Knowing she wasn't struggling against him personally, Bane hoisted Andie into his arms and hurried to the door. He soon realized he couldn't move faster with his in his arms, so he stopped, crouched down, and with some difficulty managed to get her onto his back, and headed on forwards.

Guys? How are you doing? He called.

Jess and I are fine, Emily said. Isabelle?

I just got away from a few demons, but I'm all right. Isabelle said. Has anyone found Andie, yet? We have to hurry and get her out of here.

I have, Bane answered, keeping the concern on his face out of his voice.

What? Oh, God is she okay? Jessica squeaked.

Bane could barely answer that question himself. He decided it would wait. The girls needed to focus on keeping themselves safe.

Let's meet up where we came in and get the heck out of here.

He tightened his grip on Andie and hurried on. After a few moments, he came face to face with Isabelle, who shot forwards, her eyes wide with shock.

"Oh, my God..." she gasped in horror. "Wha..."

"We'll worry about her condition later," Bane interrupted before she could say any more. "First we have to get out of here. Come on, we have to find Jess and Emily."

Jessica? Emily, where are you? Isabelle asked mentally.

Heading for the Great Hall, where are you? Was Emily's answer.

On our way. Meet you there, Bane said.

He nodded to Isabelle and they ran off. It was easier than they'd thought to get back to the hall they'd entered in. Bane recognized several markings on the walls, which he followed until he reached the entrance hall. Emily and Jessica were hiding in a corner and quietly came out. Jessica and Emily noticed Andie's state too, but before anyone could make any comments, a voice made them spin around.

"Well, well... you're more resourceful than you look."

Bane stared coldly at Zarias. Both were thinking of their last encounter. Isabelle had stiffened, but was the only girl to have not taken a step back. There was a tense silence, each watching the other.

"You have but two options." Zarias said. "Surrender, and you will not be harmed. Resist... and you will be destroyed."

"You can't destroy us." Isabelle retorted. "Your father wants us alive. He can't take our powers from our corpses."

"He only wants you alive because that makes it easier," Zarias countered icily. "If you do resist, I will not hesitate. All it will do is mean the elements will chose new hosts."

"And that would mean another setback," Bane interjected. "Zorak's bound to be growing impatient."

Then, to his friends, he spoke mentally:

One my signal, take Andie and run. There must be some sort of portal somewhere that Zorak used to cross the barrier.

What?! Emily exclaimed.

But Bane... Isabelle began.

Don't argue! If we don't do something, we'll all be caught! Bane replied. And whatever they did to Andie, she won't survive it again!

"He is," Zarias agreed, interrupting their mental argument. "But he has been patient for this long. He would do so as long as it takes."

"Yes, but impatience can only be tamed for so long..." Bane replied.

Andie would never let you do this... Isabelle said.

"What would you know of patience, you're still a child!" Zarias scoffed.

Andie would be the one doing it, now do what I say! Bane snapped.

Isabelle couldn't argue with that.

But will you be able to get back?

I'll be fine. Now when I say, grab Andie and get out.

"That's always the thing with villains." Bane commented to Zarias. 'They always take their victory for granted."

And before Zarias could respond...

"NOW!" Bane shouted.

Isabelle and Jessica caught hold of Andie and pulled away as Bane lunged for Zarias, who, not expecting a frontal attack, only just blocked it.

"GO!" Bane yelled.

He and Zarias were pushing against each other. Bane wouldn't be able to hold him off for long. Jess, who was stronger, took Andie.

"Come on," she said, and led the girls away.

Bane and Zarias were very different, but they had one thing in common. They had been trained for years to be the fighters they were today. Zarias had trained longer than Bane, but Bane was still capable of holding his own. They sparred wordlessly for several long minutes, even if Bane was at a slight disadvantage. He was not going to let Zarias beat him again. And it was strange to see that there seemed to be a tacit agreement not to use their powers. After what felt like a long moment, they broke apart, keeping their guards up, but not attacking, simply circling one another.

"Why are you doing all this for one girl?" Zarias asked.

"Because of something you would never understand," Bane retorted. "I love her. I would do anything to keep her safe. And you can believe me when I tell you I will never forgive you for what you did to her."

He took a swipe at Zarias, who blocked and tried to retaliate, but failed. For the first time in his life, Zarias was actually shocked.

"You believe I did that to her?" he demanded.

"Didn't you?"

"My father-" Zarias began.

"You're as guilty as he is because you let him do it!" Bane snapped. "Andie didn't deserve to be treated like that!"

More blows were exchanged. Eventually, Bane was knocked to the floor, his anger having caused him to be less precise in his attacks. Panting, he got to his feet as Zarias towered over him, cold fury rolling off of him.

"You will not disrespect my father or myself."

Bane let out a hollow laugh.

"Like you didn't disrespect Andie?" he snarled. "She was your prisoner, what need was there to torture her?"

He didn't know what had been done to Andie exactly, but her unconscious reaction and physical state left little room for doubt.

"It was merely an incentive." Zarias retorted, though Bane thought his eyes weren't as sure as his voice.

Bane glared at him in disgust.

Bane! We found a portal in the throne room, on the floor above you in a huge room with a dragon statue outside, first stairs outside the hall! Came Isabelle's voice in his mind.

"You must realize you cannot defeat me alone?" Zarias went on.

Bane couldn't help but laugh harshly at that.

"Another proof of how much you underestimate us humans," he spat. "This was never about winning. It was about buying some time. Light of the Guardian!"

A blinding light filled them room, and Bane heard Zarias scream as he covered his eyes, giving him the chance to head up the stairs Isabelle had indicated. He had barely reached the top when a furious voice boomed:

"AFTER THEM!"

Bane glance to the right. Zorak and a group of demons were hurrying towards him. Bane took off in the other direction, scanning the hallway for dragon statues. Soon, he saw one and shot towards it, pelting through the door. Emily, Isabelle and Jessica, supporting Andie, were watching him with worried eyes.

"Hurry!" Isabelle called. "We figured out how to activate it but it'll go any minute!"

Bane heard the door crash open again as Zorak, Zarias and their lackeys poured into the room in one furious wave.

"GET THEM!" Zorak yelled, his face purple with rage. "DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY!"

Bane pushed forwards, caught Isabelle's outstretched hand... and disappeared as Zorak's shriek echoed through the air.

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

Oh, that doesn't sound too good, does it?

Will the gang escape Zorak's wrath? Let's find out!