Disclaimer: I Don't Own Star Wars.
The question that plenty of people have had since the Phantom Menace is: "Would Anakin have turned if Qui-Gon hadn't died?" I have seen it on threads, and essays etc. I also wondered, so this is my interpretation of what might have happened. This is Obi-Wan/OC and Anakin/OC. There will be very little Anakin/Padme. The story will cover the events of AOTC and ROTS, but will be AU.
Summary: Qui-Gon didn't die, instead he was able to defeat Darth Maul with Obi-Wan's help. The Council, after hearing of Anakin's deeds over Naboo, allowed for Qui-Gon to teach him after all - despite the skepticism of some of the members. Now, two years later, Qui-Gon and both of his padawans are sent on a mission to protect a Senator's family. The relationships built from this mission last a lifetime, as the family consists of two girls. Two girls who do what is not allowed in the Jedi Order. How will it all turn out?
The Jedi Temple was a mass of various rooms buzzing with training lightsabers. Each training room was large enough to accommodate two or three sparring padawans, or masters adequately. In one of these rooms, the sound of two lightsabers resounded. Two blues met, as a eleven year old Anakin Skywalker sparred with the older Obi-Wan Kenobi. One a Padawan, as his braid suggested, and the other a knight.
"Move your feet, Anakin!" Obi-Wan told the boy.
"Yes, Obi-Wan" the boy replied, trying now to focus on his feet and his hands.
They sparred some more, Anakin trying to swerve to the right and swing his blade to the left, in an attempt at a false sense of security. Obi-Wan, however, anticipated this and quickly disarmed the young boy, placing the saber at his neck. "Be grateful you are not my apprentice" Obi-Wan said.
"Why, what would you do with your apprentice?" Anakin inquired with a smirk. Obi-Wan simply looked at the young boy, and helped him to his feet.
"I'd make you train all night. Qui-Gon is not an easy master, but he's a little too easy on you in my opinion" Obi-Wan said.
Anakin tilted his head to one side, "Well, you'll soon have your chance to berate someone in place of me. They'll make you a master soon. I'm sure of it" the boy said, picking up his lightsaber and igniting it.
Obi-Wan shook his head, "Thank you, that's very encouraging. But you know nothing of the kind." he said, igniting his own lightsaber, "And, you never learn" he then brought his saber down and struck Anakin's, allowing the boy to block.
"Yes I do, Obi-Wan. It just takes a while to set in." Anakin retorted, clashing his lightsaber with Obi-Wan, spinning and rolling out of Obi-Wan's reach.
"You know, I have to argue for a while..." Clash "...Think I'm right..." Duck "...Find out I'm wrong..." Roll "...Apologize..." Block "...Finally get the lesson..." he flipped over Obi-Wan, landing on his feet, "And then start the process all over again"
Obi-Wan shook his head, "If you learned everything the first time, then all that time wasted on wrongful thinking, and apologizing, would be no more. You would learn your lesson, and you'd be farther along for it" he said.
Anakin smiled, "But that's no fun" he replied cheekily, earning a eye-roll from the older padawan.
They were soon locked into blocks and spars when Qui-Gon came in. "There you are" he greeted, causing his padawans to close their sabers. "Master" they said in unison.
"You two are doing well. However, I noticed Anakin, you are relying on your own strength" he commented, causing his padawan to hang his head in shame, "You must rely on the Force, or else you will always lose – especially to Obi-Wan" Qui-Gon informed him, teasing his older apprentice.
"Yes Master" Anakin replied quietly. "I will try" Qui-Gon patted his head in a fatherly manner, smiling at his newest padawan. It seemed an impossibility that Anakin would be a jedi in the first place, even less his padawan. But, he had to thank Master Yoda for making it possible.
"How was the meeting with the council, Master?" Obi-Wan inquired.
Qui-Gon sighed, turning toward the windows in the room, "We have been assigned as protectors to Senator Peregrine's family on Ergon."
"Ergon?" Obi-Wan repeated, "Why?"
"Senator Peregrine has created many enemies, and a attempt on his children's life has caused for him to request help from the council. He is a powerful man, and Ergon helps to control some of the trading from the outer-rim." Qui-Gon explained.
"But protect his daughters? They are daughters are they not? But why send us?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Because his daughters are young, the youngest is eight, the elder fourteen. They are being watched over by their mother's sister at present, but she will not be able to protect them." Qui-Gon replied.
"So we have been assigned to them, partially because of their age?" Anakin said.
"Yes, my young padawan, the council believes it will be better for you two to be their constant companions. It will keep them safe" Qui-Gon was hesitant, but it was the council's wish, and he would not go against it.
"Keep them safe?" Obi-Wan echoed incredulously, "How are we going to do that?" he asked.
Qui-Gon looked at his former padawan and shook his head, "We will work out the logistics when we get there. For now, we must prepare to leave. We go on the early morning transport with the senator, so be ready then." he instructed.
"Yes, Master" they replied. Obi-Wan excused himself, saying he was going to prepare for the trip, and left Qui-Gon and Anakin alone.
"Master?"
"Yes, Anakin?" Qui-Gon replied.
"How far away is Ergon?" the boy inquired.
"It is very close to the outer-rim, several parsecs away. I'm not sure of the exact location, I would have to check in the archives." Qui-Gon answered.
Anakin nodded, "Okay" he said, looking out on the setting sun. It still was strange to him not to see the two suns of Tatooine, even though it had been a year since he was there. His heart throbbed as he remembered his mother.
"You are dwelling on matters which trouble you, Anakin. What is it?" Qui-Gon asked.
The boy turned to his master, "I miss my mother." he said simply.
Qui-Gon nodded slowly, "You were very attached to her, it will take some time before you completely heal from the separation. But you will soon be able to think of her without all the pain, just give it time" he advised, putting his hand on Anakin's shoulder and leading him out.
The next morning, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin waited in the hangar bay for Senator Peregrine. "What is he like?" Anakin asked Qui-Gon, "Senator Peregrine, I mean"
"He is very devoted to his cause, as most senators. He was one of the advocates for Queen Amidala during the blockade, as Ergon and Naboo have always been on good terms. But he is rather forceful with his words, and more often than not angers his fellow senators. Among others." Qui-Gon explained, "His endeavors have made him many enemies, which is why we have been assigned to protect his family"
"You said that the two daughters are raised by an aunt, where is the mother?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"She died many years ago, in a fire which destroyed their home on Ergon. The Senator was here on Coruscant when it happened. Peregrine was devastated, for she was pregnant at the time with their fourth child. He has been trying to protect his family ever since. It was later found that the wife was murdered, and the fire was purposeful. He didn't take kindly to that, and spent years on finding his wife's killer" Qui-Gon said as a city transport landed.
"Did he find him?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yes, the murderer was brought to justice. But he never disclosed who hired him to us, he killed himself while in detention" a man stepped out of the transport and looked around.
Anakin watched the man for a moment, concluding that this must be 'Senator Peregrine'. "Master, is that him?" he asked Qui-Gon, pointing the man out to him.
Qui-Gon looked at where his padawan was gesturing, and smiled, "Yes, Anakin, that is him" he said, approaching the man. "Senator Peregrine, it is good to see you again" he greeted.
The black haired man smiled, "Thank you old friend, it is a pleasure to see you again as well. It has been a long time. You were much younger then, and the times were less troubled" he said, shaking Qui-Gon's hand.
"Allow me to introduce Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, and my padawan, Anakin Skywalker." the younger Jedi bowed in respect, the Senator looked them over.
"Well, I suppose you two will be the ones taking care of my girls? I only hope you're apt to the challenge." he said with a knowing smirk, "Nadia, my wife's sister, knows very well just how hard it is to take care of them."
"Are they difficult to deal with?" Qui-Gon inquired.
The Senator shook his head, "Only if they believe you are not going to do anything about it. Like most children" he said, leading the way to the transport. The Jedi followed.
The trip to Ergon was surprisingly short for Anakin, who expected a trip akin to that from Tatooine to Coruscant. It was shorter, although whether it was from the interesting things the Senator had to say, or the fact that he slept for the most part – he wasn't sure.
Obi-Wan had woken him, telling him that the Senator was anxious to talk to them. "You had better get up, we're all beginning to question if perhaps you have died." he teased. Anakin rolled his eyes, and got out of bed. Obi-Wan stood, and walked to the door, "He wishes to tell us further of our assignment. So hurry up, will you? Or we'll be on Argon by the time you come." was all he said, waiting outside as Anakin rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
Anakin and Obi-Wan then made their way to the Senator's quarters, already finding Qui-Gon there, laughing with the Senator as old friends.
"Do you remember, Qui-Gon, how I was so adamant to get Master Dooku to lighten up? I honestly thought the man never enjoyed himself, he kept to his duties like a good Jedi. I remember I even convinced you to help me, remember, to cause some mischief. My father never forgave me for that, told me I was rather infantile and would never take responsibility" Senator Peregrine said, taking a drink.
"Yes, I remember. Tell me, do your daughters take after you in that respect?" Qui-Gon asked.
Senator Peregrine wagged his finger at the Jedi Master, "You are worried about your young jedi getting in trouble, my old friend. But don't worry, they will behave themselves. They are starved for friendships, and hopefully they'll take your padawan, and Jedi Knight, as true friends. Leiana will no doubt be paired with the knight. Obi-Wan, yes?" the Senator inquired.
Qui-Gon nodded, "She is the elder? Yes, she will, I don't think Obi-Wan would be able to deal with the younger. Anakin will be assigned to her, she is eight, no?"
"Nine" the Senator corrected, "And she won't let you forget it. Ozara, she takes more after me, I suppose, than her mother. Azelma was more sweeter of temperament, like Leiana. Your knight will probably enjoy her company, he seems to be of a quiet nature. The younger, Anakin you said, he is younger, and seems to be somewhat rebellious. You say he hasn't been your padawan for long?"
"Yes, since he was nine. He was old for a padawan, and surprisingly, the council allowed for him to be my apprentice, despite the fact that I had a padawan already. It was a good thing, I think, Anakin will be a great Jedi one day." Qui-Gon said, the Senator laughed.
"Don't tell my daughter that. She won't let it go, she tends to pick on those who think they're special" he said as Obi-Wan and Anakin sat down at the table in the room, greeting their good-mornings. "Good morning to you too. Its nice to see you young one" he said, patting Anakin on the shoulder, then leaning toward him, "Get all the rest you can, Ozara will have you running around the planet so much you won't be able to sleep" he whispered good-naturedly.
"Is she really that rambunctious?" Qui-Gon asked.
Senator Peregrine laughed, "No, but she has little friends that are." he said, "She will, no doubt, enjoy your company, Anakin. She gets lonely" he said, then turned to Qui-Gon. "And what will you be doing while you stay with us?" he asked.
Qui-Gon smiled, "I will be overseeing my padawans. Making sure they are doing well, and are able to take care of your daughters to the highest of their abilities. Protection is a big responsibility, and they will have to learn it well. This is the best training ground I think" he said.
"Yes, I agree with you Qui" the Senator said. "Its not a high-level security risk, senators daughters" Qui-Gon agreed.
"What are your daughters like?" Obi-Wan asked, speaking for the first time.
Senator Peregrine looked at the young man, "They're good girls, just make it clear you won't let them have their way. You have a mandate to protect them, even if it is from themselves" he said, for the first time that morning, being completely serious.
"How can we protect them from themselves?" Anakin asked.
"I will tell you later" Qui-Gon promised his young padawan, continuing in his conversation with the Senator.
"What do you think?" Anakin asked Obi-Wan.
"Of what?" Obi-Wan asked in response.
"Of the mission?" Anakin replied, "Of what we are here to do?"
Obi-Wan looked at his master, as if not wanting him to listen. "I wouldn't call it a mission, its more of a vacation. I can't wait until we return to Coruscant, and are given a real mission. Something like Cato-Nemoida, or something like that." he said, "This is child's play"
Anakin smiled, "Ah, isn't it? No wonder they have assigned you to the older girl. You'd be bored stiff if you had to deal with a young girl – not that you aren't stiff already" he teased.
Obi-Wan just looked at the boy, "Don't get too happy, young girls aren't like young boys. They're more irritating" he said.
Anakin didn't think they were irritating, in fact, he liked them. He could still remember the first girl who didn't tease him relentlessly: Padmé. He still dreamed about her even after these two years, and couldn't wait until fate brought them back together.
The loudspeaker squawked to life: "Passengers, we are entering the atmosphere of Ergon. Please gather all of your belongings and head for the ramps. Thank you for traveling with us, and please come back soon" it squealed off, and there was a clamor of voices outside the Senator's quarters.
"Well, you should go get your things. I will meet you at Ramp A." the Senator instructed, ushering them out of the door.