It was mostly Team MGHT that bade farewell for most of the students and professional huntsmen as they all went off with their missions. Glynda Goodwitch had stayed behind to run Beacon as Ozpin kept his promise to Henry Jekyll in more ways than one: he was actually one of the huntsmen that would be overseeing a team of students; it was some transfer team from Vacuo which Jekyll never recognized. It was doubtful that his supposed chosen candidate for Amber's replacement would be there so it was probably more for his own assurances.
Beacon's halls had been unsurprisingly empty after that. It was emptier than it did before the school year started. Most of the other staff on Beacon were certainly using this time well as they relaxed and took it slowly while still technically being paid a full salary. As for the rest of team MGHT, it was mostly a moment for them to gather and, according to Mulberry, a time for them to really hang out together as a team, as much as they could as huntsmen anyway. For the first order of business, team MGHT gathered around their team leader in Mulberry's classroom.
"Alright," Mulberry began. He had put down a large piece of paper. There were pencils and erasers to the side. Upon closer inspection, the piece of paper appears to be the kind that most would use when designing weapons. Jekyll had seen a few poking out of the students' bags. "So, Jekyll, what kind of weapon do you have in mind?"
Jekyll's weapon of choice. It didn't take long for him to really decide as he already had his own in mind. He had his preferences and he already knows what he is most proficient at; it was really more of a matter of adding something on top of it to round himself off. "I was thinking of a dagger. Though, it would be nice if it had some means of firing long distance as well."
"Simple enough," Greene replied, nodding. She was also adding a few notes and little sketches to Mulberry's draft. "Don't expect much of a punch on the firearm portion but it will at least give you something against smaller but distant enemies. You are focusing more on the dagger and not the firearm, right?"
He nodded. "Since we're here, might as well return this one to you."
"Keep it." Greene waved her hand dismissively. "You already know how I feel about getting too attached to any one weapon." It also helped that she had a lot of those.
Jekyll conceded and kept the dagger. Mulberry was already finishing up the crude drawing of the weapon of choice. The basic structure was that the portion that would have been the guard had been replaced with the gun, a pistol by that design. The handle had been designed to bridge the handling of a firearm and a bladed weapon. The dagger would be firmly placed on the blade, making it so that muzzle of the firearm was parallel in direction to the sharpened end of the blade. Mulberry began to refine the sketch along with some notes and redesigns.
Peach tapped him on the shoulder. "Yeah, let's leave them alone. They'll be at it for a while. Also got my hands on some leaves that would make excellent tea, I hear."
"Been in something like this before?" Jekyll asked. She had him at tea, even if she herself preferred coffee. The one disagreement that they could never come at a compromise. Adding the other two, it was pretty much even.
"Who do you think Greene goes to when she needs new toys to play with?"
"That's fair." He never really thought about where Greene gets all her tools.
"By the time we'll be back, they would have had the proper schematics, or they have already started on the weapon's construction."
The two moved towards the laboratory stockroom, they were met with the breeze of an open window. The curtains were at the mercy of the gentle breeze. Thankfully, none of the important documents flew away; they were a little disarranged and out of place but still within the stockroom.
"Huh," Peach said. "Must not have closed it properly." She then closed it and made sure that it was proper.
A cup of tea for Jekyll and a mug of coffee for Peach. Rather than sugar, they had honey. Peach never really liked sugar to begin with and the healthier option was something that Jekyll could appreciate. The leaves themselves were from some new plant that Peach had gotten for class. It had come from Mistral and had a floral aroma to it. After taking a sip, there was a floral taste to it as well.
It was a nice atmosphere. Jekyll had appreciated this more than he initially thought. The tea itself was rather calming. Having been part of the more scientific aspects of Beacon Academy certainly allowed them both access to rather unorthodox means of heating their pots.
"Feels nice doesn't it?" Peach caught his contentment. "You should have seen that time I had the students gather up what ingredients they got to cook a meal. There were a few chefs there that impressed me as well."
"Does it now? I would have liked to see that."
"Probably next year. Vytal Festival and all."
"How often does the Vytal Festival happen anyway?"
"Only once every two years. Different hosting kingdoms as well. Moments like these only ever happen if we're lucky enough to not be the ones who are running around."
"That so?" Jekyll continued to drink from his cup. Peach nodded as she continued her own.
The silence continued to linger. It wasn't awkward or anything but rather that of peace, something that many of the faculty and staff that remained most certainly enjoyed. Most huntsmen and huntresses are accustomed to a level of excitement but that doesn't mean that they can't have moments like these every once in a while.
"How's Amber's condition by the way?" Peach began again. Her expression was that of concern. She was of little help in that regard even if she tried. Jekyll had certainly appreciated the sentiment.
From that, he sighed. "Not well. It's a miracle that she's holding on as much as she can but unless there is something is done about Cinder's group, we are left simply waiting for their reappearance or something unfortunate to happen to them."
"And you? What's your plan?"
"I would personally want to find them myself. No idea where to go though. I do, however, believe that they would make their way here in time."
"The Vytal Tournament," Peach guessed. "When almost everyone would be on Amity."
Jekyll gave her his confirmation. "If we haven't found their operation at Mountain Glenn as early as we did, we might have had one during this tournament thing."
"Good thing we did, then." She raised her mug. "To team MGHT."
Jekyll did the same. "Hear, hear."
The two continued with their respective drinks. It would be like this in the next few days before the first batch of students would be returning to Beacon. Some of them would have passed while others still had means to improve. Thankfully, there was no emergency that they needed to respond to and most things were as normal as they could be. Businesses that catered mostly to huntsmen and huntresses were affected a little during this time with the loss of their main customer base but it wasn't too hard on them as there were still a few lingering about, mainly those huntsmen and huntresses that wouldn't be shadowing the students and are here mainly as security. Besides, those businesses are already aware of that to begin with.
Atlas machinery had also had their displays of military technology but those were limited in number. Jekyll's weapon was still being constructed but team MGHT still had time to go out and enjoy the festival itself. Mostly in the evenings as they were still needed at the school even if they had little to do. If anything, all they had to do for now is to report to work and that was pretty much it. If anything, they were being paid to do nothing which gave them time to engage in whatever hobby they had during these work hours. Perhaps there was a little bit of work but those were scarce and only would begin to pick up once the students start to return.
"And done!" Mulberry said. Greene had called Jekyll when the weapon was close to completion. Apparently, Greene knows Mulberry so well that she was able to time it that by the time he got there, his team leader had already finished.
The weapon itself was rather simple in its design. While the final product certainly didn't do the initial draft justice, the weapon itself certainly matched the drawing if one were to squint their eyes a little. For one, Jekyll noticed that there was a safety mechanism there to prevent him from firing the gun aspect on accident when his intention would have been to use said weapon for melee.
"Don't expect this thing to puncture through tougher Grimm," Mulberry explained. "But you might be able to take down a Beowolf or two before the magazine empties."
"Thank you, Mulberry," Jekyll replied.
"Well come on!" Mulberry patted him on the back. "Let's go test out this new weapon. Beacon has a shooting range just for this sort of thing. Granted, it isn't used often and is quite small—people really take good care of their weapons—but it is still there."
The shooting range was a few ways away from Beacon Academy proper. It was an open field with a faint hint of smoke filling the air. Upon closer inspection, Jekyll could sense the oils and whatever liquids had been used to clean the firearms. Few leftover cases of the bullets littered the area.
Mulberry went ahead and prepared sound-muffling headsets for team MGHT—they, all of them, gathered around.
Looking outward, the sun over Remnant would have blinded their vision were it not for the roof over their heads. The sight of targets in the vague shape of Grimm and sacks filled with holes and burn marks were clear.
Various marks dotted the area as Dust of different kinds must have been fired here at some point. Mulberry then distributed pairs of specialized shades for everyone.
"Ready?" Mulberry began a brief rundown on firearm and general weapon safety for Jekyll. The dagger portion was rather simple for him to grasp but the gun aspect was definitely something that he had not known as well as he thought he did. Jekyll followed his team leader's instructions as dutifully as he could.
The dagger itself served as a rather crude sight but it is more of a small blind spot. Then again, considering the effective range of this weapon and the size of the likely target, such blindness is rather negligible.
Being Jekyll's first time, and being more human than Servant, when he had fired his first shot, he was rather poor. The feel of the recoil was something that he had not prepared for in reality even if he did so in his mind. The rest of team MGHT already knew this and Greene specifically had prepared for this. Adjusting his posture as guided by Mulberry, Jekyll soon got himself accustomed to firing the gun aspect of his weapon.
It felt light as a whole and the dagger itself didn't seem to disrupt the weight. The safety mechanisms in place were there to ensure that he wouldn't accidentally shoot the gun when his fingers ended up pulling on the trigger during the heat of combat. The switch was rather simple but needed deliberate use if one wanted to use or avoid the gun aspect of his weapon.
More shots were fired and Jekyll eventually learned to better handle his firearm. Granted, the targets were still and unmoving but that is something that Mulberry said they could practice another time.
"We have the Emerald Forest for that," Mulberry said. "Grimm will be helpful as moving targets."
Team MGHT's little outing came to an end here. Jekyll had been gifted a modified holster—or would it be more of a sheathe? —that would be used to keep his weapon. He had no name for it; it was something that he could consider for another time.
Returning to Beacon Academy grounds, team MGHT went to their separate ways for the rest of the day, leaving Jekyll alone with his new weapon.
Taking it out, he kept the lessons he had just learned to heart as he ensured that the firearm was empty and that no bullet had been loaded. It was light and comfortable, almost as though it had been made specifically for him. The blade itself was sharp and with aura, could maintain its edge for longer periods of time.
Well that's the weapon done, Jekyll thought. Now for my aura. He personally found that the library was the best place for it. The quiet and cool atmosphere gave him a calming presence and being surrounded by books felt like home.
In an isolated corner, Jekyll closed his eyes and began his own aura training. It was still mostly broken and shattered but he knew that already. To make his own aura whole, he would need to tap into him as well. A difficult choice but that is the added benefit of being in the library in the first place: not many students go here unless they had some requirement for class or an exam they need to prepare for. Otherwise, the only people here would have been those like him, the academic, or the bookworms.
Often, one would find some sense of balance or focus so as to be able to keep a clear mind and avoid mistakes while in combat. For Henry Jekyll on the other hand, he had to channel into his own angers, his hatred, his hedonistic tendencies. It was like trying to control a rushing torrent while also letting it flow through him.
Sighing, Jekyll ended his session here. Checking the time, he had been at it for nearly an hour. Checking his aura, the flares had begun to be scarce as the temptations lingered. It is as close as I can get, he thought. It really such a fine line between a good and … bad man.
Making his way out to the library. Jekyll returned to his dorm and turned in for the night.
It only took about one or two more days before the first groups of huntsmen and huntresses returned to Beacon. One could learn about this by the sounds of approaching Bullheads. Some missions went well as the smiles and pride of the students showed while others definitely needed improvements as some couldn't hide that disappointment even if they tried.
Still, there were a few students who, while having done as well as they could have, certainly had changed. Not all missions run as smoothly as they seem and the professionals have to step in during those times. Students were being brought to the infirmary and both Jekyll and Peach had to chip in a little; most of those issues had more to do with some strange plant or mild poison. Peach especially was able to tell a poison ivy rash on sight.
Jekyll personally smirked at the sight. He could remember some of their faces as the students who weren't exactly paying attention during Peach's class. Experience will do them well. Better that it be something like this than anything fatal.
Ozpin himself returned soon enough, he had a case with him that contained some kind of Grimm.
"Chill," he explained. "This case is modified from the ones that is used by the Nightmare Grimm."
The next he did was the proper disposal. Turns out, Greene had made a device of some kind that is essentially a disposal for the dormant Grimm that had been stored here. Jekyll never had a chance to look at it other than the end of it.
Professional huntsmen and huntresses passed on what tips and trick that they had learned on the field while the students gathered in groups as they shared experiences with one another. Those who didn't do well certainly had reason to catch up now. There were teams that went so poorly that there were some issues that must have come up judging from the silence and tense airs that was had within those teams.
Not every team was as exciting nor Grimm-related. Some were much closer to detectives and inspected criminal activity. Jekyll specifically asked about those but they turned empty in regards to his queries.
So much for that, he thought, dejectedly. They're really keeping themselves low in the meantime. Okay, calm Jekyll. Calm. He took a moment to breathe.
Days continue to pass and more students began to return from their missions. Thankfully, they won't be returning to classes as they should all be preparing for the Vytal Tournament. Mulberry already bought team MGHT front row seats.
"You just didn't want to buy the snacks," Greene accused.
"Just as I cannot prove you wrong." Mulberry looked away. "You cannot prove yourself right."
Peach looked to Jekyll, expecting an answer.
"Don't look at me." He raised his hands. "I may have been a lawyer once but that is not applicable here and I am not representing either."
Outside, the humming sounds of a large airship landing in Beacon's docking bay was heard. It was louder than any other airship.
Some of the students, namely Atlas, are gathering and began to make two rows as they stood in attention. Non-Atlas students gathered to see who it was that was arriving.
Ozpin and Glynda Goodwitch were the first to greet whoever it was. Jekyll's eyes widened a little as he soon enough recognized that military attire. The arms behind his back as he walked with an escort. General James Ironwood had just arrived from Atlas. With him, was Winter Schnee.
"Good to see you, James," Ozpin said.
"Good to see you as well, Ozpin," replied Ironwood. He then turned to address the students. "At ease, students."
The Atlas students began to disperse. The non-Atlas students remained with some marveling the design of the flagship.
"Winter!" cried a voice from behind team MGHT. Turning around, a waving Weiss Schnee could be seen approaching her older sister with haste. At first, Winter seemed rather awkward given the situation only to be given permission to relax under the order of the general.
Mulberry decided to open it up again. "Hey, didn't Qrow said you once stole his woman?"
"Ugh" was the only thing that Jekyll could respond with. He really needed to smack Qrow when they see each other again. After a minute, he added further by asking, "am I never going to live that down?"
"Probably not," Mulberry replied, shrugging. "It was in the gossip section in the papers. Anything really that they could grasp for some happy stories to keep the Grimm away."
"Why?" Jekyll buried himself in his hands. He looked to Peach for help.
"Yeah no." Peach shook her head. "I am not tangling myself in those gossips. Besides, it's not like you two are actually seeing each other right?"
"No, we're not." He hid his feeling of being betrayed.
"Then, I see no problem with that." Peach nodded. "Look, they're coming over now."
Peach was right. After catching up with Ozpin and Glynda, Ironwood and Winter did indeed proceed to walk down the hallway that team MGHT was in. Granted, there was no other place for them to be other than here so it was inevitable.
Ironwood was the first to speak. "Mr. Jekyll, I see you're doing well."
"That I have, general," Jekyll replied. To Winter Schnee, he said, "good to see you again, Winter."
Winter returned with a smile of her own before returning to entertain her younger sister. Weiss Schnee looked almost as excitable as Ruby normally would have been when it came to weapons.
"Perhaps we will talk another time, Mr. Jekyll," Winter managed to say. Then, her expression lighted as though she had remembered something. "In fact, you wouldn't happen to know where a certain bird has gone, would you?"
Jekyll didn't even need to guess too hard. "You too?" It couldn't possibly just be word of mouth. How bad are gossips in Remnant? This was a revelation to him. Not even in his life could gossip like this be this bad. Do they really need anything they could just to keep the Grimm away?
Team MGHT's first duty was to help bring Ironwood and Winter's things to their respective dorms while Ozpin and Glynda were to show them around. It wasn't their first time to be in Beacon but it was an opportunity for them to catch up on things. Thankfully, for Jekyll's sake, no one in MGHT decided to add more to that teasing.
Personally, Jekyll was more thankful that their dorms were separate from team MGHT's; Ozpin wasn't that cruel at least.
"Is it really that bad?" Jekyll asked Peach. Were the lives of huntsmen and huntresses really that interesting to the general populace? He doubts that even Heroic Spirits would get this much attention, depending on who one asks anyway.
"You asking me? I already don't keep up much with huntsmen news to begin with, let alone gossip about them. If I had to guess from that first impression, she's probably too professional and doesn't open too casually to anyone." She then emphasized by saying, "seriously, don't drag me into that."
"I don't think I'm the one who decides that." He shook his head, shrugging. "For what it's worth, I apologize ahead of time." That is assuming that they haven't already. He never really checked.
"Great," Peach replied, not at all excited if the gossips ever reach that point.
After placing down Ironwood's things—Peach volunteered to carry Winter's, just for his sake—the two resumed with the rest of their day.
Then, a question entered Peach's mind. "Do you think that she knows? About—" she had to double check for any listeners. There were though they were distant. Still, she'd rather not take any chances. "About him?"
"I believe that they suspect something at least." Jekyll recalled his time from Atlas. It was a distant memory for him now. It felt almost nostalgic. "Winter isn't rather the subtlest of individuals especially when it comes to gathering information." He still remembered those times he had in Atlas.
"I mean you weren't either." Peach couldn't help herself but tease him on that one. "Sorry."
"None taken." Jekyll waved it off. "If nothing else, I can at least rest easy knowing that someone probably wouldn't hesitate to take m—Hyde down."
Peach raised a singular eyebrow but shook her head and shrugged almost immediately after. "On the general's orders, I'm sure. And that's assuming I and the rest of MGHT don't get to you first."
/-/
"You got it?" Mercury Black asked a panting Emerald Sustrai.
"Yeah, I did," she replied. "It wasn't easy and I nearly got caught myself."
In her hands, there were two containers of strange liquids of some kind. She would have infiltrated during the dance while everyone else had been away. But the missions being conducted proved itself to be the safer bet; there were less eyes that would have caught her and she could thusly ready herself should there ever be any witnesses.
Without Atlas taking over the security, there were significantly less Paladins patrolling Vale. Still, they would take what they can get and still planted the virus in the CCT Tower and do as much damage as they possibly could should that time arrive. It was little but the effects would still be the same.
That Henry Jekyll will pay for what he did, Emerald thought. He had been getting in our way for so long and if these things are what Cinder thinks they are, then we just have a chance of equaling the playing field.
"Alright." Mercury nodded. "Let's get these to Cinder. The others gave us permission for this. Let's make it count."
Emerald smirked a little. Normally, she wouldn't have liked it spending time with the assassin. But after meeting the other acquaintances of Cinder, she learned to appreciate it. The three of them had been set back many times now, they wouldn't let it happen again.
AN: Jekyll's huntsman weapon was actually influenced by Blake's own, minus the rope, of course. Wanted a weapon that is still close to the knife he uses, just add the gun, really.