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

Bizarre speaks: This chapter has been slightly re-mastered. If you read it as soon as it was out, reread it. It sucks less now. Once again a shout out to zee Momma!

Chosen
Volume One
Sooner or Later
Chapter II: Apprenticeship

The night Anakin moved in, Qui-Gon discovered a small problem. He'd gotten the boy's hair cut and acquired appropriate garb for his new apprentice. This seemed to finalize the fact that Anakin was no longer with his mother. It led to a bit of crying on the lad's part. Well, more than a bit.

Qui-Gon was surprised. His previous Padawans had stayed awake with excitement their first night. He went to speak with the boy and found Anakin curled in bed, knees drawn up, face buried. The child was obviously trying to hold his tears, with little success.

The Jedi Master sat down on the bed and laid a large calloused hand on Ani's shaking shoulder. "You must not be sad, little one."

"I…I'm sorry," the poor kid whimpered not looking up. He felt very badly for crying. He should be happy! Grateful to be off Tatooine and in such a wonderful position. Not miserable and homesick. "I just…it's just that," he trailed off shyly. He missed his mother terribly and was afraid he'd never get to see her again. His moral was low and being put in yet another strange place had been his breaking point.

"I know it's hard," Qui-Gon soothed. "But all will be well. You must not be sad or afraid," his tone oozed with concern. "I will be here to help you."

Anakin looked up miserably. His bright eyes, framed by tear streaked cheeks. It was then that Qui-Gon found himself with an upset little boy clinging to him pitifully. It was a bit disconcerting but he made no move to get free.

The Master finally sighed and ran his hand over Ani's hair tenderly. "It will be alright," he promised.

"I'm sorry," Anakin sniffed, sitting back. He quickly scrubbed away the tears with his sleeve. "I'm just being dumb. Mom would not want me to cry like a baby."

"You are right," Qui-Gon nodded. "She would not want you to be so sad."

"I miss her," the boy admitted softly, leaning against his Master again.

"It's understandable," Qui-Gon replied, hugging him gently. "But your first lesson as a Jedi is that you must not let your emotions control you, little one."

"Ever?" Ani queried, with a pained expression. The idea of ignoring his emotions did not sit well with the little Padawan.

"You do not deny them," the Master shook his head. "You just cannot let them control you. Did not Master Yoda tell you that fear, hate and anger lead to the dark side."

"I'm not afraid," Anakin mumbled, struggling to explain. "I just miss her. Is that the path to the dark side?"

Qui-Gon could not say yes! "No. But you need not miss her so. You are always together, bound by the Force."

That was not very helpful, but Anakin could see that Qui-Gon was trying to comfort him, so he forced a smile and nodded. "Okay."

The man smiled back. "That's better," he said, brushing Ani's short hair, feeling its' fuzz under his fingers.

Anakin's smile twitched a little, a fraction more genuine now. "I am happy that you are well now, Master," the youngster murmured with a small yawn, his eyes drooping as he settled more comfortably in the Jedi's lap. Qui-Gon did not have the heart to move him, so shifted to let Anakin snuggle there and, hopefully, fall asleep. Tomorrow training started and the child needed all his strength. Both fell asleep.

Anakin was up bright and early the next morning. Rising with the sun as was his habit. Working for Watto had so conditioned him. It was a good habit as the Jedi were of a practical mind. Early to bed and early to rise!

"How about some breakfast, my young Padawan?" Qui-Gon suggested pleasantly. He'd actually been up for some time.

"Okay," the little fellow chirped. Sleep had considerably improved his mood. "Thank you, Master," he added, quickly climbing up onto a chair in the kitchen.

Qui-Gon couldn't hold his grin as he set about fixing breakfast. He didn't even think about the fact that, up until a few days ago, this had been Obi-Wan's duty.

"This kitchen is so big," Anakin mused, glancing around. The kitchen and sitting area were as big as his whole house had been back home! On top of that there were the bedrooms and the 'fresher. It didn't occur to him that slaves would be given minimal space.

The Master chuckled. "You will see much grander places than this, little one," he promised with a wink.

"It's bigger than any kitchen I've ever seen," the little boy shrugged, swinging his legs idly, "you could fit my old house in here."

Qui-Gon set a bowl of hot food before him. It was a far cry from the disgusting gruel he would have eaten. His mother had tried her best, but there was only so much she could do. Now here was this wonderful fare. He was salivating it smelled so good!

"Thank you," he mumbled, picking up a utensil and digging in happily.

The Master watched in amusement. "You're welcome. Eat up now. Your training starts today." Anakin would need brain more than brawn at first and brainpower took energy as well.

"What kind of training?" the kid asked between spoonfuls.

"Well, first we're going to do some routine morning exercises," Qui-Gon informed him. "Then I will begin to teach you about the Force." The Jedi regarded Anakin critically. "I seem to recall those lessons can be boring for someone so young, though," he smiled at the boy. "So how about we start a combat kata today."

Ani considered for a moment then grinned. "Can't wait!" he exclaimed, shoveling in another mouthful.

The youngster's enthusiasm was very infectious and old Qui-Gon found himself anxious to get started too. You need to eat as well, he chided silently and reached for another bowl.

No matter how strong Anakin was in the Force the boy was years behind the other Padawans. He was in for a rough haul. Both apprentice and Master were enjoying every moment, however.

Despite earlier self-doubt, Qui-Gon was an excellent teacher and he cared for little Anakin. In return the kid worshipped him. Spending time together was more like fun and games than a weary task. That didn't change the fact that help would be needed if Ani were ever to catch up.

The Council had just the Knight in mind.

A summons from the Jedi Council awaited Obi-Wan Kenobi upon his return from the field.

"We have a different kind of mission for you this time, Knight Kenobi," Master Windu informed him.

"I obey the will of the Council," Obi-Wan replied smoothly, waiting to hear the assignment.

"You are to help Master Qui-Gon with his apprentice," horned Agen Kolar informed him. "Young Skywalker must catch up with his age group."

Obi-Wan's shoulders tensed up. "I…am sure there is someone more suitable, Masters," he said slowly, managing to relax some.

"We believe this to be the best course of action, Kenobi," Depa Billaba countered, her tone patient. "It is the Council's decision. Unless you have compelling information to the contrary we will not be swayed."

Obi-Wan made a valiant effort to quell the wave of frustration rising inside him. "Yes, Masters," he finally murmured, bowing to their will. His own trepidation would have to be kept in check till he could meditate on things.

"We have faith in you, Obi-Wan," Adi Gallia told him with a smile. The tentacles of her fanciful headdress writhed gently about her dark face and her striking blue eyes held confidence. "Between you and Master Jinn, Skywalker should be up to par in no time."

"I will do my best," the young Jedi worked very hard to keep a grumble out of his tone.

"Master Qui-Gon and his Padawan are currently on the ninth floor, training," Plo Koon stated with a nod. "You are to go now and offer your assistance."

Obi-Wan took a deep calming breath. "I understand, Masters." Taking that as dismissal, he bowed and left. He made sure to find an empty lift up to the ninth floor. He needed to master his emotions without disturbing anyone else. He could not know that there was someone sensitive enough to pick up on the negative waves he was releasing into the Force.

Anakin shivered when he felt the Force surge and heave around him. He didn't understand what he was feeling, but he certainly did not like what he sensed. The peace of the Jedi Temple was just suddenly, if briefly, disturbed.

Despite his inner turmoil, Obi-Wan approached the training hall appearing the epitome of Jedi calm.

"Master Jinn, Padawan Skywalker," he bowed respectfully. "I have been sent by order of the Council to assist you."

The excited grin that seemed permanently plastered on Anakin's face faded. He was sure Obi-Wan did not like him. And certainly did not want his time with Qui-Gon interrupted.

"How thoughtful of the Masters," Qui-Gon noted with a little smile. "Well, we are happy to have you, Knight Kenobi." The accolade rolled off his tongue easily. As if there had never been another name for the young man standing before him.

"I leave it up to your discretion, Master Jinn, to decide when and how I may be of assistance," Obi-Wan mumbled. "But may I suggest you handle the field work and I take classroom studies?"

"That will be fine, Obi-Wan," the Jedi Master agreed.

Anakin glanced between the two. There was tension here for sure, but he wasn't sure why. He tugged on the Master's sleeve.

"Master, can we go flying today?" he requested shyly. He'd not gotten to do any piloting since having flown in the battle of Naboo. He was really looking forward to it. Flying came to him as naturally as breathing.

The Jedi Master looked down at him thoughtfully. Anakin had been working very hard on the beginner's lightsaber form. The boy was coming along, but still had a long way to go. Before he could reply, however, Obi-Wan spoke up.

"If you will excuse me, I have lessons to prepare."

"Yes, all right," Qui-Gon nodded, smiling at Ani. "It appears that Anakin and I are going to do a little flying today."

"Really?" the boy was ecstatic. "Thank you, Master!" he chirped, giving his teacher an enthusiastic hug.

"Finish your saber drills, little one," the Master urged, gently returning the fond gesture.

"Yes, sir!" Anakin proclaimed, hugging the big man tighter for a moment.

Obi-Wan watched with unease.

To Be Continued...