Blissful Ignorance

I, z Black Roze, do challenge ewe to z duel.

Sphinx: Rose, drop the French accent. No one can understand a word you're saying.
Rose:
Sphinx: And...it's not a duel. Just a challenge.
Rose: *sniffles* You're no fun!!!!
Sphinx: *sighs* And you're a week late!
Rose: I KNOW! *frumps* But thanks for not making me feel guilty about it.
Sphinx: You're welcome.
Rose:

OKAY, so, sharpen your pencils, and wind up those keyboards or etcha sketches, whatever it is you have, and let's.... CHALLENGE!!!!!


We're taking the first 99 fanfics and fanarts for BI's official challenge - 99 Ways to Propose to Relena!

So, GO!

Sphinx: Ummm, Rose, there's a few addendums, privisos, and a couple of quid pro quo.

Rose: *sigh* Again. No fun.

Yes, yes...RULES and Regulations are as follows:

Limitations on writers: Each piece should be no longer than a maximum of 2500 words. We're being a little more liberal than the snog challenge which we're modeling (101 ways to Snog en route to a colony), but still, we don't want you to labor too hard. 800 words minimum, 2500 maximum.

No more than 6 pieces per author. So Houdini over there with 8 fics hiding under his life vest can only submit 6 of them.

Houdini: *tries to look angelic*

Couples: Primary couple should be someone male x Relena. Can be from another anime, but we do have a few limitations.

Limitations on Couples: Couples not 1xR are limited to a maximum of 8 fics/fanarts per pairing. So, no more than eight 2xR fics or fanarts will be accepted in the total count of 99 ways. Likewise, no more than eight 3xR fics or fanarts. The only couple that has no limitation on number of fics/fanarts (aside from total number accepted of each), is Heero x Relena - for, I would think obvious reasons (site, dedicated, more fans here, blah blah, fill in blank here).

Couples we do NOT accept are as follows: Dermail x Relena, Tsuberov x Relena, Legato Blue Summers x Relena, Gauln (Gauron) x Relena, Zechs x Relena, Mr. Darlian x Relena. Do you catch the pattern here? In other words, old icky, and/or insane icky, and/or incestual relations, and/or evil villains should not be proposing to Relena.

Couples we will accept DO include crossover pairings. If you want to have Gourry propose to Relena, by all means. Or Sano, or Li Sayoran, be my guest. Just as long as you adhere to the rules of NO old/icky guys, psycho/icky guys, incestual relations, or evil villains of any sort.... Yes, crossover pairings are allowed. *giggles at the thought of a Wolverine x Relena*

BI visitors: O.o
Rose: Woops. Sorry...

Original characters - you're going to have to really sell me on it. So, as of right now, no OC x Relena, without written permission from Rose or Sphinx.

Limitations on Artists: We're looking to get a minimum of 12 pieces of artwork. Other than that, sky's the limit, with the exception of number per pairing. Again, no more than 8 per pairing (except 1xR. Heero x Relena can have more than 8 ).


I think that's it. This challenge will remain open until we receive 99 pieces.

Please email, PM, or post a reply here if you have questions.

FICS should be posted to...the appropriate forum and the contest forum, or just the contest forum. I will be making up a page with all the fics as we begin to receive entries.

Soooooo! *rubs hands together* Have fun! Hope to see lots of proposal fics! YAY!!!!



Love,
Rose

PS - No death fics. As always, I prefer happy endings, but angst is permitted, just, no DEATH fics.

i was wondering does relena actually have to acept the offer?

Same question as Scarlet! and one other... Can she recieve more than one proposal?

I received an email from Sphinx the love/fluff nazi *giggles*. Since the challenge is dedicated to her, she says she wants it to be that Relena EITHER says yes, or it's left open where the audience presumes she said yes.

In other words, if you wanted to have a plotline where like the last sentence or one of the very last sentences is the man proposing to Relena, we don't have to hear her answer if you've implied that she'll accept. However, it SHOULD be at least implied that Relena will say yes.

So, in that vein, I'd have to say that Relena CAN'T receive more than one proposal. Though that sorta puts a crimp in my fic idea, I think. Hmmmmmm....

*runs off to compose email to Sphinx*

Those are the answers for now. If you have more specific questions regarding your storyline, PM or email me and/or Sphinx for further clarification.

Thanks guys and I hope to see your fics soon!!!!

Love,
Rose

Hi everyone! This is the fluff patrol! (Just kidding!)

Trying to further clarify on Rose's answers to the infamous question of whether or not Relena has to accept a proposal...

I just re-read our guidelines, and we did indeed say angst was allowed (though certainly not deathfics) so now I am starting to rethink my decision on whether or not Relena has to say yes.

Let me just tell you what I was thinking...
For this challenge I kinda had in mind that the fictions would be of a happier sort. That doesn't necessarily mean all butterflies and roses and fluffy things, not at all. I just wanted the fics to be considered in the genre of romance, not total bawling my eyes out angst. I had just assumed that if Relena doesn't accept a proposal, that would leave a wonderful bishi heartbroken, and I'd be very, very sad. HOWEVER, if this is not the case, by all means let me know. Scarlet, if you want to PM/email me more specifics on your idea, please do! I'm totally open to exceptions. The last thing I want to do is hinder anyone's creativity, but I just thought some guidelines would be good.

Ok, so let me talk to Rose again for this one, and we'll get back to you. Thanks for your patience, I am a very indecisive person, as you can probably tell.

On the multiple proposals, Rose and I haven't discussed that yet...we are both so hard to find ^^;; I know she answered that Relena can't have more than one proposal, but it's my feeling that as long as Relena accepts one and SHE's happy, then I'm happy. Therefore, even though somebody got denied, you could still consider it a happy ending. And I will go and comfort the other bishi (there ain't nothing wrong with leftovers ^_~ !) Unless a villian type character proposed as well and then of course Relena should be able to say no!!!!!

So as you can see, this is all growing very complicated. For right now, hold the thought of multiple proposals until I can get a hold of Rose to discuss.

And anyone with questions please don't hesitate to email/PM me (or Rose!) because they're easier to answer if I have an idea of what you're thinking for the fic.

Alright! Happy writing everyone!!!!

~Sphinx

Hi everyone! This is the fluff patrol! (Just kidding!)

Heh. You may regret that one. *snicker snicker*

I just re-read our guidelines, and we did indeed say angst was allowed

It's a little difficult to have plot without some angst. That is why I said it was allowed. Because to have a PLOT means there has to be some obstacle, which unless they're able to write a one shot in 2500 words about Heero destroying a battalion of Mobile Dolls in order to get to her (or Quatre, since this is the Alt forum). There's going to be an obstacle of either feeling or time or space or distance. In a romance, more often than not it's going to be of feeling. Therefore, enter angst. That's all I meant by it being allowed.

If you want to make it a requisite happy ending, then by all means, happy ending is required. Though you know how I feel about Relena choosing someone over Heero.... I suppose it can't be helped, but I'd rather see people who write Alt fics work out the differences between Relena and her stud w/o using Heero as the obstacle, but that's just me. It's a challenge dedicated to you, Sphinx, so, whatever you say goes as far as I'm concerned.

As for multiple proposals, I cringe again at the thought of Heero proposing only to be refused so Relena can accept someone else's. Again, that's just me....

My personal fic idea was about a rather...less than serious character proposing to Relena, which is why there was going to be 2 proposals. Eh, I wouldn't be opposed to an original character being refused. Like Senator's son #3 proposes and is refused.

Eh, I'm FINALLY going to get dinner (hubby has been working late), so when I get back, I'll look to see if you're on chat, Sphinx dahling. Or, oh, hey, if your cell # is the same, and I miss you, I'll try calling you tomorrow. Will that work?

Besides, I need to thank you in person for the comic. *is embarrassed* I never know what to say when you draw those things for me. I get all...gooshy and can't stop grinning. Oh, and just FYI, Mr. Black Rose says you should skip college and just draw comics. So, there ya go.

*giggles as she goes to read it again*

Yummmmmmmmmmmm, Dark! (You drew DARK! *glomps*)

Love,
Rose

Yanno, Rose.... You certainly are paranoid ^_^, just cause Relena is involved, it doesn't mean everyone will include poor Heero, and that he WILL be refused. Maybe he'll be the one to be chosen if two offer. But anyway, what if it is between like, Trowa(^_^) or Duo? sure it is a tought decision, but I am just letting you know stop worrying about poor Heero, for all ye know, he may not even be brought up (such as in an AU). we all love Heero, and we know how much you care about the poor guys feelings, but not everyone is out to hurt him

heh, just thought i'd reassure you Rose

enjoy the fics and pics Sphinx!!

-Dark Deity

Hi hi!

Ok, I'll probably catch Rose later tonight or tomorrow, but I just wanted to let people know as soon as possible what I've decided so far. Here is the tenative answer to some questions, so you can get started writing right away!

-Angst is of course allowed. What story would be interesting without it? In my previous message I was just thinking about those heartbreaking stories that leave me depressed for weeks and weeks. In any case, you can have as much angst as your little hearts' desire BUT your story must end on an up note. This essentially means a happy ending. Is that fair? I think that's the best answer on that subject I've got for now.

-For right now, multiple proposals are allowed if they feature 1) your male of choice and 2) john doe...meaning some character like rose mentioned, i.e. a senator's son, who we all know Relena's going to refuse in the end, but just provides some interesting plot twists, competition, tension, etc. that makes stories fun!

-And following the above, Relena is obviously going to be allowed to say no to Mr. John Doe's proposal

That is all I've got for now. Look for more news later after I've talked to Rose! I think the biggest issue is going to be whether or not multiple proposals from our beloved GW boys are going to be allowed. My opinion of this matter is that particularly in the Alt. forum, people often feel like they must get Heero out of the picture before another pilot can be with Relena. Believe me, I've done this myself. But as most of us who frequent BI are Heero supporters (b/c this is originally a 1xR site), it's always hard to get rid of him without feeling guilty. Again, I speak from experience. So, I know where Rose is coming from with this.

But at the same time, Dark Deity brings up a good point--what if it were between Trowa and Duo, or what about Quatre and Wufei? Then, I for one, would be interested in reading a story about who Relena chooses b/c basically I'm not as faithful in my support of them as I am with Heero, as I am a 1xR fan at heart. So I guess the issue is about fairness...is it fair to let Relena choose btw. pilots who are not Heero, but not be able to choose btw Heero and another pilot? This I will ponder and get back to you....

Thanks everyone! Sorry this is all so complicated.

Angry mob: What is this crazy girl talking about now!?! More rules? Relena's never going to get married at this rate.
Sphinx: Just remember the point of this contest is to HAVE FUN!!!!!!
Angry mob: Easy for you to say. Bring out the ammo!
Sphinx: **ducks tomatoes thrown at her from angry mob of confused authors** Just as long as you are all having fun!!!! ^^;;

~Sphinx

**IMPORTANT RULES FOR CHALLENGE BELOW**


Yes, it's me again. *dodges a stray tomato*

Here are the official modifications/additions to the challenge guidelines:

1) Your fic MUST have a happy ending. As mentioned before, you may have as much angst as you want, but your story must end happily.

2) Relena may answer her proposal in any way you see fit. Just remember the happy ending rule above.

3) Relena may have more than one proposal, provided the following: If one of her suitors includes Heero, he MUST be the suitor of choice at the end! You can have someone competing against Heero for Relena's affections, but Heero has to be the winner.

We decided this for a couple of reasons, but mainly we wanted to avoid the over-used Heero as an obstacle theme when it comes to alternate pairings. With all of you wonderful fanfic writers out there, I'm certain it'll be easy for you guys to come up with some original situations for alternate pairings. In fact, I'm really looking forward to it! The whole purpose of this challenge was to generate new fics and, yes of course, you know it's coming...to HAVE FUN! Weeeeeeee!

And just to further clarify, alternative pairings with Relena are more than welcome! You may even have, say, Trowa and Duo vying for her affections. Just don't have Heero competing against another bishi for Relena if you want the other guy to win. K? Everyone still with me? Goodie!

Actually, I think that's it! And I think we have pretty much covered everything. Any specific questions reguarding the above topics, I'll be happy to answer via PM/email.

Alright! NOW everyone can get to it! Pens and pencils ready, on your mark, get set...GO!

~Sphinx

So...where will it be hosted? ^^