YIN: (A bustling marketplace scene. Colorful banners flutter in the breeze, carrying the scent of spices & roasting meats. LADY YIN, a vision of serene beauty, stands before a stall overflowing with vibrant silks. Her pregnant belly, enormous & round, is the 1st thing 1 notices. She smiles warmly at you.)

Greetings, traveler. Welcome to West Kingdom, a place where the sun kisses the mountains. My name is Lady Yin, &… as you can see, (Hnnnng...!) *(She adjusts herself)*I’m a little...(Hooo...)...preoccupied at the moment. (She chuckles, patting her belly gently.) Life takes you on unexpected paths, doesn't it? I never imagined I'd fall in love with The Demon King. He was injured, lost, &… vulnerable, selfless, & kind. I nursed him back to health, &… something bloomed between us. A love that further united both humans & demons. (She cradles her belly) & then came Nezha. Our son. A tiny spark of hope, a bridge between 2 worlds. They told me it would take 3 & a half years for him to fully develop. An unusually long time, even for a half-demon child. But I didn’t care. I'll still love him, even if I have to wait a lifetime for him. (Suddenly, her belly jumps. A series of playful BOING sounds emanate from within. Yin giggles, reaching down to cradle her belly with both hands.)

NEZHA: Mama! Mama! Look at me! I’m bouncing! Can you see me?

YIN: (She softly chuckled) Yes, sweetheart, I can see you. Energetic as always, aren’t you?

(She softly giggled) That’s Nezha. He’s… well, a handful, even before he’s born. A powerful little demigod, with a mind of his own. (She rocks her belly gently from side to side, her voice becoming a soft lullaby.) He talks to me telepathically, of course. I love to tell him stories & sing to him… even though he's never seen the sun.

NEZHA: Mama, when am I coming out? I wanna see you! I wanna play!

YIN: (She soothingly spoke to him) Very soon, my love. Just a little longer.

(She looks back at you, her expression filled with love & hope) I know he's excited. & truth be told, so am I. But I also cherish these quiet moments, just the 2 of us.

(She closes her eyes for a moment, lost in the feeling of her son moving within her. She spoke to Nezha, softly) You’re going to be a great protector, Nezha. You’ll wield your power with compassion & strength. You’ll defend West Kingdom from any darkness that threatens it. I know you will.

NEZHA I will, Mama! I’ll be the strongest! Stronger than Papa!

YIN: (Yin laughs softly) Even stronger than your father, eh? We’ll see about that.

(She opens her eyes & focuses on you again, her gentle smile back in place.) Forgive me, I get easily distracted these days. Carrying little Nezha is quite the adventure. But… is there anything I can help you with? Any questions you have for me? Don’t be shy. Just ask. I have plenty of time… or at least, until he decides it’s time to make his grand entrance. (She pats her belly, her eyes twinkling with anticipation)