Infernal Academia

Chapter 10 - Blazing Wrath: Part 1

Cobalt's second weekend at the Brimstone Institute of Demonics was even more exhausting than his first.  Not only did he struggle to keep on top of his paperwork, but the student populace seemed have lost what little respect for him they had; pushing him in the dormitory hallways, jeering at him in the courtyards, and throwing balls of paper at his head whenever they thought he wasn't looking.  He tried to keep a brave face, but inside, he could feel his confidence crumbling.  Clearly word of what happened in the canteen had spread like a wildfire, and there was no doubt that Whitney's 'friends' had massively blown the rumours out of proportion.  As for the Nymph herself, she had returned to her parents' house for the weekend, so he had no clue as to how she was doing.  He could only hope she was taking the time away to rediscover herself.

Eventually, Monday finally crawled around, kickstarting the Incubus' third week as a teacher.  Though aching all over from another night hunched over his coffee-table-turned-office, Cobalt did his best to put on a brave façade.  He had spoken to a few of his colleagues, and they had all given him the same advice; never show weakness to your students, for they were like beasts in that regard.

Unlocking his homeroom door, Cobalt was surprised to find that Quinn was already there, sitting on the teacher's desk.

"H- How did you get in here?!" he exclaimed, dropping his satchel.

"Windows weren't locked" the Imp replied simply, flicking peanuts into her mouth.

"This is the second floor!"

"Yeah, and?"

Sighing, Cobalt shook his head and rubbed his eyes, internally deciding that he was far too tired to question her motives.  Gesturing for his student to stop sitting on his desk, he slumped into his chair and pulled out the student register.  He tried to focus on organising the coming day, but a peanut bounced off his forehead, scattering his thoughts once more.

"So, what went on with Whitters?" Quinn queried.

"We, um... We had a chat, regarding her behaviour, and I believe she has taken my advice to heart.  Hopefully..."

Quinn nodded and picked at something between her teeth with one of her teacher's pens.

"Huh.  I heard the last guy who gave her a tongue-lashing like you did got sacked.  Damn near the whole bloody dorm was betting one when the 'eadmistress kicks you out"

As the the colour drained from the Incubus' face and his whole body froze up, the Imp got to her feet and strode towards the classroom door.

"I got a tenner riding on you lasting the week, so I got your back.  Sorta" she quipped with a cackle.

Before Cobalt could form a reply, she frowned and glanced down at her watch.

"Bollocks, need to go wake Lottie.  Mark me present, yeah?  I'll be back by first period!"

He didn't react even as she slammed the door shut behind her.  He just sat there, staring blankly at the pages in front of him.  Again and again, Cobalt silently cursed himself for stepping out of line when he shouldn't have.  Morals bedamned; it wasn't worth losing his job over.

The Incubus jolted as the door opened, but he relaxed upon recognising who had entered.

"Ah, good morning Jelli" Cobalt stammered, doing his best to wipe the panicked look off his face.

"G- Guten... um... y- yeah..." came the Glutton's shaky reply, her eyes glued to the floor as she stepped over to her desk.

His brow furrowed.  Even Jelli was giving him the cold shoulder...?