Heaven and Earth

The other Deities that had gathered were shocked. Their little lie detector was either defective, or they came across a Goddess they didn't know who had the nerve to talk down to them. Seeing their expressions brings me a tremendous amount of joy. At this time, though, I'm getting bored of it. Before I was involved, it was good entertainment. However, now that I'm front and center, I truly don't feel like playing the circus monkey for a bunch of ascended beings.

"Merchants, Citizens, Adventurers, and Travelers alike. Before we begin, I shall intact an ancient pledge that forces even the divine to be truthful or suffer a true death. If the others present do not wish to join me, then I shall presume they are guilty as well, so without further ado." I say, bowing to the Crowd.

"I {in English} [The Great Sun Wukong], {language of dan machi} do swear with the heavens as my witness and the earth as my executioner, that for the duration of serving the people of this city in the arbitration of the truth not to exceed 24 hours will speak only the truth or may I be struck down with true death by heavenly punishment lightning." As I end my oath to the heavens, golden lightning courses across the sky, and the earth trembles briefly in acknowledgment of my oath.

The Mob that has been building up all this time, even with everything that has happened, all in unison drop to one knee and bow their heads. The reverence held by the mortals is something even fanatics lack. An almost true selflessness

"Your turn, fellow divine entities. May the mortals see your Virtue." The smirk on my face was so big it looked like a demonic maw ready to swallow the city whole. I can sense the cold sweat dripping down their backs as well as the trembles of the mayor, fool, and father. The hesitation is obvious, but I don't have all day.

"Hurry along, little ones. I have people to do and places to taint with my magnificent presence and a loli hiding somewhere in need of entertainment. If you don't hurry, I might just decide to sentence everyone to death to make it faster." The fact that no heavenly phenomenon occurred while I ranted struck fear into the mortals

Immediately the other deities fall in line like little ducklings, even the reluctant Goddess that almost died earlier. Maybe I do have great leadership qualities. Look at how easily these powerful people just agree and follow along. All that Machiavelli I read when I was younger paid off.

"Bring up the accused. All who lie shall be put to death. We will perform a soul search upon you, extracting the truth and relaying it to those gathered. The mother and son first." I shout, to which the guards immediately comply, afraid to bring down the wrath of the heavens.

The mother walks up to the stage carrying her son, who is injured yet nowhere near death's door. You can see the wrath held deep within her eyes. A rage so deep and unfathomable that even a devil king may wince if singled out. Of course, Blackie over here looks ready to dive into that pit of despair. I guess I should use her name, Aine Goddess of youth. Yeah, such a youth almost wish that she was Guy Sensei instead.

"My Child tells me this all started with you, Thief, and your child assaulted a guard. What do you have to say." The Goddess looks smug. I can't wait to have that look wiped off her face. Maybe we can see a divine die today.

"I have stolen nothing. Those guards demanded I service them in exchange for not being thrown into jail and getting my hands cut off. I declined, and they attacked me. My son defended me, and they got caught. End of story." She looks at that Goddess like she wishes to watch her burn in a pit of lava.

"ahahahaha. Well said. Every word she spoke was the truth." I say while laughing aloud. The others start to look pale. I could tell a couple wished to refute her words but instantly felt the threat of death. Fools probably thought my oath was a trick. What insane creature would put themselves in such a situation? You know what they say. The truth shall set you free.

"All in agreement, say, Aye," I ask the others. Which proceed with 4 ayes and 1 abstain.

"The Ayes have it. Bring the next accused." Oh, Great, ME, this is going too fast gimme something to make it worthwhile.

The mother-son pair step to the side while the guards I saw in the alley appear before us. I can't help but pull an apple from my belt pouch and take a couple bites. Waving my hand like a royal commanding her lessor to speak, they kneel down.

"Please have mercy, Goddess. We knew not what we were told to do. Everything was commanded by the Chief." They spoke in turns very sincerely, but I could smell a grain of falsehood. It was like biting into a chocolate cake and having a lemon aftertaste. Sure, it's chocolate cake but not only chocolate cake.

"Truth," the other gods shout a little too quickly if you ask me.

"A grain of falsehood is in your statements. You have one chance to correct before we find the whole truth, speak now or forever hold your pieces." I say, crossing my legs and taking a big bite of my apple.

I can see deep tension, fear, and despair in their eyes. They now know they won't get by with half measures, and I am now slightly more interested in all this.

"The Chief did command it, but the order came from the Goddess Aine. She wanted to entrap you, Goddess." Ah, the sweet nectar of greed and face, trapping this C#nt feels heavenly.

Mumbling fills the Crowd. Finding out that a Goddess actually ordered the town's guard to harm its citizens would be an immense breach of trust. Her entire familia may be removed from the town and unable to receive services from locals due to the breach. Oh, how the mighty fall.

"That was the Complete truth this time. I recommend 10 years of forced labor overseen by the merchants union, where all proceeds go to the family harmed by this. Does anyone object?"I ask, looking around as the others shake their heads, faces pale.

"Next up, Goddess Aine, please proceed to the stage to answer our questions," I command.

"I Refuse. I shall not be subjected to this farce." No sooner has she finished speaking than the sky begins to darken, not yet forming a heavenly punishment but showing signs of disapproval.

"But you are still in service to the people. Thus must uphold your word. So simply list out all the people you know corrupt within the government offices, and afterward, the people shall vote for your punishment. Refuse to answer or try to speak half-truths, and we hold you in breach of your oath."