The morning sun cast a warm glow over the towering spires of the Tristain Academy of Magic, illuminating the pristine white stone of its grand halls and courtyards. Birds chirped, students shuffled about, and the air buzzed with the murmurs of young nobles discussing their studies and aristocratic dramas.

And then there was Louise Vallière.

Head down. Shoulders slumped. Eyes dull.

She trudged toward her first class, dragging her feet as if they were shackled with iron weights.

Louise had always dreamt of proving herself as a great mage, of standing tall amongst her peers and showing them that Louise the Zero was no more. That she was capable. Talented. Worthy of the Vallière name.

But all of that ended the day she summoned the Ginyu Force.

Her reputation, her dignity, her last slivers of sanity—obliterated. Reduced to cosmic dust.

Because, instead of a noble, powerful, majestic familiar like a dragon or a griffon, she had gotten them.

Five alien warriors. Each is more ridiculous than the last. And each with absolutely zero understanding of the word subtlety.

Behind her, their synchronized footsteps echoed like the march of an invading army.

"Louise! Louise!" Jeice's voice rang out, far too loud for the peaceful morning.

She sighed heavily. Ignore it. Just keep walking. Maybe if I don't react, they'll leave me alone.

"Oi, Louise!" Jeice called again, jogging up beside her. "You got that slouch going on again. C'mon, love, straighten up! A leader's gotta hold themselves high!"

Louise's eye twitched. I hate that they still think I'm their leader.

Ginyu, walking at the center of their formation, nodded sagely. "Jeice is correct, Louise. A ruler must never appear weak."

"I'm not a ruler! I'm a student!" she snapped before groaning and rubbing her temples.

Ginyu folded his arms. "That is merely your cover for now."

Louise's soul left her body. "I hate everything."

She kept walking, praying to any gods that might listen that they would not embarrass her before she even got to class.

Then Recoome started singing.

Loudly.

"We're marching to class with our CAP-TAIN!"

"She's small but full of FUUUUR-Y! " Burter joined in, twirling on his feet dramatically.

"She says we're the worst, but deep down, she loves us!"

"I DON'T!" Louise screeched, but they just kept going.

Guldo clapped to the beat. " And we'd never betray her, 'cause that'd be dirty! "

The students turned their heads. Some whispered. Others just stared, utterly baffled at the absurdity of it all. Kirche, who was sipping her morning tea at one of the outdoor tables, practically choked with laughter.

Louise clenched her fists. She could feel her dignity crumbling like a sandcastle caught in a tidal wave.

But before she could even attempt to stop them, Recoome—clearly feeling himself—took it up a notch.

With all the grace of a charging ox, he sprinted ahead, leaped onto the academy's fountain, and struck a heroic pose.

"THE GINYU FORCE… TAKES THE STAGE!" he bellowed, arms spread wide, voice echoing across the courtyard.

In an instant, the rest of the team fell into their signature battle stances.

Burter zipped to the right, flexing his arms in an exaggerated stance.

Jeice flipped into position, pointing toward the sky with a cocky grin.

Guldo crouched low, hands glowing with unnecessary flair.

And Ginyu himself stood at the front, his legs bent at an absurd angle, one hand on his hip, the other dramatically raised toward the heavens.

For a moment, all of Tristain Academy just… stared.

Silence.

Then—

Somewhere in the distance, a bird chirped.

A noble girl gasped.

Someone else muttered, "What in the Founder's name…?"

Louise, standing at the epicenter of this disaster, felt her entire body shrivel with secondhand embarrassment.

"I… I can't," she whispered to herself, pressing her fingers against her temples. "I just… can't."

More whispers filled the air as students gathered to watch.

Kirche, barely able to breathe, wiped a tear from her eye. "Louise… I take back everything. This is the best thing you've ever done."

Louise, vibrating with rage, whipped around. "I didn't DO this!"

Kirche simply raised her teacup. "Well, you summoned them, didn't you?"

Louise's entire body deflated like a punctured balloon. "I'm going to be sick."

Meanwhile, Ginyu turned to the stunned students. "You there! Scholars of this fine institution!" He gestured grandly. "Do you wish to learn true battle technique? Do you wish to unlock strength beyond limits?"

Recoome pumped his fist. "Do YOU have what it takes to STRIKE A POSE?"

Kirche was wheezing with laughter at this point.

Some students, though baffled, actually seemed intrigued. "Strength beyond limits?" a younger noble muttered. "That… does sound interesting."

"Oh no, you don't!" Louise shoved her way forward. "You are not recruiting people into whatever nonsense this is!"

Ginyu, looking unbothered, simply nodded. "Of course, Louise. Your command is absolute."

Louise narrowed her eyes. That sounded too easy.

And then Ginyu turned back to the students. "We shall take applications later."

Louise let out a strangled scream.

She couldn't do this. She was done.

She turned on her heel and stormed toward her classroom. "I'm going to class. If any of you make another scene, I swear, I will…" She stopped walking. Then sighed. "I don't even know what I'll do anymore."

Burter grinned. "So we have free rein?"

"No," Louise deadpanned, not even looking back.

Jeice patted Burter's shoulder. "I think she means yes."

Louise, sensing their stupidity, turned around and glared.

Jeice held up his hands. "Alright, alright! We'll behave. No more interruptions, promise."

Louise groaned. "I don't believe you."

"Smart girl," Kirche muttered, still sipping her tea.

Louise dragged herself into the classroom and slumped into her seat, her head hitting the desk. "My life is over."

Behind her, the Ginyu Force entered a single-file line, each giving dramatic nods to students who definitely did not know how to respond.

As class began, Louise tried desperately to focus.

Unfortunately, focus was impossible when your familiars were making pew pew noises and pretending to telepathically communicate during a lesson.

Louise's soul left her body.

This was her life now.

And she had no way out.

The grand halls of the Royal Palace of Tristain stood in quiet majesty, adorned with golden chandeliers, rich tapestries, and the finest marble floors polished to a pristine shine. Servants moved with measured grace through the corridors, their hushed conversations barely above whispers as they carried out their duties. The scent of fresh roses from the palace gardens drifted in through the open windows, blending with the faint aroma of parchment and ink that lingered in the air.

Within the heart of the palace, seated in her private study, Princess Henrietta de Tristain gently set down an official document, exhaling softly. Her delicate fingers brushed against the edge of the parchment as she leaned back into her high-backed chair, deep in thought. Her royal attire—a flowing lavender gown adorned with silver embroidery—draped elegantly over her form, its fabric shimmering faintly beneath the sunlight streaming in through the stained-glass windows.

It had been another long morning of diplomatic exchanges, treaties to review, and political concerns demanding her attention. Yet now, her mind was preoccupied with something far less conventional.

Before her, on the polished mahogany desk, lay a report—one unlike anything she had read before.

Henrietta's eyes flickered over the words again, her expression shifting from confusion to mild disbelief.

"...A group of unknown warriors, clad in strange armor, caused a commotion in the marketplace. Witnesses describe them as performing 'dramatic combat poses' and 'shouting incomprehensible battle cries.' Additionally, they were seen engaging in excessive posturing and declaring themselves the 'greatest force in the universe.' This group was accompanied by a young noblewoman with pink hair who was visibly distressed by their actions…"

The princess sighed, setting the parchment down. What am I even reading?

She brought a gloved hand to her temple, massaging lightly as she let out a weary chuckle. "By the Founder… I would suspect this was some outlandish jest if not for the detailed testimonies."

Standing beside her, a young noblewoman—one of Henrietta's personal attendants—gave a slight tilt of her head. "Your Highness, is something the matter?"

Henrietta lifted the parchment again, waving it slightly in the air. "This report. It is the strangest thing I've read in weeks."

The attendant, a poised woman with her dark hair neatly tied into a bun, adjusted her glasses. "A disturbance in the city?"

Henrietta nodded before skimming the lines once more. Her amethyst eyes lingered on the description of the pink-haired noblewoman.

She hummed softly. "Pink hair… unruly companions…" Her expression turned thoughtful. "Could it be…?"

The attendant looked to her expectantly.

Henrietta's lips curled into a small, fond smile as a name surfaced in her thoughts. "Louise."

The moment the name left her lips, a warmth of nostalgia filled her heart.

Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière. Her childhood friend. Her confidante from years past.

It had been so long since she had last seen her.

Memories fluttered through Henrietta's mind—memories of two young girls running through the palace gardens, laughing under the golden sunlight. She remembered Louise's determination, the way she had always carried herself with pride, despite the struggles she faced. She remembered their late-night talks, when Louise would insist—insist—that she would become a mage of great renown one day.

And now, here she was, receiving a report about Louise causing an uproar in the city with a group of mysterious warriors engaging in… what did the report say?

She glanced at it again.

"Dramatic combat poses."

Henrietta blinked. Then she laughed.

It was soft at first, then a little louder—an honest, amused chuckle that made her attendant blink in surprise.

"P-Princess?" the woman asked, a bit startled by the sudden shift in mood.

Henrietta covered her mouth briefly, shaking her head with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "I can scarcely imagine it, but if anyone could find themselves entangled in something so utterly bizarre… it would be Louise."

The attendant tilted her head slightly. "Do you believe this noblewoman truly is Lady Vallière?"

Henrietta's smile softened. "I can think of no other with hair as distinct as hers, nor one who would find herself in such… peculiar company."

She set the parchment aside and rested her chin against her interlaced fingers. The more she thought about it, the more she realized just how much she had missed Louise.

She had been so caught up in her duties, in the weight of the crown pressing upon her, that she had barely had time to keep up with her dearest friend's life.

Perhaps it was time to change that.

"…I believe I would like to pay a visit to the Tristain Academy," Henrietta declared suddenly, her tone decisive.

Her attendant straightened. "Shall I prepare an official summons?"

Henrietta shook her head. "No. This will not be a formal royal inspection. Simply a visit to see an old friend."

Still, the attendant hesitated. "A princess leaving the palace, even for a casual visit, will require some security detail."

Henrietta sighed lightly, but she understood the necessity. "Of course. Have a contingent of guards ready. I shall depart by carriage."

The attendant bowed her head respectfully. "I will see to it at once, Your Highness."

As the woman left the study, Henrietta leaned back in her chair once more, gazing toward the large stained-glass window that overlooked the palace gardens.

So much time had passed since she and Louise had last spoken. They had once been inseparable, but their responsibilities—Henrietta's as a princess, Louise's as a noble and aspiring mage—had pulled them in different directions.

Now, fate had delivered her an unexpected opportunity.

She chuckled again, shaking her head. "Louise… whatever have you gotten yourself into this time?"

With that thought lingering in her mind, she stood gracefully from her chair, smoothing out her gown.

Tomorrow, she would see Louise again.

And she had to find out more about these mysterious warriors of hers.

The halls of the Tristain Academy of Magic were bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long, golden streaks through the tall windows. Students were winding down for the evening, returning to their dorms after a long day of lectures, studies, and the usual noble gossip.

For most students, the end of the day was a time of peace and quiet—a chance to unwind, reflect, and prepare for the next day's lessons.

But for Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière, peace and quiet were distant dreams.

Because she had the Ginyu Force.

And they never stopped.

Her entire day had been a waking nightmare of cosmic proportions.

From the moment they woke up, the Ginyu Force had somehow found new ways to humiliate her.

Morning drills in the courtyard? Turned into a spectacle because Recoome started lifting statues and calling it a "proper warm-up."

Lecture in Professor Colbert's class? Interrupted because Guldo thought freezing time to cheat on a quiz was a brilliant idea.

Lunch in the dining hall? Disaster. Apparently, the Ginyu Force thought it was an eating contest. (She didn't even want to think about the horror of watching Burter inhale an entire roasted bird in one bite.)

Then there was the moment in the hall when Ginyu insisted on training her "battle stance" by making her pose like them in front of a growing audience of confused, mildly terrified students.

Louise had nearly perished from sheer embarrassment.

And somehow, somehow, that wasn't the worst of it.

The worst part of her day?

The afternoon duel with Guiche. It was a repeat of their previous clash, where it was clear he hadn't learned his lesson. Despite the outcome of their last encounter, Guiche called for a duel once more, demonstrating his persistence and perhaps his arrogance.

Which should have been a simple, straightforward mage's duel. A noble challenge. A test of skill.

It became a Ginyu Force production.

Instead of ending it in one second, the Ginyu Force made a show out of it, taunting Guiche, dodging his golems with obnoxious levels of flair, yelling their attack names, and posing after every. Single. Move.

And when it finally ended, Guiche was left crumpled on the ground, his dignity obliterated, and Louise was forever marked as the girl with the "weird, terrifying familiars."

So now, dragging herself toward her dorm room, utterly drained, Louise felt comically like a withered old woman.

Her body ached. Her head throbbed.

She was so tired.

The Ginyu Force, however?

Completely fine.

No, worse—they were energized.

Recoome flexed his arms. "Man, that duel was great! Been a while since we got to show off like that!"

Jeice nodded. "Yeah! Feels good to be appreciated!"

Burter smirked, stretching his arms. "You see how fast I dodged those golems? Nobody can keep up with me."

Ginyu stood proudly, his arms crossed. "We honored Louise's name well today."

Louise, at her limit, let out a deep, exhausted groan as she reached her door.

She fumbled with the key, barely able to lift her arm, before pushing open the door to her sanctuary—her dorm room.

It was small but cozy. A simple bed with a thick, pink blanket. A wooden desk, cluttered with books and scrolls. A small wardrobe in the corner. A single window overlooking the courtyard.

Her only place of escape.

She stepped inside and immediately spun around, face flushed with frustration, staring up at the five enormous, overly dramatic idiots crowding behind her in the doorway.

She snapped.

"Alright, I can't take it anymore! You all need to STOP!"

The Ginyu Force blinked at her.

She threw her arms in the air, shaking with exhaustion.

"Do you even understand what I went through today? I have never—never—been this embarrassed in my entire life! And that's saying something because I have had many moments of humiliation!"

Guldo nodded sagely. "You do embarrass yourself a lot."

Louise twitched. "That's not the point!"

She pointed at them, eyes burning with desperation. "Just tone it down! Don't pose! Don't yell! Don't make every second a spectacle! Just… be normal!"

Silence.

Then—

Ginyu nodded firmly.

"I see," he said, stroking his chin. "Louise is acknowledging our skill."

Louise's soul left her body.

Jeice grinned. "She appreciates our dedication!"

Burter smirked. "Of course she does! We did great today!"

Recoome flexed. "I mean, she's right, we were fantastic!"

Louise stared.

They.

Didn't.

Understand.

At all.

She could only let out a wheeze—a broken, exhausted wheeze.

She dropped her arms. "I… I can't… I give up."

Guldo patted her shoulder. "Good talk, boss."

She whimpered.

Dragging her feet, she shuffled to her wardrobe, too tired to fight anymore.

"Whatever," she muttered. "I'm getting ready for bed."

As they watched, she pulled out a light pink nightgown, one embroidered with small floral designs, a piece of clothing that, under normal circumstances, she wouldn't have thought twice about.

Then, it hit her.

Her entire body stiffened.

She slowly turned to see five giant, alien men still standing there.

In her room.

Louise's face turned deep red in one second.

"…Get out."

Ginyu blinked. "Huh?"

Louise's face ignited.

"GET OUT!"

Recoome, Jeice, and Burter all immediately turned around and marched out like soldiers.

Guldo scampered out behind them.

Ginyu, however, stood there.

Louise grabbed a pillow and hurled it at his face.

"OUT!"

THWAP!

Ginyu, with the pillow stuck to his face, finally nodded and left.

Louise locked the door, pressing her back against it, face still burning with mortification.

Then, she sighed.

Finally.

For the first time that day—peace.

She quickly changed into her nightgown, the soft fabric a small comfort to her aching body. With heavy steps, she dragged herself toward her bed, collapsing onto it face-first.

Tomorrow would be another nightmare.

But for now—just for now—she could pretend that she lived a normal life.

Louise closed her eyes.

Outside, muffled through the door, she heard—

"Ginyu Force… GOODNIGHT POSE!"

"Recoome, ready for sleep!"

"Jeice, dreaming in style!"

"Burter, the fastest sleeper in the universe!"

"Guldo, napping like a king!"

"Captain Ginyu, COMMANDING sleep!"

Louise grabbed her pillow.

And screamed into it.

Hours later, in the dead of night, Louise Françoise le Blanc de la Vallière slept soundly, wrapped snugly in her pink blanket, her breathing slow and steady.

Finally—finally—she had found peace.

And then it happened.

A faint beeping noise broke through the silence.

Then another.

And another.

Five distinct beeping sounds filled the air, growing louder by the second.

In the hall outside Louise's dorm, the Ginyu Force stirred.

Each of them, wearing their distinctive scouters, sat up, the soft glow of their devices illuminating their faces in the dimly lit hallway.

Burter tapped his scouter, narrowing his eyes. "Oi, what's this?"

Jeice adjusted his visor. "I dunno, mate, but this signal's comin' in strong."

Ginyu, standing tall in the center, raised a hand to silence them. His red visor flickered as he processed the incoming transmission. His serious expression slowly turned into one of pure excitement.

"…Boys," Ginyu said, his voice filled with barely contained glee. "We've been heard."

Recoome, still rubbing sleep from his eyes, perked up. "You mean…?"

Jeice's eyes widened. "No way—"

Guldo grinned. "THEY GOT OUR MESSAGE!"

The Ginyu Force snapped to attention.

Ginyu pressed a button on his scouter, reading the incoming coordinates. "It's them. The Frieza Force. Their flagship is already in the solar system—it could be here any moment!"

Recoome let out an excited laugh. "Ha! We knew they'd come!"

Burter flexed his arms. "We're finally gonna rejoin the army!"

Jeice grinned. "And more importantly... we get to give Louise the best surprise of her life!"

All of them nodded in unison.

This was perfect.

Their glorious leader—Lord Frieza (or, well, Louise, in her new form)—was about to be reunited with her mighty empire!

Ginyu clapped his hands together. "Alright, listen up! Our Lord—Louise—must be personally delivered to the flagship! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment! We must make sure she arrives with style!"

Jeice pumped his fist. "I say we carry her there! She'll be so thrilled when she wakes up on the flagship!"

Burter nodded. "She'll be honored when she sees the entire Frieza Force waiting for her!"

Recoome grinned. "Let's sneak her out and carry her to the landing site before she wakes up!"

Guldo wiggled his fingers. "Ohhh, I can stop time if she starts stirring! Flawless plan!"

They all looked at each other.

They nodded.

This was a brilliant idea.

Operation: Deliver Lord Frieza (Louise) to the Flagship was now in effect.

Back inside the dorm, Louise was still fast asleep, completely unaware of the absolute idiocy about to unfold.

Her tiny frame was wrapped up snugly in her pink blanket, her chest rising and falling gently as she dreamt of a world without the Ginyu Force in it.

Then, her door creaks open.

Five massive figures crept into the room, moving as stealthily as possible.

Which, for the Ginyu Force, meant… not very stealthy at all.

Burter tiptoed—but moved too fast, nearly knocking over a chair.

Recoome hunched over, but was still enormous, causing his head to gently bonk the ceiling.

Jeice hopped over a rug, for some reason making karate chop motions like a sneaky ninja.

Guldo waddled in, barely even trying to be quiet.

And Ginyu… Ginyu dramatically motioned for them to move, despite everyone already knowing the plan.

Louise stirred slightly.

The Ginyu Force froze.

Silence.

Then… Louise sighed in her sleep, rolling onto her side.

Burter exhaled in relief. "Whew. That was close."

Ginyu nodded. "Proceed."

They tiptoed closer.

Ginyu leaned down and carefully… oh-so-gently… picked up Louise's blanket-wrapped form.

She was small—so very small—compared to him. It was almost comical how easily she fit in his arms.

Recoome stifled a chuckle. "Look at her, all wrapped up like a burrito."

Jeice smirked. "A real royal burrito."

Burter grinned. "The Frieza Burrito."

Guldo giggled. "Lord Louise the Burrito!"

Ginyu glared at them.

"Silence. Our Lord is resting."

The team nodded solemnly.

Guldo opened the door, peeking out to make sure the hall was empty.

"All clear."

And then—the escape began.

The five of them moved in unison, creeping down the hall as dramatically as possible.

They hugged walls, rolled behind columns, and peeked around corners—even when no one was there.

At one point, Burter, the fastest being in the universe, insisted on doing a "quick scout" of the area. He was back in half a second.

"All clear," he whispered.

They were being so sneaky.

Or at least, they thought they were.

From her own dorm window, Kirche von Zerbst happened to glance outside—only to see five massive men creeping through the academy like they were in a bad stage play.

"…What the actual hell?" she muttered, squinting in disbelief.

Her eyes then landed on the very obvious pink-haired lump in Ginyu's arms.

Kirche's jaw dropped.

"…No. They're not… They are."

She immediately turned and shook Tabitha awake.

"Tabitha. Tabitha, wake up. You are not gonna believe this."

Tabitha grumbled and groggily lifted her head. "What…?"

Kirche pointed out the window.

Tabitha squinted. Then blinked. Then sighed.

"…I'm going back to sleep."

Meanwhile, the Ginyu Force finally made it past the academy gates and out into the vast, empty field beyond.

The wind blew softly. The stars twinkled above.

This was perfect.

Ginyu adjusted his grip on Louise. "Now… we wait."

Their glorious moment was soon at hand.

The Frieza Force's flagship would be arriving at any moment.

And then—Louise would awaken to the surprise of her life.

The best surprise ever.

Right?

…Right?

The night air was still, the wind carrying the gentle rustling of grass across the open field. The Ginyu Force stood proudly, lined up in perfect formation, watching the stars with eager anticipation. The moment had arrived—the Frieza Force's flagship was about to land, and soon, their beloved Lord Frieza (Louise) would be reunited with her empire.

Louise, however, was still fast asleep in Ginyu's arms, wrapped snugly in her pink blanket, her face peaceful despite the absurdity of the situation.

The ground began to tremble.

A low, distant hum filled the air, growing louder by the second.

Then—a massive shadow descended from the heavens.

The flagship was a behemoth of a vessel, sleek and unmistakably imperial in design, its colossal hull shimmering beneath the moonlight. The engines roared, kicking up dust and wind as the ship slowly lowered into position, its thrusters scorching the earth beneath it.

The Ginyu Force stood their ground, completely unbothered by the overwhelming pressure and force of the landing.

Jeice, his hands on his hips, let out a low whistle. "Now that is an entrance."

Burter smirked. "Bout time they showed up."

Ginyu nodded approvingly. "Yes. This is fitting for our Lord."

Recoome flexed. "This is gonna be great."

Guldo adjusted his scouter. "Heh, I bet they rolled out the red carpet for us."

As the ship's massive landing ramp lowered, a platoon of soldiers marched out in perfect synchronization, their armor gleaming under the ship's floodlights. The emblem of the Cold Clan was stamped on their chest plates.

The Ginyu Force, still beaming with confidence, were prepared for cheers, fanfare, and reverence.

What they got… was a moment of confusion.

Because these were not Frieza's usual soldiers.

Their armor was different. Their energy signatures were unfamiliar.

And as the troops came to a stop and snapped into a crisp salute, one soldier—his posture rigid—stepped forward.

"Captain Ginyu, sir! We have received your distress signal and have arrived as ordered!"

Ginyu, arms folded, gave an approving nod. "Excellent! You've come at last!"

The soldier hesitated for a split second before continuing. "However, sir… there is… one thing that is unclear."

Ginyu raised an eyebrow. "Speak."

The soldier's eyes flicked downward—to the small, pink-haired girl bundled up in Ginyu's arms, still completely unconscious.

"Sir… forgive my ignorance, but… is that… Lord Frieza?"

A tense silence.

The other soldiers stiffened, their collective anxiety skyrocketing.

Ginyu's expression hardened instantly. His grip on Louise tightened. His nostrils flared.

"How dare you question the form of Lord Frieza?!" he barked, voice sharp and commanding.

The soldier visibly paled.

"S-Sir! I-I meant no offense! It's just—" He hesitated, clearly regretting everything. "He—uh, she appears… different…"

Ginyu marched forward, Louise still cradled in his arms, and loomed over the unfortunate soldier.

"Are you questioning our lord's evolution?!" Ginyu demanded.

The soldier gulped. "N-No, sir!"

"Are you doubting the supreme wisdom of Lord Frieza?!"

"Absolutely not, sir!"

"Then accept this form with the fear and respect it deserves!"

The soldier snapped to attention. "Understood, sir! L-Lord Frieza looks… magnificent, sir!"

Ginyu nodded approvingly. "That's more like it."

The other soldiers kept their mouths shut, not daring to press the matter further.

They didn't get paid enough to question the Ginyu Force.

Jeice nudges Burter. "Blimey, that coulda gone worse."

Burter smirked. "Ain't our fault they don't recognize true greatness."

Recoome grinned. "They'll figure it out soon enough."

Guldo chuckled. "Yeah, we should probably get inside before she wakes up, though."

Ginyu nodded. "Agreed. Move out!"

The soldiers scrambled out of the way as the Ginyu Force marched up the ramp, carrying Louise into the depths of the ship.

As they disappeared inside, the remaining soldiers exchanged uneasy glances.

One of them leaned toward his comrade.

"…Did we just salute… a human girl?"

"Shut up, Dax."

The interior of the ship was grand—metallic corridors stretched in every direction, glowing control panels, and reinforced bulkheads that screamed military efficiency.

Ginyu led the way, Louise still sound asleep in his arms, as the soldiers guided them toward the command chamber.

"Hoo boy," Jeice muttered under his breath, grinning. "Wait till she wakes up and sees all this."

Burter smirked. "She's gonna be so surprised."

Guldo snickered. "I can't wait to see her reaction."

Recoome chuckled. "She's gonna be so happy."

Ginyu nodded with pride. "Yes. This is truly a gift to our lord."

They continued down the halls, marching straight toward their next great reunion.

But they had no idea…

That the flagship wasn't Frieza's.

And the one waiting for them at the bridge…

Was not who they expected.

Louise's consciousness slowly drifted back to her.

She felt... warm. Too warm.

The air smelled strange. It was sterile and metallic, with an underlying scent of something almost electric.

The surface beneath her wasn't her soft mattress, nor was it the creaky wooden frame of her academy dorm. It was hard and cold.

Her pink brows knitted together as she let out a quiet groan.

Why does my bed feel like metal?

Then, she heard it.

"SURPRISE!"

Louise jerked awake as if struck by lightning.

Her vision was blurry from sleep, but she could definitely make out five massive figures standing around her.

The Ginyu Force.

They were beaming at her like they had just thrown the world's most extravagant birthday party.

Her stomach dropped.

The second she rubbed her eyes and took in her actual surroundings, she knew something was horribly, horribly wrong.

She was in an enormous metallic chamber. The walls were sleek and curved, lined with glowing control panels displaying alien symbols she couldn't even begin to understand.

The air was unnervingly still. Cold. Too clean.

And—worst of all—she wasn't alone.

Lined up in perfect formation stood dozens of strange armored soldiers, all of them staring directly at her.

Their sharp, reptilian eyes locked onto her as if she were some unfathomable mystery.

Louise's entire body froze.

And then…

She screamed.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

She scrambled back, her legs kicking uselessly against the smooth metal floor, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps.

She looked left. More aliens.

She looked right. More terrifying creatures.

She looked up—and Ginyu was standing right over her, smiling proudly.

Louise let out another shriek and pressed her back against the nearest wall, her chest heaving.

The Ginyu Force, however, took her panic as joy.

"She's overwhelmed with happiness!" Jeice beamed.

Burter wiped a fake tear. "It's beautiful, really."

Recoome grinned. "She must've really missed this!"

Guldo nodded. "Just look at the emotion!"

Ginyu stepped forward, puffing out his chest. "Louise! You are finally back where you belong—with your empire!"

Louise's head snapped toward him, her entire body trembling.

"MY WHAT?!"

Ginyu spread his arms dramatically. "Your glorious empire! Your undefeated armies! Your fearsome warriors! All of this is yours to command once more, my lord!"

Louise's eye twitched.

"My lord?" she whispered, her voice weak.

Ginyu nodded. "Yes! You are Lord Frieza, reborn! The rightful ruler of this fleet!"

Louise let out a broken, incomprehensible noise.

The watching soldiers exchanged confused and worried glances.

Some of them whispered.

"…Why is she freaking out?"

"…Doesn't seem very tyrannical to me."

"…Are we really supposed to believe that's Frieza?"

Before anyone could say more—

A new voice rumbled through the chamber.

Cold. Sharp. Commanding.

"Enough."

The entire room fell silent.

Louise's breath hitched.

She couldn't see who had spoken—the Ginyu Force was blocking her view.

But she could feel the shift in atmosphere.

A low, mechanical hum filled the room, followed by the faint hiss of hydraulics.

The Ginyu Force immediately stiffened.

Ginyu turned sharply, his posture rigid.

And then, Louise saw him.

A massive figure descended from the air, seated in a sleek, floating throne pod.

His body was encased in gleaming bio-armor, his powerful frame exuding an air of absolute dominance.

His piercing red eyes locked onto her like a predator sizing up its prey.

Louise felt her entire body seize with fear.

She had no idea who he was.

But she knew—instinctively—that this was not someone to trifle with.

His presence alone commanded obedience.

As the pod lowered, his deep voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The Ginyu Force snapped to attention.

Ginyu immediately saluted. "Lord Cooler! We have returned with our leader!"

Louise's blood ran cold.

Lord Cooler?!

Cooler's expression remained impassive, but his eyes burned with disapproval.

"You imbeciles." His tone was icy. "You mean to tell me… that this is what you retrieved?"

He gestured at Louise, still pinned against the wall in sheer panic.

Ginyu nodded without hesitation.

"Yes! This is Lord Frieza!"

Cooler's eye twitched.

Several soldiers gulped.

Cooler slowly closed his eyes, exhaling through his nose, visibly restraining himself.

When he opened them again, his glare darkened.

"You expect me to believe that my pathetic whelp of a brother has taken the form of a frail, whimpering human girl?"

Louise squeaked.

Ginyu, completely unfazed, nodded.

"Precisely!"

Cooler stared.

Then, without breaking eye contact, he muttered under his breath, "…It's like talking to a wall."

The Ginyu Force did not get the hint.

Jeice stepped forward, grinning. "It all adds up! She's powerful, she has noble blood, and she has a commanding presence!"

Burter crossed his arms. "She even has rage issues!"

Recoome grinned. "And she hates weaklings!"

Guldo nodded. "It's the only logical conclusion!"

Cooler stared at them.

Then at Louise.

Then at them again.

Finally, after a long silence, he let out a slow, deep exhale.

He was not going to convince them.

Not now.

So, if humoring their stupidity was the easiest way forward...

He would play along.

Slowly, his floating throne descended.

His towering form now loomed directly over Louise.

She looked up—way, way up—at the fearsome alien warrior mere inches from her.

His gaze bore into her soul.

"…So, 'Frieza,'" he said, his tone dripping with icy condescension.

Louise's whole body locked up.

"I assume you can explain… exactly how you ended up in this form?"

Louise's lips trembled.

She opened her mouth—

Only for her brain to completely shut down.

Her response?

A high-pitched, horrified squeak.

Cooler's red eyes narrowed.

Louise was so screwed.

And there you have it! Louise is now face-to-face with Cooler, and things are definitely going well for her. Totally. No stress at all.

Now, the real question is: how long is it gonna take for the rest of the Cold Clan to realize Louise isn't Frieza? A few minutes? A few hours? Or—horrifyingly—are they just gonna roll with it and fully accept that their mighty space emperor is now a tiny, screaming, pink-haired noble girl?

Honestly, at this point, even I don't know.