บท 16: "Mind Over Morty"
I had done it. The second Meeseeks Box sat on the workbench in my room, shiny and ready to fulfill my every whim. This one wasn't like Rick's—it was mine, a streamlined, more precise version. No existential crises, no emotional spirals.
The collar on my wrist glowed faintly red now, its modification complete. What had started as Snuffles' old invention had become something much more. With the press of a button on the collar, I could now control the newly built Meeseeks Box from anywhere. This wasn't just a mere gadget; it was freedom.
I leaned back in my chair, looking at the box with satisfaction. It was smaller, sleeker, and less prone to Rick's usual overcomplications. This was mine to control—my first step toward creating the life I wanted in this chaotic world.
The faint hum of activity from the collar reassured me. It was a subtle, constant reminder that I now held the power to handle almost anything. But even with this new tool, there were some things only Rick could do.
I glanced at the crumpled flyer on my desk as I stood: Flu Season Dance – Friday Night. I headed downstairs to the garage, clutching a small vial of DNA I'd discretely collected earlier. It was flu season and Rick was at his workbench, tinkering with a half-disassembled portal gun. He didn't even look up when I walked in.
"Hey, Rick," I started, trying to sound casual. "I, uh, need your help with something."
He grunted, still focused on his project. "Yeah, yeah, Morty. What is it now? You clog the toilet again, or are you here to ask me to solve some mundane teenage problem?"
"No, it's… something different," I said, holding up the vial. "I was wondering if you could make a love potion."
That got his attention. He swiveled around, eyebrow raised. "A love potion? Seriously, Morty? What, you think life's some kind of cheesy rom-com where a magic potion solves all your problems?"
"Look, Rick, I know it sounds dumb," I admitted, "but I've thought this through. You're the smartest guy in the multiverse, right? This is easy for you. Just whip up a little something, and I'll be out of your hair."
Rick squinted at me, his expression unreadable. Then he snatched the vial from my hand, examining it under the light. "This is Jessica's DNA, isn't it? Geez, Morty, you're more desperate than I thought."
I felt my face flush, but I stood my ground. "Yeah, okay, maybe it's a little desperate. But come on, Rick, you've done way crazier stuff for dumber reasons."
He chuckled, shaking his head. "You're not wrong there, kid. Alright, fine. I'll whip something up. But don't come crying to me when this inevitably blows up in your face."
As Rick started gathering supplies, I glanced at the collar on my wrist. The faint red glow pulsed rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat. This wasn't just about Jessica or some fleeting teenage crush. This was about control—taking charge of a world that had thrown me into its chaos.
For now, though, I'd play along. Let Rick think I was just another lovesick teenager. After all, the real journey was just beginning.
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The lab filled with the lingering scent of Rick's concoction as he poured the final ingredient into the beaker. A plume of purple smoke erupted, accompanied by a series of sparks that cast jagged shadows across the walls. Rick leaned back with a smug grin, holding up the vial of freshly brewed serum.
"There you go, Morty. One love potion, straight from the twisted brain of your genius grandpa. Or, you know, just the result of me slapping together some vole DNA and pheromone amplifiers. Same difference." He tossed it to me with casual disdain, and I barely caught it before it hit the floor.
"Thanks, Rick," I said, slipping the vial into my pocket. "So, uh… no side effects, right?"
Rick barked out a laugh, wiping his hands on his stained lab coat.
I nodded quickly, forcing a grin. "Yeah, of course. Got it."
Rick waved me off, turning back to his workbench. "Whatever. Go ruin your social life. Just don't come crying to me when the whole thing backfires. I'm not your therapist."
I left the garage, the vial burning a hole in my pocket. I could still hear Rick muttering to himself as I climbed the stairs, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He had no idea what I was planning.
Upstairs, I locked myself in my room and sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the glowing collar on my wrist. Everything was in place. The Meeseeks Box, the modified collar, and now the potion. Tonight at the dance, I'd set it all into motion. If I played this right, the timeline would unravel just as it had before, but this time, I'd be ready for what came next.
The thought of Jessica briefly crossed my mind. For a moment, I wondered if this was all too cruel—using her as a pawn in a game she didn't even know was happening. But I pushed the thought aside. This wasn't about Jessica, not really. It was about control. About survival. If I was stuck in this insane world, I wasn't going to be its victim.
The hours dragged until it was finally time. I was well dressed, checked myself in the mirror. I wore a crimson red suit tightly fitted on my body with a maroon pocket square and a pair of matt black shoes and grabbed the vial. At the front door, Jerry was waiting, grinning like an idiot in his favorite sweater.
"Wow, Morty! Big night, huh? You got a date with Jessica?" he asked, practically vibrating with excitement.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Not exactly, Dad. It's just the dance."
Jerry's face fell slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Well, you know, Morty, if you need any advice about girls, I'm your guy. I mean, I did win over your mom, didn't I?"
"Yeah, sure, Dad. Thanks," I muttered, sidestepping him and heading for the door. The last thing I needed was Jerry's brand of wisdom slowing me down.
Outside, the cool night air bit at my skin, but I barely felt it. My mind was on overdrive, calculating every possible outcome. The dance was a pivotal point. If I timed everything right, I could force Rick's hand and set the plan in motion.
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As I walked toward the school, the faint sound of music drifted through the air. The gym was already packed with students, their voices and laughter blending into a chaotic hum. I hesitated for a moment, the vial heavy in my pocket.
This was it. No turning back.
I stepped into the gym, the fluorescent lights flickering overhead. Jessica like the rest of the teens was across the room, laughing with her friends, her red hair catching the light like a beacon. Brad loomed nearby, his arm possessively draped around her shoulders.
I tightened the collar around my wrist and activated the Meeseeks Box. A faint hum filled the air as a red figure popped into existence beside me.
"I'm Mr. Meeseeks! Look at me!" it chirped, grinning ear to ear.
keeping my voice low, I whispered, "I need you to release the vial through the air vents, somewhere no one will notice. Make sure it's out of sight, and don't let anyone see it. Got it?" I said calmly until some people began to stare.
"Oh, crap," I muttered, realizing someone was approaching our location.
"Can do!" the Meeseeks said, saluting before darting off, and blending into the drunk crowd.
I approached the dance floor waiting out the time when I suddenly bumped into Jessica, my heart steady, still focused on the task ahead.
She turned to me with a smile. "Hey, Morty," she said, her voice warm. "Having fun?"
"Uh, yeah! Totally," I said, forcing a smile. a faint breeze stirred in the air.
The Meeseeks had done its job. The vial slipped into the air vents, releasing the potion silently into the room.
I smiled, knowing everything was set into motion. This was the moment I'd been waiting for.
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