As from what you have read, the "Prologue" was a flashback to Wandering Encounters. Now, we are caught up to the event that took place in Talisman's Folly, where Gizzard (a.k.a. Ester) and Clockwise (a.k.a. Reyes) leave this present-day world for Middle-earth. So here, Gizzard's story is different from Clockwise's telling, but then his story will reveal his backstory in Talisman's Folly.
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Escape Flight, One-Shot
Gizzard roused from his sleep. The year was June 2009, and even in that year, Gizzard's thoughts could not stop thinking about the dream he just had, where he was a kitten and plunged into the water, on Mortar's dare. He knew his brother Mortar, now called Mr. Cuddle-Muffin by the Rashkin family, was not improving. In fact, Mortar kept acting stranger as the days went on.
Then there was the plan that he, and the red parrot Clockwise, came up with. The plan was simple: get the battered copy of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring off Jessica Nytch's hands, and then use that same book to enter the world inside its pages. It was a brilliant plan… no, the plan still needed to work, Gizzard thought. It was the best idea he and Clockwise came up with, but maybe it would help them.
Maybe… but Gizzard doubted the plan from the start. But it had to work, didn't it? It was their only way to get back to his brother, wherever Mortar was. Deciding that this was the right move, Gizzard rouse Clockwise.
"All right Clockwise, the plan seems to be in motion. What's your next move?"
"Good, now all we need to do is find that book. I know it's enchanted. It might be our only chance to…" Clockwise was cut off by Gizzard, who said,
"Clockwise, you've already proven a good jailbird acquaintance. I just want you to know that if anything happens to either of us, I would like you to find my brother Mortar for me."
Clockwise nodded. "I can do that, but be careful." He glanced up at the second floor hallway, and then told the black cat, "Okay, it's your move. Go!"
Gizzard flew up the wooden staircase, doubling his speed upon entering his owner's bedroom. Perfect. And right on cue. Bounding in all directions, Gizzard landed on Jessica for a moment. The black cat nearly laughed up a storm, due to Jessica landing on her back on the bed. His attention returned to finding the book. Now where was the book? That was an excellent question.
And just like that, Jessica's sister Teresa opened Clockwise's cage. Brilliant. Gizzard liked this plan more and more.
"Now we move onto Plan B, Clockwise," Gizzard muttered under his breath.
"Gotcha!" Jessica announced, leaping towards the black cat.
But Gizzard was quicker, skidding off her bed in due time. Plan B involved, once Clockwise saw the opportunity, to annoy Jessica and Teresa with his flapping and erratic movements. Gizzard stopped the second the battered up book landed on top of the bed. He had to hand it to Clockwise: the parrot certainly knew how to make a good distraction.
"Go Gizzard… leave… now!" Clockwise cried.
"I will. Thank you, friend," Gizzard said, flipping the book open with his paw. He couldn't look back now, for a golden-brown dust surrounded him, engulfing him until he only saw a brownish-gold hue. Before he had the chance to look back, just to see how Clockwise was doing, he was sucked into the book.