Here we are, at the end. Thank you all so much, I really appreciate you reading, following, and especially every review! :) After this I am going to take a brief hiatus from the world of fanfic, both writing and posting, but I will be back. I am just super overwhelmed in life right now and can't keep up the pace. But, I do have 2 stories that I will come back and post, including the sequel to Dawn to Dusk that I know some of you are looking forward to. You have all been awesome readers! :)

Now, the conclusion...

###

I'd rather stand tall (oooh)
Than live on my knees (can't live on my knees)
'Cause I am a conqueror (I am a conqueror)
And I won't accept defeat! (And I won't accept defeat)
Try telling me no (try telling me no)
One thing about me (one thing about me)
Is I am a conqueror (is I am a conqueror)
I am a conqueror!
Ooh oh (Ooh oh)
I am a conqueror!

We all make mistakes,
You might fall on your face,
But I am a conqueror! (oh ooh)

Conqueror, by Estelle and Jesse Smollet

Straining with the effort, Leia fixated every bit of attention on her battle against the Emperor's power. There was nothing but the lightning meeting her blade, the force with which she tried to redirect it.

She was vaguely aware that he was grinning maniacally but it remained in the peripheral of her attention. Luke struggled beside her, but that too was secondary.

The beam of lethal light, the pinpoint where it met her blade, nothing else truly existed for her. The Force radiated through her, the brightness of the light it exuded pouring outward and, suddenly, Leia felt her power soar.

A sudden, deafening explosion burst nearby and, in that infinitesimal moment, the Emperor's attention wavered. The moment was so brief, it could not have been timed. For Leia, it was all she needed.

Her lightsaber surged forward, bouncing the violent rays just enough to stray them from their path. With a throaty roar, Palpatine's body shot back, fingers still spraying light.

As Leia continued to reflect it back at him, she realized that Luke had been able to manage the same. With narrowed eyes, she watched him become engulfed by his own weapon. His body seemed to light up from the inside, bones and skull becoming brightly visible as he writhed and screamed.

It continued, seemingly endless, until smoke began to rise from his form and the stench of burnt flesh filled the air. His screams finally died and moments later, he was just a burnt spot on the floor.

Leia collapsed to the floor, utterly depleted, a sheen of sweat coating her body. She wanted to weep with joy and relief.

"We have to…" Luke didn't finish his sentence, but it was enough to haul Leia to her feet.

She brushed beads of sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand and reached for her comlink.

"Han?"

A burst of static and then, the sweetest voice she had ever heard.

"Are you all right?" Urgent and desperate.

"Yes," she breathed. "We have to get out of here."

The doors flew open and he was rushing towards her in long strides. She met him halfway and fell into his arms.

His mouth seemed to be everywhere at once as he lavished her with kisses, on her cheeks, chin, lips, and his arms were tight around her. Tears of love and gratitude tightened Leia's throat. Before she could react, Han pushed her to arms' length.

"C'mon!" he gasped, grabbing her hand and tugging her along. Luke followed closely behind.

###

From across the large room, Leia watched Han shake hands with General Reiikan. The grin on his face brought a similar one to her lips as well.

The celebration had raged late into the night. There was so much to be grateful for. The death of the Emperor, the destruction of the Death Star, the end of the Empire.

She knew there would still be fallout, various Admirals and such who would continue to fight. But, after their victory today, the Alliance would surely prevail. And now, the New Republic could reclaim democracy for the galaxy.

Leia had never been so elated. It felt as if she were walking amidst the clouds, as if the stars had all aligned to perfection.

Her eyes found Luke bounding towards her, his smile infinitely pleased. When he reached her side, he leaned back against the low wall next to her. For a prolonged moment, they remained silent, side by side, eyes skimming across the Ceremony Hall aboard Home One.

His head inclined in her direction. "Thank you."

Leia tipped her curious gaze to his. "For what?"

"Keeping me in the light," he replied simply.

"That was your own doing," she dismissed.

"No," he replied softly. "I would have fallen without you. You kept me strong." His smile was filled with gratitude.

Leia smiled back, mentally shrugging off this acknowledgement. Her gaze found Han again, crossing the room in their direction. He was stopped by a hand on his shoulder, another Rebel offering recognition. She watched his eyes turn to the source, a mixture of strained patience and polite resignation in his eyes.

"I don't think we would be here at all if it weren't for Han," she told her brother quietly over the din of the celebrants.

"I think you're right." He paused meaningfully. "I guess Master Yoda was right."

Her quizzical eyes turned to find him also watching Han.

Her scrutiny drew his gaze to her and he smiled. "You and Han prove that attachment is important to the Jedi."

She grinned widely, a feeling of peace pervading her soul.

Han was before them then, placing an arm around her shoulders and hugging her close, his warmth surrounding her. She gazed up at him just as he patted Luke on the shoulder. His open, genuine smile was something she could never get enough of.

Before long, a loud, boisterous roar sounded above their heads and, suddenly, Chewie was there, strong arms around them all, squeezing a bit too tightly. Now, they all laughed.

My unexpected family, Leia thought as the group broke apart. She remained in Han's embrace.

They all exchanged a succinct look that spoke volumes before Chewie and Luke both wandered away, as if sensing that Han and Leia needed time to themselves.

She watched them go, thoughts lingering on the connection they all shared. Han's voice intruded on her thoughts.

"Let's get outta here," he murmured near her ear.

Craning her neck, she nodded, smiling warmly. Hand in hand, they fled the room, leaving the party behind.

The corridors were deserted and they wound their way aimlessly, in no hurry at all. Unspoken, they were content to just be together.

"Thank you," Leia said softly.

His eyebrows rose as he glanced sideways at her. "For what?"

"Saving me. Again."

A slight smile brushed his lips and he actually appeared modest. "I didn't do much."

When Leia looked up, she saw they had come to the observation deck that looked out upon the fixed, shimmering stars of subspace travel. Han guided her into the large room and they stood before the glassteel, gazing out at the endless serenity before them. He came behind her and circled his arms around her waist, resting his cheek beside her temple. She smiled, feeling at peace for the first time in what felt like forever.

"It feels like a miracle," she whispered breathlessly.

His lips, so warm and sweet, pressed against her temple. "It's not a miracle." His breath breezed across her skin. "It's you."

She rolled her eyes. "It's many, not just me."

He stood straighter and one arm crossed at her chest, hand resting on her shoulder. "You tipped the scales."

"Actually," she said with careful deliberateness. "You're the one who tipped the scales."

She felt him shrug. "Whatever. It was mostly you."

Leia turned in his arms, their gazes joining instantly. "So, we did it together. Isn't that how it's supposed to be?"

His hand came up to cup her chin. "Okay, Sweetheart." His head bent to kiss her sweetly, lingeringly. When it was over, his expression was pensive.

"What is it?" Leia asked, suddenly concerned.

His eyes fell and rose several times before settling on her again. He seemed to hesitate, then force the next words from his mouth.

"Leia." His voice was hesitant. "You remember when you asked me if I'm sure I want a Jedi girlfriend?"

Her feelings of accord shattered as unease coursed through her, sending a sinking feeling to her belly. Her mouth opened of its own volition but words caught and drifted to nothingness. She swallowed, aware that her eyes had grown larger. "Yes," she finally choked out.

He placed a solemn hand across her cheek and his eyes were too serious. "I've been thinking about it a lot and…I don't."

The tears that pricked her eyes were instantaneous and Han was quick to react, now taking her face in both hands.

"I want a Jedi wife," he said in a low, steady tone, gazing at her expectantly.

The words thrummed through her, so unexpected and shocking. The breath she had forgotten to take poured into her throat then released in a stream of relief. She saw then that the softness in his eyes was not regret, but vulnerability and fear. He was dangling in the wind, hopeful, yet uncertain of her response.

Dampness pooled on her lashes, inspired by a contrasting feeling now, an overwhelming joy that filled her heart to bursting. She tried to answer him but found her throat would not cooperate. He was watching her carefully, fearfully, and she smiled through her tears.

"Yes," she finally whispered, voice choking past the tightness in her throat. "Yes, yes, yes."

His smile was dazzling, brilliant, his eyes glowing as Leia had never seen them. He crushed his lips to hers, arms tight around her, and she could feel in his kiss how overjoyed he was. As if it were the most natural thing in the world, her spirit reached out through the Force and entwined with his.

She knew he loved her, had known it for quite some time. What she now felt from him overwhelmed her. She was enveloped, cloaked, and protected by his love.

When he withdrew and they looked at each other, it was there in his eyes, as clear as the oceans of Mon Cal. And if she hadn't been able to feel his love through the Force, she would still know exactly how he felt.

Attachments, she thought, grinning widely.

All her dreams had now come true.

END