Weiss Schnee was brushing her hair, cracking her knuckles, and loosened whatever stiff joints she was feeling. It had been a long time since she had felt the nerves get to her. She hadn't felt that way since her first ever recital. Even now, she was still unsure if it happened at all. Recordings, courtesy of her team, were evidence that it did.

Unsurprisingly, many bouquets of flowers started to flood in. How they managed to get any this late at night was beyond her. Wait. They were ordered ahead of time; father must have had them ready just in case Weiss actually decided to be a good girl and follow through with that promise. Poorly disguised letters of proposal came along with it. Mister Ball's letter of invitation for this opera house was still there.

Weiss had time. She might as well open some of them and laugh at some of their horrid attempts at poetry and flowery language. This wasn't the first time. It always happens; some were from parents trying to set their child up for life, be it friendships or marriages. Others were from scouts hoping to find the next talented hit. A few amateurs slipped past which Weiss personally preferred; those ones were idealistic but genuine.

Those that weren't worth her time, well, she had a paper shredder nearby just for the occasion. She would rather have them by the fire but there were still some guests and others were doing the cleanup.

Were it not for the number of Pumpkin Pete's cereal that they currently have, courtesy of Whitley's wallet, Weiss would have appreciated the sweets that were among the gift of flowers. But as it stands, there were too many sweets that even someone like Ruby wouldn't be able to finish or Yang's semblance would burn through.

"I mean," she said. "I could always bring a lot of them with me. Beacon has fridges and they might as well be snacked on or used for something else. Maybe Ren could have some chocolate syrup for Nora."

Weiss ciphered through more letters and gifts when one envelope in particular stood out. One thing that immediately stood out about it compared to the others was that it was wax-sealed. Most of the others were mainly dry-sealed with some looking ornate with ribbons and fake flowers to give it a more fanciful design. This one reminded Weiss of those old performances and films taking place many years ago with the excess wax-droplets on the envelop.

The skull itself was intriguing, bulging the other stacks of envelopes. It had to have been a two-step process at least. The amount of wax needed to create a three-dimensional shape of a skull was a lot. Firstly, there had to have been wax already in the stamp itself that had been allowed to cool-off. The mess on the envelope showed that the wax initially poured was there to seal it while the skull was an added decoration. It had to be a sort of molding process for it.

This was hand-delivered, Weiss thought. No sane postal service would accept this. It looks nice, though, if a bit unsettling.

Inquisitiveness akin to a Curious Cat, Weiss opened the letter. There was one document on it, written somewhat bold and quite expressive with its strokes. It wasn't written by an individual who had gone to school to write, but learned to in pain, emotion, and tears fallen in solitude. There was an excitable passion as the writing went on.

One remarkable feature about it was that it was almost child-like in its penmanship. Even Ruby had a more sophisticated hand than this.

The letter contained the following content:

Brava! Brava! Your voice is a gift most divine!

Your music and song, a treasure for all to find

Don't be shy for my friend has done his task

"Find a singer, a diva, a star" is what I ask

Let me write for you a song, one for the stage

And you shall be the voice beloved of this age

Hide not your beautiful voice from the public

Be my muse, let I be your Angel of Music

Before Weiss could put down the letter, the door to her room was opened violently, courtesy of Yang Xiao Long. She, along with Ruby, was clapping wildly as though they were the entire audience.

"You know that means we're going to annoy you to sing for us once we get back to Beacon, right?" Yang said.

"If your idea of singing is drunken karaoke night, Xiao Long," Weiss replied. "I'm not interested."

"So sober then? Got it!"

"Weiss!" Ruby dashed and hugged Weiss. "You sounded great! I'm so proud of my bestie!"

"Put me down, Ruby!" Weiss hid away the redness coloring her cheeks. That had come so suddenly.

Then, there was some sound.

"What was that?" Yang asked.

"Probably some stray or something," Weiss replied after being put down. "Father had become rather lax with security tonight. I don't think he would intentionally sabotage miss Hill like this."

"That wouldn't do well for anyone," said Blake. She picked up the note. Blake managed to catch the name. "Somebody's a fan of The Ghost of the Theater."

"Blake!" Yang looked so scandalized. "Don't you know it's rude to read a love letter meant for someone else?"

"It's fine," Weiss said. Blake returned to note. "Not the first time I've received one of these and it doesn't surprise me that someone wants me to be a singer instead of a huntress. Must have been one of father's associates coming in to deliver this letter."

Weiss even showed them the envelope.

"Even came in with a unique seal," Weiss said.

Yang whistled. "Looks scary almost."

"That has got to be a waste of wax." Blake shook her head. "But someone's committed to the bit, at least."

"Nothing too special." Weiss threw the envelope, along with the letter, in the shredder. "I'm still planning on becoming a huntress, anyway."

Another noise was heard, more violent than last.

There was a moment when all of team RWBY nearly drew their weapons except for Weiss whose weapon was stored safely away elsewhere in the room. Ruby stayed close as Weiss hastily went for her weapon.

The four of them waited in silence. But nothing else had happened.

Then, team RWBY heard rushing footsteps. Winter Schnee slammed the door open, weapon in hand. All four pointed their weapons at Winter before realizing.

"Weiss!" she called out. She ignored the fact that all weapons were pointed at her, "Are you alright?"

"Yes," Weiss replied on instincts. Team RWBY put down their weapons. "Is something the matter? What's going on?"

"Trespasser," Winter replied, sheathing her sword. "Father should have kept his security tight but he insisted that will always be cracks that one could get through." Winter mumbled something to herself, likely about father jeopardizing Hill's reputation as a protector. "Doctor Jekyll is chasing off the perpetrator."

For a moment, Winter seemed to look away. After taking a breath, she entered the room. She approached Winter and checked Weiss.

"Just making sure," Winter said when she saw the uncertainty in Weiss' eyes. "With Atlas hosting this year's Vytal Festival, the general has taken steps to ensure security. I've personally grown a little paranoid myself."

"But we're fine," Weiss insisted. "Really, we are. Besides, what's one trespasser going to do against me when I have my team with me?"

Winter smiled at the reminder. "I know. But that doesn't stop me from worrying about my little sister."

"Can relate," Yang commented. "Especially the social skills."

"Yang!" Ruby protested. "I've done better!"

"You did. Doesn't stop me from worrying."

Weiss shrugged and shook her head. "Anyway, Winter. We're fine. I don't think there is any other reason that a trespasser would come for me. Not anything that anyone in our family isn't accustomed to."

For a moment, Winter did have worry painted her inscription.

"But Jack," she added, realizing something. "She might—"

"With Jekyll," Winter said. "Jekyll kept Jack close no matter the circumstances. But if you don't mind. I will still check around here. Okay?"

"Alright." Weiss nodded. "I don't think you're getting much out of anything in this room."

"Did anything strange get into the room?"

"Nothing that we haven't already. The usual letters from so-called admirers and gifts, I suppose. Perhaps we could check on those?"

"I'll have Klein look into it." Winter caught sight of the shredder. "Whatever remains anyway."

"Don't we always?"

Winter began to relax more. Still, she investigated the immediate surroundings and found nothing. Another nod made Winter secure in her feelings.

"So," Weiss began, choosing to change the topic to something more lighthearted. "What did you think?"

"Think?" Winter asked. "Oh! You mean your performance. It was excellent. I would say it was the best you've ever performed."

"And?" Weiss was tracing circles with her hand.

"Weiss queen," Yang joined in on the conversation. "Can't you see she's distracted?" Yang then addressed Winter. "Why don't you go and deal with the trespasser. You two can have this conversation."

"Yes." Winter nodded. "Weiss, I'm truly sorry."

"You've dealt with worse, didn't you, Winter?"

"I did. It doesn't make it any easier knowing that they could come for family."

Weiss understood. It was probably Jack giving Winter a completely different perspective. Though, Weiss had heard that usually happens in other circumstances but adoption probably does similar things. Then again, given what Weiss believes about Jack, perhaps that experience changed Winter more than she gave it credit for.

Winter gave one last, somewhat worried, look before closing the door behind her.

Weiss pouted. "She didn't listen to the song."

"Can you blame her?" Yang said. "She was distracted."

"A trespasser can't possibly be that distracting."

"Oh no, not that." Yang chuckled. "You should have seen where she was looking."

"Can confirm," Blake added. "Her eyes were elsewhere. Odds are, she did listen but the song was tuned out."

"She's probably got a lot on her plate." Yang shrugged. "You have what? A child that you picked up that is now calling you mother, said child is calling another man her father, your own father joining in this politics business and the kingdom is going to host the Vytal Festival that you're so obviously going to be involved in planning. That's a lot on her plate in so short a time."

"I suppose you're right." Weiss conceded. "Winter is usually so composed. She doesn't normally let her emotions show, almost cold even."

"Colder than you?" Ruby asked suddenly. "Sorry."

"No offense taken," Weiss replied. "Winter usually had grace. Life in the military pretty much sets her that way. Take that and with her being Schnee? Well, you girls could tell why I am personally supportive if she does decide. Better than any of the others trying to get in father's good graces."

Stomping noises were heard. Klein entered the room. Weiss didn't need to look at the eye color to know that grumpy was currently dominating Klein's personality. Though, it was more accurate to say it was angry.

"To think some trespasser is confident that they could get close to you, Weiss," Klein said. "When I get my hands on them, I'll give them a piece of my mind is what I'll do."

"We're fine, Klein," Weiss assured him. "I have my team with me and I'm sure no trespasser would even consider taking on four huntresses, even if we're still in-training."

Klein took the chocolates and the flowers. "And your sister told me to make sure of this."

"Of course." Weiss bowed. "Take care of yourself, Klein."

Klein's eyes turned back to normal. "I always do, miss Schnee."

When Klein left the room, Ruby asked, "does this always happen often?"

"Having the need to check for poison or anything criminal? Pretty much."

"And how often are they successful?" asked Blake. "Not counting White Fang."

"Considering than we're still whole? Never. Even with the White Fang included," replied Weiss. "Sorry Blake."

"None taken." Blake waved it off. "For the record, the White Fang aren't subtle. They'd make it a spectacle in order to really spread the message."

"Wouldn't stop father from putting all the blame on them."

"Guys?" Yang asked. "Should we be talking about terrorism and attempted murder so casually like this?"

Weiss shrugged. "Father takes security seriously when it comes to assets. After this, he couldn't afford to be lax with his run for office. Doesn't mean that there won't be any criminals that would try. Besides, my status as huntress should already be known to most people by now. If anything, it's Whitley and mother that are in the most danger. Father knows that and kept them safe; it's honestly one of the few times he has actually cared about family."

There was a moment of silence there.

"Oh, don't worry about me," Weiss said. "Klein gave me the best childhood that anyone in this household could ask for."

"I mean," Ruby rubbed the back of her head. "That's nice and all, but wouldn't it be a problem for Jack?"

Weiss' eyes widened for a moment. "I suppose I could always have Klein look out for her if Winter hasn't already. I'm not sure how much protection she'll get from Whitley or father."

Mother would not be in the best mindset to do that. Weiss would rather keep Jack from a distance.

/-/

Red-eyes-turning-green stared at the tail-end of that cape.

"Bloody hell," Jekyll cursed. "One of Salem's forces is around here."

"Father?" Jack had her daggers ready.

"Jack." Jekyll kneeled down to meet Jack in the eye. "Father has to return to Beacon Academy soon. Can I trust you to keep mother and the family safe?"

"Even grandfather Jacques and grandmother Willow?"

"Especially those two and your uncle Whitley and Klein since they can't defend themselves. Your mother is strong and your auntie Weiss will be at Beacon so she's safe."

"Okay!" Jack saluted like a soldier. Already, she admires her mother.

"That's my little specialist."

Jekyll carried Jack in his arms. An odd feeling, carrying someone he technically has known as though she were his own child. For all he knew, he might have met the living face of this one when he himself had been alive.

Let's not think about that, he thought. It was better that way, for his own sanity.

"Mother!" Jack cried. She saw Winter before Jekyll did.

Jack wormed her way out of Jekyll's arm and rushed towards her. Winter carried Jack but that worry never once left that face. The sight of Jack couldn't relieve Winter.

"How did that trespasser get in?" Winter asked.

"An Assassin-class Servant," Jekyll answered. There was no one else around. "We know Vlad is with Raven, Ozpin already has his own—though he had yet to mention who his Servant was. Theodore never mentioned a name but we know the Summer Maiden has already met with Salem's people trying to get the Maiden's powers."

"That doesn't leave that many people." Winter shook her head. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that Salem of all people would summon her. But why?"

"Atlas is hosting this year's Vytal. Plus, there's Jack and you. I don't know how they got the information, but they had to have known that the Winter Maiden was dying."

"I already informed the general." Winter bit her lip. "It's going to be difficult, trying to cover ourselves while trying to find any moles."

"There probably aren't," Jekyll said. "I trust you two enough to know that this information is kept tight."

"I hope so." Winter nodded, looking absentminded. "I hope so."

"Winter?" Jekyll tilted his head.

"Yes?" Winter was jolted back.

"Are you alright?"

For a moment, Winter wanted to answer. "It's just that a lot is happening too quickly. I… I could use a moment to slow down."

Any tension in Jekyll was gone. He had other duties to perform. "Would you like to have some tea?"

"I'm not sure that tea is going to calm my nerves."

"But it is a moment to slow down. Focus on the taste and warmth of drink while we think this through?"

Winter closed her eyes then nodded. "Right. But first, about the trespasser, are you sure?"

"Jack and I made sure of it; it was an enemy Servant."

Jekyll and Winter, the latter carrying Jack in her arms, walked back inside the Schnee manor.

"An Assassin-class as you said."

Jekyll nodded in affirmation. "Presence Concealment. It's how they were able to get past all that security."

"I'm surprised you noticed."

"Intruder must have enjoyed auntie Weiss' song!" Jack boldly declared. "I felt that and I'm sure of it, mother."

Winter looked to Jekyll. He made no denials about it. "The intruder must have let their guard down. It usually drops considerably if the Assassin prepares to attack. But it could also go down at will, though in this case it wasn't."

Winter continued to hold Jack close. Distant sounds of father being angry and frustrated at the security were heard. Security may not have been at its tightest tonight but without anything to show for it, all they had was a failure of security. Father was ignorant of Heroic Spirits so he couldn't possibly know.

Her family was in danger. Even if Winter hadn't yet received the Maiden powers, Jack's presence alone would have given her away as a point of interest.

"We'll have to pay attention all over Atlas and Mantle," Winter said. "They're coming for me."

"You're already taking less huntress missions," Jekyll said. "I think I can have the Happy Huntresses be on the lookout."

"Do they already know?"

"Not the full extent." Jekyll shook his head. "Robyn knows of my circumstances and was willing to drop any further questioning after that. There is no getting past that semblance of hers, best to tell her something that would have her comply."

Jekyll and Winter arrived to the kitchens. Winter let Jack go down.

Jekyll refused to let Winter do anything. Be it the brewing of tea or even the slicing of leftover cake, Jekyll could see the stress on Winter's eyes and did not once let her do anything on her own.

"It's the least I could do," he insisted.

"About what?" Winter chuckled. "You haven't done anything wrong, Jekyll."

"Perhaps not. But with my being summoned here, things that were known to Ozpin's people are no longer as set in stone as they used to be. I worry sometimes, Winter, that Salem could summon more. Ozpin did say in passing that his magic was waning." He was shaking his head. "I don't regret trying to protect Amber, don't get me wrong. But I do feel that with me as precedent, things are only going to get worse."

Winter stayed quiet. Instead, she inhaled the aroma of the tea. The leaves were Mistral in origin and Jekyll chose not to add the milk for this tea, it was best if they don't. Strange thing to think about coming from an Englishman.

Her eyes focused on the tea. Its warmth soothed her cold fingers. She was momentarily surprised by Jekyll draping his jacket on her shoulders.

"It is, I confess," Winter said after relaxing. "Happening too fast and too much at once. Father's run for office and the Vytal festival. Now these Maidens and magic and Heroic Spirits. From the moment I had chosen to become a specialist and huntress, I always that there'd be a price."

"You just didn't think it would be this high, did you?"

Winter shook her head. "How does one deal with that? And in so quick a time?"

"Not sure how much help I could provide," Jekyll said.

Jack saluted comically. "Don't worry, mother! Jack here will protect you and the whole house!" Shoulder's stiff and heels glued to each other; Jack's balance could easily be disrupted by the lightest breeze.

Winter's spirits managed to be lifted a little. Her hand rubbed on Jack's head. "I feel protected already."

Either Jack is taking it seriously or she's playing right now. Her back was to them and she scanned from left to right, ensuring that nothing got past her. Jekyll observed that Winter was looking, a slight upward curve on her lips.

She took another sip of her tea and sighed. She was savoring this moment of stillness and quiet.

Jekyll placed a hand on hers. He patted that hand.

"Jekyll?" she asked.

"Just reminding you that I'm right here. Had Weiss been here, she would too, even if she doesn't know."

"But neither of you will always be here. Both of you will be returning to Beacon soon."

"And Jack is right there on those moments. If you want, I could call often. Or would you rather I write?"

Winter chuckled. "Unless the CCT is down, I think, for Jack's sake, it is best that stick to calls." She downed the remaining tea left behind. Her plate was clean except for a few crumbs.

Jack reached out both of her hands, one for each of them. But Jekyll paid more attention to Winter. Her face looked distant and her eyes went everywhere. He sighed. She still had a lot of weight on her shoulders.

The search for the intruding Servant was still high. Jekyll escorted Winter and Jack to Winter's room.

"Here." Winter returned the jacket. "It's cold out there."

Jekyll took Winter's hand and held it.

"Jekyll?

He said nothing. He kept holding it, giving it what warmth it could.

"Utterson was a good man," he said. "Always there for me when I had resigned myself to the fate that I may one day wake up as Hyde, unable to return to my old face. It isn't much. But I wish to pay it forward."

Then, Winter surprised him. She held him in an embrace

"Winter?" Jekyll was unsure of what to do. His arms hung in the air.

"Promise me you won't lose to Hyde." Her arms were shivering. There was a slight chuckle. "If nothing else, Jack needs a better role-model of a father."

Jekyll relaxed a little. He awkwardly managed to return the hug. "Of course."

They released each other from their embrace. Jekyll could see the growing relief in Winter.

Jack tilted her head. "Are mother and father flirting?"

"No!" The two of them shouted. They then apologized for the sudden disturbance.

/-/

"Christine refuses her destiny?" Erik said. "No. Christine has been reborn and has forgotten." He looked towards the distant night sky. "My Master wishes me to be at Beacon, and so I shall be there. Christine has forgotten. I will make her remember."

A thought occured to him. If Christine was reborn, who else would have been? But first, he has to secure everything here in Atlas. Christine will return here for this Vytal Festival. He must be ready for her then.

Erik left the Schnee manor and evaded capture. Two Servants, except one had been warped to be closer to a living human. Both are fellow Assassins. Both are in the way of him and Christine.

It was his fortune that the Phantom of the Opera wasn't alone.

Roman Torchwick blew smoke rings as he and Neo were waiting for him.

"I take it you found Christine Daaé?" Roman asked.

"You have done well, Roman Torchwick." Erik bowed cordially. "I'll see to it that Salem rewards you plentiful."

"Yeah, well, I couldn't have done without your excellent hearing." Torchwick shrugged. "Figured that it had to be someone not too close to the spotlight. No one famous goes by that name."

"It is to be expected." Erik waved it off. "But my Christine has been reborn into this Weiss Schnee, there is no mistaking that."

"But if the Snow Queen and Two-Face over there are involved with ole Ironside, not sure how you're going to get your diva to your side. Would she even recognize you?"

"I already have made my plans. Secure everything with mister Ball and prepare for our flight to Vale."

"Vale?" Roman asked. "Ah. Huntress-white-as-snow is about to go back to school. Hey listen—"

"Done." Erik didn't need to hear the rest. "You have already done your part for me, Roman. Your service to my patron is now your priority. And yes, you shall be paid handsomely for your services, you and Neo both."

"Understood." Roman tipped his hat. "Well, I'll take my leave, then. Come, Neo. We got some businesses to settle around here then its back home. Maybe we'll get to pay Cinderella a little visit while we're at it."


AN: Since "Man with Two Souls" is basically the Jekyll and Hyde book, I've decided to see if I could do the same for the other literary characters. Dracula and Frankenstein are exempted from this since apparently their in-universe equivalent already exist as Vampire Count and Corpse Doctor respectively (according to the RWBY wiki). "Ghost of the Theater" is Phantom's since I couldn't find any confirmation. I'm including the RWBY side of things if possible as well (Namely, the Oz books).

Had I been more creative, I might have come up with an all-assassin roster for each of the Schnee family. But since the priority is the Maidens, I'm choosing against it (which Assassin would I even pair Jacques with and the respective Maiden on top of it?)