Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne. If I did the series would still be on and this story would be used for the second season.

Sorry for the long wait everybody. I've had the worst case of writer's block known to man. Still, I came out of my slump with two new chapters written and three more to go at most ( I think). Anyway, thank you to everyone who has been reviewing and put up with the long gaps between updates.

Part 6: Vision's Return

It's been almost two weeks since the royal wedding took place, tomorrow the newlyweds would return to resume their royal duties once again. In Van's absence Folken has been ruling Fanelia. Ever since the wedding the un-dead prince had been spending countless hours in the library looking for a book that could save his new sister-in-law's life.

Meanwhile, the royal couple spent their honeymoon at a lake house that overlooks the exact spot where Van's parents met. The two weeks had seemed like a dream for the couple and it was with heavy hearts that they packed up their belongings.

" I can't believe it's over."

Van took the opportunity to sneak up on his wife. Hitomi nearly screamed as arms circled around her waist. She smiled realizing it was Van and she returned the gesture by wrapping her arms around his. Van laughed as he pulled her closer.

"You know our honeymoon isn't officially over until we're back at the castle."

"Well, what do you suggest we do in the meantime Mr. Fanel?"

"I have one idea"

A mischievous smirk came across Van's face as he carried his wife over to the bed, carefully laying down on top of her looking into her deep emerald eyes. Van never got tired of looking at Hitomi's eyes, to him it was like looking at heaven itself. He smiled and Hitomi gave him a puzzled look.

"What is it?"

"Your so beautiful."

"Do you know how many times you've said that to me in the past two weeks?"

"How many?"

Van smiled as he moved his head and began kissing her neck. Hitomi closed her eyes at the sensation.

"Well, if I had a miran (A/N: Gaean penny) for every time you said it I'd probably be richer than you."

Van laughed and gave her a passionate kiss. He was sad that their honeymoon was over. Soon they would be back at the palace and be separated because of duties. It would be so hard to go the whole day without seeing Hitomi.

"Hitomi will you promise me something?"

"Anything"

"Promise me that no matter how busy our schedules get, we put aside some time for just the two of us."

Hitomi nodded and gave Van a small kiss. Van smiled and the King of Fanelia took his Queen in wedded bliss once more.

~*~*~* The Next Day *~*~*~

"Lord Van!"

Folken looked over at Merle and then to the window in the council room. He saw the levi ship coming towards the docks.

"This meeting is adjourned until further notice."

"But your highness, we need to discuss these earnings reports."

"Yes Kure, but my brother and his wife have returned. Don't you think it would be rude if I did not welcome them?"

The advisors all nodded.

"Very well, we shall adjourn for the day. Tomorrow Van will resume the meeting. Hoiguy, tell the cooks to prepare a grand feast to celebrate the king and queens return."

The other advisors left to get ready for the feast, and Folken left for the levidocks.

~*~*~* Levidocks*~*~*~

Van and Hitomi stepped off the levi ship looking happy and in love. Folken and Merle were the only people waiting at the docks. Millerna had told Hitomi at the reception that she and the rest of the group were leaving the next day and sadly, would not be able to see her after the honeymoon. Hitomi promised Millerna that when she was pregnant Millerna could be her physician throughout the pregnancy.

"Welcome home brother"

"It's nice to see you two again. Are my advisors waiting for me?"

"No, I gave you one last day of freedom. Although you'll need to begin getting ready in a few hours."

"Ready? For what?"

"Well we're having a feast to honor you and Van's return."

Hitomi groaned inwardly. Why did they have to throw a party the first night she and Van were home as husband and wife.

"In the meantime, I need to talk to you and Van alone."

"Of course brother."

The trio walked to the castle leaving Merle to deal with the advisors. Van brought them to his private study. They all sat and waited for Folken to start talking.

"Hitomi, can you describe the women who attacked you?"

"She was a little taller than me, with red hair."

"Did it have blonde streaks?"

"Yes, now that you mention it. How did you know that Folken?"

"because I knew that women."

"Who is she brother?"

"Madeline Kuore. She became Mediera stratego. She is Dornkirk's daughter."

"What?! How is that possible?"

"Van, let me get this out in one piece. She is his adopted daughter. From what I remember about her, she was going to be Dornkirk's secret weapon."

Hitomi looked at the scenery outside when black swirls started to appear. She knew that she was getting a vision and she filled with dread at what she might see. In the darkness a blue light appeared and she was standing on top of a reflecting pool. Images began to flash in front of her. She saw a great battle being fought in the mountains that surrounded Fortuna temple in Freid.

Hitomi was rushed through the battlefield until she was in Fortuna's main chamber that held the power of Atlantis. Mediera was there with someone but Hitomi couldn't see their face. Then she saw Van fighting Mediera in a deadly sword fight. They went back and forth parrying and thrusting the others move until Van's sword was knocked away. Mediera came down on Van and all Hitomi could see was his blood.

"Hitomi!? Answer Me!"

Hitomi woke up on the floor in Van's arms. Worry lines creased his forehead. She must have passed out when she had the vision. Folken stood behind Van with a similar look to his brothers.

"Hitomi, what happened?"

"It was nothing, the travel must have worn me out more than I thought."

Van knew that Hitomi was lying. He could see the fear and worry in her eyes. She only looked like this after she'd had a vision.

"Folken, can I talk to Hitomi alone"

"Of course, we'll talk more after the party."

Folken left still worried about Hitomi. What would was about to happen to her would to be her biggest challenge. Still, if anyone could find out what was wrong with her it was Van.

Van looked down at Hitomi, she was trembling slightly in his arms. Whatever she saw must have been pretty bad is she was acting like this.

"Hitomi, will you tell me what you saw?"

"Who said I saw anything?"

"I know that look. You get it every time you have a vision."

Hitomi tried to stand up, but the vision had taken a lot out of her. Van placed his arm around her waist to keep her steady. Hitomi was steered over to Van's big burgundy arm chair in front of the fire place. He put Hitomi on his lap and her legs dangled over the side of the chair. Hitomi rested her head on Van's shoulder and began to talk.

"There was a battle being fought outside Fortuna. I felt anger, hatred, and death. Then I was in the main chamber where the power of Atlantis was kept. Mediera was with someone, I couldn't see who it was. You burst through the door and began fighting with her. She disarmed you and the last thing I saw was someone's blood splashing on the floor next to your sword."

Van held Hitomi closer to him. 'She's been through so much. Why do people have to keep showing up to make her life miserable?'

"So you think Mediera will kill me?"

"That's what it looked like in the vision. Oh Van I don't want to loose you."

"You won't, I promise. Now let's go get ready for that party okay?"

Hitomi smiled at Van and gave him a small kiss. He wasn't letting her get away from him that easily, he pulled her towards him and gave her a much more heated kiss. Just as Van was going to move in more Hitomi pulled away.

"If we don't stop now we'll never make it to the party."

"Is that so bad?"

"Well it would be rude if the guests of honor didn't show up."

"I suppose your right."

Hitomi laughed at the disappointed look on Van's face. With one last peck the newlyweds left to get ready.

So will Hitomi's vision come true? When the hell is Mediera going to show up? Why is Folken holding back information? Will I update before hell freezes over? ^_~

Review please. Next up Ch 7: The Arrival

Oh and for whoever asked sp? Is asking if I spelled a word right and A/N is an author's note.