Chapter 4

A couple of days had passed since our trip to the city and nothing eventful happened but now today was our last day and we didn't know how to spend it. I was the first to get up as usual and walked to the bathroom to change and get ready. Once I was down to styling my hair, Phoenix came in already changed and getting ready to brush her teeth. She checked me up and down and pointed at my crooked tie with her toothbrush and continued what she was doing. I groaned mockingly and adjusted my tie in the mirror.

Slowly but surely everyone started to get up except for Robyn who was still knocked out. We were all ready and surrounded her, looking at each other to see who would dare wake the beast from her slumber.

"I guess I'll do it." I muttered.

Sapphire and Phoenix took several steps back as I stood next to Robyn and cleared my throat.

"ROBYN THE DINING HALL RAN OUT OF FOOD!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.

She sat up with her eyes wide open, grabbed my tie and pulled me down to her eye level.

"I swear to god you motherfucker, if you did that so that I would wake up, I'm going to fucking kill you." She growled with her demonic morning voice.

Sapphire and Phoenix were trying to release me from her grasp but she wouldn't have it.

"Rob, let him GO!" Phoenix said firmly grabbing around my waist and trying to pull me away from her.

"Next time, I'll shout from a far away distance." I muttered.

Sapphire snuck behind Robyn and attacked her sides and tickled her. She instantly let go and laughed hysterically as she spasmed around from the tickling. I fell back on one of the beds with Phoenix still clutching onto me for dear life and was currently under me. Our faces were close and she still unconsciously had her arms around me. I felt a subtle blush on my cheeks whereas her entire face turned a bright crimson red.

"Rob, let's get ready…" Sapphire whispered as she pulled a disoriented Robyn into the bathroom and closed the door.

"Jet…" Phoenix whispered softly as if she thought this were a dream and if she made any sudden movements, she would wake up.

"Yeah…?" I responded with my voice slightly shaking. 'Why am I nervous?'

"Can you please get off?" She asked quietly.

"I mean I would, but I'm kind of confined." I said looking down at her arms that were still around me.

"Oh yeah. Sorry." She said letting go and sitting up. I could have sworn I heard Robyn's voice muttering 'Goddammit.' in the restroom and to say the least, I kind of agreed with her.

I got off the bed and so did Phoenix with her face still pink.

"If anyone wants to come, we're going to the dining hall." I called to the bathroom.

The door slammed open and Robyn came out in her school uniform, but replacing the blazer with her black leather jacket.

"Let's do this." She said putting her bo staff at her side and adjusting her red ribbon around her neck. Sapphire came out of the bathroom and we all followed Robyn out of our dorm and to the dining hall in an awkward silence. We entered the dining hall, expecting to eat, but finding it in utter chaos. Team RWBY and JNPR, were having a food fight. Drinks and food were thrown everywhere. Students were running outside, getting covered in several condiments, hell, I think I even saw Jaune get thrown at the window. I saw Team SHDW attempting to avoid getting in the crossfire. The same went for us, as food was going in this direction as well. Soon, there was a volley of food headed our way. I tackled Phoenix out of the way, and Sapphire managed to dodge in time, but Robyn got hit with a couple of pies. It was actually kinda funny to see her get hit like that, but she wasn't in the same mood. She grabbed a few soda cans, and chucked them at Team JNPR but barely missed, and ended up hitting Haze and Wolfe with the soda. By the looks of their faces, it looks like this'll get messy.

"This is it guys. We're in this fight whether we want to or not. Wait? Where did Team JNPR go?" I asked as I turned around to see a fortress of tables and soda machines, with Nora on top, Pyrrha a few tables under Nora, and Jaune and Ren on the soda machines at the bottom, while Team RWBY is across the room. Team SHDW is right in the middle of all teams. Nora began to laugh maniacally and shouted ,

"I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle!" Nora bellowed as Team RWBY and SHDW prepared themselves as well. Ruby jumped on a table and shouted back.

"Justice will be swift! Justice will be painful! It will be… delicious!" She shouted as the actual fight began.

"Off with their heads!" Nora commanded, as they all began to throw watermelons. Team RWBY scrambled to attack as well, sending Yang as their vanguard, destroying the incoming volley of watermelons. Team SHDW was heading towards us, and we hadn't even prepared. Or at least I thought we didn't. I turned to see everyone holding really long bread. Of course I didn't get one as I never use a weapon. Haze was moving in first, and carried dual swordfishes, as Snow used bread as well, and Diamond had sausages linked together. Wolfe stayed behind to fire upon us. Robyn ran past them all and went for Wolfe, while the rest of us defended. I lead our charge against the rest of the SHDW. I attacked first, by breaking Snow's bread right in half, and I followed through with a kick to his stomach, making him break through a table. I made a run for it and attempted to go after Wolfe, but on the way I slipped and crashed into a table myself. I looked back and saw ketchup all over the floor, with Weiss being the reason why it's there. Phoenix saw that I was down, and quickly dealt with Haze with a flurry of strikes, then ran to me.

"Need a hand?" Phoenix said, offering me her hand. I graciously took it and looked at Sapphire dealing with her twin. Phoenix and I turned to see Nora smash Weiss with her watermelon hammer. Yang ran forward, going right for Ren, as Snow was getting up from the table he had crashed through. We charged right for Snow, but it was short lived as I was hit directly in the chest with bread, knocking me down once more. It was more than likely from Wolfe. Phoenix went on ahead and took on Wolfe, while Yang and Ren began their clash. I was getting up when I saw that Ren was being punched down with a tremendous force from Yang. He came down with a great enough impact to throw me back a bit, but I managed to stay on my feet for once. Right after that attack, Nora came right after Yang. They charged at each other, but Nora smashed the watermelon right into Yang, sending her flying and crashing through the ceiling. As that was going on Blake hit Nora with sausage links, making her hit a soda machine, and then throwing soda at Blake. Pyrrha then used her polarity to have an endless volley attack Blake throwing her across the room. Phoenix and Robyn fell back and regrouped with Sapphire and me. We saw Ruby look around to see her fallen comrades, and she had a look of determination on her face.

"Sapphire. I think now would be a good time to use your semblance." I told Sapphire, in preparation for whatever Ruby was gonna do.

"I can't get us all covered." She replied.

"You can at least do two of us, who will cover the others. Do it." I commanded Sapphire, and she nodded in agreement. She covered herself with her diamond like armor, followed by me afterwards. Ruby then used her speed, and ran. I had no time to react, and quickly grabbed Phoenix, and brought her close to me. I embraced her tightly, so that neither of us would be affected by Ruby's plan. I could feel a volley of soda cans smash right into the diamond armor. Besides that there wasn't much of an issue, until I looked up and saw the condition of Team JNPR and SHDW. They were smashed into the wall, and covered with nearly every food item in the dining hall. Well it seems like the fight is over. I let go of Phoenix as the diamonds vanish away from my body. It was great to see none of us actually caught up in that mess. Just after that the doors opened, and Glynda Goodwitch walked in looking furious. She marched her way in and began to use her telekinesis, to rebuild the entire dining hall to the way it was before. She even managed to clean everyone up a bit, including that giant splatter on the wall where Ruby had caught everyone else in. We managed to get together and stand by each other.

"Children please,... do not play with your food." Goodwitch said after she finished cleaning up our mess. Right after Nora belched, Yang crashed through the roof. You know, I kinda forgot about her until now. That was quite the crash she had, yet she just stood up from it like it was nothing. Right after, everyone just started laughing, as if a joke was told, instead of a person falling through the ceiling. Each team went their own way after those events. We were on our way to our dorms, when I remembered that I still needed to do that thing from a few days ago. I can't believe I forgot about something so precious to me.

"You guys go on ahead. I'll meet up with you guys later." I told them about ready to sprint out of there.

"But it's the last day! What are you gonna do?" Robyn asked me confused at my sudden decision.

"No time to explain. I've got to go." I said to them sprinting away. I had to get to the flower shop first, then go to where Phoenix showed me a couple of days ago. I'll have to thank her for showing me that place one day. Now I must do this. I ran and ran as fast as I could through the city until I made it to the flower shop. I made my purchase of a single light pink rose. Now to make my way back to the place Phoenix took me to.

After several minutes of nonstop running I finally made my way there. I gave myself a little rest before I would commence. A few minutes was enough time for me, and I prepared myself. Prepared myself, for him.

"Hey Mars. I'm back again. Though this time, I'm here at Beacon Academy in Vale. I just wished you were here in Vale and not in Atlas. I just wished you told me what your mission was, so I could understand why you never came back. Maybe one day I'll get it. That aside, I'm doing great here for my first year. I'm the leader of my own team here. We're called JSPR, and I'm the only guy. And yes, mom doesn't approve, and well dad, you know he wants me to get with one of these girls. Who knows, I probably will. I wouldn't mind that idea at all actually. I miss you more than anything Mars. You've left us devastated. Mom and dad aren't always themselves anymore. They barely let me go to Beacon after you… You're…."

I couldn't say anything more, as I began to choke up. I kissed the rose and let the wind take it away. I could feel the tears dripping from my face, as I saw the rose travel through the air. Mars was everything to me. He was my older brother, my role model, the one I looked up to, my own reason to continue living, and now my reason to become a hunter, even if he's only just a memory to some. I'm just devastated that it had to end this way, but there's nothing I can do to get him back. That's the worst feeling. Knowing that no matter what you do, you can never change someone else's life. It's a feeling that stays with you, slowly eating you up from the inside, and can eventually destroy yourself. Mars had left before I went to Beacon, then a few months later, it happened. I was emotionally unstable at the time, that I nearly ended my own life. Of course I was afraid of death, but that's not what stopped me. Phoenix actually went to the same school that I did before Beacon. She's the reason that I'm still here. She didn't even do anything, because I hid my emotions from her by giving myself a mask to hide behind, but I noticed that during this time, Phoenix looked up to me in the same way that I did with Mars. This caused me to be stuck in the middle between choosing life or death. Would I satisfy my own want, and be reunited with my brother, or would I make someone else happy simply by being me? The choice is obvious now, but I still have that feeling lingering deep in my heart, waiting for the opportunity to convince me to complete the deed. I wish I could rid of it once and for all, but it's like a virus, waiting patiently to strike when I'm my weakest. Even if it takes generations, it will wait for as long as it needs to. In the end, seeing someone practically idolize me, the way I did with my brother, gives off a radiant hope to me. Though she may not know it, but one day, I'll tell her, that she's the reason I kept living. Now, I must return to Beacon, and prepare for classes to start. Though since I am here, I might as well clear my own head as Phoenix does. Perhaps I can actually help myself in this way. Even if I actually worsen, I'll do my best not to let my team down, or let Phoenix down either. I walked on over to a nearby tree and sat down, leaning on the tree. A few minutes later, I heard footsteps coming this way. I didn't bother to see who it was, and just continued to gaze off into the city.

"Jet? Were you here the whole time?" Phoenix said walking towards me.

"I have. Would you care to join me?" I asked her with an inviting tone.

"Gladly." She said as she sat by my side. For a few minutes we didn't speak to each other and simply enjoyed the view in front of us. I felt like I should tell her, but I don't feel entirely ready. Plus, telling her right before we start the semester might not be the best idea. Though there's the dance, and also the Vytal Festival. Though the Vytal Festival is at the end of the year, and the dance is pretty soon. Those are practically my only chances to tell Phoenix where I'd have time to speak with her alone. Our first mission is also coming up as well. It's right after the dance, and it'll be with our team, plus a hunter or huntress will accompany all first year students like us, though it usually depends on the mission. Schools from the other kingdoms participate as well, in these missions. They have the same choices as we do depending on what year they are from their school. I've yet to meet any teams from a higher year besides Team CFVY who are second year students. I guess they're just not so noticeable or maybe they just go out on missions more often than others. Though that's not really relevant at a time like this. I should just enjoy my final day of break with Phoenix, but of course I'd have to return eventually.

"We should probably head back to our dorm now." I said to Phoenix getting up from the ground.

"Yeah we should." Phoenix said still on the ground. I gave her my hand so that she could get up. She hesitated for a moment and slightly blushed, and after a moment she took my hand as I pulled her up to her feet. I felt that same warm sensation throughout my body and slightly across my face, as when she had taken me by the hand to come here. Only this time it felt a bit more natural to me, and her hand felt very soft, and in a way, protective. We then began to walk back to our dorm in silence. Phoenix probably knew I was there for a specific reason, and more than likely doesn't wish to ask me just yet. A few quick glances, and I can see it on her face, that she's anxious to get some answers right away. She at least respects if one doesn't want to talk about something personal right away. Not many people can do that sadly. Little things like that can definitely impress people. There are times where even I admire Phoenix, for she seems to be determined whereas I'm just barely getting by most of the time. I'm truly lucky to have someone like her in my life at all. I'm sure if circumstances were different Phoenix would've been our leader instead of me.

On our way back to our dorm, we saw Team RWBY walking around. They waved at us and we waved back. I wasn't sure exactly, but I'm pretty sure that I saw Yang give me a thumbs up. I wonder if Phoenix saw if Yang actually did that. I have a feeling that Yang would do something like that. We made it back to our dorm without meeting anybody else in the way. I unlocked the door using my scroll and walked in and saw nobody else there. Once again it was only Phoenix and I. I then went straight for the bathroom and changed into a black v-neck, and a pair of black shorts. Phoenix went in after me to change. I laid on my bed and took out my scroll and searched if there were any new dust types available. As usual it was a rare event to see something new pop up. Though checking on dust shops also reveals recent crime activity with most dust shops, and usually images of the criminals hitting them. Roman Torchwick is really the biggest criminal targeting dust shops and shipments. He's been all over the news lately, and I'm sure he loves seeing his face shown on the media.

I heard the bathroom door open and I saw Phoenix in a loose red t-shirt and black sweatpants. I put my scroll away and gently tossed it to the other side of my bed. She sauntered over to her bed which was right next to mine and sat down on the edge closest to me. I let out a sigh of relief as I stretched out my arms and legs.

"Tired?" She asked curiously.

"A bit. Today was straining...more emotionally than physically." I muttered the last part.

"Jet...what's wrong? You seemed out of it when I found you. You know you can tell me anything." She said putting a comforting hand on mine.

"It's nothing important. I was just...remembering." I said quietly. I was struggling to keep my composure since talking about Mars always strikes a nerve with me. It's been awhile since his passing, but the pain feels just as fresh and horrible since the day I found out.

"You can tell me at a later time when you're ready. I won't push you to tell me. I'll wait. I'll wait for centuries if I have to." She said kindly. I don't know what happened but she looked different. Her hair was lighter, framing her soft face and making her look angelic. Her eyes weren't as stern as I was commonly used to seeing, but they seemed kinder and gentle which was a habit that I noticed that she does only with me. I felt a warmth rush throughout all of my body but mostly in my face. This was more severe than the other times I felt this comforting warmth and I felt myself getting lightheaded and disoriented. I felt like I was going to faint but something was preventing me from doing so. The more I looked at her, the more gorgeous she appeared.

I took her hands in mine and they seemed to fit just perfectly, almost like they were meant to fit together like this. I looked up into her blood red eyes and she stared back.

'What am I doing? Should I confess to her? No. I'm not ready, but let me just ask her to the dance. I think I'm ready to do that much.' I thought to myself.

"Phoenix, I wanted to ask you something." I said barely above a whisper.

"Yes? What is it Jet?" She responded.

"I was wondering if maybe you wanted t-"

"MAN, I'M SOOOOO EXHAUSTED!" We heard as the door slammed open and Robyn and Sapphire came in. I pulled our hands away quickly before they could see, but the glimpse of sadness in Phoenix's eyes pained my heart with guilt.

"When did you guys get here?" Sapphire asked us.

"Not too long ago. Maybe 15 minutes at the very most." I said as calmly as I could without getting upset.

"Great, our last day is almost over…" Robyn whined.

"All great things end at some point. It's no use to complain when- oh who am I kidding, I'm sad that it's over too." Sapphire said sitting down next to Robyn.

"Well, classes will resume tomorrow and hopefully we can start our missions sooner so we can get some more action in our lives." Phoenix said.

"What time is it?" Robyn asked. "I need to know so I can wake up on time for my classes."

"Since when were you concerned about waking up?" I asked.

"Ever since I nearly failed for missing half of my classes. Now what time is it? I need to set up a schedule so I can get my full 8 hours of sleep." She said.

"Hold up. First of all, it's 5:45 and second of all, YOU ALMOST FAILED?!" Sapphire shouted.

"Could you please keep it down? I don't exactly want the entire school to know." Robyn said.

"Well, would you please care to explain what the hell happened?" Phoenix said.

"I easily get distracted and I always went to sleep late. You know how I can't get up in the morning, so I would sleep in and I ended up being late to my classes and missing half of the material. I don't know how but by some miracle I was able to to pass all of my finals and not get a failing grade." She said quietly. Her voice was cracking towards the end of her statement and I could tell this was hard for her to admit. Despite Robyn's happy and fun personality, she can't stand the thought of failure. It's something I've noticed with her. She hates the idea of being the weak link and being close to getting withdrawn was close to being the final push to send her over edge and have a mental breakdown.

"If you need help Robyn, don't hesitate to ask us. We're a team for a reason and we help each other." I said.

"Thanks." She choked out. "I just really don't want to disappoint any of you guys." She said as she finally cracked and tears begun to spill.

"Robyn please don't cry." Phoenix said as she sat in front of her small figure and took her hands.

"I'm sorry, I really wanted to be someone great and now I feel like I'm failing everyone." She cried.

"You're not failing us. You're already helping us by admitting that you want and need help." I said putting a comforting arm on her shoulder. She couldn't speak anymore and just cried out her emotions. Sapphire hugged her tightly, followed by Phoenix who pulled me into the hug as well. It seemed like time was passing slowly and her wailing was filling the entire room. I felt bad, not really being able to do anything since I didn't know what a girl wants to be told in her lowest moments.

Slowly but surely, Robyn began to calm down and her sobs mellowed down to quiet hiccups. Sapphire swayed her and Robyn was finally relaxed.

"I feel like I'm surrounded by the friendly giants." She said.

We all laughed and she smiled and wiped her eyes.

"Let's take you to the bathroom so you can wash your face." Sapphire said.

"Ok." She replied and we backed away from her so she could walk to the bathroom with Sapphire.

I felt a gentle squeeze on my hand and faced Phoenix. She had a soft smile on her face and I returned the gesture. She gave me a hug which caught me by surprise, but I didn't hesitate to hug her back. We didn't say anything, but now looking at the time, it was almost time for dinner, but I doubt that Robyn would want to go down there looking like a mess, so I pulled Phoenix up to stand with me.

"Robyn, we're going to go get something to eat. If you don't want to come, we'll bring you something."

"It's fine, I'll meet you guys down there in a few minutes." She said through the door.

"Alright. See you two there." Phoenix said.

I felt a pull on my hand and I looked to see that she had intertwined our fingers. I looked up her and she had a blush on her cheeks and led us out the door. She was kind of rough while doing so, but I didn't complain.