The negativity swirling around the fandom, from the stalker to the petty forum drama instigated by 'Hime-Hime,' was taking its toll. As Lore Master, I felt we needed to do something big, something positive, to reset the tone of the community.
During a late-night moderator call, I pitched my idea.
"A charity livestream," I announced to the other admins. "We'll organize it. Ectiqa-sama can play a game, or do a Q&A, and we'll raise money for a good cause. It will bring everyone together and show the world what the Ectiqa Alliance is really about: positivity and support."
The idea was met with unanimous enthusiasm. M-Chan, the head admin, said she would reach out to Ectiqa's official contact to pitch the idea.
Of course, 'M-Chan' was Miki, and the official contact was also Miki. Two days later, a message appeared in the staff chat.
M-Chan: Great news, everyone! Ectiqa-sama loves the idea! She has agreed to do a two-hour charity stream next Saturday. She trusts us to handle the organization. Starlight_Knight_01, since this was your idea, would you be willing to take the lead on the technical and planning side?
My heart swelled with pride. She trusted us. She trusted me.
"Of course," I typed back immediately. "It would be my honor."
And so began the strangest collaboration of my life. I was now, for all intents and purposes, producing an event for my own sister. Miki acted as the firewall between us. I would send detailed plans, timelines, and technical checklists to 'M-Chan.' Miki would then present them to Rina in their studio.
"Okay, so Starlight_Knight_01 suggests using this specific streaming software," Miki would say, reading from her phone. "He says it has better audio compression and will make your voice sound clearer."
"Okay," Rina would reply, nodding seriously. This 'Knight-san' was so thorough, so professional. He seemed to think of everything. It made her feel incredibly secure and cared for. Her crush, which had been a warm ember, was starting to glow like a forge.
The irony was thick enough to be spread on toast.
One afternoon, I was drafting a list of potential talking points and Q&A questions for the stream. I wanted her to be prepared.
Starlight_Knight_01 to M-Chan: Suggestion for the Q&A - maybe Ectiqa-sama could talk about her favorite childhood anime? It humanizes her and lets fans connect on a nostalgic level.
Miki read the message to Rina. Rina smiled. "That's a great idea. He's so thoughtful."
Later that evening, I was watching TV in the living room when Rina walked by.
"Hey, Rina," I said conversationally. "What was the name of that cartoon we used to watch with the princess and the laser sword?"
"'Starlight Paladin,'" she answered automatically, not even looking up from her phone. "Why?"
"No reason," I said, a grin on my face as I typed a note on my phone. "Just remembered it."
The seamless, oblivious teamwork was perfect. I was providing the structure; she was providing the talent. Together, through a wall of secrecy and a proxy moderator, we were building something amazing. Rina felt more connected to Starlight_Knight_01 than ever. He wasn't just a supporter; he was a partner, a collaborator she could implicitly trust. The thought of finally meeting him properly one day was both terrifying and thrilling. She imagined someone cool, calm, and incredibly suave.
She had no idea her suave, professional partner was currently in the next room, eating cereal straight from the box and arguing with Kenji via text about which giant robot was the strongest.