"Woo-wee! I gotta admit Granny, I had a really good time!" Applejack told her grandmother. The two had spent the entire morning window shopping, chatting with locals (thankfully it was late morning, so the streets weren't as busy as they usually were in the afternoon, and there were a few kind ponies milling about), and admiring the scenery, as they trotted around the city while colorful leaves floated gently down on that bright, clear cool morning. A.J. and her grandmother had even picked out some souvenirs, as well as gifts for Applebloom and Big Mac for when they returned home. Eventually they decided to stop for lunch, and went to a place that many of the locals had suggested. After a delicious meal and some tasty desserts, the two went to the park and rested on a bench, watching the leaves fall, ponies pass by, and even a family of ducks taking their time as the paddled across the lake.
Soon enough, however, that relaxing moment would end, and the time had come to get down to business: discussing with Buck and his father about the R.H.F. situation, and seeing what A.J. and her grandmother could do to help them out. So the two got up off the bench, and started to make their way to Golden Apple Orchards.
"Heheh, well that's great, Applejack! I have to say, I had a wonderful time, too! I'd say that that is exactly what we needed- a bit o' time to just relax and enjoy ourselves!" replied Granny Smith. A.J. thought for a moment- she had been so busy, running back and forth between the hotel and Golden Apple Orchards, going to the festival site and doing check-ups on her booth, and even occasionally going out and picking up a few necessities from local shopping stalls. Her grandmother had told her back before they left to calm down and relax... and it seemed like she was doing the complete opposite! Although now that had all changed, and she had to admit it was just what she needed, and that she was feeling relaxed and much better than before.
"You know, Granny... you're absolutely right. I've been so busy... I guess I have been stressed, but I think I've also been too busy to notice. I really do feel so much better, though. Thanks."
"Haha! Well of course I'm right! Really though, I am glad you're feeling better... you're welcome, Applejack." Granny responded. And with that, the two headed out towards the orchard once again.
"Now Green, you said you wouldn't stop by until the competition was over, and I already promised to sell the farm to you if we lost. So why in Celestia's name can't you just stay put, keep your muzzle closed, and sit tight until this is all over?" asked Appleseed. Normally he wouldn't say such things to the old, retired guardspony, who was still just about as rough and tough as he was in is younger days. If they actually had gotten in to a real hoof fight, Seed wouldn't stand a chance, despite all the work he had done on the farm for years. However, as much as Green didn't like to admit it, Seed was still family, and Green would never hurt his family. Seed knew this, and this knowledge, combined with the fact that his patience was wearing quite thin, caused him to say things he immediately (though not fully) regretted. Green, who had arrived not all that long ago and was pacing back and forth, stopped when he heard his son-in-law say those words, and glared at him. He opened his mouth to say something... but then closed it and shook his head.
"Seed Seed Seed... you look very tired. You've been working rather hard, haven't you? You, all on your own, and this big, huge farm. I think you could use a break." Seed's eyes opened wide in surprise- he had never heard anything like this come from his father-in-law before! And in all honesty, it was making Seed a little uneasy. So he quickly replaced his look of surprise and shock to one of suspicion as he eyed Green carefully, then replied,
"Well, its true that it hasn't been easy, but when you say I'm all alone, well, I'm sorry to say that you are very wrong. My son, Applebuck, has been working very hard to help me with the upkeep of this farm. Even now he is out in the fields, tending to the trees and harvesting the apples."
"Ah yes, your son. Of course, how could I forget! Though, I must be honest... I perceive the boy to be a bit naive. I'm surprised he hasn't tried to pursue something else... though I suppose if he's content with the farm work, then that's fine... not that it will last. He should really consider another career option."
"Now just a minute... even if you do take over this farm and rebuild something in its place... that doesn't mean that Buck can't go back into farm work later in his life. I'll thank you for the jobs you'll provide and allowing us to stay, but there is no way I would force my son to stay there his whole life. If he wants to do something else, well by all means he can. And don't try to convince him to stay, because he won't. And you may think he is naive, but... I see more naivety in my other son... I still say you had something to do with his sudden change of heart." as he said that last part, he gave a slight glare to Green, and Green returned the glare and replied,
"Now just a minute! What you say is true I suppose about Applebuck, that I can't keep him in the business no matter how successful it will become. But how dare you accuse me of Force's 'sudden change of heart'! You've seen his cutie mark- maybe this is what he wants! I truly feel that Force knows what he's doing without any influence! In fact, if you ask me- this silly farm is holding back his potential! That boy is a lot like his mother, and loves number figuring! I think he needs to explore more options rather than be stuck on this dying farm! You don't have any right to keep him here!"
"And you don't have any right to tell him that this is bad for him! That boy used to love this farm- running around, rough-housing with his brother, helping his mother with the numbers, going into the fields to work... I used to see so much joy in his face, but now that seems to have gone away." Appleseed sad sadly. Green continued to glare at Seed and replied,
"And that is my fault somehow? Besides, that isn't true anyway- that boy spends more time with me than you, and let me tell you- he enjoys being with me and figuring out the plans for this old place. Maybe he seems sad because this farm is dying... all the more reason for him to leave; it isn't doing any good to sit here and watch. Speaking of which- is he almost ready? He knows I don't like being kept waiting!"
"I'm sure he'll be along shortly... 'he better be, cause I have company coming, and the last thing I want is for you two to be here when they arrive!' Seed thought to himself.
"Good, because I"- knock knock! And with that, the two earth pony stallions turned towards the door- one with a look of surprise, and the other, with a pained look. Seed went to the door, opened it... and a young orange-coated earth pony mare along with an elderly green earth pony were standing in the doorway. As the four looked around at each other awkwardly, Seed finally spoke up:
"well... this should be interesting, I suppose... um, A.J.! Why don't you introduce me to your, er... grandmother, was it?" Applejack, who appeared to be in a sort of daze- she did not expect Green to be there, and for a small moment, wanted to say that this wasn't the best time and just bolt. However, she knew that that wasn't an option, and when Seed's question finally registered in her brain, she shook her head and smiled awkwardly.
"Oh, er... right! Seed, this is my grandmother, Granny Smith! I'm glad you two could finally meet."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Appleseed! A.J. has told me a lot about you." Granny exclaimed, shaking Seed's hoof.
"And it's a pleasure to finally meet you, too! Always nice to meet ponies who share a love of apples!" Granny chuckled a bit and replied,
"very true, Seed!" She then turned to Green- she couldn't just ignore him completely, though she did frown slightly when she faced him. He replied with the same slight frown, and then held out his hoof.
"My name is General Green, Mrs. Smith. Its... a pleasure to meet you." Granny took his hoof and shook it, and then stared hard into his eyes. He, though at first surprised, stared back into hers as a faint realization came into his own eyes. Suddenly, both of there eyes shot open wide, and their jaws dropped.
"Granny Smith!?"
"General Green!?"