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Curse of the Devilspawn!	By : acsoundwave Category: Transformers > G1 > Crossovers Views: 1033 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers, Gobots, Spider-Man, X-Men, GI Joe, Iron Man, The Black Panther, The Fantastic Four, nor The Avengers. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
PREFACE
This story arc was the child of a fever dream, born of hunger and boredom. Mostly hunger.
A combination of elements went into this story when I started, and even more emerged as I continued writing. I'm glad to be done!
So here it is, six months in the making: CURSE OF THE DEVILSPAWN!
I hope you enjoy it.
~ acsound
TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON SAGA
CURSE OF THE DEVILSPAWN! Special #1: THE SINNERS' LAMENT.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
Scene: 1
The Guardian shuttle lands on the planet; Leader One exits the ship with Turbo, Road Ranger, Small Foot, and Pumper. Optimus Prime, Perceptor, and Sludge follow the Guardians out.
Leader One locks optics with Optimus. "You have imposed on our goodwill long enough," states the Gobot jetwarrior. "From this point forward, you three are on your own."
"No am get ride home?" asks Sludge. "Starskimmer am busted."
"Unfortunately," says Leader One to Sludge, "you're right: I can't give you Autobots a ride home. Megatron will whine, and Gobotron will be in a lot of trouble."
"We're not supposed to work together, you see," adds Turbo.
"Why am Gobots have stupid non-aggression treaty?" Sludge shakes his head, then transforms to his alt mode.
"We haven't had to actually fight the Decepticons," says Turbo, shrugging, "so it's not all bad."
"Still am dumb." Sludge walks toward a group of alien children.
"What's Bronto-brain even doing here?" Turbo rolls his optics.
Optimus and Perceptor wince.
Sludge--still in audio sensor range of Turbo, halts a moment, growls, shakes his head, then resumes his walk.
"You must not mention the Brontosaurus nomenclature near Sludge," says Perceptor. "It's an extremely sensitive issue for him."
"Brontosaurus, Apatosaurus--whatever." Turbo scoffs at the Autobots' attitude.
"Enough," says Leader One. "We need to find out who sent that radio signal we detected back at UNECOM."
A bearded man in flowing robes clears his throat. "I am the one who sent for thee," he says.
The seven mecha look down at the organic.
Leader One sighs. "What seems to be the trouble, sir?" he asks the man.
Scene: 2
"What's our action plan, Leader One?" Turbo asks as he slams his fist into his palm.
"Don't get eager, Turbo," says Leader One. "Let's review what the problem is first. We don't want to go in half-cocked." The jetwarrior turns to Pumper.
"A nasty two-headed worm lurks in 'Sinners' Cavern', east of the village," says Pumper.
"Population headcount is seventy-five, not counting the old guy here," adds Turbo, nodding towards the bearded man. "Whatever's in that cave, it's killing off the villagers."
Small Foot and Road Ranger return to the group from the village.
Leader One turns to the pair. "Report."
Road Ranger salutes Leader One. "The villagers have been plagued by this Devilspawn for five thousand generations," he states.
"The natives' average lifespan is about 120 years," adds Small Foot, "but their diet is limited to the yield from their communal garden, whatever they can forage, and the spoils of the hunt."
"Between the Devilspawn and the villagers' subsistence lifestyle," says Road Ranger, "the village won't last much longer."
"Unless we act. No matter what brought us here," continues Leader One, "these people need our help."
Turbo, Small Foot, Road Ranger, and Pumper stand to attention.
"Turbo," says Leader One, "you and Pumper head into Sinners' Cavern. Locate and terminate the Devilspawn...." Leader One trails off, noting a fidgeting Perceptor.
The other Guardians face Perceptor.
Perceptor begins. "If it's feasible...." The Autobot scientist trails off.
Leader One smiles. "Be certain to leave something for him and Rest-Q to analyze," he finishes.
Turbo grins. "I won't roast it too much," he quips as he and Pumper head towards Sinners' Cavern.
Scene: 3
Fifteen minutes pass. Small Foot sighs, bored.
A group of native women approach the group with bowls of stew.
One woman steps forward. "I'm relieved to see you have sense, maiden," she says to Small Foot.
"Pardon me?" Small Foot stares at the woman.
"We...were worried that you might have taken it upon yourself," says another woman, shyly, "to fight the Devilspawn."
"Yes," adds a third woman, "that's men's work for sure."
Small Foot grins, winking at Leader One and Optimus. "What makes you all think I'm a woman?" she asks.
"I know a maiden of childbearing age when I see one," asserts the first woman, shaking her finger at Small Foot.
"You're right," laughs Small Foot. "I'm sorry."
"She's a feisty one," calls one of the men of the village. "She was giving her brother trouble when he wanted to help her with those rocks."
"What?" asks Leader One.
"A little project," says Small Foot. Road Ranger shrugs.
"For all that, she's quite strong," admits the man.
"That's true," says Road Ranger as he gently pokes Small Foot's arm, "but I have anti-gravity beams. My sister was just being stubborn."
"I could lift you and those rocks," scoffs Small Foot, presenting her sheathed claymore. "And I made this on my own, didn't I?"The third woman stares at Leader One and Road Ranger. "How can you allow a maiden to do man's work?" she demands.
"Where we come from," answers Leader One, "we don't make those distinctions. Man or woman, we pick the best one for the job."
"We...brought you some stew," says the second woman, offering her bowl to Leader One.
"Thank you, but we've...eaten already," Leader One says, smiling. "Feed it to your children."
"And what about you?" the first woman asks Optimus. "Have you eaten?"
"We eat...different foods," says Optimus.
"I'm sure your stew is delicious," adds Perceptor, "but it wouldn't agree with our stomachs."
"We'll take it back, then," says the first woman. She hands a bowl to the bearded man.
"Thank you, Moelgru," says the man, falling to his meal.
"You did help the men find the herd of koiyn the meat is from," Moelgru grins as she and the other women leave.
Small Foot shakes her head. "I get the feeling that Moelgru's rather 'feisty' herself."
"Considering what the whole village has been through," says Road Ranger, "I figure that everyone has to be--to survive."
Scene: 4
"Damn! Now that thing is ugly!" Turbo grins at the two-headed wormlike creature, the Devilspawn.
"It does look pretty odd, even by alien monster standards," adds Pumper. "Almost like...I'm not sure."
"Something out of either your average ero-movie or the Cthulu Mythos," says Turbo. "In any case, it's killing the village, so it needs to die."
"I've got the one on our left," says Pumper.
"And I'll take the right phallus." Turbo winks.
Pumper groans as he attacks the Devilspawn. "I was trying to take the fragging high road."
"Ah, you're no fun." Turbo joins Pumper in his attack.
Scene: 5
"I don't believe you, Keiko," said Juuichirou. "No one's ever kissed you?"
"Except for the occassional peck on the cheek from my dad or Kazuki," said Keiko.
Kawashima Jurougorou closed his manga, his interest piqued. "Is that so, Kuwari Keiko?" he asked.
"I just said it," Keiko answered.
"One of us has to rectify this," Jurogorou said, smiling. "A pretty young femme who's never even kissed a guy? As a Guardian, I won't stand for it."
"As a Guardian?" scoffed Keiko. "Juuichirou and I are almost done with Academy training, and we've never heard of any rule like that."
"Who among us already has a codename?" asked Jurogorou.
"You do, Pumper," quipped Juuichirou.
Jurougorou winced.
"He hates his codename." Juuichirou snickered.
"That's no way to treat your cousin, Juuichi-kun," admonished Keiko.
"Why not?" Juuichirou grinned. "You poke fun at your older brother all the time."
"Siblings have that privilege," Keiko lectured.
"And I don't recall," added Jurougorou, thumping Juuichirou gently on the head, "ever acknowledging you as a brother."
"We do have the same father," mused Juuichirou, looking toward Kawashima Manor.
"If you want him as a father," said Jurougorou, "you can have him."
Juuichirou laughed. "I just want your cut of the inheritance when the bastard dies."
"Sure," drawled Jurougorou. "I want Kuwari Keiko's first kiss."
"That's not his to give," said Keiko, rolling her optics.
"You're right. The discretion is yours, correct?" Jurougorou asked, placing an index finger on her lip components.
Keiko began to answer, but Jurougorou traced his finger over her lip components, causing the femme to tremble slightly.
"Don't you think you're taking undue liberties with her?" asked Juuichirou.
"No," grinned Jurougorou as he gently nudged his index finger within Keiko's mouth. "As a Guardian of rank, I could give her any number of orders."
"I'm her boyfriend, remember?" Juuichirou glared at Jurougorou.
"If you say so." With that, Jurougorou kissed Keiko.
Scene: 6
Spoiler broke from kissing Turbo as the Guardian woke.
Turbo groaned. "What did you do to me?" he demanded.
"Just a kiss, silly," Spoiler grinned.
Turbo's optics widened in shock. "Y-you're a guy!"
Spoiler sighed. "I know. If I were a femme, though, you wouldn't be complaining."
"Sure I would," countered Turbo, scowling. "Not only because you're still a Renegade, but also because you're related to the cackling maniac that sent us both down here."
"Ah. Onee-chan does get carried away," said Spoiler, shaking his head.
"If you don't mind," continued Turbo, pointing to a rock near the back of the cave, "I'll be over there, purging my tanks."
Spoiler rolled his optics. "I would think that you, being a knowledgeable and well-traveled Gobot, would be more open-minded."
Turbo continued retching.
"I finally act on my childhood crush," continued Spoiler, "and he reacts like this. I can't help the way my systems react to strong, powerful mechs."
"Yeah?" Turbo stared at Spoiler. "I can't help my fuel tank's reaction to you." The Guardian continued his purge.
"Ever since I first saw you that day," sighed Spoiler, in a reverie, "I've wanted you...Taichirou-san."
Turbo continued purging.
"Oh, cut that out!" pouted Spoiler. "I know I'm a catch."
"You're the one I'd throw back in the drink," said Turbo.
"Be nice!" Spoiler glared at Turbo. "Most mecha in denial are at least nice about it."
"I'm not in denial!" snarled Turbo. "You're a guy, and I'm a guy. Even if we weren't, say, mortal foes," the Guardian continued, "it wouldn't work."
"You don't remember, do you?" asked Spoiler.
Turbo raised an optic ridge. "Remember what?" he asked.
"I remember that day well. We were still kids, you and me; Rei-chan," Spoiler continued, "was a blossoming adolescent rose."
Turbo tensed his fists. "Really? Because 'Rei-chan', as you call her, nearly killed us both."
"Don't take it so personally," Spoiler grinned. "Though you're very cute when you're angry."
"Stop." Turbo sighed. "Just...stop."
Scene: 7
"Stay." Pumper gripped Small Foot's arm, his body tense.
Small Foot wrenched her arm free. "I'm fine."
"No, you're not," countered Pumper. "You always try to take on more than you can handle."
Small Foot gave Pumper an icy glare.
Pumper shook his head, suppressing an impulsive thought. "An ice squall's coming through," he said. "Do you have the thermal gear to survive the trip home?"
"I can manage without it," said Small Foot.
"Or I could keep you warm," said Pumper, "while we ride out the squall that generates absolute zero temperatures in the safety of my flat."
Small Foot grinned crudely at Pumper. "In your berth."
"Now, I never said that," stated Pumper.
"You were thinking it," said Small Foot.
"True. I know a nice roll in the berth would do wonders for both our foul moods," continued Pumper.
"You moron." Small Foot raised an index finger. "Our feelings aren't equal."
Pumper stared at Small Foot. "Who said they have to be?" he asked, moving closer to the femme.
"I do!" Small Foot held her arms out.
"I won't force you to be with me," said Pumper, chuckling. "But I won't let you throw your life away over that dimwitted frag, either," he added, blocking the door out of his flat.
"How dare you!?" spat Small Foot.
"I dare," answered Pumper, "because Juuichirou's from my clan. And also: because I'm a better lover for you than him in every category."
Small Foot's optics widened. "I...I--*"
Pumper drew her into his arms. "You did your duty, as a Guardian. As your friend and comrade, I demand that you stay."
Small Foot pushed Pumper away, then slapped him. "Fine; I'll stay. In the damned guest room."
"That way." Pumper grinned, rubbing his cheek as Small Foot headed to the guest room. "You're one hell of a femme, Keiko."
Scene: 8
Taichirou glared at his parents. I...I hate them. I hate them both.
"I don't like that expression, Taichirou," stated his mother, Taiko.
"I don't like you," said Taichirou, blunt.
"You hate us both, son," grinned Kaoru, Taichirou's father. "Cigarette?"
"I don't smoke," scowled Taichirou.
"It's soothing after an overload from a hard frag." Kaoru lit the cigarette, then drew from it.
"Taichirou, we understand that you're moody about all of this," said Taiko coldly, "but we had need of you. It's as simple as that."
"Do you two anticipate doing this to me again?" asked Taichirou, sullen.
"Are you up for another round?" asked Kaoru.
"No." With that, Taichirou entered his rest cycle.
Scene: 9
Nakamura Futaba unlocked the door. "Ah. Kawashima-san, please enter."
A geisha stared at Pumper. "We are clo--*"
"It is always an honor to serve Kawashima-san," said Futaba, "no matter the hour."
"Of course." The geisha bowed to Pumper. "Forgive my discourtesy. I will prepare."
Futaba accepted Pumper's credits as the geisha left the lobby. "She's still inexperienced."
"I understand," said Pumper, smiling. "I'll be gentle."
"You don't have to do this, Jurougorou-san," sighed Futaba.
"I can't use you that way," countered Pumper. "Not after--*"
"The only thing I felt that day," winced Futaba, "was envy, and regret that I couldn't be Keiko for you."
"You could never be Keiko," said Pumper. "Nor do I want you to try."
Futaba handed Pumper a cup of emerald tea.
"Do you remember my promise to you," asked Pumper, "after that day?"
"I haven't forgotten your pledge," said Futaba.
"I will love Keiko," said Pumper after sipping his tea, "and I will love Futaba--as Futaba."
The geisha reentered the lobby. "All is prepared."
Pumper finished his tea, then entered the berth-chamber with the geisha.
Scene: 10
"ETA to Phoenix is one hour," said Turbo.
A. J. pouted. "Quit acting like a GPS, Turbo."
Turbo chuckled.
"I don't like driving without a license," she added.
"You haven't been stopped yet, and you've obeyed all other traffic laws," noted Turbo. "Besides, you have a permit."
"I'm supposed to have a licensed driver in the passenger side," countered A. J., annoyed.
"What am I?" balked Turbo.
"A giant alien cyborg that looks like the car I'm driving," A. J. answered.
"I am the car you're driving. Literally. You're also driving me nuts," said Turbo.
"That makes two of us," said A. J., stifling a laugh.
"You know, A. J.: I like you," said Turbo.
A. J. laughed. "I like you, too, chucklehead."
Turbo sighed.
"Is something wrong?" A. J. asked.
Turbo considered the human girl's question. "Pull over. Maybe I can explain."
A. J. complied. "Will you take control before we reach Phoenix?" she asked as she exited Turbo.
Turbo transformed. "It depends." The car mecha studied A. J. carefully, his expression unreadable.
A. J. stared at Turbo.
"How much control do you want me to have?" asked Turbo, grinning.
A. J. squinted at Turbo. "Are we talking about driving?" she asked Turbo, cautious.
Turbo sat down on the ground, then leaned back. "I don't know. Are we?" he asked.
"What else could we be talking about?" A. J. demanded.
Turbo gazed at A. J., his face serious. "I like you," he said. "A lot."
A. J. touched her chin, thinking.
"They make it look so easy in the movies," scowled Turbo, frustrated.
"I don't follow," A. J. said.
"It'd be simple to explain if I could just kiss you," continued Turbo.
A. J.'s eyes widened. "K-kiss!?" she gasped.
"Yeah...." Turbo winced. "I like you...that way."
"I...don't know what to say to that," A. J. said, blushing.
"Saying 'yes' would be nice," said Turbo, smiling. "You're at the age of consent in Arizona."
"I find it disturbing that you researched that, Turbo." A. J. placed her hands on her hips.
"No sense in breaking US law." Turbo gazed at A. J. again.
A. J. sighed. "When?" she asked.
"For a while now," said Turbo. "I won't force you."
"I'd never think so poorly of you." A. J. rubbed the back of Turbo's hand.
Turbo grinned. "You don't think I can interface with you," he said.
A. J. laughed. "I don't know what the hell you can do, as far as that," she said.
"You've got the neural jack in your neck, right?" Turbo asked.
A. J. nodded.
"Good." Turbo sat up, then gently lifted A. J. off the ground. "Because I should have guessed that you'd want to start real slow."
"I don't recall saying 'yes', pal," A. J. quipped, rubbing the back of her neck.
Turbo smiled, setting A. J. down. "I really do want you...."
"Then...let's take it slow." A. J. began loosening her braids.
Scene: 11
Pumper held a shivering Small Foot in his arms as the anti-inhibition drug wore off.
Small Foot glared at Pumper. "I hate you."
"I know," Pumper grinned. "You told me so numerous times: 'Juro. Damn you, Juro! You feel great, Juro. I fragging hate you, Juro'."
"You took advantage of me," Small Foot said.
"It was either me, or the intergalactic pimps we're here to shut down," said Pumper. "They're the jerks who drugged you, remember?"
"You. Are such a fragging bastard!" Small Foot slugged Pumper.
"I had to overload you, or that drug would disable you for hours," stated Pumper calmly. "The fact that we both enjoyed ourselves is not the issue at hand."
"Won't you even apologize!?" Small Foot demanded.
"For what? Saving your life and your cute little bolt for someone worthy?" spat Pumper.
"You molested me!" hissed Small Foot.
"Yeah, and it was fun. Get over it, Kuwari!" snarled Pumper. "That's an order."
Small Foot scowled at Pumper. "I'll note this in my after-action report, sir."
"Feel free." Pumper shrugged. "For now, though: we need to contact Road Ranger, relay this position to HQ, and escape."
"Agreed. I still hate you." Small Foot stormed out of the cave.
Pumper followed her out. If that's how her hate feels, he mused, smitten, then I'm eager to experience her love.
Scene: 12
"It was an honor to serve, Senator." Turbo bowed to Senator Nanatsuro.
The elder red Mold-7 returned the bow. "The honor is Gobotron's, Turbo," said the senator.
"Thank you, sir." Saluting Nanatsuro, Turbo stood to attention as the senator boarded the Guardian spacecruiser to return to Gobotron.
After the ship left, Turbo turned to enter UNECOM.
A. J. stared at Turbo. "You and the senator look a great deal alike," she noted.
"Same mold," said Turbo. "And we both like red."
"Yeah. But he also looks like your mom," A. J. continued.
Turbo rolled his optics. "Most parents resemble their children. Or rather," he continued, "children resemble their parents."
"That's right." A. J. slapped her forehead. "Your mother's maiden name was Nanatsuro."
"Yep," Turbo nodded. "Nanatsuro Mamoru was Taiko's dad."
"Then doesn't that make you his grandson?" A. J. asked.
Turbo scoffed at the question. "Not since she died." With that, Turbo walked away.
"You're a psychological minefield," shouted A. J., "you know that?" She followed Turbo inside UNECOM.
Scene: 13
"Just who the hell are you?" Pumper glared at Skywarp.
Skywarp grinned. "By rank? Uh, our battle roster has me listed as 'Subcommander'," he said, "but I think that's either a clerical error or a sick joke on Soundwave's part. Why do you want to know?"
"Because you and I both know the only real joke is that damn treaty we signed M-cycles ago," Pumper sneered at the Decepticon jetwarrior.
"That's not the reason you're spitting bolts at me, chief." Skywarp smirked. "You don't like me hanging around Small Foot, do ya?"
"You think?" scoffed Pumper. "She has access to better jetwarriors than the likes of you, let alone possible lovers."
"Who?" countered Skywarp. "Leader None? That fragger wouldn't know where to stick his input cable if her port had landing lights. Turbo's got his optics on that flesh critter working on his engines right now. Scooter's a stupid fraggin' nerd. So who's left?"
"As her comrade and superior officer, I know she can do better," stated Pumper.
"Ah." Skywarp smiled. "So you're my supposed rival for Kuwari Keiko's tender affections?"
Pumper laughed. "She has cried out my name. Repeatedly."
Skywarp rolled his optics. "When I finish working my magic," the dark jetwarrior countered, "she'll be lucky to remember her own name."
"Spare me, rustbucket: I've tasted her soul." Pumper smirked at Skywarp.
Skywarp returned the smirk. "Then let the games begin, frag-off."
Thundercracker groaned, annoyed with his wingmate. "All of this scrap over a cyborg femme that transforms into a damned truck," he muttered.
Scene: 14
Small Foot sneezes. "Somebody's thinking about me behind my back."
Leader One grins. "Don't look at me."
"I don't do anything behind anyone's back, imouto-kun," says Road Ranger.
Small Foot turns to Optimus and Perceptor.
"Aside from your disturbing interest in Skywarp," says Optimus, "I have no reason to think ill of you."
"You're more mature about Skywarp than a former pupil of mine regarding the object of her affections," says Perceptor. "Ember is hopelessly infatuated with Thundercracker."
"To be fair," says Small Foot, "she doesn't know that miserable jerk tried to coat you with cosmic rust."
"Isn't the 'miserable jerk' Skywarp's best friend?" Road Ranger shakes his head.
"Yeah; I've given Skywarp my opinion on Thundercracker: I like him about as much as Thundercracker likes the ground." Small Foot snorts.
"So that leaves Turbo and Pumper," says Leader One, gripping his forehead as though injured. "They've both been in the cavern too long."
Scene: 15
Turbo looks around the Devilspawn's lair. It looks bad, he observes silently. Pumper's down.
The Devilspawn leers at Turbo and the prone, trembling Pumper.
"Oh, no, pal: you've had enough fun at our expense for one day." Turbo blasts the Devilspawn. "Why won't you just die already?"
The Devilspawn keens, then laughs at Turbo.
Can't contact Leader One or the others. Braincase...cracked. Covered in this thing's gunge. Turbo seethes at the wyrm as it mocks him.
Scene: 16
"You can't enter the cavern--not with her," warns the bearded man, pointing a wavering index finger at Small Foot. "Furthermore, your friends may already be lost to the Devilspawn."
"With all due respect, sir," says Leader One, scowling, "Those two have survived far worse than a giant worm. They're alive, and we're going in to rescue them." Leader One clutches his head again.
"Did Turbo sustain an injury?" asks Small Foot.
"Head injury," answers Leader One. "We need to get in fast."
"You may go, and take the other men; the woman must stay," says the man.
"Why?" demands Small Foot. "Two of my comrades are in there, hurt--and I can't go in to help?"
Moelgru rushes to the group. "Heed the Seer, maiden!" she pleads. "He'll not steer you ill."
"I am a Guardian before I'm a maiden, ma'am," says Small Foot. "I can't stand by and do nothing." With that, Small Foot enters the cavern.
"We're trained to handle these kind of threats," adds Leader One. "She will be safe."
The Seer and Moelgru wince, still unsure.
Leader One turns to Road Ranger. "Keep an eye on the village and the Autobots. Thankfully, Sludge is earning their ride home by keeping the children occupied."
"As you wish, sir," says Road Ranger.
Optimus bristles at Leader One's insult.
"I...may be able to assist as well," says Perceptor. "Also, I do need to collect that sample."
"Fine. You'll need to keep up, though." Leader One enters the cavern to catch up with Small Foot. Perceptor follows the Guardian inside.
Optimus grips Road Ranger's shoulder. "How do you put up with him?" the Autobot leader asks.
Road Ranger sighs. "Right now, Leader One's agitated; even more so since he shares a bond with Turbo."
Scene: 17
"Keiko..." Pumper moans, curled in a fetal position. "I'm cold, Keiko...!"
"No! Don't call her here, idiot!" Turbo spits. "Keep it together!"
"Are you...together...?" hisses Pumper, trembling.
"My braincase is busted, I've got a fuel leak, and I'm covered head to foot in alien worm blood. What the hell do you think?" says Turbo.
"I think I'm in pain," says Pumper, "and also covered in worm blood. After being fragged by the thing's two...tongues--I hope."
"Sometimes," Turbo grunts, "we have bad days.... It's all part of the job...."
"Our job sucks at times." Pumper winces after trying--and failing--to rise to his feet.
Scene: 18
Perceptor looks down. "This cavern is deeper than I anticipated. I'll locate another route."
"A wise decision, considering that you can't fly. You do that," says Leader One. "Small Foot and I will move ahead." He and Small Foot plunge into the chasm.
Perceptor sighs, contacting Optimus. "They went on without me," he reports.
"Don't follow them in," orders Optimus over the comm link. "Return to the cavern entrance."
"They will require our assistance," counters Perceptor.
"And the two of us will move in with Road Ranger--as a unit. I will never understand that aft port," says Optimus.
Scene: 19
Leader One and Small Foot locate Turbo, Pumper, and the Devilspawn.
"They're still with us," says Leader One, relieved.
"Don't...come any closer," gasps Turbo, bloody. "This is indeed a place for the penitent, for sinners like us." He turns to face Small Foot, trembling. "This is no place...for noble innocents like you."
"What are you rambling about?" says Small Foot. "We're here to help."
"Leave, Kei--!" Pumper starts to warn Small Foot, but his words choke off.
"Pumper...?" Small Foot steps closer into the mouth of the lair.
"No. Come. Come closer, Kuwari Keiko..." Pumper whispers, chuckling.
"Away...away, maiden!" Turbo orders.
"What...what happened to them?" Small Foot trembles. "They're hurt."
Leader One grips Small Foot's arm before she can attack. "Let's get Turbo and Pumper out of harm's way first."
"I recommend using your forcefield to push them aside and shield them," says Small Foot, glaring at the Devilspawn, "while I distract the worm."
Leader One nods as he generates the forcefield. Small Foot attacks the Devilspawn.
Scene: 20
An hour passes.
Leader One had secured Turbo and Pumper while Small Foot engaged the Devilspawn.
Having tricked the Devilspawn into tying itself in knots, Leader One now analyzes the wyrm. "Now," he muses, "how do we transport this ourobouros to Earth for study?"
"Easy," hisses Small Foot, brandishing her unsheathed claymore. "We hack it apart."
"Small Foot, I don't like the readings I'm...." Leader One trails off, shielding himself as Small Foot chops the Devilspawn into large, bloody chunks.
"We don't need a live specimen of this thing," Small Foot asserts as she dispatches the Devilspawn.
"Granted," says Leader One. "However, now I have to quarantine three of you."
Small Foot walks to Turbo and Pumper. "Can you two walk?"
"Pumper's equilibrium is still off," grunts Turbo. "I might be able to move."
Small Foot shakes her head. "With that cracked braincase, I don't trust you navigating this cavern."
"Nor do I," adds Leader One, "and there's also the quarantine to consider. Road Ranger and I can't touch you until that scrap is dissolved from your bodies."
Small Foot hoists Pumper onto her back, and Turbo climbs on Pumper's back.
"I've...been more comfortable." Pumper grins.
Leader One stares at Small Foot. "Will you be okay?"
"I'm stronger than I look, sir." With a thumbs-up, Small Foot leaves the slain Devilspawn's lair.
"Samples...." Leader One grabs a few chunks of Devilspawn with a forcefield, then follows after his three subordinates.
Scene: 21
The alien children enter their homes; Sludge returns to the group and transforms.
The Seer stares at the cavern's mouth, worried. "I fear the worst."
The four Guardians emerge from Sinners' Cavern, a bloodied Small Foot carrying both Turbo and Pumper on her back.
"You no am okay?" asks Sludge.
"No," says Small Foot, furious. "Not okay."
"Am too bad." Sludge frowns. "There am more than one Devilspawn. Likely all over planet."
Pumper looks up at Sludge. "More of those freaks?"
Sludge nods.
The Seer points to a foul pool. "For now, the three of you must be cleansed," he says to Small Foot.
Small Foot's optics widen at the pool, noting the alien skull bobbing in it. "In that? It's dirtier than the Ganges River!"
"What is that?" adds Turbo, equally disgusted. "And why must we bathe in it?"
"It is the Deathwater," says Moelgru, carrying a large jug of liquid. "The maiden especially must be purged."
Small Foot raises an optic ridge at the jug. "I take it that's for me to drink?"
Moelgru nods, struggling under the jug's weight. "Take it at least, you stubborn wench. Don't argue."
"I have open wounds," scowls Turbo as he stands on his feet, "including this nasty hole in my head. I'm not bathing in anything called 'Deathwater'."
"You must!" cries the Seer. "You cannot return to Gaea until you are cleansed of the Devilspawn's blood."
"By 'Gaea'," Optimus asks, "do you mean 'Earth'?"
The Seer nods. "If you go to Earth with that wretched blood upon thee, you shall bring peril unspeakable unto the people."
Pumper stands. "I'd like nothing more than to get this gunk off my body," he says, "but that Deathwater's too filthy to do the job."
"Wait until nightfall," urges Moelgru, shoving the jug of Deathwater into Small Foot's arms before the Guardian femme can protest. "The pool will be dredged by the lights in the sky then."
"We are going home," snarls Leader One.
"Actually," says Optimus, "I think we should listen to the natives."
"We have quarantine procedures to prevent any spread of alien pathogens," says Road Ranger.
"And if you three want to hitch a ride back to Oregon," adds Leader One, heading to the Guardian shuttle, "then hop aboard before I change my mind."
The five Guardians board the shuttle, Small Foot still holding the jug of Deathwater.
Sludge sighs as he boards the ship behind Road Ranger. "Us am go now."
"They do appear to have a sample of the creature, at least," notes Perceptor as he follows Sludge.
Optimus stares at the log cabin atop the hill overlooking the village, then faces the Seer. "Until we meet again." He boards the shuttle.
The Guardian shuttle takes off.
The Seer looks up at the departing ship. "Yes; you shall return." Frowning, the Seer turns to make the hike back to his home.
END SPECIAL ONE
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Curse of the Devilspawn!