Ep 21. Reaction of Fortune

As the twenty-first episode of Escaflowne's first season, Reaction of Fortune revolves around the emotional turbulence of the main character, Hitomi Kanzaki, and her ongoing battle against the Zaibach Empire.

Hitomi's emotions take center stage in this episode, as she grapples with feelings of abandonment and betrayal. She is haunted by visions of her friend, Van, falling to his death after a battle with Dilandau, the Zaibach captain. The graphic images of Van's supposed demise leave Hitomi feeling devastated and alone, with the fear that she may have played a role in his death.

Meanwhile, Van is taken captive by the Zaibach Empire and subjected to a mind-altering machine that leaves him delusional and believing that he is fighting alongside his long-dead brother, Folken. As Van's mental state deteriorates, the Zaibach Empire takes advantage of his vulnerable state and manipulates him into carrying out their evil plans.

Hitomi's despair deepens as she realizes that Van has been taken captive, and she sets out to rescue him from the clutches of the Zaibach Empire. However, when she arrives at the scene of the battle, she is confronted by Dilandau, who seems determined to prevent her from saving Van.

This episode is marked by intense emotional upheaval and high-stakes action, with Hitomi and Dilandau facing off in a brutal battle that leaves both of them injured and tired. To make matters worse, the Zaibach Empire unleashes a powerful weapon that threatens to destroy everything in its path, leaving the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

As the episode draws to a close, Hitomi is left to confront her own inner demons, battling her feelings of despair and hopelessness in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. With both Van and the world's fate hanging in the balance, she must find a way to overcome her emotions and rise to the occasion, becoming the fierce warrior that she was always meant to be.

Overall, this episode of Escaflowne is marked by its intense emotional depth and action-packed sequences. It offers up a truly gripping story that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats, rooting for Hitomi and Van as they face down their enemies and fight to save the world.