XIX
Mary didn't know what to say. She was basically being led along with the rest of the group. Starscream would point out things to Soundwave, trying to argue the fact she was here. Soundwave didn't make a sound. She was led out of town for a long while. After a long walk, she saw another figure come into sight. It was a female, storming up to the two leading her along.
"I can't handle this anymore!" she snapped.
"Airachnid," grumbled Starscream. "What is it now?"
"I don't need mister not-all-there," she hissed, motioning behind her.
"Don't worry…we have a little present for our dearest Knockout," hummed Starscream, walking passed her.
"How can you handle any of these buffoons," sighed Airachnid, following Starscream.
Soundwave continued to lead Mary until they reached the rest of the group. Starscream and Airachnid along with the ever familiar Breakdown. Mary groaned, turning away. Breakdown perked, getting up to greet the new guest. Soundwave left her side, moving toward the currently arguing Starscream and Airachnid.
"Mary," hummed Breakdown, hands behind his back.
"Breakdown…" she replied, avoiding eye contact.
"Knockout is going to be glad to see you," Breakdown nodded, touching her hair. "He was planning on getting you himself but he rarely goes into the towns we visit."
"What have you done to Kyle!" snapped Mary, stepping away.
"Soundwave got some concoction that he takes," he shrugged, moving behind her.
"Concoction?" whispered Mary.
Breakdown dug into his pocket, pulling out an empty syringe. He leaned over her shoulders, showing her the syringe. Mary looked on in disbelief. Breakdown rolled his eyes, tossing it over his shoulder. It shattered in the distance.
"You don't have the right to do this to him…" mumbled Mary.
"He's been coming willingly," nodded Breakdown. "Want to talk to him?"
Breakdown took her by the hand, leading her passed the mangled mess of an arugment Soundwave was trying to disarm. They wandered a bit longer until Mary could see Kyle in the distance. His arms were crossed and at the sound of their approach, he perked and turned to see them. His eyes were a faded red, almost looking weary and old. He looked older, aged by stress and mental chaos. At the sight of her, a twisted grin formed on his face.
"Mary," he hummed.
"Kyle…" she pleaded, pulling free of Breakdown.
"Knockout," he corrected, glaring at her.
"Kyle's still in there, I know that," she nodded.
"Kyle is buried deep," Knockout instructed. "Deeper with each passing dose."
"You can't keep him buried…He's stronger than you," she hissed.
"No!" howled Knockout, eyes flickering brighter.
"You know it too," she smirked.
Knockout clenched his fist, shaking his head, and walking away. Breakdown sighed, glancing between Knockout and Mary. He stepped between them, looking at Mary. She saw the dearest serenity in his eyes.
"Don't get too used the peace and quiet. He'll get tired of this game, you know. And when that happens, you won't survive it."
Breakdown walked away, leaving Mary alone. She could easily try and escape but they would easily bring her back. She was stuck among the Decepticons with not an Autobot in sight. And her clock was running out.
Clearer. Everything was getting clearer. His memory that was once lost was slowly materializing. They slowly clicked in his mind and the memory of Knockout came into complete view. Kyle could barely identify with the memories. Trapped in his own mind, sitting in absolute darkness. He felt chained down, but the chains were lifting. He looked up. He could see for a moment, see the world. Mary. He smiled lightly, but not long.
"Don't touch her, Knockout…" ordered Kyle, pulling at his imaginary chains.
They were looser than before. He smirked. Knockout was losing his hold. It was only a matter of time. His time was coming, hopefully before Mary's time ran out.