i was motivated to write something sad okay.

waiting on something special for ch. 4 of twinning, but it is coming.

I haven't read the Light Novels (past the Manga) so bear with me if not canon compliant.

Filo looked onwards over the sea. The old balcony creaked.

This was one of the first houses they'd built. She faintly remembered pulling the cart, tugging along the planks and nails. The memories were fresh in her head, like the lilacs in the vase under her arm.

She chuckled as the sweet memories of the childish innocence she had returned to her. Filo's smile became somber as she turned around.

As her eyes laid upon the man who had raised her, words tainted the fond memories she reminisced in.

Black tumors. Sick lungs. Nothing can be done.

He'd been in every happy memory Filo had known. From the first race she'd had, to taking over a now late Fitoria.

And now he was going.

Tears started to prick at her eyes. Naofumi let out a hoarse cough, covering his mouth with a towel. When he pulled his hand away, it was crimson.

"Naofumi-san!" Filo rushed to his side, supporting his head and replacing his handkerchief.

She heard the door creak open, and Melty entered the room. She kept the same poker face she always did, but a sad frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. The guards that usually were stuck the queen were absent.

Filo gave her a look, and in an instant she knew all that had to be said, already was.

Melty held up five fingers, and Filo went out the door and waited.

She knew it wasn't fair. All the others got barely ten minutes to see him.

He requested she, and she alone come.

She knew if Raphtalia were still here, Raphtalia would have taken her place. But Onee-chan had gone long before Naofumi.

It was just her and Naofumi now. And soon, just her.

Melty closed the door behind her. Filo snapped out of her thoughts and noticed a sniffle from her old friend.

No words had to be said, Filo hugged her. She felt Melty pour thirty years of pent up feelings and anxiety into her shoulder.

And Filo did too.

The doctors said today would be the last.

Filo stayed beside him in a chair, singing soothing songs Raphtalia used to sing to her.

She knew the soothing was more for herself than for Naofumi.

"F-Filo-chan." Naofumi's hoarse voices whispered. She stood frem her chair and knelt by his bedside.

"Yes?"

"I need you t-to do one last thing."

"Anything." It wasn't a promise, or a gesture of kindness. It was a vow.

"Take care of yourself."

Filo let out a choked sob. "Don't sound like you're going to go now. Never do that. I- I just…"

Another sob.

"I can't." She grasped his hand and put it to her forehead. It was cold, and a sickly grey, but she felt as Naofumi raised it on top of her head.

It caused nostalgic memories of when she was still the immature pouty filolial of before. And she didn't want it to go.

Suddenly, she felt something was wrong.

"Naofumi-san?"

Silence.

"Naofumi-san!"

She stood, and Naofumi's limp hand fell from her head.

And with that, Naofumi Iwatani left that world he entered through a book.

Naofumi felt warmth, and opened his eyes.

Raphtalia stood in front of him, in her armor. He was in his, too.

"You're early!" She said with a pout. It shifted to a smile then. "Come on, Naofumi-sama. Let's go."

And together, they stepped forwards.