Avo the Changeling: Part One (rough draft)

It appeared one night, seeming to just rise as the sunset. The high peaks and arches of the big top filled the horizon and the lights of the ferris wheel made it look as if the sun had set it all on fire. Come morning, everyone was abuzz talking about the mysterious carnival that had appeared.

Flyers had been posted in the dead of night, and people were collecting them like they were treasure. You were lucky enough to snatch one before they were all gone. It was printed on black paper with vivid red ink, it was actually quite beautiful. It was advertised Mr. Faire’s Children of the Night Carnival. It advertised live shows, games, and everything you would want to ever see.

“Sounds grotesque,” you heard one woman say while you were working. “Perverted.”

“Hmm,” her husband grunted in response.

“Were they even allowed to set up there?” the woman continues while she fumes over her decaf coffee. “Seems like such a bad idea. Gross.”

“Hmm,” her husband nods, and you realize you’re probably the only person listening to this woman. Although, you have a feeling that there are quite a few people who agree with her idea that this carnival is a bad thing.

You would like to go and see what this place is like. The flyers are beautiful and the sight of the big top and ferris wheel on the horizon was a striking sight. You lived in quite a lonely and boring town. Not much ever happened here, so you didn’t want to miss your chance to see the first exciting thing to happen here in ages.

That evening there is going to be a special introductory performance, like a dress rehearsal that anyone can come attend. The tickets are cheap, so you gather your change jar and cash it in. You’ll see the show and maybe get some special treat while you’re there.

“You’re seriously going?” Your roommate asks. You knew she wouldn’t be up for it, she’s superstitious and her anxiety gets pretty bad. “By yourself?”

“Yeah,” you answer with a smile. “It’ll be fun. You sure you don’t want to?”

She casts a shifty glance to the window where you can see the silhouette of the ferris wheel against the glare of the sunset. “It’s so weird though,” she murmurs. You can tell she’s struggling between curiosity and anxiety.

“What’s so weird?” You chuckle. “Carnivals happen all the time? Worst thing that can happen there is you get tricked by a carnival game.”

She hugs a pillow close to her chest. “My mom told me stories-” she then hesitates. “No. I really shouldn’t say.”

You sit down beside her. “No, go on,” you say. “Tell me.”

She looks up at you with wide eyes then chuckles softly. “She told me that, once, when she was little, there was a carnival that came into town. Kind of like this. No warning, setting up at night. She told me she loved it. The people were beautiful but strange and they were all like a family.”

She then sighs. “My mom didn’t come from a good home, so seeing this really stuck with her. Well, she met the ringmaster, I can’t remember his name, and he asked her why she had bruises. And well, mom told him the truth. She said that, after the carnival was gone, she woke up one night to see this creature outside the house. She said it was all white and had six arms. It told her to go to bed.”

She shivers and squeezes tighter onto the pillow. “The next day, her dad was found dead. They said he was drunk and got hit by a car, but...mom said there were these strange diamond marks on his body. They couldn’t figure out how they got there. Damond marks like the ringmaster had on his palms.” She drifts off for a moment, then gasps as she comes to her senses.

“Well, my mom told me that, because of that, she’s learned one thing-” she holds up her finger and you already know what she’s going to say.

“The devil was beautiful, because sin is attractive,” you say with her and she looks at you in surprise. She then laughs and tucks her hair behind her ear.

“My mom is grateful for that night,” she murmurs. “Her dad was far from a good man. But she feels guilty over that. She feels like her desire to be rid of her father is what brought the carnival.”

“Well,” you murmur. “Your mother is a horror writer, right?” You ask.

Your friend frowns. “Yeah.”

“Maybe that’s just a story she tells you. Like Aesop and his fables. You know? Kind of that, be careful what you wish for mindset.” You touch her arm. “Come with me. I think you’ll really enjoy it.”

She shakes her head. “No,” she replies. “I think it would be best if I sit it out for now.” She then smiles at you. “You go have fun. It’ll be here for a bit, maybe if I get over myself, I’ll go.”

You nod and pick up your bag. “If they have anything cute, I’ll get it for you.”

She smiles. “Thanks for understanding.”

You wave to her as you leave, really not wanting to go alone, but you aren’t going to force her if she isn’t ready.

You drive up to the carnival and are shocked by how many people are already there. Guess not too many shared the same mindset as the lady drinking decaf in the diner. And if they did, they were much like the cat with curiosity.

“Welcome!” A chipper girl with candy apple red hair cheers as you approach the entrance gates. She’s got her face painted like a harlequin with hearts and diamonds. “One ticket?” She asks as she rotates a miniature ferris wheel that dispenses tickets.

“Yes,” you say as you reach for your wallet.

“Not necessary,” she says. “Already taken care of.” She hands you the ticket stub. “My name is Ballura,” she says and bows to you with a flourish. “If you need anything, ask for me by name!”

You smile at her, enjoying her enthusiasm. “Thank you,” you say. “But uhm, who took care of my ticket?”

Ballura winks and presses her finger to her lips. “Don’t worry too much about it. It’s all meant to be this way. Isn’t it?” She tilts her head to the side.

You smirk at her. “Well, if it’s supposed to be, then let it be.”

Ballura cheers and claps her hands. “That’s the spirit!” She then extends her gloved hand out. “This way. Follow the diamonds and you’ll get to where you need to be.”

“Thanks again,” you wave to Ballura as she dances in place.

You follow the red, black, white, and gold diamonds as they lead you to the entrance of the bigtop. The curtains are pulled open and held back by statues of gargoyles who grasp the fabric in their wide mouths and clenched in sharp teeth.

Walking inside, you see the bleachers are set up, rising up and wrapping around, nothing too different from any other big top set up. The people who are here are spread apart, dotted all over. You find a seat, taking one close to the front. You’ve always enjoyed seeing things up close and personal.

There are people in the center ring, sweeping and setting up the final touches. One is shockingly tall, she’s beautiful though. She’s dressed all in pink and is worrying over a small set up where there is a tiny car. The man talking to her is short and stocky with arms that look longer than they should be.

One the other side of the ring, there is a small group of people as they get microphones attached to their form fitting leotards. All of them have pure white hair in various styles. One has his in a long ponytail that nearly reaches his ass.

As you’re watching them, the one with the ponytail turns and your eyes lock. You flinch, feeling caught. He waves, a smile appearing on his stunning face. His features are sharp and distinct, he has a long, hooked nose, and his eyes are a striking pale green.

You wave back, smiling nervously at him.

He then turns his attention back to the rest of the group, but his eyes keep flicking over to you, a soft smile appears on his face every time he does.

Finally, the lights dim and everyone in the center ring vanishes through the curtains to the the back. The lights then go completely off and an organ starts to play. A spotlight shines on the organist. It’s a man dressed all in red. He has long, black hair tied into a thick braid. He has thick, broad shoulders, and he sways and moves to the music he’s playing.

The music goes from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and melts into ‘Walk This Way’ and then bleeds into ‘9 to 5’. It’s by far the strangest medley you had ever heard, but somehow, it was extremely fun.

The man at the organ key smashes and then stands up. He removes his top hat and flourishes it out. Streamers and glitter flow out of it, then somehow rise up in a Glenda the Good witch style bubble.

“Welcome!” The man announces. “I am your master of ceremonies while we are here.” He steps down from the organ and leaps over the divider to stand in the center ring.

“You may have seen my flyers,” he grins. “I am Mr. Faire.” He then chuckles and tilts his chin down like he’s coy. “I know, such a fitting name.” He then extends his hand out and you nearly lose your breath when you see there are black diamonds on his palms.

“Once again, welcome here! Welcome to the family, and welcome into our home.” He extends out his left arm and with his right hand, he pulls a cane out of the sleeve. He snaps it down to the ground. “We hope to give you a taste of what we plan to show you while we’re here. So,” he grins up into the crowd. “I won’t bore you any longer.”

The organ starts playing again with no one sitting at it and all the lights flash on. As your eyes adjust, Mr. Faire is no longer standing in the center. Instead, it’s the group of white haired people you had seen earlier.

They let out a trilling cry and then bow down. The one with the long ponytail stands up, singing something in Italian. His voice is beautiful, and even if you can’t understand what he’s saying, you’re moved by his voice alone.

Around him, the other white haired individuals start to rise, joining him in singing acapella. Their voices ring out as they sing the haunting opera. The lights then shut off and everything is silent. A stage light points directly where they were, only it’s just the man with the long ponytail. From the ceiling, suddenly, a long red cloth drops down.

He starts to sing again, this time he sings ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. As he sings, other lights turn on, revealing where the others are in the ring. Some are high up, holding onto various cloths hanging from the ceiling.

As the man with the ponytail breaks out singing ‘mama’, those perched high swing down on their cloths. They spin and twirl, tangling themselves in the fabric, moving like they were dancing on a pole. You’re amazed, mouth agape as you watch them dance in the heavens.

The man with the ponytail starts to climb his fabric. He gets high then lets go, sliding down the fabric before catching himself, hanging upside down as they continue to sing.

You gasp and stand up, applauding as the song ends.

As they all take perching places again, a new song starts and the exceptionally tall woman comes running out, behind her there is an elephant, two tigers, and a massive lioness. The white haired people start singing ‘Walk This Way’ while the tall woman lines up her animals.

You watch the entire show, absolutely enraptured. The entire time, the white haired people sing acapella to everything going on, while also dancing on their fabrics. It was amazing, and you’re not sure how this is just a simple taste of what they can do.

When the show ends, Mr. Faire steps into the center and the elephant sets her trunk on his head as he grins.

“Thank you all for coming to visit us tonight!” He announces brightly. “We hope you’ll tell everyone you know about us and bring them with you when you come again. Feel free to visit our other attractions now and meet with us, if you so wish.” He bows and the lights shut off.

As the lights turn back on, everyone is gone from the ring.

You leave the big top feeling like a new person. You’ve never seen such a display of talent and beauty before. As you look around, trying to decide what you’d like to do, a hand is wrapped around your eyes.

“First thing that pops into your mind,” a dark, husky voice whispers. “Say it.”

“I hope they don’t kill me,” you say.

The man laughs. “My name is Avo,” he says.

You turn your head, but they keep their hand over your eyes. “Not sure what that means,” you chuckle.

“You can say hello,” they reply.

You smirk. “Ok, then. Hello, Avo.”

He lifts his hands and you’re shocked to be standing face to face with the man with the ponytail.

“Oh,” you gasp in shock.

He chuckles. “Did you enjoy the show?”

You feel a bit dumbstruck, like you’re meeting a celebrity. “Wow, uhm, yeah! I mean...it was...oh gosh-” you fumble over your words like a baby trying to walk.

Avo tucks a lock of your hair behind your ear as you try to gather your thoughts. “That bad, was it?” He asks. “I knew it. I told them.”

“No!” You blurt out. “Oh gosh, far from. It was amazing! It was beautiful! I can’t quite describe it,” you then catch your breath and smile nervously. “Your voice is so gorgeous.”

Avo tilts his chin down as he grins. “Well, thank you. I made it myself.”

You giggle and bite your cheek. “I’m not sure what else to say,” you confess to him. “I feel a bit silly.”

“Nonsense,” he puts his hand on your back. “Come along, let me be your guide. I think you’ll enjoy it here.”

You gaze up at Avo, taken by his strange beauty. His voice is deep and husky, almost making your skin vibrate when he speaks. He smells good too, like a mix of a bonfire and clean sheets. He’s tall, easily towering over you. In fact, his hair might be taller than you if laid out.

“What makes you curious about this evening?” Avo asks.

“It isn’t the evening I was curious about,” you say with a bashful arch of your shoulder. “It was the carnival.”

Avo grins. “That’s good. It’s always good to have a healthy curiosity. Let me show you around.”

“Aren’t you tired?” You ask. “All those acrobatics you were doing must wear you out. You really don’t have to.”

“I’m used to it,” Avo replies, his hand still on your back. “Don’t worry about me. Mr. Faire insists we always tend to our customers first.”

“He seems pretty interesting,” you say, “that Mr. Faire.”

“He’s a good man, odd, but good,” Avo says with a smirk. “Before he came along, I had nothing. I had grown up in an abusive home and I ran away when I was thirteen. Mr. Faire has been like a father to me, to most of us here at the carnival.”

“Gosh,” you whisper softly. “You and the others who did the...fabric dancing thing, you aren’t related?”

He grins. “We are family, but not much blood is shared between us. Mr. Faire has made us a family, all of us here.”

You look around as Avo extends his hand out. You see Ballura, dancing and handing out balloons to people. You see the tall woman with one of her tigers, introducing them to a young girl who is crying, she’s so happy.

“All of us here were outcasts in one form or another,” Avo murmurs close to your ear. “He gave us peace and love, and in return, well...he asks for nothing in return.”

You glance up at Avo, seeing a serene look in his eyes. It is peaceful but sad at the same time. “That’s how love should be,” you tell him. “You give without expecting in return. But I’m sure you give him more than he wants.”

Avo chuckles and meets your eyes. “You’re right. All of us here have fought for Mr. Faire at one point or another. Right now, we’re concerned that he has no one of his own. Sure, he has all of us, but love can be different with the right people involved.”

Avo’s hand slides down your back, just enough to where it feels intimate and close. You allow it, but only because it felt good. You continue to take Avo’s tour around the carnival. You receive a balloon animal from Ballura and you get to meet the tall woman, Helena, and her tigers. Slash and Joan, as well as her elephant, Mama Cass, and her lion, Freddie.

The animals were calm and happy, but you felt as if there was something strange about them. They were all almost like lap animals, pets. They seemed happy and excited to be around Helena. Yet, the ethereal feeling that came from them made you feel as if you weren’t petting a trained animal. It felt more like you had come in touch with a unicorn or gryffin.

In fact, much of the carnival and the people there held that same feeling. It was as if you were coming face to face with something mythical. It didn’t feel quite real at all. It was very much the same sensation you got when you were dreaming.

At the end of the evening, Avo walked you to your car. “Will you come back?” He asks with a hopeful voice.

You smile up at him. “I’d like to. I mean, I’m hoping I can.”

Avo’s smile blossoms and he winks at you. “I’m hoping you can as well.” He opens your car door for you and he places a soft kiss on your cheek. It feels more like a dream than before.

“Until then,” Avo whispers.

You get into your car, watching his long ponytail almost glow in the darkness. You quickly gather yourself and head home. Your roommate is asleep on the sofa when you walk in, the TV still on.

“Wake up,” you shake her. “I’m back, safe and sound too.”

“Oh,” she grumbles as she rubs her eyes. “How was it?”

“You really should go! It was amazing,” you sigh. “It was...oh gosh, I really can’t explain it all. You just need to go to see it.”

She squints her eyes at you. “What’s this?” She reaches up and touches your cheek where Avo had kissed you. “It’s glitter.” She rubs it between her fingers and you see the shimmer fall down onto her jeans.

“Must have been from the performance,” you say as you cup your cheek.

“Nothing too...odd?” She asks nervously.

“It’s a carnival, it’s all odd,” you say.

“Do you plan on going back?” She asks you.

You smile and nod. “I am.”

The next day, you have a late shift at the diner, so you aren’t able to go to the grand opening like you had hoped. But as the night wears on, people come in, all of them enraptured and awed by the performances they had just seen.

Later into the evening, as the crowds thin out, that’s when the diner starts getting customers from the carnival. The performers come in, sitting down around the counter and then in the booths near the windows. Helena comes in, as well as the white haired acrobats. Your heart surges when Avo walks in.

His eyes light up when he sees you and he grins. “I had a feeling I would see you tonight,” he says as he takes a seat at the counter.

“Don’t flirt in front of me,” a white haired girl says with a grin.

“Good luck with that,” another white haired man says with a laugh.

Avo scoffs then waves his hand around. “Coffee for all of us,” he says. “You may want to get a new pot on for when Father comes in.”

You’re getting mugs ready when he says this. “Father?”

“Oh,” Avo gasps, “Mr. Faire. I told you, he’s like that for all of us. And he drinks enough coffee for everyone, so do get more ready.”

You chuckle and nod. “Let me serve you all first.” You go around, filling coffee mugs and handing out orders.

As you’re walking back around, the door opens and Mr. Faire walks in. Only, this time his hair is long blonde dreadlocks instead of the thick black braid you had seen before.

Mr. Faire takes in a deep breath and sighs. “Ah-” he gasps. “I do love the smell of diners, something so very rustic about it.” He turns to you. “Coffee, please.” He says. “I do so hope you have big mugs because the little ones will only be an issue for you.”

You smirk. “Will a bowl work?”

Mr. Faire snaps his fingers and grins. “I like you. Bowl me up!”

You do find Mr. Faire a larger mug in the back and serve him with that. And much like Avo warned, he downs a whole pot on his own before you even take his order.

“Is this the lass you said caught your eye, Avo?” Mr. Faire asks.

Avo’s face burns bright. “Must you be so loud?”

“I must, I must.” Mr. Faire then points at you. “And you!” He announces. “Do you like my son? Does he have beautiful hair? Or is it the allure of his very masculine nose?” He squeezes Avo’s face between his fingers.

You smile apologetically at Avo. “He is very lovely,” you admit. “I’d be a big fat liar to say that he didn’t catch my eye as well.”

“See?” Mr. Faire flourishes his hand out. “I told you there is a hen for every rooster.”

“Oh my god,” Avo whispers.

“I insist you come back with us!” Mr. Faire says as he holds out his empty mug, at least the fifteenth time he’s done that. “Let my Avo pitch woo properly.”

“ If you want, I could set Joan on him?” Helena chuckles from her corner.

“Please,” Avo laughs loudly.

“I mean it,” Mr. Faire says. “I only want love and comfort for all of you. I can tell this lovely creature here is special. It isn’t often Avo lifts his head from his sheet music. A fine lady such as you must hold something very special indeed.”

You can feel your cheeks burn and you look down at the coffee pot in your hands. “Just your average diner waitress.”

“No such thing,” Mr. Faire murmurs. “Average doesn’t exist. There is no right way to be a person, so there cannot be an average. You cannot be yourself and also be wrong. So you shut up with averages.”  He shakes his coffee mug out again and you fill it up quickly.

Mr. Faire grins brightly as he takes back the full cup. “And let me tell you, I have been in my fair share of diners and I have yet to meet a diner waitress who didn’t break the mold.”

“Better be careful, Avo! Father will steal your girl!” A white haired acrobat chides.

“I would never steal! I mean, without the right reasons, of course,” Mr. Faire laughs and soon, the entire diner is alight with laughter and jovial banter.

As your shift ends, most of the carnival performers have started to leave and head back home. Avo has lingered, being one of the few left. Mr. Faire is the only one who is sticking around, intent on having cups and cups of coffee until dawn breaks. He’s already cornered your coworker and is chatting her up.

“I didn’t realize carnival folk tipped so well,” you say as you put all your money into your wallet.

“They like you,” he says. “You took care of us and didn’t make a face all night.”

“Do people really do that?” You ask. “Make faces and shit?”

“You’re the rarity,” Avo murmurs. “Mr. Faire has his ways of charming. But more often than not, people look down their noses at us.”

You motion to your car. “Would you like a ride back to the carnival?” You ask, not really ready to tell him goodnight.

Avo beams. “Sure.” He gets into your car with you. “Thank you, I would have been fine walking.”

“It’s night,” you say. “Wouldn’t you be afraid?”

Avo just grins and shakes his head. “No, not really.”

“Ok,” you laugh as you start the car. “You do realize that was scary?”

Avo laughs. “I do. My bad.” He’s then silent for a beat before turning and looking at you. “Actually, once we get back to the carnival, there is something I want to show you.”

“Ok,” you say. “Like what?”

Avo is quiet again and his eyes flick up to the carnival on the horizon. “I just need to show you before I do anything else.”

Once you get to the carnival, Avo leads you to the big top and takes you inside, leading you to the center ring.

“I’m sure you can tell that everything here isn’t quite normal,” Avo says as he looks up at the top of the tent.

“I mean,” you chuckle nervously, “it’s nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

“There more to it than that,” Avo replies as he turns to look at you. “More to everything and everyone you see here.” He turns his head and you see there are tears in his eyes.

You take a step towards Avo and reach out, touching his face. “What’s wrong?” You ask with a quiet voice.

“I told you before, where I came from was a very bad place. Mr. Faire saved me.” He kisses your palm then takes a step back. “All of us here have been saved by him. He took us from the shadows and he-” he looks around as the lights of the big top glow. “He gave us a chance to stand in the light.”

“Avo?” You whisper.

“This is all a glamour,” Avo continues. “Something beautiful to hide what is beneath.” He touches your face where you did. “I wanted you to see the hideousness before you step any further into the beauty. If you get afraid, I understand.”

Avo then peels away a glittering fabric. It falls from his body as he stands taller. He towers above you, taking a strange and twisted shape. His long white hair covers his face. His arms are long and covered by dark, marbled skin. His back is arched and his shoulders hunch forward. His neck is long and he keeps his head down. On his back, there are twisted, misshapen wings and then a long tail coils around his feet.

“You can see,” he whispers, “that what you first saw was not beautiful,” he whispers weakly. He clutches his arms around himself. “I am a changeling,” he says. “Not wanted by my fae kind and left here. I was taken, but I was not loved.”

You step towards him, placing your hands on his arms. You peer up through his hair, seeing green eyes glowing beneath. You reach up, brushing his hair aside and looking into his face. He has no mouth, but instead, his chin opens along his jawline and down his neck.

“It’s ok,” you whisper. “You don’t need to be afraid of me.”

“You aren’t...shocked?” He asks. He takes your hand in one of his.

“Of course I am!” You laugh and then you gaze up at him. “But I felt as if something like this would happen. I don’t know how to explain it. I felt as if everything wasn’t as it should be.”

Avo tilts his head down. “So, you aren’t afraid of me?” He asks softly.

“No,” you murmur with a bright smile. “It’s still you,” you say. “And you were more afraid of me. That speaks volumes on its own.”

“Told you!” Mr. Faire shouts from the entrance.

You turn and look up, seeing that Mr. Faire’s hair is now a long, bright red ponytail with a black streak down the side.

“Acceptance,” Mr. Faire says. “It’s a beauty, isn’t it?” He holds up the coffee mug he must have just stolen from the diner. “I told you, son, she has it in spades.”

Avo sighs and looks to you. He takes your hand and squeezes it tight. “I know you probably need to go,” he murmurs.

You shake your head. “No,” you grin. “I’m off tomorrow.”

“Take the chance, son!” Mr. Faire calls.

Avo snaps his attention to Mr. Faire. “Please,” he hisses. “Stop!”

“I have condoms if you want them,” Mr. Faire laughs.

Avo hangs his hand. “You know, I should have been more worried about him than my own appearance.”

You grin and stand on tip toe. You wrap your arms around his neck and place a soft kiss to his mouth, which takes a bit of angling. “I like him too.” You touch his cheek, pushing his long white hair aside so you can look into all four of his eyes. “Obviously, it takes a lot to scare me off,” you chuckle.

“Acceptance!” Mr. Faire blurts.

“Get out!” Avo snarls.