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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
- 6
- 7
- 8
TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON SAGA
CURSE OF THE DEVILSPAWN! Special #7: FALSE GODS.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
Scene: 1
"Where are the Guardians?" demands Cy-Kill. "There are only skeleton crews at their usual haunts."
"Yeah," Crasher sighs. "It's rather boring without having a Guardian to kick around."
"On the bright side," says Cop-tur, "we could take over Gobotron with the Guardians gone."
Other Renegades nod in agreement.
Cy-Kill shakes his head. "Let's wait for Snoop's intelligence before we take over," he says. "The Guardians may be baiting us into a nasty trap."
"Also," adds Fitor, "Every time we've attempted to seize total planetary control, Leader One has foiled us with a countermeasure."
"We're agreed, then," says Cy-Kill. "Snoop will let us know what has the Guardians so distracted that they aren't guarding Gobotron."
Cop-tur stares at Cy-Kill. "I still think we could take over and worry about the Guardians later."
"This, Cop-tur," says Cy-Kill with a terse smile, "is why you aren't in this army to think."
Scene: 2
"Daichiya?" hisses Spoons, tapping her viewscreen.
On the screen, Staks studies the Renegade furtively. "You're going to get me kicked out," he whispers.
"There's always room on Thruster One," grins Spoons.
"I'm not looking forward to that opportunity, Sajiko," says Staks.
"Where are you?" asks Spoons.
"On a classified mission," says Staks. "Is your boss planning anything against Gobotron?"
Spoons sighs. "No," she says. "We're bored. Most of the Guardians--that's you and your compatriots--are off to parts unknown," she continues, "and we're waiting on an intel report from Snoop before doing anything."
"That's accommodating of Cy-Kill," says Staks. "Why are you telling me so much?"
"Because we don't have anything planned," says Spoons, "so I don't have anything to hide."
"I see. Where are you, then?" asks Staks.
"The usual place," says Spoons.
"That's a relief. You know I have to report this," says Staks.
"It's nothing personal: I understand. I told you I don't have anything to hide," says Spoons, shaking her head.
Staks sighs. "I don't know how this is supposed to work out," he says.
"At least our parents approve of the relationship," says Spoons. "Saves them the expense of setting up omiai appointments."
"'Your partner won't always be ideal, my son'," says Staks, mimicking his father. "'Marriage is a worthy institution, but it's a lifelong process of compromise and compassion'."
"I've got my mother summed up: 'I'd like grandchildren before I die. Can your work give you children?' I think she suspects what I'm really doing," continues Spoons.
"We can't have that discussion," says Staks, "especially not over this frequency."
"That's true. At least my mom's not like some mothers I know," Spoons laughs.
Staks chuckles. "I have to return to my station," he says. "Until next time."
Spoons nods, then ends the transmission. "How do I keep this a secret...from them?" she asks herself aloud.
Scene: 3
"Mommy," Crasher admonishes, wagging her finger at her mother over the video feed, "how did you get this frequency?"
"A determined mother has her ways, Rei," says Crasher's mother, Anzu.
"Seriously, mommy: the Guardians will try to track our conversation. I stay hidden for a reason," continues Crasher.
"I anticipate this," smiles Anzu. "My goal here is to correct an unfortunate oversight on the part of the honorable Governor-general."
"Mommy, you're not a licensed wedding counselor," says Crasher. "Even if you were," she continues, "the Governor-general and I have no plans to marry. He wants to arrest and execute me for treason."
"Ah," sighs Anzu, "but what will become of Akira, Yugi, and the others?"
"They'll be fine, mommy. The Governor-general only has claim to Akira, by the way--and then only a partial claim," says Crasher, annoyed.
Pocket barges into Crasher's quarters. "Mama!" he grins. "I think I can locate the Guardians--oi! Is that baa-chan?" he asks, noting Anzu.
"Yes," says Crasher. "Your grandma wants me to marry Leader One."
Pocket rolls his optics. "Not again. Baa-chan," he says, pouting at Anzu, "you're going to get Mama in trouble."
Anzu smiles thinly at Pocket. "Please, Shougane: track my transmission. It will be illuminating." Anzu ends the call.
Pocket glares at Crasher. "Baa-chan's almost as stubborn as you, Mama," he says.
Crasher returns Pocket's glare. "Don't you mean that the other way around?" she asks.
Scene: 4
"Know that your defiance has not gone unnoticed," says the elder, still controlled by N'vabu Rim--now revealing himself as Nova Prime.
"Glad to catch your attention," Leader One smirks. "Why not come down here," he continues, "and speak with us face-to...hold on." Leader One turns to his video commlink.
"That can't be Karakawa-san again," says Small Foot.
"Yeah," adds Turbo, "we blocked all of our psychologists' incoming calls."
"No. It's.... Crasher's mother." Leader One grins ruefully.
"That's right," says Anzu. "I wish to speak with the Governor-general."
Leader One sighs. "Mazaki-san," he says politely, "you must end this transmission immediately. To be blunt," he continues, "your daughter--a wanted subversive--is likely tracking this conversation."
"I understand," says Anzu slowly. "However, since my daughter has honored you with six sons, I would think the burden of parenthood would be too great for her alone."
"She's very persistent," whispers Turbo, grinning.
"With a proper marriage," Anzu continues, "Rei would simply be too consumed with the duties of a mother and a wife to continue her regrettable folly."
"Mazaki-san," says Leader One, "I believe it's mutually agreed between... Rei and myself: we aren't going to marry."
Anzu's optics widen.
"I'm ending this conversation now." Leader One terminates the call.
"With that noodle incident out of the way," says Turbo, "let's get back to Nova Prime's rotten ventriloquist act."
"Indeed." Leader One returns his focus to the elder. "Where were we?"
Scene: 5
"Pocket," asks Crossword, "were you able to find the Guardians?"
"As the leader," says Tic-Tac testily, "shouldn't I ask the questions?"
"I'm better at asking Pocket questions," says Crossword.
"To shut you both up, yeah: I got it," says Pocket. "The Guardians are on a planet not far from Thruster One."
"Wait." Crasher stares at Pocket quizzically. "We're in a solar system past the Kuiper Belt, outside Sol system. You mean to tell your mommy," she continues, "that the Guardians are in the same solar system we're in?"
Pocket nods.
"Which planet?" asks Crasher.
"Second one from the sun," says Pocket.
Crasher grins. "Hah! Who needs Snoop's intel anyway?" she says. "Let's go, boys."
Zigzag perks up. "Alright! Some action!" He bolts out of Crasher's room. Pocket, Crossword, and Rube follow Zigzag out.
"Are we questioning Cy-kill-sama's judgment?" asks Tic-tac.
"No," says Crasher. "He's just being stuffy because of the setbacks we've had recently," she continues. "I blame Fitor."
Jigsaw scowls near Crasher's door, folding his arms.
"What's your problem?" spits Crasher as Tic-Tac leaves Crasher's room.
"We were supposed to go to the museum in Chicago today," says Jigsaw.
"So you can hang out with 'Mr. Barricade' and drive him crazy with Inspector Gadget afterwards," says Crasher knowingly.
Jigsaw rolls his optics.
"Cheer up, brat," Crasher grins. "With any luck, we'll get to crush some Guardians today." Crasher leaves her room.
"Confound it! We can do that any day," mutters Jigsaw as he leaves, deactivating the light.
Scene: 6
Hound and Road Ranger stare at the ceremony taking place in the nearby village, northeast of the Elysyn Kingdom.
"What are they doing?" wonders Hound aloud.
Road Ranger scowls. "I detected Devilspawn activity here during my initial probe of this area," he says.
The two mechs watch as an alien maiden disrobes.
A Devilspawn emerges from a massive meteorite in the center of the ceremonial ring.
Hound's optics widen in shock and disgust.
Road Ranger trembles. That...monster. That creature invaded my sister, he seethes silently, and violated my comrades.
The naked maiden approaches the Devilspawn.
"We need to stop this ceremony," says Hound. "They must be offering her as a virgin sacrifice, likely to appease N'vabu Rim."
"Unfortunately, we have to confirm if this is the case," says Road Ranger, "although I suspect that her fate is even worse than that."
The Devilspawn snatches the maiden with its tongue and begins intercourse.
"The worm is fragging the female," says Hound. "I can't believe that she'd willingly...offer herself." Hound turns away.
Scene: 7
Snoop enters Thruster One's main bridge, noting that all of the other Renegades are assembled. "I can't believe I have such great turnout," she says.
"You're just confirming what Pocket's already learned for us," scoffs Crasher.
"True," says Cy-Kill, "but Snoop should have determined what has the Guardians so occupied.""Do tell, then," says Crasher, smiling thinly.
Snoop sighs, then plugs her data drive into the main computer. "It's pretty nasty data I've gathered," she says.
The Renegades study hours of video logs and analyses.
"What the hell?" hisses Cy-Kill. "This Devilspawn is foul. And if any imbeciles suggest using this creature as a weapon," he continues, "I will kill them where they stand."
Four Renegades lower their hands, as they were about to suggest using the Devilspawn.
"Okay." Cop-tur shrugs. "While the Guardians are acting as pest control here," he says, "we can take over Gobotron or Earth."
"Gobotron would be the most viable target," adds Fitor. "According to Snoop's intelligence," he continues, "the Autobots and the Decepticons have entered a provisional truce to exterminate the Devilspawn."
"The Guardians still have a sizable force on Earth as well," says Snoop, "and Leader One's group is well within long-range astrobeam radius of Earth and Cybertron."
Cy-Kill touches his chin thoughtfully.
"What are we waiting for?" asks Crasher. "I'm insulted that the Guardians think these stupid worms are a greater threat than us," she continues, "so let's disabuse them of that mistake."
"No," says Cy-Kill. "For the good of Gobotron," he adds, "we will help them."
"What?" balk the other Renegades in unison.
"I said: for the good of Gobotron! The planet we seek to rule and improve, fools!" spits Cy-Kill. "I won't leave this to Leader One's conceited arrogance."
"We could take over Gobotron right now," counters a Renegade.
"Yes," Cy-Kill drawls. "We could indeed strike while the Guardians are distracted with this business."
"But...?" asks Crasher.
"Snoop's intel indicates that these Devilspawn the Guardians are fighting would be very nasty--to everyone," says Cy-Kill. "Also, Thruster One's long-range visual sensors are detecting a spatial anomaly," he continues, pulling up a screen, "and roughly three-fourths of the Guardian shuttle fleet."
"Why are the ships in an Ikari-type AT stasis field?" wonders Fitor. "The last record of that was in the Macross' archive records we appropriated from the Autobots."
"And before that: during our old Academy days, eh, Fitor?" Cy-Kill grins.
"So what if there's a spatial anomaly?" says Loco. "Let the Guardians deal with it while we take over Gobotron."
"We could do that--if we were short-sighted, power-hungry thugs," counters Cy-Kill. "However, we aren't," he continues, glaring at Loco.
"What are we, then?" asks Loco.
"Revolutionaries!" says Cy-Kill dramatically. "Soldiers of justice and valor."
"You've watched too many episodes of Mirai Heitai no Seigi," groans Cop-tur.
"My grandfather lived the events of that cartoon," quips Cy-Kill, "and your grandmother served in his unit."
"Big deal," says Loco. "My great-uncle, Fitor's ancient fossil of a dad, and Tank's grandfather served in the Immortal Seven of the Future. What does that have to do with us taking over Gobotron now?"
"Blame Cop-tur for bringing it up," says Cy-Kill. "It has little relevance at all."
"What do we gain from helping the Guardians?" asks Crasher. "Just help us see it."
Cy-Kill grins. "When we succeed in vanquishing not only the Devilspawn, but whatever's hiding in that spatial anomaly," he says, "then we will have cleared the one obstacle preventing us Renegades--as an independent political force--from achieving our objectives: public support."
The Renegades stare at Cy-Kill.
"You can't have a true Gobot revolution as long as the Guardians can write us off as simple criminals, terrorists, and general ne'er-do-wells," Cy-Kill continues. "Don't you see? With this selfless offer of assistance, we can be ignored no longer, and our noble cause will finally see the light!"
"That's quite corny, Cy-Kill," grins Crasher. "But the Guardians would owe us big-time," she notes.
"Yeah!" adds Loco. "And we'd finally get some action! We're bored as hell."
The other Renegades nod.
"Then we're agreed," says Cy-Kill.
Scene: 8
"They call this place the Village of the Redeemed," says Hound. "From my solid-state hologram conversations with the older folks," he continues, "it's because their ancestors were exiled Elysynese."
"Why were they exiled?" asks Road Ranger.
"They had the mark of the beast on their necks," says Hound, pointing to his sigil. "The Elysynese probably didn't want to listen to N'vabu Rim's commandments through their own citizens." Hound stops, receiving a message.
"Understandable, considering that N'vabu Rim sent the Devilspawn here in the first place," says Road Ranger.
Hound completes the transmission. "It's from Optimus. They've confirmed N'vabu Rim's identity."
"Who is it?" asks Road Ranger.
Hound sighs. "Prime Nova," he says.
"Then we must cut off his Devilspawn at the source," says Road Ranger, scowling.
"Unfortunately, we can't kill off the villagers," says Hound.
"We don't need to," says Road Ranger as he initiates an audio transmission. "Optimus," he says into the commlink, "I need to borrow your trailer from subspace."
"Why?" asks Optimus over the commlink.
"We've located the source of the Devilspawn," says Road Ranger, "and I have a plan."
"If that's the case," says Optimus, "then good luck. Prime Nova's still talking through the elder at the host village," he continues. "I'm transferring trailer component control to you now. Optimus out."
After ending the transmission, Road Ranger summons Optimus' trailer. "Hound, watch this for me," he says, heading toward the village.
"Where are you going?" asks Hound.
"To meet a friend," says Road Ranger. "Standby."
Scene: 9
In Nzunda, the High Chieftess plays a game of chess with Silverbolt.
"I can't believe you're beating me," spits Silverbolt. "This is an alien game to both of us," he continues, "but I only just taught you its rules."
"To be fair, Silverbolt," says Skywarp, grinning, "you just ain't that good at it."
The High Chieftess laughs softly. "We do have strategy games in Elysyn; just not this one," she says.
Pumper smirks. "Madam Chieftess," he says, "when you're done with him, I challenge you to shogi."
"What's shogi?" Galahdri asks Sun-Bright.
Sun-Bright shrugs. "I'm not sure. It must be another game from 'Earth'," he says.
"Earth developed its own rules for the game," says Pumper, "but we Gobots had it first."
"It's an even more dull variant of chess," says Silverbolt, rolling his optics.
"Hurry up and finish losing," quips Slingshot.
"Look out, my liege!" Galahdri shields the High Chieftess from a hurled spear with her armored body.
"Ah, who the hell threw that?" Skywarp demands.
"There is...no need...for alarm," says Glad Tidings, pinioning the assailant's arms.
Sun-Bright helps him restrain the assailant: the shaman.
"He threw this spear?" Galahdri demands, holding out the offending weapon.
Glad Tidings nods.
"Does he bear the Spawn Mark?" asks the High Chieftess.
"Yes," says Sun-Bright.
"Then I suggest you exile this man," says the High Chieftess. "He will do us all harm."
"He's not normally violent," counters Sun-Bright.
"Perhaps some of us still hate you Elysynese," adds the lead warrior.
"That's logical," says Glad Tidings. "It will take generations to repair the breach between our peoples. Still," he continues, "we have far more able-bodied warriors to kill the High Chieftess than our poor shaman."
"Furthermore," says Skydive, "the shaman isn't acting of his own volition."
"If you seek to regain my favor, children of Nzunda," says the shaman imperiously, "then you will cast out these intruders, and slay the Elysynese chieftess."
"I don't understand you, shaman," says Sun-Bright. "You said just an hour ago that N'vabu Rim has judged between our peoples," he continues, "and that he saw fit to spare her alive."
"This vessel of mine spoke his own wishes of peace, boy," says the shaman. "But there can be no peace with the Elysynese, whose fruitless ambitions have corrupted them beyond redemption."
"Shut up!" seethes Pumper, charging his blasters. "We already know that whoever you are," he continues, "you aren't anyone's damned god."
"You're just a sorry excuse for an Autobot," adds Slingshot.
"That ain't saying much as far as I'm concerned," scoffs Skywarp as he opens his commlink.
Scene: 10
Optimus glares at the elder as Nova continues speaking through him. Damn Nova, he says to himself. Damn him to the lowest depths of hell.
"Yo, Prime!" says Skywarp over the commlink.
And damn Skywarp there with him! "I'm patching you over to Ratchet," Optimus responds curtly. "I'm not in the mood for your scrap."
"Oh, come off it, Optimus," sneers Skywarp. "Neither of us know how to take no for an answer."
"Optimus out." Optimus sends the transmission to Ratchet.
Scene: 11
"Are these all of the Betrothed Ones?" Road Ranger asks an alien maiden.
"Yes, Kazuki," she nods. "Why have you called us all here?"
Road Ranger smiles. "Mekuhra, I want to introduce you and your friends to some friends of mine," he says, "before your wedding tomorrow."
"You won't take any liberties with us, I hope," says Mekuhra, pointing at the wall outside the village.
"My own betrothed would kill me," says Road Ranger.
"Mekuhra," says another maiden, worried. "Can we trust this giant?"
"Giant?" Mekuhra turns to the general direction of the other maiden, not quite facing the group of women. "This is my friend Kazuki that I've told you about," she says. "He snuck into the Elysyn Kingdom."
"I don't trust it," says a third maiden. "Who would want to sneak into such a wretched place?"
"I should tell you that I was helping my friends liberate some people they kidnapped," he says to the other maidens. "They live in Nzunda, the Land of Golden Grasses."
"The Nzundan captives are free?" says the third maiden. "Has Elysyn repented of their sins and dark pride?"
"The High Chieftess of Elysyn is in Nzunda now," says Road Ranger. "You can ask her yourself...if you all come with me."
"We can't deny that we're curious," says a fourth maiden. The other maidens nod in agreement.
"This will be an exciting adventure before our Holy Consummation," says the first maiden. "Let's go."
Road Ranger turns away to hide a sad frown from the maidens as he summons the trailer from Hound's position. "Very well," he says to the other maidens, picking up Mekuhra. "Please step inside."
Wonderingly, the maidens step inside the trailer, one noting the Autobot sigil on its side.
"Why are you treating me differently from the others?" asks Mekuhra.
Road Ranger sets Mekuhra down, transforms, hitches himself to the trailer, then gently grabs Mekuhra and places her in his passenger seat. "I will explain once we reach Nzunda. You must trust me."
"I don't like the fact that you lied to my friends," Mekuhra pouts as they drive away from Redeemed Village.
"I don't like it either," says Road Ranger. "My intentions are worthy enough that I hope you all will forgive me."
Scene: 12
"Doesn't Nova get tired?" asks Dewey, staring at the elder. "He's even worse than my pastor back home."
Anita glares at Dewey, then at the controlled elder. "Our pastor isn't a genocidal liar, son," she says.
The elder continues. "If you seek to regain my favor," he says to the village headman, "then you will cast out these interlopers from Earth: drive them from your midst."
"We'll do no such thing," scowls the headman. "You're doing all of this because you can't kill us off with rocks anymore."
"You've ravaged our wombs, you wretch!" adds Moelgru, in tears. "You've robbed us of children and life. Why would we obey you now?"
"Because I am your god," says the elder.
The Women's Village elder sinks to her knees, sobbing.
A. J. looks up at Starscream, brandishing her service revolver. "I'm this close to taking a page from your book," she says.
"Shooting him would rob Nova of an avatar," says Starscream.
"Why do you forsake me and the path that I have chosen for you?" continues Nova through the elder.
Sludge scowls. "Sludge say you not as good as Shari Lewis," he says.
"That am right. Hit the gong already," adds Swoop.
Grimlock growls. "Me Grimlock demand that Prime Nova stop with Devilspawn stuff!" he says.
"No, strange child of Cybertron," says Nova. "All who have transgressed against my will must be punished."
Starscream snickers. "I'm going to Nzunda to see how Skywarp's handling his Punch and Judy show," he says as he transforms.
"You do that," says Optimus.
Starscream leaves the host village.
"Are you done?" asks Leader One.
The elder stares languidly at Leader One. "Why does this concern the sons of Gobotron?"
Small Foot cuts in, unsheathing her claymore. "This daughter of Gobotron was impregnated by your stupid worm," she says.
"And even if that weren't the case," adds Turbo, "it's our duty as Guardians to dispatch the likes of you."
Leader One smiles thinly. "They took the words out of my mouth, Nova. You've noticed a large fleet of ships surrounding you," he continues.
The elder nods.
"They're in an Ikari-type AT stasis field, and there's no escape for you," Leader One says. "Leave this planet now, or you will die."
Scene: 13
On Thruster One, Snoop touches her chin in thought as she analyzes information on the computer.
Cy-Kill approaches her. "What are you looking at?" he asks.
"There's a signal from the anomaly," says Snoop, "transmitting down to several points on the planet simultaneously."
"I see," says Cy-Kill, turning to Cop-tur. "Cop-tur," he orders, "open a secure channel to Leader One for me."
"Yes, Cy-Kill," says Cop-tur as he obeys.
"Snoop," continues Cy-Kill, returning his focus to the Renegade spy. "If there's a way to jam this signal," he says, "find it."
Snoop nods. "I'm on it, Cy-Kill," she says.
Scene: 14
Road Ranger arrives at Nzunda with Mekuhra and the other Betrothed Ones. Hound joins the group.
"This is Nzunda!" says a maiden in wonder. "It's a marvelous village."
"Please follow me," says Road Ranger.
Mekuhra stares at the wall near a confused Nzundan warrior. "Kazuki, please explain why we're at Nzunda."
"Who is 'Kazuki'?" asks the warrior.
"Mekuhra," says another maiden, "your friend is to your left."
"It will be easier to tell you when we enter Nzunda," says Road Ranger.
Pumper meets the group at the gate with the High Chieftess. "Who are all of these women?" he asks Road Ranger.
"They are from the Village of the Redeemed," answers Road Ranger, studying the High Chieftess.
"I will explain," says the High Chieftess. "You women are offerings to a Devilspawn," she says to Mekuhra, holding the blind maiden's hands gently. "N'vabu Rim has likely commanded your ancestors to do so, and your people have obeyed for generations."
"Naturally," says the first maiden, snatching Mekuhra's hands out of the High Chieftess. "Our ancestors were banished from your unholy society."
"That was an act of mercy on the part of my ancestors," says the High Chieftess. "Even we, the so-called 'Demons of Elysyn', are not so wretched that we would continue to execute men born with the Spawn Mark."
Road Ranger scowls. "N'vabu Rim wants all of you to slowly die," he says.
"And he isn't a god at all," adds Pumper. "Your people have been deceived."
"If that's true," says Mekuhra, "then there's no purpose to the Consummation."
"Oh, there's a purpose," says Pumper. "You and your lovely friends are all Devilspawn incubators."
"Or, rather, you would have been," adds Road Ranger, "except we won't let that happen."
"The Devilspawn are killing many innocent people," says the Nzundan warrior, "and the cure N'vabu Rim gave to us, the Deathwater, had made many women barren.""All the peoples of this world will die out in a few thousand generations," says the High Chieftess.
"Why would N'vabu Rim do this to us?" asks a young girl.
The High Chieftess smiles. "That fellow is inside Nzunda, damning everyone through his chosen Nzundan avatar," she says. "You may ask him yourself if you wish." The High Chieftess reenters Nzunda.
The Betrothed Ones, Hound and Pumper follow the High Chieftess and the Nzundan warrior inside the gate.
"This makes no sense, Kazuki," Mekuhra says. "Whom do we believe: N'vabu Rim, the one we worship; or the people of Elysyn, the ones we resent?"
Road Ranger sighs. "I can't answer that, Mekuhra," he says. "I only know that 'N'vabu Rim' is my enemy."
"Am I your enemy, then?" asks Mekuhra.
Road Ranger gently lifts Mekuhra off the ground and enters Nzunda.
Scene: 15
"My chief! The Betrothed Ones are gone!" says a Redeemed tribesman.
The chief nods, calm. "It is well. I knew the day would come when other peoples would seek out the source of the Devilspawn."
"We need to get them back," says the tribesman. "The maidens will be harmed, or killed by the heathen to forestall the inevitable judgment."
"They will not be harmed," says the chief. "Mekuhra and the other maidens did not struggle against the red giant. They went with him of their own volition."
The tribesman stares at the chief.
"The giant has a gentle and noble spirit," the chief continues. "I do not believe he is capable of mindless evil. He cannot deceive Mekuhra."
"So we do nothing?" asks the tribesman.
"The giant was sent by the Elysyn demons," spits the tribe's elder, his eyes aglow. "They have seduced even the Nzundans with their lies."
"No one can deceive Mekuhra for long," counters the chief. "This giant, Kazuki, sought our help to liberate the captives of Nzunda."
"You will hear my voice, son of the Redeemed," says the elder.
"I do hear it, N'vabu Rim," says the chief. "We, the Redeemed, are a people of peace. We will not throw away our lives fruitlessly, but will wait for our maidens' return."
The elder scowls.
"I am chief of this village," continues the chief. "Shall I not see to my people's welfare?"
"The Elysynese and the Nzundans both plot to defy me," says the elder.
"You are our world's god, N'vabu Rim," says the chief. "It is futile folly for us to fight your battles."
"Then pray," says the elder, "that my wrath does not consume you for your defiance."
The chief nods.
The elder's eyes return to their natural color. "My chief," he asks, bewildered. "Did N'vabu Rim overshadow me?"
"Yes," says the chief. "N'vabu Rim is rather angry with me. Mekuhra and the other maidens left with Kazuki."
The elder sighs. "We must postpone the Consummation ceremony, then," he says.
Scene: 16
"This clown is still talking," scoffs Slingshot, folding his arms.
"It's a rather dull sermon," adds Silverbolt.
All within Nzunda--the Nzundans, Galahdri and the High Chieftess, and the mechs--stare at the shaman as his eyes glow.
"Faithless people. You let yourself be seduced by dark ones and spit at my generosity," says the Nzundan shaman.
"I don't think any of us ever sought your accursed generosity," says Galahdri.
"We sure as hell didn't," says Skywarp as he snorts at the possessed Nzundan. "N'vabu Rim--or rather, Nova-fragging-Prime: I presume."
The shaman scrutinizes Skywarp. "It has been many generations since I've heard that name. Yes," continues the shaman, "you are a child of Cybertron--a servant of a wicked devil."
"I won't argue that one," mutters Hound, rolling his optics.
"Look, you post-Overthrow relic," spits Skywarp. "You're interrupting a war on Cybertron with your scrap."
"Is that so?" says Nova through the shaman, cocking his head to one side. "I am right: you do indeed serve that wretch Megatron."
"With pride," says Skywarp.
The shaman points at Skywarp's Decepticon sigil on his left wing. "Behold: the unholy mark of the beast--the devourer!" he says. "Yet you, Nzunda, turned your back on me, and heeded this evil one's lies."
Skywarp laughs raucously.
Pumper joins Skywarp in laughter, the Guardian's tone mirthless. "Lies? Lies?" he seethes, dropping his smile.
"You are another angry son of Gobotron?" asks the shaman.
"You are in no place to call others liars," says Pumper, "not even the ones called Decepticons."
"We didn't pick that name, obviously," scoffs Skywarp.
"This planet's fate should not concern any of you," says Nova. "Leave now, and I will restore order here."
"Silence," says the High Chieftess. "You never had a true claim on our peoples."
"My power over you is true," counters Nova. "That is enough."
Scene: 17
"Look, Nova," says Air Raid, "we're all getting bored from your lousy episode of The Muppet Show."
"Who dares address me this way?" demands Nova.
"I do, you jerk: you're giving everyone wearing our logo a bad name on this planet," says Air Raid.
"I see." The possessed shaman raises a brow, skeptical.
"From one Autobot to another, Prime Nova: would you please quit tormenting these people with the Devilspawn?" asks Air Raid.
Nova stares at Air Raid, gazing at the Autobot sigils on his wings and chest. "Remarkable," says Nova. "Aren't you...?"
"Yeah, I know," says Air Raid. "I'm a jetwarrior; an Arwing. Even so, I've been an Autobot my whole life," he continues, "and my prime directive for the past few cycles has been to defend life and freedom."
"Then you should support my efforts, child," says Nova. "I am defending life," he continues. "Our life."
"Not at the expense of other life, you confused rustbucket," says Hound. "This has never been our way," he continues, "and that's why our forefathers rejected you."
"Fools. Organic species are pestilent hordes who will enslave and destroy us if left to their own devices," spits Nova.
Skydive stares at Nova. "Aren't you talking to us through one of these 'pests'?" he asks.
"That's not relevant," says Silverbolt.
"You." Nova narrows the shaman's eyes at Silverbolt. "You resemble the one who stole a part of me," he says. "Yes: the Militron who helped the false Prime usurp my place."
"There have been a lot of changes since you were sealed away for everyone's good," says Silverbolt calmly. "I'm definitely not who you think I am."
"Whatever some groups of organics may have done to us in the past," adds Slingshot, "it ain't got nothing to do with these people you've tortured. End this now," he demands, "or we end you."
Scene: 18
Back at the host village, Braxis interrupts another tirade from Nova.
"May I ask you a question, oh, almighty blowhard?" Braxis sneers.
Turbo shakes his head.
"Tell me: what of the poor people who never knew of your will," asks Braxis, "nor gave a damn?"
Nova laughs, the tone heartless. "You vermin of Earth must suffer the consequences of your stubbornness," he answers through the elder.
"You killed an innocent man. Jacob Edelstein's blood is on your head, you stupid robot," spits Braxis.
"The one that these villagers called the Seer?" scoffs Nova. "He convinced these simple folk to defy me."
"That's right!" says Dewey. "You're evil!"
"You hurt our mama!" adds Raleigh.
"You 'humans' deserve far worse," says Nova. "While guiding this planet," he continues, "I have observed your worthless race."
A. J. hands Turbo her service revolver. "Keep this thing away from me," she says.
"Earth is plagued with a history of war and violence," continues Nova. "It's only a matter of time before you decide to enslave the children of Cybertron--my people--in order to fight your battles."
"What kind of warped, nonsensical logic is that?" balks Braxis. "If you have indeed observed our history," he continues, "then you know that we don't need your people's help to blow ourselves to smithereens."
"Nova," sighs Ratchet, "they could have taken control of us anytime during the past four M-cycles."
"I suppose you were hoping to make us genuflect before you," says Braxis.
"It is the only acceptable posture for organics," says Nova.
Anita glares up at the sky. "Kneeling before the likes of you is against my religion," she spits.
Scene: 19
Inside the Guardian shuttle, Anya and Perceptor monitor the drama at the host village.
"Is there no way to stop Nova from using that poor old man like a sock puppet," asks Anya, scowling.
Perceptor shakes his head. "If we excise the neurotransmitters from the avatars," he says, "they will perish."
"It's just like this Deathwater enzyme, then," says Anya. "The cure is worse than the disease."
"We must rid ourselves of Nova in order to liberate the planet," says Perceptor.
Anya winces.
"Fortunately," Perceptor continues, "Leader One reports the possibility of jamming the signal: through a highly unlikely ally."
"Intriguing," says Anya.
Scene: 20
"You don't have the power to defeat me," spits Nova.
Sun-Bright stands tall. "We have the will."
"Nova. Show your face, coward," Road Ranger growls as he sets Mekuhra down.
"If you seek my true face, son of Gobotron," says the shaman. "then come to me. You know where I am."
Road Ranger draws out his B-saber. "Gladly. Prepare yourself." The Guardian takes off.
"Hang on, Ranger," says Pumper. "I want a piece of this guy, too!" Pumper follows Road Ranger into the heavens.
"Trailbreaker, get a dome over these people as soon as we take off," orders Silverbolt.
Trailbreaker nods. "Roger that."
"Take me with you," Galahdri says to Skywarp. "I will see the face of my enemy."
Skywarp transforms, opening the canopy of his cockpit. "Hop in, madam knight."
Galahdri climbs into Skywarp; the jetwarrior takes off.
"I must see N'vabu--no, Nova...for myself," says Sun-Bright to the other jetwarriors.
Starscream arrives, reverting to root mode and landing in the group surrounding the shaman. He picks up Sun-Bright, placing the Nzundan youth inside his cockpit as he transforms.
Sun-Bright gasps.
"Next time, just ask me," says Starscream as he takes off after Skywarp.
"Show-off," Slingshot grins.
"No more than you," says Skydive.
"We may have to put Old Nover down once and for all." Air Raid shrugs.
"Agreed. Let's jet, Aerialbots." Silverbolt takes off with Air Raid, Skydive, and Slingshot.
Fireflight scratches his head. "'Old Nover'?"
"Come on, Flight, shake a leg!" says Slingshot over the LAN.
"I know you didn't see the movie," adds Air Raid, "so I'll tell you later."
"Okay," says Fireflight aloud, following his wingmates into the heavens.
"May N'vabu be with thee," says Glad Tidings.
The Elysyn High Chieftess places a hand on Glad Tidings' shoulder. "We are trying to kill that fellow," she smiles thinly.
"Ah." Glad Tidings sighs. "Old habits truly die hard."
Scene: 21
"Enough, Nova!" says Optimus, seething. "You will no longer plague these people. Leave them in peace!"
"And who are you to make demands of me, oh, child of Cybertron?" asks the Nova-possessed elder.
"I am Optimus Prime: your successor," continues Optimus. "I am the current leader of the Autobots."
The elder grins crudely. "Then you have something which rightfully belongs to me, false successor."
"If you think so," says Optimus. "then come and get it."
"No. I would have you come to me," says the elder. "I know that you can."
"In this case," says Optimus, almost to himself, "I have no choice."
END SPECIAL SEVEN
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Curse of the Devilspawn!