A/N:

Alright, I know this is late, but it is a good chapter.

What I mean is that I worked extra hard on this one.

Well, I was looking at the views, I was like.

'I could do better.'

With that in mind, I now have a full-time editor so the works might be better.

In this chapter, I have a few references in characters you might know.

With that in mind, let's begin.

Chapter 9

A First

"So, that's the story of how a lost my arm and met Eirwen." They were still in the lobby and the teacups were taken by the maids.

"That was...a very interesting story," Ebon commented.

"Yes it was," added Leena. While the group was socializing, Sigini's scroll buzzed. Curious, she detached from the group to check. As she opened it up, she found that it was from Eirwen. It read, "Change of plans, tell everyone to go to bed to wake up early tomorrow. If they ask questions, tell them I said so." Sigini was surprised at Eirwen's urgent message.

"Why? Did something happen?"

Eirwen replied, "Not particularly, I just wanted to change the meeting place."

Sigini responded with an 'Ok' and put away her scroll. 'Weird, she doesn't do this kind of stuff.' She walked back into the lobby where Leena was telling jokes.

"Knock knock."

"Who's there?" Ebon answered in a stoic voice.

"Pencil."

"Pencil who?"

"Nevermind, it's pointless."

"Uuuugh." Ebon was cringing at the joke.

"What did I just walk into?" asked Sigini, who was stopped by a chair.

"Pain," moaned Ebon.

"Come on, that was just one joke," Leena said.

"I actually thought some of those were funny," added Ivory.

"Well, the last one I got from a traveling huntress."

"Do you know her name so I can tell her to stop making those jokes?"

" Unfortunately, I do not. However, I do remember her being blonde."

Sigini was baffled, "So the entire time, you guys were telling bad jokes?"

"Not the entire time," retorted Leena.

"Well, we did talk about our backgrounds and how we got here, but there wasn't much to talk about," added Ivory.

Sigini sighed, "Anyway, we need to go to bed."

"Aww, why now?" whined Ivory.

"Because we are waking up early tomorrow to go somewhere. Also, Eirwen said so," stated Sigini.

"Alright," said Ivory in a defeated tone. The 4 girls marched up the stairs and Sigini showed each of them their individual rooms.

"Ok, this is your room. A maid will bring some new clothes for you in the morning. For now, just sleep. Good night." Sigini shut the door on her way out. Ebon had so many thoughts after all that has happened that she never had time to just sit by herself and think. 'Alright, today has been very eventful. I found my sister, she was acting strangely. I fought her, but she was not her, but Eirwen. She then proceeds to ask me to join her after fighting me in a deathmatch. Better yet, why are we going to bed early? Why are we staying in here in general?!' The turmoil that conjoined with her mind was boiling over, so she sat on the bed in a cross-legged position and started to meditate. Trying to shake thoughts out of her head, she concentrated harder. After a while, her mind felt clear and calm. She was pulling the covers of the bed to go to sleep, but there was a knock at the door.

"Ebon, it's me, Leena. Can I come in?"

"Yeah." As she entered, Leena was in a white nightgown provided by the maids that matched her hair. Her eyes shined beautifully in the shining moonlight came through the window, which made Ebon blush, but due to her training, was not showing. "So, what's up?" She pulled up a chair from the tea table and sat in it in front of Ebon.

"So given what is happening, I wanted your opinion on something. Do you trust Eirwen?"

Ebon had to think a little on that one, "I still don't trust her, but she supposedly saved my sister so that is what I am going on. We have to wait until tomorrow to see what her real motives are."

"Well, she did call us teammates," Leena added.

"Well, I thought that was weird at first, but then there are two places that can be: The military or the Academy."

Leena was thinking it over, "So, we could be tangled in something way greater than ourselves?"

Ebon thought over it as well, 'Are we really tangled up in something greater than ourselves?' She shook her head, "We can not jump to conclusions in one word. I think we should trust her for now till she shows her true colors."

Leena seemed relieved, "Alright, if you kind of trust her, I guess I will too." She got up and put the chair back, "Well, good night."

"Good night." After Leena left the room, Ebon laid back in bed and pulled the covers over with the full intention of sleeping a good night's sleep, but there was one thought that lingered in her mind. 'Do I like Leena?'

Next Morning

Ebon awoke to the sound of an alarm blaring in her head. Lazily, she moved her free hand to hit the snooze button. After a couple of tries, she finally hit the button. She stirred from the bed and let out a yawn. After, she got out and went to the dresser. On top was a set of clothes covered by a cloth and a note, stating: "Dear Ebon, I hope you slept well. I have lain out a uniform for you to wear for today's venture. Please get ready in a timely manner and meet me at the front door." Ebon put down the note and moved the cloth. Revealed, was an Atlas school uniform. Ebon knew what was going on. When she looked up, she noticed that her hair was very unkempt, so she decided to play along with Eirwen's plan.

As she got out of the shower, she thought of how nice the water felt on her skin. She walked over to the dresser looked in the mirror again. She turned around to show her back. Down her back, was a trail of black feathers that ended at her tailbone. She didn't tell most people that she was a Goose Faunus, even though that was a bit silly, however, that was the reason she kept it hidden. The people in Atlas aren't too kind to Faunus so it was another reason to keep it hidden. She put on the uniform and was surprised at how well it fit her and her feathers. Styling her hair like she always did, Ebon picked up her Hiraeth Warden and went out the door.

She looked down both sides of the hallway. Ebon was slightly unnerved at the eerie silence that held the hallway. No matter, she memorized how to get to the door of the mansion and headed there. When she arrived, it was apparent that she was the last one left. Ivory and Leena had their uniforms on, but Signi did not. "Hey Sig, why don't you have a uniform?"

Sigini turned around towards the sound of the voice, "Look who arrived. And, to answer your question, I'm not going with you."

Ivory ran and hugged Ebon. "Sis, you finally came!"

Ebon was surprised," Ivy, I didn't know you were this energetic."

"You know, I feel changed lately. Maybe because you're around again," answered Ivory with a smile.

"That is my little sis for you." Ebon was rubbing Ivory head.

"Alright, let's not keep Eirwen waiting," Leena interjected.

"Right," The four opened the front door to the outside. The rising sun was over the garden that refracted the light, making a beautiful sight. At the end of the garden, Eirwen was waiting for them with a bullhead already fired up and ready. As they came closer, they noticed that Eirwen was wearing the same uniform. A grey blouse with white short sleeves that included a small black tie and a grey skirt. She was also wearing grey pantyhoses that extended down to her black boots. She had black long gloves cover her hands to the middle of her biceps. Accompanying that outfit, was a single ponytail of crystal white hair.

"Ready to go?" Eirwen asked with a smile.

"Yup," Ivory said in anticipation.

There was a very strange atmosphere within their transport. Leena and Ivory were the most excited, Eirwen was fast asleep, and Ebon was meticulously started planning what to do next. 'Given these uniform, we are heading to Atlas Academy, the Huntsman school of the Kingdom of Atlas. The headmaster of that school is the general of the entire Atlesian Army, General Ironwood. Are we heading there as students? Are we really going to school? What is Eirwen going to do with us?' Ebon hated it went she went on tangents like these but that is the burden of her semblance. She looked outside the window of the bullhead to see the beautiful tundra below them that seemed endless, however, this was overshadowed by a huge "Dust" Storm of Ice in the distance. Feeling that storm is obviously going to hit them eventually, Ebon shivered at the thought. As she came back to the window, it looked like a completely different landscape. Instead of a tundra, she was greeted by violent, and aggressive rocks the looked to heading diagonally. 'So we are finally here.'

Sigini was watching Ebon's reaction the entire time she was looking out the window. 'Now that is comedy gold,' she chuckled to herself. Laying across some chair with her back propped up the bag of gear they had, she decided to have a look outside as well and saw the rock. Seeing the rocks, she knew that they were close. Sigini swivels herself to the right to place her legs on the bullhead floor and proceeded to get up to wake Eirwen. After receiving a small metallic finger to the skull, Eirwen awoke with a start. "You alright?" Sigini asked in a concerned tone. Eirwen wiped the sweat off her forehead, "I-It happened again," Eirwen said in a wobbly voice. When Sigini heard that response, she hugged Eirwen tightly. "It's alright, it's alright."

"Still remember her face as she was beaten and I couldn't do anything."

"Come on, in that situation, you couldn't really do anything. You are a proud member of the Roenfaust family. There is strength behind that name." Sigini reassured her the best she could. "Anyway, we're close to the school."

"Oh, ok." Eirwen steadied herself on the top rail above her seat straightened her posture.

'Wow, I haven't gotten that dream in a while,' Eirwen thought to herself, 'Well, given the problems I have in my life, that is normal. I need to act scared to keep Sig around me. That is the only way to keep her.' Eirwen looked over to Ebon, who was back in her seat, facing forward. 'Ebon looks still skeptical about me? Well, that is unfortunate, but in time she will trust me because of our cause.' She looked over to Leena, who was staring out the windows. 'Ah Leena Halloran, a sea lion faunus, former White Fang member, and an unexpected occurrence. That being said she looks like she is daydreaming so no need for concern.' She finally looked at Ivory, who was contently swinging her legs back and forth. 'Ah, my little flower, if everything went to plan, she wouldn't doubt me one bit.' Eirwen hosted a little sadistic laugh under her breath. 'Though using people proves to be very enjoyable, we need to start as soon as possible.' Eirwen walked to the back door of the bullhead and faced the four girls. Eirwen cleared her throat to get the girls' attention, which was successful. "We are here today because I brought you here and you may have already assumed where we are going, but let me state the facts to ease those assumptions. We are going to Atlas Academy to go to school, however, that is not our full intent. Our real reason there is to use the facilities there to begin our investigation." Ebon looked interested.

"So what are we really doing at school and not becoming huntresses?"

"When we land, I will tell you but right now, enjoy the view." Eirwen pointed to the windows. Everyone looked out and was greeted with the sight of Atlas Academy.

Leena looked out the window to see the beautiful school. Using her sight, she looked at the school more closely. There was a landing pad is where bigger ship than the bullhead they were on that looked like a bigger fish that was dropping off students. Those same students were walking on a stone pathway that had lamp-like light lining it with fire dust crystals powering each light. Also, there were square-off frost scrubs with the lamps lining the pathway as well. The path leads to a very large door that has the Kingdom of Atlas symbol inscribed onto it. On the outer sides of the path, there were several buildings of gothic design that looks for military purposes. The overall feel of the landscape is very serious and industrial just like how Atlas feels.

After the moment of awe, Ivory was the first to speak up. "So are we landing there?" she asked as she pointed towards the pad where the students where being dropped off.

"We would if we were normal students. However, we are not," Eirwen answered.

"Then, where are we landing?"

"Here." As soon as Eirwen said that, the back bay door opened, exposing the five girls to the cold winter air. Eirwen opened the extra bag they brought to reveal five black and red fur-lined trench coats. The fur in question was of a blackish color. "Take these," Eirwen said as she passed out the coats, "Also, the fur has been skinned off several Beowulfs then synthetically made to not disappear." Everyone shivered as they put on the coats. "Mind you, they also block out all emotional energy radiating off of your souls, so you can be technically cloaked in a pack of Grimm. Also, they keep you warm, so that's a plus," said Eirwen while she put hers on with a smile.

They walked off the ramp made by bullhead's bay door into the cold air of Atlas. It wasn't cold for Leena, due to her being a sea lion Faunus, was not affected by the cold but the coat was perfectly warm. 'Wow, these coats are pretty advanced to have this warmness. Eirwen has access to some neat equipment, although, her mental state is concerning.' They were apparently on a roof that was caked with snow but it shows that the roof was massive. 'What is this place?'

'Ah, the look of awe on their faces,' Eirwen chuckled. 'Now, where is the Lieutenant that was supposed to meet us here. Don't tell me that Winter's info was wrong.' On cue, a hatch on the corner of the flat part of the roof was opened with a loud creak as a man in a white and gray uniform rush out while holding his hat, which looked like an Atlas officer hat. He looked around for a bit but then walked towards the girls. As he arrived in front of Eirwen, he took a second to catch his breath then straightened his posture and hat. He pulled a salute with surprised everyone but Eirwen. "I am very sorry for not being at your arrival, Specialist Eirwen, I hope you can forgive me." Eirwen chucked a little.

" At ease, Lieutenant..." Eirwen trailed a bit.

"Second Lieutenant James Connor, under the command of General Ironwood, Ma'am," The Lieutenant answered in a quick, concise tone. Eirwen sighed.

"I told you at ease." The Lieutenant relaxed a small amount.

"I'm sorry Ma'am, your arrival has everyone tense here. Well, mostly everyone." This piqued Eirwen's interest.

'People who just don't care? Well, I wonder who that is.' Eirwen loved the thought. "Who might that be?" questioned Eirwen, showing a slight bit of sadism in her voice.

"Well, before I tell you that, may I humbly request that we take this inside?" Eirwen sensed a bit of urgency in his voice. 'Oh right, he's cold. I almost forgot about the coat.' "Sure, why not?"

They entered through the hatch that connected to some stairs that went down into a red-lit corridor. The corridor mostly looked like a maintenance shaft. 'Hmm, this is very well kept, but that is a given for how new the build is.' They reached the door, which was an iron door with a valve.

"Please, excuse my rudeness," professed James. He turned the valve clockwise and opened the door. With a pressurized click, the door slowly opened to show a metallic walkway on the other side. "After you, Ma'am." he offered.

"Thank you," sincerely replied Eirwen. The Lieutenant and the five girls walked onto the walkway to reveal the interior of the huge hanger. The place has a full Atlas military feel due to the stark white and black contrasts. The hanger also has an alerted feeling as well, as Eirwen looked down to see the countless people moving throughout the hanger. Among those people, there were people who were playing cards, smoking, loading dust rounds into ammo crates, moving boxes into transports, and fixing up vehicles to be in tip-top shape. However, there was an object taking up a considerable amount of space in the hanger. Upon closer inspection, it looked to be a ship-like object, given its size, that was covered in construction tarps with workers working on it by repelling down from the roof of the hanger to weld in certain places of the object. "Lieutenant, if I may ask, what might the object taking up a considerable amount of space in this hanger be?"

"That is a welcoming gift the General wants you to have."

"Ah, I see. So, when will this 'gift' be presented to me?"

"Just up ahead." James opened another door that came up on the walkway and ushered everyone through. The room looked to be an observation room overlooking the mysterious object best view, but the shades were closed. James cleared his throat. "Ladies, today I am presenting to you," he tapped on the console behind him which controlled the shades. As the shades opened, James also pressed a second button to play some melodramatic music for build up.

'James, you are very funny,' Eirwen remarked.

As the shades finally rolled back, the lights slowly turned on one by one to reveal the object in the hanger.

"The AAF Smoke and Mirrors." The girls did a collective 'ooh', except for Eirwen, who was just impressed.

'Wow Ironwood, those tax dollars are being put to good use.'

The Lieutenant continued his monologue, "This ship is the pinnacle of Atlas technology, to the point of it not able to exist. This warship is the fastest in its class, the most maneuverable in its class, and has the same firepower of a normal warship with an added bonus." The ship activated the bottom plate, to reveal a double barrel cannon with various tubes of dust its firing chamber. "That is the Dust Augmented Grimm Buster or DAGB. I know the acronym is terrible, so call it the Dagger. Anyway, above the weaponry, the main feature is not only its small size, but its Prototype Mirror Cloaking Generator, or PMCG. We can call that the Mirror. What accompanies the interior is 2 Atlesian dropships, 1 special fighter variant of the Atlesian dropship that has the same technology and can be piloted remotely by the helmsman, various vehicles that can be mounted onto the dropships for ground support, and since we had to gut the AI system to make the ship smaller and more secure, we have a special platoon of Atlas Marines that have smaller scale gear of this ship's tech, including the main gun. Unfortunately, there's a problem with the marines." That was the sentence Eirwen was looking for.

"Oh?"

"Well, they haven't accepted their leader yet so they are 'uncooperative' with us."

Eirwen pulled a small sadistic smile across her face," I guess I have to show them who their boss is." James shivered a little from Eirwen response, but the girls were accustomed to it.

"Ahm, so Eirwen, since this is a top-secret project, you are in need of a crew. I have selected a few candidates for your crew."

"Oh, you do? Well, send that list to my office. I already have a helmsman." James was surprised.

"Well, you didn't submit a form for this person-."

"It doesn't matter if they are already here."

"I'm sorry?"

"Come in, Neo." The door to the observation room was opened to reveal a thin girl, that was as tall as Sigini, in a black and red uniform, just like Eirwen's uniform, with pink and brown hair. She also had a captain's hat, and her pink and black umbrella was resting on her shoulder. She held the same smirk as Eirwen would have, which seems to be saying, "Welcome back."

A/N:

Ha, ha.

Love the references.

Pencils are pointless.

Did I toss a yanger?

Anyway, having Neo as the pilot, was a very tough choice.

Having her fit into the story is very weird because I really don't know her personality.

What I know is that she is going to be the same age as Eirwen and will have the same personality as her, but slightly different.

More sadism, very much less masochism.

Also, I'm kind of introducing the military aspect of my story.

The ship is cool but I didn't describe it.

So, if you want to know, its just a smaller version of a normal Atlas warship but black and red.

The concept is based on the Normandy SR-2 from Mass Effect series.

Also, the gun is pretty sick if you ask me.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it and will see you in te next chapter.