Chapter 36: Victory!
It had been the strangest of days. Corso, Bennet and Artie made their way out. They had been made to lead a rescue mission alongside with technoid, they had been arrested, and now, the duke released them. They were free.
«I can't believe it, I'm dreaming for sure» exclaimed the young pirate.
« Believe it kid, it happened» stated Corso. He wanted to get out as soon as possible.
«I wonder if Sonny managed to stop Bleylock» said Bennet.
«If he did, I really wouldn't want to be in Bleylock's shoes» stated Corso.
All the pirates had seen the rage that shone in Sonny's hazels when he stormed off. Sonny, who usually had full controll, he looked like a wild and caged animal when he stormed after Bleylock. The pirates made their way out. All the holoscreens showed the same scene. D'Jok, accepting the galactik football cup, after their incredible win over their archrivals, the Shaddows. D'Jok kissed the cup, before holding it high, like a true champion. Corso had to smile, this had to be the proudest of moments to Sonny.
Sonny.. they had to find him, and continue on their mission to destroy the metaflux. Corso called Sonny's number...
Sonny stood in a large crowd, holding on to the sphere with the fluids. On the screen, he saw his son, accepting the cup. D'Jok's dream was fullfilled. He was one of the stars on the sky that he talked of being. Sonny felt a pride and warmth in his chest when he saw D'Jok kiss the cup, and then hold it up high. «Your mother would be proud D'Jok» he said. Looking up. Then in a more quiet tone. «You're a champ D'Jok, just like you dreamed off, not because of the metaflux, but by hard work and devotion, I am extremely proud of you» said the pirate chief touched. Then, his transmitter beeped. Corso.
Sonny replied. Soon after, his teammates met up with him. «Where's Bleylock?» asked Corso when he saw Sonny holding the sphere. Sonny looked down for a second. «He fell to his death. I couldn't help him, not if the history wasn't to repeat itself» he said. Corso looked at him. «How long was that fall Sonny?», «50 levels down, no one could survive that Corso, it's inhuman». Then, they all turned to the screen. «Congratulations Sonny. Your son is a real star» said Corso. Sonny smiled. « it seems we now got two teams to follow Corso, our own, and the snowkids». «Wow, what they did, is amazing» said Artie. Bennet agreed. Corso looked to be in thoughts. «So, have you congratulated D'Jok on his teams win yet?». «No, I plan to make a personal appearance» said Sonny. «That is risky» warned Corso. «Hey, we live for risks, don't we?» teased Sonny. The group went back to the Black Manta, and took of to finally rid the world of the metaflux...
A few weeks had past, and things were growing back to normal on Akillian. D'Jok and the rest of the snowkids, instead of
football, now focused on schoolwork. It was hard, but they had immense respect out among the friends and inhabitants of Akillian. But D'Jok worried for his father. He had not heard a word from Sonny, or about him since the finals. Had Sonny gotten injured and died. It haunted D'Jok, he didn't like it. Maya knew where he stood. D'Jok didn't know much about his father, but he still loved him. Now, he was looking to build a bond with him. It would not be easy. Sonny Blackbones was still a wanted man, and could not move about freely. Maya would look in her crystal ball again. She smiled. This was good news, there would still be hope for D'Jok to have a proper relationship with his father...
The Black Manta was gliding silently in over the Aarch academy. Clamp was waiting for the guests. Along with him, was Aarch. Before long, four dark shaddows came flying through the air. Pirates. Corso and Bennet were first, and then followed Artie, and finally, Sonny.
«Good to see you Sonny, how do you feel?» said Clamp, he had been worried since Sonny's near death experience just two weeks ago. Sonny looked at his friend, as he removed the hood and googles. «I'm fine Clamp, no injuries, or any problems». Aarch looked at him «That's interresting coming from you Sonny, since you're still a wanted man». Sonny smiled. «I think – Arch and Clamp, that we should watch the upcoming news, there is a story there that I think will shed a light on my comment». The pirates joined Clamp and Arch, and went to the commonroom of the academy...
D'Jok and the others were on planet Akillian, to watch the news of arcadia sports. D'Jok never told, but he secretly hoped to learn news of his father there. So far, there had been nothing, that was if you took away the wanted poster. They sat down to watch the news. Calleigh mystic came on, as usual with a smile. «D'Jok, here's the news, even though I don't know why you want to watch that» teased Micro- Ice. All the snowkids knew of D'Jok's father, the infamous pirate leader, Sonny Blackbones by now. They were happy for him. As for Rocket, who had found his mother the same season. His father Norrata, and Keira, had decided to make a new start. To Rocket, it had been amazing. For D'jok to find his father, had been like a miracle, but it also caused trouble, as Sonny had no means to establish a normal father son relationship with him at this point. They saw Calleighs smiling face come on.
«And now, dear holowiewers, we got a rather exciting announcement from the head of Technoid, Duke maddox, personally».
The Duke stood beside her.
«During the galactik football finals, Technoid experienced a rouge employee, that tipped over. This could have ended very badly for us all, as the employee wanted to start a new war. The pirates, led by Sonny Blackbones, stepped in and stoped this mad man, and disposed of the weapon. Therefore, I declare that Technoid and the pirates are now friends, and Sonny's wanted poster is removed as of this day. Sonny Blackbones and his pirates are no longer wanted men, they are free and friends to technoid».
The snowkids were amazed. D'Jok's mouth had fallen open. They were all so consumed with the news that they didn't notice the group of eight that came in.
«Hungry D'Jok? You look like you could catch flies with that mouth right now» teased Sonny.
«DAD! how long have you been here?» D'Jok jumped on his feets and ran towards him.
Sonny was prepared, and opened his arms to greet his son. It was a touching sight to all that witnessed it. D'Jok could not keep the tears away as he greeted his father. «Dad, I – I thought Bleylock had killed you» D'Jok managed to stodder between the sobbs. Sonny held him close to his chest. D'Jok could feel his steady heartbeats as Sonny's strong arms lay wrapped around him, like a protective shield, a father wanting to protect his son from all possible danger. A sound was heard. D'Jok looked up. Maya stood in the doorway, when she saw Sonny, she grew pale.
«Maya..» started D'Jok, it made him feel guilty that she had to see this. Sonny quickly sent a silent signal to Corso to keep her from leaving. Wich was what Maya seemed like she wanted to do. D'Jok pulled it together. «Maya, would – would you please come over here?» he asked. Sonny remained at his side. As Maya walked up to him, D'Jok turned to Sonny. «Dad, I'd like you to meet the woman that raised me when mom was unable to, and we didn't know of you» he said. Clamp coughed. «Not to mention Sonny, this lady sort of saved your life». Corso nodded. «It's true Sonny, without her vision, we would not have found you in time». Sonny listened attentively to all they said. Then, he turned to Maya. Maya unknowingly, pulled backwards. Sonny was very tall, and to some, he did come across as frightening. Sonny noticed her reaction. He reached out his hand. Maya slowly grabbed it. «It's a pleasure to meet you Maya» he said in a calm and comforting tone. «I..» Maya was lost for words. Corso came to Sonny's help. «Maya, don't worry, Sonny is a person you need not fear, he is a lot more kind than Technoid claims». D'Jok nodded. He found the use of his speech again. «Maya, meet my father, Sonny, this is Maya, the woman that raised me». Sonny nodded. «You've done a great job raising him Maya. Thank you. On behalf of both myself, and Niobe». Maya relaxed. «she said something, near her end, that I didn't get». Sonny grew tense when he heard that. «Can – can you remember what she said?» he asked. Maya thought for a few seconds. «I'm not sure I remember correctly, but she said something like, find I'Son, and let him know what happened». Sonny's reaction shocked them all. Sonny looked like he had seen a ghost. He didn't say a word, but sank down on a chair.
«She knew I was still alive, she must have known, why else would she ask anyone to look for me? Why didn't I stay and look?» Corso immidiately went over. In front of all these people, he didn't hug Sonny, like he normally would, it was about keeping a sense of dignity in this.
Sonny gently pulled Maya aside. «Maya, would you concider it rude of me to ask to talk to you in private?» he asked. Maya shook her head. «No, I know you have questions I'm the only one that knows the answer to». Sonny's confusion showed in his face, and Maya cought on to it. «I sense your confusion Sonny, haven't D'Jok told you?». Sonny looked at her. His hazels looked like questionmarks. «Told me what Maya?» he asked kindly. She met his gaze. More confident this time. «I'm – I'm clearvoyant Sonny, you don't have a problem with me being on a firstname basis do you?». «No, that's fine. Now, let's find a private place to talk shall we?». Sonny then looked at D'Jok. «Would it be ok for you that I talk to Maya for a little while D'Jok?». «Sure Dad, just make sure to come back before you leave». Sonny smiled. «Corso, Bennet, Artie, would you please explain to the snowkids and their staff why we're really here, while I go speak with Maya?». The three pirates nodded. «Good». Sonny placed his hand to Maya's shoulder, and they left to speak in Maya's cave...
Corso gathered the snowkids and their technical staff around them. «There is a reason why we're here. The pirates could not participate in the celebration of your victory, and as Sonny recently found out about D'Jok, we decided to come here, and celebrate your win. Along with us, you will also find the pirates gf team, they have become big admirers of you, and want to pay their respects» said Corso with a smile. «Wow, they want to do that for us?» asked Thran. Artie placed a hand to his shoulder. «You don't know how much the pirates love football do you?» he asked. «I thought the pirates were plunderers and loothers?» said Rocket. «Just as a means to survive, a pirate can't hold a normal dayjob, it's too risky, or, it was untill today» smiled Corso. «So, what does this immunity of yours mean to Dad?» asked D'Jok. Bennet placed a hand to his shoulder, the pirates could see a lot of Sonny in the young teen. Besides the colour of his hair, he was a duplicate of how Sonny had to have looked at a young age. «it means changes D'Jok, lot's of changes, and development for the pirates. Technically, we probobly have to start becoming reformed pirates now». Corso looked at D'Jok. «To Sonny, however, this is the beginning of a period of lots of changes for him. Sonny's used to being a wanted man, so not being in constant hiding is going to be a challenge, not only to him, but to all of us. It will be a time when Sonny and I will have to fresh up a lot on our diplomacy skills» said Corso, and was interrupted by Bennet and Artie's sniggering. « Yeah, you got your hands full with that Corso, it's still Sonny that's going to have to do the work.», Corso looked crossed over at them both. « Since Technoid, Sonny's archrival for years, is all of a sudden his «friend», don't you guys think it's going to be a rather hellish job for him to cope with this? I don't have to be the diplomat, luckily, I'm only second in command, Sonny has to be a diplomat, he'll have to meet the Duke, in one on one settings. Believe me D'Jok, I don't trust Technoid, I never will, but what your father has to put up with..» Corso shook his head. D'Jok sensed the pirate's frustration. «But.. you should be happy for this?» Ahito woke from his sleep. Corso sighed heavily, as he sat down. «Any gift from Technoid comes with a demand, and believe me, Sonny might be off the wanted list, but it doesn't mean they're not hunting him still». «How is that? There are rules as to how they can behave in situations like that, aren't there?» asked Tia. «In your world, perhaps, but in Technoid's world, things are not always as you think» replied Bennet silently. Artie nodded. «You see, the majority of the pirates, are from Akillian, this also applies to Sonny. We also thought the same once, but the fluxwars, and the fact of what Technoid did in the past, it can not be forgiven» said Artie. The pirates knew what he was speaking of, the snowkids looked like questionmarks. The pirates sighed, and sat down to tell their story, the story the news never told, the real history of the pirates past. They learned about Sonny Blackbones, the former technoid scientist, that grew from being a scared rookie, to a trusted and respected captain in the fleet in a few years, and eventually, their fearless leader, a leader that the pirates stated again and again, they could not do without, a leader, that was more than that, a leader, that was a friend, a person you could trust, who would give his own life to keep others safe. The pirates that sat with them, and told of their personal stories with Sonny, how they had met him the first time. «Sonny is truly the strongest one among us, but he is always fair. Sonny would never kill anyone unless he had to. Bleylocks death, it was unfortunate, but Sonny had to make a call, it was either to repeat what caused Akillian to be an icy planet, or let Bleylock fall to his death. In my opinion, Sonny made the right call» said Corso. «So, are you saying that Sonny would have saved Bleylock, if he could?» asked Mei. Corso nodded. «The pirates don't like to resort to any form of violence, Sonny has come down hard on any form of corporal punishment, As though as Sonny may come across, he's close to fainting when he sees blood. But he's got a strong heart, and hates injustice, Sonny is the most fair of all pirates, maybe that is why Technoid still wants him back? We don't know, all we know, is that we'll fight with him, for as long as we can» Corso's gaze looked at all the surrounding bystanders. The snowkids was amazed. «So, we were to tell you about the party the pirates plan for you right?» smiled the pirates. «Yeah, let's get the party started» yelled Micro- Ice. «Micro- Ice, always the joker» laughed D'Jok...
Maya sat down on a chair, oposite of Sonny. He sat down too. There was many questions that needed answers, and Maya seemed the only one that knew the answers to some of the pasts mysteries. Maya looked at the man that sat before her. He had fought with his inner ghosts for a long time, doubt, fear, and pure devestation at the things he could not change. Maya knew Sonny was still a young man, in terms of years, but what life had thrown at him.. it made him look older, and from experience, he was far older than most would make. «What is it you wish to know Sonny Blackbones? Or would you rather I call you by your real name, I'Son?». Sonny gave it some thought. «I'Son..there was a time I would have done everything to cling on to my name, but, my own mistake, the glaciation of Akillian.. it destroyed everything, all I lived for and cared about, my family, my wife, my job, my partner.. one day, I had it all, the next, my life was the utter chaos. I was lost, in a way I cannot describe with words, hunted and with no reason to stay, I left Akillian, never to return, I became a pirate, found a home there, and friends that would fight with me, against an all powerfull and mighty enemy. Now, it is expected of me, that I make friends with the enemy. I'm.. I'm not I'Son anymore, not the man Niobe fell in love with, not the man she wanted to start a family with. No, my name will not again be I'Son, I am Sonny Blackbones, through and through» Maya nodded. When she took hold of his hand, she could see his life in images, feel his pain, fears and struggles. «You've had a hard life Sonny, but you've also done many good things. The pirates rely on you». «Yes, but too much, the day will come that I'm not around anymore..» Maya knew what he meant. It was a communication without words. Maya felt a strong bond with this man. She had nursed his wife, when he thought her dead, she felt his pain, that he had been robbed of so much of his son's childhood, upbringing. «I.. I hope you don't hold it against me, that you didn't learn of D'Jok sooner?» she said. Sonny shook his head. « I trust Niobe, she.. she always was a good judge of charrachter. If she chose to entrust our beloved son, she saw something in you» said Sonny silent. Everytime he thought of Niobe, instead of the pain of her loss, decreasing, it stayed constant. The pain was as bad today as back then. He had only learned to live with it.
«So, what do you want to know Sonny?» Maya's voice was filled with compassion, she had seen his pain. Most people would loose it if they had to endure this. Sonny, only seemed to grow stronger and more determined to win against all odds, the more he was left to fight. He had a strong heart, much stronger than Maya had ever seen. But through it all, Sonny had maintained his humanity, he had not changed into someone ruled by hate and desire for vengance. Sonny had found balance, he had good allies, friends that fought with him. Maya didn't have to ask concerning D'Jok. She knew, Sonny would not take D'Jok from his life as he knew it. D'Jok would stay with her, untill a time would come, that he would chose to join his father.
«Sonny?», Sonny looked up at the sound of Maya's voice. «yes?», «Will you keep D'Jok from Joining the pirates?». Sonny nodded. «Becoming one of us.. I wish something better for my son, what he has here.. his friends, his life as he knows it, for now, it is exactly what he needs. All I wish, is to take part in his life from now, get to know my son, and be the best father I can for him». Maya understood. «You already are Sonny Blackbones, I can see hope in the future of you and D'Jok, and it's a sign I look positive upon. The future will be as good as you make it Sonny, not better, and not less». Sonny nodded it. The conversation had lasted long. «come» he said and helped Maya to her feets. «Let's join the others, we got reason to celebrate, double» he smiled.
The fostermother and the father of D'Jok, two persons both taking pride in the young man, the galactik football star, that had struggled so hard, that had been under immense pressure under the final, that had stood up to the forces of evil, and played his heart out for his team, with his own father's very life on the line, walked down to join the party. D'Jok saw them coming. He walked over to them. «Maya, Dad, I can never express how much you mean to me, your support gives me courage to move on, and keep fighting. I – I love the both of you» he said. Both Sonny and Maya hugged him back with a huge smile on their faces. Sonny looked out at the Akillian sky. It was time, old wounds needed healing. Now, he began his second chance, with his son.
More fun is to follow, Remember, there is a four year timespan between season 1 and 2, so D'Jok and Sonny will have more time to meet. Not many of them will take place on Akillian, but on Genesis and Shiloh. The reason is Sonny's past on Akillian, wich D'Jok will get a closer look into in the following chapters, the immunity will be of help. Ok, enough of the apetizers of what's to come. I'm quite happy with this chapter, what do you think of it?