Afraid Of the Dark

The Spider Riders try to think of a plan to find Hunter and get out of the labyrinth. Mantid reveals to Hunter how the Invectids have lived in darkness without sunlight for most of their lives and offers to prove it by removing Aqune's mask and having her show Hunter around.

Full Recap
The Spider Riders are sitting by a fire in the Labyrinth with Corona staring at the Oracle Keys in sadness. Grasshop tries to be positive and states there's still a chance Hunter and Shadow are alive but Lumen points out that if Hunter was alive he would have answered them by now. The Spider Riders decide to just head home but Corona refuses to abandon Hunter and knows he's alive. At Mantid's castle, Hunter and Shadow question why they are here and almost fight but Mantid assures them if he was going to kill them he would have done it when they were unconscious. The Invectid leader reveals the darkness which hangs over the Invectid Nation and blames it on the Spirit Oracle. Though moved by the Invectids plight (except for Shadow), Hunter confronts Mantid about keeping Aqune prisoner. In response, Mantid removes her mask, inviting Hunter to take her away, if she wishes. To Hunter's surprise, Aqune refuses to leave, reaffirming her choice to help the Invectid cause. She then cooks for him, a meal which she has every night. Hunter likes it, afterwards he makes a request; to be taken to Grasshop's house. There he meets with Grasshop's wife and two children and tells them he is safe and sound. When the children go play, Weevel tells Hunter she is glad her husband is safe, she also tells him that him becoming a member of the Big 4 never should have happened as he is a gentle soul who loves music and children. She finishes by saying that she hopes the war will end and all the Invectids and humans will live in peace. Meanwhile Buguese protests that he should finish off Hunter but Mantid tells him that they need Hunter alive as he is in the process of an experiment. Once it is taken care of, Buguese can do whatever he pleases with Hunter in the meantime he is asked by Mantid to observe Hunter to find out what Hunter's intentions are.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Spider Riders resume their journey, only to be surrounded by the strange monsters. Even with Igneous and Magma battling them, they keep coming. Thankfully, an unseen ally aids the Spider Riders in defeating the monsters and Hunter was finally able to contact them. After much thought on the matter, especially since Aqune's intentions are honorable, as she is helping the Invectids even they are her enemies. Hunter still doesn't understand how this war began, Buguese chimes in angrily by stating it all started because of Oracle herself, he also comments how Mantid thinks more Hunter than he does to invite him here as Buguese would've taken care of Hunter himself. Hunter still can't believe that Oracle would do this to the Invectids as she is supposed to protect all of the Inner World. Buguese says that she only seems to care more about the humans as the Invectids have never seen the sun before Buguese also points out how humans take their sun for granted as they need it so much as their flowers and plants which have not been able to grow and they rely on it. After a talk with Buguese (who tells Hunter once they have the Oracle Keys), Hunter tells Buguese he believes him and Shadow does as well. Buguese cannot believe that his enemy actually trust him more than his master. Hunter has reached a decision: He will give Mantid the other two Oracle Keys in exchange for peace. But just as they are about to go get them, the hero Quake appears before them and tells them that would be unwise.

Featured Characters

 * Hunter Steele
 * Corona
 * Igneous
 * Magma
 * Prince Lumen of Arachna
 * Princess Sparkle of Arachna
 * Grasshop
 * Battle Spider Shadow
 * Battle Spider Flame
 * Battle Spider Brutus
 * Battle Spider Hotarla
 * Mantid
 * Buguese
 * Aqune
 * Weeval
 * Step & Jump

Quotes
"Believe me Princess Sparkle, I really wish I could. But I have the worst sense of direction in the Inner World. I used to get lost in my own house."
 * "Can't you show us the way Uncle Hop?"
 * — Grasshop confesses his lacking of any sense of direction.


 * "If this is happy, I'd hate to see sad."- Hunter can't help but notice the lack of enthusiasm among the native Invectids while touring one of there city streets.

"You used to tell us to study hard so we'd be successful like Daddy. Please make up your mind Momma."
 * "No excuses you two. You want to end up like your father?"
 * — Weeval tries scolding her children into doing there homework, which just makes them feel worse.


 * "Theirs no need to be afraid. Hunter isn't nearly as scary as he looks."- Aqune actually makes a joke, and naturally, it's at the expense of Hunter.

"Grasshop!? ride a spider!?" "Shadow! Uh actually, I'd say your dad is more of an unofficial Spider Rider."
 * "Hey, I bet Daddy's riding and fighting with a spider just like yours right?"
 * — Grasshop's kids envision their father as a great Spider Rider warrior. Shadow does not approve, but Hunter silences him.


 * "AHHHHH! We're all doomed! With a capitol doom! We'll die painfully at the hands, I mean tentacles, uh slime trails of this gigantic slug!"- Grasshop, proving his courage. As Hunter would put it.

Trivia

 * Hunter meets Grasshop's wife and children for the first time.
 * Hunter is apparently the first human either Weeval or Step and Jump have ever meet, aside from Aqune.