Repairing Beyond Ambition - Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order fanfic *EDITING*

Chapter 18

To her it felt like forever, but realistically, it didn't take long for her survival and swimming skills to kick in and Altheeda clawed her way up to the water's surface. Instantly, she took a gulp of air to replenish her deprived lungs and kept herself afloat in an expert fashion. Her head whipped around, she noticed smoke coming from a nearby source, but was unable to locate Cal or BD-1. Despite her panic, she kept her breathing calm and peered into the water, trying to spot any dark shadows that could have been them. She was close to diving back down in the water to go grab them but before she could, the little droid popped its head above the water, making her jolt back and lower into the water slightly.

"BD-1! I'm so glad you're alright – where's Cal?""

BD-1 beeped a reply and Altheeda frowned.

"B-But I don't see-"

Water shot outwards and upwards as Cal emerged from the depths below. He too drew in a gulp of air and adjusted to his surroundings. Altheeda exhaled sharply, releasing breath she didn't even realise she had held in. She swam closer to him, studying the water droplets that were hanging off his eyelashes and strands of hair. He moved them away from his vision, scraping his hair back whilst staring into Altheeda's blue-eyed concerned gaze. He too, couldn't help but notice the water droplets on her face, in particular the ones that were balancing on the tip of her button nose.

"Wasn't that fun?" He said in between breaths.

"Well if that's your idea of fun." Altheeda replied, trying not to smile but letting a small one slip into view.

"Are you alright?" He asked taking his enthusiasm down a notch.

"I'm still alive, you're still alive and BD-1 is still alive so that's all that matters."

"Good, let's do this." Cal spoke with an air of confidence about him.

He waited for BD-1 to climb onto his back and began to swim ahead. Altheeda caught up to him rather quickly and swam alongside him, trying to avoid the brambles and weeds in their path. They headed to the direction of the walkers until one was hit by a ship that had been badly damaged and on fire. BD-1 made warning sounds at this as it wobbled from the impact but managed not to collapse onto its side. More smoke contributed to the atmosphere. Pieces of debris erratically flew towards them and Altheeda tapped Cal's shoulder frantically.

"Take a breath and grab my hand." She instructed.

They both drew in a breath and Altheeda spread the water in front of her with her free hand and propelled them down into the water's depths once again. Cal obeyed and allowed her to lead them deeper, noticing the debris that was hurtling at a dangerous speed towards them, had slowed down as it entered the water and float downwards to the bottom. It was then he realised what her plan was. When it was safe to do so, she brought them back up to the surface, panting for air. Cal smiled at her, impressed by her tactic.

"I wouldn't have thought of that if you weren't here."

"Really now." Altheeda spoke dubiously.

"Where did you learn to swim like that?"

"I grew up by Solleu River, it's pretty much a given that I've learned to swim from a young age."

"That was a close one, you saved us, Theeda."

"Thank me later, let's get to the walker."

They both swam neck and neck towards the slightly damaged walker that had been hit.

"How do we get inside?" Cal breathed, pausing when they got underneath it.

BD-1 beeped an informative answer and Cal nodded.