Chapter One

Laying out still and unconscious in the middle of what resembled a jail cell of sorts, the young Aerialbot soon winced and flinched, faintly groaning as he did. His optic eyes flickered a cyan-blue glow before switching on properly and gradually he was able to observe his surroundings and his own state and condition. Air Raid could barely even remember what exactly truly happened up to this point, how long he had been out offline, or where he was now.

Eventually, with at least an ounce of strength returning to him, he pushed himself back up until he was able to sit somewhat right. Then he was able to look around more clearly, around him were three walls of cold-blue steel and a fourth being a series of long cylinder bars going downward with little space in between for the Aerialbot sneak through and hopefully escape. A haunting metallic ambience filled the stale air itself while the curious Bot soon got up and stood on his feet. Then with slow ease and caution, he walked over to the bars to take a careful grip and closer look at what may lay beyond his confines.

Peaking through and between the bars, Air Raid could faintly see what seemed like a big enough arena right outside with a completely enclosed ceiling with pillars all around, a couple of large identical statues of an unfamiliar mech, and even a few weapons like swords, guns, spears, and shields, scattered all about. Within the walls of the arena, in between every one of the pillars, seemed to be barred up jail cells just like the one he was in. Lastly, right up above in and hanging down from the very middle and centre of the ceiling were four glowing violet screens close together and connected to thick metal wires and cables.

Already so many questions started darting through his processing mind. What could this kind of place really be? Who or what dragged him into here? Could this really be on Cybertron? And if not, where? And more importantly, why? Air Raid wouldn't be able to figure out the right answers on his own just by standing back and letting nothing happen at all.

Immediately, the very next thought in his mind was to pull out a gun, a pistol, a torque rifle, or any firearm weapon, and blast at any of the bars or walls to make a hasty escape. But as soon as that thought raced back again, Air Raid patted his hands around his hips and back then looked over himself, finding himself seemingly confiscated of any weapon he may've had with him before now. He could also easily morph one of his arms into a weapon as well in case, but even then, he chose not to, wondering what possible consequences may come about at him if he did. For now at the moment, he could only stand back, still and silent with arms crossed and legs straight and spread widely enough. A few cold huffs escaped through his mouth.

"Supremebots", a synthesised male-sounding voice suddenly echoed from somewhere beyond, taking Air Raid instantly by surprise, as the four screens above started displaying strange yet distinct letter and symbols. "Now the long-awaited gladiatorial contest will begin".

"Gladiatorial contest?" Air Raid took in with a mix of intrigue and confusion.

Just then, the screens started showing what resembled the bald white-skinned head of a vague humanoid with eyes as empty as a void. "The Centuris Fights, the greatest, the best, no time limit, no mercy", the hosting voice belonging to this strange being continued. Air Raid shuddered a bit from the mention of 'no mercy'. "Though two fighters may enter, only one fighter will leave".

"Well that's lovely", Air Raid quietly and muttered to himself with clear snark and sarcasm. "That just makes me feel so much better now that I know that. Boy do I wish my brothers were here to see this". Though deep down, he did wish his fellow Aerialbots would be here, to bust right in and break him out, out of and away from this place.

He quickly attempted to activate his comm-link, but to not much avail either, and even then he still wouldn't want to pick up any legit trouble too big even for him. For now, he had to prepare himself for whoever or whatever he would have to face up against.

To be continued...