The cafeteria was rather plain looking. White tiles and white walls. Frankly the gray metals of the tables and chairs are one of the few differences of color in this place which was nothing more than a change in hue and shade. Anywhere else is really more the case of the person's hair more than anything. There were also a few plants that gave some kind of color but they were so sparse that it looked more like green stains on an otherwise clean canvas. Jekyll passed by one and realized that they weren't even actual plants but plastic.

There was a line where people were gathering to get some food. Jekyll just followed them and observed what they did. He had the general's note with him so he wasn't in too much trouble. So far nothing seems too far-off. There were service people who were serving them a variety of different foods. It was around noon by now so it must be the lunch hour. Meats of chicken and beef alongside leafy greens and a few slices of fruit were the options. There was no drink other than water here but there was a vending machine nearby that had a few sodas and juices should he need it. Those getting their drinks from it used some kind of paper currency. Considering that he has none, water it is.

After filling his tray, which isn't much, Jekyll then began to look for a table. It appeared that all of them had people. While he could ask if he could join them, it would feel rather awkward considering that he was a complete stranger. They all look to be a close knit of friends and he didn't want to invade that. Where was Qrow? He is the only one he recognized here and it would be fantastic to have him right now. There was General Ironwood but he wasn't about to just dine with the man. He was a general and he, as far as this world is concerned, was some civilian that was out of place in what was probably one of those restricted government locations that only a few could have access to.

"You are looking for a place to sit?" someone asked him from behind. When Jekyll turned around he was met with a woman with white hair. Definitely younger than Qrow. Her outfit consisted of a white long-sleeved coat with a dark-blue clasp around the center waist. The coat ran down to around her ankles and the sleeves were split from the shoulder to the elbow. She had a sword attached to her hip. Her manner of standing was that of a military woman. "I do not believe I have seen you before, Winter Schnee, at your service."

Jekyll took a moment before he introduced himself. "Henry Jekyll," he said, a little red at the embarrassment. He left her hanging there for a while. "And yes, I suppose I am looking for a seat."

"That makes the two of us then," Winter replied. She gestured at one of the tables. "How about there? They have just finished and even cleaned up after themselves. Let us sit together. It certainly would better than sitting alone."

He nodded and followed Winter to the table. There were still a few droplets of water there but it was as clean as it can get. Winter had some tissue prepared from her pocket that he didn't realize she had and cleaned the remaining droplets before she herself sat down and began to eat. Jekyll followed after. He didn't want to appear rude and start before she did. He also wanted to have some idea on the table manners around here before he would do something that might be some sort of offense. There were many things that were rushing in his mind that he needed to calm himself a little. Was he overthinking a little? Yes, yes he was.

They ate in silence, never really exchanging words. The way Winter ate actually reminded him of the times from his past. From his life, the one he had before being recorded. From the posture to the manner that she cuts the meat and even the way she drank, the manner which Winter ate was reminiscent of the way Jekyll's society was like once. Most would probably think of it as the manner of the social elite but then again, he was once a respected and high-class man where he came from. Now though? He was just a man, an ordinary human with a dark side he chooses to hide.

He patted his chest and whispered, "All is well. All is well." He picked up his own knife and fork and began to eat as well. The meal was alright. It didn't have the most flavorful of tastes but it wasn't bland that he was eating something stale. It was probably made that way to make as little of a mess as it could while also being as nutritious as it can be. Jekyll noted that there wasn't a single fried food in them. The meats were often steamed, grilled or prepared in some other way. The fruits were fresh and lacked any blemish. It was either that or the cuts were simply that well-done.

It didn't take long for Qrow to arrive. Everyone in the cafeteria knew for he announced his presence. Qrow had his jaws wide open and almost looked like he was hurt. When his eyes had laid on Jekyll and Winter together, he gasped and said, "Ice Queen! How could you?" he placed his hands on his chest, feigning a heartbreak.

Before, Winter Schnee had always composed herself. Not once did she lose her cool and maintained a calm, if a little cold, demeanor based on his impressions of the young woman. This was the first time that Jekyll had seen any sort of line forming on her forehead, it wasn't much but it was noticeable enough to anyone close enough. "I wondered what smelled of cheap booze." She turned to face Qrow. "You've come to annoy the general again, Qrow?"

"I just came here to see my favorite specialist and what do I see? I see you having lunch with someone else! One of my friends no less! How could you do this to me?" Qrow's tone was different than before. Higher pitched and slowed, like he was thinking what to say next.

"Oh, the two lovebirds are flirting again," said someone from the nearby tables. Snickers and giggles were heard from that table.

"Who's the other guy, anyway?" asked another. "He don't look much. Specialist Schnee got tired and wanted a sub or something?" There were more snickers with some breaking into a laughter that they immediately tried to get under control.

Jekyll raised an eyebrow in doubt. Flirting? Was that what that was? It certainly didn't look that way. Then again, with how some things were different between Remnant and Earth, it might just be something that he wasn't aware that is normal around here. Judging the tightening grip Winter had on the sword that was on her hip, assuming that this actually was flirting, it was more physically destructive than what he knows. Jekyll could be forgiven for wanting to be as far away as he could from there. Qrow was goading Winter to strike, that much was certain just by looking at that grin. Nope. Definitely wasn't flirting. It really wouldn't matter either way since both would end in a fight and he wanted to at least finish his lunch first. Jekyll tried to stealthily leave before the inevitable clash.

"Branwen!" General Ironwood suddenly appeared. It was a moment of comfort as Jekyll used the opportunity to relax—which came after the momentary shock of a name being called out; even if it wasn't his name, he still froze in place. Jekyll thanked his lucky stars and returned to eating his food, doing his hardest to ignore the two as their attention was being called. Presence Concealment has proven to be useful here as no one seemed to even notice him. Everyone else was doing it and so he is joining them. "Do not even think about goading my specialists in public. Schnee, stand down."

There were a few groans from the cafeteria. Qrow was among them and he whispered something to himself. So Remnant had that much sense at least. He relaxed and continued to eat without fear about a broken table. Jekyll guessed that the relationship between Qrow and Winter could only be described as odd. Still, it was a relief as he didn't want to have the only other person he knows to turn against him so suddenly. More importantly, he didn't want to risk bringing him out. He would probably revel in that hypothetical chaos. Jekyll hadn't felt him that time, thankfully.

Winter couldn't hide her smirk. "Better luck next time, Qrow." She then turned to Jekyll as she stood. "Thank for the companionship, Mr. Jekyll. It was a pleasure to have met you."

He hoped that he kept a mostly neutral expression throughout all that as he said casually, "likewise. It was a pleasant meeting, Miss Schnee." When Qrow took Winter's place after she had left. After that, Jekyll turned to him and asked, "so... you and Winter have some history I should know about?"

"Don't bother," replied Ironwood, standing next to him. His towering figure making Jekyll feel tiny. "Qrow here has a tendency of goading Winter to attack. That poor display that others call flirting is really nothing more than a taunt. Last time that happened, I had to pay for the damages done to the wall in the training rooms."

"People actually think that?" Jekyll asked. Maybe it was something that was beyond him. He never really engaged much in fiction so maybe it might be there? A love-hate relationship trope and all that.

"No. Ozpin might say it. But it is not," Ironwood assured him. "It has something to do with Qrow's semblance. Although, this time, the dice didn't favor him."

Jekyll relaxed. Considering the capabilities of Qrow, he would have to assume that Winter is similar enough that their 'flirting' would be rather destructive if it did go there. Since it was a taunt, that destruction was a definite guarantee with him being in the middle of it. Considering that Winter had her hand on the the handle of her sword, it would appear that the Atlas specialist had some temper issues to work through.

"Damn, you actually thought?" Qrow looked at him as if he had been offended. "Yeah, no. That's never going to happen. I prefer my women to be free roaming. Not someone with a stick way up in her behind. Frankly speaking, you look like you might have a chance with that getup. She doesn't just sit with strangers on the first meeting unless it's their fellow soldiers on a mission or something."

Ironwood was a general which meant he was trained to take opportunities when their presented to press any advantage. He said out loud, "it be an improvement. If you'd like, Mr. Jekyll, I could get a good word in." He winked. "You probably don't need it since you've had the best first impression that anyone could have made from what I've seen."

There were snickers that were heard from the nearby table; it was at the expense of Qrow. Apparently, whatever misfortune happened here fell on Qrow instead. The huntsman snorted, not at all bothered. All Jekyll did was share a table, what part of that was the best impression?

"Thank you, but no," Jekyll replied respectfully. Such matters were never meant for him. A nice thought but that is as far as it could go. For someone like Henry Jekyll, such a thing could never be a part of his life. No one would take him as he is.

Qrow sat down and joined Jekyll for lunch while the general returned to his office. He didn't eat much other than a whole apple. After they were done. The two them then returned to Ironwood's office. There was a wide projection seemingly ready for them and on it, there were two individuals who were there waiting for them. One man and one woman.

The gray-haired man was sitting. He had black eyebrows and brown eyes. He wore a suit and green scarf wrapped around his neck. Gray spectacles looked like it could fall of his nose at any moment. He had a mug with what Jekyll could make out appeared to be some dark-colored drink. His expression was that of seriousness.

Behind him was the stern-looking blonde woman. Her hair was tied to a bun and her glasses were ovular. She wore a white long-sleeved pleated top that had a wide keyhole neckline and gauntlet cuffs that flare in pleats at her wrists. She wore an expression of strictness that reminded Jekyll of those teachers who would punish you if you so much as look at them wrong.

"Qrow," the man said. "Is this the man you spoke of?"

"Yeah Oz," Qrow replied. "Henry Jekyll, Headmaster Ozpin."

Headmaster Ozpin's eyes drifted to him. Jekyll stood still as the man from the other side of the projection seemed to study him from every possible angle that he possibly could. Jekyll breathed in meditation to calm his anxiety. Those brown eyes had an age to them; it was one that felt older, like he had seen too many things to be contained in a single lifetime. Yet despite that, he carried a curiosity for something that had yet to be found.

Qrow then began to recount their adventure up to this point. From the moment that Amber was in trouble all the way to her being brought into Atlas. It was a really far journey considering that she was brought to another continent just for this treatment. Atlas must be really advanced technologically for such an option to even be available. Or was it simply the connections that Qrow has with the General? Qrow also mentioned about his own circumstance. His manifestation brought a surprised look on the headmaster.

"So what do we do now, Oz?" Qrow said. "Half of Amber's powers were taken away. That has never happened before, has it?"

"No." Ozpin shook his head. "It most certainly has not. Nor has summoning another living human being into Remnant been possible." He addressed Jekyll, soon after. "You've seen them, yes?"

"Um," Jekyll replied. "Yes. I have already given the best description that I have to Qrow."

It was Ironwood who had spoken next saying, "Marcus Black. Qrow said that there have been rumors about a man matching the description that Mr. Jekyll had made involve him getting different parts from different sellers. It is unlikely that it is Marcus himself but that assassin for hire would have some connections."

"It's a lead," Qrow said. "I still need to get there to make sure."

The woman behind Ozpin spoke. "What about Amber? How is she now?" She pushed her glasses further and flare of light appeared as she did so.

"She is stable for now, Glynda," Ironwood replied. Jekyll sighed relief at the news. He didn't show it but he was most definitely relieved. "But that only goes only as far as her body is capable. This is a case of her aura—her soul—being damaged. We have yet to even begin research on it."

"Do so," said Ozpin. "If you have found the means to at least keep her stable. Make sure that these people you have do not know any more than necessary. We could not risk of any leaks as to her location. When she is better, bring her here to Beacon."

"With the Grimm kind that they had used, that portion is easy. But Beacon? Ozpin I would advise against it. Atlas can keep her stable with our technology."

"I know that James but Amber is my responsibility. My mistake. I ask that I be the one to protect her. You can send anyone that you trust to look after her here but let me protect her until we find a solution to this."

Ironwood put his hand on his chin as he appeared to contemplate something. His eyes turned to Jekyll. He placed a hand on his shoulders. "I nominate this man. He already knows even before we had a chance to tell him, Oz. He was also brought here. I believe he is at least bound to her in some way."

Jekyll turned to Ozpin. If Amber was to be taken to a different location, then he will go with her. Heroic spirit or not, he was still bound to her as her summon. He still considers himself her servant. He gulped as Ozpin's expressionless eyes continued to study him. Jekyll never felt himself any more naked before now.

"Is he even huntsman trained?" Glynda had a raised eyebrow. "He doesn't look like he so much as picked up a sword."

"We can think of something," replied Ozpin. "Didn't Peach say that she needed someone to manage the stockroom for her laboratory class? One does not need to be a huntsman for that."

"He already has his aura unlocked," Qrow said. "Would be really odd if a civilian was working in a huntsman academy with his aura unlocked."

"I don't suppose you could train him? At least until Amber is ready to be transported here?"

Qrow turned to Ironwood. "Jimmy?"

Ironwood sighed. "I can give him the basics. Aura training and maybe a few pointers on combat. Beyond that is going to be him and what he does on his free time."

"Mr. Jekyll?" Ozpin asked. "What say you?"

Jekyll looked at the headmaster, then at Qrow and Ironwood. It seemed like they already had an entire plan in the time that he had eaten at the cafeteria. There was a danger to that, he was certain. Being a huntsman meant more fights which meant that Jekyll would always run the risk of him coming out. But with Amber, he would have to fight regardless. After a minute or two had passed, he made no objections. The only time he would have would be if was supposed to be separated from Amber. That he would not allow. They seemed to have been relieved when he finally answered; they must have planned it since the beginning. He could only hope that even in this state, he will be a good huntsman as they say. He vowed to himself that he will never let him take over. He will be a proper hero; one who does not give in to the evil that lurks inside.

"Good." Ozpin nodded. "James, when it is done, I wish to know when Amber will be transferred here. It would be best if we do it in secret."

"Don't we always do it in secret, Oz?" Qrow said.

"Of course. Just making sure. With the number of people that James has at his disposal, there is a chance that someone might be leaking this information."

The meeting had finished there. Qrow said, "I gotta go. I'm going to confirm something with Marcus."

"Good luck finding him," Ironwood said. "The man is off the grid. I doubt that you would find him in any town or city. In the meantime, Mr. Jekyll, stay here. I will make arrangements for your quarters."

It took Ironwood a few more hours but when he eventually returned, both he and Jekyll had to take another ride, this time outside the facility. It didn't take long in terms of travel time as there was an flat nearby that Jekyll could stay. His room was located at the second floor closest to the stairs. There were a few who wore the same uniforms as those from the facility. This must be popular for those who wish to be close to work.

His place was rather small. There was a small bedroom with barely any space other than for his clothes and the bathroom. The kitchen also doubles as a dining room and even has a few utensils waiting to be used. The sitting room had a small television should he wish to watch any programs.

"I doubt you have any clothes when you first appeared so I took the liberty on having a few sets to be delivered," said Ironwood. He then produced an identification card. "Here, so that the guards won't stop and question you."

It was a simple identification card that bore his name. There was no image though. "Thank you," Jekyll said. "I swear I will do what I can to aid in Amber's recovery."

"Good." Ironwood smiled. "Because starting tomorrow, we will begin your training. Let us see what you can do so we can have you become a huntsman as soon as possible."

Ironwood left Jekyll alone after that. Not knowing what else to do, he spent his time laying on the bed. It was an exhausting day. It was only at the assurance that Amber was safe that he was able to finally rest and relax. He plans on visiting Amber and checking on her condition if the medical professionals there would allow him. As it is, there would be no record of any of his degrees and Jekyll doubts that such things would even be applicable considering he is not of this world to begin with.

Feeling the exhaustion take over him, Jekyll closed his eyes and fell asleep. He needed it if he were to train tomorrow. He had a feeling that it will be an intense one.

/-/

It took weeks for Qrow to finally find the home of Marcus Black. True to the information that he had gotten in getting here, he lives off the grid and has a habit of changing locations. Qrow was only able to trace it through underground channels. If it wasn't for his status as a Branwen, he might not have gotten the information that he already possessed.

If I can't do it in bird form, he thought to himself for he was currently in the form of a crow. I can still push some people a bit in the underworld being a huntsman.

He stopped though some distance away from where the home was supposedly located. The reason was that the building appeared destroyed. There was a fire as he could see the black remains of the house. Somebody had burned the house down it seemed. Qrow landed nearby and transformed back into human form.

Checking the ground, it would appear that time has already passed since this house had been burned. It must have happened before Amber's attack. But if that were the case, then it might have meant that it was someone else. Checking just to be sure, Qrow found the confirmation he needed: a decaying body that had pieces of Marcus' clothes still on him. The silver-haired male wasn't Marcus but rather someone else. Most likely, someone related to the man.

Rather than turn back, Qrow chose to investigate the house. It had rained at some point as some of the debris were damp with what surviving pieces of paper having the ink smudged into an unreadable mess. What the huntsman managed to find was evidence of prosthetic crafting. Toolboxes and smudged designs of prosthetic legs turned weapons can be found among the wreckage. It was enough that Qrow could confirm that someone was using prosthetics if nothing else. Smaller metals that melted into the ground show that it must have been recent, with them falling down as the prosthetics were being built and crafted.

Looking for more, Qrow managed to find a door that appeared to hide something. It was beneath the remains of a rug and fallen shelves and shards of porcelain. Opening it, Qrow found that there was a book there. An album.

"Never thought of him as some kind of family man," said Qrow as he picked up the album and blew away the dust particles.

There wasn't much in it, only the first few pages were filled with any sort of photograph. There was a woman in one of them. Presumably his girlfriend or wife. Looking at the next page shows that it must have been a wife. It wasn't a grand wedding that most would expect but there was definitely the legal aspect. Probably in front of judge with so few witnesses. Turns out Marcus had some soft spot. A startling difference than from what he had always known. Qrow always heard that Marcus was a ruthless assassin. Someone who cared little of any sort of morality so long as he gets an appropriate sum of lien for his targets. He was a professional in that sense as well, never really revealing who his employers were and going after those who thought they could scam the man from a job. Seeing that Marcus could even settle down was foreign to Qrow. Sometime after though, Qrow had heard that Marcus started drowning himself in alcohol. Something must have happened to the family then.

He stopped when he saw one particular image. The difference between this photo than the ones before was that Marcus' companion wasn't a woman but rather a child. A son. He had silver hair similar to his father. He looked young and Marcus still appeared as happy as a ruthless and assassin could be. Did the wife die? Qrow thought. Best I can come up with.

Qrow took the photograph out of the album. Looking back at the measurements and making the best guess, it is possible that the prosthetic legs weren't meant for Marcus. Those were probably doubling as weapons as well. By keeping them hidden as functioning legs, the child might have been a trained assassin in a similar vein to his father. Although the manner of the training might be dubious at best, that would explain the skill of one of them at any rate.

"Alright then," Qrow said. "Better get back to Vale and send this to them. Break time is almost over and I need to plan lessons. Can only hope that Jimmy gets a better read on Jekyll than I do. Something about him still screams like he has something to hide."

AN: All of you can probably already tell through character tag but the initial partner I went for Arthur Proto was Winter Schnee before the change. Despite the Master/Servant that would be obvious, I wanted to have someone else take the role of partner.