Chapter 9:

Taking one last longing look at the Jedi Temple, the only home he had ever known, Obi-Wan tearfully staggered away. He really didn't want to leave. If anything, he wanted to spend his last days among the people that he loved, but Obi-Wan knew that he couldn't. Not when staying meant signing Qui-Gon's death warrant. He couldn't take that chance no matter how heavy his heart was.

It was already beginning to turn dark. The sun had begun its descent on the horizon, leaving twinkling city lights shining in its place. Despite the veil of darkness that spread across Coruscant's sky, the busy atmosphere of the city-planet never hindered. With a heavy heart, Obi-Wan concealed himself in a Jedi robe and headed out into the busy street.

He had no clue where to go, and frankly it didn't matter as long as it was well hidden away from any possible search parties. Despite his request for Qui-Gon not to find him, the young Jedi knew that his Master would not heed it. Obi-Wan only hoped that Qui-Gon would believe that he was already off Coruscant. Small chance at that, but Obi-Wan still hoped for it.

Obi-Wan had always liked to traverse through Coruscant at nighttime, but curfews and missions had prevented him from ever carrying it out. Now that he had all the time in the world, well almost, he felt obligated to enjoy the commotion of the marketplace and its many vendors. Yet, as much as he wanted to enjoy himself, he felt that he could not do so. Perhaps the small walk had already taken a toll on his failing health, or strong emotions of homesickness plagued his heart, but Obi-Wan felt his whole body shaking involuntarily as his breath became ragged.

Steadying himself on a nearby wall, Obi-Wan tried to calm his breathing but to no avail. A wave of dizziness began creeping up his body, making his eyes refuse to focus and his knees wobble. Unconsciousness was beckoning at him, but Obi-Wan refused to fall victim to it. The last thing he wanted was to return to the limbo-like stage. It was bad enough for him to leave everything and everyone he ever loved and cherished behind. He didn't want to relive painful memories of the past again.

Obi-Wan tried to pull himself along street into a more deserted alleyway in case he was going to collapse. Even though the streets were crowded with people, a man collapsing on the street for no apparent reason would definitely draw attention. Attention Obi-Wan did not want. He wasn't about to go through the ordeal of leaving the Healers Ward only to be admitted to another. Not this time.

As Obi-wan turned a corner into a small alleyway between two time-worn building, he felt something grabbed him in the back. Before he could let out a gasp or a cry of surprise, he felt himself thrown backwards against the walls.

Amazingly enough, the impact didn't seem to register him to any pain. Perhaps his body was already too battered from the toxin to feel any additional pain, but before Obi-Wan could regain his composure, something sharp pierced into the back of his neck. He squirmed in pain slightly, but soon lost the fight as darkness overwhelmed him…

*************

Qui-Gon clutched the notepad tightly in his two hands as he stood there dumbfounded with shock and disbelief. His eyes traced the words of the letter over and over again, hoping that the words would disappear and that it was all just a bad nightmare. As seconds flew by, Qui-Gon slowly accepted the stark reality.

He couldn't believe that for the first time in last few days that he felt hope was back, it was now thrown at him violently like a fast ball. He couldn't believe that Obi-Wan had left. The boy was in no condition to be moving around let alone wandering Coruscant or on some Force forsaken cruiser in hyperspace.

Qui-Gon hated himself for letting his guard down to let Obi-Wan hear about the procedure. If Obi-Wan hadn't heard about it, he wouldn't have run away. Better yet, Obi-Wan would have already been underway with An-Paj's new treatment.

Frustrated at how careless he was, Qui-Gon began to storm out of the room.

"Qui-Gon, wait" An-Paj yelled after Qui-Gon.

Without turning around to face An-Paj, Qui-Gon just stopped in his tracks.

"I know that you're going to try and find Obi-Wan" An-Paj began. "Please let me help you in your search. I know that you're probably feeling angry now, but I just want to say that I am sorry for not…"

"If it's anyone's fault it's mine An-Paj" Qui-Gon interrupted. He let out a sigh. "And I am not angry, just frustrated at myself."

"Look Qui-Gon, you can't blame yourself for what's happened."

"I know." Qui-Gon said sadly.

"We will find him Qui-Gon" An-Paj said firmly.

Qui-Gon didn't reply, he just nodded. A sudden sense of dread began to creep up Qui-Gon's spine. It passed quickly as though never there, but Qui- Gon was certain of it. Something was telling him that he had to find Obi- Wan and fast too.

Qui-Gon quickly closed his eyes in concentration, hoping to locate Obi-Wan through their Master/Padawan bond. But as Qui-Gon had feared, he couldn't establish a connection. A chill ran up his spine. He hoped that his lack of success was because of Obi-Wan's low count in midi-chlorian and not that his apprentice was in some kind of trouble. Yet, some deep feeling inside his heart was telling him that the latter was more prevalent.

With determination, Qui-Gon set out to find Obi-Wan. He didn't know where to look and his lack of communications with Obi-Wan through the Master/Padawan bond didn't help any bit. But by the Force he was going to find Obi-Wan no matter what. Qui-Gon only hoped that time was on his side…