Icarus pushed himself off the ground. It took everything in him not to erupt into endless roars of frustration. He suppressed the urge by digging his claws deeply into the wooden bed frame, gritting his teeth tightly. It had only been three days of classes. Three days– and Pokémon were already at each other's throats.

Unbeknownst to him, however, was how the rest of the Pokémon reacted to the Prince suddenly storming off to his room. Melrose's fur was being smoothed down by Owin, the only other Electric Type of the group. Small bolts of static jumped between them, but the two Pikachu seemed unbothered.

Meanwhile, Xavian would usher everyone to return to their rooms and get ready for the day. There was uncomfortable glancing, anxiety and fury all mixed between Pokémon, but soon enough the group was forced to get on with their day whether they liked it or not.

As Adeline guided everyone to the Dining Hall for breakfast, the heavy silence was carried by nearly every student. It was even more obvious that something was wrong when everyone ate with such limited energy. Despite the sour mood, none of the adults wanted to get involved with the grievances of teenagers. So, embittered they would remain.

Icarus glanced up from his meal every once in a while, seeing Melrose completely avoiding his gaze. He didn't feel guilty, not even a little, for raising his voice or putting his foot down. She was in the wrong, after all. Still, it was unpleasant that this was somehow everyone's issue– and navigating the situation was going to be difficult.

She'll get over it once the day is over, surely. Icarus thought to himself as he gobbled down another mouthful of porridge. Melrose always finds something to be overly chipper about.

The first class of the day was combat training, so once breakfast was over Adeline led everyone outside to the practice yard. Captain Rosaline was already setting up training dummies, and flashed everyone a warm smile as they drew close enough to see. The Gallade approached the students, placing a hand over her heart and bowing her head. Adeline waved goodbye as she made her way back to the castle, leaving Rosaline alone with the young group.

"Good morning, everyone. Nothing like a spot of training after breakfast, hmm?" There was a dull murmur over the class, one of a deflated sense of energy, that gave Rosaline a sincere frown. "Tough crowd? Okay then, maybe this will hype you all up!"

Rosaline grabbed her spear and started to spin in, using both hands to circle it like a fan before suddenly stopping to throw it, sending it straight for the center of a target. The bull's-eye split the target down the middle, and sent both wooden pieces collapsing to the ground.

This impressive maneuver was enough to get the students cheering, buzzing with excitement and wagging tails. Rosaline's smile returned to her. "That's the spirit! Alright, today I'd like to teach you all about basic attacks. Sometimes, we don't have time in the middle of combat to prepare our moves, so a swift punch in the jaw or strong kick to the groin has to suffice!"

Rosaline demonstrated on a training dummy, slamming the blades of her arms into the lifeless mannequin's sides. The leather almost sliced open from the force, and the dummy toppled to the ground.

"A basic attack is sometimes just enough to get us out of danger, or the last strike we need to K.O. an opponent. Using a great deal of our moves can lead to over-exhaustion, but basic attacks are much easier for Pokémon to muster." Rosaline placed her hands on her hips and looked back down at her pupils. "I would like everyone to stand in front of a dummy and try it out!"

There were enough punching bags in the yard for each of the Academy students to pair up with one, and Icarus stood firmly in front of the biggest Rosaline had. The instructor watched as each of the students attacked their dummy, all eleven of them going about it in different ways. Icarus couldn't help peeking at Melrose, who turned heel and kicked the dummy down with her two back legs.

Pretty good. Her form needs work, but that's nothing practice won't fix.

"Great job, Melrose!" Rosaline called from across the court. "Your form needs a little work, but that's nothing practice won't fix!" The Pikachu shot her instructor an unsure smile, but quickly went back to battering her stationary foe.

Ha, see. Told you. Icarus laughed to himself.

The Prince watched a few of his other classmates fight their immobile opponents. Ashe seemed to struggle greatly with mustering up enough force for an attack, Xavian was using their tusks to wail on the mannequin's side, and Blitz was just raking the stuffing and sand out with his talons. They were all amateurs in the ways of combat, but that was to be expected.

Icarus ruffled his feathers and charged his dummy, leaping into the air and spinning 360 degrees before slamming it with his tail. The mannequin was sent practically flying, and Icarus gave himself a proud smirk.

"Wow! Very impressive, my liege." Rosaline approached the Tyrunt. "But, try to take it down a notch? We're practicing basic attacks. There's no need for all that dazzle."

Icarus held himself back from gawking, an embarrassed blush making it past his scales. He turned away from everyone, but could still hear faint giggling from… Melrose, for certain. There were other Pokémon mocking him, but Icarus knew the sound of Melrose's laugh all too well.

Whatever. It's better to be too much than too little. They're just jealous they can't keep up.

Rosaline lifted one of her arms and whistled, signaling everyone to stop. "These attacks are looking really good, as far as newcomers go. Glad to see we've already got a great foundation for strong warriors ahead of us." The Gallade gestured out to the whole group with both her arms. "Next up, I'd like everyone to partner up with a Pokémon to spar."

The class glanced amongst themselves with varying emotions, and Rosaline crossed her arms. "Well, don't get too excited." A few students rubbed the backs of their heads sheepishly, while others turned away and shrugged. The Captain sighed. "It will be basic attacks only, and the winner is just the first one to land a blow. I mostly want you all to practice dodging and identifying opportunities." Rosaline looked around, counting in her head. "Oh, and since there are an odd number of you… someone will be going twice."

"I will spar twice." Icarus volunteered immediately.

"Excellent. Thank you, Your Grace. Everyone, find a partner then."

The others scrambled about to find pairs, but Icarus waited to see who would come to him. The Tyrunt watched as Florence and Neptune paired up, then Xavian and Owin, Blitz and Delta, Melrose and Ashe, and finally Flick and Sabre. The Pokémon that was left alone was–

Himself.

Rosaline stayed quiet for a moment, likely doing more mental math, before clearing her throat loudly. "Nice work everyone, but I need a pair to each fight Icarus once instead of each other."

"It's fine, Lady Rosaline. I can just sit this out, if necessary." Icarus's tail twitched. If they don't want to pair up with me, then I don't want to pair up with them either.

"No no, I want everyone to spar. How about… Ashe and Melrose?"

The Pikachu's ears dropped, and she clearly wanted to object, but Icarus huffed loudly to cut off any chance she had. "That is acceptable." Was all Icarus said before walking over to the both of them.

"Great! Now that everything is settled, let's start with… Blitz and Delta!"

Each bout went decently similar– a minute or so of the Pokémon dodging each other nervously before one of them finally landed a blow. Blitz looked confident– being able to fly in the air and avoid Delta's punches and kicks. But when he swooped down for a hit, he was knocked in the face by two spinning tails. Neptune and Florence practically danced around one another, but it would be Neptune and his longer limbs that would claim victory. Up next, Rosaline called for Icarus and Melrose.

The two of them took their places at the opposite ends of the court. Rosaline lifted her arm, then slammed it downwards in the air to signal both of them to start. Melrose rushed in quickly, which Icarus was prepared for. You have the patience of a hungry hatchling. Let's see if you can handle a tactical mind!

Icarus remained still, only moving when Melrose was hardly a few feet away. The Tyrunt smirked before taking a step and jumping clean over the Pikachu's head. When she turned around to see what had happened, she was met with a brutal head swing– much stronger than his light tussling when they had first met. Icarus cleanly knocked her to the ground, and Melrose did not look happy about it.

"Great work, both of you. Xavian, Owin, your tur–" Rosaline was interrupted by Melrose coughing and gagging, the wind knocked clean out of her. The Pikachu was struggling to breathe. Icarus's eyes widened. He didn't hit her that hard, did he? Rosaline hurried to Melrose's side. "You're alright, dear. You're alright…"

Rosaline helped the Pikachu up and instructed her to take deep breaths, her watery eyes looked panicked… but, Icarus knew she would be fine. Ashe, however, was trembling at the sight.

"Delta, go retrieve an Oran Berry and some water from that box over there." Rosaline said while glancing up at the Buizel.

"Yes, Ma'am!" Delta rushed over to the ice box sitting in the training room, scampering back as quickly as she could with a waterskin and Oran Berry. Rosaline gently placed them in the Pikachu's hands. "Nibble on this and drink some water when you can. You'll feel better in no time." Melrose nodded her head, still taking loud heaves as her body tried to force oxygen in.

"Now, uh… where were we? Xavian and Owin, right?"

"C-Captain Rosaline…" Ashe whimpered, tugging slightly on her instructor's arm. "D-do I have to fight Icarus?"

"Well–" The question seemed to seriously take Rosaline off guard, and she struggled for a few moments to think of anything to say. "I mean… I guess you don't… have to, but, Ashe– You'll be fine." Rosaline declared assuringly. "It was just an accident. They happen when sparring."

Ashe looked up at Icarus, still trembling. Icarus felt something stir inside of him, and– unsure what to do, he just stood there and stared back.

Rosaline laughed it all off and returned to urging Xavian and Owin to get in their places. Both of them hesitated, but got in gear after Owin gave his friend a playful punch.

"I, the Hero of Legend Owin Thunderstrike, am gonna kick your butt– Xavian the Crimson Axe!"

Xavian blushed, but instead of how they usually shut Owin down– laughed in playful mocking. "A little known hero is no match for a Noble like myself. En Guarde!"

Neptune sneered slightly when Xavian played pretend back at their friend, but the Axew wouldn't be able to notice as their instructor signaled them to start. Owin sped towards Xavian, aiming to get behind them. Xavian made great strides to keep their eyes on him as much as possible, but the Pikachu really was quick. Owin suddenly lunged from the Axew's left side, but they were able to tuck and roll out of the way.

Owin wiped the dirt off of his face, "Excellent move, Crimson Axe! But, are you ready for this?" The Pikachu kicked himself off of the ground and began swiping his paws at the air, which was one of the least coordinated moves Owin had ever done. Xavian was hopping back, trying to analyze the perfect time to strike…

Xavian smirked when their friend went for an uppercut, leaving his torso unguarded. The Axew rammed one of their tusks into Owin's stomach, sending the Pikachu tumbling back against the dirt.

As Owin tilted his head back up, slowly processing his defeat, Xavian bowed towards him. "Très bien, mon amie. However, it seems Owin Thunderstrike has met his match." The Axew giggled into their claws as they walked over to Owin, reaching down to help him up. "Perhaps he should learn that Pikachu aren't built to fight with their front paws, hmm?"

Owin blushed, smiling as he took his friend's hand so he could get helped back up to his feet. For the first time, the Electric Type was speechless.

"Very good, both of you! Flicky, Sabre, are you both ready?" Rosaline turned towards the saluting Charcadet and bowing Porygon.

"Yes, Captain!"

"Affirmative, Miss Rosaline."

It was hard to discern much emotion from their polygonal classmate, but it was pretty clear to everyone that Flicky was not much of a fighter. Still, the Porygon took his place at the far side of the training grounds and watched as Sabre rushed him the second Rosaline gave her signal. Flicky floated out of the way to avoid meeting the Charcadet's flaming fists, but didn't do much in the way of actually attacking back. It was an entertaining pattern of hovering around in the air just out of reach from each kick and punch until Sabre suddenly lunged into the air to strike Flicky in the beak.

"Hmm, alright. That was some great leg work, you two." Rosaline rubbed the back of her head before glancing back at Icarus. "Are you able to fight again, Your Highness?"

The Tyrunt nodded his head, already taking his place at the far end of the training grounds. He watched as Ashe timidly approached the other side. The Minccino looked… terrified of him. Icarus had that feeling from before stirring in him once again. It was… uncomfortable, but he didn't give himself time to process it.

I'll have to go easy on her. Ashe clearly isn't a fighter.

"Three… two… one… Begin!"

Upon Rosaline's shout, Icarus began walking quickly towards the cowering Normal Type. He tried not to rush her, but was still planning on ending this quickly. As he drew near, Ashe's eyes grew wider and more terrified. Icarus raised one of his claws towards the sky, he would just slam her into the ground and relieve the Minccino of this battle– however, as their eyes met…

That look of fear, the way Ashe's face contorted at the sight of his wrath, it gave Icarus an overwhelming feeling of deja vu.

Unable to handle his stare any longer, Ashe turned her haunches towards Icarus and brushed a large amount of dirt right into the dragon's face with her tail. Icarus snarled with rage as he was drawn out of his thoughts, and swung his claws wildly in the direction the Minccino was. Icarus struck nothing, which surprised him enough to trip him slightly.

Ashe was now behind Icarus, and she leapt onto his back in an attempt to best him. Though, this revealed her location to the Tyrunt, and he fell onto his back to crush the little Pokémon. Ashe was easily incapacitated by his sheer weight, and Icarus rolled off of her once the Minccino stopped moving. Everyone's eyes were now on the little patch of gray fur… who was completely knocked out.

Melrose, coughing up some of her water, gasped in shock at the sight of her friend. "Ashe!" The Pikachu hurried over with her half eaten berry, holding it up to the unmoving Minccino's mouth. After a few seconds of trying to get a fainted Pokémon to consume an Oran Berry, she snarled up at Icarus and pointed an accusatory finger up at him. "What's wrong with you?!"

Icarus's nose twitched, "it was a spar!"

"You could have let her win!"

"Why would I do that?!"

"So you wouldn't hurt another Pokémon!" Melrose growled. "Who am I kidding– I bet you like hurting Pokémon!"

"What?!"

"I thought 'you can't just get into dangerous physical alt-er-ca-tions with your classmates!' She fainted!" Melrose's cheeks sparked wildly. Icarus felt something overcome him, and fire started to lace the tips of his fangs– however, Rosaline shoved past both of them to pick Ashe up from the ground.

"Enough! Everyone, calm down!" The Gallade glared once at Melrose, then at Icarus, before turning back towards the rest of the class. Her face was calm, but there was an aura of worry to the Captain that wasn't there before. "You're all dismissed. I'm going to take Ashe to the nurse. I need you all to return to your common area. Prince Icarus, lead them there."

Rosaline didn't wait for an answer as she took the beaten up Minccino back inside of the castle. Icarus watched, a pang of guilt almost able to overtake him– but it was interrupted swiftly by another growl from the Pikachu below him.

Icarus closed his eyes and turned away from her, "Let us return to our dorms."

"Good idea…" Xavian mumbled while fidgeting with their bowtie. "Quickly, everyone!" The Axew ushered everyone to follow as Icarus led the group of classmates to their common area. No one dared utter a word, whether it be from fear or shere awkwardness, so the entire trip was silent once again. Not even Owin opened his mouth to comment on anything, which would normally be a peaceful respite– but Icarus found himself missing it, if only just a tad. Anything to save him from this… feeling.

How am I supposed to fix this? What would Father do?…

Once they had made it back to the student quarters, everyone slugged their ways onto couches or into corners. Melrose was the sole exception, who quickly stormed off to her room. Icarus's tail twitched as he watched the Pikachu slam her door, but he didn't want to snap in front of everyone again. Instead, he turned to Xavian, who still had their claws entangled in their accessory.

"Lefevre, do you think you can handle watching everyone for a while? I wish to go find Rosaline."

"It should be no trouble, Milord. But…" Xavian glanced at Melrose's door before looking up at their Prince. "Are you sure?"

Icarus scowled. "What do you mean?"

Xavian rubbed their arm, eyes shifting, and shook their head solemnly. "Nevermind. It was inappropriate for me to question you. I shall watch our classmates."

"Thank you." Icarus grumbled before turning tail on his peers. Once the door had closed behind him, the Tyrunt dug through his Treasure Bag and retrieved the school map. The directions to the medical wing would surely be easy to remember after all of Miss Adeline's ramblings, but the map made it so that Icarus could be sure.

Icarus hadn't walked through the castle alone in what felt like ages, always moving in swarms of classmates. The Tyrunt's large claws clicked and clacked against the stone floor, but the sounds of his footsteps weren't enough to drown out his thoughts. Icarus's pace slowed as he mindlessly watched his mark on the map move.

I wasn't trying to hurt her.

Icarus took a shallow breath- his own stomach twisting surprised him.

It isn't my fault I'm so strong.

Ashe's eyes flashed in his mind, and Melrose's words ran louder in his ears.

"What's wrong with you?"

Icarus started to shake. From anxiety? Anger? He wasn't exactly sure. The Tyrunt gripped his map hard enough to puncture it, and couldn't bother caring.

"What is her deal?!" Icarus couldn't help shouting to himself. "Ever since school started, she's been– she's–"

"We are friends… aren't we?"

Icarus dropped his map on the ground and stared at the wall in silence. Why was she doing this to him? Why was Melrose treating him like he had burnt all her crops and tore down her house? The Pikachu's company was actually rather pleasant until all their classmates had arrived. Icarus usually felt able to keep up with everyone's expectations, but he couldn't possibly do that when he had no idea what Melrose's expectations of him actually were.

"Your Highness? Everything… okay?"

Icarus didn't realize his fangs were blazing until Basil's voice snapped him out of his state. The young Prince shook his head to blow away the heat in his mouth and let out a loud sigh, bending down to pick up his map. "I'm fine, truly. It's only that… this morning hasn't exactly gone my way."

Basil moved faster than Icarus, retrieving the map and reaching up to hand it to their Prince.

"Breakfast was off this morning. You were all so… quiet. Mint, Pepper and I got a little…" their eyes met Icarus's before suddenly pulling away. "W-worried…"

Icarus wanted to assure the little butler that everything was alright. But, it wasn't– and that was clear as day. So instead, the Dragon Pokémon let his head fall to his hands. Basil's eyes widened, and the Pansage would reach a shaky paw towards the Tyrunt that they would quickly yank away with a yelp once Icarus began his verbal tirade.

"Royals don't have friends! We have… close associates! For example, my Father and Prime Minister Aster. Or– Or myself and my help at home, Jakob. He's a Pokémon that I like– I enjoy his company! But I would never call him… or, anyone, for that matter– my friend."

Icarus tore his head away from his claws and started to pace back and forth within the hall. Basil reached their arm back out towards him, but there was no stopping the Tyrunt now.

"Is there something I'm missing here? Some reason that I'm being sent to the slaughterhouse and executed by a dull, undignified blade of guilt?! Peasants are beneath my status, I wasn't even aware commoners were allowed to attend this school– yet, I still designate precious moments of my emotional time to wondering how I'm somehow making one of them upset? How is that fair to me? What does she gain by spitting in my face? How does she not understand that I can't shove all my classmates aside to shower her in some royal attention whenever she wants?!"

Icarus ended his pacing with a rough stomp on the hard floor, taking in deep breaths as he tried not to lose himself further to his rant. The Tyrunt kept his eyes on the floor, and it was all too tempting to keep rambling on and on. Instead, his own embarrassment caught up with him. "My apologies. This is extremely unbecoming of a Prince."

"Milord, I…" Basil took a deep breath. "I must admit– I have no idea what y-you're talking about. However…" The monkey Pokémon gave him a sheepish smile, eyes closed and hiding from the world. "Is there anything I can help you with? Anything at all? Even if it's just talking, I don't mind listening. In school, I was taught to always cater to my master's needs. As Prince of all Adstrum, it's obviously my sworn duty to aid you– Plus…" The Pansage blinked their eyes open, genuine fondness radiating from him. "You've already done the same for me. L-listen, I mean…"

Basil's words sapped bits of gloom through the Tyrunt's scales as if they were a literal antidote for sour stomachs. Icarus eyed the hospital room from across the hall, walking past the polite Grass Type as he returned to his quest. "You've done more than enough for one early afternoon, Basil. Return to your regular duties. I… think I can handle this drama on my own." His tail twitched slightly. "I am a Prince, after all. Father insisted I study diplomacy, you know."

Once Icarus let himself have a little laugh, Basil giggled quietly behind him. Allowing himself a touch of humor seemed to calm the Dragon Type down quite a bit. Basil gave their Prince another bow, their tail swishing calmly behind them. "I believe you can handle anything, My Liege. Good luck all the same."

As both Pokémon returned on their ways, silence gripped the hall. Icarus's smile faded back into neutrality, and nearing the hospital wing required a great deal of fast-paced mental preparation. The Tyrunt could hear muffled conversation in the nurse's office, and quietly approached the door with apprehension. A slight bit of eavesdropping would do no harm, surely.

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have thrown them all into this. Or, maybe I should have picked everyone's partner…"

"Oh, Rosaline." A soft, male voice accompanied her. "You teach a very rigorous class! I'm well prepared to see a lot of students coming here after learning a thing or two from you. Try not to beat yourself up about it. Besides, you train full grown knights! How are you not used to this?"

"It's different when it's kids!" Rosaline could be heard standing up. "I'm directly responsible for their safety."

"Hah, yes. That is true. However, these things happen. Although, Ashe probably isn't the only student we need to make sure is okay."

Both adults went quiet, and Icarus took this as a good opportunity to knock on the door. The Prince cleared his throat loudly, trying to act like he wasn't just listening in on their conversation. "Captain Rosaline, it's Icarus. I would like to see Ashe, if that is alright?"

"Ah, Icarus– My Prince– I don't know. That's really up to–"

"Come right in, dear Drakkenburg!" The nurse sang as he opened the door, fluttering in the air by the handle. The Togetic flashed the Dragon Type below him with a shining smile as Icarus awkwardly shuffled his way inside.

On one of the bleach white medical beds was Ashe, still knocked out but breathing steadily. Icarus felt his stomach twisting again. Maybe this was a bad idea–

"She's going to be just fine, little Prince." The Nurse rested a hand on Icarus from the air. "It was a light K.O., really. Reviver Seed oil isn't even necessary. She'll be fit as a fiddle in an hour, tops."

"That's good to hear," Icarus sighed into his chest. "I wasn't trying to–"

"I know…" Rosaline glanced down at His Highness with a sheepish smile. "I should have considered that this might happen. You're ahead of the other students in terms of combat skill, and I trusted you to know how to handle your own strength."

The Prince's nostrils flared. "I do know how to handle my strength! How dare you?!"

Rosaline pulled back slightly, "I didn't mean to upset you, Milord! I was merely–"

Icarus interrupted her with a loud sigh. "Save it. I'm just in a bitter mood. I thought I would be the perfect fit for Class Leader, but now I'm not so sure."

Rosaline softened, and the Gallade tilted her head to one side. "My Prince, what makes you say that?"

"Everyone hates me." Icarus growled bluntly. "The nobles are beginning to lack respect for me, and the commoners think I'm a malevolent villain. I'm either a joke or a monster to them after everything that's happened today."

Rosaline shook her head, "Icarus, no one would dare think those things about you. Though, what do you mean by 'after everything that's happened'? Would you like to tell me what's going on?"

"I really shouldn't," Icarus snarled quietly.

"Well, I suppose I can't make you." Rosaline looked towards the sleeping Minccino next to them and sighed. "But, you guys can trust us… okay? If there is anything any of you needs to tell us, the whole staff is here for you."

The nurse nodded his head. "Especially myself! I'm a trained counselor, I'll have you know! I've dealt with far worse than a bit of school turmoil."

Rosaline laughed, "it probably would be wiser to visit Doctor Mira than it would be to come to me. But, I'm still here if you ever need it. As a teacher and a sworn knight to you and the King, I promise to do whatever I can for you and your class, Icarus."

Icarus blinked up at his instructor, grateful but unsure of how to express that properly to her. He looked back at Ashe, stepping closer to the little Normal Type and becoming eye-level with her face. Mira and Rosaline watched as the Prince closed his eyes and bowed his head. His voice was barely above a whisper as he apologized.

"I'm sorry, Ashe. I hope you can forgive me. However, I would understand if you didn't."

The two adults stayed quiet as Icarus turned around and began walking back to his room. Rosaline opened her mouth to say something, but closed it when Mira shook his head. Once Icarus was out of their sight, he gripped his arm with tight force– piercing his scales with his own claws.