My Vampires

Chapter 15

Vincent's paintings are inside!  I could feel the waves of heat coming from the fire towards me.  And yet...

Francis
"Kira?!"  "Kira?!"

The moment I ran into the gallery, a fiery wind mercilessly enveloped my body. I  know I shouldn't be doing this. I know it's reckless, but...! 

Flashback
Theo
"This painting, Markus's  music, Arthur's and Dezaki's
novels..." "art like that gives people strength and can heal their hearts. Like a miracle." "I think we should treasure artists right now--people who can give others
hope..." "like the geniuses who live in the mansion."

Flashback Ends

That painting is very important to Theo and Vincent...  It's a symbol of hope for everyone!  Iran into the raging flames and found the painting of the wheat fields hanging on the wall. The fire was closing in on it, but I grabbed it and hugged it against my chest protectively, breathing a sigh of relief.

Kira
"I'm so glad it's safe, I'm so glad!"

But this is no time to relax. I gotta get out of here as fast as I can!  I started to run towards the exit, but all of a sudden I heard a thunderous noise. The fiery column right in front of me began collapsing. The force of the hot wind made me fall back onto the floor. I frantically looked up towards the exit. It was blocked by fire. What should I do? Is there anyway out? No.... And...When I fell, I must've twisted my ankle because it was throbbing.  I'd inhaled so much smoke that I was starting to feel woozy. and my consciousness was beginning to fade. Someone.....help... Someone, please... As I felt myself passing out, someone's name slipped from my lips.

Kira
"Vlad... Please, save me..."

I coughed, struggling to breathe. Warm tears wet my cheeks. My vision grew hazy and I knew there was nothing more I could do...

Kira
"Vlad..."

I was only halfway aware of the fact that I said his name. And then I lost consciousness.

~~~~~

Vlad ran through the city, holding the invitation in one hand and a pure white bouquet of casablancas in the other.

Townsperson
"Hey, Monsieur!"

Vlad
"Hm?"

Townsperson
"Be careful if you're going that way! A gallery's on fire!"

Vlad
"A gallery...on fire? No, it can't be."

Vlad narrowed his eyes and then dropped the bouquet.

Townsperson
"Hey, you dropped your flowers! Hey!"

He sprinted towards the address on the invitation and saw that the gallery was engulfed in flames. He scanned the scene for a moment, his crimson eyes darting back and forth. He was searching through the crowd of onlookers for Kira.

Vlad
"Kira, where are you?"

The moment he said her name, he heard someone yelling.

Theo
"Hey! Hondie! Hondje!"

Constable
"Huh? Is your dog inside? Listen, I know pets are important, but you can't go in there!"

Vincent
"Kira isn't a dog! She's our friend! Please, let us go help her!"

Vlad saw two men with similar eyes frantically trying to go inside, but were held back by the police.

Vlad
"...That face."

Flashback

Sander
"My lord Vlad. Here is a list of all the residents of the mansion."

Vlad
"...Nicholas  Brooks. Vincent Vaclavik. And his younger brother Theodorus..."