Created on: 1/27/98

Revised on:

All the usual legalese: nothing here is of my own creation.  Goliath and his crew belong to Buena Vista and Disney.  It's a really great show and I am just showing my enthusiasm by writing about it.  In no way will a profit be made from this.

WARNING!! May not be suitable for younger readers.

Chateau en France - 1/25/98 04h06

 Softly the snow fell, layering the smooth stone of the window sill in white powder.  With the backlash of warm light from within the room, the white snow was then turned into a yellowish layering.  From inside the warm room, the snowfall was beautiful against the black early morning sky.  Overall, the snow and lighting created a calm and tranquil effect - which was completely ruined by the soft feminine grunting coming from within.

 "98... 99... 100," Elisa gasped as her arms buckled and she fell to the floor.  Smiling, Elisa sat up and leaned wearily against the side of her bed.  "One hundred push-ups," Elisa murmured as she wiped the sweat from her brow.  "Gotta love that."  Smiling, Elisa's eyes roamed the room till they settled on the clock on her desk.  "Shit, Thailog will be here any minute!"  Forgetting about her weariness, Elisa quickly jumped off the floor, gathered her clothes in her arms, and quickly raced for the bathroom to get dressed.

 About a week ago Elisa realized that she was really sick of reading, watching t.v., and watching "Beauty and the Beast" (having every single one of the songs memorized was definitely not a good sign).  It was also about this time that Elisa realized how weak and out of shape she had become.  A month of doing nothing but eating and sitting on her butt had really taken its toll.  So, for the past week Elisa had been hard at work getting herself in shape in between Thailog's visits... she was unsure as to how he'd react to the thought of her getting in shape.  After all, she wasn't doing it for him but to keep herself occupied and to keep in the shape she loved.

 At first Elisa's clothing had been a problem, for it was kind of difficult to do push-ups, stretches, weight lifting, and other activities in a long, heavy dress.  After some thinking, Elisa finally gave in and began doing her stuff in her underclothes.  Despite that inconvenience, her hard work was paying off.  The scale in the bathroom confirmed that she was loosing the unwanted pounds and her own eyes could see the difference in her muscle tone and abs.  Then again, the progress would be quicker if she had a gym to work in and a track to run.  Since that wasn't an option, Elisa had to improvise.  During her workouts Elisa did push-ups, sit-ups, stretches, martial arts, boxing (her pillow being her target), and lifting various shampoo bottles or other heavy objects.  It was crude and primitive, but it did get the job done.

 Shaking herself mentally, Elisa finished buttoning the buttons and tying the sashes on her long gown as she heard the door open.  Moving quickly Elisa ran to the mirror attached over the sink and ran a brush through her long black hair.  Satisfied, Elisa flushed the toilet and turned on the faucet for a couple of minutes for good measure.  Opening the door to the bathroom, Elisa was quickly assaulted with the rich aroma of hot roast beef. Stepping back into her bed chamber, Elisa saw Thailog waiting not so patiently in his chair at the table.

 "Hmm, so what's on the menu tonight?" Elisa asked in a nonchalant voice as she walked to her chair at the table.  Scanning the array of food as she sat down, Elisa said, "Let's see... roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and bread... oh, can't forget the French wine."  The sarcasm in her voice was very evident.

 "Your tongue is biting once again tonight," Thailog murmured coldly, his eyes never leaving her face.

 Meeting his stare Elisa said, "Get used to it," in an equally cold voice.

 "That's it!" Thailog roared as he jumped up from his seat and pulled Elisa roughly from her chair, toppling it over in the process.  "I've had enough of your mouth and your sarcasm... I have been trying to be nice to you for the last month and  have received nothing back from you!  You will respect me!" Thailog roared.

 "You'll never earn my respect!" Elisa yelled as she pulled her arm from Thailog's grip and stepped back.

 "You will respect me!" Thailog roared once more as he rushed Elisa and shoved her back onto the bed.  Not giving her time to recover, Thailog quickly straddled her, pinning her arms above her head.

 "Let me go!" Elisa said in a deadly voice as she met his steely gaze.

 "You don't seem to be understanding," Thailog said quietly, completely ignoring Elisa's words.  "You came with me willingly and promised it would be forever..."

 "And I have and I will be," Elisa replied coldly.

 "But you don't respect me or treat me with any kindness..."

 "I already told you that I never said I'd be nice!"

 "You will... you will," Thailog muttered as he backed off of Elisa and stalked from the room.  Still muttering and cussing, Thailog locked the door behind him and walked to his study.  Sitting down in his desk chair, Thailog suddenly lashed out his arm in a fit of anger, sending papers flying to the floor.  "It can't be perfect unless she starts behaving!" Thailog said angrily.  Suddenly his eyes lifted to the phone and he dialed a number quickly.  After only one ring someone answered.

 "Hello?"

 "I have a task for you."

 "Go ahead."

 "I want you to go to the Aerie building tonight and get Fox Xanatos and the female gargoyle there alone and roughen them up.  Don't kill them though."

 "Got it."

 "Also, I want a lot of pictures as proof.  Call me when it's done."

 "You'll be hearing from us by tomorrow night Mr. Thailog."

Castle Wyvern - 1/26/98

 Yawning, Owen Burnett opened his sleep filled eyes and blinked at the sudden rush of daylight.  Groaning, Owen closed his eyes once more and tried in vain to recapture his dream.  Already it was slipping away as he only caught flashes of it: the lush landscape of Avalon, the outer gates of the castle, the light laughter of Queen Titania as he performed yet another of his tricks... and then all of the images faded away.  Groaning once again, Owen tried to remember what had awoken him from his peaceful slumber.

 "Owen?"

 "Huh?" Owen asked as his eyes snapped open and he quickly sat up in his bed.  "Oh, that hurt," Owen mumbled as he clenched his teeth against the waves of pain that racked his chest.

 "Owen, are you alright?"

 "Yes, Mr. Xanatos... although I do ask that you find a different way of waking me in the future... perhaps knocking, sir?" Owen asked in his monotone.  Looking up, Owen saw that David Xanatos looked as trim and fit as ever in his usual black pants, shirt, and jacket, hair and goatee trimmed to perfection.  Unlike normal, Owen felt and looked like a slob next to Xanatos.  Ever since the shooting, Owen had been confined to the bed in his room.  At first they weren't sure if he'd survive, but after the first night Owen was on his way to a very slow and painful recovery, filled with many complications due to the iron in the bullets.

 "Yes, of course," Xanatos agreed, waving his hand impatiently.  "In any case, how are your injuries healing?"

 "Slowly Sir, but they are healing.  What time is it?"

 "It's after eleven in the morning."

 "I'm sorry Sir, it seems as though I've over slept.." Owen trailed off as he pulled himself shakily to his feet and tried to smooth down his ruffled blond hair while reaching for his glasses.

 "Relax," Xanatos insisted as he gently pushed his assistant back onto the bed.  "You're entitled to sleep in... you're not due back to work till tomorrow."

 "Yes Sir... then what can I help you with this morning?" Owen asked as he raised his eyebrow in trademark fashion.

 "Well, I was also curious as to how your fey side is coming along," Xanatos ventured slowly, watching Owen's face for his reaction.

 "Very weak Sir."

 "Ah, I see," David answered, his face falling in disappointment.

 "Why did you ask?"

 "Well, as you know, the Detective has been gone for a little over a month now.  By now there's no hope left of finding her by traditional means.  On the other hand, with the help of a certain trickster..."

 "As you know sir," Owen broke in a tired voice, "I'm not allowed to use my magical abilities save in the teachings or protection of young Alexander."

 "I am aware of this, but if we made a lesson out of this, you and Alex would be able to find her in an instant."

 "I'm sorry sir, but I'm afraid that I am still too weak to try such a venture."

 "But with..."

 "Even with young Alexander's help, we're still not strong enough," Owen broke in once again.

 "I see," Xanatos said, trying not to loose his composure.  "I trust that you'll inform me the minute you're 'feeling up to it.'  Don't forget though - the longer we take in locating Detective Maza, the less of a chance we have of locating her alive and.. unharmed."

 "I understand Mr. Xanatos... but I hope you understand that what you're asking for is not an easy thing.  Even when I'm fully healed and with Alex's help, the Puck will probably not be able to find her.  The world is a big place with a lot of people living on it.  We haven't the faintest idea of where she's at so we can't narrow our search field.  Really we're trying to locate one soul out of billions.  You see my problem and the difficulty?"

 "I.. understand.  Thank you Owen," Xanatos said, nodding once to Owen before exiting his room and turning down one of the many hallways, so completely immersed in his own thoughts that he didn't even see Fox who was standing beside the door, an odd look on her face.  Without saying a word to her husband, Fox quietly opened Owen's door and entered the bed chamber, closing the door behind her.

Castle Wyvern - 1/26/98 sunset

 As the snow fell in soft, light flakes to the ground, the residents of New York fell into their nightly routines.  So caught up in these routines, very few noticed as the golden sun that towered above them throughout the day slowly dipped over the horizon, leaving the city shrouded in the dark of the night.

 On the highest tower of Castle Wyvern, which sat regally on top of the Aerie building, one citizen was very aware of the coming night.  Pulling his coat tighter in hopes of warding off the cold of the coming night, David Xanatos watched the stone form of Goliath patiently.  "Any minute now," Xanatos muttered as he quickly glanced at the disappearing sun.  His prediction was accurate, because as he glanced at Goliath once again, Xanatos watched in satisfaction as cracks lined his stone form.  From there it was just a matter of seconds before Goliath awoke from his stone sleep, sending a fine spray of stone particles and the snow that had built up on him during the day flying in all directions.

 After some yawning and stretching, Xanatos finally gave up and coughed lightly.  Startled, Goliath turned from his perch and spotted his guest.  "Xanatos," Goliath acknowledged as he stepped down from his perch, the white snow crunching beneath him.  "Forgive me... it's been awhile since I've had visitors.." Goliath trailed off quietly, his thoughts obviously jumping to Elisa.

 "Uh, Goliath..." Xanatos broke in quietly, not wanting the mighty leader to dwell on Elisa so early in the evening... who was he kidding?  His news was going to do exactly that!

 "I'm sorry again.  You have news?" Goliath asked, making a conscious effort to focus on what was being said.

 "Yes, I talked with Owen today..."

 "How is he doing?  Healing alright?" Goliath asked suddenly.  In the last month since Elisa's 'kidnapping' things had been so hectic that Goliath had... well, he'd forgotten that Owen had been shot; especially shocking considering that they lived in the same building!

 "Owen?  Oh, Owen's doing fine.  Actually, he'll be returning to work tomorrow."

 "That's..."

 "Puck, on the other hand, isn't healing well due to the iron in the bullets," Xanatos interrupted.

 "Oh, I... well, I'm sorry to hear that..."

 "Yes, Puck won't be giving Alex any lessons for quite a long time.. especially any useful lessons," Xanatos stressed.  As cold and calculated that he used to be, David just didn't have the heart to come right out and tell Goliath that there was pretty much no chance in hell of Puck ever being able to magically locate the detective.  Even though Goliath had never discussed the idea with Xanatos, he knew that Goliath had probably been thinking of that all alone.. as David himself had.

 Luckily for Xanatos, Goliath wasn't dumb and quickly picked up on the message he was trying to convey.  "I see," Goliath said slowly, his face visibly falling.  "Be sure to send Owen my regards," he said slowly before turning to glide down to meet with his clan on the lower battlements.

 "Hey Goliath!" Brooklyn acknowledged from the center of the clan.  "What are the assignments for tonight?"

 "No patrol tonight.. we've been very busy the last couple of weeks, and I'm sure you all have things to do," Goliath explained, trying to ignore the shocked looks on the clan's faces.

 "Are ye sure lad?" Hudson asked, watching the young leader's face.

 "I'm sure."

 "Well then, I suppose I could visit Jefferson, it has been awhile since I last stopped by," Hudson acknowledged.

 "And I could go check my e-mail," Lex supplied.

 "Good," Goliath agreed, nodding his head in a way that hinted the clan was dismissed.

 A little unsure, the clan began to slowly head away from Goliath as he turned his back on them to watch the night sky.  Soon everyone was gone but Angela.  Slowly she approached Goliath and put her hand gently on his shoulder.

 "Don't you have anything to do this eve, Angela?" Goliath half asked half sighed without turning.

 "Father, what were you planning on doing?"

 "I was going to go visit Elisa..."

 "Alone?  Let me come with you," Angela said quietly.  Ever since Goliath had learned of Elisa's 'resting place,' he had visited it almost every night.  To be honest, the place gave Angela the creeps.. I mean, it wasn't as though Elisa really was buried there.. her friend was alive, some where.  Still, sometimes she went with her father, just so he wouldn't be alone.

 "No... thank you Angela, but no.  I think that I'd rather go alone tonight..."

 "With your thoughts to plague you?  Father, you shouldn't be alone all of the time.  Allow me to accompany you..."

 "I said..."

 "Why can't I come with you tonight?"

 "I just need to go alone."

 "Father, we all miss Elisa, but we all need to get on with our lives."

 "But I love her!" Goliath roared, turning quickly to face Angela, his eyes glowing and wings flared.  Surprised, Angela quickly stepped back a couple of paces.  "It may be easy for the rest of you to 'get on with your lives,' but I loved - I love her!  How can I get on with a life that doesn't include her?!" Goliath roared.  Not waiting for an answer Goliath turned on his heel and glided off quickly into the night sky.

 Holding back tears, Angela merely stared in shock at Goliath's disappearing form as she felt two hands touch her shoulders gently.  Turning around Angela met face to face with Broadway and Brooklyn.

 "Are you okay Angela?" Broadway asked, the concern evident in his voice.

 "I'm fine Broadway, Brooklyn.. I just would like to be alone right now," Angela said as she slowly made her way past the two gargoyles, heading for the shadowy snow covered courtyard.

 "Are you sure?  I mean, we could all watch a movie or something," Brooklyn suggested to her retreating back.

 "No thank you.  I'd rather be alone," Angela said over her shoulder as she picked up her pace and soon disappeared into the shadows.

 "Come on Broadway, let's go see what's on t.v.," Brooklyn said, respecting Angela's privacy and motioning towards the castle entrance.

 Nodding in agreement, Broadway followed his rookery brother inside and muttered, "Can't blame us for trying."

 Deep in thought, Angela slowly wandered through the quiet, snow covered courtyard.  As she walked, her troubled mind skipped back and forth between her father, Elisa, her conversation with Goliath, and the fateful Christmas Eve so long ago.  So immersed in her own thoughts, Angela didn't hear the tell tale crunch of snow till it was too late.

 "Brook..." Angela started to ask as she turned towards the sound.  Before she had turned all of the way around, Angela felt a sharp pain explode in the back of her head.  Screaming out in pain and surprise, Angela stumbled hard to the ground.  Groaning, she tried to lift her aching body but was quickly stopped by a hard kick to her kidneys.  Gasping in agony, Angela fell once more to the cold, snowy ground, cutting her forehead on a sharp rock.  Groaning once more Angela tried again to get up, only to receive yet another kick to the stomach.  As the momentum flipped her over onto her back, Angela was disgusted by the sound of her ribs breaking.  Crying in pain, Angela opened her eyes, glimpsing her attackers for the first time.  Not that it helped her any, for all she saw was four shrouded figures wearing black masks.

 Suddenly Angela and her attackers heard, "Angie?  Where are you?" yelled from somewhere on the other side of the castle.

 "Brooklyn!" Angela gasped in between waves of pain.

 For that small whisper, Angela not only received another kick in her shattered ribs, but she was also punched hard in the chin.  Groaning, Angela could do nothing but moan and cry out softly as the waves of pain rolled up and down her body as the dark mercenaries continued to rain unforgiving blows down on her body, as she felt her cold skin break open and her warm blood ooze out, and as she heard Brooklyn and Broadway call out for her, their yells quickly turning frantic as they couldn't find her, their voices drawing closer but never close enough.  Soon all Angela could think of was the blessed relief unconsciousness would bring.  Just as she felt her mind begin to drift away, the blows stopped.  Struggling, Angela slowly focused on staying awake and opened one swollen and bruised eye only to be blinded by a bright flash of light.  Closing her eye again, Angela listened in confusion to a strange clicking and whirring noise, waiting in terror for the blows to begin again.  Trying to focus past the pain, Angela dimly heard her attackers say, "Enough, let's get out of here..."  And then there was silence.  Angela was all alone with nothing but her pain and the darkness to comfort her.

 "Where is she?" Brooklyn asked Broadway anxiously as they ran over the snow covered grounds of the courtyard.  "Angela!"

 "Are you sure you weren't just hearing things?" Broadway panted as he ran along side his rookery brother.  "I mean, the television was pretty loud."

 "Hey, these ears don't miss nothing!" Brooklyn cried out angrily.  "Besides, I heard Angela yell!"

 "Yeah, but..."

 "Hey, what's that?" Brooklyn asked, pointing to a really shadowy area of the courtyard.  Brooklyn stopped his mad dash and squinted in the evening night.

 "What?  I don't see anything!" Broadway replied, curious about the sudden note of worry he detected in Brooklyn's voice.

 "Oh my God, Angela!" Brooklyn yelled, quickly darting forward.

 "What are you... Angie!" Broadway gasped as he finally saw what had caught Brooklyn's attention.  Laying in the shadowy snow was a barely recognizable Angela.  She was bruised, swollen, and bloody - the snow under and around her stained red.  "What happened?" Broadway asked in shock as Brooklyn knelt by her side.

 "What does it look like?" Brooklyn snapped angrily.  "She's been severely beaten."

 "But... but she's in the castle, in our home..." Broadway mumbled in disbelief.

 "Ohhh," Angela moaned as she tilted her head to the side.

 That instantly broke up all conversation.  Being as gentle as he could, Brooklyn slowly reached down and lifted the semi-conscious Angela into his arms.  Moaning in pain was her only response.  Trying to move fast yet gentle, Brooklyn quickly headed towards the nearest entrance to the castle, Broadway in tow.

 "Where are you taking her?"

 "The infirmary," Brooklyn answered grimly.  "Broadway, I need you to run ahead and get the others..."

 "But-"

 "Move!" Brooklyn ordered in a tone that left no room for argument.

 Nodding, Broadway ran ahead, leaving Brooklyn alone with his precious cargo.  "Hang in there Angie, hang in there," Brooklyn muttered, his eyes roaming over her battered features.  He would personally kill whoever had done this to her.  He would kill them.

Elsewhere in Castle Wyvern

 Sighing, Fox leaned her head against her husband's strong shoulder.  She absolutely loved nights like this: no business and no action.  Instead, Fox and David were curled up on the couch in front of a roaring fire in the library.

 "Hmm," Fox sighed.

 "Hmm what?" David asked as he hugged his wife closer.

 "I was just thinking about how much I love you," Fox purred.

 "Hmm, I love you too," Xanatos murmured.

 "And about how I should be checking on Alex about now..."

 "Mmm hmm.." Xanatos agreed sleepily.  "What?"

 "I need to go and check on Alex and then I'll be right back," Fox promised as she untangled herself from her husband and headed for the library door.

 "But..."

 "I'll be right back," Fox laughed as she slipped out the door.  Still laughing to herself, Fox walked down the dimly lit stone hallways.  About ten feet from the door, Fox walked in front of a large glass window, her thoughts on her waiting husband.  Suddenly, the sound of breaking glass filled the room as someone burst through the window and against Fox.  Crying out in surprise, Fox was roughly shoved against the stone wall, causing her head to hit against the unforgiving stone, sending her reeling to her knees.

 "Who in the hell..." Fox began as she tried to get to her feet.

 That move was quickly met with a sharp kick to her side.  Gasping in pain, Fox fell back to the floor.  "Maybe you should learn to stay down.. your gargoyle friend eventually did... although it took a while to convince her," a rough voice responded.  Bringing his foot up, the mercenary was just about to deliver yet another devastating blow to Fox's side when he heard an audible click in the hallway.

 "Step away from my wife, NOW!" Xanatos ordered from behind the mercenary, a gun pressed firmly against his head.  Obeying, the man in black slowly moved away from Fox, careful not to make any sudden moves.  "Good, now what are you doing here?"

 "You should learn to watch your back," the mercenary replied coldly.

 "What.." before Xanatos had a chance to finish his sentence he felt the cold steel of a gun press against his head.

 "Put your gun down Mr. Xanatos," a cold female voice said from behind Xanatos.  He didn't have to turn around to know that another mercenary had a gun pressed to the back of his head.

 "Nay lass.. maybe it be you who should be watching your back!" Hudson yelled from just outside the library door, his sword drawn.  Slowly a growling Bronx and Lexington, his eyes glowing white flanked Hudson on either side.

 Seeing that they were at a severe disadvantage, the mercenaries quickly made their move.  The female who had her gun trained on Xanatos shifted her hand quickly and beaned him on the back of the head with the butt of her gun.  Moving even faster, the team jumped out of the broken window, catching a rope that was waiting for them.  Before anyone had a chance to charge, the silent running helicopter tore off into the night sky, the man and woman dangling precariously below.

 Groaning, Xanatos picked himself off the floor and hurried to his wife's side.  "Fox, are you okay?" he asked as he helped his wife up.

 Smiling at her husband, Fox said, "A little sore, but I'll live."

 "Now what was that all about?" Hudson broke in as he sheathed his sword.  "It just be a good thing that we heard that silent alarm you hit, Xanatos."

 "Yeah, who were those guys?" Lexington asked.

 "I don't know, but... oh my God," Fox said suddenly, a light coming on.  "Where's Angela?"

 "Angela?" Hudson asked, his eyes filling with worry.

 Before anyone else could say anything, Broadway quickly burst in the room.  "There you guys are, I've been looking all over!  Hurry up, we gotta go to the infirmary, Angela's been hurt!" he yelled as he turned and started running.

 Shooting worried looks, everyone quickly followed the portly gargoyle.  Everyone except Lexington that is.  Skidding on the stone floor, Lex quickly back tracked to the open window and yelled, "I'm going to get Goliath!" as he jumped through the shattered window and into the night sky.

An hour later

 Rubbing his eyes wearing, Xanatos stared at the floor of the infirmary while holding Fox protectively.  Ever since they had entered the room they all sat patiently waiting for word about how Angela was doing.

 Suddenly Xanatos looked up as there was a commotion at the entrance to the infirmary.  Sighing, he watched as Goliath burst into the room followed closely by Lexington.

 "Brooklyn, what happened?" Goliath demanded quickly of his second.

 "Angela was attacked in the courtyard and severely beaten," Brooklyn answered slowly.  "Fox was also attacked, but Xanatos and the others were able to scare them off."

 "Who..."

 Goliath's question was quickly cut off as Xanatos' tired doctor finally entered the room.  All weariness forgotten, Xanatos quickly jumped out of his chair and met the doctor at the door.  "Doctor, what's the news?"

 "Ah, Mr. Xanatos.  Um, the gargoyle is sleeping soundly right now due to the pain medication I gave her.  She has five broken ribs, a cracked chin, a severe concussion, and numerous contusions over her body," the doctor said slowly.

 "Angela.." Goliath breathed quietly.

 "Don't worry Goliath, Angela will heal at sunset," Brooklyn reassured quietly.

 "You're right, but... how?  Why?" Goliath asked slowly, sitting down heavily in one of the chairs in a daze.

 Ignoring Goliath's question, Xanatos slowly stalked back over to his wife and pulled her into his arms.  "They attacked our loved ones in our own home.. are own home?  If we're not safe here, then where??  Someone will pay for this.. they will pay dearly," Xanatos softly swore as he hugged his wife even closer, fire burning in his eyes.

Chateau en France - 1/27/98 20h00

 Sitting heavily down in his office chair, Thailog stared at his telephone moodily, willing for it to ring.  It was only 8pm but already he'd had yet another bad encounter with Elisa.  Her mouth and her disrespect was really tiring on him.. he was so close to exploding.  And if he did explode, he couldn't say for sure what his actions would be.

 Suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by the jarring of the telephone.  As a crafty smile lit up Thailog's face, he quickly reached forward and snatched up the phone.  "Well?"

 "It's done."

 "Good.."

 "But we had a problem."

 "What?" Thailog asked, his hand tightening on the phone.

 "The gargoyle was done, but we were interrupted while doing Mrs. Xanatos by her husband and a bunch of angry gargoyles.  We didn't get the pictures done for her."

 Sighing, Thailog shook his head in disgust.  Talk about luck.  Then again, he didn't really need the pictures of Xanatos' wife... Elisa only really cared about Goliath's daughter.  That in itself would be enough.

 "Sir?"

 "Never mind about Fox, just send the pictures right out."

 "You should have them by next week."

 "Perfect," Thailog muttered as he hung up the phone.  Leaning back in his chair, Thailog slowly swiveled around till he was staring out at the snowy landscape behind his picture window.  "After you see these, Elisa my dear, you will have no choice but to respect me.. and to love me eventually.  I tried playing it nice, but now we'll do it my way."