delicate ; o.iguro

𝟬𝟭 : 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗱𝘆

The cool summer's breeze swept through the large trees, greeting them with its presence. The moon shone enviously in the dark blanket that hung in the sky, surrounding the village.

A certain male had been ordered to keep watch over one of the forest's as night fell. After all, night was when demons were most active. The forest would more of less be crawling with them.

Obanai Iguro was the male's name. He was a sharp and abrupt individual who didn't involve himself in any nonsense. Many people knew him for his other title, this being the Serpent Hashira.

Despite coming across as quite stern and distant, Obanai was just a poor and misunderstood soul. He strived to do what he thought was best in life.

Wrapped around the Hashira's neck was a white snake with ruby red eyes. The snake seemed rather comfortable with the male, this indicating that they must have a close bond. The snake was called Kaburamaru and was Obanai's closest friend. He viewed the snake more as companion than a pet.

The Hashira was currently perched high up in a tree. He could usually be found either sitting or laying on trees. Most people thought that he did this in order to feel taller, yet in all honesty he just did it because he wanted to.

Obanai's unique coloured eyes scanned over the vast area, narrowing as they did so. He was dead silent, listening out for any noises. He wasn't too sure what to expect tonight.

Just then, a voice laced with desperation ripped through the air. Obanai widened his eyes, almost jumping out of the tree.

"You! You, Sir, in the tree! Please help me!"

Obanai blinked and peered down from the tree. He noticed a child frantically waving up at him, obviously distressed. The male wasted no time in hopping down from the tree, landing in front of the desperate child.

"What is the problem?" He asked, voice coming out as uninterested. His sharp eyes gazed upon the child.

"My sister is injured, she needs help immediately!" The child explained in a frenzy, his brown hair blowing in the breeze.

Obanai nodded. He was about to ask why the child would be out in the forest with his sister at this time of night, yet decided that now probably wouldn't be the best time.

"I see. Lead me to her."

The little boy nodded and scurried on ahead, rushing through bushes. Obanai followed close behind.

The child halted abruptly. "There she-" he trailed off.

Obanai rose a brow, confused. He stepped closer to the child and stared in the direction that he was.

It seems as if somebody else had beat him to it.

A lady was tending to the little girl's wounds, all sorts of herbs scattered across the ground. She dressed the wounds quickly, meaning that she obviously had experience.

"Hm? Was this lady here before?" Asked Obanai as he gestured towards the lady. The child beside him shook his head.

"No, Sir! She must've seen my sister whilst I went to find help."

The Hashira remained silent, eyes focusing on nothing but the lady. She worked quickly and effectively. He was impressed, yet soon shook that thought out of his mind.

The lady stood up with a soft smile and brushed off her F/C kimono. The little boy then ran towards his sister and held her close, tears streaming down his rosy cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, we shouldn't have come out here!" He wailed into his sister's shoulder, "I'm just glad you're okay!"

The small girl seemed surprised at her brother's outburst yet soon grinned and patted his head.