maskormenacelogs | October catch-all

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October catch-all

WHO: Quentin Beck/Mysterio and open to all! With starters for Harley Quinn, David Alleyne & Loki.
WHERE: Various locations
WHEN: Over the month of October
WHAT: Various
WARNINGS: Probably grandstanding and egotistical arrogance. Possibly manipulation, violence, emotional abuse.

Open to all!

A. Superhero sighting

Around the Porter cities, Mysterio could be seen in full flight, soaring effortlessly through the air, burgundy cloak flapping in the wind and leaving behind a trail of thick green smoke. His highly recognisable fishbowl helmet obscured his face but he could see perfectly well as he looked over the cities, watching out for crime. Yes, he was still playing the part of the hero - part time. Despite complaining to others that he didn't have time for the little heroic deeds he claimed were below him, he had decided that maybe there was some value after all on a show of public heroics, saving random people from petty crime. Maybe that's you!

Or maybe you can also fly or you're on the ground, curious about the flashy costumed hero above. Mysterio may at times alight and land nearby and greet onlookers with a wave of a gloved hand.

B. Motivational speaking

Beck was also still doing his job as Motivational Speaker, although he had cut down on how many times he'd meet up at a group talk, now making it twice a week. Come and hear Mysterio talk about the importance of believing in yourself or how there is a hero within everybody and how you can bring them out. He spoke about confidence and finding your path to greatness. At times it was over the top in earnest conviction, as if he was overcompensating any insecurities with pure showmanship.

At the very least it was entertaining, whether you enjoyed it or just came to mock him.

C. Random!

Want to run into Mysterio? Open to just finding him wandering any city, in costume or in regular clothing. Throw your own starter below. Any and all CR welcome!

For Harley - (Beck's apartment in De Chima)

Beck has extended an invitation to see his tech in action to a few people but none were perhaps as much of a wild card as Harley Quinn. The girl had talked of chaos and mayhem and while Mysterio generally preferred to keep his own world meticulously controlled and in an order of his own making, he was intrigued by what she may have to offer. In particular in terms of how his tech would react to her mind. What strange dreams would be revealed and what tweaks could he make to the programming to adapt it into future illusions. As much as he was showing off, he was also gathering data. Everyone his tech came in contact with, making a database of brain patterns and thoughts and dreams - and nightmares - all in data form that he could manipulate and integrate into a more complex program. Ideally, to help people. The more he knew, the better, he thought. But good intentions do not always make the best results and especially in his case, things could quickly escalate and fall apart.

He's given Harley his address. When she would arrive was a bit up in the air - as it was with a number of his 'guests' but he was always prepared for an arrival. His tech always set up to be on at a moment's notice for visitors both welcome and unwelcome - and he was often working on it. And so he was in his apartment, making adjustments when she arrived.

For David

David had agreed to meet with Beck again in October for a second 'session' of a sort of therapy. The first had already garnered some interesting results - although not perhaps what David had intentioned. Beck had rediscovered his childhood love of practical effects and was now incorporating that into his tech and his act - for better or worse in the future. He'd also invited Peter Parker to go bowling, despite everyone wanting them to stay apart. But it had all gone relatively well and Beck felt more comfortable at least knowing he could contact Peter. It was hard to shake that connection and unhealthy attachment he'd formed there; that one link to a mutual timeline and world. That he and Peter went back and forth between a relatively friendly conversation to antagonism and back again was something that just felt like the natural way of things at this point and he didn't want to change it. He no longer wanted to kill Peter - there was no point in that here due to changed circumstances - but he was still a danger to the teenager's mind. Mysterio had plans to teach more lessons, which in his own mind were a positive thing, even if along the way they were bound to hurt...

But nothing was a concrete plan as yet. Nothing much for David to pick up on - if he should use his power of touch. Beck's more solid plans were of continuing to further his technology and develop more of a bond between the practical and the visual programming. In simplest terms, how CGI could enhance special effects in film. But Beck wanted to bring that into reality.

He contacted David for their next meeting, still a little unsure where they stood. It wasn't exactly a friendly arrangement. He supposed it was more business, yet he wasn't paying anything, except with his time - which was precious to him in regard to the work David was discouraging. Or at least telling Beck to take a break from it. He had for a little while but of course most of his days and even into the nights were consumed with perfecting what he was working on. He really needed more sleep, and probably better meals. He ate as he went. When Beck appeared for their session, at an appointed place, Beck already looked tired, as if he hadn't slept well - yet he was buoyant and seemed to be in good spirits, greeting David with a cheerful smile.

For Loki - (Beck's apartment in De Chima)

Loki had also received an invitation by Beck to show off his tech, but unlike with Harley, Beck knew of Loki. At least in the sense that the God of Mischief had been a major headline years ago, causing widespread destruction. But Loki's reputation was interesting to Mysterio, who also had done some surface research on what the being could be capable of. Illusions were mentioned and of course that was a common ground that interested Beck. But these were a different sort. Not manufactured by tech but by some sort of magic instead. Would he be able to see through Loki's illusion magic? Would Loki be able to see through Beck's technology? Part of him wanted to impress. Part if him wanted to show he was greater and that his technology could beat a god's magic. He was that arrogant to think that he could.

So it was another interesting test, he thought, hoping that Loki would eventually accept his invitation. As with Harley, he was at home ever working on his tech to make it even better and more versatile, when Loki finally showed up.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"You think I don't want something more?"

David wants to roll his eyes. He wants to be loved and supported and cared for.

"Friendship can be its own reward."

"So what about you, David? Do you want to be friends with me?"

It felt like a loaded question.

"I wish I could trust you enough to be one," David admits with a roll of his shoulders this time. "I'm a doctor and a therapist. You think I can't see the value of your tech? But there's more than that. I enjoyed bowling with you. I enjoy actually interacting with adults instead of being the Dad-Friend of teens. But you're dangerous. And that scares me."

That's all it is.

"Dangerous. In what way exactly do you think I'm dangerous?" He manages to keep his voice even; light. Until he adds the next part, where his lips curl into a near sneer and his voice turns tense. "Are you going to call me unstable?"

Oh no, he's smart enough to not be that honest.

"Peter wanted to leave. And you turned your tech on him. As a punishment. Have you tested what that sort of stuff could do to the body? The mind can seriously damage the body if fear or belief is deep enough. Yes, dangerous."

"You think, after years of research, I don't know what my tech can do and how it can affect others?"

Yes, he knows it's dangerous. The better question is does he care? And no, he thinks it can be useful.

"So you're not calling me dangerous, You're calling my work dangerous."

No, he doesn't care, and that's what bothers David.

"No, your lack of concern that it's dangerous that makes you dangerous. It's a both."

"A knife can be dangerous. It can also be a useful tool. It all depends on the ways it's handled. My technology can be good for the world. You know that. There are so many ways it can be used. I don't want it restricted by people who think all a knife can do is wound people. You have to have a more open mind and be able to see the whole picture."

His reasoning is very skewed.

"And making sure the whole and perfect picture is formed and completed means you have to make quick and difficult decisions that may affect a few in negative ways."

"I see the whole picture. I also see what hand is holding the knife," David counters.

Another tactic then. But none of this was easy. How did you explain to a man that he was effectively like Tuskegee? That his potential was more destructive than he gave himself credit for?

"Difficult decisions that result in death and torment are wrong, Beck. You attempted to torture me mentally because you didn't like my actions. And there's a part of you that cannot understand why that is wrong."

"Your actions? You mean the day you came to my home and pounded on my door, acting aggressively merely because I was helping Peter and offering him a home?" Beck raised his eyebrows as if David was at fault there and not himself. "I was merely protecting myself with the tools at my disposal. If they were that effective, then that is testament to the power my tech can wield."

David shakes his head and, having finished his meal, stands.

"And there's why we can't be friends, Quentin. Because you refuse to accept responsibility for what you did to even me. I didn't raise a hand against you. I spoke. And I can't sleep reliably anymore thanks to you. Friendship? Not likely. Helping you? My responsibility."

"You created your own nightmare scenario and you're going to blame me?"

Well, it was through his tech it came to life...

"And now you're... what? Going to threaten me? Or walk out?"

He stands as well, shoulders tense.

"So go on then. Just push me aside me like everyone else has done. I don't need you. I don't need anybody!"

"You created my nightmare scenario. Don't remove your agency from the encounter."

Because Beck was absolutely responsible for it. However, he doesn't bother to flinch at Beck's terminology.

"And now I'm going to wash the dishes. Would you like another serving first?"

No threats. No walking out. No giving up on this.

"Quentin, the way this works is with honesty. You asked me for it. I'm giving it. Consider me... consider me one of your toughest critics or disbelievers. If you can change my mind? If you can make me believe in you, then you really have come far. But, as I warned you when we agreed to this process, it won't be easy. I have biases here. I'm trying to keep them out of the way. You deserve a fair chance. But you only get out of therapy what you put into it. And self-honesty and self-consciousness are things you need to work toward."

As is responsibility for his own actions, but David's not looking for a miracle on the second day.

"I didn't bring any dessert, sorry. I'm not really good at making those."

One of the most difficult things for Beck was to blame himself in any way for anything that happened, to him or around him or because of him. It was easier to blame his father for his bad upbringing; blame Tony Stark for his lack of success in furthering his tech; blame Peter for 'interfering' with his faux superhero plans. Even blame David and Marco here for Peter walking out; or blame the people who know of a Mysterio for foiling his plans to become a hero here. His brain won't let him admit any of that was his fault, despite overwhelming testimony and evidence to the contrary - as well as his own words and actions. If he admitted he was to blame, then he would be admitting that he was mistaken and wrong and that led to insecurities he didn't want to face. Better to keep the mask of ego and confidence up, denying feelings and weaknesses he kept buried very deep.

He had expected David to just walk away from him then - easier to push people away then to feel like they'd abandoned him. It takes him a moment to take in that David wasn't leaving and he was... going to do the dishes?

"Uh... I... Now I've lost my appetite," he admits. The dish could be saved for later.

"I don't understand you," he adds. "I don't know what you really want from me."

The hope, of course, would be that therapy might allow him a safe place to air those insecurities and become a stronger, better man for it. Who knows. But David's going to try.

"Alright then. Before I do leave later, make sure you get me to write down reheating instructions for you, okay?"

But he smiles as he starts to the sink to clean his own plate.

"A lot of people don't understand me. Perhaps it would help if you did. I'll start with an honest answer, but then you can feel free to ask me some questions about myself. What I want from you is a chance to help you. You asked for it. Backing out now would be cowardly. I want to help you. That's what a hero does."

"So this is your idea of heroics," Beck muses. "It's certainly not the most public way to do it." Not like the way he went about it.

He sighs, leaning a hand on the back of his chair and watching David. He doesn't offer to help just yet but then it was only one plate.

"I've told you about my father. What else is there to know?"

As if that was all that was needed for a deep analysis.

"And how can me asking about you... help me? You don't want to be friends."

"Cute that you think this is my only way of fighting."

Now that he's solved the suppression problem, for now, he can move on to the next step. But he is careful as he washes dishes, very thorough in it before he sets the dish and serving spoon aside.

"Do you own tupperware or plastic wrap? To cover your leftovers with? Better not to put it right back into the casserole dish. And there's a lot, Quentin. We've barely scratched the surface on your father or your life as a child. We have more ground than you could imagine, and you'll start putting together the pieces you know you want to talk about the more we do this. Therapy is a process, and while sometimes you have a backslide, it generally gets easier and more fulfilling as you go."

He really should dry the dishes too. Huh. But he doesn't know where a dish towel is so he turns back to consider the man.

"You said you don't understand me. It may not help you in the way I intend to, but it can help you understand me. Understand my motivations. See who I am."

"No, I , uh... don't have any tupperware. I don't usually have leftovers to have to wrap them." But that was the least of their problems right now.

He crosses his arms.

"So, what, you ask me a question? Then I ask you a question? Exchange of ideas. You get to analyse me. I get to understand you... Is that how it's going to work?"

David may sense Beck's reluctance now hiding under the guise of stubbornness and stalling.

"No. We're done with me asking you questions today. Now it's about finding a bit of comfort. Which means you get to understand me. No exchange. For now, it's your turn to interrogate."

See, an offering.

"Hm." He sits down again, looking thoughtful. An opportunity, yes. And not one he wants to squander.

But it's hard for him to think of the best question. Most of them lead back to himself.

Still, he takes a moment to consider.

"You mentioned motivations and you want to help me so that others won't be... caught in the crossfire of what you consider is dangerous about me and my tech, right?" That wasn't the question, so he goes on. "Do you think everybody can be helped this way? Are you that motivated to help others that you'll waste time with me, trying to fix me?"

It went back around to himself anyway... But he may get to something more personal about David in a bit.

"Everyone? No. Most people? Yes," David answers, quite honestly. "In my world there's this insane robot named Ultron. He was made by a scientist named Henry Pym. And he nearly destroyed the world many times over. That guy/ I don't think I can help and I wouldn't try. Probably wouldn't try with higher ups in the Purifiers either, but they're genocidal people. But yes. I believe people can be helped this way. Most people. And I'm willing to try. Because you're willing to."

What? He believes in second chances. The mutants gave it to people plenty. Trying to bring mutants who had gone too far back into the fold. They were a family.

Now there were a couple of names Beck recognised. He'd done his research on the Avengers as well as seen many news reports over the years, even when he wasn't directly affected. The most interesting part of what David said in that regard, though, was what was not matching up about it.

"We really are from different worlds... The real multiverse. Ultron caused havoc in my world too but he was created by Tony Stark."

But he had to address the rest.

"So you're here because I asked for it."

That was almost... good, he thought. Somebody listening? Somebody being here because he wanted it? Even if it wasn't a grandly over-the-top public display. He was still being listened to, and that should count for something, he realised.

Tony Stark, huh? David wants to laugh, because that would mean that if they exist in Beck's world, Tommy and Billy would be Tony Stark's great-grandchildren. Awkward.

"I'm here because you asked for it, and because I agreed. That's how it works."

Nobody tell Beck that in another universe he built himself his own android daughter.

"Simple as that, huh? It's a pity I don't always get things so easily when I just ask for them," he says in a joking tone, but he does wish that was what would happen in general.

"Well, you've still got question allowances, so..."

He shrugs and makes a 'come at me bro' sort of gesture.

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