You and I in a little toy shop
Buy a bag of balloons with the money we've got
Set them free at the break of dawn
'til one by one they were gone
Back at base bugs in the software
Flash the message: "something's out there!"
Floating in the summer sky
Ninety-nine red balloons go by

99 Red Balloons  - Nena

Metallicar lounged in a chair, absentmindedly watching Barricade and Dean talk with Jason, Castiel and Sam. Meg and Alexis were currently watching the twins, cooing over them and spoiling them. Which amused them both to no end.

The femme smiled before stretching a bit and glancing to the men. "What makes you so certain this Carly woman is a monster?"

"Why else would a supermodel be interested? In Sam of all people." She chuckled.

"Why is Mikeala interested in him? Why am I with Dean? Pit, why is Juliet with you?" She asked.

"She's interested in my because of my unlimited amounts of charm and appeal."

"And apparently your lack of humility." The Autobot muttered, standing and walking over. "Look, I'll pull a few old strings, get all of her records and look into her. In the meantime I need to make sure her interest in Sam isn't in the romantic sense."

"What about the twins?" Metallicar looked to them and smirked.

"You boys can watch them." Her holform vanished as Jason cried out in annoyance.

"I'm terrible with kids!"

"You're gonna have to learn eventually." Dean shrugged. "Come on. Time to start learning."

-

Lexi flipped through a book, waiting for Crowley to return with the last few ingredients for a summoning potion. Glitch and Zasha were pouncing around her, playing a hide and seek game with each other. Finally the kitten got tired and leapt up, collapsing on Lexi's book.

"Aww Glitch. You're too cute." She smiled, brushing through her fur. The kitten purred, rolling on her back. "Oh no. I'm not falling for that again." She scowled. The kitten mewed innocently and tilted her head.

"Lexi, we're home!" Lexi gasped and turned.

"Momma! Dad!" She jumped up and tackled them both, grinning gleefully. Glitch meowed in irritation as the book landed on her tail. "I missed you guys!" They chuckled and hugged her in return.

"We missed you too baby." Jenny smiled, kissing her forehead.

"Have you been keeping Crowley in line?" Lexi nodded.

"Uh-huh! He's been helping me make my magic better!" She grinned. Gabriel and Jenny both smiled.

"That's great news." Jenny said. She then noticed as Lexi looked down.

"Would... Would you two be mad if I wanted to look into what happened to my first mom and dad?" She whispered. The duo looked to each other and then back to her, Gabriel sitting and pulling her into his lap.

"No. We wouldn't be mad. Because no matter what, we love you. And if you find them, we'll understand." She looked up at them.

"I wanna stay with you but I have to know. Why? Why did they leave me?" She sniffled, hugging Gabriel. She couldn't see his wings and they curled around her but she could have sworn she felt them hug her as her father did.

"We'll be with you every step of the way my dear." Jenny whispered, joining in the hug. Lexi smiled up at the two and they smiled in return.

"Thank you." They were still sitting there as Crowley returned.

"Well, I leave for a few minutes and my star pupil turns into a sappy hugfest." Lexi looked up as Zasha barked, her tail wagging as Glitch leapt onto her back. "You two out. Jenny, archangel. You may want to back up a bit."

They released Lexi and backed up against the wall. Lexi pulled something from her bag and Crowley handed her the contents of his hand. They were mixed in with the other materials. Once that was done, Lexi moved to a table to the side, where a bowl sat waiting. She took a deep breath and began to chant, pouring the mixture into whatever was in the bowl.

Smoke rose from the floor, taking shape and molding into a barely discernible form. Lexi set the bottle down and stood with Crowley.

A few moments later a figure appeared, gasping in air and clutching at their chest. "Well, lovely of you to just tear me away from what I was doing!" The woman shouted, glaring at them both. Crowley stared with wide eyes as Lexi did the same.

"Mother?" They chorused, the woman looking first to the man.

"Ah Fergus." She smirked before her gaze slid to Lexi. "And little Lexi, deary." She knelt and held out her arms, grinning as Lexi moved to hide behind Crowley. "Come to your mummy." Jenny blinked in shock.

"Wait.... what?!"

-

"Miss Singer, Soundwave's newest recruit is here." Alice glanced to the soldier, who was watching both her and Russell.

"Ah, yes. Thank you Tommy." She stood and scooped up Russell as the soldier nodded and left. She walked to the main room, seeing a woman standing in the center and looking around. "Are you the new recruit?" She asked, intentionally standing in front of a light. She already knew the answer, as she was the one who'd given Soundwave the woman's name.

"Y-yes, I am. Sir, erm, ma'am. I mean... My name is-"

"Maggie Madsen." She smirked, enjoying this. "Hacker, analyst, computer genius. Perfect to help Soundwave with his duties."

"That's what they told me." She shrugged.

"Well, miss Madsen, I only have one question for you." She watched the other woman tense slightly, as if afraid of the question. "Pink shoes with a blue skirt? Are you serious?" Shock overcame the Australian woman's face before she grinned.

"Well maybe I wouldn't have to if a certain hunter hadn't borrowed my best blue shoes." Alice grinned and walked down, hugging Maggie before she could even see Russell. The hug was returned and both stepped back, grinning. Russell chirped then, drawing the woman's attention to him. "Oh my goodness, who is this darling little guy?" She asked, bending down a bit to smile at him.

"This is Russell. My son." Once more the woman looked shocked.

"You're married?" Alice smiled and lifted the necklace around her neck, showing a delicate pulse.

"To Optimus." She spoke lightly. Russell looked up at the sound of his father's name, hoping that it meant he was nearby. "But don't tell anyone. There are some who don't need to know."

"Oh Alice!" She grinned. "You had better tell me everything." Alice laughed and walked with Maggie, nodding.

"Okay. It all started with a party..."

-

Screams tore through the Nemesis, originating from Shockwave and Nexus' lab. Several Decepticons and demons alike avidly avoided the room, none wanting anything to do with the torture occurring within the room. The only three within were Nexus, Shockwave and the victim.

A pleased grin crossed Nexus' features as the screams stopped, her son slumping down and falling into unconsciousness. Shockwave looked over his mate's shoulder and walked over.

"He does not appear to be willing to talk." He stated, curling a finger around Nexus' waist. "Perhaps, you should give him a break. Allow his wounds to heal." She hummed lightly.

"You may have a point my spark. We shall. Besides. Megatron has a nice little plan in the making. He's going to need your help. And I'm going with you." She climbed into his awaiting servo and he turned, leaving the room.

Dark eyes opened seconds later, a bloodied head raising as teeth were bared.

"You lose mother." He growled, snapping his arms. The chains, already weakened by months of him working at them. They groaned and he roared, pulling his arms towards him.

A loud snap echoed through the room and he cried out in pain, the chains, and his left wrist, breaking with a bit of effort. He rubbed the broken wrist and set it before jumping from the table.

"What-?" He turned as a demon walked in. He grinned and crouched, growling low in his throat. "Prisoner loose- Ah!!" He screamed, teeth sinking into his neck as the man landed, full weight on his form. He drank deep, reveling in the taste of the blood. He released the man's neck a moment later, grinning ferally.

"Oh, how I've missed that taste. Not as sweet as a human's but still close." He growled before pushing away from him. "Now let's see if we can't land this rust bucket."

-

Sam walked with Arcee up to the door of the bed and breakfast, entering and heading to the check in desk. A man behind the counter looked up and smiled. "Ah, good morning. How may I help you today?"

"Ah yes, my wife and I would like a room for a few days." Sam smiled, Arcee's holoform hooking her arm with his and looking up at him.

"We've been dreaming about coming here for quite come time now and we're sooo glad to finally get a chance." She smiled at the desk clerk and he raised an eyebrow at them. "Hey, is... Is there any chance we could actually get Lizzie's room?"

"Unfortunately no. Remodeling a bit. But the parent's room is currently open. Will that do?" Arcee looked up at Sam.

"That sounds good." He returned the smile.

"Yeah, anything's perfect. As long as you're there my darling." They noticed the man roll his eyes.

"Alright, follow me then." He left and Sam smirked, Arcee following.

Once hidden in the room they both began laughing. "Sam, I think we may have oversold it." Arcee sat on the bed.

"You did wonderfully spark. Absolutely perfect." He grinned, stealing a kiss. She hummed against his lips and hugged him.

"As did you. Now, aren't we here to solve a murder?" He looked at her with a smile.

"True. Now. Where do we begin?"

-

"Who are you?" Gabriel demanded, shielding Lexi behind him. Jenny stood beside him, holding Lexi's hand as Crowley walked over to them.

"Why, I'm Rowena. And you must be that littlest Archangel. Gabriel, was it? Little in height as well." She crossed her arms. Gabriel growled at her and moved forwards. But a gentle touch from Jenny stopped him mid-step. Rowena's gaze flicked to her and she did a double take. "My, my, what is this freak?" Her feathers bristled and she glared. Though she didn't move.

"My name is Jenny. I'm Lexi's mother. She saved my life and I saved hers." She stated, glancing down as Lexi hugged her side. "And I'll be damned to the Pit if I let you come anywhere near her." She glared at her, eyes turning a vibrant blue.

"Momma?" Lexi whispered. Jenny knelt and turned to her.

"It's okay sparklet, momma's not going to let anything happen to you. Okay?" Lexi nodded and hugged her. She stood, gently balancing Lexi on her hip. Her attention returned to Rowena as she crossed her arms.

"I slaved for five years to take care of that little-"

"Slaved?! Five years?!" Gabriel snapped. "Lexi is nine, almost ten! Or at least we think so because no one knows her birthday! And you don't slave over a child! You treat them with unconditional love because that's what parents do!" His wings flared out and Jenny touched his shoulder, making them slowly fold back once more. Her eyes, however, still glowed a bright blue.

"Rowena, I recommend you leave. I may be strong but not even I can hold an angered archangel back for long."

"You were the ones who called me here." She smirked. "I think I'll be staying."

"I just wanted to know why." Lexi said quietly, earning a disinterested look from Rowena.

"I already had one unwanted child. After your father went insane I figured why go through the pain of being a single mother and left you with him. Apparently his insanity ran deep. He kept ranting on and on about alien robots?" Everyone fell silent. "Anyways, I left you with Leland and-"

"Wait a minute. Leland?" Jenny looked to the red-head. "As in Leland Bishop? Silas?! The fragging head of M.E.C.H.?!"

"Oh so you've heard of him?"

"Yeah, you could say that. He had Lexi locked in a cell and was starving her. And not to mention the fact that he nearly killed my adoptive father and I, as well as tried to cut off my wings." She growled. "So yes. I've heard of him." Lexi hid her face in Jenny's hair and the woman held her close.

"So that's where you found her." Rowena then looked to Crowley. "Don't ever summon me again."

"Oh, it wasn't me." He said. "It was our little witch. My little sister." Rowena looked to Lexi as she looked up at Crowley.

"She's a witch. Well. That changes everything." Lexi turned her gaze on Rowena.

"I'm staying with my momma." She spoke lightly. Rowena grinned triumphantly at this.

"You see. I-"

"No. My momma is Jenny. And Gabriel is my dad." She said, hugging Jenny tighter. Rowena scowled at this.

"Very well then." She reached in her bag. "Here's to hoping I never see any of you again."

She vanished after that, likely using a pre-made spell. But Gabriel and Jenny didn't notice. They were too focused on Lexi. Both were hugging her, making her hide her face between them. Crowley walked over after the hug broke and knelt. "Lexi?" She turned to look at him and he held his arms out. Without missing a beat she ran over and hugged him.

"I don't like her." She muttered.

"Well. At least she didn't try to sell you for three pigs." Lexi snorted and Crowley smirked. "I was worth five at least." She giggled at this and Jenny smiled. Gabriel did as well before chuckling.

"What's so funny?" Jenny asked, looking up at him as she stood.

"Well, our daughter is a witch, who's parents are an ancient bitch and the one guy who likes to take apart alien robots more than you like take apart cheeseburgers." She raised her hand to comment but he continued. "And her brother is the King of the Crossroad Demons. Not to mention I'm an archangel, your parents are psychotic, and your adoptive father blows himself up every couple of days. Also, your sister is a vampire who's married to the King of Hell and his sister is the daughter of Megatron."

"Okay yes, we're an odd family. Though you forgot to mention that her brother is married to his car. Who is the niece of Optimus Prime." She then smiled. "It just means that Lexi is going to be well protected. Where nothing can ever hurt her." Gabriel smiled and hugged his wife, looking to their daughter and her brother.

"That and if anyone touches a single hair on her head I can have a whole host of angels on their assess within a second." Jenny chuckled and rest her head on his shoulder.

"Oh an Gabe?" He hummed. "I don't take all cheeseburgers apart. Just when I don't feel like eating the buns." He laughed and shook his head.

Yes, Jenny's family was crazy. But she wouldn't trade it for the world.

-

"Russell." Alice called, smiling as she heard his laughter. She walked towards him. "Come on sparklet, your opi's home."

"Opi!" He grinned and crawled quickly towards her, making her laugh. She scooped him up and set him on her hip, an arm around him to keep him secure. She then headed to the main hangar, where the boy was quickly snatched up by Bobby.

"Alice, you need to get down there now. Optimus is pissed beyond belief." She nodded and looked down, seeing the blue and red Peterbilt just below her. She ran to the steps and headed down, rushing over to him.

"Op?" She asked lightly, touching the side of his alt. She hissed in pain and tore her hand back, clutching it to her chest. "Optimus, would you quit it? Your son wants to see you." She was still holding her hand as the door opened. She climbed inside and heard a low growling sound.

"Alice." He muttered.

"What happened?" She asked gently, hesitant to touch anything in the overheated interior.

"The humans have been hiding Cybertronian objects." He said, anger plain in his voice. Alice sighed softly.

"So I'm guessing that means your gonna stay here all night and give everyone the silent treatment." He said nothing and she reached for the door. "Alright then, looks like I'm digging out the Haagen-Dazs and Sex and the City season three." This made the Autobot leader hide a chuckle.

"You do not watch that show." He pointed out.

"Yeah, but I'm trying to get you to lighten up." She looked up and realized a woman standing in front of the desk ahead of Optimus. She looked closer and recognized her as Mearing. "Oh frag. I hate this glitch." She leapt out of his alt.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Lennox stopped her.

"Alice and her group are very close friends with the bots. They're some of the few who can talk to them and, sometimes, get them to calm down." He explained.

"So what? He's just going to give us the silent treatment?" Alice scoffed and Ironhide spoke.

"We've seen that and this is not that." He moved towards Optimus. "This is worse."

"Much worse." Alice muttered as Ironhide glanced to her.

"Prime! Make something of yourself!" He hit the top of his cab and Optimus began transforming, steam escaping him. "He's pissed." He transformed quickly, his armor flaring and forcing Alice to move back a bit. His fist landed right next to her and he glared at Mearing. Alice hesitantly placed her hand on his servo, earning a glance.

"Take a deep vent Optimus and cool down. Literally. You burned my hand again." She muttered, clutching the sore appendage.

"I apologize Alice. It was not my intention." He looked more than a little guilty, relaxing enough to where Alice could put her hand back without getting hurt. "You should have Ratchet look at that."

"Not until I'm sure you won't step on the glitch." Mearing looked offended.

"I'm right here!" She said.

"I know. And I don't like you so I don't care." Alice replied. "You came in here and took my job without warning so I have justifiable reason not to like you."

"You were quite obviously distracted." She said, gesturing to Russell, who Bobby still held as they came down the stairs. "This base is no place for a runt like that!" Optimus grew angrier and Alice removed her hand, sighing.

"Optimus." She spoke in what she thought was a quiet tone. However, over the growl of his engine she wasn't sure. "You're setting a bad example for your son." There he fell silent, looking to Russell. Mearing caught this and her eyes widened.

"What the hell?" Alice looked to her. "You're telling me that, that kid is his?"

"Shit, didn't think she could hear me." She muttered. Optimus turned his gaze back to Mearing.

"It is of no concern of yours." She scowled.

"I'm pretty sue this goes against several laws. I could have you arrested!" She stated, jabbing a finger in Alice's direction as she stormed up to her.

"What laws are there for my kind?" She snapped, eyes darkening. Mearing jabbed her in the chest and snarled.

"Plenty. You are no longer employed by N.E.S.T." She stated. "You will get your things, give them to your next of kin and then you will be under federal arrest." She grabbed her arm and suddenly there was a multitude of angry bots at Alice's side. Optimus included.

"Ya ain't gonna get very far fleshy." Crosshairs stated, his arms crossed. At his side was Drift, Crossiron's small form hidden behind them. "Alice is importan' to us all. Ya touch her, we kick ya aft off base."

"I have the authority to remove you all from this building." She stated.

"And we have a place to go!" Wheeljack argued. "So quit threatening things bigger than you."

"Guys, it's okay. Mearing is just power hungry." At Alice's calm voice the bots all backed off. Mearing looked confused before looking at Alice with a glare.

"The human and Autobot relationships are hereby banned. From now on it's professional or I have you arrested and put in prison for a very long time." She stated.

"And what about Russell?" Alice demanded, looking over to see her son look up at his name.

"Get him off base now. As well as all other non military personnel. This is a base, not a day spa." Mearing said.

"Those non-military personnel are the only reason we're all still here. They're all people who've had encounters with the 'bots and saved their fragging afts!" Alice snapped.

"What the hell is going on in here?!" They looked up as Rachel entered, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe behind her. "Can't a girl get a few minutes of sleep without all hell breaking loose?"

"Do not look at me, Jason and I had to do with this nor did any demon I know." Sierra said, sitting on a railing over their heads. Rachel rolled her eyes.

"What is going on here?" Mearing demanded. Sierra leapt down, landing beside the bots.

"I'll tell you what's going on here. After out last outsider liaison kidnapped and tortured two of our own we're not inclined to trust you." She said, arms crossed. "I'm going to take these guys so everyone can all calm down." The nineteen year old stated.

"Sierra."

"Nope. Drinks are on me. You guys need it." She shoved them from the room, following a moment later as Mearing turned to Optimus.

"These relations will stop." She stated sternly. "Or else." She turned and left, leaving the bots fuming behind her.

"I'm beginning to agree with Alice." Lennox said. "I really hate that bit-"