Edit: fixed the breaks in the paragraphs. Anyone know an easy way to make them? I write in Word and then just select "upload as story"

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Starting over: A Mirialan's story.

Chapter 1

Barriss had just left her quarters on her way to find her master to continue her training and redeem herself in the eyes of many. The fact that Ahsoka had already forgiven her gave her a much needed confidence boost. The road ahead is not going to be an easy one, this she knows, but she's determined to see it through until the end.

The ringing of her comlink interrupted her thoughts. She raised her left arm and activated her comlink. "This is Barriss." She said trying to keep her voice calm and collected. "Barriss." Came her masters voice. "Please meet me in the Council chambers." A small tremble of fear spread to Barriss. Would the Council be as forgiving as Ahsoka? Considering the way Ahsoka was treated by them, that chance was very small. "I'm on my way master, I'll be there in a few minutes." She replied, keeping her voice clear of any emotions. "Good, I'll see you there." Her master said reassuringly before disconnecting the transmission. Barriss swallowed an lump of nervousness and made her way towards the Council chambers. "No point in delaying the inevitable, making them wait won't do me any good either…" she thought.

;-

Master Luminara Unduli stood in the Council chambers. Little over half the Council was present physically, two others merely as holograms. The remainder of the Council was unable to attend due to skirmishes here and there. She couldn't help but wonder if a part of Barriss' statements in the Court about the Order were true.

She briefly looked to her side. Anakin Skywalker was in the Council chambers as well because of his actions during the chase, Ahsoka's trial and his hand in Barriss' capture. It was very obvious that he wasn't enjoying being in this close proximity to the Council, especially Mace Windu. He didn't look very good either, like he hasn't slept in a while. "He hasn't learned to let go yet…" Luminara thought to herself. Her gaze wandered through the room. Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed to be very worried as well, about Ahsoka and his own former padawan. Shaak Ti was one of the best when it comes to maintaining a calm and collected expression, but even she looked disturbed by everything that has happened. The worst person in the room was probably Plo Koon. The Kel Dorian was the one who had brought Ahsoka to the Temple when she was but a little girl. He saw her grow up into a young woman. They had a very strong bond, and now, she was gone. His mask hid his expression, but the depression was obvious in his general appearance. Luminara quietly sighed.

Mace Windu was addressing his concerns regarding Barriss remaining her padawan. "…even though her actions weren't her own, it was pretty clear that a part of her did agree with the statements she issued at the Court. I don't think it would be a good idea for her to be reinstated as a padawan this easily. She could fall back to the Dark Side with great ease." Luminara wanted to frown and give an angry remark to his accusation, but she kept her cool and held a straight face. "So what would you have me do, master Windu? Renounce her as my padawan?" She asked him. "And then what? Will the Council throw her in a prison cell again? We have made a terrible mistake by not trusting Ahsoka. Are we going to repeat that mistake again? What kind of message will that send to the other padawans in the Order? If the Council is not willing to trust them, how will that affect them?" She asked the Council, frustration slightly traceable in her voice.

Anakin looked at the Council. Master Unduli was more than right. He was very eager to hear their reaction to her statement.

"I agree with Luminara." Shaak Ti began, causing everyone in the room to look at her. "We have made a horrible mistake and failed to trust in one of our own. By doing so, we have driven away one of the most promising students we had." She shook her head, her lekku gently swinging. "We always tell the younglings and padawans to learn from their mistakes. If we do not do the same thing know, we cannot call ourselves 'masters'." The rest of the Council lowered their heads in thought.

"Right, she is." Master Yoda spoke up. "Because of this war, lost many of our ideals, we have. Cannot continue, this can." He raised his head and pointed at Luminara with his walking stick. "Her master you are, know her better than us, you do. Your decision, it should be. If believe that redeem herself, Barriss can, than give her that chance we must." Master Unduli nodded. "Yes master Yoda, I believe she can and most certainly will do whatever she can to make amends. Of that I have no doubt." She said in a firm voice.

Master Windu leaned forward. "Are you absolutely sure that she will not fall back to the Dark Side? The risk may be too great." His remark changed the atmosphere in the room quite drastically. Luminara tried her best not the give him a very dark stare. Shaak Ti stayed still, but bared one of her fangs and her eyes shifted in a more feral look. Anakin looked like he wanted to punch Windu in the face as a starter. "Perhaps we can come to some form of solution that will take all sides into account?" Master Kenobi said, hoping to cool the moods in the chamber. "What did you have in mind, Obi-Wan?" Master Mundi asked him. Obi-Wan rubbed his beard as he contemplated a possible solution. "I think that it will be best for Barriss to remain Master Unduli's padawan." He looked at Master Windu. "However, there is the possibility that she does agree with the sentiments she gave during her confession. Therefore, I think that Master Unduli should evaluate Barriss' progress. If she indeed recovers from the Dark Side, than we can let her continue her training. Should she threaten to fall again," he sighed. "then we can take some form of action to prevent this." The other members of the Council seemed to think about his suggestion. "I believe you are right Obi-Wan," Master Saessee Tiin said. "I think that this is the best solution for this situation." "I agree." Master Secura said as well. "We need to be able to trust each other and the other members of the Order. Otherwise we will fall apart and won't live to see the end of this war." The rest of the Council nodded, except for Master Windu. "Decided then, it is." Master Yoda began. "Remain your padawan, Barriss Offee will." He said pointing at Luminara. "Keep an eye on her and evaluate her progress, you must. For the safety of others and herself." He tapped on the ground with his stick. "Inform her of this decision we will." The rest of the Council nodded approvingly. "Enter you may, padawan Offee." He said in the intercom in his chair.

;-

Barriss was standing outside the Council chambers, waiting to be summoned inside. She knew they were discussing her fate. It worried her, but she knew that her master would speak up for her. She moved her hands and felt her lightsaber. Ahsoka's letter went through her mind again, easing her worries. "Enter you may, padawan Offee." She heard Master Yoda's voice say. She took a deep breath in and out to let the negative emotions fade, and stepped inside the chamber.

Barriss went inside the chamber and cast a quick, barely-noticeable look around. Her master was giving her a reassuring smile. Masters Ti and Secura seemed to be on her side as well. Anakin was staring at Master Windu and Master Kenobi was looking at Anakin. The rest of the Council seemed to be rather indifferent. She stood beside her master and bowed respectfully to the Council.

Luminara wanted to say something but was surprised to see the lightsaber hanging from Barriss' belt. "Barriss, you have your lightsaber back." She said in surprise. Barriss nodded. "Why do you sound surprised by that Luminara?" Shaak Ti asked. Luminara turned to the Togruta. "I gave Barriss' lightsaber to Ahsoka before she left." Her words created a bit of shock in the Council chamber, especially Anakin and Plo Koon were now paying close attention. "After her trial, I had a feeling that Ahsoka was going to leave. So I packed a few of her possessions for her and gave her Barriss' lightsaber, a space-travel pass and a moderate amount of credits. That way, she was at least able to defend and take care of herself." Luminara said. Both Anakin and Plo seemed at bit more at ease. She turned to Barriss. "How did you get it back Barriss?" she asked.

Barriss smiled lightly. "Just before you called me here, a package was delivered to me. My lightsaber was inside with a letter from Ahsoka." Anakin seemed very interested when she mentioned that Ahsoka had sent her a letter. "I was trying to find some way to make things right with her, some way to apologize. But… in her letter she said that she had already forgiven me." Barriss said as she wiped away a tear from her cheek. She looked around the room. Her master was smiling and the rest of the Council appeared a bit more at ease. Anakin then spoke up: "Ahsoka's letter, did it say where she is?" he asked hopefully. Barriss shook her head 'no'. "No Master Skywalker it didn't." She saw his face turn a bit sadder. "However," she continued, "she did want me to tell you to stop worrying so much. She's safe, not planning anything stupid and she's light-years away but she can still sense your worrying and I think it's getting on her nerves." She said with a slight smile on her face. Barriss couldn't help but giggle a little at the dumbfounded look on Anakin's face. A few others in the room chuckled as well.

"Capable of taking care of herself, she is." Master Yoda said. "Worry for her, no need there is to." He pointed towards Barriss. "Reached a decision regarding your situation we have." Barriss immediately put on a straight face and a slight twinge of worry entered her mind. Obi-Wan spoke up: "You will remain Master Unduli's padawan and she will evaluate your progress. If you can resist falling back to the Dark Side you may continue your training. Should you fail however, you will be detained and the Council will then decide your fate." As he explained the situation a sense of relief went through Barriss' mind. "Do you understand these conditions, padawan Offee?" Master Windu asked her. She nodded and replied: "Yes Masters, I understand. I will do what I can not to let you down." Master Yoda nodded as well. "Good. Dismissed, you both are." Barriss and her Master bowed and left the Council chambers.

As soon as the doors closed behind them Barriss let out a large sigh of relief. "Are you alright Barriss?" her master asked as they made their way down the Temple halls. She nodded. "I'm okay Master. I was just really worried that the Council wasn't going to give me another chance. Especially after the way they treated Ahsoka…" her voice softened a bit towards the end of her sentence. Luminara nodded understandingly. "The Council is in a state of confusion and worry as well, though they won't admit it. This war has changed us and not in a good way, unfortunately. We were all trying to prevent the same mistake from happening again." Barriss looked at her but before she could reply a voice called out from behind them. "Master Unduli! Barriss! Wait up!" They turned around and saw Anakin heading towards them.

"Is something wrong, Master Skywalker?" Luminara asked him when he reached them. "No, not at all, Master. I just had a question for Barriss." He replied as he looked at Barriss. "Uhm, alright." She responded a little confused. Anakin's face turned very serious all of a sudden. "You said that you got a letter from Ahsoka. Do you have any idea where she may have sent it from?" he asked her. Barriss shook her head 'no'. "I'm sorry Master Skywalker. But the letter didn't give any details regarding her location." She saw him frown a little. "But I do have a suspicion as to who helped her send it." Both Masters seemed curious now. "You think you know who Ahsoka is with right now?" Luminara asked her. "Maybe Master, there isn't exactly a way for me to be sure, but it's a pretty good hunch." Barriss replied. "Who?" Anakin simply asked. Barriss turned to face him again. "The letter was sent anonymously via the Senate mail." She explained. "So I went down a little list of Senators Ahsoka is close with. One thing I do know is that Ahsoka has left Coruscant. Of the Senators she knows personally, there is only one that is also off-world right now." Anakin gestured for her to continue. "I had a few talks with Ahsoka before this whole mess started and it was obvious that she was rather 'close' with this Senator." She continued. "And who is this Senator?" Luminara asked. Barriss looked at her then back at Anakin. "I believe you know him Master. He is the Senator of Onderon." Barriss said with a sly smile. "Lux Bonteri." She and Anakin said at the same time. "It could very well be possible that she went to him. I noticed quite a bit of looks between him and Ahsoka during the battle of Onderon." Anakin said thinking. "Thank you Barriss." "Anytime Master Skywalker." He gave a quick bow and walked away.

"You really think that she could be with the young Senator?" Luminara asked Barriss as they continued down the halls. "Yes Master I do. Ahsoka and I talked about certain aspects of the Jedi Code a while ago. She seemed to be a little attracted to him. I think that she may have asked for his help or something. Other than that, I really don't know." Barriss replied. "Well then, at least we know that she's somewhere safe and not out alone in some dangerous place." Luminara said smiling. "How about we go out for dinner? It will be a nice way to put all of this behind us." She asked her padawan. Barriss thought about it for a moment. It had been a while since she last ate. She had skipped lunch to meditate and that was haunting her now. "Sounds great Master." She replied eagerly.

;-

Anakin was sitting in his quarters thinking about what he had heard today. He was glad for Barriss that the Council had given her another chance. Maybe they can change their views somewhat. It's just a shame that it had to come to Ahsoka being driven away from the Order before they realized that they needed to change. He sighed and looked at the lightsaber in his hand, Ahsoka's lightsaber. It's design is so different from his own. It was thinner to fit her hands. Like his own lightsaber, it is a reflection of her, a part of her. He was glad that Rex and the others had found it, now he just had to get it back in Ahsoka's hands. If she did went to Onderon, Bonteri would be able to help him with that. Anakin wondered about what he had learned about the upcoming vote in the Senate. This meant that every Senator, including Bonteri, would be on Coruscant. "I'll find him shortly afterwards." He said to himself.

He felt a presence outside his room. "enter". He said. The door opened to reveal Plo Koon, the Kel Dorian Master Ahsoka always spoke so highly of. He entered the room and looked at Anakin. His attention was mostly drawn to the weapon in his hands. "You found Little Soka's lightsaber?" he asked in his deep voice. Anakin nodded. "Rex and his men found it in that factory. I'm going to make sure she gets it back." He replied with determination in his voice. "Do you know where she is then?" the Kel Dorian asked. "No," Anakin answered, "but I think I know someone who does." He looked at Plo. "From what Barriss told me, I think she went to Onderon to visit Lux Bonteri. He should be back on Coruscant in a few days. I'm sure he can help me return her lightsaber." The older Jedi nodded. "Good, I hope she gets it soon." He began. "I was relieved to hear that Luminara said that she gave Ahsoka some supplies before she left. She can take care of herself, and so must we." He said as he turned to leave the room. "Stay strong Anakin, for her." Anakin looked up to him. He was right, Ahsoka wouldn't want him to be so down all the time. She had never given up before, no matter how dark things seemed and so must he. "Thank you Master Plo." The Kel Dorian nodded and left the room.

;-

Barriss and her master were sitting in Dex' diner, waiting for their meals to be delivered. Barriss had buried her face in her hands. Luminara sighed and leaned forward to place her hand of the younger girls shoulder. "It's going to be alright Barriss, don't pay attention to what others think." She said reassuringly. "I'm trying Master…" Barriss replied softly with sadness in her voice. "But it's not easy." She looked up at her master, her eyes a bit watery. "Y-you saw the looks those people were giving me. It… It just hurts." "I know Barriss. People are still afraid. This thing isn't going to blow over just like that, It's going to take some time, but I know that you'll be able to pull through." Luminara said kindly. Barriss calmed down a bit. "Y-you're right, Master." She sighed. "It's just…difficult." Luminara smiled. "Don't worry Barriss, I'll be here with you." Barriss smiled back, knowing that she wasn't alone in this.

They both looked up as Dex arrived at their table bringing their meals. "Here you go ladies, enjoy." He said with a big grin. "I made a treat for you both, something to help lighten your moods a bit." Barriss chuckled a bit. "Thanks Dex, I'm sure it'll help." The Besalisk gave her a pat on the back with one of his four arms. "You're welcome. Obi-Wan told me all about what happened. I hope things work out for you and your friend." He said as he went back to the kitchen.

They both ate in silence for a short while, then Luminara broke the silence. "Barriss?" The younger woman looked up. "Yes, master?" Luminara sighed. "This might not be easy for you, but I do have to ask. How much do you agree with the things 'you' said at the end of Ahsoka's trial?" she asked. Barriss looked a little suprised and put down her cutlery. She was in deep thought for a moment. "Well," she began, "I do have to say that I agree with most of it." Luminara was a little shocked to hear this but kept silent so that Barriss could continue. "Because of this war our Order has changed. We have forgotten many of our traditions. We're becoming warriors instead of the peacekeepers we once were. We are rushing padawans into the war at increasingly younger ages. It's just wrong." Barriss shook her head. "Our goal was once to prevent hostilities on worlds through negotiation, now we lead complete invasions. The Jedi aren't supposed to be generals but that's what we've become. More and more the Council is doing the Senate's bidding. I'm not saying that we should stop listening to the Senate, but we need to decide more on our own and by the will of the Force. Especially now, during this war when the Dark Side is all around us." Barriss looked down and closed her eyes. "I could see our Order becoming corrupted by the war and the Dark Side. We were using more and more violence and aggression. Because of the Dark Side surrounding us, we're losing the Light that we always held so dear." Barriss let out a deep sigh. "I saw what was happening and I wanted to try and change it. But all of the suffering I saw during this war, it made me believe that the Council believed more in violence then in our role as peacekeepers. Somewhere along the way, I started to get corrupted myself. I think that that's what drew that Sith to me. I-I wouldn't have done those horrible things on my own, at least… I certainly hope that I wouldn't have become that corrupted." She placed her head in her hands. "I was foolish to think I could do this alone. I wanted to prevent others from losing their way… But I lost my own way trying to do so…" Luminara grabbed her hands and held them reassuringly. "Barriss, what you tried to do was very noble. You are right, about the Order. I believe that a few members of the Council are starting to agree with you as well. But, why didn't you come to me?" she asked. "You were on a solo-mission when I started doubting the Order. After that, I wasn't thinking clearly enough to ask for your advice or your help." She replied. "But I promise you master, I won't let the Dark Side control me again. I'm going to do what I can do end this horrid conflict so we can start repairing the damage done to the galaxy and the Jedi Order." She said with determination in her voice. Luminara smiled. "It takes a strong will to resist the easy temptations of the Dark Side, a strong will you clearly have. And I will be there to help you Barriss. We will find a way." "Thank you Master." Barriss replied smiling.

;-

As they were making their way back to the Temple the master and padawan were approached by the same reporter that was present during Barriss' interrogation. Luminara sighed in slight frustration. "Do these people have nothing else to do?" she asked out loud, earning a little giggle from Barriss.

"Good evening Master Unduli, are there any new developments regarding the person behind that mind-control necklace? Padawan Offee, what about you? Are you back in the Order or is something else going to happen?" she asked as she got close to them, her camera right beside her. Luminara responded in a calm voice. "No, there aren't any more developments and if there were, I wouldn't be able to share them with you. Barriss is still my padawan and nothing else is going to happen. That is all I will say, could you please excuse us now?" The reporter didn't seem very satisfied just yet. "Neither of you have anything else to say?" she asked a little disappointed. Luminara shook her head 'no', but Barriss spoke up. "Actually, I do have something to say to someone." Both woman and the camera turned towards her. "Ahsoka, I don't know if you'll see this, but…" Barriss took a deep breath before continuing. "Earlier this day, I was giving myself a massive headache trying to figure out a way of how I could possibly apologize to you and make things right. Then, I got your letter." She smiled. "I honestly don't know what to say Ahsoka. I'm relieved and very grateful that you have already been able to forgive me. I'm not sure whether I deserve such kindness. The Council gave me another chance and you have given me the strength to see it through. I won't let you down. I hope that you're safe and happy wherever you are right now. I know that our paths will cross again someday. Until then, may the Force be with you, Ahsoka." She turned to her master. Luminara smiled and placed her arm around the younger girls shoulder and they both continued towards the Temple, ignoring the further questions from the reporter.

;-

Unknown location

"This has been a most unexpected development, Lord Tyranus." A holographic figure of a hooded person said to a man kneeling in front of a transmitter. "Young Skywalker's trust in his padawan and his determination to prove her innocence were greater than I had anticipated." The other man replied: "How will this affect our plans, my Lord?" The hooded figure pondered about the situation. "This turn of events may work in our favor." "What do you mean? How can we benefit from this." Came the confused reply. An evil grin appeared on the hooded face. "I learned that Skywalker's padawan was offered to rejoin the Jedi Order, but refused. The actions of the Council have driven her away. Skywalker has lost his padawan in an even crueler way. He was forced to see her walk away from him. This will further fuel his distrust in the Jedi Council and will make it even easier for me to turn him when the time comes." The menacing voice said. A grin spread across the other man's face. "I see, this can certainly work to our advantage. But what about that other padawan?" The holographic figure scoffed. "Let the little padawan play Jedi a little while longer. One padawan more or less is of no concern to me. Having her walk around will serve as an additional distraction to the Council. It doesn't matter. In the end, they will all fall…" the figure said ominously.

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Third story.

Like I said in my other story, this one will be linked with "Tale of a Togruta". Events will be linked and both stories will meet. I do have a bit of a storyline plotted out for both and how they will meet, but ideas and suggestions are always welcome. During the weekend I won't have any chances to write, maybe somewhere during the end of next week or so.

I don't know which story I will update first and how soon updates will come. I have more ideas for my other story thus far, so that one will probably be first.

Until next time.