#ljm

So before I get into the article itself, I just want to note that we have been given the name of the magazine that published it: Masque

Secondly, L.J.M 2007 disaster might perk some interest, as LJM is the same alias used by the hero Big Picture in Ward. He was a photographer who specialized in photographic nude/extreme pieces of C53’s, often described as being predatory for his behavior. The disaster is likely when he unveiled a blown up exhibit of a C53’s photo, despite making a deal with them that this would not happen.

As a reminder, Bambina is a grown adult woman, trapped in a child body, with a… very perverted sense of morality. She was going to help Pretender escape because he promised to use a celebrity body to do… things. Things that traumatized even Taylor to hear.

So yeah, this tracks with her behavior and use of sexuality to get a reaction out of people. She was also the one who first mentioned villain rankings too. Very apt.

Finally, the idea of the first Argo v Argo case being not only about the conservatorship of supervillain funds, but ongoing while Bambina is still committing public crimes is… astounding. I can only imagine the Movie tier courtroom drama

The idea that a bunch of villains were appalled that a villain or villain group would dare hijack an illegal ranking system is hilarious. They must be members of the leopards eating faces party.

Less funny is her relationship with her villain teammates. It should be reminded, that all of her teammates at the time, were actual children. She was an adult woman carrying young children into these fights and didn’t seem to have any issue talking about her (non-con?) sexual desires in front of them. Her being controlling is not surprising, though it’s interesting no moments have been explicitly stated.

Youth Guard being involved is interesting. Is it because of her teammates or because they handle all parahuman conservatory claims?

I’m sorry hold on

Blacklist publicity events?? What on earth is going on with this site!? Are there a bunch of well-intended vigilantes/rebel without a cause/jackass villains who just love doing cape shit running the site? Like, they care more about the celebrity culture than actually being evil villains? It makes sense, but man, Bambina was already nearly blowing people up when we meet her! That’s a messy business to run.

Also, apparently there are implied official “unofficial” villain management business with publicists and agents… again, this is some wile revelations coming out here. The villain kids being placed next to killers and worse is the least surprising part if I’m being honest.

Bambina being groomed by her mother and the agency isn’t surprising, though I wonder what the evidence is. Certainly, the fact that Mrs. Argo wants her villain daughters ill gotten gains is not a great sign, but I imagine this needs a lot of proof.

I actually do support the Youth Guard here. Wildbow has mentioned in WoG and in the Youth Guard document that they are pretty on the level and well meaning. And villain kids certainly need advocates in a setting where Parahumans are treated as accessories (or worse).

Imagine finding out you were the reason they died. That you're the reason you hurt everyone you've ever loved, friends new and old, innocents who never stood a chance.

Imagine finding another one like you, the only person who could understand. He tells you you're not a monster, but not human. Something more, something extraordinary.

Matthias finds beauty in who you are, even and especially the parts of you you fear the most. He sees you in all your ugly glory, tells you you're nothing short of a miracle he'd love to witness everyday until the end of time.

Don’t open that box! For day eleven of 30 Covers, 30 Days, we’re here with Horror/Supernatural novel The Demon Box by YWP educator Ljm! This cover was designed by Jessie McGuire.

The Demon Box

Two high school boys discover a mysterious box that, when they open it, unleashes an unimaginable horror on they're small mountain town... The boys will have to summon all their courage and cleverness to defeat the evil that threatens their homes, their families... Their very life.

About the Author

I am a high school creative writing teacher and a father for who loves stories! So much can be learned from the actions and the struggles of characters.  I love to see my young students spread their creative wings and find and give life to the stories that are within them. I love their braveness and confidence. I have participated in NaNoWriMo for several years and this is my third year in a row of running the youth writing program. This year we're going for half a million words, with over 110 kids in my NaNo group.

About the Designer

" C, wake up. " he said lightly shaking her shoulder.

She had been trashing around for awhile. His touch caused her to shoot up. She looked around in panic breathing heavily. She relaxed slightly at the sight of his face.

"wanna talk about it." he asks delicately rapping his arm around her.

"it just felt so... real." she sobbed snuggling onto his side.

It been 3 months and she was still having nightmares about it. I guess that's what an abusive relationship does to you.

For almost 2 years she had been in an abusive relationship. She got beaten, basically raped and he didn't know about it until 5 months ago. He spent 2 whole months trying to get her out of this relationship. What kind of best friend was he.

"shh" he says in a soothing voice. "your safe now, he can't get you while you're here"

They say like that for awhile. Her crying and him hugging her, whispering reasurences into her ear.

"this is embarrassing." she says giving out a wet laugh.

"don't be embarrassed of your emotions" he says hand brushing through her hair.

"that's not what embarrasses me."

"that what's son embarrassing"

"my fears, the fact that I'm here ruining your shirt, how week I must look right now" she says quietly. "that what embarrasses me"

"your fears are nothing to be embarrassed about, your more important then my shirt, you don't look week and I'm always going to be here for you"

"I'm glad you're here for me," she says yawning, snuggling closer into him and slowly drifting to sleep.

"and I'm glad you're here with me." he whispers knowing very well his love is unrequited. With that in mind he slowly drifts off to sleep, with the girl he loves in his arms.