I wish I owned DBZ, but I don't. I own DVD's and tapes, but it just isn't the same. I also don't own the rights to any of the music pieces you see selected, just copies of merchandise, such a shame. The artists that created them are geniuses and we all must bow to them.
Chapter 53: Prom Night
Videl was rather quiet the next morning while out on patrol.
"Is something wrong?" Gohan asked with concern.
"Not really, why?" Videl countered.
"You just seem distant. Was it that bad yesterday?"
"I just have a lot on my mind, that's all," Videl replied as she looked away.
"If you say so," Gohan said as they changed directions in the air. Things didn't improve much after that, though beating up a few thugs helped to curb Videl's gloomy mood. Fortunately, the homeroom teacher had cleared out a seating location on the far end of their row for Suzy. Videl thought that would at least get her through class. It did, until third period when she got a police call. It was a car theft report, something minor for her and Gohan.
"You want to handle this one?" Videl asked.
"I suppose I could, but why? It's not something you couldn't handle on your own," Gohan reminded.
"It's just that, I don't trust that girl around you. I'll feel better if you go so I can keep an eye on her," Videl claimed.
Gohan narrowed his eyes, but sighed as he raised his hand, "Miss Edison! May I please…"
"Go ahead Mister Son, just don't use the roof access, it's under repair for the rest of the week!" Edison said without looking. As Gohan was passing Suzy, she jumped up and embraced his arm, looking incredibly concerned.
Gohan was slightly puzzled, "What, what's wrong?"
"Oh, please be careful Gohan! If it gets dangerous, get out of there!" Suzy pleaded.
"I'll be fine. A little car chase isn't anything for me to worry about," Gohan said reassuringly. As Gohan was leaving, Suzy folded her hands together as if she were saying a prayer.
"My Gohan is so brave!"
Videl grunted slightly as she shook her head, "Give me a break."
"You jealous of her Videl? That would be a first," Sharpner snickered.
"Nah, Gohan wouldn't dump you for her. You're getting worked up over nothing," Erasa said.
"I dunno, Gohan's been acting strange lately…" Sharpner pointed out. He promptly shut up when he saw the slightest bit of golden light erupt from Videl's outstretched finger.
"Another word, and I'll fry your ass!" Videl rasped. Sharpner cowered in his chair as Videl returned her glare to Suzy. This act had better stop soon, I'm getting really tired of it.
Lunchtime allowed Gohan and Videl about four minutes together before Suzy showed up. She had something hidden behind her back, though Videl could see protective gloves and steam.
"Hi Gohan! Does my hungry boy want something good to eat?" Suzy asked.
Videl cleared her throat, "Ahem, whose hungry boy?"
Gohan already felt the heat from Videl's ki and politely shook his head, "No thanks, I already brought enough for me."
"But you need your energy if you're gonna fight the bad guys! I made you a fresh chicken pot pie!" Suzy declared as she revealed the pan. She dropped the pie right in front of him, smashing the rice bowl he was working on. It didn't matter though; she got the desired reaction as he tore into the food.
"Alright, this is delicious!" Gohan claimed as he devoured the presented platter. Videl grumbled inaudibly as Gohan ripped apart the pie in a matter of seconds.
"I could cook for you everyday forever. It's obvious that someone needs to if all this is the best you ever receive," Suzy hinted.
Videl was quickly shaking in anger, "I can cook just fine you lousy tramp!"
"Oh, reduced to name calling already? Well don't worry; it's obvious that caring for Gohan is too much of a chore for you. Well don't worry, soon you won't have to!" The whole room stared as Suzy walked off, seemingly satisfied.
"What was that all about?" Gohan asked as he munched down an ear of corn.
"Shut up and eat, it's my problem," Videl grunted back.
By some miracle, nothing much happened until it was time for gym class. They were scheduled to play baseball, but upon picking teams, Videl was unlucky enough that Gohan and Suzy were on the other team. Normally this wouldn't have mattered to her, until Suzy asked Gohan to show her how to bat. When he did, she suggestively stood in front of him and intentionally backed up a step. Only Gohan's usual shy reaction stopped Videl's next warpath. Sharpner had laughed at the scene the entire time, leaving Videl to believe that he had set things up on purpose. The gym teacher saw how upset Videl was getting and decided it would be best to not remind her to hold back when she was up to bat. Thus the baseballs went screeching out of the city for the first few innings. In the middle of the fifth, Videl finally seemed to get into the game and regained a measure of control. She then decided to give Suzy a taste of her own medicine. Suzy was in right field, and Videl changed her batter's stance enough to heavily alter the usual direction of her aim.
"Try not to kill this one Videl, we only have a few baseballs left and your team is already up fifteen to three!" the teacher reminded her.
"Hmph, no promises," Videl said in a low tone. Sharpner threw the pitch and Videl carefully tapped the ball towards right field. She had hit it in a way that went over Suzy's head, but not enough to clear the fence. Just as the ball was over Suzy, it suddenly fell out of the air and landed neatly in Suzy's glove.
"Yay, I caught it!" Suzy cheered.
"Good catch. You're out Videl!" the teacher said plainly. Videl cringed as the bat broke in her grip before she went back to the dugout. It was obvious to her what had happened, even though she couldn't sense it. Suzy had used her ability to stop the ball's momentum, more or less cheating. It would have gone unnoticed if anyone but Videl or Gohan had hit it. Videl elected not to start anymore of a scene that she had already made and kept quiet. That did not stop her from whizzing a fastball by Suzy's head in the next inning, which left a gaping hole in the chain link fence.
Videl sighed heavily as she shut her locker after changing. Only one more period to go before the weekend. That knowledge kept her relieved for the time being, until it was disrupted.
"Hey Videl, is it true that there's a talent contest being held during the prom?" Erasa asked. Videl's head whirled around to her friend, who was holding up a small flyer.
"Let me see that," Videl growled as she nearly ripped it out of Erasa's hands. Her anger grew even more upon reading it.
"So, all of the prom queen candidates including you are having a contest? I didn't even know you were going to be entering, must be a good prize," Erasa pondered.
"I really hate her," Videl shuddered.
"Oh you mean Suzy? Yeah it's weird, she's already in the running for prom queen and she's barely been here for two weeks. That's okay, if you enter, you're sure to win over her! I'm sure you'd be a good prom queen!" Erasa said.
"Maybe, but all that prom queen crap really isn't my style," Videl replied.
Erasa shrugged that off, "So what are you going to do, martial arts demonstrations?" Videl didn't answer as the bell rang and she left the locker room. Erasa followed with concern, as Videl's eerie silence was starting bother even her.
"So, did you hear what band is supposed to be here? They haven't announced it yet so I thought maybe you'd know," Erasa said.
"An actual band? Don't they just have the student jazz group do that stuff?" Videl retorted.
"No, where'd you hear that?"
"I don't go to school dances that much," Videl admitted.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you've gone to any," Erasa countered.
"Not sure, I got pulled along to Dad's photo shoots enough that it's hard to tell the difference," Videl said.
Erasa grinned deeply, "Well, it's the perfect chance to impress Gohan. Maybe you could do something with the band. Hey I know, sing!"
Videl was taken aback to this suggestion, "Me? Sing?"
"It's not hard, you have a good enough voice for it. Treat it like Karaoke night!"
Videl frowned, "The last time I went to one of those with you, I embarrassed myself. Then I got into a bar fight with that drunk."
"You weren't that bad Videl, just nervous. Practice a song you like and get the band to play for you, I'll bet that'll work!" Erasa claimed.
Videl thought it over for a moment, "I guess it's worth a try, but I need something really good. That freaky girl said she would be doing something that was supposed to be amazing, and I want to beat her at her own game. I wouldn't doubt it if this was what she had in mind, probably with some crazy dance routine that she couldn't manage normally."
Erasa became a bit confused, "What do you mean by that. Is there something wrong with Suzy that you're not telling me?"
"Never mind that. Gimme two hours after school and then come over to the mansion. I need to go borrow something from Capsule Corp first!"
Lenz held her head and shook it a bit, as if to clear some cobwebs.
"You heard me, didn't you?" Verto asked.
"Yeah, it just felt weird to receive the message. It was like sensing energy levels, but I could feel the emotion along with it," Lenz explained.
"All I said was 'can you hear me'. We didn't make much of a mental connection, and believe me, we won't. If you were reading all of that, then you're trying too hard. Relax, take a deep breath, and try to send me a thought again. You don't need to open up your mind completely to do this," Verto suggested.
"I still don't understand that either," Lenz said.
"Most closed-minded people don't."
Lenz grimaced but closed her eyes and concentrated, "Can you hear me, little brother? Am I doing it right?"
Verto scowled a bit and took a moment to respond, "Clear your mind of distracting thoughts. I understood about half of that."
"How do you manage that? It's like you can just think of nothing all the time. It's not fair," Lenz complained.
"Well I suppose you're right, it's a male trait. Everything has a nice and organized place, and thus is easily assessable when we need it, especially the 'nothing' area. I've had to take a trip or two into my own mind, and there was a lot of empty space. That might be considered an insult to myself, but I don't think of it that way. Whereas females probably have an impossibly complex ball of wire that connects every little thing together in their minds. So in other words, quit thinking about everything," Verto said with a grin.
"That's not true! We don't think that way!" Lenz argued.
"Maybe you in particular don't, but most women do. That's probably how they can nag people to death and argue until they pass out or get their way," Verto snickered.
"You take that back runt!"
"Prove me wrong and do it then."
Lenz huffed slightly, "Fine, I will!" Verto smirked when Lenz shut her eyes, Works every time. Lenz's next telepathic attempt was interrupted by her actual brother when he walked in, dripping wet.
"Look, it's alive," Verto pointed out.
"I should kill you for that," Fuzai claimed.
"You're welcome to try, maybe I won't be gentle this time," Verto warned.
"I could just put you into another coma, and keep doing it for the rest of the trip. That would keep you complaint," Fuzai declared.
"Perhaps, but you'd slip up somewhere and I'd take advantage of it. Besides, now that I've seen your ability, you likely won't be able to do it again before I stop you," Verto said smugly.
"Oh? Is that a fact? Let's test your theory." Verto phased out just as Fuzai finished speaking, appearing behind the older Saiyan. Fuzai froze in surprise, even though Verto did not touch him.
"Before you turn around, I want you to bear in mind that I could have killed you in about twenty different ways just now," Verto said.
Fuzai's eyes lowered, "Then what's stopping you?"
"My compassion at the moment, but it isn't for you."
Fuzai laughed, "You're even softer than I thought. Why bother having such a great power if you're not going to use it?"
"You really like to play with fire don't you? That soft side of me has a breaking point that you've already seen. And I've revisited it more than once. It isn't pretty and it had a few of this galaxy's greatest villains shaking in fear even in the depths of Hell. Don't push me, that is your last warning," Verto threatened.
"Whatever you say, tail-less wonder," Fuzai grinned. He was promptly struck in the head by Lenz's boot.
"That's not nice big brother!" she scolded.
"Saiyans aren't supposed to be nice. All that time in the whore house must have been too easy on you, never mind hanging around this runt!" Fuzai said as he finally turned to glance at Verto's piercing glare.
"So, how long does a standard trip to the regeneration tank take, on average?" Verto asked suddenly.
"That depends on the severity of the injuries. Anywhere from a standard hour to three days. Typically, patients are in there for three to five hours. Wait…why?" Fuzai asked with concern.
"I once spent a day and a half in one of those things after a battle on Earth. I can remember what it took to receive that much treatment, so insult her again and you'll beat my record," Verto replied calmly. Fuzai grimaced but didn't respond to the threat. In fact, no one said anything for nearly a minute before Verto stood up.
"Alright, come with me, I've got a few unrelated questions for you. We'll leave her alone so she can focus," Verto said as he motioned Fuzai out of the room.
"I can concentrate just fine, you don't need to leave!" Lenz argued.
"Normally I wouldn't care, but it's sensitive information. I imagine it will come up again later, and I'll fill you in as needed," Verto explained quickly before walking off. Lenz grumbled and shut her eyes again while Fuzai merely shrugged and followed Verto out.
They went all the way to the bridge before Verto even broke stride.
"Do you have any other information on this other force that Frost has come into conflict with? You mentioned that the energy signals were at least partially Saiyan," Verto reminded him.
"That's about all I know about them for sure, which is about as much as anyone else knows. They've been sacking old Kold Empire bases and stealing equipment and supplies, leaving no witnesses. There was only one survivor that we were able to recover after the fifth attack, but his voice box had been ripped out. His reactions to standard questioning were enough to know that these were no ordinary foes," Fuzai said.
"Then whoever they are, they're trying to cover their tracks. I take it that no one has managed to track down a base or a space ship?" Verto asked.
"Actually we have detected an unidentified ship just before the attacks. We've called it the Marauder. It has appeared out of thin air at times. There's an ion trail left behind when they arrive and depart, but once they've traveled a few parsecs it vanishes."
Verto's eyebrow went up, "The trail vanishes?"
"Yes, it's as if the ship just disappears from the galaxy, like it never existed."
"Do they have some way of concealing themselves, maybe some sort of cloaking device?" Verto suggested.
"If they do, it's highly advanced to hide a ship of that size. We estimate that it can hold up to a thousand soldiers easily, but that is only a guess. Its armor and weaponry are another question all together."
"Okay, do you have any idea about what they want with all the stuff they've stolen?" Verto asked.
"No, it's only been basic items. Food, body armor and medical supplies, very rarely anything else. This was why we thought they were Rotian rebels at first," Fuzai claimed.
"Understandable," Verto said with a nod.
"Still, I feel as if I should know them," Fuzai said with a finger beneath his chin.
"I thought you said you hadn't encountered them?"
"I haven't. But when I was a child, Rotaria did have visitors that were at least partially Saiyan. My sister was too young to remember them, but I do. They weren't there very long after they spoke with my parents and the other adults. We were told to forget about them. Well that was easy, because the next day, Lord Frieza killed everyone," Fuzai said with a deep scowl. Verto felt a very distinct chill run down his back, but hid it well. He briefly recalled some of what he had learned inside the pendulum room, and decided to inquire further.
"Was there anything else?" Fuzai asked impatiently.
"You and Lenz are second generation Rotians, right?"
"That's right."
"What do you know about your grandparents then, specifically the Saiyan side?" Verto asked.
"Only that they were third class Saiyans that Lord Frost gathered from Planet Vegita prior to its destruction. They were kept a secret from most of the empire until after Lord Frieza and King Kold were destroyed. Our understanding was that a Super Saiyan named Goku defeated Frieza on Planet Namek. Both were believed to have survived Namek's explosion prior to clashing on Earth again, where Goku killed Frieza and King Kold over a year later," Fuzai recited as if he had heard the story a few times.
"That part is mostly correct. What I want to know is if there are any specific traits that your Saiyan ancestors had that might have been passed down? Your special ability for example," Verto pointed out.
"None that I am aware of, at least from the Saiyan side," Fuzai replied. Verto sighed with very slight relief, Maybe Lenz is just unique then, or she's been around me too long.
"But, it has been noticed that Rotian hybrids overall were quite a bit stronger than their Saiyan parents," Fuzai claimed.
"That's nothing new, human hybrids are the same way. Ultimately, I doubt it matters as long as anyone with Saiyan blood is trained to handle their own potential," Verto said.
"I see." Fuzai looked unsure about something, catching Verto's attention.
"Well?"
"There is something, it's regarding the remaining Rotians," Fuzai said with uncertainty.
Verto's alertness skyrocketed, "And that is?"
"Sometime shortly after Rotaria was destroyed, several of them began to emit strange energy waves. Some of it was similar to the readings received from the bases the Marauder attacked, but not entirely," Fuzai explained.
"Has this source of energy been identified yet?" Verto asked as his eyes widened just slightly.
"This is extremely classified information that I'm not supposed to know about. It was mentioned that this energy was similar to what was observed from an alien race that passed through this area of space a year ago shortly after the Marauder appeared for the first time. I believe they were called the Protoss."
Verto held his breath for a brief moment, "And this energy pattern was the same with the Marauder?"
"Not completely. With the Marauder it was potent, but also very unstable. With the other Rotians, well that wasn't quite the case, you'll see what I mean soon enough. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to speak with my sister alone," Fuzai said as he left the room. Verto grimaced as Fuzai departed, feeling the full impact of the possible future. This can't be good. Now there's even more Saiyans that could have power they shouldn't have. They could be like me, but I seriously doubt it. Just what the hell is going on?
"Gohan! Aren't you ready yet?" Chichi shouted at the top of her lungs.
"Almost Mom! I'm trying to tie this stupid bow!" Gohan shouted back.
"Well hurry up!" Gohan rolled his eyes slightly as he continued to attempt to finish the bow tie without breaking it. It had been about eight days since the prom queen talent show had been announced, and Videl had been rather scarce. Gohan had no doubt that Suzy would probably win the prom queen title considering her ever rising popularity, but he didn't think Videl would really mind that much. All that he hoped was that he didn't get voted in as prom king. He hadn't put his name in for it, but he didn't have to hear the rumors to know that there was a strong chance of it happening. He was more concerned with the lack of contact with Videl, aside from school and Saiyaman patrols. For awhile he thought she was mad at him for what had been happening with Suzy, but that didn't appear to be the case. The most he was able to get from Mr. Satan and Erasa was that she was working on her talent presentation. Like everyone else, Gohan assumed that it would be martial arts related, until she assured him that it wasn't. Why do I get the feeling that something will blow up tonight?
"Gohan! What's taking you so long?" Chichi screamed again.
"Don't worry Mom, I can teleport there with Instant Transmission!" Gohan claimed.
"So what? Late is still late, even if it's instant! Now hurry up! This is one of the most important nights of your life!" Chichi reminded from the stairs. Gohan sighed as he finally managed to get the bow tied. Once he tugged it snug, it tore completely in half.
"Damnit," he grumbled. Chichi came storming in a moment later, wondering why her first born was still in his room. Upon seeing his dilemma, she produced a spare and put it on him herself.
"I see my big strong boy still needs his mother after all," Chichi said in a scornful manner.
Gohan nodded sheepishly, "No wonder Dad hates clothes like these. I don't like them either for this very reason."
"You should get used to it son. When you're done with school, you will probably have a great career that involves working with the smartest people in the world. Formality will be expected of you," Chichi explained as she finished the bow, "There, picture perfect. You'd better get going so you can pick up Videl."
"Actually, I'm meeting her there. She already said she'd be running a little late," Gohan said.
"How the times have changed. I can remember the days when the guy was always running late," Chichi said as she appeared to be in a partial daydream. Both of the perked up to the sound of Goku's voice downstairs.
"Chichi! I'm hungry! When's dinner gonna be ready?" Goku whined aloud.
Chichi shook her head and came back to reality, "Go on, get outta here so I can cook for the bottomless pit!" Gohan nodded and vanished a moment later.
Gohan calmly walked into the high school gym, ducking under streamers and other hanging decorations. To his dismay, half of the room noticed him immediately. He faked his typical grin and waved while looking for a place to hide that didn't involve flying, finding none. He didn't see or sense Videl nearby, so he instead hung along the wall, trying to be as invisible as possible. It was still a bit early and the band hadn't even come out yet. Within a few minutes, Erasa spotted him and dragged Sharpner over with her. The bulky blonde had on a white tux that didn't seem to fit well, whereas Erasa bore a long green dress with white trimmings.
As usual, Sharpner was the first to point out the obvious, "So where's Videl? Don't tell me you forgot to pick her up!"
Erasa scowled at her date and cleared her throat ominously, "Don't start anything, not tonight!"
"She said she'd be running a little late," Gohan answered.
"I know why, don't worry about a thing Gohan. She'll be here," Erasa said reassuringly.
"So, brains, did you see Suzy yet? She's totally looking for you," Sharpner declared with a tight grin. Erasa's frown deepened as she gave Sharpner a warning nudge.
Gohan attempted to act as disinterested as possible, "No not yet."
Sharpner pulled a small camera out and handed it to the demi-Saiyan, "Well make yourself useful then and take our picture." Gohan grimaced as he took the small device while Sharpner and Erasa posed. Gohan regretted taking the picture immediately, because the flash drew far more attention than he wanted.
"OH! Gohan!" Suzy Marie cried out. Gohan cringed as Suzy dashed towards him despite the high heels she had on. She was wearing what appeared to be a modified white wedding dress without the headpiece. The front sparkled in the random lighting and had the crest of an eagle sewn into it. On the back, small but proportionate butterfly-like fabric wings were attached. What is this, a Cinderella story? The only thing she's missing is a tiara and a pumpkin carriage.
"Gohan, I've been waiting for you!" Suzy said scornfully.
Gohan looked away, "So it seems."
"Isn't this dress just perfect?"
Gohan gulped as she got within arm's reach, "Yeah, it does look nice."
"Hmmm, I think I'll only wear it twice. One is tonight of course, and of course you know when the other time will be, don't you?" Suzy suggestively turned around before pushing up against his tense side.
Gohan nervously smiled back, "Um, no?"
Suzy turned her head back and stared up with the cutest face she could possibly present, "On my wedding day silly. I hope you wear the same suit!"
Gohan stepped back as Erasa produced the evil eyes, "Gohan is Videl's boyfriend, why don't you chase someone else that's available?"
Sharpner grinned, "I don't know, I could get used to Videl being jealous, might be fun to watch."
"I don't see her anywhere, I guess I'll win the talent contest by forfeit!" Suzy claimed.
"She'll be here, maybe you should go change or something. You wouldn't want to ruin your dress!" Erasa suggested.
"Oh? I don't plan on moving around much or dealing with anything filthy. I'm not a dirty tomboy after all," Suzy reminded them. Gohan's eyes widened in fear as Erasa put on a death glare that didn't fit her positive outlook on life.
Sharpner had stayed quiet, but now wisely changed the subject, "So when is the band going to show up?"
"We can always dance without one, right Gohan?" Suzy asked.
"Maybe you should save it for whoever gets voted prom king," Erasa muttered aloud.
"Oh don't worry, I'm sure Gohan will be the winner. I nominated him after all, and how can you say no to a guy that helped save the world?" Suzy argued.
"You could say no to a guy that can kill all his fellow students in a mere moment," Sharpner blurted out. He regretted those words when both Gohan and Erasa gave him the dark stare.
He decided to go back to the original topic, "Who all is in this talent show anyway?"
"Didn't you read the flyer? All of the prom queen candidates are. There's only four choices, and you'll be voting for Videl once it's over!" Erasa said sternly.
Sharpner nervously stepped backwards, "Uh, yeah. I'm going to use the facility!" Erasa shook her head slightly as he ran off while Suzy continued to eyeball Gohan.
The gymnasium was a lot fuller an hour later as the music started over the loudspeakers. The band still wasn't out, but no one seemed to mind the mainstream hits. Gymnast mats had also been laid out for one of the talent contestants. Another area had some sort of booth set up with a few video screens, though Gohan wasn't sure what it was for. Suzy had yet to even hint at what she would be doing for this contest, and Gohan was becoming a bit wary of it. It wasn't until he sensed Videl's presence that he relaxed at all. He did take the opportunity to sneak away so that he could see her. He finally found her in a remote part of the school where no one else was, bickering about something to four others.
"…And that's that! I don't care how much she paid you or whatever she did! Remember who my dad is, you'll get paid double! Besides, her assets were probably all destroyed last month anyway! Transfer students usually don't have any money!" Videl shouted as Gohan got closer.
"Money isn't the problem miss Satan. That girl is freaky weird!" one of the four argued.
"Don't worry about it," Videl said. She promptly tensed up when she sensed Gohan closing in.
Gohan was almost around the corner when she called out to him, "Hey! You get back to the gym. I'll be there soon enough!"
Gohan stopped, unsure of the situation, "Can't I just see you for a minute?"
"I'm a little busy, besides it'll ruin the surprise!" she claimed, "Go tear up the buffet or something!" Gohan turned around and walked away slowly, feeling both relieved and confused. Videl was still being a bit too mysterious for his liking, but not enough to concern him a whole lot. He knew she'd be mad if he tried to poke his nose into her business without her approval. Then again, she did it to me all the time when I started high school. Maybe I should give her a taste of her own medicine. Then she'd be mad though, and I'd probably never hear the end of it from her, or Mom…oh forget it. Definitely not worth the trouble. Upon returning to the prom, the scent of snacks and the punch bowl lured Gohan quickly. To his great dismay, Suzy found him again quickly, as did Sharpner and Erasa. Erasa seemed to be the official person in charge of making sure Suzy didn't try anything while Videl was missing. To Gohan, her usually strong bat radar was running at one hundred and twenty percent of normal. She also seemed to have a thick aura of confidence around her, but she didn't say much to it.
"So did you find Videl yet?" Sharpner asked.
"Yeah, she was in the middle of something so I didn't bother her," Gohan replied.
Suzy snorted, "Hmph! It doesn't matter, she can't win!"
Erasa actually giggled slightly, "Are you sure about that? I mean, what are you going to do that's so great?"
Suzy ignored her and stepped closer to Gohan again, "Darling, when this is over, I don't ever want you to go near that tomboy again!"
Gohan bit his lip in slight frustration, "Um, what are you trying to say here?"
"Don't ever go near Videl again. Her violent behavior can't support the perfect love we share. She is a poison to everything she touches! And she'll try to ruin our relationship!" Suzy declared.
Gohan grimaced, "We don't have a relationship."
"Now I've got to go get ready. Be a good boy for me. If that tomboy actually does show up, don't catch her when she trips. Her ugly face isn't worth saving, and a bruise would probably help more than hurt!" Suzy said as she skipped off. Gohan stared in slight shock, though he wasn't sure what he was surprised about at this point.
He wasn't the only one, even Sharpner had to take a second glance, "Wow, she is nuts!"
Gohan glanced at him, "You're telling me?"
"I hope Videl puts her to shame!" Erasa said.
Gohan nearly fell asleep during the first act. It was a candidate he didn't know attempting to be psychic. At first he paid attention, but sensed nothing unusual about her. Most of it was amateur palm reading anyway, and Gohan dismissed it as such. Next up was the anticipated gymnast who put on a semi-typical show of balance and agility. Once she received her applause, the crowd moved towards the music stage. Gohan noticed the band had finally come out and was getting ready. He turned around and noticed Suzy looking his way from the main door, with a smug expression. The lights suddenly went out, drawing some surprised gasps and cheers. Gohan detected Videl entering the room, with a slight aura of nervousness. Gohan gave her a reassuring mental touch and it quickly vanished as she ascended to the darkened stage. The band started playing abruptly as the lights came back on, and Videl had the microphone in her hand.
When the night falls down
I wait for you
And you come around
And the worlds alive
With the sound of kids
On the street outside
The crowd cheered for her, though it was rather obvious that no one knew the song she was singing. Gohan didn't care though and took in Videl's prom appearance for the first time as she continued. She had on a dark purple dress that sparkled lightly and was cut just above the knees. She had apparently decided to go against her norm and wear makeup this time, bearing purple eye liner and reddened lipstick. To Gohan, she was breathtaking, and no one around would be able to tell him different. Behind him and the rest of the crowds, Suzy Marie's jaw had dropped open enough to drive a truck through. Videl saw this and couldn't help but smile wider as she kept singing.
When you walk into the room
You pull me close and we start to move
And we're spinning with the stars above
And you lift me up in a wave of love...
Gohan found himself inching closer to the stage the moment Videl began. In no time he was past the other jumping students until he was only a mere ten feet from Videl. She noticed this movement and beckoned him up to the stage while she sang the chorus.
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
Gohan opted to move to the side of the stage before Videl motioned him towards the middle while she kept the wireless mike in hand.
"Um, what did you want me to do?" he asked with his usual naïve grin.
Videl kept her smile and pressed a finger to his lips, "Just shut up and dance with me. I'll tell you when."
"Uh, alright." Videl shook her head slightly and hit the second verse.
When I feel alone
I reach for you
And you bring me home
When I'm lost at sea
I hear your voice
And it carries me
Videl approached and moved suggestively around her man before taking his hand and spinning around his arm before pulling closer. Gohan was doing his best not to completely botch up her moment and followed her foot movement. She turned to him and Gohan suddenly felt as if the crowd had vanished and it was only him that she was singing to.
In this world we're just beginning
To understand the miracle of living
Baby I was afraid before
But I'm not afraid anymore
Maybe this is what Verto feels with all that music he listens to, no wonder. That's probably where she got the idea. Gohan detected Videl's smile briefly transform itself into a smirk as she nodded and pulled away to sing to the crowd again. Gohan let her have the spotlight completely and backed off to the side of the stage again.
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on earth
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
Gohan couldn't help but smile as Videl danced her way through the second chorus and into the instrumental portion. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Suzy again. Though it was extremely hard to look her way and not notice someone with a face that red. It only worsened when Videl's ki surged just slightly. In the midst of the instrumentals, she suddenly leapt high into the air as she spun around. She hovered for a few seconds while spinning, catching a few gasps. She then came down quickly and landed in a splits pose with the microphone held high. Most of the crowd cheered loudly at this, as even the most jaded observer knew that the gymnast couldn't have pulled that off easily. Videl jumped to her feet and bowed before singing the last portion of the song.
In this world we're just beginning
To understand the miracle of living
Baby I was afraid before
But I'm not afraid anymore
Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth ?
Ooh heaven is a place on earth
They say in heaven love comes first
We'll make heaven a place on earth!
As she finished up, Videl cast her eyes back at Gohan, directing the words to him again.
"Yeah, you bet we will!" he thought back at her. The song faded and the show's lighting went out before coming back up to the tune of thunderous applause. Videl bowed again as she handed over the microphone to the apparent master of ceremonies before heading Gohan's way with a bounce in her step. She took his arm and they both made their way back into the clapping crowds.
"Heaven is a place on Earth"by Belinda Carlisle
"We will now open the voting polls for both prom queen and prom king. Remember boys and girls, you can only vote for the other gender! Poles will be open for one hour."
"I thought Suzy had an act too?" Gohan asked.
Erasa scoffed, "Probably too embarrassed to go through with it after Videl's performance."
"Wait, I thought I heard that she was going to do something with the band?" Sharpner said.
Videl laughed, "Well she was. I kind of changed their minds. For once, Dad's money came in handy."
"Videl, did you steal her song? Not very nice," Gohan said with a scornful tone.
"I didn't steal anything, I just beat her to the punch. She wanted to go last after all, so she can't complain. And it would look bad if she were to be copying my idea, right?" Videl asked with a slight grin. Suzy came storming up a moment later, incensed at the sight of Videl latched onto Gohan's side.
"You no good dirty tomboy! That was my act you stole!" she screamed, drawing more than a few looks.
Videl remained calm, "I don't see how that could be, it was a different song, right?"
"That doesn't matter, you still stole it! I spent every penny I have on them so I could have the spotlight!" she shrieked.
"Well I don't think you'll have a problem then. Since I technically paid them double, they can't accept anything from you. You should be financially okay," Videl said, maintaining her cool.
"Hmph! Well I'll still win the prom queen title anyway! Gohan dear, please come dance with me." Suzy ordered.
"I'd rather not," he replied simply. Videl looked like her bright mood was about to vanish, but Gohan held her off.
Suzy on the other hand was distraught, "But, you're my boyfriend!"
"When did we ever decide that? You can't just decide who you want to be with without their consent. Especially when they already have someone. I'm sure there's someone out there for you, but it isn't me. Now please, leave us alone. You're not going to get in-between us no matter how hard you try," Gohan said. Suzy's jaw shook as tears drained out from her eyes. She turned and ran off, leaving the gym and its surprised crowd.
"Well at least you finally spoke up. The damned girl can't get out of her own little world!" Videl pointed out.
"Let's just try to enjoy the rest of the night. I really don't want it ruined because of someone who can't get out of their own way," Gohan replied.
Videl grinned and held out her hand for him to receive, "Then take me away, Prince Charming."
A/n: All right, the mushy stuff, the jealousy, and the reality that no one is perfect, all have been taken care of…or have they? Okay, I suppose I can't end it quite like that now can I? Expect a surprise or two next time on DBV. And yes, that is one of my favorite pop songs from the 80's…which was about the only time pop music has ever been good. Oh, and I trust that many of you caught that tiny little plot twist earlier, yeah enjoy letting your mind spin with that one, I certainly have.
WDG: But wait – there's more!
VB: Yeah, I'm sure the audience knows she won't go away quietly.