The Masquerader and the Jester [Rascal x Female Reader]

Chapter 5: Of Legends and Lore

Chapter Song: "Legends" -Kerli

+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

    "The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Don't forget that on your science test next week," Mrs. Mason said, jotting down a reminder on the chalkboard. "That's it for today's lesson. Class is dismissed!" The school bell rings on cue, signaling the end of the day. Countless students rise from their seats and push past each other to leave the classroom. You're in the process of slipping out undetected when a hand grasps your shoulder.

When you turn around, you're met with a concerned look from Chloe. She says your name before adding, "We need to talk." You look past her to view the other Glitter Force members and hesitantly nod. Chloe turns around and motions for you to follow her, which you do. Mrs. Mason finishes grabbing her belongings and says a quick goodbye to you all before departing. This now left you and the Glitter Force as the only remaining students in the classroom.

Kelsey is the first to speak when you approach. "Girl, you've been avoiding us all week. What gives?"

    "We're not upset with you, just worried," Lily hastily added.

"Are you still trying to process what happened last Friday?" April asked.

Slowly, you nod your head, knowing full well that this was only a half-truth. You were still pretty shaken by Rascal appearing in your dream and twisting it into a terrible nightmare. Ever since that night, his words continued to play in your head, especially his last warning. Rascal had said that if you didn't quit the Glitter Force, you were going to have a bad time. If your ordeal with him last week was considered a 'good time,' then you really didn't want to find out what a bad one was like. But you refrain from telling your new friends this and softly chuckle instead. "Yeah, I'm still in disbelief about the whole thing. I hope you all didn't take my avoidance personally. I just needed some time to collect my thoughts, that's all."

The five girls let out collective sighs of relief. Emily draws near and gives you a warm hug. "I'm so glad to hear that! We're a team now, but more importantly, we're friends. I promise you'll have a great time on the Glitter Force." She pulls away to smile at you, and you can't help doing the same.

Candy jumps out from Emily's school bag and gives a little victory dance on a nearby desk. "Hooray! Hooray! Fantasy's back!" You and the girls giggle at her enthusiastic display.

"Also, if you have any questions about our superhero duties and powers, please let us know," Chloe said.

"Chloe's the go-to person for everything, she's like a human encyclopedia," Kelsey snickered, earning a bewildered look from the aforementioned girl. "She's even created study guides and quizzes on all sorts of Glitter Force subjects, which she has us take so we don't forget."

"I still don't know how you had time to do all of that," April said. "But it's impressive!"

Chloe's cheeks turn slightly pink. "It's part of an effective strategy, alright? We need to always be prepared for whatever the villains throw at us."

"Like bad temper tantrums when they lose!" Candy said, giggling.

There was still one question itching at the back of your mind. Feeling it safe to do so, you ask, "Why did you all join the Glitter Force?" The girls and Candy give you quizzical expressions in response. "I mean, obviously it's because all of you were chosen to save the world from an unhappy ending. But are there any other reasons besides that?"

Lily is the first to answer. "It was a lifelong dream of mine to become a real superhero. The day Emily and Kelsey welcomed me as an official Glitter Force member was one of the best days of my life. Before that, I was just an ordinary introvert drawing comics. I feel like I've grown braver by helping others and working on a team. The world can be a dark and scary place, so I want to do all I can to bring more light into it."