Author's Note: Happy. Why isn't anybody happy? Could it possibly be because I haven't updated since the beginning of time? Well, I'm about to change that. Ladies and gentlemen, the TWELFETH chapter of "Promises" is about to begin. Just in case you were wondering, this is what happened last time.

"Are you ready?" Chichi came out in a pair of jeans with an old undershirt of a gi that barely covered her midriff. Sylvia nodded and changed her clothes magically.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

Promises, Chapter 12

Following Chichi was a bit of a task. She moved quickly and stepped lightly, working her way through a thick forest that was filled with strange animals. A bird called softly, and Sylvia started.

"Relax. He's not going to harm us."

A bit irritated, Sylvia called out ahead, "I didn't think he was." Chichi just nodded and smiled. "Where are we going, exactly?"

"Well, you are training under me, aren't you?"

"Yes, I guess I am."

"Well then, let me make the decisions. You'll find out in good time."

After a moment's pause, Sylvia risked opening her mouth again. "Why did you marry Son Goku?"

"Because I loved him. Or was in love with the idea of him."

"In love with the idea of him?"

"Yes. We met when we were children, you know."

"Hmm. Yes, I know."

"I had a very fanciful idea that he was my one true love, and he promised to marry me."

"And you never forgot it."

"No, no, I didn't. Maybe it would have been better for Goku if I had… But that's all in the past now. What I mean to say is, I was in love with the idea of Son Goku being my one and only love, being able to take care of me. Kami knows he tried. I was extremely foolish, and when Gohan was born, I only got worse."

"But you're still together!"

"Perhaps my idea wasn't so far off, then." Chichi smiled ruefully. 

"But— what…"

"No more questions. We've arrived."

Sylvia took a slow turn around and gasped. They were standing next a pool of water that was fed by a large waterfall. "What is this place?"

"You didn't think Goku was the only one who trained, did you? Relax. No harm can come to you here. I'm sure you've meditated before?"

"Yes." Sylvia was indignant. "Of course I have."

"Of course. Silly me. Breathe in, and out. Steady rhythm. Loose yourself in it and follow me."

"Follow you? Where?"

"Where my mind is going. Anywhere I want to be in the universe. Sometimes it's with Goku, or one of my children, or grandchildren," here Chichi allowed herself a smug smile, "but most of the time it's just random places. It relaxes you, allows you to focus. Whatever it is that your father is concerned about, or that you're concerned about, it can't get to you here, in this state. Relaxation after long periods of worry is necessary for concentration, which I guarantee you are going to need."

"What are you talking about?"

"You didn't think your father sent you down here on holiday, did you? Obviously there's something that both you and I need to learn, and we'll learn it together, my way."

Sylvia sighed, and concentrated on breathing.

"Stop trying so hard. Just let your conscious go."

"Let it go?"

"Let it fly away from you. You're going to have to surrender to yourself, or you'll end up surrendering to everyone else."

Scrunching up her eyes again, she tried to let go.

"Picture your spirit as a dove," Chichi suggested, "a dove that you are holding in your hands. You can observe its beauty, feel the smoothness of its feathers, but for its own sake you must let it go."

Sylvia nodded, and closed her eyes again.

"Do you still hold it in your hands?" Chichi asked, and then said when Sylvia nodded, "let it go. Let it fly free. Our spirits are like the birds, they cannot be chained."

Together the two women soared, bonded, and laughed. The freedom of it all had Sylvia incoherent. When they came back down on solid ground, into their bodies, Sylvia laughed.

"That was amazing."

"Meditating shouldn't always be about pushing our power levels to the limits," Chichi said happily. "It should be about our delight, as well. It's good for the soul, just like love is." When Sylvia snorted, Chichi turned around.

"You didn't believe in love?"

"I do. The universe was created out of love. You're in love. It's just that love isn't for me."

"Do you honestly believe that?" When Sylvia nodded, Chichi sighed. "Let me tell you the story of a very proud prince."

"Chichi, I'm a little old for fairy tales."

"Oh, this story isn't a fairy tale, believe me, and you can ask anyone who was there, it was painful, it was slow, and it was beautiful, but it certainly wasn't a fairy tale."

A/N: I know this is ridiculously short, I just felt the need to update this fic. I feel like I've been leaving you hanging for far too long. The next chapter should be coming soon, and hopefully a new one shot.