Fantastopia: The New Life (Part 1)

My "good" first impression

To my astonishment, I actually slept pretty well last night. When I woke up the next morning, I was surprisingly refreshed. I had no idea how this happened, especially since I almost got killed by an orc the other day. But I don’t think it matters, I’m refreshed, and I can go to my classes prepared. And during my Science class with Professor Gates who is also my Math professor, I was so glad to get back to work on that subject. I know how nerdy that sounds, but even just being in the class makes me feel normal, especially since I have a double life to take on now.

But during that class, I couldn’t help but think about the academy at the castle. I was told that I had to attend the classes well, and if so, when? I was actually looking forward to attending those classes, but will they get in the way of my classes up here? Since it’s my last year of college and I’m expected to graduate in a few months, I’ve been focused on making that come true. Ever since high school, graduating from college has been my main goal, followed by a good career. But with me being the chosen hero of Fantastopia, it’s gonna get a whole lot harder to make those goals come true.

But moving those thoughts to the side, for now, it was time for my lunch break as I made my way into the cafeteria where I got myself a sub from Subway as I took a seat at a one-person table as I placed my sub and my notebook in front of me. I just realized that finals were getting closer, they’re in May and I’ve got a little over a month to prepare for them. But that suddenly got me thinking- by the time I’m done with college, I’m gonna need to find a place of my own. Not only that, but I’m also gonna have to start my career as a part of the CSI. But when that happens, that might just get a whole lot harder to balance out with my other job in Fantastopia.

Oh man, how the hell am I going to live a double life by having a good career in this world and being a chosen hero in another world? Looks like I’m gonna have to wait until that actually happens to figure something out. But as I took a bite out of my sub, I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder as I turned around and nearly choked when I saw that it was none other than Aria who once again showed up unexpectedly while I was in the middle of eating.

“Hey...” she awkwardly waved at me with a smile.

I quickly swallowed my food and took a drink of my water. I noticed that she wasn’t dressed all stylish like she was last time, instead, she was wearing a loose t-shirt with some college logo that was paired with some skinny jeans and a pair of black converse as she wore the same maroon-colored beanie over her head and ears.

“Once again, you showed up unexpectedly and while I had food in my mouth” I smirked.

“I’m sorry” she apologized with a guilty smile “Look, we’ve got a bit of a problem in Fantastopia and we could really use your help.”

“What?” my smile faded.

“I’ll explain on the way, but the people really need your help.”

“Now?” I gasped “But I’ve got classes later.”

“You can catch up online, I don’t know how that works exactly, I’m not much of a technology person, but I heard it works as well.”

I let out a deep sigh. As much as I prefer to take my classes in person, the people seem to need me so I might as well go. After gathering my stuff, including my haft eaten sub, I followed Aria out of the cafeteria while chowing down my lunch. Now, in order for us to get to Fantastopia, Aria had to hold onto my arm as I rubbed my ring. And yes, I did get some chills when I felt her hand on my arm. Man, I am so cheesy.

But the moment the ring took us inside the castle, we were already approached by the king along with Hazel and Dale.

“Jesse,” the king greeted “Thank goodness you’re here.”

“So what’s the problem?” I asked while taking a bit of my sub.

“I’m sorry” he quickly apologized “Did we catch you at a bad time?”

“It’s fine” I assured with my mouth full “I’m almost done with this.”

I quickly swallowed my food before continuing. I really shouldn’t talk with my mouth full.

“So what’s the problem?”

“Well apparently” Hazel began “We’ve got a bit of a pickpocket situation going on in Crasmere.”

“Crasmere?”

“It’s the name of the city across from us.” Aria explained, “You know the one we saw from the balcony?”

“Oh. So there’s a pickpocket roaming the streets?”

“That’s what the people say.” the king responded “It’s actually been going on for about a month now, but recently it’s gotten worst. Nobody has been able to catch this crook, or if there’s more of them.”

“Well, no need for them to fear” I assured while finishing my last bite of the sub “I can take care of it.”

“You think?” Aria questioned.

I had to swallow my food before I could answer. Hopefully, I won’t get hiccups from this.

“Well, I gotta try” I offered “I am trying to get my degree in Criminal Justice so I join the CSI. And what better way to prepare for that than to solve a real mystery?”

“Jesse,” Hazel suddenly spoke, “You do realize that this is a really slick pickpocket, and you don’t have an elf brain.”

“Okay, wow” I reacted offended “That was unnecessarily hurtful. But just because elves are a bit more intelligent than humans doesn’t mean I’m not stupid.”

“Oo” Dale chuckled “He’s not wrong there, Hazel.”

“Yeah, Hazel” Aria agreed with a frown “Stop trying to doubt him.”

“I’m just saying” Hazel held her hands up “This pickpocket is really sly. And if Jesse really is smart enough to catch him, I will be very impressed.”

“Well,” I breathed “There’s only one way to find out if I am smart enough against this crook. Take me to the city.”

After Aria and I got changed into some appropriate clothing, she even decided to wear one of her casual tiaras, I followed her and her two friends to the stables where they kept their horses and carriages. I was actually going to ride in one, a royal carriage to be exact, I’m gonna feel so fancy. And I was right, this was a really nice carriage. It had brown leather cushion seats, beautiful details, curtains on the insides, and it was all pulled by two horses. This was the first time I’ve ever ridden in a carriage, and I was really liking it. It was quite relaxing, especially as I stared out the window at the view of the meadows as we rode down the path to the city.

“Is this your first time riding in a carriage?” Aria suddenly asked me.

“It is” I nodded with a small smile “It’s quite relaxing, actually.”

“You must get tired of driving those automobiles, huh?”

“I’m used to it.” I shrugged “Have you ever rode in a car before?”

“Nope” she shook her head.

“Really?”

“I’ve never gotten a chance. Besides, they kinda scare me.”

“Well, they can kill you if you don’t watch where you’re going.”

“The same thing for carriages.” Hazel put in “You would not believe how many have died from getting run down by carriages.”

Damn.

After a few more minutes, we made it to the city of Crasmere where the residents stood out of the way for the carriage to go through. Just as I expected, everybody was an elf, I guess there really are no humans in this world.

“Welcome to the city of Crasmere.” Aria announced with a smile “Everyone’s looking forward to meeting you, Jesse.”

“Oh boy” I breathed nervously.

“Hey, you’re gonna be fine.”

“I wouldn’t bet on that” I muttered.

It was pretty obvious that I don’t do so well when it comes to first impressions considering how I was when I first met King Hardwin and Aria. But now that the people of this city wants to meet me, I better not mess it up. Especially if they’re expecting me to catch a pickpocket. But as soon as the carriage stopped in front of a building that was labeled ‘Town Hall’, I peeked out the window to see that everyone had gathered around the carriage, most likely expecting to see me step out as I pulled the curtains over the window. I didn’t feel ready yet, I just need a few more minutes.

“Stay here,” Aria told me “I’ll let you know when to come out.”

As the coachman pulled the door opened, Aria stepped out where I watched her get greeted by this older and chubby elf man.

“Thank you for coming, your highness” he thanked in relief “Did you bring him?”

“I did” she nodded while turning around to face me “Come on out, Jesse.”

Okay, here I go. Don’t screw things up. I took a deep breath as I began to climb out of the carriage. And wouldn’t you know it, things screwed up as I felt my foot slip on the footstep as I let out a yelp before falling forward and landing on the ground with a painful thud.

Well, so much for a good impression.

“Ow,” I muttered embarrassedly as Aria helped me up.

“You alright?” she asked a bit worriedly.

“I’m fine” I assured while brushing myself.

“Are you sure?” the elf man asked.

“Yeah” I swore, “It’s my first time riding in a carriage, now I know I gotta watch my step while getting off.”

“Well, alright.”

Honestly, that fall really hurt. I can already feel bruises forming on my arms and my hands redden from slamming on the ground. Man, I have got to be more careful. I mean, everyone was already looking at me, they probably saw my fall as well because some of them were giggling as I awkwardly waved at them. And just like what happened in the classroom, I did get those looks from the girls who also gave me flirty smiles.

“So you must be Jesse,” the elf man said as he held his hand out “I’m Cliff, the mayor of Crasmere. Thank you so much for coming.”

“No problem.” I assured as we shook hands “So I was told you guys have been having a pickpocket problem?”

“We are” he sighed “It’s been happening for quite a while now. But lately, it’s been getting worse. We don’t even know if it’s the job of multiple pickpockets or if there’s something else going on.”

“And does this usually happen during the day or at night?”

“Both actually, but mostly at night, which is why nobody tends to go out at night alone anymore.”

“And has anyone been hurt by these pickpockets? Are they harmful?”

“Not really, but they are quick and really clever which is why we haven’t been able to catch them.”

“Well don’t worry” I pledged “I’m gonna try to change that. But in order for me to catch these guys, I’m gonna need some help.”

“Certainly” Cliff nodded.

“You got something in mind?” Aria asked me.

“Well,” I began “In order for me to catch a pickpocket, I’m gonna need to think like one.”

“How so?”

“Well, for starters, if I was a pickpocket, that must mean I have a secret hideout. And in a city like this, they could be anywhere. However, there’s a chance these crooks don’t even live in this city. They could live nearby and only come here to do their dirty work.”

“That’s a good theory” she commented, “But how exactly do you plan on catching them?”

“I’m not sure yet, but first thing first, if I’m gonna catch these guys, then I’m gonna need a bait. And by that, I mean that I’m going to be the bait.”