Back in time

NeZha was walking in the garden, the small child had gotten himself in trouble lately. Erlang told him to make some friends but NeZha knew that wasn't happening any time soon. After all kids were terrified of him and his power. NeZha just continue on with his day and felt annoyed with the suggestion. He then notice a bit group of kids not too far from him. They were gather around someone, NeZha just smirk as he approach and had a idea he was going to have some fun. He got closer and closer before he used his flame powers to cover himself in fire and made himself look like a big fire monster making a awful face. The children had turn from the shock and began to yell before running away. There was someone on that seem to have been in the middle who was shock but haven't run, it was a young Ao Bing. NeZha found this odd and made more scary face. But Ao Bing just gazed with teary eyes. NeZha's fire then went away revealing himself which caused a spark of curiosity in Ao Bing as soon as he realize it was just him.

"You are suppose to run off scared, it's boring if you dont" said NeZha frowning.

Ao Bing rub his tears away, as he did not say a single word which cause NeZha some discomfort. "Weirdo" he said before walking away. He was unaware of the impact he left of the younger Ao Bing.

Later that day NeZha was just sitting in a tree laying back relaxing near a fountain, his eyes were close though he wasn't sleeping. His hands on the back of his head supporting, while his legs were cross. He heard a bit of bickering. He turn his head to check what it was leaning a bit forward before noticing it was Ao Bing the kid from before. He seem to be nervous and holding a little bento, he didn't notice NeZha had spotted him already. As soon as his eyes moved towards NeZha's direction he let out a small yelp by surprise.

"Oh its you again" said NeZha as he got up getting close to him. "What do you-" NeZha was silent as Ao Bing had bow and extended his hands putting the bento close to him.

"W-Would you like to share some dumplings?!" Ao Bing ask.

NeZha expression change to a surprise as no one ever ask him to share a bento, he didn't knew how to respond to that exactly. "uh okay?" He said with a bit of hesitation.

Ao Bing looked up at him "Really?" He was just as surprised as he didn't expect NeZha to even accept.

"Yeah well its lunch time and I am hungry, also if they are bad I just won't eat them" he said looking away putting his hands behind his neck.

Ao Bing just gave him a polite smile showing a bit of his fangs all excited. "Y-You will like them I made them with my big brother" he said as he sat down. NeZha just sat next to him as he tried the dumpling and it was so delicious.

~ It was something NeZha could never forget to this day. As he sat in the ship next to Ao Bing all he could remember was all they did when they were young kids. He wonder how much Ao Bing had actually change from being a sweet child. Ao Bing and Red Son continue to share their info.

"Here" said Ao Bing as he manage to track it down.

"Nice it worked! I mean it seems your technology is almost as advance as mine that is" Said Red Son

as he didn't want to show he was impressed too much.

Ao Bing just looked up at him after that and just chuckled, which cause Red Son's cheeks to change a bit of color as he felt a little emberassed.

"Well I'll just sit down" Red Son said going to his seat.

Ao Bing just follow the track as it seem it was going to take them on land, his ship could reach above but just not run on land. Ao Bing didn't stop though as he needed to get that Crystal Lotus back, he stop at nothing. Even thought this was basically the first time in many years he had been in the world above the dragons temple. His ship reaching to the surface stopping on the sand as it could not go any farther.

"Wait how did they get the ship out in land?" MK question as he notice it was beyond their point which means it had run on land.

"Huh... heh it has other settings" said Red Son rubbing the back of his head as he didn't expected them to find out. "So how do we keep tracking it if the tracker is still in your ship?" Red Son question Ao Bing.

Ao Bing didn't respond to him instead he was going to show him. He press a few keys around it and it made a sound detaching the the tracker. He grab a hold on the sides as it was now in his hands.

"Oh that's so handy" said Red Son as he was impressed once more.

"Well now that you nerds have gotten your dose of technology" Wukong said opening the top, to get out.

They all got out of the ship getting onto the sand of the beach.

"Ah finally sweet sweet land" said Mei as she laid back on the sand moving her hands back and forth like making a snow angel but in the sand.

"What are you doing?" Red Son question in a annoying way as he thought it was very bizarre of her to do this.

"Its a snowangel but in the sand, I call it a sandangel" said Mei giving a big smile as she was proud of that even thought Red Son face palm.

As soon as Ao Bing felt the sand under his boots it felt quiet different. Everything not only felt different but also looked different. Ao Bing couldn't help but crouch down grabbing some dry sand letting it rest in his hand before slowly letting it fall back. It was a reaction that called Nezha's attention as he looked over at him when he started doing such a thing.

"The sand feels so different, so dry and warm" said Ao Bing as he compared it to the sand under the water was more cold and clumpy.

"Yup that's out of water sand for you!" Said Mei as she suddenly appear next to him in a quick manner.

Ao Bing got up "Yes..." he then put a fist against is own hand, as they were in front of his head and bow. "My apologies for what happened before" he apologized to them.

"Hey we are all good" said MK as he showed him a thumbs up.

"Besides the fact you tried to make us glacier its fine I guess" Red Son cross his arms.

"Yeah so your Ao Guang son? I am decendant of the east dragon" said Mei excited to be up close to Ao Bing.

Ao Bing looked at her surprise "We are family? Strange you do not look like you could be part of the dragon clan" Ao Bing looked around her face to see if he could find any scales and then checked the top of her head but no horns.

"I may not look dragon! But I am as fierce as one! Also I love your dragon armor, the long sleeves under it looks good, what is it a type of bathing suit?" Mei ask pulling at the navy blue sleeve on his arm.

"Huh it's just a full body suit under" said Ao Bing smiling a little nervously.

"And the armor? Is that real dragon scales?" Mei ask touching over the armor.

Ao Bing nod "Yes they are authentic dragons scales".

Mei's eyes sparkle as well as MK as he joined beside her to admire it. Red Son pulled them both back.

"Do you two mind? We are in the middle of a mission here" said Red Son reminding them why they were there.

"Right! right side tracked" said MK rubbing the back of his own head.

Ao Bing took out the tracker that was hanging from his side, probably attach to the belt of his armor. He saw the dot flashing, NeZha stood next to him Ao Bing looking at the tracker it was hard for him to understand. Ao Bing gaze at the tracker for a moment and then notice NeZha's reflection on it. Ao Bing looked over at him, now that he was much closer he could see the lotus prince well. He looked quiet handsome from the last time he had seen him. He felt his cheeks warm a bit as he was there, but quickly looked back at his tracker.

"They got pretty far but they seem to have stopped" said Ao Bing to clarify to all of them.

"Then it's settle let's get moving" said NeZha as he wasn't going to waist any time.

Mei was using her own GPS on her phone as she was locating where exactly they were heading to. "Hold on we are heading into Metropolis?" Mei question.

"Is there a problem?" NeZha question as he continue ahead and stop abruptly as she just showed up in front of them even though she was right behind them not long ago.

"Ofcourse there is a problem! You guys are way our of style! Besides when was the last time you guys hanged out around basic city folk?" Mei question crossing her arms.

Ao Bing and NeZha didn't even answer as neither of them probably seen civilization. Heck he pretty sure Ao Bing hasn't even seen basic land animals. Considering as he saw a snake in that exact moment, and was fascinated staring at it he was about to touch it but Red Son quickly grab his arm

stopping him.

"Clearly you are very out dated" said Mei.

"Well there is nothing a simple change of style can't fix, I was thinking maybe basic school boy or gamer guy" said MK as this terms were very unfamiliar to them.

"They are going to the city not school noodle brain, they need something that is more in style and trending" said Red Son as he looked at both of them closely and snap his fingers. First NeZha was the one cover in the flames changing his outfit.

Mei and MK gas as their eyes sparkle "That looks tight!" Said MK as he was impressed. Red Son just smirk as he knew he did a good job.

Nezha had a balck shirt with his name on it, his pants seem to be a bit looser and had pockets all on the side. His black boots had a more glossy look to them as they were not too long. He also had a red long sleeved jacket on and atleast keep his golden bracelets.

"Yas NeZha looks like a biker boy!" Said MK.

"He looks more like a rockstar to me" said Mei.

Ao Bing looked at the outfit from head to toe and had to admit it had quiet a appealing factor to it. NeZha felt odd pulling on the sleeve to check the material. It didn't seem like it was going to be much good for combat.

"Okay now Ao Bing" said Red Son snapping his fingers as his outfit changed as well.

While on the other hand Ao Bing had white shirt with blank jeans they had some tears as the desing but still had cloth under. His boots were the same as NeZha's, he had a black chocker that has a basic silver hoop dangling. He also had a long sleeve jacket that seem to have hits of pink and blue but reflected like a pearl.

"This is quiet unique human attire" Ao Bing said checking the outfit.

NeZha looked at it and it was quiet much more colorful than his own but looked good.

"You guys look great and Ao Bing almost looks like this guy from my favorite Kpop boy band" Mei said as she was showing the picture freaking out.

"Yeah! You look like Chase! Except you know his hair is shorter" MK agreed.

"Funny you should mention it cause I based off Ao Bing's outfit on Chase's from that band" said Red Son as he was aware of the band she liked.

"No way! You know the band as well?!" MK ask Red Son.

"Ofcourse I know the band, I have all their CDs and their latest charm" said Red Son as he pulled it out of his jacket. MK and Mei were fingerling at this point as they didn't expect Red Son to be into their same band.

"Yeah can you guys stop fangirling for a second, and actually get to what we are here for" said Wukong as he cover his head with a hood having changed already into his basic outfit he had went into the city with once before.

"I will have to agree with Wukong on this, we have no time to waist" said NeZha.

They cooled down and nod as they enter the city. It was a little jarring at first seen so many building with lights and people walking around talking, eating, some with their animals.

"So this is how the mortals have advance?" NeZha question looking around.

"Yup shocking how much technology we us" said Mei as she was still on her phone.

"Huh guys we lost Monkey King" said MK as he notice he wasn't with the group anymore.

"Oh great, forget it we don't have time to look for him, let's just move on he can catch up later" said NeZha as he really didn't want to waist any time looking for Sun Wukong.

Ao Bing track the vehicle as it seemed to be neatly parked in the street. It seem to have turned into a car, Red Son recognize it as he remember that was one of the features he had added for quick travel.

"There it is" said Red Son as they quickly went to surround it. Red Son opened the door of the car looking inside, it seem there was nothing and no one inside. "They must have left the car and keep on moving" said Red Son.

"Hold on what is that?" MK ask noticing a symbol inside the car. It looked like a medallion.

Red Son grab it pulling it out, it seem to have some kind of snake symbol.

'Yes I know this symbol, it belongs to the Demon Snake King, no lie he must be behind all of this" Ao Bing said seriously as he had learn about their symbol.

"We have out culperate then, all we have to do is find where they are hiding" said NeZha.

"Then we are going to have to split up to search the area better, Mei and Red Son you two are the fast one. Ao Bing and NeZha can search the less crowded side of town in the west side. I'll go above the buildings swinging around checking anything I find suspicious. Search all of the streets keep eye open for any snake demons" MK explained as it seem to be a pretty solid plan.

They split up but before they did they all had walkie-talkies handed out, it was night time in the city and they atleast expect it to be a little more clear but there was so many people all around. Red Son was in the car driving all around checking all corners. Mei was in her motorcycle as she drove all around as well checking but had seen nothing yet. MK on the other hand was on the roof going around looking to see if he could find anyone suspicious.

Ao Bing didn't take his tracker out for any reason as now it was completely useless with nothing capable of tracking. Ao Bing looked around the area very curious with everything in his new surroundings. Ao Bing could even smell the alluring scents of the food being prepared all around. NeZha on the other hand was more alert as he then notice some strange figure from the distance they seem to have capes covering all the way to their heads. He grab Ao Bing's arm calling his attention.

"Over there" Nezha said said referring to the ones that were wearing the capes.

Ao Bing was a bit caught off guard by the way NeZha grabbed him but looked over and saw a slight hint of the snake symbol on them. They went into the record store.

"Come on before we lose sight" said Ao Bing heading straight into the store.

They both went in the same store but didn't see them anymore. "Where have they gone to?" Ao Bing question.

"Search around the building nothing gets uncover" said NeZha, Ao Bing nod as he started his search all over the rows.

Ao Bing perk his ear and looked over as he heard some of the people gossiping and looking over at him. He paid little attention and keep on walking, he was fully concentrated on looking for the Snake clones. A group of regular then approach him "Are you Chase?"

Ao Bing was caught off guard looking over at the female from the group, she seemed pretty young the brunette seem to be holding a cd of the band MK, Mei, and Red Son loved so much. "What?" Ao Bing question

"Oh my gosh you must be him! You let your hair grow?" She ask

"Man you looking good with the style" said one of the guys. This group was about 7 people but the more they paid attention the more the people around started looking over.

"Huh! You are confusing me for someone else" said Ao Bing as he moved away from them, Ao Bing didn't feel bother dealing with people but having a group crowd him like this was not something he liked either.

"Aww man don't be like that we are big fans Chase" he said as the group keep growing getting close to him.

"But I am not Chase I am Ao Bing, please I do not wish to be corner" he said moving back clenching his fist as his body began to grow colder. A guy was taking pictures of him which made him very uncomfortable he cover his eyes as the flash bother him, this was giving him a bad flashback. A memory of how when he was young he was surrounded the same way. This memory wasn't pleasant. He was just a child trying to get friends but instead the kids would surround him call him names and even tell him he was freak. It was the most heartbreaking thing he ever felt. Ao Bing's let out a cold breath as he felt like he was going to burst any moment. He then notice it just stopped, Ao Bing uncover his face just to see NeZha in front of him. He had grab the camera by the lens covering it with his hand.

"Mortals if you do not stop bothering him, then I will have no other choice but to harshly remove you" NeZha warned with a glare as he did not take a liking to them bothering Ao Bing

"Man we just trying to take pictures of Chase why you gotta be ruining the moment" the guy argued with NeZha.

In that moment NeZha didn't hesitate as he grab the camera and smash it with his bare hands causing everyone to flinch and back up. "M-my camera!" He yelled

"Forget it Lary let's just go" said the female as they all backed up and left them alone not wanting to confront the intimidating Celestial being.

Ao Bing couldn't help but feel this was the past repeating itself in a way. How years ago as kid he was surrounded by kids in the Celestial Realm.

~ He just approach them wanting to get to know them a bit maybe even form of bond.

"Why would we play with you? You are too brutal" said a kid.

"Yeah you hurt a kid once" one said.

As the young Ao Bing shook his head "No it was not like that I didn't meant to I was just playing" said Ao Bing

"You are too rough like a monster" one said

Ao Bing was surrounded by the kids as he looked down he cover his ears and tear up. His breath getting so cold as his body began to spread the cold. In that moment the kids ran off screaming. Ao Bing turned around to see the fire figure before it tuned into the young NeZha. He was upset he couldn't get a reaction out of Ao Bing and just left. Ao Bing blink gazed as he left and felt this sudden determination.

"I want to be his friend!" He said to himself.

He ran back to his second brother Ao Yi pulling on his sleeve and explained to him what had happen excitedly as his brother who closely listen. Ao Yi and Ao Bing had always been quiet close, Ao Yi had light blue hair almost white, his horns were the same as his father's and also had green eyes much like him and the same scales. He was wearing the royal dragon attire. He watch amused as Ao Bing explained.

"And then ge burst into flames scaring the kids away... but he left... brother I want to learn to make dumplings" Ao Bing said looking up at him.

"You mean like mother use to make?" Ao Yi question.

"Yes! I want him to be my friend! Please help me make them" Said Ao Bing pulling on his sleeve.

"Alright Alright calm down I'll help you" said Ao Yi chuckling as he was happy for Ao Bing. He helped him make the dumplings just like how their mother use to make. Ao Bing was so excited jumping up and down as Ao Yi finish tying up the bento.

"Come on hurry" said Ao Bing as he was desperate.

"Alright it's all done" sId Ao Yi as he handed it to Ao Bing smiling.

"Thank you!" Ao Bing said as he quickly ran off to look for Nezha.

~

Right now in those moments seen NeZha defend him like he did once as a child made Ao Bing feel in a way good yet troubled. NeZha and turn his attention towards Ao Bing, Ao Bing froze a little as he was caught a bit off guard. NeZha touch his shoulder sizzling a bit. Nezha was naturally very warm so he could feel that Ao Bing temperature was really dropping.

"You are freezing up, come I think you need a breather" said NeZha as he went outside the store with him.

Ao Bing followed NeZha out the all the way towards the alley way. Ao Bing laid his back against the wall trying to calm himself. NeZha approach him and opened his jacket.

"W-what are you doing?" Ao Bing question as he close to him.

"Just providing some heat" said NeZha as he grab Ao Bing hands leading them towards his torso.

Upon touching him there was a sizzling sound. Ao Bing was a little bit hesitant as it was unexpected to just touch him like this. His cheeks had a bit of a pink hue as he then press his body onto NeZha's as the heat and cold clash in those moment. Ao Bing breath deeply relaxing his head resting it on his shoulder, the heat help stabilize his body temperature much quicker. NeZha looked at Ao Bing and couldn't held but feel himself fluster a bit at this, having Ao Bing press against him made his heart skip a beat.

"Thank you NeZha" said Ao Bing as his cheek moved a bit on his shoulder.

"I'm just providing heat is all" said NeZha.

"For helping in there" Ao Bing specify to him. "I thought I was going to break at any moment. It seems I still let my emotions get the best of me" said Ao Bing as he felt ashamed of that, at this stage he thought he be more controlling. He looked at the palm of his own hand it just had a tiny piece of ice on it. When he saw NeZha's hand press it self on top helping him melt that little piece off. Ao Bing felt so safe in NeZha's arms it was hard to explained. He looked up at him.

"I sometimes let my anger get the best of me, I guess it happens to the both of us" said NeZha looking at Ao Bing.

They both had a soft look in their eyes as they were close. Unconsciously their faces moved closer like as if they didn't knew their limit to stop. Ao Bing grip on NeZha's shirt tighten, Ao Bing's lip quiver a bit as he could feel NeZha's warm breath. Even thought he was caught up in the moment Ao Bing notice the Snake Clones coming out of the music store.

"N-NeZha look" he quickly place a hand on his shoulder and pointed at the snake clones.

NeZha looked over seen them and pulled back "There they are, time to move" he said got ready to charge at them.

"Wait" Ao Bing said but it was too late as NeZha had already charged and kicked both snake clones down to the ground.

The snake clones grunted as they turned and quickly got up looking over at NeZha. They both took a deep breath as they took out some rattles that looked like snake rattles as they began to shake them violently. The around was very loud and it hurt. Ao Bing and NeZHa cover their heads as the sound

was irritating. Nezha summoned his lotus pedals hitting one if the rattled, while Ao Bing mimic the move with his dragon scales. They hit the clones with their weapons causing a big explosion as a aftermath of their attack. MK who was in the roofs notice the explosion and took out his walkie-talkie.

"Explosion in the west city" MK informed Mei and Red Son.

"Roger!" Mei answer back as she turned around.

"On it" Red Son said as he made a rough u turn going straight west.

MK jumped through the building arriving quickly seen the people gather around NeZha and Ao Bing who had both snake clones trapped in a big block of ice.

"Huh guys!" MK went over to them freaking out a bit.

"We have them the Snake King's snake clones" said Ao Bing looking over at MK.

"Yes but you guys cause a big commotion, the idea was to blend in and not call attention" said MK sweating a bit.

NeZha and Ao Bing forgot about that detail and as they smiled nervously. "Sorry" both apologized.

To be continue...