The Radiant Spirit Rages On(Kenichi/Lethe)

Kenichi turned a curious gaze towards Lethe as they walked through the city in search of a palatable meal. His attention was drawn towards the outburst of a familiar voice and appearance the young man could not mistake for any other. A simulacrum of the one woman he admired most in all of existence had seemingly appeared right before his eyes. He momentarily wondered if this was his mind playing tricks on but considering what Lethe said a few moments prior... this was no mere illusion of the mind. Part of him wanted to turn into an emotional mess while another chose to act composed and approach Lethe and this old 'friend' who had appeared before them. Kenichi's gaze was similar to the one Lethe had teased him for moments ago, perhaps even more spellbound than before. He would definitely make sure he treated her to anything she wanted and if meat was the option of choice, then so be it.

"Ulv... is that you?"

A silly question, no doubt. Yet, Kenichi was not entirely familiar with Danava, especially those who could retain a similar makeup to those who once roamed the realm of earth like the woman he admired so much.

No! Not again! What was it with these women and talking about stares that would make them pregnant? Is that how a Danava could have children!? Composure, Kenichi. A deep breath or two and focus. Kenichi smiled warmly as Ifrit ruffled his hair. It was a sort of smile that indicated how impressed he was that a fierce spirit like Ulv seemed to avoid death in her own sense of the word. Or maybe NIdhana was that impressed? He couldn't say.. She was no longer here but a semblance of her still remains. It gave him a sense of closure.

Lethe's words reignited his sense of purpose. She was right. There was no use in lamenting her passing. Moping was the last thing she'd want anyone to do in the wake of her death. Hvit had offered a point of view to the puzzle, and Lethe seemed to give it the final piece that could put his mind to rest. Kenichi would clap his hands together as he gazed at Ifrit and Lethe, his spirit lit ablaze once more. He had to treat them to a meal! Oh, and learn more about Lethe who continued to be a point of overwhelming interest to the brown-haired male.

"Hvit spoke about how she aimed to help so many yet in her own time of need... they offered so little. I once thought that gave me a sense of closure but I still let it get to me. I wished for things to be different. To have been there in her corner to remind her that she deserved so much better than what happened... and I regret that we hadn't been able to see one another, to fight one more time. Even so... I thank you, Lethe. I needed that. In any case, do you wish to enjoy meat like Ifrit too or do I have to expand my list?"

Somewhere deep down inside, in the most humorous sense, gazing at Ifrit would've likely caused Kenichi to give in to his Ulv-based biases but Lethe was here too and he knew that she had made an outburst without Lethe's approval. Or maybe it was her approval? Danava felt... confusing so far but he would manage!

"She is certainly an otherworldly woman, an existence that defies common law. When she appeared before me, her aura felt akin to the hand of an almighty deity, a commanding force demanding that you bend your knee out of respect before them. Yet, once you get to truly know her, there is this rather enthralling grace and wisdom about her."

Kenichi would stroke his chin in quiet contemplation. He was all about making good impressions but Lethe didn't seem to mind where they ate, either way. There was a rule with him. Making any friend pay for him on the first meeting was not allowed, male or female. He could accept her buying food in the future but for now? Any food they ate would be on him.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but trust me, it's fine. I am more than okay with treating you to a meal. I know a fine buffet where the food is well-prepared and the people their take good pride in making sure the cuisine they serve is always fresh. Meat, rice, and other really delicious stuff that can suit you and Ifrit's pallets!"

With that, he politely held her hand to guide her along in that direction until they arrived at their destination. In the meantime, a little conversation never hurt.

"Do you do anything for a job here, Lethe? This is my homeland, so if you ever need a recommendation, I'm always a call away. "

Huh, she seemed really intent on treating him to a meal. Kenichi felt honored by that, flattered even, to see someone willing to pay for his meal with such vigor. Turning towards her, an elated grin would form across his face, gazing at Lethe taking her stance. Prior lessons from the past had told him to act with poise, to avoid giving in to the raging wave of passion that defined his soul. His intent had not been to cross fists so soon. Even so, a little spar with a beautiful and demure woman to decide who would pay for the other was exciting - a true highlight of the day. Kenichi would assume the defensive position, settling into a stance of his own. His aim was in this light clash was to gauge her abilities, see how much he was reminded of his former muse, and gauge her potential as a Danava of Martial Arts. This was gonna happen, either way. The sooner, the better!

"A spar to settle who pays for the other? Alright! Let's do this. Show me what you got, Lethe!"

And so, the first salvo begins. The Danava of Martial arts accelerating towards him at impressive speed, executing a palm strike towards his chest. His left arm would rise swiftly to meet her palm strike head on, diverting it from its intended course. Stepping in to catch her off guard, Kenichi would take a measured step forward, his right palm racing towards her chest in return. If the counterstrike landed successfully, Lethe would find that the force behind it was simply a firm push to send her flying back.

Kenichi recalled a time where he had allowed his spirit to give into his thunderous passion and how that backfired on him considerably, even if he left that day with good advice. Part of him was excitedly curious to see if Lethe retained memories of Ulv remembering his techniques. Another simply knew that this was a light clash. One where no one ought to come out injured unable to enjoy their day.