Author's Notes: As much as I adore the story of Final Fantasy IX, there was one thing that always struck me: why did Fratley have no recollection of his past? After many times of playing through and reading up on the content, and frankly the wikia page is largely disappointing. Thus, a fanfiction was needed. As always, reviews make it update sooner. Enjoy!

Notes Before the Story:

Full Summary: "I climbed the highest mountains only to hear rumors of your victories. I searched the deepest valleys, only to find your footsteps. But I never found you. And in the end, I heard something...something unbearable!" Five years prior to the kidnapping of Princess Garnet, Sir Fratley left his home of Burmecia to test his skills to ensure he could protect his kingdom and maintain its peaceful prosperity. And yet...something went awry. What did Sir Fratley encounter on his journey, and how did he come to remember nothing of his past?

Setting/Pairings: Set beginning five years prior to the game and takes place over those five years, ending months before the game occurs. Freya/Fratley is the only pairing.

Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own any of the characters or themes of Final Fantasy IX and make no profit from writing my ideas.

Prologue:
Endearment

"Beatrix?" she asks, curiosity laced between the syllables.

"Yes, Beatrix," I reply, gazing the length of my spear. "I hear there are many fierce warriors out in the world – some more powerful than even I… Beatrix of Alexandria, in particular. They say her swordsmanship is the best in the land."

"Sir Fratley," she pleads, "do you still insist on going on your journey?"

"Yes," I say. Her head falls, hanging sadly beneath her helm. "Please understand, Freya. Right now,Burmecia is at peace, while other nations are slowly but surely gaining power." She says nothing, and I sigh, not wanting to admit the truth. "I don't know if my spear alone is enough to protect Burmecia." She looks up, eyes determined, and gets ready to protest; I continue. "…Which is precisely why I must go out into the world."

"Sir Fratley, I do not think I can live on my own," she begins, green eyes watering beneath thin white strands of bangs. "Not without you."

"Freya, you're going to be fine," I assure her with a soft smile. "Trust your strength…and have faith in your destiny." With sorrow, her head hangs again, and I know she is attempting to hide her tears. "Once I complete my journey around the world, I will return to Burmecia." She is quiet for a moment, hesitant to accept my decision. After a moment, her eyes lift from the floor to meet my own.

"Then promise me, one more time, that you will return," she asks of me. She is determined, her eyes fierce and her stance unwavering despite her uncertainty. She is strong, I remind myself.

"I promise," I reply without hesitance. With one last smile, I turn from my love, ready to take my leave from my kingdom. I hear a stifled sob behind me, but I do not stop. She is strong. And it is for her sake that I must know if I can protect Burmecia. I quietly leave the palace, passing through the still town. Voices speak nearby, cheerful and pleasant in the rain. Turning the corner, I see several of my comrades by the fountain. Noticing me, they wave.

"You're off then?" Dan asks as the other takes his leave.

"So it would seem," I reply, a slight touch of sorrow hidden in the phrase.

"How'd she take it?" he queries.

"As one might expect," I say, remembering the heartbreak of my love as I turned my back to her at the palace gate. "Might I ask a favor of you?"

"Of course," Dan replies eagerly. "Anything."

"Take care of her in my absence," I say, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "I know she is strong, and yet sorrow ensues. Keep her safe during this time of uncertainty, and soon I will return to her."

"She is strong, Fratley," Dan replies. "She'll be alright. I doubt she needs a watchful eye. But rest assured, I will watch over her. And upon your return, she'll be safe, and waiting for you."

"I know I can count on you, comrade," I say, my hand falling from his shoulder. I turn from him, feet sloshing in the standing puddles as I make my way to the edge of town. Nodding to the guards, I pass through the gates of Burmecia, not looking back to the fading city.