At that moment, the battle in the sky between Vegeta and Android 17 grew fiercer by the second. Vegeta's attacks came in waves, each punch packed with power and determination. Golden flames blazed behind him, as if they could set the sky alight. Yet Android 17's incredible stamina and defenses let him evade Vegeta's attacks again and again, striking back whenever he found an opening. A white aura surrounded him, intertwining and clashing with Vegeta's golden flames in dazzling bursts of light.
Vegeta was seething inwardly. He hadn't expected Android 17 to be so difficult to deal with. His eyes narrowed, and he abruptly stopped attacking. His hands moved swiftly as he gathered a massive ball of energy before his chest: the Final Flash. It radiated a chilling aura, warping the air around it. "Take this!" Vegeta roared, hurling the energy ball at Android 17 with all his might.
Seeing it coming, Android 17 didn't dare take the attack head-on. He quickly dodged to the side. The energy ball grazed past him and exploded against a distant mountain, leveling it in an instant. A giant mushroom cloud rose into the air, sending dust billowing in every direction.
While Android 17 was dodging, Vegeta accelerated toward him again, his fists raining down on him. Android 17 repeatedly blocked with his arms, and the two engaged in a fierce close-quarters battle in the sky, trading blows without giving an inch.
Goku watched the battle from the ground. Though exhausted, his eyes still brimmed with fighting spirit. He said to Gohan and the others beside him, "Vegeta's strong. He can do this. But we need to be ready too. If things go wrong, we'll have to step in." Everyone nodded, keeping their eyes fixed on the sky and preparing to support Vegeta at a moment's notice.
The battle continued as the sun slowly sank, its afterglow staining the sky orange-red and casting an unusual hue over the fierce battlefield. Vegeta and Android 17 stood out against the fading light. Every movement and every attack carried immense power, making the air around them tremble.
Vegeta's aura grew ever more fierce. His eyes shone with determination and resolve as he silently vowed not to lose to that despicable Android. The golden flames around him burned more intensely as the battle wore on. Each punch and kick carried tremendous energy, as though he could tear open the sky itself.
Android 17 refused to back down. In the light of the setting sun, his white aura looked strangely eerie. Even as Vegeta's attacks battered him like a storm, he remained calm, constantly searching for an opening. He deftly dodged blows aimed at his vital spots and launched fierce counterattacks from time to time, keeping Vegeta from letting his guard down.
On the ground, Gohan and the others helped Goku struggle to his feet. He kept his eyes fixed on the battle in the sky, silently cheering Vegeta on. He knew the outcome would determine Earth's fate, and Vegeta was one of their last hopes.
As night gradually fell, stars began to twinkle in the sky, but there was no sign of Vegeta and Android 17's battle stopping.
As Android 17's attacks grew stronger, everyone on the ground felt their hearts tighten. Each of his strikes unleashed a powerful surge of energy. His speed and strength seemed to have increased since before. His fists and feet cut through the air with piercing whistles as his attacks poured down on Vegeta like a storm.
Vegeta fought with all his might to defend himself, but he was struggling to keep up. His face showed the strain, and a flicker of barely perceptible panic crossed his once-sharp eyes. His defensive movements grew sluggish, and the golden flames around him were no longer as fierce as they had been at the start. Under Android 17's relentless assault, they seemed to be gradually suppressed.
Gohan looked deeply worried. He clenched his hands, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, and cried to Goku beside him, "Dad, Uncle Vegeta..." Goku's expression was grave as he stared at the sky. Anxiety showed in his eyes as he gritted his teeth and said, "Don't panic. Vegeta won't be beaten that easily."
Krillin and the others looked worried too. They knew that if Vegeta fell, Earth would face an even greater crisis. Tension gripped everyone. They held their breath and watched the battle in the sky without blinking, silently praying that Vegeta would regain the upper hand, withstand Android 17's fierce assault, and turn the tide.
Bulma's eyes showed both alarm and resolve. She hurriedly rummaged through her backpack and soon pulled out a small Capsule. Without hesitation, she flung it toward an open patch of ground in the distance. The moment it hit the ground, it flashed brilliantly and rapidly expanded. A brand-new plane appeared before them.
As she waved everyone over, Bulma shouted, "Their attacks are too fierce! We'll get caught in the crossfire if we stay here. Let's get farther away!" Everyone realized how serious the situation was and hurried toward the plane. Gohan supported the injured Goku, while Krillin, Tien Shinhan, and the others followed close behind. They quickly boarded. At the plane's entrance, everyone said they couldn't wait for Vegeta, but Bulma said she believed in him.
Bulma then skillfully piloted the plane and started the engine. As it slowly lifted off, Android 18 didn't stop them, but she gave their plane a sinister grin. Goku sensed that something was wrong, but the plane still headed away from the battlefield. Through the windows, everyone aboard continued to worry about Vegeta's battle with Android 17. Though they had left the danger zone for the moment, gloom hung over every face. They knew the outcome would decide Earth's fate, and Vegeta was in a dire position. All they could do was silently cheer him on and hope for a miracle.
The battle continued. Under Android 17's increasingly fierce attacks, Vegeta was already covered in wounds. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his Battle Suit had been torn in several places, exposing bruised skin. Yet the flames of defiance still burned in his eyes. He clenched his fists and forced himself to stay on his feet, ready to face Android 17's next assault.
Android 17 looked at Vegeta, battered yet still defiant, and sneered. "Saiyan Prince, is that all you've got? You're not much after all!" He rushed at Vegeta again, raising his right fist high and swinging it toward Vegeta's head with a whoosh.
Vegeta dodged to the side, evading the potentially fatal blow. He quickly raised his knee and drove it toward Android 17's abdomen. Android 17 reacted just as swiftly, blocking the attack with his arm before grabbing Vegeta's leg and flinging him away with all his strength.
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