A Man Beneath The Mask

Chapter 2: Second Chance.

New Life Shelter:
Joseph Office
July 59 A.M.

Two days had passed since MaskMan and Dennis began their negotiations. Joseph once again summoned Dennis to deliver his answer to the proposal made by MaskMan.

Joseph: Have you made your decision?

Dennis: I am now prepared to accept MaskMan proposal, Sir. With one condition.

Joseph: I see. And what is your condition?

Dennis: I would like to know more about the story behind MaskMan's mask, specifically how and why he decided to fight corruption in the country, and how he came to help others like myself who have lost hope.Joseph: Well, I'm afraid I don't know the answer. I've never heard him recount his tale to anyone.

Dennis: Why not?

Joseph: Maskman has always been a private person, never sharing his personal life or story with anyone. He keeps it to himself, and I don't think he'll ever open up about his past.

During their conversation, Joseph was interrupted by MaskMan, who entered the office with a serious tone.

MaskMan: It's okay, Joseph.

Joseph: Are you sure? Aside from me and Number 4, (one of the 12 personnel), this will be the first time anyone else knows your story.

MaskMan: If this is the only way for Dennis to accept the offer, I will share it.

Joseph: OK, then.

MaskMan: Before we get to that, may I ask something, Dennis?

Dennis: Sure.

MaskMan: So Dennis, why do you want to know about my story?

Dennis: I want to understand your motivation and the reason why you chose the path that you did.

MaskMan: Very well then, You see, many years ago, before I even thought of creating the 12 personnel, I used to be just like you and so many others: a helpless and hopeless person stuck in a corrupt environment.

Back Story 15 Years Ago
Quezon City
MaskMan's POV

I was born in a time and place where corruption and poverty were rampant among the masses. While those in power lived in extravagance, the rest of us struggled to survive. It seemed as though the divide between the haves and haves not grew wider with each passing day, and those of us at the bottom felt like we were sinking even further.

Our government has forsaken our country, leaving us, the lower class, to fend for ourselves. We were like rats, scurrying around, searching for scraps to put on our plates. It felt as though we were forgotten, left behind to fend for ourselves in the struggle for survival.

The donations of food and money meant for the victims of natural disasters never reached those who needed it most. The elites at the top embezzled the funds meant for the poor. They stole what should have gone to the needy and left them to fend for themselves in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The poor were exploited in every way possible and preyed upon by those in power. Prices of goods were raised, taxes were increased, and benefits meant for the poor were taken away. The divide between the rich and the poor grew wider, and the poor were left with no options to improve their lives. Poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer.

Our country was in a complete mess, and there was nothing we could do about it. Every day was a constant struggle just to survive. The rich and powerful ruled over us, and there was nothing we could do to change it.