Howard implores Gregor not to tackle the rest of the quest alone. Gregor defends his position, noting that the prophecy states only he can kill Bane. He’ll take Twitchtip as his guide and Ares for help, but Howard must return to Regalia on his bat to save Mareth from bleeding to death. Gregor reveals that he’s a rager and will fight Howard if necessary. They make a plan to use pieces of the ship to rest on while Andromeda flies on and off. Howard and the others agree to leave after wrapping all their injuries. Gregor, Ares, and Twitchtip hurry off into the maze.

Gregor and Ares follow Twitchtip through the Labyrinth. Twitchtip, whose nose and tail are injured, bleeds as they go but pushes herself to continue. She gives up only when they’re deep in the maze, collapsing from exhaustion, but gives them guidance on where to go next. Gregor feels sad to leave her behind but must continue the mission. Twitchtip says she’ll rest safely in an old hideout.

Gregor and Ares take multiple wrong tunnels but eventually come upon two enormous rats.