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Lin pulled me as it got even darker, her barely able to keep a grip on my slowly fading arms as we crossed the bridge with other spirits.
I held my breath as I had done before, determined, and I felt a slight surge of pride when we reached the end of the bridge and I hadn't breathed out.
Ducking by a withered bush, Lin then started crawling over to the metal gate that was beside the steps leading to Kamaji's and I followed her rapidly.
Running down the steps faster than anyone probably had before, we darted into the boiler room which was the only thing that looked the same so far.
But Kamaji didn't look the same which was something I noticed straight off the bat - when I saw his shadow in the fire's golden glow on the walls.
But before I could say anything, Lin threw me a bread roll and I ate it thankfully, regaining my strength.
"Who's there? Lin? You home already, my daughter?" Kamaji called, his tone sounding hoarse like he was tired. I crossed from the utility like room into the larger, boiler room and he dropped everything from all of his hands when he saw me.
"My granddaughter." He exhaled, "You're home."
"I am. Hi Kamaji." I said softly and without hesitation, I went over to give one of my dearest friends a hug. His arms enveloped me, holding me tight.
"What about me, old man?" Lin said, her tone soft yet joking.
"There's room for you too, come, come." Kamaji gave a gruff laugh, his sallow face forming a smile and his slender arms also wrapping around Lin.
He wasn't meant to age, as a spirit, yet he had. All because of the enemy, I figured.
"I'm glad you're home, kid." Kamaji said with a sigh, "Things haven't been the same since Master Saiko arrived but it's nice to see a familiar face, hey?"
"I'm glad to see you." I wriggled from his arms. "But... Well, I've got to do what I came for. I have to help."
"Bad idea. If the Master wanted you, he would've summoned you the moment he felt your human presence in our world. No, I think this is a test. Maybe he wants you to... work." Kamaji mused.
"Just like last time." I gave a half hearted laugh and then smiled a little more when the soot all rushed towards me, tickling my ankles and making funny little squeaking noises.
"Hey, you guys." I leaned down a little, grinning.
"Work? You can't expect her to get work. Yubaba's crazy." Lin interjected after greeting the soot too.
"Crazy or not, she's still the manager. You must see her. She'll do a contract from her confinement then... well, time will tell my girls." Kamaji sighed again. "Be careful, though. It's not the same anymore. We're overworked and, well... Working for a different purpose this time."
