The Carnival of Dreams – Pt. 2

Loved

James lacked for nothing in his life except one thing: love. His mother had died when he was very young and his father was a hard working CEO with little time left for James. His eighteen years had been a series of boarding schools and nannies. A decent looking guy, he was lean but in shape, had brown, stylishly long hair with pale emerald green eyes, and stood around 5’8.

One day while travelling out in the country, he came upon a carnival unlike any he had ever seen before. There were no tall Ferris wheels or roller coasters. Delicate music from a carousel wafted through the air, luring him in. As he wandered through the maze of tents and booths, he happened upon one selling love potions – and, in true carny fashion, it had Cupid on its sign.

“Ah, my young sir, how can I help you today?” asked the odd looking man who appeared behind the counter, startling James.

“Just browsing.” he answered.

“I can tell you are looking for something very special. If you could have your fondest wish, what would it be?”

What would be my fondest wish? That is easy – to be loved.

The man cocked his head a bit, as if listening to some inner voice. There was a gleam in his eye as he said “Come with me. Let me show you what I have. I can help fulfill your dreams.”

He beckoned to a room behind a curtain. James felt a strong compulsion to enter come over him. Before he knew what he was doing, he was inside, looking at row upon row of bottles containing many different colored potions: bright green, vibrant blue and some that seemed darker than night among them.

The man went to one of the shelves, looking through the bottles to find exactly the right one. When he came back to James he held a bottle filled with a blood red potion. “Drink this and your dreams will be realized.”

He looked at the bottle that was offered. Why would I drink that? Who knows what is in it.

“How much does this miracle cost? What does it do?”

“You are hesitant. Don’t be afraid. What I offer will not harm you. There is no monetary cost, just believe.”

Logically I should not trust him. I know nothing of him. This is probably a scam, but the chance to be loved? What do I have to lose? I would be no worse off than when I came. But if it works….

James did believe him. He took the bottle and opened the top. Gross. The smell emanating from the bottle was enough to make him gag. He gathered his courage, quickly put the bottle to his lips and gulped the contents. Nothing. He was right – it was just a scam.

Suddenly James was racked with pain. He felt as if his body were being rearranged from the inside out. His torso, arms, and legs lengthened. His chest blossomed with muscle while his stomach shrank and became a six pack of abs; his legs getting toned and well-defined. The changes were so immense that his clothes were torn from his body. He stood there, naked, unable to move and barely able to see what was happening. His whole body was totally ripped, like an athlete in his prime. His skin became nicely tanned, which only accentuated his muscles. His once smallish penis burst forth, now a massive uncut monster. Next James’ head and face started to alter. His hair shortened to just above his collar, turning blonde and gelled, his nose changing as his eyes became the blue of the Mediterranean Sea. Two days’ worth of stubble graced his jaw. Reality shifted, his mind filled with knowledge and memories.

When the pain and changes ceased, James had transformed into Adonis – tall, muscled, and classically handsome - who was the stuff of men’s wet dreams and women’s fantasies, the ideal of manly perfection.

The man beamed at his creation. “You’ll have no problem being loved now.” he said as he handed Adonis clothes befitting his godly form and new life.

Once dressed, he admired himself in the mirror near him. “Nice. Thank you.” He said in a deep, accented voice as he left the booth. Men gazed longingly after him and women swooned as he strode throughout the carnival. He could have his choice of anyone, not only to love him but also worship and adore him.

What price had he paid? James, but for Adonis that was not a loss, it was a gift. He left the carnival, anxious to explore his body and life, happy at long last.

Back at the booth the man smiled; pleased he could help someone attain his dream. He placed the bottle, now containing an emerald green liquid, back on the shelf. Someday someone would need what it offered.