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. But with the entrance of Kumi, Van can hope to find Evan.

Authors note: Song - White Dove or Eyes

***

Van smiled at his bride.

Everything will be fine. Once Kumi understood what everyone was saying, she took charge to make them follow you. She had nothing to lose, so it was rather amazing to watch. She threatened to slap and manhandle any of the ladies that gossiped ill about you, and personally see to a flogging any of the men who did. I honestly never knew she would do that, or had that in her. I guess she sensed the problems and decided to tackle them face on. he chuckled and stuffed a shirt into the small backpack. You won't have any problems while I'm gone, I'm sure. Plus, they don't know when I am to return. They won't risk defacing you, incase I stride in at that very moment. He grinned evilly and tied the bag shut.

Hitomi slid her hand into his and squeezed. You'll find him Van... just use the pendant and everything will work out. She smiled and gave him a small kiss.

Kissing back, Van squeezed her hand and let go. Moving his own sword a tad forward, he strapped Evan's sword against it. Van considered putting Evan's on the right side to balance the weights out, but it might get in his way if he needed to move quickly. He wasn't accustomed to a sword on the right. Van took his shirt off and hefted the bag over his shoulder. He walked out of the room with Hitomi right behind.

*

Van smiled as he glided over the little villages and saw the tiny lights under the thatched roofs. He felt a surge of pride knowing he helped keep those hamlets safe and brought Fanelia from almost ruin ten years back.

I was only 15 then, with only Escaflowne and a girl from the Mystic Moon... imagine what I can accomplish with her as my wife and with the entire country to back me...

He smiled wider and held the bag tighter to his chest.

*

The next morning, after a small breakfast of dried meats and biscuits, Van headed out again. He had covered much more ground flying, but his wings were tired and his legs needed exercise. So he started to tromp off into the forrest, pendant blaring out the way in a pinkish glow.

By midday the King was tired of getting stuck in brambles and took to flight. He had gone a lot farther then he had realized in the night. A few hours of gliding showed the city of Palas in the distance.

*

Quietly walking, Van cursed at Evan. The stone was pointing directly at the inner chambers of the palace. Deciding to be sure Van walked around the perimeter, dodging the gaze of the guards and blending into the small crowds. He held the stone in his hand and it gently pointed its direction.

That ass better not have gotten in as me... he thought bitterly. That would bring up situations with Dryden, that Van probably did not want any part of.

With a sigh, Van noticed the stone had changed direction slightly as he came around the eastern portion of the building. Spotting a way to get up from a nearby rooftop, Van scaled the side of the building and jumped onto the wall. Unfortunately for him, the guards knew of the all too closeness of the roof and spotted him. Shouts across as Van booked it across the pathways and into the gardens before they reached him.

Not stopping for a moment Van grinned to himself as the stone was pointing in exactly the direction he was running. He ran following it, and careful not to be spied (as one could be running full speed). Flying around a corner, he didn't run into a couple of stone statues out of sheer luck.

Grinning Van noticed Evan straight infront of him. His prey stared over his shoulder at him, then spoke up as soon as Van gained his composure.

I told you not to come for me. he said flatly.

Van smirked. Yes, but you also told Kumi-san you would come to her if her boyfriend left her...

Evan turned and with a shocked expression mouthed something inaudible. He took in a breath and shrugged.

I had no way back. She'll find someone better. She's cute and intelligent... Evan was stopped mid sentence by Van.

She's in Fanelia. You said Hitomi was the only woman who had been nice to you in many years. You were wrong. Come back with me.



I'll make you a deal, Evan. Van said as he unstrapped his friend's sword and threw it at Evan's feet. It landed with a loud smack. You corner me with that, to the point that you would kill me if you were going to, and I'll let you make the biggest mistake of your life. If I win, you come back with me. You still owe me a month.

It's only two weeks, you wasted 16 days. Evan said smugly.

Fine. Two weeks... but you have to come back with me. ... Deal? Van raised his eyebrows and looked at Evan with a flat stare. If he even thought of not dealing Van would pound him to the stones and get the royal guards to hog tie him. Once infront of Millerna or Dryden they wouldn't chase him, and he would walk out a winner. Either way, Van was determined to bring this clout back.

Evan said as he leaned down and picked up his sword.

Van grinned and unsheathed his sword.

*

Kumi smiled at Hitomi. The seamstress had completed much of the gown since yesterday, and it fit wonderfully. Only a few more seams and it would be wearable. It was a wonderful gift, and Kumi was sure to wear it at the dinner when Evan returned.

Hitomi-san, I cannot thank you enough for such a beautiful gift. I feel badly for you to spend so much money on me!

Kumi-san, do not worry. I have invested in this mistress of the seams and I will profit from her hard work. If it is heard that the newest girl from the Mystic Moon wears dresses she provides, her costumers increase and so does her business. I helped her gain support and supplies to build a bigger shoppe. She makes more money and always has a market. Hitomi grinned, proud to bring extra revenue into the household outside of taxation.

was all Kumi said, and wiggled in her dress. Yes, it accentuated her curves very nicely, and the color was a wonderful green. She liked this kind of advertisement better than logos on t-shirts, especially when it made her look so ravishing.

The girls reminisced of Japan as the woman pinned everything she needed to, and Kumi took it off careful not to harm it. It had to stay perfect, she wanted to impress Evan.

He's seen me in such ordinary circumstances... I really want him to see me in such a grand one...


***


Evan was originally supposed to be found in the middle of the forrest.. but eh. I changed my mind ^_^ This way, there's a crowd!! wheee!!