As Applejack ran through the orchard, she thought of how Buck would react when he saw her.
'I really hope he won't be too upset... I don't want to lose our friendship already! Ugh, how could I have been so foalish!' She continued to search, and as she did, she began to notice Celestia's sun quickly setting, and that it would soon be replaced by Luna's moon. Finally, she came to a low hill, with a few apple trees spread about here and there. As she climbed up it, she could see Buck at the top. A.J. paused, wondering what to do, what to say- and also waiting to see if Buck would react in some way, so that she could tell what his mood would be. She knew it wouldn't be good, but maybe he would have calmed down a bit by now?
Well, 'react' he most certainly did- he had been pacing about in an oval pattern, and A.J. could hear a faint snorting sound from where he was. She could see him shaking his head back and forth, and he began to pace a little bit faster. All of a sudden, he stopped and turned so that his hind quarters were directly in front of a tree. He paused, and Applejack held her breath, waiting to see what would transpire. He then kicked out with his hind legs, and A.J. heard a loud CRAAAAACK!!!, which made her shut her eyes. When she opened them, she saw something that made her take in a sharp breath. The tree that Buck had been standing in front of was now broken clean in half. The upper half was now lying on the ground, completely severed from the stump it had previously been connected to.
Now, Applejack knew that such things were possible- she recalled the times when Rainbow Dash had helped her destroy and old barn, and when she had flown through THREE trees when she and her friends had gone camping. However, that was coming from a pony that could fly extremely fast, was an Element of Harmony, and was the only pony that could perform a sonic rainboom. Also, if she remembered correctly, those trees were quite old, and not as sturdy as they could have been.
However, this was rather different. This was an Earth Pony- now, being one herself, she knew that they could be incredibly strong. This strength, though... where did it come from? She didn't think she knew anypony who could do that- not even her own brother. Then again, she didn't think she'd ever seen him get truly angry... and she hoped she would never have to. She realized that she was a bit afraid at that moment- what if he saw her? If he was really that angry- and had that much power- well... what would he do to her? They were friends though, weren't they? Then again, A.J. could only imagine how upset he was with her...
'Maybe I'd better just leave, and come back later..."
However, as she tried to turn away to leave, the shock that she had just seen was making it difficult for her to move quickly. At that moment, Buck looked up, and saw her standing there, with eyes wide open, and watched for a moment as she tried to leave. He sighed, got up, and started to walk over to her. Applejack's eyes opened even wider, and her movements became slower, until she came to a complete halt. As he reached her, he sat down... and sighed again. A.J. shook her head a bit, took her hat off and held it against her chest, and said,
Buck... I'm so sorry, I truly am. What I did was so wrong... I- I just... I don't know what came over me. I should have never eavesdropped on your conversation... I- I know better... I just... I'm so, so sorry..." The ground beneath her face became moist, as a few tears started to fall from her face. Buck simply looked at her and replied,
"Yes. Yes, what you did was wrong. However... it's like my dad always says- you can't change the past. You heard what was said- and, well, now you know. I... I really didn't think that this would be our last chance... I don't really know what to do now." As he sat there, he looked up at the sky, a stunning tapestry of beautiful, twinkling stars and Luna's bright, glowing moon, searching and hoping to find some kind of guidance. Applejack sat next to him and leaned into his side. He looked on in surprise for a bit, then gave a slight smile and looked back up at the night sky. Despite being slightly upset with her, the small gesture did give him some comfort.
"Hey... I'm really sorry about everything. You know what, though? I believe that you can win this contest... and I'm going to help." A.J. stated.
Buck looked at her in surprise and asked, "How are you going to do that?" After all, the rules stated that anyone in competition with each other could under no circumstances help each other in any way- everything had to be done solely by the competitors and there own food samples.
Applejack responded softly,
"Well, it's simple, really... I'll just forfeit the competition. Should be easier for you to win if I'm not in the ring!"
Buck's jaw dropped in shock, and he cried,
"What!? Applejack, absolutely not! This is your dream- to cater the Grand Galloping Gala! I'm sorry, but there is no possible way that I can except your offer." A.J. simply smiled and said,
"Sugar cube, y'all want to save your farm from bein' destroyed and built up into somethin' that it shouldn't be. You want to save your home. I have a great home and family already- and that's all that's truly important. I don't need to win this competition... at least, not as much as it seems like you need to. Please, let me do this- I want to, more than anything." Buck looked into her eyes, and beyond that soft look, saw that she was dead serious, and that nothing could change her mind. He tried to say something, anything... but nothing would come out. Finally, he sighed in defeat, and responded,
"Is... is this what you truly want?" When he saw her nod, he continued,
"well... ugh, alright then... T-thanks, A.J. Don't think I don't feel bad about this, though! I'll have to make it up to you..." Applejack thought for a bit, then said,
"well... there is on thing. C-can you forgive me for eavesdroppin' earlier? I'm truly sorry about that, and I'd hate to lose our friendship because I was so stupid." Her ears then drooped a bit, and she gave him a sad look. He in turn gave her a look of sympathy, and replied,
"A.J... of course I can do that. You're a great friend, and you've been so helpful in this short time that we've known each other. In fact... I honestly feel better than I have in a long time, thanks to you. So yes- you are most definitely forgiven."
A.J. blushed slightly and smiled, and then said,
"Well, thank you! That means a lot to me- and I'm so glad that we're still friends!" She leaned into him again, and he leaned back into her and responded,
"I am too." And with that, the two enjoyed the cool, calm evening together.