train like it was nothing. He took out the gang and returned all the valuables. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It happened so fast—the man was a blur of red, white, and blue, like a magical comet of justice who had flown in from another planet to save the day. He wasn’t scared like we were; he didn’t even blink in the face of danger. It was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen.”
I feel a tear run down my cheek as Teddy hangs on my every word. “Later, I learned his name was Blue Streak. I’d always known that Warrior Nation was a thing, but until that day, I never really paid attention. After that, after Blue Streak saved my life and Mom’s, I had to know everything about the Warriors. Seeing him in action—watching him make the world a better, safer place—changed me. I knew right then and there that I wanted to be part of it.”
“That’s…Wow, Claire,” Teddy gasps, blinking back his own tears. “How lucky, then, that you get to see him on his last day.”
My insides turn to ice. “What?”
He nods, wiping the corner of his eye. “He’s retiring. Thirty-four years of service, saving people just like you. It’s truly incredible.”
I hear the words, but they don’t make sense. Retirement? No. It’s not like heroes never willingly leave the line of duty, but Blue Streak always seemed like he was in it for life. In fact, I know it—my “Quotable Blue Streak” diary page has him stating his greatest honor would be giving his life for another. Why now? What changed? “I don’t understand.”
“He’s old, Claire. I mean, don’t get me wrong—he’s awesome. Clearly. But he’s also more than double the age of our latest recruit.”
Oh my god…“Joy?” She’s taking his place? Now, this is just ridiculous. Some hotshot pretty face filling the shoes of an absolute god? I feel my knees go weak again, only this time from rage.
“Yeah, have you met her?” Teddy asks. “I think she’s going to be great. A lot of charisma with that one. She’s a marketing team’s dream.”
I force a smile, even though my bones are turning into a liquefied paste.
But there isn’t much time to dwell on the world’s most unjust changing of the guard, because suddenly Blue Streak’s meeting is over and he’s heading this way. I watch in paralyzed awe as my hero holds the door for everyone, kindly shaking hands with and graciously smiling at everyone in the room. He’s always been a man of few words in interviews, and even today, he only offers brief exchanges of gratitude. Teddy pinches my waist to keep me from passing out, and I hold my breath as Blue Streak strides by. Over six feet tall, shoulders broad as an ox, massive hands that have punched through buildings swaying at his sides. Only his graying hair and a few worry lines etched into his fair skin give away his age. Otherwise, he looks as strong and powerful as the day he saved my life.
He walks by with a gentle smile, giving me a wink with steel-gray eyes that peer into my soul, and I swear I have an out-of-body experience, a supernova of emotion launching me to a different plane.
It isn’t until he’s gone, possibly forever, that I finally resume normal motor functions. “Oh my god!” I cry, hands flying to my face. “Did that really just happen?”
Teddy sighs, smiling. “Just another day at Warrior Nation.”
Is There a New Chicago Warrior?
WarriorHunt.usa
Guys, Roy Masterson was just doing a ribbon cutting at some random new bakery on the north side, and he let it slip that some “exciting chapter changes” will be announced soon! That’s right, Mr. Know-It-All himself basically just spilled the beans that we’re about to be blessed with a new hero! AHHHHHHHHH!
@TruWarriorGrrl
um no offense but that sounds like jumping to conclusions hon. Like his statement could mean literally anything
@invisiblegirlfriend
excuse you he’s the Chicago chapter president so what else would he be talking about? It’s not like we’d care if they get new business cards or something dumb.
@TruWarriorGrrl
you think I don’t know who he is? rolls eyes
@NeverCeaseNeverSour
if there’s a new Warrior, then who is out? Don’t remember anyone dying recently
@VaporLover29
IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO VAPORIZER I WILL LOSE MY SHIT
@WNlyfer
if there is a new hero I hope it’s a girl bc this chapter needs more womens
@invisiblegirlfriend
agreed!
STRIPES OF PINK AND LAVENDER warm the morning sky as I lie motionless on the couch. Dawn is usually my most