Title: Welcome to the Afterlife, son!
Author name: Trugeta

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by Akira Toriyama and Funimation. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

This story focuses on the Mirai timeline after Gohan has been killed by the Androids. It's an AU, and Reviews are welcome and appreciated.

Author´s note: I know, I know. It has been a few months since I last updated this, but I just need a break from the story. Now inspiration is somewhat back, but this story will still be updated irregularly; just as I get new material for it. Sorry ´bout this. But rest assured, the story is not abandoned.

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Chapter 23: Plans for a certain trainings trip

Some time later, Gohan and Videl left the park, already, or finally, depending on the point of view, holding hands. Both were occasionally stealing glances at the other, for both could still not really grasp that they had just met for the first time. It really seemed to them as if they had known each other for their whole lives.

While they were walking to meet up with the Grand Kai in order to discuss what could be done to adapt Videl and the other humans to the gravity that reigned on the Density belt worlds, Gohan mused what his mother would have thought of Videl.

To be honest with himself, Videl even reminded him of his late mother. The young woman was quite straightforward, knew what she wanted, had quite the temper (from what he had seen when she had handled her father) and was incredibly beautiful.

Only good that she didn't have a frying pan at hand. Gohan remembered the lumps he had collected throughout his youth all too well...

The azure-blue eyes Videl possessed in contrast to the brown ones of his mother were one of the highlights of Videl's beautiful face, and while Videl was a beauty she also held herself like a fighter. He would see to it that she'd become a warrior.

But first things first, first of all he had to ensure that Videl could accompany him and the others to the Density belt, Videl's approval provided, of course. Though Gohan was quite sure that the Grand Kai would be able to come up with a satisfying solution. And that Videl would love to accompany him.

The demi-Saiyan had faith in the Grand Kai's ability to come up with a solution. The old rocker had, after all, come up with the idea to award him and the people of his choice to train in the Density belt as long as he/they wanted. He'd have something up his sleeve, if only to ensure that he'd keep his word that Gohan could bring anyone he wanted.

While Gohan was hanging to his own thoughts, Videl was still a bit overwhelmed from what Gohan had told her about himself and the Saiyan race.

She slowly understood that Gohan was not only a major hunk, very intelligent (although a bit rough around the edges, though that could be expected from someone who had spend half of his life solely fighting the Androids) and easy on the eyes, but also one of the most powerful beings that existed now, despite the fact that he was dead and had gained the power he possessed now only after his death.

As far as Videl had understood it, Saiyans received an immense power-up in situations of near death, only that Gohan's power-up had kicked in too late to be of help to him in his fight against the Androids.

Well, due to that power-up Gohan had been able to compete with the top-ranking fighters in the tournament, and all this had helped him to become stronger. Thus, something good had come out of his fatal fight against the Androids after all.

During their stay in the park Gohan had also explained that there were several different levels of Super Saiyan that they knew of now, and that the one she had witnessed during his fight with his father in the late stages of the tournament was what they had dubbed 'Super Saiyan Level 2'.

As Videl had witnessed first hand, it was an immensely powerful state, though Gohan had committed to Videl that he suspected there to be even higher levels of Super Saiyan power that could be reached.

She had also seen the gleam in his eyes when he had stated that the training in the Density belt could be the exact thing that would help him and the other Saiyans reach these new levels of power.

From what Videl could tell of Gohan, he was a person who cared deeply for the well-being of others, as he had demonstrated in his year-long fight against the Androids, which had ultimately been in vain. All those years Gohan had fought to safe innocents, albeit they were people he did not even know.

Yes, Gohan Son was a person she could easily love, for their talk in the park had revealed him to be a caring person, despite his rough warrior exterior.

Gohan had also told her that Saiyans always strived to become more powerful, and in Gohan's case she could more than understand his determination to become stronger still.

He had learned from his battles with the Androids, that only the strongest fighter would prevail. Videl had then said that he was already strong enough to probably wipe the face of Earth from them easily, but there was the itsy-bitsy problem that he was terminally deceased.

Imagine her surprise when Gohan had told her that there existed something like the dragonballs, magical items, which could be used to grant any one wish the eternal dragon felt was within his power.

Though Gohan had had to admit that the dragonballs of Earth had become unusable when Piccolo, the Kami of Earth, had died.

Yet, there was still the chance that Trunks and his mother Bulma would somehow be able to reach the planet New Namek, for there existed an even more powerful dragon named Porunga, and his wish-granting powers knew nearly no bounds.

Gohan had told Videl that even deceased persons could be revived using the powers of Earth's dragonballs, but only within a timeframe of one year.

This, however, did not apply to New Nameks dragonballs, and if Trunks and Bulma were somehow able to reach New Namek, they all would be able to get wished back, which would then enable them to deliver some swift and certainly well deserved justice to a certain pair of murderous, out-of-control machines.

Videl had come to see that Gohan was not a person to kill someone lightly, fact that had made him even more attractive to her. In fact she considered Gohan to be a warrior who would only kill as the last possible option, although she had no doubt that Gohan would have ended the existence of 17 and 18 all too gladly, had it been within his power.

After what Gohan had told her about his life and the Saiyans, and seeing all the proof like his Super Saiyan transformations, not to mention all the weird things she had come to see in her stay in the Afterlife, Videl took Gohan's story about the dragonballs at face value.

She knew that she could trust Gohan, she somehow felt it, and thus she understood his determination to better himself. If even the slight chance to return to life existed, they had to be prepared. As best prepared as possible. And to this end, Videl vowed to herself that she herself would push herself to her limits.

Provided that the Grand Kai knew of a way to enable her to participate in the trainings trip, that is. But she was confident that he would come up with something.

Videl smiled. For the first time since her arrival in the Afterlife things had started to look up. Sure, it had been a great bonus, not to mention an immense honour to be allowed to keep her body and train with other fighters and warriors, but her heart had not been in it. She had not seen the sense to try to better herself with all her might and determination, although she had improved vastly in her stay up here.

But that had all changed with her meeting a young man named Gohan Son, an incredible young warrior with whom she had the foundation to build something great.

The feelings she had had in the park were so unlike the feelings she had had when she had had her first crush on a young man. No, this was more than a crush, and both of them knew it. And due to the fact that they both were dead, there was no need to take it slowly, like they probably would have done on Earth.

Being dead certainly liberated one of certain inhibitions, so much was for sure, but that was only true and possible in their case because they had been allowed to keep their bodies.

Videl was sure that they would make the best of it. Aside from training, Gohan and her would see where their 'love at first sight and kiss' would lead them.

It was a good thing that sexual intercourse betweens lovers and couples in this realm was still allowed, though it was not possible to become pregnant in the Afterlife. After all, this was a place of the dead, thus life (and especially new life) had no place here.

It was also good that they could improve their strength, speed, skills and techniques through training unlike the residents in hell, and due to the facts she had learned from Gohan she would strive to improve and better herself as much as she could, provided she could accompany Gohan into the Density belt.

Both Gohan and Videl shook themselves out of their musings at the same time, smiled at each other and shared a quick kiss, and with even greater determination the two young people strode then towards the residence of the Grand Kai.

Incidentally, when Gohan and Videl where just a few hundred yards away from Grand Kai's residence, they noticed a certain North Kai approaching the building.

The catfish god had noticed them too, and waved a quick hello at them, which they returned in kind. The three met before the door of the building, and King Kai had a hidden smile on his face, a smile that had entered it as soon as he saw the two young people holding hands.

Yes, it was nice to see that love could blossom even in the Afterlife, and due to his telepathic and empathic powers King Kai was quite sure that what those two were feeling for another was indeed love.

Not that surprising considering their respective files. It had been estimated by the ultimate force that those two would have become mates (or partners, as the humans would have called it), had they continued their existence on the mortal plane.

Thus it really came as no surprise to King Kai (or any other associated Kami for that matter), that the two were falling for each other.
'And from what I can tell they're both falling quite hard. I only hope they have a nice, soft carpet to soften the fall.' the North Kai though to himself and snickered internally at his pun.

A second later King Kai addressed the two with his trademark grin.
"Why hello you two. I was just on my way to the Grand Kai, and I trust that you wanted to see him too, Gohan? Finally decided who you want to take on the trip?" he asked with a snicker and a blink at Videl.

Gohan only smirked. He had lived through far too much to be embarrassed by anything, so this teasing was nothing to him. Thus he only answered jovially.
"You could say so, King Kai. That is indeed why I wanted to see the Grand Kai. You know the place better, lead the way."

If King Kai was surprised by the fact, the Gohan was not embarrassed in the least he did not show it.
"Sure, Gohan." he said and did just that. "In fact, I just came from an assignment that has to do with your trainings trip. As you know, the Grand Kai gave you practically a carte blanche for who you could take with you onto the trainings trip. That is, for one, unheard of. So believe me when I say that the Grand Kai and especially the Dai-Kaio-Shin has something in mind with you. And with you too, young lady." he said, grinning at Videl. "In fact, I just come from the Dai-Kaio-Shin, and he gave explicit permission for something the Grand Kai will tell you soon. In fact as soon as I open this door." he snickered.

Gohan absorbed this info and nodded. Videl, who was still holding his hand seemed to be quite intrigued, and wondered what on Earth the Kaio Shin could have in mind with her of all people. Ultimately, she just shrugged internally and voted to just enjoy the ride. Whatever the ride would turn out to be...

Sensing that Videl and Gohan were mentally prepared for what lay ahead, King Kai opened the door that led to Grand Kai's office.

And just like in any good office, the Grand Kai had a secretary. This secretary was of the blue-skinned, horned and semi-demonic type one frequently encountered in the Afterlife's bureaucracy, but unlike the others Gohan had encountered until now this was a female oni. And a rather good looking one at that.

King Kai, for his part, turned on his charm and greeted her with a (what he thought) winning smile.
"Good morning, Rose. I have an appointment with him. As it pertains these two too," he pointed at Gohan and Videl, "they're expected too."

The secretary checked her computer once, and then nodded.
"Okay, King Kai. Everything looks okay, and he's waiting for you. You may proceed."

King Kai nodded and waved at his attendances to follow him, which they did. The North Kai led them towards a door in the back of the room, knocked once and entered. Gohan and Videl followed suit.

The room the three had entered was quite spacious, and in the corners stood several plants which protruded up to the ceiling and gave the room a nice and lively atmosphere. A rather nice environment for work.

In the right corner of the room, taking up a large amount of space, stood a huge music system. It could only be called a music system, for it looked too sophisticated to be called anything else. Well, this argued clearly for the fact that the Grand Kai was a rocker at heart.

Above mentioned Grand Kai, for his part, was sitting relaxed behind a quite huge oak desk, not dissimilar to the one King Yemma seemed to be chained to.

The Grand Kai was sitting in a rather comfy looking office chair. Even though it was not sunny in the room in the least bit, he was still wearing his trademark sun-glasses. Gohan had however no doubts at all that he was able to see everything in absolute clarity.

King Kai walked up to the desk (while Gohan and Videl remained in the background, watching and evaluating) and bowed before his superior.
"Excellence, everything has been done as ordered. He approves." was all the North Kai said.

Grand Kai nodded once, and a smirk appeared on his face.
"Marvellous, dude." he said in his usual speech pattern, which evoked (secret) smirks in Gohan and Videl. The two could not help it, even if he was the Grand Kai, he just looked like a friendly old rocker.

Said friendly old rocker surveyed the two young people that had come into his office. He was relieved that he had been right about them, and the fact that his superior had approved of his plan proved it.
"Gohan Son, Videl Satan. Please come forward and take a seat." he said, and pointed towards the two chairs that had appeared out of thin air.

Gohan and Videl both whistled. That trick must come in real handy. Both then took up Grand Kai's offer and took a seat, looking at Grand Kai expectantly once they were seated.

The Grand Kai cleared his throat and began his explanation.
"Gohan, as you well know, the award you received from me entitles you to take whoever you want onto the trainings trip into the Density belt. First, I want to know, am I correct to assume that you want to take this young lady, Videl Satan, onto the specified trainings trip?"

At first, Gohan was a bit surprised that the Grand Kai would ask that question, but considering the psychic powers the Kamis obviously had it was probably not that surprising. Overcoming his initial surprise fast he answered.
"Yes, your excellence, you're correct to assume this." he said, and Videl looked on in surprise. "Videl's approval provided, of course."

Grand Kai looked at Videl, and asked a question which's answer he already knew. Well, he had to ask anyway. Protocols. Go fig.
"Videl, if I may call you Videl," at Videl's quick nod he continued, "do you want to accompany Gohan onto the trainings trip?"

Videl's answer was instantaneous and without any hesitation.
"Yes! In a heartbeat! But what about the problem that I won't be able to resist the gravity of the Density belt worlds, your excellence?"

Grand Kai smiled. Both at her respectful tone towards him and the question.
"Ah, you come right to the core of the problem. Good. You see, that is why I send King Kai here to the Kaio Shin, my superior. To get his approval for something that would solve this particular problem."

Both Videl and Gohan listened with rapt attention. If the Grand Kai (with Kaio Shins permission) had found a way to enable Videl to get with him onto the trainings trip, that would be a heaven send. In this case, Gohan mused, quite literally.

Seeing that he had the undivided attention of the two youngsters before him Grand Kai continued.
"Well, there is the inherit problem, as you, Videl, pointed out, that humans are not able to resist the high gravity that reigns on the Density belt. Even the world with the lowest gravity, one world at the edge of the cluster with 30 G, would overtax you and most probably turn your bones into powder, regardless of your prior training you received here in the Afterlife. There is however a solution to this problem. A quite unorthodox one, I must admit, but it is the most promising one." he said.

Gohan and Videl looked at each other. Unorthodox? Well, that was nothing new to them. Their lives (and especially Videl's 'life' in the Afterlife had been anything but orthodox).
"Unorthodox, eh? Well, I for my part don't do normal. What about you, Videl?" he asked, only half in jest.

Videl pretended to be thinking for a few seconds, and then shrugged.
"Ever since I came up here I have seen and done so many weird things that something dubbed 'unorthodox' won't scare me off." she said in the breast-note of confirmedness.

Grand Kai nodded, satisfied with her answer.
"Good. To understand what I have to propose, you must know that we, that means the Kamis, had our procedures recently brought up to date. The Afterlife now operates on the basis of fail-proof computer systems, not unlike the Yggdrasil system of a neighbouring dimension. Anyways, dudes, due to that new computer system it is possible to change the 'stats', so to speak, of a person. Thus, Videl, it would be a viable option to change your specified race into something else, in this case, into a Saiyan. That is what I'd propose."

Both Gohan and Videl looked at the Grand Kai disbelieving. Finally Videl spoke up.
"You... you can change the race of a being... just like that?" she asked flabbergasted.

Grand Kai smiled.
"No, Videl. Not just like that. There are several mechanisms in the system that prevent such alterations. However, if the Kaio Shin approves and gives his explicit permission, or rather validates the process at his terminal, such changes can be made. Of course, there are a lot of security protocols in function to prevent any misuse, and as far as we know, this has never happened before. This is quite an honour, Videl, and it means that fate and the Kaio Shin do plan something for you. Furthermore, it has been seen by Uranai Baba." he stated, as if that would explain everything. Noting the expression on Gohan's face, it obviously did.

Videl had to gulp a few times, as the enormity of the proposition began to sink in, while Gohan was feeling excitement. If Videl really could be turned into a Saiyan, things would become much more interesting.

The young woman in question had finally regained the ability to speak.
"Thank you, your excellence, I'd be most honoured if that were possible. Gohan has already told me all that he knows about the Saiyan race, including their physiology, thus I know what would be awaiting me. But you said that the Kaio Shins' approval would be needed. Am I right to assume that that was what King Kai's assignment was? To ask for his approval?"

Grand Kai smirked. Yes, he could see why Videl was considered of importance in the future. She was a real sharp one.
"Yes," Grand Kai said, dropping his act and becoming quite serious in the process, living up to the responsibilities and power he had as well as to his position in the Afterlife, "you are correct to assume that. And as you correctly guessed, the Kaio Shin has already given his approval for the procedure."

Gohan nodded to himself. He, like Videl, had figured as much. There was however one thing left.
"Grand Kai, your proposition is, to say it bluntly, way cool. There is however the matter of my other human friends, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien and Chao-Tzu. What about them?"

The Grand Kai stroked his beard. He had anticipated this question in the course of the conversation.
"Well, Gohan, as we are creating a test case here, the Kaio Shin does not want to get overboard here. Thus only one case was allowed, and the Kaio Shin picked the one person with the most potential."

Videl goggled at that.
"What? I am the one with the most potential among Gohan's friends?" she asked disbelieving.

Grand Kai nodded.
"Yup, positive." he answered. 'It might also have something to do with the fact, that you're obviously developing romantic feelings for another, and that fate, if Uranai Baba is correct (which I don't doubt), has important plans for you. For you two.' he thought to himself.

Then he continued.
"As for your friends, Gohan, well, for compensation they will be allowed to train on one of the Density belt worlds. The one I mentioned before, the world with 30 G. All four of your friends are strong enough to resist the gravity of this world, as they have trained ever since their arrival. I'd think that this will satisfy them, don't you?"

Gohan thought about this and nodded then.
"I guess. As far as I know, all four are quite satisfied with being humans, and I have my silent doubts that they would want to be turned into Saiyans. Yeah, I'd say they'll be satisfied."

Grand Kai nodded.
"Good. I further assume that the other participants in your trainings trip would be your father, Vegeta and Piccolo. Correct?"

Gohan answered with a nod of his own.
"Absolutely. Especially dad, as far as I can tell what with not having seen him in years, would fight all hell to train at a place like the Density belt. The same goes for Vegeta and Piccolo, although my old mentor would never admit it." he snickered.

The Grand Kai grinned. He suspected as much of the former Kami of Earth too. Piccolo had always been too stiff for his own good, and the Namekian had not even relaxed once even after his death. Hmm, maybe this trainings trip would hold some surprises for the Namekian. Who knows?
"Okay, Gohan. Once you have informed the others of the plan, you can send me a mental note when you are done. You can do so by just thinking it. Due to the fact that I'm telepathic, and considering that you, as a half-Saiyan are too to a certain degree, I'll receive the message clearly. Any more questions?" Grand Kai asked. As well Gohan as Videl shook their heads in answer, and Grand Kai nodded. "Good, dudes. See you in a bit."

King Kai, who had been standing silent in the background bowed to his superior.
"Your excellence." he said and headed for the door.

Gohan and Videl followed him.
"Until later, your excellence." they chorused, looked at each other and smiled. Funny how they had said the same thing at the same time...

Now they would meet up with the other members of the Z-Gang and inform them of what was to happen. Now that would surely be an interesting meeting...

to be continued…

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I'd like to thank all of you who have taken the time to leave a review, and my review answers can be found at the bottom of this page. I enjoy reading your comments, and the suggestions you all make will help to make this story even better.

If you find anything illogical that might have created a plot-hole or anything else that is wrong, let me know and I'll fix it. Thanks for reading.

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REVIEWERS RESPONSES:

Anthony1: No prob. As said somewhere in this story, I had to get my mind on a new challenge after the last dbz project was finished. And Ranma ½ is really great and I love to write for it. But now I got some inspiration back for dbz…

goldfighter : Thanks, man! And also thanks for reading and liking my other story!

DemonVidel: Nice and cool new name! And as you saw, I needed a change, and it did me a world of good. Writing for Ranma really is fun! But I'll also update this story from time to time, whenever I have enough material for a new chapter.
And thanks for the compliment! I really appreciate it, and I plan also to return to the dbz-world a bit more permanently. In fact, I have something planned, and no, it's not the sequel to Surprise. You'll have to wait and see...

Digi fan: Thanks! And right you are, that´s really too bad. But better late than never...

mpvssj5: I´m glad to hear that. As for new beginnings´, nope. I will use the ideas I had for the story elsewhere...

Rejhan: Yeah. :) And about time, eh? Those two are really too sweet together. Glad that you liked the history. And nope, I ain´t as cruel as to leave a cliffie... Glad that you like the Ranma story!

Muse: yeah, me too, but I just had to do something different. And thanks for the compliment! As for the suggestions, I´m planning on doing so. Ist just bridging the gap between the afterlife and earth that´s quite hard. But I´ll come up with something.

Saiyan God: Thanks! Yeah, I like to t ink that the waff between the two was okay. Dunno if my Ranma story´s as good as Surprise, I can´t judge that myself... But I can say one thing: I love to write for it!

mdknisley: Interesting suggestion... :)

wizardmon92: You´re welcome. And yeah, I can.

MarshmellowDragon: Yeah, now I´m gonna publish new chapters each time I got enough material for it. So I dunno when the next update will commence. But I´m glad that you like the Ranma story.

trunks and goten: Thanks! I´m glad that you enjoyed it. Okay, Tien got stronger than Krillin cause he gave up on fighting, but throughout dbz Krillin was the strongest human...

DBZ Chick1: Thanks! Glad that you love the story!

nick-lover1991: Glad that you can see my point. As for the sequel, I haven´t planned anything yet. Too busy with other projects...

zara m: Thanks, Sam! #sheepish grin# Yeah, you sure had a long wait. But I plan on remedying that somewhat. I got a new project planned, and nope, it ain't a sequel to 'Surprise'…