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The Chronicles of Faerie by O. R. Melling (1993-2003)

American Gwen and her Irish cousin, Findabhair, have long planned a summer of backpacking around Ireland, visiting sites out of the old legends of fairy folk. Little do they know that it is the summer of the Hunter's Moon, a dangerous time for mortals who meddle with the kingdom of Faerie. One night, camping out on old ruins, Finn is kidnapped by the Faerie king, who wants her for a bride and possible sacrifice. It is up to Gwen, the more indecisive of the two, to rescue her cousin.

The Farsala Trilogy by Hilari Bell (2003-2006)

Stories are told of a hero who will come to Farsala's aid when the need is greatest. But for thousands of years the prosperous land of Farsala has felt no such need, as it has enjoyed the peace that comes from being both feared and respected.

Now a new enemy approaches Farsala's borders, one that neither fears nor respects its name and legend. But the rulers of Farsala still believe that they can beat any opponent.

Three young people are less sure of Farsala's invincibility. Jiaan, Soraya, and Kavi see Time's Wheel turning, with Farsala headed toward the Flames of Destruction. What they cannot see is how inextricably their lives are linked to Farsala's fate -- until it's too late.

Everworld by K. A. Applegate (1999-2001)

David’s life was pretty normal. School. Friends. Girlfriend. Actually, Senna was probably the oddest aspect of his life. She was beautiful. Smart. But there was something very different about her. Something strange.

And on the day it began, everything happened so quickly. One moment, Senna was with him. The next, she was swallowed up by the earth, her screams echoing from far, far away. David couldn’t just let her go. Neither could the others. His friends—and hers. So, they followed. And found themselves in a world they could have never imagined.

Now they have to find Senna and get home without losing their lives. Or their minds. Or both…

The Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe (2004)

A young man in his teens is transported from our world to a magical realm that contains seven levels of reality. Very quickly transformed by magic into a grown man of heroic proportions, he takes the name Able and sets out on a quest to find the sword that has been promised to him, a sword he will get from a dragon, the one very special blade that will help him fulfill his life ambition to become a knight and a true hero.

Inside, however, Able remains a boy, and he must grow in every sense to survive the dangers and delights that lie ahead in encounters with giants, elves, wizards, and dragons.

Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice by Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson (1999-2002)

Twelve-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi desperately wants to be a Jedi Knight. After years at the Jedi Temple, he knows the power of the lightsaber and the Force. But he cannot control his own anger and fear. Because of this, the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn will not take him on as a Padawan apprentice.

Now Obi-Wan is about to have his first encounter with true evil. He must face off against unexpected enemies--and face up to his own dark wishes.

Only then can his education as a Jedi truly begin.

Skylark by Meagan Spooner (2012-2014)

For fifteen years, Lark Ainsley waited for the day when her Resource would be harvested and she would finally be an adult. After the harvest she expected a small role in the regular, orderly operation of the City within the Wall. She expected to do her part to maintain the refuge for the last survivors of the Wars. She expected to be a tiny cog in the larger clockwork of the city. Lark did not expect to become the City's power supply. For fifteen years, Lark Ainsley believed in a lie. Now she must escape the only world she's ever known...or face a fate more unimaginable than death.

Westmark by Lloyd Alexander (1981-1984)

When Theo agrees to print a traveling showman's pamphlet, he only thinks of the money it will bring in. Instead, it sets off a chain reaction that results in the smashing of the press and the murder of his master. Caught on the wrong side of the law, Theo must flee the city. Soon, he has teamed up with the traveling showman Count Las Bombas (who is actually a con artist) and his servant. The trio is soon joined by Mickle, a clever, strong-willed girl with a mysterious past. Performing feats that astound and amaze, the motley crew falls into a trap set by Chief Minister Cabbarus, who is determined to wrest power from the grief-stricken king. Now they must not only save themselves-they must save the kingdom...

The Goblin Wood by Hilari Bell (2003-2011)

One terrible day, Makenna, a young hedgewitch, witnesses her mother's murder at the hands of their own neighbors. Stricken with grief and rage, Makenna flees the village that has been her home. In the wilds of the forest, she forms an unexpected alliance. Leading an army of clever goblins, Makenna skillfully attacks the humans, now their shared enemy.

What she doesn't realize is that the ruling Hierarchy is determined to rid the land of all magical creatures, and they believe Makenna is their ultimate threat - so they have sent a young knight named Tobin into the Goblin Wood to entrap her.

In this captivating fantasy adventure, the difference between Bright and Dark magic is as deceptive as our memories, hopes, and fears -- and the light of loyalty and friendship has a magic all of its own.

A young hedgewitch, an idealistic knight, and an army of clever goblins fight against the ruling hierarchy that is trying to rid the land of all magical creatures.

Hexwood by Diana Wynne Jones (1993)

When Controller Borasus receives a strange letter from Earth he is both curious and alarmed. Someone has activated an ancient machine and is using it for most trivial purposes. Surely no one would dare to tamper with Reigner seals in this way? Yet the effects of such interference resonate throughout the universe, so he decides to go to Hexwood Farm to investigate…

On Hexwood Estate, Ann watches the mysterious comings and goings with interest. She knows something deadly is going on – or is Hexwood simply altering her too?

Guides for Dating Vampires by D. N. Bryn (2022-present)

Vincent Barnes has suffered four years as a vampire, and they’ve been the most miserable years of his pathetic life. Too poor for black market blood, he feeds from sleeping humans to survive. He tries to never intrude on the same prey twice, but after a single delicious taste of a long-lost childhood neighbor, he can’t help returning for seconds.

Wesley Garcia has been waking up with fang marks. Lucky for him, he needs a vampire—to use as bait. He’s certain Vitalis-Barron Pharmaceutical killed his mother, but to gain access to their covert research labs, he has to bring them a bloodsucker for their experiments.

Step one, a dramatic offer: Stay, and you can bite me.

Vincent leaps at the chance to gobble Wesley up.

Wes’s plan is perfect. He’ll befriend the vampire, then trick him into coming to the lab. No fighting, no fuss. But Vincent is more than Wesley has bargained for: sweet and shy, with intoxicating fangs that awaken new desires in Wes. As the two bond, Vincent believes he might have finally found someone worth putting his trust in... and Wes fears neither of them will survive the betrayal he has planned.

#best fantasy book #poll #the chronicles of faerie #the farsala trilogy #everworld #the wizard knight #star wars: jedi apprentice #skylark #westmark #the goblin wood #hexwood #guides for dating vampires

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yourneighborhoodporg · 11 months

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The Guardian

Chapter 3: The Escape

Obi-Wan Kenobi x Reader

Warnings: fluff, BANTER, slight injuries, violence, sacrifice (if you squint), bad weather (if that's a warning?), Anakin is a menace, Obi-Wan and Reader get pretty close at some point 👀.

Summary: With your true identity revealed, it's determined that you must accompany Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka back to The Jedi Temple on Coruscant. However, a number of setbacks block your escape from Hoth— some atmospheric, a few mechanical, others tall and hairy.

Song Inspo: Independence Day — Neil Finn

Words: 6.2K

A/n: Thank you for the continued support!! Looking forward to hearing your opinions on this chapter. Remember to comment a request to be added to the taglist if you'd like to be on it :)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Series Masterlist

‘Tis fate diverts our course, and fate we must obey — Virgil

“Wow.”

Anakin leaned back in Obi-Wan’s former seat, supporting his head with hands nearly intertwined. You watched as the gears turned, his mouth loosely open and eyebrows tensed.

“And you’re…?”

“Yes.” You confirmed.

“And your master is…?”

“Yup.”

“And your eyes are…?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Because…?”

“Yes sir.”

He lifted a hand with a finger loosely pointing in the air, mouth agape before stopping himself. Confusion washed over his expression. You reveled in the brief peace as Anakin returned to his thoughts. But that gift did not last nearly long enough.

“And your…”

“Let’s just assume the answer is yes.” You interrupted while raising a hand to cut him off, closing your eyes in irritation.

You were reaching your wit's end.

“Obi-Wan took this much better.” You murmured, rubbing your temples.

Anakin grumbled, crossing his arms in defense. “Well, Obi-Wan isn’t The Chosen One.”

“Obi-Wan is standing right here.” He gibbed from his perch just beside Anakin’s seat, a hand resting on its ear with legs loosely crossed.

“Well I, for one, am glad we found you.” Ahsoka interrupted from her place crisscrossed on the floor. She locked her mischievous eyes with yours, a smug smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth. “Someone needs to keep my Master in check.”

You beamed brightly, wordlessly thanking her for the support. Then, a sudden spark went off behind her eyes. Her head tilted quizzically at you.

“Wait, how did Qui-Gon find you? I mean, it sounds like The Order had no idea you existed, so it’s not like he could’ve found some record of you.”

You thought of her words carefully, looking up to the ceiling to delve into your memories. The other two Jedi turned toward you expectantly.

“I’m…actually not sure.”

You took a moment, trying to remember any information your Master dispensed about your beginnings.

“When I was very young.” You started. “I once asked Qui-Gon if he was my father. I was still trying to understand concepts like Master and family through my studies. And as the only human I’d known, his presence was very confusing.”

You smiled at the memory of your childlike imagination. “Obviously, he said no, explaining concepts like Master and Padawan and their disconnection from familial bonds. But in that conversation, he told me my parents had passed.”

Anakin nurtured a commiserate expression.

“I’m sorry.” He said in a soft voice.

It was then that you noticed how your story stirred The Chosen One— like dark storm clouds behind his eyes. A saga of sensitivities swirled behind his pupils.

You appreciated his empathy, and conveyed a grateful glance, watching as he nodded with postured stoicism while leaning back once more, arms crossed. Underneath all that brazenness, there seemed to be a very caring individual, you thought to yourself. And he didn’t hide it well.

Dragging yourself from the interaction, you once more delved into your past. You watched the three Jedi as the most likely theory formed.

“If he knew that…that my parents were dead, I assume he must of discovered me around then.” You shrugged at your pervasive cluelessness on the subject. “Or, maybe it was blind luck many years later, much like our first meeting. Who knows? My memories of that time are cloudy.”

“In my experience, there is no such thing as luck.” Obi-Wan expressed, smiling at you with a wise impression.

The corner of your eyes crinkled at his kismet reference as the four of you breathed into the weary silence. These hours of conversation had clearly drained the room of all its energy. It felt as if the previous night’s sleep had been stretched out of you by the very words unleashed into the air.

You were sure the revelation of your destiny and connection to Qui-Gon acted as a fountainhead to the mental fatigue that soaked through the shelter’s inhabitants. Your account was evidently transformative to these Jedi. It presumably forced them to question lifelong-held beliefs about your former Master and The Chosen One prophecy. Qui-Gon was always very clear with you about his efforts to keep you a secret from the Galaxy. You guessed that also meant from Anakin himself.

Maybe that’s why you felt incongruity bubble up within you. It was a strange experience, explaining your purpose in another being’s life without them having any previous knowledge of your existence. And despite the coherence of The Guardian’s destiny, you suddenly felt misplaced. Especially when you observed The Chosen One’s reactions.

Anakin’s furrowed eyebrows and slightly parted lips clarified his stupefaction. Yet just below the surface, you sensed the slightest sliver of tension escape his force. A sort of uncertainty that leaked from his figure.

His sudden arrival was unexpected, mostly because you thought the first contact would be more grand, precise, and deliberate. You believed all your life that one day Qui-Gon would arrive to tell you it was time, only to load you onto a starship with the Jedi Temple as its heading. There, a formal introduction would take place of great fanfare with all of the Jedi masters in attendance. A symbol of The Order’s strength of unity against the Sith in their centuries-long conflict.

But instead, here you were, by the Force’s will, sitting in front of The Chosen One who had just happened to crash land on the very planet you took refuge on. And while you were confident in each word that escaped your breath, your disorientation was still amplified by the shard of doubt that split from him. Qui-Gon wasn’t here to help you tell your story like you always dreamed he’d be. So it was up to you alone to advocate for your place in the Galaxy.

You knew Anakin’s hesitancy stemmed from the sudden discovery of your existence and, mostly, The Guardian’s unexpected tie to him. As you ruminated further, you noticed that it was much like your sudden imposter syndrome. Both of you clearly lacked the tools to approach a discussion of this magnitude.

And it was a strange comfort, knowing that you both felt equally disquiet about this meeting. Maybe the two of you were far more intertwined than you first truly realized.

To your side, Ahsoka’s bright smile was difficult to ignore from her place crossed on the floor. It emanated delight as her eyes ricocheted between you and Anakin, her tilted cheek resting on a fist. You found her to be the most accepting of your connection to Anakin’s path.

In conversation with the three of them, you discovered her to be Anakin’s new Padawan. It clicked that she likely saw you as some positive cosmic influence on the Master she held in high esteem. You were equally grateful for her connection to Anakin. Ahsoka herself seemed like a wonderful young Jedi. You admired her outspoken nature and youthful buoyancy, reminding you of yourself as a young trainee.

It was also reassuring to know that there was another person close to Anakin that you could learn from. After all, to best support and protect The Chosen One, you needed to know him well. Qui-Gon taught you that. And that meant understanding not only him, but his close associates as well.

That too included Obi-Wan, who seemed relaxed, almost grateful, since he fully accepted the truth. His shoulders were loose and eyes hopeful throughout the second rendition of your story. After giving up his seat, the older Jedi stood comfortably by Anakin, silently supporting him from behind. It made sense since you learned he was Anakin’s former Master.

Your inferences were based solely on his outward expressions, failing to register anything he released into the Force. Clearly, once the bearded Jedi recognized your force sensitivity, he found it best to firmly conceal his emotional connection to his signature, much like his other companions. If you had paid more attention to your first meeting with the Jedi, you may have realized his ability to manage this connection to the Force. His heightened control when in the presence of other Jedi would’ve dwarfed the loosened attentiveness he held around non-sensitive beings, as when he shared your company alone in the shelter.

You remember one of your first trainings with Qui-Gon was on this very topic. However, he did not only teach you how to protect your mind. Qui-Gon spent many sessions gifting you the longest and most in-depth lesson you experienced— Force Stealth.

He was always sure to remind you that for many years, it would be your most vital skill. Your former Master chided you on the need to be highly maneuverable in this field of force study to stay alive. Completely hiding your force signature was the only sure way to prevent your discovery by either side, especially the Sith. These Jedi only protected their thoughts, you mused inwardly. But once you realized this, Anakin’s readable distress became particularly perplexing.

Your mind was still saturated with anachronism to think too deeply about these matters.

Yet, you still lacked despondency, despite learning of your late Master’s passing. It had been nearly a decade since you last saw him. Maybe that’s why in the last few years, you occasionally surmised deep down at the base of your subconscious that he’d passed, leaving you stranded on Hoth alone.

But it still felt impossible to believe. Maybe that’s why you were holding it together. Or maybe some part of your heart had accepted Obi-Wan’s words, but it just hadn’t sunk in yet. Or maybe these swirling battles within you were too distracted by the initiation of your prophetic path to land that last punch of unavoidable, bitter truth.

“Well…” Anakin began.

You jolted from your thoughts.

As you registered his questioning intonation, you inwardly moaned, mentally preparing yourself for the next set of inquiries you thought ended a while ago.

He sighed. “There isn’t that much room, but I’m sure we can find space for a fourth in the shuttle’s cabin.” Anakin grinned.

A feeling of delight bubbled in your stomach. In all this time of discussion and deep contemplation, you hadn’t had the chance to really ponder the life-changing ramifications of this meeting. That included leaving Hoth, possibly forever, for the first time in a very long time. It meant meeting new people, a new planet, with a big new city that you’d only heard about through Qui-Gon’s tales. For someone who grew up in isolation for their entire existence, this revelation was overwhelmingly exciting, and somehow nerve-wracking.

“I sure hope so. Last time I checked, there were four seats installed, unless you destroyed one during your repairs.” Obi-Wan jested.

Anakin rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

If the four of you were to leave this planet soon, the state of those repairs would be a determining factor, you thought.

“So I take it the shuttle is fixed?” You inquired.

Anakin shrugged. “Eh, mostly.”

He seemed to notice the apprehension grow on your features as he quickly explained.

“I mean.” Anakin stuttered. “The engines are fixed and the shuttle can take off. But there are a few holes that lead to some important places. So they need to be plugged.”

Obi-Wan folded his arms, seemingly unimpressed with Anakin’s understatement. “I assume you’re referring to the holes in the main hull.”

Anakin sighed despondently. “Yeah.”

This complication certainly posed a roadblock to escape, but it only took a moment for you to realize that the solution was directly in front of you. Or more, all around you.

“Well.” You chewed over your thoughts as you phrased them. “If I won’t be here for much longer, I’m not gonna have much use for this shelter. Could we salvage its parts to seal any cavities?”

Anakin perked up at your suggestion, glancing around at the hull. “I…think that may work.”

“Great!” You clapped your hands, hope radiating throughout your body.

“Let’s get started.”

—

It only took about an hour to determine the shelter’s best specimens, extract them, and then prepare them for transport for the final phase of repairs. Anakin and Ahsoka were quick to load the materials into makeshift bindles constructed from your blanket collection.

You recall commenting on his pace: his evaluation of the manual, the previous restorations, the speed at which he tore out the necessary fragments from the shelter— it was all done in great haste. And his defense of this unwavering initiative was most amusing.

“I hate the snow. It’s like sand, but it gets you all wet.”

Fair enough, you thought.

That was many hours ago. Anakin and Ahsoka had long ago left for the shuttle to complete the repairs, and you and Obi-Wan were now just on the way to join them. You readjusted your grip on the lichen bag once again slung across a shoulder, this time filled with a few possessions rather than a slimy lunch.

As you moved through the new layer of snow that accumulated overnight, you thought back to how difficult it was to ignore the cold chills that scurried down your bare arms in the shelter when you were collecting your things. The exposed snow, apparent due to the missing paneling, destroyed the warming effect of the old ship’s hull.

You never referred to the old ship as your home, knowing that eventually, you would leave that place to start your journey. But that wasn’t your only reasoning. It wasn’t your home because it was a refuge, a place for asylum, for development, to prepare you for The Chosen One’s arrival, without risk of being destroyed by the Sith— at least not before you were ready to face them.

In all honesty, you were still unsure if your training would satisfy the needs of the path ahead. However, the Force seemed to believe you were prepared to begin this quest, so you had to trust in that.

You refocused your memories, thinking back to when you were collecting a few of your favorite holobooks discussing The Old Republic Jedi and the Jedi-Sith War, which you laid out on your desk as you packed. Qui-Gon’s first gift, a navy blue-based blanket with gold shimmers, was neatly folded beside them. As you clipped your lightsaber to your belt and shrugged on your warm Wampa cloak, you allowed your gaze to wander throughout the shelter until it was stopped by a glint from a thin slit in the curtain.

You stared carefully at the item that caught your eye. It hung from the back wall and clearly made its desire to accompany you well known. A breathy laugh escaped you as you shook your head. You ruminated while walking up to take the half-circle metal headpiece. How could you ever forget what you lovingly referred to as your Second Master.

“Is that The Muntuur?” You turned to the voice and were met with Obi-Wan’s expectant demeanor.

“Yes.” You strolled to your desk, Obi-Wan following close behind.

“If the Force believes that it’s prepared me enough to begin my voyage, then it shouldn’t hurt to bring it along. To keep me fresh.”

Picking up the lichen bag, you began to fill it with the laid-out belongings. It was hard to miss the intrigue dripping from the man behind you as you wrapped The Muntuur in the blue blanket. You placed it in the lichen bag, which you sealed shut with the drawstrings.

“Don’t worry.” You reassured. “Although there isn’t time to experiment if we have any hope of reaching the ship before sunset, I promise we’ll find time for the device once we arrive.”

Obi-Wan’s expression brightened at your offer. “I appreciate that.”

Then, a thought crossed your mind. “We are going to The Temple, right?”

He nodded. “Yes, straight to Coruscant.”

When you later left the shelter for the last time, you were faced with your most difficult goodbye.

Meetra was grooming her arm with wet laps when the two of you emerged from the hatch. As you let it fall closed with a thud behind you, the friendly Tauntaun raised her head in curiosity, sniffing the air for any aroma of danger.

You approached Meetra, placing each hand on her neck once more to feel her warm, thick fur.

“This is bye, for now, Meetra.” You cooed, moving your hands to pull her head down, placing a light kiss on her right tusk. “I’m gonna miss you more than you know.”

And with one last pat on her chest, you turned to make your way to the shuttle. Out of the corner of your vision, you noticed an indiscernible emotion resting on Obi-Wan’s face as his eyes peaked at you subtly.

You glanced at his following figure. He quickly acknowledged you with a copy of your bright expression. You observed his fine guise through a pregnant pause before swiveling back toward the path ahead, brushing off the interaction as the two of you continued the expedition.

Now, you both were hours into your trek, trudging through snow troughs and avoiding ice patches as the freezing wind whipped your hair, occasionally blocking your vision.

Obi-Wan seemed to be fairing just as well, a hand blocking his face so that he could see through the falling flakes. It sounded as if the Maker himself was trying to whistle for the first time from the skies.

“Why did you leave the Tauntaun behind?” Obi-Wan projected over the heavy gusts that began to pick up.

“She wouldn’t have found her way home without me.” You called out. “We‘ll be fine on our own.”

Another powerful blast of glacial wind threatened to knock you and Obi-Wan over. You both stood your ground before attempting to continue the trek during a rest in the gusts’ pull seconds later.

“We will see.” He wondered aloud.

Your gaze dropped as you tried to focus on one step at a time. While you’ve experienced the rough Hoth weather plenty of times in the past, you haven’t had to travel through it without Meetra’s help. You knew this planet well, and Obi-Wan was right. If the budding storm worsened, it could not only threaten any non-planetary beings on the surface, but also prevent the shuttle from taking off— at least not without the engine’s stalling.

Glancing up, you were now able to see the ship in the near distance, blurred by the thickening snowfall.

“Hey!” You called out, grabbing Obi-Wan’s attention with a wave. “Only a few more minutes.” You loudly assuaged, pointing at the now upright shuttle in front of you.

He nodded.

You had only taken a few more steps when a high-pitched mechanical squeal permeated the atmosphere. You contorted at the painful drone, covering your ears. Obi-Wan was similarly hunched over, trying to block out the sound. Then, as quickly as it appeared, the uncomfortable tone left.

You turned to Obi-Wan as you regained your posture. “What was that?!”

“I don’t know!” He stepped forward. “We need to get to the ship!”

You nodded as the two of you picked up the pace, much like the volume and intensity of the storm. As you neared the shuttle, Anakin and Ashoka’s figures became clearer in the growing whiteout engulfing the region. Anakin was loosely hanging from the side of the viewport by one hand, his feet swaying, as he finished sealing the hole in the transparent steel with one of your shelter’s panels and a lightsaber. Ahsoka was yelling something unintelligible from below before Anakin readjusted and jumped down to join her, continuing their conversation.

Soon, a kaleidoscope of warm tones caught the corner of your eye, turning your head toward the first sign of the coming dusk. This was beginning to be very bad, you thought to yourself. You started to forcefully jog through the trapping pressure of the snow, Obi-Wan matching your speed.

And in a few moments, their words became clearer.

“…need to get out of here!” You caught the last part of Ahsoka’s sentence as you and Obi-Wan caught up to them. The strong frigid gusts became sonorous, lasting for minutes at a time. Even with the aid of the Force, you were having difficulty keeping your feet planted.

Finally, you found your footing. “What on Hoth happened?!”

Anakin’s head spun toward you. “Who says that?!”

“They do!” Obi-Wan rebuffed. “Now what happened?!”

“I think I triggered some old security system while repairing the last hole in the viewport!” Anakin explained. “It doesn’t matter!”

Darkness started to creep across Hoth’s miles-long white blanket at an almost imperceptible rate, but fast enough to begin sinking this side of the planet’s temperature down to dangerously low levels.

Suddenly, you felt a shift in the land nearby. You took a moment, closing your eyes and breathing deeply to reach out to the impression.

“We need to leave now!” Ahsoka yelled. “If the storm gets any worse we’ll be stuck!”

The energies were large. Towering but swift. A violent rage and cavernous hunger penetrated your senses.

“It may matter.” You whispered to yourself.

You opened your eyes, glancing at Obi-Wan who mirrored your actions.

“Do you sense it?” You asked lowly, but loud enough to be heard over the howling storm.

Obi-Wan faced forward, closing his eyes. It looked as if his nose was being pulled into the distance as he dug into the Force, brows creased and lips pursed.

His eyes shot open at the three of you. “We need to leave, now!” Obi-Wan started to jog toward the shuttle’s entrance on the opposite side, you, Anakin, and Ahsoka hard on his heels.

The dimming light began obscuring your vision.

“What is it?!” Ahsoka questioned.

“A pack of Wampas!” You answered from behind. “Obi-Wan, they won’t let the shuttle take off! We’ll need to deal with them if we have any hope of leaving this planet!”

“It’s too dangerous!” Obi-Wan argued as he lept at the shuttle’s entrance stationed about three feet off the ground.

Landing, he rested a hand on the handle before turning to face the three of you. “Fighting anything in this weather will get us killed. Let alone the number of beings I sense.”

“Doing nothing will get us killed!” You maintained. “In the time it takes for us to prepare for takeoff, they’ll rip the hull to shreds!”

You took a moment to briefly reconnect with the life forms around you, registering how dangerously close the Wampas now were. Suddenly, what sounded like a gurgled scream combined with a deep-bellied roar echoed from a hundred feet away.

Anakin spun in the direction of the cry, grabbing the hilt of his lightsaber.

“Snips, start the engines!” He stared into nothingness beyond the blinding storm, now plunged in darkness. “Yell when we can lift off!”

Igniting his saber, he took a few cautious steps forward, its blue glow reflecting off the snowflakes falling around. You copied his actions, activating your weapon, the gray of your saber blending more with the environment. You listened as Obi-Wan jumped down from the shuttle’s door, landing behind you and Anakin as Ahsoka leapt to the access point and let herself into the ship. The hiss of his saber sounded, it adding to the blue luminescence by casting a subtle shadow of part of your form.

The three of you stood wordlessly while the bellowing wind buffeted each of your cloaks and wheezed past your ears. It was impossible to hear distant footsteps beyond the unrelenting noise, so you focused on your senses and any images gleaned from the sabers’ radiance as the icy chills began to stiffen your muscles.

Out of the oblivion emerged a barely perceptible, large white mass running directly toward you at full speed. In a second, its right claw was poised for attack, a roar of a thousand voices emanating from the bloodthirsty Wampa.

You reacted quickly, vaulting over the beast and slicing off its attacking arm with the shadow of your saber, its wails echoing into the distance. You shifted into a flip mid-air, facing the creature’s wide back in time to lift your saber above your head and stab it, dragging the blade down as you descended. Once you landed comfortably on your feet, you watched the Wampa slump to its knees, letting out one last pathetic wail as its body collapsed into the snow, emptying the air of a little noise.

As if answering the cry, the sound of the shuttle coming online reverberated across the frosty plains.

Anakin relaxed his spine upwards from his attack stance. “That was easier than…”

A clamor of Wampan growls and wails erupted from behind as you whirled around to face them. The sheer number of sprinting giants made their footfalls thunderously loud above the tumultuous drones of the snowstorm. Anakin swiftly crouched back down into an offensive posture while you tightened your stance.

“You always have to speak too soon!” Obi-Wan commented boldly as you watched him raise his saber.

Before you knew it, seven Wampas emerged from the dark snowfall only feet away and headed straight for you.

“Uh, a little help!” You called out.

Anakin and Obi-Wan charged each flank of the pack, taking two each to distract while you dealt with three of the massive snow brutes. Their bodies built for blizzards moved agilely as you struggled against the heavy winds and trapping snow drifts. You were avoiding their blows by mere inches, making it impossible to launch an offensive.

“They seem to like you!” Obi-Wan quipped. He incapacitated one of his attackers with a blade through the side. Its dying cry only seemed to intensify the others’ aggression.

“I don’t think they’re happy that I skinned one of their brethren!” You retorted, referring to the Wampa cloak draped around your shoulders.

Finally, you found an opening to cut off the legs of the leftmost beast, causing it to crumple to an icy grave in a pained howl.

“I believe their anger is more related to a certain piercing alarm.” Obi-Wan sassed while dodging a particularly nasty attempt to bludgeon his head.

Anakin seemed to be faring equally well, having successfully cut off the head of one Wampa and aiming to finish off the other.

“I get it!” He yelled over the battle. “Blame The Chosen One!” You could hear the smirk on his face.

You rolled your eyes, barely missing a swipe at your neck from the deed. You took the opportunity to lob off both of the attacker’s paws, paving the way to kick him with a grunt to the disturbed sleet beneath you.

“Are you sure he’s The Chosen One?!” You called out to Obi-Wan, a wicked glint in your eye. “I thought they’d be more humble!”

“Anakin and humility have never been well acquainted.” Obi-Wan jested. He slashed at his last Wampa’s chest, cutting it down.

Anakin eyed the two of you. “Because I don’t need it!”

He turned.

“Agh!”

And in the momentary distraction, the younger Jedi received a claw to the cheek.

“Obi-Wan!” You sang with a grin. “The Chosen One needs your assistance.”

“Already on it!” He acknowledged. The older Jedi jogged toward the grumbling Anakin behind you.

Finally, another window of attack opened, enabling you to separate the torso from the legs of the last beast standing before you with a quick swipe of your blade.

As you caught your breath, you turned in time to see Anakin and Obi-Wan cut down the final Wampa with two sabers through the stomach, its culminating bellow signaling the end of the battle. The two relaxed, shutting off their lightsabers and attaching them to each belt.

You ambled toward the duo after clipping your own now-deactivated saber. You tried to dust off the accumulating snow on your arms, but most of it had iced over in the dropping temperatures of a Hoth night.

Trying to ignore the numbness of your nerves from the subfreezing temperatures, you looked up, locking your gaze with them as a feeling of levity embraced you.

“I’m The Chosen One!” You mocked in a high-pitched voice, throwing your hands up and scrunching your cheeks. “I could’ve taken the whole pack with my eyes closed!”

“Yes, I believe that’s quite an accurate impression.” Obi-Wan teased with an eyebrow quirked, turning to his former Padawan with a hand gesturing to his point.

Anakin crossed his arms. “You know.” He began nonchalantly. “I could definitely take on a pack with my eyes closed.”

You rested each hand on your hips, leaning into one side with a significant lack of inspiration on your face. As the adrenaline wore off, an unpleasant ache began to pull at your sinuses.

“Let’s go!” The three of you turned your head to Ahsoka who stood in the shuttle doorway, waving you over. “This storm is seconds away from keeping us grounded!”

“About time.” Anakin huffed as he led the way back to the ship, you and Obi-Wan close behind.

You were not a mere two steps into your stride when a weakened growl vocalized behind you. You all turned as the Wampa you kicked rolled onto its knees and began to crawl upwards in all its armless glory.

“Get in!” You advised, grabbing and reactivating your saber. “I’ll take care of it!”

Anakin leapt up to the entrance, landing in the doorway gracefully before turning to you. “Come on!” He argued nonchalantly. “What’s it gonna do?!”

“An armless Wampa can still do a lot of damage!” You challenged. “Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!”

Whirling around to begin your trot back to the stumbling blob of fur, you called out once more.

“You three focus on getting us out of here!”

You listened as Obi-Wan jumped up to join Anakin on the shuttle, followed by distant conversation. Your saber was readied mere feet away from the creature when the older Jedi called out to you.

“Anakin says we need to lift off now!”

You groaned. “Then take off!”

Swiftly, you plunged your fiery blade into the heart of the beast, killing him instantly.

As the adamant Wampa fell for the final time, you felt the snow pick up around you, a sonorous whirring rumbling from behind. You pivoted just in time to see the shuttle at least five meters above the ground and climbing fast. You charged toward the vessel, its entryway still open with Obi-Wan standing to the side as he peeked out at you, holding the frame for support.

Your feet grew heavier as the water that had leaked into your boots began to freeze. It felt as if the biting cold had calcified your limbs. You couldn’t tell if your vision was blurring due to the thickening blizzard, your persisting headache, or your dropping body temperature.

“Come on!” You looked up at Obi-Wan who had knelt by the door, the shuttle now 15 meters above you.

You continued your labored dash.

“You must jump.” He reached out a hand as you stopped some meters away from the liftoff point.

You closed your eyes and breathed deeply as you concentrated on the Force, hoping to melt away the stiffness in your movements and bring back some feeling in your extremities. You had certainly jumped long distances before when training with Qui-Gon, but this would be pushing it.

After shaking out each limb, you glanced up to see that the shuttle had climbed another 5 meters.

Great.

“Jump!” Obi-Wan yelled, reaching his hand out further.

“I know!” You yelled, slightly annoyed.

“I’ll catch you!” He assured.

You huffed, centering yourself in a wide stance. Then, bending your knees and reaching out to the energy around you, you jumped.

Freezing wind blasted your face to the point of losing all feeling. The air pushed back on your body, especially weighing you down by your fur cloak.

Still, the Force kept your trajectory. Some snow flew in your face, but the real culprit was the wind whipping your hair directly into both eyes.

You may have connected to the Power of the Cosmos a little too deeply, because you overshot. Instead of neatly landing in the entryway like Anakin, you collided with Obi-Wan, straddling him on impact as he flew back. He took the brunt of the fall, cushioning your landing with his strong, shielding form. A loud thud echoed throughout the cabin you both met the shuttle floor.

You shook your head, reorienting jumbled senses as your eyes connected with his. Obi-Wan’s flooded with relief, sighing at your somewhat safe landing. It looked almost as if his furrowed brows were scanning your face for any sign of discomfort.

You assume he did not find any concerning indications as his expression quickly morphed into a desperate attempt to manage the pain from that rough drop.

“I caught you.” Obi-Wan exhaled, his warm breath tickling your nose.

You couldn’t help the breathy laugh that escaped you, followed by a pained groan when you rolled off him and onto the cold, shaking, shuttle floor.

You kneaded the side of your ribs. It throbbed from a rough meeting with the hilt of Obi-Wan’s lightsaber. The bearded Jedi emanated a similar vocalization as he sat up, massaging between his shoulder and neck where you’re pretty sure your leading hand slammed into him.

Ahsoka shot up, stumbling over to the ship’s door before pulling it closed and sealing it tightly with a twist of the handle.

She spun toward you. “Nice jump!”

“Not so nice for me,” Obi-Wan interjected.

You sent him a sheepish look. “Sorry.”

“Welcome aboard!” Anakin saluted from the pilot's seat.

You noticed the shallow cut on his cheek had frozen over while Ahsoka returned to her backseat.

“Now, get ready.” He directed. “This is gonna be fun.”

“If I wasn’t seeing stars.” Obi-Wan began. “I would have something to say to that.”

The two of you rose from the floor, having trouble keeping your stance as the shuttle continued to tremble. Obi-Wan stumbled to the co-pilot's seat while you joined Ahsoka, unceremoniously landing in the chair neighboring hers.

The hum of the draft against the hull intensified as you watched the storm worsen, with thicker snowfall and the inklings of hail bouncing off the viewport.

“Hold on!” Anakin exclaimed.

You found it wise to follow that advice.

He pulled down the throttle, pinning the four of you against your seats as the ship shot up. The shuttle creaked and groaned while the outside pressure appreciated. You grew dizzy from the intensifying quakes.

“How old is this ship, again?” You inquired.

“Don’t ask,” Anakin warned.

The vessel broke through a layer of clouds. You wouldn’t have realized had the other side not lightened the darkness you were previously doused in.

The engines began to whine, slowly modulating upwards. The beat of your heart intensified. It would be a miracle if this ship didn’t stall.

“Almost there…” Anakin gnashed.

“My brain‘s gonna turn into jelly,” Ahsoka commented with a woozy tone.

Your grip on the armrests tightened. “Tell me about it.”

You stared at the viewport, watching as the ship tumbled through flying snow and dangerous ice, surrounded by the blacks and grays of the sky. Then, in a mere second, you broke through some thin gloomy barrier, and were met with thousands of bright stars on an endless black canvas.

The shuttle instantly calmed, sailing smoothly and deeper into space. The four of you settled into an eery serenity as you stared out the viewport in awe, having long forgotten what space looked like from inside a starship.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

You glanced at Obi-Wan who’d twisted in his seat to face you, an endearing smile gently resting on his countenance. He seemed to have noticed your child-like wonderment. But who could blame you? It was an extraordinary sight, and not something you’d seen very often.

The last time you left Hoth, you were bound for Ilum for The Gathering. But that was many years ago, and you hardly remember it being this bewitching.

Then again, there was a big difference between collecting your Kyber crystal and facing the destiny you’ve prepared your whole life for. That anticipatory element could’ve added to your excitement.

This time, you weren’t going on a short trip. You were leaving for a while. For forever. Disappearing without a trace. Being called by forces unknown who freed you to face a destiny set in stone from the beginning.

And maybe Qui-Gon was out there, somewhere. In the Galaxy or the Force, watching with a smile, as you received his message from a million miles away in the form of three lost Jedi.

Either way, your journey had just begun, and basking in the light of the galaxy felt like a good place to start.

“Yes.” You sighed contently. “It is.”

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