Genesis Stadium. It was gigantic for sure. The snow kids had never seen such a place. They would play here, for the galactik football cup. The symbol of peace in the galaxy. As they watched it, they knew they were on the verge of new adventures. Aarch and his team never made it here, they did. Now, it really began.
The pirates had also reached Genesis Stadium. It was not a popular decision with Corso, whom was constantly worried about safety, especially Sonnys. Sonny himself was not bothered. What his focus was, was tied to the meta flux. Bleylock would not be far away from the snow kids given the circumstances, and he had Clamp under his thumb. Somehow, the pirates needed to get in touch with Clamp, so Sonny could get the needed information on what was going on from him. It seemed something was up, as there was no updates on Clamps computer, and it worried Sonny. He had not told his fellow pirates of his past, and what he knew of the disaster on Akillian, for protective reasons. It felt as if he would be judged by the pirates,for his own involvement in the tragedy if he did. But Corso was still confused as to why they had come here. And now, he addressed it. Looking to his best friend for an answer.
Sonny looked at them.
"we are here because Technoid is present. We got a very powerful weapon in play here, a weapon that could destabilize the galaxy. When it comes to Technoid, Duke Maddox, by all accounts doesnt know about this. He is led blind,by one of his operatives, Bleylock. I know this man, and not from a positive point of view. This man wants power, and the metaflux is that, power, and of the uncontrollable kind. Technoid in general may not be aware of what is going on, but they will back their own. Clamp is being forced to do their bidding. Not willingly, That much I know. He is alone against them for now. All we know is,They are up to something, and its not good. We will stop whatever plans they are up to. As for Clamp, he is going to help that happen, either willingly, or by force" he said.
Corso nodded. Whatever they were here for, was personal for Sonny. That meant, he would not say what came next until he had a plan of attack ready.
"So, what is first?" Corso said.
Sonny smiled under the hood.
"Find a place to set up a base of operations. Until that is ready, we will be somewhat exposed. Next is to locate The snow kids hotel, and find a way in".
They had done it. They won, and advanced in the final 16. They all needed to face the press shortly. But Micro Ice had to fake it, for a bathroom run. He had promised the pirates, his friends, to help them get in. And they had chosen this time to do it. They could not do it from outside, Sonny and Corso had determined that early on. But as Artie had told him, Sonny had made a plan, a plan that they believed would work. They just needed to be let in. Micro Ice needed to help them, from inside the hotel. His job was easy, let them in through the air vents, show them the snow kids hallway, and then, be back with his team. After a memory erase, as Sonnys bracelet had jogged his memory from Shiloh, The pirates prepared to wait for Clamp to arrive. The stakes involved was tremendous. Sonny had stressed just how dangerous this meta flux was. It was a matter of galactik stability, and Sonny was definately trying to prevent something bad from happening.
But not all had been negative as of late for the pirates. Artie could recall Corso tapping him on the shoulder, handing him a note.
"Check for these two names Artie. Anything and everything of interest or within the last 6 months. Then, report back anything you find, and make it snappy, its urgent" Corso said.
But Artie noticed Corso was tense too as he search had to be important. And Corso was the one that asked. And he wanted results quick, almost like he feared bad news, for some reason. Artie searched the names. It didnt take long before results popped up.
"Got it Corso. There is no change in the names on any of them, not in the public records anyway. Both are from Akillian. Wow, this lady is beautiful. And isnt that D'Jok? The snow kids striker? Hold on..that last name.. it connects to someone..someone we all know..Corso..You mean to tell us its.." Arties voice sounded chocked up as he looked at Corso. He could swear he saw a tear in Corsos normal eye. Corso never showed emotions, never. And he seemed to be very emotional over this. Artie could only think of one person Corso would go to this lenght when he looked at the names.. Artie punched in the name many of the pirates had heard, but never thought much of. Because that was not the name he used anymore. The picture of a tall blonde man surfaced. Corso nodded, then,he pulled up a picture the entire galaxy had seen. They saw it daily. Sonnys face stared back at them. But with small changes, as it was an older picture of him, from a time before the pirates, from a life he was forced to abandon.
Artie had to wipe a tear. And he saw several pirates do the same. The crew was a close knit family, and they loved Sonny Blackbones, their leader. Since he joined them, and allowed himself to be voted their leader, Sonny had made things more safe for them, if such a thing as safety ever applies when you are apirate. To see that his family, his wife, and son, was alive.. It gave hope. And they all rejoiced with Sonny over was now a real chance Sonny would have his long lost wife back they hoped, and if not, at least,contact with his son. To see that she still had his last name, and was listed as widowed, with a question mark behind the status..that gave hope for a fresh start. Artie had printed the information, and handed it to Corso.
"Tell him..we are all so happy for him. Sonny deserves this, we all want this, but Sonny..he has done so much for us. It couldnt happen to anyone more deserving" he whispered.
Corso had nodded, feeling a bit chocked up. All the pirates were behind Sonny on this, wishing he could have a second chance at what was so unjustly taken from him years ago.
Helena and Maia had watched from Planet Akillian, along with the other parents.
"Who knows, we might get to go to Genesis Stadium to cheer them on, maybe even the finals" said Mom Ice as she served the drinks.
"It would be nice, even if my sons swollen head will grow even bigger with such a ride. He does seem to struggle with fame, and ego" Helena said.
Maia was far more relaxed. This was a steep learning curve for a young team, whom had not only gone further than any team from Akillian ever had, they had even brought back the planets flux, The breath of Akillian, wich had been gone since the glaciation 16 years earlier. She hoped Helena would meet her husband. And she hoped she would not be too shocked to find out, she was seeing his face on holo tv every day.
A clone. Bleylock was not taking any chances. It seemed Clamp had tried to warn him, one time too many, about what was going on, and Bleylock was determined to keep him in the dark on he knew,Sonny had the power to destroy the very creation he craved as a tool to seek galactik power. Since Clamp did not have the knowledge to create it all by himself, Sonny had made sure of that as a safety measure,Clamp only knew part of the formula, he was the only one that knew the entire thing. But it seemed, Bleylock was going about the problem the other way, by planning to extract the flux from the kids rather than fabricate a new batch. But to do so, the flux had to reach a point where it could be synthezised. And that was a point in the development of the breath that the snow kids had not reached yet. All the data he had been able to find, suggested that the development of the breath was linked to the metaflux. They worked together. But at some point, The metaflux , in its current state, would become an enemy to the weaker breath of Akilian, it would become an competitive force, and thus, start to make the kids sick. Maybe it could be synthezised, but at the expence of the snow kids health. Sonny had paid close attention to all the players in all games they played, looking for signs that they were starting to far, they looked ok, but he felt certain it wouldnt last. Clamp was forced to do this for Bleylock, against his will,while he was trapped somewhere in the stadium. Clearly an evasive tactic on Bleylocks side, to throw him and the pirates off his trail. But Sonny would not back down as long as the health of the kids was at risk from all this. One of them was his own son. Sonny, the most dangerous member of this duo that created the thing, was still at large in the galaxy, with the knowledge on how to stop the metaflux and also, determined to avoid anyone getting sick in the process. Sonny knew Bleylock was trying to avoid him,and he did his own calculations based on what he could see. At this rate, the upcoming match against the Technodoids v 3s, would be a peak point. He needed to act before that match came to pass. And here, he could become invisible to his enemy. This was genesis stadium. As large as it was, he was wanted, for two million standard units. A large amount of money. Sonny didnt like to sit idle, not with this much at stake. But because of his wanted poster, Sonny was at risk of being recognized. And for that reason, he could not go with his team to investigate things. Corso, Bennett and Artie, along with their robot, known as tin can,had to follow the clone, wich had his memory of the encounter last night erased, to find out where the flux samples Clamps clone took from the snow kids, was delivered. While he waited for his team to report in,knowing this could take some time, Sonny took the report he had gotten on his wife and son. He read all that Artie had found, and the latest images on them both. His son dominated that one off course, being a star striker on his team. Sonny paid attention to Helenas work. She was still with Technoid, as a nurse. That was an issue he needed to address. it had potensial of being dangerous for him to seek her out. They needed to meet, somewhere safe. And then, he would see where he see them though, even as pictures..Sonny felt like his heart, hardened over 16 years of injustice, was melting. Seeing Helenas picture..she was still so beautiful in his eyes. How would she react to see him again? And how would his son fare, meeting him after 16 years? Sonny had to admit, part of him was scared of their reactions. There was factors at play here that he had no control over. Just seeing their pictures, and seeing her still married to him, with no new man in her life.. he didn't dare hope for too much. Sonny felt his eyes tear up as he looked at her image.
"I am going to at least tell you the truth Honey,about everything, then, I will let you decide how this story goes, it either ends or we give it a second chance. I never thought I would be the one to say this, but I hope you can forgive me for the past, and give us a chance as a family.."
The Snow kids players had done great. They were still in the game, heading into the semi finals. But Maia had noticed signs that something was wrong. The kids tired a lot faster than they should, especially for the age they were. Something was going on, she only hoped they had the stammina to cope with the brutal matches that lay ahead.
Clamp shook his head as he woke up in the open air. As he looked up, he could see a familiar face. I'Son gently propped him up. No, not I'Son. Not any more. He had a different name, Sonny Blackbones, leader of the pirates. Clamp tried to sit up.
"Easy there Clamp,the antidote need to take proper effect. We are taking you to the match and the snow kids box. Its time to alleviate the clone and let you get back to your job" Sonny said.
Clamp looked at him.
"Sonny, the meta flux. It is almost completely developed by now. If Bleylock figures this out, he will act. He doesnt care what happens to the kids. He only cares about getting his hands on the meta flux.." Clamp managed as he sat up.
Sonny rubbed his chin. They had limited time. And what was more, he feared that the snow kids would be taken at the hotel if he didn't foil it.
"We need to get to Aarch and the kids, as soon as possible. For your own safety, you also need to be relocated. Clamp, there is no choice, we have to tell them why this meta flux is so dangerous, and expose our own role in the matter. Its the only way we can stop Bleylocks plan" Sonny said.
Clamp nodded.
"So, how do we go about it Sonny? You cant stay around for long. Technoid is sure not to be too far behind. And if we are to remove the meta flux, I might need some help explaining to the kids why it has to happen" Clamp said.
Sonny nodded.
"Corso, make arrangements to relocate the snow kids to a less visible hotel. Technoid will have some issues locating them, and I need to be around for this process. The more time we buy, the better" he said.
Clamp looked at him.
"So, you are going to help me with this Sonny? It will be like the old days, working side by side" Clamp asked.
Sonny gave him a smile.
"We both made this cursed invention Clamp, so we take the blame for the mistake, together. I am not letting you take this on alone. There is some strong players on the team, that may opose you. It would also help with Aarch, to have additional support to explain this incident. I am sure he will see reason. We cant force the kids to make this choice, the meta flux clearly helped them reach this far in the competition. But now, it has reached the point where the players are getting sick. And now, we have to intervene, before it takes a turn for the worse. To give them as much information on what is going on, will help them see reason, and do the right thing, for themselves" Sonny said.
Clamp nodded.
The rest of the trip, they were silent, but Corso could tell Sonny was in deep thought. He was probably trying to figure out how to put this forth to Aarch and the team, and also, he would come face to face with his son for the very first time. Corso decided to keep an eye out. If there was any chance for Sonny to talk to his son, alone, and reveal the truth, it would be so helpful for him, and his son. If there was any chance of that happening, Corso would play his part in making it happen.
This had turned into one exhausting night. D'Jok was still trying to take it all in. First, their luggage had been moved from the Genesis Gymnasium to a lower standard hotel at the other end of the planet, as a security measure. Clamp, whom had been a clone, had been found and returned. But with it, Clamp had some serious news about why they were all exhausted after the match. The meta flux, a synthetic flux, undetectable to radar, or other means,was disturbing the development of their flux, and now, that power struggle had reached a point where it made them sick, and drained. Clamp had not been able to convince them, until an unexpected figure walked into the room. A face they all knew, from daily broadcasts. Sonny Blackbones, the leader of the pirates and the most wanted man in the galaxy, had walked in. Sonny had provided editional information to Clamps story. And as Sonny explained things, D'Jok realised, as much as he hated it, a decision had to be made. They didn't force them to do this, but they adviced them to think as a team, and do the right thing. Clamp and Sonny had gone off, to set things up in a room for the process. Other pirates was also present, no wonder really, as Sonny Blackbones himself was in the building, and he was clearly under protection from his men. But now, he was faced with a dilemma. This was his destiny, his big chance. By doing this, there was a chance he was loosing this opourtunity for good. So, he had wandered off, to think over his options. He looked out at the stars, trying to make a call, when he felt someone else behind him.
"Beautiful, huh?" sounded a voice. D'Jok recognized it. Sonny Blackbones stood beside him, staring at the same stars, his hand to the window. Maybe, if he tried, Sonny would understand where he came from. Well, here went nothing.
"I always thought I would be one of these stars one day" he said.
Sonny just smiled.
"You are already one of these stars D'Jok. Getting rid of the meta flux wont change that" Sonny explained, trying to encourage him to not be so stubborn about the issue. It was hurting his health, and Sonny was not going to stand idle and let that happen, if he could persuade him to see things from a different angle. D'Jok seemed to still be fighting it though.
He leaned towards the window.
"What if it causes us to loose against the Technodroids huh? What if this whole adventure suddenly ends? It would be like..it never excisted, like I never excisted" D'Jok said, leaning against the window.
But what Sonny said next, caught him completely by surprise.
"D'Jok, that bracelet with the medallion that you have, where did you get it?" he asked.
D'Jok noticed that his sleeve had exposed the bracelet. It had been hard for his mother to part with it, but she felt as if it belonged with him. He used it as his good luck charm. All of a sudden, he felt very protective of it. Was it possibly worth a large sum of money? He was, after all, a pirate. And pirates were thieves.
D'Jok put his hand over the bracelet.
"It was my mothers. Why? Why would you want to know about it?" he asked.
Sonny had a strange look in his eyes. His son was defensive, hard headed and just like a mirror image of himself at that age. And clearly, that bracelet meant a lot to him. Why had Helena given it to him, and not kept it herself?
"You said it was your mothers. Did she give it to you, or did you just take it?" he asked, a bit more stern than he had planned.
D'Jok looked at him, clearly ready to protect it.
"I think she did it with a heavy heart though. My dad..he has been missing since the great glaciation of Akillian. They searched for him, never found a body. Moms friend, Maia, she is a renouned clairvoyant,Mom and I only recently learned more. From what she saw, he is alive, but changed from whom mom used to know. I think Maia may have known for some time,but she wanted to spare mom heartbreak. I just wish I knew more, its hard to grow up without a dad around" D'Jok explained.
Then, something struck him. Sonny wasn't just asking to strike up a conversation. These questions were leading. The pirate chief was interrogating him about his good luck charm for a reason. And it seemed to have something to do with his mother. D'Jok decided to confront the other man head on.
"You ask a lot of questions Sonny, and I want to know why you want to know why my mother gave me that bracelet. Do you perhaps know her?" he countered.
Sonny nodded slowly.
"D'Jok, I ask, because that medallion is part of a twin set. There are only two made like that. In two separate bracelets. One of those bracelets, the one you are wearing, that belonged to your mother, and this one" he said, as he pulled up his sleeve, and revealed a twin bracelet to his. D'Jok was in shock. Micro Ice had mentioned that he had seen someone else wearing his bracelet. Now he understood why. Sonny continued to explain.
"She gave it to me for our wedding, you understand what that means, don't you?" he asked carefully.
D'Jok felt as if his head was spinning. His mother gave Sonny the bracelet for their wedding. That meant, his long lost father, and Sonny Blackbones, was one and the same.
"You're my.." he managed in complete disbelief.
Sonny smiled.
"Yes D'Jok, I am" he confessed.
D'Jok could not believe it.
"I cant believe it. I have a father,and he is Sonny Blackbones" he said.
Sonny nodded.
"Its not the right time to talk things over D'Jok. We will find time after all this is dealt with. For now, you need to get back to your team mates, you got a very important decision to make" Sonny said, and attempted to leave.
"Sonny wait!" he heard behind him.
Sonny looked over his shoulder.
"What is it..son?" he said.
This felt very strange. He had a son, he was a father,and a role model to this young man. He really had to put in his best effort at this.
"It still feels a bit strange to take this all in, but,can I please tell mom of this? It would put a smile on her face, and that is rare when it comes to her" D'Jok asked.
Sonny thought it over for a second. It wasn't an ideal situation, but as a pirate, ideal conditions could possibly never present itself.
"On one condition D'Jok. If she moved on, don't push for a meeting. It would hurt us both too much to meet again under these conditions. Your mother.. she was, and is the love of my life. I would rather her find happiness with someone else, than grieve what we lost" he said.
To say it hurt, but he had to put her well being before his own desires. If she had moved on, he would make efforts to be friends, but that was about it. He didn't want to hurt himself, hoping for something unattainable.
D'Jok smirked.
"Depending on how long you knew of this Dad, I would have figured a pirate would have made some investigations. Mom is still single, she has dated, but she never seems to find what she seeks in a man. You must have made quite an impression on her, cause she compares all suitors to you, and it does not fall in their favour" he informed his father.
Sonny smiled.
"We did make you together, so do the math. A woman naturally picks strong male partners when she concevies to make a child. And now I want to know, Are you feeling happy having a pirate for a father?" he asked.
D'Jok laughed.
"Given I just went from only having a phantom for a father that I didn't know, to having the chief of the pirates himself, confess cocreating me with my mom, I consider myself a winner" he said.
Sonny nodded.
"Then, you tell her, and do it nicely D'Jok. And let me know how she took if afterwards" Sonny said.
D'Jok nodded.
"When we are done extracting the flux, can I update you then..Dad?" he asked.
Sonny nodded.
Then, father and son went separate ways.
As soon as he was back at his room, D'Jok made sure Micro Ice was out. As soon as he was sure they were alone, he dialed Helenas contact code.
"D'Jok! This is a surprise. How is everything?" Helena asked as she picked up.
"I am fine mom. But I got something to tell you, and I need you to sit down for this" he said.
Helena smiled.
"That sounds serious. Did you win an award that Arcadia news doesnt know about?" she asked.
D'Jok swallowed.
"I am such a clutz with these things. Mom,I met someone today. He wears an identical bracelet to the one you gave me" he whispered.
Helena grew pale.
"What are you saying D'Jok? Have you met..your father?" she asked. He could see how her lower lip was shaking, she was about to start crying.
"Mom, we see him on holo tv every day. Maia was right about the transformation. I just found out myself. My dads current identity is Sonny Blackbones himself.."