The pen is mightier…

Kumiko was utterly helpless. She had no clothes, no wand, and no wiggle room. She had only one option, but it was a longshot.

She had to rely on persuasion.

“Gator Gal, listen to me. I know that we haven’t fought one another often, but you must know how I work. I don’t kill, ever! So why would I even attempt to kill Mufette?”

“We hav’ ya family and loved ones. Dat’s coulda been enough da ya ova the edge.”

“Fair point. But why would I attempt to kill Mufette specifically? Her thing is spraying people with skunk juice, she’s not the biggest obstacle on this island. Earlier today I faced off against Curb Stomper and Gweneral Gwuck, two villains who would actually kill me. Wouldn’t it make sense to unleash my bloodlust on them?”

“Well, erm…” stammered Gator Gal. “But Goddess of Shadow claimed ya did.”

“And what do you, no, _anyone, _know about her? Can you be sure to trust her.”

Goddess of Shadow interrupted. “Don’t listen to her, Gator Gal. You can trust me, your friend does too.

“Indeed, Stripe does, an she’s a whole lot smarter than me.”

“She didn’t seem like the biggest fan of your boyfriend, and she wasn’t right about that either. Her judgment isn’t infallible. Please, just think about it!”

Gator Gal remained quiet.