Chapter mainly written by SummerMistedDragon. I only added a small part.

Larry blinked at the new night guard, his lips curling into a frown. He wanted to refuse the suggestion, but he decided that it might be worth listening to. He might as well go out trying to be useful instead of a waste of everyone's time, he was enough of a screw up already.

"Follow me…"

Larry was not at all sure about this idea Owen had, but anything that could possibly help Jedediah was worth a try. Heading to the nearest storage closet, he dove into its depths to find the old remote controlled car, as he had stored it away after Jed refused to drive it again. Larry had not blamed him at the time, since driving alone would only pain him more, and after a few futile attempts to get the cowboy up and having fun again, Larry had finally given up and put the toy away.

Now, he dug through the closet, Owen beside him, looking for the old vehicle. Owen had never been inside any of the storage closets, and quite frankly, he was not all that impressed by what he saw inside.

The contents of the closet were mainly boxes, stuffed to the brim with lost and found items. There were a few old artifacts lying about, as well as brooms and mops leaning against the walls. It was not as exciting as the rest of the museum. That pretty much summed it up, and

Owen was thankful to finally find what his coworker was looking for.

"Here it is." Larry said, lifting up the dust covered vehicle.

Owen looked at it closely, scrutinizing every detail. Something inside of him clicked, and he stared in confused silence at the toy. He had seen it somewhere before, he was sure of it. The familiar light blue sports car with thick, red stripe down the middle. Where had he seen it before….?

"Oh!" He said aloud, slapping a hand to his forehead as he let out a small chuckle. "Now I see! That's the car I owned when I was a teen. Not the exact one, of course, but similar. It was the funniest thing ever. Better than any of those video games my cousins tried to get me into."

Larry smiled and laughed along, but yet again felt that weird feeling of knowing Owen deeper than just a coworker. How would Owen have ever seen the RC car? Larry had ordered it as a special, custom made vehicle from a company that customized toy cars. How could Owen have possibly gotten the same idea for the colors and design as a teenager?

"Yes, I am certain this is the same one." Owen said, nodding. He then turned to Larry. "And, as you have told me, this is the car Jedediah and Octavius would ride in every night?"

"That's the one." Larry replied. He then looked over at the miniature hall, which was across from the storage closet. "I hope this works. Jed needs to do something other than mope."

"To be fair I do not think I can blame him." Owen said, sighing. "It must be such a terrible thing, to lose someone so close to you. But I believe we must try to do something!"

"Okay, you know what…okay…" Larry threw his hands up in defeat, leading them both back into the hallway, "I'll…go get Will and Jacob to bring Jed down to the soccer game,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"So…you're saying…we should force Jed to come out of his shell? The depressed, three-inch tall cowboy who is refusing to function or interact with anyone? That's your great plan?"

Larry's disbelief was irritating, but Owen just huffed, standing firm at the night guard's questioning.

"Yes, I do." Owen gestured vaguely with his hands, trying to not sound like a know-it-all, but still needing his superior to understand, "Look, I may not be well-versed in Western American history, it's only dumb luck I know that display is part of the Transcontinental Railroad. But I am holding minors in both psychology and military relations, at least think about this. You are doing it, and the rest of museum seems to follow along…you just let Jedediah cope on his own, barely interacting with him and waiting for him to come to you or someone else."

"Yeah, I know but-"

"Larry it's not working." Owen's tone sharpened, like a leader, like a general. "You said yourself, Jed hasn't pulled out of the depression at all, ranging from barely coping to almost rage like anger correct?"

Larry sighed, rubbing at his face in frustration, "Yeah."

The tone of defeat was enough to keep Owen going, "Five stages of grief-denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Your friend is only trapping himself in an endless loop and it is doing no one any good here. Everyone walks on glass around him, setting their own moods up for failure at the same time. What little you and the good pharaoh have told me of the tablet…or rather what little I actually understand of it, it would not surprise me that Jedediah has tried to will his friend back as well."

Larry didn't admit or deny to that, but the silence was answer enough.

"I know grieving never truly ends, but it can be managed-to the benefit of everyone." Owen softened his voice, he had a hard time maintaining his composure when he got passionate about something, a struggle for years. "I'm not saying we have your friend do anything nuts or reckless, but instead of asking or waiting for him to join the others in watching a soccer game…simply bring him along. Even if only for a short time each night…having him part of everyone's lives again might just be enough to let him know the nights are worth living."

Sighing again, Larry tried not to let his thoughts wander too long, honestly there was little he could say that Owen wouldn't have heard already, judging by the look on the other man's face when Owen had finally gotten to work said enough that the new guy was on very thin ice. Might as well go out trying to be useful instead of a waste of everyone's time, he was enough of a screw up already.

"Okay, you know what…okay…" Larry threw his hands up in defeat, "I'll…go get Will and Jacob to bring Jed down to the soccer game, he'd probably be more comfortable if they came versus him alone. You get to referee this time though."

"Me?!"

"It's your idea!"

"I go out there and everyone else will try and kill me the minute I call foul!"

Larry snorted, "Oh c'mon! They're not that bad."

"Larry!"

"I'll referee, you will take my place on Attila's team."

Both night guards turned to find Ahkmenrah stepping closer, his smooth face barely suppressing the annoyance in his eyes as he stopped next to them and crossed his arms. Teddy was just behind him, standing as irritated as the pharaoh but managing to keep it off out of his voice.

"I was wondering where the two of you had gotten to, good to see you tonight Mr. Scott."

Owen tried to smile, thinking he was more likely grimacing, "Thank you Mr. President, and to you as well. Good evening Pharaoh."

Ahkmenrah gave a half-nod, still not comfortable around the new night guard or willing to really try, Larry gave him a sharp look but the Egyptian wasn't going to relax.

"Alright…let's do this…that way, there's time for damage control." Larry spoke up, trying to settle the tension in the air. Owen conceded, heading to the front lobby to set up the soccer nets once Larry asked him to, more like sent him away…

Teddy turned to Larry, his brow furrowing, "Damage control for what?"

"An idea I will either massively regret-"

Ahk growled softly, "By the might of Ra, what have you done?"

"Nothing!" Larry glared, "Yet…but this could work just fine."

"What could?" Teddy asked.

Larry laid out Owen's basic plan, with a lot less psychoanalysis information, by the time he

was done, Ahk's hands were in fists and even Teddy's wax face was tinging red.

"Guardian, how dare you?!"

"Lawrence have you gone mad! Why would you even think of doing something like this?!"

"Because I'm desperate!"

While it wasn't uncommon for Larry to raise his voice in the museum, it wasn't usually at Teddy, or about his own issues. The night guard was losing it, Owen was the fifth new guy Larry had had to deal with in twice as many days. While he'd managed to make it through two complete nights and came back for a third, it wasn't looking good. Especially with this idea of his and everyone's adamant reluctance to really even try to get along with him.

Larry groaned, rubbing at his face irritably, "Look Teddy, I know this sounds like an awful idea, and honestly I don't fully agree. But be honest with me, what else do you think we should do, huh? When's the last time you went and saw him, Teddy?"

"Well…I-"

"I saw him last night, after he had accidentally met Owen…Teddy he's miserable. I know we all agreed to give him space and time, but c'mon!"

"Larry is right Teddy." Sacagawea's sudden appearance would make anyone unfamiliar with the museum flinch, the three men standing by the guard office simply nodded at her arrival.

"My dear-"

"No," Sacagawea rested her arm on Teddy's shoulder, stopping his rebuttal, "Our friend is truly saddened and we need to help him, if this could possibly aid him, then why deny it?"

"And if it doesn't work?" Ahk's tone was concerned, and sharp, but the pharaoh had at least released his hands from their tight fists.

Sac looked away for a moment, sighing softly, "Then we face that as well. Jedediah is wasting away even with the nightly powers of the tablet, we must do something for him. At least try."

"And what of Owen?" Teddy sounded less accusatory, but still indignant, hands on his hips to keep them still, "His presence is already causing distress to the other inhabitants, and Jedediah was nearly inconsolable last night because of him."

"And yet Jedediah is also the one who might need Owen the most. We have all been quiet about our loss, we all feel deeply for the passing of Octavius, but we cannot let another of our own suffer." Sac left no room for arguing, glaring at Teddy in her ferocity before making Ahk look her in the eye when he'd tried to shy away. "We all mourn Octavius, but maybe a reminder here and there of him will not be so bad. There will be enough of us at the soccer game to watch him should he need to leave. We have to try."

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Considering how Jed reacted to Larry the night previous, Sacagawea was voted to be the messenger, heading to the Hall of Miniatures while the others went to the lobby.

Marcus and Titus saluted from Rome when she passed, earning a polite nod from the Shoshone. One of the Western ladies, Mary, greeted the full-size woman before going to find Will and Jacob. That way her voice wouldn't disturb Jed before they were ready.

"Evenin' ma'am, fancy seein' you here tonight. What's a pretty gall like you doin' all by yerself?" Jacob's wit earned him a slap upside the head from Will, the second in command scowling at his wannabe assistant.

Jacob was the fun loving-hard working friend to Jed when the blonde cowboy had actually been in charge. Since losing his best friend, Jed's duties had passed to Will almost entirely.

"Good evenin' Miss Sacagawea, what can this idiot an' I do for you tonight?" Will asked, removing his hat out of respect.

Sacagawea crouched down in front, keeping her voice low, "I actually came tonight for Jedediah, though I will need your help gentlemen."

"Uh oh." Jacob hissed.

"Sshh!"

Jacob's wince, while small, physically and metaphorically, was still seen by the woman in front of them.

"Gentlemen?"

Will groaned, rubbing the back of his neck, "Boss ain't to personable tonight ma'am, he ain't really talking to no one."

Sighing softly, Sacagawea nodded, "I understand, but tonight…tonight we're not going to give our friend a choice."

Xxx

Thank….

The….

Gods…

Owen Scott had played soccer for two years in college, the intramural team had been a ragtag group of off-beat majors who didn't fit in the big social cliques on campus like the jocks, pre-law, pre-med, or artsy hippies. But it had taught him enough that he wasn't going to fall on his face while trying to avoid crashing into a Hun, an Innuit, or trip over the ball.

No one had 'purposefully' bumped him, but there had been quite a few 'accidents' throughout the game so far. Owen just brushed it off, staying out of the main area of the makeshift pitch and mostly keeping the ball from sailing towards the gathered crowd.

One of the other Huns scored a goal, the crowd cheered, and this time Owen was part of the customary fist bumps the warriors shared to celebrate their earned points. The new guy would take it, at least he was allowed to participate. But that might have been Larry's insisting versus actual acceptance.

"Score is two-Innuit/Vikings, one-Huns. Keep it up guys, first team to five wins!"

Larry's call spurred on the players more, and Owen couldn't help but grin, for as crazy as this all was with the museum and everything coming to life, it was pretty fun.

Xxx

Jed shrugged off Will's hand on his shoulder, knowing in the back of his mind the second in command was just trying to be supportive. Well, as supportive as a "friend" could be after dragging his boss from his tent with Jacob helping. They'd all but hog tied Jed up and shoved him into the waiting Hummer RC car someone had left for the miniatures to use. Now, they were settling on the second floor railing above the soccer game to watch, perched near Sacagawea and Meriwether Lewis in case the railing got knocked into.

The cowboy had no desire to be here, he had no desire to be near anyone really. And if Jed was honest with himself, which really was something he'd always struggled with and now was god-awful at…Jed didn't even want to be around at all. But, his friends had shouted it was for his own good, and they would have plenty of fun; right in the middle of the diorama.

Meaning even if Jed felt horrible and mostly looked it, he'd do his best to put on a face in front of his people.

Via shouting mutiny, struggling to free himself, and calling Jacob and Will almost every name under the sun.

While he'd fumed and growled angrily at his friends, Jed had complied once the toy car had arrived near the lobby. He'd gotten out of the car without fighting, and now sat next to Sacagawea's elbow, watching the soccer game with little interest.

With Ahkmenrah as the referee, any tricks the Huns tried to get away with were called out rather quickly, the pharaoh was used to the antics, considering he usually played on Attila's team. The Vikings and Innuits were fighting valiantly, holding on to their one point lead-

"Point to the Huns! Good Job Owen!"

Larry's shout drew Jed's focus, and the cowboy watched with a bit more interest as the 'real' person received pats on the back from his teammates, leaning on his knees to catch his breath before jogging back to his stretch of the game area. Jed grimaced, almost turning away from the game to avoid watching yet another cause of his heart ache.

For some reason though…he couldn't look away, something drew the cowboy's blue eyes to watch the brunette man pass the soccer ball around with the others, his movements precise and determined. Jed rested his arms on his bent knees, locked on the man who looked so much like Octavius, and yet wasn't.

"Jedediah?"

Sacagawea's voice was soft, not pushing like Jacob's or Larry's, or overly cooing like Will's or even Roosevelt's. It didn't patronize the cowboy, and he turned to look up at her when she spoke. The woman gently tipped his black hat up a little, mostly so she could see his face better, but also because Jed had jammed it down so far on his forehead it was starting to hurt. It was easier to hide that way.

"Would you like to stay for the rest of the game? Or do you wish to return?"

Jed just shrugged, but did accept her offer when she held out her hands. Sacagawea cupped her fingers carefully, providing a warm seat that was safe, the cowboy leaned on her fingers, an easier ledge to brace against as the Huns' team scored again.

"Four-to-two, keep it up guys!"

The game continued, this time the Vikings were getting more aggressive, trying to keep control of the ball as much as possible. If Attila's third in command-Enoat, or Owen got possession, it resulted in a point.

"Enough! Bjorn! Owen! Off the field!"

Ahkmenrah's voice was more than capable of carrying over all the yelling going on, one of the Innuits had tripped trying to pass the ball, and his Viking teammate hadn't taken it well. Jed had seen the strike, a punch to Owen's side hidden by the other players, but the new night guard had taken the blow in stride, blocking the next one and weaving around his assailant without complaining. Owen had been innocent, and something in Jed wanted to speak up.

If Sacagawea saw the cowboy sit up and watch the museum's resident pharaoh berate Bjorn and Owen off to the side of the soccer game, the woman said nothing, her fingers perfectly still while Jed peered at the trio down on the first floor. Ahk wasn't looking very happy, and part of Jed wondered if the pharaoh wasn't just using Owen as an excuse to take out some frustrations on when Ahk sent Bjorn back to his team but kept scolding Owen. The pharaoh's stance just about screamed tension and built up anger.

Jed shifted to kneel on Sacagawea's hand, watching the exchange like a hawk. Owen stood straight and even, listening to Ahk with full attention, nodding politely and not trying to defend himself by the looks of it. Once the pharaoh was done, Owen appeared to thank him graciously and return to the game, shaking hands with Bjorn before the soccer match recommenced.

"It seems Ahkmenrah isn't the only one with low spirits tonight."

This time when Sacagawea spoke, Jed responded when he turned around. "No one's been very happy all around, huh?"

She shook her head, "As much as we all have tried, we all still feel the pain my friend."

"Then…" Jed shuddered, trying to keep the hitch out of his voice, "Why does…everyone say I have to move on?"

Sacagawea sighed softly, "They do not mean you must move past your memories and feelings, but to not let them hold you back. Honor our friend by continuing on, with your life and friends, and hold those memories close to your heart."

Jed sighed, his entire body rocking with the motion, "Why's it hurt so much?"

"Because it mattered, it still matters Jedediah, nothing can change that he was your friend. We can only keep going and try."

The cowboy grunted in reply, wiping at his face a bit more roughly than he probably should have. "H-hey Sac?"

"Yes?"

"Could…could you…take me back….I don'-" Jed choked a little, "I don' wanna be here…"

Sacagawea nodded, remaining quiet as she cradled her hands to her chest. Jed leaned against her warmth, his tiny form shaking slightly. But he took comfort in her presence, not leaning away from Sac to avoid her touch. Jacob and Will would return to the Hall later, probably after the game and their rousing conversation with Lewis about rifles over hand guns. As they trekked away, Jed couldn't help but hear the winning goal. The museum inhabitants almost shouting louder than Larry's winning announcement.

"Five to Two, Attila's Team wins!"

Xxx

The Hall of Miniatures was relatively quiet when Sacagawea walked back through the doors, carrying Jed close to her heart. The cowboy had relaxed in her hands, the smooth walk lulling him into a slight doze. He awoke when she sat before his diorama, resting her forearms on the edge.

"Thanks Sac…"

"You're welcome, Jedediah, and thank you for joining me tonight."

"Kinda didn't have a choice," Jed muttered, removing his hat to ruffle his hair in unease. "Gettin' hog tied does that to a fella."

She grinned gently, "I know it wasn't the best way, but still, thank you. I enjoy spending time with you. I hope we can do so again, my friend."

Jed scuffed his boot on the sand of his diorama, nodding a little like he was just trying to end the conversation. "Yeah…I…"

Sacagawea gently interrupted, a finger lightly rubbing Jed's back, "It is alright, I will invite you another time and we can go from there. I hope you have a pleasant evening Jedediah, and will you do something for me?"

The cowboy nodded, no hesitation even as he looked up to meet Sac's kind gaze.

"Try to get some sleep. Real sleep, not just the day time."

While her words had the best intent, Jed took it hard, his head ducked and his entire stance slumped. Before Sacagawea could backtrack, Jed had patted her finger in parting and headed to his tent, disappearing past the small flaps.

The woman sighed, rubbing at her own face now, frustration powering her steps while grief and longing to help a friend tugged at her heart. Everyone was still enjoying to goings on in the lobby when she made it downstairs, pausing near a side column to watch Owen and Attila practice passing the soccer ball with one another.

Teddy and Larry caught her gaze, not speaking but their eyes held the questions Sacagawea held the answers to. Shaking her head, the Shoshone leaned against the column, needing the support to stand as she sighed in defeat. Ahkmenrah had come up to the president and head night guard, catching Sac's eye. She looked away, unable to keep going at the moment but refusing to hide away from the others, needing to put on a front.

The pharaoh didn't take it as well as she did, spinning away from Larry and Teddy with enough apparent frustration everyone else moved away immediately.

Xxx

Owen paused long enough in working ball drills with those willing, to see Ahkmenrah storming away from the lobby. An air of 'don't you dare stop me' emanating from the pharaoh to such a degree even the new guy noticed. The man sighed, glancing quickly at Larry Daley and the president standing on the far side of the information desk, both looking despondent and exhausted.

At least they'd made it through the game, maybe some progress had been achieved?

Owen set his shoulders, mind already pouring over other ideas as he stepped back into kicking the ball around with the others.

He would make this right…he had to. If not for the others here in the museum, both those who showed him such animosity, and those who tried to tolerate the new guy.

Then Owen would make things right for Jedediah alone.