Disclaimer: George Lucas owns Star Wars, pity that. Story starts 10 before Phantom Menace and is of course AU due to characters that weren't around. The Hawks and all associated with them came from my imagination, so hands off! My first ever SW fic so please be nice! Should I pair with SW characters? Should I kill Qui-Gon or not? So many decisions, what should I do! In case anyone's read my HP fic, yes it will be updated eventually, kind of stuck at the moment. On with the tale!

Prologue

"Nikolia no!" She felt her Masters' grip tighten on her shoulder.

"They'll kill him!" She hissed.

"All you'll do is get yourself killed as well and perhaps everyone in this room. Is that what you want?" He hissed back. He hated it just as much as she did but there was simply nothing they could do, Nik's control was tenuous at best and his skills lay in other areas. They watched as the dark figure continued to toy with the child, a boy of maybe eight seasons, while others laughed. Tyron was seriously regretting the decision to travel with the refugees, now both he and his student were both at risk, even if Nikolia managed to hold her temper. He felt her tense further as the crimson blade sank into the tender flesh of the boys' stomach, his screams mixing with those of a woman, obviously his mother. All he could do was copy his student in committing every detail of their attackers to memory, either to transmit before their own deaths or for future vengeance.

Ten Years Later

The Supreme Overlord looked down at the newest Hawk, kneeling before the podium, head bowed in the traditional pose. He took his time studying the twenty-two year old woman. Blue-Black hair hung about her shoulders, obscuring a face he knew to be attractive but not stunningly so, eyes that he knew to be a deep, piercing blue fixed firmly on the floor. The form-fitting black uniform suited her well, accentuating her body's natural litheness while her tan kept her from looking too pale in the colour and revealed how much of her time was spent outdoors. He'd read the reports of ten years ago, the incident had nearly led to her leaving but her need for justice had kept her within their ranks, if she left her powers would be bound leaving her unable to hunt the children's murders'. The years since had honed her into an incredible warrior, her control perfect and hard won. It had been her Masters death that had finally granted her full control of her abilities and as of today she would be a full-blown Hawk.

"Rise Nikolia SunRunner and take your place with your fellow Hawks. From this day forth you are one of our peoples chosen protectors, a warrior for justice. Be known and may you find what you seek." She rose and bowed before joining the myriad black clothed figures that stood in the shadows.

Nik sighed, leaning her forehead against the glass. Today was a day for celebration, her day, so why did she feel so sad?

"It is only natural to mourn one who is absent." She spun at the sound of a voice so close, she'd been so distracted she hadn't felt his approach. Her hand had already dropped to the blade sheathed at her side before she recognised her companion. Quickly she bowed.

"My apologies milord, I did not realise I was not alone." He smiled wirily.

"A dangerous thing for a Hawk." She flushed slightly in embarrassment.

"You miss your Master. He would have been proud of you Nikolia." She tilted her head slightly.

"Tyron was my childhood companion through many adventure, imaginary and real. It pained me deeply when he was called to the Hawks, we rarely saw each other after that. The last time I saw him alive was three months before your mission to Hyr, he spoke of you. He was so proud of your progress, couldn't get him to shut up about it actually." They shared a smile at that observation.

"He was the closest thing to a parent I've ever had. I miss him so much."

"And you will for your whole life but the pain will ease with time child. I understand that you wish to finish the Vendetta."

"Yes milord, we managed to get all but the Sith"

"And you are sure it was a Sith?"

"No Jedi would do that, it is against their code and they don't usually have read blades."

"The Sith are very dangerous. I do not doubt your abilities, but I would urge you to caution. Do not underestimate him."

"I won't milord."

"Very well. I agree to your resuming Vendetta against this Sith. Until it is complete you are Nemesis. Be careful SunRunner." She bowed and left. It was his turn to sigh as he watched her leave the Great Hall. Had he done the right thing? She was so young and by declaring her Nemesis he'd effectively cut her off from any support. Would she ever return? And would she still be the same fiery, independent girl if she did?