Dreams are for Nights

Chapter 10 – Sweets

By ManaGoddess

Disclaimer: I do not own Kamen Rider OOO, because if I did then Ankh and Eiji would have been an official couple on the show instead of just teasing us with great Yaoi moments. All characters from Kamen Rider are owned by the Toei Company.

Auther's Note: Ah chapter ten. This is quite the fun one, as a lot of things will happen. I hope you are all ready for some adventure! Today we will have my final Kamen Rider cameo from the current (at least while writing this he was the current) rider, Kamen Rider Wizard. There won't be any spoilers, as long as you have seen the first two or four episodes and have an idea of what Wizard does. There might be a Kamen Rider 555 (Faiz) reference here, but the cameo is so small you might miss it. I hope you are enjoying this as much as I am.

Ankh had never been so bored in his entire life. Even when he had to deal with the other Greeeds he had never been this bored; at least they fought and argued so there was some entertainment. Here he was, sitting in the office of the ever so important Mr. Kousei Kougami, president of the Kougami foundation that had help fund the OOO project. The man, sitting in his red suit and white apron, was behind his overly large desk, showing papers that explained the story that would be Ankh's past. He was born in some small village in Japan, went to school at some place they had pointed out to him, and upon graduation went to Egypt for a few years. A few years ago he had returned, getting a job at the Cous Coussier (Chiyoko was happy to provide paper stating that he worked there) and that Ankh was also an employee at the Kougami Foundation. Ankh audibly scoffed at that one. He hated the Kougami foundation since they were the ones who were trying to steal his past and change him.

"Ankh, are you listening," Eiji asked, joy and concern conflicting with his emotions. Ankh really did need to pay attention; he could be questioned about this someday and it would look really suspicious if he got the answers wrong. Stretching out a few muscles and yawning greatly, Ankh straightened in his seat, his legs swaying back and forth.

"Yes, I heard you. After my year with the Kougami foundation I went traveling abroad for the company, searching for clues about the Medals and I just recently returned," Ankh replied in a bored voice, his head leaned back and staring at the ceiling tiles. He wondered how many were up there. It might be more entertaining to count them than listen to these guys talk.

"EXACTLY," Mr. Kougami shouted, startling Ankh and Eiji. Why that man had to be so eccentric about everything was beyond Ankh. The man seemed to shout whenever he felt like it. It was really unnecessary. Ankh was also confused as to why Mr. Kougami's secretary was sitting on the couch eating a cake. Personally, he thought it looked quite disgusting. "Now that we have that covered, we need to discuss a VERY IMPORTANT MATTER!" He stood up, a huge grin on his face as he turned around to look at the city below. "You, Ankh, are going to work for us."

"Huh," asked Ankh, his brows furrowed in confusion as he snapped out of his daydream. This man could NOT be serious. After all the shit the foundation had put him and Eiji through, this company should be bowing at Eiji's feet! Mr. Kougami turned to Ankh, a smirk playing on his lips. "I don't think so."

"Please Ankh let's listen to what he has to say. This company put in a lot of time and effort to bring you back to life," Eiji pleaded, his hand resting on Ankh's arm. The Greeed looked down, his emotions conflicting with each other. He didn't want to get Eiji mad at him, so he gestured for Mr. Kougami to continue. Clearing his throat, Mr. Kougami went on,

"As I was saying, you will need to come in for checkups so we can make sure the Medals are holding together." Picking up the chart on the desk, he flipped through a few pages, his eyes quickly scanning over some details. "We will also need to test your limits as both a Greeed and your human form."

Ankh stood up suddenly, completely enraged. "I will not be some lab rat for you to run your little tests on!" He shouted, his left arm changing into its Greeed form. Eiji stood up, placing himself between the two, laughing nervously as he looked from one man to the other. Mr. Kougami laughed at Ankh's outbreak, spurring on the Greeed's anger even more.

"I'm sure he doesn't mean it like that Ankh. They probably just want to make sure you aren't deteriorating. If they can detect it early, they would be able to reverse it, right?" Eiji looked at Mr. Kougami, trying to smile confidently for Ankh. Turning away with a 'tch', Ankh walked away from the desk to the door and put his hand on the knob.

"Where are you going Ankh," Eiji asked taking a step towards Ankh. The Greeed let out a long-drawn out sigh. What would he really say at a moment like this? He searched his memory for the right answer, his eyes on his hand that was wrapped around the smooth, golden door knob.

"Sweets," the Greeed said, a smile playing at his lips. That really did sound quite delicious, even if he wasn't quite sure what delicious or sweets were. Today would be an interesting day as he tested out his new body. He hoped being human was as wonderful as it sounded.

"I don't think there are any places near here that sell ice candies Ankh," Eiji said, his face falling slightly. All he wanted to do was make his partner happy, happy to be alive once more. Lifting his head once more and setting his determination to its max levels, he smiled. "I'm sure there is a place not too far though! I'll be more than happy to get you one, since I still owe you part of the year's supply and-" he was cut off by Ankh turning around quickly.

"No! I don't want an ice candy," Ankh said sternly, his face dead serious. A look of panic shot across Eiji's face as concern filled the Rider. Never once had Ankh EVER refused an ice candy; usually it was Eiji telling HIM no. He tilted his head and looked at the Greeed, trying to figure out if everything was okay and if the revival had really gone as well as they all had hope. "I mean, I want to try a different sweet, something new." Ankh looked from Eiji to Mr. Kougami, his eye twitching slightly as the façade he had to play. "Hey, where is a good place around here for sweets?"

Mr. Kougami looked at the Greeed as a wicked smile spreading wide on his face. There was something in the way he watched Ankh that said he knew more than he was letting on. Of course he would go along with it; they all had their specific parts to play. "There is a new food truck that has recently taken started coming around a few blocks down. It's called the DONUT SHOP HUNGRY," he shouted, causing both Ankh and Eiji to step back. Mr. Kougami smiled broadly at the two. "It's absolutely WONDERFUL! You should go enjoy it. Tell the Manager that I recommended you." He laughed whole heartedly as he dismissed the two with a wave of his hand, turning his back to them to once again look at the city below.

"T-Thank you for everything Mr. Kougami," Eiji said, bowing deeply to the man he would be forever grateful to. Things were really starting to look up for the Rider once again, especially now that he had his partner back. Mr. Kougami waved them off with once again, never turning from the window. Eiji collected Ankh and together they left the office.

Mr. Kougami watched the men leave through the reflection in his windows, smirking the whole time. Something had obviously gone wrong in Ankh's revival, but he wasn't quite sure what exactly that was. He would watch and wait, testing the waters to see what was really in there. His scientists had told him that Ankh's core held many things, especially dark things. Science was never really sure what would happen in experiments, sometimes it was good, sometimes it was bad. This was a part of science. He was giddy for the next experiment.

"Who has a birthday today Satonaka," he asked, turning back to his desk to begin preparation for making another cake. His lovely secretary and assistant, Satonaka, typed away at the computer, her face completely bored as she finished another slice of Ankh's birthday cake.

"Takashi Ukaji in accounting has a birthday today sir, he turned 50," she replied, drinking her coffee. Her boss flashed his borderline psychotic grin as he sifted flour into a glass bowl.

"Well then, HAPPY BIRTHDAY UKAJI," he screamed, causing Satonaka to roll her eyes as she returned to typing away at the computer, finishing some files for the company. Tonight she would probably have dinner at that strange dinosaur curry restaurant she had so much about; apparently they had really spicy curry. That would be really nice, especially after eating this whole cake again.

-OOO-

Eiji was worried about Ankh. Ever since their talk with Mr. Kougami, Ankh's personality just seemed a bit off. Then again, Ankh had only been revived for a few hours, so there could be a bit of a side effect. It didn't matter, Ankh was back in Eiji's life and that was the most important part. Smiling to himself as he tried to calm his still pounding heart, Eiji grabbed Ankh's hand, pulling him along to the food truck Mr. Kougami had mentioned.

Up ahead, the two spotted a pink and yellow truck parked with a few tables with chairs set up near it. A young man, the assistant it would seem, was cleaning one of the tables after another guest had left. He shook his head as he listened to the other person in the truck chat with the only other customer nearby. The assistant picked his head up as he heard Eiji and Ankh approach.

"Welcome to the Donut Shop Hungry! You can take your order at the window then have a seat and we will bring it to you! Make sure to ask about our new donuts today," He said, smiling to both Eiji and Ankh as they stood in line behind a man in a black long coat with short light brown hair. Inside the cart was a man dressed as a woman, wearing a very large blonde wig and pink uniform. She smiled at the customer, laughing and explaining the donut she held in her hand.

"Haruto, darling, you would love this one! It is my newest creation, a donut with strawberry filling inside of it, covered with chocolate frosting! Doesn't it sound delicious," she asked, holding out a donut on a plate to the customer, Haruto, her eyes lit up with hope. The man shook his head, planting his hands on his hips.

"You try every time I'm here to get me to try something new, but you know what I'm going to ask for," he said, smirking and chuckling at the Manager's reaction. She sighed dramatically, putting the donut back in its display case and filling a small bag with a few Plain Sugar donuts.

"Plain with sugar right? I will get you to try another one someday," she vowed, laughing at the man. Haruto reached out with both hands and took the bag. On his left hand a large red ring sparkled on his middle finger and on his right hand a black ring with what appeared to be a hand shape on it caught the sunlight for a moment. The man turned to find a seat, nodding to both Eiji and Ankh as he walked passed. "Welcome to Donut Shop Hungry! What can I get you gentlemen today?" The Manager smiled at the two, leaning on the display case with her head on top of both her arms. Ankh tilted his head at the woman and then focused on the display case.

"What is a donut," Ankh asked, poking the display case and becoming confused when it didn't move or give way. He continued to poke it in different areas, trying to get at the donuts that were behind the case until Eiji had to grab his hand and pull it away. The Manger looked at the two men and laughed.

"You boys are cute. A donut is a fried dough confectionery and comes in lots of different flavors. We sell all kinds of donuts from plain sugar like that gentleman over there is eating," she said, gesturing towards Haruto who was thoroughly enjoying his pastry, "to ones made of chocolate, are fruit filled, and even some with nuts!" She giggled splitting a donut in half and setting both halves on a plate and handing them over to Ankh and Eiji. "Here, try a bite." Hesitantly, they accepted the donuts with a bow of gratitude and took a bite.

"Oh wow! This is really good, what kind is it," Eiji asked, taking another bite and making sure to use the donut to gather all the loose sugar on the plate. It was soft and delicate like a cake, but not as filling or heavy. It was delicious. The Manager giggled and clapped her hands excitedly.

"That is our Plain Sugar donut, one of the most basic styles. Would you like to try another type," She asked hopefully, opening the case with her hand hovering towards one of the more exotic donuts. Eiji smiled nervously and waved his hands no.

"I'll just have another Plain Sugar donut please," he replied, causing the Manager to lean on the display case and fake sob. "What about you Ankh, what do you think?" Eiji turned to face Ankh, and was taken aback in surprise.

Ankh had not moved since his first bite. His eyes were as large as saucers and his body was completely frozen. What…what is this…? Ankh asked himself, his tongue absorbing all the flavors of the donut. He was confused about this new taste, and the texture! Ignoring Eiji's question he shoved the rest of the donut into his mouth then held the plate out the Manager. "More," he said his face serious and his voice leaving no room for questions. The Manager and Eiji exchanged nervous looks, but she put another Plain Sugar donut on the plate then handed Eiji another Plain Sugar donut.

"Ankh why don't you go find us a seat while I pay," he said, reaching into his pockets and pulling out a pair of folded up underwear in a bright red patter with tiny cutesy dragons on it. Unfolding the boxers, he counted out his money and handed it to the Manager.

Ankh picked the table right next to the other customer, staring at the donut as if it was a mystical artifact to be treasured. He broke a small piece off at and ate it again, closing his eyes and savoring the moment. The man's chuckle from the table next to him broke him out of his trance.

"I love Manager, but her Plain Sugar donuts are the best. Every time I come here she attempts to get me to try something else, but I already know these are my favorite," He said, taking another bite of the donut and savoring the flavor as Ankh did. It had been a while since Haruto had truly enjoyed a donut like this. Eiji sat down next to Ankh and sampled his donut as well.

"I think you are right, these are really good. Maybe we should bring some back for Chiyoko, don't you Ankh," Eiji asked, smiling to Ankh. He was glad the Greeed was acting like his old self, at least around sweets. It was good to know that the body still allowed him to taste as well as he used to when he was using the Detective's body. Turning back to the man in the black jacket, Eiji introduced himself, "I'm Eiji Hino by the way and this is Ankh…Minato!" Eiji barely remembered the surname they had given Ankh recently. The other customer nodded to both men, smiling as he enjoyed a second donut.

"I am Haruto Soma, it is nice to meet a fellow Plain Sugar fan," he said as he took another bite of the delicious pastry. He could live off these for the rest of his days, they were that good. "One day I might try something else, but for now, I'll stick with my Plain Sugar." The Manager and the Worker exchanged an excited look at over hearing Haruto. They hunched their heads together, talking very quickly and giggling.

"I think those two are plotting something," Eiji commented as he finished off his donut.

Bells chiming caught the group's attention, as several children ran out of the elementary school that was nearby, their laughter filling the small park where the donut truck had set up shop for the day. Parents were waiting by the school for kids to come out, smiling and asking how their day went. One girl caught Ankh's attention, her shoulder length brown hair and kind smile seemed familiar. She wore a simple black knee length dress with a black hairdresser's apron over it. Kneeling, she opened her arms as a young five year old boy ran to her to give her a big hug. Standing, she held her hand out to the little boy with brown hair in his elementary school uniform. Together they started to wonder near the Donut Shop Hungry, the boy chatting about his day. The boy stopped suddenly as his eyes met Ankh's, holding for a moment.

"Mommy, I want a donut," the boy said, pointing towards Ankh who was about to take a bite of his second donut that has mysteriously appeared thanks to Eiji. The woman looked to the group and waved, smiling a bit nervously.

"Now Masao, you can't have that. We have to go home and prepare dinner for Papa and your Uncle Taiga. They have been working hard all week and we were going to surprise them, remember," she asked, ruffling the boy's hair. He pouted and looked at the ground defeated as hope drained from his young face.

"I guess…" he said, his shoe nudging a loose stone on the ground. "But can we make some donuts after, Momma? Please, please?" He bounced from foot to foot, tugging on his mother's arm causing her to laugh at her son's antics. She picked him up, nuzzling her nose to his, causing him to giggle.

"Of course we can, let's get going," she replied, setting her son back down on the ground and taking his hand once more.

Ankh watched the exchange, his donut forgotten. There was something extremely familiar about that woman, something that was on the tip of his tongue. He was confused about her antics as well. It made no sense to Ankh to coddle the child as she did, talking to him sweetly and crouching down to his level while talking to him. Greeeds didn't do anything resembling that. He had to know more.

"Eiji, what was that about," Ankh asked sharply, nodding his head towards the mother and child, who was now talking about a drawing he did of his father. Eiji and Haruto turned to look at the family, smiling wistfully at memories.

"That would be a mother and son. When a child is born, usually the mother takes care of them until they are old enough to live on their own. They help out a lot around the house as well, taking care of things and making sure everything runs smoothly," Eiji said, leaning back against his chair and smiling. "My mother was sweet when I was a child, she used to tell me stories before I went to bed, stories of places around the world. Those stories are why I decided to travel and help people when I was older." Emotions flashed in Eiji's eyes as he turned away, focusing on his donut.

"My mother loved me," Haruto said, surprising the other two. Haruto's eyes followed the family as they clouded with emotion and memories from a long time ago. "She was very supportive of me, as was my father, always telling me that I was their hope. I made a promise to them that I would help as many people as I could, that I would bring hope to the world." Silence hung in the air as the two men wondered through memories. Haruto wiped a tear from his cheek and chuckled quietly at some memory from childhood. Ankh looked from one man to the other, and growled.

"I want a mother," Ankh declared, standing up suddenly and knocking over his chair. Eiji tilted his head in confusion, reaching out to the Greeed only to be smacked away by Ankh's sudden appearance of his wings. The Greeed jumped into the air, taking off after the woman and her child.

Ankh landed in front of them, the woman pushing her son behind her back and getting into a defensive position. Ankh continued to stare at the woman, trying to place where he had seen her face. She looked so familiar, as if he had seen her in a dream.

"Mio," he said, his eyes widening as he reached out with his hand. "Mio, you were able…to save him…and you are alive..." He slowly stepped closer to the woman, ignoring the warning glare she gave as she slowly backed away, her son clinging to her dress.

"I am not Mio; she died a long time ago. My name is Mari Sonoda and this is my son Masao Kurenai. What do you want," she snapped at him, glaring at the man. She had been mistaken for this 'Mio' woman so many times; it was beginning to get annoying. Ankh stopped, looking from the woman to her son, and tilting his head to the side.

"I want…a mother," he said, tears starting to swell in his eyes. Suddenly he lunged forward, gripping the woman by the front of her dress. "YOU WILL BE MY MOTHER!" Ankh shouted, shaking the woman slightly. Pushing her son back, the woman punched Ankh in the gut, causing him to double over in pain. Rage registered on his face as he snarled at the woman.

"Ankh no! She can't be your mother, stop it," Eiji shouted, running towards Ankh. The Greeed made a tch noise and shoved the woman aside, stalking towards Eiji and the tiny food truck. Haruto stood behind Eiji, switching the ring on his left hand from the red one to a green one.

"Why can't she be my mother," Ankh asked his heart pounding as his left arm turned into that of his Greeed form. The mother picked up her child and ran, the child clinging tightly to her as he watched Ankh flare his wings once again. "Why do you all get mothers, yet I can't have one? You all get this thing called 'love', but I can't? IT'S NOT FAIR!" He shouted, throwing a fireball at the two men.

"Driver on, please," Eiji heard from behind him. Turning, he looked at Haruto, who held his right hand over the strange hand shaped belt buckle. Suddenly a Rider Belt appeared around his waist, connecting with itself. Switching two sliders on either side of the belt, the hand shifted from being a right hand to that of a left hand. "Sha Ba Do Be Touch Henshin," the belt sang a few times, causing Eiji's eyes to widen. Holding the green ring up, he flicked a silver part down, his eyes glaring at Ankh, who had stopped walking and now looked just as confused as Eiji.

"Eiji, you need to get these people out of here. I'll take care of this…phantom," Haruto said, glaring at Ankh. "Henshin." Everything clicked for Eiji at that moment, this man was a Kamen Rider and he thought Ankh was a monster.

Haruto placed his left hand over the belt, the ring and the belt glowing with green light. "Hurricane, please,"the belt chimed as he held his left hand above him, a green circle forming above him. Inside the circle held runes of four different elements. Slowly, the circle began to spin as Haruto jumped into it. "Fuu Fuu Fuu"the belt chanted, slowly picking up speed as the green light surrounded Haruto. "FuuFuuFuuFuu,"the belt sang once again.

Standing atop the circle, Haruto had transformed into a Kamen Rider. His helmet was similar to the green ring on his hand, the same color with metal outlines for his eyes. He wore a long black trench coat, the inside the same green as his helmet. There were several green squares on his chest and his cuffs had a green gem on them as well. Holding his hand up to show the ring to Ankh, Haruto said, "it's showtime."

Ankh growled at the man. How dare he threaten him?! His wings flared once more as red light surrounded Ankh, transforming him into his true Greeed form. Flapping his wings hard, he took to the sky, charging Haruto. The two clashed in the sky as a stunned Eiji looked on, paralyzed by fear and awe. Somewhere in the background, a child's voice pierced his stunned state.

"Mommy, we should call Daddy and Uncle Taiga, the magician needs our help," the boy from earlier said, tugging on his mother's dress once again, reaching into one of the pockets of her smock for her cell phone. She took it out of his hand, shaking her head at the airborne fight.

"No Masao, we don't need to call them. Wataru and Taiga aren't part of this fight, this is for other Kamen Riders," she said, taking the phone out of her son's hands and putting it back in its proper pocket.

"Get out of here," Eiji shouted to the woman, remembering that he too was a Rider and that other people were in danger. He put the OOO driver around his waist, the belt forming around him and snapping into place. The woman met his eyes and nodded. She picked up her son, glancing one more time at the strange fight, before they ran towards home.

Eiji took out the three medals, sliding the red, yellow, and green cores into their respective slot. OOO Scanner in hand, he slid it over the three cores, the belt chiming as it passed. "Henshin," Eiji said, running towards the fight in the sky. The belt sang, "Taka, Tora, Batta! TaToBa! TaToBa TaToBa!"The three cores surrounded Eiji, their light transforming him into OOO. The bottom part of his chest emblem glowed brightly, that light transferring to his legs as he jumped into the sky, grabbing a hold of Ankh and causing them both to hit the ground together.

"He's a…Kamen Rider," Haruto said to himself, landing on the ground with a soft gust of wind. OOO crouched on the ground between Ankh and Haruto, his arms spread out wide to protect his Greeed.

"Ankh, you need to go home now. Go to the Cous Coussier, tell Chiyoko what's going on," Eiji said quietly, panting as he tried to catch his breath. He had never seen Ankh so hostile, especially towards him.

"Why would I want to go to that nightmare of a place, it hasn't done me any good so far," Ankh scoffed, holding his arm in pain. The damn Rider had managed to land an attack on him. "Besides, I have to repay this piece of shit for the-"

"GO HOME NOW ANKH," Eiji shouted, shoving the Greeed back. "You will do as I say damn it, let me protect you!" Suddenly, Ankh began to laugh.

"Protect me? You already promised to protect me and keep me safe, look how good of a job you are doing so far! You are the WORST person to protect people, especially those you supposedly cared about! No Eiji, I don't need your protection. I freed myself from that blasted nightmare without your help," Ankh shouted, standing and looking down at the poor excuse for a Rider. He laughed once again before looking somberly at OOO. "He is still trapped Eiji, you better hurry if you want to save him. I'll be at the restaurant if you need MY help." His sharp talons made contact with the small of Eiji's back as he kicked him, pushing the rider over. Ankh flared his wings once again, taking to the sky and flying towards the Cous Coussier. Haruto turned, switching the sliders on his belt once again and changing the ring on his right hand.

"No stop, please," Eiji pleaded, dashing forward and grabbing Haruto's hands with both of his. "Please, don't go after him, it's all a misunderstanding." Eiji shifted the OOO Driver on his own belt, canceling the transformation. Haruto nodded, the same magical green circle from earlier appearing above his head and traveling down his body, causing him to transform back into his normal form.

"I think you better start explaining things before he destroys part of the city," Haruto said. "Leparch Magic Touch Go," the belt sang as Haruto pulled a red ring from his right pocket and placed it on his right hand before sliding it over the belt once more. "Garuda, please," the belt sang as a square appeared. Pieces popped out of it like a toy and assembled into a red bird. Taking the ring off, he put it into the bird's stomach. "Keep an eye on him." The bird chirped and flew off after Ankh.

"I guess I should start off at the beginning, I'm Kamen Rider OOO," Eiji said, taking a seat at one of the tables that was still standing. Haruto held his hand out to Eiji.

"I'm Kamen Rider Wizard, let's try to get along," Haruto said, shaking the fellow Rider's hand before taking a seat.

-OOO-

Haruto sat silently as Eiji explained the situation at hand. Ankh, who was known as a Greeed, had been Eiji's partner while they fought the other Greeed, who were bad. Eiji became Kamen Rider OOO with the power of core medals and was able to defeat their great evil because Ankh had sacrificed himself. Several years later, Ankh was finally revived, but has been acting a bit strange. According to Eiji, he was just confused, which is understandable.

"And that's where we are now. I was told I needed to do other things to save Ankh, something involving the Orpheus mythology and dreams," Eiji said, smiling to himself. "It would appear I didn't need to do that that after all. He is back, so that is good, but he isn't…" he trailed off, looking at his hands as they gripped his shirt.

"He isn't who he used to be. At least, that is what it sounds like," Haruto said, leaning his elbows on the table to look at the fellow Rider. "Something isn't adding up, we are missing a piece." He tapped his chin with his index finger, frowning. "What did you mean about dreams and Orpheus?"

"Oh, I started having dreams about Ankh and KoAnkh…I mean Lost Ankh, Ankh's other half. Someone told me that it was in those dreams I would be able to save them. Another person said that the Orpheus myth would be important too, but I don't understand what it means." Haruto frowned, trying to remember all the parts of the myth.

"Orpheus went to the Underworld to get the soul of his dead wife back, right?" Eiji nodded to Haruto's question, frowning as he tried to follow the train of thought. Eiji had spent hours and hours reading over the myth, trying to figure out where it would be useful. Haruto reached into one of his pockets and pulled out an orange ring and set it on the table.

"What's that?" Eiji asked, picking up the strange ring and examining the stone in the light. Haruto smiled gently, watching the Rider.

"It is a special ring that allows me to go into people's Underworlds. If they fall into despair I have to go in and save them. I don't know if it is any help, but that is one of my special powers." Suddenly, Eiji's phone rang. Excusing himself, he handed the ring back to Haruto and answered the phone.

"Hello? This is Eiji," Eiji said. He was surprised as a very excited Chiyoko was on the other end, her voice a mixture of joy and worry.

"Eiji, I'm so glad you answered! Ankh…Ankh he's back," she said, excitement bubbling in her voice. Sobbing could be heard from the background. "Something is wrong though, you need to come home now." Eiji looked Haruto, his brows furrowed in worry.

"I know Ankh is back, but what is wrong, what's going on," Eiji asked, standing and collecting his things. Haruto remained in his seat as he listened to the conversation, unsure if he should get up to follow the other Rider.

"When he walked in, he was dressed as a monster! Gotou was here and told me it was Ankh. I gave him a hug and started talking with him, offering him an ice candy and suddenly he broke down crying! I…I don't know what to do. He was saying something about a mother and how everyone uses him," she said. Eiji could hear her pacing the kitchen of the restaurant. "You would think he was giving up hope on living or something!"

Eiji looked at Haruto, his eyes going wide. "Or going into Despair," he said, his heart kicking into overdrive as he gestured for Haruto to follow him. Haruto nodded, gathering his things and taking out his own cell phone. "Did he say anything else," Eiji asked Chiyoko.

"Yes, he said that he wasn't Ankh. Eiji, what does he mean, if he isn't Ankh than who is he?!" Eiji shook his head and then remembered she couldn't see him through the phone.

"I don't know Chiyoko, but we will find out. I'll be home soon." He hung up the phone and turned to Haruto, who was looking through his contacts to find someone. "What do we do now?" Eiji asked, holding his phone tight in his hand. A serious look remained on Haruto's face as he found the number he needed.

"I'm going to make a phone call then we are heading to your place. I can open a portal to his Underworld and we can see what exactly is going on. We can't do this alone though, so I'm finding us some help," Haruto said, hitting the call button and holding the phone to his ear as the two started walking towards the Cous Coussier.

"But, who is going to help us," Eiji asked, leading the way. A smile played at Haruto's lips as he listened to the phone ring.

"I met a man here at the donut shop the other day and I think he will be able to help. I just hope he is there today," he replied. Finally someone picked up the line on the other end. "Good afternoon Airi, would Sakurai happen to be there today?" Eiji's eyes widened as he almost tripped. No, those couldn't be the same Airi and Sakurai.

-OOO-

Airi smiled into the phone, looking around the café for the man who had so much enjoyed her coffee earlier this morning. Spotting Sakurai by the telescope she called him over and handed him the phone. Confused, Sakurai answered the call.

"Sakurai? It's Haruto, we met the other day," Haurto's voice said through the phone. There was a serious tone to his voice, telling Sakurai that something was amiss.

"Yes, I remember you, Wizard correct," Sakurai asked, double checking that he had the right person he was thinking of. Sakurai had met Haruto at the Donut Shop Hungry a few days earlier and had spent a good part of the afternoon talking.

"I need your help, we have a big situation and I'm not sure if you are going to believe it or not," Haruto said, causing Sakurai to chuckle and shake his head. Sakurai watched Airi serve some other customers, her two fans sitting at the other end of the counter, drooling over the poor owner. It was a shame they didn't know she was already taken.

"Does it have anything to do with Core Medals and Kamen Rider OOO?" There was a pause as Haruto stuttered for a moment, trying to figure out how Sakurai already knew. "I met him this morning. I guess things happened already?"

"Yeah they did, we are going to need a lot of help." Sakurai reached into his wallet and pulled out some money to give Airi for all the drinks and snacks he had enjoyed throughout the morning. She seemed sad that he was leaving, but waved goodbye none the less. Pulling out his pocket watch and running his fingers over the engraving on the back, he checked the time. Perfect, ZeroLiner would be here soon.

"I know some people that can help. I'll see you at the Cous Coussier. Good luck Wizard."

"Good luck to you Zeronos," Haruto said, calling Sakurai by his Kamen Rider name. Chuckling to himself, Sakurai hung up his phone and turned to Airi who was watching him out of the corner of her eye.

"I'll be back, Airi. Don't forget about going to the Cous Coussier later, I want to see how they do the restaurant tonight," he called out to the owner of the library and café, bowing to her slightly. He waited a few more seconds before opening the door. Instead of the normal outside, a large dark green train pulled up to the door, a man dressed in green, black, and silver wearing a mask was there to greet him.

"Yuuto! You're back," the strange man said, stepping aside to let Sakurai on the train. The door shut quietly behind the two, a train whistle filling the tiny café.

-OOO-

Eiji and Haruto entered the star themed restaurant, Eiji more than a bit lost as to what Haruto had planned as help for this. Instead of Chiyoko down stairs, Shintaro Gotou greeted them, wearing his strange, feathery Garuda costume that fit with the day's theme.

"I'm glad you're here Hino, I was worried I would have to drag Ankh up outside to fight him. He gave Chiyoko quite a scare in his Greeed state. Would you inform me about what is going on," the former employee of the Kougami Foundation asked, setting down a few plates that would be used when the restaurant opened later in the afternoon. Haruto did his best to hide his giggles behind his hand. "Who is this person?"

"Kamen Rider Wizard, Haruto Soma. He is here to help with all of this. I'll explain the rest to you later Gotou, I'm terribly sorry," Eiji said, bowing apologetically to Gotou, who looked even more confused now. "Where is Ankh?"

"He is upstairs in your room. This is a fellow Kamen Rider," Gotou asked, gesturing to Haruto who simply waved as he followed Eiji upstairs. Unsure of what to really do, Gotou just stayed downstairs and prepared the restaurant to be opened. Today was getting weirder and weirder by the moment. He was starting to question if it was a good idea to help out Chiyoko. Who was he kidding, he'd always help her out, she was too nice not to. Besides, it allowed him to work with Hina Izumi. A faint blush crept on his cheeks as he remembered Chiyoko telling him she was coming over. Of course he had hoped she was coming over for a different reason than to see Ankh.

-OOO-

Eiji opened the door to his tiny attic room, his heart bursting in his chest. "ANKH," he shouted, startling the people in the room. Hina greeted him by the door, her heart pounding in her chest as she turned to look at Eiji. Behind her Ankh laid on the bed, still in his Greeed form with his head resting in Chiyoko's lap as he hiccupped.

"Eiji, what happened? All of a sudden Ankh burst in the restaurant, demanding sweets. Chiyoko was so happy to see him she called me before giving him a bunch of ice candies she had been saving for him. Then he just burst into tears and started crying," Hina said, looking at the hiccupping Greeed as Chiyoko brushed his feathers back from his face, making soothing noises and humming. Chiyoko looked up at Hina and Eiji and smiled sweetly at them both, her motherly ways kicking in.

"He said something about wanting a mother. I tried to comfort him but then he just shouted to stop calling him Ankh before he broke down completely. With Hina's help we got him up here and I've been sitting with him ever since," Chiyoko said softly, rubbing the Greeed's back gently. "Who is this person you brought with you? I have an extra costume if he wants to work." A smile played at her lips as she winked at Haruto.

"Oh, this is Haruto. He is a friend of mine," he said, gesturing to the young Rider behind him. Haruto stepped forward, waving to them both and feeling quite out of his element. "Haruto, this is Hina, a fellow worker here at the restaurant, and Chiyoko, the owner of the Cous Coussier." The small group exchanged small greetings as Eiji squatted down next to his bed, keeping eye level with Ankh…or whoever was in this body.

"How are you feeling Ankh," Eiji asked, reaching out to place his hand on the Greeed's arm. The Greeed pulled back, hiding his face in Chiyoko's Greek Goddess like skirt, hiccupping from the tears he had shed. Eiji felt like shit. He felt so low and like trash. How could his partner hate him, had he said something wrong? What did he need to do for an apology? "Would you like an ice candy? I can go downstairs and get you one Ankh." The Greeed's hand shot out, pushing Eiji away from him.

"I don't know how many times I have to say it, I'm not Ankh," the bird Greeed shouted, turning his back to everyone, but still resting his head on Chiyoko's lap, new tears rolling down his cheeks. Silence hung in the air as they listened to the silent sobs of the Greeed.

"I think I know what can help," Haruto said, slipping an orange ring that looked like it had a dragon coming out of a circle. He put his hand over the belt, causing it to chime "Connect, please." He placed his hand in the air next to him causing a small red magical circle like the one he used to transform to appear. Reaching through the circle Haruto felt around for a moment before pulling out a bag with the Donut Shop Hungry logo on it. "Hey, I've got some Plain Sugar donuts if you want one." This perked the Greeed's curiosity. Slowly the Greeed sat up, sniffling and rubbing the tears off his face. Haruto offered him a donut, which he took happily, kicking his feet against the bed.

"He's like a child," Hina whispered to Eiji as she watched Haruto pull out another ring and create some sort of tiny unicorn. The horse pranced around his hand before jumping on to the Greeed's lap and dancing around. Eiji watched the scene for a moment, listening to Ankh's almost innocent laugh. Suddenly, a light bulb clicked on in Eiji's head as things started to fit together. Hesitant, he crouched in front of Ankh, who held the bag of donuts close to him unwilling to share his special treat.

"If you aren't Ankh…then who are you," Eiji asked, already knowing the answer. The Greeed licked sugar off his fingers, savoring the sweet taste before reaching into the bag to grab another one.

"I'm surprised you forgot me Eiji, I'm KoAnkh. Unfortunately I don't know how to transform into my old self; I can't seem to remember…" The red and green Greeed said, looking down sadly and setting the donut back down in the bag, not meeting Eiji's stunned gaze. "I'm sorry for tricking you, I didn't mean to. I was just scared you would make me go back. That monster…that monster is still there." Tears swelled in his eyes again as he scrubbed his face again with his hands. Chiyoko hugged KoAnkh, leaning his head on her shoulder. The three humans looked to Eiji for an explanation. Sighing, he quickly explained. Haruto and Chiyoko nodded, having no idea what was going on, but still going along with it. Hina backed away slowly, looking for something to use as a weapon.

Suddenly, KoAnkh doubled over, grasping his chest and grunting in pain. Chiyoko rubbed his back as Eiji quickly sprang to his feet, shaking the Greeed's shoulder gently.

"KoAnkh, what's going on, are you okay," he asked frantically wondering how well the body really was holding up. KoAnkh shook his head, groaning in pain, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

"No…it hurts. It feels like something is trying…to rip through me…" KoAnkh said gasping as another shock of pain hit him. A strange blue crack appeared on his face, splitting from his temple to his chin. Haruto stepped forward, his face full of determination and seriousness. He may not know what was going on, but he knew that crack. Gently, he helped Ankh, or KoAnkh, or whatever this strange bird was called, lay back down in Chiyoko's lap. The boy tossed and turned a bit, crying as he grasped at his chest. "Make it stop…" he whimpered, fresh tears rolling down his face.

"Ms. Chiyoko, I need to you take care of him. He is going to be in a bit of pain for a while. He has given in to Despair and needs to be guided back to the light," Haruto said, taking out the orange ring from this afternoon out of his pocket and slipping it on KoAnkh's talon. Haruto slid the sliders on his belt twice, resetting the position to the original. Picking up KoAnkh's hand gently, more cracks forming on his hand, he placed the ringed hand over his belt. "Engage, please," the belt chimed as KoAnkh went suddenly limp, his body like a lead weight. Eiji and Chiyoko moved the Greeed so he could rest on her lap. A red magical circle appeared over the sleeping body, rotating slowly.

Haruto handed Eiji a red ring with a fire dragon it. Eiji looked up at the Rider, tilting his head in confusion as he took the ring. "Shouldn't you be going," Eiji asked, looking at the ring in his hand. Haruto shook his head, looking from Eiji to the knocked out Greeed.

"You need to go. This is something you have to do. That ring will get you out of there. Just remember," Haruto said, stepping forward and placing a comforting hand on Eiji's shoulder. "You aren't alone. There are a lot of people standing behind you to help. You are his last hope." Eiji nodded, slipping the OOO driver around his waist and sliding in the Cores. The OOO Scanner chimed over the Cores, Taka Toro Batta, the belt sang. Once again, the cores surrounded him and transforming him into the TaToBa OOO.

"Good luck Eiji," Chiyoko said, holding onto KoAnkh's hand and squeezing it comfortingly. OOO nodded his head, slipping the ring onto his hand.

"Wait for me Ankh and KoAnkh. I promise to save you both," Eiji said before jumping into the magical circle and disappearing. The last thing OOO heard before dropping into the portal was a train whistle.

Author's Note: All done! Sorry for being so long (again) but I had a lot I wanted to say. I was planning on having a larger fight scene between Ankh, OOO, and Wizard, but decided to cut it. I really enjoyed writing this chapter. Haruto was quite difficult to write though, since his personality is a bit bland. I tried though. After ten chapters, we are finally going into the Underworld. Are you ready? I hope so, because it is going to be quite a journey.

For those who aren't sure of the references, Mari Sonoda is from Kamen Rider 555 (Faiz), she was the rider's assistant in that show. She is also played by the same actress as Mio from Kiva. In this story, she would have wed Wataru and had their child, Masao Kurenai. In the show, they never told you who Wataru married, so I made it up. Based on the show, the son could have been born around 2009.

Takashi Ukaji, the birthday boy, is actually the actor who plays Mr. Kougami. The Dionsaur themed curry house is Dino Curry from Abarangers. I've been watching that show a bit and wanted to sneak that in there.

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