Disclaimer: I own only my ideas and my imagination.

"Uhhhhhhh. My head's throbbing!" Tristan moaned as he sat up. "Oooo! Bad idea!" and he fell back on the bed. He looked around at the stonework of the circular room he was in. "Very medieval looking," he thought. "Wait. I was in a pitch black cell just a minute ago! They must have moved me so the 'interrogators' could see me better," he thought ruefully. Just then, the Tiger came in.

"I am pleased to see you have finally decided to join the living once more, my Dear Fellow," Baronne purred.

"Tiger, I have no time for your games. Are the interrogators taking a break… for once? I need to get back to Jack. She'll be scared out of her mind! They wouldn't let me leave a note or anything!" Tristan said nervously, his voice getting louder and louder. " I—I—They—and then—She's—OW! Why'd you throw a rock at my head, Tiger?!"

"I didn't, Dear Fellow. She did."

Tristan looked toward the door, rubbing his head. There in the doorway was what he swore had to be an angel. She was garbed in an iridescent pearl gown and tied around her waist was a cool green sash. Her head was adorned with a slim silver band that boasted a small teardrop of diamond in the middle of the forehead. Her whole essence glowed with the sun's dying light.

"Jack?" He said at last.

"Stop staring at me like that!" I blushed. "I found the outfit in the Princess's closet. Nanny told me where to go and that she wanted more pepper with her toast. I can't believe she's still alive! That woman was ancient when she came here and who knows how many years have passed?!" I said laughing. "Tristan really! I don't look that good! Stop drooling and we'll go get you some new clothes. You wouldn't believe Fiyero's closet!" I exclaimed as I helped Tristan up and into the hallway.

"Please talk so I know you're alright!" I exclaimed after we had walked for a few minutes in an awkward silence.

"You're stunning, gorgeous, beaut-"

"Enough with the compliments!" I laughed. "Let's talk about something else."

"Ok. Let's start with where we are! I still have no idea where I am," Tristan commented.

"Well, we're in Oz, specifically in Kiamo Ko. Have you read Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West?"

"No. I mainly read older books."

"Wicked is the story of Elphaba Thropp and her life. She was also known as the Wicked Witch of the West. We are residing in her boyfriend's palace. Isn't it magnificent?! I'll introduce you to Nanny after you change. Let me warn you though. With your flesh mask on, you look an awful lot like Liir, Elphie's son. She might boss you around like she used to with the real Liir."

"That doesn't bother me. I have a thing for elderly people. I absolutely loved my great-grandfather! Erik was really an amazing man. He was a little psycho when he met Christine but once she married him, he settled down."

"Here we are! The Royal Closet! To your left is the Pants section, to your right is the Shirts section, and ahead is the Accessory section such as crowns, cufflinks, and much more!"

"Whoa! Let's go to the Pants first. Lead the way, my Lady!" Tristan said faux-regally.

For the next few hours, we wandered through the closet looking for something somewhat modern and Tristan's style. When we had finally found an outfit somewhat reasonable, we went to meet Nanny.

"Liir Thropp where have you been all these years you lazy bum?! I was starting to wonder if you'd died yet. Is your good-for-nothing uncle still on the throne?" Nanny lectured Tristan. Turning to Jack she said," Nessarose! You were dead a few years ago. Leave you filthy ghost and never come back! I don't have time for delusions!"

"I'll be back with your toast, Nanny," I replied smiling. After I had left the room, Nanny turned to Tristan. (I learned this after the fact.)

"I know you're not Liir and I know she's not my Nessarose. The Tiger told me who you really are. Now, you will tell the girl to make a five-course meal. I don't care if it tastes good I just want her out of the room for a while." Once Tristan had done that, Nanny resumed.

"You are on the run from your fiancé's best friend and her henchmen, correct? Of course it's correct. On my nightstand you will find a large book. Open it to page 1463. When you are ready to go home, read the entire page. The words now do not make sense. Don't worry. When you need them, they will reveal themselves." Nanny's breathing was becoming shallow. "One-more-thing. Never leave the girl's side. She-will-die-if she meets-Sssssshhhhhheeeeelllllll." With that, Nanny died.

"Nanny? Nanny?! NANNY! Wake up! What do you mean Jack will die if she meets Shell?! Nanny answer me!" Tristan pleaded.

I had heard the commotion and so had Baronne. I ran into the room, as did Baronne, and halted. Tristan was holding Nanny and crying. Baronne went over and softly smacked his paw on Tristan's leg.

"She's dead Tristan. She was only supposed to live long enough to fulfill her mission and she has. Take the book, some clothes and food, and leave this God-forsaken country forever. Never return lest your offspring should suffer. The portal to your world is fragile as it is. If anyone comes back after you leave, Oz will inhabit Earth and all as you know it will disappear. Go now!"

Tristan scooped up the book, took my hand and packed a basket full of food. Then he went upstairs and packed a suitcase for himself while I packed one for me. We said goodbye to Baronne and started our journey to where? We didn't know.