Tales of Sol

The Tales of Sol 24 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com

This my second attempt to write so please tell me what you think. This is a fictional story it is not intended to imply that any of the celebrities mentioned are homosexuals. If you are not old enough to read these stories do yourself a favor don't get caught. The same goes for those people whose countries have these sites made illegal. And for everyone else enjoy

Captain Planet and related characters was created by R.E Turner and copyright by AOL Time Warner Company and Trademark by TBS Productions

Babylon 5 and all related characters and props were created by Michael Straczynski and copyright by Warner Bros.

Star Trek and all related characters created by Gene Roddenberry. Copyright Paramount

Transformers and all related characters, and props are trademarked by Hasbro inc. Copyright Rhino Home Videos and AOL Time Warner Entertainment CO

He-Man, She-Ra, related characters, and props are trademarked by Filmation 1980's

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, Angel and all related characters created by Joss Whedon. Copyright 20th Century Fox.

Batman, and all related characters created by Bob Kane. Copyright DC Comics and Warner Bros.

X-MEN, and all related characters created by Stan Lee. Copyright Marvel Comics and 20th Century Fox.

To those who've been reading Tales of Sol. I want you to know that while there is sex in this story. That is not is sole purpose and yes I don't home 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 24 Rocky Relationship

I reentered the hotel with pizzas in hand. I got back to the floor where 98 Degrees were staying. Drew came to meet me again. Seeing the pizzas he smiled "If I am going to be late the least I could do is get dinner," I smirked. Drew grabbed the sodas then asked, "Mike, would you care to explain what the hell happened?"

"I get what I call Pings from the Earth that just meant to get my attention," I tried to explain

"And how does that explain how you knew about the kidnapping?" Drew questioned

"The Pings only let me know there is trouble, among my many powers I can see through most things," I told Drew who quickly put the sodas over his crotch

"Don't worry I would never do such a thing," I laughed

Turning serious, "When I looked down at the floor I could see into the room below and I saw a buffoon trying to kidnap a little girl," I said

"Mike I don't know if I should be scared or relieved," Drew confessed

"What is that?" I asked

"I was just thinking if you weren't here, the story below our feet would have been different, and truly it scares me to think that a little girl staying at the same hotel as us was almost abducted, and we would have never known if you hadn't been here to stop it," Drew Shuddered

"It gets worse Drew," I shuddered as I started thinking about the whole problem now before me.

As we walked down the hall to their suite Drew looked back and asked, "What is it?"

"Drew, Dave and I, have stumbled upon something big, some sort of child kidnapping scheme that only now coming to the light because Dave was attacked by one of his employees," I answered

"Oh my, is Dave alright?" Drew gasped

"Dave is fine, I was there, and was able to intercept, and put the employee down," I answered

Drew let out a sigh of relief I continued "That lead me to see the source of the man's problem who's six year old sister was kidnap four months ago,"

That got Drew's attention, "I take it you believe that scheme was happening here in our hotel?"

"I think so, there were kids left alone in the room below yours. The teenager was fine his six year old sister not so, the kidnappers tried to take her and five others," I relieved

"Who leaves their children alone?" Drew gasped

"The question I have how could the kidnappers even know what floor those kids would be on," I pondered

"Let's get back to the guys they are anxious to see you," Drew lead me to the door

He stopped me before we could go through "Mike, I wanted to let you know I haven't told anyone what you did to Nick expect to say that you heard Nick crying and prayed for him,"

"I appreciate it Drew, I am just not sure how the rest will take me having a deeper connection to the Earth then I have let on," I told him

"I still don't fully understand it Mike. Whatever these gifts are you have helped my big brother, and for that I am very grateful for it," Drew stated

"I love you guys, and I hate seeing you guys in any pain," I said

"We really love you a lot, and some of us a little more," Drew smiled

"Jeff? I love him, Drew I really do." I said quietly

"Hey Guys are you coming down? We are hungry?" Nick asked

"If you tell no one else Mike, tell Jeff he has every right to know," Drew said

"I don't want him to run Drew I don't know how he would handle all of this," I worried

"Trust him Mike he is a great man and he loves you dearly," Drew assured

"Just follow your heart Mike," Drew commented

When we entered "Well that settles that question!" Jeff laughed

"What?" I asked

Justin answered, "We were just wondering what we were going to do about dinner," pointing to the pizzas, "You answered that question quite nicely," Justin said as he took the pizzas from me and placed them on the coffee table.

As we enjoyed the pizzas, Jeff was by my side "Mike where did you go?"

"There was something that requires my attention," I answered

"And what does Drew have to do with it?" Jeff demanded

"Only that I asked to let you know I would be back as soon as I could," I answered

"Let's eat these pizzas while they are still hot," Drew suggested.

After dinner Jeff insisted he and I walk back to the hotel. It was a warm summer night so there was a ting of humidity in the air giving us a sheen of sweat. "Mike I want you to know something," Jeff stated

"What is it?" I asked

"You can trust me Mike," Jeff simply said

"I do trust you love," I reiterated

"You seem to have made Drew your confidences," Jeff adamant in his attempt to reassure me of his feelings towards me.

I wish I felt confident that he wouldn't bolt down Market Street if he knew the whole story.

"There is more going on then you can understand Jeff," I said as I looked around us to make sure no one could hear us.

"Mike I just want you know, that you can trust me, as much as you trust Drew," Jeff reiterated

I was about to say a response when a woman's scream filled the air. My ears like radar pinpointed the sound and I turned my head and enhanced my eyesight to see a woman laying on the street and a big burly man holding what looked like small object in his hands

"This has been one very busy night," I mumbled. I ran to the woman of Asian descent, just as the van sped off with a flick of my finger I sent a probe to attach to the van.

Jeff was by my side within minutes and said "Oh my God!"

I put my hand on the woman's head and blood was coming from her lips, checking her pulse. It was quickly fading and I began to perform CPR on her. Jeff pulled out his cell phone and called 911 while I attempted to save this poor woman.

Her pulse was fading. Jeff did his best to describe our location. In between reps I told Jeff where we were and he relayed that to the 911 dispatcher.

A police car arrived a moment later and the officer ran to our side and we took turns performing CPR. "Her pulse is erratic," the officer stated as he checked while I desperately tried to save this woman.

"We are not going to lose her," I snarled as I continued to apply CPR. The woman was now beyond even my powers to revive. But if could keep going until the ambulance arrived she had a chance. I could hear it in the distance, `all I had to do was keep this woman alive for them to arrive and she could be saved,' I thought as I continued to perform CPR.

In my head I heard Gaia, "Mike this is nothing you can do, she is beginning to crossover,"

"Not bloody likely," I snarled as I refused to give up

The officer was desperately tried to find the woman's pulse, even I was beginning to feel her body starting to lose heat,

"Sir! she is gone," the officer cried

Jeff put his hand on my shoulder and I was forced to stop and fell backward tears rolled down my face.

The officer turned to Jeff and I so he get a report on what just happened "I heard her screaming and I saw a man grab something from her," I told the officer

"Do you know what it was?" the officer asked

"No," I shook my head in regret "It was too far and too dark for me to make it out," I told him

Turning to Jeff "You were with him right?"

"Yes Officer we were just out for a walk when we both heard her scream," Jeff confirmed

"And who made the 911 call?" the officer asked

Jeff answered, "I did while my friend here rushed to her side and began CPR,"

The ambulance finally arrived and the officer gave his report to the paramedics "We will know more, when we get her to the hospital," the Paramedic stated

Jeff and I finally got back to the hotel"Mike that was incredible your dedication to save that woman was heroic," Jeff cheered in pride

"Incredible would have been saving her life," I corrected in self anguish as I fell against the wall and slid down to the floor.

Jeff was by my side offering me comfort, "Mike you did everything you could,"

"No I didn't I failed her and I have no idea what that bastard took from her," I sighed

"Mike that was the most amazing thing I have ever seen," Jeff smiled

"No the most amazing thing would have been me saving her," I growled

"Mike don't let her death get to you," I seem to hear both Jeff and Gaia say that at the same time

"Mike there's nothing more you could have done," Jeff said

But Jeff was wrong. I have the power to heal. I could have used that power to save her.

"No you couldn't have," I heard Gaia reassure me

We got back to Jeff's room while he was in the bathroom I quickly pulled out my combadge "BEATTI I manage to get a probe on to a fleeing van I need you to find it and track it,"

"Understood when you get a chance Dave has more information for you," BEATTI reported

"Okay girl I will come by as soon as I can," I said, closing the link falling back onto the bed just as Jeff opened the bathroom door and he came by my side. "Mike, have I told you how much I love you?"

Putting my arm around him and embraced him "I love you too Jeff,"

Jeff came on top of me and I pulled him into a kiss, nothing sexual just a tender reminder of the love we have for each other.

"I know there are things you are keeping from me and I trust you have your reasons," Jeff smiled as he moved in to kiss me

I just pulled him in and we just laid there in each other's love and comfort.

A knock at the door ruined the moment Jeff got up to see a smiling Drew "Guys do you want to come out to watch a movie with us?"

I nodded when Jeff turned a questionable look to me.

The guys had chosen to watch a movie when we got back. "Hey guys I think we forgot that we have a concert coming up next Tuesday," Drew reminded them all.

"You will be there right?" Jeff asked

"Of course," I said

"Good," Nick smirked

We were sitting watching the movie Titanic. Which was fine to me. This was one of my favorite movies.

While watching the opening credits blinking my eyes I felt a warm tropical sun on my face.

"It is good to see you this way," Gaia's voice came out of nowhere.

Blinking my eyes a couple of times I realized that I was back on Hope Island.

"Gaia?" I asked

"I was saying it was good to see you like this relaxed, and with people who care about you," Gaia smiled

"I can't help but be happy around them," I smiled

"I am happy for you," Gaia spoke

"So why the visit? I doubt you would interrupt my favorite movie for nothing?" I asked

"Fear not you are only missing the slow parts anyway," Gaia remarked

I just laughed, Gaia laughed with me then she turned serious.

"Mike I wanted to tell about the problem you are now facing," Gaia said

"Which one I have, like three of them all need my attention?" I asked

"I will get to the others at a later time but all those missing children are not just something random," Gaia replied

"I figured that part out Gaia," I nodded in agreement

"I have something that might help you," Gaia offered

"Really you said something about that but I was a little distracted," I rubbed my chin

"All I can tell you Mike, is not all fairy tales are make believe, some are rooted in history," Gaia responded

"Gaia are you telling me, I am chasing Mother Goose?" I grumbled

"No Mike this is not some fairy tale, but a real tale of horror that was made into a fairy tale, that had serious consequences," Gaia spoke

I knew there was some wisdom there, not all fables were works of fiction And not all story rhythms are just children's songs but have deeper meaning.

"There is also trouble on the horizon Mike one that threaten your friends," Gaia told me

"What kind of trouble?" I asked

"The kind that could tip the scale of power into the Dark Lord's favor," Gaia told me

"Okay I will keep an eye out for that too," I told her,

"I will let you get back to Jeff and to your movie," Gaia warmly remarked as my world faded.

A moment later I was back in the common rooms. The scene on the screen was the first class dining and passengers were talking about Titanic's features and her construction, marveling at her size and luxury greeted me. I have seen this movie so many times. Even with this brief interruption I knew how to place the movie. I felt Jeff take my hand giving it a loving squeeze, I brought up and gave the back of Jeff's hand a light kiss. We heard a round of awes and how sweet, from the Peanut Gallery. In response Jeff grabbed me in an embrace pulling me over as he fell. To the couch and began heavily kissing me.

"Guys we are already watching a love story we don't need to see it," Nick grumbled.

"Leave them be Nick they make a better couple then Rose and Jake anyway," Drew remarked. Justin on the other hand stuck a finger in his mouth pretending to gag.

"Just ignore them love," Jeff remarked as he proceeded to kiss me some more.

About two hours later Celine Dion was singing My Heart Will Go On. I could hear Jeff lightly breathing. I knew he had fallen asleep. Drew came over and asked "Can you stay the night?"

"Sadly no I have a lot going on," I shook my head in regret

Drew nodded "I understand lets get Jeff to bed then,"

I gently maneuvered trying not to wake my sleeping angel. I picked him up. Drew ran to get the door. As I cautiously carried my love to his bed and gently placed him down. Leaning over I kissed his warm cheek "Good night my love, dream beautifully," I whispered softly

Backing away Drew and I quietly withdrew from Jeff's room "I don't care what is up Nick's butt you and Jeff are made for each other," Drew spoke softly as he gave me a hug.

Hugging Drew back "Thank you Drew that means a lot,"

We both said our good nights and I left to go home, As soon as I stepped in the door BEATTI chimed, "Sir I have an incoming call from your close friend Gregg,"

"Really?" I asked with excitement

"Confirm," my home computer acknowledged

"Put him through," I said with glee

"Mike I was wondering if you wanted to come hang out with Krystal and I tomorrow. We are going to the park?" Gregg requested

"Of course I will see you both first thing tomorrow morning," I agreed then I went straight to bed.

I got up the next morning, quickly showered and had a quick breakfast. I left a half hour later and walked to the park.

It didn't take long for me to find Gregg and his daughter Krystal who ran over to me the instant she saw me.

"Uncle Mike!" she squealed in delight, I stooped down and she ran into my arms

"Hello Little One," I greeted back giving her an uncle's hug

"I have missed you Uncle Mike!" Krystal squealed

"I missed you too," I replied

When Gregg walked over "It has been a while Mike," He shook my hand

"It has been the minute I left the Navy joining the reserves and then I got hired at the Philadelphia Geothermal Power Plant and became the personal assistant to the CEO. Dave Matthews he kept me pretty busy," I told my dear friend

I saw envy cross Gregg's face but he covered it up quickly, "That is great I am glad to hear you are doing well," Gregg smiled

"And how are you and Krystal doing?" I asked

"Daddy is always saying he is doing fine," Krystal answered for her dad

I laughed "Why don't you go play on the swing while your daddy and I talk Little One,"

I put her down and Krystal ran to her favorite swing. When I was sure Krystal couldn't hear us I bluntly asked "How are things really going?"

"It has been rough at my job has been down sizing and I know I am on the chopping block," Gregg whole demeanor changed

"I could put in a good word with you with Dave the Geo Plant is a hike but it pays far better than your current job," I recommended

"Do you really think your employer would?" Gregg asked anxiously

I was about to answer when something out of the corner of my eyes, I looked over at the swing still swinging but missing one child,

"Gregg, where is Krystal?" I raised the alarm, Gregg's head shot up at the swing; it was still swaying but it was missing his daughter. While Gregg was looking around a squirrel ran over to me up my arm and started chittering into my ear. I looked to see a dark van. My sensitive hearing could pick up my screaming niece, as she was being pushed into it.

"Thank you, my little friend," I thanked the squirrel. It quickly jumped off my arm and I bolted for the van. Before it could start I stepped in front startling the not so attractive man,

"I do believe!" I snapped, the startled buffoon just stared at me as I glared at him, "That child would rather be with her father then with you," I demanded

The Ogre recovered and sneered at me, "Get out of the way loser," the burly man growled

"Uncle Mike!" I heard my niece scream, the burly man head snapped

"Shut up you brat," he growled at my niece.

"That is my niece, you bozo, do not talk to her that way! Now I will ask you very nicely one last time to return her," I demanded

"She is coming with me," The Ogre snickered as he tried to floor it. Putting my hand on the van's frame made that little attempt futile as the van came to a dead stop. The boob's head of course followed the laws of motion and slammed into the steering wheel, his ugly face snapped back up.

"I think not. Next time buckle up," I growled, then I turned back to the matter at hand,

"That was the last time I ask, now I am taking my niece back," I stated firmly. My fist went through the driver side window and it shattered, I didn't even feel the glass as it grazed my skin, I grabbed the buffoons collar pulling the driver's head through the window "I will not ask twice!" I growled as the Ogre was now shaking like a leaf yet tried to remain defiant "Come and take her then," he sneered

Before putting the foul breath bastard back I kicked his front tire, bending the front axle. Apparently this van was front wheel drive when the boob tried to drive off. The bent axle prevented the getaway van from getting away.

"Do you take me for a fool, I told you I wasn't asking," I growled. I moved around to the passenger side slamming my fist down on the hood for good measure. Making steam shot out of the radiator followed by the whole engine falling out completely disabling the van, "I said I am taking back my niece you Neanderthal!" I commanded,

I got to the passenger's side and pulled the sliding door hard, breaking the lock and shoving it to the side, jamming it open. "Uncle Mike!" Krystal squealed, holding out her arms I smiled reassuringly,

"I am here Little One," I reached in and freed her from her seat. The boob turned a gun on me. I didn't even register it as I reached out and squeezed the barrel shut

"Plug your ears Krystal," I warned her. She put hands over her ear and I shielded her just as the dimwit fired his gun and it backfired.

The nitwit cursed "Watch your mouth, my niece doesn't need to hear such foul language," I corrected.

Pulling Krystal free of her seat and we exited the van together. "This is my uncle, the one I warned you about," Krystal snickered as I ripped what was left of the gun from the goon's hand

"Touch my niece again," I dictated as I wound up my fist and socked the bastard squarely in the nose. The bastard cursed "You broke my nose,"

"It can't be worse than the rest of your ugly face," I commented walked off with Krystal she hugged me "I knew you would save me Uncle Mike,"

"I will always be here for you Little One," I hugged back. We walked calmly back to the swings where I saw Gregg along with some friendly police officers running our way "Mike where?"

"Daddy, some mean guy grabbed me while you and Uncle Mike were talking. I warned him that my Uncle Mike would make him sorry, and Uncle Mike did," Krystal told her father. Gregg grabbed his daughter out of my arms

while I pointed at the van still venting steam to the officers. "There you go gentlemen that bastard tried to kidnap my niece,"

The officers walked off and the baboon was cursing up a storm while they arrested him.

"Mike you saved my daughter," Gregg teared up.

"I would do it again in two shakes of a squirrel's tail," I answered as I looked up, spotting the squirrel that had informed me and its tail was twitching in joy. I had an obligation to thank the woodland creature for his aid, I saw a vendor on the side and turned to Krystal "Do me a favor Krystal," I asked

"Anything Uncle Mike," My Niece squealed. I gave her some money.

When she took it I placed a probe on her "See that vender?"

"Yes," she nodded

"Get us some pretzels and a bag of peanuts," I asked

She ran off this time I didn't take my eyes off of her "I will talk to Dave, Gregg and we will see to your new job,"

"Mike you don't have to," Gregg waved off but I could see he wasn't going to let this go to waste either

"My niece deserves it Gregg," I said as Krystal ran back to us she gave us our pretzels.

"Why did you want peanuts Uncle Mike?" Krystal asked

"I will show you," I smiled warmly. I took one and held it in my hand. The squirrel climbed back down the tree and slowly approached my open hand.

Krystal watched in delight as the squirrel took the peanut out of my hand and ran back up the tree.

"You have my gratitude," I thanked the squirrel as it munched on the peanut. It came back and I gave it another this time it jumped on my shoulder and began eating.

"Daddy! Did you see that?" Krystal squealed in delight, she was giggling as she watched the squirrel accept more peanuts.

"Your Uncle always did have a way with animals," Gregg acknowledged as he enjoyed his pretzel. We all finished our pretzels and when I gave the squirrel its last peanut.

I whispered "That is the last one," It's tail twitched and it jumped off my shoulder and ran back up the tree.

We spent the rest of the time in the park without further interruptions. After our time in the park I had Gregg drop us off at my house. He was astonished at the change "Mike how?"

"Let's just say working with Dave had its perks and my home is always open to you and Krystal," I stated. There was no need to say anything, I knew BEATTI already made sure Gregg and Krystal could get in. Turning to Krystal "In the future Krystal if you are ever approached by those zoo rejects, you can come here and you will always be safe here," I told my niece "But daddy would need to know where I am," Krystal stated

Gregg looked at me "You come here, and then call me,"

She smiled after making sure everyone had gone to the bathroom. I drove us out to the Geothermal Plant. They were greeted by the staff as we made our way to Dave's office when I opened it Dave was still sitting at his desk.

"Gregg Coven, I like you to meet my boss, Dave Matthew," I introduced

"It is a pleasure," Gregg held out his hand

"Any friend of Mike's is a friend of mine," Dave said and when he saw Krystal "and who is this?"

"My name is Krystal," She answered for herself

"Hello Krystal," Dave greeted my niece

"My Uncle Mike saved me today," Krystal said with pride

Dave quickly looked at me and I nodded in a silent acknowledgment the unspoken words between us was enough for him to know exactly what happened. "He did?" Dave asked

"Yes some boob tried to take me from my daddy," Krystal told my mentor

"That sounds like Mike speaking there," Dave laughed

"Uncle Mike also said you could give Daddy a job," Krystal spoke up

This made me blush as Dave head snapped my way but I could also see that he was both gleeful and shocked "You know kids Dave they beat you to the punch every time," I blushed

"And does your daddy need a job?" Dave asked Krystal

"Daddy says he doesn't," Krystal said

Dave turned to Gregg who now had his head down in shame feeling like he was letting his daughter talk for him. "I do believe we have room for your daddy here," Dave said

Gregg's head shot up "Do you mean it?"

"We have an opening in our shipping department we could use a new person there to help with our deliveries," Dave said

This made Gregg tear up again. I turned to Gregg "It may not be as exciting as your last job but it pays better and Krystal will have better health coverage," I said.

Gregg was stupefied "Mike you didn't even have to do this my job is fine,"

"Gregg when opportunity knocks you answer if you hold out you will find out the hard way," I encouraged

Krystal was looking out the window "Look daddy look at the deer,"

Gregg went over to his daughter and they looked out the window.

"You just happened to meet up with your friend and you offered him a place?" Dave asked

"It didn't start out that way Dave but there is a very good reason he is here and after a buffoon tried to kidnap my niece," I said looking over at my best friend and his daughter

Dave looked at me "I wouldn't turn him away Mike and I trust your judgment and are you certain about the boob?"

"Absolutely they are getting bold had if not been for a watchful little squirrel, I would have to add Krystal to the growing list," I whispered

"What about Gregg's job?" Dave asked

"I know him too well, he says they were downsizing and that he could be next," I informed

"So either they already gave him a warning or they already canned him," Dave put two and two together

"I think it happened much sooner than that and time was not on Gregg's side," I noted while I watched father and daughter point out various things on the field.

"Mike I would never turn them away especially seeing how Krystal looks up to her uncle," Dave said seriously

"I didn't think so and I really wasn't trying to impose on you or even use my niece to guilt you," I quietly said

"Mike you are incapable of taking advantage of me and I know the guardian was being called on both fronts," Dave said

As Gregg walked back "Mike thank you I accept,"

Dave held out his hand "Welcome aboard Gregg,"

Gregg accepted and said, "Thank you Mr. Matthews I really appreciate all of this,"

"Dave, please I meant it any friend of Mike's is a friend of mine, and you can best believe I will send your resignation letter to your last job personally," Dave reiterated

"Don't bother they didn't think I was worth keeping," Gregg said all that did was confirm what I suspected, and I could see the sad recognition on Dave too. We just saved my best friend and my niece.

Dave had Stella come and show Gregg and Krystal to his new position, once they left Dave asked "How certain are you that the bastard who tried to kidnap your niece was connected to the string of kidnapping?"

"Dave so far I have witness three kidnappings in the last two days whoever is behind this is getting bold," I explained stopping just to take a breath, "I don't doubt it for an instant Dave, Gregg and I didn't even take our eyes off of Krystal for a second before that goon tried for my niece now it is personal," I snapped

This took Dave back "I am not doubting your instincts here I need to inform Chief Rodgers of this and add it to the list of children this bastard has tried for,"

"Krystal now has a probe on her," I simply stated

"Now I know how Jared felt after some bozo made off with his sister and I will see to it that we find her," I growled

Dave gave me a sympathetic glace, "It is easy to distance yourself from a problem when it doesn't involve you,"

When Gregg and Krystal came back my nieces ran to me "Thank you Uncle Mike,"

"It is Dave, you should thank Little One," I reminded my niece she jumped out of my arms and into Dave's he was shocked and smiled "You are most welcome Ms Krystal,"

"Mike I will never know, how you know such things," Gregg pulled me into a hug

"She knew," I stated simply

Gregg pulled back and looked at me "Are you certain?"

"Without a doubt, I never lost my faith in her and she came through as always," I answered

"I never gave too much thought into that crazy belief system of your Mike," Gregg stated

"I know everything that happens, happened for a good reason and I never lost my faith in her," I smiled

Dave saw us and asked, "What are you two talking about?"

As if was a simple question Krystal answered, "My Uncle Mike has faith in the Earth, Mr. Matthews,"

Dave gasped for second and said, "I know he does sweetheart he never lets me forget,"

This made Gregg and I laugh, "Mike tried to explain it to me years ago and even now I still don't get it," Gregg smiled

"Oh Daddy, Uncle Mike is no different than anyone who believes in God," Krystal snickered

Gregg looked at his daughter, "I know pumpkin and your Uncle was just telling me that it was the Earth who knew we needed help,"

Krystal looked at me and asked, "Uncle Mike is that true?"

"The Earth is always watching, Little One and she will always be there for her children," I smiled

I picked up Krystal and we went to the window and I said, "This is our home Krystal and we must do all we can for her," we saw the meadow a light breeze swept through making the grass wave and the water that fed the geo pit splashed over its bank. Fish jumped in the water "But how did the Earth know Daddy and I were in trouble?" Krystal asked.

"She knew," I told her

While I was talking to Krystal, Dave turned to Gregg, "Are you comfortable with Mike expressing his beliefs with your daughter?"

Gregg laughed, "As crazy as it sound Mike makes more sense than half of those who supposedly speak for God and I have never heard Mike try to convert any one nor does he talk down about any other religion,"

"So you don't have a problem with Mike's faith in the Earth?" Dave asked

"Not at all, I've known Mike since childhood and it was his faith in the Earth that saw him through much of his upbringing," Gregg said

Dave looked at Gregg "How much do you know about Mike's childhood?"

"Enough to know that without his belief in the Earth he would have given up a long time ago," Gregg replied seriously.

We went back and forth for a few more minutes until I had to take Gregg and Krystal home.

When we got there Jeff and the rest were sitting in the living room "Look Daddy!" Krystal squealed

"I see them," Gregg acknowledged

"Gregg, Krystal I like you to meet some friends of mine," I introduced

Gregg laughed "Mike if I don't know who these guys are, then I am a very poor friend of 20 years,"

"Daddy it's Nick Carter," Krystal squealed making everyone laugh

"No darling wrong group," I laughed as I picked her up

"Nick Lechey, Drew Lechey, Justin Jeffre and Jeff Timmons, this little munchkin in my niece Krystal and her father Gregg Coven," I introduced

Jeff shook Gregg's hand "A pleasure Mr. Coven,"

"Likewises Mr. Timmons," Gregg shook back

Staring at me with wide eyes in total astonishment, "Mike, what in the hell, is 98 Degrees doing in your home?" Gregg asked

"Hiding from their obsessed female fans," I answered in jest

"But Uncle Mike I am here, are they going to get in trouble ?" Krystal asked

Chuckling in delight to Krystal's innocence "Oh no Little One, these guys are my friends, and when they are in town they like hanging out with me," I told my niece

"Actually we came here when you uncle didn't come back to our hotel and we figured we surprise him," Nick remarked

Jeff took Krystal's hand and said, "Your uncle and I are really good friends,"

Gregg looked at me with a questionable expression I didn't answer out loud I instead took Jeff's hand and gave it a kiss the only ones not shocked were Jeff's band mates

"Daddy he just kissed Mr. Timmons' hand," Krystal giggled in delight.

"Yes he did Mike and Jeff apparently are special friends," Gregg answered

"And we all consider your uncle a brother," Drew answered my niece

This also got Gregg attention "What can I say I have my charm," I winked

"Your friend has shown himself to be trustworthy," Justin answered Gregg's questionable look

"I don't doubt that I just hadn't expect you and Mike to hit it off like that," Gregg confessed

"Neither did I," I answered honestly

"Your friend here has more than earned it and we count ourselves lucky," Nick answered both our questions

"I can't wait to tell my friends," Krystal cheered

I quickly turned my niece "Now Krystal you need to be careful and you mustn't tell anyone,"

Krystal looked confused, "Why can't I tell my friends?"

Gregg said, "Krystal that is not for you to tell, Mike and Jeff are entrusting you with their secret, there are those who don't approve Mike and Jeff's lifestyle and there are those who would cause them problem if ever came out,"

Krystal nodded "Okay daddy I don't want to cause my Uncles and trouble,"

This made me tear up how adults can learn from children Krystal already accepted Jeff and I and she was already considering him her Uncle. I saw Jeff he too teared up as he accepted Krystal's words.

I started dinner and Gregg helped out while Krystal kept the boy band entertained

"Mike how the hell did you and Jeff become an item?" Gregg asked

"When two hearts find each other you don't question you accept," I simply said

"Are you sure you two aren't?" Gregg started

but I interrupted, "I am not sure about a lot of things the only one who knows what is happening is the Mother and I putting my trust in her,"

Gregg looked at me for a second then he said, "You and Jeff do make a great couple he is very lucky to have you,"

"I wonder about that part," I confessed

We turned to watch as Krystal had everyone of them laughing "He is a wonderful man," I told Gregg

"And he has a wonderful man, I know you too well Mike to even think you would let, Jeff's celebrity status get to you," Gregg whispered

We turned to finish with dinner and as I was stirring the mashed potatoes potatoes when I felt a kiss on the cheek "Your niece is a dear," Jeff said into my ear.

"She loves you too," I kissed his cheek.

It was a few moments later that we were all sitting down to dinner Justin offered to say grace this was how we spent the remainder of the night until Gregg had to take a sleeping Krystal home to bed. Jeff and I went to our room and made love to each other before going to bed.

That is it for this chapter more to come.

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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