Author's Note: For this chapter, I thought I'd give a little more characterization to the Dragon Council than what the show provides. For example, I plan on giving speaking roles to the two council members who never talk. For example, that one blue-haired woman who I can tell is a water dragon based on her vaguely aquatic appearance. Also, side note, can you believe that American Dragon Jake Long is now 20 years old?! It seems like it was just yesterday when it first premiered on Disney Channel lol. Time sure flies by, huh? But anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 5
"Is this true, Lao Shi?" Councilor Kulde inquired, his deep voice echoing through the cavernous chamber. The air crackled with anticipation as all eyes turned towards Lao Shi.
Lao Shi stood before the Dragon Council on the island of Draco, his posture straight, his expression a mix of respect and determination. The Council members, perched behind their platform, observed him with a keen interest that bordered on reverence.
"There was no mistaking it," Lao Shi confirmed, his voice steady and resolute. "I felt a strong pulsation of dragon chi emanating from my unborn grandchild. There is no doubt, this baby is a dragon."
A hushed silence fell over the chamber. The five Council members exchanged glances, their faces etched with a mixture of awe and wonder.
"The first dragon born on American soil..." Councilor Andam murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Such an event is unprecedented," Councilor Omina added, her voice, sharp and clear as a mountain stream, cutting through the silence. She adjusted her golden headpiece a top her blue hair, her gaze fixed on Lao Shi. "This has significant implications for our kind."
"It certainly does," Lao Shi agreed, his voice resonating with a quiet determination. "The American magical community has long been without a proper guardian."
"Indeed," Councilor Kulde added, his brow furrowed with concern. "Without the guidance of a dragon, the magical community of America has descended into chaos. Conflicts between magical factions have escalated, and the community has fallen prey to many of our greatest threats."
"The magical creatures of America are vulnerable," Councilor Omina interjected, her voice sharp with urgency. "They need a protector, a leader who can unite them and ensure their survival."
"And now..." Councilor Kukulkhan declared, his voice booming through the chamber, "it appears that a savior has finally come." He leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with hope. "This is a momentous occasion, a turning point in our history."
Lao Shi nodded, his chest swelling with pride. He straightened his shoulders, his gaze unwavering. He knew that his grandchild's birth would be a momentous event, not just for his family, but for the entire dragon community. He also knew the challenges that awaited this child, the weight of responsibility they would carry. He had once borne that weight himself, and he understood the sacrifices it demanded.
"We must prepare," Lao Shi declared, his voice ringing with determination. "We must guide this child, nurture their powers, and ensure they are ready to fulfill their destiny."
"There is but one obstacle in this case, however," Councilor Chang interjected, her voice sharp and commanding. "And that is the child's human father."
Lao Shi's heart sank. He had almost forgotten about this crucial detail, this potential threat to his grandchild's future. "I know..." he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. He couldn't deny the Council's concerns. He himself had never been fond of Jonathan. It was not because he was a particularly bad guy, but because his lack of knowledge of their world and their traditions only complicated things in their family.
"The presence of the human father may prove to be a corrupting influence on the child's growth," Councilor Chang warned, her eyes narrowing. "Humans have no regard for the delicate balance of the magical world."
"Councilor Chang is right, Lao Shi," Councilor Andam added, his voice grave. "The father's lack of knowledge of our kind may hinder your grandchild. Mortals do not share our values, and we cannot be certain that he will raise the child in good character."
Lao Shi remained silent, his gaze fixed on the floor. He couldn't argue with their logic. With Jonathan locked out of the loop, there was no telling what kind of influence he would have on his grandchild's development as a dragon.
A tense silence filled the chamber as the council members contemplated the situation.
"We must proceed with caution," Councilor Omina declared. "We must observe this human father closely and assess his potential influence on the child. If he proves to be a hindrance, then the chances of the child becoming the first American Dragon will be jeopardized."
Lao Shi nodded grimly. He understood the Council's concerns, and he couldn't fault them for their vigilance. At most, he could only hope that a miracle would occur, that Jonathan would somehow prove that he wasn't an obstacle to his grandchild's future as well as the future of the magical community.
"Should my grandchild prove worthy..." Lao Shi began, his voice firm despite the tremor in his heart, "I feel it would be best... if I stepped up and acted as their master."
A wave of disapproval washed over the Council chamber. The five council members exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and disapproval.
"Lao Shi..." Councilor Kukulkhan cautioned, his voice laced with concern. "You know the rules! No dragon is permitted to be trained by family."
"Family involvement in a dragon's training is often hindered by emotional attachment," Councilor Chang added, her voice sharp as a whip. "Your affection for your grandchild may cloud your judgment and impede their progress."
"I am aware that it is forbidden for dragons to be trained by relatives," Lao Shi acknowledged, his gaze unwavering. "However, I believe that only I am qualified to train this child. After all...," he paused, his expression hardening as a chilling memory resurfaced. He recalled his previous encounter in 1972 with the Dark Dragon, the only dragon in magical history to have turned to evil. "It was I who battled and defeated the Dark Dragon."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the Council. They shifted in their seats, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
"Indeed, Lao Shi," Councilor Kulde conceded, "your bravery and skill are undeniable."
"But the rules are in place for a reason," Councilor Andam chimed in. "History has shown that familial bonds can interfere with a dragon's training, leading to weakness and vulnerability."
"I understand your concerns," Lao Shi replied, his voice steady. "But I assure you, I will not allow my personal feelings to compromise my duty. I will train this child with the same rigor and discipline that I would any other dragon."
"We will deliberate on this matter," Councilor Omina declared. "We will consider your request, Lao Shi, and weigh the potential risks and benefits. But do not assume that an exception will be made."
Lao Shi bowed his head respectfully. He knew he had a difficult task ahead of him, convincing the Council to trust his judgment and allow him to guide his grandchild on their path to becoming the American Dragon.
~
The AC at Saint Teresa Women's Clinic hummed throughout the hallway as Susan and Jonathan followed the nurse to the examination room. Compared to the previous visit weeks ago, Susan was in a much calmer state of mind. The memory of her first sonogram flashed through her mind, the grainy image of their tiny baby, the sound of the heartbeat. This time, she felt more prepared, more confident in her ability to handle whatever the appointment might reveal.
In the weeks leading up to this appointment, Susan had diligently followed Dr. Chopra's instructions. She swallowed the large prenatal vitamins every morning, their chalky aftertaste lingering on her tongue, and stepped on the scale each week, watching the numbers steadily climb. The weight gain had been a source of anxiety at first, a stark contrast to the societal pressure to stay thin and trim. But Jonathan's reassurances, his gentle reminders that her changing body was a testament to the miracle growing inside her, had helped ease her worries.
Susan glanced down at her belly, now slightly more rounded than it was before. She gently stroked the curve, feeling a flutter of movement beneath her fingertips. A tiny smile formed on her face, the little kick reassuring her of the baby's health. She remembered her father's words, his reassurance that most dragon births were usually healthy and uncomplicated. Even with that information, however, she still wanted to ensure the baby's development was going well through all of the usual prenatal care itinerary. Dragon powers or not, all babies required the mother to take care of herself.
"Remember how nervous ya' were last time?" Jonathan whispered, a playful grin tugging at his lips.
Susan chuckled, squeezing his hand. "I know, right? It feels like a lifetime ago." She glanced down at her belly, a wave of affection washing over her. "I can't wait to see how much our little one has grown."
"Yeah," said Jonathan. "And we'll finally get to see if we're havin' a boy or a girl. Isn't that exciting?"
Susan nodded her head. "Yes," she agreed. "Regardless of the gender, this baby is going to be loved."
"Absolutely, dumpling," said Jonathan.
As they got closer to the examination room, a flutter of excitement danced within Susan. She was eager to see her baby again, to witness their development and hear that little heartbeat. She just couldn't wait to learn more about the little life she was carrying.
"Alright, the doctor will be with you shortly," the nurse said with a friendly smile as they entered the examination room.
"Thank ya' so much, nurse," Jonathan replied, returning the smile.
The nurse nodded and left, closing the door softly behind her. Susan turned towards the ultrasound machine, her gaze drawn to the blank screen. Her reflection stared back at her, slightly distorted and elongated, a faint outline of her baby bump visible beneath her shirt. She could almost picture it now, the image of her baby, more developed, more defined than the last time they saw it.
"Ya' ready?" Jonathan asked, his voice gentle.
Susan turned to him, a warm smile spreading across her face. She took his hand, their fingers intertwining. "Yes," she said, her voice filled with a quiet confidence. "I'm ready for this next scan. Our baby is going to be fine, I know it."
"That's the spirit!" Jonathan said, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "You've been doin' a great job takin' care of yourself these past weeks. No doubt the little one's in good health."
"Yeah," Susan agreed, her gaze dropping to her belly. She gently rubbed the smooth curve, feeling a flutter of movement beneath her palm. "They most certainly are."
After a few minutes, the door creaked open, revealing Dr. Chopra. Her trademark friendly and professional smile was plastered across her face, putting Susan instantly at ease.
"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Long," Dr. Chopra greeted warmly.
"Hello, Dr. Chopra," Susan responded, stepping forward to shake the doctor's hand. "It's nice to see you again."
Jonathan then shook Dr. Chopra's hand, this time remembering to use a gentler grip. "Nice to see ya', Doc," he said, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
"Are you ready for your second-trimester scan?" Dr. Chopra asked, her eyes sparkling with kindness.
Susan nodded, a sense of calm confidence washing over her. "Absolutely, Doctor. In fact, I feel more than prepared."
"That's good to know," Dr. Chopra replied, her smile widening. "Have you been on top of all your prenatal care?"
"Oh yes, definitely," Susan confirmed. "I've taken my vitamins every morning, and I've gained a decent amount of weight." She couldn't help but glance down at her belly, the gentle swell a testament to her dedication to her baby's health.
"Good, good," Dr. Chopra said approvingly.
"I won't lie, though," Susan admitted, her voice dropping slightly, "the weight gain part has been a little hard for me to accept. I can't help but feel a little self-conscious about it."
"That's perfectly normal," Dr. Chopra reassured her. "It's a common feeling that many new mothers experience. While it may feel counterintuitive, just know that it's for the sake of your baby's well-being."
"I know..." Susan said, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. She remembered the countless times she had stood in front of the mirror, scrutinizing her changing body, worrying about the extra pounds and the unfamiliar curves. But then she would feel a flutter of movement within her, a gentle reminder of the miracle growing inside her, and her anxieties would fade.
Jonathan, sensing her vulnerability, reached out and squeezed her hand gently. Susan smiled, her heart swelling with gratitude for his unwavering support. She returned his gaze, a silent message of love and appreciation passing between them.
"Alright, if you could please lie down on the table, we can get started with the scan," Dr. Chopra instructed, her voice calm and reassuring.
"Roger that," Susan replied confidently.
She climbed onto the table, the paper crinkling beneath her, and lay back, trying to relax her muscles. She took a deep breath, picturing the tiny life within her, growing stronger and more defined with each passing day. She then lifted her new maternity blouse, revealing her bare belly. A giggle escaped her lips as she noticed her once-innie belly button beginning to protrude outwards.
They really weren't kidding when they said your body changes during pregnancy, she thought to herself, a mixture of wonder and amusement swirling within her.
Dr. Chopra pulled out the tub of ultrasound gel, its cool, sterile scent filling the air. Susan closed her eyes, bracing herself for the familiar shock of coldness. Despite her mental preparation, she couldn't help but let out a small squeal as the gel touched her skin.
"Darn it, I still flinched even though I saw that coming," she said, playfully chastising herself.
Dr. Chopra chuckled. "It's alright," she reassured her. "No one is ever fully prepared for it."
Susan grinned sheepishly. She looked over at Jonathan, who gave her a thumbs-up and a playful smile. He squeezed her hand gently, his warmth a comforting presence amidst the clinical atmosphere. "You're doing great, honey," he whispered.
With a practiced hand, Dr. Chopra activated the ultrasound machine. It whirred to life, the whooshing sound a familiar lullaby to Susan's ears now. The familiar bright white line flashed across the screen, signaling that it was ready to reveal the secrets hidden within.
"This is it," Susan whispered to Jonathan, her hand reaching out to squeeze his.
Dr. Chopra picked up the wand, its smooth, cool surface a stark contrast to the warmth of Susan's skin. She gently placed it on Susan's stomach, gliding it across the gelled surface.
Susan took a deep breath, her heart pounding with anticipation. The screen flickered, and then the grainy image began to form. There, nestled within the contours of her womb, was her baby. No longer a tiny blob, but a more recognizable form, the size of an avocado. The head, the limbs, the delicate curve of the spine – all were clearly visible now. She could even make out the tiny nose, the delicate lips, the perfectly formed fingers and toes.
"Oh my goodness," Susan breathed, her eyes welling up with tears. "Look at our baby. They've really grown a lot." A wave of love washed over her, so intense it almost took her breath away.
"They have," Jonathan agreed, his voice thick with emotion. He leaned closer, his gaze fixed on the screen. "Look at those little hands! And those tiny feet!"
Dr. Chopra smiled warmly. "Everything looks perfectly healthy and normal," she reassured them. "Your baby is developing beautifully." She pointed to a flickering area on the screen. "And there's the heartbeat, strong and steady."
The sound of that tiny heartbeat, a rhythmic thump that echoed through the room, filled Susan with a sense of wonder and awe.
"That's good to know that our baby's still doin' well," Jonathan said, his voice filled with relief.
"Yeah," Susan agreed, her gaze fixed on the screen.
As she watched, the baby began to squirm and twitch, its tiny limbs flailing against the walls of her womb. A soft thump echoed through the room as a tiny foot connected with the uterine wall.
"Oh..." Susan gasped, feeling the movement within her. "Looks like the little one is starting to move again."
"Oh wow," Jonathan said, his eyes widening in amazement. He chuckled as he watched the baby's energetic movements on the screen. "Guess they know that we're talkin' about 'em."
"Maybe," Susan replied with a playful smile.
Dr. Chopra, who had been silently observing, raised an eyebrow in surprise. "My goodness," she remarked, "I don't believe I've ever seen this much activity from an unborn baby at this stage."
"Our little one's already such a little firecracker," Jonathan said proudly, beaming at Susan.
Susan smiled knowingly, remembering her father's words about how babies with dragon chi tended to be more active in the womb. A wave of warmth spread through her, a mixture of love and anticipation for the little life that was so full of energy and spirit.
"Well," Dr. Chopra said, her voice gentle, "it certainly seems like you have a healthy and energetic baby on your hands." She pointed to the screen. "Would you like to know the gender?"
Jonathan's ears perked up. "Oh, absolutely, Doctor!" he said, his voice filled with eagerness. "We've been itchin' to know whether we're havin' a little boy or a little girl. Right, honey?"
Susan smiled and nodded. "It would be nice to learn what we're going to have," she agreed, her heart pounding with anticipation.
"Alrighty," Dr. Chopra said, a playful twinkle in her eyes. She pointed to a specific area on the screen. "From the look of things, it appears that your baby is going to be a boy."
"No way!" Jonathan exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy. "That's wonderful!" He squeezed Susan's hand, his excitement bubbling over. I'm gonna have the son I wanted after all, he thought to himself, picturing father-son bonding moments and sharing his love of the outdoors.
Susan smiled, her gaze following Dr. Chopra's finger on the screen. There it was, clear as day – the unmistakable sign of a baby boy. A wave of warmth washed over her, mixed with a tinge of something else... a fleeting sense of what might have been. She had always imagined having a daughter, a little girl to dress up and braid her hair. She even had a girl's name picked out: Haley. It was such a cute name, so full of spunk and personality.
But as she looked at the screen, at the tiny form taking shape within her, a surge of love erased any lingering disappointment. This was her child, her precious baby boy, and she would love him unconditionally. The most important thing was that he was healthy and happy.
"He's perfect," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Dr. Chopra smiled warmly. "He certainly is," she agreed. "He's developing beautifully, and he seems to be quite active." She winked at Susan. "I wouldn't be surprised if he has a fiery personality."
Susan's heart skipped a beat. Dr. Chopra's words echoed her father's warnings about the baby's dragon chi and the potential for unusual manifestations. A shiver of excitement, mixed with a touch of apprehension, ran through her. This was no ordinary child; this was a dragon in the making.
With a soft click, Dr. Chopra switched off the ultrasound machine, the whooshing sound fading into a gentle hum. Susan breathed out, a wave of relief washing over her as she processed the positive results of the scan.
"We did it," Jonathan said, his voice filled with quiet pride. "We got through another ultrasound test."
"Yeah," Susan agreed, a soft smile gracing her lips. "That we did."
Dr. Chopra retrieved the sonogram printout from the machine, the ink still slightly damp. "Here's your sonogram," she said, handing it to Susan.
Susan carefully took the paper, her fingers tracing the outline of the image. Her eyes widened as she marveled at the detailed picture of her baby, now much larger and more defined than before. "Another picture of our baby," she mused, her voice filled with wonder. A wide grin spread across her face. "This is definitely going in the baby book."
Jonathan peered over her shoulder, his eyes twinkling as they focused on the area that showcased the baby's gender.
"A baby boy..." he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "This is so amazing." He pictured tiny sneakers, miniature baseball gloves, and father-son camping trips in the future.
"Yeah," Susan agreed, her heart swelling with love. "A little prince for our little castle."
Jonathan chuckled. "That's a great way of lookin' at it."
Susan smiled and looked back down at the image. "I can't wait to hold our little boy in my arms," she said softly, imagining his tiny fingers wrapped around hers, his soft skin against her cheek. She couldn't wait to share the world with her son.
"Thank you so much, Dr. Chopra," Jonathan said, shaking the doctor's hand with a grateful smile.
"You're very welcome," Dr. Chopra replied, her smile widening. "It's great to know that your baby is developing healthily."
"We'll make sure to keep up with the ol' prenatal care routine," Jonathan assured the doctor.
"That's good," Dr. Chopra said, her eyes twinkling with a hint of knowing amusement. "I look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks."
"We do too, Dr. Chopra," Susan said, shaking her hand. As their fingers touched, Susan felt a strange warmth, a subtle energy that seemed to flow between them.
Susan and Jonathan exited the examination room, their hands intertwined, a comfortable silence filled with shared joy hanging between them.
"I'm so glad the baby's healthy," Susan said, a sigh of relief escaping her lips. "I knew without a doubt that he was going to be alright."
"Me too, hun," Jonathan agreed, squeezing her hand. "And can ya' believe we're gonna have a little boy?"
Susan smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's amazing, isn't it?"
"I already have so many father-son bondin' activities planned for the little guy," Jonathan said, his voice filled with excitement. "Throwin' the ball around, takin' walks on the beach, teachin' him everything I learned from my Cougar Scout days." He paused, a dreamy look in his eyes. "I can't wait to meet our little boy."
Susan smiled as another round of kicks erupted in her stomach. "Oh!" she gasped, placing a hand on her belly. "With kicks this hard, it can only be a boy," she remarked, her voice laced with laughter.
Jonathan burst into a hearty laugh that echoed through the lobby as they walked towards the exit. "Yeah, boys sure do love to roughhouse. I know I did when I was a youngin'."
Susan giggled, rubbing her stomach as a familiar craving began to emerge. "And just like that, I'm craving some gas station burritos," she announced. She felt more kicks thump against her abdominal wall. "And it looks like our son is craving them too," she added with a wink. "It seems like he tends to kick the hardest when I'm craving something."
Jonathan laughed again, his heart swelling with affection for his wife and their unborn son. As they stepped out of the clinic and into the warm afternoon sunshine, he felt a sense of overwhelming gratitude for his little family.
"We'll grab some burritos for ya' on the way home, okay?" he said, opening the car door for Susan.
"Oh, thank you," Susan said, sliding into the passenger seat. "Our son will keep kicking me until I get them."
Jonathan chuckled. "We wouldn't want a hungry baby now, would we?" Or a hungry pregnant lady, he added to himself, remembering some earlier moments when Susan's cravings had led to some... intense situations.
Susan smiled, her hand gently rubbing her belly. "Don't worry, little man," she whispered, "we'll have those burritos soon."
Jonathan grinned and playfully rolled his eyes as he got into the driver's seat, watching as Susan spoke to their unborn son, a wave of warmth washing over him. We're gonna have such a fun little family, he thought, his heart filled with love and anticipation for the future.
~
Deep within the bowels of the earth, in a cavern bathed in the fiery glow of molten lava, a lone figure approached the Dark Dragon. The air crackled with an oppressive heat, and the ground trembled with each echoing footstep. The figure, cloaked in a dark hooded robe that concealed their features, moved with a silent grace, their presence barely disturbing the swirling smoke and shadows.
The Dark Dragon, a monstrous beast with scales as black as night and eyes that glowed a sinister yellow light, stood atop a rocky outcropping, his massive form casting an imposing shadow across the cavern floor. His claws, sharp as obsidian blades, tapped impatiently against the stone, and a low growl rumbled deep within his chest.
"What news do you bring me today, my servant?" the Dark Dragon boomed, his voice echoing through the cavern like thunder.
"I thought it best to inform you that I have received word that Lao Shi's daughter is carrying the first dragon to be born on American land," the hooded figure reported, their voice a sibilant whisper that barely pierced the oppressive silence.
The Dark Dragon's eyes flared with a malevolent light. "Interesting..." he hissed, a plume of smoke escaping his nostrils. "Such a thing has never been known before. A dragon born in that... barbaric land."
"Indeed," the figure agreed. "As such, this new dragon may be ripe for your influence. A young, impressionable mind that can be molded to your wishes."
The Dark Dragon let out a guttural laugh that echoed through the cavern, sending shivers down the hooded figure's spine. "Fresh meat," he snarled, his claws flexing as if already savoring the taste of power. "A new pawn in my game. This child... this... American Dragon... will be mine."
He lowered his head, his burning gaze fixed on the hooded figure. "Go," he commanded, his voice dripping with menace. "Watch this child. Learn their strengths, their weaknesses. And when the time is right, we will strike."
"As you wish, my lord," the hooded figure said, their voice a sibilant whisper that echoed through the cavern. "But before I depart, you must know that Lao Shi is campaigning to be the child's master."
The Dark Dragon's eyes narrowed, and a low growl rumbled in his chest. "That fool Lao Shi thinks he'll be able to protect his grandchild from me," he snarled. "But we'll see about that. He will not stand in my way."
"Do not worry, my lord," the figure reassured him, their voice smooth and cunning. "I will see to it that Lao Shi does not succeed in his campaign." With a flourish, the figure swept back their hood, revealing the stern, familiar face of Councilor Chang. Her eyes, usually sharp and authoritative, now gleamed with a chilling malice.
"It is within my power to do so, after all," she continued, a cruel smile twisting her lips. "As a member of the Dragon Council. I can sway their decisions, manipulate their perceptions. Lao Shi will be powerless against me."
The Dark Dragon let out a guttural laugh, pleased by her confidence. "Excellent," he boomed, his voice echoing through the cavern. "You have always been my most valuable pawn, Chang. Do not fail me."
Chang bowed her head, her eyes flickering with a mix of ambition and resentment. "I will not, my lord," she vowed. "Lao Shi will pay for his defiance. And this child... this American Dragon... will be ours to mold."