Louise hurried down the academy's stone hallways, her small shoes tapping against the floor in a fast rhythm. The early morning light filtered through the arched windows, casting warm golden rays across the worn stone walls. She clutched her books tightly to her chest, trying to focus on reaching her classroom before anyone else noticed.
But subtlety was impossible.
Behind her, marching in perfect formation, was the Ginyu Force. Five towering figures, all dressed in their ridiculous armor, cast a long shadow over Louise as they followed her every step with military precision.
"Out of the way!" Recoome's deep voice bellowed, scattering several students. Their startled faces betrayed shock and confusion. He shoved a lanky boy aside with one arm as if the student weighed nothing, barely breaking stride.
"Move it, move it! Captain Ginyu is coming through!" Jeice added, his voice smug and playful as he winked at one of the girls, who turned bright red before quickly backing into a wall. His hair gleamed obnoxiously under the light, his armor squeaking as he flexed unnecessarily.
Burter zoomed ahead of the group, flashing a cocky grin before posing dramatically in front of a group of bewildered students. "The Blue Hurricane is clearing the path for Louise!" he declared proudly, his voice booming. His body shifted into a pose so outrageous it looked like he was ready to leap into a dance routine.
Louise grimaced, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. She picked up the pace, hoping to outrun the chaos behind her. But they kept up easily, like a bizarre parade, parting crowds of students as they glared and posed. She could hear the whispers and confused murmurs of the other students as they stumbled out of the way.
Louise cringed inwardly. She had wanted to prove herself—to finally show everyone that she wasn't just the "Zero" they always teased. And now, she was being followed by a group of strange warriors who clearly enjoyed making a spectacle of themselves. This was not the kind of attention she had in mind.
Ginyu himself strutted at the back of the formation, his head held high, scanning the hallway as though he were leading an army into battle. He cleared his throat dramatically. "Stand aside, peasants! You are in the presence of the great and powerful Lord Fr— er, Louise!"
Several students practically tripped over themselves as they tried to escape the Ginyu Force's path, some casting bewildered glances at Louise, others simply gawking at the sheer ridiculousness of the scene.
Louise's frustration reached a boiling point. "Would you all stop that!" she hissed over her shoulder, her voice strained with embarrassment.
Recoome blinked in confusion. "What's wrong, Louise? We're just making sure nobody gets in your way."
Ginyu puffed out his chest proudly. "Yeah, no one disrespects our master!"
"No one's disrespecting me!" Louise said through gritted teeth. She spotted more students staring, pointing, and whispering as they passed by. "You're causing a scene!"
The Ginyu Force paused momentarily, all five of them looking at each other as if trying to process what she had said.
"Oh," Guldo muttered, scratching his head, "so… we're not supposed to push people?"
"No!" Louise's voice came out louder than she intended, and several students nearby jumped. She groaned and lowered her voice, trying to salvage the situation. "Just… don't draw attention to yourselves. Walk normally."
Jeice, ever the showman, tilted his head with a cheeky grin. "But posing is what we do best, Louise."
Burter zipped back to the group, landing next to Jeice and crossing his arms, giving a nod of agreement. "You summoned the elite force. We gotta make an entrance!"
"No! No entrances! No poses! Just... act like normal people!" Louise's face was redder than her hair now, her frustration mounting with every step.
Ginyu looked crestfallen but nodded solemnly. "Understood, Louise. But we do this only for you."
Recoome straightened up, attempting to look serious, though his massive frame and loud movements made subtlety impossible. Guldo, who was the shortest of them all, shuffled awkwardly, trying to keep in line without causing further disruption.
As they continued down the hallway, trying to "blend in," the Ginyu Force stood out like sore thumbs. Their synchronized movements, exaggerated gestures, and overly serious expressions only made them more conspicuous. The students still gawked and whispered as they passed, though the Ginyu Force resisted the urge to pose or shout, looking like five children desperately trying to behave.
Louise sighed heavily, her embarrassment mounting as she finally spotted the door to her classroom at the end of the hall. She just needed to get there, sit down, and pretend nothing was happening. Maybe—just maybe—the rest of the day would go smoother.
She heard a loud crash behind her as she reached for the door handle.
"Oh no…" Louise's eyes widened as she turned around.
Recoome had apparently tripped over Guldo, sending the both of them sprawling into a decorative suit of armor. The suit had toppled over, clattering noisily to the floor, pieces flying everywhere. Guldo scrambled to his feet, frantically trying to reassemble the broken armor.
Jeice facepalmed dramatically. "Recoome! What did you do?"
"I was just trying to follow her orders!" Recoome protested, standing back up with a guilty look on his face.
Louise clenched her fists, a low growl escaping her lips. "I told you… no more trouble!"
As they saluted, the Ginyu Force returned to formation, cowering in fear. "Apologies, Louise!" Ginyu said quickly. "We didn't mean to upset you! Please forgive us!"
The other members followed suit, bowing and saluting so fast it looked like they were performing an elaborate routine.
Louise blinked, startled by their sudden display of submission. She hadn't expected them to fold so quickly and dramatically just because she scolded them. It was as if they genuinely believed she held immense power over them.
For a brief moment, Louise stood frozen, staring at them as they groveled. She didn't know whether to laugh or scream. After all, she had never summoned anything in her life, let alone a group of powerful warriors who bent to her every command.
With a sigh, she rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "Just… get in the classroom," she muttered, returning toward the door.
The Ginyu Force straightened up instantly, nodding obediently. "Yes, Louise!" they chorused in unison before marching inside, carefully trying not to cause any more chaos.
As Louise followed them into the room, she couldn't help but think this would be a long day.
Louise slunk into the classroom, feeling the weight of every eye on her as she made her way to the back. The classroom was filled with rows of long wooden desks, sunlight streaming in through the tall windows, casting warm beams across the room. The students sat up straight, their eyes flicking between her and the five bizarre figures who followed her in lockstep.
She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, her knuckles whitening as she gripped her books. The Ginyu Force, despite her repeated instructions to "act normal," was far from blending in. They stood behind her desk, larger than life and completely out of place in the small, intimate classroom.
"Take your seats, class," Professor Colbert said from the front, trying his best to act as though nothing unusual was happening. But even he couldn't hide the confusion in his eyes when he glanced at the Ginyu Force looming behind Louise like an absurd honor guard.
Louise sat down and tried to bury herself in her book, wishing she could disappear. The class seemed to follow Professor Colbert's instructions, though several students couldn't stop glancing nervously over their shoulders at the towering warriors.
The Ginyu Force, meanwhile, didn't seem to have any intention of quietly standing by.
Recoome was the first to break the fragile silence, loudly ripping open a packet of something that smelled suspiciously like dried meat. The sound of tearing plastic echoed in the quiet classroom, and Louise winced as the pungent scent hit her nose. He tossed a piece of the snack into his mouth, chewing with loud, open-mouthed chomps.
"This lesson is boring!" Recoome declared with his mouth full, his booming voice shaking the walls. "Why's he talkin' about magical theory? That's kid stuff!"
Louise felt her whole body freeze, her head sinking lower into her book as every student in the room turned to look at her. Some looked horrified, others confused, and more than a few had barely-contained grins on their faces, no doubt enjoying her misery.
"Shut up, Recoome!" Jeice hissed, but he was barely whispering. "At least share the snacks if you're gonna be loud about it."
Recoome grinned, offering the packet to Jeice, who casually took some. He bit into the dried meat loudly, crunching and chewing in a way that made the back of Louise's neck burn with embarrassment.
Behind them, Guldo rummaged through Louise's school bag, pulling out a neatly wrapped sandwich she'd brought for later. "What's this? Looks good!" he said, unwrapping it with no shame and taking a big bite, crumbs falling onto Louise's desk.
Louise snapped her head around, glaring at them. "What are you doing?! Stop eating my things!"
Guldo grinned sheepishly, still chewing, but didn't stop. Jeice offered him a piece of Recoome's snack, and the two of them continued their feast, completely ignoring Louise's protests.
Up front, Professor Colbert cleared his throat nervously, trying to continue his lecture. "As I was saying… the fundamental principle behind elemental magic lies in the balance between…"
A loud snore interrupted him.
Burter, who had been standing with his arms crossed, had apparently decided now was a good time to take a nap. His head was slumped forward, drool hanging from his lip as he let out deep, rumbling snores that seemed to reverberate through the whole classroom.
Louise's face turned an even deeper shade of crimson. She could hear the snickers now, the whispered comments from her classmates. Why did they have to be so loud? Why did they have to be so… obnoxious?
She shrank lower in her seat, her shoulders practically touching her ears as she tried to hide from the barrage of stares aimed at her.
"Can you believe it? They act like this in a classroom?" one girl whispered to her friend.
"I thought she'd finally done something impressive, but this… this is just ridiculous," another student muttered.
Kirche, seated a few rows in front, smirked over her shoulder, thoroughly enjoying Louise's humiliation. "Seems like your familiars are a bit… unruly, Louise," she said with a snicker.
Louise's fists clenched under the desk, her entire body rigid with embarrassment. She glared back at the Ginyu Force, hoping they'd get the hint and stop acting like complete fools. But, as if things couldn't get worse, Captain Ginyu himself decided to make a proclamation.
"This lesson is boring," Ginyu said loudly, crossing his arms. He didn't bother to lower his voice, and his complaint filled the room. "Louise, is this all they teach you here? How does anyone get stronger just sitting around talking about magic? Where's the training? Where's the combat? Where's the—"
"Ginyu!" Louise hissed, barely able to form words through her clenched teeth. "Be quiet!"
Ginyu blinked, surprised, but then gave a sheepish grin. "Apologies, Louise, but I can't help it! We're warriors! We're meant to be fighting!"
Recoome nodded enthusiastically, still chewing on his snack. "Yeah, this is so dull! We could wipe the floor with anyone here."
Louise slammed her hands on the desk, standing up suddenly. "I said, be quiet!" Her voice echoed throughout the classroom, drawing everyone's attention, including Professor Colbert's.
The room fell into a stunned silence. All eyes were on her now, but not for the reasons she had hoped. Louise's face burned with frustration and embarrassment. She had wanted to prove herself, to show that she was more than just the "Zero" everyone teased her for being. But now, with the Ginyu Force acting like this, she felt like she was even lower than before.
The Ginyu Force, realizing they had angered her, immediately straightened up. Ginyu gave a salute. "Of course, Louise. We'll be silent."
Recoome nodded, muttering, "Sorry, Louise."
Even Burter, still half-asleep, managed a groggy, "Got it, Louise."
Louise sat back down, burying her face in her hands. She wanted to disappear. She wanted the ground to swallow her whole. The laughter and snickers from the other students only made her feel worse, each one a reminder of how everything had gone so horribly wrong.
Professor Colbert, after an awkward pause, cleared his throat again. "Yes… well, back to the lesson."
But the damage had been done. Louise could barely concentrate on anything Colbert was saying, her mind too focused on the humiliation that still hung in the air around her. The Ginyu Force, now silent and standing at attention behind her, somehow made her feel even more out of place.
Every few minutes, she'd catch one of her classmates glancing back at her, stifling a laugh, or whispering to the person next to them. And each time, Louise sank a little lower in her seat.
Why me? she thought bitterly. Why did I have to summon these idiots?
The lesson dragged on, but it felt like it would never end for Louise.
The bell finally rang, signaling the end of the lesson, but for Louise, it was long overdue. When Professor Colbert dismissed the class, she shot up from her desk, her cheeks still burning from the embarrassment that had haunted her the entire morning. Without a word to anyone, and with her head down to avoid the inevitable stares and whispers from her classmates, she bolted out the door.
The Ginyu Force exchanged confused glances, then scrambled to follow her. As always, they were anything but subtle.
"Hey, wait for us, Louise!" Recoome called out, nearly knocking over a desk as he hurried to catch up.
Jeice elbowed Burter as they moved toward the exit. "C'mon, mate, looks like we upset her again."
"Looks like it," Burter muttered, glancing toward the door where Louise had already disappeared into the hallway.
Guldo waddled after them, still munching on the remains of Louise's sandwich, crumbs trailing behind him like confetti. Ginyu, ever the leader, adjusted his posture and marched forward with the rest of his team, but even he couldn't hide the slight hint of worry on his face.
Outside in the hallway, Louise was already halfway to the courtyard, her small frame moving quickly through the winding halls. She kept her head low, avoiding the eyes of the few students still lingering in the corridors. All she wanted was to escape—to get somewhere quiet where she could scream, cry, or maybe both. She hadn't decided yet.
Unfortunately, her escape plan was quickly interrupted by the familiar sound of heavy footsteps.
"Louise!" Ginyu's voice boomed from behind. "Wait up!"
Louise stopped dead in her tracks, her heart sinking as the sound of their approach grew louder. She gritted her teeth, her fingers tightening around her books. This was it. She couldn't take it anymore. Spinning around on her heels, she faced the Ginyu Force. Her face flushed with frustration.
The five warriors skidded to a halt in front of her, towering over her with sheepish looks on their faces. Recoome was scratching his head awkwardly. Burter had his arms crossed but looked guilty, and even Jeice was avoiding her gaze, his usual smugness gone. Guldo stuffed the last bit of the sandwich into his mouth, trying to act like nothing was wrong.
Louise threw her hands up in exasperation. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Recoome blinked. "Uh… followin' you?"
"I didn't mean that!" Louise snapped, her voice echoing down the empty hallway. "I mean what you were doing in the classroom! You were loud! You ate my food! And you—you snored in the middle of a lesson!"
Burter shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting to the floor. "I, uh, didn't mean to fall asleep. Just got kinda bored…"
"And why would you say the lesson was boring out loud?" Louise fumed, glaring at Ginyu. "Everyone was staring at me! I thought you said you'd behave!"
Ginyu stood at attention, his expression somber. "I take full responsibility, Louise. We should not have acted that way. We let you down."
Recoome nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! We didn't mean to embarrass you. We were just… y'know, bein' ourselves."
"Exactly!" Louise snapped, throwing her hands up. "You can't just 'be yourselves' here! This is a magic academy! There are rules! And expectations! And—" she groaned in frustration, rubbing her temples, "—and you all are making me look even worse than before!"
Jeice looked genuinely hurt, scratching his head. "We're sorry, Louise. We didn't mean to cause trouble. We just… figured you didn't want anyone gettin' in your way."
"I never asked for that!" Louise retorted. "All I wanted was for you to act like normal familiars. You know, quiet! Obedient! Invisible!"
Guldo, finally finishing the sandwich, looked up at her nervously. "We're not exactly built for being invisible…"
Louise glared at him. "Then at least try not to be so… so ridiculous!" Her voice wavered between anger and desperation. "Do you have any idea what it was like sitting in that classroom while you ate snacks, snored, and complained the entire time?! I wanted to disappear!"
Recoome scratched his chin, looking thoughtfully at her. "So, you don't want us to fight anyone? Or, like, push people around? I thought that was what we were supposed to do."
Louise's eye twitched. "No! Absolutely not! This isn't about fighting! It's about fitting in!"
The Ginyu Force exchanged glances, trying to wrap their heads around the idea.
"Fitting in," Ginyu repeated slowly like he was testing out the words. "So… you want us to blend in with these magic students?"
"Yes!" Louise exclaimed, feeling a surge of hope that maybe—just maybe—they were starting to get it. "Exactly! Blend in! Be… normal!"
Burter nodded, though he still looked confused. "Right. So, no posing? No, uh, loud declarations?"
"Right," Louise said, crossing her arms. "No posing. No loud declarations. No eating in class. Just… be quiet and stay out of trouble!"
Jeice chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "That might be a tall order for us, Louise, but we'll try."
Louise sighed, pressing a hand to her forehead. She could feel the weight of everything crashing down on her again—the expectations, the judgment, the whispers from her classmates. And now, she had the Ginyu Force, who clearly didn't belong in a place like this and had no idea how to act.
She took a deep breath, her voice softening though still laced with frustration. "I just… I just want to prove I can do this. I want to show everyone I'm not some failure. And you… you're making that impossible."
The Ginyu Force fell silent. Ginyu, the leader, stepped forward, his face unusually serious. "We didn't realize how much this meant to you, Louise. You've been clear with your orders, and we've been… well, we've been letting you down."
Louise blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected them to take her words to heart so quickly.
"We'll be better," Ginyu continued, nodding firmly. "If blending in is what you want, then we'll do our best to be… quiet. Right, team?"
The rest of the Ginyu Force quickly straightened up, nodding and saluting in unison.
"Right!" Jeice chimed in.
"Quiet as a mouse," Burter added.
"No more snacks in class!" Recoome boomed, sounding as though he was making a solemn vow.
Louise stared at them, still caught off guard by how quickly they bent to her will. For a moment, she didn't know whether to be relieved or suspicious. She'd expected more resistance, but here they were, standing at attention and promising to behave.
"Well…" Louise hesitated, rubbing her arm awkwardly. "Good. Just… remember that next time, alright?"
Ginyu bowed slightly. "Of course, Louise. We'll follow your lead."
The other members echoed his sentiment, each looking genuinely contrite. Louise felt a small wave of relief wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, they were finally starting to understand.
She glanced at them one last time before turning back toward the courtyard. "Let's go. And please… try not to make a scene this time."
The Ginyu Force followed behind her, this time in a much quieter and more subdued fashion.
Louise then felt her stomach growl as she went to the academy's dining hall. After everything that had happened in class, she hadn't had a chance to eat anything. And thanks to Guldo, she thought bitterly, my lunch was gone before I could even touch it. She sighed, her energy drained from the constant chaos of the day. She just wanted a quiet meal where she could think in peace, though she knew that with the Ginyu Force trailing behind her, "quiet" was a distant dream.
As she entered the large, high-ceilinged dining hall, the clattering of cutlery and the low murmur of conversation filled the air. Students gathered around long tables covered in fine cloth, chatting and laughing with their friends, enjoying the midday break. But the moment Louise stepped in, the atmosphere shifted. Heads turned, whispers began, and eyes landed not on Louise but on the five towering figures who followed her.
The Ginyu Force strode in as if they owned the place, their footsteps loud and assertive. Recoome's heavy steps seemed to shake the ground beneath him while Jeice and Burter surveyed the room like they were entering a battlefield. Guldo looked around curiously, eyeing the food counters eagerly, while Ginyu walked with a commanding presence, as always.
Louise's face flushed with embarrassment as she could feel every pair of eyes in the room watching them. She ignored the stares and made a beeline for the food counter. Just grab some food and sit down. That's all she needed to do. She quickly loaded a plate with some bread, cheese, and soup, trying to keep things simple and hoping to avoid any more scenes.
But then she glanced over her shoulder and saw the Ginyu Force piling food onto their trays. And by "piling," she meant mountains of food.
Recoome was grabbing entire roasted chickens, tossing them onto his plate like they were mere snacks. Jeice was scooping up whatever was left, from meats to pastries, his tray overflowing with food. Burter had filled his plate with a ridiculous amount of fruit and bread while Guldo grabbed anything that looked remotely appetizing. Ginyu, the last to reach the counter, calmly loaded his plate, but still, it was enough food to feed a small army.
Louise cringed as she watched them. They were already drawing attention, and now, with their absurdly large portions, it was impossible not to notice them. She hurried to a table in the far corner, away from the other students, hoping to find some semblance of peace.
She sat down, and the Ginyu Force followed, taking seats around her like loyal guards. Their plates clattered loudly as they sat, and for a moment, the dining hall went quiet again. Louise could feel the tension in the air. The other students—who normally sat close together, sharing meals and conversation—had moved to the far end of the hall, putting as much distance between themselves and Louise's table as possible.
"Why is everyone sitting so far away?" Recoome asked, ripping into a chicken leg with enthusiasm.
"Probably intimidated by us," Jeice said with a cocky grin. He took a large bite of a pastry and chewed loudly. "Can't say I blame 'em."
Louise sighed, her eyes focused on her plate. "No, it's because you're making a scene," she muttered under her breath, taking a small bite of bread.
Burter stretched his legs under the table, leaning back with a grin. "We're the strongest in the universe. They should be honored to sit with us."
"Can you all just… eat quietly?" Louise pleaded, trying to keep her voice down. She was painfully aware of the whispers and glances from across the room. Even Kirche, seated at the opposite end of the dining hall, smirked.
As she tried to enjoy her meal, a loud thud caught her attention. She saw Recoome tossing an apple core over his shoulder, sending it flying across the room. It sailed through the air in a perfect arc and landed right in front of Guiche de Gramont, who was seated at a nearby table. The core rolled to a stop by his foot.
Guiche, as always, was impeccably dressed, his golden hair gleaming in the sunlight, his rose emblem tucked neatly into his jacket. He glanced down at the apple core with a look of disgust, his nose wrinkling. He stood up slowly, gazing toward the disturbance's source.
"Who dares insult me, Guiche de Gramont?" he demanded, his voice sharp and haughty. His eyes narrowed as they fell on the Ginyu Force.
Recoome, completely oblivious to Guiche's rising temper, picked up another apple and tossed it up and down in his hand, clearly proud of his aim. "Nice throw, eh?" he said with a chuckle, winking at Jeice.
Guiche's face turned red with indignation. "You!" he barked, pointing at Recoome. "How dare you throw food at me, a noble of this academy! You have insulted my honor!"
Louise's heart sank. "Oh no…" she whispered, sinking lower in her seat. This was the last thing she needed right now.
Recoome looked genuinely confused, scratching his head. "What's his problem?"
Jeice chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Looks like you hurt his little feelings, mate."
Guiche stepped forward, his chest puffed out as he continued to glare at the Ginyu Force. "You may be new here, but I will not allow anyone—anyone—to disrespect me! I challenge you to a duel!"
Louise's eyes widened in horror. "A duel?!" she blurted out, nearly choking on her soup.
The entire dining hall fell silent. All eyes turned to Guiche and the Ginyu Force, waiting to see what would happen next. The tension in the air was palpable.
Ginyu stood up from the table, crossing his arms and giving Guiche a hard look. "You challenge us? To a duel?"
Guiche didn't back down, though there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes as he stared up at Ginyu, who towered over him. "I do! And as a noble, I will not allow your brutish behavior to go unpunished."
Recoome snorted, shaking his head. "This guy's got a death wish."
Jeice grinned, resting his chin in his hand. "Looks like he wants to make a fool of himself, Ginyu."
Louise was mortified. She could feel the eyes of the entire dining hall on her, the whispers growing louder by the second. This can't be happening, she thought frantically. She had wanted to avoid any more attention, and now her familiars were about to engage in a public duel with one of the academy's nobles.
She jumped to her feet, waving her arms desperately. "No! No duels! Absolutely not!"
But her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Guiche had already drawn his rose, twirling it dramatically as he prepared to summon his Valkyrie golems. "Very well! If you wish to back down, I will accept your surrender, though it would be a disgraceful end for one so brutish."
Ginyu chuckled darkly, clearly amused by the idea of surrender. "Surrender? To you? I don't think so."
Louise stood between them, her arms outstretched as if trying to block the impending disaster physically. "Please! No duels! You're going to cause a scene!"
Jeice leaned back in his chair, smirking. "It's already a scene, Louise."
Recoome cracked his knuckles. "Let's do it. I'll go easy on him."
Guldo, still chewing, piped up, "Is this really necessary?"
Guiche, however, seemed completely oblivious to the absurdity of the situation. His noble pride had been insulted, and he wouldn't let it go. "Prepare yourself!" he declared, his voice full of self-righteous fury.
Louise grabbed her hair in frustration, her face flushed with embarrassment. The entire dining hall was watching, waiting for what was sure to be a spectacle. She could feel herself shrinking under the weight of all the attention.
I just wanted lunch, she thought miserably. Why does everything have to turn into a disaster with these idiots?
The dining hall buzzed with excitement as word of the duel spread like wildfire. Guiche's challenge to the Ginyu Force had quickly drawn the attention of every student within earshot, and they all flooded toward the courtyard, eager to witness the spectacle. Plates clattered, conversations were abandoned, and footsteps echoed through the corridors as the crowd gathered. Louise, meanwhile, was caught in a whirlwind of panic, desperately trailing behind her idiotic familiars as they confidently led the way outside.
"Why? Why does this have to happen?" she muttered under her breath, wringing her hands nervously as she followed. Her heart raced, dread filling every inch of her body as she envisioned the disaster that was surely about to unfold.
Guiche strode ahead, his golden hair glinting in the afternoon sun as he pushed through the gathered students with a flourish of his rose. "Out of the way! Make room for the duel of honor!" he called, his voice oozing with the self-importance of a noble preparing to show off his magical prowess.
The Ginyu Force, meanwhile, were strutting forward like they were on the stage of some grand performance. Jeice cracked his neck, grinning as though this were the most entertaining thing to ever happen. Recoome flexed his muscles with every step, while Burter zipped ahead, posing dramatically every few feet. Ginyu led the charge, his arms folded, looking as though he were about to lead his team into an epic battle. And Guldo, waddling along behind them, muttered something about being hungry again, still chewing on some leftover snack he'd stashed in his armor.
The crowd of students followed them, whispering excitedly and pointing as they speculated about what was to come.
"Did you hear? Guiche challenged Louise's familiars!"
"Those guys look weird. Where did she summon them from?"
"This is going to be hilarious!"
Louise, trailing behind, groaned audibly. "I can't believe this is happening," she muttered, feeling her stomach churn with embarrassment. She could already see Kirche and Tabitha standing near the courtyard fountain, waiting in anticipation, clearly eager to watch the spectacle unfold.
As they reached the open courtyard, Guiche stopped in the center, twirling his rose dramatically in his hand. He lifted his chin, addressing the crowd like a noble addressing his loyal subjects. "Ladies and gentlemen! I, Guiche de Gramont, will demonstrate once again the power and skill of a true noble, a mage of elegance and grace!"
Several students cheered, clearly enjoying the theatrics.
Louise couldn't help but roll her eyes. Why does he always have to make everything about himself?
Guiche, oblivious to her irritation, raised his rose to the sky and, with a flourishing motion, called upon his magic. "Come forth, my Valkyrie warriors!" Golden magic sparkles shimmered in the air around him as several elegant, armored female golems materialized beside him, each standing tall with shields and spears in hand, ready to fight at his command.
The crowd let out a collective "ooh" of admiration, impressed by the sight of Guiche's summoned golems.
Louise swallowed nervously, gripping the edges of her cloak as she tried to prepare herself for the inevitable disaster. "Please don't do anything stupid. Please don't do anything stupid..." she whispered to herself, watching her familiars anxiously.
Of course, that hope was immediately dashed.
The moment Guiche summoned his Valkyries, the Ginyu Force sprang into action.
Recoome cracked his neck loudly, then threw both arms out wide and shouted at the top of his lungs, "RECOOME, THE MASTER OF DOOM, IS READY FOR ACTION!"
Jeice followed immediately, flipping into a somersault before landing dramatically on one knee, striking a pose with one arm outstretched. "JEICE, THE RED MAGMA! PREPARED FOR BATTLE!"
Not to be outdone, Burter zipped across the courtyard with a speed that made the students gasp, stopping abruptly in a flashy stance. "BURTER, THE BLUE HURRICANE! LET'S GO!"
Guldo, though much smaller and less imposing, waddled into position, posing as best he could. "GULDO, THE MEAN GREEN!"
Finally, Captain Ginyu took center stage, raising his arms into a powerful, commanding pose. His eyes narrowed with intensity. "GINYU, THE CAPTAIN! READY TO LEAD MY TEAM TO VICTORY!"
In perfect unison, the five of them struck a final group pose, all facing Guiche and his golems. Their synchronized movements were so over-the-top that it felt like watching actors in a bizarre play rather than warriors preparing for battle.
Together, they chanted, "TOGETHER WE ARE…"
The entire courtyard held its breath.
"THE GINYU FORCE!"
They finished the pose with a flourish, arms outstretched, legs bent in exaggerated stances, muscles flexed, chins held high. The energy of their performance radiated through the courtyard, leaving the gathered students utterly dumbfounded.
Louise's face immediately met her palm with a loud slap. "No… no, no, no..." she groaned, dragging her hand down her face. "Why are you all like this?!"
The crowd, initially silent with disbelief, erupted into murmurs. Some students exchanged confused glances, while others—those who weren't close enough to see the absurdity—looked impressed by the Ginyu Force's sheer confidence.
But Guiche, standing across from them, looked utterly flabbergasted. His mouth hung open slightly, his elegant posture faltering as he stared at the ridiculous display before him. His Valkyrie golems, usually the picture of magical precision, seemed to waver in confusion as well, their ethereal forms flickering slightly as though they, too, didn't know what to make of the situation.
"W-what are they doing?" Guiche finally stammered, looking around at the students as if seeking some sort of explanation. "Is this some kind of… joke?"
Burter, still in his dynamic pose, smirked. "No joke, mate. This is how real warriors fight. You're about to see the power of the Ginyu Force in action!"
Jeice flexed, his white hair shining in the sunlight as he grinned smugly. "We don't just fight. We make it a show."
Recoome puffed out his chest, grinning broadly as he cracked his knuckles. "Hope your little golems are ready for a beating!"
Louise desperately waved her arms at them, trying to get them to stop. "No! Stop posing! Stop with the catchphrases! Just—stop making it worse!"
Captain Ginyu, still locked in his final pose, glanced at Louise with a serious expression. "But, Louise, this is how we always prepare for battle. You summoned the Ginyu Force. We're not just fighters—we're performers!"
Louise's hand dropped to her side as she stared at him, utterly exasperated. "I didn't summon you to perform!"
Finally regaining some of his composure, Guiche straightened up and glared at the Ginyu Force with renewed determination. "Enough of this nonsense! You've insulted me, and now I shall show you the true power of a noble! Valkyries, attack!"
At his command, the Valkyrie golems raised their spears and charged forward, their golden armor gleaming in the sunlight as they advanced on the Ginyu Force with calculated precision.
The Valkyrie golems charged forward with precision and grace, their spears gleaming under the bright sun as they moved in perfect unison, their armored feet pounding against the cobblestones of the courtyard. Guiche stood tall behind them, his rose held high, confidence radiating off him as he shouted, "Valkyries! Show them no mercy!"
The Ginyu Force, however, didn't seem remotely intimidated by the approaching magical warriors. In fact, they looked more excited than anything. Recoome stretched his arms over his head, his massive frame towering over everyone else, and let out a loud yawn.
"These little golems think they can take us on?" he said, cracking his neck from side to side. "This is gonna be a cakewalk."
Burter zipped from side to side, warming up his legs with quick bursts of speed, blurring into motion so fast it left afterimages in his wake. "This'll be over in a flash," he said confidently.
Jeice chuckled, flexing his arms and taking a deep breath. "Oi, Burter, let's not be hasty. We gotta put on a show, right?"
Ginyu, standing at the center of his team, raised his hand and barked out orders, his voice commanding but filled with enthusiasm. "Ginyu Force, ready your poses! Let's show these magic users what real fighting looks like!"
Louise watched from the sidelines, her face a mixture of horror and embarrassment. Her eyes darted around the courtyard, noting the growing crowd of students gathering to witness the spectacle. Their eyes were wide with anticipation, but Louise just wanted the ground to open up and swallow her whole.
Recoome was the first to face the oncoming golems. With a dramatic shout, he threw his arms wide, his muscles bulging as he struck a powerful pose. "Recoome… BOMBER!" he bellowed, flexing his entire body in a display that made several students gasp.
The Valkyrie golems reached him, their spears aimed at his massive chest. But instead of immediately crushing them, Recoome leaped into the air, performing an absurdly slow-motion flip, landing on his feet with exaggerated flair. "Too slow!" he taunted, grinning as the golems turned to face him again.
One of the Valkyries lunged forward, her spear thrusting toward his midsection. Recoome sidestepped with a lazy motion, lifting his hand and tapping the spear away as if it weighed nothing. He spun on his heel, making sure to strike another pose, flexing as he dodged the next attack. "Recoome KICK!" he yelled, lifting his leg high and bringing it down in a slow but heavy arc that sent one of the golems crashing to the ground in a heap of metal.
But instead of finishing it off, Recoome backed up and puffed out his chest, pausing as if expecting applause. The crowd of students watched in stunned silence, their mouths hanging open, unsure of how to react to the ridiculous spectacle unfolding in front of them.
Burter darted into the fray next, moving so fast that his form blurred. "You're too slow for me!" he declared, zooming past the Valkyrie golems, who were trying in vain to track his movements. He circled around them, taunting them by appearing in one place for a split second, only to vanish the next.
One of the golems thrust her spear in his direction, but Burter sidestepped it with ease, grinning as he zipped past her. "Blue Hurricane!" he shouted, spinning in place so quickly that a small whirlwind formed around him. The wind kicked up dust and leaves, sending the golems staggering backward.
Still, Burter didn't finish the fight. He slowed down just enough to wink at the crowd, then resumed his showboating, moving in a blur of motion that left the golems confused and off-balance.
Jeice jumped into the fray next, his voice ringing out loud and clear. "Crusher Ball!" he yelled, summoning a bright ball of energy in his hand. But instead of throwing it directly at the golems, he tossed it up into the air, letting it hover dramatically above his head as he posed.
The Valkyries moved to attack, but Jeice was too fast for them. He weaved between their spear thrusts, twirling and dodging with exaggerated flair, making sure to strike a pose after every movement. "Can't touch this, mates!" he laughed, catching his own Crusher Ball before launching it toward one of the golems. It exploded brilliantly, sending the golem crashing into a nearby fountain.
Still, the fight wasn't over. Jeice spun on his heel, raising his arms as if calling for applause. "You're all getting a front-row seat to the best fight in the universe!"
Standing at the edge of the courtyard, Louise could barely look at what was happening. She covered her face with her hands, peeking through her fingers as the Ginyu Force continued their absurd spectacle. "Why… why are they like this?" she muttered to herself, feeling every second of the fight drag her deeper into embarrassment.
Meanwhile, Guiche stood a few feet away, his eyes wide with shock. His confidence had faltered the moment the fight began, but now it was completely gone. He stared, dumbfounded, at the Ginyu Force's antics, completely at a loss for words.
His Valkyries were being toyed with—thrown aside with ease, dodged without effort, and yet the Ginyu Force wasn't even taking the fight seriously. They were posing, shouting ridiculous names for their attacks, and making it all into some kind of performance.
"What… what is this?" Guiche whispered, his face pale as he watched one of his Valkyries get tossed into the air by Burter's whirlwind. "They're not even fighting properly!"
Ginyu, who had been watching his team from the sidelines, finally stepped forward with a commanding presence. "Enough playtime, men!" he shouted, striking a pose as the sunlight gleamed off his armor. "It's time to finish this with style!"
The rest of the Ginyu Force immediately regrouped, lining up in their usual formation. They stood shoulder to shoulder, posing dramatically as the remaining Valkyrie golems staggered to their feet, clearly worse for wear after the barrage of ridiculous but effective attacks.
With a synchronized movement, Ginyu raised his arm. "Let's finish this!" he yelled, his voice booming across the courtyard.
Recoome flexed, his muscles bulging as he shouted, "Recoome BOMBER!" He slammed his fist into the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked the nearest Valkyrie off balance.
Jeice spun into the air, summoning another Crusher Ball and throwing it with a dramatic flare. "CRUSHER BALL!" The golem that Burter's whirlwind had hit collapsed under the force of the blast, falling to pieces in the courtyard.
Burter zipped around the remaining golem, creating a vortex of wind around it. "Blue Hurricane! Faster than lightning!" he yelled, sending the last golem spiraling into the air before crashing down, shattering into a heap of broken metal.
The courtyard fell silent, save for the sound of the scattered remains of Guiche's Valkyries clattering to the ground. The Ginyu Force struck their final pose, standing victorious as they raised their arms in unison. "Together we are… THE GINYU FORCE!" they chanted in perfect synchronization.
Louise, standing off to the side, slowly lowered her hands from her face. The fight—if you could even call it that—was over, but the embarrassment still weighed heavily on her. She glanced around, seeing the stunned expressions of the students watching from the edges of the courtyard. No one seemed to know how to react.
Even Guiche was speechless. He stared at the remnants of his Valkyrie golems, his mouth hanging open as he tried to process what had just happened. His noble pride was in tatters, and there was nothing left of the duel he had so confidently initiated.
Louise felt her face burn as she stood frozen in place. She wanted to say something, to explain, to apologize—anything to salvage the situation. But no words came. The only sound was the Ginyu Force, still striking poses in the middle of the courtyard, basking in their victory.
She groaned, burying her face in her hands once more. "I'll never live this down…"
And so, Louise's day of embarrassment continues! Will the Ginyu Force ever learn the meaning of subtlety? Can Louise survive another second of their over-the-top antics? And what will Guiche do now that his pride has been shattered? Find out next time… if I ever get around to writing it. Thanks for reading, folks!