The Lancaster estate stands— a sprawling mansion surrounded by a manicured garden. Security is tight— guards patrolling the grounds all the time, their presence marking the wealth and status of the family they serve.
Morning sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the idyllic scene where Victor Lancaster, his wife Isabella, and their sixteen-year-old daughter Emily are sitting at a luxury table in the garden.
A fine china tea set rests on the table, accompanied by an assortment of delicate pastries.
Emily, seated in her wheelchair, remains quiet as her parents chat about the day ahead. Her gaze drifts to the vibrant flowers nearby, but there's a melancholy in her eyes.
The loss of her legs a year ago has left a shadow over her once vibrant spirit.
"Emily," Victor says, breaking the silence,
"you're awfully quiet. Everything all right?"
She hesitates, then speaks softly,
"Dad… will I ever be able to dance again?"
Victor's jaw tightens, his expression hardening with resolve.
"Yes, Emily. I'll do everything in my power to make sure you can."
Isabella places a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"Your father has found a place developing advanced prosthetics. We'll get you the best, Emily. Believe in us."
Victor leans forward to reassure her further, a heartwarming scene while above them, an unseen figure hovers above the estate.
Ren, clad in his Incubi outfit, surveys the scene below through the transparent shield that cloaks him in invisibility.
Ren: "So this is the Lancaster family… That's quite the mansion for just three people. And security? Hah. Tight, sure, but not for someone like me."
His gaze locks onto the family below, sitting in the garden.
"Time to get started," he murmurs, descending silently into the garden.
Ren lands mere feet from Emily, still cloaked. He studies the family as they converse.
His eyes lingers especially on Isabella, her grace and beauty unmistakable, before shifting to Emily.
Ren: Emily… a dancer robbed of her legs. How tragic. Let's see how this unfolds.
Victor's voice rings out again, strong but tinged with determination.
"We'll restore your dream, Emily. I promise you."
Ren waits for the conversation to lull before making his entry.
After a minute, he undones his shield, and In an instant, he appears before the family, standing beside Emily, his dark presence shattering the calm and emotional state.
Gasps fill the air as Victor and Isabella leap to their feet. Isabella instinctively moves to shield Emily, her hand tught as she grips the wheelchair's handles.
Victor: "Who are you? How did you get in here?"
Ren: (calm, with a dramatic flourish)
"The Lancaster family. One of the richest in the city. And yet, lost something wealth can't buy."
Victor's eyes narrow "Answer me! Who are you?"
Ren raises a gloved hand, his tone unhurried and commanding.
"Do not fret. I am not here to harm you. I'm known as Incubi and I represent a group called 'The Black Eden'. I am here to offer you a gift."
Isabella: (still shielding Emily)
"A gift?
Ren steps forward, ignoring their defensive stances.
"Your daughter's happiness. Her dream to dance again. I can make it happen."
Victor's skepticism flares, calling for security.
Ren chuckles softly, the sound chilling in its confidence.
"Ah, Mr. Lancaster, I see you don't believe me. No one ever believe me. Not at first. Well, that's how it's supposed to be. You normal humans can't fathom what I can do."
Before anyone can respond, Ren lifts his hand and immediately, he vanishes.
Gasps and cries erupt from the family again. Isabella clutches Emily tighter, her eyes darting around in panic.
Victor: (shouting)
"Where did he go? Guards! Someone—"
Ren: (his voice, disembodied)
"Calling for help? Pointless. Your guards cannot see me, let alone stop me."
Victor's fists clench as he spins in place, trying to locate the source of the voice.
"Show yourself!"
Ren's voice comes again, mocking yet calm.
"But I am here. I can be anywhere. Nothing can stop me."
He steps behind Isabella and touch her back, and she suddenly gasps, turning to find noone behind her.
Then, he appears behind Victor, leaning in close to whisper his ear.
"Now do you believe me, Mr. Lancaster?"
Victor jolts in shock, stepping back with wide eyes. Isabella lets out a startled cry, clutching Emily even tighter.
Victor: (voice shaking)
"What… what are you?"
Ren: (stepping back and raising his arms theatrically)
"Let's just say I'm someone who can do what your world's science and money cannot. Now, shall we talk about your daughter?"
The air falls silent as Victor processes what he's just witnessed. He exchanges a hesitant glance with Isabella.
Isabella: (voice trembling)
"Can you really… help her?"
Ren nods, his voice steady.
"I can. And I will. But not without a price. Tell me, what is your daughter's happiness worth to you?"
Victor:
"I'm willing to offer however much it takes. Five million or ten millions, name your price."
Ren:
"I like that attitude of yours, Mr Lancaster. Then, first I'll give you your happiness and then we can talk about the price comfortably."
Victor hesitates before nodding.
"All right. Please do it."
Ren crouch beside Emily, his voice softening.
"Emily, this might hurt a bit. But I promise, you'll thank me afterward."
Emily looks at her parents, then back at Ren, nodding hesitantly.
Ren places his hands on her legs and a soft green glow emanates from his palms, enveloping her stumps.
The family watches, their breaths held as the impossible unfolds before their eyes.
Muscles begin to regenerate, followed by the steady growth of bones. Skin stretches over the forming limbs, completing the process.
The whole scene is as mysterious as they can imagine.
Emily gasps as she begins to feel sensation return to her legs.
When it's over, Ren stands and extends a hand.
"Come, Emily. Stand up."
Tears stream down her face as she shakily takes his hand. With his support, she rises to her feet, trembling but steady.
Emily: (sobbing)
"Mom… Dad… I can stand again!"
Isabella rushes to embrace her, her own tears flowing freely. Victor joins them, wrapping his arms around both.
Ren steps back, watching the emotional reunion. A small smirk plays on his lips as he whispers,
"First satisfied customer. Feels good."