Merformers: Prime: The Shark and the Betta

Chapter 17: The Battle Against the Sea Witch

Arcee, Knock Out, and Cyclonus followed Blackarachnia and Tarantulas through the murky depths of Airachnid's lair. They could hear the sea witch cackling maniacally in the distance, taunting them.

"You'll never defeat me!" Airachnid's voice echoed through the water. "I have the power of the Sea Insecticons on my side!"

But Blackarachnia just smirked. "We'll see about that," she said confidently.

As they approached Airachnid's throne room, the Sea Insecticons swam towards them, their eyes glowing red. Arcee gasped in horror. "What happened to them? They're under her control!"

"Not for long," Tarantulas said calmly. He extended his claws, slicing through the thick vines that Airachnid had used to control the creatures' minds.

The Sea Insecticons shook their heads, groaning. "What happened?" one of them asked dazedly.

"You were under Airachnid's control," Blackarachnia said, gesturing towards the sea witch's throne room. "She's been using you to do her bidding. But we're here to stop her."

The Sea Insecticons nodded, their eyes filled with determination. "We won't let her hurt anyone else," they said in unison.

The group swam towards Airachnid's throne room, ready to face the sea witch head-on. As they approached, Airachnid's eyes widened in surprise.

"You?!" she hissed, glaring at Blackarachnia. "What are you doing here?"

"We're here to take you down," Blackarachnia said coolly. "And put an end to your evil plans."

Airachnid sneered. "You don't stand a chance against me. With the Sea Insecticons under my control, I'm practically invincible."

But Arcee, Knock Out, and Cyclonus weren't backing down. They swam forward, ready to fight. And the Sea Insecticons followed suit, their claws and tentacles at the ready.

The battle was fierce, with each side exchanging blows and dodging attacks. Airachnid was fast and agile, but the group had an advantage - the Sea Insecticons' loyalty.

As the battle raged on, Cyclonus saw an opening. Airachnid had momentarily let her guard down, and he seized the opportunity. With one swift move, he plunged his claws into Airachnid's chest, killing her instantly.

Arcee and Knock Out gasped in shock, staring at Cyclonus. "Did you just...?" Arcee started, trailing off.

Cyclonus nodded grimly. "I had to. For Arcee and Tailgate," he said, his eyes filled with sadness.

Blackarachnia and Tarantulas approached Cyclonus, patting him on the back. "You did what you had to," Blackarachnia said quietly.

The group swam out of Airachnid's lair, victorious. The Sea Insecticons trailed behind them, their eyes filled with gratitude.

As they emerged from the water, the Automermaid and the Deceptishark hugged each other tightly, relieved that the battle was over.

"You were amazing," Knock Out said, grinning at his wife.

Arcee smiled back, leaning in for a kiss. "We make a good team," she said softly.

And as the sun set over the sea, the group of friends enjoyed their hard-earned victory, grateful that their loved ones were safe once more. After the death of Airachnid, Blackarachnia and Tarantulas led the Sea Insecticons back to their kingdom deep beneath the sea. It was a joyous homecoming, with the Sea Insecticons expressing their gratitude to Blackarachnia and Tarantulas for freeing them from Airachnid's control.

The Sea Insecticons swam happily around their king and queen, their tentacles waving in the water. Blackarachnia and Tarantulas smiled, happy to have played a part in liberating their subjects.

As the Sea Insecticons celebrated their newfound freedom, Arcee, Knock Out, and Cyclonus swam back towards Kaon to spread the good news. They were greeted with cheers and applause as they emerged from the water, their comrades relieved that the battle was finally over.

"Cyclonus killed her? That's amazing!" Steeljaw said, his eyes wide.

Megatron nodded, a proud smile on his face. "I always knew he had it in him."

Optimus Prime clapped Arcee and Knock Out on the back. "Well done, you two. And you too, Cyclonus. You avenged Tailgate's death, and put an end to Airachnid's reign of terror. I'm proud of you all."

Arcee blushed, smiling gratefully at Optimus Prime. "Thank you, sir."

Knock Out rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide his smirk. "Yeah, yeah. We're pretty awesome, aren't we?"

The Deceptisharks and Automermen laughed, happy to have their friends back and safe. It was a moment of triumph, a moment of relief, and a moment of hope for the future.

As the group celebrated their victory, they knew that there would be more battles to come. But for now, they were content in the knowledge that Airachnid was gone, the Sea Insecticons were free, and they had each other to rely on.

Together, they were an unbeatable force, ready to face whatever the sea - and the world - threw their way.