One thing to say and then on to the story... McDonalds French Fries taste
terrible COLD!
Disclaimer: I don't own McDonalds French Fries... or LOTR... or Merry... or any of the hobbits for that matter.
BTW: Are really at Chapter 12? Man that's wild! It doesn't seem like that many... maybe it's cause these are short chapters compared to my other stories........ hmm. OH well, here ya go!
Chapter Twelve: Inn Bree
"Now remember," Frodo warned, "You are to call me Mr. Underhill, understand?" Jericho shook her head furiously determined not to screw it up. She had a tendency to talk a little too much and well... she could guess what would happen.
Jericho felt a hand squeeze hers. She didn't need to turn or say anything to know who it was. She squeezed Merry's hand back and took a deep breath. As they rode down the path she thought she could hear someone behind them. She brushed it off and just basked in the glow of her love.
()
Strider overheard everything that Frodo had tried to keep secret. He had noted the look of every hobbit, but he had been confused when he saw the girl. Gandalf hadn't said anything about a girl. Really he'd only mentioned 2 hobbits, but this was a bit strange. He followed the hobbits at a distance that would keep him out of sight and thought over his mission. If these were the hobbits that Gandalf had mentioned then he would have to gain their trust as to lead them away from the enemy. The tired ranger sighed.
'This is going to be fun,' he sarcastically said in his head.
()
"What was that?" asked Merry turning around. He thought he heard something climb over the wall of Bree after them.
"What was what?" Pippin inquired turning and seeing nothing.
"I thought I heard someone," he answered.
"I did too," Jericho added not turning around. He looked at her. Her face was grave and she was clenching her mouth shut. She seemed very wary of Bree. He made a mental note to ask her about it later, right now they had to find Gandalf.
"We don't have time to worry," Frodo said brushing it off, "If we are to meet Gandalf we must hurry, we're late enough as it is." The others nodded and they rode up the hill to the inn of the Prancing Pony.
"I don't like the smell of this place," Jericho whispered.
"What don't you like about it?" he asked leaning towards her.
"I don't know," she paused looking for the right words, "It's almost as if it's... evil." She turned her head around and looked behind them. Merry turned too and thought he saw something slink into the shadows.
"What do you see?" she asked Merry.
"I thought I saw a figure slinking into the shadows as soon as I turned," he answered. Jericho mumbled something.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"It's not important," she quickly said and turned back around, "How much farther?"
()
He had just got into the shadows in time. The girl hobbit had turned around and must have spotted him for sure. He didn't know why she hadn't told the others. Why would she not alert them of a stranger following them? It didn't make sense, which was odd for the Ranger; usually he could make perfect sense of a lot of things.
Once the two hobbits continued riding he briskly walked up to the inn by another way. He went in only a few minutes before the hobbits arrived. He slipped into the corner of the bar and watched them from the shadows.
()
Jericho grasped her block in her pocket. She was tempted beyond belief to take it out and look. She knew that Strider must be following them, but she did not know for sure. Of course, she also knew that she couldn't tell Merry and ask him if he saw him, but then that would ruin the story.
"Hey," Merry asked as he led her to their room, "Are you alright? You seem really tense."
"Yeah," she lied turning and looking behind even though she knew she couldn't see.
"You've been looking behind you all day! Are you sure?"
"Uh huh," she murmured turning back around and give Merry the best smile she could manage.
()
Aragorn watched as they walked off down the hall behind old Butterbur. He got up and followed along very quietly and stealthily and arrived there just as the door had closed. He leaned against the door jam and waited for Butterbur to exit.
"Just ring and Nob'll come runnin," Barliman sputtered and closed the door behind him. He jumped when he saw the Ranger standing next to him.
"I'd like to speak with your guests," Strider growled.
"You shant be bothering them tonight, they've hardly had any rest, and they haven't even supped yet!" he exclaimed.
"Your excuses bore me," the Ranger murmured menacingly.
"You can't bully me into it," the innkeeper replied, "You can just go on off to the bar and leave these poor hobbits alone! What do you need to speak with Shire folk for anyways?"
"My business is my own," he growled and briskly walked off thinking of what a fool Old Butterbur was.
()
"I think I shall go for a walk instead," Merry mused lighting his pipe and sitting his feet upon the table. He looked over at Jericho who was laying spread-eagle on the floor humming.
"Suit yourself, we'll be back in a few hours, don't stay out too long," Sam chided.
"What about Jericho?" asked Pippin.
"Jericho?" Frodo asked loudly getting her attention.
"What?" she asked groggily.
"Are you coming down to the pub with us?" Pippin asked excitedly. Jericho smiled at the cheer in his voice.
"No, I believe I'll catch up on some well needed rest," she answered laying back down on the floor and sighing.
"Suit yourself!" Frodo grinned and walked out the door. Sam and a very glum Pippin followed.
Merry listened as they walked down the hall. When he couldn't hear their footsteps he cleared his throat loudly. Jericho sat up.
"I don't hear them anymore, do you?" she asked.
"Nope," he answered coming down onto the floor beside her. She smiled mischievously over his right shoulder.
()
A gasp went out throughout the pub. Murmurs of 'where'd he go?' and 'magical' went out throughout out the room. Strider sat up keenly and noticed a shape under his table.
"It would be wise of you never to do that again, Mr. Baggins," he whispered looking down at the hobbit. Frodo looked up at him with wonder.
"How do you know my name?"
"I know much and little, but now is not the time or place for stories of such."
"MR. FRODO!" Sam yelled coming over by him. The hobbit glowered at Aragorn.
"Sam I think it would be best if we leave now," Frodo said to his companion. He ran off to get their other companion and went off to their room. Aragorn stood up and followed.
()
Jericho basked in the light of love. She could smell the cool fall earth and the stars in the sky. She could hear the patter of small creatures and beating of her own racing heart. She grasped tighter onto Merry's arm and leaned her head onto his shoulder.
"I wouldn't trade places with any man, woman, or beast right now," Merry mused.
"Why so?" she asked looking up.
"Because it's a clear beautiful night, we've got warm beds to sleep in, we've had a full meal, and...I've got you."
"You really mean that Merr?" she asked her eyes shining.
"With every part of my soul," he answered kissing her deeply. When they parted Jericho let out a small breath and smiled.
"I don't think I've ever been kissed quiet like that," she whispered. He stopped.
"What do you mean?" whispered back teasing.
"I mean," she began, "That I've never had a proper kiss. Sure I've had pecks, and Frenches, but not a kiss as filled with... whatever that was." She could almost see him smile down at her. He kissed her again with even more passion than the first.
()
"You don't have to trust me, but I'm advising you to do so, as it may save yo-"Strider was cut off my Barliman rushing through the door. He quickly stole back to the shadows.
The blubbering idiot was saying something about his customers rushing off, and bad for business, but the ranger tuned his garbage out. He didn't come out of his stupor till he heard the name of Gandalf appear.
"He had told me to send it to you with a passing party as soon as possible, but you know how it is, one thing drives out another," he laughed. Aragorn saw nothing to laugh about. Frodo quickly took the letter and read it out loud. Strider stepped out of the shadows so as to listen better.
"Well, who is this Aragorn chap?" asked Pippin looking about the room expectantly.
"I am he." Strider drew himself up and his eyes shone with a bright and dazzling light.
"Why didn't you tell us this before?" asked Sam, "You would have saved yourself a load of trouble by telling us you were a friend of Gandalf's."
"Would you have believed me?" he asked raising his eyebrows. There was silence and Barliman cleared his throat rather awkwardly.
"Yes," Frodo finally spoke up, "I believe we would have. If he was truly a servant of the enemy I believe he would look fairer and feel fouler." The ranger smiled, the young hobbit was very keen, very keen indeed.
()
Merry drew away. He looked over Jericho's shoulder to see a dark shape against the dark sky.
"Jericho?" he asked very urgently and quietly, "Look over there, tell me if you see something." She turned around and then promptly gasped.
"It's a rider!" she half shrieked half whispered.
"Let's follow them and see what kind of dirty work their up to!"
"Merry! No!" Jericho urged tugging on his arm, "Who knows what they could do to us, to you?"
"We'll be very quiet about it all, besides, you can see them!"
"I can see very few things and most have tried to kill me!" He smiled at her stubbornness. Merry laid a soft hand on her shoulder. He felt a shudder go throughout her body.
"Okay, but only for a minute," she agreed reluctantly.
Merry led her towards where he saw the shape. She helped steer him closer. Suddenly a dark dark cold seemed to come over him and he fell over and into a deep sleep.
()
"Where's Merry? And Jericho?" asked Pippin. The other's looked around the room to see that the two weren't there.
"You have companions, OUT?" asked Strider.
"Yes, they must have gone for a stroll," Frodo said the trace of a smile on his lips.
"Whatever the circumstances they must not stay out much longer." Strider ordered.
"I'll have Bob go out and look for them," Barliman offered and rushed out of the room. The ranger sighed at the lack of his boorish presence.
"Did Merry say anything about what he would be doing?" Sam asked.
"Merry said he was goin' out for a walk, and Jericho said she'd take a nap," Pippin recalled jumping up and running to the back bedroom. He returned looking glum and forlorn. The ranger had to hold back his own suspicions in his mind as to not jump to conclusions.
Suddenly Nob ran into the room with what must have been Merry trailing behind him. The hobbit, assumed Merry, was also carrying another hobbit, a female, who must have been Jericho. Merry laid her in a chair and began shaking her. Bob quickly explain the events in which he found them and Merry filled in the rest. Jericho lay lifeless on the chair.
"It's the black breath, only a small attack but... I can help her," he answered pulling a wad of herbs from his belt and crushing them between his fingers. He then waved them under her nose and she quickly opened her eyes and jumped up.
Strider jumped also at the sight of the young hobbit's eyes. He looked into two very lifeless white orbs that automatically told him that she was blind.
()
Jericho awoke and heard voices. She must have been in their room. She said nothing and longed to know if Merry was alright, but her fear kept her quiet.
"She is blind?" a strange voice asked.
"Yes," Merry answered very possessively, "We are taking her to Rivendell with us so she can be healed."
"I doubt if even the elven wisdom of Elrond can help that. Was she born this way?" the voice asked.
"No, she had an accident," Pippin explained, "It happened the day we met her. Sam kept her from bleeding and some elves treated her and told us she would one day see again."
"She also claims to have been one of you," Sam added. Jericho cleared her throat.
"Let's not get into that, please just tell me who this strange voice is before I die of suspense!" she ordered. Frodo quickly informed them of what had happened and who Aragorn was. Of course as soon as she heard Strider she needn't hear more.
Jericho felt her eyes grow heavy and she was very exhausted from her hard day's work. She had saved her friends, fallen in love, and been tainted by the black breath all in one day. She had an excuse to fall asleep while Strider was talking. And she did just that.
()
Merry had placed Jericho on a small mat of covers and made sure she was comfortable before he joined the others for more discussion. He walked back just as it turned to her.
"You're lady friend, you say you found her in the woods?" Strider asked.
"Yes," Frodo answered.
"And... are any of you...'attached' to her?" he went on.
"Attached?" asked Pippin, "What do you mean by attached?"
"As in... fond of... or very favorable with," he tried. Pippin shook his head still confused.
"He means if any of us are involved with her," Merry answered. All eyes turned to him.
"I won't deny it," he began, "I've fallen in love with Jericho and I can't help but love her. She has so many wonderful qualities, she's funny, she smart, she's loving, she's spirited, and I love the way she makes me feel!"
"That's exactly how you described Sandy," Pippin murmured quietly. Merry turned to him shocked. The Ranger looked rather amused by all of this.
"Sandy was a dear loss," Frodo said, "To all of us, not just Merry. She may have been replaced almost by Jericho, but Jericho is NOT Sandy, Merry."
"I know that-"
"She claims she's a Big Folk!" Sam exclaimed, "Like old Longshanks here!" The Ranger looked at Sam darkly.
"You can't let yourself become attached to what's not really there. Besides what if she really was a Big Person. What then?" Merry couldn't answer. He got up and excused himself rushing over to the other side of the room where Jericho's pallet lay. He sat down next to it and stroked her hair.
Pippin came up to him and smiled.
"They have a few points Merry," he whispered as not to wake Jericho, "But if she really was a Big Person, she could always turn back. But, what I'm worried about is not if you'll still love her... It's if she'll still love you?" Pippin looked at his friend mournfully and placed his own hand on Jericho's head. He took a deep breath and then walked away to another pallet on the other side of Merry. Merry brushed away his hurt and went to sleep and dreamt very nasty dreams.
I'm frustrated beyond compare. Mouse Trap Cars....... SUCK! Okay I feel better now! Have a good one! DB:D
Disclaimer: I don't own McDonalds French Fries... or LOTR... or Merry... or any of the hobbits for that matter.
BTW: Are really at Chapter 12? Man that's wild! It doesn't seem like that many... maybe it's cause these are short chapters compared to my other stories........ hmm. OH well, here ya go!
Chapter Twelve: Inn Bree
"Now remember," Frodo warned, "You are to call me Mr. Underhill, understand?" Jericho shook her head furiously determined not to screw it up. She had a tendency to talk a little too much and well... she could guess what would happen.
Jericho felt a hand squeeze hers. She didn't need to turn or say anything to know who it was. She squeezed Merry's hand back and took a deep breath. As they rode down the path she thought she could hear someone behind them. She brushed it off and just basked in the glow of her love.
()
Strider overheard everything that Frodo had tried to keep secret. He had noted the look of every hobbit, but he had been confused when he saw the girl. Gandalf hadn't said anything about a girl. Really he'd only mentioned 2 hobbits, but this was a bit strange. He followed the hobbits at a distance that would keep him out of sight and thought over his mission. If these were the hobbits that Gandalf had mentioned then he would have to gain their trust as to lead them away from the enemy. The tired ranger sighed.
'This is going to be fun,' he sarcastically said in his head.
()
"What was that?" asked Merry turning around. He thought he heard something climb over the wall of Bree after them.
"What was what?" Pippin inquired turning and seeing nothing.
"I thought I heard someone," he answered.
"I did too," Jericho added not turning around. He looked at her. Her face was grave and she was clenching her mouth shut. She seemed very wary of Bree. He made a mental note to ask her about it later, right now they had to find Gandalf.
"We don't have time to worry," Frodo said brushing it off, "If we are to meet Gandalf we must hurry, we're late enough as it is." The others nodded and they rode up the hill to the inn of the Prancing Pony.
"I don't like the smell of this place," Jericho whispered.
"What don't you like about it?" he asked leaning towards her.
"I don't know," she paused looking for the right words, "It's almost as if it's... evil." She turned her head around and looked behind them. Merry turned too and thought he saw something slink into the shadows.
"What do you see?" she asked Merry.
"I thought I saw a figure slinking into the shadows as soon as I turned," he answered. Jericho mumbled something.
"What did you say?" he asked.
"It's not important," she quickly said and turned back around, "How much farther?"
()
He had just got into the shadows in time. The girl hobbit had turned around and must have spotted him for sure. He didn't know why she hadn't told the others. Why would she not alert them of a stranger following them? It didn't make sense, which was odd for the Ranger; usually he could make perfect sense of a lot of things.
Once the two hobbits continued riding he briskly walked up to the inn by another way. He went in only a few minutes before the hobbits arrived. He slipped into the corner of the bar and watched them from the shadows.
()
Jericho grasped her block in her pocket. She was tempted beyond belief to take it out and look. She knew that Strider must be following them, but she did not know for sure. Of course, she also knew that she couldn't tell Merry and ask him if he saw him, but then that would ruin the story.
"Hey," Merry asked as he led her to their room, "Are you alright? You seem really tense."
"Yeah," she lied turning and looking behind even though she knew she couldn't see.
"You've been looking behind you all day! Are you sure?"
"Uh huh," she murmured turning back around and give Merry the best smile she could manage.
()
Aragorn watched as they walked off down the hall behind old Butterbur. He got up and followed along very quietly and stealthily and arrived there just as the door had closed. He leaned against the door jam and waited for Butterbur to exit.
"Just ring and Nob'll come runnin," Barliman sputtered and closed the door behind him. He jumped when he saw the Ranger standing next to him.
"I'd like to speak with your guests," Strider growled.
"You shant be bothering them tonight, they've hardly had any rest, and they haven't even supped yet!" he exclaimed.
"Your excuses bore me," the Ranger murmured menacingly.
"You can't bully me into it," the innkeeper replied, "You can just go on off to the bar and leave these poor hobbits alone! What do you need to speak with Shire folk for anyways?"
"My business is my own," he growled and briskly walked off thinking of what a fool Old Butterbur was.
()
"I think I shall go for a walk instead," Merry mused lighting his pipe and sitting his feet upon the table. He looked over at Jericho who was laying spread-eagle on the floor humming.
"Suit yourself, we'll be back in a few hours, don't stay out too long," Sam chided.
"What about Jericho?" asked Pippin.
"Jericho?" Frodo asked loudly getting her attention.
"What?" she asked groggily.
"Are you coming down to the pub with us?" Pippin asked excitedly. Jericho smiled at the cheer in his voice.
"No, I believe I'll catch up on some well needed rest," she answered laying back down on the floor and sighing.
"Suit yourself!" Frodo grinned and walked out the door. Sam and a very glum Pippin followed.
Merry listened as they walked down the hall. When he couldn't hear their footsteps he cleared his throat loudly. Jericho sat up.
"I don't hear them anymore, do you?" she asked.
"Nope," he answered coming down onto the floor beside her. She smiled mischievously over his right shoulder.
()
A gasp went out throughout the pub. Murmurs of 'where'd he go?' and 'magical' went out throughout out the room. Strider sat up keenly and noticed a shape under his table.
"It would be wise of you never to do that again, Mr. Baggins," he whispered looking down at the hobbit. Frodo looked up at him with wonder.
"How do you know my name?"
"I know much and little, but now is not the time or place for stories of such."
"MR. FRODO!" Sam yelled coming over by him. The hobbit glowered at Aragorn.
"Sam I think it would be best if we leave now," Frodo said to his companion. He ran off to get their other companion and went off to their room. Aragorn stood up and followed.
()
Jericho basked in the light of love. She could smell the cool fall earth and the stars in the sky. She could hear the patter of small creatures and beating of her own racing heart. She grasped tighter onto Merry's arm and leaned her head onto his shoulder.
"I wouldn't trade places with any man, woman, or beast right now," Merry mused.
"Why so?" she asked looking up.
"Because it's a clear beautiful night, we've got warm beds to sleep in, we've had a full meal, and...I've got you."
"You really mean that Merr?" she asked her eyes shining.
"With every part of my soul," he answered kissing her deeply. When they parted Jericho let out a small breath and smiled.
"I don't think I've ever been kissed quiet like that," she whispered. He stopped.
"What do you mean?" whispered back teasing.
"I mean," she began, "That I've never had a proper kiss. Sure I've had pecks, and Frenches, but not a kiss as filled with... whatever that was." She could almost see him smile down at her. He kissed her again with even more passion than the first.
()
"You don't have to trust me, but I'm advising you to do so, as it may save yo-"Strider was cut off my Barliman rushing through the door. He quickly stole back to the shadows.
The blubbering idiot was saying something about his customers rushing off, and bad for business, but the ranger tuned his garbage out. He didn't come out of his stupor till he heard the name of Gandalf appear.
"He had told me to send it to you with a passing party as soon as possible, but you know how it is, one thing drives out another," he laughed. Aragorn saw nothing to laugh about. Frodo quickly took the letter and read it out loud. Strider stepped out of the shadows so as to listen better.
"Well, who is this Aragorn chap?" asked Pippin looking about the room expectantly.
"I am he." Strider drew himself up and his eyes shone with a bright and dazzling light.
"Why didn't you tell us this before?" asked Sam, "You would have saved yourself a load of trouble by telling us you were a friend of Gandalf's."
"Would you have believed me?" he asked raising his eyebrows. There was silence and Barliman cleared his throat rather awkwardly.
"Yes," Frodo finally spoke up, "I believe we would have. If he was truly a servant of the enemy I believe he would look fairer and feel fouler." The ranger smiled, the young hobbit was very keen, very keen indeed.
()
Merry drew away. He looked over Jericho's shoulder to see a dark shape against the dark sky.
"Jericho?" he asked very urgently and quietly, "Look over there, tell me if you see something." She turned around and then promptly gasped.
"It's a rider!" she half shrieked half whispered.
"Let's follow them and see what kind of dirty work their up to!"
"Merry! No!" Jericho urged tugging on his arm, "Who knows what they could do to us, to you?"
"We'll be very quiet about it all, besides, you can see them!"
"I can see very few things and most have tried to kill me!" He smiled at her stubbornness. Merry laid a soft hand on her shoulder. He felt a shudder go throughout her body.
"Okay, but only for a minute," she agreed reluctantly.
Merry led her towards where he saw the shape. She helped steer him closer. Suddenly a dark dark cold seemed to come over him and he fell over and into a deep sleep.
()
"Where's Merry? And Jericho?" asked Pippin. The other's looked around the room to see that the two weren't there.
"You have companions, OUT?" asked Strider.
"Yes, they must have gone for a stroll," Frodo said the trace of a smile on his lips.
"Whatever the circumstances they must not stay out much longer." Strider ordered.
"I'll have Bob go out and look for them," Barliman offered and rushed out of the room. The ranger sighed at the lack of his boorish presence.
"Did Merry say anything about what he would be doing?" Sam asked.
"Merry said he was goin' out for a walk, and Jericho said she'd take a nap," Pippin recalled jumping up and running to the back bedroom. He returned looking glum and forlorn. The ranger had to hold back his own suspicions in his mind as to not jump to conclusions.
Suddenly Nob ran into the room with what must have been Merry trailing behind him. The hobbit, assumed Merry, was also carrying another hobbit, a female, who must have been Jericho. Merry laid her in a chair and began shaking her. Bob quickly explain the events in which he found them and Merry filled in the rest. Jericho lay lifeless on the chair.
"It's the black breath, only a small attack but... I can help her," he answered pulling a wad of herbs from his belt and crushing them between his fingers. He then waved them under her nose and she quickly opened her eyes and jumped up.
Strider jumped also at the sight of the young hobbit's eyes. He looked into two very lifeless white orbs that automatically told him that she was blind.
()
Jericho awoke and heard voices. She must have been in their room. She said nothing and longed to know if Merry was alright, but her fear kept her quiet.
"She is blind?" a strange voice asked.
"Yes," Merry answered very possessively, "We are taking her to Rivendell with us so she can be healed."
"I doubt if even the elven wisdom of Elrond can help that. Was she born this way?" the voice asked.
"No, she had an accident," Pippin explained, "It happened the day we met her. Sam kept her from bleeding and some elves treated her and told us she would one day see again."
"She also claims to have been one of you," Sam added. Jericho cleared her throat.
"Let's not get into that, please just tell me who this strange voice is before I die of suspense!" she ordered. Frodo quickly informed them of what had happened and who Aragorn was. Of course as soon as she heard Strider she needn't hear more.
Jericho felt her eyes grow heavy and she was very exhausted from her hard day's work. She had saved her friends, fallen in love, and been tainted by the black breath all in one day. She had an excuse to fall asleep while Strider was talking. And she did just that.
()
Merry had placed Jericho on a small mat of covers and made sure she was comfortable before he joined the others for more discussion. He walked back just as it turned to her.
"You're lady friend, you say you found her in the woods?" Strider asked.
"Yes," Frodo answered.
"And... are any of you...'attached' to her?" he went on.
"Attached?" asked Pippin, "What do you mean by attached?"
"As in... fond of... or very favorable with," he tried. Pippin shook his head still confused.
"He means if any of us are involved with her," Merry answered. All eyes turned to him.
"I won't deny it," he began, "I've fallen in love with Jericho and I can't help but love her. She has so many wonderful qualities, she's funny, she smart, she's loving, she's spirited, and I love the way she makes me feel!"
"That's exactly how you described Sandy," Pippin murmured quietly. Merry turned to him shocked. The Ranger looked rather amused by all of this.
"Sandy was a dear loss," Frodo said, "To all of us, not just Merry. She may have been replaced almost by Jericho, but Jericho is NOT Sandy, Merry."
"I know that-"
"She claims she's a Big Folk!" Sam exclaimed, "Like old Longshanks here!" The Ranger looked at Sam darkly.
"You can't let yourself become attached to what's not really there. Besides what if she really was a Big Person. What then?" Merry couldn't answer. He got up and excused himself rushing over to the other side of the room where Jericho's pallet lay. He sat down next to it and stroked her hair.
Pippin came up to him and smiled.
"They have a few points Merry," he whispered as not to wake Jericho, "But if she really was a Big Person, she could always turn back. But, what I'm worried about is not if you'll still love her... It's if she'll still love you?" Pippin looked at his friend mournfully and placed his own hand on Jericho's head. He took a deep breath and then walked away to another pallet on the other side of Merry. Merry brushed away his hurt and went to sleep and dreamt very nasty dreams.
I'm frustrated beyond compare. Mouse Trap Cars....... SUCK! Okay I feel better now! Have a good one! DB:D