*Hey guys, sorry it took so long. Im still lacking proper motivation so it took me a bit. Please forgive this chapter it isnt my best work. I hope you can still enjoy it. As always please let me know what you think*
"Ok, I think your ready to join the others. I removed your stitches and everything looks great." The Dr took a step back and allowed me to stand.
I still felt stiff, but was relieved to be healed enough to leave the Infirmary. It had already been three days. I was going insane.
"Your a very lucky woman ya know. That wound should have killed you."
I nodded at the him, not needing the same
"You have a guardian angel" speech.
The exhausted Dr took his leave and a familiar face took his place.
"Poe Dameron. Well isn't this a surprise. Here to kidnap me again?" I tried to add humor to my voice but failed miserably.
I was still angry at him. His face showed remorse, and it caused a flicker of pity to run through me.
"Yeah, I really am sorry. In my defense I was under the impression you were a damsel in distress. Those are a weakness of mine."
He put his hands in the pocket of his jeans and stepped towards me. I crossed my arms and raised a brow at him.
"Well, if your really sorry you can make it up to me."
His eyes widened in suspicion. "What do you have in mind?"
I couldn't help but feel amused by the slight look of fear that crossed his face. What had people been saying about me?
"I want your soul."
His face turned to one of shock and horror. I kept mine straight until he started stepping towards the door. I slowly started laughing uncontrollably; Poe's face went from scared to embarrassed.
"Come on, like Id ever ask you for your soul. I'm not evil or crazy." I said, in between giggles.
"That was a lame joke. I'm sure your better then that." He said slightly annoyed.
I controlled my laughter just as his broke out.
"I am better then that, but I'm hungry and that's blocking my creative flow."
Poe grabbed my hand and led me out the door. "I can help with that."
I removed my hand from his and followed him. I looked around me in amazement, I didn't know what I had been expecting, but this wasn't it. The base was bright and bustling with life. Several people passed us dressed in every color imaginable. They all smiled at us as we passed. Everyone seemed so nice and accepting. I guess people weren't talking about me. I was relived by that thought until a mother and her child passed me. The women quickly bent down and lifted her child into her arms. She eyed me with hatred and fear. I waved, fighting hate with kindness. She turned her head and bolted in the opposite direction. Poe looked at me in pity.
"What do they think I am Poe?" I stopped walking and stared him down.
"Allot of people believe you are a Sith. They have been petitioning Leia to have you jailed." He answered.
I openly scoffed, I couldn't believe this nonsense. Yeah I was in training, but they didn't know that. I wasn't an evil person just because I came from a place where some evil dwelled.
"You all do know that not every member of the First Order is evil right?" I kept my face stern.
Poe took a step back clearly shocked by my outburst.
"How can you say that? They blew up a planet!" Poe yelled, unafraid of offending me.
"Yes some of the Order should be removed from power. People like Snoke and Hux, but not everyone there is evil. Some don't believe in the methods being used. But fear is a powerful motivator." I told him, keeping my voice even.
"So you expect us to what? Try and get them to elect new leaders?" Poe laughed.
I frowned at him in annoyance. "No of course not, we need people who we can trust to end only those lives that need ended. Then we can maybe come to some agreement, one that doesn't end in more bloodshed." I countered.
Poe shook his head at me. "Your living in a fantasy. This war will not end until the entire Order is gone. I'm sorry but that's life."
I placed my hand on his shoulder. "No its not, your just to hell bent on your way being the only one. Has anyone ever tried to join both the light and the dark together? Maybe then we can actually find peace." My voice was firm.
Poe's face fell the slightest bit.
"I just choose to believe that there is hope for both sides to find peace. I do not deny that the Order has several members that need dealt with, I had already planned on handling them myself as some point." I told him.
Poe looked at me in confusion. "Your an odd one. I'm all for finding peace, but I don't know if that could ever come to pass."
I smiled at him, at least he is open to another view. I could only hope I would find others like him.
"You acknowledging there could be another way is enough for now." I pushed him forward rubbing my stomach theatrically.
He got the message and led me to their cafeteria. I grabbed myself some soup and chose a seat beside Poe. He really wasn't as bad as Id initially thought.
"So could you take me to Han once were done?" I asked.
I wanted to know if he had planned my escape yet.
"Actually, I'm supposed to keep you away from Han. Leia seems to believe you two are planning something."
I kept my features surprised.
"What? Han is a friend who understands what I want. That is all, we are planning nothing." I said innocently.
Poe gave me a knowing smile. "Okay, but if we get caught I'm placing all the blame on you Red."
I rolled my eyes at the new nickname. "Come on. Red, really? Your better then that!" I laughed.
Poe shrugged his shoulders and removed our empty trays from the table.
"Lets go. Han will be at the Falcon."
I nodded, of course he would be. I walked beside Poe memorizing the layout. You never know when knowledge of your surroundings will come in handy. We came to a large hanger full of resistance pilots and their planes.
"Wow this is incredible." I said, astonished.
Poe smiled at me, he grabbed my hand and led me through the fray. I once again moved my hand from his. He was a very touchy person and it made me uncomfortable for some reason. We came to the back of the hanger before I finally saw the Falcon. I jumped up and waved at Han. I never thought Id be so happy to see that beat up ship.
"Han, Chewie! You beautiful creatures you!" I slammed into Han hugging him.
"Please tell me you have a plan." I whispered in his ear.
He pulled away from me and winked. I could sense something was off with him. Even if he was trying to act like everything was normal.
"Course I do sweetheart."
I gave him my biggest smile. Poe stood in front of us.
"So I got you here. What are you planning?" Poe asked.
Han looked at me, waiting to see my reaction. Just by looking at Poe I knew he wouldn't fall for any tricks. I could tell he had been in a similar situation before. He must get himself into trouble as much as I do.
"Poe, I'm leaving. This isn't were I belong. I have things I need to do."
He looked between me and Han. I could tell he wasn't at all surprised. I just hoped I could trust him.
"Does this have anything to do with what we discussed earlier?"
I didn't want to lie to him, but something told me to keep my answer simple. Poe wasn't ready to understand anything more.
"Yes, I cant help anyone stuck here." I told him.
"So you want Han's help to get back to the Order then?" He asked.
I nodded blushing. What I was asking could be considered as nothing short of insane.
"Ok, I wanna help. I'm not in the business of keeping innocent people captive." Poe smiled.
I gave him a grateful smile clapping my hands together. I was ready to get down to business.
"So Han, whats our game plan?" I questioned in a whisper.
Han motioned for us to follow him into the Falcon. He led us to the common room where a hologram map was displayed. "Han, whats this about." Poe questioned. Something in his expression had me worried.
"These are the plans Leia has set out for the Starkiller Base. She is planning on using everything she's got to destroy the Orders weapon." Han told me.
I could see none of this was new to anyone besides myself.
"She is planning on destroying the oscillator, which could cause the planets core to erupt. Its a dangerous plan, but if we do not do it the Order has set this planet as its next target."
I could feel my face whiten, this was insanity. Nothing with this much destructive power should be in the hands of either side.
"Ok, so what exactly do you need me to do?" I was glad my voice sounded braver then I actually felt.
I had only expected a break out. This was battle, and if we failed a whole planet and every member of the resistance would be destroyed.
"The plan is Poe and the other fighter pilots will be firing on the oscillator, but in order for them to stand a chance we have to disable the shields." Han said determined.
"Finn is leading a group of people into the base. That team will disable the shields and then escape before everything goes to hell." Poe said, looking at me.
I sensed he had known nothing about what Han was planning. I could also tell he had figured it out now, and he liked the new plan.
"They need enough time to get in there without getting caught. Kylo will surly sense them, and be hot on their tails, unless..." Han's sentence trailed off.
I could tell both Han and Poe were trying to avoid straight out asking me to be apart of the team.
"You want me to distract Kylo Ren. You want me to betray him." I asked, finally catching on.
"Han, this whole time you were using my need to get home for this?" I was shocked, not only had I been betrayed by Rey but Han as well.
I knew this was important, but I was sick of all the betrayal. Had they just asked me I would have helped, but not like this.
"Elara I want to get you back to Ben, but we need your help with this. I wasn't planning this until I found out what the Order had planned for us." Han answered.
I turned away from them, I couldn't do this to Ben. He would never forgive me.
"You realize what this will mean. I will lose everything." My voice broke off.
Poe placed his hand on my shoulder. "We need your help, we will lose much more if this doesn't go well."
I was so tired of this war.
"Does Leia know you want me to help?" I asked.
Han shook his head. "No, we plan to sneak you onto the Falcon as we leave. Rey and Finn will just have to understand."
So Rey and Finn were on the away team. Great, it will give Ben even more reason to hate me. It will look like I ran away, faked my death, and became a part of everything he hates.
"Well it looks like you all got what you wanted. I will help you destroy everything, including my friendship Kylo Ren." I walked away from them, and out to the hanger.
I would never be able to go home now. There will be nothing to go home too. Kylo will destroy everything I love just to enact his revenge. Han stepped out of the Falcon and stood by my side.
"We will be leaving in an hour. Be here then. Chewie will help you hide."
I refused to answer him. I just stood in silence. Han and Poe both left to prepare. I couldn't move I just stood in the same place they had left me. I watched everyone saying their goodbyes to those they loved. I would never have that. At the rate my life was going Id be dead before the end of the war. Making a true enemy of Kylo Ren was completely mental. I hated the fact that I couldn't be evil, and just let the Order kill these people. After all they had betrayed me, but just as I had told Poe I am not evil. As I watched the people around me I realized just like with the Order, some of these people were kind and did not deserve to die. I could give up my happiness for theirs, as Maz had predicted I would need strength to get through my part in all this. These people needed help, and it was may duty as a fellow human being to help them. Maybe I could make Kylo see sense. He couldn't be so lost as to want to kill his own mother could he? I placed my hand on my head, I had a feeling this wouldn't end well for Ren. It was the same kind of feeling the Force gives me as a warning. I would protect Ben, even if he hated me. I lifted my head at a familiar growl. Chewie stood in front of me, he looked sad and nervous. Maybe not everyone liked the idea of me betraying Ben.
"Where am I supposed to hide Chewie?" I begrudgingly asked.
He tilted his head walking into the Falcon. He took me to a panel in the floor and lifted it up. He nudged me, and I climbed down. Chewie held up is paws telling me to stay put.
"What else can I do? Don't worry, I'm super excited to betray Ben!" I lashed out.
Chewie gave me a sad growl as he closed me in. I felt bad taking out my anger on him. After all, he looked about as happy as I felt. I sat down against the grating behind me. It wouldn't be long before we took off. I tried to remind myself that at least I would be getting out of here. I would make sure if I became an enemy of the First Order I wouldn't become a member of the resistance. I would find some place else to go. I have survived on basically nothing before. I could handle being on the run. I'd make sure no one would be able to find me, not the Order or the resistance. I heard voices above me. I held my head between my legs. This was it. I was going to the Order, and I was betraying them. I was betraying Ben. I wiped the tears from my face. No. I was saving innocent lives, that was what I needed to focus on. I pictured the resistance members saying goodbye to their loved ones. I saw the children that would lose their lives if the Order set off their weapon. They were the people that I was going to save. That thought gave me new strength, this wasn't about me. I was being selfish, this was about doing what was right. I felt the Falcon lift off the ground. I dug deep and filled my thoughts with what needed to be done. I was strong, I could do this. The ship entered lightspeed, and I was thrown to the side. I ignored the ache in my side as a commotion started above me.
"Han, how could you! She will betray us for him and you know that." Rey's voice was angry.
Her words sent a sharp sting through me. I wasn't about to let her speak of me that way. I had never once betrayed her. Just because I befriended someone she didn't approve of she thought she had the right to claim I would betray them. I was giving up everything for her people. She should be grateful! I climbed out with determination. I stood facing Rey, we both looked at each other with anger. It was like our years spent together meant nothing. I ignored the pang of sadness I felt.
"I will do what I need to. I will not let innocent people die." I told her.
Han and Finn stood beside Rey as if she needed protection from me. I understood now that they would always perceive me as a threat. I was Kylo Ren's pet in their eyes. I could hear it in Finn's thoughts. He thought I had been seduced by not only the darkside but Ren as well. It was a bit comical to me. They understood nothing, it was almost sad how one sided their thoughts were.
"I am no ones pet. You don't need to worry about me. I will protect your resistance, no matter what it costs me." I said looking at Finn.
"Get me inside and I will find Ben. He should sense me the further from Leia we get." I told them.
I didn't know for sure it that was true, but it felt right. The Force was telling me the further away from Leia's block we got the better. I walked past the small group in front of me. It was almost as if they were strangers. I had lost so much in such a short amount of time. I hated it, I felt their loss deep within me. I missed Rey, I missed having someone I felt I could always depend on. We had both changed too much, its crazy how much a relationship can change when you no longer share the same ideals. I found myself in the cockpit with Chewie. He patted the seat beside him and I took it.
"Hey Chewie. You hate me too?" I gave him a half hearted laugh.
He shook his shaggy head and gave my arm a hard slap.
"Ow!" I rubbed my arm and laughed.
"Thank you Chewie." I placed my hands on the wheel and smiled, I'd always wanted to fly.
"I don't think that's a good idea kid. You'll kill us."
I turned my head to see Han.
"Sure. Your probably right." I kept my voice low.
I stood up and went to the chair behind his. I strapped myself in and ignored Hans gaze.
"Listen kid, I'm sorry I had to ask you to do this. Believe me there's nothing more important to me then my son, but I cant allow this to happen." Han pleaded.
I looked into his eyes and found nothing but truth. I let out a sigh, I couldn't be angry at him for trying to stop a massacre.
"I'm sorry Han, I do understand. I just don't want to lose him and that's exactly what this will cause. You know his anger."
I knew Han would understand easier then anyone. It was his son after all. Han took the seat beside me.
"Do you love my son Elara?"
His question surprised me. I stared at him in shock. Did I love his son? No one had ever asked me that before. I tried to tell him no, but something stopped me. Did I love Ben? Han's face brightened and I saw a glint in his eye. He gave me a sly wink as he stood up to join Chewie. I staid in my seat and stared straight ahead. Han's question still rattling around in my head. I almost missed it when Rey and Finn joined us.
"Are we there yet?" Finn asked.
I glared at him, almost forgetting how annoying he could be.
"We are actually." Han answered.
I leaned forward expectantly.
"So geniuses, how are we getting in?" I mocked.
"Their shields have a fractional refresh rate. Keeps anything traveling slower than lightspeed from getting through." Han answered.
Finn's face filled with dread. I tightened my straps shaking my head at Han.
"We're gonna make our landing approach at lightspeed?!" Finn cried.
I couldn't help but laugh at his frightened face. I knew this plan was crazy, but that's what made Han so brilliant.
"Alright, Chewie, get ready." Han said as he studied the panel in front of them.
Chewie's answering growl told us all that he was as ready as Han.
I looked down at the planet below and a familiar presence filled me. I could sense him again, it was like a part of me had been woken up. I felt complete. I wondered if he could feel it too.
"And Now!" Han yelled.
He and Chewie hit the switches on the panel at the same time. The ship jolted into lightspeed. I closed my eyes, I hated how entering lightspeed made my stomach queasy. The Falcon's environment shifted instantly from lightspeed to the planets atmosphere. The Falcon was suddenly flying a hundred feet above the snowy, rocky ground, we were headed to a thick forest for cover.
Chewie's loud growl echoed through the cockpit.
"I am pulling up!" Han yelled back at him!
The Falcon was going to crash land. I squeezed my harness in fear. The ship started plowing through the trees. Branches smacked the windshield as we plummeted towards the ground. Alarms began to blare as the ship headed back up above the treeline. Suddenly we hurtled through the trees as the Falcon slammed into the snow. I was grateful for the harness as we skidded across the ground. Finally after about a thousand feet we slammed into a large pile of snow. The front of the ship was almost completely submerged.
Kylo's POV
Kylo stood in front of a large window that displayed the weapon he was going to use to avenge Elara's death. He knew she would be angry if she knew what sacrifices he was willing to make in order to enact his revenge. He had thought of nothing else since he had been told of her death. He held nothing but hate now, no matter what he did nothing quenched it. He looked to Hux who was monitoring the weapons charge. It was almost time, he would be able to know everyone who had taken her from him would pay. His master would be satisfied, and he could finally move on. Once his revenge was satisfied he could forget her. His hand felt the small hologram he kept with him. It was all he had of the girl, he was ready for this pain to end. Missing her was constant torture. Even today it was like he could feel her again, but he knew that was impossible, so he ignored it.
"Report!" Hux spat.
Kylo turned to watch as the officer told Hux the weapon would be fully charged in fifteen minutes. Fifteen more minutes and this pain would be gone. He placed the hologram safely in his pocket. A familiar tug pulled at his mind. Kylo's anger spiked at the thought of his father. How dare he show up here. He knew what Snoke had demanded of him, and he tried to forget how torn the thought of it made him. He would kill his father and then his journey to the darkside would be complete.
"Han Solo." He whispered.
He sped out of the room following his fathers presence. Everything would end today
Elara's POV
We were walking through a large snow covered landscape. I had a small jacket Han had given me wrapped around myself. The resistance clothing I had on barely kept out the cold. I wasn't used to such harsh weather. My teeth chattered as the wind blew around us. A loud sound snapped me back into reality. In front of us walkers patrolled, we dodged behind a large structure to hide.
"The flooding tunnels are over that ridge. We'll get in that way." Finn whispered.
I was all for going inside my hands were turning blue.
"What was your job when you were based here?" Han asked.
I watched Chewie look through his bag full of explosives as Han and Finn argued.
"Listen, I know my way around here remember. I lived here for months." I interjected.
This wasn't the time for arguments. Chewie growled at Han in annoyance.
"Oh your cold?!" Han answered him.
I laughed at Chewie, he was such a furry wimp.
"Come on!" Finn hollered grabbing Rey's hand.
We followed them up a snowy hill, in the distance we could see a laser siphoning energy from the sun. It was a blatant reminder of how important this mission was. I grinded my teeth together. I was really going to kick Ben's ass for even considering this. What was he thinking!? After we, against my wishes, killed a trooper we were finally inside. Chewie took the lifeless trooper away, hiding his body. I had to keep reminding myself that this was war. I just hated wasting life like that.
"The longer we're here, less luck we're going to have. The shields?" Han asked Finn.
We all stared at him expectantly. His face was nervous and sweaty. Rey gave us a dirty look and squeezed Finn's hand.
"I have an idea about that." Finn answered.
They made to follow Finn but I staid put.
"What are you doing El?" Rey asked me, stopping the others.
"I can sense him, he knows Han is here. I need to find him. That's my job right?" I asked them.
Rey looked at me with suspicion on her face.
"Rey, this is why you brought me here, to distract him. Please trust me. Follow Finn save your resistance." I told her.
Her face lilted as she looked at me. I felt our friendship weaken. She obviously hadn't approved when I called it her resistance, but that's what it was. None of it was mine, this was where I belonged. I needed to destroy the parts of the Order that wanted nothing more then to rule with fear, and I needed to save Ben. This was where I could do all of that.
"I love you Rey, but this is where I belong. I can help win the war from here. I will stop all this needless death. Just trust me." I whispered to her.
"I love you too El, please don't turn into one of them." She cried.
I wrapped her in my arms and whispered a final goodbye.
I waved at the others and ran in the other direction. I could sense him, he was so consumed by darkness. I had never felt him this lost before. I tried to call out to him using the Force but he was blocking me. I was confused, he had never had a block like this against me. It was like he was trying to shut down our connection. I kept running toward Ben, getting more nervous the longer it took to find him. After what felt like hours I came across a colossal dark room. I could sense his presence, but his wasn't the only one. Han was with him. A sudden wave of foreboding overwhelmed me. I rushed inside hoping I wasn't to late to stop whatever I had just felt was coming. A large walkway spread out in front of me. On the other side stood a dark figure. I knew instantly who it was. I went to shout his name but the voice that called to him wasn't mine.
"Ben!" Han shouted.
I squinted through the darkness and finally found him. He was approaching Kylo from the opposite side of the catwalk. I knew something bad was going to come from this. Kylo was too shrouded in darkness. He wasn't thinking straight. I started slowly walking towards them. Kylo who had frozen at the sound of his fathers voice was turning to face him now. Neither man could see me yet I was still hidden in the darkness behind Han.
"Han Solo. I've been waiting for this day for a long time." Ben's voice echoed through the room.
A beam of light filtered through an opening above. I looked up to see Finn, Rey and Chewie watching the interaction between father and son. I kept walking forward trying to remember to breath. I had no clue what I could say to take away some of the darkness that was smothering Ben, but I had to try.
I could see Han about to say something, but this time it was my voice that spoke instead.
"Take off the mask Ben, you know how I hate it."
I stood stock still as my voice reached his ears. His entire body stiffened. I didn't know what to expect and neither did Han. I saw him step to the side so that I could move closer to Ben.
"What do you think you'll see if I do? His voice was shaky and barely audible.
I could sense so many emotions running through him. One, as I expected being betrayal.
"Ben, I didn't betray you. I was taken and brought to the resistance. They only just saved me. I've been trying to get back here ever since." I whispered to him.
I tried to step closer but was held back by the Force.
"You came here to destroy everything I have built. How is that not betraying me!" He shouted.
I stood my ground, but used the Force to push Han away from us.
"Ben, I came here to save innocent lives. I also came back because this is where I belong. You know what you are planning is wrong." I kept my voice steady.
I tried once again to approach him. This time I didn't meet the Force. I reached up and removed his mask, as I had done so many times before. I almost cried when I saw the state he was in. His eyes were tired and blotchy. He looked like someone who hadn't eaten or slept in days.
"Ben please believe me. I do not want to betray you, but I will do whats right." I touched his tired face.
His eyes closed, it was like I had given him oxygen, he could finally breath again. Its exactly the way I felt. I stepped into his chest and breathed him in. I felt calmer then I had in days.
"Ben, its not to late. Come home, we miss you." Han said, breaking into our quite moment.
He brought Ben back to reality. Ben looked down at me and brushed the hair out of my eyes. He used the Force to move me to his side. Tears filled his stoic eyes as he observed his father.
"I'm being torn apart. I want to be free of this pain." he cried out.
I moved my hand to his. He took it gazing at me for only a moment. Something wasn't right, he was fighting something, and he wasn't winning. Han stepped closer to his son. His face full of love and compassion.
"I know what I have to do, but I don't know if I have the strength to do it. Will you help me?" Ben asked his father.
I tried to access Ben's thoughts but he was actively blocking me. I stepped beside Han and looked into Ben's eyes.
"No Ben, do not do this. It will not stop the pain." I begged.
I knew now what he was asking his father. He wanted his connections to the light destroyed. I stopped Han from speaking and moved in front of him.
"If Snoke wants you to do this to Han then you must do it to me too. I am a connection to the light just like your father." I readied myself for whatever Ben threw at me.
I couldn't let him do this, he would never forgive himself.
"Do you really want to lose me again? Because you will if you go through with this. You have a choose Ben. Choose me." I pleaded.
Ben's face changed, confusion plagued him. He didn't understand what I meant.
"I love you Ben Solo. Let me help you." I confessed.
I could hear shock come from above us, but I kept eye contact with Ben. I needed him to know everything, I needed him to know what I could give him. So many emotions crossed his face. The darkness around him lessened only for a moment, before he was once again consumed.
"I cant. Your asking me to become weak."
His words ripped me apart. I had never known pain until this moment. This wasnt my Ben, this was Kylo.
I took in a shaky breath.
"Fine, but I wont let you do this."
I used the Force to push Han further away while stealing his blaster.
"Go Han. NOW!"
I could hear his footsteps run across the catwalk. I pointed the blaster at Kylo, ready to save him from himself.
"You cannot beat me El. Not with that." He told me.
I sighed and rolled my eyes at him. "I know that, I have no desire to kill you. I love you Kylo, that's why I cant allow you to do this."
I looked up at Rey who was now joined by Han. I used to Force to tell her to leave. She nodded at me and followed the others outside. I felt the air leave my lungs as Ben threw me back. Right before I hit the ground I caught myself. Before I could stand Kylo had bolted in the other direction. I chased after him.
Shivering as the cold touched my skin.
I could see Chewie and Kylo in the distance. I started towards them, I could hear Chewie growl at Kylo. I screamed as he fired at Kylo hitting him in the side. I watched in agony as he dropped to the snow.
Chewie activated the bombs that surrounded the compound. An explosion threw me closer to Kylo. I felt my head hit the ground and a blaring pain filled me. I could feel blood run down my face. I blinked trying to clear my vision.
I could see Kylo ahead of me. He chanced one glance at me before he headed into the woods. I laid there in the snow trying to clear my head. I realized how ridiculous I must appear to others.
A fool in love with a monster.
How did I get here?
I tried to stand caching myself before I fell again. I made my way towards the woods where I could hear the sicking sound of light sabers clashing. I stood at the edge of the woods suddenly aware of my brilliant lack of weapons. I shook off the fear and stepped inside, following the sounds of battle.