Shadows in the Stands

The CF Igualada training grounds buzzed with energy as players went through their drills. Daniel wiped sweat from his forehead, his muscles burning from an intense session. He had been pushing himself harder than ever, determined to secure his place in the starting lineup for the upcoming tournament match against Cerdanyola del Vallès."Daniel, ¡pásala!" shouted Luis, one of the midfielders and Danny's classmate in school.Daniel snapped back to reality, adjusting his footing before delivering a precise through ball past two defenders. Luis sprinted onto it and fired a shot into the net."¡Golazo!" Luis cheered, jogging back to Daniel. "What's with you today, hermano? You're on fire."Daniel forced a grin. "Just focused."Truth was, he had too much on his mind. Elias was alive. And worse—he had disappeared before Daniel's eyes, as if slipping through time itself.It made no sense.And yet, Daniel knew better than to dismiss it. He had powers too. His ability to manipulate time-perception had nearly driven him insane, but he had learned to control it—mostly.But what if Elias's abilities were beyond anything Daniel had imagined?"Carter! Pay attention!"Coach Morales' sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts. The whistle blew, signaling the end of training.Daniel exhaled deeply. He needed to stop overthinking. Focus on the match.

Matchday – CF Igualada vs. Cerdanyola del Vallès

The stands were packed. Fans waved blue and white banners, chanting in support of CF Igualada. Among them, Daniel spotted Uncle Mateo, arms crossed, watching him intently.Daniel felt his pulse quicken. This was more than just a game—it was his chance to prove himself before his uncle.As the referee blew the whistle, the commentator's voice echoed through the stadium:🎙️ "And we're underway here in Igualada! The home team, CF Igualada, faces off against Cerdanyola del Vallès in this crucial tournament fixture!"Daniel started on the bench, watching as his team struggled against Cerdanyola's aggressive pressing.By the 35th minute, the opposition broke through the defense, their striker launching a powerful shot into the net.🎙️ "Goal for Cerdanyola! That's 1-0! CF Igualada will have to respond quickly."Daniel clenched his fists. He couldn't sit here and watch his team lose. He needed to get on that pitch.At halftime, Coach Morales paced in the locker room, fuming."We're too slow in transition! Where's the hunger? The fire?" He turned toward Daniel. "Carter, get ready."Daniel's heart pounded. This was his moment.As soon as Daniel stepped onto the field, he felt the energy shift. He positioned himself in midfield, ready to make an impact.In the 60th minute, a teammate passed the ball his way. Daniel controlled it smoothly, time slowing in his mind as he analyzed the field.He spotted a gap in Cerdanyola's defense. With a sudden burst of speed, he dribbled past one defender, then another, his movements precise and calculated.The crowd roared as he reached the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful strike.🎙️ "Carter takes the shot—AND IT'S IN! CF Igualada equalizes! What a stunning goal from the youngster!"Daniel's teammates rushed to celebrate with him. But as he turned toward the stands, his breath caught.In the back row, a familiar figure stood watching him.Elias.Daniel's blood ran cold.