It's Rainbow the sap that finally causes the old Applejack to stir. The nightmare pony's jaw quivers, and then those black eyes flicker back to their familiar green for just a moment. It's the honesty that fills her heart with the desire to reconcile.

But that lifted hoof quivers, because the curse ain't giving up without a fight. She wavers, struggling to stand---

"Rainbow Dash..."

---and then her hoof is there, holding on despite the pain. That chokehold of despair bites into her like thorns for a few moments longer. Then, a white-hot light engulfs her, expelling the curse and leaving a thoroughly beaten Applejack to collapse on the dirt.

Her hat falls to the wayside, and the grass under her head is suspiciously wet.

"I'm sorry," she whispers brokenly.