Labyrinth (episode)

Despite Grasshop's request she stay, Beerain leaves the Spider Riders, uncertain where she will go, because she does not trust humans yet. The Spider Riders and Grasshop decide to infiltrate Mantid's castle through the dangerous labyrinth.

Full Recap
After being spared by the Spider Riders, Beerain heads off, Grasshop talks to Beerain and asks her to stay and help them fight for a better life. Beerain tells Grasshop firmly that even though she no longer works for Mantid she still has hatred towards humans due to her training. Grasshop assures that humans and invectives can live together especially because Princess Sparkle saw good in him and the rest of the Spider Riders trust him as well. Beerain thinks about what he says but declines to work with them. Before leaving for Arachna, Beerain tells Grasshop to inform the Spider Riders that the only way to reach Invectid territory is through the Labyrinth. Hunter persuades the others to join him, leaving Arachna under Slate's protection. Lumen wants Sparkle to stay behind but is stunned when Ebony himself insists she accompany them. He tells the Spider Riders that in the legend from ancient times, Spirit Oracle only appears when all 8 of them are present.

With a reluctant Grasshop as there guide, the Spider Riders enter the Labyrinth. However Mantid has learned of their plans and orders Aqune to go with Dungobeet in the Labyrinth and bring Hunter to him, she is free to do what she wants with the others. No one is ready for an attack of strange slug monsters who crawl up out of nowhere in an apparent rage, this rage being brought up by the interference of Dungobeet. Grasshop explains that the slugs are creatures of the Labyrinth but they are normally quiet and docile unless something upsets them. Fearing that the elevated paths will not hold all their weight, the Riders try to jump over the slugs but soon it is clear that a more aggressive tacked must be taken. Hunter and Shadow try to fight in an effort to by time for the others to get away, only to have the bridge crumble beneath their feet. Hunter throw the keys to Igneous and Magma and urges them to never give up and disappears into the darkness below. Corona refuses to leave but Venus tells her they have to leave before the bridge collapses. Down below, Hunter hears Corona calling but is too weak to answer back. The last thing Hunter sees before he falls unconscious is an image of Aqune, still wearing her mask...

Corona tries to call Hunter but gets no response and everyone is afraid that Hunter is dead. Meanwhile Shadow wakes up Hunter, and he soon hears another voice, it is Lord Mantid, which means Hunter and Shadow are at Mantid castle, but Hunter questions if he is a guest or a prisoner.

Featured Characters

 * Hunter Steele
 * Corona
 * Igneous
 * Magma
 * Prince Lumen of Arachna
 * Princess Sparkle of Arachna
 * Grasshop
 * Battle Spider Shadow
 * Battle Spider Venus
 * Battle Spider Flame
 * Battle Spider Brutus
 * Battle Spider Ebony
 * Battle Spider Hotarla
 * Mantid
 * Buguese
 * Beerain
 * Aqune

Quotes
"...I'm being crushed by a rock!"
 * "...Remember to never give up..."
 * — Hunter mumbles in his sleep while squashing Lumen, who sleepily mumbles his distress.


 * "With all do respect sire... have you lost your mind!"- Slate questions the sanity of the Spider Riders newest plan.

"Was that Ebony talking!?" "I don't believe it!" "Ebony can speak?" "But Ebony..." "According to legend, our Spirit Oracle only appears when all eight Spider Riders gather together in one place. The journey ahead will be harsh. We will need all the help we can get. You know I never speak unless I have something important to say, this is significant."
 * "Prince Lumen, we must let Princess Sparkle come with us."
 * — Ebony speaks, pointing out why he doesn't do so all of the time. Which must mean that Flame never has anything important to say.


 * "Resistance is futile."- Grasshop laments his inability to resist Sparkles terminal cuteness.

"Safe journey!" "Bring us back some souvenirs!"
 * "Good luck!"
 * — Slate's men wish Hunter and the Spider Riders luck as they leave for the Labyrinth.


 * "This cave system is like a huge maze. It's like amazing."- Magma comments on the complexity of the Labyrinth, while making a poor joke.


 * "Aqune? Found you..."- While barely conscious, Hunter makes one last quip before Aqune captures him.

Trivia

 * The Battle Beetle being constructed in the tank is Dark Opal.
 * This episode marks the first time any of Spider Riders have ever laid eyes on Great Mantid.
 * This is the first and only time Ebony speaks (which shocks the other riders), he mentions that he only speaks if he has something important to say.
 * For the first time, a Spider comes out of a Spider Riders Manicle without being called.