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: A big thank's to Bizarre's mom, for betaing this for us, and for doing such a fantastic job!

Chosen
Volume One
Sooner or Later
Chapter III: Master's Assistant

"I get to fly right?" Anakin, skipping along at his Master's side, wanted to make sure. " I mean you're gonna let me steer? I know how to pilot speeders too! Not just Podracers."

Qui-Gon pretended to think about it. They exited the pristine Temple halls and were in the grungy, parasteel hangar before he answered. "I suppose."

Anakin let out a happy squeal and started looking around at the various speeders parked nearby. He knew a good machine when he saw one and these were all nice. His eyes lit up when he spied a shiny open cockpit speeder.

"That one!" he pointed, hurrying over to check the speeder's capabilities and controls. "I want to use this one."

Qui-Gon chuckled softly and followed him. " A very fine choice, my Padawan. I trust you will be careful with it."

"Uh, huh," Ani nodded, all but drooling on the vehicle. "I'll be careful. I know what I'm doing."

"Well then, once you have finished examining it, we should take off," Qui-Gon nodded.

Anakin grinned and straightened up from the controls to climb into the cockpit. Looking excited, as any nine year old in the driver's seat should be. The chance to fly again was exhilarating and the youngster couldn't believe it.

After an hour of near collisions and adrenaline rushes, Anakin pulled the speeder skillfully back into its' berth at the Jedi hangar.

"Thanks!" he panted, still riding high from the flight. "Thank you so much. That was fun!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms around Qui-Gon. He'd come to grips with being separated from his mother. Taking to clinging to his Master instead. The big Jedi was treated to many such embraces from his apprentice

"Not at all," Qui-Gon waved it off. "I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

"I sure did!" the little fellow confirmed with a vigorous nod. "I've missed flying. And Watto never let me go for so long!"

Qui-Gon glanced through the hangar windows and caught sight of the darkening sky. It was close to dinner already. "Shall we go find something to eat?" he suggested, climbing out of the trim craft..

"Yes, Master," the boy agreed wholeheartedly. He hopped out of the speeder without bothering to open the door and hurried around to the other side. His Master ruffled his short hair affectionately and together they set out on a quest for food.

"Why was Obi-Wan so tense?" This was the topic that Anakin decided they would discuss. And as a general rule, when Anakin wanted to discuss something, they discussed it. Usually because he would push the matter until he got answers. Stopping short of being truly, inexcusably, irritating.

Qui-Gon shrugged. "Perhaps he was nervous. This is his first chance since being Knighted to prove his worth," the Jedi smiled. "Though I need no convincing."

"I still don't think he likes me," Ani's tone betrayed no childishness. " I think he's angry that you took me as your apprentice."

"I doubt he is so petty."

"I think 'jealous' might be a better word, Master."

"Obi-Wan is a good man, Anakin," Qui-Gon replied, raising a bemused eyebrow, "He was ready for the trials and knew I could not keep him as my Padwan forever."

Anakin looked up from his meal. Blue eyes seeming wise. "That doesn't mean he's not lonely," he pointed out quietly. " He might be a good man, a great Jedi even, but he's still human."

For a moment Qui-Gon could only stare at the child. At times Anakin's innocent philosophy was unnerving. "Loneliness is something Jedi need not suffer," the Master said evenly. "All Jedi are brethren and friends."

"I think you are more than a brother to Obi-Wan, Master," there was no hint of teasing in the boy's tone. He was one hundred percent serious. "I felt something from him. It wasn't nerves. He was…hurting."

"We don't always like the duties we are given, Anakin," Qui-Gon reasoned. "I suspect teaching at the Temple would not be Obi-Wan's first choice."

Anakin wasn't mollified. He felt certain that Obi-Wan wouldn't have minded as much if it had been someone, anyone, else. Qui-Gon's tone was firm and the boy knew by now not to argue further. Not tonight…

"You're probably right," he sighed at last.

There were many nights that Anakin cried himself to sleep. He was not going to disturb his Master and did so in solitude. Now nightmares, horrible, vivid dreams would yank him rudely from his slumber. Leaving him sweaty and shaking. He tried to keep this burden to himself, but failed to hide his distress.

Qui-Gon wasn't angry, he couldn't be. He was concerned about his Padawan, though. When the stress surged along their bond he was wakened and now went to comfort the trembling child.

"I didn't mean to wake you…again," Anakin mumbled apologetically. "I'm sorry."

This was not the first time.

Qui-Gon made no reply, however, and the apology was not necessary. Ani's small hands clutched at the Jedi's robe as he shivered, thinking about the dream. It was always the same. He'd yet to share it with his Master and was hoping Qui-Gon would not ask. But this had been going on for too long now.

"Would you like to tell me about it this time, Anakin?"

"Not really," the boy admitted, "but I will." He took a deep breath and sorted through his thoughts for a moment. " There's fire…everywhere and…I'm fighting someone, but I can't remember who. Some guy I don't know. We fight and I keep…feeling…anger through the whole thing. Then, finally we are fighting atop some machines and he leaps back onto the ground. I try to jump after him but he…cuts off my legs and my hands," the kid paused, terrified by the memory…so real… "He leaves me there and I catch fire," Ani finished in a rush. "That's it," he sobbed pitifully, "then I wake up."

"You must not fear dreams, little one," Qui-Gon said smoothly. "You should not let them disturb you so. Take them as lessons, little tests. Each one you conquer will make you stronger."

"But it keeps happening the same way! Every night!"

"Because you haven't overcome your fear yet," his Master replied.

"Well how am I supposed to do that?"

"What is it you fear?" Qui-Gon asked.

"Getting chopped up and set on fire," the child offered after a moment.

"Well then, what can we do to avoid that?" the Jedi wondered, slightly bemused.

"I don't know," Anakin sniffed, burying his face in Qui-Gon's lap. "That's the problem," he added miserably. "I don't know what to do!"

"We will just have to train you well, little one," Qui-Gon countered patiently," so you can protect yourself from such a fate. Should this come to pass, you will be ready to face and defeat it."

"You think I could?" the boy whispered, peeking up at him.

"Yes, Anakin, I do," the Master smiled.

"Okay…" Ani sighed in resignation. He had to believe his Master would prepare him, keep him safe. He had to! "Will you stay with me? Please!" he begged, lacking any other form of comfort.

Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow but nodded. Just this once. Then they must work to alleviate the boy's fear. When he slid under the covers Anakin cracked a small smile and snuggled up against the big man.

"Thank you, Master," he yawned, reveling in the warm feeling of someone close. His mother, Shmi, had done this when he'd had nightmares…before.

The Jedi Master just smiled.

Someone else in the Temple was also not resting easy. Obi-Wan sat in his small living room, datapads strewn over the coffee table. His head was tilted back as he stared morosely at the ceiling. He glanced over as the door slid open. Garen stood there. His friend, Garen Muln, who many said looked enough like Obi-Wan to be his brother.

Garen came over to sit beside him. "Hey."

"What brings you?" Obi-Wan sighed, leaning forward to straighten the datapads into a pile.

"My best friend senses are tingling," Garen shot back lightly.

Obi-Wan stiffened, trying to fight his feelings and avoid his friend's concerned gaze. He eventually crumbled, cradling his face in hands.

"That's what I thought," Garen nodded. "Come on, fess up, Obi."

"I have to help train Anakin."

Garen eyed him for a moment before patting his friend's shoulder. "Why is that a problem?" he prompted gently.

"It's…not."

"Exactly," Garen soothed. "The problem is Qui-Gon, not Anakin."

Obi-Wan groaned in response.

Garen chuckled and hugged him. "You'll be okay."

"Yeah," Obi-Wan agreed reasonably.

"There, that's my good little Jedi Knight."

"I," Obi-Wan began again.

"It's not Anakin's fault."

"He,"

"Qui-Gon is a prick," Garen stated blandly.

"You,"

"I know what I'm talking about!" Garen snorted. "You are my best friend and I'm telling you, there's nothing wrong with you." Obi-Wan made a frustrated noise and Garen raised an eyebrow. "You want me to leave?"

"No."

"Then I won't."

"Thanks," Obi-Wan murmured, finally returning the hug.

Garen did not leave that night.

To Be Continued...