A/N: This is a partial rewrite of the story. I'm trying to lessen the amount of painstaking details in order to make a single chapter out of each leg of the race.

Leg 1: A Bog and a Dark Cave

All twelve teams ran as fast as they could and eventually reached the drop that led to Lake Oa. They all jumped off, except two.

Ahsoka Tano and Lux Bonteri: Freedom Fighters

"Whoooaaa!" said Lux, "I can't jump down this thing!"

"Trust me, Lux, it's no problem at all," said Ahsoka.

"But you can save yourself with the Force if you have to," complained Lux, "I can't!"

"Come on, Lux, just jump!" said Ahsoka. "Look, I'll go first. Then you jump, and I'll make sure you don't hurt yourself."

Lux sighed. "Oh, all right Ahsoka. I trust you."

Zeb Orrelios and Chopper: Dysfunctional Rebels

"Uh, all right," said Zeb, "Now, Chopper, old boy, you wouldn't mind giving me a hand getting down this, would you?"

Chopper squawked at him angrily.

"What? Who cares if it's not allowed? I'm not going to risk drowning at the beginning of the race."

Chopper suddenly took off down the drop on his rocket jets.

"Hey, where are you going, ya bucket-o-bolts?!" demanded Zeb. "You're not just gonna leave me here, are ya?"

Echo and Fives: Clone Brothers

"You think you can handle this, Fives?" asked Echo. "You know about the dangers of falling into a lake from too high-"

"This isn't the time for explanations, Echo!" said Fives. "Of course I'm ready! Now, are you? We have to jump now."

"I've been ready," said Echo.

"Then let's do it!" said Fives. They jumped off together, in perfect sync, like clone troopers on parade.

"Woohoo!" said Echo, "This is what I'm talking about!"

"I agree, brother!" said Fives.

Satine and Bo-Katan Kryze: Mando Sisters

"I hope you're not too peaceful to risk a little jump, Satine," said Bo-Katan.

"Don't mock me, sister," said Satine, "I can take care of myself as well as you can take care of yourself." Then she jumped off the drop without another word.

"She certainly knows how to stand up for herself," said Bo-Katan, jumping after her. "Even if I don't agree with her outlook on life."

Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla: Rebel Leaders

They glanced at the fall. "Are you ready, Hera?" asked Kanan.

"Yes, let's not waste time talking about it," said Hera, "Jump!"

They both jumped together. Kanan felt the Force flowing through him as he eased Hera's fall as well as his own.

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters

The two partners ran to the edge without pausing for a second.

"Go for it, Embo!" shouted Sugi.

Embo acknowledged her command, and they jumped down without hesitation.

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets

"I don't know, Soniee," said Lagos, "I don't like the looks of that drop."

"What are you, scared of heights, or scared of drowning?" said Soniee, "It's not that bad. Just follow my example."

"Soniee, don't just leave me standing here-" Lagos started, but Soniee was already jumping in the direction of the lake.

"-By myself," she finished morbidly, and reluctantly jumped off next by herself.

Asajj Ventress and Barriss Offee: Darksiders

"You know that Sith have no fear, don't you, young Offee?" Asajj asked Barriss.

"Perhaps not," said Barriss, "But I'm not a Sith and I'm not afraid of jumping, either."

"Then let's do it!" said Asajj, and they jumped.

Both of them were reminded of the rush of the dark side as they fell.

Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren: Young Rebels

"Are you ready for some action, little boy?" Sabine asked Ezra.

"I am not little!" said Ezra indignantly. "And yes, I am!"

"See you at the bottom," said Sabine, saluting him.

"I'll give you a head start," said Ezra with a smile.

Sabine grinned and put on her helmet. "Your mistake. Go!"

Cad Bane and Robonino: Bad Bounty Hunters

"As loathe as I am to comply with the rule," said Bane, "We cannot use our rockets to go down this thing. You remember that, don't you, Robonino?"

"Of course I do, Cad," said Robonino, "What d'ya think I am, stupid?"

"That's a moot question," said Bane, as the two mercenaries jumped off the edge.

Katooni and Petro: Younglings

"Oh, I don't know if I can make that jump," said Katooni uncertainly as they approached it.

"Come on, Katooni," said Petro enthusiastically, "It'll be fun. Besides, where's your confidence hiding? You should be brave!"

Katooni smiled. "You're right, Petro," she said, "Let's do it together."

The two younglings held hands as they jumped off the edge.

"YAY HOO!" Petro yelled as they plummeted. Katooni giggled.

Qutee and Wack: Droid Team

The droids reached the drop last.

"Uh, okay, Qutee," said Wack, "Dexter did say that you would give me a lift down this thing, right? I mean, I cannot get short-circuited in all that water, let alone electrocute all the fish."

Qutee warbled in the affirmative.

"Good. That is a relief," said Wack. "After we get past this part, the real fun should begin."

Qutee hoisted Wack on her back and turned on her rocket boosters, and then they took a nice, easy ride down to the ground below.

Zeb Orrelios and Chopper: Dysfunctional Rebels

Zeb continued to mutter about how Chopper was giving him such a hard time, but now Chopper was furiously demanding that Zeb jump, or they might come in last in the race.

"Oh, fine then," said Zeb, "But if I almost drown, it's your fault." He jumped at last.

Although most of the teams jumped all at once, one team made it down before all the others.

Kanan and Hera: Rebel Leaders; currently in 1st

"Good thing we made it down first," said Hera.

"Indeed," said Kanan, "Let's get moving to the Spaceport."

And they began to run toward the Coruscant Starliner Spaceport without a moment's hesitation.

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters; currently in 2nd

"Come on, Embo," said Sugi, "We've got to catch up to those Rebels!"

Ezra and Sabine: Young Rebels; currently in 3rd

"Hurry up, Ezra!" shouted Sabine, "We've got to get moving!"

"Sorry, Sabine," said Ezra, "I'm just not used to making high jumps into a lake."

Echo and Fives: ARC Troopers; currently in 4th

"On the double, brother!" said Echo, "There's no time to lose!"

"I couldn't agree more, Echo," said Fives.

Ahsoka and Lux: Freedom Fighters; currently in 5th

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets; currently in 6th

"How is it we're able to outrun many of the others?" Lagos wondered.

"I don't know," said Soniee, "I guess our youth and long legs give us an edge."

Satine and Bo-Katan: Mando Sisters; currently in 7th

"Lagos and Soniee are passing us," remarked Satine.

"Well, let's catch up to them," said Bo-Katan, "They may be friends of Korkie, but they're still our opponents!"

Asajj and Barriss: Darksiders; currently in 8th

Katooni and Petro: Younglings; currently in 9th

Cad Bane and Robonino: Bad Bounty Hunters; currently in 10th

Zeb and Chopper: Dysfunctional Rebels; currently in 11th

"Move it, Chopper!" said Zeb, "Those other teams won't wait for us! Only the other droid team is behind us right now!"

Chopper acted rather wacky.

Qutee and Wack: Droid Team; currently in Last

So did Wack in his disappointment that he and Qutee were in last at the moment.

Finally, one by one, in the above order, the teams arrived at the Spaceport, where they found their bags waiting for them, plus a wallet for each team full of 327 marked credits for spending needs on the first leg, and a data card for each team that would be used to cover the expenses for every flight they made to a certain planet. Finally, they found their first clue with their bags.

Kanan and Hera: Rebel Leaders

"Travel by Star Tours Spacelines to the swamp planet of Dagobah. There, its lone inhabitant is awaiting you to present you your first Detour challenge. Further information awaits you when you arrive. Two flights are leaving for Dagobah. The first one can take only six teams, while the second can take the next six teams."

"Well, what do you say we hurry and get on that first flight?" said Kanan.

"It would be my pleasure," said Hera.

They ran inside the Spaceport and went to a clerk's counter. "Excuse me sir," said Hera to a Kiffar clerk, "When does your next Star Tours flight leave for Dagobah?"

"In a half hour, ma'am," said the clerk.

"Good enough for us," said Hera. She showed him the data card and purchased the necessary tickets for their flight.

"Thank you, ma'am," said the clerk, "I hope you both have a pleasant flight."

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters

"Travel by Star Tours Spacelines to the swamp planet of Dagobah…"

Ezra and Sabine: Young Rebels

"…There, its lone inhabitant is awaiting you…"

Echo and Fives: ARC Troopers

"…to present you your first…"

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets

"…Detour challenge…"

Ahsoka and Lux: Freedom Fighters

"…Further information awaits you…"

Satine and Bo-Katan: Mando Sisters

"…when you arrive…"

Asajj and Barriss: Darksiders

"…Two flights are leaving…"

Katooni and Petro: Younglings

"…for Dagobah…"

Cad Bane and Robonino: Bad Bounty Hunters

"…The first one can take only six teams…"

Zeb and Chopper: Dysfunctional Rebels

"…while the second can take the next two teams."

Qutee and Wack: Droid Team

"I hope you are up to this, Qutee," said Wack, "Because I sure am. Besides, I know little about Dagobah, and swamp worlds can be treacherous, even for someone as brave as me."

Qutee warbled cheerfully.

"Oh, good," said Wack, "That's good to hear."

The following teams made it onto the first flight, besides the Rebel Leaders:

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters

Ezra and Sabine: Young Rebels

Echo and Fives: ARC Troopers

Ahsoka and Lux: Freedom Fighters

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets

"Are there any seats left for the first flight?" asked Satine.

"Nope, I'm afraid not," said the Kiffar clerk.

"Well that's just great," said Bo-Katan, "When does the next flight leave?"

"In a half hour after the first flight leaves," reported the clerk.

"It better not take too long," said Bane, "I don't like being held up when I'm in a hurry."

"Sorry, sir," said the clerk, "I didn't make any of the rules. I just work here. If you have a problem, take it up with the superintendent."

"Why don't we take it up with you instead?' hollered Robonino, almost jumping over the counter.

"Stop that, fish-face!" ordered Bane angrily, "You want to get us in trouble, or worse, disqualified?"

Robonino hesitated for a second. "Oh, fine," he said in disappointment, "But by the stars, bounty hunters aren't supposed to live their lives by a set of rules!"

"Ooh, temper, temper," said Katooni under her breath to Petro.

"We'd better be careful around those guys, Katooni," said Petro, "Even when dictated by the rules of this race, they're still not people to mess around with. Although I still hope for the day when I can use my lightsaber to teach some bounty hunters a thing or two!" He swung his arm in the air, pretending to be holding a lightsaber.

Katooni snickered. "That's you all over again, Petro," she said.

The first flight was approaching Dagobah, a world very few of the teams were familiar with. Most of them hadn't even heard of it before.

"Here, on Dagobah," said Dexter Jettster, "the teams will encounter their first Detour. Jedi Master Yoda, who is living in exile on this planet among the various flora and fauna, will greet each flight as they arrive, and each team must decide between two ways of getting in touch with the Force within their souls: Physical Jungle or Spiritual Cave. In Physical Jungle, the teams must do a five-minute running course through a pre-chosen section of Dagobah's jungles, climbing vines, flipping and somersaulting, and running as fast as possible. If they can finish a run to Yoda's satisfaction by the end of the five minutes, they will receive their next clue. If they make a mistake, or time runs out before they can finish, they have to start again. In Spiritual Cave, they have to go inside the infamous dark side cave deep in the jungle and face a spiritual truth about themselves and each other. They will receive a mysterious vision, and they must interpret it correctly, and psychologically overcome the dark side within themselves, thus coming to terms with their inner souls. Each team that goes inside will be blocked from exiting by a Force field until they have finished the challenge. Then, they will receive their next clue."

The Star Tours ship dropped off the first six teams. They had to jump into the swamp water in order to get off and onto the shore, and some of them were less than pleased by that.

Ahsoka and Lux/Lagos and Soniee

"Hey! Be careful, Lux!" said Ahsoka, "I could've fallen in head first and drowned."

"Oops! Sorry, Ahsoka!" said Lux, "Didn't mean anything by it. Just wanted to get out of there fast."

"This is just great!" said Lagos, "I'm going to stink for a week, at least!"

"Yeah," said Soniee, "And I can't handle any of my technology while I'm as wet as this."

Kanan and Hera/Ezra and Sabine

"I hate to say it," said Kanan, "But it looks like all of us have to get in that water."

"A little mossy water doesn't scare me," said Hera.

"Neither are we scared of it," said Sabine to Ezra, "Right?"

"Well, I…I guess not," he said.

"Come on, let's go!" said Sabine, jumping in and pulling Ezra in with her.

"I'm going in," said Hera, jumping in the water next.

"You're not going anywhere without me," said Kanan, jumping in after her.

When they all arrived at the shore, they had to wander a little until they found a clue box. Next to it were a bunch of sacks of a plant called "rootleaf." The smell of the rootleaf was almost overpowering in its stench. Each team read the clue next.

"More fitting for your psyche, is which one? Physical Jungle or Spiritual Cave?" each team read in its turn. "And before you begin, deliver one of these sacks of delicious rootleaf for my stew, each team must. Then, make and eat some stew with me, as part of preparation for these Force-based activities, you will. Then, being the challenge of your choice, you will."

Ahsoka and Lux: Freedom Fighters

"As a former Jedi, I think that I need a little spiritual advice," said Ahsoka, "If it's all right with you, Lux, I'll take Spiritual Cave."

"Suits me fine," said Lux, "Although I can't imagine what this rootleaf stew tastes like."

"Me neither," said Ahsoka, wrinkling her nose.

Kanan and Hera: Rebel Leaders

"I feel that I need to learn something from the Force in order to learn something better to teach Ezra how to use the Force himself, after this race is over," said Kanan, "May we do the Spiritual Cave, Hera?"

"Suits me fine," said Hera. "But we don't know yet whether it's stronger in the light side or the dark side that you told me about."

"I'm afraid that's a risk we're going to have to take if we want to win this race," said Kanan.

Ezra and Sabine: Young Rebels

"I need to learn more about the Force," said Ezra, "Let's do the Spiritual Cave, Sabine."

Sabine looked uncertain. "Okay," she said, "But I don't know what a Mandalorian like me is going to do in there."

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters

"Superstition is a religion of feeble minds," said Sugi. "I'd rather take on the Physical Jungle."

Embo grunted his agreement.

Echo and Fives: ARC Troopers

"Give me a physical challenge any day," said Fives.

"Yeah," said Echo, "Clones can't understand spiritual stuff."

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets

"I don't understand all this stuff about the Force and psychology," said Soniee. "I'd rather do the Physical Jungle!"

"Yes, me too," said Lagos, "I wouldn't know how to respond to a vision in a dark cave."

One member of each team carried a sack of rootleaf through the forest, following a marked trail that presumably led to where they had to go. Some of them, like Sabine, and Lagos, were weighted down by the sacks, and had to move at a slower pace, slowing down their partners, who could not be farther than six meters from their other partner. As a result, some teams lagged behind others.

Eventually, one at a time, they found Master Yoda himself waiting for them by a gnarled old tree. He greeted them. "Dagobah, I welcome you to. Ready to take your first competitive challenge, are you?"

They nodded.

"Yes, yes, believe you, I do," said Yoda. "But first, must eat. Come! Bring the rootleaf. Good food. Come! He, he, he, he, he!" He hobbled in the direction of his little house.

Ahsoka and Lux were first to follow. Close behind were Kanan and Hera, Echo and Fives, Sugi and Embo, Ezra and Sabine, and finally Lagos and Soniee.

At the house, Yoda had the three teams with a Force-sensitive member help him make the rootleaf stew, which took a little practice. Yoda chuckled at how much Ahsoka and Ezra, in particular, made mistakes as they made the stew. At last, it was made, and Yoda settled down to eat with them.

"I'm losing patience, Jedi," said Sugi, "What's the point of eating some sort of indigestible soup before we do our challenges?"

"Yeah," said Sabine, "Are you trying to give us all stomach-aches?"

"No!" said Yoda, "Clearing your minds with this stew, I am. Preparing you for the challenges ahead. Taken lightly, the Force never should be. And try not! Do, or do not. There is no try."

Embo grunted in disgust. "What did he say?"

Sugi interpreted, "He said, 'What an incredible universe!'"

"Yes," said Yoda, smiling, "Incredible, the universe is. Children, in particular, they look at it with wonder and awe. See things for what they truly are, they do."

"Then I guess I'm still seeing the world for what it is," said Ahsoka, "And that's part of the reason I left the Jedi Order."

"I hope I can learn some good lessons, too," said Ezra.

Later, they started the challenges. Yoda directed the three teams that chose the Spiritual Cave to the cave that was strong with the dark side of the Force. The teams felt some trepidation as they went inside, especially Ezra and Sabine, but they were committed now, and there was no turning back. Then he took the other three teams that chose the Physical Jungle to an area deep in the jungle, not very far away from the cave, to do their exercises.

Yoda pointed out what areas they were supposed to jump, climb, and run through, and reminded them that they had a five-minute time limit.

"How will you be able to tell the time, Yoda?" asked Lagos. "None of us can see the sun through these clouds and trees!"

"Tell me the time, the Force will," said Yoda simply. "Now, concentrate on the course, you must. Ready…"

"…GO!"

The three teams began to run through the course. They didn't realize it yet, but the second flight to Dagobah had just arrived, and the other six teams were on their way.

When they arrived, Yoda instructed them to take their own sacks of rootleaf stew to his house. He already had some prepared for them to eat, and he ordered them to eat enough of it to fill their stomachs before they did the Detour that they chose. Some of them were reluctant to obey, like Cad Bane and Robonino and Asajj and Barriss, but they did.

"Why should I have to bother with this before a challenge?" said Asajj, making a face as she ate the stew.

"Master Yoda always wanted his students to eat something only he found delicious in order to free our minds for concentration on the Force," said Barriss, "But seeing as I'm not a pawn of the Jedi Council anymore, I don't think this is necessary."

"You're telling me," said Asajj, "Count Dooku always served better food than this!"

"I swear, if I have to fill my whole stomach with this," complained Robonino, "I'm going to have heartburn."

"Oh, don't be a wimp, bubble-brain!" said Bane. "We'll get through this, all right!"

Echo and Fives: ARC troopers

"This is where the fun begins!" remarked Echo as he flipped over a root sticking up out of the ground.

"You're telling me," said Fives, "I almost slipped and fell a little back just like that little girl did."

"Just stick with it," said Echo philosophically, "We can still be the stars of this-"

Echo, who had been looking at Fives, bumped into a tree.

Yoda chuckled to himself again, and shouted, "Start again, clones!"

"Remind me to keep my eyes on the path next time, brother," said Echo as they went back to the starting line.

"Can do, Echo," said Fives.

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets

"Blast it!" said Lagos as she tumbled from a vine for the fifth time in her and Soniee's attempt to win the challenge. "I just can't do this, no matter how hard I try!"

"Try not!" they heard Yoda admonish them. "Do or do not. There is no try."

"Fine, whatever," said an annoyed Lagos, "I still can't do this!"

"Neither can I," said Soniee, "I'm no jungle babe. I grew up with technology on Mandalore!"

"For another five minutes, you have, to get good at it," said Yoda.

"What?" said Soniee.

"Plenty of time, you still have," said Yoda, "Just close your mouths, stop your thoughts, and use your instincts, you must."

Lagos looked at Soniee. Soniee shrugged. "All right. Besides, I guess we don't have to do this forever, after all."

"Good to remember this lesson for future challenges, it is," said Yoda. "Start again, cadets!"

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters

Sugi slipped and landed flat on her face, an embarrassing feat for a professional pirate. Embo helped her to her feet.

"Still not quite right," said Yoda, "Start again, bounty hunters!"

"I think I'm going to get a drink of water soon, Embo," said Sugi, "This humidity is getting to me."

"Ready to be served to you, cool, clean water is, once finished the exercise, you have," said Yoda.

"Oh, great," said Sugi, "I have to keep doing this until I get it right, and then I can have water?! This just isn't fair!"

"Fair, life is not always," said Yoda, smiling mildly.

Ahsoka and Lux: Freedom Fighters

"This cave sure is dark, Ahsoka," remarked Lux.

"I hope you're not afraid of the dark, Lux," said Ahsoka teasingly.

"No!" said Lux, "I just wonder what were going to have to put up with here."

"Well, so far, it seems like we have snakes and lizards to watch out for, and not much else," said Ahsoka.

Then suddenly, it became very dark. Ahsoka and Lux could still see each other, but not a lot else. And then, they saw a dark shape slowly walking towards them from out of the shadows.

"Is that-?" said Lux nervously.

"It's my former master, Darth Vader! Or rather, Skyguy!" said Ahsoka in astonishment.

"Anakin?" said Lux in surprise.

Darth Vader lifted a gloved fist and began to choke Lux where he stood.

"Lux!" cried Ahsoka. She suddenly realized that she had her old lightsabers with her. She ignited them, and they met Vader's single blade in midair.

Vader fought her with one hand while continuing to grip Lux.

Kanan and Hera: Rebel Leaders

"You know, I don't like the looks of this cave at all," said Hera.

"Me neither," said Kanan, "But I felt like the Force was calling me to it. Something's down here that we need to see."

Then, he saw a familiar figure approaching them. It was the Imperial Inquisitor! And he was bringing the enslaved spirit of Luminara Unduli with him.

"I know you still can't altogether let go of your old friend, Luminara Unduli," said the Inquisitor. "Well, not only isn't she coming back to life, but even if you defeat me one day, her old bones will never be laid to rest. She will be an aimless wanderer for eternity. I have seen to that."

"You let her go, you dark side scoundrel!" yelled Kanan, igniting his blade and meeting the Inquisitor's spinning red blade in the air.

Ezra and Sabine: Young Rebels

"I don't know why you wanted to come in here, Ezra," said Sabine, shivering. "It gives me the creeps!"

"Yeah, maybe it was a bad idea," said Ezra, "I'm beginning to agree with ya."

It was then, as they stood in a large antechamber, that they found something unlikely coming at them from all directions. Stormtroopers of the Empire, approaching them with blasters drawn.

"What?" said Ezra, "I thought these guys weren't supposed to interfere with the race!"

"Yeah, I thought that, too," said Sabine, putting on her helmet and drawing her blasters.

A stormtrooper who looked like a commander spoke in a loud voice, "We have you now, Mando Wren. Surrender yourselves, or die, Rebels!"

"I don't believe it," said Ezra, "We're surrounded on all sides!"

"Don't forget, I have explosives, Ezra," said Sabine, "I can take them out!"

But then, a stormtrooper fired a stun blast from his blaster, and it hit Sabine. She passed out for a little while.

"Sabine!" shouted a helpless-feeling Ezra as he looked down on her, and then up at the troops. He was alone against the stormtroopers.

The Younglings, Droid Team, Bad Bounty Hunters, and Dysfunctional Rebels all chose to do the Physical Jungle, while the Darksiders and the Mando Sisters elected to do the Spiritual Cave.

Katooni and Petro: Younglings

"Wow! I didn't think a rigorous course like this could be so hard," said Katooni after she slipped on the ground where she ran.

"Start again, younglings!" called Yoda from outside his house.

"You've gotta learn not to panic, Katooni," said Petro, "The others are having as much trouble as we are, and I think that we've got to take it nice and easy."

"But we still have to do it within the allotted time limit, Petro," said Katooni.

"I didn't say that we have to take it that nice and easy," Petro said.

Qutee and Wack: Droid Team

"WHOA!" said Wack as he almost tripped over a low root when he jumped.

"It is a lucky thing that you and I have a somewhat easier course than the others, Qutee," he said to his teammate. "The ordinary course is just too treacherous to a pit droid like me and a mech droid like you."

Qutee voiced her agreement.

Satine and Bo-Katan: Mando Sisters

If the visions of the Rebels and Freedom Fighters were haunting enough, the visions of the Mando Sisters were even more haunting. Satine and Bo-Katan became separated from each other after a cloud of darkness enveloped them. Then, Satine saw something that would haunt her memory for a long time.

She saw the galaxy at perpetual war with itself, planet against planet, star system against star system, faction against faction. Planets were ravaged, bombarded with Star Destroyer bombs, even wholly destroyed by some enormous weapon she didn't get a clear view of. Almost everyone in the galaxy had embraced the notion of eternal war, and had called "peace" a thing of the past. More, better, faster, and stronger weapons and warships were created all the time. The era of peace, prosperity, and wonder was gone forever.

Satine was overwhelmed at how much of a failure her campaign for peace and anti-war had become. She clutched her head and cried out in a state of madness, and then, she passed out.

Asajj and Barriss: Darksiders

Meanwhile, Asajj had seen a vision of her worst enemy in the galaxy, the man who used to be Anakin Skywalker, now Darth Vader, engaging her in lightsaber combat.

"I swear, this time, you will finally breathe your last, Skywalker!" she hissed.

Vader replied, almost calmly, "You won't be the first Dark Jedi I've killed."

Asajj yelled angrily and began the duel.

And Barriss saw a vision similar to the one Satine was experiencing, with the entire galaxy ravaged beyond the breaking point, and war as the master of the people. She also saw that the New Jedi Order was going to do nothing to end war. They were going to remain warriors for all of eternity.

Then she saw someone dressed in a black cloak and hood approaching her. She knew him immediately for who he was.

Barriss ignited her blue lightsaber and said to him, "You're going to pay for what you did to the galaxy, and to the Jedi, demon monster!" Her voice was almost a snarl, almost un-Mirialan-like.

"Yes," hissed Darth Sidious, the Emperor himself, "Give in to your anger, young Offee. Strike me down with your Jedi weapon."

Suddenly, he Force-pushed her against the wall of the cave, almost crushing her to the wall. When he let her go, he pulled out one of his holdout lightsabers and ignited it, and the fight was on.

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets; currently in 1st

Lagos and Soniee were almost through the course. They had gone through it once without any mishaps, and they were getting close to the end, with just thirty seconds to go. They had remembered Yoda's lesson about relying on instincts in challenges, and it got them through just about everything just fine.

Finally, they crossed Yoda's finish line, and Yoda said, "Passed the test, the Mando Cadets have!"

"Woohoo!" said Lagos, "Now that's more like it! We're finally at, or near, the front of the race!" She and Soniee clapped each other's hands.

"Here, your next clue is," said Yoda handing them a clue envelope, as well as a gimer stick much like his own. Lagos and Soniee tried not to read the clue too loudly, so as not to give away any secrets to the others ahead of time.

"Take the map attached to the gimer stick Master Yoda gave to you, and use it and your compass, to go half a mile south, where some marked airspeeders are waiting for you. Take one of the speeders and fly due south above the treetops of Dagobah, once again using the map and the compass, until you get to a clearing. Land, and run through the only open path that is available. It will lead you to the abandoned Lair of the Dragonsnakes."

"Oh, goody!" said Lagos quietly, "We're getting close to the end of this leg at last!"

"Let's not talk about it until we're in the speeder," suggested Soniee. "We can't let anyone catch up to us."

"Good idea, Soniee," said Lagos. Saying goodbye to Yoda for the time being, the Mando Cadets picked a pretty good path through to the south with the help of the map and were on their way. The others tried to follow where they went, but the jungle foliage was too thick for them to see Lagos and Soniee for long.

"Here," said Dexter Jettster, "is the Lair of the Dragonsnakes, long since abandoned by these legendary beasts of Dagobah's swamps, but Master Yoda believes it's always possible that they may return someday. This here is the first Pit Stop of this race. The last team to check in here…may by eliminated from the race."

Cad Bane and Robonino: Bad Bounty Hunters

"Did you see that, Robonino?" said Bane quietly, "Those two limber ladies beat us to finishing this ridiculous obstacle course."

"Hey, don't look at me, Cad," said Robonino, "Like I said, you're too lanky to handle a challenge like this."

"Well, I wasn't about to go into the cave now, was I?" retorted Bane.

"No flapping of lips, more running with wits!" said Yoda in a colorful way.

"Agh!" said Bane, "Let's just finish this as quickly as possible, okay?"

"Fine with me," said Robonino.

Katooni and Petro: Younglings; currently in 2nd

Katooni and Petro had just completed the course, too.

"Passed the test, the Younglings have!" said Yoda.

"See? Piece of cake!" said Petro.

"I knew we could do it," said Katooni proudly.

"Your next clue, here it is," said Yoda, handing them the clue. They read it.

"What do you say I drive this time, Petro?" asked Katooni. "There are no driving rules on Dagobah that I know of, and I've always wanted to drive a speeder."

"Suits me, Katooni, suits me," said Petro. "Just be careful."

"Hey, I was going to say that to you!" Katooni teased.

Echo and Fives: ARC Troopers; currently in 3rd

"Passed the test, the Clone Brothers have!" said Yoda.

"Yah hoo!" said Echo, "I knew we could do it!"

"Woo hoo! Me too!" said Fives.

They, too, got the clue.

"Let's hurry up and find the right path, brother," said Fives, "At least two teams are already ahead of us."

Zeb and Chopper: Dysfunctional Rebels

"Come on, hustle in the bustle, Chopper!" said Zeb, "We're way behind, and you still haven't satisfied Yoda over there!"

Chopper, as was his habit, mocked him.

"Well then, tell me this," said Zeb, "Even if you don't want me to win the race, don't you at least want to win it for yourself?"

Chopper hesitated for a moment. He warbled a submission to Zeb's authority, which was a rarity for the cantankerous mech droid.

"That's better," said Zeb.

"Less chatter, more mind-over-matter!" called Yoda. "Start again, Rebels!"

Ezra and Sabine: Young Rebels; currently in 4th

Sabine continued to lie unconscious on the ground of the cave, and the stormtroopers continued to close in. Ezra didn't know what to do.

Unless…

Ezra concentrated on the Force, speaking to it through his heart, asking it to grant him a power that could defeat these stormtroopers. A dark side power came to mind quickly, but he realized that there was something wrong with using the wrong sorts of power to defeat enemies, and he searched his soul again. At last, something good occurred to him, and…

Sabine woke up in time to see Ezra send out a massive wave of the Force Smash attack. She ducked down to the ground just in time as it passed over her, and it plowed through the assembled stormtroopers like a tidal wave. The troops were flung back, and as they flew, their bodies disintegrated into nothing. When the Smash attack passed, all that was left of the troopers was a Rebel graffiti symbol where the commander had stood.

"Amazing!" said Sabine, "How did you do that, Ezra?"

"I'm…not sure," said Ezra uncertainly. "But I think that the Force helped out in some way. And I believe it means that I'm ready to learn the stronger aspects of the Force from Kanan after this race is over."

"Well, that's good to hear, I guess," said Sabine. "Come on, why don't we get out of here if we can, and go on our way?"

Kanan and Hera: Rebel Leaders; currently in 5th

The duel had been going on for a while, but Kanan was looking for an advantage, and he felt that he had just found one. The thought of Luminara's death and permanent enslavement to the Imperial cause was plaguing him badly, but now, he decided to put the thought out of his head and concentrate on what he had to do to stop this vision and defeat the Inquisitor.

He swung his blade around so that it batted aside the Inquisitor's blade, and then he stuck his blade into Luminara's dead skull. A flame started to burn away the bones, and the Inquisitor yelled angrily. He attempted to put out the flame, but Hera grabbed him from behind, which was a very difficult thing to keep doing, and Kanan, instead of killing the Inquisitor, disarmed him, brought him to his knees, and banished him from the cave with a word.

"Begone, and do not trouble Master Luminara anymore. If you entrap the soul of another deceased Jedi ever again, you shall be cast yourself into the blight that is eternal Chaos before your time!"

The Inquisitor reluctantly walked away, passing through a wall. Then Luminara's spirit lost the cuffs around her wrists, and she turned to Kanan. She didn't say anything, but she smiled and bowed her head, evidently thanking Kanan Jarrus for freeing her from the control of the Empire. Then, she mysteriously vanished, presumably passing into the afterlife, Kanan and Hera thought.

"That was a very good thing you did, Kanan," said Hera, "Very noble."

"I don't know yet whether it worked in reality or not," said Kanan, "but I feel a little better after seeing Luminara's soul entrapped by the Inquisitor. Come on. Let's get to that clue! I think our time here is over."

Qutee and Wack: Droid Team; currently in 6th

"We did it! We did it, Qutee!" cheered Wack, as he and Qutee finally cleared the track.

Yoda called out that they passed the test, too, and sent them on their way after the others.

Cad Bane and Robonino: Bad Bounty Hunters; currently in 7th

"About time, too!" said Bane after he and Robonino cleared the course.

"So I guess we get to ride a speeder soon," said Robonino.

"Yes," said Bane, "And it'll be a relief from all this mucking about in the mires. Let's go!"

Ahsoka and Lux: Freedom Fighters; currently in 8th

Ahsoka had found Vader's weak point during their duel. It was his care for those he loved, and she appealed to his care for her when she was his Padawan.

"Please, Master," Ahsoka implored him, deactivating her lightsabers, "Spare Lux, for my sake. You know you would do anything for the Padawan you were so proud of, and who was so proud of you in return. I know you lost everyone you cared about, but if you have any human feeling left for someone you didn't entirely lose, you'll spare Lux. Please?"

Vader hesitated for a second. He seemed to be thinking about it. Then, although she could sense that he was somewhat reluctant to do it, he let go of Lux and let him fall to the ground, coughing. Then, Vader vanished in the blink of an eye.

Lux, once he had caught his breath, asked if it was all over.

"I believe it is, Lux," said Ahsoka, "Let's get out of here!"

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters; currently in 9th

"It's about time we got past this ridiculous challenge," said Sugi as they left Yoda and his home behind.

Embo couldn't agree more, although he had enjoyed swinging through the trees a little more than Sugi had. But he wasn't going to tell her that. Ever.

"Let's get to that speeder and that Lair!" Sugi exclaimed.

Zeb and Chopper: Dysfunctional Rebels; currently in 10th

"You know, Chopper, I was beginning to think you didn't care about this race at all," said Zeb as they began their trek through the forest.

Chopper warbled and whistled.

"You're not in it for me or yourself, but just to help the needy people of the galaxy?" Zeb said. "Well, I suppose that's better than nothing. Talk about choosing between a bog and a dark cave. "Come on, let's go!"

Lagos and Soniee: Mando Cadets

"I don't know how much longer I can keep up this run," panted Lagos.

"Just a little further, I think," said Soniee. "Be optimistic, Lagos. We're almost to the Dragonsnakes' Lair now. And look! There's Dex, and Master Yoda, although I can't imagine how he managed to get here so quickly. It must be the Pit Stop!"

"Let's worry about those things after we reach the end," suggested Lagos.

The Mando Cadets ran up to the waiting diner owner and Jedi Master. "We made it!"

"Welcome, to the end of the first leg," said Yoda.

"How did you get here ahead of us so fast, Yoda, if I may ask?" Soniee asked curiously.

Yoda merely smiled. "Mysterious are the ways of the Force. Very mysterious."

The ladies looked at each other and shrugged.

Dexter said, "Lagos, Soniee, I am pleased to say that you are team number one!"

"YES!" they said together, and gave double high fives to each other. "We did it!" Then they hugged.

"Indeed," said Dex, "And you want to know what your prize is for coming in first?"

"Oh yeah, we do," said Soniee. Lagos nodded.

"After the race is over, you two will go on a fabulous trip to Dac, or Mon Calamari, as it's also known. They cheered again. Dex continued, "There, you can enjoy boating on the vast oceans, swimming in the sea, fishing, if you'd like, scuba diving with the Quarren, or at least those of them that are willing to be sociable with you, and fine dining with the Mon Cals themselves in their finest restautants in their floating city capital."

Lagos and Soniee cheered once more. "Who'd have thought that we, a couple of mere cadets from Mandalore, could win such an all-expense trip like this?"

"Probably no one," said Soniee.

Echo and Fives: ARC Troopers

Shortly afterwards, Echo and Fives were also closing in on the Pit Stop.

"I wonder if we're the first team there," said Echo.

"I guess we'll find out in a minute," said Fives.

They finally made it to the mat that symbolized the Pit Stop, panting and sweating.

"Echo, Fives," said Dex, "Congratulations! You are team number two!"

"Darn it!" said Echo. "We missed the prize."

"Don't worry about it, brother," said Fives, "We still have a much bigger jackpot waiting for us at the end: a million credits!"

Katooni and Petro: Younglings

"I don't know whether I can make it, Petro," said a tired Katooni. "My legs are giving out."

"Just a little further, Katooni," Petro encouraged her. "I think we're in sight of the Pit Stop."

They made it just before Katooni's legs collapsed beneath her. She found herself sitting on the ground in front of Yoda.

"Hmm, tired, are you, youngling?" Yoda inquired. "Fix that, I believe we can."

"Katooni, Petro, congratulations!" said Dex, "You are team number three!"

"Whew!" said Katooni, "That's great! Then I didn't do all this painful running for nothing!"

"Yeah," said Petro. "We're showing the other teams that even children can have the strength to run a very long race."

Ezra and Sabine: Young Rebels

Ezra and Sabine ran up to Yoda and Dex next.

"Ezra, Sabine, you are team number four," said Dex.

"Aw, shucks," said Ezra, "We missed the first prize."

"You should be proud, Ezra," said Sabine, smiling. "You and I made it through a whole leg of this race, and while we didn't come in first, we still came in high enough to make an excellent impression."

"Yeah, you're right, Sabine," said Ezra, smiling now. "Come to think of it, we are possibly the best team out there, except, of course, for Kanan and Hera."

"Ezra!" said Sabine critically, "You're not supposed to side or sympathize with an opposing team, no matter how much you love or appreciate the people in that team! That's the way it is in this race."

"Uh, right, sorry," said Ezra. He hung his head.

Yoda and Dex laughed.

Kanan and Hera: Rebel Leaders

"Kanan, Hera, you are team number five," said Dex.

"Oh good," said Hera, "It's good to hear that we're running strong in this race."

"Yes," agreed Kanan, "And we're ready to face anything we may encounter."

Qutee and Wack/Cad Bane and Robonino/Ahsoka and Lux

As these three teams ran towards the Pit Stop, Bane and Robonino overtook Qutee and Wack, the slowest runners, and Ahsoka and Lux passed them all.

"Come on, fish-face!" growled Bane, "Run faster!"

"I can only run so fast with these short legs, blueskin!" said Robonino.

"Oh my," said Wack, "It does not look like we're going to beat the others, Qutee," said Wack.

Qutee beeped an agreement with that surmise.

"Ahsoka, Lux, you are team number six. Cad Bane, Robonino, you are team number seven. Qutee, Wack, you are team number eight," announced Dex.

Everyone in these teams agreed that was good to hear.

Satine and Bo-Katan: Mando Sisters

"We're getting close, Satine," said Bo-Katan as she drove their speeder towards the Lair.

Satine was shivering and crying. "I don't know if I can handle this race if the galaxy's going to become a domain of everlasting war! Oh, I know we're going to come in last! I just want to get some rest!"

"Stop that talk right now!" said Bo-Katan sternly, "If I could recover from my vision of a ravaged, war-torn Mandalore, surely you can recover from your own vision!"

Asajj and Barriss: Darksiders

"We're nearly there, Barriss," said Asajj at the wheel of the speeder. "We'll be landing pretty soon."

"I should be ashamed of myself," cried Barriss, "I let so many people down, and I let the Force down. I just want to crawl in a hole and die!"

"Stop that nonsense now, Barriss!" demanded Asajj. "This isn't the time for regretting your commitment to the dark side! We're closing in on the clearing."

Sugi and Embo: Good Bounty Hunters

"Sugi, Embo, you are team number nine," said Dex.

"We had quite a time getting here, but it looks like we're still in the race, Embo!" Sugi said gladly.

Embo tipped his hat back and said something proud in his language.

Zeb and Chopper: Dysfunctional Rebels

"Zeb, Chopper, you are team number ten," said Dex.

"You'd better try pulling your weight around a little harder if we're gonna win this race," said Zeb.

Chopper beeped a little.

"I didn't mean your heavy, metal body, ya bucket-o-bolts!" Zeb exclaimed. Again, Yoda and Dex laughed.

Satine and Bo-Katan: Mando Sisters

Satine was wiping away tears. "I don't know if we can do any good, even if we do win."

"Stop being a pessimist, Satine!" Bo-Katan snapped, "We're almost there!"

Asajj and Barriss: Darksiders

"Nothing matters to me anymore!" whined Barriss. "So just leave me alone!"

"Surely this race still matters to you?" Asajj was exasperated. "Just shut up! We're nearly there! Just a few more paces to go."

Satine and Bo-Katan: Mando Sisters

Satine and Bo-Katan ran up to the mat.

"Satine, Bo-Katan, you are team number eleven," said Dex.

"Oh! That's a relief!" said Satine, wiping away her tears. "I was almost beginning to despair back there, especially after seeing that horrible vision in the cave. It looked like the entire galaxy was doomed!"

"Doomed? Nay," said Yoda. "Ravaged? Yes. Endangered? Perhaps. But not doomed. Always hope there is, for a better tomorrow. Knew you would see the truth of this, I did. That is why, passed the test, you did. Deserve to remain in this race, you both do."

"Well, thanks, I suppose," said Bo-Katan, "Even if I am not very fond of the Jedi or the Force myself."

Asajj and Barriss: Darksiders

Asajj and Barriss made it to the mat, tired and tuckered out. Yoda and Dex looked at them sadly.

"Asajj, Barriss, I'm sorry to say that you are the last team to arrive," said Dex, "And you have been eliminated from the race."

"I told you this was worthless, Asajj," said Barriss, still in tears, "We came all this way for nothing!"

"I've had just about enough of your babyish attitude, Barriss!" Asajj scowled. We lost because you couldn't cope with your petty problems since we entered that stupid cave!"

"No," said Yoda, "Lost, you did, because consumed with darkness, confusion, and anger you both are. Particularly you, Barriss. Despairing of life, the dark side that is. Saw in the cave what you have become, you did. Too much like Lord Sidious himself, you are now. Guilty of scarring your best friend for life, you are, as well. Live with this guilt, you will have to, for the rest of your life. Failed the test in the cave, you did. Much to learn, you both still have."

Barriss almost growled when she responded. "What do you know about pain and anger, Yoda?! Hmm? It was you and your Jedi Council that was running policies of war all over the galaxy! Look at what you did! You made it even easier for Emperor Palpatine to claim the entire galaxy for the Empire!"

"Temper, temper," said Asajj sarcastically.

"No place for dark side tantrums, the Amazing Race is! Go to the place where the losers of the race await the winners, you will. And no more anger is allowed in front of me, understand?" said Yoda firmly.

"I hate you, Yoda," said Barriss, "And I hate life. I hate being alive!"

Yoda looked stern but sad to hear that.

"…" was all Dex said in response to this.

Next time, on the Amazing Race…

…The teams go hunting for wampas…

"This is more my kind of thing, Embo. Wouldn't you say?"

"grunt"

"I'm not so sure that I can do this without losing my lunch."

…Some of them find it surprisingly easy…

"Wow! If I knew you were this good at this, Sabine, I'd have come on to you a long time ago!"

"Quiet, Ezra! Can't rush an artist, especially one who's having fun."

…While others find it a troublesome task…

"You'd better do better aim with that blaster rifle, Soniee, or I'm going to tell Korkie after we lose that you can't handle a blaster so well against the Empire."

"Shut up, Lagos…"

…And some of the racers have to get the hang of riding a tauntaun.

"This creature smells bad on the inside and the outside!"

"You're telling me that?"

"If this thing throws me one more time, I swear I'm gonna personally gut it after the challenge!"