His eyes squint in pain groaning. He placed his hands on his forehead trying to steady his blurry vision.
The beeping of the machine urged a growl out from him as he struggled to get up but the striking pain that hit his head had him yelling returning to his initial position. “Ugh!” He groans reaching for his forehead. He doesn’t know what was happening to him but his body felt different almost like he lost control of it. The pain he felt on his left pack intensified with each move he made causing a scream out of him. The hospital room door burst open, and a team of doctors and nurses rushed in, surrounding Axel's bed. "Okay, let's move, doctors! We need to stabilize him!" Dr. Smith called out, leading the charge. Axel groaned in pain, his body writhing on the bed. "What’s hap—" he mumbled, his voice weak. “Hang in there," Dr. Smith said, examining his charts. "You’re going to be fine." Nurse Johnson began inserting an IV, while Dr. Patel worked on monitoring his vitals. "BP's dropping, we need to get him on oxygen, now!" she called out. Dr. Smith nodded, and a respiratory therapist rushed in with an oxygen tank. "Let's get him on a ventilator, just in case," he instructed. Axel's eyes fluttered open, and he gazed up at the team surrounding him. "Ugh," he growls. Axel's face contorted in pain, and he tried to sit up, but Dr. Smith gently restrained him. "Easy, Axel, we've got you. Just relax and let us do our job." With swift efficiency, the doctors worked together and monitored Axel's vital signs. Slowly but surely, his condition began to stabilize. "We're getting him stable, Dr. Smith," Nurse Johnson reported, relief evident in her voice. “Place a call to his grandfather and let him know he’s awake” Dr Smith orders. Axel's groans subsided, replaced by a fragile calm. As he roamed he stared around his newfound environment trying to point out where exactly he was and why he was there. “Where am I?” Axel asks as the other doctors and nurse walk out leaving only Dr Smith. “I’m going to ask you a few questions Mr Storm,” The doctor says discarding Axel’s question. “Okay?” “What’s your name?” Dr Smith asked. “Axel storm” he responds barely above a whisper but loud enough to be heard. “What happened to you?” He asked again. Axel remained mute trying to rethink what had happened. He growled placing his hands on his temples and rubbing on them in pain as he struggled to recall what had taken place. And just like a wave of nostalgia everything came back running to his head making him yelp in pain. “Mrs. Storm” Dr Smith calls out placing a comforting hand on Axel’s shoulder. “It’s okay don’t think too much” Axel ignores unable to give a response at the moment as the pain had only increased, something he thought he’d never had to experience again but rather has multiplied. “For how long have I been here?” Axel asked his eyes bloodshot with raw unreadable emotions. Almost like he is emotionless. “Two months” Axel’s eyes bulged in shock, “What?” Stuttering the word out. How the hell did that even happen? He remembers being shot and saved by a group of heavily armed guards he can’t point out who they were but he remembers being saved. Dr Smith snapped him out of his train of thought. “I will make arrangements for your food. We’ll keep you here under observation until everything is cleared and you are well, then you will be discharged” “Who brought me here?” Axel asked him. “Your grandfather” he responds. Axel’s brows furrowed in confusion. “What?” “Yes” “But I don’t have a grandfather, I don’t even have a family” Axel states finding the doctor’s statement absurd. Grandfather? Since when did he have one? The doctor must have gotten it wrong. “Well. It stated that he was and I can’t go ahead with that. My job here is to monitor your health and make sure you get back on your feet.” The doctor states getting up. Dr. Smith leaned over Axel's bed, with a stern look on his face. "Axel, I know it's a lot to take in, but I want you to try not to think too hard about your condition right now." Axel's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. "But what..." he paused. Dr. Smith placed a gentle hand on Axel's shoulder. "We'll get to all that later, okay? Right now, just focus on getting you healthy." Suddenly a knock came through before the door pushed open, revealing a nurse with a tray of food. "Her name is Nurse Johnson, and she's one of the best. She'll be in charge of your checkups while I’m away” Axel's gaze flickered up. In charge of what? When he feels better. He needed to get out of this hospital before they billed him for the money he didn’t have. Whoever brought him here has put him into a lot of trouble, one that he hopes he could get out of. “Remember Axel, abstain from any strenuous activity that would compel you to put pressure on your wound. And don't worry, I'll be back to check on you soon." With that, Dr. Smith exited the room, leaving Axel to his thoughts. The room suddenly fell into silence but was suddenly sliced off by the nurse. “I'm Nurse Johnson, and I'll be taking care of you today. How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice friendly and reassuring. “Fine” Nurse Johnson nodded understandingly, setting the tray down on his lap. "I can imagine. But don't worry, we're here to help you through it. Now, let's get you something to eat, okay?" Axel nods his mind wondering how on earth he’d be able to escape this place with so much attention he is getting. Tension began to build up in his head as he thought of every possibility but not one that could get him out of this mess he had found himself in. “Axel” The nurse calls out for the umpteenth time snapping him back to reality. She sighed placing aside the bowl of vegetable soup before placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Are you okay?” She asked with concern lasted in her tune. Axel’s lips slipped open to respond but the door creaking open paused his action. An array of guards walked in, the same guards that had saved him if he wasn’t mistaken, yes surely that was them. “The Master would like to be excused” One of the guards announced and the nurse got the information before nodding and getting up. Axel’s heart was harmed with fear part of him was afraid it wasn’t Darius that came to take his last breath. “No!” Axel blurts drawing all their attention back to him and urging the nurse's steps to cease. “Who are you people and what do you want from me?” Axel asked demanding a response while inwardly burning with fear and externally holding a stern expression. The nurse turned away proceeding out. Just as she stepped out the guards split into two, a frail figure shuffled into the hospital room, his slow gait betraying his advanced age. Mr. De Storm, in his late 90s, stood at barely five feet tall, his once-sharp features now softened by the wrinkles of time. His silver hair was thinning, combed over to cover a balding spot, and his piercing blue eyes, though clouded by cataracts, still held a glint of authority. Axel's heart hammered in his chest as he took in the sight of the man, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. Part of him hated how Mr. De Storm's features echoed his own, the same sharp jawline and piercing eyes staring back at him like a ghost from his past. Mr. De Storm's gaze locked onto Axel, his eyes narrowing as he approached the bedside. "Ah, Axel," he said, his voice low and gravelly, "it's good that you’re up" Axel's lips curled into a snarl, but he remained silent, his eyes fixed on the old man. Mr. De Storm settled into the chair beside the bed, his movements slow and deliberate. "Leave us," he instructed the guards, his voice firm but polite. The guards nodded and exited the room, leaving Axel alone with the man. Mr. De Storm's eyes never left Axel's face, his gaze piercing and unsettling. "You look just like your father," he said, his voice laced with a hint of nostalgia. Axel's heart twisted at the mention of his father, a man he'd never known. "Who are you?” Axel didn’t get how a random man would step into his life and claim to be his grandfather or even make him believe he had parents. He has already successfully come to terms that he didn’t have a family, he has been on his own all this while and he’s surviving, he doesn’t need someone stepping into his life all of a sudden. Mr. De Storm's expression remained calm, his eyes never wavering. "I've come to make amends, Axel. To explain the past, and perhaps you may forgive me." Axel snorted, his laughter bitter and harsh. "With all due respect sir, I think you’ve got the wrong person. I am not your grandson and neither are you, my grandfather, I appreciate the help you’ve offered but right now I need to go—” “Nonsense,” the old man says with a hint of a joke seeing the fright In Axel’s eyes, he is certain the boy is terrified. “Calm down my boy, I’m not here to harm you, as I said I’m here to make amends.” Mr De Storm stated again his composure was better than before. Axel is beginning to get frustrated but he knows better than to let his anger overshadow him. With the amount of guards that stood outside, they’d shoot him to death before he could even make a move to escape. His thoughts come short when he notices a ring on his finger, an old ring made of gleaming silver. It has a unique and intricate design, with delicate filigree work and ornate patterns that adorn its band. At the center, there's a mesmerizing gemstone, like a deep blue sapphire or a sparkling diamond, catching the light and adding a touch of elegance. “What is this?” Axel states reaching to pull it off. “I won’t do that if I were you” Mr De Storm states adjusting his seating position. “It is what is keeping you alive and healing, take it off and you die” At the mention of death, Axel’s heart skipped as though he wasn’t the same person trying to kill himself. “What?” It came out barely above a whisper. Mr De Storm chuckled, “Look Son, we have a lot of catching up to do.”“I don’t want to believe you. How sure am I that you won’t harm me when I don’t even trust you? I mean, what if Darius sent you to finish me off–” Axel trails off.Mr de Storm laughed out inaudibly while Axel followed him with his stare mentally questioning if the old man was alright or not. He wasn’t even taking Axel seriously and that was beginning to frustrate him.“Just how much has that Mickelson traumatized you?” Mr. Storm couldn’t help but ask.Axel shrugged not finding it funny, “Please just let me go. I agree to have caused enough trouble but please do me this one favor”Mr de Storm shakes his head. “This is no manner of the Storms’ we don’t coward away our troubles, we stay and fight for ourselves. Look, Alex, I know it’s a lot to take in and I am not here for jokes–”Axel makes an attempt to chirp in but Mr de Storm manages to stop him before he can utter a word, “I am going to have the doctors move you back home now that you are awake, you’ve stayed here for too long and I
"We lost your parents after an attack that was made in the night at this same mansion. We believe there was an outsider amongst us that had led your parent's killer" Mr De Storm explained as they walked into his study room."You were barely a year old when that happened. Your mother had wrapped you in a show and locked you up in the drawers. Before we could get to save your parents it was too late, your cries were the only noise heard around" Mr De Storm continued to fill Axel in who was trailing behind him"I ordered that you be taken to the orphanage." he blurts.Three...Two...One...Before it finally registered into Axel's head, "What!? Why?" Mr De Storm stopped, "It was part of the test. It's one of the hardest decisions I've had to make Axel but it was what needed to be done, it's the only way you could live up to your potential and someday take responsibility." "What test?""Axel you're the sole owner of the Storm Corp." His grandfather announced.Storm Corp? He had heard of
It’s been almost a month since Axel reunited with his grandfather. These past few weeks have been hectic for him, getting to know and understand the family’s business especially now that he is in charge of it, is not something he’d ever imagined himself to do. He made up his mind to return to school today. Rumors have it that he was dead and he is well aware of who may have caused it and he’d make sure to keep it in mind that they pay for their mistakes. “Are you sure you won’t need any guards?” His grandfather asked for the one-hundredth time. Axel lets out a sigh dipping his hands into the pocket of his slacks. “Yes. I would like to keep a low profile in the meantime” His grandfather stared at him for a second skeptical whether or not to accept his proposition. “Very well then but I’ll have some undercover guards lurk around just to be on the safe side, I don’t want you almost killing yourself again” Axel growled at the end of his grandfather’s statement. He agrees he almost
Axel stood nervously outside the Head of Department's office, his heart racing with fear that nothing would go wrong. All calls came through that he needed to report to the HOD’s office. His recent appearance has left murmurs and rumors going around which is how the information reached the board and now he needs to clarify things and he hopes he does. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door and entered. "Ah, Mr Storm," the HOD said sternly, looking up from his desk. "You've been away for quite some time. Over a month, to be exact. We had the police investigate and they had concluded that you died off the cliff as they saw some of your items just before the death scene." "Yes, sir," Axel replied, his voice cold. "I know I've been away for a while, not dead just going through some family issue that had compelled me to be away for that long," Axel explains his voice dead and cold. The HOD shakes his head letting out a chuckle, “I am not stupid Mr Storm, I have your records and
Axel walked back into the classroom, his confidence and nonchalant manner drawing the attention of his classmates. They whispered and gazed at him with a mix of disgust and confusion. They heard about him being expelled then what on earth was he doing back here? He took his seat, his eyes fixed on the professor lecturing at the front of the class. Just then, the door burst open and the Head of Department rushed in, his face pale and sweaty. "Mr Storm, please, can I have a word with you?" he asked, his voice trembling. His sudden appearance has the whole class's attention drawn back to them. Axel raised an eyebrow, a smirk stealing its way to his lips. "What do you want, Professor?" he drawled, his tone dripping with irritation. He did warn him but he didn’t listen. They may have known him as the poor person he was but not anymore. He is more than that now. The HOD walked towards Axel's desk, his hands clasped together in a pleading gesture. "Mr Storm I know I s
Axel's eyes snapped open in the darkness, his mind racing with thoughts on how his first training was going to be. He hasn’t slept a wink. He lay still, listening intently, ensuring that his Asher and Collins were asleep. He wasn’t ready for yet another question session. He knew sooner or later that he’d have to tell them as they deserved to know. They’re the only people who have ever been nice and honest with him, they treated him well enough with no disrespect or disregard and that is why he’d never forsake them. The soft snores and gentle breathing told him that it was time he left. His eyes drew to the wall clock cheering the time. It’s 10min before his training begins and god knows what his grandfather will do to him if he ever finds out that he slipped any Axel threw off his covers and swung his legs over the side of the bed, his bare feet dangling in the air. He stood up, his tall frame towering in the dimly lit room, and padded silently to his closet. He pulled out
It had been a week since Axel began his intense martial arts training with Liam Chen. Every night, Axel would sneak out of his dorm room, careful not to disturb his roommates. He would make his way to the small, unassuming building on the outskirts of campus, where Liam would be waiting for him. The training sessions were grueling, pushing Axel's body and mind to their limits. He would return to his room in the early hours of the morning, his face covered in bruises, his muscles sore and aching. And the fucking ring that was supposed to be healing him was doing no fucking job. Despite the physical toll, Axel couldn't get enough of the training. He wanted to push through and prove to Liam that he wasn’t some weakling. Liam’s every word during the train is, “You’re Weak” The word riles Axel up and no matter how much he tries to prove himself and show that he wasn’t as he is classified to be, Liam always proves him wrong. He wanted to master the skills but it was as though th
Axel brushed past him, not even acknowledging his presence. He doesn’t want to get involved with him at the moment and this is why he chooses to pretend as though he didn’t see him but as always he doesn’t seem to get the message. Darius's eyes narrowed, his face reddening with anger. "Hey, watch where you're going, Axel!" Darius snarled, his voice low and menacing. Axel didn't even flinch. He kept walking, his eyes fixed on the door to the dormitory. Darius's anger boiled over. He reached out and grabbed Axel's arm, spinning him around. "You think you're too highly of yourself, don't you?" he sneered. trying to mess with Axel as he usually does. Axel's eyes flashed with annoyance, he wasn’t in the mood. "Get your hands off me, Darius," he growled, his voice low and even trying as hard as he could to maintain his cool. Darius sneered. "Or what? You'll cry to your daddy?" he mocked letting out a laugh. “You seem to have developed a lot of balls these days Axel Storm, who fuck do
Axel stood in his penthouse, his eyes fixed on Liam. It was the weekend, and it's part of today's schedule to have training. Liam gazed at Axel with a critical eye. "You're getting better, Axel. Your strength is intensifying, and your movements are more precise." Axel nodded, his face set in doing the best he could. "I practice all the time. Too bad I haven't used my skills on anybody, but it's becoming very tempting, and I worry that sooner or later I will lose my cool." Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Axel. You have potential—great potential. Sooner or later, your powers will be revealed, and you'll move into the academy. Before then, I suggest you keep your anger contained and not harm any civilians." Axel's eyes widened, his heart racing with excitement. "The academy? You mean... the Phoenix Academy?" Liam nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Axel. You have the makings of a great warrior. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your gi
Raya sat in the corner of the dark room, her body wracked with sobs. Every inch of her ached, a reminder of the brutal hands that had dragged her here. The room was too dark and suffocating, making her feel like she was drawing in her nightmare even though she was. Slow and silent sobs escaped from her lips as she tried to adjust her sitting position, but she had to bite on her lower lip to stop the cry that threatened to slip. She couldn't see a glint of lightness, and the silence in the room was oppressive and scary; it made her heart skip every here and there. The only sound that was heard was her deep breaths.Her mind raced with the thought of Axel. She had tried so hard to warn him not to get involved with her uncle or Darius, along with his father; they are two dangerous men that one shouldn't dream of mingling with. She hoped that he had realized that, but he was too bullheaded for a poor person.He never listened, always so confident in his abilities, never realizing the d
Axel walked through the front door of his apartment, exhausted from the long day it had been. The martial arts session had completely drained the daylights out of him. He needed to get some rest, and part of him hoped that Raya was asleep, as he didn't have the energy to entertain any of her dramas, at least not today again. He knows she has so many unanswered questions, but when it is the right time, he will let her in on it, but for now, no. As he walked further into the house, his exhaustion quickly turned to shock. The room was in disarray—furniture overturned, vases shattered, and papers scattered everywhere. "Raya!" Axel called out, panic creeping into his voice. "Raya, where are you?" He rushed through the living room, eyes scanning the area for any sign of his wife. But she was nowhere to be found. His heart dropped as he let out a frustrating hiss, yelling out her name. "Raya, answer me!" Axel yelled, his panic turning to fear. He dashed into the bedroom, but it wa
Axel walked through the front door of his apartment, exhausted from the long day it had been. The martial arts session had completely drained the daylights out of him. He needed to get some rest, and part of him hoped that Raya was asleep, as he didn't have the energy to entertain any of her dramas, at least not today again.He knows she has so many unanswered questions, but when it is the right time, he will let her in on it, but for now, no.As he walked further into the house, his exhaustion quickly turned to shock. The room was in disarray—furniture overturned, vases shattered, and papers scattered everywhere."Raya!" Axel called out, panic creeping into his voice. "Raya, where are you?"He rushed through the living room, eyes scanning the area for any sign of his wife. But she was nowhere to be found.His heart dropped as he let out a frustrating hiss, yelling out her name."Raya, answer me!" Axel yelled, his panic turning to fear.He dashed into the bedroom, but it was in the
Axel stood in his penthouse, his eyes fixed on Liam. It was the weekend, and it's part of today's schedule to have training.Liam gazed at Axel with a critical eye. "You're getting better, Axel. Your strength is intensifying, and your movements are more precise."Axel nodded, his face set in doing the best he could. "I practice all the time. Too bad I haven't used my skills on anybody, but it's becoming very tempting, and I worry that sooner or later I will lose my cool."Liam smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Axel. You have potential—great potential. Sooner or later, your powers will be revealed, and you'll move into the academy. Before then, I suggest you keep your anger contained and not harm any civilians."Axel's eyes widened, his heart racing with excitement. "The academy? You mean... the Phoenix Academy?"Liam nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Axel. You have the makings of a great warrior. But remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your gifts w
Axel trudged through the front door, exhausted from a long day of work. He expected to find Raya asleep, but instead, she sat in the parlor, her eyes blazing with anger."Where have you been?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing.Axel sighed, too stressed from dealing with Darius all day to engage in a fight. "I've been working, Raya. Where else would I be?"Raya's eyes narrowed. "Don't lie to me, Axel. I know you've been leaving early in the morning, before I wake up, and returning late at night, when I'm asleep. What are you doing?"Axel shrugged, trying to brush her off. "I'm just working, Raya. That's all." He responds, wanting the conversation to get over real quick.He didn't want to get involved in an argument, and he wouldn't tell her about working for Darius, but he knew he had to tell her about it, not just that it had to do with Darius.But Raya wasn't having it. She stood up, her eyes flashing with accusation. "You're cheating on me, aren't you? That's why you're neve
Axel's eyes narrowed as he waited in line at the cafe, his mind still reeling from the morning's events. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder, and his ex, Ashley, stood before him with a smug smile on her face."Well, well, well. Look what we have here. The poor, worthless Axel," she sneered, her voice dripping with venom.Axel ignored her, but Ashley wouldn't let up. "Hey, I'm talking to you. You're not too good to respond, are you?"Axel's eyes flashed with anger, but he remained silent."Oh, I see. You're still as mute as ever. No wonder you're stuck in a dead-end job, working for my sweetheart, Darius," Ashley taunted.Axel wanted so badly to ignore her, but no matter how much he wanted to resent her, she had been his first lover.He can still remember when he made things official with her and how she showed him what it meant to be loved.She made him believe in love; they had plans for each other, and he wanted to fight the world for them just so he could give them a decent li
Axel's eyes fluttered open, his gaze falling on Raya's peaceful face. She was lying on his chest, her body warm and soft against his. A chuckle slid out of his throat as he gazed at her, finding her adorable in her sleep.He gently placed a kiss on her forehead, not wanting to wake her. She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open, but then closing again, her body relaxing into his.Axel smiled a guilty one, knowing that he was responsible for her current situation.He felt a sense of pride wash over him. want to protect her if it's the last thing he's been doing.But as he gazed at her, his smile faded, replaced by a scowl. He remembered where he was going and who he was working for. Darius.His anger palpitated, and his heart raced with resentment. He didn't want to work for Darius; he didn't want to be at his mercy. But he had no choice.With a heavy sigh, Axel carefully removed himself from Raya's embrace, not wanting to wake her. He disappeared into the bathroom, his mind alrea
Axel trudged through the front door, his feet heavy with defeat. He felt like he was surrendering, like he was losing himself. The thought of working for Darius and being at his mercy made him feel cold and numb.He went straight to the bedroom, seeking to clear his mind. As he walked into the room, he came into view of her lying on the bed, her eyes closed and her face pale. Axel's heart ached with what he couldn't fathom. He wanted to talk to her, to tell her everything, but he couldn't find the words.He stood there, frozen, his eyes fixed on her face. He wanted to say something, anything, but his voice was trapped in his throat. He felt like he was drowning, like he was losing his grip on reality.He watched here's split open, knowing that she was never asleep but was only pretending, and he didn't make any attempt to wake her up or anything. Their eyes clocked as she sat properly, her eyes roaming around his face, which had bruises that had already begun to heal due to the ring