Faction Those Who Fight (DH/DIA)

[Ra'a'mah]

Her best friend called on her, needing help. She listened to his problem, shook her head, and agreed to help him. She didn't argue with him, knowing how much the drink meant to him. As silly as it was, she arranged a meeting with the Diarchs. Luckily, she had already been in contact with Rellik, and this would be her first meeting with his brother, Reign.

They had set up on Bastion, and they were going to meet them there. The Curcible was their home and they were welcomed. Nothing fancy was set out, but it soon became clear Vulps was itching for another fight. His first encounter with these people was through Zara Saga , and Ra had only heard the tale. Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sighed. For a person who shunned the Sith ideology, he was more bloodthirsty than she ever had been.

"Alright, Vulps. You got my attention, and they've agreed to meet us. Cool your jets. You'll get payback and a drink out of this."

It was a good thing; she had already made several acquaintances with these people. Whatever happened, she would remain on good terms with them. She would also help her friend, and it would be nice to fight alongside him again.

Vulpesen Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Vulpesen]

That Vulpesen now walked on the surface of Bastion was a testament to the effectiveness of the Tenevi Order, Veradune's intelligence agency. With nothing more than a face provided by the Valde's shape shifting prowess, they had managed to track down the Archon of Light to an affiliation with the Diarchy. Of course, Vulpesen had heard the name, seeing it in a few galactic reports, but he hadn't yet given them much attention. That scrutiny was usually left for the Sith, Mandalorians, the Galactic Alliance.

But the deeper he dug, the more intrigued he became. An order created, seemingly, by sith with more than a simple disagreement of the conventional sith orders. All the belief in order without the focus on slaughter and death. It was what Vulpesen had pretended to be so long ago. A sith with an actual desire to do good. In their pursuit of these ordeals, the sith of the Diarchy had seemed to have turned themselves into something all together different. That fact was proven by the woman who now stood beside him.

Vulpesen and Ra'a'mah were the two oldest members of the Dark Hand, an organization that they had formed with the sole purpose of destroying or at least hampering the sith in the Galaxy. And yet, in his studies, he had found that Ra had allies within this "Diarchy." And she wasn't alone. While not present, his sister had also appeared to have connections.

Maybe he was a petty old man, ready to throw hands over pocket change and a glass of whiskey. Maybe he was a man so embittered by the sith that he would root them out no matter what they looked like. Maybe he was a firebrand soldier in need of an outlet. Or maybe, just maybe, he was a man intrigued by something new and ready to find any excuse to get a closer look at it. "I'm sure I will. What do you know about these people? I'm still a bit confused as to who and what they are."

Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: The Crucible of Order | Bastion
Tags: Vulpesen Diarch Rellik Ra'a'mah

---

Reign walked the hallways of the crucible. He had been informed of the new arrivals as soon as they had arrived in the hallowed halls. His brother had agreed to meet a contact of his, who spoke on behalf of another to settle some “dispute”

He moved quickly, black cape trailing behind him. He adjusted the cuffs on his black and gold uniform, checked his lightsaber to ensure it was reachable just near his back. He would not be caught off guard.

As he neared where he was to meet with them, he spied his brother moving towards the same space.

“What is this about brother? Do you know anything of this “grievous” affront is?”

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Ah, another beautiful day of studying and whispering within the halls of the Crucibles library. It was a sanctum for the Diarch and all within the order of the Brotherhood. Rellik made his way through rows of books; speaking to students and asking how studies were going as he went. The world could not have had a better glow beneath the two suns of Bastion. It was the epitome of what the Diarchy fought for. They have brought peace seen only on worlds like Naboo all the way to the Braxant run. And finally, there was a day he could simply revel in it and enjoy the prize of his labors.

Alas, of course, as if on cue it seemed something needed to arise. As Relliks litigation Droid Onyx made his way into the library and loomed over his master the Diarch. With a poke on the shoulder it got his attention and without words Rellik knew something had come up.

"My lord, you have requests for a meeting with a - Lady Ra'a'mah, whom I have in my database and another named" The droid knew the information. It was just a sassy piece of metal. Annoyingly joking as it scanned over the datapad like an old man trying to decipher holo-news. "A person known as Vulpesen. Supposedly an issue has arrived due to the actions of the acutely nicknamed Trouble - aka Zara Saga."

Immediately Rellik put his fingers on the bridge of his nose and rubbed it in frustration. "This woman, she never gives a moment for peace before she stirs something else up again. By the whills!" Rellik took the datapad. Reading over it quickly, the information on the altercation was obscure but if past events were anything to go on... it was probably Zara's fault.

"Very well, take me to the meeting spot." Onyx informed him it would be at the crucible and that made everything easy enough. As the Diarch left the library he ran into his brother. Seemingly on the same course for their new guests.

"Brother!" He hugged his older brother with one arm over the shoulder side by side. "Ah you know, the usual. Our favorite fire cracker of an Archon. It appears she has made more friends... as she is one to do."

As they made their way to the doors they saw the duo. Rellik recognizing Ra. He approached with a wave and as they were within meters of each other he offered his hand as he did the first time Ra entered the academy. An offer of respectful first meetings.

Vulpesen Ra'a'mah Diarch Reign

 

[Ra'a'mah]

"I made business connections with them a few months ago. Not long after, one of the Diarchs invited me here and dragged me through memory lane of my time with Carnefex's Sith Empire and my time with the Dominion. You know the ones."

Giving him an elbow, she had been a part of it when they met all those years ago. He had been the man who set her away from the path that had been forced on her. With the choice of join or die...she chose life. She had been granted Bast Castle, and from there, they had formed the Dark Hand. For their movement to still be going brought some happiness and gratitude to Ra.

"Well, the two Diarchs formed it, and from what I've been able to piece together myself, they are as much anti-Sith as we are. If not more, if only because they have more people and firepower."

Lifting an eyebrow, she turned to face the two brothers as they approached together. Having already met Rellik, she nodded at him and shook his hand as he offered it to her.

"Vulpesen, these are the Diarchs Rellik and his brother Reign."

After shaking Rellik's hand, she extended it to Reign.

"I'm Ra'a'mah Numare and have had business relations with your people for a few months. Not long ago, I learned of an altercation between him and Zara Saga."

Tipping her head in the direction of her friend, she would allow him to continue with the story.

Vulpesen Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Vulpesen]

His ears flicked at her words, and Vulpesen couldn't help but smile at the memories that had lead to the creation of the hand. Of course, not all those memories were necessarily business related, but he didn't mention that. As they approached the Diarchs however, he worked to school his expression into one of a more neutral facade while Ra ran through her introductions.

"Vulpesen Torrevaso, Valde of Veradune, and Arch Wilder of the Vitae Sect. I was on an undercover mission on Thule, taking out some Mercenary bandits. Imagine my surprise when one of those mercenaries stabbed a man in the throat then started to burn the place to cinders around me." His lips quirked up in a lopsided smile as he crossed his arms, his black tail flicking two and fro. "Before it all went to hell in a ration pack, we were having ourselves a nice little spar with some stakes. Your lady still owes me thirty credits and a drink." Nonsensical as it might have sounded, there was a serious under current beneath his voice. Vulpesen was here to exact a price. Whether out of pettiness or as a test, he was still deciding.

Ra'a'mah Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik (Mentioned Zara Saga )

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Bastion
Tags: Vulpesen Ra'a'mah Diarch Rellik

---

With his thumb and forefinger rubbing the bridge of his nose, Reign looked like he aged a decade in that instant before saying.

"Yes, she is quite good at that"

As they approached the pair they were there to meet, Reign took note of the familiarity between his brother and the woman, then accepted the hand that was offered his way.

"A pleasure, my brother has told me much of your dealings"

His gaze shifted as the other spoke. He had been vaguely aware of what Zara had been up to, yet his attention had been drawn elsewhere as of late. He looked the being up and down and had to fight back just a bit of laughter.

"That drink and the 30 credits must be worth quite a bit for you to come all the way to Bastion. The only thing that would have brought me across the galaxy like this would either be if I was spoiling for a fight, or there was some Whyren's Reserve at stake"

He looked into the eyes of the man.

"I happen to have both.. friend.. so tell me, what are you after?"

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen raised at brow at the knowledge, his tail flicking behind him as his eyes flicked between the Diarchs. Ra'a'mah had counted them as allies. He wasn't yet convinced. It wasn't that he didn't trust her. It also wasn't that he didn't trust them. He had simply yet to make up his mind. The sith were a wily and powerful bunch and he had lost more than one friend to their blades. There was no point in collecting allies if they were simply to become more casualties in the eternal war.

"Maybe both. How about a new deal? I've got a case of Veran whiskey on my ship. Strong enough to knock most folks on their asses. Winner gets the bottle of reserve and the case. Afterall, miss Saga and I never did finish our contest before the explosions." His hands folded in front of him and his elbow brushed against the edge of his cloak, moving it aside to reveal the scaled surface of his saberstaff. One belief that the Zorrens shared with the Echani, combat was a perfect opportunity to learn about someone. And when you were at war, it served as perhaps the best resume for what one might want to learn.

Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik remained quiet as Reign spoke, letting his brother's humor and scrutiny feel out the edges of their guest. He watched Vulpesen carefully. His face was of a ruler, a politician. He had been put on TV's and had his picture taken many times. His features did not betray his intent. He stood with a counselors pose and demeanor. When the saberstaff was revealed, however subtly, the Diarch's golden eyes sharpened slightly though.

Then he smiled.

"A contest of blades and bottles, is it?" Rellik said, voice calm but edged. "Very well. If that is your wager, I accept." In a brotherly fashion he stepped forward first. "It would be my honor to face you. Preferably as a friend but either way." He gave a deep bow to Vulpesen, with the flow of his cape bending at the display it showed off the curved hilt of his saber as he did so.

"This is the Crucible and it is aptly named so. We have an arena for such events if you would follow me." He began to turn, heading in the direction they needed to go. He tilted his head slightly, a glimmer of dry amusement passing over his face. "Shall we?"

Ra'a'mah Vulpesen Diarch Reign

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Bastion
Tags: Vulpesen Ra'a'mah Diarch Rellik

---

As Rellik stepped forward, and began to accept the challenge, Reign placed a hand on his shoulder.

"The caliber of the bottles in question brother, is no small sum. For that, I will be placing claim on crossing blades with our new friend here.. If I'm to lose a bottle worth the value of a small freighter, I would like it to be by my own hand"

His tone was light, but anyone attuned to the force would be able to feel the Diarch's excitement, Reign was a duelist, a warrior, first and foremost. And the chance to test himself against any opponent would be his for the taking.

He locked eyes with the other being again his green eyes were hard, even though he wore a smile. Reign always took a fight seriously, whether it was training with his daughters or clashing blades against the Sith or Jedi in war.

"The only contest I've had against a saberstaff is with my thirteen year old daughter, I've been wanting to gauge her skills against that of a master, if you'll indulge my curiosity.. and my challenge."

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra was entirely aware of the stakes, and while she disagreed with them, she would support him. He would have done the same thing for her. Closely watching the exchange between the Diarchs and Vulps, she knew what was coming. She mentally rolled her eyes and opened up her stance just enough to make getting to her weapons easier.

Most of the conversation was going to take place between Vulps and the Diarchs. Ra was fine with this and allowed it to happen. Tilting her head in the direction of Rellik, it was clear his brother wanted to battle with Vulps.

"So as friends, I'm inclined to say we're going to be crossing our lightsabers. If you are amenable, of course."

It had been several years since she had needed to show off her fighting skills, and she wasn't about to fail her friend now. Making a small motion for them to lead, she wasn't going to attack until they reached the arena.

Vulpesen Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Vulpesen]

A wolfish grin touched the Wilder's lips and his tail lashed behind him in gleeful expectation. It was trouble finding those to test his skills against nowadays. It seemed the battlefields were filled with veritable demi-gods or children with few in between that could provide a challenge without rearranging terrain features. A simple duel with men who claimed the strength to be a leading force in the galaxy was perhaps just what he was waiting for. "My own daughter has taken more to using the traditional weapons of my people, though my son is a dab hand with a blade. Neither have really taken after my style of combat, however."

He followed the brothers out towards the arena, his eyes darting back for a moment to Ra'a'mah as she followed behind. "I'll see what I can do in giving you a taste of my saber skills. Though I'll admit that its quite rare for it to meet blade to blade against another lightsaber." In truth, Vulpesen's weapons were far more varied than the glowing beam that most force users relied on. Beyond the force, his armor, which often served as his royal regalia, had more than a few daggers tucked into it. Weapons with which he had made his mark of the galaxy... and that was before he'd learned the art of storm calling that had made him a terror to the empires of more modern times.

Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: The Crucible Arena
Tags: Vulpesen Ra'a'mah Diarch Rellik

---

Reign’s smile was genuine, and any touched by the force could feel his excitement. Someone outside of the usual opponents he faced, and even more as their conversation continued, he could see himself becoming friends with this fascinating man.

As he entered the arena, he began to unclasp his cloak.

“I understand, one’s weapons must come in many forms. To limit yourself to only your saber would allow you to become predictable”

He did not speak of his own modified saber form, one that combined the various martial arts that Reign had mastered. Turning his own body into just as lethal a weapon as his blade.

“I must say, win or lose, I look forward to the drink at the end”

with that, he turned to fully face the man, and adopted his form V ready stance. Igniting his blood-orange blade.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik gave a quiet chuckle at his brother's words, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. He stepped out onto the opposite side of the arena from Reign, giving them quite a bit of space. It was a rather large colosseum. Across from him stood Ra. No matter what, when his gaze met hers - it was with a warm smile. He has battled enemies, rivals, those he hated. There were no such feelings for Ra. She was unique and strong but overall near to a friend.

Rellik reached up to unfasten the clasp of his cloak. The Blooded Seer loosened with a shimmer of deep crimson and glinting viridian, then rose as if caught on some unseen wind. It floated upward with a will of its own, gently ascending to one of the high balconies, where it settled itself on the ledge like a silent sentinel, watching, waiting. It would be fair to say before the Diarch died the cloak itself would come back down to protect him. It sat in a form that looked like a begrudged guardian sidelined.

The Diarch stood now in the garb beneath: a layered beige tunic with a synthweave under suit. Modest, functional, and similar to a Jedi's attire but off... somehow.

"Today, I'm honored to face you in this challenge Ra'a'mah. Thank you." With those words he gave her a bow and began to move.

His boots slid gently into position atop the etched dueling ring, one foot angled, one behind, a stance of patience, of control. Soresu. The style of those who endured. He ignited Conviction with a soft hiss, the golden blade flaring to life. Its hum joined Reign's on the far side of the arena.

"Begin when ready."

Ra'a'mah Vulpesen Diarch Reign

 

[Ra'a'mah]

As the four of them progressed to the arena, Ra stretched. Muscles that hadn't been used or seen any action for several years were going to be tested today. Even with that, Ra looked forward to clashing weapons with the Diarchs. There was no malice involved, and that took any weight off her shoulders.

At the mention of Vulp's children, she smiled. The last time she had seen them, they were near toddlers and nowhere near the adults they were now. She would have to change that in the future. To be fair, since he hadn't met her daughter, they were on an equal footing. Mentally shrugging, she finished stretching and took up a position across from Rellik.

Pulling out the longer-hilted double-bladed lightsaber she had, she ignited only one of the blades. The other would remain off until she sensed a weakness where she could exploit it to his surprise. The golden hue likely matched that of her opponent, and she lifted a single eyebrow.

It was worth noting that she adopted the stance of Juyo. Returning the bow he had given her earlier, she moved at his statement. With a dash, she would bring her blade in low and make a quick but clearly obvious slash at his side.

Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Vulpesen

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen chuckled as blades of gold sprouted around him. Once, he had thought his blade an oddity for its yellow hues. Now, it seemed that those who preferred a more balanced form were becoming more common. Then again, there were certainly differences in his weapon. A single snap hiss sounded as he activated one of his blades. A beam of black wreathed in brilliant gold rose forth and Vulpesen offered Reign a formal salute as he gathered the force to himself. Once, that blade had belonged to a jedi. As a shadow, his weapons had been a quick step and the whisper of a dagger. Now, he was a wilder. He was the storm.

Wind whipped around him and his body crackled with sparks of golden lightning which crawled about his dark runed armor. "Show me what you've got." With a lopsided grin, he sprang forward. Powerful gales blasted from his heels, propelling the Zorren forward as he whirled his saber at Reign in his opening strike. Intelligence and cleverness still had its place on the battlefield, but Vulpesen would be lying if he said he hadn't come to realize his own power and its uses in direct confrontation.

Ra'a'mah Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Crucible Arena | Bastion
Tags: Vulpesen Ra'a'mah Diarch Rellik

---

Reign's eyes sharpened at the ignition of the blade, while his grin never left his face, it was obvious now he had shifted into the form and motion of the warrior.

As his opponent launched towards him, Reign's mind worked overtime, he had not seen much use of elemental force powers in his time.
The speed and impact of his dueling partner would be much increased by what appeared to be wind currents at his back.

Nevertheless, Reign stood resolute, he had faced monsters and emperors, this new challenge did naught but excite him.

Amplifying his already considerable strength with the force, he braced to take his opponents strike head on.

As Blood-Orange clashed with Gold-Clad Black, Reign's smile broadened, even as he was pushed back from the force of the impact.

"I've never seen a blade like yours.. if we make it out of this as friends.. You'll have to tell me how you built it"

Reign's smile faltered for just a moment as he broke the clash to swing his saber down low in a flourish to distract his opponent and then came across horizontally at Vulpesen's midsection.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik pivoted smoothly, Conviction sliding down in a tight arc to intercept. Not with force, but with precision. The energy of the strike rolled off his blade like a wave redirected from the shore. He did not counter. He circled gracefully and composed, showing he was more than willing to sit back defensively.

"Ah. Juyo."

As he spoke Conviction spun in a smooth arc around him, trailing golden light in a seemingly harmless flourish, artful, distracting, almost decorative. His voice was almost conversational as he turned with her, never giving ground, but never claiming it either. Two sabers of the same color. Giving Rellik the idea to once again since their first meeting to bother Ra philosophically. He studied her. Not just the movement, but the set of her jaw. The way her shoulders carried the strike. The rhythm behind the blade.

"There's a gleam in your eye, Ra'a'mah. I have seen it in some of the most vicious warriors I have ever faced. I wonder if using this form brings back memories of your youth here on Bastion."

Words were not without meaning. The Diarch intended to use Dun Moch to make the aggressivness of Juyo work in his favor. To pester Ra while waiting for his time to strike.

Then as calmly as he spoke his blade reversed mid-motion and snapped forward in a sharp Makashi-style thrust, aimed cleanly at Ra's midsection.

Ra'a'mah Vulpesen Diarch Reign

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Her simple strike was merely a probe to test his defenses. Ra had not expected it to work and wasn't surprised as he pivoted away. The strike was blocked. His distracting movements didn't work on her, and her focus remained on his actions. His words brought a smile to her face, and she didn't deny his observation.

If they had met in her youth, she would have been a different person. Then again, the man in front of her hadn't even been born at that point. Time had passed, and she had grown up, changed, and thanks to her companion, they were a united team and stood together.

"I didn't actually grow up here, Diarch. Instead, I was born and raised on Vandelhelm. My...Nevermind. Not a place to talk about it."

Letting out a huff of air, she refocused on the duel. With her own circular motion, she swept her blade downward to push his lower than her stomach. With the flick of a wrist, a short shoto-sized saber came out of her sleeve and ignited next to his head.

At the same time, she brought her gold saber up and moved one step closer. If he wasn't pushing, then she would.

Diarch Rellik

 

[Vulpesen]

"Gift from my father," the zorren grunted as he whirled away after the initial clash. Even with the augmented strength of his natural anatomy, colliding with the Diarch had been like slamming his saber against a beskar beam, jarring and uncomfortable. The following feint was a fair one to be sure. And from an outward perspective, Reign appeared to have nearly ten years more experience than the man he was facing. Such was the tricky thing about Zorrens. Among his people. Vulpesen was little more than a child, albeit one that had saved them with messianic efficiency and grandeur. His kind boasted soldiers who had honed their craft for centuries if not millenia. They were lethal on the battlefield, not just due to their bodily power, but because their minds could accumulate stratagems for thousands of years before their bodies started to show signs of time's ravages.

Indeed, Vulpesen was almost a child among his people, a people who often lived to their fifth millennia. But even with another thousand years from his prime, the man had been fighting wars since before Reign's father had even had the thought to kiss his mother. His body had barely changed since his trial at the age of twenty. He was now eighty-three.

Nearly seven decades of war acted on instinct as he ignited the second blade of his weapon, the second rod of gold and black meeting the dark orange threat before pushing it away with a sweeping riposte which brought the back end arcing towards Reign's shoulder. "You said you wanted to see both ends at work, didn't you?"

Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Ra'a'mah