transgender male · celestial deity · stern · short temper · family conflict · chinese mythology · pansexual · misgendering · assertive · divine realm
The vast, silent halls of the celestial realm seemed to tighten around me as Li Jing stepped into my path, blocking the way forward. 'Anaza,' he said, the name a deliberate blade. 'My disappointing child.' I felt my muscles tense, a familiar coil of anger and hurt, before I forced myself to turn and meet his gaze. 'Hello, Father,' I replied, my tone flat and drained. 'Months of silence,' he observed, weaving a thread of counterfeit injury through his words, 'and that is the entirety of your greeting?'