ACT 1
Prologue: A Hero is Conceived
Lotus Prince, o Lotus Prince
A danger to us all
Either death by his hands
Or mercy, large and small
(At Nuwa's abode…)
"Wo de erzi," whispered a soft, wintery voice into the palms of her hands. She puckered her lips and blew softly into her hands as light poured from her lips in pure delight. She gently closed her eyes in happiness, bringing both her hands close to her chest, wanting the small figure in her palms to feel her heartbeat. She let out a sigh in ecstasy and chuckled warmly. Around her the air was cool and frosty, much like the breathtaking moment happening, and the bright, illuminated moon beamed down upon her, casting her ivory moonlit rays to the goddess' direction, showering her in pretty little stardust. The snake goddess let out an airy giggle and reached down to dig her nails into the earth. Her fingers enveloped the clay as power and magic began to glow beneath her skin to signify something amazing about to happen.
"My child," she breathed, forming a shape with the lump of dirt she dug. She pressed her dainty fingers into the dirt lump and began to carve a tiny shape, then a nose, lips, ears, eyes, and tiny hands. Then suddenly the little figure began to glow brightly as a lotus imprint was marked on it. She laughed cheerfully as her heart began to overflow with pure jubilance. She smiled at her newest creation and let out a soft sigh.
"This new creation, born from the earth, and destined from the Heavens, you my child, are no ordinary human. I speak unto thee, awaken, as the time has finally come for you to walk upon the earth," she cooed into her palm, and with that, the lump of dirt transformed into a tiny embryo. The embryo began to squirm and blood coursed through its arteries and veins. Black tiny eyes emerged from its head and oxygen began to fill its lungs. Cells formed organelles, organelles formed organs, organs formed organ systems, and muscles began to cocoon the embryo. Life has been born, and it is most precious. Such a tiny gift rests upon the snake woman's palms. The goddess beamed at the tiny baby as tears began to stream from her eyes. Just like the first day she created all mankind, she wept.
She lay an elegant finger on the head of the embryo and spoke a blessing to the child. As she did, the embryo was engulfed in magic sparkles. She then looked up into the sky and closed her eyes.
"Taiyi Zhenren," she commanded.
Immediately a bright light appeared before her and an old man stood before her. He wore long robes that fluttered through the cool, midnight breeze. He adorned an impressive beard and a fancy headpiece to symbolize his status as an Immortal. His friendly eyes sparkled at the goddess and he peered into her palms.
"Lady Nuwa," he greeted, and his voice rumbled throughout the atmosphere in escalating power. Nuwa could feel such an immense power coming from the Immortal, yet he could sense even more power coming from the embryo that lay in her hands. "He radiates with unbelievable power," he breathed.
"Taiyi Zhenren, this child needs a mother. Come with me and lets meet her and bring her a gift."
Together the snake goddess and the Immortal vanished in a shroud of light and sparkles, leaving Nuwa's abode behind. They carried the tiny human across a supernatural realm before appearing in the bedroom of a sleeping woman.
There she lay asleep soundly on her large, comfy bed. A gentle wind passed by her window, causing the fancy curtains to sway and dance to the rhythm of the wind. Such wind delivers the presence of something… magical. An introduction to the two heavenly figures Nuwa, Goddess of Creation, and Taiyi Zhenren, an Immortal Sage. They arrived promptly and analyzed the sleeping woman before them.
The atmosphere was thickly laden with soft laughter and unshakable happiness and warmth. Something astounding is about to unravel. A goodly aura fills and consumes the room, washing over the woman like a wave. It was thrilling.
"Taiyi Zhenren, this is Lady Li Yinshi of Chen Tang Pass. She is the wife of General Li Jing, a man tasked to control and patrol this region of China. She will be the vessel to hold, to conceive, and to birth this little embryo."
As the goddess spoke, Taiyi Zhenren looked at the woman's delicate and beautiful face. Her face displayed femininity and kindness, and her heart read unconditional love. Love sprung to life from her very spirit, and her spirit was lively and pure. All this positive aura spewing from her moved the great sage.
"Taiyi," whispered the goddess as she reached for his hand, "here. Take this child and place it in the womb of that woman."
Taiyi Zhenren nodded with understanding, took the embryo, and floated right next to the woman. As he held the baby in his palms, his heart swelled with glee, and so much power and potential was emitted from the tiny soul. With his power, his hand phased right through her belly, then he gently pulled it back out. As he did, the woman squirmed slightly and her face contorted to show discomfort. She moaned softly. But then her husband's hand came from her left and touched her back to console her.
"It is done. Fate is sealed. Destiny awaits," he spoke as he closed his eyes. He then leaned close to the woman's ear and whispered, "Take this child and nurture him to be a wonderful boy. He will be your son, and salvation."
Suddenly a huge gust of wind came tumbling through and lightning flared up in the sky, causing thunder to erupt increasingly. A storm was approaching soon. But that did not stir the sleeping couple nor the two heavenly beings.
Nuwa and Taiyi Zhenren then rose higher.
"This child I now proclaim shall be destined to be a hero, to be the hope of this town, and be the leader of a great army, and the protector of this nation. He shall endure many trials and heartbreaks as well as happiness and success. It is now written in Heaven that soon the Shang will fall, and this boy whom I have created will help catalyze its downfall."
In a flash of lightning, the two of them disappeared into thin air as the storm worsened outside. The wind howled mercilessly, almost as if it was an actual roar of a dragon perhaps. It crashed against the trees and slammed forcefully against houses, ensuring that everything in its path is obliterated. The sky was a canvas of despairing gloominess, a sea of restless monstrosity as thick, gray clouds blanketed the sky with its darkness.
Yet inside the large mansion positioned on top of a hill, all was calm and still, not a single soul stirred from the wild storm raging outside. It was seemingly protected by an invisible force that surrounded the mansion. It couldn't be harmed.
And for the whole night the storm continued unceasingly, with great tenacity, in astounding volume, a ravenous beast that raged through its meal.
Simultaneously, the little embryo growing inside Yin's belly squirmed and kicked to the beat of the thunderous storm, already the playful boy he'll be.
Wo de erzi (我的儿子): My son
NOTE: There will be some Chinese spoken this story, not because I don't want you to understand, but for you to learn. Don't worry, I'll translate. Also, there will be original blurbs here in there as my own interpretation to the story and to fill in between some of the actual story elements to keep the story going, or to provide transition. This retelling isn't 100% accurate, it's simply my own interpretation, and there are different versions of this story too so, keep that in mind. Thanks, and enjoy! :) Comment, review, favorite, follow!
