The Tales of Sol 70 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 70 The Battle for Nature
Piloting the Ecocopter, my merry band of heroes were silent as we readied ourselves for battle. Phantom had taken my Bat'leth so I could safely fly us to our rendezvous with the X-Men. Razeel turned to me breaking the silence she once again requested, "Guardian I plead with you one final time let me handle the Count I have the most experience in fighting supernatural forces,"
I gave her a side glance as I flew us to our destination, "Razeel we have been over this and I am counting on your experience in dealing with supernatural forces to get me inside the Count's mansion,"
Razeel wasn't a bit put at ease, "Guardian if you had your powers I wouldn't even suggest this but my Slayer strength can handle that Warlock's magic,"
Razeel reminded me, "That Count must have sent those Bringers after Isabelle because he also fears Vampire Slayers,"
While she had a point, deep within me at my very core I knew I had to be the one who fought this battle.
In a deep voice filled with conviction, I declared, "Razeel, I must do this,"
Razeel quickly countered, "Guardian this is no time for warrior's pride we need to defeat Count Mullack and I am the one who is the most experienced in dealing with those like him,"
I hardened my glance when I said, "This is not about pride,"
Razeel went to say something when Phantom interrupted, "Razeel if I were you I quit now, Guardian is one of the most stubborn person I have ever worked with, he is also one of the most determined,"
My lips soften slightly, "When have you ever seen me in Warrior Mode?" I asked Phantom
Phantom answered, "I saw it when you were honoring your fellow soldiers after saving their spirits from Elizar in the Holo-Room when you had BEATTI play taps,"
In a somber voice, I responded, "It was a privilege to pay tribute to their freed souls,"
Speaking for the first time, Tela answered, "That is the sort of talk I expect from a warrior,"
Razeel pressed, "I get there is some kind of pride here Count Mullack is draining the planet and you feel you have to be the one to bring the Earth back,"
Tela spoke up, "Razeel if it were any other person I would agree with you but I don't sense any kind of pride coming from Guardian, but I am sensing duty and obligation radiate off from him,"
That made Phantom take notice as he paid more attention to how his protege was sitting in the pilot's seat. There wasn't a hint of enjoyment, Phantom was no stranger to the way a soldier ready for combat takes on a different kind of attitude. Guardian had that exact posture now and it was because of that Phantom knew he was right to join this fight. It was a rarity to see such dedication in action.
Razeel sat in her seat looking over and she knew she was right but there was no doubt in the world that it was Guardian who had to deal with Count Mullack that Warlock had messed with the wrong person.
"Very well what is the plan?" Razeel asked
I huffed in recognition, "You and the X-Men need to keep the Count's minions busy while I go after their boss,"
Phantom asked, "How long do we have?"
Looking down at the small monitor the Ecocopter was still tied into the Crystal Chamber, what it showed answered Dave's question. "We have till midnight," I replied. We flew the rest of the way in silence. with only the Ecocopter's rotors kept it from being a completely quiet flight.
Thankfully the Ecocopter's solar batteries held out, and we got to the meeting point at Fairmount Park without any trouble. As I brought us down the X-Men were landing the Blackbird Before leaving the Ecocopter we recharged our Oxygen Breathing Apparatus, as we exited Phantom held up my Bat'Leth and gave it to me.
A breeze washed over us and it felt empty as if in a room full of dead bodies. In total disgust, I looked around because I might as well have been. Fairmount Park was home to vibrant trees and other plants. Now all of them were withering. The ground had a dry crunch as if it was desert sand, Yet even desert sand had more life in it than what I felt beneath my feet. I didn't hear the sounds of any of the animals that would be running, walking, swimming, or chirping in the whole park. It was so dead. Then I remembered we are here to change all of this.
Taking hold of my Klingon Sword I carried it as we met up with the X-Men. We were all wearing some form of breathing device supplying us with the needed oxygen to fight Count Mullack and his demonic minions.
Her voice sounded hollow as Razeel spoke through her OBA, "Mike I wish you would reconsider, let me take on Count Mullack," Razeel requested, pulling out two short swords from their sheaths on her hips. Mike Pennock the civilian was gone at this very moment Guardian was now in soldier mode, holding my Bat'leth carrying handle I tightened my grip.
I was more determined than ever, "Razeel we have over this," tightening my grip on my Bat'Leth's handle even harder, "This battle with Count Mullack, the Guardian must do," I furiously commanded over the sickly feeling wind "I will take on this bastard," I reaffirmed.
"There isn't time to argue, in a few hours every living creature will die," I warned.
My small band of heroes, Razeel, Phantom, and Tela met up with the X-Men.
Tela asked "Where is Storm? She could be a big use to this battle?"
Scott looked pained, "We left her at our Philadelphia Headquarters ever since the Earth's life force was being drained, Storm has grown too weak the Professor is worried if we lose this fight we will lose her too,"
Dave pointed out, "If we lose this battle we lose a whole lot more,"
Wolverine was the first to grumble, "So what is the deal with this guy?"
I gave them all a brief explanation of everything I learned from Hope Island using the files I still had on Count Mullack, Razeel had her own input on the mad wizard the X-Men all listened and wrapped it up by saying, "What needs to happen is I must get inside and do battle with Count Mullack,"
Cyclops said, "Then let's not argue any further,"
Without further delay, we made our way to the mansion.
From the safety of his domain, Count Mullack watched as the pathetic group of misfits made their way to their doom. Turning to his minions "Kill them all!" Count Mullack ordered
The Kaliffs all cheered as they stormed out of his presence the Bringers naturally were silent but they followed.
Advancing towards the gates of the mansion flew open and Bringers and Kaliffs began pouring out.
"Vengeance is mine, what I create will endure, You are my Hand, Nexus," I heard the Father through the breeze.
The hoard grew even closer with one last look around. I took up my Bat'leth like a proud Klingon Warrior ready to fight a desperate battle.
When they were at about 10 feet I called out, "For the Earth!"
I heard my mentor's voice, "Let's do it!" Phantom cheered as he waved his Mek'Leth before him.
I heard Wolverine growl as he squeezed his fists causing his adamantium claws to make a very satisfying hissing sound as they sprang out of their hiding place.
Bringers and Kailiffs continued to run at us.
Cyclops was the first to act as he blasted them with his optic beam. The red beam of energy shot from his visor striking a Bringer in the chest causing it to implode.
I held back on using my Bat'leth instead I took out my D'k Tahg from its holster and threw it at an advancing Bringer, the delta blade was embedded in the creature's forehead before it could take three more steps.
The Cajun mutant Gambit was the next to do something, In his deep Louisiana accent, "Five card stud," he threw five highly charged playing cards hitting three Kaliffs and two Bringers they exploded on impact "What do you know full house," Gambit remarked
Cyclops let loose another volley of laser fire taking out several more advancing demons and knocking them out.
The battle for the Earth and every single creature was now in full swing as the distance between my team and the demons closed.
With a quick flick of my wrists, my Bat'leth was ready and when the closest creature was in range I swung my Klingon Sword, and the blades bit into the flesh and then bone followed by the tip connecting to the Kaliff's heart.
Yanking my sword free, the Kaliff fell in front of me. There was no time to celebrate. There were plenty more to come.
I maneuvered the crescent blade to block the nasty knife coming at me, while driving the heel of my hand into the chin of the Bringer, the demon spun like an out of control top right into the leading edge of my Bat'leth across its belly.
To my right Razeel was making a very good use of her two swords, using one to block while the other was sent into whatever decided to meet the pointy end of it.
To my left, the Phantom of the Opera swung his Mek'leth taking out approaching Kaliff when the demon got into range.
I swung my Bat'Leth with the Kaliff in front of me as the intended target managed to dodge the attack, moving out of the way, and throwing its fist at my head.
I managed to get my Bat'leth up in time to block the attack. Unfortunately for the Kaliff, his fist met my sword's leading edge, getting a really nasty cut through his fist for his troubles.
The Kaliff wailed in pain. I took some mercy on the poor creature by swinging my Klingon sword connecting to the demon's neck severing its head from the rest of the body. Which of course ended his cries of pain. I dodged another attack. swinging my Bat'Leth left following through to the right, my crescent sword warding off all those who tried to tempt fate.
In the middle of a swing, I caught Tela getting into the act by using her telekinetic ability to push several Kaliffs back and into Wolverine's adamantium claws. The gruff mutant turned the demons into shish kabobs.
Returning to the matter at hand I fended off an attack from a Kaliff. It came within reach of my Klingon sword and met its razor-sharp edge across its chin as I brought the right side around and up under the Kaliff's foot. Sending the beefy demon spinning to the ground. I brought my Bat'Leth down. Two blades struck the demon's chest and pierced its heart. Unheeded by the creature's lifeless body I pressed forward.
In a back left swing my Klingon sword cut through several Bringers as they tried to knife attack me. However, the only thing that happened was that arms, legs, and heads were separated from their bodies. I simply pressed on to my primary objective.
As fun as this was I could not continue I had to get to Count Mullack,
I looked around and saw Rogue flying through the air "Come on boys let's go for a spin," she picked up a Bringer and threw it into a rock.
While Wolverine went wild, slashing anything that got in range of his adamantium claws.
I wish I could stay and fight but I had a magician I wanted to introduce my Bat'Leth to. Hacking the Bringer before me, I called out, "I can't stay here,"
With a grunt, as he pushed his Bringer back Dave yelled, "Go we will keep this party going!"
With no more time to waste I had to leave the protection of my allies as I moved deeper into Count Mullaks's property. Taking a path that brought me to the Bringer that still had my D'k Tahg in his forehead, running past the fallen demon I unceremoniously yanked the Klingon knife from the Bringer's head taking a brief moment to use to wipe the blood off the blade.
My journey was far from easy I found myself blocking multiple sword and knife attacks. My Bat'Leth was more than capable of defending against them. The clash of metal to metal assaulted my ears as I blocked more sword attacks using my fist to punch my way through.
I pushed forward with my Bat'Leth leading the way and slicing a deadly path through the Bringers and Kailiffs. I couldn't waste time fighting these bastards; they were not my target. My battle was with Count Mullack. Hacking and slicing my way through the demons, the whole plan was to get me in the mansion while everyone else took care of the perimeter.
I finally made my way to the mansion's eloquent looking wooden front door, which was guarded by two Kailiff Demons. The two muscly demons were armed with broadswords. The one on the right swung his sword. I blocked and parried with the Bat'Leth and pushed it away. The one on the left made its advance, my sword was still fending off the attack in front of me so I kicked the demon in the gut forcing it away. Maneuvering so the Bat'leth could better defend against sword attacks. I brought my Klingon sword around so it would shield me when the pair of Kaliffs brought their swords down. Both blades clashed. Unable to free my hands because I was trying to hold both demons back I kicked the one on my left in his right kneecap forcing him to back away. Now able to deal with one sword I twisted; the Bat'Leth to relieve the Kaliff of his weapon. The demon's sword went flying pointy end first into the Kaliff to my left still holding his kneecap from when I kicked it. It briefly looked down at the sword sticking out of its chest, "Boy were you unlucky," I mocked as Kaliff fell forward.
The remaining Kaliff guard looked down at his fallen companion and in rage charged. I dodged his attack bringing my Bat'leth around so the blade would run through his midsection. Going head first the injured Kaliff hit the door so hard its glass and the wood exploded, sending glass and wood into the mansion. I brought my cloak up in time to shield my face from the shower of debris. When I uncovered my face the door was completely gone. "That is one way to invite guests in," I commented when the dust settled I saw the Kaliff still form in the foyer with two large wood pieces protruding out of the Kailiff's chest and blood flowing out everywhere. A Bringer came running out from behind me moving in for a counterattack. I had my Bat'Leth ready and our blades clashed. The impact was felt up my shoulder. Moving my sword in a fluid motion I brought the crescent blade around and caught Kailiff on the left in the shins. My Bat'Leth passed right through the flesh and struck bone the demon wailed in agonized pain. Pulling the weapon free I ended the creature's pain with a well-placed blow to the chest and puncturing the heart. Taking a moment to use my Bat'leth to clear the remaining glass around the doorway, I entered the mansion. It was time I had a heart-to-heart talk with Count Mullack.
Watching his protégé enter the mansion "He's in!" Phantom announced as he shoved the short blade of his Mek'Leth into the chin of the Bringer before him all around the battlefield the X-Men were fighting off Bringers and Kailiffs.
"Good I hope he makes it before our Oxygen Breathing Apparatus runs out," Razeel commented and while she defended herself from one Bringer and one Kailiff the battle waged outside.
While the Fairmount Battle raged on all over the Earth breathable air was now at its thinnest.
Humans and animals alike were gasping for air.
On the floor of Mike Pennock's home lay the Backstreet Boys, each one gasping for air.
Their skin was becoming paler by the minute.
"It is getting so damn hard to breathe!" Nick cried
Brian cried, "Mike!" as he tried to breathe.
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.
Inside the Watcher's Council Castle,
Quentin Travers sat at his desk while the rest of the Watchers were all keeled over trying to breathe.
The Lair,
Jake and Blaylock were monitoring the battle from the Command Center their OBas had run out 15 minutes ago.
Sounding winded "They will come through I know they will," Jake was confident but scared at the same time. The air in the Command Center was very thin.
"That whelp is in over his head and going to take the rest of us with him," Blaylock sneered in discord.
"That is what you think Blaylock, Mike is more than a match for that bastard, Mike is the Guardian," Jake snapped
"You have an unwavering faith in that upstart," Blaylock grumbled
"That is because I know him, and I know what he is capable of," Jake fired back
"The for all our sakes that faith better not be misplaced," Blaylock grumbled
"Then why didn't you go with them? If you were so concerned then you should be fighting alongside them," Jake condemned
Unable to be in the same room as this prig Jake left the Command Center to be with Gregg.
Jake saw Gregg sitting by Krystal's side holding her little hand in the medical bay, her little form barely hanging on "Mike and his band of heroes 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.
With my Bat'leth leading the way I went through the Mansion.
Turning a corner a demon jumped out "ARRRR!" the Kaliff growled
"Arrr yourself," I said, shoving the Bat'Leth's broad blade into its chin, sending it into a nearby closet. The Kaliff didn't get back up, not wasting precious time. I continued my search and I moved throughout the mansion.
"I never knew fighting demons was so much fun," Phantom smiled around his OBA as his Mek'leth intercepted another and he brought his fist up, socking the Bringer in its eyeless face. Sending the orange-headed demon flying into his companion.
"And I know why Guardian is quite fond of these sci-fi weapons," Phantom used the Mek'Leth to fend off the Bringer's wicked knife in a flick of his wrist Phantom relieved his attacker of his weapon at the same time swiping his sword across the Bringer's stomach.
Through her oxygen breathing apparatus, Dana smiled in appreciation
"Yeah I always get a kick out of it," Razeel commented just as she kicked a Bringer in the stomach and then sliced its throat.
Tela was frying brains left and right; While Razeel and Phantom were going to town slicing one after another. The X-Men were most certainly holding their own.
Walking through the lavish mansion it was plainly clear that the Count put his centuries on Earth to good use. The place was decorated with objects and trinkets that were just as old as the villain. I came into a large room where I saw a man in a long brown cloak standing in the center, his long black hair and a white beard that came to his chest. His grey eyes held a very arrogant stare that radiated off of him.
In a baritone voice, the Wizard spoke, "So we meet face to face," He sounded bored if nothing else.
"So I finally get to meet the elusive Count Mullack," I replied with a dollop of sarcasm.
"Do you really think your band of misfits are going to stop me," The Wizard mocked
"We are more than a match for you Count Mullack," I countered with confidence
"I must say, I am not impressed, why Gaia would choose a loser like you as Sol, is beyond me," the wizard sneered
"Gaia didn't choose me the Earth herself did and I trust her judgment over yours any day of the week," I retorted
I had to ask, "How is it you know who I am anyway?"
The Count answered, "I knew of you the moment you received the soul of that blasted Captain Planet,"
"I waited centuries for the moment to strike back at Gaia for what she did to me," Count Mullack said
"With those blasted Planeteers dead and Captain Planet out of the way I could have done it, you were the only one who could stand in my way of ruling this world," Count Mullack sneered
"Oh yes," I waved at the open window of the decimated Fairmount Park, "This is the perfect world to take over, your greed literal life out of everything," I sarcastically said.
"Once I am the new Spirit of the Earth I will remake this wretched world in my own image and I will be the new God of all," Count Mullack commanded
"I think someone else might have something to say about that," I knowingly remarked.
"Enough!" the Count yelled "It is time to kill you," Count Mullack said, raising his hand to shoot stolen energy at me.
I dodged the attack by flipping backward. Using my left hand to push me back onto my feet. I ran at him as he let loose another barrage of magical bolts. Rolling to the left and then right I dodged the bolts. I even used my Bat'Leth to block the incoming blast. All of my evasive actions got me in striking range and I didn't hesitate in an underhanded swing. I aimed my blow to take out Mullack's right arm only for the wizard to disappear.
"Damn I can't believe I fell for this illusion," I grumbled
I screamed, "Where are you Count?" I looked towards the ceiling as if they would help me find my foe. All I saw was the elegant interior of the mansion.
"It's a game of hide-and-seek," I heard him, His voice echoing off the walls.
"What is the big bad wizard afraid to face me?" I taunted moving my Bat'Leth from side to side.
"Not, afraid of you especially since you don't have Gaia nor Sol to come to your rescue, I am having way too much fun watching you search in vain, see the longer it takes you to find me, the sooner your friends will die and then it is just you and me," I heard him cackle
"I hope you aren't expecting me to dance with you?" I retorted
"Far from it poof, once you are dead then I can take my place as this planet's guardian," I heard the mad warlock evilly cackle.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," I snarled
"My, my temper, temper but seriously you are nothing without your butt buddy Sol," I heard him taunt
"If that is what you think then why not face me, coward?" I called out then came to a complete stop.
"I can see you," Count Mullack snickered I listened.
I may not have my Earth-enhanced senses at the moment. I did however have 6 years of military combat training to draw on and they were needed now more than ever. Pulling out my D'k tahg still slightly covered in the Bringer's blood, it made a very satisfying clicking noise that echoed in the room. As its secondary blades sprang into action. I closed my eyes and took a deep relaxing breath. I held both the knife and air for a second. On exhale I threw the D'k tahg in a direction that I thought the sound of his voice was coming from.
A scream in pain, "Arggghh!" from the mad wizard crying out, told me, I had hit my target followed by the sound of my D'k tahg being thrown to the floor.
"You bastard!" I heard him snarl as I was sent flying into a pillar forcing me to drop my Bat'Leth.
Magically gliding down the grand staircase with one hand over his wound, Count Mullack's other hand was stretched out pinning me to the pillar.
The Warlock got in my face and his breath smelled like three-week-old sushi, "I would be master of this world if not for you," the Warlock snarled
Through the grip of Count Mullack's magic, I choked out, "That is what we heroes do we love to foil the plans for the villains it is in our hero's manual,"
"You fool, now that the Earth's life force is mine, the power is mine!" Count Mullack sneered as he continued to hold me in midair.
"You're the fool, the Mother will come for you," I choked,
"The Mother I never heard anyone call the Earth that," Mullack snickered
"It doesn't matter the Earth itself will come for you," I vowed with certainty no matter what the madman thought he was now doomed.
"Enough fun it is time for you to die," Mullack stated
"You are nothing, Gaia is nothing, and this whole wretched planet is nothing," The Wizard sneered in a venomous retort, closing his fist and squeezing the life out of me.
"I am the new Spirit of the Earth!" Count Mullack vowed in madness.
In a desperate plea to the Earth, "Mother!" I sent it out telepathically.
In a sudden surge, I felt powers returning.
A song began to permeate the whole mansion as gold light shot out the globe on my costume was now glowing because the globe on my chest was glowing. the Father came down to aid us in this dark hour.
"You got the touch
You got the power, Yeah!
After all is said and done
You've never walked, you've never run,
You're a winner"
The Warlock had to throw his hands up as Count Mullack took a beam of light to his face. the whole mansion began to shake violently and fill with gold light. This wasn't the Count. This was the full fury of Mother Nature about to be unleashed on her tormentor.
I felt God's presence when he commanded, "What I create endures, Remember Nexus, we are with you," mixed in with the Mother's presence.
"You got the moves, you know the streets
Break the rules, take the heat
You're nobody's fool"
In the back of my mind, I felt Sol emerging from his imprisonment, he was still too weak but he was lending his support. We were the Guardian.
Count Mullack held up his hand and began firing off several magical bolts but they were no match for the white aura that surrounded me and bounced off harmlessly.
The golden light found Count Mullack's cauldron forcing it to return what it had stolen: a column of white light shot from the cauldron going through several floors and out the roof and into the sky. Clouds quickly formed and lightning arced across them.
I was no longer held against the wall but remained in the air as the power of wind returned to me. light still emanated from the globe on my chest but now it broke up into six rays that were circling around the edge.
In total disbelief, Count Mullack stepped back in horror, from the spectacle before him.
"Get ready Count Mullack the Earth is coming for you!" I warned as a beam of white light shot out of the globe on my chest and straight into Count Mullack's heart.
Outside the compound, Wolverine was slashing his opponents when he felt the sudden increase in wind speeds looking up saw the beam of light shoot into the air and clouds were fast forming "Hmm that rookie is filled with surprises," Lightning was streaking across the sky with several bolts striking the ground taking out several Bringers and Kaliffs that were lingering around the property.
In what looked like the mystical form of reverse osmosis, more of Count Mullack's magic leached out of him and was fading fast.
"You seemed to be having a power problem," I smirked as it was drawn out of the warlock and into the sky.
As his power left him Count Mullack began to age before me.
His raven black hair went gray and his youthful skin drew in upon itself like a rotten fruit. Leaving a walking skeleton as his cloak nearly swallowed him.
The spirits were still with us as they sang,
"You're at your best when when the goin' gets rough
You've been put to the test, but it's never enough"
"You got the touch
You got the power"
"You never bend, you never break
You seem to know just what it takes
You're a fighter"
A bolt of lightning struck the mansion. My voice became electrified and was booming, "I told you the Earth will come for you!" I exclaimed as every window in the mansion shattered under the electrical shock. Shards of glass and wood pieces coming from the windows flew through the room pelting Count Mullack causing him to howl in pain.
The lightning was further restoring my powers, closing my hand into a fist what followed was the sound of the wood and concrete supports breaking.
In total denial, Count Mullack screamed, "This is impossible! The power was mine! I am the new Spirit of the Earth!"
The air pressure in the mansion dropped dramatically as the wind began to pick up speed "You forgot God, Count, and what he creates endures," I stated "We are about to get very elemental on you," I said over the howling winds that were starting to rip this feeble structure apart.
Outside of the mansion, it was hard not to notice the sudden increase in the winds as the fighters were having trouble keeping their footing, Razeel along with the Phantom and The X-Men had all but dealt with the Bringers and Kaliffs the remaining were busy guarding the mansion.
Razeel was so busy with the four Bringers in front of her that she didn't see the one behind her.
Phantom threw his Mek'leth at the sneaky Bringer just as another sunk its blade into his back.
Razeel was too busy to notice Phantom fall to the ground. But not too busy to notice a huge monstrous funnel cloud of an F5 tornado descending on the mansion. Razeel gave a wicked smile, "This is one problem you really need to take by storm," Razeel heralded, "get ready Count Mollack your time is up," Razeel smirked. as she hacked into another Bringer.
In Razeel's mind she heard, "Guys, you better find something to hold on to, it is about to get a touch windy" as if not seeing a tornado wasn't obvious enough, The very fact that Razeel could hear Mike's mind at all told her that the Guardian has regained his powers. The spin of the tornado sucked up the remaining Bringers and Kailiffs that were the closest to the mansion debris was picked up and hurled around striking all in their path.
With complete amazement and a new sense of danger, only a mammoth storm can bring "We need to move!" Razeel ordered
"I heard" Tela telepathically responded
She didn't hear Phantom even though he was right behind her, she looked to find him on his stomach and a sword sticking out of his back.
"Dave!" She exclaimed
With care, Razeel took the sword out of Phantom's back and delicately scooped it down and with her slayer strength picked him up and then got them both to a safe distance.
Wolverine came running up beside the Vampire Slayer "That friend of yours loves being overly dramatic," the mutant gruffed
"Didn't you train with him?" Razeel inquired
"This is why you don't get soft guys like Mike mad," Wolverine with a very sarcastic smirk, "The Count is about to feel what our rookie did to a pair of Sentinels,"
Hunkering down by several tall but dying trees The X-Men along with Tela and Razeel's side the heroes had retreated to a safe distance,
"That rookie is full of surprises," Wolverine grumbled in respect.
From the safety of the dying trees Razeel held onto Phantom as the heroes watched; The Guardian was more than capable of finishing this on his own.
"So Count Mullack, did you truly think you could take on the Earth and win?" My voice boomed with the combined energies of the Earth and the Father as they converged on me.
The twister ripped the mansion off its foundation.
We all flew into the air like a scene from the Wizard of Oz and that is just where the Count was headed. The entire house spun itself apart leaving just the Count, myself, and his cauldron floating in the surrounded by swirling clouds and bits of his mansion circling around us. Lightning struck it, shattering the black pot into iron dust. A ball of green magical energy hovered in the air drawing even more of Count Mullack's magic up to it.
"NO, NO, NO!" Mullack protested
"You wanted power Mullack, now you are going to get it," I stated as a lightning bolt struck the ball of magic along with Count Mullack and the last thing I remember seeing was Count Mullack vaporizing before the world went black on me.
The center of the tornado lit up and a large and very loud thunderclap filled the air from the lightning strike in Count Mullack's mansion.
With Count Mullack defeated the Bringers and Kailiffs demons all vanished returning to the pit they were summoned from.
With a very satisfying smirk of victory, Wolverine was the first to say something, " That rookie has hit his mark,"
As the twister began to dissipate, the burnt remains of the Count's mansion fell to the ground and became more visible. A blast of released energy took to the air and infused with the clouds that made up the tornado. Forcing the twister to push out in all directions. Infused in the clouds were the life force of the planet.
Razeel and the rest were the first to face the reemergence of the planet as the thick clouds brushed passed them temporarily blotting out everything and in its wake, a renewed sense of vigor emerged. Razeel's skin responded to the sensation of restored life.
As the clouds brushed past everything the change was almost instant. The first to respond was the plants as their normal color returned; the trees stood straight and tall once more. Insects crawled out quickly taking advantage of the dead, A flash of rain soaked everything as it filled the land with the life that only water can bring forth. The energy washed over the land as the planet's life force returned. With a speed of desperation, the Earth rushed to save her children.
The wavefront washed over the City of Philadelphia and everyone slowly began picking themselves up off the streets and looking about.
Plants and animals alike rebounded as their life force was restored
Down to their last breath tears streaming out their eyes the Backstreet Boys tried to cling to life. "M, Mike!" Brian struggled to say. When those clouds washed over my home and passed over the Backstreet Boys, breathing became a whole lot easier. Slowly they got up into a sitting position as breathing became much easier, they began to look about them "I will never take oxygen for granted again," Howie choked
"I hear you on that," AJ responded, taking slow deep breaths.
"Mike?" Kevin asked
"Mike!" Brian cheered
"You better treat the man right Bri or I will beat you," Nick laughed
Brian blushed heavily and smiled, "I will believe me,"
The thick clouds washed over the Lair. The field responded Jake was lying against the cement wall, while Gregg's head rested against his daughter's small hand, and a weird feeling washed over him. All three of them gasped as air filled the compound, Gregg took hold of Krystal's hand as her eyes opened, and tears of joy filled Gregg's eyes. "Thank you, Mike," as he scooped up his daughter
Jake jumped and ran out to the Island coming to the Lounge, "BEATTI open the shutters!" The Lounge shook slightly as the massive titanium slabs parted revealing a vibrant field glistening under the moon.
In the Argus down to his last breath Nick Fury was determined to die with his eyes open when the wave passed over the helicarrier and its engines roared to life.
Nick picked himself off the deck "I want to find that bastard we need him," Nick demanded as his people got back on their feet.
All around the world the energy wave enveloped everything behind it and was quick to respond to the return of the life energy of the Earth. Sitting at his desk Quinten Travers' arrogant face still tried to show pride as he came down to his last breath. When the energy wave washed over the Watcher's Castle all around the fortress, Watchers and Slayers took deep healthy breaths and slowly got back on their feet. Quinten sat straight up as Joyce came flying in. With a stern yet moderate respect Travers spoke, "It seems we have the Guardian to thank for all of this,"
All over the world people were coming around, plants and animals were coming back to life, and new life was coming up out of the ground.
The planet's life force encompassed the Earth, restoring everything as it went. Coming to Hope Island, restoring the island, the wave converged onto Gaia's still form. She was lifted off the floor, spinning in mid-air. Her powers were restored as Gaia's skin returned to the color of milk chocolate her silvery hair regained the chic black and silver band when her eyes finally opened and she took a deep cleansing breath, a smile worked its way as she said "Well done Nexus,"
Razeel ripped her now exhausted OBA from her face feeling the refreshing cool moisture filled air, still knelt in the restored Fairmount Park. As the breeze swept through the smell filled the air with the scent of new plant life. She was amazed at how much she took that aroma for granted. Looking down at her arms Razeel cradled the Phantom.
Razeel felt a drop of rain on her arm. Tela and the rest of the X-Men formed around her the wounded Phantom of the Opera. She looked up seeing clouds rolling in. Soon a very soft and gentle warm rain shower began to fall as at the moment Razeel felt what Guardian did when he said the Earth was indeed alive and here she was proving his point.
"D? Di? Did we do it?" She heard Phantom choke.
Razeel looked back down at him, blood was seeping from his mouth and rainwater washed down his face. but there was dignity still radiating from his eyes.
"Yes, the Earth is back and kicking," Razeel said as tears began to run down her face. The droplets of rain soaked everyone but no one paid attention to it.
Desperately Razeel just yelled out "Mike get down here!"
Turning to their newest member, "Tela find Mike quickly!" Razeel commanded
Using her telepathy to guide her, "On it," Tela replied
Laying face down covered in the remains of the mansion, the feeling of rain hitting my burnt body helped me to regain consciousness. The surface of the cold stone foundation of its basement floors against my burnt face and hands.
The more I became aware of my surroundings I felt her presence in my mind, the drops of rain running along the back of my head and down my face were enough to renew movement within me. I was the last thing the Earth had to attend to. She rushed to heal me after everything was returned to its proper place.
Groaning into awareness I slowly moved my hands forward planting them underneath me. With a slight strain on my battle worn-out muscles, I pushed myself up. I felt the debris fall off my back, as I pushed myself off the cold floor. Getting up onto my hands and knees I looked around at the charred remains of both my costume and the mansion. My body quickly healed leaving only the soot which the rain washed away. Looking down at myself I saw that it was the cloak that was truly buried away my tunic and pants while singed they were mostly intact. Through the broken wood beams and a few stone pieces of what used to be Count Mollack's mansion, I saw Fairmount Park returning to its former glory. I smiled graciously.
"Well done Mike," I heard Gaia, I tried to move, feeling the Earth's presence in the back of my mind once again filling me with infinite joy knowing the Mother was well.
As the last of my injuries were healing I turned my head to see Gaia standing in front of me, "Gaia?" I queried my voice strained
"Yes Mike I am well, and so is the Earth," Gaia replied. I smiled at a job well done.
"Guardian come quickly!" I heard Tela. Gaia returned to Hope Island we can discuss this later she knew I was needed.
I got up on creaky knees using my Bat'Leth to help prop myself up. I looked out at Fairmount Park and all of the trees even in the dark of night were shining as life was returned to them.
"How did we do?" I asked
"It's Phantom!" Tela responded
On sore knees, I ran, "Dave!" I yelled as Tela guided me to my mentor.
The rain lessened a little so I could find Dave.
When I got to Razeel and Dave's position the rain had finally come to an end, the ground was still soaked, and so was everyone else. I felt the presence of my mentor's waning spirit, there was still time to rob Count Mullock of another pointless death, I knelt beside my mentor putting my hand onto his waterlogged Phantom costume over Dave's chest. The first official use of my restored powers, a bright gold light emanated from the globe on my chest, ran down my hand, and spread into Dave's body healing his wounds and drying his clothes for good measure. When the light died Dave was breathing normally and his eyes were opened.
"Mike?" He quizzed
In an unimaginable sense of appreciation I bowed my head, "Thank you, Dave we did it," I smiled
"And the Earth?" Dave asked
Placing my hand over my heart. "She is whole once again, we are all saved," I answered before he could reply. I waved my hand and sent Dave to the Lair's infirmary but I saw the grin on his face before he left.
I was surrounded by my friends and allies alike "Step back everyone," I said
When they stepped back "Let the Powers Combine!" I called out to the Earth in a display of light and sound. The five elements of the Earth converged on me and formed a cocoon and with another burst of energy, I flew into the air. The clouds parted letting the moon and stars shine.
The cheers and sense of joy washed over Razeel and Tela along with the X-Men as they watched me take to the sky a stream of white light in my wake, the moonlight bounced off of me.
"By the Powers Combined I am Sol!" My voice echoed into the night. Looking back down and smiling
"Welcome back Sol," I heard looking down. I saw Jean Gray smiling warmly back up at me.
Razeel commented, "It is really good to have you back,"
Returning the smile and great appreciation to everyone below me, we had risked much and came out victorious.
"It is good to be back and now as much as I hate short goodbyes, The Power is Yours!" Curling up into a ball in mid-air a white light formed around me and the five elements left me. Sol returned to the Crystal Matrix until he was needed.
Still in the air floated back down, and when I softly landed I was once again surrounded by my friends "By the Mother that felt so good," I smiled
"Bub you are one hell of a fighter," Wolverine patted my back
"Thank you," I smiled then addressed everyone "Thank you all,"
"Well, how about we call it a night and reconvene in the morning?" Cyclops suggested
"That is the best advice I've heard," Gambit's Cajun accent stated
We made our way to our respective aircraft and not too long after that we were all airborne flying home. Leaving Fairmount Park to reclaim Count Mullock's mansion.
And this is where I end this chapter. I hope you all enjoy this as much I do writing it.
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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