I apologize for the delay! A lot of stuff was happening which I won't bore you with, just know that there is a new chapter for you all!

I'll answer comments and jump right into today's chapter:

-RKF22: Thank you very much! Hope you enjoy this chapter.

-DarklighterUSA: I suppose that's just how I interpreted them in this story. I don't really see these character choices as mistakes, just deviations to help tell this particular story.

That's all the comments answered! Here's chapter 20, hope you enjoy.

Mara silently watched the blue projection of Hoth on the holotable as Admiral Piett gave a briefing of the situation. She listened carefully to make sure she assimilated any key details; she would not fail this time.

"Based on our initial deep space scans, we have found important heat activities in this area," as Piett pointed to an area of the map which blinked red for reference. "We have also found several man-made structures such as a shield generator and an ion cannon, which would seem to indicate that the Rebels have considerable assets on the ground."

"It makes no difference how well equipped they are," Vader interrupted. "If we strike swiftly, they will not have time to stage a suitable counterattack."

"Of course, Lord Vader." Admiral Piett spoke with a quick bow. He did not wish to anger Lord Vader, especially considering how he'd received his current rank. It was, unfortunately, how most promotions were handed out under Vader's command.

"I would recommend a two-pronged-assault," Grand Admiral Thrawn noted as he observed the holomap. "While Mara Jade commands the AT-ATs in a frontal assault, Lord Vader can lead a strike team to infiltrate the base and block off any escape attempts."

"We will not be blocking any escape attempts, Grand Admiral. We will be eliminating all the Jedi inside that base!"

Everyone's gaze turned towards the person who had just spoken: The Grand Inquisitor. He looked even angrier and uptight than usual. The Pau'an male strode onto the bridge, followed by his four Inquisitors who waited behind him, trying to look threatening.

"The Emperor has just informed me that there are currently four Jedi on Hoth," the Grand Inquisitor continued. "We cannot let a single one of them escape. We must make them our utmost priority."

Mara tried to keep the contempt and loathing she felt towards him at bay, however, Vader wore it quite obviously. Piett made himself scarce, while Thrawn distractedly looked over the details of the holomap.

"I am commanding this operation," Vader kept his tone steady but the warning in it was clear. "You will follow my orders unless you wish me to remind you why it is you are still alive."

The tension in the room had reached its peak. Both men stood face to face, staring each other down. Finally, the Grand Inquisitor broke away with a knowing smile.

"That won't be necessary, Lord Vader," he said. "However, the Emperor has ordered that my Inquisitors and I are to accompany you during your attack. To ensure no Jedi escape, of course."

Vader kept his eyes fixed on him for several seconds, before turning away to face the holotable.

"Thrawn, prepare to jump to lightspeed and commence the attack," the Chiss nodded and stepped towards the front of the bridge to give his orders.

Vader began moving towards the exit, followed closely by the Grand Inquisitor who eyed him ominously. Just before he left, the Dark Lord leaned towards Mara and whispered menacingly:

"Do not fail me, girl."

Mara said nothing. She turned away and proceeded towards the central hangar of the Executor where the AT-ATs were waiting. She will not fail her mission.

Obi-Wan was deep in thought, pacing back and forth in the main hangar. After not hearing back from Luke since his last transmission about finding an Imperial probe droid, Obi-Wan and Han had left to go look for him.

They'd found Luke nearly frozen to death, desperately marching towards Echo base. They'd managed to bring him back before nightfall and immediately placed him in a bacta tank. While Han and Leia stayed with Luke, Obi-Wan had called a meeting of the Rebel High Command to explain the situation.

They had decided the only safe option was to evacuate Echo base. The orders were given, and soon after, the entire base was buzzing with activity as everyone ran back and forth to carry out their specific duties. They had performed several practice drills in case an evacuation was necessary, so everyone knew exactly what to do and everything unfolded like clockwork. Obi-Wan just hoped they had acted fast enough.

As the old Jedi made his way to his quarters, he ran into Ahsoka, Ezra and Tuyin who were all discussing something with worried looks. They snapped to attention when Obi-Wan greeted him:

"Hello, general Kenobi." Tuyin spoke briskly, straightening up in a military salute.

"Hello, master." Ahsoka greeted with a nod, quickly replacing her look of concern with a casual smile.

"Hiya, master." Ezra said nonchalantly, also trying to play off his anxiousness with a more relaxed stance.

"You all seem a bit on edge," Obi-Wan decided to address the Bantha in the room rather than talk around the subject. "Does the upcoming battle worry you?"

All three looked at each other awkwardly, none particularly eager to talk first.

"I don't think we'll have enough time to evacuate everything and everyone, master," Ezra finally spoke up. "We're going to be forced to cut corners in the evacuation plans if we don't want to be annihilated."

"The Empire is going to throw everything they have at us," Ahsoka added. "They're so desperate to see the Rebellion destroyed they'd probably crash a Star Destroyer directly on top of us."

"And we'd barely begun to settle on Hoth," Tuyin jumped in to share his concerns. "How could they have found us so quickly? It feels like we're running out of places to hide from the Empire."

Obi-Wan waited several seconds for their anxiety and tension to slowly wane as he stroked his beard pensively. He could not argue with their logic. Their situation was indeed dire and it was hard to find a ray of hope in all of this.

"The Rebellion will survive. I promise you this," Obi-Wan spoke slowly, his voice brimming with confidence. "Do not let yourself be confused by the endless possibilities the future holds; focus only on what lies in the present. How we act today will determine the course of the galaxy. I need you to trust me, trust in the Force, and never stop fighting."

Tuyin, Ahsoka, and Ezra all looked at Obi-Wan with slight apprehension, not liking what he was implying. However, his words had struck a chord deep within them; they could see how strong and brave Obi-Wan was and they were inspired by his unyielding spirit.

Ahsoka remembered how his calm and steady presence had always felt like an anchor on the battlefield during the Clone Wars. Like an unwavering pillar that stayed strong despite the tumultuous winds of war. Obi-Wan's unrivaled charisma and strategic mind had been the deciding factor in many battles, but it was a double-edged sword; for if ever he were to fall, there was a chance that everyone who relied on him would lose hope.

Ahsoka could not help feeling that Obi-Wan was preparing them for such a situation and she did not like it.

"Master, what are you asking us to do?"

Ezra and Tuyin gave her confused looks, but Obi-Wan's blue-grey eyes held Ahsoka's sharp, accusing stare.

"I have felt the Force's call Ahsoka," he said simply. "I must face Anakin again."

Ahsoka's eyes widened in shock, as did Ezra's and Tuyin's, but Obi-Wan cut them off before they could start protesting.

"I've had a vision of this moment. It is something I must do. Alone"

"But master, you said yourself you could never kill him." Ezra protested.

"And that is still true."

"You don't mean you plan to… die." Tuyin said that last word with muted horror as if it irked him to even use that term.

"I never said that."

"Then what—" Ezra's question was interrupted by Obi-Wan placing a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Trust me, trust in the Force, and never stop fighting." Obi-Wan repeated, trying to make him understand.

He cast a meaningful look at each of them to make sure they understood. Ahsoka and Ezra dropped their head in resignation and sadness, while Tuyin simply nodded quickly and rushed off to carry out his evacuation orders.

Obi-Wan encircled both his students in a strong embrace, wrapping one arm around Ezra and what was left of his other over Ahsoka's back.

"It was an honor to be your master. You must now continue your training without me." he whispered.

Ahsoka and Ezra wordlessly returned his embrace, tightly gripping the hem of his brown Jedi cloak. They stayed strong, keeping their emotions under control as they shared this rare moment of intimacy. For those few seconds, the war, the Empire, the Sith, the Jedi, were all forgotten; in those few seconds, none of it mattered.

They were saying goodbye to a man whom they'd treated like a father figure, not just a master. They were forced to leave him, unsure if they would ever see him again. The pain welling up inside them was immense, but they let it dissolve into the Force, just like he'd taught them.

They parted without saying another word. Anything they said now would only make it more difficult.

Luke quickly put on his flight gear, doing his best to shake off the sluggishness he felt from his trip in the bacta tank. The Empire was starting its attack and he needed to get to his speeder.

After saying goodbye to the medical droid that had looked after him, Luke jogged towards Echo base's main hangar. He made a b-line for the Millennium Faulcon and tried to keep the smile off his face as he saw Chewie and Han furiously arguing over what repairs needed to be made.

"We've been over this a hundred times, you big hairy lug! Twist it and pull it!" Han shouted in exasperation as he fumbled for the right wrench. "I don't want to be stuck here when the Empire arrives!"

"You think I don't know that!" the Wookie growled back. "Why don't YOU come down and try it."

Luke was about to intervene to keep the argument from escalating, but Leia beat him to it. She walked up to Chewbacca and spoke with exemplary diplomacy:

"I'll take care of it Chewie. Go inside and make sure all systems are running correctly."

The Wookie groaned gratefully before retreating inside the Millennium Faulcon, while Leia proceeded to fix what he had been working on. Han said nothing since he had already returned to his own repair job.

Luke quickly approached Leia who hugged him tightly.

"I'm so glad to see you back on your feet," she said. "Your command will be crucial to keep the Imperials at bay until we can get everyone evacuated."

"I'll buy you as much time as I can," Luke replied confidently. "Just make sure you, Han and Chewie all make it out safely."

Leia nodded slowly with a slight smile and happy twinkle in her eyes. Luke did not need to use the Force to know she was thinking about Han. Their connection was growing stronger as their feelings towards each other deepened, and Luke sent a silent prayer through the Force to not let the war disrupt their happiness.

"Do you know where Ben is?" Luke asked. "I haven't seen him since I woke up."

"He sent a communication saying he was going to repel the ground forces," Leia spoke worriedly. "He put Ahsoka and Ezra on the first transport off the base. I'm not sure why."

Luke did not like what he was hearing. He reached out through the Force to find Obi-Wan's Force presence and was disturbed to find he could sense it extremely clearly as if he was purposefully making his presence known to someone.

Just as Luke sense Obi-Wan's presence, another one suddenly came forth. A dark, ominous presence; a strangely familiar one that he'd felt before… months ago on the Death Star.

"Vader is here."

Leia kept her eyes fixed on Luke, quickly understanding he was being serious. A shiver ran down her spine at remembering how that monster had tortured her. She heaved a loud sigh and banished those thoughts as far out of her mind as she could.

"I have to go help Obi-Wan, he's in trouble." Luke was about to head out but Leia caught his arm, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Luke, please think about this clearly. If Obi-Wan is going to face Vader, we must trust that he has a plan. We cannot risk you getting captured or killed."

"Leia, he's my master. I have to fight by his side," Luke tried to break away from her, but her grip on him was strong. "Let go of me."

"Luke, please. Don't," the young padawan was taken back by the hurt and fear in her voice. "I've already lost so much... so many friends and allies in this endless war. Please, I don't want to lose any more people I care about."

Luke stopped struggling against Leia, relaxing his posture; calming his mind. Patience. That was what Obi-Wan had always insisted he learn. He had to trust him now, just as he had trusted him when they had first met and throughout his months of training.

Luke turned back towards Leia, giving her a confident smile.

"You're right. I'm sure Ben has a plan. He always does."

"Exactly," Leia spoke resolutely. "I'll finish directing the evacuation from here and leave on the Faulcon once everyone is clear. You keep the Empire at bay for as long as possible."

"Roger that, general." Luke replied with a cocky smile and salute before jogging off towards his T-47 speeder.

Obi-Wan was relieved when he sensed Luke's Force signature moving away from him and out of the base to lead the air assault. He wanted to keep Luke as far away from here. It was still too early for him to face Vader; his training was not yet complete.

Obi-Wan had made his own Force presence overwhelmingly visible, to which Vader had responded by enhancing his own dark presence. They were like two animals: thumping their chest, making a show of strength before they fought.

However, Vader's Force signature was not the only Dark Side presence on Hoth. They were faint, but he could sense several others moving towards him as well, only they were doing their best to stay hidden.

He had a bad feeling about this, but he needed to focus on Vader for now, and hope these other Dark Side users did not interfere. However, there was one unknown Force presence which he was quite confused with. He did not recognize it and it seemed to neither exude the Light Side of the Force, nor the Dark. He knew this person was a Force user, but their Force signature was in a strange limbo.

Very interesting, Obi-Wan reflected, caressing his beard as per his habit.

A loud explosion, which dislodged clouds of snow from the walls of Echo Base, brought Obi-Wan back to the present. The Empire had broken in and were now swarming the interior of the base. Vader was bearing down on his location; they would soon be face to face.

Obi-Wan barely recognized his fallen apprentice's Force presence. He knew that physically he was most likely the same, but inside, it was like a completely different man. He could not find a trace of Anakin Skywalker, as he had when they last dueled on the Death Star.

But he IS still there, Obi-Wan thought fervently. He HAS to be!

"So… we meet yet again; for the last time."

Obi-Wan cleared his mind and turned his eyes towards Vader, who stood several meters away from him, holding his unignited lightsaber in his hand. They stood in a large circular room which served as an intersection for several paths which burrowed all across Echo Base.

Obi-Wan kept his gaze on Vader as he let his presence disappear into the Force. The Dark Lord looked even more out of place against the pure white walls of Echo Base; his regular breathing echoed off of the domed ceiling.

"Anakin, remember what I told you," Obi-Wan spoke calmly, keeping his hands linked under the sleeves of his robes. "If you strike me down I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."

Obi-Wan tried not to think about how similar this encounter was to the first one they'd had on the Death Star. How they'd both gravitated towards each other, had said the same things to each other; in one place Vader's silhouette had blended into the environment, but now it stood out like a blemish.

Were they destined to do this forever? Repeat the cycle until one of them fell? Mustafar, the Death Star and now Hoth… Would there be another?

No! Obi-Wan refocused his thoughts. Anakin can we saved, and he will be saved. Only, not by me.

Vader had begun to pace around the perimeter of the room, to which Obi-Wan responded by turning in the same direction to stay face to face.

The old master tried to sense his fallen apprentice's emotions but was startled to find he felt nothing. It was like trying to find meaning in a blank piece of paper. What Obi-Wan could sense was how much his power had grown. It was far beyond what it had been when they'd last met. Obi-Wan had grown more powerful too since then but he felt it might not be enough against the much younger Chosen One.

"You were always so conceited about the Jedi's power," Darth Vader spoke derisively. "I have experienced true power. Beyond anything you could possibly imagine. I have gone beyond your training, and the Emperor's."

Obi-Wan was about to respond until Vader revealed his true power. A low distant rumbling grew in intensity, shaking the floor below them and the snow on the ceiling. Obi-Wan was petrified. He watched in horror as dark figures seemed to lurk behind and around Vader, spilling black smoke coils over his shoulders, blending in with his dark suit… some seemed to be holding red lightsabers…

Obi-Wan quickly regained his senses and swiftly put up his Force shields. The "apparitions" disappeared, but their effect on him seemed to remain. Every muscle in his body felt tense and aching; his breath was short… What was that? How is it possible?

Obi-Wan tried to refocus on Vader's Force presence. While before he had been unable to sense Anakin Skywalker, now he could no longer sense Darth Vader. It was indescribable. Unlike anything he'd ever felt before; more powerful than anything he'd ever encountered.

"Anakin what have you done?" Obi-Wan pleaded. "This power is not worth the sacrifice of living with these… demons."

"They have shown me what true power is, Obi-Wan," Vader replied, his voice gaining a noticeably aggressive edge. "They are beyond what the Jedi or Sith could have given me."

Obi-Wan wanted to respond but he stopped himself. Getting sucked into an argument with Vader was not to his advantage. He needed his actions to speak for him.

Vader had gained great power? Well so had Obi-Wan. It did not matter which was more powerful, the old master would pick his allies over those demons any day.

I am one with the Force and the Force is with me, Obi-Wan recited, focusing his body, his mind, and his heart. Jedi and allies now gone, lend me your strength.

Obi-Wan felt an immense swell of power within his body and all around him. He felt like he had the strength of a thousand men, which was true. He was them, and they were him: he was the Force.

Obi-Wan saw how Vader flinched and his Force presence faltered slightly as he observed his former master.

"Who do you see beside me, Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked calmly. "They are part of the Living Force but they have granted me their power to face you."

"Your power is insignificant!" Vader shouted, igniting his crimson blade. "I AM ALL THE SITH!"

"And I am all the Jedi." Obi-Wan answered with unruffled intensity, igniting his azure blade.

The clash of swords followed less than a second later, sending shockwaves throughout the corridors of the base. Their blades were blurs of red and blue which occasionally paused when they caught against each other.

They could each see the shining dots, showing their opponents weakness, connected by the cosmic thread that guided their weapons; but it was as if that thread always led them to the same place. No matter how they feinted, parried or dodged, their blades were always drawn back together. Unable to outmatch their opponent, since they were equally matched. All the Sith against all the Jedi: perfectly balanced.

The victor would be the one who could keep a hold on this power the longest, and Obi-Wan knew without a doubt Vader far outmatched him in terms of endurance. Eventually, the old Jedi's age would catch up to him, his power would slowly leave him and his opponent would find his opening. The ending was clear. Inevitable, or so it seemed.

Suddenly, Vader and Obi-Wan simultaneously broke away from each other to parry away red spinning lightsabers that had been thrown at each of their backs. They both watched as the sabers returned to their owners: two Inquisitors; each standing at one of the tunnel junctions.

Obi-Wan and Vader kept an unwavering eye on them, all while keeping each other in their field of view. Neither of them seemed to know what was going on.

"My, my, what a display," a low, sardonic voice echoed down one of the five tunnels of the intersection. "You truly are Sith and Jedi Masters."

The Grand Inquisitor emerged from the shadows of the tunnel, sporting a derisive smirk and holding his ignited spinning saber. As he stepped forward, two more Inquisitors appeared to block the remaining tunnels, leaving no escape route.

Obi-Wan and Vader were now surrounded by five Inquisitors, but the worrying detail was that they seemed hostile towards them both.

"What are you playing at, worm?" Vader growled, turning the intensity of his power towards the Grand Inquisitor. "You dare interfere? You cannot hope to defeat me!"

Obi-Wan watched as the Grand Inquisitor casually walked closer to Vader, seemingly unaffected by the dark presences that had left Obi-Wan motionless. The tall Pau'an merely smirked ironically, his words venomous like a snake:

"You are a fool, Lord Vader. You believe this power belongs to you. That you are worthy of it. This power chooses the strongest; it changes hands as it sees fit, as long as it sides with the victors."

The Grand Inquisitor held his palm out towards Vader and spoke:

"You, are no longer worthy."

Obi-Wan watched in disbelief as the dark presences left Vader's body and flew towards the Grand Inquisitor's palm, coiling around his shoulders and torso. His yellow eyes seemed to glow with even more malicious intensity; his Force presence became something else entirely.

Obi-Wan sensed Vader's Force presence returning to something more familiar, as the Dark Lord sunk down on one knee, exhausted from having been drained of such immense power. The hatred seething in Vader's soul was palpable.

"You dare to challenge me?" he growled out, rising up to his feet and pointing his lightsaber at the Grand Inquisitor. "I will destroy you."

"You will certainly try," the Inquisitor replied maniacally, angling his own saber towards Vader. "Kill the Jedi! Leave Vader to me."

As soon as he spoke, the four other Inquisitors all charged Obi-Wan in a coordinated attack to encircle him. The old Jedi shook off his weakening body and prepared for their attack, making sure to focus on the shining dots that would guide his attacks.

The first attack he sensed was coming from behind. Without looking, Obi-Wan raised his saber to block a swing aimed at his back. Seeing that this left his front exposed, two Inquisitors stabbed simultaneously towards his midsection in the hopes of skewering him. Instead of trying to block or dodge the attack, Obi-Wan backed away, flipping his first attacker into the path of the other two. Their blades pierced his gut, killing him instantly. They were now four against one, and Obi-Wan had yet to land a single strike.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the duel between Vader and the Grand Inquisitor. The latter was clearly toying with him. Their power difference was night and day, but Vader continued to obstinately throw heavy attacks at the Grand Inquisitor, which he dodged easily.

Obi-Wan refocused on his own fight. The four Inquisitors were keeping their distance from him now, having seen how deadly this old Jedi was. He could see their looks of apprehension and fear as they stared at whatever figures were standing by his side. Obi-Wan could only wonder who they were… Mace Windu? Plo Koon? Ki-Adi-Mundi? Perhaps… Padmé?

In any event, Obi-Wan decided now was the best time to press his advantage. His muscles were screaming in protest and the edges of his vision were starting to blur. He needed to end this soon before he burned out completely.

Taking a page from Ahsoka's book, Obi-Wan threw his lightsaber at the Inquisitors and charged towards them. Using the Force, he manipulated his weapon through the air to force them on the defensive and prevent them from attacking his back.

In one smooth uninterrupted motion, Obi-Wan swept the legs out from under an Inquisitor and Force pushed another one with such Force it cracked the ice wall he slammed into. As he summoned his saber back to his hand, he saw the shining dot glow on the neck of the fallen Inquisitor. In one clean swing he decapitated him, leaving only two to deal with.

Obi-Wan's eyesight was nearly reduced to a tunnel; so much of his vision was dark and blurry. He could feel the blood pounding in his ears; the heavy breaths he drew in over and over. Drops of sweat slid down his chin and nose; his skin felt red hot and every muscle tissue in his body was begging for relief.

No! Not yet! I need to finish this! Let me save him!

We are with you Obi-Wan. Our power is yours: use it.

Obi-Wan swore he'd heard Padme's voice speaking back to him. He felt a second wave of energy coursing through his body. The pain in his muscles lessened and his vision cleared, just in time for him to block two red lightsabers aimed straight at his head.

The two Inquisitors had attacked at the same time and were now pushing down on Obi-Wan's saber with their own. They put all their strength and bodyweight down onto their lightsaber to break the old master's defense, but Obi-Wan held strong.

I WILL save him!

Gathering all the power he had left, Obi-Wan concentrated on a powerful Force push which he unleashed underneath the Inquisitors. They flew into the ceiling at incredible speed, which shattered many of their bones as well as the ice above them. Obi-Wan quickly rolled out of the way as their limp bodies were buried under several feet of snow that caved into the room.

Obi-Wan heaved a small sigh of relief until his body caught up with him. Everything around him began to spin; his mind was in complete disarray, unable to focus on lifting his arm or extinguishing his lightsaber. He was seconds away from blacking out but something kept him on the brink. An almost imperceptible pull through the Force…

Anakin!

The Grand Inquisitor had grown tired of playing with Vader. With one emphatic swing he cut the Dark Lord's lightsaber in half, just above the hilt and reached out to grip Vader's neck in a Force choke.

The Grand Inquisitor towered over Vader who desperately clawed and groaned for air, kneeling at his feet.

"I will be sure to remember this," the Grand Inquisitor spoke with a mix of whimsy and cruel malice. "Goodbye… Lord Vader."

The Grand Inquisitor raised his double-ended lightsaber over his head, ready to split Vader's head open. As he was about to strike, his eyes suddenly widened in horror and disbelief. He looked down in dismay at the blue lightsaber blade that had sprouted from his chest.

Obi-Wan had summoned whatever energy he had left for this final attack, but now he truly was at the end of his rope. As the Grand Inquisitor's body dropped dead into the snow, Obi-Wan passed out, falling face-first towards the ground, only for Vader to catch him and ease him onto his knee.

Obi-Wan was only able to send one last errant thought through the Force:

Luke… You must go to the Dagobah system… There you will learn from Yoda… the Jedi master who instructed me…

Vader silently watched over his former master's unconscious body, his eyes roaming over his severed arm, unruly hair and scarred face. It seemed that no matter how much he changed, Obi-Wan would always remain his master. And Vader, for the life of him, could not understand why.