Chapter Three:

The Good, The Evil, and the Jealous

Kori had made up her mind: she was going to Richard's house no matter what. Even if he was the most annoying person on the planet.

She'd decided to change out of the clothes she'd worn to school. She didn't know why, but she wanted to look good for this.

As whe walked to her closet and opened the doors, she was enveloped by a gust of wind. And before she knew it, she was falling through her own closet!

Kori had felt this sensation before, but this time it felt like she was falling to a much closer destination. She looked down at her outfit and cursed whoever picked it out for her. She didn't look like what she'd usually wear. She was sure her outfit would only reinforce Richard's previous assumptions.

She was wearing a royal purple bra with a denim mini skirt. Over her bra, she wore a jeans jacket that was hardly big enough to conceal her overly revealing top- if you could even call it that. She look like a cheap hooker.

She didn't know where she was going at all but she was about to find out. She was on a collision course with a gargantuan house. She braced herself for impact, but was really surprised when she landed on something soft. She opened her eyes to meet the furious eyes of Richard Grayson.

Kori looked horrified, "Oh! I am so sorry... um you see my best friend and I went on this helicopter, and she pushed me out and-"

He quickly put his index finger on her lips. Something appeared on Richard's face that she'd never seen before. Even though it was just a trace- was that a smile she detected?

The smile quickly changed to a smirk, "Who in their right mind told you that this outfit was suitable for anything but a good time?"

Her eyes narrowed, " For your information, I am not that kind of girl. If you have not noticed it is extremely hot outside."

Both of them were unaware that her words had tempted their inner thoughts. At that moment they were both promoted to think the same things.

'Not as hot as you.'

It scared them both that even though they utterly despised each other, they couldn't help but feel utter attraction towards each other. But this only lasted a few seconds before Richard just had to ruin it.

"Once again, you have a reluctance to get off me."

Were you born with this absolutely aggravating air around you, or do you actually like bothering people?"

When she didn't receive an answer she stood up and walked towards the frame of his bedroom door.

"I am leaving."

Something compelled Richard to get up and grab her arm.

"Please, don't leave." His eyes held a slightly pleading look in them. "I don't want to be alone in this house."

Kori didn't give in and tuned around to face him. She folded her arms across her chest. "You have an odd way of showing it."

Richard had to look straight into her eyes to keep herself from looking down. "You just don't understand."

Kori's eyes softened, "I would understand if you would only tell me what you're going through."

He was taken aback by her concern and his eyes clouded over.

"Never mind."

Kori sighed. She was so close to a breakthrough with Richard!

"I will not bother you about it, if you are not ready to talk." She walked closer to him an wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug, "But if you ever need someone to talk to. I can be that person."

Richard nodded into her shoulder but realizing that he'd perhaps shown too much emotion, he quickly shrugged out of the hug. "I suppose you should go before my uncle gets back from work."

"I suppose I should." she walked out of his room slowly.

This time Richard couldn't avert his eyes from her long legs.

'I swear this girl is going to be the death of me!'

Kori got home and was furious- at a certain gothic angel. What was she thinking but making her wear that outfit? It was a disgrace.

"Geez, I know you're mad but chill!" said a voice behind her.

"AH!" she screamed. Kori turned around to face her, "What are you doing in my room?"

Jinx snorted, "You'd think you'd have some courtesy for the person that got you approved for this ordeal."

Kori sighed, "I am sorry, I am just irritated that you gave me that outfit to wear and-"

Jinx laughed, "That was pretty funny wasn't it?" She sighed deeply, "But that's not what I'm here for."

Kori looked concerned, "What are you here for then?"

Jinx looked sympathetic. "You're not the only one that wants to convert Richard. There are demons from hell who have taken the same ordeal and are trying to find ways to make him kill himself so that they too can come back to life." She sighed, "Evil always works muck quicker than good."

Kori looked bewildered.

"Y-you mean I am up against demons?" Her shoulders sagged. "How do you expect me to compete with them? God. They probably run around wearing sexy clothing. I've always wanted to wear a jumpsuit-"

"This is not a joke!" Jinx looked slightly angry, "If you aren't confident about saving him, then there are many other angels lined up for this job. This is not an obligation, it's a privilege."

"I am sorry, I crack jokes when I get nervous. It is almost too hard to take in." Her eyes suddenly shined with determination. "I'm going to try my best!"

Jinx looked satisfied, "That's what I thought."

"So, Star? I saw you walking out of Richard's house yesterday wearing an unusual outfit- what's up with that, huh?" Terra asked.

"Nothing. It was cold outside, and I kind of fell out of a helicopter and on top of him through his ceiling window, and-"

Terra's eyes widened. "You landed on top of him again and he let you live? He must really like you."

Kori looked puzzled, "What do you mean by that?"

Terra looked reluctant, "Well... there was this one girl that threw herself on top of him because she thought she was the hottest little thing... and," Terra shuddered, "I heard he pulled out a switch knife and slit her throat."

Kori's hands immediately went for her own neck, "I am sure that never happened... you know how people make up rumors."

Terra looked unconvinced. "The girl was in the hallway clutching her throat in pain, and blood was squirting out of it. She was screaming in pain for someone to help her. A teacher called 911... but it was too late. She'd choked on her own blood."

'Is that the reason that Richard wants to kill himself? Because he took the life of another human being?'

Terra looked disgusted. "He should have gone to jail and rotted there. But his Uncle Wayne bailed him out. Just shows how money seems to be worth more than a human life."

'It is like I want to believe her, but I cannot...'

"Well," Kori said shakily, "I will see you around Terra, I have to go to Martial arts."

Terra gave a little wave and watched Kori walk around the corner with emotionless eyes. An evil smile made it's way on her face. It had already begun...

Kori had already changed into her gi. Her previous martial arts classes had just consisted of learning stretches. She wanted to learn more.

She glanced over at Richard who, at the moment, had his eyes closed. She crawled over to his spot on the mat and attempted to wave her hand in front of his face. Immediately he grabbed her hand and flipped her over without even lifting an eyelid.

"Summers, if you don't want to get hurt I suggest you let me concen- concentra- concentrate." Richard's cheeks flushed. When he flipped her over, the top portion of her gi had slipped to her elbows- exposing her tanned skin and bright pink camisole. She didn't seem to notice, but it seemed as though the entire rest of the class did.

Richard reached towards her chest just as she looked down and she gasped. She held her breath wondering what he was going to do. She was relieved when her lifted the gi back on her shoulders.

"Geez, Summers! Learn to keep your shirt on!"

He got up and offered her a hand, which she graciously took. She ended up almost nose to nose with him. The teacher chose that exact moment to speak.

"Today, we are going to have a tournament. The winner will not have to participate in any tests this week. As you all know, Richard Grayson is our reigning champion. If you are skilled enough to beat everyone else, then you get a chance to fight Grayson. You know the rules. The first to manage to knock their opponent off their feet three times wins."

Kori rolled her eyes. The teacher acted like it was such a big honor to fight him. It really wasn't that serious, right?

The teacher cleared his throat, "First up is our newcomer Star. And she will be up against Ryan Coleman."

They both stepped up to that mat and shook hands. Ryan seemed to keep his grip longer than what was required. He looked at her with interest.

"I won't go easy on you, but maybe after this we could talk?"

Kori rolled her eyes. "Do not think that this will be so easy."

They stepped back and bowed. Kori immediately switched into a defensive stance, waiting for her opponent to attack. He looked utterly bewildered at having to attack first, but seeing that Kori wouldn't back down, he aimed a punch at her mid section. She easily grabbed his arm and flipped him over on the mat. He grunted in pain and attempted to grab her legs so that she'd fall with him, but she was too quick. She took a step back.

Ryan looked surprised that she actually knew what she was doing. He mimicked her by switching into a defensive stance. Kori ran in for an attack, but surprised him once again when she got on the ground and swung her foot at his legs. He tried to jump but reacted too late. She had pinned him down twice.

Richard watched her pin Ryan down for a third time in awe. Who would have thought that Summers could fight like that? He would have to watch out for that one...

Kori had obviously awed the teacher as well because it appeared that he was in a daze as well.

"KO! The winner is Star!"

"Nice job, Ryan." Kori said.

Ryan seemed to look at her in a new light, "Wow! You beat me ...Good job."

Kori smiled, "Thanks."

Richard's hand was locked in a fist so tight that he could have sworn that he drew blood. Why was Ryan even talking to her? Didn't he know that he was the only one that was allowed to do that? He'd never felt this jealous before...

Jealous of what?

He definitely didn't like Summers. Absolutely not. But as he observed her chatting it up with Ryan, flipping her hair flirtatiously, and flashing absolutely genuine smiles, the green-eyed monster reared it's ugly head.

He stormed over in their direction.

"Don't you think you guys should clear the area? Another match is about to begin." Richard hissed. He grabbed Kori's hand and dragged her with him to his previous spot.

Kori yanked her hand from his grasp,"What do you think you are doing?"

Richard returned her unfaltering glare. "If it isn't already obvious what this guy wants from you, than maybe you're dumber than I thought."

She looked confused. "What in the world are you talking about?"

Richard pointed to Ryan."That guy is notorious for messing with girls. If I were you I'd stay away from him."

Kori looked grateful, "Thanks for looking out for me."

Richard shrugged. "Just saving you from your own stupidity."

Kori punched his shoulder playfully. "Loser."

He smirked, "At least I keep my shirt on!"

She sighed, "You're never going to let that go are you?"

He shook his head. "Not on your life."

A/N: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO! Thank you reviewers! Lots of love! Let me know what you think. Comments? Suggestions? No flames please! I don't know why but I always get the feeling that my chapters can make people fall asleep... just an author's insecurity I guess. Well, push that button already!