Hey guys! This is my first Disney and friends inspired fanfiction. It was a simple idea suggested by my sister and when one has a spark and then listens to Disney music while recovering from surgery, the mind does amazing things. So here is my sister and I's collaborative, Western based story with Mickey and friends.

Enjoy! XD


That Friday Minnie considered to be the worst day of her life. She had just gotten news that the mortgage tax on the schoolhouse was going to increase. At the end of the school day, a few of her students informed her that they wouldn't be returning the next month due to them needing to help on the family farm during harvest. On top of everything, the weather had been unbearably hot and her form fitting, head to toe dress women were expected to wear was clinging and itching her skin. She was uncomfortable and annoyed and that was not a good emotional combination for the small mouse.

Minnie sighed heavily as she slammed the small chalk boards on the loose shelf. The chalk dust and the dust on the shelf flew around her head making her cough and irritate her even more. She decided to take her frustration out on the shelf as she banged on it several times.

"Be careful," Clarabelle piped up. The tall, slender cow in a similar form fitting dress had just finished pushing in the last of the desk chairs and was now making her way towards the front of the room to join Minnie. "That shelf won't last much longer if you keep doing that."

"I know," Minnie wiped the sweat off of her forehead. "I just can't believe what the Mayor is doing. What does he hope to accomplish?"

"Umm...Insurance that the land is paid for?" Clarabelle suggested trying to calm her friend down just a little.

"More like foreclosure!" Minnie snapped as she began to aggressively erase the blackboard. "If he keeps this up, the school will have to be shut down." The mouse gently placed the eraser down and stared at the white chalk dust. As she thought about the affects this news was going to have on the school and town, Minnie fought the tears threatening her eyes."

"Are you alright?" Clarabelle asked, noticing the long silence.

"Yeah," Minnie replied, her melancholy sigh saying otherwise. She shook her head to compose herself, masking her weakening emotional state. She turned to her teaching assistant and continued to vent as she gathered her things in a small wrist purse. "I just have high hopes for these children and it feels like everyone is against them from getting a proper education."

Minnie exited the schoolhouse, Clarabelle following close behind. Once the building was locked, the two lifted the front of their dresses just enough so that the dirt and dust wouldn't stain their skirts too badly. "Take the Duck triplets for example. If they could focus their energy on their school work, they'd go far in life."

"But why bother?" Clarabelle asked, getting an angry look from the mouse. "I'm just saying that they will probably inherit their uncle's wealth and never have to worry about things like a job."

"Money is fickle; the economy is fickle. Besides, one needs education to invest wisely. Money only works if it's used wisely."

"Point made."

The two women rounded the corner and entered the main street of Sunrise Valley. It was a quaint little town but big enough to have the basic needs for all who lived there. The town almost had an 'I' shape to it with the main street having a perpendicular street at the ends of the road. Wooden buildings lined the streets with stores, shops, and public establishments of every shape and size.

On the outside of town, there was the railroad and station that went through the desert and is the main source of contact with the outside world. The second source is the river access that ran parallel with the town and the third being the public roads weaving through the mountains and forests that bordered the town.

Stepping onto the wooden walkways, the two women continued on their trek. "So, what are we going to do about the increased tax? Where are we going to get the additional money?"

Minnie downcast her eyes and slumped her shoulders. "I don't know, Clarabelle. Maybe I'll take it out of my personal savings."

"But you've been trying to save up for new books for the students."

"What point are new books if there is no school?"

"Again, good point."

"Hello, ladies!" A sweet, gentle voice with a slight drawl called to them. The two looked into the carriage, horse and pedestrian filled street to see a tall, lanky dog walking towards them. Once on the walkway with them, he tipped his olive green cowboy hat and gave them a big grin. "How are ya today?"

"Hello, Sheriff Goofy," Minnie smiled back. "We're doing well. How about you?"

"Not bad. Wish it weren't so hot but at least it's a nice day."

"You always see the bright side of things don't you, Goofy?" Clarabelle chuckled.

"Aye, I try," the Sheriff laughed with a h-yuck. "I'll let you ladies get about yer day." With another tip of his hat, he walked past them and continued his rounds.

"He's always a cheerful fellow," Minnie said as she began walking. "You can always count on him to put a smile on your face."

"Yeah. Him and Horace."

Minnie arched an eyebrow and smiled knowingly. "You like Horace don't you?"

"W-what?" Clarabelle stammered. "We've been friends since I can remember. He's always been able to put a smile on my face."

"I don't doubt it Clarabelle. Sometimes I wish I had someone I stutter and blush over like you do with Horace."

Clarabelle was about to object when another figure blocked their path. Minnie looked up to see tall mouse with a long snout and buck teeth puffing his pristine, suit covered chest at them. The smooth buttons reflected the sun causing Minnie and Clarabelle to squint in pain. "Hey there, Min. Do you know what today is?"

"If you say 'my lucky day', Mortimer, I'm going to hurl," she spat.

"Today is the day that I takeover my Father's business and it is your lucky day for I am here to invite you to my celebration."

Before Minnie could move, Clarabelle grabbed her shoulders and held her back. "What makes you think she's interested in celebrating with you, Mr. Slicker?" Clarabelle spoke.

"You are a beautiful young mouse," Mortimer looked at Minnie, failing to see the annoyance in her face. "And I, a handsome young mouse. We're meant for each other."

"Has it occurred to you that, perhaps, I have plans for tonight?" Minnie asked, trying to sound as normal as possible.

"How could you?" Mortimer shrugged. "You're a single woman with a silly hobby."

Minnie's jaw tightened as she gritted her teeth. He called education silly and a hobby, her passion in life and he just insulted it. She wanted to punch his smug face but instead she decided to count to ten in her head as she took several deep breaths before smiling at the mouse.

"Well, it so happens that I do have plans tonight. You're also blocking my path to McDuck Bank." She grabbed Clarabelle and walked around Mortimer, but could hear his heavy footsteps following them, not getting the hint that she didn't want to talk anymore. Minnie's steps quickened, hoping to get away from him but he kept up with them.

"I'll pick you up around 7 PM?" Mortimer continued to speak.

"How thick are you?" Clarabelle tried to help Minnie. "She's not interested."

"Or in the mood," another female voice said.

The three looked up to see a duck in a pink and purple bustle dress standing in the saloon's swinging doors. Daisy's right hand rested on her hip as her left propped one of the doors opened. "Leave Minnie alone Mortimer, or you will be banned from my saloon for a month."

"You can't do that," Mortimer scoffed.

"I have the right to refuse service to anyone," Daisy walked out and crossed her arms across her chest. "No drinks, no show, no gambling, nothing. For a whole month."

Minnie stifled a laugh threatening to leave her mouth as she watched the taller mouse try to win a staring contest with Daisy. Everyone knew her to be a stubborn and strong-willed duck and not someone to mess with. One would have to be to own a saloon and keep a bunch of drunken males in line.

Giving up with the game of wits, Mortimer shrugged and turned to Minnie. "I'll check up with you another time, Min. When you're more alone."

He grabbed Minnie's hand but before he could kiss it, she withdrew it and hid it behind her back. "Don't count on it."

Mortimer shrugged as he smiled and walked away from the three females who watched as he flirted with other women in his path. The mouse, cow, and duck all cringed in disgust at the same time.

"What a creep."

"Agreed," Clarabelle nodded at the duck.

"Thanks, Daisy," Minnie smiled. "I really didn't want to deal with him today."

"I could tell," Daisy said as she walked closer to her friend. "Did you get the notice about the increased tax as well?"

"Yes," Minnie seethed.

"I suggest you two hurry to the bank if you want to do any financial business before the weekend. Donald said that because of the Mayor's notice, his uncle has been swamped all day and is thinking of closing the bank early despite who's still there."

"Thanks, Daisy. Come on Clarabelle. We need to get the school's finances settled so we can some what relax this weekend."

Waving to Daisy as she grabbed Clarabelle's hand, Minnie began to run towards the bank. They carefully crossed the street and passed three horses that weren't tied to a mast. As Minnie reached out to open the bank door, it swung open violently and three figured rushed out knocking Minnie and Clarabelle backwards. Clarabelle's momentum was stopped by one of the wooden masts of the building while Minnie slid across the wood and rolled into the dirt street.

"Come on boys," a deep voice said as the three figures continued to pass the mouse.

"Someone stop 'em!" a Scottish accented voice hollered. "They robbed ma bank!"

The air was filled with gasps and screams at the bank owner's proclamation. Minnie hazily looked up and saw three badgers in black cloaks holding sacks as they jumped onto the three untied horses.

They clicked their heels together ready to exit town when they noticed their path blocked by a duck on a navy blue vest and hat. In his hand, he held a pistol and pointed it directly at them. "Hold it right there, Beagle Boys. As Deputy, you are under arrest for robbing McDuck Bank."

"Donald!" Daisy called out, her tone laced with worry and concern. She stopped at the edge of the wooden walkway, looking at the scene unfold.

"Turn around!" the middle sized badger shouted. The three turned their horses around to exit the other side of town but was stopped once again.

"I don't think so," Goofy said sternly as he walked out into the street also aiming a pistol in the bandits' direction. "Not this time boys."

"What do we do Terence?" the smallest badger looked toward the largest one.

"Shut up, Tiny," Terence shouted as he looked around.

Minnie had just gotten her breath back and was slowly standing up, realizing that the dress she wore was completely ruined. She could feel her shoulder and elbow throbbing thanks to them impacting the ground and wondered if Clarabelle was feeling a similar pain. Thinking of her friend, she looked back towards the bank to see where she was and saw the cow using the mast to pick herself up.

Once standing and seeing Clarabelle was alright, Minnie began to brush off the front of her dress as she began to walk towards her friend, asking herself if this day could get any worse.

The moment Minnie mentally asked that question, she regretted it. Terence had come up behind her and reached down to grabbed her by the neck and pulled her onto his horse. Minnie screamed in surprise and pain for he had grabbed a good portion of her hair and pulled it in the process. She raised her hand toward her head to remove the hand from her head but an arm wrapped itself around her and pinned her arms and body against her assailant. Minnie struggled against the grip, using her own body to ram against Terence's in an attempt to free herself. "What do you think you're-"

"Shut up." Terence pulled a pistol and pressed it against Minnie's temple. The crowd gasped and went eerily quiet as Minnie's body went rigid at the touch of cold metal on her skin. She watched as Daisy raised her hand to her beak and Clarabelle stumble in shock, only to be caught by the local blacksmith Horace.

The bandit turned his horse around to face Goofy and looked him directly in the eye. "You will let us pass, Goof, or she won't see tomorrow."

Minnie watched as the dog glance between the bandit and the schoolteacher and without hesitation, lowered his gun, walking to the side of the street. Minnie felt Terence grin as he turned his horse around to face Donald. "You too duck."

"I won't let you get away this time!" Donald stubbornly yelled.

"Get out of the way," Terence warned as he gritted his teeth. He pressed the gun harder into Minnie's head, her eyes closing in response to the force.

"No!" Donald stood firmly. "You wouldn't dare hurt her."

"Donald!" Goofy hollered. "He means it. Get out of the way."

As to prove Goofy right, the badger pulled the hammer back sending a deafening sound to everyone's ears. Minnie's eye shot open in shock. She saw Donald's mouth drop slightly, his resolve now beginning to waver. Minnie saw him look past her, his eyes darting to several people before coming back to her and the bandit. Terence tightened his grip around her waist causing her to take in a sudden breath and Donald to give up on his attempt to stop the Beagle Boys. He slowly lowered his pistol and walked to the side of the street but never taking his eyes off of the bandits.

"You got your escape route," Minnie spoke up. "Now let me go."

"Fat chance! You're our insurance that they won't follow us. Let's ride boys!"

The three bandits clicked their heels and sprinted out of town, the shouts of Minnie's name quickly disintegrating into the wind.


Goofy continued to stare at the last place he saw the Beagle Boys. The dust their horse kicked up had long since settled and yet he kept staring. Horrid memories flooded his mind, sadness and anger began to flood his heart as he continued to stare. He didn't know which was worse, remaining in that black hole of images and feelings or facing the terrified town. He didn't want to move his field of vision, afraid of seeing the disappointed faces of not only the townsfolk he had sworn to protect but seeing the disappointment from his Deputy and friend.

Realizing that drowning in the past wasn't good for his health or for the well-being of Minnie, he forced himself to look around him. He watched as Daisy ran towards Donald, giving him a strong hug and a peck on the cheek before scolding him about putting himself in danger. Off to the left, he saw Clarabelle shaking and close to tears as she hung to Horace who seemed to be talking to her gently to try and calm her down. Behind them, he saw Scrooge with his mouth hung open ever so slightly. He seemed to be staring off in the distance but the next second, he shook his head and marched back into his bank.

Not wanting to face the emotionally distraught folks just yet, he settled for being yelled at by a financially distraught bank owner. Goofy slid past the couples calming each other and entered the bank. Walking past the lobby and the teller booth, Goofy entered the back counting room and heard McDuck counting and balancing the finances, muttering in between something about his relatives.

"Mr. McDuck," Goofy said as he knocked on the doorframe to announce himself. "What is the damage this time?"

"The broke into the Martin, school, and my personal accounts, stealing approximately two thousand dollars!"

"Oh, gosh," Goofy scratched his head. "How did they get in?"

"I don't know!" Scrooge threw his hands up in the air. "If I did, I'd wait by the door and hit him on the head as they came in!" He swung his cane around as an example, almost hitting Goofy in the process.

"I don't doubt it, sir." Goofy avoided eye contact with the angered duck as he wrung his hands. "I thought for sure we would have gotten them this time."

Scrooge took a deep breath as he relaxed his tensed body and calmly looked at the Sheriff. "I'm not mad at ye. You and ma nephew did have them cornered but what could ye do against several bandits with a hostage?"

"Thank ya, sir," Goofy smiled weakly. "Do ya mind if I look around for any clues?"

"Be ma guest," Scrooge waved his hand in the air. "But ya probably won't find anything like before."

Goofy nodded as he walked through the bank. Not a single window had been broken, not a single door had been pried open, and there were no holes or openings in the ceiling. Everything looked normal except for the busted metal boxes that used contain money.

"Sheriff?"

Goofy looked up to see his Deputy standing nearby with an annoyed look on his face. Standing up, the Sheriff sighed, "I know, Donald. I know."

"What have you found?" Donald asked, trying to keep his temper in check.

"Nothing. It's like they walked through the front door."

"How does this keep happening?" Donald's temper now flaring. "How did nobody notice three guys in black cloaks?"

"Wasn't the bank busier than normal today?" Goofy asked. "Maybe they used that to their advantage."

"That still doesn't explain how no one noticed three guys in black cloaks! The only way they could have walked through a crowd and not been noticed is if they wore normal clothes or that of a banker to get past the teller and changed once inside."

"If that's what they did," Goofy rubbed his chin. "Then this was definitely preconceived and not just a sudden job."

"What? You mean they knew today was going to be busy and they used that to their advantage?"

"Maybe," Goofy shrugged.

"Ah, phooey!" Donald stomped his foot. "This is the fourth time this month they've robbed the bank. The sixth time attacking the town! I'm sick of it!" Donald's feather were tussled and matching the color of a tomato, his chest heaving violently.

"How's Daisy and Clarabelle?" Goofy asked in order to change the subject and calm his friend down.

His idea worked as he watched Donald's shoulders relax and his expression softened. "They're alright. Just worried about their friend. We need to find her quick, Goofy. Who knows what the Beagle Boys will do Ms. Minnie. They've never taken a hostage before." Donald turned around to exit the bank as he began to list off ways they might be able to locate the bandits and save the schoolteacher.

The dog watched Donald leave, his mind once again flashing through horrid images and his heart beginning to race. "That's not entirely true," he mumbled to himself before following his deputy.


With the day being so hot and her constantly taking inventory and stocking, all the small black and white cat wanted to do was go home and relax. Ortensia wanted to curl up on the couch with a good book and forget about the day. Once the last of the goods were locked away safely, she kissed her hand and then touched the lips of the elderly cat pictured on the wall.

"Love you Daddy," she whispered.

Grabbing her bag, she walked through the store and exited the building, locking it behind her. Turning her back to the sun, she began to walk towards her home but was stopped by the sound of the town bell announcing a town meeting. Stopping in her tracks, she debated on whether or not it was worth it to go. She could always find out later what it was about from her uncle.

Sighing, Ortensia turned around and headed back into town. As she walked towards the Town Hall, she squinted and raised her hand to shield herself from the setting sun. The Town Hall was already filled with the townsfolk, the room booming with everyone chattering away like every other town meeting. Not in the mood for gossip, she found a few seats in the back of the Town Hall and sat down.

Once seated, she decided to watch her neighbors to pass the time, loving how they interacted with one another however, this time, something seemed off. She saw Daisy and Horace rubbing Clarabelle's back as if trying to calm her down. Donald and Scrooge sat on either ends of the three young ducklings, their eyes on alert as if something might happen to the youngest generation of Ducks. Towards the front of the room, Sheriff Goofy stood slightly slouched, his eyes glazed over as if his mind were elsewhere but in the present. Loud grumblings from her right got the cat's attention as she saw a large, nicely dressed dog scribbling in a small pocket book as a young redheaded female patted his shoulder.

Seeing the huddled groups and hearing the hushed tones confused Ortensia. "Did I miss something?" she asked herself.

At that moment, a brown, floppy eared dog plopped down next to her and gave an exasperated sigh as he dabbed his forehead. "Finally. I moment's peace."

"Are you alright Dr. Doppler?"

"Oh, I'm fine Ms. Ortensia. Just exhausted from trying to calm these stressed townsfolk. Some required a laxative or else they would have a panic attack!"

"I don't understand Doctor. Why are people panicked?"

"You haven't heard?" Doppler straightened in his seat. "I thought everyone knew. News travels fast in this town. Too fast in my taste."

"Knew what?"

"I'm quite surprised you don't know. I figured being the Mayor's niece you would be the first to know."

Ortensia rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as she scoffed. "Uncle Pete doesn't discuss current events with me. Thinks it's not a woman's business."

"Oh, well, um, my apologies," Doppler stammered, awkwardly shifting in his seat as he bowed his head.

"It's alright Doctor," Ortensia smiled as she put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "What's got the town in a panic?"

"Ah. Right. Well, the Beagle Boys robbed the bank."

"Again?" the cat rolled her eyes. "That's nothing new. It's becoming as common as the sun rising and setting."

"They also took Ms. Minnie as a hostage to escape," Doppler added.

"What!" Ortensia exclaimed, her hand shooting to her mouth in surprise. "They've never taken a hostage before."

"That's what's gotten the town in a buzz. If they start taking people, who's next. Poor Clarabelle was just inches away from Ms. Minnie and she's torn between the 'what if it was me' and 'what are they doing to Ms. Minnie'."

A high pitched hand bell rang through the hall settling the crowd. Everyone watched as a large black cat walked in front of the crowd and stood behind a podium. He altered between adjusting his black suit and coughing for several seconds making the atmosphere in the room thicker.

Rolling her eyes, Ortensia muttered, "Just get on with it."

"Citizens of Sunrise Valley," Pete addressed the room. "As Mayor, I am here to protect and serve you and it looks as if I keep failing you but I promise that I am doing everything in my power to keep you safe. I have heard many complaints about my recent notice regarding the increased tax on the mortgages and I am here to explain my reasoning."

"Wait. What increase?" Ortensia asked Doppler.

"The Mayor sent notices out this morning to all business owners and land users that the mortgage tax was going to be raised. I was miffed when I saw how much mine was increased. Weren't you?"

"Oh, yeah," Ortensia lied. She turned back to her uncle and tried to bore a hole in him with her eyes.

"Recent events have confirmed my fear. We don't have enough protection against these bandits. Between the Mutton Bandits and the Red Stallions Gang, Sunrise Valley is being bled dry. The additional revenue from the new taxes will help me obtain materials and manpower to protect our beloved town."

"If that's the case," Donald spoke up. "How is it that it's just Goofy and me trying to protect this town even though you keep raising the taxes every couple of months. You've been promising help and yet all I see is us getting poorer and the bandits getting richer!"

The room erupted in murmurs of agreement at Donald's argument. Pete waved his hands to calm the people. "I understand your concern Deputy Donald. These things take time and the higher ups don't consider our situation that important."

"Are ye sure they're even gettin' your letters?" Scrooge asked as he stood up.

Pete blinked several times before stuttering. "I-I don't understand what you're talking about."

"The post!" Scrooge banged his cane on the ground. "I have sent time sensitive letters time and time again to ma other establishments and I never hear back. Every once in awhile I will receive a letter sayin' they haven't heard from me in weeks!"

The crowd began to murmur once again, Pete losing control of the crowd. Ortensia leaned over Doppler again to ask," Is that true?"

"Aye, it looks that way. Several have vented to me and I have experience as well."

The cat ran her fingers over her lips as she thought of any letters that hadn't been answered lately but she couldn't think of a single one.

"I will look into that Mr. McDuck," Pete assured. Ortensia squinted at her uncle, noticing him beginning to sweat. "But in the meantime-"

"And what about Minnie?" Horace Horsecollar interjected. "Surely once the state hears that these criminals have added kidnapping to their repertoire, they'll respond quicker."

"How are we going to guarantee the safety of our children?" the large dog to Ortensia's right added.

"Mr. Martin," Goofy spoke up but was drowned out by the sudden burst of concerned voices from family members.

The kidnapping of Minnie opened the floodgates of panic throughout the townsfolk. Ortensia jumped slightly at the sudden onslaught as her eyes darted across the room trying to focus on something coherent. She saw Clarabelle grab Horace's shirt while Daisy tried to calm her down, she saw Donald try and console his three worried nephews and watched as Goofy tried to bring order back to the Town Hall.

Feeling like she had to do something to help the Sheriff out, Ortensia stood up and yelled at the top of her lungs. "Panicking isn't going to help anyone!"

The rooms went silent as everyone looked at the small cat. She took a deep breath as she smoothed the front of her dress. "Panicking isn't going to help anyone," she repeated in a calm voice. "Panicking isn't going to protect your families and panicking isn't going to help Ms. Minnie. The Beagle Boys may be bandits but they can't be stupid enough to harm her. The Mutton Bandits have a small bounty on their heads but the moment they add murder to their list of crimes, they shoot to the top of the state's most wanted. Most likely they will look for an opportunity to return the schoolteacher for a small ransom but if we remain in our current state, we could either miss the notice or worse, make the bandits believe they have no choice but to murder Ms. Minnie."

The crowd remained silent at her words and continued to listen. "I personally have just learned of these terrifying events and am just as concerned about the safety of not only Ms. Minnie but for all of us. As Deputy Donald has pointed out, he and Sheriff Goofy can only do so much to keep us safe so it is up to all of us that we don't become these bandits' next hostage. Keep an eye on one another, notify the authorities if you notice something suspicious, speak up if something seems off."

Ortensia looked at Goofy and smiled gently. "Until we can get things under control, remaining calm will greatly help our law enforcement." Once her speech was done, she sat down taking a deep, calming breath.

"That was bold of you," Doppler smiled. "But I wholeheartedly agree."

"Thank you."

"Following what my niece said," Pete spoke. "We need to remain calm and we will handle these bandits. Have a nice night and stay safe." The Mayor quickly exited the Town Hall leaving a crowd of befuddled people.

Scowling at the abrupt end to the meeting and Pete's hasty exit, Ortensia stood up and quickly ran outside. Running around the Hall, she caught him mounting his horse, ready to ride away.

Before he could click his heels, she stood in front of the horse and snapped, "Uncle Pete!"

"Tensy, d-dear," Pete stammered. "What are you doing here? Thanks for the help in there."

"Why didn't you tell me what was going on?"

"It didn't affect you and you didn't need to worry your pretty head about it."

"It does affect me," Ortensia placed her hands on her hips. "One: if the others find out that I'm the only one not affected by this tax, business could go down and I could lose my livelihood not to mention any social life. Two: It didn't occur to you to tell your niece that the bandits may be adding kidnapping to list of crimes and to prepare myself? Three: Minnie is a kind woman and my friend!" Ortensia was thankful for the dim light as it hid her welling eyes.

"I just- well," Pete stammered again. "I don't have to discuss politics with a girl. Get out of the way." He tried to navigate his horse around the small cat but she stepped back into his path.

"If what you said in there is true about the tax being used to help protect the town, why aren't you raising mine?"

"Because your father was a stickler for contracts. It states in there that no matter what happens, the monthly mortgage or it's tax will not go up. You happy?" Pete snapped the reins and jumped over the cat, sprinting into the early evening.

"Uncle!" Ortensia hollered. "You're going the wrong way!" She continued to watch as he blended into the dark horizon, sighing in confusion. "He must really be frazzled to be going in the opposite direction of his home." Ortensia shook her head as she headed to the other side of the town hoping to escape the events of the day in her home.


For those of you wondering about my other fics, I will be doing what I can to update them. I have every intention of finishing them.