My thanks to my reviewer KrysSaiyan! I thank you for some of your great ideas. I hope this next part is all right!

Behind the Crystal

Chapter 8

Evening arrived on the heels of a fantastic brilliant sunset. Pink lay along the horizon beneath layers of alternating gold and lime green. One could almost think it was a piece of heavenly layered cake that smacked of lime and raspberry sorbet. Although the view was partly blocked by the dark shape of Stephanie's house, those inside were warm and comfortable as the glowing rays of the setting sun.

Stephanie perked up with some dinner inside her. Bessie and her uncle Milford had labored to put together dinner. Her friends were invited, and that included Sportacus who sat crammed into the multitude around the dinner table. While others munched on chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy, he was packing away a dish of freshly sliced fruit and a spinach almond tandori dish that Stephanie had prepared. She had a cookbook of recipes that Sportacus had given her for her ninth birthday and he was pleased to see she'd used them. Especially with the sesame coated roast chicken everyone else was eating.

"So these papers ARE not legitimate," Mayor Meanswell confirmed. He placed thick framed glasses on his face, and peered diligently over them. While the Mayor was an absent minded bungler on some matters, paperwork and legal documents was one of his fortes.

"I know, it seemed really weird that someone would come after me specifically," Stephanie said.

"I had most of the legal documents put in a safety deposit box when you arrived, sweetheart," Milford reassured her. "I wish you'd referred this character to me."

"Something smells ROTTEN in Laterbae, and it's nothing to do with Denmark," mumbled Sportacus through a mouthful of salad.

"Where the heck did Miss Lidenbrock go?" asked Stephanie. "She was just here a minute or so ago, but she's hardly eaten any of her food."

"But she said she was only going out for some fresh air!" Trixie said.

"In the middle of dinner?" Pixel asked.

"It's high time you children were getting home," Bessie Busybody said. "When you finish up, I'll walk you all home…"

"But it IS getting dark."

"I know the way, I walk it well enough before," Bessie winked at him, and he felt his cheeks grow warm.

Sportacus glanced down hearing the musical beeping of his crystal. "I think I can guess that she might be in trouble! Excuse me!"

"What kind of trouble can you get into just going out for a walk?" Stephanie wondered. "I hope she's okay!"

"I'll take the children home. I hope it's not serious!" Miss Busybody murmured.

Sportacus quickly flipped out of his chair and tumbled onto the carpet. A series of flips took him out the front door. Usually he wouldn't dream of tumbling in someone's house, but the Mayor allowed it by special permission. Stephanie had moved all breakable objects anyhow thinking Sportacus might visit and want to feel at home. The hero couldn't sit still even for a moment. Still his foot would be tapping under a table if he sat down to eat like a 'normal' person.

Normal didn't describe Sportacus, let alone heroes however slightly above average. Around back in the shade of several tall trees his crystal whispered the destination of whoever was in trouble. Narrowing his eyes he let them adapt to the lesser light. Like many elves he had excellent night vision. The pool of greater body heat formed into that of a woman sitting at the foot of the tree with her arms around her legs.

He was surprised to see Miss Lidenbrock sat by herself, looking at the distant hills with the same faraway look that Stephanie had once held. Reaching her he rested hands on both hips and then leaned down to ask,

"What are you doing out HERE when everyone's in there, Gretchen?"

Surprised, she glanced up at him. "Did you crystal tell you that?"

"Well yes," he said, glancing down at it. "I'm not sure what sort of trouble you're in, but…"

"Nothing. It must be faulty," she said. Sportacus frowned, dropping to a squat so he was at eye level with her. Judging from the way her arms were wrapped around her chest she seemed guarded, fighting to keep back whatever emotions that roiled behind those coppery brown eyes. This time the glasses were pushed up on her forehead and Sportacus was shocked to see this was the case.

"I'm perfectly fine. I just came out for air," Gretchen Lidenbrock said. "I often come to think at sunset."

"Are you?" he asked. "Why did you take your glasses off then? I know you can't see well without them."

"I take them off to think sometimes, that's all."

"I see," Sportacus said with a nod, though he sounded unconvinced. "And do you often try to look at the night sky without them?"

"Sometimes it's easier not to have to focus so hard," she said, turning to face him. "I should go. I've got to get up early if I'm going to work out."

"There you go again," he said, catching her shoulder. "Shutting us all out. You're getting good at that you know."

"Shutting you out? Preposterous," Gretchen laughed pushing his hand away. "Stephanie's the one that needs you, more then I do."

"Now what makes you say that?" Sportacus asked, resting his hands on his hips. "What's going on here? Did you suddenly remember something… related to what's been going on with Stephanie? Did it trigger some memory?"

"It's nothing important. I just remembered something that happened a long time ago. It has little to do with her at all. You're making a big deal out of nothing, Sportacus," she said.

Sportacus snorted, though smiling his face was awash with annoyance and half disbelief. It was so blatantly obvious that something had shaken her. "Don't play that kind of game with me. I might love games more then anyone else but not the kind that keep people hurting when I could help."

Her eyes widened with annoyance and she flinched with embarrassment. "So you're claiming that I have some deep dark secret to reveal? Sportacus, you can't solve every problem you know, even if you ARE a hero. Even emotional ones! Sometimes it's best to let people work things out on their own."

"Funny advice coming from someone who said she'd help me keep an eye on Stephanie. When you look like you're in as much trouble as she is," Sportacus said.

"Trouble?" she scoffed. Gretchen straightened up out of her huddled crouch. She sat up so both her knees were folded under her now while her left hand braced up her shoulder. Angling her knees she leaned slightly away and put her right hand on her lap.

"My crystal doesn't just go off when someone's in physical trouble. When my friends are upset that's a crisis of a sort too. That look you had on your face when you saw me and Stephanie talking was the same she had. You know what she's going through and you're playing that same game over again but you're not letting anyone else on your team," Sportacus scolded her.

"It's been years. I've dealt with it, thank you very much, Herr Sportakus," Gretchen said quietly. Sportacus saw that empty blank look of hopeless resignation. Seeing it on Stephanie's face was painful enough, but to see it repeated in the eyes of a grown woman was terrifying.

"Maybe so, but you're still out here alone instead of in there with the rest of us. Behind a very strong wall," Sportacus said. Moving around to the side, he lowered himself to sit down next to her, folding his legs Indian style with a grunt. His hand leaned close to her shoulder and his hip touched hers.

"You have a wall too. You are a hero. You know that we have to keep a distance or else it can affect our work, Herr Sportakus," she said.

"That's a rule that's up to any hero's discretion," Sportacus said, reaching over and grasping her hand. "And you know that as well as I can."

"Hah," she muttered, glaring at him. "You don't know what you're getting into."

"Then explain to me what I am?" Sportacus blinked. "Why won't you open up? Why is it so hard to get to know you or let your friends in? Why don't you talk about what's been troubling you? Stephanie's important but so are you."

"Friends, I do let in," she said, accepting his hand in hers. She gave it a small squeeze.

"Not all the way," Sportacus said. He slid his arm around her shoulder, still keeping his other hand clasped around hers.

"There isn't anyone here that needs to get that close, that's all," she shrugged. All he could think of to do was grab her and pull her against his strong chest for a hug. They had done this once before and he did not think twice about it.

A periscope poked up from the bushes, training on the house. It diverted a bit, and the owner spat. "If this wasn't part of my plan I'd get disgusted," Robbie Rotten mumbled.

Then the villan spun away, letting the device slide upwards into its caddy again. He strode towards his orange chair, and then flopped down. Propping up his feet he grabbed the book and kissed the front cover. Bold letters in 36 point font read, "500 plots to topple the Town Hero."

A lick of his thumb and Robbie fingered the dog-eared page on Chapter 3 that said, "Essays on using psychological warfare when gadgetry fails and other masterpieces. How to send the town hero on a wild goose chase using a sidekick's tortured tragic past."

"Brilliant," he snickered. "Now, what next…"

Gretchen fought at first when Sportacus tugged her towards him and she fell off balance. Yet then she leaned in, relaxing into his embrace. He rubbed her back just as he had with Stephanie. "You don't HAVE to be alone."

"You don't know what you're talking about do you, Ithrottaalfurin?" she asked.

"You're playing games again, Fraulein Lidenbrock," Sportacus muttered. Something about being needed in a way that was far greater then anyone else that needed saving. His mind flickered at a fast pace because the way he held her reminded him of glimpses he had caught of the Mayor and Bessie. Wrapped in one another's arms and pressing their lips to each other's faces. Foreheads, cheeks, and even lips. It was not something Sportacus had ever thought of doing with a woman anytime soon. Perhaps at some point in the past when he saw his parents wrapped in a loving kiss between mother and father.

The sports elf's muscles quivered a bit, but he found the strange shivers coursing through him to be very pleasant. He softly kissed her forehead as he had done with Stephanie. His soft kiss seemed natural enough to comfort a girl, but with a grown woman, it had a different response. She slid her arms around his neck tighter and returned the kiss on one cheek.

Gretchen gave him a sad chuckle, "I guess playing alone just comes naturally to me."

"Is it SO hard to let others play along with you? Or are you used to playing alone for so many years that you think it's more fun?" he asked.

When his mother was troubled or happy his father always leaned over and kissed her on the cheeks, and then on the lips. Then young Sportacus could see the happiness on their faces as they drew back. Sometimes they would slip away and be gone for hours. Not knowing exactly why Sportacus grabbed the scruff of Gretchen's neck and roughly turned her head to the side. Her eyes opened wide as he kissed her on the lips. When she expected him to draw back, he did not. As if he expected something else to happen he turned his face to the other side and brushed his lips to hers again. Then her eyes opened and he glanced down at her, blue eyes expecting something.

"Ithrotta… Wie bitte…" Gretchen panted.

"Is this the sort of exercise that you can do alone?" he asked quietly, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Pulling her face way from his neck, he again covered her mouth with his for a deeper taste of her. The taste of her was sweet, and he loved the warmth and giddy feeling that spread over him like a full paced exercise.

"Is that what it takes to make you smile?" Sportacus chuckled. Whatever he had done he suddenly felt incredibly good and at peace knowing she had relaxed and her body burst with sudden happiness. Her eyes were once closed but they fluttered open, blinking once and twice. Suddenly he wondered what the problem was.

"Scheisse," she groaned. Gretchen blushed and pressed her face into his shoulder, suddenly shy. He would not release her from his arms, afraid she would slide into despair if he let go.

"What… did I forget something?" Sportacus blinked. The sports elf wondered if he had done it wrong, or had somehow misread what she wanted or needed.

"No, you didn't, schatze," she breathed back. Biting her lip, the schoolteacher leaned up and returned his kiss. Her arms wrapped around the hero's neck, and he felt the hot surge of her breath cutting his off. She seemed to be moving her face back and forth in small motions. Like she was tasting his lips and finding something wanting?

It dawned on Sportacus that maybe the first time he had kissed Gretchen's mouth he should have done this so he mimicked her motions and when he felt her mouth open he yielded as well. Then her taste and scent were inhaled like a scented cloud and Sportacus was clutching her tightly in his muscled arms. She was not fighting him, in fact the movements of her tongue and lips suggested he was doing everything right that he should have before. Sportacus was swept away with the exhilaration of a new exercise routine. As he drew back for breath, she was panting like running a marathon, and his heart was pounding just as fast. Sportacus saw that beautiful smile on her face and could not help but return it.

All Gretchen could say breathlessly was "Vielen Danke, liebling." She clung to him tightly, and he encased her in strong arms not letting her pull away.

Carefully Sportacus slipped his knee under her bottom and lifted the German schoolteacher so she sat off the ground partly on his lap. Leaning over in such an awkward position couldn't be good for her back he thought pragmatically. The other side of him scoffed and reminded him it was more appropriate at this point. Hadn't his mother sometimes sat in his father's lap when they did this?

"You're welcome. It's just so good to see you happy," he whispered back. His fingers tangled in her hair. Sportacus did not want to let her go, enjoying the feel of the woman sitting in his lap and sharing her warmth with him. His arms shifted so one held her side, and the other cradled her shoulders sideways across his knees. Sportacus rested his forehead against Gretchen's, positioning her head to pillow against his arm and leaned back against the tree trunk. The night had grown cold and dark and his urge to protect her physically rode tandem with his desire to protect her emotions.

The cloth of his hat and strap of his goggles pressed to the side of Gretchen's head, where her barrette held back her hair. She smelled evergreen and something else that was wilder then what she'd imagined sports togs and workout clothes would be like. Granted she smelled a bit of sweat, but it didn't smell like a gym filled with workout drenched athletes. Almost unnatural and otherworldly. Instead of kissing her again Sportacus simply held her close, hoping that he had done what was right. Oddly it seemed easier to sit still, but for the slight rocking motion he made with his body to comfort the emotions he sensed were brewing in her.

While Sportacus 10 had desires for companionship before he had usually buried them in workouts or sought other means to satiate them. His entire body hummed with energy and the sense of relief. Much desire had been discharged but there was no need for continued physical interaction to show his interest. Unlike humans, Elves could control their desires by day and find release in dreams and the exchanges of energy. The way humans thought of lovemaking was wrapped up in the physical. However, elves sought the rush of power and life force that could cause pinnacles to the senses.

"Gretchen," her murmured against her hair. "You can tell me anything. Just let me help. Because you understand the rules."

"Ithrottaafurin, I'll tell you soon, but can we just sit here?" she whispered, kissing his temple.

Just by feeling the energies of her body he knew he had permission evoking her image and desires in his dreams. Such was the gift she'd given him in tasting his lips and touches, crossing the line that heroes drew in the sand. He had no reservations now that she had let him in, about making her the target of his affections because he sensed she had the same needs. Otherwise, the recipient of his love would be ones of his kind that he recalled or shared in this way years ago. A hero could have few trusted ones in his inner circle as long as they knew the responsibility of such secrets. Stephanie did, and now Gretchen did as well; two females he could now share intimate trust with.

His crystal again surged with power, breaking the moment. "Stephanie!" he muttered.

"We should go back inside with the others," she said. Sportacus nodded as she climbed off his lap and he leapt up. She took his extended hand and let him pull her effortlessly up to her feet. They still kept their hands clasped as they dashed in the front door of Stephanie's house.

Stephanie's voice could be heard arguing with her uncle from the living room. Both hero and schoolteacher glanced at each other and crept inside to see uncle and niece sitting on the same sofa talking animatedly.

"But Uncle, they might STILL be alive!" said Stephanie.

"Sweetheart, the papers might be a hoax, but you can't just assume…" said the Mayor.

"If they were LOST, and nobody ever FOUND them… then can there at least be a CHANCE?"

"Stephanie, I miss them as much as you do, but to rise your hopes up would be unnecessary! The search parties never found any trace of them except for pieces of plane wreckage," Milford returned, reaching out to take her hand.

"But Uncle!" Stephanie jerked her hand out of his and leaned away, putting two feet between her and her uncle on the sofa. Her dark eyes gleamed with more tears and Sportacus felt the shimmering of his crystal.

"What's going on here?" Sportacus interrupted. "I thought someone was in trouble and it seems I'm right!"

"It's nothing serious," Milford said. "It's just that it's late and Stephanie, needs to get rest

Leaping to her feet Stephanie stamped her foot. She leaned forwards and shouted, "I don't care! I want to know for sure! I have that RIGHT!"

"Stephanie what's going on here?" Sportacus demanded, letting go of Gretchen's hand and moving around to stand directly in front of the sofa.

"Stephanie, you mustn't work yourself up like this! Stop this at once!" Milford said sharply. It was one of the few times his voice had ever raised past its gentle murmur. The frown creasing his face behind his thick glasses was a strange sight on the Mayor's face.

"Uncle… please!" Stephanie sniffled. Seeing tears in her eyes Sportacus moved around to her side and slid his arm around her back.

"Calm down, Stephanie. Please tell me why you're so upset. What are you talking about?"

Standing up, the Mayor moved over and pried Stephanie gently from the arm of the superhero. Confused and astonished Sportacus frowned at the smaller man in anger. Glaring at him, Milford said, "Sportacus, this is something private between us. You can go home now. Stephanie, you will go to bed now."

"But my crystal…" Sportacus started.

"How can you talk to him like that?" Stephanie shouted.

"Stephanie, enough is enough! It's very late, and you're tired and you need rest. We'll speak about this in the morning!" Milford barked. Hurt crumpled her face.

"But I think they're still alive," Stephanie said. "Don't I at least DESEVE the chance to know?"

"Go to your room now!" Milford pointed with his hand, and nudged her toward the hallway. He led her, tugging her by the clasped hand as she glanced helplessly at Sportacus.

The hero took a step forwards, but the Mayor's hand not holding Stephanie's thrust in the hero's way. In his best clipped professional voice the Mayor said, "I'm not asking you, sir. I'm telling you. You will leave now and let us get to sleep. If I need you I'll write."

"It's not FAIR! You don't GET IT!" she yelled, clenching her fists. She stormed off, burying her face in her hands as she sobbed all the way down the hall.

"But I want to help!" Sportacus protested. Gretchen grasped his hand, tugging him back.

"Ithrottaalfurin, let it go. He's serious. Don't make it any worse then it has to be," Gretchen urged.

"I don't understand this!" Sportacus shook his head in disbelief.

"You should listen to Miss Lidenbrock. Or do I have to ask you to stop trespassing," Milford Meanswell asked, resting his hands on his hips. "I understand you want to be a hero, but this is a family matter and it's something that I will handle. Got it?"

"Yes… sir," Sportacus grit his teeth. He uttered a curse in Icelandic under his breath and let Gretchen walk him out of the house. Meanswell watched him leave, and then closed the door behind them, locking it. He released the sigh he'd been holding and hunched over once more.

Softly he muttered in the direction of Stephanie's doorway, "I understand that you want to find your parents physically, but the case was closed, dearest. Nobody wants to hope they are alive more then I. But you can't bring them back…."

Outside the house, a periscope swung around. It trained on the furious Sportacus stomping out much in the manner Stephanie had, led by the hand of the teacher. The sports elf shot a glare back to the home, and then stormed off, overtaking her and she rushed to keep pace. Still their hands were clasped tightly.

Down below in his hideout Robbie Rotten had heard every word. His face creased with a mischievous smirk. His plan was working perfectly. Just a few more touches and Sportacus would be taking a long trip from which he'd hopefully never return. Watching that disgusting display with the schoolmarm and the sports elf earlier was worth the sight of seeing Pinkie dash to her room in tears later. He supposed he could stand sappy romance when it served to create misery. Stephanie and her uncle wouldn't likely talk for days because she would sulk in her room. If Stephanie sulked, then that meant no games or playing with her little friends, Robbie laughed deeply.

"I knew I got my twenty dollars worth on that Villain of the month book club," he cackled, rubbing the handles of the periscope fondly. Then the scope moved to track the silhouettes of the Mayor.

Robbie Rotten cackled with glee, "Now for Chapter 4… the wild goose chase!"