Rating: T at the most.
Pairing: Pintel/Ragetti… if you squint.
Disclaimer: I don't own POTC or any of the characters. I'm not making any money out of this.
Chapter 8 – An Unwanted Re-acquaintance
4 Years later
"Rags!" Pintel yelled, his short legs kicking the water impatiently. "'Urry up mate!"
It had been four years since he had joined 'The Whirlwind' and although not fully respected, he was at least as accepted as he'd ever be. Unfortunately his earlier beliefs regarding his hair had proved false and he was now almost completely bald on top. He was actually tempted to pull out those last few remaining strands that clung to the top of his head for frankly they looked ridiculous.
His companion Ragetti, on the other hand, hardly seemed to have aged a day, apart from growing increasingly taller, scrawnier, and scruffier. Ragetti had also been quick to point out the 'small' belly that Pintel had developed, or at least did until a blow to the head had made him shut up about it.
Another thing that had changed was the relationship between them. Although in the beginning Pintel had been wary and happy to allow Ragetti to be the protector against the strange pirates, he had very soon begun to realise that Ragetti was not the sharpest sword in the shop. He also realised that nor was the boy in fact at all strong willed. From that point on he took control.
However, now it seemed he was on the verge of losing control as well as his temper for Ragetti was taking a very long time with this chest.
"RAGETTI!"
"Comin' Pinters." Ragetti called, coming into view. No wonder Pintel hadn't noticed him, Ragetti wasn't in his boat, rather he was swimming one handed with one handle of the chest in the other and Bootstrap Bill helping him with the other end.
Pintel stood on the pier stupefied. Where on Earth was their boat? The ship had anchored just outside the port of Tortuga and now they were bringing the booty ashore to trade and sell. However, without a boat it was going to be mighty difficult to do that.
"It sunk." Ragetti clarified cheerfully, pulling up alongside Pintel. "Leak. Hadda swim fer it."
Pintel did not know whether to laugh or to throttle Ragetti for now he too would have to swim back to the ship. However, before he got a chance to do either he saw the most remarkable change in his friend. His face went white and his expression turned from one of cheer to dumb terror and then of frightened anger. Ragetti also let go of the chest quite suddenly, leaving poor Bootstrap to go headfirst under with it before he had the chance to let go too.
Pintel turned and almost fell into the water himself for there behind him stood a very alive Jack Sparrow.
"Yer dead!" Gasped Pintel, stumbling backwards away from him.
"Not quite." Jack grinned, not seeming to have noticed the fuming boy in the water. Ragetti growled and Jack looked down, starting in recognition.
"You!" Ragetti snarled.
"Ah." Jack said before unsheathing his cutlass and swiping it at Ragetti who ducked.
By this time Bootstrap had managed to air himself once more and gasping made for land to rest. Pintel noticing his presence yelled, "Inform th' cap'n" and Bootstrap was left to splutter and choke his way back to the ship to give the news.
Meanwhile Ragetti had managed to pull Jack into the water and both were trying to drown the other. Pintel watched unsure of what to do. Just as he had decided that it might be best to separate the two, Ragetti knocked Jack out with the hilt of his cutlass.
The victorious lad dived under for the crate and heaved it up to steady on the pier. He looked up at Pintel who was staring at the limp body of Jack once more floating in the water.
"Ye no gonna 'elp me then?"