Chapter 5

Wednesday

There was still a half hour before game time, but the roar of the crowd could be heard all the way from the parking lot. Levy wrapped her jacket tighter around her shoulders, feeling like a fish out of water with the crazily dressed fans, foam fingers, and loud slapping sticks. She peeked at her friends from underneath her bangs.

"You guys didn't have to come with me," she shouted over the spectators, secretly glad she didn't have to navigate the throng alone.

Lucy snorted, "And miss the chance to see you in full detective mode? Not a chance!"

Mira, Juvia and Cana nodded their agreement, their smiles turning more sly with every step they took to the outdoor stadium. They stood in line with the rest of the latecomers, purchased their tickets at the discounted student price, and managed to find a group of seats large enough for their entire group on Fairy Tail's side of the stadium. Levy scooted in after Lucy and sat down on the cold chair. She looked over the empty field, heart pounding.

By the end of the night, she would know her Soulmate's name.

She shoved her hands into her coat pocket to ward off her nervous shaking and studied the field. The very air seemed to shimmer with the crowd's excitement. Levy squinted her eyes, finally distinguishing the magical barrier that surrounded the field.

I hope it's enough to stop the ball.

Oh, she knew the barrier would be strong; she submitted her college entrance paper on the indestructible barrier. Her findings were apparently so great that she earned a half-scholarship and her research was applied to the very barrier that stood between her and the empty field.

You're probably going to be coming to lots of these games, Levy-girl…better get used to it.

Thankfully, her friends' whispering drew her attention back to the stadium.

"So what do you think he looks like?" Mira asked, leaning forward till her pale hair almost touched the person in front of her.

Cana sighed, "He has to be tall…wouldn't that just be adorable?"

"Juvia hopes he's as handsome as Juvia's Gray-sama. Levy-chan deserves the best!"

Levy's face heated with every passing remark. They had been pestering her all day, ever since Mira spilled the beans about how Levy somehow activated her Soulmate bond. Thankfully, their current remarks seemed to be quiet enough not to draw any unwanted attention, but Levy was certain she would die of embarrassment before the night was over. Her quiet attempts to shush her friends ended in vain and they giggled and speculated until the whistle blew.

The already rowdy crowd stood and cheered, making Levy cover her ears to block the sound. The announcer tapped the mic and introduced the rival team. Purple clad players jogged onto the field, earning boos and hisses from the Fairy Tail's side of the stadium.

"That's Phantom Lord," Lucy shouted over the cheers, "they're our biggest rivals, but we're gonna beat them today!"
Levy nodded helplessly, wondering just how loudly the stadium could cheer. She didn't have to speculate for long, for the crowd all but screamed as the announcer introduced Fairy Tail's very own team. They ran out onto the field, their green and red jerseys standing out brightly among the rival team. Gold numbers shone brightly on each Fairy Tail's jersey and the announcer introduced each player in turn.

Levy could feel the excitement radiating off the man. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest. Lucy and Cana nudged her on either side and Levy clasped her hands underneath her chin.

You can do this!

Never one to back down from a challenge, Levy put on her brave face and leaned forward. The whistle sounded, the ball launched into the air, and Levy grinned in anticipation.

It was only a few minutes before half-time, but Levy's head already throbbed. Between the cheers of the crowd, Lucy's remarks about plays and rules, and the constant swearing made it almost impossible to think. She couldn't do anything about the crowd and she appreciated Lucy's help with explaining the strange game, but Levy vowed that once she found her Soulmate, she would fix that bad habit of his.

She also discovered a newfound appreciation for the magical barrier. Magic constantly bombarded the invisible surface as the players used their specialized magic to steal the ball away from the opposing team.

Levy leaned forward with her elbows on her knees and placed her chin on her folded hands. Her steady gaze roamed the field, listening to the ranting and unnecessary commentary running through her head.

Seriously? They decided on that play? How old are they, five?

"Has Levy-chan spotted her Soulmate yet?" Juvia leaned forward, eyes wide and sparkling.

Levy shook her head. "I know he's an actual part of the team though, not just one of the ball boys."

Why do I hafta be over here? He was hitting me first!

"He was on the field earlier, but I think he's benched right now."

"Oh! That narrows it down quite a bit!" Mira squealed and clapped her hands, but Levy felt a frown forming.

At least six players sat on the bench, each brimming with enough energy she was certain they would combust if they didn't enter the field soon. A whistle blew and the ref waved his arms. A player jogged off the field and a tall player jumped off the bench. Number 3 high fived the man, Number 15, and sat down while Number 15 ran out onto the field.

Finally! Watch out boys, yer about ta get some metal to the face, gihee!

Levy jerked upright. Her friends whispered and prodded, but she shook them off. She watched Number 15 get into position. The whistle blew, the ball sailed into the air, and the dark-haired player ran into the fray. Curses and grunts echoed in her mind. Magic blasted around the field and the ball landed on the opposite side of the field. Another whistle blew and Fairy Tail cheered.

The teammates ran and clapped each other on the shoulder. Number 15 grinned so widely she could see it from her spot in the stands. He jumped in the air, crouched and jumped again.

'Aight, we got this! Ugg, if this blasted crick would go away…

Number 15 rolled his neck and massaged a shoulder, his grimace accompanied with a grunt inside her head.

Levy dimpled and giggled despite her nerves, a single thought running through her mind.

Found you!

Number 15 jumped and whipped his head toward the crowd, his red eyes piercing the darkness as he stared at the stadium.