A shopkeeper stretches out her long fingers, gawking at the large ring on her left index finger. The crimson hue of the reflected light from the ring bounces off the brick walls and the silver equipment scattered around. Aisha stands in front of the counter, patiently waiting for the final appraisal.
"Marvelous. This ring relic that you've found can increase the user's striking power!"
"How can you tell?"
"Hold your hand up."
"Like…this?"
Aisha reluctantly raises up her hand, unsure of the reasoning. The shopkeeper cracks her knuckles as she smirks.
"Perfect. Hold still!"
Smack
She lightly jabs Aisha's palm with her right hand.
"How did that feel?"
"Well, it was–"
"Rhetorical question–just remember your answer, okay? Brace yourself, I'm aiming for your other hand this time."
Smack!
"!"
The shopkeeper immediately repeats the process of striking Aisha's palm with her left hand that is equipped with the ring. Aisha shakes her hand from the impact.
"Based on your reaction, I can tell that you understand the difference, correct?"
"Your hand that was equipped with the ring packed a harder punch…though not by much."
"Bah, melee attacks aren't my forte anyway. The point was to demonstrate the ring's capabilities. With that being said, there are some downsides: namely, it only increases the power of one hand only, and even then it's only a slight increase as you observed. I also felt my hand take just a bit of recoil, which would only amplify in prolonged fights. Where did you find such an item?"
"Sorry, but that's a little secret!"
Aisha winks at the shopkeeper and playfully waves her finger. The shopkeeper shakes her head, then shrugs.
"Sigh, as expected of you treasure hunters. Anyway, I'll give you…300 gold for this. Deal?"
"Deal."
The two women give each other a firm handshake, followed by the shopkeeper transferring a sack of coins to Aisha.
300 gold coins for a fairly underwhelming relic? Not a bad deal at all. I can use this money to fund even more expeditions in other countries. Among other things…
"Well, it was nice doing business with you, Ms. Tackle. Please come again for equipment appraisals or to buy your equipment needs!"
"Please wait; before I go, there's one more thing…"
"?"
Aisha reaches into a purse that is strapped across her torso. She takes out a mask, captivating the shopkeeper's attention.
"I also found this mask. Could you appraise the value of this relic as well?"
"Hmm, how strange. I've never seen such an item before….sure, I'll take a quick look."
"Thanks."
Aisha hands the mask over to the shopkeeper, making sure to handle it delicately.. After inspecting the mask briefly, the shopkeeper puts the mask on her face.
"How do I look to you? Notice anything?"
"Yep, it's confirmed–that mask doesn't suit you at all."
"That's not what I meant, silly girl. But I can't disagree with you, heheh."
She takes the mask off her face and gives it back to Aisha.
"The mask had no effect on my end. I thought that perhaps it affected the way others can see the wearer, but apparently not."
"So what is its worth?"
"I don't think I can sell it…not for a profit at least. It seems to have no special attributes that would appeal to customers. I'd advise selling it to a fashion store, especially one that specializes in masks. I'm sure that someone out there would find it appealing. You youngsters would wear anything these days."
"I see…oh well. Thanks again, Miss Mae."
"My pleasure."
After she gathers her bearings, Aisha heads towards the front of the shop near the exit.
Well, I suppose that I have no other choice but to keep this mask with me. There has to be something special about it; I just need to figure out its activation trigger...
Thud!
"?!"
Not being cognizant of where she was heading, Aisha stumbles into a man wearing a purple cloak. Although she retains her balance to prevent her fall, the mask she was holding dropped.
"Oh no, I apologize for my carelessness! I was too focused on something, and I wasn't paying attention to where–"
Aisha's words are put to an abrupt stop as the man places his finger over the center of her lips. His finger is coated in lip gloss.
"It's okay, there's no need to worry your heart out. Perhaps I could have been a little more careful myself."
The man in purple bends down to pick up the fallen mask. With a graceful gesture, he presents it to Aisha.
"I believe that this is yours, right?"
"Yeah…that's right…"
His voice is so smooth…
His silver hair gleams in the daylight…
His body is so slender, yet muscular…
I just want to–
Grrrr
"?!"
"Are you okay? You looked a little zoned out for a moment."
The silver haired man is still holding the mask, waiting for Aisha to finally take it. His facial expression displays his concern.
"Sorry about that! It seems that I am a bit absentminded today. I'll take it, thank you so much."
What am I, a little girl? How embarrassing of me! I better get away from this man as soon as possible….for both of our sakes.
"Well, I won't interfere with your errands any longer. Thanks again."
Aisha attempts to casually walk past him to step out of the door. Her attempt is completely stopped by the man grabbing her hand.
"?!"
"Wait, I want to talk with you for just a brief moment. Is that okay?"
He's grabbing me so gently, yet firmly…the perfect manly grip! How could I say no to his sexy eyes? I could just lick them!
Grrrrrr
"Yes, that's perfectly fine!"
"Great, thank goodness! What's your name?"
"Aisha. Aisha Tackle. You don't have to call me by my last name–Aisha is fine."
"Okay, then I shall call you Aisha. My name is Vex. My name doesn't sound as pretty as yours, unfortunately."
"That's fine, you make up for it in different ways."
"You really think so?"
They both fill the quiet atmosphere with giggles. Though they don't take their eyes off each other for even a second.
"Anyway, I could see that you were troubled by something when I walked in here. Well, I could also tell by the way you bumped into me. Would you mind telling me? I want to help you."
He's so close! I can smell his fresh scent. It smells like–
Grrrrr
"Oops, you've got a little…here, let me wipe that for you."
Vex wipes the drool from Aisha's mouth using his bare hand.
"I'm such an idiot. I don't know what's gotten into me lately!"
Don't lick. Don't lick. Don't lick.
"Don't worry, it happens to the best of us sometimes–especially when we are hungry. Tell you what, you tell me your concern, and I'll do my best to assist you as quickly as possible so that you can quench your appetite."
"Right, we were talking about my cause for concern. It's truly not a big deal or anything, it's just this mask."
"What about it?"
"I found it on an expedition in Erosy, but I can't seem to figure out its function. It'd be strange for a relic like this not to have any special attributes, don't you think?"
"Hmm, that would be strange indeed. Mind if I take a closer look?"
"By all means, knock yourself out."
She swiftly hands the mask over to him, seemingly not caring for the way she handles it. Vex carefully assesses it, then puts it on. After a moment of wearing the mask, he takes it off and hands it back.
"Did you manage to…crack…the…code?"
A strong aroma envelops my nose; the scent is so powerful that I can recognize it without smelling it close to my face!
The scent…the scent is Vex's!
Grrrrrrr
"From my analysis, I wasn't able to notice anything concerning this mask's capabilities. However, I'm curious about your experience with the mask. Was it the same?"
"Now that I think about it, I never actually wore the mask myself. I never had any intention of using it, so it never crossed my mind."
Though thoughts about tasting the mask have!
"Then why don't you try the mask yourself? Maybe you are the key to activating it since you were the one who found it. That's my theory, at least."
"So you really think that I should try this mask? Even though you…you know…"
"Oh, did I get a little sweat or something on that mask? If I did, I'm so sorry about that! I can wash it off for you if it bothers you so much."
Vex apologetically reaches out for the mask, but Aisha tightly embraces it.
"No, not at all! I'll try it just as it is!"
GRRRRR
"Okay, if you insist. Give it a try."
Aisha brings the mask close to her face, as though she is about to wear it. However, instead of that, she opens her mouth and sticks her tongue out…
Slurp!
The taste is so heavenly! I can't hold back any longer!
GRRRRR!
Committing to what she started, Aisha ate the mask bit by bit down to its smallest piece until there was nothing left. Witnessing the entire event firsthand, Vex is appalled.
"When I suggested that you 'try it', I didn't expect you to…literally eat it."
"There are many ways to try something, you know. You didn't specify!"
"That's fair. Welp, there's no going back now. Do you feel any different?"
"Eh, not really. I just want to eat more and more!"
GRRRRR!
"Then how about I take you to a restaurant to eat as much as you want–my treat. I just need to buy something here first."
"In other words, you're asking me on a date? You sly cat, count me in!"
Suddenly, the ground starts rumbling to the degree of a high magnitude earthquake. Aisha rapidly grows in size into that of a giant, smashing through the roof of the store and towering over Gannet's prime city.
"Oh my, so consuming the mask can make one into a giant. That's unexpected, but…"
She looks down at the aftermath of her exponential growth. Civilians below her are scrambling around like tiny ants. Tough to Aisha, those civilians no longer look like fellow human beings.
GRRRRR!
"There are so many sweet treats to taste!"
She moistens her lips with her tongue and picks up a man who is made of rich white chocolate.
"I'll start with you first! Aaah, slurp!"
After taking one good lick, she stops herself from continuing.
Mmm, he tastes familiar…! It's that man I just met, right? What was his name again?
"Hey Aisha, you are looking very elated right now; I'm glad that I could help return your smile! I was hoping that we would go on that dinner date, but oh well. It's an honor that you have chosen me to be your first."
Aisha blinks, focusing her vision on the chocolate man. Recognizing his appearance to be Vex's, she closes her mouth.
"No, I can't do it. You taste way too good and look so much higher in quality than these other sweets. I'll save you for last!
"Really? Thank you, Aisha. I will be sure to live up to your expectations when that time comes!"
Aisha delicately places Vex on her shoulder, being careful not to ruin his quality.
"There's no need to worry, my precious sweets. I will get a taste of every single one of you, so please be patient!"
I can see it–so many tasty-looking treats roaming around! Why do they seem to be running away from me? Snacks aren't supposed to do that.
"Aisha! Aisha! Can you hear me? I have a suggestion!"
She turns her head to her shoulder, lending her gigantic ear to Vex.
"What is it, my love?"
"It's inefficient to grab one treat at a time, isn't it? Especially when they are hiding from you."
"True. That is indeed a problem…"
GRRRRR
"My stomach wants to try all of them!"
"The best way to give your body what it wants is to use your newfound size to your advantage. You're a giantess, so your very breath is powerful. Try taking a deep breath, like a vacuum!"
Taking heed to Vex's advice, Aisha inhales several "sweets" at once. She hears their little "cheers". She chews them in her mouth thoroughly, fully savoring each bite. She then swallows, her cheeks blushing with bliss.
"They are even more delicious when eaten together! Thank you, sweetie, you are a genius!"
"No, it's no big deal. I thank you for letting me see your precious smile!"
"Aww, your flattery just makes me want to taste you even more!"
"I'll taste even better once you are done with your other treats first."
"Right, I better not get ahead of myself. No more flirting with me, okay?"
She winks at him, and he winks back, giving a thumb-up.
March, slurp, chew, swallow.
March, slurp, chew, swallow.
March, slurp, chew, swallow.
March, slurp, chew, swallow.
As the giantess repeated this "song", fewer and fewer treats roamed the streets. Nothing was left to remain, not even the treats in the noble palace.
GRRRRR
"This is terrible…I've done such a terrible thing."
"And what would that be?"
"I…can't find any more treats, yet I'm still craving for more. I must have eaten them all too quickly without properly savoring them…"
GRRRRR
"Well…you still have me, don't you?"
"Are you implying that–"
"Yes, Aisha, it's okay! I've already prepared my heart for this moment."
Aisha grabs Vex from her shoulder, gently holding him with both hands.
"But if I taste you now, what will I do if I hunger for more?"
"Did you forget? If there are no more treats for you here in the capital of Gannet, there is the rest of the country to taste."
"Then after that?"
"The whole world, of course. I would suggest going to Avarice next. It's nearby and I'm confident that there will be plenty more treats to satisfy you. You don't need me by your side anymore."
"But–"
GRRRRR!
"Listen to your body–you can't deprive yourself any longer! Before I go, please promise me that you won't."
"I–"
GRRRRR!
Aisha immediately licks her hand, then swallows. She rubs her stomach, looking down at it satisfied.
"...promise."
Just as I expected–no, even surpassing my expectations, he tasted the best out of everything I've ever eaten. I think I could rest for the day…
GRRRRR!
"But there are still too many exotic treats that I must taste! How could I deprive myself of the opportunity?"
Aisha licks her lips.