Oppugn
Rating: PG
Fandom: PotCB
Pairing: Pintel/Ragetti
Summary: Norrington muses about our boys. Probably OOC for Norrington…

There they go again. I haven't seen anything like these two fellows just yet. There goes the portly man, Pintel they called him, grumping about something or other; always is that one. Not that I can blame him because right on his heals is that skinny man. He follows Pintel about like a tether was holding them together. Reminds me of my old dog, the way he keeps just at Pintel's heals, and instinctively knows when the other will stop.

I have seen them in battle, though, and I'm damned sorry to admit it, but they're a terrifying combination, especially the big bloke. He can use anything and everything near and far to gut you, be sure of that. The lad's power comes, not because he's forceful, but you never see him coming. I recall one sailor got so absorbed in Pintel that he never even noticed the skinny one until a cutlass gave him away. Poor bastard, he never blinked as I recall; there one moment, gone the next.

But they aren't all danger and bravado. No, there's tenderness, too. Though I think the big guy would be loathed to admit it, he appreciates no one more than that boy. That appreciation goes both ways. Anyone can see the portentous nature of the lad's fealty. Makes you wonder what Pintel did to earn it. Nothing comes cheap these days, especially anything given by your fellow man.

I heard a rumor that he saved the boy's life. They were both serving the Navy. After a skirmish the men saw fit to plunder the pirate's vessel that had been won. Every single one of the blighters were stepping over this crumpled creature; completely ignoring his cries for help. I'm not sure about the details, but the rumor is Pintel came out of the Captain's Cabin, arms loaded with treasure, but when he reached the deck of the other ship, it was gone. Instead he held that injured fellow. What I do know from the story is that Pintel gave up a sum of valuables that would have easily given him a comfortable life back on land.

That ship sank below the sea and with it his comfortable life.

So, I can understand the boy's affection. What I can't fathom is the reasoning behind such a sacrifice. Pintel, while being a visceral man, is surely wise enough to see that the benefits of such an act of charity are far exceeded by the pitfalls. It is surely an anomaly of the human nature.

On the other hand, they're alive. This life that pirates lead is harsh and few live it long. Whether from the elements, your fellow crewmen, or the solitude, everyone eventually succumbs to an early death. But these two have lived on. I wonder if there is something to be learned from their example. But even if I understood the connection, could I duplicate it, and make one of my own?

I would like to watch them longer, and possibly discover what is unique. However, God punishes all sins sooner or later, and I have this feeling mine are sooner. For all the sins I am sure they have committed, they will have to answer for one day too. Like me, they'll have to stand before God and be presented with their injustices. All of their shame laid down before them for hell and heaven to witness. To be judged so completely.

I can't help wondering if having a hand to hold will make a difference.