Can't…stand…it…anymore. Must…do…chapter…

Disclaimer: It's the same as usual. I don't own Star Fox, Yugioh, or Star Wars; but I do own a few characters.


Jedi Academy

Chapter 11

The Bonds We Share

It's been a week since Serenity admitted her love to Yami. Since then, they've been together more often and Serenity doesn't seem to have to feel nervous, embarrassed, or any of the sort about being around Yami. The other interesting thing is that Serenity has drastically improved on many things. Serenity wanted to learn how to use the blaster that Fox and Falco uses so that she can use it if she needs to, which she's been learning from both Falco and Al. Her offensive combat is improving at a faster rate and has reached an exceptional level. Despite that progression is slow, her Force tactics are becoming better as she can at least grasp onto the Force a bit better. Her knowledge is improving as she is able to remember more than before the event. Her piloting skills have drastically increased to the point where her skills nearly matches with Krystal's piloting skills, yet Krystal still is able to beat her in combat. Last is that her defensive skills have gone to top notch, even beyond anyone's skill as she's able to defend against Klayik, Bakura, Fox, Falco, Krystal, and Ben all at the same time and still survive for a time of five minutes before she lets her guard down.

Today, a number of Jedi Trainers along with Fox, Falco, Krystal, and Luke are deep in discussion with the issue with Serenity and her progression.

"If she keeps improving at this rate, then we should let her take the test now," one of the Jedi Trainers suggested.

"I don't think so," Klayik said. "She will take the test, but not now. She's still considered a Jedi in training."

"I'd say that we shouldn't let her take the test at all," Thrak said. "She's improving too quickly, which could mean disaster. She might think that she's being held back while she trains at lower levels."

"She's too strong to think such things," Fox rebutted. "She isn't so selfish and is willing to wait if she needs to."

"I must agree with Fox on that one," Onett said. "From what I can get from her, she seems to grasp the situation better and is able to understand the reasons."

"If you think that Shizuka can take the tests of the Jedi Knight, then you're wrong," Thrak argued. "She can't use the Force too well, and she won't be able to climb to the top of that wall if she has to take that test."

"You never know, Thrak," Luke said. "Fox's sister managed to climb that wall at the age of 13. Shizuka's 17, going on to 18, so she may have a chance."

"She isn't strong enough in the Force to even move a pebble from one end of a room to another! What chance will she have if she were to climb that wall?" Thrak questioned.

"Thrak has a small point," Klayik said. "However, Lauren wasn't that strong herself, so I'd say that there's still a good chance. Besides, her skills have improved drastically, so I'd say that she should deserve the chance sometime in the near future."

"However, there is a possibility that her love allowed her to become motivated, but I can't be for sure," Ben inquired.

"It's actually more complex than that," Krystal stated. "It would seem more likely that this new love allowed her to let go and continue to improve than to dwell over a fantasy. I've seen it happen on my planet. Many young Padawans, like Shizuka, have admitted their feelings to another. Even if it's not accepted, then they can still improve and let go of their feelings. However, those that accept each other begin to improve at a much faster rate."

"Krystal's probably right," Falco said. "She has drastically improved after that day. Since then, her abilities have improved at a faster rate than before."

"We can't just let her continue to improve!" Thrak yelled. "What about what happened years ago during the clone wars?"

"I'll make sure that she doesn't fall down that path, Thrak," Fox said. "I took the liberty to train her with some help, and I will keep my vow."

"And then what? Have her turn into another Darth Vader?"

"Thrak, you're missing the point."

"No, you're missing the point! Obi-Wan Kenobi said that he would train Anakin Skywalker, but he failed to keep Anakin on the right path."

"This is enough, everyone," Luke said. "This discussion will continue tomorrow."

Luke got up as he's prepared to leave the council chamber to return to his meditation chamber. Everyone else stood up as Luke did in respect. Luke left the room, as everyone else file on out after him. However, Fox, Falco, and Krystal remained in the room to make sure they're on the right page with each other.

"Fox, do you think this may affect Serenity in any way?" Falco asked.

"I don't think so," Fox answered. "If you think about Luke here, he's had someone close to him."

"Then again, Fox, he wasn't in training at the time," Krystal mentioned. "But I have to agree with you that this might benefit Shizuka's abilities."

"Plus, I can tell how this theory works because of Lauren's quick progression. When she and Bill were together, Lauren seemed to have been improving much faster than ever, which is probably what gave Luke the impression that Lauren was ready to take the test."

"Now that you put it that way, I can agree with you two about her abilities," Falco said. "I'm pretty sure that keeping a secret liking for someone caused her to progress slower than the other students."

"But when she finally could let that go," Fox said "she began to improve at a faster rate than ever, which is what concerns me."

"We should keep a close eye on her, just in case," Krystal suggested.

"I agree with that," Falco said.

"I'll go with that," Fox complied.

With that, they left the room as they need to head down to the training halls to help others improve. However, Krystal does find something different with Serenity.

"The Padawans of my planet did progress very quickly on a situation like hers, but Shizuka's progression has been much faster than theirs. So why is it that she's already this strong in combat when her abilities in the Force are at low standards?"

Lunch hour just ended as Serenity sat there with Yami. She still gets butterflies in her stomach, but she doesn't have to let it pressure her as they both share the same feelings for each other. Luckily, they don't need to go to the training hall since the Jedi Trainers are teaching the fresh students, the younger ones, and the less experienced the basics of lightsaber combat. Serenity's head rested on Yami's shoulder as she can finally be free of being Yami's secret admirer and be close to him without it being a dream. Yami held Serenity's hand as they sat there at one of the tables, finally alone so that they can enjoy some peace and quiet with each other. Serenity then spoke up, wanting to ask him something.

"Yami, can you tell me why Yugi forced you with Téa?"

"The reason why is because Téa wanted Yugi to hook her up with me," Yami said. "Despite that Yugi really wanted to be with Téa, I ended up being the one with her."

"So why didn't you just say something?"

"I didn't mind it for a long while, and I did begin to take a liking for her. However, over time, I lost interest because of how she and I have totally different beliefs."

"I've always been under the impression you had a stronger bond with Téa until you told me how you feel. I mean, she's the type that I'd expect someone to go for mostly."

"Serenity, what makes you any different from her?"

"Téa's more of a person that can be carefree with life as I look into life more seriously to the point where no one is interested in what I think. She has a kinder tone in her voice, whereas I now have a much stronger, more serious tone; much like how Lisa did. Téa just has things that I generally don't have."

"Do you think that makes a difference?"

"In a way, yes. One other thing is that Téa isn't a person who's been trained to fight. Me? I'm being trained to be a warrior. No, that's not right. I'm a young girl who's becoming a martyr."

"If that's how you feel, then are you right for Yami?" Al questioned.

Serenity lifted her head up and looked back to the entry way to see Al standing there, seemingly listening in their conversation. Al gradually walked to their table and stood there with a kind, yet somewhat depressed look.

"Mind if I sit down with you?" Al asked.

"No problem," Serenity said.

Al sat on the provided bench across the table from the two younger Jedi. He began to think about how those two seemed so peaceful with each other, much like how he feels for Kelly.

"Hey, I just want to know more about a few things with the two of you, just to make sure that something is right," Al said.

Yami looked up, wondering what kinds of things Al's curious about. "Like what?"

"I just wanted to know what kinds of bonds you two share with each other."

"Bonds?" Serenity questioned.

"Links between two people," Al answered. "I just want to know if the feelings you have is what created this bond."

"Okay…I really haven't thought about that before," Serenity said.

"Tell me, what kinds of things do you two share for sure?"

Yami sat up, ready to speak as he has one at mind. "We do have bonds in a few areas I know for sure. She and I both do care for our friends. We are willing to be ready to give our lives up for them if that's what it comes down to."

"But is there more?"

Yami and Serenity sat there as they thought about that. They can't think of anything more since they only know the things that they've seen, but now how they thought.

"Al, they do share a number of common bonds."

Al, Yami, and Serenity looked to the entry way to see that Kelly came in. She's done for the day and wanted to take some downtime as she would also like to be in on the discussion.

"Shizuka and Yami have bonds that they don't even realize," Kelly pointed out. "They both won't give up when there's hope, they're ready to help those in need, and they even hold the same pain that they can share for each other."

"I guess you can say that," Al said.

"Al, we're no different from them."

"Really?" Serenity asked.

"Now that she mentions it, she does tell the truth," Al muttered.

"It's true," Kelly answered. "You two have the right reasons to be with each other. Al wanted to make sure that you two have the right feelings to be able to have a great life."

"So…you're saying…"

"Yes, Shizuka," Al complied. "You and Yami are right for each other. You both may have differences, but you both still have things that constitutes to a great love life."

Serenity sat there, thinking more on how she never thought of these things. She could never find a connection with how true love works, but Kelly and Al made that easier. Serenity sat there, feeling better for herself for being who she is now. "Al, Kelly…thank you."

Kelly stood there, seemingly happy about something. She seemed to have something at mind, but the main thing is that she wanted to ask Yami and Serenity something.

"Shizuka, would you and Yami like to go out somewhere to eat?" Kelly asked.

"I…guess so…if it's okay with Yami," Serenity said.

"It's fine with me as long as Serenity's fine with it," Yami complied.

"Good, cause Kelly and I are thinking of taking you two with us on a double date," Al said.

"That would be nice," Serenity said.

"When will it be?" Yami asked.

"It'll be next week," Al answered.

"That's fine," Yami and Serenity agreed in unison.

"Okay then, a double date it is!"

Serenity kept thinking about how this may go. Despite that it's a date, she doesn't want to be too dressy about it unless Kelly and Al says that they should. All she wants is to have a great time.

"And I hope that Yami and I can live a great life with each other on the long run. I actually do love him and even beyond that small spectrum."