The Changeling: Mask Powers

I am (The) Changeling. My power is mask powers, meaning I gain my abilities from magical masks. As of right now I only have 3 masks and their use will be limited to a reasonable level yet to be determined.

Psychokinesis - this mask allows psychokinesis by amplifying brain waves to a super human level.

Psychokinesis abilities:

Psionic Spikes (Alpha): The ability to create destructive psionic spikes that destroy the physical objects that the spikes come into contact with.
Enhance Physical Traits (Novice): The ability to use telekinesis to enhance speed, strength and fighting skills to super-human levels.

Panther mask - improved stealth (Alpha), climbing (Novice), night vision (Undiscovered).

Minotaur mask - physical attributes of a minotaur strength (Alpha), improved stamina (Novice), a 'bull rush' (Undiscovered) ability.

(This list is subject to change/modification.)

I am a hero.

Biography

I was born into a family I didn't much care for. My parents paid no attention to me so I spent my time reading and participating at school, especially in the school's theater department.

Anyway, on with my power's origin... I was about 15 and...

One day after tearing down a set for rehearsal I discovered a chest full of props I hadn't previously noticed. I always enjoyed digging through our school's props and finding all sorts of treasures. I came upon an odd looking mask at the bottom of the chest, it had tribal markings and bright feathers on top. On in the inside was a language I had never seen before. what was something like this doing in a high school prop chest?

I quickly called to my close friend and long time crush, Jennifer. She and I had known each other since 7th grade. I never had the guts to tell her how I felt, every part of me wishes I had. As she ran closer she exclaimed how beautiful the mask was, and after much debate we decided it looked like it was authentic. She told me to try it on, and I heeded her instructions like always, I just wish this once I had not...

I slipped the mask over my head and I felt a surge of energy burst through my veins as my sight began to glaze over. I struggled trying to pull the mask off my face but it held tight, there was an intense burning and I screamed out in agony. Jennifer ran to my side and asked what was the matter...but it was already too late. I was no longer myself, the mask had taken over.

Jennifer backed away from what was no longer the friend she knew... as I looked at her with deadened red eyes and smiled, a mouthful of sharpened teeth glinting in the light. I staggered towards her as she continued to back pedal. I saw her glancing at the door to the main hall. She bolted for the door and without even trying I leaped over her head and landed in front of the door, cutting off her one escape route and taking another step forward. I urged with all my might to stop but the mask had complete control over me.

I could see tears streaming down her face, and my heart sank. I knew what was coming and I was powerless but to watch as I tore Jennifer to pieces all the while cackling like a hyena. I'll never forget that laugh. How could I?

The door open and our theater instructor Mr. Pope walked into the prop room, with me still huddled over Jennifer's corpse gnashing my teeth.

The look of sheer horror on his face said everything... and i knew my life was over here. Having gained some control over the mask I stood up and jumped to the top of the shelves near the window and burst out. I ran home with tears pouring down my face... How could I have done that? How could I have killed the only person who ever understood me.... a person who was there for me when I needed her... and now she's dead. Because of me... because of my stupidity... because of... this DAMN MASK! I crumpled to the ground... sobbing at the thought of what i had done.

I awoke to the sound of thunder and lightning as it started to downpour. I sat up, feeling the weight of what I had done not hours earlier. The mask still fit snugly to my face, I reached up and put my hands on either side and give a great tug, but the mask stayed on. I had a sense that the mask willed to not be removed, but I knew this damn thing had to be destroyed. I dug my fingernails into my face and slowly ripped my mask off my face... the mask wasn't going to go without a fight. The same burning pain returned this time more fierce but i grit my teeth and pulled the mask off.

I looked down at the thing that had cost me my best friend... my first and greatest love. Blood spattered on the face... her blood. I had to destroy it... I ran as fast as I could home. There i tried all manners of destruction burning, cutting, snapping, breaking, drilling... nothing even scratched the mask.

Then i had an idea, if I couldn't destroy it, I'd make sure no one else could find it. In our backyard stood a massive oak tree, I grabbed a shovel and started digging. I placed the mask at the bottom of the hole and filled it back up. Packed what I needed and I left my family and my life behind.

I spent several years wandering, doing odd jobs here and there for money. I met a lot of great people, but you can't meet only good people. I saw lots of bad things... abusive husbands, drug dealers, murderers. Everywhere I went there was some form of evil, but what could I do about it. After all I myself am a murderer... a no good, filthy, waste of life. On the run from my crime. How can I redeem what I've done...

And that's when I started putting masks back on... at first I thought just any mask would work. As I spent more time learning my power, I found I could sense the magic in the masks. I found several in mask shops, I even stole one, but it was for good. Some justification huh? anyway, I started learning to use my masks as weapons of good, not evil. I've thrown everything of my previous life away, even taken a new name... "The Changeling" I suppose I'm something of a hero now... but only time will tell.

If your listening Jennifer... I'm sorry. I wish I could have been tougher, but your death has made me stronger, and I'm going to spend my life trying to repay the debt to you.


I love you.