8

Father Maxwell looked up from the papers on his desk as Father Ronaldo entered the room.

"You have the report?" Maxwell asked.

Father Ronaldo handed over a sheet of paper by way of answer. Maxwell began reading and grew paler and paler as he continued.

The witch Travisian has eluded us again in Japan. We have had no clear trail to follow since his escape from the Section XIII maximum security facility. It is also unclear how he managed to break through the defenses of the secret archives to steal the scrolls. In light of the implications, the recovery of the map scroll has been our top priority. We have been able to get very little intelligence on Travisian's recent movements. However, it seems that he no longer has the scroll in his possession. During the last few days, he passed it off to the conductor in the witch underground who helped him leave the country. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the conductor took the scroll to his brother, a Solomon witch hunter. Evidence suggests that this witch hunter has been in recent contact with Sir Integra Hellsing, head of the Hellsing Organization. He was also implicated in Sir Hellsing's escape from prison a few months ago, though his involvement was never confirmed. Furthermore, it appears that Sir Hellsing left England last night under a veil of secrecy. It is our belief that she is on her way to Japan to meet her associate and acquire the map scroll from him. As always, we await your orders.

Father Maxwell loosened his grip on the crumpled edges of the paper.

"It is as we feared," he said. "The map scroll has fallen into the wrong hands. There can only be one solution now. They must be stopped, at all costs."

9

The light of day washed over the jet's cabin and made Seras groan. Integra almost felt sorry for her. She looked like the classic secret agent. The jacket buttoned up to her chin, the hat shading her face, the sunglasses hiding her eyes. Integra could have laughed if she didn't pity her so much.

A ground crew rushed over with one of their rolling staircases. As soon as Integra stepped out of the jet she spotted Amon. He was standing several meters away, calmly leaning against his car. Integra had called ahead to have the airport staff let him drive right onto the runway. There was no way she was going to go traipsing through the terminal like a common passenger. Leaving the others to deal with the luggage, Integra went over and stood beside Amon in the bright sunlight. They were silent for a moment while Integra lit a cigar.

"You're not taking that in my car," Amon said.

"Really…" Integra responded. "I'm used to getting my way."

"I can see that," Amon said. His eyes tracked the progress of unloading the bags from the plane. They had managed to get the hold open and Seras had jumped in to get away from the sun. She passed the first of many bags down to the first person in a relay line that stretched over to the trunk of Amon's car. Walter marched up and down the line to make sure nothing went wrong.

Integra followed Amon's gaze. "I packed light," she said with a puff of smoke.

Amon looked at her, eyebrows raised. He seemed about to say something but his attention was suddenly drawn elsewhere. Seras had accidentally touched the silver handle on Integra's suitcase and yelped. Integra watched Amon's jaw tighten.

"You had to bring her?" he asked bad-temperedly.

"I couldn't leave both of them at home alone. They would cause trouble," she replied. "Be glad I didn't bring Alucard. I know how you feel about him."

"Try to keep her out of my way," Amon growled.

"You're in a very demanding mood this morning," Integra commented.

Amon said nothing. He continued to watch the activity going on around him and discreetly keeping tabs on the little vampire's movements.

"You really must try to get over this phobia of yours," Integra said, her teeth clamped on her cigar.

"Don't you have one too?" Amon retaliated.

"What are you referring to?" she asked.

"You're afraid that I'm right about you."

"Is that so?"

"You'll believe when we find the proof."

"I'm not sure I want to believe that," she said. "Not after all these years of destroying evil."

"Not all demons are evil," he said. "We both know that."

"This is different. It's me this time."

The pair stood silent for a few minutes. The crew finished loading up the bags in the trunk. Integra let the spent nub of her cigar fall to the ground.

"Are you ready to go now, your majesty?" Amon asked mockingly.

"Indeed I am," Integra replied smoothly.

Story Notes:

I realize that such a simple procedure is impossible post-9/11. But I didn't want to clutter my story with those details. And besides, who knows whose palm Integra greased to get such special treatment. One thing you can always count on in this world is a corrupt official.

"Sir Hellsing's escape from prison..." - See Hunting Dogs 3: Canine Rescue League. Posted in the Hellsing section. HD3 is my link to the end of the Hellsing anime series and it tells the story of how Amon and Integra first met.