A/N: all comments and ideas are welcome

Chapter one

My footsteps echoed on the pavement as I sprinted down the street. My lungs felt like they were on fire but I couldn't stop. I had to keep going, if I didn't it would all be over. My blazing red hair flew behind me as I ran, a skateboard securely tucked under my arm, my helmet hanging off me wrist and all my protective padding still secured around my knees and elbows. I skidded around the corner and quickly squeezed through the door to the upscale apartment building as the door men slowly began to open it. He was about to say something to me but I was in such a rush I didn't stop to listen. I slammed into the elevator falling down only to instantly stand and start mashing the up button. When the lift didn't come I ran to the stairs flinging open the door and practically flew up them as I pushed myself to go forward. My heavy breathing and the clattering of my clumsy attempt to climb the flight of stairs was the only noise echoing off the stone slab walls. I reached the 14th floor (after much fumbling and slowing down to try and catch my breath) and was practically about to faint but I couldn't give up. I ran out the door leaving the stair cases behind me, sprinted passed the elevators and went to the corridor harbouring the apartment doors. There were three on this floor and I went straight to the furthest one away. Fumbling with my card key I soon managed to get the door open and practically fell into the apartment before turning around and slamming the door behind me. Throwing my skateboard down I went straight for the room on the left and quickly striped myself of my protective gear.
"Crap my skateboard" I yelled to myself, running back into the dining area. Before I could reach my board I heard the door unlock and begin to open. I ran through the arched door frame into the main living area snatching up the board as I went. I plonked down on the couch, flicked on the tv, stashed the board under the couch and tried to steady my breathing.
"Arty I'm home" My roommate called as she entered the kitchen plunking her old duffle bag on the table. I glanced over at her and smiled as she entered the living room. My roommates name is Riley Clover she's a year younger than me at 16. Her hair is short with the exception of a strand to the left of her face, it's dark brown with pink tips. She usually wears a black skater dress over jeans and a strange long sleeve top that links around the middle figure of her hands. Sometimes her work belt is also worn over these but only when she's planning on building something which isn't often. Riley is a gymnast which is where she was tonight but according to her she just does it to stay in shape her real passion is art and she's constantly sketching something. We live alone in this apartment, I moved outta my mum's at the start of the year and Riley had just come from Australia we had been good friends for years and she practically jumped at the chance to live away from people. She's kinda anti-social.
"Hey Ri. How was practice?" I asked hoping my voice didn't give away how tiered I was.
"Good just went over some old techniques" She said glancing over at me, her brow furrowed before she asked. "Are you ok Arty?" I waved my hands in front of my face defensively as I watched my roommate stroll over to the couch and take a seat next to me.
"Me I'm fine, could feel better" I smiled hoping she would fall for it
"Are you sure you don't have a fever or anything" I scoffed at this remark
"Yeah, why would you think I have a fever?"
"Because you're sweating like its 40 degrees in here, although that could also be because of this" Riley bent over and pulled my board up from under the couch. Uh-oh totally busted. This was what I had been trying to avoid. Riley turned to me awaiting an explanation or as she liked to call them excuses.
"Wha- How did that get here? I could of sworn I left that silly old thing in my room" Riley sighed and rubbed her temple
"You have got to stop doing this Artemis. It's dangerous to be around the streets this late at night what if something where to happen to you?" She asked sounding a bit annoyed
"You were out to" I grumbled
"That's different and you know it. I don't come home by myself, I get a lift, I don't go skating around unknown parts of New York city" I leaned back into the couch crossing my arms and turning away
"I was just looking for some fun"
"There are plenty of ways to have fun without putting yourself in danger." She glared at me
"Sorry Riley. I just lost track of time. I didn't mean to be out this late" I looked at my feet. Riley sighed again before putting my skateboard down and leaving me. It really sucks that she acts like my mum all the time but I guess I sort of leave her no choice. Although I am technically older Ri has always been mature for her age. Sometimes I think she grew up to quickly then she does something dumb and everything is once again right with the world. Riley came back a few minutes later handing me a bowl of fried rice. I looked up at her to see her smiling down. I smiled back and gratefully took the food before she plonked down next to me.
"So getting any good at that thing?" she nodded to the bored as she ate.
"Hell yeah! You should see me on it! I totally just mastered Caballerial" I smiled enthusiastically
"Nice" It was silent for a few minutes until Ri spoke again
"I don't have practice tomorrow. Want to show me some of your moves?" I put my fork down and looked over at Ri who continued to eat, she slowly looked up and her expression turned to one of fear as I beamed and practically threw myself on her.
"Oh my god! Yes yes so much yes"
"GET OFF ME" she squirmed trying to get out of my tight hug.
"This is gonna be so much fun!"
"ARTIMIS!"

I was super excited all day and could hardly concentrate on my school work! After the bell rang I ran straight to Ri's locker and practically pulled her all the way to the skate park. I started skating a while ago but Riley had never seen me actual skating she'd usually just hear my awesome stories and smile at me saying she would like to see me one day and today was that day! She watched me few about an hour cheering and clapping as I pulled off tricks. It was sort of embarrassing but I'm pretty sure she didn't know the meaning of the word. The cheering stopped after a while as Ri pulled out her sketch book and studied me as I continued to skate.
"ARTY!" I halted as I heard my name being called. Looking round I saw Ri gesturing to me. I skated over to her
"What's up?" I asked flipping my board up.
"time to go" I groaned at her words then glanced down at my watch. It was about 10. Damn we'd been here a long time. I nodded and we started to walk home.
"Down this way Ri, it's a shortcut home!" I yelled jumping on my board and gliding down the dark ally.
"Arty?! What are you doing" I heard Ri yell
"Don't worry Ri it's perfectly sa-" but before I could finish my statement a hand shot over my mouth and slinked around my waist yanking me off the board.
"Hey girly, out for a ride?" A slimy voice trickled into my ear, the owners breath was harsh and smelt of smoke. I struggled to get out of his grip but his hold on me only tightened. His hand began to snake up and my eyes darted around the entrance to the ally for any sign of Riley but there was no sign of her. She abandoned me! Tears stung my eyes as my captor continued to whisper in my ear. I couldn't see any way out. Was my innocents really going to be stripped away from me. All of a sudden a booming voice filled the ally way. It seemed to be coming from above. As it echoed off the cold walls.
"Hey Punk! You picked the wrong girl to mess with!"