A/n

Haha cliffhangers...

I remember I was forced to stop writing in the middle of this chapter, and I started on the next one based on what I thought already happened so... Alice probably brakes the fourth wall a bunch of times in the next few chapters. Be prepared.

Everything is explained now though, and basically everything said here has meaning later on.

I couldn't react for a few moments. There was nothing in any handbook, or any parental advice to prepare a person for their friend turning into a rock.

"S-Sarah?" Was all my mind could muster after my dazed staring. Hesitantly, I reached my hand out to the familiar form, lightly brushing her shoulder with my fingertips.

She was cold, and as I applied small pressure, I also noticed, quite hard. Her clothes had also turned into the substance with her, ultimately making my entire friend a mineral.

"We're all like this." I heard suddenly. Seconds later, the shoulder I was touching softened, giving it the feel of fabric once more. She slowly released her grip on my hood. "Zac, Misha, even Derrick."

Removing my hand, I turned towards the more familiar version of my friend. "How?" Was all I needed to ask, as she sent her glare towards the ground.

"This town isn't normal Alice. I don't know if you moved here just for the pleasant small town Wisconsin feel, but if you did, then I am sorry to disappoint you." She sighed deeply. "Most people don't know anymore, but there is a war coming. One that has been prolonged for hundreds of years, far back in ancient times. However, this isn't a war fought with the weapons of our age, as those would be rendered useless, but a war fought with a different kind of forces." I numbly stared as she met my gaze. "Something each human has possessed since the beginning of time-" I watched as her hand began to shimmer alone, leaving the rest of her body free to move. "there auras."

"...Personalities?" I managed, remembering all of those random tests and such that would show the colour you gave off, and how people perceive you at first glance. However, Sarah shook her head.

"Auras are the colours of the spirits inside of humans. Some people learned to read auras long ago, but failed to realize the complexity. The eyes colour pallet is plain, based off of red, yellow, and blues. The soul's however-" She gave me a smile. "It is remarkable."

"What does that have to do with... this?" I weakly gestured to her hand.

"Well, I must first tell you everyone has a different aura. Similar people will have similar colours, but everyone is unique. Therefore, every gift one is given, is also unique."

"A gift?" I repeated. "As in someone gave this to you?"

"Precisely." She smiled, excited that I was starting to understand. "Almost everyone has the ability to host a supernatural gift, whether it be an emotional one, such as being able to see through any lie, to having the ability to move mountains. It all depends on the person's aura."

"Then why... me?" I murmured, looking at my own hands. What did I have to do with this?

"Your aura, is of a colour palette I have never seen before. The others either, I suppose it's the same with the Umbra, they can sense that your power will be great." Sarah gave me a comforting smile as she placed her now normal hand on my shoulder lightly.

"Umbrella?" I echoed, extremely confused. She laughed slightly

"Sorry, no the word 'umbra' is Latin for the English word 'shadow'. That is the name that their army goes by. The forces that are battling trace all the way back to Roman times. The dark ruler, Luna, possess people. She tricks them into following her by giving them what they 'want most', but in reality, she picks people who will want what she is willing to give. Take Candice for example." Sarah frown.

"The popular Candice?" I asked. "She's apart of it?'

"Please," Sarah sighed. "She runs it." My interest was quite perked. "She was once an awkward... well nerd. People made fun of her all throughout elementary school, and all she wanted was to be well liked. Luna took advantage of this, and offered to make her likeable, as long as she served her. Candice accepted, and because of her past, she's relatively ruthless. Over the summer of seventh grade, she became the lovely person she is now." Sarah said the last part sarcastically.

"If they serve this... Luna... who are you working for?" I asked, piecing things together. If there was a war, Sarah must have the side against the Umbra.

"Radiorum. Our leader is Sol, the brother of Luna. He has been keeping her out of trouble since Roman times, but she has grown stronger, more daring. So he has been recruiting himself, to stop her. The very fact that you can see the gems inside of the waterfall is proof that he trusts you." Sarah looked at me and my shaken stare. "...How are you taking all of this?"

"OK." I muttered, offering a small smile.

"Good." She smiled back. "Because I have a proposal." I nodded, saying that I was listening. "If you want, you yourself can receive powers. However, if Sol gives them to you, you must promise to defend him in the upcoming war. I promise this is the right side. He's protecting the earth Alice." I paused.

"Can... I have time to think about this?" I asked, my voice cracking slightly.

"Of course! Hey, let's head back. You have enough to take in already." I sighed gratefully.

We started walking in the direction of the recreational field once more, an uncomfortable silence swelling up between us as I was still a little edgy.

"One more thing, Alice." Sarah said suddenly, biting her lip as I glanced at her.

"What is it?" I asked as we continued to shuffle along.

"Kat, she really is dangerous. Though, I have to tell you, there are many more then we have on our side." I blinked surprised. "Our entire school is full of them. It's expected that everyone who associates with Candice is apart of it, but most don't possess powers. Alice, I have to warn you-" Sarah shifted nervously, as if she was hiding something.

"Yes?"

"Just... stay away from Logan Carter."