Minor Misunderstanding (Akira/Solomon)

Solomon took a moment to parse his words, reflecting on his question in contemplative silence. His mind had never reflected on affection during his misguided crusade.

To him, it was the act of simply defending someone he considered a close friend. Reflecting on it to an introspective degree, he concluded that he would have gone to the same length for any of his female peers in the Vandenreich. As such, his reply was precise, his words genuine.

"I consider her a genuine friend so far. Someone who has supported me as much as I've supported her. Even then, I'm not even sure she thinks of me in that way. Our initial reactions certainly tell me that I'm far from her type. I get the idea that she despises the rich..."

"It's rather embarrassing to recount, but we met each other purely by happenstance."

Solomon sighed softly as a sheepish grin settled into his features. His first interaction with Violet was subpar. She robbed him blindly, he recognized that he had been robbed, and rather than approach her on the subject, he quite simply, with utmost foolishness, asked her out on a date to catch her spending his cash. Of course, the plan backfired.

That was the expected result, and Violet rightfully chewed him out for deceiving her. Even so, he certainly never imagined it would result in her becoming an important aspect of his life. He was her teacher and a man who gave her a home in the City of Lights. Before he answered, Solomon ordered another cup of coffee. Then, he explained.

"She attempted to rob me, and I foolishly tried to hatch some genius plan of tricking her by asking her out on a date. As expected, it backfired, she caught on to the ruse and admonished me as a man who was nothing more than a noble rich boy who couldn't relate to someone with her slew of issues. One thing led to another, we argued, and I convinced her to make a better life for herself in the City of Lights."

Truth be told, Solomon left out a lot during that story, but Akira was a stranger still, and this wasn't a story he prided himself on to any particular degree. It was more a cautionary tale than it was a recollection of events. Such was the maze of navigating an understanding of the opposite gender, he supposed.

"My short answer is that I think of Violet as a good friend. I have no one else in my life currently beyond my peers and friends. I've experienced several dates, but most of them were always held under the pretense of fostering relationships with neighboring Quincy Families, whose patriarchs are all too willing to use their daughters as trophy wives."

"In that degree, we share a mutual bond. I consider myself a gentleman since I was raised on the edicts of etiquette and maintaining a proud image, but when it comes to attempting to navigate women as a whole, I find myself defeated time and again."

Solomon would be the next to allow himself a moment of laughter as he shook his head. From his perspective, this was all the result of a minor misunderstanding. He wasn't excusing his actions necessarily, but even he had to admit that there were simply times when someone's hand was compromised, times when action overruled dialogue. In this, they shared no disagreement whatsoever. When the subject turned toward their battle, Solomon smiled in response. Flattery was certainly one method of earning his approval, too.

"I don't necessarily wear my nobility on my sleeves, if at all possible. Even so, I'm honored you think so highly of my technique. I've faced quite a few Kido users over the past year or so. Among my list, I'd say you rank pretty high, Akira. Without strategy, I would have lost that engagement in short order."

"Is that so?"

Solomon certainly didn't mind the notion of elaborating on those he had faced in battle before meeting Akira. He shared many battles with all of them, viewing each Kido user in an honorable light. Solomon sipped from his cup before revealing his answers, speaking with a touch of admiration in his voice.

"The first is one of the strongest in the living realm I know---Hannah Chiza. When we clashed, she overwhelmed me beyond every degree and outclassed me in leagues. The sheer prowess and creativity she exhibited in that battle alone still haunts me to this day. After all, I nearly died four times at the end of each spell."

Exchanging such morbid information with a hearty chuckle, he continued, moving to the next person, someone he hadn't seen in quite some time. He supposed that was to be expected, though. She was an active member of the Gotei, he was an active member of the Vandenreich. But, then, that was precisely why he viewed her in such a respectable light. She was duty-bound, much like him, a warrior with vast determination burning in her heart.

"The second is Mizu Morikawa. We fought several times during Seaside Fight Night, even sharing a battlefield against a mighty arrancar. Though she may not compare to Hannah currently, her work ethic and determination nevertheless make her a fine opponent. Neither one of us enjoys the idea of letting the other overtake them on the road of progression. In truth, I consider her something close to a rival."

"There is little I can offer you there, Akira. Those spells transcended the realm of normality. Before I could observe and analyze anything against Hannah, I was once again placed back at death's door. To be able to so seamlessly destroy and restore my body was an otherworldly feat in and of itself. In short, it rendered much of memory of the battle invalid."

Solomon promptly answered the man's curiosity regarding the nature of the battle. To be sure, even he wanted to understand the nature of her technique. Transcendence was incomprehensible, no mere mortal could understand her esoteric array, much less a simple footsoldier like himself. On the other hand, Mizu was far more comprehensible, even though she continued to exceed his expectations.

"In comparison, the second kido user is far easier to comprehend. For example..."

Thus, he explained the nature of her abilities, and how well she could employ the current demon arts, executing them without little flaw. She was no finished product, of course, but there was no doubt in his mind. Her potential was limitless.

"That's all that I can offer at the current moment between the two of them. I don't know if she's open to someone approaching her for knowledge, but perhaps Hannah might well be able to assist you. She does tend to visit the City of Lights now and then, after all. So as long as you approach her respectfully, I'm sure she'll gladly offer worthwhile information to a fellow practitioner.'