Chapter 1 :: The Crimson Angel

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Edgar Allan Poe wasn't one to stay out late, let alone go outside anyways.

Today was an exception. Hawthorne had sent him out to deliver an 'important' deliver for Miss Mitchell. However, even though Poe knew that it was only a love letter, he still pushed himself to do it as he would at least get some fresh air.

Ah, the weather today is lovely. I'm glad i'm outside today.

Poe walked with a steady pace, not too fast but not too slow. His hair hung low above his eyes, catching on his eyelashes every now and again. He picked at the skin around his nails as he walked. Karl, his raccoon, sat steady on his shoulder.

A cool, refreshing breeze passed over his face, nearly pushing his bangs out of his face. It was spring in Yokohama, a warm 20°C ( 68°F ) day.

Cherry blossom trees lined the pavement that Poe walked along. Small, pale pink petals occasionally fell out of the tree, floating down and catching on Poe's hair. One petal landed on Karl's nose, causing the raccoon to sneeze. Poe stopped to see what the noise was, but giggled and continued walking when he realized it was just Karl.

The smell of freshly cut grass lingered in the air, and birds chirped eagerly. Spring was so magical in Yokohama.

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Soon enough, Poe reached Miss Mitchell's townhouse. It had a beautiful exterior, with the walls having the most extravagant trim. The garden was clearly well tended to, with a gorgeous flower arrangement settled near the front door.

Poe snapped out of his admiration for the house and approached the post box. He slid the letter in and turned around so quickly, he was dizzy for a few moments. Even Karl felt nauseous for a few seconds after.

He quickly began walking back down the path he took before. It was around 4 pm at this point and Poe had nothing else to do but go straight home.

Well, that was a good trip! At least I got some fresh air today. He thought with a smile.

The sun hit his face again after he turned a corner. The streets were awfully quiet for a Saturday afternoon. There was only one woman cycling and a few other pedestrians.

Huh, this is strange. He furrowed his brows in confusion. A loud crash noise made him break out of his trance.

What was that noise? He quickly snapped around and saw the woman who was cycling before had fallen off her bike. Should I help her? He bit his fingernails while in deep thought. Eh, why not. I have nowhere to be right now anyway.

Poe began to jog slowly towards the lady. As soon as he approached her, she called out.

"Are you here for me?"

"Uhm, yes miss. Are you alright, do you have any injuries?" he replied, picking the skin around his nails again. Karl growled as if to warn Poe about something. What would he need a warning for?

"Oh, aren't you such a sweetheart?" she said with a smile that sent shivers down Poe's back. Something about this lady wasn't quite right.

"Here," Poe said, offering his arm for the woman to reach out and grab it "I'll, uhm, help you up." he said, trying to hide the fear in his voice.

She reached out and grabbed his arm. As she did, she dug her fingernails into his arm. Poe flinched but didn't say anything. Karl growled again.

"Oh, uhm, don't mind him, haha." Poe mumbled, again trying to hide the discomfort in his voice.

"Oh, you won't need to worry about him." The woman said slyly.

What is this lady trying to do?

Before Poe could question it any further, he was transported into some sort of ability realm. The world around him began to spin, and there was a strange tension in his head. He had a strange, nauseating feeling in his stomach. He began to fade in and out of consciousness, and soon he was insensate in the realm.

What is happening to me? I'm still alive, right? Yes, I am, but why can't I wake up?

After just a few seconds, Poe snapped back into reality. He shot up from his position, but was stopped when he realized he was tied to something with a thick rope. He was sat on the floor of what looked like a small, empty office. He looked around frantically for Karl.

"Karl? Karl!" he shouted with whatever he could muster.

Huh, why am I tied up? What's happening?

Just then, a man wearing dark, gothic clothing walked into the room. The atmosphere suddenly became suffocating. He knelt down to Poe's height and grabbed his chin with one hand. Poe shivered.

"Are you ready?" the man whispered in his ear. Poe didn't have time to respond before the man opened his mouth, just wide enough to catch sight of his fangs. Poe was frozen in fear. He moved Poe's head to the side and pulled back his cloak, exposing his neck. Suddenly, he bit down and Poe groaned loudly.

He could feel the fangs sink deep into his neck, and the fluid that came flowing down his shirt. Again, his eyes began to close, and this time he didn't fight it.

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