Yes, I am alive. Frightening, huh? I'll be brief, so's that the editors don't crucify me.

These were written as challenges in Writing Circle of the FLASH club (Fantasy, Literature, Anime, Sci-Fi, Horror ----- Creepy, no?), but you know my love of Riku and how I must use him as the target of said challenges. Each week had a different theme, which I will indicate in the following chapters. I have excluded the vampire challenge, because although Riku was my model, there was no proof of him being in it. If there's a high enough demand, I will include it with additions.

Dedications will be included with the challenge. I might not give reasons as to why I'm dedicating to some people. I just love them and their dedication. That is reason enough.

Dedication for the following poem goes out to my main poem gals, Zanisha and aliasfan. If there are others out there, I apologize -- I only remember a high volume from these two.

I promise to read updates of others very soon. I'm just posting while I have the chance.

And here's a tidbit of writing so that I don't get accused of posting an author note chapter.

Flying with Broken Wings

My eyes tear
It is worse than I fear
Silent sound
I can't lift off the ground

Shoulders ache
My heart about to break
Only way
My spirit soon to fray

Have to try
Can never explain why
Twilit night
Broken wings can't take flight

Pure darkness
Stills the heart, soon lifeless
Their hatred
Paints feathers, stain them dead

Endless song
Must forever move on
Stabbing flaps
Tears unfelt, I'll adapt

I always do

Lost to dreams
Held away, or so they seem
Foolish things
Flying with broken wings