[Video]

[mysteryhero]

[Upon his arrival, Mysterio was in full costume, looking like Thor, Dr Strange and Iron Man rolled into one. Now he appears on the network in regular clothing - a brown sweater and tan trousers - looking elegantly casual.]

Hello again.

I have had some time to to explore and familiarize myself with this world and I'm impressed with the technology here - at least in Nova City. It's far beyond what I've seen before yet it's also lacking. That's why I am going to work for and with Aster Technologies and we can combine our knowledge to do great things.

Now, I know, I introduced myself as Mysterio when I first arrived and that is indeed a name I am known by but let's have a proper introduction now, shall we?

My name is Quentin Beck.

Comments

[made_up_names]

Sorry. But you do sound pretty over-the-top. Like a comic book villain. Maybe dial it back next time.

[ Anyway, not important. He just sort of considers that for a moment, thinking. Rubbing at the back of his neck. ]

It's a lot easier to believe you're a decent person if you don't go off like that.

[mysteryhero]

.... Are you saying that I shouldn't be passionate about my work?

You want me to be like the mysterious hero: determined but calm; patient.

[He doesn't get it since to him the latter is more of an act.]

[made_up_names]

[ He winces a little. ]

Well - no. I get excited and nerd out too. It's not evil.

[mysteryhero]

You just called me an over-the-top comic book villain.

[made_up_names]

You are an over-the-top comic book villain.

But you don't have to be some kind of edgy cool hero either. Somewhere in the middle. I dunno.

[mysteryhero]

So a teenager is going to give me life tips on how to act.

[made_up_names]

A middle-aged dude is asking a teenager for tips. That's sad, dude.

[mysteryhero]

I don't think I ever actually asked.

I was just pointing out that your biggest flaw is also your biggest virtue.

[made_up_names]

No, but you're definitely kinda trying to be someone I would like. Kinda creepy, dude.

[ Okay, okay, enough of that. ]

You mean being gullible as hell?

[mysteryhero]

I was trying to be someone everyone would like. The entire world had to admire Mysterio - and then they would pay attention and listen.

[Such a destructive plan just to get himself heard.]

You said it yourself: Tony Stark was an asshole. And yet you admired him. You wanted to live up to his legacy.

And yet you thought I would be the better man to carry that on.

[made_up_names]

[ Huh. Is that the underlying problem here? Not being heard? Peter frowns thoughtfully. Not that he's here to figure out Mysterio's shit for him, but... It would be nice to genuinely like the guy.

Which would be easier if Mysterio didn't keep reminding him of why he doesn't like him. ]

You tricked me. You targeted me, pushed all of my buttons. Hell, I'm pretty sure you even tailored your look. When you put on EDITH --

[ His voice cracks for a moment; he's abruptly overwhelmed. ]

You looked exactly like Mr. Stark.

[mysteryhero]

[Of course there's more, with his insecure feelings of being seen as unstable, inadequate and unheard, he's seeking more control; more power and with that the chance to be taken seriously and yes, heard and believed. He's taken the wrong path to reach that goal but, in his own twisted way, he wants to bring good to the world.]

... I needed you to believe in me. I needed you to trust me.

Maybe I did tweak some things to give you the right impression.

EDITH shouldn't have been handed over to you. You're not mature enough yet.

[As if his own plans scream maturity.]

[made_up_names]

[ He just shakes his head a little. ]

We could've worked together. Maybe I wouldn't've just handed her over, but I'd probably have worked with you even if you were just a nerd with a fancy suit. Especially being a nerd in a fancy suit.

[mysteryhero]

[There's a slight frown while Peter speaks and he takes a moment to reply. Maybe that scenario would have worked just for Peter but it had gone beyond just Spider-Man. He'd wanted the trust of the world and up to that point he hadn't gotten what he wanted by being that smart tech nerd with fancy illusions.]

Then that's why we have this second chance.

I know it's difficult to believe me after all that happened.

I know that I've said things you disagree with or you think I'm being excessive with how I say it.

But I mean it that we did make a good team and we can again.

[He knows he's said similar before, but positive reinforcement? It was better not to have real enemies. Manufactured ones were different. They did as he dictated. Peter was a wild card in his stacked deck. He needed Peter to be on his side.]

[made_up_names]

[ Yeah, it's the megalomania Peter has a problem with. If Beck could have stuck to just trying to be a hero with what he has, this could have gone differently. The tech and the concept is solid.

He sighs, softly. ]

I'm working with you now, aren't I? I'm not gonna tell anyone what happened. And if an actual threat showed up, I guess Spider-Man would team up with Mysterio.

[mysteryhero]

Good, that's what I like to hear.

[There's a more pleasant smile now.]

You've got my back and I've got yours.

[With their respective secrets.]

[made_up_names]

Sounds more like blackmail with extra steps.

[ But that's some garden variety sarcasm from him. Almost amused. ]

[mysteryhero]

If it's blackmail, it's mutual blackmail.

[made_up_names]

Yeah, yeah, I figured that part out.

[ A shrug. ]

You're in more trouble there than I am. Given what kinda weirdos I've met so far, Spider-Man is probably not going to ping anyone's radar.

[mysteryhero]

What do you mean?

[made_up_names]

I mean that if I went on the network and said "what's up guys I'm Spider-Man" I'm pretty sure the reaction would be "cool man, whatever."

Versus my twitter and my insta blowing up with death threats, like, immediately.

[mysteryhero]

Maybe some people here are frightened of spiders.

[Totally deflecting from the real issues.]

[made_up_names]

[ He can't roll his eyes hard enough. ]

Look. I'm not gonna give you away. I did promise and I meant that. But if you think my secret identity outweighs you blowing stuff up, you might wanna redo your math.

[mysteryhero]

I never had a secret identity and people loved me.

[Not that they saw his secret personality or heard his real backstory so this isn't a good argument.]

[made_up_names]

Great point. I'll go tell everyone tomorrow, then, and all your leverage over me is super gone.