Chapter Text
A soft glow came from the moon that laid high in the sky. A house stood just outside the busy city, not alone nor surrounded by others like it. Standing outside in the backyard was a young boy. Hair as red as a strawberry and brown eyes as cool as the night. He stood out there listening to the soft sounds of leaves rustling. It reminded him of something, but he was unsure of what, though whatever it was brought comfort.
“Shanks, What are you doing out here?” A creak and the click of the backdoor opening caused the boy to look behind him. Walking towards him was a raven haired man with an interesting mustache. He didn't waste time in pulling his sweater off and wrapping it around the redhead.
Brown eyes looked into grey ones, Shanks looked somewhat upset and shushed the older man. Roger closed his eyes and listened, even if he was also confused. Yet again the wind blew, pushing the leaves against one another making a rustling sound. After minutes of silence, the man smiled softly and opened his eyes to see the boy staring out into the woods.
“It sounds like the ocean, almost like waves brushing against the Oro Jackson." Shanks looked up at the man, with his wide eyes it was obvious curiosity was running through him. Roger chuckled and began to walk back into the house. On the way, he began to tell a story.
“A very long time ago, those who didn't find the World Government's rules fair found freedom on the world's seas. Those who lived lawless traveling the oceans were called pirates.” The young boy’s eyes sparkled in interest.
“Among the pirates there was a man who they called “The King of Pirates”. He and his legendary crew sailed across the sea on the Oro Jackson, you and I used to sail on that boat.” Sitting the boy down on the kitchen counter, Roger grabbed a wet towel and began to wipe the boy’s feet off. He seemed to go out there without thinking, since he was only in his pjs and without shoes of any kind.
“Silly papa! That's impossible, I'm only 5, not bigillion years old!” Roger laughed with the boy disposing of the dirty towel and then washing his hands. He opened the fridge and grabbed the jug of milk, pouring it in a blue cup.
“You’re right about that, little one! Our bodies might be young, but our souls definitely aren't! You might not remember, but your soul definitely does. I also was like you until I met your uncle Rayleigh.” Shanks made grabby hands towards the cup before Roger finally gave it to him. Throwing his head back a little, he drank from the cup pulling it away with a mustache of milk on his lips. He had a frown on his face and his furrowed eyebrows hinted at his stress.
“I wanna remember! How do I remember?!" The boy asked, being careful not to spill the milk in his hand. Roger hummed in thought unsure if he should answer truthfully, but it made no sense to not tell him now and have him come home one day completely overwhelmed.
“Well, to remember you have to meet someone important from your past life. For me, that was your uncle Rayleigh. We met when we were teens in the same situation we did in our past life, and it all came back. Well not all of it, but most of it. I was just happy to have a friend back!” Roger’s heartwarming laugh boomed through the kitchen and Shanks laughed with him. Though the young boy stopped laughing and looked down at his feet, gently kicking back and forth.
“I wish I could remember, so I could also have my friends.” Roger looked at the boy and then ruffled his hair with a sad smile. Shanks had recently been placed under his custody after being taken off the streets by Roger, the boy hadn't been able to make friends with any of the neighborhood kids nor with the kids at his kindergarten, everything had definitely been rough these past few months.
“Remembering isn't always easy, son. Nor should you be in a rush to do so. Our pasts are filled with more than just friendly memories.. Don't worry though, you'll meet a friend soon.” Shanks, being so young, didn't understand what he meant about remembering being hard, but before he could ask, his tiredness got the best of him. Yawning and stretching his arms, he set the cup down to rub his eyes.
“Now, let's get you to bed, little one.” Roger picked the boy up, and began walking towards the stairs so he could tuck him in bed. After stepping up the stairs, they headed to Shanks’ room. The walls were a soft blue colour and he had many toys laying on the ground.
Shanks held on like a koala, but after a while, Roger laid the boy down once he detached from his chest. Though he also couldn't get his hoodie back due to the boy’s iron grip on that. Sighing, he pulled the covers up to the boy's chest and made sure he was tucked in. The raven leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the redhead’s forehead, soon wishing him sweet dreams after.
That night, all Shanks could dream of was the ocean. Though he’d never been, he knew exactly what the waves sounded like, how the water felt when it hit his feet, or how it felt like the sand was dragging you with the waves when returning back to the sea.
The bright blue of the ocean reminded him of something, or was it someone..? Hm, he couldn't remember.
The years had gone by in the blink of an eye, and now Shanks was starting middle school. Obviously, Roger struggled to let his only son go due to his own worries and Shanks “growing up too fast”. Luckily, with Rayleigh’s help and some shoulder pats, Roger was able to drop off Shanks with only a few tears. Everything was all fine and dandy until gym class. Whoever thought it was a good idea to mix in the 8th and 6th graders for gym class, was stupid. Shanks definitely wasn't having any fun.
They weren't doing anything but talking amongst themselves, and Shanks didn't have a friend to stick close to. He couldn't play his 3DS due to his teachers threatening to take it away and he didn't want to play with the other kids. Sighing he walked around the gym, thinking to himself. To onlookers, it was as if he was trying to burn a hole in the floor.
Ocean. The ocean, it was on his mind though there was also the flash of black hair and a calming voice. Shanks’ brows furrowed, who? He thought, but before he could try and force himself to think anymore a strong pain pulsed through his head causing him to stop. Standing there rubbing his temples, he couldn't hear someone's call to watch out.
“Oof!” Shanks hit the ground hard with the sound of a rubber ball following quickly after. He pushed himself up slowly, still holding onto his head. Footsteps rushed over to him and few people surrounded him.
“Crap! We can't send a kid home on the first day, someone make sure he’s ok!”
“Wait wait wait! Red haired?!”
“Oh shit…!”
“Who’s “Red haired” again? I swear I remember–” Shanks finally was on his knees and locked towards the boys. A look of realization appeared on a brunet’s face, his lips forming an “oh”. The two other boys looked either surprised or tired. One was a yellow haired male who looked like his hair was pineapple leaves then there was the boy with a short ponytail and pale skin.
“Red haired?” Shanks repeated to himself. Why did it feel familiar? The boy didn’t get much time to think about it due to the iron scent that filled his nose and suddenly he could taste blood on his lips. Bringing his hand up to his nose and then setting it in front of his face, he was able to see what was causing the iron scent. Blood.
“Oh." He whispered, not too startled by the sore feeling pulling at the bridge of his nose.
“Mr.Sengoku! Red haired’s nose is bleeding!” Said man towered over the children and was somewhat intimidating, but also gave off nonchalant energy. The man simply sighed and looked around for some reason. Shanks held his hand under his nose to keep it from dripping. Walking by unexpectedly was an older boy simply bouncing a ball, his fate was sealed once he stopped to look.
“Ah, Benn! Since you wanna stop and look, take Red Haired to the infirmary." Shanks stood up tilting his head forward like Roger had taught him to do. Benn didn't seem to protest, almost unnerved. Though he did seem to be on the older side due to his eye bags. Without much of a word, they began walking, but the redhead couldn't ignore the screaming headache he had. Topped off with the blood he was losing and already being hit in the head, he began to lose his footing. The halls were practically empty and it was certainly hot outside, making everything 10 times worse.
“Woah ther–” Shanks’ body felt out of control as he leaned forward. Benn was quick to reach out and grab him, but after keeping him up and steady, he froze. Shanks rubbed his head and soon looked to his side. The headache seemed to cease, though Benn was still in shock for some reason. Shanks’ eyes examined the other boy until he spotted a bit of blood on his grey shirt. Does he have a phobia of blood?
“Are you okay? If you're scared of blood, then don't worry it's not a–”
“Aren’t you, Shanks..? Jesus, I, wow this is weird!” Benn blinked twice, looking as if he was trying to piece something together.Wait, huh? Shanks stared at Benn with a very confused look. Slowly, he began piecing things together. Eyes widened and his fatigue suddenly non-existent, Shanks gasped and soon had a wide smile on his face.
“You know me?! Well, the me from then, but you still know me and that's so cool!” Shanks’ voice was loud, making the fact that they were outside a blessing. Benn looked a bit dumbfounded, yet excited? He was leaning against one of the polls that kept the iron canopy up, not looking too happy nor extremely afraid.
“Of course I know you, but I don't know why..? I'm happy I remember you, I think we had fun? Lots of it but, what exactly am I remembering?” Shanks didn't hesitate to explain everything to him. Over the years, he’s gained knowledge from both Rayleigh and Roger. Both were sometimes very cryptic, but Shanks was pretty sure he was an expert on the topic of past lives, even if he hadn't remembered his own. For a good 10 minutes, the redhead went on and on about their time as pirates. Even if he only knew what his dad and uncle told him, it was still a lot. Shanks had probably overwhelmed the poor boy.
“That's wow, ok, but first I think we should get you to the infirmary, your shirt’s practically ruined." The red head looked down to see blood staining his shirt. His eyebrow furrowed and a groan slipped past his lips, now he definitely can't hide this from Roger.
————–
“Please don't tell Dad, uncle Rayleigh! He’d probably freak or something even if I've had a million nosebleeds already!” The nurse wanted to contact a parent due to the amount of blood Shanks was covered in, plus the messed up shirt they didn't have a replacement for. So he simply suggested calling the second number on the contact list because his uncle “doesn't work, he’ll answer". In all truth, this was false, Rayleigh never picks up, but today the gods had blessed him and now he was in Rayleigh's car on the way to the restaurant he and his wife ran.
“I won't! Roger can be dramatic when it comes to you kids getting hurt when he’s not supervising y'all.. You’d literally get into fights with grown ass men, and he’d still baby you two.” Shanks looked over to the blonde, eyebrows scrunched and tissues up his nose.
“Y'all..? “You two”? Uncle Rayleigh, what do you mean by that?” Eyes focused on the road and face keeping a straight expression, the older man didn't answer. Silence filled the car, only the sound of wheels against the road being heard. Shanks stared holes into his uncle, if he had lasers for eyes Ray would definitely be missing some parts.
Huffing, Shanks let up and moved on. “Fine don't tell me, I'll find out one day, now that I've found Benn..” Those words came out as a whisper, and they later did hold some truth. Shanks found out a lot through Benn, he was only a year older and was only taking gym class for the first week because of a schedule mishap. Even if that was the case, Benn and Shanks hung out whenever they could. When Roger met the raven, he was wary to have him around Shanks, afraid certain things might be revealed if he wasn't careful. Though somehow, that fear disappeared and it soon began to feel like Benn was a part of their family. He'd be over every other weekend and had gone to a few family events half way through the year. Benn would often remember things during random moments or during daydreams, and he’d tell Shanks all about it. It made the redhead happy and hungry to know more, though deep inside he was jealous. Benn started to remember the first time they came into contact with each other, but why didn't he? Roger later explained that just because you were the one to help someone remember, doesn't mean you'll remember too. Apparently, he'd run into multiple people who remembered a part of their past lives when meeting him, even though he himself didn't remember anything in that moment.
Sighing, Shanks placed down the game controller. Behind him on the couch laid a fast asleep Benn, the other controller being held loosely in his hand. They were in the middle of another one of their sleepovers. They were halfway through the year and Benn was over so much that you’d think Roger took in a second kid. During these numerous sleepovers and hangouts, Shanks learned that sleep found the raven haired boy easily. Especially after a long day of doing school work and also watching after his younger counterpart. Shanks on the other hand needed something to wear down his energy, so he was simply jabbing away at the buttons when Benn began to murmur and trash within his sleep.
At first it was barely noticeable, but then his movements became more harsh and words way louder. Shanks turned in worry, quickly pausing his game to try and wake Benn. Though it seemed as soon as he touched Benn, things worsened. The raven was sweating, yelling at someone to move out of the way. No matter how much he shook, Shanks couldn't wake him. Finally, he ran up the stairs to get his father.
This time his touch didn't cause distress, Roger was simply startled awake. Seeing his son’s face and hearing the yelling from downstairs, Roger quickly rushed to help. Nothing had been said, but the older man seemed to know what to do. Sitting at Benn’s side, he gently shook the boy and he woke in a heartbeat. The boy was gripping onto his side as if he’d been injured there. Roger said nothing and just comforted the boy, rubbing his back and just trying to be supportive. Standing by the staircase was Shanks, scared and confused. What the fuck just happened? Why couldn't he wake Benn up? Why was Benn screaming? What's—
Suddenly, the words that Roger had told him on a windy night came back to him.
“Remembering isn't always easy, son. Nor should you be in a rush to do so. Our pasts are filled with more than just friendly memories..” Oh. So that's what he meant, their pasts weren't always peaceful. Their pasts weren't something out of the book his kindergarten read them, it was real and painful. Staring at his shaking hands, Shanks felt somewhat at fault. This had all been a game to him until now, but seeing the damage it could take on his life, he knew he wasn't ready. He’d probably never be, yet the day would still come. A soft creak brought Shanks down to earth, weight being taken off of it and placed somewhere else. Thinking took up too much time, the crying stopped and so did the comforting whispers. Sitting next to him on the stairs was Roger, a somewhat sad look in his eyes.
“Remembering can be hard, little one. Never focus on the bad though, always look at how far you’ve come and the things you’ve gained.” Grabbing the boy’s shaky hands, he squeezed hoping to reassure his son. Shanks just nodded, not listening to his father's words right now. He was just scared, there was a look of genuine pain that you don't see on anybody. It felt like Shanks was witnessing his companion stare death in the eye.
Did he want to remember anymore?
Shanks was so shaken up the morning after. Even with Benn’s words of comfort, the poor boy couldn't stop thinking about it. He could see the discomfort in Benn’s face and his sudden protective actions towards him during school. Everything hurt, and Shanks could tell it wasn't Benn’s first time going through that. Whenever Shanks would bring it up, he’d just push it to the side, it made him bitter and guilty. Though at some point he just stopped asking, he never stopped worrying or feeling guilty though.
Time went once again, and they met a boy named Yasopp. Well, actually Shanks met him first due to them both skipping class to see someone. Shanks wanted to go help a sick Benn and Yasopp was going to meet his girlfriend. They’d knocked into each other and both froze fearing their positions would be compromised. Yasopp was quick to relax, sighing and stating, “Oh, it's just you Shanks.”, before turning around and continuing walking. In seconds, he turned back around looking at the boy with wide eyes.
“Shanks!?” Said boy had no idea who he was, so he did the only thing he could think of, take him to Benn. Luckily, the raven cleared things up and Shanks just watched as Yasopp and his friend caught up over soup.
“I remembered way before I met you. It's actually because I met Banchina! We were in 3rd grade I think? So it's been about 4 years.. Just like Benn, I only remember small and subtle things, the fun stuff! Sometimes they're not always fun, but I don't have nightmares or flashbacks that often.” Hearing the explanation made little sense to Shanks. He needed some context on who Banchina was and what “subtle” things he’d remember. With the help of both of them, Shanks was able to understand more about his past.
For now he had this; He was the captain of a very powerful pirate crew. So powerful that they didn't run into much trouble unless it came to someone who rivaled their status. Life was fun, and they’d party a lot or just chill due to the constant absence of threats. Yasopp had been married with a kid he was incredibly proud of, and Benn was his right hand man watching after him. There was also a small boy named Luffy who apparently reminded him of his younger self.
“I got it! So I, I mean– we were really cool pirates and we were strong so we were truly free and had fun.” Benn nodded, hands cupped a small bowl that was somewhat empty. Yasopp also hummed, gulping down the rest of his soup.
“Oh ok! Yasopp, could you tell me a few cool stories then? Benn only tells me the stories where I mess up!” his cheeks puffed and eyebrows furrowed, acting as if he was annoyed. Yasopp simply laughed, agreeing right away and began telling a story which seemed to make Benn smile due to its familiarity.
They spent the afternoon telling Shanks stories, and taking care of a sick Benn. Under golden lighting, you could see the three boys comfortably conversing. The raven tucked underneath covers, head rested against a pillow with sleep evident in his eyes. Shanks, who had his legs and arms tucked into his jacket, had his head leaning against Benn's bed as he sat on the floor. Yasopp on the other hand was laying on the carpet, looking up at the ceiling decorated in different constellations. There was a sense of familiarity between the 3 of them, even if one didn't quite know why.
From then on, their friend group grew. After both Benn and Yasopp had graduated to high school, Shanks had taken in a younger classmate by the name of Lucky, claiming to know him. Once the stories of huge ships and adventures came in, he wasted no time introducing Lucky to his two best friends. Thus, they became a group of 4 instead of 3.
Time went on, both Shanks and Lucky stood besides Benn and Yasopp in high school, and everything was great! It was a warm May evening and two teens had escaped their school walls. Shanks and Benn were headed to Shanks’ due to Roger still being at work, making it the perfect time to be there. They stopped by a corner store to get popsicles to help cool off in this hot weather.
“Y’know my dads been acting weird lately.. I don't know, I feel like he’s distracted by something or as if there's something he’s not telling me about? He sent me off to Uncle Ray and Auntie Shakky’s place for the weekend! THE WEEKEND! He never does that unless there's something he doesn't wanna tell me!" Shanks ranted, licking the cold popsicle in moderation to keep his mouth from completely freezing over.
“He sent you to Ray and Shakky’s? Man, the last time he did that was when he was trying to tell you that he took your turtle out for a walk and it somehow fell into a street drain.” The red flattered at that memory, wincing at the phantom sadness he felt for his turtle named “Blue”.
“God he hid that from me for–” Shanks paused. Body freezing and his popsicle beginning to melt in his grasp. There was a sound that practically called for him as if it was the song of a siren. Though faint, he could hear it like it was right beside him.
“Benn, what route did we take?” Almost black eyes stared at him in confusion, though Benn was quick to answer.
“Well, it has to be the extra long one? There's no convenience store around school plus we had to go far since Mrs.Tsuru is on hall patrol duty.” Oh, so a little further must be–
“The beach. We’re near the beach.” The last time Shanks had ever been to a beach was when Roger had taken him on a family vacation to Baterilla when he was 8, though they spent more time going on a “treasure hunt” than at the beach. Shanks knew there was a beach a 20 minute walk from the school, but he’d never gone. Without thought, Shanks began walking towards the sound. Slowly picking up pace the closer he got. Benn followed behind, but with the louder the waves got, the father behind he was.
Wind rushed through Shanks’ hair as such a comforting sound grew near. No matter how tired he felt, he never slowed his pace. No matter his melting popsicle, he never slowed. That was until he saw it.
Glistening waters, such a vibrant color you'd forget the presence of those who pollute it. A salty scent pushed through his nostrils and such cool air touched his skin. Rushing down the steps, and almost tripping, he roamed closer to the waters. He pulled his shoes and socks off, and dropped his backpack by the stairs. The feeling of sand between his toes made him giggle softly, but jump at its warmth. Quickly, he ran to the water letting out small cries of pain. Jumping into the water and staring off into the sea, it felt like something he’d never deeply felt before.
Freedom
There, in the hot sun, stood the 15 year old boy. His skin was a beautiful almond brown color, decorated with soft freckles, and hair mimicking the color of a strawberry. Beautiful brown eyes as warm as the summer sun admired the ocean. He didn't know why, but it felt like he was meant to be here. Just enjoying the beauty the world had to offer. Shanks looked to his side, and that's when he saw him. Hair blowing in the wind and eyes just as wide as his. Shanks felt like the air had been sucked from his lungs, and he couldn't tell whether he was scarred or excited.
The boy standing a few feet away from him had beautiful long hair, it was as blue as the sea and danced in the wind. His eyes reminded him of the sky, so deep and filled with many shades of blue. His skin was a warm tone of beige, and then there was his nose. It was big and red, reminiscent of a clown’s. Both boys stared at each other in silence and shock. Shanks stared directly into his eyes, not sure how deep they’d go. That's when he saw it, something that made him gasp for air.
Their surroundings changed, they were no longer on the beach but in the rain in some city. Shadowing Shanks’ vision was a straw hat and instead of his usual school uniform shirt, he wore a white button down that clung to his body. Standing in front of him was the blue haired beau, wearing a red shirt, some khakis, and a black beanie that didn't hide his long hair well. The area was so dark, and his eyes suddenly felt sore.
The rain didn't hide the other boy’s tears nor did it hide his obvious shock. Something felt so off, so deeply sickening, Shanks didn't know what it was but he wanted to throw up. They both stood there, heavy breathing and unsure eyes.
“Shanks!” They were back. Quickly, the other boy grabbed his stuff and ran. Just before he left, Shanks could see how scared and sick the other boy looked. Blue eyes frantically jumping around and chest rising quickly. Shanks didn't dare reach out due to his own confusion and something that felt deeply disturbing. Looking back at Benn with deep distress, there was only one thing on his mind.
Run.