Author's Note:

Hmm, yeah, I said next Friday, but I have a good reason for posting this install today and the sequel on Saturday. ^_^ Wanna hear it? Well, yesterday, I had this really awesome idea—why not take this collection of shorts and turn it into a book and publish it? As long as I stay out of the Casebook (which, unfortunately, includes 3GAR), I will be safe on copyright issues.

So! That's what I plan to do. I am going to get all 100 of these prompts filled out as fast as I can (and these things really fire my muse—why shouldn't I make a living on something I love?), and then I'll publish them as a collection, still under the same title. However, I will post only 50 of those prompts up here on FFN, so that you have to buy the book to read the rest. (Hey, don't give me that look! How else am I supposed to make money?)

To my reviewers:

Spockologist: Thank you! I debated on that last line, you know—and in the end, I just decided to stick with it. And about Martin Freeman… oh, come on, people don't call each other by their last names anymore! Only time it's done in the show is regarding Lestrade, Anderson, and victims.

valeskathesilverwolf: Thanks!

Moonspun Dragon: Thank you! (Btw, I've read your second chapter—I'll have to review later, but I love it! =D) Proof? What is this proof? *snatches notebook* HA! LIES, ALL LIES! …O.o I scare myself. Anyway… CW!Mandos or Traviss!Mandos? 'Cause Traviss!Mandos are awesome! They're… Celtic, actually! =D Totally agree with you about Black Fleet and Crystal Star. *shudders with you* I mean, if the EU's going to be rewritten, I want Zahn to be the one to write it. Grand Master? What do you mean?

reflekshun: Thank you! Oh, that poem is beautiful—thanks for sharing it! Would you mind if I quoted sometime in my fics (like ATtH)? Crediting you, of course. It's just really perfect to coincide with some stuff I have planned.

Mam'zelleCombeferre: Aw, thank you! *blushes* It reminds you of one of your poems, too? …Wow!

==9. Darkness==

Rating: PG
Summary: The blackness is deep, penetrating, infinite. He tries to push back the black clawing at his mental faculties.
Warnings: disturbia, mention of drugs
Word Count: 200

The blackness is deep, penetrating, infinite. It pushes up against his body, thrums in his ears, sets its hands around his throat, seeps into his mind.

A living thing, this darkness. A presence all of its own, not a mere absence of light.

He tries to push back the black clawing at his mental faculties, whispering words of madness. It takes all of his weakened willpower to bite back a cry of anguish; and even as he does it, he does not know why he bothers. This insanity will take hold, regardless of his feeble protests.

He hears a sound from beyond the darkness—or does he imagine it? No, it is a real sound, because he hears the door start to creak open. Light abruptly floods in to replace the darkness, and he sluggishly raises manacled hands to shield his eyes, lest they go blind.

A tall silhouette looms in the doorway, kindly casting its shadow over him. He cannot see the face, but the slow turning of the head from side to side leaves no doubt in his drugged mind.

Those dark hours when the powers of evil are exalted.

This, then, is the end of the game.

==To Be Continued==


Author's Note:

Oooo, moar evil cliffies! ^_^ The sequel, "Light," will come Saturday. It's already written, and I warn you now, it's not at all nice. If you think "Shoot" and "Fire" were bad… oooo, is this worse!

Cookis to whoever recognizes the italicized line!

Please review!