Chapter 11 – Unmasking Fears II
POV: Rex
Time: 12:40
Location: Rainbow Canyon
"…" As I silently give Sarah a thumb up, I could see that she was thinking 'ugh how cool does he thinks he is?'.
"Come on, Sarah!" Todd shouts as he drags her onto that wretched deathtrap… ugh…
"Thanks… Digadig." I hear the girl with pink hair, and grass skirt say… whether it was to me or Sarah I couldn't tell…
"…" a few minutes of silence goes by… yeah… neither of us know what to talk about. Yay, for the two of us being socially award, introverts…. Okay. I'm probably going to regret this… "s-so… this is what you look like without you mask…"
"!" as I say this Pauleen's face goes beet red, yes this is Pauleen my sister's roommate. "y-you could tell, Digadig?"
"Of course," I nervously laugh… "I'm not an idiot like my sister…"
"*Achoo! *" Why was there an echo of a sneeze?
"B-but if you could tell…" She hesitates, she's really different without the mask. "Um. why… dig-did… you not tell them?"
"I… I kinda… wanted to see how long it takes them to figure it out." I just out right say my reason for saying nothing. "I mean… if they still haven't figured it out by the time, they get that 'bowl', I'm going to pretend that I don't know them for a week."
"…" Though she stays silent, I see a smile appear on her face, oh she looks so cute…
"…" we go silent again… crud, keeping a conversation is hard. I try to glance around the canyon to see if there is anything that I can use to talk about. As, I fail to find something I notice that she's been trying to cover her face… still nervous, eh… wait! There!
"That'll do…" I say, as I take out a small drill from my bag, and start walking towards a fallen tree trunk… Dry and good condition… should be fairly fine.
"Um… What are… what are you diga-doing?" I hear Pauleen struggle in asking me.
I smile, and say, "Secret."
"…" She curiously watches as I pull down my goggles, and turn on the small drill I have and push it into the trunk of the tree.
I work my way silently, with the occasional glance over at Pauleen. Who is still trying to cover her face… I would ask why she covers that beautiful face… But I already know the answer. Even if it is just paper thin, but the wall that a mask gives you… is so enlightening, when you put on a mask, you don't have to be the person that you always are. While wearing a mask, a person can do many things. Even show how you truly feel from behind it… now, I have been working my best to not need one. But Pauleen came here wearing one… of Couse she'd be mess like now without it…
BUZZ!
"!" I stop before I damage the item that just finished carving. What did I just carve? I just did a whole speech about it. Though it's nothing beautiful, it's just a simple mask. Nothing intricate, if it was Sarah and Todd would probably be back by now. Just a simple masked that covered most of her face. After double check for no splinters… "Here."
"This is…" She stares at it in surprise… guess she can tell it's purpose.
"Not much, but it should make it easier for you, Right?" I give her a slight smile. "Just until, Sarah and Todd return."
"…" She silently places the quick mask that I made on. "Th-thanks, Rex… you're really kind."
"I-it's nothing…" I turn trying not to blush… dang… does she have to be so bashful… "I've said it before, I'm a fan of masks as well… I know how to carve some…"
"It's great, Digadig." I feel calmness in her voice now.
"um…" I struggle to keep the conversation… "How- uh… um I can see that it's hard to talk without a mask…"
"Y-yes…" Pauleen nods along with me.
"um…S-. I h-have some experience with that… would you like my h-help with it some time?" I have no idea how I worded that… I hope she takes it well…
"S-sure. Any time…" I can hear some semblance of surprise, and want of the help in her voice… and it goes back to silence… until Pauleen starts the conversation back up again. "So… you have only interacted with two other girls, Digadig?"
"…" I'm going to smack Sarah next time I see her… but to answer Pauleen. "Yes, one of them is my mother."
"Ah…" Pauleen nods. "And the other?"
"…" I blankly stare at her… "I'm introverted and shy. My only friends in this competition are my sister, roommate, Todd and you. Take a wild guess."
"Oh…" And it clicks for her… though her head is blocked by the mask I made, I can tell she's blushing.
"…" And back to the award silence…
"So…" Pauleen starts up the conversation, again… come on, Rex! Be more interactive! "You have same hair as Sarah, Digadig?"
"Yup…" I sigh out. "A hair dye mixes up… ugh, I hate it so much…"
"W-why?" Pauleen asks.
"Sarah told you about how similar we look, hasn't she?" Pauleen nods to my question. "Yeah, I got confused for her a lot… I just kind of got sick of it though. So, I dyed it to the color my cousin has."
"Y-yeah she's mentioned that." Pauleen nods again, "Apparently your cousin is a better fighter than either of you."
"Of course!" I smile. "Our cousin is considered to be a Master Fighter. He also-."
Beep! Beep! "Incoming FMS Message. This is an alert for all Fighters. The BB Brigade has begun kidnapping Fighters from Rainbow Canyon."
"!" both me and Pauleen are left speech less
The Paleo Pager continues "As of now, they appear to be targeting young females. Female Fighters in Rainbow Canyon are urged to seek shelter immediately."
"Well…" I say after the message is complete. "We should get going…"
"W-wait, what about Sarah and Todd?" Pauleen was nice enough to consider them.
"yeah… They should become back soon. But what if the Bare Bones Brigade finds us first?" I respond. "If they out number us… then they got us caught! Plus, are you telling me you could fight them? You're a mess just talking to me…"
"T-that's true…" Pauleen sighed; she knew I was right. I'm not sure how long Pauleen had been wearing her mask, but I've been going maskless for a little over two years now. I could probably be fine.
"Then, we should get back to town. As soon as we're there I can call them." I explain placing my hand on Pauleen's. "we just got to be quick."
"Rex! Wait!" Pauleen noticed something before I could.
"!" I quickly try and turn to see what it was but, I was struck first.
Thwack!
POV: Sarah
Time: 13:30
Location: Rainbow Canyon
So, since last I spoke, I was challenged by Joanie. And had to fight her in a Fossil battle. I won of course… though that dog really threw off my concentration, but I still powered through. I won that girls bowl back! Although… it's strange for a bowl to have holes in it, right? But not too long after that me and Todd got a message on the FMS. Apparently, the Bare Bones Brigade is kidnapping people…
"The Bare Bones Brigade is kidnapping girls? How low can you get?!" I shout out annoyed.
"Joanie's got her dog, so she's probably alright," Todd starts to think. "But that cute girl could be in real trouble!"
"She should be fine; Rex is with her after all." I say. "He's probably trying to get her back to town as we speak."
"That's… Wait!" Todd shouts, "Rex doesn't have blue hair!"
"Yeah? What's that got to do with anything?" I don't understand what Todd thinks.
"What if the Bare Bones Brigade attacks Rex thinking he's you!" Todd explains.
"Crud…" For all of the times for him to be matching me. "Come on! Let's get back and find them!"
As we rush to go get them, we stop as we see a group of them carrying that girl from before, and rex with them.
"For the Tenth time! I am not my sister!" Rex screams at the top of his lungs.
"…" I struggled not to laugh after hearing that… Even though Rex was in trouble I could see Todd smiling too.
"Sarah, what should we do?" Todd asked.
"We wait, they're sure to bring Rex and the Girl to where the other Kidnap victims are." Sarah smile. "It's not like they'll be in too much danger, besides if anything real bad happens we can just jump in and intervene."
"Ah… All right, sounds smart." Todd reluctantly agrees with me.
POV: Rex
Time: 14:00
Location: Rainbow Canyon (Bare Bones Grotto)
So… once again in my life, I've been confused for my sister. This is the worst. I hate everyone. Well since arriving, I've found that The Bare Bones Brigade have been kidnapping girls and been pampering them. to have them lose interest in the Cup… Honestly, I think there are better plans. Though I've been separated from Pauleen… I can't help but worry about how she is, on the way here she lost the mask I made for her, stupid grunts.
Now, for whatever reason. I've been called to see their commander, something about Sarah getting in the way of their plans apparently… ugh… This is definitely the worst timing for me to have blonde hair…
"So, this is the Famous Sarah Lucertola." I see someone walking over to me. He has black hair, with Red accents. He wears a white jacket set up. With his eyes covered by glasses. "You have guts to be near us after what happened at MT. Krakanak. To make sure you don't cause any unnecessary trouble. I the most Revered of the Three BB Brigade commanders, has come to deal with you."
"…" What the heck is this guy's problem.
"Say hello to Cole!" This… Cole guy strikes a pose… what the heck is with this Hipster guy. "…Yep. Pretty slick, huh? Do you like the glasses? That post-modern look is so right now, don't you think?"
"…" I'm not impressed.
"Anyway, try not to be jealous of my image if you can. It's thrift-store chic, so I doubt you'd understand." Is he a narcissist as well?
"So… you going to tell me why?" I spit out, and for once not a stutter. Progress!
"Oh, yeah… I suppose you want to know why we're pampering the ladies." Cole smiled. This was probably his plan. "We spoil the chicks, and then they stop giving two hoots about the Caliosteo Cup. And without ladies to impress, all the male Fighters lose the will to fight!"
"…" T-that plan… I can barely hold myself back from face palming.
"Pretty slick, huh?" Cole sounded pretty happy. "Yeah, I've got a real mind for plans. You don't get this pretty by accident, you know?"
"This plan of yours has so many flaws I don't know where to begin…" I sigh out… looking at the guy, he looks angered by this.
"How about I feed you to my Boneysaurs instead." Cole growls at me.
"Boneysaurs?" I feel like Sarah said something about that… I just thought she made it up.
"Yes, they are a more powerful version of Vivosaurs. Though they only retain their skeletal forms…" Cole then looked at me with curiosity. "Surely, didn't you face some of the Brigade back at MT. Krakanak. Those guys definitely had Boneysaurs with them."
"Um… I'm not Sarah Lucertola. I'm Rex." I say for the millionth time.
Cole's face is surprised as I say this. Then looks me over once more. I think he's the first one to realize. "Those idiots! Why the hell can't they ever do anything right?! Well since you've already messed with my style. Guess I'll take you on instead!" As he says that Cole tossed out three Dino medals, which when I analyzed for. They became three huge skeletal structures for a T-Rex, a Lambeo, and a Plesio. They actually reminds me of fossils in museums… cool.
"Here goes nothing!" I call back tossing out My own Vivosaurs. Tricera, Daspleto and my newest one Brachio. Tch… he has the faster speed.
"Heh, B-Rex Boney Roar!" Cole calls out, as the skeletal T-Rex Roars loudly in the cavern. Sending damage one everyone. Daspleto was hit extra hard from the type disadvantage. But thank fully Cole used up all of his FP with that attack.
"Well, time to mess up your strategy! Brachio Mighty Stomp!" I order. Brachio lifts up its front feet, then smashed them onto the ground, sending out shockwaves disorganizing Cole's team. Now if he wants to use that move again, he'll have to at least deal with a distance penalty.
"keh. This won't be enough to stop me, B-Lambeo Boney Chomp, B-Plesio Boney blur!" Cole commands all attacks hitting Daspleto. I'll agree focusing on him was smart. But Daspleto still isn't down.
"We're not done yet! Daspleto! Lethal Jaws!" I call to my earth type and focus on the Air elemental. Even though I can tell these guys are stronger than usual. Daspleto still manages to down it in one hit. I can see that Cole now has more than enough FP to take out Daspleto now, but he also can't take on Tricera.
"Damn you… You're stronger than I thought!" Cole yells out frustrated. "B-Rex Boney Roar once more! B-Plesio Poison attack!"
With the roar sounding once more Daspleto falls while the poison targeted Tricera. Though with all of their bones as strong as I could get, it isn't more than a scratch upon them. Seeing as his Vivosaurs are out matched, I smile. Though I doubt I'll be the B-rex with one move. "Tricera Running smash!" As Tricera runs forward smashing its horns into the B-rex, the health of the Skeleton falls to just half health, my prediction was right. but I won't lose here.
"Ugh… B-Rex Bone Roar again! B-Plesio Boney Blur!" Cole calls out with the AOE attack hitting everyone, Tricera is now only now just got to half health, while Brachio is sitting at just a little above a quarter. Though the boney blur continues on Tricera. Guess he doesn't think Brachio is much of a threat.
I'll show him. "Tricera Running Smash again!" and with the Running Smash The B-rex is taken out. And as Cole's FP ticks up, I smile. "Brachio Power scale!" Though it did no damage I just equalized our FP so unless his most power full move for Plesio has FP use of less than one eighty he can't use it.
"Ugh… B-Plesio! Poison!" Cole shouts in a desperate attempt to take someone out. But to no avail.
Back to my turn My FP charges to max. "Brachio Tricera Let's finish this!" As I call Tricera and Brachio gang up on the B-Plesio and finish it off.
"What?!" Cole shouts at his defeat. "N-no! This isn't happening! How could I be beaten by someone who gets confused for a girl?"
"Really?" I say, "I know it's not fun to lose. But do you really have to go there? That's low, even for a pathetic hipster like you."
"This is worse than the time that guy sold me off brand Shoes!" Cole shouted as he started to run a way crying. "Waaaaaaah!"
"What a useless admin. Jessie and James from Team Rocket would be more effective!" I complain to myself.
"Rex!" I hear someone calling to me I look over to see Sarah and Todd coming to me. Sarah immediately tackles me once she gets close. "Amazing battle little bro."
"Yeah yeah…" I roll my eyes at the little brother comment.
"Yeah! way to go Rex!" Todd adds. "That hipster guy just ran by us bawling his little eyes out, and the surrounding BB Brigade members took off after him!"
"Good. hopefully we can get back to the competition. Now that no one is here to pamper them, hopefully they'll just leave." I sigh. "Really this plan…"
"I know so brilliant!" Sarah says. "If I got capture, I'm sure I'd love it."
"Yeah right." I laugh, "You'd be bored in minutes."
"What!?" Sarah berates me. "Don't you know it's every girl dream to be pampered!"
"I believe mom has said something like that." I agree with her. "But you don't like being in one place for too long. Your favorite subject in school was Gym for that reason."
"hey… Let's go check on the girls. Especially that cute one with pink hair." Todd said trying to pull us out.
"Oh, so you found the mask?" I ask them.
"What mask?" Both of them ask me… those damn idiots…
"*Sighs heavily* Never mind." I contain my anger at their idiotic-ness. "Come on let's go."
We arrive back at the main area. On the way Sarah continues to question what mask that they were supposed to find. Meanwhile we start to notice that the girls have started to leave the room. Some are frustrated to see that they aren't going to be pampered. Some are thankful to finally be free. While others found that they could find Fossils here. In any event Me, Sarah and Todd are looking for the girl, who for some reason only I could tell is Pauleen. I eventually spot her and point it out to Sarah and Todd. Once we get there Pauleen smiles in seeing that we're all okay.
"Rex, your safe." Pauleen smiles… god I'm gonna blush… "And also thank you, Sarah. Thank you, Todd. Now I can keep going in the Cup, Digadig.
"Aw," Todd smiles at her. "You don't need to thank us! We were happy to help."
"Yeah, besides we also found the bowl you were looking for." Sarah adds. Taking out the 'bowl'. "But Rex mentioned something about a mask. Did we get the wrong thing?"
Pauleen takes the Mask with joy. "Th-thank you, diga. This is what I was looking for. But you've been calling it the wrong thing."
Confused Todd is the first to ask. "Um, so what is it?"
"As Rex said, a mask. Digadig. It goes like this…" Pauleen shows a beautiful smile, tossing it up into the air, before covering her face with it once more.
"What?!" Both Sarah and Todd shout in surprise. Todd though falls on to his butt. "Y-you… you were Pauleen all along!"
"I sure was!" Pauleen cheered, man her personality changes fast. "The one and only Pauleen!"
"Yeah, I mean wasn't it obvious?" I ask Todd. I look down at him with a half-smile.
"… how…" I saw Sarah sulking… she was probably thinking along the lines of how was she unable to tell that this Pauleen. Or 'How did Rex figure this out before me?!'
"But really Rex. When a beautiful girl is in distress, you drop everything and come running to help her!" Pauleen shouted at me.
"I'm sorry, but you definitely saw what happened when we were forced onto that lift from before." I comment back at her.
"R-right… you looked like you were a ghost." Pauleen then remembered the climb up. Even from that mask I could tell how surprised she was to see that a lift was my weakness.
"Well, well!" Before our conversation could continue, we hear some more voices. "Looks like you're the big heroes once more!" Terry comes over. "We were looking around for the kidnappies, and a few of them just wandered out of this cave. And told us their story. I can't believe you ran of the BB Brigade all on your own! You must be some kind of Fighters."
"Pfft!" Pauleen laughs. "The Bare Bones Brigade is no match for a Beautiful teen Idol like me!"
As she laughs I whisper to her. "*You want to say that again, without your mask? *"
I see portions of her skin turning white at the concept at that, but ignores me. "M-miss Pauleen is on the scene!"
"Um, yeah, except that you didn't do anything." Todd interjects. "Rex was the one w—"
Todd stopped as Pauleen glared at him from the Mask. I kinda join her… rather not want the info that they confused me for to go around. "…Did you say something?"
"Uh…" Todd avoids her eyes.
Terry seeing the awkwardness. "Uh… Yeah, well thanks anyway. Now we can get the cup under way without any further delay. Keep an eye on your Paleo pagers! We'll have round four info coming soon. Also, thanks again, guys. Keep up the good work, okay?" Terry then ran off, probably to do some paper work because of the incident. Meanwhile me, Sarah, and Todd were still talking. Pauleen also ran off claiming to do some more fossil hunting, before tomorrow's cup battle.
"Man, Pauleen is so weird!" Todd sighs out as we walk back to the Fossil Center.
"I know it's like she's like one your best friends." I say to him.
"Oh…" Both Todd and Sarah finally realize.
"Yeah, now I see it. That's why she avoids me. She's not good with new people. Though I hope we can still make some good friends." Sarah said.
"I can't believe how long it took you to notice." I say. "I mean how many years have you lived with a shy introvert?"
"L-like you can talk!" Sarah shouts back at me. "It probably took you a good while to figure it out… with you introverted nature as well!"
"That's what you think, but introverts have a natural sense for others like them." I smile showing my prowess. "I figured it out, in the first few minutes of meeting her."
"Ugh…" Todd sighs. "I feel like such a bad friend for not noticing the similar habits."
"it's fine." I give Todd a pat on the back. "It was fun to watch how long it would take you guys to find it out though."
"*Sigh*…" Sarah also sighs. "Well, let's just finish cleaning up out fossils."
"You guys can start that." I say as I go to the convince store. "I'm dying my back to blue."
"awe… but I liked the blonde coloring" Sarah teases me. I ignore her and walk away