them—your fellow Warriors—if you just picked up and left?” I don’t understand how she could even consider that option. After all her training and all this buildup. This isn’t some random part-time job; becoming a Warrior is the beginning of a legacy. How do you walk away from being a hero, the most incredible gift there is?
“So Warriors never quit?” she asks. “Isn’t Blue Streak’s retirement the whole reason I’m here?”
The knife digs deeper. “Yeah, and he left a giant-size hole in the hearts of WarNats everywhere. A hole that you’re starting to fill. What you do now means something, Joy. You can’t just make people fall in love with you and then disappear.” My teeth clench, realizing I’ve hit my own nerve. If she can easily drop the affection of an entire city, will she do the same to me?
“Hey.” With much effort, she rolls onto her side, getting her face as close to mine as possible. “Listen to me. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Not now, anyway,” I grumble, looking away.
“No. Not ever.”
I turn back, hopeful. Despite her fragile state, her expression is fiercely resolute. “Did I start this gig for money? Yes. But these past couple days, fighting against the siege, something clicked. I’ve saved people’s lives and it’s…changed me.” A grin spreads across her bruised face. “People are thanking me in the streets. I’m making a real difference. I didn’t expect to feel this way, but I don’t think being a hero is something I could give up. Not now, now that I know how it feels. Now that I know you.”
“Really? What about your parents?”
She rolls her eyes. “I’m not gonna tell them now, not when my head is all wrapped up scary. By the time this year is over, I’ll be eighteen, so I can make my own choices. And I know what I want.”
Joy touches my cheek, cotton bandage grazing my skin. I should feel relieved, but I’m still unsure. My heart is in this for the long haul, and she’s a little all over the place. The night she rescued me, Joy didn’t think she could ever jump into another battle; now suddenly she loves it? What if she changes her mind again? What if one bad fight or bad guy takes her down and she decides she’s over it?
What would the Warriors do? What would I do?
This world means everything to me, and I don’t like the idea of it being toyed with. But for now, I rest my head on her mattress, letting her run her fingers through my hair, and feeling thankful she’s okay.
Hey Bridgette this is Claire : )
Hey what’s up
Can we meet up sometime? I need some help
R u okay? R u in danger?
No nothing like that. More of a personal thing
Related to heroes
I don’t want to write it down but I know you’d understand
Oh okay. But like I said I’m not sure if you really want advice from me
Trust me I do
Meet me at HQ tomorrow?
Is there anywhere else we can meet?
I’m working all day, and my mom is being real strict about me coming home immediately after
Okay I’ll make it work
See u then
DESCENDING INTO HQ VIA THE LYRIC OPERA HOUSE, I can feel my blood pressure rising. There was a time when I loved coming here, when using a top secret entrance into a hero lair was the coolest thing in the world. I’d hang out just for fun, exploring all the different training rooms while I waited for Matt to be done with his official business. The zero-gravity chamber was my favorite; Matt and I would sneak in there, wrap our arms and legs around each other as we spun around a simulated night sky. We’d do the waltz or country line dance, neither of us knowing the steps but taking every chance we could to find the other’s ticklish spot or sneak a midair kiss. Every visit to HQ was full of adventure, and I’d leave ready for my next visit.
But that feels like a really long time ago.
The elevator opens, and I’m met by a burly security guard blocking the next door. He stares at me, or at least I think he does, since he’s wearing blackout sunglasses even though we’re several feet underground. I know most of the Warrior Nation staff at least by name, but I don’t recognize him. After a very awkward staring contest during which neither of us moves, I finally ask, “Um, is there a problem?”
“Name,” he says, not