//------------------------------// // Book 1, Chapter 2: The Gala // Story: Of A Princess & A Pirate // by Renegade3299 //------------------------------// As the two weeks passed by, Luna and Hydro were unable to see each other, due to their busy schedules, but that only raised the glorious anticipation of them being together on one of the best nights of the year. Hydro pulled in extra work, bringing in enough money to buy himself a new frock coat for the big evening. Luna, on the other hand, spent her days getting fitted and taking measurements for an elaborate gown that was being made for her. Even though they weren't able to be together, the two of them were content and happy. On one particular day, Hydro was doing some simple maintenance on his ship, cheerfully singing a sea shanty to himself, when he heard a voice behind him. "So, I heard ye'll be takin' the Princess to the Gala with ye next week, eh Hydro?" Hydro turned around and smiled when he saw Tropic Sun standing there, an old island hermit who lived on the shorelines about a mile from Hydro's ship. "That's right. Got the nerve to ask her, and found out she was about to ask me." "Glad t'see yer happy with her. I ain't seen no better pony for her than you!" Tropic Sun said. Hyrdo stood up, dusting his hooves and pulling the elderly hermit into a friendly hug, as he always did when he visited. "So, what can I do for you?" "Actually, I came here to give ye a helping hoof." Tropic replied. "Being that yer goin' to the Gala with her, ye'll have to present the pretty lass with a corsage. Have ye gotten one?"" "Not yet." Hydro said, "I want to be sure that the flowers are fresh so they'll last as long as possible." "I can help ye a great deal with that." "How's that?" the young fisher asked, curious to see what he meant. Spreading out a map that he'd been holding, Tropic Sun pointed to an island that was not far at all from the shore that they were currently on. "Go to this here island." he instructed. "On the far right of it, ye'll see a small, grassy hill. On that hill lies a field of deep blue and pure white flowers, nourished by the light of the sun and the winds of the ocean. These flowers are special... enchanted. What I mean when I say that, is that they won't fade, they won't wither. They won't die. Ye gather some o'those and bring them to Lilac Song, the village florist and she'll make the perfect corsage for ye. That way, Luna will have something from that evening that she can cherish forever." Hydro looked at the map. Sure enough, the island was in very close sailing distance. He wasn't sure if the old horse was telling the truth about the flowers being enchanted... but Tropic Sea had seen plenty of things in his time on the sea, and even if the flowers weren't enchanted, they certainly sounded like they would look perfect around Luna's foreleg. He grinned at the hermit. "Thanks, Tropic Sun. I'll be sure to get to the island as soon as possible." "It's the least an old sea horse can do. Good luck to ye and the princess, now. See ye soon." Once Tropic Sun had walked down the shore and had disappeared from sight, Hydro walked over to the hut that he had built for his parents to relax during the daytime and while he was out on fishing expeditions. He informed the two of them that he was setting sail for a couple of hours, to which they replied that they would see him when he got back. He quickly set the ship and was on his way. Most ponies out there needed a crew to run a ship, but as with other sea-related tasks, Hydro was able to sail the ship all on his own. Even his parents could not explain this talent, as his father relied on the help of both Hydro, his mother and a crew of five other fisher ponies to sail the ship. After sailing for a little over an hour, Hydro came upon the island where he'd been directed to. He checked the waters and when he found them to be calm, he dropped anchor and lowered the raft into the water, descending onto it with an oar. He paddled to the island, reaching after about five minutes. Dragging the raft onto the shore and weighing the rope down with a few rocks, he made his way to the island's right. 'This is a beautiful island.' Hydro thought to himself as he looked at his surroundings, 'I'll have to bring Luna here sometime.' He soon came to the area that Tropic Sun had spoken of and located the hill. Walking to the hilltop, he soon found himself surrounded by blue and white flowers that were so radiant, they seemed to glow as they swayed lightly in the breeze. Hydro even wondered for a second if he heard a celestial-like song coming from the flowers. Taking a deep and content breath, he knelt down and scooped up a handful that would fit the corsage. He looked up at the sun, noting that it was midday. He had nothing else to do, so he figured he'd relax on this island for a bit. He inspected the area around him, making sure that there were no wild animals that would attack him. Sure enough, the only animals he saw were birds and small rodents, no threat at all. Hydro went under a nearby tree and settled down under its shade, leaning against it. He closed his eyes and drifted off into a relaxed sleep that brought the most interesting of dreams. ******** Hydro was standing on a large balcony, dressed in an elegant frock coat. Luna was with him, in an elaborate, flowing gown. Were they at the Gala? It didn't seem like it, seeing that they were alone. Nonetheless, the two of them danced to a beautiful symphony as the silver light of the moon shone brilliantly on them. Her hooves around his shoulders and his hoof on the small of her back, he led her with the music. He silently thanked his father, who had taught him to properly dance when he was young. "I must admit, Hydro, the way you dance is quite charming." Luna said, as if answering his thoughts. "Not as graceful as you, love." he responded. "I'm just so happy to be here with you. I never dreamed this day would come." the princess smiled. The two of them continued to dance, oblivious to everything else around them. Once the song ended, Hydro took Luna's hoof in his. "Luna, my dearest love, there is something I wish to ask you." he said. He'd been preparing for this moment all night. "We've grown up together from foalhood. We have been through thick and thin, through good and bad. I have loved you since the day I laid eyes on you, and for me, there is nopony else. The day that we confessed our love for one another was the greatest day of my life...so far." Luna tilted her head, curious as to what he meant by 'so far.' She did not need to wait for long, as Hydro continued to speak. "There is another day that would be the greatest day of my life, but it has not yet come. That is why I am here right now. I would love nothing more than to be with you for all of eternity." Getting down on one knee, his heartbeat sped up when he pulled a white gold ring with a sapphire embedded in it. With a gasp, Luna brought her hooves up, covering her mouth as her eyes welled up with tears, a smile spreading across her face. "Princess Luna, will you- ******** Hydro's eyes snapped open. He looked around, remembering that he was on the island that he'd visited to get the flowers for Luna's corsage. He felt a bit disappointed when he realized that he'd only been dreaming, but the feeling quickly faded when he remembered that he would be attending the Gala with his love. He looked up at the sun and saw that he'd been napping for about an hour and a half. He figured that he should get back home. He'd wait a few days to see if the flowers faded or not. If they did, he'd just come back and get more. But with the way they glowed and from what he thought he heard, Hydro now had a feeling that the old island hermit was telling the truth. "One day..." he told himself, regarding his dream, as he made his way to the shore where he'd anchored the ship. ************ "You're going to look absolutely dazzling in this, my dear!" Luna had been at the tailor's shop nearly all morning. The seamstress, Velvet Star was adding a few extra touches to Luna's midnight blue gown that she would be wearing next week. "I hope so." Luna said. "I want to look as good as I can for the one I'm going with." Velvet smiled, "And who is the lucky young stallion that's going with you?" "His name is Hydro." The tailor looked up, somewhat taken aback by what she's just heard. "Hydro? But isn't he that fisher pony who lives near the village?" "Yes, that's right." Luna confirmed, smiling at the mention of her love. "Oh, my." Velvet Star uttered in surprise. "Is something wrong?" the princess inquired, although she was beginning to get an idea on why it was such an unexpected answer. "Well, no. It's just... the Grand Galloping Gala is one of the most important nights in Equestria. I thought you'd attend with a stallion of higher class, more wealth. That sort of stallion." "That's what most everypony thinks when they hear it." Luna resigned, "But trust me, Velvet, he is a kind, loving stallion. He might be a mere sailor, but he makes an honest living, and he is much more pure than many of the rich stallions that live around this city. I love Hydro more than the waking world." "Forgive me, Princess." Velvet apologized, "I was simply taken aback for a moment. I meant no harm in any way, and if you truly love him, then you should go with nopony else." 'If only more ponies thought that way...' Luna thought to herself as Velvet continued working on her gown. Later that evening, as Luna and her family finished dinner, her mother spoke up. "So, Velvet Star told me that she finished your dress for the Gala, Celestia. And she says that she's almost finished with your dress, Luna." Luna's mind froze with panic for a moment, wondering if Velvet had informed her mother of who she was going with. She eased out of her panic mode when her mother continued speaking. I actually got to see them, and they're both gorgeous. I'm a bit disappointed that I won't get to see the two of you wearing them, but I'm glad that the two of you will be in for a magical evening." "Speaking of which, have either of you two found a stallion to accompany you to the Gala? I know it isn't mandatory, but it would make a good impression if you had somepony at your side." her father chimed in as the servants took their plates way. "I've not found anypony yet, Father." Celestia answered, while Luna remained silent, looking down at the table. Her father noticed this and spoke to her. "Luna..." he began suspiciously, "You're not thinking of asking that fisher pony, are you?" The princess tensed up with nervousness. She did not want to bluntly lie to her father, yet she didn't want him knowing, either. She quickly came up with a response that didn't answer his question, but rather, gave her a fighting chance, albeit a small one. "...May I?" she asked innocently. Her father heaved a sigh, folding his hooves on the table in an authoritative manner. "Luna, you know the answer to that." he addressed, "I hate having to keep telling you this, but no means no, and I'm getting weary of saying it." "What do you see in that pony?" her mother inquired, "He's not of noble birth." "What difference does that make?" Luna asked. "More than you think." her father answered, "I will not have my daughter, a princess of Equestria, been seen at one of the most important events with a low-class sailor pony!" "But Father," Luna retaliated, "You must realize- you and mother are only looking at YOUR interest, not mine. You'd rather deny me the one I love so you don't have to be 'embarrassed' as you say, instead of seeing me truly happy!" "Luna, I do not want to hear you say that you love him again." her mother warned. As the scuffle carried on, Celestia felt a great deal of sorrow for Luna. She knew that her sister was in love with Hydro, and she knew that Hydro was a perfect match for her, peasant status or not. She finally spoke up. "Mother, Father- perhaps it would not be any harm to let them go together?" she suggested, her parents staring at her with shock at hearing this. "Celestia, I cannot believe..." her mother scoffed, astonished at what she was hearing. "But maybe he would be good for her." Celestia said. "He does not seem like a bad stallion at all." "No peasant pony is good enough for either of my daughters!" he spoke sharply. After a long pause, he continued, "And besides- at the very least, what is he going to dress in? I won't have my daughter wearing a formal dress standing next to a fisher pony wearing a sailor's vest!" "That is simply his work clothes!" Luna objected, "If you are so worried about what it will look like, we can surely have Velvet Star make a frock coat for him." "Now you're being ridiculous." her father retorted, "I will not pay to have an elegant coat made for a low-class pony. And I will not tolerate even the thought of you going with him. You are a Princess, he is a sailor. You two do not belong together. I won't repeat myself again, Luna. You are not to be seen with him at the Gala, or anywhere for that matter." Luna sighed, hanging her head slightly. Her father recognized this as her acknowledgement of his authority. Little did he know that it was simply a small matter for her, as she would still be going with Hydro. "Perhaps it would be better that her and I just go ourselves this year?" Celestia asked. "That's fine." their father informed, "As long as neither of you go with a lowly peasant." After a few moments of awkward silence, Luna excused herself for the evening, and Celestia followed, informing her parents that she would 'speak with her.' Once in her room, Luna let a low growl escape her lips. "Are you so surprised at his answer, sister?" Celestia asked, closing the door behind her. "It isn't his answer that angers me." Luna replied, "I knew he'd say no. I'm appalled at the excuses that he gave. They're, they're... pathetic! Not one legitimate at all reason why I cannot be with him." "You're right, Luna." Celestia agreed, "Just please... do not anger him any further. The two of them leave for the Crystal Empire this weekend, and they'll be gone for three whole weeks. But if you mention Hydro again, it could make him suspicious, and I don't think I need to remind you- that could be disastrous. It may bother you, but just don't talk about Hydro to him, and everything should work out fine." "I won't, sister. I'll be sure to leave him out of any conversation between us." After conversing for a while about their plans for the Gala, Celestia went to her bedroom for the night. Luna stayed awake for a while, letting her mind clear. Once she realized that things were going to work out, that her parents would be nowhere in sight, she felt ecstatic. She knew that the Gala would be a night to remember, and that everything would work itself out in the end. The princess stepped out onto her balcony, taking in a deep breath of the cool air. "Do not worry, Hydro my love," she said in a low voice as she gazed up at the stars, "I will see to it that Father will accept us." ****EIGHT DAYS LATER**** Hydro awoke early, excited as could be. Tonight, he and his princess would be together at the Grand Galloping Gala, and nopony would ruin their night. He would be picked up by a carriage that he'd rented for the evening, which would take him to the tailor shop where Luna would be getting ready and would wait for him. Then, they would join Celestia and other nobles in a pre-Gala dinner before going to the Gala itself. Yes, this would indeed be one of their best nights ever. The minutes ticked by like hours as he prepared the ship for a small work day before the carriage arrived. After spending half of the morning out at sea, he brought in a good catch for the day and began readying himself for the night. As day turned into afternoon, he swiftly cleaned up, washing off the sea salt from his coat that he'd gotten while out on the ocean. Once that was done, he brushed his wind-whipped mane out and slicked it back with a natural concoction that his mother had made from coconut oil, kelp extract and a few other resources. He sprayed himself down with a cologne that his father had gotten from the village before donning his handsome new frock coat. Looking at himself in the mirror, he smiled to himself. He was now presentable for his princess. He soon heard his father calling from outside, stating that the carriage had arrived. Before exiting, Hydro grabbed the corsage that lay on his desk. To his delight, Tropic Sun had been correct. The flowers did not wither or fade, and even now, rearranged to make a beautiful corsage for Luna, they still radiated with that same brilliance the day he'd gotten them. He made his way to the elaborate carriage, which he had set aside extra money to rent for the evening. The driver opened the door for him, but before stepping in, Hydro pulled out twenty gold bits and handed them over to the driver. "For your service this evening." Hydro addressed, to which he driver smiled. "Thank you, sir." Before climbing aboard, Hydro looked over at his parents, who were sitting on lawn chairs, smiling at him warmly. Then, to his surprise, he saw Tropic Sun standing off to the left, who gave him a wide grin and a wink. Smiling, he got into the carriage and the driver closed the door. Within moments, the carriage began moving, making its way to the capital city. The trip seemed to take eternity as Hydro waited with a bit of nervousness, which was luckily overwhelmed by anticipation. He could not wait to see his princess! His mind raced with how the evening would go, how amazing Princess Luna would look. Finally, the carriage made its way to the capital city. Hydro looked around as he remembered years back, when he was a student at the noble's academy. He and Luna would spend hours walking around the streets of the city, chatting aimlessly about random things, not a care in the world. They came to their first destination- Silk and Satin, the tailor shop where Luna was waiting. The carriage halted and the driver got out, opening the door again. Hydro stepped out, adjusting the ascot on his frock. "Do I look all right?" he asked the driver. "Just fine, sir." he reassured, "She'll be dazzled." Giving him a thankful nod, Hydro walked up to the door and knocked. Seconds later, the door was opened by Velvet Star, the shop's tailor. "Ah, you must be Hydro!" "Yes, m'lady." he confirmed. "You look absolutely fabulous!" she complimented before looking over her shoulder, "Yes, right on time, here she is." As Luna stepped through the doorway, the rest of the world became oblivious and blank to Hydro, his princess looked so beautiful. She wore a midnight blue gown so elegant that it seemed to be made from the night sky itself. Her mane was put halfway up with a couple of strands hanging in curls that draped down beside her face. Hydro could hardly breathe, let alone speak. When he finally came to his senses, he saw that Luna was staring at him in the same manner. "You... my, you look positively amazing!" she was the first to speak. "I look amazing?" he said breathlessly, "You've put me at a loss for words, my love!" The two entered a tender, loving embrace. "All right, time is wasting!" Velvet interrupted, "You two and go have the night of your lives!" "Thank you, Velvet." Luna said before the two of them made their way to the carriage. Hydro opened the door and allowed Luna to step in before getting in himself. The driver closed the door and the carriage began moving. Hydro took Luna's hoof in his, sliding the corsage on. Luna admired with intrigued as she eyed the flowers. "I've never seen flowers like these." she commented, "They're gorgeous! Where did you come across them?" "Interestingly enough, the old hermit Tropic Sun showed me an island where they grow. And there's something special about these flowers, Luna. I gathered them a week ago- they won't wither away. They'll stay the way they are for all time, so hold onto that." "I will, for sure. You found these on an island?" Luna asked. "It isn't too far from the shore." Hydro informed, "I'll have to take you there some time. It's a beautiful island, and it would be a great place for us to visit together." The carriage ride lasted only a few more minutes before they came to their next destination- a banquet hall, where the royal dinner would be taking place. Stepping out, Hydro took Luna's hoof in his as she exited the carriage. "And your parents are away?" Hydro double checked. "My sister and I watched as they departed four days ago. They'll be at the Crystal Empire for three weeks." Luna assured him as they approached the door. The two guards opened the door and they walked inside, where they were greeted by Celestia, who, along with the other nobles, was dressed for the Gala as well. "Good evening, sister. Good evening, Hydro." she greeted, "The two of you look great!" "Thank you, dear sister. You do as well." Luna answered. "Fairest greetings, Princess Celestia." Hydro returned the greeting. "Hydro, I've told you before to just call me Celestia." the sun princess said with a grin and sigh. Even though he was a simple sailor, he had very good etiquette and behaved even more noble than most rich ponies of the city, which was another reason why Luna and Celestia were frustrated with their father's dislike of him. The three of them entered the banquet area, where Luna introduced Hydro to the other nobles. Some of them were friendly to him, others merely acknowledged his presence, but Hydro didn't care. He was here for a magical night with his love, and nopony was going to stop that. Within minutes, the dinner bell rang and they all approached the elongated dining table. Hydro pulled out the chair for Luna before taking his place beside her as the food was brought out. After a four course meal, Luna and Hydro excused themselves as the other ponies chatted. They told Celestia they would see her at the castle before getting into the carriage and making their way to their ultimate destination- the Grand Galloping Gala. Once again, Hydro stepped out and held Luna's hoof as she exited. "We're finally here." Hydro said eagerly. "Together." Luna added. "And I wouldn't have it any other way." he said, embracing her warmly before extending his foreleg. Latching her foreleg around his, the two of them made their way into the grand hall of the castle. After introducing Hydro to several of her friends, Luna brought him over to the table where the two of them each had a glass of wine. "Already this night is unforgettable." Hydro commented, "And it's all thanks to you, my love." "And to you, Hydro." Luna replied. A few moments later, Celestia approached them, picking up a glass for herself. "The two of you look so great together." Celestia sighed, "And you both look so happy." "It's because we're here with one another." Hydro explained. "As long as Luna is here with me, all is right in my world." "You took the words out of my mouth, my love." Luna said. "Celestia!" a voice called out. The princess excused herself and walked toward the pony, leaving Luna and Hydro together. Then, a ballad began playing and a slow dance between the ponies began. Hydro offered his hoof to the princess. "May I have this dance, my love?" Hydro asked, to which Luna smiled and extended her hoof. They had never danced together before, and the two of them had been looking forward to this. They made their way to the center of the hall, where Luna placed her forelegs around his shoulders and he placed his hooves on the small of her back, leading her as the music surrounded them with a magical touch. In moments, the rest of the world had faded away The other nobles, the orchestra, the castle itself seemed to not be there as the two of them slowly danced to the music. This was a moment they wanted to last for eternity. "Hydro, I know that things have been a bit rough for us, and I want to apologize for-" Luna was cut off by Hydro placing his hoof on her face. "Luna, my love, you owe me no sort of apology." he told her, "It matters not that we've had our down times. Every pony does. As long as you're here for me, my life is great." "It's a shame that Father does not approve of you. But I promise you, that I will make sure that we are together, and if Father does not approve of us, I will see to it that he at least accepts us. Celestia is at my side, as are quite a few of my friends. It may take time, but I swear to you, Hydro, it will happen." Hydro looked straight into her eyes. "I do not care how long it takes, my love. All I want is to be with you." The two ponies leaned in slowly, their lips eventually meeting in a tender kiss. They stood there, oblivious to everything else around them. They were here at the Gala. They were together. All that mattered was this moment. "LUNA!!" A voice made both her and Hydro nearly jump out of their skin. A sense of dread came over them when they recognized the voice... Her father's. Their heads darted to where the voice came from. Sure enough, to their great dismay, Luna's parents were standing not ten feet from them, clearly having witnessed their kiss. A dark, wrathful look of fury smoldered on her father's face. Celestia ran up, realizing what was going on. "Father..." Celestia began, "Shut up, Celestia!!!" her father shouted. Their mother approached Luna, and, seizing her by the shoulders, dragged her back, despite Luna's protests. "I knew you were up to something, young lady!" her father growled. He clapped his hooves twice and two royal guards came out of nowhere, grabbing and holding Hydro's forelegs. "What are you doing!?" Luna asked in a panic. "So, my suspicions are confirmed!" Luna's father said out loud purposely, so everypony in the hall could hear, "My daughter, princess of Equestria, here at the Grand Galloping Gala... with A PEASANT!!" He swiftly pointed a hoof at Hydro. The hallway became filled with murmurs, the majority coming from rich nobles muttering their disapproval and disgust. "Let him go!" Luna begged. She tried to break free of her mother's grasp, but when she did, two more guards seized her, rendering her unable to break from them. "I thought you two were at the Crystal Empire..." Celestia said in surprise. "And we were." their mother said, "But our business there needed to wait until next month, so we were able to come home in time for the Gala." "I'm thankful we did. But at the same time, I am utterly sickened." her father spoke coldly, "Hydro, Hydro, Hydro... I told you, to never set foot near my daughter. I told you there would be consequences, but you did not heed my warning." "Father, this was my-" Luna began. "SILENCE!!!" he bellowed, causing most ponies to flinch. Turning his attention back to Hydro, he continued, "Like I said, there would be consequences. And not only did you go near her, you brought her to the Gala, and I found you kissing her. You're about to regret all of that, sailor boy!" Her father raised his hoof. Tightening it, he brought it down swiftly, striking Hydro four times across the face. "Father, stop!!" Luna pleaded with her father. He didn't listen and punched the sailor in the torso, causing him to sink to his knees. The guards held their grasp as the king followed up with a kick to the ribcage. "Is this really necessary?" Celestia asked, appalled. "You be quiet, young lady." her mother's voice hissed from behind her. "You tried to take her side, and you don't want to do that any longer." Celestia hung her head and turned away, not wanting to watch this brutality. "I said it before, and I will say it one final time..." the king declared, "I will NEVER have my daughter seeing a peasant pony! NEVER!!!" He clapped his hooves again, and was given his royal walking cane by a servant. The other nobles watched, some of them chuckling. It was clear to anypony that most of them were stuck up, thinking that the noble class was better than any other pony out there. Luna struggled once again, but the two guards held her in place, forcing her to see the entire ordeal. The king slowly walked over to Hydro, the rage still on his face. He grasped the cane tightly and raised it above his head. "NO!!" Luna sobbed, tears flowing from her eyes. With no hesitation and no mercy, her father began striking Hydro across the head relentlessly with the cane. Luna lowered her head and squinted her eyes shut, unable to watch. Heaving sobs took control of her. The king ordered the guards to release Hydro, causing him to sink helplessly to the floor. Not caring, the king continued to strike Hydro's body. 'This isn't right...' Celestia thought to herself as she heard Luna's painful crying, even though there were no shouts of pain from Hydro. "Stop..." Luna whimpered, still facing the ground. After half a minute, the king finally ceased and ordered his guards to pick him back up. They picked the beaten sailor off of the floor, one of them grabbing his mane to face the king. The pony's frock coat was now tattered. His previously slick mane now hung damp in front of his face. Sweat covered his bruised body. One of his eyes was swollen shut, while blood ran from his nose and mouth, smattered over spots of his face and coat. The king pressed the end of his cane firmly against Hydro's chest, but the pony looked up at the king with a firm stare, not blinking once. "You should have heeded my warnings, but you did not. My word is law, and you ignored it. And now, you've forced me to take action to make sure that you listen to what I say." Silence fell over the room as the king made a horrible declaration. "Hydro, as of now, you are banished from these lands! You have until tomorrow to leave here and never return. Should you return here, you will be imprisoned for all time- and that's if I'm feeling nice! Guards, release him!" The guards let him go, and he again fell to his knees, but he looked up at the king with the same glare he'd been giving him, letting the king know that he was unfazed, and secretly swearing that the king had not seen the last of him. He stood up and looked at the king, face to face, and was greeted with a final smack across the face. Four guards came behind the king, brandishing razor sharp spears. "Now... leave." the king ordered. Hydro stared at the king for a few moments longer, and then turned and walked out of the hall, followed by the guards. He didn't dare look back at Luna, fearing he could not handle the heartbreak. He was already heartbroken as it was and could not take much more. The guards released Luna and with that, she shoved aside any pony in her way and ran to her bedroom, her sister running close behind. The king ordered the blood and sweat cleaned off of the floor and for the Gala to commence. The nobles continued, as if nothing had even happened. Celestia darted through Luna's door and was pained to see her younger sister sprawled out across her bed, crying her eyes out. She could not believe her father's cruelty toward her sister's love. There were currently no words to say, so Celestia simply went over to Luna. A few tears slid down her face as she cradled her broken sister, only able to wait for the pain to subside. Late that evening, Hydro stumbled to the shore. He'd left the carriage behind, his mind numb and broken. The young sailor pony was now feeling immense loss, defeat and heartbreak. He approached the ship, and began getting ready to sail. As he readied the ship, his parents burst through the door. "Hydro, there you are! You're back late, what took so long?" his mother said. "It's nothing." Hydro said. As he turned to look at the map, his parents saw the bruises and dried blood. "What happened to you, boy?" his father asked, astonished. "The king has exiled me. I have to leave by tomorrow." "For what?" his father asked. "He saw me with Luna again." Hydro responded, now unable to keep a few tears from escaping his eyes. "That's not a good enough reason." his mother retaliated. "We should speak to the king immediately." "It won't do any good." Hydro admitted in defeat. "I have to go." "No, son." his father protested, "Don't do this." "I have no choice!" Hydro said. Giving them several bags filled with gold, he said, "You two take care of one another. I love you, and if you ever see Luna again, tell her that I will see her again one day." His parents looked at the gold, then at one another. They quickly realized the seriousness of this situation, no matter how wrong it was. Silently making a decision, they nodded at one another, then looked at their son. "No, son." his father said, "If you're leaving, then we are going with you." "Why? You haven't been exiled, you don't need to leave." "You're our son." his mother answered matter-of-factly. "You can try to convince us otherwise, but we've made our decision." "What about all your friends? Everything you like to do?" "We'll find more in another port." his mother replied. "No more questions, Hydro. We're going with you." Hydro nodded. Upon insisting, his parents cleaned the blood away and tended to his bruises and gashes. After they patched him up, he finished preparing the ship while his parents went back to sleep. It may have been a large sacrifice, but their son had not asked for this, and they were determined to be there for him. Painfully, both physically and in his shattered heart, Hydro unfurled to full sail and directed the ship away from the land. As the ship sailed away and came upon open sea, his emotions finally caught up with him. He sank to his knees, weeping bitterly for hours until there was hardly anything left to weep out. He eventually looked back behind him in the direction of the land that had long since disappeared from his sight. With tears in his eyes, he gazed up at the night sky. "I will always love you, Luna."