The cold vastness of the multiverse swirled around Morty as he stood next to Evil Morty, suspended in what felt like an endless expanse of space. Galaxies and stars shimmered in the distance, but they were different from anything Morty had seen during his adventures with Rick. There was an unsettling stillness here, a sense of something deeper at play, a force that connected everything in a way he had never fully understood before. This was the true multiverse, as Evil Morty had put it—the network of dimensions and realities that transcended the surface-level chaos that Rick had always taken for granted.
Morty's heart raced as he tried to take it all in. He had always known the multiverse was vast, but this was something else entirely. It was like standing at the edge of infinity, staring into a chasm of endless possibilities. And in this moment, for the first time in a long while, Morty felt small.
"So," Morty said, his voice trembling slightly as he looked over at Evil Morty, "where do we start?"
Evil Morty glanced at him, a flicker of something resembling amusement in his eyes. "You're eager," he said, his tone casual. "That's good. You're going to need that. What you're dealing with now isn't something you can afford to approach halfheartedly. The energy you've tapped into—what you call the latent multiversal energy—it's a raw, dangerous force. If you try to harness it without understanding what you're doing, you'll destroy not only yourself but entire dimensions."
Morty swallowed hard. He had known the risks, of course, but hearing it laid out so plainly made the gravity of the situation feel all the more real. He had been playing with forces that could unravel the very fabric of existence, and yet here he was, asking for more.
"How do I control it?" Morty asked, his voice steadier now, more determined.
Evil Morty's expression darkened slightly as he turned away, gesturing toward the swirling galaxies and stars around them. "The first thing you need to understand," he said, "is that the multiverse isn't just a collection of separate dimensions, as Rick likes to believe. It's a network—an interconnected web of realities, each one influencing the others. The energy you've tapped into exists between these dimensions, in the spaces that connect them. It's the glue that holds the multiverse together."
Morty listened carefully, trying to process what Evil Morty was saying. The concept of the multiverse as a network made sense, in a way. Rick had always treated dimensions as individual playgrounds, separate from one another. But if there was something connecting them all, something deeper, that explained why the energy he had harnessed felt so overwhelming—like it was tied to everything.
"This energy is incredibly powerful," Evil Morty continued, "but it's also volatile. The reason the Conclave of Aeons and the Infinite Coil are fighting over it is because they both understand what it can do. Whoever controls that energy can shape the multiverse, bend it to their will. But if you mishandle it, if you try to wield it without the proper control, you'll tear the entire network apart."
Morty's stomach churned at the thought. He had already seen what a small misstep could do—he had drawn the attention of two secret organizations that had been hidden even from Rick. If he made another mistake, the consequences could be far worse.
Evil Morty glanced at him, studying his expression. "You're afraid," he said simply. "Good. Fear means you understand the stakes. But fear alone won't help you control this power. You need discipline. Focus."
Morty nodded, his heart pounding. "So, how do I learn to focus it?"
Evil Morty turned fully toward him, his eyes narrowing slightly. "The first thing you need to do is stop thinking like a Morty."
Morty blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Evil Morty sighed, crossing his arms. "Every version of Morty I've encountered—including the one standing in front of me right now—thinks in terms of limitations. You're always defining yourself by what you can't do. You see Rick's genius and you assume you can never measure up. You see the multiverse and you assume you're just a speck in it, powerless to change anything."
Morty bristled at that. He had spent his entire life feeling exactly that way—like he was nothing more than a sidekick, a footnote in Rick's story. But now, things were different. He wanted to be more. Evil Morty paced slowly, the stars reflecting in his cold eyes as he continued. "That's the problem with most Mortys. You define yourselves by your limitations. It's always about how you'll never be like Rick, how you're destined to follow him, to be stuck in his shadow. You've accepted that role your entire life. That's what makes you weak."
Morty's stomach twisted as the words sank in. Evil Morty's voice was harsh, but there was truth in what he was saying. Morty had spent so much of his life being the lesser one—the Morty who needed to be protected, who fumbled through adventures, relying on Rick to fix everything. Even now, with his newfound intelligence and abilities, that doubt lingered. The constant feeling that, no matter what he did, he'd always be a step behind Rick.
"But that's not who I am anymore," Morty said, his voice faltering. "I've been learning. I've been figuring things out on my own. I tapped into this power—me, not Rick."
Evil Morty stopped pacing and turned to face him, his eyes narrowing. "You tapped into the power, yes. But the fact that you're standing here asking me for help tells me you're still thinking like the old Morty. You're still looking for someone else to guide you, to show you the way. Until you stop relying on other people to validate your existence, you'll never control the power you've unlocked."
Morty's throat tightened. He wanted to argue, to push back against Evil Morty's words, but he couldn't. Deep down, he knew there was truth in what he was hearing. He had come here, after all, because he wasn't sure if he could handle this on his own. He had convinced himself that he needed someone to help him navigate the complexities of the multiverse's energy, to show him how to master it. But that wasn't the mentality of someone in control.
"That's your first lesson," Evil Morty said, his tone softening slightly. "You need to stop thinking of yourself as just another Morty. You're not bound by the limitations of your old self. You've already proven that by harnessing this energy. But if you want to control it—really control it—you need to stop letting fear dictate your actions."
Morty looked down at his hands, his mind racing. Evil Morty's words echoed in his head: Stop thinking like a Morty. Could it really be that simple? Was his own self-doubt the thing holding him back? He had always seen himself through the lens of what he wasn't—he wasn't as smart as Rick, wasn't as confident, wasn't as capable. But maybe it was time to stop defining himself that way.
Evil Morty walked closer, his presence towering over Morty, though they were physically the same. "The energy you've tapped into isn't just raw power. It's connected to everything. It flows through the dimensions, linking them together. And if you can control it, you'll be able to shape the multiverse itself. But you'll never get there if you're still acting like the Morty who's afraid to take control."
Morty clenched his fists, a mixture of anger and determination bubbling inside him. He wasn't going to let this version of himself—this darker, more ruthless version—dictate his path. But at the same time, he knew Evil Morty was right. If he was going to master this power, he had to stop being afraid. He had to stop thinking of himself as someone who needed help at every turn.
"How do I start?" Morty asked, his voice firmer this time.
Evil Morty smiled, though it was a cold, calculating smile. "Good. You're learning." He gestured toward the swirling galaxies around them. "First, you need to feel the energy, not just tap into it by accident. You need to understand it on a fundamental level."
Morty took a deep breath, trying to focus. "Feel the energy? What does that mean?"
Evil Morty stepped beside him, raising a hand toward the shimmering stars and dimensional strands that seemed to float in the space around them. "The energy between dimensions isn't something you can just manipulate with brute force. It's not like turning a dial or flipping a switch. It's alive—it reacts to you. You've been thinking about it as a tool, something to be used. But it's more than that. It's a connection to every reality that exists. If you treat it like a weapon, it'll backfire. You'll destroy more than you can imagine."
Morty closed his eyes, trying to wrap his mind around what Evil Morty was saying. Feel the energy? Connect to it? It sounded impossible—how could you connect to something as vast as the multiverse itself?
But then, he remembered the moment he had first tapped into the energy. It hadn't been through sheer intellect or brute force. It had been an accident, yes, but it had also felt… natural. Like something inside him had reached out and touched the fabric of the multiverse without him even realizing it. Maybe that was what Evil Morty meant. Maybe it wasn't about controlling the energy with his mind—it was about letting it flow through him.
"Try it," Evil Morty said, his voice calm but insistent. "Feel the energy around you. Let it flow through you without trying to control it. Just let it be."
Morty hesitated for a moment, then closed his eyes again. He took a slow, deep breath, trying to clear his mind of the fear and doubt that had been gnawing at him for weeks. He focused on the space around him, on the feeling of the multiverse stretching out in all directions. He imagined the energy that connected the dimensions, the force that flowed between them like an invisible current.
At first, nothing happened. Morty's mind raced, doubts creeping in again. This is stupid. This isn't going to work. I'm just a—
But before he could finish the thought, he felt something.
It was subtle at first, like a faint vibration deep in his chest. Then, slowly, it grew stronger, spreading through his body like a warm current. It wasn't painful or overwhelming—it was… natural. As though the energy had been there all along, waiting for him to notice it.
Morty's breath hitched as the feeling intensified. He could sense the dimensions around him, not as separate entities, but as part of a larger whole. The energy flowed through him, connecting him to the stars, the galaxies, the very fabric of the multiverse. He didn't need to force it or bend it to his will—it was already there, and all he had to do was let it be.
"That's it," Evil Morty said softly, watching him. "Now, don't fight it. Let the energy flow naturally. The more you try to control it, the more dangerous it becomes."
Morty's heart raced as he stood there, the energy pulsing through him in waves. It was like nothing he had ever experienced. The power was immense, yes, but it wasn't wild or chaotic. It was… balanced. Like a river flowing through a valley, strong but steady.
For the first time since this whole ordeal had started, Morty didn't feel afraid. He didn't feel like he was grasping at something beyond his reach. He wasn't a Morty struggling to keep up with Rick's world. He was part of something bigger—something that existed beyond Rick, beyond the Council of Ricks, beyond everything.
He opened his eyes, the galaxies around him shimmering as the energy continued to flow through him. He glanced over at Evil Morty, who was watching him with an expression of cautious approval.
"You're starting to get it," Evil Morty said, his voice calm. "But this is only the beginning. Now that you've felt the energy, the real work begins."
Morty nodded, his mind clearer than it had been in weeks. He still had so much to learn, so much to understand. But for the first time, he felt like he was on the right path. He wasn't just reacting to what was happening around him—he was beginning to shape his own destiny. The energy flowing through him wasn't just a tool or a weapon—it was a connection, a bridge between him and the multiverse itself. He could feel its rhythms, its patterns, and its quiet hum, and for the first time, he wasn't overwhelmed by it. He felt a sense of belonging within the multiverse, as if he had unlocked something that had always been there, waiting for him to notice.
"Now that you've felt the energy, the next step is learning how to control it without damaging the multiverse," Evil Morty said, his voice breaking the silence. His cold demeanor softened ever so slightly, though there was still an edge to his words. "Harnessing power is one thing, but if you don't understand the balance, you'll become a danger to everything. That's why the Conclave of Aeons and the Infinite Coil came after you—they know the stakes. You've gotten their attention, and now it's time to prove you can handle it."
Morty swallowed, his throat dry. The idea that these ancient, powerful organizations had their eyes on him still sent shivers down his spine. He had come to Evil Morty for guidance, and now that he was beginning to understand the nature of the energy, the real challenge was clear: he had to learn how to control it without destroying everything in the process. And if he failed, the consequences would be catastrophic—not just for him, but for the entire multiverse.
"How do I control it without, you know, blowing up entire dimensions?" Morty asked, his voice tinged with apprehension. "I've already seen what happens when I lose control. I can't let that happen again."
Evil Morty studied him for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the swirling galaxies around them. "The key is understanding the flow of the multiversal energy," he explained. "You've already felt it, but now you need to learn how to work with it instead of trying to bend it to your will. The energy is part of the natural order—it's not meant to be controlled like a machine. You can guide it, you can shape it, but if you try to dominate it, you'll disrupt the balance."
Morty nodded slowly, his mind racing as he processed what Evil Morty was saying. It wasn't about brute force. It was about harmony—about moving with the energy, not against it.
Evil Morty raised his hand, and the space around them shifted. The stars and galaxies dimmed, and in their place, a new scene unfolded. Morty found himself standing in the middle of a massive, flowing river, its waters shimmering with a faint, otherworldly glow. The river seemed to stretch endlessly in both directions, its currents gentle yet powerful.
"This is a metaphor," Evil Morty said, stepping into the river beside him. "Imagine the multiversal energy as a river. It flows naturally, following a path that connects all dimensions. If you try to force the river to bend to your will, you'll disrupt the flow and cause damage. But if you learn to move with the current, you can guide the energy without breaking the balance."
Morty stared at the river, the sound of its gentle current filling the air. He could feel the energy in the water, the same pulsing force he had sensed earlier, but now it was more concentrated, more focused. He reached out hesitantly, dipping his fingers into the water.
The moment his fingers touched the surface, Morty felt a surge of energy rush through him, the same warm current that had flowed through him earlier. But this time, he didn't fight it. He let the energy wash over him, feeling its rhythm, its natural flow.
"Let it guide you," Evil Morty said softly, watching him carefully. "Feel the flow, and learn to work with it. Don't try to control it directly—just move with it."
Morty closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation of the energy flowing through him. He imagined himself moving with the current, letting the energy guide him instead of trying to force it. The feeling was strange at first, but slowly, he began to understand. It was like learning to swim in a river—at first, you fought against the current, but once you learned to let go, the water would carry you.
The energy became clearer in his mind. He could sense its direction, its purpose. It wasn't just raw power; it had a flow, a balance. Morty opened his eyes, feeling more confident now. He raised his hand slightly, and to his amazement, the water around him responded. A small wave rose up, moving gently in the direction of his hand.
"You're starting to get it," Evil Morty said, nodding in approval. "The energy is alive, in a way. It reacts to you, but it won't obey you if you try to force it. The more you work with it, the more it will respond to your guidance."
Morty took a deep breath, feeling a sense of control that he hadn't felt before. The energy wasn't chaotic, and it wasn't something to be feared. It was part of the multiverse, part of him. He could work with it, guide it, without causing harm.
But then a thought struck him—a question that had been lurking in the back of his mind since all of this began.
"If this energy is so powerful," Morty said slowly, "why hasn't Rick tried to harness it? Why hasn't the Council of Ricks figured it out?"
Evil Morty's expression darkened slightly. "Because Rick doesn't believe in limits," he said. "He treats the multiverse like his personal playground, bending it to his will without a second thought. He doesn't care about balance. If he tried to harness this energy, he'd use it like a blunt instrument, and the damage would be irreversible. The Council of Ricks doesn't even understand the true nature of the multiverse—they're too focused on their own petty power struggles."
Morty nodded, the weight of those words settling on him. Rick was brilliant, but he was reckless. He didn't care about the consequences of his actions as long as he got what he wanted. And now Morty understood why Evil Morty had warned him not to seek Rick's help. This energy required a level of care and responsibility that Rick would never consider.
Evil Morty turned to face him fully, his expression serious. "You've taken the first step. You've felt the energy, and you've learned to move with it. But you still have a long way to go. There will be times when the energy is chaotic, when it feels like it's fighting you. In those moments, you'll be tempted to force it, to try and control it like Rick would. Don't. If you lose control, you'll become just as dangerous as the Infinite Coil or the Conclave of Aeons."
Morty swallowed hard. The gravity of the situation was clearer than ever now. He wasn't just learning to harness power—he was learning to protect the multiverse from forces that sought to exploit that power.
"I won't lose control," Morty said, his voice steady. "I'll learn to control it the right way."
Evil Morty nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. Because if you don't, the consequences won't just be your destruction. It'll be the end of everything."
The river around them began to fade, the scene shifting back to the swirling galaxies and stars of the multiverse. Morty stood there, feeling the energy still pulsing through him, but this time, it was different. He understood it now. He wasn't just a bystander anymore, and he wasn't going to let fear control him.
Evil Morty stepped back, crossing his arms. "Your journey's only just begun, but you've taken the first step. You'll need more practice—lots of it. But if you can keep your head and focus on maintaining balance, you'll learn to control this power."
Morty nodded, determination swelling in his chest. He knew there was still so much to learn, so much he didn't fully understand. But now, for the first time, he felt like he was on the right path. He was no longer just a Morty in Rick's shadow—he was something more. And he was ready to prove it.
"I'm ready," Morty said, his voice filled with newfound resolve.
Evil Morty gave him a long, hard look, then smirked. "We'll see."
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