I Can't Call You Father

Disclaimers: Guess what? I FINALLY OWN DBZ/GT! Lol, no, j/k…still own squat…and songs belong to © "C'est Le Vie" – BWitched. And © "Don't Tell Me" – Avril Lavigne.

Authors Note: Is…is…it possible? Am I actually updating…quickly? AHHHHHHHHHH! Lol, I've finally gotten over my writers block. I appreciate all the sympathy for my dog; you guys don't know how much that meant to me. I've decided to reward you with a LONG chapter. And I mean, like Chapter 4 long! haven't had those in awhile eh? Also, I KNOW you've been dying for some T/M action but the serious action won't start until chapter 18. I'm really trying to finish this story. But don't worry, there are AT LEAST 8-9 more chapters left, but that's counting this one so I'm not sure when it will end. I do know that I have it all planned out in my head, and there WILL be a sequel. But that won't be up until I finish not only this story, but one of my other ones as well. With that note, on to the story!

Gypsee Girl: Yeah, I hate it too. I really want to try to stop it, since I don't cuss in real life, but sometimes the story calls for it. frowns curse this world…but plz; don't think I'm a hypocritical Christian for doing this. I hate cussing; in fact, I hit my friends when they do it XD. ((NOTE: I'VE GOTTEN SOME OF THEM TO STOP!!)) lol

Chapter 16: Battle of the Bands

Cali and Tai talked for a few hours after that. Surprisingly, he was a really interesting guy. "I've neglected to see that for 10 years…" Cali thought to herself. Tai was intelligent. He knew quite a lot for a 17-year-old. Tai also surprised Cali by telling her all he knew about fighting. "So I guess Hercule's gym isn't such a waste after all." Cali mused. Cali glanced at her watch and frowned. It was 5:00, and she had band practice.

"Tai, I really hate to end our conversation, but I have to go to band practice."

"That's ok Cali. We can finish it up later."

Cali nodded. Suddenly, she got an idea. "Hey Tai…" she started.

Tai responded, "Yes Cali?"

"I was wondering…the Battle of The Bands contest is in two days…would you…mind coming? I'd feel a lot better knowing that you were there."

Tai smiled. "Of course I'll be there Cali. I kinda have to go anyways."

Cali blinked. "Oh? Who else do you know is performing?"

Tai's smile diminished. "Well…um…"

"Tai."

Tai gulped and tapped his fingers against one another. "Uh, France and Kitty are."

Cali blinked, stifled a laugh, then laughed. "OMG ARE YOU SERIOUS!?"

"Kitty's dad owns the place Cali; they're almost like a shoe-in"

Cali stood up. "WHAT?! That's not fair! They can't even sing a note!"

Tai snorted. "You can say that again."

Cali plopped on the bed and sighed. "Now we'll have to practice even harder."

Tai got up and headed to the door. "I won't keep you any longer." He said. Before he left, he added one more thing. "Oh yeah, and Cal? Kick their $$E$." Tai stated smirking. Cali returned the smirk. "Don't worry, I will."

"So…BORED!"

Tanya laid lazily over her drum set. "When's Cali going to get here?" she asked whiningly. Eve and Mara glared at their friend's impatience. "Tanya, chill! Cali can take all the time she needs. After all, she's been through a lot this week!" Mara chirped. Tanya frowned. "I know, but still…we haven't practice in weeks and I'm so tired!" she stated. Just then, they saw Cali arrive in a hurry.

"Sorry I'm late guys." Cali said rubbing the back of her head. "Oh it's alright Cal, we understand." Eve commented. Tanya mumbled something under her breath. Mara was the only one who heard, and elbowed Tanya. "Ow!" Tanya exclaimed. Mara glared at her and said nothing more.

"So, why exactly did you ask us to schedule an extra practice?" Eve questioned. Cali just showed them the flyer. "BATTLE OF THE BANDS!?!" The three girls rang in unison. Cali nodded. "Winner gets $1000 zeni and a weekly performance spot at 'Da Coco Bean'." She stated.

"Sweet!"

"Awesome!"

"Blimey!"

Cali grinned at their enthusiasm, but her grin quickly disappeared. "The contest though is in two days." She added with remorse. "TWO DAYS?!?" the three exclaimed. "Oh no! We don't have enough material!" Mara shouted. "No need to worry about that, it's almost like a karaoke contest, we get to choose the song." Cali said. The three other girls sighed. "Which one should we do?" Eve questioned. "Hmm…" The four of them pondered.

Tanya snapped her fingers. "I got it!" she shouted. The other three eyed her in wonder. "We could do, 'Dip it low' –Christina Millian!" Tanya stated. A sweat dropped appeared on Cali, Eve, and Mara's heads. "We're not a bloody R&B band, ya Yankee!" Eve yelled. Tanya glared. "Well you idiotic little Brit, why don't you think of something better?!" she snapped. Eve glared. "Fine, let's do 'If ya wanna be my lover' –Spice Girls"

Mara smacked her head. "That's even worst! First of all, the Spice Girls are like…over, and secondly, you're as bad as Tanya with the hometown song thing!" she exclaimed. "Oh yeah? Bring it on Jap!" Eve threatened. "'Fukai Mori' –Do as Infinity!" she replied defiantly crossing her arms. The three girls started to bicker amongst one another. Cali, all the while, had a huge sweatdrop on her head. "ENOUGH!" she shouted to the bickering teenagers. The three of them stopped arguing. "Look, I know one song we all can agree on…" Cali stated. The three of them leaned in as Cali shared her idea. All of them smiled in delight.

"Perfect!"

"Wonderful!"

"Grand!"

Cali beamed. "So, it's settled?"

"YES!" the girls chimed.

Cali let out a smirk. "Then let's get practicing!"

The girls turned to the sound of Tanya's drums drumming. "I'd thought you'd never ask…" she said with a wicked grin.

"I can't believe you guys got me to go shopping with you…"

TJ groaned as the pile of bags got higher. "I should've known better." He said. Kai, Angel, and Bikini glared at him. "Oh grow up ya big baby! Prom is in 5 days!" Bikini snapped. TJ returned the glare. "Since when do you care about your appearance Bikini?!?" he shouted. Bikini lowered her head. "Hmm?" TJ asked in a demanding tone. Bikini tapped her index fingers together. "Since…Kail agreed to take me." She mumbled.

"WHAT!?!" The three of them shouted.

"That's so great Bikini! When did he ask you?" Kai questioned enthusiastically. "Um…yesterday…" Bikini replied. Angel beamed brightly. "That's so awesome! You two are such a great couple." She stated. Bikini let out a small smile. TJ snorted. "Yeesh, what is it with girls and romance?" he inquired. Suddenly, a fist landed a blow on his head. "OW!" TJ exclaimed falling to the ground, dropping all the bags. He had quite a large bump on his head.

"Will you be quiet for once?!" Angel snapped. TJ growled. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR?"

"FOR BEING A JERK!"

"HOW THE HECK AM I BEING A JERK?"

"YOU'RE BEING A JERK BY SAYING UNNECESSARY COMMENTS AND COMPLAINING LIKE CRAZY!"

"YOU WOULD TOO IF YOU HAD TO SHOP FOR PROM DRESSES WITH GIRLS!"

"I AM A GIRL YOU NICOMPOOP!"

"OH? SO FIRST I'M A JERK, NOW I'M A NICOMPOOP?"

"NO! YOU'RE A JERK, NICOMPOOP, AND AN IDIOT!"

"YOU WANNA TAKE THIS OUTSIDE?"

"BRING IT ON PINKY!"

TJ growled and glared. "PINKY?"

Angel smirked. "Yeah, I called you Pinky; don't make me say your other nickname!" she threatened.

TJ glowered. "You…wouldn't…dare…"

Angel took a large breath, as she was about to open her mouth.

TJ threw his hands up in a last attempt. "ANGEL! DON'T!"

"PANTYHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!"

TJ ran up to cover her mouth. He was a beat red. He turned around to see Kai and Bikini desperately trying to stifle laughs. But to no avail…

"OMG, PANTYHOSE?" Bikini questioned laughing on the ground.

TJ snarled. "IT'S NOT FUNNY!"

"YES IT IS!" Kai answered also laughing her head off.

TJ sent a death stare to Angel. "You're going to pay for this Angel."

Angel smirked. "I hope so Pinky, I could use a good challenge."

TJ folded his arms. "Are you done with your snickering yet?" He questioned to two females. Bikini and Kai both got up. "Yes," they replied in unison. Chuckles could still be heard amongst them. "How much more do you need to shop for?" TJ queried. "Prom Dresses." They said at the same time. TJ sighed a mushroom. "Oh Goody…"

The three girls entered a small, fancy boutique. Their eyes lit up as they saw all the hundreds of dresses. TJ though, sighed at all of them. "This is going to be a long day…" he complained.

Marron was fixing herself some tea. "Mmm" she uttered smelling the sent of the herbal liquid. She needed a pick-me-up. Marron had been contemplating much in the last few hours. "Maybe we should have stayed." Marron whispered aloud. "Trunks is right, Cali cannot accept him. After what the both of us hid from her. I'm surprised she even forgave me." She said softly.

"Do you really believe that?"

Marron jumped as she heard Vegeta's voice. "Vegeta-san…" she began. "You startled me." She continued. "You didn't answer my question woman…" Vegeta said. Marron nodded. "I…I do." She answered sipping her tea. Vegeta frowned. "That's a shame." He replied taking a seat next to Marron. Marron raised an eyebrow. "Vegeta, I don't feel like playing guessing games. What point are you trying you prove?" Marron asked.

"Cali may only be a quarter saiyan, but she still is saiyan nonetheless." Vegeta said. "And a saiyan will always learn to accept their own parents, no matter what they have done." He added. "How do you know this?" Marron questioned. Vegeta chuckled slightly. "Foolish girl, I am the Prince of saiyans, I know everything about my culture." He answered. Marron continued to frown. "I don't doubt your heritage or knowledge Vegeta; however, I do doubt your judgment about Cali. She's very stubborn, something she gets from your side apparently." She stated. Marron had her mothers wit, and wasn't afraid of insulting Vegeta.

But instead of returning with an insult, Vegeta let out a small sort of praise. "You might be correct, half-android." He stated. Marron blinked in confusion. "…I…am?" she inquired. "Yes, after all, I do not know her as well as you do. She could be an acceptation to saiyan customs." Vegeta replied. Marron continued to blink in wonder. She had never recalled a time where Vegeta had been so reasonable. "Um…thank you?" she answered with bewilderment. Vegeta's calm expression turned to a scowl. "But you are very foolish to not try to solve the conflict between you and my son." He snapped. Marron's eyes narrowed as a sweatdrop appeared on her head. "I knew this was too good to be true."

"Look Vegeta, we've already solved our problems. We've made up." Marron retorted. Vegeta smirked. "Oh yeah? The how come you are not yet in his bed?" he asked. Marron flushed a bright red as she dropped her cup. "EXCUSE ME?!" she yelled standing up. Vegeta leaned back on the chair folding his arms. "You heard me wench. If you and my son have truly made up, you'd be together. You both share a bond." He answered. "Vegeta, are you forgetting the fact that he's already married?" Marron questioned. Vegeta glared at the woman. "Pff, you really think that an Earth bond is stronger than a saiyans bond?" he queried. Marron nodded. "Yes…I do…"

Marron suddenly screeched as she clutched her heart in pain. "Wha-what's happening?" she questioned warily. Vegeta frowned. "You are denying the bond that Trunks and you hold." He said. "The more you continue to refute the matter, the more you and my son will suffer." He added. Marron winced. "Wha-what are you saying? Because Trunks and I refuse to be together…we'll end up dying?" Marron asked the saiyan prince. Vegeta nodded. "I am afraid so." He replied. Marron lowered her head in shame. "Vegeta…I can't…it wouldn't be fair to Kyera…" she said. Marron screamed yet again.

Vegeta clenched his fist and snarled. "Damn it woman, I'm trying to help save you and my son! Saiyans are not supposed to die this way! It is anything but honorable." He shouted. "I'm not a saiyan Vegeta…" Marron weakly answered. "No, you are not. But whether you are human, saiyan, or android, it is not a rightful death. I ask you to reconsider. If not for your sake, then Trunks', and if not for his sake, do it for your daughter." Vegeta countered. Marron pondered the words of the saiyan prince. "Cali cannot live without her mother after all she's been through." Vegeta added. Marron bit her lip. "What if…I do accept it, but Trunks doesn't?" she asked. Vegeta let out a small chuckle. "If I know that boy, he'll come around. It may take awhile, but he always comes around. He's my son after all." Vegeta stated proudly. Marron slowly got up. "I hope so." She whispered.

Vegeta got up to leave. "Thank you Vegeta…" Marron uttered. Vegeta let out a 'humph' and left. Marron smiled. She knew that meant "you're welcome"

TJ impatiently tapped his foot outside the waiting room. He had been waiting for 2 ½ hours. "ANGEL!" he whined. "COMING!" Angel shouted. She quickly stepped out of the curtain. Angel was wearing a deep, red silk dress. It has a halter dress, with many waves around it. Another thing Angel did was she let her hair down, then her tradition two bun style. TJ was speechless. Never in his whole life had he seen any girl more beautiful. And to think, this was not only his best friend, but his date. "I must be the luckiest man on the planet…" he thought.

Angel bit her lip. "What do you think, TJ?" she asked. She prayed that it was suitable; she spent over 2 hours finding it. "Angie…" TJ answered breathlessly. "You're so…beautiful." He whispered. Angel's face could have brightened up the darkest night. "…Really TJ?" she questioned enthusiastically. TJ smiled warmly. "Really." He replied softly. Angel squeaked happily and ran over to hug him. "Oh TJ! That just made my day!" she exclaimed. TJ blushed as Angel embraced him. "Uh, anytime Angie…" he said.

Kai and Bikini hid under the clothes circle as they observed the two friends. "Aw…" Kai cooed. "We have to fix them up!" she shouted. Bikini let out one of her rare smiles. "I don't think they'll need our help on that one Kai." She replied. Kai turned to grin at her friend. "So…how exactly did Kail ask you? Does he even know what a prom is? She asked. Bikini started to blush and let out a nervous laugh upon rethinking the encounter. "Trust me, you don't want to know…" she stated with a sweatdrop. Kai blinked. "Uh, alright." She answered with confusion.

Angel suddenly surprised the two by opening up the rack. Kai and Bikini, jumped up and screamed, not expecting to see Angel. "Hey, are you guys done playing hide and go seek? It's getting late." She said. Both girls started to laugh nervously and nodded. "Uh…sure." They replied. Angel blinked in confusion. "You guys are weird." She commented.

Boxer and Kail were sparing, thanks to TJ's voluntary service of going with the girls. "Kail, you seem pretty out of it today." Boxer said in-between kicks and punches. Panting, Kail answered, "Well I am a little nervous. Your sister has asked me to do the mating dance with her." Boxer lowered his guard, and his jaw. "SHE ASKED YOU WHAT?!" he questioned, that is, right before Kail punched his jaw. Kail scratched his head. "Sorry, friend." He said warily. Boxer lay on the ground with two X's appearing for eyes. "It's…alright…" he answered with a stutter.

Kail quickly helped him up. "So what has my sister agreed to doing with you?" Boxer asked with worry. Kail cleared his throat, like he was going to do one of his big speeches or something. "The mating dance. It's apart of the Saiyan Kouhai Shiki." He stated as if it were the most casual thing in the world. "The wha?" Boxer questioned, still confused. "It's Saiyan-jin for Mating Ceremony." Kail answered. ((Ok, I know it's Japanese, but how many English people are gonna know that?))

"MATING CEREMONY?!?" Boxer exclaimed in a panic.

Kail frowned. "Do you not know what it is? Bikini said you had one on Earth, I believe you're more familiar with the term 'prom'." He retorted. Boxer's eyes narrowed. "Um, Kail…" he tried to explain, but Kail interrupted him. "You know I was actually quite shocked when she asked me." He said. "I mean, I've been very taken with her ever since I arrived but, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagined she'd want to be my mate." He continued. "The poor delusional fool…" Boxer thought. "Kail, do you remember exactly what Bikini said?" he inquired. "Well…"

"Hey Kail?" Bikini queried. Kail was sitting under their willow tree in deep meditation. He immediately stopped when he heard Bikini's voice. "Yes Bikini?" Kail answered trying to say her first name like she asked. Bikini smiled. "You said…my first name." she said astonished. Kail returned the grin.

"Well you asked me to call you that didn't you?"

Bikini was beaming brightly. "Yeah, I did." She pointed out.

"She's smiling widely." Kail thought. "I've never seen her smile like that before."

"I wanted…to ask you something." Bikini stated. Kail's ears perked up. "Anything." He replied eagerly. Bikini took a breath. "I was wondering," she started, "Would you…" "Would I what?" "…like to go to the prom with me? Out of all my guy friends, you're the closest one and I wanted to…do this with you." Bikini finished blushing. "Why is she blushing?" Kail wondered. "And what is a 'prom'?" he continued thinking still trying to adapt to the language. He suddenly flushed when he had an idea. "Um…" he replied. "Is this prom you refer to like a Kouhai Shiki?" he asked blushing. Him a confused look. She still hadn't perfected the Saiyan-jin dialect that Kail had taught her. Bikini thought it meant something similar to prom. "Um…yes?" she replied with uncertainty. Kail immediately turned the deepest red you could imagine.

"Dear Dende, this is most unexpected." He thought. "I never knew Bikini…felt this way about me…"he continued in his mind. "Kail?" Bikini said softly, trying to get his attention. Kail quickly shook his head. "Um, yes?" he replied. Bikini sighed. "If you don't want to go, it's ok. I'll understand." She retorted sadly. But instead of saying no, Kail embraced her in a hug. "Bikini…" he whispered. "I'd be honored to be your meito." He said. Bikini blushed, while trying to remember what meito meant. "I think it means 'date'…" she thought. When on the contrary, it meant 'mate'…

Kail pulled away and kissed her fair-skinned forehead, which quickly turned red. "Don't worry Bikini, I'll be the best meito I can be." He answered to clarify her confused look. Bikini smiled and got up. "Thanks Kail, this means a lot…" she said walking away.

"That's about the jist of it." Kail said finishing. Boxer though, all the while had a huge sweatdrop on his head. "These have to be the most pathetic pair of people I've ever had to meet." He thought referring to their apparent "language" skills. He sighed and patted Kail's pack. "I'll send a prayer up to Dende for you my friend." He stated walking away. "Thanks Son Boxer, I'll need all the luck I can get." Kail replied. Boxer sighed out a mushroom. "Do you want me to send one for you and Miss Zen?" Kail questioned. Boxer came to a halt, and fell over.

TWO DAYS LATER…

Cali woke up to her annoying alarm. She blasted it, and closed her eyes again. "It's Saturday, I should be able to sleep." She complained to herself. She suddenly realized what day it was. "SATURDAY?!" Cali exclaimed jumping out of bed. "I HAVE TO GET READY FOR THE CONTEST!" she shrieked. Hurriedly, she check through her drawers, looking for her "uniform." Lurid had a theme, a dark punk type. Not gothic, but still, dismal and disturbing. Cali had chosen this black, leather outfit to wear. Luckily, she found it.

Cali did her hair differently, than her traditional two forehead length pigtails. She pulled all of her golden hair into a tight ponytail. Another thing Cali did abnormally was put make-up on. Stage makeup, that is. "It'll be the apocalypse when I use this for anything else." She thought as she applied the makeup.

Marron knocked at her door. "Cali? Can I come in?" she asked. "Yeah mom, I'm just finishing my lipstick." Cali replied. Marron blinked. Cali…in lipstick? This she had to see…

Marron entered the door and beamed at her daughter. "Cali, you look so cute!" she exclaimed. Cali let out an exasperated sigh. "Mom…" she said in a whining tone. "We're supposed to be in a punk-rock band, the a little preppy girl band." Cali complained. Marron giggled. "Sorry Cali, but it's true. You should wear make-up more often." She commented. Cali sighed a mushroom. Her mother was impossible.

"Are you coming today?" Cali asked her mother as they made their way down to the kitchen. Marron winked. "Cali, I wouldn't miss this for the world! Although it's quite tempting…" she teased. Cali laughed. The Briefs family was having breakfeast at the same time. TJ stared at Cali. "Hey Cal, since when did you become a babe?" he joked as usual. Cali smiled innocently. "Since I shoved your doughnut down your throat." She said. TJ raised an eyebrow. "Huh-MFHPH!!" he exclaimed as the doughnut he was eating was lodge in the middle of his throat. TJ did several weird signs to indicate that he was choking. "My, my TJ, your appetite seems to have gotten the better of you." Cali answered with a joke of her own. TJ, in a desperate attempt, swallowed the doughnut, which happened to be whole. After take a breath of air, he shouted, "You are not a kind person!"

Cali smiled. "Aw, you know you 'wuv' me bro!" she said cutely. TJ blinked. It was the first time she had ever acknowledged him as her brother.

"Whatever, 'sis'" he smirked playing along.

The two of them laughed. Daphne rolled her eyes and got up. "I'm…not that hungry…" she stated before she left.

"Hey Daphne-"Cali tried to say, but Daphne cut her off by closing the door.

TJ snorted. "Forget her, she's being a B.I." he said.

Cali's eyes were still saddened. "Why can't we be friends?" she wondered.

"Are you ready for your contest today?" Trunks questioned. "Yes, Mr. Briefs." Cali replied like she always did. But this time, her tone seemed to imply that she was being polite to the guy. "He deserves a break." She thought. Trunks looked a little speechless. "Um…great." He said. "Are you coming?" Cali asked him. Now Trunks really looked shocked. "Am…I allowed too?" Trunks questioned. Was Cali actually inviting him to the contest? "I don't see why not, it's an open concert." She replied in more of a snippy tone. Trunks' eyes narrowed and his mouth became slightly a gap. "I knew this was too good to be true." He mused.

Cali glanced at her watch. "Sorry I can't stay and chat, but I need to set up at 'Da Coco Bean'." She said. Marron nodded. "Alright, we'll see you there." She pulled her daughter into a hug. "Win for me." She whispered just like at the martial arts tournament. "Don't worry mama, this time I will win." Cali replied winking. She then left to fly off with her bass guitar in her hands.

"So…could I come?" Trunks asked. Marron laughed. "Trunks, she just invited you. You should." She stated. Trunks blinked. "…that was an invite?" he questioned. Marron continued to laugh. "Yes, Cali has a strange way of doing things, but Cali will be Cali." She said. TJ nodded. "You could say that again." He mumbled. "Do you want another doughnut in your throat!?" Trunks threatened. TJ gulped and shook his head. "N…No sir!" he replied. Trunks smiled. "Good!" he retorted calmly. TJ sighed. "Life is so unfair…" he mumbled.

"Well, well, well look what the cat dragged out Kitty." France chuckled evilly at Eve, Mara, and Tanya. Kitty laughed until she had a revelation. "Hey! I never dragged anybody out!" she shouted. France had a huge vain appear on her forehead. Her friend was the dumbest girl on the planet. Eve, Mara, and Tanya's eyes narrowed. "We pity you." Eve commented. "Mmm-hmm, nothing sadder than a brainless best friend." Tanya added. Kitty glared. "For your information, I got an F in math!" she shouted. The three girls groaned.

"Hey France." Cali called out as she entered the building. "Ready to lose?" she asked. France smirked. "Oh look. It's the poor little rich girl!" she droned. Cali just returned the smirk. "That won't work on me France; there's no way you faze me today." She stated. France let out a wicked grin. "In that case, I guess I'll have to win the old fashioned way." She retorted. "Like that's going to help you." Mara said. The four members of Lurid laughed. France glared. "We'll just see about that!" she snapped taking off with Kitty.

Cali looked around eagerly for Tai. "Where is he?" she wondered. "Who are you looking for Cal?" Tanya questioned. Cali started to laugh nervously. "Heh…um…uh nobody." She spoke. Eve had a mischievous smirk on her face. "It's that Tai lad, ain't it Cali?" she professed. Cali blushed like crazy and threw her arms up in surrender. "No, no…it's not him!" she shouted. Mara smiled. "Aw, Cali's in love." She commented. Cali glared. "I DON'T LOVE HIM! HECK I DON'T EVEN LIKE HIM!" she snapped. "So you do love him!" Mara exclaimed. Cali screamed in frustration and took off to get her guitar ready. The three other girls smiled. "Our little Cali's growing up."

"Why I outta..." Cali grumbled as she set up her bass. "Miss Krillan." The host said to Cali. Cali ceased her complaining and brought her attention to the man.

"Yeah?"

"Is your band ready to go? You guys are on last."

Cali's eyes narrowed. "If we're last, how come you're asking us now?"

"You won't believe how many people get kicked off that stage for lousy performances."

Cali gulped. She did NOT need any form of stage fright right now. "Yeah, we'll be ready." Cali responded calmly. "Alrighty then, good luck!" the host said. Cali sighed as he left. "We'll need it." She whispered.

"Oh, why do I have to be here?" Bardock questioned angrily. "Because Cali's band is performing, don't you wanna see 'em?" Pan asked her son. Bardock snorted. "No!" he yelled. "OW!" Bardock rubbed the bump left by his sister. "Too bad twerp, you're staying!" she snapped. Bardock folded his arms and let out a "humph"

"So, you sure I can come?" Trunks asked for the millionth time before he left his car. Marron had a huge vain appear on her forehead. "YES FOR THE MILLIONTH TIME SO GET THE HECK OUTTA THIS CAR BEFORE CALI PREFORMS HER BILLIONTH ENCOURE!" she shouted. Trunks glared. "Yeesh, so temperamental your family… ACK" The Briefs sure do have a problem with angering woman…look at all the pretty little bumps.

Kai smiled as she saw the whole gang enter. "Hey guys! Saved ya some seats." She said pointing towards the front row. "Alright, go Kai!" TJ yelled. Kai winked. "Pays to have a job here, ne?" she stated. "That's my girl." Boxer grinned putting his arm around her. Kai smiled as they took their seats.

Cali was getting worried. The contest was about to start and Tai was nowhere in sight.

"Looking for someone?"

Cali's eyes lit up as she turned to see Tai holding a bouquet of flowers. "Tai!" She exclaimed happily. Tai handed her the roses. "These are for you." He said to her. Cali's cheeks matched the roses. "They're…beautiful Tai." She whispered. Tai smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "That was for luck." He said smoothly. Cali's eyes twinkled as her entire face turned red. When Tai heard the music, "Uh-oh, better go get my seat." He commented. Cali nodded. "Ok, I'll see you later." She said. Tai smiled, and left for his seat.

Cali turned around to see 3 pairs of eyes looking mighty suspicious. Cali glared. "What?" she snapped. "Don't love him huh?" Tanya snickered. "So how long how you two been dating behind all of our backs?" Mara questioned. Cali glowered and growled. "WE ARE NOT DATING FOR THE LAST TIME!" she shouted. The other three girls only smiled. "Whatever you say Cal." Eve replied.

"Welcome everybody to our 4th annual Battle of the Bands contest!" The host began. "Today, we have a total of 10 band competing. The winner will be determined by the audiences response to each band." He continued. "The winning prize is $1000 zeni, and a weekly performance spot, right here at our very own 'Da Coco Bean'." The host added.

Trunks snorted. "More like 'Da Coo-coo Bean'" he commented, still not used to the caf's atmosphere. Marron elbowed him. "OW! WILL YOU STOP THAT?!" he yelled in a harsh whisper. Marron just folded her arms, and closed her eyes. "Be quiet, you'll embarrass Cali!" she whispered back. Trunks muttered incoherently.

"Hey Krillan," France shouted, "Ready to lose?"

Cali smirked and shook her head. "No Frances, I'm ready to win."

The first 8 bands were nothing special. They were good, but Cali knew her band was better. "Next up, we have Bittersweet, singing a rendition of, 'C'est la vie by Bwitched!" the host announced. Cali and the rest of Lurid fell over. "C'EST LA VIE?" She questioned loudly. "France, that song like…died years ago." Mara warned trying to save her from musical suicide. France humped. "You're just jealous." She stated walking out on stage. Tanya snorted. "Of what?"

Once France and Kitty got into position, the music started to play…

Hey boy sittin in your tree
Mummy always wants you to come for tea
Don't be shy, straighten up your tie
Get down from your tree house sittin in the sky
I wanna know just what to do
Is it very big is there room for two?
I got a house with windows and doors
I'll show you mine if you show me yours

Cali and Lurid dropped their mouths. France and Kitty sounded way different.

Gotta let me in, hey, hey, hey
Let the fun begin, hey
I'm the wolf today hey, hey, hey
I'll huff I'll puff
I'll huff I'll puff I'll huff and puff and blow you away

"Since when did France get a voice?" Tai thought.


Say you will say you won't
Say you'll do what I don't
Say you're true, say to me C'est la vie

Do you play with the girls? Play with the boys?
Do you ever get lonely playing with your toys?
We can talk, we can sing
I'll be the queen and you'll be the king
Hey boy in your tree
Throw down your ladder make a room for me
I got a house with windows and doors
I'll show you mine if you show me yours

Cali finally noticed something unusual. Their mouths were a little faster than the music and then it dawned on her. "They're lip-singing!" she mused.

Gotta let me in, hey, hey, hey
Let the fun begin, hey
I'm the wolf today hey, hey, hey
I'll huff I'll puff
I'll huff I'll puff I'll huff and puff and blow you away

Tanya smirked as she pointed up to the control booth. Cali quietly flew up there to see a guy controlling the CD that was playing. She carefully snuck up behind him and "gently" knocked him out.

Say you will say you won't
Say you'll do what I don't
Say you're true, say to me C'est la vie


Before France and Kitty could finish the last verse, Cali pulled the plug, exposing the two fakes.

The audience laughed as France and Kitty danced around moving their hips and lips, but no words were coming out. After 5 seconds, it finally dawned on them that their "secret" had been discovered. In a panic, they ran off the stage crying as the audience pointed and stared. Tai looked up to see Cali waving from the control booth and smiled. "You go Cali…"

Confused, the host went back on stage. "Well I guess that disqualifies 'Bittersweet'." He said scratching his head. "Ok then, last but not least, we have Lurid, singing "Don't Tell Me" by Avril Lavigne!"

Cali didn't hear the crowd cheering, or the curtain unveiling. All she heard was her heart pumping, and her mouth breathing hard. "This is it…" Cali mused as the band started to play.

You held my hand and walked me home I know
While you gave me that kiss, it was something like this, it made me go ooh ohh
You wiped my tears, got rid of all my fears, why did you have to go?
Guess it wasn't enough to take up some of my love
Guys are so hard to trust
Did I not tell you that I'm not like that girl?
The one who gives it all away

Trunks stared in awe at Cali's angelic voice. It filled up the whole room. "Wow, she's great…" he said softly.

Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time?
Did you think that it was something I was gonna do and cry?

Cali and the band's playing got more aggressive this time around. She started lightly dancing as she got more and more into the song.


Don't try to tell me what to do,
Don't try to tell me what to say,
Your better off that way

Tai grinned as he saw Cali playing and singing. "She's so happy up there." He whispered. He had never met a more passionate musician.


Don't think that your charm and the fact that your arm is now around my neck
Will get you in my pants I'll have to kick your ass and make you never forget

For humor reasons, Cali made an innocent little girls' face after she had said the "naughty" word. Marron rolled her eyes. "She's gonna get it." She promised herself.


I'm gonna ask you to stop, thought I liked you a lot, but I'm really upset
Get out of my head get off of my bed yeah that's what I said
Did I not tell you that I'm not like that girl, the one who, throws it all away

Tanya flipped her drum sticks and banged like there was no tomorrow. Mara played her keyboard quickly and efficiently. And Eve did the creator of the acoustic guitar proud, by strumming away with all she had.


Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time?
Did you think that it was something I was gonna do and cry?
Don't try to tell me what to do,
Don't try to tell me what to say,
Your better off that way

This guilt trip that you put me on won't, mess me up I've done no wrong
Any thoughts of you and me have gone away

Cali jumped in the air while playing her bass. The special effects were amazing. Lights and confetti surrounded the stage as the whole audience was at its feet dancing.

Did you think that I was gonna give it up to you, this time?
Did you think that it was something I was gonna do and cry?
Don't try to tell me what to do,
Don't try to tell me what to say,
Your better off that way

Better off that way
I'm better off alone anyway

Cali nailed the last note, as did the rest of Lurid instrument wise. Cali took a deep breath, taking in all of the excitement that was around her.

"WAHOO!"

"GO CALI!"

"LURID! LURID! LURID!"

The whole gang was at its feet cheering. Marron nearly had tears in her eyes. "That's my girl." She said. Trunks smiled proudly. "That's my girl too." He whispered so that no one could hear him. Marron though did and smiled silently.

The host immediately came up on stage. "Well I guess the winning band is unanimous!" he exclaimed. "The winner of this contest…is LURID!" he shouted. Cali, Eve, Mara, and Tanya squealed and hugged each other tightly on stage. Off stage, France and Kitty were fuming. "WE DID IT!" Eve shrieked. "Lurid is on its way to the big time!" Tanya added. Cali smiled and broke out of the hug when she saw her mother waiting off-stage.

Marron embraced her daughter tightly. "I'm so proud of you!" she commented. Cali beamed. "I told you I'd win mama!" she replied.

"Cali…"

Cali looked up to see Trunks smiling widely. "That was the most amazing performance I've ever seen. I had no idea how good you were."

"Thanks Trunks."

Trunks and Marron's blue eyes bulged out. "Did…you just call me…Trunks?" he asked. Cali blinked. She was so happy; she didn't have time to be mad at anyone else. "Uh, I guess I did…" she stated. Trunks grin grew even wider. "Well, that's a start…" he thought.

Cali leaned over her mother's shoulder to see Tai waiting for her in a corner. "Hey mom," she said nodding in Tai's direction. Her mother nodded. "Alright Cali, talk to you later." Marron said smiling. Cali almost sprinted over to where Tai was. "Aw," Marron stated putting her hand to her cheek. "My baby's in love!" she squealed.

Trunks raised an eyebrow. "Isn't she a little young?"

"She's 17."

"I know that!"

Marron frowned. "…you…don't remember, do you?"

Trunks blinked. "Remember what?"

Glimpses of tears started to form in Marron's eyes. "You were 17, when we…first fell in love…" she whispered.

Trunks opened his mouth to say something, but didn't. Silence occurred for several seconds until Marron clutched her heart. "I'm denying it again…we both are." She thought. "Marron, are you ok?" Trunks asked nervously. Marron faked a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine Trunks…just…please, take me home."

"Hey Tai!" Cali warmly greeted as she arrived over to the place he was standing. Tai smiled. "Cali, that was so awesome!" he exclaimed. Cali blushed. "Heh, it was nothing." She lied.

"You really need to stop lying, Cal."

Cali chuckled. "You're a human lie-detector." She said.

Tai grinned. "Hey Cal, can I ask you something?"

"Anything…"

"Would you, want to go on a date with me? You know, for prom night?"

Cali's eyes twinkled in delight. "I…I'd love to!" she exclaimed happily.

Tai's smile only grew. "Great! I'll pick you up at 7:00!" he shouted turning to leave. "Bye Cal!" he waved as he exited the door.

Cali sheepishly waved back. "Bye…Tai." She whispered. Cali returned to her friends, but was in a love struck daze the rest of the night. Cupid's arrow has struck again!

OMG THIS IS THE LONGEST THING I HAVE EVER WRITTEN FOR! 28 flipping' pages! 6,680 words! I do hope you guys enjoyed it, and I assure you, real genuine romance will be in the next chapter. Aw, Cali called Trunks, Trunks! SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL IS STARTING! Poor Marron, she's sick. Oh and in case your wondering why Trunks isn't affected yet, is b/c he's saiyan and it takes longer for saiyans to feel the pain of the bond. Oh and about that mating dance thing, it's all apart of the sequel I'm beginning to orchestrate. lol, Kail and Bikini XD. Till next time, Ja Ne!

Thanks to…

Serena San, MayhemBass, Punk Gal, Punkygal, Daniella, Son Angie Kuri, Alexonite, Xena, Starlite, Forever Broken, Tachigare Yuushi, KrayZfan, OnCeUpOnAnIgHtMaRe, Gypsee Girl, Omi-Tak, Shasti, Pasjuh, Erica, Sonicwind123, Ali-Chan, Evil Sister, Anglmis, razzle-dazzle, African Uub, and Meiling Chan.

SonChan