chapter 5

Captain America froze, his hand hovering over the Rick-inator 5000's controls. A wave of dread washed over him as he realized the gravity of Rick's threat. He had faced countless villains in his time, but none as unpredictable and potentially destructive as this interdimensional mad scientist.

"You wouldn't dare," he said, his voice barely a whisper.

Rick grinned, his eyes gleaming with manic delight. "Wouldn't I? You underestimate me, Cap. I'm not afraid of a little chaos. In fact, I thrive on it."

He raised the multiverse disruptor, its pulsating glow intensifying. "Now, step away from the robot, and let's part ways amicably. I have other dimensions to explore, and you have a world to save. Or not, if you prefer."

Captain America's mind raced. He couldn't allow Rick to carry out his threat, but he also couldn't risk a confrontation that could tear the universe apart. He needed to find a way to disarm the scientist without triggering the disruptor.

"Alright, Sanchez," he said, slowly raising his hands in surrender. "You win. I'll let you go."

Rick smirked, lowering the disruptor slightly. "Wise decision, Cap. I knew you were a reasonable man."

Captain America took a step back, his eyes fixed on Rick's every move. "Just one question," he said. "Why are you doing this? What's your endgame?"

Rick shrugged. "Endgame? I don't have one. I'm just having a little fun. Exploring the multiverse, causing a little mayhem. It's what I do."

Captain America shook his head in disbelief. "You're insane."

Rick chuckled. "Maybe so. But I'm also free. Free to do whatever I want, whenever I want. And that's more than I can say for you, Captain Boy Scout."

He raised the portal gun, aiming it at the sky. "Goodbye, Captain America. It's been... interesting."

With a flash of light, Rick disappeared into the portal, leaving Captain America alone on the deserted beach. The superhero lowered his hands, a sense of unease settling in his gut. He had a feeling that this wasn't the last he'd seen of Rick Sanchez. And the next time they met, the stakes would be even higher.