Author's Note: Hi everyone! Here's another chapter – it's pretty light, hope you enjoy! I'm truly enjoying all your reviews, please keep them coming! I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read my story, I'm extremely honored!

Although she was facing her beloved husband, Padme's mind was still filled with the vision she had just escaped. Her heart was pounding and she was sure her eyes were crackling with energy. She unconsciously clenched her fist and tightened her jaw as she remembered her last words to the shadow. She vowed to uphold them at any cost. Blinking, she shook herself from the memory and felt her body begin to relax, her thoughts calming and filling with a rush of Anakin's love.

Suddenly, her respite was splintered by the roaring sound that filled her ears. Swiveling, she once again faced forward and noticed the water was beginning to move swiftly. Shielding her eyes, she looked out ahead and saw white crests as the river crashed and slapped against the rocks. Following the violent path with her eyes, she discovered a channel and immediately dipped her oar into the water, her arms straining with the effort to turn the small boat. Anakin followed her determined gaze and nodded as he discerned her plan. Good thinking, Padme. Without hesitating, he joined her struggle and his features drew into a frown as he too began to paddle.

Padme felt a surge of adrenaline as their small boat flew through the channel. She watched for any sharp rocks, but the boat seemed to glide right through the deepest part of the water, cutting a swath in the raging river. A fine mist settled on her face and she inhaled, letting the freshness wash over her, cleansing her soul and renewing her spirit. She used her oar sparingly, using it only to propel them through the shallower areas. A wave of water came over the sides, drenching her legs and causing a delighted laugh to escape her lips. She continued to lead the boat, navigating the thin channel effortlessly.

After a few moments, the water settled down and she sank into the boat, tired but exhilarated. Tilting her head back to look at Anakin, she found him smiling at her and she let out a deep sigh of contentment. Sitting back up, she spotted the hologram and began to paddle, drawing parallel to the shoreline within minutes. Leaping into the knee-deep water, Anakin gently lifted her out of the boat and carried her to shore. Before he put her down, their eyes met and he could read the questions in her brown gaze.

Quietly, he said, "I don't know what happened out there, but I can see how it's affected you." She tried to interrupt, but he just shook his head and continued, "I just - I know you'll stand by my side to face down whatever's coming. I couldn't ask for a better partner - on this race or in my life. I love you." He kissed her gently and returned her feet to the ground. Deeply touched, she felt a rush of tears come to her eyes, but they were ones of gratitude for this amazing man. At a loss for words, she simply nodded emphatically and squeezed his hand. Accepting her unspoken promise, he simply turned to face the hologram and she joined him. Once again, they were side-by-side. Just as she planned to stay. Forever.

She cleared her throat and blinked away the tears just as the hologram began to speak: "Teams must now pass over the Utipar Bridge, located several hundred feet above this image. As teams climb, they must pluck two flowers from the vines that run across the rocky hillside. Once contestants have neared the middle of the bridge, they will throw the flowers into the river below in an ancient act, meant to demonstrate the traveler's good intentions. After a moment of reflection, teams must cross the remainder of the bridge and follow the marked path to the next clue."

Just as the hologram blinked off, a commotion arose behind them and they turned to see a bedraggled Obi-wan and Mace staggering from the water, pulling a now-deflated boat behind them. Anakin could identify the exact moment they noticed the air of fierce determination around Padme and watched as they nodded slowly in approval. Inclining his head towards them politely, he grabbed his wife's hand and they raced for the hillside.

Padme's legs groaned in protest as she began to climb, reminding her of their trek up the sand dune not so very long ago. She gritted her teeth and kept going, pushing off with one foot and then another as her hands scrambled to find small ledges for balance. As they neared the top, she spotted a breathtaking flower and strained to pull it from its mooring. Just when she thought she'd never succeed, the roots let go and she found the beautiful stem clasped in her fingers. Inhaling the delicate fragrance, she savored it before tucking it behind her ear and continuing to climb.

Surprisingly herself, she reached the top of the hillside before Anakin and tried to keep a straight face as she watched him ascend with a yellow flower clenched in between his teeth. Removing the flower from its spot behind her ear, she waited for him to join her at the entrance to the bridge. Seconds later, he did so and they began the treacherous journey across the structure, trying to ignore the ominous swaying and creaking.

As they reached the midway point, Padme heard Obi-wan and Mace arguing as they scrambled up the hillside behind them. Smiling softly, she closed her eyes and felt the breeze ruffle her hair. She stretched her arm out in front of her and slowly opened her fingers, feeling the silky petals kiss her hands as they slid out of her grasp and fell to the river below. Glancing down, she watched as her flower entwined with Anakin's and gasped as the water calmed briefly, accepting the offering before returning to its normal churning state.

Watching the river sweep their flowers away, she sighed peacefully before traversing the final half, her steps fluid and sure. Spotting the fluttering flags off to the side, they hurried towards them and came to a stop before the shimmering hologram mere seconds before Obi-wan and Mace.

"You have reached a Blockade," the voiceover informed briskly. "This is a task only one person can perform. Now, who's hungry?" Anakin and Mace stepped forward automatically although their faces revealed their reluctance as they recalled the last eating challenge. They were instantly whisked away by a pair of droids who settled them into a sheltered eating area. As soon as they were seated, the rest of the clue was revealed:

"The selected contestants must consume an entire bowl of Chil'ack, a traditional Lopevian spicy soup. The container must be emptied before teams will receive the next clue. Enjoy!" With a lip-smacking sound effect, the hologram disappeared.

Padme strained to catch sight of Anakin as she settled into the overstuffed chairs in the designated waiting area. She frowned as she realized she could only make out his general form and what she could see was obviously unhappy. She winced as she imagined what he must be going through. Obi-wan, on the other hand, merely grinned as he rocked back in the chair and relaxed.

FOOD SHELTER - SAME TIME

"Oh my-" Mace shouted, his mouth on fire. Glancing at Anakin, he watched the young Jedi break out in a mild sweat as he struggled to look calm. Finally, Anakin gave up the pretense and simply looked miserable as he forced down another bite of the fiery liquid.

"This does not taste good," Anakin stated plainly. Choking slightly on his next spoonful, he finally swallowed and his eyes began to water. He swiped at his cheeks discreetly, keeping his head bowed.

Mace frowned as he tried to sip directly from the bowl, swallowing as fast as he could. After a moment, he could feel his throat begin to burn and he sputtered as some of the soup trickled down his chin. Yanking off his head covering, he mopped his face, drawing on the Force to try to calm his churning stomach.

From a distance, he could hear Obi-wan yell, "Hurry Tarv! You are not being very efficient!"

Anakin was feeling pretty miserable, but not too miserable to smile at his Master's jabs at Mace. He chuckled quietly, but it was soon replaced by a moan as his mouth continued to burn. His spoon seemed to weigh a thousand tons as he lifted it to his lips. Suddenly, Padme's voice reached his ears, her tone sweet and encouraging. He scooped up several more bites, forcing them down in a quick succession.

Mace was muttering angrily as he took another gulp of soup, determined not to let Anakin beat him. He knew Obi-wan would never let him hear the end of it.

And so several minutes later, Anakin and Mace were both running back to their partners, tears streaming down their faces, coughing madly in between groans. The hovering camera droids flew discretely behind them, their motors making a dull hum.

"Oh no, what happened?" Padme asked, concerned, as she held out a metal canister. Anakin quickly squirted the medication into his mouth and closed his eyes in bliss as his stomach immediately calmed and the burning sensation in his throat ceased.

"We had to eat a bowl of Chil'ack-" Anakin explained, shuddering at the mere mention of the vile substance. Force, they didn't even have that stuff on Tatooine! Well, at least I'll get some sympathy from Padme-

"Chil'ack?" Padme asked, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, I love that stuff!"

Anakin gagged slightly and handed her the folded piece of parchment that contained their next clue. Meanwhile, Mace had wrestled the medical spray from Obi-wan - despite the fact that he didn't 'mind his manners' - and was spraying his mouth repeatedly.

Padme smiled as she opened the next clue. She knew they made an odd foursome, but she had to admit they were quite a team. Running a hand through her hair, she began to read.

From a distance, the shadow watched.

And waited...