The things a friend can change

Training

(Caleb's POV)

Lightsabers sparked before my eyes, as I held on dearly to the one that had been handed to me. Swinging and swiping, the two opponents circled one another, striking at immense speed that I couldn't even keep up with using my eyes.

Before I knew it, Barriss used the force to summon the lightsaber from my grasp, igniting it. This was a make it or break it moment for Anakin, as I saw his eyes were dangling from left to right, struggling to figure out his next move. The moment seemed like a thousand seconds in one. Countless thoughts entered our 3 minds, ranging from Anakin, to Barriss and back to me.

With that one last motion, Barriss slashed Anakin to the ground, as he sat there defeated. Not even a second has passed when Anakin bounced back up, igniting his blade once again.

"Hey, you can't do that Barriss!"

Wow, now I could really see the person behind that face. He was just like me, only 8 years older and slightly more stubborn. Maybe we could become friends after all.

The final battle was intense. It wasn't just a series of mastered skills, it was an entire mountain of skills that the two had learned in all their years as Jedi. Both opponents had their chances, but none succeeded. They gave it everything they've possibly got. Even the tiniest of a mistake could lead them to their inevitable doom.

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The fight had reached a stalemate. Many attempts have been demonstrated, but none succeeded. Sparks of blue illuminated the entire training ground, constantly flashing before my eyes.

All of a sudden, Barriss' eyes glistened with fear written all over them. Anakin pushed on as he had grown frustrated in how Barriss had been able to postpone all his vigorous attacks. She was now meeting her demise, as her feet were starting to get greasy. Aimlessly trying to overpower the chosen one, she found herself vulnerable when he finally ended her with a swipe.

"Ha ha haaa." Anakin remarked, "You're beaten once again."

"Yes yes, very impressive indeed." She rolled her eyes.

"Hey Caleb, wanna give it a shot?" Anakin insisted.

"N...n...no, I...I'd rather not."

"Yes, I agree, Caleb hasn't even gone through the basic forms yet." Barriss informed.

"Oh, come on, it'll be fun." Anakin pleaded, "I'll walk you through the basics."

I was just about to reply when Anakin pulled me towards the training ground, handing me a lightsaber.

"All right, follow me." He winked.

"One, two, three, four, five, six." He started, whilst I did my best to follow.

"Again. One, two, three, four, five, six."

(Barriss' POV)

What a great pair, just like Master and Padawan. As I watched, I couldn't help but give a proud grin to the sight of seeing Caleb train for the first time.

Hours have passed and he was definitely getting better now. The kid was way more determined than I thought he'd be, most 3-year-olds would already have lost interest in the way Anakin's teaching methods worked, but I was surprised to see how interested Caleb actually was towards the topic.

"Block high, low, high, middle, left, right."

Caleb was definitely persisting, but that didn't mean that his techniques were flawless. It was difficult to learn and master such skills in one day, yet Caleb was doing it excellently.

Anakin however, being the stubborn frustrating child that he was, would of course have times where he'd lose his temper, which forced me to step in. After all, how could I let Anakin insult a new youngling that had just arrived at the temple.

I don't hate Anakin though, snippy as he was. In fact, he's been one of my best friends since two years ago, when he first came here. At first, I was diagnosed with questions regarding the mysteries behind 'the chosen one'. I even thought that he had some spiritual magic that I wouldn't ever be able to learn. However, when I finally got to know him better, he wasn't actually that different.

I love Anakin, he's a great friend. He'd often come to my dorm at night to snuggle with me these days. That would normally be when we tell each other stories about our temple life, and whatever was before. I barely remember anything of my past, but what I do remember were the times I got in trouble with Master Krell. He was such a mean miserable mindless monster. If I were Master Yoda, I would've already kicked him out of the temple. Not only did I personally hate him, the force would even warm me to stay away from him, as if he'd cause a whole lot of trouble in the future.

(Anakin's POV)

Caleb was doing well. The only thing I would say though is that he needs to be more mindful of his footing. I told him so many times and yet he always gets it wrong. I thought my teaching methods were the best, but apparently, they're not good enough just yet. Hopefully, I won't get a Padawan anytime in the future.

"Come on Anakin, he's done enough today. I'm sure he's extremely tired now."

"Yes Barriss, I agree." I stated, "Caleb, you – did – good – today." Giving complements to people wasn't one of my many strengths, but hopefully it makes me a better teacher.

"Come on Caleb, let's go eat and meet with some friends." Barriss chimed in.

"O...Okay." He replied, still a little bit shy. I could tell he was growing more and more confident however, it didn't seem like he was that scared of me anymore. I hope.

(Sometime later)

"Uhhhh, temple food just gets worse every day." I cried.

"Yes Anakin, I hear you. Again." She pitied.

"So, Caleb, anyone you wanna meet in particular?" He nodded his head, before pointing at our favourite fluffy furball Gungi. (Sorry)

"What is that?" He asked.

"Umm – hehehe, that's a uhh, a wookie." Barriss acquainted, "But he doesn't really umm, speak good English."

"Actually, what Barriss is trying to say here is he doesn't speak English at all. He speaks in his own foreign language passed down by his ancestors from Kashyyyk." I corrected, sounding as wise as I could.

"Yeah."

"Well let's go then." He exclaimed, his tone embedded with full on excitement.

Yay. 16 views, not bad for my first book. Thanks everyone. Stay safe yeah? 

Before I go, I'd still like to know. Do you guys want lemon in the story at some point? Requests are open so go ahead and tell me your book wishes.