Whispered Wishes: Malibu

Finally! Our long-awaited trip to China was a reality. What should we do first? Why, kiss in front of the hotel, of course. After that, we agreed that a trip to the martial arts academy was in order.

I was keen to work on my board breaking - my boss had intimated that there might be a promotion to starter in the works if I could improve my martial arts skill. Benji played around with the training dummy for a while, but he really wanted to get out there and explore some of the ancient tombs.

So the next morning he started down the long flight of steps from the hotel to the local notice board, to see if he could get some leads on the best places to look for relics... in his underwear. The many travelers who stopped him on the way down to ask for autographs didn't seem to mind, though.

According to the board, the Halls of the Lost Army, right in the middle of the town square, would be the best place to start, so off Benji went, in search of his relics.

I, on the other hand, had no interest in sneaking around underground, so I headed back to the academy to work out - no way was I going to let this vacation hold me back from that promotion.

After a long day at the academy, I returned to the hotel, expecting Benji to be waiting for me. But as the evening hours stretched on, there was still no Benji. Worried, I checked with one of the locals, who assured me that the tomb in the town square was perfectly safe. Finally I slipped into bed alone, too tired to wait up any longer.

I couldn't sleep, though, and awoke while it was still dark. Benji still wasn't back, so I thumbed randomly through one of the books in the lobby while I waited. And as the sun peeked over the top of the distant hills, who should come swaggering in as innocently as could be, but my long lost husband.
'Where in the world have you been? I've been worried sick!"
"Oh, sorry about that, Mali. I've been exploring the dragon cave! It's the most amazing place! And I found a ton of relics. There's still more, though, I know it. I need a quick nap, and I'm going back!"
I sighed. I always new my Benji had an adventurous streak, but staying in that cave all night?

He went upstairs for his nap, and I make my way back to the academy.

I spent the day working out at the board breaker. I've almost maxed out my athletic skill. Only a few more boards should do it. That's been a goal of mine for a long time now.

And after his short nap, Benji raced back to the dragon cave. He had much more exploring to do before he was ready to head back to Hidden Springs.

One last relic, would this be enough? Nope, when it came to adventuring, there was no such thing as enough for Benji. He was already talking about another trip.

As for me, I just wanted to go back home. I missed Robin and Jay. At least I had learned to meditate, and spent my final hours in China perfecting my skill.

It was good to be home, but for some reason I grew increasingly restless after our return. I looked around at the same old walls, the same old rooms, and suddenly came to a decision.
"Benji, I think we should move. I found the perfect place, at the end of a cul-de-sac, I think it's a step up for your ambitions, too. What do you think?"

Benji agreed that it would be a good move, and soon we were pulling up in front of our new place. Peri and Seashell informed everyone that they would not be making the move with us; they had found their own place across town. My sister Rain elected to come with us. It seems she will end up an old maid; she's never shown any interest in anyone else since the love of her life blew her off so many years ago.

Jay settled right in to his new room.

And Benji is still the model daddy, teaching Jay to talk, changing dirty diapers,...

... and tucking him in at night.

And we both fight Rain over the chance to play with our little man.

Robin, on the other hand, has not taken to the the house nearly as well. I don't think she's slept in her own bed once since we moved in.

Many nights she stays up late playing chess with her daddy...

....and then sneaks out to the tree house for the night.

Needless to say, with all the nighttime commotion, I've not been sleeping too well myself. But I try to cope the best I can. Benji's been on an epic drink-making kick, and there are always a few party drinks lying around to make me feel better. I think I need an extra drink today; I didn't get that promotion I so deserve. Now my boss says I need to make friends with what's-his-name, the newest back-up on our team.

Neil, that's his name. I made time one evening to stop in and say hello. He seems like a nice enough guy. We actually have lot in common. Now, I'm not sure if was his charming personality, or his stunning physique, or maybe the full moon, but as we conversed, something odd began to happen.