Hitomi awakens in a forest and is attacked by a strange old man who saw her pendant.  She's saved by another man with long blonde hair.  Van shows up after hearing her cry and attacks the man but is no match for him.  Later they have both been taken to a place in Asturia and discover that the man's name is Allen Shezar, a knight.  After hearing their story, visitors arrive from Zaibach searching for the Escaflowne.  Allen helps out by concealing that it is there but Van's temper gets the best of him.  He attempts to leave in the Escaflowne but Allen stops him and the duel in their Guymelefs.  Van is defeated and in the process also learns that Allen was trained by Balgus as well.  Hitomi then has a vision of the invisible enemy attacking the town.