Dragons & Panthers (T'Challa Udaku)

Chapter Two

Erik looks at Ulysses who is reading a book from his seat on the plane. He moves over and Ulysses looks at him.

"What's up?"

"Your daughter...she doesn't like me."

"Jelani? Why do you say that?"

"She's always giving me the evil eye or a blank stare."

"Erik..." Ulysses closes his book. "Jelani doesn't hate you. And if you notice a shift in her behaviour it's not you: the anniversary of her mother, my wife's death is approaching."

"Oh."

"Yes. Don't take it personal. You should try talking to her outside of work. You'll see she's a lovely girl."

"I don't think Linda will like that."

"Already got you on a leash? Jesus."

"I ain't on a leash."

Ulysses hums as he returns to his book, leaving Erik with his thoughts.

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Jelani steps out of the SUV and grabs her two suitcases as she walks into the warehouse converted into a house. She sees the men who will be helping on this job lounging around.

"Hello Miss Jelani!" Paul chirps as he walks over, talking her largest bag.

"Hello Paul. Hello Gentlemen."

"Hello!" Comes a choir of the men as she makes her way to her bedroom. Paul places her bag down in the corner and she thanks him.

"You okay? We know your mom's anniversary is coming up."

"I'm fine. Thank you."

Paul nods.

"Well there's Popeyes in the kitchen."

"Mild or spicy?"

"Mix."

"Great."

Paul leaves her to settle in and she falls on the bed, closing her eyes as she just lays there. Her thoughts wander as she thinks of her upcoming job, her mother, and the dragon egg she gave her. That dragon egg keeps coming up in her mind and Jelani does not know why. She feels her skin before warm but not a searing heat. It was comforting. She continues to lay there until she dozes off, comforted by this unknown warmth.

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Ulysses walks around with the couple, taking the time to enjoy London before they get to work. He informed Jelani of their arrival and that they may have to speed this job up. She told him if that is the case the warehouse is waiting in Korea. He spots the store and becomes curious. He walks in, the slight chime of the bell signalling his entrance. A woman looks up with long grey hair and bronze skin.

"Hi! Welcome! What can I get you?"

"Do you have dragon eggs? My daughter loves them."

"Real or decorative?"

"Real?" Ulysses says confused as the woman smiles and leads him to a corner of the shop in the back. Ulysses blinks at seeing the eggs. Some are small while other are huge. He looks at the display until a black scaled one catches his eye. The scales on the bottom are the colour of blood.

"That one."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

She grunts as she struggles to pick the egg up so Ulysses helps as he picks it up. It's heavy.