“"If everything goes right, this should be an easy win for us," Gareki noted, fiddling with the gun at his waist. He was a bit apprehensive about the whole Contest, but only because he had no idea what he was going up against. With long-ranged weapons like guns though, they should be better off than the rest. Of course, that was still banking on the fact that none of the other students had guns with them.”
“"Not only that, but if the Arena is just a clear, flat field, then it should be easy to shoot them down one by one." Sanzo doubted things were going to be that easy. The Academy looked over the top, and he was sure it was going to be some kind of fancy Arena, with traps, obstacles, the whole package. The bombs Gareki claimed to have should prove useful. If worse came to worse, Sanzo could always use the scriptures rolled up and fastened onto his belt.”
“Gareki's eye twitched at the word 'toys', but he managed to keep his cool. "Never really had to fight close combat before," he said. "But if it comes down to it, I'll do what I have to." He went silent for a moment, contemplating the woman's words. "She said there wouldn't be any rules though, so I'm counting on being able to use my gun. We won't need to get close to the others, in fact, I think we're the ones with an advantage. So long as none of the others have guns."”
“"Gladiator contest, huh? Looks like that's your chance to prove you're not all talk. However, this doesn't look all too good." Sanzo had been hoping that Gareki would be more of a close range fighter to balance things out. It was not that Sanzo couldn't fight up close and personal, it was that he preferred not to. "How do you handle without your little toys?"”
“Black eyes cut over towards the other man. "I can shoot," He said simply. "And I'm pretty good with bombs." He wasn't entirely sure what he was going to be going up against in these contests, but his skills with a firearm were dead-on. To him, that's all that really mattered. He doubted there were any truly talented people participating anyways. It was sure to be a breeze.”
“It looked to Sanzo like the kid finally settled down. He let the silence grow for a while before he spoke out of curiosity. "... what exactly can you do anyway, kid? You seem pretty sure that you can win. What is it that you can do?" Sanzo had wondered why Gareki was so confident. Was he just little brat full of hot air or did that attitude of his actually have something to back it up?”
“"..." Gareki glared at the man before him, secretly embarrassed that he'd acted like a child. He really hated making a fool of himself. Removing his hands from his forehead, he turned and sat back on his bed. Rivalries between roommates was too cliche for him anyways. If he had to live with this guy for the rest of the year, than they'd better get along. Especially if they hoped to win the Contests that would be starting soon.”
“"Eh? What was what for?" Sanzo took a seat, quickly tucking the paper fan away into his coat pocket where it would be out of sight. He lighted another cigarette and chuckled at the mark that the blow had left on Gareki.”
“Gareki barely had time to blink before the paper weapon was bearing down on him. A loud 'smack' echoed in the room when it made contact with his forehead, and he jerked backwards, hands coming up to cover the stinging spot on his skin. Whoever said a piece of paper couldn't hurt was a downright liar. "Ow!" He bit out. "What was that for?!" He rubbed the spot experimentally, wincing slightly when the red mark smarted. Well that was going to leave an embarrassing mark.”
“It all happened so fast; Sanzo never knew he could draw a weapon so quickly and with such precision before. This must have been the work of a higher being, for surely this was divine judgement. The weapon in his hand was made out of paper, however, it had been known to leave a mark on its victim before. And with that, he striked.”
“A smirk pulled at the corners of Gareki's lips as he noticed the annoyed expression on the blonde's face. "Old enough to be my grandfather," He stated. Truly, he didn't really think the other man was that much older than himself, but he wouldn't pass up the chance to take a hit where it hurt.”
“"Oi... just exactly how old do you think I am...?" Sanzo's eyebrows knitted together into a frown and his mouth formed a scowl. This little... Sanzo's patience was wearing thin. He began weighing his options. Next to the gun behind his back he kept a paper fan which he commonly used to beat annoying kappas and loud monkeys. Which to use? Which to use....?”
“Gareki's eyes narrowed as he stared up at Sanzo defiantly. "Yeah, well I won't be getting any older if I start smoking. Actually, I'm surprised you managed to last as long as you have," He shot back, ignoring the comment about his height. The gun in his waistband was starting to feel heavier and heavier, almost like it was begging to be pulled from its confines and emptied. Preferably in a certain blonde man's head. But his self restraint was greater than that; thanks to Yogi no doubt.”
“His eye twitched, and Sanzo flicked the cigarette he was finished with out the window. "Ah, I guess a little brat like you wouldn't know. There's nothing like a smoke on a clean air night. Maybe when you're older..." He took a step towards Gareki. "... and taller." This kid reminded him of a certain annoying kappa he was acquainted with; neither knew when to shut up.”
“"Hold my hand?" Gareki spoke, amused. "Unless you need help crossing the street sometime soon, we won't be holding hands, you old geezer. I wouldn't want you holding me back. Plus, your hand probably smells like smoke too, and I prefer to smell clean, thanks." He took a step back, fed up with having to crane his head just to look at the older man in the eyes.”
