A/N: I don't own anything but my original characters (OC's).

If there was one person in the whole universe that Anakin Skywalker couldn't stand it was Karissa Vale. She would walk around the temple with a high opinion of herself that was just on the line of arrogance. It was usually focused toward her favorite target, Anakin. They were rivals in everything from their studies to their field practice. Both of the young Padawans were sore losers and even worse winners. This frustrated their Masters to no end, but it didn't get to them as much as it did Anakin.

Obi-Wan was constantly preaching about how he isn't suppose to feel the way he does and he was sure that Master Thorin was the same way with his rival. They just didn't understand. It was just a bit of healthy competition. 'It leads to the dark side,' Obi-Wan's voice echoed in his head. Anakin merely shooed the voice from his mind as he tried to concentrate on the task at hand. That task happened to be hell on earth. He was being force to work with the bane of his existence.

The teacher had given them an exercise in diplomacy, in which they would have to find a solution that didn't have to deal with using a lightsaber. She had passed around little pads with all the information that each group would need to examine. Of course the moment she had handed it to Anakin, it was snatched away by the witch across from him.

Karissa's long brown hair hid her pale face. She always wore it down and Anakin could never understand it. If they were in a battle, it would be one more thing that an enemy could use against her. Anakin should know, as he had used it against her in the past.

"Teyr is under attack and we have one chance to talk to the attackers. What do you do?" Karissa looked up at him, her brown eyes peeking out from under her hair, which she flipped over her shoulder once she was straight against her chair.

It was obvious Anakin had not heard her at all. Karissa rolled her eyes. He was such a pain. Even when they were forced to work together, he wouldn't communicate with her. In her opinion, Anakin Skywalker was a little punk.

"The classroom is on fire," she told him flatly.

That got to him. Anakin jumped up and started looking around. He had such a panicked look on his face that looked funny to her. Once he realized she had been messing with him, Anakin glared at her.

The teacher noticed Anakin's distress and came rushing over. "Is everything alright over here?"

Anakin nodded slowly as his heart started to go back into its normal rhythm. "Yes Master."

She eyed both of her students before walking off. Neither of them believed that she thought they were telling the truth. Anakin's look turned back into a glare as he sat back down slowly. "That wasn't funny."

"I disagree," Karissa said with a smile on her face. She had clearly been trying not to laugh. This only made Anakin more upset.

"I hate you," Anakin growled at her, in a very low octave, as not to alert the teacher.

"That is not a very Jedi thing to say," Karissa taunted.

Anakin wanted to launch himself across the table at her. All he could see was red. "The only reason you are here is because you are the bastard daughter of a disgraced Jedi!"

Karissa's hand flew to his face so quickly that Anakin almost missed it. His Jedi reflexes kicked in and he caught her small wrist in his large, strong hand. They were both facing the other with looks of hate and glares that could kill. Nothing else existed in that moment except their loathing for each other.

When the teacher came over to break them apart, it didn't register with either of them. It wasn't until they were pulled apart that they were brought back. "The two of you go back to your quarters now!" The teacher told them sternly. "I will talk to your Masters about this later."

Anakin realized quickly what had just happened and he knew that he was going to be in big trouble with Obi-Wan. A part of him just didn't care. Karissa deserved more than a slap.

They both gathered their things and left out of separate doors. Anakin stormed back to his room. He couldn't believe that she had managed to get him in trouble yet again.

000

Karissa moved around the small quarters that she shared with her master. She was trying to get dinner ready in the small kitchen and trying to get her meditation done at the same time. Needless to say, she couldn't do both. With a sigh, she went back to the kitchen to finish dinner. The swoosh of the door opening made Karissa straighten. Master Cedria Thorin was back.

A tall, thin woman walked in. Her long black hair was pulled back into a tight bun and her hawk like eyes scanned the room until they landed on her pupil. Putting her hands to her hips, she shook her head. "What were you thinking Karissa?"

Karissa hung her head. "I'm sorry Cedria..."

"I want to know what happened," Cedria told her very calmly.

"It was stupid." Karissa shook her head.

"You're right," Cedria agreed. "There could have been much greater consequences. Your battle with Skywalker has to stop."

"But, he is so infuriating!" Karissa exclaimed.

"You must not allow your emotions to get in the way," Cedria told her for the millionth time. "A Jedi must have a clear mind, free of emotion. That is what separates us from the Sith."

"I know," Karissa sighed. "I'm sorry I am such a horrible student."

"You are not a horrible student," Cedria said in a motherly way. "You just need to learn how to express yourself in a less explosive manner."

Karissa bowed and started back to the kitchen. "I will try from now on."

Nodding, Cedria slipped off her shoes. She went and sat in a chair against the wall. This couldn't continue happening. The council was now aware of the problem and they were watching the matter closely.

"Karissa," Cedria called back her student. "It isn't me you own an apology to."

Stopping dead in her tracks, Karissa's mouth fell open. There was no way her master was serious. Apologize to Anakin Skywalker? No way she would ever go to that pompous ass and apologize.

Before Karissa could even open her mouth, Cedria waved a hand. "You will apologize. The two of you need to start getting along. One day, your life may be in his hands."

"Like that could ever happen," Karissa snorted.

"It already has." Cedria looked up. Karissa looked shocked at the idea that she would have to rely on Anakin Skywalker for anything. Once Master Thorin's words had sunk in, her emotion changed to surprise.

"What do you mean?"

"I have a new assignment," Cedria told her. "We will be going on a diplomatic mission to the Abregado System with Master Kenobi."

A/N: Ok guys I have always wanted to write this story, so I feel happy about this fic. Let me know what you think and I will post again soon. So review guys!