[PS] Barracks

[Bujin]

For a game that headlines death more than it does winning, the employees were surprisingly friendly. Even more surprising was the fact that the contestants within the barracks were even more nonchalant. As Bujin scanned the large room, he noticed that the faces he saw were smiling ? for the most part, anyway. Old friends and old attachments were meeting each other; perhaps for the last time before another Dante?s Abyss rolled around. It was actually kind of humorous the way they were greeting each other. The small man figured that when they were saying ?hello?, they actually meant ?I?m going to murder your ass when the game starts?.

Regardless, Bujin entered the room with Celipa. Glancing over at his saiya-jin ally, he realized that she was probably making the same observations that he was. Forty-four beds lined the walls, and a number of them were already occupied. He had already been assigned the number seven, so scanning the wall of beds with his index finger; he pointed his sight to his respective bed. During that process, Celipa whispered something in his ear. He couldn?t understand what she was saying, but she quickly made her way towards a bed. As he took a step forward, he was stopped by a feminine hand on his shoulder.

?Lady, if you wanted some company, you should have just as --?? his voice trailed off as he turned around to see not a hot competitor, but a female employee. Oh well.

?Number seven Bujin?? she asked monotonously, continuing quickly as he gave a quick nod in confirmation, ?Here are your effects. If you have any personal--??

?Don?t bother, I didn?t bring anything,? Bujin interrupted. Grabbing his bag and smiling politely at the eerily enthusiastic woman, he spun around and took large, exaggerated steps towards his bed. When he got there, he set his bag on the ground and examined the plain mattress in front of him. It was fairly simplistic, with the standard white sheets, white pillow, and white blanket ? a big change from the extravagantly pink beds he saw at Velveteen?s place. Peeking under the blanket and sheets, his mattress didn?t look too thin. In fact, it looked mildly comfortable. So, taking a step back, he did what any mature adult would do. He jumped high into the air so he could bounce on the bed below.

Sadly, his perception of the mattress had failed him.

With a loud smack, he plopped down on the mattress, and hit his knee on the metal bar that created a large bump on the bed. Grabbing his pseudo-injured knee, he rocked back and forth on the thin blanket.

?Dammit!? he screamed, causing a few of the contestants to give him a quick glance. Slowing his rocking to a halt and rolling over onto his stomach, he heard a familiar giggle.

Bet that hurt, Rae observed warmly. You really oughta look at things more closely.

?Quiet,? Bujin?s muffled voice sounded. ?It looked alright.?

Precisely my point, Rae sighed. Things aren?t always what they appear to be. You would do well to note that.

?What?s with you all of the sudden?? Bujin rolled over. ?I don?t think I like you as much when you?re serious.?

Bujin, listen to me! Rae cried. You have to keep in mind that this is just a game to them. Any alliance you have may not last.

?Fine, fine,? Bujin sighed, ?I?ll be careful, okay??

Rae didn?t respond. After waiting for a few more moments, Bujin shrugged and got up. He realized that his childish nature had taken hold, and he had neglected to even look at the bag ? let alone open it. So, taking hold of the zipper, he unzipped the bag and dug through the contents within. He pulled out the bread and water, the scouter, the map, then compass, and then he sat back and stared at the remaining item.

?So that?s my weapon, eh?? Bujin grinned to himself.

What is it? Rae inquired.

?It?s a--?? Bujin was cut off by a triumphant scream from a familiar saiya-jin voice. Looking to his right, he saw Celipa standing on her bed, flipping off everyone in the room. Laughing, the small blue man hopped up and sauntered towards his female friend, smiling like an idiot.

?You don?t stay hidden long,? Bujin smirked.