Amanda hesitated at the door of the dressing room, her hand lingering on the doorframe. Do I really need to fight her? The question echoed through her mind, mixing with the distant roar of the crowd gathering outside.
She pushed the thought aside and stepped inside of the dressing room.
The dressing room felt wrong immediately as there were too many people in there. Clusters of students as some were from her year and some definately older had filled the space, their conversations died just as she entered the room. Only to start once again moments later and it wasmore louder than before. In the center of them all stood Celina, her platinum blonde hair catching the overhead lights like spun gold.
Celina's face lit up the moment she spotted Amanda. That smile which felt very wrong the moment she saw those eyes as they were practiced and dangerous which made Amanda's jaw tighten.
"Well, well," Celina purred, gliding forward with the practiced grace of someone who'd never been told no. "Look who finally decided to show her face. Miss Amanda, isn't it?" She tilted her head, her smile widening as she closed the distance. "You know, I've been thinking about our little match today, and I wanted to give you some... friendly advice."
Amanda said nothing. The silence seemed to agitate Celina more than any words could have.
"Why don't we keep this civilized?" Celina continued, her voice dripping with contempt. "Just forfeit the match and make it easy for both of us. Walk away with your dignity intact and that way, no one gets hurt and especially you." She paused for effect, letting her eyes travel down Amanda's form with obvious disdain. "We both know how this will end. Why embarrass yourself in front of everyone?"
Still nothing.
Celina's smile faltered. It was subtle, just a flicker around the eyes but Amanda is as sharp as she is she caught it. The prime minister's daughter wasn't accustomed to being ignored and her friends whispered among themselves, sensing the shift in mood.
"I'm talking to you," Celina said, her tone hardening now, the sweetness changing into something more dangerous. "You don't just stand there like some mute when I'm extending an golden arm to you. Do you understand what an honor that is?"
Amanda turned her head slightly, finally meeting Celina's gaze. The movement was so small but deliberate and that felt like a confrontation.
Celina's face reddened. Her voice rose, her carefully maintained composure cracking. "You think you're better than me because of some stupid scholarship? You think that makes you special?" Her voice was much aggressive now. "Let me tell you something I'm the daughter of the Prime Minister meanwhile You're nobody. Do you understand? ."
The other students shifted uncomfortably. This wasn't what they were expecting.
"I can do whatever I want," Celina continued, her voice shaking with barely contained anger. "Whatever I want. And no one can stop me not even the headmaster and nobody will touch me because of who my father is. So I'm going to tell you for the last time, take my offer and forefit the match." She stepped closer and she said "Consider this my first and last act of kindness toward you and Don't be stupid enough to throw it back in my face."
The lackeys surrounding Celina erupted, sensing their leader's fury started to taunt her even more. But amanda didn't wait as she walked toward the door without responding, without acknowledging any of them.
As she was about to exit the room she stopped.
Without turning around, Amanda spoke, and her voice cut through the room. "Celina, instead of trying to tear me down before the match, why don't you actually show everyone what you can do? Let them see your real power in the arena instead of hiding behind your father's name."
She paused for one heartbeat, then added, "Oh wait don't tell me you're too scared to do that, are you?"
The sarcastic smile hung in the air long after Amanda walked out of the room.
The arena was already buzzing when Amanda made her way to the spectator area. The energy was electric, almost suffocating in the amount of intensity. Thousands of students packed the stands, their voices rising in anticipation of the match.
She found Sammy and Talia standing near the railing who were already in deep conversation.
"So who do you think takes it?" Sammy was saying, his arms crossed over his chest with anticipation and not waiting for a response he said "Amanda will obviously win the match . She's the strongest fighter in our year and we have already seen her in action. Celina won't last three minutes against her."
Talia rolled her eyes. "You're underestimating her and you know that Celina's father has connections everywhere. What if she's been training with private instructors this whole time? And what if she's been hiding her real power all this time ?"
"Private training doesn't matter in a direct confrontation," Amanda interjected, moving to stand beside them. "Celina relies too much on intimidation as she never had to earn anything through actual effort."
Sammy turned to talia with a competitive gleam in his eye. "Speaking of earning things, I heard we're sparring after the top eight. So what do you think can you even give me a decent match?"
"Is that a serious question?" Talia shot back, unable to help the slight smile tugging at her lips despite the nerves coiling in her stomach.
Sammy grinned, grinding his teeth playfully. "Overconfident as always."
"Shut up," taila said, but there was no bitterness in it.
Amanda laughed, that bright sound that somehow made the knot in talia's chest loosen just a bit. She was about to add something else when the speaker system crackled to life. The sound sent a ripple of energy through the crowd.
"Attention, everyone! The top eight matches are about to begin!" The announcer's voice boomed across the arena, very cheerful. "Our first match of the day will be between Amanda Harrison and Celina wood! Let's give both our fighters a huge round of applause!"
The crowd exploded.
It was deafening as thousands of voices screaming at once, chanting names, waving signs. Amanda felt the sound wash over her as there was no time for more banter. Sammy gave her a nod of encouragement. Talia squeezed her arm.
Amanda took a breath and stood, ready for the challange.