90 Days of Famine

Day 1

Time: 8:20 PM

Journal Entry 1:

I decided to get my very own journal to document my life when I was just a filly. I was so caught up in school, however, that I never got to write anything. Then, I lost interest. I had no need for it. Today is the first day I can use it. I've never done this before, so if you're reading this, please excuse me if I make things too scientific. I have a lot to write about. Things in Ponyville, well... They're changing.

When I awoke this morning, Spike was nowhere to be found. I called all over the castle, I looked in very little nook and cranny, but I couldn't find him anywhere. I finally gave up looking on my own, so I asked my friends. I was fairly worried at this point.

Now, Pinkie Pie hadn't seen him, nor had Rainbow Dash. Fluttershy, however, directed me to Applejack's farm. The quest for Spike was coming to a close! Or, so I thought.

When I arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, her entire field of crops had died. The entire harvest, from red apples to green apples, was gone. Applejack lay crying by her barn, along with Big Macintosh, who had no expression, Applebloom, who cried along with her, and Granny Smith, who simply looked at the ground with sorrow. I didn't get it. The crops always died in winter. They had stored food for this purpose. Something else must have been wrong.

I approached them and asked what had happened. A thief, they said. At night, somepony stole their entire apple supply. It was the first day of winter. There's no way to plant in the winter. If they couldn't find a new source of food within a few weeks, we'd all starve. A pony can't survive that long without food. Considering the short timeframe, and the season it is, this task is nearly impossible.

I decided they were in bad enough shape. I left my best wishes with them before leaving to continue the search for my assistant. I can only hope that our town survives.

The only friend left to ask was Rarity. I entered the Carousel Boutique. Rarity was speaking to Spike in the far end of the room. I couldn't make out what they were saying, but I sure startled them with my presence. Rarity stuttered a bit as she attempted to explain what was happening. She claimed he was helping with her dresses. She obviously isn't the element of honesty. I could see the words liar written all over her face. I decided not to fret. It was most likely private and did not concern me.

Spike and I, on our way home, made a trip to the city hall. Mayor Mare spoke with us about Applejack's farming problems. She instantly informed the city council, and with luck, we will have all the help we need tomorrow.

After I got back to the castle, I was still questioning what Spike had been doing. It was silly, of course, but it was so unlike him to leave without telling me. I continued asking questions until he seemed quite aggravated. I didn't ask after that.

I could have sent a letter to Celestia, but I'm not sure if I trust Spike to do that anymore. The mayor is probably going to contact her anyway. I guess we could even go to Canterlot, but the trains aren't in commission during the winter.

That's pretty much it for today. I just hope the farm problem goes away. I couldn't imagine us all starving... The chaos that would come from it... I don't want to think about that.

-Twilight Sparkle