"Clouded, this boy's future is. Masked by his youth."

As the mist of twilight encases the glorious capital of the Galactic Republic, the sleekness of the spires from the Jedi Temple peek through the darkness like a beacon of hope. The tallest tower, the Jedi Council Chamber, seemed almost endless in Coruscant's night sky, as if it were climbing past it's atmosphere and beyond any scale of infinitude. Much like this remarkable Coruscanti landmark, the war itself was lacking limits and time as the galaxy had known it; had come to an indefinite stand-still.

Beyond the luminous glow of Coruscant's beautiful skyline was a growing murkiness giving off an erroneous sensation of despair. The perception of a "Shroud of Darkness" had become more than just a mere glance of insight, for it was felt by those who were gifted in the ways of the Force. Of course, some more than others. For some, it was no more than a twang of a vibration. For others, it was as if the air had become so viscid that it could be sliced with ones' saber. And so it was, for a particular young Jedi, one who had once described the Naboo swampland air as "thick with damp," like breathing thick soup, a cold soup. Only this time Anakin wasn't trying to adjust his body to the cool Coruscanti temperatures. It was an all-together different kind of coldness.

"When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them."

As Anakin tried to do just that, he couldn't shake away the uncanny similarity of this chilling sensation. For he felt this way before, only oddly enough, it was becoming far more frequent and in familiar surroundings. In fact, it was quite unsettling for Anakin Skywalker. Again he drifted off to early times, before his so called training.
"Always Remember, Your focus determines your Reality."

If only Qui-Gon Jinn was still a Jedi Master, even so, alive. Anakin ran his fingers through his ragged, sandy blonde hair as he stood outside the Council's chamber. He winced quietly to himself after examining his hands as he crossed them over his broadening chest. A few strands of wavy blonde curls were tangled between the mechanical knuckles of his fingers, reminding him of how badly overdue he was for a trim. Being away at war left little to no time for personal grooming and one's appearance became just as rugged as the battles themselves.

As minor mental notes, such as hygiene, began to fade from Anakin's mind another nag took hold of his thoughts, gaining his full attention. A powerful new Dark Force, by the name of Asajj Ventress had become a haunting memory as of late. Sleep had never come easily for Anakin, restless and tormented by unexplained visions which had washed over him ever since he could remember. Now he fought with another nightmare, only this one was a reality that repeatedly intruded upon his slumber.

Her strength baffled him, especially her knoweledge in the ways of the Force. It was as if he had met his match, not so much in battle as opponents, but in their hunger for something more...more powerful. The very thought of this similarity, a shared desire, a yearning for limitless resistance, sent a frigid sensation through Anakin's veins; fear.

"Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate...leads to suffering."

Shaking his head in frustration, taking the palms of his hands Anakin rubbed his tired eyes as if the simple motion could rid him of his feelings. Calling upon the Force, Anakin breathed deeply trying to cleanse the darkness that had crept inside his fatigued mind. Releasing his anxieties as he exhaled, focusing on the positive and purging the negative he found his center, a focal point, an object of peace, his true desire; Padme`. Opening his eyes, he regained normal respiratory rhythm and a calmness soothed his consciousness. A sly smirk was revealed on his viscous lips as he reveled in intimate memories of secluded rendezvous with the beautiful Senator Amidala; his wife. Lost in blissful reminiscence, Anakin fumbled with a trinket tucked safely away in the pocket of his utility belt. As he placed the small bump around his flesh fingertips the smirk that graced this hero's face grew into a full blown smile of pride. In his brief, basking moment of joy, life had it's way of dulling the mood with interruptions of reality.
"Anakin, the council is ready to see you now."

Turning his head, Anakin saw his Master, Obi-wan peering from around the corner of the chamber door. He nodded in response and made his way down the hall. As he crossed the threshold he secured the object deep down in the dark, secret pouch. Before clearing his mind to face his Masters, he patted the tiny lump in his belt..."It's not the stars like I promised, just pieces of scrap metal from 3PO...pieces of my heart."