Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“I’m home!” Kinta announces as he quickly slips through the door, heading towards his room.

This small place is his sanctuary. Just looking at all the figurines and models which he has assembled and painted with masterly precision brightens his day. He can spend hours just loosing himself in the worlds of his favorite series. Often he spends the whole evening immersed in games and online research. Coming up with and sketching the most powerful Mecha. Though recently there is another thing that Kinta really looks forward to when coming home.

He turns on his computer and opens his favorite fandom platform where he edits for several Mecha wikis. The header shows new messages as well as the by now familiar raven avatar and Kinta taps his foot while the page is loading.

It all started a few weeks ago, when he had encountered an impossible to solve formatting issue with one of his wikis. After having told Private Takakura about the a situation his friend suggested to just make a post and ask for help.

It was due to this post that DarkRavenXXX had reached out to him with a solution which had instantly fixed the problem.

Since then there had been a frequent back and forth in which he not only discovered that they both liked Space Fortress Mykonos and BonBonZaka46, but also that his new buddy was actually a girl!

Of course this didn’t faze him, he was Kinta Gale Wind Albert Pegasus! Popular among his peers and friends with lots of cute girls, like Big Sis Ayase, Lady Shiratori and Miss Vamola.

He wondered if DarkRavenXXX was cute… She certainly was awesome. Not only was she super competent when it came to wikis, since she did admin work for several fantasy series, but she also wrote her own stories! Sure, they lacked a few giant robots for his liking, but she had some amazing ideas for magical armor he just couldn’t get out of his head. That was probably why he had made that sketch of her lead character.

Finally her latest messages had loaded:

Thank you so much for the drawing of Selena the Warrior Princess! To be honest I didn’t really think that much about the enchanted armor’s appearance, but I love the little details you added 😊

The glyphs on the shoulders and how the gems are embedded in her chest plate form a pentagram? That’s genius! I’m going to include that in my descriptions 😉 To be honest I just choose metal armor since I wanted something cool that covered the whole body. I'm not a fan of impractical skinny costumes.

By the way, your drawing looks super professional! I wish I could make art like that! 🤩

Anyhow, thank you so much!

He started his reply right away:

Oh, it’s really just a rough sketch. There’s a lot I’d like to improve about my drawing. I’m glad you liked it though. I really like your style of writing! 😊 You make the characters and places really come to life. And how did you come up with that music based magic system? Can’t wait for the next chapter!

Chapter Text

Rin Sawaki sighed deeply as she finally took off her rubber gloves and apron. Bopping her head to the music from her headphones she retreated to her room, where she let herself fall onto her bed, grabbing her notebook. She needed to add the description of her heroine Selena’s armor with all the details PrincePegasus9000 had drawn in his sketch.

She just wouldn’t get tired of looking at it, so she had made it her new background image. Looking at it while listening to her currently favorite music made her feel energized, despite of the long day she’d had.

She typed and typed, adding some of her newest ideas to her story, which was taking shape bit by bit. When she came to the part with the armor she added some of the ideas her online friend had included in his sketch. Pegasus was actually a pretty cool guy for a boy her age.

Usually she found the boys in her class to be annoying and immature. Also she would never dare to tell any of them about the stuff she liked let alone show them what she had written. But with him talking about this stuff came easy. Maybe because she knew that he was also into fantasy stuff and wouldn’t mock her.

Well, she actually had technically told Takakura and Momo Ayase about her dream of becoming an author of fantasy light novels. But that had only happened because Mai had bothered her with her idol obsession.

And even now the little pesky guardian spirit was floating in a corner of her room, searching for ideas for idol outfits in a magazine.

“What do you think about French Pink?” she asked Rin “It’s really en vogue these days.”

“Not my color! Also, I told you I want something subtle.”

“Idols aren’t meant to be subtle, Rin! And I think a flamingo outfit would look really cute on you!”

“What is is with you and the animal outfits? Why can’t I get something like this?” she held up her notebook, showing the background image by Pegasus.

Mai moved closer to the screen inspecting the armored heroin curiously.

“I have to admit, the rivets make quite a beautiful pattern and I also like her braided pigtails. Though I wonder how one would manage to make the inserted crystals glow like that.”

“Tiny batteries.”

“Or, you need to ask your yokai bestie to create the outfit with her magic.” Mai teased “Though I would of course have to make some changes.”

“Oh, no you won’t!” Rin could already imagine that the outfit would become much more revealing if Mai got her way with it. And though she felt a longing to wear that armor, she wouldn’t ask her "guardian spirit" for it.

“Also, where would I even wear something like that?” Rin let herself sink into her mattress again, looking at the sealing.

It was only now that she remembered that Pegasus had asked about her latest chapter, so she opened up the website to send it to him, but stopped for a second when she saw the colorful banner announcing the FantastiCon. It was the biggest convention for anything fantasy and Sci-Fi in the area. She had wanted to go for years, but there had just never been time and nobody whom she could have gone with. And Rin felt awkward going by herself.

But then she saw the announcement for the musical acts.

“Do you happen to go to this years FantastiCon?” She asked PrincePegasus9000, trying to come across as casual.

“I was thinking about it. Why?” he replied pretty much right away. She knew that he was usually online in the evenings.

“My favorite band is going to be the headliner this year 🤩”

“Brave Force? I'm not familiar with them, I'm afraid. But you should go and see them, if you enjoy their music.”

“Enjoy? They are one of my biggest inspirations! You should really listen to their newest album! It’s amazing 😍”

“Maybe I should 😄” He replied.

“Maybe we could go together?”

Rin looked at the screen and blushed. It almost sounded like she was asking him out. Not that she wouldn’t go on a date with Pegasus, but a guy like him most certainly had a girlfriend.

“I’m not asking you out! You won’t have anything to explain to your girlfriend. I’ve just never been to a convention and don’t feel like going alone.”

“Don’t worry! I have no girlfriend. And I would really like to go to FantastiCon with you.”

Rin felt her cheeks blush even more. She pressed her notebook against her chest and sighed.

“What’s the matter?” Mai asked, moving closer to her.

“Oh, it’s nothing...”

Chapter Text

Ken smiled softly to himself when he walked into the classroom. He had just said “See ya later!” to Momo, after holding her hand the whole way they walked together to school. Finally being able to do that felt simply wonderful. He was looking forward to spending the break with her and their friends, discussing UFOs – uh UAPs and Kaiju and whatever else came up today.

Ken's daydream was suddenly interrupted when someone bumped into his desk.

“Private! Finally you are here! It's an emergency!” Kinta whisper-shouted.

Ken stood upright in a second: “What is it? Have the Kur come back for revenge? Is a spirit haunting the school? Have you seen Mothman?”

“No! It's much much worse!” Kinta sighed “A girl I like asked me to go to the convention next week!”

Ken dropped back onto his chair with a sigh, before he replied: “That sounds great, actually. Will you go?”

“Of course! But I'm a little worried. What if something goes terribly wrong? I need a plan to ensure there won't be any mishaps or unforeseen situations at the convention! I've made a chart with precise tasks for every member of the Cultural History Research Club for that day.”

“You are talking about club activities?” Vamola turned around from her desk in front of Ken's.

“Vamola, could you please give us a second?” Ken smiled at his friend and grabbed Kinta by his arm, pulling the boy back to his own desk at the back of the room.

“I don't think completely planning out a date like this is a good idea.”

“It's not a date.”

“Well, still I don't think it's a good idea trying to avoid messy situations. Life is messy and sometimes it's the messy situations which make people grow closer. Just think about how we became friends.”

Kinta furrowed his brow: “You could be right.”

“If you are nervous about going to the convention with this girl, maybe you should ask her out for tea or something first.”

There was a spark in his friend's eyes.

“That's actually a brilliant idea private!”

Ken felt relieved that Kinta wouldn't involve their whole club in his “not a date”, still he worried that he had not yet brought across the point he had wanted to make. But class was about to start, so he returned to his desk. Maybe they could continue their conversation during PE.

In the boys changing room he sat next to Kinta when they were tying their shoes.

“Hey! About what we talked about this morning...”

“Yes?”

“That girl who asked you to go to the convention with her...”

“A girl asked you out, Kin-kun? Wooh! Good for you bro!” Jiji suddenly slid in and offered Kinta a fist bump, who plainly ignored him.

“... is she from school or...?” Ken picked up the conversation again.

“Oh, no! She's way cooler than any of the girls from school – no offense. We met on that online fan platform. She's really smart and funny and she's an amazing writer!”

“So, you haven't met in person before?” Ken inquired.

“Well, not actually. But I got a great idea after our conversation this morning! She really likes music and fantasy stories, “ he said holding up the backside of his Sci-Fi magazine “So, I thought that I will ask her to go to this place with me this weekend!”

Chapter Text

Momo was waiting in line at the school's store to get some Pompy for Miko, Muko and herself, when a vaguely voice that made her feel a little on edge asked:

“Momo Ayase?”

She turned around and saw Rin Sawaki, the class rep from her boyfriend Ken's class pulling a strand of brown hair behind her ear.

“What?” Momo asked, defensively “I'm not bothering anyone, just standing here in line, am I?”

“Oh, I'd say so!” Aira said and stepped up next to her “Trouble is basically your middle name.”

Then she noticed the class rep and eyed her with her typical condescension: “Oh, it's you.”

“I need to talk to Miss Ayase!” Rin announced, still somewhat hushed, but more assertive.

“A Date at a musical theater?!”

The girls sat in some quiet corner of the schoolyard, sharing the Pompy. Momo would get some new ones for her friends later.

Rin just nodded. She seemed terribly timid to Momo. But love sure worked in mysterious ways.

“What is he like?” Aira asked, sipping on her Pompy, trying to look less interested than she actually was. Momo knew Aira had a soft spot for sappy romance.

“Oh, he is a real gentleman. We've been writing for months and...”

“Oh, wait a minute!” Momo intervened “You've been writing?”

“Yes! We met online.”

“Oh, then you shouldn't go. I'm certain he's just some pervert!” Aira said, as if she had years of experience with dating boys.

“I hate to say it, but I'm with Aira on this one.” Momo said “Even though you are going to a public place. You shouldn't go alone to that date.”

“I wouldn't mind going to the musical theater.” Aira remarked, casually swinging the Pompy in her hand.

“It's musical theater with robots.” Momo reminded her.

“I'd still go. I'm no snob!” her friend retorted. They were ready to kick each other's chins and pull each other's hair.

“I'd actually rather go with Miss Ayase.” Rin stammered.

The other two girls looked at her surprised.

“Since she is in a relationship and a really responsible person I think she'd be better at giving me advice.”
Rin explained and Momo could already see the flames shoot up in Aira's eyes
“And also, I don't feel comfortable bringing such a beautiful single girl to my date.” she added and the flames turned into sparkling stars.

“Aww, okay! Enjoy your little date you two!” Aira said waving goodbye “Thank you for the drink!”

“I need to head back to my classroom.” Momo sighed while getting up “But I'll come to the date with you. I want my friends to be save.”

She gave Rin a determined smile and the bespectacled girl blushed a little before smiling back.

Chapter Text

DarkRavenXXX: Hey! How are you?

PrincePegasus9000: I'm pretty good. How about you?

DarkRavenXXX: Me too. About theater this weekend. Would it be fine, if I brought along a friend of mine?

Rin waited for a moment, sighed but then decided to do what Momo Ayase had told her: “Just be honest. If he is as great a guy as you say, it'll be fine. And if Aira is right and he ends up being a perv I'm gonna make him regret going after unassuming girls!”

DarkRavenXXX: I'm actually a little nervous. I've no experience with going out with boys, so I'd be glad to have her around.

Kinta realized that his heart was beating a little faster. From her writing he had assumed DarkRaven to be this cool and self-assure person. It moved him that she was so vulnerable in front of him.

PrincePegasus9000: That sounds like a great idea! 😉 I will ask my best friend to join us too.

DarkRavenXXX: The one you said the awkward nerd in my story reminded you of? 😀

PrincePegasus9000: Actually, among the two of us I might be the more awkward one, if I'm completely honest 😳 I guess I just wanted you to think that I'm cool.

I'd never guessed that you'd be nervous though. You always seem so self-assure and cool. And I've never been out with a girl either, if that helps your nervousness a little.

Rin looked at the screen and felt her face get hot. He wanted her to think that he was cool! He thought that she was cool and self-assure!

And sure, she felt much less inhibited when writing with him than she did when talking to boys in real life. But she had always assumed this was mostly due to the online setting. He had always seemed like this ideal image of a guy, to good to be true. But he was actually just an awkward kid, just like her.

DarkRavenXXX: I think it's awesome that you are telling me all that. I feel much better already.

By the way, I think that you are by far the coolest boy I know 🥰

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday! 😊

PrincePegasus9000: I'm really looking forward to seeing you too! Good night! ❤️

DarkRavenXXX: Good Night! ❤️

Rin close her notebook and let herself drop onto her bed. She felt dizzy and her heart was beating like crazy. She only knew this feeling from reading an exiting romantic scene in a light novel. This rush of emotional high right before the two leads kiss or confess their feelings, while dangling over the edge of a cliff or otherwise being in lethal danger. It was thrilling and befuddling. She sighed before she got up and changed into her pajamas. Pegasus was the only thing on her mind, when she slowly drifted off into sleep.

When Kinta returned from the bathroom the levity and warmth he had felt after the conversation with DarkRaven was still there. She was truly awesome, outright telling him that she was nervous and inexperienced, just like that. It had caused him to admit that maybe when he had talked about Takakura-kun and himself, he had let his friend appear in a somewhat unflattering light, in order to make himself look slightly cooler. DarkRaven was so amazing, she just made him felt like he could completely be himself around her. No trying to master the secret art of being attractive. She just accepted him, even called him cool for being open about his weaknesses.

His thoughts and dreams were filled with DarkRaven and that he would finally get to meet her this weekend.

Chapter Text

“Private! I require your participation on a super important mission this weekend.”

Kinta had tiptoed to Ken's desk unnoticed once more. He put down his magazine and glanced up at his friend, looking at him seriously.

“I thought we talked about this. I'm not going to help you with some secret set-up for your date. You should really just do something you both enjoy and see where it goes.”

“And I listen to your great wisdom.” Kinta sighed “It's just that she wants to bring a friend along and I said I'm going to bring you.”

“But I'm in a committed relationship.”

“It's not like that!” Kinta emitted, then added a bit more quietly: “You'd just be my emotional support unit. Please, Takakura! You're the only person I can ask!”

“You could ask Vamola.” Ken suggested. He and Momo hadn't gotten a lot of time alone recently and they had agreed to reserve this weekend for some couple time.

“Although Miss Vamola is one of our strongest allies I don't feel like it would suitable to bring her on a date, considering our history...” Kinta said, once again with a very serious expression which made Ken wonder if Kinta thought that Vamola used to have a thing for him or if he just didn't want to make her feel awkward, playing wingwoman for a guy who once clearly had a crush on her.

“Okay, but how about Jiji?”

“Pretty boy?! No way!!!” Kinta seemed shocked.

“He's funny, charming, gets along with everyone...”

“Which is exactly the problem!” Kinta was now whispering “What girl would go on a date with him and not immediately fall for his sunny boy charms?”

“Uhm... I know quite a lot of girls like that, actually.” Ken remarked “Also, your Lady Raven is there to meet you – the one and only Kinta Sakata.” he smiled.

“It's actually DarkRaven, but you might be right.” Kinta sighed “Still, I'd really like you to join me. I heard they also have a scene with a Kaiju.”

“Okay, I'll talk with Momo and ask her if we can move our plans for Saturday evening.”

"You are amazing Private! I will suggest you for a Outstanding Friendship Medal!"

Chapter Text

Club Meetings were Vamola's favorite time of the school week. Sure, she liked the other classes just fine, but discussing and researching cultural history with her friends was clearly the highlight.

This meeting they had to decide on what they wanted to contribute to the upcoming school fair.

“I think we should do a Maid Café. It's super cute and represents a special part of Japanese culture.” Aira concluded.

“Ugh! I already have to deal with this at work – I'm not going to put up with this at school as well.” Momo sighed.

“That's why you won't be doing service.” Aira countered.

“Are you for real? I'm the only one with service work experience, not to mention first hand experience of the real work environment...”

“Let's do robots then!” Kinta interrupted the burgeoning resentment.

“Well, it's kind of hard to make Robots interactive, isn't it? How about Karaoke? Everyone enjoys that!” Rin retorted.

Vamola didn't like the tension building in the room, she held up the book on cultural studies she had been reading to learn more about her new home, showing a colorful page filled with explosions.

She announced: “How about we do fireworks?”

“That's a great idea! We should combine fireworks and robots!” Kinta declared.

“That sounds terribly dangerous!” Rin pointed out “Also, we probably won't get a permission to do something that could cause such a fire hazard on school grounds. Especially during the fair.”

“But that's just no fun!” Kinta complained.

“It's not always about fun, you know?” she shot back.

“You're an unbearable goody-two-shoes, you know that?” he jibed.

“Well, at least I'm not a no-good man-child.” she replied, clearly upset.

“Guys! Guys! Please calm down!” Ken rose to speak “There is no need to get so upset about this. We can also do a poster exhibition about everything that's been mentioned so far.”

“Or we could do a haunted classroom experience.” Momo suggested with a smirk.

Suddenly the room was filled with chatter, since everyone liked the idea and started suggesting things they could add to the haunted experience.

“I want to jump at people and scare them!” Jiji said.

“I'd like to do everyone's makeup!” Aira requested.

“We will need creepy music!” Rin gushed.

“I'll just wear my suite and either join Jiji or just pass out leaflets in the hallways!”

Vamola laughed, pleased that her friends were working towards a common goal again.