#SongOfTheFools
Otto Octavius. The scientist with the plan to make Metropolis bow down beneath his feet. Having sent villains like Vulture, Prowler, Shocker and Electro to do his bidding, he could see various plans emerging in front of everything, but even so, Otto kept calm, just waiting for the right moment to act. In this same scenario, Shocker and Electro looked at the scientist, worried about the current course after the last fight against the Super Hero Girls, proving how much they had a long way to go in their plans to do what was necessary for the city.
"I still don't understand why you called us here, Otto. Don't you think we would be helping a lot by being out there and trying to attract the attention of those heroines who claim to be the saviors of Metropolis?" Dillon asked, trying to understand what was going to happen in this whole story.
"I am forced to agree with my dear pal here. We are faced with a crossroads to make your wishes and for what? To try to deal with a group that defeats us by the minute?" Shocker said, more surprised than the usual.
"It's a matter of perspective, Shocker. We know very well how well this city is being protected. But my interests are not only in defeating these heroines. I want Metropolis at my feet. With the ability to control not only these people, but also the crime around them, all the gangs, so that I can have a chance to fulfill my dreams." Otto seemed to fulfill every aspect of mad scientist under the circumstances, but in truth, things were different. - "I was someone quite renowned before all that, until I decided to do an experiment using these tentacles, attached to my back. It all went wrong, and I kept thinking: What could I have done differently? But then, I realized, if I can do something with these gifts and my mind, I can change everything."
"So your main idea is to defeat the Super Hero Girls just so you can fulfill this desire of yours of being the ultimate crime boss that Metropolis has ever seen?" Electro talked, almost doubting the plan.
"That. And just as well, my main goal is to change this city, in a way in which they can know who is really in control. You two may have failed, but I already have a new volunteer to help me on this little mission." Suddenly, a man wearing a green suit and cape appeared before Electro and Shocker, in front of a fog that enveloped the entire place. - "Gentlemen, meet Quentin Beck. Renowned illusionist and an expert in performing tricks that surpass even human perception."
"To many, I am Quentin Beck, but here, you can call me Mysterio." Holding a helmet that looked just like a crystal ball, Beck gave a smile. - "And to ensure the defeat of the Super Hero Girls, I will perform my greatest trick that will make the entire city bow down to my abilities."
A plan seemed to be in motion. In the face of this, Quentin Beck was willing to take the risks to defeat the heroines and with this, having an unusual target, seeing Spider-Man in one of the newspaper pictures, realizing the direction the story was taking and that above this, all the heroes would be in danger in the most difficult moments so far, considering the plan that Otto would put in motion to make sure that the heroes of this city would fail.
On the school, Peter Parker was keeping himself quite nervous considering everything that had happened. In these last few days, his mind had been racing a bit considering what had happened. After the last events against Cheetah, Peter and Diana started a relationship, until he noticed the signs that one of the most smart girls also had something for him: Mary Bromfield. After a wild night of love, the three of them reached a deal, a "society" on which they would be able to share more love than the usual, showcasing how things became different.
"Okay, this is not how I thought that my week would go. If one girlfriend was too much, think of two girls in love with me. This is something far unexpected. Besides, the sex and everything that happened, I guess the consensus was in a clear spot. Besides, I would never notice that Mary had more perks than Diana in some points, but that's a story for another time. Although, my clear worry is: How will I keep this hidden from my friends? It's something that even I wouldn't think about in 1,000 years." Peter knew very well what he had gotten himself involved in and how careful he would need to be to avoid the flaws and the secrets involving this love triangle between him, Diana and Mary, knowing very well every possibility and what could happen at the moment. But the Web-Head knew very well that they would be together, regardless of what happened.
Taking a seat in the cafeteria, Peter stood next to Ned and Michelle, while Diana, Mary, Zee, Karen, Jessica, Barbara and Kara approached the trio, standing next to each other. Seeing Peter and Mary talking to each other, made Peter a lot more nervous, until Kitty and Megan approached the group, with their trays on hand and looking at the heroines, silence hung, almost out of boredom all around.
"Does anyone there have a news story of the week, by any chance?" Peter asked, trying to chat with one of his friends, however, the boredom was clear.
"The academic decathlon team doesn't seem to be coming to a consensus. There is still a long way to go before the competitions, but I want the members to put their experiences on display and make it clear how far they can go if everything goes right. However, there is no motivation for everyone to be together. Mary said, annoyed at what was happening, knowing full well every possibility, until Babs gave a smile, more optimistic than usual, leaving the group surprised.
"Babs, are you okay?" Ned asked, a little confused.
"Yes, it's because usually when you get so smiley like that, it usually involves one of your crazy, miraculous plans to try to make our day better." Michelle said, looking to the red-headed girl, noticing her in a behavior out of normal with this smile.
"It's nothing. But I heard there's an illusionist who can do some pretty realistic tricks, just like Zee's dad." The magician then almost choked on the food, completely surprised at what she was hearing.
"What do you mean, Babs? How am I not aware of this story?" Zee was trying to understand these words, while the girl kept calm around her body. - "If there's one thing I know, it's that no illusionism, manages to surpass true magic."
"Don't know what to say, Zee, but there's a fellow named Quentin Beck who intends to hold a show at the Metropolis theater. One of his special performances, and the best part? He's doing the show practically for free, without costs." Peter started to laugh at the scene, making Zee confused about the reaction the Web-Head was showing now.
"Now I understand why Zee is so annoyed. She doesn't believe she can have anyone better than her to perform a magic show." Ned, Michelle and Diana began to laugh at Peter's words, until the magician looked back with a glare that seemed to freeze the place around, making the hero completely quiet. - "Ok, now I get it."
"All right. Since you really believe all that, why don't we go to this show later and see if this Beck guy is everything they say."Zee started to talk, almost sure that Quentin Beck couldn't be all of this the people were saying.
The group only nodded with their heads, being sure of what was to come. Slowly, there was a sign of how different the day could be and they would be willing to enjoy every minute of it if they had to, but with that, everyone had an appointment later. It was something that took all of them by surprise, but everything that happened, it was clear things would be more different for the day.
After two hours, near the theater, everyone around began to approach from their seats, looking up at the stage. The girls, joined by Michelle, Ned, Megan, Kitty, Laurel, Renée, Helena and Mary began to watch and try to identify what lay ahead. Suddenly, the lights went out and at that, a fog began to envelop the place, leaving everyone surprised by it.
"There are many differences before us. What we each possess and their due abilities, but it is our differences that bring us together. I started out with a dream of wanting to show what I was really capable of, but deep down, I know very well how much it means to want things in a different way." The presentation had started with a monologue that surprised everyone in the venue, even the Super Hero Girls. Mary, on the other hand, was ready for anything, yet there was a mere chance that they were seeing something out of the ordinary. - "But I know very well how many incomprehensible things there are, just like magic. But I understand these. Everyone has doubts, but I am here to surprise you." The fog began to intensify on the stage, revealing Quentin Beck before the crowd. - "Allow me my humble introduction. My name is Beck. Quentin Beck. I'm here to change your lives."
"And then, I'm the one who overreacts on the act." Zee said, while making the group around laugh at the scene, but without noticing, Beck was looking to them in silence with everything that could happen.
"I will be guided through logic in this plan. With all these people around the theater, there is a good chance that some of them here could be Super Hero Girls, in their secret identities. If I can accomplish this plan, I will manage to contain them, while at the same time, will commit all the crimes I want to. That's the logic. I get rid of the targets in one single strike." Beck made it clear how willing he was to do whatever was necessary to guarantee a chance to solve the problem according to how Otto Octavius had summoned him and with that, give his all to this plan.
Without realizing it, Peter started to feel his sixth sense tingling, making the boy worry about this. Slowly, he began to watch the show, while each of them waited to see what was coming next in this whole story. This feeling did not go unnoticed by Megan, who seemed to be feeling something very worrying because of her phsycic powers, almost a feeling of something unexpected. Performing some tricks, Beck started doing tricks, with the first of them, being a teleport from the stage to one of the empty seats on the theatre, leaving everyone perplexed, except Zatanna, still doubting his skills, Quentin took the opportunity to do a trick, flying in front of the crowd, with everyone applauding, however, Peter's Spider-Sense continued to tingle, leaving the boy surprised with the direction the show was taking. It was almost as if the tricks looked like true magic, leaving everyone perplexed.
"Okay, I have to make it very clear that I'm still not enjoying this show." Zee said, being sure of what was to come and what was perhaps just another illusion. Peter just kept silent, watching and knowing that something was very wrong.
Slowly, a mist began to envelop the theater, which did not go unnoticed by Megan. Noticing the scene, taking advantage of the distraction, she used her powers to turn her body intangible, as well as Kitty, after seeing what her friend was doing, escaping through the floor of the theater and with that, calling Peter's attention, realizing that there was something very wrong, this way, he left the place. Noticing something unusual, Mary tried to understand the reason for this sudden disappearance of Peter, Megan and Kitty, until she felt something strange around her body, almost as if she were falling asleep, just like everyone else in the theater. Beck's plan was in motion. Realizing Quentin Beck's distraction, Mary started to walk, still feeling the effects of the fog coursing through her body.
"Power of Zeus! Stamina of Atlas!" Summoning two of her gifts, Mary began to make the fog that was enveloping her disappear completely, regaining consciousness and with that, using her magical abilities and regenerative healing to stand up. Realizing what had happened, there was something very strange, but at the same time, Beck took advantage of the fact that everyone was passed out and began to position himself, along with the drones that were accompanying him.
"With everyone inside this theater asleep, if none of the Super Hero Girls show up to stop my crimes, it means I've managed to immobilize the team in a perfect way. I just need to get the drones in action and do what is necessary to guarantee a chance. Every situation is putting us on standby in an attempt to change Metropolis in a way that not even we are capable of." Beck was ready to take his plan to a new level and with that, he put his suit on, ready to go into action as Mysterio.
Going towards the bathroom, taking advantage that there was no one there, Peter put his Spider-Man suit and with that, transformed himself once again. In the girls' bathroom, Megan transformed herself, paving the way to her Green Martian form, while Kitty put her hero suit on, becoming Shadowcat once again. Trying to find a place to transform, Mary could feel the tension building, which made the problem more complicated by the minute. Her eyes became closed, thinking hard about every possibility, and with that, Mary knew very well what had to be done. She just had to say the magic word. Slowly, the girl was only too sure of the level the battle would reach.
"Shazam!" Screaming, lightning struck through the sky, enveloping Mary and thus giving way to Lady Shazam, once again. Looking at herself in the mirror, Mary noticed something quite unusual, feeling her hair a little messy. With that, the heroine passed her hands between the hair, fixing it and giving a smile back to the mirror. - "That's better."
Mary's confidence could be described as something very unusual to the point of surprising many people. Taking advantage to leave the theatre, Mysterio took the opportunity to approach some stores around, using the drones around, creating several illusions and making several people fall asleep, including security guards and with that, he started to steal several jewels and money inside the places. This way, Mysterio stood near a bank and with that, he started using the drones to enter the bank, creating several illusions, this way, he took the opportunity to use one of the devices in his costume to break into the vault, filling several bags of money, confident in the triumph. Putting the bags between the drones, Mysterio started to fly, practically feeling a certain confidence around his body.
"I did it! Thanks to my skills, I, Mysterio, realized the heist of the century!" Beck knew very well how well this plan had to work out. Acting on instinct and chance, he knew that getting the Super Hero Girls out of the scene was a complicated task, but he was sure that if no one had shown up so far, it was because he had succeeded.
Out of nowhere, a figure hit his face with a kick, in which Spider-Man appeared before Mysterio, alongside Lady Shazam, Miss Martian and Shadowcat, leaving the villain quite intrigued by the scene he was witnessing. It was enough for Quentin Beck to put his skills to the test a bit more and get some rather different results in his view.
"I think I underestimated things a little bit. But the four of you are making me pretty curious. Spider-Man. Lady Shazam. Shadowcat. Miss Martian." Mysterio spoke, knowing quite well about the heroes before them and revealing some quite unexpected things. - "I know a little about your skills."
"Then you should know how far we can go with our stubbornness. Although you did pick the most ridiculous look for a fight. This crystal ball head isn't convincing anyone right now." The Web-Head said, trying to make Mysterio angry, but the villain just kept silent, ready for anything.
"I have to admit that your jokes are pretty annoying indeed. Allow me to demonstrate a little of what I am capable of, and let me open the doors to a new world." The villain's arrogance was clear, so much so that Spider-Man, Lady Shazam, Miss Martian and Shadowcat looked at Mysterio, knowing full well that they could expect anything coming their way, being sure of how well the villain's plan would work out if anything headed for something much worse.
Mysterio just opened his arms and that way, a mist started to appear around the street, part of his tricks against the heroes before him and knowing very well how much they could turn it around, Quentin Beck was willing to be a little fiercer in front of all the circumstances and keep the fight on his side now. Surrounding the quartet of heroes, Mysterio kept all the conviction around his body, sure that he would win against his enemies. The fight was about to begin and this time, all sides would need to be aware of each other's tactics.
Shrouded by the fog, the darkness appeared around the heroes. Lady Shazam started to look around, alongside Miss Martian, Spider-Man and Shadowcat, feeling the concern growing in a very worrying way. Suddenly, several knives began to fall from the sky, forcing the heroes to run while Mary used her Wisdom of Solomon, trying to find a way to analyze what was going to happen, before it occurred, but each movement made clear the unpredictability of the situation.
"Miss Martian! Can you see what's happening?" Lady Shazam said, trying to convince Megan to use her psychic powers to be able to find Mysterio's presence or his mental signature to confront the villain with all the strength in her body, however, the Martian seemed to be stumped.
"I can't understand it! Mysterio's presence just disappeared, as if it never existed!" Spider-Man felt his sexth sense tingling, almost like if there was something wrong on this plan.
"My Spider-Sense is on an overdrive! Everything went nuts now!" Looking to the sides, Peter saw Mysterio approaching, hitting his face, until out of nowhere, several school lockers started falling on top of the heroes, forcing Shadowcat to use her powers, becoming intangible and dodging the objects and Quentin Beck's attacks, where Kitty Pryde could see how far the fight had come to an unbelievable point.
Noticing the scenario, Peter threw several webs at Mysterio, to the point of putting the villain in readiness for the attacks, but, out of nowhere, several duplicates appeared in a way that worried the heroes. Suddenly, the street where they were standing was inverted, seeing everything upside down, as if it were an optical illusion. Unable to see who the real Mysterio was, through the fog, Quentin Beck started to giggle, finally putting his greatest gamble on behalf of Otto Octavius' plans into action. With each step, the quartet of heroes remained firm in their plan, however, the task of stopping Mysterio had become quite difficult, considering that they were trapped in his illusions, to the point of not being able to distinguish where the villain could be.
"Wisdom of Solomon! Speed of Mercury! Strength of Hercules! Power of Zeus!" Summoning four of her gifts, Lady Shazam began to scan the scene, taking the opportunity to try to distinguish the illusions around them and with that, she noticed some glitches from which part of the scene dissipated in her vision, allowing her to see Mysterio. - "Found you."
Concentrating electricity around her hands, combined with the powers invoked by Mary at that moment, the heroine hit Mysterio with an uncommon force, pushing the villain back and realizing that someone was able to sense his presence, making the situation very worrying now. Quentin Beck then used the drones near him to create a smoke screen, dissipating his body into another one of the illusions and making the heroes worried, to the point where Beck laughed, still confident of his triumph.
"Do you really think you understand my skills? You can't understand how much there is a certain limit around me. I will put them under the palm of my hands! And so, I will crush the heroes of this city, once and for all!" The evil laughter had become something insane, almost similar to that of a villain in Gotham City, making everyone worried.
As Spider-Man, Shadowcat, Lady Shazam and Miss Martian began to analyze the scene, noticing something quite unusual: A shadow appeared beneath the road and with it, Mysterio's body began to materialize, in giant size, surprising the heroes. The next part of Quentin Beck's plan involved using everything he had. To the point of putting into practice his greatest trick against the remaining heroes of Metropolis, ready to handle his possible victory, regardless of the problems. A dilemma the young quartet would have to face if they wanted to keep the city safe, at all costs.
To be continued...
Author's Note: That's it for today, folks. In the next chapter, we're going to see the epic conclusion of the fight against Mysterio. How will Spider-Man, Lady Shazam, Miss Martian and Shadowcat get out of this trouble and defeat Quentin Beck? The answers will be revealed soon enough, dear readers. Very soon, more troubles will arise and twists and turns will come, in a way many of you can't expect, so keep your eyes ready!
See you all next time!