//------------------------------//
// Appleloosa Desert 
// Story: Give me a speck of something that makes sense 
// by Commander Hot Stuff 
//------------------------------//

Luna and I stayed on a hill in western Manehattan for a long time. I was still trying to understand what was happening. Before I go to sleep, Applejack was a happy farmer and now she was a sad musician. 

"I spent an entire morning working in the orchard and most of the afternoon selling apples at the fair in Ponyville. This is hard and honest work. Meanwhile, you delay with your practice for the Wonderbolts, nap at work with the excuse that is tired and then you brag to do your service in less than one minute." That was her argument in our discussion.

"So, are you ready for our next destination?" Luna was up waiting for me.

Ready would not be the term I would use. Although I was born fearless, daring, brave and though danger was my middle name, the encounter with the new Applejack had caught me off guard and at that moment her tears were mine too.

"Rainbow Dash, are you okay? If you want we can stop here and go home. My intention was only to help you with your questions ... 

But it seems that I failed really bad." I saw her lower her head.

What the hell was I doing crying at the top of a hill? That was not me. I'm not like that! And Princess Luna just wanted to help me, now she feels really bad. I could be shaken from within, but let it show was not me.

"Yes, I'm ready. Was just thinking about Applejack." I stood up, walking over to her. "What is our next destination?" 

"The desert near Appleloosa. Should we find another element of harmony there." 

I felt the aura engage us again and Manehattan disappearing before my eyes give way to arid desert around the small town of Appleloosa. 

"Just .. one .. more ... little .." I'd recognize that voice even from miles away. 

It was Rarity. 

Dirty, covered with leaves and mud, stinking swamp and old socks with foot odor, thirsty, hungry and nearly fell down in exhaustion, that unicorn did not look any bit with Rarity I knew, but she was Rarity. 

Without her cutie mark.

Without all that sophistication, unglamorous. Damn it! I did not want to do it with you, Rare!

"We can point to the right direction for her, please?" I asked Luna, in vain, of course.
In the next second, Braeburn appeared in front of us pulling a wagon full of ... hay. What could it be? He spotted Rarity almost fainting, without hesitation he left the wagon and went to her.

"Miss, come with me, it is no longer safe wander through these deserts. Braeburn is my name, what's yours?

"Ra ... Rarity."

He gently helped her to climb into the wagon. She thanked weakly and drank the water offered by him. Then the wagon made its way back to Appleloosa. I felt much better when seeing Rarity on the way to a new life, probably close to Braeburn.

Without ask me,  magic aura of Luna involved us again, towards our next destination.