Snowprincess, it is a shame that you lost your sanity, even after I told you not too, but hey if you hurt yourself than you wouldn't be able to find out what happens next.



Chapter 3: The First Path



Qui-Gon paced back and fourth through the hallway of the Jedi Temple, his thoughts racing through his mind quicker than he could sort them out. It had been a long afternoon, and things had gone form ill to worse. He could still feel the helplessness inside himself as he raced after Obi-Wan in a desperate attempt to rescue him from the future horrors he now would have to face alone. At this thought his heart seemed to tear. He stopped pacing, drawing in a deep breath. He would never forgive himself if something happened to him. He closed his eyes. Nothing would happen to him, he told himself softly. "So sure, you are."

Qui-Gon turned to greet the newcomer. He was small, yet powerful beyond belief. He bowed slightly as Yoda approached. "So sure, that you decide a fate that has yet to be decided. Many years have I worked with the force, many more than you, many more than others, and I have learned that you must not judge fate, before fate itself has judged you."

Qui-Gon gave a sigh. Yoda could always sense his distress. Usually he welcomed it, but now he wished to have none of it. "How is Bant?" he asked, in hopes to change the unwanted conversation. Yoda gave a slight nod. He knew what Qui-Gon was attempting. "Hurt she is, but fine she will be," he said, looking up toward the young Jedi. To Yoda, there were very few that he could notify as being old, and he was very much respected by many. "Tell me Master Jinn, there is more on your mind than you say," he prodded. Qui-Gon gave a sigh. As usual, Yoda would not be steered from a conversation.

"Worried you are, about him," Yoda observed his silence. Qui-Gon nodded, "Yes, I do hope he will be fine." But Yoda shook his head, "I speak not of Obi-Wan, but of Xanatos I do speak of." Qui-Gon sighed heavily. "Yes," he would not conceal the truth from the Jedi Master that stood before him. He was saved from answering any further when someone called his name. He turned to see the figure striding down the hall.

"I've searched all over, yet I cannot find any trace of him, or Obi- Wan," she said, "I'm sorry." Qui-Gon gave a small smile. "It's is all right Tahl, I know how hard you have worked." Tahl nodded softly, "I just wish there is more I can do," she said softly.

Qui-Gon looked into her eyes, eyes that no longer saw, and yet she seemed to know every detail, every clue. If Tahl was unable to find anything, he doubted that anyone else would. Tahl gave a sigh, "It's a wonder why he is even still alive?" she said softly. Qui-Gon suddenly frowned, thinking hard. "What is it?" Tahl asked, somehow seeing the change in her friend. "That's it," he said softly. Tahl gave him a curious look, "What are you thinking of Qui-Gon?"

"Xanatos, he always had a back door." Tahl shook her head. "It's not that simple my friend," she said sadly. "Maybe it is. Xanatos had always been one step ahead of me, one way or another, it's about time I became the leader in this."

He turned and strode quickly down the hall. "Where are you going?" Tahl shouted after him. "Back to Telos. If there are any questions to be answered then they must start there. Send a message through to Andra and Den. Tell them I will be there in two days," he called over his shoulder.



TBC.. Sorry this was such a short post, but there is more coming soon.