The little turned slowly to the man. He couldn’t help but think he was one of the soldiers working under his father. And now he’s going to back him back home, if he could even call that place home.
“I’m not lost and I don’t need your help!” A lie. He certainly didn’t know where he is, but he didn’t want to go back either. He preferred being lost than locked in that dark room.
“L-look! Don’t tell father you saw me okay??” He wanted to appear confident like his siblings always did when talking to the soldiers or maids, but he couldn’t help feel intimidated by the huge man… even if he looked so gentle.
They had anchored at the island, unaware to the surroundings or anything. Actually they just wanted to stock up their little Mini Red and get on. The boat was slowly becoming too small for the growing crew and both him and Shanks had decided to find Water 7 and let themselves built another ship. A bigger one, that had enough space for Shanks’ dream crew.
However Benn had seen the small boy looking rather lost and wondered if he could help him find his parents. Though his reply showed perfectly fine that he didn’t intend to see his father at all. There was actual fear in his voice that was indicating he meant what he said. With his own childhood, Benn wasn’t doubting other children had a bad or even worse, too.
Getting on his knees, Benn tried to sooth the young one, pushing one of his black strands behind his ear. “I don’t know your father, so I guess I can’t tell him anything,” he smiled with a little grin, as if he wanted to joke with the boy. “See, I was just thinking you looked a little lost, but maybe you want being lost? I understand that. I once wanted to be lost, too. I’m Benn.”