#The Cask of Manhasset

[knockyasocksoff2022]

The Cask of Manhasset {RANPOE}

When his Dad gets a teaching job at an American University, Ranpo must move with them to the American state of Connecticut. Once there he starts his Junior year of high school at Manhasset Maor Academy, which is also attended by the children of the elite Fitzgerald Family. Four of them are Juniors just like he is, four are Seniors, and the youngest Lucy is a Sophomore.

Lucy is wild and social and eager to make friends with the new student, but Ranpo is more curious about her introverted older brother.

After a failed introduction, Ranpo becomes even more curious to find out all he can about Edgar, determined, if not to befriend him, then to beat him out for top rank in the next exams. But what will happen when he turns up something far more disturbing than just gory mystery novels and a strange obsession with Racoons?

~ CAST ~

RANPO (17) (has come to finish his junior and senior high school in America after his father gets a job at a university)

ELISE (8) (in 3rd grade)

KYUSAKU (13) (in 7th grade and a little crazy but that's okay)

YUKICHI (45) (got a job teaching at a university in Connecticut)

OUGAI (40) (is a surgeon)

The Fitzgerald Coven

Seniors

LOUISA (19) (older than Poe but just as shy, they have tea and cookies together when it’s too sunny to go to school, he confides in her first about his feelings for Ranpo and she promises not to tell, she keeps her word. Was turned many decades ago by Francis to be his secretary.)

HOWARD (18) (tired)

MARGARET (19) (loves Southern Belle fashion, reading and writing, neutral to Poe, but secretly finds him endearing, only telling this to Nathaniel. She worries about what his relationship w/ Ranpo may bring)

NATHANIEL (18) (loves god and Margaret. The two joined the Fitzgerald Coven as a couple)

Juniors -

Lucy & Edgar had been doing homeschool during their first year as vampires but Francis and Zelda wanted them to have the full High School Experience so he enrolled them at Manhasset Manor Academy. The older coven members agreed to join as well just to keep an eye on Edgar and Lucy and make sure they stay out of trouble.

EDGAR (19) (Was taken in by Francis six years ago after his parents were killed when someone attempted to rob the Poe family home. Edgar's father owned a lucrative publishing business and his mother was a semi-famous interior decorator. Fitzgerald bought both businesses and the home. Since Edgar had no other living relatives, he went to live with Francis and Zelda, who raised him like their own. He was turned two years ago and has been living with him since, he is quiet and shy, loves poetry, and books, and doesn't talk to anyone . . . until Ranpo)

JOHN (17) (He asked to be turned so he could be stronger and provide for his family and their farm after several bad harvests, he wanted to see the world and after his family members all passed of old age he came to live with the Fitzgerald coven.)

MARK (17) (always down for anything, he found the coven by accident. He’s totally chill with Ranpo, maybe a little intimidated by his IQ but still welcomes him into the family.)

LUCY(16) (Was turned by Fitzgerald only one year ago, but she's been living with them for 9 years, ever since Francis rescued her from an abusive orphanage when she was 8. She is wild and is kind of annoyed at Poe's shyness and they fight a lot but still loves him a lot, she's a sophomore at Manhasset Manor Academy)

Parents/Coven leaders

FRANCIS (32) (loves his adopted children, and turned them because he wants his daughter back) (he donated the school library which is called The Zelda and Francis Fitzgerald Library.

ZELDA (32) (was and kind of still is, depressed because of the loss of her and Francis' daughter but got better after getting to raise Edgar and Lucy, she just wants to see them happy)

[knockyasocksoff2022]

The Cask of Manhasset {RANPOE} Chapter I ~ We're moving.?!

(1,203 words)

"Ranpo, Kyu, Elise! Come down here please, we have something we need to discuss with you." My Dad's voice echoes up from downstairs, the dining room probably, so that's where I go.

Sure enough, Dad and Papa are sitting at the dining table. I already know what they're going to say, but I wonder how they're going to break the news. There's a stack of atlases in front of Dad, the very ones I asked him to buy me when I figured it out.

I squirm in my seat, my fingers moving of seemingly their own accord to create a rhythm on the tabletop, impatiently waiting for them to just say it already.

A few seconds later Kyu and Elise come running into the dining room, Elise sitting in Papa's lap and Kyu in Dad's.

At last Dad begins, "So as Ranpo already knows, Rin and I have gotten a new job.I'm going to be teaching at a university in the northern United States of America, in New England, the state of Connecticut. Rin has acquired a job with the cardiology department of a nearby hospital. I'm sure you've gathered by now that we will have to move."

Kyu's eyes widen, Papa reaches over and strokes their hair, "I know this is a lot for you, but Yuki and I have already arranged everything, including the new house and your new school, Manhasset Manor Academy. It's a kindergarten through grade 12 academy, so all of you will be going to the same school together, how exciting!"

Despite Papa's genuine attempt at enthusiasm, Elise looks less than pleased, "Oh, of course, you spring this on us now! When do we go? Is the food good, what about the uniform?"

"Calm down dear, the school sent us informational packets and brochures, for each of you and you can read them and look on the website as soon as we're done here. And as for when we'll be going, well term begins in August, and Rin and I have to do some prep work before then so we'll be moving in two weeks." He gives me a small smile. Dad covers Kyu's ears in anticipation of Elise's explosion.

"WHATT!!?? Two weeks! Another country, What do you mean two---"

"Elise-chan, please calm yourself. The movers are coming to pack and move all of our furniture tomorrow, they'll ship it over so we'll already have it when we get there. Besides we've already made our decision, the paperwork has been filed for your transfer, so you may kick and scream all you want, in your room."

Papa pats my upset sister's head, "My dearest darling daughter, we truly are sorry for telling you this now but we figured it was best to wait, for this very reason, we didn't want to have you worrying for weeks and weeks. There's plenty of time to say goodbye to your friends, you can have playdates with all of them every day this week if they're free. And since you're so young I'm sure you'll make plenty of new friends in America, you speak wonderful English after all."

I translate in my head: Sorry this is out of the blue, but we didn't want to hear you whine for two months.

I sigh when I hear Papa's idea of compensation, hoping said playdates will be at the other friends' houses.

I tune out the rest of Elise's complaints as she stomps upstairs, instead flipping through the Atlases Dad pushes across the table to me. There are four. Three of the whole United States, a geographical one, an industrial one and one meant for tourists, and then one just of Connecticut with all three of those things. I'm about to take my prizes to my room but Dad stops me.

"Ranpo, we have one more thing, Rin's idea actually, and brilliant, if you ask me."

Papa blushes at Dad's comment, "I just thought, you know since you adore shiny things so much . . ." He pulls two large binders and a third, smaller one, "These are for you to collect United States Quater Dollar coins. Most of them have George Washington on them but they make special ones there, indicating national parks, the different states and famous American women. I thought you might enjoy collecting them." I can feel how wide my smile is, and he continues explaining, smiling at the confirmation that his gift is liked, "Each page is for a different quarter, it has information and a little pocket for it to go in when you find it. I figured with how much candy you buy you'll fill these up in no time."

"Thanks!"

Dad smiles, "I think you'll find you like America. They have many Holidays dedicated especially to candy: Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, well, that's more desserts but still. And Halloween in America is for all ages, you might be a touch too old for trick or treating but I'm sure if when the time comes you take Elise and Kyu, you can get some sweets as well."

(A/N: America has SOO MANY holidays related to desserts, here’s a list: Dessert Holidays - National Today)

"Sweet!" I laugh at my horrid pun.

I'm not scared of America at all, I can't stop smiling as I take my books and binders upstairs. I'll have to pack them away soon but I can still enjoy them for a bit.

I do have some American money sent to me by an online friend, whom I haven't talked to in ages after they suddenly stopped answering me, but it's just a 100-dollar bill and some quarters, none of which fit the criteria for the map. I keep them safely away anyway, already anxious to leave for their land of origin.

(A/N: since 100 yen is so little (about 0.69 US Dollars) Ranpo has no idea that 100 dollars is a significant amount. Is anyone surprised, I mean he doesn't know how to ride a train.)

-

I wake up to the sound of my alarm! EWWW!!! 

"I thought I unplugged you!" I yell at it as I turn it off.

"You did." I jump, I hadn't heard my father's steps over my alarm, "I'm the one who plugged it back in, but it's only for today. The movers will be here after lunch, they're going to do the big packing and load out boxes into their truck but you need to put away all of your smaller items. I'll be helping your siblings but if you need help with breakable ones Rin is packing away the kitchen items."

"Kay."

He looks surprised but goes on his way anyway.

It's true, normally I'd hate doing something like this, but this isn't cleaning, it's packing, this is an adventure and I can't wait to get started.

I finish fairly quickly, until only my shampoo and conditioner (which we'll have to throw out when we leave), my toiletries, and the clothes I can fit into my two suitcases are left. The emptiness is strangely satisfying.

Elise, Kyu, and I have lunch out on the patio as the movers pack our lives into their trucks. I smile at the thought of part of me being in America before I am. Elise doesn't share my sentiment and scowls at her omurice, poking it angrily with her fork.

I bet she'll change her mind.

[knockyasocksoff2022]

🪻 knockyasocksoff2022's Masterlist 🪻

The updated schedule is when I feel like it. I am sorry about that but my time, energy and motivation are all over the place. Please keep me accountable for updating these, I cannot keep focused on one thing for the life of me. If you want to know about any of these please just ask.

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FIND ME ON OTHER PLATFORMS!!!

[knockyasocksoff2022]

The Cask of Manhasset ~ RANPOE~

Part I - We're Moving!?

{1,203 words}

“Ranpo, Kyu, Elise! Come down here please, we have something we need to discuss with you.” My Dad’s voice echoes up from downstairs, the dining room probably, so that’s where I go. 

Sure enough, Dad and Papa are sitting at the dining table. I already know what they will say, but I wonder how they will break the news. There’s a stack of atlases in front of Dad, the ones I asked him to buy me when I figured it out.

I squirm in my seat, my fingers moving of seemingly their own accord to create a rhythm on the tabletop, impatiently waiting for them to just say it already.

A few seconds later Kyu and Elise come running into the dining room, Elise sitting in Papa’s lap and Kyu in Dad’s.

At last, Dad begins, “So as Ranpo already knows, Rin and I have gotten a new job. I’m going to be teaching at a university in the northern United States of America, in New England, the state of Connecticut. Rin has acquired a job with the cardiology department of a nearby hospital. I’m sure you’ve gathered by now that we will have to move.”

Kyu’s eyes widen, Papa reaches over and strokes their hair, “I know this is a lot for you, but Yuki and I have already arranged everything, including the new house and your new school, Manhasset Manor Academy. It’s a kindergarten through grade 12 academy, so all of you will be going to the same school together, how exciting!”

Despite Papa’s genuine attempt at enthusiasm, Elise looks less than pleased, “Oh, of course, you spring this on us now! When do we go? Is the food good, what about the uniform?”

“Calm down dear, the school sent us informational packets and brochures, for each of you and you can read them and look on the website as soon as we’re done here. And as for when we’ll be going, well term begins in August, and Rin and I have to do some prep work before then so we’ll be moving in two weeks.” He gives me a small smile. Dad covers Kyu’s ears in anticipation of Elise’s explosion.

“WHATT!!?? Two weeks! Another country, What do you mean two---”

“Elise-chan, please calm yourself. The movers are coming to pack and move all of our furniture tomorrow, they’ll ship it over so we’ll already have it when we get there. Besides we’ve already made our decision, the paperwork has been filed for your transfer, so you may kick and scream all you want, in your room.”

Papa pats my upset sister’s head, “My dearest darling daughter, we truly are sorry for telling you this now but we figured it was best to wait, for this very reason, we didn’t want to have you worrying for weeks and weeks. There’s plenty of time to say goodbye to your friends, you can have playdates with all of them every day this week if they’re free. And since you’re so young I’m sure you’ll make plenty of new friends in America, you speak wonderful English after all.”

I translate in my head: Sorry this is out of the blue, but we didn’t want to hear you whine for two months.

I sigh when I hear Papa’s idea of compensation, hoping said playdates will be at the other friends’ houses.

I tune out the rest of Elise’s complaints as she stomps upstairs, instead flipping through the Atlases Dad pushes across the table to me. There are four. Three of the whole United States, a geographical one, an industrial one and one meant for tourists, and then one just of Connecticut with all three of those things. I’m about to take my prizes to my room but Dad stops me.

“Ranpo, we have one more thing, Rin’s idea actually, and brilliant, if you ask me.”

Papa blushes at Dad’s comment, “I just thought, you know since you adore shiny things so much . . .” He pulls two large binders and a third, smaller one, “These are for you to collect the United States Quater Dollar coins. Most of them have George Washington on them but they make special ones there, indicating national parks, the different states and famous American women. I thought you might enjoy collecting them.” I can feel how wide my smile is, and he continues explaining, smiling at the confirmation that his gift is liked, “Each page is for a different quarter, it has information and a little pocket for it to go in when you find it. I figured with how much candy you buy you’ll fill these up in no time.”

“Thanks!”

Dad smiles, “I think you’ll find you like America. They have many Holidays dedicated especially to candy: Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas, well, that’s more desserts but still. And Halloween in America is for all ages, you might be a touch too old for trick or treating but I’m sure if when the time comes you take Elise and Kyu, you can get some sweets as well.”

(A/N: America has SOO MANY holidays related to desserts, here’s a list: Dessert Holidays - National Today)

“Sweet!” I laugh at my horrid pun.

I’m not scared of America at all, I can’t stop smiling as I take my books and binders upstairs. I’ll have to pack them away soon but I can still enjoy them for a bit.

I do have some American money sent to me by an online friend, whom I haven’t talked to in ages after they suddenly stopped answering me, but it’s just a 100-dollar bill and some quarters, none of which fit the criteria for the map. I keep them safely away anyway, already anxious to leave for their land of origin.

(A/N: since 100 yen is so little (about 0.69 US Dollars) Ranpo has no idea that 100 dollars is a significant amount. Is anyone surprised, I mean he doesn’t know how to ride a train.)

-

I wake up to the sound of my alarm! EWWW!!! 

“I thought I unplugged you!” I yell at it as I turn it off.

“You did.” I jump, I hadn’t heard my father’s steps over my alarm, “I’m the one who plugged it back in, but it’s only for today. The movers will be here after lunch, they’re going to do the big packing and load out boxes into their truck but you need to put away all of your smaller items. I’ll be helping your siblings but if you need help with breakable ones Rin is packing away the kitchen items.”

“Kay.”

He looks surprised but goes on his way anyway.

It’s true, normally I’d hate doing something like this, but this isn’t cleaning, it’s packing, this is an adventure and I can’t wait to get started.

I finish fairly quickly, until only my shampoo and conditioner (which we’ll have to throw out when we leave), my toiletries and the clothes I can fit into my two suitcases are left. The emptiness is strangely satisfying.

Elise, Kyu and I have lunch out on the patio as the movers pack our lives into their trucks. I smile at the thought of part of me being in America before I am. Elise doesn’t share my sentiment and scowls at her omurice, poking it angrily with her fork.

I bet she’ll change her mind.