"Why, you're the most stupendous, most amazing, most unheard-of circus performers in all the world!" The mysterious man said with
dramatic flourish and theatrical energy.
Jessica could only stare in befuddlement. Was this guy for real? Was this little shrimp really so convinced he could just make them, now
some of the most powerful animals on land, do what he wanted? She didn't think she liked that at all, no sir, not one bit. She was reveling
in this newfound power and girth. She didn't think she wanted to be paraded around for someone else's amusement.
"Says who?" She asked, eyes narrowed, mammoth hands on mammoth hips.
"Why, says me! And the Island masters who promised you all to me! You came here, surely you knew something like this would happen,"
he said with a smirk and a light adjustment to the extravagant boogie at his neck.
"And why don't I just pound you into paste right here?" Jessica said, ears flaring a bit, eyes going wide.
"Hey, uh, she doesn't speak for me, man, I'm interested," James said, standing up slowly.
"Ah ha, a reasonable one! Excellent, my good sir!" The mysterious ringmaster marched towards James at a brisk pace while Jessica
looked on, shocked and betrayed.
"Imagine, if you will, my vision. A circus where the performers and animals are one and the same. Monkey acrobats. Lions who tame
themselves. Orangutan jugglers who can juggle with their feet, and more! Think about it! You will use your new physiques to do
incredible things, and be trained to do more besides!"
"And what would I be doing?" James asked.
"You'd be the man-elephant - strrrrrrrrrrongest being alive! Capable of lifting unfsthomable weights!"
"That sounds pretty badass." James said with a nod of his head. "Okay, I'm in."
Jessica could hardly believe it. He wanted to do this? What was wrong with him?
"We'll, I'm not-" she started, but a single finger held up by the ringmaster quieted her.
"Yes, you are. You forfeited the right to choose the moment you forfeited your humanity, sweetheart. Welcome to the circus. You all will
report to your new quarters tomorrow. In the meantime, have fun tonight. Tomorrow, training begins."