A/N: Wow it has been a long time since I have updated. There is no excuse except I have simply been busy. Read and Enjoy! And please Review!
His eyes wandered over the busy skyline, taking in the sunlight glinting off of the myriad of speeders. Even though this planet had only one sun, the Coruscant sunset had become a thing of beauty to him, and he now thought of this planet as home. Though the beauty of the skyline was astounding with the reflections of oranges and ambers off the tall skyscrapers and the slow moving speeders were calming, the scene did not evoke a feeling of peace and serenity within him.
Anakin Skywalker was filled with worry, a feeling that was greatly frowned upon for a Jedi. The war was ongoing, and more lives had been lost than he could possibly count. Planets whose people had once stood tall were now crumbling just as the buildings and structures which had stood for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years, were crumbling under the relentless firepower of the Separatists.
There was no end to the war in sight, the endless battles waging for no apparent reason except to prove which side is stronger. However, now, the war was quickly moving away from the outer, and Anakin was not alone in his fearing of the fighting makings its way towards the capital, though the Jedi masters would never admit it.
The very same masters surrounded him as he stood in the center of the high council chamber. He was somewhat aware of their stares but simply chose not to acknowledge them. Everything that was being said had been said before, and he felt it unnecessary to pay attention to the droning.
Instead, he let his eyes travel amongst the many different creatures that flew past the large window, reveling in the feel of so many life presences flowing through the force. The feeling was comforting and helped his mind deviate from thoughts of his fallen brethren.
"Our largest problem is that we are running out of leaders," Windu asserted. The Korun master's face was stoic as he spoke, showing no outwards sympathy towards the loss of his fellow Jedi, but inwardly he was sorrowful. As the second highest ranking master in the order, it was job to show no weakness to those that followed him. "With over a year of fighting behind us," he continued, "Our forces are being depleted, Knights included".
Anakin's ears finally perked up at Mace's mention of the loss of so many of his friends.
"The battle experience has allowed quite a few apprentices to prove they are capable of more responsibilities. A couple may even be ready for the trials," he said. "Obi-Wan, your padawan in particular has shown us that he is ready."
Any vestiges of daydreaming that Anakin had been experiences evaporated immediately, his attention settling on the dark-skinned master.
"I knew that would get your attention," the stoic Windu stated, almost smiling at Anakin's surprise.
"Me, master?" Anakin flushed. "I don't know what to say, " he said, bowing his head.
"Say nothing at all. Just be here at 0600 hours tomorrow morning."
"Continue this meeting, we will, after young Skywalker's knighthood," added Master Yoda. "Assignments and strategies, saved for then they will be."
Mace nodded in agreement, "Meeting adjourned."
The twelve masters waited until both young Jedi had exited the room before continuing their discussion. They could sense Anakin's elation though the force, his powerful presence bursting with light and anxiousness. The raw power, as uncontrolled as it was, was one that many on the council feared. If put into the wrong hands the strength could become a deadly weapon.
"Are you sure he is ready for this Master Yoda? The boy has no control, and even after all these years his attachments sill over power him," Ki-Adi Mundi asked.
"Time left to wait, none, we have. Ready, the boy must be."
"Our ability to see what is right in front of us had been diminished. If he truly is the chosen one, then he must learn all that he can now," replied Mace.
"Hmmm, clouded by the dark side, everyone's future is. Not even close to being over, this war is."
The masters were solemn at Master Yoda's last spoken words. The republic that they were trying to defend was crashing down around them, and the ranks were being divided. A course of action could not be decided upon. The debates amongst the council members rivaled those happening in the senate.
Soon, the walls would start collapsing from the inside out.
"Anakin I am very proud of you. You will be a great Jedi one day."
Anakin laughed at the unfamiliar phrase as they stood outside the doors to the lift. It was a rare occasion that Obi-Wan openly showed him praise of any kind. "It is only because of your training Master."
"Hmph. Perhaps you are right," the elder Jedi stated in his thick accent, smiling and raising an eyebrow at his soon to be former padawan.
"That's not self-righteous at all Master."
Both men chuckled lightly at their bickering, the lift doors finally opening up before them. They both stepped in, happy to finally be moving away from the council chambers.
"I am serious though Anakin. You are a far greater Jedi than I could ever hope to be. I have always recognized your potential. I am just glad that they are finally recognizing it as well."
"Thank you Master," Anakin replied, humbled by the odd words coming from Obi-Wan's mouth. "Your approval is all I've ever wanted.
"And so you have always had it," Obi-Wan said, giving Anakin a brotherly pat on the shoulder. "I have no doubt you will pass the trials in the morning with flying colors."
The lift ride down to their living quarters was fairly long, but in no way should it have taken this extended amount of time, Obi-Wan thought glancing at the control panel. He then noticed that they had indeed passed the floor that would lead them to their apartment and were heading further down.
"Anakin, why are we headed to the hangar?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"I'm going out for a drink. Would you like to come?"
"Umm no. That won't be necessary. You know how I get with Corellian ale," he joked.
"Suit yourself Master," Anakin said, as the finally hit the right level. The doors opened up and Anakin stepped out in a hurry. "I'll see in the morning Master."
He was gone from sight before Obi-Wan could muster a reply. A drink my ass, He thought. He knew right where Anakin was headed and it most certainly not a club or a bar; though it is very likely he will be having a drink, assuming the senator from Naboo advocated such practices.
Anakin's blind affection for the beautiful woman had not waned over the years, and Obi-Wan was beginning to think it never would. His only consolation was that he knew that Padme would never sink to the same level as Anakin and dabble with a dangerous affair. She was most respected for certain, and her career would assuredly be ruined if such a scandal ever got out. No, Obi-Wan thought. She surely would not be so stupid.
Anakin, however, needed to find a way to get over his ridiculous crush and forget about her. His attachment to her was against the code and would bring him nothing good.
Foregoing the idea of following Anakin for tonight, Obi-Wan reclosed the doors to the lift and punched in the number of his quarters. A good night's sleep was something he needed desperately. Upon reaching his room, he fell into the small bed exhausted. Just before closing his eyes, his thoughts flickered to Anakin and Padme once again, not being able to shake the feeling that he was missing something important about their relationship.
A/N: Don't forget to review! Reviews get chapters out quicker because they give me motivation! :) Thank you!