Crowded as always, Orient Town's plaza was alive with the sound of those buying, selling, chatting away or simply enjoying a nice meal. With a plethora of things to see and do, do and see, one could never be bored visiting this part of Kagutsuchi. Here, within its overflowing walkways and bustling shops, strolling her way along, Rarity was in search of something not sold in any store. As she made her way through the hordes of shoppers, a nagging feeling plagued her mind.
Was it really such a good idea for to just walk out like that? After all, Mr. Shishigami did offer to help find them. While Ms. Litchi was kind enough to offer me a place to stay in the meantime, as well as this absolutely stunning outfit. Rarity paused, gazing down to admiring her garb, giggling to herself as took in its beauty for the countless time. Her eyes ran up and down her new curvy figure, reminding her of her new outward appearance and to what her original goal was. Still this is my problem and it is my friends who are lost. While I'm appreciative of the kindness they've shown me, I do not wish to burden them any more then I already have. She turned and looked back. Then again, I've probably made Ms. Litchi worry about me by suddenly running off like that. Perhaps I should go back and wait.
There, in the middle of the plaza with people passing her by, she took a moment to think about where she should go.
While she was pondering away, a glimmer of light caught her eye. Curious as to what made such s dazzling shimmer, Rarity turned her head to a shop window and approached. Her blue eyes slowly widened, light glistening off them while she placed her palm against the glass and gazed longingly into it. "Why this… This is…" Behind the crystal clear lining, what had captivated her so, was a dress. "Absolutely marvelous!" she whispered to herself, pressing her face against the glass. "Just look at that gorgeous design and those expertly woven seams, it's simply magnifique." The sudden realization that she probably appeared like a filly stuck her and she pulling her face away, coughing slightly to overcome her embarrassment. Still captivated by the clothing's beauty, she started to look into the shop again when she spotted something in the glass's reflection. On the opposite side of the pathway, another set of apparel instantly caught her attention. Using absurd agility and grace, Rarity made her way past the crowds and admire the new ensemble as she had the first. "And these… Simply stunning! Why I've never seen such incredible fashions before. I'm simply blown away! Oh what other incredible discoveries are around this wonder place." She turned round, noticing even more articles of clothes in the other establishments nearby. "Oh and look at that one over there!"
Rarity continued onward, window shopping to her heart's content, thrown into a tizzy by each new outfit she spotted, forgetting what brought her there to begin with.
In the same plaza, headed towards, a tall tan skinned elder man dressed in formal attire was making his way around. Turning his head left and right, observing each store's wares, his expression become further and further disappointed with each one he passed. He then stopped and sighed.
"Oh dear. I suppose my expectations were a tad too high for the markets in Kagutsutchi. To thinking I'd be able to find milady's favorite tea is starting to seem like a pipe dream. While they may boast a vast array of elegant and exotic flavors, none seem to possess the particular tea I wish to procure. Alas with our stock practically depleted and no news of Ms. Torakaka's arrival anytime soon, is it my duty to make do with the resources available. Though I may be speaking too soon. There are still a few shops left. Perhaps I may get lucky and find what I desire after all."
He continued onward, diligently searching. Unaware of the overzealous girl who had been zipping between shops that was headed his way.
"Ooof!"
"Oof!"
Both Rarity and the gentlemen grunted as they collided into one another. They each looked over to see what they had bumped into.
"Are you alright sir? I'm dreadfully sorry for bumping into you like that," Rarity said, approaching the gentlemen.
Standing upright and composed, the gentlemen looked over to the young lady who was staring at him with a worried look in her eyes. "Yes madam, I'm quite alright. Though I'm afraid I'm the one who must humbly apologize."
"Why no, I was clearly at fault. I should not have been running around like that."
"I'm afraid I too was rather careless. For you see had kept my eyes forward, I would have noticed and stepped aside. The fault is mine to bear."
Seeing that the he was not about to sway in terms of fault, Rarity thought of something. "What say we both just equally shared fault and leave it at that, shall we?"
The gentlemen smiled back at her and nodded "What an excellent proposal. I must say I find it very refreshing to meet a young lady around these parts with pleasant manners such as you. By chance, may I know your name?"
"Certainly, my name is Rarity."
"Rarity," he repeated to himself. "Meeting youth as polite as you in this day and age certainly is a rarity indeed. He then bowed to her. "My name is Valkenhayn R. Hellsing. Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Likewise Mr. Hellsing."
"Please miss call me Valkenhayn."
"Alright. It is nice to meet you, Valkenha—" Before she could finish, the battle cries of two individuals down the path caught both their attention.
"Jin!"
Rarity stepped back slightly, startled by the screams. "My word, what was that?"
Valkenhayn looked towards the source with scowl on his face. "Indeed, good manners in the youths of today certainly is a rarity." He started making his way over, with a curious Rarity right behind him.
They watched as the two individuals were fighting in a cleared out portion of the plaza, both brandishing weapons which yielded odd energies. Although she wasn't normally one for violence, Rarity couldn't take her eyes away. Through the waves of ice and darkness being flung between the fighter dressed in blue and his opponent in red, she looked on as their battle intensified with each passing second. Finally the one in red dropped to his knees in fatigue. Too weak to continue, he couldn't react to stop a massive blade of ice the other conjured and sent flying his way. It struck, knocking to the ground, leaving him too weak to get back up.
"This is dreadful," Rarity said, placing her hands over her mouth. "Someone should put a stop this."
At her side, seeing how distraught Rarity was become, Valkenhayn stepped forward. "As much as I loathe putting myself in such situations." His eyes honed in on Ragna who was lying on the ground.
"Especially for a ruffian such as him. You are right miss. Besides, I do not believe the princess will be all to pleased to hear the news of his demise." He continued onward until he felt a tug at his arm.
"Wait no!" Rarity said, holding onto him. "No offense, but one as aged as you should not be putting themselves in harm's way like that."
"Please Madam Rarity, while your concern is appreciated, it is unnecessary. An old dog such as I can still handle some cocky pups."
Before Valkenhayn could convince her to release him, another outburst from the battle scene cut in. This one not belonging to either one from earlier.
"Stop!"
A girl, running in front of the fallen Ragna, stretched her arms out to block Jin who was charging at him.
Rarity looked on at the brave young girl and how she stood alone to protected what seemed to be her friend based upon their matching jackets. As she looked on, she got a look at the girl's face and noticed the horn on her forehead. That's when it hit her. "Twilight!"
"You know that girl?" Valkenhayn asked, looking back a Rarity who had already began making her way past the other onlookers.
"She's my friend. I've got to go and help her!" Rarity called back. Working hard to get through, she noticed Valkenhayn had caught up and was now helping her clear the way.
"Then allow me to assist you."
Together the two made short work cutting through the crowd just in time to catch the fight's finale. A blinding flash of light hit them, forcing them to cover their eyes.
"Uuuwaaaaah!" a yell followed.
As the last glimmer of light faded, Rarity stepped into the middle area. "Twilight, Twilight! Where did you go?"
Circling around the open area, she found signs of an intense battle, but nothing of her friend. She went over to a slightly charred area, the last place she saw Twilight before she vanished. She kneeled down, getting a feel of the damaged floor when Valkenhayn approached.
"Do not despair miss. Your friend is alright. That last bit of light was from a teleportation spell. Of that I'm sure."
Rarity remained crouched, still rubbing her hand against the ground. "I know. It's just that I was this close to finding her only to miss my chance to find her. Now she could be anywhere again, along with the others."
Valkenhayn place a hand on her shoulder. "My dear, I'm sure your friends are fine. Speaking for the one I just saw now, although I'm not rather fond of the company she is with, I do believe she will be safe for the time being. That aside, from what you've told me, it appears you may be in a bind of sorts. Perhaps I could be of assistance?"
Rarity turned and faced him with a serious look. "Please Mr. Hellsi— I mean Valkenhayn. I do not wish to trouble you."
"Tis no trouble at all miss. As a faithful butler to the Alucard family, it is my duty to serve," Valkenhayn then bowed. "So please, allow me to be of service."
"Well I…" Although Rarity really wished to refuse his offer, after hearing his sincere words, coupled with his bowing stance, she found it rather difficult to. "Alright," she sighed "I shall accept your gracious offer. What I need assistance with is—" At that moment, a staggering figure approached the two of them.
"Ragna? Ragna? Dear brother, wherever have you gone?"
Stepping back into the open area, a worse for were Jin, searched for his target. "Brother, have you gone and left me for that girl with a horn?! I won't forgive her!" he said, with his once collected voice becoming more high pitched and unsettling. He eyed those in the crowd, stopping at one girl in particular. "Aha! There you are." His eyes fixated on her horn, Jin slowly made his way towards Rarity. "I'm not going to let you take my brother away from me again!"
His pace hastened, quickly closing in on Rarity who stood in shock who felt a cold chill as Jin sprinted towards her and drew out his blade.
"Hold it!" Valkenhayn's voice called out, accompanied by a clash. "I will not allow you to lay a finger upon this poor child." To Rarity's astonishment, Valkenhayn had managed to kick away Jin's attack; a feat that left her in awe.
Jumping back, Jin held his blade at the ready and glared at his interrupter. "Stay out of my way old man." He pointed over to Rarity. "This is between me and that horned bitch who's trying to take my brother away."
Standing stoically before him, Valkenhayn stood tall in front of Rarity while he fastened the pair of white gloves he wore. "I'm afraid you are mistaken pup. This child is not the one you were facing a moment ago. She is not your target. Now refrain from attacking her, verbally or otherwise, lest I need to make you by force."
With his sword still at his side, Jin crookedly smiled. "Have it your way…" He darted forward, with blade pointed straight for Valkenhayn's chest. "I'll cut through you to get to her."
Valkenhayn sighed. "Very well then. If you must, then allow me to allocate us somewhere where you won't cause as much harm." He turned slightly and stuck a hand out to Rarity. "Ms. Rarity, It you would please allow me your hand? There a few things need ask of you which I believe my master would also be interested in."
She briefly stared at the kind butler, still maintaining his cool even when behind him someone was inches away from skewering him. Entrusting him, she reached out and placed her hand onto his.
"Now then…" He looked back and spotted Jin. "Let us depart. Eeyaaaah!" Valkenhayn kicked back, striking Jin in the chest just as the three of them disappeared in flash of darkness that was followed by the sound of a breeze.