Merformers: Prime: The Shark and the Betta

Chapter 10: Betrayal and Revenge

Optimus Prime and his Automermen had been tracking the movements of Megatron and his Deceptishark army for days. They had received reports that Inferno's fiancé, Firestar, had left him at the altar and was now with Megatron.

As they swam towards the Deceptishark stronghold in Kaon, Optimus Prime couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. He had a bad feeling about what they might find.

When they arrived, their worst fears were confirmed. Firestar was indeed with Megatron, but she appeared to be happy and unharmed.

Inferno, who had been leading the charge, was filled with rage and betrayal. "How could you do this, Firestar? You left me for him?" he shouted.

Firestar looked at him sadly. "Inferno, I'm sorry. I couldn't go through with the wedding. I didn't love you the way you deserved."

Inferno's anger only grew. "And you turned to Megatron? A Deceptishark? How could you betray me like this?"

Optimus Prime stepped forward, trying to calm things down. "Inferno, we don't know the whole story. Perhaps there's more to this than we realize."

But Inferno wasn't listening. He charged at Megatron, ready to attack. Optimus Prime intervened just in time, blocking Inferno's path.

"You're a fool, Optimus. You would forgive this traitor and make deals with Deceptisharks?" Inferno spat.

Optimus Prime sighed. "I'm trying to find a peaceful solution, Inferno. Violence won't solve anything."

Inferno turned and swam away in a huff. He disappeared from sight, leaving the rest of the group to deal with Megatron.

Megatron, for his part, was surprisingly reasonable. He proposed a deal: he would consider a peace treaty with the Automermen if Optimus promised not to separate Firestar from her new faction.

After much discussion, Optimus agreed. As the two leaders shook hands, Optimus couldn't help but wonder what other secrets were being kept from him.

Meanwhile, Inferno had swum straight into a trap. He had been captured by Sea Insecticons and brought before the sea witch Airachnid.

Inferno told her about his betrayal, about Firestar leaving him for Megatron. Airachnid saw an opportunity for revenge.

She made a deal with Inferno: she would help him get his revenge on his enemies and claim Firestar as his mate if he became a Sea Insecticon and served Airachnid forever.

Inferno, consumed by his anger and desire for revenge, signed the contract without hesitation. Airachnid used her dark magic to transform him into a monstrous Red Sea Insecticon with pyrokinesis.

Inferno had sold his soul to the sea witch, and there was no going back now.