We ran to the nearest mall we could find and climbed to the roof. There were several hatches that led to the different stores. I broke the chain on one and then we jumped through. We landed right into a bookstore with a small cafe. Bree went for the books while Diego went for the music section in the back. I went towards the art books and supplies. I grabbed two packs of sketching pencils and one of colored pencils. I even went ahead and grabbed a new sketch book while I was at it. Never know when one will run out of blanks.

Once I grabbed my goods I looked for the other two. They were at a cafe table talking. I made my way towards them and got there in time to hear Bree say, "I usually kick it wherever Freaky Fred is hanging out."

Diego suddenly look grossed out while I became confused. "Why does everyone call him Freaky Fred?" I asked as I took a seat.

They both turned to me simultaneously. Bree looked surprised while Diego just looked thoughtful. "When you sit next to him, Miranda, what do you feel?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't know. Am I supposed to feel anything?"

Bree's jaw dropped. "How do you not feel repulsed sitting right next to him?"

It was my turn to be shocked. "Repulsed? Why would I feel repulsed?!"

I was about to defend him when Diego spoke up. "He's special."

Both Bree and I turned to him. "What do you mean, he's special?"

"I heard Riley on the phone with her."

I saw Bree shudder while Diego's face turned sympathetic to her reaction. "I know." he said.

I was just plain confused. "Who's her?"

Once again they looked at me surprised. "You know, the one that created us." Bree said.

I just shook my head. "As far as I know, Riley just found me in a shed."

"Interesting." Diego stated, "But anyway this was a few months back. From what they were saying, I guess that some vampires can do things. More than what normal vampires can do, I mean. And that's good- something she's looking for. Vampires with skillzzz."

"What kinds of skills?" Bree asked.

"All kinds of stuff, it sounds like. Mind reading and tracking and even seeing the future."

"Get out." I say.

"I'm not kidding. I guess Fred can sort of repel people on purpose. It's all in our heads, though. He makes us repulsed at the thought of being near him."

I frowned. "How come that doesn't work with me?"

"I think that you may be special too. Riley just hasn't realized it yet because you're not the first to hang around with Fred."

"But why would they be happy to have people like Fred and Miranda?"

I leaned closer, also curious. "I think something's coming." he replied.

"Like what?

"I think she wants protection, and she put Riley in charge of creating the front line."

If I wasn't a vampire I would've gotten the chills from hearing that.

"Why wouldn't they tell us? Shouldn't we be, like, on the lookout or something?"

"That would make sense." he agreed before looking outside, "Out of time. Better head back before we turn into crispies."

"Ashes, ashes, we all fall down." Bree and I sang as Diego chuckled.

After a quick stop at the nearby Targets to get bags to carry our "purchases" in, we were on our way back home. We traveled by rooftop back to the water. Once there we just slipped into the sound, undiscovered by the watchmen. From there, it was smooth swimming.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Diego and Bree starting to race. Smiling to myself I decided to join in. Kicking it into high gear I raced past them, barely giving them a mocking smirk. Being the youngest here it was obvious who was going to win. And win I did.

I hit the wall of land in no time and easily flew out of the water. Fast like a wolf spider I climbed my up the bluff before swinging up onto the cliff. I heard Diego and Bree coming up behind me. I was about to tease them when I noticed something. The house was gone.