Note 1: This is only my second fanfiction work. Please read and review. I hope you guys enjoy this venture into this Verse.

Note 2: I've always wanted to write about Anakin's journey to the afterlife following the Return of the Jedi. This takes place after Darth Vader dies and Anakin Skywalker is reborn in the Force.

Note 3: Star Wars and its affiliates do not belong to me, only the contents of this Verse.

Note 4: Thank you to my beta reader TACAitsH. Some people are gifted writers, but others are gifted editors! Thank you for all of your support, you are truly invaluable to my work.

Soul's Scars

Chapter 1: Arrival

By: WrittinInStone

The first thing Anakin noticed when he woke was the seemingly infinite vastness of gray and the absolute silence permeating the air.

For a moment he lay where he was, confused. Where was he and how had he gotten here? Before the thought left his mind, memories began to wash over him. They were memories of a battle on the Death Star, memories of the death of the Emperor in a brilliant display of blue lightning; they were memories of the face of Luke, his son, as death finally claimed him…he was dead.

Anakin lay there a moment longer before he got to his feet. Slowly he did a 360° turn, looking all around him. Gray: there was nothing but gray and it was everywhere. Anakin stood there, unsure of what to do. Should he stay where he was, or should he go? Staying did not seem like an option, as there was nothing where he was. Yet leaving did not seem viable either. Everything looked the same and everyplace seemed to lead nowhere.

Anakin hesitated and then took a step forward. His eyes widened as he immediately felt a pull on his body. He took another step and his body tugged at him, so he began to follow where his feet led. It never occurred to Anakin not to go; the presence leading him seemed benevolent somehow, as though it meant him no harm.

After walking for what seemed like no time at all, he perceived bright light of white in the distance, piercing the oppressive grayness. Smiling, Anakin began toward the light. He frowned as his body began to pull him in the opposite direction. He clenched his teeth and fought against his body to reach the white light; it emitted from a large white door of ivory and gold. It was the most beautiful thing that the Jedi had ever seen. Anakin paused in dismay as the pull on his body became painful. Then, with the strength of his will, he dismissed the pain and continued on. If there was anything that he had learned in his life, it was to endure pain.

As he moved closer to the door, he began to feel a warmth wash over him. Anakin inhaled softly at the sensation as it flowed over his body, washing over him and filling every fiber of his being. It felt like…peace…and rest. Anakin did not understand this. He was a Jedi again; he had defeated the Emperor and brought balance to the Force. Wasn't this the place for him, did he not deserve peace? But as he continued on, a shadow grew in his heart and memories of his life began to flash before his eyes.

He was marching on the Jedi Temple, an army of clones behind him. He knew what he was there to do, what he had to do for Padmé. The cost to his soul did not matter; all that mattered was that the Jedi had to die in order for Padmé to live.

He ripped through the Temple like a plague, slaying every Jedi he came across, sparing no one in his path. He killed until he came upon the training room containing the Younglings. He entered the room, the hood of his cloak covering his head and shielding his yellow eyes from sight. He watched as a Youngling approached him, pleading for his help. He saw the young one jerk as he enabled his lightsaber; saw the horror of disbelief and surprise dawn on his young face as he realized that death and not salvation had entered the room.

He would never forget their faces as he slew them without mercy. They did not try to run, did not even plead, they simply watched him with wide eyes as he slaughtered them as though they were little more than animals, much like he had decimated the village of Sand People so long ago on Tatooine…

Anakin clutched his heart as a pain unlike any he had ever experienced flooded his body. The faces of the Younglings, the Jedi, all those he had murdered flashed through his mind with dizzying speed until he couldn't breath. He sank to his knees as agony overwhelmed him. Through the haze of pain, he looked upon the white door, and its warm lights mocked him with its promise of peace.

Pulling on the last reserves of his strength, Anakin turned away and ran where his body urged him, far away from the white door with gold and ivory adornment. Breathing gradually became easier as he put more distance between himself and the door. When the pain had completely subsided, Anakin turned toward the door once more. This was not the place for him; Anakin could see that now. Gazing at the door a moment longer, he turned and began his journey anew, more determined now than ever to reach the place that would give him peace.

End of 1st Chapter: I hoped you guys liked this, if you did, please review.

2nd Chapter: Felix: Anakin meets a young man who shows him the path to redemption.