Quoted By:
<span class="mu-s">“What exactly happens to someone when they get banished?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“I've never gone there myself, but I hear it's supposed to be a barren wasteland in an alternate dimension where we exile frenzied monsters that make trouble.”</span> Hi-Vo answered.
<span class="mu-i">“Banishment is often permanent, as no other creature has ever returned through their own influence.”</span> Gorgolla added, his heavy stone wings wrapping around his body.
That sounds pretty serious. But, so is his crime.
<span class="mu-s">“Did you really try to take over the world? Are you like an alien invader, or something?”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“That's exactly what he is. He <span class="mu-i">led</span> the damn invasion.”</span> Hi-Vo agreed.
Gorgolla let out a rumble expressing his displeasure.
<span class="mu-i">“I…will admit,”</span> he began. <span class="mu-i">“I originally arrived on your planet several centuries ago with the intention of claiming it for my people. We didn't expect much resistance from what we assumed were a…particularly aggressive species of upright monkey.”</span>
Wow? Species-ist much?
<span class="mu-b">“Told you.”</span> Hi-Vo said in a self-satisfied tone as he folded his arms over his broad chest.
Gorgolla's scowl deepened, and you motioned for him to continue.
<span class="mu-i">“But…over time, I have observed the ways of your people during my occupation here. I have watched you grow as a species, watched you make rapid advancement in multiple fields of study, and have come to the conclusion that it would be a waste to interfere in your progress. I no longer wish to conquer your race, and I do not possess the means to do so.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“Did you come to that conclusion before, or after you got your ass kicked by your little army of slave soldiers?”</span> Hi-Vo put in.
<span class="mu-s">“You owned slaves?”</span> you asked, unable to hide the incredulity in your voice.
<span class="mu-i">“It was a perfectly normal part of our society.”</span> he shot back. <span class="mu-i">“They were considered a lesser race.”</span>
Hi-Vo broke into a sudden coughing fit that sounded suspiciously like <span class="mu-b">“Bad Guy”</span>.
<span class="mu-i">“I am no longer a slave owner.”</span> Gorgolla grumbled.
<span class="mu-s">“That is an absolutely <span class="mu-i">wild</span> thing to hear from a giant alien gargoyle.”</span> you observed.
<span class="mu-b">“The only reason you don't own any slaves is because they jumped your cold stony butt.”</span> Hi-Vo pointed out.
Gorgolla's next words were ground out through clenched teeth.
<span class="mu-i">“I. HAVE. CHOSEN. NOT to practice slavery.”</span> he declared, his booming voice never raising to a shout, despite his clear frustration.
<span class="mu-r">“Why’s that? Couldn’t make it to nationals?”</span> Ben said, swinging over to check on the situation. <span class="mu-r">“You could’ve at least aimed for the Olympics. It’d have to be a pretty specific category, but I’d like to think that we’re a pretty inclusive society.”</span>
Both monsters tensed when they saw him coming, but you signaled for them to stand down, and, for some reason, they actually listened. Maybe you weren’t completely terrible at being a monster mediator.
(Cont.)
