Chapter Ten: The Qualified
Videl carted the struggling Gohan though the crowds as they neared the clinic. All the while, Gohan was trying reassure her he was perfectly fine.
Darn. How will I explain this when we get there? Gohan thought to himself as they spotted the white tent outside the stadium.
"Goku!" Krillen cried rushing over to where the warrior stood watching the skies. "What's the matter? Who was that?"
The rest of the group followed behind him, looking equally started and concerned. That is all except for Vegeta who was chewing on some newly bought popcorn.
"Nothing's the matter," Goku smiled falsely, after a time. "Just meeting an old… friend."
Chichi cast Goku a suspicious glance as so did everyone else. He definitely knew something but at the moment he wasn't willing to tell.
"Ahem, sir?" A spectator whispered to Goku softly. "How was it that your friend could fly and shot things out of his hands?"
"Pyrotechnics," Goku greeted back overhearing the word Hercule used for their ki energy.
"Ohhhh," The man smiled. "Thanks."
"Let's see here…" The bald man commented removing the rags soaked in Gohan's crimson blood. "This is an awful one, isn't it?"
"Yes," Videl nodded. "But we aren't quite sure where it came from. He hasn't fought yet."
"Those bleachers are quite unsafe. Probably just scratched himself on it," The doctor nodded. "We'll fix him up in a jiffy."
"Hear that Gohan?" Videl smiled enthusiastically. "You can still fight."
Gohan rolled his eyes slightly not doubting that this would stop him in the least. But he knew they were in for a nasty shock once they undid those rags.
Sure enough, the doctor removed the wraps and stared down at Gohan's perfectly healed hand that was just slight smeared with dry blood.
"Hm, is this some kind of joke?" The doctor muttered, rubbing Gohan's hand slightly looking for breaks in his skin.
"How…How did that happen? Look how much blood you lost!" Videl cried lifting up the soaked rags.
"I told you they were nothing," Gohan smiled softly.
"Hm," The doctor puzzled unwrapping his other hand. "You are completely healed! And I didn't have to do a thing. Are you sure you cut yourself?"
"Can I just wash up and head back to the stadium?" Gohan asked politely.
"If you feel up to it," The doctor nodded.
Gohan smiled and headed to the sinks as Videl stumbled after him crying that he had to tell how he did that.
Trunks eyed his last opponent wearily as she collapsed outside the ring. Everyone was so easy. There was no competition the whole tournament. He took care of Butch in the first round and his brother in the second. They were just as simple as the girl who had just been kicked outside the ring.
What I want is to fight Gohan. I have to get into that Adult Tournament even if it kills me, Trunks thought as Hercule approached for the demolition match.
"Did you see the way Trunks bent up Hercule's face. It's too bad he got up after that," Goku laughed along with the rest of the group as they headed back to the first stadium for the selection round.
"I was hoping it broke his jaw," Krillen sighed.
Gohan was grateful that Videl was too busy fussing over him to notice what his relatives were saying about her father.
"Are you sure it doesn't hurt at all?" Videl cried.
"Positive," Gohan nodded.
"Hey, Gohan," Trunks smiled. "Are you in the adult tournament?"
"I would hope so."
"That's cool." Trunks grinned.
Gohan caught a sense of mischief in the boy, but before he could ask, he was gone.
"Hmmm… I wonder about him," Gohan muttered.
"Why?" Videl asked.
"He's capable of a lot of things," Gohan said. "And I'll bet he wants in this tournament too."
"After the elimination rounds," The announcer called. "We have come upon a decision on the remaining fighters beside Hercule."
"After what Vegeta did to their machine I doubt they are sure what their decision is," Krillen muttered to Gohan.
"The fighters in this tournament are, Briefs Vegeta."
"Told you," Krillen whispered to Gohan as Gohan snickered.
There was a brief time to applause between each name but the applause was strangely forced on this one.
"Son Goku."
"Son Gohan."
"Jewel."
"Killa."
"Krillen."
"18."
"Shin."
"Kabito."
"Satan Videl."
There was a large applause on this one as Gohan joined in with a whistle. Videl blushed slightly trying to ignore it.
"Taiyo."
"Tsuki."
Gohan's eyes widened at these names but as he looked through the crowd he didn't see any reaction. He couldn't see anyone that might resemble these two people.
"And due to some tragic results, Mighty Mask had to leave early. But we do have someone who can replace him. He stepped up last minute and with his amazing abilities in the last tournament we have allowed him take Mighty Mask's place," The announcer smiled weakly. "Will Briefs Trunks please join the fighter's ring."
All of the Z fighter's jaws dropped as Trunks ran over to them. Killa and Jewel snickered lightly at the thought of fighting a child.
"Great, another Super Sayian," 18 sighed.
"You can't fight here, Trunks," Gohan cried. "What will your mom say?"
"She can't reach me as long as I stay here," Trunks smiled. "Told you I would make it in!"
"That's my boy," Vegeta smirked under his breath.
To Be Continued…
Please R + R!
I know it was short but don't get mad! No flames! Constructive criticism accepted. The Tournament Layout will be revealed in the next chapter!