Star Wars: Darth Nyx (Book 1)

Prologue

Black Hole 22, Unknown Regions

A bright light erupts from the singularity followed by the unmistakable signs of something emerging from within. As it rises, the black hole pulses as though radiating with energy ready to explode. The object soon escapes the singularity altogether and through use of immense engines, the likes of which haven't been seen for ages, breaks free from its grasp, coming to a stop mere seconds before ripping through a once-distant asteroid belt. 

There, the ship waits, silently but before long another ship and another emerge from the black hole as well, coming to a stop just alongside the first. To the outside world, the sight would be rather strange but out here, there's nothing to witness the amazing spectacle. There's nothing at all, save for the occupants who now flit around excitedly.

<->

It's nighttime as Kailey and I make our way across the barren wasteland of Tatooine once more. Having just been dropped off by one of our Fury-class Interceptors, we're oddly silent given how close we actually are and the silence is visibly making the three soldiers accompanying us somewhat uncomfortable. Trying to break the silence, I'm the first to speak.

Me: Do you still think this is a trap?

She's startled by my question but doesn't hesitate to relist all the reasons we shouldn't be doing what we're doing. In truth, she's probably right. The Sith aren't known for their trustworthiness and it is no hidden fact that the other members of the Dark Council despise Darth Hadra who's become like a second mother to me. However, that's precisely why I must do this. If it is a trap, I'll ensure they can't harm her.

Me: Just stay alert. We can't afford to get captured.

All: Understood, sir.

We continue in silence for a few more miles before arriving near our destination. There, our group splits up with the three men splitting off to provide cover for Kailey and I as we infiltrate the small village being used as the meeting place. 

Using the force to slow our descent, we drop down into the canyon, landing behind a few huts on the outskirts of the village. A little child sees us but remains quiet. The mother is not so easily persuaded but as she opens her mouth to scream, Kailey cuts off her breath.

Me: Keep quiet and we won't harm you. 

She struggles but manages a slight nod. Kailey, still on edge, slowly releases her until certain the woman has no further intention of risking her own life to warn the guards on patrol.

Me: Leave her.

Kailey: But-

Me: Let's go.

She sighs but complies, not long after falling into step alongside me as I make my way from shadow to shadow, drawing closer to the entrance to the largest hut in the centre of the village. Just as we're about to break in, however, the door opens and out steps Darth Hadra with a lightsaber to her neck. Behind her, Darth Decimus emerges and with him a horde of Sith loyal to him. All exits are quickly closed by additional reinforcements from the Imperial Army thus leaving us with no alternative but to confront the man himself.

Decimus: Nyx...you're so predictable. 

Me: Decimus-

Decimus: All I had to do was arrange a little meeting with you and look, Hadra, your pet has come running along.

Hadra: Run-

Decimus: Yes, I dare say you'd prove the perfect challenge for my men to overcome...or...you could listen to my offer.

Me: As if I'd ever-

Hadra: AAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!

Hadra screams as Decimus' lightsaber grazes her skin. The smell of burnt flesh soon fills the clearing but it does nought but fill me with rage.

Decimus: Let's not be hasty in our decisions. Someone might die and that'd be quite the shame, wouldn't it.

I give him my most menacing glare but remain silent.

Decimus: Good girl.

He loosens his grip on Hadra for just a moment and that's all I need. Having already channelled the force throughout my body, I now launch myself at him with unimaginable speed. At the same time, the men that came with us open fire hitting him in the shoulder and forcing him to drop the lightsaber.

Decimus: AAAAAAHHHH!

He's quickly shielded by his apprentice who deflects further shots but is forced backwards when I swing for his master's head. 

Decimus uses all his strength to stop my strike just inches from his skin, the heat from my blade torching his hands in the process but his defence holds.

Decimus: You will never beat me! I am-

A look of surprise passes across his face as Kailey runs him through from behind. Having cut down the rest of his little army with the aid of our own reinforcements, she now drives her blade upward, severing his arm entirely and allowing me to finish my strike.

Me: That's where you're wrong, Decimus. Always expect the unexpected.

His body goes lump but as I reunite with Darth Hadra, it goes rigid before rising up from the ground.

Decimus: You shall never defeat me!

His features are twisted and malformed, one eye where the mouth should be and nose nowhere to be seen but the body still rises as though alive once more. Kailey, who's back is turned towards him, doesn't even get the time to react to our own reactions before being impaled by the same saber she used to kill him.

Decimus: I am-

????: Sir!

????: Sir!

????: Darth Nyx!

<->

I awaken from my dream rattled and partially confused but I quickly regain my senses upon seeing Commander Ren who quickly kneels upon noticing he's gained my attention.

Ren: Forgive the intrusion, Sir. 

Me: Speak.

Ren: Most excellent news. We've finally broken free! 

At that, I cease my meditation, slowly floating down until my feet touch the ground. 

Me: So? Where are we?

Ren: That's the thing, sir, it's most strange.

Me: Well?

Ren: We don't know.