Chapter 3: Dark Choices in the Light of Day

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The first rays of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a warm golden glow upon the alien landscape. Daenerys stirred from her restless sleep as she felt a gentle nudge. Blinking against the harsh light, she found Anakin standing nearby, wide awake and alert.

"Good morning," Anakin said with a warm smile as he helped Daenerys to her feet.

Daenerys rubbed her eyes, still disoriented by the brightness. "Morning," she mumbled, her voice hoarse from sleep.

Anakin's eyes scanned the surroundings before he spoke. "I've been scouting the area while you slept. It's mostly just dust and dirt, with these mountains in the distance. But I've seen some smoke from a fire, which means there might be a camp or town not far from here."

Daenerys stretched and yawned, her energy gradually returning. "That's something. Should we head to the camp?"

Anakin considered her suggestion carefully before glancing up at her dragon. "I think it's best if we travel on foot for now. Riding the dragon might draw unwanted attention. We should approach cautiously."

Daenerys nodded in agreement before turning her attention to Drogon, who was resting nearby. She approached her dragon and nuzzled him before whispering, "We'll be back soon. Keep watch, Drogon, and find us if there's any trouble."

Drogon purred with assurance. They set off on foot, Daenerys leading the way as they made their way across the rugged terrain. Anakin took in the strange beauty of the planet, with its otherworldly rock formations and vast, open spaces.

As they walked, Anakin couldn't help but comment on the unique bond between Daenerys and her dragon. "You and your dragon share a remarkable connection. It's quite unlike anything I've seen before."

Daenerys, her cheeks flushing slightly, looked at Anakin with a small smile. "Yes, Drogon and I have been through a lot together. He's more than just a dragon; he's my child."

Anakin nodded, understanding the depth of their connection. "I've felt a similar bond with my Jedi comrades and with my master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. It's what keeps us going sometimes."

They continued their journey, their conversation carrying them through the desolate landscape.

Anakin took the lead as they approached the camp, crouching low as he crept forward, with Daenerys following closely behind. They found cover behind a large boulder that afforded them a clear view of the camp. Anakin cautiously peered around the rock, taking in the situation within the camp.

Whispering, Daenerys asked, "Anakin, what do you see?"

Anakin's eyes scanned the camp, taking note of the Raiders' makeshift huts and the scattered presence of Raiders throughout. He whispered back to Daenerys, "They're Tusken Raiders. But this doesn't make sense. They're native to Tatooine, not this unknown planet."

Daenerys, curious but cautious, asked Anakin, "Have you encountered them before?"

Anakin's tone grew colder, his voice laced with anger. "Once. They took my mother and killed her. I went back to their camp, and I... I killed them all," he admitted, his words heavy with remorse.

Daenerys hesitated for a moment, contemplating Anakin's revelation. She had no personal experience with the Tusken Raiders and only the briefest understanding of their actions. "Anakin," she began, "I can't judge them based on your experience. Not all of them may be as bad as you think."

Anakin's anger flared, and he spoke with a harsh edge to his voice. "Daenerys, trust me. All Tusken Raiders deserve to die. They're nomadic savages."

Daenerys took a step back, startled by Anakin's unwavering conviction. Before she could respond, however, Anakin made a swift decision. Without another word, he activated his lightsaber, its blue blade humming with deadly intent. With a powerful, force-assisted leap, he vaulted over the boulder and into the heart of the Tusken Raider camp.

Daenerys gasped in shock as she watched Anakin's impulsive attack unfold. Her heart raced, torn between her newfound alliance with the Jedi Knight and her sense of empathy for the Raiders, who were now under attack. She remained hidden behind the boulder, uncertain of what to do next and fearful of the violence that might ensue in the moments to come.

The screams and battle sounds of the Tusken Raiders being slaughtered by the enraged Jedi Knight tore through the air, making Daenerys cover her ears in a futile attempt to block out the horror. She couldn't escape the harsh reality unfolding before her.

In that quick moment, Daenerys turned away, unable to witness the massacre any longer. Her heart pounded in her chest as she listened to the cries of the Tuskens. But as the relentless sounds of destruction continued, a determination overcame her. She couldn't stand idly by.

Summoning her resolve, Daenerys walked from behind the boulder and marched through the camp, her face a mask of horror and anger. She took in the carnage as she moved forward, the lifeless bodies of Tusken Raiders strewn across the ground. The once-standing huts were now destroyed, and the meager belongings of the Raiders lay scattered and destroyed.

When Daenerys finally caught up to Anakin, her heart ached at the sight that greeted her. A Tusken mother and her baby lay huddled together on the ground, fear in their eyes, as Anakin stood over them, his lightsaber still ignited.

Without a moment's hesitation, Daenerys picked up the hem of her black leathered dragon dress, building momentum as she ran toward Anakin. She reached out and grabbed his wrist, holding the lightsaber firmly. Her voice carried with urgency as she shouted, "Stop, Anakin! That's enough!"

Anakin turned toward her, his face contorted with anger and torment. Daenerys flinched at the intensity of his gaze, noticing a small, unsettling shift in the color of his eyes. For a brief moment, they seemed to flicker, almost turning yellow.

But Daenerys knew she had to act swiftly. She used soothing words to calm Anakin; her voice was a comforting balm. "Anakin, it's over. They're just a mother and her baby. Let them go... We can't use our anger to change the past."

Her words seemed to penetrate the darkness that had clouded Anakin's judgment. With a deep breath, he finally disengaged the lightsaber and let it fall to the ground. The mother and her child, trembling with fear, seized the opportunity to scramble away from the scene.

Anakin, overwhelmed by remorse, came crashing into Daenerys' arms, his tears flowing freely. He had been consumed by rage and had lost control once again, causing unthinkable harm to innocent Tusken Raiders.

Daenerys held him close, her heart heavy with the weight of his actions. She realized the severity of the situation they were in, stranded on an unfamiliar planet with a newfound alliance that was teetering on the edge of chaos. Uncertain of what to do next, she simply held Anakin, offering what little comfort she could as they grappled with the consequences of their choices in the harsh light of day.

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AUTHORS NOTE!

So here is Chapter 3, a bit more intense and quick, surrounding Anakin. I wanted to show Daenerys Anakin's unintentional dark side a little bit. He'll see certain sides of her in the future, but all of this will make sense as the story goes on. What did you guys think of Dany reacting to Anakin? I tried to make the events come from her POV, which is why there is not much description of Anakin attacking the Raiders. Leave me your thoughts; I would love to hear them, good or bad.

Also, Happy Valentine's Day from me to you! <3

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