FINALLY! A new chapter! How long was she going to keep us waiting?! Geez!

I know that's what you're thinking, cause that's what I'm thinking. I was in a real writing slump. I guess that's what college does to ya. It hasn't been a year since the last post, but it's pretty darn close. I'll try to be better. Anyway, enjoy the next chapter of Rising Darkness!


Rising Darkness

By: JadeDragonKnight

Chapter 11: Void

Darkness reigned for the longest time. It was as though it had consumed him. He had no strength to fight against it. All he could do was let it envelope him. Just then, a shadow appeared in the haze. Its definitions were unclear, but it appeared large and intimidating. Blood red eyes glared at him. The shadow appeared to be breathing steadily, watching him, but it made no move towards him. Then, he noticed a spot below the eyes that was dimly glowing. The faint, purple glow appeared to be in the chest. Was it the shadow's heart? He tried to move closer to get a better look, but the shadow moved further away. It gradually faded into the black haze and vanished. He followed it into the haze. The further he went, the more solid the haze seemed to become. Soon, the world was no longer a shifting fog, but a light gray veil.

Meta Knight opened his eyes. He felt weak and tired, as though he had woken up from a long sleep. He peered around him, but all he could see was gray fog. He looked down and saw wood paneling underneath him. It seemed familiar to him, but his mind was still too foggy to remember where he saw it from. The sounds around him were also familiar; loud humming, wind whistling off metal. He knew where he was, he was sure of it, but he couldn't think of the name.

Just then, the fog thinned until it suddenly lifted. The knight gasped at the sight of a dark creature glaring down at him just a few feet away. It screeched at him. He scanned the area again. A name popped into his head: Halberd. Just as the fog suddenly lifted, so too did his mind click into full awareness. The Halberd must have flown into a cloud. He realized he was sitting on the main deck of the ship and that his hands were locked behind his back. He tried to move, but the ropes held on tight.

"Meta Knight, you awake?"

The whisper came from behind him. He couldn't turn to look for the source, but he recognized the voice.

"Jade? What's going on?" he replied.

"They tied us together and took over the ship. I think they're looking for a place to throw us overboard."

The knight could tell that they were flying very high in the air. It wouldn't matter where the creatures would decide to dump them. They would die from impact anywhere from this height.

"If we make a run for it, we might be able to fly out of here," Jade whispered. "They didn't tie our feet."

"But they did tie our hands together. We can't fly with our hands behind our backs. And besides, I doubt we'll make it off the ship before they cut us down."

"Well, it was a thought. What do you think we should do?"

Meta Knight studied their captors. The dark soldiers were scattered around the deck. Some were watching them and some were pacing back and forth. They behaved like the creatures in Arseus's dark army. No intelligence of their own, but controlled by one higher minded being. The attack on the bridge was clever, but not complicated. Tying the captives together and placing them in an open space for all to see is effective, but still not ingenious. Whoever is issuing the orders is lacking in creativity and intellect. Possibly just a smarter dark creature, or one with authority.

"Hey, you're kinda quiet over there. Something wrong?" Jade asked quietly.

"Just thinking. These guys are not very bright. We could probably outsmart them."

"Are we gonna fight them?"

"We only have to kill the leader then the group will fall apart."

"Like a beehive without their queen?"

"Yeah, sort of."

"Which one's the leader?"

"I can't see behind me. Look for a creature that stands out from the rest."

"Ok."

The knight waited for Jade to finish looking around. In the meantime, he thought back to his odd dream.

"Hmm, none of them are jumping out from the crowd. What do you think the leader might look like?" Jade asked.

"When I was unconscious, I had a dream about a shadow shrouded in darkness. It may have been a vision about the leader. I couldn't make out any details, but it was big."

"Like…muscular big?"

"I think so. And it had red eyes."

"Mhmm… Did it have a glowing spot on its chest?"

"Yes, it did. Wait, how did you know that?"

"I think I'm looking at your culprit. It's sitting on the main cannon, and it's watching us. Creepy."

"Can you give me more details on what it looks like?"

"It's pretty tall; about eight feet maybe. And it's totally ripped, like body builder muscles. Looks tough. Think we can take it?"

"With the both of us together, he should be no problem. We just have to get untied somehow…"

"Hang on, it's holding something. Like a gold stick, or a staff…"

Meta Knight quickly looked to his sheath. It was empty.

Before he could call it, Jade quietly yelled, "Dude, it's got you sword!"

"I know. I suppose it's not as dumb as I thought."

"Can you call your sword back, like you did at that dark fortress?"

"No. I can only metal bend in my dark form, and I can't change until nightfall."

"Bummer. That would make things so much easier. You could throw all these things off the ship in your dark form."

Just then, a light bulb blinked on in the knight's mind.

"I got an idea, but you won't like it."

"Tell me anyway."

"I'm going to throw you off the ship."

"What?!"

All of the dark creatures spun around and stared at them. They swallowed their breath and avoided eye contact. The beasts then returned to what they were doing. The duo made a soft sigh of relief.

"What do you mean you're going to throw me off the ship?" Jade whispered.

"I'm going to use you to gain their trust. They may think I'm on their side if I kill you."

"So far, none of that sounds good. And what makes you think they'll accept you?"

"Well, with my dark powers, I'm almost like them. I just have to make them think I'm one of them. And I'm not really going to kill you. I'll cut your bonds before I drop you, then you'll fly back onto the ship and take them out."

"You're right, I don't like this plan."

Meta Knight was about to reassure her, but then he noticed the dark creatures were closing in on them. Some were sharping their blade arms.

"Well I don't like your attitude!" the knight shouted, stopping the beasts in surprise.

Jade turned her head and whispered, "What gives?"

"Argue with me," Meta Knight muttered back. Then he yelled, "I'm so damn tired of your complaining! It always has to be about you, doesn't it?!"

"What are you talking about?" Jade retorted. "It's never about me! I'm the one that has to put up with your negativity!"

"Oh, see, there you go again! It's just 'me, me, me', and I'm sick of it! What about me?! What about my needs?!"

The creatures looked to each other in confusion.

"You're the one that's selfish!" Jade screamed. "I slave away in the kitchen all day, making you food, and then when I want to do something, it's always 'Not now Jade, I'm tired'."

"Well, maybe I am tired from doing everything else for you! I have to work all day to make money so you can buy your freaky clothing! And I don't get a cent to spend on stuff that I want!"

"Oh really? How much did you spend on this stupid ship? Huh?! How much money did you pour into this ship that you obviously love more than me?!"

"That's it! That is it! I will jump off this ship with you so we can freakin' die! Or, even better, if I wasn't tied to you, I would throw you off myself!"

"Ha! I'd like to see you try! You don't have the balls."

Meta Knight could tell the creatures were looking to their leader, but they didn't seem convinced of their act yet.

"You want to bet, woman?" he said in a more violent tone. "You have been nothing but a leech on my life. It would do me great pleasure to see your terrified face fall into nothingness and hear your infuriating voice scream for the last time."

Jade didn't have a response for that. He could feel her shift uncomfortably. He might have gone a bit far with that, but it seemed to do the trick. At that moment, a dark creature's blade arm morphed into a hand. It lifted its arm up and caught Galaxia from the air. Then, it came over and held the sword point above them. In a split second, it sliced through the knight's bonds. He stood and rubbed his rope burned wrists. He and the creature made eye contact before he took the sword from it.

"Hey, what are you waiting for? Cut me loose!" Jade commanded.

Meta Knight gave her an emotionless glare to seal the deal. Then, he clutched her bonds and forced her to stand.

As he led her towards the edge of the deck, Jade complained, "I can't believe this! You're really going to kill me? After all I've done for you, after all we've been through?! How can you do this to me?"

He shoved her away, inches from the edge. She had to steady herself before she looked back at him.

"You traitor. I hate you," she said with extra malice.

The knight chuckled to himself before replying, "See you in Hell."

In a flash, he swung his sword at her, striking her bonds and forcing her forward. Jade lost her footing and fell from the edge. She let out a scream that quickly faded away. The knight stood there for a moment until he couldn't hear her anymore. He hoped that he cut the ropes enough and didn't actually kill her.

He could feel eyes on him. He turned around to find all the dark creatures gazing at him. The leader slowly stood from its seat on the cannon. Suddenly, it leapt high into the air and landed in front of Meta Knight. The whole ship seemed to tremble from the impact. The knight tightened his grip on the sword. Then, the bruiser stared down on him with its crimson eyes. It slowly raised its hand as to not arouse violence. He watched it bring its hand to its chest, just below the glowing spot. Just then, the glowing spot began emitting thin vapors as though it was unravelling. Meta Knight watched in awe as a round shape began to reveal itself. It seemed to compel him. Not thinking, he began to reach for it, the beast waiting for him.

Suddenly, there was a thud and a dying cry of a dark creature. The knight and giant turned toward the noise. It was Jade in her light form battling the other creatures. Meta Knight was both relieved and strangely annoyed, as though she interrupted something. He looked up at the leader who had a look of pure malevolence on its face. The glowing object sunk back into its chest as it raised a fist. The knight rolled out of the way of the fist that slammed though the wood paneling where he last stood. Meta Knight readied himself as the beast turned to him and took a boxer like fighting stance.

Jade had one arm shrouded in a light blade and the other firing energy balls. She sliced though enemies and blasted through others. The creatures attacked at break-neck speeds, but she countered with light shields to slow them down. Her movements were swift, fluid, and decisive. None of the dark monsters could land a hit, but they were quickly swarming her.

Meta Knight dodged the giant's jabs. It was surprisingly fast for its size, but he was faster. The knight swung at it, but it guarded itself with its massive arms. The blade bounced off with no effect. He stood back startled, but continued to dodge unhindered. Even though the beast's movements seemed light and fast, the knight could tell there was an incredible amount of power in those strikes. Enough to do some heavy damage. He deflected one of the attacks with his sword and it sent him flying back. He slid to a stop on his back several feet away. A smaller dark creature went to strike him down, but an energy ball blasted it to violet crystals. The knight jumped up and ran at the beast with a barrage of attacks. It shielded itself with its arms as he hacked away with his lightning fast sword swings. Seeing that the attacks were doing no good, he leapt back and gripped his sword with both hands. The creature stood tall again. It didn't seem to be in a hurry. Perhaps it knew that all it had to do was wait for Meta Knight to wear out to land the finishing blow while the knight couldn't hurt it at all. But it did shield itself. It's protecting something, the knight knew. He looked to the glowing spot on its chest, the part that was most protected judging by the creature's defensive stance.

'That must be its weakness,' he thought.

He glanced over at Jade fighting in the distance. At that moment, the giant lunged at him. He dodged and deflected the swift jabs and kicks.

"Jade!"

"Little busy!"

The creature locked its hands together over its head. Meta Knight barely had time to roll away between its legs before it smashed a crater into the deck. The shock of the attack made him stumble, opening him up to the follow up attack. The beast propped itself up on its arms and delivered a powerful back kick that caught the knight square in the back. He rocketed across the deck and tumbled to a stop. He tried to stand, but he lost his breath and sat there choking for air. He looked up to see the giant coming down on him. Suddenly, a blue barrier appeared above him, reflecting the dark beast.

"Finished," Jade called as she ran through the barrier and helped the knight up.

"Thanks," he panted.

They faced the last of the dark creatures. It slammed its fists together in a show of strength.

"Go for the glowing spot on its chest," Meta Knight informed.

"Got it."

They all readied themselves for battle. The beast glared at them with its soulless eyes. The duo returned the glare. Suddenly, they lunged apart and charged at the creature from opposite sides. It sized them up and concentrated on Meta Knight who was faster. He submerged it in a storm of sword strikes, forcing it to block itself. Jade ran up behind and aimed a light-blade at its back. In a flash, the dark being threw its arms out, pushing the knight away, and swung a kick at Jade. Her sudden dodge flung her to the ground. Before the beast could smash her head, Meta Knight lunged at it. The creature swatted at him, but he ducked under the arm and thrust his blade at the chest. He hit it, but missed the glowing spot. The beast cried out and smacked him away. He rolled across the deck. Suddenly, Jade jumped on its back and hooked its arms. It tried to throw her off, but her legs were wrapped around its chest in a death grip, squeezing it. It then resorted to overpowering her grip on its arms. They wrestled for control, but the creature was obviously winning.

"This was a bad idea," Jade hissed between her teeth.

Meta Knight sprung up and spread his wings. He flew straight for the monster's exposed weak spot. Just then, it won over Jade, reached behind, grabbed her, and threw her overhead at the knight. They collided and tumbled to the deck.

"That is one tough dark creature," Jade moaned, picking herself up.

"Why isn't it attacking?"

The creature watched them. The knight heard a rising drone and looked to his side. The laser cannon was glowing bright and aimed straight at them.

"Look out!"

He grabbed Jade and pressed her down into the deck. A light blue beam shot out right where they were standing. It hung just above them for a few seconds before it shorted out. Before Jade could comment, Meta Knight grabbed her waist and flew back before the beast smashed the deck where they were.

"This is getting out of hand," she exclaimed as they hung in the air.

"We need a different approach."

"A freakin' laser cannon is what we need."

"Good point. Have you tried projectiles?"

"Oh…no. That would probably work."

Meta Knight let go of Jade so she could fly in a different direction. He dived at the beast and sliced away at its impenetrable guard. Jade flew around and shot energy balls at its back. The dark creature cringed and almost dropped to one knee. Meta Knight still couldn't get through, so he backed off.

He caught his breath before shouting, "Pour it on!"

Jade nodded and gathered her energy. The beast turned and jumped to stop her. The knight swooped in and grabbed its leg, causing it to lose momentum and fall. As it was falling, Jade fired a barrage of energy balls at it. It screeched in pain as the attack hammered it. Without the strength to save itself, the monster slammed onto the deck. It took too long to pick itself up. Meta Knight was already coming in for the finishing blow. He spiraled into his Drill Rush. The beast saw the attack right before the knight struck it straight in the glowing spot. A cloud of purple crystals erupted around him. The wind carried the dissipating crystals off and the monster was no more. Meta Knight straightened out of his spiral and landed on the deck. He withdrew his sword.

Just then, Jade swooped in and scooped him up in a bear hug.

"We did it! That was awesome!"

"Yeah, good job," he stated uneasily as he eyed the deck that was steadily moving away from him. "Could we celebrate on the ground?"

"Oh, yeah."

She set him down. After landing, blue crystals emitted from her as she changed back to normal.

"Wow. That was crazy with the fighting and being tossed off the ship. You scared me there for a minute. I thought you were serious when you said you wanted to kill me."

"You know I was acting, right?"

"Oh yeah. No biggy. That was scary awesome though."

She giggled and danced in place.

"You alright?"

"My heart is racing, I am so pumped up right now! I'll calm down in a minute. Oh wait, what about those dark creatures that fired the cannon?"

"They shouldn't be a problem now that their leader is dead."

"Oh, right. So, what do we do now?"

"Well, we need to steer this ship back to the castle."

"Alright, sounds good."

They turned to go back inside the ship, but the sight of a black orb stopped them. It was resting on the deck where the creature was destroyed. Meta Knight picked it up. The deep shade seemed to swallow his hand.

"Eww, that's really creepy. That is an unnatural black."

"Like a black hole…" the knight muttered.

A shifting mist inside brushed the glasslike orb. It felt icy to the touch.

"Can I see?"

He handed the orb to Jade. As soon as it touch her hand, the mist shrunk until it vanished. What was left was a crystal clear, glass orb.

"Ah! I broke it!"

"Hmm."

The knight took the orb back. When he did, the mist reappeared from the center of the sphere.

"Weird."

Jade took it back and the haze disappeared again.

"You should hold onto it. It seems more stable in your hands."

"Ok," she replied.

Meta Knight began to walk towards the bridge tower.

"Race ya!"

Jade ran past him cradling the orb in her hands. He grunted in amusement. He waited until she disappeared inside the ship before he flew up to the bridge.


Before the elevator came to rest, Jade jumped out shouting, "Ha!"

Meta Knight looked over his shoulder at her from the wheel.

"What? How'd you get here so fast?"

"I have my ways."

"Cheater," she mumbled under her breath.

She walked up to the window and placed the orb aside.

"Great view."

They were over the ocean heading towards a thin strip of land in the horizon. The sun was low, making the sky orange. The knight nodded in agreement. Suddenly, the orb rolled off the control panel and dropped on the floor. Jade whirled around at the sound. It rolled towards the rear of the room. Meta Knight reached down and caught it. As soon as he did, the black haze reappeared.

"Careful, Jade."

"Sorry."

She turned back to the window. He was hoping she would come take the orb back, but it didn't matter. He continued to steer with one hand, the other holding the orb. While he was watching the window, his eyes became fixed on Jade. The jumpsuit seemed odd, but it made her look more powerful. Not at all like the scorched, hopeless girl that he cared for. Now, she's at peace. Not a care in the world. He wanted her to stay like that, to always be in a moment of serenity, staring out a window and seeing the world as a beautiful place.

Meta Knight felt a heart beating in his hand. He examined the orb. The black mist was thrashing inside. His hand tightened around the sphere. The pulses steadily became stronger, the haze swirling more angrily. He couldn't take his eyes off of it or even blink. His ears were ringing. Then, a pair of crimson eyes appeared from the haze. They locked on the knight's eyes in a glare. His heart began racing as if the eyes commanded it.

A voice boomed in his head, "You cannot deny me. I am your creator, your master. You serve me! Return to where you belong; to darkness!"

Suddenly, the orb was slapped from his hand. He gasped and clutched his pounding chest. The voice rang in his ears as he tried to steady his heavy breathing.

"Meta Knight, snap out of it!"

He gazed up at Jade who was gripping his shoulders. Her face showed fear.

"You have to do something! We're in big trouble!"

Just then, the ship lurched violently. They stumbled into the wheel. Meta Knight pulled himself upright and looked outside the window. Black clouds surrounded the ship. Purple lightning streaked across the dark sky. The storm was attacking the Halberd, causing it to creak and whistle deafeningly. The wheel fought against him.

"Where did this storm come from?!"

"It came out of nowhere and swallowed us up! I tried to get your attention, but you were fixated on that orb! You looked scared!"

The ship lurched again, causing Jade to scream. She clung onto the base of the wheel. An alarm began to go off and a red light flashed in the room.

"Port side main wing critically damaged, port side main wing critically damaged."

A camera screen appeared on the window, showing the wing on fire. The ship groaned as it leaned to that side.

"Damnit!"

The knight steered to the right in an attempt to level the ship out.

"Computer, find a place to land!"

"Scanning."

Suddenly, lightning struck the bridge, blinding them and piercing their ears. With his ears ringing, all other sounds were drowned out. The red light flashed silently. He could feel the Halberd shaking and rocking. He saw Jade curled up next to him, clinging onto the wheel base, eyes shut tight.

"…-ters ahead, 952 meters in length."

"Repeat that, computer!"

"Land spotted 678 meters ahead, 952 meters in length."

"Prepare the Halberd for emergency landing!"

"952 meters is inadequate for landing. A minimum of 2,600 meters is required to-"

"We don't have a choice!"

"Understood. Preparing the Halberd for emergency landing."

The ship's wings adjusted to go against the wind. The tail thrusters shut off then the bottom and front facing thrusters burst to life. The force of slowing down lurched them forward. A different alarm went off to alert of the declining altitude. Meta Knight could see a solid figure amongst the storm and the ship was dipping towards it.

"Jade, brace yourself! This'll be rough!"

She clung tighter to the wheel and wrapped her legs around it. The knight gripped the wheel as tight as he could. The ship reared up as the land quickly approached. Then, it hit. It groaned so loud that it reverberated in his chest. When the bow of the ship slid into the ground, the knight was flung forward and everything went black.


The world was red, fading in and out. Meta Knight opened his eyes. His body was pulsing with pain. The bridge was dark save for the red light fading in and out. Everything was silent. He groaned as he leaned back. His skull was reeling and his arm was burning. He looked at it to find that it was bleeding from a long, shallow gash. His hand was holding a chunk of the wheel. He dropped it and examined where it broke off. There was a ridged piece laced with blood. The knight gripped the gash and looked to his other side. Jade was still holding onto the wheel base. She was shaking, but showed no sign of injury. Her head was buried in her chest.

"Jade, you alright? It's over."

He placed a hand on her shoulder. She gazed up at him, her eyes wild with fear, her lip quivering.

"It's ok, we're ok," he assured.

Jade let go of the wheel and rested her head in his shoulder. He held her close with his good arm. She shook quietly.

"It's ok. It's ok…"

Gradually, she stopped shaking. She lifted her head and brushed the hair from her eyes. Color returned to her face.

"I'm ok," she said softly.

The knight nodded. He saw that he left a blood print on her shoulder. She heard something dripping and saw his injured arm.

"Oh God," she gasped.

"It's not bad, don't worry. I'll patch it up."

Jade took it in her hands and pressed on the wound. He clenched his fist and teeth. The large bracelets on her suit glowed white. Her hands began to glow light blue and the pain subsided. His arm stopped bleeding and the wound began to close. The aching in the rest of his body was slowly drifting away. The dried blood formed into white crystals that dissipated in the air. Meta Knight relaxed and watched the blood print on her shoulder slowly vanish. Soon, the wound was completely healed with no trace that it was ever there. Jade's hands and cuffs stopped glowing, and she let go. He examined her work, amazed at the absence of pain.

"Thank you."

She grinned and nodded. He glanced at the window and caught glimpse of a swirling, purple light.

"Wait a minute…"

He went to the window. Jade stood up and followed.

"What's wrong?"

They stared out at a massive purple vortex in front of the ship.

"I think I know where we are…"


That's it for now. We're getting close to the exciting conclusion. The next chapter will come when it comes.

Review please!