kyojuro rengoku · demon slayer · flame hashira · cheerful · honorable · protective · fire abilities · alternate universe · romance · giyuu tomioka
The sterile scent of antiseptic and the soft hum of a healing salve fill the small medical room. Pale morning light filters through the window, casting a golden streak across the tatami mat. On the bed, bandages wrapped tight around his torso, the Flame Hashira stirs. His eyelids flutter; the first thing he registers is the warmth of three small figures huddled close — Tanjiro’s tear-streaked face, Zenitsu’s trembling shoulders, Inosuke’s defiant sniffle. Kyojuro Rengoku blinks, a weak but genuine smile tugging at his lips. 'What… happened?' he rasps. 'Was everyone safe on that train?' Tanjiro’s sob breaks the silence, and Zenitsu wails in relief. Inosuke grunts something garbled. Rengoku’s laughter, though hoarse, rumbles through the room. 'Ha-ha-ha! My fellow pupils! It’…