Light snow fell on the cave entrance as Sabine went to check outside. It was early morning, and with the storm gone, the rugged beauty of the icy landscape appeared to her in its full grandeur. Even though she had been raised on a snow planet and had grown accustomed to watching snow, there was another kind of wildness to this place that left Sabine in awe: more primal and unpredictable, yet strangely beautiful. The air was pure and refreshing, and as Sabine breathed it in, fresh energy spread across her limbs.

'I sense movement in the Force,' Ahsoka said, appearing next to her. 'We should go.'

Donning their winter gear, the two set off towards a line of icy mountains.

The cold wasn't as harsh as before, and there was a stillness in the air that Sabine found calming. Along the way, Ahsoka and Sabine made small talk and traded stories. Ahsoka told her of her adventures during the Clone Wars; Sabine told her of their missions with the crew of the Ghost. Sabine learned that Ahsoka had gotten involved with a boy called Lux Bonteri in a side adventure on a snow planet much like this one; and Ahsoka learned about Sabine's fellow bounty hunting partner Ketsu. Sabine knew that Ahsoka had posed as a servant on Zygerria to find out about the missing population of a Togruta colony; and Ahsoka knew that Lando Calrissian had tried to sell Hera Syndulla to a crime lord called Azmorigan. Sabine also learned much about Ahsoka's involvement with Mandalore: teaching cadets about political awareness, and rooting out the corrupt prime minister Almec; her participation in the Siege of Mandalore, where she had captured Maul in the midst of an intense battle outside the palace of Sundari; meeting a lone Mandalorian hunter on Corvus on his way to find a Jedi to train a Force-sensitive child…

Sabine enjoyed being with Ahsoka. Behind the calming presence and aura of wisdom, there was much that they both shared. They both have the same brashness and reckless attitude in their youth, a desire to prove themselves. They were both loners in different periods of time, having ran away from their respective homes. They both share a snarky sense of humor, as well as a feeling of hidden melancholy from the harsh realities that their lives had led. Sabine was glad to have Ahsoka beside her in the search.

As they forged into the woods leading into the mountains, the two treaded more carefully now. 'We're close to something,' Ahsoka announced. 'I'm not sure what, but be on guard.'

Sabine nodded, then followed Ahsoka deeper into the forest.

It wasn't long before they found a modest village right at the foot of the mountains. Huts scattered loosely around the area, and short humanoid figures in grey skin bustled around the clearing.

Ahsoka crouched behind a fallen tree. 'Let's stay here for the moment. I sense something is about to happen,' she said.

Sabine looked into the distance. At first there was nothing. Then she heard it: howls piercing the air, their tone full of savage hunger. The villagers froze, then started retreating back into their huts, seeking shelter. Some brought out spears, forming a line in front of the village.

The first of the attackers emerged from the forest: tall grey-skinned humanoids in hideous-looking masks riding on vicious creatures with sharp claws. The creatures looked like large anoobas, their eyes glowing blue with malice. Wave after wave poured out from the woods and started wrecking havoc. They carried spiked clubs and other wicked-looking devices. The defenders are putting up a brave fight, but were hopelessly outmatched in numbers and weapons. Villagers fell. Huts collapsed.

Sabine's blood boiled looking at the carnage. 'We're just going to sit here and do nothing?' She demanded incredulously.

Ahsoka put one hand up. 'Wait,' she said, closing her eyes and concentrating.

'What?' Sabine asked urgently. 'What is it?'

Ahsoka opened her eyes. 'I think someone else will do it for us,' she said, smiling slightly.

Then, Sabine heard another howl coming from the woods: more high-pitched and not malicious, as if rallying others. More howls answered from the surroundings, and from the forest came a pack of wolves. They circled the attackers and sprang at them, momentarily halting their attack.

'It's the hermit!' shouted some of the attackers.

'The hermit?' Sabine thought.

'There! Look!' Ahsoka pointed towards one of the paths leading away from the village towards the mountains. There, on top of a wolf larger than the others, sat a hooded figure. He stretched out an arm, and more wolves poured out of the woods, preventing the attackers from ransacking the village.

Sabine's vision tunneled. Calling on animals for help used to be Ezra's signature move. She'd seen him rally loth-wolves, loth-cats, purrgil and more to his cause. She zoomed in through her binoculars built in her helmet, and underneath the figure's cloak, she caught a whiff of orange.

Orange: Ezra's preferred color of clothing. Sabine's heart leaped. Even with his face concealed, she knew instinctively that the hooded figure could be none other than Ezra Bridger.

She was ready to just charge over to him when suddenly the large wolf let out another long howl. The remaining wolves retreated back into the woods, followed by a large group of the attackers, enraged by the sudden intervention. Ezra's wolf also bolted as the last of the pack disappeared into the mountains. With most of the attackers gone off to chase Ezra, only a few were left behind. Yet they still continued their raid on the village, smashing and stealing anything they found.

Ahsoka stood. 'Go after him. I'll stay here and protect the village.'

Sabine nodded. Then, activating her jetpack, she shot through the air, following the trail of wolves into the mountains.

With the wolves on his tail, Ezra led the raiders deeper and deeper into the mountains.

He could feel their collective anger behind, rapidly closing in. The wolves that Ezra commanded were quick and smart, but unlike the loth-wolves back home, these were smaller and wilier, and not as deeply connected to the Force. They picked their fights carefully, only hunting in great numbers or preying on lesser creatures. Their ancestral feud with the raiders' creatures was how Ezra had managed to rally them to his use, but now that they were on the run, the wolves were starting to get overwhelmed. A connection through the Force works best when the wielder appeals to the creature's natural instincts, and Ezra knew he cannot maintain it for long if he was asking the wolves to act against their nature.

'Flee,' Ezra spoke to them through the Force, and the wolves went off in all directions, dispersing into the woods. Now just alone with the large alpha he was riding, he directed it straight towards his destination. He knew a spot in the mountains where he could use to make a stand.

'Almost there,' Ezra told the alpha. 'Just a little further.'

The wolf curled its lip and huffed, then picked up his pace, speeding up the winding path.

There in front of them, was a narrow strait where two steep mountains met. Ezra dismounted, and after thanking the wolf, he sent it bounding away back into the forest. Then he threw back his hood, and waited calmly as they arrived.

The creatures snarled as they stopped in front of Ezra. The raiders fanned out, blocking the narrow path. He counted around sixteen of them, all scowling behind their masks.

The leader of the bunch rode forward. 'This is the third time you've interfered with our conquests,' he said harshly. 'What is it that we have done to provoke someone like you?'

'Your conquests have brought destruction and chaos across the planet. Many have suffered under your reign.' Ezra announced. 'I've seen the barbaric attacks your people have made. You've killed and robbed indiscriminately, destroyed forests and endangered the balance of this world. I'm here to stop you.'

The leader laughed. 'We've been living in these mountains for hundreds of years, and we've emerged as the strongest and the best. No one has ever stopped us from staking our claim to this land. You are interfering with spoils that are rightfully ours. Now leave this place, or be destroyed.'

'Your actions will unite the entire planet against you,' Ezra replied. 'It's just a matter of time before you spark a chain of revolts. I've seen it happen before.'

'The others fear us,' the leader countered. 'They would never dare oppose our rule, and those who do will be dealt with, which is what will happen to you if you don't step aside. Now.'

'I've handled worse than you,' Ezra said calmly. 'I will act if you choose to resolve this through violence.'

'What will you do?' he mocked. 'You are alone. You can't defeat us all.'

'He's not alone,' a new voice behind them spoke.

Ezra froze. That voice, which he remembered so vividly and had haunted his memories for the past decade, could only belong to one person.

The raiders parted to reveal a slender figure in colorful Mandalorian armor standing behind them. Ezra registered the different shades of black, silver, blue and purple on her armor, as well as the intricate patterns flowing seamlessly from one design to the next. Throughout the years, Sabine's art style has managed to be even more stunning and mesmerizing. Ezra found himself unable to move or speak. After all this time, being apart for so long, she'd found her way to him.

The leader snarled. 'Two,' he said in disdain. 'You're still outnumbered.'

Ezra tore his eyes away from Sabine to face him. 'Last chance. You would be doing your men a favor if you step down.'

The leader responded by raising his club. He yelled, 'Get them!' Then, he charged straight towards Ezra.

Just as he was about to reach him, Ezra leapt into the air. The creature barreled past him and wedged itself between the strait. As it struggled to break free, Ezra twisted his body in midair and launched himself at the leader, kicking him off his ride.

Sabine, meanwhile, was holding her own against the others. She had shot some of the creatures as they charged at her, causing the raiders to take a spill. Some now circled her, trying to get her with their weapons, but Sabine activated one of her smoke grenades and dropped it by her feet, then jetpacked up into the air. Snow and smoke flew everywhere as the device exploded. During the chaos, Sabine took the opportunity to wound her opponents by shooting them in their arms or legs.

To Ezra's back, the beast shook itself free and stalked towards him, teeth baring. With a growl, it leapt at him. Ezra sidestepped and used the Force to push him into the path of the remaining raiders. They collapsed face first into the snow.

Suddenly, he felt a warning from the Force. He ducked, and a club passed over his head, narrowly missing him. Ezra turned to see the lead raider swinging at him. He sidestepped again as he made another swipe, knowing he cannot risk even one hit. The leader came at him in the speed of a tornado, but nothing hit Ezra. He backed away slowly, redirecting his strikes to the surroundings with subtle nudges in the Force, and at the same time analyzing his fighting style and tried to look for any weaknesses.

Then, he found it. As he swung at him again from above, Ezra ducked and shifted to one side, and with a sweep of his legs and another elbow to the back, he sent the leader tumbling to the ground. The other raiders yelled in fury and charged at him, weapons drawn. Ezra weaved between them, looking for an opening to jump away.

Just as he was starting to worry one of them would land a hit, he heard Sabine shout his name. He glanced at her direction, and he found her holding his lightsaber in her hand. With a quick thrust, she threw the weapon towards him.

Ezra suddenly had a moment of déjà vu as his lightsaber flew towards him - he had done the same with Sabine years ago, when he had thrown her his weapon during a battle with Gar Saxon's Imperial Mandalorians at the Clan Wren stronghold on Krownest. Only now their roles were reversed. Ezra caught the saber, and its familiar green blade sprang to life as he ignited it, humming with energy. Within seconds, the raiders' weapons were no more. Ezra moved in a blur, injuring his attackers and leaving them sprawling on the ground.

Ezra looked around him. All the raiders have been defeated, and are now struggling to rise. He felt relieved that his saber technique was still intact. It might take him a while to get back in shape, but Kanan's advice and the muscle memory from his training still remained even after so long.

'Leave. Now,' he told them.

The leader shot him one last hateful look. Then, with difficulty, he rose and started limping back the way they came. The others followed, and soon Ezra and Sabine were alone.

Ezra watched them leave. Then, deactivating his lightsaber, he turned to face Sabine. She did the same, and took off her helmet.

He was momentarily taken aback by her look. She had cut her hair short, so it resembles Ezra's own haircut back when he was still with the Ghost crew. Her hair was a lighter shade of purple than when they had parted. Her features were still the same, although more mature and sure of herself. He took it all in: how her hair complimented the colors of her armor, the numerous shapes she had painted on it, from the vibrant Phoenix symbol to the purgill on her left shoulder, how powerful and confident she looked.

'Beautiful, all of it,' Ezra thought.

For a moment, they just stared at each other, drinking in the fact that they were together again. Ezra wondered if he was dreaming. Sabine's eyes were searching, as if trying to find something in his face. Her expression was full of deep care.

It was Ezra who finally spoke first. 'You've changed your hair again,' he marveled.

A thin smile appeared on her face. 'So have you…' she said tentatively.

Feeling awkward, Ezra smiled uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck. The tension between them was thick in the air. Neither of them were good at casual conversation, and they haven't spoken in nearly a decade. Over the years, his hair had grown longer and shaggier, even more so than during the time when he was a street rat on Lothal. He also had a fully grown beard covering most of his face. Being in harsh environments in the Unknown Regions, his appearance had weathered, giving him a wild look. Out here, he was known as a hermit, hanging around with wildlife and occasionally helping locals fending off aggressors.

'Yeah…guess I haven't put a lot of effort on appearances these days,' Ezra mused.

'I can tell…'

Another moment of uncomfortable silence passed between them. Even though Ezra had prepared for this day to come, and mulled over what to say upon meeting Sabine again, they had all evaporated from his brain. His mind raced with memories of the past, and of what Sabine had meant to him during his long exile. Sometimes his trust in her became the only motivator during the years, allowing him to carry on through the hardships he faced. But days turned into months, and months turned into years, and there had been moments when Ezra had doubted her, doubted himself, wondering if he is even worth it for her to come and find him.

All of this went through Ezra's mind as he struggled to find something to say.

'So…' Sabine started. 'What do you think?'

'About what, Sabine?'

'About the look, Ezra.' She spread her arms.

'Oh, uh…' Ezra stuttered. 'It's great. I mean, I guess I shouldn't be surprised about you changing the hair or the armor, but um…you look better than ever…not that you didn't look good before…'

Sabine chuckled, shaking her head. 'You haven't changed a bit, have you, Ezra?' She teased, but her voice came out a little shaky.

'Well…I guess not. Being around you again after so long…I guess I just couldn't…'

He never finished his sentence. In an instant, Sabine had surged forward and launched both of her fists at his stomach, then before he could fall over, she enveloped him in a tight embrace. Ezra, though barely able to stand straight through the pain, clung to her tightly and blinked back tears.

'That hurt, Sabine,' Ezra chided softly.

'You deserve it,' Sabine replied into his shoulder, voice cracking with emotion.

For long, the two embraced quietly, neither wanting the moment to end. Ezra closed his eyes and breathed in her scent, convincing himself this is really happening.

Far too soon, they separated, though they still held each other in arm's length. Their eyes were both misty, and content smiles were spread across their faces.

'What were you about to say earlier?' Sabine asked, still smiling.

'Oh…I was just saying, I guess I just couldn't help but behave like I used to be around you,' Ezra said. 'Seeing you now, even after so long…it's as if nothing has changed.'

Sabine's smile widened. 'It's good to know some things remained the same.'

'What can I say? I knew I can always count on you,' Ezra replied, echoing the words he had told her all those years ago.

A warm feeling spread through Sabine, sending goosebumps all over her body. She felt the truth of those words – the trust, the loyalty and the understanding behind them. The Ezra-shaped hole in her heart, which she had felt in varying degrees over the past decade, was finally closing. She felt as if she had reclaimed an important part of herself.

For a moment, they just gazed at each other. Their eyes told each other of the heartache during their separation, how much it means to be together again, how deep their bond had become and more. It wasn't long before they settled in another warm embrace. Unlike the first one, this one was slow and soothing, simply allowing them to take in each other's presence.

After the hug ended, Sabine took Ezra's face in her palm, gently cupping his cheek. Ezra nestled against it, reveling in the sensation her touch was giving him.

'You almost look like your father now, with that on your face,' she mused, running her fingers along his beard.

'Yeah, I'm pretty sure my dad never lived like a caveman,' Ezra laughed.

'I did say almost, Ezra. Hmm,' Sabine examined his face for another few seconds. 'Not the best look on you, but with some improvements, I guess it could work. After all, I know plenty on hair management.' She winked.

'I'm sure you do,' Ezra said, shaking his head.

'So,' Sabine smiled. 'Ready to come home?'

Ezra again wondered if he was imagining things. It seemed surreal that it was happening now after so long in exile. He lost count the number of times he had seen his home planet Lothal in dreams, or how it would feel to be back home at last. He longed for the sight of endless grass plains, and the sound of loth-cats in the wilderness. But first, he owed the villagers below some kind of explanation.

'Sure,' he replied. 'But first, there's something else I need to do.'

...

...

...

Author's note: Quite a long chapter this time. I've thought for a long time how Sabine and Ezra's reunion will turn out - the feeling of the scene, how to make the dialogue fit with the characters and so on. Many works have depicted either Sabine punching Ezra on sight or hugging him, so I thought: why not both?

The idea of Ezra being a hermit in exile was nothing new, but I decided to give him a more dramatic introduction. Reversing the situation of Ezra throwing Sabine his lightsaber was an idea that occurred to me during the writing process, which I think would be a nice callback and a good way to return the weapon to its rightful owner.

Thanks for reading and hope you enjoy the rest of the story!