Author's note: I do not own Hellsing, X-men, or their characters.

Battle Joined

Integra was not amused. She stared at the black piece of cloth. "I refuse to wear that."

Jean sighed. "We can customize it for you, so it's more to your liking, but you need a uniform."

"That is not a uniform. That is a bad Halloween costume for some one who wants to be a secret agent, a ninja, or Catwoman."

Jean rolled her eyes. "It's not that bad."

"Why do I have to wear that? I have fought perfectly well in my regular clothes."

"I wasn't aware that your position required fighting." Jean raised an eyebrow. "I can't imagine that a noblewoman such as yourself would have much experience on what is practical to fight in."

Integra reminded herself that the young woman in front of her wasn't a vampire and she couldn't shoot her in the head. In her chilliest voice, she replied, "I run an organization that provides specialized security for the Crown. I have been involved in field operations on a fairly regular basis since I was thirteen. I am more familiar with battle than you are most likely."

Jean looked about to retort when she got that look when the professor was talking in her head. Integra couldn't hear it, but then she had annoyed Xavier by refusing him any access to her mind. Having Alucard in her head was bad enough, and she trusted him.

Jean growled. "Put the uniform on. We've got a mission. We can argue about this later. And do something with your hair. You're not going to want it flying around while we're fighting."

Integra did as she asked and didn't comment on the fact that Jean's hair was just as long as her own and it was loose as well. The young knight knew enough not to question authority about minor things before a battle. She regarded the black spandex in distaste as she braided her hair. It was a very good thing her vampire wasn't here. He'd never let her live this outfit down.

She joined the rest of the cohort on the jet. Integra kept her comments about their uniforms to herself. She listened as Scott briefed them on the situation. It was not much of a briefing. Clearly, organized battle plans were not the X-Men's strong suit. Still things were fairly straight forward. Magneto had a group of his underlings terrorizing some sort of government facility, and they were to put a stop to it. Without killing anyone of course. Integra wanted to know why the American government couldn't deal with it themselves.

It was a short flight. Integra followed the others out of the jet and waited as Scott gave orders. He neglected to giver her any, however, and Integra used the opportunity to see what their opponents were capable of. Anyway, the X-Men seemed to have things well in hand. The main drawback to their strategy was obvious though. As long as the X-Men were opposed to killing anyone and their opponents weren't, they would be at the disadvantage.

The battle was interesting to watch. It was clear that the X-Men and their opponents did this on a regular basis. It was also clear that they didn't really need her help, so she found herself a seat from which to watch things unfold. Integra had been tempted to give Rogue a hand, but after overhearing the banter between Rogue and her opponent, she was well aware that the fight was nothing more than a well choreographed illusion. She had no problem with that. Integra was of the opinion that all this infighting between mutant groups was simply going to put them at a disadvantage at a later date, but then that really wasn't her problem.

"Is there a reason you have seen fit not to join the battle?"

Integra turned to consider the man floating beside her. "I see no reason to. They clearly do not need what assistance I can provide, and I do not care what the outcome of this fight is as long as I am not threatened."

Magneto tilted his head to the side. "That makes a surprising amount of sense. Just who are you? You're not one of Charles' usual students."

"Sir Integra Hellsing. I take it that you are Eric Lehnsherr?"

"I am." He frowned. "Are you related to the Hellsing Organization then?"

"I am its current head."

His frown deepened. "I see. I owe your family a debt, Sir Hellsing. Two of your people were instrumental in my liberation from Auschwitz. Will you be with Xavier for long?"

"For a year at least. I am hoping it won't be longer."

"I see." Lehnsherr nodded. "Very well then. Sir Hellsing, as long as you do not directly interfere with my plans, none of my people will trouble you. I cannot make this assurance, however, if you directly involve yourself in my affairs."

Integra paused. "That is acceptable to me. I thank you for your consideration."

The man shrugged. "I am simply pleased to discharge this debt. If you'll excuse me?"

She inclined her head in acknowledgement, and Magneto floated off. As the battle was clearly drawing to a close, Integra got to her feet and began making her way to the designated pick up spot. It wasn't long before the others joined them, and Scott was not pleased.

"What were you and Magneto getting so cozy about?"

Integra raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Lehnsherr was simply curious about my identity and why I had chosen not to participate in the battle. As it turned out, we had a prior connection that required some discussion."

"What?"

She sighed. "Mr. Lehnsherr feels he owes my family a debt of honor for the role our organization played in liberating Auschwitz. We came to an agreement that should satisfy that debt."

"And just what was that?"

Integra conceded that as the team leader he probably did have the right to know. "As long as I do not interfere with his plans, neither Lehnsherr nor his minions will target me either in battle or in schemes outside of it. Given that I have no interest in this ridiculous little feud of yours, that suits me quite admirably."

Further discussion of the matter was forestalled the X-Jet's landing. Integra made a point of sitting with Rogue for the trip back. The young Southerner at least wouldn't interrogate her. Unfortunately, the reprieve was only temporary. Integra found herself hauled off to Xavier's office. After another hour of intense grilling, Xavier and his staff were finally satisfied. Xavier wasn't exactly pleased by the turn of events, but there was really nothing he could do about it.

Of course, it was one less thing for her to deal with, and it pleased Integra she wouldn't be needing to fight with the X-Men on a regular basis. Her skills were geared towards survival and the destruction of her enemies, and she had no desire to dull them by learning how to fight with her opponent's well being in mind. Besides, from what she had seen as a fight, it wouldn't that much of a challenge for her. Integra would just have to find something else to satisfy her occasional need for an adrenaline rush.