*scribble*scribble*scribble*

Both author and helper worked steadily on the article, talking and discussing what to write more than actually writing the piece itself. Finally, the author called it quits; she wanted another nap because she had gotten up too early or went to bed too late...depending on your point of view. ChibiHotohori promised to come back later to help more with the article. After all, he has a vested interest in it.

*

Finally landing at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, everyone disembarked only to find out that the connecting flight was over at Gate E2A.

"Aaaarrrrrrgggghhhhhhh!!!!"

"The other gate is where?!?!!!!!" The author sighed. "Another terminal. Gah...at least there's enough time to make it."

*walk*

*walk*

*walk*

"Oi...this is a maze of never-ending moving walkways, escalators and corridors. Who designed this damned airport, anyway?!"

*walk*

Finally, another moving walkway.

*poof!*

"DA!"

"We're back!"

"Na! Isn't this where we started?!"

"Sigh, yes Tasuki...it's back to moving walkways. *rolls eyes* My connecting flight is in an hour and of course, it's on the other side of the airport..._two_ terminals over, in fact. Well, at least I have time to make this long trek. Last time I was headed for Grand Rapids, I had only 10 minutes to make the other plane."

"So, how much longer are we walking?"

"Who knows...Taiitsu-kun does."

"Na...wait a minute! Did ya just say we're in Chicago?"

"Yes, I did...why?" The author looked questioningly at Tasuki.

"Whoop!! I thought so! Na, obake-chan! Let's go visit Rence and party!!"

ChibiTamahome's chi flared, "Who're you calling 'obake-chan'?!"

A fight breaks out...[so what's new?]...between chibiTasuki and chibiTamahome. Both are using excess energy and since they're chibified, the resulting chi explosion blows chibiTama back to California and into Jill's house, landing in the fudge mix, which Jill was about to chill. ChibiTasuki landed in Rence's apartment but unfortunately for him, he landed on top of Frankie's cage...and the dawg began to howl...

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

*walk*

*walk*

The authored sighed in relief, "Here we are. And just in time for boarding. Ne, Hotohori-sama...stay with me on this flight? It's only 40 minutes. And I need more to write about that what I already did. That part is mostly information and everyone already knows it and I'm afraid it's boring."

ChibiHotohori blinked at the babbling before he was able to say anything, "Er, certainly."

"Ne, what about me?" ChibiNuriko pouted and looked wobbly-eyed at chibiHotohori.

"Erm, I think Thea needs you about now, Nuriko." The author replied, with a secretive smile.

And on cue, a magic window appeared (and looked amazingly like a computer screen) and a slender hand reaches out. The hand grabs chibiNuriko by the scruff of the neck and drew him through, closing on a astonished, 'waaahhhh!!'

"Once we take off, we can work more on your article, ne Hotohori-sama?" *shimmer*

"Of course."

Soon, all the passengers boarded and settled into their seat. It was a relatively short flight and no delays were expected. The author pulled out her notebook and turned to chibiHotohori, only to find him plastered to the window, gazing out into the clouds in fascination. After several failed attempts to get his attention, the author settled back and watched her companion in amusement.

A short time later [35 minutes but who's counting?] the plane began its descent and the passengers and crew prepared for landing. ChibiHotohori blinked then smiled in apology, "Gomen, I didn't help you with your article."

"That's alright. I still have a few weeks before I have to turn this in. Do you want to come visit again when I'm home?"

"Certainly. Until then." With a poof, a kasa appeared and a fringe of blue hair stuck out the top. The author waved to chibiHotohori as he jumped into the kasa and at the hidden chibiChichiri.

The author debarked and found her shuttle and arrived at the hotel in short order. Check in was no problem and she was soon settling in. She quickly checked her voicemail but found no urgent messages. She debated calling her counterparts from Los Angeles, who should have also arrived by now...unless they were delayed again, but before she could dial their room, there came a knock at the door.

Opening the door, she was surprised to see--

"Hotohori-sama!"

The young emperor bowed, "Good evening."

"Er, what happened to the chibi?" The author asked, still stunned. She added hastily, "Not that I mind. And I thought you were going to visit me when I got back home."

Hotohori tilted his head, "Well, it's rather hard escorting someone out to dinner when that small. And since I promised to help but got distracted earlier, I wanted to make up for ignoring you. Shall we?" He held out an arm.

"Hai~!" She happily accepted his escort and the two left for a nearby restaurant. They soon made their choices and continued chatting, ignoring the hovering waitresses. Finally, the author fell silent as the coffee and dessert was placed in front of them.

"Why are you scowling?"

"Nani?"

"Aren't you happy with your dinner?"

The author sweatdropped as she realized that she had been frowning at her dessert. "Er, sorry. No, I was thinking about your summary so far. It ends on a depressing note and I don't want to leave it like that. I was trying to think of what else to add. Hmm..."

Hotohori eyed his companion cautiously and was just about to suggest something when she spoke up.

"Ne, Hotohori-sama...would you mind if I asked you some questions?"