| abstract
| - The episode starts in a world of Subterra where rocks and other formations are forming and falling with John and Wildrock walking down a rock pathway. John is amazed at what some of these formations look like – almost reminds them of Gundalia in a way. Wildrock says he knows what he means as they then come across Submarik sculpting a rock into the shape of a Damakor and an Atmos fighting each other. John says that’s beautiful and well done as Submarik says thank you – sculpting is something he took up as a hobby in his time. He then says anyway – onto your test. Submarik says let me perfectly honest – he is not entirely sure about giving his powers to a mortal since his test is usually one of the most difficult. However, since Zakaros believes in the Brawlers – he is willing to give them a chance. John says he and Wildrock are ready for anything as he pumps his fist into his palm – they can endure anything he throws at them. Submarik raises an eyebrow and says “You think you can – you have no idea.” He snaps his fingers and everything goes black like with Laura’s test. John asks where he went as the darkness around him swallows him and Wildrock up and they disappear. The scene shifts to black where John is groaning. In a few moments, his eyes open and John slowly wakes up in a bed in his Gundalian form in rags. He shakes his head and wonders if that was a dream from before - it looked so real and then he looks around. He is in an rickety old building with several beds in the same room all close together. John is initially surprised for a minute – when he recognizes the orphanage that he was born and used to live at but wonders if he ever left. Then, he hears a loud alarm in the building and he then sees multiple boys (some younger, older or same age as John) lining up in front of their beds. John does the same but slower as then, a few Gundalian soldiers come out a door. At that moment, a very old Gundalian with a skinny body, glasses and a cane comes walking down – hitting boys with the cane to fix their posture or stance. He comes to John and says well, well, well – my favorite little one as he hits him multiple times with his cane and knocking him back into his bed. As John gets back up and apologizes to the headmaster, the headmaster says you will do well to remember that. He then orders all the boys to get over to work immediately before they all get punished for not being prompt. Everybody hurries out except for John since his right leg got bruised by the headmaster’s cane and is walking slower that everybody else. After only a few steps, the headmaster pushes him along – saying endure that small dose of pain, that’s little compared to what he’ll receive soon. John says yes, headmaster and makes his way downstairs slowly. On the way, a few boys rush him and purposely hit him his bad leg, causing John some pain. They sarcastically say sorry but John knows they don't mean it. As he finishes coming down the stairs, he sees the other boys over at a slot rack on a wall where a Bakugan is seen next to each one's name name. John goes over to his and he sees Wildrock in his ball form. He picks him up and tries to talk to him but he keeps on getting pushed around. He quietly asks Wildrock if he remembers that dream. Wildrock doesn’t open but weakly says yeah – but it seemed so real. John says he knows as a lead Gundalian says grab a tool and start digging - the Twelve Orders and their supreme ruler, Emperor Barodius, need these materials to make new weapons of war in order to conquer their mortal enemy – Neathia! Everybody roars up in cheers except for John who just heads off to his station. Along the way, Wildrock asks why John does not support the War against Neathia with John saying what’s the point – people die on both sides so in reality both sides suffer. That’s why he usually doesn’t support war unless they are defending themselves but in this case – they are the attackers. But even if doesn't like the War - he will stay loyal to his rulers and the Twelve Orders. Wildrock says he never thought of it that way and agrees with being loyal as well but from behind, a Gundalian enforcer pushes John into the ground and says stop talking and get to work. John brushes himself off and gets to work. Wildrock is thrown and he gets to work as well with the other Bakugan pushing him and making him mess up – getting punished severly as well. Over the course of flashbacks for several days – being hit everywhere, hardly getting anything to eat or drink and sleeping in crammed quarters. One night, in bed, Wildrock asks John is things will ever get better for them with John saying don't worry - there's always a light on the other side. One day, while John and Wildrock are working in the mines again, a Gundalian officer arrives and meets with the headmaster of the orphanage. John happens to overhear that the officer is the head of a Gundalian soldier school and that Nurzak of the Twelve Orders will be arriving soon to choose someone to be his personal bodyguard and if he deems him especially worthy – his next heir. The headmaster says that is wonderful news but why would such a noble officer of the Gundalian Army come to his lonely area of authority? The officer says he requires a boy and his Bakugan to handle the preparation and cleanup of the festivities and if so happens he doesn’t fulfill the expectations – well, then; the boy receives the worst punishment imaginable. The headmaster smiles and says he knows the perfect one. As he walks towards the mines, John continues working but knowing he will most likely be picked. As expected, a hand goes on his shoulder and he sees the headmaster behind him. He is smiling as he says come with me and bring your Bakugan too. John returns Wildrock back to his ball form quickly as the headmaster drags him to the officer, saying this is the best he has to offer his lordship. The officer examines him and Wildrock closely and he says he will do fine – nobody will notice him anyway. He says come along as John and Wildrock meekly follow. After a while, they all end up at a fancy built school with Gundalians and Bakugan training in different drills and tactics. John is initially in awe at what he is seeing but then, the officer hits him and says he is not here as a tourist - he is here to work only with John quickly apologizing. Then, the three of them arrive at a large room with a battle arena. The officer says in 3 days time – the great Nurzak will be arriving and it is you and your Bakugan’s job to get this entire place ready. John is surprised that it is so big and asks is it just him and Wildrock with the officer saying it is only them and if they don’t get it done – they will be in for some serious consequences. He then leaves with John telling Wildrock that we better get to work. The scene shifts to three days later - where John and Wildrock have just finished the preparations for Nurzak's arrival. The students are getting prepared but are purposely making John work by messing up what he prepared and then when he comes to fix it - they push him down. John doesn't say anything and continues to fix it up. Then, an annoucement blazes over a speakphone that the great Nurzak has arrived. All the students stand in attention with John just hiding behind a pillar - embarasses to even show himself. At that moment, Nurzak walks through the grand doors with some of his followers and personal guard. The officer welcomes him to his humble school and tells him everything is prepared for him as he requested. Nurzak looks around and says well done - let's being the festivities shall we? The officer says of course as Nurzak asks if all men are present with the officer saying everyone is here. Nurzak then goes onto a podium in the middle of the battlfield. He announces to the group of students that one of them will be chosen to be his personal bodyguard and if he sees fit, his next heir. They will fight against him and Sabator in one on one battles and whoever defeats him will be the winner. Everybody gets excited except for John and Wildrock – who are busy cleaning the trash in the back. John says he wishes he could have the chance - and even if he didn't win; it would still be an honor to brawl against a member of the Twelve Orders. Over the course of the whole day - Nurzak and Sabator easily defeat every student - with Sabator commenting they aren't even a challenge.. After they defeat the last challenger, Nurzak says this was a waste of time with Sabator saying it wasn’t a total waste – at least he got a good workout. The officer apologizes as John gets busy cleaning up the debris left over. But just then, Nurzak notices John and asks the officer who is that boy with the officer saying that is nobody he should be concerned of – he was only hired him to preparation and cleanup duty. Nurzak says didn't he say beforehand that all available men at this school were to participate in this demonstration – the leader lied to him and broke his orders. The leader begs for forgiveness with Nurzak saying he will deal with ihm later. He then calls John and Wildrock to come forward. John and Wildrock stop what they are doing and come forward slowly towards Nurzak. After a few steps – they stop and stare at Nurzak, who is putting on a mean face and asks “Well boy and Bakugan – what are your names?” John and Wildrock then say their names quietly with Nurzak waiting to know why he would be standing before him – looking all scrawny and helpless, unlike the others who were clean cut and battle ready for him earlier today. John says he is not from here - he is from an orphanage a good distance where he worked in the metal mines. Nurzak is surprised (thinking to himself why are boys working in mines at his age) with John continuing that he has been beaten down all his life, hardly having anything to eat, no place to sleep sometimes and no friends except for his friend Wildrock – who has lived the same life as him. They have endured all of that and even though his outward appearance looks horrible (with the students who beat him up earlier snickering under their breath) – he will has a bright hope that things will be better for him in the future. Nurzak is taken back by his words but smiles and says well done – he certainly is good for giving speeches. He also says he knows about him and the orphanage he is from and is highly displeased that boys John's age are working as miners. He then says if he would like a chance for that better hope he spoke of - battle against him. Nurzak then says, even though John is not a Brawler, he's not going to drop a present in his lap: he will have to earn it like these pathetic students tried and failed. John says that’s fine – he’s ready to do whatever he has to do. Wildrock says the same with Nurzak then saying fine and ordering the referee to prepare the battlefield for one last battle. The referee says okay and the battle field is set. John goes to his place and Nurzak to his. Nurzak says good luck young John with John agreeing with the students all watching - saying he won't make it far - they couldn't even win one round. Nurzak throws out Sabator with John throwing Wildrock. Nurzak activates Rootcam Wilder and Destroy Horn and knocks Wildrock back. John then says get up and says "Ability Activate - Earth Mystic!" which causes Wildrock to make illusions of himself with rock statues. But Sabator isn't fased as he just punches them all - hitting the real one. Wildrock gets knocked down again while saying he's a tough one. John says no kidding and says let's try something and says "Double Ability Activate - Slash Stone plus Mayan Breaker!". Both abilities power Wildrock up and he attacks but Nurzak activates Force Chaser and reflects the ability back. John says man with Nurzak saying impressive..........for a beginner as he activated his Battle Gear Chompixx. Both John and Wildrock get nervous with Nurzak saying this was a fun first battle as he activates Chompixx's Chamberland Breaker and defeating Wildrock for the 1st round. John says that was tough and that Chompixx is amazing. Widlrock says it is and wouldn't it be cool if they could use it. John gets a sly look and says yeah, they should. 2nd round starts and they both throw out their Bakugan but Nurzak quickly brings Chompixx out again - saying this battle has gone on long enough. He then activates some more abilities but Wildrock dodges as John says "Ability Activate - Gopher Cover!" as Wildrock gets a drill on his hand and digs underground. Sabator stops as Nurzak wonders where he went. He orders Sabator to keep moving, which he does but John says that won't help as he says "Ability Activate - Symbol Shocker!" as underground - Wildrock has carved a Subterra Symbol out of tunnels and he then lights it up - which causes a huge explosion to come out of the ground, knocking Sabator and damaging. As Sabator gets up, Nurzak says impressive when Wildrock comes back up. Wildrock smiles and asks John how much more do they have to wait to show them that they have a few tricks up their sleeve. Nurzak then shows a stern look with John saying the time of waiting is over as he says let’s show our secret weapon, Wildrock (with Wildrock saying oh yeah!) and says “Ability Activate – Stride Swipe!”. The speed of Wildrock increases but Nurzak doesn’t look phased and says they can’t stand up to Sabator and his Battle Gear and prepares to activate his Battle Gear ability but then, he gets a surpise. Sabator’s Battle Gear is gone and the one wearing it is Wildrock! Nurzak asks what is the meaning of this as John smiles and says Stride Swipe is an ability unique to Subterra Wildrock. It can only be activated while the other Brawler has any form of attachment and he doesn’t and it allows Wildrock to literally “take” the opponent’s piece and use it as his own for the remainder of the Brawl. Wildrock then says which means that he had controls Chompixx to which Sabator starts to notice and get angry. Sabator charges but Wildrock evades, even with the heavy Chompixx on his back, and attacks with it – knocking Sabator back. John then says “Gate Card Open – Rock Enforcement!” It binds down Sabator with Rock as Nurzak asks what Gate Card is this. John says this Gate Card immobilizes the opponent from activating any more abilities and if he is using a Battle Gear, he can activate it’s Level 2 Ability on the spot. Wildrock says let’s do this as John says “LV 2 Battle Gear Ability Activate – Chompixx Quakebuster!” Wildrock fires up the scythes of Chompixx and it causes a series of quakes – defeating Sabator in the 2nd round. Nurzak grabs Sabator and says to himself that boy used a perfect battle strategy against him and was timed well. The students are shocked that they couldn't beat Nurzak in one round and this orphan just defeated him. Nurzak smiles and says to himself this boy has some potential as he yells out he is done playing around and throws out his Gate Card. They both throw out their Bakugan and John throwing Chompixx as well. John and Wildrock go on the offensive with Chompixx but Sabator takes the hits but then, Sabator literally tears Chompixx off of Wildrock's back and starts pounding him with his fists. John says "Ability Activate - Gaia Fortress Shield!" as it forms a small rock base around Wildrock's midsection and a shield to which Sabator is knocking down hard. John is wondering what to do as Nurzak says he can't keep that shield up forever. John gets scared but Wildrock sternly says don't give up yet. John is taken back as Wildrock says they have endured so much during their lives - this beatdown is nothing. John says yeah - they can take anything. Nurzak is surprised - saying this boy really is strong. After a while, Sabator starts to get tried with John yelling now with Wildrock breaking out and hitting him back. John and Wildrock get excited - saying they are going to win but Nurzak says not quite. They then see Sabator rising slowing with his eyes red and beats his chest. Nurzak says it's over as he says "Ability Activate - Minotaur Rampage!" as it beefs up Sabator and he goes on an offensive. Wildrock can't defend against it and he gives out - meaning Nurzak wins the brawl 2 to 1. After the battle, John breaks down in defeat with Wildrock in ball form apologizing for not seeing that coming. John smiles and says it’s fine – they both did their best. He picks him up and says let’s get back to work as usual. They start to walk away with Nurzak watching them. As they are walking, he says hold it – young one. John and Wildrock stop as Nurzak and Sabator approach them. John meekly says yes sir as Nurzak brightens up and says act natural. He then orders a room be prepared nearby for himself and this fine Brawler. The officer says yes sir and they both go into a private room. After the door closes, Nurzak says he can finally give up his act. John says what act as Nurzak explains he is not as tough as he appears to be. He is not like the rest of the Twelve Orders and wanted to find somebody who was a strong battler and he believes he found it in John. John says meekly why would he want him since he lost and he has been beaten up, starved many times, done labor and been ridiculed all his life. Wildrock concurs he has lived the same life as Nurzak says so what. They are both taken back as Nurzak says he wanted someone who was a strong battler but in the end, it didn’t matter to him if they won or lost – he wanted to know the passion they had for battling. Nurzak says they performed moves and tactics he has not even seen – which makes him the perfect candidate to be his son. However, he doesn’t want to force it on him so it is up to John if he would like to go with him and have a better life. John asks Wildrock what he thinks as Wildrock says it is really up to John but whatever he wants to do – he will go with it 100%. John thinks about it and says he would like nothing better than to learn under Nurzak. Nurzak then says “Then, come with me – my son”. The doors open and they walk out together. As they walk out, the headmaster of the orphanage and the officer come to take John back to work in the mines immediately but Nurzak steps forward and says that’s no way to talk to his son (with the headmaster and officer in shock as well as the other students) and says as for that conduct – you are both relived of your duties and will work in the same mines you worked those others in. The headmaster and officer beg for forgiveness but Nurzak says you didn’t give any to them so you won’t receive any in return. As they are dragged away, John asks what will become of the other orphans and students. Nurzak says someone new will be asked to take over the school and orphange and hopefully, things will be better for the others here. John says he hopes so as Nurzak says let’s go – they should get home. John says all right as the students wave goodbye and do the orphans, who came to see him off as well. John and Wildrock both wave goodbye and promise to come back to visit on day asNurzak opens a Dimensional Portal and they both go through together as it closes behind them with rags left behind. The scene then shifts back to the world where John and Wildrock met Submarik before the test began where a Dimensional Portal opens and John and Wildrock walk through and are wondering where they are when they see Submarik in front of them. John is initially surprised with Wildrock commented that dream must have been the real thing and what they went through was the test. John then gets a bit hot-headed and asks Submarik what was the whole purpose of making them go through all that – no food, being hit like that and such. Submarik has his eyes closed and says quietly it was to test their endurance. John is taken back and asks what endurance. Submarik opens his eyes and explains that for anyone who uses the Subterra attribute in battle – endurance is a critical element needed. If a Brawler cannot endure the difficulties in real life and both physically and mentally – then they have no business being a Brawler, let alone a Subterra Brawler. Submarik explains that in real life – it was a lot simpler for John to accomplish the things he did so he changed the scenario drastically and made it as difficult as possible for both him and Wildrock. He then says as much as he would not like to admit it – both of their endurance levels were some of the best he has seen in years. During the test – their bodies were put to the test and they succeeded very well on it. As for mentally, it was almost faltering but you managed to hang on and perceived through the battle against your father Nurzak in the end. Submarik then says because of that, you have passed my test with honors. He then takes off his BakuStrike Launcher, puts it on a rock pillar and moves the pillar with his hand towards John. He says this rightfully belongs to you both now. John puts it on and says it’s amazing and will treasure it forever. Submarik says he had better and it will serve them both well as it has for him. He then says they should return since it is pointless to stay here anymore. As all three of them walk together, Wildrock says they should be proud of themselves for what they have accomplished with John saying yes, but there is always the next challenge. Wildrock says that’s right and whatever comes, they will endure it to the fullest. They both then hit their fists against each other, saying they'll get even stronger. (End of episode)
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