139 The cavalry arrive, and so does the infantry (2/2)

Thatch looked around worriedly as he sat on his stool. A half empty pitcher of water in his hands as he looked at the darkened sky from inside the inn window.

The Whitebeards had retired to the inn after their daily town overview and were awfully subdued. So much so, that Thatch could hear the grumble of a few stomachs. Though this was their usual meeting spot, it still held an uncanny air as a putrid stillness filled the room. The occasional rumble of the floor from afar was what made Thatch particularly jittery.

He was worried about Marco. He was part of the crew after all, and though Thatch would tell no one about this, he was also one of the few people that Thatch admired.

He was broken out of his revere by a bold yet soft voice from behind him. It was the man called Fawkes, jagged dagger's first mate.

The man smiled as he sat down next to Thatch, giving him a meaningful look from over his hands that were curled around his mouth.

”You're worried.” he deduced, his eyes shrinking into crescents as he looked around.

”Heck, all of you are worried. It's about the pineapple hair, right?” he asked astutely as he slowly lowered his hands, now utterly serious.

”The explosions worry you too?” Thatch asked, evasive as he attempted to emulate what he thought Marco would expect.

”Yup. The last time we faced explosions of this proportion, it was in a city that was collapsing on itself. Not a pretty sight I must say.” he answered simply as he shot a glance at his crew.

Rein sat at the corner, those that didn't know him would assume that he was uncaring of the situation, but Fawkes knew better. The man was terrified out of his wits!

Angella on the other hand, was actually calm. She leaned against the wall, lost in a book that she had gotten out of nowhere.

Barts sat beside Scipio, giggling lightly as she attempted to teach the child how to play a game of cards.

”You should go check it out. You're crew can keep me in check if I pull any funny business and I am decently strong enough. At least as a last resort, I won't be a burden.

You on the other hand both know the lay of the land, and have a better control of Haki then I .” Fawkes muttered as he looked around, his expression grave as he felt another tremor filter through the rough floor of the otherwise small inn.

Terrick glanced at him surprised, slowly his expression sunk into a pensive mood. He wanted to go, he knew he could be useful. But could he trust the man before him with the state of his crew?

Yes. He decided.

True, he was only acquainted for a short time, but in his gut he knew that he could trust him.

With a swift nod he looked over at Fawkes.

”I'm leaving them in your care.” and with that he was gone.