Author's Notes: Sorry for the slight delay, but life got in the way...hey that rhymes haha! But yes, I am in my final semester of University so time can go up and down for me. This story is NOT going to get abandoned, I don't abandon stories ever. If I thought that was a possibility, you wouldn't have ever seen this story ;)

Anywho, enjoy! This chapter is set just after "Predacons Rising", as it kind of explains, and from now on you will be getting a more constant timeline with a lot less big jumps in time like the first couple.

Chapter 3 - Captured Intentions

Although Knock Out would never say so, he felt so weird hanging about with the Autobots.

The war was over, and he had managed to gain trusts of his once enemy.

He hadn't seen Predaking in a while, which he wasn't too bothered about. After Megatron had fought the beast, he only saw him once more on the battle ground to try and save Cybertron, but there was too much at stake to really think about anything.

He currently sat in the rec room of their new base, not really required for any of the rebuilding of Cybertron. He was a medic, as so, they kept him inside much like Ratchet, so if or when someone was injured, they could be immediately fixed.

Speaking of Ratchet, the old bot seemed to travel between Cybertron and Earth a lot, only visiting if needed, or when he decided a check-up was due on the medic there.

Today was one of those occasions.

The older medic had just strolled in and sat with his counterpart, soon judging his mental state.

"How have you been feeling?" Ratchet enquired, surprised to see the distant look cross Knock Out's optics.

The red mech sighed, swirling the energon he'd merely been staring at for the last megacycle before answering. "I don't know, kind of...down"

"Why's that?"

He merely shrugged. Everyone had taken the death of Optimus hard, but that was not the roots of Knock Out's upset. He didn't really know what it was himself, he just knew his spark was pining for something he didn't have.

Ratchet would probably assume it was Optimus and leave him though, so that was an advantage...

"I'll just scan you to be safe" the medic huffed in response, aware that Knock Out did not like to talk about his emotions...it was ingrained in him from the Decepticons, so Ratchet never pushed.

It was when there was a pause that Knock Out worried.

"What is it?"

Ratchet was soon feeling at the site of a familiar wound, one that he constantly tried to buff off, but had scarred the metal quite badly. "You were bitten?"

"Ages ago...ancient history now" Knock Out waved away the concern, but found his own anxieties rising as Ratchet looked more worried.

"Predaking?"

He nodded, only to receive a long sigh from the other medic.

"Knock Out...I am to assume you know there was venom in his bite" A small nod. "Well, seeing as it wasn't all removed, the neurotoxins are still at work in your processor...and it looks like the rest of the venom has been messing with your system"

Optics widening in fear, Knock Out shook his helm, "What has it been doing?"

"I...don't know" Ratchet sighed, "I'd hazard a guess of it corrupting your system, but not knowing much about these predacons, I can not answer"

"But...is it fatal?"

Smiling in sympathy, Ratchet shook his helm, resting a servo on Knock Out's shoulder. "No, no. We'll need to keep an optic on it all, but seeing as it happened so long ago and it only seems to be messing with your neurochemistry, I'd hazard a guess it won't do much more"

Knock Out sighed, still staring at his energon which he had yet to consume.

"You seem to be suffering from depression" Ratchet continued, "I suggest you take some time off, and do things you enjoy"

Frowning in thought, one question sprung to mind. "Will they be okay without me?"

Ratchet smiled lightly, nodding his helm. "I will remain until I feel you are better"

"Thank you" the red mech merely mumbled, unable to make optical contact at that moment.

It wasn't long before a red aston marting was driving at high speeds along Cybertron's surface. Knock Out's engine practically purred, feeling a little better in himself as the winds assaulted him and the world sped past.

Perhaps Ratchet was right...perhaps he did just need a break from it all.

A shriek filled the sky, one that he didn't recognize.

Rolling to a stop, he cautiously transformed, looking around fearfully. Though he could see nothing, he could easily detect the slight beating of wings, indicating a predacon was nearby.

Before he could comprehend the situation, a blue ursagryph landed before him, bounding a little too eagerly around him before a second predacon joined its friend. The other, a white and blue dragon, circled their prey also, grumbling to itself.

The ursagryph was clearly more impatient, suddenly transforming and approaching Knock Out eagerly. The mech merely smirked as he overlooked the red mech, laughing to himself like he so often did.

Grouching suddenly, the dragon too transformed, blocking Knock Out between the two mechs. They weren't as huge as Predaking in their bi-pedal mode, but they still towered over the small red mech.

"Darksteel, you know we were not meant to interact with any of these autobots" the white and blue predacon stated, sounding bored.

Darksteel merely leant closer to Knock Out, still grinning, even as Knock Out backed away. "But COME ON Skylynx! Didn't you see how pretty this one is..." and then he cackled.

Knock Out was sadly reminded of the first time Predaking approached him, making him shiver again. He didn't want them to try anything...he didn't need this!

Skylynx shifted closer, stopping Knock Out from moving any further. "I saw...and smelt him"

"Yeah! He sure does reek"

"Slaggers!" he growled, hitting Skylynx away and spinning to glare at Darksteel, "You don't see me insulting your looks or mannerisms, I don't think your king would approve at all"

Giggling again, Darksteel leant in to inspect the anger written on Knock Out's features. "It wasn't an insult...you smell very attractive" the mech snickered, his grin never leaving his facial plates.

"Probably just the polish" he waved it away, much like all his old concerns. Perhaps Shockwave had been right, and it was all to do with his helm shape and bright coloration.

"OOH! I know!" Darksteel suddenly squealed in joy, transforming and grabbing Knock Out roughly in his claws as he flew off, ignoring the calls of Skylynx.

Screaming in terror, Knock Out wanted to struggle, but realized he'd probably perish if he did, so gripped onto the closest claws in fear and offlined his optics.

The ursagryph shrieked in glee, speeding off in an unknown direction. He heard the telltale roar of the dragon predacon following, but it didn't calm him at all.

The predacons had him...and he didn't know what they planned to do with him!

A small part of him wouldn't actually mind seeing Predaking admittedly, but he wasn't entirely sure why. Was it the neurotoxins? Or was it because he had actually developed feelings for the predacon king?

All the time alone had left him, well...lonely. And even though he had only seen Predaking a couple of times, he had felt safe. Something about the beast always seemed to call to him, drawing his attention and making him feel more important...more wanted than any other Cybertronian.

A big shudder suddenly ran through him as Darksteel landed, dropping to the floor momentarily before picking him up by one of his tyre struts on his back, causing him to cry out in pain. His tyre struts weren't unlike seeker wings...they were overly sensitive. The ursagryph's beak dug in more, creating more pain, as it bounded into their lair.

"We have returned" Skylynx's voice stated un-interestedly as he transformed and followed.

"Where have you two been?!" Predaking's voice growled, stopping Darksteel in his tracks.

Dropping his prey, he quickly transformed and snickered. "We were merely grabbing a toy"

Knock Out whined in pain as he hit the ground, feeling his tyre strut burn in agony. He couldn't online his optics from the pain, but he was aware of someone looming over him, one with an angry electro magnetic field almost similar to that of Megatron's.

"TOY?!" Predaking roared in anger, transforming and only roaring louder.

Darksteel squeaked in fear, stumbling away from Knock Out. "I mean...um..."

"Uh...a present for you?" Skylynx quickly suggested, also fearful of their king.

The dragon king stalked forward, standing in front of Knock Out and screeching before transforming back to his bi-pedal form, looking very evidently enraged. "You touched my mate!" he glared at his lowly predacons who cowered in fear. "I lay claim to this beauty long before you were even created!"

"I'm sorry! I'm so sorry my liege!" Darksteel cried, backing further away.

"GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!" he screamed out, watching the younger predacons scurry away before turning back to the red mech. "Knock Out" he knelt down and scooped up the red mech, cradling him as he overlooked the damaged tyre strut.

Optics flickering back online, Knock Out whined slightly as he automatically hugged the somewhat familiar chest plates. He wanted to chastise himself, but he was in too much pain to give a slag. "Predaking..." he merely purred instead, almost matching the way the predacon spoke his name.

"What did he do to you?" Predaking asked as he once again glared at the damage to Knock Out.

Growling lowly, the red mech spoke, finally regaining himself somewhat. "He merely picked me up by my tyre strut and dropped me, thus ruining my perfection" and after a huff, he added, "He also claimed I reeked or some slag"

Predaking shifted Knock Out to rest in one arm and stroked around his faceplates, more gentle than the red mech recalled it being before. "We do not have the tools or skills to fix you here...perhaps I should take you back to the autobots"

Sighing in aggravation, Knock Out nodded before tentatively nuzzling at the large chest plates he was coming to recognize as a place of peace and safety. "As long as we can meet again after I'm better...I don't know why, but seeing you, it makes me feel okay"

"What do you mean?" Predaking grumbled as he began to carry the medic through the long trek out their lair.

"I was told I was suffering from depression, but right now..." Knock Out's engine purred lightly as he smiled warmly at the beast, "I feel more wanted...loved"

And there it was...that longing gaze from the beast that told Knock Out he was truly adored. It warmed his spark each time and made him uncertain about everything.

Scrambling up suddenly, Knock Out ignored his processor and quickly kissed Predaking as best he could, finding the predacon's other servo rushing to stop him from falling. He pulled away minutely, resting his forehelm against Predaking's own as best he could, quietly adding "Just promise me you'll come back"

He hadn't meant to sound needy...but he knew he had come across as desperate.

"You know I will" Predaking trilled lightly, hugging the medic more and stopping in place. "You are mine, and I, yours" he spoke confidently, his blazing optics locking on Knock Out's once more. "And no one on this planet can stop us from being together"

Continuing onwards, the pair were soon outside where Predaking placed the medic down for a moment. Knock Out went to ask what he was doing, but only watched as he transformed into his dragon form.

Bowing his helm closer to Knock Out, he lowered one of his wings, allowing Knock Out to carefully climb onto his back. He only began flapping his huge wings once he felt Knock Out holding onto him securely.

Predaking flew much faster than his other predacons, even Knock Out could tell. The speed was as exhilarating as when he raced, which only made him smile euphorically as he watched Cybertron zip past below them.

Overlooking the whole area below them, Knock Out knew right then that this was right...that Predaking was truly a creature of beauty, and that he was rightfully Predaking's mate.

As they began their descent, all the red mech could do was sigh...the time hadn't lasted nearly long enough.

Once back on the ground safely, Knock Out turned to Predaking who remained in beast form. "I don't know when I'll next be allowed out" he admitted, shaking his helm, "How will we meet? I don't exactly know the location of your home"

The dragon huffed, merely nuzzling Knock Out before taking flight. The red mech watched him escape into the distance, and even long afterwards.

Once again, confusion filled his processor. He felt whole whilst with Predaking...but why? Was it merely love, or was it those neurotoxins every scientist seemed to get worried about whenever they checked him over?

He knew he had acted oddly in the beast's presence...more relaxed than he normally would be, more...loving...

Still staring off into the horizon, he was unaware of the world until someone suddenly called his name.

"Knock Out!"

He turned slowly, facing the clearly worried medic now rushing out of their base.

"What happened?! Why are you stood there?" Ratchet demanded, now more worried as he noticed the distant look. "Are you okay?"

The red mech merely sighed, turning to show off his damaged tyre strut, receiving a sharp gasp from the medic who quickly rushed him inside.

Once he was sat in the medbay, Ratchet began working, now trying harder to get him to talk. "So Knock Out...what happened to cause this?"

"Darksteel"

"A predacon?"

He nodded, looking down at his pedes as he tried not to wince or flinch away whenever Ratchet did anything to his tyre strut. His processor was still spinning with all the thoughts going through it...why was he acting so normal around Predaking when he could barely act as himself when he was back at base?

Ratchet huffed, overlooking the damage again, "It picked you up, didn't it?"

Another nod.

"And?"

A long sigh was released from Knock Out's vents before he glanced over his shoulder at Ratchet who continued to work. "You know that bite mark?" catching the hesitant nod by the autobot medic, Knock Out quickly continued, "Well...Predaking did that to me on the Nemesis...because he kind of..."

Ratchet could hear the embarrassment in the red mech's vocals, aware this was a difficult area for him to speak of, as it was clearly deeply emotional to him.

"...said he wanted me...so he bit me to stop me from going on a mission"

Pausing and looking at Knock Out in slight surprise, Ratchet shuttered his optics. "He loves you?"

Knock Out didn't answer, gritting his denta as he offlined his optics.

Why had he admitted that...again? Every time he told someone, he felt like he wanted to curl up and offline.

"Wait..." Ratchet's optics widened in realization. "You love him?!" Upon silence, Ratchet looked back to the partially repaired tyre strut before attempting conversation once more. "And am I to presume Darksteel took you to see Predaking"

Fear ebbed into the red mech at that moment, the recollection of the what Darksteel and Skylynx had heavily implied washing over him like a tidal wave. All at once, he felt his optics begin to burn, his spark becoming tight and constricted, as his form shuddered lightly.

"No" Knock Out gasped, tears falling from his optics as he sobbed lightly. "I don't know why...but all predacons seem to want me as their own...Shockwave said it was my helm, but I don't know!"

Ratchet moved round to face the upset mech, laying a servo on his shoulder in concern. "Knock Out..." he spoke gently, much calmer than Knock Out had heard him speak ever before, "If you are okay with Predaking, that is none of my concern...but, if all these creatures are going to do...well, this" he gestured vaguely at Knock Out, the implication clear "Then I think we have a problem"

Glancing up slightly as he onlined his optics, Knock Out shook his helm. "That's not the problem!" he locked optics as he quickly spoke, "Darksteel called me a toy! They claimed I was attractive, then stole me, hoping to keep me for their own...if Predaking hadn't caught them..." he paused, trying to regain control. With a slow vent, he added quietly "They know now...he told them"

"I understand" Ratchet sighed, gripping Knock Out's shoulder in support. After a brief silence, he returned to his work, feeling Knock Out once more wince in pain. "If Predaking is as drawn to you as you are insinuating, then I am amazed he allowed you to return"

After a small scoff, Knock Out shook his helm. "He knows me too well. He knows I hate imperfections"

It took a while more, this time in a comfortable silence, but as Ratchet finished his work, he scanned Knock Out once more, frowning slightly to himself. Knock Out didn't notice and merely waited to be discharged.

The scans showed the venom in his system was acting more so than before, differing neurotoxins being released, and the rest working faster through his system.

He surmised to himself that it must react to Predaking's presence, but if it was that of Predaking himself or Knock Out's own emotions, he did not know.

"You are free to go" he spoke calmly, "Just don't transform anytime soon...that strut is going to be quite sensitive for a while"

"You mean...I can leave base?" he asked suddenly, optics widening in surprise.

"Well, I wouldn't recommend it, but nobody will stop you" Ratchet smiled lightly at the other medic, "After all, I want you to get over your depression, not increase it"

More notes: Hmmmm...I wonder what Knock Out's gonna do...sleep? XP More to come as soon as I get another spare moment ;)