How MHST Ride On did a great job on Cheval's and Lute's Fall out (ep 24 - 25)
Okay, i just started watching Monster Hunter Stories Ride On, and boy I was not expecting a huge roller coaster of emotions as I watched the anime.
There is one moment that i would like to focus on, that is the relationship between Lute and Cheval, and how their fall out greatly affects others. I'll mainly focus on episodes 24 -25. (I would write more as I watch the series)
There will be spoilers, so I encourage you guys to check out Monster Hunter Stories Ride On
As a result of his mother's death. Cheval concluded that he needs to slay blighted monsters instead, he wanted to make sure that no one would experience the same thing he did. While Lute on the other hand. Believes that through the power of kinship. Blighted monsters could be cured. This in turn, slowly caused them to fall out from each other. They do not know how to work their problems out because of their different ideals.
In episode 24, even if it's not as obvious as Cheval's grief for his mother. Her death also takes a huge toll on Lute. Even blaming himself for not being strong enough to protect her.
During the festival, Cheval giving the could shoulder bothered Lute a lot. This is where Lilia comes to cheer him up.
No matter how many times they fight. They come to realize that they need each other, and end up making up after. Cheval and Lute are practically family ever since Chief Omna brought Lute, to Cheval's and Vlau's lives. Lilia understands this, and believes that they would come to understand each other.
Vlau was the glue that tied the family together. Once the Nargacuga killed her, so has the foundation of the boys relationship.
Once Lute felt encouraged by Lillia's advice. Lute runs to Cheval, and holds his hand. he told him that things would work out in the end. until this happens.
This is shocking to watch, Cheval and Lute used to communicate with each other when things go awry. But because of Cheval's grief, he just could not see it that way.
Cheval is blaming Lute for everything that happened. This line struck Lute deeply. The way Lute weaky uttered Cheval's name, his blank expression, and Lute slowly letting got of his hand makes this scene so painful.
Notice how the word were was emphasized. With a resigned look on his face, Cheval wants nothing to do with Lute anymore after everything that has transpired.
As the festivities wen on, Lute's world is slowly spiraling down. The audience can already tell that their relationship would never be the same again after this.
Before the riders leave to go look for blighted monsters. Lilia comes at the last minute. She knows that something was going on between Lute and Cheval, and like any good friend would do. Decides to help them mend their bond.
Lilia then tells them the story of how the their dads came to protect the residents of Hakum Village, their fathers fought together, and fought the Nargacuga together. Sadly, they both lost their lives in the end.
Notice Lilia's expression. Her eyebrows is slightly furrowed here. Almost as if she is hesitating. Lilia was not sure how this would unfold. She is probably worried on how Cheval would react, and yet there is this a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Believing that hearing this story would make Cheval make up with Lute. Until...
...everything backfired hard. Lilia, in her attempts to de-escalate the situation, further added fuel to the fire. What Cheval got from the story is that his father died protecting Lute. Another parent lost because of him. This shocked everyone, especially Lute and Lilia.
Before you say anything, this is not Lilia's fault! She's just a kid worried about her friend, maybe things would have been better if she did not say anything about Cheval's dad. What Lilia is trying to say here is that the bonds of their fathers is what makes them strong, and by working together. They can face any challenges head on.
In his grief, he just blames Lute for everything. His hand, once a sense of comfort, it now just a stark reminder of what he has lost.
Lute and Cheval are a foil to each other. Both boys who both lost their parents because of the black blight. At such a young age, they have already lost so much.
What Cheval says here is not true, sure they became orphans. But Cheval seems to forget that they do have a family and home to return to. The riders, Cheif Omna, and the other villagers are wiling to help them out. The people of Hakum Village are their family.
What I love about this scene is that the writers just nailed on how they handled the stages of grief. Cheval experiencing anger. Lashing out on others in an unhealthy was, and Lute bargaining with himself. Constantly blaming himself, and whishing that if he was only stronger, he could have saved Vlau. The pain and anger in Cheval's eyes makes it so raw and painful to the audience.
This here is one of the most painful scenes ever. Cheval just ended their friendship right in front of everybody. This is the point of no return.
Lute was devastated. The look of shock, the way hey looked at his hand and slowly looked back at Cheval. The way his voice quivered, eyes almost glistening with tears. Just made me want to curl up in a ball and cry. You can almost feel Lute's heartbreak in two as you watch this. Lute just knows that there is nothing he could do to make Cheval listen to reason. It's over between them now.
Cheval then decided it was for the best to part ways, Hyoro and Millie following him. Meanwhile, Lilia and Lute were left behind. Just absorbing what just happened.
Lilia also starts blaming herself as well. Though this was not her intention, she cant help but think this was herbfault that things ended up this way.
Reverto comforts Lilia, being the literal adult in this situation. He understands what the kids are going through and does not blame anyone. Reverto knows that things will work out in the end.
Even when Navirou tries to comfort him with a few jokes, this does not ease Lute at all, and the young boy just bursts into tears. Cheval is the only family he has left. Now that he's gone, he does not what to do.
Besides episode 6, this has got to be one of my favorite episode. This was so heartbreaking to watch. As the series progresses, the way the writers wrote their rivalry is amazing. The way Lute struggles to follow his beliefs, the way Cheval slowly spirals to hatred and vengeance makes me so hooked to watch the next episode.
I'll do a deeper dive to the later episodes since I am just at the 40th episode as of writing this. For a kids anime based on a spin off. I have never expected this show to be my absolute favorite.
