Chapter 2- Helping Hands

Taking the bus was a bit of an ordeal for me. I wasn't exactly comfortable around groups of people.

''There's a seat in the back.'' Naoto pointed out next to where a thin, glasses waring brunette sat.

''You can have it, I'll stand.'' She knew not to argue because I wouldn't budge on the issue just like in the past.

The girl noticed us arriving and tensed, something neither of us missed.

''Good morning.'' Naoto pleasantly greeted. ''May I sit here?''

''S-Sure.'' The girl spoke quietly almost whispering as if afraid to get caught.

''I'm Naoto and he's my friend, Jericho.''

''Taylor.''

By her one word replies she seemed to not want to be disturbed and Naoto was okay with that.

We rode in silence until Taylor got off at Winslow and I claimed the aisle seat for Naoto to take the window.

''She was afraid of interacting as if we were going to turn around and insult her.'' Naoto spoke up as the bus continued on.

''Think she's bullied?''

''It is Winslow. I wouldn't doubt it.''

I frowned. We've heard things about Winslow, everyone has. Bullying, gang violence, gang activity, uncaring teachers, low funded. In short, the school is a cesspool.

''I'm surprised it's still up and running. Wasn't it threatening to close a few months ago?''

Naoto nodded. ''It did, but something changed. Maybe they finally received backing from the mayor though I wouldn't count on it based on his interests in keeping the nicer places of the Bay the way they are and hardly focusing on what needs attention.''

''That one vigilante with the hockey mask and crossbows.'' I whispered.

Naoto nodded. ''Exactly what I was thinking. The PRT suddenly gained a new Ward; Shadow Stalker. Similar powers, a mask and a crossbow. Though we do suspect that all Wards attend Arcadia, she may not.''

''If she does go to Winslow, the school must be receiving some kind of funding from the PRT to keep her activities a secret.''

''Yes, these are only speculations though.''

''Yeah.'' I shrugged.

We were eventually treading on Arcadia's campus towards second year homeroom to wait for class to begin after breakfast finishes. We mostly eat breakfast at home and bring our own lunches to keep up with our diets.

Naoto and I made small talk until the morning bell rung signaling the start of today's first class; Math.

Lunch could not come soon enough.

''How I love some good baked fish!'' I enthusiastically cheered before stuffing a forkful into my mouth.

''Ohhhh yeah, that's the stuff!''

''Dang man, I think that fish might steal you away from Naoto.'' The redheaded Dennis teased.

''Jericho would have to get his fish elsewhere then since I am the one who cooks it just the way he likes.'' She replied smugly.

''See, Dennis? I couldn't get great, tasty fish like this if we were apart.''

''So, your relationship revolves around how good of fish she can cook?'' Carlos also teased with a smirk.

I gasped dramatically. ''Shame on you! My Naoto is more than just a delicious fish cooking girlfriend to me. She also cooks some downright splendid meat buns.''

I received an unamused glare for my little joke.

''You know I'd still love you even if you had the cooking skills of Vicky here.''

''Hey!'' She shouted, insulted. ''I try! Meatloaf is harder than you think!''

''Maybe, but I'm sure it was even harder for Dean to force down.'' Dennis replied getting chuckles from around the table.

''Guys.'' The boy in question groaned.

Victoria huffed and gave him a quick kiss to the cheek. ''That just means he's a good boyfriend. Do you have someone to cook for you, Dennis?''

Dennis sputtered as the turns were tabled. ''I-I just haven't found the right girl! No one appreciates my humor!''

Naoto replied after drinking the rest of her Apple Powerade. ''I'm not saying you should get rid of your… humor but relationships are about compromise. Sometimes you have to lose something to gain something else. Only you can decide which is more important to you Dennis. Though changing yourself beyond all recognition for that person either means you were changing for the better or that they've changed you to fit them without them giving the same.''

I nodded putting an arm around Naoto's shoulders. ''She's absolutely right. My parents always used to say that a relationship is a two-way street. If only one person takes up both sides, it's doomed to fail.''

''You guys are so wise.'' Missy complimented wistfully. ''I wish more people followed that.''

Naoto smiled. ''Wisdom comes from experience and a willingness to change. Everything that Jericho and I know came from our parents and martial arts.''

Carlos nodded firmly. ''Learning starts at home.''

The ending lunch bell rung which meant it was time for the rest of today's classes.

0000000

''Taylor, right?'' I asked the girl who looked on the verge of tears. Her brown hair was matted, her clothes wet in spots and she looked sticky.

''O-Oh, it's you two from this morning.''

Naoto nodded as she removed a few wet wipes from her backpack and handed them to the grateful girl. ''I know this is a personal thing to ask since we're strangers, but are you being bullied Taylor?''

Her response was a strangled cry.

In the end, Naoto invited her to her home to get advice from her mother.

''Taylor dear, do you have evidence of any kind?''

''N-Nothing besides a journal full of everything they've done to me sometime during first year. No teacher would stand up for me if asked.''

''They just might if the law is involved. While not damning evidence, that journal would not be dismissed so quickly and the case as well if taken by a renowned Prosecutor. Carol Dallon does owe us a few favors.''

Taylor sniffled, wiping her red eyes with tissues. ''You guys don't even know me yet you're helping me so much.''

Naomi hugged the crying girl tenderly. ''Someone should have helped you long ago. It isn't normal that teachers or principals would willingly turn a blind eye to all that's happened to you. If it helps, I'll come with you to notify your father. He really needs to know about this Taylor.''

''O-Ok... Th-Thank you, Mrs. Naomi.''