Star Wars: Reforged Destiny

The red skies of Dathomir loomed ominously as the transport ship descended, casting eerie shadows over the jagged terrain. Anakin stepped off the ship, his small frame swallowed by the bustling crowd of traders, mercenaries, and travelers. His sharp eyes darted around, taking in the hostile atmosphere. He pulled the hood of his tattered cloak lower, his presence vanishing into the sea of activity.

Anakin extended his senses, tapping into the Force to cloak himself in subtlety. He avoided eye contact, his steps careful but confident as he slipped between bodies and disappeared into the shadows of a crumbling marketplace. The whispers of the Force guided him, tugging his awareness toward the ancient, foreboding energy emanating from the nearby swamps.

Night Sisters.

He knew they were his goal, the key to unlocking the first step of his transformation. Moving swiftly, he avoided patrols and feral beasts. Using rudimentary Force-enhanced jumps and telekinesis, he traversed the treacherous terrain and arrived at the outer edges of the Nightsisters' village.

Anakin stepped into the center of the settlement, his presence immediately noticed by the cloaked figures of the Nightsisters. Their piercing gazes assessed him, whispers echoing as they deliberated on the strange child who had dared to seek them out.

"I want to take part in the trials," Anakin said, his voice steady despite his youth.

A towering Zabrak woman emerged from the group. Her piercing yellow eyes glowed faintly as she scrutinized him. "You, a child, wish to endure the trials of the Nightbrothers? You seek power among our kind?"

"I do," he said, meeting her gaze unflinchingly.

The leader smirked, her presence dark and oppressive as she extended her hand, summoning a wave of Force energy designed to crush his will. "Then show me your resolve, little one."

Anakin didn't flinch. Instead, he reached within himself, unleashing a casual burst of power that shattered her attack like glass. The backlash forced her to step back, her face twisting in shock as Anakin stood, unfazed.

"Is this enough resolve for you?" he asked, his tone calm but laced with unmistakable confidence.

The Nightsister leader hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. You will be allowed to participate. But know this: if you fail, you will not leave this place alive."

The next day, Anakin stood with the other candidates, towering Zabrak males who dwarfed him in size and strength. The trials began with a gauntlet of physical endurance: climbing jagged cliffs, fighting off wild rancors, and navigating deadly swamps.

Though the tasks were grueling, Anakin relied on the Force to enhance his speed, strength, and stamina. His small frame allowed him to slip through narrow crevices and evade larger predators. His mind was sharp, finding solutions where brute strength failed.

The final trial was combat. One by one, the candidates faced each other in vicious duels. When it was Anakin's turn, he danced around his opponents, using his agility and precognitive abilities to evade their blows. With precise strikes and bursts of telekinetic force, he defeated them all.

When the dust settled, Anakin stood among the few who had passed. The Nightsisters gathered around, their chants echoing as the leader stepped forward.

The leader's voice boomed as she addressed the survivors. "You have proven your worth, but strength alone is not enough. Only the strongest will endure the ritual. If you fall, you were never meant to rise."

Anakin took his place among the others, sitting cross-legged on the cold ground. The ritual began with an incantation, the Nightsisters weaving the dark side into a tangible force that seeped into their bodies.

Pain wracked his small frame, every nerve set ablaze as the dark magic coursed through him. Anakin clenched his jaw, refusing to scream. He had endured worse in his past life—the physical torment was nothing compared to the anguish of betrayal and loss.

His vision blurred, his body finally succumbing to unconsciousness.

When Anakin awoke, the world around him was sharper, more vivid. His body thrummed with power, his connection to the Force deeper and more instinctual than ever before. The Nightsister leader stood over him, her expression unreadable.

"You survived," she said, a note of genuine respect in her voice. "You are stronger now. Your body will grow rapidly, but be warned—this power comes with challenges. You may find your emotions... heightened."

Anakin nodded. "I'll manage. Thank you for this gift."

The leader studied him, then spoke again. "Before you leave, I will ask something of you. A favor."

He raised an eyebrow. "Name it."

"There is a man—a Sith Lord known as Sidious. He stole my son, twisted him into his apprentice. I want him dead."

Anakin's eyes darkened at the mention of Sidious, his past life's nemesis. "Consider it done. I'll kill him."

The Nightsister leader inclined her head. "Good. Take this ship as a token of our agreement. And remember, Dathomir does not forget its allies—or its enemies."

Before departing, Anakin discussed a future alliance between Dathomir and Tatooine. Though tentative, the leader agreed to renegotiate the terms once he had established himself. With a final bow of respect, Anakin boarded the sleek, dark-hulled ship gifted to him and set his course for the next phase of his journey.