Quick A/N: Okay, as I stated in the summary, this story contains spoilers for the fifth episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi, you've been warned. Now, onto business. I knew from the moment that Tala was introduced, that she would probably be killed before the end of the series. Now, I have to admit, they handled her death very well and with great care in my opinion. However, despite knowing better, I did become a little bit attached to her. So this is basically an AU where she doesn't die. I'm not rewriting the whole episode, just a few parts. I'm also not marking the story as complete because I'll probably continue this story after next week's finale episode. Now, onto the story.
Obi-Wan was helping an injured woman get to safety. He heard someone cry out in pain behind him, it took him less than a seconds to realize who it was. "Tala!" Obi-Wan called out to her. He saw her on the ground, she was in pain, but she was alive. Obi-Wan ran towards her, but his path was blocked by stormtroopers. As he fought them off, he saw Tala starting to sit up. Obi-Wan was suddenly reminded of Satine Kryze, she had died in his arms, years ago, pierced by the Darksaber at the hands of Darth Maul. Satine Kryze, the woman he had loved, the woman that he still loved. Though Obi-Wan felt no such attraction towards Tala, she had quickly become an ally, and a friend. Obi-Wan had lost to many friends, her name would not be added to that list. He used the Force to push the stormtroopers back. While they were off balance he used the Force to pull Tala to him. She gave a small cry of surprise, and perhaps pain, as she was pulled through the air and into Obi-Wan's arms. The stormtroopers recovered and began firing at them again, but Obi-Wan used his lightsaber to deflect each blaster bolt. Tala, despite being injured, knew that they needed to stop the stormtroopers. She grabbed a thermal detonator from her belt and threw at the stormtroopers. Obi-Wan used the Force to send the detonator a bit farther in, then Tala shot the door controls. The door slid closed, then they heard the slightly muffled sound of the thermal detonator exploding. Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber and he felt Tala beginning to lean on him more, the adrenaline that had kept her going was very quickly wearing off. "Don't worry Tala, you're going to be okay." Obi-Wan said. He lifted her up bridal style and hurried to the others, "She needs medical attention, quickly!" he said. The next few minutes happened in a blur as Obi-Wan laid Tala on a stretcher and watched as those with medical experience began to examine her wound. Obi-Wan knew some Force healing, but it had been a very long time since he had done any, and he didn't want to risk accidentally hurting Tala. Obi-Wan looked around, then he felt a presence. Not just any presence, it was the presence of the Jedi Knight turned Sith Lord. His former apprentice, Darth Vader.
Trying to convince the Inquisitor to work with him had been crazy, but it was worth trying. Obi-Wan suspected that he had gotten to her, at least a little bit. Escaping his stormtrooper gaurds had been quite easy, now that he had opened himself up to the Force again. Obi-Wan rejoined the group just in time to see the hanger doors opening, and Leia climbing down the ladder. He hurried over, "Leia!" he called to her kneeling down and taking the small girl into his arms, "Well done." he said. After a brief moment, Leia pulled back, "Where's Tala?" she asked, "She's been injured, but it's being taken care of. She's going to be okay." Obi-Wan said. Granted, he didn't actually know how Tala was doing at the moment, but he didn't want Leia to worry to much. He was a little surprised when Leia hugged him again, "I'm glad you're okay." she said. Obi-Wan smiled slightly, "Come little one, we must get to the transport. Leia didn't say anything, she just held onto him a little bit tighter. Obi-Wan stood up, carrying Leia to the transport, he was suddenly reminded of the fact that she was still only a child. She was so brave, and kind, and mature. Padme would've been so proud of her. Obi-Wan watched Vader pull the decoy transport back to the ground. As their real transport took off, Obi-Wan thought he might've glimpsed the female Inquisitor coming up behind Vader, but he supposed that he wouldn't ever know.
Things weren't looking good, they were having trouble with the hyperdrive and the Empire wasn't too far behind them. There was also the disturbance Obi-Wan had felt, which he desperately hoped was nothing. "There's Tala," Leia said, pointing to a corner of the transport, "Can we go see her?" Obi-Wan nodded and followed Leia as she carefully made her way around the other passengers. Tala was laying on a sleeping roll on the floor, the hole in her red tunic revealed the white bandages that were wrapped around her abdomen. "Are you okay?" Leia asked, kneeling down beside her. Tala smiled slightly and took one of Leia's hand in her own, giving it a gentle squeeze, "I'm going to be fine," she said, "Thanks to Ben." Leia nodded, seemingly satisfied by Tala's answer, "Good." she said. "Leia, maybe you should go keep Haja company for a few minutes while I speak with Tala." Obi-Wan said. Leia complied, though she didn't seem very happy about it. Once she was out of ear shot, Obi-Wan turned back to Tala, "How are you really doing?" he asked, "Not too bad, though I wouldn't mind some painkillers, which we unfortunately don't have. But I'll live." Tala said. Obi-Wan nodded, "Good." Tala suddenly became a bit more serious, "Thank you, for saving me back there. You didn't have to." she said. Obi-Wan took one of her hands and squeezed it gently, "I've lost a lot of friends over the years, I didn't want you to become one of them." he said. Tala smiled slightly, though it quickly became a grimace. "You should try to get some rest," Obi-Wan said, "I can try to ease your pain if you'd like." "You don't have to," Tala said, then she tensed again as she felt another flare of pain, "However, it would be very much appreciated." Obi-Wan reached out to the Force, he focused on Tala. The things he once knew came flooding back to him as he eased her pain, while sending her a gentle sleep suggestion. It worked. Her pained expression changed to a slightly more peaceful one and her eyes closed as sleep overtook her. Obi-Wan looked around the transport, then he looked back to Tala, "We're all going be okay," he whispered to her, "I'll make sure of it."