Note: this chapter contains mpreg.

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Ringing alerts Ben to someone trying to call him. He stops boasting to Bumblebee about all of the hero-ing he's done over the years and fishes his cellphone out of his pocket. The caller ID on the front screen reads Home.

BEN: "Huh. Wonder if mom needs something?"

BB: "Steeljaw better be behaving himself."

Ben bites back a laugh as he presses accept and puts the phone to his ear.

BEN: "Yeah, what's up, mom?"

His face twists in confusion.

BEN: "Whoa whoa whoa! Mom, slow down! I can't understand a word of what you're saying!"

Bumblebee and those close-by hear the worry in Ben's voice, and notice how tense he is. The sight is concerning, especially to the Cybertronians. Knockout runs over to them.

KO: "What's going on?"

BB: "I don't know. His mother just called."

KO: "You don't think…"

BB: "No, I'm not going there!"

Bumblebee's tone makes it clear that he doesn't want to continue talking. Knockout sighs and waits silently by his team-mate's side.

BEN: "Don't worry, we'll take care of it. I'll ask Grandpa Max if he can send someone over. Oh, and call dad while you're at it! Don't want him coming home to a destroyed house without a heads-up, again. Love you, too, and I'll be careful. Promise! Okay, I'll see you later, mom!"

The second the call ends, Ben pockets his phone and runs over to Max, who is overlooking the construction with Khyber and Starscream. Bumblebee and Knockout join them.

BEN: "Grandpa, emergency!"

Max turns around to face his grandson.

MAX: "Ben? What's wrong?"

BEN: "Albedo just broke into my house!"

The Cybertonians don't know who this Albedo is, but if the Plumbers' reactions are anything to go by, then they are bad news.

MAX: "What happened? Are your mother and Steeljaw alright?"

BEN: "They were just at the house, and then Albedo burst through the front door looking for me. He saw Steeljaw and thought it was me, but when he realized it wasn't me, he figured we had some sort of connection. So he took Steeljaw and left my mom to deliver a message. I have to meet him in Los Soledad by midnight, or else…"

The Cybertronians don't need to hear anymore, especially not Bumblebee, but before he can delve into dark thoughts, Ben places a hand on his shoulder and smiles.

BEN: "Don't worry, Rook and I will kick his butt and get Steeljaw back."

ROOK: "Only the two of us are going?"

BEN: "Actually, Albedo assumed that I wouldn't go alone, so he's not going to try and stop you. A whole army, on the other hand, he's so not down for."

MAX: "Well, he is clever."

KHYBER: "When he wants to be."

While he isn't looking at them, Khyber is no longer paying full attention to the construction.

BEN: "Says the guy who teamed up with him!"

KHYBER: "Temporarily. That whole 'smartest being in five galaxies' thing became very annoying very fast. Quite the ego your twin has, if not worse."

KO: "Twin?"

BEN: "Evil twin. Long story. Tell you later. Anyway, are you trying to distract us or something?"

KHYBER: "Not really. I am simply offering my expertise."

BEN: "Don't tell me you want to help us!"

KHYBER: "I already am. I don't see how a little extra work on your behalf is a problem."

Ben is flabbergasted, trying and failing to form a coherent sentence in an attempt to dissuade the hunter, or convince the others to keep said hunter from helping anymore than he already has.

However, Ben is not to be the deciding factor.

BB: "We're wasting time! If Khyber can help, then let him help! I've had to put my trust in an enemy before, and while it was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, the end result was well worth the risk."

How ironic that he's talking about Steeljaw.

BB: "Our friend is in danger! We need to get him back!"

He gestures to himself and his fellow Cybertronians.

BB: "We all lost a lot, more than you could possibly imagine, and trust me when I say that none of us want to lose anyone else. Please."

He is no Optimus Prime, but getting the others to do what needs to be done with little to no argument or bloodshed is enough to make Bumblebee pretty damn proud of himself.

While it takes a lot of convincing, Khyber is allowed to pilot his ship and escort Ben, Rook, Bumblebee, Knockout, Starscream, and Moonracer to Los Soledad.

11:30 p.m.

Khyber lands his cloaked ship a quarter mile away from Los Soledad.

KHYBER: "Alright, we're here."

He shifts in his seat and looks back at his collective of passengers.

KHYBER: "What do you plan to do next?"

MR: "Simple: we go in, rescue Steeljaw, and destroy the fool responsible for all of this on the way out!"

The bloodthirsty conviction of Moonracer's words sends chills through nearly everyone present.

KO: "Okay, Moonracer, I know you're pissed…"

MR: "I'm more than pissed, Knockout!"

KO: "I know, I know! I'm just saying…"

Everyone gives Moonracer and Knockout space to continue their heated discussion.

ROOK: "Do you think Knockout will survive this?"

SS: "He'll be fine!"

BEN: "Are you sure?"

BB: "If anyone can get through to Moonracer, it's Knockout."

MR: "JUST GIVE ME A FRAGGING BLADE AND GUN AND I'M GOOD!"

KO: "OKAY, OKAY, I GOT IT!"

Knockout immediately takes shelter behind Bumblebee, then looks up at Khyber.

KO: "Please tell me you have a deadly weapon or two to give her before she kills us with her bare hands?"

BB: "We aren't giving her the chance to kill anyone."

SS: "But if we don't…"

BB: "Starscream!"

BEN: "Listen, guys, we've got about 15 minutes until midnight, so Rook and I are going on ahead. Catch up when you're done arguing."

Ben runs out of the room, Rook on his heels. They exit the ship and race for Los Soledad.

11:55 p.m.

ALBEDO: "Five minutes early. I'm actually impressed that you didn't arrive at the very last second."

Ben's red and white look-alike stands in the center of town, arms crossed, and a great big smirk adorning his face.

BEN: "Consider this a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now, where's Steeljaw?"

ALBEDO: "If you mean the Loboan I took in place of your mother…"

He cocks his head and taps his chin, acting like he's trying to remember what he did.

ALBEDO: "He's fine. I hid him in one of these buildings, though which one, I can't tell you. Perhaps if you answer my question, I'll be generous and give you a hint."

BEN: "Okay. Go ahead. Ask."

ALBEDO: "What is the connection between you two?"

As easy as it would be, Ben can not tell the truth without risking the lives of the Cybertronians.

BEN: "It's complicated."

ALBEDO: "You'll have to give me more than that."

BEN: "Not happening."

Albedo sighs.

ALBEDO: "Suit yourself."

He activates his red Omnitrix and starts scrolling through icons.

ALBEDO: "I do hope you are able to control yourself during the fight. I would hate to lose my test subject."

Ben is about to activate the Omnitrix when his enemy's words freeze him in place.

BEN: "What did you just say?"

ALBEDO: "Oh, only that I wish to experiment on your 'friend'. I am interested in how and why a male Loboan is able to carry young."

Blood runs cold in both Ben and Rook. Then, it turns to boiling anger.

BEN: "No way am I going to let that happen! Rook, you…"

ALBEDO: "Rook isn't to interfere."

Albedo hits the dial and transforms into his alien of choice: Ultimate Humungousaur.

ALBEDO: "I allowed him to come to bear witness to your defeat!"

He tilts his head, baring fangs at Rook.

ALBEDO: "No point in looking for the Loboan. For now, just sit back and enjoy the show!"

Rook tenses, grip on his prototool increasing.

BEN: "Rook, just do as he says. The others will find Steeljaw, but we have to distract Albedo in the meantime."

ROOK: "Right. Sorry."

The Revonnahgander holsters his weapon and retreats to a safe distance.

BEN: "Alright, Albedo, time to give you a serious butt-kicking!"

He chooses an alien – 70/30 chance Ben will actually get what he wants – and hits the dial.

Hidden among the old buildings, the Cybertronians and Khyber overheard the pre-battle talk, and to say that Steeljaw' team-mates are more than a little upset would be a gross understatement.

MR: "The little glitch is dead the moment I get my hands on him."

KO: "Yeah, if you're allowed to get close enough."

BB: "Which you aren't, so please keep your anger in-check."

SS: "Easier said than done."

BB: "Starscream…"

SS: "Yes, yes, I know. Shut up. Don't have to tell me twice."

KO: "Since when?"

BB: "Knockout, not helping!"

KO: "Fine. Let's get a move on, then."

With Khyber in the lead, the rescue party begins their search for Steeljaw. Building after building and more. The sound of battle is keeping them all on high alert, but it also triggers Starscream, Knockout, and Bumblebee's war-born PTSD. It drives them to the edge of Los Soledad, far away from the violence. As for Moonracer and Khyber…

MR: "What are you guys doing all the way over here?"

Completely unfazed.

BB: "Sorry, Moonracer, but I don't think we should be searching in the area where we're most likely to be squished."

MR: "You're letting a fight dissuade you from finding Steeljaw?"

BB: "That's not what I'm saying!"

KO: "Bee, what have I said about arguing with her?"

BB: "We aren't arguing!"

SS: "Could've fooled me."

BB: "Starscream, I swear…"

Bumblebee is cut short when he is smacked upside the head.

KHYBER: "If you don't stop your constant infighting, then you may as well consider yourselves dead meat."

The Cybertronians fall silent, seeing the logic in Khyber's words.

KHYBER: "Now that I have your attention, I believe I know where Steeljaw is."

BB: "You do? Where?"

Khyber gestures for the Cybertronians to follow him. He shows them miscellaneous trails of disappearing and reappearing tracks, yet leads them down empty paths to a building on the opposite side of town. Excluding its exceptionally large size, it looks just as old and worn as everything else around.

SS: "And why do you think Steeljaw is in there?"

KHYBER: "Because I know Albedo. I have worked with him before, and ignoring his over-inflated ego, he is dangerously intelligent. If he took an interest in Steeljaw, he wouldn't want him damaged before he has the chance to do whatever he wants with him. He'd keep him at a distance."

SS: "If he's so clever, then how do you know this isn't a trap?"

KHYBER: "I didn't say he would make it easy if someone tried."

He breaks off with an amused huff.

KHYBER: "However, Albedo isn't expecting 'the greatest huntsman in the galaxy' to be here, helping the Plumbers."

BB: "So you're saying we should trust your instincts just because you have the experience?"

KHYBER: "If you don't believe me, then go ahead and see for yourselves."

He leans against the wall and crosses his arms.

KHYBER: "I'll wait here. Let me know how it goes."

The Cybetronians look at Khyber, then at the building he led them to.

SS: "Alright, scout, you go first!"

Starscream shoves Bumblebee out into the open, but is grabbed at the last second and dragged away from the group.

BB: "Thanks for the push, Starscream. Why, I'm so grateful, I'm letting you join me."

SS: "Has anyone ever told you how infuriating you are to listen to when you're being sarcastic?"

BB: "Pot calling the kettle black."

Bumblebee and Starscream are so caught-up in their squabble that they don't realize they have arrived at their destination until they crash into the side paneling.

KO: "Nice job, you two."

SS: "You could've warned us, you know!"

KO: "Where's the fun in that?"

Moonracer looks Bumblebee and Starscream over, but can't see much due to the lack of light.

MR: "Are you guys alright?"

BB: "We're fine. Let's just find a way in."

The Cybertronians circle the building once, twice, but can't find a way in. They decide to try a third time before asking Khyber for help, but they don't need to.

KO: "Get your butts back over here! I found something!"

Knockout points to what he originally thought was just a pile of sheet metal, until he tripped over it, and realized that he stumbled upon a pair of heavy duty steel doors.

BB: "Good job, Knockout!"

KO: "Thank you!"

The red medic hisses in pain whilst attempting to stand.

KO: "If only I didn't hurt myself in the process."

SS: "You'll live."

KO: "Thanks for the sympathy, Screamer."

While Moonracer helps Knockout, Bumblebee tries to open the doors, but they won't budge. He looks around for something to use, but can't find anything.

BB: "I'll be back. Maybe Khyber can open these."

Bumblebee is gone and back with Khyber in a matter of minutes.

KHYBER: "And this is the only way in?"

BB: "Maybe, maybe not, but we don't have all night. Can you get it open?"

Khyber studies the metal. Coming to a decision, he digs his claws into the slit between the doors, and with remarkable strength, throws them wide open. The Cybertronians stare at him in awe.

KHYBER: "There we go. Need anything else?"

BB: "Not right now. Wow, you're strong!"

Khyber responds with an accepting grunt and stands aside for Bumblebee and his team to enter the building. It's pitch black to begin with, then gradually brightens as a light source comes into play. When the Cybertronians peek out from behind a stack of crates, they find exactly who they're looking for, wrapped in chains and tied to a stone slab.

BB: "Steeljaw!"

Judging the coast to be clear, the Cybertronians rush to their team-mate's side. They try to free him, but the bonds are too tight, and Knockout can't keep balance with a bad leg.

KO: "Well this is going fragging wonderfully!"

SS: "One more word out of your mouth, Knockout, and I'll personally see to it that you never speak again!"

BB: "Enough, both of you! Can't you go five minutes without arguing?"

MR: "Bumblebee, calm down. You can't afford to go mad as well."

BB: "I'm trying not to, but these two are impossible!"

KO + SS: "HEY!"

KHYBER: "What a lovely sort you are."

The Cybertronians jump, scared out of their skins.

BB: "Primus, Khyber, don't do that!"

KHYBER: "If I was Albedo, you would all be down for the count. I thought your objective was to rescue your friend. Apparently, it's a competition to see who among you is the most idiotic."

The Cybertronians flinch. They do not argue because what Khyber said is true, and they know it.

KHYBER: "Learned your lesson?"

They nod.

KHYBER: "Good. Now, what else has been keeping you?"

Desperate for a change, Bumblebee speaks up.

BB: "We can't undo these chains. They're wrapped too tightly."

SS: "Not to mention they're impossible to hold onto."

Khyber leans over to inspect the chains. He runs his clawed digits over the metal, digging his tips in between crevices.

KHYBER: "I wouldn't say impossible. You're just not looking at it the right way."

The Cybertronians are confused. Khyber sighs and motions the two non-medics over. He shows them how to hook a claw or finger through a gap between bindings and push outward, creating a small opening just big enough to slide the trapped length through. It takes some trial and error, but Bumblebee and Starscream do get the hang of it. Alongside Khyber, they work quickly and efficiently to free Steeljaw.

As the last of the chains falls away, in his exhausted state, so too does Steeljaw.

KHYBER: "Easy there!"

Being the largest and strongest one present, Khyber grabs a hold of Steeljaw and keeps him steady.

KHYBER: "You're not going to be going anywhere on your own for a while."

Steeljaw's eyes flicker open, golden gaze dull and out of focus.

SJ: "Khyber? How… Why are you here?"

Unable to hold back, Moonracer eagerly embraces Steeljaw and starts to cry in his mane.

SJ: "I guess that answers my question."

Khyber chuckles. Bumblebee kneels down in front of Steeljaw.

BB: "Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

SJ: "I don't think so. I'm a little sore, but fine otherwise."

A clawed hand rests on his belly bump.

SJ: "The pup is fine, too."

He exhales and slumps in Khyber's hold.

SJ: "Honestly, I'm just really tired."

Nobody needs to be told twice. Forming a protective circle around Khyber and Steeljaw, the Cybertronians retrace their steps back to where they first started searching, only slowed down by Knockout's limp.

They arrive at the center of town…

"LEMME TELL YA SOMETHIN'!"

And are greeted by a pair of anthropomorphic, tiger-like creatures with a large black claw protruding from each wrist barreling into the open. They are the same size, and have the same markings, but while one is bright orange with green eyes, the other is a paler shade with red eyes.

KHYBER: "Of course they both had to be Appoplexians."

The Cybertronians look to Khyber, confusion as clear as day in their expressions. The hunter releases a haggard breath.

KHYBER: "Appoplexians are aggressive and prideful, and they love to fight. This could take a while."

Knockout and Starscream groan.

BB: "Is there a way to stop them? I don't want to hear these two complain anymore today."

KHYBER: "Give me a minute."

Handing off Steeljaw to Bumblebee, Khyber leaves their hiding spot and approaches the fighters. He grabs Albedo, who has pinned Ben to the ground, and throws him off. Keeping an iron tight grip on his captive's arm, Khyber performs the Hephaestan Neuro Grip. Albedo falls limp and reverts back to his altered human form.

ALBEDO: "What… What just…"

Khyber drops Albedo. He gasps as air is knocked out of his lungs. His eyes dilate when he recognizes his attacker.

ALBEDO: "Khyber? What are you doing?"

KHYBER: "It's nothing personal, I can assure you. Just doing a bit of business."

ALBEDO: "But, Tennyson's right there!"

KHYBER: "I know."

The hunter turns and holds out his hand for the hero to take. Understandably, Ben is skeptical.

KHYBER: "Well? I'm not standing here all night waiting for a witty comment."

Ben smiles and grabs a hold of the offered hand.

BEN: "I knew you had a soft spot for me!"

Khyber pulls the teenager to his feet.

KHYBER: "Don't push it."

ALBEDO: "I… I don't understand."

BEN: "Dude, it's a long story. Maybe I'll tell you later."

Movement out of the corner of his eye catches Ben's attention. The Cybertronians are coming out of hiding.

BEN: "There you guys are! You missed all the action!"

Then his gaze lands on Steeljaw.

BEN: "Oh, you found him! Boy, do you look terrible!"

SJ: "Thanks for the observation."

Ben gives a big ol' thumbs-up.

Rook, having witnessed everything from his safe place, finally arrives to take Albedo into custody. He reads him his rights as he lifts him to his feet.

ALBEDO: "Hands off! I can stand by myself, you know!"

MR: "Are you certain of that fact?"

ALBEDO: "Of course I'm certain!"

MR: "Then this will be all the more satisfying."

Ben drags Rook out of the way just in time.

Moonracer punches Albedo in the face. He isn't given time to recover before he's kneed in the stomach. Small hands dig into his shoulders, effortlessly lift him up and over, and slam his body into the ground full force. He is knocked unconscious on impact.

Everyone remains still, eyes locked on the scene. Once deemed safe, Rook walks back over to Albedo and slings his limp body over his shoulder.

ROOK: "At least he will be easier to transport, although I am not sure how Magister Tennyson will take it."

BEN: "He'll understand."