//------------------------------// // Book 1, Chapter 3: A Life Without // Story: Of A Princess & A Pirate // by Renegade3299 //------------------------------// The next two years went by at an agonizingly slow pace for Hydro. Not just agonizing from the slow passing of the days, but nothing ever worked in his favor upon leaving the land. To start, he was not able to find secure work post anywhere, no matter where he looked. Some cities and harbors would give him small odd jobs. But most of these jobs were only available because they were very risky tasks- casting for a dangerous type of fish, for instance, or having to sail in dangerous waters, where jagged rocks and hidden sandbars could be all the difference between returning to port or sinking to the ocean floor. And with the extremely high taxes that the land required, he was only able to make enough to just get by. Because of the constant sailing between different lands and cities, and with making only enough to pay for food and drink, living conditions became very poor; not for Hydro (his uncanny aquatic strengths seemed to give him immunity to illnesses at sea), but within seven and a half months after leaving their home, Hydro’s parents fell very ill with a sea-borne disease. Hydro tried to make enough money to get medicine for them, but he was only able to get a small dose, and both his parents were elderly and frail. Upon much debate, Hydro’s father convinced him to give the dose to his mother instead of him, which he complied to. About a week later, Hydro’s father passed away. Sailing to a small island where he would often relax, he buried his father on a grassy knoll under a palm tree that overlooked the sun when it rose over the ocean’s horizon. Also, the small dose he was able to get (which cost him almost all of his month’s earnings) was not enough to cure the disease, only enough to put it off. Two months after his father’s passing, Hydro’s mother succumbed to the disease and died as well. After burying her next to his father the following afternoon, Hydro looked out at the calm blue sea. “I guess I really am on my own now.” he said to himself. With that, he took a long final look at the heavy stones that marked his parents’ graves and returned to his ship. The next few weeks were spent sailing alone- sailing a great distance from Equestria and traveling to different lands. Upon arriving across the ocean in the land of Bridleton, he was lucky enough to find a harbor that gave him a small, secure job that paid him decently. They were even kind enough to give him three ponies who were in need of work. But even though he now had steady work, his life was one of misery. He had lost his parents, the only people who supported and encouraged him. The work he had was nowhere near as fulfilling, both financially and mentally as the work he’d had in Equestria. But the worst of it all was the constant pain he felt in his heart without his Luna. Without her, he had nothing. He was nothing. He tried finding other mares, but could never bring himself to be with any of them- Luna was the only mare for him, he quickly realized. He tried washing his pain away by drinking large amounts of rum, ale and mead. But even when he was drunk, the pain still ebbed at him, and after he’d passed out and awoken with a pounding head, the sorrow always returned in a massive overload. Everywhere he went, he always would see her beautiful face in everything, no matter what it was. Even the most complicated enigmas would remind him of the princess that he’d lost. No, no lost- taken from him! His mind would reel with sorrow for his loss, anger for the King, and his ever burning love for Luna. So much did he think on this, that he concluded that it wasn’t just that he could not be without Luna. He couldn’t live without her. On a chilly morning, when the sun had barely risen over the ocean, Hydro awoke from another drunken stupor, his vision blurred and his head throbbing. He approached his desk, pushed the empty rum bottles aside and grasped the quill on the corner, retrieving a parchment from the basket on the floor. He quickly scribbled a message, folded the parchment and exited the ship, making his way to the harbor, where the harbormaster greeted him. “Another rough night, Hydro?” the stallion asked. Hydro didn’t respond, only slid the parchment onto the table that the harbormaster sat behind. There was a strange, eerie dullness in Hydro's eyes as he spoke after a moment of dusty silence. “When my fellow lads get here, make sure they read this note. Tell them that I appreciate all the hard work they’ve done for me and that I wish them all the best in their lives.” With that, he began walking away. Then, he turned around and looked once more to the harbormaster before speaking again. “One more thing- tell them that the ship is theirs now.” The harbormaster, though he didn’t understand what was going on, gave a firm nod to Hydro and watched as the young stallion faded away into the city. Hydro reached his destination after about half an hour- the highest point in the city, atop a tall stony cliff that overlooked the sea. He drew in a long, steady breath, taking in the scent of the salty air and the now bright sunshine. It was true- he couldn’t be without Luna. “I will see you soon, my love.” he said aloud. He braced himself and ran at full speed to the edge, jumping as big a distance as he could once he reached it. As he fell, he saw images from his life- his fifth birthday, his first time on a ship, meeting Luna, leaving the nobles’ school, dancing with Luna at the Gala.... all of these times in his life flashed before him. He then squinted his eyes shut and soon felt what he’d braced himself for- a strong, painful impact jolting throughout his entire body. But he heard no splash, nor felt himself sinking. He heard only a loud thud and felt himself roll. In a daze, he opened his eyes and saw a wooden floor below him and white sails above. He then heard several voices speaking in shocked manner; “What the- did ye see that!?” “Great griffons!!” “Cap’n, get out here quick!” He then heard hoofsteps approaching before he blacked out completely. ******** Back in Equestria, things weren’t looking very well for the royal family either. Since Hydro’s departure, Luna had confined herself inside her room, letting no one inside. She would only come out to get food or drink, and when she did that, she simply brought it to her room instead of dining with her family. Her parent’s pleas for her to come out fell on deaf, begrudging ears. Her father brooded over this one evening as he sat in the parlor. “Why is she doing this?” he mumbled. “I guess she still hasn’t gotten over that sailor pony.” her mother resigned. “ But it’s been almost two years- you think she’d forget by now… Celestia, dear, would you please go and ask her to come out here with us?” “Mother, you know that will not do any good.” the solar princess answered. “But why him?” the king questioned, “I tried to get her with better, more noble stallions, but she refused every one of them.” “Father, she meant it when she said she cared about Hydro.” “But he’s a sailor!” her father growled through clenched teeth, his frustration getting the best of him. “That didn’t matter to her, I guess.” her mother thought aloud. That phrase was enough to bring a couple minutes of silence into the parlor before the king tossed the book aside and with a long exhales, brought his chin to rest on his hooves. “I just… it’s been almost two years since she’s said a word to us!” he lamented, “She won’t even look at me! She used to be so full of life, so happy. I miss being able to do things with her. I would do anything to get my precious Luna back.” “Would you really be willing to do anything?” Celestia inquired, “Do you really mean that when you say it, Father?” The king looked at his daughter, seeing the look in her eye. She didn’t need to explain any further- he realized what she meant, and he realized what he needed to do in order to get his daughter back. He'd actually know this for a long time, but now knew that there was no other way. And it had to be done. “I have no other choice, then, do I?” he said, rising out of his plush chair. He sighed and made his way to Luna’s bedroom. He knocked, and of course, got no response. “Luna, my dear?” Still nothing. “Luna, could I speak with you?” No response. “I think you’ll like what I have to say.” When he still was greeted with silence, he knew that he couldn’t put it off any longer. “Luna, do you still wish to be with Hydro?” Upon that being said, the door flung open and the king was greeted by his daughter, a furious look on her face, her breathing in heavy growls. “Do I still wish to be with Hydro?” she said sarcastically, putting a hoof up to her chin, making a mock decision. “Hmmm….” “What in the hay do you think!?” she belted out, her voice echoing throughout the halls of the castle. “You constantly gave him and I trouble throughout the time we knew each other, always putting him down and saying he wasn’t good enough for me! And all he ever did was show me love and show you respect! He never was hostile toward you, and you STILL treated him like dirt!! Then you humiliated us at the Gala, beat him to a pulp and then exiled him!! And now you have the gall to come here and ask if I still want to be with him?” When she paused for breath, the king spoke in a calm tone, letting her know that he was not here to argue. “Luna, my dear, that is why I’ve come to you. I’ve seen the pain on your face, and I see how you want nothing to do with us. Honestly, I can’t blame you for that. But that’s why I am here- to make amends.” “Make amends…” she said dully, crossing her forelegs and raising an eyebrow. “Yes, my dear. I will not keep my intentions subliminal any longer. If you truly wish to be with him, then I will allow you two to be together.” Luna coughed and sputtered, shocked at hearing the words she thought she’d never hear from her father. “What?” she asked, wanting to be sure that she heard right. “If you want to be with him, then I will not stop you.” Luna paused for a moment, a joyous sensation arising within her. But, she wasn't born yesterday. After the way her father had acted, she knew there may have been something amiss. "So why the sudden change of mind?" she inquired. "Because... because I didn't realize how melancholy it would make you. I thought that you were going through a phase. I didn't think it through. I don't know, really, Luna. Now, however, I do know that you need to be happy, no matter the cost." "But you exiled him." Luna realized, "And it's been two years since then. How is this going to work?" "I am king of Equestria, my dear." her father reminded her, "I have the means to find him and have him brought back here. Tomorrow, I will recruit a number of my men, and have them go out and find him. They will search the enitre Known World if they must. Rest assured- I will see to it that he returns." For the first time in two years, long past what her family could remember, a smile came to Luna's face and she hugged her father. "Thank you so much, Father!" she exclaimed, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" "Anything to see you happy, Luna." "You have no idea how joyful this mkaes me! And Father... I am sorry for distancing myself." "No, Luna, it is I who owes you the apology for what I did to you and him. I should have known better." The King then gave her a kiss on her forehead and departed to his chambers. Feeling an ecstatic rush of joy, in which she hadn't felt in so long, Luna rushed to her balcony and jumped, unfurling her wings and taking flight, the moonlit sky gleaming over Equestria. She made her way over the capital city, and then to the village by the bay. She landed at the shore where she once would meet with Hydro in secret. The old dock where the ship once had anchored had given away to wood rot, and the hut that he'd built was now collapsed. It was evident that nopony had been here since Hydro had left, but Luna didn't care. When Hydro returned, she would help him in rebuilding the dock and the hut. Perhaps they would be able to do more to fix up the area, since they would now be allowed to see one another. ******** Hydro found himself in what appeared to be the middle of the ocean. He soon realized that he was standing on an island, and sure enough, he was surrounded by sea water. The night sky hung with a light mist. He then heard a voice echo. "Hydro..." He recognized the voice. "Hydro, my love..." "Luna!?" he darted his head back and forth, attempting to locate the source of the voice. "Come, Hydro. It is time." "Luna!" "You are on your way, my love. A few more trials and tasks. You will do what you must." "Luna, my dearest love! Where are you?" he kept frantically searching for any sign of his beloved princess. "Do not feel any shame for what you will do. I love you, no matter what you do, no matter what you are." Hydro began moving around the island, his eyes keen for Luna. "Ask no forgiveness, for I have already forgiven you. Do what you, must, my love. Then, we can be together once more..." "LUNA!!" he called. Then he heard her speak something a bit strange. "Lad..." "Huh?" he questioned, puzzled. "Are ye awake?" the voice was getting a bit deeper. "What is going on?" he wondered aloud. Then, the scenery changed as he came out of the dream. He discovered that he was actually lying on a bed in a ship's cabin. "Everything all right there, lad?" a stallion's voice now spoke to him. He looked up and saw a red Earth Pony stallion with green eyes and a jet black mane with a couple of loose braids entwined. He wore a purple frock coat and a black tri-point hat. Hydro sat up and grabbed his head, which ached more now than an any drunken stupor he'd been in. "Ugghh... where am I?" he inquired. "Yer in a safe spot. Easy now, get some more rest. We'll talk when ye recover." ******** Luna waited anxiously in the parlor. Today, the guards were returning! She could not wait to see her Hydro. It had been far too long of a wait, but now they would be reunited! For almost three months, she'd waited anxiously for the return of the guards and her love. She'd been thrilled when she discovered that Hydro's ship had been registered at the harbor of Bridleton, and even though that was all the way across an entire ocean, she still was chipper nonetheless. Her family had also been delighted at Luna's return to her old self. Especially her sister, who had listened graciously as Luna chattered on about her plans for her and Hydro when he returned. This was how the royal family should be- all of them content and happy. After an hour passed, she finally heard the castle doors open. Unable to take the ancitipation, she dashed out of the parlor and down the hall, turning the corner and seeing the guards led by her father. But she stopped when she noticed that Hydro was not with them. She quickly noticed a grim look on her father's face, as well as the guards. "...Father?" she asked. "To the parlor." he said in a hushed tone. Her nerves rolling, she followed her father into the parlor where she had been waiting. Her mother and sister quickly entered the room, and looked just as surprised when they saw that Hydro was not here. The king turned around and took a deep breath. "Luna... we found that Hydro was indeed stationed in Bridleton. He was working for the harbor there, but everypony told my men that he'd been depressed for a long time. And...I, uh..." "Father, what is it?" she asked, worry rising in her voice. "The harbormaster informed us that about two months ago, Hydro showed up one morning, gave him a note and disappeared. The...I..." the king was having a lot of trouble telling his daughter this. "It was a suicide note, Luna. Hydro... killed himself." Luna's face dropped into one of complete shock and horror. A gasp was heard from Celestia, while a shocked expression dawned on her mother's face as well. A cold, brittle tenstion filled the room. "I'm sorry, my dear." was all the king could say. After a few more silent but tense moments, Luna's emotions erupted. With a scream, she lunged herself at her father, pounding her hoof into his back repeatedly in fury before deep, painful sobs emitted from her. "HYRDO, NO!! NO!! WHY, WHY, WHY, WHY!!!???" she cried aloud. "Luna, I am so-" her father attempted, but was cut off when the princess shoved him with all of her might, causing him to topple over and land on a futon. Then, Luna rushed out of the parlor and made her way to her bedroom, the sound of her tears echoing through the halls. Her parents simply remained in position, knowing that this was what they deserved. Celestia slowly followed her sister's hoofsteps. Once out of the parlor, she turned around and faced her parents, who had shameful expressions on their faces. She stared at them for a few moments. Then, she shook her head in disgust before slamming the parlor doors. True, they did not cause Hydro's death directly, but if they had just accepted his and Luna's being together, this could have been avoided. A week later, ponies gathered at the harbor of Equestria- ponies who knew Hydro from when he lived in the land. He may not have been the wealthiest, but he had a host of friends. And they were all here for his memorial service, which the king had ordered in a sort of apologetic sense. Luna was so angry, so upset that she almost didn't come to the service. But she did, anyway.... for her Hydro. But as her father stood in front of the seated crowd, she looked straight ahead out at the sea, ignoring her father once again. Celestia sat by her sister, making sure she was there in her hour of need. She'd been the one to comfort Luna, who had been so angry, that she'd even accused her father of secretly killing Hydro and then using suicide as a cover up- "To ensure we would never see each other again!" Luna had spitefully declared. Luckily, Celestia convinced her otherwise, but it was not easy, and took a lot of convincing. But she still smoldered in anger toward the way Hydro had been treated by her parents. Even now, as her father spoke, she disregarded him completely. "Citizens of Equestria," the king began, "We are gathered today to remember the life of Hydro. A young sailor, who was known for his keen and uncanny talents for sailing, fishing, and everything to do with the sea. A friend to many, an enemy to very few." 'And you're one of the few...' Luna thought as she stared at the sea. "An honest stallion who wished nothing more than to make an honest living. Before I continue, would anypony like to say anything on behalf of Hydro?" A few ponies came forward and recited fond memories of Hydro. Tropic Sun was the final pony to speak, and then the king returned to the front. "I am sure that many of you remember when I exiled Hydro because he was, as I called it, low-class. But in the past two years, not only have I come to greatly regret my decision, but I have also realized that everypony is an individual, and things like wealth, power and status, when it all comes down to it, don't mean very much. It's the pony that counts. So, as we conclude the service, I would like to make an official declaration. That nopony shall be treated with malice or hostility because they aren't of nobility. That everypony shall have a fair chance to strive for what they want. And that everypony shall be looked upon equally. I do this in honor of Hydro, a stallion whom was born a peasant, but had the heart of a noble. Hydro, may you find rest in the afterlife from here on." Bagpipes began playing as the king slowly took the wreath that had been standing nearby. Even as he slowly walked to the edge of the dock and cast the wreath into the ocean, Luna wasn't sure if her father meant anything that he'd said. And when the service had ended and she was returning to the castle with her sister, she could hear a voice from within her- a voice similar to her own, but one that she'd never before heard. 'These inconsiderate whelps that you call family do not care about you... only themselves.' ****** Hydro woke up in the same cabin he'd awoken in before. Getting up, he noticed that the pain in his head had subsided a great deal, as well as throughout his body. He stood up, taking a moment to catch his balance. His legs felt like gel, and it took him a couple of minutes to walk straight. When he was able to do so, he exited the cabin and found himself on a ship with stallions bustling about everywhere on it. Looking over, he found the red stallion he'd seen when he came to earlier. As he approached, the stallion looked and saw him. "Ah, here he is! Feelin' better lad?" the stallion asked in a gruff, yet jolly voice. Hydro nodded as an answer, still wondering where he was and what exactly was going on. As if to answer, the stallion continued, "Well, I'm sure yer wonderin' where ye might be. Let's go into my cabin where we can speak." Hydro followed him across the ship's deck and through the doors near the ship's stern. Once inside, the stallion seated himself behind a large table and urged him to sit across from him. Once Hydro was seated, the stallion began talking. "So, let's start of with what happened. First of all, you've been uncsonscious fer about two weeks or so. We was sailin' past Bridleton and I heard a loud smack outside. My crew called me out and there ye were, sprawled over the deck. They told me that ye just fell from the sky out of nowhere. We took ye inside, patched ye up, and here ye are now. So, tell me, lad... what in the hay happened that made ye fall onto my ship?" Hydro breathed a long sigh. "It...it's a long story. First off, my name's Hydro, and I appreciate you taking me in. Where to start.... I was exiled from my home land two years before. My life there was great- simple, but great. The only problem is... and I swear, I'm telling the truth... I was in love with the princess there, and her father hated me. Said I wasn't rich or noble enough for his daughter. That was the whole reason I was exiled to begin with... you don't think I'm crazy, do you?" The stallion chuckled and shook his head in a negative response. "Lad, ye have given me no reason to doubt you. And I've seen plenty of crazy things as a privateer. And I can understand where yer comin' from- this world is full of cruel and inconsiderate ponies, especially ones who have power. There's certainly no reason why I shouldn't believe ye." "I'm actually glad to hear that." Hydro said, "Most ponies would be laughing at me by now. Well, anyway, I travelled for the next two years, all over the Known World, but nowhere was able to sign me on for work. A few small jobs here and there, but nothing secure. After my parents died, I came to Bridleton. But my life was horrible. I just couldn't take it anymore, I guess..." Hydro trailed off, but the stallion picked up on where he was going, "Ah... so ye couldn't handle a life without her anymore... and ye flung yerself off those cliffs, I presume?" Hydro nodded. The stallion stood up and began slowly pacing around. "Well, lad, I am a beliver in both chance and fate. In this instance, I think that it was fate that ye landed on my ship. Something obviously didn't want ye to die. We'll talk more about this later, when you can tell me the whole story, but am I correct in guessing that ye want yer princess back?" "I'd give anything to be with her." Hydro firmly declared. "Well, yer in luck, because I can easily be of help. With my help, ye can get those riches that her father demanded that ye have. In a couple of years, ye'll be richer than most noble ponies out there, and her father won't have any say in it." He turned around and placed his hooves on the table, looking directly at Hydro. "So... whaddya say ye join my crew? Join us and we'll be on our way to riches and glory, and ye'll have yer lass back before ye know it." Hydro thought it through for a moment and then grinned. He extended his hoof, which the red stallion shook in accord. "You've got a deal. You said that you're a privateer?" Hydro inquired. "Aye, we actually make port from Bridleton, but we work for this entire land. The governor gives us contracts, we fill 'em, we get paid." "And you're the captain?" Hydro asked. "Right again. This here's my ship, the Sea's Fury." "I don't yet know your name, though." The stallion turned around again and gave a sly grin to Hydro. "Everypony knows me as Blackmane."