Rick and Haruko chapter 4: Squanch and Loathing (originally published on March 24, 2025)
Author's Note: At long last, we're back! So sorry to keep you waiting. Last we left Haruko Haruhara and Rick Sanchez, the Flesh Curtains managed to escape Repre S. Entative on the Gem Homeworld, but now they're left stranded on the planet Shuggazoom for the time being, but thankfully, an old acquaintance of Rick might be able to help them back on their feet. In the meantime, Medical Mechanica has formed an alliance with the Council of Ricks to bring in Rick and Atomsk, and they've already zeroed in on the Pirate King's location. What new dimensions will our motley crew discover? You'll just have to wait and see!
"That's it, Haru-san, you're getting better." Rihanna Raharu said as she taught her ten-year-old daughter Haruha how to play the guitar. "See, you didn't need to be so hard on yourself."
"I know, but I want to be as good as you!" Haruha exclaimed. "But sometimes I feel like I won't ever be good enough!"
"You won't know how good you'll be until you try," Rihanna warmly advised. Here, let me show you a few more tricks." Haruha always loved these tender family moments, whether spending time with her mom or sleeping with her Dad in his favorite chair.
Then, Medical Mechanica took her family away and ruined what she had left of it. And Haruko will do anything to get her revenge. No matter the cost.
"So, let me get this straight: you're raising monkeys to turn into some bizarro superhero team?!" Rick asked the Alchemist one afternoon on Shuggazoom. "What the hell kind of shrooms do they grow on this planet that gave you this idea, and where can I get some?"
"You may think my plans are ridiculous, Sanchez, but I assure you, it's for a good cause." The Alchemist stated as he worked on a drill-like weapon. "There will come a day when I and my good friend Captain Shuggazoom will no longer be able to protect our planet. Thus, I shall leave everything to what I call the Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce."
"That's seriously what you call them?!" Rick laughed derisively. "What are you, creating a team of defenders of the planet or a toy line?" While he was laughing, however, Rick suddenly discovered that a little blue monkey grabbed his portal gun and then closely examined the device's inner workings. "Hey, get away from my portal gun, you little hairball! I swear to God, if you start throwing your shit at me, I'm gonna throw a fit!"
"Now, Gibson, give the nice man his machine back; he needs it to leave this planet." The Alchemist gently scolded the blue monkey, who ooked in reply and handed the portal gun back to Rick. "Sorry, Rick, GBSN23 here loves to tinker. I think he gets it from me."
"I can see that," Rick commented before he noticed Birdperson entering the laboratory. "Hey, Birdperson, I've been wondering where you were!"
"Yes, the sound of your mocking laughter is easy to identify," Birdperson replied before a black monkey and a green monkey started climbing all over him. "I see you've acquainted yourself with the Alchemist's little projects. Personally, I can see why he chose monkeys as his subjects, considering how close they are to humans. However, I also hope you're looking after them well."
"No need to worry; I have everything under control." The Alchemist replied. "That reminds me. Where are those other two off to, Squanchy and Haruko, I believe?"
"Oh, them?" Rick answered. "I let them run off and play with Squanchy's motorbike in the jungle. Hopefully, they don't get into any trouble."
"Though knowing us, trouble will certainly find them." Birdperson added, only to feel something dirty and squishy under his foot. "Oh no, don't tell me."
"You're stepping in monkey shit." Rick smirked at Birdperson's expense as the two realized he stepped in poop.
"Oh dear, not again." The Alchemist sighed as he prepared to clean up the poop. "My apologies, Birdperson, this just happens sometimes."
"Okay, which one of you was it?" Rick asked a red monkey and an orange monkey, who started pointing accusing fingers at each other.
