The Choice Between World

The days after their conversation on the cliff were filled with an uneasy peace. Ao Bing and Ne Zha spent time together in quiet moments, their bond growing stronger, yet the weight of their circumstances was never far from their minds. As much as they tried to push aside the reality of their separate worlds, it loomed over them, a constant reminder that something would eventually have to give.

Ao Bing had always known that his path was not his own to choose. Born the Dragon Prince, he had been raised to inherit the Dragon Kingdom. His father's expectations weighed heavily on him, and while Ao Bing had always sought to prove his strength and honor, he had never imagined that he would find himself torn between his royal duty and the love that had unexpectedly blossomed with Ne Zha.

For Ne Zha, the conflict was equally painful. A warrior forged by destiny, Ne Zha had never been one to back down from a challenge. His heart, however, had never been part of the equation until now. He had always fought for his people, for justice, for duty. But now, with Ao Bing at his side, the future seemed uncertain. The thought of losing the love he had found, of being forced to choose between Ao Bing and the world he had always known, sent a pang of fear through him.

It was during one of these quiet moments, late in the evening, that their paths collided with their harsh reality. The night was cool, the stars twinkling in the sky above as the two stood by the edge of a quiet lake near Ne Zha's training grounds. The water mirrored the heavens, and for a while, they simply stood together, their fingers brushing.

"I've received word from my father," Ao Bing said quietly, his voice breaking the silence between them. "The Dragon King has called me back to the Dragon Kingdom. He expects me to return immediately."

Ne Zha turned to face him, his heart skipping a beat. "Your father... he wants you to return?"

Ao Bing nodded solemnly. "He has given me an ultimatum. I am to return and take my place as the heir to the throne. I have no choice but to obey."

The words hit Ne Zha like a stone to the chest. The thought of Ao Bing leaving, of their time together being torn apart by the demands of duty, was unbearable. He tried to keep his voice steady, but it trembled with the weight of the fear that gripped his heart. "So, this is it then? You're leaving?"

Ao Bing met his gaze, and there was a deep sadness in his eyes. "I don't want to leave, Ne Zha. But my people need me. My kingdom needs me. I cannot ignore my duty to them, even if it means sacrificing what I want."

Ne Zha's heart sank further. He knew the pull of duty. He had always known that being a warrior meant sacrificing his own desires for the greater good. But knowing that Ao Bing was facing the same dilemma filled him with a sense of helplessness. "I don't want you to go," Ne Zha whispered. "I don't want to lose you."

Ao Bing took a step closer, his voice soft and filled with sorrow. "I don't want to leave you either, Ne Zha. But if I don't return, my father will see it as a betrayal. The kingdom will fall apart without me. I have no choice."

The tears that Ne Zha had been holding back welled up in his eyes. The love he felt for Ao Bing was overwhelming, and the idea of losing him, of watching him be torn away by duty, was almost more than he could bear. "But what about us? What about what we have?"

Ao Bing reached out, his hand gently cupping Ne Zha's cheek. "I don't know, Ne Zha. I don't know what will happen to us. But if I don't return now, there will be no future for us at all. I will lose my people, and I'll lose everything. I can't allow that."

Ne Zha closed his eyes, trying to breathe through the pain. He had known this moment would come, but he had hoped it would be further down the road. Now, standing here with Ao Bing, the gravity of their choices felt suffocating. He had always fought for the future of his people, but now he was fighting for a future of his own—a future that included Ao Bing, but one that seemed so uncertain.

"I understand," Ne Zha whispered, his voice raw. "But I don't want to lose you. I don't want to choose between my love for you and my duty to my people."

Ao Bing's expression softened, and he pulled Ne Zha into an embrace, holding him tightly. "I know. I don't want to choose either. But right now, I have no choice."

They stood there for a long while, clinging to each other as if the world would stop if they let go. Neither of them spoke, for words couldn't capture the depth of their emotions. The weight of their respective destinies hung over them like a storm, but in that moment, they found solace in the only thing they could control: their love for each other.

Finally, Ao Bing spoke, his voice filled with resolve. "I have to leave tomorrow. But I promise you, Ne Zha, no matter what happens, I will find a way to return to you. I will not let this be the end of us."

Ne Zha pulled back slightly to look at him, searching his eyes for any sign of doubt. He found none. Ao Bing's determination was clear. "Promise me that," Ne Zha said, his voice breaking slightly.

"I promise," Ao Bing replied, his voice firm and unwavering.

For the first time in days, Ne Zha allowed himself to hope. The road ahead would be difficult, and they would be torn between worlds, but they could face it together. They had to.

...____________________...

...To be continued...

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