As the four ponies at around the large kitchen table and made themselves comfortable, Seed explained to Buck all that had happened, with Granny and A.J. throwing in a few bits from time to time. Buck simply sat there, and as he took it all in his jaw started to drop, and it dropped more and more as the story went on. Once the story was finished, Buck sat there for a few moments, and then shook his head.
"Okay so wait... Granny knew Green? And they were friends? Now, that part, I just... it- I don't know. I mean, I guess they could'v known each other, they are- or at least I would assume anyway, around the same age, but... friends? I just..."
"I know Buck, I could barely believe it myself. There ain't no way that's made up though, the way my granny and your grandfather talked about it was as genuine as can be... I could just feel it." A.J. told him. Seed then spoke up, saying:
"now Buck, you know that your grandfather wasn't always the way he is now. Don't tell me you've forgotten all the stories I've told you about when you were younger- you know he was- is, a great pony... he's just very hurt, and sadly he's closed all his doors and pushed many ponies away. I mean, he finally understands that I didn't work your mother to death, and that is a huge burden that has finally been lifted off of my shoulders."
"I know dad, and I'm really glad that he would do something like that. I still wish he would've let us keep the farm though..."
"So do I son, but let's just focus on what is important in keeping the farm- winning that contest. Now that Granny and A.J. have stepped down and are willing to help- which we can't thank you enough for, by the way- we have double the chances of winning this thing."
"Aw shucks, its no trouble at all, we're happy to do whatever we can to help you win- in fact, we were in a similar situation a little while back... remember that Granny?" asked A.J. as she looked over at her grandmother. Granny Smith leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.
"I sure do... really thought we were done in that time, too!" Buck and his father exchanged glances, and then they both leaned in a bit as Seed began to speak,
"Umm... well, uh, that sounds pretty serious! Do you mind if I ask what happened?" Granny opened one eye, and saw the two stallions leaning in to hear the story. She chuckled and replied,
"Well look at you two, you're more curious than a cat in a basket!" Buck and his father leaned back into their chairs sheepishly.
"Sorry... we just want to know what happened with you almost losing your farm- but you by no means have to tell us, if you don't want to. Its your choice to tell us, and we completely understand if you decide against it." Granny smiled at Seed and said,
"well I thank you for allowing us to make that decision. And... well A.J. knows the story quite well, it was her friends who came in and ended up really saving our farm, after all. A.J., would you do the honors of recounting that story?"
"I'd be glad to, Granny! It was the cider season, and we were selling that cider like crazy! Or well we were, until unfortunately we ran out. Cider is good, but there can only be so much. So, as we were closing up for the day- much to the disappointment to all our waiting customers that would have to return the next day, these two characters show up riding on this crazy contraption! Then they just start goin' on about how everypony is upset that there isn't enough cider- well guess what? Apparently, these two can "guarantee" enough cider for everyone, in just one day alone!
So, after trying to defend our business, they proposed a challenge to us- which we accepted, of course. There was no way we were gonna let those two just ride on in and take away what was rightfully ours! The challenge was that whoever could make the most cider within a certain amount of time, would then keep the farm and continue with the business. Everything started out fairly even, but... well, unfortunately we began to lose ground and fall behind. Although the contest was "family members only", we were allowed to recruit the help of my friends, because they were considered "honorary family members". Also Flim and Flam- those were the unicorn's names- weren't worried in the least, so they accepted the rule, as well.
So, with the added help of my friends, we managed to pull ahead of those Flim Flam brothers- but not for long. They started taking every apple they could find and churned out cider faster than a rabbit running from a timberwolf. Soon, the timer went off, and the results were finally going to go through. And, the winner? Well... sadly, it wasn't the Apples. Even with our friend's help, we still couldn't pull through." Applejack paused for a moment, and a sad look passed over her face as she thought about how she and her family were so close to truly losing their farm and home. And, she had already left once before, when she was just a little filly- it took that trip to find out where she truly belonged, on the very farm she was about to lose a second time.
"So... what happened? I-I mean, you must not have actually lost the farm... right?" Buck asked in a slightly nervous voice. A.J. looked at buck, and gave him a small, yet reassuring smile. Immediately his tension melted away, and he knew he could relax- still, he stayed mildly alert as he awaited the next part of the story. Applejack then continued,
Well, just as we were on our way out of there, somepony happened to take a sip of the new cider... and what followed was not a relaxing sound of refreshment, but rather the hard, forceful sound of disgust. Soon, ponies all over the place were trying- and spitting- out their drinks. One by one, complaints shot up left and right- poor taste, rotten apples, sticks, leaves, even rocks were in their drinks somehow. Turns out those Flim Flam brothers couldn't compete with our hard work after all, and started sucking up every apple instead of just the best ripe ones with their machine. So, while they did manage to make more cider than us, the quality of theirs had dropped considerably.
In the end they got ran right out of town! Nopony wanted to taste that stuff ever again, and- well, I was right all along anyways! If you take your time and focus on making what you have the best that it can be, well then all bets are off- literally, haha!"
"Haha, that's great A.J., I knew this story had to have a good ending! I'm really glad you got to keep your farm," said Buck when A.J. had finished her story. Seed then spoke up,
"Well, it seems you have experience in keeping a farm that's in danger of being lost- looks like we found the right help! Really though, we can't thank you enough for this... it means the world to us that you yourselves would step down from the contest just to help us with our problem." Granny Smith then replied,
"Aw, its no trouble at all, we're happy to help friends out in whatever way we can! And you being able to keep your farm would mean more to us than us winning the competition anyways. So, what needs to be done first?"
"Well, we need to make sure our apples are as fresh, crisp, ripe and flavorful as they can be, as well as gather the ingredients for what we'll be making. Oh, and that would be: apple pies, apple fritters and apple turnovers, which is what we've decided on for our entries." Seed told them. Applejack and Granny nodded, and then A.J. grinned widely.
"Hey, I know a way that'll give you a sure-fire win! Why don't you use our zap apples in the competition? That'll help boost your chances, for sure!" Seed, however, shook his head in response,
"Oh... well that's awfully kind of you, but you don't need to do that, really- those are your apples and you've worked really hard to get them, we couldn't possibly accept them for our own use to win. Besides, I'm not sure if that's even allowed... I'd have to check the rules." Applejack responded,
"Look... I know that you might feel like it wouldn't be right if you used our apples, but we brought 'em all the way here... and it would mean a lot to me if they were used in the contest. It'd really feel like a part of me was still in the competition, even if somepony else- that I allowed, of course- used the apples we brought. Besides, we're in this together now, so it really only makes sense."
"Well... I guess so... if that's what you want. Granny, are you okay with this decision?"
"So long as the rules allow it, its fine by me!"
"Hmm... you've been pretty quiet Buck. Is there anything you want to say about this?" Buck, who had been thinking quietly to himself, looked up in surprise and saw everypony staring at him. His cheeks became a bit red and he replied,
"Oh, er... sorry. Umm, uh yeah, that's actually a great idea! It would really mean a lot to us, if you'd let us do that... and there would be no way we would lose!"
"Heheh, well you better not lose, cause those apples were meant to win! I do hope that this will be allowed though, I really want it to work." said A.J.
"I hope so too," Buck told her. Seed then noticed Buck again, as he started to become distant again and less focused.
"Hmm... you know what, I think its time for a break. Buck, why don't you take A.J. down and show her the park? I think it would be good if you both got some fresh air- meanwhile, Granny and I will see if we can find out if there's any rule against what we're trying to do. Would that be alright, Granny?" Granny Smith, now realizing what Seed was getting at, nodded firmly and responded,
"I think that's a great idea, Seed! You youngins' go on and see the park and have a good time, okay?"
"Sounds good to me Granny! Why, even Fluttershy told me about the park, said it was a great way to relax. I'm looking forward to taking her advice... you ready to go, Buck?" While putting on his saddlebag, he replied,
"Just one second... and... yup, all set! C'mon, let's go!" So the two young earth ponies went out to begin their leisurely stroll in the park.