CH. 57 - Sky, the Helper Hero!

Another day, the school day comes to an end as the group all pack up their things and get ready to leave. Sky, the girl dressed in a cape and headband, notices them getting up and leaving.

She quickly finishes writing something down then hurriedly throws her things in her bag, grabs it and tries to get up fast to follow them, but her cape gets caught on the desk and she falls over. She snaps back up to try to yank her cape off of her desk, but the group is already long gone.

As they walk out of the front gate area, they hear someone calling for them from the second floor window just above them.

“Hey guys! Wait up!” The voice shouts. They all turn to see Sky opening the window and putting her foot on the frame. Some look shocked while others smirk.

“Oh, this is gonna be funny.” Kitaro says.

“Should we do something?” Suiyoubi asks, slightly concerned.

“No, no. I want to see where this is going.” Haru says back. Shiori rolls her eyes as she steps closer to the window and Sky seemingly getting ready to jump down.

“Hey, I don’t know what you’re doing, but if you’re trying to get down, I suggest you take the stairs!” She calls out.

“No, don’t worry! I’ve done this a million times!” Sky shouts back. Shiori shakes her head as the others watch in awe as Sky jumps out of the window with perfect form, her cape flying through the air.

As she falls, she begins to twist with elegance, and her skill surprises the group, moving in the air. She spins a full 180 before hitting the ground at full speed and tumbling over before sliding on her face in front of the group. Sky lays there in front of them for a moment as they all sweat. 

“Are you okay..?” Chizuru asks softly. Sky gives a thumbs up as she speaks from the ground.

“Yeah, just uh… give me a minute.” Sky responds. Shiori makes her way back to the group as she shakes her head. Sky then pops up and dusts herself off. “See? I took no damage! All thanks to my super healing ability!” Sky shouts as blood comes from her nose a little while covered in slight bruises.

“You should see a doctor.” Shiori says.

“Pointless. I’ll be fully healed in mere moments. Anyway, I’ve been trying to talk to you guys, but I haven’t had the time to. You guys wanna hangout sometime? Like maybe come to my house and play games or something?” Sky asks excitedly, ignoring the pain. The group looks surprised then concerned.

“You mean like all of us? That’d be like 13 people in your room…” Hikigaya points out.

“Oh, yeah… In that case, you! You can’t come.” Sky says, pointing her finger at Tsuki, who looks upset.

“Aw what? Why me?” He asks.

“Because you’re not even a second year, you inferior freshmen.” Sky sticks her tongue out at him as he sighs. He looks down with a soft look.

“Well, if it means making things easier for Shiori, then I will.” Tsuki says. He gives a warm smile to Shiori as she ever so slightly smiles back.

“Great, now that’s all settled, when should we hangout?” Sky asks excitedly. Suddenly, another student calls out.

“Alice, what are you doing? You gotta help us with the garden.” The student shouts to Sky from the second floor window she jumped out of. Sky looks surprised for a moment before turning and responding.

“I know, I’ll be right there!”

“Who’s Alice?” Suiyoubi asks.

“Oh, that’s my real name. But my hero name is Sky, so feel free to call me that when you’re in trouble and in need of my assistance!” This girl Sky, whose real name is Alice, says with a big smile on her face as she points her thumb at her chest.

“Hurry up!” The student shouts again, annoyed.

“Coming! Sorry guys, I gotta run. Duty calls! But I’m sure we’ll figure out when to hangout soon!” Sky says as she begins walking away before turning and dashing through the halls. 

“Well, that was eventful.” Kitaro says.

“You think she’ll come back?” Lucy asks Ryuji. He shrugs in response. 

“Whatever. I’m sure it’ll sort itself out. For now, I’m going home.” Shiori says as the others follow.

Another day at school, the group hangs out in the courtyard after school as Chizuru helps Touma with his communication. Shiori and the others see Sky walking down the hall, sweaty and slightly dirty with a headband on.

“Look, there’s Sky!” Haru says with a smile. 

“Let’s go say hi!” Hisana says excitedly. They get up to head towards her as she buys water from a vending machine in the hall and drinks it. The two stop though when another student comes up to Sky and pulls her by the wrist.

“Come on, the volleyball team needs your help with setting up the net.” The student says frustratedly. Sky looks a little bothered by the interaction but smiles anyway.

“Oh, okay. Sky is here to help!” She shouts as they leave. Haru and Hisana look confused but leave it alone.

Another day, while Lucy, Haru and Ryuji walk down the hall carrying some boxes for Ms. Samuel, Sky walks up to them waving her hand. 

“Hey guys! What’s up?” She asks happily before another student comes out of the hall behind her.

“Alice, they need us to clear out room 3-4. Let’s go.” The student says.

“Okay, be right there!” She says with a smile, turning around and nodding to the student as she leaves. She then awkwardly laughs and turns back to the others. “Sorry, I’d love to chat, but I gotta go. Talk again another time?” She asks as she runs down the hall, leaving before they could even answer. The others get concerned looks on their faces as they start noticing a trend.

A different day, in homeroom, Ms. Samuel hands tests back to the students with grades on them. 

“I am impressed with some of your improvement, but some of you still have room to improve.” Samuel says to the class. She eventually comes to Sky, who has an anxious look on her face as she puts the test down. “That’s another D+, Alice. You have to start studying more.” Samuel says firmly but not abrasively.

“I know…” Sky says under her breath as she looks down. Samuel gives her a compassionate look before moving on. Haru looks over sadly as Sky puts her head down on her desk.

“I think we should help her.” Haru says softly.

“If you're talking about test scores, don’t bother.” Hikigaya says as he droops at his desk from his C score. 

“Remind me again how you even managed to get into Iris High.” Shiori mocks.

“Shut it.” Hikigaya bites back.

“No, I mean, you guys have seen her around, haven’t you? She’s always helping someone out.” Haru says, concerned.

“Maybe she likes helping?” Hisana says innocently.

“She does seem to enjoy it. At least as far as I can tell.” Suiyoubi says.

“As far as you can tell is about as far as you can throw me, noodle arms.” Mormo mocks her.

“I don’t know, I could probably throw you pretty far.” Kitaro says with a smirk.

“Go ahead and try it, bluenose.” Mormo says back aggressively. Haru seems upset at his friends not really listening to him. Sugawara notices and puts his hand on his arm. Haru looks over as Sugawara smiles softly.

“Maybe we should go talk to her?” Sugawara suggests. Haru nods as they get up and approach Sky, who is still pouting.

“Hey Sky, you okay?” Haru asks. She instantly perks up and smiles softly.

“Oh, hey guys! Yeah, I’m totally okay. Do I not seem okay?” She asks with a confused head tilt.

“You seem a little sad.” Sugawara says with an awkward look. Sky’s smile fades a little as she droops again.

“You got me… It’s this stupid test score. I almost failed it again because I haven’t had anytime to study recently.” Sky admits.

“Why not?” Haru asks.

“I’ve been too busy helping other students out. Between sports events and club activities, there’s very little time left for just me and my stuff.” She says softly. Sugawara and Haru look concerned as Sky shakes her head. “Eh, but don’t worry about any of that! I’m fine, I’ll figure it out! I love helping people just like Fullsky the hero, does! She wouldn't let this stop her!” Sky says, regaining her confidence with a fist pump. Haru and Sugawara are surprised, looking at each other, before smiling and looking back at Shiori as she mocks Hikigaya.

“You know what? Why don’t you come meet us in room 108 in the club hall after school?” Haru offers.

“What? Really? You mean I can join the Helpers Club?” Sky asks excitedly.

“Maybe. See you there?” Haru asks warmly.

“No matter what?” Sugawara asks too as Sky’s eyes brighten up.

“Of course! I promise!” She shouts. They all smile before heading back to their seats. 

Later, in the clubroom, the group gathers.

“Alright, what’s on the agenda today?” Hikigaya asks the club.

“Well, we can either work on Touma’s communication some more or prepare for a new problem?” Shiori offers.

“I say we make today a team building day.” Kitaro says casually.

“You’re only saying that because you wanna play games.” Hisana calls him out.

“Yep.” Kitaro says as he pulls out his phone, not even trying to deny it.

“You’re so lazy, Kitaro!” Hisana pouts. They argue as Haru comes up to Shiori.

“Actually, I think we might have something else on the table today.” He says.

“Oh? Like what?” Shiori asks, looking at him surprised.

“Well…” he says with an uncertain look. He turns and looks at Sugawara, who shrugs and shakes his head with a concerned look. Down the hall, a girl comes rushing, panting as she moves quickly through the halls. After a moment more, Sky comes running down the hall and slides into the doorway. She sweats and catches her breath as she stands up with a tired yet relieved look.

“I’m here! Like I said I would be!.. Sorry I’m late. The gardeners club needed help moving some dirt again, but I made it!” She pants, trying to catch her breath between each word as the others look at her. She is slightly dirty, and her hands have small bandages on them, but she takes a seat anyway.  “So, where do we start?” She asks enthusiastically despite her tiredness. Shiori looks at Haru, who smiles and motions towards her.

“Uh, welcome in. Sky, right?” Shiori asks.

“Yep!” Sky answers with a smile.

“So, what can we help you with?” Shiori asks. Sky looks confused for a moment before speaking up.

“Eh? I thought I came here to help you guys?.” She says softly. They look at each other confused before Sugawara interjects. 

“What happened to your hands?” He asks.

“Oh, these? Nothing. The old shovel they gave me has a bad handle, and I cut my hands a bit from all the shoveling, but it’s nothing, really!” Sky answers with a smile and a sweat drop, waving her hands in front of her.

“So you’re part of the gardeners club?” Lucy asks.

“Hm? No, no! They just ask me for help all the time. Usually, for the more laborious tasks while they take a break. It must be hard taking care of a garden that large.” She says with a smile. Lucy gives a specific look but goes quiet.

“I see you run around often. Is there a reason for that?” Chizuru asks next.

“Well, many different clubs and students are always asking me for my help or for stuff from me. Sometimes people need a few bucks or homework answers. It’s kinda nice helping out so many people.” Sky says innocently. Chizuru looks upset with the answer as she looks at Shiori, who also has a concerned look, starting to see the pattern.

“Oh yeah? So could I borrow five bucks?” Kitaro asks with a smirk, standing a bit with his hand out.

“Sure!” Sky says as she goes into her pocket.

“No!” Everyone shouts, a couple even slapping him upside the head.

“Right, right, sorry.” He sits back down as they all angrily yell at him.

“So you don’t belong to any of the clubs or sports teams you help?” Shiori asks with a huff.

“Nope!” Sky answers.

“And you’re not friends with any of the students asking you for money or to copy your homework?” Shiori asks again.

“Well, we’re not exactly friends. I mean, I don’t talk to most of them, and sometimes people I don’t even know come to me for help. Sometimes they even just pull me along! I guess they know how reliable I am!” Sky giggles about it as Shiori looks at Sugawara and Haru, who nod to her, realizing why they brought her here.

“Why do you help these students?” Suiyoubi asks softly.

“Oh, that one’s easy! It’s because I love helping people! I like being there for others. I like being reliable and knowing I can make a difference in their lives. I may not have superpowers, but I want to help people one day the same way Fullsky does!” Sky says confidently and proudly as Shiori’s eyes widen. Shiori and Hikigaya look up, surprised by Sky’s words.

“You know about Fullsky?” Shiori asks softly, more stunned than interested.

“Well yeah! Lots of people do. She’s like a legit superhero! Although a lot of news outlets like to use the term ‘vigilante’, I don’t. She may not follow any pre-established rules, but she saves more people than most others do! She’s the reason I call myself Sky! I wanna be just like her when I grow up!-” Sky shouts proudly but suddenly stops talking and looks concerned.

“Hey, are you okay? I didn’t hurt your feelings, did I?” She asks softly. The group is confused for a moment before they turn and look at Shiori. They all look surprised as they see Shiori crying. Tears roll down her cheeks without her realizing. She suddenly snaps out of it and wipes the tears away. 

“Oh, yeah, no. I’m okay. Must’ve been something in my eye.” The others who know all smile warmly, understanding the feelings of their friend. After a moment of silence as Shiori composes herself, and Hikigaya speaks up a bit.

“What about Watchdog? I’m sure you’ve heard of him.” Hikigaya probes.

“Oh no, he’s the worst.” Sky says with an almost disgusted look.

“What!?” Hikigaya shouts, shocked.

“He just doesn’t have the same elegance as Fullsky does. He’s so dark and brooding. Always rushing in and smashing things up. While Fullsky handles things cleanly and swiftly! Never having a scratch on her! And she’s got super cool wings!” Sky says excitedly.

“Well, I mean, sure she does, but Watchdog has some cool powers too!” Hikigaya says, pouting a bit. Shiori rubs her eye one last time as she chuckles a little.

“Alright, alright, that’s enough of that.” Shiori says. Hikigaya pouts as Shiori gains Sky’s attention again. “So you like helping people, right?” She asks.

“I do, the only thing is… because I’ve been running around helping out everyone who asks, I’ve had very little time to focus on my own stuff. Like studying and hanging out with friends… I haven’t even been able to join any clubs yet.” Sky admits softly.

“How about this? Why don’t we solve all your problems right here?” Shiori says. Sky looks surprised.

“How are you going to do that?” She asks.

“Why don’t you join the Helpers Club? That way you can still help people but also get to be in a fun club. On top of that, you can have more time to yourself as well as make new friends.” Shiori offers. Sky looks around at the others smiling at her. Sky tears up a bit and nods.

“I think I’d like that a lot.” She says softly. Shiori smiles warmly.

“Great. But you can’t join just yet.” Shiori says. Sky looks up confused. “First, we will help you learn how to say no. Only help those who you think have earned it. That’s something Fullsky would do.” Shiori says confidently. Sky looks at her slightly confused but nods determinedly. “Starting tomorrow, whenever somebody asks you for help, if you don’t think it’s important enough, you say no. Got it?” Shiori says as the day fades to an end.

Come the next day, in class, Sky writes down something on a piece of paper as a student comes up to her.

“Hey, Alice, I totally forgot to do the assignment last night. Let me just copy off of yours.” Chikao says. Sky looks at the student for a moment before looking past them and at Shiori, who gives her a nod. Sky then looks at the student and shakes her head.

“Sorry, I don’t think so.” She says with a weak, uncertain smile.

“Oh, okay. Yeah, sorry for bothering you, Alice. That's my bad, haha!” Chikao says casually and genuinely before walking away. Sky smiles for a moment before grabbing her chest and exhaling sharply. 

“Ugh! That was scary! I wasn’t sure if they were gonna kill me or not!” Sky says.

“You did it! Good job!” Chizuru cheers.

“It’s hard at first, but you’ll get used to it.” Ryuji says cooly. The others all give her smiles and nods as Sky sweats and smiles back.

Later, another student approaches her in the hallway and points behind her before grabbing her wrist. Sky then pulls her arm away, shakes her head and shrugs. The student awkwardly rubs the back of their head before walking away. Sky sighs and looks back over her shoulder with a weak thumbs up and an awkward smile as the group gives her thumbs up from around the corner.

Even later after that, a tall student approaches Sky with his hand out, but Sky shakes her head firmly, crossing her arms in front of her chest before getting a serious look and poking her palm as if demanding something back. The boy looks at her for a moment before a sweat drop appears on his head as Touma steps up behind Sky. The boy then nervously takes out some money and gives it to Sky, whose eyes widen at the sight. She turns around and laughs excitedly before hugging Touma happily.

Sky smiles a big happy smile as soon the end of the day comes. The group meets up in their usual place as Sky calls for them from the same second floor window. 

“Hey guys! Wait for me!” She shouts. The group smiles and calls for her as she places her foot on the window frame, getting ready to jump out like before. Before she can though, another student calls to her.

“Wait, Alice! The gardeners club needs your help again. We just got another load of soil for the planters, and we need you to shovel it.” The girl says casually, with no care for her. Sky looks at her for a moment before smiling at her.

“I’m sure you guys got this.” Sky replies. The girl looks surprised by this.

“B-but aren’t you Sky, the helper hero? Don’t you want to help us?” She says in a way to try to manipulate her. Sky pauses for a moment before smiling at her.

“Nah, I think I’d rather hangout with my friends today. Good luck though!” She says before jumping out of the window. The student looks at her with an irritated face before walking away. Sky then flips in the air and lands on the ground in a nice pose, almost falling over, but landing it nonetheless. She then stands up happily, posing in a similar way to how Fullsky would. The group cheers for her as they surround her.

“That was so cool!” Hisana says.

“We’re so proud of you for sticking up for yourself.” Suiyoubi says. Sky shyly appreciates their support and praise, rubbing the back of her head with a blush on her cheeks when Haru suddenly grabs their attention.

“I’d say this was one super successful day! Now why don’t we head into town and get some ramen in honor of Sky!?” He asks excitedly. The group looks at him and cheers happily for the idea before getting together and beginning their walk to food. As they head off school grounds and down the street, Sky then approaches Haru.

“Haru? I wanted to say thanks. For helping me become better.” She says with a soft, genuine smile on her face.

“Aw shucks, don’t mention it. I didn’t really do much.” Haru blushes and rubs the back of his head as Sky smiles a big smile. As they walk, Shiori comes up next to Sky and bumps her shoulder a bit to get her attention.

“You did good today. I’d say you may even filled in the name Sky the Helper Hero.” Shiori says with a casual smile. Alice giggles a bit before looking down with an awkward smile and fidgeting a little.

“Thanks, but… I think I’d rather be called Alice for now. I’ll save Sky for the times people really do need my help.” Alice gives Shiori a warm smile as she smiles back. Shiori then looks forward as they walk together.

“Yeah, that's probably a good idea. Although, you could probably use a name change. Sky just doesn’t sound right." Shiori says, tilting her head towards Alice with a judgy look. Alice pouts a little but doesn't say anything back. Shiori looks forward again before continuing. "Why don’t we call you Clearsky instead?” Shiori offers. Suddenly, Alice stops walking as her eyes grow wide, starting to shine brightly, and her mouth hangs open as a look of awe comes across her face. Shiori turns and looks at her confused.

“What’s wrong, Alice?” Shiori asks. Alice then starts blushing intensely and tearing up as she jumps on Shiori, giving her a big hug, nuzzling her face into Shiori's neck.

“I like that name… I really like that name a lot..!” Alice says joyfully, crying a bit. Shiori smiles after being surprised with the hug and hugs her back. After a moment, Alice then lets go and gives a big smile, wiping away the tears from her face and clearing her throat. “Anyway, come on! Onward to ramen!” She says as she rushes forward with the group.

In Kenji’s ramen shop, the group sits at a big table enjoying their food.

“So, how much do you know about Fullsky?” Shiori asks.

“Well, I’ve been following her online for about 8 months now. Anytime a video pops up or the news talks about her, I look into it.” Alice says between bites of food. “I know that she seems to have many different powers and always uses them when fighting her opponents. If anyone shows her something new, she can counter it! I also know that she always covers half of her face. We’ve never seen her full face before, and I think I know why.”

Alice says with a look of contemplation. Shiori chokes on her food for a moment before looking at Alice nervously.

“O-oh yeah? Why’s that?” She asks awkwardly.

“Well, I think it’s because she has a deformity or something. Like a huge scar or maybe discolored eyes!" Alice says enthusiastically before noticing something. "In fact…” Alice turns and looks at Shiori, who has discolored eyes and a scar under her left eye. Shiori looks away, trying not to make eye contact as Alice studies her face. “You have discolored eyes too…” She pauses. “You should totally watch some Fullsky videos with me! You’d love her!” Alice says with a big smile. Shiori sighs in relief.

“Haha, yeah… maybe I will.” She says.

“Anyway, Alice, when are we gonna hangout! I want to see what kind of video games you have!” Haru shouts.

“Me too.” Kitaro says.

“Oh yeah, that’s right! Let’s do it soon. I have a new Circle Cube system. We can play in the living room.” Alice says excitedly. Kitaro and Haru high five each other as the others get excited. Alice then looks at Tsuki as he takes a bite of food. 

“You can come if you want, Tsuki.” She says with a smile. Hikigaya, Sugawara, and Touma snap their heads over and look at Tsuki as he slurps some ramen.

"I'mma be 100% honest, I totally forgot you were here." Hikigaya says.

"When did you even join us?.." Sugawara asks in shock. Ignoring them with a vein pop, Tsuki's expression then shifts to confusion as he looks at Alice.

“What changed?” He asks.

“I didn’t want the others to not come because there were too many people, and I know you the least, so I wouldn’t be upset if you didn’t come. But you seem cool, so you can hang now.” Alice says plainly as Tsuki sweats.

“I’m not sure if I should be offended or grateful, but… thanks.” Tsuki gives her a slight smile as she smiles back. 

"Maybe he does have some kind of teleporting powers…" Hikigaya says as he stares at Tsuki with wide eyes. Touma nods in total agreement as Tsuki slams his fist onto the table frustratedly.

"I hangout with you guys every day after school! How could you not notice me?!" He shouts. Hikigaya and Sugawara just shrug as they look away casually.

"I dunno. Guess you're just that forgettable." Sugawara says as Tsuki gets ready to hit the table again, but Lucy points her chopsticks at him.

"Hey. You better watch the table." Lucy says as Tsuki calms down and slumps in his seat.

"right… sorry…" Tsuki mumbles as Hisana pats him on the head.

"There, there, Tsuki. You may be forgettable, but at least you're cute." Hisana says, trying to be supportive, but Tsuki just snaps his chopsticks in his hand before shouting out in frustration, loud enough to be heard outside as everyone breaks out in laughter.