The Universe's Greatest Showman

All my life I've wanted to be seen. For the masses to cheer for me, to know my name.

However, life does not give us what we want, it only takes away.

Despite my efforts, natural talent, and tenacity I never gained the fame I oh so wished for.

I was cast away, left for the common rabble, unable to transcend my position for something greater. An unfortunate fate for one with goals so grandiose.

I did however, succeed in other areas in my life. 

I found my niche, it being working as a humble librarian. The endless books around me at the time allowed me to escape the reality I found myself in. 

Even love was not out of my reach. It took a while to find that right special someone, but I did. 

The kids that came as a result of our lovemaking were a hassle, but well worth the effort to watch them grow into their own.

Still despite age and responsibility weighing me down I never once felt the need, the unquenchable urge , to entertain disappear.

And as I lay here in a puddle of my blood my last thoughts were not of family, not of fear, and not of my happiest moments.

Instead a sense of failure permeated through me.

I never got to attain what I wished for most. 

Never got the attention I deserved.

Never got the recognition!

Never got the fame!

It wasn't fair.

It wasn't right!

It wasn't something I could accept so easily.

With weary movements, I looked towards the blue sky.

Slowly I could see the sky darkening, my vision failing me.

I didn't have much time left for this world.

My mouth opened slowly.

"If there is.. a god...I wish to make a deal with you...my flesh...my humanity...my soul…I offer it all...all I wish for in return is the chance to entertain you." 

My words were barely above a whisper.

I waited as I bled out on the cold concrete ground.

I would not die without acknowledgment.

I would not die an unknown.

Only when the heavens themselves answered me would I perish.

Thunder struck the earth next to me.

'An answer' I realized.

My lips slowly formed a bloody smile.

'Finally.'

Letting go of my hold on this world I felt my life slowly slip away.

My final thought was not a goodbye, but a promise.

A promise to live up to my ideal. 

To let all see me.

To become the Greatest Showman.

....

In an alleyway inhabited by the unfortunate and downtrodden a man slowly opened their eyes.

He did not sit up immediately. His mind was far too entranced by chaos to perform such an action.

The memories of two lives swirled and battled for dominance. 

One that of a common goon. Their life being menial at best.

The other of a man with a goal of fame and fortune.

Within moments the victor was decided.

The man sat up, giving the ally he found himself a cursory glance as he did so. 

It was like any other alleyway the man had seen. Dirty, and filled with junk.

Looking at himself with a sense of wonder, the future Greatest Showman gently smiled.

His deal had worked!

God, or whatever had answered him, had given him another opportunity to fulfill his greatest desires.

'They also seemed to have given me a gift.' Mused the man as he summoned green energy to his fingers.

The energy was the byproduct of the ability his patron was kind to gift him.

The man gazed at the energy flowing between his fingers a little longer before dismissing it.

With a grunt, the man stood on his feet. The dust and filth attached to him fell off as he moved.

Moving towards the exit to this narrow ally, the man observed the people who called this place home.

Dehydrated, malnourished, and unhygienic were the most obvious characteristics of the homeless that littered this small ally.

Striding past them the man finally reached the world outside the cramped space he awoke in.

Dark skies covered with clouds, blimps on a constant lookout for criminals, polluted air that reeked of chemicals, and of course the general sense of unease one gets from the public.

' Why hello Gotham, it's nice to meet you.' 

With a smile the man stepped into the city, ready to entertain the patron who sent him to this world.

.....

Old A/n: What did you guys think?

By the way I understand that this chapter didn't show much in the way of powers or world-building.

Rather I want to know what you thought of the main character's personality. 

New A/N: Rewrite is a go.

Also, first few chapters are gonna be the same for those returning. But after that things are wayyy different. Those who are observant will already see the small but very crucial changes I made.