Chapter eight

Assassination attempt at ten

It was no big secret about Shadows special unique gift of darkness and again no one really knew what it involved or how dark it could get. The only information the whole of the Underworld had was from Joeys visions from what he had seen of it, even Joey chose to hold some information back from the public and only told Shadows parents everything he knew which by the way wasn't much. There was no need to get anyone railed up in fear of how near impossible it is to gain control over it and how easy it is to be lost in darkness forever. No he didn't need to tell everyone but Shadows parents of that. What the Royals didn't anticipate on was people had over-exaggerated imaginations and soon formed rumours and the fear spread regardless…

It was a bit of a windy day in the Underworld, well 'a bit' was an under exaggeration it more like forty miles an hour gusts that were getting stronger and faster as the hours progressed. There was even warnings of a possible tornado to hit near the palace then it travelling towards the city. Of course all at the palace were told to stay indoors and away from the open areas, having the guards at the gates on red alert and told to inform all if the weather outside gets worse. The safest place in the palace if there ever was a tornado was, yes you guessed it, the underground passageways. The entrance all were told to use was the one with the wall that opened in the empty room since the room was big, empty of clutter and the hidden door big enough to fit a few people in at one time.

"Shadow just take deep calm breaths ok." Collin instructed to his son as they were in the library by the computers.

"My whole damn work is gone and you want me to be calm about it?" Shadow growled with narrowed glowing red eyes up at his father, clearly very angry on what happened to his two hours long work he got done.

Shadow was at the computer doing his school work his tutor set him to do when the computer suddenly crashed then switched off before he had a change to save his progress. He had to do an in-depth report on his chosen topic, which also had to include pictures that needed explaining what they were and where they were from and a one-thousand plus word essay on why he chose that particular subject. Shadow of course became panicked at first then frustrated that the computer was dead and wont turn back on then outraged. Collin had arrived just in time to see Shadow in a fit of anger, only coming into the library to check on Shadows progress, and stopped Shadow from smashing up the computer.

"I do understand how frustrating it is to have something like this happen to an important piece of work. It has happened to me a few times but you really need to calm down before you get too angered. Why don't you go and have a little walk then we will both see if we can find a way to get your work back." Collin suggested with a soft tone as he kept eye contact with Shadow.

"Fine…" Shadow said through gritted teeth then stormed out of the library, unmeaning for his anger to be directed at his father but he was unable to stop it.

"Well at least his gift never showed this time." Collin sighed in relief of that not happening, now alone in the library.

Shadow was muttering unhappily under his breath as he walked down the corridor. He went out into the garden, regardless of the weather warnings and his fathers orders to stay inside, then walked further out and towards the far side. The palace was now nothing but a distant building but could still be seen from this far out, only it was hard for anyone near the palace to see those at this distance. Shadow turned when he reached the high stone wall and began to walk beside it slowly.

"Wow it really is windy out here." Shadow whispered to himself as his quills were roughly blown about from a strong gust coming from behind him.

Unknown to Shadow but someone was lurking near him and watching his every movement. He was posed as a guard and undercover while watching from the large bushes. The guard he swiped the uniform from was laying unconscious by his feet and wasn't going to wake up any time soon. The impostor walked out of his viewing place and began to approach Shadow. He stayed far back and was now waiting for the perfect opportunity to grab Shadow. Shadow was now quite far from anyone and that included that bush the unconscious guard was laying in.

"It's weird how the computer just suddenly crashed on me and all the others are still on and working." Shadow thought as he kicked a small stone far in front of him then watched it land and roll in the very short grass to a stop.

"Master Shadow, what are you doing out here all by yourself?" The impostor asked as he kept in character of the identity he just not long ago stole.

Shadow stopped walking and turned to face the one who spoke to him. Shadow raised a brow up at the adult as he didn't recognise who he was. Shadow knew every palace employed inside out, tones of voices and what they looked like as well as their role here.

"Must be new but I don't recall mum and dad interviewing for new guards." Shadow thought as he watched the so called guard walk closer to him.

"Well you are aware there is a possible tornado coming here right?" The impostor grinned down at Shadow as he spoke in a trusting tone of voice.

"So the weather man says, I haven't seen you before are you new?" Shadow faintly smiles as he replies to the 'guard', finding himself calming down from his outburst a little.

"Oh yes I'm new, my first day here actually. Come let me take you back inside where you wont be blown away from the wind." The 'guard' seriously said then grabbed Shadows arm tightly.

"Hay why are you grabbing my arm for? You do not need to do that!" Shadow complained as he felt the guard was holding him way too tightly and for no reasons at all.

The impostor formed a fist in his free hand and threw it into Shadows stomach, making Shadow gasp out and bend forward from the impact. Tears of pain and fear filled Shadows eyes as he had never been hit before then the fear rose when he felt something sharp on his throat. Shadow looked up with wide eyes at the so called guard and what Shadow saw sent shots of terror down his spine. The shortish human was smirking sinisterly down at Shadow as he held Shadows arm still and the dagger to Shadows throat, putting a little more pressure onto it.

Meanwhile Collin had left the library after his son never returned. Shadow left over half an hour ago and now Collin was looking for him. Soon he reached the garden entrance and looked out, suddenly having a feeling of dread hit him.

"It has picket up a lot since earlier, I do hope Shadow isn't out there but knowing him he is." Collin whispered to himself then gasped as his eyes caught sight of one of his guards wondering back and rubbing his head. Collin rushed over to him and began to help guide him inside.

"What happened and where is your uniform?" Collin asked with high concern as they headed back inside.

"Someone came up to me and knocked me out while I was patrolling the area…I woke up like this and with one big headache." The guard said as he just about managed to walk up the steps with Collin's assistance.

Then there was a loud roaring noise coming from the far side of the garden making both Collin and the guard turn and look out. There in the distance, not too far away from where the guard once was in those bushes, was the starts of a tornado. Sure it was small and not life threatening but that was just the start, they do grow as the minutes go by. Collin frowned deeply as he still needed to check outside for his son then something else caught his eyes. Turning his head to see what that dark shape was he soon recognised what it was.

"Shadow!" Collin whispered as he saw more of those smoke like shadow creatures fly about in the distance and growing in number.

Collin was at a loss of what he should do, he knew Shadow was going to be too far gone to calm down and with that tornado getting bigger and stronger with every passing minute there was only one thing to do.

"Ok we need to move fast to the medic bay." Collin seriously said as he glanced at the guard he was assisting then both got moving inside.

Going back to when Shadow was staring up at his attacker and the dagger pressed to his throat, his arm being gripped tightly so to ensure of no escape. The impostor chuckled darkly as he was just about to do what he came here to do, take Shadows life away. Shadow swallowed hard then gained a little confidence, not much but enough to act back. He moved his leg back then propelled it forward with a strong force, hitting right between the guys legs. The guy let Shadows arm go and dropped the dagger as tears of pain filled his eyes. He fell to his knees as he grabbed his most sensitive part that got a hard kick to it.

"You fucking little bitch…I swear you are so dead you little bastard!" The impostor grunted out through clenched teeth as his face was scrunched in agony.

Shadow smirked a little then turned around to run the hell away to safety only his leg was grabbed and he fell face first to the ground. Shadow lifted his head up and looked behind him then widened his eyes as the guy grabbed the dagger and was moving it towards him again. Fearing for his life and having no way in thinking of escaping Shadows gift began to surface, in a very aggressive way. His eyes turned black as his creatures began to appear above him. Shadow was so lost within his gift that he didn't even notice the tornado forming and making its way over to them both.

With Collin…

Collin had made it to the medical room and ran over to the high up cabinets. He grabbed both handles and pulled them open quickly then began to search for something. The guard was on the medical bed and was being seen to by Rachael, the big bump on the head that was still lightly bleeding needed to be cleaned before an infection took a hold.

"Rachael where do you keep the sedation?" Collin said in a panicked tone of voice as he could not find them.

"I keep them locked up in that cupboard, why do you want one?" Rachael replied as she walked over to the cupboard and got a key out of her pocket to open it up for Collin.

"Shadow has lost control outside and there is an approaching tornado heading in his direction. Now hurry up and get it ready." Collin quickly said then waited impatiently for Rachael.

"My Lord you might need assistance, I suggest taking someone with you. Who ever knocked me out might be out there still." The guard on the bed said as he held a cool flannel to his bump.

"Understood." Collin nodded as he grabbed the sedation, that was already in a needle ready to be used, then rushed out of the medic room.

Back with Shadow and the impostor, Shadow was way beyond pissed now and was ordering his darkness to attack his attacker. He was now standing and waving a hand out as he unconsciously controlled his shadow creatures to swoop down at the man on the ground and slice deep cuts into him. Shadow was smirking very darkly with his eyes glowing a slightly more brighter black. The approaching tornado had grown in size and was spinning with more speeds, causing destruction to the ground and its surroundings.

"Ahha, s-stop!" The man cried out as he was slashed across the cheek, blood pouring out straight away.

"No." Shadow insanely chuckled as he flicked his hand and a shadow swooped down and cut the man three time on the arm, faster than the speed of light.

By now Collin and three guards were fast approaching, all aware of the growing tornado and all being able to see more clearly what was going on where Shadow was. Collin narrowed his eyes at who was with Shadow and what his son was doing to him. He knew this guy was no palace guard for he, like Shadow, knew all himself and his wife employed.

"SHADOW!" Collin shouted out as he was getting closer to his son and the imposing guard on the floor.

"My Lord we need to act quickly." One guard said as he pointed to the tornado getting dangerously close, having the winds pick up at very dangerous speeds around them.

Collin finally reached his son and grabbed Shadows arms to get him to stop his attack. Shadow growled aggressively as he glared up at his father with rage and insanity swimming in his black orbs of darkness. Shadow flicked his hand and began to attack his father as well, unable to stop or tell the difference right now. Collin began to hiss in pain as he was repeatedly being cut but not as bad as the impostor was, it seemed more like a warning than anything.

"Shadow please stop this now." Collin said through the pain then unintentionally let go of Shadow.

"Leave me alone, he attacked me first and wants to kill me." Shadow seriously said as he raised his voice a little, pointing to the man he was still getting his creatures to slice and cause pain to.

Collin frowned as he looked over at the guy Shadow had pointed to then took in a deep breath as they just didn't have to time for this. Shadow flicked his hand and made his father to fly backwards. Collin gasped in surprised but remained on his feet. He had no idea Shadow could be this strong at only ten but then again Shadow had a very dark gift to learn to control. Collin took in a deep breath then charged at his son as he caught a glimpse of that tornado even more closer and even more larger. He tackled Shadow to the ground then pinned him there. Using only one hand and his mouth, he uncapped the needle and got it ready to inject his son with the contents. Collin swallowed a lump in his throat as he really did not want to do any of this to Shadow but knew he didn't have the choice.

"I'm so sorry for this." Collin whispered then jabbed the needle into Shadows arm, pushing the sedation inside of his struggling-to-break-free son.

Shadow glared up at his father with rage filled growls but he was slowly losing focus of what was going on around him. The creatures of darkness slowly fizzed away as the focus to command them and call upon them was lost. Shadow stopped in all struggling and became still as he was very slowly calming down and looking very tired. Collin got off his son and picked him up into his arms, he motioned for the guards to grab the impostor and for all to get back inside as fast as they could. Shadow moaned softly as his eye lids dropped half way closed while slowly fading back to their normal red colour. Collin glanced down at Shadow with guilty eyes and faintly smiled at him as he watched Shadow slowly close his eyes to sleep.

"Right everyone to the underground passageway, now!" Collin ordered as he and the guards, with the half alive impostor, made their way to the room.

By now everyone was calmly in the room and waiting to get to safety so you could just imagine how many there was. You have the dozen kitchen staff, all thirty maids, all fifteen guards plus the impostor still being restrained, all six councillors, Rachael and the royals themselves. Collin made sure his family were safely inside first, with Emily holding their son close in her arms, then began to usher everyone else inside and gave instructions for them all to keep going straight ahead until the first set of optional tunnels. Collin gave a serious frown as he looked around the now empty room, waiting for a minute longer just in case there was a straggler running to get here. Since there wasn't he took a step back as he reached out to close the door shut. With the door securely closed Collin made his way to the front where his wife and children were.

"How long do we have to be in here for Collin?" Emily asked as she passed Shadow back over for Collin to hold.

"The tornado will pass soon my dear then we can make our way out again." Collin softly replied as he took his son into his arms and close to his being.

"And when we are out of here I insist you let me clean your wounds my Lord." Rachael slightly firmly said as she looked at the now dried blood on Collins fur and clothing.

"Not my top priority Rachael, I need to question that man who knocked one of my guards out and posed as him to attack Shadow. I need to know why." Collin seriously said as he felt anger rise up and it coming out in his tone.

"Of course my Lord just don't come complaining to me if you get an infection." Rachael slightly teased with a playful smirk.

"You have my word I will not complain…much." Collin chuckles as he spoke back just as playfully, silently thanking her for a distraction.

Outside the palace the tornado was slowly leaving the garden area and making its way towards the city, splitting into two along the way. Luckily the city was deserted and all were in doors and safely in their underground bunkers of their homes. Businesses closed up shop about an hour ago as they didn't want to risk anyone's lives which resulted in no shoppers. Parents kept their kids inside in fear of the tornado happening and they were right to be for now there was not just two hitting the city but they both divided making four. When a tornado hits the Underworld it really hits.

Back at the palace everyone was waiting anxiously to have the all clear. A guard was sent out to have a look and that was about ten minutes ago now. The royals were now at the front of everyone near the way back to the room and all a little concerned for the guard that has yet to return.

"Dad how long is it going to be?" Tanya asked with slightly scared eyes.

"I wouldn't imagine much…" Collin began to softly reply then stopped as his ears picked up a knocking sound coming from the wall.

Collin grinned as he looked at his daughter then went over to the wall and pushed it open with the side of his body as he was still holding onto Shadow securely. The wall slowly opened and the guard started to help his ruler in opening it all the way.

"Sorry it took so long my Lord, I forgot where the hidden passage way was. I've been knocking on walls all around in this room in hopes to find it." The guard sheepishly said as he ran a hand through his short hair and across his neck then dropped his hand to his side.

"The tornado has moved on and no longer near here. The winds have dropped and is looking much better outside. The palace was not damaged at all but there is a fare bit of leaves, mud and other things blown into the corridors." The guard seriously added as he looked at Collin in the eyes.

"It is understandable, they are very well hidden. Thank you for volunteering to go out and see if it was safe." Collin smiled at the guard then turned to all those still in the tunnel.

"Alright everyone, it is all clear and safe to come out. Please walk out in a calm fashion." Collin said down the tunnel then moved out of the way for all to come out.

When everyone was out and the hidden entrance door/wall was once again closed, Collin made his way to the medic bay to lay Shadow on the bed and for Rachael to keep a close eye on him. He then made his way to have words with that impostor who was being kept in a room with four guards.

It was two hours later that Shadow was finally coming round from the sedation forced into his system. He moaned out softly and opened his eyes slowly as he was still feeling a little groggy and somewhat numb. He blinked a few slow blinks and remained laying on the bed. Collin was sitting beside him reading a book and had head his son moan. He closed the book after marking his page then smiled at Shadow.

"How are you feeling my son?" Collin asked with guilt in his tone at what he had to do.

Sure he didn't have a choice but it didn't feel right having to sedate his son, regardless of the dangers that were around them at the time. Shadow faintly gave a smile back and weakly sat up with shaky movements.

"Why am I in the medic bay and laying on the bed? No wait I'm not due for a shot am I?" Shadow asked with a some confusion and more hope towards the end of his sentence.

"You don't remember what happened?" Collin confusingly asked with a tilt of his head.

"I remember being punched in the stomach and having a dagger against my throat. I also remember kicking the guy in between his legs then hearing some very colourful words. After that not much else apart from being pinned to the ground and a sharp prick…so I'm going to assume the worst happened and you were forced to sedate me." Shadow explained all he recalled then drooped his ears in sadness when he said that last part.

"Yes I'm afraid so Shadow. I am very sorry it had to come to that, I just really hope it wont ever again." Collin sadly said as he mimicked his sons look, having a feeling this was the first in many times that sedation is going to see the light of day/night.

"Well I get why it had to be done, I'm just glad I don't remember much of what I did." Shadow replied with a bit of a more cheerful tone, forcing a smile on his muzzle.

"There is something else you missed that I believe you will not be all that happy about missing." Collin said as he decided the subject needed changing.

"Yeah what might that be?" Shadow asked with a curious tone.

"A tornado appeared in the garden and you missed the show." Collin grinned as Shadow opened his mouth in a what-your-kidding kind of expression.

"So not fair, I've always wanted to see one up close." Shadow pouted a little with crossed arms.

"Yes I know but I'm sure there will be other times." Collin chuckled at his sons look and ruffled the top of his head fur before standing from his chair.

"Dad, you also know I do not like having my fur messed up." Shadow complained with a grin on his muzzle as he flattened his fur down.

Collin rolled his eyes then assisted his son out of the bed.

"So do we have time to try and get my work back or should we do that tomorrow after breakfast?" Shadow cheerfully said as they both left the medic room and made their way to the dining hall.

"We could do it after dinner if you feel up to it but lets try and remain calm if we discover your work is indeed lost." Collin replied with a smile down at his son.

"Yeah ok I will." Shadow rolled his eyes but held his smile in place.

(Wow what a chapter...thanks for reading and hope you enjoyed te read. Next one will be up soon, just need to get thinking and typing. Please tell me your thoughs are by reviewing.)