Chapter 3: The Home Town
The train slowly came to a screeching halt as it arrived in the east coast town of Baltimare. It had been a long train ride for Ace and Applejack, and it was now getting later in to the afternoon. Not to late but there was still a lot of day light left in the day.
Ace and Applejack stepped off the train to see the big town with everypony trotting around going about their day.
“Well this is it, my home. Baltimare” said Ace.
“Well now ain't this a nice town to live in” said Applejack.
“Have you ever been here before?” asked Ace.
“Naw but I have family members that live here. Shoot I have family that all over Equestria Ace” said Applejack.
Ace smiled but refocused on their main ask. “Alright my house or my moms house truthfully” said Ace a little embarrassed to admit. “Shouldn't be that far from here just a ten to fifteen minute trot”.
“Now ah don't mind walkin at all” said Applejack. “lets get goin. Daylights ah burnin”.
The duo began to walk though the town to see tall buildings, a farmers market, and children playing, laughing and having fun.
Ace was glad to be home again but at the same time he wasn't at all.
Applejack noticed Ace looking a little down so she decided to see what was upsetting the dark red stallion. “Is somethin the matter sugar cube?” asked Applejack.
Ace signed, “Its just that watching those colts and filly's play makes me sad because I never really got have that much fun or do any other that when I was their age, I would always get picked on wherever I went” said Ace.
Applejack smiled and put her hoof around Ace. “Hey now don't worry about what happened in the past sugar cube. The important thing is you have friends now that care for ya and will always have yer back” said Applejack.
Ace gave applejack a warm smile. “Thanks Applejack I'm really glad you deiced to come with me” said Ace.
“Anythin for a friend” said Applejack as the duo continued to walk. “Now lets see we just passed the farmers market so we should be..”
Applejack was interrupted by a feminine voice from behind. “HEY ACE!” the voice shouted.
Both Applejack and Ace stopped dead in their tracks. Applejack looked over at Ace to see him have a worried look on his face as he slowly turned around. Applejack turned around as well the see what was getting Ace all worked up about.
She turned around to see a sandy beige mare earth pony with a smooth light red mane and tail, light blue eyes and a sand castle cutie mark. She looked about Ace's age and was giving Ace a nasty look. Behind the sand beige pony was small group of other ponies also giving Ace a mean look.
Applejack didn't know what to think of the situation, in fact she was total confused about what was going on.
“Hehe hey their S-sandy Shores” said Ace nervously.
“You know Ace I thought I told you to never come back when you left for Canterlot” said Sandy Shores. “Your not so smart showing back up around here now are you?”.
Sandy Shores then began to to walk up to the duo
“Psst Ace who's that” whispered Applejack.
“That's Sandy Shores. Shes the meanest, rudest, hurtful and snobbiest pony around. She's been picking on me, beating me up and tormenting me my whole life along with her friends” said Ace.
“So Ace I don't suppose this a friend of yours, is she?” said Sandy Shores.
“Well actually she is” said Ace. “This is Applejack”
Applejack then reached her hoof out. “Its a pleasure makin yer acquaintance" said Applejack.
Applejack didn't really know the mare but still thought she aught to try and be nice to her.
Sandy Shores slapped Applejack's hoof away. “Yeah whatever, say Ace is this imbecile your Marefriend?” asked Sandy.
Applejacks face turned bright red. “A-ah beg your pardon?” said Applejack.
Ace's face also started to turn a bright shade of red. “WHAT!?! no no no she's just a friend of mine” said Ace. "Were just friends".
Sandy just signed. “I should have be smart enough to know she wasn't. You know you'll never find a special somepony, you know that right Ace” said Sandy.
“Yeah” said one of Sandy's friends.
Ace hung his head in shame. “Yeah I know” said Ace sadly.
Applejack then spoke up to defend her friend. “Hey ya'll don't know that I'm sure Ace will meet a nice mare one day an-”
Applejack was then rudely interrupted by Sandy. “I'm sorry but was I talking to you? You dumb southern earth pony” said Sandy.
Applejack then got a bit upset with Sandy and wasn't going to let her talk to Ace or herself like that. “Excuse me?” said Applejack firmly.
“You heard me you” said Sandy. “you dumb southern ponies annoy me just as much if not more than Ace. Also whats up with you talk? Did you not learn plan English in school? Oh wait I forgot you kind probably doesn't go to school”.
Applejack's face now was turning a bright shade of red in anger. She had never met someone who's more offensive or disrespectful then Sandy Shores.
“Now you look here ah won't take you talkin to me that way, now you take back about what ya said about me right now” said Applejack tightening her hat and moving closer to Sandy shores.
Sandy then got up in Applejack's face. “Oh in you dreams. Why don't you go back to the farm where you belong” said Sandy. "Its ponies like you that ruin our community".
“Ya know why don'tcha take back what you said about me or else!” exclaimed Applejack.
“Or what what are you going to do about it Apple-FAT!!” shouted Sandy.
The two locked eyes looking like a brawl between the two mares was going to start. Ace finally spoke up to stop the two.
“Applejack its alright lets just go” said Ace putting his hoof on Applejack.
Applejack turned around and looked at Ace. “B-but Ace Ah'm standin up ya” said Applejack. “And myself. Don't you want her to at least apologize to you?”.
“Applejack seriously its fine lets just go” said Ace trying to get Applejack to stand down.
Applejack could tell Ace just wanted to get away from all this. So she stood down, walked up to Ace and the two started to walk in the other direction away from Sandy.
“Oh so you think you can just walk away huh?!” shouted Sandy.
“We don't think” Applejack called out. “We know we can just walk away”.
With that said Sandy Shores signed and started walking away. “Common guys. Lets just be glad we got to him a little” said Sandy. "I hope I never have to see that twerp and his country friend again".
Applejack and Ace continued to walk down the streets of Baltimare. But the whole time they were Ace noticed how upset Applejack looked. “Is something bugging you Applejack?” said Ace.
Applejack looked over at Ace. “Yes there is. Ah mean Ah have never met a pony so rude, stuck up and snobby like her before. Makin all those rude comments about me and you” said Applejack. “I just can't believe somepony would act like that”
“You don't know the half of it” said Ace. “Today was a good day. I've seen her when she's been worse to me”.
"Doesn't that bother you?" Applejack asked.
"Yeah but you get use to it" said Ace.
“Hey Ace?” said Applejack.
“Yes” said Ace.
Ace looked over at Applejack to see she was on the verge of tears. “A-ah'm not fat, am I?” asked Applejack.
“oh no no no your not fat Applejack” said Ace. “In fact your one of the most active mare's I've seen besides Rainbow Dash”.
“Thanks Sugarcube, that means a lot. Its just that, You know Ah'm not really at all into any of that girly stuff like what dresses to wear and all. But Ah guess Ah took that comment about her calling me fat really personal” said Applejack.
“Why's that?” asked Ace.
“Well you see Sugercube. When somepony calls a mare fat, ugly or somethin else really hurtful involving the way she looks or her appearance. They take it real personally and it hurts their feelins pretty badly. Shoot Ah never thought Ah would take somethin like that so personal, Ah guess its just natural” said Applejack.
“Well my mom always told me when ever somepony tries to pick on you. The best thing to do is just walk away” said Ace.
Applejack smiled. “Well yer mother sounds like a nice mare from what Ah've heard from you” said Applejack.
“Trust me she's always been there for me whenever I've needed her and I'm proud to be called her son” said Ace.
Applejack knew how much Ace loved his mother and she was really curious about who she was. “Say how much more walkin do we have to do till get to our destination?” said Applejack.
Ace looked over at Applejack. “Well I know this town like the back of my hoof so I say w-” Ace stopped dead in his tracks and got a huge grin on his face. “THERE!” shouted Ace sprinting to the door of a huge nice looking house.
Applejack took a good look at the huge home with a light blue roof, huge windows, and just It looked like a house that would cost more then a lot for a normal pony. And the house looked to nice for just anypony to live their. Applejack became even more curious of who Ace's mother was. Who was she? Applejack walked closer to the house. “Sooo this is the place I reckon?” asked Applejack.
“Yep. I just hope she's home” said Ace.
Ace then knocked on the door. The duo waited Patiently, and finally after a few moments a light gold pegasus with a dark tangelo mane and tail, navy blue eyes, and had two lightning bolts crossed over a pair of white wings cutie mark answered the door.
Ace looked at the Pegasus and gave her a big smile. “Hi mom” said Ace.
The mare returned the smile and embraced her son with a big huge. “Oh Ace its so good to see you home. How was your time in Canterlot?” said The mare.
“It was wonderful mom. I was actually in Ponyvile the whole week, I was only in Canterlot for a day” said Ace.
The mare pegasus smiled. “That's wonderful son. Say honey who's this with you? A new friend of yours I assume?” asked the mare.
“W-why yes” said Ace. “Mom I would like you to meet Applejack one of my new friends who lives in Ponyvile”.
“Its a pleasure makin your acquaintance” said Applejack shaking Ace's mother's hoof.
“Applejack this is my mother Tropical Breeze” said Ace.
“Well its nice to meet you Applejack” said Tropical smiling. “why don't you two come on in”.
With that said the three walked back inside the house and Tropical closed the door behind them. On the inside of the big house, the home was nicely decorated. Applejack looked around the big living room unique furniture of all kinds.
“Miss Breeze Ah have to say yer furniture is mighty fancy. Where did ya get all these if its not to much to be askin?” said Applejack.
Tropical Breeze smiled. “Well the sofa's I got at this nice little store downtown. But the cabinets, tables, picture frames and everything else I didn't buy. Ace made them by hoof” said Tropical.
Applejack's eyes widened as she was completely dumbfounded about what she just heard. “H-he did?” said Applejack.
Applejack then looked over at Ace and grinned at him. “Shoot Sugarcube why did you tell me on the train that you were 'ok' at crafting and building? Heck this work is amazin Ace, it looks like a professional did this” said Applejack.
Ace blushed. “Thanks I-I've never really had anypony judge my building or crafting before except my mom” said Ace.
“Well now ya have” said said Applejack.
Tropical smiled and both Ace and Tropical walked into the kitchen leaving the Applejack in the room alone.
“Ill be right back Applejack” said Ace.
Applejack nodded and continued to look around to see picture frames on the wall but she stopped when she saw an old News paper article in a picture frame with a headline that looked like Ace's mom in a Wonderbolts costume that said TROPICAL BREEZE LEADS AMAZING WONDERBOLT SHOW IN CANTERLOT
Applejack studied News paper article but saw another picture frame beside it with another newspaper article similar headline.
TROPICAL BREEZE INDUCTED IN WONDERBOLT HALL OF FAME
Applejack then continued on and on and the Articles just seemed to keep going on and on.
TROPICAL BREEZE NAMED BEST FLIER IN EQUESTRIA, TROPICAL BREEZE CAPTAIN OF THE WONDERBOLTS, TROPICAL BREEZE A PEGASUS WITH KILLER SPEED.
“I was really something wasn't I" said a voice from behind.
Applejack turned around to see Tropical Breeze standing there looking at Applejack. “Ah'm s-sorry Miss Breeze its just that Ah had no idea you were a member of the Wonderbolts” said Applejack.
“Yes I was...but that was a long time ago” said Tropical.
“Well now Ah know I've heard yer name before somewhere cause a good friend of mine is a pretty huge fan of the Wonderbolts” said Applejack. “I use to hear her go on on about how when she was just a small filly she meet one of the 'legendary' captain of the Wonderbolts”.
Tropical Breeze smiled. “Well I'm very flatted to hear that” said Tropical Breeze.
“Well what happened to ya. Rainbow Dash said that you one day just quit?” said Applejack.
Tropical Breeze's smile turned into a frown as she pointed to a picture frame on the wall with another News paper article in it. TROPICAL BREEZE STEPS DOWN AND RETIRES FROM WONDERBOLTS.
Applejack didn't know what to think of it. What happened that made her retire at such a young age where she can still physically fly pretty fast and able to do tricks.
“Y-you retired? B-but why” asked Applejack.
“I...I didn't have a choice” said Tropical. “At the time Ace was a small colt and the stallion that was the father of Ace left me to raise Ace on my own after he was born. Ace's father was a unicorn and so was my father so that's why Ace is a Unicorn” said Tropical.
“Oh I see now “ said Applejack.
“I was getting a bit of topic but the point is because of that I was struggling to take care of Ace as well as be the captain of the Wonderbolts” said Tropical. “I couldn't do both and I knew if I did I would overwhelm myself so much that I wouldn't be able to lead the Wonderbolts or be a great mother to Ace, so I made my decision”.
“S-so how'd it happen if ya don't mind me askin” said Applejack.
“Well the day I officially made the statement I was Retiring, I in Cloudsdale with the rest of the Wonderbolts” said Tropical.
13 years ago...
we had just finished a show and I was signing autographs like I usually do after everyshow.
Tropical Breeze along with two other Wondrbolt members were standing in front of a big crowd of Ponies signing autograph's and greeting their fans. Tropical knew that this would be her last autograph signing before she was going to public announce that she was stepping down from the Wonderbotls.
She felt bad though. She hadn't really told anypony she was stepping down and the sight of her fans meeting her and telling her how great of a flier she was only made more hard for her to go through.
“Hey Tropical are you feeling alright” said a tangerine colored pegasus with a sky blue colored mane and tail.
Tropical signed. “Yes I'm fine Sound breaker. It's just hard seeing all these fans face's excited to see me not knowing that what I'm going to do will leave many disappointed, heartbroken and confused” said Tropical.
“I understand what your going through but why did you only tell me?” asked Sound breaker.
“Because I know I can trust you. You've been with me since the beginning when I first started at the academy same as you” said Tropical.
The Stallion smiled. “Well I'm flattered that you would come to me first” said Sound. “But hey looks like you have a little fan of yours coming up to see you”.
Tropical turned to see a rainbow maned filly with a light cerulean fur squeeze though the crowd and then stumble up to Tropical Breeze.
Tropical looked down and smiled at the filly. “Well hi there sweetie whats your name?” said Tropical.
The filly gave a wide smile knowing that her idol was interested in meeting her. “M-my name is Rainbow Dash and I'm your biggest fan!” exclaimed the small filly. “C-can I get your autograph?”.
The filly then held up a small poster with Tropical Breeze in her Wonderbolt costume wanting her to sign it.
Tropical gave the small filly a warm smile. “Why sure you can sweetie” said Tropical. Tropical then grabbed a pen with her mouth and then wrote her signature on the poster along with a nice little message. “There you go Rainbow Dash” said Tropical.
Rainbows face lit up with joy. She was so thrilled that Tropical Breeze, the Captain of the Wonderbolts said her name and the fact the she signed the poster that she loved so dearly. “Thanks you so much miss Breeze” said Rainbow. “You know one day I want to be just like you and be in the Wonderbolts”.
“Well Sweetie when you focus your mind on something, you can accomplish anything” said Tropical.
Rainbow Dash gave Tropical a wide smile and was thrilled that her idol supported her dream to one day be in Wonderbolts just like Tropical Breeze. The filly then ran back through the crowd leaving Tropical Breeze happy but at the same time sad.
“You know your lucky that your little colt has a kind hearted mother who loves him dearly” said Sound Breaker.
Tropical slightly blushed. “You know Sound Breaker that little filly was no older then my own son. But what tares me apart is seeing that filly with such excitement in her eyes but not knowing that her idol is going to do something that will most likely hurt her dearly” said Tropical.
Sound Breaker put his hoof on Tropical's shoulder.“Hey stop being so hard on yourself. You doing this for your son and I know you feel guilty cause your a single mom and don't get to spend a lot of time with him.” said Sound. “To be honest with Tropical, I think your making the right choice. Ace need's a good mother to raise him”.
Tropical smiled at him. “Thanks Sound Breaker I'm really going to miss you" said Tropical.
Sound Breaker smiled "I will too" said sound. then sound thought of something else that might concern his friend. "Hey Tropical did you tell that one academy trainee that you really like. Oh what's her name? AH Spitfire that's it have you told her that you leaving?".
Tropical hung her head down. "No I haven't told her yet and she really looks up to me too" said Tropical.
"You know I've always wondered what you see in her" said Sound.
Tropical looked over at sound. "When I look at Spitfire I she her potential and her enthusiasm to being a Wonderbolt" said Tropical. "I know that one day she will be one of best flier's in the Wonderbolts and just maybe even lead the Wonderbolts one day".
Sound Breaker chuckled. "That's a lot to predict don't you think?" said Sound.
Tropical let out a slight giggle. "What ever you say sound. I'm just telling you I know a true Wonderbolt member when I see one" said Tropical.
After the autographs it was finally time for me to make my announcements and still till this day it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made in my life.
Tropical Breeze stepped up on stage and was standing in front of a bunch of mic's set up and a Roaring cheer from the crowd greeting her. Tropical Breeze knew this decision was going to be though to go through so she took a deep breath and then started to speak.
"Hello everypony I would like you thank so much for attending our show here today in Cloudsdale and I must say I think it was one of our best" said Tropical.
With that said the crowd have out a loud Cheer and then silenced when Tropical started to speak again. "Again I thank you so much for attending, but I didn't come up here on stage to talk about our show. I have something to say" said Tropical.
The crowd then went silent to see what the Wonderbolt captain was going to say. As Tropical looked around she saw her fans were smiling waiting for her to speak but what they didn't except what Tropical was about to say.
"You know you ponies have been the best fans on the world and I am thankful for that you guys are always at my shows to cheer me on" said Tropical. "But today I'm going say something that has been on my mind lately and it w-was a tough decision t-to make".
At this point Tropical was on the verge of tears and didn't know how much long she could hold back. Her fans were confused and could tell by the look on her face that she was struggling to say what she wanted to get out.
"From t...this moment I..I-I a-am...."
A this point tears were now rolling down Tropicals face, she felt like she was about to break down but she didn't want to do it in front of thousands of ponies. So she took a deep breath and finally said what she need to get out.
"I a-am stepping down as Captan a-and officially r-r-retiring as a member of the Wonderbolts" said Tropical.
The entire crowd gasped and gave out a sad look on their face.
"I-I-I know this is hard b-but it was not an easy decision for me to make a-a-and I'm sorry it has to be this way" said Tropical. "But you guys have given me the time of my life and I and greatful for that".
With that said Tropical started to walk of stage with tears still running down her face.
Once she stepped out of audience view she then started to break down in tears but was comforted by Sound Breaker.
"Shhhh it's alright let it all out captain. You did the right thing" said Sound.
Tropical wiped her tears away. "Your right Sound I did make the right choice but I'm not your captain anymore I'm just plain Tropical Breeze" said Tropical.
Sound breaker frowned. "Not in my eyes your not. once a Wonderbolt always a Wonderbolt" said Sound.
Tropical couldn't help but smile at the stallion. She gave him a light kiss to the cheek and returned to hug. "Thanks for always being there for me Sound. I'm really going to miss you" said Tropical.
Sound Breaker blushed and returned the smile. "I'm going to miss you to Tropical" said Sound.
After the show I headed back to the Wonderbolts academy to clean out my office but I was greeted by an upset Spitfire
Tropical Breeze and Spitfire were in Tropical's office. Tropical was cleaning out her office gathering all of her belongings and putting them into her saddle bag while Spitfire was trying to argue with her and convince her not to leave.
"YOUR LEAVING!?!" Exclaimed Spitfire. "B-but why?"
"I'm sorry Spitfire but it has to be this way I didn't want to quit but I don't have a choice" said Tropical
"Look Tropical please don't go. You've taught me so much and I want to fly with you one day in a show. But how am I going to do that now that your leaving?" Said Spitfire.
"I'm sorry but I have to do this for my son. I don't what him to grow up knowing that I was never there for him when he needed me" said Tropical. "And besides I know one day you'll just as good of a flier as me".
With that said Tropical packed the last item in her saddle bag and proceeded her way out the office door. "Take care Spitfire" said Tropical.
Tropical was about to proceed but was stopped by Spitfire who put her hoof on Tropical's back making the light gold Pegasus turn around. Tropical turned to find Spitfire with tears rolling down her face.
"P-please d...don't go. I don't know if ill make it when your not here" said Spitfire. "You've taught me a lot and I don't know if ill be able to go on with out you here. You've been like a second mother to me Tropical teaching me what you know and supporting me, so I beg of you please don't go".
Tropical could tell that Spitfire with all her might didn't want her to go. But her son needed her and so she decided to encourage her to keep moving forward. So Tropical reached into her Saddle bag and pulled out a pair purple tinted sunglasses. "Here I want you to have these" said Tropical.
Spitfire was shocked at what Tropical was giving her. Those were Tropical's favorite pair of shades that she always wore. "What? No no no I can't have these they belong to you" said Spitfire.
Tropical smiled. "Spitfire I'm giving you these because I believe in" said Tropical. "I know you can be one of the most elite fliers in all of Equestria, and I know that one day YOU"LL lead the Wonderbolts I can feel it and I know you can".
"B-but"
"NO BUTS!" Shouted Tropical changing her tone. "That's coming from somepony who believes they can't! I know your not a quitter Spitfire YOUR a believer NOT a quitter".
"Y-your right I'm not quitter" said Spitfire.
"Then let me hear you say it cadet. Tell that you believe" said Tropical.
"I believe" said Spitfire.
Tropical chuckled. "Pathetic! LOUDER! Tell me that you believe!" Exclaimed Tropical.
"I BELIEVE" shouted Spitfire.
Tropical got in Spitfires face. "I can't hear you cadet!" Said Tropical.
"I BELIEVE THAT ONE DAY ILL BE ONE OF THE BEST FLIERS IN THE WONDERBOLTS!" Shouted spitfire at the top of her lungs.
Tropical grinned. "Now after I leave here today will you promise me that everyday you will give your best?" Said Tropical.
"YES MAM!" Exclaimed Spitfire.
"Will you promise to live everyday as a true member of the Wonderbolts?" Said Tropical.
"YES MAM!" Exclaimed Spitfire.
With that said Tropical put the purple tinted sunglasses on Spitfire and smiled. "You know those look good on you. Anyways I believe in you too Spitfire, You will be an elite flier one day. Take care" said Tropical walking out the door.
present day...
"That was the last time I ever saw her" said Tropical. "From what I've heard over the years she did become captain of the Wonderbolts. And I'm very proud of her for that I just wish I could have gave her congrats for her accomplishment".
Applejack gave the mare a smile."Well now that's a mighty interesting story you have, but there's just one thing I have to say but can ya promise not get upset with me" said Applejack.
Tropical Raised an eyebrow at first but let Applejack proceed. "Alright go ahead" said Tropical.
"Well don't take this the wrong way but you seem a little too nice to be the captain of the Wonderbolts" said Applejack.
Tropical just chuckled. "Tell that my former cadets and now current Wonderbolt members that I was too nice" said Tropical. "Now I do admit that at times I was a bit to easy on them but when it comes to business I'm right on it"
"Well now can I ask you one more thing? I promise its the last" said Applejack.
"Ask Away dear" said Tropical.
Applejack then got a grin on her face. "Ya know from what you told me it seems you really like that Sounder Breaker fella you were talking about" said Applejack.
Tropical's face suddenly turned as red as a tomato. "O-oh I don't know about that" said Tropical blushing
Just then Ace came out if the kitchen and into the living room levitating three dandelion sandwiches. "Who wants sandwiches?" Said Ace.
The two turned over to the table where Ace was standing with the sandwiches putting them on the table. "Well I worked up and apatite after some of my gardening how about you?" said Tropical
Applejack nodded. "Ah reckon I have worked an apatite myself" said Applejack.
The duo then walked over to the table to eat the meal that Ace whipped up.