Luz Noceda ahead at the small Chinatown shop ahead of her. "Here goes nothing," she muttered to herself, before walking to the door. Her finger rested on the doorknob, hesitantly, but then decided to go ahead and ring the bell. A few moments later, the door opened, and a white-haired man stood in front of her. He looked at her questioningly, as if she was a new species he'd discovered.
"Uh, hello," Luz greeted, cringing inwardly at her awkwardness. "I'm Luz Noceda, i believe Lilith Clawthorne told you i was coming."
"Oh!" The man nodded vigorously and stepped back. "Of course. Come in. You have had long journey, yes?"
She smiled and nodded. The ride from Owl House to Palm Stings had been fun, but also tiring. "Well, come in, come in." The Chinese man stepped aside, and Luz walked into the room. It was a nice, tidy little China shop, with books aligning the walls and a red velvet chair. She smiled, immediately feeling at home. She could smell an incense candle (cinnamon) burning in one of the corners.
"Sit down, sit down." The man gestured to the chair, and Luz nodded, sitting hesitantly.
"Thank you, sir," she said, looking around.
"Please call me Uncle," the man told her. "We are not formal. While you are here, we are friends. Understand?"
Luz allowed herself to grin. "Of course."
Uncle turned around, facing the nearby staircase. "Jackie!" His voice was now loud, and Luz winced, wondering if she'd go home deaf. "Come make new girl tea." He turned back to Luz. "Tea fine with you?"
"Yes si- I mean, Uncle," she stumbled, then cursed herself silently for being so nervous. You're okay, it's ok he's just a legand, a really awesome legend.
She heard footsteps, and a tall, burly Chinese man, maybe in his early to mid twenties, stood on the bottom of the staircase. "Is this Liz, Uncle?"
"Yes," Uncle said sharply. "Don't be rude, Jackie..."
The younger man chuckled, holding out his hand. "I'm Jackie. Jackie Chan. You must be Luz Noceda?"
"That's me." Luz then realized he was looking to shake her hand, and she outstretched her arm, the two joining hands and shaking. She never understood the gesture. It was a way to spread germs, but seemingly viewed as a polite form of greeting. At least what she'd been taught. She then remembered that the Chinese were big on respect.
She bowed, clasping her hands together. "Thank you for helping us!" Her words came out quickly and in a blur.
Jackie smiled. "It is not a problem," he said. "You're our friend now. Please, make yourself at home while I fix the tea."
"And one more thing," Uncle said as Jackie turned to go.
Jackie turned around. "Yes?"
"When done, fill out papers," Uncle told him. "Must be done tonight!"
"Uncle, I'm very tired," Jackie groaned, sidestepping Luz. "Can paper wait till tomorrow?"
"Paper very important!" Uncle snapped.
"Alright." Jackie sighed in exasperation, then looked at Luz and smiled. "You can come with me, if you like."
Unsure of how to respond to all of this, Luz slowly followed Jackie into the kitchen, worrying she seemed clingy or needy.
"Is he usually like this?" Luz asked in a low voice as Jackie took down a packet of instant tea and two cups.
"Yes," Jackie said with a smile. "But you'll grow used to it over time. His intentions mean well."
"I suppose so." Luz frowned, looking down at the cups on the counter.
Within ten minutes, the tea was ready. Jackie placed the warm cup in her hand gently.
"Thank you." Luz bowed her head before taking a quiet sip of her tea. It smelled- and tasted- like raspberries.
"You're quite welcome," Jackie said gently.
Awhile later, Jackie began working on martial arts moves while she researched.
She tried focusing, but his kicks and punches were too distracting- but in a good way.
Pausing, looking up at Jackie. "You're amazing," she said, her face reddening. "Can you teach me?"
Jackie smiled. "The foolish," he said slowly, resting his hands on his knees, "seek power within others." He put his hand on her chin and lifted her face up so she could see her. "The wise seek power within themselves. Over time, you will grow to like yourself, and then, I can teach you." He bowed, and she bowed in return.
"Good night," he said, leaning on the door. "And please come back anytime."
And she wondered why the name Jackie Chan seemed so familiar.
