(281 AC - Westeros)
Anakin only knows bits and pieces about his father, who was shrouded in mystery. People used to believe that Prince Rhaegar Targaryen would make an excellent king, eventually taking over for his father.
However, this changed as King Aerys II descended into madness, causing Rhaegar to become withdrawn and melancholic. He distanced himself from those around him, including his wife and Anakin's mother, Elia Martell.
The final straw was when Rhaegar allegedly kidnapped Lyanna Stark and disappeared with her. This event, known as 'Robert's Rebellion' by supporters of the Targaryens, marked the end of their 280-year reign and became a major civil war in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.
Lyanna's brother, Brandon Stark, and their father, Rickard Stark, impulsively rode to King's Landing to seek justice, but were instead brutally executed by Aerys. This sparked Eddard (Ned) Stark, now Lord of Winterfell, to rebel against the 'Mad King'.
Robert Baratheon, Lyanna's betrothed and Lord of Storm's End, also joined the rebellion, along with their mentor Jon Arryn from the Vale.
While the Stark, Tully, and Arryn armies gather in the North, Robert is stuck in the south, with his brother Stannis holding Storm's End. Despite a defeat at the Battle of Ashford, Robert later joins forces with the Northern and Vale armies to fight at the Battle of the Bells.
The rebel armies march across the northern side of the Trident, preparing for a decisive battle. As they set up camp, Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun alters his original plans to marry his daughter, Catelyn Tully, to Brandon Stark. Instead, he agrees to wed her to Eddard in exchange for his support in the war.
In a strategic move, Hoster also arranges for his second daughter, Lysa Tully, to marry Jon Arryn, strengthening their alliance. These marriages take place in a grand ceremony at Riverrun before the armies depart once again.
Meanwhile, Prince Rhaegar, Anakin's father, leads a royalist army to confront the rebels head on. Unfortunately, Rhaegar is defeated in a dramatic battle at the Trident, where he falls in personal combat to Robert Baratheon himself.
As the rebels close in on victory, King Aerys II makes the decision to send his remaining son, Viserys, and his pregnant wife Queen Rhaella to seek safety in Dragonstone.
In a desperate attempt to secure what remains of his bloodline, the king also orders them to take Anakin Targaryen, the one-year-old son of Crown-Prince Rhaegar and true heir to the Iron Throne, with them. This leaves behind Anakin's mother, Elia Martell, and three-year-old sister, Rhaenys Targaryen as bargaining chips in securing the loyalty of House Martell.
With Rhaegar dead, many lords who were previously undecided about which side to join now abandon The Mad King.
When Lord Tywin Lannister's army arrives at King's Landing, they claim their mission is to protect the city. However, upon entering the gates, the Lannisters begin a brutal attack and ransack the city.
In the chaos, King Aerys II is killed by his own Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister, Tywin's eldest son. This infamous act earns Jaime the nickname 'The Kingslayer'.
In the aftermath of the Lannisters' victory, Robert Baratheon, who has familial ties to House Targaryen, is declared the new King of the Seven Kingdoms.
Following Lyanna Stark's untimely death, her betrothed Robert Baratheon was forced to break off their engagement and wed Tywin Lannister's daughter, Cersei, to solidify their alliance and cement the downfall of the Targaryens.
Tragedy struck on Dragonstone when Queen Rhaella perished while giving birth to her daughter, Daenerys Targaryen. The fierce storm that raged during her delivery also destroyed what little remained of the Targaryen fleet, a disaster that earned her the moniker of 'Daenerys Stormborn'.
Faced with the imminent arrival of the rebels, loyalists to the Targaryen dynasty secretly transported the surviving heirs - Viserys, Daenerys, and Anakin - to the Free Cities on the distant continent of Essos, where they would live in exile.
(287 AC - Braavos)
After the death of Queen Rhaella, Ser Willem Darry, a loyal knight of House Darry during Robert's Rebellion, secretly transported the surviving Targaryen children to Essos. They settled in the city of Braavos, where they resided in a house with a distinctive red door.
Braavos is the northernmost and wealthiest among the Free Cities in Essos. It is renowned for its seafarers and master swordsmen, and is composed of numerous small islands connected by stone bridges. The city's main landmarks include the Titan of Braavos, the House of Black and White, and the Iron Bank.
During their stay in Braavos, Ser Willem received a visit from Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne, and together, with the Sealord of Braavos as witness, they signed a pact promising that Anakin Targaryen would one day marry Princess Arianne Martell in exchange for Dorne's support in reclaiming the Iron Throne.
Shortly thereafter, however, Ser Willem fell ill and was unable to continue as the Taragryen's guardian.
Anakin absorbed as much knowledge and wisdom as he could from Ser Willem, whom he regarded as a father figure despite his old age.
Ser Willem was limited in his physical training due to his illness, but he was the one who first taught Anakin the art of swordsmanship.
The knight observed that despite his age, Anakin possessed remarkable intelligence, which was evident in his quick mastery of different languages. This impressed everyone who knew him, especially Daenerys, who expressed a desire to learn High Valyrian from him.
One evening, Daenerys approached Anakin with a gleam of curiosity in her eyes. "Ani," she began, her voice with a hint of shyness, "Could you teach me High Valyrian?"
Anakin, though taken aback by the request. It was unexpected for Daenerys to approach him in such a manner, as she has always been unassuming and reserved without ever making demands.
Without hesitation, he eagerly accepts her request and finds himself quickly drawn to her. With the lack of children their age, aside from Viserys who they both thought was too smug, Anakin had always longed for a chance to spend time with Daenerys. As she began to come out of her shell, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to finally get close to her.
From that day forth, Anakin and Daenerys spent many hours together, poring over ancient scrolls and practicing the nuances of High Valyrian. The bond between them grew stronger as they delved into the mysteries of language, bridging cultures and forging a connection.
On the other hand, Ser Willem was deeply troubled by the thought of Anakin's intelligence, passion, and curiosity potentially leading him into dangerous situations.
Anakin's tendency to act impulsively and his insatiable thirst for knowledge often put him in harm's way. Ser Willem frequently found himself needing to reiterate the importance of minding his tongue in the company of dangerous people.
Despite being just seven years old, Anakin's mental sharpness surpassed that of his uncle, who was six years his senior.
The day Ser Willem passed the household servants took advantage of the family's vulnerability by stealing their possessions and leaving them with no choice but to beg for survival. When the servants realized they could no longer exploit the Targaryens, they callously cast them out onto the unforgiving world.
One fateful day, while Anakin was begging with his family on the streets, he noticed an unusual ship landing in the distant harbor of Braavos. Unlike any vessel he had ever seen, it immediately piqued his curiosity.
As he got closer, he saw a group of intimidating pirates disembarking from the ship.
Driven by his inquisitive nature, Anakin approached the scene, wandering away from the company of Daenerys and Viserys.
To his horror, he watched as the pirates killed city guards and captured unsuspecting victims, chaining them up. A surge of dread coursed through him as he recognized them as slavers, notorious for abducting innocent people and trafficking them as slaves in the further east of Essos.
Anakin's panic peaked as he was spotted and also subsequently taken, forced into shackles, not knowing what fate awaited him as he was tossed into the dark confines of the lower deck while the ship sailed through the vast ocean, further and further away from Braavos. Despite his terror, his mind was consumed with concern about his Uncle and Aunt, unable to rid himself of their memories.
In spite of his irritating personality, Viserys and him had forged a strong bond, as they were each other's only family, aside from his sister. Daenerys, who was similar in age to Viserys, had become Anakin's confidant and their conversations flowed effortlessly.
Anakin couldn't help but wonder if his siblings were searching for him and if they were worried about his well-being, or worse, taken like he was.
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, luckily, they were directed towards the more verdant, less sandy regions closer to the harbors.
As Anakin followed his captors, they led him to a bustling marketplace filled with other enslaved individuals of all ages. His spirits dropped as he realized that he was just a commodity to be bought and sold.
Essos, a continent across the Narrow Sea, was vastly different from Westeros, with its prevalent practice of slavery. This terrible form of large-scale chattel slavery has been deeply ingrained in Essos for centuries, dating back to the very origins of recorded civilization. The few regions in Essos without slavery were outnumbered by the countless areas where it was dominant. This oppressive institution was so deeply rooted that slaves were treated as mere objects rather than human beings. In fact, the slave trade was a fundamental part of Essos' economy.
Anakin was captured by a group of slavers, led by a man named Malko. He was later sold to a wealthy young man named Hizdahr zo Loraq.
His most notable features include a clean-shaven face with sharp, angular features. Hizdahr's complexion is a light-dark shade, reflecting his origins from the city of Meereen in Slaver's Bay. He is adorned in elegant and ornate garments, which signify his status as a wealthy and influential figure in Meereenese society. His demeanor is typically composed and calculated, embodying the demeanor of a diplomatic and politically astute individual.
Anakin's distinctive features, such as his white hair and purple eyes, immediately caught the attention of Hizdahr, who was captivated by his rare appearance. He purchased Anakin as a household servant for his mother, Zahrina zo Loraq.
(294 AC - Meereen)
Meereen, positioned at the northernmost tip of Slaver's Bay, reigns supreme among the three great city-states of the region, surpassing Yunkai and Astapor. It's strategically situated at the mouth of the Skahazadhan River, which originates in Lhazar and winds through the mountains that separate Meereen from the Red Waste.
Nestled between the Dothraki Sea to the north and the river, Meereen boasts towering walls that surpass those of Yunkai and Astapor in both height and fortification. These imposing walls are further fortified with bastions and towers, strategically placed at every corner. The northern wall was built to follow the course of the Skahazadhan River, while the western edge hugs the shoreline of the bay. These walls are not only formidable in their structure but also in their adornments, with a striking display of bronze harpy heads, poised to defend the city against unwanted invaders.
Inside the city, a labyrinth of narrow alleys and broad brick streets wind around various architectural wonders, including temples, granaries, palaces, brothels, and gardens, each contributing to the unique charm of Meereen.
Along the coast, olives thrive, while atop the city's pyramids grow night-blooming flowers, lemon trees, and persimmons. The area surrounding Meereen is also abundant, with multiple farmlands and wells supplying the city with crops and water. The landscape is dotted with various plants, such as waspwillow, dusky roses, wild mint, lady's lace, daggerleaf, broom, prickly ben, and harpy's gold, all leading to Meereen from Yunkai along the coastal road.
The Meereenese people, known for their cunning and determination, speak a blend of High Valyrian and Old Ghiscari. Their reverence for nobility is evident in their use of titles like 'Your Worship,' 'Magnificence,' and 'His Radiance.'
Meereen, a city known for its historic slaver families, is currently under the control of the Great Masters. These influential and opulent families reside in grand pyramid palaces, such as the one belonging to Hizdahr and his family. Among them, the wealthiest belongs to House Pahl, with another Pahl member leading the city's guard. Some nobles, like Zhak and Merreq, own estates in the nearby hills.
In the heart of the city lies the Great Pyramid, standing at an astonishing height of eight-hundred feet. It is undoubtedly the most magnificent of all the pyramids in Meereen, rendering the other scattered pyramids unremarkable in comparison.
The Great Pyramid boasts a grand bronze harpy perched atop its apex and is known for its vibrant colors corresponding to the noble house residing within. For instance, the pink-and-white Pahl pyramid, the green-and-black Naqqan pyramid, and the yellow-and-green Rhazdar pyramid. Amidst these impressive structures, the most modest one is believed to be the pyramid of Kandaq.
The poorer districts of the city are nestled between the pyramids, and the city's waste is carried away through a network of large brick sewers into the Skahazadhan river. These sewers have iron gates for security, although some have succumbed to rust over time. Unsurprisingly, the locals do not drink from the river but depend on water from wells.
Adjacent to the great pyramid is the Temple of the Graces, home to the priestesses of Meereen. This temple, adorned with shimmering golden domes, dominates the skyline and is a remarkable sight to behold.
Located in the heart of Meereen is the bustling Plaza of Purification, where a magnificent bronze harpy stands as a reminder of the city's might and dominance.
The bustling marketplace of Meereen entices visitors with its vibrant array of goods, including the highly sought-after Purple Lotus at the nearby spice market by the pyramid of Rhazdar.
On the western side, the city's busy gate leads to a lively market square, home to the ancient Slave Exchange, the elegant merchant's arcade, and the striking bronze statue of the Chainmaker. Close by, the Great Masters have erected the grim Spire of Skulls, serving as a menacing reminder of their tyrannical rule over the city.
Upon his arrival in Meereen, Lady Zahrina zo Loraq, the mother of Hizdhar, took a liking to the young Anakin. She often referred to him as 'the pretty one,' barely bothering to use his name. His captivating appearance, with his neck-length, wavy white hair and striking violet eyes, caught her attention and she was enchanted by his angelic looks.
In the seven years since, Anakin has been toiling alongside his fellow slaves, tending to livestock, performing menial tasks, and fulfilling the demands of his masters.
Despite his limited resources, Anakin displayed a talent for crafting and inventing, impressing his 'masters' with a variety of elaborate objects, from delicate ornaments to useful tools.
However, despite his ingenuity and creativity, Anakin still dreams of breaking free from his life of enslavement and reuniting with his loved ones. Memories of Daenerys and Viserys slowly fade away as he yearns for his freedom from the constant surveillance and the restrictive collar around his neck.
As he grows older, Anakin's desire to escape the pyramid palace of House Loraq only grows stronger, but with his every move being monitored, the idea remains a distant and seemingly unattainable dream.
Anakin was unable to form any meaningful relationships with his fellow slaves due to their resentment towards his favored position among the masters.
Witnessing first-hand the mistreatment and torture they endured, Anakin did not hold a grudge against them. He sympathized with their suffering and detested the heinous practice of slavery.
The constant abuse and objectification from the nobles were becoming too much for him to bear, especially when he saw other slaves being mistreated or experienced it himself at the hands of Faiz zo Loraq, the father of Hizdahr.
On a somber afternoon, in the dim and shadowy confines of the slave quarters' courtyard, a fourteen-year-old Anakin was witness to a disturbing scene. A group of older male slaves had encircled a timid girl named Leila of the same age. Both of them were house-slaves of Hizdahr's mother, so he was familiar with the girl.
Leila possesses a sun-kissed complexion with a rich tan hue, complemented by her varied hairstyles ranging from smooth and straight to carefree curls. Her facial features exude a delicate and feminine appeal, showcasing her captivating gentle smile, expressive dark brown eyes, well-defined eyebrows, and a graceful jawline. Standing at approximately 5'5", she boasts a slender and athletic figure.
The men taunted and jeered at her, their harsh laughter ricocheting off the stone walls. Anger and compassion flooded through Anakin as he listened to their plans for the girl.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his voice shaking with determination. "Why don't you leave the girl alone," he blurted out, his hands bunched into fists.
The man who had been threatening Leila singled out Anakin with a menacing glare and barked, "And who do you think you are, boy?"
Undeterred, Anakin replied, "Stop bullying her."
The man sneered with a cruel smirk. "Why?" he challenged mockingly. "You want her for yourself."
Anakin's response was swift and fierce. "Let the girl go," he demanded, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
The man's demeanor quickly turned aggressive. "Or what? Look at you all ragged, scrawny and weak. Get out of here, house-slave!"
The word 'slave' was like a spark to fuel, and Anakin snapped, unleashing a flurry of punches on the man's face until he crumpled onto the ground.
"Now who's next!?" Anakin yelled as he turned to face the other two men tormenting Leila. "Let her go!" he ordered the one holding onto her, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.
Ceding to Anakin's fierce demeanor, the man let Leila go, but they still stood their ground. As Leila moves behind Anakin, two overseers rode in on horses and viciously whipped Anakin, the men, and a young girl in the courtyard before anyone could instigate anything.
The sound of the leather against skin rang out, causing them all to flinch from the searing pain. Anakin, determined not to back down, shielded the girl's body with his own. Despite the repeated blows, Anakin stood his ground, refusing to show weakness.
The other slaves stood in stunned silence, some with fear in their eyes, others with curious whispers.
Finally, when the overseers had tired of their cruel punishment, one sneered at those involved. "Get back to work," he spat, before turning away on his horse with a dismissive wave.
Bruised and bloodied, Anakin helped the girl to her feet. The other slaves, including those who had been harassing her, dispersed with whispers of awe and concern.
Leila looked up at Anakin with tear-filled eyes, gratitude shining through her fear. "Thank you," she whispered.
Anakin managed to remain stoic. "Don't mention it," he said, his voice tinged with determination.
As the courtyard fell silent once more, Anakin's act of bravery lingered in his mind. Despite helping Leila he couldn't help but feel angry at the injustice of it all, his wounds a constant reminder.
Feeling trapped and desperate to escape, Anakin made a bold plan to flee from his master and the city that had been a prison for what felt like an eternity.
That night he gathered his meager belongings and waited patiently for the cover of darkness. When the time was right, Anakin stealthily made his way out of the cramped slave lodgings and headed towards the harbor.
Knowing that he needed to be cautious to avoid being caught by the city authorities, Anakin navigated through the dimly lit streets.
Despite the danger, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and hope as he took control of his own fate. He didn't have a destination or a solid plan for his future, but anything was better than remaining in slavery.
However, his hopes were dashed when he heard a loud commotion behind him. Turning around, Anakin saw a group of guards, led by Faiz zo Loraq, chasing after him. In that moment, he realized that his escape had been discovered.
He sprinted as fast as he could, desperately trying to evade capture, but the guards were too quick, cutting him off and apprehended him. Anakin's heart raced as he braced himself for the repercussions of his failed escape.
However, it was thanks to Hizdahr's persuasion that Anakin was able to escape death that fateful night. Unlike other slave masters and nobles in Meereen, Hizdahr displayed a rare compassion and refrained from cruel acts of violence. His father, on the other hand, was not as benevolent.
At the age of 14, Anakin is eligible to participate in the fighting pits of Meereen, a thought that was met with opposition from Faiz. He feared that Anakin, being young and inexperienced, would dishonor their family by meeting a quick demise in the pit.
Despite this, Hizdahr pleaded with his father to reconsider, suggesting that Anakin could be used as a slave in the smaller arenas. It was evident that Hizdahr was indeed fond of Anakin and was determined to keep him alive.
However, Anakin wasn't as optimistic, having only heard stories of the brutal fighting pits of Meereen that didn't instill much hope.
Meereen had numerous fighting pits, including Daznak's Pit, the Pit of Ghrazz, and the Golden Pit, with the largest being located to the west of the Great Pyramid.
During his time in captivity, Hizdahr informed Anakin that he must join the ranks and fight in the infamous Pit of Ghrazz. Refusal to do so would result in execution for his failed escape attempt.
These fighting pits were deeply rooted in religion, with combat being a way to honor the gods of Ghis. Bravery, expertise, and physical prowess were highly valued amongst the spectators who celebrated and rewarded the victorious warriors. Those who fell in battle were remembered and their names enshrined on the Gates of Fate, alongside other celebrated heroes.
The pits were known not only as a place of honor, but also served as a brutal sentencing for criminals who faced potential execution for their crimes. For these individuals, the pits offered a final chance to prove their innocence through combat.
The night before his first battle, Anakin found himself unable to sleep, instead plagued by a vivid and harrowing nightmare. In this terrifying dream, he was consumed by fire and agony.
Upon waking, he discovered he was no longer confined to his cell and he cautiously made his way through a dim hallway.
A bright blue light caught his attention and led him to a room with a bathhouse-like atmosphere. Anakin's fear skyrocketed when he saw a transparent apparition with a sea-like hue before him. Despite his instinct to run, Anakin was inexplicably held in place, mesmerized by the figure's appearance.
The apparition resembled an aged man with a beard. "Anakin, it has been quite some time. I must say, you appear different 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 asked the figure.
"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?" it 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 chuckled softly, remarking that although the Force may work in mysterious ways, his dear friend remains as curious as ever. Anakin's initial terror towards the ghostly figure began to dissipate.
Upon closer examination, Obi-Wan takes it upon himself to explain the fundamental aspects of his existence. A spectral entity imbued with Force powers, a non-corporeal manifestation of a departed individual still attuned to the living world.
"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. Through the force, we can sense the world around us and understand the connections between all living things," Obi-Wan explained to an awestruck Anakin, who is trying to absorb all of this information.
"Those who are strong in the force can tap into it and use it to enhance their physical and mental abilities. 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. Now, tell me, are you prepared for what you may have to do?" With his curiosity heightened, Obi-Wan sought to uncover which side of the Force Anakin was more aligned with.
Anakin hesitated before confessing his inner conflict,"I don't want to kill anyone. But I don't want to die. I hate the masters for making me do this."
"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."
As he was about to search for more answers, the ghost slowly faded away. His parting words to Anakin were, "We shall meet again." Anakin's mind was overwhelmed with unanswered questions as the ghost's explanation left many things unresolved.
"I must be going mad," muttered Anakin, standing alone in an empty room with no one to hear him. He started doubting his own sanity as his thoughts seemed to deceive him.
Before he could process his surroundings, he heard a distinctive, labored breathing coming from the doorway. Despite his intuition telling him to stay away, Anakin was inexplicably drawn towards the noise as if it was calling out to him.
As he got closer, the breathing suddenly stopped, and he noticed two glowing lights - one green and one red. Without warning, the rushed breathing returned, louder and more agitated than before, and a figure emerged from the darkness.
Cloaked in all black and wearing a menacing cape and mask, the individual had green and red lights coming from their chest. Anakin's heart skipped stopped as he saw the person ignite a fearsome red sword. He stumbled backwards in fear, unable to utter a word before being struck down by the fiery weapon.
Suddenly, Anakin woke up with a jolt, realizing he was still locked up in his cell. It had all been a vivid dream, but it felt all too real. Anakin gathered his thoughts and tried to make sense of why the dream had felt so vivid.
The following day, as he arrived at the fighting pits, he realized his fears had been justified. Without delay, he was taken and locked up with other slaves to await their fate.
Adorned in humble attire fit for a slave, Anakin is clad in basic garments. A rugged tan tunic secured by a cinched belt, paired with a shirt, trousers and sand boots, completes his outfit. However, the one item that he despises is the slave collar that he is obligated to wear.
Upon reaching the holding chambers, Anakin notices his lack of armor, compared to the other slaves and wonders if they had encountered these kinds of situations before or were prepared beforehand, unlike him.
He is not among the first to be summoned for battle, but as he hears the clash of swords, the shouts of soldiers, and the cheers of the audience, he stands up to get a better view of the intense battles taking place in the arena.
With a sense of dread, he watches as men mercilessly slaughter each other for the amusement of the ruling elite.
As blood stains the sand, Anakin begins to feel lightheaded and his legs grow weak. 'Well, isn't this just perfect,' he sarcastically mutters to himself. Living most of his life in a sandy environment, it is ironic that he despised it so much.
Anakin, with little experience in taking lives and only basic knowledge of sword fighting taught by Ser Willem, approaches the display of weaponry designated for slaves before their entry into the pits.
He closes his eyes tightly and focuses on his breathing, trying to calm himself. As he inhales and exhales, he feels a pull towards a particular weapon, as if his instincts are guiding him.
Slowly, he reaches out, wrapping his fingers around the object and opens his eyes to reveal a traditional castle-forged steel sword in his hand. Its handle is coated in a sleek matte black finish, with a smooth round pommel and a simple crossguard, completing its elegant appearance.
While grasping the sword, which is both lightweight and lengthy, he experiences a heightened level of perception and becomes more attuned to his environment.
Anakin begins to mentally prepare himself for the imminent events.
I am Anakin Targaryen, he said within himself. In his mind a dragon tried to whisper of failure, and weakness, and inevitable death, but with one hand the he caught it, crushed away its voice; it tried to rise then, to coil and rear and strike, but the Anakin laid his other hand upon it and broke its power with a single effortless twist. I am Anakin Targaryen, he repeated as he ground the dragon's corpse to dust beneath his mental heel, as he watched the dragon's dust and ashes scatter before the blast from his furnace heart, and you - you are nothing at all.
The moment of truth arrives as Anakin is summoned to stand among seven other fighters.
The boisterous crowd, their bloodlust palpable, watches from the stands above, filling the air with the smell of violence.
Before the battle commences, a loud horn sounds, compelling the slaves to kneel and show 'respect' to the nobles in the center of the arena.
As the horn reverberates, Anakin surveys his surroundings, noticing that his fellow combatants are all immersed in their own battles.
Breaking from his reverie, he turns to his left and sees a rugged, middle-aged man with a bushy beard and lightweight armor approaching him with an ax. Though his instinct urges him to flee, Anakin remains frozen, transfixed by the man's slow-motion movements.
As the man bears down on him, Anakin raises his sword and expertly deflects the attack, causing the man to stumble. Holding his blade aloft, Anakin observes as the man regains his footing and turns back towards him, clearly surprised by his defensive prowess.
The man swings his weapon repeatedly, each time Anakin nimbly evades the blows until they are locked in a fierce clash of blades. As if it were second nature, Anakin spins his sword with a fluid flick of his wrist, severing the man's hand and sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Please! Wait! Wait!" The man begs, but Anakin stands over him menacingly. Pausing to hear him out, Anakin quickly realizes the man is reaching for a small blade hidden in his pocket with his remaining hand.
Almost instinctively, he reacts and swings his sword in a precise arc, effortlessly slicing the man's face in half.
As Anakin faces yet another opponent - this time a male armed with a shield and spear, dressed in light armor and approaching aggressively - he is unable to process his first experience with taking a life.
The man thrusts his spear at Anakin, but he easily deflects it with his sword. However, his opponent remains undeterred and refocuses his attack.
Anakin struggles to close the distance between them, as the spear acts like a barrier between them. But when the opportunity arises, he grabs the spear and engages in a fierce struggle. Anakin's strength proves to be superior as he overpowers the man and sends the spear flying.
Determined to end the fight, Anakin steadily moves towards his opponent, who now brandishes his raised shield as a weapon. With determined aim, Anakin plunges his sword into the man's chest, causing them both to collapse on the ground. In his final moments, Anakin must face the man's dying gaze as he takes his last breath.
Anakin attempts to contemplate his recent actions, his mind consumed with a storm of 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 Anakin that the adversaries he has faced have been forced 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 more of a say in the matter than himself.
As the darkness envelops him, he prepares himself to face his final opponent; a lightly clad enemy wielding two swords. His mind is consumed with rage towards those who have oppressed him. Anakin meets his challenger in a fierce battle, taking a defensive stance as he skillfully fends off their attacks.
Eventually, he disarms his opponent and swiftly delivers a fatal blow, cleaving them in half, from shoulder down to 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 boy emerging victorious caught them off guard. Despite the surprise, cheers reverberate through the arena, while Anakin's eyes meet those of Hizdahr and his father, both in awe of his unexpected triumph.
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.
Impressed by Anakin's prowess in the fighting pits, Faiz eagerly welcomed him back into his fold with promises of exclusive privileges for continued success. Anakin, with no other viable options, reluctantly accepted Faiz's offer, though a burning desire for revenge smoldered within him.
Anakin's anger, once directed at his opponents, had morphed into a seething hatred towards Faiz and his fellow slavers.
Despite the allure of fine wines, beautiful women, and luxurious accommodations lavished upon him, Anakin resisted these fleeting temptations. His heart remained steadfast in its resolve, unwavering in pursuit of a singular purpose: the overthrow of Meereen's oppressive Great Masters and the eradication of slavery.
Anakin sensed a newfound strength burgeoning within him - a strength borne of conviction and righteous indignation. With steely determination, he vowed to harness this power to confront the very system that had enslaved him, fueled by an unyielding belief in freedom and justice.