[PRP] Bad Reputation [JR/Zen]

[Ruriska]

It was very early morning and most Phonies were still tucked into bed, dreaming their last dreams before waking. Even the birds were hardly making a peep. The perfect time for an enterprising Phony to be out doing what he did best, and if anyone was up early enough to witness it, they might walk outside to see a very bad-tempered looking pirate no doubt doing something very pirate-y.

Yes, Jolly Roger was walking down the street, as fast as he could while pulling a heavily-laden cart, the contents covered by a plain brown cloth.

Chrystali

Worst start in the history of starts, but here we are. xD

 

[Chrystali]

Fortunately for Zen - or perhaps unfortunately - he was not like most Phonies. No, the over-active foal spent a lot of time trying to harness his energy, and when he wasn't actively doing as such, he was thinking of how he might do it instead. Such was the case of that morning, turning circles on a grassy knoll, preparing to try and sit and find focus.

When the green male came into view, the dark babby gave pause, a thrill going through him. Zen knew precious little of pirates, and what he did know (or thought he knew) was that they were dirty and grizzly and missing limbs. Since the one-eyed, flag-flanked fellow was none of the above, he threw caution to the wind and trotted over to the wind-swept Phony without hesitation. He seized the corner of the cloth that fluttered in the other's haste (despite the weight, no less!) and tucked it firmly against the cart's side before joining the strong male at the front.

Zen didn't even reach high enough to help pull, but goodness did he try, taking four steps for each one of the other's and minding the cloth like an under-sized watch dog. "That seems really heavy sir! Why do you pull it alone?" he asked as he darted from corner to corner, eyes peering at the bulging contents as though daring the cloth to try and fly free on his watch.

Ruriska

IT'S BEAUTIFUL, YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL

 

[Ruriska]

The last thing Jolly Roger had expected when he’d set out that morning was to have a nosy foal poking into his business. If he’d wanted that he wouldn't have snuck out without telling his crew. So the pirate continued pulling, staring straight forward and refusing to answer, as if that might dissuade the kid from talking any further.

However, as the Zen trotted back and forth, Jolly Roger couldn’t quite help but catch a glimpse of the perky youngster and the question did seem innocent enough. Maybe if he answered it would send the kid back home his curiosity would be sated and he would go home.

"Some things a pirate has to do on his own, lad."

Chrystali

redface

 

[Chrystali]

Zen was hardly daunted by silence; his father could out-silence a grave. As such, he was content to 'play his part,' watching the large container move under the impressive strength of the stallion, trying to be mindful to not get under hoof. Flicking his hears towards the other as he finally spoke, the unicorn smiled brightly, intrigued. "This seems kind of funny to do yourself, I mean, isn't this the best time to get help?" Feeling relinquished of his self-imposed duty, he moved to the stallion's side and trotted next to him, not at all interested in departing from the enigmatic Phony's presence.

"What makes it special that pirates do it on their own?" The little foal gasped, tucking his ears into his mane and speaking in a conspiratorial whisper. "Is it booty?"

Ruriska

heart

 

[Ruriska]

He stopped in his tracks, huffing slightly as he caught his breath, head turned to scowl at the colt.

"A pirate lives and dies by his reputation," Jolly Roger answered, while really not answering anything at all. Then he took in another big breath, stretched his neck muscles and continued on walking.

If the little guy insisted on following, then so be it.

"Go check the name of the next street for me."

Chrystali

 

[Chrystali]

The colt looked at the other somberly, his soft gold eyes wide and earnest. "I wouldn't tell nobody," he promised, "and I don't plan to hurt you either! Gosh, no!" Of course Zen misunderstood the pirate's meaning, but he was just a child and took everything very literally. He thought the pirate was handsome and dashing and mysterious and cool and he had no intent to upset him in any fashion...even if he technically already was.

When he was given an order, the little unicorn brightened visibly, offering a quick lift of his front hoof in childish salute. "Aye aye!" Zen eagerly dashed forward, hooves feeling like they were hardly touching the ground before he made it to the next street, peering up at the sign. With equal swiftness, he returned to the larger male's side, tail wagging. "Sunnyside Street, sir!"

Ruriska

 

[Ruriska]

Jolly Roger stared back at that big-eyed, earnest gaze… and sighed.

"Aye, you’re a good lad."

At least the boy was proving to be of some use and to be honest, the bright, enthusiastic manner reminded him a lot of his younger crew members. It was endearing in an 'I’m a pirate and don’t feel nice things so I'm just going to scowl more' sort of way.

"That’ll be the one then." Putting some extra effort into his work, Jolly Roger hurried his steps and turned into the street. "I think it’s number 9 that we want…"

Chrystali

I-I'm so sorry for the wait. ;o;

 

[Chrystali]

Quite uselessly - but not for lacking of trying - the colt nipped at the rope Jolly Roger was pulling and tried to tug as well. He was far less efficient, taking quick, short steps backwards, looking more like a dog with a chew toy than any sort of help. Occasionally, he'd let go long enough to spin around and trot to and fro, checking the numbers, before he'd return to his self-appointed task of 'helping.' If anything, the sight of the small Phony trying to help the more imposing one would throw any suspicion? Perhaps that was exactly what the other was trying to avoid, but for the life of him, Zen couldn't imagine anyone looking upon the other in a less than positive manner.

Finally, during one of his little dances across the street, he came across their destination. "Number Nine!" he crowed, bouncing back to the green stallion's side, red tail swishing with all its might behind him. His energy was more than even he could contain and, feeling the thrill of success upon them, he jumped up the great mound that Jolly Roger pulled, standing proudly on top of it like it was his own treasure. "Now what do we do, sir?"

Ruriska

Speaking of waiting... *diesofshame*

 

[Ruriska]

"Great." The pirate muttered as he continued to pull, definitely feeling Zen’s added weight but not saying a word. Everyone deserved a chance to stand proudly on their ship, head held high and wind in their hair. Not that his slow progress was generating much wind for the lad to feel…

"Aye, this is it." Finally able to stop, he halted the cart in front of number nine, Sunnyside Street. The fairly large building had wide windows covered in pictures of smiling children off all sorts. ‘Sunnyside Children’s Charity,’ read the sign. ‘All donations gratefully accepted!’

Jolly Roger stepped out of his harness and tugged at the edge of the cloth. "We unload. Starting with you, lad."

Chrystali

Aw. <3 *smooch*

 

[Chrystali]

For the duration, Zen had actually had no expectation of what the surly pirate could be up to. Now, facing the happy little faces on the windows and the sign that they had stopped by...the colt felt humbled, with a strong air of gratitude to the pirate.

"Aye aye," he replied with less gusto and more warmth, quickly scrambling down (but with more care, now that he knew the cargo was indeed precious). Though Jolly Roger was perfectly capable of handling it himself, the babby unicorn chose to use his lesser developed power to help remove the cloth, momentarily at a lack of words. It was no small feat.

Ruriska

 

[Ruriska]

It was embarrassing for his plan to be revealed, especially since the colt had shifted from cheerful exuberance to.. was that respect? Oh dear. This was why he only did this sort of thing when nobody else was around. If word got out it would tarnish his pirate reputation to no end. The sooner they got everything off the cart, the sooner he could get back to ship.

The cloth slipped off to reveal the cargo; various boxes of toys, long-life foods and other practical items. Jolly Roger immediately got to work moving them to the ground just beside the door, directing Zen to help push and stabilize the lighter items. It wouldn't be long until the owners arrived and could sort through the donations.

They worked quickly together and soon enough JR could relax. "Not a word of this, lad." He warned Zen with a particularly serious scowl.

Chrystali

 

[Chrystali]

If he noticed the embarrassment, he didn't show it, diligently and carefully following the instructions given. Zen took inventory of the stock as it moved and stacked, in awe that the pirate could even come up with such bounty. Is this what his treasure was? Are these the types of things he took?

Was he really Robin Hood?

The colt was terribly pleased by the time the covered goods had been stacked to a generously heaped building of donation necessities, looking up at the entire thing with large golden eyes. It was utterly inspiring to see so much given with such an open heart, even if it seemed the green stallion kept it under wraps of a pirate flag. Zen knew that he was going to go home that day and dig through all his stuff and do just as the other had: bring it back, and give to those who did not have.

He cast the Phony a smile, respectful, yes, but also with honest consideration for the words given in warning. "Promise," he replied, bobbing his head. After a moment of consideration, he flicked his tail and lowered his head subtly. "Thank you."

Ruriska

 

[Ruriska]

"Aye," was all he said. Jolly Roger wasn’t entirely sure what he was being thanked for but Zen seemed happy and he was secretly pleased for the help. They’d worked well together (actually a bit faster than usual) and some kids-in-need would have a lot to enjoy today. Now all his day called for was a sail around the lagoon and some pirate-y business, with maybe a bit of treasure hunting.

He attached himself to the much lighter wagon, nodded once in meaningful farewell and started trotting away towards home.

Chrystali

JR is leaving the scene of the crime. end? c:

 

[Chrystali]

The pirate's generosity had certainly moved something in the babby, an awareness that perhaps had been there in theory, but not in practice. Zen simply smiled and lifted a hoof as the stallion returned to his harness and traversed down the yet empty streets, distantly aware that he never got the other's name.

Maybe it was for the best. The spirit of the other would not be forgotten. Proud - and enthused to see what he could do to mirror and learn more lessons as the one he'd been taught - Zen turned and went the opposite direction, before promptly turning around and trotting after the pirate, as that was the direction they'd come from, after all. He didn't catch up, this time, watching the mossy male disappear from sight, but not from memory.

Ruriska

Thank you SO MUCH, YOU WONDERFUL LOVELY PERFECT BEING!