I'm sorry I didn't put up the chapter last week. Graduation week was waaaay too busy to even attempt to write. However, this is a lot earlier than I usually update. Thanks to all of you for the amazing feedback! I hope you enjoy this chapter! :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars, George Lucas does. However, I do own my OC('s).

Chapter 3: Into the Blizzard

Han fumed silently as he proceeded to attempt to repair the Falcon. He was tired of hearing complaints, tired of hearing them assume he was leaving to 'save his skin', tired of his sister, and Leia, and the damn Rebellion. All they seemed to care about was their 'cause'. He was tired of hearing about the Rebellion's plans and waiting for Jabba to strike next. He just wanted things to be simple again.

His angry thoughts were interrupted as he heard something crash over where Chewbacca was working. The wookiee was struggling with repairing the central lifters, and decided the best choice would be to tear them out. He could tell his best friend was irritated, and Han knew that the wookiee was also somewhat angry with him, which caused the already irritated smuggler to shout, "Why'd you take this apart now? I'm tryin' to get us outta here and you pull both of these!"

Chewie grumbled, tired of being on the receiving end of Han's temper. Han ignored the wookiee's grumbling, knowing if he listened he would snap at his friend, and he didn't want to anger the only person on his side.

Fortunately, Han didn't have to worry about snapping at the wookiee, because he was distracted as Threepio and Artoo both approached. Chewie could hear their bickering as they neared the frustrated smuggler.

"Excuse me?" Threepio questioned, and Chewie watched as Han grimaced at having to face the protocol droid. He clearly wasn't in the mood to speak to the droid.

Han simply ignored the initial question, and continued speaking to Chewie in the hopes of avoiding a conversation with the golden droid, "Put them back together right now."

"Might I have a word with you please?" Threepio cut in again, and Han let out a frustrated sigh.

"What do you want?" He responded, unwelcomingly.

Threepio was oblivious to Han's attitude and delivered his message, "Well, it's Princess Leia and your sister. They've been trying to get you on the communicator."

Han rolled his eyes. Did they really not understand he was ignoring them? He answered Threepio, "That's because I turned it off. I don't wanna talk to them."

"Oh." The protocol droid seemed thrown off for a moment, but quickly recovered, "Well, they were wondering about Master Luke. He hadn't come back yet. They don't know where he is."

Han's eyes widened at that news. The last he'd seen of the kid was hours ago when he left to investigate something he'd found. Han assumed that Luke would be fine. After all, there hadn't been anything out there earlier. He must've forgotten to let them know he was back, though Han suddenly had a horrible feeling that wasn't the case. He decided to respond, "I don't know where he is."

"Nobody knows where he is."

Again, that horrible feeling returned in full force, "What do you mean 'nobody knows?"

Serena bit her lip nervously, wondering about her brother's reaction to the news. She hoped Han would at least speak to Threepio and Artoo. This was more important than their fight, and she knew Han wouldn't let Luke suffer simply because he was angry with his sister and Leia. However, what she didn't know was if he would even listen to the droids when they told him the news. She moved to the south entrance, knowing that if Han came to help, this was where he would go. The Lieutenant held on to the slim hope that Luke would burst through the doors at any second now, and reassure her that she worried for nothing. She would be angry with him for returning so late, but it would be better than the alternative.

She wished Leia would have waited with her, but after their initial failures of contacting Han, Leia decided to leave to search for Threepio and Artoo, hoping they could get through to Han through the droids. Serena kept calling her brother after Leia left, but she finally gave up. He wasn't going to answer her now. Still, it would have been nice to be with someone right now. It would have made her feel a little better.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard a voice, "Sir, Commander Skywalker hasn't come in through the south entrance. He might have forgotten to check in."

"Not likely. Are the speeders ready?'

That's Han! She recognized the second voice and moved towards the men. Sure enough, she saw her brother and two other officers speaking. Han's back was towards her, and she was relieved she wouldn't have to face him right away.

"Not yet." The man responded, not seeing Serena, though his assistant greeted her with a nod, "We're having trouble adapting them to the cold."

"Then we'll have to go out on Tauntauns." Han said, turning around and almost crashing into his sister. There was an awkward pause for a few moments before Han simply walked past her, content to ignore her. She frowned and followed him anyway.

The deck officer cleared his throat, attempting to gain Han's attention and reason with the smuggler, "Sir, the temperature's dropping too rapidly."

Han whirled around and the deck officer almost crashed into the smuggler. Her brother seemed determined, "Yeah, and my friend's out in it."

Serena moved forward, "Han, if you're going, I'm coming too."

He frowned, "No, you're not. Stay here."

"And why can't I? I care about Luke too, and I don't want to lose either of you out there." Even if she was angry with him, Han was still her brother and she still loved him. She wouldn't—couldn't wait here while her brother and Luke were out alone in the cold. What if something happened to Han? She didn't know if she could handle losing the both of them.

Han's expression softened, just a bit. Even though he'd been ignoring her, she knew he still cared, "You're not coming. It's too dangerous."

"So why are you going?" She rolled her eyes, "Han, I'm not a little kid anymore."

"Can't you just listen to me for once? Stay here."

"No." She said, stubbornly. She wondered if she would be so stubborn with him if they hadn't fought earlier. She didn't want to back down, and Han knew it would be a waste of time to argue with her. They had to save Luke, so he reluctantly caved in.

He glared, hating to give in to the argument, but the kid needed them, "Fine. We're just wasting time arguing about it anyway. Just stay close and don't do anything stupid."

She returned his glare, "Wouldn't dream of it."

They both moved towards the last two remaining Tauntauns, and just as they were about to head out, the deck officer ran up to them, determined to make them change their minds, "Your Tauntauns will freeze before you reach the first marker!"

Han began moving, and Serena followed closely to ensure he wouldn't try to keep her shut in the base, "Then we'll see you in hell!"

Serena felt a sudden blast of freezing cold as they left the cover of the base. The snow storm was growing stronger, and she could feel her cheeks freezing up already even though most of her face was covered by protective goggles. She now understood why the deck officer thought it was too dangerous to exit the base at this time. It was even colder than it was earlier. She'd been out on patrols before, but never at this time. The storms were bad earlier, but they were nothing compared to this.

She could barely hear Han shout, "We weren't too far from the base when he went missing. Follow me."

She obediently remained close by her brother, already shaking from the cold. Her worry for Luke increased significantly. If he was lost out here, there was a very small chance they would find him. Her stomach clenched at the thought. They would find Luke. They had to. She had this nagging feelings she somehow knew where he was, but ignored it. It wasn't possible for her to know that. She knew Han had a better shot than she did of finding Luke, at least for the moment. He knew where Luke was last. If Luke wasn't in that area, then she'd tell him, though she doubted he would believe her.

Han continued to lead, occasionally stopping to scan the area. Every time she looked at him, she saw how worried he was, though he tried to mask it. They weren't speaking partially due to it being difficult to hear over the howling wind, and partially because they were still irritated with one another, though they were both trying to put their differences aside and help Luke. They could solve their own problems later.

That nagging feeling from earlier was increasing significantly. She felt like she could almost feel Luke's presence the longer they remained outside of the base. She thought it might be some kind of Force ability, but she doubted Han would believe her. Honestly, she could be imagining it for all she knew. Still, the feeling was growing with intensity as they continued moving closer to Luke. So far, Han hadn't altered his course, so she decided to keep it to herself. If he changed directions, she'd tell him about it, though she dreaded to think of what he'd say when she told him she thought she could sense Luke.

"It's damn near impossible to track the kid in this weather. The storm'll hide his tracks in a minute and I don't think we're close." Han shouted over the wind once more.

She bit her lip, and decided Luke's safety was more important than her brother's opinion of her abilities, "I think I know where he is."

He looked at her skeptically, "Right. Let's just keep moving."

"Han!" She called out, and he paused to glance back at her, "You've got to listen to me. I think I can find Luke."

"If this is about the 'Force'—"

"So what if it is! It's not like we'll find him any other way. I don't even know if I'm sensing him at all, but it's the best chance we have!"

Han looked at his little sister, seeing her determination and concern for Luke. He knew that she believed in what she was telling him, but he didn't know if he wanted to risk Luke's well-being on a feeling she had. Still, he didn't know of any other way to find the kid, and they had to find him fast in this weather or there wouldn't be anyone to save.

Serena seemed urgent to know his answer, and he didn't quite know what to say. In the end, he decided it would be best to at least give her a chance, because he'd run out of ideas, "Fine, sis, but I'm trustin' you to find the kid."

She nodded, "I know I can." I just don't know if we'll find him in time. The unbidden thought came quickly and she felt her heart clench at the thought. Despite her worrying thoughts, she started moving her Tauntaun though the blizzard, with her brother not far behind.

She felt the creature struggle to move through the wind, and wondered if it would last long enough to return them back to the base safely. She doubted hers would, and even if Han's survived the trip, there was no way it would be able to carry the three of them. She figured they would figure it out. They always did.

"He's not far." She shouted above the roaring wind once again. Her face was feeling numb from the cold, but she was adjusting to the frigid temperatures, if only slightly.

It wasn't long after her comment that she felt her Tauntaun give in to the cold. The creature struggled to stay on its feet, but trembled severely. She couldn't hold in a gasp as the Tauntaun finally collapsed, taking her down with it. Han was quickly by her side, and jumped off his Tauntaun to help her on her feet.

"Thanks." She muttered, and glanced at her Tauntaun. They'd both have to ride on Han's now, and his didn't look like it was faring much better. Still, they weren't far from Luke, and she hoped it would at least live long enough to help them find him.

"Come on, sis, we gotta get movin'." Han said, jumping on his Tauntaun. Serena followed, and accepted her brother's help as he helped her settle onto the Tauntaun. He quickly moved, and they both noticed how much slower the creature traveled when it was weighed down by two riders. She felt a little guilty about bringing the Tauntauns, but they didn't really have a choice.

"Keep going straight. We're almost there." She said, and Han listened, urging his Tauntaun to move faster. The beast struggled but managed to increase its pace slightly.

"I have a bad feeling about this." Han muttered, not intending Serena to hear. She did, however, and felt her worry for Luke return in full force. He had to be alive. She didn't know what she would do if he wasn't.

"Wait—Han look!" She gasped, pointing to a figure lying prone in the snow, "That has to be him!"

Han wasted no time in moving the Tauntaun closer to the figure. Sure enough, it was Luke. She could tell from this distance. She jumped off of the Tauntaun quickly, running towards him. She collapsed to her knees right next to him, and heard him mumbling something about Ben. She wrapped her arms around him, both to reassure herself that he was alive and to attempt to keep him warm. She could tell he was freezing. His lips were blue, and it looked like something had attacked him.

"Stay with me, farm boy. I can't lose you now," She whispered to Luke. She increased her volume and called over her brother, "Han! He needs help!"

Han quickly made his way over, quickly moving towards the unconscious Commander, "Luke! Luke, don't do this! Come on, give me a sign here."

Luke didn't respond, so Han began to slap his face in an attempt to wake him to no avail. Han lifted Luke, "We gotta get him outta the cold at least."

"The Tauntaun!" She shouted, and pointed over to the creature. It was trembling much like hers had earlier. The beast moaned pitifully before letting out a groan and collapsing to the ground.

Han shook his head, looking increasingly desperate, "Not much time now." He continued carrying Luke to the dead Tauntaun, and Serena was puzzled. What was he doing?

"Han, there's no way we're gonna get him back before he—" She froze, she couldn't finish the thought.

"I know. I've got an idea." He searched Luke's body and found what he'd been looking for. The kid's lightsaber was lighter than Han imagined. He ignited it somewhat clumsily and sliced the beast from its head to toe. Serena winced at the horrible smell, and Han did the same.

Luke didn't react; he just continued muttering about "Dagobah."

"This may smell bad, kid, but it'll help keep you warm till we get the shelter built."

Serena almost gagged at the smell, but helped Han get Luke inside the Tauntaun, "Despite the smell, I think you just saved Luke's life."

Han ignored her praise, and as they finally got Luke inside, he muttered, "And I thought these things smelled bad on the outside!"

As soon as Luke was inside the carcass, Serena shouted, "Han, come on! We've got to set up a shelter!"

He nodded and grabbed the pack on the Tauntaun's back, "We've got one shelter container here. Let's get started."

Serena followed him, and together they began to build a pitiful shelter for protection against the bitter cold of Hoth.

As soon as the shelter was set up, Han and Serena quickly rushed to Luke. They once more winced at the smell, but quickly removed the Commander from the carcass and dragged him into their shelter. It was warmer than it was outside and it at least protected them from the wind, but it was still cold and they all had to huddle under one blanket to keep warm. Luke was still as cold as ice, Serena noticed as she rested her cheek next to his. She held him close, determined to help him survive. His lips were returning to a normal shade, but he still didn't look very good.

She grabbed his hand, and squeezed it, "Luke, if you can hear me, please don't die. Please."

She rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. It was slower than normal. She just hoped he would last the night. She knew help would come as soon as they were able to leave the base. Leia and Chewie would ensure someone would come for them.

She glanced at Han. He was quietly lying on the other side of the tent, not paying attention to them. She found herself wanting to talk to her brother, to have him reassure her, but she didn't know what to say. She decided to go for it anyway.

"Han?" She questioned hesitantly. Now that they no longer had to work together, an uneasy silence settled over the two siblings.

"Yeah?" He asked shortly, still not looking at her.

"Are we alright?" She almost whispered, but she knew he could hear her. She desperately wanted to make things right with her brother. They rarely ever fought, and she hated every second of it.

"Sure. The shelter seems fine."

"You know that's not what I meant."

There was a long pause, and Serena felt herself deflate the longer the question remained unanswered, but Han eventually answered, smirking slightly, "I can't stay mad at my little sis for long."

She beamed, "Of course you can't. I just have that effect on people."

"Don't get cocky. I'm still not stayin'."

Her happiness faded to be replaced with annoyance. Sure, she wasn't quite as furious with her brother, but that comment still managed to anger her, "Why?"

Han sighed, but figured if he told her, she might understand, "Look, remember back on Ord Mantell, when those bounty hunters almost caught us?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Jabba's never gonna stop sending them after us. I gotta pay him off to keep you safe."

Serena frowned. She hadn't thought about it like that. She'd just assumed he was tired of being in the rebellion and decided to move on and leave everything they'd worked for behind. This time when the thought about her previous feelings, she felt guilty for assuming the worst of her brother. He was always looking out for her, and she should have known that.

"Han," She began, "I didn't know." She sat up and looked him in the eyes.

He looked uncomfortable. He didn't usually like to talk about things like this, so he just shrugged.

She just looked at her brother in awe. Serena was ashamed of her previous thoughts and made a decision. She left Luke's side and moved over to her brother, practically jumping on him and wrapping her arms around him, hugging him tightly, "Thanks, big brother. I'm sorry." She felt the tears welling up, finally giving in to the stress of the day and accepting that her brother wouldn't be staying with her for much longer. She still wouldn't leave with him. She couldn't, but she was accepting that he was doing what he thought was right.

Han was stunned, but awkwardly returned the hug. They rarely hugged, because Han wasn't the biggest fan of them, but he allowed his little sister to hug him like she used to when they were younger. He could feel her crying softly, but he just remained silent and patted her back, comforting her as she finally accepted her big brother wouldn't be with her anymore, "It's okay, sis."

They remained that way for a few more moments, while the frigid wind whipped around the tent, and the blizzard increased its intensity outside their makeshift shelter.

Waaah, cute sibling moment. Sorry guys, I wanted to give you cute Luke/Serena moments, but seeing as he's unconscious in this chapter, I couldn't really do much, and Han and Serena had to make up some time, right? I hope Han wasn't out of character. I will rarely do this for them, but seeing as what's in store for Han in the future, I had to give the siblings a little moment. I hope you guys enjoyed! Leave me a review if you did, they help out a lot! :)