A World of Dust and Souls

"I didn't choose anything, I was told what to do."

“And right there you prove that my worst fears are realized,” Amanda snaps, her tone actually gaining an edge of steel.

“Tell me, how many hunters have gone to their deaths because they’ve been doing what they were told? How many tragedies?”

She scoffs shaking her head in dismay.

“You’re worse than my son. No backbone, only a toy to be molded used and put on display like the rest of them. You’ll just listen to that stuttering girl for the rest of your life and because you’re the perfect gentleman, you’ll do exactly as she says. “

"What would you have me do? cast aside the wishes of my father, one of the greatest huntsman who has ever lived? " I may not be fluent in the politics of royalty like so many others, but I'm damn sure that opal is not playing me for the fiddle you take me for. " Sterling replies, an edge to his voice.

“She’s just as unwilling a pawn as you are,” Amanda reasons, “A fiddle of her father. As such, I would’ve reasoned that you take your own path, but your clearly not a leader. You’re a follower, someone beckons and you follow without a second thought. Truly, the future of Mistral is in great hands.”

"Well it seems Ozpin would disagree with you there."

Amanda’s eyes flashed dangerously, and her aura surged. It was like sitting next to a star as it went nova. The white flash was enough to nearly blind sterling, to say nothing to the line of sweat that now covered him. But the aura recessed just as fast as it came. Amanda reached into the couch, apparently there was fridges stores in the arm rests. She took out a glass and a bottle. Without a second thought she poured herself a glass and took a sip.

“Ozpin,” she whispers, staring at the glass in her hand, “He lost the right to have his opinions matter a long time ago. The bastard should’ve become dust a long time ago.”

"Well, from where i"m sitting, Ozpin is still the head of one of the four most elite huntsman schools in the Remenant, do you have any evidence to back up your claim as to why his opinions don't matter?" Sterling asks, leaning forward.

“If it weren’t for his orders, I would’ve had no reason to doubt the altruistic fools I find surrounding me. And if it weren’t for me following those orders, my sister would still be alive.”

"I see we're still hurling insults but at least now we're getting somewhere."

Amanda stared at him, the barest hints of a smile gracing her lips. Although there was no warmth to be found.

“Some spine after all, and here I lost all hope.”

She takes a long sip of her wine, frowning at the liquor like it offended her in some way.

“But anyone can be brave for a moment, would you be up for a wager, Sterling?”

"I'm game, hit me."

“A duel,” Amanda says “Not between us, your entire team wouldn’t last a second against me, but against Thomas. Defeat him, and I retract everything I’ve said.”

"Thomas? why him?"

“He’s my son,” Amanda says like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"done deal."

Ama da smiles at the answer, but it was just as cold as the rest of her had been.

“Perfect.”

***

It was to be held in the practice arena. The hotel apparently had its own gym, which came fully stocked with a hunters battleground. Fully automated shielding generators surrounded it in a dome to protect the two rows of seats where spectators were stationed. Normally, a fight like this would have everyone here but for now, it was only sunset and white along with Opal and Amanda who were in attendance.

Thomas was on one side of th arena, his hands at his side as he awaited the go ahead. In the stands, Vance shook his head, “This is all wrong,” he said to his fellow students.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sienna asked him.

“I mean what does Amanda get out of this?” Vance asks, “Say Thomas wins, what does she get out of it? Everything about this stinks of a alterier motive.”

Sienna shrugged. "How should I know? If Sterling somehow ends up losing I guess we'll find out."

“I know Sterling’s good,” Azula comments, “But Thomas isn’t a pushover.”

"Who said he was a pushover? I never said that."

Nisha didn't seem all too interested in the duel. Contrary, she had the look of complete distaste for it. Nonetheless, she watched and got ready for her morale boosting cheer once the duel commences.

"I got the feeling you were thinking it," Azula comments.

On the stage, Thomas tapped his boot against the ground, glancing at Sterling from behind his blindfold.

Sienna shrugged, an innocent expression on her face.

Sterling straightens his uniform, staring down his opponent. "Don't think I'll go easy on you my friend."