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Smoky Justice

~(Y/N)'s POV~

It's been a few days or so since I...killed Zephyr. I'm not entirely sure how long it's been, I've holed myself up again. I thought I had gotten used to killing, but after the anger of what he had done to me had passed, I realized what I had actually done. He deserved it, but I keep asking myself...was it right?

Well, I was going to continue to dwell in my dark thoughts and fall into a deeper pit of depression, but unfortunately, there are a few people who won't let me.

"So...did you have to kick my door down?"

"Doesn't matter! We're going somewhere and you're gonna enjoy yourself or I'm gonna beat your ass." Willow said rather annoyedly as she grabbed my arm. "Now, get up. I'm tired of you being miserable."

I sighed. "I don't want to go anywhere right now though, I just want to sit in the dark for a bit, I.." Winter cut me off.

"You seem to be suffering from some undiagnosed depression or something, so it's either you go on this outing to make you feel better, or I'm sending you to several therapists I know."

I shivered "Please no. I'll do anything but that." I'd actually rather jump off a bridge.

"What's been up with you? A few days ago it seemed like you had a weight lifted off your chest, and now it's back ten-fold." Concern plagued Winter's voice.

I chuckled. It's a little scary how accurate that was.

"I've just...had a lot on my mind. That's all. Promise."

Winter stared at me for a few more seconds, then sighed. "Fine, if you say so."

"Great, does that mean I do-"

"You're still coming with us." Willow stated. Well, that was shut down fast.

~Time Skip~

I was dragged to the mall...again. Frankly, I'm more surprised they repaired all the damage that madman did the last time I was here.

Willow almost immediately disappeared into some punk store for more jackets and shirts with offensive things on them. Winter was going to stay with me, but Willow had made some passing comment about how it would become a 'date' and then Winter kicked my shin and walked off. I literally didn't even say a word.

So! The two people who dragged me here to make me feel better left me alone in a place I didn't want to be in, so I did what any sad person would do.

I ordered food. What better way to feel better than being unhealthy?

I sat at a table along the edge of the food court. I didn't trust the center after the last incident, and as I looked around at all the people, I had a thought.

'These people are still so happy, even after two of their heroes died. They don't care in the end, this city has plenty of people who get powers and go to fight evil. But we still never get anything fucking done. People keep committing crimes, powered villains and Twisted people keep killing innocent people. I have to pick up the slack, to keep killing the ones who fuck up, the ones I can't let back into society.' Zephyr's face before he died flashed through my mind, and I shuttered. "He was a horrible person, but...he WAS a decent hero."

I shook my head, staring at my untouched food. "I lost my appetite." Though...it'd be a shame if it were to go to waste." I picked up the tray and walked outside. There are homeless people around every corner in this trash hole of a city.

Silently, I walked up to one and placed the tray in front of them, then started to walk away. His eyes lit up at the sight of a full meal.

"T-Thank you! Thank you!"

When I got back to where I was sitting, I tried to focus on the noises around me. The random pop music from the speakers in the mall, the conversations happening around me. It was kinda peaceful for a bit. Maybe being normal wouldn't be too bad after I finish cleaning this city.

"Can I even go back to being normal...?"

"What are you mumbling about now. You look pathetic."

Willow and Winter joined me after some time, both with some bags of various things I'll probably end up carrying. They ordered food and we talked for a bit, mostly Willow teasing Winter because she's easy to embarrass.

Winter left for the bathroom, and for some reason, Willow had to go with her? How does that work?

I resumed my observing until my eyes fell onto one person, and my heart stopped.

Okay, wait. Let me think about this. "I know three people with white or gray hair in this city. I killed one of them the other day, the second one just went to the bathroom. So that leaves...

I'm gonna puke.

Okay, Okay. It's a big city, maybe there are more people with waist-length white hair and slender...No, it's definitely her, isn't it? There's no way I'm that unlucky right? Right?

Who the hell am I kidding of course I am.

Then she spoke to her friends at the table they were sharing, her voice was hoarse and her eyes were swollen and bloodshot. A little shadowed too, she probably hasn't gotten any sleep the past few days. I sighed, catching myself staring at her.

"I just...can't believe Zach is dead too!" Her voice cracked. "I must be cursed or something..."

One of her friends spoke up. "No Stacy! You aren't cursed, that's bullshit! You just got really unlucky! Maybe you can get your ex back? You seemed to really like him and maybe if you just tell him it was a mistake he'll take you back?"

I scoffed and tuned them out after that. I'm already in a bad mood, I don't need Douse, or...Stacy, apologizing to me. Granted she can't exactly say she killed me now can she? Also, what a wild way to find out who she is in her own time huh?

Winter and Willow get back, talking animatedly, but stop when they see me sitting there awkwardly.

"...Really? Still?" Willow groaned. "How hopeless can you be?"

"It's just...not fair." I flinched, hearing...Stacy's...voice again.

Winter stiffened, eyes flicking back and forth between me and where Stacy was sitting.

"Would you look at the time, it's time to leave! Come on, (Y/n)!" Winter grabbed my hand and yanked me out of my chair.

"Okay, okay! I'm coming!"

"...Am I missing something?" Willow stood there, baffled. "Winter...is actually holding your hand willingly?"

Winter paused, and I could see her ears turn red. She shook her head and tightened her grip.

"T...That doesn't matter right now." Winter picked up her speed, nearly pulling my arm out of its socket.

"I died. I died and went to another universe. There's no other explanation." Willow said in disbelief.

"Winter, I'm fine, I promise."

"I know." Winter said nothing more and kept leading me away.

"...Thanks."

Willow looked between us. "What the hell did I miss?"

~Time Skip~

"Okay, okay. Hold on." Willow took a deep breath. "So, you're telling me (Y/n)'s ex, who cheated on him in front of his face, was in there?" She looked at us like we were stupid. "And you wanted us to leave?! We should've knocked her face in! What were you two thinking?! Nothing, clearly!"

Willow shoved her bags into my hands and turned on her heel. "You wait here, I'll go and-"

"It's fine Willow. Really." I sighed. "You don't have to do that for me. It's in the past."

Wow, even I can tell how hypocritical that was.

Willow looked between me and the door, then sighed defeatedly. "...Fine. But no promises I don't go crazy on her if I ever see her in public."

I chuckled. "Fine."

I hold out her bags to her, and once again I get looked at like I'm an idiot.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Is...Is that a trick question?"

Willow laughed and slapped me on the back. "You're hilarious, (Y/n)! Now, let's go."

Willow started walking away, and I looked at the bags in my hands and back at her.

...I knew it.

Winter looked at me expectantly, her fingers wringing the handles of her bag. "Sooooo..."

"Just give me the damn bags."

Willow left us later on, claiming she was bored and that she'd come to hang out with me tomorrow.

I walked with Winter back to her dorm when she turned around. "So I have a...meeting? With some other heroes today. I'm not sure what it's about but Douse is the one holding it. I'll let you know what happens tomorrow okay?"

My eye twitched. "Sure, not that I really care much about anything to do with her anyway."

Winter hugged me briefly, but I felt her flinch and she quickly pulled away.

"I-I'm leaving!" She huffed, then slammed the door in my face.

"...Right." I sighed and went back to my room to wait till nightfall, I still have to patrol as Sphyx now.

~Time Skip~

I threw on the black hoodie and black pants Willow had bought for me for some reason. She's always talking about how gross and bright my wardrobe is. I picked up a mask I had...'acquired' from a villain I stopped a while ago. The white mask was scarred from my fight with its original owner.

"Well...who would've thought I'd ever use a villain's mask to do some real good around here?"

I focused my power through my body and specifically targeted my eyes and my throat. Sure it turns my eyes black and makes my voice deeper, but it's better than being recognized.

I opened my window and felt my body turn formless as I turned into a black cloud of smoke and embers. Still not sure how this one works, but hey! It's a convenient, better travel method than using fire like a thruster. You'd think I'd learn after the first concussion, but that doesn't matter.

I let myself drift with the wind, flowing through the city looking for morons who still think they're safe enough to commit a crime.

I yawned. "Alright, only one, I'm exhausted."

I solidified over a rooftop and landed, rolling and stopping just before the ledge, overlooking an alleyway. Inside I could just make out a mugger with his latest victim.

"Come on! Just empty your fucking pockets and I won't have to subtract from the population tonight! Does it look like I enjoy math?" He motioned with the handgun he was holding. "I don't have all fucking night!"

"Please! I barely have anything!" The young man shook as he held out his wallet. He held his head down, not daring to look his attacker in the eyes.

"This'll be quick." I jumped down, and landed behind the mugger.

"W-Who the hell are yo-"

I grabbed the mugger with my arm around his throat and a hand around his mouth, smoke leaking from the gaps in my fingers.

"Run. And don't tell anyone about this." I said to the young man.

He nodded and took off out the alleyway. "Really man? You're barely in the alleyway, clear view of the street and everything. You're just asking to get caught." The man clawed at my hand and arms, his body struggling to breathe. "Shhh, just let it go. You signed your life away when you chose crime. Just submit, just...asphyxiate."

He went limp in my arms, his body no longer breathing. "Alright, time to go ho-" I suddenly went crashing into the building wall.

Something hit me. Hard. It felt like a sledgehammer to my head. "Fuck me! That's a hell of a swing!" I looked and saw...a Hero? Is this how villains felt when I showed up as Ignite? No no, I'm sure they were at least scared when I showed up.

It was a man in a rather flashy uniform. A standard black eye mask to hide his features, and a fist that looked like a hammer made of stone.

Oh shit...this is really happening!

I laughed, my altered voice letting out a cold, heavy laugh.

"Is that seriously your outfit! Haha! Dude! Narvel called and they want their Tarantula-Man villain back! Hahaha, I mean, seriously! Don't tell me you call yourself absorbing man too—"

"DEPTH CANNON!" A voice shouted, and the next thing I knew I took a blast of high-pressure water to the face. I managed to react just enough to turn my torso into smoke to avoid most of the damage.

"Ah fuck...you know if you hadn't shouted the name I probably would've taken more damage...Douse." I stared at my Ex as she walked into sight, along with a handful of other heroes I hadn't seen. However, my eyes stopped on a few very familiar heroes. Levia, for one. Then, the Twins were here as well. Great, just fantastic.

"Shut your mouth!" Her voice still sounded weak from crying, her eyes were steeled though, and she did sound angry. I wonder why. "I'll make you pay for what you did to Zephyr. Not to mention the people of the city! Levia, see if you can save that man."

Levia, or Winter, rushed forward to the man but I let a bolt of smoke hit the ground between her and the criminal. I chuckled. "Really? Save the criminal who just threatened the life of someone innocent? What's next? You gonna tell me some sob story about why he deserves a second chance? Or maybe how time in jail will change him for the better? I stopped him, something you all have been failing to do."

"Stopped?!" Levia shouted. "You killed him! You should've taken him to the police! He could've been helped!"

I...snapped. Winter was my friend but I can't let her...or any of them be this naive. I felt like a darker side of myself took control.

"Did you even hear a word I said?! He and every other idiot you've all 'stopped' are just trash. You all fucking pick and choose who's redeemable and who's not. Serial Killers, Mob Bosses, and kidnappers. Just turn them into the police! What a joke. How many of those killers were sentenced to death after you gave them in? How many of those kidnappers were beaten to death in prison? Or released to go do it again? How many of those Mob Bosses ever even saw the bars you tried to put them behind? Probably paid their way out and back to what they do."

I took a step back as I talked, subtly trying to make some distance between me and the six or seven heroes that have started to try and circle me.

"I'm just doing what you all do but better. Except for Levia obviously. I'm still stopping the criminals, the Twisted even. I'm just skipping the middleman. Sending them straight to where they would end up anyways in the hands of the city." I grinned under my mask and spread my arms. "What's so wrong with that?"

I turned and jumped, my body turning into smoke as I raced up the building. I heard shouting and turned solid again as I hit the rooftop and started running.

"Shit shit shit! I need to get out of here. I can't hurt Winter and I don't want to fight a whole group of heroes—" A rock. A ROCK, cut me off as a head-sized chunk of earth slammed into my spine, sending me to the floor. I barely turned as I saw the whole group again standing in front of me, one hero setting Levia down on the roof gently.

Douse stepped in front, her eyes blazing and her voice strong. "Where the hell...do you think you're going. We're gonna beat the shit out of you then turn you in. So what if you get sentenced to death. We just won't be the ones to do it."

I groaned. "I was so looking forward to crashing tonight too."

I stretched, then faced them.

"Let's just get this over with."

A/n: Hey guys, thanks for reading! Sorry for the long delay, Elden Ring is an evil beast that had me on it twelve hours a day for four weeks. Anyways, we'll try to get the next chapter out within the next few days. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

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