Changes: Sophie on Trial

South America: Jungle
Dante, Lok, Den, and Sophie meet with the Huntik Council. The Casterwill liaison, Teien asks them to find and activate the Blue Star to signal a meeting of Casterwill Elders. Lok activates the signal as Dante and Sophie hold off Kiel. But Kiel reveals he's the one who destroyed Sophie's home when she was young.

Synopsis

The Huntik team must go to one of the Casterwill gatherings. While the Huntik team is there, the Blood Spiral Brotherhood are marching towards this gathering, aiming to stop it. Sophie must take the Trial of Courage to become the Leader of The Elders, having to overcome many tests such as running through fog blind, opening a door with a handle protected by spikes, and overcoming her fear of her brother saying that she will not pass the test. She manages to invoke Sorcerel along with Lok's Titan, Ironsquire, to give her enough time to get to the statue of the Legendary Titan of Bravery, Mythras. Sophie finally bonds with the Legendary Titan after conpleting the Trial.

Plot

Iron Will

Inside the Fortress of Iron Will, based in Great Riff Valley, Kenya the meeting of Casterwill family takes place. Nimue explains to the gathered members of the family that Blue Star is in the heavens, hence their meeting. She calls upon Lok and Sophie as they have signalled their meeting. Focauld as well as another member of the family is appealed by Lok's presence and points out that while Sophie can stand before then Lok has no right to be there since he's not a Casterwill. Nimue stands up for Lok reminding that it was him who set the signal and that he had bonded to the Willblade. In confirmation Lok summons to weapon. That however doesn't please Foucault who remarks that "it's ridiculous", to which another member of the family-a bearded hooded man-agrees. Nimue turns to Sophie asking her to explain why she had called the Casterwills together. Although a bit nervous and reluctant, with Lok's and Cherit's support Sophie explains that she wants the family to come together and fight the Blood Spirals.

Chasing the spy

Meanwhile outside of the Fortress, Den and Dante are keeping watch. Den complains about having nothing to eat, to which Dante replies that although there are no stores The Great Riff Valley is thought to be the origin of human life on earth. Den remarks that this life may end here as well if Spirals have anything to say about it. Dante smiles and shots a branch above his head with Boltflare, scaring a Midnight Rook and revealing they've been spied on. Den fears that the titan is getting away, but Dante says Midnight Rook will lead them to it's master and summons Solwing. He and Den, follow the two birds into the jungle. They meet a group of Spirals there, and fight them. During the fight Den calls his newest titan-Cursed Archer for the first time. He and Dante defeat and tie up the Spirals. Dante then asks if Den thinks there is more, to which Den replies that Spirals won't tell them anything and asks if there aren't any powers to make them talk. Dante shakes his head, explaining that Simplemind and akin powers only work on weak minded and that seekers would barely be affected. He remarks that they'll have to search the area for themselves.

The Voting

In the Iron Will, the Casterwill meeting continues and as the time of the voting comes Casterwill Elders take their positions. Nimue introduces all, revealing herself as Elder of the House of Blademakers. Foucault is revealed as Elder of the House of Knowledge, Teien as Elder of the House of Strategists and the mysterious hooded man as Rune Guardian, keeper of the curses. Lok is a bit worried about that information but Sophie calms him down saying that if the man is a member of the family he must be trustworthy. Nimue then ventures to explain that the Elders of the House of Nobles are no longer with them and that Lucas-as their eldest son- will take their place to Sophie's great surprise and hurt. Lucas takes his position and begins the voting, reminding everyone that they have to be unanimous in their decision. Nimue is the first to speak and she expresses her support for Sophie, believing that Nullifiers are a great threat that Casterwills must prevent. Focauld disagrees with her, explaining that their family is too weak and too small in numbers to oppose the family. Teien reminds him that they have allies in Huntik Foundation, and that although Casterwills cannot fight themselves they can find the mark. Focauld is sceptical, saying that it's Foundation's time and the time of Casterwills has ended. Rune Guardian agrees with him. Nimue then turns to Lucas asking him for his opinion. Lucas states that the Casterwills should focus on protecting other members of the family. Sophie gets angry at that and asks her brother if he doesn't think it's an emergency. She offers to fight in the name of their family by herself. In reply Lucas challenges her to the Trail of Courage which will allow her to take leadership of the family but warns that she'll have to go into hiding if she fails. Sophie accepts.

The Spiral March

Deep in the jungle the Spiral army is marching on to attack Casterwills. Tantras asks Murdock if his hunters have discovered anything, when replied in negative he says they have to wait for Rassimov's message. Behind him Harrison remarks to Zhalia that they've been travelling for days and that it' "better be worth it". Zhalia doesn't reply but tries to withdraw Logosbook to inform Dante. However Tantras turns around preventing her from doing anything.

The First Challenge

The Door leading to the test open and Lok and Sophie proceed forward, but are stopped by LeBlanche. Sophie asks him what's wrong and LeBlanche replies that he wanted to apologise for being a bad teacher. Sophie is surprised telling him that his lessons made her the seeker she is now. LeBlanche remarks that he has not been able to prepare her for her own family. Lok tries to cheer him up saying that everyone's brother or sister can be a pain. LeBlanche sighs and tells his story of meeting Sophie, explaining that the other Casterwills left him no ways of contact and that the less he knew the safer Sophie would be. When he finishes Sophie tells him he gave her something more important than secrets which was home and that he is like a father she never had. She then hugs him. LeBlanche tells her to be careful. Sophie assures him of it and promises to make him and Santiago proud by passing the test. She is interrupted by Lucas, who harshly tells her not to get her hopes up as he has fail the test while being much stronger than her. Sophie is very angry, and expresses her feelings towards her brother while she, Lok and Cherit walk down the corridor. Cherit shyly reminds her that Lucas just wants to protect her in his own way, to which Sophie replies that Lucas's way is reprehensible. In that moment Lok stops her, saying they've reached their first challenge- a narrow bridge in fog which they have to cross. They set off and it goes well until Lok slips and falls. Luckily he uses Spidertouch to save himself and remarks to Sophie and Cherit that although courage is no problem for him, he needs to work on his balance. The next part of the test is a hall full of paintings. Sophie marvels at them saying she could spend whole day studding them. Lok says that not today, because their schedule is packed. Sophie proposes that they might find some time between hating her brother and saving life on earth. They reach the end of the corridor and stand before three passages. Lok asks Cherit to chose one and follows him. Sophie asks him why is he so insistent that Cherit's been there before. Lok smiles and replies he had a hunch. As he says that a picture of Cherit and Lord Casterwill is revealed to be hanged on the wall.

Rassimov's Message

In the Blood Spiral HQ, Rassimov is talking to the Betrayer trying to find out Iron Will. Finally he gets the vision, which he passes on to his troops in Kenya. Meanwhile Dante and Den are still looking for the Spirals in the jungle. Suddenly Den's seal is activated. Wincing in pain Den informs Dante that Harrison and Spirals are near before running off. Dante shouts after him and follows.

For her own good

Inside the fortress the unsuspecting Casterwills are still waiting for Sophie and Lok to return. Santiago worries for her and wants to follow. LeBlanche calms him down, expressing his belief in Sophie. On the platform Nimue turns to Lucas, pointing out that he has no respect for wisdom in Sophie's words. Foucault asks why did Lucas tell Sophie about the test if he has no faith in her, reminding that the tests is made by Rune Guardians. Nimue agrees adding that they're unforgiving. Lucas replies that that's the point, Sophie will fail the test and then she'll have no choice but to listen to him. For her own good.

The Test

Sophie and Lok are walking down the corridor leading to the test. Sophie is sad, doubting herself. Lok however comforts her, telling her that Ethan had led them there, and expresses his father's belief in her, and his own trust in his fathers words. Sophie nods smiling. In that moment they reach the next part of the test- a tall slab door. The runes around the frame say “the Champion of the Casterwill”. Cherit flies over to the door and discovers a lever protected by spikes. Lok wants to use Stoneglove but Sophie stops him, telling him that the test is about being brave. She walks up to the door and pulls the lever. In that moment a strange light emerges from Willblade. When it touches the door a Casterwill sign appears on it. Cherit wonders if it's Lok's power. The door opens. Lok and Sophie enter. The room is almost empty accept of a statue of an enormous lion. The team correctly guesses that it's The Legendary Titan of Valour Mythras. Lok tells Sophie that her final test will be to bond with it. Sophie however experiences some doubts, telling Lok that it was him who bonded with Willblade and that she's not cut out to lead the Casterwills. In that moment she hears Lucas's voice telling her that it is true. Startled she raises her head and sees her brother on the other side of the room. Lok however tells her that it's just a trap creating illusions of her fears. Fake Lucas laughs and tells both of them that their fears will destroy them, while creating shadow monsters. Lok and Sophie battle them, unsuccessfully but finally Lok deduces that these monsters are fears and the way to beat them is for Sophie to be confident. He tells her to go on and bond with the titan. Sophie runs up to the statue and attempts to bond but is distracted by her fears and doubts. Lok however reminds her of the faith her friends have in her. Sophie realizes that she cannot fail them and manages to bond with and summon Mytras. The titan defeats Lucas and her fears. When all is over Sophie happily tells Lok and Cherit that the moment she believed she could bond it happened. Lok smiles and wonders if real Lucas will take the news as well as the fake one.

Powerbonded Gareon

Zhalia finally manages to sneak away and sits under the tree to warn her team. However she's discovered by Tantras who uses Terrorsight on her and steals her Logosbook. He reads through it and remarks that she's been informing Foundation and Dante and that she must care for him very much. He then attempts to kill her but Zhalia manages to Powerbond with Gareon and defeat him, erasing his memory. When Harrison arrives Tantras doesn't remember a thing. Zhalia runs up to them, asking what has happened and helping Harrison carry Tantras but not before smiling to herself.

The Spiral Army

Dante and Den are on the edge of the jungle when Dante receives message from Zhalia. He reads it stunned before turning to Den, to inform him saying that he might not believe him. Den says he does believe him, as he looks on the marching army.

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 == Plot ==
+'''Iron Will'''
+Inside the [[Fortress of Iron Will]], based in Great Riff Valley, Kenya the meeting of [[Casterwill family]] takes place. [[Nimue]] explains to the gathered members of the family that [[Blue Star]] is in the heavens, hence their meeting. She calls upon [[Lok]] and [[Sophie]] as they have signalled their meeting. [[Focauld]] as well as another member of the family is appealed by Lok's presence and points out that while Sophie can stand before then Lok has no right to be there since he's not a Casterwill. Nimue stands up for Lok reminding that it was him who set the signal and that he had bonded to the [[Willblade]]. In confirmation Lok summons to weapon. That however doesn't please Foucault who remarks that "it's ridiculous", to which another member of the family-a bearded hooded man-agrees. Nimue turns to Sophie asking her to explain why she had called the Casterwills together. Although a bit nervous and reluctant, with Lok's and Cherit's support Sophie explains that she wants the family to come together and fight the [[Blood Spirals]].
+'''Chasing the spy'''
+Meanwhile outside of the Fortress, [[Den]] and [[Dante]] are keeping watch. Den complains about having nothing to eat, to which Dante replies that although there are no stores The Great Riff Valley is thought to be the origin of human life on earth. Den remarks that this life may end here as well if Spirals have anything to say about it. Dante smiles and shots a branch above his head with [[Boltflare]], scaring a [[Midnight Rook]] and revealing they've been spied on. Den fears that the titan is getting away, but Dante says Midnight Rook will lead them to it's master and summons [[Solwing]]. He and Den, follow the two birds into the jungle. They meet a group of Spirals there, and fight them. During the fight Den calls his newest titan-[[Cursed Archer]] for the first time. He and Dante defeat and tie up the Spirals. Dante then asks if Den thinks there is more, to which Den replies that Spirals won't tell them anything and asks if there aren't any powers to make them talk. Dante shakes his head, explaining that [[Simplemind]] and akin powers only work on weak minded and that seekers would barely be affected. He remarks that they'll have to search the area for themselves.
+'''The Voting '''
+In the Iron Will, the Casterwill meeting continues and as the time of the voting comes Casterwill Elders take their positions. Nimue introduces all, revealing herself as Elder of the House of Blademakers. Foucault is revealed as Elder of the House of Knowledge, [[Teien]] as Elder of the House of Strategists and the mysterious hooded man as [[Rune Guardian]], keeper of the curses. Lok is a bit worried about that information but Sophie calms him down saying that if the man is a member of the family he must be trustworthy. Nimue then ventures to explain that the Elders of the House of Nobles are no longer with them and that [[Lucas]]-as their eldest son- will take their place to Sophie's great surprise and hurt. Lucas takes his position and begins the voting, reminding everyone that they have to be unanimous in their decision. Nimue is the first to speak and she expresses her support for Sophie, believing that [[Nullifiers]] are a great threat that Casterwills must prevent. Focauld disagrees with her, explaining that their family is too weak and too small in numbers to oppose the family. Teien reminds him that they have allies in [[Huntik Foundation]], and that although Casterwills cannot fight themselves they can find the mark. Focauld is sceptical, saying that it's Foundation's time and the time of Casterwills has ended. Rune Guardian agrees with him. Nimue then turns to Lucas asking him for his opinion. Lucas states that the Casterwills should focus on protecting other members of the family. Sophie gets angry at that and asks her brother if he doesn't think it's an emergency. She offers to fight in the name of their family by herself. In reply Lucas challenges her to the Trail of Courage which will allow her to take leadership of the family but warns that she'll have to go into hiding if she fails. Sophie accepts.
+The Spiral March
+Deep in the jungle the Spiral army is marching on to attack Casterwills. [[Tantras]] asks [[Murdock]] if his hunters have discovered anything, when replied in negative he says they have to wait for Rassimov's message.
+Behind him [[Harrison]] remarks to [[Zhalia]] that they've been travelling for days and that it' "better be worth it". Zhalia doesn't reply but tries to withdraw [[Logosbook]] to inform Dante. However Tantras turns around preventing her from doing anything.
+'''The First Challenge'''
+The Door leading to the test open and Lok and Sophie proceed forward, but are stopped by [[LeBlanche]]. Sophie asks him what's wrong and LeBlanche replies that he wanted to apologise for being a bad teacher. Sophie is surprised telling him that his lessons made her the seeker she is now. LeBlanche remarks that he has not been able to prepare her for her own family. Lok tries to cheer him up saying that everyone's brother or sister can be a pain. LeBlanche sighs and tells his story of meeting Sophie, explaining that the other Casterwills left him no ways of contact and that the less he knew the safer Sophie would be. When he finishes Sophie tells him he gave her something more important than secrets which was home and that he is like a father she never had. She then hugs him. LeBlanche tells her to be careful. Sophie assures him of it and promises to make him and [[Santiago]] proud by passing the test. She is
+interrupted by Lucas, who harshly tells her not to get her hopes up as he has fail the test while being much stronger than her. Sophie is very angry, and expresses her feelings towards her brother while she, Lok and [[Cherit]] walk down the corridor. Cherit shyly reminds her that Lucas just wants to protect her in his own way, to which Sophie replies that Lucas's way is reprehensible. In that moment Lok stops her, saying they've reached their first challenge- a narrow bridge in fog which they have to cross. They set off and it goes well until Lok slips and falls. Luckily he uses Spidertouch to save himself and remarks to Sophie and Cherit that although courage is no problem for him, he needs to work on his balance. The next part of the test is a hall full of paintings. Sophie marvels at them saying she could spend whole day studding them. Lok says that not today, because their schedule is packed. Sophie proposes that they might find some time between hating her brother and saving life on earth. They reach the end of the corridor and stand before three passages. Lok asks Cherit to chose one and follows him. Sophie asks him why is he so insistent that Cherit's been there before. Lok smiles and replies he had a hunch. As he says that a picture of Cherit and [[Lord Casterwill]] is revealed to be hanged on the wall.
+'''Rassimov's Message'''
+In the Blood Spiral HQ, [[Rassimov]] is talking to the Betrayer trying to find out Iron Will. Finally he gets the vision, which he passes on to his troops in Kenya.
+Meanwhile Dante and Den are still looking for the Spirals in the jungle. Suddenly Den's seal is activated. Wincing in pain Den informs Dante that Harrison and Spirals are near before running off. Dante shouts after him and follows.
+'''For her own good'''
+Inside the fortress the unsuspecting Casterwills are still waiting for Sophie and Lok to return. Santiago worries for her and wants to follow. LeBlanche calms him down, expressing his belief in Sophie. On the platform Nimue turns to Lucas, pointing out that he has no respect for wisdom in Sophie's words. Foucault asks why did Lucas tell Sophie about the test if he has no faith in her, reminding that the tests is made by Rune Guardians. Nimue agrees adding that they're unforgiving. Lucas replies that that's the point, Sophie will fail the test and then she'll have no choice but to listen to him. For her own good.
+'''The Test'''
+Sophie and Lok are walking down the corridor leading to the test. Sophie is sad, doubting herself. Lok however comforts her, telling her that Ethan had led them there, and expresses his father's belief in her, and his own trust in his fathers words. Sophie nods smiling. In that moment they reach the next part of the test- a tall slab door. The runes around the frame say “the [[Champion of the Casterwill]]”. Cherit flies over to the door and discovers a lever protected by spikes. Lok wants to use [[Stoneglove]] but Sophie stops him, telling him that the test is about being brave. She walks up to the door and pulls the lever. In that moment a strange light emerges from Willblade. When it touches the door a Casterwill sign appears on it. Cherit wonders if it's Lok's power. The door opens. Lok and Sophie enter. The room is almost empty accept of a statue of an enormous lion. The team correctly guesses that it's The Legendary Titan of Valour [[Mythras]]. Lok tells Sophie that her final test will be to bond with it. Sophie however experiences some doubts, telling Lok that it was him who bonded with Willblade and that she's not cut out to lead the Casterwills. In that moment she hears Lucas's voice telling her that it is true. Startled she raises her head and sees her brother on the other side of the room. Lok however tells her that it's just a trap creating illusions of her fears. Fake Lucas laughs and tells both of them that their fears will destroy them, while creating shadow monsters. Lok and Sophie battle them, unsuccessfully but finally Lok deduces that these monsters are fears and the way to beat them is for Sophie to be confident. He tells her to go on and bond with the titan. Sophie runs up to the statue and attempts to bond but is distracted by her fears and doubts. Lok however reminds her of the faith her friends have in her. Sophie realizes that she cannot fail them and manages to bond with and summon Mytras. The titan defeats Lucas and her fears. When all is over Sophie happily tells Lok and Cherit that the moment she believed she could bond it happened. Lok smiles and wonders if real Lucas will take the news as well as the fake one.
+'''Powerbonded Gareon'''
+Zhalia finally manages to sneak away and sits under the tree to warn her team. However she's discovered by Tantras who uses [[Terrorsight]] on her and steals her Logosbook. He reads through it and remarks that she's been informing Foundation and Dante and that she must care for him very much. He then attempts to kill her but Zhalia manages to Powerbond with [[Gareon]] and defeat him, erasing his memory. When Harrison arrives Tantras doesn't remember a thing. Zhalia runs up to them, asking what has happened and helping Harrison carry Tantras but not before smiling to herself.
+'''The Spiral Army'''
+Dante and Den are on the edge of the jungle when Dante receives message from Zhalia. He reads it stunned before turning to Den, to inform him saying that he might not believe him. Den says he does believe him, as he looks on the marching army.
 [[Category:Episodes|2 39]]
 [[Category:Season 2| 39]]