"Doctor Henry Jekyll," declared the dean of the students.

Officially recognized as a doctor, Jekyll stepped up to take his diploma. The number of doctorate holders were few that the guests were allowed to be with the graduate to put on their hoods.

Maybe it was publicly appropriate that Winter was the one who did that.

Amber had been the first choice, under the guise of being his old partner rather than being the one responsible for bringing him here at all; she was held up and couldn't make it in time. By the time she did, Jekyll was already stepping down the stage.

Ironwood had been at option but having someone like him took too much attention, not like Winter didn't get her own as well. Having any of his students from Beacon were just plainly strange.

Peach? She had her own graduation and similar to Amber, she couldn't make it.

He was certain that Qrow lied about not making it. Jekyll saw a bird just outside watching, drinking from a bottle cap. That bird flew away the moment he locked in on it.

The graduation ceremony went on for hours. There had been an intermission in-between with how many students there were. Both undergraduate and post-graduate students were held here. Majority were from the undergraduate students. They're graduates now, he supposed.

Celebrations were immediately had. Friends took photos with friends while others cried as they hugged, possibly never seeing each other for long times. Jekyll himself had a few though that was more professional acquaintances than friendships. Most came from other classes and varied across ages.

It was crowded at the exits. Finding Winter was the easiest part, she's the only one that wore dominantly white. Atlas' other schools at least had some color in them, albeit plain. Blues and grays, usually. It also helped that she had a military escort with her.

Jekyll's eyes narrowed. He recognized those two.

"I feel like a dignitary from Vale," Jekyll commented.

"You are from Vale," said Clover, standing on one side. "Frankly, I feel like I was assigned here for my semblance."

Marrow stood on the other side. He was wagging his faunus tail and forced a neutral expression. Jekyll caught that smirk and side-eye he gave to Winter.

Winter cleared her throat. "I have no idea what you're talking about. You were simply given orders by the general."

"Orders that said and I quote, follow Schnee's orders," Clover replied. "Orders that he gave while on break and with you definitely not asking for a favor right in front of me and pretty much everyone else."

Winter turned around and walked away.

"Well sir," said Marrow. "Or is it doctor now? Let's go."

Jekyll made a mental note to treat these two sometime. Maybe a drink on his tab. Do these soldiers even drink?

Klein waited for them with the Schnee limousine. Fanciful, decorated, shining white, Jekyll thanked the heavens it was night.

Maybe I don't have to, he thought as Clover and Marrow took full advantage of the limousine's offerings. Nuts, sandwiches, and cool drinks were served here.

"No wine?" Clover asked.

"I don't think it would do to get drunk before the celebration," said Jekyll. " Mister Utterson, our gracious patron, wouldn't like that."

"Hey, look I know we're trying to be sensitive and all," Marrow spoke up, opening the sandwich breads revealing it to be an egg sandwich. "But just because I'm a dog faunus doesn't mean I couldn't eat chocolate. We don't all possess the same attributes as the animal parts. And I think an egg would stain these worse than any chocolate."

Jekyll would have opened his mouth but closed it. One of his students came to mind. So it's just Blake, huh. That and laser pointers if the team's teasing of her had any truth.

"You should probably get out of that toga," Winter suggested.

"They'll make me wear it once we're there anyway," he replied.

"I suppose. But it must still be uncomfortable sitting like that."

Traffic at this point was expected. It was the graduation season. Restaurants were reserved and were full of people. Jekyll could see brief images of people coming in and out of restaurants, arguing with the employees, and those already drowning themselves in drink.

The limousine stopped by the Schnee manor. A private Bullhead was ready for them. The pilot was ready to bring them along.

Jekyll buried himself in his hand. He wasn't some dignitary nor any other VIP yet here he was being treated as though he were.

The flight down to Mantle had about as much of a reaction as Jekyll had expected. With the SDC branding there on the side, not everyone was exactly happy at the sight of a Schnee around here. Jacques had yet to make his announcement for running for council but the rumors, from Winter but Jekyll never heard it from her and he will swear on it, have circled around already.

It must have been a confusing sight then that after the bullhead, there was another vehicle there. Jekyll's eyes narrowed at the sight of Fiona Thyme having an obviously fake ear-piece and a pair of shades.

I'm being bullied on my own graduation day, he thought.

"Is the VIP secure?" Fiona asked.

Marrow was playing along. "VIP is secure."

The car was less spacious but also less suspicious. No one would think twice about any other vehicle around here.

The house they were led to was legally owned by one Mister Gabriel Utterson, a mysterious man that remains anonymous. One day appearing and providing alternatives to Dust in regards to medicine and possessing a capacity of evading the law. Even after those initial medicines were captured, all they found was that they were legitimate.

Truth was that Utterson never existed in Remnant. Jekyll couldn't use Hyde's name since that was his legal semblance here. Utterson was a good man, stood by him and wanted to help him when all Jekyll did was push him away.

It's not much old friend. But I hope this makes up for it a little.

Party poppers blasted on his face as acquaintances, mostly comprised of Robyn's Happy Huntresses, were there to greet him. They mingled along with the few Atlas soldiers and even Ironwood was relaxed in here. Team RWBY were the only ones that looked out of place with the rest being grown-ups. Jack was there too but she latched on to Winter the moment they arrived.

Qrow had arrived a little too immediately after. "Alright, where's the bar?"

Removing the toga, Jekyll was, surprisingly, not the most formally dressed person in the room. Most had just gone with their huntsmen wear but when in the presence of Atlas' soldiers, it is difficult to be overly formal with this event.

Amber was the first to jump on him, covering Jekyll in a tight embrace. "That was from me, and every other member of team MGHT."

Whatever makeup Jekyll had was lost when Ruby barreled onto him with that semblance of hers. "You're a doctor now, uncle Jekyll! A doctor!"

"Okay, Rubes," said Yang. "Calm down. Give him a break. Can't be good standing around with how hot that toga must have been." She's the only who never called him uncle. How Jekyll got essentially adopted by Ruby was beyond him.

Yang carried Ruby by her hood with one hand. She gave him her own congratulations. The same could be said about Blake and Weiss.

Seeing all this, Jekyll wanted to turn away. He felt like the golden child right now.

One of the Happy Huntresses started the music and the celebration started. Nobody wanted this to be too formal. Other than everyone giving their congratulations, much was spent chatting or eating. There were a few dances there and a karaoke which those who are good and those who believe they are good took full advantage off. Qrow joined that one after a few drinks.

Jekyll was there in a corner, despite being the man of the hour. Everyone else was with their cliques and friends. Qrow was still on karaoke. At least Amber was by his side this time.

"Not much of a singer?" Amber asked.

"Not drunk enough." Jekyll pointed to those who kept their ears covered.

Maiden and Servant exchanged laughter. It was funny. Jekyll was brought into this world by Amber. Yet, right now, he felt none of that connection. They were much closer to colleagues than Master and Servant. Not the first time he felt that.

"How was Beacon while I was away?" Jekyll asked.

"You mean MGHT?" Amber raised an eyebrow. "I can tell you right now that your partner misses having her assistant around."

"Somehow, I doubt that it has anything to do with sentiment."

Amber shook her head. "It isn't. It took me a while to learn the different glass wares."

"There it is."

Their wine glasses clinked. Jekyll's eyes drifted towards the food and drinks table. Try as Ruby might, Yang was responsible enough to not let her drink a sip, no matter how much protesting of legal age the younger sister did.

"I'm practically eighteen, Yang!" Ruby insisted.

"Nuh uh, you're seventeen," Yang said, never once letting go of her grip. "That's one whole year younger than eighteen."

Weiss and Blake may be shaking their heads but Jekyll could see the amusement on their faces. Ruby's pouting didn't help either.

Robyn Hill took her seat by the table. She removed her hands from her ears once she sat down.

"Tell your friends he's had one too many to drink," she said.

"Would you believe me if I said that he's at his best when he's drunk?" Jekyll replied. "Well drunker."

Robyn offered a hand. "I'm willing to put that to the test."

The two stared. It lasted for a good minute. Robyn broke first as the first chuckle escaped her lips. She leaned back into her seat. This had been the most relaxed and chill of her that Jekyll had seen.

"Feels odd, actually." She shook her head. "Being able to find anyone who gets me."

"Ah yes," Jekyll replied. "The lie detector." Wine glass gestured to Qrow. "The bad lack charm." His glass went back to him. "And the man with a severe case of a split personality." He had something sarcastic to say. But having to actually say it out loud, that's actually kind of fair.

Qrow finally stopped singing if only to return to drinking. Man had to have the driest throat after that. Jekyll would recommend other drinks but nah. Not his problem. Qrow could probably make it work somehow.

"Perchance," Robyn asked. "You got any ideas on the platform that Jacques is going on?"

Jekyll shook his head. "He's keeping that close to his chest. All we know is that he's going to announce his run soon."

"Probably more to do with Atlas and Dust again," Amber said, entering the conversation. "Dust is still expensive. We didn't recover all the Dust stolen and those were used. Not sure how these alternatives are going to work out for us."

"Ah," Robyn said. "That's probably it. A monopoly. Seems like mister Utterson is hitting it where it hurts: the energy sector."

"Man's a cheater." Jekyll sipped his drink knowingly.

The karaoke stopped. There were still songs being played there but no one was singing anymore, too parched or have returned for a second round.

"Seems like Ice Queen over there isn't having too much fun," Robyn commented. "Too stiff, that woman is. Even the kid with her is more relaxed."

"That's how she usually is," Jekyll defended. "She's used to being this way."

"Yeah," Robyn replied. "Still too stiff. Needs to let loose a little."

"I'm guessing you think that it would be me to do it?"

"Unless you want the Ice Princess to do it for you. But she's with her friends."

"Not sure what you want me to do but I guess?"

Jekyll got up. Behind him, Amber and Robyn high-fived.

"Was that necessary though?" Amber asked. "You weren't even subtle."

"With a name like Jack Schnee-Jekyll," Robyn replied. "Qrow isn't the only one who's going to have fun with it."

Winter saw him coming.

"You doing okay?" Jekyll asked. "You seem rather stiff."

"Am I really incapable of appearing relaxed?" Winter replied. She looked behind. "Did you lose a bet?"

"I think I've had too much to drink," Jekyll replied. "And I've been sitting there for hours."

Winter turned to Jack. "Watch over the table, Jack."

"Okay!" Jack was clapping happily.

"A bit formal, don't you think?" Winter took Jekyll's hand.

"You're not exactly one who would be banging their head inside of a club."

"I suppose not."

And the mood changed. One of the Happy Huntresses changed the song to something slower. Since that had been the choice, the two might as well dance along. Jekyll looked to Jack who was all in, both thumbs up.

"So," Jekyll asked. "Winter Schnee, may I have this dance?"

"You may, Henry Jekyll," she replied.

It was the most formal thing that they have had. For the first few steps, they were stiff and uncertain. But as things went on, they became fluid and flexible, more accustomed to each other's weight and length from one another.

They weren't the oldest in the building and yet they were the most old-school in terms of celebration. It was more comparable to a formal or a school dance, except these two are from the higher class.

Some of the Happy Huntresses dragged others to the dance floor as things needed to lively up again. That had been better since the two alone was drawing too much focus.

Even Jack joined in, dancing with her mother and then her father. Jekyll still wasn't used to being called uncle and now he was a father.

Winter seemed to shine brighter underneath the artificial light. Her movements were fluid and smooth, gliding across the dancefloor with the only disturbance being Jack's height and inexperience. Still, Jack seemed to enjoy it.

Jekyll, found himself at home. Back in London, the pleasant but most notably fake portions of the city life. The respectable doctor Henry Jekyll, among the educated elites, looking down on the common lowlifes that marked much of Victorian London.

Huh. Jekyll realized. Atlas and Mantle fit that mold, don't they?

Except, he isn't quite welcome in Atlas. An upstart latching himself onto the Schnee name as though the others aren't doing the same. Down here, strangers looked to him with distrust with his fancy suits and formal attires.

Up there, he was subject to many of the talks behind his back but he had traversed those waters before. Down here, he was freer but that also meant that he couldn't be too trusting.

Mantle was to Atlas the same way that Hyde was to Jekyll. And I've been coming to terms with it. No wonder I chose to help out Mantle instead.

"How about a dance, doctor Jekyll?" Robyn extended a hand. "Variety is the spice of life, and I think you could use that while mother and daughter over there are still having a number."

Winter and Jack were having the time of their lives. Though, it wasn't as out there as the others. Jack at least was too happy just being with her mother now.

Jekyll took the hand.

"I'll try not to make her jealous," Robyn said.

"I should have known introducing you to Qrow was a bad idea," Jekyll replied.

"Maybe we really are birds of a feather." She raised an eyebrow.

"Hardy-har-har."

Unlike with Winter, Robyn was less formal and most definitely less graceful. Still, being a politician meant that she was aware of the refined aspects of public display. But she was less interested in the formal dances and her movements were basic and simple, enough to get by.

After theirs, Robyn and Qrow had their own. It had been Ruby and Yang's turn to enjoy the show as they loudly and publicly gave full support for Robyn.

"Excuse me, kids," Qrow said. "But I'm a free bird. I ain't much to settle down in a nest."

"Yeah and?" Yang replied. "So is she."

"Office life ain't exactly free, firecracker."

"Meh." Yang shrugged. "Give it time. Better yet. Maybe now is the good time."

Jekyll shook his head. Qrow was a horrible dancer. He may always be drunk but that didn't mean he knew how to move well while under the influence. Not like they were unused to it.

"My turn?" Amber approached.

"Of course," Jekyll replied.

Amber guided Jekyll further away from the group. Namely, guided him away from Qrow.

"I heard that Raven Branwen got arrested, Qrow's sister."

"Has she? Why tell me this?"

"It's the man who arrested her that got my attention. I want to confirm something with you on that."

"You believe that it's a Servant." Jekyll kept his voice low.

"Does the name Vlad Țepeș sound familiar to you?"

/-/

Winter had one last dance with Jekyll. Unlike the one they had before, Jekyll had a serious expression in this. The fact that it had come after Amber had isolated him from the rest, which alone brought out some suspicion from Winter, was evidence enough.

Jekyll leaned in and whispered in her ear. Winter's eyes widened.

"But shouldn't Raven be too old to be the Maiden?"

"She must have gotten the powers before the cut-off," Jekyll replied. "It's the only explanation that I could come up with."

"But Leo?"

"I cannot answer that even if I wanted to." He shook his head. "Vlad Țepeș. Otherwise known as Vlad the Impaler. I do not know which class he had manifested here but that is one Servant accounted for. We must assume that Raven is the Spring Maiden."

"And she had herself arrested," Winter said. "And her Servant was the one who arrested her. But why?"

The answer came a moment later. Jekyll nodded his head, confirming her thoughts.

"Could she even?"

"Salem has magic does she not? Probably even of greater amounts to these Maidens."

"Ozpin hides a lot of things," Winter said.

"He does. I don't blame him. I can understand." He looked away. For a moment, Winter caught the red in his eye. She also caught her own hair standing.

Jekyll realized it immediately.

"I'm sorry. Still working on it. Still coming to terms with it."

There it was again. Hyde. Always that danger. Winter wasn't a Maiden herself; Fria still had some time left. But even if she were, could she?

You're not Hyde, Jekyll, she thought. You're not Hyde. Hyde is… unnatural. It's not a part of you.

"Winter?" Jekyll asked. Green eyes were back.

"Nothing," Winter replied. "Just that I'm falling behind."

"We are not going to encourage Fria to end her life. That's dark."

"I wasn't suggesting it!" Winter nearly raised her voice. She squeaked though. "But why has Raven been arrested? What happened to the tribe? There are many questions that should be asked."

"There are." Jekyll seemed to believe that excuse. "I'm… not so sure how we're going to do this."

"Do what?"

Jekyll was shaking his head. "I'm thinking of the worse scenarios, that Vlad might not be an ally. Raven left team STRQ. I don't doubt that she won't ally with Salem but that doesn't mean that she would come back to Ozpin's side now that she has Vlad."

"Is he strong?"

"Between me, Jack, and Vlad himself, I am the worst off. Amber's summoning of me was desperate. Theirs weren't much. Best to consider them as full-fledged Servants."

Jekyll looked away.

"Is there a way to help?" Winter said. One that would keep Hyde away? She did not.

"Not one that I can think of," Jekyll replied. "Unless you want to take the risk of ending me here and bringing me back. But all that would do is that you get another version of me, and we'd be back to square one."

Winter moved without thinking. Her finger was on his lips. She ignored the few whistles that the others managed to see.

"Later," she said. "Right now, we're celebrating your graduation."

Jekyll held his breath then let go, releasing the tension he still had. "You're right. Now isn't the time."

Winter savored the moments. The further away Hyde was, the better things would be. Had Hyde been permanently away, dare she would say, things would be as close to a good night as it could be.

/-/

Weiss could see it. No. Winter had to realize it too. But she's being held back.

Winter was happy. It wasn't that she was miserable at home, far from it. But right in front of Weiss' own eyes, there was genuine enjoyment. No Schnee. No Specialist. No Huntress. It was just Winter.

Yet, there were some moments when she would hold back. Instincts of survival kicking in when things got tense. Whatever conversation that those two had were important business if they were whispering like that.

Ruby had told her team about how her uncle Jekyll turned into a big wolf creature. Though she was supposed to keep it a secret, Ruby couldn't keep it away from the rest of her team for long, namely Yang. Yang was used to seeing those secrets of Ruby and knew the tells, or so Weiss had been told. She herself hadn't figured that part out yet so she can't contest it.

And he was like roar and grr! Weiss could still picture the gestures Ruby made that time. It was the only time where Nora's dreams had to take the backseat. No one could correct Ruby on the details since she was the only one there among them who saw that.

Weiss' finger touched her chin as she continued to observe. Was Winter really? Or was Weiss just imagining things?

Jekyll and Winter's dance was interrupted by Jack's involvement. Jack. Jack Schnee-Jekyll. It had been the insistence of this child that those two had found when they were out on their mission. For someone who had just lost their home and family, this Jack seemed to adapt surprisingly well. Innocent in some areas and disturbingly mature in others, Weiss had been put off after getting to know Jack a little.

There were more things going on. There had to be. Whatever it was, it involved her sister and doctor Jekyll.

Weiss closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She nodded as she made her decision. It was the only thing that she could think off.

"Anything on your mind, ice queen?" Yang asked. "Or should I say ice princess?"

"I have a call to make," Weiss said. "Excuse me."

She went outside, being as courteous as any Schnee should. Once she had her privacy and away from any ears and eyes, Weiss made a call to one unlikely man. Passing seconds turned to minutes. He couldn't possibly be busy at this hour.

"And what pray tell," said Jacques Schnee on the other side. He didn't sound happy at all. No greetings either. That was fine, straight to business was preferable. "Does my lovely daughter need to have to call her dearest father?"

"It's about that request you have made of me, father," Weiss replied.

That one got his attention. "Oh?" Whatever he had been doing before the call has stopped. Probably his preparations for his announcement.

"I'll do it. I just have one request for a particular number if you would let me?"

"I care very little for the song you choose, Weiss. So long as it doesn't bring shame to the Schnee name. Be it one of your own or someone else's, it doesn't matter."

"It won't," Weiss said. "I can promise you that, father."

"Very well." Jacques' approval could be heard. "Enjoy the rest of your night, daughter."

"Thank you, father." Weiss ended the call.

It wasn't much but Winter had Weiss' full support if she chose it. It was the least that she could do.

"Mi, mi, mi." Weiss began. She shook her head. "Too flat."

AN: Yeah, I might be less subtle with some of the musical references. The reason is that I found a comic panel where Yang was reading "The Man with Two Souls." It showed a passage from the supposed book and I can confirm that it is just "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde." Only difference was that instead of "unhappy Jekyll" it used "unhappy doctor" from the last few sentences of the book's ending.

By extension (for me), that opens up a possibility of a "Man with Two Souls" musical in Remnant, which could mean that the song numbers themselves (with some changes to the lyrics) could legitimately exist.