Tales of Sol

The Tales of Sol 51 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 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

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 51 Fun in the Big Apple

"What in the world happened?" I asked myself as I slowly became aware the world around me was all dark and eerie. In fact it seemed as if all of my senses were gone save for telepathy I couldn't see, touch, nor smell anything if this was Hell then I'd believe it

"You were terribly injured when you fought those Kailiffs and their Bringers friends," I heard Gaia answered

"I've healed pretty quickly after fighting the Juggernaut and he was far stronger than the Kailiffs," I stated

"Yes but you were also coated with gasoline and the toxic smoke from that burning car too," Gaia answered

It took me a moment to remember the gas "That is right, impurities like gasoline will sap my strength?" I inquired

"Yes," Gaia confirmed

"Where am I and why can't I feel anything?" I asked looking around me only to nothing but darkness

"I am holding your consciousness in the crystal matrix," Gaia told me

"The Crystal Matrix?" I gasped

"This is where Captain Planet would be held until he was needed by the Planeteers," Gaia answered

"Why is it so dark though?" I inquired

"Normally it wouldn't it be for Captain Planet would be asleep until he was called for and even then he would have been surrounded by images of color and various forms of beauty but since I could not bring your body here I was at least able to preserve your mind," Gaia reassure

"So where am I at this moment since I can't sense my own body?" I asked

"At this moment you are in the X-Men's infirmary they are trying to figure out how to help your weaken condition," Gaia informed me

"How long do they have till my body is no longer functional?" I asked

"24 hours if they can not help you by then you will die," Gaia informed me

I took the info in then shuttered a little. I had too much to do.

"Don't worry if they don't figure it out I will take you, and heal you myself," Gaia said, seeing the worry look in my eyes.

"So what do I do now?" I asked

"That is for you to decided," Gaia smiled

"I don't getting this guy could take on five Sentinels, and walk away unscathed but he takes on a bunch of meathead demons and he is lying near death," Wolverine scuffed

"We don't know what else happened Logan, and we are still learning about this guy," Rogue reminded her mutant companion.

"Anyway he proved he wasn't a mutant and in the worst way possible," Logan frowned

"Jean and Professor Xavier are looking him over they will help him if they can," Rogue reassured

"I just don't understand Professor," Jean Gray said looking at the still form of Mike Pennock aka Guardian his body was covered in burns and he smelled like gasoline "When we fought the Juggernaut Mike's healing powers put Logan's to shame,"

"There must be something we can do Jean," Xavier stated

"I don't know how to help him, I gone over a dozen scans all of them say he should be up and about, and all of his injuries should have healed on their own," Jean Noted

"Well now we really know he isn't a mutant," Xavier sighed when Mike was brought in they had to run blood work and it confirmed he didn't possess the X-gene.

"No he isn't I guess we should have taken his word when he told us," Jean shook her head

At that moment Scott Summer came into the infirmary "Professor we have Mr. Matthews online,"

"Grand," Xavier spoke both him and Scott left the infirmary, leaving Jean with .

Guardian

"What happened?" Dave demanded, Xavier could see the worry in man's face

"We are not sure really he was fighting some Kailiff demons and another type of demons when we arrived to help him." Xavier informed him.

"How is he?" Dave asked

"Not well and we are not sure according to our scans he should be fine, but he is still in our infirmary near death," Xavier responded

"That is not possible with Mike's connection to the Earth and its healing powers he should be demanding to be released," Dave stated

"Well he isn't and we are stunned," Scott reiterated

"There has to be a reason," Dave demanded

"Well outside the smell of gas I can't tell you any other reason," Cyclops stated

"Did you say gas?" Dave queried to make sure he heard right

"Yes he got soaked in gasoline after the car he hit exploded ," Scott spoke up.

"The gasoline," Dave said urgently, "You must get it off of him, like Captain Planet, Mike and pollution don't get along to well, " Dave said adamantly

Without hesitation 'Jean the gas get it off of Mike it's killing him' Xavier telepathically told her

'On it,' She said back

A moment later, 'He coming around,' Jean said.

The world went from a pitch black to a blinding white.

I tried to open my eyes but shut them again "Sorry about that," I heard Jean Gray speaking.

"What happened to Brian, and the rest are they ok?" I asked

"We had them checked up on and they got back to their hotel without any other trouble," Jean said

With the removal of the gas Earth was able to take over, and I was back to my normal self in seconds.

"Wow I don't think even Logan can heal that fast," Jean awed

"The Mother is of course the original healer, in fact all of man's medical knowledge was the Earth's long before we came to being, " I smiled

"You call the Earth, Mother, why?" Jean asked

"Because that is what she is," I answered

"Well you have a closer connection to the Earth then anyone I am sure you would know," Jean stated

"You could have it too if you gave her the chance, All the Mother wants is her children to be content," I pointed out

"Oh Yes she is so caring bring people like me into a world that fears us and hates us," Jean snorted in disgust

My smile fell from my face, my eyes closed. I felt the Earth take over and I didn't fight her.

"No Phoenix, that was not my plan," My mouth moved but the Mother spoke.

She looked at me with awe.

"The Father bestowed upon me the gift of humanity, and what marvelous creatures you are despite your failing you still remain one of the most compassionate beings I have ever seen." The Earth spoke through me.

Jean just sat there while Professor Xavier and Cyclops entered the infirmary.

"What happening Jean?" Scott asked

"I think the Earth is talking through Mike I can't be sure," Jean replied

"The Earth but it isn't alive," Scott spoke in surprise.

"I am Scott Summers, and you are my children, whether you choose to believe it or not, I love you all deeply, and once long ago you knew me, but as things go humans separated yourselves from me, I await the day when humanity returns to me" The world talked through me.

"And while I love all my children I am no more in control of their feelings then any parent," the Earth spoke through me.

"I must leave now, my presence is a danger to my champion," My eyes closed.

I took a deep breath as the Earth left me, knowing I wouldn't be able to handle her presents any longer then I did, but it left me feeling complete. I had to brush the tears of joy back. It was one thing to talk of one faith, it was another when that faith talked back, this brief exposure was enough for me.

I looked around at the mutants and I felt things I never knew of before, Both Xavier and Jean could feel the revered feeling that was coming from me. Professor Xavier gently put a hand on my shoulder and asked, "Are you all right Mr. Pennock?"

"I told you before Professor X call me Mike," I smiled through the tears, "I am more then alright," my voice still was shaky from an overwhelming sense of joy.

"So what the Hell just happened?" Scott Summers asked

"I am the Earth's Champion and that allowed me to be a conduit for her, even if it was just for this brief moment" I looked directly at Cyclops

"So why did the Earth choose this moment to relieve itself to us at this time?" Jean asked she was still reeling from the spectral and the sense of joy that she felt coming from me.

Bowing my head slightly as I tried to regain some come composure, the only way for me to explain it was to say, "Her timing is just that her timing," I tried to get off Scott helped me down

It took mere moments for my equilibrium to stabilize and the energy that filled my body to even itself out. I was able to stand up right again.

"Well it has been a great visit, but need to head back to the hotel Brian and the rest might start wondering where I am at," I told them

"Do you think they will want to see you in your current state?" Jean asked pointing down to my ruined Guardian costume

"Possibly not but I know where I can go to get changed before I get back to them?" I said after looking down at myself and I knew Jean had an excellent point

"Beside I need to talk to Dave," I said

"Yes I should have asked why you were fighting those Kailiffs?" Xavier asked

"Someone out there has a problem with me and he sent a bunch of goons," I frowned in uneasiness "In any event I have to let Dave know so we can be better prepared," as I made for the exit Jean stopped me "Mike there is one other thing you might not want to forget,"

"What is that?" I inquired,

Jean reached for something next to the medical bed and pulled out my Bat'Leth "What is a warrior without his favorite weapon?" Jean inquired as she offered me my warrior's blade.

"And you even cleaned it for me," I thanked as I took hold of the Bat'Leth's hilt, taking a step back making sure no one was in range I gave the Sword of Honor a few swipes

"This definitely came in handy tonight," and through about it "You guys didn't happen to find the younger brother, to this sword did you it was still embedded in the chest of that Kailiff?"

"As a matter of fact we did," A voice came from behind me I turned to see Wolverine holding my Mek'Leth

"Glad to see you back on your feet bub, and next practice session bub your swords, and my claws are going a couple of rounds," Wolverine sneered but there was an underlying sense of respect "These are damn fine blades," Wolverine growled in appreciation

"I don't think those Bringers and Kailiffs would agree with that statement," I remarked as Wolverine offered me my sword "They got the point of them in the end that is what matters," Wolverine gruff and dry response made me laugh "You try too hard Logan," I finally said before we could go further "Now I really have to head out Brian will worry I ran off with Justin Timberlake," I snickered as I stepped out of the medical ward and just as I was snapping my fingers to take me to the hanger I heard, "I doubt Justin would have a problem with that,"

In a mansion overlooking Fairmount Park a hooded man looked out at the park his emotions were anything but serene as the latest news from New York reached his ears Smacking his hand against the banister of his balcony his robe fluttered in the breeze "That bastard is stronger than I thought," His gravel like voice rambled

"Those fool Kailiffs," He withered at the thought of how they were defeated

"Master I have the amulet you were searching for,"

His servant walked up behind him "Did you have trouble getting it?" the Robed man demanded

"The Slayer and her Watcher put up quite a struggle," The servant huffed

"And?" the robed man prompted

"The Watcher said I would never pry the amulet from her cold dead hands," The servant informed his master.

"So I brought it with me," He said as he held up the amulet with a dead hand still attached to it. The Master growled "You could have at least cleaned the blood off," the servant looked down and saw that the amulet was still covered in the Watcher's blood thinking of how he ripped her arm off and heard her scream.

"My apologizes Master I was not thinking of it at the time,"

The hooded man looked out at Fairmount "Soon very soon all that untapped energy will be mine and then even Sol won't be a threat,"

Appearing inside the Sea Dragon I put a call through to the Lair and just as I was taking off the tattered remains of my Guardian costume "Hey Mike what is up?" I heard Jake ask "Hey Little Brother is Dave around?" I requested

"He is on his way, how is New York?" Jake asked

"Oh you know, a runaway subway here, a falling helicopter there's nothing much to talk about," I stated as if I had only stepped off the curb

"That is not all there is," Jake snickered

"Oh yes I found out Gargoyles are awake," I corrected myself as I put a new shirt on.

"That is awesome Mike but that is not what I was referring to," Jake was beaming with anticipation.

"Really what are you talking about," I fake faint the question.

"I heard you got a little sugar from not just one but two popstars," Jake snorted

"It was nothing really spectacular," I shrugged

"Mike you kissed not only Brian Littrell the man you have going goo goo for as long as I have known you," Jake stunned expression "But you kissed Rob Thomas and the two of them kissed you right back, and also shared a kiss with each other," Jake uttered

"It was only on the cheek Jake," Dave said coming up to the screen

"That is still worth noting," Jake's overjoyed and dramatic flare only add to the almost comic look he gave my mentor "It was sweet to witness it," Dave sweetly responded

"The next time bring me along!" Jake squealed. I couldn't help but start laughing Dave was equally amused by Jake's antics.

Turning to less joyful things I had to inform Dave "I was attacked last night,"

This got both Jake and Dave's attention "Are you okay," Dave quickly gave me a once over with his eyes. Holding up what was left of my Guardian costume "I am fine my costume is another story,

"What the hell happened?" Jake asked

"Actually I was attacked twice the night you left Dave and last night," I corrected the report

"The X-Men called me after you were almost take out by the gasoline you got soaked in," Dave informed me

That got Jake's attention he repeated, "What happened?"

"I was attacked by Kailiffs and Bringers me Mike Pennock and not Guardian" I answered

That got Jake's attention "Aren't those dudes featured in Buffy the Vampire Slayer?"

"Yes they were, and they are just as tough too," I acknowledged

"You said they knew who you were?" Dave heard what I had said

"Yes while didn't call me by name they mo

"Why did they attack you?" Dave asked bringing the conversation back to the meaning of my call

"Not too sure Kailiffs and Bringers don't really hang out together," I huffed in frustration "Bringers aren't known for their talkative skills," I quipped but there was nothing worth joking about "The Kailiff on the other hand before he got the point from my Mek'Leth only said that the Master wants me out of the way," I retorted

"That could mean a whole slue of thing and nothing remotely promising," Dave said

"Let me talk to Dana and Blaylock and see if they can help," Dave said

"Okay maybe the Watcher's Council has heard of something like this," I agreed

"I gotta go, I should get back,"I moved to close the connection

"Oh Mike!" Jake called out before I could

"Yes Little Brother?" I quizzed

"The next time you get into a three way kiss, I want to know about it," Jake uttered. I just snickered as I closed the channel and finished putting my pants back on. A quick snap of the fingers and I was once again outside the hotel. Fortunately I appeared in an alleyway. I turned the corner and entered the hotel. The bellhop gave me a card left by Frank directing me to their floor. I got on the elevator and when the doors closed I was taken to a white misty world before me it was my late brother Captain Planet again, "What going on?" I asked twice in one day.

"I wanted to check up on you. I know you have been through some dramatic events ?" He asked

"That is putting it mildly," I shuddered

"And you haven't learned anything from these experiences?" Captain Planet remarked

"You mean, learning that I can survive being mowed down by a starstruck lunatic," I huffed

"Or founding out I can win in tug of war with a subway," I stated

"Those are indeed good lessons to learn but there is still more," Captain Planet remarked

"I did learn a lot from the mutants but I still haven't figured out what I need to do to become Sol?" I told him

"It something you need to do," Planet told me

"Like what?" I asked in frustration

"I put myself in harms way," I started

"I found Brian who I find out is the key that suppose to help me unlock these powers," I ranted

"I put myself at great risk opening myself up to the Mother in order to find Nick's girlfriend," I raved

"I am learning to control my powers," I stammered

"Hell I took a freaking car for Rob Thomas, What else am I supposed to do," I demanded

"To let go," Captain Planet told me

"Let go of what?" I demanded

"Once again, that is for you to figure out for yourself, Michael Pennock. You may not know it, or even understand it, but the Earth choose you for a reason," My brother informed me

"But why me brother, why did it have to be me?" I wondered "I am nobody special,"

Captain Planet's soft gaze held it place when he spoke, "There are many reasons my brother, but mostly it is your heart the Earth is most fond of," My brother told me.

"You mean my damaged heart?" I wondered

"No it's your special heart made by the heavenly parents one that gives without question, a heart that has opened itself up to everything, a heart that let you love no matter what life has thrown at you, The Power is Yours" Captain Planet answered

The bell from the elevator brought me back to the land of mortals and with this nagging feeling in my soul.

I began thinking of how I was going to tell the rest about my growing powers? The elevator's doors opened and I literally ran into AJ as he was heading to another room this brought me back to reality, I began to blush heavily

"Hey man everything ok?" He asked

"Yeah just a brush with the unknown," I laughed nervously

"So what happened out there?" AJ asked

"Oh nothing much just a couple of muscle bound thugs who thought they could use their fist to solve their disputes," I stated

"Well that was quite profound but it didn't answer my question," AJ laughed

"Let me just say I ran into a couple of goons right out of the Buffy Vampire Universe, and they played their part very well," I replied sheepishly

"And how did you settle those disputes?" AJ requested I saw the glee in his eyes

"With Honor," I twitched my eyebrows making AJ laughed

"You are just in time for lunch, we are holding it in Kevin's room," AJ said I looked and saw Nick already making his way there.

As we walked to Kevin's room together, I asked, "May I ask why almost every meal I have seen with you guys is held in Kevin's room?"

"You know I am not sure really," AJ responded with a chuckle

Knocking on the door we heard, "Come in," Opening the door we saw Kevin was putting on his jacket

"We are going out for lunch instead,"

"For what reason?" AJ asked

"These guys are taking too long with our orders so I canceled it," Kevin answered. No one really argued when Kevin called Frank and informed him of the change in plans. Frank acknowledged, and informed them he would have security standing by.

Through the limo ride Brian held my hand even kissing it a few times, I finally had time to tell them about it. The helicopter I helped save and then I had to explain about my run in with the Kailiffs and Bringers.

I kept looking at him and expecting Brian to vanish like water vapor on a hot summer's day. "Are you okay Mike?" Brian asked.

Shaking my head "Sorry Brian I am still not sure what I did to earn your affection," I honestly said "Mike there are times for questions and there are times for acceptance, and I say this before my band," Brian waved to encompassed the rest of the Backstreet Boys "I love you Mike Pennock," with that Brian moved in and kissed my lips and time seemed to come to a crawl. Until the limo got us to the restaurant.

We pulled up to the Restaurant called Six of Spades, Nick was raving about their food when he mentioned it as a place to go to. Not having a better destination in mind and my own lack of knowledge of New York "Yea this place is awesome they have a sort of playing card theme going and a lot of our celebrity friends go here just for the theme style," Nick was practically bubbling.

I was sort of put off but it was not for me to judge who these people spend their money and in what manner looking up at the restaurant it exterior was in the form of the 6 of Spades, the windows had neon lights in different colors but they all formed a deck of card all from spade deck.

Brian and I stood apart with AJ, while Nick and Howie looked over the restaurant's window menu, making jokes and comments of the playing card inspired food names, while Kevin and Frank tried to get reservations.

Brian was asking me about my time at Xavier's school and the stuff I was learning there. Not wanting to reveal too much especially in public,

"They have been very helpful when it comes to honing my instincts," I said. walking away from the window and joining us Nick said, "I am sure Dave will appreciate it,"

"Very much so," I told him with a wink. I was actually pretty curious about what this place was serving so I checked the menu out.

"Brian, he is quite a person isn't he?" I could hear Nick whisper to Brian

"He is," Brian whispered back.

A Ping followed by the screeching sound of squealing tires in the distance caught my attention. My head snapped up as those sounds were accompanied by a second Ping from the Earth. It took me a few moments to follow the sounds, back to its source a car peeling around the corner. Came flying down the street. For appearance's sake the driver of that car swerved all over the road as if drunk. It may have looked out of control to the untrained eye. But there was no mistaking it's true intent.

That lunatic was most definitely aiming directly for Brian, who had his back to the curb talking to Nick. Unlike what happened before with Rob Thomas, I was more than ready this time. I quickly grabbed Brian and Nick pulling them to safety. Sending a gust of wind to push back people who had just started crossing the intersection. The car whizzed barely missing me and continued down the road striking a glancing blow to the telephone pole. While the madman sped off. The impact had the desired effect as the telephone pole came rushing towards us. Kevin and Frank had just come out of the restaurant, Howie and AJ pushed them back in. While I pushed Brian and Nick out of the way. As the telephone pole came crashing my way, I caught it. With a grunt I tried to push the telephone pole back up but my leverage was very short.

Several wires from the adjacent pole under the strain of the weight of the falling pole snapped. Suddenly I had the full weight of a 900 lbs telephone pole trying to crush me. "Okay straighten out!" I groaned as I pushed the pole back up. At the same time the freed wires came whipping back. Like broken rubber bands the lines snapped and swung back.

I was finally able to get a grip on this situation and picked up the telephone pole. Shoving as hard as I could tried to push the telephone pole back through the concrete. Causing several slabs of pavement to crack as a hole opened up and into the dirt beneath was revealed. The wild power lines wrapped themselves around the pole. When they came in contact with me. A Surge of electricity shot down the wires and through me, running down to the base of the telephone pole. Most of it went into the earth below. The rest ran up the length of the wooden telephone pole shooting out of the metal tips on the top. I managed to fish out my D'k tahg while still trying to hold the telephone pole steady. I threw it as high as I could to sever the lines. My aim was true and many things happened at once, first the electricity finally died down. Then the severed lines slacked and fell down the length of the pole and around the base and my feet. Then the telephone began to fall forward,

"Would you make up your mind already," I groaned in a heavily galvanic voice as I tried to keep the damn thing steady.

Pulling the damn pole back towards me I picked it up one more time and threw the heavy pole several feet down into the ground which helped to steady the wobbly telephone pole. Long enough for me to let go of so I could pick up the fallen power lines and as quickly as I could I used them to temporarily secure the telephone pole to the ground. "That should hold," I spoke in a very electrifying voice. Then fell to the sidewalk gasping for air, opening and closing my eyelids as they were still seeing the bright white light of electrical energy that was still coursing throughout my body. Brian and Frank came running over holding up my hand.

Stopping their advance, "Don't touch me," my galvanized voice sounded very distorted, like I was talking through a fan,

"I am still highly charged," I pulled out my Fighting Pike with a flick of my wrist, it shot out.

"I got a lot of pent up energy to release," My galvanic vocal cords produced as I pointed my Fighting Pike skyward. Squeezing the Pike a bolt lightning shot out as I sent the electrical energy into the atmosphere. When the last of it left my body I keeled over groaning. I went from being superly charged to almost empty. I was still adjusting to the sudden loss of the excess energy. Like coming down from one hell of a massive caffeine rush. Smoke still poured out of me as my clothes smoldered.

"Can we approach now?" I heard Brian ask as he cautiously approached. When I opened my eyes my vision was still adjusting. I could see that both Brian and Frank were remaining a good distance from me.

I didn't blame them after all of that, "I should be safe now," my still electrified voice, my vision slowly returned to normal

Brian and Frank helped me back to my feet. I was still a little shaky

"Are you okay?" Frank asked, trying to wave more of the smoke away.

"I am just a little buzzed that is all," my galvanized voice slowly returned to normal.

I hunched over and Brian caught me "Are sure you are okay?"

"Let me put it this way, I went from a sugar rush to a crash in under a nanosecond," I groaned.

"Oh man that has got to be agonizing," Kevin asked as he tried to put that feeling in the context.

"It definitely was too much of a good thing," I finally said as everything finally equalized

Coming out from behind the door frame Howie looked freighted,

"What in the world just happened?" Howie demanded

"I don't have a clue," Nick gasped as he continued to look down the road as if expecting the lunatic to drive back around. "That guy was," AJ began to say

"Gunning for Brian," I declared to them

They all gasped "All that was just to distract us from his actual motive," I told them

"Why would someone try to kill Brian?" Kevin demanded

"You guys tell me, do you have enemies I should know about?" I asked

Frank stepped up, "This is exactly what I tried to tell you at the hospital. Someone out there is trying to harm you and as much as we like him to be Mike isn't always going to be around to protect us," Frank said, reminding them of the conversation they had.

"We've had crazed fans before, none of them tried to mow us down," Nick said

"This is just like Old City Tavern, that bastard wasn't expecting you to be here Mike," Kevin said.

"How do we even know it is the same person?" Howie asked

"It is the same person Howie, no one else seemed to have invested this much interest in his kind of rampage," Frank huffed.

"If it is the same guy how the hell did he know when we would be at this restaurant? I called them because our hotel was taking too long to send up dinner," Kevin

I shook my head in agreement "There is a lot about this that is too convenient and I don't believe it for one second,"

This all made Frank pause as he put some of the pieces together. but he was coming up empty too.

"Nor was he expecting me to have powers that I have," I told them

"Man when I saw you get struck by those power lines," Howie gasped

"Shocking wasn't it," I smiled

"But Mike?" Brian gasped

"Don't worry Brian electricity can actually recharge me if I am ever weakened," I told him

"Can we finally eat?"Nick groaned as his stomach grumbled

"Just as long as you want me to charge it," I smirked

"Don't worry I got this," Kevin smirked as we all finally went inside. We were greeted by a woman in a suit with the number 6 all over it. The whole inside of the restaurant had playing card theme decorations. As Kevin was talking to the hostess I recommended,"We might want to ask for the smoke section," I suggested as I could still see smoke coming off my clothes. AJ laughed as he waved some of the smoke away,

"Maybe you better use the mensroom," AJ suggested pointing to the closest one.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to air myself out, I will just step outside for a minute to save me a seat," I said as I stepped back outside making sure no one was around I quickly spun in a circle until all the smoke was gone. I took the time to fix my clothes so they looked a little better even removing a few pieces of lint. "I never wanted to pick up smoking anyway," I snickered as I reentered the restaurant.

From across the street a man in a red jumpsuit and flowing red cape and a red helmet over his head watched the whole event "You are indeed a powerful mutant we must have you for our cause," He remarked as he watched me going back in

Reentering the restaurant the woman at the podium directed me, "Your friends said to show you to their table," I thanked her,

"It was a good thing I decided to quit smoking, they are in the non smoking section," I laughed sitting next to Brian who found my hand under the table and gave it a loving squeeze. The waitress came over and we placed our order. I was thinking about the Shadow. And how it seems to know exactly where the Backstreet Boys were going. I need to check out that angle and find out.

While we sat and waited for our food I listened to Brian and the rest tell me all about their adventures on the road they traveled as they sang for the world. I could feel the love the world had for these wonderful men. They and many like them don't know what joy they bring their not so simple gifts to our world.

Outside of a bunch dressed up to look like playing cards themselves approach the 6 of Spades "What better place to rob then a house of cards," the man with a crown on his head "Let's go King these celebrities fool waste their money at places like this," the woman reminded King "Queen my dear, that is why we are here," King replied

"Can we get on with this?" The young girl complained

"Calm yourself Ten," Queen soothed her daughter

"I just don't want to run into one of my crushes here," Ten complained

A younger man snickered "I wouldn't mind I always have a trick up my sleeve,"

"Jack don't get too cocky after all we are here to bring these snotty celebrities down a few pegs," King reminded his young son

"Let's get on with it already," Ten grumbled

Kevin and Howie were still looking over their menu while AJ and Nick regaled me in their exploits while they traveled around. Brian kept feeling up my leg under the table. I would squeeze his hand every so often. It was nice to just sit here and enjoy their company. We had several celebrities walk over like Matt Damon and Sean Williams Scott come over to chat it up with AJ and Brian.

Matt asked how I was, and saddened to hear that Jeff and I had gone our separate ways. When Damon asked why I sort of glanced over at Brian and said Fate had someone else in mind for me, And Jeff was destined for someone else as well. This at least set Matt's mind at ease a bit knowing our split up was not some money grabbing thing but a typical relationship fall out. I did tell Matt that I missed Jeff greatly. I felt Brian's hand as he squeezed mine to let me know that he was there for me and that he understood my feelings.

I felt a Ping and quickly turned to AJ "You weren't kidding about my experience here in New York would be non stop fun and excitement,"

AJ just looked at me for a second "Are you kidding here?"

"If you will excuse me for a second but my electrifying business earlier is having an effect on something else," I said as I got up from the table "New York it is just one thing after another," I mumbled under my breath.

Matt and Sean were perplexed Nick just waved it off, "If you knew what happened out there earlier you would be running to the bathroom too,"

Before anyone could say anything the glass windows and doors exploded and in flew a bunch of people dressed up like playing card AJ turned to Nick "This is what we get from a place decked out now we have a full house," Brian commented "More like a royal flush all that is missing is the Ace,"

"Alright you celebrity boobs make with the valuables and please no cheap heroic,"

"I don't do cheap heroics, that would lessen the experience," Brian and the rest of the Backstreet Boys turned their heads to see a hooded man in a sleeveless cloak dressed all in black and brown. His hood and mask effectively hid the man's face. He wore black pants. In his right hand was a six foot metal pole. Sean Williams Scott gasped "Who in the world is that!?"

"Isn't that the guy who helped out at the Mutant Awareness Charity?" Matt Damon gasped

Howie just shrugged, "Oh he isn't anything special just a Guardian,"

"And these Royal Clowns are about to fold," Kevin snickered

"You guys know him?" Sean asked

"He has come to our rescue once or twice," Nick acknowledged.

Coming through the front door my new found friends turned to me and said "My, my what do we have here?" The King asked

"Just think of me as the Guardian, like any protector of the innocent I inconventaly show up just in time to mess with Jokers like you," Guardian stated as he twisted his metal pole around in a fluid motion

"In that dreadful outfit," The Queen quipped

"Oh yes dressing up like playing cards is the height of high end fashion," I smirked

The King "The Royal Flush Gang is not going to be done in by a some schmuck we prefer someone with class,"

"My what snotty attitudes," I remarked

"We can quarrel or we can fight," Jack stated as he charged me with his sais. I flipped out of the way the little man swung his little weapon "Stand still and fight,"

"If you insist," I complied. Jack brought his sai around. I dodged the attack, grabbed hold of the arrogant young man's wrist and flipped him over me. I sent the yutz into a large pot filled with clam chowder. Which of course went everywhere. "I don't believe this place allows you to serve yourself," I sarcastically commented.

I turned my back on him and went back to the rest of the defective deck. King produced a sword and swung it at me. I intercepted with my Fighting Pike our two weapons met and we parried for more swipes "You fight well for a fashion disaster," King retorted

"Appearances aren't everything," I said back as I blocked King's next attack with the right end of my Pike and in a swift move I brought the left around and smashed it against the Royal buffoon's face sending him flying in the air.

At that time Jack was back on his feet and charged me again "I hate seafood,"

"And I hate uninvited guests," King retorted as he extracted himself from the potted plants he landed in.

"It is in the job descriptions for all heroes to show up and foil crimes, annoying isn't it?" I smirked

Jack face contorted in insult "This is coming from drabby dress crime fighter,"

I stopped and said "I am so upset by your comments it got me all misty,"

Just as Jack charged I turned into mist and he went right through as he came out the other side I reformed and then "Here let me give you the boot," I said smartly and booted his behind sending the joker out the front door.

"I will teach you some manners," Queen sneered as she swung her scepter. I had my Fighting Pike out and ready when Queen's scepter struck my Pike it sent an electric pulse through. "Lady, your approach is very shocking," I quipped as I swung my Fighting Pike and sent the scepter flying. "That should have stopped you," The Queen glared

"Please I have had worse shocks from static electricity," I mused

Brian stayed seated as he watched the Guardian do his thing; his boyfriend was more then a match for those goobers.

Looking around his band mates were all thinking the same thing. The young girl Ten broke from her criminal crew when she spotted Nick she came running over

"Oh my goodness its Nick Carter," Ten squealed

"That is me," Nick stammered

Ten gushed, "I am your biggest fan,"

"That is great," Nick started to say, then Ten leaned in and kissed him.

"Okay girl if you go any longer and we they are going to have to charge you," Ten shot up and there was Guardian right behind her

"This is between Nick and me," Ten growled

Turning to mist and then forcing his way between Nick and Ten giving the girl an extra incentive to move back some but making a gust of wind to force her back. "And now I am between you and Nick," Guardian simply stated

Ten ran back to King "Daddy that bad man is keeping me from my Nick," she whined

"Don't you worry darling I will chase the ruffian away," King said as he charged at me with his sword leading the way.

"Gee I get the point," Guardian said as he took hold of King's sword and without even a flinch he lifted the royal pain up, over and into several potted plants.

Just recovering from sending King sailing across the room I straightened up and felt a fist to the back of my head and I was sent through the wall.

"Wow, let's try that again," I flew around to the front of the restaurant.

King smirked as he walked over to figure in all white but had club on his chest "I always have an Ace up my sleeve now lets rob these celebrities and get out of here before the fashion disaster comes back,"

"If you are not here to rob the restaurant please take hold of your seats, in a few moments you will be free of these royal pests," a voice boomed through the 6 of Spades.

Just as Jack and Ten were advancing on to the celebrities. "This is a bad deck. I think it is time I simply discard it," they all heard and five separate whirlwinds came through the doorway engulfed the Royal Flush Gang and then carried them out the door.

Brian just laughed "That is one way to get rid of unwanted company,"

As my twister held the Royal Flush Gang they heard "My fashion might be in question but I know when I have overstayed my welcome and so I bind thee adieu," I said as I sent them to the Hudson River.

"Don't forget to wash behind your ears," I flew off while the whole gang came back to the surface. Falling on his back as King fell on the river bank the criminal growled, "I hate that bastard," his family extracted themselves from the sooty river bank covered in sand they sadly walked off.

Now that all the excitement was over Brian looked back at the menu "Nick we need better choices of words,"

Nick laughed, "How was I to know we run into fruitcakes,"

The waitress came over "Are you fellas ready to order?"

As they placed their orders Brian decided now would be the time to try the pair Kings making sure to have enough to share with Mike, who just came back.

"Did I miss anything?" I asked to brush the lint off my shirt.

Matt and Sean had said their goodbyes saying something about not having fun here and left.

Nick shook his head and said, "Nah royal pain meet windbag,"

I shot Nick mocked hurtful look, "A windbag is it?"

"The Royal Flush Gang was simply blown away," AJ cackled

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com

All comments are welcome

on a side note all of this takes places after the events of 9/11 just so you all have a sense of chronological order and understanding. I began writing Sol after reading Tales of a Real Dark Knight while I was still in the Navy and have been working on it for the last 13 or so years.

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