When he came to, his head hurt like he´s been hit by car. A few moments later, his encounter with the mystery man who turned out to be his father flashed in his mind. His father gave him a task, a task he must accomplish at all costs, or the galaxy would be in jeopardy. Now he knew that D´Jok was never his friend, only pretending. Also, the coach and Clamp, if not Dame Simbai were all in it with Sonny Blackbones, who framed his father. And all the time, it was other way around.

It was all on him now.

The two robots who brought him to father dropped him off on a small ship back on Akillian, not far from Academy. How convenient.

Meanwhile at the Academy...

"Hey, has anybody seen Micro Ice since breakfast? Coach has been calling for him." Tia shook her head as she put her training gear inside the bag and grabbed it. Their practice was over and now Shadows were up. "No, haven´t seen him since then. What about you, Rocket?"

"Neither have I. Maybe he went to Planet Akillian. Or he´s on his way back from there."

D´Jok nodded. "Well, you´re probably right. But he´s not answering his phone when I called him. I am a bit worried. What if something happened to him?"

Ahito laughed when he put his bag on his shoulder, closing his locker. "Like what? Getting bombarded by fangirls? He just likes to make people worry about him. And make them wait. It´s Micro Ice we are talking about here. He will show up soon."

Thran agreed with his brother. "Ahito is right. Stop worrying about him. I´ll wager he´s already back in dorm room or stuffing his face in dining room."

Mei however wasn´t so sure about it. She had a weird feeling something happened while they were training. "I don´t know guys, but something fishy is going on. Ever since this match was announced, Micro has been weird, like he wasn´t being himself. I think the Smog is getting to him... changing him."

Tia approached her best friend. "It´s gonna be alright, Mei. You´ll see. I am sure he is goofing around somewhere Academy." Mei smiled at her friend who cheered her up. "Thanks, Tia. What do you say we go out somewhere? I mean all of us, including Micro when he shows up. We haven´t gone out together since we came back."

D´Jok was all for it. "Great idea. I´m in."

The twins also liked the idea. "Yeah. Like the old times. The Snowkids going clubbin´."

Rocket put his hand around Tia´s shoulder. "It would be nice to hang out. We´ll decide where to go when Micro graces us with his presence."

D´Jok got a call. "Hey, guys, I have to pick this up."

The redhead moved aside and turned on his holo – phone. He was surprised to see Corso, who had a stressed out expression. "D´Jok. Finally, I´ve got a hold of you. Are you all inside Academy? The whole team?"

"We have just finished our practice for today. But why are you asking all of sudden? Did something happen to my dad?"

"No, no. He is fine. You know we pirates have a tendency to attract danger as magnet, but we´ll always survive against all odds, but that¢s not why I called you. Is everyone okay and safe?"

D´Jok raised his eyebrow, suspicion raising in him. "Corso, you´re not telling me something. Are we in danger? The Snowkids?"

"Honestly, D´Jok, I cannot tell you more than I already have. Just answer my question."

"Well... officially Sinedd is a member of Snowkids and Micro Ice is with Shadows, but they train together after both teams have had their training. I know that Micro Ice isn´t inside Academy. Aarch has been calling for him all day. After breakfast he..."

Corso´s eye widened in sudden dread. "Vanished... No, not him! Sorry, D´Jok, but I have to search for Micro Ice now. If he returns to Academy, let me know immediately. It´s of high importance."

D´Jok was a bit startled, but he nodded. "I will do that."

Corso smiled. "I must be going now, but Sonny sent his regards to you."

"Too bad I can´t see my dad often, but I know he´s out there somewhere, alive."

"Don´t worry, you will see him soon if stars will so... Take care, D´Jok."

"You too, Corso." The link was interrupted and the redhead was left with a puzzled mind. Mei walked up behind him. "Something wrong, D´Jok?"

"I just received the strangest phone call from Corso, asking if the Snowkids are inside Academy and when I told him Micro went somewhere after breakfast, he freaked out. Now I am also beginning to think something fishy is going on, Mei."

"So you, too? Don´t you think we should go and search for him?"

"No, I told Corso I would wait for Micro to return back. I think none of us should leave."

"I agree. I´ll tell Tia and Rocket. You´d better go and find Thran and Ahito. They wanted to go outside."

"I´ll figure something out. If Corso is getting freaked out, things are probably serious. I am counting on you, Mei. Just bring Rocket and Tia to my room when you find them." Mei left in a hurry and D´Jok watched as his girlfriend´s long hair left a remaining breeze around him.

D´Jok sighed. "Micro Ice... What did you get yourself into this time? Please, just come back safe and sound..." And he headed out the door, picking up his and Mei´s gear. He went inside the elevator and pressed the button to his floor. He dropped off the bags, changed clothes and went to twin´s room. They were inside, just lying on the beds and reading some stuff on football. He told them he wanted to hang out with them, with all of them in his room so they could talk with Micro Ice when he returns about where they should go later on that night. The twins eagerly agreed, probably bored. The trio went to D´Jok´s and Micro Ice´s room and soon they were joined by Mei, Tia and Rocket. They all settled down comfortably and played board games, video games and so on, passing time before Micro Ice showed up. At least, that´s what Mei and D´Jok were hoping for. The redhead smiled along with everyone else, but inside, he was deadly worried about the short teen and by the way Mei was playing that racing game, her hands shaking a bit, he knew she was just as worried as he was.


While the Snowkids were hanging at D´Jok´s room, Sinedd got ready for his training with Micro Ice and their coaches. Speaking of the shorter teen... he has not seen him since morning. Maybe he is with his friends. Though he heard from Mei that lately he isn´t very social. Must be the Smog... It´s no wonder Micro Ice left and hasn´t returned since morning, considering what he did to him. He made that hard decision with good intentions in mind and what happened? He only made it worse... He still had some time before Shadows are done with training. He could go and poke around Academy and find the despondent striker. The best place to start is obviously his dorm room he shared with D´Jok.

As he was nearing his destination, noise was getting more and more stronger with each step. He knocked and waited for an answer, but none came, so he shrugged and entered. All Snowkids were there, minus one notable absence. All of them were so absorbed with playing, that they did not see him. Except for redhead who stared at him comically for two seconds before he mouthed him to go out. Sinedd crossed his arms as D´Jok came outside glancing from one end of hall to the other several times. "Hey, have you seen shorty? You know, short, dark hair, blue eyes?"

D´Jok smirked. "Funny. I was about to ask you the same thing."

Sinedd didn´t like what he was hearing. Not at all. "You´d better explain. He´s expected in the training room. Our training is right after Shadows."

"Oooh, I see. You came to pick him up, right, loverboy? Sorry to tell you, but he´s been gone since breakfast and we cannot get a hold of him."

"Aren´t you worried about him? What if something happened to him?"

"He´s not a child anymore. He´ll come back in time. Anyway, was that the only reason you came by?" D´Jok asked the dark haired teen who looked at his holo - phone. "Sorry, gotta run. I have to get ready." He sprinted back to his room to get his gear.

Shorty better come. By the way Artegor was acting when he saw him ten or so minutes ago, they have finally found some way to cure them.


Micro Ice reached the entrance warily, looking around. It seemed like no one noticed his disappearence and with a pang in his heart he thought that no one cared for him. His father has opened his eyes to reality. Inside Academy, he has no allies, no real friends. But he must maintain his good relations, most of all with D´Jok and coach. He looked at the time and his blue eyes widened. To hell with appearances, he´s fashionably late to the training... though they didn´t say there would be a session today. Still, the last moments in his mind inside the holo - trainer were blurred and he couldn´t remember what really happened.

He had a feeling like he was being watched, he glanced over his shoulder, but saw no one.. Strange. A tall silhouette appeared in the distance and Micro Ice made out the long hair of Dame Simbai. Her expression was overly concerned as she stopped before the unfazed teen. "Micro Ice! Where have you been?! We all have been worried sick! Please, don´t be so reckless."

Micro Ice rolled with his eyes. "Great, is this a lecture? Gee, fine. I am back."

Dame Simbai didn´t approve of his changed attitude. The Smog is really affecting him, more and more, with each passing day, in the bad way. Micro Ice without a word walked off. The medic was taken back by that. "Where are you going now?" She questioned.

"To get my gear. Tell them I´ll be there in a jiffy." He put hands in the pockets as he approached the lift. He got in and pushed the corresponding button to his dorm room.

Meanwhile, Dame Simbai watched him closely. When the doors on the elevator closed, she called up Corso. It took a while until he picked up, his strained face was covered in sweat. "Corso. I have good news. Micro Ice is back in Academy."

His facial expression changed in a second, from stressed out to relieved. "I am grateful for you telling me, Simbai. I knew I could count on you. Now I can go back to the site with a clear conscience. Tell Master Simbra that we´re progressing with Metaflux removal, but it´s a slow process. Also, Sonny went ahead with Duke Madoxx for Shadow Archipelago. They think a site like that could be there, too. That´s all for now. Once more, thanks for telling me."

Dame Simbai nodded. "No need to thank me. Clamp didn´t offer much of an explanation, so it´s good I have more information for Master Simbra. I hope you´ll be done there soon. The sooner the better."

"Right, take care."

Corso was about to end the call, when Dame Simbai spoke up. "And Corso?"

"Yes?"

"Why were you so afraid? I mean, about Micro Ice not being inside Academy." Corso avoided looking into her eyes. "You will learn that all in due time. Look, I have to go..."

She didn´t get the answer, but it surely reeked after one mystery relation between the two. But, it wasn´t her place to make assumptions. "I understand, Corso. Be careful." And she ended the call. Now back to the matter at hand... as a medic, she cannot possibly allow Micro Ice to train today, but they have to see if the same will happen today. They´re ready for it this time, though. No one should be able to hack into the system now. Clamp made all the necesarry enhacements to his system. On the brigh side, Sinedd had no problems with Breath of Akillian. If he wanted to, after the whole matter is resolved and their Fluxes reversed back to normal; he could easily become a Snowkid. But that´s entirely up to him. She stepped inside the elevator and pressed a button. Shadows should be finishing their training about now.

Micro Ice wasn´t expecting the whole team to be inside the dorm room. He stepped in and all at once they turned to stare at him. It was Mei who broke the initial silence as she paused the game she was playing against Tia. She stood up and closed the distance between them, trapping him in a hug. "Micro! We have all been waiting for you!"

He let her squeeze the life outta him for more moments, looking at others who had slight smiles on their faces. His eyes stopped at D´Jok who had the biggest smile of them all. He´s so much in character that if he would be the same Micro Ice he was this morning, he might have found the redhead´s smile to be genuine. He pushed Mei away and she gave him quite the questioning look. "Micro Ice?"

Said teen walked over to his wardrobe and picked his bag with black and green stripes dress #11 in it. "You man, where are you goin´? We´ve been waiting for you." Ahito said, rubbing his eyes.

"I have a practice now. Later."

The Snowkids were gaping as their friend walked away, not even acknowledging them.

"Guys? What´s up with him? It´s like he´s ignoring us! And just this morning we were laughing." Rocket said.

Mei knew something was amiss. Micro Ice as the goof he is would only return her hug, not coldly push her away. Also, something in his expression as he glanced at D´Jok was... odd, as if he was detesting him. "Don´t know. Must be the pressure he is under. Don´t worry, guys. I will be right back." She moved towards the door and Thran picked up the joystick and resumed the game. At the door, she made a gesture towards her boyfriend to follow her. He followed her and they walked a bit further to avoid being heard by their friends. He leaned against a wall. "Mei, what¢s so urgent we had to talk here?"

"He is acting strange. I am beginning to feel the uneasiness and I have also saw the spiteful look, directed at you, though only for a split second. Did you have a fight with him?

"No, none. It´s like he¢s another person. I wonder if it has something to do with Corso... by the way, I should give him a call..."

His holo - phone instantly dialled the right hand of Sonny Blackbones. Corso picked up with a bewildered expression. Before D´Jok could tell him, the man spoke up. "I know already that Micro Ice is back. Dame Simbai told me not even ten minutes ago. But thank you nevertheless. I must ask you and your teammates stay inside Academy during this week."

Mei who was looking on, stepped into the conversation. "Corso! You are hiding something! And don´t lie to us! Are we in danger? Why can´t we leave?"

"It´s for the best if you don´t know the exact reason. I implore you and your team, stay inside. I cannot tell you anymore than this at this moment. If that´s all, then I have to hang up..."

"Wait." D´Jok said gingerly. "Something is up with Micro Ice. This morning he was fine and now he is completely different person. I don´t recognize him anymore. Tell me, the pirates must know something about this. What´s wrong with my friend?"

Corso bit his lower lip, thinking. "You´re saying he´s changed since this morning?"

The redhead nodded. "Yeah."

"I see. D´Jok, I am sorry but I cannot tell you more. Maybe Sonny will tell you one day. I have some work to do that can´t wait. Please, don´t contact me in a while nor your father. We´re having some bad times right now. When all is over I will breathe easier."

Mei raised her eyebrow. "When all is over?"

"Sorry, kids..." And he hung up on them.

The duo went back, but now they knew something was up and it probably was not a good thing.


On the way however, the short teen was confronted with Sinedd, standing outside the training room. "You´re late." It wasn not a complaint, only a remark. The short teen paid him no attention as he went inside as first. To think he was such a moron and simpleton – he confessed to this personification of arrogance only to be left lovelorn in the end. At least he´s got a mission now. That should keep his mind focused on his goal, shutting out everything else, including his pain. He´s in the lion´s den, alone. His father is counting on him. He repeated it over and over in his head as some sort of mantra as he saw Artegor Nexus and Aarch standing by the main control system of the holo – trainer, as they were applying the finishing touches. Artegor glanced at him just in time to see Sinedd and Dame Simbai enter after Micro Ice. "Ah, everyone is here. Before we begin, I need to ask you a question, Micro Ice and I want a honest answer from you."

This should be good, the short teen thought and switched to his uncommitted attitude. "Sure. What´s this about?" Micro Ice asked nonchalantly.

"You see, yesterday we had a sligh problem inside the simulator, but it´s dealt with and it shouldn´t occur anymore. I need to know if you know who hacked into Clamp´s system." Micro Ice expected anything, but not that. Someone hacked into the system? He didn´t have a damn clue about that! "How the hell should I know? Are you accusing me of something, coach?" He delivered his opinion defensively, impercetibly raising his voice.

Aarch sighed. "No, no one is accusing anyone. But with everything that has happened lately, we are a bit... on the edge. Artegor... Dame Simbai..." Aarch gave the word to them. Dame Simbai spoke as first. "Since your exchange, I have monitored your health and I have come to two conclusions; one of you is severaly fatigued. I am talking about you, Micro Ice. The Smog is acting like a parasite in your body, it´s changing you. Also, before Clamp went back, we´ve confirmed something really fascinating, Sinedd."

Artegor stepped closer. "That´s right. I learned that before the GF cup The Snowkids got rid of Metaflux inside of them as well as Breath of Akillian and they had to find it on their own, again. You´re a special case, because you have not obtained the Breath in the natural way. We may have found the cure, just like then."

Sinedd was in awe. So he has that Metathing inside of him now?! "That´s right. The Metaflux. We wanted to consult with you two about it. If we remove the Metaflux from you, it should reverse back yout Fluxes and all should be as it was before. There are two problems: One, we can´t do anything without Clamp and Sonny, because they´ve removed it the first time from Snowkids. Also, the upcoming match... we all think it´s for the best if we postpone or cancel it." Dame Simbai said.

The short teen crossed his arms. "Sure whatever works. So are we gonna train or not?"

Aarch approached him, solemn look on his face. "Micro Ice, Sinedd. You´ve got mixed in this mess and I am sorry that you both have to through harsh times. We cannot possibly ask neither of you to hold out until the match is over and then we will cure you."

"Why not? We have held on so far, I don´t see a problem with that. Do you, Sinedd?"

The taller teen shook his head, albeit a bit reluctantly. "No, I am fine with it. We´ll do our part until the match is over."

The three grownups in the room sighed from sheer relief. "That´s so good to hear. You´re both very brave. But if you have any problems concerning your health, please report them to Dame Simbai. We´re here for you. Well then, the match is practically around the corner, so we should practice. Go and change. In the meantime we´ll set up the terrain. This is going to be a bit different than the usual training session."

Micro Ice went into the locker room, not caring if Sinedd was behind him or not. Dame Simbai gave him a questioning look, but he shrugged it off, in a way like - I don´t know what´s wrong with him either and followed after the shorter teen. When he got inside, he got a glimpse of his bare back and he sat down on bench to put the shoes on. Sinedd threw his bag on the opposite bench and stood before Micro Ice who still had that uniterested expression on his face. What has he done to him? Did he break him inside out? "Hey, shorty... I thought..." Micro Ice cut him off, a new look settled on his face – disgust. "I don´t care what you thought and I don´t want to hear it. Also, don´t call me shorty. You´ve made it clear for me and we´re in this together whether I like it or not."

"But shorty-!" Micro Ice slammed the back of his fist into the locker. "Enough of this! Spare me your speech full of pity. I don´t need it, I don´t want it. Get it, got it? GOOD!" Micro Ice stormed off, leaving the distraught taller teen in rather confused state. He´s made things only worse. He wanted Micro Ice to hate him, but this wasn´t simple momentary hate that will fade eventually. He finds him outright disgusting. That loathing look... He sat down to sort out his thoughts. Micro Ice would probably never forgive him, even if he explained why he did it after their Fluxes have been returned. He changed into his dress and the number 3 was haunting him, as well as shorty´s disgusted look when he gazed upon him.

The blame was all his.

Micro Ice was standing on the simulation ground and the coaches were talking about something. Sinedd stepped inside, glancing at the shorter teen who disregarded him. They were transported inside a deep forest with huge flora and even bigger trees. Sinedd looked at the ground and saw that they were standing on a pitch, even goals have been set up. He was stunned. Coach wasn´t kidding when he said this would be different. "Listen up. On this session, we want you to work together and score as many goals as you can. Your opponents will be.." Aarch´s voice vanished and Sinedd was glaring at his mirror image, in Shadows dress. Micro Ice was looking down his counter image in Snowkids dress. "Prevent them from scoring. If you can´t score, neither can they. You have ten minutes. Let´s begin!"

The timer beeped and the ball was lunged into the sky. Aarch must be out of his mind if he thinks shorty will work with him, Sinedd thought. His clone was fast as he grabbed hold of the ball and headed for the goal, the clone of shorter teen beside him. They were passing to each other and effectively avoiding him. And Micro Ice only stood there like this training didn´t concern him. He heard Artegor´s voice in the headset. "Micro Ice, stop spacing out and get to it!"

Micro Ice groaned as he sprinted, chanelling his anger, taking in the Smog. He caught up with Sinedd´s clone who was currently in the possesion of the ball and stole the ball from him. In that instant, he hurled the ball in the sky and teleported kicking it upside down. His clone used the Breath, but he was too late. Ball went inside the net of the other goal. The beep confirmed it. They were in the lead. Micro Ice landed on the pitch and approached his clone who was looking on dumbly, scratching his head. Micro Ice snorted haughtilly at his clone. Was this a joke? He´s always been so lame on the pitch? His clone hung his head.

Micro Ice went back to his position, not looking at either of the Sinedd´s on the pitch. The ball was lunged again and this time, he tool control over it, landing softly and running towards the empty goal on the other side. His eyes widened when someone tripped him from behind and he fell to the floor like a sack of potatoes, face first. He quickly regained his footing and saw that none other than Mr. Shadows clone did it. If he cannot hurt the real Sinedd, then at least this one! Make him pay for his hearbreak. With vengeance in his mind, he rushed ahead, the anger getting better of him and Smog also.

On Dame Simbai´s screen, an alarming sound brought up Micro Ice´s stats. "Aarch! he is reaching that amount again! We have to end this simulation now!"

"No, not yet. He must master the Smog before the match. If we keep pulling him out every time, he won´t make it." Artegor said. Aarch nodded. "I agree for now. Let them continue."

Dame Simbai´s lips were trembling. They were right. But at this rate, Micro Ice will... she looked on, nervously.

Sinedd who didn´t sense Micro Ice´s intent ran forward with him, blocking the shorter´s teen clone, blocking his path succesfully. Sustained by hate, Micro Ice jumped, aiming for the clone´s ankle, tripping him over, putting as much force into it as he could. Sinedd´s clone screamed in pain and grabbed his ankle, eyes full with tears. Clone of Micro Ice stood there, frozen to the spot. Real Sinedd was also frozen.

On the other side of the simulator, three collective gasps could be heard. Dame Simbai checked on the stats of the clone Sinedd and she was horrified. "If this was the real Sinedd, then he would be unable to play for at least two years. His left ankle is fractured badly..."

Artegor gazed at his friend who had a somber expression on his face. This never bode well in the past. "Artegor... pull them out. It´s no use."

Micro Ice was towering above the clone of the man he loathed, tilting his head to the side and holding back the urge to laugh in his face. Revenge was so sweet. Before he could savor his triumph and lock eyes with the real Sinedd, the deep forest disappeared, and the clone stared at him blankly as he also vanished. With satisfaction he confronted the three adults, ignoring Sinedd who still didn´t move an inch. Aarch stepped away from the main system and looked at Micro Ice who was staring back, defiantly. "I don´t know what´s your deal or if you two had an argument. You can´t do something like this to no one. Even if the clone wasn´t real, you have hurt someone. I don´t recognize you anymore, Micro Ice. Where is the cheerful boy I met three years ago?"

"He grew up, coach."

Artegor approached him and so did Dame Simbai, but a bit warily. "Why did you do that? Galactik Football is about sportmanship, not trying to kill or cripple your opponent. That is why the use of Flux was banned, exception being football. Why did you do that?!" Aarch was screaming, gripping the short teen´s shoulders. Micro Ice didn´t flinch at the harsh tone.

He is really asking why he did that? Out of revenge. Hate is a strong equalizer. Sinedd spoke up, shaking off his shock. "It´s all my fault, coach. We had an argument and he is angry at me still."

" That is not reason enough to do that! I am responsible for you while you´re a team member. I am sorry, but your conduct inside the simulator was highly inappropriate. We won´t train tomorrow. I am giving you time to sort out your argument and no fights, you hear me, Micro Ice?"

The short teen nodded, his thirst for vengeance was quenched. For now. Sinedd isn´t forgiven. Aarch wasn´t finished. "Also, you won´t mention anything that has transpired to anyone. Especially not the Snowkids." Both Sinedd and Micro Ice nodded.

Micro Ice looked somewhere above coach´s head. "Can I go, sir?"

Aarch let go of him and Micro Ice strutted outsite the awfully silent room. All eyes were glued on the tall dark haired teen. Dame Simbai put a hand on his shoulder, slightly smiling. "It´s gonna be alright... just give it some time. I don´t know what´s your quarrel, but I am sure he will forgive you. For today, head back to your room and try to relax."

Sinedd felt the gazes of both coaches on him, so he had no choice but to nod. She retreated and Sinedd walked past by her, stopping before Artegor and Aarch. No words were needed as he saw what they were thinking; there was no use denying the fact that Micro Ice hated his guts by tenfold. He walked outside and his legs took him to his room, where he collapsed on the bed. Shorty didn´t hate him. He was out for blood. Namely, his blood. Who knew that Smog would so twist his usually sweet personality? Was this nightmare even gonna end? Will Micro Ice ever change back? And will he ever forgive him? These and more frightening thoughts have circled in his mind like voltures, waiting for their prey for minutes, but to him it seemed like endless hours. He finally fell asleep, only to be haunted by the after image of his clone, holding broken ankle, screaming in pain. The short teen standing above him, eyes glowing with mania.

Meanwhile, Micro Ice appeared before his dorm room, which was dark. He entered and found it to be empty. They have probably taken the party elsewhere, maybe twin´s room. Perfect. Nobody would bother him about how the practice went. He´ll deal with all of them, tomorrow. He changed into some casual clothes and threw the Shadows dress on a chair. He closed his eyes, replaying the shocked face of the man he now hated the most.

At least he had something to look forward to – his father would contact him. His father devised a plan to bring them all down. All of them who wronged him in the past. This will be their revenge. And there is nothing they can do about it. Micro Ice chuckled to himself in the darkness.

~ TO BE CONTINUED ~