The Lightning Prince, Ao Lui

With the physician's suggestion to seek out someone with more knowledge of draconic anatomy, Ne Zha's mind immediately jumped to the obvious choice. Who better to understand the mysteries of dragon physiology than the Dragon King himself? After all, was Ao Guang not the father of his beloved Ao Bing?

"We should go to your father," Ne Zha insisted, his tone leaving little room for argument. "If anyone would know what's happening to you, it would be him."

Ao Bing, however, hesitated. He shifted uncomfortably, his dragon form coiling tighter in the icy cave. The crystalline ice formations hanging overhead reflected his troubled expression as he spoke.

"Ne Zha, I don't want to bother him. Ever since you freed our people, he's been so busy trying to establish our clan in the mortal realm. I don't want to add to his burdens."

Ne Zha's child-like face set into a stubborn expression, his lower lip pouting out. "All of that stuff can wait! This is your health we're talking about."

Ao Bing sighed, a puff of frosty air escaping his nostrils. He knew that tone. When Ne Zha got like this, there was little that could change his mind.

"Ne Zha, please. I don't want to worry him unnecessarily. If this is just some passing illness, some adjustment to my new role."

With that, Ne Zha stood, drawing upon his imperial authority. "I am the Heavenly Emperor, and you are my consort! Your health and safety are my highest priority. I'm sending for your father, and that's final."

In mere moments, a celestial messenger soared through the nine heavens bearing the Emperor's summons. Upon receiving word that his son-in-law required his presence, the mighty Dragon King set aside his duties like casting off a wet garment.

When Ao Guang arrived at the icy cave where Ao Bing had taken refuge, he was struck by the atmosphere of tension and worry that permeated the air. Ne Zha, still in his childlike form, paced restlessly at the entrance.

Upon seeing his father, Ao Bing managed to lift his great dragon head, his eyes filled with a mix of pain and apology. "Father," he rumbled, his deep voice echoing off the icy walls. "I'm sorry to pull you away from your duties."

Ao Guang approached his son. "Nonsense," he replied, his voice a soothing rumble. "There is no duty more important than the well-being of my child."

Ne Zha, unable to contain his worry any longer, stepped forward. "Well!? What's wrong with him?!"

Ao Guang's ancient eyes were already assessing his son's condition. "Ao Bing," he rumbled, his deep voice echoing off the icy walls. "What troubles you, my child?"

Ao Bing shook his head. "Father," he said, his voice strained. "I don't know what's happening to me. My body feels strange, and my powers are fluctuating."

Ao Guang's eyes narrowed, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. He placed a hand on Ao Bing's forehead, closing his eyes as he extended his senses.

After a moment, Ao Guang's eyes opened, a knowing smile curving his mouth. "Ah," he said softly, his voice filled with a tender pride. "I see now."

Ne Zha, unable to contain his worry any longer, stepped forward. "What!?," he said formally, his high-pitched voice filled with urgency, "What is it!?"

Ao Guang chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to fill the cave. "Nothing is wrong, Your Majesty. In fact, something very right is happening."

The Dragon King took a deep breath, as if steeling himself for the revelation. "Ao Bing," he said softly, his voice filled with a tender pride, "you are with child. Or, more specifically, with egg."

The revelation struck like lightning across a clear sky. Ne Zha, despite his vast powers, found himself momentarily speechless. All his mighty abilities, yet he had never anticipated something like this.

Ao Bing's eyes widened, a gasp escaping his reptilian lips. "With egg?" he repeated, his voice a mix of shock and wonder. "But... how?"

The Dragon King let out a thunderous laugh that shook the icy walls. "My son, you came into this world the same way."

Ne Zha, still frozen, looked between his husband and father-in-law. "Wait," he said slowly, his voice carrying the innocent curiosity of his eternal youth. "So this is... normal? For dragons?"

Ao Guang nodded, "Indeed, Your Majesty. Perhaps it would've been wise of you to do more reading on your partner's anatomy." 

Even in his weakened state, Ao Bing's chuckle resonated through the cavern. "Father," he admonished softly, though a faint flush colored his scales.

Ne Zha, still processing this new information, found himself suddenly filled with a fierce, protective love. His small hand, which had wielded weapons that could shake the heavens, now rested gently on his beloved's snout. Through their spiritual connection, he could sense the precious spark of life growing within Ao Bing's essence.

"The child of Heaven and Dragon," he whispered, "Born of the Jade Emperor's throne and the ancient bloodline of the four seas."

The Dragon King inclined his noble head, his expression serious now. "A union of three great powers - dragon blood, demon essence, and mortal spirit. Such a child will surely shake the three realms."

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, Ao Bing remained in the icy cave, his dragon form curled protectively around the growing egg within him. His body, driven by ancient instincts, refused to allow him to transform back into his humanoid shape, ensuring that all his energy was focused on the developing life he carried.

Ne Zha, ever the devoted husband, visited the cave every day without fail. Despite his busy schedule as the Heavenly Emperor, he always made time for Ao Bing, bringing him offerings of divine nectar and celestial fruits to keep his strength up.

As they sat together in the cool, dim light of the cave, Ne Zha would often place his small hand on Ao Bing's swollen belly, marveling at the life that grew within. "What do you think they'll be like?" he would ask, his childlike voice filled with wonder and excitement. "Do you think they'll have fire abilities like me, or ice like you?"

Ao Bing, his dragon eyes soft with love, would chuckle gently. "Perhaps a bit of both," he would say, his deep voice rumbling through the cave. 

They would spend hours discussing potential names, debating the merits of ancient dragon titles and heavenly epithets. Ne Zha, with his mischievous spirit, would often suggest outrageous names, just to see Ao Bing's reaction. "How about 'Celestial Demon Dragon of the Divine Whirlwind'?" he would propose, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

Ao Bing would snort, a puff of frosty air escaping his nostrils. "Our child is not a character from one of your mortal adventure tales, Ne Zha," he would chide gently, though the amusement in his voice was clear.

As the pregnancy progressed, however, Ne Zha began to notice a change in Ao Bing's demeanor. The dragon would often fall silent, his eyes distant and troubled. At first, Ne Zha attributed it to the discomforts of the pregnancy, but as time went on, he sensed there was something more.

One day, unable to bear the worry any longer, Ne Zha confronted his husband. "Ao Bing," he said softly, his small hand resting on the dragon's snout, "I can tell something's wrong. What are you not telling me?"

Ao Bing sighed, a sound that seemed to come from the depths of his being. "I'm just- I'm worried, Ne Zha," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Worried of what our child might be."

Ne Zha frowned, his childlike face scrunching in confusion. "What do you mean? They'll be perfect, no matter what."

Ao Bing shook his great head, his eyes filled with a haunted look. "But what if they take after you, Ne Zha? What if they inherit your demonic heritage, and we have to... to subdue them, as you were subdued?"

Ne Zha felt his heart clench at the pain in Ao Bing's voice. He moved closer, pressing his forehead against the dragon's snout in a gesture of comfort. He said nothing, but allowed Ao Bing to continue. 

Ao Bing closed his eyes, a single crystal tear sliding down his scaly cheek. "This child," he said softly, "will be a being unlike any other. One-fourth spirit, one-fourth demon, one-fourth dragon, and one-fourth human. Such a mix of bloodlines... it's unprecedented. We don't know what to expect."

Ne Zha was silent for a moment, considering his husband's words. Then, with a determination that belied his youthful appearance, he spoke. "Whatever they are," he said firmly, his high-pitched voice ringing with conviction, "We'll teach them to use their powers for good, just like we did."

He placed his small hand over Ao Bing's heart, feeling the powerful beat beneath his palm. "This child is a product of our love, Ao Bing. Even if they have to be subdued like I was- my parents didn't love me any less."

o Bing opened his eyes, meeting Ne Zha's gaze. In those childlike features, he saw a maturity and a resolve that took his breath away. Slowly, he nodded, a small smile curving his reptilian lips. "You're right," he said softly, his voice filled with a growing hope.

Ne Zha grinned, his face lighting up with that irrepressible spirit that Ao Bing so loved. "Exactly!" he exclaimed, bouncing on his heels. "The Heavenly Emperor, the Dragon Empress, and the... the Celestial Dragon Demon Spirit Human Baby of Awesomeness!"

Ao Bing couldn't help but laugh, the sound echoing through the icy cave. "We are not calling our child that," he managed between chuckles.

The day had finally arrived. After a year of waiting, of preparation, of love and anticipation, Ao Bing felt the ancient stirring within him reach a crescendo. In the icy cave that had been his sanctuary for these long months, he reared back, his dragon form shimmering with an otherworldly light.

With a mighty roar that shook the very foundations of the celestial realm, Ao Bing spit the egg from his body. It was a moment of pure magic, of life and creation at their most profound.

As the egg left his body, Ao Bing felt his form shift and change, his dragon self melting away to reveal his human shape once more. He stood there, breathless and trembling, as Ne Zha rushed to his side, his own form shifting to that of an adult as he wrapped his arms around his husband.

Together, they watched in awe as the egg began to dissolve, wisps of energy in shades of red, blue, and purple swirling in a mesmerizing dance. And then, as the last of the shell disappeared, a baby was revealed, floating gently in the air, suffused with an aura of pure, unbridled potential.

Ao Bing hesitated for a moment, a last flicker of his old fears resurfacing. But then he looked at the child, really looked, and felt his heart swell with a love so powerful, so all-consuming, that it took his breath away.

He reached out, his hands trembling slightly, and gathered the baby into his arms. The child was perfect, a flawless blend of him and Ne Zha. Soft tufts of purple hair crowned the baby's head, and when the infant's eyes blinked open, they were a stunning magenta, framed by rings of red that mirrored Ne Zha's own.

On the child's forehead, a symbol glowed, not the blue of Ao Bing's clan or the red of Ne Zha's heritage, but a vibrant purple - the color born of their union. And from the baby's temples, small horns protruded, yet another mark of his unique lineage.

As Ao Bing cradled the child close, he felt all his reservations, all his worries and fears, melt away like snow in the sun. This was his son, his and Ne Zha's, a perfect creation born of their love. And in that moment, he knew that there was nothing he wouldn't do, no lengths he wouldn't go to, to protect and cherish this precious life.

Ne Zha, his own heart bursting with joy and pride, wrapped all six of his arms around his husband and child. They stood there, the three of them, a family unit bound by love and destiny, ready to face whatever the future might bring.

"Ao Lui," Ao Bing whispered, the name a reverent prayer on his lips. "Our little thunderstorm."

Ne Zha grinned, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "A strong name for a strong child," he agreed, one hand coming up to gently stroke the baby's cheek.

And so, in that icy cave, a new chapter began. The Heavenly Emperor, the Dragon Empress, and their son, the Prince of Heaven and Sea, the embodiment of the union between demon and dragon, mortal and divine.

Their journey would not be an easy one. There would be challenges, obstacles, those who might seek to harm or exploit the power that little Ao Lui represented. But they would face it all together, a family united by an unbreakable bond, by a love that had already rewritten the very laws of heaven and earth.

In the annals of history, their story would be recorded. The tale of Ne Zha and Ao Bing, of their struggle, their triumph, and the child they had brought into the world. A story of love and magic, of destiny and determination.

But in that moment, in the quiet of the cave, with their son secure in their arms, the future stretched out before them, shining with promise. They had each other, they had their child, and they had the strength of their love.

The first hundred days of Ao Lui's life passed in a whirlwind of joy and discovery. The nursery, a magnificent chamber in the celestial palace, had been decorated with a perfect blend of Ne Zha's fiery aesthetics and Ao Bing's icy elegance. Delicate ice crystals hung from the ceiling, catching the warm light of eternal flames that burned in golden braziers, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow.

Ao Bing spent countless hours in the nursery, cradling their son and singing ancient dragon lullabies. The baby showed early signs of his mixed heritage - his temperature would fluctuate between burning hot and icy cold, and sometimes small puffs of both steam and frost would escape his lips when he sneezed.

Ne Zha, despite his imperial duties, made sure to spend time with his family every day. He would often appear in his adult form, all six arms materializing to better cuddle both his husband and child. The sight of the mighty Heavenly Emperor making silly faces to make his son giggle became a common occurrence in the palace.

As the hundredth day approached, preparations for the celebration reached a fever pitch. This wouldn't be just any hundred-day ceremony - this was the celebration of the first heir to unite the bloodlines of demons, dragons, humans, and celestial beings.

"The ceremony must be perfect," Ao Bing insisted, fussing over every detail while holding Ao Lui. "It's not just about tradition - it's about showing everyone that our son is a blessing, not something to be feared."

Ne Zha, watching his husband's anxious preparations, wrapped his arms around both of them. "Anyone who fears our little thunderstorm will have to answer to me," he declared, tickling Ao Lui's chin and earning a delighted gurgle from the baby.

The invitations had been sent to both the celestial and mortal realms. Both sets of grandparents would be present, along with representatives from all the major divine courts. It would be the first time many of these beings would see the unique child who represented the future of both heaven and earth.

The night before the celebration, Ne Zha and Ao Bing lay peacefully asleep in their imperial chambers. Ne Zha, in his child form, was curled against Ao Bing's chest, the dragon prince's arm draped protectively over him. The room was perfectly balanced - one half comfortably warm for Ne Zha, the other pleasantly cool for Ao Bing.

A sudden crash shattered the silence.

Ao Bing's eyes snapped open instantly, his draconic instincts surging to alertness. Beside him, Ne Zha bolted upright, his small form already tensing for battle.

"That came from..." Ao Bing began, his heart seizing with parental dread.

"The nursery," Ne Zha finished, already leaping from their bed.

But before either could move further, they heard it - a baby's startled cry, quickly muffled, followed by another crash.

Ao Bing didn't even pause to grab his robes. With the speed that only a terrified parent could muster, he sprinted from their chambers, his bare feet barely touching the ground as he ran. Behind him, he could hear Ne Zha summoning his wind and fire wheels.

The normally short distance to the nursery seemed to stretch endlessly. Each step felt like an eternity as worst-case scenarios played through Ao Bing's mind. His parental instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong.

When he finally reached the nursery doors, his fears were confirmed. They hung open, when they should have been securely closed, and an eerie silence emanated from within.

Ao Bing burst into the nursery, his heart pounding in his chest. The sight that greeted him made his blood run colder than normal.

The ornate crib lay overturned, its delicate decorations shattered across the floor. The unconscious servant lay crumpled near the doorway, a thin trail of blood trickling from their temple.

But most horrifyingly - Ao Lui was gone.

Ne Zha arrived moments later, his adult form manifesting instantly as rage and fear coursed through him. The temperature in the room spiked dramatically as his power flared, creating a stark contrast with the ice spreading from where Ao Bing stood frozen in shock.

"Ao Lui!" Ao Bing's anguished cry echoed through the chamber as he rushed to the empty crib. His hands trembled as they touched the sheets, still warm from their son's presence. "No, no, no..."

Ao Bing's knees hit the floor with devastating force, ice spreading from the point of impact as his control slipped. His trembling hands gathered up the scattered remnants of Ao Lui's blanket, still carrying their son's scent.

Ne Zha whirled to face the growing crowd of servants gathering at the doorway, his form shifting and growing as rage consumed him. All six arms materialized as he roared, "SEARCH EVERY CORNER OF THE PALACE! NO ONE LEAVES - DO YOU UNDERSTAND? NO ONE!"

Without waiting for a response, Ne Zha summoned his wind and fire wheels, bursting through the nearest window and soaring above the palace. His eyes scanned frantically across the sprawling celestial grounds, desperate for any sign of movement.

There - a shadow flitting between pillars, moving with unnatural speed toward the boundary between realms. Ne Zha's heart stopped as he caught a glimpse of purple hair - Ao Lui, cradled in the intruder's arms.

His spear materialized in his hands, burning with hellfire. Ne Zha drew back, ready to strike - but then he saw his son's tiny face, so close to where his attack would land. The spear trembled in his grip as parental fear warred with rage.

That moment of hesitation was all it took. The kidnapper reached the boundary and slipped through, disappearing into the mortal realm with Ao Lui.

Something broke inside Ne Zha. Fire erupted from his body in a massive column that lit up the night sky, his scream of anguish and fury echoing across the heavens. "GIVE HIM BACK! GIVE ME BACK MY SON!"

The sound of Ne Zha's agonized roar reached the nursery, where Ao Bing still knelt. His fingers dug into the soft fabric of their son's blanket, pressing it to his face. The scent of his baby - a mixture of frost and embers that was uniquely Ao Lui - sent him over the edge.

Ao Bing threw his head back and screamed, a sound of pure maternal agony that shook the very foundations of the palace. Ice erupted around him, covering the walls and floor in razor-sharp crystals. His voice cracked and broke, becoming more draconic with each moment, but he couldn't stop screaming.

The servants backed away in terror as the nursery became a devastating display of their rulers' grief - one half coated in lethal ice, the other scorched by divine flames that poured in through the window. In the center of it all, the Dragon prince clutched his son's blanket and screamed until his voice gave out, while above, the Heavenly Emperor's flames painted the night sky with the color of his rage.

Their son, their precious little thunderstorm, was gone.