Chapter Text
Eleven years ago. . .
“Leave me,” A man tells him, dismissive and cold but Luffy doesn’t listen. Instead, the young boy takes a seat right next to him, watching the pond and koi fish swim about. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“You ever eat one?” Luffy licks his lips, eyeing a particularly large fish.
Beside him, the man laughs, loud and taken aback by the crude question. “No, no! Never!”
He likes the warm, soothing timber of the man’s voice, especially his laugh. Luffy turns, shifting his gaze to the man but his face is blank, empty, uncanny, but his presence alone is comforting.
Luffy doesn’t remember his face; all he recalls is his laugh and that pretty crimson hair.
Present day. . .
“How’s my grandson doing?” Garp holds the pay phone to his ear and flips through the phone book to keep himself busy.
From the other line, a woman groans loudly, annoyed and pissed off, “About fucking time you called! You lazy piece of shit! Where you now? Still in the country?”
Grimacing, Garp moves the phone away from his ear and glances around the sun-warmed street, scooters weave past pedestrians and traffic with ease, vendors call out prices in a language Garp hadn’t really gotten the hang of just yet, and a whaft of freshly baked Rgaif lingers in the air. Crap, he’s hungry.
“Are you listening, you good-for-nothing bastard!?” Dadan screams into the phone.
“Yeah,” Garp grumbles, eyeing a vendor flipping over more flatbread on their large, black grill. “I’m listening.”
“You don’t even remember to call!! It’s been two days!” Dadan fists the telephone cord, bundling it up in her palm.
“I’m calling now,” Garp almost drools when the vendor slathers honey on the bread and serves it to a tourist. “How is the little shit anyway?”
“He ain’t little anymore,” Dadan sighs, defeated and feeling strangely motherly. From the kitchen, she peeks down the hall. Once, three little boys would run about the house, teasing and playing with one another. Now only one of the three is left.
Ace and Sabo, much like Garp, are always busy.
It’s just her and Luffy here, for now.
And soon, she doesn’t doubt Luffy will be off somewhere too.
It is the family business after all.
“He alright?” Garp asks, worried. Damn, he should have planned this trip better. The best he can do now is get this job out of the way and high-tail it back home as soon as possible. “He graduated already, right?”
“You stupid son of a bitch, you didn’t even attend!!!” Dadan screeches.
Garp winces and he is sure that he’s just gone deaf in his left ear. So, that answers his question.
“Are Ace and Sabo home?” He presses, fully concerned now.
“No!” Dadan moans, sadder now. “ It’s just me and my boy all alone in a giant house made for six!”
What a dramatic woman, Garp wears an unamused expression.
“Alright,” Garp sighs, having had enough. “ I'll be back in about a week. This might take me more than the usual two weeks at most if I’m not back by week one, phone Ace or Sabo. Don’t let Luffy take too many jobs, and have him get home by sundown!”
Dadan makes a face.
“Dadan.”
“Fine.”
“Good see y—“
With that, Dadan slams the telephone back into its cradle. Exasperated, she scratches the back of her head, stands up from her chair, and strolls over to the hallway. That damned old bastard doesn’t really have a say in how she raises her son. Technically, he’s not her son, but with the amount of emotional labor and work she’s put into the boy, she might as well be his mother.
She walks up the stairs, passing by two bedroom doors with signs hanging on them. One of them reads "Keep Out," accompanied by a couple of odd band posters, newspaper clippings, and tattoo designs. The door next to it simply bears the name "Sabo."
Taking a deep breath, she stops in front of the third door at the end of the sharp hallway. It also bears a name. However, it’s surrounded by entomology clippings, a few tattoos designs, and geography clippings for magazines.
Without warning, she burst through the door.
“Wake up, you good-for-nothing moocher!”
The room itself is a complete mess. Dirty clothes, litter, the floor, there’s a lingering smell of sweat and filth. And all the plates that had mysteriously gone missing from the kitchen are gathered here, crammed onto her son’s desk. He doesn’t have the decency to bring them to the kitchen. What an ungrateful bastard!
“Get up!”
Dadan marches over and yanks the blankets off the sleeping boy, young man, he’s eighteen now.
Luffy only groans and buries his face into the pillow, trying to escape the sun’s natural light peeking through the windows.
“Wake up!” Dadan pulls him up and forces his eyes open. “Rent isn’t free. You have to get up your lazy bum ass and work!!!”
Again, Luffy groans and slaps his hands on his face, trying to go back to sleep, but all the shaking Dadan is doing makes it too difficult.
“ I even took the liberty of getting you a couple of jobs today!”
“Hmmrgh,” Luffy rubs his eyes, deciding sleeping can be done later, now he’s hungry.
“Get up!” She whacks him on the head.
“What’s the job?” Luffy closes his eyes as he eats, chowing down on breakfast.
“A grandma needs errands, a couple need something delivered, and an old man needs some chores done, oh and some kid wants your help finding something,” Dadan lowers the volume of the radio and sits in front of her son, her very disheveled and sleepy-looking son. “I didn’t care enough to listen.”
“Hmm,” Luffy shoves an entire egg into his mouth and chews.
“Garp called,” Dadan begins, gauging the boy’s reaction: he doesn’t care. “He doesn’t want you out past dark.”
“Why?”
“Beats the hell out of me.”
Luffy thinks for a moment. He can’t think of a single reason why Garp would want that other than to bother and control him. Sabo and Ace never had rules like that. Hell, they were always out late into the night. Ace, more so partying with his friends, and Sabo, well, he doesn’t know what Sabo was doing, and he’s frankly a little scared to ask.
“Here,” Dadan slides him a piece of paper. “All the addresses and the job.”
Luffy looks at it. It’s not much, but he can manage. He has all day anyway.
“You have to come back before sundown.”
Exiting the house, Luffy starts walking in the general direction of the first job. It’s some old woman needing help with errands, sounds pretty easy.
Next to his home is a shrine, sat atop the mountainside, a large stairway winds through the forest and leads to its large gates.
It’s been abandoned, weathered, and forgotten. He has wandered onto the property a couple of times, and each time, Garp would scream at him, warning him never to go back because it could be dangerous. Demons often linger around former sacred areas, and a shrine is precisely that: dangerous and an open invitation for a demon infestation.
Then, Luffy feels something. Someone’s watching him. He looks up, glaring at the top of the stairs and at the large wooden gates separating the estate from the outside world.
There’s no one there.
It must have been his imagination.
Lately, he has been attracting the attention of a growing number of spirits—small-time demons, apparitions, lost and trapped souls. Born from negative human emotions, these spirits are nothing to write home about. They tend to skulk in the shadows and can be easily vanquished. Yet, their presence has become alarmingly more frequent.
It’s as if they lurk around every corner, observing his every move and waiting for the exact moment to strike.
It started happening two days ago.
At first, he thought there must be a poltergeist happening, something drawing them out but no, it’s him.
They will tail him for hours, waiting for the right moment when they think he has his guard down, and they will try to defeat him, but they all fail.
If anything, it’s getting to be really, really annoying.
The family business revolves around demon hunting, which isn't officially recognized by the government.
Garp is always complaining about the government being up his ass, so to make up for the paranormal work, they also run a side business.
This side business, being odd jobs, need help washing your car? Getting groceries? Need someone to talk to about your relationship problems? What about flying a plane? Sabo can do that. Getting payback at a former lover who cheated on you, and they still have your belongings? Need someone to disappear— they can’t do that, but they can arrange for a series of very unfortunate events to happen! What about mysteriously starting a fire at your sworn enemy's place? Or even, delivering express mail? Need someone to fill in for your shift? Do a marathon in your stead? The Monkey Business will do just that, monkey business!
Late afternoon, in a cafe. . .
“You what?” Luffy frowns. He’s too tired from running around the city all day. This is his last job, some wimpy, dorky, annoying, and whiny kid. He hates people like this. He looks useless.
“I lost my cat,” the pink-haired boy says nervously.
Luffy's frown sours.
“I have money,” The kid fumbles to get his bag and pull out his wallet.
Luffy just watches as he pulls money and gives it to him.
Koby ignores the concern and the judgment he gets from neighboring patrons.
Luffy starts counting, nods, then pockets the money.
“Please, I need you to find Helmeppo!”
As Koby goes on about his cat and how much he loves and misses it, Luffy isn't really listening. He doesn’t care. Instead, the young man is thinking about his brothers. Ace and Sabo are both away, helping people on opposite sides of the country with hauntings and powerful demons. Now that he thinks about it, did Usopp call him? He doubts that Dadan would have told him. She hates it when he hogs the phone, and he and Usopp can talk for hours.
“And that’s why,” Koby’s crying now, tears streaming down his face. “I want to get Helmeppo back!”
Luffy stares at him blankly, “You got food?”
“Yes, yes,” Koby nods, pulling out a large container full of cookies. “I made them especially for you! Your mom said I should have food on hand!”
Luffy leans in and inspects them. Hesitantly, he takes one and eats it.
Oh, it’s delicious!
“Helmeppo, right?”
“Yes, yes! That’s his name!”
The last sighting of this cat was in the forest outside the city.
Damn, Luffy grimaces, glaring at the picture that the pink-haired boy gave him. The cat’s all black, and it’s about to get dark. This sucks.
Above him, the sky folds over in slow violet layers, clouds move softly, and the air sways with a cold breeze. The shadows grow taller, and darker.
He needs to find this damn thing tonight.
He doesn’t think Dadan will be too mad at him if he stays out late, especially if it’s for the job.
“Helmeppo, Helmeppo,” Luffy calls out in a coaxing voice, then shakes a small bag of cat food. “Helmeppo.”
Then, he hears something off in the bushes.
Rushing over, Luffy peers, and it’s just a raccoon. It stares back at him incredulously, then at the bag of food he’s holding.
“Sorry,” he smiles and leaves it alone. “You can’t have any.”
Minutes turned into hours, and soon Luffy finds himself stuck in the forest, flashlight in hand, growing progressively sleepier. The moonlight dimly illuminates the surrounding area, but it does little to help. A breeze brushes against him, cold and refreshing, and then the smell of alcohol wafts through the air.
It’s strong.
Covering his nose, he glances around.
It should only be him.
Unless some drunk wandered here.
“Nika,” a deep, grumbling voice growls, and Luffy jumps back, assuming a wide stance.
The forest grows silent. The trees begin to shift, the crack and breaking of wood is the first thing he registers. It’s big, much bigger than him.
A shadow detaches from the darkness, tall and broad, while the moonlight outlines its features. Blue scales adorn every part of its body, and large horns peek through its long, unkempt black hair. It is a demon, resembling a dragon of sorts. Its massive shoulders bounce up and down as it laughs, “Wororororo.”
In that moment, he recalls the only piece of advice Garp drilled into him, ‘Remember, you little shit, if you ever happen to encounter a demon that’s much stronger than you, run. Find Ace, Sabo or me to help you. You’re not strong enough to handle a high-ranking demon. Not yet, at least.’
It’s too bad he doesn’t listen.
“Give yourself over,” the demon takes a large club out, and Luffy swears the weapon is about as big as he is. “So that I may feast on your flesh.”
“Not happening.” Already, he can feel his heart racing and body running hot. He can do this. The demon doesn’t look that strong.
“Kaido of the Beasts,” the demon introduces himself and points the club at him, “And with your blood, I will become the strongest demon on this plane!”
In a flash, Kaido surges forward, landing a blow directly on Luffy’s chest and sending him back, sandals skidding across the dirt.
Oh, shit, he’s fast too. He doesn’t look it for someone so big.
It’s going to bruise, bad too.
In turn, Luffy rushes to his feet, focuses all his energy into his fist, and lands a punch on the demon’s side.
There’s a pause, then laughter, “Wororororo! You’re weak!”
A heavy arm swings, grazing Luffy’s side enough for him to stumble back.
Sharp claws follow, slashing the air in front of the young man and driving him back.
“Weak, pathetic human!” Kaido swipes at him, cutting his upper thigh and part of his torso.
There’s too much adrenaline coursing through him to solely focus on the pain.
Luffy forces distance between them and watches in shock and horror as the demon brings the bloodied claws to his mouth and licks.
It laughs again, louder, and it sends chills throughout the human’s body.
“If your blood tastes this sublime,” Kaido steps forward, club dragging across the dirt. “Then, you must be delicious.”
Kaido swings his club with deliberate, poignant certainty, striking the ground Luffy stood on, scattering the Earth below.
The impact ripples and sends the human flying, tumbling across the forest until he’s stopped by a tree trunk.
“Shit,” Luffy coughs, ribs aching and sore all over.
“Your strength will be mine!” Kaido drives forward, raising his club and slamming it on top of the small human.
Luffy blocks, or attempts to. His hands are raised, forearms bearing the weight of the blow. It tears through skin. Still, he’s not strong enough to properly withstand the dragon’s strength. Luffy’s defense breaks and he falls, getting crushed under Kaido’s club. The hit ripples, lashing out streaks of red, cutting into his body, arms, legs, and face.
It gashes his lip, causing blood to drip down his face.
“Worororo,” the demon looks down at the human, smile wide and unnerving. “You thought your frail human body would withstand my attack?”
He picks Luffy up by his shirt.
“I will partake in your flesh,” Kaido laughs louder, manic and exhilarated. “And, become the strongest demon that’s ever walked this mortal plane!”
“Let me go,” Luffy manages and— shit, his lungs feel heavy, like they're collapsing in on themselves. Is it anxiety or his body failing?
“I’ll start here?” Kaido’s hand moves, grabbing Luffy’s face and bringing him close. “Make it a painless death. I will honor your memory by giving you a warrior’s death.”
The dragon opens its mouth, sharp fangs grow and threaten to bite Luffy’s neck clean off.
I’m going to die.
With a sudden gust of wind, Luffy and Kaido's arms drop to the floor. He coughs, regaining blood to his head, and watches, eyes wide and stunned as another demon appears, standing in front of him and blocking Kaido. It has large brown wings and Luffy can see the gleam of a drawn blade.
“You,” Kaido clutches where his arm had been. Blood gushes profusely from the severed limb. Growling, he shifts his gaze between the winged demon and the human.
In a flash, the ground beneath him morphs, an abyss forms, and Kaido escapes below.
Then, the winged demon looks back.
Red eyes glare at him.
And oh shit— oh, fuck.
“Who are you?” Luffy fumbles, breathlessly moving back, frantic and shaking. He doesn't look behind him, instead, he just moves back until he’s stopped by a tree.
The demon’s wings unfurl in a slow, sweeping motion, each feather loosening until he’s posturing; wing span stretching far and twice his height.
He’s so cool, Luffy swallows thickly, half way between awestruck and terrified. He’s strong, too. Stronger than the dragon.
“You really don’t remember who I am?” It strides closer, crimson eyes locked on Luffy, pupils sharp and blown wide.
“No,” the young man grits his teeth, bracing himself. He wouldn’t have asked if he remembered. This demon seems memorable. Tall, red, pretty hair, strong features— handsome features— everything about him seems to be out of those telenovela magazines Dadan collects. He’s beautiful, Luffy shakes the thought away.
“A long time ago,” the demon crouches and extends his hand, touching Luffy’s face, then soothing his palm down the young man’s arm. “You made me a promise.”
Luffy frowns at the touch, but he doesn’t move away. He doesn’t sense any malice.
Slowly, the demon brings the young man’s hand to his lips, kissing Luffy’s fingers, the back of his hand, and his palm. Luffy’s mind goes blank at the sight of the man’s —demon’s— mouth on his skin. The fact that it’s lapping up the blood on his palm goes over Luffy’s head. Still, he doesn’t sense any ill intention. Unexplainably, the young man experiences something he hasn’t before. His heart thunders behind his sternum, rabbit-speed, frantic and excited: “What?”
“Luffy,” the demon begins, a smile curling on his lips, and how does it know his name? “Your blood is special. What do you think would happen if a small demon manages to devour you?”
“Get to the point,” Luffy yanks his arm away.
“More demons will come,” it says, voice low and apprehensive. He might be nice to look at, but he’s long-winded. “They will try to kill you because your blood is an elixir; consuming your flesh would exponentially increase their powers.”
Startled, Luffy scoots to the side, getting away from the demon, “You’re a demon.”
“I am, but I’m different,” the demon simply watches Luffy fumble away. Once the human is far enough, he stands and walks over, grabbing Luffy’s shirt and pulling him up and onto his feet. “I don’t want to eat you.”
“What then?!” Luffy struggles to balance himself, legs weak and aching from the various cuts and bruises Kaido left. It hurts a lot.
“I’d be breaking our promise that way.”
“Stay back.” Luffy steps back, almost falling, but the demon catches him.
Instinctively, the young man tries to strike the demon, but it catches his punch and brings Luffy’s hand to its mouth, licking his knuckles and wrist. Why is it so touchy? Luffy attempts to kick, feet sweeping at the demon’s legs but it’s too strong.
Without warning, the demon kisses him.
What? Luffy gasps, breath hitching and coming to a complete halt at the sensation of a tongue against his lips, inside his mouth, hands at his waist and chest, fondling him all over. Before he knows it, Luffy’s back is against the trunk of a tree, squished between the demon and the hard surface. It pins a thigh between his legs, and Luffy’s already on his toes. The demon grabs his side with one hand and forces his hips down, making him grind down on its thigh—his other hand weaves around Luffy’s neck, tilting his head back and deepening their heated kiss.
Rolling his tongue against the young man’s, the demon savors the small, cute noises the human emits.
The kiss is intimate and sensual. It has Luffy moaning, humming along as his hands paw at the demon's chest. It’s too much, too much for his first kiss, ever.
The demon breaks away, peppering soft, chaste kisses across Luffy’s cheeks and temples. His hands continue running over the young man’s body.
“You don’t remember?” It speaks low, voice rough and hot against Luffy’s skin.
And, between the young man’s legs, he feels warmth stir, needy and wanting.
Oh, no, Luffy tries pushing it away, but he can’t. He doesn’t want to. Fuck, he gulps nervously. He’s excited. Over a demon, no, no— no!
“Get away from me!” Luffy bites out, forcing distance between them.
“I can’t do that,” the demon grips onto his waist, pulling him closer, enough to kiss him again, but he doesn’t. “Not when you swore to marry me.”
“WHAT!?!?”
No, no! He would remember this!!!
Now, the demon lets go, and Luffy falls to the floor with a heavy, unceremonious thud.
“Don’t sound so shocked,” the demon pouts, expression souring and— is he sulking???
“No! I didn’t!” Luffy stands up, putting distance between them.
“No,” the demon says, unamused and serious. “You did. I remember it clearly.”
“I don’t!” Luffy yells. “I am not marrying you!”
“That’s a shame,” the demon smiles brightly, like he wasn’t just rejected. “More demons will come for you until you fall. And, won’t it be unfortunate for you to die at such a young age?”
“I can fight,” Luffy widens his stance. He’s not ready for another go but he’d rather die swinging than just roll over. “I’m strong.”
The demon only looks disappointed and uncaring, then sighs, dramatically, “Uh-huh. Wow, you’re so strong.”
This guy. . . is really starting to piss me off.
Luffy feels his face heat up, annoyed and embarrassed for ever thinking the demon was cool, and he kissed him! Kiss me!? Why would he kiss me!? And, Luffy enjoyed it, but he’s not saying that outloud, ever. He’s going to beat the shit out of this demon!
“Well,” the demon scratches the back of his head, tousling that pretty crimson hair, and beams happily, “You’re going to be my bride, so get used to it. We gotta consummate the marriage, sooner than later anyway.”
C-c-c-consummate?!
“No!” Luffy exclaims, getting more flustered and stomping away. “I’m never marrying a demon! Ever! Leave me alone, pervert! Gross! Old man! Pervert!”
Shanks watches as the human marches away, occasionally turning back to flip him off or stick his tongue out.
How cute.
“I’m not marrying you!” He hears the human scream from across the forest.
Smirking, Shanks chuckles and lifts a brow, “You will.”