Dragon Ball: I Became Cell in a Doomed Future

"For the third wish… how about we use it to bring everyone back to life?" Bulma suggested.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

When someone noticed Android 16's petrified body, Levos briefly explained his situation.

It was complicated. The only way to revive 16 was to kill Dabura. No other method existed. So Levos specially instructed Mr. Popo to keep the statue safe and well-preserved.

Just then, a familiar voice echoed in Levos's mind.

"Levos, it's me… King Kai."

Levos immediately responded, "What is it, King Kai?"

"Majin Buu is about to awaken!"

"What?!" Levos froze.

By right, the energy needed to unseal Buu's egg had to be gathered near Babidi's spaceship. Had Babidi made a move already?

King Kai elaborated, "Dabura attacked you with one clear goal to get to your body. Babidi is now siphoning energy from your original form."

So the surprise ambush wasn't random. It had a very specific purpose.

"I see…" Levos felt numb. There had been so much bad news lately that it barely fazed him anymore. "There's no helping it. We can't deal with everything at once."

The top priority now was to use the Dragon Balls and switch bodies with Cell Max.

But then King Kai's voice grew heavier.

"You need to be extremely careful now. Babidi has already taken control of King Cold… and he's attempting to control that monster, Cell Max!"

"What?!" Levos's heart clenched.

They'd come so far, only for another disaster to unfold.

And this one might be even worse.

Anyone Babidi managed to control through his dark magic would receive a significant power boost. In the original timeline, Vegeta had deliberately allowed himself to be controlled to increase his strength.

Who knew how much stronger a Majin-enhanced King Cold had already become?

But the truly terrifying possibility was Babidi controlling Cell Max.

That would push the situation completely out of control.

The moment he heard this, Levos began doubting his plan to swap bodies with Cell Max.

Whether Babidi's magic latched onto the body or the soul didn't matter. The risk was enormous.

And even if he switched bodies, Levos wasn't confident he could resist Babidi's mind control.

"Wait, Dende don't summon Shenron yet!" Levos quickly shouted.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Dende stopped in his tracks, confused.

"Babidi might be about to take control of Cell Max!" Levos said grimly.

"W-what?!" Gasps erupted around him.

Levos took a deep breath. "Babidi uses a mind-control spell that targets the darkness in people's hearts. If you harbor any negative thoughts, even a sliver of resentment, he can exploit it and turn you into his puppet. Resisting his spell isn't easy."

Dr. Heido rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "But Cell Max has no consciousness, no reason at all. Can Babidi still control a creature like that?"

"I'm… not sure," Levos admitted.

"You're worried that if you switch bodies with Cell Max, you might fall under Babidi's control yourself?" Heido had hit the mark.

"Exactly." Levos nodded. "I underestimated Babidi. Turns out, he's every bit as dangerous as Cell Max. Maybe even more."

"Don't blame yourself," Bulma said softly. "You've already done so much. This isn't your fault."

The others agreed with her, offering supportive looks.

But then Dende suddenly shouted, "Oh no! If Babidi's targeting powerful beings, then Frieza's probably next!"

Everyone stiffened.

If Frieza were to fall under Babidi's control… Earth might truly be doomed.

"This is giving me a headache!" Goku scratched his head in frustration. But then his expression turned serious, his voice resolute. "In that case, we'll just have to take Babidi out first!"

Just as Goku was about to spring into action, Levos's vision blurred.

Then a sinister voice echoed directly into his mind.

"Heeheehee! Oh, Earthlings… what a delightful surprise you've given me!"

"This trip to Earth has yielded far more than I expected."

"I'm in such a fantastic mood, so…"

"Let me enjoy the most thrilling part of all your little tournament! Ahahaha!"

Hearing Babidi's smug, gleeful tone, a sense of dread crept into Levos's heart.

He quickly scanned his surroundings.

He was now in a sealed chamber. It was massive, capable of holding close to a thousand people.

Around him were many familiar faces teammates, allies, friends.

Before he could process it further, he was lifted off the ground by a scar-covered, heavily bruised man with bloodshot eyes and a twisted expression of rage.

Frieza.

His face was contorted with fury, eyes glowing red, as if on the verge of snapping completely.

Levos blinked in confusion. "M-my lord?"

"Captain Ginyu! I've been searching everywhere for you!" Frieza hissed, his voice full of venom. "Where the hell were you while I was fighting for my life?!"

"I'm not Ginyu! I'm Levos!" he blurted out. "Captain Ginyu stole my body and disappeared!"

Frieza's gaze sharpened. "What did you say?"

Levos quickly summarized everything that had happened with Ginyu, ending with a bitter sigh. "And… that's how I ended up like this."

"I see…" Frieza narrowed his eyes, his brow furrowed in thought. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he let go.

Plop!

Levos hit the ground.

The small commotion caught the attention of others nearby.

"Uncle Piccolo, that frog… it looks kind of familiar," Gohan whispered.

Piccolo frowned.

Even at a distance, he'd heard everything between Levos and Frieza. His hearing was that sharp.

"I'll take care of Levos," Bulma said as she walked over and gently picked up the frog from the floor.

Frieza gave her a faint smirk. "Miss Bulma, you and Mr. Levos sure are inseparable."

Levos sighed inwardly. Why does he always say things that make people misunderstand?

I'm literally a frog right now!

Still… it was strange. Frieza hadn't been taken over by Babidi yet.

That alone made Levos feel a little more hopeful.

Now nestled in Bulma's arms, Levos had a better view of the chamber.

On the other side, Piccolo seemed to be piecing things together from their conversation.

He quietly exchanged looks with Gohan and the others.

"Earthlings, the elimination stage of the Martial Arts Tournament begins now. There are no rules. Fight to your heart's content. Only one victor shall remain."

Babidi's voice boomed across their minds once again.

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