Disclaimer: Obviously I don't own anything in Vision of Escaflowne, or it wouldn't be a fanfiction. Don't sue me :D

synopsis: With Evan gone, Van focuses on the affairs of state and his bride, or that's how it should be. But Van needs Evan more then he knew... Van's year absence has disrupted the court.

Authors note: Song - Call Your Name (Piano version) Hidden (Its from the movie... if you don't have it, i suggest Tomodachi (Friends))

***

The wind was howling tremendously, and the streets were empty. The rain whipped through Van's hair and made him shiver. He held his arms about him as he stumbled through the street. He had tried to run earlier and hurt his leg, so going more than a walking pace was impossible.

This was supposed to be really easy...

Van smiled, as he spotted the building and managed to go faster. Entering the building, he was glad the key code was broken. He wanted to surprise this person.

*

Gently knocking on the door, Van sighed. He had knocked for the 5th time, and nobody answered. This was a very bad sign. He closed his eyes and started walking away as the door opened.

A girl exclaimed as her head popped out of the door frame.

Van spun on his heel and his face lit up.

No no.. It's me Van. How are you Kumi-san?

Oh.. Van..! HEY you're back?!? She said and walked into the hall and tugged at his arm. Come in come in! Are any of the others here? she asked expectantly looking down the hall past him.

No, I had to come alone. Kumi.. you look.. Have you been crying? he asked as she batted her eyes with her sleeve and pulled him inside and shut the door.

No. I... yes I have. I've not been having a very good time. She said sitting down. Her voice grew quiet. Evan said he would come back if my boyfriend broke my heart.. and he didn't. She looked at her hands in her lap.

That's actually good to hear Kumi. he said and when she stared up at him with tears filling her eyes he put his hand on top of hers. Not like that Kumi-san! Van sighed and smiled at her. Kumi... your boyfriend hurt you?? She nodded and Van continued. Well... Evan and I have had some..problems, and he left where I took him to. I don't want to rely on fate to bring him back. Will you help me Kumi-san? He smiled sweetly at her.

Kumi slightly smiled but continued to look at her hands. Van-sama... Evan promised me before he left that if my boyfriend broke my heart he would come back to me. He was angry Evan said that and it sparked a huge fight. Things were never the same since and he left me. It's been over two weeks now. I looked for Evan that night, and he never came. Once you had mentioned you came from a beautiful land in the sky... so I figured that's where you went... I stared into the sky until I feel asleep next to the open window. And I still woke alone. Kumi sniffed and looked up at Van. He smiled at her.

Kumi-san, how would you like to come with me to a different planet and be a Lady, and be friends with Hitomi and Evan and myself in a court? You could even befriend queens of other nations and visit them and learn of their culture. There can't be a whole lot for you here, to live in this building of all places. Van smiled sweetly at her and squeezed her hands.

Staring at him, Kumi spoke gently. Van-sama, I don't think I could. My family is here, they live an hour away and I know I don't visit much but I don't think I could just leave them. I don't think I could leave. she said and looked back down at her hands.

Call your mother, Kumi. Ask her what she thinks. I can bring you back to visit from time to time. he said, grinning.

Kumi stood up and picked up the phone, and looking at Van unsure, she dialed her home number...

Mother? Hello.. It's Kumi.. yes.. I have something important to discuss with you...

*

Hitomi sighed and smiled sweetly.

No, Lord Van is still in the palace and he is very sick. It is something he caught while on the Mystic Moon and it is manifesting here and now. No, none of you can see him. My mother is seeing to him. It is something very easily cured by our medicines and knowledge. If one of you caught it, it might turn bad. He is of Draconian decent. He handles it very well and possibly better than any of you could. He just needs rest and that requires silence and no prying. Understand? she said the last part forcefully, and stood. The courtiers were silent, as she left the room and went to the King's chambers.

The walk seemed long and Hitomi felt watched. Opening the door she walked inside and closed it behind her.
Her mother was reading a small book they had brought with them, and smiled when her daughter entered.

I saw it, my wonderful child. I looked out the window and a beam of light came from earth and disappeared. He is back, Hitomi. She said, still smiling.

At that very moment, the door flew opened and slammed. Before Hitomi could turn around, hands were around her and getting her wet.

Everything is well my bride! Van exclaimed, squeezing her tightly.

Where is she? Hitomi asked, trying to wriggle free of his wet embrace.

Van let her go and grinned. Kumi is now half covered in mud and is on her way to the front gates. She will be babbling about visions of a giant in armor and its green gems and a large pinkish-red heartstone. And she will be constantly looking towards the sky screaming How did I get off earth where am I!?!' I think she will be here within the hour. He said smiling and opened his dresser for a clean shirt. Did they believe you both?

I think so Van.. however there was rumors of you having left. Apparently a servant girl overheard you talking to me and she sold information. She was weeded out and fired for spreading false rumors. A servant girl ratting out her King is not someone you want in the palace. Van nodded in agreement.

Oh, since Kumi is here we can claim I was instantly better when she arrived. That will gain her respect. He said grinned mischievously.

Van plopped onto his bed and put his arms through the sleeves of the shirt he picked out, and took off his boots. Minutes later, a knock was heard on the door.

Hitomi said, acting annoyed.

A guard came in bowing his head. I am terribly sorry to disturb Lord Van's rest, but there is a woman here, we believe from the Mystic Moon... she is alone my Lord, my Ladies. He said and bowed again.

Van stood up and took a deep breathe. Ahh I feel so much better all of the sudden. Perhaps this girl's coming has cured me fully! he exclaimed and stamping his feet into his boots followed the guard.

*
The royal family followed the guard into the main entrance, where sure enough, Kumi stood wet, muddy and staring around herself in awe...

Ahh, welcome to my kingdom, Fanelia, miss...? he asked and gently took her hand to lead her inside.

Ku..Kumi.. My name is Kumi... Where am I? Last I remember was running in the rain down the street and suddenly a bright light enveloped me! And then I was here... and I see Earth floating in the sky!!

Kumi? Kumi Nakayama? I met you on Earth! Hitomi exclaimed.

You speak Japanese! These guards are all speaking gibberish!

Hitomi smiled at Van as she put her arms around the wet and muddy Kumi and led her off to her rooms to give her fresh clothes.


***

Second time i don't leave on a cliffhanger :D but will Evan even come back for the cutie down the hall? *weg*