When Charlie first asks Gabe to join him on his quest to become vampires, he immediately wants to say no. They're only thirteen and have their whole lives ahead of them. It's a dumb idea.

But, after blaming himself for his schizophrenic mother's injury, the idea starts to sound more appealing. If he was stronger, he could've stopped her from running away. If he was faster, he could've pushed her out of the street. He needed to be those things, and he needed to be them now.

The boys go on a quest to find a vampire who can transform them. Their journey takes a turn when they learn they need another supernatural's help and ingredients found only in Japan. With just a few days until Gabe's mother comes home, the boys rush around an unfamiliar country, fighting, or befriending, any obstacle that comes their way.