Summary: Troubled teenager, Ursula Haumann, believes she is the strongest and can do whatever she pleases. She receives a harsh lesson on what true strength is.

Year 896 – Hoarfrost Village, Algus Kingdom

The Algus Kingdom had one motto that has been the staple of its people since the kingdom was first founded: be strong, and never waver. These were the words the kingdom took to heart, molding them into the hardened warriors they were today.

Unfortunately, some took to that motto in less…positive means.

A poor Teddiursa, who happened to be walking through the wrong street at the wrong time, crossed paths with the biggest bully around the village. He trembled up against the wall as he was held up by the collar of his jacket. "P-Please. 'Ave mercy on m-me. I don't 'ave any gul, I swear!"

The bully, joined at both sides by an equally tough Luxio and Shuppet, was a thirteen-year-old Croagunk dressed in a sleeveless black coat with a spiked fur collar and blue snow trousers. She curled her fingers tightly around the shivering bear's collar, pulling him down to look her in the eye.

She smirked. "I know ye're lyin'. Ye think ye can pull a fast one on me? A little weakling like ye?"

"P-Please, leave me alone…"

"What are ye goin' to do about it, ye little crybaby?" she teased. "I'm bigger and stronger than ye." She raised her fist threateningly. "Think ye 'ave what it takes to fight me? Come on, punch me. Punch me right in the face."

The Teddiursa trembled, but reacted. He swung his fist and punched her across the face. The second his fist did absolutely nothing to her, she socked him in the stomach. He collapsed to the ground and vomited onto the snow-covered street as the bully's friends laughed behind her.

"Oh man, 'e went down immediately!" the Luxio laughed.

"'E's a little wuss, that's what 'e is! Can't even take a punch!" Shuppet laughed.

The bully picked the Teddiursa up by the collar again and looked him in the eye. "Now then, about that gul ye owe me—"

"Weeeeeeewoooooooo!"

The bully's eyes widened, then she facepalmed. "No, no, not 'im again!"

"Scram! It's the officers!" Luxio and Shuppet took off running as blue light flashed over the street.

The bully begrudgingly dropped the Teddiursa, who immediately took off in the opposite direction. She slid her hand down her face and turned around. "'Ello, Officer Korhonen…"

Leaping down onto the street was a Shiny Umbreon dressed in winter clothes, a blue trapper hat, and a blue cloak, both depicting an emblem of two hand axes crossed over a tower shield. His blue rings flashed in quick bursts, blinking over the visible area.

"Weeeeeewoooooo, weeeeeeewooooooo!" he sounded before breaking out into a cheery grin. "Well, hey there, Ursula! Fancy running into you today." He tilted his head. "I got a tip saying you were being a bad girl again. Shame, shame, shame!"

Ursula glared. "I wasn't…doin' nothin'."

He tutted at her. "Now Ursula, it's not polite to lie to your friendly neighborhood officer. This is your third offense this month, and your dad would be really disappointed if I had to bring you back to the station, especially on his day off."

She scoffed and waved him off. "Me dad don't know squat! I can do whatever I want!"

Officer Korhonen shook his head. "Oh Ursula, being a bully is not fun. There's better ways to make friends than beating them up and taking their money. Now, I'm gonna have to take you down to the station for being a little grumpy pants. Come along quietly, and maybe I'll take you out for dessert." The officer paused and tapped his chin. "No, wait. Teppo said not to be polite to the criminals. Aww, but she's not a bad kid—"

"I 'ave no time for this." Ursula shoved her hands in her pockets and marched off. "I'm leavin'."

"Arresting Stare!"

Two beacons of blue light shined from the officer's eyes, targeting Ursula and keeping her from advancing further. She struggled under the dimwitted officer's blinding stare. "D-Dammit, ye bastard! Ye want a fight?!"

The officer smiled. "Now Ursula, it's not polite to walk away from an officer while he's talking to you. You need to be a good girl, otherwise I'll have to call your father down to the station to pick you up. You don't want him finding out about this, do you?"

Ursula turned and snarled at him. "'Ow's about I just beat ye up and do whatever I want? Ye can't do anythin' to me!"

"Now Ursula—"

"Stop talkin' to me like I'm six!" She charged headlong at him with her fist raised. "I'm goin' to punch that stupid grin off yer face!"

The officer stepped out of her way, causing her to miss her punch. "Normally, you'd be right, but Teppo gave me special permission just for you. Ooh, this is my favorite part of the job!"

"What the 'ell are ye talkin'—" Her eyes widened as he suddenly bit down on her neck. "…Don't ye dare—"

"Taser Mode!" Electricity erupted from his fangs.

"AAAAAAAAH!"

Later…

Ursula sulked on the couch, her skin covered in light burns, as she tried to hide from the disappointed glares of her parents. Officer Urho Korhonen stood beside them, happily wagging his tail at the amazing job he did.

Her father, Otso, pinched between his eyes and took a deep breath. "Ursula…" he growled.

Ursula pouted. "Wha—EEP!" Her mother, an Illumise, grabbed her by the cheek and pinched her hard. "Ow, ow, ow, ow!"

"I got a visit from Sune's mother tellin' me ye were bullyin' 'im again! Is this true?"

Ursula winced. "Mmmmmaaaaaybe—" Her mother pinched harder. "OW, okay! Yes, I was…messin' with 'im a bit, that's it!"

"Messin' with 'im?! Ye punched 'im in the stomach!"

"I didn't mean it—OW! WILL YE STOP?!"

Otso placed his hand over his wife's hand and gently lowered it. "That's enough, Dagmar." He set his sights on his daughter with a hostile glare. "Young lady, this kind of behavior will not be tolerated. I thought I raised ye better than that."

Ursula glared. "What's the big deal? I was just messin' around, that's it."

"Bullyin' people isn't just messin' around. It's hurtful, and it can land ye in serious trouble."

She scoffed. "A squirt like Sune doesn't look like any trou—" Her eyes widened as her mother slowly raise her hand. She immediately bowed her head and shut her mouth.

Urho tapped Otso and Dagmar from behind, pulling them aside for a moment. "I saw her hanging out with some other troublemakers, if that helps. A Luxio and a Shuppet."

Otso facepalmed. "Ugh, not those two again." He glared back at Ursula. "I thought I told ye to stop hangin' out with those brats."

"…They're me friends," she mumbled. "We were just 'avin' fun…"

Dagmar covered her face and shuddered. "Where did we go wrong? This is not the daughter I raised." She frowned at Otso. "What do we even do? We can't just ground 'er again."

"I 'ave no idea…" Otso groaned.

Ursula pouted. "I don't see what the big deal is. Ye beat people up all the time, and no one's yellin' at ye."

He glared at her. "First of all, me job is a lot more than beatin' people up. And second, I do not go around pickin' fights just because I can. Ye may have inherited me strength, but that doesn't give ye an excuse to use it 'owever ye wish. I use me strength to keep the peace in our village, not stir up more trouble."

"'E zapped me!" Ursula complained, pointing to the smiling Umbreon.

"Aye, 'e did, and I will 'ave words with Teppo for authorizin' that in the first place, but ye 'ad it comin' with yer rotten behavior as of late."

Ursula groaned and threw herself back against the cushions. "This is so stupid!"

"Oh, and we 'aven't gotten to the fact ye skipped school again," Otso growled. "Do ye even care about yer future?"

She huffed. "What does it matter? If I want somethin', I can just take it. Who's goin' to stop me?"

"Me, for starters. And I'll keep stoppin' ye until ye curb that attitude of yers or until we're both neck deep in the grave!"

Dagmar grabbed her husband's shoulder. "Okay, now ye need to calm down."

He let out a sigh and shook his head. "Sorry, I'm just…I don't know 'ow else to 'elp 'er."

Ursula rolled her eyes. "Just ground me and get it over with."

Dagmar glared. "Don't talk back to yer father like that. Ye're damn near lucky I'm not beatin' ye over the 'ead with 'is belt after what ye did. The nerve of ye to pick on that poor boy when 'e was mindin' 'is own business. 'Ow'd ye like it if someone walked up on ye and smacked ye around?"

Ursula scoffed with a tired smirk. "Please, there's barely an adult in this village who can outmuscle me."

"…" Otso's eyes widened in realization. "Ye…don't say?"

Ursula felt an uncomfortable chill from her father's tone. "Uh, what?"

"…" He took a deep breath and pointed up the stairs. "Go to yer room and pack yer clothes."

Her eyes widened. "What?!"

Dagmar gasped. "Otso, I'm upset with 'er, too, but ye can't just kick 'er out of the—"

"I'm not kickin' 'er out of the 'ouse." He crossed his arms, staring down the nervous Croagunk with a harsh glare. "Ye're goin' to be stayin' with someone else for the next month, someone who might finally knock some sense into ye."

"EH?!"

Ursula awkwardly stood beside her father, wringing the handle of her travel bag between her hands. She expected her father to take her to the kingdom dungeons or something worse, but…this was the last thing she expected.

Before them was an extravagant wooden manor standing two stories tall with two burning lanterns positioned between the doors. The manor's front porch took up the length of the house with all manner of furniture sitting out in the snow. Speaking of the snow, the manor stood at a higher elevation of Mt. Algus, bringing about a fierce snowstorm that sent shivers up the Croagunk's back.

"Ye will be stayin' 'ere until that bad attitude of yers is ironed out," Otso explained. "This ought to knock some sense into ye about 'ow the world works."

Ursula frowned. "Ye're leavin' me with some old lord? Ye're jokin', right?"

Otso ignored her comment and struck the door twice with the door knocker. He stepped back and waited until the double doors pulled open.

Rather than a servant answering the door, it was the owner of the manor himself. Stepping out onto the snow-covered porch was an old Armaldo dressed in a thick black cloak over his custom white tunic and red vest. It was designed to allow his claws to retract in and out of his body without being cumbersome. He carried a weary expression in his even glare as he looked down at the frog duo.

"Officer Otso," the lord greeted with a deeply, gravelly voice.

Otso bowed, then pushed Ursula forward. "Ursula, ye will be stayin' with Lord Christoph Kauffman for the next month. 'E will be teachin' ye a little somethin' I failed to teach ye: discipline."

Ursula scoffed and smirked. "This old fossil is goin' to teach me discipline? Really?"

Christoph wasn't fazed by her comment and looked to Otso. "I can see why you asked for my help."

Otso frowned. "I'm sorry if it's any inconvenience, but—"

"I owed you a favor after dealing with that troublesome Darmanitan who tried to rob my home while I was away. It's the least I could do as repayment." He bowed his head. "Rest assured, I will teach the youngling a thing or two about her behavior."

Ursula rolled her eyes. "Good luck with that…"

Otso shot a quick glare at her before bowing again to the lord. "Thank ye, Lord Kauffman." He pulled out a scroll and handed it to him. "This 'ere is a list of Ursula's needs while under yer care. She's allergic to walnuts, she doesn't like sweet foods, she will throw a fit if she's required to wear a dress for any formal events—"

"Daaaaaaaad," Ursula groaned, trying to hide her reddened face.

Otso glared. "And if ye 'appen to see a Luxio and Shuppet around 'er age lookin' for 'er, don't let them talk to 'er. At all."

"But those are me friends—" she tried to complain, but was immediately shot down by her father's harsh glare. She pouted and returned to glaring down at the porch.

Christoph put on a pair of reading glasses and quickly skimmed through the scroll's contents. "I see…" He finished reading and stashed the scroll away in his body. "Do not worry, Officer Otso. I shall take good care of her."

Otso bowed. "Thank ye." He knelt down and placed his hand on Ursula's shoulder. "Look, I know ye don't like this, but ye left me with no other choice. This will be good for ye. Ye may end up learnin' somethin'."

She rolled her eyes. "This is so stupid. What am I even goin' to do for the rest of the month?"

"I'm sure Lord Kauffman will find somethin' to keep ye busy. Just please be on yer best behavior for me. Yer mother and I are worried for ye, and we just want to see ye develop into a good person."

"…" She turned away from him with a huff.

Otso sighed and stood up. "I'll pick ye up in a month. Please behave." He gave one last nod to Lord Kauffman before pulling his hood up and trekking back into the snowstorm.

Christoph stepped aside and gestured for Ursula to enter the manor. "After you."

Ursula's glare hardened as she dragged her bag into the manor. Christoph followed suit and shut the doors behind him.

She couldn't go five minutes without throwing a fit with the old lord. She tapped her foot impatiently as the Armaldo conversed with a Sawsbuck butler regarding her stay at the manor, instructing him to prepare a room for her. They droned on about a bunch of useless trivialities that didn't interest the young Croagunk, and all she could do was grip her face and groan in increasingly obnoxious volumes.

Christoph ignored her whining masterfully as he finished going over Ursula's care scroll. "Have dinner prepared in an hour. I have work to attend to in my study." The butler took the scroll, stashing it inside his jacket, and excused himself from the foyer. Christoph breathed a weary sigh and turned toward Ursula. "Now then—"

"It's about time!" she growled. "Ye just goin' to make me stand 'ere all day?!"

"…" He glared up at the winding stairs leading to the second floor. "A guest room will be spruced up for your stay here. You will drop off your belongings there and meet me for dinner at precisely six o'clock. Dress formally."

She growled louder. "Ye ain't makin' me wear some frilly dress just for dinner!"

"I don't care what manner you dress in so long as it's proper dining attire. I will not hear another word of complaint from you—"

"AGH!" Ursula dug her fingers against her scalp. "This is so stupid! Why should I waste me time listenin' to an old relic like ye?! I might as well just march out that door and fend for meself for the rest of the month!"

Christoph scoffed. "And I suppose you will be seeking refuge from those friends of yours? Your father doesn't seem keen on you hanging out with them."

"They're me friends! Get used to it!" She waved him off and turned toward the front doors. "Forget this! Me father can throw me in the big 'ouse for all I care! I ain't stayin' 'ere and dyin' of boredom!"

Christoph huffed. "You are prohibited from leaving the premises until the allotted time agreed upon with your father is complete."

She laughed bitterly. "Oh, and what are ye goin' to do about it? No chains or walls can 'old me! I'm the strongest!"

"…" Christoph huffed through his nostrils. "The strongest? You speak of such a lofty goal…and yet your words are hollow and meaningless."

Her eyes widened. "Excuse me?!"

"You are a child, thus you're nothing more than a damned fool with shallow ambitions. You have no idea what it means to be the strongest. Between every soul in the Algus Kingdom, I deem you…the weakest."

Her cheeks flushed with rage. "Ye dare?! I'll clobber that smug attitude of yers to dust!"

"…" He glared over his shoulder. "If your words carry even a shred of merit, perhaps a wager is in order."

"…" She calmed a bit, narrowing her gaze. "Go on."

"You wish to leave? I grant you a chance. Once a day between sunrise and sunset, for the rest of the month, I will grant you a single opportunity to prove your strength. If you can crack my shell, I will allow you the choice to leave."

She smirked. "Seriously? Just break yer shell open? Easy!"

"Hmm. Of course, all wagers come with costs for both sides. For each time you fail, not only will you be prohibited to leave the manor, but you will also have to wear my old training weights."

She scoffed. "That's a punishment?"

"You'll see." He turned his back to her. "By accepting the terms of this wager, you forfeit your rebellious desire to leave until you've successfully cracked my shell. Is that understood?"

She chuckled proudly, giving her arms a quick stretch. "Fine, whatever. I accept yer little wager, old man. This'll be the easiest bet I've taken up."

Christoph nodded solemnly. "Then our verbal contract is complete. Now then, I shall show you to your room—"

"Or ye can show me to the door!" Ursula instantly lunged across the foyer with her fist reared back. "Prepare to get crushed, ye old—"

BAM!

And just like that, everything went dark for the young Croagunk.

"Uuuuuugh…"

Ursula finally cracked her eyes open, awakening to a splitting headache. The entire left side of her face felt bruised, almost like she was hit back a sack full of bricks. Stars blinked inside her vision, dancing across the ceiling.

"Where…am I—GAH!" As soon as she tried to raise her hand, it suddenly turned against her and pulled her out of the bed she was laying in. She crashed onto the floor, landing on her bruised face. "Uuuuuuugh…"

She heard a door open and the clicking of hooves approaching her. Someone bit the back of her shirt and lifted her back into bed. She tilted her eyes up to the Sawsbuck butler from earlier, who placed a bowl of chowder on the nightstand beside her.

"Do be more careful, Ms. Haumann," the butler advised. "You still have the rest of the month to get through if you want to complete your wager with Master Christoph."

"Whaaaaa…" She glanced at her arm and suddenly realized why she fell out of bed. A thick iron shackle had been strapped onto it. She tried to lift her hand, but her fatigued state made the task nearly impossible. "…Crap."

The butler bowed to her. "If you need anything, just ring the bell above your bed."

She glanced at the rope dangling above her before glaring at him. "Can I request for me immediate removal from this manor?"

"No. Enjoy the rest of your night." He bowed once more and showed himself out, gently closing the door.

With some struggle, Ursula managed to scoot up against her pillow and pulled herself into a sitting position. She rested her head against the backboard and took a deep breath, wincing from the searing pain across her face.

"Ooookay, the old man has a decent right hook, I'll give him that." She glared at the door. "But I'll get you tomorrow. Mark my words."

Morning arrived, and Christoph was already seated at the head of the grand dining table. He leaned back in his seat, reading a book as he waited for his meal to arrive. He lifted his gaze when he heard the front doors open.

"Ms. Haumann. Thank you for joining me for breakfast—"

Without warning, Ursula hopped onto the dining table and sprinted toward the Armaldo with her fist reared back. "Payback time, ye old fart—"

BANG!

Ursula went sliding back down the table and crashed onto the floor. She lay sprawled out, paralyzed for a moment, as her eyes and head spun in a daze.

Christoph tutted in disappointment. "Couldn't even wait until the afternoon? You're hardly at full strength, young lady."

Ursula gripped the edge of the table and hoisted herself up, panting heavily. She groaned and massaged her aching jaw. "Cheap shot."

"If you say so. Now, sit down. Breakfast will be ready soon—" He raised his eyes, sensing Ursula standing back on the table. "I believe the terms of our agreement were one chance per day. You wasted your only chance. Sit down."

Ursula smirked. "Ha! Ye think I'm goin' to listen to ye?!"

"Your father knew what he was setting you up for leaving you with me. Do not test my patience."

"Well, ye're testin' mine, so I'm just gonna—" Before Ursula could go on another rampage, the dining doors opened again, and the Sawsbuck butler gracefully crossed the room with two plates of piping hot food perfectly balanced atop his horns.

"Lord Kauffman, your breakfast," the butler announced, expertly sliding the plate onto the table.

Ursula's eyes widened at the sight of sausage, roasted mini potatoes, and sliced corn. The other plate was set down, showing the exact same meal. The aroma finally hit her nose, causing her stomach to grumble loudly.

Christoph raised his brow at the drooling Croagunk. "Feel free to attack me, though you will be skipping out on breakfast. Maybe lunch. I'd hate to waste good food."

"…" She pouted, walked across the table, and jumped into her awaiting seat, which the butler pulled out for her. "Fiiiiiine." She grabbed the fork that came along with her meal and stabbed into a sausage. "I'll humor your little game, old man."

"Good. Ah, one last thing—"

Right as she lifted the fork to her mouth, the butler instantly snapped a bracer to her bare wrist, causing her topple face first onto the table. "Uuuuugh…"

Three Days In…

With his lordship duties finished for the day, Christoph retreated into his private library, combing through the wall of books vacantly. His eyes landed on a spine, its title catching his interest. He pulled it from the shell and walked over to his armchair where a lantern rested above and a side table with fresh coffee and biscuits to pass the time.

He yawned aloud before leaning back into his armchair, ready to recline for the rest of the day—

"SURPRISE ATTACK—"

BAM!

Having hidden herself on the ceiling, Ursula detached herself and dove onto the armchair with her fist reared back and ready. Unfortunately, she was quickly dispatched and sent flying into the bookshelf, causing dozens of books to fly off and collapse on top of her.

Christoph plopped down into his chair and opened his book. "After Henrik gives you another of my old bracers, clean up those books."

She popped out from the pile, an open book resting atop her head. She snorted. "Jerk…"

One Week In…

"I have drawn your bath for you, sir," Henrik the Sawsbuck butler stated, bowing his head to the lord.

Christoph nodded. "Thank you kindly, Henrik. That will be all."

Henrik opened the door for his lord, letting him into the washroom. He closed the door behind him and made his way down the hall. Not even three seconds in, he heard something splashing from inside. Right as he turned around, Ursula came flying out through the door and slammed into the wall, landing on her head.

"Excellent maneuver trying to catch me in a vulnerable place, Ms. Haumann," Christoph said from inside the washroom. "But I ask you refrain from making that attempt again."

"Uuuuuugh…" Ursula flopped onto her stomach, shuddering from her damp clothes. She pouted as Henrik immediately clamped the eighth bracer to her leg. "…Thanks for not rattin' me out, 'enrik,"

He bowed to her. "I shall provide a change of clothes, Ms. Haumann."

Two Weeks in…

Ursula pressed her back to the wall, peering out around the corner for any sign of Christoph. She panted softly, still adjusting to the new weights around her limbs. It was getting harder and harder to sneak up on the old fossil, but it didn't temper her drive to get the jump on him.

'E'll be comin' through this way to get to 'is chambers. The second 'e opens the doors, 'e'll walk right into me trap and leave 'imself open for attack.

She silenced her breathing as heavy footsteps ascended the stairwell and made their way down the hall. She easily recognized them as Christoph's, snickering to herself for her ingenious plan. She carefully cracked her knuckles and peered around the corner as the old fossil stopped before his chamber doors.

Three, two, one…

Christoph opened the doors and stepped through. To his surprise, his ankles caught on a tripwire, causing a bucket of honey and flour to drop down on his head and spill over his body.

Ursula immediately rushed out from hiding with her fists reared back. "Got ye now, Kauffman! Prepare to be broken—"

Christoph spun around and blocked her punch. To her annoyance, his shell didn't show signs of cracking, but that didn't halt her efforts. The Armaldo lord swung down at her, but she swung off his outstretched arm and threw herself over his head, landing in his room and behind him.

"Not this—"

BAM!

Ursula barely blocked his counterattack, but it still sent her sailing across the room and smashing through the grand window, sending her plummeting into the snow. The heavy bracelets around her caused her to pierce through the snow and land hard on her back, cracking the stone underneath.

"Uuuuuuugh…"

Christoph removed the bucket from his head and peered down at the fallen Croagunk with honey dripping off his face. "Hmm, not a bad effort, and you managed to dodge my swing. Most impressive."

"Ugh…" Ursula winced up at him. "Sorry about the window!" she shouted.

"It was my fault, lass. No fret. Though, from the looks of things, you owe me a kitchen's worth of honey and flour!"

"…Sorry!"

"Get some rest! You're going shopping with Henrik tomorrow!"

"Ugh. Sure!"

The Next Day…

"I do hope this isn't too much of a burden for you, Ms. Haumann."

"Bah! This is nothin'!"

Ursula trailed behind Henrik as they made their way through the marketplace, the former carrying baskets of groceries with a couple barrels strapped to her back. Despite their combined weight plus the bracers she wore, she kept pace with the spry Sawsbuck as he moved hurriedly between stalls.

"After this, we will need to make a quick stop to the glassmakers to get that window repaired." Henrik pulled a list out from his suit and skimmed it. "Oh bother, I forgot to get the flour. Ms. Haumann, please wait here a moment." Before she could get a word in, he had already galloped off to retrieve the missing item.

She sighed. "That guy really needs to take a breather…"

"Hey! Ursula, is that ye?!" She perked up in shock as a Luxio and Shuppet raced through the busy crowd and stopped before her. "No way, it really is ye!" the Luxio exclaimed.

The Shuppet snickered. "We were startin' to think yer pa through ye in the big 'ouse!"

Ursula smiled. "Lars! Selma! Great to see ye two again."

The Luxio, Lars, squinted at the restraints and groceries she was carrying. "Yeesh, did yer pops put ye up to community service or somethin'?"

She grunted. "Somethin' like that. 'E's makin' me stay at Lord Kauffman's manor for the rest of the month until I learn me lesson or somethin'. I'm 'elpin' the butler with grocery shoppin'."

Selma sighed. "You poor thin'." She grinned. "Well, yer troubles are over now! Ditch the junk and the old tool! Plenty of kids that still need to pay the toll on our corner."

Ursula snickered. "Ye bet! Let's—"

"Just please be on yer best behavior for me. Yer mother and I are worried for ye, and we just want to see ye develop into a good person."

Her eyes widened, the sad tone of her father's voice ringing in her ears. The brief spark of excitement she felt quelled as she looked unsurely at the ground. Her shift in expression didn't go unnoticed by her friends.

"What's gotten into ye?" Lars asked, crossing his forelegs.

Ursula scratched behind her head. "Uh, about that…maybe we 'ave been goin' a little too far with our fun."

Selma raised her brow. "Pardon?"

Ursula shrugged. "I mean, I love hangin' out with ye two, but I'm…startin' to think I may 'ave been a little rough on the neighborhood kids. Believe me, I 'ave the bruises to prove it. Plus, me month with Lord Kauffman is only for another couple of weeks, so—"

"Heh, I'm sorry, but…" Selma leaned forward, poking Ursula with the tip of her horn. "Who are ye and what 'ave ye done with the real Ursula?"

Her eyes widened. "What?"

Lars scoffed. "Come on, 'e's just some old guy livin' it up in a fancy manor. Ye don't listen to old fossils like that. 'E's just some weak, brittle pile of rock."

"Ye wouldn't say that if ye were livin' with 'im," Ursula grumbled. She shook her head. "S-Seriously, I just think—"

Selma laughed. "Ye're the same girl who pushed around full-grown adults. Are ye gettin' soft on us, 'aumann?"

She glared. "Look, I just don't feel comfortable about beatin' people up anymore—"

"And who's goin' to tell ye otherwise?" Lars pushed. "Ye are the strongest! The strong decide who reigns supreme! That's what me grandpappy used to say!"

"That's how everythin' works, Ursula," Selma said. "The Algus Kingdom was built on might, and gettin' soft makes ye weak against outsiders. Ye were blessed with unparalleled strength, and ye're just goin' to waste it by becomin' a pacifist?!"

"I never said anythin' about bein' a pacifist!" Ursula growled. "I just…" She grunted and looked away. "I just don't want to be remembered as the local jerk."

"…" Lars groaned. "Pathetic. We took ye in as our friend, and this is the thanks we get? Ye were always rebellin' against yer father, and we gave ye somethin' to point those muscles towards. Now ye're actin' as looney as him—"

"Oi! No one mocks me father except me!" she snapped.

Selma smirked. "What are ye goin' to do? Punch us?"

Ursula curled her fist, raising it up to eye level with the two bullies. They stared her down, though they felt a slight tremble of reluctance as her fist shook in front of them. She growled, tempted to sock them both in the face…

But she couldn't.

With a defeated sigh, she dropped her hand and looked away from them. The bullies hid their sighs of relief and laughed.

"I knew it. She really 'as gotten soft," Selma said.

Lars shrugged. "Forget this. There are plenty of other kids who want to join our gang." They turned their backs to Ursula and walked away. "'Ave fun bein' the lord's good little servant, Ursula!" They took off running, snorting with laughter.

"…" Ursula clenched her eyes shut, balling up her fist and raised it above her head. She hesitated, unable to muster the will to strike the ground. She sighed and let her arms droop as tears trickled from her eyes.

"Ms. Haumann?" She spun with a start, seeing Henrik standing behind her with a basket of flour bags sitting on his back. "Is everything alright?"

"…" She sighed and walked ahead. "Let's just finish the shoppin'…"

Henrik narrowed his eyes a centimeter deeper before following behind her.

Three Weeks In…

Ever since returning from the shopping trip, Ursula barely left her room. She lay in bed, doing nothing beyond getting up to eat or use the washroom. She stared vacantly at the ceiling for hours, losing track of time through the passing days with only the haunting laughter of her friends keeping her awake. Her body felt heavier than usual, letting herself succumb to the pull of the bracelets locked across her body.

She didn't even flinch as someone knocked on her door. "Go away, 'Enrik," she groaned.

The door opened. To her mild surprise, it wasn't the Sawsbuck butler, but Lord Kauffman himself. He closed the door behind him and walked up to her bedside. He looked upon her lethargic state with an unreadable expression, though Ursula couldn't spare the energy to read his expression.

"You haven't made any attempts to ambush me in several days. I was figuring you were planning something big, but it appears I was mistaken."

"…" Ursula rolled onto her side, turning away from him. "Are ye 'ere to mock me, too?"

"Henrik informed me of your little reunion with your friends. Seems they struck a nerve with you."

"…" She closed her eyes as a fresh set of tears brimmed to the surface. "So what?"

"Why does their opinion of you matter?"

"…" She shuddered. "I just…I don't know. I get mocked at school for not bein' girly enough, me father's always workin', me mother doesn't understand what I'm goin' through, and…every time I get mad, I break somethin'. Then everyone gets mad at me." She rubbed her eyes. "So, maybe it felt nice for someone to compliment me for bein' a brute…"

"…" Christoph nodded. "And do you resent your parents?"

"…No. Dad's always workin', but…I never resented him for keepin' the village safe. Mom's a bit old fashioned, but…I know she loves me. It just feels like every time I try to be meself, I get in trouble."

"Is bullying other children your true self, though?"

"…"

Christoph sighed. "Do you know why I called you weak before?"

"Because ye're stronger than me?"

"No. Those who value physical strength as a desirable trait speak with ignorance. Those who use power to get what they want will never learn to grow as a person. Those who hold the power can change the world, but those who don't respect that power are doomed to never understand the gifts they were given. Your friends became fixated on your strength as something to gain power, and you lost sight of the gift given by your father."

"…"

"I once met a young man not too dissimilar to you. Proud, strong, and arrogant in his own strength that he caused havoc wherever he went. Believing that his strength defined him that he let the honeyed words of a friend persuade him into terrible action. I saw to correct that behavior and teach that young man the lessons of this world."

"…" Ursula glanced over her shoulder, blinking her tears away.

"I don't know what became of that young man, but I hope he came to understand the gift he was given, as should you." Christoph exposed one of his hidden claws, inspected the faded scars along the outer shell. "I'm much older than I look, child. We Armaldo carry the burden of longevity, thus we carry the burden of history and war. I have seen many wars waged in this region all for the sake of bolstering strength. The world has lost sight of the art of fighting. It is no longer an artform, but a blood sport. It brings me no end in sorrow."

"…Why do ye fight, Lord Kauffman?"

He sighed through his nose. "I fight for two things: to bring peace and order back to Virdis so that no one may live in disharmony and bloodshed again. The second…is to die honorably in combat. I wish to die by the hands of a skilled fighter, one who has surpassed the limits of the physical body. Perhaps…someone who can achieve the ultimate state of physicality."

Ursula sat up. "Ultimate state?"

"…" Christoph glared at the young Croagunk. "Ursula, I took you in under your father's request because I saw potential in that untapped strength. If you wish to harness those emotions you struggle with, might I suggest taking up martial arts?"

"I…never really considered studyin' any."

He nodded. "It is quite therapeutic for the mind and body. It may not seem like a viable practice for someone of my stature, but…even something as simple as a chopping motion can be honed into a divine strike. Ursula, I would like to take you on as my apprentice. To learn the true ways of combat."

"…" Ursula hugged her legs up to her chest and frowned. "I…I'm not sure."

He nodded. "I understand. My offer stands if you consider changing your mind. However, it seems to me you have at least learned the first lesson of your strength."

"…" She sighed. "I guess it's not fun gettin' smacked around all the time."

"You have grown much in the last few weeks. I think it's fair to say you earned your freedom early. Don't you agree?"

"…" Ursula opened her eyes and glared. "No."

"Hmm?"

"I promised me father I would stay here the full month until I learned me lesson. I disappointed 'im a lot. I don't want to take back me word now."

"…" Christoph smiled. "Then I'd say you have a bright future ahead of you, Ursula."

She smiled back, but then frowned again. "Actually…"

"Hmm?"

"About that offer to become yer apprentice…" She blushed awkwardly. "Maybe…ye could show me some moves to 'elp with me decision."

"…" He bowed to her. "I would be honored."

One Month In…

The final day of Ursula's stay had arrived, the young Croagunk standing beside her parents as they came to pick her up. Otso and Dagmar bowed to the Armaldo. "Thank ye for lookin' out for our daughter, Lord Kauffman," Otso said.

Christoph shook his head. "It was the least I could do."

Dagmar frowned. "I hope she wasn't too much trouble for ye."

He smirked. "Nothin' I couldn't handle."

Otso patted Ursula's head. "I'm glad ye stuck it out until the end, kiddo."

Ursula smiled wearily. "Well, I…wanted to keep me promise this time."

Otso smiled. "Thank ye."

Ursula turned and bowed to Christoph. "Thank ye for hostin' me, Lord Kauffman. I hope to improve meself in the future."

He bowed back. "You still have much to learn, Ursula, but…I no longer deem you the weakest. You have shown great strength in your growth. Continue to shine, and you will become even stronger than you are now."

She smiled. "Strong of body, and strong of character."

"Indeed."

With one last bow from the Haumanns, they stepped off the porch and made their way down the snowy pathway leading back toward their village. Christoph closed his doors behind him and took a deep breath.

"I never expected you to take on an apprentice, Lord Kauffman," he heard Henrik say as he stepped into the foyer. "Though, I am curious. Are you sure about teaching her Heavenly Emotion? Not even you have awakened that skill, and someone at her age and skill level wouldn't be able to awaken it."

"…" Christoph turned his eyes toward the ceiling. "She won't learn it in a day, but she does have the traits and mindset necessary to awaken it. It could take years or decades, but I saw the potential in her during her stay with us. It's a rare skill only those of incredible will and fortitude can achieve, and I want to help her unlock her full potential."

Henrik smiled a little. "You've grown soft in your old age."

"Heh. Perhaps." Christoph let out a deep sigh and glared at his butler. "Besides, I at least want her to be ready…before Last Autumn makes its return."

Hoarfrost Village

The Haumann family descended from the mountain pathway, making their way to the residential areas of their village. Ursula kept her head down for most of the walk home, awkwardly wringing her hands together while giving passing glances to her parents. Her throat tightened, wishing to belt out the words she was holding back.

"…Mom. Dad."

Her parents stopped and looked down at her. "Is something wrong, dear?" Dagmar asked.

"…" She took a deep breath, stepped in front of them, and faced them with a tearful glare. "I want to become Lord Kauffman's apprentice."

Their eyes widened. "His…apprentice?" Otso asked.

She nodded. "I've 'ad a lot to think about durin' me stay with him, and I've realized 'ow much I've troubled ye two with me behavior." She clenched her fists, looking at her mom first. "Mom, I know I cannot lash out when I get angry, and I am sorry for all the damage I caused with me temper. I just…I want ye to understand that I struggle with ventin' me anger, and I never 'ave the words to express it. I…I want to do better controlling me temper, but I want yer understandin' that I'm not tryin' to be a brat on purpose."

Dagmar frowned. "Ursula…"

She then faced her father. "And Dad, I…I really hate school. I know ye want me to 'ave an education, but I really hate me classmates. And sometimes I want to spend time with ye, but ye're always workin' and…" She huffed a deep sigh. "I…I don't know what to say."

"…" Otso frowned. "Sweetie…" He knelt down and placed his hand on her shoulder. "We…could look into gettin' ye a tutor if that will help. We don't want ye bein' miserable." He smiled. "And if ye feel I'm not spendin' enough time with ye, maybe I can take some time off this week. We could go camping out in the lower parts of the mountain."

She smiled. "I…I would like that." She sniffled before throwing herself into her parents. "I'm so sorry for 'ow I've been actin'…"

Her parents smiled and hugged her back, tears trickling down their cheeks. "It's okay, Ursula. We're just happy ye're improvin' yerself," Otso said.

"And we promise to do better as yer parents," Dagmar whispered. "If ye ever feel upset about somethin', ye shouldn't be afraid to tell us."

Ursula sniffled with a grateful smile. "Thank ye…"

They pulled away from each other. Otso patted his daughter's back. "How about we make up a pot of Hoarfrost Stew to celebrate yer return?"

She grinned. "Sounds delicious! Um, mind if I 'elp?"

Dagmar hugged her. "Of course ye can."

Ursula smiled to herself. It had been a while, but she almost forgot the warmth of coming home after so long. Constantly worrying about her parents and being something she wasn't just to make herself feel better, she nearly threw away the parts of her life she took for granted.

She wanted to become stronger for her parents. But more importantly, she wanted to become stronger for herself.

"Aahhhh! Leave me alone!" The Haumann's eyes widened, turning in the direction of the commotion.

To their shock, and Ursula's irritation, it was Lars and Selma with a Duraludon standing between them. Cowering before the trio of bullies was Sune, who shielded his face and bloodied nose.

Otso growled. "Not those two again. Ye two wait here, I'll…" He stopped as Ursula marched up to the trio with her sleeves rolled up.

Dagmar gasped. "Ursula, what are ye—" Before she could go after her daughter, Otso raised his arm and stopped her. "Dear!"

He smiled. "Let's…see where she goes with this first."

The Duraludo picked Sune up by his collar, shaking him against the wall. "Alright brat, ye know the deal. Cough up the gul, or ye be gettin' a black eye next—"

"OI!" The trio froze, dropping Sune in the snow, before turning around and facing the irate Croagunk. "Apologize to 'im. Now."

Lars scoffed. "Oh look, the lord's errand girl graces us with her presence."

Selma snickered. "If ye're tryin' to crawl back to us, forget it. We found an even stronger friend who can easily outmuscle ye. Tell 'er, friend!"

The Duraludon scoffed. "Ye're the weaklin' they've been talkin' about?"

Ursula narrowed her eyes. "Apologize. Now."

He marched up to her, tapping her on the forehead. "I know who ye are, 'aumann. Don't try and act like ye can push me around. I'm on a completely different level than ye."

"Apologize. Now. I won't ask nicely next time."

He scoffed and cracked his metallic hands together. "Maybe ye need a demonstration of just how tough I really am." He raised his arms over her head. "Say goodnight, 'aumann!" He swung his arms down and slammed them down atop her head.

"…" She didn't even budge an inch. She just raised her eyes, glaring at his stunned expression.

"Wait, wha—" Right as he recoiled, Ursula grabbed one of his arms and proceeded to crush it inside her grip. "AAAAAAAGH!"

"Apologize. Now."

"AAAAAAAGH!" He dropped onto his knees, punching her arm desperately. "Let go of me, ye crazy—GYYYYAAAAAAH!" Her grip tightened even more.

"Apologize. Now."

"AAAAAAGH! OKAY, OKAY! I'M SORRY FOR PUNCHIN' YE—AAAAAAHHHH!" Her grip tightened even more.

"Not me. 'Im." She pointed at the quivering Teddiursa.

Duraludon looked over his shoulder with tears streaming down his face. "I'M SORRY FOR PUNCHIN' YE! I WON'T BOTHER YE AGAIN, I SWEAR!" As soon as the words left his mouth, Ursula released her grip and let him drop onto the snow.

Ursula turned her sights on her former friends, who shrieked and took off running. "DON'T 'URT US!"

She sighed and walked over to Sune, who flinched when she held his hand out to him. "'Ey, um…are ye okay?"

Sune looked at her hand cautiously before getting up and running away from her. Ursula frowned, awkwardly rubbing her arm.

"Guess I should've expected that."

Otso and Dagmar walked up behind her, the former patting her on the head. "These things take time. Still, I'm glad ye did the right thing…" He frowned at the whimpering Duraludon. "Though, ye nearly broke his arm."

Ursula smiled with a sheepish blush. "Am…I grounded?"

"…Just for two days."

"…Eh. I can live with that."

Lars and Selma ran as far as they could before taking shelter behind a building. They panted heavily, falling onto the ground to catch their breath. "I think me life flashed before me eyes," Selma whimpered.

Lars wiped his brow and sighed. "W-Whatever. Let's just stay clear of 'er for a few days. I think we're safe for now."

"Y-Yeah—"

"Ooooh, look who I found!" Their eyes widened. Tilting their heads back, they looked up and saw the shiny Umbreon officer perched atop the roof above them and gleefully wagging his tail. "Naughty, naughty, children! I saw the whole thing, and I'm afraid I will need to inform your parents!"

"…RUN!" They took off running once again.

"Yay! Resisting arrest!" He leapt off the rooftop. "Taser Mode!"

"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"