Gohan pushed her behind him, trembling but standing brave, poised in a battle stance.
Videl squeaked at the emotionless, empty stares of the androids. The blonde one killed my father.
The demi-saiyan shivered at the emptiness next to him. He didn't fight on his own. No, he fought with his partner, his ally, his adoptive father, his friend. But Vegeta was missing. He didn't like facing the enemy alone. He wasn't used to protecting, he was used to being protected. It was now Videl crouched defenseless behind Gohan, waiting to be defended, instead of Gohan behind Vegeta.
17 and 18 cocked their heads, their attention momentarily attracted by the shivering girl behind their opponent, but them back to Gohan.
"Where's Vegeta?" 17 asked.
Confusion overtook his features. "You didn't kill him?"
"We didn't even see him," 18 scoffed, "since that time he 'freaked out' during our battle."
This was worse. If the androids weren't responsible for Vegeta's disappearance, who was?
They grinned maliciously. "Fight us, kid."
No. He couldn't.
Not without Vegeta. Gohan didn't know what to do. Who should he aim for? What should he aim for? What battle stance should he take? Should they battle here? Should he go all out or try to conserve his energy? Was it a fight or flight situation? And two against one? Was that even legal? Crap! Vegeta made all the decisions! He just followed!
Videl whimpered behind him.
Flight. Definitely a flight situation. Gohan couldn't fight with her here.
Still tense, he backed away slowly, and got close enough to whisper into Videl's ear.
"Cover your eyes when I say so."
"Wha-" she started, but was interrupted.
"NOW! SOLAR FLARE!" Arms extended, palms open, he squinted his eyes shut and let loose a large, blinding ki blast meant to temporarily blind the enemy. Hearing indignant yells and crys of frustration from the androids he figured he worked it right, and Gohan wrapped an arm around Videl and took off.