The Return of Garlic Jr.

By: Jeremy Breitenbach

All characters, places, and energy blast names are registered copyrighted trademarks of Akira Toriyama, Toei Animation, and Funimation Entertainment; except for those created by the author.

Amid all the chaos caused by Janemba's shattering of all dimensions as well as fusing Earth and Hell-resurrecting old enemies-no one noticed that he also shattered the dimensional barrier that separated the Dead Zone from this dimension; freeing Garlic Junior from his long imprisonment. Now free, Garlic Junior can exact revenge on Gohan and the other Z warriors that sealed him away several years earlier. Upon escaping from the Dead Zone Garlic Junior laughed and said, "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Now that I'm finally free from the Dead Zone once again I can get revenge on Gohan for thwarting my last attempt at taking over the Earth. And this time I'll be the one that's victorious. Gohan you better watch out. I'm coming for you. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!"

During the months since his escape from the Dead Zone Garlic Junior was plotting how he would attack Gohan and the others. He was getting help from The Spice Boys-who had returned to Earth when it was fused with Hell. They hid from the Z Warriors until Garlic Junior met up with them.

Several months have now gone by, and Goku and the rest of the Z warriors were having another party at Capsule Corp. (By this point it has been six months since the destruction of Kid Buu).

Chiaotzu said, "Hey, Goku how've you been?"

"Great! How 'bout you?"

"I'm fine."

"Have you been keeping up with your training?"

"Of course." After saying this Chiaotzu left so he could catch up with Tien. They were continuing to train in the wastelands so that they could participate in the next World Martial Arts Tournament.

Krillin then went up to Goku and said, "Are you going to fight in the next tournament?"

"No, because I really don't want to. But that doesn't mean I won't keep up with my training. Will you compete Krillin?"

"No. I'm just going to spend time with my family. Don't worry I'll train as well. Will you be participating Gohan?"

"No. I've got plans with Videl so we won't be entering. I know that the tournament is still a long ways off, but I'm not going."

Trunks asked, "What kind of plans Gohan?"

"I promised Videl that I'd train her so she can get stronger."

"Oh."

Goten then asked, "Does that mean you won't be training me?"

"No, Goten that doesn't. Videl has already agreed to let you join us while we train."

"Yipee!" Gohan then left so he could get ready to go to dinner with Videl.

Before Leaving too Goku went up to Vegeta and said, "So are we still going to have that friendly battle Next week?"

"Of course Kakarot."

"Good. I'm looking forward to it."

"As am I." Goku and Chichi then left.

Just before leaving Goten said, "Hey Trunks!"

"Yeah Goten."

"Are we still gonna train a lot like you said?"

""Of course."

"OK. See you tomorrow."

"Bye Goten." Goten then said goodbye to Bulma and Vegeta. After doing this he returned home.

Goten set off for Capsule Corporation early the next morning after saying bye to Gohan, Goku, and Chichi. While on his way to train with Trunks Goten could sense 4 fairly high power levels in the vicinity of North City. "Hmmm. I wonder who that could be. It can't be any of our friends. I better go check it out." Goten changed course and flew towards North City.

Upon arriving on the outskirts of North City Goten was greeted by The Spice Boys-who were sent by Garlic Junior to get Gohan's attention by attacking the city. When Spice saw Goten he said, "Who are you?"

"I'm Goten, son of Goku. Who are you?"

"We're The Spice Boys."

"I'm Vinegar."

"I'm Mustard."

"I'm Salt."

"And I'm the leader of The Spice Boys: Spice."

"Oh, well why're you attacking North City?"

"To get the attention of Gohan."

"Why do you want my brother?"

"Revenge."

"For what?"

"You'll see in due time."

Garlic Junior was monitoring Goten's conversation with Spice via his crystal ball. He said, "Well, it appears that I was locked away longer than I thought. Spice, Vinegar, Mustard, and Salt attack Goten. Maybe Gohan will come to me if he realizes that his little brother is in trouble."

"Yes Sir." The Spice Boys then proceeded to attack Goten.

"Hey! What gives? Why are you attacking me?"

"Our boss has a score to settle with Gohan. Our boss decided to have us attack you so that your diminishing life force would cause Gohan to come to your aid."

"If you want Gohan so badly why don't you just have me contact him telepathically?"

"I'm sorry, but we'd rather fight you."

Goten said sounding skeptical, "OK, but I'm going to warn you it won't be that easy to take me down."

The fight then began. Goten was having trouble fighting all 4 of The Spice Boys at once. He was getting angrier with each passing second until he screamed, "That's it! I can't take it anymore!" He transformed into a Super Saiyan and said, "All right I have one question to ask before I kill you guys. Who's your boss?"

Vinegar replied, "The great Garlic Junior"

"Thanks Vinegar now say goodbye! Kamehameha!" Goten's Kamehameha Wave enveloped Vinegar instantly killing him.

Mustard said, "What's up with your hair?"

"If you know Gohan then don't you know?"

"No, we've been in Hell for several years and we haven't been following what's been occurring on Earth."

"Oh, well does Garlic Junior know? I mean since he wants revenge on Gohan it stands to reason that he's been following what's been going on over the years. Right?"

Salt answered Goten by saying, "Wrong. Garlic Junior has been trapped in The Dead Zone for the same amount of time."

"The Dead Zone? What's that?"

Mustard replied, "It's a vortex of dark energy that can suck anyone and everything into it. Once you're inside The Dead Zone you are surrounded by nothing-total darkness for the rest of your life."

"Oh. Well, how many times has Gohan faced off against Garlic Junior?"

Mustard replied, "Twice. And both times he was sealed away in The Dead Zone."

"How did he escape The Dead Zone?"

"This time?" Mustard asked.

"No, the first time."

Mustard replied, "he used the power of The Makyo Star. You see, The Makyo Star is where Garlic Junior gets his greatest power. As the star drew close to the Earth Garlic was able to gather enough power to break the seal on The Dead Zone. When Gohan finally arrived he very quickly killed us, and when Garlic realized that he couldn't beat Gohan he reopened The Dead Zone in an attempt to trap Gohan inside. Gohan destroyed The Makyo Star once again sealing him in The Dead Zone. But fortunately there was a benefit this time-he was infused with the power of The Makyo Star. This means that not only is Garlic Junior immortal-he now possesses a limitless supply of power."

"He's immortal!" Goten said sounding shocked.

"Oh, did we forget to mention that the first time Garlic was on Earth he used the dragon balls and wished for immortality?"

"Yeah." Goten replied angrily. "OK that explains how he escaped the last time. How did he escape this time?"

"Do you remember when Janemba shattered the dimensional barrier that separates Hell from Earth?"

"Don't tell me Janemba also shattered the dimensional barrier that separates the Earth from The Dead Zone."

"You got it, Goten." Mustard said in an ecstatic voice.

"Well, we'll just have to seal him inside The Dead Zone again. If Gohan did it twice before I'm sure he can most certainly do it again."

"We'll see about that!" Mustard rushed Goten.

"Kamehameha!" Mustard was killed instantly. "Now leave and tell Garlic Junior that my Dad, Gohan, Vegeta, and my best friend Trunks can all become Super Saiyans."

Salt said, "We'll leave, but Garlic already knows."

"How? Has he been using magic to listen to everything?"

"Yes, actually he used a crystal ball." Spice and Salt then returned to Garlic Junior so they could wait for Gohan and the others.

Immediately after Spice and Salt left Goten contacted Vegeta telepathically so that he could tell him what was going on. "Vegeta can you hear me?"

"Goten is that you?"

"Yeah."

"Trunks is waiting for you. Why aren't you here yet?"

"I ran into some trouble."

"What kind of trouble?"

"While I was heading for West City I sensed 4 high power levels in North City, and I decided to see who they belonged to."

"Who did they belong to?"

"A group of guys that called themselves The Spice Boys. There names are: Spice, Vinegar, Mustard, and Salt. I was successful in destroying Vinegar and Mustard, but Spice and Salt rejoined their boss before I could try and kill them. And the funny thing is that they know Gohan. Their boss wants to seek revenge on Gohan for foiling his plans twice."

"What's their boss's name?"

"Did my brother ever tell you about a villain named Garlic Junior?"

"Yes, both him and Kakarot told me that he was immortal thanks to the Eternal Dragon."

"Good. Did Gohan tell you how he stopped him The last time?"

"Yes. He said he destroyed The Makyo Star. Why?"

"Because, when Gohan did this Garlic Junior was infused with The Makyo Star's power. This means that besides being immortal now Garlic Junior has a limitless power supply."

"How did he escape The Dead Zone?"

"When Janemba shattered the dimensional barrier that separates Earth from Hell he also shattered the barrier that separates The Dead Zone from Earth."

"I understand. I'll tell Trunks, Piccolo, Gohan, and Kakarot everything you told me. In the meantime you just wait for us."

"OK. See you soon Vegeta." Goten then waited for everyone to arrive.

When Vegeta was finished telling everyone what Goten told him Gohan said, "I can't believe Janemba was able to do that. Well, all we have to do is seal Garlic Junior in The Dead Zone again, and hopefully it'll be for good this time." After saying this Gohan, Piccolo, Goku, Trunks, and Vegeta headed to North City to meet up with Goten.

Several minutes later everyone finally arrived in North City. When Goten saw them he said, "Great! Now we can finally stop Garlic Junior once and for all. Let's go!" Everyone followed Goten to Garlic Junior's location.

When they arrived they were met by Spice and Salt. Salt said, "Ah, Gohan it's nice to see you again."

"Likewise. Well, Salt I'm not going to play around. Say goodbye! Kamehameha!" Gohan's Kamehameha instantly killed Salt.

When Spice tried to leave Piccolo said, "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm leaving."

"I don't think so. Special Beam Cannon!" Spice was killed instantly.

Garlic Junior screamed, "You'll pay for that Piccolo!" He emerged from his hiding place, and confronted The Z Warriors.

When Gohan saw Garlic Junior he said, "Well, if it isn't my old nemesis Garlic Junior back from The Dead Zone once again. I hear by way of my little brother that you've returned to get revenge for all the times I've stopped your diabolical plans in the past."

"Correct, but before I fight you Piccolo must pay for killing Spice. So, Piccolo prepare to die!" Garlic Junior rushed towards Piccolo and began his attack.

Garlic Junior was having a tough time hurting Piccolo. "Ah, I see you've improved a lot. Say, Where's that old fool Kami?"

"We fused. We are now one."

"That explains your power increase, but I think I should tell you that since I'm infused with the power of The Makyo Star I can transform whenever I want. In fact, it looks like I'll have to if I want to kill you." After his long speech Garlic Junior transformed. Now that Garlic Junior is using his full power the true battle to save the Earth can finally begin.

"After I'm finished with you Piccolo I'll take care of Gohan and the others. Once they're out of the way the Earth will at long last be under my control!" Garlic Junior began to laugh wildly.

"We'll see about that!" Piccolo screamed as he rushed Garlic. Garlic kicked Piccolo as he approached. Piccolo went flying. He hit the ground hard-which knocked him out.

Gohan said, "You'll pay for that!" He went up to Garlic Junior and a furious hand-to-hand fight ensued.

After five minutes of fighting this way Garlic Junior paralyzed Gohan with a telekinetic blast. When Goten saw that Gohan was in trouble he screamed, "Hold on big brother I'm coming!"

Goten rushed Garlic and said, "Put Gohan down right now or I'll make you wish you never escaped from The Dead Zone!"

"Oh, is that so?"

"Yes, take this! Kamehameha!" The Kamehameha did not phase Garlic at all. Upon seeing this Goten angrily said, "Darn it! Now what should I do?"

Garlic released Gohan and once this was done he turned his sights on Goten. Gohan, seeing that Goten was in imminent danger, quickly got up and transformed into a Super Saiyan Two. He then flew towards Garlic Junior at full speed. While they were engaged in close combat Goten rejoined Goku, Vegeta, and Trunks on the sidelines.

As Gohan and Garlic Junior continued to fight Trunks had a burst of inspiration so he began a conversation with Goku, Vegeta, and Goten. "Goku Garlic Junior made himself immortal by using the dragon balls correct?"

"Yeah, Trunks. Why?"

"'Cause I just had a brilliant idea as to how we can ensure that Garlic Junior will never return. And I'm not talking about sealing him back in The Dead Zone again either."

"Well, then what's your idea Trunks?" Vegeta asked sounding intrigued.

"While you, Goku, and Gohan keep Garlic Junior busy Goten and I will go to our house and get The Dragon Radar from Mom."

Goten said, "I get it! While you guys keep him busy we'll collect the dragon balls, and once we have them all we'll wish Garlic Junior's immortality away. And once that's done he can finally die! Right Trunks?"

"Right. So, what do you say? Should we give it a try?" Goku and Vegeta agreed then they joined Gohan in the fight against Garlic Junior. Once Goku and Vegeta joined the fight Goten and Trunks set off for West City.

While Goten and Trunks were heading for West City Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta had their hands full with Garlic Junior. "Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! So, Goku you've finally decided to show yourself. Oh, and who's this?"

"I'm Vegeta, Prince of the Saiyans."

"Well, it's a good thing you're here because Goku and Gohan will need all the help they can get."

"Shut-up and fight!"

"Very well Vegeta." The fight began. They were having a lot of trouble seriously hurting Garlic Junior thanks to his newfound supply of limitless power.

After ten minutes it became apparent to Goku and the others that they would be unable to make any headway in fighting Garlic Junior until Goten and Trunks succeeded in wishing away his immortality. Goku said, "We should try to stay alive until Goten and Trunks make the wish." Gohan and Vegeta agreed with Goku completely. They then awaited the boys' return.

After traveling for a half hour Goten and Trunks finally arrived in West City. They went to Capsule Corp. right away. "Quick I need to see my mom immediately!" Trunks said to the receptionist as he frantically paced back and forth.

"OK, Bulma Trunks needs to see you, and he says that it's urgent."

"Send him in."

"Yes, Bulma." Goten waited outside while Trunks went to speak with his mom.

"Mom I need The Dragon Radar, and I don't have time to explain why."

"Here. Just remember to give it back to me when you're finished."

"I will. Thanks, bye." Bulma said bye as he raced to where Goten was waiting. "I have the radar Goten!"

"Great! Now let's get the dragon balls and then we can return to the fight with Garlic Junior and help Gohan and our dads!" Goten and Trunks then began the arduous task of locating all of the dragon balls.

After forty-five minutes Goten and Trunks had six of the dragon balls. "Trunks look! There's the last one!" Goten pointed at the dragon ball which was atop a very big rock.

Trunks flew up and got it. "OK Goten now let's take them back to the battle site." They promptly returned to where Goku, Gohan, and Vegeta were trying to stay alive.

Upon arriving they hid behind a big piece of land so that they could summon the dragon. They were one hundred feet from the battle site. Goten said, "ETERNAL DRAGON, BY YOUR NAME I SUMMON YOU FORTH, SHENRON!"

Several seconds later The Eternal Dragon appeared in front of Goten and Trunks in full majestic splendor. "What is your wish?"

Goten said, "Shenron can you please make Garlic Junior mortal once more?"

"Yes, I can." Shenron's eyes glowed for several seconds then he said, "Your wish has been granted. Fare thee well." After the wish was made the dragon balls were once again scattered over the Earth. Immediately after the dragon balls scattered Goten and Trunks rejoined the battle.

Just as Goten and Trunks arrived the fighting stopped. Garlic Junior said, "What have you two kids done to me?"

Trunks said, "That's simple Garlic we made you mortal again."

"You what!"

Goten said, "You heard what he said. We made you mortal again. Now, you can finally die!"

"Not if I seal all of you in The Dead Zone!"

"You won't get the chance to open it." Gohan once again transformed into a Super Saiyan two. Goku and Vegeta went Super Saiyan 2 as well. And Goten and Trunks went Super Saiyan. After they all transformed they prepared to kill Garlic Junior.

"Now wait a minute Gohan can't we talk about this?"

"No! It's finally time for you to be sent to your grave Garlic! Your time has been overdue for a while now! I hope you enjoy Hell!" After saying this Goku, Gohan, Goten, Vegeta, and Trunks powered up to full power. Then they each prepared to release their most powerful energy blasts, and put an end to Garlic Junior once and for all.

Gohan was the first one to attack. He said, "Kamehameha!"

Goku was the next to attack. He said, "Kamehameha!"

Immediately after Goku attacked Goten said, "Kamehameha!"

Trunks screamed, "Here Garlic take this! Finish Buster!"

Just then Piccolo arrived. He was already aware that Garlic Junior was no longer immortal. He powered up to full power then he said, "Take this Garlic! Masenko!"

Vegeta attacked last. "Final Flash!"

All of the energy blasts fused into one gigantic fireball. It then converged on Garlic Junior. He shot a blast in an attempt to dissipate the huge fireball, but all he managed to do was make the fireball even bigger. Several seconds later Garlic Junior was enveloped by the massive energy ball. As he died he screamed, "AAAHHH! I'll make all of you pay for this!"

After Garlic's death Gohan said, "Whew! Garlic Junior is dead at last. Now let's go home." Vegeta and Trunks returned to West City While Goku, Gohan, and Goten returned to Mount Paozu. Piccolo returned to Kami's Lookout immediately after shooting the Masenko.

Thus ends Garlic Junior's final takeover attempt. Garlic Junior has finally met his end thanks to Trunks' quick thinking. The Z Warriors can once again resume their peaceful lives.

THE END