• My name is Jessina. I would love to write my last name, if I had one. But, I don't. None of the freedom fighters do. Yeah. I'm a member of a rebellion. No, not like an angry teenager rebelling against a low allowance, the real deal. Wondering what in the world I'm talking about? Here's what you need to know:
    What you don't realize, is that the whole “dimension” thing is more complicated than you'd think. I live on Earth, but in another dimension. It's just like earth is, well, not exactly. In the year 2007, well in our time, an evil man called Kuo Fahn devised a plan to take over our world.
    Due to one fatal mistake, the government gave Fahn power. The power he needed to slip a deadly poison into the “complementary” drinks he “generously” provided the government leaders at a giant convention to discuss a new tactic for safety. Or, something like that. This all happened before I was born. I'm only thirteen, and this happened forty years ago. Somehow, the man's still alive. So, since all the leaders were gone, he took over without a fight. He seemed fine at first, then he made horrible laws, constricting the breath of freedom out of our masses. Everyone complained behind closed doors, but no one was willing to risk their lives. That's why we rebelled. Well not us, our parents. We weren't born yet. But, the rebellion spread. We have bases spread over the world. Not all that many adults near our bases, but nonetheless.
    We are the resistance. “We” being me, Jessina. Koko, a sweet thoughtful fourteen-year-old girl. Kai, the show-offy, but still sweet sixteen-year old boy. Daron, the shy, poetic, best friend of Kai, they're the same age. Caren, MY same-age best friend. Mishi, the daring adventurous fourteen-year-old. Mishi's twin worrisome brother Nathan. And last but not least, our twenty-four-year-old leader Sharlette. Well, now you know us, it's time to know our story.
    “Oof!” Caren grunted as she fell to the ground. She had just lost yet another spar. “Hey don't worry my caring Caren. You'll get better with practice.” Sharlette said. We were all in our humble little home base, when a red light started flashing, and the deafening alarm sounded. “It's the bomb alert! Everyone OUT!!!!” Sharlette cried. We all rushed like psychopaths out of the base. Luckily, we all made it out safely before the place burst into flames. During the explosion, we all watched in terrified awe as the only home we knew went up in smoke. That base was home to all of us. So many sweet memories, six birthdays since I came along, slumber parties among the girls, trivial competition from the boys. Love and laughter. Mourning and pain. I hardly even remembered my life from before I came. Sharlette told me Nathan and Mishi were born there, before their mother was killed in battle. To make matters worse, our strong weapons were in there! Well, where would we go from there?
    Thankfully, we have our emergency backpacks with us at all times. We had first aid kits, tents, and enough supplies to last us a while. But the real problem was where to go. The only base within three hundred miles from ours was pretty far away. It was about two weeks on foot. But, we could make it if we put our mind to it. After all, it's not like we had anywhere else to go.
    “I'm tired!” Caren whined, “Can we stop?” Mishi looked back to my tired best friend. “Come on Carrie you know the answer to that.” She laughed nodding toward Sharlette. We had been walking for hours and even Kai had to admit he was tired. But, Sharlette refused to stop until she couldn't see the path anymore. That's where Caren and Sharlette are most different. Caren can't stand walking for more than an hour!
    “Ow!” Mishi shouted as she hit the ground. The path was darker so she didn't see a little hole in the ground. We gathered around the strange little hole. It was about six inches in diameter, yet it seemed very deep. When Daron kicked a small stone in, we heard a crunch, then a satisfied growl. That even got Caren full speed ahead!
    Eventually, Sharlette had mercy on us and we set up camp in a little clearing hidden from the path. I was exhausted as everyone else was, so I zonked out soon. I woke up to the tent door being unzipped. As a freedom fighter, rule number one was be alert at all times. I followed the figure out. Being stealthy, also means slow. By the time I caught up, I saw Koko stretched out on the grass. She calmly looked over and noticed me. “Oh, what are you doing here Koko?” I whispered. She smiled gently “I couldn't sleep. My mind got caught up on everything. Did I wake you?” she asked sweetly. “It's alright. I'm a very light sleeper. But, you should get some rest so come on. Let's go back to camp.” I replied. Koko nodded and followed me back to our tent, and we both slept until the next morning. “It's morning” Sharlette whispered sweetly, “WAKE UP!!!” Koko, Caren and I jumped up. Sharlette had a real talent for waking us up! Because of her, ahem, “excellent leadership skills” we were on our way in no time.
    We had been walking for about two hours when we heard a scream and a crash. “Oh my gosh!” Sharlette cried. We all gathered around to see Mishi sprawled out on the ground with a tree branch on top of her. “She was up in a tree scouting ahead, then the branch she was on cracked. She went falling.” Sharlette explained. We were mortified! Everyone was really close to Mishi. (especially Kai who had the worlds most gigantic crush on her) Nathan was on his knees looking so worried he looked like he was gonna pass out on us. Thankfully, she was still breathing, but just barely. Sharlette and Daron went to work checking for broken bones, serious cuts, and things of that nature. The branch left several cuts and bruises. She had two big gashes on her leg, and a mammoth knot on her head. Nathan stepped away. Daron and Kai followed. I dashed off to the the first-aid kit. As I passed I saw Daron and Kai comforting Nathan. He was really protective of Mishi. After all, she was pretty much the only family he had. I returned to my mission and grabbed the first-aid kit.
    When I got back Mishi was opening her eyes. “How are ya feeling Mishi?” I asked. “Sore.” she replied. We chuckled. “Caren go find the boys.” Sharlette instructed. Caren obeyed and came back with Daron, Kai, and a worried-looking Nathan. He knelt next to his sister. “Mishi? How are you? Are you feeling alright, do you need any thing? Is it too hot? Do you need ice?” he asked frantically. “I'm sore. Very sore. And the only thing I need you to do is stop worrying so much! I'm fine!” Mishi replied. Nathan insisted on helping Mishi get back to her tent, but Mishi insisted on him staying outside while she put on clothes without rips and sweat on them. When she came out she walked out and bumped right into Kai. “Hi!” she said cheerfully, “You weren't worried about me were you?” she asked. Kai blushed “Yeah! Things would be too quiet without you.” he replied. Mishi smiled, which sent Kai straight to the moon. I stifled a giggle from where I was standing with Caren. “Ping! And Cupid's arrow strikes without warning!” she whispered. I nodded and we caught up to the others.

    The next day, Mishi was feeling better and insisted that we keep moving, so we started off. The usual was going on, Kai was showing off, Nathan was hovering over Mishi making sure she was okay, Mishi was watching Kai, and ignoring Nathan. After about two hours, Caren heard a noise. “Hey guys, I think I hear footsteps.” she called. “That's silly! No one comes down this road anymore.” Koko replied. “I know what I heard Koko!” Caren huffed. “Wait a sec,” Sharlette called, “I hear it too.” then, we all heard it. The steady, rhythmic beating of carefully placed footsteps. Then, I had an idea.
    “Guys!” I called, “Sneaky maneuver number seven!” they all nodded. We all walked in place, first stomping, then tiptoe. I know it sounds really stupid, but it worked for us. It made the person following us think we were moving. And just like a charm, a thin pale girl with almost-gray hair and sea-foam green eyes walked down the path. Her already very large eyes grew wider on seeing us, and she took a step back ready to run. “Wait!” Sharlette called. Reluctantly, the girl turned around. “We don't want to hurt you. Just come over here and tell us why you've been following us.” Koko said. The girl slowly stepped forward. To see her was to see pure courage. Her stride was long and confident, her gaze was strong and proud. “My name is Kita. I am thirteen and I seek to assist you in your mission.”
    After debating it amongst ourselves, we decided to allow her to help us. She insisted that she knew the land. So we started off, again. Kita wouldn't talk much. The most she said was “This way.” or “Watch out for...” just showing us the way. Sharlette was having a pretty tough time trying to get a conversation started! Everyone was trying to get the girl to talk. I could tell it was really bothering her. So I gave her some space until lunch time. Everyone was talking about whatever came to mind, but Kita just sat a small distance away from everything and chose bites of her peanut butter sandwich. She was trying to make it look like that was all she could focus on so she wouldn't have to talk to anyone. But I had been waiting all day so I was gonna talk to her!
    “Hey Kita.”I said quietly as I sat next to her. Kita jumped a bit then looked up at me. “Oh, hello Jessina.” she replied. “Hey, I think we wear the same size clothes, so if you need anything to wear...” I said. “Thank you. That's very kind of you.” Kita said sweetly. “Don't mention it! I was a newbie once too you know.” I laughed. Kita laughed along with me.
    During the next few days, Caren, Kita, and I all really hit it off. By the third day Kita was with us, we were laughing and joking like we'd known her all our lives. We became such good friends, Caren even walked toward the front of the group instead of lagging behind! We became what Sharlette called “the inseparable three”. I mean, she even came up with ideas for our cause! No, not the freedom fighter cause, trying to get Mishi and Kai together. We tried four different plans that week. Some of them got Mishi smiling and Kai blushing like a sunburned salamander, but none really worked. But anyway, we had tons of fun, and I really trusted Kita. Well, until one night a week later...
    I was almost asleep. It was really late because Kita and I had stayed up WAY too late for freedom fighters. My eyes were just closed when BAM!!!! A gunshot. All of us were awake now. Kita dug into her sleeping bag quaking with fear. Just then, Sharlette burst into our tent and tossed us each a pistol. “come out here but be quiet!” Sharlette whispered. “Danger is in our midst.”
    We were in the face of the enemy. Three soldiers from the army Kuo Fahn created for one purpose: kill the freedom fighters. “Well Kita,” one soldier said, “It looks like you've done well. Now leave before I decide to get rid of you too.” Kita nodded solemnly and started walking. “I-I'm sorry. They threatened to kill me if I didn't” she said weakly. “Traitor!” Sharlette screeched. The boys joined in yelling insults. I couldn't speak. Deep inside me all the hurting, boiling, hateful rage that I had inside me. Every angry word I thought when Kuo Fahn's name was spoken. Everything pressurized inside me like a balloon about to explode. The last straw was that the traitor who turned us in, that backstabber, was wearing MY CLOTHES!!!!!! That was all I could take. Usually, I was the only one who could keep a level head. But...
    “You... you...” I whispered, my voice quaking with rage (along with the rest of me) “You backstabbing, treacherous, despicable MONSTER!!!! I thought I could trust you! I thought you were my friend! I have met some low people in these parts but no one as horrible as YOU!!!!!” I screamed. Once I got my point across, I guess the soldiers were surprised. They didn't move, so I took the opportunity and killed every one of them (Bet you didn't think this story would get dark like that, did ya?). When they were gone, my rage abandoned me and my sorrow took over. I stormed away before anyone could see my tears.
    I found a quiet spot in the woods, and let loose. I couldn't stop crying. My tears came fast like two small waterfalls. I felt ashamed to be so vulnerable when I could usually hide what I'm feeling. Yet, in the middle of my tears, the others found me. I looked up. There were tears in Sharlette's eyes. She hugged me. Caren and Koko did as well. Surprisingly, even Daron hugged me. I don't know why, it wasn't like him. Then again, it wasn't like me to cry. We all just sat there. I kept crying, and they just sat there with me. Sorrow was still in control, but I was comforted by my wonderful friends.
    The next day, we had to keep going. I was still pretty upset, but we had to get to the nearest base. I had to go on. Daron came up to me and put a hand on my shoulder. “We all understand. What you feel is human and how you stopped those soldiers...” he said, trying to stay serious, “Was totally awesome!” he couldn't do it. He blushed, and regained self control. “Sorry, you know what a geek I can be. Besides, if it wasn't for you, we'd be done for!” I smiled, eying his reddened cheeks. He noticed and touched his face, which made him blush even more. I laughed. “Thanks. But we're not out of the woods yet.” I said. We looked up at the forest around us. “Literally!” I shouted. We both doubled over laughing. Soon, everyone was laughing along with us, even though they didn't even know what we were laughing about. It felt great! No one was sad anymore. All of our sorrow was gone. It died in a great war of laughter. Now, joy was in our hearts and with it came new hope to finish our journey. With this newfound hope, Sharlette gathered us together. We put our hands together, and all shouted: “Power to the freedom fighters!”