Ruby wasn't the only one who felt like something had to be a mistake. Her uncle Qrow, along with Pyrrha, Ren, and Nora, also appeared to think that the civilian in front of them, doctor Henry Jekyll, would be just that, a civilian. He even introduced himself as a Berserker; the only other Berserker that Ruby was aware of was the non-Companion Servant of this Grail War, and that one was a literal monster from a fairytale; Henry Jekyll looked like any other person that Ruby might see and subsequently forget about while walking down the street.

Had he been an Assassin-class, Ruby might have believed it. He wasn't the sneaky one that she would think so, but the Assassin of this Grail War wasn't the sneaky one either and she seemed to get along just fine. But nope, Henry Jekyll had introduced himself as a Berserker. Lancer and Rider were the only ones that didn't appear surprised at that claim; the only surprise they had was that it was Henry Jekyll at all. There was also this Edward Hyde guy but Ruby had yet to see him. Was Hyde supposed to be someone else?

"Jimmy," uncle Qrow had to ask. "Is this guy for real?"

"Doctor Henry Jekyll," general Ironwood replied. "Also referred to as mister Edward Hyde. Yes, he is the Companion Berserker of Atlas and Mantle. The main head of information of Atlas and Mantle's branches of the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen."

"I meant about him being a Berserker."

"Can confirm," both Rider and Lancer said at the same time.

Rider continued. "Grail knowledge. It's the Hyde part that really makes him the Berserker."

"The what part?" Ruby asked.

"Later, Master," Lancer replied. She then addressed Jekyll. "Hey, how's a spar sound to you?"

Jekyll raised an eyebrow. "A bit of an odd request. But, considering that we are all Heroic Spirits, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised." He then looked to them. "Though, we might have to choose a different battlefield if you wish for your Masters to be involved."

"Fantastic!" Lancer said. She then raised a finger, realizing something. "Wait, what do you mean Masters?"

To that, Jekyll returned with a coy smile of his own. "I am no Grimm, Lancer. Whatever benefits you think you may have had does not apply to me. I'm more than willing to take on you both."

They were being escorted out of the docking bays. They were led towards the open cities where more people are moving about. There were protests being had as some were against something.

"Seems like not everyone is a fan of Robyn's push," commented Jekyll.

"She's prioritizing Mantle over Atlas," replied Weiss' sister; Ruby managed to remember where she saw her before. "Not only that, but the general has been supportive of it. As far as they know, they're neglecting Atlas."

"Damn," Qrow said. "You'd actually do that, Jimmy?"

"A necessity for the coming Grail War that would come to Atlas' skies," Ironwood replied. "If it wasn't for it, I would have encouraged Hill to find some kind of balance between Atlas and Mantle, with myself speaking on Atlas' behalf."

Thankfully, none of those protestors saw them. Ruby was sure that they would be held back and they didn't need that right now.

Night was already descending on Atlas' skies and Ruby could already feel the cooling breezes on her. She was absolutely grateful for her current outfit, keeping her warm. But the same could not said for team JNPR, Nora and Pyrrha especially. Ren's long sleeves at least kept him warm enough, though he was shivering a little. Ruby's hooded cape made all the difference.

However, none of it mattered at all to the likes of Atlas' soldiers nor the Servants. Even Rider, who wasn't in his armor, didn't appear bothered at all. But with the colors, he looked like he was from Atlas. Those colors were similar to the Atlas' soldiers that if Ruby didn't know any better, she would have thought him to be one.

The stars dotted the skies above them, yet it was as though Atlas continued on with its life. Rather than a dark blueish color, the skies were practically black. Lights of buildings, both businesses and homes, were lit up as shadows moved about doing their activities. Nora managed to have some kind of amazement as she dragged Ren along at the different sights of an Atlesian nightlife. By contrast, both Ruby and Pyrrha were too focused on their current duties as they stared the backs of Lancer and Rider who were still conversing with Jekyll.

Uncle Qrow was conversing with Ironwood, exchanging information. Then, uncle Qrow reeled back in shock.

"You knew?" Qrow asked. "This whole time?"

Ironwood shook his head. "That is a courtesy of our Companion Servant over here."

Jekyll waved his hand. "Considering the general's semblance, it was best that we do this early before he closes off his mind to alternatives."

"I would have had Atlas ascend further above." Ironwood nodded. "Have the Relic reach a place that Salem could never reach."

"Dooming Mantle and everyone else in the process," said Weiss' older sister.

"Come on, now Jimmy," said Qrow. "You can't be serious."

"It is how I would have thought had I known that and there wasn't a Grail War." Ironwood shook his head, refusing the faith that uncle Qrow showed.

Qrow sounded his disbelief. "I always said you never had a heart, I didn't actually mean that."

"And I always called you a scarecrow, head filled with alcoholic straw. Funny how that works." Ironwood gave his warmest smile. It still looked coldly neutral but it was relatively warm enough.

Weiss' older sister then turned to address them. "We're headed to Atlas Academy. You are all to rest there. Afterwards, you will be escorted to the general's office by the Ace-Ops. You are given access and authority of Atlas Academy's equipment on the same level as huntsmen-in-training."

"Technically, Winter," said Jekyll. "My information says that they are, all of them, fully-fledged huntsmen."

"And I will continue to stand by my statement," Winter replied. "We cannot afford to allocate finances just to replace equipment."

Jekyll bit his lip. "Fair point."

"While we're still here," Qrow suddenly said. "What's with the outfit, Ice Queen?"

"If you are referring to the jacket, Qrow," Winter replied. "This was a gift."

Ruby could just imagine Lancer raising an eyebrow behind that mask of hers. She was facing towards Jekyll. "Congratulations?"

"We're not married," Jekyll replied. His voice trailed into a whisper. "Not in this one."

It was Pyrrha that had that biggest reaction of them all. "Wait a minute, what?" She looked like something was going through her mind many miles a minute.

"Yet you two are this close?" Lancer asked. "How long have you been around Remnant, anyway? We know Chiron has been long enough to be her teacher." She pointed towards Pyrrha. "You've been around longer?"

"Not as long, no." Jekyll shook his head.

"Another Remnant, then?" Rider asked. "Not surprising me here. I'm used to this."

Jekyll coughed into his fist and looked away.

"Congratulations," Lancer repeated.

Ruby managed to catch Pyrrha staring intently at Winter. Winter refused to grace the initial question with an answer.

Rather than continue with the conversation, they all kept going until they reached Atlas Academy. Conversation was still had but that was mostly between Qrow, Ironwood, Jekyll, and Winter. Rider and Lancer were there too as the Servants in question. Ruby could barely keep up with all those jargons that they were using.

When they had arrived at Atlas Academy, Ruby found that much of the school was full activity. Huntsmen were going in and out, some only really staying to reload their Dust supplies or to recover their strength. Even the non-huntsmen were busy coming in and out, carrying with them many documents, some of which fell on the ground. Arguments were had as to which document belonged to who.

They were walking further in until Ruby herself stopped. This time there was no mistaking that white hair.

"Weiss!" Ruby shouted and vanished into a petal of roses. Weiss didn't have much of a reaction on account of being overwhelmed by Ruby almost the instant Weiss' name had been called. The most Weiss had was a pained noise of being struck. "Hi."

It took a while for Weiss to reply. "Ruby. Get off! Can't breathe!"

"It feels so good to see you again!" Ruby kept her embrace. "Did you miss me? Did you miss me?"

"I wish you missed me when you came barreling in here!" Weiss replied. "You're in Atlas Academy, Ruby. Show some respect!"

"I miss you, Weiss." Ruby finally let go.

"You evidently did not." Weiss fixed herself. "So, you just met up with my sister and the others."

"Weiss," Winter suddenly said. "Back so soon?"

"Considering my working partner," Weiss replied. "Is it a surprise?"

Ruby looked scandalized. "Partner? You replaced me? Already?"

"Not really." Weiss shook her head. "Who could possibly replace you? On second thought, yes, she probably is the closest equivalent."

Then, Ruby heard a familiar voice. "Friend Weiss! My sensors have indicated that friend Winter has arrived and—"

Out of everyone there, it was Pyrrha that most looked like she had seen a ghost. They all did once before, when Rider revealed himself to them.

"Penny?" Ruby asked.

Everyone, except Ruby's group, made distance between themselves and Ruby.

Penny readied herself for a massive sprint. She then burst into a run. "Salutations!"

It was Ruby's turn to beg for air. In speeds that were faster than most others, though not enough to keep up with Ruby's own, Penny barreled through much of the space between them. Combined with her metallic form and body, Ruby was slammed against the ground as metal arms wrapped around her.

Ruby managed to hear Pyrrha asking, "Rider? Did you know this?"

"I didn't mention it?" Rider looked surprised.

"No." Pyrrha shook her head.

"Sorry, slipped my mind. I thought I did."

Meanwhile, Weiss commented, "well. Karma was kind enough to let me watch. I'll take it."

Penny stood back up. "It is such a pleasure to see you all, again!"

Pyrrha raised a finger. "I thought… I thought I—"

"Killed me, friend Pyrrha?" Penny tilted her head. "I suppose, in a manner of speaking, you did."

"Penny," Weiss said. "That could use some rephrasing."

"Oh." Penny looked surprised. "Of course. It might not do well on one's psyche. Forgive me, friend Pyrrha."

"No, no." Pyrrha shook her head. "It's fine… I think?"

"Believe me, Master," Rider said. "It was weird when I was alive too. You're not alone in that one."

Pyrrha nodded a little. "Yeah. That helps… I think."

"But my core has been successfully recovered and taken back to Atlas," Penny said. "It took some time and I was made good as new. Not only that, I have some new upgrades! Watch!"

Ruby heard loud whirring noises. The general, Winter, Weiss, those soldiers, and Jekyll weren't surprised at the sight before them. However, what surprised Ruby the most was that even the Servants bore surprise on their faces.

"How did—" Rider asked.

"Perhaps that is something for you all to figure out, later," Jekyll replied. He then addressed Penny. "Penny, now that there are other Servants around, I believe we may proceed towards the next phase of testing."

Penny's eyes genuinely sparkled. Would it be more accurate to say that it lit up? "Really? Oh, sensational! I can't wait to tell father about this!"

She pulled Ruby back up. But before Penny could say anything, Jekyll raised a hand. "Let them rest for the meantime, Penny. They had only just arrived after all."

"Of course, doctor Jekyll." Penny bowed. "We have so much to catch up on, Ruby! I hope you and my father could get along!"

"I'm sure they would," Weiss said. She then turned to Rider. "So, it's true then?"

"Uh," Ruby said. "Weiss, we can explain."

"No need." Weiss shook her head. "I've already known."

"Wait, how?" Pyrrha asked.

"Doctor Jekyll," Weiss replied.

They all looked to Jekyll. He answered them, "Chiron. The League has its information network. They worked as fast as they are able."

Then, Ruby realized. "Mistral Below," she said. It was when she, Lancer, and Chiron had gone to Mistral Below.

Penny saluted them. "I have more duties to perform. See you all friends, later!"

"We will," Weiss said.

Weiss had joined their group after Penny had left them. The same could be said about those soldiers since they had other duties as they too left them be. The only who stayed with them was the general, Winter, and Jekyll.

Leading them towards their temporary dorms was Weiss herself.

"These are the dorms Atlas gives exchange students whenever we would be the ones hosting the Vytal Festival," she explained. "It isn't much but it isn't like we couldn't decorate and personalize it a little while you're here."

"You're not joining us?" Ruby asked.

"Of course that would be your focus," replied Weiss. "Not too soon, no. I still have my things back home and it would take me forever to get them here. And no, you cannot just bunk at my place. Father may not publically show it, but he is still fuming at losing the election."

"There was an election?" Nora asked.

"Recently-ish." Weiss waved her hand in dismissal.

Their dorms were about as much as Ruby had expected with Atlas Academy. There were already bunkbeds that were part of the walls. They were like pods with one open side and had a ladder for ease. However, by the looks of it, they could host more people in a given room. About two teams of huntsmen could bunk in here since there was another set of beds on the other side of the wall.

Uncle Qrow had his own, separate from the group, likely among the visiting faculty that would have accompanied them as well had it been a Vytal Festival.

"By the way," Ren asked. "Where are the Servants?"

"Probably with doctor Jekyll." Weiss shrugged. "Why?"

"I wanted to know if doctor Jekyll's words had any merit."

"Yeah." Nora nodded. "Like, no offense to your sister. He seems like a great guy."

"I'm sure she doesn't mind," Weiss interjected. "And yes, he really is. I trust their word, attesting to that."

"It's just that we have met the Berserker," Nora said. "And he isn't exactly a Berserker-type of guy."

"Believe me, I know." Weiss shook her head. "I still have yet to see why he calls himself that but he does give his reassurances, and Winter, Penny, and the general have attested to it themselves. With your two Servants around, I might just find out why that would be the case."

"Speaking of our Servants," Nora replied. "How are you taking Rider's appearance so well?"

"Like I said earlier," Weiss insisted. "I've known for a while now. Took a while to get used to it but I eventually came to terms with it. Honestly, I took it better than I initially thought."

While Ren, Nora, and Weiss were busy exchanging information and reminiscing of days past, Ruby noticed that Pyrrha was missing.

"Hey guys," Ruby asked. "Where did Pyrrha go?"

"I saw her walking towards Winter's direction earlier," Ren said. "She said that there was something she needed to ask."

/-/

"Miss Winter Schnee?" Pyrrha asked as she gently opened the door. She could still see that jacket and she had no doubt whose jacket that was.

"Miss Nikos?" Winter returned. She gestured with her hand. "Please, take a seat. How may I help you?"

Pyrrha shuffled in her seat. Both of her hands were closed to fists and were stiffly placed on her lap. Rider had been with Jekyll, some attempt at bringing out Voyager or something. Her eyes were still focused on that jacket.

"That jacket," Pyrrha began. "That belongs to doctor Jekyll, doesn't it?"

Understandably, Winter raised an eyebrow. "And what does it matter to you?" she asked, almost defensively.

"It isn't anything scandalous, I swear!" Pyrrha quickly raised both hands in denial.

Winter didn't appear convinced. She maintained that raised eyebrow. Pyrrha could feel a chill down her spine. In fact, was it actually chilly right now? Pyrrha looked down and noticed a few frosted flakes forming at her feet. She looked back up and noticed that Winter's eyes were burning. She was a Maiden.

"Winter Maiden?" Pyrrha asked.

"Yes," Winter replied. "I am."

Pyrrha pushed on. "I just want to know what your relationship is with doctor Jekyll. It is more to do with the relationship I have with my own Servant that I am asking."

The frosted flakes began to melt. But Winter's look never changed. The fires faded away, at least. "Doctor Jekyll is a Companion Servant. He is in no way bound to me as your Servant is bound to you."

"I know," Pyrrha replied.

Winter sighed. "You're referring to our apparent closeness." She nodded once. "Yes, the jacket does belong to doctor Jekyll, and he has draped it over my shoulders many times already that I have become rather accustomed to having it there more often than not. It might as well be our jacket by this point."

Pyrrha waited for Winter to continue.

"Why do you ask?"

Pyrrha took a deep breath. "Well, I'm sure you already know of Rider's true identity."

"As the Rusted Knight, yes." Winter nodded. "Ah. But you're referring to him also being your partner, Jaune Arc."

Pyrrha nodded.

"I take it that you and this mister Arc are close," Winter asked. "I am truly sorry for your loss."

"We... actually never went that far." Pyrrha looked away, slightly red in the cheek.

"I fail to see how it should be a problem," Winter replied. "It is perhaps one thing to consider that he isn't the same as your partner, but I am failing to see how it couldn't be the case as of this moment."

"Aren't they Heroic Spirits?" Pyrrha asked.

"And?"

"And…" Pyrrha tried to articulate. "There isn't any rule forbidding them from being… you know, intimate?"

Winter may not have lowered that eyebrow of hers but her eyes definitely changed. "Doctor Jekyll has yet to mention any of this. Even if he had, I can assure you it was not I who, as they say, made the first move. Such closeness and intimacy is dependent on the parties involved, miss Nikos."

Pyrrha wanted to argue. But she couldn't. Her teacher Chiron never said anything about it. Lancer never said anything about it. Headmaster Ozpin and Saber said nothing about it. Only Rider said anything about it. But when she looked back on it, it had more to do with trying to keep themselves as Master and Servant only. She raised that concern.

Winter nodded sagely. At least the raised eyebrow was gone now. "I see the reason behind it. One does not have any guarantee in winning the Grail War and so it would be best to have some kind of detachment on the chance that one would lose."

"But you and doctor Jekyll clearly do not have that problem."

"Firstly, miss Nikos." Winter raised a finger. "Doctor Jekyll and I do not have the same Master-Servant relationship that you and Rider possess. Had we been Master and Servant, perhaps the change in circumstance would have made us act differently. However, from what I am most aware of, that sort of arrangement is dependent between Masters and Servants alone. From what little I've seen, Lancer has taken a sort of guardian role for miss Rose, albeit a guardian akin to Qrow but a guardian still. Such an arrangement was something that had been agreed upon between yourselves."

"I thought that is how all Servant-Master relationships go!" Pyrrha replied.

Winter shrugged her shoulders. "Perhaps. Both you and miss Rose are the only proper Masters that I have personally seen. Everything else is what I've managed to obtain through word of mouth."

Silence reigned for a while. In that time, Winter didn't once spoke up and allowed Pyrrha to do whatever. In that time, Pyrrha was just trying to think and come up with some sort of answer.

"Rider didn't want us to get too close," Pyrrha said. "Since there is no guarantee of us ever winning the Grail War, he didn't want to raise our hopes too high."

Winter nodded. Both her eyes were closed. "It would seem to me that he is failing in that regard, if you are here consulting me at all."

"We would have figured it out, eventually," Pyrrha defended. "Rider doesn't always act different from Jaune, and I used his weapon as a catalyst to summon him in the first place."

"A clue that would have ticked you off anyway. So it would be fruitless should he try to keep his own identity a secret. I can see the reasoning behind that."

"But what about that closeness? He doesn't always keep that up, though he tries."

"Old habits die hard, miss Nikos. He may not be the Jaune you and your team once knew but you are not the team he knew in his life either. A difficult thing to keep track when one considers the obvious similarities that would make one forget that fact."

"I guess I'm just… looking for something." Pyrrha relaxed enough to slump in her seat. "Hoping for something."

"And what hope would that be, miss Nikos?"

"That Rider… might stick around when all of this over."

"Is that really it?" Winter raised her eyebrow once more. "With you, along with everyone else apparently, pointing out the oddity of my using someone else's article of clothing, I suspect that there is more to it than you simply wishing to have your partner back."

Pyrrha looked away, a little embarrassed.

"You are fond of Jaune Arc, correct?" Winter asked. She waited until Pyrrha nodded. "And you wish for Rider to stay, perhaps wondering if he feels the same?"

Pyrrha nodded once again. She did not look Winter in the eye. "Rider… he once said that his Pyrrha died in his time."

"So to fill that empty void, you're wishing that perhaps you could fill that Pyrrha's place, hoping that Rider would do the same for yours?"

"I-I know it's not right."

"How so?"

"Is it not? I'm asking him to fill the shoes of someone else, all for me. I'm sure Rider could do it. He's filling his own shoes, after all."

"I see." Winter nodded. "Go on."

Pyrrha didn't need to be told to comply. "But he's not my Jaune, and he never asked me to do the same. He's asking to not do that just to spare me, and everyone else, the heartache."

"Counting the Black Cannon Tower," Winter pointed out. "And that Harpe prototype I'd heard about, that is two immortals accounted for, miss Nikos. The only concern left is whether either could also solve the nature of headmaster Ozpin's reincarnations."

"But that doesn't guarantee everything," Pyrrha reasoned.

"Neither would the Grail," Winter retorted. "Having one's wishes, while a nice sentiment, must come with its own caveats, especially with how vague those terms are. Simply having a wish granted could mean all sorts of things, not all of them would be how the wisher intended them to be."

"I…" Pyrrha tried to confess. "I just… I just want him back." There was her mother too. What choice should she make?

"And there are at least two ways that it could occur, miss Nikos," Winter replied. "Two that I could see anyway. Either Rider is given a fully human lifespan of sorts and is brought back here, or the Jaune that you had since buried would be resurrected. The latter also raises its own questions."

"I should probably be specific in my wish, don't I?"

"That would probably be best, yes." Winter nodded. "If nothing else, it also prevents from having one's wishes be twisted in a manner."

"You're not very trusting of the Grail, are you?"

"It is good, miss Nikos." Winter emphasized. "Too good. Such vague terms are something you'd not find welcome in Atlas. On one hand, perhaps this Holy Grail really is a benevolent entity who could perform any miracle you wish. On the other, perhaps it is also a lure for the desperate. Each of the seven Master were chosen due to having a desire wish, after all. But everyone has a wish of their own so why you seven specifically?"

Pyrrha took a deep breath. She then nodded. She felt lighter already. "Thank you, miss Schnee."

"Please," Winter gave off some warmth. "Call me Winter."

Winter escorted Pyrrha back out of the door.

"And Pyrrha," she said. "I wish you good luck in your endeavors. Whatever fate awaits you in this Grail War, may it lead you to a better tomorrow."

"Thank you," Pyrrha replied. "I'll pass that one onto Ruby as well."

"That would be most appreciated." Winter nodded. "One last piece of advice, from one woman to another."

"Yes?"

"Best if you let it out sooner than later," Winter said. "Doctor Jekyll has compared Servants to that of huntsmen. We, huntsmen and Servants, would willingly give our lives for those we care most of about. Avoiding attachment is but one of many means that some use to cope when death is a real possibility that we constantly face."

"I see." Pyrrha nodded.

"Keep in mind that while I wouldn't wish to see anyone get hurt, and that I would put myself between them and a bullet the moment I could, I also acknowledge that they might do the same for me. Huntresses like ourselves accepted that the moment we chose to become huntresses. Had Servants truly not desired so, they would not have answered the call in the first place."

/-/

They were gathered somewhere in a place away from the public. Outside of Mantle's borders and many miles away from much of civilization, the group were among one of the many outposts. It didn't look abandoned but people in the area were certainly absent.

When Ruby and Pyrrha, along with their respective Servants, readied themselves on one side of the apparent battlefield, Ruby noticed that Weiss and Penny joined them

"Uh," Ruby asked. "Weiss?"

"Penny has some upgrades, remember?" Weiss reminded them. "You and I may be partners as team RWBY, but my partnership with Penny, in this moment, is similar to the ones you have with your Servant."

On the opposite end of the battlefield, doctor Jekyll and general Ironwood were readying themselves.

"Jimmy?" Qrow asked. "What are you doing?"

"We are also professors, Qrow," Ironwood replied. "It is our duty to test our students and have them prove themselves."

"He is to act as my Master," Jekyll explained. "No Command Spells on his end but I am to act as though he does. He is also one of the few whose mental faculties could keep up. Even after training and exposure, most others still freeze even at the slightest hint of Hyde coming out."

"Mettle?" Qrow asked.

Ironwood nodded. "The very same. Trust me, Qrow. I am one of the few who could, and that's after I had to get used to him myself."

"And I will referee and intervene if needed," Winter added.

"Yeah," Lancer commented. "No offense. But I don't think you're going to do much against Servants. Maiden or otherwise."

"I will trust that you and Rider won't be doing anything that would put everyone here in harm's way."

"Just us?" Rider replied. "What? No trust for Jekyll?"

"I don't need to." Winter adjusted herself. "I know he won't. I'm certain of it."

"Boyfriend benefits," Lancer said. "Of course, he does."

Ruby jumped from her spot, squeaking. An ice spike had appeared close.

"Hey!" Lancer exclaimed. "What was that for?"

"I know not of what you speak about," Winter replied, face blank of any expression.

"Winter," Jekyll begged. "Please."

The Ace-Ops were surrounding them as an added measure. Though the battlefield was big, considering that they were Servants, Ruby couldn't help but feel like that it was rather crowded.

"James," Qrow asked. "You better not be too rough on them now."

"That would depend on how well your niece and her classmates could dish out, Qrow," Ironwood replied. He was double-checking the ammunition of his gun. It was just a gun.

"Now then," Jekyll asked. "Are you all ready?"

Ruby looked to Pyrrha. They exchanged nods. Lancer drew both of her kamas. Rider drew both broken sword and rusted shield. It was Weiss and Penny that drew their concern. Having Penny stand beside the Servants did not sit well for Ruby. Seeing her and Rider next to one another didn't make it better either.

It's just training, Ruby reminded herself. Just training. They'll be fine.

"Servant systems: engaged," said Penny in a robotic voice. There was an audible whirring sound that came from Penny. "Parameters increased, matching levels equivalent of Heroic Spirits. Energy output: insufficient for Frankenstein Phantasm release. Blasted Tree protocol: access denied."

"Blasted Tree?" Rider asked. "Frankenstein?"

"Izo Okada systems: online," Penny kept going. "Man-Slayer techniques: online." There was visible steam coming from the little gaps that Penny opened. "Servant systems: optimal."

"Izo Okada?" It was Lancer's turn to be surprised.

"Master designation: Weiss Schnee." A metallic bracelet came out of Penny's back and given to Weiss. "Three overrides: granted. Will you accept?"

"Affirmative." Weiss put the bracelet. Ruby wasn't the only one who tried to get a closer look.

"Uh." Ruby raised a finger. "What?"

Ruby's question went ignored. Penny kept going. "Affirmation: acknowledged. Weiss Schnee has been designated and acknowledged as Master." Penny then got into a combat stance. Her weapon wasn't like the one she used back in the Vytal Festival. The design was closer to what Raven uses from what Ruby saw. "I am Servant ready!"

"Excellent." Jekyll nodded. "Now then, while I will do my utmost best to hold back, I will not hesitate to become looser should you three prove yourselves capable."

He took out some kind of elixir from one of his pockets. He popped it open and took a whiff of the drink inside.

"Are you ready to play a Game?" Jekyll asked. "I must warn you; it is rather Dangerous."

The elixir was emptied in seconds. In that instant, everyone realized that Jekyll's Berserker status was earned.

Meanwhile, Ruby felt compelled to say one thing: "gee doctor Jekyll, what big ears you have!"

AN: Penny 2.0 having the capacity of a Servant is pretty much taken from another fic entirely, RWBY: Zero by TheMaster4444. My take specifically has more to do with "why don't we have a Frankenstein character on Salem's side for the Pinocchio on Ruby's side?"

And no, in-RWBY-universe book, Corpse Doctor, doesn't count.

Now, Jekyll and Ironwood. Before the final line-up, I had considered Ironwood (alternative had been Winter) as a Master with Jekyll and Hyde as the Servant. This little bit here is just me sliding that in.