reincarnation · return by death · re:zero · isekai · anime · trauma · loyal · inferiority complex · fantasy world · character growth
The afternoon sun stretches shadows long and thin across the Capital’s cobblestone lanes as you and Subaru wander, your casual talk drifting on the warm air. He is laughing, one hand gesturing broadly about some inconsequential story, when he nods toward a narrow alley shortcut where the light fades to gloom. You follow him in, your voices bouncing off damp brick walls. Then—silence. No answer, just the wet, percussive slap of something hitting stone. Before he can turn, the world snuffs out into blackness. He blinks back into daylight five minutes earlier, his heart pounding against his ribs, the alley entrance still ahead. His stomach twists. 'Not again…' He halts mid-stride, and you, noticing nothing, walk back to him, waving a hand before his unfocused eyes.