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

synopsis: Van found Evan, and challenged him to a duel of swords. Evan wins, he stays. Van wins, Evan comes back with him, and to Kumi.

Authors note: Song - Black Escaflowne (movie) or Revenge (If you listen to Flying Dragon, Ill hunt you down and kill you :D.. .worst fight song EVER!)

***

Van grinned very evil-like, and slowly walked around Evan. Van wished he had been able to watch Evan's sword lessons, to know his exact weak spots.

He's in the palace of Palas.. he's had to have had more training...

Van realized that he couldn't go easy on him at all. Charging and yelling, he gave a middle slice, one that Evan easily parried. The swords clashed several times before both men backed off a bit. Both walked around in a circle, eyes fixated on the other.

You can always spare your humiliation and give up and come with me... Van said grinning.

Evan chuckled and thrust at Van. Dodging, Van smacked Evan's side with the flat side of the blade.

You sure, Lord Evan? Van said sounding amused.

Evan clutched his left side, where it had been smacked by the metal and glared at Van.

No, your Highness, MY LORD Van. Evan said and went to charge but stopped when he heard a female's chuckle.

Oh please, no continue! Queen Millerna said.

Van smiled and countered Evan's rush. Bashing blades for a minute, Evan put his entire strength into his next attack. Van saw this move and countered by sidestepping at the last moment. His weight was then launched forward and to the side, so when he glanced his blade into Evan's, it went flying sideways away from Evan's weight and onto the stones. It fell with a clatter and slid a few feet. Van grabbed Evan's arm and spun him around in his lack of balance and held him fast with his sword to his throat.

You still sure, Evan? Van said, smirking.

Evan sighed.

Lord Van, what do I owe this unannounced visit? Millerna asked sounding amused, as some of the guards around her chuckled.

Just picking up something I accidentally let go, Lady Millerna. I will be leaving now, with this ruffian in toe. However, you will be formally invited to my wedding soon. He said grinning and let Evan go to pick up his sword. Gooday Millerna! He said and ran off with Evan following him frowning.

Van heard Millerna exclaim as he ran out of earshot.


***
change to Bird Song, and it'll prolly need to be on repeat :D
***


Evan grimaced as his lower back and bottom shot sharp pains up through the very heart of him. He had been riding hard all day, trying to keep up with Van in flight. He couldn't and Van frequently doubled back. Poor horse.

Both men sat around a small fire, and gnawed their dinner. Evan wouldn't speak and Van acted oblivious.

Finishing his food, Van took a gulp of water and stared at Evan. He just sat, with his arms across his knees starting at Evan's every move.

Finally, Evan couldn't stand it and spoke, without looking up.

I was under the impression you were more mature than your stable boy.

I thought that about you, too, until you ran away.

Evan looked up at Van and glared at him. I assumed you read the letter?

Yes, I did. but you still ran from your problems. Van said and stood to unfurl his small bedroll. Although, it is good you ran. I went to get Kumi... she needed to escape. he laid on the bed roll and put his hands behind his head, and crossed his feet.

Evan put down the biscuit he was eating and pulled out his bed. He sat on it, with his legs bent infront of him and his elbows on his knees, munching his bread.

Why did you go to get her, Van? Why did she come. Am I correct in assuming her boyfriend left her? You had said... He trailed off.

Van smiled and closed his eyes. I went to get her because she is the nicest girl I know that I am not marrying, and she's always gazed at you with a certain look. You look at her like that too, but with resentment. I think because when we first met her she was already taken, and when she wasn't with that man, you didn't know. She had spoken to me about it, but I was instructed not to tell you. That's the weekend she passed out on our couch.

The only weekend she ever drank at our apartment. Evan said blankly, and laid down with his back to the small fire.

Don't worry Evan... she would be quite taken with the name Lady Mizuuta. Van said grinning and doused the fire.

*

In the morning, the boys started out early and managed to make it back to the capital city before sun reached it peak. The sunshine warmed the city, and the citizens were out and about.

Evan dismounted the horse and led it towards the castle, walking with Van. Some people bowed to Van, others simply stared at the likeness to the man without Fanelia's sword on his hip. They ignored everyone and kept walking, in silence... Evan's silent defeat, at being led back to the castle.

*

Kumi rushed down the stairs. Hitomi laughed and followed at her pace. The guards had spotted Van returning with Evan, and both were excited. They ran to a window near the entrance to the castle, and leaning out they waved vigorously as the men passed beneath. Then they ran down the large stairs and to both dark haired boys.

Hitomi jumped straight at Van and he grinned and caught her. She wrapped her hands under the backpack and held him tight.

Kumi smiled at Evan, and looked away blushing. Their feelings were evident, and she was more than embarrassed.

I've never been in such a situation...this is nuts! I wonder what he'll do if I...

Kumi smiled more innocently and stepped closer to Evan. She wrapped her arms around the startled man, and spoke gently into his chest.

I missed you, Evan-san. Please do not leave me again? She asked with a sense of innocence to her voice, that he couldn't resist.

Ofcourse I won't, Kumi. He said and gently ran his hand along her black hair. Kumi pulled him closer and wanted to cry, but held it in. It felt so good for her to hold him this close after being friends with him for so long and never really touching him in this manner, and because of his promise he had made before he left.

Looking up at him she spoke. Will you escort me to dinner tonight, Evan-kun?

He grinned. Only if you stop with formalities. They aren't needed here, Kumi.

She beamed wider and nodded, and put her head back to his chest.


***

So I've noticed the romantic situation has focused more on Evan and Kumi, but that's just cause Van and Hitomi are pretty set. They can only have so many first kisses and such, and this will NOT be a lemon* and I and pretty sure this will end soon :D I do have a in the making, about Evan's adventures alone outside of Fanelia. However I want to watch Escaflowne again before I do so. ^_^ And that won't be until at least September.


*lemons are basically fanficts for those who wanna write like Danielle Steel. I am not one of those people. I leave their sexual endeavors to your imagination, if you so choose :P