A/N: Been busy with work. Sorry this one took so long. Hope you enjoy it! Always was intended to be a shorter chapter.

25 BBY

It had only been a few months since the duo had just turned 15 years of age. Finally after completing the trials and finishing up with Youngling training, they were to become Padawans. Although sometimes younglings could not get picked, they were immediately chosen as they already formed bonds with their chosen Masters.

They currently were on the stretching pathway that led up Jedi Temple with the golden statues of famous Jedis surrounding them, each having a plague on their great deeds. They were currently next to one.

"Jedi Knight Revan Shan. Protector of the Republic and Savior of the Jedi Order." A giant golden statue of a masked man in a robe stood with his lightsaber ignited, "Maybe we'll do something big enough to get a statue here."

Chuckling, "Jao. To get a statue here is to first not wish or hope for a statue."

Lightly punching them on the shoulder, "C'mon Barriss. Don't ruin my dreams." a sly toothy smile stretching.

A hand on her hip, "Am I wrong Jao?"

Sighing before a resigned laugh echoed, "No.. No.. you're 100% correct."

Jao Ren Paul and Barriss Offee. Jao had grown significantly taller than her, reigning in 5'11 now with Barriss being 6 inches shorter than him. Once upon a time, she was slightly taller but he grew so much. His slight stubble on his chin, long black hair and boyish yet handsome features that were still forming. Jao was, in terms of normality, very handsome.

Barriss was a sight to see as well. Her shorter stature mixed with her lean build gave her a slender long body. Whilst her hair was covered, her facial features were now decorated with a tattoo across her face. From one cheek over the nose to the other cheek. This was her chosen tattoo as it symbolized her passing the Padawan Trails to becoming a Padawan.

"Yanno…" scratching behind his head, Barriss facing to turn to him as they were previously facing the statue, "Your tattoo… it suits you."

Her face darken as she blushed, "It's just a part of my culture. Whenever a Mirialan gains victory over a tremendous trial, we are granted a tattoo to mark ourselves. A way to mark the success on our skin, permanently." giggling to herself, "So it's nothing but thank you." smiling brightly.

His face turned somewhat red as he replied, "No… like… you look very… umm-... good. Perfect actually."

Understanding what he was trying to say, Barriss's blush deepened even further as her face grew a darker green, "O-Ooh… umm…" a heartfelt smile showing, "hehe… thanks JR…" as a soft, warm hug wrapped around him.

Rubbing her back, he replied, "No probs, Bari."

Pulling back from the hug, "Also you too Jao… I won't lie JR, you've grown up a lot as well. I almost don't recognize you…"

Laughing, "What is that supposed to mean? We've been with each other all of our lives practically."

"You're- we're getting too OLD!" sighing before realizing, "And now… we'll be separated…'' a hollow tone echoing from Barriss's Lips and she wrapped herself once again around him

Barriss didn't let go for a while until Jao asked, "You alright Barriss?" sensing sadness from her.

Her arms clutched to the embrace even tighter as he felt wetness on his jedi robe. Barriss was weeping. Sitting himself down on the steps, bringing her with him on the way down, he'd rub her back as he whispered, "There… there… we'll probably be able to call on the holo."

"I-It's just… I'll miss you terribly JR. We- We've never been separated long and I've been t-trying to prepare myself for the i-i-inevitable but…" a harder and terrible cry rang.

An overwhelming sadness enveloped the young man as well as he sat there clutching onto Barriss. For the most part, he was fighting back tears but managed to save face. Rubbing the top of her head and back now, careful not to accidentally remove the headdress, "Y-Yea… i-it'll be hard but remember our goal in mind…" pulling away as he looked into her tear soaked eyes, "If we manage to keep contact and remain in the light then we can bring our evidence that this doesn't hamper a Jedi's abilities to do the right thing."

Taking a hand to rub her eyes gently of any remaining tears, "And hey. If you ever need me and holo isn't available." tugging at the bond with an aura of comfort, "Tug at me through our bond and I'll be there."

A sniffle and wiping of tears, a pitiful laugh escaped, "Haha… you always seem to know what to say… t-to cheer me up that is." a somewhat brighter smile dawning on her lips.

Looking into each other's eyes, the reassurance in both was a beacon of light. Officially they had gained complete and utter trust for one another. It was now time for that trust to be tested.

Smiles on both of their lips now, they stood now as they held each other's hands forward. It seemed like an eternity before they heard a distant shout, "Jao!"

Looking back towards the tops of the stairs, they'd see a very familiar Zabrak Jedi standing there with his arms crossed. He was waiting expectedly but not surprised nor upset at how he found them. Jao rolled his eyes before looking back into her eyes, "I guess this is Goodbye, Barriss."

Shaking her head, "No- No… it's a heartfelt departure. A new journey for each of us… One where… where we'll both be tested over our limits."

Jao chuckled, "I like that… not exactly goodbye forever but… a catch ya later. Yanno?" turning around to go towards Kor Rezla, he'd turn back around and say, "Catch ya later Bari!" but before he could run off, Barriss said, "Jao!"

A pair of footsteps followed after him as he turned around and…

Muah

A kiss solidly planted itself on his cheek from Barriss. Jao turned bright red as he was stunned by this action from her. Although a normal person wouldn't know whether this was romantic or platonic, Jao could indicate that this gesture was seemingly a platonic gesture from her.

Jao touching the spot where she kissed him, Barriss would give him a cheesy smile before punching him in the shoulder, "Go become a great Jedi, JR."

A joyous laughter escaped his lips as a bright smile appeared, "You bet the force I will! Smell ya later, Bari!" before giving a 2 finger salute as he ran towards Knight Rezla.

A/N: Well… Well. This officially ends the Youngling Arc for Barriss and Jao as we transition into the Pre Clone War Arc. There will be some slight/major changes to certain key events such as the Petranaki Arena and most of their chapters will be center focused on them and their training. I do not yet know as of late how many chapters it'll be but it will end on the Petranaki Arena which will kick off the long, expansive Clone Wars Arc.

I never thought I'd receive this much interest in this story so I am pleasantly happy with everyone's support! As always if you enjoyed this story so far, remember to like, follow and comment! Have a great weekend everyone and I'll see you next time!