Elfen Lied

A mysterious girl possessing invisible hands, vector abilities, and telepathy escapes from a secret research facility. The next day, cousins Kouta and Yuka encounter her, but she has changed—now unable to speak except to say "nyuu." As they take her in, Kurama, the facility's lead scientist, sends a ruthless tracker named Bando to capture her.

A task force led by the assassin Bando is sent to Kamakura beach to capture Lucy, but they initially find only her innocent alter ego, Nyu. After an attack leaves Bando injured and his partner killed, Lucy takes control and fights back, though she reverts to Nyu before finishing Bando off. Meanwhile, Kohta is hospitalized for minor injuries and later reconciles with Lucy at their home.

After suffering a head injury, Lucy temporarily regains control of Nyuu. In the meantime, Kurama and a secret facility send two individuals to pursue her: Bando, who has now been healed and is stronger, and another diclonius. Meanwhile, Yuka and a homeless girl named Mayu discuss recent events at Kouta's home.

Nana informs the soldiers and Kurama of Lucy's location and confronts her at a cemetery, aiming to hold her off until reinforcements arrive. As the battle escalates, Mayu hears the disturbance and joins the scene.

Mayu recalls the challenges of her childhood and the circumstances that led her to leave home. At the same time, Yuka and Kouta meet Yu Kakuzawa, the son of Chief Kakuzawa, who joins them as their new professor. He soon recognizes Nyuu as Lucy and tricks Kouta into surrendering her.

Bando leaves the hospital to track down Lucy, driven by a personal vendetta. Meanwhile, Kohta and his assistant find the severed head of Professor Kakuzawa Yū. As Kohta and Yuka spend more time together, their relationship deepens, ending in a kiss. Eventually, Kohta and Yuka succeed in finding Lucy and bringing her home.

Bando and Nana resolve their conflict, acknowledging that they share the same goals. Nana then assists Lucy by taking her to the beach, and later meets Mayu at the temple, where they form a friendship and Mayu extends an invitation for Nana to join her at home for a meal.

Lucy is injured and knocked unconscious, leading Nana to take care of her. While Lucy sleeps, she has a dream that reveals parts of her past. At the same time, Nana talks about Lucy and the diclonius with Mayu, and Arakawa is assigned to work under Director Kakuzawa.

The episode examines Lucy's past, depicting her first encounter with Kouta and the strong friendship that ultimately ends in tragedy. It also details the events that led to Lucy becoming the killer she is today.

Lucy and Nana argue, but Mayu intervenes, leading Lucy to reconcile with Nyuu and express her feelings for Kouta by hugging him. The episode also explores Kurama's background and offers further insight into the diclonius species.

Mariko is released and quickly overpowers the surrounding soldiers, but the professors had anticipated this and detonate an explosive embedded in her, causing her to lose an arm. She is then transported to where Nyuu and Nana are staying. Meanwhile, Nana is settling into life at the inn, though Kouta encourages her to take on more responsibilities.

Mariko engages with Nana while Kouta moves to assist her, resulting in a temporary loss of Mariko's vectors and her withdrawal from the confrontation. As Nyuu follows Kouta, she shifts into Lucy to avoid gunfire, which causes Kouta to recall important events.

Yuka reveals Kouta's hidden history to Mayu, while Lucy and Mariko confront each other in battle. Nana and Kurama then set out to locate Mariko, as Kurama is determined to end her life.