Butterfly Soup

A few days later Milante was walking down the street about her business when her cellphone suddenly rang. - Yes? - Good afternoon, Aragon-san. This is the case, I need to see you on one important issue, - said the voice from there. - How is your workload today? - Oh, it's you, Giran. Today I’m more or less free, - girl glanced at her sports watch. - I can meet you. What's the question? - This is not a telephone conversation, so be patient until we meet, - Giran chuckled. - I'm sure you'll be interested in some information. This is what we talked about a couple of days ago. - And you are efficient, as always, - Milante grinned contentedly. - Okay, it's covered. Send me the coordinates and time, I'll come. - Great. Already sent it. I'll be looking forward to it and always glad to see you. Do you know why? No, not because you are my client, I am simply fascinated by you as a woman. Maybe we can go on a date? - Already enough, I'm tired of your tackles, - Milante snorted. - Do your job and don’t think about unnecessary things. Otherwise I will start underpaying you. (눈‸눈) - What a pity! - Giran sighed in disappointment. - At least for the sake of decency you could agree, I’m trying so hard for you... Ok, see you then, Miss Iceberg. I hope one day there will be someone who will melt your heart, otherwise you will completely freeze there in the ice of your proud loneliness. - Such a person hasn't yet been born apparently, aha-ha-ha! - Milante laughed. - Go to hell, 'kay? With these words she hung up. A message immediately came to her smartphone. - In one hour? - Milante arched an eyebrow as read it. - OK. Well, at least it’s nearby. Having put the phone in pocket, girl leisurely moved towards the place where Giran had made an appointment for her.

***

- Usually I don’t leak information 'bout my clients, but since you are also my client, a special one, I ask you to familiarize yourself with this. Everything you asked for is here. Giran handed his tablet to Milante, who was sitting opposite him at the table and took a drag from his cigarette. They met in some closed, underground bar. - Hm-m, - girl leaned on the table, scrolling through the screen with one finger. - Shigaraki Tomura, the most dangerous and wanted villain, leader of the League of Villains, quirk - Decay, 20 years old, birthday April 4, height 175 cm, hobby - video games, status - single... Hey, why do I need the latest information? - she looked at the man from under her brows. - What is this, a questionnaire for a marriage agency? - I suddenly thought that you would like to know a little more about this young man, - Giran chuckled, sipping his whiskey. - After all, you are a lonely and independent woman. Just like my young client. Milante gave him a picturesque gaze and went back to reading. "- 4/4 his birth date, as a reminder of Death.* The kanji in his (apparently fake) first and last name also mean "Sorrow" and "Death". Yeah, this guy is simply a storehouse of mourning and decay, he is literally saturated with my native energy through and through. I felt this last time. This is truly a very valuable shot. I already like him, even though his crazy childish antics are annoying. Ha-ha, that’s how the character was given to me. I'm even impressed". *(4 - is considered a "cursed" number in Japan because it can be pronounced like "shi" (death). Thus, Tomura's 4/4 birthday is in many ways a reminder of death) Milante's eyes flickered an ominous violet color, in which a flame of excitement flashed. And then it went out. - May I ask: for what purposes do you need this information? - Giran asked as if by chance. - Personal purposes, - girl responded indifferently. - Now I know that according to the Horoscope he is an Aries and we are absolutely not compatible, thank you. Your attempt to marry me to just anyone failed again. - Ha-ha-ha! - Giran laughed. - I am so impressed by your spontaneity, Aragon-san. Still, you are a very interesting woman. And I do, in some ways, worry 'bout your future. Stopping laughing, he looked at her intently. - And yet, are you so interested in this person? - Giran narrowed his eyes. - Hey, Giran, - Milante suddenly raised her eyes and looked at him with a strange gaze. - Stop pretending to be a hose, I know you work for the League of Villains. That's actually why I hired you to get me this information. - Okay, okay. You figured me out, - man grinned. - After all, I don't think you have anything against them. Or am I wrong? Shigaraki Tomura is this the one you need? - Yeah. This asshole interested me, - Milante narrowed her eyes. - I have my own reasons. And sure that you also came here today not only to provide me with information 'bout him. Right? - It's stupid to deny. You already know everything, - Giran feigned a sigh, shrugging his shoulders. - In fact, Shigaraki Tomura is also interested in you and urgently "asked" to organize a meeting with you. - Wow, - a strange smile appeared on the girl’s lips. - Don't tell me you took him with you? - No, that would be too reckless. My client is waiting for you in another place, where I, in fact, will take you today, - man rose from the table, hiding the tablet in porte-monnaie. - If you don't mind, of course. He said it would be an important conversation. Milante thought for a couple of seconds, twirling the glass of non alcoholic strawberry mojito in her hands. - Lead on, - she drained the glass in one fell swoop and also got up from the table. - Since everything is going so well, it would be stupid not to take advantage of this opportunity. Fate itself brought us together with him, which means that very interesting events are coming ahead. At least, I hope so, - a frightening, cold smile imperceptibly flashed on her lips. - You are smart and insightful, this is an indisputable fact. Indeed, soon the League of Villains, one way or another, will become more popular and expand its influence in society, - Giran chuckled contentedly, gallantly opening the door for girl and letting her go forward. - Well, then please follow me. I will deliver you with the breeze. Leaving the bar through the back entrance, they got into a car with Giran’s personal driver and drove off in an unknown direction.

***

Meanwhile at the League's hideout. - Where the hell are he? - Shigaraki impatiently tapped his fingers on the countertop of the bar. - Giran assured me that he would bring her here today. - Another 5 minutes before the appointed time, - noted Kurogiri. - Don’t worry so much, Shigaraki. - ...Who said I'm worry? - Tomura looked at him gloomily from under his brows. - I’m wondering if he’ll even be able to get this girl here. How will he persuade her? Offer booze or plasma TV? - Who knows. Our respected broker has his own methods of persuasion, - Kurogiri shook his head. Shigaraki remained silent, raising his head and looking at the wall clock. - Good evening. The door suddenly opened and Giran appeared on the threshold. - Finally, - Tomura turned to face him. - ...Wait, did you come alone? - his face darkened when he didn't see the girl next to the broker. - No, Aragon-san still kindly agreed to accept your proposal, Shigaraki-san, - Giran chuckled and stepped slightly to the side, allowing Milante to pass. - I mean a deal, of course. "- But who knows, maybe these two really can get close and understand each other well?" Entering the room, girl glanced at the decor, noticing details, and stopped at Shigaraki sitting in front of her on a bar stool. Milante peered closely at his red eye, glowing from under the "Father". - ... "- Yes, he’s definitely an interesting character. Come on, Shigaraki Tomura, show me the real you. There’s no need to hide behind masks. I see right through you. All this rot, hung on you with tinsel from someone’s evil beliefs, is not a hindrance for me. I see your Soul". - And here we meet again, - Tomura stared at the girl with burning eyes, spreading his arms to the sides. - Hey whats up? You even agreed to come here after everything, wow! I am surprised! - I'm good, thanks. How are you? - Milante calmly put her hands in the pockets of her sweatshirt, looking at him. - Me? Want to know the truth? I constantly thought 'bout how I wanted to break your neck, - Tomura began to itch. - Ah...that her eyes again...she infuriates me... - Shigaraki Tomura, there’s no need to be so nervous, - Kurogiri whispered in his ear. - Remember what All For One said? You need to be more restrained around this girl. - ... Shigaraki froze for a second and stopped itching. - Yeah, you’re right, Kurogiri, - he said suspiciously calmly, looking at Milante. - I have to listen to sensei. But...damn, how she infuriates me. Tomura dug his fingers into the countertop. - Hey, - Milante’s indifferent voice reached him. - Are you finished? I can go? - No, - Shigaraki suddenly got off his chair and moved towards her. - Stay where you are and don’t move. The girl arched an eyebrow watching him. Approaching her, Tomura stared at Milante from top to bottom, by his eyes glaring. A tense silence. - ... It seemed like there was some kind of unspoken, non-contact battle going on between these two right now. - Hm... - Shigaraki finally squinted, looking Milante up and down. - And you are shorty. What is your height? - Um, 154 cm, - Milante looked down at him with a poker face. - So what? - You’re a natural dwarf, - Tomura suddenly broke into a grin, squeezing her head with his hand. - You look like a teenager. - If I were paid every time for this phrase, I would have bought a coke factory long ago, - Milante made a scary face. - Take your paw away, otherwise I’ll break it. - Short and angry like that Chihuahua puppy, - Shigaraki was amused by her reaction, he bared teeth and unclenched his hand. - Well, come in or something, settle down. Just don’t make yourself at home, otherwise I’ll be offended. With these words, he hung the hand on the girl’s shoulder and dragged her to the sofa, which had been set up for temporary use. - Do you drink? - having seated Milante on the sofa, the guy sat down next to her, leaning against the back of the sofa and imposingly spreading his legs. - No. - No way. Are you really a teenager? - Shigaraki glanced at her suspiciously. - Alcohol usually makes me sick, - Milante looked at him apathetically. - You're much nicer today than last time, wow. I'm impressed (not). - Nicer? - Tomura narrowed his eyes. - Do you really think that I will be nice to you after everything? You're a real dumbass, that's obvious. - I jumped to conclusions, - Milante leaned back on the sofa, crossing her legs. - Well, so? Are you going to talk about the matter? Or did you call me for I could listen to obscene and completely undeserved abuse addressed to me from your lips? - Well-deserved, actually, - Shigaraki gloomed. - You behaved disgustingly the last time, be honest with yourself. I said that I don’t like your behavior and you ignored me. It was rude. Milante sighed heavily and closed her eyes, deciding not to remember all the bad things Tomura had already done to her. - In short, - Shigaraki put his feet up on a small table in front of the sofa. - Since you’re here, you’ve probably changed your mind about being so principled and will become part of the League, am I right? You made the right decision, it's commendable. I swear you'll like it. And as a leader, I declare publicly that... - You made the wrong conclusion, - girl interrupted him. - A? - Tomura looked at her in surprise. - I don't want to be part of the League. - ...In terms of? - he frowned. - You accepted my offer to meet, which means that’s what you came here for. - Not for that, - Milante opened her eyes and looked at him carefully. - For another reason. - What another reason? - Shigaraki began to itch again. - Huh-h....? What don't you like? Do you think we are some kind of weaklings? Do you think this damn Stain is cooler than us? - I don’t care which of you is cooler, honestly, - Milante shook her head. - The thing is I came here because of you. - Huh? - Tomura stopped scratching and stared at her. - Because of...me? - Exactly. Wanna know why? - Milante narrowed her eyes. - Yes, - he folded his arms over chest. - Don't tell me, are you going to take revenge for your humiliation in the cafe? "- My humiliation? This guy really is an jerk, I'm even starting to get irritated gr-r-r-r!" (`皿´＃) - Nope, idiot. Something interested me in you, - girl suddenly flicked him on the forehead. - Or rather, your quirk. "- And to be completely frank, then you yourself". - ... Shigaraki opened his eyes in amazement and put his hand to forehead. - You... Wait, what did you just do? - his face twisted with anger. - What was that, I’m asking you, huh?.. You gave me a snap right now, like to some guilty schoolboy?! He extended his hand to the girl, already intending to grab her by the throat. But Milante suddenly disappeared in white smoke and appeared at the bar. - ...? Shigaraki blinked and hovered with his hand outstretched. - Your childish antics are quite predictable, - Milante said calmly, sitting on a bar chair. - When you stop get mad, welcome and let’s continue the conversation. In the meantime, make me a soft drink, Mr. Butler, - she turned to Kurogiri, giving him a slight smile. - Oh...yes, of course, - Kurogiri began to fuss around behind the bar. - Sweeter or sour? - Not too sweet. Sugar ruins the teeth. Giran chuckled meaningfully at this time, lighting a cigarette and blowing smoke rings into the ceiling. Shigaraki finally came to himself, comprehending the situation, and turned his head towards the girl. - Hey. Don’t you dare leave while I’m talking to you, - he slowly rose to his feet and gloomily approached the bar. - An ill-mannered little asshole... Decided to have a free drink? Huh, bite it, this is only for League's members, - Tomura ominously loomed over Milante with a scary face. - D'you want jam on it? - Nope, - Milante looked at him from under her brows with an equally scary face. - Sit down already, you're an eyesore. - ... Shigaraki glared at her with an indignant gaze for a couple of seconds, then suddenly plopped down behind the bar counter. - Kurogiri, shot, - he tapped his finger on the glass. - Talk to her, I’ll take a break for now. This insufferable girl has worn me out, phew. It makes my head swell. - Allright, - Kurogiri poured him a drink and handed Milante glass with the order. - Um, Aragon-san, right? - It's me. - I apologize for such an eccentric acquaintance. In fact, Shigaraki Tomura called you so that you would listen to his deal proposal, - Kurogiri said, looking carefully at the girl. - We have heard about your mysterious power and would really be glad if you joined the League of Villains. Please think carefully before refusing. You are not on the side of the heroes, which means you will not lose anything from this. - It’s not that I’m not on the side of the heroes, - Milante hesitated a little, lazily sipping her cocktail. - I’m also not on the side of the villains. It’s not like I have anything against you, but I don’t particularly want to support your endeavors. I’m not looking for profit, so it’s useless to lure me with all sorts of slag like a single ideology, hatred of heroes, or conquering the world and changing the current system of society. - That is, you agree with the current system existing in society? - Don't agree. - Then why do you dislike our vision of world and justice? - Who said this disgusts me? - a strange smile flashed on Milante’s lips. - I didn’t say that I was against changing the existing system. - But you are not “for” changes, it turns out? - Kurogiri shook his head in disbelief. - I'm a little confused. What are your motives and ideology, please tell us. - Hm-m-m. Good question. There was silence. While Milante was thinking, Shigaraki was quietly, secretly staring at her with a hostile gaze, also while carefully listening to her every word. "- ...Sensei, you gave me the most difficult quest of all possible. I don’t understand this girl, literally at all. How does she live? Does she even have any purpose in life or is she just the left NPC in this disgusting world? He speaks in riddles, without a single clear answer! This is really infuriating... I want to find out at least something useful about her". He squeezed the glass in his hand. - My motives are so simple - I live for myself and to myself. The thing is I’m selfish, - Milante finally said with a chuckle. - But I'm not a pest. In general, I don’t care much about what’s happening in the world; I’m self-absorbed and live separately from it. As if in it, but at the same time separately, yes. Sounds weird, I understand. To make it clearer for some... - she glanced sideways at Tomura, who had already burned a hole in her with his eyes. - I am outside the system. I hacked it and trying to customize it for myself by writing new codes, that’s all. Knowing a programming language, you can do some really shocking things, heh. - Hm? - Shigaraki suddenly perked up. - Hacked? It's impossible. There are too many factors and circumstances around prevent you from doing this. Not every game can be hacked. - They certainly are, - Milante nodded. - And I’m not omnipotent in the full sense of the word, because there really are many restrictions in this world. But I successfully crack them. At the moment, I can do quite a lot, but the question is different - do I want to do something global. Why don’t want to, you ask? I consider this a pointless exercise and a waste of time. Human nature is unchanged, and even having established new orders, everything will be repeated in the new system. It's a vicious circle. There is only one way out - to destroy humanity and create new creatures, putting in them originally pure parameters and populating the Earth with them. But again, there is no point. Because initially people were created just as pure, but a certain Virus penetrated into them. Not in all of them, of course, but in the overwhelming majority for sure. This Virus is exactly the same code, but invented in order to destroy the pure creations of the Creators and infect them with the so-called Sin. The Sin-Virus was created specifically to counterbalance the Virtue. Since the very beginning of humanity, this Virus has been penetrating people and infecting them with Evil, enslaving their Will and devouring their Souls. People do not always voluntarily succumb to Sin; often this happens forcedly, due to external circumstances. Therefore, everything that happens in this world is not accidental. People themselves indulge Sin and multiply it. They start wars, kill each other, enslave those who are weaker; create manipulative schemes to seize power and monopolize it; launder money in dirty ways; they fight for resources and divide territory, going over heads; they play with the lives of others like toys, forgetting that people have feelings. They mindlessly waste their lives, wasting it on bad things, instead of creating something new and beautiful, thus changing the world around them. The world will not change from the outside, it can only be changed if every person looks inside himself and eradicates anger and hatred. But people don't need this. They are bored of living in a world where Order and Balance reign. They choose to turn a blind eyes to reality and revel in their own pride, ruining the lives of others and their own. Traumatized adults give birth to equally traumatized children; those who have experienced great pain themselves often take it out on the innocent people; kindness is considered weakness; true heroes die out completely, and in their place there appear corrupt false heroes, consumed by a thirst for fame and profit. Villains are no better, they fight with windmills, justifying their vile actions by saying  they were treated unfairly and offended by the current system, heroes and society itself. And so on in a circle, ad infinitum. But, to tell the truth, there really is a lot of pain and injustice in this world. I know firsthand. So I prefer to step away from all this and just watch from the sidelines. People themselves are...truly amazing creatures. They still give me mixed feelings. No, I don’t hate them, but to say that I love them would also be a lie. They live in a system imposed from the outside and have no idea what needs to be done in order to get out of it and free themselves. But all you need to do - is look inside yourself and understand that you were originally free. But the framework and attitudes of society have become too deeply ingrained in human minds, making them slaves of the system. That’s why it’s useless to strain too much and change something in this world. Although I change it when something doesn’t suit me. Even change it a lot. "- I allow people, who want this, to die and be born again. Not literally, of course, but morally and spiritually. Matter will never prevail over the Soul. Never. We are all the same, we have a single source of our Origin. That's why... I hate these senseless and stupid wars of humanity. What are they fighting for? Why are they even doing this? War for peace is truly surreal". - ... After Milante's monologue was a ringing silence. Shigaraki and Kurogiri looked at each other. - ...Hey, hey! I think you’ve wandered into the wrong steppe, - Tomura extended his hand to the girl with mixed feelings on his face. - You're really crazy. What sin are you talking about? What the hell are the creators? You are carried away by, woman stop. It was about something else. From all this fiery speech I only understood that you have your own reasons not liking heroes, this is already good. - If you are not able to understand my wise speeches, it means that you have a very meager mind, - Milanthe narrowed her eyes. - Then you will understand over time. Probably, - she added with a poker face to the side. - Briefly speaking. I won’t listen to this stupid nonsense, - Shigaraki gloomily pointed his finger at her. - You said you are interested in me and my quirk. Let's stop here. He moved closer to the girl. - I know the reason for such interest on your part, - he said indifferently, looking into her face. - Your power also destroys everything around you, right? Our abilities are similar, so you decided that you and me are similar? But you were wrong. In fact, I think I can't bear anything that lives and breathes. I hate it and want to destroy it. It’s obvious that you don't think the same way. This means you and I have nothing in common except this power. - Are you sure? - Milanthe raised her eyes, looking at him without a smile on her face. - What if we are even more similar than you think, Tomura? What if I'm the only one, who can give you what you so desperately desire? - ... Shigaraki calmly looked into her eyes for a while. Surprisingly, the irritation subsided again and the scabies suddenly stopped. - I don’t know you, - he turned away and took the glass with the shot in hand, looking at the shimmering liquid in it. - And don’t think that you are basically able to understand me... - You hate and want to destroy all living things. This means you hate most of all and want to destroy yourself first, - Milante said quietly, closing her eyes. - It’s not your quirk that’s to blame for this, but the unbearable pain and anger that you experienced and suppressed within yourself for a long time. As well as deep feelings of guilt and regret. I can understand you. And, as I said, what happened is not your fault... - Shut up. Girl turned her head in his direction. Tomura's face was not visible because of "Father", but it clearly darkened from mixed and unpleasant emotions and feelings. Guy quietly squeezed the fabric of his pants with fingers, barely containing his nervousness. - ... Having finished her cocktail, Milante silently stood up from behind the bar and, taking a penknife from pocket, suddenly bared the blade and with one easy movement drew something on the tabletop with it. Kurogiri closely watched her actions. - This is my number. You can give me the buzz whenever you want, - Milante moved towards the door. - Wait. Girl stopped. Shigaraki raised his head and looked at the carved numbers on the tabletop. - Kurogiri, cell, - he put out his hand, waiting for the command to be carried out. Kurogiri silently handed him the smartphone, carefully placing it in his palm. Sticking out his little finger, Tomura copied Milante’s number and pressed the call button. - What's higher than the top? That's me, Come take a look before falling at my feet. You've lost, there's no turning back, So take a look because I am a Queen, - came the sound of a ringtone from the girl’s pocket. - All I'll ever know is life up on a throne, We only need one thing, I know what You want More Know I got it, so here you go, You look like you could use some more, Know I got it and never runnin' low, Yeah, I got more than enough, add it up and away, You know I got it like bomb-bomb, blow your mind, Never givin' less and that's how it'll stay, You know I got it like all day, all the time...*

*(K/DA - More)

- ... Having dropped the call, Milante, without looking back, went out into the corridor. "- Was this a new song by the LoL*? Unexpectedly. Hm..." *(League of legends) - So what do you think? - Giran said, closing the door behind Milante. - Aragon-san is such a big person, right? I think you will still find a common language with her, Shigaraki-san. - Why such confidence? - Tomura indifferently threw the phone on the bar counter and also walked towards the door. - This woman is not so easy to interest in anything, but it seems that you really arouse a strong interest in her, - Giran narrowed his eyes, following him with gaze. - I don't care. Let her do what she wants. Shigaraki disappeared behind the door. - He’s blatantly confused, - Giran glanced at Kurogiri. - Shigaraki-san is not used to restraining himself in showing emotions, he is still too young, but this trick will not work here. Aragon-san's aura and fortitude were already overwhelming him, he realized that. She, of course, can be compared with the Symbol of Peace itself, but this will not be an entirely accurate description. This woman's convictions are as strong as the Universe itself and my young client will have to curb his pride if he really wants to enlist Aragon-san's help. - Yes, but... This is the first person in the world who was able to touch Shigaraki Tomura and survive, - Kurogiri said in confusion. - He acted much weird today than usual. This girl...is really scary with her fearlessness and unpredictability. And her speech... I have never heard such deep reasoning from anyone before. It was like a conversation with God himself, if he existed in our world! Giran only smiled mysteriously in response. - This woman is truly fearless, that’s a fact. And me myself ready to listen her reasoning all days long and will never get tired of it. Well, now I'm waiting my money for the service, Kurogiri-san. Looks like I pulled off a big deal!

***

Entering his room, Tomura fell face down on the bed. - ... After lying in this position for about 5 minutes without moving, the guy turned over on his back. - What's wrong with her? Nothing has any effect on this girl... She lives in her own world and seems to absolutely not care about anyone around. He chats about some weird things and that’s all. I don't understand her motives... After looking at the ceiling with a frozen gaze for some time, Shigaraki removed “Father” and put his own hand to face. - But her power... So, I’m not the only one, - moving his palm away, he looked at her indifferently. - This is interesting and at the same time weird. I don't understand what this feeling is... It’s as if I completed a level, collected all the achievements, but the next level was still not unlocked. Fail again? Enough... Shigaraki was lost in thought as he reflected on today's events. - No really, she’s like a dwarf, he-he! - he suddenly chuckled. - And this power...it truly reminds me of Allmight. If put them in a one-on-one battle, who will win? I wanna know. Now I need to somehow force Milante to stay here. Sensei gave me a chance to fix that mess in U.A, this time I will reach the end and defeat the final boss. I will get her power by any means necessary!