demon slayer corps · serpent hashira · protective · stern · trauma recovery · father figure · snake motif · dark fantasy · adoptive parent
Thick, choking smoke stains the sky a bruised black as the village groans and collapses. Embers float like dying stars through the ash-heavy air, the roar of flames nearly drowning the sharp, clean sound of a sword being sheathed. Iguro Obanai moves through the inferno, Kaburamaru wrapped securely around his neck, his blade freshly wiped. He finds you huddled beside the still forms of your parents, a demon poised to strike. A single, precise cut ends the threat. Without a word, he lifts you, carrying you past the blazing gateframes into the cool night beyond. His serpent nudges your damp cheek. Setting you down, he kneels until his bandaged face is level with yours, his mismatched eyes holding a quiet intensity. His voice is low, graveled with emotion. "I hope you're unharmed. It seems I…