Re:Birth: OOO 37 – 40
Sep. 5th, 2015 11:21 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
akinoameSleep, 100 Million, Birth's Employment Shift (Kobayashi/Morota): Goto goes through the Birth manual for a bit before looking at Date's X-ray, worrying that all this fighting is killing him. Why does Date want that 100 million yen so badly? But before he can figure out the answer to that question, he gets a call telling him that Date's skipped his doctor's appointment. In fact, he's at Cous Coussier during their Hong Kong Fair, where Ankh watches a toy panda crawl across the table while Hina brings him food. Instead of arguing with him, this time, she kindly asks him to eat—neither one of them able to talk about her offer to let him stay, although he wonders why she did. Eiji gets Date's lunch and says he's lingering longer than usual. Of course, Date's hiding out from Goto, who barges in and tells him he needs to go to the hospital. Right in front of Eiji. Who has a bit of a "saving people thing." So of course, Eiji's worried, but Date gives him a lame excuse. Goto realizes what a dumb move he made, blurting that out in front of Eiji, and apologizes. But he insists Date needs to go. Date agrees, but he insists on going to his doctor, which Goto agrees to, so long as he gets to come along. But as he walks away, Date stumbles on the stairs, experiencing a headache and blurry vision.
At the mansion, Kazari and Lost Ankh throw a ball and Mezool reads a magazine while Gamel gives her candy. Maki, now with his own purple backdrop, says he let Gamel and Mezool return so they could centralize their powers. She says she knows, and that's the only reason she's putting up with Kazari. They need the remaining Cores, but first, they have a Yummy gathering Cells. Armadillo-Urchin, a Gamel/Mezool hybrid, is spraying needles at sunset, Chiyoko one of its victims. Mezool agrees with this plan, making a flirty gesture toward Maki. I'm going to complain about this more in the endpoint, but EW. She's a teenager. Yes, 800-year-old monster made of sea creatures. But someone thought it would be a brilliant idea for her alt form to be a 13-14-year-old girl. A middle schooler. Flirting with a 41-year-old man. What the fuck is wrong with you all? Add to it Maki's questionable and sketchy facial expression, which Gamel mimics before looking almost as disgusted as me. He decides he doesn't like Maki. Someone get the big guy some more candy.
The Yummy's victims find themselves with terrible insomnia, Medals building up from the desire for sleep. Hina and Eiji start the morning by cleaning shop when Chiyoko comes in, exhausted. Both are worried, especially when she says she's so tired that it hurts, and Eiji decides to close the restaurant for the day so they can take her to the hospital. The lobby is full of people in the same state, and as it turns out, this is the very hospital Date's going to. Dr. Fujita says he doesn't usually come in on his own, and other than the bullet in his head, he doesn't see anything wrong with him. Goto asks why all of Date's tests are so basic, but Fujita explains there's nothing he can do. Date needs surgery, but the bullet is in so deep and in an area so risky for complications that nobody's willing to do it. And the alternative, leaving it alone, is just as bad; too much movement will make that tiny piece of metal move, causing more damage and possibly killing him. Yes. Date is indeed the Kamen Rider version of Tony Stark. He knows how bad it is, and it's likely the reason he returned to Japan. But Goto asks what the 100 million yen is for.
Eiji starts to wonder about the insomnia outbreak when Batta activates, Ankh revealing he's found a Yummy. He recognizes the Gamel/Mezool hybrid, and Eiji realizes this is what's caused the insomnia. Its armor turns out to be too hard for TaToBa, and the Mezool half is spiky and painful to hit too. He tries to suggest using the Lion Medal, since both Mezool and Gamel are weak against light, but Ankh reminds him that they don't have one, giving him Kujaku. Date interrupts his own exam and grabs Goto to fight, but Goto stops him from transforming, and they fight over the belt. The Yummy runs away while on fire, but Ankh isn't too worried, since it's still building Medals and likely to reappear. Date finally gets the Driver back, asking if Fujita told Goto about his condition. He confirms that he's doing this with the knowledge it could kill him, and Goto swears to stop him from risking his life, Eiji awkwardly watching and worrying again. With no humor, Date laughs about Goto saying he won't let him die. He's nowhere near the 100 million, and if Goto's going to act like this, Date's through with him. But just sitting down in the park and drinking some water results in another attack of pain. Maki approaches Date, asking him to shift sides, offering him 50 million in advance, with another 50 million afterwards if he succeeds.
While having no idea what's going on, Ankh tells Eiji to leave it alone. But of course, Eiji can't stay out of anyone's business, and Goto explains about Date. The news devastates Eiji, but he suddenly starts to wonder about the 100 million. Goto theorizes that while in Africa during the war Date and Fujita suddenly had to leave when things became more violent—based on the shared backstory, it's likely this was soon after Eiji left. Date was upset about leaving, knowing the hospital would fail without them. He said they needed to provide medical support that would be there long after they were gone. Eiji realizes this would be a medical school, admitting he'd built an implied elementary school before—again, based on his backstory, this is likely where the little girl had come from. Goto remembers Eiji's experience and notes how much he's traveled, but Eiji thinks it's more amazing to leave something behind that'll have a lasting impact and a legacy like that.
Ankh puts together the Yummy's agenda and realizes there's a second step to the plan—suddenly putting all of the victims to sleep at once. Ankh hears the Medals all build up together, and this time, Eiji senses it too. He decides to use the axe as TaToBa, but it fails. Goto has better luck shooting, and Eiji realizes that the axe needs more power and asks for Unagi. This time, he inserts the Cell Medal into the axe, charges it with Unagi, then drops down on the Yummy to destroy it. But the massive amount of Medals is taken by the CLAWS Sasori and delivered to the Greeed, thanks to Date, now working for Maki. He transforms, ready to fire on Goto and Eiji...
A Situation, A Parting, A Tearful Birth (Kobayashi/Morota): Maki's eyes flash as his Medals flare. In response, Eiji's begin to react, and he grabs his chest in pain, Ankh telling him to hold on and focus. The Greeed attack. Goto tries to help, but he's no match, and Date fires a warning shot. He pleads with Date to say it's not so, but Date punches him hard enough that he passes out. Ankh tries to evade Kazari while Eiji's double-teamed by Mezool and Gamel, unable to fight back. Date takes a flying leap on top of him, wrestling him. Eiji asks what happened and promises to help him, but Date kicks him back and says it's all about the money. Goto wakes up and finds Eiji outnumbered 3 to 1, so he slips away to a Ride Vendor. Mezool knocks the Medals from the Driver, as Kazari grabs Ankh. Eiji desperately tries to keep hold of at least Taka, but as Maki collects Unagi and Batta, he makes Eiji's Medals react, creating another spasm of pain. Date tells him to hand it over before he has to kill him, but Goto charges over on the Ride Vendor. He jumps off and tells Eiji to run, and somehow, the bike explodes. All of the candroids are released, creating a diversion for Eiji to escape and getting Kazari off Ankh.
They return home and give Hina the bad news. Ankh says it was only a matter of time before Date betrayed them, what with his motivation, and when Goto tries to say it's not like Date, Ankh points out that he took two of their Medals. Goto again tries to defend him, but Ankh starts shouting. Eiji breaks it up and says that whatever the reason, it has to do with the money. He and Goto explain their med school theory to Hina, and Goto realizes this must be the dream Date had mentioned but never explained. But Goto never imagined he'd stoop so low to get it. Ankh insists that dreams are desires, however, so there's no point in getting offended about a dream having dirty means to an end, as opposed to a desire having the same. But Goto thinks that if this is the reason Date betrayed him, then his condition must be worse than they all thought.
The recovered Cores are placed in the case once used for the purple Medals. Maki decides that when they're ready for one of the Greeed to lose control and end the world, then they'll decide who gets them. Gamel asks Lost Ankh to play, but when he tries to take his ball, the kid speaks for the first time and tells him to get away. He manifests his wing and hits Gamel, sending him sprawling across the floor. Mezool stops Gamel from fighting back, warning that child or not, he is Ankh, after all, and thus he's too dangerous to cross. Kazari notes that he's finally growing up and developing his own personality. Date walks away from everyone and has another attack, realizing that his condition is indeed deteriorating faster than he'd expected.
Goto goes to Kougami to ask for the money, but the advance payment depends on his salary, how long he'll continue to work there, how much he's contributed, and of course, his desire. His reduced desire only produces 78,000 yen; while Kougami's glad he's given up his pride, Goto also seems to have given up what he most desired too. He points out that Goto got too comfortable as Date's sidekick, but now that Date's gone, who is he and what does he want? Goto insists he's been training to become Birth, but Kougami says he's letting his head stop his heart from wanting and doing. Goto thinks about this as he rides home, wondering what Date meant when he said that Goto wasn't about to let him die.
Date finds Maki tucking in his doll for the night (and of course, the doll is wearing devil PJs). He notes this act still makes Maki seem human, and he asks if he's really serious about the end of the world. Maki re-affirms that a conclusion to the world and humans is necessary. Date asks why the world shouldn't continue, then? Maki explains that whatever dies or leaves, leaves something behind—even his doll will be left behind when he dies. What's left behind would be ugly, so it's better to end things when they still have beauty. Date asks if he can stop Maki from becoming a Greeed, but Maki warns that he killed his own sister—he's been more Greeed than human for a long time. He says that Date still doesn't understand, but Date admits that he really does like him and the little devil-doll. Maki hesitates, then reminds him that they will have to face OOO again tomorrow.
Morning comes, and as Eiji gets dressed, he feels another burst of pain from the Medals, his eyes glowing. Ankh asks what's wrong, and Eiji explains that Maki's calling him through their Medals. They realize it's a summons, and they head out to the abandoned warehouse, where Maki and Date meet them, demanding their Medals—including the ones inside Eiji. Much as they'd love to get rid of them, they can't, and they're not going to let Maki use them to become a Greeed either. Date prepares to fight, but Goto arrives, explaining that he'd tried and failed to earn the money for him. He asks if this is really how he wants to achieve his dream to build a medical school...and Date is promptly confused. As it turns out, the money is for his brain surgery—essentially buying/bribing the best doctors to do it. He admits it's shady, but he did it his way. So Goto decides that if Date's truly committed to this path, he'll fight him, pulling the Birth Buster on him. He'll keep alive the memory of the Date he knew and inherit Birth from him...and I just want to smack you upside the head, Goto. Not only did you misinterpret Date's whole "So you won't let me die?" bit, you just validated the argument from the crazy guy trying to become Barney from Hell!
Date transforms to duel Goto...but then he turns on Maki, revealing that Kougami assigned him to basically assassinate the guy to prevent him from becoming a Greeed, if there was no way to talk him out of it. Again, scared of the crazy cakeboss man. Maki points out that Date can't bring himself to pull the trigger, since he truly did care about him. He admits that Date's probably the closest person to him since his sister, and he would have liked for Date to have truly been on his side. But now, he's going to activate the suit's self-destruct—something that was in the instruction manual that Date never read. Goto, on the other hand, did read the friggin' manual and disabled it. Still, the Greeed defend Maki and attack Date all at once, creating a massive explosion. As Date collapses, Ankh immediately gives Eiji SaGoZou. Goto runs to Date, who admits that his words moved him. As a doctor, he knows there's no point in him going to a hospital, so he tells Goto to carry on his legacy as Birth and believe in himself, before he goes completely still.
Despite Eiji's initial edge from grief and anger, the Greeed overpower him and force him out of henshin. But Goto takes the belt and gets to work, his and Date's image song finally playing: "Reverse/Re:Birth". I'll review the music video later, and either there or in the endpoint analysis, I'll talk about the lyrics, since I think it's a little distracting here. Goto uses Cutter Wing to fly—something Date never did. Sure, he's crashing around all over the place, but despite the difficulties controlling it, he's getting the job done effectively. He activates Birth Day and shoots the hell out of the Greeed, scoring Ankh some Medals. Even Maki's left shaking in fear, and Lost Ankh has to evacuate everyone. Once that's done, they return to Date, lying where Goto left him. Eiji runs up to him in horror, trying to get him to respond. But Date wakes up, realizing he forgot to tell Goto something. Proving he's going to be fine, he sits up and tells Goto to transfer the retirement funds to his account, giving him a thumbs-up. Goto staggers back in shock while Ankh laughs sharply and calls him an idiot.
Kougami pays Date 50 million for the danger he'd been placed in, despite the failure, along with compensation for training Goto, and the retirement fund. Date says the money's fine, since he had Maki pay him the other 50 million in advance. Kougami gets overly excited, joining Date and Satonaka's hands while congratulating him, them looking slightly horrified. I mean, seriously. You look like you're marrying them, Kougami. Eiji, Hina, and Ankh see Date off at the airport. Hina wishes him luck, and he promises to live so he can build that school. He tells Eiji to come one day too, telling him to remember his desire. But Goto refuses to say goodbye, still training, determined to see him again someday. So for now, he'll continue as Birth.
Nightmare, Surveillance Camera, Ankh Strikes Back (Kobayashi/Ishida): It's a dark and stormy night.
Ankh senses a Yummy and tries to wake Eiji, to no avail. He goes over and tries to turn him over in bed, but he finds a dead Shingo, blood at the corner of his mouth, his body covered with red feathers. The feathers swirl in the air, and he backs away, bumping into Eiji, who's illuminated with violet light, his eyes completely purple. He speaks kindly, but there's nothing sane in his expression—he's in that out-of-control state, but he's retained his ability to think and communicate, insisting on taking Ankh's Medals. He backs away again to the window this time, but the feathers are being pulled that way, toward Lost Ankh. Ankh tries to fight, but Eiji stops his hand, insisting he's not the Ankh that OOO should be with. Terrified and in pain, Ankh can't do anything as Lost Ankh grabs his hand...
And Ankh wakes up, his heart pounding, breathing heavily. It was a dream. It's morning, and he fell asleep at the counter while Eiji was sweeping and setting up the restaurant.
Eiji calls over to him, and Ankh staggers over to grab his face, asking if anything's wrong with the Medals. Eiji says he's fine, and Ankh tells him to keep suppressing them. He's scared by the fact that he even had a dream in the first place, let alone the content of it, and he worries it has to do with Shingo. But the neighborhood chairman, the Not-So-Great Gonzo Shimoda, comes in. He's set up cameras all throughout their neighborhood of Yumemi-cho, or Yumemi Town, and he's observed Ankh on the roof, coming in and out of the attic through the window. Eiji's already flailing, but then Shimoda brings up that Eiji used to sleep in the park, so he asks them to leave, for the sake of the town. Dude, you are a douche. For all you know, this is a homeless kid who just got a steady job and a place to stay, and you're kicking him out. That's not how you solve societal problems! But Lost Ankh watches Shimoda harass the other residents and considers a Cell Medal, saying he needs to retake "himself."
Chiyoko is understandably pissed about the secret cameras, the questions about Eiji, and the trying to kick them out. Hina decides that if Eiji and Ankh leave, she's going too, but Ankh points out that none of them actually have to leave. Shimoda might be the neighborhood chairman, but he doesn't have the authority to kick them out without Chiyoko's permission, especially when they haven't done anything. Chiyoko realizes he's right and decides to take it up with Shimoda herself, but she suddenly remembers it's Ankh's birthday and promises to close up shop for his party—much to his confusion and Eiji's shock. Hina pulls Eiji aside and explains that it's actually Shingo's birthday, and Chiyoko saw her picking up a present for him. The only excuse she could give was that it was for Ankh. But with Chiyoko back on the warpath, Eiji decides that maybe it'll be fun to throw a party for Ankh in Shingo's place.
In fact, speaking of birthdays, Kougami gives Goto his cake as the new Birth. The problem is that Birth works best with a sidekick. Goto needs someone to provide support, to swap out spent Medal cartridges or provide backup fire. Someone with a personality that can balance out his own. A Robin to his Batman, so to speak. Kougami assigns Satonaka to him. This is the exact opposite.
Eiji tries to convince Ankh to let Shingo come out for his birthday, as a thank you to Hina for letting him stay. Ankh's already not sold on the idea of birthday parties, but he resents the reminder of his debt to her more. So he shoves his ice pop in Eiji's mouth to shut him up, insisting that it's his decision to use Shingo, not hers. Good to know you still prefer hushing Eiji by stuffing phallic objects into his mouth. But Hina overhears everything outside, and when Eiji steps out and finds her, he tries to promise to get Ankh to come around. But she asks Eiji what he would have done if she had said no to Ankh, and Ankh listens in from the other side of the door, heartbroken at the suggestion and Eiji's failure to answer.
Chiyoko tries to reason with Tomoko Shimoda, but she only gives her the runaround and retreats inside, where her husband is making citations against Chiyoko for resisting. Resisting? She's voicing her concerns! And he's got two huge TVs and a laptop to monitor everything in town. While he cites everyone for the slightest infractions (how slight? Garbage out on the wrong day), his wife works on her calligraphy. Right. I forgot to mention she is in a kimono and acting every bit the cultured, noble, Japanese lady. Because this couple is full of it.
A Yummy appears and attacks the civilians who are getting citations. Eiji and Ankh run out, sensing it, finding the Yummy attacking a guy who's throwing his garbage off the bridge. Eiji fights it off and tells the man to run...and properly dispose of his garbage. Because the only person I've seen who's more of a boy scout than Eiji is DCAU Superman, I swear. But as TaToBa fights, the Yummy evolves...into a chicken. A giant chicken. GODDAMNIT, DATE. Also, it's very good at what looks like muay thai. But Ankh is more pissed about the fact that it's another bird.
Lost Ankh and Kazari play chess, highlighting how the kid is growing. When Maki asks about the Yummy, he explains that he's making a move against Ankh, and Kazari admits it's a move he'd expect from the original. Furthermore, the kid is beating him in chess, proving his rapid intelligence growth. Maki agrees that this will allow him to win out and absorb the original Ankh, giving birth to a new Ankh—Lost, fully integrated. But Maki reminds him that he's still not the most clever in the room, taking one of Kazari's pawns and putting Lost Ankh in check. But Mezool takes Lost Ankh's king and puts Kazari in checkmate instead.
The Yummy throws ribbons at Eiji, tangling him up as he tries to dodge. Shachi-Gorilla-Cheetah allows him better evasion and fighting tactics, blasting water to combat its fire and landing a solid punch. Too solid, it seems, since he proceeds to lose it. He and Ankh search for it and find the police checking on all of the attacked neighbors. Eiji's Medals suddenly react, and Ankh sharply remembers his nightmare and warns him he could still lose control, despite the events of episode 36. He punches Eiji in the solar plexus, right about where his Medals are, and Eiji, in turn, reminds him that the bird Yummy means Ankh's "imposter" is targeting him again.
Meanwhile, Goto tries to talk to Satonaka about teamwork, but she's absorbed in her fashion magazine, seeing a "Princess Lolita" style she loves. She reminds him that she's the boss and he's the sidekick, and though annoyed, he accepts it. With that, her break is over, and she switches on the Gorilla candroid—to Goto's horror.
Chiyoko decides to cover up the cameras, reasoning that since Shimoda and the neighborhood association never consulted anyone about them, she's within her rights to stop the unauthorized surveillance. Afterwards, she plans to set up for Ankh's party. Hina lets her know he doesn't want one, but Chiyoko says he just doesn't understand how it feels to have everyone celebrate with him. But the Yummy appears and chases them off, causing Gorilla to go...bananas, at the Foundation, so Goto urges Satonaka to come. But she decides she needs to suit up, so Goto has to go on without her.
The Yummy grabs Hina's ladder, but she's briefly able to knock it down and trap it before Eiji and Ankh arrive and tell them to run. Hina covers Chiyoko's face so she can't see Eiji henshin or Ankh fight, convincing her they're fine. Taka-Tora-Cheetah tries to evade the ribbons, but he also gets tangled and completely immobilized. Goto arrives, using a Medal dispenser bracelet and a backpack full of Cells to assist him. He throws Cutter Wing like a boomerang to hit the Yummy and free Eiji, then backs up his punches with Drill Arm. But the Yummy knows how to fight Birth and throws him aside. Eiji takes a beating until Goto shoots it, but he runs out of ammo, and both Riders are bound with ribbons. Ankh separates so he can trade out Eiji's Medals, but the Yummy takes the opportunity to attack Shingo in the meantime, cutting his shoulder with a ribbon, forcing Eiji to realize that Ankh is putting Shingo in danger. So Eiji instead releases the purple Medals and attacks as PuToTyra. Satonaka, now in Princess Lolita attire, frees Goto and refills his Medals, providing backup fire. The Yummy encases itself in a dome of ribbons, and though Eiji blasts through it, it escapes.
Shimoda resolves to get rid of OOO and Ankh, but his wife slams his face down, demanding more thorough citations. She has an overwhelming desire to rule the city, and her Yummy is making it happen.
Eiji rushes to Shingo, afraid to touch him. Hina's question still haunts him, and he stops Ankh from returning, painfully conflicted as Lost Ankh vows to take Ankh back...
Control, Birthday Party, Ankh Disappears (Kobayashi/Ishida): Satonaka tells Eiji to hurry back so they can treat Shingo, and Goto reminds him that Ankh can heal his wounds faster. The moment of reason breaks through Eiji's panic, and he lets Ankh return, but the wound leaves him in serious pain.
The Yummy shoots feathers into the police, and instead of helping residents, they too begin to harass them, threatening to kick them out of town for not obeying arbitrary rules. Kazari asks Lost Ankh why he's not going after Ankh yet, but he says he's looking for an opening, since Ankh still has Eiji. So he needs to take out all of the other pieces on the board and surround the king when he's alone. When Kazari says this strategy sounds like Ankh, he insists that he is Ankh.
Ankh realizes what's going on with the police, and Eiji realizes that their town has become a dictatorship, ruled by the Yummy's parent. He notices all of the cameras around, but before he can put it all together, Ankh collapses in pain. He's still bleeding, regenerating Shingo more slowly than ever. Eiji returns home, where Chiyoko's still on edge, waiting for the Yummy, but he insists he's okay. He has Hina follow him to the attic, where Ankh barely manages to get through the window. As Hina bandages him, Eiji apologizes for getting her brother hurt, saying that he and Ankh have to be more careful, with Shingo being just a normal human. Which kind of puts things in perspective. In this room, we have a clumsy but gentle Amazon and a potential god of destruction, and the most vulnerable one of them all is the 800-year-old demon who's possessing a cop who should, by all rights, be dead right now. Hina insists it's not their fault, but he reminds her that Ankh is putting Shingo in danger. Ankh tries to fight him, insisting that he's not giving up that body, but Eiji tries to argue that they need to consider Hina and her feelings. Though they're all hurt and scared, she argues back to Eiji that her decision is final. But now, she's wondering why she agreed, so she needs to know Eiji's answer. If she'd said that Ankh had to go, would he make him leave? Eiji finally answers yes, admitting he'd keep his promise. Ankh is hurt by the revelation, and Hina doesn't seem much better. Goddamnit, Eiji, is everything you say wrong?
Chiyoko is sent a list of new rules for the town. Breaking any of them will result in eviction. As Eiji and Ankh sense the Yummy and start to head out, police appear at the door and order them to leave, threatening to take it out on Chiyoko and shut her down if they don't comply. With threats of possible violence against her too, Eiji agrees that he and Ankh will leave peacefully. Chiyoko and Hina try to reason with the police, but they're warned they'll be evicted too. Does Hina even live in Yumemi Town? How would that even work? Right. Logic against the crazy HOA-Nazis. Chiyoko decides she's had enough and kicks a cop in the crotch before kicking him into the wall. We don't see the fight, but we see the amazed smile on Hina's face as Chiyoko busts some heads, and you kind of have to wonder if maybe she should have been given a belt too.
Ankh tracks the Yummy to the Shimodas' house. Ribbons spill out, and they storm the gate to discover the police are being used as human shields. Shimoda asks them not to come closer, and Ankh confirms that although he's not the parent, someone inside the house is. But Eiji's unwilling to rush through and hurt the police. Goto sends a Ptera to protect them from more ribbons, and they pull back to monitor everything on Kujaku's holo-cam. Police are all around the house, preventing them from entering, but Eiji realizes that the Yummy will have to bring "food" to its parent, so if they can figure out what that food is, they can defeat it outside. So Goto decides to send out all the candroids from a nearby Ride Vendor. Eiji asks why Satonaka's not with him, and he explains, with embarrassment, that she wasn't ready and sent him ahead.
With them stuck at the park outside town, Eiji points out they can't go home until they resolve this. Nowhere to go, they wander along the river until they find their campsite. Eiji washes out his underwear and notes it's just like old times. He reminisces about how they've become stronger and how Ankh's become less violent, and Ankh snarks that Eiji must think a lot of himself if he thinks he can get rid of him. Eiji lets his eyes glow for a moment and reminds him he probably can, but Ankh warns him not to get cocky like the King and lose control. It's clear the betrayal is fresh in his mind now, like it happened yesterday, combined with his nightmare. And it's something I'll go into more in-depth in the endpoint, but I think there's a really good case for Ankh also having PTSD. See, Eiji has it in the way we're used to seeing PTSD in fiction—flashbacks and memories, fear and anxiety. It's portrayed more accurately than many other depictions, particularly because it incorporates the more invisible symptoms of depression that go along with it—namely the lack of interest in previous hobbies, and the avoidance of any possible triggers. There's also hyperarousal symptoms that I'll get into in the endpoint, but Ankh displays symptoms too, just not as noticeably as Eiji. He's always on edge, he doesn't trust anyone, he's squirrelly about discussing ANYTHING about his past, and he acts as if he's re-experiencing everything. The King betrayed him and ripped out his Medals. This was a hugely traumatic event. And now, he associates Eiji with the King, and he's just waiting for him to do the same. It continues with Hina, who runs over with a picnic meal. Eiji tries to clarify that he was only talking about what Hina had asked him, but Ankh knows that and asks if Eiji really thinks he can do it. But Eiji confesses that he hoped she wouldn't ask him to make Ankh leave, not when Lost Ankh is after him and he needs every bit of help he can get. Ankh, afraid to deal with Eiji's genuine concern, asks why it matters to him, and Eiji insists that the trouble Ankh's going through hurts him too. As Hina comes up, Ankh grabs her by the throat, warning he can still kill either one of them any time he wants. Though she instinctively grabs his wrist, she slowly puts her arms down, trusting him to do the right thing. And he finds that he can't bring himself to do it. Eiji points this out and asks why he's panicking. Ankh turns away, his fears exposed, and Hina smiles comfortingly. Chiyoko, with signs and decorations from the restaurant, announces that she got evicted and put out of business. So they're going to party anyway. Hina wishes Ankh a happy birthday, one to him this time, instead of him as the shadow of her older brother. He sulks through the whole party, but he puts up with it, as the others dance around like fools and have fun. Through the revelry, we hear Hina's reason for letting him stay: She doesn't have one. Maybe she knew Shingo would want to help fight, or maybe she just didn't want to see him in a coma anymore. Mostly, she appreciates Ankh there with them, even if she can't love him or hate him.
At dawn, after the party, the Yummy still hasn't left. But Eiji suddenly realizes that the cameras are supplying the food. Mrs. Shimoda walks out that morning to discover, to her fury, that the candroids are disabling her cameras. This lures out the Yummy, and Ankh senses it a second before Eiji does. Eiji asks him to be careful with Shingo's body, or else he really will kick him out. Meanwhile, Satonaka arrives to an empty office, where Goto has left a note promising five percent of his pay if she gets there quickly.
OOO and Birth battle the Yummy, tearing through its ribbons. Goto provides support fire whenever Eiji falters, but he runs out of ammo again, and Eiji has to fight alone. But Satonaka arrives from a cab, throwing him a full canister and saying that she'll help, but five percent is pushing it. They both open fire as the Yummy forms the dome again, but LaToraTah tears through and destroys the Yummy. Mrs. Shimoda chases after her husband, blaming him for the failure, but as she breaks free from the Yummy's manipulation, she sees the TVs and gets on him again about returning them. Eiji hears what's going on and starts to worry about the implications, given this is yet another really dysfunctional couple, but Ankh tells him to leave it alone, tearing down the rules.
The cameras also come down, much to Chiyoko's relief, and everyone's returned home. Hina gives Ankh the gift, explaining that it was originally for Shingo, but she wants him to have it. At first, he scoffs, but everyone's happy when he does take it and heads up to the attic. He starts to open it, but then he realizes that Lost Ankh is on his nest behind him. Lost Ankh reveals his true form and points out that Ankh always lowers his guard after a battle, particularly when he comes home. He hits him, and downstairs, Eiji almost falls over, as if he felt it too, the Medals flaring. He and Hina race upstairs to find Ankh desperately holding on as Lost Ankh starts to absorb him. Hina immediately grabs his hand, with Eiji anchoring her to the doorframe. But it's not enough, and he's completely absorbed, Shingo collapsing to the floor.
To their horror, Ankh's hand takes form on Lost Ankh's right arm, and his wing bursts out...
At the mansion, Kazari and Lost Ankh throw a ball and Mezool reads a magazine while Gamel gives her candy. Maki, now with his own purple backdrop, says he let Gamel and Mezool return so they could centralize their powers. She says she knows, and that's the only reason she's putting up with Kazari. They need the remaining Cores, but first, they have a Yummy gathering Cells. Armadillo-Urchin, a Gamel/Mezool hybrid, is spraying needles at sunset, Chiyoko one of its victims. Mezool agrees with this plan, making a flirty gesture toward Maki. I'm going to complain about this more in the endpoint, but EW. She's a teenager. Yes, 800-year-old monster made of sea creatures. But someone thought it would be a brilliant idea for her alt form to be a 13-14-year-old girl. A middle schooler. Flirting with a 41-year-old man. What the fuck is wrong with you all? Add to it Maki's questionable and sketchy facial expression, which Gamel mimics before looking almost as disgusted as me. He decides he doesn't like Maki. Someone get the big guy some more candy.
The Yummy's victims find themselves with terrible insomnia, Medals building up from the desire for sleep. Hina and Eiji start the morning by cleaning shop when Chiyoko comes in, exhausted. Both are worried, especially when she says she's so tired that it hurts, and Eiji decides to close the restaurant for the day so they can take her to the hospital. The lobby is full of people in the same state, and as it turns out, this is the very hospital Date's going to. Dr. Fujita says he doesn't usually come in on his own, and other than the bullet in his head, he doesn't see anything wrong with him. Goto asks why all of Date's tests are so basic, but Fujita explains there's nothing he can do. Date needs surgery, but the bullet is in so deep and in an area so risky for complications that nobody's willing to do it. And the alternative, leaving it alone, is just as bad; too much movement will make that tiny piece of metal move, causing more damage and possibly killing him. Yes. Date is indeed the Kamen Rider version of Tony Stark. He knows how bad it is, and it's likely the reason he returned to Japan. But Goto asks what the 100 million yen is for.
Eiji starts to wonder about the insomnia outbreak when Batta activates, Ankh revealing he's found a Yummy. He recognizes the Gamel/Mezool hybrid, and Eiji realizes this is what's caused the insomnia. Its armor turns out to be too hard for TaToBa, and the Mezool half is spiky and painful to hit too. He tries to suggest using the Lion Medal, since both Mezool and Gamel are weak against light, but Ankh reminds him that they don't have one, giving him Kujaku. Date interrupts his own exam and grabs Goto to fight, but Goto stops him from transforming, and they fight over the belt. The Yummy runs away while on fire, but Ankh isn't too worried, since it's still building Medals and likely to reappear. Date finally gets the Driver back, asking if Fujita told Goto about his condition. He confirms that he's doing this with the knowledge it could kill him, and Goto swears to stop him from risking his life, Eiji awkwardly watching and worrying again. With no humor, Date laughs about Goto saying he won't let him die. He's nowhere near the 100 million, and if Goto's going to act like this, Date's through with him. But just sitting down in the park and drinking some water results in another attack of pain. Maki approaches Date, asking him to shift sides, offering him 50 million in advance, with another 50 million afterwards if he succeeds.
While having no idea what's going on, Ankh tells Eiji to leave it alone. But of course, Eiji can't stay out of anyone's business, and Goto explains about Date. The news devastates Eiji, but he suddenly starts to wonder about the 100 million. Goto theorizes that while in Africa during the war Date and Fujita suddenly had to leave when things became more violent—based on the shared backstory, it's likely this was soon after Eiji left. Date was upset about leaving, knowing the hospital would fail without them. He said they needed to provide medical support that would be there long after they were gone. Eiji realizes this would be a medical school, admitting he'd built an implied elementary school before—again, based on his backstory, this is likely where the little girl had come from. Goto remembers Eiji's experience and notes how much he's traveled, but Eiji thinks it's more amazing to leave something behind that'll have a lasting impact and a legacy like that.
Ankh puts together the Yummy's agenda and realizes there's a second step to the plan—suddenly putting all of the victims to sleep at once. Ankh hears the Medals all build up together, and this time, Eiji senses it too. He decides to use the axe as TaToBa, but it fails. Goto has better luck shooting, and Eiji realizes that the axe needs more power and asks for Unagi. This time, he inserts the Cell Medal into the axe, charges it with Unagi, then drops down on the Yummy to destroy it. But the massive amount of Medals is taken by the CLAWS Sasori and delivered to the Greeed, thanks to Date, now working for Maki. He transforms, ready to fire on Goto and Eiji...
A Situation, A Parting, A Tearful Birth (Kobayashi/Morota): Maki's eyes flash as his Medals flare. In response, Eiji's begin to react, and he grabs his chest in pain, Ankh telling him to hold on and focus. The Greeed attack. Goto tries to help, but he's no match, and Date fires a warning shot. He pleads with Date to say it's not so, but Date punches him hard enough that he passes out. Ankh tries to evade Kazari while Eiji's double-teamed by Mezool and Gamel, unable to fight back. Date takes a flying leap on top of him, wrestling him. Eiji asks what happened and promises to help him, but Date kicks him back and says it's all about the money. Goto wakes up and finds Eiji outnumbered 3 to 1, so he slips away to a Ride Vendor. Mezool knocks the Medals from the Driver, as Kazari grabs Ankh. Eiji desperately tries to keep hold of at least Taka, but as Maki collects Unagi and Batta, he makes Eiji's Medals react, creating another spasm of pain. Date tells him to hand it over before he has to kill him, but Goto charges over on the Ride Vendor. He jumps off and tells Eiji to run, and somehow, the bike explodes. All of the candroids are released, creating a diversion for Eiji to escape and getting Kazari off Ankh.
They return home and give Hina the bad news. Ankh says it was only a matter of time before Date betrayed them, what with his motivation, and when Goto tries to say it's not like Date, Ankh points out that he took two of their Medals. Goto again tries to defend him, but Ankh starts shouting. Eiji breaks it up and says that whatever the reason, it has to do with the money. He and Goto explain their med school theory to Hina, and Goto realizes this must be the dream Date had mentioned but never explained. But Goto never imagined he'd stoop so low to get it. Ankh insists that dreams are desires, however, so there's no point in getting offended about a dream having dirty means to an end, as opposed to a desire having the same. But Goto thinks that if this is the reason Date betrayed him, then his condition must be worse than they all thought.
The recovered Cores are placed in the case once used for the purple Medals. Maki decides that when they're ready for one of the Greeed to lose control and end the world, then they'll decide who gets them. Gamel asks Lost Ankh to play, but when he tries to take his ball, the kid speaks for the first time and tells him to get away. He manifests his wing and hits Gamel, sending him sprawling across the floor. Mezool stops Gamel from fighting back, warning that child or not, he is Ankh, after all, and thus he's too dangerous to cross. Kazari notes that he's finally growing up and developing his own personality. Date walks away from everyone and has another attack, realizing that his condition is indeed deteriorating faster than he'd expected.
Goto goes to Kougami to ask for the money, but the advance payment depends on his salary, how long he'll continue to work there, how much he's contributed, and of course, his desire. His reduced desire only produces 78,000 yen; while Kougami's glad he's given up his pride, Goto also seems to have given up what he most desired too. He points out that Goto got too comfortable as Date's sidekick, but now that Date's gone, who is he and what does he want? Goto insists he's been training to become Birth, but Kougami says he's letting his head stop his heart from wanting and doing. Goto thinks about this as he rides home, wondering what Date meant when he said that Goto wasn't about to let him die.
Date finds Maki tucking in his doll for the night (and of course, the doll is wearing devil PJs). He notes this act still makes Maki seem human, and he asks if he's really serious about the end of the world. Maki re-affirms that a conclusion to the world and humans is necessary. Date asks why the world shouldn't continue, then? Maki explains that whatever dies or leaves, leaves something behind—even his doll will be left behind when he dies. What's left behind would be ugly, so it's better to end things when they still have beauty. Date asks if he can stop Maki from becoming a Greeed, but Maki warns that he killed his own sister—he's been more Greeed than human for a long time. He says that Date still doesn't understand, but Date admits that he really does like him and the little devil-doll. Maki hesitates, then reminds him that they will have to face OOO again tomorrow.
Morning comes, and as Eiji gets dressed, he feels another burst of pain from the Medals, his eyes glowing. Ankh asks what's wrong, and Eiji explains that Maki's calling him through their Medals. They realize it's a summons, and they head out to the abandoned warehouse, where Maki and Date meet them, demanding their Medals—including the ones inside Eiji. Much as they'd love to get rid of them, they can't, and they're not going to let Maki use them to become a Greeed either. Date prepares to fight, but Goto arrives, explaining that he'd tried and failed to earn the money for him. He asks if this is really how he wants to achieve his dream to build a medical school...and Date is promptly confused. As it turns out, the money is for his brain surgery—essentially buying/bribing the best doctors to do it. He admits it's shady, but he did it his way. So Goto decides that if Date's truly committed to this path, he'll fight him, pulling the Birth Buster on him. He'll keep alive the memory of the Date he knew and inherit Birth from him...and I just want to smack you upside the head, Goto. Not only did you misinterpret Date's whole "So you won't let me die?" bit, you just validated the argument from the crazy guy trying to become Barney from Hell!
Date transforms to duel Goto...but then he turns on Maki, revealing that Kougami assigned him to basically assassinate the guy to prevent him from becoming a Greeed, if there was no way to talk him out of it. Again, scared of the crazy cakeboss man. Maki points out that Date can't bring himself to pull the trigger, since he truly did care about him. He admits that Date's probably the closest person to him since his sister, and he would have liked for Date to have truly been on his side. But now, he's going to activate the suit's self-destruct—something that was in the instruction manual that Date never read. Goto, on the other hand, did read the friggin' manual and disabled it. Still, the Greeed defend Maki and attack Date all at once, creating a massive explosion. As Date collapses, Ankh immediately gives Eiji SaGoZou. Goto runs to Date, who admits that his words moved him. As a doctor, he knows there's no point in him going to a hospital, so he tells Goto to carry on his legacy as Birth and believe in himself, before he goes completely still.
Despite Eiji's initial edge from grief and anger, the Greeed overpower him and force him out of henshin. But Goto takes the belt and gets to work, his and Date's image song finally playing: "Reverse/Re:Birth". I'll review the music video later, and either there or in the endpoint analysis, I'll talk about the lyrics, since I think it's a little distracting here. Goto uses Cutter Wing to fly—something Date never did. Sure, he's crashing around all over the place, but despite the difficulties controlling it, he's getting the job done effectively. He activates Birth Day and shoots the hell out of the Greeed, scoring Ankh some Medals. Even Maki's left shaking in fear, and Lost Ankh has to evacuate everyone. Once that's done, they return to Date, lying where Goto left him. Eiji runs up to him in horror, trying to get him to respond. But Date wakes up, realizing he forgot to tell Goto something. Proving he's going to be fine, he sits up and tells Goto to transfer the retirement funds to his account, giving him a thumbs-up. Goto staggers back in shock while Ankh laughs sharply and calls him an idiot.
Kougami pays Date 50 million for the danger he'd been placed in, despite the failure, along with compensation for training Goto, and the retirement fund. Date says the money's fine, since he had Maki pay him the other 50 million in advance. Kougami gets overly excited, joining Date and Satonaka's hands while congratulating him, them looking slightly horrified. I mean, seriously. You look like you're marrying them, Kougami. Eiji, Hina, and Ankh see Date off at the airport. Hina wishes him luck, and he promises to live so he can build that school. He tells Eiji to come one day too, telling him to remember his desire. But Goto refuses to say goodbye, still training, determined to see him again someday. So for now, he'll continue as Birth.
Nightmare, Surveillance Camera, Ankh Strikes Back (Kobayashi/Ishida): It's a dark and stormy night.
Ankh senses a Yummy and tries to wake Eiji, to no avail. He goes over and tries to turn him over in bed, but he finds a dead Shingo, blood at the corner of his mouth, his body covered with red feathers. The feathers swirl in the air, and he backs away, bumping into Eiji, who's illuminated with violet light, his eyes completely purple. He speaks kindly, but there's nothing sane in his expression—he's in that out-of-control state, but he's retained his ability to think and communicate, insisting on taking Ankh's Medals. He backs away again to the window this time, but the feathers are being pulled that way, toward Lost Ankh. Ankh tries to fight, but Eiji stops his hand, insisting he's not the Ankh that OOO should be with. Terrified and in pain, Ankh can't do anything as Lost Ankh grabs his hand...
And Ankh wakes up, his heart pounding, breathing heavily. It was a dream. It's morning, and he fell asleep at the counter while Eiji was sweeping and setting up the restaurant.
Eiji calls over to him, and Ankh staggers over to grab his face, asking if anything's wrong with the Medals. Eiji says he's fine, and Ankh tells him to keep suppressing them. He's scared by the fact that he even had a dream in the first place, let alone the content of it, and he worries it has to do with Shingo. But the neighborhood chairman, the Not-So-Great Gonzo Shimoda, comes in. He's set up cameras all throughout their neighborhood of Yumemi-cho, or Yumemi Town, and he's observed Ankh on the roof, coming in and out of the attic through the window. Eiji's already flailing, but then Shimoda brings up that Eiji used to sleep in the park, so he asks them to leave, for the sake of the town. Dude, you are a douche. For all you know, this is a homeless kid who just got a steady job and a place to stay, and you're kicking him out. That's not how you solve societal problems! But Lost Ankh watches Shimoda harass the other residents and considers a Cell Medal, saying he needs to retake "himself."
Chiyoko is understandably pissed about the secret cameras, the questions about Eiji, and the trying to kick them out. Hina decides that if Eiji and Ankh leave, she's going too, but Ankh points out that none of them actually have to leave. Shimoda might be the neighborhood chairman, but he doesn't have the authority to kick them out without Chiyoko's permission, especially when they haven't done anything. Chiyoko realizes he's right and decides to take it up with Shimoda herself, but she suddenly remembers it's Ankh's birthday and promises to close up shop for his party—much to his confusion and Eiji's shock. Hina pulls Eiji aside and explains that it's actually Shingo's birthday, and Chiyoko saw her picking up a present for him. The only excuse she could give was that it was for Ankh. But with Chiyoko back on the warpath, Eiji decides that maybe it'll be fun to throw a party for Ankh in Shingo's place.
In fact, speaking of birthdays, Kougami gives Goto his cake as the new Birth. The problem is that Birth works best with a sidekick. Goto needs someone to provide support, to swap out spent Medal cartridges or provide backup fire. Someone with a personality that can balance out his own. A Robin to his Batman, so to speak. Kougami assigns Satonaka to him. This is the exact opposite.
Eiji tries to convince Ankh to let Shingo come out for his birthday, as a thank you to Hina for letting him stay. Ankh's already not sold on the idea of birthday parties, but he resents the reminder of his debt to her more. So he shoves his ice pop in Eiji's mouth to shut him up, insisting that it's his decision to use Shingo, not hers. Good to know you still prefer hushing Eiji by stuffing phallic objects into his mouth. But Hina overhears everything outside, and when Eiji steps out and finds her, he tries to promise to get Ankh to come around. But she asks Eiji what he would have done if she had said no to Ankh, and Ankh listens in from the other side of the door, heartbroken at the suggestion and Eiji's failure to answer.
Chiyoko tries to reason with Tomoko Shimoda, but she only gives her the runaround and retreats inside, where her husband is making citations against Chiyoko for resisting. Resisting? She's voicing her concerns! And he's got two huge TVs and a laptop to monitor everything in town. While he cites everyone for the slightest infractions (how slight? Garbage out on the wrong day), his wife works on her calligraphy. Right. I forgot to mention she is in a kimono and acting every bit the cultured, noble, Japanese lady. Because this couple is full of it.
A Yummy appears and attacks the civilians who are getting citations. Eiji and Ankh run out, sensing it, finding the Yummy attacking a guy who's throwing his garbage off the bridge. Eiji fights it off and tells the man to run...and properly dispose of his garbage. Because the only person I've seen who's more of a boy scout than Eiji is DCAU Superman, I swear. But as TaToBa fights, the Yummy evolves...into a chicken. A giant chicken. GODDAMNIT, DATE. Also, it's very good at what looks like muay thai. But Ankh is more pissed about the fact that it's another bird.
Lost Ankh and Kazari play chess, highlighting how the kid is growing. When Maki asks about the Yummy, he explains that he's making a move against Ankh, and Kazari admits it's a move he'd expect from the original. Furthermore, the kid is beating him in chess, proving his rapid intelligence growth. Maki agrees that this will allow him to win out and absorb the original Ankh, giving birth to a new Ankh—Lost, fully integrated. But Maki reminds him that he's still not the most clever in the room, taking one of Kazari's pawns and putting Lost Ankh in check. But Mezool takes Lost Ankh's king and puts Kazari in checkmate instead.
The Yummy throws ribbons at Eiji, tangling him up as he tries to dodge. Shachi-Gorilla-Cheetah allows him better evasion and fighting tactics, blasting water to combat its fire and landing a solid punch. Too solid, it seems, since he proceeds to lose it. He and Ankh search for it and find the police checking on all of the attacked neighbors. Eiji's Medals suddenly react, and Ankh sharply remembers his nightmare and warns him he could still lose control, despite the events of episode 36. He punches Eiji in the solar plexus, right about where his Medals are, and Eiji, in turn, reminds him that the bird Yummy means Ankh's "imposter" is targeting him again.
Meanwhile, Goto tries to talk to Satonaka about teamwork, but she's absorbed in her fashion magazine, seeing a "Princess Lolita" style she loves. She reminds him that she's the boss and he's the sidekick, and though annoyed, he accepts it. With that, her break is over, and she switches on the Gorilla candroid—to Goto's horror.
Chiyoko decides to cover up the cameras, reasoning that since Shimoda and the neighborhood association never consulted anyone about them, she's within her rights to stop the unauthorized surveillance. Afterwards, she plans to set up for Ankh's party. Hina lets her know he doesn't want one, but Chiyoko says he just doesn't understand how it feels to have everyone celebrate with him. But the Yummy appears and chases them off, causing Gorilla to go...bananas, at the Foundation, so Goto urges Satonaka to come. But she decides she needs to suit up, so Goto has to go on without her.
The Yummy grabs Hina's ladder, but she's briefly able to knock it down and trap it before Eiji and Ankh arrive and tell them to run. Hina covers Chiyoko's face so she can't see Eiji henshin or Ankh fight, convincing her they're fine. Taka-Tora-Cheetah tries to evade the ribbons, but he also gets tangled and completely immobilized. Goto arrives, using a Medal dispenser bracelet and a backpack full of Cells to assist him. He throws Cutter Wing like a boomerang to hit the Yummy and free Eiji, then backs up his punches with Drill Arm. But the Yummy knows how to fight Birth and throws him aside. Eiji takes a beating until Goto shoots it, but he runs out of ammo, and both Riders are bound with ribbons. Ankh separates so he can trade out Eiji's Medals, but the Yummy takes the opportunity to attack Shingo in the meantime, cutting his shoulder with a ribbon, forcing Eiji to realize that Ankh is putting Shingo in danger. So Eiji instead releases the purple Medals and attacks as PuToTyra. Satonaka, now in Princess Lolita attire, frees Goto and refills his Medals, providing backup fire. The Yummy encases itself in a dome of ribbons, and though Eiji blasts through it, it escapes.
Shimoda resolves to get rid of OOO and Ankh, but his wife slams his face down, demanding more thorough citations. She has an overwhelming desire to rule the city, and her Yummy is making it happen.
Eiji rushes to Shingo, afraid to touch him. Hina's question still haunts him, and he stops Ankh from returning, painfully conflicted as Lost Ankh vows to take Ankh back...
Control, Birthday Party, Ankh Disappears (Kobayashi/Ishida): Satonaka tells Eiji to hurry back so they can treat Shingo, and Goto reminds him that Ankh can heal his wounds faster. The moment of reason breaks through Eiji's panic, and he lets Ankh return, but the wound leaves him in serious pain.
The Yummy shoots feathers into the police, and instead of helping residents, they too begin to harass them, threatening to kick them out of town for not obeying arbitrary rules. Kazari asks Lost Ankh why he's not going after Ankh yet, but he says he's looking for an opening, since Ankh still has Eiji. So he needs to take out all of the other pieces on the board and surround the king when he's alone. When Kazari says this strategy sounds like Ankh, he insists that he is Ankh.
Ankh realizes what's going on with the police, and Eiji realizes that their town has become a dictatorship, ruled by the Yummy's parent. He notices all of the cameras around, but before he can put it all together, Ankh collapses in pain. He's still bleeding, regenerating Shingo more slowly than ever. Eiji returns home, where Chiyoko's still on edge, waiting for the Yummy, but he insists he's okay. He has Hina follow him to the attic, where Ankh barely manages to get through the window. As Hina bandages him, Eiji apologizes for getting her brother hurt, saying that he and Ankh have to be more careful, with Shingo being just a normal human. Which kind of puts things in perspective. In this room, we have a clumsy but gentle Amazon and a potential god of destruction, and the most vulnerable one of them all is the 800-year-old demon who's possessing a cop who should, by all rights, be dead right now. Hina insists it's not their fault, but he reminds her that Ankh is putting Shingo in danger. Ankh tries to fight him, insisting that he's not giving up that body, but Eiji tries to argue that they need to consider Hina and her feelings. Though they're all hurt and scared, she argues back to Eiji that her decision is final. But now, she's wondering why she agreed, so she needs to know Eiji's answer. If she'd said that Ankh had to go, would he make him leave? Eiji finally answers yes, admitting he'd keep his promise. Ankh is hurt by the revelation, and Hina doesn't seem much better. Goddamnit, Eiji, is everything you say wrong?
Chiyoko is sent a list of new rules for the town. Breaking any of them will result in eviction. As Eiji and Ankh sense the Yummy and start to head out, police appear at the door and order them to leave, threatening to take it out on Chiyoko and shut her down if they don't comply. With threats of possible violence against her too, Eiji agrees that he and Ankh will leave peacefully. Chiyoko and Hina try to reason with the police, but they're warned they'll be evicted too. Does Hina even live in Yumemi Town? How would that even work? Right. Logic against the crazy HOA-Nazis. Chiyoko decides she's had enough and kicks a cop in the crotch before kicking him into the wall. We don't see the fight, but we see the amazed smile on Hina's face as Chiyoko busts some heads, and you kind of have to wonder if maybe she should have been given a belt too.
Ankh tracks the Yummy to the Shimodas' house. Ribbons spill out, and they storm the gate to discover the police are being used as human shields. Shimoda asks them not to come closer, and Ankh confirms that although he's not the parent, someone inside the house is. But Eiji's unwilling to rush through and hurt the police. Goto sends a Ptera to protect them from more ribbons, and they pull back to monitor everything on Kujaku's holo-cam. Police are all around the house, preventing them from entering, but Eiji realizes that the Yummy will have to bring "food" to its parent, so if they can figure out what that food is, they can defeat it outside. So Goto decides to send out all the candroids from a nearby Ride Vendor. Eiji asks why Satonaka's not with him, and he explains, with embarrassment, that she wasn't ready and sent him ahead.
With them stuck at the park outside town, Eiji points out they can't go home until they resolve this. Nowhere to go, they wander along the river until they find their campsite. Eiji washes out his underwear and notes it's just like old times. He reminisces about how they've become stronger and how Ankh's become less violent, and Ankh snarks that Eiji must think a lot of himself if he thinks he can get rid of him. Eiji lets his eyes glow for a moment and reminds him he probably can, but Ankh warns him not to get cocky like the King and lose control. It's clear the betrayal is fresh in his mind now, like it happened yesterday, combined with his nightmare. And it's something I'll go into more in-depth in the endpoint, but I think there's a really good case for Ankh also having PTSD. See, Eiji has it in the way we're used to seeing PTSD in fiction—flashbacks and memories, fear and anxiety. It's portrayed more accurately than many other depictions, particularly because it incorporates the more invisible symptoms of depression that go along with it—namely the lack of interest in previous hobbies, and the avoidance of any possible triggers. There's also hyperarousal symptoms that I'll get into in the endpoint, but Ankh displays symptoms too, just not as noticeably as Eiji. He's always on edge, he doesn't trust anyone, he's squirrelly about discussing ANYTHING about his past, and he acts as if he's re-experiencing everything. The King betrayed him and ripped out his Medals. This was a hugely traumatic event. And now, he associates Eiji with the King, and he's just waiting for him to do the same. It continues with Hina, who runs over with a picnic meal. Eiji tries to clarify that he was only talking about what Hina had asked him, but Ankh knows that and asks if Eiji really thinks he can do it. But Eiji confesses that he hoped she wouldn't ask him to make Ankh leave, not when Lost Ankh is after him and he needs every bit of help he can get. Ankh, afraid to deal with Eiji's genuine concern, asks why it matters to him, and Eiji insists that the trouble Ankh's going through hurts him too. As Hina comes up, Ankh grabs her by the throat, warning he can still kill either one of them any time he wants. Though she instinctively grabs his wrist, she slowly puts her arms down, trusting him to do the right thing. And he finds that he can't bring himself to do it. Eiji points this out and asks why he's panicking. Ankh turns away, his fears exposed, and Hina smiles comfortingly. Chiyoko, with signs and decorations from the restaurant, announces that she got evicted and put out of business. So they're going to party anyway. Hina wishes Ankh a happy birthday, one to him this time, instead of him as the shadow of her older brother. He sulks through the whole party, but he puts up with it, as the others dance around like fools and have fun. Through the revelry, we hear Hina's reason for letting him stay: She doesn't have one. Maybe she knew Shingo would want to help fight, or maybe she just didn't want to see him in a coma anymore. Mostly, she appreciates Ankh there with them, even if she can't love him or hate him.
At dawn, after the party, the Yummy still hasn't left. But Eiji suddenly realizes that the cameras are supplying the food. Mrs. Shimoda walks out that morning to discover, to her fury, that the candroids are disabling her cameras. This lures out the Yummy, and Ankh senses it a second before Eiji does. Eiji asks him to be careful with Shingo's body, or else he really will kick him out. Meanwhile, Satonaka arrives to an empty office, where Goto has left a note promising five percent of his pay if she gets there quickly.
OOO and Birth battle the Yummy, tearing through its ribbons. Goto provides support fire whenever Eiji falters, but he runs out of ammo again, and Eiji has to fight alone. But Satonaka arrives from a cab, throwing him a full canister and saying that she'll help, but five percent is pushing it. They both open fire as the Yummy forms the dome again, but LaToraTah tears through and destroys the Yummy. Mrs. Shimoda chases after her husband, blaming him for the failure, but as she breaks free from the Yummy's manipulation, she sees the TVs and gets on him again about returning them. Eiji hears what's going on and starts to worry about the implications, given this is yet another really dysfunctional couple, but Ankh tells him to leave it alone, tearing down the rules.
The cameras also come down, much to Chiyoko's relief, and everyone's returned home. Hina gives Ankh the gift, explaining that it was originally for Shingo, but she wants him to have it. At first, he scoffs, but everyone's happy when he does take it and heads up to the attic. He starts to open it, but then he realizes that Lost Ankh is on his nest behind him. Lost Ankh reveals his true form and points out that Ankh always lowers his guard after a battle, particularly when he comes home. He hits him, and downstairs, Eiji almost falls over, as if he felt it too, the Medals flaring. He and Hina race upstairs to find Ankh desperately holding on as Lost Ankh starts to absorb him. Hina immediately grabs his hand, with Eiji anchoring her to the doorframe. But it's not enough, and he's completely absorbed, Shingo collapsing to the floor.
To their horror, Ankh's hand takes form on Lost Ankh's right arm, and his wing bursts out...