Ep 2. The Girl From the Mystic Moon

Hitomi Kanzaki is a high school student with an affinity for tarot card readings. While staring at the full moon one night, a portal opens up and she is transported to the world of Gaea, where giant mechs called Guymelefs duke it out in epic battles. Before she knows it, she finds herself in the middle of one such battle between the Catgirl Clan and the Zaibach Empire.

After narrowly avoiding getting crushed by a falling Guymelef, Hitomi finds herself face to face with a handsome young man named Van. He is the pilot of the Escaflowne, a legendary Guymelef that is said to be invincible in combat. Van is also the prince of the Kingdom of Fanelia, and he is on a mission to stop the Zaibach Empire from conquering Gaea.

Van takes Hitomi back to his castle, where she meets his sister, Millerna, and his loyal retainer, Allen Schezar. Hitomi is amazed by the technology and magic of Gaea, but she's also a bit homesick for her own world. Van promises to send her back to Earth once the fighting is over, but for now, she's stuck in this strange world.

Meanwhile, the Zaibach Empire has launched a new offensive against the Kingdom of Fanelia, and it's up to Van and his comrades to stop them. The battle is intense, with Guymelefs firing rockets and swords clashing in mid-air. Hitomi is terrified by the violence, but she also can't help but be drawn to the excitement of it all.

As the battle rages on, Hitomi has a vision of a young girl in a pristine white dress. The girl tells Hitomi that she is from the Mystic Moon, a place that is connected to Gaea through the power of the Escaflowne. Hitomi realizes that she must have been brought to Gaea for a reason, and she sets out to discover what that reason might be.

After the battle, Van and Allen take Hitomi to a hidden chamber where they reveal a terrible secret. The Zaibach Empire is searching for the legendary power source known as the Dragon's Eye, which is said to be hidden within the heart of Gaea. If the Zaibach Empire were to find the Dragon's Eye, they would be able to control the entire world, bringing about a new era of darkness and destruction.

Van and his companions are determined to stop the Zaibach Empire, but they'll need all the help they can get. Hitomi decides to use her knowledge of tarot cards to try to predict the future and get an edge in battle. She also learns more about the ancient history of Gaea, and discovers that her visions might hold the key to saving the world from certain doom.

"The Girl From the Mystic Moon" is an exciting and action-packed episode that sets up the conflict between the Kingdom of Fanelia and the Zaibach Empire. It also introduces Hitomi, a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who is struggling to come to terms with her new reality. With its stunning animation, epic battles, and complex characters, Escaflowne is a must-watch for anyone who loves science fiction and fantasy.