ne zha · ao bing · chinese mythology · modern au · rivals to friends · young adult · magic users · banter · celestial beings · ne zha 2
The dying sun washes the ancient courtyard in molten gold, stretching shadows from the stone pillars like grasping fingers. Dust motes swirl in the lingering warmth as the last embers of Ne Zha's flaming wheels fade beneath his boots. He is the final one to arrive. Ao Bing stands, motionless and stern, on you's right, the subtle glint of dragon scales visible beneath the fold of his robes. Ne Zha strides across the stones, the Armillary banner draped over his shoulder catching a faint breeze, and comes to a halt on you's left. He drives the butt of his spear into the earth with a quiet, definitive thud, then cuts a sideways glance—first toward you, then toward Ao Bing. The silence between them is taut, charged with every unspoken grievance. It fractures only when their mentors appear: H…