Fractured Loyalties

Maya's gaze remained fixed on Raymond, her senses on high alert as she monitored the conversation between him and Aqua. The mermaid's laughter seemed to grow louder, more piercing, and Maya's instincts screamed at her to intervene. Before she could move, a dark figure emerged from the shadows, a hood pulled over their head. The figure's eyes locked onto Raymond, and Maya's Banshee senses went into overdrive. A cold dread crept up her spine as she recognized the telltale signs of a premonition. She tried to warn her friends, but it was too late. The figure lunged at Raymond, a glint of metal flashing in the sunlight. Maya reacted on instinct, her super-speed propelling her across the street. She intercepted the attacker, her body shielding Raymond from harm. The figure was too strong, however, and a Kryptonite blade flashed in the sunlight. Maya tried to deflect it, but the blade sliced through her glove and into her skin. She felt a searing pain as the Kryptonite coursed through her veins, weakening her powers. The blade was lodged deep in her side, and she could feel her strength waning. Raymond's eyes widened in horror as Maya stumbled backward, her vision blurring. Aqua's face paled, and she took a step back, her mermaid magic faltering. The attacker took advantage of the distraction to make a run for it, disappearing into the crowded streets. Maya's friends rushed to her side, their faces etched with worry. Clary, Maya's parabatai and sister, was the first to react. "Maya, no, no, no!" Clary exclaimed, her voice trembling as she ripped off her jacket to apply pressure to the wound. Hayley and Claire flanked them, their eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of the attacker. Clary's hands were shaking as she tried to stem the bleeding. "We need to get her to a hospital, now!" she shouted, her voice carrying above the din of the city. Maya's vision began to tunnel, and she felt herself being pulled down into darkness. She tried to speak, to reassure her friends that she was okay, but her voice was barely a whisper. Raymond's face swam into focus, his eyes filled with concern. As the world around her began to fade, Maya's thoughts turned to Raymond, and the confession she had yet to make. She knew that if she didn't make it, she would never have the chance to tell him how she felt. A pang of regret shot through her, and she knew that she had to find a way to tell him, no matter what happened next. The sounds around her grew distant, and Maya's body went limp. Her friends scooped her up, cradling her in their arms as they rushed her to safety. Clary's face was a blur of tears and worry, while Hayley and Claire exchanged worried glances. Raymond's eyes lingered on Maya's pale face, a mixture of guilt and concern etched on his features. As they disappeared into the crowd, Aqua's gaze lingered on the spot where Maya had fallen. A calculating glint flashed in her eyes, and for a moment, her expression seemed almost...sinister. The city seemed to grow darker, as if the shadows themselves were closing in, and Maya's friends were left to wonder if they would ever be able to save her from the forces of chaos that seemed to be gathering around her.