"
---
The air in the room was thick with tension, and just as Dr. Helena was about to calm Chris down, a sudden noise erupted from the hallway—a loud, thundering sound of boots marching in unison. The door to Chris's room slammed open, and without warning, the Black Axe Men (B.A.M) stormed into the room.
Dr. Helena flinched and instinctively took a step back, her heart racing. She was used to the presence of the Black Axe Men—their loyalty to Chris was undeniable—but their presence now, in such a fragile moment, was unsettling.
The room immediately filled with the intimidating figures of the Black Axe Men, their black tactical gear reflecting the harsh fluorescent light. They stood in formation, unyielding and relentless. They had been stationed all over the facility, awaiting orders, and the moment Chris moved, they were at the ready.
---
Dr. Helena (nervously):
"W-what is this? What's happening?"
---
Leader of the B.A.M (gruffly, voice unwavering):
"Doctor, we've been ordered to secure him. The situation outside is escalating. The Empire needs the Blackwood name… now."
---
Chris, still weak but determined, raised his head, his eyes now locked on the soldiers standing at attention.
---
Chris (his voice rasping):
"Get out of my way."
---
The Black Axe Men leader didn't flinch. His eyes were hard, calculating. But his voice softened, just a touch, as he addressed Chris.
---
B.A.M Leader:
"We've received direct orders, sir. The situation in the capital is unstable. We've been instructed to ensure your security and expedite your recovery."
---
Chris's breathing became shallow, frustration building in his chest as he realized the situation outside the room was more volatile than even he could comprehend.
---
Chris (forcing himself to sit up further):
"I don't need your protection. I need to see my son. Get me out of here."
---
The B.A.M leader hesitated, glancing over at Dr. Helena for confirmation. She was still trying to process what was happening. She had seen the Black Axe Men in action before—violent, efficient, and always loyal—but this... this was different. Chris was not in a state to be rushed back into the political chaos.
---
Dr. Helena (firmly, her voice rising in urgency):
"No! Chris isn't ready! He's only just regained consciousness. You can't just rush him into action."
---
B.A.M Leader (looking sternly at Dr. Helena):
"You're not in charge here. The orders came directly from the top. Chris's recovery is secondary now. The Empire demands his presence."
---
Chris's eyes flickered between the Black Axe Men and the doctor. His frustration grew, but his resolve remained unbroken. He knew his empire, and he knew that no one would let him rest for long. Power did not wait.
---
Chris (gritting his teeth):
"I've been in a coma for weeks, and now you're telling me I need to be shielded from my own people? I am the power here, and you will listen to me."
---
The B.A.M leader looked at his men, then back at Chris. There was a subtle shift in his posture. He might have been loyal, but even he knew the consequences of challenging a Blackwood.
---
B.A.M Leader (bowing slightly):
"As you wish, sir. But the situation outside..."
---
Chris didn't wait for him to finish. He swung his legs off the side of the bed, and though his body protested, he steadied himself with sheer willpower. His eyes locked onto the leader with fierce determination.
---
Chris (commanding):
"I'm not a prisoner. Take me to the war room. Now."
---
With a decisive nod, the B.A.M leader motioned for the others to step back. They parted, creating a clear path for Chris. As Chris attempted to rise, a rush of dizziness hit him, but he steadied himself. He couldn't afford to look weak now. He needed control.
---
Dr. Helena (stepping forward, still visibly anxious):
"Chris, please, you're not well. This isn't the time. You need rest—"
---
But Chris silenced her with a cold, hard glance.
---
Chris (his voice low and unwavering):
"No more rest. The empire waits for no one. And neither will I."
---
B.A.M Leader (to his men):
"Prepare for departure. Get the vehicles ready."
---
The Black Axe Men immediately sprang into action, moving with military precision as they secured the room and ushered Chris towards the exit. Despite his shaky legs, Chris's eyes burned with resolve.
---
As the door closed behind him, Dr. Helena stood frozen for a moment, watching the scene unfold. There was no stopping Chris now. The empire was calling, and he had answered.
---
---
Outside the Room:
The halls were quiet, the tension palpable. B.A.M soldiers lined the corridors, their eyes never straying from their mission. They formed an intimidating procession, clearing the way for Chris, who was determined to face whatever awaited him.
The weight of the Blackwood legacy bore down on his shoulders. His father, Classic, was still in a coma. The empire was on the brink of collapse with enemies gathering on every side. And his son—his legacy—remained uncertain. But Chris had always known that the price of power was steep, and it was a price he would pay without hesitation.
---
B.A.M Leader (in a low tone, to his second-in-command):
"Prepare for the worst. We may be walking into a firestorm."
---
The second-in-command simply nodded, his eyes scanning the darkened halls. Outside, the air was thick with the scent of impending war. Inside, the tension was a slow-burning fuse that could ignite at any moment.
---
Chris (his voice steady but filled with determination):
"I don't need protection. I need my empire back."
---
And with that, the Black Axe Men marched onward, the weight of the empire—and the future—resting squarely on Chris's shoulders.
---
To be continued…
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