Final Fantasy IX copyrighted 1999 Square-Enix. No copyright infrigement intended.

I awoke to the feeling of warmth on my face, almost like a soft breath caressing my fur. “Sir Fratley?” My words echoed in the empty room, before being absorbed by the torrential down pour.

I sat up and noticed the warmth came from a shaft of morning sunlight streaming through the window and bathing my face in crimson light. Staring out I saw the clouds broken overhead and a few feeble rays of early morning sun penetrating the mist that blanketed the continent.

Two long years my bed has lain empty, save for me. Two lonely years since he promised to return. A cold ache pierced my breast for the millionth time since my true love vanished and I was left alone with only his memory for company. I reached down and caressed the ribbon on my tail, the last memory of him I had fluttering through my mind….

“Beatrix?” I asked him, looking deep into his eyes and seeing his boundless love for Burmecia reflected with in.

“Yes... Beatrix. I hear there are many fierce warriors out in the world - some more powerful than even I..” He paused, as if the words stuck in his throat. “Beatrix of Alexandria, in particular. They say her swordsmanship is the best in the land.”

“Sir Fratley, do you still insist on going on your journey?” I questioned, already fear I knew the answer.

“Yes... Please understand, Freya. Right now, Burmecia is at peace, while other nations are slowly but surely gaining power. I don't know if my spear alone is enough to protect Burmecia... ...Which is precisely why I must go out into the world.” He dropped his gaze from me, staring at the pools of water that formed in the chinks between the cobblestones.

“Sir Fratley...I don't think I can live on my own-not without you.” I whispered, struggling to hold back the tears that loomed at the edges of my eyes.

“Freya,’ he spoke softly, gently raising my chin with his paw, “You're going to be fine. Trust your strength... and have faith in your destiny. Once I complete my journey around the world, I will return to Burmecia.”

“Then promise me, one more time, that you will return.” I sighed in resignation and let my tears flow freely, letting them be washed away by the eternal rain and feared he’d never return,…

“I promise.” He said quietly, giving me a warm smile, before turning and striding off, into the rain.

My mind snapped back to the present as I came to the realization I couldn’t face another night alone. Not without at least trying to do something, and find out if he was still alive after these long years.

I quickly packed my belongings and prepared to leave Burmecia, knowing full well I would possibly never return.