#it’d be pretty silly of DE to make this a good/bad choice like a name shouldn’t have a moral quandary on it like somehow a name imparts evil

[exaltedhysteria]

Probably been done but I’m genuinely curious so

(For the record since I’ve seen this crop up, I’m sure this isn’t like a good/evil option, I myself think the colours on the names are just like ‘what would Jade have named them/what would Stalker have named them’ - I picked Orion myself.)

[thankskenpenders]

While we still have three issues left featuring stories written by Karl Bollers, we’ve pretty much come to the end of his run as lead writer on Archie Sonic. As I’ve said many times, his work certainly had flaws, and there were stories of his that bored me. (I definitely could’ve done with less stories where Sally’s parents prevent her from joining the action.) But there were also many I quite enjoyed, and on average I’d say his stories were usually pretty okay. He definitely went out on a high note with Return to Angel Island, though. That’s for sure

In this post, I’d like to look over the list of scrapped story ideas listed on Bollers’ wiki page, and give some thoughts. Had he continued writing Sonic, this is what he would have done

Sonic and Amy becoming a couple after being stranded at sea together and keeping it a secret from Princess Sally.

Ehh... I’d have to see how this really played out. Sega was pushing SonAmy super hard at the time with Sonic X, though, and the Archie comics had barely even acknowledged Amy’s crush on Sonic, so I guess something like this had to happen eventually. I’m also sure it wouldn’t have lasted long, since it was obvious Bollers would have Sonic and Sally reconcile eventually

Tails reuniting with his parents by traveling into space on a modified Tornado.

This would’ve been pretty neat, honestly! I’d just hope that Tails wouldn’t stay out in space for too long

Amy's origins being explored in a fuller adaptation of Sonic CD.

Very cool! Definitely would’ve liked to see this. But Ian ended up doing more with Amy and incorporating the stories of the Genesis era games into the comics later on, so I guess we didn’t really lose much by not getting this story from Bollers

Knuckles departing Angel Island after learning that his presence exposes the location of the Master Emerald, going on a global pilgrimage to learn martial arts, and battling a Dr. Eggman controlled-Monkey Khan while under the control of the Iron Queen before discovering the Master Geode.

Now THIS sounds cool. While I’m not exactly a fan of Monkey Khan, I think sending Knuckles off on a big adventure and having him learn more fighting skills would be a great use of his character. Way better than having him sit around on Angel Island all day, that’s for sure. And after how great Return to Angel Island was, I would’ve loved to see more Knuckles stories from Bollers

Mammoth Mogul beginning to age rapidly due to his original Chaos Emerald running out of energy, forcing him to seek out alternative sources through illicit archaeological expeditions and hiring mercenaries like Nack the Weasel. The Master Geode, a powerful gemstone that would fulfill Mogul's needs, would be contested by him, the Iron Queen, Robotnik, and Rouge the Bat.

Also pretty cool. I’m assuming this is all part of the same overarching story as Knuckles’ martial arts training. It’d be fun to see this combination of new and old game characters as well as old Archie characters vying for power. I also love that all these forces would be vying for control of this powerful gem, but then Rouge is also there because... she just wants it. All of these characters would have their time to shine in Ian’s run, though

Sally being a pawn in a villainous plot by the corrupted Source of All and Ixis Naugus to prevent the future first previewed in Sonic In Your Face.

Antoine gaining his scar due to an accident with a knife and becoming a villain after allowing himself to be possessed by a corrupted Source of All in hopes of winning Bunnie back.

The Source of All surviving Robotropolis' destruction and reconstituting itself in a remote mountain range, beginning to exert control over King Max, brainwashing the Arachne and another group of Spiders known as the Strand, and possessing Antoine while under the control of Ixis Naugus.

We’ve already talked about this canceled subplot before, but oh man, I would’ve loved this. I always hated the concept of the Source of All, and the idea that Max’s actions were all justified by some sort of omniscient future vision. The Acorn family rituals surrounding the Source were also already extremely creepy, so turning their bonding with the Source into a bad thing would’ve been an incredibly easy pill to swallow

Bunnie and Antoine breaking up due to a change in Antoine's personality, with Bunnie's origins later being explored and her true name being revealed as Scarlette O'Hare

I mean, Bunnie’s last name being Rabbot (pronounced Rab-OH) was always silly, but I don’t know if we really needed this. Y’all know I’m down for more Bunnie, though

Rotor retiring from field duty in order to pursue a role analogous to that played by "Q" of James Bond fame.

They’d already been leaving him out of missions for years. I guess this makes sense, and at least turning him into the guy who makes the gadgets for everyone would give him a more clearly defined role

Locke and Lara-Le putting aside their previous disputes to help raise Knecapeon "Kneecaps" Mace after his father Wynmacher ends up in the Egg Grape Chamber.

I’ve talked about all this a bit before. Really not sure what to think of it. My gut instinct is that I don’t like the idea of Locke reuniting with Lara-Le at all. He hasn’t earned her forgiveness. But I’d have to see how Bollers wrote it, I guess

Robotnik kidnapping Hope Kintobor under the pretense that he is the only correct choice to be her legal guardian, while genuinely using her as bait to lure in Shadow the Hedgehog.

Not sure how I feel about Hope getting kidnapped, but the mental image of literal tyrant Dr. Eggman going to child protective services and pretending he’d be a good guardian for Hope as part of a scheme to get Shadow is really funny to me

Ixis Naugus attempting to return by transforming Max's body into a duplicate of his own, only to be thwarted by the destruction of the Crown of Acorns

I would’ve liked to see Naugus explored more, but hey! Ian sure used him a lot. So this is another case where we aren’t missing out on much

Nate Morgan surviving the destruction of Robotropolis, being De-Roboticized by the Bem, and returning as Coconuts' amnesia-addled ally, who creates a new Metal Sonic, Metal Amy, Metal Knuckles, and Tails Doll that are mistaken for Robian versions of the heroes.

This would’ve been a REALLY interesting development. Bollers was very open about how he hated the direction Nate Morgan had gone in and had some interesting plans to bring him back. And, well, this is it. Kind of reminds me of a certain subplot with Eggman in the IDW comics, except in reverse

I also love how this would’ve brought in Metal Knuckles, Tails Doll, and a new Metal Amy. Bollers really seemed to be enjoy bringing in elements from the older games in his later years at Archie, with much of the action in Return to Angel Island taking place in actual zones from S3&K. Getting Coconuts involved is also wild. This would’ve been a really fun story

Snively taking up a fifteen foot-tall mechanical battlesuit and the alias "Skarkus" in pursuit of revenge against Robotnik for leaving him alone against the Xorda, leading to an alliance between him and Shadow.

Yeah, this one sure is. Something. Honestly I have no idea how it would turn out. It’d be all about the execution

A.D.A.M. and NICOLE becoming romantically involved, leading to A.D.A.M. seizing control of the Shadowbot army and leading them from New Megaopolis to Knothole.

Okay I hate this one lol. But to be fair, I mostly hate it because the other writers ended up taking Nicole in a completely different direction and giving her her lynx form (and eventually pairing her with Sally). Bollers had no way of knowing that Nicole would become such a central character, so I can’t really blame him for having an idea like this, I guess

A new Dingo Regime leader named Colonel Mange being introduced, with Croctobot, Jack Rabbit, and Gala-Na being reintroduced as Robotnik Sub-Bosses over Downunda, the Great Desert, and Albion. This would have led to the disappearance of the Downunda Freedom Fighters and a confrontation involving the Mercian Freedom Fighters.

Ah, the beginnings of Eggman having Mobian sub-bosses working for him. I guess Kage in Return to Angel Island was really the start of this, but still. Gala-Na becoming a subordinate of Eggman actually makes a lot of sense to me. She was already an antagonist in the Chaos Knuckles arc, and it’s painfully obvious that the Albion echidnas are selfish pricks who only look out for themselves. If she thought that siding with Eggman would protect Albion, I totally think she’d sell out

Anti-Sonic coming to enjoy impersonating Sonic and enjoying the love of his parents and adulation of his people, leading him to plan to eliminate Sonic and permanently take his place.

This one’s also kinda interesting I suppose, although we definitely got no shortage of Anti-Sonic impersonating Sonic in the last year of Penders stories. Can’t say I’m dying to see this story told

---

So, all in all, definitely some interesting ideas! If there’s two major throughlines I see in this plans, it’s 1) bringing back forgotten elements from both the games and earlier comics and 2) reinventing Penders characters and concepts. Which makes a lot of sense, because that’s exactly what he was doing with Return to Angel Island

Part of me is sad that these stories were never told. The Source of All being evil and Knuckles’ martial arts training stand out to me in particular. But there are other ideas that are pretty similar to things Ian would do in his run, like Eggman having Mobian sub-bosses or Naugus coming back, so it’s hard to feel too sad. It’s also hard to know how good the execution would’ve been on these pitches

Of course, if there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that these stories probably would’ve been better than the ones we actually got from Penders and Chacon over the next year and a half

[chanzicoup]

Love Game (VIXX Leo x Reader)

Summary: Leo is the school's heart breaker that goes for the nerdy girl Cassandra Park. He makes a bet with her that within 5 days he'll make her fall in love and if she does she'll have to grant one wish of his and if he fails then he'll grant a wish of hers.

A/N: I hope you enjoy this original fluff that I turned into angst because I have no soft side :)

Warning: Touches very lightly on social anxiety (like only mentions it for a few seconds), mentions a broken family/divorce, abandonment

Count: 3.4 k

Genre: Fluff w/ slight Angst

~Blake

Day One

Leo, tall, handsome, and cocky as hell. It was your first day and you knew this much about him. You had a cousin in the school, his name was Hongbin and he was in most of you classes. Hongbin told you to watch out for Leo because he was the type of guy to use the girls in school as a play toy. He was also just a bad guy in general; the only reason why he wasn’t kicked out of school is because his dad owns the property.

Oh and Leo’s rich too. Something else you justified with the fact he was wearing sunglasses indoors.

“Cassandra!” Your cousin Hongbin called from the other end of the hall. Other’s often assumed you were siblings from how similar you looked. You both had round glasses, thanks to the poor eyesight you two got from your grandfather’s genes, curly hair that you preferred to keep in a low hanging braid, and deep dimples no one else in your family had. You two were also some of the smartest kids in your grade and that was enough to tell the whole world you two were complete nerds. No dating for you guys. Hongbin ran over to his locker, which was next to yours, and opened it up. Hongbin and you were getting books from you neighboring lockers when you heard girls squeal and guys whistle. You turned your head to see Leo and his group of soccer teammates all walking in sync and if you had to say anything nice about Leo it would be that he is handsome. Yet you were sure his looks don’t compensate for his personality. Its wrong to judge a book by its cover but you felt this was a different situation.

“Gosh this guy. He used to be chill until his body started filling out.” You heard Hongbin suck in his teeth and slam his locker shut.

“How do you know that?” You ask while shutting your locker. Hongbin leaned against the wall with his weight being supported by his shoulders before telling a story about his history with Leo.

“Remember that town I used to live in before I moved to Seoul?” He asked and you nodded as an answer. If you recall correctly it was a pretty small area. “In the town everyone knew everyone and all the kids played with each other. He was one of the kids I hung out with when I got done school. He would play with all the kids, even if they weren’t good at whatever game they were playing. I don’t know what happened but he began treating people like garbage and acted like he was all that.”

You turn back to Leo, who was now flirting with some of the cheerleaders, and wondered how such a jerk could’ve once been a friendly kid. Leo caught your eyes and winked with a smirk. Instead of blushing like he expected you rolled your eyes and turned back to Hongbin. “What do you want to do after school today? Should we go to Auntie’s Store?” You asked, hopefully to change the subject you obviously didn’t want to start in the first place. The “Auntie” was you and Hongbin’s other Aunt, your mother had two sister’s. One was Hongbin’s mom and the other was a store owner. They all lived remotely close to each other, more now then before Hongbin’s family moved here.

“I was thinking we could go check out that new Thai place down the street- hey!” Hongbin was no longer in view and in his place was Leo, who was suavely leaning his arm against the lockers.

“Why hello there.” Leo greeted. Rude.

“Hello. Now good bye.” You walked around him to go to your homeroom with Hongbin but Leo grabbed your wrist.

“Let go of me!” Hongbin was about to intervene but Leo glared at him.

“I only want to talk. Alone.” He said. You rolled your eyes and urged Hongbin to go on without you.

“Now what. I am busy.” You weren’t pilled with work, but there was better things for you to do then to talk to this guy.

“Go out with me.”

“I literally just met you.” You scoffed, this guy has no shame, does he?

“And yet you were staring.” He smirked.

“First of all, I was glaring. That’s not a stare, and if it was then it’s not a stare that meant I was interested in dating you. Second of all, after what I’ve heard about you I wouldn’t trust you to get yourself to school on time. And third of all, I bet you don’t even know my name.” You bombarded him with reasons as to why you won’t go anywhere with him but he pushed them to the side.

“First of all, a stare is a stare. Second of all, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. And third of all just because I don’t know your name doesn’t mean I can’t learn it.” He just doesn’t know when to give up.

“You won’t stop will you? What will it take for you to leave me alone?”

“Give me five days to win your heart. If I get you to show the slightest bit of interest in me you’ll have to go on one date with me. If you still hate me by the end of the five days I’ll grant you any wish you can think of.” Was he serious? The tone in his eyes seemed to be proof enough that he meant what he said and said what he meant.

“Fine. Five days from today, at exactly 8:32 a.m.” yes, you had to look at your watch to see what time the bet was over “you will have to grant me one wish because there’s no way I’d fall for you.”

“See you then, love.” His new pet name for you made you cringe but you went to homeroom any way.

The day progressed the same as it normally would. Nothing out of the routine. No surprise from Leo. If he really wanted to win this bet he set up for himself he’d better get started soon because you were gradually forgetting he even talked to you this morning.

“You still up for thai food?” Hongbin asked while putting his notes away. It was currently the last three minutes of the school day and your teacher ended class moments ago. You figured if Leo would want to do something he would have made it clear to you in some way by now.

“Sure I have no other plans. But you’re paying!” You teased and slung your bag over your shoulder.

“Of course I am! I pay for meals and you pay for coffee!” It may have sounded like he put more money out but in reality you two went out for coffee more then you went out for meals. Also you two often borrowed money from each other with out limit so you’re always in each other’s wallets. But you guys were careful and only borrowed money if it was an emergency.

You walked out of class and almost made it to the door when a voice shouted out to you.

“Cassandra!” Leo called.

“How did he learn my name?” You mumbled. Hongbin looked at you wide eyed.

“You didn’t tell him off this morning?” He asked surprised.

“Tried to but eventually I made a bet with him that if I fall in love with him in 5 days I’d go on a date with him.” I explained my situation in full by the time Leo was with in hearing distance.

“Ready to go?” Leo asked. In his hand was two motor cycle helmets and on his face was a silly smile.

“Go where?” You questioned, “You don���t expect me to go on a motor cycle with you, right?”

“It’d make it easier to get to the place I am taking you, so yes, I do expect you to get on a motor cycle with me.” He thrusts the helmet in to your hands and began dragging you away from Hongbin.

“I guess I’ll have to rain check!” You apologized but Hongbin understood that you really had no choice about the out come of your evening plans. He made a note to himself to check in on you in about an hour to make sure you didn’t die or something before going on his own to get some thai food.

You and Leo were getting looks from everyone in the halls as he had his hand in yours. You blushed but not because of the physical contact. You got shy easily and really hated having this many eyes on you. You just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

“Can you hurry up please.” You whispered to Leo, near tears. You could feel your chest tighten with what the other students were possibly thinking about you.

“Now you’re excited!” He hurried you to his bike excitedly and lifted up the kickstand.

“Put on your helmet and hang on tight.” He chided. You reluctantly put the protection over your face and grasped onto the fabric of his leather jacket and waited for the bike motor to run.

“I’m not starting this thing until you hang on properly.” He cocked his eyebrow up and looked back at you. You knew what he meant but really didn’t want to. You wrapped your arms around his torso unwillingly and hugged it tightly. Then you hear the engine fire up and Leo cheer.

“That’s what I’m talking about!” And with that Leo sped off to a destination unknown to you. The helmet kept your eyes shielded from the wind so you actually got to see the lights of Seoul flashing by you and Leo sped up. If you were honest with yourself you were having a bit of fun, only because you’ve never done anything like this before! No other reason at all. The lights were nice and that was it. If it was night time it’d be prettier.

You did as you were told and held on tightly, jumping and cowering into Leo’s back whenever he picked up speed. He felt bad you got scared and slowed down a little, but not by much or else the thrill could escape! Ten minutes later you two stopped and got off of Leo’s bike. You took off your helmet and looked around, you were on a dirt path.

“No helmet hair?” Leo asked. You turned around in confusion before understanding his question.

“My hair is in a braid so it doesn’t really get messed up easily.” You answered. He nodded and locked up his bike.

“We just have to walk up that path and we’ll be there.” He said.

“Where’s ‘there’?”

“You’ll see.” He smirked.

Day Two

When Leo took me on his bike for a ride I’ll admit it was pretty romantic. He had a picnic set up that was actually delicious. Then he drove me home where Hongbin pestered me with questions. It was fun, but it did not win me over or sweep me off my feet. I guess all that I gained from this was a possible friend? Leo is still a player that I know if I started liking him I’d only get hurt.

Now it’s Saturday, Hongbin went to his friend’s house to work on a project and my family went out to run errands. I sit at my desk, typing up a research paper that wasn’t due for another week. My notes were scattered along my bed and empty water bottles cluttered the ground. I really should look into one of those refillable bottles. Go green kids. A few seconds later I hear a clanging noise and I jump in my chair. There’s no one home and nothing seems to have moved. Is it all in my mind?

Just as I thought that I saw that the noise was coming from my window, little pebbles struck the glass as if they were trying to get my attention. I walk over and see Leo standing in my front yard, one hand holding little rocks and the other holding a bundle of roses. I open my window to ask him what he’s doing but then he sets the flowers down and pulls something out of his pocket. Its a folded piece of paper. He opens it up and lies it on the ground. I look closer and see the paper is a map. Leo then sets the roses down next to the map and runs away. Seconds later I hear his bike riding away.

After changing into appropriate clothes I go outside and observe his map and see it’s a map of the school with certain rooms starred with numbers on them.

On top it’s labeled “Scavenger Hunt” and a little note from Leo is underneath it that read, “If you’re so smart you should figure out where I am :p”

“Oh gosh,” I chuckled. This guy certainly has a childish sense of humor. Maybe Hongbin was wrong about Leo? Nonetheless I should head to the school. Looks like the first room I should go to is my homeroom.

(A short walk later)

Should I be concerned that the school doors weren’t locked? It was really easy to get in. But if I remembered correctly his father owned the school, of course he would let Leo do something like this if he’d asked his father. I entered my homeroom and saw a book bag on my desk. I looked inside and saw it was completely empty except for a note.

“Take this bag, I noticed yours was beginning to rip at the seems.” The handwriting was the same as the handwriting on the map in my pocket, meaning this was Leo’s. I feel a little bad to taking this but I do need a new bag and I don’t have money for a new one. Thanks Leo, you’re a good FRIEND.

I checked the map and went to the next location, the chemistry lab. On one of the lab tables there was a booklet labeled “Science Humor” and it had stupid jokes and puns animated inside. Did I mention how much I loved science jokes? I’m too far out in nerdville.

On the tab inside Leo’s handwriting was found again, this time giving me permission to take the book. Of course I didn’t complain, this was the coolest thing I’ll ever own and I’ll be proud of it too. I chucked the book into the new book bag and checked the map once more.

The next room is actually a hallway. When I arrived I saw there was a trail of flower petals leading to my locker. Inside my locker was a Polaroid picture of Leo on his motorcycle with the caption, “This is how excited I am for our future dates~” and cue the blushing cheeks and the schoolgirl giggles that are silently sounded. No Cassandra. Don’t catch feelings. He’s just being nice. Really really nice.

The final room was the gymnasium, and it even specified the gymnasium with the stage inside of it. Yes, our school has two gyms. I cut through the lunch room to get to the correct gym and when I went in all the lights were off. At first I thought I somehow went the wrong way but then a spotlight shined on the stage, where Leo sat at a piano. Neither of us said a word but we made eye contact and he smirked. His fingers began testing keys on the piano before notes came together to form a rhythmic melody. Moments later Leo began singing and I melted into a giddy smile. No one’s ever done anything like this  for me before.

Day Three

It was a new day and while the past few have been joyful and times of happiness, it was only bound to have some bad luck due. This morning started off like no other, I had come downstairs to see my mother crying and my dad tugging away a heavy looking suitcase out the front door. I was too shocked to speak, I could tell what was happening. I had just never seen it coming. I’ve never heard them arguing but then again I haven’t heard them speak more than two words to each other for months. I assumed they talked more when I was in school or when I wasn’t around. My parents are breaking up and I couldn’t stop it. My father came back in to grab the bag on the couch, and met eyes with me. He only tipped his hat before turning his back on me.

My mother looked at me for a brief moment before I stormed back upstairs, where the feeling of emptiness is doubled now that I realize my father is gone. I had to get out of there. When I shut the door behind me I leaned my back against it and slid down to wrap my arms around my legs. I heard my phone ring from my night stand and I was going to let it ring until it stopped but it only continued for another ten minutes. I had had enough and pressed the answer button with out even checking the ID.

“Not now.” I covered my mouth with my hand to muffle a whimper as the caller spoke.

“Cassandra, why did it take you so long?” It was Leo, I could tell it was him by his laugh. I can’t face him now, he can’t see me like this!

“Sorry.” I sniffled, “I was…preoccupied.”

“You sound down. Is something happening?” I heard the concern rise in his tone and panicked.

“Nothing is the matter, Leo don’t worry.” Maybe if I try hard enough he’ll believe me.

“Don’t lie, I can hear you choking up.” Tears slipped out of my control and I lost all of my power over my emotions and broke down.

“Oh god, I’ll be right there. Wait for me!” He asked and hung up, leaving me alone once more.

Leo’s POV

I knew something was out of order when she didn’t pick up her cell. As soon I noticed her voice was broken I was already slipping on my shoes and heading out the door. I rushed over to her house and saw her front door was open and a woman was crying at the kitchen table. I ran past her and rushed up the stairs, where yet another cry was sounded.

“Cas!” I shouted. I checked every door until I found the one where she was. Her small body is curled up tightly on her bed and her face was hidden inside of her palms. I came over and enveloped her in a hug, where she put her head in my chest as she let it all out. She went on and I rubbed comforting circles on her back and gave it a loving pat when I felt it was needed.

3rd POV

Neither of the two knew how long they were embracing one another. Leo had offered to get Cas out of her house and she allowed him to. Their ride on his motor cycle was comfortable and helped her calm down. She needed to forget what had happened at home and move on. Her father was never coming back and her mother would never be the same. All she had was Leo and she could only pray he wouldn’t leave too. She had finally opened her eyes to how she felt about him.

When they arrived to Leo’s house he led her to his guest bedroom, which was right next to his in case she needed him. He was about to leave Cas be to give her some possibly needed space but she grabbed on to his wrist with tears beginning to fill again.

“Don’t leave me too.” Leo’s heart broke at her words, she thought he was just like her father. Kneeling to her eye level Leo cupped her tear stained cheeks and earnestly looked into her eyes as he promised he was never going anywhere with out her. He needed her. He loved her just as she loved him, and he didn’t need another two days to figure that one out for himself. He would’ve wished for her to be his anyway if he had won.