Chapter 2 the Loss of a Friend
Qui-Gon thought it best if he and Obi-Wan remained in a meditative state for the trip back to Coruscant. They both needed peace, and hopefully they would find solace in the force.
Once the ship landed the next day, Obi-Wan was out in a flash. He did not stop to greet the council members who were there. Yoda and Mace watched Obi-Wan run pass them and towards the healers. Qui-Gon wanted to run right after him, but stop and bowed to the other Masters.
Yoda told him. "Go. Need you your apprentice does. Time we have for this later."
Qui-Gon did not need to be told twice. He turned and ran the way his apprentice went. Yoda then said to no one in particular. "Trial he has. Strong is he. A good Jedi is Obi-Wan, like his Master."
No one on the landing pad questioned Yoda's cryptic statement.
By the time Qui-Gon got to the medical ward, Obi-Wan was already at Bruck's bedside. Darick was on the other side. Qui-Gon could hear the rasp in Bruck's breathing and wondered why the boy was not being assisted in his breathing.
Behind him a sad voice said. "Because it would not help matters any."
Qui-Gon turned to see Leona. "I was afraid of that. But can't you do something for the pain?" One did not need to be a Jedi to see Bruck's pain.
"Yes, we could sedate him, but he insisted on staying awake. He wanted to see Obi-Wan. To see you. So, please, Qui-Gon. Go in. Time is so short."
Nodding, Qui-Gon walked to Obi-Wan's side. Obi-Wan was gripping Bruck's hand and Qui-Gon placed his hand on both of theirs. Qui-Gon cast Darick a sympathetic and understanding look.
With words that had to cause him pain, Bruck said. "Obi...Master Qui...Thank you for coming."
Tears burned in the back of Obi-Wan's eyes. "It's all right, Bruck. You are going to be fine."
The response was a cough, and more raspy words. "Sorry...Obi...can't spar with you at next years...tournament..."
It was now time for the tears to burn at the back of Qui-Gon's eyes. Bruck had a rough start, but was a promising student. He was also Obi-Wan's best friend. This was going to be harder then he ever imagined.
Tears were now rolling down Obi-Wan's face. "Oh, Force, Bruck."
Then it was Bruck's turn to comfort, "S'okay, Obi. I will be one with the force...s'okay. Just wanted to say...good-bye. You...are...my best friend." By this time, Bruck was struggling to get the words out. But he did not stop. "My...only...true...friend."
Obi-Wan gripped Bruck's hand tighter, "You are my best friend too. I will never forget you."
Qui-Gon was amazed when he saw Bruck smile, in spite of the pain he was in. Bruck then said. "Master...Qui?"
Qui-Gon leaned down towards Bruck. "I am here, Bruck."
"Take...take care of...Obi. He is special..."
Qui-Gon touched the boy's forehead. "You have my word, Bruck. You have been a light in our lives. May the force be with you."
Finally Bruck turned his head slightly to his own Master. "Master Dar?"
Darick was on the threshold of tears. "Yes, Padawan?"
"Thank...thank you...for choosing me...I love you."
Darick leaned so his forehead was resting against Bruck's. "I love you too, Padawan. Always know that. Now, rest. Rest, my beloved Padawan."
Bruck nodded slightly, and then closed his eyes. Never to open them again.
