"I made it." She panted. She had never had to travel that far on her own before. Then again, why had she manifested in Vacuo of all places? "But I am too late." She was shaking her head at the sight of it. She recognized the state of Vale's walls. They were still being repaired which meant that she had arrived after the attack on Beacon.
Her name was Jeanne d'Arc, Vacuo's Companion Lancer. Having manifested in some crater with strange lingering properties on the desert sands of Vacuo, she had spent a good part of her time just finding civilization. Strangely, despite having retained much of her Ruler counterpart's disposition, she had manifested as a Lancer while having an added bonus: being the Fifth Maiden of that other Remnant. Her eyes burned that same flame when she had learned of Beacon's attack and rushed her way to Vale. The cost of retaining that status of Maiden was that she had lost Revelation.
"I am not Earth's Jeanne," she concluded. "I am Remnant's Jeanne."
Jeanne d'Arc. This one was formerly a semblance to Jaune Arc. Her continued manifestation then was pretty much determined by her brother's aura reserves and she had only been able to be independent when she became that other Remnant's Fifth Maiden. Memories of that other Remnant still remained in the mind which only made her rush to Vale even faster.
Finding a direction was difficult. Pouring through what maps and directions that she could find and ask for, Jeanne had to escape under the cover of night as Vacuo's borders tightened quite a bit during the sudden outbreak. Negativity due to that attack had also drawn more Grimm towards Vacuo that she had to stay behind for a while longer just to clear them out. Though her aim had been to Vale, she was still a Companion of Vacuo and thusly couldn't just leave them behind.
Clearing out the Grimm horde was the simplest task. The Grimm there weren't controlled by Salem nor were they the ones that were brought to Vale. They were simply the wild Grimm herds and packs that travelled across the sands of the desert kingdom and were drawn towards the kingdom during the massive surge of negativity. There were also a case of this criminal organization of the Crown: a delusional group of individuals, thinking themselves to be Vacuo's royalty. Jeanne easily dealt with them and had them imprisoned like the criminals they are.
Spending days and nights ceaselessly hastening towards Vale, Jeanne's dread only worsened as time passed. There were clear differences between her Remnant and this one. For one, there was a proper Grail War that was had and though there was no Ruler to oversee it, it was more for her benefit than anything else. She was certain that she couldn't be neutral in this one with the memories she had; there were personal stakes in it for her that she wouldn't be able to.
Climbing mountains were hardly a challenge. With her new skill that is regarded as Maiden (Holy), she could easily traverse these mountains without taking a single step. Warmth in the night was provided by that same skill; it is quite the versatile one, granting abilities akin to the Four Maidens, five in her case.
Only occasionally would she stop by in some settlement. Most were abandoned and she could only make use of those old and destroyed structures as shelter before moving on. Clearing out any group of Grimm that she would encounter, Jeanne took the extra time to make sure that the continent would at least be safer even if only a little.
Then, she finally caught sight of Vale. Relief washed over her and healed her weary form. Still, time had passed and that memory of that other time still haunts her.
Please be alright, Jaune, she begged. Please be alright.
Entering Vale proved to be the simplest part. Not only was it alarmingly lax, it was more that they need all the help that they can get. Jeanne obviously volunteered easily enough, clearing out the Grimm that were still roaming about. She made extra certain to make a display of it for the common man. Better that they feel secure and that huntsmen and huntresses could still protect them.
Vale was just as she remembered when she and the rest of her JNPR left. A stinging pain struck her. The JNPR here wouldn't recognize her. They are not her JNPR. She shook her head. So long as they were alright, that is all that matters. For Jeanne who still remembered what happened from that other Remnant, there was only one person that she was most concerned about.
Tried as she might to keep that moment out of her mind, memories of that instance rushed back to her with a vengeance. She had been present in that one and being absent this time meant that there was no one to protect him. There was no one to convince the headmaster that something else had been possible. Jeanne could only hope that the differences went in the direction that would ease her worries.
He's not a Master, I'm sure, she thought. I would have come rushing in if he called for someone. He would have summoned me, right? There shouldn't be a catalyst here that he could use. Not one from Earth.
Finding someone that she recognized would have been difficult. But with how similar things had been so far, she was safe in assuming that there is one person she would meet though it pains her knowing that this particular circumstance remained the same. Seeing that evidence that he carried said so.
"Excuse me." She tapped the bigger boy's shoulder. "Are you a student of Beacon?" She didn't want to spook him by saying his name.
"Yeah." Cardin looked at her inquisitively. He had candles and flowers with him. Jeanne's assumptions were proved right. Sky Lark must have still perished even in this one. That was similar enough but it is the point of difference that fills her with dread. "Do I know you?"
Here we go, she thought. She had to face it soon. "I'm looking for Jaune. My brother."
Jeanne dread worsened when she saw Cardin's expression darkened. He cursed at himself and shook his head. His grip on the candle was tight that it left quite the imprint on the glass. It was all the confirmation she needed. Already, she wished she never asked. He looked away from her, unable to meet her eyes.
"Come with me." He wasn't facing her. He only gestured her to follow. "Didn't want to do this but I owe Jauney-boy. Will not deny his family, definitely not his family." Cardin turned to her. "I'm guessing your father never told you. I saw him pass by the grave once."
"We were far away from each other," Jeanne excused. Jacques Arc had been here? "The CCT was down."
Each step she took made her feet feel wobblier and wobblier. Jeanne was brought to the cemetery. The same one where Sky Lark had been buried. She turned towards the general direction of the boy and sure enough, Cardin was there again. He apologized for the detour but Jeanne was accepting of that. She intends to come back here again.
It was when Cardin brought her to Jaune's grave that made her pause. Cardin had left her there, using the excuse of giving her time alone with her brother as he went off to train as he did in that other time. Out of the differences, this was the one she didn't want to have.
"Thank you," Jeanne said. She nearly said his name out loud despite him never introducing himself. "Uh…" she managed to cover herself.
"Cardin Winchester," he replied. "Don't mention it. He didn't deserve to have it happen to him. Not this early."
"None of us do."
When Cardin had gone away from her sight, she turned to face the grave that bore Jaune's name again. The flowers had begun to wilt and the candle wax was low. It had been days since anyone last visited him. She regretted not having brought any lien with her.
Jeanne's lower lip began to bleed as her teeth buried itself into it. She tried her hardest to maintain a straight face. She was a Heroic Spirit now, a proper one. She didn't exist in this time. Jaune didn't have an eighth sister in this one. She wasn't around to convince the headmaster of Beacon that miracles could still exist. She wasn't around when Cinder Fall had burned Jaune's aura reserves to practically zero. She wasn't there to look out for him.
She stayed for a while longer, offering prayers for the Jaune who didn't make it. It was the least she could do.
"You would have been a great huntsman, Jaune," she whispered. "I know it. Spoilers, but I've seen you do it." Sobbing threatened to escape her lips. She smiled knowingly. "And I look forward to the day we see each other as Heroic Spirits." The benefits of knowledge from the Grail.
Having given one last prayer, Jeanne soon left the cemetery. Thanking Cardin once more on the way out, the next agenda on her list would be to go to Beacon itself. She needed to see the person in-charge and offer whatever service that she has. Her plan is to ally herself to Vale and possibly find its Companion Servant as well.
/-/
"Eh?" Her grief turned to shock as Jeanne found herself regretting that decision the moment she stepped foot in Beacon. The Companion Servant was already there and though he wasn't waiting for her, Jeanne recognized that pink hair.
"Oh, Jeanne?" Astolfo's eyes sparkled. Next to him, professor Peter Port had to have a curious look beneath those eyebrows. "Jeanne! You're here too? You're a Companion too? Port! Port! An old friend is here!"
"Indeed?" Port replied. He laughed a hearty laugh. "It must be a marvelous thing then! Seeing old comrades like that."
The two shook hands which was followed by a head-butt. Considering that they should be keeping this a secret, it was fortunate that there was no one else around. If they were, such displays could only bring happiness in what is essentially difficult times for Vale. One would even share in it if these two would allow it so. Actually, maybe they should be doing this in public. Preferably, they should do it away from her.
While everyone else would enjoy the sight, Jeanne, and anyone else who knew one or the other long enough, had different thoughts: by my Father in Heaven, there's two of them.
"Come then, compatriot!" said Port, wrapping his arm around Jeanne. Astolfo did the same. She can't escape. "The headmaster must be informed of your presence."
"Headmaster?" Jeanne managed to get out of her stunned silence, at least. "As in headmaster Ozpin?"
Astolfo nodded enthusiastically. "He'd want to meet you. He's been looking for other Companions to recruit to the cause after all. Come on!"
It didn't take long for the three of them to make their way towards the headmaster's new office. Before Jeanne neared the door, another Servant had appeared; he must have sensed their presence.
"Another Companion?" he asked. "I wasn't aware that Vale had two."
"Vacuo actually," Jeanne corrected. "I made my here as soon as I heard the attack." She would have been there sooner but she couldn't just ignore the state that had befallen Vacuo immediately after the attack.
"That quick? I'm surprised. Saber, by the way."
"Jeanne. Jeanne d'Arc."
Saber's expression widened at the mention of her name. Jeanne's eyes narrowed as she turned to Astolfo for answers. He only shook his head. Saber then went inside and voices were heard. Jeanne recognized it as that of Saber and that of Ozpin. She couldn't make out what it was that they were saying but they were certainly emotional.
"Come inside," said Saber when he stepped out. "Astolfo, you as well."
"O-kay," replied Astolfo as he bounced his way inside. Both he and Port shook hands hard, flexing their muscles.
Ozpin's new office was much closer of a makeshift classroom. Things were put aside as his desk and chair was position in the center. With the stock of items on the side, it looked like a storage room than it was an office. By the looks of it, more things were being temporarily moved here instead.
"Forgive me," said Ozpin. "We had to make do with what rooms are available. Still, out of all Companions—no—out of every Servant, I never would have guessed that you would be here, miss d'Arc."
"You've known me?" Jeanne asked.
Ozpin nodded. "I'll admit, and Saber here can confirm, that there were times I wanted to strangle Gilles with how much he would talk about you. If it wasn't for him talking about this Grail War, I probably would have done so sooner."
"Gilles." It was her turn to be surprised. "He's here?" But there was already a Saber. That only left Caster.
"Was," Ozpin corrected. "Was here, miss d'Arc. He was the Caster of the last Grail War."
"If we're lucky," Saber added. "It will stay that way."
There had been another Grail War in Remnant? Jeanne couldn't remember that the last time she was here. She shook her head. No. Alternate timeline, different circumstances. Still, Gilles de Rais, her ally, had been here in this Remnant. By the sounds of it, he had been Ozpin's ally as well.
"Gilles was here," Jeanne repeated. She rested her head on her hand. First Jaune and now Gilles? It was a rollercoaster.
"He was." Ozpin nodded. "If he were still here, I am certain he would have much to say. He had wanted to make up for his sins."
"Gilles had been driven to madness," Jeanne replied. "When I had been burned, he had lost himself to the madness."
"I am aware." Ozpin's expression turned to that of sadness. "More than that, he had been Salem's Servant during the last Grail War."
"Wait." Jeanne raised her hand. "Salem? Then, Gilles betrayed her?"
Ozpin then retold the tale of Gilles de Rais. He even produced a copy of a book titled "Of Faith and the Way of the Sword." It was written by Ozpin himself under the penname of his own original one.
"I wanted to preserve his memory in some way," Ozpin explained. "For everything he had done, he deserves to build a new name for himself here in Remnant. None of this would have been possible without him. Everything I know about this Grail War was because of him." The headmaster chuckled. "I also know more about you than I probably have any right to but that was on him. Speaking of Gilles." He turned to Saber. "Can we make it down?"
"I can," Saber answered. "You can't. I'll have to carry you there."
"That is fine." Ozpin turned to Jeanne again. "Come. There is something I have to show you. Astolfo, you as well."
Astolfo saluted but kept that toothy grin of his.
The four of them made their way towards the elevator. With Saber carrying his Master, they all made their descent towards the Vault. The elevator was still broken and they had to jump. The memories of it brought a bitter feeling for Jeanne. It was here that a decision had been made about the Fall Maiden's powers. It was here that the Jaune she knew had nearly lost his life if it wasn't Ozpin making her the Fifth Maiden.
"What happened to Jaune?" asked Jeanne. She had to know. "I saw his grave."
"Mr. Arc…" Ozpin appeared like he was struggling. "He is in a rather awkward position."
Jeanne tilted her head. "What do you mean?"
It was Saber who explained. "Mr. Arc is dead. However, without our realizing until much later—us Masters at any rate—and through miss Nikos' actions, he is currently a Servant himself. The Rider of this Grail War."
"Jaune's a Heroic Spirit?" Jeanne raised her voice that it echoed in the Vault. She knew that he was capable of being great in his own right but still. "So soon?"
Saber nodded, completing Jeanne's thoughts before they were ever formed. "Mr. Arc is the Rusted Knight. What is his relationship to you, if I may ask?"
"As I am now? Nothing." It hurt to say it. "But the Jaune I knew was practically a brother to me. Or rather, I was his semblance and was practically adopted as his eighth sister. In that one, headmaster Ozpin, you actually broke a few rules."
Emphasizing her point, her eyes burned those familiar flames, amazing both Ozpin and Saber. She then gave a quick explanation of everything that had happened in her version of Remnant.
"So Salem and I had found an end to our immortality," Ozpin asked, hopeful just like the other one had been. The headmaster stared above, towards the heavens. "I never considered myself a religious man despite having walked alongside the very gods of this world. Yet, one so far away gave what both Salem and I long desired."
The headmaster's eyes began to cry while his mouth began to laugh. "Gilles de Rais," he praised. "You are a better knight than you gave yourself any credit."
Though he wasn't here, Jeanne felt pride for her comrade. Gilles had always been a trustworthy comrade for her. Granted, he had his… visually-inclined quirks that needed paying close attention to. In some way, he was making a new name for himself here in Remnant. It was a new start and one that Jeanne was happy for.
She was brought towards a container of sorts. Opening it, Gilles' sword rested there. Ozpin gently carried it as though it were the most fragile thing and presented it to her as though he were the soldier and she the queen.
"He had once hoped that this sword would come to the hands of one who is most like you," he said. "But I am certain that he would be ecstatic, if feeling a bit unworthy, that you yourself would have it."
Jeanne's fingers traced the blade. It had no name. There was no legend nor technique that had come with it. It was simply the sword that he had used on the battlefield. She took the grip and gave it a few practice swings. She nodded at the balance of the weapon.
"By my hand," she promised. "This sword will strike true and will be laid to proper rest when its job is done."
It was the least that she could do. Soon after, the three of them made it back to the ground floors of Beacon Academy. Astolfo soon parted with them as both he and Port were off as huntsmen were still being called to service almost immediately so far. Gilles sword was strapped to Jeanne's hip and a sheathe has been provided alongside it.
Saber explained to her everything that had happened thus far up to the point when JNPR, alongside Ruby, Qrow, and the apparent Lancer of this Grail War, had left Vale for Mistral. So far, the general direction had been similar to Jeanne's own experiences with the obvious change being the people involved.
However, for those things that are the same, there were those that were so obviously different. Yang had lost her arm and Blake had run away. But there was one thing that plagued her mind.
"How is Jaune?" she asked. "As a Servant, I mean."
"He seemed more mature," Saber answered. "There were traces of himself still but it would be accurate to say that he had become more confident in himself. I can see elements of the Rusted Knight there as well. He put aside personal grievances even after learning of the truth. Do you wish to catch up to them? I may have reserved an airship for another, but I can have it done."
For a moment, Jeanne considered it. But she shook her head. "Team JNPR wouldn't know me. I doubt that Jaune would remember me even if he knew of me." As a Servant, Jaune would know who she was. But would the memory of her be retained to the one in the Throne? Jeanne would be lying if she said she wasn't a little bit anxious at the answer. "Besides," she added. "Team RWBY is practically a sister team. I could at least look after Yang in Ruby's place."
Not only that, but Jaune being a Servant meant that they are protected. Jeanne is certain of that. Jaune wouldn't let any harm come to them. The least she could do is make sure that Vale is still standing and would give them a big welcome if—when they would return.
As the Rusted Knight, she thought. He should be the biggest contender for the Grail War. Secure in that knowledge, Jeanne was confident that she would see team JNPR again. Even if they won't recognize her, so long as they are safe, that is enough for her who had experience a full life in Remnant.
"Then remind me to give you directions to their household if you don't know it already." Saber nodded. "In the meantime, Master will have to give you your huntress license to operate with more freedom within Vale."
"Is the situation that bad?"
"Vale is recovering. But on top of the lives lost, there are those who have surrendered their licenses and prospects of becoming huntsmen. We are severely scarce on those still willing to fight."
Jeanne's banner clanged as it hit the ground, the flag's fabric fluttering in the light breeze that blew in Beacon's hallways. "Then it is a good thing that I'm here," she said with confidence. "I may be Vacuo's Companion Lancer, but Vale is where I called home here in Remnant."
Getting her license, this time registered in Vale, was the easiest part. With headmaster Ozpin's connections, she was almost immediately recognized as a professional huntress. A necessity too since Vale desperately needed aid wherever they could. Not every mission that had allowed students and they couldn't, in good conscience, let those newly licensed take those difficult mission. Jeanne had to act with others, usually the more experienced ones, in order to get herself up to speed.
It was proving itself to be a little difficult.
"Alright, huntress!" Astolfo had been considered a huntsman longer than Jeanne herself was. As a faculty of Beacon Academy, that also meant that he was to be addressed as professor Astolfo. "My portly partner may be absent for the time being—wrangling Grimm most terrifying no doubt—I shall be overseeing your progress before you can take any other mission on your own!"
Jeanne sighed. It was only temporary and having more than one Servant together meant that they wouldn't worry much about being ambushed. Unless Salem and her forces decided to send three, there was a safety net in having two. Vale had three which was overkill considering the Companions being stationed at different places across Remnant.
All of Remnant, huh. Her grip on her banner tightened. Her eyes burned the flames of the Maiden. She'll keep Vale safe until it rebuilds. Oh Lord, grant me strength to protect all those precious to me. Guide those that I cannot.
Clearing out Grimm, finding more lost people, escorting supplies, Jeanne took on as many missions as she is able to. It was only slowed by the time spent on those different locations as she tried to inspire others and hopefully relight the fires in those downtrodden huntsmen and huntresses. The most she had been able to achieve was that they would at least help rebuild and protect those places that they happen to be in. Many huntsmen and huntresses were in places far away that she couldn't reach them. The others had come from different kingdoms and there was nothing that she could do about those that have returned. The CCT was still down.
The number of huntsmen and huntresses willing to return had increased slightly, though that had less to do with Jeanne's own actions and more of the necessity as the possible loss of more lives was weighing in on them eventually. Still, headmaster Ozpin was thankful for what numbers they could obtain. The students at least were more willing to step up if nothing else.
"Whoever is still willing to fight," he said. "We will accept. I only regret that their lives would be put in greater risk if this Grail War ever reaches here."
"For as long as we stay here," Saber added. "We risk the Grail War, and even if we do leave, we will still risk their lives. There is still the matter of the Relics and we cannot have it brought with the others."
"We can only hope that the other Companions are aligned to ourselves, Saber. With Vacuo and Vale having been set, we can be certain that Mistral and Atlas would have one as well. That is four out of—possibly—seven Companions accounted for."
Jeanne continued her duties there as a huntress. With permission, she could take missions within Patch and Taiyang had already been informed of the circumstances and her reasons for being there.
"She's not doing so well," he said. "She needs time."
"I understand, sir." Jeanne bowed. "I just want to make it up to the team RWBY that I knew."
"Do you really think we have a chance?"
"I will make sure of it, sir." She vowed. "I will make sure of it."
Jeanne d'Arc resumed her missions here in Vale. As a Servant, she was more than enough to handle many of the Grimm threatening the main city. There was little need for secrecy here. If anything, they needed to be loud and public. The people of Remnant need that to combat the Grimm. All Companions must have shared in this sentiment.
/-/
"Jeanne d'Arc for Vacuo," Saber commented. "Astolfo for Vale."
Ozpin knew what Saber was thinking. "Gilles may have done much but even he wouldn't be able to help us here. I doubt that he would be much aid in figuring out the case for Atlas and Mistral."
"I suppose not." Saber shrugged his shoulders. "Even if we consider Atlas and Mantle as separate, that still leaves two more Companions unaccounted for. Menagerie could have one perhaps but the only other place left would be Evernight. They may call themselves Companions but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be our companions."
"There is still the matter of the spellbook."
"You think that it would be on Servants?"
"What greater fuel source could it have outside of the Relics and the Grail?"
Headmaster Ozpin focused on the documents on his desk. His duties as a councilman served as distraction for now. There were many things that he had to think about yet his mind was drawing a blank. Saber could probably do that in his stead. In fact, Saber probably already was.
Saber was soon making his way to the exit.
"Perhaps there is something about Vacuo that we're missing," he said. "Jeanne did say she had appeared in the crater, didn't she?" He waited for Ozpin to nod. Soon enough, Saber vanished.
Keeping his aura usage to a minimum was a simple task. His office was fairly close to the library to begin with and thusly didn't strain him too much, if at all.
As Ozpin was pouring through the documents, something caught his attention. Criminal activity, while predictably increasing given the circumstances, seemed rather tame for the most part. People who were trying to flee Vale was unsurprising for him. With huntsmen numbers and the CCT down, those accustomed to this lifestyle might feel themselves in greater danger. Only those used to danger stuck around willingly.
He looked through another report. This time, it pertained to the CCT, and it was one that is usually only meant for those in charge of security. While some would argue against such breeches in privacy, it would be difficult given what had just happened to Vale. Ozpin wasn't surprised at the presence of a hacker. The difficulty came in finding that code within their systems. However, something that he didn't notice before now was evidence of a different line having been connected. It was obscure and small, almost unnoticeable unless one had to be deliberately looking for it.
One side came from Mistral, specifically in Argus. The other came from various different locations, always moving.
Ozpin soon requested if there was any transcription about it. This line only ever came to existence after the program had been uploaded into the CCT. The transcription indicated no malice nor was there any coded messages that they could find. It only appeared to be some kind of communication between two parties that wished to maintain its anonymity.
But to Ozpin, one thing had caught its attention: the parties involved used the terms "Holy Grail" and "Companion." Someone was already acting before Ozpin did. Then, he read a name: John Watson.
/-/
"Oh, so you must be the True Assassin of this little… Grail War was it? Honestly, not how I envisioned myself leaving the Ever After but who am I to complain? Still, I had only come here because of Remnant and now there is something else beyond it? How… Curious." The feline chuckled.
"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't."
"Ah, not the most eloquent one I suppose. Well, not like that is going to problem. Outcasts like ourselves should probably stick together. It certainly helps that I know your Master."
"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't."
"Hmm, quite. But I do have something in mind. You're looking for the child as well aren't you?"
It acted. Good. That was good. They know enough. Shame that this Grail War didn't exactly come with directions towards the goal but that can be arranged. Neither of them were the best combatants but they didn't need to fight directly either. They could if they had to.
"The thing is, my good and unnaturally made friend who would never have existed were it not for your gracious Master, is that we could not hope to accomplish our goals by staying in the shade. You actually need to win this Grail War. Not that it's going to a problem. After all, our Master is quite the individual, isn't he? Besides, now, with me as a representative, you have the Ever After by your side."
"Please don't. Please don't. Please don't."
They sighed. "You really need to learn to mix and match the last words of the people you've gotten, Poppy, my dear. Maybe consider writing on the ground? Surely, you could do that much, at least."
It was surprised.
"Oh, was that supposed to be a secret? It isn't exactly hard to figure out considering what you've done. I'm pretty sure that I could be identified quite easily as well. Not that many kittens with a thirst of knowing everything there is to know, are there?"
Before the two could proceed, the cat had a thought. They were laughing for some reason.
"It would be nice if those two were here as well," they said. "I certainly wished to see how they are doing, even Jabby for all our differences."
AN: The idea behind my doing a Fate/RWBY Grail War could technically go as far back as when I first started posting fics (as in first fic ever posted). It would have been something akin to "Arc Royale" by Couer Al'Aran where all the Servants are from previously existing fics.
But then Volume 9 happened and I am certain (some/most of you have already read them, I'm sure) that I am not the first to think "Servant Jaune Arc" when Rusted Knight appeared. Most of these "Companion Servants" are pretty much from existing fics with the new additions being meant to round up this roster.
It took me this long because I spent more time trying to avoid it. But the other pieces of RWBY lore are like intrusive thoughts that won't leave me alone.
For Jeanne specifically (animation update, woo), I was thinking of having the actual Maidens themselves be the Servants (ie Cinder or Amber for Fall, Raven for Spring, etc.) as opposed of combining them into one, mainly just to have a wider pool. I'm cheating in this intance because I wanted to focus on the "Maiden" part of the Servant and not build one from scratch (counting Curious Cat, that's six Remnant Heroic Spirits). It's also the reason that this Lancer Jeanne isn't the same Lancer Jeanne from Samurai Remnant but rather the return of An Ideal Semblance.
Now for Ever After's Companion Caster: Curious Cat. It is more of an odd addition, I'll admit. Mainly influenced by that one Interlude where Sherlock states his reason for being a Ruler instead of a Caster. (Both Sherlock and Young Moriarty initially made me think of Curious as a Ruler, overseeing this Grail War). I find that Sherlock's finding the truth of the case is similar enough to Cat's nature of needing to know everything so I took the stated reason of the Ruler's having no desire for the Grail out and allowed the Cat to have that Caster classing.