The echo of lightsabers clashing echoed in the Training Chamber, as Barris and Derran moved around each other in a dueling session.
"Again!" Barriss said, with heavy breathing, wiping sweat from her brow.
Derran chuckled. "You know we don't have to spar until collapse, right?"
"I know," she replied. "But you all have grown so much in your saber forms. I must catch up before it's too late. If I'm going to stand beside you, all I must grow too."
"But you have grown so much in your own way. Your connection to the living is so amazing, and the others feel the same. Cain says it feels like you could lead the mystic arts of the Jedi to new heights." Derran said through slashes and parries.
Barriss paused in a deadlock, with her and Derren's sabers colliding. "Wait, Cain said that about me?"
"Yes, and the rest of us agree with him. You are talented and have so much potential. And if you need help in areas where you're weak, please don't hesitate to ask for our help. But don't push yourself to live up to an expectation no one has of you. We are your friends, Barriss. Powerful or weak, we will still be your friends, no matter what." Derren with a smile on his face.
Barriss' eyes began to tear up. "You're right, Derren, thank you. Would you please continue to help me strengthen my saber forms?" Barris said, bowing her head.
"Of course, Barriss, what are friends for?" He said with a wide smile,
The two then bowed and recommenced with their saber duel. Anakin, in the doorway on the other side, leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. He left not long after hearing the two's conversation end. He left with a smirk on his face. "Cain was right, as always."
Anakin then walked into the Orders Library. After walking around, he found Cain and Seris. Seris was busy reading a holobook. While Cain was writing in his personal holopad. He approached and sat across from the two.
"You were about Barriss," Anakin said.
Cain, not even looking up from his pad, just nodded. "I know, that's why I asked Derren to help her."
Anakin kicked his feet on the table, leaning back on the chair with his hands behind his head. "Why don't we all train together then?"
"She wouldn't learn anything from that. She compares herself to us because we shine so bright. Unlike the Gathering on Ilum, she hasn't found that same confidence in herself, because she is always with us. Derren is the best at helping others. I would have suggested you, but that would be a bad idea." Seris said. Her silver eyes were still on her book.
Anakin looked at Seris with an irritated expression on his face. "Why would that be a bad idea?"
"Cain said you're too talented. You don't know how to train someone who is not as talented as you, since almost everything comes to you much more easily. Derren is talented and great at reading others and adjusting to them to help guide them. While you make others adjust to your style. And only very few talented people can do that."
Anakin looked confused for a second. Then a grin appeared on his face. "So what you're saying is I'm too advanced to teach Barriss. I mean, I guess I can understand that. Only truly special people can handle my teaching style." Anakin said smugly.
Seris and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes. Anakin isn't half wrong through. He can teach others, but his methods aren't for everyone. Besides Ahsoka, I don't know how Commander Rex, and the 501st survived that version of Anakin leading them. It goes to show they were truly one of the best. That's why I will make sure they don't meet their same fate.
Later that night, in the shared Initiate meditation dorm, Barriss and Seris sat in the far corner of the room, a soft glowstone lantern between them. Derran had left, saying something about needing air, and Cain and Anakin were modifying the Maul program droid. Leaving only the two girls by themselves
Seris looked at Barriss
"I've been thinking," Seris said softly, drawing her knees to her chest. "About… attachments."
Barriss tilted her head. "What about them?"
" I come from the Corellia sect of Jedi. A long line of Force sensitives and Jedi alike. A Sephi and Echani lineage. Even though my parents and grandparents are Sephi, we still look like an Echani minus the ears. Our house is one of tradition, and..."
Seris paused before she continued. "Look, I'm not close to my family. But the first thing I remembered my Grandmother teaching before she sent me to the order was to be the best. No matter what. And when I do, I can return to Corellia a proud member of our house."
"That's a lot of pressure on you at such a young age," Barriss said.
Seris nodded. "Not really, I like being the best. But since Cain and Anakin came all that has changed. Even Derren is talented, but I feel like he is hiding his very well. Like it's a chore for him. But with the other two, he actually tries harder."
"Do you feel like you're not good enough, Seris, because that's not true." Seris chuckled.
"It's not that, Barriss, I promise," Seris said with a very rare smile.
"I've been thinking about attachments more lately. I always thought they were dangerous. I wanted Anakin to let go, remember?" Seris looked down. "But… now I'm not sure. "
Barriss watched her in silence.
"I think… I feel something," Seris whispered. "Like a strong friendship, but not just friendship. For someone."
Barris didn't blink. She didn't even pretend not to understand.
"I understand," she said gently. with a smile
Seris looked up, surprised.
"I think it's normal, like Cain said," Barriss continued. "Not what the Code wants, but… we're not droids. We're still growing. And we have feelings. The mistake isn't the feelings. Maybe it's ignoring what they teach us."
Seris nodded, slowly.
"…I think I like Cain," Seris thought.
They didn't speak again for several minutes. Just enjoying each other's company.
The next day, all five were standing together, their saber hilts on their sides. "We got this, guys," Derren said with a wide smile on his face.
"Of course we do." Anakin said back.
"Okay, ladies and gentlemen, let's show the master our convictions," I said, stepping forward.