Chapter Text
Dr. Henry Jekyll. To anyone else in Atlas, he was just another physician who happens to come recommended by Atlas' military. His name wouldn't even reach the lowest ends of Atlas' high society, occasionally being named dropped in conversation by the likes of the general or from Winter, the latter of which he could be seen in the company of and was the reason his name even reaches out fairly far. Everyone saw him as nothing more than a civilian, harmless. He was courteous and certainly quite ambitious academically, earning doctorates in both fields of medicine and law; such achievement in so short a time was the only thing that was noteworthy about him.
It was in startling contrast to the other side of him that Winter had come to know. Behind the mask of that gentle and kind nature was the mysterious Mr. Hyde. Despite what Jekyll had told Winter herself and the general, the name of Hyde was one that is spoken with slight reverence among business tycoons. A mysterious no-face individual that was offering alternatives to Dust in various fields. He had a house in Mantle but only so few had ever seen him. Jekyll himself laughs at the irony of Hyde's apparent reverence.
But there was more to Hyde's name even then. The organization, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, was something that Winter had never heard of before but apparently operated in Remnant's criminal underground with himself at the top. If it wasn't Jekyll's own openness about the league and its true purpose, Winter would have had him arrested and charged for many crimes. As it was, he was open about their proceedings to both her and the general.
Speaking of the doctor, Winter was jolted out of her thoughts when she felt that familiar jacket draped over her shoulders.
"It's cold," Jekyll said. "I also brought you coffee, just as you liked it."
"You know," Winter replied. "It is rather concerning for a doctor to be seeing his patients like this."
"Old habits I suppose." He shrugged. "One built out of many years of companionship."
That was another mystery that Winter never quite figured out. There was a warmth to Jekyll that she was certain never went to anyone else. He was certainly friendly and courteous towards everyone but around her, Jekyll appeared more… relaxed. He knew her favorites and even open her up to things that she never knew she would enjoy; like the time he had eaten out of those instant foods served in cups and offered her. Winter had never eaten out of those but the cool breeze at that time made such foods quite warm. She would say that they were simple and pleasant experiences.
He was kind towards Weiss and even managed to thaw out Whitley's that the boy would even challenge father, Jacques Schnee, without much hostility and scorn. Jacques Schnee never approved of Jekyll's presence and saw him as nothing more than a social climber, never mind that Jacques himself was one in Winter's eyes. Klein, the family butler, seemed to appreciate his presence though which was a definite plus.
The general took a while to warm up to him, especially after Jekyll revealed his knowledge on Fria. Jekyll managed to escape punishment after this Holy Grail War was mentioned and that he knew that Ironwood had chosen Winter as the next candidate; that was information that only the general and Winter knew. Afterwards, discussions in relation to the league and Atlas' military were well underway.
There was one discussion which Winter wasn't a part of and by then, construction of this new tower was already going underway. It was running so smoothly in fact, that it was quickly becoming a marvel of construction. Truth was that the league's resources were being spent just as much, in both construction and finance, as that of taxpayer money. The general only had expressions of dread whenever he looked at that construction and he never told Winter, said that the information that Jekyll gave was far too much for anyone to bear.
"We have one in the league who is on route to inform Ozpin," Jekyll assured them. "Temporary alliance as this may be, we face an enemy that even he and Salem couldn't hope to stand against."
Winter continued to sip her cup. True enough, Jekyll knew her favorites and even the manner she likes her drinks. A detail that most would only ever recognize after spending a significant time with her, time that she herself doesn't usually give.
"What is it about you and the me in your time?" Winter asked. It was best to ask directly.
"Hmm?" Jekyll replied. "Oh, it is rather strange isn't it? This is you we're talking about, even if it happens to be different from the one I knew. The Winter I knew certainly has become different from you right now. But it is unsurprising that I see her in you."
"You and I were close, aren't we?" Winter wanted answers. Unlike the other times, Jekyll wasn't straight with her there. He tries not to.
He looked away bashfully. "It is rather odd to say, and I do not wish to make things awkward for you."
"Excellent job on that part, if I may say." Winter deadpanned.
Jekyll could only chuckle.
"What is about you and me that makes you this way," Winter pushed on.
"It is…" Jekyll still couldn't hide the reddening of his cheeks. "More like something you allowed me."
"Allowed you?"
He nodded. "I asked if you would have liked to dance."
"A dance? A simple dance?" Jekyll nodded again. "And what did I say?"
"You said that I could have every dance."
The cup paused just as it was about to touch Winter's lips. Every dance? The reddening of his cheeks. His knowledge of her favorites and even the ones that she never thought she could appreciate, the jacket and concern for her well-being, familiarity in dealing and navigating through her family, things were starting to fall into place for Winter. Every dance. Her own cheeks began to flush pink.
Still, she pushed on. "And the occasion?"
Jekyll took a deep breath. "It was during the reception. Weiss sang. Whitley played the piano." He let out a happy sigh. "Jack played the most beautiful tune for you. She dedicated it for her mother."
"Jack? Mother." Winter's eyes widened.
"Adopted," Jekyll assured her. "From where I was from, even to the city."
Winter couldn't look at Jekyll. But she never left his side. The two gave off an embarrassing appearance. It wasn't one of argument but certainly one that marked inexperience and newness of their… companionship. Winter hid her face with her coffee cup even after it had been emptied and practically dried up with only those colors of the coffee stains remaining. She pulled the jacket to cover herself more, eliciting a chuckle from Jekyll.
The two continued on in silence with Winter occasionally stealing glances of Jekyll. As he was sitting there, enjoying the breeze, Winter eyed him a bit more critically. He was a gentleman through and through. Whether that was for her or for anyone else, he acted kindly and courteously. An academic with a vested interest towards plant-life as of late though he did say there were other reasons for that, a connection with a friend and partner of his Remnant.
There was a calming presence to him that Winter sometimes forgets that she is in the presence of one of these Servants. He was comfortable to be around that Winter could not accomplish even at her own home. There was always that expectation that she should be: Schnee, an older sister, a specialist, perfect. Here, there wasn't any of that. She was neither the Specialist nor was she even someone who had been entrusted with acquiring a great power. There wasn't any of that around Jekyll. At most, she was a fake patient with frequent check-ups.
Even as the minutes dragged on, Jekyll waited patiently. Winter eventually gave her cup which he then properly threw in the trash, in the one marked for paper products too.
"The general should be waiting for us," said Jekyll, checking his time. "We have about an hour."
Winter double-checked her time. True enough, he was right. She quickly got up and powerwalked her way towards Atlas Academy. The general would be there handling affairs for both Atlas and Mantle. There was no meeting with the other council members that Winter was aware of and general Ironwood was a man of consistent habits.
"And if this is of any indication," Jekyll commented as he followed behind her. "I'm not getting that jacket back. Sorry. I'll stop with the comparisons. I swear it."
Her steps were stiff but she did not let go of the jacket. Not until they were actually back in Atlas Academy and the others have begun to point it out. The giggles and hastened steps when Winter caught them loosened her grip. This Academy was supposed to train the next generations of defenders and protectors with the added measure of military discipline. Yet, here there were gossiping like school girls.
The two stepped into the elevator. Winter kept her arms behind her back. Her shoulders were stiff and her back was straight. She looked ahead and stared at the metallic doors as the lights of the different floors would peep through the small gaps as the elevator ascended.
Finding the general's office was simple. He was located at the end of the hallway. The doors before that point led to different offices and had various personnel busy at their work. Atlas Academy was more than just a school for huntsmen and huntresses, it was also a base of operation for the Atlas' military. Those only taking a military career can be found here.
Each of them saluted Winter as passed them. At least there was a modicum of discipline around here. Jekyll wasn't a surprising sight; he had been here many times already, often as a visitor to the general. Unlike Winter, they were more casual around Jekyll. A few women chatted with Jekyll only to run away after making eye-contact with Winter.
"You know, Winter," Jekyll said. "You could at least try not appear jealous."
"Who says I'm jealous?"
"Winter," Jekyll insisted. "The way you're staring, it's like you're trying to turn them into an ice sculpture."
She chose to ignore that and moved on. Announcing her presence and waiting for the general to bid them enter, Winter took that time to return to that proper decorum fitting of a soldier of Atlas. She caught a glimpse of Jekyll fixing himself as well. He was a professional at least, knows when to adopt formalities.
"General Ironwood, sir." Winter Schnee saluted. "I have brought Dr. Henry Jekyll as requested."
"Excellent, Winter," Ironwood replied.
The two exchanged a casual greeting. There was nothing odd about it and there was even less of anything interesting. However, it was just as much a façade as it was when Winter was Jekyll's patient. Those outside could have been listeners. The doors closed and the two continued their casual talk even after that.
It was only after Ironwood checked the security feed of outside did he beckon both Jekyll and Winter to take a seat.
"I have already arranged a meeting with miss Hill," Ironwood said.
Jekyll nodded. "Did she give out any terms?"
"Only that you two have to talk. Her messenger may have vouched for your character but she was still rather skeptical. She has, at least, agreed to keep any revelations confidential."
"I can work with that, general."
"I still do not like this, Jekyll. Not only am I going against Ozpin's wishes but I'm putting Atlas at risk."
"If we possessed something else akin to Harpe, we wouldn't have needed to," Jekyll replied. "As it stands, this is our best chance of protecting Remnant's people."
"I know. Frankly, I'm still impressed that you could go against an entire team of lawyers in that council meeting."
Jekyll shrugged. "I'm a good lawyer. Half of my degrees just aren't recognized here in Remnant."
"Speaking of things not from Remnant, what of the rest of this league of yours?"
"Project Progidium has already been sent to Mistral. It is only a matter of securing the Spring Maiden and the Vault. I have faith in my fellow Companion, not so much Archer." The room went a little cold for a moment before returning to normal. Hyde. "We just need patience."
Winter stood to the side. Right now, she was a soldier and was a functioning guard. Anyone who would enter the room would have her attention. Ironwood and Jekyll continued their talks and Winter tuned them both out in favor of listening for anything suspicious. The security feed may have meant that they were safe but she had to ensure that there was as little chance for anyone listening in to this conversation as much as possible.
Her eyes would occasionally dart towards Jekyll, only to return to the patch of wall that was directly across her. It wouldn't do for her to not stand in attention. Still, she would steal glances of Jekyll. He was serious and committed to his duties, never really cracking any jokes unless he had to ease the tension. But the general was accustomed to such dangers so such humor was unnecessary.
Jekyll must know when to hold himself back and become gentle. His tone would shift at times that Winter found herself getting stiff. That was the one area that Winter sometimes forgot. Hyde was more than a mere name that Jekyll adopted here but also an entire identity, an evil to Jekyll's goodness. Winter wondered what it was that the other version of herself saw in the man of such dual identities. Surely, she would have preferred Jekyll and Jekyll alone.
Not that I would actually… Her thoughts trailed off. Choosing instead to distract herself, she would occasionally trail her eyes on everything else in the room. The book shelf that had one book still had room for one or two, the ticking clock mounted on the wall, the hairs of the carpet, those olive-green eyes. No. Winter only thought this way because of that revelation. She normally wouldn't even look at him that way.
Would it have been a loss if she did? No. None of that, Winter. This wasn't the time. The two of them were discussing matters that concern Atlas and Mantle. This was no time for her to start ogling like some schoolgirl with a crush.
The cold breeze of the air conditioning was frigid. Before she realized it, Jekyll had already draped his jacket over her shoulders again. When had their conversation paused?
"At ease, Winter," Ironwood assured her. "You can relax. I have taken measures myself that this place will not get any listeners."
"Better safe than sorry, general."
"At least take a seat, if you have to listen to orders."
More than just sitting, Winter chose to take her seat with her towards the corner. On second thought, perhaps being in direct line to the air conditioner's cold winds was a terrible idea. She moved to a different corner.
Despite the order of a more relaxed and casual nature from her, Winter kept herself as stiff as she could. Her back was straight, shoulders back, jacket covering as much of her as possible. It was warm, a definite welcome compared to the cold earlier. She should be used to the cold. She was used to the cold. She pulled the jacket to cover a bit more for warmth.
Those eyes were serious and yet gentle. Carried a danger when they would turn red yet she was certain that no one would be harmed, her especially. The general must have noticed that change as well with how intently he was looking at Jekyll.
Glasses is often associated with intelligence and Jekyll certainly had that. His manner of dress was familiar to the high class that Winter was accustomed thanks to her father but he did not carry that same façade as those others did. He didn't pretend nor did he act all posh that even Winter was guilty of at times. Unlike them, he was actually willing to step down into Mantle. Granted, it was under a different name but he didn't really change much of his behavior there. Only during moments like this would he even remotely change.
Ironwood and Jekyll soon stood and shook hands. Winter stood up almost immediately as the seat scraped the floor when she did. Had she relaxed into the seat? She blames Jekyll. It was unbecoming of her, as Schnee, as specialist, and as a huntress.
"Winter," Ironwood said.
"General Ironwood, sir!" Winter quickly returned to attention.
"For the time being, I relieve you of your duties concerning Dr. Jekyll."
"Understood sir."
Ironwood turned to Jekyll. "I wish you luck with Robyn Hill, Jekyll."
"I'm sure she'll come around, general."
"I know she will. I disagree with her actions but I will not deny that heart of hers. She will help us."
The two bade each other farewell and Jekyll soon left the room, leaving the general and Winter behind. A minute or two passed and Winter only just realized that she still had the jacket on. She removed it from her shoulders and let it hang by her arm. It was still warm.
"Sir!" Winter saluted and left the room herself. The general didn't really reply and only had a raised eyebrow and a shaking head.
Jekyll was already gone and Winter would have to wait for the elevator to rise back up. Unsurprisingly, when she herself had descended, Jekyll had already left Atlas Academy and was likely making his way towards Mantle below.
Walking outside of Atlas Academy, Winter strolled around the city as she was returning to the Schnee manor, her home. All around her were people still enjoying themselves for the most part, ignorant of the dangers that would come soon. There were a few who were concerned and protested the current circumstances with Dust and communications but those were mostly civil with Atlas police observing from a distance for any chaos.
Winter stood in front of the Schnee Manor. She hesitated to call it home. There were a few moments where she could have called it that. But that was more to do with select people inside the home than anything else.
"Ah miss Schnee!" Klein, their family butler, was the first to greet her, as always. "You're all alone? Where is that good fellow of yours?"
"Dr. Jekyll has errands to run," Winter reasoned. "We have parted ways for the time being."
"I see. I shall wait then for when you wish for me to wash his jacket."
"Why wait?"
Klein's eyes changed colors They usually do that when his personality changes, reminds her of someone. No, wait. Someone else should be reminding her of Klein.
"Well." The eyes turned pink, bashful. "It just seems to me that you're rather… comfortable in wearing that jacket. I wouldn't want to impose."
She sighed. Of course she put on the jacket again. "It's fine, Klein. I-I think I'll do it myself."
Klein's eyes turned yellow, happy. "Oh, that sounds wonderful! Don't be afraid to ask me for any guidance, miss Schnee!"
Winter stepped into the manor. Klein always assisted anyone when entering the home, even themselves. Out of all the servants—the regular ones—in the manor, Klein was always the most pleasant one. The others were usually unfortunate enough to be associated with Jacques Schnee most of the time; they don't stick around for long unsurprisingly.
The Schnee Manor was just as empty as she had left it. Even when it is full of people during those fancy balls and dances that Jacques would host, there was still so little life in it. The most excitement this place has ever received in recent times was when Weiss accidentally summoned a Boarbatusk, only to have it shot down by Ironwood.
Terrible sounds of piano that marked a beginner was heard. Winter could already guess who was playing the piano at this time. It stopped and started again. Rather than go anywhere else, Winter followed the sounds of the piano which led her to the upper floors of the manor. As she approached, she could hear Weiss' voice only slightly chastising Whitley. Part of Winter was rather proud that the two siblings were getting along. Another part of her was ashamed that it didn't come from her as their eldest sister. No, it had come from Jekyll himself.
I really should have done something. She lamented. Mother has even begun to hold back her drinking habits. Jekyll was supposed to be a medical doctor, focused on the biology of the person, not a counselor. His jacket was still warm.
Her presence was unannounced but it was certainly welcome.
"Winter!" Weiss called. "You're back."
Behind Weiss, even Whitley seemed genuinely happy to see her. It was a small one, granted. But it was genuine. Winter couldn't ask for more than that. Anymore would be if he even wanted to.
"You're improving, Whitley," Winter commented.
Whitley only raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
He coughed. "Sister, we all know Klein and his duties. Is there any particular reason that you still possess Dr. Jekyll's jacket?"
"He had forgotten about it when we parted ways."
"And you're choosing to wear it instead of simply holding it?"
Winter's lips thinned. "On second thought, perhaps there is still room for improvement."
Weiss could only shrug and shake her head. Yet, she never appeared happier in this household than now. She was doing better than Winter had hoped. Being away from her team must still get to her but at least she has a distraction. She knew the truth as well and both sisters had to dance around it whenever the others are present. Winter still did not remove the jacket.
"Alright Whitley," Weiss said. "Break time is over."
Whitley sighed. "Of course, dear sister."
Winter sat to the side as she witnessed her two younger siblings continue their little lesson. Winter still had difficulties in believing that it was Whitley who first approached Weiss. Normally, he would have only done so as a vain attempt at extending a branch, a façade more like. But it had been genuine. A growing interest in music that neither sister really expected.
You've always spent time with father, Whitley. Winter listened to the notes and Weiss' quite strict teaching methods. Not like you had any choice.
Jekyll. Dr. Henry Jekyll. This all pointed back to him. Winter turned to the portrait of her grandfather, Nicholas Schnee. Now that she thought about it, that kindness did remind her of someone. Winter herself hadn't been that close but she too felt that same kindness from old Nick. She could see the two get along actually. Now that she thought about it, Jekyll's actions with the league are somewhat reminiscent of the approach that Nicholas would take back in the day, albeit less legal. It was a stretch but Jekyll was at least willing to get his hands dirty just as Nicholas would work alongside his employees.
Shaking her head, she only had herself to blame when she prodded. Still. No. Winter and Jekyll are companions. Nothing more than that. The two were fellow members of Ozpin's Secret Circle even if both she and general Ironwood are simultaneously part of Jekyll's own League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Whitley was playing better as always. He would still stop and slow down as he double-checked the notes. But in time, he would eventually learn and master the piece that Weiss was making him practice and he would soon play another and another after that.
Being with those two right now, Winter was starting to feel that some life was growing in the Manor. It started to feel warm, almost as warm as the jacket.
The doors opened and Klein came in, bringing with him a tray for tea.
"Ah," he exclaimed. His eyes were the usual brown. "I didn't realize you were here Winter. I had only prepared enough for Weiss and Whitley."
"It is fine, Klein," Winter replied.
"Nonsense! Stay here and I shall mend this mistake!"
Klein placed down the tray for the other two to take. Neither really took them yet; they were too focused on the piano. He was back soon after and Winter thanked him. The teapot was still rather hot and Winter found herself pouring a cup, complete with milk.
She sighed. Just like him with her, she had learned of his habits. He always preferred his teas with milk. Now that she thought about it, he always did have a preference for it for the most part.
Klein stuck around for a while, enjoying the music and even Weiss' lectures in-between. The two kept at it for a while longer before taking a break for the day. The three siblings sat together and enjoyed their tea. It was Klein's blend, obviously. Everyone enjoyed Klein's blend, even Jacques.
Winter managed to catch Klein's mumbling of "Dr. Jekyll, you are a blessing to this family." She promptly ignored it and pretended not to hear.
She could only sigh internally though. Really, it should have been her duty as the older sister. Jacques cared more about the company and the name of the SDC while mother had drowned herself in the bottle. Winter ran and joined the military while Weiss ran to join Beacon. Whitley remained behind and received much of their father's judgement.
The three siblings froze still when they heard Jacques Schnee just ranting outside. He was cursing and was mostly incomprehensible to them until he got closer.
"…that Mr. Hyde! Wasting his potential when I could have given him the resources to achieve greatness with those Dust alternatives!"
He stomped his way across the hallways that all three Schnee siblings froze in place on instinct. None of them wanted father's ire, Whitley especially. In a display of being better, Weiss placed a hand on Whitley's while Winter raised hers to keep both of them behind her.
Jacques never entered the room and continued on his seething path. Klein Kept his posture straight but his eyes never once left the doors.
The ramblings continued until it eventually faded and it was after his voice had muted out did they all relax. Whitley especially seemed glad. It was fortunate that Jacques Schnee didn't even care too much about the piano; he would have known that Whitley would have been here at least.
"Mr. Hyde certainly lives up to his name, doesn't he?" Klein commented. "I don't think I've ever seen even a hint of the man."
"Winter?" Weiss asked.
She shook her head. It was a lie but she needed to keep that secrecy. As far as the public knows, Jekyll was only Hyde's errand boy, running around in public doing whatever it was that Hyde demands. Some gossips had circulated about how Hyde had this strange deformity to him that made him stay behind the curtains.
Jekyll would only chuckle at that.
They're not wrong, Winter thought. There really is a bit of that there. She'd seen it.
The piano lessons ended for that day. The three of them were able to make it quite the bonding moment.
"Winter," Whitley reminded. "You might not want to let father see you wearing that jacket."
She complied in the quickest way that she could manage. Jacques may not have been present in the hallways but he could still be around and there was a chance that the two would meet up again. That man was already stressed out enough because of Mr. Hyde; he didn't need to have Dr. Jekyll into the mix as well.
"Winter!" Weiss called out. "Wait up!" She had her weapon by her side.
"Weiss," Winter replied. "I don't think you should be training today. You've already had enough."
"I could manage," she insisted. "Something light if possible."
Winter gave in immediately. "Alright, just focus on the Glyphs today."
The two sisters went to the training rooms that was reserved for them specifically. It wasn't a training room exactly but it was mostly empty and this was where they would practice their Glyphs on a smaller scale. Weiss was improving though her focus would inevitably wane the longer it went.
It was light training and Winter didn't have it in her to be as strict with Weiss as she was. She had just come from teaching someone else and she didn't want to ruin that.
"Has there been," Weiss then asked. "Any update on the general?"
"The CCT is still down," Winter explained. "Any message would have to come from Jekyll."
"You mean from Hyde?"
"It is Jekyll who will deliver the message, if any, Weiss." Right. Her sister didn't know about that either.
"Father is certainly a Mr. Seek to his Mr. Hyde." Weiss chuckled. "I wonder if Yang will like that."
"You miss them already, don't you?"
"I wish to be with them, Winter. Ruby especially. She's the only who's still going, I think."
Night came and supper was had. While that had been a rather awkward affair, Winter at least remembered to keep the jacket out of sight. They all soon departed and called it a night.
As Winter returned to her room, she stared at the piece of clothing that was on the side of her bed. She then remembered something.
She still hadn't returned that jacket.
/-/
General James Ironwood leaned back on his seat, archived documents from the Great War in hand. He had already known, through Ozpin that there was another Grail War. What he didn't know was that part of it was held near Mantle's territory.
"Unsurprising, I suppose." He looked through the document once more. It was a report that detailed strange combatants that had battled during that time.
He looked through the other document, prepared by Dr. Jekyll himself. That Companion had said it was an approximation of the schematics but that it didn't matter much since it would be adjusted for their use.
Ironwood picked up his scroll and messaged Pietro to come to his office as soon as he is able. Pietro had questions, obviously.
"Yes," Ironwood answered. "I have... something that you might want to look into, Pietro. It's for Penny's upgrades."
Pietro spoke from the other end.
"I wish I knew myself, Pietro. The title doesn't make any sense either."
Neither did Jekyll's comment about it: "I can't believe that she got here before I did this time."