Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.

Full summary: When Qui-Gon Jinn is spared from his death the future begins to unravel down a different path. A strong relationship of love grows between Qui-Gon Jinn and Anakin Skywalker, while a different seed of darkness begins to grow. Slash.

Warnings: Slash, future shota, JA reference.

Pairing(s): Eventual Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)

Fic type: AU, romance

Aubrey's crap: Welcome! AubreysMaster and CaideSin collaborate once again, this time in the form of Bizarre Aubrey! Welcome to our epic!

Bizarre speaks: I would like to dedicate my half of this story to my mother. She is our beta and as you can tell, she has done a fabulous job. Yes, my mother knows all about my slash writing habits. And I love her. Very. Very much. So don't you be talkin' bout my momma.

Chosen
Volume One
Sooner or Later
Chapter I: The Master

"We need to get him back to Coruscant."

Anakin Skywalker blinked in alarm at the sudden command. Well, not so much a command as a statement of fact. Either way, it shocked him. The place had been silent save for the scuttling of medical droids going in and out of the next room. The boy's eyes had been glued on the doorway, trying to catch a glimpse of the critical patient inside. Now his gaze traveled over to the speaker

Obi-Wan Kenobi was normally a reserved fellow and he looked even sterner just now. Young Anakin could not really blame the Padawan. It was Kenobi's Master being tended to in there.

Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn had barely survived his duel with the Sith Lord, Darth Maul and was badly wounded. Anakin was also very worried. Was it possible that Qui-Gon could die of his injuries? What would happen then? Would the Jedi Council let Anakin be trained without the support of Master Qui-Gon, or would they send him back to Tatooine? Ani would love to see his mother again, but the thought of Qui-Gon dying made him fearful.

"We can treat him here, Master Kenobi," one of the healers protested. "Master Jinn will be just fine in our care."

"No," Obi-Wan would hear none of it. He shook his head adamantly. "He's going back to Coruscant. Council's orders."

Anakin scooted forward in his chair then. Would he be going too? He certainly hoped so. Naboo was lovely and Padmé' was here…but he wanted to be with Master Qui-Gon. At his movement Obi-Wan's sharp blue eyes locked onto him and the kid froze. Obi-Wan had a way of making Anakin feel guilty even when he'd done nothing.

"You will be coming with us," the Jedi Padawan told him. Effectively answering many unasked questions. "You can see Master Qui-Gon once we get aboard."

"Okay," Anakin agreed without argument.

They were soon shown out to a ship the Naboo government was providing, in thanks for saving Queen Amidala. It was a very fine cruiser, although not quite as big or fancy as a political vessel.

Anakin saw Qui-Gon being loaded on board, but it was several moments longer before Obi-Wan said that he should go and see the injured Jedi Master. The boy padded quickly past as Obi-Wan headed for the bridge, to help the pilots, or perhaps, pilot the ship himself. Anakin wasn't sure.

He'd seen where Qui-Gon was lodged and Ani had to assume the Jedi would be awake. Why would Ob-Wan send him to Qui-Gon if the Master was asleep.

Qui-Gon was awake. Trying to control his burned and battered body. Despite the discomfort, his wounds were not so bad. He'd had worse and survived. He was gazing mildly at the ceiling. When the child approached he turned his head and a soft smile curved to his lips. At least this suffering was worth something. The boy was safe and they were headed to Coruscant where Anakin could be trained properly.

"Hello, Master Qui-Gon, sir," Anakin greeted him, hovering awkwardly at the door. Ani wasn't entirely sure it was proper for him to be here, like this, but well, if he was allowed he wasn't going to say no! "How are you feeling?"

"I am feeling fine, little one," the veteran Jedi replied with a chuckle. It made him feel old when Anakin called him 'Master, sir'. He would have to break the boy of that. "I could use some company, though," he motioned with his good arm and the kid came all the way into the room obediently.

Ani stood uneasily at the bedside, taking in the many derma patches and heavily wrapped shoulder. "Does it hurt much?"

"Not too much," Qui-Gon lied. The child already looked worried. Having a lightsaber stabbed through your shoulder was excruciating. He'd managed to draw a smile out of Anakin, though.

The little boy moved forward and gave the Jedi an overly cautious hug around the neck, being sure not to touch the bandaged shoulder. Ignoring his own discomfort, Qui-Gon put his arms around Anakin and let his bearded chin rest on the boy's small shoulder.

"Thank you for your concern, Anakin," he sighed in content.

Ani squirmed gently and pulled back so he could meet the Master's gaze. "You saved me," he stated plainly. "Concern is the very least I owe you." It was just the beginning of a long list of ways to start repaying this man for getting him away from Watto. For freeing him from slavery. For making him Jedi!

"You do not owe me anything, little one," the Jedi Master insisted. "I was happy to help you." He would also be happy to take Anakin as his Padawan…

"But you risked so much to help me," the boy reminded him, frowning. Ani was not used to unconditional kindness from anyone but his mother. "Betting your ship like that. You could have been stuck forever!"

"It's alright," Qui-Gon assured him softly.

Anakin was still not convinced but let it drop.

It was a long trip from Naboo to Coruscant and the little fellow did his best to be useful. Mostly to Qui-Gon, though he tried to please Obi-Wan as well. Not that Obi-Wan really appreciated it, but held his tongue. Finally arriving at Coruscant was a great relief to Kenobi, even as Anakin seemed more nervous than ever.

Ani accompanied them to the medical facility, but was not allowed in with Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan was immediately summoned by the Council, but not the boy. So, Anakin sat alone waiting for news about the injured Master.

Obi-Wan had still not returned by the time a droid appeared. "You are Anakin Skywalker?"

"Yes!" the boy chirped. "That's me."

"Patient three-three-A, Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn, has been stabilized and is now requesting your presence," the droid informed him mechanically.

Anakin just stared. The boy hadn't realized how serious the Master's condition had been. Now Qui- Gon wanted to see him?

Seared holes in one's flesh is not exactly a 'stable condition'. And the surgery to fix said holes…well, Qui-Gon was doing all right. He just wasn't too pleased to be confined to the Medical wing for days.

"Hi," Anakin greeted him upon entering. The boy all but bounced over to the bed, pleased to see Qui-Gon looking well. "Feeling better?"

The old Jedi Master smiled. Ani's youth was so invigorating and endearing. "Much," he nodded and would have ruffled the lad's hair had he been able.

"Good," Anakin smiled in response, climbing carefully onto the edge of the bed. "The droid said you wanted to see me?"

"Yes," replied Qui-Gon, "Obi-Wan more than proved himself on Naboo and I believe the Council will see this. I'm almost certain they will Knight him," he informed the youngster. "If so, then I will be free to start your apprenticeship," Qui- Gon grinned at the eager look on Anakin's face. "Once they release me from the hospital, of course."

"Really?" It took all of Anakin's willpower not to whoop and holler in delight. He wanted to hug the Jedi. He was only nine, after all. "I'm gonna be a Jedi!" he giggled as his grin widened. "Mom'll be so proud, don't you think, sir? I have a real teacher and it's really gonna happen."

"She is already proud of you, son," the Jedi assured him.

"What's apprenticeship like?" the little fellow asked. It occurred to him that he didn't know a thing about Jedi training.

Qui-Gon chuckled. "Once a Master accepts an apprentice they live together. The Padawan takes lessons at the Temple and they go on missions together, for practical learning."

"I get to live…with you?" the child blushed, looking more excited than ever.

"Yes, little one," Qui-Gon confirmed, shifting in the ridiculous medical cot. He pushed himself upright gingerly.

A small yell of glee escaped Anakin then, and once again he carefully hugged the Master. His Master. Ani really liked Qui-Gon. If he couldn't be with his mother, or the enchanting Padmé, there was nowhere else he'd rather be than with this man.

They would have to await the Council's decision, though. If they didn't knight Obi-Wan, then Qui-Gon's plans were effectively fucked.

"Showed great skills, you have, young Kenobi," Master Yoda cackled. "On your ascension a decision the Council has made."

Obi-Wan felt a terrifying, gut wrenching sensation sweep over him. It puzzled him somewhat. Shouldn't he be excited? He remained silent and bowed his head. Waiting to hear what the Council had to say.

"Congratulations, Jedi Knight Kenobi," dark skinned Master Mace Windu actually cracked a smile, a very rare occurrence. "Considering your superb performance against the Sith Lord on Naboo, your apprenticeship is now complete."

The newly minted Jedi Knight bowed even lower to his esteemed peers. "Thank you, Council," Obi-Wan murmured. He was smiling a little now and had to wonder who would cut off his Padawan braid. It was supposed to be his former Master. But Qui-Gon was injured and… probably busy with Anakin.

Master Yoda ended up doing it.

The diminutive green Jedi had done the better part of Obi-Wan's training anyway, so the Council decided that Yoda was as close to Obi-Wan as anyone. It was done right then and the little troll handed the braid of hair to Kenobi.

"Done well you have, Obi-Wan," Yoda congratulated him. "A fine Jedi you shall be."

"Thank you Master," the young man replied. He held the sundered plait of hair tightly in his hands. This moment was so much less than he'd imagined.

"You are dismissed," Master Shaak Tii said gently. "I am sure you want to go brag."

Obi-Wan shook his head in amusement as he bowed and left the chamber. He would at least go talk to his friends still here at the Temple. To tell them he was moving out of Qui-Gon's rooms, so they would know where he was. He distinctly felt some sense of dissatisfaction.

Qui-Gon had not been there.

He knew his Master was injured, but wondered if the man had even noticed when their bond had been cut along with his Padawan braid. There was only one way to find out, go and ask. But Qui-Gon could have his hands full, explaining the details of his relationship to Anakin.

After having spoken to Bant, Garen and Reeft, the newest Jedi Knight headed for the Medical wing anyhow. Obi-Wan's expression of pride went passive at the sight of Anakin, who was already sucking up all the excitement in the room.

"Hello," Obi-Wan called to them quietly as he approached his former Master's bed slowly. "Everyone doing all right?" he wondered.

"Master Qui-Gon says I'm gonna live with him!" Anakin announced, grinning. "He's gonna teach me," the boy proclaimed grandly. "When you are made a Jedi!" he added hopefully.

Qui-Gon chuckled at the little fellow's excitement. "And I am doing fine as well, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan struggled with his emotions for a moment, then patted Anakin on the shoulder and forced a smile. "Well, your wait is over, Padawan," he told them offering Qui-Gon a quick, pained glance as he turned to go. "I hope you recover quickly…" What should he call Qui-Gon now? Certainly not Master. "Qui-Gon," he managed smoothly enough as he strode from the room.

Anakin's smile faded. "I don't think he likes me," he mumbled.

"I think that is in your head," replied Qui-Gon gently. "We have been away from the Temple for sometime. I am sure he just wanted to hurry and meet with his friends."

"Yeah, maybe." Anakin was obviously not convinced, but he didn't push the subject. He couldn't wait for Master Qui-Gon to get out of here. He wanted to get started with training! Part of his desire was that getting busy would keep his thoughts off his mother. She still hovered in the back of his mind. He missed her very much.

Which is what concerned the Council, greatly.

Obi-Wan did several things while Qui-Gon lingered in the Medical Center. He went and burned his Padawan braid that was traditionally given to the former Master. Then he filed for Knight's quarters and moved out of Qui-Gon's place. He did leave a pleasant congratulatory note in the apartment for Anakin, but that was all. Obi-Wan was determined to embrace being a Jedi and his newfound freedom, even if it killed him.

To Be Continued...