Child of Balance

Vision of Hope

    Ania screwed her eyes shut, resisting Snoke's influence. He hissed in annoyance and pressed on. The Force probed at her mind agonizingly.

    "What is the future?" Snoke growled. "Who is the dyad? Show me! I know you've seen them!"

    Ania cried out as Snoke slipped past her defenses suddenly. An image of herself with red lightsabers appeared. Ania brought her walls back up, forcing him back. "Ah, so that's your destiny," Snoke whispered. "You will turn."

    "No, I won't." Ania felt a gentle tug on her bond with Ezra. She returned it, letting out a small sigh of relief. The pressure in her mind eased a bit, then returned full force.

    "The Emperor told me about the Empire's fall. He told me what my role is, and what yours is too. You will join us and help restore the Sith! We are the architects!"

    "Maybe you are, but I'm not!" The words felt strangling as the pressure in her mind grew even worse.

    "You're afraid," Snoke sneered. "You said you came here to face your fears. Then face them!" He withdrew his presence from her mind, letting her fall to the ground.

    Ania gasped and coughed, relishing the freedom in her limbs. "Don't let him get to you!" Tolsa's voice echoed through her mind.

    "Whatever he shows you, remember it's not real," Ahsoka added.

She forced herself to her feet, glancing around the chamber. The clamors of the Sith followers filled the area. She couldn't tell if they were cheering for her or Snoke.

"Why are you so obsessed with this dyad anyway?" Ania asked, narrowing her eyes. She gripped her lightsabers, preparing.

"They are the ones who will determine the fate of the galaxy forever."

"Meaning?"

"War is all our galaxy has ever known. Thousands of years of conflict between the Dark and the Light. Their coming was foretold even before we heard of the so called Chosen One," Snoke sneered. "The dyad will determine which side prospers."

"The Light and Dark co-exist. You can't have one without the other, but you can't let one rule either," Ania argued.

Snoke let out a chuckle. "You are wise beyond your years, child. However, you don't fully understand what is to come."

"The people I saw were adults. You can't do anything about them now."

"They will be adults. They don't yet exist. Now, I think you've had a long enough break. Show me what you saw. Let me learn."

Instead of flinging her into the air, the Force shoved her to her knees. Ania froze in place as Snoke dragged her before him. He angled his hand over her forehead, probing her mind again. Ania gritted her teeth, almost choking herself in effort to keep him out.

A terrible power seemed to bubble beneath her skin. Ania fought to press it down, but it continued to rise. "No," she whispered. "Not again."

In a burst of light, the Force spilled from her, cleaving through the chamber. Rocks fell from the ceiling and Snoke was flung backwards. He caught himself on the throne as Ania stood. White light emanated from her. She could feel the Son and Daughter, as close as if they were beside her.

Snoke grinned and laughs. "At last, I see you. Your mind is open. Embrace your power!"

Visions, or memories, began to flash before her eyes. She saw everything Vader had hidden, her memories fully restored. Glimpses of her past flashed before her eyes. Ania struggled to stay focused as image after image passed before her. She was aware of Snoke watching her intently.