In•hale

Life Is Precious

So I just started reading the Jedi Apprentice series and am on book two. I'm not sure if Bruck Chun becomes a Padawan or not yet, but here he is:)

Dead.

No, one with the Force.

Obi-Wan squeezed my hand concealed underneath our robes as we looked on at the burning body who was Qui-Gon Jinn. The wind blew throughout the Naboo palace area and also through the outdoor room we were in, causing the flames to shoot even higher. Many other Jedi and friends surrounded us as the traditional ceremony for the passing of a Jedi took place. To them my face was void of emotion but inside I was hurting. We all were.

I had my hood up as a tear slipped down my cheek but I didn't care if anybody saw. Jedi were allowed to mourn, but even if we weren't, I would never have tried to hide it.

Anakin stood to Obi-Wan's right with a sad expression as he looked at Qui-Gon. I could only imagine what was going on in his head. This was the man who had freed him from slavery , took him underneath his wing, treated him like the father he never had. Anakin scrunched his eyebrows together, a question surely on the tip of his tongue.

"What will happen to me now?" he asked Obi-Wan quietly. It wasn't ideal to speak at these ceremonies, but how was he supposed to know that? Master Windu and Master Yoda themselves were having a hushed conversation off to the side.

Obi-Wan's grip tightened on my hand and I squeezed back gently before he answered the boy. "The Council has granted me permission to train you. You will become a Jedi, I promise."

Anakin appeared to be relieved. He stole a quick glance at me for clearance, and I gave him a small reassuring smile, the only thing I could muster against the aching of my guilty heart.

***

"Well if it isn't Oafy-Wan and his dirty pet dog! And....hold on who's this?!"

Anakin, Obi and I were walking through the Temple towards our rooms to get some rest after the long day when Bruck Chun's voice cut through the silence. He was one of the other Padawans and a particularly rude one who seemed to enjoy targeting Obi-Wan or any one else near him.

I stiffened at his nickname for me; 'his dirty pet dog'. Where did he even get that from?

Bruck strolled up next to Anakin, peering down at him expectantly. "Where did you pick this up? T--"

"That's enough Bruck." Obi-Wan said sharply spinning to face him, he jaw set and mouth a thin line.

Bruck laughed, his favorite sport getting Obi riled up. "What are you going to do huh? Whine about me to your Master? Pathetic..."

A small sound of disbelief escaped Obi-Wan's throat as he stepped back a step, stunned. My eyes widened. How could Bruck be so cruel? A quick look of confusion crossed Bruck's face before it was replaced with his usual smirk. Of course. He must not know yet.

"Bruck," I said, grabbing him by the shoulder and pulling him around the corner. He appeared as if he were going to protest, but the intense look in my eyes stopped the words before they even entered his throat. Once we got where I wanted to be, I stopped and crossed my arms over my chest, giving hima hard stare.

"What?" he asked, annoyance lining his voice.

"Bruck you don't know do you?"

"Know what?!"

"Master Jinn was killed yesterday by a Sith lord for kriffs sake, so don't say horrible things like 'whine about me to your Master' because he can't alright? And don't you dare give him a hard time about it Bruck Chun because I will personally deal with you myself! Am I making myself clear?!"

The irritation inside of me grew at about the same rate Bruck's eyes went wide. He was taking far too long to process the information, so I turned on my heel and left instead of waiting for a response. I returned to Obi-Wan's side and wrapped an arm around his shoulders as he placed his around my waist. Bruck never followed us.

I said goodbye to Ani and Obi when I got to my living quarters. Plo wasn't inside so I headed to my room and meditated alone.

***

I was still meditating when I heard the chime on the quarters door ring. I had changed into my bed clothes a few minutes ago, so I threw on my robe before exiting my room and palming open the main door to let whoever was outside in. Anakin stood at the door, a large infectious smile on his face.

Waving a hand to let him know it was okay to come in, we both plopped down on the small couch in the center of the room. "Guess what Chalset?!" he asked, impatiently squirming around with energy.

"What?" I question, pulling my knees up to my chest and resting my head on them. He pulled something tiny out of his pocket and then quickly wrapped his fingers around it so I couldn't see what it was.

"Hold out your hand." he ordered. I dutifully held out my hand as he placed the familiar feeling object on my palm. "It took me some time, but I finally fixed your comlink. It should be as good as new, but I didn't really know who to call to test it out. I guess I could've asked Obi-Wan, I mean Master Kenobi, but he looked busy."

I fingered the small item in my hand, thoroughly amazed how he managed to make it look nearly brand new. I didn't have a doubt in my mind that it was working. "Anakin...you're amazing!" I gushed, grinning broadly. A faint pink materialized on his cheeks as he told me that it was nothing.

I examined it a little longer before wondering out loud, "Say....Where is Obi-Wan? Aren't you supposed to be staying with him?"

"Yeah but he said he was going somewhere and told me to come to you."

"Oh did he now?" I stood up from the couch and placed the fixed comlink on the small coffee table next to it, feeling like Obi-Wan wanted me for something but not knowing what for. But Anakin.... "Ani do you think you could stay here for a little bit while I go somewhere?"

His eyes lit up since I so obviously sparked his interest. "Where are you going?"

"Just someplace, now can you stay here alone?"

He jumped off the couch, and accusing finger ready along with his wicked grin. "You're going to see Obi-Wan aren't you? You're gonna be all Kiss me! Kiss me! Yuck!"

I bent down and started tickling him until he howled. He kept trying to kick me, but I easily trapped his short legs underneath mine. "Are you gonna behave now?" I asked sternly as he tried to worm his way from underneath me, roaring with laughter.

"Yes!" he gasped. "Stop!"

Crawling off of him and giggling to myself, I stood to my full height, looking down at him with a smile. "One more time. Are you going to be alright by yourself?"

Propping himself up by his arms, he rolled his eyes. "I'm going to be eleven in a few months. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."

I laughed, already at the door. "Alright don't get sassy now, I'll be back in a few."

I heard him tell me not to be gone too long just before I palmed shut the door. I didn't think Plo would mind if he came back before I did and found Anakin inside, but I quickened my pace anyways, hurrying to Obi-wan and knowing exactly where he was.