1. This is more of an original fic but many characters are based off Kamen rider characters which is why it's posted there on .
2. This is in the universe of our story For Love of Spies. It's a spin off with old characters showing up occasionally, but it can likely be read on its own.
3. This was cowritten by AnkhsAngel/Amy L.
4. Thanks for checking it out!
Saito Takahara examined the pile of dumped items in front of him. His gaze fell on something gold colored glinting in the low light, picking it up to discover what appeared to be an old oil lamp. He tried to rub the dirt off to get a better look.
Suddenly, smoke began appearing from it, floating upward.
Saito dropped it, falling backward in shock.
A man soon appeared in the smoke, short dark hair blowing around as the smoke settled. He was dressed in long pants but was shirtless. He knelt down and bowed his head, "Master. How can I serve you?"
"M-M-Master?" Saito swallowed hard, blinking rapidly. "I must be dreaming..this isn't real."
"You are in possession of my lamp, which makes you my master."
"Your lamp? This?" He picked up the oil lamp and held it out. "You can have it back. I was just curious. I'm no one's master."
"Unfortunately I am cursed to not own myself. I cannot take possession of my own lamp." He sighed before forcing a smile, "I'm Avi, genie of this lamp. Your wish is my command."
"I don't need any wishes, I swear." Saito said quietly before coughing harshly.
"Are you alright?" Avi asked softly.
"Fine." Saito slowly rose, holding the lamp. "What happens if I don't use you?"
"I will go back into resting until you decide you need me or you give my lamp to a new master."
Saito scowled. "Makes me sound like a slaver."
Avi sighed, "I apologize, but that's basically what I am, a slave. I'm used to it."
"Can I wish you free? That's a wish I'd use."
Avi looked thoughtful, "No one has ever tried wishing for that.. I'm not sure.. If you are sure you want to wish for that, we can try."
Saito's eyes lit up and he nodded eagerly. "I wish you free of your bondage!"
Avi focused on the wish. He frowned when nothing happened. A look of sadness crossed his face for a moment before he shrugged and looked neutral, "Apparently that's one of the few wishes I cannot grant."
"That's not fair!" The outburst caused Saito to start coughing again. "Whoever made these rules sucks."
"Are you sure you don't need help for that cough?"
"I don't..don't want to use you for myself." Saito finally got out.
"Consider it a gift, for trying to help me." He focused and nodded, a flash of light surrounding Saito.
"Huh?"
"I'm helping you," Avi said quietly.
Saito paused as the weight on his chest disappeared. "I didn't wish anything…"
"I can use my magic outside of wishes. Not that it helps me much.."
"But.." Saito shook his head. "Do you have to go back into the lamp? It's nice to have someone to talk to."
Avi looked surprised, "Eventually. I cannot stray far from it. But I can listen to you longer, if that's what you desire?"
Saito nodded as he carefully put the lamp in his threadbare, dirty hoodie. Then he started looking through the debris in front of him. "How long have you been a slave?"
"Many thousands of years. I've had lots of masters in my life."
"And none of them ever cared to try to free you? Bunch of assholes." Saito scowled, then lifted a few pieces of broken wood with a satisfied nod.
"I've not had many kind masters.." Avi admitted quietly. "Do you need help? What are you looking for?"
"Already found it. Now I can build a fire."
Avi nodded slowly. "How did you find my lamp?"
"It was in this pile of trash. I saw it and thought it could be valuable." Saito shrugged.
"You need money, correct? I can help you with that."
Saito's head shot up. "I won't force you to grant anything. It's not that big of a deal."
"If you'd prefer me not to use magic, I can work and bring you the money instead?"
"How can you work when you're tied to your lamp?"
"I do have a bit of a range.. I just can't stay away too long."
"You shouldn't be made to work. You have it hard enough." Saito sighed, placing the wood in a small bag. "What would happen to you if I just left the lamp and walked away? Out of curiosity."
"I'd go back to my lamp and wait for a new master to find me."
Saito thought about that for a moment, then shook his head. "And the next person could be mean. It's probably better I keep you."
"Whatever you desire."
Saito chuckled slightly, then frowned. "Do you have to eat or drink?"
"I can, but it is not necessary."
"Oh. Okay then." Saito picked up the bag and started walking out of the junkyard.
Avi followed quietly.
After a stop at another building where Saito received a few cans of something that he put in the bag, he started walking toward what appeared to be a cave. He entered, then drew out the wood and began building a fire.
"Would you like assistance?"
Saito started to shake his head, patted his pockets, then slowly nodded. "Must of lost my lighter.."
Avi snapped his fingers and a fire roared to life.
"Thank you." Saito took out one of the cans and opened it, locating a plastic spoon in the bag. He began eating quietly, his eyes flicking between Avi and the fire.
Avi sat down across from him, staring at the fire.
"Did you want me to leave the lamp? I don't want to make things harder on you." Saito placed the empty can to the side, then clasped his hands nervously.
"You seem like a nice master. I do not mind traveling with you, if that is what you desire."
"Does something happen if you don't use magic? Like will I make things worse if I don't wish for things?"
"I don't believe anything will happen.."
"That's good, I guess." He sighed and scooted closer to the fire. "Damn, it's cold tonight."
"Do you wish a coat? Or I can keep you warm?"
"How can you keep me warm?"
"A lot of masters desire company for warmth. Whether it's just to be close to someone, or more.. intimate company."
"They used you?!" Saito's eyes were horrified. "That's not right!"
"Whatever the master desires, they get. As long as it's allowed by the rules."
"What are the rules?"
"Basically, no wishing for death or love. Though you could wish weapons to create death or presents to aid with love."
"And no freedom for you." Saito's voice was sad. "Well, don't worry. Haven't got anyone to give presents to." He looked thoughtful. "Maybe one wish won't hurt.."
"Whatever you desire."
"A warm coat and hat. But that's it. I won't wish for anything else."
Avi nodded and the items appeared in front of Saito.
He reached a hand out and gently brushed it over them. "Thank you. I know I'm a lousy master and if you ever want to be in someone else's servitude, I'll understand."
Avi shook his head. "You are kind. It is rare to find a nice master."
"Really?" Saito pulled the coat on, then snuggled the hat over his head.
"Really." Avi nodded. He looked thoughtful, "Do you live on the street? Or just wherever you find? Or is this cave your permanent home?"
Saito looked surprised. "Usually wherever I can find a safe place. Found this cave a few days ago and figured with the weather it might be warmer."
"In my lamp might be warmer. If you'd like to go there? Though you'd be in trouble if someone else found it."
"How would I even fit? And doubtful anyone would come in here. At least not until morning." Saito shrugged.
"Anything can fit with magic," Avi smirked.
Saito turned red. "That sounded dirty." He chuckled, then looked at Avi. "But wouldn't I be invading?"
"You need a place. I have a bed you can use. Probably more comfortable than the ground."
"I don't have anything to give you." He fidgeted nervously.
"It's alright. You've given me your kindness, and I am thankful for that."
Saito blinked back tears, then nodded. "It would be nice to sleep in a bed again..even if only for one night."
Avi stood and held a hand out to him.
He took it, looking nervous and lost.
Avi focused for a moment and then they were both being pulled into the lamp.
The walls and floor were covered in a bright orange shag carpeting. There was a large round bed in one corner, a dark red couch against the wall and what appeared to be a small kitchenette in the other corner.
Saito's eyes went wide as he took it all in. "I didn't think you slept?"
"I don't need much, but I do sleep occasionally. Especially when waiting for a new master, there's not much else to do.."
"I see.." Saito suddenly yawned and stumbled.
"You can have the bed," Avi gently pushed him toward it before heading to the couch.
"Are you sure? I can take the couch.."
"Yeah, don't worry about it."
Saito sighed, then removed his weathered sneakers. He climbed on top of the bed and was asleep before his head hit the pillow.
Avi watched him for a minute before laying back on the couch and staring at the ceiling.
Hours later, Saito began crying in his sleep. "Please..why?"
Avi looked at him sadly and used magic to push calming energy into him.
He quieted, gripping the pillow as he turned over.
Avi sighed and went back to watching the ceiling.
In the morning, Saito stretched, then shot upright. "It..wasn't a dream?"
"What? Sleeping in a warm bed? No that wasn't a dream. Yes you're in a genie lamp."
"I mean-you're real.."
"Yea, I am."
"I thought..I'd gotten delirious from being sick." Saito sat staring at the bed.
He nodded slowly, "You're alright now."
"I should probably get out of your hair. I mean, just because you have to be stuck with me doesn't mean I can just take over.." He reached for his shoes carefully, sighing as he found another rip.
"It's alright. Would you like me to turn your cave into a house? I can easily. Then you'd have your own bed to sleep in. I can also make you new shoes."
"I feel so guilty..I can't free you but you keep offering to do things. Don't you get angry?"
"You need my help. Most people who find me, don't. Maybe you found me for a reason?"
Saito stopped and looked at him for a moment. "You really want to help me..it's not just an act?"
Avi sighed, "Most people I don't care about helping. I just do as I'm told. But you need my help and feel bad about using my powers for yourself, so I think you probably deserve my help a lot more than most of my masters ever have."
"You probably think I'm acting stupid. I mean most street people would kill for a chance like this.."
"You're not acting stupid. Just a little surprising. That's not a bad thing."
"I'm not like this because I want to be. But I trusted someone I shouldn't have and lost everything. I tried to fight back to save someone else and got jailed for it, now I can't help him."
"I'm sorry. But I'm here to do whatever you desire. I can help you help him. I can make you a house so you aren't in a cave or on the streets. I'm here to help you."
"But it feels wrong. You having to do my bidding when you can't be free.." Saito stared miserably at the floor.
"Even if you had freed me, I'd likely still be trying to help you. Don't worry about me, just let me worry about you. Okay?"
"Can..I call you a friend?"
Avi smiled, "I'd like that."
Saito gave a shaky smile, then a deep breath. "I wish..for new sneakers."
A new pair appeared beside him.
"Thank you..I keep breaking my word." He chuckled tearily.
"Don't worry about it," Avi smiled.
He wiped his face, then froze as his stomach rumbled. He shoved his feet in the new shoes as his eyes darted for escape.
"You want to go back out?"
"I'm so embarrassed right now…" Saito's cheeks went red.
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about."
"I.."
"You're alright," Avi smiled then held a hand out. "If you want out, I'll show you how. I can make you some food too, if you'd like."
"You're being too nice to me.." Saito bit his lip as it started trembling.
"You were nice to me, so I'm being nice back. That's all."
Saito nodded slowly, then took it and swayed. "The room is spinning.."
"Just close your eyes for a moment, okay?" Avi brought them out of the lamp and helped him sit down. A large plate of food suddenly appeared in front of Saito.
His eyes went wide and he touched it gingerly.
"I hope you enjoy."
"I don't..I don't know what to say." He began to eat, forcing himself to go slow and not force it. When he was finally done, he stammered out a thank you. He looked pensive for a moment, then asked "You said no death. Does that mean my own or anyone's?"
"Both."
"But I could wish for a gun? That seems weird. Not that I would, but it makes no sense to have a rule about no death if someone can just wish for a weapon."
Avi shrugged, "Never said it made sense. It's just the rules."
Saito laughed, then sobered. "I'm glad I met you now and not when I was first released. Things would have been very different between us."
Avi just nodded and sat down.
"Will you be safe if I leave you here for a while?"
"Probably. I'll just wait in my lamp until you come back."
"Alright. I swear I won't be gone long." Saito stood, then spontaneously kissed Avi. He went red and ran out the cave entrance.
Avi raised an eyebrow but chuckled softly. He went back in his lamp, listening for Saito to return.
Two hours later, stumbling footsteps echoed close. Harsh pained noises accompanied them, then a whispered "I'm sorry Avi…" and a thud.
Avi stood quickly and appeared out of the lamp, looking Saito over worriedly.
He was laying face down, one hand outstretched toward the lamp. Blood was spreading under him as his back rose and fell erratically.
Avi knelt beside him and began using his magic to heal Saito.
The man tried to rise as he felt the energy. "I..have to give you to someone..before I..die."
"Shh, you're going to be okay."
"Please..you have to help him.."
"Alright, I will. Let me help you first." He continued to heal.
Saito went quiet, his eyes fighting to stay open.
After a few minutes, Saito's injuries were healed closed.
"I..came back like I said. You aren't angry?"
"Not at all. What happened?"
"I tried to rescue my brother..but got caught. They dumped me here.."
"Where is he? I'll save him."
"My parents' lawyer has him imprisoned in our old house. He's trying to steal inheritance.."
"Should I just grab your brother? Or attempt to kill the lawyer?"
"You said no death.." Saito's hold on consciousness was slipping.
"I can't magically kill someone. But I am pretty skilled with weapons."
"Why..we're not worth that…" Saito sagged as his eyes closed.
Avi used magic to follow where Saito had come from. He found a large house and went to the front door.
It opened, two suited men emerging. "Yes?" They looked Avi up and down. "We don't want whatever you're selling. Get lost."
"I'm looking for someone.. a lawyer? I was told he'd be here?"
"Inside." They moved aside to allow him in, then followed. "Wait here."
The men disappeared down a hall.
A few minutes later, a smiling man approached. "Takemi Sanyo. And you are?"
"Avi.. Kahtri."
"And you need my help for a legal issue?"
"Yes," he nodded. He placed a hand behind his back, acting nervous.
"Well, you are completely safe here. Attorney client privilege and all that. Come into my office." He turned and walked down the hall, checking on a padlocked door as he passed.
Avi took a deep breath then moved quickly, pulling his hand back out and shooting the man with the gun he had magically summoned.
The lawyer went down face first, then the guards came running in.
Avi rapidly shot at one of them, then turned toward the other.
He raised his hands. "Take whatever you want."
Avi moved down the hallway toward the padlocked room, his gun still pointed at the other man. He waved a hand over the padlock and it quickly opened. He swung the door open, glancing inside.
A seriously beaten young man lay sprawled on the floor unconscious.
Avi moved to him, taking hold of him before magically teleporting back to the cave. He laid the man down and began healing him.
Saito opened his eyes and froze. "Taiyo…"
"The lawyer won't be an issue anymore," Avi said quietly as he finished healing the young man.
"You..you killed him? What's going to happen now?"
Avi closed his eyes a moment and waved his hand slightly. "You can go back to your home, if you'd like. Or I can build you a new one?"
"You're not going to get in trouble are you?" Saito grabbed his arm in panic.
"I highly doubt it. But I'll take care of anything that happens, don't you worry."
Saito cradled his brother, tears in his eyes. "There must be something I can do..thank you isn't enough this time." He closed his eyes, wishing a fervent silent prayer for Avi's freedom again.
"Don't worry about it. I'm glad to help."
Saito shook his head, determinedly calling out "I wish to free you! I wish to free you!"
Avi sighed and closed his eyes, focusing on the wish and trying to grant it. He slowly shook his head, "I'm sorry.. It's just not working."
"It has to..it's the only thing I can give.."Saito's eyes filled with tears.
"Shh, it's alright. I've accepted my fate. If it's causing you too much distress, you can always wish to forget me."
Saito's breathing began racing and he shook his head in panic. "No..no I won't! I can't lose you!"
Avi went quiet for a minute, then just spoke, "Alright. Just take deep breaths."
Saito struggled to calm down, releasing his brother to grab Avi tight. He pressed his lips hard to Avi's for a moment, then drew back. "It's probably not allowed either, but just know..I..I love you."
"You just met me and you've been through a lot the last couple days.." Avi trailed off.
"Maybe so..but I know my heart. And I love you. And I swear no matter what, our family will keep you. Forever if need be. You will always have a kind master or mistress."
Avi's eyes filled with tears, "I.. Thank you.." He lost himself crying.
Saito held him close, tears falling from his own eyes.
"I promise to be the best helper you've ever had.. I won't let you down." Avi finally muttered. "And.. it's not not allowed for you to love me.. I'm just afraid I'm too messed up to give you the love you deserve.."
"That's my line.." Saito chuckled as the young man's eyes finally opened.
"Aniki…?" He looked shocked.
"Taiyo..we're free. This is Avi. He helped us."
"At your service," Avi bowed his head after wiping his eyes.
"Is he a bodyguard or something?" Taiyo sat up slowly.
"I've been a bodyguard a few times in my life.. but I'm a bit of a jack of all trades. And way better than a normal bodyguard."
Saito began to laugh, holding his sides.
Avi chuckled before smiling, enjoying the sound of Saito's laughter.
Saito finally stopped for breath, then looked thoughtful. He leaned close to Avi, whispering "Are you going to tell him?"
"That is up to you."
Saito frowned, then looked at his brother. "Actually, Avi is a genie."
Taiyo raised an eyebrow, then laughed. "Nice joke."
"It's true," Avi nodded then pointed to his lamp.
Taiyo's eyes went wide. "You're serious…"
Saito fought a smile. "Believe me, I freaked."
Avi laughed, "I have seen worse."
"Really? I practically wet myself, dropped the lamp and swore I didn't need help." Saito began to laugh again.
"Well, you're the first to not want my help, but my lamp has been thrown, I've been attacked, I've been yelled at. It's not a pleasant job, honestly.."
"Well, that all changes right now. No more assholes...unless I have a bad day." Saito kissed him.
He kissed back eagerly.
"Are you coming back home now?" Taiyo asked quietly.
Avi looked at Saito, "Your house should be safe now. And I cleaned up afterward.. with magic of course, so there's no.. messes."
Saito gave him an appreciative smile. "Do you want to come? Or do you want to stay here and I visit or something?"
"Whatever you'd like. Though my lamp is probably safer with you than in a cave.."
"Definitely right." Saito clasped Avi's hand. "Still can't believe you put yourself in danger..Wait, can genies die?"
"If we are far from our lamps for too long.. outside of that, it is still possible but we are harder to kill than a human."
Saito nodded soberly, then leaned close again. In a low voice, he said "I'm really sorry about showing up here like that.."
Avi shook his head, "I'm just glad I was here to help."
"I thought I was going to die and I wanted Taiyo to be your master so you wouldn't get hurt…"
"Thank you," Avi nodded.
Saito squeezed his hand gently.