Chapter 6

The front door to the Long home creaked open, bringing in the savory scent of gas station burritos into the house.

"Heydee ho, we're home!" Jonathan called out, his voice echoing through the empty house. "This has been such a great day today. Right, honey?"

Susan trailed behind him, a brown paper bag clutched protectively in her arms. She unwrapped one of the burritos, its spicy aroma filling her senses. She took a huge bite, her eyes widening with delight as the flavors exploded on her tongue.

"Yeah, definitely," she mumbled, her mouth full. She swallowed with a satisfied groan and rubbed her belly. "These are some seriously good burritos!" A tiny flutter of movement echoed her words. "And our son agrees," she added with a grin.

Jonathan chuckled as he wandered into the living room, the scent of burritos following him like a loyal puppy. "You and your spicy cravings," he remarked, shaking his head in amusement. "Our little boy is definitely gonna have a fiery personality with all that spice you're puttin' in ya'."

Susan grinned and rolled her eyes. "Oh, hush," she said playfully. "He'll be fine. Besides, it's not like I'm eating red hot chili peppers... yet." Her eyes gleamed with mischief.

Once the couple settled into the living room, Susan sank into the plush cushions of the couch, the lingering scent of spicy burritos clinging to the air. She unwrapped another burrito, her mouth already watering in anticipation, but Jonathan's voice interrupted her culinary enjoyment.

"Well, Susan," he began, a thoughtful expression crossing his face, "now that we know we're gonna have a little boy, perhaps we should start talkin' about what we're gonna name our little prince."

Susan paused, a wave of surprise washing over her. "Oh..." she said, her voice trailing off. "Right..."

Jonathan furrowed his brow slightly. "Somethin' the matter?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

"Oh, no, nothing's wrong," Susan assured him. "It's just that... I haven't really thought about boy names. I only had one girl's name picked out – Haley." She sighed, a touch of disappointment in her voice.

"Well, that's okay," Jonathan said, sitting beside her and taking her hand. "I get it. I remember how, a few years back, ya' told me how much ya' loved the name Haley and suggested we use it if we ever had a daughter."

Susan smiled, the memory of their last day of high school flooding her mind. She remembered standing beside Jonathan, gazing up at the night sky as Halley's Comet streaked by the Earth. She had shared her love for the name Haley, its connection to the comet, its unique blend of strength and femininity. Jonathan had listened intently, his eyes sparkling with admiration, and had agreed that it would be a perfect name for their future daughter.

"Yeah, that was such a nice time," Susan mused, a bittersweet ache in her heart. "But now that I know my baby's a boy..." she trailed off, her gaze falling to her belly.

Jonathan, sensing her mixed emotions, gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's okay," he said softly. "We'll think of somethin' just as perfect for our little man."

Susan, her mind still blank on potential boy names, decided to go for the simplest option. "Why don't we just go the easy route and call him Jonathan Junior?" she suggested with a grin. "We could call him Johnny for short. That way, we don't get you two confused."

Jonathan stroked his chin thoughtfully, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I see where you're comin' from, hun," he said. "However, there's one little problem."

"Oh really?" Susan asked, her eyebrows rising in surprise. "And what's that?"

Jonathan's gaze drifted towards the window, where the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the street. "As flatterin' as that is," he explained, "I don't think it would be a good idea to name our son Jonathan Junior." He paused, his expression turning serious. "Ya'see, our little boy is most likely gonna inherit your looks. And since we're different races, it would be strange to name a child after a parent he doesn't resemble."

Susan frowned slightly, but she nodded in understanding. She glanced at her reflection in the darkened TV screen, her East Asian features clear against the dim light. Beside her, Jonathan's European features stood in stark contrast. A child born from their union would be a beautiful blend of both of them, but it was true that he would probably resemble her more.

"I get what you're saying, hun," she said, a touch of disappointment in her voice. "It would probably raise eyebrows to name our baby after you when he's not likely to be a mini-you."

"Exactly," Jonathan agreed. "So, why not go for a different kinda name? A name that allows 'em to forge his own identity, to be his own person."

"Yeah," Susan said, a smile returning to her face. She looked down and gently rubbed her belly. "Our baby should be his own individual, blazing his own trail."

Jonathan's eyes lit up as he spotted a worn baby name book resting on the TV set. "How 'bout consultin' the ol' baby names book over there?" he suggested with a grin.

Susan followed his gaze and nodded. "Yeah, that should be very helpful in picking out a proper name," she agreed, a flicker of hope returning to her eyes.

"Alrighty," Jonathan said cheerfully, retrieving the book and settling back onto the couch beside her. He flipped through the pages, the scent of old paper filling the air, until he reached the boy name section. "Let's see here..." He ran his finger down the list, stopping at a name that caught his eye. "How 'bout Ian?"

"Ian?" Susan repeated, testing the sound of it on her tongue.

"Yeah, it's a cute name," Jonathan confirmed. "It means 'gift'."

Susan scrunched up her nose. "I suppose," she said, "but it doesn't really... resonate with me."

"That's okay," Jonathan said, unfazed. "At least we have one potential name down." He grabbed a notepad and pen from the coffee table and jotted down the name. "Potential name number one: Ian." He continued flipping through the book. "How 'bout Joshua? That sounds pretty good."

Susan nodded slowly. "Yeah, that's nice. I'll think about that one."

Jonathan smiled and added it to the list. "Potential name number two: Joshua." He flipped the page again. "There's Kevin. That's a classic."

"Maybe," Susan considered, picturing a little boy with that name. It didn't feel quite right, though. Too... ordinary.

"It says here that name means 'handsome' in old Irish," Jonathan pointed out. "So that could be a good choice." He winked, adding it to the growing list. "Potential name number three." He turned the pages back toward the C names, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "How 'bout a name like Clarence?"

Susan's eyes widened in mock horror. "You've gotta be kidding me, hun," she said, her voice laced with playful disbelief. "That's so 1940!"

Jonathan burst out laughing. "Okay, okay, I get it. It's a little too artsy-fartsy and old-fashioned." He flipped through a few more pages. "Alright, how 'bout Trent? That sounds more modern. Definitely not somethin' that would give off black and white movie vibes."

Susan nodded. "Yeah, that's better," she agreed. "But... it still doesn't feel quite right." She paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

Jonathan, sensing her hesitation, decided to lighten the mood. "Well, we could always just name 'em Billy Bob Joe JimBob," he suggested with a mischievous grin.

Susan stared at him as if he had sprouted a second head. "Excuse me?" she said, her voice incredulous.

Jonathan threw his head back and laughed. "I'm just pullin' your peach, honey," he said, clapping her on the shoulder. "I'd never name our child somethin' that would get 'em teased on the playground."

"Good," Susan said, a smile returning to her face. "I'm pretty sure 'Billy Bob Joe JimBob' would be a one-way ticket to social ostracization." Not to mention, he'd be marching down to the nearest government office demanding to legally change his name, she thought.

Jonathan's eyes scanned the living room, searching for inspiration. They landed on an old photograph perched on a dusty shelf, its sepia tones hinting at a bygone era. A spark of recognition ignited in his mind, and he turned to Susan with a wide smile.

"Oh, oh, honey! I have an idea for a name!" he exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and retrieving the photo.

"Oh?" Susan asked, her curiosity piqued. "What do you have?"

Jonathan settled back onto the couch, carefully holding the photo. "How 'bout the name Jacob?" he suggested, his voice filled with a quiet pride.

"Jacob?" Susan repeated, intrigued.

"Yeah, after my great uncle," Jonathan explained, handing her the picture. "Colonel Jacob Wilhelm Long."

Susan took the photo, her fingers gently tracing the worn edges. The image depicted a young man in a crisp military uniform, his posture straight, his eyes filled with a quiet determination. He stood beside a faded American flag, its stars and stripes a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

"Oh wow," Susan breathed, her eyes widening in admiration. "He looks so dignified." She could almost feel the weight of history emanating from the photo, the echoes of a life lived with honor and purpose.

"He was," Jonathan agreed, his voice thick with emotion. "He fought bravely in World War II, defendin' our country and protectin' those who couldn't protect themselves. He was a true hero."

"He sounds like a remarkable man," Susan said, her gaze lingering on the photo. She felt a flutter in her belly, a meaningful thump. Perhaps this is a sign, she thought, a sense of connection to this unknown ancestor washing over her.

"He was," Jonathan confirmed, his eyes shining with a mix of admiration and longing. "I always looked up to 'em, wanted to be like 'em. I even considered joinin' the military myself, but..." he trailed off, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I realized I didn't have what it takes. But I'm proud to carry his name, and I'd be honored to pass it on to our son."

Susan smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. She looked from the photo of Colonel Long to Jonathan, a silent understanding passing between them. "You know what," she said, her voice soft with affection, "I think Jacob would be a wonderful name for our baby boy."

Jonathan's face lit up. "Really?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Susan nodded, her smile widening. "Absolutely," she confirmed. "Jacob... it's a strong name, a name with history and meaning. And with it being connected to an ancestor you admire, it makes it even more special."

Jonathan beamed, his heart swelling with gratitude. He reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind Susan's ear, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "I'm glad ya' think so," he murmured, his voice husky with emotion.

Susan giggled, her cheeks flushing with warmth. She glanced down at her belly, smiling at the gentle curve carrying the growing life within her. "What do you think, little one?" she asked playfully, her hand softly rubbing the smooth surface. A moment later, a series of thumps rippled beneath her palm, a playful response from her energetic son. "Looks like we have a winner, Jonathan."

Jonathan grinned, grabbing the notepad and pen with renewed enthusiasm. He carefully wrote down the name Jacob, circling it with a flourish. "Ding ding ding! We have a winner!" he announced, his voice filled with excitement. "Now, how 'bout middle names?"

Susan stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Definitely not sure about that one," she admitted with a chuckle.

Jonathan chuckled good-naturedly. "That's alright," he said, his finger tracing a name in the baby book. "We could always go with this one. This was gonna be my next suggestion before gettin' sidetracked by my great uncle."

Susan leaned forward, her eyes following his finger. "Luke," she read aloud. "Hmmm... Jacob Luke Long. It has a nice flow, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it does," Jonathan agreed, picturing his son, strong and confident, with a name that embodied both heritage and individuality.

"There's only one way to test it out," Susan declared, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "The ol' yell up the stairs test."

Jonathan burst into a hearty laugh. "Some practice scolds, I see," he remarked. "I like it."

Susan giggled. "Would you like to do the honors, dear?" she asked with a wink.

"I'd be honored to," Jonathan replied, rising from the couch and striking a dramatic pose at the bottom of the stairs. He gave Susan a quick thumbs-up, then cleared his throat and bellowed in a mock-stern voice, "Jacob Luke Long! You get to doin' your homework right now, little mister!"

Susan threw her head back and laughed, the sound echoing through the house. "That was perfect, dear," she said, wiping a tear from her eye. "Brilliant."

Jonathan grinned proudly. "Why, thank ya', hun," he said, taking a bow. "I only provide the best."

After Jonathan settled back on the couch, Susan leaned on her husband, her body relaxing into his warmth. "You know," she said, her voice soft with contentment, "I was thinking that maybe we could call him Jake for short." She reached out and clasped Jonathan's hand, her fingers intertwining with his.

Jonathan smiled, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand. "I like that idea," he said, his voice a low rumble of agreement. "Jake's a cute nickname. It really suits 'em."

"It really does," Susan murmured, closing her eyes and picturing a little boy with bright eyes and a mischievous grin. "I'm sure he'd love it."

"Yeah, he would," Jonathan agreed, gently placing his hand on Susan's belly and stroking it. He felt a couple of strong thumps beneath his palm. "Looks like he agrees."

Susan giggled, her heart swelling with a love that seemed to grow with each passing day. We're gonna have such a wonderful little boy, she thought, a wave of warmth washing over her. She imagined Jake running through the park, his laughter echoing through the trees. She pictured him growing up strong and brave, a hero who would protect the world and make them proud.

A tear escaped her eye, tracing a path down her cheek. This little miracle growing within her, was a testament to the power of love, a symbol of hope and resilience in a world that often felt chaotic and unpredictable. And she couldn't wait to share that love with him, to guide him, to nurture him, and to watch him become the amazing person she knew he was destined to be.

For the next few minutes, Susan and Jonathan stayed nestled on the couch, content in each other's embrace. The lingering warmth of their love filled the room, a comforting contrast to the sterile environment of the clinic earlier in the day. But then, Jonathan's gaze drifted towards the telephone in the corner, its blinking red light a reminder of the outside world and its demands.

"I should probably check our answerin' machine," he said, reluctantly rising from the couch. "There might be some important messages."

"Okay," Susan replied reluctantly, disappointed that the cuddle session was cut short.

Jonathan walked over to the answering machine and pressed the play button. The whirring of the tape filled the silence as his sister Patchouli's cheerful voice echoed through the room.

"Hi Jonathan, it's me, Patchouli! Just wanted to see how you and Susan are doing and how the pregnancy's coming along. Have you found out if it's a boy or girl yet? When you get the chance, let me know. Okay? Alright, goodbye."

A smile spread across Jonathan's face as he listened to his sister's message. "Looks like I might need to call Patchouli back at some point," he remarked, picturing her excited reaction to the news.

"That's a good idea," Susan agreed, a warmth spreading through her at the thought of sharing their joy with their families. "It's always nice to hear from your sister."

"Yeah, and I can bet ya' she'll be so happy to hear about the results of the scan," Jonathan said, his eyes twinkling. "She's gonna be thrilled to have a little nephew to dote on and spoil."

Susan giggled, picturing her sister-in-law showering their baby with extravagant gifts and over-the-top affection. "I'm sure she will," she said, her smile widening.

"And speaking of family..." Jonathan began, his expression turning thoughtful.

"Oh!" Susan exclaimed, a sudden realization dawning on her. "I need to call my dad and tell him about the scan too! He's going to be so excited."

Jonathan chuckled. "I'm sure he'll be able to contain himself... for now."

~

Lao Shi once again sat cross-legged in a quiet corner of his shop. The only sounds to be heard where the hum of the AC and the occasional hiss of a passing car out on the street. His eyes closed and his breathing focused, he worked to find his center. With Fu Dog away on a "grocery run" to the Magus Bazaar, a rare silence had settled over the shop, allowing Lao Shi a precious opportunity for uninterrupted meditation.

"I am a butterfly in the wind," he murmured to himself, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the stillness. "Calm and free. I go with the flow."

But just as he was starting to achieve a sense of tranquility, the shrill ringing of the telephone shattered the peace. Lao Shi's eyes snapped open, his beard bristling with annoyance. "Aiya!" he cried, a growl escaping his lips. "Can I not ever get a moment of peace?"

He clenched his fists, muttering a string of colorful Cantonese curses under his breath. Why not just leave a message? he grumbled internally. Do they think the world will end if they do not reach me this very instant?

With a resigned sigh, Lao Shi pushed himself to his feet, his joints protesting with a symphony of pops and creaks. He shuffled towards the phone, his mind already racing with potential calamities and urgent requests.

Lao Shi grabbed the phone from its cradle, a faint tremor of anticipation running through him. "Hello?" he said, trying to keep the irritation from his voice.

"Hi, Dad, it's me," Susan's cheerful voice chirped through the receiver.

"Oh... Susan... hello," Lao Shi stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at his earlier outburst. "How are you doing, my lotus blossom?"

"I'm doing great, thank you," Susan replied, her voice bubbling with excitement. "Jonathan and I just got back from another ultrasound scan."

"Oh?" Lao Shi's interest piqued. "And how did that go?"

"It went great," Susan reported. "The baby is doing really well and developing healthily."

"That is good," Lao Shi said, a genuine smile spreading across his face, relief washing over him. "I am glad to hear that your baby is still doing well."

"Yeah," Susan agreed with a contented sigh. "He's going to be just fine."

"He?" Lao Shi echoed, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

"Yeah," Susan confirmed, her voice filled with a joyful lilt. "We're going to have a little boy. Isn't that great? You're going to have a little grandson."

Lao Shi's smile faltered, and a thoughtful frown creased his brow. A boy, he thought, his mind racing with memories of his own youth, his impulsive nature.

"Hello? Are you still there, Dad?" Susan's voice broke through his reverie.

Lao Shi blinked, snapping back to the present. "Huh? Oh, yes," he said, quickly composing himself. "That is lovely to hear, dear daughter. I look forward to when I can hold my grandson in my arms."

"Awww, that's so sweet," Susan cooed. "I know without a doubt that our little boy will love his grandpa very much."

Lao Shi's heart swelled with a mix of love and determination. He would be the best grandfather he could be, a guide and protector for his grandson, a mentor who would help him navigate the challenges and joys of his dragon heritage.

"Thank you for letting me know," Lao Shi said, his voice filled with warmth.

"No problem, Daddy," Susan replied. "Can't leave you out of the loop, ya' know."

Lao Shi chuckled, his gaze drifting towards an old, faded photograph of himself as a young man. He remembered the dreams he had then, the ambitions he held, the legacy he hoped to create. Now, as he looked towards the future, perhaps those dreams would be reflected in his grandson, the newest member of their family.

"Have you picked out a name for your baby boy yet?" he inquired, his voice gentle.

"Oh, definitely," Susan said, her voice bubbling with excitement. "At first, we struggled to pick a name, but we settled on a good one. The baby's name will be Jacob Luke, Jake for short."

"Jake..." Lao Shi repeated, rolling the name around in his mind. It was a strong name, a name that resonated with a quiet power. He thought of his own name, Lao Shi, which meant "old master," and he smiled. Perhaps this young Jake would also grow into a master, a guardian, a protector of the magical world.

"It sounds like a very strong name," he said, his voice filled with approval.

"It is," Susan agreed, her heart swelling with happiness. "I'm glad you like it."

Lao Shi's smile widened. "I do," he confirmed. "It is a name that carries a sense of destiny, a hint of greatness." He paused, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. "But remember, Susan, a name is just a starting point. It is up to your son to forge a legacy."

Susan nodded, her heart filled with a mix of anticipation and determination. "I know, Dad," she said. "And we'll be there to support him every step of the way."

"Well, enjoy the rest of your afternoon, dear daughter," Lao Shi said warmly. "I am happy to hear that your scan was positive."

"Thank you, Dad," Susan replied, a smile in her voice. "I'm going to lay down and take a nap now. I'm a little wiped out from the day."

"Alright," Lao Shi said. "You continue to take care of yourself if you want a healthy baby. Even with dragon powers, a baby still requires their mother's care."

"No need to tell me twice," Susan chuckled. "Well, see you whenever."

"Goodbye, my dear," Lao Shi said, his voice softening. "And... Susan?"

"Yes, Dad?"

"I love you," Lao Shi said warmly.

"Love you too, Dad," Susan replied. "Bye."

"Goodbye."

With that, the call ended, and the drone of the dial tone echoed on the other end.

After he put the phone down, Lao Shi sighed, his gaze drawn to the old photograph of his younger self. The picture, slightly faded and worn at the edges, depicted a young man with a confident smirk and a glint of mischief in his eyes. It was a stark contrast to the weathered and wizened face that stared back at him from the reflection in the screen of one of the TVs sitting idly on the shelves.

Lao Shi gently traced the outline of the picture frame, his calloused fingers brushing against the smooth wood. A wave of memories, both sweet and bitter, flooded his mind. He remembered the thrill of his days as the Chinese Dragon, his body surging with power as he soared through the skies, battling mythical beasts and protecting the innocent. He recalled the cheers of the crowds, the admiration, the intoxicating feeling of invincibility.

But with those triumphs came a darkness, a shadow that had lurked within him, feeding on his pride and arrogance. He had become reckless, overconfident, convinced that his powers made him untouchable. He had pushed boundaries, taken risks, and ignored others' advice, believing that he knew best.

And then came that fateful day, the day when he encountered the number one threat to the magical world, the Dark Dragon. The battle had been fierce, a clash of titans that had left him battered and bruised, his spirit shaken to its core. He had barely escaped with his life, his pride shattered, his arrogance humbled. He had learned a valuable lesson that day, a lesson that had transformed him from a reckless youth into a wise and cautious guardian.

Lao Shi carefully placed the picture of his younger self back on the shelf, his fingers lingering on the faded image. His gaze drifted to another photo, one that always brought a bittersweet ache to his heart. It was a picture of Susan, a bright-eyed six-year-old with a gap-toothed grin, her hair adorned with colorful ribbons. She was standing in front of a department store display, her small hand clutching a stuffed panda bear.

A wave of sadness washed over him as he remembered the years he had missed, the milestones he hadn't witnessed. He had been young then, foolish and irresponsible, his heart more focused on fleeting romances and carefree adventures. He had never imagined that his actions would have such far-reaching consequences, that he would one day be a grandfather, longing to make up for the time he had lost with his daughter.

But the encounter with the Dark Dragon had changed everything. It had shattered his arrogance, humbled his spirit, and opened his eyes to the true value of family and connection. The news of Susan's mother's passing had been a devastating blow, but it had also been a wake-up call, a chance to step up and embrace the role he had neglected for so long.

He had found Susan in a small, overcrowded orphanage in Hong Kong, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and fear. He had brought her home, eventually immigrating with her to New York City. It hadn't been easy, raising a child alone, balancing his duties as a guardian with his newfound responsibilities as a father. But he had persevered, his love for Susan growing stronger with each passing day.

Now, as he looked at the photo of his young daughter, a tear escaped his eye, tracing a path down his weathered cheek. He had made mistakes, he had regrets, but he had also learned and grown. And he was determined to be a better grandfather to Jake, to be present for every milestone, to offer guidance and support, and to share the wisdom he had gained through his own trials and tribulations.

He gently picked up the photo, its edges worn smooth with time, and placed it beside the picture of his younger self. A symbol of his transformation, a reminder of the love that had redeemed him and the legacy he was now entrusted to protect.

"I must fight to be my grandson's master," Lao Shi whispered. "I will not let him walk the same path I had."