So many battles had already started. How many more would ensue? The plan had been unleashed and so accordingly the Organization had launched an offensive to destroy the Exiled. At least that’s the information that Salix had gathered. Who would he come across? Or would he even come across anyone at all? It would be “fun” as Xishn would have put it. Especially considering the current situation. Not that it mattered to Salix either way.
All that mattered to Salix was that the time during the battles would prove vital for information gathering. Especially with the Organization fighting the Exiled. The stronghold of the Organization that normally had an unbreakable guard would be greatly weakened and that would prove fatal in the end result. However using a Corridor of Darkness to get inside the castle was still out of the question as “greatly weakened” and “completely destroyed” were two completely different things.
It would have been reckless to go alone to the Organization’s stronghold so Salix had brought Xishn along with him. Had he brought Lonex things could have become messy and a bit loud and that was not acceptable for a stealth mission. Xaneth was far too inexperienced and at the current moment Selvix was unavailable so Xishn was the best choice. Salix had decided to enter the world of the Organization’s stronghold through a portal that he had discovered on another world. This portal had been on a world called Twilight Town.
Slowly Salix walked through the basement as he approached a large teleportation type mission. That would bring him to the first step on his way to his true destination. Standing on top of the machine Xishn followed as the machine began to glow a bit and came to life as it teleported them to a parallel area. It looked exactly like the area they had been at with some minor changes in detail that Salix immediately picked up on.
“Hey old man what’s up with this place,” Xishn asked.
“It was created by a man named Ansem the Wise. As you can see it was made for the sole purpose of putting people into an unconscious state for hibernation,” Salix explained.
“Why would anyone want to do that,” Xishn asked.
“Indeed. However it would help if there were some added power or reason to do such other than to sleep,” Salix said. “The Keyblade wielder had such reasons.”
“You mean that witch with the memory abilities,” Xishn asked
“Yes, Namine had rearranged his memories in another castle and this is where she put them back together while the wielder of the Keyblade slept,” Salix said as he walked off of the platform and continued to another part of the room as Xishn followed him. “We have very little time if we want to complete the mission.”
Slowly Salix and Xishn walked into the next room as the portal to the World that Never Was began to glow a bright black and green all the while spiraling slowly in a clockwise motion. As Salix approached the portal several Nobodies suddenly appeared and shot forth at him. However they were low class and easily blocked as Xishn summoned his mirrors and surrounded Salix. Moments later the mirrors were removed and the low class Nobodies were gone. Slowly Xishn walked forward to meet Salix an eager look on his face.
There was no doubt that it had been summoned up by the sudden attack from the Nobodies. Salix listened not hearing any movements he walked closer towards the portal.
“It appears someone doesn’t like the idea of us approaching the Organization’s stronghold. Let’s continue,” Salix said.
“I just hope this will be fun,” Xishn said as he followed Salix through the portal.
As Salix and Xishn arrived at the entrance to the World that Never Was Salix focused and listened carefully. Based on the attack that had happened earlier there was without a doubt a reason to believe that they were now under surveillance by “someone” and that “someone” didn’t want them to approach the stronghold of the Organization. Who was it? Was it Xemnas? Or perhaps it was Demyx stuck on security duty. Whoever it was that was watching them he’d most likely soon find out.
Without warning a flash of light filled the area as dozens of Nobodies appeared surrounding both Salix and Xishn. All of the Nobodies were low class mostly Dusks however there were a few other Nobodies of a slightly higher class mixed in with the group. This was but a minor detail to be fixed. Xishn could handle them himself however; it would be easier if he had some help. Salix raised his right arm as it began to glow brightly.
“How interesting to see that trick again after all this time,” a voice echoed through the area.
Slowly a Corridor of Darkness opened up as a cloaked figure appeared and walked out as the Corridor of Darkness quickly vanished. After the Corridor of Darkness had vanished the cloaked figure walked forward and removed his hood. It was Vexen! The man whom it could have been said was the Organization’s version of Salix. The Chilly Academic walked forward approaching Salix but stopped a good distance away just outside of the center of the ring of gathered Nobodies.
“It seems so odd that you of all people would step forth to greet me,” Salix said.
“Is it really? As Organization member #4 I do have my responsibilities and one such thing was the responsibility of taking care of pesky intruders,” Vexen replied.
“Pesky intruders? Is that what he’s calling us now? I had hoped we’d be called something more appropriate like dedicated rivals or what not. However I suppose pesky intruders will do for now. So now step aside Vexen,” Salix replied.
“I already told you my responsibility is to take care of pesky intruders like yourselves. Our # 1 has given me this official order,” Vexen said.
“Xemnas? You don’t say. Unfortunately for you he’s most likely gone by now. Or is that rather fortunately,” Salix asked.
“Do not speak of the superior in such a light tone,” Vexen said suddenly raising his voice for some reason.
“…How predictable. Whenever “the superior” is mentioned your mood immediately changes. Altering into a state of unpredictability. You should change that problem of yours,” Salix replied calmly.
“Quite some talk. It’s easy for a man who is blind to assume his power is nothing to be feared,” Vexen said slowly calming himself but still staying a bit on edge.
“I may be blind but I’ve felt Xemnas’ power before I’ve “seen” it in combat as well. He’s about as special as you or I. I see no reason to fear a man like that,” Salix replied.
“You have no idea how naive you sound,” Vexen said.
“Perhaps but at least I don’t fear a dead man,” Salix said. “As much fun as conversing with you has been I must be going. So now that you know that he is gone will you toss aside your orders and let me through?”
“A traitor can never be trusted especially not you. I’m afraid I shall have to keep to my original words. You shall not get into our stronghold,” Vexen answered.
“Old man let me take care of this coward,” Xishn said.
“Hold your tongue! How dare a man of lesser intelligence and rank speak to me in such a tone and tongue,” Vexen said angrily.
“Perhaps but to react in such a way Vexen makes you seem a bit frightened. Are you sure you’re not afraid,” Salix asked.
“Such insolence! Fine then I’ll just have the security teams handle this,” Vexen said. “These Nobodies were gathered by the superior in case someone tried to enter our world. You shall not set a foot in our territory.”
Vexen turned as he walked away entering the World that Never Was as the Nobodies slowly walked forward towards Salix and Xishn in large numbers. Salix had figured he’d use such a tactic it was not unlike him to do such. Xishn cracked his knuckles obviously anxious to get started.
“Might I assume that you can handle all of them,” Salix asked.
“Might I assume that you can kick his ass,” Xishn replied.
“Vexen was right about one thing your arrogant tone does precede you,” Salix said.
“Bah just get going already. If you don’t they might end up blocking the entrance,” Xishn said.
“I needn’t worry about that. Just make sure you catch up to me when you’re finished here,” Salix said.
“Yeah I know, I got it,” Xishn replied.
Salix walked away towards the Nobodies suddenly vanishing and then reappearing as he jumped into the air landing at the back of the Nobody circle. Turning towards Salix one of the Nobodies jumped at him only to get destroyed as Xishn appeared and shattered it with his right fist. Slowly Salix entered the portal as Xishn summoned his mirrors and blocked the entrance with them so they couldn’t follow Salix.
“They haven’t improved their security a bit! But I suppose you’ll all just have to make due,” Xishn said as he removed his hood showing his blue eyes and messy brown hair.
Swiftly the all of the Nobodies rushed forward at Xishn as he smiled. Things were about to finally become fun once again.
The World that Never Was, it was dark as always. But luckily it wasn’t raining as it once in a while did. Vexen walked through the streets slowly he had time there was no way he’d have escaped. Or had he? Would he sacrifice a pawn like such? Surely Xishn couldn’t defeat them all. Or could he? Suddenly Vexen stopped as two Heartless wielding medieval-like swords appeared as they closed off his exit.
“Sacrificing a pawn to save the king. How odd. I never figured you’d do something like that. Even if you are a traitor,” Vexen said.
“You’re underestimating Xishn and his abilities. Not a wise decision,” Salix replied as he walked towards Vexen and removed his hood.
Salix’s blind eyes gazed forward at Vexen as his long black hair drooped down on his shoulders.
“It doesn’t matter if I’m underestimating him or not. Eventually you traitors shall all be punished for your actions whether it be by the superior or yourselves,” Vexen said.
“…What exactly does that mean,” Salix asked sounding interested in what Vexen could be talking about.
“It doesn’t matter, because you won’t live long enough to figure it out,” Vexen said.
Raising his left arm a bright light engulfed it, as several small snowflakes appeared going off like sparks before disappearing. As the light disappeared an oddly shaped large blue shield formed in front of him.
“Is that so? I’m not sure if I agree with that theory of yours. However let’s put it to the test shall we,” Salix asked.
Slowly Salix raised his arm into the air as he snapped his fingers. Almost immediately dozens and dozens of hearts appeared glowing brightly as they floated above the ground. Suddenly a black mist appeared spiraling around the hearts until they were all entirely engulfed by the black mist. Within seconds they had begun to take form the form of Neo Shadow Heartless. Vexen stared at the Heartless as their yellow glowing eyes appeared completing their human-like form.
“It seems as though you’ve improved a bit. But it’s still not all that impressive of an ability,” Vexen said calmly. “Shall I show you what I mean?”
“By all means please do so and explain it while you’re on your way to the next plane of existence,” Salix said as he snapped his fingers again and lowered his arm to his side.
The Heartless slowed edged forward towards Vexen as Salix listened to the events unfolding. Suddenly Salix felt the temperature around his body lower as he jumped into the air and landed away from the Heartless. The Heartless had all been frozen solid. Salix frowned slightly realizing what had happened. Slowly he raised his right arm as he snapped his fingers and the Heartless turned back into hearts. The hearts floated a second before disappearing as Salix recalled them back to himself.
“Do you understand now? Your power is useless against me,” Vexen said.
“…How unfortunate. I figured Heartless would work but I suppose I underestimated your abilities. I suppose I could do that, but then I’d hate for this to end so abruptly,” Salix said.
“Oh, have you got a plan,” Vexen asked.
“Yes I do. Shall I show you what I mean,” Salix asked mocking Vexen.
“…Impudence,” Vexen muttered angrily.
Without the need to call for them two Nobodies appeared both of which were Silencers Salix’s familiars. Immediately Salix stretched out both his arms as he called forth two hearts and placed them each in one of the Nobodies. A bright flash of light appeared as the two transformed altering into a more human-like shape each wearing a cloak similar to Salix’s. As Vexen watched the transformation he seemed to be a bit surprised at the unusual power that Salix had just displayed.
Salix had just created two human-like Nobodies. They appeared in shape and form to be just like the members of the Organization or the Exiled Order. Turning to face Vexen Salix smiled a bit as the two Nobodies summoned their weapons. The first Nobody summoned a large hammer weapon and the second Nobody summoned a large medieval styled sword.
“How unusual and to think it all started out from such a primitive power. Care to explain how you did that,” Vexen asked.
“It wouldn’t help you. This “primitive technique” is required to accomplish such a feat,” Salix explained.
“I see however I am still interested in your companions there,” Vexen said.
“Be as interested as you like. Just don’t forget that they’re here to kill you not to entertain you,” Salix replied.
Swiftly the hammer wielding Nobody rushed forward as he threw his hammer forward. A loud crash echoed through the world as the hammer collided with Vexen’s shield harshly. Vexen felt his feet dig into the ground as he jumped backwards and summoned a large snowflake that shot forward at the first Nobody. However the attack was quickly deflected as the second Nobody appeared and threw his sword down slicing the large snowflake in half.
Vexen threw his arm forward as a large chunk of ice shot up from the ground and another following at as more followed all the while following the Nobody with the hammer. As the ice chunks grew closer the Nobody with the hammer raised it high and slammed it down shattering the large chunk of ice and stopping the attack dead in its tracks. The Nobody with the sword rushed at Vexen as he threw his sword down at him only to be blocked as Vexen raised his shield high.
Caught in the stalemate Vexen pointed his hand down at the ground a large chunk of sharp ice flew up impaling the Nobody as he disappeared and the heart floated up towards the sky and vanished returning to Salix again. Swiftly the Nobody with the hammer rushed forward and threw his hammer across slamming it into Vexen’s shield several times forcing him backwards. Vexen looked around as he jumped backwards and shot four large ice darts at the Nobody.
The Nobody swung his hammer across to his left smashing two of the ice darts and swinging the gripping area of the hammer up as he shattered the third one as the fourth flew towards him. Without anyway to defend the fourth ice dart flew forward piercing the Nobody through his skull as he vanished. Slowly the heart drifted towards the skies before returning to Salix and vanishing. Vexen turned to Salix as he held his arms up high and created a large ice sword and swung it down at Salix his shield still held in his left hand.
As the large sword of ice flew down Salix raised his arms to waist height as bright lights formed around them and his steel claws appeared locked around both of his arms. Swiftly Salix vanished as the sword slammed into the ground before disappearing. Vexen looked around scanning the area for Salix. Suddenly he looked up as Salix flew down slashing past his shield only managing to scratch his chest with the steel claw from his left arm.
Landing at an awkward angle Salix twisted his body as he jumped backwards away from the wounded Vexen. Moving his shield Vexen reached his left hand and grasped his chest. He was bleeding but it was minor. He was lucky his shield had been close enough to deflect the second blow or else trouble might have been caused. Flicking his hand some of the blood dripped off of it and landed on the ground in small puddles. Salix stared forward at Vexen as he listened to his breathing slowly decrease.
The Nobodies he’d created had served their purpose. They’d made him weaker even if by only a small fraction. His attack had even managed to wound Vexen but not without consequence. Now that Vexen had seen his technique Salix couldn’t use it anymore. After Vexen had seen it just once the effect would no doubt be at least cut in half. So the question was what to do?
“Is that all that they could do? I suppose I was right about your ability being so primitive,” Vexen said.
“You had doubted yourself? That certainly is comforting. But that being said, you’re still underestimating all that my ability can do,” Salix said.
“That’s quite a claim. But I am curious, can you back up all that you’ve bragged about involving that 2nd rate power of yours,” Vexen asked.
“You can judge that for yourself after you’ve seen what it can really do,” Salix said as he flicked his arms and the steel claws disappeared.
Salix stretched his right arm out forward as a bright light appeared engulfing it. As the light slowly began to vanish Vexen stared shocked as to what he saw. It was an oddly shaped Keyblade. Salix slowly lowered his arm to the side along with the Keyblade.
“So you recognize it don’t you,” Salix asked.
“How unusual. You are not like Roxas and yet you are able to wield a Keyblade. I’m curious as to how you can do this,” Vexen said.
“This Keyblade was created from a large mass of hearts condensed into a single form. While it is true I am not a Keyblade wielder nor do I possess my heart. I do happen to possess a great many hearts thanks to my “2nd rate power.” That is what allows me to control this Keyblade,” Salix explained.
“Not that it matters. I shall finish this regardless of whatever trick you try,” Vexen replied.
“Call it what you like but this “trick” will finish you off in the end,” Salix said.
Swiftly Salix rushed at Vexen as he swung it down nailing Vexen’s blue shield. The echo flew through the air as Salix pushed forward managing to push Vexen back a bit. However the attack didn’t do much as Vexen threw his shield across knocking Salix back. Swiftly a large spike of ice flew up from the ground at Salix. However the attack was slow as Salix jumped backwards only to be sandwiched in between the ice attack and Vexen as he appeared behind Salix thrusting his shield directly at Salix.
Moving awkwardly Salix turned his Keyblade blocking some of the blow as he was thrown through the air landing on his feet a good distance away. Suddenly the temperature began to drop, as Salix looked around his body feeling slightly cold. Ice enveloped Salix exactly like the type of ice Vexen had enveloped his Heartless in. Slowly Vexen walked over towards Salix his shield gripped tightly in his left hand.
Xishn watched carefully as he rushed forward grabbing a Nobody by the head and slammed it into the ground. Savagely he slammed it into the ground with all his might again and again and again. After a while he stopped as it disappeared. Suddenly he felt himself thrown off to the side as he caught himself by digging his hands into the ground and propelling himself through the air as he did a back flip. Finally he came to a halt as he landed on the ground. Turning he saw the Nobody that had attacked him.
Without a moments hesitation he rushed at it and threw his right arm forward nailing it in the chest. The Nobody flew through the air before skidding along the ground and coming to a halt. Xishn smirked as he jumped through the air doing a front flip and slamming right foot first down on the Nobody’s chest. The Nobody quickly vanished as Xishn began breathing slightly more erratically than normal. There sure had been a lot of them. It would have been easier to summon up some of his own Nobody familiars to help but that wouldn’t have satisfied him.
The Nobodies that had attacked him had been low class after all. Looking around the area it was completely empty not a single one was left. Slowly his breathing began to return to normal again as he walked towards his mirrors. The moment he approached them they vanished on his command. After walking through the black and green swirling portal Xishn looked up at the skies of the World that Never Was. It was raining. Not too surprising it did sometimes rain here.
He remembered it from when he had been with the Organization. Looking around the entire city looked familiar to him it was as if he were returning home from a long trip. However he didn’t have time for sightseeing. He had told Salix that he would catch up to him after he had finished and so he would do that. As Xishn walked forward two Samurai Nobodies appeared. He smiled it wouldn’t have been fun if there hadn’t been more of a challenge to it after all.
Slowly they wobbled around as lower class Nobodies often did. Their swords drawn they stood side by side waiting for the fight to commence. Xishn tightened his hands into hard fists before rushing forward straight at them intent on beating them to pieces. He would do it just as he had done earlier with the other Nobodies that had come after him in Betwixt and Between.
The skies of the city that belonged to the World that Never Was began to darken as rain began to fall down. Vexen stared over at Salix his body frozen in the ice. It had been all too easy to defeat him. Soon the ice would crack and everything would end. Suddenly Vexen felt something in the air. Had he defeated all of them so quickly? Vexen gripped his shield tightly. He had more security to do as he sighed. Xishn would be a pain to deal with. He wasn’t at all like Salix when in combat. But nonetheless it had to be done.
Vexen hated being on security duty but the superior had placed him at such for who knows what reasons. Turning Vexen began to walk away as he heard the ice shatter and fall to the ground. Salix was dead. Vexen smirked Salix hadn’t been nearly as powerful as he had bragged. Suddenly he felt something warm on his shoulder as he turned and looked down and saw something red. It was blood! He saw the tear in his cloak and the newly cut wound in his right shoulder.
Swinging around he saw Salix jump backwards away from him. He was alive? How could that have happened? The ice had shattered and he should have been dead! Should have been, but clearly he was not. Salix stared forward at Vexen as he gripped the Keyblade in his hand. He had hit Vexen in the shoulder scratching him but not doing serious damage and the fight was beginning to wear on too long. Xishn was most likely finished and no doubt most of the other fights with the Exiled were finished as well. It might just be time to end the fight between himself and Vexen so he could continue his own “mission.”
“How did you get out alive,” Vexen asked staring at him as the rain continued to fall on the both of them.
“You expect too much from an attack as weak as that one,” Salix replied.
“I see that his arrogance has rubbed off on you,” Vexen said referring to Xishn.
“You see it that way? I don’t. But that doesn’t matter,” Salix said as the rain continued to fall down making small puddles around them on the ground.
Suddenly Salix felt something, something that couldn’t be described. It was weird. Perhaps it was his Nobody instincts or perhaps it was the fact that all Nobodies had a higher level of thinking power. Regardless of what it was that allowed him to feel it. It didn’t change the fact that he had felt it. So figuring out “why” was irrelevant now. Turning to Vexen he noticed the look in his eyes. He must have felt it as well.
“Your allies are dropping like flies,” Salix said.
“You don’t have any proof to support that claim,” Vexen said as a bead of sweat rolled down his head.
“Don’t hide it. You felt it as well. That was Xaldin just then,” Salix said.
“You have a lot of nerve presuming that your group of traitorous miscreants could take on the Organization and win,” Vexen replied gloating.
“Look at yourself. You’re so frightened that it might be true that you’re sweating,” Salix said.
“Shut up,” Vexen yelled. “I Vexen number 4 of the Organization shall not be made a fool of by some one-dimensional idiot!”
“Perhaps you won’t. But then I have no intention of being the only one to lose here and as I mentioned before I have other business to attend to, so I shall have to wrap things up now,” Salix said.
“What trickery do you intend to use this time,” Vexen asked partially smirking.
“Oh you’ll see soon enough,” Salix said.
Raising his left arm he slowly snapped his fingers as a bright light lit up the surroundings. As the light faded hundreds of hearts appeared. Suddenly they began to take shape as a burst of several bright lights shot through the streets of the World that Never Was. Vexen raised his shield to cover his eyes from the blinding lights. After a short while the lights again began to fade as Salix smiled. It was complete.
Salix lowered his arm to his side letting it lay limply. Vexen slowly lowered his arms and shield that was still gripped firmly in his left hand. He stared around at the scenery. There were dozens upon dozens of Keyblades scattered everywhere. Vexen frowned angrily at Salix as he gripped his shield tightly. What would he do now? He couldn’t possibly intend to wield them all together? Could he? How was that even possible? Slowly Salix walked forward a few feet before stopping and facing Vexen again.
“This fight has gone on for far too long and as you must know I have other things I must attend to,” Salix said.
“You can accomplish those things in the next life. Wherever that may be,” Vexen replied.
“Oh? Is that to make you feel a little better? Do you really think there is something beyond this meager existence,” Salix asked.
“Of course there is. We came upon this existence from another is it not possible that there is another just waiting for us,” Vexen said nervously.
“Possibly, but I do not believe that to be true. We were hurled into this half-existence. Scorned by fate and hated by destiny. We live hopelessly in this contorted half-form, preying that there might be salvation after we truly become nothing. But what hope do we have? None. Hope has long since abandoned us like a piece of garbage on a sidewalk. So no. There is nothing that awaits us beyond this meager half-existence,” Salix replied. “…But if I am wrong. Then by all means, feel free to send me a postcard, once you get there.”
“You speak loudly enough but if there really is nothing after this existence then I shall not be the one to find out first,” Vexen shouted.
Suddenly three ice darts formed and shot forward at Salix. Moving swiftly they flew forward at him only to be easily swatted aside as Salix swung his Keyblade swiftly shattering them. Ice flew through the air as Salix felt the temperature begin to decrease. Salix charged forward just in time as a large block of ice formed where he had previously been standing. Swinging the Keyblade across it slammed into Vexen’s shield as the two stared at each other, both of them intent on winning the fight.
Salix suddenly pushed himself backwards as he stared forward at Vexen. Both of them were breathing heavily now. The battle was still going on and as much as Salix hated to end it, it would have to end now before it was too late. Calming himself he stood up straight as he stared forward at Vexen. Vexen raised his shield as he prepared to defend himself. Almost too quickly he saw the Keyblades around him shoot into the air before flying down at him from every direction.
Using his last resort Vexen concentrated his ice powers as four large blocks of ice formed around him and swung swiftly knocking the Keyblade away. Salix smiled as he watched the Keyblades reassemble as they flew into the sky and then flew down at Vexen in a line. The attack missed as Vexen jumped backwards. The Keyblades however turned at the last second as they charged forward at Vexen immediately he swung all of the blocks of ice in front of himself as they clumped together to block the attack.
The Keyblades slammed into the ice cracking it a bit as more continued to slam into it. Salix listened and smiled as he heard it. The ice shattered as the Keyblades all flew forward at Vexen. Using his last means of defense he covered himself with the shield. The Keyblades slammed into it as Vexen held his ground. Suddenly Vexen noticed something he could see a crack forming in his shield. It was over. Moments after the crack had formed the entire shield shattered into pieces.
The moment the shield shattered seem to last forever for Vexen. As reality sped up again for him the broken shield vanished as the Keyblades slammed into his body forcing him further and further back until he slammed up against a wall. The Keyblades continued to fly forward at him as more and more hit him. After the attack had stopped Salix approached Vexen. His body was penetrated by dozens of the Keyblades and they were holding him up against the wall of one of the many buildings.
Vexen coughed as blood flew from his mouth. Slowly his blood began to pour down onto the ground making a small puddle beneath him as he hung there barely alive. Salix stared up at him. Personally he was amazed he was still hanging on. Was he that afraid of going on and becoming truly nothing? Or was it that he still had strength left? Either way it didn’t matter. He was neutralized. There was nothing left for him to do. Turning Salix walked away slowly as the rain continued to fall from the skies above.
Vexen weakly lifted his head and stared at Salix. Anger coursed through his veins now instead of blood. The darkness beneath him began to take shape. Salix saw Xishn as he walked forward a Samurai Nobody clutched in his right hand. Swiftly he crushed its head as it vanished.
“So did you have fun,” Salix asked.
“They were lower class. I bet you had more fun then I did,” Xishn said smirking.
“Vexen is dead as are most of the other Organization members. We can confirm it when we head to their “graves” but I’m pretty sure that only Saix, Xemnas and Xigbar remain,” Salix replied.
“Who do you think is going to take them on,” Xishn asked.
“Mostly likely Jynx and Daxic will be two of them. I don’t know about the third. But does it really matter,” Salix asked.
“I suppose not, whatever,” Xishn replied.
“Anyways we must complete our goal. Then we can return to the stronghold,” Salix said.
Suddenly blood splashed through the air as Salix fell to his knees. He turned his head as he saw a shadow version of himself gripping his steel claws standing over him. Slowly the shadow version of Salix walked forward and raised his arm to finish the job but was interrupted as Xishn slammed into him forcing him backwards. In a swift motion Xishn grabbed the shadow version’s right arm and began to swing him around in circles before letting him soar through the air
The shadow version of Salix skidded along the ground before finally coming to a halt. As Xishn charged at it he jumped into the air and flew down full force as he planted his right fist through the head of it and cracked a hole in the road beneath it. The shadow version of Salix disappeared having been defeated. Salix slowly stood up. His wounds bled a little but it wasn’t anything too serious. At the moment he was just grateful that Xishn was on his side.
Turning Salix walked over to Vexen who was still by some miracle alive. Vexen continued to cough up more blood as he hung from the wall held up by the dozens of Keyblades that Salix had created. Slowly Xishn walked over next to Salix as he stared up at Vexen.
“What the hell is he still doing alive for,” Xishn asked.
“You think I’ll go peacefully? I’m not going to become nothing! I’m not going to disappear! I refuse to,” Vexen shouted and then suddenly stopped.
Salix stared up at him his Keyblade in his right hand now stuck straight through Vexen’s chest where his heart should have been. If he had, had one to begin with. Salix listened carefully as Vexen slowly began to vanish. The blood slowly vanished as well. The Keyblades remained stuck in the wall for a moment before vanishing as well including the one in Salix’s hand. Salix continued to face the wall where Vexen had been only moments ago.
Many thoughts raced through his head. However none of them were relevant to the current situation. He had other things to do that were more important than just standing there.
“Let’s get going Xishn,” Salix said as he turned and walked away.
Xishn silently followed Salix as he placed his hands in his pockets. Xishn looked up at the skies as the rain slowly began to stop again. The two Exiled Order members continued on their way as they walked towards the stronghold that belonged to what remained of the Organization.