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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
TRANSFORMERS: CYBERTRON SAGA
CURSE OF THE DEVILSPAWN! Special #8: SINS OF THE FATHERS.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
Scene: 1
"It am obvious trap, Optimus Prime," says Grimlock.
Optimus narrows his optics, looking up at the sky. "I know," he says.
"Who am protect humans and natives here in host village?" asks Swoop.
"Am good question," adds Sludge.
"Between Ratchet, Perceptor, and the five of you," says Optimus, "they should be covered."
"But how are you going to get up there?" asks Dewey. "I know the Guardians can fly," he continues, watching as Leader One, Turbo, and Small Foot take to the skies. "But you don't have a jetpack."
"I'll manage. Thanks to Ratchet, I have a few tricks up my sleeve." Winking at Dewey, Optimus follows the Guardians into the air.
Raleigh stares in awe. "Optimus can fly?" he wonders.
Scene: 2
Turbo grins. "'Look, Ma: no jetpack'," he quips as Optimus comes towards them.
"When did he install a flight capacitor?" scoffs Leader One.
"About 4.7 M-cycles ago according to Guardian Intelligence," says Turbo.
Optimus flies past them.
Leader One smiles. "So we'll finally meet the infamous Nova Prime," he says. "It may be a tough fight."
"Wouldn't be our first, sir. With everything that's happened," Turbo continues, tensing his fists, "I'm looking forward to it."
"Agreed. Let's go," says Leader One, heading up. Turbo follows the Gobot jetwarrior.
Scene: 3
Small Foot arrives in planetary orbit first, brandishing her claymore. "Show yourself, Nova," she demands.
"Patience, comely one," says the unseen Nova. "When you've lived as long as I, with rightful power denied you," he continues, "you learn patience."
"I intend to teach you humility and respect--or I'll turn you into scrap," says Small Foot.
Pumper and Road Ranger join her.
"With all due respect, Small Foot," says Pumper, materializing an energy icepick, "he's mine."
"We all want to deal with him," adds Road Ranger.
"Ooh: beam saber," says Small Foot.
"And I've got my bouncer bombs ready," adds Skywarp in jet mode.
"Field Leader," says Starscream, "speaking in my official capacity as Air Commander, I demand that you subspace those things away!"
"Yeah," adds Air Raid as he and the other arriving Aerialbots transform. "We may be still be able to talk to him."
"Failing that," says Slingshot, "we'll take him down."
Scene: 4
I don't like this, muses Ratchet silently as he and Perceptor escort Anya and A. J. to the Deathwater pool. Optimus may not be able to deal with the stress involved with Nova...or the memories behind that flight capacitor.
Sludge approaches Ratchet. "Villagers am evacuated. Newcastles am at Seer's Cabin," he continues, "but him Braxis am not."
"What!? Where is he?" demands Ratchet.
"No am sure," says Sludge.
Ratchet contacts Turbo. "We may have lost that character of yours," he says.
"Nope," says Turbo, "Braxis is secure. He's inside my torso."
"Wouldn't it be safer inside Leader One's cockpit?" Ratchet asks.
"Braxis can't handle the G-forces,' says Turbo.
"I want to see this idiotic robot for myself," Braxis adds.
"He's really annoying," Turbo notes.
"We've accounted for everyone, then," says Ratchet, ending the transmission.
Perceptor hands Anya and A. J. hospital gowns, then purifies the Deathwater with his lens cannon.
It's almost time for them to push the Devilspawn out. I can't imagine the kind of stress they're under. Ratchet scowls. Even worse, he continues silently, I can't stand the fact that we're responsible for it.
Scene: 5
Optimus, Leader One, and Turbo join Skywarp, Starscream, Small Foot, Pumper, Road Ranger, and the Aerialbots outside the planet's orbit.
A massive ship appears before them, as if emerging from the stellar void.
"Not even Megatron would have been stupid enough to give an enemy like Nova a ship," says Starscream.
"Agreed," Optimus adds.
"Looks like Prime's ready to take his vengeance," Skywarp quips.
Starscream laughs, while Optimus tenses his fists; the other mechs stare at the two Decepticons, confused.
"Forget about it," says Skywarp. "Inside joke."
"Optimus doesn't seem to think it's funny," notes Small Foot.
"It's a long story," says Optimus. "If you grow up a bit," he adds, "I might just tell you."
Small Foot scowls at Optimus, then focuses her scowl onto Nova's ship.
"Good of you all to join me here," says Nova.
"This isn't a social call," says Leader One, blasters charged. "My demand still stands."
"Ah. As to your meaningless threats," says Nova, "allow me to address them: with a small show of power."
The ship glows briefly...
...and all of the Guardian shuttles vanish.
Scene: 6
"They just disappeared!" Snoop and Spoons balk at the Guardian shuttles' abrupt departure.
"Curiouser and curiouser," Cy-Kill grins, stroking his chin.
"Where did they go?" asks Spoons, trembling.
"I'm tracking them now," says Snoop, her fingers flying over the terminal keys.
"It's more vital for us to remain cloaked and--most importantly--undetected," says Cy-Kill. "Nova isn't stupid enough to provoke Leader One by killing scores of Guardians," he continues, "no matter how convenient it would make matters for us."
"I'll maintain the cloak, then, Cy-Kill," says Snoop.
"Excellent." Cy-Kill nods. "Let us continue our observation of this fine bit of theater," he continues.
Scene: 7
On Earth, three Guardians chroma-keyed in black read a text communique.
MR-DIGIT COMM: ORDERS TO OPERATIVES.
MR-40, MR-43, MRT-43: Per directive from MR-25: Locate Guardian Shuttle Carrier Group Alpha Kasei. Once Alpha Kasei is located, astrobeam to group flagship and assess situation. When situation confirmed stable, astrobeam from flagship directly to Cybertron. INTELDIR will rendezvous at Vector Sigma.
INTELDIR MR-07: END TRANSMISSION.
Operative MR-40 stretches. "And I thought we wouldn't see any action," he says quietly.
MRT-43 chuckles. "I can at least avoid matching wits with the Autobots' security chief for a while," she says.
"Aw," grins MR-43, "we thought you were getting sweet on him."
"I am his type, I suppose," says MRT-43 as she and the other two operatives exit the Guardian Intelligence room.
Scene: 8
"Now do you understand how pointless it is to defy me?" asks Nova.
"The only thing I understand," says Turbo, "is that you must be destroyed."
Nova laughs. "Surely even you know that I am invincible," he says. "My creator built me to withstand all."
"Yeah," scoffs Skywarp, nodding towards Optimus, "that's why this clown calls himself Prime instead of you: you're so invincible that you lost your job."
"I was betrayed," says Nova, "and my rightful place was stripped from me."
"Then our job," says Small Foot, "is to make sure it stays that way."
"And make you vincible," adds Skywarp.
"Dude, you stole my line," Air Raid pouts.
"Leaving aside the fool Skywarp's non sequiturs," says Starscream, "we do notice that for all of your vaunted and storied might, you're hiding inside a spaceship."
"We did demand that you face us," continues Road Ranger. "All you've done so far is confirm your cowardice."
Nova chuckles.
"Since you see that we are not easily bent to your will," says Optimus, "then you will agree to our terms: leave this world in peace. If you wish to make a true difference," he continues, "if you truly seek to serve Cybertron as you say, then return there and let us bring you up-to-date."
Scene: 9
Inside the ship, Nova observes Optimus.
This successor is so earnest, so steadfast. In physical structure, Nova muses, I certainly see his handiwork. And yet...yes, says Nova silently. I see her in him.
Scene: 10
"I was mistaken...Optimus," says Nova.
"Somehow," says Silverbolt over the LAN to his wingmates, "I don't think he's going to take his marbles and go home."
"Of course not," Slingshot quips silently. "Nova lost all of them a long time ago."
"Quit stealing my jokes," says Air Raid aloud with a grin.
The five Guardians and Optimus glare at the snickering Aerialbots.
"There's a reason we use the LAN for color commentary," Skydive sighs.
"With all due respect, Optimus," says Silverbolt, scowling at the ship, "it's hard for anyone to take this power-mad lunatic seriously."
"We don't take Megatron seriously for the same reasons," adds Air Raid defensively. "We ain't going easy on Nova just 'cause he's got the Autobot Brand."
Optimus returns his focus to Nova. "If we can end this without further conflict," says Optimus to Nova, "then, in time, you can redeem yourself; history can forgive--if not forget--your past sins."
"You misunderstand me," says Nova. "I merely wished to say that I was wrong to call you a false successor."
"Then you acknowledge my authority as Prime?" asks Optimus.
"Don't count on it," scoffs Leader One.
"See, now he's doing it, too," says Air Raid, pointing at Leader One.
"Didn't your creator tell you that it's not polite to point?" says Turbo.
Optimus ignores the commentary. "Do you acknowledge me?" he asks Nova.
"No," says Nova. "However," he continues, "I do have a proposal that may satisfy your petty concerns."
Scene: 11
"Do you have clearance to be here?" demands Staks, glowering at the three black-clad Gobots.
"Guardian Intelligence," says MR-43, flashing a badge.
"Where is this carrier group situated, Guardian Staks?" asks MR-40.
"The whole fleet is orbiting Gobotron," Staks reports. "All hands report status as otherwise normal."
"That makes things easier," says MRT-43 to MR-40. "Escort us to the astrobeam," she orders Staks, "and send us to Cybertron."
"May I ask why?" says Staks stiffly. "This is highly unusual."
"We're following direct orders from the Intelligence Director and the Governor-general," says MR-40. "That's all that you're required to know to carry out your orders."
"Yes, sir." Staks salutes, then escorts the trio of Guardians to the astrobeam chamber.
Once inside, Staks starts up the astrobeam.
MRT-43 places her hands on Staks' forearm. "You can let Spoons know you're safe now," she says with a gentle smile, "but keep any sensitive details to a minimum." MRT-43 steps onto the astrobeam platform with the other two operatives.
Staks astrobeams the trio off his shuttle. "I wish I hadn't flunked the Guardian Intelligence entrance exams," he says glumly.
Scene: 12
"I have received your proposition, Nova," says Optimus. "It requires much thought.""The answer ought to be 'no'," counters Leader One, "whatever it is."
"I can't say that," says Optimus. "Too many innocent lives are at stake."
"What does he want?" asks Turbo.
"Something that matters only to the Autobots," Optimus answers. "If I give it to him," he continues, "then he will leave this planet to its own devices."
"No!" spits Galahdri, using Skywarp's radio. "Don't give him anything!"
"I agree," says Sun-Bright over Starscream's radio. "Even if Nova honors his word and leaves us in peace," he continues, "he may still try to do to Earth what he did to us."
"How did these two learn to use our radios?" asks Skywarp over internal radio.
"Both of them are smarter than you," scoffs Starscream over the same frequency, "so it's not that surprising."
"Nova will still fail to cow us," says Braxis, rolling his eyes, "as we'd destroy ourselves to give him a fond nuclear 'fuck off' signal."
"Optimus," says Leader One. "Will this object that Nova wants give him more power?"
Optimus nods.
"Then we'll kill you before we let that happen," Leader One continues.
"You have no say in this, son of Gobotron," says Nova. "What Optimus has is the Matrix of Leadership, which is rightfully mine," he continues.
"The what?" balks Air Raid.
"It is a device bestowed upon the Autobot leader," says Nova, "and it was stolen from me by an usurper."
"Wrong," counters Optimus. "You were never meant to have the Matrix. Your creator made a grievous error when he installed it in you."
"My creator..." says Nova in a dark, yet whimsical tone. "Tell me, Optimus," he asks, "who created you?"
"I don't see the relevance," says Optimus.
"My reason? I can't rightfully consider you my successor," says Nova as the ship unfolds, revealing its sole occupant, "when what you are...is my heir."
Scene: 13
From within the cloaked Thruster One, the Renegades observe Nova's reveal.
"That decrepit modern art sculpture is Nova Prime?" scoffs Tux.
Cy-Kill nods. "Time hasn't been kind to the old fellow, I suppose," he says.
"But I learned from history archives back in school that he's invincible," says Cop-tur.
Crasher's optics light up. "That sounds...like a challenge!" she says with a wild grin.
"But even Megatron couldn't beat him," says Water Walk.
Crasher pats Water Walk's head. "I want you to keep up," she says, "because I'll only explain this once."
Water Walk and the other Renegades focus on Crasher.
Cy-Kill grins. Crasher has a plan, he muses silently.
"Alrighty then! First, some questions for the old blowhards here," says Crasher, smirking at Fitor.
"What would you have of this old blowhard?" asks Fitor, returning the smirk.
"You're in a good mood today. Great. Now tell me, Fitor: back during your Guardian Academy days," Crasher asks Fitor, "what did you learn about Nova Prime's strengths and weaknesses?"
"He was built to be unbeatable, stronger than Megatron in every capacity," says Fitor. "He has no known weaknesses."
"True. But let's consider that Nova Rustbucket was built by an Autobot--given his appearance, likely by Alpha Trion himself." Crasher sighs, then continues her lecture. "To a fellow like Alpha during the post-Overthrow days, the greatest threat imaginable would have been Megatron," she says, "who really was the strongest--that is, the most durable and destructive--mech at the time."
Fitor nods.
"But times change. Gobot schoolgirls with axes to grind, like me," Crasher continues, "learn to take up delicate little hobbies as an outlet for their emotions."
"I do recall," says Cy-Kill, "that demolition derbies were your specific hobby."
Crasher summons a gold energy flail, twirling it around. "Four-time champ," she says, pointing the flail at the image of Nova. "I can take this guy."
"How?" asks Spoons, worried.
"It helps if you understand the original purpose of swords, poleaxes, maces, and flails from an organic perspective," says Crasher with a grin. "And also, remember that Autobots were never originally built for combat."
Spoons thinks a moment. "So...Nova's like a walnut?" she asks.
Crasher's optics widen. "Where did you get that analogy?"
"Um, it...just came to mind?" Spoons blushes, remembering a secret date with Staks.
Snoop points at Spoons. "I knew it! You did go out with him!" she says to Spoons. "My instincts never fail me."
"Go out with who?" asks Crasher.
Cy-Kill and Fitor slap their foreheads.
"Her yummy Guardian big rig, that's who," teases Snoop.
"Y-you're horrible!" stammers Spoons.
"Serves you right for holding out on us!" counters Snoop.
"At this juncture," asks Cy-Kill testily, "does Spoons' doomed love life really have any relevance?"
"You're right, Cy-Kill," says Crasher. "Before Snoopy cut in," she continues to Cy-Kill and the other Renegades, "I was about to say that Spoons is correct. Nova's exactly like a walnut: hard on the outside, but fragile on the inside."
"Ah. So energy attacks such as Megatron's fusion cannon would be worthless," says Fitor, "but a succession of concussive attacks would break him from the inside out."
Crasher nods, then grabs Spoons. "You've been a great help, Spoony," she says.
"Uh...thanks," says Spoons.
"But you'll have to reveal all the juicy details of your date with that Guardian to me," Crasher hisses to Spoons as both femmes leave the bridge.
Snoop follows Crasher and Spoons out of the bridge. "I'll find out too--one way or another."
Fitor grins at Cy-Kill. "Do we have a Plan B?"
Scene: 14
"Optimus," radios Silverbolt. "Why does Nova look like him? I don't understand," he continues, "and neither does the team. They're frantic."
How do I answer...when I don't know myself? Optimus scowls at the revealed Nova, who bears a striking resemblance to a legendary Autobot.
Leader One, meanwhile, pulls his fedora out of subspace, twirling it.
Turbo radios Leader One. "Guardian Intelligence is in position," he reports. "Should I go and coordinate operations?"
"Get it done," orders Leader One.
"Roger." Turbo taps a panel on his left shoulder.
An astrobeam appears; Turbo jumps in.
"Where's he going?" asks Air Raid.
"I've got a pretty good idea," says Slingshot, "and I ain't sticking around here to hear this Nova clown drone on--no matter who he looks like." Slingshot jumps into the astrobeam.
"If Turbo's headed there," adds Silverbolt, "then we can get some solid answers." Silverbolt and the other Aerialbots follow Slingshot into the astrobeam before it fades.
"Hold on to your valuables, madam knight," says Skywarp, securing Galahdri inside his cockpit.
Starscream likewise secures Sun-Bright. "Indeed. I have to make sure my visual sensors don't deceive me."
Optimus tenses his fists, then glares at Nova, defiant. "It's not relevant who you look like--or who created you. I know that you did not create me."
"Search within the Matrix, Optimus," says Nova. "You know, deep within, that I speak the truth."
Yeah," chuckles Pumper ruefully. "Search your feelings, Optimus Skywalker."
"With all due respect, Nova," says Small Foot, "this was better when it was called The Empire Strikes Back."
"Even if what you say is true," adds Road Ranger, "your sins are not Optimus' to bear."
"You're not getting the Matrix," declares Leader One, clenching his fedora, "and you won't enslave the people of this planet--or any other."
"How presumptuous," scoffs Nova.
Scene: 15
"Skywarp's harassing ya again, Boss," says Rumble. "Want me to frag him up when he gets back to base?"
"Negative," says Soundwave. "Transmit signal."
"Screamer's gonna be on the horn, too," adds Frenzy.
"Acknowledged," states Soundwave as he receives the signal.
"You're full of scrap, you know that?" says Skywarp.
"Your opinion: irrelevant," counters Soundwave. "Report."
Skywarp laughs raucously. "Come on: I know you want a video feed," he says.
"Affirmative," says Soundwave as he links his monitor to Skywarp's visual sensors. "Progress: optimal."
Starscream appears in Skywarp's visual feed. "You knew damned well who was lurking in the anomaly the entire time!" he fumes.
Soundwave nods.
"Why leave us out of the loop?" Starscream asks.
"Maximum output efficiency," says Soundwave.
"Let me go--I don't want to get close to you, you slagger!" Skywarp says to Starscream, shoving the other jetwarrior away. "As for you, Soundwave," he continues to the communicator, "how are you going to explain all of this scrap to Megatron?"
"Explanation to Megatron pending complete information analysis," answers Soundwave. "Currently determining information's relevance to the Cause."
"What's the status on that?" asks Starscream, leaning back into Skywarp's field of vision. "As your superior officer," he continues, "I'm entitled to know what Megatron knows."
"Status: inconclusive. Will update," continues Soundwave, "upon mission completion. End transmission." Soundwave cuts Skywarp off.
"If Skywarp zarks up this mission," says Frenzy, "his aft is slagged."
"Failure: not anticipated," says Soundwave.
"What do ya mean, Boss?" asks Rumble.
"Sources within the Renegades report means to terminate Nova Prime," says Soundwave.
"How?" ask both Rumble and Frenzy.
"Irrelevant. We shall observe," states Soundwave.
Scene: 16
"Damn. We lost track of Turbo," spits Slingshot.
He and the other Aerialbots are on Cybertron, in the outskirts of Iacon.
Air Raid sinks to his knees. "I can't believe it. The old guy wouldn't build that maniac," he says.
"It's not impossible," says Skydive placidly.
"And even if he did," continues Air Raid, "so what? He definitely didn't build the big guy."
"True. Nova didn't build Optimus Prime," Skydive says.
"Then how can he give a backhanded claim of being Optimus' father?" demands Fireflight.
"Are you listening to me?" spits Skydive, losing his patience.
"Skydive's right," says Silverbolt. "Alpha may have built Optimus Prime," he continues, "but who built the mech who became Optimus?"
"Nova was long gone by the time that guy came online," scoffs Slingshot.
"May I interject?" asks a red Autobot mech with flame decals over his body.
"You seem to be one of ours," says Air Raid, looking over the mech, "but who are you? What's your designation?"
"Hot Rod," says the mech. "I'm from Ultra Magnus' outfit."
Slingshot folds his arms. "So?" he says. "What's that got to do with you horning in on our conversation?"
"I could lend some insight," says Hot Rod, "if you'd like to meet an old friend of mine."
"Answers are answers," says Silverbolt. "Besides," he continues with a grin, "as a junior officer, I've heard all kinds of reports about you. You're not quite what I've imagined."
"Really?" says Hot Rod.
"You don't seem particularly reckless," says Silverbolt. "Then again, with three reckless idiots in my own unit to deal with, I wouldn't notice."
Hot Rod laughs. "Miss Bee's going to love you."
Scene: 17
At Vector Sigma, MR-DIGIT operatives MR-40, MR-43, and MRT-43 note the approach of a black vehicle, who transforms into a Gobot mech. The three operatives salute him.
"Report," orders the fourth mech.
"We've been unable to isolate a digital resonance that matches Sigma's Key, Director," says MR-40.
"Unfortunate that Silverbolt destroyed the Key back in Earth year 1985," states the Director, Chief Operative INTELDIR MR-07, "but it could not be helped."
"If we can locate a first generation Sigma-class Cybertronian," says MR-43, "he or she can act as a duplicate Key."
"I shall not allow it," says Nanatsuro, entering Vector Sigma's chamber.
MR-07 glares at Nanatsuro. "Senator," he says, "this is not your concern."
"I won't let you do as you wish. There are only two Cybertronians who would volunteer their lives to act as Sigma's Key," Nanatsuro continues, "unless you intend to rescind that rather pointless treaty."
"While that would simplify matters, Senator," says MR-07, "all four of those targets are secure; unfortunately, time is of the essence."
"We must access Vector Sigma immediately," adds MR-40, "to determine a way to defeat Nova Prime."
"I said no. Kup and Bee are nakama," says Nanatsuro. "Aside from the one who grieves me," he continues, locking his optics onto MR-07, "they are the only true family I have left."
"Why are we on Cybertron?" demands Braxis, inside MR-07's cockpit. "What is Turbo's grandfather doing here?"
MR-07 scowls, irritated. "One moment. Lieutenant Senior Shichigorou foisted this stupid fellow on me," he states as he knocks out Braxis with a mild sedative.
"Senator," says MRT-43 to Nanatsuro, "unless you have anything pertinent to this mission to add, we demand that you return to Gobotron immediately."
"They are not sacrificial lambs for you to destroy," counters Nanatsuro.
"Force is unnecessary," says a small pastel-green Autobot gynoid, entering Vector Sigma with Kup, Hot Rod, and Aerialbots Skydive, Air Raid, and Fireflight, "and Mamoru no longer needs to fear for my life or Kup's."
"B-neechan," gasps Nanatsuro. "I knew you lived, but I never expected to actually see you again."
"Miss Bee's pretty resilient, Mr. Senator," Hot Rod grins.
"It wouldn't matter if I gave my life," says Kup, scowling with self-loathing. "It's the least I owe her."
"Are you referring to Artemis' secret," asks Nanatsuro, "the one so horrible that she had it purged from her own mind?"
Bee nods. "I can tell you now, if you wish. I was a witness."
"No," says Vector Sigma, with Alpha Trion's voice pattern. "This is Alpha Trion's burden."
"You're saying that Alpha actually did create Prime Nova?" says Fireflight.
"Yes." Alpha Trion's spirit emerges from Vector Sigma. "Nova was my greatest failure."
"What does this have to do with a mech we used to know?" asks Skydive. "Orion Pax?"
"Orion was the chipset of Nova...and the Liberator who rose to become Artemis Prime," says Alpha.
"What happened to Orion Pax?" asks MR-07, reviewing a datapad. "Where is he now?"
"That is impossible for me to explain," says Alpha.
"Nor is it relevant," adds Nanatsuro. "What these four Guardian officers need to know--to save your world and mine--is how to defeat your insane son."
MR-07 glares at Nanatsuro. "He is correct," says the operative to Alpha.
"Unfortunately," says Alpha, "I built him to be invulnerable, and to be Megatron's equal in mind and body. He cannot be destroyed."
"There's got to be a way..." says Hot Rod, staring in disbelief.
Scene: 18
"...there has to be!" Slingshot punches a ruined wall as he and Silverbolt maneuver through the blasted remains of Stardust Memory.
Silverbolt watches Slingshot quietly.
"Damn it!" Slingshot continues. "Why would Alpha even build a sorry frag like Nova?"
Silverbolt drops to his haunches. "I don't really care," he says quietly.
Slingshot stops punching the wall and turns to face Silverbolt. "What do you mean by that, Bolt?"
"What I said. I don't give a fuck," says Silverbolt. "My concern right now is you."
"Me?" balks Slingshot. "I thought it wasn't 'all about me'!"
Silverbolt stands and locks Slingshot in a tight embrace. "I need you," he whispers into Slingshot's audio sensors. "Don't tear yourself apart."
Slingshot breaks out of the embrace. "You don't know a damn thing about me!" he spits.
"I don't need to know about you," says Silverbolt. "I know you."
Slingshot snickers. "I always thought you were fragging weird, Silverbolt. Anyway," he continues, "what the hell does any of this have to do with finding out how to transform Nova into scrap metal?"
"Fine. Be that way," spits Silverbolt. "It's easier for us all to focus on solving that puzzle with you alive."
Slingshot sighs. "Please. Don't try to 'get' me, Bolt. It ain't worth the trouble. Just know," Slingshot continues, placing a hand on Silverbolt's shoulder, "that you're my wingmate and wingleader, and I'm with you until the end."
Silverbolt returns Slingshot's gesture, blue optics locked onto Slingshot's gold visor. "Our bond...is deeper than that," says Silverbolt as he touches Slingshot's lip components.
"I wish it weren't, sir," says Slingshot, turning his back to Silverbolt. "It...complicates things." Slingshot transforms and takes to the sky.
I don't regret it, says Silverbolt to himself. My mind is clear, and my soul is whole.
Silverbolt transforms and slowly takes off after Slingshot.
Scene: 19
Pumper cracks his knuckles. "Has anyone else had it up to here with this aft port?" he asks. "I know I have."
"Just give the word, Leader One," says Small Foot. "We're ready."
Road Ranger nods in agreement with Small Foot; he and Small Foot ready their blades.
"Then let's go. Guardians," Leader One orders, "attack--!"
Leader One disappears via astrobeam.
Starscream notes Leader One's abrupt departure. "Was that one of yours?" he asks Small Foot.
"Yo, Screamer!" spits Skywarp, transforming to attack Nova. "Watch my six!"
Starscream shifts to jet mode. "Leader One's order was for his warriors, not us," Starscream says as he joins the fight.
"It's as good a time as any," says Skywarp, lobbing a bouncer bomb at Nova.
"I told you to put those damned things away!" balks Starscream, dodging the bouncer bomb explosion.
Nova brushes off several attacks, unscathed.
Pumper summons a massive Arctic Beam. "Die, you sorry bastard!" he demands, firing the Beam.
Small Foot follows up with a Buster Fist, while Road Ranger adds in his Juu-no-Setsu, or Gravity Cut.
Nova flinches from a few of Small Foot's punches, but is otherwise unfazed by the combined assault.
I'll have to join in on this fight, Optimus says to himself.
Scene: 20
Leader One looks around, noting a crowd of Renegades. "All right, Cy-Kill: you've got me. What's the meaning of this?" he demands.
Cy-Kill smirks at Leader One. "We've been monitoring this business of yours," he says. "Regrettably, laying low is rather dull."
"Believe it or not, zakou, I have important matters to deal with," spits Leader One.
"Let me kill him now, Cy-Kill," seethes Crasher. "He really thinks that rusty fossil's a real threat!"
"We need Leader One alive for now, my dear," says Cy-Kill, holding Crasher's shoulder.
"If this is about your proposal, Cy-Kill," says Leader One, "I already declined your offer of assistance."
"And I accepted your refusal, old friend," says Cy-Kill with a thin smile. "Fitor insisted that I compel you to reconsider." Gesturing to Fitor with a flourish, Cy-Kill leaves with the other Renegades.
Fitor and Leader One are alone in Thruster One's astrobeam chamber.
"Return me to the battle immediately," Leader One demands.
"I'll yield to your demand," says Fitor, "when you agree to accept our aid."
"I won't accept aid from a motley crew of terrorists, subversives, and traitors," spits Leader One.
"This business is greater than our stupid political conflict, Leader One," counters Fitor. "Surely your devotion to Gobotron is strong enough for you to lay aside your hatred of Cy-Kill," he continues.
"If I 'hate' Cy-Kill," says Leader One, "it's because he betrayed Gobotron.""Tragic. How could you so thoroughly misunderstand the mech who was your friend from childhood?" wonders Fitor.
"I think that I only began to understand him from that day forward," says Leader One.
"Cy-Kill never betrayed Gobotron," says Fitor. "He merely betrayed the Guardians...and you," he adds with a terse smile.
Leader One stares at Fitor, confusion evident on the gray jetwarrior's face.
"It is not in Cy-Kill to betray Gobotron. That is something I've learned during the time I've known him," Fitor continues.
Leader One turns his back to Fitor. "For what it's worth, Fitor: I don't consider you a traitor or a terrorist," he says.
"Then what am I?" asks Fitor.
Leader One looks behind himself to face Fitor. "You're a friend...who has made a terrible and fatal choice," he says.
"We will aid you," says Fitor, "whether you accept or refuse us. I urge you to accept."
"Do what you want," says Leader One. "Now send me back to my comrades."
Fitor activates the astrobeam, sending Leader One away.
Scene: 21
"My null ray is worthless against him!" spits Starscream.
"Nova's impervious to energy-based attacks," says Pumper.
"I can hit him," adds Small Foot, "but I can't land a punch with any real impact."
"The fragger's teleporting," says Skywarp. "Like me, except that Nova's got a wider subspace radius."
"Space gives Nova an unfair advantage over us," says Optimus.
Superion appears via astrobeam and punches Nova. "I shall even the odds," says the white gestalt, "and terminate this worthless excuse for an Autobot."
Nova trembles, but is able to withstand the punch. "You are a surprise. Still," continues Nova, "you aren't enough to defeat me."
Nova breaks Superion apart, then sends the prone Aerialbots and the other mechs in orbit down to the planet.
END SPECIAL EIGHT
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Curse of the Devilspawn!