Free Star Rebellion by Alicia Howell Page A

Arctic had bribed him with the promise of machinery.
                  “You want me to defy Arctic, sneak out of HQ, then follow you into a death-zone?” Ice’s silver eyes pierced me as he considered my question. “I guess I’m in; Water isn’t just your and Dark’s friend, she’s quite loved here.” He paused for a second and I wondered if there was any hidden meaning there. You could never tell with Ice; he always seemed so isolated. “Who else is coming?”
                  “I’m not sure, no more than four of us total. I was thinking maybe Foreststar; he seems rebellious enough to join in.” The rebellious comment was only made off of my impression of his hair, which was a bit strange even for Star Rebellion.
                  “You did not just say that a Rebel was rebellious? That has got to be the craziest idea ever.” Ice had to add a smile at the end for me to realize he was joking. It seemed strange coming from Ice, but I liked it. We had talked a few times in the past, but he was more of Dark's friend than mine.
                  “Haha, yea it is a little ironic,” I said, a small smile joining his. “We’ll also need someone who has light powers. Things might get a little dark, mind the pun. Know anyone like that?”
                  Icestar chuckled at my poor excuse for a joke. “What about Sunstar? She’s recently graduated the Academy and is quite adept with her special. Her primary power is healing, though she has a quick temper.”
                  I cracked another smile. “Sure, she sounds great. Can you talk to her? I’ll ask Forest.”
                  Icestar nodded, reverting to his usual silent self. I gave the mechanic a final nod before leaving the garage. “One down, two to go.” I muttered. I was going to get in so much trouble for this, but hey, anything’s worth it when it comes to saving my friends.
                  While I was lost in thought I had somehow ended up in the mess hall. I could smell soup and chicken being cooked in the back along with Italian bread. Sometimes I wish I had been put on the ambassador team instead of the Mystic team; only ambassadors traveled to Earth and could experience the prosperity there, where Italian bread was common. I didn't even know what Italian meant, really. However, I wouldn’t give up either Water or Dark for anything.
                  I let a small sigh leave my lips before I looked at the large clock. It was half an hour before dinner would be served. My stomach growled at the thought of waiting even that long. “Shut up,” I growled back.
                  “Talking to yourself now?” I spun around, not realizing I wasn't alone. It wasn’t good that people were managing to sneak up on me now, I needed to be more aware. I blame the stomach.
                  I could feel the tension in my face relax as I recognized who the voice belonged to. “Yo, Forest. I was looking for you actually.” Foreststar was leaning against the door frame; the setting sun contrasting brilliantly with his black hair. It's like he knew it, too, judging from the expression on his face. Somehow he managed to look cocky without effort.
                  “I’m sure you were,” he said with a friendly snicker as he pushed himself off of the door frame. “Have you heard the expression ‘calm before the storm’? It’s quite popular on Earth.” Forest pushed a part of his green bangs out of his face, but the hair only slightly moved. I’d bet that he had gelled it there. I’d have to ask him about it sometime; the style was pretty cool. Not as cool as my pony tail.
                  “No, I haven’t. Are you an ambassador?” Curiosity spiked through me.
                  “Yup, it’s alright, kinda boring when we aren’t traveling though, we just sit here twiddling our