Toby laid on the floor with his hands behind his head. Logan was on the couch slightly above him. Toby thought that Logan was asleep still, though it was late morning. Regiman had been visiting with them late the night before, and he had slept in Toby's room so Logan and he were in the living room. Regiman had left early to find Evalina when she did not appear to train. At first, Regiman had thought that she was just at his house, since she didn't know he was with Vinco, Logan and Toby, but he had been gone awhile, so Toby thought that Evalina was sicker than she had let on. Toby heard Logan stir and he sat up.
"Good morning," Logan greeted. Toby nodded once.
"Mornin'," he said. Logan yawned. "Sleep well?" Logan shook his head sadly.
"Not really," he replied.
"Hmm," Toby mused. He looked around the room. "I wonder why Regiman isn't back," he said to himself. Logan shrugged.
"I don't know." Right on cue, Regiman walked in the front door. Toby stood.
"Hello, Master Utvox." Regiman smiled at Toby.
"Hello, young one." Toby paused.
"How's Evalina?" He asked slowly.
"She has the flu," Regiman replied. "But the doctor gave her some medicine and said she should be fine in a few days." So he had been right. Toby knew that Eva was not good at hiding things and it certainly didn't help that Toby was incredibly observant.
"Can I visit her?" He asked. Regiman paused, but then shrugged.
"I suppose, just don't weigh her down." Toby nodded quickly.
"Of course."
Toby jogged down the streets of Coruscant. He was almost to the temple. When he got inside, he walked quickly, or more like ran down the halls. Eventually, he made it to Eva's room. He paused a second to breath. He knocked twice. There was a short pause, but then Eva called quietly for him to come in. Toby entered the room. Eva was of course in bed, sitting up right with her head against the headboard.
"Hey, Eva," Toby said. Eva smiled.
"I figured it wouldn't be long until you got here." Toby smiled back at her.
"I thought about how insufferable being sick and alone is, and thought I'd come visit."
"Well I'm glad you did," Eva told him.
"Me too," Toby said as he sat in a chair next to Eva. He let go of a deep breath. "So..." Eva laughed. Toby was glad she was in good enough spirits to laugh at least. He hadn't heard her laugh in over four days.
"So..." Eva repeated. Toby laughed this time.
"I may not even have to ask this question but, how are you?" Eva gave him a look.
"I'm perfect, what do you think?" She had a sarcastic tone to her voice, but Toby knew she was kidding.
"Well, you look great for someone that has a temperature over one hundred." Eva frowned.
"Regiman doesn't leave out much, does he?" Toby grinned.
"Nope." In truth, all the years Toby had know Regiman, he wasn't the type to leave out any type of detail. "Well, I suppose I should leave. Regiman got onto me, he said I should let you rest." Toby could tell that Eva was going to protest, so he put up a hand. "Believe me you need it." Eva crossed her arms.
"I look that bad, do I?" Toby laughed.
"I didn't mean that..." He got up. "Bye, Eva." Toby touched her hand, and left.
Toby walked down the side of the street. After being in Tatooine so long, he wasn't used to the coldness of Coruscant in the morning. He shivered a bit and pulled his brown cloak closer towards him. As he walked, he began to think about his past. He wondered why he stayed in Coruscant so long; it held too many sentimental memories, and not good ones either. But he did remember that he had a second family there, along with his training, and everything else. He did hope that one day, he would have the chance to avenge his family, but almost immediately threw that idea out the window. First of all, Toby had no idea who started the whole thing, and he wasn't even totally sure that one single person had started it. Toby shook his head at how ridiculous that sounded. He might as well be going on a wild goose chase. But still, he did want to find out who did this to his family, and himself. While, on the other hand, he wouldn't have met all the people he knew now if the situation wouldn't have happened. Vinco, Regiman, Duxis, the rest of the Jedi, and... Eva. Toby smiled at the thought of her. What he had told her was true; he didn't really like that many people. And, that she was one of the few. Everything that he told the few Jedi before about Eva was true also. She was smart, she was nice, and she knew what she was doing... And she was pretty. As much as that point was true, Toby was glad he didn't tell the Jedi council that. He blushed to himself, just thinking how embarrassing that would be. Toby walked into the part of the giant city that he hated most. There was always some type of trouble there, and he usually wanted no part of it. That is, unless Vinco sent him to intervene. In any case, he walked past a small alleyway to his left. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a small dark shape shift. If his keen eyes hadn't been so sharp, he wouldn't have noticed it. But he did. He stopped walking. Out of the alleyway, a person walked right out into the open and past Toby quickly. It was obvious this person wanted no trouble, but Toby noticed something quite attention grabbing. On the side of its cloak, laid the not only the symbol of the new Trade Federation, but a small black and purple sign, that Toby had no doubts guessing who's it was.
So he had been right. Jillian and the new Trade Federation were somehow connected. How, Toby hadn't the slightest clue, but he was going to find out. He went after the figure down the street, while following at a safe distance.
After a few minutes of following the cloaked figure, Toby almost gave up. The person had been looking behind them, and almost caught Toby on several occasions, but luckily never did, as far as he knew. But then he thought that if this person was going to do something reckless, there was a small chance that Toby could stop it before their plan played out. But then, there was also the chance that he or she would find Toby, and he would be cornered. This was the time that Toby was thankful for his Jedi training. He quietly continued walking behind Jillian's employee. He walked, occasionally diving behind buildings or objects for several minutes. Just when he was about to give up, the figure walked to the front of a large building. Toby frowned. It was odd, he had never seen this building before. Toby followed him inside. Almost instantly, he had to duck behind a pillar for cover. Inside the room was a group of people, all of whom Toby recognized. Jillian herself was standing in a circle on the floor with Roy right next to her. To Jillian's left was Lady Jessa from Naboo, the daughter of a Lord from Naboo a few years younger than Jillian and Eva. As to why she was there, Toby didn't know. Also, a man about Vinco's age stood next to Roy. He looked vaguely familiar, but Toby couldn't place it. The cloaked figure from earlier joined the group on the floor. He bowed to both of the girls.
"Hello, Lady Jillian, Jessa." Toby shivered. His voice was so familiar. Where had he heard that before? The figure turned to the older man next to Roy. "Father," he said. Toby froze. If that familiar person was the cloaked figure's father, then who was the cloaked person? Just then, he took off his cloak. Toby almost gasped, but covered his mouth. He looked just like...
"Quis Arcana," Jillian's voice echoed in the open hall. "Welcome to our side." She spread her hands and smiled.
"Thank you, my lady."
"What do you have to report to us?" Jillian asked. Quis sighed.
"Not much, my lady, but I do suspect the young one, Toby, is getting suspicious. I saw him today, and he almost had me." Jillian breathed, heavy in thought.
"Well, don't let it happen again." Toby then decided it was time to leave. He started towards the door and slipped quietly out. He was extremely glad the door made no noise. But, unbeknownst to Toby, Jillian turned to the door. "It would seem we have been watched."
Toby ran as fast as he could back to Vinco's house. As soon as he arrived, he burst open the door to find Regiman, Vinco, and Logan all around the kitchen table. Toby sat down with a heavy thump, and breathed heavily.
"What took you so long?" Regiman asked. "We were beginning to worry about you." Toby looked at Vinco and some sort of understanding passed between them. Vinco stood.
"What happened? Tell us everything."
Toby took a few minutes to explain what had happened, and Vinco pretty much fell back into his chair.
"I can't believe it," he said. Regiman looked at him.
"We trusted Quis, he was part of our council!" Regiman stood. "I need to talk to Duxis immediately."
"No," Vinco stood again. "We can't talk to Quis when he returns, or else their plan may play out quicker than assumed. We don't want to meet them in battle so quickly, and unprepared." Regiman sighed in defeat.
"Yes, but we need to tell Duxis regardless. We can't let him be ignorant of this situation." Vinco paused, but then nodded once.
"You're right. I'll come with you." He looked at Toby. "You should come too, boy. You know the exact words."
"What about me?" Logan asked. Everybody looked at him. They had forgotten he was there.
"I suppose you should come along," Regiman told him. They all left towards the door. Vinco looked behind him as he left.
"I have a feeling things will never be the same."
Soon enough would they find out how right Vinco had been. After they told Duxis exactly what happened, he told everyone in the council. Toby was surprised that they all believed Duxis when he told them. But then again, they had just recruited Quis, so it wasn't like any of them trusted him that much. Duxis himself wasn't really surprised, though he was a little disappointed.
"It's too bad," he had said. Too bad indeed, Toby thought. He was beginning to get the feeling that more people would be doing the same things though, to which Toby felt sad. He wished that people would just pick a side and stay there, instead of choosing a side then switching, much to many people's dismay. Toby was glad he and Vinco were not like that. Otherwise, he was afraid he would be confused as to which side he was currently on. Anyhow, Duxis had agreed to keep it a secret that they knew, for fear of Jillian's wrath. They would wait until some more army was gathered and a plan was made. Until then, Vinco, Toby and the council were creating plans for the upcoming invasion.
"Really?" Eva asked for the seventh time.
"Really," Toby said again. Eva sat back.
"Wow. I thought there was something suspicious about that guy." Toby had been explaining everything that had happened in the time she was sick. Toby was regretful to remember the things that had happened a few days previously, but he felt he should tell Eva what was going on, Evalina was surprised she was still sick; it had been four days. She was beginning to worry, but Toby and the doctor told her she would be okay. Evalina hoped they were right. "Well, hopefully, he'll get what's coming to him," Eva continued to say. Toby nodded earnestly.
"With all hope, Jillian will too." Eva's expression darkened.
"Toby, we talked about this-"
"Evalina," Toby interrupted. "I already promised that I won't kill her. No matter how much I want to. Do you not believe me?" Toby was beginning to become irritated with Eva constantly reminding him of this. Eva seemed a little taken aback by Toby's question.
"Yes, Toby. Of course I believe you." He took her hand.
"Then you don't have to keep reminding me," he said softly. "I know." Eva studied him for a second, then sighed.
"Okay, okay." She looked away. "I'm sorry, it's just I'm kinda getting irritable. Being sick is not fun. And, it doesn't help that I'm not the most patient person in the world." Toby smiled at her.
"Believe me, I know." Eva smiled too. It hadn't gone unnoticed how impatient Toby was. "Well," he said, "I should probably go. Don't want Vinco to worry about me." Eva smiled at him again.
"Bye," she said quietly. Toby leaned over and kissed her forehead.
"Get some rest," he said. "You'll be better soon." He smiled at Eva; her face was slightly pink. "Bye," he said. Toby got up and left the room.
As Toby walked back to Vinco's house, he was thinking about what had happened the four days previously. First of course, the problem with Quis Arcana. But then, he and Eva had talked. They decided they wanted to be together, to both of their joy. Toby could tell that Eva was happy; she told him she had never had a boyfriend before. Toby smiled as he remembered that he had laughed at her. For some reason he found it hysterical that she was so excited over him. Toby then told her that he had been that excited with his first girlfriend. He could tell that Eva was going to ask what happened, but she could tell that he didn't want to talk about it. She had let it go. After that, they didn't really say anything, so Toby had decided to take his leave. After that, nothing rather significant had happened. So, Toby continued on his way home.
When he arrived, it was late at night. Logan was nowhere to be found, so Toby guessed that he was asleep. He closed the door quietly behind him. He walked into the kitchen and found Vinco sipping tea.
"Welcome back," he said. Toby nodded.
"Hi, Vinco."
"Want some tea?" Vinco offered. Toby sighed.
"Sure," he said. Vinco got up and poured hot water into a mug. He waited a few minutes, then placed it on the table.
"So," he said. "How's Evalina?" Toby took a drink.
"Not perfect but," he shrugged. "Better." Vinco nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, I would hope so. Regiman is missing his apprentice."
"I bet he is. She just isn't the same when she's sick," Toby noted. Vinco nodded again. They drank in silence for several moments.
"So, aren't you glad we found Evalina?" Vinco asked. Toby almost choked on his tea. Was Vinco asking a rhetorical question? Of course he was glad he met her!
"Yes," Toby said suspiciously. He and Eva agreed to tell anyone if they asked, but not to go around telling everyone. So, when Vinco asked such a question, Toby had a right to be suspicious. Vinco smiled at his young Padawan. Toby narrowed his eyes, and then looked down. It had become funny how much of a father Vinco was to Toby. He was always there for him, always helped him make decisions... and was always there to make fun of him.
Toby went to sleep soon after that, but got almost no rest. He laid on the couch, thinking about his life. If he could change it, he probably wouldn't. Though the only thing he would change, was bring back his family. He sighed. He really missed them, and wished they could see him now. He also wondered what had happened to his brother and sister; they hadn't died as far as he knew. It was then that Toby decided; he would find them and bring them home, to Fresia.
The next morning, Toby went to visit Eva, as he usually did. When he entered the room, she was walking across the room, cleaning as she past objects. She danced across the floor as she folded clothes, dusting off tables and making her bed. She put a purple flower into a vase as Toby approached her.
"I'm guessing you feel better...?" Eva looked up and smiled.
"Hi, Toby! Yes, I do feel much better. The doctor came to see me earlier this morning and said that my fever was long gone. I feel so much better!" Toby smiled at her enthusiasm.
"Good," he said. "I'm glad." He looked around the room. "Looks like you've been cleaning a lot." Eva nodded.
"Yes, well, I couldn't leave it like this, now that I'm able to clean it!" She spread her arms. "So, what are you doing today?" She continued folding a blanket. Toby shrugged.
"I'm not totally sure where to start." he sighed. "I think I'm going to look around for my brother and sister." Eva paused.
"But-," she started. "I didn't know you had a brother and sister. I would have they would've died with your parents." Toby shook his head slowly, deep in thought.
"Not as far as I know," he said absently, "But I'm going to ask around today, see what I can find out." Eva nodded thoughtfully. She put the blanket down and smoothed her cloak.
"Well, I'm coming with you." Toby stared at her.
"I'm not sure if that's a good idea..."
"Why not? What could be better than getting some fresh air? I haven't been outside in almost a week! And besides, I want to help you." Toby paused. The process would go much faster with two of them..
"Okay," he said. "Why not?" Eva smiled.
"Thank you!" She hugged him. "I miss you when you're not here," she whispered in his ear. "It's so lonely and dark in here." Toby laughed.
"Yeah, talk about it. Logan and Vinco are almost never there with me. Vinco had given me the week off training." He pulled away. "Well, we should probably go, we haven't all day."
"Oh!" Eva cried. "Right." So, they set out together.
They decided to visit Vinco and Logan before they went too far. Eva hadn't seen them in awhile, and Toby was sure they would like to see how she was doing. So, they walked hand in hand to Vinco's house. When they arrived, Regiman happened to be sitting at the table with Vinco, Logan and Omnium.
"Hi!" Eva said cheerfully. They all looked up. Logan's face lit.
"Hi, Evie!" He stood. "I was beginning to think you'd never get out." He gave her a quick hug.
"Hello," Vinco said with a smile. "We missed you, young one." Eva nodded.
"I missed you guys too." Regiman smiled kindly at her.
"I missed you too, young Padawan. I just isn't the same without a young person around." Omnium smiled too.
"It's good to see you out," he said.
"Hopefully, I'll start training with you again tomorrow," Eva said to Regiman. He nodded.
"Of course, whenever you're up to it."
"We're going to go-" Eva started, but was interrupted.
"Suspect the area where Jillian was," Toby finished. Eva looked at him, but quickly changed her surprised expression.
"Yeah," she said slowly.
"Be careful," both of the Jedi mentors said at the same time.
"Make sure to stick together, and if you see anything too bad, come report to us, okay?" Regiman said. The youths both nodded.
"Of course," Eva said. She turned to Logan. "I'm sorry to leave you in the dark. I promise to spend time with you next week, okay?" Logan nodded quickly.
"Sure, sure," he said. Eva smiled at him.
"I'm glad you're so patient and good-natured. I certainly aren't." They both laughed at this, with Toby right behind them. All the older Jedi smiled as well.
"Well," Toby said finally, "I suppose we should set out. Don't want evidence to go cold." Eva nodded in agreement.
"Yep." That part actually went with their plan. Why Toby didn't tell them what they were actually doing, Eva had no clue, but she was going with it anyways. "Bye," she said. They both waved and then Toby and Eva left.
They walked for several miles past the area where Toby saw Jillian. They walked far to the east, and soon found the apartment area where Toby had lived with his late family. Toby approached the person standing at the check-in counter.
"Hello," he said, "I have a question." The man looked up.
"Yes?" He was clearly not interested. He looked back down.
"Claudia and Riscelle Noctis. When did they leave this place?" The man looked up again.
"Awhile ago, kid. Like a year maybe." Toby stiffened. Only a year ago? They were still alive! Maybe he did have a chance of finding them!
"Do you know where they went?" He asked excitedly. The man grimaced.
"When they left they said something about going far south. Not sure where exactly, but..."
"Thank you!" Toby said quickly. The man eyed Toby.
"You're welcome..." Toby took Eva by the hand and dragged her out the door.
"This is great!" He said as soon as they got outside. Eva herself was eyeing Toby. She had never seen him this excited. She shrugged.
"So, we know they were alive a year ago. He said they were going south. That's just a general direction Toby. We don't know how far south or where they are staying." She put her hands on her hips. "This is going to take much longer than just all day." Toby smiled at her with a dark glint to his eye.
"Not if you have a transport," he said. Eva frowned.
"Look, even if you do, we still don't know where they are." Toby took her hands.
"But we do! When we first arrived here in Coruscant, Claudia said something about wanting to go to a specific landmark. I'm not sure how significant it was, but that's not even the point." He frowned at himself. "Anyways, it was called 'Far South'. It's a place, not a direction!" Eva frowned again.
"Toby, they are not going to stay in the same place for a whole year. We can't go and expect them to still be standing there." Toby laughed authentically.
"No, Eva. It is a hotel that has that piece inside it. They are probably staying there!" Eva thought for a second.
"Oh," she said. Toby smiled at her.
"Come on," he said. "We have siblings to find."
