When The Sky Bleeds ✔️

Chapter 14

I skillfully evaded Lily's kick during our sparring session. "What has Castiel been instructing you?" she inquired, exasperated. I glanced over at the mat where Desmond and I typically trained and let out a sigh of relief. He, along with several other Crusaders, had been deployed on a rescue mission with the Hunters. It was a welcome break to have him away for a while, allowing me time to regain control over my burgeoning emotions that had been stirred up by his display when I was injured.

It had only been 24 hours since I was released from the infirmary, and I was already eager to return to combat. Lily had invited me to practice here after our classes, and I gladly accepted. The days spent cooped up in the infirmary had left me with pent-up energy and some frustration towards the situation as well. I hadn't been able to see any of my friends, as the Hunters were wary of everyone being potential threats and restricted all visitors. But now that the pain from my injury had subsided, I had an intense drive to prepare for whatever dangers may come my way.

"This is all me!" I exclaimed with a joyful laugh, savoring the familiar banter between Lily and myself.

"You said you wanted to show me something?" I inquired through labored breaths. "Yeah, but we have to be careful," Lily replied with a mischievous smile, scanning the area for prying eyes.

"Why? What are you going to do?" My eyes narrowed at her.

"Watch this," she said before delivering a swift punch towards me. I easily dodged it, but then suddenly, there was another Lily on my right and then my left, behind me, and finally in front of me. I stood frozen, surrounded by multiple versions of my friend. "How are you doing this?" I stammered in shock.

Stunned, I reached out and attempted to touch one of them, only for my fingers to pass through the illusion.

"You have the power of doppelgänger manipulation?" I whispered incredulously to whichever Lily was the real one.

With a proud smile, three Lilies disappeared, and the true one stood before me.

"I do," she gleamed back confidently.

Overcome with excitement, I pulled her into a tight hug. She continued in a hushed whisper, "I discovered the ability while defeating the other Changeling. You and Hadley are the only ones who are aware."

"Remarkable, Lily. Just think of the potential it holds on the battlefield," I exclaimed, attempting to contain my elation.

Lily shushed me and pulled me off the mat, checking to ensure no one else was in the room. "Why are you keeping it a secret?" I asked, confused by her sudden change in demeanor.

Her expression turned sour as if I had hit a nerve. "What do you mean? You almost died because of your abilities. Of course, I have to keep mine hidden until I find my guardian."

"What abilities?" I pressed, growing more curious.

She cursed under her breath. "I wasn't supposed to say anything."

I grabbed her by the shoulders and locked eyes with her. "What abilities?" I demanded.

"I promised Webb I wouldn't tell," Lily said, darting her eyes towards the door.

"Webb questioned the recruit -"

"Daughtler?" I interrupted.

"Daughtler," Lily confirmed with a nod.

"He possesses the gift of foresight, which he discovered just last week. And through this ability, he has seen what powers you will possess." My heart quickened with eager anticipation.

"What did he see?" I practically whispered.

"He wouldn't tell Webb," she exclaimed, shaking her head in frustration.