It would really happen. The Snow Kids would play The red tigers to see wich team would represent Akillian in the up coming galactik football cup. Clearly, this was a tense time for Aarch, whom in the run up to the match, had ordered all snow kids and Technical staff to not leave Aarch Academy before the match. D'Jok and Micro Ice had gotten into it too. It seemed to have started just after Micro Ice, true to his habit, had fallen for a girl on the team, Mei. Mei didn't seem interested in him though, she was ambitious and driven, and it seemed she had managed to drive a wedge between Micro Ice and D'Jok. Helena and Maia had heard D'Jok complain about Micro Ices bad mood lately. But this, that was how teens acted. They decided to let the boys work it out.
Sonny had read all the reports Artie found, in edition to the conversations he had with Clamp when they came to play the pirates at the shiloh nebula. Bleylock was forcing Clamp to do the dirty work. And to make matters worse,somehow,all the snow kids, and the quick development they had of the breath of Akillian, a flux that manifested in all players while battling the pirates, and the strikers being in fierce competition with each other, seemed to be aided by The metaflux, his and Clamps invention, and a curse from the past. The quick development that the breath of Akillian had in the snow kids, had that cursed invention as an underlying cause for its rapid strength development and the level it had reached. The Meta flux.. Oh, how he wished he had never heard of that thing ever again. Its very creation was a constant source of pain, and suffer for him personally. And now, Bleylock was forcing Clamp to gather it from the snow kids. Sonny had found a way to hack Clamps computer, to have a look for himself at what he had done. What he found did not set his mind at ease. Clamp was constructing a machine to do Bleylocks bidding. And there was no evidence that it would be safe for the kids. Clamp didn't have a clean bill of health with his inventions being safe. And where Bleylock was concerned, he didn't care about those kids health at all, he just wanted to extract flux. If the kids was permanently injured, or even died, he didnt care about. Well, lucky for the kids, someone did care for their health, him. And he was going to go in and try to avert a disaster. If he had to force Clamp to come with him, fine. But he was not going to sit idle and see the kids get hurt. Clamp could finish his invention onboard The Black Manta, under his supervision. They had been partners on this project, and Sonny felt deeply responsible for the tragic outcome it had. Anything Bleylock was working on, was bad news. So, he had ordered The Black Manta to take a detour, to Akillian. Once, his home, now, the source of bad memories. As soon as they arrived, Sonny had ordered the ship into hiding. One man alone stood a better chance at success with this than a group.
As he got ready, Corso came to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Sonny, be careful. If this is a trap, we will be on standby to pick you up. After what happened on Shiloh, we already know Bleylock has Clamp under his thumb. And it looks like he has his eyes on you now" Corso warned him.
Sonny nodded as he put on his gear and then picked a snowmobile.
"We still have to stop his plan Corso. Bleylock is dangerous and what he might be up to has to be stopped. I am going to put a stop to it, right now. Be ready incase I need help" he said.
Corso nodded. As he saw Sonny drive off, Corso went to command center to wait.
Clamp was working under immense stress. Since he found out that his old labpartner I'Son and Sonny Blackbones were one and the same, he eyed a hope for help to get out of this. But it seemed Bleylock now watched him ever he suspected that Sonny might make a new attempt to communicate with him. And if he was to manufacture more meta flux, Bleylock needed Sonnys expertise. An expertise Sonny would not share. Sonny had reached out to him twice on Shiloh, wich was not surprising,that was Sonnys homebase. He would have felt safe there. But that seemed to be something Bleylock had calculated. He had stopped them twice, the last attempt, he had intended to have Sonny seized. But Sonny had been ahead of that, and been careful, using a hologram as he reached out. That had allowed him to escape. Clamp hoped, now that he had the microphone capsule in his body, that Sonny would keep his distance. Bleylock would be on his case in no time if he heard him.
Clamp was so busy, he didn't notice the door opening. Not until he heard a very familiar voice behind him.
"You really think you can extract the snow kids meta flux using this machine Labnor?" he asked.
That caused Clamp to drop his tools to the floor. But Sonny wasn't done. He removed his hood.
"How do you know it wont risk hurting them?" Sonny asked, sounding cross.
Clamp was terrified. Bleylock was sure to know he was here. They would come for him, for both of them.
"I'Son,you cant stay here, you have to leave" he stuttered.
Sonny was undeterred. He walked towards the machine Clamp was working on, looking at it. Knowing what it was meant to do, he was not going to let it happen here where Bleylock could use it. Sonny tapped the unfinished machine with his finger.
"I cant allow you to do this Labnor, you are coming with me" he said.
Clamp knew they were running out of time. Sonny did not know of the danger he was in. He had to try to warn him.
"I'Son, Im begging you, leave, while you still have the chance" he said.
Only to have the glass celing smashed in. Sonny looked up,for a second, he was appearing to be in shock. Clamp had sold him out, acted as bait. That made Sonny change into being angry with his friend.
Clamp looked apologetically at him. Sonny was angry, and for good reason. He had to tell him, before the robots reached them.
"They planted a microphone in me" he said.
Sonny quickly nodded that as he took a few steps back as the robots landed. Clamp was being controlled. He had to abandon his plan for now. He had to get out of here, and fast.
The robots came closer.
"Sonny Blackbones,you are under arrest" they informed him.
Same old story as always. Sonny smirked as he looked at them. It would not work this time either.
"What a surprise" he replied.
Then things happened fast, the droids tried to restrain him, and Sonny was having none of it. One of them got hold of his arm, only to find itself slung into the unfinished machine while Sonny applied all his strength to the throw. Once he was free, Sonny wasted no time.
"Labnor, follow me!" he commanded as he sprinted off.
Helena still struggled to calm her pulse after she came home. And now, her wrist started to hurt where Bleylock had grabbed hold of her. Helena sighed. She would put a bandaid on it,to hide the marks. Maia was done with her clients for the day when she returned. She was renouned for her work. As Helena stretched to grab a glass, she could not hold back a small yelp of pain,as the hand hurt. She hoped Maia didn't hear it. But no such luck today it seemed. Maia had heard her, and she noticed the mark.
"Helena, what happened to your wrist?" she asked.
Helena looked away. This whole thing felt stupid. She had provoked a dangerous man, and she knew it. She didn't need Maia to tell her.
As Maia approached her,She felt the other woman take her hand. Oh no, she could already feel Maia got all the images of what happened.
But Maia didn't say anything. Instead, she took out some herbs and started to work on her hand. When she was done, Maia looked at her, with an expression of sadness.
"Be careful Helena. Bleylock is not trusting your word. Duke Maddox may trust you, but Bleylock isnt. He is dangerous. And he plays a part in what happened with your husband. Be careful around him, if not, your son could end up without you both" she said.
Helena struggled to hold back the tears.
"There are times Maia, when I feel he isnt dead. I feel like he is out there, I just don't know where he is hiding. A part of me always wanted to ask. More so, for me to find my own peace with it. Can you tell me anything? So I finally know?" she asked tears in her eyes.
Maia felt like her heart was breaking for Helena in that had wondered this for so long, so many years, immersed herself in her son, and work, to carry on, alone, and now, she finally showed where she had suspected she stood. Helena was still married, in her heart, she was never going to move on and find a new partner, the love she had for her husband went too deep. It would be unfair not to tell her.
Maia nodded. She would tell her. But as they were about to start, they were joined by someone unexpected.
D'Jok entered. And he had an expression of remorse.
"Maia,mom, I need to speak to you about something. I may not have been the one to think of asking before, but I just lost my best friend. Micro Ice has ran off, from the team, from me, because I was unfair to him. All over a girl" he said.
Helena reached out. But for once, D'Jok pulled away. He loved his mother, she had always been there for him, in his hour of need. As had Maia. Two of the strongest women he knew. But Micro Ice leaving, had left him in a difficult spot. He had realised, he had to make a call on something he had never done. He and Micro Ice never knew their fathers, they had bonded over this. But now, D'Jok had decided, no matter how hard it was, he wanted to know of his father. A few years earlier, his mom had given him a special gift. A bracelet. It had cost her a lot to do it. It was her most solid link to his father, a man he never knew. It was precious to his mother, but also, to him. He, in his stupidity, had given it to Mei, the girl they had become rivals over. She had shown it to Micro Ice, whom reacted badly. And what was worse, it seemed, he had gone somewhere with none other than the leader of the pirates, Sonny Blackbones. No one knew why the pirate chief had been at Aarch Academy, but D'Jok recalled Micro Ice said he had seen him speak with Clamp, their technical magician and assistant to Aarch. About what, no one knew, but maybe there was something to that story, since Sonny himself had come to the Academy to seek Clamp out. The pirate chief was a hero of Micro Ices, he knew that. He hoped Maia could help him tonight, as he had broken Aarchs curfew to come here, seeking answers.
Maia seemed to get it.
"I have known this day would come. Your mother also has questions in regard to that. So I want you both to take one hand, and I can try to show you what I have seen" she suggested.
Helena and D'Jok did as told. Maia relaxed and let the images flow.
D'Jok could see his mother, alongside a tall, blonde man with glasses. They looked so much in love. He could see images in a park, his father with his hands around his moms belly, where he was growing. So happy. The whole scenery was happy love, two expectant parents. A dream that broke. Then, the scenery changed, the images showed more fear, suspicion, and a flight for their very lives. His father very tense. Trying to save them both. He could see a dark secret that his father hid. His father had made some deals to get rid of something safely, knowing he would not be able to return to the life he once led. And he brought the most precious people in his life with him, his pregnant wife and son to be. To a most uncertain situation. The images that followed was almost unbearable. And it separated his mother and father till this day. D'Jok wasn't sure what to expect. He had seen pictures of his mother and father together, but now, it was like he got a glimpse into his fathers life. I'Son Danvers, renouned scientist, completed his training to become professor in four years, a process that normally took eight, and being a rising star within Technoid, a well paid job, a wife and baby on the way, it felt unfair that he had lost all that. Then, something strange happened. D'Jok could see images of a griefstruck man, one whom had lost everything, then, it was like grey shadows came in, indistinguishable, came in, held out a hand, and led him away. It was like his father stopped for a second, and took one last look at what he was leaving behind, before he went with the grey shadows, staring to become one of them.
D'Jok was bewildered.
He looked to Helena, his mom. She was crying.
"You mean, he is still alive somewhere Maia?Please tell me, he isnt dead.." Helena managed between sobs.
Maia smiled, as she broke the connection.
"He isnt physically dead Helena. If he was, I would have shown you where he was buried. But as the man you knew him to be, he is gone. He had started a transformation, a transformation that is now solidified and completed. I don't get a name, or any features to who he is now, all I get that there is a lot of rage over the past. He is angry, at himself, for not coming back to look for you, despite the risks that would have posed to his safety. he is angry at his operative at Technoid, for something I cant really get. And finally, he is angry at Technoid, because he has learned from someone, just to what level their wheeling and dealing goes in hurting others. He is a fierce defender of justice, and injustice of any kind makes him furious. I am not sure you knew him to be like this, but that is whom he is now. I am also not saying you will meet, but if you do, remember,he is not the same. I wish I could tell you more, but that is all I got" Maia said.
She was regretful she could not yet share that she knew whom he had become. He was a power to be reckoned with. She had the feeling that both mother and son would soon be in front of the father and husband. She just hoped they could settle matters peacefully, with the baggage he still carried with him.
Shiloh.
Corso was walking to the operating room. Sonny had been unconscious since Micro Ice had helped save him from Technoids robots. If not for the snow kid, Corso felt certain Sonny would have been killed. The droids usually never hit target, but this time, a stray laser got Sonny in the back. It was a nasty burn, and needed tending to, as it pierced all layers of skin. Sonny had been flown back to Shiloh,after the rescue. Corso had dealt with the immediate issues, and placed a band aide to cover the wound. During the trip back however, Sonnys pulse had grown very weak, so they sat vigil beside his bed, keeping an eye on him in case things got worse. As soon as they reached Shiloh,Sonny was taken to the operation room to have surgery for the wound.
Bennett saluted Corso as he approached.
"How is he doing?" Corso asked.
"He woke up from surgery about ten minutes ago. He might be a little groggy still, but he is awake. Just resting a bit" Bennett reported.
Corso nodded as he stepped into the room.
Sonny was still on the bed, on his back. He looked as if he was still in pain. Corso reached for the vial of pain killers.
"No need for those Corso. I will be fine. Just need to adjust some" sounded Sonnys voice.
"Fine, you are the boss. How are you feeling tough guy?" Corso asked.
Sonny smirked.
"It takes more than that to stop me. But the truth is, I feel like I got my hide handed to me, by a tin can" he said, wincing when the pain got him.
Corso struggled to contain his laughter that threatened to escape, under control.
"That is a change. Technoid one,Sonny Blackbones zero. Never thought a tin can would get the better of you. Better use that as motivation to get back on your feet. We need all hands on deck, and you just happen to be our leader. This is not the time to slack off" Corso said.
Sonny looked at him.
"Speaking of that, what about the snow kid that helped us? Micro Ice, right? Bring him here. I want to thank him for saving my hide" Sonny said.
Corso nodded.
"I will go get him".
The snow kids lost the match, against Artegors new team, The shadows. That was sure to break their spirits. The shadows had not allowed the match to be televised, so Callie had reported from the stands. But it still ended in a loss. Somehow though, D'Jok had agreed to speak to Callie, after getting his bracelet back from Mei. He had found out she had been lying and manipulating him, and others, to have it her way. The team needed Micro Ice back, even D'Jok knew, something had to be done about needed all hands, that included Micro Ice. And now that he had his bracelet back, he had a plan. Maybe it was a long shot. But when they saw Callie at the bottom of the transporters to the pitch, despite them all feeling crushed by the defeat, D'Jok said he would speak on behalf of the team, if it was ok with them. Rocket nodded. No one really was in the mood to speak to Callie right now, so D'Jok took it upon him. For a second, after his team mates had left, he looked at his bracelet. To his mother, a connection to his father. Maybe it was the spirit of his father guiding him through this. D'Jok took a deep breath, before he went to speak with Callie.
Seeing D'Jok still happy, even after the loss, giving an interview that still made them sound optimistic about their chances in the cup,made her feel proud as a mom. If only I'Son had seen his son like this,he would be so proud of him. Helena could do nothing but smile. Her son was becoming a young man, in charge of his own destiny.
Sonny was staring at the screen. He felt torn in all different directions. It was a good thing it had made Micro Ice change his mind about becoming a pirate. This was not a place for him, he didn't belong among them. He was young,and still had better things to do with his life. The only way he would have even considered the kid joining, was if all bridges had been burnt. Several pirates had told him to go back, in various ways, on his command. It seemed he had a friend that really rooted for him, in D'Jok. But the same message that had Micro Ice change his mind, and ask for help to return, had also pulled the rug under his feet. D'Jok had shown him something, the entire galaxy had seen it. But no one knew better than him what significance it had. The bracelet! He didn't have to watch the interview over and over, and yet, he did. That was Helenas bracelet, he was convinced of it. And as he looked at D'Jok, the truth hit Sonny with full force. Helena had survived. Somehow, she was alive, and birthed..his son. And looking at D'Jok, he could not deny the similarities between them. He was looking at his own, 16 year old son. And with that, came the emotions. Sonny took his own bracelet of, and just sat and looked at it. He had not looked for them. As a result, he had lost 16 years of his sons life, 16 years he could never get back. That realisation hurt. He was a father. And he had never seen or talked to his son. And Helena..Sonny closed his eyes. He had to do a search, see if he could find out if she was alive, if she had remarried. 16 years was a long time. Even if she had, he still wanted to know his son, pick up the slack and be a father in any way he could. With his situation as the galaxys most wanted man, this would not be easy,but he would find a way.
Corso entered the room.
"Micro Ice decided to head his team mates message. Artie erased his memory. He is on his way back as we speak" Corso reported.
Sonny didn't respond immedately. That made Corso suspicious. It wasn't like Sonny to respond like that, infact, he was very silent, wich was usually not a good sign. Corso took in the scene. And it dawned on him why Sonny was so silent.
"In Shilohs name..Sonny..the bracelet.." he gasped.
Sonny barely looked up. His hazels looked suspiciously blank, as if he had been..crying.
As Corso looked one more time, he studied the kid on the screen. And it dawned on him, this kid was not just anyone. He was Sonnys son.
Sonny had been wrong about his wifes death. His family was alive. Corso looked at Sonny. For once, the stoic chissian soldier, looked like a tear was about to escape his one real remaining eye.
"Sonny..I am not the emotional type, you know that,but if anyone was to find their family alive, I could not be happier than that one person being you" he said.
Sonny got off the bed, the injury still pained him, but Corso could see a new determination come over him. That, and something else. For the first time since they met, Corso saw a glimmer of hope in Sonnys eyes. First, he found Clamp, his old lab partner, and now, his son. And by all chances, his wife was alive too.
"I need you and Artie to do a search Corso. I will give you a name.I don't know if she has moved on, or if she is remarried. I wont blame her if she is. 16 years is a long time. If she still has my name,I don't know how, but I need to speak to her, and my son. Maybe they want nothing to do with me, there is that risk, but I got to know. If there is any chance,I need them in my life, in any way I can do it. My situation is not the best. But I will try to make it work" Sonny said.
Corso nodded.
"Do you think Technoid knows about all this?" Corso asked.
That was like being hosed down with ice cold water. Technoid. For a moment, the excitement and the hope of seeing his family, made him forget whom he was, and whom his enemy was. That could be a costly mistake. Sonny didn't answer. He just took a notepad and a pen. Then, he wrote down two names, both with his old last name, and handed it to Corso.
Corso nodded as he took it. Whatever could be found in public records, would be found. And right now, Sonny seemed like he needed a moment to himself.
Corso left the room, with the note. He felt hopeful, for his best friend. After all these years, Sonny would finally have his family again.