After passing through the forest on Lorelie’s island, The Meteor raced across the sea towards the floating capital city as Lorelie hugged Adam from behind with a happy smile on her face.
“So is there parking at the arena?” Adam asked.
“Yes,” Lorelie replied before explaining. “Even though the arena is on the ocean, because part of the pitch is below water, they built parking in some of the lower levels of the stands. There are signs to direct you to the parking area that you can follow.”
Adam nodded as he continued to drive the hoverbike, and a few minutes later, they reached the Water Sphere arena, where Adam spotted digital signs indicating a large open hatch in the side of the arena that led down a ramp and into the parking area.
Adam found a spot and pulled The Metor over before Lorelie climbed off and brushed her hair back since the wind had messed it up slightly.
“Do we need to buy tickets somewhere?” Adam asked curiously.
“No need, even though I don’t get to watch their games often, the Oceana Abes now I’m a fan of their team, so they always supply me with a season ticket for their VIP area, and before you ask, it allows me to bring who I want to watch the games,” Lorelie replied as she waved her uniband slightly.
“Such is the life of a superstar,” Adam said with a smirk.
“Well, you'd better get used to this life, Mr Bodyguard.”
“Oh? Do you plan to hire me long term?”
“Very long term.” Lorelie replied as she hooked her arm through Adam’s and proceeded to lead him towards a group of elevators.”
All of the elevators looked the same except for one at the far end, which had VIP written above it.
As they reached it, Lorelie held her uniband over the elevator call panel that was next to it, and a second later, a voice said, “VIP ticket confirmed. Welcome back, Diva Lorelie.”
After speaking, the elevator door opened, allowing them entry before closing again and starting to rise.
In a control room of the Water Sphere arena, several Merinmians with holographic screens before them were hard at work tracking the different people entering the arena, monitoring security feeds and performing many other jobs.
One of the Merinmians monitoring those entering the arena suddenly cried out in surprise, shocking the other workers, “HOLY SHIT.”
“What are you yelling about?” Another of the workers complained.
“The VIP elevator in one of the garages was just activated.”
“Wait, seriously? I heard she was back on the planet since she ate at Metgar’s last night; no one said she would be coming to the arena today.”
“It’s not that surprising, she is an Oceana Abes fan and the team gives her VIP season tickets every year.”
“Let the boss know, you know they will want to do a shout-out.”
Soon, the elevator reached the VIP area, and the doors opened to reveal a large room with a balcony that looked out onto the pitch.
The VIP area also contained a bar that was staffed by a female Merinmian who looked surprised and excited when she saw who had just arrived, several large comfy chairs, a table set up along one wall with a selection of food, as well as a large holographic screen that displayed information about the two teams that were about to play.
The VIP area was just above the ocean's water level, which surprised Adam, causing him to ask, “I expected a VIP area to be higher up.”
”You're forgetting that it’s, Water Sphere.” Lorelie replied with a giggle before explaining, “In other sports, the VIP areas might be higher up for a better view.
But in Water Sphere players can also swim up and down, so the best viewing position is level with the sphere's midpoint.”
“Ah, that makes sense,” Adam said in understanding.
”Do you want a drink?” Lorelie asked, indicating the bar with the excited bartender.
“Sure, why don’t you decide?” Adam replied as he moved towards the balcony to take a closer look.
As he looked out over the balcony, he saw thousands of spectator seats, many of which were already filled with more people entering the arena. Around the edge of the pitch at the same level as their VIP area, where several others that Adam could see people moving around in.
“Could I get some drinks, please?” Lorelie asked with a smile as she moved over to the bar.
“Of course, Diva Lorelie, it’s my pleasure to serve you.” The bartender said with excitement before she started preparing drinks for her.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to today’s Water Sphere match between the Oceana Abes and the Oasis Fangs.“ A male Merinmian said towards the cameras in one of the arena's press boxes.
“The Oceana Abes are still holding a clear lead at the top of the table, mainly thanks to their new signing this season, Murphy. Murphy is well on course to set a new record for the number of points scored in a season.
Joining me as always are former Abes player and member of the Oasis Galaxies winning team from the Water Sphere Universal Cup, Bayou.
Beside her is former Fangs hoop keeper and fellow member of the Oasis Galaxies winning team, Tullius.
So, Bayou, what are your expectations for today's match?”
“Honestly, this should be a clear win for the Abes.” Bayou began.
“Murphy has been in excellent form so far this season, and I expect him to score several times in today's match.”
“While, as a former Fangs player, I loathe to admit it, Bayou is correct. The Abes have been on form so far this season, while the Fangs have had trouble even getting into a game.” Tullius added.
“So you're both expecting an easy win for the Oceana Abes, I think we all know a certain Diva who will be happy to hear that.” The presenter said with a smirk, making the other two chuckle.
As the presenter was about to continue, he touched his ear as a look of surprise appeared on his face before changing to a knowing smirk as he said.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen, isn’t this a surprise? Take a look at who just arrived in one of the VIP areas.”
As he finished speaking, the Sportscast footage switched to a long-range shot of a VIP area showing Adam and Lorelie.
“That’s right, folks, Oceana Abes fan and superstar music Diva, Diva Lorelie is in the arena.”
At the same time, the six giant holographic screens that floated around the arena, showing game information and replays, switched to show the same image of Adam and Lorelie, causing the fans in the stadium to burst into cheers.
“Even with the Abes on form this season, I don’t think the arena has heard a cheer that loud in quite a while.” The sportscast presenter said with a chuckle as on-screen Lorelie smiled and waved at the cameras.
“Well, any Water Sphere player can only dream of being as famous and popular as Diva Lorelie,” Bayou added.
In the Ocana Abes locker room, the players were getting ready for the match when one of them, who was using their uniband, suddenly said.
“Holy fuck, she actually showed up.”
“Who, your mum?” Another asked, making the remaining places laugh at his response.
“No dickhead, Diva Lorelie, she’s in one of the VIP areas.”
“That’s not surprising, Murphy hasn’t stopped talking about it since his ‘uncle’ informed him yesterday.”
“Yeah, but I thought he was talking shit like normal.”
“HEY!” A particularly handsome Merinmian shouted in offence.
“Oh, chill out, Murphy, it’s not like you haven’t talked shit before, and we all know you have the hots for Diva Lorelie.”
“Can you blame him? Almost everyone has the hots for her, even us women.” A female Merinmian beauty said.
“Still, kinda surprised she turned up, didn’t think she would come to the game after yesterday’s attack made on dragon princess Tephe.”
“It’s not like she was hurt or anything. Apparently, one of the men with them took the hit.
Hey, do you think that guy in the VIP area with Diva Lorelie is the same one who took the hit?”
“Probably, she most likely hired a bodyguard after what happened with Drotas Entertainment in the past, and that’s probably him.”
“They look mighty close for him to just be some bodyguard, look at the smiling and laughing.” A female Syngnathidae said.
“Maybe they're on a date.” A female Sirinian said with a smirk.
“Say what? Don’t talk nonsense, Diva Lorelie is famous for never having accepted date invites from anyone. Even those famous male Divas.”
“I’m just saying they look awfully friendly for being merely employee and employer.” The female Sirinian replied.
“Nah, I still don’t buy it.”
As his fellow teammates discussed the possible relationship between Adam and Lorelie. Murphy stared at the holographic image of the two with a frown.