Appears suddenly to intercept Android 17 from 100 feet away

With 17 in the lead, the three androids lifted off from the tree line, heading straight for the battle. Both Cell and Vegeta turned to face their approach. Within moments, they were all hovering in midair, an uneasy balance a hundred feet off the ground. All of Gero's creations were on their guard, fists clenched and jaws tight. But Vegeta, whose golden aura still rippled magnificently around him, still appeared completely at ease.

...

His gleeful plans were interrupted as the Z Fighters took to the air, surrounding the five warriors. Trunks, already in his Super Saiyan state, was the first to speak.

...

But Vegeta had been silent long enough. "Yes, I believe I am satisfied. That explains everything, Cell, and as such, you've nothing left to barter with. So now, I'm going to obliterate you." Vegeta lifted his hand high, a golden orb forming above it.

Cell's eyes widened. It wasn't supposed to happen like this! Not yet, he needed just a little more time. Things were almost in place!

Vegeta's blast began to swell, growing in size exponentially. The attack was similar to Frieza's death ball, but filled with the burning, white-hot energy of an Ascended Super Saiyan.

"You see, Cell…Frieza destroyed my home planet along with the entire Saiyan race using an attack like this! And, well, seeing as how you've got so much frost demon DNA in you, not to mention Saiyan DNA, this should feel like one big déjà vu!"

The others had slowly began to back away through the air—everyone but Cell. Immediately, the Z fighters were concerned for the Earth's safety.

...

The Z fighters braced on the ground now, covering their eyes as they looked up. This was going to be huge, even if it only hit Cell and never touched the planet.

...

"WAAIIT!" Cell cried, throwing his hands up in surrender. This was his last hope. "If a true challenge is what you really want, allow me to absorb androids 17 and 18!"

...

"Uhh, we should get out of here now, 17!" 18 said frantically. The blonde android didn't have much time and she knew it.

"Yeah, sis, I'm inclined to agree with you this time!" 17 yelled back. They both turned, trying to escape.

"Uh, uh, uh, not so fast," Cell said as he suddenly appeared behind them. The green monster's arms were outstretched, blocking their retreat. But they weren't defenseless, and there was no way either would go down without a fight.

- Bringer of Death Chapter 44