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This pirate is the one and only survivor from a ship that crashed too far away to remember how to get back now..
Weak, and still coughing up water, he roared out toward the quickly sinking remains hoping for any sign of life, but alas, none could be found.
After the ship sank, he waited ashore for hours for any other survivors of the crew that he'd known his entire life. He waited, coughing, trying to get the sea water out of his lungs. Finally, once he felt strong enough to travel, he got up and started walking away from shore.
He began to wander, now desperate for food, drinkable water and a warm place to curl up and sleep.
After many moons of endless wandering, a large king, one that could only be compared to the ones that he'd been told stories about when he was a cub, found him in his territory.
The pirate was no stranger to being run out of other territories. He took a threatening pose himself as the much larger and obviously much stronger, and much better fed, lion approached him.
"Who are you and what are you doing in my territory?" The king relaxed a bit. "You don't look or smell like any of my enemies. Where are you from?"
What began as threat quickly de-escalated into an apprentice-ship and as they spoke, and the lone pirate answered all of the mighty king's questions, the king made an offer.
"I've learned a lot about you in the short time we've known of eachother. Not that I fully trust you, but as of yet, I don't have an heir to take after me once I retire. You seem like the perfect candidate. Completely unrelated, full of rage and motivation and very strong-willed despite what you've been through. How would you like to be my apprentice? You will have to prove yourself to me. I'll need you to train, patrol and help look after the pride. What say you, pirate?"
"I would be honored t' serve the cap--err-- King? dat rescued me." Stuttered the pirate.
"Very well, then. From here on out, you are to answer to me, Devil's Venom, and now, your king. I'd like to address you by your name, and in the time we've been talking I've managed to miss it.. What is it?
"Another thing..." The stranded pirate paused. "I've nah yet earned a name."
"Well, I suppose we ought to change that, then." The king paused as he looked at him and the pirate returned the king's gaze. It is with the greatest respect and dignity of your fallen pride that I grant you the new name of..."
The king trailed off, seemingly deep in thought. Finally, he continues.
"Shatterclaw." He declared.
The scrawny adolescent lion looked up at his new king with a grateful look in his eyes.
" 'tis the greatest honor o' any pirate t' earn thar name t' serve thar crew--err--I mean pride! Dis name be unlike any other 'n I will honor it along wit' me pride 'n king throughout me entire life. Thank ye." Shatterclaw said, very pleased with his new name, a glint in his eye.
"I hope that you thrive in serving your new pride as much as I hope, and that you fulfill the paw steps that your obligations require." Said Devil's Venom. "There are duties to attend to. Come along, and let me show you around the territory."
Shatterclaw stood up beside his king with a stance of pride and together they went off to patrol the territory.
With his fallen Captain, his father, behind him in spirit, he was ready to walk this new path.
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