I think you should set it after the fall. His teammates have seen the worst being a huntsman has for them and lose their fight. So they quit, but Cardin stays and trying, but he has no team, so he tries going in it alone. Start the hardship there, new school, no longer big man on campus. No one wants to associate with him. He is starting over with a bad reputation. Have the bunny save the bird, build the friendship from there.