you liked the taste of me seed because I loved the taste of yours," Lemx stuck his hand back into his hand licking more of my precum off of it then he licked his lips "I am really turned on by your attempt to stop me it will make it that much more satisfying when I shove my dick down your throat," He then made another lunge at me but this time I was ready. I swung my Bat'Leth and it ran right through him. I heard him scream in pain while it didn't kill him, it did cut off his left arm. "Even one handed I can still make you mine," Lemx growled as his right hand managed to get another hold on my dick. "You see you still want me to rape you," Lemx smiled obviously unable to know the battle was over. "This ends now," I told him as I broke away holding my right hand up and fired a fireball this time it hit home, striking Lemx in the chest. "It would have been more fun if you had let me rape you," were his last words before the fire consumed him. From his place in Fairmount Count Mullack boiling cauldron the moon was high above "Telk, mek, reak, belrem,"he began chanting his voice carried over to the park below "Now is the time to regain what is rightfully mine," The effect was almost instant as the closest trees began to discolor, their vibrant green leaves now looked dull and sickly. Their bark, a deep rich brown, also lost moisture and began to lose color. The grassy field only moments ago swaying in the breeze, stiffened and became brittle. The insects of all kinds poured out of the dirt withering and dying as the life-force from the Earth was sucked into the cauldron. A brilliant red light shot out washing over Count Mullack causin the wizard to get younger his ash color skin regained it youthful appearance, Count Mullack's hair went from grey to raven black. The Count took a deep breath "The Power is mine," He cackled Huffing and a little disappointed in myself for allowing this fight to go on as long as it did. Not mention I let a vampire to molest and practically rape me I had to give myself a few moments so my body would calm down from having Lemx hands and body all over me. When I could have easily won it with a thought, but I wasted no more time thinking about what was done I decided to continue on with my patrol. Moving through the night I was later accompanied by Razeel "Sorry for not being here sooner but Jake wanted to talk to me," she apologized "Think nothing of it," I waved off the unnecessary apology "How do you like Jake?" I wanted to know "Great I am glad he's on our team," Dana was all a glow just thinking of my shipmate. "I am glad and I don't think I need to warn you what might happen to you if you hurt him," my gazed harden and my threat was read loud and clearly Razeel taken back by my declaration said, "No problem there," "Good seriously I am happy for the both of you," I smiled more brightly "I do believe Gregg would also be a great addition," Razeel stated "I do to," I admitted "Anything interesting out tonight?" Razeel smiled back "Just vampires with one getting fresh with me," I shuddered in revolt at the thought of it. I was going to say something else when I was hit with a sudden wave of nausea . I fell forward to the ground, my fingers dug in a sickening feeling like a whirlpool sucked my very insides out this wasn't a ping something worse much worse. This was a howling abyss of life being drained away. This was the Earth herself leaving me a void that had taken its place, a dark pit of despair and hopelessness. Razeel was by my side "Guardian!" she threw hands around my right arm trying to get me to move. "Guardian, what's wrong?" Razeel urged again as she managed to helped me to a bench in the park With a hand over my heart and tears running down my face "She's gone!" I screamed "Who's gone?" Razeel asked I jumped up and called into the night "Let the Powers Combine!" the globe on my chest just flashed then winked out "Let the Powers Combine!" I cried out but Sol wouldn't come. "Sol is gone!" I fell forward to ground once again "The Earth I can't feel her any more," I answered. I closed my eyes trying to find that connection, any connections to the Earth. When I opened them again I could see that grass was already starting to dry out and turn brown. My fingers pushed through not crusty dirt but countless insects that now laid dead. "How?" Razeel queried followed my gaze hoping to see whatever it was I saw "I don't know," I responded. At that moment a breeze brush passed us and it felt so empty. "You could be imagining it?" Razeel pointed out "No," I told her with certainty "We need to get back to the Lair," I told her Razeel agreed I tried teleporting us by snapping my fingers to no avail sighing in dispair "Let that computerize pain in the ass of yours look into to it," Razeel suggested "I have a better idea," I replied liking her idea of having BEATTI investigate bad intuition bringing my Combadge up I spoke into it "BEATTI I need you to use all of the probes I want you to look for anything out ordinary no matter how insignificant," I ordered "Understood sir all data will be ready when have completed your patrol," BEATTI complied "Thank you girl," I replied closing the link I still couldn't shake the uneasiness in my heart but I continued with the work at hand. We had to make our way back to my house to take the subway back to the Lair. When we finally returned I was slightly breathless I went straight to the main console "BEATTI report," I demanded as soon as I sat down "There does appear to be a disturbance in the making sir," BEATTI reported I watched as the screens displayed various images. Each of them held parks and landscapes, each showing the same thing: great trees were wilting. They looked as if the life was being sucked out of them "By the Mother's Hand," I swore Dave, Jake and Gregg walked into the Command Center coming up beside me "What is it Mike?"Jake asked "See for yourself," I showed him "Good Lord," Dave swore it seems he came to the same conclusion. "She is gone," I stated "Who's gone?" Jake asked the same question Dana asked "The Earth she is lost to me," I answered "What?" Dave asked I noted the concern in his voice "I can't call Sol he is also gone," I answered "So how does this?" Gregg asked, pointing to the monitor showing the ground which looked very dry "Stop you from calling on Sol?" Dave finished "My powers are linked to the health of the Earth, and if she is in trouble then my powers would be in trouble as well," I told him "You think something is wrong with the Earth?" Jake asked "I do, someone, or something, is literally sucking the life right out of the world," I answered The Backstreet Boys were enjoying their free time after a grueling day of practice and a long week having to come to terms with the plane crash and Nick's psychological damages; they all sat in the main room shooting the breeze. "Man you guys have to see this," Nick said as something caught his eye when he looked out of their hotel window overseeing the park in Orlando Florida. The park that sat across from the hotel with more than half of the palm trees were withering "Man, did it become winter without any warning?" Brian asked "Guys look at the beach!" Kevin pointed to their beach view and even from this distant one could make out large shapes in the sand some were recognizable as being whales as many more objects were washing up on shore. "Hey guys check out the news!" Howie called everyone's attention to the TV "We are live at the Atlantic City, New Jersey where the beaches are littered with all sorts of marine animal ranging from sea horses to all sorts of whales," The Reporter reported "Wow!" Nick squealed "Reports are coming in from all over of animals dying all over the world," The reporter said as he looked at his notes "I wonder what Mike must be feeling?" AJ asked Brian turned to Kevin "We need to get back to Philadelphia," "We are scheduled to return in a few days," Kevin reassured Shaking his head and speaking frantically, "No Kevin we need to head back tonight don't ask me why but it is imperative that we get back to Philadelphia," Brian urged "Okay Brian I will clear it with Tony what should I tell him?" Kevin asked "I don't know but you have to convince him," Brian was adamant. "Telk, mek, reak, belrem," Count Mullack chanted, he's an ash gray figure who stood 6'4" it had taken centuries but the Count was finally able to get his powers back thanks to an unwitting sorceress who thought he'd be interested in her. "Telk, reak, melra, belrem," The Count continued the only thing he loved was power and revenge. He then turned to his minions dozens of Kailiff and Bringers he held his hand and let loose a string of stolen energy on the closest Bringer vaporizing it. "Ha, ha, ha," Mullack cackled, "I am invincible no one can stop me even now Gaia is withering, and with Sol trapped in the dying Earth nothing can stand in my way," The Count let out an evil laugh. Standing in the new observation level in the Lair's newest Island addition I was looking out the new windows I installed and since the first time I put them in I wasn't happy with the view my green and vibrant meadow was withering before my eyes. I looked over at my newly made lake and it looked so lifeless. I just sat there looking at the monitor each display made my heart sink even further. "BEATTI close all of the shutters and please send a signal to the Watcher's Council maybe they can help," I ordered. The metal shutters all around the Lair closed. I turned my back on them as BEATTI announced. "Contact underway," BEATTI complied "By the Mother's Hand," I swore softly By the time BEATTI got through to the Watcher's Council I was beginning to feel lost without the Mother's love in the back of mind. I didn't know how to go on, without Sol I didn't have the knowledge to fight this threat. Luckily for all of us, I downloaded all of Sol's knowledge into BEATTI's mainframe and we've spent the time waiting for the Watcher's Council to get back. Going over everything that was downloaded. When they finally did I spent those hours chatting with Quinten Travers telling him of my findings and my worries and pretty much venting all at the same time when Travers finally got a word in it was not what I wanted to hear at the heart of my arguments was the feeling of failure as if I should seen this coming and stopped it before it happened "I don't know how we can help Mr. Pennock," Traver confessed Behind me Dana, Blaylock, Jake, Gregg, and Dave both sat listening to what I had to say. I looked at my mentor and I saw that he was watching me very carefully making sure I don't push any one too far. But at the same time he wasn't getting in my way either. "There has to be something your Council can do the whole world is at stake," I came back "Someone or something is draining the Earth of her life force and if they are not stopped we will all be in trouble," I spoke to the watcher "I have my top people looking into this Mr. Pennock," Traver told me "You must have something on record about anyone who has the power to do just this," I insisted "What about the vast knowledge you claimed to have?" Travers asked with some smugness I sighed, "With the Earth in the shape it is in my powers and knowledge have also been affected," "So you now need our help," Travers noted "I don't have time for superiority complexes we are all in this together ," I replied There was a brief pause in the conversation "This isn't getting us anywhere," I fumed "I am sorry Mr. Pennock I truly am but this is beyond anything the Councils ever had to deal with but we are looking into it," Travers confessed "I don't believe that, and if you truly fought on the side of light?" I stopped myself. I was venting at the wrong people. "I will get back to you Travers, and when I do you will have something to help," I said terminating the connection "Mike that was uncalled for," Dana was the first to speak. "But he does have a point," Dave said, backing me up, making my smile a bit. "What point is there badgering the Council?" Blaylock asked "I wasn't badgering we need to help the Earth and we need to do it now or we are dead," I stepped in at this point my frustration was nearing boiling point "Why this world, isn't alive?" Blaylock sneered That was something the watcher should not have said especially in my current mood. I saw Dave back away and so did Jake and Gregg. "The Earth is very much alive you PetaQ!" I snarled back "And how do we know that?" Blaylock croaked Boy was he pushing my buttons today and I am not sure why "I am the proof you fool," I snarled "For all we know you are some fancy Mutant with a crazy notion of the Earth being some more than just dirt," Blaylock growled, that was the last straw grabbing my D'k tahg, and brought it right up to Blaylock's throat. "If you ever speak like that about the Mother again I will make your death very slow and very painful," I threatened "Am I clear," My voice was very cold "Crystal," Blaylock answered just as coldly. "Mike I hate to point out something but with the Earth's health in question you don't have the power," Dave pointed out "Then it is up to the Guardian just because I don't have powers doesn't mean I am helpless" I stated as I felt my warrior code taking over but I too was worried. "That work," Dave smiled "Blaylock you and I need to talk while they are working," Dana spoke to her watcher. While looking around at the Command Center Jake pointed out, "Mike I am very glad you all those improvements to the Lair the upgraded geothermal pit and that hydroelectric turbine are going to be needed, if you are right then any form combination will be useless very soon," That got everyone's attention "You have very serious point Jake without oxygen almost everything is going to come to a grounding halt," Dave agreed With all that on our mines among everything else we all got to work. By nightfall I was a wreck. My search for what or who could be causing the Mother to weaken was driving me over the edge. To the point Dave had ordered me out of the Lair, and to the street. The area looked even worse, most of the trees looked very sick, some had lost nearly all of their leaves and their bark was peeling away, and the ground felt dry even the occasional wind felt lifeless. My heart was in shambles seeing this place like this; it looked as if hope had left the planet. "I am sorry for what my watcher said he had no right," Razeel apologized "If he wants to live a long time he better not disrespect the Mother again," I stated "Mike, how are you holding up?" Razeel asked I slumped over the nearest dead tree, its trunk hardened as if it had been burned in a fire. When I swiped away the bark, it was as black as charcoal. The tree was burned from the inside out. I turned and I could see the horrified expression underneath Razeel's masked face. "I don't need your beliefs about the Earth to see how bad that is not to mention how it is going to get," Razeel gasped, I pushed away from the dying tree, "Without these trees and plants for that matter it will not take long for our oxygen to be used up." I nodded in a grim outlook. "Your friend said best that your green improvements are going to be our saving grace," Razeel acknowledged "Not what I had in mind when I was making them," I grumbled "Guardian no one is prepared when some yutz decides they want to suck the planet's life force out," Razeel reminded me. I knew she was right still, "I have come to love the feeling of the Earth in my mind." I started "What's that like?" Razeel asked "Think of love and joy think of them as tangible objects you can hold physically hold on to them," I tried to describe "Think of satisfaction of a good meal that never seems to go away, you are always full," I reminisced "Think of that connected feeling you get at any holy sanctuary where the presence of the holy figure is amplified by the very beliefs of a multitude of people," I fawned with almost spiritual respect I could see Razeel doing her best to picture my words "I can't describe the feeling well enough," I smiled at the thought, and for a split second I thought I felt the Mother again she was still trying to reach out for me. "She means a lot to you doesn't she?" Razeel inquired "Yes she does," I smiled back. We heard screaming. Putting a supportive hand on my shoulder "Guardian we will get the Earth back," Razeel reassured "Let's go, I have some frustration to get rid of," I said, taking my Bat'Leth off my back and charging towards the scream. "I am right behind you," Razeel replied We came up on a group only to find out that it was Bringers causing what appeared to be another Vampire Slayer. "What's with the Bringers I thought they worked for the Dark Prince?" I queried "Maybe whoever or whatever is killing the Earth is working for the First," Razeel suggested "Could be," I responded Intercepting the Bringer's knife I let my weapon do its job when I smashed the blade into the Bringer's chin sending it flying several feet away. I didn't have my powers but I did have my fighting skills. I brought the Bat'Leth around swinging the leading edge into the nearest Bringer's legs causing it to trip up. This gave the Slayer a chance to turn around and punch the Bringer behind her while Razeel threw a bowie knife at another one. "I really miss the Mother," I growled, pulling out my D'k tahg and throwing it at a Bringer charging Razeel. Who in turn plucked out of the now dead Bringer back as it fell forward using the D'k tahg to defend herself along with her bowie knife Another Bringer came at me with a very nasty looking knife. I parried with the Bat'Leth, bringing my crescent blade around, slicing its midsection. Between the three of us the Bringers were dealt with and a moment later I was wiping my mouth and I looked to see blood on my glove. With the Mother gone I didn't have access to her healing powers so I had to deal with out it, we turned to the Slayer, "Are you ok?" Razeel asked as she handed me my D'k tahg back "I can see why you like that knife," my slayer friend commented. I laughed "It does have its uses," "I've been better," The Slayer panted "By the way the name is Razeel and this is my friend Guardian," She introduced "My name is Isabelle," The Slayer introduced herself "I thought a city only had one Slayer?" I asked "Actually I was on my way to the Watcher's Council when I was attack," Isabelle corrected "Oh well then we will see you safe to the Airport," I said "Yes you better get there while you can," Razeel encouraged By the time we got back to the Lair it was nearly one in the morning. I fell into the nearest chair feeling so lost and confused. The Earth my home was endangered and what am I doing fighting Bringers. "Mike, are you ok?" Dana asked pulling her hood off "No I am not!" I snapped She sat there with a stunned look on her face. She barely knew me but I could see the concerned look on her face. "You know I have only felt the Mother's presents for a short time, and yet it feels like I have known her all my life," I finally said. "Never before have I ever felt such a strong presence and this before I felt Gods," I sniffled "If you know of God's presence isn't that enough to hold you through?" Dana asked "Normally it would but after being entrusted with Sol and then having it ripped away from me without a fight," I vented "My honor is at stake I will not fail her," I went off "We will find out how, to help the Earth Mike," Dana reassured "We will just be patient," She continued "In the meantime I think we will need to have some sort of oxygen apparatus, that is if we plan on still standing," I said heading for the science lab. "Jake brought up a very good point earlier, how long do you think we will have before we run out of air to breathe?" Dana asked "I don't know anywhere between three to four days maybe five tops," I spoke Dave came up to the Science lab and he spotted me, "Mike, are you ok?" He asked "I am just peachy," I replied sarcastically "Mike you need some sleep," Dave pointed out "Dave when this is all over I will sleep," I snapped "Mike you can't fight this, and fatigue at the same time you're going to make more mistakes than good," Dave countermeanted At that moment the entire room plunged into darkness and the Lair's power went out. "You are all going to sleep, tension levels are rising, and no work is being done," Came the Voice of BEATTI. "Dammit now my own computer is gang up on me," I snarled "Fine I will sleep but I get some say in for how long," I gave in "Thanks BEATTI," Dave smiled "Now, how about some lights?" Dana asked At the request only the red night running lights came on. Then we all went off to bed. Tossing and turning the night sleep just wouldn't come every time I closed my eyes. I had one nightmare after another. I could see Gaia in chains as she reached out trying to find something to grab on to. I can hear her asking why I wasn't there to save her. That I had failed her, she called me her Nexus and I had failed her. My eyes snapped open and with sleep a washout I finally decided to get up five hours later in a terrible mood. Deciding to work off my irritation I changed into my gym clothes and hit the weight room. The first thing I did was head straight for the punching bag taking deep sharp breaths. I started out with simple punches hitting the bag here and there. The next thing I knew someone had put their hand on my shoulder. I was ready to pummel whoever it was. But stopped when I saw Rachel standing there. She just looked at the half deflated bag. "I don't know about you but if we are ever being invaded by evil punching bags I am sending you to take them out," Dana laughed I couldn't help myself. I began laughing despite how I was feeling. I was laughing then I winced as I uncurled my hands looking down at them I saw that I had cut them pretty good. "You should go to the infirmary to have that looked at," Dana suggested "I will I just need to sit here for a moment," I told her She sat next to me, "Couldn't sleep?" she asked "No I keep seeing Sol trapped, and me trying to save him but not knowing how," I told her "Or I'd see the thousands of people pointing at me because I failed them," I told her "You haven't failed anyone Mike," Dana spoke "Maybe not but I can't do anything at the moment that can help the Mother, I feel like I have failed her," I responded. "As a slayer I've learned I had to take the good with the bad and to never expect neither otherwise you end up driving yourself crazy," Dana told me "You're right but at the moment I can't and won't accept defeat there is too much at stake," I said get off the bench and went to the infirmary to have my hands looked at Once my hands were all bandaged up I went to the Command Center and began working. A part of me was amazed at how much knowledge can be accumulated over a millennium at the same time. It was very daunting because there was so much here that even with everyone's help going through it all was taking precious time. When I knew we didn't have the sound of footsteps began mixing with the sound of keyboard manipulation. And despite their condition I barely recognized the pain I had caused them. Dave had come up behind me and after seeing the bandages on my hands he said, "Let me guess you took the safeties off the Holo-Room again?" "Not really," I replied without looking back at my mentor. "Though we have to replace the punching bag in the weight room," I smirked I heard Dave snort then he turned to me "Mike go home go be with Brian and the rest they'll help you get your mind off things," He told me "I can't, I have too much to do. I have to find a way to save the Mother, besides Brian and the rest of the Backstreet Boys are still in Florida," I told him as I watched even more information scroll along the screen in front of me. "I got a message from Tony he wanted to let you know that he was sending them back to Philadelphia. Apparently Brian was most insistent that they come here," Dave spoke softly "I am glad they are home," I smiled the first real one in days. "Yes if they had waited a few days they would have been stranded," Dave somberly acknowledged "And while you were trying to sleep Jake and I began work on portable oxygen tanks so we can still do our job to save this planet," Dave mentioned "Mike I know you doing what you think must do, but if you don't go Brian you could lose him," Dave told me "I am fine Dave, the Earth is my main priority we have a few days of breathable air left, and I am going to use those days to find the asshole and fight them," I said "Not like this you aren't," Dave told me I turned to him for the first time and gave him a death glare. Ignoring it he pressed on, "Mike you are over tired and on edge taking your anger out on anyone or anything," "I fail once Dave and I will not fail again," I told him coldly "You didn't fail the world isn't gone because of you," Dave remarked trying to sound agitated "I am her guardian dammit," I brought my fist down on the main computer's console causing them even more pain, "I am supposed to protect her from her enemies," I replied. This was the first displacement of emotion other than coldness I've shown since losing Sol. "Yes and you will but if you don't get control of yourself you will lose everything," Dave told me I turned away from him and went back to work determined to prove him wrong. But he would have none of it "Mike either you go home or I will pester you until you do," Dave commanded Growling I turned back to him and said, "Fine but I will be back," "I wouldn't expect anything else," Dave said, taking my seat, and continuing where I left off. I went to the hidden subway, and took it back to my house. And this is where I end this chapter. I hope you all enjoy this as much I do writing it. Sol is now born and the adventure goes on. Please remember to Donate to Nifty Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com All comments are welcome 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