Private Life and Death, Death and Life, Right Next Door To Each Other!

[Darth Hemorpheus]

Hemorpheus shook his head,
"You just articulated why death is not special. Anyone can end a life, which means you are not necessary my friend. In contrast, the power to create life is by far more precious, especially if it transcends the paltry musing of Plagueis and his obsession with Midi-Chlorians. Just because a language is universal brother, does not mean anything.. we speak Galactic Basic, but some of greatest mysteries are lost in the languages of the Sith, The Rakatan, THe Dathamiri, and many others."

The Lord of Life shrugged,
"So you are as most Sith are.. elevating the self, fulfilling your passions and whims. I do not object on principle as a Darth, however, I have seen past this narrow mindedness.. The Jedi are right, there is greater reward in giving than taking. To give life is seen a miracle, even a marginal aspect of this power is found between two lovers who marvel at the life that they created in their Passion. They call that life a miracle, not death, death is seen as a robber, a monster, or something that steals away those they love. Death is sobering and depressing, hence only the Damned and deranged give it devotion, like that Cult.. what was their name? Ah yes, The Doomed. If you are going to go by universals, the language that truly holds the galaxy together is life, it is found in the love between partners, star crossed souls who create life when they become one. Death does not do that.. it is universal in that all of us must die, unless.. a way is found to circumvent it, as The Lords Plagueis, Nihilus, Exar-Kun, Bane, Vader, and Palpatine sought to do. That is the natural course, the desire to suspend death and stop it, achieving immortality. That was the wish of many of the Great Sith Lords."

Looking at Nex take his saber hit to his chest, he was curious what this display meant. Did the Lord of Death seek to promote himself as King of the Underworld? Or was this merely theatrics? They had been tilting with their tongues, the sharpest of all blades, and yet the tension was palpable. Hemorpheus considered how they had not spoken to each other thus, that it was becoming clearer those early days in the Diarchy, when they had such dreams, and Hem would never consider insulting The Lord of Death were at an end. That they were on two very divergent paths, heading to realities that very well may separate them forever. There was a measure of pain in The Lord of Life's heart, that a day may come when they may never again be able to tilt with one another in their respective philosophies. Just as he had lost Ana, it stood to reason a day would come when he would lose Nex. That was what he hated, there was a kind of death, separation, that did not take your life, it simply removed the lives of those you loved from you while they still lived...

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion's face never faultered, never cracked. There was nothing but complete and total sincerity in his eyes. He meant every word and action he's said thus far and he would not deter now. He moved the hilt from his chest as he then directed towards Hemorpheus, activating the blade. Despite his expression, his eyes showed the truth clear as day. Complete and total apathy. It shouldn't come as a shock, considering how he's always acted. But here, faced with someone he was disappointed in, his apathy became all too clear.

"I think we've reached the end of our talk, Hemmy. We'll never see eye to eye, nor agree on philosophy. But, if there's one thing I believe can bring us back to those days in the training room aboard the Dominion. Although, I must say, I'm hesitant simply because I'm not sure if there will be any joy in beating down a weakened 'old friend' of mine. So, I'll give you the chance to walk away and crawl back to your owner like a good Kath Hound, or stand against me. I won't hold it against you if you've become so dependant on your owner that you'll cower back to them, trust me."

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

Hemorpheus looking into the eyes of his friend, so cold and green, rotten as his heart was. He did not know why Darth Nexion bothered if he did not truly care, make the quips he did, and call him feeble in his new state. True apathy as far as this Scientist considered, was to do nothing, and Nex was doing a great deal in word and now with burning kyber. Then again perhaps this was all for the Lord of Death's amusement. Still, Hemorph listened as he spoke of the old days,
"What is this Nex? Have you grown sentimental. Your thoughts betray you in your own words. You spoke of Ana, and you think that is a thorn to hurt me.. or is it that you sad that you suffered the same fate as her, abandoned by me because I am the only one who had courage to evolve.. to even shed myself to achieve my aims. I offered my hand to her.. she rejected it, and here you speak of the past, that duel on the Dominion so long ago.. you speak of it because you know the truth.. I see your weakness, it should have been plain to all, it is me.. I am Life, and that is Death's weakness, just as Death is my weakness, it is why we are drawn to one another. Embrace me to tightly and your corpse nature would revive and you would not be yourself, and I embrace you to closely and I wither and watch the buds of the vita fall from the flower. We are locked in conflict my friend.. one that we cannot win, though you spurned my offer before. The chance to truly shed all chains, not as a Sith'ari, as Life and Death itself. So be it.. you say I am a pet of Nyx, if means I must get on my knees to achieve The Odyssey and become what I am destined to be.. what shame is there in that? That is your problem.. you are not willing to bow to the Power that would make you a god, to risk losing your autonomy and control.. no you cannot can you? Its too precious to you.. as I said before anyone can kill and bring death, but to create life is the true challenge.. so now you have a decision brother, try and stop me, or I will try and make you understand the truth.. that in my presence.. death has no power!"

With that The Lord of Life ignited his saber, its bright garnet the color of the very substance of life itself, blood. His face which had been full of mirth now was mournful, and in place of reminiscing was a distancing as he prepared himself in a stance to strike down his friend. Hemorpheus had shed The Diarchy, he walked away, he saw now he might have to kill it...

TAG: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion exhaled, his smirk still plastered on his face, growing ever so wider at Hemorpheus' declaration. In response, he raised his own blade and assumed his usual stance for Form VI.

"Is that so, Hemmy? You claim I fall to sentimentality and I betray myself, when we both know that isn't true. You went on an entire journey of self-discovery whereas I have always known exactly who I am and what I wish to do. You just admitted that you would sacrifice your dignity to your owner so you can grow stronger, while I have no need to make such compromises. There is no reason for me to bend to another so I can grow stronger. Through my own struggles, through my own risks, only then can I grow stronger. That is where you fall. They often say that the downfall to becoming a Sith is to take the quick and easy path, it gives you great power but it never lasts. If I claim the power for myself, make that power serve me through my strength alone, only then can someone be forever stronger for it."

With no more words, nor warning, Nexion shot forth at his opponent. It was what he did at the beginning of every duel, and he was sure Hemorpheus would recognise that as soon as he caught up to the attack.

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

Hemorpheus shook his head,
"Then you best abandon the Darth mantel my old friend.. the way of the Sith is for a Master to impart to an Apprentice, to teach and that is the role I have taken, to learn as all Sith have done. Eventually the severance between Her and I will come. You reveal then how the Diarchy has changed you, they who forsake tradition and spit in its face. I have all along known that I belong in pantheon of the Darths, it seems you do not."
There was great venom in his voice, a boiling anger at the ones Nex was affiliated with.

As Nex shot at him in his typical attack, The Lord of Life stepped aside and took his blade into reverse grip, angling the blade rise from his wrist and tip to come to his shoulder, this was typical gesture of Juyo, and he then spun the blade around as he came for a cut at his side.

TAG: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion saw the incoming side slash and quickly recovered from his own lunge, before slashing his own blade against Hemorpheus' blade and deflecting it away. Nexion wasn't a fool. He knew that between the two of them, he was faster while Hemorpheus was physically stronger. He knew if he got caught up in a blade clash against the 'Lord of Life', he would be forced back rather easily, and that was an unnecessary risk to take at this point in time. After creating space between the two of them, Nexion then began to debate his next move

"Why, oh why, would I ever wish to give up my title of 'Darth', Hemmy? I know perfectly well I belong with that title. You, it seems, are the one who does not. I claim my knowledge for myself, I do not allow it to be handed to me. You may sever your ties to your owner in due time, Hemmy, but it matters little. You will still have subjected yourself to servitude so you can gain temporary power. As for taking an apprentice to pass my knowledge to? I would be more than glad to do so, it is simply that none have caught my attention sufficiently enough."

With the end of his words, he moved his left hand to scratch the back of his neck, subtly pulling a large piece of metal from the floor towards Hemorpheus' back. At the same time, he then leapt forward for a downward slash at his old friend.

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

Hemorpheus let out a chuckle as he listen to Nex, the Lord of Death beating away his blade,
"You always have had a high opinion of your autonomy Old Friend. The Sith learn from holocrons, bow to the knowledge of others, and they do this in the flesh to their Masters. If anything you are heretic by claiming that I have somehow erred to take an apprenticeship position. What is the difference if you bow to the Dead Lords or the Living to acquire power? I fear you are on the Path of Lord Krayt.. where the Ancient Lords would call you apostate, for you seek to undermine one of fundamentals of the Darth line, masters and apprentices. If One came to you offering great knowledge of the Necroverse, would you spurn them and claim you shall make your own discoveries and not glean from them? You my friend are walking the line of double standards, and for that I must kill you!"

Hemorpheus suddenly lunged and intercepted the downward slash, the metal piece hit him in the back, which made him expell a great breath, as he then in lock up began to push against Nex,
"Our concord is at an end my brother! Life and Death collide, and only one of shall survive!"
His eyes burned with the magenta fire, such ire was burning within him. What had been attachment for Nex was no replaced with an insatiable desire to tear him apart. He broke the lock up, and began to beat at him with the Krayt blows of Djem So, letting out cries that were a release of the fury inside him. He saw not before him the Brother he had known, but foe needing to be felled, to be sent to the world he coveted.
"If you love Death so much! Then join it! Let me help you descend to your necropolis!"
He then following up with more heavy blows, throwing great resevoirs of his strength into the kyber, trying to break His Brother, pounding him down into the ground a peg even if it met his blade. Perceptive perhaps to Nex or maybe not, was a tear that began to trickle down his cheek. He had hoped that His Brother would join him in The True Diarchy of Life and Death, the Sun and Moon, and instead he resorted to mocking his relationship with Dark Lady Nyx, who he had ever intent of shedding very soon...

TAG: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion's smirk never faded from his face, even as he was using all his strength to keep his blade from falling at the hands of Hemorpheus. He knew this would happen if he got caught, yet he never seemed to mentally faulter. It was as if he was finding a way to taunt his old friend simply through the act of never changing expression.

"Trust me Hemmy, if you want to kill me the only way to do it is if I were to let you. And we both know that no matter what you do, you can't break me down."

As Hemorpheus raised his blade to strike down once more, Nexion used the small window to spring from his crouched position and passed the 'Lord of Life' and landing a blow. It wasn't deep, nor really serious, but it was enough to slow down Hemorpheus just slightly and may make him more hesitant to perform more heavy strikes. Although, Nexion was prepared if he would, assuming a stance that would allow for either a quick offence or quick defence depending on what he may need.

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

The wound drew out some magenta mist, and for a moment, Hemorpheus' eyes returned to their original color as he paused and let Nexion step away from his onslaught. The Lord of Life pausing a moment as he drew his saber with one hand down to his side and turning, he looking at his Old Friend with his own eyes,
"Nexion.."
Then his eyes once more as if crusted over, became that deep lavender again, and he took the saber with both hands and thrusting forward with both hands, it was evident that the Storm was now demanding he make a sacrifice. He came close to Nex, the tip drawing near hid lower abdomen, it could be parried with ease, though a two handed thrust was harder to beat away, it would require a two hand guard or evasion altogether.

Despite all his protestations, there was no doubt that Nex spoke some truth, that The Lord of Life had allowed this Dark Lady some dominion over him. If he was to become as he claimed to His Old Friend, he would need to severe, to shed this influence. It was becoming rather apparent that Hemorpheus that he needed to purge.

 

[Darth Nexion]

Seeing Hemorpheus' brief pause and the colour of his eyes changing, Nexion couldn't help but let out a small chuckle, one that grew into more of a laugh as his old friend's eyes went back to a deep lavender. That mere act was enough to validate everything he said in relation to Hemorpheus' relation to his 'owner'.

"I knew it. You really are weaker than ever."

As Hemorpheus thrust his blade forward, the necromancer directed his own downward in order to parry it away. However, unbeknownst to Hemorpheus, Nexion halted his blade for a mere moment. A moment that would be unnoticed by any. That moment resulted in Nexion suddenly being met with a red blade straight through his abdomen. Even so, his smile never failed. In fact, it only seemed to extend ever more.

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

The Lord of Life to his great suprise had made purchase, his blade protruding though his old friend, and the look on Nex's face was not one of defeat, rather amusement, even sheer joy. Life had struck Death, what did that mean? What would happen? The Former Archon touching the activation switch, made the blade retract into his hilt and he dropped it.
"Nex.. no.. no.. no! I did not mean to.."
His lavander eyes faded away to reveal the ones that had looked upon His Brother, his friend.
"You have power over death! Stop this! Live! Or reanimate! I beg you! I cannot lose you too!"

And there it was, that weakness, that tether to life that he could not shake no matter how much he tried, he cared deeply about those who had been in the living realm with him. Just as he was unable to rent Ana from his heart, Nex was there too, his dearest friend, and now he had done the unthinkable. Was this the work of His Mistress! Had she been using him as a Pawn to whip out those she deemed a threat?! The Dark Lord sought to catch The Lord of Death, though he was not sure what would happen, would the Necroworld call him forth? Would he survive unscatched and thrust his blade through him? He had never landed a blow on Nex, and that made him suspect, especially the composure of his Friend, that this was his doing, he had let his guard down, but why? Why had he let Life win this match?!

A single tear began to go down his cheek as he reaching out in he Force to steady his wounded friend.
"Please.. I cannot live in a galaxy without you brother.. just as I cannot live without her.. I beg you.. I call to Typhojem! Please Left Handed God! Hear me!"

The Lord of Life felt himself cracking inside, the wounds of lose were beginning to take their toll and he was bargaining with Death itself, asking it not to take its Son away from Him...

TAG: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

"Hehe hehe... HAHAHAHA!!"

One would think Nexion had lost all reason upon him laughing at his own imminent death, but when you know him, it wasn't too out of character. Despite the stumble in his step, the hitch of his breath, and the shaking in his eyes, one could look upon Nexion at this moment and see someone with pure joy on their face, not anything more or less. As Hemorpheus reached to steady him, Nexion simply gripped the hand and pried it away from him. The grip had no anger in it, but it was more so in a manner of 'I don't need steadying' in an objectively true way.

He stared straight into his old friends eyes, seeing the lilac vanish from them while his own glowed more violently than ever. Seemingly without any strain in his voice, he spoke.

"See you soon, Hemorpheus. Take that as you will. But know this..."

He began to fall back as his body went limp, but his smile grew until it couldn't anymore and it stayed plastered there until the end. In his last breath, he muttered only two words.

"I win."

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

TAG: Darth Nexion

The laughter of his dearest friend as he was slipping away made Hemorpheus on edge, he could feel him fading away, and his withdrawl of his desire to steady him.

The promise of the Lord of Death that they would see on another again, and soon did not assuage his feelings, The Lord of Life began to shed tears as he cried out,
"What have I done?!"
The sensation of death made him recoil, the cold shadow falling over his friend who seemed in rapture, and making a most defiant claim of victory. While in his rational mind, Hemmy knew that this enraptured state was natural for him, for the Lord of Life there was great pain at this severing, this speratation. As the body went limp he let out a gasp of his own, and he considered a moment of using his own power to revive Him, to mend his body, and then found himself fall on his knees as he was unable.. the shadow of death was so potent, so all encompassing that his breath was vapor and he let out a wail,
"Nexion! My Brother! You strike the harshest blow of all! You know I cannot tolerate death save when you speak.. this silence! Its suffocating! I told you that when in our truest domain we recoil from one another! You have left me! As Ana has left me! How can I be Lord of Life when all I experience is death?!"

He began to dry heave and then void, pink liquid pouring forth and lapping at the body of his Friend.
"You leave me nothing!!!"
This he did not direct to Nex, his eyes looking up as if to the heavens, was he speaking to the immortal gods? Grief did strange things, and whatever the intent of his words did not matter. He was feeling the power that his friend had worshipped. And it was painful. Unable to stay in this mausoleum any longer, rising he held out his hand which shook and said as the body lay there,
"You win.. death always will, won't it my friend?"
At that he made his way back to the surface, his heart heavy as he was now among the trees, not even their creaks from the wind, or the sound of birds singing their song could remove the stone in his chest, the suffocating air of that sarcophagus. He had not come here to cut ties.. he was no longer interested in what this world could offer. While he knew his friend had the power to make good on his promise to see him again, Hemmy did not intended to travel to Netherworld.. or perhaps he would, but then the Lord of Life would be risking eternal death for a friend. Would he dare? This thought gave him pause as he stood in the forest.