Tales of Sol

The Tales of Sol 37 By Joe at3unit3@yahoo.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To those who've been reading Tales of Sol. I want you to know that while there is sex in this story. That is not is sole purpose and yes I do hope the sex sense makes you all hard and gets you off.

Sol is an adaption from my childhood favorite show Captain Planet and the Planeteers, The cartoon showed us that the world can be a better place if we took a few moments to care for it.

Tales of Sol is meant to express hope.

It is also shows how music can have an impact in our lives. While I don't know if my favorite bands 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys or Nsync have ever read this. They saw me through some of the hardest moments of my life and offered in their own way hope. To them I say thank you.

I dedicate the Tales of Sol to all of my brothers and sisters of the US armed service past, present, and future.

I like to thank my friends who I had the privilege showing these chapters with. They helped with editing and inspiration,

John Rivera, Albert-Russ Alan Rivera-Odum, Derbe.D. Hunte Yvette Ortiz Samuel Diaz Jr for all their help in Making The Tales of Sol an enjoyable story to write.

And I have a few other names starting with the beginner of this universe James the author of Tales of a Real Dark Knight. I still hope to reconnect with you dear friend and all the rest of this series.

Blake the author of Tales of a New Phoenix

Jeremi author of the Tales of Young Mutants

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

And now without any further ado I give you the next chapter of Tales of Sol.

The Tales of Sol 37 Changing Courses

It was hours later when we left the wreckage of that Mutant Awareness Charity and after a few choice words with Luc who apologized profusely. We stepped into my house everyone disbursed Justin and Drew ran up to the bathroom Jeff went to our room and Nick went to his room, I went to the kitchen to make some tea Jake came down and joined me at a spot of tea. We talked about the charity and all that happened. "We saw everything from your probe Mike it was unbelievable," Jake awed

"It seems the whole thing was an elaborate trap to silence anyone who would show sympathy towards mutants," I explained

"That is what makes it seem so scary everything about it sounded legit and if not for a certain Guardian who knows what could of happened," Jake was shaking in fear.

As we talked Nick came down and literally fell onto the couch. Whatever was wrong with my big friend was coming to a head.

I hadn't forgotten my promise I made. I got up and grabbed a cup and made Nick some tea. Bring the cup to Nick "Here, Nick this should help," I offered

"I am not much of a tea drinker," Nick sighed

"I know, but trust me on this Nick, this will be more relaxing the a can of beer and it will help you tremendously," I offered

Sighing Nick sat up, took the offered cup and took a sip, the change in his expression told me he was at least happy with the taste. Nick and I sat quietly drinking our tea. Jake slowly sat down and Drew gracefully sat next to his big brother.

"Nick it is time we talked," I said

"Whatever you want Mike," Nick's head fell back against my couch cushion.

"Let's take this to somewhere more peaceful," I took him to the Holo-Room in the basement and called up my forest program with the lake in it.

As we entered the sounds of birds chirping and the waterfall in the distance was all designed by me to help me relax.

"Let's sit," I suggested

"Whatever you say Mike," Nick shrugged. We sat under a simulated mighty Oak whose great leaves shaded us from the holographic sun but even in the shade the sun's gentle warmth was still welcoming, the pond's scenic view made for tranquility with the occasional fish splashing in the water. The holo air was clean and filled with the fresh scent of flowers.

In a non judgmental tone I asked, "Tell me Nick, how did you meet Jenny?"

"I had gone to a bar for a drink in Saint Louis, and before the third beer she had sat down beside me, and we began chatting it up," Nick answered as he leaned back against the holographic oak tree and sighed.

I let him continue "Before I knew it we were leaving that bar together and we were back in my hotel making out and having sex,"

"From that point we were vertically inseparable." Nick closed his eyes and rested his head against the tree bark.

"Keep going," I encouraged Nick to continue

Nick's eyes slowly opened and just looked at me. He let out a weak sigh and his whole body language expression was one that conveyed loss and hopelessness.

"I miss her Mike," Nick said after a moment of silence

"Who 'Jenny'?" I quizzed

"Yeah devil or not she helped me feel again," Nick conveyed

"I understand Nick, but truth is Satan didn't love you back and what worst is he used your pain and used for its own good," I said

"It doesn't matter! Even after finding out that she was pulling the same trick on Nick Carter and Chris Kirkpatrick, despite all that I still feel for her," Nick cried

"It is not her you are missing, but the feeling of being alone" I stated

His head shot up and the shock look on his face gave away some of his true feelings

"Nick I want you to do something," I instructed

"I want you to look into the lake," I told him

He got up and looked into the water his reflection shone through.

"What do you see looking back at you?" I asked

"I don't know anymore," Nick confessed as a tear fell into the water. Putting a hand on his shoulder I spoke, "I see a man who is greatly love by his friends, a man who is also lost,"

He nodded at my assessment "But I also see something else," I told him

"Who is she?" I asked

"Jessica," Nick said without thinking this was his heart talking

"Why Jessica?" I asked

"She complete me," Nick sobbed

"So why did "Jenny' help?" I quizzed

"She took away the hurt," Nick cried

"Where is Jessica?" I asked

"I, I don't know?' Nick cried

"What happened to her?" I questioned

"She was taken from me," Nick sobbed

"When?" I asked

"While we were in Los Angeles," Nick answered

"Nick turn to me," I instructed

His tear stricken eyes looked right at me "So you feel as if you failed her?" I asked

"I did," Nick stated

I looked at Nick and a sudden inspiration came to me, I moved closer "Nick I want to try something, do I have your permission to use it on you?"

"What is it?" Nick asked

"Nick with each passing day my powers get stronger, and now that devil is gone I now have a much better idea of what is going on," I explained

"You mean if not for the Devil you might have seen something much sooner?" Nick gasped

"It is possible the devil was hiding your true pain from me who knows but his influence is gone," I suggested

"Nevertheless My experience with Jared is not even alcohol can completely keep me out," I told my dear friend

"Nick just by looking at you I get a jumble of images that are disturbing enough," I tried my best to explain

Nick looked a bit more hopeful but I had to confess "The alcohol is making it hard for me to see things clearly, I believe with the Earth's help I can get through all of that, possibly see what happened to you," I did my best to explain it.

Nick look hesitant "Yes to do it I need to look into your mind but just like my probes I won't see what you don't want me to see but I need to understand the chain of events better," I spoke gently

"If you think it can help then I give you permission," Nick gulped down air

Putting my hands on both sides of Nick's head against his temple, it was time for me to try something new, "Mother, I need to see," I requested.

Drew had been standing in the doorway of the Holo-Room. He was desperate but didn't want to interrupt Mike in his attempt to help his big brother. When Mike placed his hands around Nick's head, Mike's eyes closed, a golden aura beginning at the center of his chest shot out of him and engulfed Nick.

The Holo-Room melted away and in my mind's eye I saw through Nick's eyes a woman I knew who she was. Jessica Simpson and Nick were walking down some boulevard, hands intertwined, I could see Jessica looking deeply into Nick's eyes. The bliss on her face matched the one Nick had. As they stared into each other's eyes. An entire conversation was taking place with that look. Jessica moved in for a kiss, a long and passionate kiss one used only when two people are truly in love.

Then everything went black and when Nick opened his eyes Jessica was gone all he saw was an ugly pavement.

Nick had been knocking him out. In his hands was something Nick brought it up and there was a picture of Jessica being kidnapped by the masked man and a note telling him that he was never seeing her again.

Through his eyes I saw Nick running down the streets screaming, "Jessica!"

"Jessica, where are you?" Nick panicked as he frantically searched for his love. After an exhausted and fruitless search Nick collapse in the streets

"I will find you!" Nick cried as he wrapped his arms around the picture.

The next image was Nick standing in a police station with an officer looking glumly at the music star.

"I am sorry Mr. Lachey we have not been able to find Miss Simpson," The Detective reported

Jessica wasn't the only one Nick saw that night even if his eyes were only on his girlfriend. There was someone else with them. Nick wouldn't have remembered since he was knocked, when I looked back at Nick's peripheral vision, I saw several stray cats and knew they saw everything. I sent a request to the Earth "Mother, I know it is a long shot but if those sweethearts are still alive I need to know what they know, let me see what had happened," I pleaded.

In an almost black and white television look I was transported to that night. I could see the couple through the eyes of the stray cats. As they watched the happy couple moved down the street, the animals in the street watched the humans and could sense the impending danger before the couple could. All they saw was a menacing figure moved towards them. They didn't hear the cat hissing as it saw the danger coming up behind them. The dark figure stalked them starting from the restaurant they just came from to this point. The creatures could hear his harsh breathing, cats heard him make snarling sounds at the couple, they could sense the jealousy pouring from him, his hatred for Nick just fueled his temper, and his obsession for Jessica, only made his decision more paramount he was going to have his prizes. He walked quietly up behind the happy couple pulling out a club of some kind. He slowly made his way behind them blissfully; they were unaware of the looming danger but the animals knew once he was in striking distance the man swung his club hitting his targets, knocking them both out.

The man left Nick while he tied Jessica up after taking the picture and leaving it for Nick to find he hauled away. One of the alley cats slowly approached the unconscious Nick sniffing him, then licked his cheek. This made Nick stir, making the cat bolt back into the alley way and that was the last thing it saw. It was the last thing I needed and everything now made perfect sense. As I broke the connection with the Earth my thumbs were now slick Nick's tears as he pulled away as he wept out of control.

I fell backwards a little light headed from the power expenditure but seeing the truth behind Nick's drinking made it worth it. My heart was the most affected by the terror that plagued Nick 'No wonder,' I thought I moved to his side and pulled him to a hug

"Why Mike why?" He whimpered into my shoulder

My heart went out to him I pulled him into a hug, Nick cried into my shoulder when I said, "Nick I promise to use every resource at my disposal to help you,"

I heard movement and at the door to the Holo-Room in crept Drew his curiosity was every bit as strong as that alley cat and his concern for his brother and the demands for answers got the best of him.

"Nick?" Drew whispered as he came close and saw his brother crying. I gave Nick over to Drew. Getting up on unsteady legs I had used more power then I expected but I had to make a call.

Walking to the Holo-Rooms control panel I punched a sequences and made a call to the Lair

"Dave, Dana, come in," I called

"Dave, what's up?" Dave answered

"Dave we have a new assignment," I told him

"Oh we do," I could hear the smirk

"Yes I know what wrong with Nick," I told him

I could hear the relief and excitement when Dave asked, "You do? how?"

Drew looked at me with the same questioning look that demanded answers

"I have Nick here with me in the Holo-Room," I explained everything as best as I could. I saw Drew paid particular attention to my revelation to Nick's dream and to the information I obtained from the animals who witnessed the assault.

Drew just held his brother firmly as the news of Jessica hit him and all he wanted to do was comfort his big bro.

After I finished my tale I asked, "With information what do you think we can do?"

It took him a moment I am guessing he and Dana were trying to figure out that very question then the speakers came alive when Dave commented

"Mike from what you are telling me is true, and I have no doubt in my mind you are. There is only one who can help Nick, and that is the Earth. If anyone would know its her,"

I figured that much myself, my only fear was that the only way I could possibly get those answers would be to make my connection to the Earth much deeper. Such a connection would require me to fully open myself to the Earth and there was no telling how far I'd have to go or how deep I had to make the connection or how long it would take. And there was a chance that I might get lost in the process. The information I'd be receiving from the Earth could overload even me if not for Captain Planet. But what I am about to do is nothing small by any comparison.

"I just confirmed it with both Dana and BEATTI, they agree that with all of the available data you gave us," Dave corresponded

"We can't try anything else?" I asked normally I'd wouldn't be so worried but this was a huge undertaking one that could be devastating if it went wrong.

"We can but they would take longer and since there is no way of knowing what is happening to Jessica or how long she is going to hold on, we believe your connection to the Earth could be Jessica's best hope." Dave responded.

Drew looked up from his brother and right at me and pleaded, "Mike if there anyway to help Jess who knows what this bastard could be doing to her,"

I shook my head I sympathized with Drew "It is not that simple Drew," I said, but I still needed to know more before I took such a risk I then called out "Gaia,"

Before our eyes Gaia appeared in the Holo-Room in her spirit form. Nick and Drew gasped at her presents as her sudden appearance in the Holo-Room they heard me talking about her but this is the first time they saw Gaia.

"Greeting Nexus, what can I do for you?" She greeted smiling at me with her motherly smile

"Gaia I need some help Jessica Simpson was kidnapped, and Nick is dying inside trying to find her," I told her

"I am very sorry for your troubles," Gaia responded then looked at Nick and Drew

"I had no idea until now what was wrong with my brother," Drew responded as he cradled his brother I could hear Nick silently pray for help

"I think I can help them but it will mean I will have to make a very deep connection to the Mother," I informed her

This got Gaia's attention "Mike that is very dangerous for if you venture to far you could be lost as well,"

"I figured as much I just needed some confirmation on the risk," I shook my head.

"Mike," Drew pleaded

"Drew this is not something I can just do, there is great danger in this venture," I tried to explain. Gaia nodded in agreement.

"You must make that call my Nexus but I don't think you could make any other choice. It is why I choose you," Gaia told me.

"What danger?" Drew asked, seeing both Gaia and I in agreement over something he can't even begin to understand.

I still couldn't get over the look of hopelessness in Nick and the plead in Drew's eyes. I knew what I had to do.

Walking over to Nick and put my hand on him "Nick I need your help," I told him

My voice seemed to reach him when his tear soaked eyes looked at me "Wh, wha, what can I do?" Nick sobbed

"We have to ask one of the few people, who know how to help Jessica," I told him

"Who?" Nick sobbed but I heard hope in his crackly voice

"The Earth, Nick if anyone can help us it is her," I informed him

Drew looked at Nick while my attention was back at Gaia who was smiling "Like I said I didn't think you would have chosen otherwise," She said then returned to Hope Island.

"So what do we do?" Nick asked

"First, Drew go get the rest I am going need them too," I instructed

Drew did as he was told I turned to Nick and smiled, "This will be interesting,"

"What are we about to do?" Nick asked for the first time he was intrigued

"Nick you know that thanks to Captain Planet, I have a connection to the Earth right?" I quizzed

"Yeah," Nick replied

"I promised I would use all my resources," I told him

"How does your connection to the Earth come into play?" Nick questioned before I could answer Drew returned Jeff and Justin. They each had a somber look on their face. Drew must have filled them in on Jake, was even with them. He looked around the Holo-Room and asked, "Where are we in another dimension or something?"

"Nope just Mike's Holo-Room," Justin replied

"Holo what?" Jake asked wide eyed

"We'll explain later right now I am sure Mike and Nick would like to get going," Jeff stated

"Quite," I replied

"I am sorry about Jess." Jeff said giving his friend a hug,

"Thanks but if Mike has anything to say about it I will have her back before the day is done," Nick replied and for the first time since I met he had hope in his heart.

"So what are we going to do?" Jeff asked

I explained everything as best as I could to Jeff, Justin and even Jake. They were all stunned at the revelations.

"When I entered Nick's mind I not only saw what he saw, but I also saw what the nearby creatures saw and that all thanks to my ability to connect to the Earth. To find Jessica I have to make that connection as deep as we need it to be. To do that I have to do a very deep meditation," I told them

"So why do you need us?" Drew asked

"The information I am receiving is the bare minimum from the Earth, like drinking water, taken in small amounts is both healthy and necessary. Yet even this would overload the mind of a normal human," I told them "What makes it even more daunting is that everyday I receive bits and pieces at a slow and manageable pace so as not to overload my psyche. Usually while I am meditating or sleeping, I am able to sort of make sense of what I receive and in time I'd would know all that I will need to know in order to help protect our world," I continued stopping only to catch my breath "To find Jessica I'd have to fully open myself up to the Earth," I said

"That just sound dangerous," Jake commented

"Like a flood," Jeff seems to get the water reference.

"Exactly," I confirmed but pressed on, "Meditation allows me to go even further then when I sleep but if I push it too hard even I can be overwhelmed by the amount of information the Earth herself has,"

"So that is what Gaia meant," Drew spoke

"Yes, but with you guys here it could help keep me stay focused and grounded," I conveyed

"So how do we begin?" Nick asked

"Okay," I said as I closed my eyes. I opened myself up so I could feel the Earth's magnetic field envisioning a compass I took hold of Jake. and using the compass as a guide I put him in the South. With my eyes still closed I found Justin and placed him on the West. Next I took Jeff and centered him on East. Finally with Drew I placed him at North. Last I took hold of Nick moved us both to the center of this compass. When I opened my eyes again I could see the uncertainty in their faces.

It was Jake who spoke first, "What are we doing?" Jake asked as he looked at around him wonder why he was standing there

"I need you all to be my compass," I told them

"You four are standing on the four corners of the world," I informed

"And Nick at the center?" Jeff asked

"Yes," I confirmed

"But, why?" Drew asked

"To find Jessica I will be traveling the four corners of the world to find the center," I told them

Justin nodded "And like any traveler you need a compass to guide way,"

"Exactly," I confirmed

"So what do we do?" Jeff asked

"First we all must sit comfortably for this may take a while," I instructed

After we all took a seat I looked at Nick who was getting antsy "Are you ready?"

"I think so, what should we expect?" Nick asked as he gulped in some air he really wasn't sure what he was about to get himself into and truth be told neither did I. But for the first time I could feel hope coming off of him and that alone was all I needed.

"The surrounding will change as the atmosphere becomes charged," I stated

"You will all feel a strange sensation don't fight it," I instructed

"Will it hurt?" Jake asked

"No," I reassured

"What if something goes wrong?" Jeff asked his voice filled with concern

"Then I will need you all to pray," I informed

"Nick for you this will be the strangest experience, since you are at the center of this and will feel whatever I feel," I told him

"Okay," Nick said with a gulp

Taking his hands into mine and closing my eyes I knew that Nick's eyes were also closed taking a deep breath and a silent prayer to the world and things began to take shape.

And like a message I heard all of their voices at once and the song being played in my head the first verse was like the first link to communicating with the Mother.

"The loneliness of nights alone

The search for strength to carry on

My every hope has seemed to die

My eyes had no more tears to cry

Then like the sun shines from up above

You surrounded me with your endless love

And all the things I couldn't see

Are now so clear to me"

The next part brought me closer and the song got louder.

I could sense all of their feelings as they felt the sudden change in the Holo-Room.

"You are my everything

Nothing your love won't bring

My life is yours alone

The only love I've ever known

Your spirit pulls me through

When nothing else will do

Every night I pray

On bended knee

That you will always be

My everything"

Getting closer and clearer I could really feel the Mother now it was like being wrapped in a blanket made of love, trust and joy. Nick and everyone gasp as they felt the Earth for the first time.

"Now all my hopes and all my dreams

Are suddenly reality

You've opened up my heart to feel

A kind of love that's truly real

A guiding light that'll never fade

There's not a thing in life that I would ever trade

For the love you give it won't let go

I hope you'll always know"

I was getting closer now. I could feel the Earth's heart pumping now. The flow of magma as it churned in the Mantle, the wind as it brushed against the crust, the pounding of tectonic plates as they were reformed over, and over again. At the Lair everyone there all felt something and stopped what they were doing as Dave and Dana all gasped at the sudden influx of feelings they never knew existed I somehow managed to include all of my closest friends

"Oh

You're the breath of life in me

The only one that sets me free

And you have made my soul complete for all time

For all time"

Closer still yet this time I could feel Gaia as she watched us from Hope Island. I understood its purpose for the first time. I felt my late brother Captain Planet as his body lay still in the Mantle, his silent plea to me to continue what he had started. This sent shivers down everyone's back as just like me they all understood the importance of Hope Island and why it must never fall, I felt hope coming from Nick as he let out a small whimper knowing he was close to getting his love back. That bit of hope was enough to allow me to push even further.

"You are my everything

Nothing your love won't bring

My life is yours alone

The only love I've ever known

Your spirit pulls me through

When nothing else will do

Every night I pray

down on bended knees

That you will always be

My everything, oh my everything"

And in a bright flash of light in my mind's eye I could see every inch of the Planet in a kaleidoscope-like view. I could see everything past, present and future. This is the part where I alone could go.

They all came out of their trance Drew, Justin, Jeff and even Jake slowly got back to their feet still unable to get over the intense feeling they all felt. As Drew and Justin made their way around Nick Jake made his way to his shipmate as if his very presence was enough to help Mike even further.

"Did you guys feel that?" Drew asked as a tear ran down his cheek

"Yeah it was so weird," Justin replied but was more subdued by the sensations

Still standing where Mike had placed him Jeff on the other hand was very quiet deep in thought as he felt uncertainty for the first time since he met Mike.

They all had a strange sensation in the back of each of their minds. Nick had stayed sitting right in front of Mike watching, waiting as he could see Mike's eyes shifting around under his eyelids. "If this works I owe those alley cats a debt I don't know if I could ever repay," Nick said softly

I could see everything, feel everything, smell everything, and touch everything the whole world was suddenly at my fingertips. Still like a kaleidoscope the information swirled before me, I began to sort through it all pulling on one string and weaving together another I was searching for one person in a world of trillions, I was looking for one place among unlimited possibilities, Shifting through time itself trying to bring myself as close to the present.

I began to sort it all out looking for Jessica lost in the sea of information I now received. I felt the Mother as she guided me to my destination.

"How long will it take?" Drew huffed

"As long as it takes," Nick replied from his position in front of me.

Jeff moved further away from the group he needed answers as he felt his heart nearly stop "Gaia," He called

She appeared before Jeff and stated, "I know what it is you seek,"

"Gaia I must know, am I meant to be with Mike?" Jeff asked as tears formed in his eyes

"I am afraid not Jeff he is meant for another, but don't worry your special person is waiting for you," Gaia responded

"Really?" Jeff asked with a small amount of hope

"Yes," Gaia confirmed

"How long will I have to wait?" Jeff asked

"In a few years Jeff this person will be searching for you just as you are searching for them," Gaia answered

"So I will be alone until then?" Jeff sighed

"You are never alone Jeff no one on this planet is ever alone," Gaia conveyed with a sort of comfort that only a mother could give

"He's found her," Gaia announced

A moment later Mike's chest began to glow in a golden array of lights and encased him, making him lift into the air, and in another flash of blinding white light, making everyone but Gaia close their eyes when they opened them again Mike had disappeared.

"Where did he go?" Drew asked

"He has found her and now he is going to save her," Gaia smiled

This made Nick smile. It was the first true smile Jeff had seen on him in a long time.

Then she disappeared, the guys all looked at each other and yet Jeff didn't feel bad now that he knew that someone out there was waiting for him. And while Jeff will help Mike find his new love it didn't erase the feeling of sorrow in his heart when he thought of losing a person like Mike to someone he hadn't even met yet. But Jeff was determined to help Mike find his One-to-Be.

Please remember to Donate to Nifty

Please tell me what you think at3unit3@yahoo.com

I also recommend the following stories it was because of them I got into writing in the first place.

"Tales of a Real Dark Knight" by authorjames

"Marvel Knights" also by authorjames

"Tales of the New Phoenix" by Blake

"Tales of a Superhero Band" by Leo

"Tales of a Young Mutant" by Jeremi

"Tales of a Thunder God" by Tony Justiss