Van finds himself torn between his childhood loyalty to Folken, and his anger over his brother's loyalty to Dornkirk. When Folken arranges a meeting, Van finally sets out to gain revenge for Folken's desertion of Fanelia. But the struggle between Van and Folken ends inconclusively, and Folken determines to turn himself over to Asturia to bring an end to this horrible war. Now the struggle truly begins in earnest.

Another relationship, that between Hitomi and Allen Schezar also seems to be developing cracks, as the young knight reveals his controlling side. Hitomi's is uncomfortable with this but is even more uncomfortable with Van's angry willingness to fight and kill. This triggers a spectacular cliffhanger of an ending sure to please the most jaded of watchers and leave them grabbing for the last DVD in this series.

As you can see, the fact that this series is drawing to an end means that there will be no lack of plot twists. And no lack of shifts in character development either. This is never a simpleminded series, but a complex weaving of the themes of destiny, human nature, war, and the value of relationships and love. It is always reaching beyond the story line for higher values, even as Evangelion did. Whether the story moves quickly or slows down for an introspective moment, it remains compelling.