Vegeta's Death

Vegeta steadied himself in the air, landed, and with a powerful push, lunged back toward Android 17. Concentrating all his energy into his hands, he roared, "Galick Gun!" and unleashed a massive energy wave, firing it straight at his opponent.

Android 17 watched, unperturbed, and crossed his arms in front of his chest to form a defensive barrier, taking the full force of Vegeta's attack head-on. The energy wave erupted upon contact, releasing a blinding light and a deafening roar that sent violent shockwaves through the surrounding air.

As the smoke cleared, Android 17 stood unscathed, while Vegeta, drained by the recoil, dropped to one knee and gasped for air, clearly at his limit. Yet, a stubborn obsession burned within him; he refused to fall in this battle, determined to keep fighting even with his last ounce of strength.

Android 17 walked slowly toward Vegeta, each step carrying an overwhelming pressure that made the ground tremble. A mocking smirk played on his lips, his eyes filled with disdain: "Saiyan Prince, your struggle is meaningless. Today is the day you die."

Vegeta knelt, bracing himself with his hands, and glared up at Android 17. Blood trickled down his forehead, blurring his vision, but his eyes held no fear—only endless rage and defiance. "Damn it... how could I lose to an android like you!" (When the androids first appeared, Gohan had asked who they were, and they had answered directly: "I am Android 17, and this is my sister, Android 18." Gohan had been stunned, asking, "What do you mean, androids?" before concluding through battle that they were beings with infinite potential, impossible to kill, and devoid of pain. Goku had already identified them as androids the moment they met.)

Vegeta gritted his teeth, refusing to accept defeat, and tried to gather his strength to stand once more. (Preparing to self-destruct.)

In the distance, Bulma and the others watched the scene tensely from their aircraft. Gohan, frantic, wanted to rush out to help, but Goku grabbed him. "Gohan, stay calm! We have to trust Vegeta."

Android 17 reached Vegeta, raised his foot to deliver the final blow, and then, expressionless, thrust his arm forward with lightning speed, aiming straight for Vegeta's heart. Vegeta spent his final reserves of strength, eyes wide, and caught Android 17's arm with both hands (preparing to explode). However, Android 17's lips curled into a cold sneer. "Useless. Is this your final act of defiance?" With that, he increased his force, and Android 17's arm ruthlessly pierced through Vegeta's heart before being violently withdrawn. (He didn't have time to self-destruct.)

Vegeta's body went rigid, a flicker of defiance and despair flashing in his eyes as blood gushed from his chest. He slowly tipped backward, crashing heavily to the ground and kicking up a cloud of dust. The surroundings seemed to fall silent, save for the whistling wind, which sounded like a lament for the fallen Saiyan Prince.

In the distance, Goku and the others witnessed the scene from the aircraft, their eyes widening in disbelief and grief. Gohan couldn't help but scream, "Uncle Vegeta!" His voice pierced the sky, laden with endless sorrow and rage. Android 17 stood where he was, looking down at the fallen Vegeta without a hint of pity.

Bulma stared fixedly at the scene, the aircraft accelerating until it vanished into the distance. Her eyes were locked on the tragic sight, her lids reddening as tears welled up, though she fought to keep them from falling. Her lips trembled, and her hands gripped the flight controls tightly, her heart filled with shock and agony.

"No, we can't stay here," Bulma whispered through gritted teeth, then slammed the throttle forward, pushing the aircraft to its limit. It streaked across the night sky like a silver bolt of lightning, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

The passengers were immersed in grief and rage. Gohan clenched his fists so hard his nails dug into his palms, glaring back at the horizon and silently swearing to avenge Vegeta. Goku's brow was furrowed in grim concentration, his mind racing to find a way to deal with Android 17 while he recovered his strength.

Time flashes back to that moment!

Android 17 approached Vegeta with cold, decisive intent, his arm striking like a lethal bolt of lightning into Vegeta's heart. Vegeta's eyes widened, his face a mask of shock and disbelief. Countless images flashed through his mind: the glorious days on Planet Vegeta where he was revered as a prince; the countless battles on Earth, the days spent training to surpass Kakarot...

He had never imagined such an end. Saiyans were known throughout the universe for their power, and he, as a prince, possessed immense pride and self-respect. To fall now at the hands of an android, his life slipping away—how could he accept this? His lips trembled, as if trying to speak, but only a faint, ragged breath escaped.

As his heart was pierced, his strength drained rapidly. Vegeta felt the world blur, his consciousness beginning to fracture. Yet, even so, the flame of defiance in his heart refused to extinguish. In his final moment, he roared in the depths of his soul: "I... will never accept this..." Then, his legs gave way, and he fell backward, hitting the ground with a heavy thud as dust rose around him. The proud Saiyan Prince sank into an endless darkness.

A heavy shroud of sorrow filled the aircraft. Bulma fought back her tears, her hands gripping the controls so tightly her knuckles turned white. The aircraft sped through the night, the roar of the engines sounding like a dirge for Vegeta.

Goku's expression was grave, his eyes filled with unprecedented resolve. He knew he could no longer wallow in grief; Vegeta's sacrifice could not be in vain. Gohan bit his lip, tear tracks staining his cheeks, his inner rage burning like a wildfire as he vowed to make Android 17 pay a terrible price.

Krillin, Tien Shinhan, and the others remained silent, their fists clenched as they calculated how to face this powerful enemy. The aircraft flew on toward the distance.

Bulma Base~

The aircraft descended slowly onto Bulma Base. With the slight jolt of the landing gear touching down, the hatch opened. The group stepped out in silence, the weight of grief and gravity etched onto every face. Bulma dragged her heavy steps toward the main control room, her silhouette appearing lonely and desolate, her usually vibrant eyes now filled with sorrow.