Hey, Butterflies! I'm back with Chapter 10! This is it. I hope you've enjoyed the story, and keep an eye out for the third story.
Disclaimer: Star Wars belongs to Disney.
Luke hugs Desara by the front doors of the Temple, almost afraid to let her go. Ré waits patiently with her and Desara's bags in her hands. All three know that this is probably the last time Luke will ever see his niece, but he does not want to face that reality.
"I'll come back, H- Uncle Luke."
"Don't promise that, Desara." He pulls out of the hug but keeps his hands on her shoulders, looking her in the eyes. "I love you, Desara."
"I love you too, Uncle Luke." Desara unclips her lightsaber from her hip and hands it to her uncle; for a moment they both hold the hilt before Desara lets go and it settles into Luke's hand. Then Ré and Desara begin the walk to the edge of the property, and Luke disables part of the ray shield to let them pass. It closes after they walk through, and he feels a hand slide up his shoulder. He turns.
"You came back."
"Yes. Enough time has passed, and I've taken care of the group who tried to hurt her."
"Will you go home?"
"In time, but I need to get a message out to them." Luke nods and says to follow him. The two make their way to Luke's office where he sets up his encrypted message system. The recording light flickers on; it has been ages since he used it last.
"Han, Chewie, Luke is sending Jedi to come pick you two up on your respective planets. Be ready." Then the message is sent, and Luke takes the hands of the other person. She has aged a bit since he last saw her, but he understands why.
"Leia, I'm sorry. I tried to protect her."
"You did your best, Luke. My baby's still alive because of you, and maybe her going to Naboo is for the best. I'll return some day, but first, Desara must learn to stand on her own."
"In the meantime, sister, rest." Luke and Leia walk to Leia's-turned-Desara's old quarters, where they say goodnight for the first time in sixteen years.
Meanwhile, Ré and Desara are riding the transport to Naboo. Desara sleeps in order to prepare herself for the time differences on Naboo, but Ré keeps vigilant watch. Soon Desara wakes, and Ré greets her by giving her a small stack of folded clothes, signaling that Desara needs to change. Desara steps into the refresher and changes out of her blue jumpsuit. She unfolds what Ré gave her to find a long pale blue shift dress and a pair of boots tucked inside the folds and a white cloak. Desara puts the new clothes on and returns to Ré, who smiles encouragingly. Desara sits down next to Ré and stares down at her feet. Ré elbows her gently and hands her an ID card. Desirée Tade, it reads. Desara looks to Ré who wordlessly explains it is her new identity. Desara then tucks the ID card in her pocket and waits for them to arrive in Naboo. Ré takes Desara hand and gives it comforting squeeze; Desara does not let go.