As she'd expected when she came to the end of her two-hour drive, the car park was already full of cars. She found a spot and climbed out, looking towards the gate. By the entrance, she recognized Bane. He spotted her too and waved. She waved back, and began walking towards him when her phone buzzed in her pocket.

"Hey, Jess, where are you? I just arrived."

"Uh, yeah, sorry, I meant to call earlier but... I'm not going to make it."

"Oh, shoot, what's wrong?"

 "Nothing, just my aunt coming to town and since we haven't seen her in a year, my parents want us all to be there..." Jessica said.

 "Oh. Well, then, have fun." Andie said.

 "Hm. I would much rather be over in Portland with you guys."

 "We'll bring you back a souvenir," Andie grinned.

 "Have fun, then. I have to go," Jessica said. "Bye!"

 "See you at school, Jess."

 She hung up and was just about to put it back in her pocket when it buzzed again. It was a text message, this time, from Isabelle.

 Hi, sorry this is so last minute, but my sister is sicker than sick and I have to stay to take care of her... sorry! Hope you have fun! XO.

 Andie paused, frowning slightly. First Jessica now Isabelle? She sighed.

 Bad luck, she told herself.

 She pocketed her phone and walked on towards Bane. But something made her frown as she came closer. He was talking to someone on his phone.

 "Okay. Well, good luck. Yeah. I'll tell her. Bye."

 "Hey, Bane," she said as she reached him.

 "Hi," he said as he put his phone away.

 "Please tell me that was not Emily," she said, glancing at his pocket.

 He blinked.

 "Actually, it was," he said. "How do you know?"

 "Because I got a call from Jessica and a text from Isabelle. They both bailed."

 "So did Emily. Weird." Bane said.

 Andie was going to agree when it hit her.

 "Oh..."

 She yanked her phone out and dialed a number. As she'd expected, it went straight to voice mail.

 "Jessica Annabelle Leighton, you are in trouble."

 She hung up.

 "Excuse me?" Bane asked, confused.

 "I think this is a set up."

 "Set up?" Bane asked, instantly alert.

 "No, no, not that kind." she corrected hastily. "I mean she pretended this to be a group thing but then made it just the two of us."

 Bane's mouth opened then closed as it dawned on him.

 "Oh..."

"I'm sorry... I can't believe she did this... Ugh, I should have seen it coming when she insisted we come in separate cars!"

She heaved a sigh of annoyance.

"Why don't we just call it a day?" She asked Bane.

"Well, it seems a shame to do that," Bane said, "Now that we've come all the way over here..."

"... Well..."

"Come on, it'll be fun," Bane smiled.

Andie hesitated. It did seem silly to just drive back to Olympia...

"Okay, then." she said.

He grinned, then took her hand and led her towards the entrance.

After the first few moments of skepticism, Andie soon found herself relaxing and enjoying the cheerful atmosphere of the park. Children laughing, parents watching them fondly, couples walking along hand in hand with smiles on their faces... It was hard to stay unhappy long here. Bane and Andie barely realized their hands were almost always holding each other's, though whether this was because they wanted to or to avoid losing each other, neither were sure. The park was huge, and there were many rides to chose from. They laughed at the screams of the people on the roller coaster and other rides of the same kind.

"You know, Bane, I never understood why people went on that sort of ride if it makes them scream blue murder," Andie commented with a grin as they watched the roller coaster hurtle past them.

"People like to scare themselves to feel alive, I guess," Bane shrugged with a smile. "You want to give it a try?" he asked her.

"Oh, no, thanks. I don't like those rides." Andie giggled.

"No, me neither. Come on, there are bumper cars over there!"

And so, they had fun chasing each other in the bumper cars. When they'd done that, Bane grinned at Andie.

"This way!"

"Where are we going?" Andie asked with a laugh.

He stopped in front of a large carousel. Andie blinked and stared at him.

"That's for children," she said, but she was amused.

"So? I've never heard of a rule saying we're not allowed on it too, have you?"

"No, but..."

"Come on, then!"

Andie felt slightly foolish on the plastic horse, but laughed anyway. It was silly, but in a funny way. They climbed off laughing. Then, Bane saw the ferris wheel.

"How do you feel about heights?"

"I'm not crazy about them, but I don't mind as long as I don't look down. Why?"

He pointed to the ferris wheel.

"Whoa... That's a really big ferris wheel," she pointed out.

"The view must be amazing, though. You in?"

Andie took in the huge metallic edifice. It was definitely tall. But Bane was right, the view had to be incredible.

"Why not. If I can fight demons, I can face a ferris wheel, right?" she smiled.

"That's the spirit," Bane grinned, taking her hand again and leading her forward.

They waited in line for a while, because other people wanted to get onto the wheel. But eventually, they got through and slid into the cab waiting for them. Andie felt a little more comfortable knowing they didn't run the risk of falling out. With a jolt, they moved forwards. Glancing at her watch, she saw it was already almost five. Had time flown by so fast?

"Something wrong?" Bane asked.

"No, nothing. I was just thinking how fast this day had gone by..."

"I know..." he smiled as he sat down. "But I'm glad we did this."

"Me too," Andie smiled back earnestly. "It was a great day."

"I know what could make it greater." Bane said.

"What's that?" Andie asked.

"Look," Bane said, turning to look out the window.

Andie leaned forwards and peered out too.

"Wow..." she gasped, her eyes widening. "It's amazing...!"

The sky was a beautiful golden orange color. The sun was setting to the west. Andie wondered if the ferris wheel hadn't been placed there for this reason. So could admire sunsets just like this one.

"Yeah... it's funny how something so simple can never get boring to watch, don't you think?"

"Not really," Andie said. "Each sunset is a little different. And you can't get bored of something that's never the same twice, can you?"

"No, I suppose not," Bane agreed.

Looking up at him, Andie realized their faces were just a few inches from each other. She could see the tiny scar on his eyebrow, his bright blue eyes...

"Alright, kids, everybody out."

Andie cleared her throat nervously and looked away.

"Come on, let's go..." She said.

They walked away from the ferris wheel and took each other's hand to not get separated. Bane then saw a row of claw machines. Leading Andie towards them, he pulled out some change.

"What are you doing?" Andie asked.

"I'm sure Jessica wants a souvenir."

"Oh, that's a great idea! I'll get one for Emily and Isabelle."

So, they worked side by side to conquer the machines in front of them. It took a few tries, but they got there. Bane got a stuffed brown bear with a purple ribbon for Jessica and a panda. Andie got a dolphin and an eagle for Isabelle and Emily. She also saw a dog that reminded her of Bane with its big blue glass eyes.

"Here," Bane said. "This one is for you."

He held out the panda.

"Oh, it's so cute, thank you!" she smiled, surprised but pleased.

"Hold on, I saw one for you, too."

With some effort, she got the dog.

"There, this one is for you."

"Thanks," he grinned.

Andie tightened her jacket.

"Brr, it's getting colder. And we've got a two hour drive ahead of us. How about we start heading home?"

"I was just thinking the same," Bane admitted.

 They heaved a quiet sigh. It truly had been a wonderful afternoon, it seemed a pity for it to end. But neither of them were comfortable driving in the dark, so it was the wisest solution.

Andie was glad that they had separate cars when she left the park. She would be able to think. She was still a little annoyed at Jessica for doing it like that, but it had been fun, she couldn't deny that... And there had an undeniable connection between them in the cab. Although that could have been because they had been so close together. She flicked on the radio to help her relax. Celine Dion's "Let your heart decide" was playing. At first she was just enjoying the song, but soon, she found herself thinking of Bane and everything they had been through together. The way he'd helped her escape the demon by the library, when she'd touched his forehead to look at his wound... the beautiful drawing he'd given her for her birthday, when he'd saved her from Zorak... She found herself back in the cab, and wondered what would have happened if they'd had just a few moments more...

Oh, well, now we'll never know... she told herself.

Eventually, she reached Olympia and her home, the song still echoing in her head as well as all the memories it had brought up. She eventually reached home. She was just walking up to the front door when her phone chimed. It was a text from Bane.

Before you freak out, I got home safe and sound. Any problems your end?

Andie chuckled and typed her answer.

None at all. Home safe too. And for the record, I was not freaking out.

His reply came quickly.

That's good. I'll see you Monday.

Yes. And thanks for today. It was great.

His answer surprised her and didn't at the same time.

It was definitely worth it, because I got to see you smile and laugh more than I had in a while.

Andie surprised herself by noticing it didn't make her feel uneasy that he would say that. She wondered why as she opened the door.

I could say the same about you.

"Andie? Is that you?" Lauren's voice called.

"Yes, I'm home, Mom."

"How was your day?"

"It was great." she smiled.

"Are you quite sure this is the best way, father? It will render you weak..."

Zarias stood once again before his father, though in his chambers rather than the throne room. The decor was almost identical, of course. Thick dark red curtains, black walls, sleek, shiny marble columns and tiles, a ceiling higher than any human castle, and errie paintings along the walls of battles and bloodshed.

"Only for a time, my son," Zorak said. "And yes, I am sure."

Zarias didn't like the idea much, but he had to admit he had no better idea.

"Very well then. I am ready."

Zorak raised his hands and pointed them towards his son. A black energy slowly flowed towards Zarias who fought hard not to wince as the energy penetrated his body, burning him and filling him with strength at the same time. Eventually, the pain subsided to leave only the strength and power.

"Yes..." Zorak said appreciatively. "You will be the perfect vessel for my power until I get what I want."

"I'm honored, father", Zarias said, panting slightly.

His father caught hold of the foot of the bed to steady himself. Forgetting his own discomfort, Zarias rushed to his aid.

"Father, let me help you..."

He sat him on the end of the bed. Zorak was clearly waned by giving some of his power to his son.

"Are you feeling well?" Zarias asked.

"I am fine. I will be even better when I have what I want."

Zarias wasn't surprised. His father was nothing if not driven.

"I will not disappoint you, father. I swear."

And as he said those words, he swore to himself that he would not fail.

The following Monday morning, Andie walked towards the school entrance where Isabelle, Emily and Jessica were standing, talking about their weekend.

"Hey, Andie!" Emily said.

"Hey, Em. Hey, Isabelle."

Jessica, to her defense, looked uneasy.

 "Hey, Andie..."

 Andie looked at her coolly.

 "Hi, Jessica."

 "I know it was sneaky and I shouldn't have done it... but... I-"

 Andie laughed.

 "It's okay!" she smiled. "I'm not mad. I was a little at first, I'll admit. But I mean, honestly, Jess, a set-up date?"

 "I told you it was a bad idea..." Emily pointed out.

 "Was it really so bad?" Isabelle asked.

 "No, it was fun. But I can't believe you two were in on it and didn't tell me."

 "She forbade us to... and... well... we kind of agreed that it might help you... sort things out between you two."

 She eyed them one by one.

 "Okay. Now, your methods were objectionable. But, your intentions were good. So I forgive you."

 They relaxed.

 "And in fact, I think I should probably thank you guys."

 They exchanged quizzical looks.

 "What?" Emily asked, confused.

 Isabelle's eyes suddenly widened.

 "Are you saying what I think you're saying?"

 "I think so," Andie smiled.

 "What?" Jessica asked, looking from one to the other.

 Andie, who had spotted Bane who was heading to gym class, waved at him. Was her heart beating faster? Jessica looked in the same direction and said:

 "Oh... does it mean..."

 "Yes... I think I've figured out my feelings for Bane."

 "How?" Isabelle asked, amazed.

 "I'm not sure... but we were in the ferris wheel, at Oaks the other day... we were looking at this fabulous sunset in the distance... and we looked at each other and I realized I wouldn't have wanted to be there with anyone else."

 Andie didn't see Bane that morning as they didn't have any classes together or near each other. And at lunchtime, Jessica, Isabelle and Emily wanted to know about their afternoon at Oaks. They were thrilled with their stuffed toys, which quickly became the focus of their attention. Andie and Bane exchanged knowing looks, and both seemed to decide not to speak until they were alone.

 "I'm glad they liked their gifts," Bane smiled as they walked to Spanish.

 "Yeah, they loved them. Thanks again, for that, by the way."

 "No problem." he grinned.

 Andie bit her lip, suddenly nervous.

"Uh... Bane, I wanted to ask you something."

"Fire away," he replied, curiosity in his voice.

"Uh... Jess and Em have a big test to study for and Isabelle's helping them... so it'll just be you and me at the park, this afternoon."

"Oh, yes, they did say that, didn't they?" Bane remembered. "Well, we can always take the afternoon off..."

"No, no... I don't mind." she said.

He seemed a little surprised, but said:

"Okay, then."

Andie smiled. The bell rang again, meaning they would be late if they didn't hurry.

"Come on!" Andie grinned.

Catching his hand, she pulled him forwards along the corridor.

The afternoon went on slowly. Andie was eager to get to the park. She had done more than enough damage and was eager to try and fix it now that she thought she could.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Bane asked. "We could do something else."

"No, really, I don't mind. I get a chance to kick your butt," she grinned, dropping her bag by her feet.

"Oh, really?" Bane asked, grinning back with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

And they went about trying to knock each other to the floor for a while, laughing when one beat the other. It was cold, but they didn't even notice as they chased each other or tried to outsmart one another. Eventually, Bane managed to make her fall to the ground and they crashed onto each other, laughing heartily. Bane, who was on top of her, looked down at her with his wide blue eyes. Their laughing subsided into panting, and Bane eventually pushed himself off the ground.

"Here, let me help you up," he smiled.

She giggled and took his outstretched hands.

"Thanks," she said.

They looked at each other, still muffling chuckles.

"Uh... Bane?"

"Yes?" he asked.

Andie took a deep breath.

"You remember the time when Zorak came to my house?" she asked Bane. "And you came and saved me?"

"How could I forget?" Bane inquired, shuddering slightly.

Andie didn't blame him. The memory still gave her goosebumps too.

"Right... anyway. You remember that after, you said you'd saved me because you couldn't have done anything else? And I didn't really know how to respond?"

A hint of confusion slid Into Bane's blue eyes.

"Yes..." he agreed slowly. "What about it?"

"I think I know what to say know."

He waited, still not sure he understood where she was going with this conversation.

"It hit me in the ferris wheel the other day..." she explained. "I know what I want."

He waited, understanding mixed with hesitation on his face.

"I want you," she clarified.

Shock washed over Bane. He stared at her, stunned for a few seconds, and for one terrible moment, she thought it was too late, that he'd gotten over his feelings for her. But he lifted his hand to her face and leaned towards her. Andie reached upwards... she was so close she could smell his breath... Just then, a noise made them jerk apart, alert.

"What the..."

Looking to their right, they saw a sort of sphere of energy in mid air, black with what appeared to be purple lightening.

"What's that...?" Andie asked.

"... It can't be...!"

"What?"

"It's a portal from the Demon Realm."

Andie's eyes widened.

"What?! But... why here?"

"... Of course!" Bane groaned. "Zorak tried getting us all at once and realized it wasn't working... so he's trying to do it while we're separated!"

He caught Andie's arm and pulled her backwards. The sphere grew larger, and eventually, a person appeared in front of it. He was tall with long dark hair, dressed in black, his cold gray eyes fixed on Andie and Bane, who was holding out his arm in front of her.

"... That's not Zorak..." Andie whispered.

"Not unless he changed his appearance or grew strong enough to cross over into our world..."

"Who is it, then...?"

"I don't know... but he's not looking too friendly..."

"I am Zarias. Son of the mighty Zorak."

"His son...?!" Andie repeated incredulously.

"What do you want?" Bane asked.

"My father's will is to obtain your power. I am here to help him do it."

Bane shifted to further shield Andie with his body.

"You'll have to kill me to get to her."

Andie wasn't about to stand back and let Bane get hurt, so she stepped around him and said:

"And if you think I'm going to let you hurt our friends, you have another thing coming."

"Noble words," Zarias admitted. "However, the power I possess is stronger than your own."

And without warning, he raised his fist and fired flames a mixture of black and purple towards them. Andie's weeks of training kicked in and she leaped aside, firing a flame of her own at Zarias while Bane fired a ray of light. But with a flick of his wrist, Zarias deflected both attacks.

"Oh, great..." Bane groaned.

 "What do we do?"

"Surrender and it will be painless." Zarias said.

"Not on my watch." Bane retorted, his eyes on Zarias. "Light of the Guardian!"

 Andie immediately got the hint and closed her eyes. A snarl of pain told her Zarias had been blinded.

 "Run!" Bane said, catching her hand.

 They hurried away from Zarias and into the cover of the trees.

 "It won't hold him off long," Bane whispered.

 "What do we do?"

 "Call the others."

 "No! Are you crazy? We're already in danger, we can't pull them into it!"

 "We can't beat him alone!" Bane argued.

 "We'll have to try."

She ran out of the trees.

"Zarias!"

 He had been looking the other way.

 "Blaze of Fire!"

 A spur of flames shot towards him. But as he had the first time, he easily dodged it.

 "You have courage, I'll give you that."

 "Yeah? Well, let me give you this!"

 Andie whipped round as Bane charged forwards. Zarias didn't have time to avoid him as he crashed into him, knocking him to the ground.

 "Bane, no!"Andie shouted.

 But it was too late. Bane held him down a few moments, but Zarias soon shoved him away. He flew aside and landed by Andie as she ran towards him.

 "Bane, are you okay?" she asked, helping him up.

 "Yeah..." he answered.

 They turned to Zarias who was glaring coldly at them both.

 "This has gone on long enough." he said loudly. "Surrender now, or I shall have to destroy you."

 "Do that and our power will die with us," Andie retorted, her arm around Bane's.

 "Oh? Well, why don't we test that theory?"

 He raised his hand and new dark flames shot through the air.

 "Andie!" Bane shouted, shoving her aside.

 Andie fell to the floor as the flames flew above her.

 There was a thud as something hit the floor and Andie sat up. And felt her heart stop.

"BANE!"

He was lying on the ground. Andie hauled herself to her feet and darted to his side.

"Bane! Bane, talk to me, are you okay? Bane!"

He didn't budge.

"Bane!"

"I would have been happy to do this the easy way, but you forced me into this," Zarias said.

Fury burned like lava inside Andie, who felt heat roll off her every fiber, her hair bristling. Suddenly concerned, Zarias fired another flame at her but a shield instantly blocked it. She was radiating fire.

 "Go back where you came from and tell Zorak he will never get the powers of the elements so long as there's a breath in my body!"

 She raised her hands.

 "Blaze... of... Fire!" she shouted.

 Huge flames flowed from her body and struck Zarias who only just had time to shield himself. But Andie was so beside herself with pain and anger that the flames pushed on. Zarias eventually vanished, preferring to flee.

 The flames disappeared and Andie stood panting a few seconds before dropping to her knees. Bane was still unconscious.

 "Bane...!" she called, her voice cracking. "Come on, Bane, wake up!"

 But he didn't move. With trembling fingers, she checked for a pulse. With indescribable relief, she found one. Tears sliding down her cheeks, she pressed her lips to his forehead.

 "Don't you die," she muttered against his skin. "Don't you dare die."

****************************

Oh, man... what now?! I hope Bane makes it, don't you?

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