The Tales of Sol 69 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
The Tales of Sol 69 Hope Never Dies
Flying the Ecocopter as fast as I could get the eco helicopter to go. I had to get from Hope Island back to the Lair. I felt better than I had been in days, for the first time, I felt hope. The revolution of Count Mullack a 6th Century old wizard who was draining the Earth's life force finally gave me an enemy to defeat.
"So Mike, now that you know who has been draining the Earth, what are we going to do about it?" Razeel asked as she went over the information on the small onboard computer cursing at herself because it seemed as if Razeel should have known about Count Mullack's involvement in this mess.
"There is a Klingon sword that I want to shove up his bony ass," I proclaimed
Dana snickered "You are going to have a hell of a time cleaning it,"
I wasn't even a little concerned, "I will be worth introducing my Bat'Leth that wizard," I answered with a satisfying glee.
Giving me a wicked grin Razeel said, "I like the sound of that," then she turned serious, "But don't you think this is something I should tangle with?"
"No this is something I have to attend to," I shook my head in determination.
"Mike you know I don't doubt your fighting abilities, but without your powers how can you hope to defeat a wizard that has been juicing himself with the life force of this whole planet?" Dana pondered
"The first part of this is hope, I have to believe in myself," I answered
"You need more than hope to defeat this guy," Dana cautioned
"Dana, what I just learned is that Hope is the key here and I almost lost it when I saw Gaia lying on the Crystal Chambers' floor, however, Hope is never that easy to extinguish," I confessed.
Razeel countered, "I am not saying you need to give up on Hope, but you need more than that to defeat a wizard who has been draining this planet of its life force,"
"Dana on any other mission I would defer this to you but in this case, Count Mullack came after me, he attacked the very planet I was chosen to protect," I stated firmly.
"I am not questioning that, I know how much this world means to you, I just don't want you going into this with that temper of yours, it will get you killed and take this planet with you," Dana remarked
In a war-hardened tone my voice carried the weight of my time in battle, "I am not a bit angry Razeel, at this moment, I am a warrior and I must do battle no matter the odds,"
Dana regarded my words, "I understand but I am trained in taking on supernatural people like Count Mullack,"
I took in her words, "It was Gaia who defeated Count Mullack,"
Dana interrupted, "She is now lying on the floor of the Crystal Chamber,"
I snapped, "I am the Guardian, I am Sol, I am this Planet's protector I will defeat this bastard,"
Taken aback by my declaration Dana was silent for a moment, only the sounds of the Ecocopter's rotors filled the cabin.
Dana regarded me for a second then said, "Okay I understand there is just one other piece of this puzzle and that is where Count Mullack lives Gaia didn't know,"
"We will find out, the Count is obviously somewhere in Philadelphia," I remarked
"How can you be so sure?" Dana asked
"Because Philadelphia seems to be at the center of it all, besides those images of trees were from Fairmount Park I know that park anywhere," I told her
"Mullack sent his minions not once but twice to attack me," I spoke
"But weren't those attacks in New York," Dana pointed out
"They were," I agreed
"So how did that wizard even know you were in New York?" Dana pondered
"I don't know and really it doesn't matter he knew and he sent those Bringers and Kaliffs after Mike Pennock," I answered
"I guess that too is irrelevant," Razeel commented
I gasped, "Hell no! It scares the hell out of me because it puts those I care about in danger," Shaking my head, "I am not denouncing any of this, this is war and no war is without dangers,"
"That is true," Razeel conceded
"That wizard went after me, he went after my planet, he endangered all that I love and care for," I growled in righteous anger.
"And for that, I will defeat him," I vowed
"So be it," Razeel agreed
I sighed, "But we must hurry time is running out,"
Razeel gave me a worried look, "How do you know and how much time is left?"
I couldn't sugarcoat this, "Before we left Hope Island the Crystal Chambers sent me one last thing and that we had 24 hours to defeat Count Mullack,"
Razeel shuddered, "Then I hoped we get back to the Lair in time,"
By the time we got the Ecocopter back to the Lair BEATTI was reporting that the air above our base was getting dangerously thin. I didn't need my computer to tell me that time was running out. The field surrounding the Lair looked even worse if that were possible. Bringing the nimble craft down on the helipad and before it could even slip beneath the surface I got out and ran for the above-ground entrance to the Lair, Razeel was right behind me.
The Ecocopter was beginning its descent by the time we got to the door to the Island and entered the Lair that way where I screamed, "Hope Island came through!"
Everyone in the Command Center turned and looked our way as I charged through to the main console and pulled up a file I had bypassed. Putting it alongside the information BEATTI was just now transferring from the Ecocopter's computer.
On the screen Count Mullack's profile appeared, "Meet the man or should I say wizard in this case, who is draining the Earth's life force," I introduced to my small band
Jake, Dave, Gregg, and Tela gasped
I reported, "This is Count Mullack a six-century-old wizard,"
Blaylock shot forward as the image of our foe played in front of him, "Did you say Count Mullack?"
Upon seeing the information Blaylock sneered, "Count Mullack, this is definitely something he would pull,"
Dana snarled, "That was my reaction Blaylock when I saw him on Planetvision,"
That riled Dave as he gnarled, "You knew of this bozo,"
Dana removed her hood, "We've had some dealings with him in the past," she answered
"So are you convinced of what Mike has been saying all along? Are you convinced that someone was draining the Earth?" Jake demanded
Blaylock shot my shipmate a nasty glare, "This the first time we had something more concrete than this amateur's words to go by,"
Trying to get some of the attention off her Watcher, Dana quickly said, "We knew he was ambitious but we never knew he had this kind of power,"
"Count Mullack was, or I guess I should say, is, a powerful wizard from the time of King Arthur and Merlin. He was and is very powerful, almost conquering Camelot, Gaia had to step in, she was the only one who could put a stop to his madness," I said as reports on him scrolled across the screen.
Dana stepped in, "For centuries he would continue his struggles to rule the world but he never again had the power he had when he nearly took Camelot,"
Blaylock in a cold response, "We knew he was weakened by an unknown force, if we had known it was Gaia we would have been able to make the connection,"
"Yet when we asked you if anyone came to mind you said you of none," Jake pointed out
I could not blame for missing Count Mullack squarely on my allies feet, I took some of the heat when I quickly said, "I saw his name in our databank and I dismissed him,"
After reading more of the information on the monitor Blaylock stated "However this is definitely something Count Mullack would be mad enough to pull,"
"There is more, Dave, do you remember me telling you about those Bringer and Kaliffs attacks?" I questioned.
My mentor began rubbing his chin but it was Jake who said, "Yes twice they attacked you while you were in New York,"
"It turns out that Mullack was the master they were referring to, he wanted me out of the way," I picked up on the information.
"How could you possibly know that?" Blaylock sneered
Pointing to the monitor showing the wizard surrounded by Bringers, "You mean outside the fact that Count Mullack is surrounded by Bringers you mean?" I went on, "Since those orange-headed demons are Lucifer's muted minions,"
Blaylock just grumbled, "I will concede that for now,"
"In any event if we are to save the Earth and everyone we have to take him out," I stated
"So how do we find the doofus?" Jake asked
I shook my head "That is the one bit of information Gaia didn't have,"
"All we got this video from the Crystal Chamber, however judging by those trees Count Mullack is somewhere in Fairmount Park," I noted
Using the next obvious method "BEATTI can you do a check and see if you can find his mansion?" Dave inquired
"I will begin now Mr. Matthews," the computer replied
I was getting antsy we needed to find this bastard now every second we delayed more oxygen was used up.
While we waited for the information Dave brought up, "Mike I know you are dead set on stopping this wizard but I think this is one time you should let Dana take Count Mullack out,"
"Dave, Dana made that request," I said
Dave fiercely challenged, "Mike that mad wizard has been using the Earth's life force to empower himself,"
"Dave this bastard came after me, he sought this conflict from the beginning, endangering everyone and everything on this planet, I am honor bound to see this through to the end," I proclaimed.
"But Mike?" Dave started to speak but I cut him off. "Dave we don't have time to debate this based on the reading we are getting from the probes we have less than 24 hours before the oxygen levels reach fatal levels. If we don't stop Count Mullack everything on this planet will die,"
Before I could answer BEATTI reported, "I am unable to locate the Count's address,"
I was getting frustrated then it hit me, "Tela I believe you and I should hit the streets,"
"Mike, what are you planning?" Jake wheezed, the air inside the Lair was beginning to thin.
"I am betting those Kaliffs are still looking for me because I am a threat to Count Mullack we can get the information from them," I suggested
Tela picked up, "you think I can get the information out of them,"
I nodded, "we don't have a lot of time to waste,"
No one disagreed after replacing our oxygen breathing apparatus oxygen cartridges Tela and I left in the Ecocopter fortunately there was still plenty of daylight. Once we spotted a group of Kaliffs looting the vacant buildings I found a place to land. As we exited the eco-friendly chopper "Mike I've never been so glad you were going green," Tela spoke around her OBA
As I looked about I saw dozens of people curled up on the streets, there were animals littering the ground all were gasping for air, and sadly there were some among them that were no longer breathing at all, my heart ached because there was nothing I could do but defeat Mullack as soon as we find him. Fortunately, I didn't have a lot of waiting to do as a meaty fist grabbed my shoulder and forced me to turn around. And to a fist forcing the air out of my lungs. This was a quick reminder that I still didn't have my powers back. When I looked up, a very ugly-looking demon with gruesome eyes was glaring at me, "Why aren't you gasping for air?"
"I know how to hold my breath," I remarked
"The master said we were to be on the lookout for the Guardian," the grotesque demon snorted
"And now that you found me?" I quizzed
"We were to take care of you," the Kaliff answered
"I am quite capable of taking care of myself thanks," I quipped as I slowly removed my D'k tahg from its hustler and changed my grip so I could make a thrust when it was time.
"I don't think that is what the master meant," the demon pondered
"Bet you don't think much as it is," I quipped
"I do to think," the Kaliff sounded offended
"I need proof of that, I'll bet you don't even think about your base of operations," I challenged
The Kaliff got a far-off look.
From the safety of the Ecocopter Tela remained behind while the Guardian made contact with the Kaliff an image formed in her mind and from there Tela put that image onto the small screen and instantly the address popped up. They now had the location of the Count's mansion.
While I was still on my knees looking up at the dimwitted Kaliff I heard in my head "I got it, Guardian,"
"You are taking too long, is it really that hard for you?" I mocked
The Kaliff looked indignant "The master warned you were quick wit,"
I nodded, "I have been known for my sarcasm,"
The demon just stood there and I said "Well I don't have all day. I've got plans for August. Are you going to kill me or not?"
That seemed to get the right action the Kaliff responded, "That is what the master meant when he said take care of you,"
He brought his meaty fist back for a swing. This left his chest exposed it was now or never in a quick and fluid motion I was back on my feet and my D'k tahg was in the Kaliff
"Did the master also mention that I also don't have any reservations about killing demons?" I pondered as the shocked expression on the demon's face was short-lived as it followed him to oblivion.
Making my way back to the Ecocopter, Tela was still looking at the screen but she had a hand to her forehead "That was most disturbing,"
I took the moment to at least apologize to my telepathic mutant friend, "I should have taken you into account when I took out that Kaliff,"
Shaking her head Tela clarified, "I wasn't talking about you killing that thing, I am talking about looking into its head, I thought the normal minds of humans were disturbing but that was nothing compared to a being whose mind is.."
I nodded in my understanding, "They don't think like we do, and many of our beliefs, and feelings are beyond their abilities to comprehend,"
Tela just scrunched her eyes, "it is definitely something that I wasn't trained to deal with,"
I laughed mirthlessly, "You think I was training to defend our entire planet while I was in the Navy?"
That did get Tela's attention, "No but you were trained in combat, and the war we are waging is no different,"
I nodded again "It is a war with not a lot of time remaining," with that, and with the sun setting we flew back to the Lair.
Once we got back to the Lair "Thanks again Tela," I thanked our resident mutant as the helipad lowered to the bottom where our crew was waiting to board "No problem I just hope to never have to look into a demon's mind again," She smiled
"No promises," I replied
"I know," Tela sighed
We quickly entered the Command Center and brought up the information that Tela gleaned from the Kaliff "He was not the brightest bulb out there but he did give us the Count's mansion," I said it popped up on satellite.
"Kaliffs are known for their muscles, not their brains," Dana quipped
From the screen, we could see the place was swarming with demons. As we zoomed in I redirected several of my aerial probes to the location and we got an even better view of the place
Looking over the image Razeel observed, "I think we are a bit outnumbered, maybe we should ask for help?" Razeel suggested
"From whom?" Dave asked
"Well if the X-Men are still willing, I think," I injected, looking at the screen myself Razeel was more than right, "No we will need their help," I commented
"I don't see why they won't, Wolverine did say they came to Philly because it was the center of the disaster," Tela replied.
"Do you think you could arrange a meeting?" I asked her
"I will get right on it," Tela replied, turning to the screen and having BEATTI put a call through to their Philadelphia headquarters.
Dave was looking at the monitor with concern written all over his scarred face. "Mike, how do you propose we take on that whole lot without your powers?" Dave asked pointing to the Bringers and Kailiffs
"They are not the issue, my Bat'leth will deal with them besides I have a good teacher who helped me train to fight them," I responded looking at Dave
Dave blushed then said, "I trained you to fight thugs not demons of the night,"
Dana snickered "Thugs are thugs and Kaliffs and Bringers are indeed thugs,"
Directing her attention back at me, "If you are not worried about the Kaliffs and Bringers then who are you really worried about?" Dana asked
Zooming in on the eloquent looking mansion and seeing the jet-black-haired man in the middle, of the through of demons was the true threat, "Count Mullack is our primary concern," I replied
"Okay, how do you propose to take on a wizard as powerful as Mullack without your powers?" Blaylock asked
"I am a soldier first and foremost and Mullack is just another enemy I can tackle," I replied
"But Mike we are talking about a wizard who has been sapping the planet of her life force and using it to empower himself," Dave pointed out
Waving at the screen which showed Count Mullack as if it was obvious, "Oh I know he has used it, the wizard's youthful appearance is evidence of that," I remarked
"Then you should be worried," Dave shot back
No matter the odds I knew I had to be the one. "I am Dave," I could feel a presence within me "Nevertheless, I will not be alone for vengeance will be ours,"
Dave was justifiably concerned, "Mike we can't afford to fail, Dana is the best suited for this job,"
"Leave the Count to me," I reassured Dave looked anything but reassured
"Hey I am a spur-the-minute kind of guy," I replied
"Besides I have to be the one who takes on the Count," I firmly stated
"Why?" Dave asked, I knew he wasn't happy before I answered.
Tela came up to us and said, "Xavier wishes to talk with you," I saw Xavier who, like the rest of us, was wearing a face mask on the main screen.
"Professor," I greeted
"Mike, Tela tells me that you've found the person behind this," Xavier muffled around his mask
"Yes and he is surrounded by demons," I answered
"And you are hoping to even the odds a bit," Xavier noted
"That about sums it up Professor," I replied
"How do you wish to proceed?" Xavier asked
"Well my plan is this the X-Men alongside my team will take care of the perimeter while I go after Count Mullack," I stated
"But Mike surely the Slayer would be best to take on this Count Mullack," Xavier sounded
Before I could answer there was a question I needed answered.
"Professor I need you to verify something for me please," I requested
Giving me a knowing look, "You want to know if Sol is indeed there?" Xavier smiled warmly
"Tela says she feels his presence, and because she brought it up we got the answers we desperately needed," I confirmed my intentions
"I can feel him, Mike, Sol is indeed within you and has been trying to reach you," Xavier confirmed Tela's finding
Not that I needed it without Tela. I never would have thought to go to Hope Island much to my self-loathing. Nevertheless, that was all I needed to hear, giving everyone in the room a determined expression I firmly stated, "You just confirmed, that I am Earth's Guardian and I will bring one who brings the Mother back,"
"Very well where would you like us to meet?" Professor Xavier solemnly agreed
"We should meet at Fairmount Park around midnight," I suggested
"Agreed," Xavier said then signed off.
"Okay, now that we have the X-Men on board," I smiled
"So, what is the plan?" Dave asked
"The plan is you guys will keep those goons busy while I shove this Bat'Leth up where the sun don't shine on the Count," I tightened my grip on my Klingon sword
Razeel snickered, "You will have to spend a great deal of cleaning that sword after that,"
I returned her gesture with a hard tone of my own, "It will be worth it,"
We spent the remaining time getting the Ecocopter recharged. It was still our only means of transportation tonight.
"Well longer we wait the more oxygen is used up," I said
I made a quick stop at home to make sure everyone was okay and to give them more oxygen cartridges for their apparatuses. They were all looking very pall "It is time guys I am off to do battle,"
I told them
I moved to Brian, "I am scared love," Brian cried. I took my love into my arms, and we kissed, "Never fear the Guardian is here," I reassured him,
Brian breathlessly requested, "Give this bastard my regards,"
I kissed Brian once more, "I will my Love," with that, I had to get back to the Lair.
As his lover left to take on the bastard, Brian prayed Mike pulled through because at this moment he felt as if they were all going to meet Jesus very soon.
When I got back to the Lair it was nearly midnight
"Okay it is time," I told Dana and Tela,
Dana suggested, "Let's get to the weapon's locker,"
Turning to my shipmate "You and Gregg will stay here,"
"I understand Mike," Jake acknowledged
Dana and I left for the weapon's locker I still had to change into the Guardian. when I pulled down my brown tunic. The Planeteers insignia stood out. I placed my hand over it and vowed, "I will make you all proud," as I put on my cloak I turned to a mirror I wanted to make sure the Planeteers insignia was proudly visible. When I was satisfied I pulled the hood up and over my head then pulled the mask down over my nose. I looked back at in the mirror to see myself as the Guardian with a sharp determined breath, "Gaia I really hope I don't let you, Brian and this world down," I looked away to finish getting ready for battle. I decided not to include the stingers because they would be of little use against Kailiffs and Bringers. however there was a weapon that would. I first got my three Klingon-inspired weapons. I placed my D'k tahg on my waist. Next to it, I holstered my Mek'Leth, and finally, I took hold of my Bat'Leth feeling its weight in my hands sent a very reassuring sensation, "You are my Hand," The Father reminded me.
I left the weapons locker and made my way to the silo where the Ecocopter awaited.
I found myself staring at Razeel, She obviously made some changes to her costume, she now wore a black jumpsuit that looked more like a wet suit than a jumpsuit under her cloak, Razeel now had her face covered by a white mask and her wild red hair, she looks like a demon of the night.
I commented, "Did you do something with your hair?"
Razeel said, "I decided this was the best time to make a change to my costume,"
Tela remarked, "You look like the Angel of Death,"
Razeel stated, "I am tonight," when Razeel turned around I noticed she had saber hustler to her back.
We made our way to the Ecocopter when I heard from behind me
"You are not leaving without me," I heard, coming from behind Razeel.
Turning around I saw Dave as the Phantom of the Opera from the sharp and well-pressed black tuxedo to the white mask to the tux, and cape Dave looked very much like the Phantom of the Opera with one minor difference instead of his walking stick which he would normally use instead Phantom he held cutlass saber of his own.
While it was quite obvious I still had to ask, "What are you doing Phantom?"
"I intend to join you," Dave smiled
"I thought you didn't fight Demons?" I asked
"I don't, but if you think I am going to miss out on what sounds like a very exciting battle you're out of your mind," Dave responded
"Really," I smiled. I was touched Dave knew how much the Earth meant to me. This was his way of showing me that I had his support no matter what.
"You will need all the help you can get, now when do we get going?" Phantom asked
Of course, the Earth aside, if we lost this every living being on our planet will die and we did indeed need all the help we could get.
"I can't let you Phantom," I started
Phantom countered, "Guardian you need me,"
Taking my Mek'Leth from its sheath "I can't let you go without the proper weapon,"
I saw the pride as Phantom accepted my Mek'Leth, "Now that I have the proper weapon let go,"
"We now have to leave, time is of the essence," I remarked as Razeel, Tela, and Phantom climbed into the Ecocopter the lift took us to the surface.
Before I sat in the pilot's seat Phantom took my Bat'leth so I could sit.
A momentary jerk forced everyone to move forward a bit as the helipad began to rise. I felt in the back of my mind, 'You are my hand, Nexus,' I felt the presence of the Father.
"Father, we need you in this dark hour to watch over all of us," I prayed. as I powered up the ecocopter and we were soon airborne.
The Backstreet Boys were all curled up on the floor of Mike's home the oxygen-breathing apparatuses were all giving out,
With a hand over his chest "Guys I am having a hard time breathing," Nick complained
In a fetal position "I hear you, little buddy," AJ squirmed sounding breathless,
"In this dark hour, we need your grace," Howie curled up on the living room floor and prayed
Sitting next to his cousin Kevin wheezed, "We have a guardian looking over us,"
"Mike!" Brian cried out
Gregg sat with his daughter she was still hooked up to oxygen but she hadn't awakened
"Don't you worry Krystal your uncle will come through," Gregg reaffirmed
On board the Argus Nick Fury along with the rest of SHIELD were all lying on the deck each one with oxygen masks on most of which had already run out.
Jake and Blaylock watched from the Command Center as the heroes flew off. Unable to think of anything else Jake left to join Gregg in the infirmary
Gregg was by Krystal's side in the medical bay, her little form barely hanging on "Mike will come through for us," Jake encouraged his breath was short as the air thinned even in the Lair.
"I know, hang on Krystal Uncle Mike and his band are on the job," Gregg pleaded with his daughter.
And this is where I end this chapter. I hope you all enjoy this as much I do writing it.
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