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

[Darth Hemorpheus]

Location: Project Necromancer Labs
Planet Wayland
Hostiles On Planet: Zillo Beast

TAG: Darth Nexion

DARTH HEMORPHEUS THEME FOR THIS THREAD

DARTH NEXION THEME FOR THIS THREAD

---

The Planet Wayland was full of secrets.. a place where The Galactic Empire had conducted cloning operations of a most "unnatural" sort. The Forest world was unlike the many barren Sith worlds that were an obvious shelter for dark sorceries. This world was teeming with life.. and that was what had attracted this Lord of Life. Hemorpheus had come, partly for his new Mistress Nyxira Valis who he had pledged himself to, her storm was coursing though his soul, and his eyes reflecting her power in the glowing purple of her supremacy. Legends said that somewhere on Wayland was a lab, inside it contained cloning techniques that differed radically from that of Kamino. The concept of copying another's genetics and making a complete duplicate was an abomination to him on one level, it was not natural life, it was not the unique breath he was hunting in his Odessey. However, it was life, and was very much in harmony with Darth Plagueis’ research and Midi-chlorian manipulation.

The Tempest came out of hyperspace and poised itself over the great mint green and white world. There on the bridge, The Vassal of the Storm looking down on the lush paradise that he would soon set foot on considered what he would do when he found the lab. Would het retrieve the technology for His Mistress, or destroy it as altar of false life? These two natures ran within him, service to Her and his own ethics as The Lord of Life. Only when he would come to the lab would he be absolutely certain how he would proceed.

The Shuttle descended into the fog of the atmosphere, its obsidian haul and wings gliding on the cloud cover as if it were a sea itself. Below was a the green tops of the towering trees that covered the entire planet save the high mountains that rose as rocky pyramids. The Base was in the mountains, and was said to have been stripped long ago by Grand Moff Tarkin after it was attacked, all assets being transported off planet. What the Lord of Life knew is that great scientists never stored all their eggs in one basket, that a lab poised on the mountain cliffs was too obvious, that the greater research would remain hidden, and what better place than the forest? Nothing from the air would mark its enterance. It would require one attuned in the ways of the Force, and able to detect the slightest detail to find the door...

A clearing that was enveloped by trees was where the Former Achon landed. The Black Bat like shuttle set down, and the ramp dropping, from the interior the first thing that could be seen is the Lord of Life's glowing amethyst eyes. Stepping on to the green earth, feeling the breeze of the wind, and the trees creaking around him, he closed his eyes and took in this calm of life. He had been creating instruments of death for his Mistress, Life and death, and while it did afford him the chance to test his Plagueian skills, he was beginning to feel as if he was becoming more of Nexion's shadow. Dues always had to be paid, to learn the secrets Darth Nyx was promising to teach him required that he contribute his end of the bargain and give her weapons of flesh. He could not complain, the storm that he shared with her was soothing, and gave him purpose, an omniscience of sorts, the price though was undoubtedly she could see and hear what he was doing. This did not alarm the Former Archon, the partnership had given him a renewed sense of purpose.

Taking some steps in his Red Armor, his face exposed, now that he was not doomed to wear that mask to breath. Shedding it was very much like shedding the past, and little did he know that he would be confronted with it, here in the cradle of clone creation...

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion wasn't sure how long it had been, but he had been travelling through space for a very long time. He had been chasing rumours of an old project left by the Galactic Empire from long ago. While the simple prospect of a project would seem to be of little interest to the necromancer, Nexion couldn't help but find himself curious. So, he'd been following any trail of information he could find until finally, he had found where he needed to go. The planet Wayland was rather far from where he had heard about it, so he had been travelling for quite some time.

Eventually, however, he arrived at his destination at last. He flew over the surface of the planet before he at last found his prize, the facility housed in the environment. He found a clearing where he landed his ship, but was quick to realise there was another ship in the same area. It was unfamiliar to him, which failed to bother him, but he could feel a familiar presence. It was one he found in recent memory, but it felt different so it was hard for him to recognise.

He left his ship and began to make his way to the facility, trying to recognise the familiar presence. It felt so familiar that he was surprised at his inability to recognise it.

As he neared the facility, he began to wonder in his head just what was it about this project that made him so interested? He didn't know anything about the project, but his instincts just made him feel as though he needed to find it.

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

TAG: Darth Nexion

As the Lord of Life began to make his way in the woods, the shadows of the tree tops concealing him from above. And yet he felt it.. a presence, a living presence was nearby. This was curious since he understood that the planet was abandoned. As he concentrated on this signature in the Force, he began to feel something he knew, the scent of decaying flesh permeating the senses. Could it be?

Hemorpheus made his way between the trunks that shot up to the heavens, he tried to sense where the secret facility might be. He began to consider where he might disguise it. It was then as he began to walk towards some roots, and saw a great cluster of leaves and mesh, particular mossy bits. Reaching out his hand, he levitating the pieces off to reveal a tunnel entrance. The Former Archon took his saber from his belt, and immolated the magenta fire, as he began to enter therein. At first it was cave formations, with rock and slab, but then he felt metal beneath his feet, and saw a door half ajar. It was made of a deep gray, and the lights of red were no longer functioning. Reaching with her hand, he began to pry it open, stepping through. He was now in some sort of bunker, with halls, and panels, the floor had marks of a struggle, claw marks. Holding his humming blade as light, he began to look at the screens and counters, upon which was cups that were covered in dust. It was clear that no one had been her in a long time. Pressing on he came to a room with many glass tubes, like becta tanks, most empty, one had water that had stagnated. Another pod was broken, glass shard strewn on the floor, and claw marks. Something had escaped and it reminded him of Odar-Faustin.

He made his way to another room, where chains hung, and dried blood was all over them. Taking hold of one of the links he squinted, so far nothing was promising when he saw one pod with a figure in it, waters bubbling, and life signs on the panel still in the green. Curious, was it a seperate life support system. Looking into the tube he saw it had ginger red hair, and eyes white as its flesh. The Lord of Life turning to a table, saw a datapad, and taking it brought it to life, and saw the notes of the Scientists, making him look at the Clone in the tube with a rather grave expression, as he immolated his blade anew...

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion trudged through the forest before he eventually found an entrance to the facility. He continued to sense the presence and felt it enter the facility as well, so he carried on in that general direction. As he wandered through the hallways of the facility, he took note of old technology, blast marks on the walls, and the occasional body. Should a fight emerge, it's good to know where he has to send his power to. The further into the facility he got, the darker it seemed to be. So he ignited one of his lightsabers in his left hand, the red light providing better visibility in front of him.

He carried on and continue to sense the presence, which was becoming infuriatingly familiar, yet he couldn't be sure of who it was he was sensing. He had an idea of who it was, but there was something about them that felt off... different, and not in a good way as far as Nexion was concerned. He was sure that if his guess as to who it was, was correct, the difference in their presence may be explained.

Eventually, he came across a heavy duty door. One that was clearly made with the idea of it needing to survive a lot of, or one very large, explosion. Looking at it as a mere inconveniance, he raised his right hand and balled it into a fist. The door began to creak and groan, befinning to crush in on itself. Nexion then threw his fist to the side and the door tore off of it's hinges. He stepped inside a room and immediately noticed chains hanging from the ceiling with dried blood, and many pods in the room... ... it was just like his lab on the Dominion. But then, he noticed one other individual and he recognised him. He may not have seen his face before, but his stance with his blade drawn,a nd the presence surrounding him told him all he needed to know. With a smirk on his face, he spoke in an amused tone.

"Hemmy, old friend, is that you?"

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

The tip of his burning kyber was ready to strike, it was touching the glass of the tube with the Clone therein, when he felt it.. the presence he had not felt since.. he left the Diarchy. This was confirmed when he heard the voice, unmistakable it was from any other, the Lord of Death himself, his brother in the mysteries of life and death. Turning, Hemorpheus' long deep red hair swayed in its long locks, and his glowing eyes of deep lavender.
"By the immortal gods.. Nex?! In all the systems, of all the worlds, we at last cross paths."
The Lord of Life was amazed at his transformation in the presence of his old friend. The very sight of his Brother made him feel at ease, and for a moment he forgot His Mistress, and that he was about to cut the Clone pod asunder and kill the specimen inside.

There was not hiding how glad Hemorpheus was to see Nexion, his greatest regret when he left The Diarchy was that the two of them would torn apart and no longer work closely together in their very opposite, yet harmonious fields of study. Life and Death, they were together again, and it seemed all was right in the galaxy once more. The Lord of Life even felt memories stir, of when they worked in their respective labs, and did join efforts like the Odar-Faustin Mission which was fiasco, though a fun one. It was the last time they all were together, Nex, Him, and Ana.. he wondered about her, and how she was fairing, though he did not ask The Archon. Though he suspected his Old Friend probably could read his feelings, especially since he no longer had that mask to mask them.

"I should have anticipated you would come. This was called Project Necromancy after all." said Hemorpheus with a smirk. His face was still pale despite the long periods of exposure to sunlight, a skin condition that most Dark Siders suffered from. Though Lord Nexion was pale for altogether reasons, Hemorpheus use to tease him it was something he contracted from hanging out with corpses all day. So here they were, Lords of Life and Death in a secret lab on Wayland, a world were illegal experiments had been conducted to create life from death. It was obvious that this was the perfect place for a reunion, it being of interest to them both...

TAG: Darth Nexion

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion's smirk widened upon hearing the name of this project, "Project Necromancy". Hemorpheus was right, that is perfect for him, and it got Nexion all the more certain that this was why he was instinctual about coming here.

"Is it now? I admit I had no idea, I simply felt compelled to search out this old Imperial project, instinctive, you know?"

He turned his attention from the room and focused on his fellow Sith Lord. He must say he felt very saddened upon Hemorpheus' departure from the Diarchy (he really didn't). He felt as though Hemorpheus was one Sith Lord he could potentially come to respect. He was also shocked and disheartened (he really wasn't) to hear of the Lord of Life's break up with his nightsister partner.

"But, I have all the time in the world to look over this stuff. Back to the more interesting matter: look at you. As I, ironically, live and breathe, I never thought I'd see you without your mask on. It seems you've received a few 'upgrades', so to speak. Tell you what, I'll just put some light on and we can catch up."

Nexion deactivated his blade and clipped it to his belt. He walked towards a worn down old switch on the wall next to him and flipped it, causing power to come on on the room and lights to turn on.

"I figured a place like this would have backup power generators, so it must be able to power individua rooms manually."

He returned focus to his 'brother'.

"Come, sit. We haven't met in a while. Let's catch up."

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

The Lord of Death was not aware of what this place was? Or he was feigning not to know, his brother was always good at obfuscation, after all Death was obscure, a journey that most did not return from fully.

Darth Nexion 's remarks about the absence of his mask made Hemopheus chuckle, the bawdiness of his speech made it even more funny, the two having been separated for such a time.
"What can I say.. it seemed a crime to hide what gifts have been bestowed to me of handsomeness."
He following this up with a chuckle.

The Archon of Death activating the lights gave them proper illumination for this reunion, Nexion gesturing to a lab chair that had some cobwebs. With a wave of his hand, The Lord of Life made them blow away and he took a seat and came close to where His Friend now sat. As his eyes of Deep Lavander burned, he crossing his arms in a resting position on his chest said,
"How goes your pursuits my Old Friend? Have you ventured to the Netherworld? Do you have an army of the dead?"

He wanted to ask about Ana, but he had to bury that deep down, though Nex might suspect it. The truth is he had moved on with another Witch, and needed to let go of all attachment to her former flame. Perhaps he needed to confront it head on, to purge the weakness of the past. Though ironically, in the presence of his Brother, he felt strengthened. They had been like the twin moons of Tython, circling and gaining from one another's prominence in their perspective orbits of Life and Death. While he had found his place and purpose in Nyx, in her Storm he felt a fulfillment he had never known, he still had a deep fealty of bond with Nexion. It could not be helped, they had a history, and it even now was playing out as they wove the fabric in the Force.

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion released his own chuckle upon Hemorpheus' remarks of his (self-appointed) handsomeness. He grew a smirk upon hearing his 'brother's' question regarding his research, feeling thrilled at finally telling someone of his achievement.

"Not quite seen the Netherworld, no, but my studies have truly been taken to the next level, or at least they will be. I can feel myself on the edge of my greatest achievement, and this place may provide the insight I need. If not, well, I can gain a few new samples along the way."

He could tell Hemorpheus' thoughts dwelled upon the individual he was closest to in the Diarchy, and the one he truly left behind: Anastarsia. He leaned forward truly look him in the eyes, his face being clear as day as a show of (fake) empathy.

"She's doing well, you know? Anastarsia. Well, she's been a tad more... on edge, but she's been alright enough. Gone on adventures with some other nightsisters..."

He took a second to allow Hemmy time to process. Then he began again.

"So, how about yourself? What has the 'Lord of Life' been up to since leaving the Diarchy."

He never said anything about it out loud, but Nexion was still wondering why Hemorpheus' presence felt so different to how it was. It wasn't a good change, as far as Nexion was concerned. It was when he looked into his eyes that Nexion saw the difference. The eyes are the window to the soul after all, they tell the truth.

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

TAG: Darth Nexion

Nex was always good at keeping his hand, his cards that was cloaked. Even when he did share about his research, he said nothing, it was rather infuriating when they were together in The Diarchy, since Hemorpheus was an open book. However, now it was charming, this reticence was quintessential aspect of his personality and he had come to accept and respect it. Perhaps The Lord of Life should be inclined to conceal his own breakthroughs, after all, he was to soon be on "The List" which had been the chief reason for his departure.

Once more his Brother read his feelings with ease, and brought up Ana. Hearing that she was getting along, and with Nightsisters made him smile slightly,
"I am glad she is finding purpose. I even choose to believe that our severance has been to her growth. She would still be my assistant, and now you say she is on her own adventures."
This was what he wanted to believe, for he had left her behind when she refused to depart from The Diarchy. In his heart he held no ill will for her, she had to trod her own path. And it was a boon to hear that she was moving on, as he had. Though the gaze of The Lord of Death penetrated this pleasant belief, he felt there was something behind the words, "she is a tad more.. on edge."

To the Great Query from Nex, The Vassal of the Storm began to consider how to brooch the subject or if he should be so forthcoming. He was absoloutely loyal to His Mistress Nyxira Valis and for first time in their history he did not intend to tell Nexion what their plans were. Only that he must give a little nod,
"I have found a purpose beyond The Diarchy.. it has brought me peace."
He could even now feel Her presence, the Thunder that was inside him and He in it, reflecting in his eyes as glowing deep lavender. Even as he ruminated on Ana and what had become of her, he felt it soothing his aching heart, and giving him enough resolve to surmount the pain of memory. His eyes which glowed as flame, fixating on Nex as he considered that one day they might be forced to cross blades, not in the days of old when they sparred, but in lethal intent, The Lord of Life and The Lord of Death seeking to eclipse one another. He for the moment banished this thought, content with the affable feelings of this reunion, though there was no mistake, The Diarchy and His Mistress were on a collision course, and he would as her Vassal take up arms, and create arms of flesh to fight for The Storm...

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion initially smiled at Hemorpheus' response, but it quickly faded as he truly saw his 'brother's' eyes. There wasn't a physical difference, but it was there, and Nexion could see it. He didn't want to ruin what has been a nice day, but he couldn't deny that he had to know for sure. So, in response to Hemorpheus, Nexion asked.

"This purpose of yours... why has it made you weaker? You aren't like you were with the Diarchy. Usually that would be something to praise, but how you are now is so, so much weaker than you were back then."

His voice wasn't one of hurt or sadness. It was more akin to a parent questioning their child's bad idea. It was simply full of disappointment. Of all the Sith he'd ever met, Hemorpheus was the only one who he would say had the potential to earn his respect. But seeing into his soul now, left Nexion disappointed to of thought so.

He was sharp and direct with no sugar coating of his words. He simply wished to know the truth.

"Tell me, old friend, who have you allowed to chain you down? Who have you chosen to serve?"

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

TAG: Darth Nexion

If anyone else had called The Lord of Life weaker, he would have given no reply and allow his deeds to speak for him. Since this was his Brother in the throes of Life and Death, he gave a reply,
"What you see as weakness, I see as wholeness. I have learned there is a peace in serving, I was aimless in my Odessey, now I have direction and will complete my crossing of the threshold a great deal sooner than I had anticipated."

He could see the disappointment in Nex's gilded eyes, he was now a vestige of what The Lord of Death had known. Even his old mask with its pipes were caste aside, and Ana.. who Hemorpheus stilled cared for, though he was determined to shed his love of her. He had tried to do that with a Krath Witch, who was now his mistress. Not a topic he hoped to brooch with Nexion, lest it get back to Ana, why did he care? She had made her decision to stay behind in The Diarchy. If anything The Vassal of the Storm should be cross with her! And in that moment he felt a fleeting ire, more like embers, the truth is that he did not stay easily wrathful, he cared too much for those he loved to stay forever bitter. Everyone had made choices, and they did so with the best intentions.

"You of all people should know that we do not fufill the last line of the Creed, 'my chains are broken, the Force will free me,' till we die. As long as we live we are shackled. As you are shackled to The Diarchy, and I to my Mistress. In truth I prefer to see them as good chains, meant to keep us from becoming wanton chaos, more like bonds that keep us bonded to one another and loyal. Our traditions of betrayal for power in the Sith has made us weak, The Jedi have the strength of strong ties, because no matter how skilled a duelist you are, and how powerful in the arcane you become, numbers will overwhelm you, just as a legion of ants can overcome a Kinrath Spider."

Hemorpheus let his words hang there for a moment. He had always been unorthodox, a Sith Scientist who did not blind himself with traditions, he observed them, but he gleaned from all traditions that had Saarai (truth). The Jedi were their common enemy, though even enemies make breakthroughs and discoveries, and only a fool would disregard those. For the Sith had taken the lightsaber from the Jedi, learned how to forge them from their sabers, why not ideals that did not contradict the dark side? This was what Darth Marr had seen, that the enemy was not entirely blind, and the sooner the Sith saw that, they stronger they would become, if they could get pasts their intercide and power hungry politics that is.

 

[Darth Nexion]

"And yet that principle, Hemmy, is where you and I differ. Contrary to what you may think, I am not bound by the Diarchy by any means. I simply find them to be rather entertaining. It's always good to have entertainment while researching, after all. As for your ideas of 'good chains', there is no such thing. Chaos is always a good thing, as it is how one can deal with chaos that shows their strength. To avoid chaos is to avoid what is natural. As for numbers overwhelming others... tell me between the two of us, who can make a never ending army during a fight? I am well aware of the effects of numbers."

Nexion rose from his seat, beginning to pace around the room, but his expression didn't give any real feeling. His expression had hardly changed, not showing any real emotion to his 'old friend' besides annoyance and disappointment. He faced Hemorpheus once more, his red sith eyes not being present, but glowing green eyes representative of his necromancy.

"And betrayal? Tell me Hemmy, when you've achieved your goals, become a true Lord of LIfe, what happens then? What does this 'Mistress' of yours do with you? Free you? No, I don't think so. She will keep you chained like a pet, at her beck and call. You will not be able to use your power to their full extent because your 'Mistress' will control what you can and cannot do. Tell me, what kind of chains do those sound like to you?"

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

TAG: Darth Nexion

Hemorpheus had allowed The Lord of Death to bring the subject of the Diarchy to the front of this discussion, and so with no lack of feeling, for He was want to express himself,
"The Diarchy is about to make a grave mistake my friend. I left them because repeating history is not of any interest to me. You say you are not tied to them, though your Lab was a gift from Lord Reign, and in time your Darth title will be a liability. No, I prefer to keep a good distance from the entertainment of ruination."
His tongue has some spite to is, something that had never been there before, and it felt good to expiate that last drops of the Diarchy from his soul, to make them obsolete in word to him as they were in his deeds.

The Lord of Life fixating his glowing lavender eyes on the green of his Brother, it was becoming clearer they were at odds, even more so than their pursuits of Death and Life. This was ideological, and when he dared to show contempt for His Mistress, his eyes flared,
"You still do not understand. You play with corpses.. dissecting the dead and making your kingdom the Nether, if you truly crossed the River to the Underworld you would not be as you are now, for you would be much altered and there would be a great cost. That is where you and I differ Brother.. once I cross The Threshold, and enter the Mystery of the Vita, I will have no one reigning over me, not even Life. Once my passage has been a success, I will then control all that lives! Though unlike your superiors, and perhaps yourself, I do not intend to create chains and sit on a throne.. I will facilitate life, and be The Creator, my will shall bring life, and everything that people delight in this galaxy will have my mark. I will be part of everyone, and everything, save perhaps you.. if you truly go with Boatman down to the Underverse, then you will be beyond my reach.. so you see my old friend, my ambition at last is revealed, and I am well aware of the cost. When I return from The Threshold, the Man you know will be no more.. in its place,, Life."

He chuckled,
"Though no one in the sycophantic orders will believe my intentions are noble.. their paranoia will cause them to hunt me and seek to stop my Odyssey. Oh how these blind guides think they understand.. they play at being lords, when their kingdoms crumble in an instant.. to be a true Lord requires eternity.. and none of them will live forever. You see that is why I always respected you Nexion, you are treading the alternate path to glory, to the true Lordship, the true Diarchy over the Universe is Life and Death, Death and Life."

Hemorpheus crossed his arms, as he stood waiting to see how his words would effect his Old Friend. The Lord of Life had divulged a lot, and it might seem as showing of his hand, though Former Archon was not afraid of any, only Nexion possessed the potential to be a threat to Him. The rest were all lost in their delusions of grandeur. What was open wide to these two was a Path to become not only immortal, but to have dominion over the most powerful forces that exist, even more power than The Force itself which operated between these two forces, Life and Death, Death and Life.

 

[Darth Nexion]

"Entertainment of ruination? That's the whole point of this particular entertainment. To see those who are so close to a goal and connected, only to then fail and have their structure collapse, that is my joy. As for my lab, that can disappear for all I care. My research is nigh-complete regardless."

Nexion came to a stop from his pacing and faced Hemorpheus, his eyes subtly glowing green. His grin widened into one he had never directed towards Hemorpheus, but one that was familiar all the same. A grin of smugness, one that showed exactly what Nexion was currently thinking of his old 'friend'.

"Not a man, but Life? Now who's caught up in delusions of grandeur? If you really think this 'master' of yours will truly allow you to do anything close to your... ideas, you truly have gone mad. And that's coming from me, of all people. I recall when you were far more composed than this, and more secretive. Yet here you are, fully revealing everything, and showing how desperate you've truly become."

Nexion leaned in towards Hemorpheus, looking him dead in the eye.

"So, Hemmy, how about we move on to current events? What is it that your 'Owner' has sent you here for? Training you to play fetch?"

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

TAG: Darth Nexion

Hemorpheus chuckled,
"So you truly are a Sadist my friend? Taking pleasure in the fall of others," turning to look at the specimen in the the tank, and then back to Nexion, "I am afraid that I have too much attachment to be able to delight in the devastation of others." His mind drifted to Ana once more, why was she still such a Dathomiran Thorn in his mind? That was the remnant, aside from Nex, that Nyx had been unable to purge from Him. He would not let her, for the pair was more dear to him than he dared say.

Taking a breath as he considered The Lord of Death's next words,
"It is not a delusion Brother. She cannot stop me, we are working to each others mutual benefit. I needed covering to conduct my search, just as the Diarchy has been your covering. She promises to show me the door to the Threshold, though if she fails or violates the bargain, which I suspect is fifty percent probability, I have a secondary plan, in which I shall abandon her".

His Brother grew bolder in his insults, and called him a hound, a Ta'kuta. He failed to understand that Hemopheus had just offered him a partnership that would transcend life and death, and would make them the True Rulers of the Universe. He was curious why his friend was so blinded to this, that he would resort to sarcastic wit.
"I suppose I was mistaken Nex, there is another I have met that seeks to tame The Underworld.. perhaps I shall make my offer to them. I had hoped you were a man of Vision, it seems all you have become in the Diarchy's shadow is a man of insults. At least I am making progress towards my aims, you on the other hand, have you? Are are you afraid? Yes.. I sense it, you do not have the courage to do what must be done to hold absolute dominion over death. And so you call me a dog, which masks your own inadequacies. I have never been anything but your friend.. though I see now the rift, the gulf has grown between us.."

He took her lightsaber hilt from his belt once more.
"She did not send me here Once Brother.. I came of my own accord. Now I make a choice most grevious.." He immolated his red hot blade and he thrust it into the tank, tearing into the clone that wretched, water pouring out as he cut it in twain. The water now bathed the bottom of his boots as he then held his blade ready, humming.
"You never understood did you? Why my name bears morpheus, that I am willing to change and transform to achieve my ambition.. to shed whatever I must to become The Lord of Life!"

He then thrusting his blade with both hands at his Friend, the tip of the burning kyber poised at his neck. Nex would no doubt recognize this move from their duel long ago.

 

[Darth Nexion]

Nexion barely flinched as Hemorpheus' crimson blade made its way to just shy of his neck. It was a familiar occurrence, one that had happened long ago when the two would spar. The necromancer simply smirked at his old 'friend' as he slightly backed up. He circled the Lord of Life who kept his guard up.

"Now why would you go and destroy what was in that tank? I for one would have thought you'd be thrilled to study what was in there. Or, was that just to spite me? Doesn't matter, I suppose."

He came to a stop at the tank that Hemorpheus had stabbed through giving it a quick look over before turning his attention towards his fellow Sith.

"Oh, well. Have you ever considered why I took the name Nexion? In some cultures it means 'opening a gateway' typically in reference to an acausal realm. A realm not bound by the laws of cause an effect. It was a simple choice. Take away it's expanded meaning as you will, but I focus on it's inherent meaning. 'Opening a gateway'. That is what I will do for myself. Allow myself to access the realm of death and master it entirely. Trust me, my old 'friend', you may be willing to change for your ambition, but that is only because it doesn't work for you. In my case, if it works, why change it? Don't fix what isn't broken. How I am now has brought me here and it will take me further, that I can assure you."

Nexion then drew one of his own blades and directed it towards Hemorpheus.

"I understand perfectly, Hemmy. You have to change because life is ever changing. As such, you have to change your approach. Death on the other hand is much more simplistic. As I once said to you: 'Death simply is'."

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

TAG: Darth Nexion

The Lord of Life kept silent on the reason why he had destroyed the specimen in the tank, he recognized at once who or what it was, and it had to die then and there, it was a violation of life, an abomination that came from almost a thousand years ago, a Lord that was so selfish that he took a shortcut to Lord Plagueis achievements. As far as he was concerned, let everyone forget the name of Sheev Palpatine.

It was intriguing, Nexion's name was close to what Hemorpheus was seeking only through life rather than death, a doorway to the Source, the Threshold, and so far he had been barred.
"Someday my old friend someone is going to promote you to full dead.. perhaps before you cross into your gateway. Then who will draw you forth? Have you an apprentice or acolyte with the powers to call you back?"
He was taunting his Brother, this was their nature, Life and Death, and Death and Life tilting with one another in them.

The Lord of Life snuffed out his blade with the twitch of his blood leather fingers, as he pondered what Nex had said.
"Indeed, though Life is violent.. is claws to stay as it is.. alive, death once successful is silent.. and that is my fear for you Brother.. that you will find a quiet grave at your end. I cannot fathom such a claustrophobic and deafening fate. For as you know too well, I crave company.. that is where you have grown stronger, you need no one.. you would without hesitation strike me down to build your Necropolis, I on the other hand have hestiated.. as I do now.. my feelings I suppose is the stuff of life, we feel because we are alive. Though.. ironic that my closest friend is Death, it seems The Force is not without irony.. heresy I know, though we Lords call it Destiny, seems to me regardless of our intentions, we are on a chess board. Both of us seeking to control that board.. though who wins? The White pieces of Life or the Dark Pieces of Death? Or is it the other way around, is not white the color of exposed bone?"

 

[Darth Nexion]

"You speak with such conviction, Hemmy, and yet you've allowed yourself to slip. 'I cannot fathom such a claustrophobic and deafening fate', sounds strikingly familiar to what one would say if they simply fear death. Not to mention, you've made known your weakness: you're compelled to be around others. As you've acknowledged, I need no-one and that is why my strength grows. It is my strength that I alone have earned and claimed. You, on the other hand, rely on others to give you strength, to help you achieve it, when the struggle for it on your own would make you so much stronger. You know what I said to Reign when I agreed to help the Diarchy? I told him that I would never acknowledge them simply because of their foundational belief in shared power. That is why Reign will never grow to where I am. People can grow in power, with there being those above me, but people like Reign will never reach me in strength, because they cannot achieve what they seek on their own."

"As for the chessboard? Death is not a player in it, and by extention, neither am I. When one piece is taken, that is Death doing its work, and a piece can be taken from either side of the board. Death is the board upon which life simply stands on, only to then be claimed by it."

Nexion looked into Hemorpheus' eyes as he spoke. Every word was meant and direct. Nexion meant every word he said, like he always did, and spoke with such conviction it was clear his belief in his ideology had long been nurtured and would never collapse, even if he were to (ironically) face his own death.

Darth Hemorpheus

 

[Darth Hemorpheus]

Hemorpheus considered his next words,
"There is a weakness hardwired into Life.. there is no perfection, no supreme power in these shells of matter. I have heard so many say as you do Old Friend, that they shall ascend on their own might, to gain power and for what? Another empire? Or to cause chaos as The Dark Empire has done? What is the point of power if all it does is destroy? No.. "Creation is an act of sheer will' to give life is far greater than to take it, and that is why you have slipped, death is inevitable, though it is far less impactful.. it is the breath, that strengthening oxygen that keeps hearts beating that I long to become. Plenty of Lords can still the breath of their enemies and send them to Hades.. what benefit is that? A Bounty Hunter, a Hutt, and any manner of violent executioners can preform the same.. making death not special. But life.. seeing a child born to carry on a great destiny, or the flowers of the fields blossom, or a star continue to burn and give light.. that matters."

He paused for a moment,
"No my Brother, the reason people fear death is they covet.. they cradle this precious breath and do not want to let go.. because what awaits beyond is unknown. Sure we have our beliefs, some claim a Paradiso, others an Inferno awaits us for our dark deeds in The Void. That maybe, what interests me is the here and now.. the living breath, not the possibility of a Second Life. That will sort itself out if it exists."

The Lord of Life matched the Nexion's gaze with his own, the Lavender Fire peering into the pools of his Friend's Green. How different they both seemed, and yet the same. Life and Death, Death and Life tilting with words, for they were far sharper than their sabers.

 

[Darth Nexion]

"How can someone so obsessed with understanding life in all its complexities, fail to realise and understand the simplicity of Death? True, that just as I can end the lives of other, a bounty hunter, a smuggler, a mindless beast could do the same. That is what makes Death such a powerful force. It is a universal language with little room for interpretation. People can believe whatever they wish about what comes after death, but it is universal what death itself is. That makes it a language anyone can understand."

Nexion raised his blade but made no move to strike towards his 'old friend'. He simply directed it at his chest.

"Another difference between you and me, I also only focus on the here and now. There would be no joy in me not doing so, after all. We simply focus on different things. You seek companionship, alliances, assistance. I simply seek whatever it is I decide to want at any given moment. I live for myself. Unfortunately for you, that seems to be something only those who have achieved something can say. Someone like me, not someone like you."

Darth Hemorpheus