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*a week later*
Zala, Shuri, and T'Challa had arrived in America. They were in a place Zala had heard many stories about: California. The land of dreamers. Let's just say it did not live up to her expectations. Or perhaps it was just the place they were in. T'Challa had told her it was called Oakland. She had never heard of it. The three stood in a parking lot next to a large building. A few kids ran around playing basketball. Zala knew the game - thanks to Shuri - but she had no idea how to play or what the purpose was.
"When you said you would take me to California for the first time, I thought you meant Coachella or Disney Land" Shuri said causing Zala to crack a smile, "Why here?" T'Challa leaned forward, grabbing onto the wire fence, "This is where our father killed our uncle." Zala's eyes moved to a demolish sign above the entrance. "They're tearing it down" She spoke.
"They are not tearing it down, I bought this building" His head moves towards the street, "And that building and that one over there. This will be the first Wakandan international outreach center. Nakia will oversee the social outreach and you will spearhead the science and information exchange" T'Challa said to Shuri. "You're kidding?" She smiled. "Eh?" T'Challa said before pressing his kimoyo beads. The Royal Talon flyer broke out of its camouflage and descended upon the ground.
One of the boys playing basketball instantly stopped and summoned the attention of his friends. "Ay, Ay, ayo, What the hell is that!?" He asked. "That's like a Bugatti space ship" Another said as they all approached. One continued to stand in his place on the court. Shuri hugged her sister-in-law beflre giving both Zala and her brother the salute. She then walked off towards the boys at the ship.
The couple watched on as Shuri told the kids about Wakanda, one asking 'what is a Wakanda?'. Zala took her husband's hand and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm proud of you...for doing what your father couldn't" She said. He squeezed her hand lightly before placing a loving hand on her stomach. "I must show the little one how a King should act. To help everyone despite color or class" T'Challa said, before leaning down and kissing his wife. The boy who stood alone on the court approached the two.
"Ayo! This yours?" He pointed to the ship, "Who...who are you?" He asked. Zala smiled, knowing what T'Challa was about to tell the young boy was going to blow his mind. He was about to meet a real life African King. And T'Challa was proud to show the boy that Black People could be more than gang members and prisoners. That they could be more than a color. That they could be anything that they put their mind to. Zala was too wrapped in the conversation to notice that the basketball had stumbled upon her feet. She picked it up and held the ball in one hand, inspecting it.
A few kids left Shuri and went back over to the court. "Hey!" One yelled, causing Zala to look up, "You wanna play?". "I do not know how to" She said, walking over to them to hand them the ball. "Girl, What'chu mean you'on know how to play basketball? Where are you from?" He asked. "Wakanda" She replied. "Oh so you da one who came in the Bugatti Space ship?" He questioned. "It is actually called a Royal Talon Flyer, but yes" She smiled. "Y'all, shorty don't know how to play ball!" He yelled out to the rest of his friends.
The boys came and crowded around her. They began to explain the game to her as simply as possible: dribble the ball, try not to let anyone take it from you, and try to score in the basket. "You got it?" They asked. "Yes, I believe so. But I don't know if I should play, I'm pregnant" Zala said. "You'll be fine. We'll go easy on you" They said. She looked over at T'Challa, who still stood with the kid, and he gave her a nod. Zala checked the ball before he gave it back to her. He then stood in front of her with arms wide open, trying to stop her from getting past him.
Zala faked going to the right and went to the left, causing the kid to fall. Then she carefully passed the other kids who were playing defense and made a bucket. As she turned, they all looked at her with their mouths wide open. Even T'Challa and Shuri. The kid who had been talking to T'Challa began cracking up. "Yo, she broke your ankles, son!" He laughed, causing the other boys to crack up. Zala helped up the boy who fell as he dusted his hands off on his jeans. "You sure that was your first time?" He asked causing her to nod, "Damn you out here crossing people like Curry".
"Who is that?" Zala asked. The boys faces scrunched up. "You telling me Wakanda doesn't have Stephen Curry?" He asked. "Not that I've ever heard of" She shrugged. "Zala, It is time to go" T'Challa said, holding out his hand. She nodded and took his hand before turning back to the boys. "It was nice meeting you all" Zala smiled and waved before walking away and up the ramp of the ship. "Wait! Hold up! I was going to make you the female Curry!" The kid yelled. "Sorry boys, I have a country to run!" Zala yelled back, as the door began to shut.
