Chapter 12

The two heroes burst in the door. Hăkon was distracted by them. Quickly, Stephanie stomped on his instep and then kneed him in the stomach. Grabbing his stomach, Hăkon dropped the gun. Sportacus took hold of Stephanie while his father kicked the gun away from dazed criminal. Then he hauled him to his feet.

Sportacus slowly pulled the duct tape from Stephanie's hands and mouth. Then he pulled the sock out. She wrapped her arms around him. Tears formed in her eyes as Sportacus held her close.

"It's all over, Stephanie. Are you alright?" He asked as she refused to let go of him.

"I thought I'd never see you again." She answered. He squeezed her.

"I'd never let that happen. I love you."

"I love you too." Stephanie said. It was then that Hăkon started to say something but Number Nine stopped him.

"I think you caused enough trouble for one day. Let's see what the authorities have to say about it." The muscular man held his captive firmly and led him to the surface. Sportacus scooped Stephanie up and carried her out.

Once at the surface, Þórir promised to meet his son and Stephanie back in LazyTown and hauled away Hăkon. Stephanie shielded her eyes as the sun finished setting. Then she leaned her head against Sportacus' shoulder. He kissed her forehead and started walking back toward LazyTown.

A few hours later when Stephanie had been put to bed and the entire story explained to her mother, father, uncle, and Bessie, Sportacus slumped down on the couch. It had been a physically and emotionally draining day. His father looked exhausted too. Olive came over to Sportacus and asked if she could speak to him.

"I want to thank you again for saving Stephanie. I'd also like to apologize. My behavior was rude and inexcusable before. You love Stephanie and it's quite obvious that you'll do anything for her. I'm glad she's found you. She couldn't ask for a better man to spend the rest of her life with."

"Thank you, ma'am, that's very kind of you. Stephanie means the world to me and I just want to make sure she's safe. If you'll excuse me I…" Sportacus didn't get a chance to finish.

"You want to check on her. I understand. Tomorrow is a different day and things will be better I promise." Olive smiled. He smiled back and left the room. Then he climbed up the stairs and entered Stephanie's room. She was asleep and he sat down on her bed. Brushing the hair from her face, he bent down and gently kissed her lips.

Suddenly, she shouted out his name and sat straight up in bed. Sweat trickled down her forehead. Sportacus wrapped his arms around her and she quieted down.

"It's alright. I'm here. No one is going to hurt you." He told her.

"I keep reliving that moment over and over. What if…" he stopped her.

"Don't think like that. We'll be together forever and nothing will change that. As long as there is still oxygen in my lungs and pounding heart in my chest, I promise you'll be safe." Stephanie didn't answer him. She pulled away and stared into his eyes. There were dark circles underneath them but his eyes still sparkled bright Icelandic blue.

Nothing needed to be said right now. The ordeal was over and she had nothing to fear. Stephanie pulled his lips to hers and kissed him. He kissed her right back. The two sat in the silence of the night, just kissing each other. Sportacus moved his hands along her back as he laid her back down in bed. Then he pulled away and whispered in her ear,

"ÉG ást þú minn bleikur hár engill."

To Be Continued…