#obanai wallpaper | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

animemangasoul · 1 year

Text

Last wishes

Summery: Iguro Obanai makes wishes, wishes that throw him back in time for a second chance to do things right.

Or, Obanai goes back in time, sees Giyu differently and they talk.

The last thing he remembers is her warmth. Her frantic breathing. Her sorrow. The last thing he remembers is the end.

He hoped they'd won. He hoped Muzan finally bit it and they'd managed to achieve the impossible. He hoped he somehow contributed a little. He hoped it was enough.

But as he lay there. As the final breath left his lungs, Kaburamaru's soft hissing, a song of mourning in his ears. He wasn't happy. He wasn't satisfied.

There was so much he'd wished he had done. So much. If he'd only known how little……As a demon slayer, as a Hashira he'd always known their time was fleeting but, he'd still thought.

As the darkness came for him, as light peaked through the horizon, giving him a vision where he previously had non, Obanai breathed out; somehow feeling the weight of the world still on his shoulders, and allowed himself regrets.

Not too many, but few. Few to hold close to his chest and wish for. Wish for change.

I wish I could have done more.

He fell.

I wish none of us had died.

The light warmed him from the inside out.

I wish I'd told her I love her before it was too late.

It was comforting.

I wish I'd laughed more with Sanemi.

Was the light supposed to be fading?

I wish I'd given Kyojuro a hug when he asked.

Wait, what….what was that?

Suddenly a sense of cold descended on his skin and for a split second, Obanai had forgotten he'd passed away and shouldn't be feeling much of anything. Instead he hunched himself together and shivered.

I wish

I wish I had a second chance to do things right.

Obanai awoke with a start, his senses immediately alert. The very first thing he noted was his sight. He could see again. See everything. He could see…….

He could see a familiar ceiling, take in the soft beige colours, the flowers painted by the corner and the little crack half way through the ceiling. A hole caused by a flying blade many years ago. He couldn't quite believe his eyes, but he could believe his heart.

Somehow as he glanced around the room, he knew deep within his core, there was no confusion or bewilderment. There was only an undeniable certainty, deep within his muscles, buried within his soul and his very being that he had somehow traveled back in time. It was a bone-deep certainty that sent shivers down his spine.

'I don't…… how is this possible?' Curling his fingers into a fist, he observed them flex as pain soared through his entire frame as if someone had just ran him over with a train. 'This shouldn't be happening. I shouldn't be so sure…..' But he was, wasn't he? He was sure of it. As if someone was whispering the truth of the universe in his ear. He was in the past somehow and---

"I can fix things," he muttered to himself, wary hand resting over his eyes as he closed them. "I can't quite believe this. It is impossible. But I can fix things. I can-----"

Obanai had woken up in the past. His dying wish had somehow transformed into something unexpected, something fragile.

He was in the past.

Blinking slowly, he noted with a hallow heart that Kaburamaru wasn't beside him. What time had he returned to? Before everything? Before Kyojuri----

He himself was clearly a Hashira at the moment; his eyes drifted towards the chair next to his bed where his haori was slung over. What time?

What time……what time?

He found himself observing the cozy room within the confines of the Butterfly Estate silently. The air was filled with a peculiar scent, a mixture of herbs and flowers. Sunlight filtered through the delicate curtains, casting a warm glow on the vintage furniture and floral wallpaper. It was….. A wave of nostalgia overcame him and he blinked furiously to stave it off.

A soft knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, and an elderly woman entered the room, her eyes filled with concern. "Good morning, dear. I hope you're feeling better," she greeted him with a gentle smile.

Struggling to find his voice, the snake pillar just barely managed to reply, his words laden with uncertainty, "I think so," he said slowly. "Where is Kocho-san?"

The woman's grew softer, a mixture of sympathy and kindness. "She is in the lab dear but she will be glad to hear you're up. I shall go collect her for you." And with that she disappeared out of the door, leaving him to his own devices.

He kept staring up at the ceiling. This all felt so surreal. Part of him wanted to jump out of the bed and hunt Shinobu down himself. Or was it Kanae now?Still, Shinobu would still be around and…..he needed to see her. See her for himself. See that she was safe. See that she was still breathing. See-----

Part of him wanted to run, run and locate all of the Hashira. Keep them alive, keep them safe.

Mitsuri…………….

His Mitsuri……….

He'd promised her……….

The next life, he'd promised her……………

He was in the past. Oh dear God, he was in the past.

As the realization of his predicament suddenly sank in clearing his mind of its foggy state, a wave of nausea washed over him. The room began to spin, and his body began to convulse with uncontrollable shivers.

A violent burn ran through his body like a river, gripping his mind, setting his eyes on fire. The disorientation he felt kept on intensifying til he couldn't take it anymore. Curling into a ball he groaned. What was wrong with him.

The snake pillar's trembling hand tried to reach for the jug of water by his bedside, but he could only faintly observe how a spasm of his hand made the water splash on the floor and the jug shatter.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his vision blurred. The weight of the past was pressing down upon him, both thrilling and terrifying in its implications.

As the scene blurred before his feverish eyes, Obanai clung to the hope that this disorienting illness would eventually subside. He knew that somehow, against all logic, he had been transported to a time not his own. That somehow his very last gasping wish had come to fruition. That before he reached the afterlife, something or someone had yanked him back. He knew all that but his body didn't quite understand. And made it hurt so damn much. And with that unsettling truth, he slipped into a fitful sleep, his mind a whirlwind of unanswered questions and uncertain futures.

-----------------------------------------------

As Obanai slowly regained consciousness, his eyes fluttered open to find himself face-to-face with Shinobu, her floral Hashira robes draped around her shoulders as she smiled down on him. The realization struck him like a lightning bolt, and he was grabbing the edge of her sleeve before he could even think it through. Because…….because he hadn't traveled back as far as he initially thought. He hadn't travelled back to before Kanae…….

The pain in his chest made his heart ache. And his mind didn't stop turning and turning and turning until a soft hand rested atop of his and squeezed. He looked up, meeting Shinobu's piercing gaze and soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She studied him intently.

"You're finally awake," she said, voice as friendly and bland as ever. "You had us worried there for a moment. How are you feeling?"

The snake pillar struggled to sit up, grunting a soft thanks when the woman next to him carefully supported his back to help him do so. His mind was racing with a mix of gratitude and disappointment. He should have gone back further. If he was traveling to the past anyways, he should have-----

"I'll be fine," he rasped, his voice tinged with bitterness. Nodding once in thanks when the insect pillar handed him a glass of water, he inhaled it.

"You seem troubled," she observed when he'd finished drinking, her senses keen as ever. Taking the glass from him and setting it by his bedside. He absentmindedly noted that the shards had been cleared and the floor was dry. "Is there something on your mind?"

For a second Obanai hesitated. Should he tell her? But in the end, the decision to keep it a secret, so as not to come across as if he'd lost his mind won over. So, "It's nothing, really," he said instead, watching her through one eye. "Just some personal matters I need to sort out after I get out of bed."

His fellow Hashira studied him intently, her gaze sharp and perceptive. "Remember, Iguro-san," she said, voice sing-songy as she patted his covers to smooth out the creeses, "We are comrades. If there's ever anything you need to share or discuss, know that I'm here to listen."

The weight of the unspoken words hung heavily in the air. Obanai swallowed thickly and looked away. "I know."

He appreciated Shinobu's offer of support, yet he knew in his heart of hearts that this was something he had to undertake alone. At least for now.

The pain of his past losses burned within him, burned so bright with each passing second, it nearly ate him whole. But he couldn't let it consume him. Not yet. Not until he figured out a way to use this to his advantage. A way to make it all better. A way to save them all. Maybe after he got better he'll pay Ubuyashiki-sama a visit. Surely the Master would believe him? But first he had to recover from this. Whatever this latest injury to his person was, so when he did meet the Master he didn't come across as a crazy person. He was determined to get this right. To alter the course of destiny and protect them all. None of them would die this time, not even Tanjiro and his little friends, he'll make sure of it.

"Good," Shinobu said, breaking him out of his thoughts. "As long as you know." And with that she smiled at him one last time before making her way out of the door.

-------------------------------

Obanai stepped outside for what felt like the first time in forever.

He'd been confined to his bed for more than a week since he woke up. No one had trusted that he could walk any length of distance without collapsing. And his injuries from that mission where Lower Moon One had enslaved a village; he grimaced at the memory, his bouts of nausea and feverish delusions had made no one in the Butterfly Estate willing to let him out of their sight.

But as days turned into a week, he'd slowly began to recover his body but most importantly his mind. He could relatively keep the crushing memories to himself without going on rambles of great insanity now. And he was thankful that through that process he hadn't revealed anything but his strangely overbearing concern for Shinobu whenever she left the room. That had been frankly embarrassing to remember but he hoped the insect pillar and everyone else had chalked his distress to dealing with a demon similar to his past along with Kanae's passing. It had helped that he'd called Shinobu by her sister's name a number of times too. He felt terrible bringing her up but half the time, he couldn't help it. Everything had been blurred together.

But now, now that he'd finally been let out of his prison, he could take in the fresh air and the serene surroundings of the Butterfly Estate.; As he stood there, the calm atmosphere easing his fried nerves, he spotted Tomioka sitting quietly by the tranquil koi fish pond. The man had his hands folded in his lap, sword by his side and shoulders relaxed.

He was meditating.

Obanai stared at his back. Just stared.

Seeing Shinobu had been different. He hadn't really been all there when he'd seen her for the first time and by the time he could really take in that she was alive, he'd managed to scramble together a semblance of dignity. But here and now, standing there staring at very much uninjured and alive Tomioka Giyu; he really hoped the one he'd left behind was equally as alive, he couldn't really wrap his head around it. He could only stare.

I wish I'd gotten along better with Tomioka.

Startling, he closed his eyes as flashes of pain pulsed through his head. An indescribable urge to talk to Tomioka, to bridge the gaps of misunderstanding and the dynamic between them, washing over him so suddenly he nearly lost his balance.

His faraway wishes. His pleas into the heavens, had they been heard? Was this his opportunity?

I wish I'd gotten along better with Tomioka.

Unable to take his eyes off of the meditating figure of the water pillar who was slowly but surely tensing more and more where he sat, Obanai pinched the bridge of his nose and breathed in deeply.

In his past life, he and Sanemi hadn't liked the water pillar. Franky they hated him. His appearance of arrogance, his insistence that he wasn't like the rest of them, his expressionless dead eyes. Of course they'd hated him. Who did he think he was? They'd all sacrificed and bled for their cause, so who gave the water pillar the right to look down on them. Their perception of him had been formed through various failed conversations and several attempts encouraged by Kyojuro's smiling pleading eyes. They had all failed spectacularly and Obanai had grown to resent him. Had grown to hate him. He would save the man's life if they ever where in battle together, but he'd vowed to never give him time of day otherwise. That him and Sanemi had agreed on wholeheartedly.

Obanai didn't assume himself a pleasant person to be around either, but back then he'd resented Tomioka for not even trying. For he did. He tried with Kyojuro and Tengen and Sanemi and Mitsuri. He made the effort to talk to his fellow pillars, to stave off the awkwardness and make the effort. But Tomioka….. "He thinks he's better than us," he'd huffed, narrowing his eyes at Tomioka's retreating back. "What a detached, unfriendly little shit." He'd said it loud enough for the other man to surely hear. Tomioka hadn't stopped or even paused much to the snake pillar's frustration, and Obanai had turned away and resumed his conversation with Sanemi as if he'd never said anything.

He remembered that all too well now where he stood. Remembered it with a pang of regret.

Before the final battle; his last battle, his last breath. He'd talked to Sanemi as him and the other had taken a moment to rest as he'd taken a break from training the little bratlings and his fellow Hashira. Sanemi had been strangely quiet that day and when Obanai had grown tired of being patient, the other man had finally spoken. He'd told him about an interesting conversation he'd had with one Tomioka Giyu. He'd told him about hidden insecurities and shame. He told him about relatability. It had tugged at his heartstrings. Because he of all people understood the guilt of feeling like you'd let someone down. The shame of living on as the result of others sacrifice. The fear you weren't enough.

Obanai had listened and he'd contemplated. 'Maybe,' he'd thought as they stood up, break over and preparing to get back to their duties, 'Maybe we can talk too after all of this.'

They'd never had the opportunity. And as he'd lost the last flickers of life----

I wish I'd gotten along better with Tomioka.

This was a second chance. He could do things differently this time. His second chance.

Staring intently at the other's now rigged back, Obanai couldn't help but wish……wish wish wish.

But he was at a loss on how to approach it. How could he convey a desire for a fresh start without revealing the truth about his journey through time? How could he extend an olive branch without falling all over himself like he'd been doing with Shinobu?

As Tomioka turned his head slowly and their eyes met; the water pillar's face expressionless as ever but his shoulders now up to his ears, Obanai set his resolve.

'Set your heart ablaze,' he thought, clenching his fists. 'Do not cower from a second chance given to you.'

So, with a deep breath to steady his nerves, he mustered the courage to take a step forward. Watching the other as he watched him back with equal intensity. When he was finally next to him, he stepped past him, turned around and sat down. Coming face to face with a man he'd hated for the most nonsense of reasons. A man who was now staring at him openly.

Trying to hide the apprehension that fluttered within him, Obanai coughed lightly into his fist and nodded sharply at Tomioka. "Good to see you back on your feet," he greeted him, his voice even but not unfriendly. If his patchy memories were to be trusted, Tomioka had been sent to save a couple of demon slayers and it had gone horribly wrong. Thankfully the man had managed to get everyone out alive. Obanai couldn't say he'd been as lucky with his mission. "I'm sure everyone will be relieved to hear you're doing well." He continued, infusing the words with as much sincerity as he could.

Tomioka expression remained stoic as ever, but there was a hint of surprise almost imperceptible in his eyes. Then, his features softened ever so slightly, as if something had stirred within him. "Likewise," he replied, his voice calm but laced with a trace of curiosity. "It seems you're recovering well too. How are you feeling?"

Obanai would stab anyone who ever tried to voice it, but at that very moment he'd almost burst into tears. Maybe it was his stupid emotions being all over the place. Maybe it was having his sight again and finally using it to see behind the mask all his fellow Hashira and demon slayers wore. Maybe it was the little flicker of happiness he'd detected in Giyu's voice when he'd done something as little as greet him. But he'd almost cried. He'd almost shattered right then and there.

God, he was a mess.

Still, swallowing thickly, being grateful for the opportunity to engage in conversation, Obanai found his voice steady as he replied, "I'm getting there, step by step. The support from everyone has been invaluable."

There was a brief pause, as if both of them were searching for the right words to say. The snake pillar knew, he knew with almost crystal clarity this was his chance to reshape their relationship, to mend the misunderstandings that had plagued their interactions in the past. But the path forward remained unclear, leaving him grasping for the right approach.

But just as he was about to delve deeper into the conversation, a voice broke the momentary silence. "Iguro-san, it's time to come back inside," Shinobu called from a distance, her voice gentle yet firm.

Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from Giyu, Obanai offered a nod and turned his attention to Shinobu. "I'll be right there," he replied, his gaze lingering on Giyu for a fleeting moment as he stood up. But before he could walk away, he paused. "If you have not left by tomorrow," he started slowly, refusing to meeting the other's gaze that was drilling into his back. "I would like to meditate together. That is," he hurried to add on, finally turning to meet the other's eyes that were now wide enough to almost look surprised. "If you want." he finished lamely.

I wish I'd gotten along better with Tomioka.

But before the words had fully left his lips, Giyu was already shaking his head, half way through a refusal.

'Ah,' Obanai thought. 'The insecurities. It's so obvious now Sanemi, when you're looking for them.'

"Actually," he added, shaking his own head. "Forget it." But before the sudden echo of hurt in Giyu's eyes crushed him, he continued. "I want the company so I'll come anyways. Feel free to leave if I bother you after a while but you better not bail on me." And with that he stalked away, not allowing the water pillar to get a word in.

He would do this. He would fix everything. He'd make it better. For all of them. And he'd fix his mistakes alongside it.

With determination burning in his eyes, he walked forward, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead in his quest to reshape his bonds and save his stupid dumb comrades along with the rest of the Demon Slayer Corps.

-----------------------------------------------------

Giyu sat very very still by the koi fish pond, his thoughts swirling more violently than ever before with a blend of emotions he couldn't quite grasp.

The encounter with Obanai had left an indescribable imprint on him, on his very soul, and now here he sat, not knowing how to even process it. The struggle on the snake pillar's face had been clear as day. His awkwardness, his bright eyes as he tried to formulate just the right sentence. Paraphs it was those fumbles, the flush of pink on the bridge of his nose and the fidgeting that spoke to Giyu of the other's sincerity. For some reason, Iguro Obanai had decided to give him the time of day and……

Clenching his fists hard enough to draw blood, Giyu felt helpless in the face of happiness, excitement, and an underlying sense of guilt burning through his heart. His lips had pulled up into a smile as the other's steps had faded. He'd traced it with a finger, eyes growing wide. He'd been so happy. So so happy.

As he'd watched Obanai walk away, a sense of relief had washed over him knowing that Obanai no longer harbored resentment towards him or wished to treat him with disdain.

Still, doubt crept into his mind; not doubt about Obanai, he never ever doubted his fellow Hashira, but doubt about himself. Doubt that whispered incessantly, reminding him of his shortcomings and failures. Of his unearned position, of his unworthiness. Did he deserve Obanai's kindness when the hand outstretched towards him should have been reaching out for Sabito instead?

Gazin into the rippling water, seated by the tranquil pond, he tried to find some solace in its serene beauty. The conversation with Obanai had ignited a spark within him, a tiny flame of determination that refused to be extinguished, despite the guilt, despite the hatred he harbored for himself. He wasn't worthy of being Hashira, he wasn't worthy to stand by his comrades when he knew what he was. What he'd done, but----

Surely sitting by a pond, meditating next to someone, surely that wasn't going to shatter his promise to Sabito would it? It was only temporary anyways. Nothing would come off it. Soon he'll leave the estate and eventually another water breather would come along to finally replace him. But for the time being, just for a little while, just for a moment-----

He crossed his arms, closed his eyes and breathed. 'I wish to get along better with Obanai.'

#demon slayer fanfic #iguro obanai fanfic #iguro obanai #giyu tomioka #demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba fanfic #fanfic #one shot #ds #i just really love obanai okay #and that's why I love hurting him

7 notes · View notes