The weekend loomed, a glorious two-day escape from the fluorescent lights and droning lectures of Westbridge High. You and Anya were sprawled on your living room floor, surrounded by a chaotic mess of discarded snacks and open graphic novels. You were neck-deep in the latest installment of "Saga," a sci-fi epic you both adored, when a commercial for the upcoming anime convention flashed on the TV.

Anya's eyes widened. "The cosplay masquerade! I've been dying to go, but..." she trailed off, biting her lip.