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Chapter 1544 - 5

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Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Category:

F/M

Fandoms:

BlazBlue Series (Video Games)Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活 | Re:Zero Starting Life in Another World (Anime)

Relationships:

Ragna the Bloodedge (BlazBlue) & Natsuki SubaruNatsuki Subaru/RemEmilia/Natsuki Subaru

Characters:

Ragna the Bloodedge (BlazBlue)Natsuki SubaruEmilia (Re:Zero)Elsa GranhiertWilhelm van AstreaCrusch KarstenPriscilla BarielleFelt (Re:Zero)Anastasia HoshinMimi PearlbatonRem (Re:Zero)Ram (Re:Zero)Roswaal L MathersMeili PortrouteCapella Emerada LugnicaOtto Suwen

Additional Tags:

Game: BlazBlue: Central FictionPost-Game(s)Alternate UniverseCross-Posted on FanFiction.NetIsekai and TransmigrationCrossoverCanon-Typical Violence

Language:

English

Stats:

Published:2025-05-08Updated:2026-07-29Words:159,533Chapters:34/?Comments:308Kudos:523Bookmarks:111Hits:32,887

Re:Azure

Genthar

Chapter 5: Separate Ways

Notes:

A smaller chapter this time. Trying to take it easy once in a while.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"Huh? What do you mean you're not coming, Ragna?" Subaru asked, a bit disappointed.

"What, did you think I'd be your bodyguard 24/7?" Ragna replied with a raised eyebrow.

"You know that's not what I meant," Subaru shot back, clearly annoyed. "I just thought... since we both came from the same place, we should stick together." He kept it vague, not wanting to raise suspicions about being from another world.

"First off," Ragna said, folding his arms, "I told you I'm from far away, like you. But I never said we came from the same place."

"Wait, what?" Subaru blinked in surprise.

"You really think the things I can do could come from your homeland?" Ragna asked, arching a brow again.

"Well... no," Subaru admitted, recalling the monstrous dark head Ragna had summoned during the fight with Elsa. Now that he thought about it, it should've been obvious.

Reinhard, standing nearby, seemed intrigued. "Where exactly did you both come from?"

Ragna paused for a moment. He knew Reinhard's Divine Protections could sense lies, or something close to it, so he had to choose his words carefully.

"Not from any nearby kingdoms," Ragna said simply. "Far enough that Lugunica and its customs are completely foreign to us," that much is true.

'They're not lying,' Reinhard thought, slightly surprised. His Divine Protection didn't raise any alarms. Still, he couldn't help but wonder where these two really came from.

Fortunately for him, someone else was more curious and direct.

"Oh, come on, big bro! Quit being so vague," Felt complained.

Ragna sighed. "One last answer, and that's it. I'm done playing twenty questions," he paused, then added, "It's not the place where I came from, but it's a constant in my journey. Ever heard of a place called Kagutsuchi?"

Everyone shook their heads. Subaru stayed quiet, but Ragna could tell he had no idea either.

"Is it in Kararagi or something?" Rom asked, the name sounds like something you'd found in Kararagi.

"Fine, bonus answer. No, it's not. Not even close," Ragna replied flatly. He didn't know anything about Kararagi, but he was damn sure it didn't exist in his world.

Emilia looked slightly disappointed, she was curious too. But since Subaru was coming with her, she figured she'd have plenty of chances to ask him later.

"Back to the main topic, are you really sure you don't want to come?" Subaru asked again, hoping that Ragna would change his mind.

Ragna sighed. "Geez... if it makes you feel any better, I'll visit once in a while. Maybe in a few days," he glanced at Emilia. "You don't mind, do you?"

"I don't mind at all. Subaru's friends are always welcome. You helped save my life too, just like he did," Emilia said kindly.

"I guess I'll take what I can get," Subaru muttered with a nod.

"Then where are you going, big bro?" Felt asked, looking at Ragna. "Why not come with us? I'd love to hang out with you. You're a cool guy."

"Haven't decided yet," Ragna replied. "Maybe some other time, Felt. I'm new here, just like Subaru, so I think I'll explore the place a bit."

"Ah, I get it," Subaru muttered to himself. "In a story, side characters don't always show up in every chapter. You'll probably make a comeback a few arcs later, stronger than ever, saving someone at the last second, complete with a cool one-liner."

No one had a clue what Subaru was rambling about, not even Ragna.

"Is he always like this?" Felt asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hell if I know. I just met the guy today," Ragna admitted.

"Haha, don't mind me. Just thinking out loud," Subaru said, chuckling to himself.

"Ragna, before you go," Emilia said gently, ignoring Subaru's weird habits. "Please come with us to where I'm staying at. I'd like to give you a small reward, and I also want to share the address of my sponsor. I'm currently living at his mansion."

Ragna isn't in a rush to go anywhere, so he simply nodded.

"A guy, huh?" Subaru frowned, noticing it when Emilia talked about her sponsor. He doesn't feel confident that there's a potential rival for Emilia's affection living in the same roof.

"Being too possessive isn't a good look. Trust me," Ragna said, recalling Nu's obsession with him. She hated everything except him, and even then, she wanted to kill him so they could 'become one,' as she put it. He wondered if she'd be able to live a normal life in a world where he didn't exist.

"I guess you're right," Subaru admitted. "My dad always said confidence is key in romance, not too much, not too little," a twinge of sadness crossed his face when he mentioned his father, but he tried ignoring it.

"What are you two talking about?" Emilia asked, her tone far too innocent for her own good.

"N-nothing important," Subaru quickly replied, forcing a smile.

"Well, if that's all," Reinhard spoke up, "let's head back to the city."

Ragna still felt uneasy around Reinhard, his voice was eerily identical to Terumi's, but he kept the discomfort to himself.

Reinhard escorted them to the inn where Emilia was staying, Felt and Rom coming with them too.

"I'll see you two big bros later!" Felt said with a toothy grin. "We gotta hang out sometime!"

"Try not to cause trouble, kid," Rom joked, lightly slapping Ragna's back.

"Stay alive until we meet again then, old man," Ragna replied with a smirk.

"Pardon me, Emilia-sama," Reinhard said with a respectful bow, he then turned to Ragna and Subaru. "I wish you both the best of luck. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask for me."

"You're a nice guy, Reinhard," Subaru said with a smile.

"Too nice," Ragna muttered under his breath.

Reinhard could only reply with a sheepish laugh.

With that, they parted ways. Subaru stood there, waving goodbye as the trio disappeared into the distance.

Emilia asked them to wait near the entrance of the inn, saying she needed to get a few things ready. She soon returned with a small pouch in hand, accompanied by a maid with short pink hair and sharp red eyes.

"Nice, maids exist here too!" Subaru said excitedly.

"Not now," Ragna muttered, elbowing him lightly.

"Here, Ragna," Emilia said, offering the pouch. "Since you're not coming with us, I wanted to give you something. It's not much, but it should last you for a while. Don't spend it all in one place, okay?"

"Uh... thanks," Ragna took the pouch and peeked inside. It was filled with coins, not the same kind of holy coins he'd seen Rom handling earlier, probably worth less. Still, money was money. One less problem to worry about.

"Emilia-sama," the maid began in a clipped tone, "Ram still requires an explanation. You disappeared this morning without a word, and now you return with two... strays. And you're even handing one of them the funds Roswaal-sama gave you. Ram is very concerned."

"Yikes, she's coming in hot," Subaru whispered to Ragna.

"Eh, I've been called worse," Ragna replied with a shrug. Rachel might have been an important ally and friend, but she never held back with her words. He actually missed that a bit now.

"Ram, please keep this between us," Emilia said quietly. "I lost my insignia today. These two helped me get it back... and even protected me from an assassin who was after it."

"The Bowel Hunter," Ragna added, making sure she understood the threat level.

Ram's professional facade cracked for a brief moment, clearly, she recognized the name. But just as quickly, she recomposed herself.

"I'm sorry, Emilia-sama, but Ram still has to report this to Roswaal-sama. However, rest assured she won't speak of it to anyone outside our camp."

Emilia pouted slightly but didn't argue.

"So, this Roswaal is your sponsor?" Ragna asked.

"Yes," Emilia replied. "As you can tell, Ram works for him."

"Please refer to Roswaal-sama with proper respect," Ram said firmly.

"It's a cliche, but respect is earned, not given," Ragna replied bluntly. "I'm not going to speak of your master with reverence until he gives me a reason to," a bit of his old, abrasive nature slipped through. He had never been fond of people in high positions of power.

Ram clicked her tongue. "Emilia-sama, who is this uncouth man?"

"He's Ragna, and this is Subaru," Emilia said, gesturing toward them. "I've already told you, they saved my life."

Ram studied them critically. "Ram understands if it's just this uncouth dog, he at least seems capable. But this man... no, boy," she corrected with a pointed glance at Subaru, "doesn't seem reliable."

"Hey!" Subaru protested.

Ram didn't flinch. "Ram is simply stating the obvious."

"She's got a winning personality, huh?" Ragna muttered to Subaru.

"I'm sure she's got something to balance it out. Everyone's got their character flaws and strengths. Makes the story more interesting, you know?" Subaru replied, trying to stay positive.

"Ram isn't sure what you're rambling about," the maid said flatly. "But if you must know, Ram's main charm point is her honesty."

"You must be real popular," Ragna muttered sarcastically.

Subaru could only offer a weak laugh.

"You three seem to get along just fine," Emilia said with a smile, clasping her hands together.

"If by 'getting along' you mean throwing insults at each other, then yeah, we're doing just great," Ragna said dryly.

"Hmph. Emilia-sama, now that you've rewarded them, is there any other business they have here?" Ram asked, hoping they'd leave soon.

"Oh, right. Subaru will be staying with us at the mansion for a while," Emilia informed her.

Ram didn't protest, surprisingly. "And the one in red?" she asked, glancing at Ragna.

"He's not coming. He just came to see Subaru off."

"Understood. Emilia-sama, if you don't mind, Ram will begin preparing the carriage for our return," she turned to Subaru. "Don't cause trouble while Ram is away."

"Got it. I'll try not to breathe too loudly," Subaru joked. "Also, why am I the one getting singled out?!"

Emilia gave Ragna the address of the Mather's domain on a piece of paper, alongside the general directions there. She then went inside again, packing up her stuff.

Now alone near the front of the inn, Subaru and Ragna stood together as the sun dipped lower, casting golden light across the street. Ram was setting up the carriage around the back.

Subaru turned to Ragna, extending his hand. "Guess this is goodbye, huh?"

Ragna stared at the hand for a moment, then took it in a firm shake.

Subaru grinned. "Thanks for everything. Really."

Ragna looked away. "Just don't die again. It's annoying having to relive the same day because you forgot how not to get stabbed."

"Yeah, yeah," Subaru muttered. "I was getting better at avoiding that, didn't I?"

A moment passed.

Then Ragna added, "In hindsight, you probably could've pulled this off without me. Reinhard could've helped you."

Subaru raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? You think he can handle Elsa?"

"Definitely. I could tell, that he's the strongest person I've met in this world so far. And something tells me that wouldn't change in a long while." Ragna muttered. To be honest, he doesn't know the full extent of Reinhard's power, but he doubt matching him in combat would be easy.

Subaru shook his head. "I don't know... maybe if I got lucky. I could've found Reinhard, and then let him handle Elsa."

"But?"

"But I didn't want to die again," Subaru admitted, quieter now. "Even if I'd find Reinhard eventually... I don't know how many reset it would take. I'm just glad you helped me."

He looked up at the sky, streaked with the orange and violet hues of sunset.

"The resets are brutal. It's not just the pain or fear. It's... disorienting. You wake up and everyone forgets you. All the bonds you built just vanish. You're the only one who remembers who died, who screamed, who bled..."

He looked at Ragna.

"It messes with your head. Makes you wonder if you're the only real thing left."

Ragna was quiet.

Subaru scratched the back of his head, smiling faintly. "Having someone else remember it too... that made a difference. Made it feel real. Like I wasn't going crazy."

Ragna crossed his arms, a faint smirk on his face. "You were still mostly useless though."

"Hey!"

"But," Ragna added, "you tried. You fought, even when you were terrified. That counts for something. You did well."

Subaru shrugged with a grin. "I'll take it. Compliments from you probably isn't easy to get."

The faint sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their moment. From around the side of the inn came a carriage, pulled by a massive, bipedal lizard covered in thick hide, its powerful legs kicking up dust. Ragna stared at it, fascinated.

"Some kind of dragon," Subaru said, catching Ragna's stare. "They're basically the horses of this world. I saw a few pulling carriages around in the previous loops."

"Figures," Ragna muttered. "Everything's different here."

"Yeah," Subaru agreed. "But not all bad. You got cute elves around. Who knows what other cute races is out there?"

Ragna sighed. "That's all you think about, huh?"

They stood in silence as the carriage is making its final preparation.

Eventually, Subaru spoke again. "Whatever your story is, thanks for sticking around."

Ragna turned slightly, coat fluttering in the breeze. "Just don't waste what you've got."

Subaru smiled faintly. "I'll try."

The carriage doors creaked open. Ram sat in the front, the rein in her hand, silent and watchful, her expression as unreadable as ever.

Emilia was already inside, patting the seat next to her. "Come sit here, Subaru."

Subaru nodded and turned to Ragna one last time. "See you around?"

Ragna gave a small, half-nod. "Yeah," is the only response he gave.

That's all the confirmation Subaru needed, he then climbed inside the carriage, before closing the door, he gave Ragna one final wave, Emilia imitated him, a smile on her face.

As the carriage rolled away, the sun dipped lower, shadows stretching long across the cobbled street.

Ragna stood there, alone once more. "Well, it's just you and me again, as usual," he patted Aramasa, still sheathed behind his waist.

Notes:

Just a simple setup chapter, is this the beginning of arc 2? or is it just arc 1's epilogue? I'll let you decide.

I'll see you next time.

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