The Return Of Stryker

The hallways of Hell High were as chaotic as ever. Screaming demons, fights breaking out in every corner, and the faint smell of sulfur permeating the air—just another day in the high school of Hell. Yumi was walking toward her first class, earbuds in, the music blasting in her ears as she scrolled through her phone. She couldn't be bothered by the usual noise. Hell, it was probably louder than the usual mess she encountered in the hallways of her own mind.

Just as she passed the lockers, she heard the familiar, grating voice behind her.

"Well, well, if it isn't the Princess of Hell herself."

Yumi's eyes rolled before she even turned around. There, leaning against a locker with a smug look on his face, stood Stryker—her most hated bully. He was a demon with fire-red skin, sharp horns, and a mouth that never stopped running. He had a habit of picking on Yumi whenever she walked by, always trying to get under her skin. Today, though, he was being particularly obnoxious.

"Yumi, you're a virgin, right?" he asked, his voice dripping with mockery.

Yumi stopped in her tracks and turned to face him, her usual expression of indifference twisting into one of mild annoyance. She took her earbuds out and crossed her arms, sizing him up. "No shit, smartass. I'm in high school. You have to be 18+ to even think about it."

Stryker's grin grew wider, clearly unfazed by her response. "I don't care. I still think it's funny. Princess of Hell, all tough and strong, and still a virgin. Isn't that pathetic?"

Yumi's nostrils flared as she took a step closer, her voice icy. "Stryker, you've been a pain in my ass for as long as I can remember, and honestly? You're just boring now. I don't have time for your stupid bullshit."

The other demons who were nearby snickered, sensing the tension in the air, but no one dared to intervene. They all knew Stryker's type—always trying to act tough, but deep down, he was just a wannabe. Yumi, on the other hand, was different. She was the daughter of the Prince of Hell, and if anyone in this school could make Stryker shut up, it was her.

But Stryker wasn't finished yet. He took a step toward her, trying to get under her skin again. "Maybe you should just admit it. You're scared. You're scared of being alone forever, just like your dad."

Yumi's heart skipped a beat. She could feel the familiar flicker of rage burning inside her, but she wasn't about to let it show. Her father was Kikidori, the Prince of Hell, a demon who'd survived countless battles and defeated Lucifer himself. Yet Stryker thought he could mock him like that?

Yumi's hand tightened into a fist, but she didn't hit him. Not yet. She didn't need to. Not when she had the ability to send this asshole running with just a few words.

"If you keep running your mouth, I'll let Cerberus have a go at you again. Trust me, he's been itching for a snack all morning." Yumi's voice dripped with venom as she stared into Stryker's eyes.

Stryker hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. Cerberus, the tiny demon chihuahua who was as lethal as any hellhound when provoked, had already made Stryker feel like a fool once. Yumi could see the fear in his eyes, but it was quickly masked by his arrogance.

"You think I'm scared of a little mutt?" Stryker sneered. "Please. I've dealt with worse."

Yumi took a step forward, letting her demon aura leak out just a little. The temperature around her seemed to rise as her eyes glowed a deep, unnatural red. Her skin shifted slightly, becoming more demonic, with the faintest hint of black scales beneath her skin. Her voice was low and dangerous, each word coated in a threat that could be felt deep in Stryker's bones.

"I don't care how tough you think you are, Stryker. Keep pushing me, and you'll find out what happens when you mess with the wrong person. I don't need Cerberus to do the dirty work. I can make you regret ever opening your mouth."

The hallway seemed to grow colder despite the heat emanating from her, and even Stryker looked taken aback. He stepped back, his bravado faltering for a second. His eyes narrowed as he tried to keep his composure, but the truth was clear—he was scared.

"Whatever, Princess. Don't think this is over," Stryker muttered under his breath as he turned to walk away, his pride still trying to hold up despite the fear in his eyes.

Yumi stood there, watching him retreat, her heart pounding in her chest. She wasn't afraid to unleash her demon side, but she hated having to do it, especially at school. It wasn't like she couldn't handle a little taunting. But when someone like Stryker crossed a line, she couldn't help but show them who they were dealing with.

She sighed, pushing her red-tipped hair behind her ear. Her demon side wasn't something she liked to flaunt. She preferred to keep it hidden, to stay in control. But when people like Stryker kept poking at her, it was like she couldn't help herself. It was in her blood.

As she walked away from the scene, the whispers and glances of her classmates didn't bother her anymore. They all knew not to mess with her after that.

Later that evening, when Yumi was back at the castle, she threw herself onto her bed. Her heart was still racing, but the adrenaline had started to fade. Cerberus was curled up at her feet, snoring quietly. Yumi stared at the ceiling for a moment, thinking about the day.

Her life was complicated, to say the least. Living in Hell, being the daughter of Kikidori—the Prince of Hell—and trying to make a name for herself was tough. She didn't need anyone telling her she wasn't good enough, especially not some dumbass like Stryker.

She was tough. She was strong. And one day, she'd prove she wasn't just a "virgin" or "just popular because of her dad." She'd carve out her own path, no matter what it took.

But for now, Yumi just closed her eyes, letting the exhaustion from the day wash over her. Tomorrow would come with new challenges, new bullshit from Stryker, and maybe, just maybe, a little more of her demon side would slip through.

But tonight, she could rest.

The End of Chapter 21