Why would beta!Hal be trying to kill Dirk? Is it that he doesn't recognize him as a different version of Bro and wants revenge, or that he does or thinks he's gone soft so Dave needs a mentor that will actually toughen him up?

i think its the latter combined with the fact that he *is* a different version of bro

like i dont think betHal would be as hellbent on killing dirk as he would be on killing bro

he knows he’s not but at the same time, he kind of is, and he looks just a lil bit like him too. it’d be fun to kill every version of that asshole that exists (including himself? maybe. he hasnt decided on that one yet)

he DOES recognize him as Not being bro but having a vendetta against mr strider is far more fun than just leaving dirk to his own devices. plus his baby bro needs to be strong, even if the game’s done with (though i imagine hal wouldnt be as harsh. please imagine hal throwing bundled up socks and shirts at him or hitting him with a stick)