Freya's search ch3: Odd Rescue
Note: Ok this one is going to have some fights and some tuff language. Just a warning. Oh and I don't own the rights to FF9 it belongs to who? Well Square of course. Silly readers, Square is for games. . .ha ha. Oh my bad. Thanks to Sachiko for giving me the correct spellings on Mikoto and Sir . Fratley. Appreciate it. Oh and one more thing. My computer is really crappie, and it doesn't catch things during a spell check. I try to catch them all. Well enjoy the story.
The air car was crowded, to crowded for her tastes. It had been a week since she had arrived on the Mist continent. It had taken her another whole week to journey to Liblim.
Upon arriving in the large city Freya found it to look much better than it had been. The numerous districts had been rebuilt, and like before, were under constant repair. Freya was finding it difficult to maneuver around the many people that lived their. Being a Burmacian she preferred the vast land of her birth. Even if it was constantly raining.
"Move it Brumian!" Freya heard and was shoved forward off of the air cart. She turned to see an angry looking man storm by her. He glared at her and smirked.
"Nobles have the right of way. Especially when it comes to rats." Freya's blood boiled as she tighten her grip on her lance.
"How dare you!" She said angrily.
He walked on, ignoring her completely. Freya shouldered her Lance and turned to leave when she heard a voice calling her name. She see Jade running up to her. Freya smiled as Jade bowed to Freya and then hugged her tightly. Freya smiled at her fellow Burmacian and took her hand in hers.
"I am glad to see you well Lady Jade." Freya said bowing her head, as was customary. Jade laughed and put her hand on Freya's shoulder.
"Lady Freya I am so happy to see you," she said. "I heard from my sister that you were involved in a large battle. My family and I feared for your life."
Freya smiled. Apparently someone had been telling about the battle she had been in.
"You must come to my home," she said. "My children would like to meet you.
And Tomas, he will love to have you over for dinner."
"Thank you," Freya said as more and more people began to pass by them. "I would enjoy that. But I am afraid I do not have the time right now. I am searching for someone."
Freya looked around and then laughed.
"But I do not think I will find her in this swarm of people." Jade smiled and led Freya to a bench where they could sit and talk. Jades long tale flicked with happiness as she sat next to Freya.
"I do not remember Liblum to be so crowded." Freya said.
"It gets like this every year about this time." Jade said leaning back. "It is a very savage event don't you think? My eldest son wishes to participate but I told him no. He is only three after all."
Freya gave Jade a puzzled look.
"But the Festival is a tradition of our new home." Jade said closing her eyes. "My feet are aching," She said changing the subject casually.
"That is right," Freya said. "The hunt," she smiled.
"Do you plan on participating Lady Freya?" Freya shrugged.
"I may," she said. "I did once before. I came close to winning."
"Well if you do participate then I shall cheer you on. The nobles of this city are very rude to our kind for some reason."
Freyas eyes narrowed.
"Yes, I recently found that out." Freya then stood and smiled down at Jade who stared up at her. "Thank you for you offer." Freya said. "Perhaps I will come by latter. I think that I will sign up for the hunt." Freya started to walk off as Jade called after her.
"Where are you going Lady Freya?"
"To see some old friends of a friend of mine. I need to speak with them."
Freya walked on quickly.
A hour or so latter she found herself wondering the Theater district, not really sure where to go. Pausing for a moment she leaned against a building for a break. A few giggling girls passed by her. Each of them talking loudly about some actor. Freya watched as the ran down a set of stairs.
Freya was about to give up hop in finding the Thanks Troupe. She had searched or hours only to find a group of twittering girls. Frustrated Freya decided to take a slight break and entered a bar.
Heads lifted to stare at her as she passed threw the small crowd and sat down on one of the bar stools. When her drink came she sipped it quietly while listing to the conversations taking place around her.
"I'm goon win this year," said a man. "I got this new sword see, it's a blade that can cut through anything."
"Nah I'm goon win." Said another. "Got a strategy. My secret, aint goon tell you blokes about it."
"Hey there waitress, hows about you and I get a drink. We are met for one another." Freya turned only to see a man with black hair get slapped by the red-haired waitress.
For a moment, no. It hadn't been him.
"Hey I know you," Said a loud voice. Freya lifted her head as a large man sat down next to her. "Your Sadness girlfriend right, well one of um."
Freya stared blankly at the man who rubbed his head and then laughed.
"Sorry," he said. "But I know you know um. Seen you with him a long time ago. You two are palls right?"
Freya took another drink and nodded.
"Yes, I do know him. Would you be Baku?" Baku nodded and jabbed his thumb into his chest.
"Yeah that be me all right. The leader of the Thanks theater group. Best actors in the world."
"Dream on Baku." Shouted a laughing man. Laughter filled the small bar as Baku glared at the man.
"Bug off you twit." He shouted.
Freya smiled to herself. She had heard stories of Baku and his colorful way of speaking. It was apparent that he was comfortable talking the way he wanted.
"Anyway what are you doin hear? What's your name uh. . .wasn't it Frey. . .something?"
"Freya Sir Baku." Freya said.
"All that's it. Freya. Well sorry bout that Freya, I only met you once before now."
"That is all right sir Baku."
"What's with all this sir stuff," Baku said booming with laughter. "I ain't no Nobel."
"Yeah thank god for that!" Shouted someone in the bar.
Baku made a rude gesture and said something that made Freya blush red.
"Any way. What brings ya hear Freya?" Freya stared at Baku intently.
"I'm looking for him Baku." She said. "Him and everyone else. I wanted to. . ." Baku's face fell.
Freya watched as he stood and walked over to a table in the back. He motioned for her to follow. Freya did.
"Are you ok Baku?" Freya asked. Baku forced a smile.
"Yeah me? I'm fine. Just thinking that's all." He rubbed his head again and leaned back in his seat. "So your looking for Zidane huh?"
"Yes." She said sadly. "And every one else and Sir. . .another fired of mine." Baku sighed sadly.
"And you thought I might know where that boy would be right?"
Freya nodded.
"Yes, I thought. . .well hoped that you would." Baku shook his head.
"Sorry, done told the Queen I didn't know." Baku said crossing his arms. "Dagger thinks that he's dead." Baku took a drink of his ale and shook his head. "Told her that it aint true. Told her he'd show up when he's ready."
"Dagger?" Freya asked. "But, I thought of all of us she would . . ." Freya lowered her head and set her hands on the table.
Baku stared at her for a moment and then laughed.
"Don't you fret none Freya. I know he's alive. He's to crazy to die so easy."
"Yes," Freya said smiling slightly. "You are right."
She lifted her drink to her lips as her ears picked up a conversation coming from the next table.
"Yeah heard about him," someone said. "From Burmicia," another person said.
"If he's goon do the hunt I'm out. No chance to win with him in it. Heard he was a Knight. Cant beet those Dragon Knights."
Freya jumped to her feet and turned to the table behind them.
"Did you say Dragon Knight?" Freya asked. The three startled men looked up at her and nodded.
"Yeah," one said. "Hey aint you one of them? I've seen one before, took part in the hunt a while back." Freya turned to Baku.
"Do you know who they're talking about?" Freya asked.
Baku shook his head. "No," Baku said. "I don't stay in Libum for the hunt. Got to travel. Shows to do you know." Freya smiled.
"Yes I understand." Baku stood and walked past her. "Wait," she said quickly. "Do you know a girl named Eiko?" Freya asked.
"Little tkye with purple hair? Sure do, that kid was scrappy."
"Have you seen her?"
"No, haven't for a long time. Not since that day when Alexandria got destroyed. Why? You looking for her?"
"Yes, I am. I heard from another . . .friend that she was here."
"Sorry Freya, haven't seen her. I have to go but it was nice talkin to ya." Baku turned to leave but then stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. "Hey, if you find that boy before me tell him he's goon get the shit kicked out of him for machine me worry. And give him a kick in the ass for me."
"I will let him know that you were worried." Freya said.
Baku turned around quickly and blushed.
"Me, no I'm. . .er. . .Well I raised the boy." He said smiling. "Uh. .I just want to
make sure that he knows that." Baku turned and left quickly.
After searching for a few more hours Freya decided to stay in a hotel for the night. Even though Jade had offered her home to Freya, Freya did not feel like imposing. She wanted to prepare for the hunt in her own way and be alone to think.
That night she wondered where Eiko could be. The city was large, too large for a child to be alone in. That is if Eiko was alone. She fell asleep as the two moons rose into the sky.
The next day Freya awoke to the sounds of horns being blown. Walking to her window she looked out at the city. Below, huge carts were being pulled by beast handlers. Inside of the cages on the carts were beasts. Each snarling to get free.
Freya dressed quickly and headed towards the Business District, the place she had been assigned. The air car halted with a screech. As Freya stepped off she saw a line of hunters standing, each waiting for their chance.
She recognized a few of them. They had been the same men that had boosted about their hunting skills in the bar. She took her place. There were other hunters as well. One stood dressed in a black cloak.
For a moment, a brief moment, the hunter looked at her. There eyes had locked. Freya gasped, she knew those eyes. They belonged to a worrier who had seen battles, a
worrier of experience. Within them she saw a swirl of a troubled past.
Within them she saw Sir Fratley.
Freya dropped her lance and stared towards him. The horns sounded, signaling the start of the hunt. Bodies pushed past her, blocking her way. In an instead she had found him, and in an instant she had lost him as he ran the other direction.
Now she was alone on the street.
"Sir Fratley," she said softly. Picking up her lance she ran in the direction she saw him go. "It must be you." She said her pace quickening. "Those eyes," she said jumping into the air and landing with ease. "I knew those eyes, the way you looked at me." She said sadly as she realized that she had lost him.
"They were the same eyes that took me into your heart. It had to be you. . .for the love, the longing of memory. . ." Freya jumped down from the building, landing in a crouch.
She was alone now.
The hunters had scattered, eager to find the largest prey inorder to gather the highest score. Freya had put the contest behind her now. What was the point of continuing with the hunt, now that her concentration was else where.
Freya began to walk the streets her mind muddled with what had just happened. Perhaps her desire to find Fratley had blinded her, perhaps she had imagined the look in that hunters eyes.
"No," she said shaking her head. "It was him. It was."
Suddenly a beast leapt from behind her snarling. Freya turned slowly and stared at it. She smirked and held her Lance at her side. The beast leapt at her, Freya jumped into the air and speared it to the ground. She held her lance steady as the beast gargled on it's own blood. Only when it's body fell limp did she remove her lance.
She turned and continued down the street.
She passed another hunter who was running past her screaming as a large bird flew after him. Freya watched on as the bird turned and flew towards her. Freya lifted her head and jumped over the bird as he flew under her. She landed in a crouch and continued on her way as the bird flew off.
"If he was Fratley," Freya said to herself. "Then he would search out the biggest game." She leapt into the air and landed on one of the buildings. She jumped from roof to roof. Stopping on occasion to scan the area.
But she did not see him.
Feeling defeated Freya sat on the edge of a building and looked down. Then she heard it. A roar coming from somewhere in the district. She jumped down and ran towards it, for mingling within that roar she heard screams. She could tell that they belonged to someone who was not a skilled hunter.
When she reached the area where the screams had come for she saw him. She stopped to watch as the cloaked hunter fought a large beast. It snorted and charged at the Hunter who leapt with ease away from it. The beast turned his attention to the small screaming crowd, he was unwilling to let them go.
Freya ran forward shouting and waving her arms and Lance in the air. The Beast turned as the cloaked Hunter paused long enough to see who had distracted the monster. Freya readied her Lance as the beast charged.
She could feel the ground rumbling under her feet as the Beast came closer. She Held her Lance behind her and brute her hand to her face. Closing her eyes she prayed to the dragon god.
"Great God of Burmacia. Come to me," The Beast roared and snorted as it stopped to lower it's head. "I ask of you to let your power become my blood. Dragon knighthood is my truth." Freya spun her lance around and held it infront of her.
"I call forth the power of the Dragon God. Cherry Blossom!" Freya shouted. The sky grew dark. Freya felt energy leave her body and watched as it spun around the beast, trapping it, killing it.
With a roar of pain the beast fell to the ground, it's bright yellow eyes staring into nothingness. Freya leaned on her Lance to catch her breath.
"Sir. . ." She looked up to see the hunter jump high into the air and disappear over the roof tops.
She was about to run after him when the small crowd began to cheer for her. Blocked by their bodies, she watched as the hunter vanished from her view.
He was gone again.
Around her smiling faces cheered her. Then one of them grabbed her hand. Freya looked down to see the smiling face of Eiko. Eiko jumped up and down and thanked Freya. Freya knelt down and smiled at Eiko.
"I've been looking for you," Freya said. Suddenly she felt a wave of futile rush through her body. She fell forward landing in the arms of the small summoner and drifting into darkness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She was dreaming again. She had to be.
The cry of the souls were filling her ears, each growing louder. Each pleading for
liberation. Freya looked down.
Next to her was Eiko. The little summoner was holding her flute tightly and shaking. Her eyes were wide. She turned and looked up at Freya.
She said something, but there was no sound. Only the screams.
She saw herself kneeling down to Eiko and placing her hand on her head. The girl
had smiled. Next to her Freya felt Zidane's hand on her shoulder.
The two of disappeared as a voice called her name. A voice that had broken through the many screaming souls.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Freya," it was Eiko. "Freya wake up! Are you ok?" She asked her voice filled with worry. "Hey every one give her room already. Sheesh."
Freya opened her eyes slowly to see faces swarming over her. Eiko was among them, her face lit up with happiness. She sat up slowly, rubbing her head.
"Are you ok?" Eiko asked again. Freya nodded.
"Yes. .thank you Eiko." Eiko put her hands on her hips and fraud.
"You need to take it easy Freya." She said in an annoyed voice. "Why did you use your power like that anyway, you know how much it drains you." She helped Freya to her feet as horns filled the air.
"The hunts over!" Shouted a boy behind Eiko. Eiko turned and glared at him.
"No shouting Gilbert!" She said angrily. "Freya hear needs to have quite so no one talk." The crowd dispersed. Eiko held on tightly to Freya's hand as she led her through the streets towards the castle.
"Eiko, how have you been?" Freya asked. Eiko looked over her shoulder.
"Good, hey come on you can rest when we get to the castle. I'm sure that Cid will want to see you."
"Cid? It's been a while since I've seen him." Eiko smiled.
"Well yeah. I'm glad you came."
Eiko took her into the castle, passing by smiling guards who waved and greeted her with warm affection. It was apparent to Freya that the guards knew Eiko. Of course the child did have that effect on those she met. It was hard to see Eiko and not smile.
"Uh, wait here." Eiko said as Freya entered a lavishly decorated room. "I'll be back once I find Cid." With that said Eiko ran off.
"Wait. . ." Freya said as Eiko closed the door. "I wanted to talk." Freya sighed and set her lance against the wall. The room was comfortable. Freya found herself admiring the soft couch, and sat down to wait for Eiko.
After a while Eiko returned pulling Hylda, Regent Cids wife in by the hand. Freya stood and bowed to the woman as Eiko sat down. Hylda smiled at Freya and motioned for her to sit back down.
"I am glad to finally meet you Lady Freya of Burmacia." Hylda said glancing at Eiko. "I have heard quite a bit about you and your other friends."
"Thank you," Freya said. "I am sorry to say that I do not know much about you."
"That is quite all right." Hylda said with a slight laugh. Eiko smiled and jumped off of the couch.
"This is great," Eiko said. "I'm going to go and get some tea and cake for us. Wait here." Eiko ran out of the door leaving it to slam behind her.
"She is so rambunctious." Hylda said. "But we are blessed to have her with us." Hylda smiled at Freya and then stood. "You see the Regent and I adopted Eiko."
"That is wonderful," Freya said smiling. "I was worried about her being alone. She always dreaded that."
Hylda turned to Freya.
"You came looking for her," Hylda said. "But I am afraid that I must ask you to go after your visit."
Freya felt hurt as Holds eyes filled with concern.
"It is not that we do not want you hear it is just that, Eiko has been having dreams. Nightmares, and she refuses to talk about them. She just recently started to open up to us. We think that it would be better for her," Hylda turned quickly to wipe her eyes. "We think it would be better if she didn't have to talk about that day."
"I understand." Freya said standing. "That is the main reason I came. I wanted to make sure she was ok. That day," Freya paused and sighed. "It was a difficult thing to deal with. Since she is a child I wanted to make sure that she was not suffering from the illness of battle."
"The illness of battle?" Hylda repeated.
"Yes it is something that haunts those who have been though difficult battles. But in honesty Eiko seems fine. So I will do what you ask. I will go." Freya walked over to her Lance and shouldered it. Then she left.
As she walked towards the Hanger where the Air ships departed she could hear someone shouting her name.
"Freya!" She turned to see Eiko running towards her. Freya stood her ground.
"Eiko," Freya said smiling slightly.
"Don't you Eiko me!" Eiko shouted. "Why did you leave! I know you don't like to say good-bye but I thought you would at least visit for a while."
"I am sorry," Freya said turning.
"I heard you talking to Mother." Eiko said. She gasped suddenly. Her eyes swelled with tears.
"Eiko?" Freya watched as she turned and ran away from her. Freya ran after her. Dodging the passer byes. "Eiko stop!" Freya shouted. Eiko continued to run, turning corner after corner.
Freya stayed with her, the child could run.
When she caught up with her she found that Eiko had tripped and was sitting on the ground her face streaked with fresh tears.
"Eiko," Freya said kneeling down to her. "I'm sorry. Truly I am."
Without warning Eiko hugged Freya around the waist. Tears flowing. She was crying loudly. Freya hugged her gently.
"It's ok Eiko," Freya said softly. "It is ok." Eiko pushed away slightly.
"No it's not." Eiko said. "Every one is gone. Everyone. And it all was suppose to be good. We were suppose to all be together." She wailed and broke down into more tears. Freya looked sadly on the small girl.
"It must have been hard for you," Freya said sadly. "Before we all met I mean. But we are all going to be together again. Just because we are apart for a little while is no reason to believe we won't ever be together again." Eiko wiped her eyes and frowned.
"But Zidane is gone," She said choking on a sob. "I thought that he would come back. But he never did." She stood up.
"I'm going to find him." Freya said. "I'm looking for him. Just like I was looking for you."
"But," Eiko said looking up. "How do you know he's alive?"
"I just believe that he is. I have hope. Just like I know you do."
Eiko looked down at her hands.
"I called Hylda mom." Eiko said sadly. "Do you think my real mom would be mad?"
"No," Freya said taking off her pack. "I think she would be proud that you are on your way to become a lady."
"That is what my Edions say." Eiko said. "They keep telling me that I should be happy. They want me to forget that last big battle. But I can't."
Freya took out the dress that she had gotten for Eiko and handed it to her. Eiko smiled and held it up to her body.
"Thank you Freya," Eiko said. "I love it." With a final hug Eiko ran off back towards the castle. She shouted back as she ran. "Good byes are final so I won't say it ok?"
Freya smiled and began to walk towards the harbor.
When she got there she was greeted by a loud booming voice.
"Hey Freya!" Baku shouted. "Come on Lass." He shouted down at her from his ship.
"What?"
"You said you wanted to find that boy," Baku shouted. "Well we decided ta help you out. I got some things to say to him. Get on board." He tossed down a rope as the ship began to move slowly.
"You morons," Baku shouted. "I didn't say go yet!"
Freya took a running jump and caught the rope. Baku pulled her up and smiled as he looked at her. "Thought ya might want ta tag along. Were heading back to that Lifa tree place."
Freya sighed.
"I was going to check Alexandria but if he had gone there you would have known right?"
"Yeah, I would known." Baku said.
"To the Lifa tree," Freya said leaning over the side of the boat and looking down at Libum city. "Sir Fratley I hope to find you again. Please help me by finding your memory."
She remained until the city disappeared in the distance.
Note: Ok this one is going to have some fights and some tuff language. Just a warning. Oh and I don't own the rights to FF9 it belongs to who? Well Square of course. Silly readers, Square is for games. . .ha ha. Oh my bad. Thanks to Sachiko for giving me the correct spellings on Mikoto and Sir . Fratley. Appreciate it. Oh and one more thing. My computer is really crappie, and it doesn't catch things during a spell check. I try to catch them all. Well enjoy the story.
The air car was crowded, to crowded for her tastes. It had been a week since she had arrived on the Mist continent. It had taken her another whole week to journey to Liblim.
Upon arriving in the large city Freya found it to look much better than it had been. The numerous districts had been rebuilt, and like before, were under constant repair. Freya was finding it difficult to maneuver around the many people that lived their. Being a Burmacian she preferred the vast land of her birth. Even if it was constantly raining.
"Move it Brumian!" Freya heard and was shoved forward off of the air cart. She turned to see an angry looking man storm by her. He glared at her and smirked.
"Nobles have the right of way. Especially when it comes to rats." Freya's blood boiled as she tighten her grip on her lance.
"How dare you!" She said angrily.
He walked on, ignoring her completely. Freya shouldered her Lance and turned to leave when she heard a voice calling her name. She see Jade running up to her. Freya smiled as Jade bowed to Freya and then hugged her tightly. Freya smiled at her fellow Burmacian and took her hand in hers.
"I am glad to see you well Lady Jade." Freya said bowing her head, as was customary. Jade laughed and put her hand on Freya's shoulder.
"Lady Freya I am so happy to see you," she said. "I heard from my sister that you were involved in a large battle. My family and I feared for your life."
Freya smiled. Apparently someone had been telling about the battle she had been in.
"You must come to my home," she said. "My children would like to meet you.
And Tomas, he will love to have you over for dinner."
"Thank you," Freya said as more and more people began to pass by them. "I would enjoy that. But I am afraid I do not have the time right now. I am searching for someone."
Freya looked around and then laughed.
"But I do not think I will find her in this swarm of people." Jade smiled and led Freya to a bench where they could sit and talk. Jades long tale flicked with happiness as she sat next to Freya.
"I do not remember Liblum to be so crowded." Freya said.
"It gets like this every year about this time." Jade said leaning back. "It is a very savage event don't you think? My eldest son wishes to participate but I told him no. He is only three after all."
Freya gave Jade a puzzled look.
"But the Festival is a tradition of our new home." Jade said closing her eyes. "My feet are aching," She said changing the subject casually.
"That is right," Freya said. "The hunt," she smiled.
"Do you plan on participating Lady Freya?" Freya shrugged.
"I may," she said. "I did once before. I came close to winning."
"Well if you do participate then I shall cheer you on. The nobles of this city are very rude to our kind for some reason."
Freyas eyes narrowed.
"Yes, I recently found that out." Freya then stood and smiled down at Jade who stared up at her. "Thank you for you offer." Freya said. "Perhaps I will come by latter. I think that I will sign up for the hunt." Freya started to walk off as Jade called after her.
"Where are you going Lady Freya?"
"To see some old friends of a friend of mine. I need to speak with them."
Freya walked on quickly.
A hour or so latter she found herself wondering the Theater district, not really sure where to go. Pausing for a moment she leaned against a building for a break. A few giggling girls passed by her. Each of them talking loudly about some actor. Freya watched as the ran down a set of stairs.
Freya was about to give up hop in finding the Thanks Troupe. She had searched or hours only to find a group of twittering girls. Frustrated Freya decided to take a slight break and entered a bar.
Heads lifted to stare at her as she passed threw the small crowd and sat down on one of the bar stools. When her drink came she sipped it quietly while listing to the conversations taking place around her.
"I'm goon win this year," said a man. "I got this new sword see, it's a blade that can cut through anything."
"Nah I'm goon win." Said another. "Got a strategy. My secret, aint goon tell you blokes about it."
"Hey there waitress, hows about you and I get a drink. We are met for one another." Freya turned only to see a man with black hair get slapped by the red-haired waitress.
For a moment, no. It hadn't been him.
"Hey I know you," Said a loud voice. Freya lifted her head as a large man sat down next to her. "Your Sadness girlfriend right, well one of um."
Freya stared blankly at the man who rubbed his head and then laughed.
"Sorry," he said. "But I know you know um. Seen you with him a long time ago. You two are palls right?"
Freya took another drink and nodded.
"Yes, I do know him. Would you be Baku?" Baku nodded and jabbed his thumb into his chest.
"Yeah that be me all right. The leader of the Thanks theater group. Best actors in the world."
"Dream on Baku." Shouted a laughing man. Laughter filled the small bar as Baku glared at the man.
"Bug off you twit." He shouted.
Freya smiled to herself. She had heard stories of Baku and his colorful way of speaking. It was apparent that he was comfortable talking the way he wanted.
"Anyway what are you doin hear? What's your name uh. . .wasn't it Frey. . .something?"
"Freya Sir Baku." Freya said.
"All that's it. Freya. Well sorry bout that Freya, I only met you once before now."
"That is all right sir Baku."
"What's with all this sir stuff," Baku said booming with laughter. "I ain't no Nobel."
"Yeah thank god for that!" Shouted someone in the bar.
Baku made a rude gesture and said something that made Freya blush red.
"Any way. What brings ya hear Freya?" Freya stared at Baku intently.
"I'm looking for him Baku." She said. "Him and everyone else. I wanted to. . ." Baku's face fell.
Freya watched as he stood and walked over to a table in the back. He motioned for her to follow. Freya did.
"Are you ok Baku?" Freya asked. Baku forced a smile.
"Yeah me? I'm fine. Just thinking that's all." He rubbed his head again and leaned back in his seat. "So your looking for Zidane huh?"
"Yes." She said sadly. "And every one else and Sir. . .another fired of mine." Baku sighed sadly.
"And you thought I might know where that boy would be right?"
Freya nodded.
"Yes, I thought. . .well hoped that you would." Baku shook his head.
"Sorry, done told the Queen I didn't know." Baku said crossing his arms. "Dagger thinks that he's dead." Baku took a drink of his ale and shook his head. "Told her that it aint true. Told her he'd show up when he's ready."
"Dagger?" Freya asked. "But, I thought of all of us she would . . ." Freya lowered her head and set her hands on the table.
Baku stared at her for a moment and then laughed.
"Don't you fret none Freya. I know he's alive. He's to crazy to die so easy."
"Yes," Freya said smiling slightly. "You are right."
She lifted her drink to her lips as her ears picked up a conversation coming from the next table.
"Yeah heard about him," someone said. "From Burmicia," another person said.
"If he's goon do the hunt I'm out. No chance to win with him in it. Heard he was a Knight. Cant beet those Dragon Knights."
Freya jumped to her feet and turned to the table behind them.
"Did you say Dragon Knight?" Freya asked. The three startled men looked up at her and nodded.
"Yeah," one said. "Hey aint you one of them? I've seen one before, took part in the hunt a while back." Freya turned to Baku.
"Do you know who they're talking about?" Freya asked.
Baku shook his head. "No," Baku said. "I don't stay in Libum for the hunt. Got to travel. Shows to do you know." Freya smiled.
"Yes I understand." Baku stood and walked past her. "Wait," she said quickly. "Do you know a girl named Eiko?" Freya asked.
"Little tkye with purple hair? Sure do, that kid was scrappy."
"Have you seen her?"
"No, haven't for a long time. Not since that day when Alexandria got destroyed. Why? You looking for her?"
"Yes, I am. I heard from another . . .friend that she was here."
"Sorry Freya, haven't seen her. I have to go but it was nice talkin to ya." Baku turned to leave but then stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. "Hey, if you find that boy before me tell him he's goon get the shit kicked out of him for machine me worry. And give him a kick in the ass for me."
"I will let him know that you were worried." Freya said.
Baku turned around quickly and blushed.
"Me, no I'm. . .er. . .Well I raised the boy." He said smiling. "Uh. .I just want to
make sure that he knows that." Baku turned and left quickly.
After searching for a few more hours Freya decided to stay in a hotel for the night. Even though Jade had offered her home to Freya, Freya did not feel like imposing. She wanted to prepare for the hunt in her own way and be alone to think.
That night she wondered where Eiko could be. The city was large, too large for a child to be alone in. That is if Eiko was alone. She fell asleep as the two moons rose into the sky.
The next day Freya awoke to the sounds of horns being blown. Walking to her window she looked out at the city. Below, huge carts were being pulled by beast handlers. Inside of the cages on the carts were beasts. Each snarling to get free.
Freya dressed quickly and headed towards the Business District, the place she had been assigned. The air car halted with a screech. As Freya stepped off she saw a line of hunters standing, each waiting for their chance.
She recognized a few of them. They had been the same men that had boosted about their hunting skills in the bar. She took her place. There were other hunters as well. One stood dressed in a black cloak.
For a moment, a brief moment, the hunter looked at her. There eyes had locked. Freya gasped, she knew those eyes. They belonged to a worrier who had seen battles, a
worrier of experience. Within them she saw a swirl of a troubled past.
Within them she saw Sir Fratley.
Freya dropped her lance and stared towards him. The horns sounded, signaling the start of the hunt. Bodies pushed past her, blocking her way. In an instead she had found him, and in an instant she had lost him as he ran the other direction.
Now she was alone on the street.
"Sir Fratley," she said softly. Picking up her lance she ran in the direction she saw him go. "It must be you." She said her pace quickening. "Those eyes," she said jumping into the air and landing with ease. "I knew those eyes, the way you looked at me." She said sadly as she realized that she had lost him.
"They were the same eyes that took me into your heart. It had to be you. . .for the love, the longing of memory. . ." Freya jumped down from the building, landing in a crouch.
She was alone now.
The hunters had scattered, eager to find the largest prey inorder to gather the highest score. Freya had put the contest behind her now. What was the point of continuing with the hunt, now that her concentration was else where.
Freya began to walk the streets her mind muddled with what had just happened. Perhaps her desire to find Fratley had blinded her, perhaps she had imagined the look in that hunters eyes.
"No," she said shaking her head. "It was him. It was."
Suddenly a beast leapt from behind her snarling. Freya turned slowly and stared at it. She smirked and held her Lance at her side. The beast leapt at her, Freya jumped into the air and speared it to the ground. She held her lance steady as the beast gargled on it's own blood. Only when it's body fell limp did she remove her lance.
She turned and continued down the street.
She passed another hunter who was running past her screaming as a large bird flew after him. Freya watched on as the bird turned and flew towards her. Freya lifted her head and jumped over the bird as he flew under her. She landed in a crouch and continued on her way as the bird flew off.
"If he was Fratley," Freya said to herself. "Then he would search out the biggest game." She leapt into the air and landed on one of the buildings. She jumped from roof to roof. Stopping on occasion to scan the area.
But she did not see him.
Feeling defeated Freya sat on the edge of a building and looked down. Then she heard it. A roar coming from somewhere in the district. She jumped down and ran towards it, for mingling within that roar she heard screams. She could tell that they belonged to someone who was not a skilled hunter.
When she reached the area where the screams had come for she saw him. She stopped to watch as the cloaked hunter fought a large beast. It snorted and charged at the Hunter who leapt with ease away from it. The beast turned his attention to the small screaming crowd, he was unwilling to let them go.
Freya ran forward shouting and waving her arms and Lance in the air. The Beast turned as the cloaked Hunter paused long enough to see who had distracted the monster. Freya readied her Lance as the beast charged.
She could feel the ground rumbling under her feet as the Beast came closer. She Held her Lance behind her and brute her hand to her face. Closing her eyes she prayed to the dragon god.
"Great God of Burmacia. Come to me," The Beast roared and snorted as it stopped to lower it's head. "I ask of you to let your power become my blood. Dragon knighthood is my truth." Freya spun her lance around and held it infront of her.
"I call forth the power of the Dragon God. Cherry Blossom!" Freya shouted. The sky grew dark. Freya felt energy leave her body and watched as it spun around the beast, trapping it, killing it.
With a roar of pain the beast fell to the ground, it's bright yellow eyes staring into nothingness. Freya leaned on her Lance to catch her breath.
"Sir. . ." She looked up to see the hunter jump high into the air and disappear over the roof tops.
She was about to run after him when the small crowd began to cheer for her. Blocked by their bodies, she watched as the hunter vanished from her view.
He was gone again.
Around her smiling faces cheered her. Then one of them grabbed her hand. Freya looked down to see the smiling face of Eiko. Eiko jumped up and down and thanked Freya. Freya knelt down and smiled at Eiko.
"I've been looking for you," Freya said. Suddenly she felt a wave of futile rush through her body. She fell forward landing in the arms of the small summoner and drifting into darkness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She was dreaming again. She had to be.
The cry of the souls were filling her ears, each growing louder. Each pleading for
liberation. Freya looked down.
Next to her was Eiko. The little summoner was holding her flute tightly and shaking. Her eyes were wide. She turned and looked up at Freya.
She said something, but there was no sound. Only the screams.
She saw herself kneeling down to Eiko and placing her hand on her head. The girl
had smiled. Next to her Freya felt Zidane's hand on her shoulder.
The two of disappeared as a voice called her name. A voice that had broken through the many screaming souls.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Freya," it was Eiko. "Freya wake up! Are you ok?" She asked her voice filled with worry. "Hey every one give her room already. Sheesh."
Freya opened her eyes slowly to see faces swarming over her. Eiko was among them, her face lit up with happiness. She sat up slowly, rubbing her head.
"Are you ok?" Eiko asked again. Freya nodded.
"Yes. .thank you Eiko." Eiko put her hands on her hips and fraud.
"You need to take it easy Freya." She said in an annoyed voice. "Why did you use your power like that anyway, you know how much it drains you." She helped Freya to her feet as horns filled the air.
"The hunts over!" Shouted a boy behind Eiko. Eiko turned and glared at him.
"No shouting Gilbert!" She said angrily. "Freya hear needs to have quite so no one talk." The crowd dispersed. Eiko held on tightly to Freya's hand as she led her through the streets towards the castle.
"Eiko, how have you been?" Freya asked. Eiko looked over her shoulder.
"Good, hey come on you can rest when we get to the castle. I'm sure that Cid will want to see you."
"Cid? It's been a while since I've seen him." Eiko smiled.
"Well yeah. I'm glad you came."
Eiko took her into the castle, passing by smiling guards who waved and greeted her with warm affection. It was apparent to Freya that the guards knew Eiko. Of course the child did have that effect on those she met. It was hard to see Eiko and not smile.
"Uh, wait here." Eiko said as Freya entered a lavishly decorated room. "I'll be back once I find Cid." With that said Eiko ran off.
"Wait. . ." Freya said as Eiko closed the door. "I wanted to talk." Freya sighed and set her lance against the wall. The room was comfortable. Freya found herself admiring the soft couch, and sat down to wait for Eiko.
After a while Eiko returned pulling Hylda, Regent Cids wife in by the hand. Freya stood and bowed to the woman as Eiko sat down. Hylda smiled at Freya and motioned for her to sit back down.
"I am glad to finally meet you Lady Freya of Burmacia." Hylda said glancing at Eiko. "I have heard quite a bit about you and your other friends."
"Thank you," Freya said. "I am sorry to say that I do not know much about you."
"That is quite all right." Hylda said with a slight laugh. Eiko smiled and jumped off of the couch.
"This is great," Eiko said. "I'm going to go and get some tea and cake for us. Wait here." Eiko ran out of the door leaving it to slam behind her.
"She is so rambunctious." Hylda said. "But we are blessed to have her with us." Hylda smiled at Freya and then stood. "You see the Regent and I adopted Eiko."
"That is wonderful," Freya said smiling. "I was worried about her being alone. She always dreaded that."
Hylda turned to Freya.
"You came looking for her," Hylda said. "But I am afraid that I must ask you to go after your visit."
Freya felt hurt as Holds eyes filled with concern.
"It is not that we do not want you hear it is just that, Eiko has been having dreams. Nightmares, and she refuses to talk about them. She just recently started to open up to us. We think that it would be better for her," Hylda turned quickly to wipe her eyes. "We think it would be better if she didn't have to talk about that day."
"I understand." Freya said standing. "That is the main reason I came. I wanted to make sure she was ok. That day," Freya paused and sighed. "It was a difficult thing to deal with. Since she is a child I wanted to make sure that she was not suffering from the illness of battle."
"The illness of battle?" Hylda repeated.
"Yes it is something that haunts those who have been though difficult battles. But in honesty Eiko seems fine. So I will do what you ask. I will go." Freya walked over to her Lance and shouldered it. Then she left.
As she walked towards the Hanger where the Air ships departed she could hear someone shouting her name.
"Freya!" She turned to see Eiko running towards her. Freya stood her ground.
"Eiko," Freya said smiling slightly.
"Don't you Eiko me!" Eiko shouted. "Why did you leave! I know you don't like to say good-bye but I thought you would at least visit for a while."
"I am sorry," Freya said turning.
"I heard you talking to Mother." Eiko said. She gasped suddenly. Her eyes swelled with tears.
"Eiko?" Freya watched as she turned and ran away from her. Freya ran after her. Dodging the passer byes. "Eiko stop!" Freya shouted. Eiko continued to run, turning corner after corner.
Freya stayed with her, the child could run.
When she caught up with her she found that Eiko had tripped and was sitting on the ground her face streaked with fresh tears.
"Eiko," Freya said kneeling down to her. "I'm sorry. Truly I am."
Without warning Eiko hugged Freya around the waist. Tears flowing. She was crying loudly. Freya hugged her gently.
"It's ok Eiko," Freya said softly. "It is ok." Eiko pushed away slightly.
"No it's not." Eiko said. "Every one is gone. Everyone. And it all was suppose to be good. We were suppose to all be together." She wailed and broke down into more tears. Freya looked sadly on the small girl.
"It must have been hard for you," Freya said sadly. "Before we all met I mean. But we are all going to be together again. Just because we are apart for a little while is no reason to believe we won't ever be together again." Eiko wiped her eyes and frowned.
"But Zidane is gone," She said choking on a sob. "I thought that he would come back. But he never did." She stood up.
"I'm going to find him." Freya said. "I'm looking for him. Just like I was looking for you."
"But," Eiko said looking up. "How do you know he's alive?"
"I just believe that he is. I have hope. Just like I know you do."
Eiko looked down at her hands.
"I called Hylda mom." Eiko said sadly. "Do you think my real mom would be mad?"
"No," Freya said taking off her pack. "I think she would be proud that you are on your way to become a lady."
"That is what my Edions say." Eiko said. "They keep telling me that I should be happy. They want me to forget that last big battle. But I can't."
Freya took out the dress that she had gotten for Eiko and handed it to her. Eiko smiled and held it up to her body.
"Thank you Freya," Eiko said. "I love it." With a final hug Eiko ran off back towards the castle. She shouted back as she ran. "Good byes are final so I won't say it ok?"
Freya smiled and began to walk towards the harbor.
When she got there she was greeted by a loud booming voice.
"Hey Freya!" Baku shouted. "Come on Lass." He shouted down at her from his ship.
"What?"
"You said you wanted to find that boy," Baku shouted. "Well we decided ta help you out. I got some things to say to him. Get on board." He tossed down a rope as the ship began to move slowly.
"You morons," Baku shouted. "I didn't say go yet!"
Freya took a running jump and caught the rope. Baku pulled her up and smiled as he looked at her. "Thought ya might want ta tag along. Were heading back to that Lifa tree place."
Freya sighed.
"I was going to check Alexandria but if he had gone there you would have known right?"
"Yeah, I would known." Baku said.
"To the Lifa tree," Freya said leaning over the side of the boat and looking down at Libum city. "Sir Fratley I hope to find you again. Please help me by finding your memory."
She remained until the city disappeared in the distance.
