The Dragon Empress's Affliction

Despite his best efforts to impress the dragon prince, Ao Bing seemed oblivious to Ne Zha's affections. 

Ne Zha tried everything he could think of to catch Ao Bing's attention. He would put on grand displays of his martial prowess, hoping to awe Ao Bing with his strength and skill. He would scour the far corners of the celestial realm for rare and precious gifts, each one a testament to his devotion and esteem. And of course, Ne Zha would flirt and tease, his words dripping with honey and spice, a siren's song meant to ensnare the dragon prince's heart.

But no matter what Ne Zha did, no matter how loudly his heart cried out for reciprocation, Ao Bing seemed to view him as nothing more than a dear friend and perhaps even, a younger brother, but never as a potential partner.

One day, as they strolled together through the imperial gardens, , Ne Zha decided to make a stubborn, grand gesture, a display of affection that could not be ignored. With a wave of his hand, he summoned a dazzling array of fireworks, each one exploding in a shower of sparks that formed intricate patterns in the sky, a tapestry of light and color that took one's breath away.

"Look, Ao Bing!" Ne Zha exclaimed, "I created this display just for you!"

Ao Bing looked up at the fireworks, his beautiful features illuminated by the flickering light, a look of amazement quickly overshadowed by gentle appreciation. "It's amazing, Ne Zha. You have a real talent for this kind of thing."

Ne Zha's heart soared at the praise, but his hopes were quickly crushed when Ao Bing reached over, ruffling Ne Zhas hair in a show of brotherly affection. 

Ne Zha felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment and frustration. He wanted Ao Bing to see him as an equal, as someone worthy of his love and affection. He was the heavenly emperor for crying out loud! But no matter what he did, Ao Bing seemed to view him as nothing more than a child, a precocious younger sibling to be indulged and protected.

Despite the sting of rejection, Ne Zha refused to give up. He was too stubborn and prideful to admit his feelings outright, convinced that he could win Ao Bing's heart through his actions alone.

And so, he continued his attempts to impress Ao Bing, each one more daring and grandiose than the last, a never-ending parade of gifts and displays and honeyed words.

He would challenge Ao Bing to fierce sparring matches, their bodies dancing and whirling in a symphony of combat, each blow a declaration of his passion. But even when he emerged victorious, Ao Bing would simply smile and congratulate him on his growth, never seeing the deeper meaning behind Ne Zha's actions.

His childlike appearance, it seemed, was a hindrance in more ways than one. Not only did it make it difficult for the other deities to take him seriously, to see past his youthful features to the powerful being within, but it also made his attempts to woo Ao Bing seem like nothing more than innocent, childish affection, a puppy's playful nips rather than a wolf's hungry growls.

Frustrated and desperate, Ne Zha hit upon a solution, a way to level the playing field and make his intentions clear. He began to use his universe collar as a bracelet more frequently, allowing him to temporarily transform into his true adult form. With a simple twist of the wrist, he could shed his youthful appearance and take on the powerful, commanding presence of a grown man, a figure that demanded respect and admiration.

At first, Ne Zha used this trick sparingly, only transforming when he needed to assert his authority in important meetings or during official events, a display of power meant to cow his opponents and inspire his allies. The other deities, who had once looked down on his small frame, now found themselves staring up at a tall, muscular figure with blazing eyes and an aura of raw power. They quickly learned to take the Heavenly Emperor more seriously, lest they incur his wrath.

But as time passed, as his longing for Ao Bing grew ever more intense, Ne Zha began to use his adult form more and more often, especially around the object of his affections. He would casually slip the bracelet on during their conversations, his body rippling and shifting until he towered over the dragon prince, his features sharp and alluring.

Ao Bing, who had always seen Ne Zha's flirting as cute and innocent, found himself suddenly off-balance in the presence of this powerful, charismatic man. Ne Zha's once-childish compliments and gestures took on a new, more intense meaning when delivered by his adult self.

"Ao Bing," Ne Zha would purr, his deep voice a startling divergence to his youthful, high-pitched tones. 

He would lean in close, his breath hot against Ao Bing's ear. You know, Ao Bing, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful you look today." He reached out, playfully tugging on a lock of Ao Bing's hair. "Did you do something different with your hair?"

Ao Bing would flush, feeling color creep up his neck, flustered by Ne Zha's sudden proximity and flirtatious tone. He found himself stammering, his heart racing while trying to retain some semblance of his composure.

 "N-No, nothing different," he would manage, his voice unsteady. "I, uh, I just styled it the same as always."

Ne Zha's would simply smile, his eyes sparkling with that same ever-present mischief. "Mm- well, it's stunning," he would say, trailing his fingers down Ao Bing's arm in a feather-light caress. "Just like the rest of you."

And as always, Ao Bing would shiver at the touch, "Ne Zha, we shouldn't..." He trailed off, never quite sure of how to properly voice his concerns.

But always, just when it seemed like Ao Bing might give in, Ne Zha would pull away. He would twist the bracelet on his wrist, his body shrinking and shifting until he was once again the mischievous child Ao Bing knew so well.

"Just kidding!" Ne Zha would laugh, his high-pitched voice a jarring contrast to the deep, seductive tones of his adult self. "Race you to the gardens!" He would yell, before dashing off before Ao Bing could react.

Ao Bing would blink, feeling as though he had just been doused with cold water and with a sigh, set off in pursuit of the retreating figure.

As this pattern continued, Ao Bing found himself growing more and more flustered in Ne Zha's presence. He never knew which version of the Heavenly Emperor he would be facing - the innocent, childish Ne Zha he had always known, or the alluring, dangerous man who made his heart race and his thoughts scatter.

Ne Zha, for his part, reveled in the power he held over Ao Bing. He knew that he was playing a dangerous game, toying with the dragon prince's emotions and desires. But he couldn't help himself. After so long of being dismissed and overlooked, the thrill of having Ao Bing at his mercy was too intoxicating to resist.

And so, their dance continued, Ne Zha shifting between his two forms like a flickering flame, leaving Ao Bing breathless and unsteady. The dragon prince knew that he should put a stop to it, that he should firmly establish the boundaries of their relationship.

But every time he tried, Ne Zha would turn those smoldering eyes on him, that wicked smile on his lips like an invitation to sin, and Ao Bing would find himself drowning in the depths, unable to resist the pull of the man who had become both his dearest friend and his most dangerous temptation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

And so, Ao Bing began to carefully avoid Ne Zha wherever possible, trying in vain to hold on to any semblance of their platonic relationship. This, however, proved difficult due to the close nature of their duties. 

Where Ao Bing had once eagerly accepted Ne Zha's invitations to spar or explore the celestial gardens, he now politely declined, citing pressing duties or diplomatic commitments that required his attention. If Ne Zha suggested a private meeting to discuss the affairs of the realm, Ao Bing would deftly redirect the conversation, offering to send a written report instead.

Even during the daily councils and strategy sessions, Ao Bing made a point of sitting as far from Ne Zha as propriety allowed, his focus stubbornly fixed on the documents and scrolls before him. If their eyes happened to meet, the dragon prince would quickly avert his gaze, a faint flush coloring his cheeks.

Ne Zha was quick to notice Ao Bing's sudden avoidance. The dragon prince, who had once been a constant presence at his side, now seemed to find excuses to be elsewhere whenever Ne Zha sought him out. At first, Ne Zha was confused and hurt by this change in behavior. But as he thought about it more, a sly smile began to spread across his face. He knew exactly what was going on.

Ne Zha couldn't help but find the dragon prince's avoidance endearing. It was a testament to the power he held over Ao Bing, a sign that his advances had struck a chord deep within the other god's heart. And Ne Zha, ever the mischievous schemer, was determined to exploit this newfound vulnerability.

One day, Ne Zha managed to corner Ao Bing in a secluded hallway of the celestial palace. The dragon prince, seeing Ne Zha approach, tried to rush past him, mumbling something about an important meeting he had to attend.

But Ne Zha was having none of it. With a casual wave of his hand, his armillary sash appeared, snaking out to wrap around Ao Bing's waist. The dragon prince let out a surprised yelp as the sash tugged him towards Ne Zha, pulling the two of them together until they were chest to chest.

"Going somewhere?" Ne Zha purred, his adult form towering over Ao Bing. 

Ao Bing swallowed hard, his face flushing as he tried to avoid Ne Zha's intense gaze. "N-Ne Zha, please. I really do have to go."

But Ne Zha just chuckled, his hands already beginning their familiar dance. One hand slid up to tangle in Ao Bing's silky hair, while the other found its way to the small of the dragon prince's back, rubbing slow, sensual circles.

"I don't think so," Ne Zha murmured, his lips brushing against Ao Bing's ear. "You've been avoiding me, Ao Bing. And I want to know why."

Ao Bing shivered, his body responding traitorously to Ne Zha's touch. He tried to summon up his usual objections, but the words died on his lips as Ne Zha's hand slid lower, grazing the curve of his backside.

For a moment, Ne Zha thought he might have pushed too far. Ao Bing's face had gone dark, his eyes unreadable. Fearing he had overstepped, Ne Zha began to loosen the sash, preparing to release Ao Bing and apologize.

But then, to his utter shock, Ao Bing's hands shot out. The dragon prince grasped the sash, using it to yank Ne Zha even closer. And before Ne Zha could react, Ao Bing's lips were on his, hot and hungry and demanding, a kiss that stole the air from his lungs and the reason from his mind.

Ne Zha froze for a split second, his brain struggling to process this unexpected turn of events. But then he was kissing back, his arms wrapping around Ao Bing as he poured all of his pent-up longing and desire into the embrace.

The kiss was electric, a clash of lips and tongues and teeth. Ao Bing kissed like he was drowning and Ne Zha was air and Ne Zha reveled in the dragon prince's desperation

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless, their faces flushed. Ne Zha stared at Ao Bing, a triumphant, smug grin spreading across his face.

"Ao Bing," he drawled in a mock scandalized tone, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "I didn't think you had it in you."

But Ao Bing's expression was troubled.

"We- I... I'm sorry," he said, "I shouldn't have done that, you're the empe-"

But before Ao Bing could continue, Ne Zha cut him off, pulling him into another searing kiss, the dragon prince's protests dying on his lips.

Ao Bing's eyes went wide, and he immediately began to push against Ne Zha's chest, trying to put some distance between them.

At first, Ao Bing continued to struggle, his hands fisting in Ne Zha's robes as he tried to break free. Yet, slowly, the dragon prince's resistance began to crumble and soon Ao Bing was kissing back with equal intensity.

In that moment, Ne Zha knew that he had won, that he had finally captured the heart of the dragon prince, a treasure beyond compare. And there, in that secluded hallway, wrapped in each other's arms, all that mattered was the feel of Ao Bing's lips on his, the way their bodies fit together like two halves of a whole, a perfect union of yin and yang.

As Ne Zha and Ao Bing's relationship blossomed from the tender bud of friendship into the full bloom of love, they found themselves navigating a delicate balance between their public duties and their private desires. By day, Ao Bing served as Ne Zha's most trusted advisor and right-hand man, always by the Heavenly Emperor's side as they tackled the endless challenges of running the celestial realm.

But behind closed doors, in the quiet moments stolen between the endless demands of their positions, their roles shifted. No longer Emperor and advisor, they became simply Ne Zha and Ao Bing, two souls desperately in love. Every stolen moment together was precious, a chance to express the feelings they had to keep hidden from the rest of the world.

However, finding time to be truly alone proved to be a constant challenge, a quest as daunting as any faced by the heroes of old. As the Heavenly Emperor, Ne Zha was always surrounded by a throng of officials, advisors, and petitioners, a never-ending sea of faces and voices that demanded his attention and energy. His days were filled with endless meetings, negotiations, and public appearances, things that left little time for personal pursuits.

Ao Bing, too, found his time increasingly occupied, his skills and wisdom in high demand as Ne Zha's most trusted confidant. He was often called upon to handle sensitive diplomatic missions or to provide counsel on complex issues of celestial law. He spent long hours poring over ancient texts and consulting with other sages, all while trying to steal whatever moments he could with his beloved.

This was further complicated by Ne Zha's child-like appearance. Although he could temporarily assume his adult form using the universe collar, these moments were fleeting and few. The constraints of the collar meant that Ne Zha could only maintain his true form for short periods, and always at the risk of discovery.

Their days were filled with longing glances and secret smiles, a language of love that only they understood. In the moments when Ne Zha could appear as his true self, their interactions took on a new intensity. A lingering gaze, a whispered endearment, a kiss that promised a future where they could be together without constraint - these were the moments they lived for.

Ao Bing, ever the epitome of grace and understanding, never pushed for more than Ne Zha was comfortable with. He understood the delicacy of their situation and respected the boundaries that Ne Zha's form imposed. His love was patient and understanding, a steady flame that burned no less brightly for the challenges they faced.

For Ne Zha, the frustration was sometimes overwhelming. There were moments when he wanted nothing more than to cast aside the universe collar, to stand before Ao Bing as the man he truly was, to claim him in body and soul.

But he knew that such a thing was impossible, at least for now. And so, he poured his love into every gesture, every word, every moment they shared, so that Ao Bing could never doubt the depth of his feelings.

However, as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Ne Zha's frustration grew.The stolen moments he shared with Ao Bing were precious, but they only served to heighten his longing.

One evening, as they sat together in Ne Zha's private chambers, the Heavenly Emperor's patience finally reached its limit. He turned to Ao Bing, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination.

"AGH!," Ne Zha suddenly roared, "I can't take this anymore!"

Ao Bing looked up from his book, already knowing what frustration gripped Ne Zha's heart. "But we have to be patient, we have to think of the laws, of your position..."

"Bull!" Ne Zha leaped to his feet, his small form practically vibrating with agitation. "Forget the laws!" he exclaimed. "I'm the Heavenly Emperor, aren't I? If I say we can be together, then that's that!"

He whirled to face Ao Bing, his eyes softening. "Ao Bing, I love you. I want to spend my whole life with you, I don't want just... just scraps!"

Ao Bing rose slowly, his heart aching at the pain in Ne Zha's voice. He reached out, cupping Ne Zha's face gently in his hands, a touch that conveyed all the love and tenderness he felt in his soul.

"I love you too, Ne Zha," he said softly. "But we have to think about this carefully. The consequences..."

"Enough about consequences!" Ne Zha roared, pulling away. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, clutching Ao Bing's hands in his own. 

"Ao Bing," Ne Zha said, his voice ringing with conviction, "Marry me."

Ao Bing felt his heart fill so much it might burst. He knelt down to Ne Zha's eye level, trying to keep a calm and elegant demeanor.

"I will," he responded. "In this life and the next, in the heavens and on earth, I am yours, your majesty."

Ne Zha let out a whoop of joy, tackling Ao Bing in a fierce hug and the two of them tumbled to the floor, laughing.

Ao Bing smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Ne Zha's face and pressing a soft kiss to Ne Zha's forehead, directly over his Yang symbol. 

And there, in the quiet of Ne Zha's chambers, the two lovers began to plan their future. 

The day of Ne Zha and Ao Bing's wedding was a grand and joyous occasion. The celestial realm was transformed, decorated with a stunning array of red and gold, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and happiness.

For this special day, Ne Zha had decreed that the boundaries between the mortal and heavenly realms would be temporarily lifted, allowing the families of the grooms to attend. It was an unprecedented move, but one that Ne Zha insisted upon, and no one was about to challenge him on it.

As the auspicious hour approached, the guests began to arrive. The dragon clan, led by Ao Guang, Ao Bing's father, made a grand entrance in their human forms. Ao Guang's regal bearing commanded respect and admiration from all who beheld him. By his side stood one of Ao Bing's older brothers. A regal, blonde-haired man, his eyes sharp and protective as he surveyed the gathering, ready to stand by his younger sibling on this momentous day.

Ne Zha's parents, Li Jing and Lady Yin, arrived shortly after. Their presence radiated with the warmth and love of proud parents as their servants carried wave after wave of gifts into the Golden Palace. 

The ceremony began with the grooms, both dressed in vibrant red, facing each other. Ao Bing's face was partially obscured by a delicate red veil, a symbol of his virtue and the new life he was about to embark upon.

In unison, Ne Zha and Ao Bing bowed three times, first to the heavens and ancestors, then to their parents, and finally to each other. Each bow was a symbol of respect, gratitude, and unwavering commitment. 

Next came the vow exchange, the heart of the ceremony. Ne Zha and Ao Bing faced each other, their hands intertwined. In this moment, Ne Zha had chosen to wear his adult form, the universe collar glinting on his wrist. He wanted to pledge his love to Ao Bing as an equal, as the man he truly was.

And then of course, there was the reception, a celebration that combined heavenly delicacies with mortal traditions. Laughter and joy filled the air as gods and mortals mingled, united in their happiness for the newlyweds.

The moment Ne Zha and Ao Bing were pronounced married, a profound shift occurred in the celestial hierarchy. Ao Bing was no longer merely the Heavenly Emperor's trusted advisor; he now held the esteemed position of the Emperor's consort.

In the traditions of ancient China, the Emperor's consort held a unique and powerful role. As the highest-ranking member of the Emperor's harem (should he choose to have one), the consort would be granted the title of Empress. This title carried with it immense respect, influence, and authority.

For Ao Bing, his marriage to Ne Zha not only signified the ultimate commitment of their love but also marked his ascension to godhood. 

From that day forward, Ao Bing would be known as the God of the Eastern Ocean and Ice. His dominion extended over the vast waters that had once been his clan's prison, and his power over the element of ice was unrivaled in the heavens.

The implications of this change were far-reaching. No longer were the dragons mere creatures of the sea; they now had a divine representative in the celestial court. Ao Bing's voice would carry the weight of godhood, his opinions and desires holding sway in the governance of the heavens.

For Ne Zha, his husband's elevation brought a sense of deep satisfaction and pride. He had always known that Ao Bing was destined for greatness, and to see him take his rightful place among the gods was a testament to that.

Not long after the grand wedding ceremony, Ne Zha and Ao Bing finally consummated their marriage. In their private chambers, they reveled in the freedom to express their devotion fully. Ne Zha, when wearing his adult form, could now take Ao Bing into his arms without fear or hesitation. 

 It was a moment of pure bliss, a physical and spiritual union that deepened their already profound bond. In the afterglow, they lay entwined, basking in the warmth of their love and the promise of their future together.

However, duty called, and Ne Zha found himself having to embark on a journey to the mortal realm not long after. As the Heavenly Emperor, there were matters that required his attention, disputes to settle, and blessings to bestow. With a heavy heart, he bid farewell to his beloved husband, promising to return as swiftly as possible.

Ao Bing, ever the supportive consort, assured Ne Zha that he would hold down the fort in his absence. He would attend to the daily matters of the celestial court, ensuring that all ran smoothly until the Emperor's return.

But as the days turned into weeks, Ao Bing began to strange. It started as a slight fatigue, a general sense of unease that he couldn't quite shake. He attributed it to the stress of his new responsibilities and the longing he felt for his husband's return.

As time passed, however, the symptoms worsened. Ao Bing found himself feeling nauseous, his skin growing hot, sweaty and uncomfortable, his body aching in ways he had never experienced before. His powers over ice seemed to fluctuate, sometimes surging out of control, other times barely responsive to his command.

Concerned and confused, Ao Bing retreated to a secluded cave, a place where he could be alone with his thoughts and try to understand what was happening to him. There, he cocooned himself in a layer of ice, blanketing the cave in shimmering ice crystals. As he sat in the chilly enclosure, he felt his form begin to shift, his human body giving way to his true dragon self.

It was in this state that Ne Zha found him upon his return. The Heavenly Emperor, eager to reunite with his love, had searched the celestial realm when he found their chambers empty. Following the trail of icy energy, he discovered Ao Bing's hidden retreat.

When Ne Zha entered the cave, his heart clenched at the sight before him. Ao Bing, in his majestic dragon form, was curled in on himself, his scales dull and his eyes filled with pain. Ice crystals hung in the air around him, a physical manifestation of his distress.

"Ao Bing!" Ne Zha cried out, rushing to his husband's side. His hands, now returned to their child-like form due to the universe collar, seemed small and ineffectual against Ao Bing's massive draconic body. "What's wrong? What happened to you?"

Ao Bing lifted his head, his eyes meeting Ne Zha's. In that gaze, Ne Zha could see a profound vulnerability, a fear that shook him to his core.

"Ne Zha," Ao Bing's draconic voice was a low rumble, strained with pain and confusion. "I... I don't know what's happening to me. My body, my powers... something's not right."

Ne Zha pressed himself against Ao Bing's snout, offering what comfort he could. 

"We'll figure this out," Ne Zha promised even as his child-like features betrayed his own fear. "I'm not gonna let anything happen to you."

When Ne Zha summoned the imperial physician to examine Ao Bing, the doctor was initially perplexed by the Dragon Empress's condition. Ao Bing, still in his draconic form, lay curled in the icy cave, his body wracked with pain and discomfort.

The physician, a wise and ancient deity known for his healing prowess, conducted a thorough examination. He checked Ao Bing's pulse, examined his scales, and even used his divine sight to peer into the dragon's internal energies.

However, despite his vast knowledge and experience, the physician could not pinpoint the cause of Ao Bing's ailment. He had never seen a case quite like this before, a dragon god experiencing such a profound and mysterious malady.

"Your Majesties," the physician said, "I must admit that I am at a loss. The Emperor Consort's condition is unlike anything I have encountered in my many centuries of practice."

Ne Zha's eyebrows knit together in anger, and he held tightly onto Ao Bing's claw. "What kind of doctor are you!?" he yelled, "You're saying there's nothing you can do!?"

The physician shook his head sadly. "Without knowing the root cause of the illness, any treatment I could offer would be mere guesswork. It could potentially do more harm than good. Perhaps you should seek out someone who is more familiar with draconic nature than I."

As the physician took his leave, promising to consult his ancient texts and seek guidance from the heavens, Ne Zha remained by Ao Bing's side. He stroked his husband's scales, murmuring words of comfort and love.