Chapter #5The Ring of Absorption by: Ëtalfni   "Here we are," said Stephanie as she returned with seemingly nothing. "Just the thing that could really boost your confidence when it comes to your friend."
"Confidence?" Judy asked with a laugh. "I suppose that's fair. But what could you give me that would help in that regard?"
"One of my favorite toys that I've used from time to time, though it has been quite awhile since I've brought it out for myself. You could call it something of an heirloom, I'd wager. But I sense now is the time to pass it along, despite it serving me well for many years. I feel as though it is you who needs it more than I right now."
Judy held up her paws to receive Stephanie's gift, which happened to be a small golden ring with a bead of an emerald at its head. What was most curious of all was the fact that it seemed like a perfect fit for someone that was Judy's size. Which was odd, especially considering that a giant like Stephanie claimed she had used it all the time in the past. Had Stephanie once been a great deal smaller than she presently was? Or...Had the ring somehow shaped itself to match someone of Judy's size? It was an odd thought as Judy realized that Stephanie was looking down at her, almost like she was expecting something from her. A reaction.
"...It's very pretty," Judy admitted. "But I don't see how it's going to help me feel more confident."
"Well, that's because you're not wearing it, hun. Put it on your finger and take a look."
Incredulous but also curious, Judy hesitantly slipped the ring on her middle digit and flexed. How strange that it seemed to be an exact size to match, in fact she'd dare say that she never had a more ideal-fitting piece of jewelry before almost like it was tailor made just for her. Though that wasn't the oddest thing.
The oddest thing was Judy did feel a noticeable difference of...Something. Like a growing feeling welling up deep in the center of her being. She couldn't describe it. It was like wearing the ring had given her a sense of power that was steadily rising. Very faint, but if she closed her eyes she could almost feel it pulsing.
"Wow," said Judy. "You weren't kidding. This is amazing! I feel great! Is this like one of those special metals or something? Like that's supposed to help with blood flow?"
"Something like that," Stephanie smirked.
Little did Judy know, while she was feeling great and powerful, Stephanie was feeling a bit drained. Though this was to be expected as the item she had given Judy was a little trinket known as the Ring of Absorption. Though completely harmless on its own, once worn the wearer emitted a sort of aura around themselves. Anyone who passed within this aura, namely by being near the wearer of the ring, would experience a slight weakened sensation like the energy was slowly being sapped out of them. Prolonged exposure would mean that the victim(s) would actually begin being absorbed by the ring, specifically their body mass. The mass would then transfer to the ring wearer, causing them to grow while their victims shrunk. Of course, the process was a slow process and Stephanie had plenty of height to spare.
"Seeing as you like it," continued the shopkeeper. "I'd be willing to part with it, no charge. Call it a free sample."
"Really? Wow, thank you. I feel bad though...It looks very valuable."
"Nonsense! I know you'll put it to good use so I'd be happy to gift it to you. Do have fun, my dear."
Judy couldn't help but be anything but pleased. This shop owner was nice, nothing like Nick when they first met. And the ring truly was beautiful, if nothing else. Though she wasn't quite sure how it was supposed to help her with her original problem of trying to get a certain someone's attention. Perhaps she would just have to wait and see. Maybe all that was needed was a little confidence, not knowing exactly what the true properties of the ring was yet. She would go around today draining people and not even realizing it.
Judy's first victim would happen to be...  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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