A WARRIOR'S OATH
Morning broke over the restless sea, but Akio still lay sprawled across his bunk as if he owned the entire ship. The pirates had long since set sail, The ship raced toward Shivarath, its course drawing it dangerously close to the border of Vaelondir the kingdom that ruled Varnok's homeland. Though Velmara shared its name with the kingdom itself, the village had long been unrecognized by the throne, Varnok's home, his roots, were nameless in the eyes of royalty the village was little more than a forgotten dot on the map, a relic unworthy of allegiance.
Winds howled. Waves battered the hull like war drums, The ship rocked violently, shuddering against the madness of the sea, after hours of resisting its chaotic rhythm, the ocean finally had its victory one sudden lurch, the ship pitched forward, hurling him from the bed.
"Argh—ouch!" he groaned, eyes clenched shut.
Grumbling, he pushed himself up, rubbing the sleep from his face. Stretching his limbs, he let out a yawn—but the ship lurched again. Akio stumbled, arms flailing like a drunk dancer.
"Esssh..." he hissed, catching himself just before kissing the floorboards.
He stood upright, squinting at the ceiling, Pheww! A breath of relief left his lips.
Outside, the deck buzzed with tension, Pirates barked orders, mounted posts, and checked their weapons, somewhere near the stern, Akio's father Varnok, stood alongside the captain and generals as the ship carved a path through steel-colored waves.
As Akio stepped outside, a raspy voice greeted him.
"Well, well, look who decided to rise with the tide!"
It was Black Murdoch, grinning like a mad eel with gold teeth. He elbowed the pirate beside him. "Hey yo, boy-yo—just waking up, are we?"
Akio blinked, his face blank, eyes half-lidded.
"No," he said flatly.
Laughter erupted.
Borrik Nosebite cackled, slapping his thigh. "A warrior waking up at dawn for a war? Bah! The battle's already halfway done!"
Slimy Nick chortled, food hanging from his teeth. "Even the rats woke up before you did, lad! I tell ya, they were already on deck, sharpening their whiskers!"
"Oh shut it, Nick," Zarko Bellybump bellowed. "Even the rats wake faster than you do!"
Loopin the Limp nearly tripped with laughter. "Last week I saw a dead gull twitch faster than Slimy's rise!"
"His bed's moldier than his thoughts!" Fizzetooth cackled.
"Yeah," Gargro chimed in. "Last time Slimy woke up, the war was two years done!"
A full-on roast erupted — not toward Akio, but poor Slimy Nick, who held up his hands in surrender, slipping on his own boots as the crew continued to jeer.
Akio sighed through a smile and shook his head as he walked past the howling crew, chuckles still followed him.
He climbed the steps toward his father.
"Hey, Dad."
Varnok turned, his weathered face softening. "Morning, son. How was your night?"
"It was fine."
The ship groaned as the captain, a broad-shouldered man with one eye and stories for days, began his usual boasting.
"This beauty you're standin' on? She's faced sea monsters the size of fortresses! Took on three warships off the coast of Kurnath and still didn't sink! Her hull's thick as kraken hide and faster than any king's navy!" Akio listened, half in awe, half amused.
Varnok smirked as the captain rambled. His eyes settled on Akio—standing tall, staring ahead, the sea wind pulling at his hair. Pride bloomed behind his stoic gaze.
"Every day," Varnok said, ruffling his son's hair, "you become more of a warrior."
Akio closed his eyes, smiling. "Don't worry, Dad," he said softly. "I'll protect you."
Varnok chuckled. "I know you will."
Akio smiled again, but his eyes drifted, drawn by something else. For a fleeting second, his mother's image surfaced in his mind—her laugh, her warmth, the songs she used to sing, He stood still, for a while the ship seems to slow down then Big Mako walks to him, stomping toward him with his usual staccato speech.
"Eat," he grunted.
Akio nodded, then turned back. "Dad, aren't you coming?"
Varnok shook his head. "No, son. You eat."
Akio raised an eyebrow, his expression reading hmm, but said nothing. He followed Mako below deck.
The mess hall was a chaos of wooden tables, loud mouths, and flying food. Pirates shoved each other, swapped exaggerated tales, and clinked mugs already filled far too early.
Akio bowed his head, he whispered a quiet prayer, then ate quickly, beside his half-finished plate, he unfurled a small parchment, retrieved a charcoal stub, and began to write.
Dear Mom,
I hope this letter finds you smiling, I'm writing from the ship, the ship is huge and loud and bumpy, the pirates are wild, but they're kind in their own strange way, I sleep in a cot that moves with the sea and yes, sometimes it throws me off it!
The pirates treat me like one of them now, maybe it's because I stood up to them, maybe because they miss their own kids. I don't know, but they laugh a lot, and now, I laugh with them.
Dad's doing well. He's still strong. Still the man you loved—maybe even stronger now, you don't have to worry about him. I'll protect him, just like he always protected us
This ship is a wonder. It creaks and shakes like it's alive, and the sea sings all night long. Sometimes I pretend you're beside me, humming along with it.
I'm trying hard to be a warrior. I don't cry much. Only sometimes... when I think of you, but I promise I'll protect Dad.
I'll protect him the way he always protects us, so you don't need to worry, I've got him.
Still... I miss you Mom, I miss you a lot.
I really do.
I wish you were here with us you'll definitely make being in a ship less scary and I'll be able to protect you too
I miss you so much Mom and I promise I'll keep us both safe.
Love,
Akio
He folded the letter carefully and slipped it into his pocket, then, he wrapped a piece of bread and fish in a cloth, wolfed down his food and rushed out.