Jedi Academy

Chapter 29

Broken Promise

Serenity has been waiting for a day now to meet with Jedi Master Marlene Zoal to speak on her questions. Her questions have been bouncing around in her head for quite some time now. Luckily, Marlene is coming along with some of the students of the Jedi Temple who are coming as transfer students. Marlene's job is to transport them to Yavin IV's Jedi Academy safely, but Marlene said that she has some time to speak with Serenity.

After walking around the Great Temple numerous times, the ship from Coruscant finally arrived, which holds Falco's mentor in it. Serenity stood her ground as the shuttle landed. The students began to march out of the shuttle and into the Academy through the hangar entrance. Marlene came out of the shuttle last. Serenity went up to Marlene, and gave a small bow to her, which is more like a small head bob. Serenity knew that a bow like that would've been disrespectful to those of higher ranks, but Marlene did request that people didn't bow to her as much anymore.

Marlene stood there, ready to speak with Serenity. "Jedi Padawan Shizuka Jounouchi. What is it that you ask for?"

"I wish to know more about the ruling on sexual relations if you wouldn't mind telling me about it," Serenity said.

Marlene requested for Serenity to follow by a simple hand gesture to take this conversation to a private area. Acknowledging the request, Serenity began to follow. Marlene and Serenity both are walking next to each other in a slow stride. Comparing heights, Marlene easily over towers Serenity as Marlene's height is just under Falco's. Marlene then began to speak when she felt that they were far enough from open ears.

"To tell you the truth, there isn't an exact ruling on sexual relations. Our ruling on that is almost the same as the New Republic's ruling. I'm sure that Kelly told you a few of them."

Serenity looked to Marlene and answered. "She did, and I decided to research a little more on it. I understand what isn't allowed, but what's been troubling me is…what would happen if I did…um…"

"Sleep with the one you love?" Marlene questioned. "That depends on what you do about it from there, whether it becomes constant or on occasion. We do what we can to have the younger students avoid such thoughts. We're more concerned about their innocence than we are with telling them the truth. Very few students do end up learning about these things, but only one has been expelled because of it."

"I see. So, there isn't anything against sex before marriage?"

"Believe me; I've heard my share of these stories coming up probably once every month on average. Sometimes, there are times that I don't hear anything for a while. It's one of those situations that can occur anytime."

"I see."

"Heck, I've even heard from Kelly about what she and Al have done."

Serenity couldn't help but speak under her breath. "A little too much information."

They both began to walk for quite some time without saying a word. Serenity thought that she would have a great deal to talk about, but no other questions seem to be coming to her now. Marlene decided to break the silence.

"There's actually something that you should know that I find funny."

Serenity looked to Marlene, seeing a grin on her face. Serenity then asked, "What's so funny?"

"I just remembered Azuru talking about you. Remember when he was examining you?"

"Yes, why?"

"To be most truthful, he managed to use reverse psychology on you."

Serenity stopped in her tracks after hearing that. She, a psychologist, couldn't tell that the person examining her was using reverse psychology. This didn't register to her very well.

Marlene turned around to see Serenity lost in her own thoughts. Marlene then spoke up. "You're probably going to ask what was true and what wasn't. Either way, I'll just tell you. He actually lied to you, saying that your heart has taken a great deal of stress, but is healing. The truth is that it only picks up the frequencies of what you're feeling, well…theoretically speaking. He picked up the readings of you having affectionate feelings towards someone, and decided to encourage you. He knew he could easily trick you into thinking what the instrument he uses does, but he didn't expect it to be that easy."

"So…you're saying that…I don't have what it takes to be considered a psychologist?"

"It's not that you're a bad psychologist, but he said that you probably were under a great deal of stress. Theoretically, that would probably be true."

"Oh…I see." Serenity stood there for a minute, thinking about how much closer she has become with Yami. She may think that she should thank Azuru later. However, she pushed that thought to the back of her mind for later. She needed to focus on what's going on now. Speaking of which, she wanted to ask Marlene something. "I need to ask something that may be a little personal."

Marlene didn't move a step; she only asked, "What is it that you wish to ask?"

Serenity then continued with her query. "Um, what are you to Falco? I mean, he has spoken highly of you when I asked about you."

It didn't take long for Marlene to think of an answer as she began to speak her thoughts on Falco. "Well, I must say that he has gotten better over the years rather than before when we met. He still is quite arrogant and is still hot-headed." Marlene slightly turned away, feeling ashamed of what she's saying. "Then again, why should I say that? I was just like him when I began to train in the actual arts of the Jedi. Over the years, however, I did get quite a bit better."

"In my opinion, I'd say that you're better in the attitude department," Serenity commented. "From the time that I met him to now, I can tell that he is quite the hot-headed bird."

"I see. To be most truthful, he and I do have somewhat of a connection. To me, he's like the little brother that I probably could never have."

Marlene began to walk back after seeing the amount of time that has passed. Serenity also realized this as well, as she needed to return to the temple to begin training again. Marlene met pace with Serenity, realizing something through the Force. "I see…that's why you asked me all of those questions about sexual relations…"

Just as they returned to see the Temple in full view, Marlene stopped Serenity, and began to speak. "Before you run off to training, I need to ask you this one question."

Serenity stood there, wondering what Marlene needed to ask. "What is it?"

"I presume that you asked me these questions for a reason. I know of your relationship with Yami; I just need to know this one thing. How long have you two been sharing your relationship for?"

It took Serenity a few seconds to do the math right, and answered, "I believe it's been six months since we both began to share our feelings. Why do you ask?"

Serenity noticed that Marlene is chuckling about something. Marlene couldn't help but try not to laugh about it. "It figures."

"What does?"

"The average statistic for a Jedi to begin sexual activity is actually six months on an average basis after beginning to date. And believe me, I was one of the Jedi Knights who researched that."

Serenity looked down, embarrassed to know that Marlene figured. "I guess you know then, don't you?"

Marlene placed a hand on Serenity's shoulder, assuring her about the situation. "It's not that it's a bad thing. A relationship needs to sink in before anything. If you think that you can take the responsibility, then you're allowed to do as you please. I know that you're not an adult yet, but it's not like it isn't common for the Jedi your age to begin."

Even though embarrassed, Serenity began to smile. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Marlene began to walk to the shuttle until she remembered something important. Marlene turned around and spoke up. "Oh, and don't tell anyone else about what I feel for Falco! That's something that only he and I hold secret!"

"I won't; I promise!" Serenity said.

Marlene entered the shuttle to return to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant so that she can get back to the Jedi Council to discuss on some issues that have been coming up. To Serenity, those issues didn't matter much to her. Serenity began to think to herself. "Maybe…maybe tonight…"

Curfew has already come around as the Temple's many halls are now empty. Serenity and Yami already agreed upon starting what they've been resisting for the past two months. Serenity didn't care whether or not she begins before she's an adult. Yami is concerned not only for starting this before Serenity's an adult, but for how Joey would react if he ever found out.

"Serenity, are you sure you want to go through with this? This may not be the best time to start."

"Yami, I've been waiting for a while now, and I think we know each other pretty well by now. We know each other's strengths, weaknesses, and feelings. I'm sure that we'll be okay."

"If Joey were to find out, then there may be problems."

"I know…but he can't control the change that we're going through. He has to learn how to accept it."

"He's been fine for now, but you do have-"

"That is only a reminder. Sometimes…these things happen. We can't always keep our promises. This is a promise I know that I can't keep."

Morning came as Fox has been sitting in the middle of the training room meditating on last night. He couldn't sleep because of what he began to feel in Yami and Serenity's quarters. He usually can sleep through this, but this situation is different.

"I know what Joey would've probably felt, but I have no say in this. I told Lauren to let Serenity choose her path. I couldn't stop it, nor do I have the authority to do so. I'm only to keep Serenity on that narrow path. But it seems as if she didn't sway one bit. And I'm proud of her that she is this strong."

Within Serenity and Yami's quarters, not a sound can be heard. Yami and Serenity have been sleeping in each other's arms after being exhausted from last night. Articles of clothing lie beside the bed, neither folded nor scattered about, as a broken ring rests on top of the pile of clothes.