authors note: most of you probably wont read this, but this story was created by Longhairedhorse AND dolphinluver21. Together we switch off chapters.

Important:

dolphinluver21 does all the ODD NUMBERED CHAPTERS

and

Longhairedhorse does all the EVEN NUMBERED CHAPTERS

now that it's settled-

warning:

this story will probably evolve with twists, turns, good parts, and bad parts.

One person does a chapter and then hands it off to the other... things can turn out differently then expected at some points... two people are working together in this one! Remember that!

Now, on with the story!

chapter one:

Thunderous applause erupted from the fans as stage lights swirled around a tall lean figure up on the wooden stage.

Her sleek black hair gracefully whipped around her shoulders and she waved to her audience. Microphone in her hand, she posed in a smooth stance, revealing her tan leg from under her black night, floor-length dress and her purple eyes shining with delight as cameras flashed all around.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. Please congratulate again our winner of the 3rd annual talent contest! Winning all three times in a row, this talented lady's singing act will be broadcasted on T.V. tomorrow at 9:00 pm. So don't forget to watch!" Plump women with hair tied up in a wild knot on top of her head and big red lips announced gleefully.

"Now would the other contestants please come out onto the stage!" She hollered through the microphone. Her deep voice pounding in my ears.

I swiped away the thick rusty red curtain and was met by hundreds of bright lights and cameras. Squinting, I slowly walk over next to my sister on the stage as others file in.

"You won- again Karma. Good job!" I congratulated, trying not to hint my disappointment.

"Of course I won again! Who else here would?" She exclaimed proudly, giving me a smirk.

"Oh and great gymnastics performance by the way... but I don't think doing flips in the air is your thing. I mean, come on, it was good, but... it's just so not you."

I faked a little smile as she bragged on about how she was "only the most wonderful singer on the planet" while the audience rose up from their seats applauding.

very nice..." I trailed off.

Our principle spoke into the microphone again, "Alright. Contestants please exit off the stage to your right and audience file out of the main door to your right. Parent's can go around back stage to see their student and everyone please join us in the Gym for food and drinks." She said, waddling over to the theater director.

Sighing, I followed my sister Karma to back stage. Grabbing her purse and applying expensive lipstick and a touch of eye shadow, she smoothed out her dress and strolled over to her friends- all in expensive outfits and award winning looks- ready to go back out and see if they could get on camera again.

Watching them head off, others scurried around to try and get to the Gym for the food before it was all gone. I walked over to a metal table where my stuff was neatly set near a full length mirror.

"Second place is good you know." A monotone voice erupted my thoughts..

Spinning around, I came face to face with a pale girl my age. Her facial expressions were blank and her violet eyes were staring my down with sympathy. In her hands she clutched a book. The thick cinder-block like novel was pressed against her chest. This was my best friend since elementary school- Rachel Roth.

Brushing a strand of her short violet hair out of the way, she laid down her royal blue covered book on a metal chair and hoped up and sat on the metal table next to me.

"I know." I smiled weakly again.

"Look Kori, just because your sister beat you at a stupid talent contest... again... doesn't mean you have to get all worked up about it." Rachel stated. She swung her legs lazily back and forth as I placed my silver metal in my purple backpack.

"But Rachel, she beats me at everything! Dodge ball, acting, fighting, flirting, hooking up with guys. I'm invisible next to her!" I complained.

Rolling her eyes, she grabbled my hand and yanked me over to the mirror decorated on the sides with stickers from previous students.

"Look in there Kori. Look in the mirror. What do you see?" She persisted, tapping her foot with impatience.

"I see a tall, skinny, girl around 16 with long cherry red hair and tanned skin. Along with a pair of green eyes." I stated, raising an eyebrow at Rachel.

"See, you're not invisible. Think positive Kori, you're a lot smarter than Karma. She's a senior and you're a junior. When really, you're suppose to be a sophomore." She pointed out.

"Yes, I skipped a grade... so?" I questioned.

"Kori, just cut this out. What happened to the lovable, energetic you who I met at school this afternoon?" Rachel asked, playing with her blue cape that she had used in her performance.

"She was drowned out by Karma's winning singing voice- why?" I turned away from the mirror and pulled out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt from my bag.

"Cheer up Kori, you'll beat Karma at something. I mean, she can't be good at everything."

"Thanks." I mumbled.

"But I'm just so tiered of her bragging all the time and always calling me "little sister" and saying "I was always the better one."

"Karma's a stuck up snob and one thing you are better at is being friendly and always being cheerful. That's one thing she can never beat you at."

Feeling a little better, I gave her a quick hug as my gratitude- Rachel pouted at this- and ran off towards the changing room with my clothes.

"I'll be out back if you're looking for me." She called though the door.

I yelled a quick " 'kay." and proceeded to change into comfier clothes.

Ripping off my leotard, and discarding it on the floor, I slipped on my clothes and sat on the bench, staring at the award in my hand.

"Second place is good." I mumbled, staring at my leotard on the cool tile floor.

"I guess the audience is more interested in perfectly tuned notes than flips in the air." I muttered under my breath.

Tossing the metal back in the bag, I opened the creaking door and headed to the Gym.

I was alone in the dim hallway and a lone light in the ceiling flickered on and off. "Jump City High Talent Contest" flashed on fliers and posters scattered on the wall.

The peace and quiet followed me along the many twisting halls up to the steps which lead to the main floor.

Hopping down the blue rubber steps and almost tripping, I turned the corner, backpack swung over my shoulder, and ran into a tall guy with a muscular build.

Glancing up, I smile as short, jet-black, spiked hair came into view along with tanned skin and mesmerizing pools of blue eyes.

"Good job tonight Kori." He thanked. His voice was ever so smooth and cool.

"Thanks Richard." I muttered as his warm hand grabbed mine.

Richard Grayson- another best friend since elementary school. Hot. Gorgeous. Athletic. Sympathetic. Wonderful. And um... Perfect!

Not to mention that I had a complete crush on him since kindergarten... is that natural!

Proceeding down the hall, chatting could be heard from two double wooden doors at the end of the hall.

Our hands still locked together, we paused at the door and glanced at each other warily.

"I really don't want to hear my sister bragging right now." I stated.

"I really don't want to see her friend Kitten." He mumbled, dragging me off around the Gym and to the back door.

Giggling, I pictured Kitten- or Katherine Moth. Richard Grayson's sworn enemy since 5th grade. Her blonde hair and blue eyes made her look innocent, but deep down she was a real witch.

With tons of make up and clothes too short for anyone's own good- Kitten was popular enough but a lot of people disliked her. For years she had been trying to get Richard to date her. But, no success yet- thankfully. Who would I talk to besides Rachel at 12:00 at night on the internet? Or stare at dreamily when no one was looking?

Pushing open the heavy door, I was met with whispering wind whipping though the night. Stars covered the black sky and the tarnished moon cast rays of light down upon us. Walking along the brand new brick path, we headed to the school garden where Rachel was sitting- pouring over a book next to a lone lamp.

"Finally." She whined as Richard took a seat next to her- taking me in his lap.

Rapping his arms around me, I leaned against his chest in comfort.

Then there was a peaceful silence. Wonderful, quiet, and calm. I breathed in the sweet scent of Richard's cheep hair gel and basked in his warmth.

"Dudes!" An annoying voice tore apart the silence. Peaking one eye open (for she had them both closed), Rachel glanced at the short figure running up to us. With spiked green hair, forest green eyes, and pale skin... Garfield Logan stood before us.

"Hey Gar." I muttered sleepily.

"Dude, your performance was totally sweet! All those flips and back bends and cartwheels and splits and flips and cartwheels-"

"Thanks." I cut in giving him a weak smile.

"You repeated flips and cartwheels." Rachel pointed out.

"Dude, so not cool." Gar protested.

Rolling her eyes, Rachel stood up and walked over to the back door.

"I better go guys. I'll see you tomorrow." She waved good bye and slammed the door shut.

"Cool." Gar yelled as he plopped down on the bench beside us.

"So... what do yah want to talk about?" He questioned eagerly.

"Nothing maybe." I stated, stifling a yawn.

"What's up ya'll?" A booming voice spoke. The back door had flung open and out popped a towering male. His chocolate brown skin shone in the moonlight and he was rubbing his bald head.

"Nothing but the sky." Gar shot back.

"Great job Tonight Kori!" He commented, leaning against the brick wall.

"Thanks Victor." I muttered, shifting my position on Richard.

Victor Stone was about to start up a conversation when the back door slapped open and out stepped my "Lovely" sister and her friends.

"Oh my Gosh! Karma, you were so totally awesome." Kitten screeched. Richard shifted uncomfortable around.

"Of course I won... who else would?" She barked.

"Kori was pretty good." Someone mentioned.

"Yeah right. I beat her by a mile... the little witch."

"Actually... by one point. I checked the-"

"Shut up Lilly." Karma glared.

Clearing my throat, I stared at Karma angrily.

"Oh... hi Kori..." She trailed off, surprised to find me sitting there.

"RICHARD!" Kitten whined.

I winced in pain and shook my head from the shock that my ear drums had received.

Groaning, Richard wrapped his arm around me.

"Come on Richard, I thought we were suppose to be going out!" Kitten questioned, glaring at me with venom.

I raised an eyebrow at Richard and he rolled his eyes.

"No Kitten, Richard isn't going out with you." I mumbled, for this was about the hundredth time this year.

Kitten glared at me more viciously and swiftly turned around, her dress spinning, and crossed her arms.

"Kori, you're heart will be broken one day when Richard decides to stop being your boyfriend and move on to me!" Kitten huffed.

"He's not my Boyfriend!" I hissed, trying to conceal laughter for Kitten's lame remark. We were friends! That's it! Even though I wouldn't mind... and Richard would NEVER go out with kitten.

Richard made a coughing noise and I covered my mouth to prevent the laughter bubbling up.

"The day he decides to become your boyfriend will be the sign of the end of the world." Victor remarked, bursting out laughing.

Pouting even more, Kitten turned and asked Karma. "Don't you have to be home now?"

"Oh yes, I better hurry before I'm late." Karma rushed off with her friends to the parking lot. That's when I figured out to my utter horror what was going on.

"Karma! Wait! Your suppose to take me home!" I yelled after them as a red Camry went speeding away.

"Oh crap." Richard muttered. He was staring at his watch and his face was fixed in a disoriented manner.

"You have 5 minutes to get home." Richard hissed.

Hopping off of him, I waved my good byes and ran off to the parking lot.

Tossing me a motorcycle helmet, he slips one on his head and pats the seat on his shiny, red motorcycle.

"Come on, you're parent's are going to kill you if you're late."

Climbing on behind him, I place my arms snugly around his waist and winch as the engine roars to life.

Then we were off... speeding out of the school and into the night.

Hope you like it! Please review!