Shayla's legs felt like jello as she slid down the mirrored wall of the dance studio and frantically sipped her bottle of water. She had worked her body overtime today and didn't realize how long she had been dancing until now.
As the sounds of Stevie Wonder rang throughout the studio she sat and thought about the future. This wasn't it for her.
She moved to California and left her home in Gary for a reason. She knew she was talented and one day her dancing would be appreciated and seen worldwide. Even though she didn't get chosen to be Michael's video vixen she wouldn't give up. She would keep dancing, keep working her fingers to the bone, and clinch any all opportunities that came her way.
She had a new motivation now and for some reason she felt she had her newly reacquainted friend to thank.
As she sat with her eyes closed trying to catch her breath Stevie Wonder's voice dissipated and the next song began to play. To her surprise a familiar tune and voice rang throughout the room bringing a chill to her body.
"They'll be no darkness tonight"
"Lady our love will shine, lighting the light"
"Just put your trust in my heart, and meet me in paradise"
"Now is the time"
She never realized Michael's music was apart of her playlist, but hearing her friends angelic voice for some reason she couldn't understand brought her a new surge of energy.
She again closed her eyes and before she knew it she was tapping her feet and bopping her head. She completely let Michael's voice wash over her and let the melody carry her away.
Shayla stood to her feet and suddenly it seemed her body began to move almost in autopilot. The lyrics to the song commanded her body to move in an interpretive way as she glided across the floor gracefully like a swan.
"So listen to my heart"
"Lay your body close to mine"
"Let me fill you with my dreams"
"I can make you feel alright"
Unbeknownst to her as she danced her heart out an unannounced guest watched her carefully. She was completely in her own zone and shut the world out so when the song ended bringing her back down to reality a pair of hands applauding nearly startled her out of her skin.
She gasped, held her heart, and turned to see none other than her friend Michael Jackson standing there smiling at her.
Michael didn't mean to intrude on such a moment, but what he saw as he peered at her from the doorway gave him a feeling he couldn't explain. He watched his music, his own voice, and the melody he created inspire her. And whether he acknowledged it or realized it, from that moment on something about her in his eyes was different.
"My God! Michael what are you doing here?!" She exclaimed. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
"Well, hello to you too." He replied sarcastically with a smile. "I didn't mean to scare you I just couldn't help but admire the amazing story you told just now."
"Oh is that what I was doing?" She smirked at him.
"Absolutely" He answered. "To me, dancers have written some of the greatest stories ever told through their bodies. Stories of love, heartbreak, anger, and passion. You see it all through the dance."
"Spoken like a true artist"
She moved towards him and hugged him deeply. She couldn't help but take in his fragrance and suddenly became intoxicated by his embrace. He hugged her as if it were the last time they would ever see each other. She cleared her throat bringing herself out of her trance and gave him a friendly shoulder shove and a smile.
"What are you doing here anyways?" She giggled. "How did you know I was here?"
"I have my ways." He responded making her roll her eyes. "Are you not happy to see me?"
"Of course, you know I am but..." She looked around the room and a worried expression spread across her face. "Michael you didn't come here alone did you?"
"Wow, so just because i'm Michael Jackson I cant come and go as I please unattended?" She gave him a "get real" look and he crossed his arms in defeat. "Fine, Bill and the boys are right outside the door."
"That's what I thought" She laughed as he walked over and sat next to her.
"Actually I came to ask if maybe you'd like to go on an adventure with me today." He didn't know why but suddenly he became nervous and twiddled his thumbs.
"Knowing you, that could mean a multitude of things"
"Like, going to the zoo?" He gave her a toothy grin and she raised her brow.
"You? Go to the zoo?"
"Yeah why not? It would be nice to have someone to go with. I go to this zoo regularly, the staff knows me, and they're always so accommodating to me."
"Michael..." Her mouth went agape with shock. "You shut down a whole zoo?!"
"It's just easier for me that way." He giggled at her expression. "So what do you say?"
"You've got a lot going on Michael." She answered sadly. "The new short film, tour getting ready to start, music. I don't want to keep you from your responsibilities."
"Let me worry about my responsibilities. Today I want to get away and have a little fun. Not to mention its still very early and we weren't meeting for rehearsals until 8pm tonight anyhow. Come on...please?"
He pouted his lips at her and their laughter filled the entire studio with joy. How could she say no to such a face.
"Okay fine lets go." She rolled her eyes with a smile.
"Perfect!" Michael yelled.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet making her rush to the door in excitement.
"Wait, Michael, WAIT! I have to get my bag and my clothes!"
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Tatiana sat at a vanity perfecting her makeup and hair. Her eyeliner had to be sharp. Her lipstick had to be captivating, and her eyeshadow had to be just right. Today, they were rehearsing for the short film at the arena. Not only that, but she would get to rehearse with Michael Jackson himself!
Everything was breaking her way and soon enough she would charm Michael with her beauty and bring him to his knees. After all, he had to have picked her because she was the most attractive to him right? And if there was any chance he recognized her sex appeal, beauty, and grace as a woman then she was gonna crank it up ten fold and make herself undeniable to him. She was gonna make it her business to turn that spark into a wildfire.
Someone opened the door shaking her from her thoughts and to her surprise and disgust Nikita Demarco from auditions walked in. Tatiana had half a mind to walk over and drag her by her hair for her comments she made, but she restrained herself and only used her words. Both ladies knew full well there was no love lost between the two.
"Well well, look what the cat coughed up." Tatiana commented applying more foundation. "I thought you got rejected just like the other broads."
"If you must know Cruella..." Nikita spat back and grabbed a water from her locker. "One of the ladies of the cast has a family emergency and can no longer participate in the short film. Vince called me and told me he and Michael both made the decision to give me the role. You may be the lead lady but there's more than one female in this shoot other than you, you tramp."
Tatiana rose from her feet and got in her face but Nikita didn't back down or waver. She was not scared of Tatiana in the slightest and wasn't going to let her turn this experience into a cat fight.
"I'd watch your mouth if I were you." Tatiana said with venom dripping from her tongue. "I may not be the only female apart of this video, but I am the most important. With one word to Vince or Michael himself I could have you gone. What would they do or say if the lead lady Michael hand picked is feeling uncomfortable with her circumstances?"
"You don't intimidate me. Tricks like you are a dime a dozen. You're replaceable." Nikita replied stepping forward. "I'm here, so you better get used to it cause i'm not going anywhere."
"Count your blessings sweetheart." Tatiana rolled her eyes and sat back down at her Vanity. "You're here because you got lucky. I guess better you than that Shayla girl...or whatever her name is."
"I see." A smile crept across Nikita's face. "Well I wouldn't be surprised if Shayla shows up tonight anyways."
Tatiana put her makeup brush down and turned in her chair giving her a confused look.
"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?"
The door opened once again and both ladies were shocked to see Michael's older sister Latoya Jackson walk into the room.
"Hello ladies!" Latoya greeted warmly as she placed a gym bag in a locker. "Looks like we're stuck with each other for a while huh?"
"Ms. Jackson its such a pleasure." Nikita shook her hand. "My name is Nikita. Are you shooting with us?"
"I sure am. I can't say no to my brother." She responded. "And you must be Tatiana? You're the lead for the short film right?"
"That's right." Tatiana raised a brow at Nikita making her roll her eyes. "So nice to meet you."
"Well it looks like we have a good amount of time on our hands." Latoya could feel the tension between the ladies. "Nikita, I was about to go meet with the fellas before they start rehearsing i'll introduce you if you like."
"That's so kind of you, thank you." Nikita answered.
"We'll leave you to it Tatiana." Latoya waved and bid her goodbye.
As she grabbed her bag to follow Latoya out of the room Nikita turned her attention back to Tatiana.
"By the way, that foundation isn't your shade, bitch."
Tatiana's mouth fell open as Nikita blew her a kiss and closed the door.
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"Michael it's so beautiful here." Shayla said as she pet a sloth. "It's so peaceful."
"I love it here." Michael sighed happily and handed her a banana to feed the hungry animal. "My fans are incredible don't get me wrong but I adore places like this because I can escape the celebrity of who I am for a while. No crowds, no judgment, no paparazzi, just me and the wildlife."
"Do you ever tire of it?...being famous I mean?"
"I guess sometimes I do." he shrugged his shoulders. "But other times its hits me and I cant believe how blessed I am. Some aspects of it can truly be dark though."
She knew he was referring to the tabloids and media. She recalled seeing some stories about him and walking by magazines with crazy front page "news" and she never believed any of it for a second. As she sat criss cross style in the middle of a zoo feeding a sloth with the most famous man on the planet she couldn't help but wish the entire world knew the man she did.
"Oh I think he wants you" Shayla laughed as the sloth climbed across Michael's leg.
"So what about you?" He asked picking up the adorable mammal. "You're an amazing dancer yourself. I'd like to think you want the entire world to see you dance one day."
"It's a scary thought but I think i'm ready. My entire life has been dedicated to dance. It's all I've wanted to do."
"You know, im really sorry about the whole Tatiana thing." He hung his head in sadness.
"Michael please" She rolled her eyes. "You made your choice. You were looking for something specific and I didn't fit the part. Its okay. SHUT UP ABOUT IT."
They both burst out laughing when a zookeeper came and stood at their side.
"Pardon me, Mr. Jackson. I've been informed you've been keeping track of a specific pregnant Llama here at the zoo. I'm happy to say she finally gave birth about a week ago if you'd like to follow me."
Michael's entire face lit up with joy as he gave the sloth to the zookeeper and grabbed Shayla's hand. She couldn't help but smile seeing a sparkle in his eye as he practically skipped behind the professional dressed in green. Once the gate was open at the enclosure Michael almost flew past the zookeeper and ran inside ready to see the newly born animal. His happiness was truly contagious.
"Hello Layla." Michael said rubbing the mother Llamas head. "Where's your baby?"
"You really do come here often huh?" Shayla chimed in as he flashed her his big grin.
Another zookeeper appeared from a stall with the tiniest little llama and Shayla held her heart feeling it may burst from sheer cuteness at any moment.
"Oh my goodness, good girl Layla!" Michael said giving the Llama another pet.
"I don't want to be dramatic but its too adorable and I may die at any moment." Shayla commented making everyone laugh.
"Hi Mr. Jackson its my first time getting to meet you here my name is Jane." The zookeeper spoke up.
"So nice to meet you." He shook her hand. "I can't believe this little one was in the womb for almost a year."
"Would you guys like to feed him." Jane asked.
"Oh yes please, could we?" Michael responded.
She handed Michael a bottle and the baby llama took no time at all to suckle and drink.
"It's a boy?" Shayla asked.
"Yes that's correct he is." Jane answered. "Born last Thursday exactly."
"I think i'll call him Louie." Michael said inspecting the animal more closely."
"Louie the Llama." Shayla repeated. "That's amazing Michael."
"Great choice Mr. Jackson." Jane agreed as she wrote in a notepad.
Even though it was nothing extravagant or outlandish this time Shayla spent with Michael was truly a joyful one. She smiled and laughed more than she had in a long time and it seemed being with her friend again made her forget all her troubles and sorrows. She was truly at peace and didn't want the day to end.
"You'd be an amazing Father Michael" Shayla said stepping closer to him as he fed Little Louie. "Do you ever think of having children?"
"Absolutely." He answered with no hesitation. "Sometimes I think I was born to be a Father. And what about you?"
"Same here. Motherhood was never a question for me. I can't wait to bring a mini me into the world."
Michael's imagination got the better of him and he began to picture her slender frame plump and round carrying a baby. The glow he envisioned her to have made her ten times more beautiful than what he already thought her to be. He cleared his throat and decided to change the subject to clear his mind of his thoughts.
"So, i'm getting pretty hungry." Michael spoke up nervously. "Would you maybe like to go to dinner with me before rehearsals?"
"Yes, id like that." Shayla responded. "Are you sure you want me at rehearsals though?"
"Why wouldn't I want you at rehearsals?" He raised a brow.
"I'm not part of the cast and I just don't want to be a distraction or problem." She went on. "And what if someone spots us at dinner. What would people say?"
"You ask way too many questions." He giggled. "Are YOU afraid of what the press may think if they saw us at dinner?"
For some reason he held his breath waiting for her response. He didn't know how it would make him feel if she thought it negative if the press suspected them to be dating. Then again why should it matter...they were just two friends having fun.
"You said so yourself earlier." Shayla said looking in his eyes. "The press can be downright cruel. I don't want to add more fuel to the fire."
"Well I know a place we'll have absolute privacy." Michael assured her. "I know the owner and the food is incredible. I hope you like Korean, but Bill will have to sneak us in through the back door."
"Wow. You sure know how to show a girl a good time." She nudged him in the side making him laugh."
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"I don't know Frank!" Vince yelled at Frank Dileo, Michael's manager, over the phone. "I talked to Bill and he said he was on his way. That was half an hour ago and he's already an hour late. I know you said not to call you on your down time, but I thought you may like to know I just may kill him if he doesn't get here in the next ten minutes. HAVE YOU HEARD FROM HIM?"
Time crept away from the two friends and before they knew it they spent two hours at the restaurant just talking before they realized it was 8:30pm.
Vince hung up the phone and walked over to an anxious looking Tatiana with her hand on her hip.
"Look I know you were supposed to work directly with Michael and I apologize on behalf of that nutbag." He rolled his eyes hoping Tatiana would understand. "I'm sure he'll be here momentarily but if you like you can hang with me and the boys for a while."
"No thanks Mr. Paterson." She answered with an annoyed tone. "I'm fine. I'll wait."
"Suit yourself. If you need anything just let me know."
Tatiana was fuming. She tried not to make assumptions but she had a feeling she knew why Michael was late. Shayla was snatching her moment directly from her grasp and she was tired of being nice about it.
"Awwwww, poor little Princess." Nikita cooed and pouted her lips. "Is someone a little lonely over here?"
"Don't you have your own business to attend to?" Tatiana fired back.
"I do, but watching you suffer is so much more fun. By the way you can relax, the coattail you're trying to ride is here now."
Michael walked through the door and Tatiana's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
"I wouldn't smile too hard though Evillene." Nikita continued. "He's got company."
Tatiana's grin vanished and her blood boiled as Shayla appeared by his side and Michael wrapped his arm around her.
"WHY THE FUCK IS SHE HERE?!"
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"I've got a good mind to kill you right now." Vince spat as he gave his boss and friend an evil glare. "Where were you?! Do you know I called Frank?"
"Oh how is he?" Michael responded. "How is his Mother doing?"
"Don't get cute with me. His Mother is doing better and he's flying back sometime next week."
"I'm so sorry Vince we lost all track of time." Shayla spoke up feeling guilty.
"You, I forgive." Vince told her. "Him, i'm going to kill."
"Come on." Michael shook his head. "Lets get started."
Michael took Shayla's hand and escorted her over to the ladies to introduce her. He was a little nervous because this was the first time in years she would see a member of his family, his sister Latoya. Even though she was just a friend his stomach was still in knots. Shayla was so busy thinking up a personal apology to give to Vince later that she didn't realize they were both hand in hand until they walked up to the group of girls.
"Hi everyone." Michael greeted warmly. "This is my guest Shayla. I figured you guys could keep her company while I work with the boys. Vince will be with you all shortly, then Tatiana and I will do our thing."
Tatiana smiled hearing him speak her name.
"Shayla this is Sarah, Jaylen, you remember Nikita and Tatiana, and last but not least my big sister Latoya."
Everyone spoke their "How do you do's" but Tatiana stayed silent and didn't move to shake her hand which didn't go unnoticed to Shayla.
"Alright, i'll leave you to it." Michael continued. "You ladies behave."
Shayla brushed off the cold shoulder Tatiana gave her and embraced Michael's sister as he walked away.
"Hi Latoya." She said with a smile. "So nice meet you Jaylen and Sarah. Nikita, Tatiana good to see you again. You girls break a leg."
Tatiana rolled her eyes and walked away leaving no doubt about her feelings. Shayla's mouth nearly hit the floor.
"Damn that was rude."
"Wow"
"Is she serious?"
The entire group exploded with exclamations. Tatiana was truly over playing games.
"I'm sorry, did I do something." Shayla asked as she stared at the tall ebony girl across the room. "What is her problem?"
"Walk with me..." Nikita said grabbing her hand and leading her away.
The two ladies sprinted to a secluded area and Nikita looked around carefully for bystanders or eavesdroppers before she decided to speak. Shayla didn't know what was going to come out of her mouth but what she did know is it was nothing good.
"Little Miss Princess has it out for you." She told her bluntly.
"Me?" Shayla responded. "What the hell did I do?"
"She's jealous." Nikita went on. "Why else would she be acting this way."
"Jealous? She's literally the video vixen in this short film. What could she possibly be jealous of?"
"Think long and hard. Michael has been at your side ever since you auditioned. You walked in today with his arm around you. She's the "video vixen" yet you get the prize. She wants Michael. Like, WANTS him wants him."
"Nikita, Michael and I are old friends." Shayla added. "We're getting reacquainted."
"Awww I didn't know that. That's adorable."
"Yes. He means a lot to me but we're friends."
"Well Tatiana definitely has a problem with that. You are public enemy number one."
"You know what, I don't care what she has a problem with." Shayla's tone shifted and a hint of anger dripped from her tongue. "She better get used to it, because as long as Michael wants me around ill be around. She can keep her pissy attitude, there'll be more for her to be mad at if I have any say in it."
"Ooooh do I detect a bit of bass in your voice." Nikita responded with a grin as she crossed her arms. "I love a good competition. All my money is on you girl."
"There's no competition to be had!" Shayla sighed and ran her hands through her hair. "Michael and I are friends and she's just going to have to find some way to get over it."
"Why do I feel like that's NOT gonna happen."
"Then she and I are gonna have a problem."
"If you're trying to slap that bitch you know I got you." Nikita said proudly.
"Lets hope it wont go that far." Shayla shook her head and tried to suppress her emotions. "You know, Michael is a grown single man. If he hasn't shown her the attention she's obviously desperate to have then she should probably re-evaluate herself. Maybe she's not as cute as she thinks she is. Her personality sure as hell isn't.
As drama and a big feud plagued the arena Michael was completely unaware rehearsing with the boys for the short film. Making these mini movies was so rewarding for him but also very time consuming and demanding.
He was taking a break sipping his bottle of water when his sister approached him. He worked so often and hardly was ever home at his family's Hayvenhurst estate so he rarely got to keep in touch with his siblings. He was so overjoyed to have her on the project.
"Hi baby brother." Latoya said sweetly as she enveloped herself in his arms. "How are things with the boys?"
"Great!" Michael replied. "I'm very happy with my dancers I chose. They have such great energy."
"Love to hear it. And what about the rest of the girls." She raised an eyebrow. "How are they coming along."
Michael gave his sister a suspicious look as she smiled a big toothy grin. He knew she had an agenda.
"I'm about to work with Tatiana." He told her. "Then Vince and I both will get the girls together and smooth some things over."
"I see." She moved closer to him making him roll his eyes. "So this Shayla girl...I just so happened to see you two walk in and couldn't help..."
"Yes she's who you think she is!" Michael exclaimed as he threw his hands up in defeat.
"I KNEW IT! OH MICHAEL THAT'S SO GREAT!" Latoya screeched happily. "You two were inseparable. I knew I recognized that name and face."
"Okay, we are just friends." He cut her off. "Just catching up. That's all."
"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?"
"Stop it." He pushed her away from him.
"Okay fine. Friends." She said mocking him. "I mean that's how it always starts right."
Michael shot her a nasty look and was about to let her have it when Tatiana came strutting up carrying a smile and batting her eyes.
"You ready to do this thing." She spoke directly to Michael and didn't even glance in Latoya's direction. "I've got loads of energy to burn."
"Let's go then." Michael hopped off the stage. "Talk to you later Sis."
"Go get em Michael." Latoya responded.
As she watched the two walk away Latoya couldn't help but replay that nasty little encounter with Tatiana over in her head. She was clearly stuck up, conceited, and an all around unkind individual. She decided two things right then and there. One: She would personally investigate if this "catching up" with Shayla was anything more. Two: If she had anything to do with it Tatiana would NOT get too comfortable or too close to her baby brother.
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"Thank you for driving me home Michael." Shayla said glancing over at the King Of Pop. "I really had an amazing day today."
"That really makes me happy." He responded, making her smile. "Did you enjoy being at rehearsals?"
She thought back on the situation with Tatiana and couldn't bear to tell him the truth. Everything with the short film was basically set in stone. She didn't want to throw a monkey wrench in the process now.
"Great!" She lied. "Everything seems so on point. The dancers are very eager and ready."
"Definitely cant wait to get filming." He told her. "You're still joining me on set right?"
She didn't want to cause anymore drama but she promised herself that if her friend wanted to enjoy her company then she wouldn't give a damn about Tatiana's feelings.
"Of course." She glanced out the window trying to find a new topic to discuss. "You know, it was so nice seeing your sister again, she's so lovely. How is the rest of your family?"
"Mother is wonderful." Michael smiled. "I see everyone else sporadically. Everyone is never home at the same time. And Joseph is, well,...Joseph."
"You have a difficult relationship with your Father? I don't mean any offense whatsoever but he did seem like a stern man at times."
"It was tough growing up. I'll spare you the details. But it's complicated."
"I understand." She moved closer to him. "I never knew my Father growing up."
"Oh..." Michael hung his head feeling guilty for complaining. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'm far better off." She responded, patting him on the leg. "So, do you have plans to move into your own place?"
"Now that you mention it, I have looked at a few places." His face lit up with joy. "I think I found a property I really like."
"Well don't shut up now! I need details!"
He excitedly moved in closer and they were now practically shoulder to shoulder.
"Oh words can't describe it. Its 2700 acres and stunning. I'm thinking of turning it into my own personal safe haven."
"A safe haven?" She raised her brow.
"Amusement park rides, a train station with a train, movie theatre, and even a petting zoo. Maybe even bring Little Louie to live with me."
"WOW! That sounds like heaven."
"Not only that I want to help children in need." His expression softened. "Children who are less fortunate. Those who are sick. I could invite and entire children's hospital to this place and let them have an escape for the day. Kids deserve that kind of happiness. Joys I missed out on."
"Oh Michael." She rubbed his arm. "That's so beautiful."
"Maybe even my own kids could enjoy it someday." He perked up thinking about his future. "You know I want 13 right?"
"I BEG YOUR PARDON?!" Her eyes widened in shock as his laughter filled the back of the limo.
"I want to adopt all over the world." He clarified. "Every child deserves a good loving home."
"Let me get this straight. You're talking career, an entire amusement park as a home, and 13 children to raise."
"You think it's too ambitious?"
"Not at all." She responded joyfully. "I'd call that a life well lived. You can do anything Michael."
"Really?" He gazed into her eyes. "You believe that?"
"Of course" She cupped his face in her hand. "I've always believed that. My Jellybean can do anything."
It was in that instance where something in Michael snapped. The moonlight hit her skin just beautifully. Her eyes sparkled as she stared into his. And her beautiful words dripped from her lips like honey and was seasoned by the sweetness of her voice. He had no control or power over his body as he leaned forward and let his lips caress hers.
A surge of electricity shot through the both of them and it was unlike anything they had ever felt before. He wrapped his arm around her and they both parted their lips allowing their tongues to intertwine. They were lost in a sea of passion and longing until the speaker in the limo rang out pulling them back to shore.
"We're here Boss!" The driver announced as they gasped and separated in their seat.
The were both mortified and didn't dare look in each other's direction.
"I...I'm so sorry." Michael stuttered. "I don't know what..."
"No, please. It's okay." Shayla reassured. "Don't apologize."
"I stepped over a line. That was not okay."
"Michael don't worry about it."
"There's no excuse..."
"MICHAEL." She turned to him and grabbed his hand. "It's okay. Forget it happened. Alright?"
"Sure. Okay." He muttered sadly.
She kissed his cheek and opened the door of the limo.
"Goodnight Michael."
"Goodnight Shayla."
As the Limo drove off Michael sank into his seat riddled with despair. How could he have been so STUPID?! He didn't know which dagger cut him deeper. The kiss itself or the fact that she wanted him to "forget about it" and act as if it were nothing.
Everything was perfect. They were back to the good old days as they were in Gary. He had his old friend back and it was like there was no time lost. Then he went and blew it.
His friendship with Shayla may have just been shattered at his feet, and worse, by his own hands.
