1 comments/ 21598 views/ 1 favorites Guardians of The Earth Ch. 01 By: LuckyVic Nine years ago, five teenagers while vacationing where thrust into taking the great adventure that they could ever imagine. They discovered that they were the next generation of supernatural guardians for the Earth. Since the beginning of time there had been those chosen by the forces of Order to combat those of Chaos. Usually things were pretty much kept in balance, but as is normal in life sometimes that balance is disrupted. The greatest threat the Earth had seen in 1500 years had set about to conquer or destroy the Earth. In his way where the newest guardians. After months of battling the evil warlord known only as Julius and his minions, the teens forced a final battle inside of the evil warlord's realm. The battle was long and hard, in the end Julius had been defeated, but only two guardians had survived. This is the continuing story of those two remaining guardians. * * * Tasha looked up to see her housekeeper standing on the other side of her desk. She didn't hear the woman come in and she scowled at the thought that the woman could have snuck up on her. She must be working too hard again she thought. It had been a close to a year since she had been able to train properly with one of her own kind. "What is it?" Tasha asked testily. "You have a guest." the usually talkative woman said simply. "I'm busy, who is it?" Tasha asked losing her patience. You see the servant shimmer and then go clear and watery and then reform into Miguel. "So you forgot about me that quick huh?" She stands and walks over to hug him without a word. "So what have you been up to?" He asks. "Running the world" Tasha says jokingly. "Well you always were bossy." Miguel says chuckling. Tasha laughs good-naturedly. "Nah just full of hot air. So what brings you to my world?" Tasha spreads her arms to indicate her mansion. "Taking over half of it. Gotta give its people a male perspective." He said taking her question to mean the planet. "No seriously I've finished all that damn extra training and I wanted to come home." "Well your always welcome here." she says. "How is JJ?" "Pain in the ass as ever, never satisfied with anything, always pushing and pushing" She chuckles, "Have a seat, I can finish these papers later." "Thanks." he says. "Traveling between dimensions is draining." "I guess you don't want to see my latest project then." She laughs again. "What's that?" he asks with interest. "It can wait, I insist you stay the night so we can catch up." Without waiting for an answer Tasha walks over to an intercom and tells the housekeeper to set dinner for two and prepare a guest room for company. "Like I could ever say no to you." Tasha winked then moved to sit in a chair close to him "No one ever can." Miguel laughed. "So where do we begin?" Miguel asked as he began to relax. "I want to know everything about the other worlds you've seen.... Hey weren't you getting pretty serious with JJ's daughter? What ever happened with that?" Tasha says, "I feel so out of it all here." "I spent 18 months training in every environment you can think of and even some that u couldn't even imagine. Learning how to use my powers in a greater capacity then ever before. As for J.J.'s daughter... things weren't meant to be." Tasha put a hand over his, "I'm sorry." "It's life Tasha. Shit happens." "It is so hard to hold a relationship when you have to leave on a moments notice to fight. I had hoped for you it would be easier with someone that would understand better." Tasha said. "You are sounding a bit cynical." "Well it's hard when the person is 500 years old and your only 18!" "How true!" She chuckles, "Are you hungry? We can raid the kitchen." Tasha changes the subject. "I can use some home grown food." Tasha stands. "Well your not only 18 any more though right." "Tasha I'm a year older than you remember. I'm 27 now." Miguel said seriously. "God, are we that old now?" Tasha smiles. "I can't even remember what month it is anymore!" Miguel laughs. "The days all blur into one. Thankfully we don't look a day older though" She winks at him again. It felt so good to have a friend around that she could speak freely with. "You mean like this." Miguel says as he makes himself look older. She sticks her tongue out at him. "I refuse to look my age, and with my money no one questions it! Common lets get some food" They have had a quiet dinner, talking only about incidental things because of the staff still hanging around. After dinner she invites him to sit with her in the study to talk more privately. He did notice that the housekeeper is new and looks at him suspiciously especially after the cook came out to personally welcome him 'HOME'. Tasha is anxious to tell him about the northern training facility she had only started construction on when he left... "Would you like a drink?" Tasha asks. "Sure what do you have?" Miguel replies. She gives you that look that says 'are you serious?' and says, "Does it really matter?" She pours him a strong drink that she'd bought at a fair in JJ's world. "Here I think you'll like this." Miguel takes a sip, and recognizes it, smiles. "Your right it's good stuff." Pouring herself a glass she sits in a chair close to him and curls her legs under her. She is wearing a long skirt and light blue silk blouse. She leans forward on the arm of the chair cradling the glass in both hands. "Do you remember me telling you about the my idea to build a place where I can train without hurting anyone or making myself obvious?" Tasha asks in an excited whisper. "Yeah. You said you'd tell me about it later." Miguel asked curiously. "The construction was finished 3 months ago. I've been working off and on with it since then.... kind of moving in to you might say. Do you want to see it?" Tasha asks. "You could help me with the environments... after your extensive training..." "As if you had to ask. I'll help you with anything I can." he told her She jumps up and sets her untouched drink on a table near by. You haven't seen her this excited about anything in years. She reaches out to take your hand so you can teleport together. Miguel places his hand in hers and stops for a brief moment. It wasn't long but long enough to have an epiphany. At last he was home. Tasha smiles at him before shifting the air around them. She squeezes his hand and then they are in a different place entirely. They stand in the center of a large cavernous room. Surrounded by what looks like ice but the air is warm and comfortable. The room is circular with at least 15 cave-like doorways leading into darkness. In the center of the room is a large stalagmite, which Tasha pulls him toward. Without relinquishing his hand she tells him about how it's all controlled and with a touch she opens a panel that has numerous monitors. "This shows all the rooms, some aren't finished, but..." as she speaks the screens show various environments. She stops at one that shows a steam and lava. "That's my favorite," she says with a wink. Miguel looks around and nods as he takes in what she has created "They were all taken from actual places on the planet. I was hoping you could help me come up with something new." Tasha realizes that she is still holding tightly to his hand and lets go. "Sorry" she says softly, but misses the warmth of his touch "Nothing to be sorry about. I've spent the last year in my own training facility. No one else but me. It's good to be in touch with another live person. But you look like you got most of the environments. Perhaps a zero-g." He said reassuring her and then placing his other hand on top of hers. "Yeah I have about ten times grav in the lava one. It's about ten miles from the center of the earth.... " Tasha says. She holds his hand in both of hers. "The most human contact I have is when I shake hands with business associates.... It must have been very lonely for you." "This is a nice place you have here Tasha. You've done well. So what else you got here?" Breaking contact she moves closer to the control panel. "I can alter the room we are in too." She touches a button and the room fills with a cool mist. There is a soft glow of light giving the place a warmer feel She mumbles something and touches another button and the room changes to look like Tasha's library. "Want to sit down?" "Very nice. This must have cost a fortune." "I have done well for the company since dad decided to take leave and be with mom. It wasn't cheap but it's not like I have anything else to do with all that money." "But Tasha... your talking matter conversion or is this just a giant holo-deck? Either way we're talking about technology that is still hundreds of years ahead of where Earth was when I left. And I know I haven't been away that long." He says as he sits down. Tasha laughed, and sat comfortable in her favorite chair. "It's a little of both. I kinda own most of the research labs working on the technology. Most of this if all prototype stuff, but some of it is just computer simulation similar to what the military has used for years. The walls are actually flat screens, a backdrop picture so to speak." Miguel simply nodded as he continued to look around at the facility. "Then there are some things I can definitely do for you." He said with a smile "I might even be able to make this place a little less primitive." He said as he gave her a wink. Tasha smiled back. "Primitive!" Tasha stuck her tongue out at him. Then she grew serious, "Your right of course, the first one, the mist ...that was an expansion of my power. There are still some things that need me to be here to work.... "Actually it was what my bedroom at home looks like!" Tasha explained. "I gather the mist to protect myself while I sleep." Miguel nods. "Well you won't have to worry about using your power in the other environments. I'll contact a few of the ranger engineers that worked on mine. They'll need to talk to you first, but once they know exactly where you want to go with it, they'll have this place exactly the way you want it in no time. "Thanks." Tasha said warmly. Then she looked around at a loss for what to say next. With a short laugh she said, "This would be where I tell you we're done and that you can go! I think I've forgotten how to be social!" "Well we can't have that no can we." Miguel says with a smile. "Let's go." he says as he pulls her closer to him and the disappear. When they reappear they find themselves in a familiar little restaurant in Chicago. She whispers "Isn't it a little late for dinner?" "Never to late when your family owns the restaurant. Besides I wasn't kidding when I had told you I hadn't eaten in awhile," he said laughing "Cook would kick your butt if he knew you hadn't gotten enough to eat at supper!" She whispered as someone approached to seat them "Tasha even you don't have enough food in your house to feed me right now." I've been in my private place for a while. I'll take you there sometime if you want." "I would love that!" she said. "So what are you having?" "I'm having 1 of everything." He said seriously while he placed the menu on the table "Forgive me if I play the bird!" Tasha laughed. "I just want a shake" "What do you want to do after this? And how long is your family going to keep you here?" "I've already seen my family. I asked them earlier to keep the place open late cause I'll be by for food. As for what to do after this I have no idea." he said as the first item on his list was brought to the table. Tasha sat back thinking of something to do. She knew the sun would be up in Japan "We have friends in Okinawa that would be awake.... but I don't really feel like going there.... We could watch the sunrise set! " She laughed. "I'm game for just about anything." Miguel said. "You're sure your not too tired? I own a club that's not far from here. We could walk there. It's a fun place, but I might need to change. " "No I'm not tired at all. And I would love to go clubbin' with you." he said as he made the contents on his plate disappear as if he were a hover vacuum She shakes her head at the way he eats but says nothing knowing that she has been that hungry herself on more than one occasion. "Cool, then I will go change real quick while you finish the menu." With a wink she stands and moves to the bathroom. 10 minutes later she comes out of the bathroom in a tight black micro-mini and a halter the color of her eyes. She wore boots that went to about mid-calf and her hair had been redone, and now hung loosely over her shoulders. It's longer than you remember it being when you left Miguel was thankful that he had just finished the last meal he had requested. Because when he saw Tasha his mouth dropped open Tasha sat down across from him her face flushed slightly at the look on his face. "Close your mouth. You act like you haven't seen me naked! Or a picture anyway, Christ I wear less in battle!" Miguel laughed. "Well not in several years anyway." Tasha was used to men looking at her but they were usually strangers and no one ever seemed to be as surprised as Miguel had seem to see her in such clothes. It was a little unnerving. And fun! "Well ready when you are" Miguel said. 'Your done eating?! I didn't realize I took that long. Picking up the tiny purse that went with her out fit Tasha stood to wait for Miguel. "You didn't, all the food was prepared before I had even ordered. Plus I've become a fast eater when I eat. Thank god I'm not a messy one though." "Oh, ok. Ready when you are then." Tasha said offering him her hand. Miguel stands up and takes her hand and the 2 disappear. When they reappear it's outside of her club. "Not bad Tasha... Not bad at all." "The owner likes to think so!" As the stepped closer to the front of the long line one of the bouncers recognized her and let them in immediately. "We will need to pay her a visit while here, hope you don't mind" Miguel looked at her strangely. "I thought you were the owner?" "Sorry, the manager! I am being a bit of a scatter brain today." "No problem." He says as he lets her lead the way. The two pass through a crowd on their way to the manager's office. As they clear the crowd Miguel is now wearing a different set of clothing one more suitable for the club scene. Tasha notices his change of clothes and nods her approval in his choice of clothes. She stops at an unmarked door and knocks. The bouncer at the door makes no move to block them, nor does he say anything friendly when the door opens they see a woman in her late 20's well dressed. She invites them in. and Tasha introduces Miguel. "This is Amanda, she has run the club since it opened 7 years ago." Miguel nods as he reaches out to shake the young women's hand. "Hello." "When it was opened I was not allowed to enter during business hours!" Tasha explains. "Because I was only 19" Tasha explained, "but I trust Amanda, she has good instincts about the business.".... After visiting for a few minutes Tasha suggested they check out the club. "Leave it to you to open up a club that you can't enter during business hours and still make it work." Miguel said with a chuckle. "Well they always said I was foolish! Somehow I still manage to stay above water though" "We'll have to test that one of these days." He said with a wink Tasha blushed uncharacteristically. The manager looks distinctly uncomfortable during the whole exchange. Tasha never bothers to look at books but asks simply how business is doing. Then they leave the office. "I am sorry to discuss business... I haven't been here in over six months though. Do you want to find a table?" "Hey your a better business person then me. I haven't been at the restaurant since before we fought Julius. But it's good to see that mom and dad have done well with it. They told me they've opened 5 other restaurants nation wide. I don't care we can sit or just start dancing, whatever you want." he told her "They have! I have lunch at their restaraunts often! Of course the one here in Chicago is still the best, no one can cook like your mother! I would like to get a drink." Tasha said finding a secluded table toward the back. "That's cause you haven't tasted my cooking in several years. I may have to make something for you later on." "Your on! Cook is off on Mondays, if your still here tomorrow morning that is...." "I plan on being here from now on actually. No more dimension hopping for awhile." "Really!" Tasha was pleasantly surprised. That meant she would have a close friend around when she got lonely, which was getting more often. "Most of my projects are headed up by people I trust, I don't really have a hand in much lately. Too much free time gets me into trouble as you know. That is why I am up north so much" "That's one reason why I returned. I've also been spending most of my time training, learning. Doing everything I could to become the best protector I could be. Once JJ and his other Generals taught me everything they could I decided to go off and explore. To learn new things about myself. I've been in many battles and have seen many wonderful places. But in all that time I never found anything that matched the beauty of the Earth. I got home sick, and came back." He said as he took the cook that had arrived for him "And here I've stayed on here holding up the fort growing bored and searching the horizon for some grand adventure. Always wondering what I was missing but too afraid to leave all I love unprotected. That's a bit egotistical.... I was actually afraid to leave... afraid not of what I would find but what would find me." "Oh well all this serious talk is depressing me! Let's dance" Tasha had noticed at lest 5 girls checking out Miguel and felt she should show them that he was with her before she ended up alone! She jumped out of her seat and dragged him to the floor to dance. Miguel followed Tasha anxiously. To him there were no other women in the club only her, she shined to him brighter then a star. Tasha was having fun and by the third song was ready for a drink. Then she noticed a few men clustered at the bar eyeing them funny. She got an uneasy feeling, "do you want to go somewhere quieter?" She nodded to the group of men looking at them. "Why? Because a few guys are admiring a beautiful woman while she's having fun. Not on your life." He said as he placed his on her waist as the next song came on, a slow romantic one this time. (Lady In Red hop you've heard it.) Still looking uncomfortable she nodded and moved closer to Miguel holding him almost possessively. She whispered, "sorry I thought I recognized one of them." Miguel looked her curiously. "Any ideas were from?" "I can't place it... I meet so many people..." Chancing another look she sees that the group has dispersed. "Probably nothing." "Nothing you couldn't handle if something did happen anyway." He said with a smile as he continued to dance "No.... the worst that could happen is the club being leveled and I have to rebuild it!" Tasha laughed knowing it would not likely happen. "So what do you want to do when the club closes in 20 minutes?" Tasha asked. "Well I suppose we could find other club? Or we could go somewhere else? Or we can just call it a night." Miguel said, the disappointment in the fact that the club would soon be closed in his voice. Tasha laughed. "There is a club near here known for the exotic dancers!" she playfully suggested. "We can chase the sun and head west. There's another two hours before they close in Cali." Tasha yawned, "On second thought," she looked at her watch. "I've been up almost 20 hours. Maybe we should head home after all." On the way out they noticed the group of men that had been looking at them earlier began to gather at the door to block the way. Guardians of The Earth Ch. 01 "Can we help you gentlemen?" Miguel asked politely. *The thugs turned out to be associates of a little weasel Tasha had declined to sell to about a month previously. That was how she recognized one of their faces. They attempted to start a commotion but the bouncers kicked them out. They waited outside for Tasha and Miguel, where they got their butts kicked. But Tasha after fighting all kinds of horrible things and Miguel after his extensive training were disappointed by the weak fight they had put up.* Without waiting for the police to show up they went back to the mansion in California, but both were still too keyed up to sleep now! "I am going to work out, wanna come?" Tasha suggested "Sure thing. Your place or mine." Miguel said excitedly. His adrenaline was just starting to pump as soon as the fight had ended. "There is a gym in the basement" Tasha started walking toward the stairs, taking off her boots as she walked. "I don't think a gym is enough anymore. How about a sparring session?" He asked. "Sure." she says without stopping she continues to strip. Her armor in place before he sees anything too personal. Miguel smiles and shakes his head. The physical attraction is there but she isn't the kind of girl to have a one-night-stand with. He tells himself as he follows her. Tasha moves to the center of a mat and stands waiting all business. She stands straight when she sees his smile and head shake. "What?" her face totally innocent "Nothing just wondering if I'm going to have to hold back with you. After all you've been here without a real challenge until now." He smiled mischievously as he through out his challenge. Tasha hide her smile behind a scowl and put her hands on her hips. "Bring it!" She teased. Then quickly said, "No powers though, I don't want to have to rebuilt the house again." She said, "you know I can take it though so don't bother holding back.... " With a smile she added, "I won't." "Anytime your ready. Ladies first." He said as he simply stood there, he didn't even bother changing into armor. "Your clothes are going to get all sweaty," she teased letting the mist of her armor thin and shift seductively just before she charged him. Just before she got into range she changed direction and came in at him from one side, a feigned punch to the head and then ducked to grapple him at the waist The only thing he wasn't there anymore. So she end up grappling nothing but air. "I'll only get sweaty if you can touch me." He said testing his new speed. He was a great deal faster then most now, but he still barely managed to get out of the way, but there was no point in telling her that just yet. She turned toward him momentarily surprised then smiled. "I hope you haven't forgotten what a bad loser I am.... I simply don't accept defeat...." She did a flip to get closer to him but didn't' move to attack again. "I guess I'm going to have to teach you then." He said as he marveled at her movements. He was ready in case she moved in, but for now he needed her to think that he was bored with this fight. "You were right in a no powers match. I wouldn't have wanted to beat you to early." he said as he put his arms up, purposely, in a very weak defense. She shook her head, "My powers are stronger than ever. I will prove it to you later. But I'm not falling for it tonight Miguel. I'm not the hot head I used to be." She crouched down into a defensive position not 3 feet from him "We'll see how good you are." He said the went into a series of 3 jumping spinning kicks, after the third one he dropped to the ground and attempted a leg sweep. Tasha said a silent thanks to the 5 martial arts instructors she'd hired in the last year that had taught her moves and the 10times gravity room she'd trained in to give her speed. She was able to dodge the kicks and barely got out of the way of the sweep by doing a back flip. Landing in a roll she came back up in a defensive position. "That the best you got?" She goaded knowing he was testing her. Miguel was quite impressed. She had learned much since they last saw each other. And she had gotten faster, not as fast as him since he was training under Rangers. But she'd soon catch up with him. It was only a matter of time. Miguel jumped and summersault-ed until he was right in front of her. Upon landing in front of her he begin throwing a series of punches and kicks, each one faster then the last. He wanted to know just how fast she really was. Tasha was able to dodge most of the inhumanly fast attacks, but at least three hits caught her. She knew he was holding back the strength of the hits; he just wanted to show her he could hit her if he chose. She went on the offensive then, taking a few of his hits and kicking and punching in return. She was finally able to catch him off guard and sucker punched him in the gut hard. She jumped back as soon as she felt contact and waited a safe distance away. The stomach shot was hard enough to knock Miguel back thanks to inertia. But he was surprisingly unhurt. "Is that the best you got, we've obviously got to work on your strength," he said taunting her, trying to see if she had truly conquered her anger. "One to your ten! I thought I was doing well!" She said irritably. Her armor changed taking on a bluish tint of very hot flame, and she pulled her hair back with a hair band. Crouching down again in a different defensive position that was very obviously a taught martial art stance she beckoned him to her with a determined look on her face. "Nice blouse." He said as he moved in and began to attack again. Still not using his full speed; but moving just faster than her. Then he flipped behind her and grabbed her arms and held her in a bear hug. He hated himself for what he was about to do but he needed to see if she was ready to move on, so he groped her ass, much like Julius had done in the past. "Not bad, definitely kept yourself in shape." She glared at him a moment from the corner of her eye, the armor she wore was hot and his clothes caught fire. She closed her eyes in an attempt to keep her temper. "Careful my friend, I might take that the wrong way and have to hurt you." She slammed the heel of her foot into his insole in an attempt to get him to free her. His clothes were indeed burnt, but his body was unaffected by the flames. Then as gently as possible he applied pressure on the back of her knee, which cause her to lose her balance and go down on one knee. He continued to press his advantage and had her on her knees and then on her stomach. With his weight on her. She lost her temper then and began to struggle more. She pushed against him in vain, but she was able to keep her mouth shut and not yell at him. He felt her anger swell with in her and preparing to erupt. "Okay calm down now. I just needed to know how far you can be pushed. Now calm yourself." He said as he let go of her and stood back. She sat on the mat still on her knees for a few seconds before she was able to look at him. "Just frustrated." She looked at him then. "You haven't won yet, ya know." She made no move to get up be sat still on the mat. "I have to disagree with you. The facts state otherwise." Miguel told her, but he still maintained a defensive position She smiled evilly. Getting up slowly. She approached him slowly, casually, not stopping until she was very close. Still with no sign of aggression she stood before him close enough to that he could touch her if he chose. She cocked her head to one side and crooked her finger for him to come closer. Miguel raised his left eyebrow in a Spock-like fashion. He didn't know what she was thinking, so he decided to stand there ready to react. "Come here, it's a secret." She insisted still without any sign of menace. Miguel knew he was going to regret this, but he straightened up and inched closer. Tasha made no move only waited until he was close enough to kiss. "Are you sure you want me to tell you.... it's a very big secret." She whispered. Just inches from his ear. Her hands at her sides. When he said nothing she said, "Miguel?" "What?" He asked. Her arms went up slowly to rest on his shoulders. A casual embrace, "do you want me to tell you?" He was totally caught up in her sent and her sweaty body. So much so he couldn't respond verbally and simply nodded. With a tiny smile she leaned closer putting her arms around him. She could smell the sweat he'd professed wouldn't exist. Her heart beat faster and she leaned closer to one side as though to whisper into his ear. One of her feet hooked behind his and she threw her wt forward. Kicking his foot out from under him and throwing him onto his back on the mat. Wasting no time she jumped down over him pinning his hand to the mat. "Nothing is ever what it seems." She whispered into his ear as she straddled him. "It looks like I have won now doesn't it?" Their faces are inches apart and her smile fades. Miguel couldn't help but chuckle. Then as he saw her smile fade so does his as his body becomes aware of the position he is in. She sits up very aware of him as a man now, not just a friend or sparing partner. "I'm sorry... that wasn't very fair." she said. But she was still reluctant to move away. "All's fair in love and war." he told her as he felt himself growing harder. "Perhaps we should call it a day." He said nervously. Tasha sat there a moment longer looking at him as though she'd never seen him before. Finally she nodded and leaned forward again to push herself to her feet. She held her hand out to help him to his feet. Though she was physically tired from the sparing her heart was beating faster then it should and she didn't feel like she could get any sleep now if she tried. Miguel took her hand and started to rise to his feet. Then using the leverage that was at his disposal he pulled Tasha down and laid her on her back with him on top. "I guess the shoe is on the other foot now." He said with an evil smile. She couldn't help laugh. "Ok then, two to one you win! Now what ever shall you do with me?!" She asked joking flirtatiously. Miguel smiled as he began to stand up then stopped as his eyes stopped at Tasha's chest and he watched her breathe. It was like a deer caught in the headlights of a car. It was the last thing she expected to see. But it was there never the less. The passion in his eyes couldn't be mistaken. What was more she felt herself respond to it. "Miguel... " She said softly, her voice unsteady. It took Miguel several seconds to respond, because of his stunned state. And when he did it was with a simple and almost hesitant, "What?" She propped her self up on her elbows. "Do you still want to spar?" She asked quietly afraid her voice would crack. It was a stupid question but she could think of nothing else to say. She let her armor shift back to the fine mist he was used to. "In away." He says as he drops down, just above her. He pauses and inhales her scent deeply before he continues and leans his head down into hers and kisses her deeply and passionately for the first time since they've known each other. Tasha was too startled to object. For a second she didn't respond at all. Then she found herself kissing him back with equal passion. Her arms went around his neck and she leaned forward into him. Then she pulled him down over her onto the mat where she still lay on her back. Miguel ran his hands through her hair and slowly moved them down, caressing her neck down to her shoulders. He could feel his hands shaking as he touched her skin. She couldn't think... his touch was exquisite. She hung on to him like a lifeline, not sure what to do. She should stop him she knew but she couldn't summon the strength. His strength, his scent, and taste were all intoxicating.... Tasha finally broke the kiss to look at him. "Miguel...?" "Tasha!" he said as he leaned into her neck and began to kiss and lick at her flesh. She closed her eyes at the feel of his hot kisses on her sensitive skin. She pulled him closer and pulled on leg up around the back of his thigh. "This is only the after effect of adrenaline you know." Tasha stated with a shaky voice. "The rush from battle and physical activity." She continued to reason aloud all the while her body responded to his touch. "If we... take a shower...and....go ...go to bed... we will forget we ever felt this." Miguel nodded in agreement and continued to move his hands over her body his hands moving to her breasts. "Yeah I know...." was all he could say as his mouth began to follow his hands. He was the first person in all the years she'd had the armor to find out first hand how real it actually was. Miguel's fingers brushed across the fine material under the covering mist that actually covered her. It was thin and she could feel the warmth of his touch but she resisted the temptation to let it down. Miguel was fascinated by the unusual feel of the mist that surrounded Tasha's body as he caressed her body. All though he paid no attention to it, it had made him realize that he had his new force field/body armor still active and with a casual thought he lowered it. He wanted her to feel his human flesh as he touched her. "Wait... " She said hesitantly. "This isn't...." Tasha forgot what she was about to say as his fingers grazed over her nipple. Not knowing what to do she closed her eyes, trying again to gather her thoughts with out much luck. Miguel felt his hand graze her nipple, exactly what he was looking for. He then repositioned his index finger and thumb so he could start twirling and pulling them. Making them as hard and as long as possible. Her hands went down his back pulled up on the bottom of his shirt. She slipped her fingers under the material to feel his warm skin. Her hands moved up further bringing the shirt with them. Tasha noticed that his sleeves had been burnt and she hesitated. "OH! I ruined your shirt!" Tasha said starting to sit up. Miguel chuckled as he whispered to her. "Don't worry about it, I'll make a new one," he said as he then proceeded to place his mouth over the nipple of her right breast and began to try and lick it. She gasped forgetting about the shirt and the odd comment he'd made about making a shirt. Maybe she should just let it happen, she thought. But not here. In an instant the two of them were on her oversized bed, surrounded by the thick white down bedspread. She felt herself sink into the soft bed and pulled Miguel's shirt over his head. At the same time letting her armor slip away. Tasha lay naked under him. She kissed him deeply as soon as his head was free of the material of his shirt. It was her way of telling him that he had won in this as well. Miguel feasted on her breasts as if they were ambrosia. He loved the feel of her skin against the skin of his now bare chest. His tongue flicked over her hardened nipples and then he would place his entire mouth around her breast and suck hard before gently biting her breast. She made a small sound in the back of her throat; arching her back to feel more of the pleasure he was giving her. From somewhere in the house she could hear the housekeeper complaining... Tasha knew that the woman had found her clothes on the floor where she'd left them on her way to the Gym. Miguel heard the small sound that came from Tasha's throat and he growled as he began to deliver similar attention to her other breast. He started to gyrate his still pants covered groin into hers. Enjoying the sensation that his hardening manhood was feeling the warmth of her sex. Tasha started to laugh at the housekeeper's distress that she could only hear through her control of air, but it turned into a moan as she felt Miguel's arousal. Tasha felt a little vulnerable lying under him completely naked. It was not a feeling she was familiar with. Her hands move to his pants, and she pushed him to the side of her so she could get them off. With him beside her she came to the full realization of what they were doing. She didn't dare say anything in case he changed his mind. The effects of their workout had worn off and she was in full control now of her senses. She honestly couldn't think of anyone else she'd rather be with. He was as lean and muscular as she knew he would be, but she hadn't realized the effect such a thing would have on her. She started to kiss his chest much as he'd kissed her. Moving over him, and forcing him onto his back, she sat beside him and started to undo his pants. Miguel looked into her eyes and realized how much he had wanted to do this, since the first time he had seen her so many years ago. "You don't need to do that." No sooner had he said that then his pants had disappeared, leaving him completely naked under her. She looked startled for a second. It occurred to her belatedly that like her he could create armor with no more than a thought to look anyway he wished it to. With a playful slap on the shoulder she went back to kissing him and drinking in the sight of his nakedness. Miguel gently pushed Tasha onto her back and followed her as he did so, so that he would be directly on top of her. Once on top he began to kiss her again passionately. Placing gentle kisses along side her chin and working his way up her cheek bone until he reached her ear; where he began to blow in her ear before he began to nibble on it. Tasha moaned softly wrapping her arms and legs around him and pulling his warm body close. She couldn't believe how wonderful it felt just to be in his embrace... not to mention the other things he was doing to her! She let him set the pace for their lovemaking, not wanting to rush things. She couldn't help her curiosity though; she wanted to feel every inch of him. Her hands moved down his back to feel the curve of his rear. Although he had made no move to enter her, she could feel his erection graze her thighs, and then more intimately. Miguel felt her body respond to his, it was almost as if it were meant to be. He continued kissing/licking his way down her neck to the center of her chest until he reached the valley between her breasts. There he began to kiss them, the flick his tongue across her nipples before he grazed them with his teeth. He made worship to both her breasts equally, kissing, licking, and after awhile biting and sucking. Tasha moaned and pulled his head closer to her. She lifted her thighs to brush the outside of his and her feet rubbed the back of his calves. She could feel his erection graze the hair protecting her sex and felt herself getting wetter. She closed her eyes enjoying the pleasure he gave her. Her back arched and her body started to move to it's own rhythm encouraging him to join her. Miguel's body responded to her naturally as if it were meant to be. He placed his hard shaft at her entrance and gently inserted the head into her. Miguel took his time as he slowly gave her inch after inch of his hard cock until he came up to a barrier. At this moment he realized that Tasha was still a virgin. "If you want I'll stop right here?" he asked honestly. Tasha instinctively tensed, she knew it would hurt but didn't want to stop. Breathing hard with passion, her heart pounding in her chest Tasha looked at Miguel. She could see concern, surprise, and passion in his eyes and she knew beyond a doubt that there was no one else she'd rather be with. Not that she would ever admit it. She gently pulled his head down close to hers and whispered, "Don't you dare!" Then she kissed him passionately, trying to relax. As soon as he felt her tongue invade his mouth Miguel thrust forward and broke her hymen. He stopped and waited for her to let him know that she was okay and that she wanted to continue. He was willing to put his desire aside like he had so many times in the past. But he now knew that this is where he belonged, where he wanted to be.. was with her. Guardians of The Earth Ch. 01 When Tasha felt him tear through she tensed again, breaking the kiss and quietly gasping in pain. The pain was not nearly as bad as she expected though. She knew enough about men to know that Miguel was not a small man, she had expected it to hurt much more than it did. It didn't last long either, not with him hovering over her. His very presence was arousing and nothing at this point could deter her from the course she'd chosen. Her hands moved over his back and her legs moved up again as she pushed herself further on to him. She pulled herself up to press herself against him. When he didn't move after a few moments she looked at him questioningly. "What? What's wrong? Why did you stop?" "Nothing is wrong I just wanted to make sure that you were okay." He said as he thrust his hard cock back into her. He used long smooth strokes, drawing his cock out until only the head remained inside then thrusting it back inside of her. While he did this, Miguel also leaned down to her head and began to nibble on Tasha's ear. He closed his eyes as just let himself enjoy her body and concentrated on giving her all he could. Tasha just nodded and moaned as he moved over her and nibbled on her ear. She was relieved he hadn't changed his mind. She had hoped that at her age it wouldn't be so obvious she had never been with a man. Well not this far anyway. And when Miguel had found the barrier of her virginity she feared he would stop. She held him close as he leaned over her, turning her head to the side to give him better access to her ear and neck. She moaned at the unimaginable pleasure he gave her. She looked at him and saw that he had closed his eyes, she knew by the look on his face that it felt just as good to him. She wanted to see more of him though; from here she couldn't see enough. She pulled his face down to kiss him again, and moved to roll him onto his back. Miguel happily turned over so he could see more of her as well. Tasha began to ride him like one of her prized stallions. Miguel placed his hands on her breasts and kneed them as well as pinched and twisted her nipples. From time to time Miguel would sit himself up enough that he could place his mouth on Tasha's breasts and flick his tongue across her nipples. After a few moments Miguel was starting to feel antsy and his hands made their way to Tasha's ass where he was able to get a firm hold on her and began to assist her in her slamming down on him. She put her hands on his shoulders and let him set the pace once again growing antsy herself. He bucked under her bringing them both to a shattering climax. Exhausted she lay over him listening to his heart slow, and his breathing return to normal. Guardians of The Earth Ch. 02 Miguel held this women. this goddess close to him. He was torn between wanting to continue making love to her or letting her sleep. Although their race had greater stamina the normal humans they still got tired. But their was a select few that had transcended there above their original state. Miguel was now among this elite group. As such he had forfeited his old abilities for new ones. Among these were special senses and one of them told him that Tasha would soon approach the time of her ascendance. He swore then that he would do whatever was in his power to help her though it and to be by her side as long as she needed him. Miguel tried to hold his desires in check but could no longer with her beautiful body in his arms providing more than enough temptation. Before she fell asleep he pulled her hip closer and eases his still hard cock in between her thighs. His hands slide down from her back to her ass cheeks where he squeezes them and pulling her closer to him and opening her cheeks and lips open and just lets his cock rest there a moment. Tasha moaned softly. "Again?" she asked surprised. "Don't you ever rest?" Tasha asked before moaning again at the very erotic feeling of his hard cock just in between her thighs. When he didn't move however she wondered if he really did want to make love again. She turned her head to look at his face. "Not much need to rest if your not tired." He smiled. "But if you need more rest don't worry about me." Tasha laughed and draped her leg further over him. "Don't mind you huh? Why is that? Are you just going to have your wicked way with me either way?" She ran her hand down his side and back around to squeeze his firm ass pulling his hips closer and creating friction. With the movement Tasha moaned. "I don't think I could sleep now if I wanted to." She whispered. Miguel brought his hand and gently brushed her hair out of her face and then caressed the side of her face. "I could never do anything without your permission." He said as he leaned his face forward and gently kissed her on the forehead. His free hand slid down to her ass and he held her firmly. "So what do u want to do then?" he asked Mischievously. Tasha was touched by the tender gesture. She giggled softly at his question, and propped herself up on one elbow. "What a silly question." Still on her side beside him she raised her leg further up on his hip. Her hand moved around to his erection that was still hovering just outside of her sex and stimulating her clit. She gently pushed his head into her and pulled his hips toward her with her leg. She leaned close for another deep kiss pressing her front against his hard chest. Miguel inhaled her tongue as she kissed him, and sucked on it as hard and yet as lovingly as possible. As he did so he used his weight advantage to roll the two of them until Tasha was on her back and he was now on top of her. He kissed her lips, her neck and her shoulders all the way down to and including her breasts while he took nice long strokes in and out of her sex. Tasha closed her eyes and arced her back. Her hands moved over his shoulders and down his back. She wrapped her legs around him and squeezed him tightly for a moment before letting up. He was probably the only man in the world she would never have to worry about breaking ribs when she did that and she smiled at the thought. His pace was still slow and leisurely, he was taking his time but Tasha was never known for patience. She squirmed under him then pulled herself closer with her legs. His motion stopped for a minute and they looked at each other. She growled in frustration and started to move under him. Miguel didn't want to go any faster, he wanted to keep his nice slow pace. But he was no longer in complete control of his body either. Tasha's movements had begun to effect him to the point that he was thrusting into her sex harder and faster with each thrust. He Looked at her for what seemed like an eternity before reaching out for her arms. He took them into his and them repositioned them above her head and held them there while he continued to make love to her. Tasha instinctively raised her back up off the bed and pressed her breasts to his chest. She moaned and closed her eyes with pleasure and lifted her legs higher. She squeezed his ribs with her thighs urging him closer and deeper into her. "Miguel." Miguel grunted as he felt her squeeze not just his ribs with her thighs, but his cock with her cunt. It was like being trapped in a vice, never had he felt anything like this. He leaned into her neck and began to bite it. "Oh Tasha.... your.... perfect." he somehow managed to say as he continued his onslaught. Tasha realized how hard she was squeezing him and eased up. Her hands ran down his back and her eyes moved across his body. She pulled him down and kissed him hungrily. "So are you! Please! Give me what I want!" "Don't worry about squeezing me to hard Tasha, I can take it. I just wasn't ready for what your sex is doing to me. No one, not even Miko has done that to me. "Michael told her as he began to giver more of himself, and yet still being careful not to hurt her. "I'll give you anything you want all you have to do is tell me." Tasha pulled him closer until his face was no more than an inch from hers. Ignoring his first comment for the time being she said, "I don't know what I want, I was hoping you did." "Then I guess we'll both find out at the same time." He said as he pressed his lips to hers and kissed her deeply. His tongue licking her lips, and then entering her mouth where he found her tongue and began to massage it with his own. After a few minutes of kissing her long and hard Miguel pulled away. His hands roamed down the sides of her body until he reached her thighs then her knees. He the began to pull her legs from him and spread them further apart, but made sure that it wasn't painful or uncomfortable for her. Once he had her positioned the way he wanted her he took his hands away and placed them at the sides of her body supporting his weight. He began once again started to thrust his cock into her. His eyes glued to her as he watched her breasts jiggle with each powerful thrust. Tasha knew she was more limber than most people thanks to a gymnastics training she started at the age of 4, but she stopped him before he could spread her legs too far. "Miguel..." she whispered hesitantly. "I am still new to this... I can only take so much of you...gently...." "Sorry love. I guess I was losing myself." he responded and eased his actions as she had requested. "It's ok, I just need to get used to it." Tasha said. She encouraged him to move faster if not deeper. She was starting to feel the urgency of an orgasm. The inside walls of her sex squeezed him again and her moans of pleasure grew loud now. "Miguel!" She shouted his name suddenly and pulled him close as her whole body shuddered with pleasure. She held him tightly for a few long moments as the waves of ecstasy subsided. Once it had passed she could feel that he was still very deep within her. "You didn't." It was more of a statement than a question. "So now what do YOU want to do?" Tasha asked squirming under him. "Well I suppose I can make you breakfast. I think that we're both going to need to fuel up as much as possible from now on." Miguel said with a smile on his face. Tasha chuckled and realized that the morning sunlight was streaming in the windows. "Breakfast sounds great. After a shower that is." Instead of moving though Tasha just lay under him, with him still inside her, studying his face. Miguel gyrated his hips slightly as he allowed himself to feel a little more pleasure from her. Then he pulled out and rolled off the bed and offered her his hand. "Well let's got get that shower." Tasha inhaled sharply when he pulled away, and paused for a few moments before she accepted his hand and got up. Tasha lightly slapped his naked behind. "You're bathroom is down the hall." She said jumping away from him and moving toward the master bath. "Oh come on now. I was kinda hoping that we could share one. You know, conserve water and all that." He said grabbing a hold of her and pulling her close to him. Laughing Tasha let him pull her close and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I some how doubt that water conservation is what you're thinking about." She kissed him lightly on the lips before pushing him away to back toward her bathroom again. "Your bathroom is that way." She pointed toward the door. "You are so evil." he said as he gave in and headed to what she said was his bathroom. Before he left her room he recalled the cloths he had been wearing earlier. "No more than you Miguel." Tasha said folding her arms over her breasts. A few minutes later he was in his bathroom taking a nice steamy hot shower. Letting his muscles relax under the hot water and trying to figure out what his next move would be now that he was back home. Tasha watched from the doorway of her bathroom as Miguel formed clothes around him and left reluctantly. She hadn't thought it would be that easy. She could see that he was still physically aroused and marveled at his self-discipline. Once he was gone she stepped into her twin faucet shower and let the hot water run over her body. She felt as though every inch of her body was suddenly more sensitive. The water caressed every inch of her skin running rapidly over her, and reminding her of Miguel as water always did. But this time was different, much more intimate. The relationship between them would be very different now. Tasha wondered if it had been a mistake after all. Then she closed her eyes and remembered the feel of Miguel's hands on her skin, and his body pressed to her. She shook her head, definitely NOT a mistake! Miguel had said he was going to be home for a while this time. He had also said some other things that she now wondered at. He had offered to help her with her training facility, and his unbelievable speed when they had sparred still took her breath away to think about it. And the way he had kissed her.... Tasha shook her head to clear the stray thoughts of Miguel's kisses. She grabbed the soap and started to wash herself. And another thought came to her. She hadn't expected Miguel to be a virgin like herself but who was Miko? Not that it mattered Tasha told herself. Once he came to his senses Miguel probably wouldn't touch her again. Her stomach rumbled then reminding her of the breakfast Miguel had offered to cook her. She only had one appointment today that couldn't be canceled and it wasn't until much later in the evening. She would call her office to tell them she wouldn't be in, not that they really needed her. She hadn't slept in over 24 hours and she planned to crash after getting something to eat. Miguel had showered quickly and was in the kitchen preparing breakfast. He didn't have too much trouble, except for a small incident with a master cook that hadn't seen him in several years. But the two men caught up while Miguel made breakfast, or a feast considering how much he prepared. Now he only had to wait for Tasha so they could both dig in. Tasha thought of Miguel washing in the shower down the hall. He was as unpredictable as she was. She quickly finished washing and stepped out of the shower, and his domain. She walked naked to her closet, heating her body to evaporate the water. Dressed in a pair of cut off sweats and a short tank top, Tasha strolled out of the closet. He gaze fell on the bed, still rumpled from their lovemaking. She sat on the bed and pulled her damp hair into a ponytail. She picked up the pillow where Miguel had rested his head and put it to her face. It smelled of him. Then another smell invaded her senses. The heavenly aroma of Miguel's cooking. Tasha jumped from the bed, dropping the pillow, to follow her nose to the kitchen. About half way there Tasha hesitated remembering now who Miko was. "Damn." She said aloud and picked up her pace again. ~How stupid of me to forget her name when I had even mentioned her yesterday. ~ Tasha stood at the doorway and watched as Cookie hovered over Miguel as he cooked. She couldn't suppress a giggle when she saw Cookie purposely annoying Miguel. "Don't be giving Miguel a hard time Cookie, it's your day off and he promised to cook me breakfast." Tasha said as she walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. She avoided the older man's knowing gaze and tried in vain not to blush. Cookie glanced at the two and started to leave. "I'll leave you two to your meal. Miguel if you're going to be here, make yourself useful and don't let her work too hard!" Tasha let out an exasperated sigh and shooed him away. "You mean she actually works now." Miguel jokingly said and prepared himself for counter attack from Tasha. Tasha glanced at Miguel. "Don't make me come over there! I wouldn't want my breakfast to get cold just so I could kick your butt!" He took the scrambled eggs out of the pan and placed it on the plates that already had some sausages and fresh hash browns on them. After shutting the stove off he grabbed the plates and took them to the small table that was in the kitchen specifically for breakfast. There was already fresh orange juice, as well as sliced pieces of melon, and freshly baked croissants. "Okay woman... Sit...eat and enjoy." He said with a smile on his face. Tasha stuck her tongue out at him and laughed before settling into the chair where she normally had cold cereal on Mondays. She pulled on leg up under her and nibbled on a croissant as she waited for Miguel to finish arranging the food on the table. "Looks great Miguel, but how hungry ARE you?" Tasha teased. Miguel just laughed and began to eat his breakfast. ************************************************* An hour later they had both finished almost everything on the table. "I didn't realize how hungry I was." Tasha sat back looking at all the empty plates. She stood up and stretched then started gathering plates. "What are your plans for the day?" She asked Miguel from the sink where she was rinsing plates to put in the dishwasher. "I didn't have anything planned. Although I might take over the world." He said laughing. "I was thinking of taking a nap until about 4. I have a dinner engagement at 5 but I should be back by 7 if you want to do something tonight." Miguel walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck while holding her body close to his. "Your that tired. We're really going to have to work on your endurance." Tasha looked at Miguel over her shoulder. His touch was too distracting. He wore a tank top and shorts and this close with his arms around her she felt the warmth of his entire body, she felt they might as well both be naked. Tasha turned and pulled slightly away from him. She found herself trapped between him, the counter and the open door of the dishwasher. "You know damn well I can go 3 or 4 days without sleep, I just don't like to sleep more than 4 hours at a time!" Tasha said almost defensively. He looked so relaxed standing before her with the morning light coming in through the window behind her. She cocked her head to one side and gave him a mischievous look. "Just what did you have in mind? Some strange technique to build up endurance you picked up in your many travels?" She teased. Miguel moved closer, pressing his advantage. He brought his hand up and gently caressed Tasha's cheek. His eyes quickly scanned Tasha's body and in that split second she was no longer wearing the folded cut off gray sweat pants, or the white tank top. "Well the best way to build up one's endurance is through a lot of aerobic activity." He said then kissed her lovingly. "If you want I can show you some pretty successful techniques." Then he kissed her again, longer this time, and probing her mouth with his tongue as he started to massage her tongue with his. His arms going around her body and bringing her up against his. Tasha melted against him, putting her arms around his shoulders and holding on to him tightly. She kissed him back passionately, while leaning back on the counter for support. She pulled away from his kiss, "Miguel. I don't think. that is maybe we shouldn't. you know.." Tasha stammered looking for the right words. It was just too hard to think about anything with him standing this close. She dropped her arms from his shoulders and put them on the counter behind her, her knees still weak from his kiss. Miguel smiled not pushing anything and letting her go at her own pace. "Fine I won't train you then. But there are few that have transcended. And most are busy right now with galactic matters. My plan was to take you to my private hide away so I can show you what I did without destroying to much." "Oh" Tasha felt foolish and blushed at the thoughts his suggestion had invoked. Realizing now what he was offering she tried to ignore the fact that he stood so close and tried to calm the pounding of her heart to focus on what he had offered. "Train me?" Tasha looked down thinking. Her gaze fell on his chest and toned shoulders, then lower; that was a mistake. She thought of her bed upstairs where she had planned to take a nap. "Sure, probably wouldn't get any sleep anyway." She looked at his face and poked his chest, "But don't think you can manipulate me mister!" As they both knew he had just done. Miguel gave her a mocked shock look. "When do you want to go?" Tasha asked gently pushing him away so and slipping out of the corner. "We can go whenever you're ready." He informed her. Tasha considers for a moment, "Give me two minutes." She walks out of the room and returns 3 minutes later, "Ready!" "You said two minutes not three." Miguel said teasing her. Miguel chuckled and removed a gold medallion from his pants. And the held it out away from him. Miguel's hand began to glow with power. The energy moved from his hand to the medallion and then a beam shot out of it and created a door way of energy. After the door was formed he looked at Tasha and held out his hand to her, then the two stepped through. When the emerged it was into a place that could only be described as a void. It seemed to have nothing all around them except white. Miguel again reached into his pocket and pulled out a pocket watch. "We'll only stay an hour today. Anything more then that until you get used to this will drive you insane." he told her. Tasha looked around them. "What is this place?" She whispered in awe. "This is my Sanctuary. This is where I have spent 2 years alone training. Until now no one else has ever been here." he said looking at the void that seemed to go on forever. "According to JJ when we reach a certain level we instinctively feel this urge to build a place where we can seclude ourselves and attempt to reach another plane where we become attuned to the cosmic powers that is the universe itself. Because of our battle with Julius and absorbing his vast power and life energies we reached this point sooner then any other Alderian. I reached mine 2 years ago when I entered this place and began to train. At first I didn't know how to proceed and just went about practicing with my powers and forcing them beyond their limits. Then after several days I passed out and had a vision where I saw the beginnings of the universe. It was like nothing I can explain or even imagine. When I awoke I felt empty as if I had lost something." He said in a very excited way as he began to walk around and used his entire body to tell his story. "Eventually I started to meditate on this and eventually I somehow pushed through the barrier and transcended. In doing so I gave up all my past powers, my virtual immortality. And now I am channeling new powers that in some ways are weaker then my old ones and in others stronger." He then looked at her. "I can't tell you that what I did will work for you, cause I’m not even sure that it can. But I can help you, and if you can reach that point of utter calm and tranquility you might receive the knowledge of how to transcend yourself. The question is do you want to." Guardians of The Earth Ch. 02 Tasha stared out into the nothingness lost in thought as she considered all Miguel had told her. "That would explain some of the urges I’ve been having lately, I suppose. Wanting to spend more time training and being alone." But she still seemed uncertain. "I don't know if I like the idea of losing my powers though Miguel. It's taken me a long time to figure out what I can do. I still haven't found very many limits." Then a new fear hit her. "You said you gave up you near immortality, does that mean you won't live as long...?" It was bad enough she would lose the close camaraderie they shared, with what they had done the night before. She didn't think she could handle it if he died before her though, not after losing the others to Julius. They might as well lock her up with her mother then. Miguel took a deep breath. "Yeah I'm mortal again for the most part. I mean I'll have an extremely long life compared to humans. But eventually I will die, as long as someone doesn't kill me first. I can grow old, have children, all the things I used to before my powers were awakened. My body is tougher than steel, and I can heal virtually any damage given time. But loosing my head is no longer the only way I can be killed." He was no fool though and sensed her fear of losing him. "But if you decide to do this it has to be because you want it Tasha. Not because your afraid of being alone." Tasha looked sharply at him. "I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid of anything!" She spoke more sharply than she had intended to. She glanced away not able to meet his gaze. "It just sounds... I don't know." She crossed her arms over her chest and took a few steps into the void. "It is our responsibility to protect and defend the Earth. If this will make me more vulnerable..." She turned to look at him again. "And J.J. has children, surely that is possible as I am. What you are suggesting..." She wasn't able to finish the thought. Children and the future had never entered her mind. Well it had but a family was for other people, not her. Tasha thought for a few more minutes about what he had said about becoming weak in some ways, but stronger in others. Certainly his speed and reflexes were better than she could ever do alone. And he had even admitted that he might not be able to push her as far as he had gone. "It can't hurt to try I guess." She said finally. Miguel wanted to give her the old Yoda montage of 'Do or Do Not there Is No Try.' But he wasn't about to push his luck. "Fine. First thing you need to do is to power up and summon all your power." Tasha silently did as she was told, aware that she had annoyed him. The subtle rise of her power was not apparent by the way she looked. Tasha didn't change her appearance, though she was protected by an invisible protective shield. Now what?" She asked Miguel sensed that her power was fully activated. "Okay now it's my turn." he said as he raised his power level. A bluish aura surrounded his body. At first it was only centimeters from his skin, but with in a matter of moments it grew until it was about 2 ft. away from his body. "Defend yourself." He yelled out as he moved in attacking her much faster the he had before. Tasha moved to block his attacks as fast as she could. Using her control of air she slowed him some but he was still too fast. She didn't dare teleport in this void, she might find herself lost for years. Miguel noticed her use of the wind to slow him down. His answer was simple, he moved so fast that he seemed to disappear in front of her eyes. He was able to maneuver around and behind her. Before she could react he had put his hands together and hit her with a tornado force blast of air at short range that knocked her back at least 75 ft. "That's my tornado punch." he told her. When Tasha regained her balance she slowly walked back to where he was. "Sneaky, but impressive." She said dusting imaginary dust off her front. Then she threw a fire ball the size of volley ball in his direction. She came in fast after it kicking and punching where she could. Miguel countered with a blast of energy that hit her fire ball and caused a blinding explosion. When the flash cleared Miguel was not where he should have been. "Up here!" he yelled, as she looked up a barrage of smaller energy blasts came raining down on her. Tasha closed her eyes and let her senses ride the air around her. She creates a wind storm around her pushing every thing away. Giving up her solid form she moves through the currents and materializes again behind Miguel. She grapples him from behind. "Tell me more about the new powers you have." She asks as she holds his arm behind his back. Miguel chuckled. I hope you have a tight grip. Before she had a chance to answer he began flying faster than he had ever flown before (at least that she knew of). As Miguel approached the speed of sound he began to incorporate twists and turns which made it feel as if Tasha was on a roller coaster. He was relentless as he continued to not only build up his speed to beyond that of sound , but also to increase the daring of his maneuvers. As Miguel built up speed Tasha latched on to him with her other arm, then wrapped her legs around him holding on for dear life and loving every minute of it. Her ankles locked at his waist and she laughed softly in his ear. "Drop me and I'll have to kill you." She said as his maneuvers grew more daring. "Okay You asked for it!" Miguel yelled out load as he put on another burst of speed. He then changed his direction and headed straight for the ground. A split second before hitting he dematerialized from Tasha's grasp and let her hit the ground all by herself. "Now that had to hurt." he said standing some 50ft away from her. Tasha rolled with the impact landing on her back. She shook her head to clear it and looked in the direction of his voice. "You could say that." She mumbles. Taking a deep breath to control her rising temper she stands. Then she takes a second deep breath. "I know your not TRYING to kill me.. What exactly is your plan here?" Tasha was unable to keep the irritation out of her voice. Miguel didn't say anything. He just seemed to stand there within his guard up doing nothing. Tasha concentrates on Miguel. the air around him grows thick and very hot. Hotter than most humans could stand and rising, the air too thick to breath. Miguel holds his ground not moving as if the her attack had no effect on him. She increases the heat and a fire starts around him. The air around him is unbreethable. As she does this she walk toward him slowly, still regaining her balance after her fall. Miguel's concentration is unbroken by the increase in heat or the fire that is surrounding him. In fact his focus seems even stronger the closer she gets to him. "I know I probably don't' want to know the answer to this but... What is your intention Miguel?" She asked again from twenty feet. She got her answer in the form of a energy blast to the back that knocked her through the image of Miguel. "Well you said you wanted to know what some of my new abilities were." he said as he stood not to far from where she had been. Enough of this cat and mouse bullshit! Tasha charged Miguel with a fury he hadn't seen since he'd been back. She pulled herself off the floor and ran at him. Just before she got to him she dematerialized and reformed to his side. She did a roundhouse kick to his head and went back to a gas form before he could hit her again. She reformed elsewhere to hit him again, repeating the process several times. Instinctively Miguel was able to parry her roundhouse hick and then her other blows. To an outsider the action would have been so fast that they would have appeared like a blur. But to Miguel everything was in slow motion, he just let her wail on him without her actually scoring a direct hit. Just as Tasha is about to surrender to her exhaustion Miguel drops his guard and allows her to hit him with every bit of her remaining strength….nothing happened to him. It was as if he had absorbed her shot. Tasha backed off to about 20 feet away. She shook her head and fell to her knees in exhaustion. "Miguel, this is stupid!" She yelled clearly still irritated. "We both know I can't even touch you unless you want me to! And even then I have no effect!" Tasha almost growled with her frustration. Miguel's watch alarm began to sound. "That was the point. To take you to the point of exhaustion." He said as he drew closer to her. He picked her up in his arms and carried her out through the doorway that appeared out of nowhere. Once back in her home he laid her on her bed and let her sleep. He wasn't sure If they had gone long enough, only time will tell now. He reset his clock to wake her In a few hours so she could make her appointment, then left the room. He had Some errands of his own to run. tbc..... *********************** I hope you enjoyed part two of this story. I'm always looking for feedback so don't hesitate to send me any, also don't forget to vote. Guardians of The Earth Ch. 03 Chapter 3: Solitude Tasha was in a bad mood after her meeting with the two archeologists. They hadn't gotten any further in their translations. The relics that they had found in Africa last year were gathering dust and those idiots were still no closer to figuring out what it meant. She had been able to figure out more than half of it at first glance, the part written in Alderian, but she needed those so-called language experts to translate the rest. She had used her less than conventional resources to look into it further but had hit a dead end. What she felt was part of an ancient prophecy in a forgotten language referred to some strange power source. A mystical sphere of some kind. Tasha shook her head and made her way on foot to the beach. It was all probably just the raving of a mad man or a strange archaic religion. She was just bored that was her problem. There was nothing threatening the earth and her company ran like a well oiled machine and didn't really need her constant presence. She had jumped at the idea of solving a puzzle presented by the archeologists she had funded a dig for, but now even that was losing its appeal. Maybe Miguel was right about her going through some weird phase. She did feel like isolating herself. The only thing that had kept her from closing herself off from the world was Cookie. But even his constant prodding was growing too easy to ignore. Martial Arts were no longer a challenge, training in severe climates was growing easy, she had long ago mastered every different weapon she had ever seen, on earth and elsewhere. The only thing that seemed to interest her was Physical activity, and that stupid relic. And now Miguel was back. He had returned with twice his normal speed and these strange new powers that she couldn't even detect. He had offered to train her. What was it he had said? {...According to JJ when we reach a certain level we instinctively feel this urge to build a place where we can seclude ourselves and attempt to reach another plane where we become attuned to the cosmic powers that is the universe itself. Because of our battle with Julius and absorbing his vast power and life energies we reached this point sooner then any other Alderian...} He had been so animated in telling her about his transition. She felt again the way those hand had touched her and remembered how he had looked at her. Tasha wrapped her arms around her and breathed in the salty night air. As she listened to the waves crash on the shore she could almost smell him, feel his arms around her comforting her, hear his voice in her ear. It would be so easy to love him... but if she let her guard down...No, every one she loved seemed to meet a fate worse than death. Her mother had reverted to a child-like state, her father was tormented by nightmares and cared for a woman that could never understand him again, and Cookie... Tasha laughed out loud. Poor guy was stuck taking care of her! Miguel had also said that they would be able to have children. She could give up her immortality and become fertile again. She had never been able to resign herself to the idea of not having a family. In the past few years it had been harder to watch people her age starting families of their own. But she would still live longer than a normal human. {...Well it's hard when the person is 500 years old and your only 18!...} Tasha smiled remembering Miguel's words about JJ's daughter. Tasha started walking again. She would continue training with Miguel she decided. She knew that things had already gone too far between them to stop the growing feelings. If he had died two weeks ago she would have been devastated. He was the only one that could really sympathize and understand her. He was her only real peer. But now she feared that if he died she would be more than devastated, and she would lose more than her only true friend. All the more reason not to let him out of my sight Tasha thought. She let her body mingle with the fog that was rolling in and rode the wind back to her mansion. She didn't bother to use her senses to look for him in the house as they didn't seem to work anymore. Instead she went to her room and pulled up the files with the information about the ruins in Africa on her computer. It was time to tell Miguel...