A Ripple in Time

Chapter 9

Dire Circumstances

Grimm were charging from all over the place. The place where we were was the last to get hit. We armed up as fast as we could and fought them back as hard as we could. Things were definitely different this time around. They were overpowering us in every way and there wasn't much that we could do. The first wave that hit us was pretty taxing on us so having to deal with another wave immediately was hard to do.

Without having any time to regroup, I was forced to keep on fighting. I tried figuring out how I did that fire attack from before, but nothing was working. At that point, I was starting to get frustrated with myself since I wasn't of much use to the soldiers around me. Everyone was fighting to their last breath, but it didn't seem to mean anything. The number of our losses started to increase as the enemy's decreased. There wasn't a lot of time left.

I looked around and saw that Blake and Yang were still holding on. They were definitely the ones who were responsible for keeping the enemy at bay. On the other hand, I was mostly just examining the battle. Near the other side of the city, one of the lines of defense was already broken. I turned my head again and saw another line of defense get broken through. I looked back towards Ruby's building and saw that she was starting to shoot down the ones that were heading towards the city. Because their numbers were so great, most of them started to reach her building and ascend up to the top. That's when I knew that I couldn't stand by and watch.

"Blake! Yang!" They turned their heads. "We need to head back to the city! Our defenses have already been broken." They looked around and saw that it was true. They then looked at our group and saw that they were doing a pretty good job at holding them back.

"Alright, let's go!"

We grabbed our things and headed back towards the city. There, a few platoon of soldiers were picking off Grimm that tried to get into the heart of the city. We headed towards Ruby to make sure that they didn't reach her. I screamed her name and started t swing my sword. At that moment, it lit up and I launched a huge icicle right at the building, freezing the beasts where they were. It happened again. I didn't know how I did, but I did anyway.

"Ruby, get down from there!"

"Why? I have to cover everyone else."

"It's not worth it. Our defense has already been broken. We have to fall back and defend the library." Without another word, Ruby jumped from her spot and slid down using the icicle I somehow provided for her.

"How'd you do that? It was really helpful."

"Don't ask me. I'm still working out the kinks."

"Alright, enough chit-chat, you two. We gotta hold these things off." Once Ruby was secured, we headed to the area right outside of the library and started to create a wall of defense. Ruby handled the distant enemies while the others of us got rid of the others that made it that far. As time went on, the number of soldiers retreating back to us increased which made it easier for us to hold our position.

Unfortunately, the initial number was much lower. It was obvious that we lost a lot soldiers in the fight, but we couldn't dwell on it. The only thing we could do was fight and fight until the very end.

The fight went on and on and it didn't even seem like we were punching a hole in their numbers. When we seemed to catch a break, more would sprout out from nowhere and continue to attack us. From the way things were looking, we knew that it wasn't going to end happily. Yet, we were persistent. We weren't going to give up unless if we had to. Everyone else was fighting for their lives and we had a responsibility to do the same.

After some time, their attacks finally stopped which gave us some time to breath. At that moment, everyone plopped onto the floor completely exhausted. Even Blake and Yang were tired which was quite the shock. As for me and Ruby, we still had energy left since we haven't really done a lot compared to the others. I asked if she was alright and she nodded with a smile. I then walked over to Blake and Yang to check on them.

"Hey, how are you guys holding up?"

"Ugh! That's impossible to answer. Things aren't looking good at all. We're all wiped out. I don't know how long we can hold out for." I looked at everyone else and it looked like they just went through hell and back. It was horrible sight to see. There was so much that I was feeling at that moment, but I just couldn't describe any of them. I stuck out my hand to her and smiled.

"You can still fight. We need you. Everyone needs you." Yang smiled back and took my hand.

"Of course. I'm not out of it." Blake rose to her feet and patted me on the shoulder.

"None of us are out. Not yet."

Out of nowhere, we heard a slight rumble in the ground which caused the commander of the army to call everyone to attention. Everyone looked around, but saw nothing. The rumbling went on for a few mores seconds until it finally stopped. We all looked at each other in confusion, but no one was able to figure out what it was. Then, the worst thing happened. Just outside of the city where the lines of defense were stationed, huge beasts emerged from the ground. We eventually confirmed that they were large snakes and scorpions.

"Enemies inbound! Break time's over soldiers!" We couldn't believe our eyes. Those beasts were huge, unlike anything we've ever seen before. Monsters of that sort actually existed? It almost felt like a dream.

Right after the commander's announcement, an alarm blared through the entire city. Why was that being sounded? Wouldn't that attract their attention towards us? We looked around and in confusion when we saw all of the soldiers drop their guns and pull out a small knife. At the butt of the knife was a small blue orb-looking thing. Other than, it looked like an average knife. What were they doing? Suddenly, a hand was placed on my shoulder as I turned to see Jaune. He was all bloody and completely exhausted.

"Jaune, oh my God, are you okay? What's happening?"

"That's… the signal. You guys need to get out of here."

"Signal? What are you talking about?" Jaune took some more steps forward and stared down the new enemy. Once again, another hand was placed on my shoulder as we saw Pyrrha in a similar state as Jaune.

"It was an honor meeting such wonderful people like yourselves." Our eyes popped open. Why were they talking like this? Then, Jaune ran towards the enemy with only his knife and jumped right on top of it, stabbing it right on the head. The beast immediately shrieked in pain. The last thing we remember seeing was Jaune's smile before he and the beast dissipated into thin air.

What the hell is going on?

End of Chapter 9