Reunion on the Hill of Swords

Guts reaches the top of the hill where Rickert and Griffith stand talking. The younger boy is weeping, unable to learn what truly happened on the day of the Eclipse because Guts refuses to speak of it and he is too frightened to press. Guts halts at a distance, stunned by the sight of the man he once called friend, now sheathed in white falcon-styled armor with feathered ridges at its joints and a cloak snapping in the wind.

Fury takes over, and Guts lunges with a hand already on the Dragon Slayer. Rickert throws himself in the way, clutching the swordsman to stop him, and begs him to see that this is the Griffith they knew. Picturing Femto, Guts roars that the man before them is no longer the same, and his Brand of Sacrifice bleeds.

Griffith speaks with unnerving calm, remarking that Guts has not changed at all. The familiar face, the familiar smile, and the old manner of address only stoke Guts' anger. Griffith explains that the rubble of Albion was no place for a private talk and that this hill suits their reunion, since the Band of the Falcon stands gathered once more, a phrase that makes Guts scream at him to stop saying the name. He admits he came to test whether standing before Guts would move his heart, and declares he will never betray his dream.

Shoving Rickert aside, Guts draws the Dragon Slayer and drives it straight down at Griffith's unflinching head. The blow never lands: Zodd, in human shape and wearing only a loincloth, meets it with a sword nearly the equal of Guts' own. Their weapons lock as Zodd offers a greeting to the enraged Black Swordsman, Griffith watching without concern. Far off inside the cottage, Casca clutches her chest as her Brand aches, and Puck senses the ominous presence.