It had been a while since Ember moved in with her birth father the Devil in Inkwell Hell. The summer was almost coming to an end as Ember's siblings prepare to start school soon. Ember feared of going back into public school due to bullying as a child that her mother Gwen had to pull her out and homeschool Ember for the past five years.
Recently, Ember wondered what will happen to her since her father took her under his wing and taught her how to control her powers and how to be a demon. At breakfast, Ember worked up a little courage and decided to talk to her father.
"Hey, uh father?" Ember asked.
"Yes sweetheart?" The Devil answered.
"Um, I was wondering since school will be starting soon for my sisters and brother, what am I gonna be doing? More homeschool or something?" Ember asked.
"I told you Ember, we're gonna continue your training and demon teaching. That's your education around here." The Devil answered.
"Oh. Okay." Ember answered, not wanting to argue with her father.
"But don't worry dear. Your mother had you homeschooled for a reason, remember what you told me?" The Devil reminded her.
"I know. The other kids were afraid of me and wouldn't play with me." Ember said sadly.
"That's right. Now, eat up dear and we'll go out in the city and have some fun today. Okay dearie?" The Devil asked.
"Okay father." Ember answered.
"Excellent!" The Devil said as he continued eating.
They both finish breakfast, then the Devil took Ember to the surface world into Inkwell City. The Devil shows off to Ember his tricks he like to play on the locals. First, he goes up to a group of kids holding balloons and pops them with his tail, making them cry. The Devil laughed at them as Ember pretended to smile for him then they both disappear.
Next, they appear in the park and the Devil morphs a wild squirrel into a giant monstrous squirrel and chases a group of locals, to his amusement. Ember fakes another smile as she secretly felt bad for the locals.
At an intersection, the Devil magically changes the stop lights to the go lights on all four ways, causing the cars to crash into each other, to the Devil's delight. Ember watches from below on the sidewalk, unsure of her father's actions.
The Devil shapeshifted into his giant dragon form and breathed fire at another group of locals while chasing them. The Devil suddenly bumps into a large sign hanging from a building. He rips it off and tosses it aside.
But the sign was about to fall on a passing anthropomorphic phoenix dressed like a schoolteacher. Ember quickly used her fire powers to blast the sign away, saving the woman's life. Ember breathed heavily as the woman looked at Ember in shock.
"Wow, you saved me. Impressive." The phoenix said, fascinated with Ember and her powers.
Ember looked afraid and runs away, assuming she was going to be bullied again.
"Wait! Come back!" The phoenix called.
Ember quickly disappeared and caught up with her father as he was finishing up tormenting people. He shapeshifted into his regular form and floated down to Ember.
"There you are darling. Where were you? I thought I told you to stay close!" The Devil scolded.
"I did, but you tossed that sign, it was about to hit that bird lady and I saved her, and I ran off!" Ember fearfully explained.
"Ugh! You really are like your mother!" The Devil said in frustration.
"I'm sorry father. Can we grab some lunch? I'm hungry." Ember apologized and asked.
"Okay, fine. I'm getting hungry myself anyway." The Devil said.
They both have lunch at a local restaurant at an outdoor seating area. The Devil dines on a club sandwich with chips while Ember dined on a grilled cheese with a side of macaroni and cheese.
Just then, the Devil and Ember are approached by the same phoenix Ember saved earlier.
"Hello again dear." The woman greeted.
"Oh, hello." Ember nervously greeted.
"Uh, what do you want? We're busy!" The Devil scolded rudely.
"Father!" Ember argued.
"It's alright. I'm sorry to interrupt but I just wanted to thank this young girl for saving me. That was very brave." The phoenix said.
"Oh. You're welcome." Ember said.
"I haven't properly introduced myself. I am Professor Amelia Cyfrin. Headmistress of the Inkwell Isle School for Supernaturally Gifted Youth." Professor Cyfrin introduced herself.
"Oh, that school for superpowered children?" The Devil asked sarcastically.
"Yes, that school. You know Mr. Devil; your daughter would be an excellent addition to our school. We're still accepting new students and school starts soon if your daughter would like to enroll." Professor Cyfrin explained.
She magically makes a brochure of the school appear in her hand and hands it to the Devil and Ember and both look at it.
"See, we have a marvelous education program to prepare children for their futures and programs from academic, arts and athletic. And we have a library for studying and a stadium for students to practice their skills and powers." Professor Cyfrin explained.
The Devil is unamused while Ember looked at the brochure fascinated.
"Wow, this sounds awesome. Sounds more fun than being homeschooled." Ember said.
"Thank you dear. You were homeschooled?" Professor Cyfrin asked.
"Yes. I was bullied at the school my parents put me in until they pulled me out and homeschooled me ever since." Ember explained.
"We do not tolerate any sort of bullying at this institution. We are all different, but we all have special gifts that we can teach you to use that will help you with your future." Professor Cyfrin said.
"Really? There's other superpowered kids like me?" Ember asked.
"Yes. That's why we have this institution to help kids born with supernatural powers like yourself." Professor Cyfrin answered.
"Wow, this sounds awesome. What do you think father?" Ember asked.
"Ugh, look lady. I'm already training my daughter to control her powers and how to be a demon since she's half human." The Devil complained.
"You can still do that with her. We will educate to help groom her for her future along with the other children. Here's my card. Call me if you're ready to enroll her into our school. At least think about it?" Professor Cyfrin said as she magically made a business card appear and gives it to the Devil.
Professor Cyfrin spread her wings and quickly disappeared, to Ember's fascination.
"Ugh, let's go home Ember." The Devil said, losing patience.
He taps his pitchfork, and both disappeared back to Hell.
Later that night, both father and daughter have dinner and Ember goes to play with her demon kitten Umbra and her flying broomstick.
The Devil is sitting on his throne, unsure if he should put Ember into the school. Just then, Henchman comes in with a cart with a teapot and cup. He pours him his tea and hands it to his boss.
"So, boss. That headmistress offered to take Ember as a student at that school huh?" Henchman asked.
The Devil sighed.
"Yes, but how's that school gonna help her? I have all she needs to learn right here! That's why she came to me in the first place!" The Devil said angrily.
"You are teaching her everything she knows and that's good. But maybe she needs to start going to school to get socialized and how to face the world. This'll be good for her to make some friends and get smart." Henchman said.
"He is correct." Stickler joined the conversation.
"Ugh, what now Stickler?" The Devil asked impatiently.
"Think about it. How do you expect her to help you out with running the underworld if she isn't properly educated? She can't stay cooped up in this realm forever, otherwise she'll grow up to be socially awkward and continue to be an outcast. Do you want that for her?" Stickler explained.
"No! I don't want her to be made fun of!" The Devil protested.
"Boss, she'll need to learn to stand up for herself. You've been teaching her to do that." Henchman encouraged him.
The Devil thought for a moment, then looked at the business card Professor Cyfrin gave him. He sighed, grabbed his telephone and dialed the number.
"Don't worry boss. You're doing the right thing sending her to that school." Henchman praised him.
"Thank you, Henchman." The Devil said.
Later, in Ember's bedroom, she was getting ready for bed until she hears her father come into her room.
"Hey, Ember. I have some good news for you." The Devil called.
Ember comes out of her bathroom and approached her father.
"Really? What is it father?" Ember asked.
"I thought long and hard about it and decided to enroll you into that school. That headmistress says school starts first thing in the morning and she expects us there at 7:30 am. She'll give us a quick tour, then school starts at 8." The Devil announced.
"Really? Thank you, father!" Ember said excitedly and hugged him.
"Alright, you're welcome, dear. Now, go to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow." The Devil said.
Ember quickly gets into bed and goes to sleep with Umbra lying next to her.
The next morning came, and Ember gets ready for her first day of school with her brand-new school supplies. After breakfast, the Devil, Henchman and Ember take the elevator to the school. Professor Cyfrin was standing outside the school, waiting for them. The elevator arrives from the fiery portal in the ground and the trio step out.
"Ah, good morning." Professor Cyfrin greeted.
"Morning ma'am." Ember greeted.
"Alright, let me give you the tour of our beloved campus. Follow me." Professor Cyfrin said and led the Devil, Henchman and Ember all around the school.
The headmistress showed them all the including the classrooms, the library, the gymnasium, the playground and the outdoor field. The headmistress noticed the time on the clocktower and realized it was almost time for school.
"Duh, you really have a nice school ma'am." Henchman complimented.
"Why thank you, Henchman." Professor Cyfrin said.
"School is about to start. That concludes the tour. I will escort you to your class Ember. You will be in Mrs. Atkinson's class." Professor Cyfrin said.
"Well father, I'll see you later today." Ember said.
"Alright, dear." The Devil said as they both hug.
Before Ember leaves, the Devil asked the headmistress,
"Do you think, she'll be alright? I'm kinda new to this parenting thing and I wanna make sure she has a fine first day." The Devil asked, feeling concerned.
"Rest assured sir. She will be in good hands. We'll see you at 3. Good day to you." Professor Cyfrin said.
The Devil sighed as Ember waved goodbye until Professor Cyfrin escorts her to Mrs. Atkinson's classroom. Inside the classroom, there were a several children of different species finding their assigned seats and a human-sized fairy at the desk was getting everything set up.
"Mrs. Atkinson." Professor Cyfrin called.
"Good morning, Professor Cyfrin. Is this the new cambion student Ember?" Mrs. Atkinson asked.
"Yes Mrs. Atkinson." Professor Cyfrin answered.
"Hi Ember. I'm your teacher Mrs. Atkinson and this is my class." Mrs. Atkinson introduced herself.
"Hi Mrs. Atkinson." Ember shyly said.
I've already showed her and her father the school, explained the guidelines and schedule. I leave her in your hands." Professor Cyfrin said and turned to leave.
After Professor Cyfrin leaves, Mrs. Atkinson turns to the class.
"Alright class listen up. We have a new student starting today. This is Ember Hestia Hopewell. Her supernatural powers: fire and demonic. I want you all to be very nice to Ember and make her feel welcome." Mrs. Atkinson said.
"You may take your seat now Ember." Mrs. Atkinson said.
Ember takes her seat at a desk with her name on it. Ember had mixed feelings about being back in school, but she kept her cool.
"Alright everyone. We're going to start by going around the room and when I call your name you tell us a little about yourself. Let's start with you." Mrs. Atkinson said and pointed to a cupid wearing glasses.
"My name's Abel Airway. I'm a cupid and I can blow wind and tornadoes." Abel introduced himself in a nerd-like voice.
"Uh, I'm Cliff Boulderstone. I'm a bigfoot and I can move the earth and grow stuff." Cliff, a large bigfoot introduced in a baritone voice.
"The name's Marette Manowar. I'm a mermaid and I control water at will. And humble brag, I can stir quite a hurricane." Marette, an African American mermaid with her tail shapeshifted into legs and with a jellyfish for hair introduced.
"The name's Isfrid Frostbite. I am an ice sorceress and I have control of ice and snow with elegance and grace." Isfrid, an ice-blue human-like girl with white hair introduced as she displayed snowflakes.
"Ember? Your turn." Mrs. Atkinson called.
"Oh. Uh, my name is Ember Hopewell. I'm a cambion and I have fire powers and other powers I inherited from my father." Ember nervously introduced.
"Ah, a new face the opposite of ice." Isfrid said, noticing Ember.
The rest of the class introduced themselves and Mrs. Atkinson begins class with the first lesson for the day. A few hours later, it was time for recess, and all the kids go outside to play. Ember looked around for someone to play with, but so far, she has no luck. Ember wondered if she may have made a mistake going back to school. Ember sadly sits on a bench and fiddled with her fingers.
But then, her luck changed when Isfrid approached her and sat down next to her.
"So, you're the new girl everyone's talking about?" Isfrid asked her.
"Uh, yes?" Ember nervously answered.
"I am Isfrid Frostbite." Isfrid introduced.
"Ember Hopewell." Ember introduces and both shake hands.
"So, you've never been in a school before?" Isfrid asked.
"I did when I was little, but kids made fun of me and run away from me. So, my human parents homeschooled me until now." Ember answered.
"Your human parents?" Isfrid asked.
"Yeah, before I found out who my real father was and now, I live with him half the time." Ember said.
"Oh. I'm sorry about your childhood." Isfrid said.
"Thanks. What about you? Where are you from?" Ember asked.
"Oh, I'm from the North Pole. My mother is an ice sorceress who can conjure up powerful blizzards." Isfrid answered.
"Wow." Ember said, impressed.
"Would you like to see?" Isfrid asked.
"Uh, sure?" Ember answered, unsure.
"Don't worry. I won't freeze anybody. Let's go over there." Isfrid said and pointed to an area away from the playground.
"Oh, okay." Ember said.
They head over to an area away from other kids. Isfrid demonstrates her powers by freezing an entire section of the grassy area. Then, she shows off a little blizzard storm. Ember is awestruck as Isfrid makes the snow and ice disappear, restoring the area back to normal.
"What do you think? Impressive huh?" Isfrid asked.
"Yeah. Impressive." Ember said, trying to be polite.
"Okay, your turn Ember. Show me what you can do." Isfrid said.
"I dunno. I've accidentally blown wildfires and accidentally set towns on fire. That's why people are afraid of me." Ember said, unsure.
"Relax Ember. There are no towns to burn down. Just do something small like I did. My storms are a lot bigger than what you just saw. I once accidentally froze an entire beach. Boy, I got grounded for a week." Isfrid told her story.
"You did? Wow. I'm sorry that happened." Ember said.
"It's alright. Now, show me your fire powers." Isfrid said.
"Okay, but I should warn you, don't ever make me angry." Ember warned.
"Okay I won't." Isfrid agreed.
Ember cracked her knuckles and made fires appear in the fields. Isfrid's mouth dropped at the fires.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Isfrid said, impressed.
"Oh yeah? That's nothing. Watch this!" Ember said.
Ember shows off her other powers by shapeshifting, teleporting, electric blasting and making things appear. Isfrid stood there awestruck as a few other kids gathered around watching Ember show off her powers. After Ember doused her fires, all the kids cheered for Ember, realizing she attracted a crowd.
Ember had never been praised for her powers before and smiled.
"Why, thank you everyone." Ember said.
"Wow, Ember. That was amazing!" Abel said as he flew up to her.
"Yeah girl! You was blazin'!" Marette complimented.
"Yeah! That was awesome!" Cliff said as he patted Ember on her back too hard.
"Uh, thanks everyone." Ember said, trying not to show any pain.
Cliff magically grew a begonia flower on his arm and gives it to Ember. She takes it and sniffs it and places it in her hair.
"Hey, we're gonna play magic kickball. Wanna join us, Ember?" Marette asked.
"I'd love to, but I don't know how to play." Ember admitted.
"Oh, it's easy. I'll explain the rules." Isfrid said as the kids headed to the kickball field.
The kids play magic soccer together until the bell rang and it was time to go back to class.
A few hours later, school was almost over.
"Alright everyone, don't forget to do your reading, writing, math, science and magic assignments which are due tomorrow." Mrs. Atkinson announced.
The bell rang, which concluded school.
"Class is dismissed." Mrs. Atkinson said.
All the students get up from their desks, grab their coats and backpacks and leave the school.
"Oh, Ember? Can I see you for a minute?" Mrs. Atkinson asked.
Ember goes up to Mrs. Atkinson at her desk.
"Yes, Mrs. Atkinson?" Ember asked.
"That was an excellent first day Ember. I see you are getting along with other classmates." Mrs. Atkinson complimented.
"Thanks. People here are nicer than the ones back in Inkwell City." Ember admitted.
"I'm glad to hear that. Now, since it's been years you've been in a school, we're going to help you catch up with the knowledge of everything we've learned so you're caught up with the others." Mrs. Atkinson said.
"Oh. Okay." Ember said.
"In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, you can always talk to me and Professor Cyfrin. We will listen to you as we listen to every student." Mrs. Atkinson said.
"Okay ma'am." Ember agrees.
"Excellent. You may go now. I'll see you in the morning." Mrs. Atkinson said.
"Bye!" Ember said and left the classroom with her stuff.
Ember leaves the school and notices her father the Devil and Henchman waiting to pick her up with the elevator.
"Father!" Ember called.
She runs up to her father and hugs him.
"There you are darling! Let's go home, shall we?" The Devil asked as he lifted his daughter up in his arms.
"Ember!" Isfrid called.
Both the Devil and Ember looked and noticed Isfrid running up to them.
"I almost forgot! Here! This is for you!" Isfrid said as she hands Ember a card.
"Oh, thank you! What is it?" Ember asked.
"Open it and you'll see! Well, my mom's here, I gotta go! See you tomorrow!" Isfrid said and runs off to her mother.
"You too Isfrid!" Ember called back.
"Hmm. I see you made a new friend with an ice sorceress?" The Devil asked.
"Yeah. That's Isfrid. She's really nice." Ember said.
"Yeah, that kid seemed really nice." Henchman agreed.
The Devil carries Ember in the elevator, Henchman pushes the down button and the trio disappeared back to Hell.
After arriving in Hell, the Devil places Ember down as they exited the elevator.
"Henchman, take Ember to the conference room and make sure she does her homework. I have business to take care of. I'll be there in a while." The Devil ordered Henchman.
"Duh, yes boss." Henchman agreed.
Henchman takes Ember to the conference room.
"So, Ember, what homework did they give you?" Henchman asked.
"Mrs. Atkinson gave me reading, writing, math, science and magic homework and they're due tomorrow." Ember answered.
"Alright then, let's get to it." Henchman said.
Ember got out her homework assignments and got to work with Henchman helping if she had trouble understanding a problem.
An hour later, Ember finished her homework and placed them in her backpack to take with her to school tomorrow.
"Good job kiddo! Your homework is all done." Henchman complimented her.
The Devil enters the conference room.
"Alright, now that homework is done, let's continue your training, shall we?" The Devil asked.
"Okay father." Ember agrees.
Both teleport to the stadium and the Devil continues her lessons in controlling her powers and more studying the spells from the Devil's Spell book.
After training, Ember goes to her room and plays with Umbra and her flying broom. She remembered the card Isfrid gave her and opened it. Ember read the card, realizing it was an invitation to a back-to-school party this coming Saturday. Ember felt joy because she had never been invited to kids' parties before.
After her first week of school, Ember prepares a present for Isfrid as a token for her friendship. She conjures up an ice-blue colored blow glass art of a teapot, teacups and saucers with snowflake patterns.
Saturday came and the Devil dresses Ember warm for the party. Then, he drops Ember off at the ice castle from the elevator and Ember joins her new friends for Isfrid's party. Ember along with Isfrid, Abel, Marette and Cliff played party games until it was time for ice cream cake.
Ember takes Isfrid aside and presents Isfrid the present.
"Isfrid, here's a little something as a token of being kind to me on my first day of school. Nobody's ever shown me kindness in school before." Ember said.
"A gift? Wow, nobody's ever given me a gift for being kind." Isfrid said.
Isfrid opens it and is awed with the teapot set Ember handmade herself.
"Wow, a teapot set. Where did you get this?" Isfrid asked.
"I made it myself. I make blow glass art with my fire powers." Ember answered with a smile.
"Nobody's ever made something personal for me before." Isfrid said, feeling touched.
Isfrid goes up to Ember and hugs her.
"Thank you." Isfrid said.
"You're welcome." Ember answered.
"Aw, how wonderful Isfrid darling. You've made a new friend." Isfrid's mother Isolde complimented.
"Yes mamma. Ember will do nicely." Isfrid said.
"Wait, for what?" Ember asked.
"Do you have a best friend?" Isfrid asked.
"Just Umbra, my demon kitten. Why?" Ember asked.
"I mean a person best friend. Do you have one?" Isfrid asked, being specific.
"Well… no." Ember answered nervously.
"Guess what Ember? I've chosen you to call my best friend." Isfrid announced.
Ember's eyes widened, then smiled as Isfrid smiled.
Soon, the party was over, the children collected their party favors. Then, the parents of the party guests come to pick up their children until only Ember was left.
Just then, an explosion sound was heard. Isfrid screamed and leapt in Ember's arms. Ember knew her father had come to pick her up from the party.
"It's okay Isfrid, that's just my father." Ember assured her.
"Oh yeah." Isfrid said as she calmed down.
"There you are Ember. You ready to go home?" The Devil asked.
"Yes father. Let me say goodbye to Isfrid first." Ember said.
"Thanks for coming Ember. Will I see you at school on Monday? We have that science project coming up and I thought we could do that fire and ice experiment." Isfrid asked.
"You bet Isfrid! Thanks for having me over, that was fun!" Ember said as she placed Isfrid down.
"Anytime Ember. See you on Monday!" Isfrid said.
Ember walks up to her father, he lifts her up in one arm, tapped his pitchfork and disappeared back to Hell.
They reappear back in Hell; Ember is placed down, and she heads off to her room and places her party favors on her drawers.
"Ember! Let's go continue your training! Then we'll have dinner afterwards!" The Devil called.
"Coming father!" Ember called back as she placed a picture of herself and Isfrid on her dresser.
Ember joins her father in the arena and continues learning from him about controlling her powers. Ember enjoys her new life living with her father, going to school, making new friends with kids with powers like hers and found a new best friend in Isfrid. Ember had never been happier in her life.