ಠ_ಠ I have enemies already

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The bell echoed through the dark corridors of HellSchool, signaling the end of another day in Hell's educational realm. Pete made his way to the courtyard, where shadows stretched long in the dimming light of the pentagon moons. He spotted Krampus leaning against a fiery tree, his cloven hooves casually crossed and next to him, HellSchool's emerging popular demon- Clarity, also known as the new girl like a week ago. 

Eyeing his target, Pete made meaningful steps toward the pair, all the while attracting the attention of every demon in the courtyard. He couldn't blame them, with his flaming feathers lighting up behind bright enough to imitate the sun. 

Drawing closer he could hear the pair were in mid-conversation as Clarity giggled. 

"Right," she agreed, Krampus in front of her.

"You ain't seen shit if you just grew up in Satanio," Krampus chuckled.

She giggled, "They're a bunch of cabbages."

Krampus laughed, "You also heard about them—"

"Hey, guys."

Pete jumped in, causing the pair to go silent.

"Oh hey, Pete," Clarity replied amicably, smiling at him while the demon beside her grunted.

Krampus flashed her a look when Pete asked, "You guys talking about your hometown?"

Her leg shifted, "Yeah, the ring had faced some flaming twisters lately."

Pete expressed his concern as his eyebrows scrunched together, "My condolences. Are you and your dad okay?" The question was directed at her.

"Nutty Putty usually remains unaffected by terrors, but I can't say the same for No Man's Land." Her eyes drifted to Krampus.

Pete directed his gaze to Krampus who gave Clarity the 'why you making me talk to him' look. "Krampus, is there trouble in Satanio paradise?"

"Go to the crows! I don't have the energy to deal with your attitude."

Krampus looked about ready to pound, rip, and eat Pete on the spot which the phoenix didn't seem too concerned about. 

"Right, I guess I just had to be the good guy and take your Clarity away from you." 

"Damn straight." 

Clarity interjected before Krampus anger makes another appearance. He seems to register her and instantly back down. 

Meanwhile, Pete stood there as if he had expected that to happen, albeit with a conflicting look that crossed his features.

She took ahold of his hand and gently stroked it to ease his tension, "I'll see you after this next class. Promise?" Her golden hues were shining with sincerity as Krampus felt a prickly feeling in his chest while looking at absolutely the most precious demon in hell. 

And just as he was about to reply..

"Sorry to interrupt, but we need to head to our next class," Pete said, glancing at Krampus. The demon imp-goat could've sworn his voice sounded smug; Pete was always known to enjoy anything that involved tormenting Krampus and making his life more difficult, justifying his reasons for unaliving him so many times in the past.

The demon hunk merely huffed as the two left, his mood not at all at ease by the closeness of Pete to the pink demon belle when they were in conversation. 

Clarity noticed a subtle shift in the air as they walked towards the classrooms. Unspoken emotions lingered between her and Pete. She tried to maintain the friendly conversation, but there was an unshakable tension surrounding them.

In another part of the school, Hellsa started to weave her web of manipulation as Seviathan listened attentively as she spoke of Clarity, adding venomous lies that were sure to twist everyone's perception of her.

Hellsa never liked Clarity despite not having met her, but the way Bee spoke so highly of her made her feel a deep dark shade of envy, which should've made her feel pride as the Von Eldritch's are known for. But this feeling continued to eat at her to the point where hearing anything remotely of the pink-haired dream demon would send her into a crazy frenzy. No. Her only cure was to bring the demon bitch down to raise herself up. No other way.

That's why the two siblings had approached the said demon only moments after Clarity's departure.

"Krampus, you should be careful around Clarity," Seviathan warned, echoing Hellsa's envy as she watched. "I've heard some troubling things about her and her kind."

Krampus, first of all, did not want to pass from one annoying demon to another. Where were these guys coming from? 

Seviathan took his silence as his cue to continue, "She's got a lust for power. She practically opens her legs to anyone for that. You just happened to be the only other one from Wrath to work with." 

Unholy father! Is this really happening right now? Fortunately, he said that out loud, hoping the green siblings would take a hint. 

Unfortunately for him, Hellsa joined the mix.

Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the courtyard, one demoness had heard it all and was determined to make things right.

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After their period, Pete was approached by another female demon who wore a grave expression. She looked slightly troubled when she stopped in front of Pete. "Hey, Pete. Can we talk? It's kind of important."

Clarity could see the seriousness in the demoness's eyes. Pete spared Clarity a glance after that question, to which she gave Pete a reassuring smile. "It's okay. I'll be right here."

Pete nodded to Clarity before turning his attention to the demoness. "Sure, Charlotte. What's up?"

After making brief eye contact with her, she gave them space and time by packing up her belongings for class while practicing her magic, and then, being a respectful friend, decided to give them privacy by standing up and moving a few steps away, choosing to focus on her magic practice instead of eavesdropping, and although she could still sense the intensity of their conversation, she kept her back to them, respecting their space.

To pass the time, Clarity decided to work on her latest magical endeavor. She conjured small, glowing rose petals in the air, its bright pink light casting gentle shadows on the desks around her. With a flick of her wrist, she split it into several smaller petals, each one spinning in a different direction. She concentrated on making them orbit around her in a graceful dance.

Next, she decided to create a small portal. She held out her hand, and a shimmering portal slowly began to form, its edges crackling with pink energy. She peered through it, seeing a glimpse of the school's library – a place she often retreated to for some peace and quiet. Satisfied with the portal's stability, she closed it with a snap.

Feeling more confident, Clarity picked up a nearby empty coffee cup with telekinesis and transformed it into a small, glowing beast skull. She made it float above her palm, rotating slowly. She infused the pyramid with a bit of her dream energy, causing it to pulse with a soft, hypnotic light. It began to emit a soothing hum, which Clarity found rather calming.

She was so engrossed in her practice that she almost didn't notice when Pete finished his conversation and walked over to her. "Clarity, sorry about that. Thanks for giving us some privacy."

Clarity dissipated her magic with a wave of her hand and turned to face Pete, her golden eyes still glowing faintly from the magic. "No problem, Pete. Everything okay?"

She was worried about her friend, seeing the strain in his expression, "You're starting to scare me." Seeing as he was about to open his mouth but closed it in the end.

He awkwardly scratched the back of his head, "Clarity listen, there's rumors circulating about you. Hellsa hates you and would do anything to make you fall."

Clarity's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "Hellsa? Rumors? What kind of rumors? I've never talked with her. Why does she hate me already?"

Pete leaned in, "Frankly because she's a green sea monster envy demon that feeds off of this stuff."

Clarity looked like she wanted to retort to tell him off on his judgment but that argument was suspended as soon as she saw just how serious he was. She raised her hands up in surrender "I'm satisfied with that explanation, but how'd you know?" she shook her head before directing her attention back to the Pete.

Clarity didn't even notice that the demoness had not left and was taken aback as introductions were set into play as she introduced herself to her.

"Meet Charlotte Magne, and yes, I was there when they spread it to Krampus."

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It was pretty obvious Hellsa wanted to rip Clarity Cipher apart, there was something about her that almost annoyed her more than Charlotte Magne.

She wanted to put her down.

"Ugh, that Clarity. Who does she think she is, waltzing into our school like she owns the place? I mean, seriously, just because she's some fancy dream demon with powers that make everyone gasp doesn't mean she's special. And what's with that name? Clarity. It's so... pretentious. Like she's all pure and perfect or something. As if." Hellsa ranted as her brother listened.

"I've been the top of the social ladder here since forever. Everyone knows me, respects me, and yeah, maybe fears me a little. But now, this new girl shows up, and suddenly everyone's all "Oh, Clarity, you're amazing!" and "Clarity, your magic is so cool!" It's sickening. She doesn't even have to try. She just stands there, and people flock to her."

And what's with Pete? Have you ever seen him like that?

She probably thinks she's so great, being all modest and kind. It's an act, I'm sure of it. Nobody's that nice. She's just trying to steal my spotlight, to make me look like the jealous, insecure one. Well, newsflash, Clarity: I'm onto you. I see through your perfect little facade. You won't be taking my place, no matter how many magical tricks you pull.

Just wait. Once everyone sees the real Clarity – if there even is a real Clarity – they'll come running back to me. Because I rule this side of hell with my queen bee around here, and no dream demon is going to change that. Not now, not ever.

The aquatic demoness huffed, her jealousy simmering just beneath the surface. She would watch, she would wait, and she would defend her throne – no matter what it took.

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Clarity herself had been grateful to a new addition- Charlotte, a kind face amongst hell's most elite demons. 

"Hellsa's my boyfriend's sister, but she's honestly never been too kind to me. But I could tell that you were different - almost like a threat for Hellsa's crown." 

"Her crown? But I'm not interested in whatever she has going on." Clarity immediately shut down. "Not interested." She repeated. 

The demon high school corridors buzzed with an undercurrent of tension fueled by whispers, shadows, and the ever-present glow of hellfire.

Pete, who had been observing the scene, carefully cut in, "Clarity, look, I think you're hot shit and all.." 

"Why are we still addressing?" She deadpanned. 

His beak curved into a smirk a bit as he continued, "However," his eyes turned a playful glint, "You'd have to address it before things get out of hand." 

"I'm good, Pete; I don't need to be involved in whatever shit envy manages to influence." Pete, in return, raised an eyebrow in question. 

Clarity Cipher swiftly navigated after bidding them goodbye through the maze of lockers. Her thoughts were clouded by the recent revelations about Hellsa's deceitful machinations. She wasn't fussed about Hellsa's little project to make Clarity's first and only year at HellSchool her literal nightmare, after all nightmares were her father's specialty.

Clarity continued her short walk, pondering on her specialty, she was definitely on the influencing side, and dreams were quite complex to start with- 

As she approached her locker, Krampus appeared, a stormy expression etched on his demonic features. He slammed his locker shut, causing a few nearby demons to recoil at his red aura. 

"Clarity," he growled, a low rumble emanating from his chest that emitted a glow similar to magma. "We need to talk."

She met his gaze, her golden eyes holding curiosity and concern; this sounded like a confrontation. "Sure, Krampus. What's going on?"

He led her to a more secluded area, away from the prying eyes and wagging tongues. The air around them crackled with tension along with the ground, too, every time Krampus hooves left a mark.

"I've been hearing things, Clarity," Krampus began, his voice a gravelly snarl. "There's some pretty shitty things said about you."

Despite initially believing no words from the green sea monsters, the thought became overwhelming once Krampus found himself actually self-conscious about himself. He could see Clarity was just a demon who didn't want anything to do with Hell's social hierarchy and was just trying to get her way through the day. 

Krampus glanced at Clarity, his expression softening as he spoke, "Clarity, there have been some shitty things just said to me about you."

Clarity's eyes widened slightly at how fast news traveled, and she nodded, acknowledging his concern. "Thank you, Krampus. I appreciate your concern. But don't worry, Charlotte already told me about it."

"She told you that?" Krampus's eyes widened for a moment before he nodded, his cloven hooves scuffing the ground. "But in any case, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe. There ain't no way those jealous bitches can just pick on you just because we from the ring."

Clarity smiled gratefully at Krampus, touched by his genuine concern. "Thank you, Krampus. It means a lot to me knowing that I have a friend like you watching out for us."

Pete, who had been listening to their conversation, felt a pang from hearing the sincerity from Krampus. It was clear that underneath his tough exterior, Krampus genuinely cared for Clarity's well-being. He found it more unnerving than anything else.

Before Krampus could respond, Pete appeared, his flamboyant wings and sleek white blazer making a grand entrance. "Well, well, what do we have here? Drama in the hellschool corridors? How riveting!"

Krampus shot him a venomous glare, but Pete seemed unfazed. Clarity, though still tense, managed a small smile.

"Begone, Phenex," Krampus grumbled.

Pete raised an eyebrow, his eyes briefly flickering toward Clarity. "Oh, the rumors, right? Hellsa's doing?"

It took Krampus a moment before the dots clicked together, "You fucking knew!?"

Pete nodded, his wings fluttering in excitement. "Oh, indeed. I'm the president, Krampus. I know everything."

Krampus seemed ready to knock him out but Pete, sensing the tension, clapped his hands together. "Now, let us dispel these rumors and show Hellsa she cannot entangle the mighty demons of this high school!"

Clarity raised an eyebrow, "Refresh my memory, but I specifically mentioned I want no part in this." 

"Clarity, you're already a part of this. Defend yourself." 

"No thanks." 

"You don't expect to just walk away." 

"Yes, I do, actually." 

"I won't allow it."

Clarity, although they could not agree, still nodded appreciatively, and Krampus, albeit reluctantly, seemed to agree with Pete.

As the dream demon ventured back into the spotlight again, this time with two powerful figures by her side, against her better wishes, there were brewing whispers where it involved the pretty pink demon followed by the two princes.

Of course, this brewed a lot of jealousy and envy, oh especially envy.

All this was just because someone had a problem with Clarity's existence; maybe she should've made herself smaller to avoid getting into situations such as this. 

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Romans 12:9

Love must be sincere. Hate what

is evil; cling to what is good.