Love: The Greatest Mystery (Ranpo x Poe)

What Is This Feeling?

I step out from The Guild's building into the bright summer day. Everyone passes by me on the sidewalk. Some people stare at me because I am not native to their land. I am American after all. The only reason why I came to Japan was to beat my rival, Ranpo Edogawa.

Rival...

In full honesty I consider him more of a frenemy. Someone I can test my mystery novels with. He's the only one who can get out quick enough, and solve the mystery because of his Ultra Deduction skills.

I stop to look up at the Cheery Blossom tree that casts a shadow onto the street I am on. What is this feeling I have when I am with him? I never felt anything like this before. I just can't put my finger on it. I clutch my book close to my chest and continued to walk.

I was called over to the Armed Detective Agency by Ranpo himself. I don't know what for yet. I haven't even finished this murder mystery novel I have in my hands to even challenge him. Perhaps he needs my detective skills on cracking a case?

I look down to see my pet raccoon at my feet. It would seem like Karl been running for quite a distance. "Sorry, I must have accidentally left you back there." I say softly down to my trash panda. Normally I speak so quietly, that's why people don't usually hear me, but I know Karl heard me. I stand still for a while to allow my companion to climb up onto my shoulders before I continued to walk towards the A.D.A.

***********

About 30 minutes has passed walking from The Guild to the agency. I could practically feel my heart beat racing out of my chest as I stand there looking up at the four-story building known as headquarters for The Armed Detective Agency. "Hey Poe!" A voice calls out from up above.

I look up, shielding my eyes with my hand to avoid getting blinded by the sun. Right there hanging out the window of the fourth floor was none other than Ranpo himself. My cheeks turned a light shade of pink seeing him. "Come on up, Poe! I got something for ya!" The Detective went back inside of the building to wait for me.

"Looks like there is no turning back now..." I sigh. I walk into the building and head up the stairs towards the fourth floor then slightly open the door. Inside I see Atsushi tapping away on a computer, Kunikida looking at his book of ideals, Dazai reading "The Complete Guide to Suicide", Kenji watering a plant, Junichiro getting somewhat loved on by his sister Naomi, and Yosano is polishing her weapons. Out of everyone in this room, I haven't seen Ranpo. He was just here looking out the window wasn't he?

"What are you doing watching everyone from the outside?" A arm was put around my waist which startled me. I took a step back to see who was beside me. My eyes widen slightly and I hold my book closer to my chest then I look away, "Don't startle me like that Ranpo."

Ranpo laughed and patted me on the shoulder, missing Karl's tail about an inch. "You should pay attention to your surroundings more, then you wouldn't be startled at all!" He removes his hand from my shoulder. Ranpo turns to face the door I was just peeping into, "I bet you're wondering why I invited you here, Edgar."

My eyes dart back to him when he said my first name. No one ever done that before other than the folks back home in America. He has called me Ed before though... Just the full name he never said. "Well... Yeah I am wondering that." I say silently, but Ranpo heard me anyways. Despite my wondering, the only thing I can think of is his voice saying my name over and over again. I want to hear those precious lips of his bare my full name upon them.

"I called you here so you can write a new kind of story for me. Something different from a murder mystery." Ranpo turns his head and smiled at me. A story without any form of murder mystery? I stood there puzzled. I have written 2 detective novels so far. The only reason why I write murder mysteries is to catch Ranpo. Catch up to him in being an detective. Do something to stump him and allow me to claim my victory after six long years.