The following morning Baker Morty arose after a restless night. He kept waking up as every little noise made him think that Rick M-791 had returned to murder him for lying to him. His glowing bandage was falling off so he took it off and he was amazed, it was as if he had never gotten injured. The wounds were completely gone and there was no scarring to suggest that they had ever been there. His belly rumbled and since he had to stay at the ghetto motel in Mortytown there was no breakfast being served. He would have to leave if he wanted to eat, he couldn't stay in this motel room forever. Besides he had chosen the Alterno dimension for a reason, it was very far away. So surely it would take Rick M-791 a long time to get there, realize he had been lied to and come back. And he was assuming since Rick M-791 didn't just portal into his living room when he attacked him last night that he must not be able to travel via portal gun.
He peered through the little peep hole in the door to make sure he wasn't waiting right outside his door to ambush him as soon as he came out. There was no one there that he could see so he slowly opened the door and looked left then right. There was no one there waiting to kill him, so he exited the room. He really wanted some waffles but also didn't want to keep eating out. But he felt like he couldn't return home and cook some waffles. Besides, he would have to get some things from the store before he could make some waffles or anything else for that matter. Well he was already in Mortytown so he may as well go to the Morty Mart. he kept looking over his shoulder the whole walk to the mart. The only thing he saw was weirdo Morties watching him. But they were the least of his worries right now. He entered Morty Mart.
"H-hey Baker Morty" Morty Mart Manager Morty greeted him.
"Oh h-hi Morty Mart Manager Morty" Baker Morty forced a smile.
"A-are you ok? You seem…bothered" Morty Mart Manager Morty asked him.
"Yes I-I'm ok, I-I just didn't get much sleep last night so I'm a bit sleepy that's all" Baker Morty said. It wasn't a total lie.
"O-ok well I won't hold you up any longer, y-you'd better grab what you need and head home for a nap" Morty Mart Manager Morty said.
"Yea, m-maybe I will take a nap when I get home" Baker Morty responded. That was a lie, there was no way he was going to be able to nap when he was so on edge.
"O-ok well have a nice day Baker Morty I-I'll see you around" Morty Mart Manager Morty said.
"Y-you too" Baker Morty said as he went on his way.
Baker Morty was finding it hard to focus on the things he wanted to get. He kept looking over his shoulder and peering cautiously down aisles before he went down them. Other Morties in the store were starting to look at him funny. Not that he blamed them, he was acting strange, but they didn't know that the reason for his strange behaviour was that there was a Rick after him. He quickly grabbed what he could until he could put no more brain power into shopping. He had only managed to get half of what he had on his list but it would have to do for now. He paid for his things and hurried on his way.
He stood across the street from his duplex looking for any signs of Rick M-791. He couldn't see anything that would hint that he was nearby or had returned to his duplex. He cautiously made his way to his duplex, he slowly opened the door and carefully stepped inside. Nothing seemed out of order. He began to relax; it seemed as if Rick M-791 was still on his quest. He took his groceries to the kitchen and put them away. Now that Morty Mart Manager Morty mentioned it, a nap sounded really nice. Yes that's what he would do, take a quick power nap and then he'd make some delicious chocolate chip waffles. He headed to his bedroom. He stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes widened in horror. There was a bloodied Morty dead on his bed. His yellow shirt was dyed red with blood, the look of horror still frozen on his face. How did this happen? When did this happen? How did this Morty get here? Were people going to think he was responsible for this Morty's death?
He cautiously approached the dead Morty. Bile rose in his throat as he saw multiple stab wounds in his chest and abdomen, this Morty had been killed rather violently. He just couldn't fathom why this Morty was dead in his bedroom. Why would someone kill a Morty and then dump his body off in some random house? Suddenly his closet door opened. And Rick M-791 slowly emerged from his closet. Baker Morty's heart lurched in fear and his breath caught in his throat. Baker Morty just stood there shocked into silence and stillness.
"You know that was a pretty clever trick you pulled" Rick M-791 sounded unnervingly calm. As he began walking towards him.
"I would never have expected that from a Morty, I'm quite impressed" Rick M-791 said. Getting closer still. Baker Morty found himself too stunned to try to get away. His eyes traveled back to the dead Morty sprawled out on his bed.
"Oh, you're probably wondering who that is huh?" Rick M-791 asked. Turning his gaze to the dead Morty.
"I-I-I" Baker Morty found himself at a loss for words. He knows he should run screaming for help. But his feet seemed as if they were glued to the floor.
"That right there, is the Morty that was actually from the Alterno dimension, imagine his horror when I had to stab him repeatedly all because of the lies of another Morty, I can still hear his screams of agony as I plunged my blade into his body over and over again" Rick M-791 said. Without taking his eyes off of the dead Morty, he shook his head.
"Isn't it sad when someone pays for someone else's sins? The way this Morty had to die for your lies….the way you are being tormented for your grandfather's theft….there's a way this can all end" Rick M-791 looked at the dead Morty for a moment longer before slowly turning to face him.
"Tell me where your grandfather is, if you tell me where I can find him, you will never see me again, your life will go back to the way it was before, don't you want that Baker Morty?" Rick M-791 said in an eerily calm voice. Baker Morty's eyes drifted to him, he finally snapped out of whatever stunned stupor he had been in.
"I-I do, but I-I don't want my grandpa to get hurt, or anyone else for that matter" Baker Morty responded.
"So let me get this straight, you were willing to let this innocent Morty get hurt, but not your grandfather who stole from me and brought this upon himself? Why are you protecting him? He betrayed you, you don't owe him anything" Rick M-791 was exasperated.
"I-I didn't mean for that Morty to get killed, I-I didn't know you would do that to him, besides i-it isn't just about him, i-if I told you, how could I be sure you wouldn't hurt my mom or dad or sister?" Baker Morty asked.
"Because I have no quarrel with them, as long as they stay out of my way, I will leave them alone, I only want Rick and my map and crystal" Rick M-791 said. Baker Morty tumbled his words around in his head for a moment. Then he lifted his chin looking Rick M-791 square in the eyes.
"I-I have a better idea, what if I went and got them for you, that way I-I can be sure that no one else would be hurt" Baker Morty suggested.
"How can I be sure that this isn't just a ploy for you to run off and hide?" Rick M-791 narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"Trust me I-I don't want to return to my home dimension, this is my home now, but h-how can I enjoy it when you are threatening me? I-I want nothing more than to go back to living my peaceful life, i-if getting that map and crystal is what it takes for things to return to normal then that's what I'll do, and here" Baker Morty handed him a small ring.
"T-that is a ring my grandpa made me, I-I take it everywhere with me for security, you can hold on to it that way you know I'll be back for it" Baker Morty said. Rick M-791 inspected the ring.
"Wow, this is a very special ring indeed, you're being awfully trusting letting me hold on to this, very well, I will accept the terms, you will go retrieve my things, I will wait here for you, but make no mistake, if you try anything funny like running off I will use this ring against you, I know how to use it" Rick M-791 gave him a stern look,
"I-I understand, I won't run off I-I promise, I have nowhere to go anyways" Baker Morty replied.
Baker Morty left his duplex, the next step was to procure a portal gun. The only Morty he knew that had one was Cash Morty, but he couldn't get in contact with him from here. Maybe Floor Manager Morty knew how to contact him. He hated to bother him on his days off but he was desperate. Floor Manager Morty lived in an apartment complex called The Morty Paradise in Mortyburg. He walked the several block journey to the apartment complex that Floor Manager Morty lived in. It was a tall building with a yellow neon sign that said The Morty Paradise. He walked through the revolving doors into the lobby where a Morty was at the front desk. He greeted the Morty as he approached. He just remembered that he had no idea which apartment Floor Manager Morty lived in, and he wondered if this Morty would know who he was talking about if he gave him the name of the Morty he was looking for.
"Um, h-hello, can I help you?" the Morty seemed creeped out by his silence.
"O-oh uh, I-I was wondering if you knew which apartment Floor Manager Morty lives in, I-I need to speak to him" Baker Morty said.
"W-what's your name?" the Morty asked.
"I-I'm Baker Morty" he responded.
"O-ok give me just a moment" the Morty was puttering around behind the desk.
"A-alright, he lives in apartment 320" the Morty said.
"T-thanks" Baker Morty said.
He went to the elevator and pressed the button for the third floor. The doors closed and the elevator hummed as it rose. Then with a ding it opened on the third floor. He headed down the narrow hallway until he reached the ornate white door that had 320 on it. He noticed that next to the door was a small panel with a gold button in the middle. He could only assume that it was a doorbell. He pushed the button and sure enough a bell sound chimed inside the apartment. Moments later he heard the door being unlocked and then it opened to reveal Floor Manager Morty.
"Oh Baker Morty what a pleasant surprise, come in come in" Floor Manager Morty motioned for him to enter. He entered the apartment. It was rather spacious and nice.
"So what do I owe for the pleasure of your visit?" Floor Manager Morty asked. Baker Morty felt a pang of guilt, he wished he was just visiting and not coming to ask his help with something.
"I-I'm sorry Floor Manager Morty, b-but this isn't just a leisurely visit, I-I really need to get in contact with Cash Morty, do you know how to reach him?" Baker Morty asked.
"Sure, I can call him up right now" Floor Manager Morty said as he grabbed a weird phone like device and pushed a number into it. A moment later the device made a clicking sound.
"Ugh this better be important Floor Manager Morty, I'm taking a golden shower if you don't mind, wait that didn't sound right, I-I mean I'm showering in golden water imported from Gildyville" Cash Morty explained. That was the first time Baker Morty had ever heard Cash Morty stutter, he must have been really embarrassed.
"Oh don't worry Cash Morty, you don't have to explain your weird fetishes to us" Floor Manager Morty teased.
"Oh shut up, so what was it that you needed?" Cash Morty asked.
"Well Baker Morty said he needed to speak to you, here I'll put him on now" Floor Manager Morty handed him the device.
"H-hi Cash Morty, I-I know this is going to sound crazy but I-I need to borrow your portal gun, I have to return to my home dimension for a bit" Baker Morty said.
"Is everything ok? Why in the world would you want to return to your original dimension?" Cash Morty asked.
"Ok I-I suppose there is no point in lying, this Rick who my grandfather stole from has somehow found me here on the Citadel, he attacked me last night, a-and this morning h-he left a dead Morty on my bed, he wants the location of my grandfather so he can get his items back, i-in order to prevent my original family from getting hurt I-I offered to return to my home dimension and take back the items my grandfather stole, but I need a portal gun to get there" Baker Morty explained the situation.
"Wow really? Do you need help? I can go with you" Cash Morty offered.
"T-thanks for the offer, but the more of us there are the more likely I am to get caught, I-I have to do this alone" Baker Morty said.
"Well ok then, as soon as I finish my golden shower, I'll bring it to you" Cash Morty said. Floor Manager Morty laughed in the background.
"Stop laughing Floor Manager Morty! Before I demote you to Floor Morty" Cash Morty said good humorously.
"O-ok Cash Morty, I-I'll see you in a bit" Baker Morty said.
With a beep the device turned off. He chatted with Floor Manager Morty whilst he waited for Cash Morty. He was trying not to let his anxiety show, he was eager to be on his way so he can have Rick M-791 out of his hair. But he was also really nervous about returning to his home dimension. What if his family caught him? What if his grandfather caught him? Once he got there would old feelings of homesickness crop up again? Would he want to stay? He was pretty certain that he never wanted to live there again, but once he was back in his original dimension would he change his mind?
"Are you sure going back to your original dimension is a good idea? What if you decide to stay, I know it's selfish of me to say, but I don't want you to stay, I would miss you" Floor Manager Morty looked at him with anxious eyes. It's almost as if he read his mind.
"I-I can't be sure that I won't want to stay, but I can be sure that I won't stay, t-this is my home now" Baker Morty reassured him.
"Oh good, t-that's what happened with the last Morty that worked with me, he had been separated from his Rick, well months later his Rick found him and he decided to return to his original dimension with his Rick, I-I know I shouldn't have been upset with him for wanting to go home, but I couldn't help but be a little upset because I thought we were friends, and he just up and left" Floor Manager Morty looked wistful.
"Well I-I know for certain that I don't want to return, I-I wouldn't be welcome anyways" Baker Morty said. Just then Cash Morty portaled into the living room. Startling them.
"Cash Morty! Haven't you heard of knocking? You scared the crap out of both of us" Floor Manager Morty gasped.
"Knock? Fool I'm your boss, I don't have to knock, I own you and this apartment" Cash Morty teased him.
"How was your…..golden shower, hahahahahahaha!" Floor Manager Morty burst in a wheezing fit of laughter.
"It was nice, I enjoyed it as much as I'm going to enjoy firing you" Cash Morty punched his arm.
"I-I know you guys are having fun, but I-I really need to be on my way" Baker Morty interrupted them.
"Oh right, sorry" Cash Morty said. With a goodbye to Floor Manager Morty they portaled back to Cash Morty's house.
"Ok here it is, please be careful, you have to come back" Cash Morty gave him a meaningful look as he handed him the portal gun.
"I-I will, I-I promise and thanks for letting me borrow this" Baker Morty said. He shot a portal, he took a deep breath and walked through.
He came out of the portal across the street from his old house, he came here instead of in the house to be safe as he wasn't sure where his family was. The car was in the driveway which meant they were home. He felt disappointment fizz through him, so much for an easy in and out. He walked across the street, sitting on the curb were several boxes. That was strange, his family wasn't known to leave stuff on the curb like that. Curiosity got the better of him and he checked to see what was inside the boxes. It was all his stuff, his clothes, his white shoes, his baking magazines and books, even his blue ribbon he won at the school baking contest. All his stuff was thrown out here on the curb to be picked up by the garbage truck. His chest tightened with hurt. He reminded himself why he was here and to focus on the task at hand.
His heart was pounding with anxiety as he approached the front door. Carefully and quietly as he could he opened the door slightly so he could see inside to make sure no one was in the foyer. It was clear so he opened the door wide enough to squeeze through and carefully closed it behind him. He heard his family talking and the tv in the living room, judging by the surround sound they must be watching a movie. He let out a shaky breath. He needed to walk past the living room to get to the garage. If everyone was sitting on the big sofa then he would be safe because the big sofa faced the other way. But if anyone was on the smaller loveseat he would be in trouble as they might see him out of the corner of their eye as he passed. Peeking to see where everyone was posed a risk too. He had another idea, he would crawl on his hands and knees so no one would see him. Slowly he lowered himself onto his hands and knees. He crawled past the archway that led to the living room. He slowly rose to his feet again. All his senses were alert for any signs of movement from the living room. But all he heard was the tv.
"Morty, go make us some nachos for the movie" he heard his mom say. He froze, heart pounding against his chest. Was she talking to him? How did she know he was here?
"O-ok mom" he heard a very familiar voice respond. What in the world? Was he in the right dimension? Yes he knew for a fact that he was in his home dimension. So who was this Morty that he heard?
He pressed his body against the wall and crept along the wall to the kitchen. He slowly peeked around the corner into the kitchen. There was a standard yellow shirt Morty in the kitchen making nachos. They adopted another Morty? Well they sure moved on quickly. Resentment burned hot in his belly. Just then Summer came into the kitchen with a golden puppy at her heels. She let the puppy out of the sliding glass door that led to the backyard. Whaaaaaat they got a dog too!? He had been wanting a pet for so long and they refused to get him one, now that he's gone they get a pet? Oh he was going to give them a piece of his mind. Anger welled in him. He was about to storm in there, he took a deep steadying breath. He had to remember why he was here. He noticed that the Morty was stealing occasional nervous glances at Summer who had her back to him in one of her famous cold shoulder tactics. He felt a stab of pity for this Morty. He can think of the many many times he had been on the receiving end of her cold shoulder. Was she mad at him for some reason? Why does he care? This isn't his home anymore. He was about to continue on his way.
"You're not my real brother" Summer said.
"I-I'm sorry" the Morty looked at her with pleading eyes. He seemed afraid.
"YOU'RE NOT MY REAL BROTHER!" she screamed. She slapped him. He recoiled in pain before she pinned him to the ground and slapped him over and over again whilst hysterically crying.
Baker Morty let out a gasp, he had never seen his sister act so violently. The most she had ever done to him was throw food at him. Even when she was really angry with him she had never hit him like that. The Morty squirmed helplessly under her vicious assault. He felt like he should intervene. But the last thing he wanted was his family to know he was here, he swallowed guiltily as he continued on his way to the garage.
He tried to tune out the sound of the Morty getting beaten in the other room as he pressed his ear against the door listening for any signs that his grandfather was in the garage. He heard nothing so he carefully opened the door. It was empty. That was good and bad, it meant that the crystal was most likely with his grandfather wherever he was. The map was unrolled across the desk. There was manic scribbling and writing all across the map and on papers spread about the garage. It was obvious that his grandfather had driven himself to insanity looking for the metal. The garage was a mess, there was paper everywhere, there were dirty dishes stacked up on his desk, they were a science experiment of their own with the various colors of mold that was growing on the plates. He obviously spent most if not all of his time here. Baker Morty rolled the map up and put it in his back pocket.
He needed the crystal; he had no choice but to wait until his grandfather returned. He hid in the little storage closet that was in the garage. But he kept the door cracked so he could see. Now that he was safely out of sight for now, he felt a pang in his chest. But he was relieved to discover that it was a longing to get out of here and back to his home on the Citadel. He realized long ago that home was a place that you felt peace and joy and comfort, and you felt safe, it was a place where you loved and were loved. You always felt like you belonged, without any of that, a house was just four walls and a roof but it wasn't home. The only feeling he ever felt here was anxiety, he felt unloved, unsafe, unwanted and unwelcome. This place was never his home, it was just where he lived. But back at the Citadel were Morties that loved and cared for him. That was where he truly belonged, that was home.
He stood until his legs got sore then he sat until his butt got sore then he stood until his legs got sore then he sat until his butt got sore, this cycle continued for what seemed like hours. He saw out the little window in the garage that it was now evening. His heart fluttered with nerves when his mother entered the garage with a basket full of dirty clothes. She hummed a tune whilst she loaded the washing machine, put detergent in it and started the washing machine. His dad entered the garage.
"Hey Beth, did you happen to put my slacks in there?" his dad asked. She sighed heavily in an angry fashion.
"No Jerry, I'm not your freaking mother, you are more than capable of doing your own laundry" she fixed him with a cold glare.
"I know dear, I just thought that maybe you did since you were already doing laundry" there was an edge to his father's voice. He fidgeted uncomfortably, he always hated when his parents argued.
"You see this is why I haven't had sex with you in two months! You always expect things from me!" his mother raised her voice.
"Ok look, there's no need for this to turn into a fight, I'm sorry I asked" his dad sighed. His mom stormed out of the garage with his dad following behind her.
Yeesh, he sure is glad that he no longer lives in this chaotic mess. He felt bad for Summer and the new Morty for having to deal with that on a daily basis. He stifled a yawn, his grandpa could be gone for days, who knew when he would be back. He could not leave here without the crystal so he had to wait. But perhaps he didn't have to be bored while he waited. He left the storage closet and the garage. He saw that his parents were dressed up nicely. He wondered where they were going.
"Hey Summer, don't forget we are having dinner with Jerry's parents" his mother said.
"Really? Again? Didn't you just have dinner with them the other night?" Summer asked.
"Yes, you know they've been coming around a lot more ever since Morty died, I guess they think Jerry needs their support" his mom rolled her eyes. So that confirms that they think he's dead.
"Well I do need their support Beth, my son died" his father glared at his wife.
"Oh please, don't act like you were an upstanding father" his mom waved her hand dismissively. His father looked shamefaced.
"You're right, I wasn't the best father to Morty, but really….it was your fault Beth" his dad lifted his chin and looked her straight in the eyes.
"Excuse me!" his mother raised her voice.
"Oh my god you two are the worst! Morty is lucky that he doesn't have to listen to you two scream at each other like a couple of children! I'm sick of it!" Summer stormed off and moments later he heard her door slam. Little did she know that he was having to listen to them scream at each other, hopefully not for too much longer.
"Uh, I-I have some work to finish" the other Morty hurried on his way.
"See? Your toxic behavior is driving our daughter away! You are just like your father! I told you not to let that old fool into our house! But noooooooo you wanted to play the poor sad little girl who desperately wanted her daddy to notice her! And look what it cost us! He got Morty killed! I told you I didn't want Morty going on those adventures with him! But you never listened! You always took Rick's side because you pathetically hoped that he would love you if you smooched up to him enough! Well he doesn't Beth! And he never will! He's too much of a selfish piece of crap for that! And you behave just like him! I'm tired of it! I'm tired of him! I'm tired of you!" his dad unloaded. His mother gasped too stunned to speak.
Even if his dad was right, he still felt sorry for his mom. His dad had taken some pretty low blows. Baker Morty found it hard to be angry with his mother for the way she treated him because he knew she was just acting out of fear of losing her dad again. If anything it reinforced his anger towards his grandfather. His toxic and narcissistic behavior was the root cause of all the chaos and dysfunction in the family. He knows his mother could be difficult to deal with, nobody understands that better than him. But he always felt like his dad could be more understanding. She was clearly traumatized by her father. The only thing Baker Morty could not understand. Was why his mother took it out on everyone but the man that hurt her. Knowing his mom and her temper he expected her to explode with anger at the way her husband had just spoken to her. But to Baker Morty's absolute shock she burst into tears. His father looked guilty like he realized that he may have gone too far.
"Beth sweetie, I'm sorry I didn't mean- Beth wait!"
His mother ran away crying. His father sighed, rubbing his temples. Good luck fixing this one dad, Baker Morty returned to his hiding spot in the garage. A few moments later Morty came into the garage and was tidying up the garage that his grandpa had left in total disarray. Baker Morty watched him pick up the balled up and ripped paper and throw it in the trash can. Then he neatly stacked some books that were sprawled open on the desk. He seemed to enjoy cleaning. He was gathering the dishes when a green portal appeared in the garage. His grandfather charged out covered in soot and he smelled of fire. It was obvious that he had just been searching for the metal.
"WHY CAN'T I FIND IT! I'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THREE DAYS STRAIGHT!" his grandfather let out a deranged shout of frustration as he marched around the garage shouting and throwing things. Baker Morty was stunned at his grandfather's manic episode. He was barely sane. The other Morty just stood there wide eyed. His grandfather stopped his episode and marched over to the desk.
"WHERE IS IT!? WHERE IS THE MAP!?" his grandfather began frantically searching. Yanking open drawers and throwing their contents everywhere. Throwing books off of shelves. Then his wide bloodshot eyes shifted to the Morty that was cleaning the garage as if he just noticed that he was standing there.
"YOU!" he snarled. He grabbed Morty who gave a startled yelp as he slammed him against the wall.
"WHAT DID YOU DO WITH IT!? WHERE DID YOU TAKE MY MAP!?" his grandfather yelled in the poor terrified Morty's face.
"I-I didn't touch it! I-I swear! I was just cleaning the garage, I-I didn't see it" he swallowed hard enough for Baker Morty to hear it. His grandfather slammed him down on the floor smacking his head against the hard floor of the garage. Baker Morty winced, that had to hurt. His grandfather got on top of the other Morty and pressed him hard into the floor.
"WRONG ANSWER! LIE TO ME AGAIN AND I WILL KILL YOU! WHERE IS MY MAP!?" his grandfather had the most psychotic look he had ever seen on his face.
Before the other Morty could respond his grandpa began beating the tar out of him. The poor Morty scrabbled to get away until he broke all his nails and his fingers bled whilst his grandfather beat on him the whole time. Baker Morty was about to run out and confess that he had the map. He would never be able to live with himself if he let this Morty get beaten to death over something he did. Just then, his mom entered the garage.
"Dad! I thought I heard you in here, what are you doing!? Jerry is right, you are so out of control, you were the one who insisted on bringing this replacement Morty despite everyone's protest, and now you're beating him to death? What is wrong with you!? I've had enough of your psychotic toxic behavior! I think it's time you left and found somewhere else to live" his mother turned around and stomped out of the garage.
"Sweetie wait! We can talk about this can't we?" his grandfather ran after his daughter.
Something unfurled like a leaf in Baker Morty's heart, his family hadn't wanted to replace him; it was his grandfather's idea. And more good news, it appeared that his grandfather had left his portal gun behind. He opened the compartment that contained the crystal and took it out. He stuffed it in his pocket. He had the map, he had the crystal. He could finally leave this place and go home. Rick M-791 would finally leave him alone. A strange strangled gasping sound tore him from his thoughts. The other Morty was sprawled out on the floor so badly injured he could hardly move. He looked at the garage door. Why had his mother just left him lying there on the floor? Guilt and pity pricked his heart like a thorn.
"I-I'm so sorry, I-I didn't mean for this to happen, I'll get you help, I-I promise" Baker Morty said.
He racked his brain for ideas. He doubted he could carry this Morty himself and he didn't want to risk injuring him further. He didn't want to leave him here and go get help, what if his grandfather returned and finished him off. He shot a portal right in front of the Morty. He grabbed his legs and drug him through. He knew it wasn't the best option but he had little choice. He was back on the Citadel. Now that he knew the Morty was safe for now he went and fetched Nurse Morty and Doctor Rick. they took him to the infirmary, he would check on him later, for now he had to get Rick M-791 out of his life. He hurried to his duplex, Rick M-791 was pacing back and forth in the living room.
"There you are, did you get my stuff?" Rick M-791 asked. Baker Morty handed him the crystal and map.
"Excellent, you actually pulled it off, now I can finally get my precious metal" Rick M-791 smiled widely.
"My grandpa, c-couldn't seem to find it" Baker Morty said.
"That's because your grandfather is a fool, only my blacklight flashlight reveals the location" Rick M-791 pulled out a flashlight and shone it on the map, sure enough there was a dot marking the location of the metal.
"Thank you, here is your ring back, I can't wait to get my metal, but first I have to make sure Superstar Morty didn't royally screw up whilst I was gone, see you never" Rick M-791 portaled away.
Baker Morty flopped down on his couch and sighed in relief. It was over, all he had to do was return Cash Morty's portal gun. But first he was going to make sure the Morty he rescued was going to be ok. He went back to the infirmary.
"Don't worry, he's going to be ok, he's resting right now, he had a couple fractures but nothing was broken, mostly bumps and bruises, there's no reason he won't make a full recovery" Doctor Rick told him.
"C-can I see him?" Baker Morty asked.
"Of course you can, here's right in there" Doctor Rick pointed to a door on the right. Baker Morty thanked him and quietly entered the room so he wouldn't wake him up.
He was either asleep or still unconscious from the beating lying on the hospital bed covered in blankets, there was a bandage around his head. Nurse Morty was gently slathering some weird blue gel on his bruises and gingerly applying bandages when necessary. There was something soothing about watching Nurse Morty work. He was so gentle and compassionate. He pulled up a stool and sat beside Morty's bed. Nurse Morty acknowledged him with a smile.
"I-Its a good thing you brought him here, h-he was in rough shape, but nothing a little tlc couldn't take care of" Nurse Morty said.
"I-I couldn't just leave him there to be abused, I had to help" Baker Morty said.
"W-who ever this Morty belonged to did a number on him, he has many bruises and cuts, h-he was also a little malnourished, but we'll get him right as rain again" Nurse Morty said.
"Malnourished? Really?" Baker Morty felt a flash of anger at his family's cruelty.
He looked down at the poor Morty, he seemed so vulnerable, so helpless. He suddenly felt protective of him. He wondered if that's what being a big brother felt like. He noticed that Morty was screwing his eyes up tight and was twitching a lot.
"I-Is he ok?" Baker Morty was worried that something was wrong with him.
"He's ok, h-he's most likely having a bad dream" Nurse Morty said.
Baker Morty looked at him with pity. Morty began to mutter something in his sleep. The twitching became outright thrashing, and he began to scream. It was terrifying to watch it looked as if he was having a seizure.
"W-whoa hey, i-it's ok, you're ok, shhhh" Nurse Morty soothed.
"You're safe, i-it's ok, I-I promise everything is ok" Nurse Morty calmed him down.
"W-where am I?" Morty asked.
"You're in the infirmary, on t-the Citadel, everything is ok" Nurse Morty said. The Morty's eyes grew wide.
"T-the Citadel!? No please! I-I don't want to be assigned to another Rick!" he began hyperventilating.
"Hey, settle down, i-its ok, it's ok, y-you don't have to worry about that, you don't have to be assigned to another Rick ok? Just relax y-you're ok" Nurse Morty comforted him.
"T-that's right, you don't, there are tons of Rickless Morties here, I-I'm Rickless, the Rick that was…..being mean to you was my original Rick, t-that was my home dimension" Baker Morty said.
"Well I-I'm not Rickless, but my Rick is very kind and would never hurt you, I promise not all Ricks are bad" Nurse Morty said.
"I-I'm Baker Morty by the way" he introduced himself.
"I-I'm Servant Morty" he said.
"How did you end up w-with my family?" Baker Morty asked.
"W-well my original Rick, Master Rick was brutally murdered, so I-I was brought back here to the Citadel, t-to the Morty agency, t-that's when your Rick adopted me as a replacement for his Morty that he said had died, b-but your family, especially Summer, kept saying I-I wasn't their real Morty and would beat me, and I-I was only allowed to eat after everyone else had, a-and I wasn't allowed to sit at the table with them, s-sometimes when they were really mad at me, I-I had to sleep in the backyard, i-if that was your family, I'm sorry you had to deal with that on a daily basis and thank you for helping me" Servant Morty explained.
"W-well, they weren't that cruel to me, I-I'm sorry you had to deal with that, I-I'm just glad you are ok" Baker Morty said.
"Y-yea, but what happens to me now?" Servant Morty looked down sadly.
"Y-you are more than welcome to stay with me, I-I want to monitor you awhile longer, just to make sure you are gaining that weight back" Nurse Morty said.
"What about the Rick?" Servant Morty fidgeted nervously.
"Don't worry, I-I live by myself, i-it is the way of the Citadel, no Morty lives with their Rick here" Nurse Morty told him.
"I-if you're sure I won't be a bother" Servant Morty said.
"Of course you w-wont" Nurse Morty said,
"Well, I-I'd better get Cash Morty's portal gun back to him, t-thanks Nurse Morty for taking care of Servant Morty" Baker Morty said.
"Of course, I-I took an oath to always help those in need" Nurse Morty said.
"T-thank you again, for helping me" Servant Morty said.
"No problem, I-I'll see you later" Baker Morty responded before portaling to Cash Morty's. He rang the doorbell. A few moments later Cash Morty answered the door.
"Baker Morty! You're safe! You came back!" Cash Morty tackled him into a hug. He was so stunned he almost fell backwards.
"I missed you while you were gone" Cash Morty said into his chest.
"I-I was only gone for a few hours" Baker Morty chuckled.
"Yea, but I always miss my friends when they aren't around" Cash Morty regarded him with brotherly affection. A grateful warmth welled in him.
"T-thank you Cash Morty, really thank you, for being a real friend" Baker Morty's throat got tight with emotion.
"Aww, look at us being all sappy, oh by the way, my brother and sister-in-law and her friend are here, wanna join us? Richard just finished dinner" Cash Morty said. At the mention of food Morty's stomach growled in response.
"S-sure sounds good" Baker Morty accepted his offer.
"Come on in then" Cash Morty said.
He went inside and followed Cash Morty to the dining room, Smooth Morty, Catalina and another cat girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. She had a sky-blue pear-shaped gem in her forehead and white and black cat ears, tail, and fur. He assumed she must be another Mau like Catalina. Baker Morty greeted everyone as he took his seat.
"Nice to see you again Baker Morty" Smooth Morty said.
"Nice to you too Smooth Morty, y-you too Catalina, and I-I don't believe we've met I-I'm Baker Morty" Baker Morty said.
"Hi, my name is Rosie" she responded.
"Yea yea with the greetings, let's eat already" Cash Morty said.
Baker Morty filled his plate with the delicious smelling pasta dish that Richard had made. He took a bite, and it was creamy and delicious. it had seconds and even thirds. Everyone sat in silence eating for only a moment before Cash Morty began talking and talking and talking. He noticed that Rosie was intently listening to him. He remembered Catalina had mentioned that she had a crush on Cash Morty at their last dinner.
"My goodness Cash Morty, you could talk the ears off of corn, could you shut it for five seconds and let us eat in peace" Smooth Morty elbow jabbed him.
"You're just mad because nobody ever wanted to listen to your geeky voice, but when I talk people listen" Cash Morty mock glared at him.
"So, h-how long have you two been friends?" Baker Morty asked Catalina and Rosie, whilst Cash Morty and Smooth Morty argued back and forth in the background.
"Oh we've been friends since we were kits" Rosie looked at her friend fondly.
"Yep, we met at kit school, we were both chasing the same mouse in hunting class, we worked as a team to catch it and we've been friends ever since" Catalina said.
"H-how did you and Smooth Morty come to know each other?" Baker Morty asked.
"We were both singers, people were calling for us to collaborate, so we did, we realized that we were a great team, plus he was really easy on the eyes and a total sweetheart, so we decided to collaborate in life forever" A loving purr rumbled in Catalina's throat. He saw Rosie steal a sad glance at Cash Morty.
A while later they were all chilling outside enjoying the nice summer evening. The boys were sitting by the pool with glasses of strawberry lemonade in their hands. whilst the girls were chasing each other around the yard. He assumed their cat half was the reason for the running and jumping. Smooth Morty was watching his wife play with an affectionate smile on his face.
"Enjoying the view, are you bro?" Cash Morty teased him.
"I can't help it, I just love her so much" Smooth Morty sighed dreamily.
"I can tell, what's so great about marriage?" Cash Morty asked.
"Well, many things, you have a partner to do life with, they make the bad times good and the good times better, it's not always easy, but it's so worth it, imagine you yelling at your Rick employees with your wife by your side, who knows she might even yell at them too" Smooth Morty answered.
"That would be rather hot" Cash Morty laid back on the lounge chair.
"When we are on the stage singing together, it's like heaven on earth…or wherever we happen to be at, after every performance we love on each other if you know what I mean" Smooth Morty winked at them.
"Ew bro tmi" Cash Morty said.
"I-I want to get married someday" Baker Morty said.
"Do you? Well you'll find an amazing woman someday" Smooth Morty said.
"I mean you live in this big mansion by yourself, wouldn't it be nice to share all this with your babe?" Smooth Morty asked.
"That would be nice" Cash Morty glanced at the two cat girls chasing each other around.
"B-but on the Citadel there are only Ricks and Morties, s-so it seems like getting married would be impossible" Baker Morty said.
"You would have to travel outside of the Citadel for sure" Smooth Morty said.
Later that night everyone was saying their goodbyes. Hugging each other with reassurance that they would meet again soon.
"Oh hey Rosie before you go, do you want to go out sometime?" Cash Morty asked.
"Yes! I would love to" her eyes light up and she twitched her ears in delight.
"Great we'll talk more about it later" Cash Morty said.
"Can't wait" she smiled before following Smooth Morty and Catalina out.
"Good luck, w-with your date" Baker Morty said as he too left.
He traveled with Smooth Morty and Catalina to the Citadel. Finally he could head home and get some rest. Without having to worry about being attacked by any Ricks.