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Ranpo Edogawa was born and raised in a small village in Yokohama, he would usually spend his days playing games with his siblings. Everyday was pretty much the same, errands, house work and hanging out at the lake. Ranpo always thought of going outside the village but everyone always told stories of the terrors that went outside the village.
“Ranpo?”, Ranpo’s sister pulled him out from his thoughts.
“Yes, Akiko”
“It’s time for dinner” Akiko grabs Ranpo’s tan hand and they laugh on their way to dinner.
Ranpo takes his usual seat almost next to his father at the end of the table. He looks at all his siblings. He was the oldest of 5 Akiko was next then Osamu and then the newest kids their father adopted were Atsushi and Kyouka. Fukuzawa Yukichi was their father and he decided to take in any kid who needed a family when he first found Ranpo.
“Children,” Yukichi says. All the siblings look up, quieting down to let their father speak.
“There has been news that someone moved into the dark mansion up the large hill going into the forbidden forest.”
Everyone gasps, “What freak moved into that dump?!” Osamu laughs.
“I'm not sure, but we shouldn’t interact with someone that comes from the outside, we don’t know the dangers he could possess. So no one of you shall interact with that person.” Yukichi says sternly.
“Yes father” They all say and finish their dinner.
Ranpo was getting ready for bed when Akiko said something to him.
“I wonder why an outsider would move into the dark mansion.” She says clearly, pondering.
“There are a lot of reasons someone from the outside would move there but the question is how they found the village.” Ranpo says, smiling at her. Akiko laughs and lays in her bed.
“Goodnight Ran”
“Goodnight Aki”
Ranpo was with Akiko and Osamu picking up fresh bread from the bakery. When suddenly everyone near was in an odd silence with hushed whispers. Ranpo turns around to see a tall man all dressed in black, His outfit was what one would call gothic and he seemed to be wearing large heeled boots. His dark hair was hiding his face and his skin looked almost sickly. He had a raccoon draped around his neck and he walked with anxiety but the one eye that peeked from his hair had a hint of insanity that made Ranpo curious.
All of a sudden the raccoon jumped from the man's neck and ran inside of the bakery. The tall man in black practically shrieked the name,“Karl!”
The man almost stumbles as he chases after the racoon. The said raccoon jumps on their table and grabs Ranpos cake to eat.Ranpo’s siblings laugh as Ranpo gasps in offense and scolds the creature and grabs him to hand him back to his owner.
“I think this belongs to you” Ranpo hands the man the racoon with a smile. The almost collapse in relief as he takes "Karl".
“Karl! Don’t you ever and I mean ever do that again, my heart couldn’t bare it!” The man practically cries.
“Wait, where did you get that cake?!” The man looks down at Ranpo and looks back at Karl and gasps.
“I am so sorry! Karl doesn't take things from people!, I'm sorry sir and thank you for giving him to me” The man says anxiously.
“It’s no problem, don't worry about it!” Ranpo smiles.
“No I insist, let me buy you something to make up for Karl and to thank you”
Ranpo looks back at his brother and sister and shrugs when they give a look. He wouldn’t pass up free food and the man in black is very interesting. After the man bought Ranpo cake he began to leave.
“This is where we part ways” The man in black says.
“Before you leave, May you tell me your name?” Ranpo questions.
“Only if you tell me yours”
Ranpo laughs, “Edogawa Ranpo a pleasure to meet you”
“Edgar Allan Poe, a pleasure to be met” Edgar says with a crazed smile that Ranpo almost shivers. Edgar leaves and Ranpo watches him with curiosity and interest. His siblings behind him glance at each other and then share a knowing look. Seems like the curious cat got caught.