29. Waiting
Arganan found himself writing in his journal the night before Frey left for Leon Karnak.
Frey's leaving for Leon Karnak, and I can't do anything but wait for her. I feel a bit powerless, knowing that I wouldn't be much of a help anyway if I did go with her to at least open up a way into the Forest of Beginnings, but she has a point. It's too dangerous for me.
I just hope she'll be fine. She's my friend, and I don't want anything horrible to happen to her.
A sigh left him as he paused, looking at what he wrote, and then he added, I hope she comes back safe.
The idea of her not coming back haunted him in his sleep that night.
In the morning, Frey left for Leon Karnak. She'd taken Forte and Vishnal with her to help her break open the gate. At this point, Therius had just recovered, but he was in no condition to help Frey and the others open up a way into the Forest of Beginnings.
All the town could do was wait in anticipation, and hope that the last Guardian would be saved.
Vishnal and Forte ended up returning to town without Frey, both of them reporting that Frey had went into the Forest of Beginnings and they could do nothing but watch. After all, Frey was an Earthmate. They were not.
Everyone continued waiting and hoping for a sign that things worked out.
Another day passed. No sign.
Then another.
Another day passed, and Arganan decided to visit Ventuswill. The dragon was resting, asleep, and the former Count watched her quietly, saying nothing. He wondered if she, too, was worried about Frey, but just didn't have enough energy to stay awake between recovering in general and all the worrying that happened for Frey as is.
Had he been in her position, he figured he might feel similarly. A sigh left him, and he turned to leave the castle, intent on getting back to work.
"Arganan?" Arganan blinked, turning his head to see none other than Forte. She looked generally well, given the circumstances of her having just seen Frey off at Leon Karnak a few days ago, but he could see her brows furrow slightly as she approached him. "Are you okay?"
"Not really." He admitted, facing the knight. "I just miss Frey, that's all."
"I miss her, too." She offered him a reassuring smile, but it faded too quickly. "I think all of us do. I'm sure she'll be back soon, though."
"You think so?"
"Well…" He saw her falter, then sigh, dropping her head a bit. "I know it's hard to keep up hope. It's getting harder for me."
Arganan vaguely remembered his and Margaret's conversation, from a while back, about Forte. "Margaret told me you were having some difficulties when Ventuswill first collapsed. Are you okay?"
"Not really." Forte admitted, looking up at him. She glanced towards the still-asleep Ventuswill, and then towards Arganan again, brows furrowing. "It's just..I'm supposed to be protecting her, as part of my duty. And I couldn't do a thing for her when she first collapsed. When Frey asked me to accompany her on those journeys to the Water Ruins, and then Delirium Lava Ruins, I felt that it was one of the few ways I could help. That there wasn't much I could do for Lady Ventuswill, otherwise."
"You feel like you failed." He summed up.
She nodded. "I hate to say it, but…yes."
"I think I can relate." He certainly knew he could, given the past feelings he had about not doing much to help at this point. "We can't expect ourselves to do everything perfectly. And trust me," He shook his head, memories of his niece coming to mind, "I'm definitely not one of those people. Margaret told me this, but I think you need to hear it, too. You might not be accompanying Frey into the Forest of Beginnings to rescue Leon, nor are you an Earthmate. But…" He took a deep breath, looking the Dragon Knight in the eye, "As long as we do our best to help Frey out in any way we can, maybe there's still hope."
Forte went quiet, eyes wide. As far as Arganan knew,
"Meg…said that?" Forte finally managed, after a moment. She looked a little surprised, if anything.
Arganan nodded. "The last bit, at least. I modified the first bit to apply to you a bit more. I think what she meant is that we might not be able to do the main, bigger things that others can do, but anyone can contribute in their own way. It's still helping, because every little bit counts."
He wished this was something he heard long before he even lost his position as Count. It would've helped a lot in the long run.
"I see." Forte took a deep breath. She looked towards Ventuswill again, and then to Arganan. The former Count noticed a small smile on her face. "Well…thank you. I appreciate hearing that. And I'll keep in mind, too."
Arganan nodded. "You're welcome, Forte."
Just before either of them could speak further, a light appeared in the center of the room. Arganan stepped back, bracing himself, just as a gasp escaped Forte as her gaze snapped towards the light. "What the!?"
The light faded. A man now stood where the light once was. He appeared unlike anyone Arganan had ever seen before, with his blue hair being lighter shade than Vishnal's own, and noticeable fox ears and matching, bushy tail. His chest was somewhat bare, save for the various layered robes that covered his shoulders, sides, and the olive green pants he wore. Sandals adorned his feet, with matching fingerless gloves, and Arganan noticed that there were blue markings on the man's face, too.
"What the!?" Forte almost reached for her own sword, but then that was when Ventuswill suddenly spoke up.
"Forte, stop. He means no harm." Arganan's gaze snapped towards the dragon, who must've woken up due to the bright light moments ago. The dragon sat up at full height, towering above the other three. It was then that Arganan realized that Ventuswill looked entirely healthy, glowing in her usual glory, like back when he first met her.
Frey must've fully healed Venti with what she did in the Forest of Beginnings. Which means… His gaze lowered from Ventuswill to the new man in the room.
This man must be Leon. The last Guardian.
"I'm here." The man breathed out, looking down at himself, glancing towards Arganan and Forte, and then Ventuswill. "Venti. The Earthmate wanted me to tell you something. She's sorry that she can't make it back."
"What?" Arganan felt the words rush out of him before he could even think of it. Frey…couldn't make it back? "What are you talking about?"
Please don't tell me she's gone.
She's not stuck back there, is she? He swallowed, trying to shake the thought of it out of his head. She can't be gone. Not now.
Leon turned to face Arganan, blinking. "All I know is that she gave me a ring and chanted Aria. She told me to tell that she's sorry, and…."
"That's a lie!"
Arganan heard Forte gasp. "Arganan!?"
"That's a bloody lie." The former Count shook his head, glaring at Leon. The grip he had on his cane tightened, and his jaw clenched. "She can't be gone. She said she'd be back, she…"
"Arganan." Forte cut in, and he felt the knight grab him by the right arm.
His gaze snapped towards her, glaring. "Don't you dare–!"
And then he faltered, seeing Forte's trained gaze on him, as well as how tightly she held his arm. He took a deep breath, looking between Leon, who looked surprised at his outburst, and then towards Forte, who lightly shook her head. It was then that it sunk in—Frey was gone.
He felt Forte let go of him, but his own knees felt shaky. Had it not been for him holding his cane the whole time, he might fall to his knees. He didn't what he could do. He couldn't go into the Forest of Beginnings, so he couldn't go after her. Nor could anyone else, in town.
Was there really no hope of getting Frey back?
"No." Arganan's gaze snapped towards Ventuswill who spoke up, shaking her head. "Of course she'd try something like this…"
"What are you going to do?" Forte asked, gazing up at her.
Ventuswill looked Forte in the eye. "I'm getting her back. All of you, stay here!"
"What?" Didn't Venti say earlier to Doug that… Arganan shook his head. "You said you couldn't leave Selphia! How can you…?"
Ventuswill didn't answer him, roaring. Her voice reverberated through the hall, before she began taking flight. With a few flaps of her mighty wings, she soared out of the open roofing, before vanishing in thin air.
"What the…?" Forte's jaw dropped at the sight. "Where did she go?"
A soft chuckle left Leon, and Arganan's gaze snapped towards him, glaring at him. "Do you honestly think this is funny? Really?"
"She'll get her back." Leon offered Arganan a soft smile. "Don't worry. I haven't been awake long, but…I can tell she cares for that Earthmate I told her about. It's in her eyes."
Arganan hesitated, taking a deep breath. If he couldn't just
"Who are you two, anyway?" Leon blinked, staring at both him and Forte. "I don't recall meeting you before."
"I'm Forte." Forte managed, frowning slightly as she inspected Leon. "Dragon Knight, here in Selphia."
"Arganan." Arganan managed. "I'll…explain my backstory, later."
He'd rather focus on Frey's return, than make this moment all about him. It was thanks to her that Leon was even here, after all, and that Ventuswill was well. He had no idea what she really did with the last Rune Sphere, or what monster Leon once was, assuming he was one, back in the Forest of Beginnings, but she must have done something right to make all of this happen.
And he was glad about that. Venti better bring her back soon.
"Mysterious, hm?" Leon smirked lightly, tilting his head. "How amusing."
Before Arganan or Forte could speak up, Ventuswill returned, descending back into the hall with Frey on her back. The Princess of Selphia looked weary, but alive, and Arganan's first instinct was to run to her as fast as he possibly could, nearly forgoing his cane in the process, before hugging her.
"Arganan?" He heard Frey breathe, but he just kept holding her close.
"I was worried." He whispered. "I'm just…" He took a deep breath, trying to form a sentence with all the worry and relief jumbled up in his mind. "I'm glad…you're safe."
He heard her chuckle softly, before he felt her arms tighten around him momentarily. "Thanks, Arganan."
"Ahem." Venti interrupted, and Frey and Arganan let go of each other to see the Divine Wind raising a brow at them. "So, he gets a hug, and I don't?"
"of course you get a hug!" Frey zipped over to Ventuswill, trying to hug the dragon. Given that Ventuswill was incredibly tall, and Frey was nowhere near her height, she ended up petting one of Ventuswill's wings instead.
A chuckle escaped Leon at the sight of that, and Frey soon went to Forte to give her a hug. "Forte! You're here, too!"
"O-of course!" Forte was a bit startled at the hug, but she did hug her back, regardless. "I, um…I should probably go tell everyone that you've returned."
"You're right." Frey sheepishly smiled at that. "I'm sure everyone is worried about me."
"They were." Arganan interjected, giving her a slight look. "I'm sure they're all heaving relieved breaths, knowing that you're safe."
"Honestly? I…wouldn't be surprised, if that was the case."
Meanwhile, Leon caught Ventuswill's attention, looking towards the dragon. "Venti…you've grown so much."
Ventuswill smiled back at him, as if greeting an old friend. It made Arganan wonder how long she knew Leon, or any of the Guardians, prior to them being sealed away. "Of course I have. How long do you think it's been since we last met?"
Leon simply shrugged. "Oh, I have no idea. I don't keep track of time anymore."
A sigh left the Divine Wind. "You're as impudent as ever, it would seem."
"Did you live a happy life?"
Ventuswill faltered, at hearing such an inquiry. Her smile faded slightly, but she spoke up only after a pause. "Leon…I've missed you. And I wanted to thank you…" She started, but he shook his head.
"Don't. It was my own decision." He offered her a reassuring smile. "I don't know how long it's been, but I know that you're still alive. And that's thanks enough for me." He then turned towards Frey, eyes widening slightly. "I should thank you too, Earthmate. Will you tell me your name?"
Frey smiled back at him. "It's Frey."
He nodded. "All right. I'll remember that. My apologies for troubling you. But thank you, for keeping your promise."
A brief chuckle let Frey at that. "Don't thank me. My contribution is insignificant. Thank the other Guardians, too!"
Leon smiled. "I will when I see them. Now…" A soft groan left him as he stretched his arms behind him. "Waking up from what was no doubt an insanely long slumber, my whole body is feeling numb I think it's best I rest for the moment. I'll see you tomorrow, Venti."
Ventuswill simply offered him a nod, before Leon turned on his heel and left the hall, going out of the castle. Arganan vaguely wondered if he should've mentioned that Leon should go to the Bell Hotel, and give him directions. Then again, the people here were kind. Someone would probably lead Leon straight to the Hotel upon spotting him. After all, he was new here, and his appearance was pretty unique compared to regular townsfolk…not that all of them were normal, that is.
"That's Leon?" Frey asked, looking towards Ventuswill. "He seems kind."
"What!? Not at all!" Ventuswill huffed, shaking her head. "Acting all suave, like he owns the place…"
Frey raised a brow. "Don't hide how happy you are! It's as clear as glass!"
A chuckle left the dragon at that. "I suppose you have a point. Now," She looked between Frey, Forte, and Arganan, "I'm sure all of you want some rest after all that's happened. Especially you, Frey."
"Well," Forte managed, "I will take my leave." A soft smile made it to her face. "I'm sure everyone will be happy to hear that you're back, Frey."
"I'll let Volkanon and the others know that I'm back, too." Frey yawned a bit. "And then I need some serious sleep." She looked towards Forte, Ventuswill and Arganan, smiling at them. "Thank you, all of you. And…we'll talk more, in the morning?"
"That sounds good." Arganan offered Frey a soft smile. "Sleep well, Frey."
Forte and Ventuswill also bid Frey goodbye. Frey went straight into the servants' quarters of the castle, while Forte left the castle entirely, likely to go let everyone know of the wonderful news. Only seconds later, Arganan heard overjoyed cries, including one "OHMYGOSH! PRINCESS!" from Vishnal, cheerful rejoicing from Clorica, and loud, happy sobbing from Volkanon.
Arganan smiled at hearing the others, despite how loud all of it was combined. This place really wouldn't be the same without her, and he was at peace that she returned alive and well, and completing her mission on top of that.
"Arganan?"
He looked towards the Divine Wind, noticing her attention was trained on him. "Yes?" He asked.
"Thank you." She spoke.
He stared back at her. "For what? I wasn't the one that went to the Forest of Beginnings."
"That's true, but I am glad that you're here, nonetheless. Thank you, for supporting Frey. I appreciate you looking out for her." A soft smile appeared on Ventuswill's face. "I'm sure it hasn't been easy for you, getting used to this town, on top of everything that happened, involving you, me, her, and the rest of the town."
He shrugged, looking towards the servants quarters. Through the open doorway, he could see Frey pulling Volkanon, Vishnal and Clorica into a tight hug as Volkanon kept sobbing happy tears, Clorica smiled, and Vishnal was telling Frey how relieved he was that she returned. He smiled, before looking towards Ventuswill in return.
"In a way…I think she helped me. Her, and everyone else in town. And I appreciate that, more than I can put into words." He felt a little lighter, knowing Frey was back, and almost everything was better now. "Knowing that you and her are both still here, and that things are righted…that's more than thanks enough."
Not everything was perfect. He knew what and who he left behind in Lazulis was not perfect. But right here and now, in Selphia? It also wasn't perfect, but things were a bit better. He could live with that.
Author note:
Aaaaah! Thank you to everyone for reading this fic so far! I appreciate all the love and support, whether it be through bookmarks/favourites, kudos, comments, and so on! This chapter officially completes Arc 1 within the Rune Factory 4 canon timeline. As for The Last Story, I promise that more than just Sir Therius will come to visit Selphia.
I've also decided that I WILL cover all three main arcs in Rune Factory 4, so take this as a spoiler alert for the rest of the entire game's main story! I also hope to cover a few more of the game's 'town events' or at least reference them (like I did with Dylas' "Smile Practice" event back in Chapter 16 for example) throughout the story, mainly given that town events happen on a rather random basis during gameplay. XD I won't be rushing into Arc 2 rightaway, for the next few chapters. There will be some fun surprises, though, so stay tuned for those!
Fun fact: I've been playing the entirety of Rune Factory 4 while writing this whole fic so far! XD I've also been watching playthroughs in addition to this, to make sure I had various canon events in order while writing, as well.
Once again, thank you so much for reading so far, and I hope you enjoy reading the chapters to come!