A/N: Hello all! Sorry for the delay on the update, I had two tests last week, and didn't even start working on the chapter till I took them both. I see that I'm getting more views and favorites and I'm very glad :D. I can only ask that you guys share your thoughts with my story in the review page here and there! I live to see what you guys have to say about the story, so please don't be shy! Also, for my longtime readers, storylines and characters I discussed (including one former contest winner) in previous chapters will now be appearing! (For those who don't know Rahm Kota is a character from The Force Unleashed, and some of the other Jedi and characters involved are from the Clone Wars TV show and other EU, and of course some of them are OCs). This chapter will have some more action, so I truly hope you enjoy! Also, just to save all of us the trouble, I will simply post the translations of what the Wookiees will be saying instead of their roars haha. As always, I do not own Star Wars or its universe.

Chapter 19: Fog of War

*Kashyyyk*

After a while, the Rebel fleet came out of hyperspace in the Kashyyyk system and the deployment began. After the ships landed at the beachhead of Kachiro, tens of thousands of troops poured out, along with hundreds of different assortments of tanks, anti-aircraft equipment, their own aircraft, and secondary tactical equipment. The local Wookiee leaders from their legislative council had their own preparations near the beachhead; large barricades with plasma cannons built into them, reinforced bunker areas built into the mountains around the beachhead, along with dozens of Wookiee ornithopters. Thousands of wookiees joined the rebels in the preparation. The goal of the pre-battle cooperation was to make the area reinforced - but looking as though it was merely the Wookiees defenses. When the Empire's ships descended out of the sky, they would not likely be threatened by Wookiee barricades and some some hovercraft, but that's why it was imperative to disguise everything. The rebels concealed their numbers within the many, forests, mountains and valleys that surrounded Kachiro, and by the end of the day, things looked nearly perfect. As day turned to night, the fog rolled in and the rain picked up to give the encampments and eerie feeling about.

Anakin and his team had assembled in one of the mountain bunkers - one that conveniently surveyed the entirety of the beachhead. The whole of his Jedi team was present, as was Wu Zi Mu and some of his team, and General Peetarch; who had decided to keep young Han Solo as his own personal assistant, this was accepted by Anakin because they did not want a 10 year old on the front lines. They had grouped together with many of the Wookiee leaders, such as the chieftains of the cities and villages nearby including Tarfful who led Kachiro, Gumbaeki who led the village of Palsaang, Ashwarrump who was a member of the council in the capital of Rwookrrorro, and Chewbacca, a close friend of both Tarfful and Ashwarrump, and decorated warrior from the Clone Wars. All four of these Wookiees had fought with Master Yoda during the battle with the confederacy, and had the utmost respect for the Jedi Order.

As the group went over the battle plans, Jedi Master Rahm Kota approached Anakin, "General Skywalker, I need a moment."

Anakin nodded and the two walked to a side room, "What's going on Kota?"

"I need to inform you, that I must make a personal mission into the mountains tonight," Kota paused. "I have sensed something... A presence I've not felt since..." He drifted off.

"Felt what since when Kota? And what can be more important than the battle that could literally begin any moment now?"

"Skywalker, listen to me. If I am correct about who or what I sense, this could be a huge boon to us. I believe... I believe that it is my old Master..." He trailed off. Anakin studied Kota's face, unsure of what to think. This forced the old Jedi Master to continue. "I know I've been hard on you Anakin, but I am a bitter old man that's lost a lot in life, it's just how I am. What I know, is that apart from everything going on in this war, you are dealing with your own personal war. I know this because I have fought it myself since I was a child. The calculating nature of second guessing every single mistake you've made in the past... You cannot do this to yourself. This master I speak of was not the man that trained me as a padawan, but another of our Order. He helped guide me through the same conflict I had when I was your age. He left the order many years ago but he is very powerful and very wise. Trained by Master Yoda himself. If I am right, and he is here on Kashyyyk, it is my greatest hope that he will return to the Order and help you through this trying period as well."

Anakin did not show his reaction on his face, but he was perplexed, confused, touched, and curious about what Kota had just told him. Anakin knew that the rest of the council could still feel his inner conflict raging inside of him; and the incessant self doubt he was suffering from in the aftermath of Mandalore and his near death at the hands of Darth Exitium. If this old Jedi Master had helped Kota deal with his inner termoil, could he help Anakin? "Alright Master Kota, you may go. Do you have any idea where he is? Or how long you'll be gone?"

Kota smiled, "Oh yes, I have an idea of where he is. I don't think that will be the issue. I think getting him to rejoin the Order will be the trickier part." Kota bowed, threw his hood over his head and left the bunker without another word to anyone.

Anakin returned to the group and took his place next to Obi-Wan, General Peetarch was speaking. "... and so, combined Rebel and native efforts have built a protective energy shield set over the capital of Rwookrrorro, rendering any direct attack there, rather useless for the Empire. We're told that it can last over a month, and the rest of the continent between here and there is tree villages and the shadowlands. They will attack Kachiro, and we will be ready. This storm is rather perfect for us, it will conceal our forces even further. When they make contact and begin conflict with the Wookiee defense forces, we will make an opportune and timely strike with a flooding of the beachhead, an aerial bombing campaign of the bay to disrupt their reinforcements. They will undoubtedly have a large array of tanks, rebel spies tell us the Imperials will have a new prototype AT-TE walker. It is not something that we'll likely have seen before. RIS agents led by Wu Zi Mu will covertly travel behind enemy lines and weaken and slow the opposition in whatever way possible. Remember, this battle is merely a diversion to distract the Empire. We need only hold them here for maybe a day, however long it takes for them to land their cruisers and such across the bay a few miles. That way when our fleets arrive we will have the tactical advantage. With any luck, they will have had to surrender by the time our fleet sits in the sky. Admiral Ackbar has the fleet waiting on the the dark side of a moon at the edge of the system. When the Empire lands, we will make contact and they will join us. Regardless it is critical we do not let the Imperials advance further than the Kachiro beachhead. If they can take cover under the giant trees and travel to the capital through the Shadowlands, it will be far harder to expel them from the planet and earn a swift defeat. Are we all in agreement and understanding of the battle plans?"

Anakin could not help but feel very confident. Young as he may be, General Peetarch was clearly very advanced in his battle planning methods. He had earned his rank. 'Now,' Anakin thought to himself, 'if he can react quickly and decisively at a critical juncture during the battle, the Rebels may just have a true military genius to go along with Ackbar.' It was something that was clearly lacking at the moment. Many Imperial officers had served lengthy tours during the Clone Wars and had been university educated military men. While some had joined the Alliance, many officers had been flying on the seat of their pants during the early goings of the war, and none seemed to have the brilliance that Ackbar did, and he could not do everything. It seemed perhaps, that finally, the rebels had found another mind. "Yes sir. I commend you General. I believe that I will go inspect the camp, anyone that wishes to join is welcome."

Peetarch nodded, "Sounds good Master Skywalker. I'll come along with you."

"As will I," Obi-Wan added.

"If you would have me Master Jedi, I would like to join you too," added the Wookiee Chewbacca.

"Of course! Please, show me the defenses."

They bowed to the rest of the team as everyone else retired to their quarters. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Everren Peetarch departed the mountain stronghold...

*Taris*

Bellatus and Primus had discreetly made their way to Taris as their mastered had Ordered, with their hit list in hand. Their first target was General Crix Madine. Darth Exitium informed them he had been once been a field general, but was reassigned to head the Tarisian Defense Force. Apparently, he had been injured during a battle earlier during the midrim campaign, but he had fired several grenades from his launcher - some of which nearly killed Exitium. He had taken personal offense, and as part of their first test, he wanted him dead. Next was Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan. Alderaan was one of the core worlds, very close to Coruscant, but since Organa made his allegiance public the planet had been embroiled in civil war, with many of the different royal houses allying between those loyal to the Empire and those to the Rebels. Exitium wanted Organa dead - it would be a horrible blow to the Rebel allied forces on his planet. Lastly, Senator Padme Skywalker. The wife of Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker. The Chosen One. Darth Exitium's arch nemesis. Their stealth glider weaved them in and out of traffic. Taris was a world much like Coruscant with its endless skyscrappers, it had the galaxy's record far tallest building apparently. It was over a mile high! The two young Sith made their way to the RDF headquarters. Their plan had been simple. The Rebels revered the Jedi, and apart from the color of their blades, both Bellatus and Primus looked the part of the Jedi. Thus, in order to get close to all of their targets, they would discreetly approach them disguised as Jedi Knights. It seemed in-genius to both of them, so much so that it was to contain their excitement.

Shortly, they arrived at the the RDF and landed on a covert landing pad. Quickly and quietly they exited and moved into the large military building. Several Rebels saw the two of them, and saw their lightsabers and either smiled or nodded in acknowledgement. It was clear they had guessed correctly; the Rebels trusted anyone with a lightsaber. Making their way the complex, the found themselves outside of Madine's office speaking with his secretary. "Madam, my name is Jedi Master Aria Bellatus, and this is my apprentice Hroniss Primus, we are here to bring General Madine some intelligence we acquired while we were off world that says the Empire plans on attacking the Rebel capital within the next few weeks!"

The male secretary looked aghast, "Oh my lord, why didn't you send word before? The General will want to hear what you have to say immediately. He's in a meeting, but I will call his emergency line." The man scrambled about behind his desk and did not notice that Bellatus and Primus shared a coy smile. A few minutes later he turned back to them, "The General is on his way, it will only be a few moments."

Not later had she said this than the doors busted open with the General rushing through them. "Master Jedi, I understand you have some news for me? Please, quickly, come into my office."

Bellatus flashed her seductive smile at the scruffy-looking general, "Of course," and the two followed him in. Primus made sure to both close and lock the door. They gathered around Madine's cluttered desk.

"So, what is this about? What intelligence do you have for me?"

Bellatus waved her hand over Madine, "You will tell your secretary to clear your schedule for the rest of the day, and then you will tell her to take the afternoon off."

For a moment, the General hesitated, but then he hit his telecom and spoke directly to his secretary, "Mattinson, clear my schedule for the day, I will be very busy. And then do yourself a favor, and take the day off. I will have no need of you."

If the secretary had considered this an odd request, he did not show and replied affirmatively before the trio heard him leave. Then he continued, as if this had not just occurred. "Now, what can you tell me? What is so important? What of the attack on Taris?"

Bellatus smiled as she playfully batted her eyelashes at the man, she covertly disabled his telecom. "Oh, you see we are here to inform you that we are the attack on the planet." She pulled out her brilliant, bright, red lightsaber in an instant and slashed right through Madine, splitting him in two. She smiled and felt her emotions rise in excitement. "One down, two to go Primus. Let's move," she added and they departed without another word.

*Skies above Kashyyyk*

Darth Exitium's invasion fleets pulled out of hyperspace in the Kashyyyk system and they quickly began establishing a perimeter around the planet. There would be no need of a blockade. Once the Wookiee capital fell, it wouldn't be long before the rest of the planet's civilization collapsed. Exitium strode back and forth across the bridge with Admiral Thrawn and his officers looking at a holoscan of the planet before Thrawn interrupted the Sith's thoughts.

"My lord, please take a look at this. It would appear as if the capital has some sort of very powerful energy shield protecting it. We could undoubtedly destroy it, but it could take weeks - maybe even months! The generals and I concur that the best choice available would be to land our invasion forces here," he indicated the Kachiro bay beachhead, "the Wookiees likely have a battlement built here, but nothing that our new walkers can't handle. Once we secure the beachhead, we will be able to use the planet's infamous Shadowlands as cover as we make our way across the continent on our way to the capital of Rwookrrorro."

Exitium merely nodded, this seemed to be the correct strategy. Once the Wookiees were enslaved he would be able to use them to help build the empire's new great superweapon... "Very well Admiral, prepare the invasion forces. I will personally head down to the planet and lead our forces."

"At once my lord. Sir, before you go to ready yourself, I'd like you to meet someone. This is General Adamantius Snowden, he will be the officer in command of the ground forces. He is able, and quite trustworthy," Thrawn added, acknowledging their previous conversation. Stepping in front of Thrawn stood a handsome man with pointed, devilish eyes and an angular face and hook for a nose - though Exitium could not tell his age. While his skin was young, flush, and tanned, his hair was as white as Hoth. He was quite attractive, but there was something... sinister about him. Exitium instantly took a liking to him. "Well met General, I look forward to seeing your work in battle. Let us make quick work of the giant bears of this planet and get back to destroying the Rebel Alliance."

Snowden smiled, "Yes my lord. It will be my greatest pleasure."

Exitium nodded, and went to go prepare himself, but stopped quickly and turned around "General Snowden, please send a scout recon team. They are to take out any remaining rebel agents if they come across them."

"It will be done Lord Exitium. Please meet me in the hanger bay when you are ready," Snowden added before giving a slight bow with his head.

*In the mountains of Kashyyyk*

Rahm Kota had been given access to one of the Wookiees' Ornithopters, a buzzing aerial vehicle of some sort, and he was flying into the mountains right into the thick of the storm. Despite the fact that it was storming, the fog made it nigh on impossible to see further than 5 feet in front of him. Luckily they had installed topical radar exactly for this reason. He flew on for what seemed like hours, as the presence in his mind grew stronger and stronger. Kota was quite sure he was right. There could be no mistaking it. As he glided above a valley, lightning struck several times and illuminated the whole valley and its surrounding mountains. At the top of one of them sat a unique looking miniature of a Jedi Temple, but as soon as the lightning passed, Kota could see nothing once more. He reached out trying to feel the edges of the mountain around him, and let the force guide him. With an incredibly amount of will power, he was able to successfully navigate the ridges and the storm and he landed awkwardly on a muddy, slope area near the temple. If his old Master were anywhere, this was as good of a place as anywhere to start.

Keeping his hood up to cover his face from the rain, he slowly ascended the mountain. He ensured his lightsaber was still on his side, in a storm as strong as this, the wind just might carry it off. As he reached an entrance, he pounded on the door. Several other times afterwards, yet still no answer. He ignited his green blade and slashed open the door. He entered the temple but did not disengage his blade, it was dark inside, although a few torches had been lit. He walked silently down a dark hallway, Kota reached an opening that appeared to lead to a larger chamber. Suddenly a large feline humanoid darted in front of him and engaged his blade, a double-hilted lightsaber that had a unique feature it to it - a pure silver blade. He swiftly swung one of his blades at Kota, who reacted quickly and parried the blow while holding his ground. Pulling back his hood, he revealed his face. Instantly, the mysterious man took a step back and studied Kota's aging, war-worn face. Both of their lightsabers still engaged, but there was a moment of recognition.

"Rahm Kota... I have not seen you in quite sometime. Though, I haven't seen much of anyone in a long time. Come, I will make us some tea," he added before turning off his blade. He waved his hand across the room and torches lit up everywhere, and he stepped into the light. Fully revealing himself, a bipedal feline man with orange fur with black stripes stood before Kota wearing dark grey robes. He was a Tigrosian. He began walking across the chamber to a small kitchen, and Kota followed. "So, what brings you in search of me Kota?"

"I believe you already know the answer to that question Master Pantero Kaleko," Kota put emphasis on the word 'Master,' likely in an attempt to remind the man of his former Order.

He merely grunted in response as he began preparing the blue shadowland lily tea. Kaleko was infamous as the resident tea master of the Jedi Order during his time, and Kota smirked at this memory. "I do not know what makes you think I will change my mind. Don't you think I would have returned during the Clone Wars if I had wanted to do anymore than I have?"

"No. Because I know you Master. You may have left the Order, but you haven't abandoned your connection to the force. You are still very in tune, I can feel it. You knew that something was behind the veil, beyond the shroud of the darkside, and you refused to be a part of it. You saw the corruption in the Republic senate for years before you left the order, and the rest of us were simply too blind. You are a Gray Jedi, but a Jedi you remain. And if ever there was a time to return, it would be now. Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One of the prophecy, he needs guidance. Guidance that can only ever come from one who has walked the line between both sides. You once helped me, and I ask that you return to help the one who can restore balance to the force," Kota pleaded this with added emphasis.

The elder Tigrosian took a moment to ponder this before looking out of his window into the gloomy storm of the night. He closed his eyes, "I have heard of Skywalker's exploits. Immensely talented, with an incredibly large ego to go along with it. If I join you, will he listen? How have Yoda and Obi-Wan been his council to no avail?"

"Neither of them know the path he takes. Neither of them understand the fine line he walks in his mind everyday. You do. They are great Masters, no one doubts that. But Anakin needs a certain kind of help. One that you can give him."

Pantero and Kota's eyes met and they starred at each other for a while without speaking. Slowly, Pantero began nodding and pacing around the kitchen. "It has been some time since I was last an active member of the Jedi Order. But if you believe I can be of service to young Anakin Skywalker and help him achieve his destiny, then I must return... But let us depart in the morning, I do not wish to travel by Ornithopter in this weather at night. Come, let me show you to where you can sleep," he drifted off as he turned and walked back into the center of the temple, and Kota followed. He was relieved. His absence from the team was not without merit. He had succeeded. He only hoped that the Empire had not attacked in the time he was gone...

*Kachiro Beachhead*

Anakin walked through the rebel camps scattered throughout the misty valleys and nestled within the mountains. The troops were eager for battle. It was written all over them. Even as the storm got them wet and kept them from getting tons of rest, it was clear that they were ready. At a moment's notice, they'd be ready.

He pressed on, following Chewbacca as he led Anakin, Obi-Wan, and General Peetarch through the entirety of the encampment. Anakin turned to Chewbacca, "So tell my Chewbacca, what have things been like for you and your people in the past few months? What has transpired since the battle during the Clone Wars?"

"Well, after we were able to help Master Yoda escape, the Imperial forces tried to enslave us. Indeed, they were able to take many of my people off world to work on a new project they have planned. We fought an underground campaign, using the Shadowlands as our base, they were unable to find or track us. The clones have no understanding of our world like we do. They could not have stopped us or found us even if they wanted to. Eventually when your reinforcements arrived on the world 6 months ago or so, the Imperials decided it was better off to abandon the world. It... surprises many of my people that they have even bothered to return..."

Anakin nodded, it was curious that they had fallen for the trap if they had already suffered setbacks in trying to enslave the Wookiees. But, this knowledge from Chewbacca perhaps put things in perspective. The Imperials had a new project? What kind of project? Why was it so imperative to get Wookiees to work on it? Wookiees were widely known as very strong and strong willed beings, but why was the Empire going out of its way to enslave them? It was curious. Most curious.

"It is very... interesting," Obi-Wan added. "We must have our intelligence agents look into this secret project the Empire is working on."

"I agree," Peetarch said in acknowledgement.

The group continued through the Rebel and Wookiee camps greeting the troops to some "hooahs!" and "oorahs!" Eventually, they found themselves strolling along the shoreline. The four had just been talking about everything from their Republic days pre-Clone Wars, different missions they'd gone on since then; and of course, the future of the galaxy. At some point Anakin turned to Peetarch and asked him, "So Peetarch, how exactly did you advance through the ranks so quickly? Obviously I recognize your keen abilities and knowledge of combat, but most men Obi-Wan's age haven't reached general yet!" Anakin added as a jab to his old Master.

"Oh ha ha Anakin... Perhaps it is because I am not that old," Obi-Wan retorted while chuckling.

Peetarch continued, "I can't really explain it honestly. The Onderonion people have long been a warring people. And the men that came with me to join the rebels have all proved their worth to the Rebellion. To answer your question, we put our heads down and worked hard. I spent some time at the old Military Academies before the Republic fell, and I guess my work thus far has shown Admiral Ackbar enough."

"Where else have you led Rebel forces?" Obi-Wan inquired.

"Well first I fought in the liberation of Ithor under you Master Kenobi, but I was still a Lieutenant Colonel. I got a Medal of Valor for saving some of my fellow troops from behind enemy lines. Then at the Defense of Christophsis I got my first big promotion to Brigadier General after I showed skill in out holding out in an abandoned outpost under heavy siege with only 9 men left with me. We were surrounded by hundreds of clones, but eventually we were able to hem and haw out way out that mess. I've had some close calls, but managed to use survival instincts and a little luck to get out of them. It's been enough for Ackbar to take me under his wing and show me the ropes. I've learned a lot from him in the past few months," Peetarch responded.

Then out of nowhere young Han Solo sprinted his way over to their location on the beach. As he approached, he was shouting something through the storm, "General! Major Annaman says that Imperial ships have entered the atmosphere! It's happening!"

Peetarch nodded and began barking orders to Han. Anakin smiled, and then he reached out into the force to get a sense of his surroundings and where the Imperials may be. Suddenly, he felt a strong dark aura nearby, it took a moment for him to realize - Exitium was there. And very near. "Obi-Wan... I believe that Darth Exitium is certainly among them."

Obi-Wan nodded, "Yes, I felt his presence as well. Nothing we can deal with right now. They'll be here soon, we need to get ready."

The two Jedi turned and began to return towards the encampments when suddenly something occurred that made Han jump out of his shoes. "HEY! LOOK OUT!" But he was not talking to them, but rather Chewbacca. Several Imperial scouts had made their way across the bay and were crouched in the water along the shore taking aim. Peetarch took cover behind a log, while Anakin and Obi-Wan quickly changed direction. But it was not quick enough, and the Imperials began firing at Chewbacca, and in the blink of an eye, Han Solo and his small childish body ran into the Wookiee and managed to move him just enough so that the blaster bolts missed him, and they both took cover behind the log as well. Anakin force leaped off at the scout troopers, igniting his blade in the air, and Obi-Wan sprinted behind him. In an instant, they made quick work of the would-be assassins with their shimmering blue blades, and rejoined the others.

"Well, they will likely know that there is some rebel presence here now - although I assume they always thought there'd be a small contingent left. Looks like it really is a good thing the storm is pounding away. We'll need the extra cover. Come, let us get all the troops prepared," Obi-Wan said, and the group all complied and returned to camp.

As they hurried back up the beach, Chewbacca took a moment to thank Han, "Young human, I cannot thank you enough for saving me. I would hold a feast to honor you in my house with my entire family if war were not upon us. Thus, I can only solemnly promise you that we shall celebrate you once this conflict is over."

The 10 year old looked flushed and embarrassed completely unaware of what to say. "Well Mr. Chewbacca, I-I-I- that's fine. I was just doing what anyone would do." Chewbacca roared with gratitude and pride, picked up Han and threw him on his back as they hurried to meet up with Anakin and the others.

Things moved quickly after they returned to the camps. Alarms rang throughout, cheers erupted, soldiers hurrying off to different destinations. Wookiees began filing in along the beachhead and patrolling the coastline. Ornithopters began buzzing around the sky and they did some recon missions to locate just where the Empire was setting up. Several clicks west, on an island in the archipelago. Soon enough though, the recon teams saw the Imperial numbers march out of the Star Destroyers. Thousands upon thousands, tank after tank, walker after walker. Their invasion fleet easily matched tit for tat that of the rebels. As they prepared to leave, they saw the Imperials preparing to traverse the 2-3 miles of water that stood between the two forces, thus the scouts returned back to the rebel camps. Upon hearing this news, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Peetarch took shelter in their command bunker that overlooked the whole beachhead, while Chewbacca took a post on the beach with his fellow Wookiees. It was coming. Any moment now.

Then suddenly, without warning, the explosions began erupting on the beach. Long range missiles, undoubtedly being fired from the Imperials new walkers, blasted apart some of the Wookiee barricades. This continued for quite sometime, but before long, Imperial troops appeared on hovercraft transports and they started pouring onto the beachhead. At this point the Wookiees began their semi-assault. Hundreds of them charged down the beach while getting cover from others that held their positions on the higher ground. The Wookiees met the Stormtroopers head on in a colossal thud of power. Wookiees using traditional vibroblades and dual-hilt swords made a huge impact on the frontline of the clones as they had not been prepared for hand to hand combat clearly. The Wookies pushed the clones almost all the way to the shoreline. Cover fire from the Wookiees on the higher ground helped them for a while, but it didn't take long for the stormtroopers to regroup as more and more hovercraft flooded their numbers and they were able to advance up the beach.

"General, at what point would you like rebel forces to begin engaging hostiles?" Peetarch asked Anakin.

"Not quite yet. I want more clones on the beach, and then I want our bombers to do a few runs, then we can flood the beachhead," Anakin responded confidently.

"Yes General."

The battle continued unabashed, and the Wookiees did more than hold their own. Holding the higher ground was key for them, as even though the Stormtroopers outnumbered them more than 4 to 1, they were not able to advance very far up the beachhead. Slowly but surely however, the Imperials drove them back. With aid from their tanks and walkers, the Wookiees simply could not hold the line forever. Anakin recognized this and saw their moment hitting the telecom, "Bomber squadrons; 1, 2, 4, 7, and 9, head out and clear the beach. I want the Imperials to be completely blindsided. Do two runs, one clearing the beach, the next wiping out their reinforcements along the shoreline. GO!"

Within moments, the bombers appeared and began their job. And they executed it to near perfection. The first run took all of the stormtroopers completely off guard as they got slaughtered. They were scrambling, and many of them were falling back to the shoreline, and Anakin couldn't help but smirk as they were falling perfectly into his trap. The second ran happened, and it looked more like fireworks. All the tanks, AT-TE walkers, and hovercraft transports that had established a position on the shore were no more. They were lit up in a majestic eruption of explosions. "Now, General Peetarch, instruct them men to reinforce the Wookiees, you are now in command. Obi-Wan, lets go meet up with the others." Anakin and Obi-Wan gave Peetarch a bow, and they departed to hit the battlefield.

Once on the ground there was a lot of chaos. Wounded being transported, reinforcements filing into different positions along the beach, Jedi generals barking out orders left and right, and before long the next wave of stormtroopers landed on the beach. Anakin heard a shout of pain, and saw that Aayla Secura had taken a blaster bolt to the leg and he sprinted over to her where Kellan Veir was kneeling over her trying to help.

"Master, what can I do?

"Master Secura, are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked.

"Nothing Kellan, and yes Master Kenobi, I'm fine. I need transport up to the hospital, but I'll be fine. Kellan, stick by Obi-Wan and Anakin. Listen to them, and follow their orders."

Kellan nodded, "Yes Master. I won't let you down."

Aayla smiled sadly, "Oh I know you won't," she said as a rebel medic team arrived and whisked her off to safety.

"Alright Kellan, you're on me," Anakin said, "Lets head to the frontline."

The trio of Jedi took a squad of rebel troops and headed down the beachhead. K'Kruhk and Ahsoka led a team on the far side of the beach, and Anakin believed that they could more than hold their own, so they headed right to the front and led the combined Rebel and Wookiee troops. Sprinting through, Anakin lunged at the stormtroopers - the clones he once fought alongside - and began slicing and dicing them with ease. As did Obi-Wan and Kellan. Their timely arrival coincided with a downhill push from the Rebels, and this momentum gave them a great advantage over the Empire.

All along the beachhead the Rebels drove hard, pushing and pushing, trying to drive the Empire back into the water and eventually across the bay. Anakin couldn't have been happier with how the battle had turned out thus far. Their primary objective had been preventing the Empire from reaching the cover of the Shadowlands by taking the beachhead. Not only had they done this, but they had practically prevented the Empire from even getting a foothold on the beach since the rebels revealed themselves. As Anakin fell to the back of the line, Peetarch contacted him.

"General Skywalker, we've received reports from Wu Zi Mu and his men that more reinforcements are on their way. And they are led by what appears -" but he was cutoff before he could finish. The Empire was jamming them, which was not good. Who was leading them? Could it be - ?

Before Anakin could finish that thought, he heard Obi-Wan exclaim, "Anakin, look out!"

Anakin turned around and it was if time slowed to a crawl. An odd, elongated blur that stretched out from the middle of the bay until it was right in front of him. A face with green-but-graying eyes with a devilish grin and anger seemingly permanently etched into his features stared right into Anakin's bright blue eyes. For a moment, just a moment... They recognized each other with respect. And then it was gone.

Darth Exitium lunged legs first directly at Anakin and hit him directly in the chest with such force that Anakin hit the ground skidding along the sand. Exitium used the force to continue propelling the duo as they glared into each other's eyes with loathing. Feeling his back getting worn from the pressure, Anakin stuck his metal arm into the sand to stop the skidding which launched Exitium soaring into the air way past Anakin's position. The young Jedi Master rose igniting his vibrant blue lightsaber awaiting what was to come. 25 feet away from him where Exitium had landed, he too rose, shrugging off his dark robes he ignited his two black blades that occasionally haunted Anakin's dreams. In an instant the two closed the gap between them and their lightsabers clashed in an epic sound of thunder.

Anakin was quick to take the offensive, stabbing and hacking at Exitium. The dark sneer that sat across Exitium's face was all that was in Anakin's mind. Exitium swung high, which Anakin ducked under and countered with a low slash trying to hurt Exitium's leg. His blade skimmed the side of the Sith's lower left leg, and Exitium howled in pain. Obviously, he used this as fuel in their duel and the tide then turned, as he went on the offensive.

Lightning erupted out of his fingertips, and Anakin almost was not quick enough to use his lightsaber to block it. He attempted to slowly push himself forward against Exitium's power, but evidently they had reached a standstill in the battle. Then, without warning Anakin saw a violet blade ignite in midair as young Kellan Veir jumped in to attempt to distract Exitium. In this he was able to do so successfully as Exitium had to stop his force lightning assault on Anakin to turn his attention to the Padawan. Briefly, Kellan was able to deflect and parry some of the Sith's attacks, but it was clear he was overmatched. By the time Anakin returned to Exitium, the Sith grabbed Kellan with force choke and sent him flying back into the midst of the battle zone between Rebels and Imperials. Thus once again, it was Anakin vs. Exitium.

Their blades met once more with such ferocity that anyone else around them would have hit the ground. Anakin's Blue blade crossed in between the two black blades of Exitium's that were protecting the Sith's torso. They held this position, just trying to force the other into submission. Finally, Exitium broke it and went on the offensive and slashed across Anakin's body that Anakin was only barely able to evade. This cat and mouse game continued unrelentingly as they moved up and down and all across the beachhead. Eventually Anakin attempted the same move he had used in sparring practice with Kellan as he jumped over Exitium while slashing at his head. Landing, he planted his feet and spun around hoping to deliver a blow across the Sith's back but once more it was as if time had reached a stand still. As Anakin had turned, he found one of Exitium's blades almost at his neck; he doubted if he would be able to block it in time.

Then suddenly, a pure silver lightsaber was ignited just in time and it held Exitium's black blade mere inches away from Anakin's throat. The look of shock on Exitium's face was matched only by Anakin's. Who was this mysterious savior? He turned his head slightly and found a tall, orange and black feline man, with a gray hood over his head. "Greetings, Anakin Skywalker. My name is Pantero Kaleko, and I am here to help you." Anakin was stunned, but thankful, and the two men then turned to engage the young Sith Lord known as Darth Exitium...

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