The Masquerader and the Jester [Rascal x Female Reader]

Chapter 11: Something Wicked This Way Comes

Chapter Song: "Exorcism" -Kat Von D

Warning: This chapter contains dark and disturbing subject matters that some people may find triggering. This includes brief mentions of child murder, rape, and pedophilia. Reader discretion is advised.
+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

"Relax, dearie! Everything will be fine, so just calm down."

"I am calm!" you shouted.

Two weeks have passed since Pop, Candy, and the other Glitter Force members learned about the Tivoli Gardens incident. But even with time, you were still nervous and on edge about your identity being exposed. This led you to beg Rascal to increase the frequency of your training sessions, and to place more emphasis on improv. You would never admit it to him, but you weren't sure how much longer you could keep the figurative mask on in front of everyone. As expected, the jester relished in your desperate pleas and panicked state. Nevertheless, the pleasure he got from this waned over time as you continuously voiced your frustrations.

"Remember rule number two?"

You groan, disliking his patronizing tone. "Yes, I remember. 'You must take control of your emotions, not let your emotions control you.' You've made me repeat this so many times, it's practically ingrained in my brain at this point."

"Well, you could have fooled me."

"Look, I know I've been annoying you by constantly bringing up my fears. It's been annoying me too. But ever since The Jubiland Times published that newspaper article about us stealing the Heart of Pierrot, I can't stop worrying. I don't know how we're going to take the Rag-Bag of Dreams without getting caught." Frowning, you place the improv props back in Rascal's trunk and take a seat on one of the chairs close by. You grab some water from the table next to you and take a long chug from it.

Rascal sighs, sitting down next to you. "Since when has worrying ever benefited anyone? It won't add a single hour to your life. You're wasting energy that could be better spent on more improv sessions. Besides, we still have a month until the Rabbit's Moon Festival."

"That's true!" You set the empty water bottle back on the table, casting him a worried glance. "And you're sure no one in the Shadow Realm knows about our crime?"

"I'm absolutely positive! We don't get newspapers delivered to the Shadow Realm anyway. Under Emperor Nogo's dictatorship, there's no such thing as freedom of the press. Everything his subjects know is pure propaganda!"

"Well, that's reassuring, even though I don't agree with that type of government."

"Yes! I can assure you that no one in the Shadow Realm will hear a thing about it, especially Ulric, Brute, and Brooha. If they do, they'll have to deal with me." A creepy, unsettling smile spreads across his face at the thought.

You swallow a lump in your throat before letting out a brittle laugh. Deep down inside, you were grateful to no longer be on the receiving end of his wrath. "Right..." A buzzing from the phone on the table breaks you out of your stupor, prompting you to grab it. After reading the message on the screen, you tuck the device into your pocket and stand up. "Thanks again for the training, Rascal, but I should get going. Emily just texted me and said she needs me to meet up with her and the rest of the girls."

"Hmm, I see where your priorities lie," Rascal said, rising from his seat. He takes several steps forward and summons a giant playing card. It levitates a couple of feet off the ground with numerous scenes flashing across its face. "So, where's the meeting being held?"

"That's funny! I just texted her that same question." At once, the three dots above the text box disappear and get replaced with a new message. "I guess we're meeting at Emily's house." This choice of location was puzzling, especially since every important meeting so far was held at the secret base.