One job. One simple job: watch the premises of the museum as a night guard. Everything was supposed to be still. Inanimate. Dead. Maybe it was a dream; maybe he was hallucinating. Whatever the case might be, they shouldn't be moving...or breathing.

Sitting on the bench, panting in exasperation within the diorama room, Larry Daley just needed to see something that was explainable, realistic. Heck, everything he was looking at, was alive. What kind of joke was it? Being chased upon by Huns, taunted by animals, and running away from a giant, frisky T-Rex skeleton. What was next? He already lost the "instructions", and his authority for control. After having darts being fired upon by the Mayan miniature exhibit, he laid his eyes upon the now-animated old Western diorama. What he didn't know, was a female face curiously looking back him. So small she was, Larry didn't know that he was being observed.

Annie Oakley has been to many museums before being transported here. Only this time, this was the first night she was even "alive". So, getting the feel of adapting was tough around here. Even though her fellow pioneer residents were already familiar with her, including their cowboy leader, Jedediah. He's obviously been here far longer than she was, and sadly, Annie could only get background info of her surroundings through him. Not that she wasn't happy doing so, but the cowboy had his own agenda: building the so-said "iron horse". Not to mention the other diorama right next to them. She liked Jed, yes; he was like an older brother to her. But there were some things where they begin to disagree over things, like there was no need for a war, or stopping progress with the railroad.

Walking near the edge of the exhibit, Annie was about to say something, but her fellow pioneers acted first: they had Larry being tripped over with their own lassos, landing right into the exhibit.

Jedediah watched as the Giganto entered the room. This one was different than the three that usually came around. It didn't matter. He was going to pay. Gathering up a lot of the cowboys, Jed quickly informed them what he wanted to do. Mounting his horse he watched as the massive human headed toward them and looked in. That's when he gave the signal.

Hundreds of lassos flew up at the man and they started to pull at him. "Come on!" Jed whooped excited. Finally someone was going to pay. And it was going to be this guy. He watched as Giganto struggled to remain standing. Anyone else might have been terrified of a massive person about to come crashing down but not Jed. He had it all figured out. They even cleared a spot for Giganto to fall.

The lassos did their work and Larry fell forward landing on his face into the exhibit. Jed rode up as the railroad workers and cowboys tied the giant down. They quickly secured him so he couldn't get back up. He turned his massive face toward them and a couple of the pioneers took a step back but not Jed. Even his horse didn't move at the massive face staring at them.

The railroad man came down with the band and started in on the guard. "Every night one of your railroad guards come in and lock us up. And I hereby say, Sir, enough!"

Jed listened to the crowd, gave them a second to rejoice. Despite the fact that the railroad man had done the talking and was a prominent individual in the community there was no doubt in anyone's mind who the real leader was. Sitting on top his horse, cowboy on and a look of determination, his eyes widened slightly as he gave the order. "Fire up the iron horse."


Julia Augusti Filia, daughter of Emperor Octavian watched as the Roman Legions left their display and started positioning on the floor. The fact that they hadn't been locked up had been a surprise to her, as a guard usually locked them up fairly quick. But not tonight. She didn't recognize this particular guard. Facial features were hard to tell but she was able to see that this one guard was a lot younger than the others. A new recruit? Whatever the case, he was forced into the pioneer display by the reckless cowboys - arch nemesis of her father.

"Lady Julia, do you want to join us as we sing, waiting for the Legions to return?" There were a few other female miniatures in this display. Most of the Roman display were Legionnaires, which was understandable due to what the purpose was. Only a handful of females had been brought her to add a bit of 'roman' culture to the city.

Julia knew that Roman women did not fight or really participate in the action. They were to see war as horrible and not want to be a part of it - except to cheer the brave men on. In a way it was a bit...annoying. The other women seemed to be fine singing, working whatever, playing games but it didn't set with her. But as the daughter of the Emperor, and a major historical figure in-and-of-herself, she had to be an example.

"Go on ahead, I'll catch up." That seemed to appease the woman for a moment. Julia turned her attention back to the Roman Legions. They were marvelously displayed - almost all ready. Oh if only to be down there.

Annie strolled herself to the scene before her: a tied up, giant man, lying right on the floor of the exhibit...with Jedediah on his horse before it. Shaking her head in both disapproval and distaste, the cowgirl moved herself right next to the standing horse her leader rode on, just next its head. Adjusting the black hat upon her head, her pistols sat within the holsters of her waist, and a hunting gun strapped to her back. "Jed, what's going on?", she asked the cowboy in slight curiosity, as she stroked his horse's mane.

Honestly, while watching the scene before her, Annie found this as ridicule. Sure, she may have seen the large beings every time when she was asleep in her constant wax-like position during the daytime, especially the common three, but this was surely ridiculous for a comeback against what seems to be a new guy. For her and the rest of the miniature people, they were only two inches tall. How could they handle such force?

In truth, there was no stopping Jedediah from achieving his goals. That, Annie knew quite clearly. Whenever they both had to settled their differences, shooting competitions (like in the typical Western days) weren't the solution. When it came to winning over Annie, every miniaturized pioneer within the diorama knew well to not compete with her in a public duel. It was clearly declared by Jed tonight to never cross 'Little Miss Sure Shot' (even though he says so to avoid the embarrassment of his guns not being able to work).

He's kidding, right?
That was the only thought that came to Annie's mind when she noticed the incoming train coming down the tunnel in the distance, already figuring out that he intends the kill the giant, shaking her head at the scene.

"Hey, Blondie"

She heard a whisper coming from the giant man laying before her and Jed. Annie wasn't sure whom he was referring to, since both she and the cowboy had blonde hair, although hers was a tiny bit darker. However, she decided to acknowledge him, in order to prevent future hostility from Jedediah. "My name's Annie, sweetheart!", she responded back to him with a loud voice, so he could hear her. "Look, Annie, stop the train, please!", he pleaded quickly to her, practically telling her to stop the nonsense. "I can't do that, sweet cheeks; I'm not the one in charge here! We only follow Jedediah", she told him before making a gesture towards Jed's direction.

Apparently Giganto didn't like the fact that he was about to die. Well to bad. Someone had to pay and this was the only guard they caught. The others ones had been pretty fast at locking them up before they could do anything. But not this one. Jedediah smiled, and straightened eagerly as the lights for the train turned on. Soon.

He turned at the sound of a familiar voice. "Well hey Annie!" he said. "We got ourselves a guard. And he's going to pay." He grinned eagerly. He had been very concerned when she had first arrived. Annie Oakley - the greatest sharpshooter in history. It was a shame his guns didn't work. He would have loved to take that record. But as it was, she was ok. She didn't challenge him, didn't get in his way and was a good 'ol cowgirl. Someone he can count on.

He frowned at the reference to blondie and glanced at the giant. Did the guard just call him blondie? He almost scowled before realizing the comment must have been for Annie as she replied. He tuned them out slightly as the train started to move forward, slowly at first. "Faster, faster." He yelled caught in the moment.

He looked as the guard called out to him. "Jedediah. Why are you doing this?" The man struggled slightly a bit terrified of being about to die.

"Because someone's gotta pay." Jed turned back toward the tunnel.

"Please. Stop this."

Jed sighed and looked at the giant. "Hold off." He called. The train started to slow. "Nah just kidding. Ram him! Go full speed." He grinned as the train barreled out of the tunnel and straight toward the giant. It hit the giant with a disappointing click and fell off the track. "Oh man. Dog gum." Maybe dynamite would do it.

Not really wanting to leave, Julia turned slowly, still watching the formations. When it came to warfare, the Romans were pros. The legions were all lined up and the catapults put into place. Torches were brought forward ready to fire. Leaning forward slightly, she looked for her Father. It was funny really. Though Octavian was her father historically, they weren't really that much different age-wise in this display. She was a younger in this set. Not yet at the historical stage where she was married but still old enough to consider herself an adult.

Her eyes found him. She knew he'd be at the front, leading the charge. All good generals led from the front. His armor was spotless, his troops ready for his command. She sighed and turned away. Making her way back to the little village square she resigned herself to spending the whole night with the other Roman women being bored stiff.

The cowgirl did find herself in a predicament that was far beyond, even her own control. It was true; she wasn't the one in charge, although there have been times where she would do so behind Jed's back. If she was being honest with herself, half of the cowboy's brain was riddling with the word "crazy"; not that she will admit or tell him any time soon.

Annie felt relief in her chest, and made the gesture of a sigh quietly...for the moment. But just by hearing Jedediah's outburst, Annie was, on the inside, getting anxious. Not that she was completely, but she was slightly curious on the verdict. The "Iron Horse" was going so fast on the track, Annie allowed her eyes to slightly widen as it came closer to its intended target. However, for their world was miniaturized, that meant the train must be small too, explaining that it just bumped Larry's face, and fell over on its side, off the track. Just by seeing it, Annie made a wince at the impact.

She didn't have to tell Jed what went wrong at the moment, and she most definitely didn't need to admit to him that it was "good". It turned the situation into a predicament that would put his leadership into question...in her point of view, at least. In truth, Annie didn't know how long he has been doing this, but she didn't want to assume that his leadership was terrible, but he was a leader who tries to do things that are best for his people. They were her people too; she was the SIC of the diorama.

Wincing at Jedediah's failure, the Annie turned her head to look back at the cowboy on his horse in pity, to the point to place a comforting hand on his knee.

"Okay, that's enough"

The cowgirl heard the giant man say, before turning her attention to see it starting to break the restraints holding him down to the exhibit floor. "Jed!", Annie said to get the cowboy's attention on what to do now, as she watched the giant.

Man. The iron horse was the new age of things. It was fast, powerful, and would one day unite the country. But against the massive giant it was nothing. Jedediah just shook his head disappointed. Now they'd have to pick it up and make sure nothing was broken. As well as find another means of taking out the guard. He looked down at the pressure on his knee before suddenly looking up at the giant's words. He blinked surprised as the giant started to fight the ropes. "Keep 'em tied boys." He said.

But it was no use. Everyone started running off - yelling in Chinese and English as the giant grunted and broke the ropes. He started to rise going and higher, making Jedediah feel very small. Not that he let his insecurity show. He was a man and they could still take out this giant. He made his way to the cliff in front of the display to get a better view to take on the guard.

A man went flying off the guard's shoulder hitting the ground. Jedediah winced slightly. It was a shame his guns didn't work. He got to the peak and both he and the giant stopped.

Fully displayed in amazing Roman style was the legionnaires of Emperor Octavian. They had managed to get out of their display, form up and be prepared to attack while Jed was focused on the giant.

"Whoah! Whoaw Octavian." He called down at the Roman Emperor. "This a'int your fight. He's on our turf."

"What? Now listen here cowboy," Larry started.

Jed glared at him. "Names Jedediah, guard. And I'm talking so shut up." He glared back at the Roman Emperor. "You a'int welcome here and we can handle him ourselves!" He declared. He motioned with one hand for the pioneers to rally. If the Romans wanted war, he'd give them one.

This was one unfortunate (and an interesting) turn for her first night: the giant escapes from her fellow pioneers' binds. First, the "Iron Horse" fails to splice his head, then the binds break to fully secure the "beast".
Annie felt an almost feared sign creeping up on her, but she didn't willingly show it towards Jed. The cowboy's horse that she stood next to, began to whinny and kick up its legs wildly, as the giant man began to sit up from the floor of the exhibit, making herself and her leader feel small. Like really small. "Whoa!", she managed to exclaim as she tried to grab the horse's reigns to calm it down. Seeing Jed eventually get off of it, she followed him, and his sight, to the floor below the stand.

Below were thousands and thousands of other tiny figures, who appear to be miniatures like herself and Jedediah. However, these "other miniatures" had a strange attire to them, looking like armor that was far beyond pioneer times.

"Prepare the catapults"

Annie heard what seems to be the leader of this strange pack before her sight. She remembered Jed telling and warning her about their feud with the Roman diorama right next to their own, and she took it seriously to not let one of them cross into the "Western" border. Although, there have been moments where she would reconsider on the feud; that it wasn't necessary. Right now, an assault was brewing.

"...This isn't your fight!"

She heard Jedediah say from the mouth of the diorama. The cowgirl stood beside him, not pointing out anything about the sight before her: the whole Roman armada. This wasn't going to end well, if there was nothing to stop it. "He's right, you know!", she butted into the conversation between the two opposing leaders. "Since this giant is on our land...", Annie pointed at the giant man beside her and Jed.

"Hey, hey, hey!", the nightguard interrupted her suddenly, and Annie's gaze went up towards him. "Cowgirl? Annie? Yeah, um...I'm sorry, but I'm not a giant, okay? I'm just an average-sized human being", Larry tried to explain. "Octavius, stand your men down, and we will stand our own!", Annie shouted to the Roman commander, hoping they would find peace before there was a massacre. "We will walk away quietly!", she added, directly wavering the last word to Jedediah, standing next to her. The cowgirl needed to get it through his thick skull to understand the word of 'peace', and she was sure that he would, although the fact remains that he will "forget" on such a vow. She was keening her green eyes at him, boring them at him, in order to provoke him to agree.

"Silence!", shouted back the Roman general on the floor, below the Western diorama. "The Roman Empire knows no boundaries", he grimly told them, not easily backing down. Good thing his "little girl" wasn't here to scold him for this.

Jedediah looked over at Annie. Stand done? Why would they do that? It was Octavius and his men who were needed to stand down and go back. The Roman Empire might have been the crowning achievement at one time but that time was long gone. The time of the railroad and the cowboy was the way of the future now. And if his guns had worked they would have long since put an end to this Roman and his men. The pioneers behind him were starting to form up. But if the Romans unleashed their catapults and flame arrows, they'd all have to seek for cover. Blast Giganto. His distraction had given the Romans time to mobilize. Jed still believed they could take them but still...

He glared down at the Roman knowing what he was planning. "Don't you do it, son." He yelled pointing a finger at the stubborn, pigheaded general of the Romans.

The night guard had no clue what was about to be unleashed.

With the Emperor's words to fire, Jed sighed. "Man." He quickly ducked out of the way as the fire unleashed. Pulling Annie down with him, he shook his head. "This is war." He informed her firmly. "The Romans need to be taken out. There a'int land big enough for the both of us." Behind them the pioneers ran for cover as the arrows and flaming rocks flew into the display.

"Here's what we are going to do. We're going to capture that Roman and put him in the stocks. That will teach him to mess with us." He motioned for a few cowboys over. They'd have to do it near dawn, otherwise the entire Roman legion would be in their display for the whole day - and they couldn't have that. "Without him, the Romans will crumble without leadership and a day in the stocks would show him who's better." He thumped his chest. "We are."

He got all excited. Yes. Finally they would have Octavius and finish this. They needed to move now though while he was distracted with Giganto. Despite the annoyance that the Romans ignored their turf, it was almost a blessing in disguise. With the main army distracted they could sneak in and grab him. A snatch and grab. He whistled for his horse. He looked at Annie. "So you in?" He asked excited.

Despite an occasion difference, and the fact that no girl really should shoot better than him, Jedediah liked her. She had spirit, spunk. Not many of the pioneers had what she did. In some ways, he even liked her naysaying - sometimes. Though he'd never admit it. Everyone else automatically took him at his word. Which he liked, don't get him wrong. But still... sometimes a different point of view made it all the more reasonable for him to point out why he's right. Though she was good about it overall and didn't challenge his authority - thus the reason why he let her stay. Or so he told himself not really having any say in the matter.

Annie was just about a pacifist as ever, even after noticing her leader turn to her with an exasperated 'what the heck?' expression on his face. She wasn't kidding, and it was evident on her own feminine features; it was the 'you heard me' look, piercing her eyes at him, as if she was expecting him to submit defeat. Honestly, the cowgirl wasn't that cruel, and the obvious celebrity-love from their people was evident for her modesty. It was actually one of the reasons why Jedediah grew so amused, and/or fond of her: he respected her for a young woman of her status. Or, maybe it was because he needed a sharpshooter on their boundary? She didn't really want to ask him what the reason was. Not now, not yet.

The cowgirl knew that there will be indeed Hell if this proceeds, but with the order being said, "Unleash Hell!", alarm hit her, once Octavious sheathed his sword, and raised it triumphantly, with an agreeing shout coming right back into the air. With rock projectiles coming towards their foundation, the western people of their exhibit screamed, and they ran. That is when Annie felt her body weight being pulled down to the ground, eventually realizing that her leader used his body weight to get her and himself out of the way from the propelled artillery. She did notice herself nearly landing on top of the cowboy, but she quickly removed herself from landing in such an embarrassing position with a groan.

The giant, on the other hand, was just acting like a pillar in the way of the rocks. He exclaimed and hissed here and there as the fire-covered rocks hit his uniform, and it literally made him reconsider to not not remain there.

"Climb aboard, boy. Take the hand, son"

Came a sudden voice next to Larry, as he tried to get away from the shooting projectiles of the Roman army, a hand offered out to him. Wasting no time, he took the hand of Theodore Roosevelt, the twenty-sixth president of the United States, and perched himself upon his horse, Texas. Then, there they go, riding away from the Hall of Miniatures. Annie did glance at the night guard's getaway, but she turned herself back into the chaos, once Jed came up with a plan.

He's serious, right?, was her only thought when her leader told her what they were going to do. Honestly, it was suicidal and yet, a very crazy plan. They were walking right into the shooting range. But heck, he was a little over his head. Just a little. And when someone says 'shooting range', they were speaking Annie's middle name. Plus, what could the cowgirl say? He was the only resource she had to learn about these strange surroundings. So, making sure that Jed's alive throughout the plan, would be mandatory. She nodded to his question, although felt a little hesitant to do so. She was a pacifist; not a fighter.

When he did something, he did it big. Maybe he was trying to overcompensate for feeling so small next to the massive guards or some of the other wax figures. Maybe it was just his personality. But whatever the case, Jedediah didn't think twice about kidnapping the Roman Emperor. And he honestly didn't see why he shouldn't. The man was annoying. They've had their run ins on multiple occasions, nothing to serious. The guards usually locked them up right away so they couldn't fight. Tonight though, was different. The guard had taken long enough that they had been able to get down and set up an ambush. And though that didn't work, this was a perfect time to make Octavious pay. Thankfully, Annie seemed agreeable as well.

"Alright then. We need to go in all quiet like. Butch," he said to one of the cowboys he had waved over. "I need you to cause a diversion with the rest of the pioneers. While the main legion is focused on you, Annie and I will sneak in and grab him. We need to get him before dawn but not to soon or the Romans will miss him and come back for him. Understand? Good." He rose. "Let's go Lill' Sure Shot."

Butch took off to rally the pioneers. With the guard gone, the Romans would be turning their attention on them. Not to mention the Mayans. Due to their hostility they were usually always locked up first and tonight they weren't. From his perch, Jed could see some of the Mayans and Romans fighting but the main contingent still focused on the Wild West Diorama. The Mayan miniatures were a bit crazy but they didn't have a strong leadership like Jed - or so he liked to think. The fact that the Romans considered them more of a threat than the crazy Mayans solidified it in his mind.

Grabbing some rope, Jed made his way down the side and onto the ground. He knew where the Roman leader was and hoped to get him alone. "Keep on eye on the time," he whispered to Annie. "We want to get this just right."

The pioneer diversion started. Cowboys, Chinese men alike charged the Roman army. The whole room was a mess of miniatures fighting a three-way war. It was times like this that he wished his guns could work. But eh. He could still fight. And a lot better than that Roman. "Do you see 'im?" He asked looking around at the fighting. Now that they were on ground level it was hard to make out.



From the point in the Roman city, Julia and the other women heard the commotion. She rose and glanced toward the fighting. "It's just our legions conquering the barbarians, dear." One of the older woman said stroking a lyre. Julia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Her eyes took in the battlefield. It was a mess. Crazy and insane. The guard was gone but there were thousands of soldiers, pioneers and Mayans out fighting.

"Come on. Regal us again with a poem. Maybe one about Octavious, your father." The women sighed.

"He's such a great leader."

"And handsome."

Annie was headstrong; more on a superhuman level, to be exact. Jedediah, at times, underestimates her determination, but he can be wrong when there is proof left behind by her barreled artillery. For one, she was a lone-wolf in the diorama, and the cowgirl tends to walk off on her own, away from the social levels of her fellow pioneers. If she felt like it, Annie would standby and watch her leader direct the Chinese workers of the railroad. She remembered the time when they first met, earlier tonight: once she said her name, pioneers, especially the cowboys, became excited (almost demanding) for her presence.

The cowgirl was flattered at their attempts, but, as a professional woman, with an American reputation in marksmanship, Annie respectfully, and affectionately, dismissed them. Or, Jedediah would shoo them off, and direct them back to work. If any, even the tourists, noticed, she was the only female with a ten-gallon hat in the diorama. If anybody did the math, she and their leader would be sixty-one years apart, in real history, that is. Funny as it looked, they were close in age, by the way they were made, at least.

Annie had to reimagine Jed's plan in her mind. As long as he was describing, she would calibrate, and perform. It was a crazy plan, but she did wonder to herself on the outcome.

What if she commits a truce between the two factions, once they get near each other?

Plus, the cowgirl was the one with a wicked aim, a deadeye, and a gun that actually works. She had to try, despite what Jed may think. Annie followed him down the rope, and found herself in the middle of a massacre. If it was her and combat, she was "frontierswoman-material", good at defense and, what her leader was good for: offense. Time was getting short, and true as her eyesight, Annie caught the Roman General in the distance; not too far away from where they were standing. Should she reconsider with this plan? "Clear as a diamond. Clear as a bright and shiny day", she confirmed, before adjusting her hat at the brim.

"Excellent." Jed smiled as he headed in the direction that Annie had inferred too. It wasn't easy sneaking through a major fight. Once or twice they'd get stopped by someone who Jed would then have to knock out of the way or take down. He had one goal and he wasn't going to let someone stop him from getting there.

The Emperor of the Romans, the arrogant man who dared think he could come onto Jedediah's turf with his legions and his war machines and not expect reprisal was not guarded. He stood, his back to them shouting some nonsense or other about the 'glory of the Empire' or some other nonsense. Stupid man. Didn't even think to watch his back. Jed smirked and motioned to Annie while he started to make a lasso. Swinging it he tossed it at the Emperor and quickly jerked tightening it around the man's arms. "Now Annie." He ordered expecting her to help move in.

The fighting was incredibly loud - well at least for all the miniatures. It probably would have some noise level to the giants but none were around. It was strange really. Other than that one guard - who was scared away by the awesomeness of Jed and the pioneers (the Romans had nothing to do with it. The guard feared for his life from the pioneers), no one else stopped by. It was amazing really. He hadn't been on the floor that often. But because of the noise level, no one could hear Octavious shout. Moving forward to help Annie, Jedediah tightened the rope. It would be dawn soon and they needed to withdraw.

"Not so tough now are you, big man?" He hissed in Octavious' ear as he, Annie, and another cowboy discretely moved him back toward the Pioneer Diorama. "Teach you to step on another man's turf."


Julia was getting a bit annoyed with them all. Rising, she gave a polite smile. "It's nearing dawn. I want to make sure they return safely."

"Oh good idea." Another woman said rising. "Let's line up to great our conquering champions."

That seemed like a good idea to them overall. Julia let herself fall in the back before slipping away. They probably wouldn't even notice she was away. She made her way to the top of the diorama and looked down. The Romans were slowly retreating and coming back. The Mayans and Pioneers were doing the same. No one wanted to be caught outside the display when they froze. A good part of it was, you had no control over what happened during the day and could get stepped on, eaten, lost or whatever. It was safer in the display cases.

Her eyes scanned the thousands of pieces on the floor. There were no straggling Romans. They stayed grouped together and all would return. She smiled grateful for that. In a way, though Octavious was the Emperor, she felt a special connection to the legions...and even the ditsy women. They were her people as well. And she may never be able to lead or fight but that didn't stop her from caring and wishing their safety.

Annie scanned the area for a possible path to approach the Roman leader, standing there in the distance. Honestly, the cowgirl (noticeable to Jed, at least), had no interest in violence and combat, except she would only fight for what was necessary, like to protect a frontier and keep the peace from a true enemy. Not to mention that she uses the thrill of suspense for entertainment; public shootouts, not included. Mentioned before, it was forbidden to even face Annie in said-event. Jedediah laid that law down as a necessity. But generally, no one challenges Annie. However, there have been other fellow male pioneers, who were dying to "meet" her. Take Jesse James, for instance.

James was their diorama's robber and outlaw, and the same goes back in American history: "guerrilla, gang leader, bank robber, train robber, and murderer". A cocky, talkative pioneer, who was, at least, the same height as Jedediah, James took violence over the edge, and he had no qualms to spare anyone. Not to mention that he grew obsessed with Annie ever since her arrival in the wake of this morning. If anyone was disgusted of James, it was Jed, according to her knowledge, at least. Now that she thought about it, Annie did notice a protectiveness coming from her leader, every time that son-of-a-scum appeared. The best part? The cowgirl never cried; always kept her head high.



Octavius had victory on his mind for years. Hail Jupiter!, he thought triumphantly, sword held high, and taking on his incoming enemies. Taking one last strike on an opponent, the general felt mental strength on his insight for victory. "For the glory of Rome!", he declared in the midst of battle. However, he didn't expect some string surrounding him, trapped in the wrath of being restrained. "What sort of trickery?", he asked, oblivious of an incoming strike: being knocked completely off his feet, and falling flat on his back. A blurr in his vision from the landing came to full effect. Groaning, Octavius was then lifted discreetly. "What is the meaning of this!?", he asked in disgust (and slight panic in his tone). "I am a Roman General; I have rights!", he told them, practically ordering the enemy to release him.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Jed mocked as they half carried, half dragged the tied emperor away. It would be dawn soon and everybody was already returning to their displays. It was never wise to be left outside your diorama after dawn. You didn't know what happened while you were in 'frozen sleep' and Jed preferred to be on the safe side.

With the help of Annie and a couple other cowboys they pulled the emperor up into the Pioneer diorama and over to the stocks. "Hold him steady boys," Jed said as they removed the lasso and put the Roman in the stocks. "How does that make you feel, Octavious?" He asked smirking down at the emperor. "I could have you wiped. Isn't that what you Romans do to those who defy you? Oh wait, that's crucifixion." He brightened and looked at Annie who's look immediately nixed that idea. Eh. Not that he wanted to do that anyway. He didn't want to kill the guy. Just scare him enough that he'd think twice about treading on Jed's turf.

He was was going to go into a full lecture, digging in on the Roman as the dawn's rays started in on the room. The little miniature froze as he was transformed back into a lifeless display.

The diorama itself had been slightly cleaned up since the attack with the Giant and the Romans but there were still some signs here and there. Most people wouldn't even notice, attributing it to a slight shift in the scene. The museum did it frequently enough. The 'iron horse' had not been righted but that had been something an early morning staff member quickly remedied. Shaking his head, he muttered something about irresponsible children who shouldn't be touching things before moving on.



The women were waiting for the Romans as the legions entered. They were in an orderly fashion and with the weapons of war. They started to put everything back even as Julia walked up to them. Her eyes scanned the soldiers, a frown on her face. Octavious always led. He would probably be one of the last to retreat but he usually made his way up to the front of the line. Of course, he also usually went among his men encouraging them, telling them where to put the equipment. Inquiring on their lives - however nonexistent it was outside of the legion. He might have been a warlord but he was a great leader. One everyone respected. And the Romans were about expansion and ever growing.

However, when she didn't find him quick enough, her concern rose and she hunted down his second in command - Brutus. It was not the same Brutus that had betrayed Cesar. That would have been ironic. No it was a no-name legion that had been used as support. Shortly after they had come to live, he had been picked through many duels as Octavious' number two. That was when he first got his name. Many of the other legionaries got it over time to where no everyone in the diorama had a name - even if they were playing secondary to the main displays.

"Where is Octavious?" She demanded.

Brutus frowned. He looked around. He usually kept a close eye on the Emperor but today...well the battle had been crazy and they had to retreat quickly. His frown turned to slight panic and fear as he realized the Emperor was not with them. "I... I don't know my Lady. I assumed he came with us."

Julia's jaw locked and she looked around the Romans gathered. He was not there. She ran toward the highest point of the display and looked out. Brutus right beside her. Her quick eyes scanned even as dawn quickly approached. She couldn't see him.

"My lady." A Roman ran up to her. He was one of the late stragglers. "The Pioneers. They took our Emperor." His fists were balled up. His eyes full of hatred and shame. "I.. I tried to stop them but two knocked me back. There were many and I figured that it would be wiser to let the Empire know than to get captured as well."

Julia looked at the young boy. Though he was probably her age or slightly younger in the display, he was just that though - a boy. A freshly minted Roman. "The pioneers?" Her eyes narrowed. "Then they will pay."

The sun's rays started to filter in. No! Not now. She looked at Brutus quickly. "First thing we do when we awake is gather the legion and get him." And this time she had no intent to stay behind. She was in command now and she would free him from these...these cowboys.

Before Brutus could respond the rays hit them and the Roman diorama also become frozen.