(281 AC - Westeros)
According to what little information Anakin has received about his father, he was a man shrouded in mystery.
Many people held the belief that Prince Rhaegar Targaryen possessed all the requisite qualities to be an exceptional king, succeeding his father's throne. Nevertheless, this perception shifted as King Aerys II delved into madness, resulting in Rhaegar becoming reclusive and melancholic. He closed himself off from others, including his wife and Anakin's mother, Elia Martell.
The ultimate decisive element revolved around Rhaegar allegedly taking Lyanna Stark against her will and the subsequent vanishing of both individuals.
Also referred to as the War of the Usurper by Targaryen loyalists, the culmination of events became known as 'Robert's Rebellion'. The rebellion was a major civil war in the history of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, it marked the end of the Targaryen monarchy's 280-year reign.
Lyanna's older brother, Brandon Stark, and their father, Rickard Stark, acted on impulse and rode to King's Landing. However, instead of finding justice, they were both arrested and barbarically executed by King Aerys II. They were both burned alive in the middle of the throne room as 'The Mad King' Aerys laughed at their demise.
Due to the king's murder of the Starks, the new Lord of Winterfell, Eddard (Ned) Stark, raises the banners of the North against 'The Mad King'. Robert Baratheon, Lord of Storm's End and betrothed to Lyanna, joins the rebellion, raising the banners of the Stormlands. Lord Jon Arryn, a mentor to both Robert and Ned, does the same in the Vale.
The Stark, Tully, and Arryn armies begin gathering north of the Trident, but Robert's forces are cut off far to the south. Leaving his brother Stannis to hold Storm's End, Robert marches his army northwest through enemy territory.
Robert is defeated at the Battle of Ashford by Tyrell forces loyal to the king, but later joins up with the Northern and Vale armies at the Battle of the Bells.
The combined rebel armies cross the north side of the Trident and both sides consolidate for a major showdown.
Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun, who had planned to marry his daughter (Catelyn Tully) to Brandon Stark, instead agrees to marry her to Ned in exchange for his support in war. In addition, Hoster marries his second daughter Lysa Tully to Jon Arryn to shore up the alliance. All four are wed in a double marriage ceremony at Riverrun before the rebel armies depart once again.
Anakin's father, Prince Rhaegar, leads a royalist army to directly engage the rebels, but is defeated at the climactic Battle of the Trident, in which he is killed in personal combat by Robert Baratheon himself.
As the rebel forces close in on victory, King Aerys II makes the decision to send his last surviving son Viserys and his pregnant wife Queen Rhaella to seek refuge on the ancestral Targaryen stronghold, Dragonstone.
In an effort to preserve his bloodline, King Aerys II also commands them to take Elia Martell's one-year-old son, Anakin Targaryen, who is the firstborn son of Crown-Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, and true heir to the Iron Throne. This leaves behind his mother and three-year-old sister, Rhaenys Targaryen, as pawns to secure the loyalty of House Martell.
With Rhaegar dead, lords who had been undecided about which side to join now abandon The Mad King.
Upon the arrival of Lord Tywin Lannister's army at King's Landing, their stated mission is to defend the city. However, once the gates are opened, the Lannisters launch a brutal attack and pillage the city.
In the chaos, King Aerys II is killed by his own Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister, Tywin's eldest son. This act earns Jaime the infamous moniker of 'The Kingslayer'.
In the wake of the Lannisters' victory, Robert Baratheon, who has familial ties to House Targaryen, is declared the new King of the Seven Kingdoms.
After the death of Lyanna Stark, who was intended to marry Robert, he instead wed Cersei Lannister, Tywin's daughter, to solidify their alliance and cement the downfall of the Targaryens.
On Dragonstone, Queen Rhaella dies giving birth to her daughter, Daenerys Targaryen. During her birth a great storm wrecks what is left of the Targaryen fleet anchored at Dragonstone, for which she is named 'Daenerys Stormborn'.
Realizing the rebels will arrive soon, Targaryen loyalists smuggle the remaining heirs: Viserys, Daenerys and Anakin, to safety in the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea on the continent of Essos, where they will remain in exile.
(287 AC - Braavos)
Following the death of Queen Rhaella, it was Ser Willem Darry, a knight of House Darry who remained loyal to House Targaryen during Robert's Rebellion, who secretly transported them to Essos.
Ser Willem and the Targaryen children settled in Braavos, living in a house that Anakin could only recall as having a red door.
Braavos is one of the Free Cities located to the east of Westeros. This city is the furthest north, the wealthiest, and possibly the mightiest of all the Free Cities.
Described as a city of seafarers and master swordsmen, Braavos is made up of numerous small islands connected by stone bridges. Its main landmarks include: the Titan of Braavos, the House of Black and White and the city's famed Iron Bank.
While in Braavos, Ser Willem is visited by Prince Oberyn Martell from the desert kingdom of Dorne, and together, with the Sealord of Braavos as witness, they signed a pact promising that Anakin Targaryen would one day wed Princess Arianne Martell in return for the support of Dorne in winning Anakin the Iron Throne.
Unfortunately, not long thereafter, Ser Willem became afflicted with a debilitating disease, leaving the Targaryen heirs without any guardians.
At a young age and with little comprehension, Anakin managed to inherit all the wisdom of Ser Willem before his death and looked up to him as a fatherly figure.
Given his weakened state, Ser Willem had a limited amount of physical training to impart onto Anakin, however, he was the one to first teach him about the art of swordsmanship.
Willem's most notable observation was that despite his young age, Anakin possessed a remarkable intelligence that far surpassed what one would expect. This was evident in his exceptional proficiency in picking up different languages in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Anakin's linguistic capabilities impressed everyone who knew him, especially Daenerys, who expressed a strong desire to learn High Valyrian from him one day.
Ser Willem expresses concern over the fact that Anakin's intelligence, passionate, and curious nature may lead him into perilous circumstances. Anakin has a tendency to act hastily and his insatiable curiosity often puts him in harm's way.
At just seven years old, Anakin outshines his own uncle Viserys, who is six years his senior, in terms of mental acuity.
After Ser Willem passed away, the household servants took advantage of the situation by stealing their money and belongings, leaving the family with no choice but to live as beggars on the streets. Upon realizing that they could no longer gain anything from the Targaryens, the servants callously threw them out onto the harsh and unforgiving streets.
One day, while Anakin was panhandling on the streets, he caught sight of a peculiar ship touching down in the distant harbor. This vessel was unlike any he had encountered previously in Braavos.
As he drew nearer, he observed a gang of ominous pirates disembarking from the ship. Unable to resist his inquisitive nature, Anakin impulsively crept closer to investigate, distancing himself from Daenerys and Viserys.
In sheer terror, he watched as the group of men killed innocents and apprehended unsuspecting civilians and bound them with chains. A surge of dread coursed through him as he recognized them as slavers, notorious for abducting innocent individuals and trafficking them as slaves in the further east of Essos. His panic peaked as one of the slavers snatched him and forced him into shackles as well.
Filled with fear, he had no idea what fate awaited him as he was tossed into the dark confines of the lower deck while the ship sailed through the vast ocean.
Anakin's mind was consumed with apprehension about his Uncle and Aunt, unable to rid himself of their memories.
Despite Viserys' tendency to be bothersome, they had formed a strong bond as they were all they had in the world. On the other hand, Daenerys swiftly became his confidant and with their similar ages, their conversations flowed effortlessly. He couldn't stop thinking if they were searching for him and if they were concerned for his well-being.
Following what felt like an eternity, enduring the cramped and unsanitary conditions aboard the ship, they at last arrived at the coastline of a sandy beach. Anakin detested sand, but luckily, they were directed towards the more verdant, less sandy regions closer to the harbors.
As Anakin followed his captors, they brought him to a sprawling marketplace filled with other enslaved individuals - men, women, and children alike. His spirits plummeted as he came to the realization that he was nothing more than a commodity to be sold.
The continent of Essos, situated across the Narrow Sea, presents a stark contrast to Westeros with its widespread practice of slavery. This cruel form of large-scale chattel slavery has been deeply ingrained in Essos for centuries, dating back to the very beginnings of recorded civilization. The few pockets in Essos where slavery is not prevalent are outnumbered by the countless regions where it reigns supreme. So deeply rooted is this abhorrent institution that slaves are often treated as a means of exchange rather than human beings. In fact, the slave trade is one of the cornerstones of Essos' economy.
Anakin was taken captive by a group of slavers, commanded by a man called Malko. They later sold him to a rich youth named Hizdahr zo Loraq.
In this area, Anakin's distinct looks, including his white hair and purple eyes, immediately caught attention. Hizdahr was captivated by his rare features and opted to purchase him as a household servant for his mother, Zahrina zo Loraq.
Hizdahr hails from Meereen, a city situated on the shores of Slaver's Bay, and is known as a trader of human slaves. He is also a member of the House of Loraq, a lineage of long-standing and esteemed slavers.
(294 AC - Meereen)
Meereen is the northernmost and greatest of the three great city-states in Slaver's Bay, north of Yunkai and Astapor. It is located at the mouth of the Skahazadhan River, which flows from its origins in Lhazar through the mountains separating Meereen and the rest of Slaver's Bay from the Red Waste. The Dothraki Sea lies to the north, beyond the river.
The walls of Meereen are superior in height compared to both Yunkai and Astapor. They are also built thicker than Astapor's walls and are more meticulously maintained than those of Yunkai. These mighty walls are adorned with bastions and fortified with impressive defensive towers at every corner.
The northern wall of the city follows the course of the Skahazadhan river, while the western edge is nestled against the bay's shoreline. Notably, the river wall stands a few feet taller than the rest. Adorning the walls are rows of bronze harpy heads, with menacing open mouths, poised to pour down boiling oil onto any hapless invaders below.
Within the city, one can find a maze of narrow and winding alleys, as well as broad brick streets. The landscape is adorned with temples, granaries, hovels, palaces, brothels, baths, gardens, fountains, and fighting pits, each adding to the unique character of Meereen.
Olives grow along the shores of Slaver's Bay. On the terraces of Meereen's pyramids grow night-blooming flowers, lemon trees, and persimmon trees. Multiple farmer's fields and wells can be found near the city. Numerous plants, including waspwillow, dusky roses, wild mint, lady's lace, daggerleaf, broom, prickly ben, and harpy's gold can be found beside the coastal road leading from Yunkai to Meereen.
The Meereenese are a sly and stubborn people, who speak a bastard form of High Valyrian, blended with Old Ghiscari. They use the styles of 'Your Worship', 'Magnificence', and 'His Radiance' to address their royalty.
The city of Meereen is under the control of the Great Masters, who are part of the historic slaver families and live in opulent pyramid palaces. These wealthy and influential families consist of: Dhazak, Galare, Ghazeen, Hazkar, Kandaq, Loraq, Merreq, Naqqan, Pahl, Quazzar, Reznak, Rhazdar, Uhlez, Yherizan, and Zhak households. The wealthiest individual in Meereen is a member of House Pahl, and another Pahl member leads the city's guard. Some nobles, like Zhak and Merreq, have estates in the hills.
At the center of Meereen's central plaza stands the Great Pyramid, towering at a staggering height of eight-hundred feet. It is without a doubt the grandest of all the pyramids in the city. Other pyramids pale in comparison, with scores of them scattered throughout the city, none of them coming close to the Great Pyramid in size or magnificence. The Great Pyramid stands tall with a magnificent bronze harpy perched atop its apex.
Each pyramid reflects the colors of the noble house residing within; the pink-and-white Pahl pyramid, the green-and-black Naqqan pyramid, the yellow-and-green Rhazdar pyramid and so on. Among these majestic structures, the most modest is said to be the pyramid of Kandaq.
The poorer districts of the city are positioned between the pyramids, while the city's waste is carried away through large brick sewers into the Skahazadhan. These sewers are secured with iron gates, though some have fallen victim to rust over time. Unsurprisingly, the Meereenese do not drink from the river, but instead rely on water from wells.
On the same side of the pyramid lies the Temple of the Graces, which serves as the residence of the priestesses of Meereen. Dominating the skyline with its glittering golden domes, the temple is an impressive sight to behold.
In the Plaza of Purification, a grand bronze harpy stands tall as a symbol of the city's power and authority. Meereen boasts a variety of markets, such as the spice market where the popular Purple Lotus can be found, near the pyramid of Rhazdar. Another notable location in Meereen is Mazdhan's Maze, a labyrinthine structure that is sure to challenge even the most skilled navigators.
At the city's western gate, there is a bustling market square, where one can find the ancient Slave Exchange, the merchant's arcade, and the striking bronze statue of the Chainmaker. Nearby, the Great Masters have erected a grim monument known as the Spire of Skulls, a reminder of their brutal rule over the city.
In the beginning, Lady Zahrina zo Loraq (Hizdhar's mother) developed a fondness for Anakin. She often called him 'the pretty one', rarely bothering to address him by name.
His wavy, neck-length white hair parted on the right and his stunning violet eyes captured her attention, as she was enchanted by his angelic appearance.
Due to this, Anakin has dedicated the following seven years to laboring alongside fellow slaves, caring for livestock, tidying up, and fulfilling duties within the masters' abodes.
He displayed a knack for designing, constructing, and creating contraptions that entertained his new 'masters', producing a variety of objects ranging from delicate ornaments to elaborate stone depictions. Despite his ingenuity, his resourcefulness was often hampered by the limited supplies granted to him by the masters.
From the moment he arrived, Anakin had fantasized about breaking free from his life of enslavement and being reunited with his loved ones, the memories of Daenerys and Viserys slowly fading away with each passing day. In light of the constant surveillance and the restrictive collar around his neck, the idea still seemed like an unattainable dream. As Anakin aged, he yearned to flee from the pyramid palace that acted as the dwelling for House Loraq.
He had been unsuccessful in forming any connections with his fellow slaves, as they resented his favored standing among the masters.
Anakin did not hold a grudge against them, as he had personally witnessed the mistreatment and even torture they endured. He sympathized with their agony and detested the repugnant practice of slavery.
The constant ordering around and objectification by the aristocrats had become unbearable for him. It was exacerbated by the constant sight of other slaves being abused, and at times, he even experienced it himself. The majority of abuse he endured was inflicted by Faiz zo Loraq (Hizdahr's father).
Anakin devised a scheme to flee from his master and leave behind the city which had been his residence for what felt like most of his life now.
Gathering his meager possessions, he patiently waited until the cover of night. When the opportune moment arrived, he stealthily snuck out of the cramped slave lodgings and proceeded towards the harbor. The young boy knew he had to exercise caution to avoid detection by the city's authorities.
As he navigated through the dimly lit streets, Anakin couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration and optimism. He was finally taking control of his own fate. Despite being unsure of his destination or future plans, anything was preferable to remaining in bondage.
Suddenly, he heard a loud commotion behind him. Swiveling around, Anakin saw a band of guards, led by Faiz zo Loraq, in hot pursuit. In that moment, his heart heavy with disappointment, he comprehended that his escape had been uncovered.
Sprinting as fast as he could, he frantically attempted to flee the city before being captured. However, the guards were quicker and managed to apprehend him. Anakin felt his heart quicken as he braced himself for the repercussions of his failed escape.
However, thanks to Hizdahr's convincing, his life was spared and he dodged certain death that night. Hizdahr's compassionate nature set him apart from most slave masters and nobles Anakin has encountered, as he always avoided unnecessary acts of brutality, making him a rare find in Meereen. His father was not so benevolent.
At 14 name-days, Anakin is eligible to be tried in the fighting pits. However, this notion was opposed by Faiz, who feared that the young and inexperienced Anakin would bring dishonor to their family by dying quickly in battle.
Despite this, Hizdahr implores his father to change his mind, suggesting that Anakin could be used as a slave in the smaller arenas. It was clear that Hizdahr had grown fond of Anakin and was resolute in ensuring his continued existence.
Anakin himself wasn't very optimistic, having only heard tales of the brutal fighting pits of Meereen, none of which instilled him with much hope.
There are numerous fighting pits scattered throughout the city of Meereen, including Daznak's Pit, the Pit of Ghrazz, and the Golden Pit. The largest among them is Daznak's Pit, located to the west of the Great Pyramid.
During his imprisonment, Hizdahr zo Loraq informs Anakin that he must join their ranks and engage in combat at the notorious Pit of Ghrazz, one of three arenas in Meereen. If he refuses, he will face execution for his failed attempt at escape.
The fighting pits of Meereen are a deeply religious arena, where combat serves as a means of honoring the gods of Ghis.
Amongst the spectators, bravery, expertise, and physical prowess are highly esteemed and celebrated. The victorious warriors are praised and rewarded, while those who fall in battle are memorialized and their names etched on the Gates of Fate alongside other revered heroes.
In addition to being a place of glory, the pits also serve as a form of punishment for criminals who may face death as a result of their actions. For them, the pits offer a final opportunity to prove their innocence through trial by combat.
The night before his first battle in the pits, Anakin remained wide awake in his cell, unable to succumb to slumber. As he eventually drifted off, he was abruptly overtaken by a vision - or rather, a horrific nightmare. In this harrowing dream, he was engulfed in blazing flames and tortured by intense agony.
As he regained consciousness, he realized he was standing in a desolate hallway.
The sudden lack of confinement surprised him, but he didn't give it much thought as he cautiously navigated the dim passageway. At one juncture, a radiant beam of blue light caught his attention, emanating from the direction he was heading.
When he enters the room, a bathhouse-like atmosphere surrounds him. However, what he sees makes him quiver in fear. A transparent apparition, radiating a hue reminiscent of pristine sea water, appears before his eyes.
Without thinking, he contemplates running away in fear. However, an inexplicable force holds him in place, mesmerized. The figure resembles an aged man with a beard on his face.
"Anakin, it has been quite some time. I must say, you appear strikingly altered with your white locks and violet eyes. Quite a transformation," remarked the spirit in a composed tone.
"Who are you? How do you know my name?" Anakin asks the ghost.
"I go by the name of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but you may address me as Ben if you please. It's much simpler that way, don't you agree?" He answers as Anakin nears. He lifts his arm in an effort to reach the apparition, but his hand simply goes right through it.
"Are you finished?" asked Obi-Wan, a touch of amusement present in his tone.
"What are you?" Anakin asked, still captivated by the specter.
Obi-wan responds with a small laugh, stating that while the Force may operate mysteriously, his old friend remains as curious as ever.
"You know who I am?" inquired Anakin, as his terror towards the apparition began to fade away.
Upon further inspection, Obi-Wan takes on the task of elucidating the fundamental characteristics encompassing his existence. A spectral entity imbued with the powers of the force: the incorporeal manifestation of a departed individual attuned to the force, retaining the ability to engage with the living.
"What's the force?" curiosity sparked within Anakin as he pondered why this particular word caught his attention among the rest.
"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together, connecting all living beings and objects. It is within us and around us, giving us life and connecting us all to each other. Through the force, we can sense the world around us and understand the connections between all living things," Obi-Wan explains to an awestruck Anakin who is taking this all in as best he can. "However, with this understanding comes great power and control. Those who are strong in the force can tap into this energy and use it to enhance their physical and mental abilities. But the force is not just about control and power. It also teaches us about balance and harmony. The force is made up of two sides, the light and the dark. The light represents peace, knowledge, and selflessness, while the dark represents fear, anger, and aggression. Are you prepared for what you may have to do?" his curiosity piqued as he sought to uncover whether Anakin aligned more closely with the light or dark side of the force.
"I don't want to kill anyone. But I don't want to die. I hate the masters for making me do this," Anakin admits with sincerity.
"Hate is a strong emotion. It is important to find balance within ourselves and within the force. We must learn to control our emotions and not let them control us. As you continue to grow, you will improve in the ways of the force, you will learn to channel and harness its power. But always remember, the force is a tool, and it is up to you to use it for good or for ill. In the end, it is not the power of the force that matters, but rather how we choose to use it. May the force be with you, my friend. Use it wisely, for your fate may depend on it."
Right as he was on the verge of searching for more clarification, the ghost gradually disappeared. Its final words to Anakin were, "We shall meet again."
Anakin's thoughts are flooded with numerous unanswered inquiries, as this verbose explanation left many things still unanswered.
"I must be going mad," Anakin mutters as he stands alone in an empty room, his words falling on deaf ears. His thoughts seem to be deceiving him, making him doubt his own sanity.
Before Anakin has the chance to ponder his precise location, he suddenly hears a conspicuous, labored sound of inhaling and exhaling originating from the doorway he initially entered from.
The atmosphere is cloaked in obscurity, and his intuition implores him to avoid it, yet he is inexplicably compelled towards the noise, as if it is summoning him.
As he approaches the origin, the labored breath suddenly stops, and he becomes aware of two glowing lights in shades of green and red. Without warning, the rushed breathing returns, more agitated than before, and a shape materializes from the darkness.
The individual is shrouded in an all-black ensemble, donning a menacing cape, a chilling black mask, and the sparkling green and red lights radiating from their torso.
Upon seeing the man activate his brilliant crimson red sword, Anakin stumbles backwards. The fiery blade strikes him with such force that he is left speechless and unable to utter a single word before being defeated by the blazing weapon.
Suddenly, Anakin is jolted awake and realizes he is still imprisoned in his cell alone.
Coming to the realization that it had merely been a figment of his imagination, he collects his thoughts and attempts to make sense of why the dream had seemed so vivid and authentic.
Upon arriving at the pits the next morning, he suddenly realized that his nerves had been justified. With no delay, he was immediately restrained and marched alongside other combat-slaves to a chamber for holding.
Adorned in humble attire fit for a slave, Anakin is clad in basic garments. A rugged jacket or tunic secured by a cinched belt, paired with trousers and sand shoes, completes his outfit. However, the one item he detests is his obligatory slave collar.
Taking note of his lack of armor, he can't help but wonder if the other slaves have encountered this situation before or were ready for it in advance, unlike him.
When they reach the holding chambers, even though he was not among the first ones to be summoned for battle, the moment he catches the sound of swords clashing, the shouts of soldiers, and the applause of the audience, he stands up from his spot to get a better view of the intense clashes happening in the arena.
Anakin looks on and witnesses men ruthlessly slaughtering other men purely for the amusement of the ruling elite.
As blood splatters out of men and onto the sandy ground, Anakin feels lightheaded and his legs grow weak. 'Well, this is just perfect,' Anakin sarcastically muses to himself. Living most of his life in sandy surroundings, it is ironic that he despises the feeling of sand.
Anakin, who lacks experience in taking lives and possesses only a rudimentary understanding of sword fighting taught by Ser Willem, nears the exhibit of weaponry designated for slaves before their entry into the pits.
He shuts his eyes tightly and reaches out towards the variety of weapons before him, channeling his energy into a steady stream of controlled breaths. As he continues to take in and expel air, he feels a subtle tug, as though his inner instinct is directing him towards a particular weapon.
Gently, he wraps his fingers around the object and slowly opens his eyes, revealing a traditional castle-forged steel sword in his hand. Its handle is coated in an elegant matte black finish, completing its appearance with a smooth round pommel and a modest crossguard.
While grasping the sword, which is both lightweight and lengthy, he experiences a heightened level of perception and becomes more attuned to his environment.
Mentally, he begins to prepare himself for the events that lie ahead.
The moment of truth arrives and Anakin receives his summons and stands among seven other fighters. They are then paraded before a cheering crowd sitting in the stands above, the smell of blood permeating the air around them.
Before the battle begins, a giant horn is sounded and the slaves are obliged to kneel and show their 'respect' to the nobles at the center of the stands.
As the horn resounds, Anakin takes in his surroundings and notices that all seven other participants have immersed themselves in their own personal battles. Upon this realization, he redirects his attention to his left and notices a middle-age man with a rough beard and donning lightweight armor, approaching him with an ax.
Despite his desire to run, he finds himself rooted to the spot, captivated by the man who to his eyes appears to be advancing towards him in slow-motion.
Anakin's gut instinct prompts him to deflect the incoming strike with his blade, causing the man to stumble. With his sword still raised, Anakin watches as the man regains his footing and turns his attention back to him, clearly taken aback by his ability to defend himself. The man repeatedly swings his weapon, only for Anakin to dodge and proceed to engage in a blade-lock with the ax-wielding man.
As if it were muscle memory, he effortlessly spins his blade with a flick of his wrist, cutting off the man's hand and causing him to fall onto his behind.
"Please! Wait! Wait!" The man pleads as Anakin stands over him menacingly. Anakin halts his actions to listen, yet quickly grasps that the man is merely buying time to retrieve a tiny blade from his pocket, using his remaining hand.
Almost instinctively, he responds and wields his sword in a swift arc, slicing the man's face in half with precision.
As Anakin confronts yet another adversary â" this time a male armed with a shield and spear, clad in light armor and approaching him in a menacing manner â" he is unable to pause and contemplate his first encounter with taking a life.
The man holding a spear thrusts it towards Anakin. In a similar fashion to before, Anakin swiftly deflects the attack to the side.
His opponent, however, stays unfazed and immediately redirects his focus to Anakin. He manages to keep a safe distance between them with the spear.
Despite his efforts, Anakin is unable to close the gap between them due to the spear acting as a barrier. However, when a chance presents itself, Anakin takes hold of the spear and engages in a struggle with his opponent. His superior strength easily overpowers the man, causing him to lose his grip and witness his spear being hurled away.
With newfound determination, Anakin steadily moves forward, closing the gap between himself and the man who brandishes his raised shield as a makeshift weapon.
Anakin held his breath as he drove his sword into the man's vulnerable chest. The man collapsed, dragging Anakin down with him to the ground. In his final moments, Anakin was forced to meet his opponent's gaze as the light faded from their eyes.
Anakin attempts to contemplate his recent actions, his mind consumed with storm and confusion. But just as he begins to grapple with it all, he becomes aware of the solitary enemy remaining, who is gaining encouragement from the spectators.
It dawned on him that numerous adversaries he has faced have been coerced into battle, but this individual appeared to have accepted his role all too willingly. And yet, despite the reluctance in his heart, Anakin understands that in order to ensure his own survival, he must eliminate this man, who has no say in the situation just as he himself does.
As the darkness consumes him, he readies himself to confront his final adversary, a lightly clad foe wielding twin swords. Thoughts of intense anger towards his oppressors dominate his mind.
Anakin and his opponent engage in a fierce battle, with Anakin taking on a mostly defensive role as he deftly deflects the strikes coming his way.
Eventually, he successfully disarms his opponent and then swiftly delivers a diagonal cut from the opponent's shoulder down to their rib, effectively splitting them into two pieces.
In awe of the lone survivor, the audience falls into a hushed silence. The sight of a mere young boy emerging victorious caught them off guard.
Despite the surprise, they erupt into cheers for Anakin as he stands tall, while his eyes meet those of Hizdahr and his father, who seem even more astonished by his success than he himself is.
Without a doubt, Faiz zo Loraq was content with his display, showing no hesitation to cheer for the boy. On the other hand, Hizdahr was thoroughly surprised by Anakin's mastery of the sword, recognizing that he was much more skilled than previously believed.
After the battles Faiz eagerly brings Anakin back into his fold and notifies the boy that consistent success in the fighting pits will result in exclusive privileges, surpassing those of any other slave. Anakin feels compelled to comply with Faiz's demands, seeing or unable to come up with an alternative at the moment.
His innermost desires lead him to consider using the same weapon he used to eliminate the previous men on Faiz. His anger verges on hatred, if it is not already there.
Despite tempting offers of wine, whores, improved bedding and meals, Anakin chooses to resist indulging in these vices. Although he enjoyed the lavish beds and delicious food, he couldn't get his mind off overthrowing the Great Masters of Meereen and ending slavery. He had discovered a newfound strength within himself and was determined to use it to fight for his beliefs.
Ever since he had that dream, his visions have become increasingly powerful, almost bordering on premonitions. He could foresee the battles he would partake in and the people he would eventually meet. Above all, he has become more attuned to the living force that surrounds him.
Ever since Anakin learned about his strong connection to the force, he has been strategizing a scheme to ignite a rebellion that would free the subjugated inhabitants of Meereen.
Nevertheless, he encounters difficulties while considering the other cities of Astapor and Yunkai where slavery also thrives. Anakin is cognizant that if a revolt were to erupt in the area, these two neighboring cities would be the first ones to seize the opportunity and exploit it for their own benefit.
Anakin's goal can only be achieved through rallying a following, which he knows how to do in only one way.
Within the year, he has earned a formidable reputation in the fighting pits, solidifying himself as the leading contender in Meereen.
This remarkable achievement has not gone unnoticed, as it has garnered the attention not only of numerous prominent masters, but also of slaves throughout the entire city.
(295 AC - Meereen)
It has been several months since Anakin was first exposed to the brutal fighting arenas, but today marks a turning point.
Standing before the Great Masters, he prepares to pay his 'respects' alongside seven other participants.
Anakin knows that the decision he is about to make could lead to his demise or earn him the admiration he needs. But to him, either result is preferable to the wretched existence he currently endures.
Today Anakin was fighting in the Daznak's Pit, the largest of all the arenas, located west from the Great Pyramid.
As the blaring horn resonates, signifying the commencement of the skirmish, Anakin leaps into action.
The arena echoes with exultant onlookers as the contest unfolds in the customary fashion, individuals embroiled in their own distinct clashes, yet Anakin devises a strategy to disperse them all.
His opponent prepares to attack as he stays completely motionless, shutting his eyes and bringing his hands near his chest. Holding his breath, he prepares for what comes next. With a sudden release, he finally extends his arms, a tremendous force erupts from within him, propelling his foes far from his reach.
As the powerful assault from Anakin rages on, the onlookers in the stands, which includes his masters Faiz zo Loraq and his son Hizdahr, cannot escape the impact. The swirling clouds of sand in the arena serve as evidence of the forceful attack.
Fully immersed in the intense action, Anakin viciously beheads the first man within his reach, leaving the onlookers in awe. But the melee does not cease there; with deadly precision, he slices through the abdomen of his next adversary, eliciting a gruesome display of entrails. Without a moment's pause, he charges towards the third challenger, thrusting his blade into the man's torso after a brief sword duel.
In mere seconds, Anakin has vanquished three of the eight competitors, leaving the spectators speechless and anticipating his next move.
Anakin's determination to vanquish all his adversaries alone is evident to both the slaves and onlookers in the arena. As a result, the remaining four fighters unite and encircle him.
As he stares out at the stands, Anakin notices that most of the spectators are on their feet, even the servant-slaves who seem confused by his show of power.
Encircled by four figures brandishing swords and shields while clad in light armor, Anakin faces no hesitation as they advance towards him. However, his swift movements allow him to leap over their heads with ease. Landing behind one of his adversaries, he deftly impales them with his sword, the sharp blade piercing through their back and emerging from their chest, causing the death of one more foe.
Anakin ultimately confronts the remaining three individuals, throwing one into the other and quickly engaging the third. He skillfully defends against his attacks and brings his sword down in a vertical strike on the thirds heads.
As there were only two left, Anakin used the force to pull one closer and swiftly decapitates him.
The onlookers are aghast by the apparent sorcery being executed by this slave. In the meantime, Anakin is on edge, and the entire crowd is left dumbfounded by his abilities.
The solitary combatant who stands alone on the war-torn battleground is overcome with fear and collapses onto his knees, pleading for mercy in a dialect of Low Valyrian. Anakin comprehends his message, as his mastery of countless languages has greatly aided him in enduring years of servitude as a slave.
As he looks up at the noble individuals placed at the center of the stands, he notices that their reaction is very much alike to that of the rest of the audience.
Despite his desire to show mercy, he still impales the man in front of him with his sword, ultimately bringing about his death.
Anakin could feel the darkside consuming him more and more with each passing moment. The desire to use the force to choke the nobles in his presence was overwhelming, but he managed to control himself.
He humbly bowed before them, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty.
Following a brief period of quiet, the solitary applause of a slave in the midst of the onlookers sparks a surge of enthusiastic cries from the crowd, causing the aristocracy to summon their guards and have them escort Anakin back to the chambers where he will be held for the foreseeable future.
Anakin makes his way through the chambers, the rest of the battle-slaves parting ways to let him through. He calmly makes his way to a seat, seemingly undisturbed by all the chaos happening around him.
The commotion of the crowd can still be heard from the holding chambers when a guard enters and calls for the next group of eight to enter the arena.
Looking at things from Anakin's perspective, everything is going exactly as he intended. His ultimate goal was to have news of his feats today spread, especially among the other slaves.
Anakin spends the next few days without any issues, albeit, he is still imprisoned in a cell following his recent battle in the pits.
'That has to count for something,' he ponders to himself as he reflects on the fact that he is still alive.
Nevertheless, his suspicions begin to arise as he becomes aware of the fact that he has not received any nourishment in the last four days. This would not be out of the ordinary if the other captives in adjacent cells were also not being provided with food, but that is not the case. It can be inferred that a high-ranking noble has explicitly requested for Anakin to go without nourishment. If this is indeed true, it implies that a significant period of time has elapsed since his fight in the pits and the nobility has something planned for him.
At dusk, Anakin finds himself lying on a straw mattress in the dim and moist confines of a jail cell.
Suddenly, Hizdahr pays him a visit. Hizdahr cautions him that his alleged use of magic has sparked chaos and disorder in the city, leading to his father's decision to surrender him for public execution.
"Tomorrow in the central plaza, you will be executed," Hizdahr informs Anakin, who is lying on a straw-bed and gazing at the ceiling.
As Anakin rises from his bed, he makes his way to the cell bars and inquires, "Do you want me to escape? Why are you telling me this?" His curiosity piqued, he wondered why Hizdahr would choose to confide in him at this particular time.
Hizdahr reveals to Anakin, "Because I know who you are, Targaryen," prompting Anakin to narrow his eyes at him in surprise. He is left to wonder how long Hizdahr has been concealing this information from him.
"I've known ever since your first battle in the arenas. I've been wondering who you were. How you moved with such grace, your use of the blade," Hizdahr discloses as if he knew what Anakin was thinking. "It all prompted me to do some investigating. After reading into your physical traits in bloodline history, I discovered the truth. Anakin Targaryen, your bloodline can be traced back to Old Valyria. The powerful House Targaryen, the house that conquered all of the Westerlands with 'Fire And Blood'...and dragons. If you believe in such things. I did not believe...until I laid eyes on you," Hizdahr reveals, acknowledging that Anakin has managed to convince many people in Meereen of his abilities.
"Do you know other Targaryens in Essos, besides myself?" Anakin's yearning for any trace of his bloodline compels him to inquire. His determination to break free from enslavement stemmed from his burning desire to be reunited with his kin. Hizdahr shakes his head, causing Anakin to drop his gaze as he questions, "Got anything else to tell me?"
Once he stands up from the stool he had been sitting on, Hizdahr presents a set of keys to Anakin. Anakin respectfully turns down the offer, but Hizdahr surreptitiously hands him the keys anyway. This unexpected act of freedom elicits a new feeling in Anakin towards a slave-trader - gratefulness, rather than his usual anger. Although he knows it is unnecessary, Anakin is grateful for the kind gesture.
"Thank you," he courteously expresses to Hizdahr as he departs the dungeons.
Once Hizdahr departs, Anakin hears a voice from the neighboring cell calling out to him. The man, dressed in rags and with a shaved head, is wearing a collar.
The man inquires, "Are you the one?" to Anakin.
"The one what?" he responded.
"The chosen one. That's what they're calling you. The other slaves," the young man clarifies.
"I'm a person and my name is Anakin," he curtly replied with venom.
"I thought I was a person once...now" the young man shares with a slight chuckle as he gestures to his collar. "Now I don't even know what I am...my name is Mossador," he introduces himself.
As Anakin approaches the bars dividing their prison cells, he scrupulously takes in the dejected and melancholy expression of the young man, evidently revealing that slavery had wreaked more havoc on him than the man was willing to reveal.
"You've got half of Meereen singing your praises. They think you're blessed by the gods. So are you?" Mossador asks Anakin.
"If I was, what would you have me do?" he responds, causing Mossador to halt and contemplate his inquiry.
Mossador responds by saying, "If you were, I would ask what you would have 'me' do."
Longing to hear these exact words, Anakin has waited patiently for the admiration of the citizens. His desire was not driven by selfish ambition, but rather as a means of inspiring oppressed slaves to unite and fight for their freedom.
As Anakin stands up from his bed and leans against the cell bars, he thinks to himself, 'it's now or never'. He then shouts out to the guards at the other end of the corridor, "Hey, you ugly bastards over there! Come here!"
As the guards approach the cell, Anakin takes a step back. Without giving them a chance to ask, he harnesses the force to yank them towards the bars, causing them to lose consciousness.
With eyes wide in amazement, Mossador and his fellow captives in the dimly lit dungeon observe as Anakin casually harnesses the power of the force to break apart the bars in front of him and forcefully separate them, freeing himself from captivity.
Shifting his position, he advances towards the cell housing Mossador, currently held captive and securely sealed. Without hesitation, he tosses the key to unlock the cells towards him.
"You asked me what I would have you do. I would have you free," Anakin clarifies to the confined youth, pondering the potential benefits of being revered as 'The Chosen One'.
Once he had successfully subdued the guards, he employed the force to forcefully remove the cell bars imprisoning the remaining slaves.
As he positions himself at the exit, the slaves emerge and congregate before him. Mossador is the first one to kneel in front of him, and he vows his fealty and devotion to Anakin. The rest of the slaves also bend the knee and give the same pledge.
"Today, I stand before you not just as a slave, but as a voice calling out for the very essence of freedom and justice that binds us all together. Our world has been marred by tyranny for too long, shackled by the chains of oppression and fear. But I tell you, the time has come for us to rise up and reclaim our destinies! Now is the day and now is the hour! Let every slave throughout the land do this, and the days of slavery are numbered. You cannot be more oppressed than you have been, you cannot suffer greater cruelties than you have already. Rather die freemen than live to be slaves. Remember that you are more!"
As Anakin speaks in Valyrian, he receives thunderous applause from the entire group of slaves and they break into a fervent chant of "Kraz! Kraz! Kraz!" This phrase holds meaning in an ancient Ghiscari dialect, meaning 'strong and powerful'.
Their united effort involved storming the dungeons, liberating all captives and looting the arsenal.
Just before dawn breaks, Anakin assumes control and leads his comrades to follow him towards the Pit of Ghrazz. Memories of his first encounter in the arena flood his mind, though they are not pleasant, they remain vivid.
He possesses unwavering belief that this is the perfect spot to find sanctuary, as it is highly unlikely for anyone to look for a former combatant slave in this barren location during this time of day.
Rather than engaging in a direct and potentially devastating conflict with the Meereen forces, Anakin devises a plan for him and his group of men, led by Mossador, to infiltrate the city disguised as slaves. Given that they were all previously enslaved, returning to their former roles should be a relatively easy task.
Over the following year they establish their headquarters in the underground sewage system and visit a slave enclosure, where a group of captives are debating the possibility of rebelling against the Great Masters.
Mossador is already attempting to persuade the other enslaved men to revolt, but the more experienced slaves argue that their past rebellions have been swiftly crushed by the powerful slavers.
"You are a fool. The masters are too strong. I want to live. You saw what they did to those children. What do you think they'll do to us?" an elder Meereen slave speaks in Valyrian. The reason for his concern was valid, as everyone bore witness to the actions of the Great Masters following the acts of rebellion and destruction.
In an attempt to intimidate Anakin, they mercilessly crucified hundreds of innocent children who were slaves. This was an especially difficult day for Anakin as he felt the power of the dark side growing inside him. If he hadn't hated the masters before, he certainly did now.
"The Chosen One will protect us. He has proven his strength by defeating the masters' champion, never having lost a battle, and we already have so much support," Mossador tries to convince his fellow slaves for Anakin.
The slaves exchanged looks before turning their eyes towards Anakin, who was lost in his own thoughts while reflecting on the atrocities the masters had inflicted on innocent children. Anakin's apparent use of sorcery was known and occasionally witnessed by all the slaves in Meereen.
"We have a great army. You want to live the rest of your days in chains?" Mossador is adamant, the opportunity to overthrow the masters may never arise.
"I've been through two slave revolts, boy. They always end the same way: the Masters in power and the slaves dead," the elder Meereenese slave sadly acknowledged. The old man served as a tragic illustration of the devastating effects of slavery on a person's spirit.
"All men must die. But I promise you, a single day of freedom is worth more than a lifetime in chains," Anakin's words in Valyrian break the silence, captivating the attention of the slaves from the so-called 'Chosen One' who emanates a menacing aura of darkness.
"I can also promise you this, if we do lose. And we all die. We will be the ones spared from the aftermath. But we won't lose," Anakin implies that even if they suffer defeat and perish, they will be exempt from the consequences of the master's cruelty.
"I didn't believe in you when I first heard. But then I witnessed you and your men plundering the grain fields, just outside the city a couple of weeks ago. Do you remember? You are blessed, of that I have no doubt? You know how to fight. We are not soldiers and we are not blessed," the senior Meereenese slave admitted, exposing his concerns about involving his fellow slaves in combat.
"We have no training, weapons," a younger slave protests.
After the slaves express their worries about lacking the skills and weapons of their oppressors, Anakin directs Mossador and his men to reveal what they have brought. Mossador and his fellow liberated slaves release the bundles from their burdened shoulders. The clash of weapons echoes as they make contact with the earth. A crowd of slaves congregates, with some cautiously grasping the swords.
"There are three slaves in this city for every Master. No one can give you your freedom, brothers. If you want it, you must take it!" Anakin reminds them that the number of slaves in the city surpasses the masters by a significant margin, compensating for their lack of training.
He delivers a powerful and concise address, motivating them to take action and seize their own freedom. He emphasizes that it is within their own hands and they must be willing to fight for it.