Battle of Hoth

The snowtroopers stood frozen on the spot as they stared at the Jedi before them, who'd just destroyed two walkers single handed. The Jedi stared back with his lightsaber ignited and pointed at the ground. He made no move, almost as if he was waiting for them to move first.

The snowtroopers and fingers twitched as they squeezed their weapons in hand. They began to sweat beneath their helmets as they tried to control their nerves. They wanted to flee. But they couldn't. They were ordered to kill this Jedi and failure to do so when he was standing right before them would lead to severe punishment from the Empire.

So the five troopers stood their ground as they prepared to meet their fate, whether it be the death of the Jedi by their hands or the other way around.

Kill or be killed as it were.

One trooper finally broke the stalemate and tensed before beginning to raise his weapon so he could take aim and fire. His comrades did so as well a millisecond later.

But the Jedi was faster.

He thrust his left palm toward them as he let loose his power. The troopers were struck by an invisible force and sent flying back a good ten feet. Their bodies flailed and rolled through the air helplessly like ragdolls as they shouted in panic.

They hit the ground, the only saving grace being that they landed in a layer of snow. They scrambled to get up, ignoring the pain racking their bodies as they quickly tried to get eyes on their enemy.

As one trooper whipped around to face him, he was met with a sight of the Jedi already within striking range. He let out a startled yell as he attempted to jump back, but he was too slow as the Jedi cut him through with his lightsaber, making a diagonal slash across his torso from hip to shoulder.

As their comrade was cut down another trooper finally got his wits about himself and attempted to avenge his fellow soldier only for the Jedi to extend his left hand out toward him. A moment later he was violently pulled forward. He screamed and flailed in confusion before stopping when the Jedi placed a hand on his shoulder and thrust his lightsaber through his chest, killing him almost instantly.

As his comrades took aim to fire the Jedi pulled his lightsaber free before tossing the dead trooper to the side. They began to fire on him with everything they had while he waved his plasma blade batting away their fire. He twirled his lightsaber rapidly as he advanced on them. They in turn backed away to put more space between them in hopes one of them could get a shot on him.

As he deflected another barrage he dashed toward one at his left. He moved so fast that he was a black blur that seemed to disappear and reappear a moment later. The stormtrooper blanched and recoiled while trying to fire but the Jedi raised his leg to land a high kick to the front of his helmet.

The force of the kick actually lifted him off his feet and sent him falling back when the Jedi followed up with a slash across his midsection. He died before hitting the ground in halves as the Jedi raised his weapon to deflect a blast bolt back towards another trooper.

The blaster bolt flew back towards the trooper and hit him in the chest, straight in the heart. He crumpled to the ground with dying throes and the Jedi turned his sight on the last trooper.

The trooper screamed and fired on the Jedi as he advanced. The Jedi blocked his assault before ending it, deflecting a blast right back at him to the head. The trooper fell, dying before he hit the ground and sinking into the snow.

The Jedi took a moment and looked around to see where his assistance was needed next before suddenly moving away to the side in a blur. A moment later the place where he'd just been standing was reduced to a smoldering crater. He looked to see the very last walker advancing toward him, all weapons aimed at him.

With a breath he charged it. He moved at astounding speed and the snow exploded out behind him. He was barely perceptible as he serpentined his way toward it, all the while the walker was unleashing a barrage from its weapons to try and stop him. His foresight and speed allowed him to avoid the heavy fire that left nothing but fiery pits where he'd been just a moment before.

Finally when he was almost under it he leapt at it. He leapt toward its right front leg. He sailed through the air while cocking back his lightsaber. He plunged it into the metal length of leg just above its "knee" and sliced through it. He kept going, spinning in mid air to keep momentum as he cut through the right back leg below the "knee."

He landed at its rear and rolled before getting right back to his feet before glancing back. The walker's weight caused it to collapse as the cut meant it could no longer stand on two of its four legs. It collapsed onto its right with a grind and screech of metal before hitting the ground with a loud rumble before a series of small explosions rattled within.

Satisfied the Jedi turned to walk away only for a new vehicle to advance on him. He spied the small bipedal AT-ST walking toward him. He stood there and waited as it aimed its side rocket launchers at him and fired.

A singular rocket came flying toward him in an attempt to blow him to smithereens. But with a calm raise of his arm and a wave of his hand he redirected it, sending it back toward the bipedal walker. He aimed at the area behind the viewport visor, a known weakness. It went up in a fiery mess as the other rockets were detonated from the impact. It crashed to the ground in a heap of scrap.

He leapt atop it right as an injured trooper flung open the top entrance hatch. He quickly grabbed for his weapon in one last attempt to kill his enemy only to be cut down with a quick slash across his torso.

The Jedi took a moment to look for another threat. Eyes scanning the battlefield for the next threat. He stiffened as his senses alerted him to danger, but a moment too slow as a stray blaster bolt stuck his head and he fell from atop the downed AT-ST.

The surrounding rebels took a moment to look to their Jedi savior, right in time to see him fall.

"The general is down!" a rebel communicated through the rebel channels. "I repeat, the general is down," he said frantically. His eyes were then drawn to something approaching the general's location.

His eyes widened and his stomach dropped. He could make out five individuals, carried aloft with jetpacks, clad in different colored armor, and sporting the all too familiar helmets their kind was known for.

"We got Mandos!"

In orbit above the planet vicious dogfights were being fought between the rebel and imperial forces. The imperial forces were on the losing end of the skirmish. Engaging them were two Star Destroyers piloted by rebel forces and being supported by two Mon Calamari ships, a MC40a light cruiser alongside an MC30c frigate.

On the command deck of one Destroyer were the various officers and technicians communicating with the fleet and the rest of the personnel on board to assess the ever shifting battle situation and any damage or losses sustained to the rebels' side.

Watching the battle before her with sharp blue eyes was one of the Alliance's many leaders, Merida Dunbroch. The young redheaded woman stood calmly, hands behind her back and breathing steady. This was an all too normal sight for her, watching her people fight while she stood by and waited to give orders.

"We'll end this fight shortly, Merida," said her companion at her side. She glanced over at her tall, pale skinned ally. The woman dressed in a powder blue robes and a white cloaked hood kept her focus straight ahead.

She was a Jedi as well, with the proof residing at her waist where her two lightsabers waited idly by. She was a perfect example of calm, cool, and collected. Merida couldn't help but admire that about her and hoped she too could one day radiate that same sereneness.

"Ma'am," one of the rebel soldiers piped.

"Aye?" she responded.

"We've thinned their forces ma'am."

She gave a firm nod before relaying orders. "Contact th' Mako 'n' tell em tae shift intae battle position," she ordered.

The soldier replied with a swift confirmation before following her command.

"Ma'am. We've got communication from the ground forces! It's about General Hiccup!"

Merida's eyes widened as panic and worry began to set in. "Let it thro'."

A transmission from the ground forces came through the flight deck's comm.

"The General is down! I repeat, the General is down!" came the cry of a rebel. "We got Mandos!"

"Hiccup," Merida whispered in dread. "Someone get eyes on him! Tell me if he's alive!"

Back on the ground the group of five Mandalorians landed before the downed AT-ST, looking to confirm the kill of the Jedi. They each wore different colored armor, one in red, green, blue, yellow, and one in black.

The one in red led the way, walking briskly with a blaster carbine to claim his prize. He'd been the one to take the shot. He'd caught the Jedi unaware.

"Slow down young blood," one of his companions said with a laugh.

"Boy's eager," another said. "Really wants all that glory from being the one to kill the Jedi."

"He got lucky. That's it," another said sourly. He was jealous but would never admit it.

The young Mandalorian slowed his advance as he raised up his carbine into firing position. He paused, taking a moment to steel his nerves before rounding the other side of the downed vehicle.

He came around only to be met with the sight of...nothing. There was no body lying there. He advanced, confused and sure he'd hit the Jedi in the head with his shot. He could make out an indent in the snow, and boot prints. He kneeled down to get a closer look before something collided with the side of his helmeted head.

Whatever had hit him had come from above. He rose up and swung his carbine upward right as he heard the sounds of plasma blades igniting. He was met with the sight of the Jedi descending on him, sans helmet, and two lightsabers in hand.

The Jedi cut through the barrel of his blaster carbine and rendered it useless. Then he lashed out with his shorter orange bladed saber, aiming a strike at his neck. The Mandalorian managed to recover quickly as he jerked back to narrowly avoid being decapitated.

He quickly righted himself and drew a blaster at his right hip before firing off a quick series of shots that the Jedi managed to deflect before thrusting his palms toward him. The Mandolarian was thrown backward, rolling through the snow managing to get his feet under him. He looked at the Jedi who was about to advance before drawing another weapon at his left hip. He took aim and fired off a shot quickly.

The Jedi deflected it with his short saber. But it felt off. His saber was nearly ripped from his grip as he batted aside whatever had been shot from the new blaster. It felt more solid and heavier than a normal blaster bolt. A moment later his orange bladed lightsaber, his shoto, gave a sputter and spark before the blade retracted back into the hilt.

He had no time to ponder as the Mandalorian kept firing. This time however the Jedi could make out a metallic silver glint coming off the projectile ammunition being fired his way. Not wanting to lose his green bladed saber he dodged, ducking and weaving out of their path.

The Mandalorian stopped firing to take a breath to recover. The Jedi did the same, staring him down before glancing at his sides and over his shoulder. The other Mandalorians had surrounded him. Two were at his back with another at his left on top of he destroyed AT-ST and another to his right. Not an ideal situation.

"Thought for sure my blast killed you Jedi," the red garbed Mandalorian said.

"Well you put a hole in my favorite helmet…so there's that," Hiccup replied all the while shifting his focus between the warriors surrounding him.

"You're that Berkian Jedi, right?" the Mandalorian asked.

"I am," Hiccup answered honestly, stalling while he thought of a plan.

"Yeah. I've heard of your people. Said to be giant warriors who lust for battle and conquest. A lot like the Mandalorians," he continued. "Strange to see one of them as a Jedi."

"Well it's a long story," Hiccup replied flatly.

The Mandalorian chuckled before standing at full height. "Truth be told, Jedi, I'm glad that first shot didn't kill you. Would've been too easy. Nah, I wanna watch the life leave your eyes as I finish you," the Mandalorian said icily.

"So let's have a fair fight," he proposed.

"Oh yeah, five on one, so fair," Hiccup replied sarcastically.

With that the Mandalorian holstered his blaster and pointed at him in challenge. "I challenge you to single combat," he declared.

Hiccup arched a brow. "Your allies won't interfere?" he asked while he motioned his head toward the other Mandalorians surrounding him.

"By creed they will not," he assured. He looked to his companions, each of which gave a swift nod in confirmation. All save the one in black who paused. "I will fight him alone," he reiterated.

The Mandalorian in black held his comrade's gaze silently before giving his answer. "Fine youngblood, but make this quick."

Hiccup glanced around at the five Mandalorians. They all had different colored armor. In addition he could make out different emblems adorning each of their armors. He was guessing they were from different clans. But the one in black bore a symbol he'd been starting to see far too often lately. He could spot a pair of crossed twin head axes emblazoned on his right pectoral.

More often than not he encountered Mandalorians sporting that particular symbol. It was apparently the symbol of the Mandalorians' current leader and members of this clan seemed to have a rather contentious relationship to Mandalorians belonging to other clans.

With a breath he looked at his shoto. He tried igniting the blade but found it not to be working.

"A cortosis metal slug," the red garbed Mandalorian said aloud.

"Thought so," Hiccup said with a sigh. The metal in its pure form could short out a lightsaber. He'd never encountered it in projectile form before. He concluded that the blaster had to have been a slugthrower.

This is what made fighting Mandalorians so dangerous. They were a people who'd developed their strategies and arsenal specifically to counter Jedi.

Give him ten or twenty stormtroopers and he'd have no problem. But even one Mandalorian and he couldn't guarantee how that fight would go. Five made it all the worse. He was lucky this one was so eager for glory to challenge him alone. He wasn't sure he could take all five at once.

He clipped his shoto to his belt as he took firm hold of his green lightsaber, holding it out in challenger. "Fine. I accept your challenge to single combat," he finally answered.

The Mandalorian gave a chuckle before moving his right hand to hover over his holster on his right. They stared at each other. Each waiting for the other to make the first move. Hiccup fingers curled and uncurled around the hilt of his lightsaber and the Mandalorian's fingers twitched in anticipation.

A cold wind blew between them as Hiccup's body tensed to charge while the Mandalorian's hand went for his blaster.

Their battle to the death had begun.

Back in orbit Merida awaited any news on the status of her beloved. At her side Elsa stood in silence. She could feel her fellow Jedi and longtime friend was alive. But with several Mandalorians on the battlefield that could change quickly. They had to get to him.

"I got eyes on him," came the call of a rebel over the comms.

"He's alive?" Merida asked.

"Yes ma'am. But looks like he's fighting with the Mandalorians."

"How many are there?" Elsa inquired.

"It looks like there's five of them."

Merida and Elsa exchanged a look. Even Hiccup was likely to struggle against that match up. They needed to break through to back him up.

"Contact the Hammerhead. Get in touch with Blizzard squadron. Let's tell them they're up," Merida ordered.

On the MC40a light cruiser, the Hammerhead, a squad of Y-wing bombers were awaiting their orders to join the battle. All pilots were in their respective fighters while the leader of the squad was in his own ship.

"Come in Blizzard squadron," came the call from Merida. The squad leader didn't answer immediately as he finished up one last systems check on his ship. "Come in Jack," came Merida's more insistent call.

The white haired man finally responded. "Go ahead Merida," came his easy going reply. "You and your squad are up, Jack. We need to take out those flag ships and get our people on the ground. Hiccup needs help."

"Got it. Blizzard leader out," he said. With a breath he began initiating the take off procedure for his ship. He switched his comms to the channel his squad was using to give his order. "Alright Blizzard squad we're up. Prepare for takeoff and roll call."

One by one his unit checked in and prepared to take off. The hangar doors of the Hammerhead's port side opened in preparation. Jack quickly activated the local comm channel for his ship.

"Eugene, are you ready?" he asked.

His comrade responded. "Manning the dorsal gun Jack."

Jack gave a nod before continuing. "Furball, you ready?"

A growl came over the radio from their Wookie comrade as he confirmed he was on the ventral gun.

"Kristoff, I need you up here," he called. A moment later a tall and burly blonde haired man entered the cockpit before falling into the co-pilot's seat.

"Sorry, just checking things over," he said as he strapped in.

With a nod in understanding he turned his attention to the hangar bay doors. "Let's go," he murmured to himself.

With a pull of the controls he got his ship into the air before flying it out into space. Flying out toward the battle was a squadron of twelve Y-wings and leading them was a modified YT-2400, the Winter Spirit.

Jack had lost his old ship, the Snow Flake, during a previous mission. But perhaps through the will of the Force or whatever power that be he'd acquired his new vessel. He and Hiccup had heavily modified it for speed and combat, making it far better than its predecessor in every way.

In his time with the Rebellion, and after the Battle of DunBroch, Jack had been promoted and had received the official military rank of Captain. In addition he'd been given his own squad of bombers to lead. He'd been hesitant to accept as Jack was no military man.

But his love, Elsa, had encouraged him to take it. Saying that Jack would make an excellent squad leader. He'd been skeptical but ultimately had accepted, believing that if she believed he could do it then maybe there was something more to him than he thought.

"Alright Blizzard squad. Let's hit them hard. Let's hit them fast."

Back on the ground Hiccup sprinted around the battlefield as he dodged the barrage of blaster bolts coming from his opponent. The red Mandalorian was keeping him at a distance with blaster fire and the occasional thermal charge.

The other Mandalorians were staying out of their battle. Something which Hiccup was grateful for. Though he assumed if he tried to flee they would likely try and stop him by any means necessary.

Tiring of playing defense Hiccup came to a stop. He blocked a few blaster bolts before thrusting his left and forward. He focused his power on the snow, sending it toward the Mandalorian. It was a little trick he'd picked up from his fellow Jedi.

The Mandalorian was buffeted by wind and snow, almost like he was standing in a blizzard. His vision was obstructed as snow and ice began forming on his visor. He held his free hand up in front of his face to try and block out the worst of it when he noticed the gust beginning to die down. He quickly wiped off his helmet when the Jedi leapt through the fading mist with his lightsaber cocked back to strike.

The Mandalorian tried to get his gun on the Jedi to fire, but before he could the Jedi swung and sliced through the barrel of his blaster. As the Jedi landed he spun before throwing out a kick that hit the Mandalorian straight in the stomach. The Mandalorian coughed and stumbled back a few steps as he tried to catch his breath but the Jedi stayed on him.

Hiccup closed in on the Mandalorian and raised his lightsaber above his head before swinging downward, aiming for his opponent's neck. But before his strike could find his mark the Mandalorian raised his right vambrace into the plasma blade's path.

There was a sharp ring of metal and spark flew from the impact, but the plasma blade was halted. Hiccup looked at the point where his lightsaber's blade made contact to find it hadn't cut through, meaning only one thing.

The Mandalorian raised his left vambrace and Hiccup heard a small whistle and jerked his head to the side as something blew by his cheek. The Mandalorian grunted and pushed the plasma blade away as he drew a vibroknife with his left and took a swipe at Hiccup's midsection. Hiccup spun away to dodge before pausing to breathe and reassess.

"Lucky," he commented aloud.

"Not luck, beskar," the Mandalorian said proudly as he tapped the blade of his vibroknife against one of his vambraces.

Beskar, sometimes dubbed as Mandalorian iron, was one of the few substances in the known galaxy that could block a lightsaber. And the Mandalorians were one of the few people skilled enough to forge it into weapons and armor. It was part of the reason that they had always been one of the most dangerous enemies to the Jedi

In recent years it was a toss up if any given Mandalorian had a full armor set of pure beskar. With the veins depleted through time on their planet many had been forced to forge armor with inferior metal like durasteel.

The Mandalorian shifted his vibroknife to his right hand and lowered himself into a battle stance. Hiccup surmised that he'd exhausted anything that could be used for long range combat and must be trying for close range.

Hiccup raised his lightsaber, pointing the blade straight up in a battle ready stance with his dominant foot back. He held his gaze on the Mandalorian's helmeted face before he began to inch forward. The Mandalorian did the same, slowly shuffling forward until he could get him within striking range. Of course with Hiccup's longer weapon it meant the Mandalorian would be within attacking distance of him a lot sooner.

Hiccup lashed out, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes from multiple angles. But the Mandalorian was well versed in close quarters as he guarded the strikes with his vambraces. He kept his stance compact as watched closely to see where the next attack was coming from.

Sparks flew and metal rang as his vambraces took each strike without damage. As Hiccup tried for an overhead strike the Mandalorian quickly raised his hand up and caught Hiccup's wrist. He went for a stab at Hiccup's mid section but Hiccup quickly intercepted the attack, catching his wrist with his free hand. He pointed the blade of the knife away from his body as they grappled.

The Mandalorian growled as he struggled to keep the lightsaber blade away from himself whilst trying to get his knife toward his enemy. But Hiccup, Berkian that he was, was far stronger than his frame and build belied.

He began to overpower the Mandalorian as he began to direct his lightsaber toward him. The Mandalorian could see he was losing the struggle and threw his head forward, catching Hiccup in the face. Hiccup stumbled back and released his foe but recovered quickly as he used his left hand to brush aside the Mandalorians knife hand but was met with a painful punch that the Mandalorian threw with his other. He shook off the blow while backing away as he jerked and twisted away from swipes and stabs before he struck back with a quick slash that cut through the Mandalorian's knife blade.

The Mandalorian tossed aside his weapon before pressing a button on his vambrace, letting out a stream of fire from it aimed at Hiccup's face. Hiccup blocked with his palm as the Mandalorian put some distance between them as his jetpack roared to life. He took to the air as he kept his flamethrower aimed at the Jedi before landing a good distance between them.

He figured that must've gotten him good and watched as the fire began to recede. But instead of dispersing it was like it was being drawn to a single point. He watched as the flames converged at the Jedi's left hand. He then held it above his palm in a crackling fireball.

Hiccup stared at the Mandalorian, ball of fire in hand before he took the flames and began to wrap them around the blade of his lightsaber. This idea was a technique he'd created after learning of a type of beast from his home planet's ancient past. A beast that would surround itself in flames and was one of the most fearsome his people had ever known.

The Mandalorian watched as the flames wrapped around the lightsaber blade. The Jedi stared at him, his eyes different than they'd been moments before. His pupils were thin slits like an animal's and wild, with an intense but constrained fury hiding just behind them.

The Jedi moved and managed to close the distance between them within a heartbeat. The Mandalorian staggered back as he threw up his vambraces to defend. The Jedi's attacks were more intense than ever and each blow was coupled by a small explosion that sent his limb jerking violently with each guarded strike.

His attention was fixed on the fiery blade. Just as Hiccup intended. The Nightmare technique was mostly just for intimidation and to rattle his opponent. Though it also added a bit more 'oomph' to his attacks as well.

The Mandalorian became too focused on the blade itself and not his opponent and Hiccup capitalized on this with a quick leg sweep. The Mandalorian's legs fell out from under as he hit the snowy ground on his back. Hiccup rose up and poised his lightsaber up to strike, intending to decapitate his foe.

Before he could deliver the blow he felt something wrap around his leg. He looked down to see a length of wire had wrapped around his left shin. Suddenly it was tightened and pulled as he fell to the ground and was dragged backward.

He lost his grip on his lightsaber in surprise as it laid in the snow and he was pulled away from it. He managed to look back to see the black armored Mandalorian in the air with his vambrace aimed toward him and currently attached to the wire around his leg.

"What are you doing?" the green armored Mandalorian shouted in outrage. "This was supposed to be single combat," he shouted angrily.

"The youngblood had his chance," the black Mandalorian said coolly. "He lost. We came to kill Jedi, and that's what we're going to do," he said over their shared comms as he dragged the Jedi across the ground.

"You shouldn't have interfered," the blue Mandalorian said lowly.

"They're right," the red Mandalorian said as he picked himself up and watched his opponent. "There's no honor in this kill."

"Honor means nothing. Victory is all that matters," the black Mandalorian replied.

"How dare you!" the yellow Mandalorian yelled sharply.

The black Mandalorian looked at all of them. "You're all stuck in the past. Mandalore is showing us the new way. Honor is meaningless. Ruthlessness. Brutality. Anything to achieve victory. This is the way!" he spat at all of them.

The other Mandalorians clenched their fists. They raged and warred with themselves internally. Everything the new Mandalore was trying to instill went against the code and the creed they'd known. But the Mandalore wasn't tolerant of failure or excuses. They'd no doubt he'd listen to the words of one from his own clan.

"This is the way," the green Mandalorian said in compliance as he shot a length of wire from his vambrace to ensnare the Jedi's right arm as he took to the air.

"This is the way," the other Mandalorians muttered lowly as one by one they ensnared his left arm and neck. Hiccup was bound, struggling as he was on his knees.

The red Mandalorian hung his head in shame. "Dank farrik," he muttered quietly. He felt disgusted at the turn of events. It was bad enough he'd lost. But for his battle to be trod on and for him to be given his victory like this. It was a shame he'd live with for a long time.

"Finish it youngblood. Claim your kill," the black Mandalorian demanded.

With a growl the Mandalorian reached down, pulling a vibroknife hidden at his leg. With a frustrated cry he charged with the knife poised in the air to finish the fight quickly. He didn't want to relish this moment. He just wanted it to be over.

Hiccup watched his opponent charge at him with intent to kill and tried to think of a plan. A glint behind his enemy drew his eyes and he could make out his lightsaber laying halfway buried in the snow. He focused on it, fingers flexing, and brow knit in concentration. It flew from the ground and sailed past his enemy's head before flying to his right palm.

He quickly activated it and with a quick twist of his arm he cut through the wire binding his wrist. He then cut through the one at his left wrist before thrusting his freed hand toward the red Mandalorian charging him to send him rolling backward. Then he twisted his upper body and cut the one at his neck and finally the one at his leg.

Now free he stood up and looked upward at his flying enemies as they began to draw blasters. He leapt up at the one in black who climbed high to avoid his attack. The Mandalorian assumed he was safe as he prepared to fire. But he blanched in shock as the Jedi didn't reach the height of his jump and then fall like he'd expected. Instead, the Jedi kept rising, climbing higher until he was at his level.

With a quick swipe Hiccup cut the black Mandalorian's head off. His body fell after it, flying wildly due to the thrust of his jetpack before hitting the ground and exploding.

The other Mandalorians stared in shock as Hiccup stayed in the air, floating there. They'd never seen or heard of a Jedi who could do such a thing. But Hiccup couldn't maintain this for long, already he could feel the strain on his mind and stamina. So after a beat he turned his body and began to fly away.

"After him," he heard one of the Mandalorians call aloud. Hiccup flew away, flying low to the ground as he heard the discharge of blasters behind him. He flew around the battlefield with his enemy in pursuit eventually leading them away from the combat zone.

He looked around before being struck in the shoulder. He went spinning and let out a cry of pain before righting himself as he nearly hit the ground and continued on. Luckily he had shoulder armor on. But the impact of the bolt had nearly dislocated it.

Finally he found what he'd been on the lookout for. He saw the mouth of an ice cave. He sped toward it and entered. He went deeper and deeper, avoiding icy pillars and stalactites and stalagmites before he deemed he'd gone deep enough.

He dropped to the ground and skidded to a stop before turning to face his pursuers. They landed one by one and drew their weapons.

"You're trapped, Jedi. It's over," the green Mandalorian said.

"Yeah. About time to end this," Hiccup said with shallow breaths. The flight to this spot had left him drained and his shoulder throbbed painfully. He couldn't prolong this battle anymore and he was outnumbered.

He had to end this here.

With a breath and his lightsaber at his belt he clapped his hands together. A thunderous boom sounded from his palms and rocked the cavern. The Mandalorians shouted in pain as the sound rattled all around them.

Hiccup repeated it a few more times, each booming clap shook the cave and cracks formed along the walls, ceiling, and floor.

The Mandalorians looked around and saw the cracks forming around them. They could see that the Jedi was likely to cause a cave in if he continued so they leveled their weapons to stop him.

As the blue mandalorian took aim he was suddenly swept away to the side by a powerful blow. The Mandalorians heard their comrade cry out and turned to see a giant white beast with horns and a gaping black lipped mouth filled with sharp teeth. The thing was almost fifteen feet tall and it let out a roar as it stomped toward the prey that had entered its home.

Hiccup had led them into the lair of a Wampa. Not on purpose. But the development was not unwelcomed. The Mandalorians were forced to focus their attention on the beast trying to devour them.

Hiccup meanwhile began to focus the Force between the palms of his hands. The air between them began to sizzle as heat began to build. Suddenly a glowing purplish blue orb flickered into existence.

One Mandalorian managed to take his attention off the wampa as his comrades blasted it to watch as Hiccup threw the orb upward. It collided with the ceiling and exploded in a great flash of fire and light as the cracks in the ceiling grew bigger and a large chunk of it began to collapse toward the ground.

With the large piece of the cave ceiling giving out and hitting the floor the cavern grew more and more unstable as the walls and ceiling began to crumble.

With that Hiccup deemed it was time to go. He dashed away from the distracted Mandalorians as he ran for the way he'd come in. Everything was falling all around him as he weaved and zigzagged out of the way of falling ice.

He saw a clear path ahead with the light at the end but before he could reach it a missile flew over his head and collided with the entrance's ceiling. Immediately the opening started to become blocked off. Hiccup stopped and whirled around to see the red Mandalorian hunched over, missile missing from his jetpack.

Seemed he was determined to take the Jedi down with them.

"Sorry Jedi, but if we're going down, you're coming with us," he confirmed before being crushed as the ceiling fell onto him and he disappeared.

Trapped Hiccup could only look up as the ceiling above his own head began to fall toward him. Doing the only thing he could think to do he raised his hands up and channeled the Force in an attempt to not be crushed.

Back in orbit Merida and Elsa watched as the two Imperial Star Destroyers were riddled with explosions from the Blizzard squadron. It had been quick work due to the Y-wings ion cannons ripping apart the shielding. Allowing their fighters and Blizzard squadron to attack and deliver their payload of proton bombs.

Beside her Elsa gave a hiss. Merida looked to her as the Jedi raised a hand up to rub her temple.

"Elsa, what's wrong? Is it Hiccup?" Merida asked in concern.

"Yes. I believe so," Elsa said as she looked planetside.

Merida immediately called out orders for shuttles and rebel troops to prepare to go to the planet's surface. She and Elsa turned to leave the command deck to join them.

In space Jack was looking planetside as well. The battle was more or less over and he'd caught Merida's order for troops to get to the ground. With a jerk of the controls he began to direct the Spirit into the planet's orbit.

"You guys can take it from here," Jack said to his squadron over the comm line. "I'm heading topside."

"Roger that Captain," came a response from one of his men.

As he descended he and his co-pilot looked over the battlefield, seeing downed walkers, speeders, destroyed defense turrets and many bodies from both sides. But it appeared the rebel forces had won. He could see his comrades charge to take out the remaining Imperial forces.

He looked around some more to see a large mass of rebels running and gathered at a spot away from the battlefield at the foot of a small mountain. They looked to be frantically shoveling ice and snow. Curious he set the Spirit down a few meters away before exiting to see what was going on.

"Hey guys, what's the deal?" he called out as he and the others in the Spirit came out the hatch.

One of the rebels turned to him to reply, "We saw the general leading the Mandos in there. Now the cave's collapsed and no one saw him come out."

All eyes widened as they surged forward to help.

Minutes later Elsa and Merida were exiting a U-wing. A small company of armed rebel forces got out with them and formed a perimeter for the princess' protection. They'd seen the gathering at the base of the mountain too and had come to investigate.

They were greeted with the sight of rebels shouting and doing their best to shovel and move aside ice and snow.

"What's happening here?" Merida called out.

Eugene looked over his shoulder and shouted. "Hiccup's trapped inside. We need to get him out," he said, not even stopping as he tossed away a heavy block of ice.

Merida's eyes widened and she was about to charge forward to begin helping when a hand on her shoulder stopped her. She looked to Elsa as the Jedi calmly strode forward.

"All of you, move!" she called out. The rebels stopped and stared as she got closer. But they soon obeyed her command and backed away from her and what had been the cavern opening.

Elsa took a moment to take a breath before raising both hands up. She focused, channeling the Force as the shards of ice trembled and shook before beginning to slowly float and lift away from each other. The rebels gave her more room as she did alone what it would take all of them hours to do.

Soon all the ice had been moved away, hovering around her form as the rebels gaped in awe. Tons of rock and ice was being held above the ground, suspended by the invisible power she wielded.

Elsa was met with a wall of snow blocking the cavern entrance. She threw her hands to the sides, separating the snow and ice and letting it fall to the ground. Everyone watched as she walked forward before stopping in front of the mound of snow. She eyed it, scanning its surface as if she were looking for something.

She suddenly glanced down and to the left. Then she took two steps in that direction before extending a hand out. Everyone watched in confusion before a moment later something burst out of the snowy pile.

It was a hand. It flailed around before meeting Elsa's and grasping it. The others watched as Elsa grasped it with her other hand before pulling and to everyone's relief Hiccup was the being attached to said hand.

He spat out snow and gasped for air. He looked disheveled with ice and snow absolutely covering him. He felt just as bad with it burying into nooks and crannies throughout his body.

"You ok?" Elsa asked with a smile, glad to see he was otherwise fine.

Hiccup shivered, teeth clacking as he answered, "I'll live," he said hoarsely through shivers.

"Hiccup!" Merida shouted as she ran to embrace him. He wrapped his arms around her, thankful for the warmth. She gave him a light squeeze in relief.

"I need a hot bath," he muttered.

She nodded in reply as she slid under his shoulder to help support his weight. She could tell he was injured. She gave orders for all forces to evacuate and abandon the base. The rebels nodded as they ran to comply and gather everything to leave.

Merida helped Hiccup to the U-wing as Elsa stood there watching the couple go with a smile.

"Awesome job babe," Jack said as he approached her.

She looked at him with a gracious smile. "Thank you Jack." She suddenly frowned at him. "You shouldn't have left your squad," she pointed out.

"What? The battle was over," he said in defense.

She gave a small sigh and shook her head. "That's not the point Jack," she said, admonishing him. Before he could reply she stepped forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "I'll see you back at base," she said quickly before making her way back to her transport.

Jack sighed, expecting a lecture later as he made his way back to his own ship.

The battle of Hoth had ended. The rebels had survived another day, though not without losses. Such was a common occurrence in what was the fight for the future of the galaxy.

And this was sure not to be the last.

Chapter 2 end

God that was long!