Anakin Shorts

Anakin Again

Genre: Friendship/Hurt/Comfort
Published: 06-11-14, Updated: 06-11-14
Chapters: 1, Words: 599

Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Eternity was a funny thing. Being one with the Force was peaceful in a way thatAnakin Skywalker never expected. It was warm and welcome. He was surrounded by people he loved and could freely watch the lives of his children and the friends they held dear. Nothing made him prouder than watching his son grow stronger in the ways of the Force; nothing hurt him more than knowing that the decisions he'd made had hindered them having any relationship until the end of his life.

Most people had forgiven him. In fact, he hadn't met a Jedi that was still bitter towards his actions. Still, he was nervous that he might run into someone who was. So he kept his eyes low. There were still certain people he hadn't met here yet, people he was afraid to meet. Obi-Wan encouraged him, but Anakin would shy away. Even here, he was himself. Still Anakin.

The fearful and angry part of him had died with Vader, but left unimaginable guilt. Now and then he'd be alone, pondering, trying to forgive himself, aware that it would take time. Time was funny here. That was another thing about eternity. He hadn't been dead long (in fact, it had only been a few days) but it was, well, eternity. Broken parts of him were still mending themselves, becoming more whole by the eternal hours. But it was a slow progress.

It was during this time when he heard a voice behind him. A female voice, accompanied by a presence warm and welcoming. At it he tensed, shocked, nervous again. "Master?" The voice repeated. In a way, he hoped she would be here. At the same time, he didn't exactly want to -couldn't bear- see her. Not after what he had done and because he was sure his time as a Sith hurt her in more ways than one. His emotions swirled, making it impossible to respond. Eventually he turned halfway to face her, questioning if she was really there.

"Ahsoka?"

She grinned that silly lopsided grin she used to give him, then she spoke,

"Took you long enough to get here, Anakin."

He looked away quickly, a lump rising in his throat. Her tone was unbearable. Yet she spoke truth. Perhaps not about dying...but he saw the underlining meaning of it. It had taken him too long to become Anakin again. How long had she waited here? Was it become of him that she'd died? Had she been waiting at all? She must have lost faith in him. Her former master had become a Sith lord. And after all that, she was still smiling at him like...nothing; like nothing had happened. It was painful, too painful.

"I'm sorry."

It was all he could think to say and he would have said it over and over again. He'd failed her in so many ways. A gentle hand laid on his arm prevented him from speaking further. "Don't," She said, "All that's in the past now." Words failed him. It was as if she'd outgrown him and, like everyone else he'd met, she's forgiven him. It seemed impossible to him, but she'd forgiven him.

For the first time in eternity, Anakin smiled.

"Welcome home, Skyguy." She said, her composer breaking as she embraced him. Relief and gratitude replaced his former fears. He hugged her back, not minding the tears spilling down their cheeks. It had been too long, but she was right. He was home.

The End.