Paradise, Red Line

Chapter 17

POV Syrup

I love America. Sure the amusement parks and all the 'freedom' was fun but what was the best was all the corruption and mess going on in the background. After a wonderful (and rather oily) lunch, I immediately searched for the fun I came here to do.

I found it almost immediately. Shady guy beckoning me into his car selling me drugs. Gods, I love America. So many excuses and loopholes to kill a man while still being in the 'right'. In addition to that, state power weakened with the introduction of quirks. The government's top priority was 'suppressing quirk usage' and thus police and members of the government began to turn a blind eye and more often than not accept bribes on things like drugs and other things.

Absolutely wonderful.

Japan was getting kind of boring with their low crime rates. Sure I could continue going on killing the little gangs and yakuza's all over the country but it just isn't the same as when I was in my vigilante form.

Being in America, the symbol of 'freedom', it was just a complete different experience.

Stay safe, don't do anything stupid. If you do…don't cause trouble.

That was what Ace told me right before I boarded the plane. Well…I'll try not to but I'm guessing with what fate had planned for me, I'm not sure if my luck alone will be enough to overturn plot.

Getting in the car with the obviously suspicious guy, I made the universal sign for 'give'. I put out my hand. I'll see what he has before dropping him into an officer's waiting cuffs...for fun :)

Dude: I got weed

… really? In California of all places?

Dude: Hey, you don't understand hey don't you? oui oui? Hey girl,I'm talking to you bitch, can even you under—-

Me: Shut the fuck up. Besides, why would I buy marijuana here when it's legal in California? Also why would you even try French when your grammar for English is messed up as it is? It's can you even, not 'can even you'. It's not 'understand hey don't', it's pronounced 'I am a fucking crackhead'.

He stared at me for a moment so I just took that as a sign to get out of the car. I would have liked it more if he was smart enough to take the deal to a more secluded spot or offer me something that's not on the market…at least then I'd have an excuse. Shame…do I need to actively search the alleys now?

Hours Later.

Why the fuck is America so peaceful??! Even Japan wasn't this crime-free and officially Japan's supposed to be safer! I've purposely walked into the red-zones, made myself look vulnerable, put away my weapons, and acted like a dumb foreigner!

Shit! Shouldn't some gangs have shown up by now? I thought a couple of them would try to at least kidnap me, rob me, and some of the sort but the only guys I met was.

Guy 1: Hey girl, uhh, I think you're lost. This is the back street. You get wha ah mean?

Guy 2: It Ain't safe for girls like yuh here. Your parents mus beh worried. Go back home befah it geths darhk

… What happened to the old America?! The one in the movies with all the violence, guns, gangs, and so much action! The America that raided their own capitol, killed their own people, almost started a bloody civil war, and the countless Karens? Do they think I came to California for Disneyland??!! There already is one in Japan and Paris! Why were they all so kind! I mean, I would like that most of the time but that wasn't the reason why I came here!

There was always the option of me being the one to start the action but it just didn't feel right. Not that I felt bad or in any way guilty but rather it takes the joy out of it. I'd much rather smash in the face of someone who tried to do something bad than someone who knows nothing. Perhaps it was the feeling of my will or maybe it was Mama's genes flowing through my veins. The same sadism and neglect for anything that is not of value…including life.

*sigh* Whatever…I should enjoy what I can before heading back. I honestly thought that with my luck I would get a good fight or something.

(Luck Luck Passive Activated (EXTRA) - Interference Supported by the Black Sovereign)

…Excuse me?

Momentarily distracted by the notice that forced itself into my head, I accidentally kicked a pebble way too hard. The said pebble broke threw the sound barrier and crashed into a car. The pebble, which was flying at such a high speed and heat just had to land in the gas area.

*BOOOOMMM*

Instantly, sounds of panic and shrieking filled the air as the chaos continued. A villain (dine and dasher…but a bit more violent) popped out of nowhere and began firing off into the crowd screaming about how he was never acknowledged by society.

Not even ten seconds later, the police sirens sounded and came rounding the corner at neck-break speed before crashing their cars directly into the guy. The said guy's friends (whom I didn't see until now due to being dazed at the sudden madness) began screaming for revenge and the madness continued.

Me: … how is this supposed to help me?

The unmistakable sound of a sonic boom caught my ear as I turned my ear to the location to find the most Superman like hero I have ever seen…except this one was blond and had some weird sunglasses on.

Civilian: Hey look! It's Captain Celebrity!

Civilians: Captain Celebrity!!! He'll come save us!

What is with all of this cliche dialogue that sounds like it came out of the 50s comic books? Oh wait…that was pretty much the norm of this world.

Wait…wait…huh. This was quite perfect wasn't it? I pulled out my gas mask and put it on as my inventory did the lenses for me. I gathered my hair before stuffing them into my beanie while everyone was distracted by the Superhero smile by CC.

I stood near the back of the crowd as I saw CC swoop in and apprehend the goons in one swing. Within moments, all of them were downed and getting cuffed by the cops on the ground when he noticed me.

CC: Wait…isn't that? Is that Snowfallen?!

His words had instant effect as the crowd turned to face me. A moment of silence before all sorts of reactions broke out. Half of the crowd began screaming uncontrollably and started to run for their lives while the others took out their phones (if they haven't already) and started recording.

CC on the other hand looked quite uncertain with what to do. With his glimpses to the reporters and his forced (blinding white) smile, I could tell that this was exactly what he wanted. He had the attention and he had the challenge, me, but his uncertainty and his hesitation told me he wasn't completely an idiot.

Was he nervous? I thought he would be a bit more meathead-like than this. Someone more like All Might who just charged in without thinking. Hmm…

My observation focused on him as I felt through his emotions and thoughts.

'If I can apprehend her, then all the States will welcome me back!'

'If I beat her, then I'll be the strongest in the world! Not that ALL MIGHT or that Dictator'

'I wanna go to the toilet'

'Will I be able to beat her…?'

'How many Law Suits do I still have on me? I hope these guys don't sue me or anything. If they do, I'll kill them in secret'

'There's a lot of people watching…and this is going on live. I can't let myself be seen weak'

'I miss my wife…and those babies in Japan'

'All Of these annoying people! I wish they would appear only after I allow them to! Why do they need to pressure me into these situations!'

I see, so he's more of a HomeLander than a Superman then. I guess that does explain his horrible hairstyle. Also, what is with his Gen Z mentality?

(AN: Now I feel like I'm roasting myself but whatever)

Third Person POV

(AN: I don't know why but I feel like I enjoy describing OP individuals' fights in third person)

Snowfallen was leaning quite comfortably on the tree behind her as she looked up to the figure of Christopher Skyline, aka Captain Celebrity. It was quite the scene as two beings considered to be the apex of strength stared each other down.

CC: I'm not exactly sure if I need to take you in since you haven't used your quirk illegally.

Snowfallen: Exactly. Everything I've done ever since entering this nation has been perfectly legal.

(Luck Luck will now step things up a notch)

The fuck??

Sirens began sounding around the corner as armed Police forces came swerving up. They exited their black vehicles and the moment they laid their eyes on Snowfallen…

Commander: OPEN FIRE!

Bullets from a dozen automatic machine guns lit up the darkening day as they passed through the form of Snowfallen harmlessly.

Snowfallen: Well, isn't that convenient? *smirk* Just remember, I'm acting out of self defense.

She raises both her hands to form finger guns and point them at the armed force. She aims a little bit before the end joint of her index fingers turn black.

Snowfallen: Pew pew

*BOOOOMM* *CRRASSHHHHH*

Her words didn't match what happened at all as the seemingly harmless black snow bullet broke through the armor-piercying-bulletproof walls before exploding on the other side into an avalanche of snow.

CC: Nooo~!!

POV Christopher Skyline, aka Captain Celebrity (CC). The Top Ranked Hero of the United States of America.

(A.N: After a cup of rum, I'm feeling more towards writing from the victim's perspective. Also, somedays I pump out 2-3 chapters while other days it takes a week to just write less than 2,000 words. I blame the tests and the abundance of alcohol mysteriously restocked in the fridge. Thanks roommate!)

I stood shocked for a second, not actually expecting that the bullets would hit (and go through) her. If she was really the true Snowfallen, then I would have expected her to dodge, block, or attack them before they opened fire.

For a small small moment, I hoped that it would have been enough. That the great Snowfallen had a moment of distraction and a barrage of bullets were enough to bring her down. No such luck.

The hundreds of shells flew right through her as she looked at the panicked faces of the armed Police force with a rather bored expression; as if trying to say really?. The moment the bullets stopped flying, her form returned and even her clothes looked perfect again as she raised her two hands and formed finger guns.

If I had learned anything from my time in Japan or the Liberal Hero's Academy, it was to always remain vigilant of seemingly harmless actions…especially if that individual happens to be known as the world's strongest. I flew as fast as I could to intercept or stop whatever she was planning to do.

Too late

Snowfallen: pew pew

Two harmless looking bullets flew past me and exploded into a mountain of snow n impact. The armed police members? Probably dead.

Me: NOOOO~!!

Trusting in my telekinetic shield to protect me, I flew at max speed towards Snowfallen to body slam her into the ground.

As soon as I began to reach out my arms, she had already turned to face me with her fist ready. I couldn't stop or change my trajectory in time as the fist kissed my face and into the ground.

My barrier protested against the force and began to bend…but it held. The ground underneath cracking for a millisecond before giving way and creating a massive crater.

Turning around mid-crush, I realized I was 6 feet under with the menacing eyes of Snowfallen looking down at me.

Snowfallen: Hoh~ You're not hurt from that? I'm quite impressed to be honest. Most fools tend to die instantly.

My heart was beating hard as I realized the level of my opponent. Unbeatable. While I was pulling my best against her, she barely even spared me any attention or power and already my shield was beginning to crack.

Should I run?

I wanted to. I really really wanted to…but I was a Hero after all. If this was a year ago I was sure I would have fled for my life using the excuse that Heroes must live to fight another day.

But my experience in Japan had changed me. My encounter with that boy, the girl, and that angry old man who continuously stopped time to beat my ass…and the little girls and my new manager.

They changed me. I promised them that I would remain this way.

The most important thing is a Hero's Determination to preserve Peace and Justice.

Me: What kind of fool would walk straight into death?

Snowfallen: Fools who don't understand the difference in strength and are blinded by arrogance and false glory.

Me: Yes…perhaps. I heard from a source that you've fought All Might and emerged victorious. Tell me, did he think he could win against you?

Snowfallen: …

Me: So you see the spirit of a Hero too, huh? Tell me, do you see him inside of me?

I let flight control my body once more as I prepared my body and mind for a fight I've never done before. To fight against someone so out of my league. Was this what other heroes faced all the time? I felt a new sense of honor for them.

Snowfallen looked focused, then angry for a split second before her eyes morphing into an annoyed look. Her eyebrows crossed and her eyes thinning slightly.

Snowfallen: You remind me of Fujitora…I think I'll kill you.

Who the fuck is Fujitora and why do you want to kill me????!!!!

Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to make a dragon mad after your friend stepped on her tail.

A small cube exploded into size and covered the sky in a slightly darker shade of blue as my sense of dread made itself clear in my stomach. Hell, I wasn't even hit there and it was already asking for the toilet!

Snowfallen: Ouch, that must have hurt. You need a surgery. One right through the heart and brain. *smirk* Trust me…I'm a doctor

I didn't trust her one bit. I hate doctors.

Snowfallen: You're superman aren't you? Come on then, rise and shine!

She flipped her fist upwards before pointing her index finger at the sky. I was wondering what was happening until I felt my body begin to disobey me. My quirk, flight, rendered completely useless against whatever she was doing.

Snowfallen: We're in California aren't we? Why don't I punch you across the country to the Capitol?

The force grabbed me before yanking me up hundreds of meters into the air in an instant. Looking down, I saw the terrifying figure of Snowfallen with angel wings on her back, closing the distance rapidly.

Me: Come on, COME ON!!

I begged my quirk to return but it seems the main component didn't seem to respond. My only saving strength was the telekinetic barrier and the side benefits still with me. Perhaps if I can just get one good hit in…then it might be game over!

Snowfallen: Let's see how many hits until Washington D.C, here's the first one!

As she flew up next to me, she charged up her entire form as her arm coiled back before turning pitch black, then slightly pinkish. As if her arm couldn't hold in her energy, an aura like light surrounded her arm before beginning to crackle with something that could only be described as oppressive energy.

Snowfallen: Frappe du monde gelé (Frozen World Strike)

Location: The White House

Agent: Reporting in! Captain Celebrity has locked in combat with Vigilante, Snowfallen!

Panic broke out instantly as the name that was uttered just days before warning to never engage in combat was broken.

Snowfallen. This was Snowfallen

On our soil. On the soil of our founding fathers…Anderson thought.

Anderson: Where is she! Where are they in combat! We must stop the fight at once! We must not lose the captain at all costs!

Agent: They are in airborne battle above California…no! They have been spotted in Nevada! No…they seem to be fighting eastward across the country at supersonic speed!

A satellite image was pulled up on the main screen of the White House Emergency room which showed the world's strongest vigilante and Amerca's top hero engaged in combat…or at least it was supposed to be.

What the image really showed was a seemingly defeated Captain Celebrity being dragged across the continent by the hair at supersonic speed.

Anderson: Jesus…God save our country. You! Find out where she's going! Find her trajectory!

Agent: yes sir!

Dozens of screens and dozens more agents began to scream into the microphones conveying messages all across the country to issue the warning. Supercomputers were calculating where Snowfallen was headed.

When the results came out on the big screen…

Anderson: Oh God…

A yellow line projected where Snowfallen was most likely to go. The line going directly towards none other than the Capitol City of the United States of America.

Anderson: GATHER ALL HEROES AND FORCES AVAILABLE TO DC RIGHT NOW!! STUDENTS, INTERNS, VETERANS, I DON'T CARE!!

Commander: Sir! But the conflict! If Snowfallen takes this the wrong way then it might turn to a war between her and the states!

Anderson: Get a negotiator…get Pamala here right now! All of you pray that Snowfallen has a heart! We must not lose our top hero…

Agent: Snowfallen and Captain has entered the state of Utah!

Anderson paced around the room hoping that this would all be fine…the conditions of victory was the ensured survival of Captain Celebrity and prevention of war between that monster and the United States of America. He was willing to sacrifice the foolish commander who fired at Snowfallen if that was what it took.

Anderson: Good…keep me updated.

AN: Comments and reviews are love~