So before we begin, I have given some answers to questions you might have at the end, sorry but I just didn't have time in the chapter to cover them unless I made this a full-on story, which can't, I have another big story I'm doing.
Also I know might have made Ciel a little different to how she is in the show but we don't know anything about her outside that one scene so forgive me if she's not quite the same to that scene.
If you have any more questions or any other comments, please feel free to drop them below.
'Almost there Ciel.' A lone figure thought to herself as she climbed up a sand dune, she wasn't sure which hurt more, her hands from the sand that felt like lava, her lips which were dried and cracked, or her back from the wrapped sword tied to it.
Once on top of the dune she let out a relieved sigh as saw her destination a short walk away, it was an airship base which had been recently abandon and much to her relief the girl saw no Grimm in her way.
"Maple we're here."
Ciel turned around and saw a lone figure laying on the ground face down in the sand their rifle lay next to them "Maple!" Ciel shouted as she half ran and half rolled back down the dune to the girl's side.
Ciel flipped her over, Maple was almost unresponsive except for a small moan that the Atlassian could barely hear "Hang on Maple, I'll get you some water."
Ciel held her hand out a moment, only to be frustrated as a tiny cloud tried to form, only to disappear on the wind, twice more she tried with the same result till on the fourth attempt a tiny amount of rain fell into her hand.
Ciel brought her hand to Maples lips but the Faunus remained motionless to all the Atlassian's attempts to shake her conscious, Ciel tentatively checked her friend's pulse and felt nothing.
"Damn it!" Ciel shouted throwing the tiny amount of war into the sand that evaporated immediately.
"I'm so sorry." Ciel whispered as she brought her friends forehead to hers, before she laid the girls head down, picked up the girl's headband that had fallen off and placed it in the girl's hands that Ciel moved to Maples chest, removed an envelope from one of Maples pockets, before picking up the Faunus's rifle and pushed it muzzle first into the ground "Goodbye old friend."
Ciel placed the envelop in the bag at her side, pulled out her revolver from her back holster and began walking back up the dune, hoping the winds and sands would give her friend as decent a grave as possible in the circumstances.
"They better work." Ciel muttered to herself as she descended the dune.
Once at the base she checked inside her revolver ready to go in her hand till she reached one of the ships, a long fish looking vehicle not unlike the typical Atlas airships but longer in length and a smaller interior.
Once she was sure the hanger was safe, she almost threw the sword into a storage locker in the ships cockpit and began checking the ships systems and fuel, once satisfied the ship was in good condition and adding extra fuel tanks just in case Ciel set the ship for take-off and began flying eastward to her destination.
Once in the air Ciel set the ships autopilot and left the chair moving to the ships folding bed and basically collapsed into it, ignoring the stinging in her back, the Atlassian eyes closed her last thought being she was thankful that she could sleep properly after a week's walking.
(Nine days before)
"Miss Schnee." Ciel said as she entered the woman's command room and gave Winter a salute "You sent for me?"
"Yes Ciel." Winter said her voice tired and Ciel could tell she was stressed and worn down from the assaults that had hit Vacuo almost the day after they had arrived three weeks ago, much like the other occupant of the room, a young boy with dark hair and a cane that Ciel had met but never spoken to.
"I'm sorry I don't have a lot of time, even for introductions I have a most important task for you."
"What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to get an item of the upmost importance out of Vacuo and to Menagerie."
"Menagerie?"
"Yes, Menagerie is the only real safe place for it to be right now since its vulnerable here and the other nations aren't safe."
"I assure you getting the door open without the maiden is impossible." The young boy spoke up but before Ciel could ask what a Maiden was Winter responded.
"And would you have said the same about how we got to Vacuo through a new dimension?"
The boy remained silent and Winter took that as acceptance of her point before continuing "I'm not prepared to leave the item here." Winter said pulling out a folder and holding it out to Ciel "I need you to take the item and this letter to Ghira Belladonna in Menagerie, whatever happens you must get it to him, will you do this Ciel?"
Ciel could see an emotion in Winters eyes, the Atlassian wasn't sure what it was exactly but words it made Ciel think of was hope, pleading and resignation, the Atlassian thought for a moment before taking the folder.
"How do I get there?"
"There is an old airbase that was abandoned when the first attacks began so it wasn't isolated, it houses Atlassian long range scout airships used for guarding Vacuo's coast against Grimm attacks, you will take eleven others and three vehicles, I can't spare anymore and make your way there, it will take you three days to reach the base."
"I see, who is going with me?"
"Pick twelve of those you trust the most, I will leave the exact choice to you though."
"And we return after delivering the item?"
"No, you are to stay in Menagerie and help protect the item."
"But ma'am…"
"No arguments Ciel!" Winter snapped and Ciel jumped back as she saw flames escape the older woman's eyes "Sorry, this mission is vital for the worlds sake, we cannot let this item fall into Salems hands."
"I'll go find Maple and I'll begin assembling my team."
"Before you do, I need you to do something else first."
"What is it?"
"I will explain on the way." Winter said as she as she beckoned Ciel to follow her.
(Modern day – Day after taking off)
Ciel held her hand out and a tiny whisp of flame appeared in her palm for a moment before it died out "I could have done with a bit of training." Ciel mumbled to herself as she looked out the window watching the sea beneath her pass by.
"Then again, we didn't have time did we."
(Eight Days ago-Winter POV)
"Are you sure she's up to it?" Oscar asked as Winter watched the trio of vehicles cross over a dune and disappear into the distance.
"She will have to be." Winter said trying to hold her sense of dread at bay.
"I wish I was going with them."
Winter turned around and saw the young boy looking at the display on the screen of four massive red arrows heading right for the city they were in.
"Me too." Winter said looking out the window once more "Please make it Ciel."
(Modern Day – Four days after take-off)
Ciel rubbed her eyes as the ship's navigation announced that she was closing in on Menagerie, Ciel got off the bed and sat in the pilot's seat and saw the mainly wooden houses come into view.
After a few moments trying to find a place that she could land the airship, Ciel brought the ship down as she shut the engine off, she could see people starting to walk up to the ship, Ciel let out a sigh as she got up and pulled her cloves down to her wrists, revealing similar symbols on her arms as on her head.
As the Atlassian put the sword on her back she felt her back burn at the contact which caused her to fall forward and lean on the wall of the ship.
"Hey, open up!" came a woman's voice from outside the ship.
Ciel hissed as she stood up and tried to settle herself before she opened the door as the sword's presence kept burning her back. Once she opened the door, she was greeted by a crowd of people and a small number of guards in front of them aiming weapons at her.
"Identify yourself!" came the same voice as before, belonging to girl with brown hair in the ponytail, wearing a short black jacket and pointing what looked like a sword at her.
"My names Ciel Soleil, I'm from Atlas Academy." Ciel said her hands above her head to show she wasn't a threat. Ciel could see the people in the crowd talking to themselves at the news she was from Atlas academy.
"Atlas Academy, what are you doing here?" The girl said with a scowl and Ciel could see her muscles were taught ready to strike her if she moved the wrong way.
Ciel bit down on the inside of her lip as the burning from the sword began to increase slightly "I've just come from Vacuo, I have to see Mr Belladonna at once, please I need to see him."
"You'll forgive us if we don't believe you at your word."
"Please miss…"
"Amitola, Ilia Amitola."
"Miss Amitola, I mean you or the people Menagerie no harm, I've had a long trip and I lost my team to get here, please, I need to see Mr Belladonna."
"Is this to do with the message we all saw?" Ilia asked her stance relaxing slightly.
"No, I have a message and package for him," Ciel said the swords burning starting to grow again, just like her frustration at the situation "Please, I really need to see him."
Ilia lowered are weapon to her side but still ready to use it, as she took a few steps closer so she was some distance from the guards "I will have to check with him first before I take you to him."
Ceil shut her eyes taught as the burning increased again "I'm sorry." Ciel said in a whisper, before she moved her arms from either side of her head to her hips, the symbols now on show to Ilia, her arms and forehead tingling as she moved them.
Ciel saw Ilia's eye glow gold a moment before they returned to their normal colour, Ciel glanced behind Ilia and was relieved to see no-one else seemed to be affected.
"I command you," Ciel said in a hushed voice that only her and Ilia could hear "you will take me to Mr Belladonna without delay."
"Once done you will go and sleep this off, do you understand Ilia?"
"Yes, this way." Ilia beckoned putting her weapon away.
Ciel took a moment to pull her gloves back up her arms before catching up with Ilia as the two walked to Mr Belladonna, the Atlassian trying her best to ignore the confused and concerned stares and whispers as the two walked through the crowd, Ilia directing a few people to move out the way.
Once out the crowd and on to the main street Ciel could see some of the house's windows, roofs and walls were damaged and some of the people were walking with covered wounds and torn clothes.
"Did something happen here?"
"Yes, when we got that message from that girl Ruby we were attacked by the Grimm, large numbers came from the sea, we were fortunate the damage was light though."
"I see." Ciel sighed as the pair kept walking to the large house in the distance 'Not such a safe place after all.'
The pair kept walking in silence the rest of the way to the house, Ciel wasn't even aware she had entered the house till they reach what she assumed to be Mr Belladonna's office, so distracted and tired was she.
"Coming!" a woman's voice answered to Ilia's knocking.
"Ilia," a Faunus woman car ears answered, "And who might this be?"
"My names Ciel Soleil ma'am." Ciel said bowing her head slightly.
"Kali, please." The woman smiled.
"She's a student from Atlas academy and just got here from Vacuo, she's got something very important to deliver to Ghira."
"I see, are you alright Ilia?"
"Yes, perfectly."
Kali gave Ilia and then Ciel a suspicious look, leaving the Atlassian hoping she wasn't about head into a disaster.
"Well then, we best not keep my husband waiting then." Kali said her smile returning before turning behind her "Ghira you have a visitor dear."
"Very well show them in."
"This way Ciel." Kali beckoned.
Ciel nodded before turning to Ilia "Thank you Ilia."
"No problem." Ilia said before walking away a slightly dazed and confused look on her face as she left.
Once Ciel entered the room she was impressed with the numbers of books on the large number of bookshelves, inside the large room was a tall man standing by a large wooden coffee table "Ghira dear, this is Ciel she needs to see you."
"Mr Belladonna." Ciel greeted with a bow.
"Ghira, please take a seat."
"Thank you."
"Would you like some tea?" Kail asked as Ciel sat down.
"No, thank you."
"So what is you needed to discuss with me?"
"This is from Winter Schnee and Shade headmaster Theodore." Ciel said taking the file out the bag at her side before handing the folder over.
"She also asked me to give you this item." Ciel said as she took the sword off her back and placed it on the table.
Ghira opened the file and began to read the papers inside in silence, Ciel watched the man in silence as she handed a page to Kali before carrying on reading, Ciel for her part rested her face in her hands, not sure if the burning sensation in her back was dying away or if she was too exhausted to feel it much anymore.
Finally after what felt like hours to Ciel, to which the Atlassian was surprised she hadn't fallen asleep, Ghira let out a sigh before turning to look at Ceil "What are your plans now?"
"My final orders are to help look after this item, that is what I shall do."
"Very well, Kali?"
"Yes dear?"
"Would you mind showing Ciel to a guest room, she's had a long journey and likely needs a rest."
"Yes, dear." Kali kept her smile up but Ciel could see the strain behind it.
"I'll see about getting you a more permanent and private place to yourself."
"Thank you, Mr Belladonna."
"Ghira, please."
"Thank you, Ghira." Ciel bowed before leaving with Kali thankful to leave the sword behind. The older woman led the young girl back into the house and through a few hallways till she stopped at a simple wooden door.
"And this will be you for the time being."
"Thank you."
"I'm sorry about the others." Kali said as Ceil sat on the bed.
"Pardon?"
"The letter said twelve, but you got here alone and in that torn up state, I'm so sorry."
"Not as much as I am." Ciel said taking her beret off and holding it in her hands, though grateful for Kali's kind words.
"I'll drop by later with some food, you must be hungry."
"Thank you, Kali."
Ceil watched the Faunus woman leave her room, before the Atlassian lay back down on the bed staring up at the ceiling, the faint stinging from her back barely noticeable in her tired state.
"I made it Maple." Ciel said to the air as she held her beret close to her chest "I hope you know that."
"I wish you could have seen it; you always did want to visit."
Ciel looked down at her back that was laying on the ground at the beds side 'Tomorrow.' Ciel thought before sleep consumed her.
Q and A:
Q) Why is Ciel the Summer maiden?
Because she needed some love, I'm surprised we didn't see her in the Ace-Ops or working with Penny in Volume 7.
Q) How did Ciel become the Summer maiden?
The same way Ironwood originally wanted Winter to become the Maiden, staying next to a dying Summer maiden.
Q) Why is Ciel struggling to use her Maiden powers?
So this is a two-part answer, first Ciel is tired and worn out from her long walk through the Vacuo sands and the wipe out of her team, so she's not working at 100%.
The second is a personal thing, I'm not that happy the Maidens could just activate their powers and they are so powerful, Aang wasn't good at all the elements in Avatar, so personally I'd rather the Maidens had to work to fully unlock their powers.
Q) What is going on with the Sword of Destruction?
Well I liked the idea of the sword being powerful but unstable, which is why it was burning Ciel's back, plus none of the relics have any negatives to using them and it's called the Sword of Destruction if any of them were going to have a negative it's going to be this one.
I would have also added but never found a good place to, that the sword is also really blood thirsty and whispers in people's heads.
Q) What is Ciel's weapon?
It's Webley Fosbury Revolver.
Q) Why a back holster?
Given we never see Ciel's back and we never see her weapon i thought it a good placement to try and stick to some of the canon show.
Q) What semblance did I give Ciel?
It's a command type Semblance.
It needs people to see Ciel's bare forearms and forehead, as I wanted to give a reason as to why she wears those long sleeve gloves we see her with, also Ciel seems like she would fit a field commander role so giving her a command type semblance would be useful in that situation plus it would allow her to give instructions to civilians in a panic
Q) What's the Semblance called?
"Guidance"
Q) Is Ilia Ciel's puppet now?
No, absolutely not, once you complete the task Ciel sets you the power wares off, Ilia just needed to take Ciel to Ghira and she did, so Ilia's all good.
Q) Why didn't Ironwood use Ciel's semblance in Atlas?
Ciel isn't a fan of using it unless absolutely needed, so keeps it secret, she used it on Ilia because she needed to get the job done.
Q) What about Vacuo?
Short answer, Salems coming and Vacuo's not going to hold.
Vacuo in this story is remnants version of Reach, everyone there is going to die, the best they can do is fight a rearguard action for as long as they can to stall for a small team to get the Sword out and away from Salem.
And for those wondering yes Vacuo will have its Nobel 6 last stand and yes, its Winter, no Cinder isn't getting the kill because Cinder couldn't beat a five-year-old so Salem got the kill shot.
Q) What about team RWBY?
In my AU, team RWBY comes out after Vacuo falls, they don't get transported to Vacuo at the same time they do in the show, they get to see the ruins of Vacuo.
Q) Why Menagerie?
It's the only place left that has a working defence force that hasn't been ravaged. Vales destroyed like the Volume 9 epilogue says or it's getting ready for round two Grimm dance boogaloo, but since its fallen before and that's with Atlas, plus its putting two Relics in one place Winter thought it was a bad idea.
Q) Who is Maple?
Maple is an old OC I made for another RWBY story I made, which I've modified her design and back story.
(Also that story is long dead now as it would need a total rewrite to sort out, I got way too confident when I started out and it became a right mess, so I ended it)
Q) Is Maple part of Penny's team in Volume 3
In my AU yes.
Q) Why Kill Maple off?
To set the mood I wanted for the story and to indicate early that Ciel's journey to the point we see her in the story has been no stroll, especially when Winter's flash back has her leaving with twelve people and vehicles and she gets to the base alone on foot.
Q) Any details on Maple?
Yes, here they are:
Name: Maple Haida
Race: Faunus Eagle Owl, the tuffs on Eagle Owl are on Maple's ears
Weapon: Bolt Action Rifle (Ross Rifle design).
Eyes: Red
Hair: Brown hair in a ponytail
Outfit:
Red and white headband.
Black trousers and boots.
Dark blue top.
Semblance: Eyesight semblance, her semblance allows her to zoom in allowing her to snipe without a scope, meaning she can be a sniper or she can be just a regular rifle woman if things get close.
Note: She is named after the HMCS Haida, a WW2 Tribal class destroyer and Canada's ceremonial Flagship and described as ""Fightingest Ship in the Royal Canadian Navy"", no I don't get that either.
She's primarily a skirmisher and scout for her team, much like how destroyers were employed in WW2.