Dr. Tot kept to his word and ensured that Fratley managed to leave Alexandria safely with a rented chocobo. He had managed to get to Dali before nightfall and he was able to get a room for the night at the local inn. Just as Dr. Tot said, the locals did not seem bothered by his presence in the village, although he was given many curious glances as no-one in the village had seen a Burmecian before.
Fratley woke up the next morning and quickly dressed himself and had some breakfast at the local bar. He decided to try and find some employment as he figured it would probably be a while before his memory would return and he would need time to train himself to face some of the monsters on the plains. He was able to enlist for work and secured a job working on one of the local farms. Each day he would work on the farm and in his spare time he would train with his spear in one of the fields, trying to remember his former fighting style.
Life in the rainy city continued as it usually did. Fratley's departure had only really meant that there was one less Dragon Knight patrolling the city streets, even though many of the citizens were discussing rumours about what happened to him.
Frato had continued his usual routine of doing his duties as a Dragon Knight and vigorous training when he was off-duty. He had missed his brother after he left, Fratley was Frato's closest companion, yet Frato had practically learned to live without his brother's company ever since Fratley started dating with Freya at every opportunity. The main reason Frato wanted Fratley to return was so he could have his rematch and show off the fruits of his training.
Frato decided to have a break after one intense session of training one afternoon and went back into the house and got himself a drink. He gulped the glass of water down before making his way upstairs to go to his bedroom. After reaching the top stair, something caught Frato's attention. He heard a faint sound, someone was sobbing. He followed the sound towards Fratley's vacant bedroom, which had been left untouched after his departure. He opened the bedroom and was fairly surprised at what he saw.
Freya was sat on the bed, looking at one of Fratley's left possessions, weeping softly to herself. She looked over at Frato and rubbed her eyes quickly and tried to console herself, determined not to let him see her cry.
"What are you doing here?" Frato asked in a rather sharp voice.
"I was... I was just..." Freya started in a soft, sad voice.
"You just came here to wallow in self-pity." Frato answered for her. "You're pathetic."
Freya scowled at him. "You wouldn't know what I'm going through."
"I wouldn't know about that." Frato answered. "But I know that you're going to have to stop moping around and get on with your life. I had to learn how to live mainly to myself, why can't you do the same?"
"I just miss Fratley too much. I need him by my side." Freya replied in a sad tone once again. She stood up and looked at Frato in the eyes. "But for once, you are right. I can't wallow around in sadness. I'm going to find him and bring him home."
Frato snorted. "Whatever. Do what you want, I don't care."
"Well, first I shall take my leave." Freya replied and made her way past Frato who merely watched in almost a sneer.
Freya was now burning with a new intention; she would find her boyfriend who had been away from Burmecia for two years now. She made her way to the royal palace to receive the King's permission to leave the rainy city. She managed to persuade the King to allow her to leave; despite the fact he sincerely doubted Fratley was still alive. Freya had insisted that his absence was putting her off her duties and that she would bring back the Burmecian army's biggest asset. The word of Freya's upcoming departure began to spread through the town very quickly.
Freya began to pack up her things and decided that the next day would be the start of her journey, the beginning of the search for her love.
The following morning came and Freya woke up and dressed herself and quickly ate a light breakfast before grabbing her things and making her way to the southern gates of the city. As she made her way through the morning rain she was surprised to see someone stood at the gates, waiting for her.
Frato was stood firmly in the light morning rain, watching her approach. He walked up to her and stopped a small distance in front of her.
"Frato?" Freya stated in a confused expression. "What are you doing here?"
"I might ask you the same question." Frato replied nonchalantly.
"I have to find Sir Fratley." Freya stated. "I can't live without him by my side."
"Rather melodramatic don't you think?" Frato snorted. "You don't have to do this Freya."
"But I want to." Freya answered defiantly. "I need to. I must prove to myself he is still alive and well."
"And what if he isn't?" Frato pressed. "What if he was killed by some mighty dragon? What if he was executed by some blood-thirsty nation?"
"I refuse to believe that Sir Fratley is dead until I see proof of his death with my own eyes." Freya replied.
"Even if it would mean that you shared the same fate? This is ludicrous." Frato scoffed. "Burmecia needs warriors to protect its gates Freya. We may be at peace with the rest continent at the moment but that won't last forever. When the time of war comes we'll need you here, not chasing Fratley's tail somewhere a hundred miles away!"
"I will honour my vows as a Dragon Knight if Burmecia is in danger." Freya said calmly. "Although I thought you hated the idea of me fighting in the army, yet you are implying that you want me here fighting with you in times of war?"
Frato remained silent, and there was a brief pause before Freya continued.
"In any case, you're not going to persuade me otherwise. I'm leaving." Freya finished.
Frato could tell that Freya would hold that statement to be true. She had the same look of determination that Fratley had before he left Burmecia on his travels. There would be nothing that Frato could do to stop her from leaving the city to search for her love.
"Fine." Frato seethed. "Just promise me one thing."
"What is it?" Freya asked.
"Just be sure to come back. I don't care whether you find him or not." Frato answered. "I was the one who gave you the idea to do this and I'd feel terrible if I thought I was responsible for your death on the plains."
"I promise." Freya gave her word. "I will return alive, and with Sir Fratley by my side."
Frato nodded and moved away, allowing Freya to pass through towards the gates. Freya showed her written permission from the King and the guards opened the gates, allowing her to leave Burmecia and go out onto the plains. Freya passed through the gates and looked back at the city she was leaving behind. She looked at Frato, who was watching her in his usual expression. She managed to tear herself away and begin her travels.
Freya headed towards Lindblum, seeing as she had heard Fratley had won the festival of the hunt there just over a year ago. Even if he wasn't there, someone would be bound to know where he had headed off to, and it would be easy to find a mode of transport to get there.
After spending the night in Lindblum's many inns and having some breakfast at one of the local restaurants, Freya decided to look around to see if she could find some information about her boyfriend. After asking around, she discovered that Fratley had decided to take an airship ride to Alexandria as his prize in the festival. This did not surprise her as she knew he had left Burmecia to face Beatrix, which would mean he would have to go to Alexandria.
What did surprise her was the price of airship tickets as she made the same discovery as Fratley in that she couldn't hope to afford one. Just like Fratley, she was not going to give up on her journey. She would find another way to travel to Alexandria.
Freya decided to rent a small house in the Theatre district and spent her evening in one of Lindblum's bars. The bar was fairly crowded, with many people ordering meals and drinks. Freya went up to the counter and ordered something to eat. Her investigation in Lindblum had built up her appetite.
After receiving a plate of hot food, Freya took a seat at a nearby table and began to eat. She was about halfway through her meal when a voice called from behind her.
"Hey."
Freya turned and saw a young, blonde haired teenage boy smiling at her. The youth decided to take the seat opposite her, much to Freya's discomfort, and began to talk to her.
"I hear you just moved into the area." The youth said in a warm voice.
"Yes." Freya replied coldly. "But I won't be staying for very long."
"Oh, why's that?" The teenager asked curiously.
"None of your business." Freya spat in response.
"Well, I thought I'd come and introduce myself, seeing as I'm one of your new neighbours." The youth began. "My name is Zidane, what's yours?"
"Freya." Freya answered whilst concentrating on her meal. She was eager to get the young man away from her.
"It's not often we get a pretty Burmecian like yourself in Lindblum." Zidane started, looking into Freya's eyes. "How about you and I go out together sometime?"
Freya looked up and glared daggers at Zidane. "I have a boyfriend." Freya answered in a growl.
"Oh well, can't blame me for trying." Zidane said light-heartedly. "So, what brings you to Lindblum?"
"Why can't you just leave me in peace?" Freya asked angrily.
Zidane just gave a cheeky grin. He then gave a response. "I'm just trying to be friendly. So come on, tell me."
Freya gave an angry sigh before replying. "If you must know, I am out searching for my boyfriend, Sir Iron-Tail Fratley. He left Burmecia to go and face Alexandria's General Beatrix. He hasn't returned after two years."
Zidane listened intently to Freya's short speech, and then decided to answer her. "That sounds sad. Well, I'm sure you'll find him."
"I'm sure I will."
Disclaimer: Look, if I owned Final Fantasy 9 or anything in it I wouldn't be wasting my time writing this. I'd be spending all of my lovely money that I earned making and selling the game, and I'd be making a sequel to earn even more cash. I do own Frato and Redwind though.
Author's Rants: Why is it that there is only one person reviewing this story? Where has everyone gone? Well, that could be the end of this story, as I may decide to continue this tale in a separate story, or the second part. There might be one more chapter to this part, but don't hold your breath. I've also decided on a new title, what do you think?
Valdris: Nice observation there, I might change that chapter with that in mind. I don't think those titles are really suitable for this story, although I have chose another title. I am going to follow your suggestion of making the second part before Burmecia's attack (well, it's going to be during most likely). I'm glad you're enjoying the story.