But Bulma stood firm. "No way! What if something happens? I might be able to help you!"
Levos sighed deeply.
He knew Bulma's personality all too well. Once she'd made up her mind, there was no changing it.
Besides, they were already here.
At this point, their only option was to locate the Dragon Ball as quickly as possible and then make their escape together.
The interior of the spaceship had taken heavy damage. Sparks flew from exposed wiring, and flames licked up from broken panels.
"I remember the med bay should be this way!"
Bulma's sense of direction was oddly spot-on. Even in the overturned chaos of the ship, she guided Levos forward without hesitation.
Soon, they arrived at the medical bay.
Levos condensed a glowing energy sphere in his palm and blasted open the door.
Inside, Tagoma and two medical officers lay unconscious.
A faint shimmer glowed from a corner of the room. Two Dragon Balls were resting silently there.
Levos finally exhaled in relief. He stepped forward quickly, picked up the Dragon Balls, and placed them in a shielded case.
Now, all seven Dragon Balls had been gathered.
Although at the moment, he was only carrying three of them.
The other four had already been entrusted to Goku, who took them to King Kai's planet for safekeeping.
If he wanted to make a wish, Goku would need to bring those back to Earth.
As Levos slid the case into his backpack, Bulma came over and took his arm. "Let's get out of here."
"Yeah."
Suddenly, Levos stiffened.
An energy blast struck at close range!
It was Tagoma!
Somehow, he had regained consciousness and without a word, launched a sneak attack!
Levos reacted fast, but not fast enough.
Blood splattered. A shallow gash appeared across his cheek!
Tagoma cackled and launched another energy blast straight at Levos.
"Watch out!" Bulma shouted.
She swatted the blast aside in the nick of time and charged forward, punching Tagoma square in the nose.
Boom!
The impact sent shockwaves through the room as Tagoma's body slammed into the wall. His energy blast exploded mid-air, igniting more fires inside the med bay.
"Are you insane? Why would you attack Levos?! Aren't we all part of Frieza's army?" Bulma yelled furiously.
"Hahaha…" Tagoma clutched his bleeding nose and laughed like a madman. "You damned androids never belonged in this world! If I kill you both, Lord Frieza will rely on me alone!"
"Levos even saved your life!" Bulma's chest heaved with rage.
"Don't be naïve! Training under Lord Frieza taught me everything ruthlessness, cruelty. I'm not that soft weakling I used to be!"
Tagoma's face twisted as he sneered. "Now die, both of you!"
A sharp gleam flickered in Levos's eyes. A red aura exploded around him, and in the next instant, he punched Tagoma square in the gut.
Boom!
Tagoma crashed through multiple bulkheads and landed outside the spaceship.
Already badly injured and drained, he had no chance against Levos. Frankly, even Bulma could've finished him off.
Levos followed, hovering at the ship's edge. His fingers glowed as he gathered energy for a powerful Makankosappo (Special Beam Cannon).
Just as he focused to deliver the finishing blow
A figure shot up from the ground.
Blood-red eyes locked with Levos's.
"Change!"
A cold, robotic voice echoed in his ears.
A flash of orange light slammed into him.
Levos felt his soul get torn apart.
The world spun wildly.
When his senses returned, he looked up and saw his own face.
A sharp-jawed, battle-hardened face. Calm, calculating, and now smirking ominously.
A chill ran down Levos's spine. His heart sank.
He looked down… and saw a pair of stubby webbed claws.
He froze.
Then it hit him. His body had been switched by Captain Ginyu!
His scalp went numb.
His body still had tons of important gear and the Dragon Balls. If Ginyu found those, everything would be exposed. And he'd be dead!
"C-Captain Ginyu, what… what's the meaning of this?"
Levos's voice sounded strange even to himself. Robotic. Synthesized.
He nearly exploded with frustration. Ginyu was the last person he wanted to see, let alone share a body with.
But Ginyu ignored the question. He examined his new body with satisfaction, the smirk on his lips widening.
Then, tears welled up in his eyes.
"Ughh… So many years! Do you know what I've been through?!"
He burst into wild laughter, a mix of bitterness and triumph.
"I'm finally human again! After all this time, no more frog body!"
"This physique… it's perfect! You even beat Tagoma! I'll take good care of this vessel, don't worry!"
Levos was dumbfounded by his over-the-top theatrics.
Trying to stay calm, he stammered, "C-Congratulations, Captain Ginyu! B-but please… stay calm!"
Ginyu glanced at the frog in his hand and smiled. "Levos, I appreciate this. You called me captain, I'll protect you now."
"But remember, you must be loyal to me."
Levos gulped and nodded stiffly. "Understood."
"Excellent," Ginyu said. "I've got high hopes for you. That pre-battle dance of yours? Not bad. Still needs polish, though."
"Stick with me, and I'll find you a new body to match your style."
"T-thank you, Captain…"
Levos's soul dimmed. His new life as a frog had never looked bleaker.
"Levos!"
A familiar voice rang out.
Who else but Bulma?
In a flash, Ginyu scooped up the frog and hid him behind his back, gripping him tightly.
Levos instantly felt breathless. He couldn't even speak.
Ginyu whispered coldly, "Stay still if you don't want her dead."
Moments later, Bulma arrived at their side.
"Let's go. We need to move quickly," she said.
"Yes," Ginyu replied calmly. "Let's stick to the plan."
Levos shivered inside. This madman was planning to fully impersonate him!
But as Bulma approached, her expression suddenly shifted.
"Oh right, Levos. Lord Frieza asked me to give you this," she said.
"Hm? What is it?" Ginyu asked curiously.
Bulma rummaged through her pouch and pulled out a small remote.
Just as Ginyu reached for it.
Click!
Bulma pressed a button.
Bzzzzzt.
Ginyu froze in place and collapsed to the ground with a thud.
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