43. RATS

I shifted on my feet, wondering just how much trouble we were about to stir up this time.

When the Gem awakens to call a Hero, the world is ill prepared...and its fate is placed in the hands of a 17 year old boy, named Wendell. 

Some will say this is nothing but a tale of fiction.
Let them think as they may. 

After all...I can't fix stupid.

Previously: With no choice but to embrace their disguises, Wendell and the team put Chuck’s magic to the test—transforming themselves into gnomes to move undetected through Clockworks City… though not without a few unexpected surprises.

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When you have to deal with sleazy, conniving, back-stabbing people…sometimes it’s wise to employ a few of your own.

Morty’s face lit up like a festival lantern, his grin stretching as wide as the sunrise. “Oh HO! I almost didn’t recognize you boys!”

His squint deepened as Dax walked up, now fully dressed. Morty’s mouth dropped open.

Dax rolled his eyes. “Shut up. It’s me. Moving on.”

I fought the urge to snicker. Seeing Dax in actual clothes—rather than his usual reckless, half-dressed state—was probably shocking for anyone who knew him.

Morty, however, wasn’t one to miss an opportunity. He let out a chuckle but gave an exaggerated bow as Lili and Alhannah stepped through the doorway. “Er, and ladies,” he added smoothly, stepping aside to let them pass. “What brings you to this part of town? I thought you were busy prepping for Trench Wars?”

Trench Wars. Right. Because that’s what we were doing. Preparing to not die in a giant metal war machine while an entire audience of gnomes cheered for our demise. Fantastic.

Nat was the last to roll over the threshold, looking… tense.

“Is Deloris here, by chance?” he asked, his voice a little too casual.

Morty grinned. “Not by chance—by choice.”

That answer made me uncomfortable. I wasn’t entirely sure why. Maybe because being someone’s choice meant responsibility. It meant someone cared where you were, and that was a new concept for me.

“Could you let her know we’re here?” Nat pressed. “We need to talk with her.”

Morty’s gaze flickered between us, eyes narrowing with curiosity. “You’re not planning on taking her away again, are you?”