“I’m going back with you,” said Kaylee, determined. “I have to help.”

Ishibashi spoke in Japanese to Ito and Sato, and they responded. Kaylee said something brief in that language as well, as she’d learned Japanese by now, after so many years with the scientists. They made a few more exchanges, then nodded in agreement. Kaylee turned to Thisbe. “Ito and Sato will remain here to care for Daniel. Ishibashi and I will come with you and fight for Artimé.”

Thisbe turned and stared at Ishibashi. “You’ll help us?” she said, her eyes misting.

“We are family,” said Ishibashi. “I still have fight left in me.” He smiled warmly. “I will gather my weapons.”

“And I’ll say good-bye to Daniel and get my weapons too,” said Kaylee. She put her hand on Thisbe’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you for coming to get us, Thisbe.”

A short time later, the three of them were taking the tube back to the kitchenette. Thisbe arrived first, just as Sky was poking her head into the room trying to find her.

“Oh!” said Thisbe, worrying that she’d been gone too long. “Hi—I was just…” She stepped out of the tube and realized Sky’s arms were laden with books.

“I was wondering where you were,” Sky said, gratefully handing some of the books to Thisbe. “We could use your help. And we should be getting back to Florence.”

Before Thisbe could explain, Kaylee and Ishibashi appeared and stepped out into the kitchenette, loaded with weapons and supplies. “Wh-what? How did you…?” Sky sputtered. “Does this tube work? Did you ask them to come? Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled—we need all the help we can get.”

“I peeked in here and realized this tube wasn’t broken,” said Thisbe. “Since it’s not connected to the main tubes in the mansion entryway, I figured I’d give it a try, and it worked just like always. I wanted to update Kaylee about Aaron,” said Thisbe. “And once I told them what’s happening, these two wanted to help. Do you think Simber can carry all of us? If not, a few of us can take the tube to the jungle and walk from there.”

Sky’s face exploded into a smile. “It’s a short trip, so I think Simber can make it work. And we have enough invisibility paintbrushes for everyone.” She let out a breath. “This is actually quite a relief to have reinforcements.” She led the others out of the kitchenette and down the hall to the Museum of Large. There they found Fifer and Simber talking quietly in front of Ol’ Tater. When the two heard the others coming, they turned.

“Now, there’s a surprise,” said Fifer. “Look who’s here!” She ran to greet Kaylee and Ishibashi.

Thisbe explained her brief journey to Fifer and Simber. When everyone was caught up, Thisbe and Sky turned to collect the remaining books and return to the head mage’s apartment to find a rucksack in which to carry them. “We’ll get the invisibility paintbrushes ready,” Thisbe called as they exited the museum. “Are you coming?”