Weighty Snapshots

Chapters

Twilight's End
Applejack
Eerie and Shayle
Forbidden Arts
The Dinner Date
Discord At Your Service
Shining Armour and Princess Cadence
Twilight's Gain
Marjoram
The Painting Scene
Rainbow Dash
A Mad Cupcake World: Canterlot
Griffonscones
Rarity's Cruise
Rarity's Cruise 2
The Amulet
Food Crawl
A Fulfilling Wish
Rarity's Depression Expansion
Captured Universe: Midnight Blossom

Twilight's End

Author's Note

So...this is very different to my usual stuff. It's an interesting experiment if nothing else.

Regardless...Um, trigger warnings (in this chapter) for medical issues and major character death.

Twilight's End

Starlight watched as Twilight continued to read the book that had captured her attention from early this morning. Starlight was worried, and more than a bit concerned for her friend.

Twilight had gotten fat over the last few months. Packing on some weight near Summer Wrap up, and only gaining throughout fall and winter.

Spring was coming soon, Winter Wrap Up was only a few weeks away, and Twilight had gone from a slim alicorn to quite a fat one. What had only been a few pounds initially had well...exponentially grown.

Starlight didn’t know how much Twilight had gained. Twilight refused to step on a scale, and had warded herself from spells that could take such a reading. If pushed, Starlight would ballpark it at over a hundred pounds.

Twilight could fit in her throne, but it was evidently a tight squeeze that was deeply uncomfortable for her. She hadn’t flown since the end of summer, and hadn’t exercised as she usually would have through winter either.

Most of what she’d done for over six months was eat, and it showed.

Twilight’s plot and flanks had taken the brunt of the gain, making it hard for her to fit into chairs (and thrones) she’d once settled into with ease. When she was sat in a chair with no armrests or other restraints, Twilight’s plot hung over the edges of the chair by a good inch or two.

Twilight’s Cutie Mark wasn’t spared, warping and stretching along with her flanks to accommodate her excess adipose. Her Cutie Marks were faded, still healing. Part of Starlight worried they never would, since Twilight kept eating.

The rest of her wasn’t spared either, though she was clearly a bottom-heavy mare. While her plot, flanks, and waddling gait made it clear she was fat, the rest of her indicated she was simply chubby. Even her wings were covered in just the smallest hints of excess fat. Her cheeks were chubby, and when Twilight looked down she had an obvious double chin that vanished the rest of the time.

Watching Twilight clear her third, groaning plate of cookies in an hour, Starlight knew what she needed to do.

(LINE BREAK)

Doctor Sunshine looked at the medical records held aloft in front of her bespeckled eyes to the mare sitting in front of her, wondering how one Princess Twilight Sparkle could have eaten herself so fully into the throws of obesity in such a short amount of time.

No illness, curse, or any other magical/non-magical thing was the cause of this sudden weight gain, that was clear. Looking at the concerned notes from Starlight Glimmer made it possible that Twilight was packing away anywhere from 3-10 thousand calories a day.

No other causes needed, if that information was true.

Doctor Sunshine sighed, flipping through the files. Beforehoof, Twilight had been in spectacular health. Perfect blood pressure, perfect everything.

That had changed too, the tests had said. Not near critical levels, not by a longshot, but numbers were high. Higher than they had any right to be.

And Twilight wasn’t listening. Even though the chair she was currently sitting in was far too tight, even though it was groaning under her weight, even though her plot had overhung the exam table. None of it mattered. Starlight’s note was right:Twilight was in denial.

Doctor Sunshine opened her mouth to say something else, deciding to beg with Twilight that something had to be done, but Twilight’s narrowed, angry eyes stopped her.

“I don’t know what it is with everypony focusing on my weight recently, but I’m fine,” Twilight stated, “I feel fine, I’m eating normally, and I think I look amazing. That’s all that matters, not useless numbers on a scale.”

She’d refused to look at the scale while she’d been weighed, too.

Doctor Sunshine sighed, “Princess-”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Twilight said, standing up with a grunt. Somehow, by some miracle, her plot wasn’t firmly entrenched in the chair she’d been sitting in. Though it was now obviously clear it had been painful because of the lines temporarily pressed into her flesh, “I’m leaving. I don’t want to hear any more lectures or anything else.”

Doctor Sunshine nodded, adding that to her notes in Twilight’s files. Hopefully Starlight could get through to her before this became a more worrying prospect.

Somehow, the look in Twilight’s eyes got the doctor (and the nurses) to stay quiet, even when Twilight’s hips got caught in their doorway, leaving her to teleport away.

(LINE BREAK)

Fall and winter had been fun. Twilight hadn’t minded him sneaking extra NIghtmare Night and Hearth’s Warming treats, hadn’t minded him getting seconds or thirds. It had been freeing for him, different to Twilight’s usually strict routines.

But now the fun was over, and Spike was getting worried.

Twilight hadn’t said what had happened at the Doctor’s, but Starlight had. She’d sugarcoated the news, but Spike could tell.

In the months after her impromptu doctor’s visit, Twilight had taken her gluttony to the extreme. Like she was eating out of spite, wanting to prove everypony wrong.

Any weight Spike had gained during the fall and winter months had already melted off of him now that spring was firmly underway. He helped everypony he could, and walking around Ponyville burnt a lot of calories.

Twilight seemed insistent she not burn any calories beyond what she needed to. Ask to her travel any distance more than a few feet? She teleported. She used her magic for things she used to do manually, like preening her wings. She seemed intent on staying inside and holding tea parties (and dinner parties, breakfast parties, brunch parties...parties that had anything to do with food), with her friends.

She didn’t want to go outside to fly with Rainbow, or help Applejack in the fields.

She would do so, if pressed, but those outings were becoming rarer and rarer as the days dragged on into weeks, and weeks into months.

Summer time was coming soon, and Twilight had spent almost all of the amazing spring indoors. Reading and eating, eating and reading.

Spike was getting worried.

Twilight’s waddle had gotten worse as she’d piled on the pounds and her weight gain started showing in areas other than her hind end. Her stomach looked like a balloon,strapped to her wider barrel, constantly stuffed and bloated. Her legs were chubby too, becoming tree-like in their...well it wasn’t effort to hold her up, not really, but they were widening.

Even Twilight’s front half had graduated from ‘chubby’ to ‘fat’. She now possessed two chins, with a third one on the way. Her neck had thickened and was threatening to develop into rolls. Her wings were near useless, Spike hadn’t seen her attempt to flap them in weeks-

Twilight coughed, and Spike jolted from his reverie. He scuttled forward to take Twilight’s empty coffee cup, filling it with coffee, heavy cream, sugar and full-fat butter. He’d tried it once, early in the morning before everyone had gotten up. He didn’t know how Twilight could drink it, but she did. All the time now.

So much so that she’d needed to go to her dentist for cavities and whitening. The sugar (from coffee and just about everything else she ate nowadays), and staining from the coffee (and soda, wine...Creators know what else).

When her coffee was how she liked it, Spike turned to leave. He couldn’t watch her gorge herself on the fourth platter of Sugarcube Corner treats of the day. He just...the thought of it made his stomach churn.

(LINE BREAK)

Twilight’s world consisted of medication, pain, pleasure, and the sounds of magic and machine struggling to keep her alive.

It’d been...over two years since she’d abandoned her self control in terms of her diet. She’d always wanted more, and after one too many pointed questions about how she kept herself slim and trim from some random Equestrian citizen, something within her snapped. It had started off innocently enough. An extra treat here or there, a couple of pounds gained…

And then it spiraled. She’d quickly become addicted to food, gorging herself (in secret at first) day and night, until it became clear that the ‘accidental’ pound or five had spiraled out of her control and suddenly she was tipping the scales at 300 pounds.

Then 500.

Then 700.

She didn’t know how much she weighed now. Probably far more than 700.

As it turned out, she wasn’t like Celestia and Luna. Their...strain of alicorn-ism was potent and ancient. Theoretically they could gain an infinite amount of pounds and still be fine. Not that they would, as much as Twilight might like to see it. They’d suffer no health problems. No diabetes, no arthritis, no heart disease.

She and Cadance weren’t so lucky, as it turned out.

She should have known long before she realized. Should have noticed the long decline of health the others had spotted when she’d still been firmly in denial.

By the time she could admit her failings to herself, Starlight had had to teleport her directly to Ponyville Hospital in the hopes of stopping her sudden heart attack from killing her outright.

She’d lived, but she couldn’t cling to her denial anymore. Which made it all the worse to avoid her friends’ advice. To ignore the doctors. She took her medication like a good mare, but hadn’t changed her diet or exercise.

Five years of...10+ thousand calories a day would do a lot to hurt a mare’s innards. Even with an alicorn’s increased durability. Even considering her health had been perfect until six short months after she’d started truly gaining the weight.

“Twilight?” Spike was...she felt bad for the pain she’d put him through.

Twilight opened her eyes, though she was rapidly losing sight in them. The type 2 diabetes shouldn’t have come as a shock, and it hadn’t. Not really. What had shocked her friends was her utter lack of proper care for said diabetes.

Twilight had had to stay in the hospital for nearly a month after they’d found her out. Trying to convince the ponies there that she didn’t want to die. She just wanted to live on her own terms. Be it for five years or three weeks.

Spike was there, on her right side. Little more than a green and purple smudge that she could hardly see over her chipmunk cheeks.

Twilight wheezed a quiet ‘hello’, barely audible. She wasn’t laying down so much as she was sitting up. If she laid down her weight would crush her lungs...Well, crush her lungs more. As was she was hooked up to an oxygen tank. There were talks of increasing her oxygen but they weren’t sure. Mostly because it was evident she didn’t have much time left.

Twilight weighed...probably half a ton by now, maybe more. Nopony who made it to this girth would survive very long. It was a miracle she’d made it this long.

“Hey, Twilight,” Spike’s voice was trembling again. She wanted to reach out and stroke his spines to comfort him but she couldn’t move that far, “How are you this morning?”

It was morning? Huh. The nurses had left the blinds closed. She thought it was still nighttime.

“Good,” Twilight whispered, shifting her bulk a little. The movement hurt, but so did every part of her these days. Her heart was giving out, lungs giving out. Her hips were displaced because of how damned back heavy she was. Her wings were locked into place by her fat, and pinned behind her. She had bed sores that wouldn’t close. At least one was infected.

Twilight took the pause to breathe again, “You?”

“I-I’m okay,” Spike said miserably. She couldn’t tell his exact facial expression ,but she wasn’t blind enough to not notice he wasn’t dealing well with this.

Twilight raised a chubby hoof towards him, feeling her leg fat sway with the movement. It was heavy, and awkward, but caught his attention. He scooted his chair over so he could be closer, wrapping a claw around her hoof.

“...Sorry,” Twilight wheezed, “‘S...what I want.”

“You want to die?”

They’d gone over this, and Twilight glared. Spike not subtly started to cry, wiping at his face with his free claw. He sniffled miserably, leaning into her, “I don’t want you to go.”

“I...know,” Twilight wheezed. She would have hugged him if she could. Instead, she closed her near-useless eyes.

Aside from the pain, which was honestly being dulled with large quantities of morphine, Twilight felt...Soft, and warm, and comforted. Like she was wrapped in a 24/7 hug of her own flesh. That and food were her only pleasures. In recent days, the doctors had taken her off her strict sugar free diet. They must have gotten those test results back, and clearly it was nothing good if they let her gorge on whatever anypony deigned to feed her.

She’d done nothing but kill herself slowly for the last five years and Twilight was at peace with that. She’d become a slave to her addiction, so unaware of how far she’d fallen that it took a literal heart attack for her to realize what she’d been doing ‘wrong’. Not that that had stopped her. She’d gorged her way into such an early grave that she, the ‘Princess of Friendship’ was dying with only one friend at her side.

Twilight didn’t blame the others for leaving. If she’d been in their hooves she’d have left too. Most had left as part of ultimatums. A few, like Celestia and Luna, simply couldn’t bear to see Twilight like this.

Couldn’t bear to see the monument to gluttony and hedonism that she’d turned her body into.

She only saw Spike and Starlight anymore, and Starlight less and less. Preparing for Twilight’s funeral maybe? Twilight had made up the proper paperwork and paid for everything already. Had done so after she’d eaten those greasy, cheesy potato skins after having a bypass.

Completely relaxed, Twilight quietly slipped into the realm of dreams. All without seeing her fellow alicorn lurking in the background of her memories of the last few years.

Beside her, Spike watched as his friend and mentor lapsed into sleep with a small smile on her face. After almost half an hour of clutching her stubby hoof with both his claws, the heart monitor started shrieking as Twilight’s heart finally gave out for the last time.

Spike was devastated, but he couldn’t help but be relieved that Twilight had gone quietly in her sleep. That was the most soothing death he could think of for a mare who had suffered so much physically in the last years of her life.

Even if it was all self inflicted.

Applejack

Author's Note

This was written for PhealGud.
This one is also a bit dark, but not nearly as dark as the last one.
Trigger warning for: injuries, weight gain, medical issues

Applejack

It had been a stupid, stupid accident, and Applejack had been paying the price for months.

Big Mac had warned her to be careful when bucking at that old, scraggly tree. The only reason they hadn’t gotten rid of it was because their parents had planted it.

Damned Apple sense of sentimentality.

She’d been chatting with Big Mac, who was several meters away putting full apple buckets in the wagon. She was applebucking, and had forgotten completely about the fragility of the tree. She’d bucked too hard, and in the resulting chaos of falling tree limbs and falling tree, she’d gotten pinned.

Her right hind leg had been crushed, and it had only been because of Big Mac’s strength and speed that the doctors had been able to save the leg at all. Using magic and metal to pin everything in place once the initial swelling had eased up.

So now all that she had to do was wait...and heal.

Which meant she was bedridden. Because of how they’d managed to save her leg, the cast held her leg straight out. There was no bending it so she could hobble around. She’d tried to move around, but the pain had been too much.

So she was stuck. Unable to move too much, made bleary and sleepy from the pain meds.

But she still had the stomach of a working farm mare, used to doing hard work. And Granny was keen on making her ‘home remedies’ like soups, and casseroles and...well.

Applejack didn’t like to think that she was gaining weight, but in truth she was. Quite a bit over the last few weeks, but most of it had settled in her stomach. Thank goodness, because she could cover up with her blankets.

Still, Applejack was determined not to let a measly five or ten pounds get in the way of rehabilitation or anything when the time came. She was certain she’d be able to work off any excess weight when she went through rehabilitation or at worst case, when she finally got back to work on the farm.

Things would work out. They had to. For herself and her family.

(LINE BREAK)

Apple Bloom hated the hospital. It smelled funny, and seeing so many sick and injured ponies in one place made her feel uncomfortable. But she’d come here for Applejack, her saddlebags fit to bursting because of the treats Pinkie Pie had given her.

Apple Bloom had been tempted to throw out the treats, but Pinkie had told Applejack to expect them and the little filly didn’t want to get in trouble.

Applejack had been in the hospital for nearly six months now, mostly due to complications because of her leg. Thankfully, things seemed much better now and there was talk of having Applejack home by the end of next week if things went well.

Apple Bloom rounded the corner, entering Applejack’s room cautiously. Like she wasn’t sure what she’d find.

Applejack, bed-bound for most of the last six months, had piled on the pounds. Stress eating as harvest time drew near but she’d been unable to do anything. Thankfully, because of their friends, they’d gotten the complete crop in. Even the Zap Apples!

Even when things calmed down, Applejack had continued eating. And it showed, even though she’d been doing rehabilitation for a few weeks now. Any hope that her big sister would lose the weight was starting to dwindle, but Apple Bloom wasn’t going to say anything.

Applejack had forgone her usual blankets, reading the latest issue of Apple Monthly. Clearly she was expecting company, and hadn’t been to physical therapy today. If she had been, she’d be coated in sweat and in a lot of pain. Right now, she looked happy and carefree.

Well, about as happy and carefree as somepony who’d gained well over 100 pounds in six months could, anyway.

She was belly heavy, the large orb oozing onto her lap and covering some her her hind legs. If Apple Bloom didn’t know better, she might think her sister pregnant. But that wasn’t the case. The rest of Applejack’s body wasn’t spared from the weight gain, fat spreading fairly evenly across the rest of her body.

Applejack looked up from her magazine, beaming at Apple Bloom as Apple Bloom approached the bed, “Hey, sis! Nice to see you! You got the goods?”

Apple Bloom nodded, wisely biting her tongue. She unloaded her saddlebags onto the bedside tray. Candy, some pastries, and a couple bottles of cider..

Applejack smiled wider, her chubby cheeks dimpling and her second chin fully on display. “Thanks sis, you’re a lifesaver. Been craving me some cider for the last week!”

“I know,” Apple Bloom said, sitting on chair at Applejack’s bedside, “Glad I could help.”

Applejack reached over to ruffle Apple Bloom’s forelock, “Love you sis. And don’t worry, soon I’ll be home and we can do some stuff together. Might not be able to enter the Sisterhooves Social this year, but you can help me get ready for next year.”

Apple Bloom perked up a little at that, “Really?”

“If I ever want my leg to get back to normal, really,” Applejack smiled.

Apple Bloom returned the smile, and launched into an explanation of her day. Maybe things weren’t completely hopeless.

(LINE BREAK)

Things were hopeless, Applejack decided. She popped the last pastry into her mouth, chewing mechanically. Not really tasting the sugary delight, but needing to do something.

Swallowing it down with a slug of cider, Applejack couldn’t help but stare down at her body with equal senses of horror and disgust. Horror, because part of her brain couldn’t comprehend that this was her, and disgust because she could see what she was turning into.

A lazy, useless lump of pony who would be unable to do anything for herself.

Applejack’s leg, weakened by the breaking and infections that had occurred, was made worse by her extra weight. It just couldn’t deal with her bulk for long periods of time, and this was affecting everything else in her body. Her hips, her spine, her other legs.

Her body had once been a testament to hard work and discipline. Now it was a testament to gluttony and laziness.

No matter how much she sweated, cursed, and worked in physical therapy, none of it seemed to matter. Her leg was as broken as her self-esteem.

Maybe it would have been better to just lose the leg entirely...Twilight or Doctor Whooves or someone was bound to be able to make some replacement that would have worked well enough...Or they could have found some way for her to ram a wheelchair into the trees instead of bucking…

When dinner came, Applejack ate that too. And desert, and asked or seconds.

The nurse’s eyes held a warning in their stare, but Applejack didn’t care. She just wanted to eat the pain away.

(LINE BREAK)

Applejack was home, which Big Mac liked. He’d missed his sister a lot over the last half a year, even though he’d seen her most days.

Things weren’t the same though, and that was taking some time to get used to.

Applejack’s leg was...well..it wasn’t good. She could walk, but not for very long and not without a lot of pain. The leg was covered in scars that showed even through her fur, and the limb wasn’t even gaining weight the same way her other legs were.

She was still dependent on her pain pills. Which made her fuzzy and hungry and sleepy. All not a very good combination, because she kept gaining. The more weight she gained, the more her leg hurt. It was a vicious cycle.

Right now, Applejack was standing over the stove, making flapjacks for the family’s breakfast for dinner tradition. But she was easily making double of that they usually made, and had made Apple Bloom go out and get more accoutrements even though they had praline, caramel sauce, butter, and maple syrup.

“AJ?” Big Mac said slowly, as he got to work setting the table. He wasn’t a big talked, had never really been one. But he was more comfortable chatting with his family than he was with just about anypony else.

“Yeah?” Applejack’s voice was muffled because she was flipping the last flapjack. She’d used up all the batter she’d made. Big Mac didn’t like the looks of how shaky her bad leg was, but he knew her and knew it was probably best to keep his mouth shut on the matter.

“You sure did make a lot of flapjacks,” he said, “and you sent Apple Bloom off to get-”

“Whipped cream, chocolate, and some more pear jam,” Applejack replied evenly, “Want to use a little of all three in some baking tomorrow anyhow.”

“Yeah, that,” Big Mac said, setting the jug of water they kept in the fridge so it stayed cold on the table so everypony could serve themselves. “Um, AJ, I know you don’t like talking about it, but you really should try to lose some weight-”

“I’m fine!” Applejack yelled, half-turning to glare at her brother. She finished cooking the final flapjack and slid it onto the plate with the others. Bringing the plate over, Big Mac was reminded of how poorly she was doing.

Her gait was stiff and sore, the bad leg reluctant to bend as she waddled toward the table and set the plate down. Her stomach was still a large orb, hanging past her knees and making her gait even more awkward because it pressed into her legs even when it wasn’t stuffed.
Applejack, with the exception of her stomach, had gained fairly evenly everywhere else. Her back was marred with rolls, her barrel wide, her plot and flanks hanging over her hocks. She had a second chin, with a third firmly on the way. Her neck was still a neck, but it was clear to see that it would likely become one large roll should she continue to gain.

“AJ-”

“I don’t want to hear it, Big Mac!” Applejack snapped, easing her girth onto a groaning kitchen chair.

Big Mac wisely shut up, calling Apple Bloom and Granny in for dinner.

Dinner was quiet, with the exception of Applejack noisily eating the majority of the flapjacks she’d made.

(LINE BREAK)

The sleep apnea was something Applejack hadn’t been too happy to discover, but she had been more energetic after getting the BiPAP machine and sleeping through the night. She’d done a little bit of the exercise prescribed, but after months of lazing around in a depression, she just couldn’t do it.

It was sad, but Applejack was too proud to say anything. So she just...continued to exist. Continued gorging herself, continued doing what little bits of work she could.

Even when her weight was such a problem that she could hardly walk down the hall to get to the bathroom. Even when she was put on oxygen full time.

Rainbow had intervened, but there was only so much exercise she could force Applejack to do.

She did build some muscle from Rainbow’s forced exercise, but with as heavy as she was her leg simply wouldn’t hold. It was a truly vicious cycle, one that tired her out and limited her movement.

Rainbow came in early one morning, partially to help Big Mac run the farm, and partially to come help Applejack.

Applejack was still in bed, not too much of a surprise these days, and she was easily 500 pounds. Her stomach spread across her hind legs, sagging over her thick thighs to touch the mattress. She was bereft of the full oxygen mask, only wearing the normal cannula in her nose.

“Well, Applejack!” Rainbow yelled, “I hope you’re ready for the workout of your life!”

Applejack groaned, but nodded. She may not like it, but these workout sessions were becoming one of the few things in her life that brought her joy and comfort while she was trapped in a fleshy prison of her own making.

Eerie and Shayle

Author's Note

A short little thing I wrote for The Wind King (link here). His character is Eerie.

Also giving credit to Shayle for Shayle, and they can be found on Discord if you know where to look.

Not the usual dark stuff I do for these one-shots but it was nice to get a little slice of life involved. And it was a pleasure to do these short little commissions.

So yeah, as always money is tight and I'm looking to do commissions. Short ones, long ones, PM me for more details or join my patreon!

Eerie and Shayle

Eerie the griffon flew into the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, humming to himself softly as he dragged his full load of things past the threshold, “You here Shayle?”

Eerie was a black griffon with white feathers behind his head and orange eyes. Settling his bags of food down for a few seconds to strip off his jacket, leaving him in his slate-grey shirt, waiting to hear Shayle’s response.

“Yes!” Came the weak reply.

Eerie smiled, picking up the bags of food and flapping his wings so he could more easily carry them. Flying was easier than trying to drag the bags behind him, and with as much food as Shayle needed, it was easier to transport this way. Flying into the living room, Eerie kept his eyes wide open as he saw Shayle. Unmoved from where he’d left her this morning.

Shayle was a zebra, and not just any zebra...She was his love and his soulmate and she was beautiful and intelligent and...and...well if Eerie had to guess, she was probably approaching seven-hundred pounds, if she wasn’t there already.

She was wide, her flanks and plot large enough that she took up the entirety of the special, reinforced couch that Eerie had built for her. Her flesh pressing against the back and arms of the couch hard enough that her excess flab actually overhung the armrests a little, creating an artificial fold there. Shayle’s stomach was her real asset though, surging forward from where her barrel had been and now covering her lap completely, covering a sizable portion of her hind legs, and sagging ever downwards toward the floor. Her pidgeon chest, a small fold of a thin in comparison to the enormity of her stomach, barely covered the uppermost roll of the gargantuan belly.

Shayle’s face carried the weight well, her puffy cheeks melding almost seamlessly with her second chin. And it was a second chin, though it was quite a large one. Just one, large piece of extra flesh instead of dividing into a multitude of chins and jowls. Though with her neck as thick as it was, it wasn’t too hard to imagine her getting more rolls and folds soon...

“Hey sweetie,” Eerie smiled, leaning in to press a quick kiss on her forehead before landing and starting to unpack the bags of food. He’d gone to several places while he was out: the grocery store, Buckdonald’s, and the bakery primarily. The bags from the grocery store were mostly two litres of pop, cookies, and some other snacks you couldn’t really find in a fast food joint.

When he unpacked the Buckdonald’s bags, fries and hayburgers mostly, she started to eat them. Her stomach rumbling audibly for sustenance.

“Thanks babe,” She said around a burger, ketchup dripping onto her pidgeon chest as crumbs stuck to the sides of her muzzle and sauces got onto her hooves, “ ‘M starving. Must be the diet.”

Diet his flank. If this was a diet he was the king of the griffons. Oh well, whatever kept her happy and eating. As much as she could be embarrassed and in denial about her true size, Eerie had no such misgivings. He loved every inch of her, and his love grew right along with her.

Eerie simply smiled and continued to lay out the feast. He’d picked up more than a few orders of food from Buckdonald’s, much less what he’d picked up at the bakery…

Croissants, eclairs, turnovers. Things heavy with butter and sugar and cream. Everything calorie heavy because Faust did Shayle ever turn him on when she managed to get to her hooves and waddle her way around the apartment.

Once he was done setting things out on the coffee table, he started feeding her, swatting her hooves away when she tried to help. He didn’t need her burning precious calories trying to feed herself when he was perfectly capable of it.

Feeding her wasn’t exactly a clean affair. Other foods joined the other stains, pop sticky and matting her fur while mustard was a bright contrast to her grey and black stripes.

Shayle was a beautiful zebra. Her long mane swept into a ponytail at the base of her neck, bangs pinned around one ear so they didn’t get messy. Her luxurious tail trapped somewhere underneath her. Eerie made a mental note to brush it out before they retired for the evening, even if she protested.

The food he’d brought was disappearing rapidly into Shayle’s gullet. She was clearly enjoying it all, moaning and rubbing at what small part of her massive stomach she could reach.

When the last morsel of food, a buttery croissant, passed her lips, Eerie became suddenly aware of another sound he’d missed under all her groaning and chewing.

An alarming creak coming from the poor, abused couch he’d made all those months ago.

Shayle swallowed the bit of croissant, and then the couch gave out from underneath her. Sending her to the floor with a shriek, still perched upon the remnants of the piece of furniture. Unbeknownst to Shayle, Eerie had built it so that it would flatten underneath her, posing no danger should/when it collapse. It wouldn’t do to give her splinters after all.

Eerie stared as Shayle’s extra flesh moved and jostled about even after she’d settled, panting weakly from the fright. “C-congrats, sweetie.” He managed, “You did it.” The mythical ‘couch crushing’ stage. They’d talked about it, Shayle had apparently dreamed it, but this had shaken them both a little.

Eerie stumbled over to the phone, intent on calling the local Neightalian place and ordering as much food as he could afford, stumbling over his words as shock started to turn into delight.

Shayle, meanwhile, stayed where she was. Face flushed scarlet and hugging at her stomach like it was a comfort object. She hadn’t thought she was this big...but with the couch now pulverised beneath her she could feel her fat pressing in, surrounding her and comforting her. In spite of all the food she’d already eaten, though...her stomach was already growling for more.

Forbidden Arts

Author's Note

Another Twilight piece, not as dark as the other.

For those of you who don't know, Marjoram is an OC of mine. Basically was Celestia's first attempt at getting Twilight a friend...Marjoram too, actually. He's something of a weird uncle or a second father figure to Twilight, and actually helped Celestia teach Twilight her advanced studies.

Forbidden Arts

Forbidden Arts was a book Twilight had known about for a long time. One that she’d heard mention of, had appeared in all the restricted/banned text lists, had even talked with Celestia about it when she was younger. Marjoram too. She hadn’t been able to read it though, every time she asked about it she was shot down.

“It’s a very dangerous book, Twilight.” Celestia had said during their lessons that day, “You’ll read it when you’re ready, after you have more control over your magic.”

“No.” Marjoram had said bluntly, “You’re still a kid. You’ll read it when you’ve proven yourself. It’s dangerous in the wrong hooves.” Before gesturing down to the book she was supposed to read. He wasn’t the same sort of teacher that Celestia was, but...well Twilight later figured out that that had been the point.

Upon gaining her wings, and princess status, Twilight had thought she’d finally gain access. But it wasn’t until the Golden Oak was destroyed, and she got her castle, that she found it.

Celestia, and just about everyone she knew, had been working to rebuild her library. Sending books from all over. Even Marjoram had chipped in, even though most of his belongings had survived, buried under the rubble.

When a large crate of books arrived one morning, when Marjoram was asleep after a rough night, Twilight set about bringing it inside and getting it unloaded. It was a crate from Celestia, one full of books. The note said they were books left in Twilight’s rooms from Canterlot, and a mixture of ‘higher level spellbooks’ that Twilight would be interested in.

On top of the pile, like it had been arranged that way, rested an old copy of Forbidden Arts, the spine cracked and cover well worn. It was the most beautiful book she’d seen in a long time.

Twilight spent the next hour shelving the new books, adding them to her slowly growing collection and admiring how she had a few shelves full now. Never forgetting the book resting near her hooves.

When the books were sorted and shelved, she picked up Forbidden Arts and teleported to her room. She wanted privacy for this. And in case something went wrong, the noise would be dim enough from Spike and Marjoram’s rooms that they wouldn’t hear. They needed their sleep after all.

Twilight opened the book, and started to read. A huge, wide smile on her face. Not noticing the little note that fell from the book and drifted under her desk, well out of her sight.

(LINE BREAK)

Spike was dashing around the kitchen, dragging his little stool with him when he needed to. Mixing, checking the oven, and adding ingredients. He had...some sort of something in the oven. Pastry something, Marjoram figured, watching the little dragon scamper around.

Spike was making some kind of...custard? Whipped cream? Marjoram blinked blearily, watching as Spike added some vanilla before whisking again just as eagerly.

Both dragon and Marjoram stopped for a moment, turning as Twilight entered the kitchen. She was in one of her moods again, studying so much that everything else had followed by the wayside. They hadn’t seen much of her for the last week, ever since Celestia sent that crate of books. Neither of them were surprised.

“Hi Twilight!” Spike greeted with a smile, starting to whisk again.

“Hi Spike, hi Marjoram.” Twilight yawned, opening the refrigerator and grabbing a bottle of water, “Okay, I’m off-”

“But, Twilight, I’m making cream puffs! Don’t you want to stay and try one?”

“I will later okay?” Twilight yawned again, and it was clear to see the dark circles under her eyes, “but I’m really caught up in my reading.”

“We can tell,” Marjoram said dryly, “Come on, Twilight, we haven’t seen you out of there for a while. You’ve got to be hungry.”

“Nope,” A dreamy smile graced her lips, “I’ve got it covered. Thanks.” A flash of magic, and she was gone. Presumably teleported away back to the library.

“You tried.” Spike sighed. He bit his lower lip, worrying at it for a few moments, “Did you notice anything weird?”

“Twilight was being Twilight,” Marjoram shrugged, “Why?”

“Well...I probably just imagined it, but I thought she’d gained a little weight.”

Marjoram waved a hoof dismissively, “It’s fine. Probably been gorging herself on sweets while she’s reading. Who knows what she’s got stashed in that library. We’ll let Rainbow know and she’ll take her on some flights and everything will be fine.”

A few weeks later, when he was called back to Canterlot suddenly to teach classes for the rest of the term, he wished he’d listened to Spike’s warning. Spike, who joined Marjoram for a welcome ‘vacation’ back in his hometown, felt very similarly.

(LINE BREAK)

Twilight burped without thinking about it, the pressure releasing it’s vice grip on her gurgling belly. She lived alone now, in a too big castle. With Spike, Marjoram, and her usual visits by her friends it wasn’t so bad. But recently all of them had things to do, which was fair. They all lived busy lives after all, but still. It was harvest time for the Apples, Rainbow was on tour with the Wonderbolts, Rarity was cycling between Manehatten and Canterlot for the fall fashion shows there, Fluttershy was preparing her animal friends for hibernation and/or winter, Pinkie was up to her ears helping the Cakes with Sugarcube and the twins, and Marjoram and Spike were still in Canterlot.

Forbidden Arts and the other books kept Twilight busy enough. One spell in particular had piqued her interest, and she’d been using it almost constantly since. It didn’t have a name, it was so ancient, but it was meant to stop famines when the relationships between the tribes broke down. Mostly for unicorns, since they were the only ponies who could cast it.

Why a spell that conjured food was banned, Twilight didn’t know. The food was delicious, always perfect, and at the proper temperature. Sometimes there was too much of it, but who was she to complain. Ponies lived harder lives back then, needed the extra calories.

At first, Twilight’s Alicorn metabolism handled them with ease, but months of study and non-stop eating had worn that down to pittance. The amount of calories she was stuffing her face with daily was many times the amount she actually needed to survive.

Not that Twilight was really aware of this, however. She just ate when she was hungry, and she was always hungry. The only things she really cared about were her food, her books, and keeping her books foodstain free.

She took no notice of the extra weight she’d packed on. After nearly two months of gorging on this delicious food, she didn’t stop to wonder how she’d blown up so quickly. Hadn’t seen the warnings in the book, written in Old Ponish that she hadn’t bothered to translate yet, thinking it wasn’t important. Like the history of the spell.

Twilight had weighed a respectable 130 pounds two months ago. She now clocked in at 650 pounds. Not that she knew that. For all her intelligence, her addiction to the food she conjured every hour on the hour had rendered her blind to its effects. She didn’t notice when she couldn’t fit into her throne, couldn’t realize her bed creaking under the strain of her body, couldn’t hear her lungs wheezing for breath, couldn’t see the food rotting in the fridge because she hadn’t bothered for a bite of ‘real food’ in two months.

Twilight hadn’t noticed a lot of things about herself either. Like how, when in the throes of super morbid obesity, that her body was...very rounded. Not like some ponies at all where there was all those rolls and folds. No, Twilight was just...soft and baggy, no unnecessary folds at all. She’d also gained very evenly, even as her body started to lose its definition as such.

Her face and neck were one, the fat blending seamlessly with the exception of one double chin. Her cheeks melded with her neck, her double chin flapping when she ate or bothered to talk to herself. Squinting over the rounded mounds of her cheeks to read and see what she was eating.

Her neck and chest melded too, though her chest wasn’t as fatty as the rest of her. Mostly poofing out from between her front legs without impeding them too much. Creating one, albeit small, fold where her chest sagged against her stomach.

Twilight’s legs, front and back, had the most rolls. One for each joint, the twelve rolls combined sagging against each other, making her hooves look small and nubby in comparison. The joints encased so much that it took considerable effort to move. So she didn’t. Hadn’t for...oh, was it two weeks or three? Slurping down an ice cold, thick milkshake, Twilight couldn’t remember. She’d stood yesterday afternoon to retrieve a book, but that had been such a chore she’d needed three extra large pizzas after...

Twilight’s stomach was large. Pressing against all four legs firmly and touching the ground even when she stood. It would be...oh, less than fifty pounds before her stomach finally lifted her hooves from the ground and pinned her in place permanently, but again, Twilight wasn’t aware of that.

Her flanks and plot melded together as well, forming the first of the six rolls that encompassed her hind legs. Her rear overhanging her hocks so much that it wouldn’t be long before that joint was just a memory. Even her wings, once so muscular and slim were just like bags of fat resting against her stomach. She hadn’t flapped them for a while, mostly because the fat surrounding them would make it hard work to do so.

Twilight belched again, the sound echoing around the library. For as pristine as the books were, she couldn’t say the same for herself. Her front was splattered with food stains, and sticky from sodas, ice creams, and desserts. Her face was stained with food as well, and if she’d been in her right mind, she’d have been mortified.

Twilight shifted on the overlarge cushion she was resting on, not noticing how her fatty sides were now mere millimeters from touching the floor. She sighed contentedly, turning the page in this fascinating book on old spells.

Speaking of spell, a moment of concentration was all it took for a large, cheesy lasagna to appear. She didn’t use cutlery, using only her magic to hold the piping hot container as she plunged in muzzle first.

Twilight didn’t hear the front door of the castle opening, though that was meant to be quiet. Didn’t hear her friends break off to try to find her, or reconvene outside the library when the realized that must be where she was.

Though she sure as hell noticed when everyone, sans Marjoram and Spike they were scheduled to be gone for a few more weeks, when her five best friends flung open the door and Pinkie let out her party canon.

Those five friends took in the sight of one Princess Twilight Sparkle in equal parts horror and awe.

Twilight merely smiled, licking marinara sauce from her muzzle, “Hey...guys...want some?”

The Dinner Date

Author's Note

A short commission for the Wind King. Fun to write, and everyone involved liked it!

The Dinner Date

Polaris stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom, is blue magic flaring every so often as the Changeling worked to toy with his disguise. Hiding a blemish there, flattening his mane, fixing the fit of his suit. Little details, but for date night the little details mattered. Trying to hide his nervousness. He loved Midnight, loved her to pieces, but...well date night was always a bit nerve wracking.

He kept his blue mane for tonight, it falling straight with a slight curl to the ends, his tail too. His own, but practical all things considered. His suit was one of the fancier that he owned. Black jacket, bow tie, and spats, with a navy blue shirt and colour square in his pocket. He looked quite dignified in it, he thought. The very image of a smart and successful pony, which he was. Though his spending habits could only be matched by those who were born into royalty..Not that it mattered, he was never going to run out of money.

He went to fix his hair again, and was interrupted by a knock at the door.

Polaris teleported himself to the front door in lieu of walking. His manor was large after all, and a Changeling of his means had to show off somehow. Smoothing out his jacket again as he opened it, Polaris was greeted by the face of his driver. A middle-aged earth pony who looked older than he was, and seemed almost nervous.

Polaris turned to call into the house, “Middy! The carriage is here! Are you ready?”

“Yes!” Came the strained reply.

The driver swallowed convulsively. Looking like he very much wished to be swallowed up into the ground.

(LINE BREAK)

The carriage pulled up to the restaurant, a fancy, high class place that served the rich and successful of Equestria. Well-lit, well decorated, and very busy, the place was well-respected and adored by those who could afford it.

The bustling ponies stopped bustling when the carriage pulled up to the restaurant. It was large and well made, the old driver obviously sweating bullets as he panted and heaved for breath. He, and his other carriage puller, looking more disheveled than they had when they’d left the manor.

The carriage was sagging low to the ground, the wood creaking and groaning audibly as it trundled to a stop. Polaris got out, trotting to the side of the carriage facing the restaurant, and opened the door.

Midnight stepped out of the carriage. A bat pony, with striking light grey fur and white markings. Like an appaloosa pony with four white socks. Her dark, purple mane and tail were the perfect contrast. Mane short, her forelock pinned away from her eyes with a fancy clip. Her long tail, normally able to drag along the ground, was curled and coiffed enough that it no longer did. She’d had her maid do most of the work, as it was abundantly clear to anypony who looked upon Midnight that she certainly hadn’t done any of her makeup, styling, or even getting into her dress by herself.

Midnight was wearing a slinky black dress, hugging her body around the bodice and flaring a bit at the hips to drape seductively. By her standards, it was the perfect little black dress.

To just about anyone else, it would have been a tent.

Midnight was well over six-hundred and fifty pounds by now, Polaris’ care had made sure of that. And Midnight’s own desires compounded the problem. Midnight was obese to the extreme, and the dress looked more like a sausage skin than an actual dress. The fact it wasn’t tearing was a credit to its maker.

Polaris offered a hoof as Midnight stepped off the carriage. The carriage groaning, and springing up by almost a foot once her weight was off it. The couple made their way to the entrance together, Polaris acting the gentleman and opening both halves of the double door to allow Midnight entrance. Her shuffling, waddle slow and deliberate as she made her way to the Maitre’d.

The Maitre’d looked for their reservation with barely disguised disdain. His nose wrinkling a little bit as he had to wait for Midnight and Polaris to follow him through the restaurant and to their reserved table. It was his job to be aware of everyone in the restaurant while he was on shift, and as the Maitre’d with the most Seniority, he was almost tempted to refuse them service. But a mare that large had to have a large appetite, and it certainly couldn’t hurt their wallets any if she ate a few courses.

Midnight eased herself into the row of four chairs provided to her, her rear spreading out over them and making them sag and creak just like the carriage before. Not that Midnight minded, she was too busy looking around and wondering what everypony was eating as they stopped to stare at her enormity. Whispers, cruel and judgemental, starting up.

It only made Midnight more eager for this meal, her stomach growling and mouth starting to salivate at the sights and smells and sounds of food.

Midnight was a truly obese mare, weighing in somewhere at six-hundred and 73 pounds this morning. Her cheeks looked like a chipmunks, even when she wasn’t eating, sagging low against the fatty rolls that were all that remained of her neck. Her double and triple chins were of no consequence to her, melding with her sagging neck rolls and merging even more with her drooping pigeon chest and massive stomach. Her stomach was her largest asset, even larger than her four-chair plot behind her. Pressing into her legs, making movement all the more difficult. Creating rolls and folds and occasionally getting her stuck in doorways. Her wings, bat-like protrusions, were mostly safe from the onslaught of calories, but the joints around them weren’t. Nor were they safe from her back rolls.

Midnight loved her new body, loved feeling her stomach hanging off her knees. Even as restrained as it was with the dress. It did make getting around easier, the flab was more controlled, but that didn’t mean she wanted to feel like she was going to burst out of it at any moment.

Once Polaris was settled, and they’d had a little time to look over the menu, a jittery unicorn waiter came to take their orders. Her magic holding her pen and pad. Probably new to the restaurant then, fearful of forgetting things for these high class ponies.

“I would like the insalata mimmo please.” A salad made of tomatoes, avocado, red onion, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar sounded amazing for a starter. “And I’ll have the risotto sottobosco for dinner.”

“And to drink?” The waiter pressed, scribbling frantically.

“A beer, a domestic, the finest you have. Price is no object. Let the chefs choose if they’d like.”

The waiter nodded frantically, gulping as she looked to Midnight, “And for you ma’am?”

“I would like some wine, red please. Let the chef choose…” Midnight bit her lip, looking over the menu like it was hard to choose, “I...would like the gnocco fritto, please. And the trenette, lasagna alla gino, the gnocchi, the spaghetti aglio e olio, the branzino, and a side of the asparagi alla griglia. Please.”

The waiter nodded, scribbling away still.

“Oh what about the risotto aragosta? I’ve heard good things,” Polaris prompted, still looking at his menu, “Or maybe the salmone, the bucatini, raviolini, or-” and proceeded to point out nearly half a dozen other dishes to the ones Midnight had already ordered. Each one given a nod of approval, leaving the waiter to scribble helplessly, adding to the long order.

“That’s everything for now, but we’ll keep a copy of the menu.” Polaris smiled.

The waitress nodded, all but running off to put in the order.

There was some bread on the table, and now they were alone it was gone within minutes. To give the restaurant credit, they refilled it many times over the course of the following meal, and Midnight ate all but two of the little rolls.

When the first courses arrived, Midnight dove in with abandon, loudly and eagerly. Groaning and moaning, getting her muzzle covered with the thick sauces provided.

The ponies around them held her in obvious derision and contempt, looking down their noses at her and muttering amongst themselves.

With each insult, Midnight ate all the faster. Causing more of a scene. Polaris, who was seated across from her, seemed serene in comparison. A small, knowing smirk on his lips as he ate his food normally.

After every course arrived, Polaris would stop the waiter and add more things to the order. Trying some of these exotic things that he knew Midnight hadn’t had before. Ordering champagne and more food and even a few desserts to break up the savoury foods.

Midnight’s dress had been complaining before the show of gluttony began. With each plate consumed, most licked clean, the dress was starting to lose the battle. Giving up the ghost as Midnight’s stomach bloated and bulged outward, stuffed to the brim with food as she continued gorging herself. Her chairs sagging underneath her as she continued to eat.

Her display caused some of the nearest diners to her to leave. Polaris surreptitiously taking half-eaten meals for Midnight’s benefit and replacing the plates. Her dress tearing a little more with each plate of food she ate.

It was a noisy affair, and the waitstaff couldn’t keep up with how quickly she was eating. Taking cartloads of plates and hardly making a dent. The table groaning under the burden of so much heavy crockery.

Until, panting, Midnight sat back and belched. Staring at her plate of pasta with glazed over eyes, panting and wheezing before turning her violet eyes to Polaris in that pleading way she had. Far too tired to continue this show of force by herself. Her stomach bloated, dress creaking. Little tears allowing flesh and fur to peek out. Her breath wheezing in and out of her body as she tried to get the burning in her front legs to stop. She was not a mare built for exercise, and it took a lot to feed herself.

It was mostly desserts from here on out, if Polaris remembered right. Moving around the table to lay on top of Midnight’s stomach, hooves moving about to rub and grope as his magic started feeding her. Cakes, sweet consommes, cookies, gelatos and sorbets, boozy tiramisu, all disappearing into her gullet. All of them sweet and rich, influenced by some of the best, fattiest ingredients that were available. Their brilliance, and the brilliance of the other dishes, lay in the fact they weren’t too much for one pony.

The final bite of food, a rich chocolate cake covered in buttercream and fruit, was enough for her dress. Ripping and tearing could be heard throughout the restaurant as the garment gave up, Midnight’s flesh bulging out suddenly now it wasn’t restricted. Her belly surging forward to knock over their table that was piled high with dishes. Crockery spilling everywhere, ladies and gentlemen gasping and shrieking at the suddenness of it all.

Midnight’s plot, now also free, crushed the seats she’d squeezed herself onto, dropping them both to the floor. Midnight letting out a short scream and Polaris simply clutching for dear life as Midnight’s fat jostled them both quite badly.

The restaurant stopped. All heads now turned to them just in time for Midnight to let out an ear-splitting belch. At least one lady fainted, and it was clear that they’d overstayed their welcome.

(LINE BREAK)

It was only because of Polaris’ magic that they got home. Midnight far too bloated and full to walk, or really stand. He’d teleported them directly to the manor, helping Midnight get comfortable before taking care of himself.

Because it had finally happened. Midnight’s stomach was now large enough that it lifted her hooves off of the floor and spread underneath her like a mattress. It was rock hard underneath all the soft fat, bloated gurgling as it worked to start digesting the obscene amount of food stuffed into it.

Midnight was in a happy daze, utilizing the last of her mobility to stroke directly where her front hooves could reach, groaning and belching as her body worked to digest. Clearly in the throes of a food coma, and loving every second of it. She hadn’t grown sick of this yet, and didn’t think it’d ever change. The eating and gaining, it was too pleasurable to stop. Not even with the stares and glares and poking fun she had to endure for her own pleasure.

Polaris was safely out of his disguise, and his suit, laying half on top of Midnight’s back and half onto her stomach. His chitin off black, contrasting with his hair. Trying to ease the discomfort she must be feeling by trying to knead her stomach, trying to feel and touch as much as he could.

“You know, I don’t think I can take you anywhere by carriage anymore,” Polaris’ tone was teasing, and he leaned in to press a kiss to one of Midnight’s rolls. Nibbling at it playfully before moving to massage the base of her wings, earning a groan of pleasure.

Midnight chuckled, burped, then groaned. Unable to answer before Polaris continued.

“Do you have any idea how many pegasi would be needed to haul you out of here? I’m thinking maybe a dozen or more. Thank the Creators I was there to take you home. You bloated, fat, piggy of mine.” Polaris crooned.

Midnight chuckled, “Well whose fault is that? You don’t even let a mare get hungry before you offer more food!”

Polaris pressed more kisses, nuzzling into the soft fat beneath him, “Oh my love you were already fat! You just didn’t know your potential yet.”

Midnight huffed a sigh, but it was clear she was smiling, “And who exactly took me out to eat all those times? Or encouraged me to eat until I could hardly walk from how bloated and full I was? Or conjured food so we didn’t even need to get out of bed?” She’d always been a fat pony, but had really started gaining when she realized that others were going to judge her no matter what she did. No point trying to live up to others’ expectations if you were miserable.

“I never forced you to eat!” Polaris laughed, massaging a bit harder along her stomach. Earning another belch and a snort.

“No, that was all me. Did you see those idiots at the restaurant!? Bet they’re still talking about the pig they saw today.”

“I think everypony will talk about you. All about your beauty and you’re appetite and how beautiful you are.”

Midnight snorted. “Hmmm. Well, This was nice.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” Polaris murmured with a sigh. “I’m so glad I can keep you in food.”

“Think I made it past six seventy-five?” Midnight asked.

“It’ll be a miracle if you didn’t get past seven-hundred.” Polaris returned. “Think we’ll need a new scale?”

A pause and Midnight laughed, “I ordered a cattle-weighing one the other day. I can’t believe I already beat you too it-” cutting herself off with another belch.

Polaris was going to say something else, but the conversation was derailed when Midnight’s stomach growled hard enough that her entire body shook with the force. Her fat rippling and jiggling.

She couldn’t crane around to look over her shoulder at Polaris, but it was clear her smile had turned into a smirk, “Would you be a dear and order this piggy some pizza? I’m hungry again.”

Discord At Your Service

Author's Note

A piece I did for Drakin I finished a few days ago. Idea is his, writing is mine.

Basically: Discord owns a restaurant franchise and pones get fat. (So does Discord)

Discord At Your Service

Fluttershy clapped her hooves together with a delighted squeak, “Oh, Discord, this looks amazing! I’m so proud of you!”

Discord beamed, crossing his arms over his chest and soaking up the praise. Celestia, and a bunch of the others, had asked him what he wanted to do because he was driving them all a little insane with his idle pranking and hovering.

After some thought, and a discussion with Pinkie, he’d decided to open a restaurant. It’d been hard work, but it was him.

Crazy Eats was a freestanding building towards the center of Ponyville. That was a bit of a rarity, but it was a remodeled house. The restaurant was downstairs, and a little apartment above. The apartment was unfurnished for now, since Discord could create a portal to his own pocket dimension whenever he wanted, but it was still a neat little place.

It’s sign was large and painted a dizzying array of colours with different fonts. If nothing else, it caught the eye. Inside looked like a diner, but more eccentric. Crazy colours, a changing menu determined by Discord’s wishes. A flexible, changing seating plan (again determined by Discord) were all highlights.

“Yeah, me too,” Rainbow said at last, voice dry and conveying her obvious lack of excitement. There were murmurings from the others, except for Fluttershy.

“Oh come now! I’ve worked so hard to get this far! Come in, come in!” Discord snapped his lion paw and suddenly they were all inside the restaurant.

It was tacky at best, some tables floating around, some furniture stuck upside down on the ceiling.

They were seated at a large table, all except Discord who was standing off to one side with a food cart, “Well! Here we are!” Discord beamed.

A snap of his fingers and platters and plates, presumably full of food, started to dance their way across the floor. Uncovering themselves and making their way over to the ponies around the table, they sat still. Discord waited with glee, leaning in dramatically to see how they would react to the food.

Applejack spoke first, “Is this...Granny’s stew?” It sure looked like it. A deeply coloured broth with thick hunks of vegetables in it. On the plate beside it was a hunk of cornbread.

Discord’s smile only widened, “Nope! It’s my stew! I hope it matches up!”

Fluttershy had a lovely looking salad. With nuts and cheeses and some fruit. Different kinds of lettuce and other greenery. Almost looking like the complicated salads she had to make for Angel Bunny. “Oh Discord, this looks amazing!”

Discord literally glowed at the praise, eyes turning to Rarity.

Rarity looked shocked, mouth hung open slightly and her eyes wide. She had a meal famous in the Griffon kingdom. A crown of roast pork was laid atop a layer of crispy potatoes sprinkled with green onions. The meat was glazed, almost mirror-like.

“Don’t worry! No animals were harmed in the making of these dishes!” Discord’s voice surprisingly serious but not lacking the normal dramatic flair.

“This-this looks like it came out of the magazine I was reading.” Rarity said, amazed.

Discord’s smile said the words he didn’t say aloud: I know.

Rainbow had meat too, a lean cut of steak flanked by mushy peas and and some roasted potatoes. She didn’t wait for the others to get out of their stupours before digging in, mouth too full to say anything. She had an adventurous palate and had always heard Gilda praise how good lean meats were for muscle.

“For you, Pinkie, there’s a spicy peanut noodle soup!” Discord announced.

Pinkie squealed in excitement, her hair floofing out as she wriggled closer. Starting to eat along with Rainbow, praising Discord in between bites.

Twilight looked a little hesitant, but even she couldn’t help but stare at the ooey-gooey lasagna in front of her. Diving in with abandon just like the rest of her friends.

Discord watched, and smiled. The ponies were too busy eating to notice the gleam of excitement in his eyes.

(LINE BREAK)

Rarity clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth as her magic tugged at the fabric of the dress she was trying on. Rarity didn’t try on every single dress she made, but she tried on ones that she was making many of. To make sure they fit well and didn’t feel scratchy.

Ever since Discord had opened his restaurant, and Rarity had become a regular customer, her dry cleaner’s had been shrinking her outfits! This was ridiculous!

Rarity gave another tug, finally closing the zipper. It was tight and uncomfortable, and as Rarity let out a breath, one of the seams along the back ripped across her back.

“By Tartarous!” Rarity spat, “I need to go down there and give them a piece of my mind!” Taking the dress off in a huff before storming out of her boutique.

In reality, it was Rarity that had grown. Her dresses were sized as they ever were. After several weeks of Discord’s delicious food, Rarity had started to put on some weight. She ate out quite often, and snacked in between meals. It was all so easy to justify, she was a hardworking mare. She was in total denial of how much food she was eating.

Rarity was also in denial about her weight. Her flanks had filled out, her Cutie Mark stretching out to accommodate. Her barrel was a bit more plush, her neck a bit fuller. Her stomach hanging just a touch lower. Her cheeks looking a bit chubby, with a double chin showing up whenever she looked down. It was fairly mild, but it was already making waves. Rarity followed fashion to the letter, being as svelte as the models in Canterlot. This deviation, however slight, was attracting attention. Rarity wasn’t aware of it, but her clients certainly were.

As Rarity strode through the streets of Ponyville, she just thought the few stares and whispers were from her normal adoring fans. Thinking nothing of it, she stormed into the dry cleaners to give them a good talking to.

Across town, in Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie was living her best life. Buzzing around Sugarcube Corner, helping customers, and talking with all her friends. Pinkie’s weight tended to fluctuate a bit year round. She gained a bit of pudge in the fall and winter, but then slimmed up again when spring came. It was fall now, and though it was still early September, nopony thought it a little odd that Pinkie was starting to get a bit chubby.

Like Rarity, Pinkie had started eating more. Eating Discord’s food inspired her, and she was now starting to try out some new desserts for Nightmare Night and Hearth’s Warming already. She was eating quite a bit by now, enough that her activity filled day just wasn’t cutting it anymore.

Unlike Rarity, Pinkie’s gains weren’t so spread out across her body. She looked a bit softer around the edges, sure, but most of the pudge appeared around her tummy. It no longer arced gracefully upwards, instead just hanging between her legs. It was still small, barely wiggling and jiggling underneath her when she moved, but for the ponies of Ponyville, it was a good sign. A sign that the holidays were around the corner, and that things were going along as usual.

“Alrighty! Here you are!” Pinkie slid a couple of plates onto the table where a few customers were sitting before zooming around to complete the next task. All the while, thinking about what Discord would be serving her tonight when she went over for dinner. It was always a surprise!

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle was laying down in the park, reading a book. The slight breeze ruffling her fur and feathers in a soothing, cooling way. Keeping half an ear on the young ponies outside playing on this beautiful day.

Princess Twilight Sparkle, as it turned out, wasn’t as immune to the influx of calories as one might have thought. Her consumption of food had increased along with her friends over these past few weeks, putting Spike’s culinary skills to the test.

Her plot was larger than it used to be, bearing the brunt of her weight. Her Cutie Mark stretched out and faded a bit. The rest of her was soft as well, but it was her plot and flanks that were jiggling and wiggling with each movement.

Twilight’s stomach rumbled, the familiar pang of hunger stabbing through her. Twilight sighed, closed her book, and started to make her way back to the castle. Maybe she would take Spike out to Discord’s restaurant for a treat. Nevermind the fact they’d been having more and more of these ‘treats’ as time passed.

After all, even a princess needed a break.

On the outskirts of Ponyville, near the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy puttered around her little cottage. Humming to herself as she tidied, swept, and did those little things that soon piled up if they were left.

Fluttershy, at the tender mercies of Discord’s whims, had gained the most out of her friend group. Because Discord’s meat didn’t actually come from animals, Fluttershy’s mostly vegetarian diet had been tossed to the wayside.

Thus far, beef was her favourite, but Discord was always bringing her new delights to try. And not just meat either, but coming up with ways to cook things that Fluttershy wouldn’t have dreamed of by herself.

Stir-frying vegetables together in a spicy sauce had been her favourite, if Fluttershy was honest. She still loved her vegetables and fruits, but since Discord didn’t charge her for these surprise meals and snacks...well, it was fine that her stomach poofed out a bit. She was just bloated.

While the pegasus was bloated, that wasn’t the only reason why her stomach was poofing out. She was gaining all over, fairly evenly to boot. Chubby cheeks and a double chin were present, and the rest of her just seemed softer. No more hard edges, and her animal friends loved it. And Fluttershy didn’t even notice.

As she finished wiping down the kitchen counter, there was a flash of light and a pop and there was a covered, silver tray waiting for her.

Fluttershy swallowed, licking her muzzle as her mouth began to water. Wondering what lovely delights could be awaiting her.

On the opposite edge of town, Sweet Apple Acres was having another productive day. Apple Bloom was off at school, and Granny was inside the house making dinner.

Applejack and Big Mac worked side by side, checking on their trees and making sure that they only harvested from trees that had fruit that was ready.

Applejack grunted as she kicked, smiling a little as the apples fell into the buckets she’d placed around. “How you doin’ Big Mac?! Good!?”

“Eyup!” Big Mac called, bucking at a tree and getting similar results.

Applejack’s stomach rumbled and she sighed, rubbing at it with a forehoof. “Well, lucky for you, stomach. Nothin’s better’n a good apple.” Leaning over one of the buckets to snatch one up, chewing at it and nodding happily to herself.

From several trees away, Big Mac paused in his work to watch as Applejack ate one apple, then two, then three. She seemed hungrier recently and, while he wasn’t about to say anything about it, it looked like that hunger was finally starting to have an impact on her appetite. She’d always been hungry, eating like a colt twice her age even as a filly. And the more work Applejack did, the hungrier she got.

It’d never been a problem, until now.

As his sister bit into yet another apple, Big Mac sighed. It was hard to pinpoint, really. He was observant, but not rude. Everypony’s weight fluctuated sometimes, and harvest would be in full swing in less than a week. She’d be fine. She just looked a bit softer, and when she moved bits of her jiggled when they hadn’t before.

Big Mac huffed, getting back to work when Applejack stopped after her sixth apple. Maybe he’d talk to Granny about it anyway. She always seemed to know how to fix things.

Above Ponyville, Rainbow Dash dug through her fridge in the hopes of finding something to satiate her hunger. She was an athlete, and it wasn’t so strange for her to be so hungry. Eventually pulling out the makings of what should be an excellent salad.

She usually didn’t have the patience for such things, but she was starving, and didn’t have time to fly down to Ponyville to go to Discord’s anytime soon. She had flight practise later this afternoon, and wanted to eat beforehand.

Rainbow hadn’t gained very much, still on the diet of a Wonderbolt, but there were still some changes. She had gained a few pounds, the least of her friends thus far, but her desire for food had gone haywire. She was eating all the time, and while she still ate like an athlete, she wasn’t carefully calculating her calories anymore.

If anyone noticed anything was amiss with Crash, it was just that her flight suit looked a bit snug. And with winter coming on, and their season coming to an end, no one would think anything of it.

In his restaurant, Discord cooked with a mixture of chaos and actual cooking. His magic could intuitively pick up what somepony wanted, and he could have it ready and on their table in minutes. Or seconds...Nothing was set in stone! Not even the seating.

Even Discord indulged in his food. Nothing crazy, yet, but he knew the effects would compound. Not that he minded, it was time to bring some chaos to Ponyville!

As Spike waddled up to the counter, looking decidedly more chubby than usual, Discord couldn’t help but grin. So far, his plan had been going perfectly. All he had to do know was sit back, and let the seeds he planted grow.

Soon, it’d be chaos. Maybe not chaos in the traditional sense, but it was chaotic enough for him to be excited for what was to come.

(LINE BREAK)

Celestia sighed, pacing anxiously on her balcony as she waited for her sister.

Something was going on in Ponyville, but the rumours coming out of there simply couldn’t be true...Could they? Twilight and her friends couldn’t be the fattest ponies in Ponyville. That the town was suffering a sudden obesity epidemic.

Twilight simply wouldn’t allow such things.

Luna didn’t bother touching down on the balcony. Instead flying several loops around the tower so Celestia could launch herself into the sky. The pair flying in worried silence all the way to Ponyville. Normally such a flight would be a boon, but it just bred more worry in both their hearts.

Even from a distance it was easy to see Ponyville had changed, and not just because of Twilight’s castle and Ponyville’s recent popularity. No.

There were more overweight ponies here than there should be. And more restaurants and places to sit. Some stands bore Discord’s face, and others reeked of his magic.

Ignoring the city for now, the two sisters flew over Ponyville to go to the castle. They needed to speak with Twilight.

The entrance hall was deserted. No Spike to greet them at the door, and nopony answered their increasingly frantic calls.

The first place they checked was the library, and the sight before them was one that brought fear deep into Celestia’s heart in a way that very few things had ever done.

Spike was fast asleep in a comfortable living chair, his feet propped up on an ottoman. His stomach stretched well past his knees, taking the entirety of his lap, with love handles creeping up the armrests of the chair. His neck was replaced with a multitude of thick chins. He looked almost as wide as he was tall, snoring away.

Twilight seemed to be in her research zone. Books floating around her head. It would have been so normal but for Spike, Twilight’s size, and the fact that Twilight was eating as she read. Greasy fast food was spread across the table beside her, and Twilight was currently mowing down on some piping hot french fries.

Twilight had to be over 500 pounds. Stretched out across a pile of comfortable cushions and pillows, it was easy to see that Twilight had gained a lot of weight in a fairly short amount of time. Stretch marks were visible all over her body, her Cutie Mark faded and stretched out. Her hindquarters were massive, easily the widest thing about Twilight. Her stomach came second, but it looked small in comparison. Twilight’s hind legs were thick as well, with obvious folds at the joints.

The rest of her was fat, there was no denying it, but everything looked so small in comparison to her rump that it made her look thinner elsewhere.

Celestia cleared her throat, jolting Twilight from her book. Thankfully, she wasn’t startled out of her magic, so the books stayed aloft.

Twilight brightened at the sight of the two princesses, struggling to her hooves with a grunt. Her stomach hanging well past her knees. “Celestia! Luna! Hello! What brings you to Ponyville?”

“You do, Twilight Sparkle.” Luna said, striding forward, “We’ve not heard from you in moons!”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve just been so busy-”

“And what is going on in Ponyville?” Celestia asked, not letting Twilight finish. Staring down at her friend with obvious worry, “What’s going on with you? I know you can indulge sometimes, Twilight, but you’ve gained so much-”

Spike let out a truly impressive snore, distracting everypony for a few seconds.

Twilight looked a bit sheepish, staring back at her little pile of food. It was more than her usual large fries and four hay burgers, but still! “Oh...Well Discord’s business has made so much money, a bunch of other ponies and businesses had to start revamping to stay in town! There’s so many good deals, it’s so much cheaper and easier than actual cooking! It’s all just so good! Why don’t you go talk to Discord? His business isn’t too far away! You should be able to see the sign from town square.”

The two sisters shared a knowing look.

Celestia sighed, “Alright. We’ll be back. And we need to have a discussion about next steps.”

The pair left a bewildered Twilight to go back to her food and books. Only accompanied by Spike’s continued snoring.

Celestia sighed once they got back outside, looking to Luna with obvious concern, “What are we going to do?”

“What we have to.” Luna replied, leading the way on hoof into Ponyville, “We’ve dealt with Discord before, we can handle him again.”

Celestia nodded, trotting along after. Using the opportunity to look at Ponyville close up.

A few ponies bowed, but many were so used to Twilight’s presence that they hardly batted an eye and continued on with their day.

There were more restaurants. Lots of ponies sitting down and eating, or eating on the go. Most looked a little chubby at the lightest, most were getting downright fat.

It was obvious Discord had made copies of himself, and even they were getting a little pudgy. No longer rail thin, the copies had double chins, drooping bellies, and soft arms. It would be ridiculous if it weren’t so weird. All of them pointed to the same restaurant. What had to be the start of all this.

Crazy Eats looked about as sane as Celestia would have expected from Discord. Outside seating was packed, so was the inside of the restaurant.

Stepping inside, it took Celestia a few minutes to recognize some of the faces inside the restaurant.

The Apple family was here, Applejack looking to be about the same weight as Twilight. Just with the fat spread across her body equally, taking up an entire booth for herself. Big Mac was still large, but there was fat on him now. A double chin working as he chewed on a cheeseburger. Granny Smith looked a little changed, though she too was a bit pudgy. Apple Bloom was a little butterball of a filly, mowing down on some thick pancakes drenched in butter and syrup.

Nopony here was of average size anymore. Celestia realized somewhat belatedly. All were a bit chubby at the least, though most were starting to look rather fat.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle were at another booth. Rarity’s stomach was almost touching the ground from where she sat, taking up most of the booth she was sitting in. Eating away at some Griffon meat dish or another, the grease dripping down her chin to get caught in her folds and extra chins.

Sweetie Belle resembled Apple Bloom, looking comically wide for her size. Eating a large cheese pizza by herself, wriggling her jiggling hips a little in satisfaction with every bite.

Pinkie was here, gorging herself on what should be an impossible amount of food. She was gaining quite a bit like Applejack, but with more rolls and folds. Humming appreciatively at all the new, crazy concoctions that Discord was able to serve her.

Across the table from Pinkie, was Rainbow Dash. Who seemed to take the phrase ‘carbo loading’ a little too far. She was mowing down on a large pizza, and had several other bready delights waiting for her. She was still one of the lighter ponies in the room, but her paunch and flabby wings were undeniable.

Somehow, the pair were keeping pace with one another, matching bite for bite. Perhaps some unspoken competition or a prank? Normally such things brightened Celestia’s day but now it was disheartening.

Celestia shook her head, staring at all the patrons with muted horror. Going towards the back counter where she could see more copies of Discord. These ones looking far fatter than the ones outside. Their necks were thick and drooping, they had moobs that rested on either side of a ponderous paunch, and even their faces had rounded out. It was so weird to see.

One pointed into the back, and the two royal sisters entered with a huff, going through the kitchen to go into what was probably an office.

Opening the door, Celestia and Luna just stared.

Discord was huge. Seated on a large, wide bench behind a table groaning with food, it took a few seconds to register how big he was. He was almost as wide as the room. It took the two princesses a few seconds to say anything, their mouths gaping open.

Those few seconds were all Discord needed. Waving a paw and food flying into their mouths. More magic making them chew.

Discord was very, very fat. Twice the size of the clones in the kitchen. Very nearly immobile, but everything was just so new and exciting. With every roll and fold he gained, he gained new experience. A heavy stomach drooped past his knees, making it hard to walk. His body had thickened so much he was almost an oval. His face fat and rounded, with chins and rolls that rubbed together in the most interesting ways. Felt new kinds of chaos spreading throughout Ponyville.

As his magic took hold in the two svelte princesses, making them dive into the pile of fattening food, Discord couldn’t help but snap his lian paw. And now, some new chaos in Canterlot. Several stands of his appearing with new clones. With the Princesses out of commission and addicted to his food, he could see how far he could take this.

After all, if he really wanted to, he could end this all with a snap of his paws. Not that he wanted to. This was so fun!

“I hope you two enjoy this feast!” Discord crooned, “Because you’ll be eating like this all the time from now on!”

The two princesses said nothing, too busy stuffing their faces to reply.

Discord sat back and watched, a growing grin on his face. Knowing he’d done what he’d set out to do all along: get the major players hooked so his chaos could flourish unimpeeded.

(LINE BREAK)

Rainbow Dash rolled side to side, trying to gain the momentum she needed to roll out of bed. Finally managing it with a pained grunt, her knees and ankles taking offence at needing to carry her bulk.

She yawned extravagantly, shuffling her way over to the bathroom to start her day. Ignoring the feeling of her large, dragging stomach dragging along the clouds of her floor. Brushing her teeth and brushing her mane, the only things she had the strength and flexibility to do nowadays, was a part of her routine that she didn’t want to forgo.

Tasks done, Rainbow waddled her way into the kitchen, sniffing excitedly as she realized Discord’s delivery must have arrived. She, like many still ‘mobile’ folks in and around Ponyville, were too fat to walk to Discord’s anymore. Instead, Discord brought them food whenever they wanted.

It was always a surprise, what you got. Usually it was something you wanted, but it wasn’t always something you thought you wanted. It was a bit chaotic, leading to all sorts of odd combinations, but it was Discord they were dealing with.

Rainbow yawned, pushing to get herself settled on her couch. She took up the entirety of it now, her hips and flanks were so wide. Taking up the entirety of it, and rolling up and over the armrests. Her hindquarters pressing against the back of the couch, squishing and spreading up it as well.

Rainbow was the smallest of her friends, still able to move around her cloud house. Though the cloud house was far closer to the ground than it used to be, brought down by her immense weight. She was housebound, able to trudge along and take care of Tank but little else. She watched a lot of TV and ate a lot of food, her new sedentary lifestyle making her pile on more pounds and exacerbating the cycle.

Rainbow sighed, reaching towards the tray on her coffee table eagerly. Not noticing or caring how her legs were stiff because of the fat interfering with her joints. Not noticing the fat drooping from her legs as she reached. Not feeling her wings shift inside the rolls they were trapped in. Not caring.

This morning it seemed breakfast was a large sausage pizza with extra cheese, and some garlic bread. Rainbow reached for a cheesy, greasy slice, and started eating. Flipping on the TV absentmindedly, letting the grease drip down her chin and get caught in between her many chins, sagging cheeks, and billowing jowls.

Her stomach’s growling increased as she ate. Begging for more, always more, and Rainbow was happy to oblige.

(LINE BREAK)

Twilight let out a belch after she finished the fiftieth course of this magnificent banquet that Discord had made for her. She had lost her mobility some time ago after three days of gorging herself on lasagna and garlic bread. She was taking up more and more of the library these days, her right side squished against a row of shelving.

Twilight was laying on her mattress of a stomach, eclipsed only by her massive hindquarters. Her plot was still the biggest part of her. Swallowed up her hind legs and tail completely, her plot pressing against the bookshelves behind her, having to arc upward to compete for space. If somepony could get behind her, her plot could easily hide four grown ponies with room to spare.

Well...with all her weight going to her rump, Twilight was more able to continue feeding herself. She didn’t often like using her hooves to eat, but sometimes she liked the feel of it. Feeling her legs move around in their fleshy prisons, feeling how restricted and warm and comfortable she was.

Panting, wheezing, gurgling, the library was never quiet anymore. Neither she nor Spike had been able to leave it for some time, but neither of them minded. Gorging themselves endlessly on whatever they wanted whenever they wanted it.

Spike was so immobile he was a blob of dragon. Discord’s magic needing to feed the helpless drake as he gorged. His head was starting to be consumed by his back and chest rolls, his paws swallowed by dramatic sleeves of sweat. His tail poking out from between two lardy cheeks. He was immobilized so completely that he could barely twitch a muscle. Only able to open his mouth and chew. Almost blinded by sagging forehead fat and his puffy, basketball sized cheeks.

Twilight licked her muzzle, igniting her horn, and brought an entire lasagna to her muzzle, not minding how much mess she was making. Time for course 51.

(LINE BREAK)

Pinkie Pie sighed as the twins settled down in their favourite folds on her pigeon chest. It was always so nice to be able to sing them to sleep and watch them get settled, even better still that she could still help the Cakes in this small way when she wasn’t eating.

Pinkie, much like Spike, was so far past the point of mobility that she relied solely on Discord’s magic to keep her fed.

Pinkie was laying in one of the back rooms of Sugarcube Corner. Serving as a taster, foalsitter, and whatever else she could manage. When she wasn’t being stuffed with the Cakes’ creations, she was being stuffed with Discord’s food.

Speaking of, there was a pop and there was the delivery. Floating above Pinkie’s eyes. French fries and a milkshake, some cotton candy filled with chocolate milk, some more of that spicy peanut noodle soup she liked.

Pinkie was ready for it, opening her mouth wide and letting the food come to her. Chewing and swallowing as eagerly as she did anything.

Pinkie was...Pinkie. Looking like a half-melted blob of strawberry ice cream, she lacked a lot of defining characteristics of being a pony. Her limbs all swallowed up by their sleeves of fat, not even hooves poking out. Her head spherical. Her one, massive double chin encapsulating her neck and drooping down. Her dodgeball sized cheeks and the fat rolling over her head made it hard to see, but she did her best. She was so coated in excess fat that it was hard to imagine that she’d ever been a thin pony.

As her stomach roared to life, the twins let out matching snuffling yawns before snuggling down into their beds. Comforted by the heartbeat and soft comfort that their Auntie Pinkie brought them. Unaware of her continued eating.

(LINE BREAK)

Rarity stopped her sewing when she heard the telltale pop that signified lunch. Setting her work down, Rarity turned her attention to the room.

She and Sweetie Belle were in the main room of the Boutique, both trapped in prisons of flesh of their own making.

Rarity took up a large portion of the floor, her stomach, hindquarters, and drooping fat rolls spreading to make room for more of her. Rarity was covered in so many rolls and folds that it was impossible to tell where her body parts would be, with the exception of her head. She was magnificently massive, her chins cascading down her face. She was lost amidst her own sea of fat. Her limbs were gone, more like pillows strapped to her sides than actual, useful limbs. Rarity was a blob. A fat blob that seemed to take up more and more of the room she was in with every day that passed.

Sweetie was no better, though she was by virtue smaller than her sister. Sweetie was unable to move anything aside from her head in what felt like a long time. Even then she couldn’t really move her head. Her fat cheeks, huge neck rolls, and drooping forehead fat were encroaching on her vision, and further hindered her already limited mobility. She could glance around the room and, if she had to, she could turn her head a little to the sides. Aside from stuffing her face and moving her jaw, that was it. The extent of her movement.

She was large, her physique much like Rarity’s. An oozing blob of fat that spread across the floor, ever outward.

The sisters didn’t speak much, not needing it. Instead gorging themselves into food comas at every opportunity and existing.

Sweetie took a large bite of her fast food burger as Rarity started in on some kebab dish from Saddle Arabia. This was the life.

(LINE BREAK)

Apple Bloom sighed, sinking into the cushions underneath her immobile body as the last of her pancake breakfast soothed her hunger. She was in the kitchen of Sweet Apple Acres, watching as Big Mac trundled along. He was close to immobility, but his years of farm work gave him the muscle he needed to continue. It was comical that he could still move around at his size.

Applejack, out of Apple Bloom’s line of sight, belched loudly enough the house shook. Granny, while fat, couldn’t support the weight the others could. So she was upstairs cleaning, Apple Bloom thought.

Apple Bloom nestled down, head propped up comfortably with her various rolls, and sighed contentedly again. Pancakes were always the best, especially when you could share them with family.

In the living room, Applejack could hear Big Mac shuffling his way through the kitchen. She’d eaten the pancakes he’d made for her, and had eaten a calzone and garlic bread from Discord’s in record timing. She could eat more, but the food was making her tired. She yawned, wiggling a little to get comfortable.

Applejack was...well she was like her friends: a blob of a mare. So packed full of fat that it was hard to recognize she was a pony, nevermind the fact she’d once been one of the fittest in the group. She lacked Rarity’s gratuitous rolls and folds, instead having larger folks that seemed all the bigger for the lack of them.

Applejack belched again, feeling her chins and jowls squish together at this small movement. She snuffled, then snorted, and closed her eyes. Letting the comfort, warmth, and fullness lull her into a deep sleep.

(LINE BREAK)

Fluttershy was still the largest of her friends, and was arguably the most unrecognizable.

The others had experienced dietary changes. Shifting from the regular pony diet to more meat and fat heavy, but Fluttershy had taken it to the extreme.

She’d always been curious as to how meats had tasted, but loved animals too much to ever actually taste any meat beyond fish. She’d eat animal products like cheese and milk and eggs, but never meat.

But the more she tasted, the more she found she loved meat. Especially since she could eat it knowing nothing had died.

So...she ate like the ancient griffons of old. Large, elaborate feasts for every meal. Multiple courses, most of them heavy. Roast meats, meat stews, things dripping in grease, butter, and cheese. All of it delicious. All of it fattening in and of itself, but coupled with the sugary feasts that counted as desserts? Well..it was no wonder that Discord’s magic had plucked her from her little cottage and rested her outside where her mass wouldn’t hurt anything or anyone. If it hadn’t, she’d have broken through the wall, damaging the building and putting herself and the animals at risk.

She was ridiculously huge, too big to fit into her cottage. Too big to fit through any door. She’d lost all definition as a pony. Blinded by her fat, only able to open her mouth and chew. So far gone into her addiction that she thought of nothing else but eating. And she loved it, wondering how the same things could be prepared in such wild ways and all of them were so good…

Fluttershy burped. Always delicate, even now. Sighing softly to herself and wondering what other delights her friend would have in store for her.

(LINE BREAK)

Across Equestria things were changing.

What started off as a localized pattern of obesity rates in Ponyville trickled into Canterlot. From Canterlot, the influence started spreading. As Ponyville went quiet on the word stage, the ponies too addicted to food to think about or do anything else, Canterlot picked up the slack.

Hooked on Discord’s food, Celestia and Luna were pleased to note that he had magically built food stalls around the city. Gorging themselves with the food, the courtiers took notice. Then the nobility, and the wealthy, and so on. Interests shifted.

Fat was in, thin was out. And with the Princesses blowing up like balloons, the rest of Equestria followed.

Celestia was in the throne room, so large that she was spilling off the dias that once held four thrones and room for advisors with ease.

Celestia had perched herself on the dias some time before, wanting to ‘remain available to her subjects’ but really wanting to be easier to get to for the food delivery ponies.

Her plot, always something of a point of pride for her, was overhanging the sides of the dias by quite a bit. Her Cutie Marks so large and warped that they were impossible to make out anymore. Filled with cellulite and rolls and folds, her tail was long gone. Her wings hardly a memory from where they were trapped in the love handles spilling down her back.

Celestia’s stomach was a multi-folded, hanging thing that rolled off the dias and spilled onto the floor in front of her. Covering part of the red carpet leading to the dias that visitors used to walk. Her hind legs were buried somewhere in between the rolls of her flanks and stomach, not visible to the pony eye.

Her front hooves looked short and useless, partially swallowed up by their own fat, they were little more than useless nubs sticking out of her torso. They, along with her head, looked small in comparison to the rest of her body. She had four chins, all of them massive and drooping. Forming into the rolls of a pigeon chest that made up the upper role of her stomach. Her mouth was currently open, gasping for air in between wheezing grunts as she struggled to get air into her lungs.

There was a chime, and Celestia’s attention went from her perpetual gasping for air to her ever present hunger. A line of delivery ponies made their way into the throne room, and Celestia’s stomach growled with hunger, and she got ready to demolish lunch.

Upstairs, in her tower suite, Luna was laid across her floor, snoozing away as the city clock struck noon.

Luna was about as fat as Celestia, though it was hard to estimate.

She was laying down on her stomach, a mass of jiggling fat that moved in time with her wheezing gasps for air. Her neck was gone, buried under rolls of fat. The largest one threatening to overtake her head. Her puffy cheeks melded into her many rolls, all of which hung down and formed a fatty roll where her chest should be. Her legs were useless. Her front hooves just visible through the rolls of fat that overtook her legs. Her hind legs were just rolls of fat, her Cutie Mark large enough that a fully grown pony couldn’t cover it all up if they wanted to. Like Celestia, her wings were half-buried in rolls, and even if they weren’t, they were too fat to flap.

Luna let out a wheezing sore, snorting a little on the inhale. She would remain asleep for another hour or two, then awake for lunch, and then sleep again until it was time to raise the night sky and the moon. All sorts of delicious things, whatever suited her fancy. From cheesy Neightalian to spicy Saddle Arabia: the night would be hers.

Then she would feast all night, not stopping until she lowered the moon, and Celestia’s sun began to rise. Even then, she sometimes gorged herself until noon.

For now though, the massively overweight princess would sleep, and dream of the food that night would bring.

(LINE BREAK)

Discord was reveling in chaos magic so unlike his usual brand that he simply didn’t know what to do with himself beyond eat.

Endless clones kept things running. Kept ponies hooked, kept on making sure the population gained. The clones gained too, the oldest immobilized by their own fat before Discord dismissed them. Their mass adding to his own.

He was large enough now that he used his magic to keep himself in the restaurant. Technically, he should have been bursting out of the building and into the streets, but when you can rewrite the laws of physics to suit your fancy, it doesn’t take much work to make a room bigger than should be possible.

He even outranked Fluttershy in terms of size. Almost always taking in the smaller versions of himself that grew too fat to work. Enjoying every moment of everything around him. His magic let him see whatever he wanted, and he could control any of his duplicates at any time. Allowing him to feel the chaos. The fat that perpetuated in and around Equestria.

If he wanted it gone, all he had to do was snap his paws.

Out of curiosity, Discord wanted to see how Fluttershy was doing. Flexing his lion paw, and trying to move the digits so he could snap.

Only, he couldn’t. He couldn’t bend them, nor bring them together to make any sort of noise. Nor could his chicken claws, not even the tuft of his tail was left flexible enough to do so.

Part of him should have panicked, but the majority of him was glad this chaos wouldn’t be over soon. He’d figure something out.

Discord started in on third breakfast with a sigh. Feeling himself widen even more as a clone in Canterlot had his legs give out from under him.

Another beautiful, perfect day in Equestria.

Shining Armour and Princess Cadence

Author's Note

I wrote this today. Also a commission for Drakin.

Basically: A whole lot of exposition for the Crystal Empire and it's subjects. Also Shining and Cadence gain weight

Shining Armour and Princess Cadence

As the sun rose over the snow-capped mountains to the north, Princess Cadence stretched with a groan, rolling over in the four poster bed she shared with her husband, burrowing into his side to chase away the chill of early morning.

Draping one of her front legs over his barrel, Cadence felt something weird. Something she couldn’t quite put a name too for several moments as she dozed happily. Nothing bad, if it was bad she’d have woken up immediately, but…

She curled her leg a little tighter with a content sigh, then froze. Waking enough to peek an eye open, staring at her still snoring husband.

Usually, he was the first to wake. Years in the guard had honed his habits and reflexes. Usually, he would be in the training yard by now. Studying the Crystal Guard and seeing if they did things better than the Royal Guard back in Canterlot.

These last few weeks though, he’d been forgoing that strict early rise. It was nice, Cadence thought, to be able to cuddle her husband close on these chilly mornings.

Now, though, she noticed something else.

Shining had gained weight. Not a lot, but enough for his face to look a bit puffy, and there was now a hint of softness at his barrel.

Huh. His eating habits hadn’t changed. And in spite of his later mornings, he was still exercising. Wanting to keep fighting fit, just in case.

Cadence rubbed her eyes with a fetlock, blinking more into wakefulness. Maybe it was nothing...but something tickled at the back of her mind. Something that was important but that she was forgetting.

Cadence slipped out of bed, pressed a kiss to Shining’s cheek, tucked him in, and slipped out of the royal suite. She had research to do.

(LINE BREAK)

Cadence had books strewn about on the table, almost looking like her sister in law Twilight with how hard she was researching.

Cadence was one of the few descendants of the Crystal Ponies that had escaped Sombra’s wrath a thousand years ago. Before he’d asserted complete control, and in the early months of his reign, hundreds of ponies had fled the Empire to seek asylum and ask for help.

Her ancestors had gotten Celestia and Luna involved, leading to the Empire’s vanishing from the continent. Her ancestors, while heartbroken, had carried on. Not knowing if they should mourn their losses or pray that Sombra was gone for good and that their families were in hiding while they recovered.

Even when Celestia told them what she’d seen with her own eyes, a barren field of ice and snow, the last of the Crystal Ponies held onto hope. That hope led their only matriarch to have them stay in Canterlot. Close enough news would travel should the Empire return, far enough to remain out of Sombra’s influence, should he have survived the attack.

Those Crystal Ponies kept a tight lid on their culture, keeping together. Pairing up as much was possible to keep their identities whole.

A few hundred weren’t enough, obviously, especially not when looking at the gene pool. Lots of families escaped together, making breeding difficult.

Still, the Crystal ponies kept their heads high. Writing what they could, passing their stories and culture to the generations below them, even though the percentage of Crystal blood thinned with every new generation.

When Cadence was born, her parents were two pegasi living in Cloudsdale. Yet, they still clung to the half-remembered heritage written about in the ancient books they still kept. Genetic records to keep inbreeding from happening, the tales and songs of a people long forgotten by the rest of Equestria.

Cadence’s grandmother had been estatic to find a trait in Cadence that they’d thought bred out of their genepool: the gradient of colour in her wings. Exceedingly rare in other ponies, it was a common trait of Crystal ponies.

When Cadence earned her Cutie Mark, earned her horn, her family had been so proud. Seeing the crystalline figure on her flank, like the sketches of the Crystal Heart...well, it brought hope back to them.

Still, The rest of Equestria had forgotten. Even if Cadence and her family hadn’t. They’d clung to a distant heritage, rumoured themselves royalty without riches or land.

Then the Empire came back and Cadence was ruling and the world, and her parents, had their eyes focused on her.

Cadence was a busy mare. Practical, having no issues delegating when and where it was needed, but also needing to bring hundreds of thousands of ponies over a thousand years of culture, history, and peace. Needed to change things, open the railway, keep her parents knowledgeable of what was happening. It was a lot. And while she tried to be respectful, help the Crystal Ponies along as best she could without forcing them, it was hard.

The library was different. The librarian was always kind. Willing to translate for those who couldn’t read Crystallian or couldn’t perform translation spells. Cadence, thanks to her heritage, could. Meaning she could peruse to her heart’s content.

Setting a thick history volume on the table she was using, Cadence sighed, flipping through the pages quickly, knowing she needed something towards the end of the Empire’s peace but before Sombra took over. It was probably just a line or two in one of the books at home that was throwing her off or something. Some silly little-

Heat blossomed across Cadence’s face as she hit the last chapter. The large page dominated by an illustration of Princess Amore....Amore, that was one of the ponies that was marked as thought dead by Sombra’s hoof. And one of her distant relatives, survived by a sibling and a few cousins.

She was...beautiful. Looking tall and imposing like the unicorns of old. Light pink coat, with a familiar pink to purple gradient to her mane.

Her beauty wasn’t why Cadence was blushing, though. She was blushing at the illustration of Amore’s consort, the king.

He was a Crystal Pony, unlike Shining. And though he was a little shorter than Amore he was easily three times as wide. Chubby, smiling face, wide barrel almost brushing the ground.

Going back, chapter by chapter (ruler by ruler) there was a clear similarity. A lot of Crystal Rulers were mares, stemming from the early Matriarchal roots of the earth ponies that had originally settled the area, but a number were men.

Most had partners. And those partners, be they mare or stallion, were fat in their portraits. Those portraits were often mid-life portraits, but a few of them were from earlier or later in life. Apparently, the portrait of Amore and her husband had been painted the year Sombra rose to power.

Some rulers were fat as well...and it boggled Cadence’s mind. A few would make sense...but all of them? Now she was more curious than ever.

It was almost noon when she found her answer.

The Crystal Heart was how the Crystal Ponies redirected love, light, and happiness to their lands. Their rulers, traditionally, also stored some of that inside of them. Ponies were repositories for love and magic after all, and being surrounded by it..Being connected to it would do that to a pony.

It was also understood that the ruler, the King or Princess or Empress-the one in charge-usually had reason to remain fighting fit. Their partner, on the other hoof, not so much.

Shining, the Prince in this case, was mostly ceremonial. While they did, and could, hold other offices of state like Captain of the Royal Guard, or Chief Financier, or what have you, they mostly hosted parties and saw to guests.

The Crystal Ponies a thousand years ago was very similar to how Celestia had said pony values had been at the time. Fat was good, a sign of peace, wealth, and prosperity. Many of the Crystal Ponies were so thin because of Sombra’s slavery.

Cadence shut the book with a sigh. She was also a target of this extra love...Extra love made you hungry, made you more liable to do what you wanted to do. She was a bit more resilient because of her expertise in the matter but Shining…

Would it be so bad to have a chubby husband? A fat one? As big as some of those old Kings, Queens, Empresses, and Emperors? Even a few Princes and Princesses?

Cadence didn’t think so. As she puzzled it over, she began to put the books away. Wondering if it was so bad to be a bit chubby herself.

(LINE BREAK)

Prince Shining Armour trotted around the courtyard he’d turned into something of a private gym for himself. Needing the dedicated space to do things on his own, not wanting ponies watching him if he could help it.

It’d been...oh six months since things had calmed down, and life was good. Things were peaceful, ponies were starting to recover. Though some still mourned for their families that were now a thousand years gone, but they were getting better.

None of them looked as gaunt for one, which made Shining feel better. They were feeling more comfortable, and they were prospering. Those few who hadn’t lost so much weight to Sombra’s work camps were gaining too, but Shining couldn’t judge. Not anymore.

If he didn’t curb his eating soon, he wouldn’t be able to fit into his armour. And if he was being honest with himself, Shining wasn’t so sure he could fit into it now.

Trotting was slow going. Feeling his belly bounce underneath him and his plot shake and jiggle with the movement. The rest of him jiggling and swaying too, feeling his double chin and chubby cheeks interact with the new softness of his neck. It was..uncomfortable, slow. Sweat prickling under his coat and running off him. His ease of movement was gone, every step highlighting how much weight he’d gained.

Shining didn’t quite understand what was going on, but Cadence seemed to like it. Always paying special attention to his stomach and having fun with his flanks on date night. Goading him into finishing that pie, that cake-

A thought struck him so hard that he stopped. Panting heavily in the track he’d worn into the grass. Sides heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.

Cadence liked this. Liked him getting this way. Heat rose to his cheeks as he thought back to her...she’d put on a bit of weight too, recently. Not as dramatic as his, but enough that her flanks caught the attention of almost every guard as she sauntered by.

Sweet Celestia...did they both like this? Judging the fire from his groin...yes he did.

Shining licked dry lips, lifted a water bottle to his lips, and drank deeply. He needed a shower, a plate of cookies, and he’d work on that pile of paperwork in his office.

Maybe he’d leave the exercise routines for now. They weren’t doing his body any favours anymore.

(LINE BREAK)

Cadence hated being away from her home. Her subjects, her husband, the palace...All of it meant so much to her. She didn’t mind short trips away, or vacations.

What she disliked was being away for two months because the dignitaries of the other lands couldn’t be bothered to make up their own minds. What was supposed to be a two-week peace summit turned into two months of discussions in Canterlot.

Well...she’d been able to see Twilight at least.

And those outside the Empire, aside from tourists and visitors, got to see her for the first time in a long time.

Cadence had meant to keep in shape, really she had. But she could still fly...though it was slow and unwieldy. She could still use her magic, she could still do what she needed to do.

Cadence, like her husband, had been inundated with so much excess love that her body had turned it into calories. Turning it into fat. And hadn’t been helped along by her Alicorn appetite or her competitiveness. Shining finished his cake and giving her that grin? Well, by Celestia, Cadence better do the same!

Cadence was fat. With flab-coated wings, a flank even Celestia could be jealous of, a sagging stomach, and chubby cheeks. She was fat, and proud of it. Not hiding her appetite behind little salads at grand dinners.

Cadence was pretty sure she’d gained some weight while at the summit. Most of the dignitaries had, and she had the feeling it was because of her. In an area of low love, after being saturated in it for so long, her body probably released some of her excess...Might be why she’d been so hungry during most of the talks.

Shaking herself, Cadence continued to make her way through the palace. Looking for her husband. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Cadence sighed and started to climb.

Her knees hurt after the first flight, breath panting and wheezing a little as she continued to climb. Her body no longer used to climbing the stairs everyday.

Cadence’s body was plush. She gained fairly even all over, making her look in proportion. She just looked...kinder, and more huggable. Her stomach hanging to her knees, plot and flanks bulging out to overhang her hocks, the beginnings of a pigeon chest. Sagging shoulders, a thick neck, a double chin. Chubby cheeks.

Cadence thought she’d never looked better. She was a living icon for what peace could look like.

The only downside to that was stairs, and anything physical. They were harder, but Cadence didn’t mind. She was a ruler, not a soldier.

Huffing, puffing, coated in sweat, Cadence finally reached the top of the stairs. Pausing for a few moments to catch her breath and let her the burning of her legs settle down. Trying to stop herself from shaking.

Shining had written to her yesterday. There was a party planned for her return tomorrow. The Empire, her ponies, and her husband were all fine.

“Shining?” Cadence asked, pushing the door open and stepping inside their darkened suite.

She lit her magic to turn on the light, and froze, staring.

Shining was laying in bed, striking a seductive pose, and Cadence couldn’t help but feel her blood rush...down there. Her face heating as well, staring at the sight of her husband with wide, eager eyes.

Shining was...well, he was now large enough that Cadence still looked small next to him. He’d had their bed replaced, but still took up a sizable portion of this new, wide, reinforced thing.

For as smooth as Cadence’s body looked, Shining’s was riddled with rolls and folds of all sizes. Small rolls at his knees, and larger rolls where his flanks met his hocks. His stomach was large too, hanging from a wide barrel that reminded her of Princess Amore’s husband. Shining’s back was riddled with rolls and folds, and his face was almost spherical.

He easily weighed over five hundred pounds, though it was hard to get a true estimate of his size when he was laying like this.

“Cadence,” Shining crooned, a huge smile making his chubby cheeks dimple, “Come to bed.”

And Cadence didn’t need any more convincing. Diving right in.

(LINE BREAK)

Shining was indeed on the verge of immobility, Cadence noted, as she watched him shuffle around the room. Wheezing and grunting as he got himself ready for the day.

Even standing, Shining was covered in enough rolls to keep a bakery in business for a few days. He just looked...so round and soft. Smiling softly, even as he waddled around. His belly hanging below his knees and pressing into his thicker legs all at once, making movement hard.

At least Cadence could admire the effect the waddle was having on his body. Making his flanks and plot jiggle enticingly as he moved.

“You know, Shining,” Cadence said quietly, “I’m really happy here.”

“Yeah? Me too. It’s beautiful up here...and it’s nice. To help an entire Empire…” Shining blushed a bit, looking down at himself. His chest had sagged so much it had become one with his stomach, hanging uselessly towards the ground. His neck was starting to form a roll now, too. “You’re...really happy? With us like this?”

“I married you in sickness and in health,” Cadence replied quietly, “Forever and always, thick or thin. I...I love my body, Shining. And I love yours. Are you okay with it? With us like this? We could try going on a diet, exercising more, if you want.”

Shining shook his head, heat rising to his cheeks as he blushed, “No, no, dear. I like it too...I just wanted to check in was all.”

Cadence slipped out of bed, padding over to wrap a wing around Shining in a hug, squeezing against him to feel their fat press together. “I love you too, Shining. If you ever want to stop, or slow down I’ll help you. You drive me crazy like this but your love and happiness are what matters too.”

Shining nodded, pressing in together for a quick kiss as they got their day underway.

(LINE BREAK)

Cadence snuggled into Shining’s warm belly with a sigh as the sun peeked over the mountains in the east.

After a year of weight gain, the two of them had evened out. Bodies and metabolisms working out what was going on.

It was winter now, three years since the Empire had returned. Two years since their weight had stabilized.

Things would change, were changing already, but Cadence hadn’t dropped that news yet. Dropping hints here or there in the hopes Shining would notice something and realize. He hadn’t, yet, but she’d hoped.

Cadence was pregnant. After three years of trying...well, it seemed like it was happening.

Shining let out a snore loud enough that it jolted Cadence out of her doze. She peered up at her sleeping husband, absentmindedly bringing a hoof to her stomach. She had a large stomach already, the thing reaching her knees with fat alone, but she liked to pretend it was larger. Though it wasn’t, not yet.

Cadence leaned in to press a kiss to Shining’s neck, nuzzling in gently, “Shining.” She murmured. A groan was her answer, but she pressed on. Continuing to try to wake him gently. “Shining, love! I have a surprise!”

“‘Szit b’ekf’st?” Shining mumbled, his stomach letting out a groan as he did. Now he was more awake to appreciate how sleeping left him hungry.

“No, love.” Cadence giggled, pressing a row of kisses down the length of his neck. “Something better.”

“Better?” Shining repeated, brows furrowing. Peeking an eye open and yawning extravagantly. “What’s going on?”

Cadence leaned in to press their horns together, activating her magic and focusing it in the spot where the doctor had showed her.

Soon, the beating of a small heart could be heard.

It took Shining a moment, still half asleep, but then he was beaming so hard his face hurt, wrapping her in a bear hug and half-laughing, half-sobbing into her.

Cadence couldn’t help but join in, sobbing tears of happiness and squeezing him close.

Whatever the fates had planned for them, and their baby, they’d face it. She just hoped their baby would find the peace, joy, love, and prosperity they had.

Twilight's Gain

Author's Note

Just a fun oneshot.
Some minor warnings for stuff like body image issues, and some weight related health issues towards the end but nothing super dark or detailed.

Twilight's Gain

Twilight Sparkle was starting to gain weight, Spike noticed. Peering up over the top of his comic book, he could see his friend and mentor chewing on an apple fritter as she read one of the books from the latest shipment from Canterlot.

Moving to Ponyville had been great! After the initial fright and adventure. Twilight had friends, and so did he. He got to see ponies, talk with them. Seeing Twilight interact with them was...well it was more than a little exciting. Spike was always excited when one of the girls came to do something, or even just to talk. It helped unstick Twilight’s neurotic mind, made her take breaks, and she seemed genuinely happier. Even after all the strange week to week issues that always seemed to have a lesson involving friendship attached.

It’d been...Spike counted in his head, two months? Since they’d left Canterlot, and in that time a lot of things had changed.

Twilight’s routine for one. Canterlot, and Celestia’s School in particular, had anti-teleportation wards up. Canterlot’s were a security measure, meaning ones magical signature had to be keyed into the system to allow teleportation. The school’s were more strict, allowing only faculty and security to teleport in and out. Meaning Twilight had walked everywhere.
She lived in a library, and while Twilight had had a stash of books in her tower home in Canterlot, she was always trekking to the Royal Archives for more. Sometimes spending entire days in there, only stopping when Spike or Celestia or her parents brought her food and drink. While Twilight still needed the Royal Archives for her research, she just ordered them. And they came to her door. Since they now lived in a library.

Her lessons with Celestia were gone too. Usually Twilight accompanied Celestia on walks in the garden, using her magic and burning off significant amounts of calories. To the point where Twilight was usually underweight. Not dangerously so, but it had been a problem most of her life.

Spike watched as Twilight’s hoof pressed against the empty plate to her side. Her face momentarily shocked as she encountered nothing but air and porcelain. There’d been two dozen fritters there when she’d started.

“Oh. Erm...Excuse me.” Twilight muttered, putting the book down to slide off the chair. Her magic levitating the plate near her head and out of the way.

Now she was upright, Spike could better see Twilight’s growing problem.

Twilight was about average height for a unicorn, far shorter than her brother and father, but looking a lot like her mother in terms of body shape. Well, her normal body shape anyway. Twilight looked thicker and heavier than her mother ever had, her stomach hanging from a wider barrel.

Even Twilight’s Cutie Marks had expanded, looking a little faded and stretched out because of the new fat clinging to her flanks. Her hips and flanks had melded together, and it would take a real idiot to not notice the stallions and mares staring after Twilight as she moved past them.

The rest of her was fat too. A thicker neck, a poofy pigeon chest, chubby cheeks, a double chin, and thicker legs completed the picture. Spike wasn’t a gambling dragon, but if he was, he’d gamble on Twilight weighing at least fifty pounds heavier than she’d been when they arrived.

What made matters worse, was the fact that Twilight was also eating more. Pinkie Pie always needed taste-testers for her new creations, and Applejack worked hard to make Twilight feel at home in a place that was still strange.

Spike nearly bit through his lip when Twilight returned. Huffing and puffing, carrying a new tray. Cupcakes this time, so definitely Pinkie.

Spike would write to Celestia and Rainbow Dash that night. If they couldn’t fix what was going on, then nopony could.

(LINE BREAK)

Twilight’s growling stomach, and the pangs of hunger that accompanied it, were what brought her to consciousness one dreary, spring morning.

The weather was perfect. Sunlight and a beautiful breeze peering through her thick curtains. The weather pegasi, and Celestia, had outdone themselves in crafting this day.

Not that it mattered to Twilight. A beautiful day couldn’t stand up to what she was facing. Not a friendship problem, not a test, not somepony scribbling in one of the library books.

No. Twilight had to face a diet. The thoughts sending shudders down Twilight’s spine at the thought.

Her stomach growled again, and Twilight did her best to soothe it with a gentle hoof rub, feeling her hoof sink into her flab was so alien yet so pleasurable-

“RISE AND SHINE!” The dread intensified when Rainbow Dash’s loud, hoarse voice sounded from outside. “TWILIGHT SPARKLE! MARCH YOUR FLABBY PLOT DOWN HERE ASAP!”

Twilight whimpered, the dread settling in all the harder. But she remembered the look on Spike’s face, and the sincerity of Celestia’s letter, and hauled herself out of bed. Trotting to the bathroom to start her morning. Rainbow could yell all she wanted, Twilight had to use the bathroom and brush her mane at the least.

Tackling the mess that was her tail, Twilight couldn’t exactly blame Rainbow and Spike for their concern. She’d been packing on the pounds recently, almost seventy if her scales were right. The first ten had been an accident, the rest...well, Twilight could never articulate how nice it felt to be fat. How pleasurable it was to eat until your stomach ached. Watching your body expand with each day. Seeing how the numbers climbed ever higher.

Until Spike had caught onto her weight, anyway.

Twilight tackled her mane next, yawning. Her research had suffered, she hadn’t realized that it had become second nature to snack as she worked. Applejack’s delicious treats were being uneaten, and other ponies got to try Pinkie’s creations first. It just wasn’t fair.

Another yell, more indistinct because of the closed door, and Twilight let out a ragged sigh. Splashing her face with cold water, and drying off, before turning her slow, unexcited steps to the downstairs.

Spike was there, foot tapping against the ground. Though he perked up when he saw Twilight. Holding out two plastic bottles. One with a healthy smoothie, to be drunk during Twilight’s warm ups, and then a bottle of cold water for the jog around Ponyville.

The stretching was as bad as it always was, with what felt like half of Ponyville staring at the fat mare and the pegasus yelling at her to get fit.

The stretching was slow going, at least. Rainbow had changed her strategy after Twilight had puked into a bush that first morning, only ten minutes into the stretching. Still, it didn’t take long for Twilight’s exercise starved muscles to start burning. Her face growing hot from exertion and embarrassment as her sides started to lather with sweat.

By the time the stretching was over, Twilight usually felt nauseous anyway. And the weak jogging she managed to pull off only made the smoothie cling cloyingly to the back of her throat, the burning acid threatening to come back up.

Still, Twilight swallowed it down. Soothing her stomach with some water. Fur damp and slick with sweat, mane messy and wet. Feeling her heart hammering in her chest, the sweat prickling at her skin. It was no wonder people stared as she trundled by. Between her heaving, wheezing breaths and Rainbow’s ‘encouragement’ it was a wonder Celestia couldn’t hear them from Canterlot.

Twilight slowed to a stop, leaning against a tree. Gulping from her water, hoping to rest for a few moments, a minute at most, before continuing.

It took Rainbow a few seconds to realize that Twilight had stopped, and when she did the pegasus came back. “What’s going on! Come on Twilight! Move that plot! You’ve got a lot of fat to burn! Pick up those hooves and get moving-”

Rage that Twilight had been suppressing for almost a week erupted. Throwing the water bottle down with enough force that it cracked, spraying water to douse the two friends. Twilight’s eyes welling up with tears, face scrunched up in malcontent.

“That’s enough!” Twilight huffed, “Rainbow that’s it! I’m...done!”

“What?” Rainbow looked like a deer caught in the middle of the road. Gaping, clearly in shock.

“I’m done!” Twilight repeated, blowing harshly at a bit of mane that was sticking to her face rather than her neck, “Go yell at somepony else!” Finding the strength in weak and shaky legs to storm off effectively, leaving Rainbow standing in the middle of the park looking dazed.

Twilight didn’t intend to go to Sugarcube Corner, but she must have made an impression. It took seconds for Mrs. Cake to take over for Pinkie at the counter, so Pinkie could escort Twilight upstairs.

“What happened, Twilight?” Pinkie didn’t seem to mind that Twilight was having to take so long on the stairs, the unicorn’s flabby legs were shaking with exertion, but Pinkie was staying nearby anyway.

Twilight sniffled, trying and failing to hold back tears, trying to explain but it was just a mess. She felt like her world was tumbling down around her. That she was a useless student, a bad friend, a terrible pony. Because she had no desire to lose this weight, to cut back, to do anything her friends wanted her to do.

Somehow, they got upstairs, and Pinkie ran her a bath. Listening to Twilight’s worries as Twilight worked to wash the sweat from her coat.

Twilight, once she was dry, had been pushed into the nearest chair an plied with a cup of cocoa with whipped cream. Tentatively, Twilight began to sip at it. Even as part of her recognized how unhealthy and fattening this would be.

“Twilight, you’re not happy doing this diet, are you?” Pinkie asked. Her bluntness actually making Twilight choke on her drink, sputtering uselessly.

Twilight looked down, licking suddenly dry lips. “No.”

“Then why continue it? You’re a little overweight, sure, but you’re still active! You went after that monster last week really well!” Pinkie beamed, “You’re still a great pony, even if you have a little extra pudge! Nothing wrong with that. All ponies have different weights. You should see me by Hearth’s Warming! We can be pudge buddies!”

Twilight couldn’t help but flush a little, “Really? You don’t mind me being heavy?”

“Nope! I just want you to be happy. How about you head on home, and I’ll wrangle Spike and Dashi and talk to them? Okay? I promise everything will turn out fine!”

“Pinkie Promise?”

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” Even as Pinkie went through the ridiculous motions, her tone was serious.

Twilight drank down the rest of her hot chocolate. Stopping downstairs to order herself a dozen cupcakes to take home. She deserved it after all. That smoothie hadn’t done much to take off the edge of her hunger.

(LINE BREAK)

Spike ate his toast, trying to keep his face neutral as Twilight cooked herself a feast for breakfast.

Pinkie had been right, Spike had to admit. The diet had been making Twilight miserable and she’d been hurting. She was happier now. But her weight was rocketing up again, with Pinkie and Applejack still plying her with all kinds of food and sweets.

Unbidden, Twilight’s portion sizes grew right along with her. It was hard not to look at a portion of hashbrowns and not think of the fat that was sure to accumulate around her barrel or across her plot.

She wasn’t just chubby anymore. Twilight had left that categorization a long while ago. She was obese at best, her weight tugging on her and slowing her movements. Yet it didn’t stop her face from lighting up whenever Pinkie brought her something new to try, or Granny Smith made too much soup for the family to finish.

Twilight was humming, seated on a reinforced stool that was creaking under her weight. Using her magic to flip a pancake. Smiling widely at the sight of the golden brown side. She’d already made hashbrowns, which she was eating, eggs, vegetarian sausage, and waffles. All large portions, and Spike could only hope the pancakes were it. He wasn’t sure if he could watch Twilight gorge herself for much longer.

Twilight had blown up in weight since she’d quit her diet and exercise regime, months ago. Packing on the weight, she’d still been mobile and healthy. Helping her friends tackle the weekly problems that popped up like clockwork.

Until last week, she’d gotten her hips stuck in the doorway of Golden Oak library. It’d taken Spike and Rarity half an hour to get her unstuck, by which time the others had dealt with the timberwolf threat.

Twilight had gorged herself on three cheese pizzas that night, before ordering renovations on the library. Sturdier furniture, wider doors. Easier stairs to climb. A bigger bed.

She’d gained at least ten pounds since then, judging from the new chin that joined the three others. Her barrel was wide and flabby, marred with stretch marks and cellulite. Folds marked her back and neck. Sagging chins and jowls melded with an even saggier neck. Her stomach hung well below her knees, pulling the pigeon chest down to meld with it. Her plot was massive, her cutie marks constantly faded out and stretched.

Twilight could walk around when she had to, wandering the library contentedly enough. But ask her to go anywhere else and she’d teleport.

Spike didn’t understand. He could hear her struggling for air at night. Had thought she’d stopped breathing on a few occasions, could hear her well enough when she complained about her ankles and hips hurting, but she did nothing to stop herself.

When Twilight started to eat the first of her pancakes, Spike took the time to slip out of the room. Hoping to go do...something. He didn’t quite know what, but it was better than watching his friend eat herself to death.

(LINE BREAK)

“Hi Twilight!” Pinkie’s cheerful voice broke through the haze of sleep that Twilight had been in, making the obese mare blink awake. Her magic lighting to automatically remove the BiPap machine from where it was strapped to her face.

Twilight had finally reached immobility, to the horror and curiosity of those around her. Eating herself into her own fatty prison. Pinkie visited often, Applejack as well. Usually they brought things, even though Twilight could hear Spike arguing with them downstairs.

Three days ago, Twilight had been unable to stand up. Her hooves meeting only air and her own fat. She’d set up wards for this possibility, letting her remain clean and comfortable, but it had still been a shock.

“Pinkie?” Twilight questioned, yawning, “What’s going on? What time is it?”

“Morning!” Pinkie bounced in place, as energetic as ever even though she’d put on a few pounds since she’d started getting ready for the holiday season. “I thought I’d bring you something.”

“Really?” Twilight blinked blearily, “Didn’t Spike say...anything?” Letting out a breath that was more of a wheeze than anything else. The weight of her body pressing into her lungs enough that breathing was a struggle all the time.

“Yup! And yup! That’s part of why I’m here!” Pinkie’s tone and face became more serious, “You see....I thought I’d check in. Are you happy? Weighing this much?”

“What? Pinkie...I’m not...awake…” Twilight whined, licking dry lips, “‘M tired.”

Pinkie huffed, reaching over to poke a hoof into Twilight’s chest. Leaning into the motion to let her hoof sink into Twilight’s soft flesh, “Silly-billy! Are you happy?”

Twilight sighed, looking at Pinkie, thinking about it.

By all rights, Twilight shouldn’t be happy like this. She was immobilized by her own fat body, taking medications daily to keep herself alive, using oxygen and a BiPap to help her breathe, getting home visits by the doctor regularly to make sure she stayed as healthy as a mare her size could expect.

Twilight was super morbidly obese. Her stomach pooling underneath her, her barrel bunched up and covered in rolls. Her hind legs trapped between her growing plot and stomach, Just able to wiggle her nub-like hooves. Her front legs were little better. Being encroached upon by her chest, shoulder, and stomach fat. Spread wide to accommodate her fat, she could hardly twitch them. Relying solely on her magic to do what she had to.

But Twilight was happy. She could eat what she wanted, when she wanted. She was comfortable, warm, and soft. Well looked after by those around her. Still studying, still learning.

“Yes?” Twilight said after a moment.

Pinkie pouted, “That doesn’t sound like the right answer. Are you happy?”

“Yes.” Twilight repeated, with fire in her eyes.

Pinkie smiled again, moving to one side to reveal a cart laden with food, “Good answer! Now open up! Your best friend Pinkie has brought you some real treats today!”

Giddy with excitement, Twilight opened her mouth. Ready and willing for the calorific buffet Pinkie was sure to push into her gullet.

Marjoram

Author's Note

A one-shot commission for a friend. My OC is from my work Marjoram, if you couldn't tell.

Some warnings for body image issues, chronic illness, and all that sort of thing

Marjoram

Marjoram huffed irritably at the book he was reading, tugging the red cloak a little tighter about his shoulders as a chill raced down his spine. Creators how he hated winter. Hated the cold.

“This won’t do.” He murmured, more to himself than anything, his golden aura lighting to slam the book closed and set it aside. He remembered seeing spells. Ones that augmented the appetite, swelled fat cells, but hadn’t yet been able to find them.

Marjoram was sick and tired of being sick and tired. And while he would never be entirely healthy, he was going to do his damndest to deal with winter in the best way: by putting on some weight. But it wasn’t enough to just eat a lot. That wouldn’t do it, not with his miniscule appetite and perchance for nausea. No. He needed a spell.

And he’d been searching for days. Doing his best to ignore the goings on of Twilight’s castle and the outside world, buried in books. Keen to leave aching bones and a persistent chill behind. It wouldn’t take much, even thirty pounds would make things easier. Marjoram was aiming for fifty. Enough that, even should he fall bedridden again, that there was some wiggle room.

Still, after another irritated sigh, Marjoram picked up the next book and started to skim through it. Skimming wasn’t so easy that he could go off and think of something else, but boring enough that he didn’t quite feel satiated by doing it. What a conundrum.

Marjoram worked well into the evening, staying up even when Twilight went to bed. He was even awake when Spike came down sometime after midnight looking for a snack and a warm glass of milk.

In the early, early hours of the morning, before the sun rose, Marjoram found it. An ancient book that contained even more ancient spells. Some weren’t considered spells at all, only prayers to some forgotten gods.

Others though...well, the ancient ponies were always eager to tap into their powers. Especially the unicorns.

So. Marjoram got to casting. Finding the requisite materials wasn’t hard, not when you knew what to look for. Nor were the spells all that difficult to cast. In fact, the two spells were meant to work in tandem. To help the old and infirm, the book said. For the harsh winter months, or the lean time between winter and spring where stocks were running low and new produce wasn’t ready to harvest yet.

Casting them both wasn’t taxing in the slightest. In fact, like most other ancient spells, it felt like home in a very abstract sense. Probably because these sorts of things were how his ancestors developed their magical skill and knowledge. Creating better shaped horns and more inherent magical potential with each new generation.

This sort of spell would be no different to an earth pony channeling their magic into the earth for crop purposes, or for any pegasi to shape the clouds. The feeling would be different for all of them. Like for instance, his was being warm by a fire. And Twilight’s was hot cocoa.

Still. The spells were easy. And like with most magic, Marjoram knew to give it time to settle in. He’d eaten dinner, which would help. The spell would lay dormant until he’d fallen asleep, where it would then do it’s thing while his body was at rest.

It also helped that he snook a couple cookies on his way to bed. Just something to top up the energy his body would need. Even if it didn’t catch right away, or he only gained a miniscule amount, Marjoram knew he would be able to replicate it again. Ancient spells had a lot more hidden variables than modern ones, so it could take a few recasts before he put on enough weight to be happy.

Regardless, as the sun was peaking upwards in the east, Marjoram slipped into bed with a soft groan. Settling into the soft mattress and nestling into the blankets with a soft sigh, it took him dreadfully little time to fall asleep.

(LINE BREAK)

Sleep was often something of a chore for Marjoram. Between his health and insomnia, sleep was often unattainable. Or hard won with hardly the results anyone would want, including himself.

So, when he woke up after getting what an average pony would consider a normal amount of sleep, Marjoram wasn’t exactly surprised that he felt heavy or that he was struggling to breathe a little more than normal. Usually, if he knew he was going to sleep for so long, he’d have hooked himself up to his BiPap machine or his oxygen concentrator. But he didn’t, so the wheezing wasn’t great but wasn’t a weird thing either. More or less normal for him, even.

Marjoram lay in bed for a few moments, enjoying the simple pleasure of being warm in his own bed. Sinking softly into the mattress, Marjoram was still drowsy enough that he didn’t even feel the mattress sagging under his newfound weight.

It took him a few minutes before deciding he should wake up, and he fought for a few moments before giving up. Laying panting and wheezing, gasping for air, Marjoram’s sleep-addled brain fought to figure out why exactly he couldn’t get out of bed.

Aside from a strange heaviness, which wasn’t at all unusual considering the amount of sleep he was sure to have gotten, there wasn’t anything-

Marjoram looked down, and if he’d been capable of it he would have shrieked like Twilight after seeing a quesadilla.

Marjoram’s skeletal features were gone now, buried under a sizable amount of fat. His barrel heaving in response to his already laboured breathing and now his panic, Marjoram fumbled with his magic for a few moments to get his oxygen situation sorted out. The cannula resting at his nostrils and wrapping around his ears to tie under his jaw. It was awkward, he usually used other methods, but he was panicking and unable to breathe.

The oxygen helped, and helped calm him down, so Marjoram took stock.

He’d weighed nearly a hundred pounds last night, dreadfully thin for his tall frame. Ribs had been countable, his hips poking out. HIs face looking drawn and unhealthy.

It was hard to see, but Marjoram’s stomach was now so large he couldn’t see his plot. The large, jiggling mass had widened his barrel, thickened his neck, and now he was thinking about it he could feel at least one extra chin. His flank, the one pressed into the mattress, felt wide and flabby, and he was sure his plot would be no better.

It took a few more tries to get out of bed, mostly because his stomach kept interfering with his legs. And because he had a new centre of gravity, and his body just didn’t know how to handle all this extra weight.

Panting, wheezing for breath, legs shaking underneath the new load they were expected to carry, and sides slick with sweat, Marjoram couldn’t help but feel like a stranger in his own body. This was alien to him. He’d always been thin, due to his poor health and appetite, and well...he’d never anticipated something like this.

Walking was an experience. His hind legs brushing against the bottom of his stomach, his thighs rubbing against it constantly. Even rubbing against each other. He felt heavy and saggy and just...weird.

This wasn’t what he’d wanted, what he’d anticipated. He collapsed into the nearest chair with an alarming wheeze, trying to run through what he’d done last night. What had he messed up for this to happen-

A strange pang, a not unfamiliar one, wrapped itself around his spine as his stomach growled loudly enough for the ripples to be visible in his stomach fat. Marjoram gaped, breathing starting to ease up now he was once more at rest.

“Okay.” He murmured to himself. “Okay.”

At best he weighed over three hundred pounds. If he had to guess it was probably four hundred. Several times what he weighed when he’d fallen asleep.

Creators he was never going to hear the end of this.

Provided he could get downstairs to where everyone probably was. He leaned over in the chair to check the time. One in the afternoon, so he had actually slept a decent amount of time. Huh, who would have thought.

Marjoram shook himself. The gentle sound of the oxygen concentrator was soothing to him by now, having used one off and on for over half his life by now. It was white noise and helped him think.

He could always use a spell to summon help. Amplify his voice so he could yell, or use the spell Celestia gave him so she knew when he was in distress and needed her.

Could he handle them seeing him like this though? So fat he couldn’t walk across the room without becoming winded? Oh no how was Shores going to react to all this-

Another loud grumble, and Marjoram groaned. Rubbing at the soft expanse of his sagging, drooping belly with a wince. This was certainly going to be interesting, and not in a good way.

Marjoram rested for a bit more, gathering his meagre strength, before rocking himself forward, hoping to land on his hooves. It took more than a couple of rocking motions, but he did eventually rock himself up and out of his favourite chair.

He was already panting, his poor abused lungs aching fiercely as they were forced to work overtime to spread oxygen to where it needed to be. A few, waddling steps, and Marjoram found a way to walk that was a little less taxing. It was a slow, wide, exaggerated waddle. One that still ended up with his legs pressing into his belly, but at least he didn’t feel like he was forcing his belly to move along with his legs.

It took time for the portly stallion to make his way out of his room and down the hallway and into the kitchen. His sides were slick with sweat, his cheeks bright red from exertion, and his breathing all the more audible.

Everything hurt. His legs, his hips, his chest. His spine. Nothing felt spared, even his ankles and hooves seemed to ache with his excess weight.

He didn’t so much open the door so much as barged in, eyes wide and looking for someplace to sit that wasn’t the floor.

Spike had his back turned to the door, happily mixing away at some kind of batter. Even from behind, Marjoram could see Spike tense up at the sound of Marjoram’s entrance. Obviously hearing the laboured, wheezing breathing and worrying accordingly.

“Sit down, Marjoram!” Spike called, “I’ve got a french toast bake in the oven! Hopefully it’ll help make you feel better.”

Marjoram half sat, half collapsed, onto the nearest chair. The piece of furniture groaning under his new girth. Panting heavily, trying to catch his breath, he was too exhausted to bother replying. Though now he was inside and stationary, all he could smell was food.

His stomach growled all the louder, his mouth salivating. The growling was loud enough that it even got Spike’s attention, making him pause mid-stir and half turn around.

It was only because of Marjoram’s quick magical reflexes that Spike didn’t topple off the stool. Instead, the purple dragon stared at Marjoram with wide eyes, clearly taking in the changed appearance of someone he’d known his entire life.

“I’m gonna go get Twilight,” Spike managed, after several minutes of awkward silence. All but rushing off the stool and sprinting out of the kitchen, yelling for Twilight.

And yet, Marjoram’s stomach was still growling. He felt so hungry that he felt almost nauseous. Igniting his magic again, he opened the fridge and pulled out a small package of his favourite yogurt. Something soothing to his body, but it would be enough to quell the hunger.

The yogurt went down a treat, but it wasn’t enough. The nausea was gone, but Marjoram’s stomach growled all the more. On instinct he didn’t know he had, Marjoram’s magic continued to fetch items from the fridge. Fresh fruit, granola, more yogurt. Eventually he even started going after things like bagels and toast. Not really knowing, or noticing, how much he was putting away.

By the time Spike had dragged Twilight away from the library, Marjoram had eaten all the fruit in the fridge, all his yogurt, an entire loaf of bread, and was on his fifth bagel. He paused when Twilight and Spike burst in, mouth open to accept the last, buttery bite of a crispy, warm bagel.

“Oh Celestia.” Twilight looked about as shocked as Spike had, “Marjoram, what happened!?”

“Spells went wrong.” Marjoram shrugged, wincing at the alien feeling of having the ocean of flesh ripple in response to the movement. “I’ll fix it, Twilight, I’m sure.”

“I’ll contact Celestia and Luna, I’m sure they could help.” By all accounts they were still alive when such spells were being used as well, when they were children. It couldn’t hurt to contact them.

“Err, Marjoram?” Spike asked hesitantly, tapping his claws together. Looking rather sheepish. “Are those my bagels?”

“Oh...Sorry. I was hungry.” Marjoram popped the last bite into his mouth, chewing thoughtfully, “I’ll give you some bits to buy some more.” And new fruit, yogurt, and bread as well. After this meal, he doubted he’d want to eat again any time soon. He’d eaten more in the span of minute than he had most days.

“It’s okay.” Spike nodded, “Just uhh, ask first? Please?”

Marjoram nodded, chubby cheeks hot and reddened from a mixture of shame and pleasure. His stomach ached, yet he didn’t feel as ill as he might have expected. ‘Sorry.”

“I’m going to go write to the princesses,” Twilight repeated numbly, “I-um...Do you need anything?”

“Can you teleport me to the library? I can go over my notes there.” Marjoram looked hopeful, and Twilight nodded.

There would be an adjustment period. It was understandable his body couldn’t handle all this extra fat so suddenly. The fact he’d made it here by himself, assisted only by his oxygen, was amazing.

Twilight’s horn lit up, and suddenly Marjoram found himself seated on his favourite couch in the entire place. A cup of coffee also appeared several minutes later, as did his books and papers.

It was odd, to not be at a desk, but since he wasn’t really looking to take notes, just pinpoint where he’d gone wrong, it wasn’t so bad.

He just had to work a little longer, and then this would all be fixed.

(LINE BREAK)

There were no spells to reverse, or even mitigate, what he’d done. The doctors at the Ponyville Hospital were stumped as well, knowing full well how Marjoram’s body usually behaved.

The spells had done what he’d wanted, but taken it to the extreme. He weighed almost five-hundred pounds. It was no wonder his body couldn’t cope with the stress and excess weight. His stomach had expanded as well, hence how he was able to stay eating.

He’d been put on a diet. A nutrient rich one that would help him lose weight.

It didn’t matter, though, because Marjoram was still so hungry. His insomnia grew worse, the hunger making it all the harder to sleep. He was miserable, grumpy, mostly stuck inside the castle because of his limited mobility.

He could teleport himself, when needed. And he could just about walk the length of his room before needing to sit down. Rainbow was working with him, Pinkie as well, both of them setting up appointments to help him exercise.

Marjoram had never felt so useless in his life. He couldn’t really dance or flail about like Pinkie, but his weak muscles weren’t ready for Rainbow’s egging on. Every day he had an appointment with them, he spent the rest of the day alone. Needing time to recover.

And still, nothing they were doing seemed to help. He didn’t feel stronger, just sore. He was hungry all the time, and yet hadn’t lost an ounce.

Maybe it was because of his cheating, but that was rarely. A tray of cookies here or there couldn’t be making that much of a difference, surely.

Marjoram was currently seated at his desk. Pouring over his notes, and the notes made by others. Trying to find something, anything that might be a solution. He’d had breakfast, and lunch, but his stomach was still growling and it hurt enough to bring tears to his eyes.

Marjoram ignited his magic, and a plate of cookies appeared in front of him. He gorged himself on them, moaning and groaning. Stuffing them two or three at a time in his haste, not wanting to risk being caught. The two dozen cookies didn’t last a chance, and were soon gone. The plate banished and the crumbs brushed away.

Marjoram was trying to ensure he didn’t have chocolate on his teeth when his bedroom door creaked open, and there was a slight rattling of cutlery against a tray. Oh. Dinnertime. That might explain why he was so hungry.

He couldn’t show his shame, though. Not even as he turned around to face Twilight.

“Anything?” She asked. Setting things up on the coffee table. She and Spike had gone on the diet alongside Marjoram, and they were always trying to help cheer him up.

“Nothing.” Marjoram shrugged, rocking himself onto his hooves with a grimace. “Nothing at all yet.” His knees hurt the most, when sitting or standing. Waddling gingerly over, he sat on the couch. It groaned as he did when he lowered his plush posterior to its surface. “Ow.”

“Knees again?”

“Yeah.” Marjoram, with his health, knew better than to try keeping things from Twilight. She could usually tell when he was in pain anyhow.

Twilight sat across from him, in her favourite living chair. It seemed she was eating with him today, and Marjoram fought hard to remember that he was supposed to be hungry. “I’m sorry, Marjoram. Celestia says she and Luna are working day and night. I guess, for right now anyway, we need to stick with this. It’s been only a few weeks.”

“There should be progress by now, even in ounces.” Marjoram replied bitterly.

Twilight’s magic lifted up the silver dome from the tray, a festive thing that Marjoram thought was unnessesary. But no matter, they were trying to help.

It was salad. A large one, obviously meant to serve two. There were nuts, cheese, some egg chopped up. It looked good.

“Spike made it.” Twilight served them both. “He said he got the recipe from Fluttershy. There’s also a little bread to go with it.”

“Whole wheat?” Marjoram tried not to sound too disgusted, but his reluctance was still shining through enough that Twilight had to suppress a giggle.

“Yes. Don’t worry, Marjoram. Once we hear back, things will go back to normal. And then you can go back to eating cheese croissants and bickering with Spike about the amount of butter one should use on toast.”

It was Marjoram’s turn to chuckle. The two friends ate in near silence. For as good as the salad was, for all of Marjoram’s shame, it may have been made of ash.

(LINE BREAK)

Marjoram was sequestered away in his favourite alcove of the library. From here he could see and hear people coming.

Marjoram’s secret binge eating was growing worse, though he thought it was fine. Eating at every opportunity, all the things he wasn’t allowed to have. Even as he worked out, it wasn’t enough. His limited stamina and mobility aside, he just wasn’t burning enough calories to make up for his rather epic binges.

Everypony was still looking for answers, including him. But that didn’t stop the inexorable link between research and food that had been made for him. He didn’t completely realize the depth of the problem either. Whole meals, salty snacks, sweet pastries. He would and could eat anything and everything his magic would bring him. Scarfing it all down, only to realize the extent of the binge later.

It was his secret shame, and nopony knew about it except him. He was sure the others suspected, but they had no proof. And that was what mattered. Still. He was working hard, trying to mitigate and restrict, but it didn’t matter. His magic was strong, while his willpower seemed as strong wet tissue paper. He would eat constantly throughout the day, and he was so fat it just wasn’t easy to see how full he was at mealtimes.

Marjoram weighed just over five-hundred pounds now. And it wouldn’t be long until he was effectively immobile, unable to stand under his own power.

He hated it, but it didn’t stop him from lifting a croissant to his mouth and chewing away, turning a page in his current book. Still looking for answers that eluded him.

The Painting Scene

Author's Note

Hello! It's me again.

This is a commission for Artemis.

Celestia, after Luna is banished, finds comfort in food. When Luna returns, she's rather surprised at her sister's increased size.

It's a miracle, I wrote anthro for once

The Painting Scene

Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are ancient beings. There is none within memory (except perhaps the oldest of the dragons) that can clearly remember a time when it took groups of ponies to raise and lower the sun and moon each day.

There are tales, of course. Legends and histories that speak of such times. But like the Windigoes of old, they’re mostly myth. Mostly forgotten. Heralded by some as never having existed.

Celestia and Luna were there. Protecting the kingdom, doing their duties. Ruling the fledgling, growing kingdom they spilt blood over.

Then Nightmare Moon came, and Luna was relegated to history and legend. In the early years of her banishment, those who remembered quickly learned to forget in fear of hurting their remaining princess more. Especially in the wake of leaving their homes behind them as the chaotic seeds of what would be the Everfree Forest began to grow and push them out.

Like a knife being twisted in her intestines, Celestia found the years after Luna’s banishment the easiest and the hardest. There was so much to do. Ponies to resettle, towns to build.

Canterlot was constructed in the worst of her grief. Near water, like Luna liked, with great towering spires that reached up to the sky so Celestia could stare at the moon she raised, with the lifeless sky, and wonder what she might have done differently.

In the years of peace, Celestia fought to find things that filled the hole that was in her life, in her heart. With no enemies to fight, nothing worthwhile anyway, Celestia had to find other ways to while away her thousand years of punishment. In the first century alone she learned countless things. Singing, languages, musical instruments, diplomacy. She built great cities as Equestria’s power and growth surged and her little ponies became happier as things settled around them.

And still she was missing something.

By the end of the first century she ruled alone, she’d found the one thing that never bored her. That never made her upset. That was always new and exciting, and something that filled the hole. Food became her constant companion after that, especially as her habits changed to feed the new addiction.

It didn’t take long for the effects of this to be seen, in coinage, in her yearly portraits sent out to the masses.

Several hundred years flew by, and just like Luna and the ancient days, memories of Celestia’s thin body faded into myth and legend. At least, until a legend came back.

Luna watched as Celestia huffed and puffed her way the length of the throne room, hooves firmly planted on the ground, while her ponderous arms swung in time with her steps. Celestia’s face was red, her body sweat coated. Waddling more than walking, her back arched deeply by the weight of her massive stomach. Her wings fluttering from where they were pressed against her back.

Luna wondered when Celestia had become too fat to fly. If her sister had even noticed the change. Had she been too busy eating to notice?

Celestia made her way to her very wide throne, plopping into it with a wheezing groan. Wiping a flabby hand across her forehead to wipe the sweat from it. Her stomach gurgling and churning audibly, even to Luna who was sat on the dias over.

“Are you feeling alright, sister?” Luna asked after several moments.

“I’m perfectly fine, Luna, why?” Celestia’s hands found their way to the upper portion of her monumentally large belly, rubbing it absentmindedly.

“Your stomach.” Luna said flatly, “With all the noise it’s making, I worried you were ill.”

Celestia took pause at that, brows furrowing. Looking down at her orb of a belly almost like she hadn’t noticed all the noise. “Oh. Oh. I...well. It’s normal.”

“How long has it been normal for?”

“Fifty years?” Celestia shrugged, the movement making her stomach jostle and churn all the more, “Give or take. I don’t know, Luna, it seems trivial.”

Luna huffed, crossing her arms over her chest and crossing her legs. At least she still fit into her own throne. It was clear Celestia had needed to have hers expanded multiple times over the course of Luna’s banishment. Of course Celestia hadn’t noticed. She’d let herself go for a thousand years. And with their lives being so long...well, if anyone noticed the weight gain during the first century, they’d have known better than to say. After that, Celestia’s thinness would have passed out of living memory.

Celestia only had herself to blame for her current predicament, Luna decided. While Luna and Celestia did share the same genes, Luna was by far the fitter of the two.

Luna was more bottom-heavy, stubborn fat clinging to her hips, thighs, and butt. She was...oh what was the word people used today? Husky. She was husky. Taking walks and jogs in her daily routine, enough to keep her fighting fit while not being as dreadfully thin as some of the elite were.

It was...almost worrying. Luna had to admit. Trying not to grimace as Celestia snapped her fingers and a large milkshake was brought to her. Celestia gulped it down, the redness and sweat of her body starting to decrease even more now with the cool drink. Is this what I could look like without restraint? How long would it take? Decades? Centuries?

The first milkshake went down a treat, as did the second and third. Luna watching in awe as her older sister’s stomach bloated ever outward.

Celestia was a tall mare, taller than most of her subjects. Certainly taller than Luna, at any rate. With white fur, and her multi-hued hair that was almost impossibly long, the magic coursing through Celestia being enough to make it wave and move without a breeze.

Her face was almost spherical, with three chins and sagging jowls that obscured most of her spare tire of a neck. Her collarbones buried under enough fat that it was hard to remember that there were bones there in the first place.

Celestia’s breasts were round and heavy. Sagging down to either side of her stomach with the weight and heft of them, even with however much support she was wearing under her clothes. Luna didn’t envy her sister much, not with how large and...attention grabbing that Celestia’s breasts and stomach were. It must hurt her back and shoulders terribly, to have to bear so much weight.

Celestia’s arms were flabby. Large bingo wings that sagged to create a fold near her elbow, her forearms packing enough fat to them that Celestia’s wrist bones were gone as well. Much less her once-slender fingers. The spaces in between her joints looked soft and chubby, like little pillows.

The real attention hogger, Celestia’s real asset, was her stomach. It was huge, very out of proportion to the rest of her admittedly huge body. It swelled under her breasts, sagging downward and extending from her body for several meters. Hanging just a few inches from the floor, it was the widest thing about her. Obscuring her lower body completely, except for her hooves.

Luna knew the rest of her sister was fat. With a bountiful backside and thick, jiggling thighs that rubbed together. But when in comparison to her stomach, everything else looked almost small.

“Ah! Before I forget.” Celestia’s cheerful voice broke Luna out of her observations. “We have our portrait tomorrow sister. I do hope you’ll be there.”

“We? Portrait?” Luna questioned.

“Portrait. A yearly portrait, meant for production amongst the classes. We keep a copy here, usually, and then the original is bought at auction. The proceeds go to charity.” Celestia grinned, dimples forming in her fat face. “A rather wonderful idea that someone suggested years ago. Honestly I’d do it more than once a year, but the artists insist that it’s impossible.”

“How large is the canvas?”

“Oh not that large!” Celestia huffed, still grinning, “I think they’re rather quaint. Come, this will be the first time that we’ve had a portrait together since we were fillies. I’ve even had an outfit made for you, it’ll be on your bed by moonrise, I promise.”

Luna sighed, but nodded. Charity was important, after all. And it would be good to see how...entertaining this was. Surely Celestia wasn’t this far in denial. “Of course, sister.”

“Oh good.” Celestia clapped her hands together, “I would take elevensies now, please!”

“Are you planning to outweigh the sun?” Luna couldn’t help the incredulousness out of her voice. Even she couldn’t have downed all those milkshakes and still be hungry at the end.

Celestia waved a hand dismissively, sitting back in her throne. “Oh shush, Luna. I’m just extra peckish today, that’s all. No need to be so alarmed.”

Luna watched was a servant ran from the throne room. Mind spinning with possibilities. Maybe Celestia was this far into denial. And maybe that portrait would be enough for her to finally realize...Hmmm.

(LINEBREAK)

The portrait was being done in the garden. With the main artist and several of her apprentices being out to sketch. The canvas was smaller than Luna had anticipated, but she’d gone to see last year’s final product...The canvas had been huge, nearly two meters across.

It had been...odd, to walk through the nearly abandoned historical wing of the Canterlot library, seeing yearly portraits that just...showed off her sister’s growth. The canvases growing larger each year, just as Celestia did.

This year, Luna had arranged to make some changes. The benches that Celestia would normally seat herself on were gone. Replaced with a chair that looked sturdy, but had no special reinforcements.

The portrait would be drawn with them standing, but considering it was summertime, in the heat of the sun. it only made sense to offer refreshments and seating to give the artist time to work.

Celestia was, of course, busy with the buffet table. Stuffing herself with food so she wouldn’t have to get more mid-painting.

Luna was really starting to wonder how her sister had squeezed herself into her outfit.

It was, or had at one point, been made to showcase Celestia’s height, power, and beauty. Designed to accentuate her curves while bringing to mind all the things she was capable of.

A ring was at the base of her horn. Golden and stark. Seen only because Celestia’s hair had been managed into intricate braids that fell down her back and shoulders. They still moved under their own power, but they were no longer obscuring the base of her horn.

Her pendant, the one she’d had since they were fillies, was prominent against her chest. The golden chain and golden sun pendant stark against her white fur. A gold band was somehow put on her upper arm, the fat there bulging around it. At one point, it would have been there to accentuate her musculature, now it just looked painful.

There was a band of white cloth that wrapped around Celestia’s breasts, keeping her modesty. The band had to be wrapped around several times to provide adequate support, and even then Celestia had to pause her gorging often to adjust them.

Her stomach billowed out in front of her. Covered only by a sheer, gossamer fabric that hung down from her shoulders. It did nothing to hide Celestia’s bulging, groaning stomach. The fabric had once been dreadfully difficult to paint, and had been a show of power and wealth.

And Celestia’s skirt...it wasn’t even visible from the front. Celestia technically didn’t need one, at least not from the front. Her stomach did that for her. The only indication that she was wearing one that was...Oh it wasn’t even visible when looking at Celestia from the front.

Where Luna was, towards one side, she could see a sun shaped clip keeping the skirt up. Celestia’s thighs bulging through the slits up the side. She was absolutely spilling from it at every angle.

Luna’s outfit, a similar one in terms of style. The cloth black rather than white, jewelry silver. The symbols of the moon. Her hair was loose to do as it would, the galaxies within were difficult enough to paint, she presumed. Much less an intricate hairstyle. The largest difference, at least to her, was that her outfit fit.

Celestia’s stomach let out a truly impressive groan, and Luna looked up to see Celestia bring a hand to her face. Letting out a burp, it was clear that she looked rather...green. Queasy and uneasy.

There was something else, too, something that Luna couldn’t quite put a finger on. A difference about Celestia in this outfit-

“Excuse me.” Celestia swallowed compulsively, rubbing at her distended gut with a groan. “Oh I’ve overdone it.”

“Again.” Luna grinned, shaking her head. “This happens twice a day, at least. Tell me, do you plan on eating this much again later?” It had been...well the table had been groaning with food, and now it was practically empty. “That was enough for a small town.”

“Oh shush. It’s fine.”

“Are you a little peckish today, as well?” Luna pressed.

Celestia snorted, rolling her eyes. “Always, sister. But less so with you around.”

Luna grinned, shaking her head. “I doubt that, but come. The artists have been waiting long enough.”

Celestia nodded, lumbering her way over to the fountain that was going to serve as their backdrop.

Luna, who had come out to the garden after Celestia (she’d arranged for her tampering to happen overnight), hadn’t seen her sister walk more than a few ponderous steps this morning.

Celestia’s waddle was all the more pronounced. The look on her face pinched as she moved, she was obviously hurting. Both hands going to the small of her back, like that would be enough support.

“Does your back pain you more this morning?”

“No, no, not really. It’s...well it’s stupid, but I’m not wearing my belly belt. I can’t, not in this outfit. The straps would be visible.” Celestia sighed. Doing her best to straighten up once she was in position, her stance wide to accommodate her drooping stomach. Legs already quivering with the effort.

“And that is?”

“Well...it acts much as a pregnancy belt. Keeping the weight of the stomach from becoming too much of a burden.” Celestia explained as Luna got into position beside her.

“Does that help you greatly?”

“No...not really.” Celestia admitted. “It’s not as effective as it once was, but anything that helps.”

There was some chattering from the artists once they got going. The lead one chewing on the end of a pencil as she started to sketch the tableau. “We’re going to need to get a bigger canvas again, Princess.”

Celestia purposefully didn’t look to Luna at the announcement. A soft blush staining her cheeks, though it might have been the effort of standing. Or the summer heat.

Celestia lasted longer than Luna had anticipated, almost forty-five minutes, before begging off for a break. Stumbling a few steps on shaking legs before collapsing onto a chair that she thought safe.

It didn’t creak, it didn’t groan, the chair didn’t even have time to buckle or break in slow motion.

It just snapped under Celestia’s weight. Sending her to the ground in a panicked huff, panting and wheezing, trapped under the weight of her stomach as she fought to roll onto her side.

Thankfully, Luna was there to offer a good shove in the right direction. Giving Celestia some time to breathe now her stomach was off of her. Her stomach jostled, churning loudly, and so was-

Luna worked hard to keep a neutral expression. Not sure what the sounds she was hearing coming from her sister’s breasts meant. They were large...and sloshing? Was it milk? Something else? Luna didn’t know if that was what happened, but she wasn’t going to mention it.

“There.” Luna said. “Not so bad.”

Celestia heaved a sigh, cheeks burning red with embarrassment. “I’ll need help getting up.”

Luna nodded, looking over her shoulder at the stunned servants that were refilling the snack table, “Get the benches for my sister please.”

There was nodding, and a couple of them scattered to go get them. Leaving Luna to try to haul Celestia back onto her hooves alone. Thankfully, while the task wasn’t plausible with just herself, her magic was more than helpful in this instance. Able to take most of the brunt of Celestia’s weight so Luna could haul the portly princess back upright.

Both of them were huffing and puffing by the time Celestia was upright. The pair of sisters looked at each other for a few seconds before bursting out into laughter.

“This is ridiculous!” Luna laughed, wiping a hand across her face. Hoping to wipe away the worst of the sweat.

Celestia gravitated towards the snack table, gulping down some chilled juice. Still trembling with the effort of keeping herself upright unassisted. Tugging up the cloth that protected her modesty with one hand while the other held her cup. “It is.”

“I’m glad to be back.” Luna said, watching as the servants brought the benches over. Letting Celestia happily sink onto them, her stomach now touching the ground.

“I am as well.” Celestia grinned. “Now, give me some time to rest. And we’ll keep posing.”

Luna nodded, going to grab a few cucumber sandwiches for herself. She skipped breakfast, and now she was absolutely starving herself.

(LINEBREAK)

Six months later, when the royal portrait was revealed for the first time, no two ponies were as shocked about the poses chosen then the subjects themselves.

The portrait showed Celestia and Luna, before the hedge of the garden, half bent over and laughing raucously. A moment that showed them both as people, and not just the perfectly poised princesses most knew them as.

Luna clapped along with her sister and the audience members. Crossing her chubbier legs and leaning back to enjoy a cookie.

Maybe there was something to this modern food after all. Maybe Celestia had a point.

Rainbow Dash

Author's Note

A written commission for Anon.

Rainbow Dash is kidnapped by Pinkie, and is fattened to the extreme. This one is a little dark and a little gloomy.

Rainbow Dash

Rainbow Dash woke with a groan, blinking her eyes open. Shaking her head to clear the fog there, trying to move and stretch as she always did after a nap, Rainbow realized she had a problem.

She couldn’t move. She usually slept on her back, or on her stomach, but now she was laying on her right side. Soft pillows under her, with a blanket laying along her back. But she couldn’t move.

Why? Because she was chained to the soft bed. A harness trapping her wings close to her sides. Her hooves were chained to the top and bottom, with only a little give. And another chain running across her torso.

With every little movement they jangled, and with every movement Rainbow became more panicked. Realizing she truly, honestly, couldn’t move, she began to thrash. “Help! Hello!? Help me!”

A door opening stalled Rainbow in her tracks, lifting her head up to crane around in an attempt to see. She was underground, maybe, or just in an interior room with no windows. Fairly bare, it looked like a fairly average room in Ponyville. Nondescript, if cheerful, paintings on the wall, a few tables, a chair. Nothing too out of the ordinary.

Rainbow couldn’t see the door though, so when a familiar pink pony entered her line of sight she had to take a deep breath. Thrashing all the more in her bindings, “Pinkie!? Oh thank Celestia, you gotta help me get out of here!”

“Oh silly! How did you think you got here?” Pinkie grinned, her chubby cheeks dimpling with the fierceness of the smiles. “Please stop squirming, I don’t want you to hurt yourself Dashie!”

Rainbow did stop, a fierce frown on her face. Panting, “What’s going on!?”

“Well, you know how you said my demands were getting too much? That you couldn’t eat all the things I wanted you to, even though you wanted to be my feedee?”

Having it stated out in the open like that, with no pretence, made Rainbow blush fiercely. She’d...well after that injury last year, she hadn’t been able to be a Wonderbolt anymore. She’d tried a lot in an effort to fill the hole in her life, unable to do what she’d dreamed of. Food had filled the hole well enough, and what had initially been something of a hobby, quickly became an obsession.

Pinkie had been one of the bigger helps, of course. With her working at Sugarcube Corner, her connections with the culinary community, it just made sense.

When the inevitable effects started to appear, Rainbow had initially panicked. Not because she’d gained weight, that seemed more Rarity’s style, but because she’d enjoyed it. She’d enjoyed the gain. Enjoyed the little bit of softness that appeared.

It was shortly after that, that Rainbow had discovered feederism, and had asked Pinkie to be her feeder.

Rainbow had tried to be a good feedee, honest. But Pinkie had all sorts of crazy demands right from the get go that left Rainbow Dash feeling sick more often than not. Even with the scales starting to tip, it had been too much too quickly. So Rainbow had called it off.

“Well...yeah?” Rainbow’s head quirked to one side. “What’s going on, Pinkie?”

“Well, I decided I couldn’t accept your answer!” Pinkie was as bubbly as ever. The pink party pony bouncing in place. She wasn’t fat, but her work had left some pudge on her body. It was her exuberance and activity that burned most of it off, of course, but it was still noticeable.

“What?”

“I said I can’t accept that answer.” Pinkie repeated, with just as much cheer. “Now, come on. Be a good feedee and eat for Pinkie!”

Rainbow had opened her mouth to say something, start screaming, something, but a hose dropped from the ceiling and Pinkie shoved it into Rainbow’s mouth. Attaching it with some sort of strap around the back of her head.

Pinkie playfully tapped Rainbow’s cheek, purposefully feeling the new layer of fat there. Still, her grin didn’t move, “Eat up, you must be starving.” Moving back, and audibly pressing a button of some kind. Ignoring Rainbow as the mare started up her struggles again.

The struggling didn’t last long, not when her wing started aching and sweat beaded across her body. She wasn’t fat, not yet, just chubby. But her lack of exercise routine had meant her muscle had been atrophying away. There just wasn’t a way for Rainbow to get out, not in her state.

It didn’t take long for a thick, creamy liquid to start pouring into Rainbow’s mouth. Making her gulp and drink it down quickly so she didn’t drown. Working hard, even as her stomach began to bloat out and ache as it was rapidly pumped full of the sugary, rich liquid.

Rainbow couldn’t help but moan and groan as the force feeding continued. Tears starting to run down her face as she went from full, to so full it hurt. And still, she was forced to drink. Her stomach churning, bloated, aching so bad it felt like it would burst. And still she drank on.

It wasn’t until Rainbow genuinely thought her stomach would burst that the feeding stopped. Leaving her to groan, moan, and whimper around the tube as the agony set in. Nausea set in shortly after, but Rainbow was stubborn and prideful. She swallowed convulsively, whimpering as every small motion she managed sent shards of glass through her distended stomach. She couldn’t even see the chub on it now, it was so bloated.

She looked pregnant, and it hurt.

“There! Not so bad, is it?” Pinkie crooned. “Told you it wouldn’t be so bad. How about you rest up, and Pinkie will go and make sure you don’t ever have to worry about food again. Okay?”

Rainbow couldn’t answer, but she watched with terror and agony as Pinkie sauntered out of her line of sight, and a door shut.

What’s going to happen to me?

(LINE BREAK)

It was impossible to tell time here. There were no windows, no clocks. And with Rainbow being positioned the way she was, she couldn’t even see the door out of the room. It was possible there was a window right there, and she’d never know.

It could have been weeks, might have been months. It felt like a long time, but who was Rainbow to know? All she knew was feedings, pain, Pinkie, and Fat. Sometimes she was fed with the tube, often with the tube, but sometimes it would be replaced with a feedbag that was enchanted in some way.

Always, Rainbow was stuffed to bursting. She had the feeling that Pinkie managed to use the tubes at night, as well, since she could sleep for...well, a long time, and still wake up full. But once more: who was Rainbow to know for certain.

She couldn’t tell what was worse: the feedbag or the tubes. She couldn’t speak with either on, but at least the feedbag never made her feel she was going to drown…

The door opened, and Rainbow instinctively stiffened. She was hooked up to the feedbag now, eating pie.

Rainbow had never gotten around to telling Pinkie how much she hated pie (all pie), and now she never would. Her mouth opened and took a mouthful without provocation, making her savour the lemon meringue even as she wanted to get it out of her mouth by any means necessary.

“Oh, Rainbow, you sure are growing.” A hoof ran along Rainbow’s flank as Pinkie wound her way around the bed to be in Rainbow’s line of sight. Wearing her usual smile, the baker prodded a little deeper. Her hoof sinking into Rainbow’s blubbery flanks with little resistance.

Trapped here, strapped down. Burning almost no calories, Rainbow was starting to bubble up like a bread pan with too much dough inside. Piling on the pounds in speeds that fascinated and sickened her. As the chain around her torso grew tighter with every passing...day, it was evident that nothing of the once athletic pegasus was being spared the onslaught of calories.

“Here, how about some water. You must be thirsty.” Pinkie produced a tall glass of ice water from nowhere, undoing the feedbag. Letting Rainbow use the straw greedily, gulping down the cold liquid like the precious treasure it was. “You know, you really should learn to control yourself Rainbow. You keep piling on more weight, and I’ll have to get some longer chains.

In spite of herself, heat rose to Rainbow’s face at the teasing. This was sometimes the worst part of her captivity, the teasing. It hurt to know such a close friend was doing this to her.

“Well, it’s alright. I don’t mind getting longer chains...though I wonder how much food I’d have to stuff you with before your burst out of it.” Pinkie reached a hoof over to press against the chain, and Rainbow’s stomach.

As always, Rainbow’s stomach was full to bursting. So the additional pressure hurt. A belch escaped the pegasus, even as Pinkie kept rubbing it.

There was no mirror, so it was hard to gauge her size, but Rainbow could feel her wobbly flank raising into the air, feel the trapped one squishing below her. Her flabby stomach was now so flabby it was no longer obvious how painfully full she was. She could feel her chubby cheeks sagging, an extra chin and jowls rubbing together. Her neck felt heavier, softer. Her pigeon chest squishing between her front legs, shoulder fat loose and twitchy whenever her muscles twitched.

Her barrel must be wide too, and Celestia only knew about her wings-

“Oh don’t worry, Dashie, I’ll make sure you’re too fat to fly too. That harness can’t be comfortable, so I’ll be sure to take it off once I’m sure you can’t try to escape.”

Part of Dash wanted to store water in her cheeks and spit it out at Pinkie, but the last time she’d tried that, she hadn’t gotten water in a long time. Being served sugary juices and things instead. It had been repetitive after a while, so Rainbow wasn’t keen on the same punishment again.

“You’re still so thin.” Pinkie tutted, shaking her head, “but don’t worry. I’ll fix it for you. We can’t have you trying to run off after all.” Taking the cup away once it was empty, and reattaching the feedbag.

She left as the enchantment took hold, making Rainbow once again gorge herself on pie that she hated. While Rainbow was left to cry and gag over the food, trying to once again wriggle her way to freedom, even as she knew it wouldn’t be enough.

(LINEBREAK)

Rainbow hated the sight before her, hated it so much that rage was sitting, waiting in the back of her throat. Waiting for some sort of release, be it screaming or crying or some unholy mixture of both.

She’d outgrown the third set of chains around her torso, and with that, Pinkie had declared her captive fat enough that she wouldn’t be able to get out. Using a pully system to pry the fattened pegasus from her side, and onto her stomach.

It would have been unbearable agony at the start, but there was a lot of cushion between the sensitive, overstretched organ and the bed now. So much so that, even as it ached and churned, it didn’t hurt all that much more to be laying like this. Facing a painting of the ocean, Rainbow still couldn’t see the door, but at leas she was somewhat upright.

At least, she’d been happy about this small thing. Until Pinkie had laboriously moved the bed so Rainbow was facing the same wall as before. Which was a surprise, because Rainbow hadn’t thought the bed was on wheels, but it was.

There was a mirror there now, making Rainbow stare at the blob of a mare she’d become. She was still chained to the bed, but the harness and the chain around her torso were both gone. She was now ‘too fat to fly’ as Pinkie had so often put it.

And Pinkie wasn’t wrong, not if what the mirror was showing was any indication.

Rainbow wriggled a hoof, sending thick waves through her body. The motion evident in how her fat moved, but also present in the mirror.

Rainbow cried as the tubes started to pump the thick milkshake into her maw once more. The straps lightened and stained by all the tears she was crying into them. They were tight now, making her chubby chins look all the fatter for it.

Rainbow’s stomach was her largest feature. Pooling underneath her like a second mattress, it touched the edges of the actual mattress and threatened to roll over them. Even if she could get off the bed and onto the floor, she wouldn’t go anywhere, her stomach was so large now that her hooves were lifted off the ground.

As if that weren’t enough, the rest of her seemed just as large. Just small in comparison to her stomach. Her flanks were large, her cutie marks stretched out and faded. Her plot overhanging her hocks and rolling over her knees. Her lower limbs, once so slender, had a firm layer of fat that rolled over at the ankles, making her hooves look smaller than they had a right to be.

Rainbow’s wings, once her pride and joy, looked more like feathery pillows strapped to her sides. Half buried in the fat of her back and barrel, she could hardly see them. Let alone move them. Fat had collected along their joints, making it impossible for her to flap them.

Her neck was gone, replaced by several thick, meaty rolls that hung down as extra chins when Rainbow looked at her face. The rolls were the only indication she’d had a neck, and even then they hung to merge with her flabby chest.

Rainbow’s face was near spherical it was filled with so much fat. Big poofy cheeks, sagging jowls, a number of extra chins...There was no denying how fat she was. Not anymore.

“There, that’s better isn’t it?” Pinkie grinned. Rubbing a hoof along Rainbow’s side. She reached around to undo the straps once the milkshake stopped pumping, offering Rainbow some water.

“Am-am I big enough now?” Rainbow asked hesitantly before she began to drink. Her voice was a hoarse croak from disuse.

Pinkie giggled, but kept quiet until Rainbow had finished. She leaned in real close and booped the tip of Rainbow’s nose, “Nope!” Then reattached the hose. All but skipping from the room.

Leaving Rainbow to her misery, staring at a pony she could no longer reconcile as herself.

(LINE BREAK)

Every time Rainbow awoke, she was forced to see how much bigger she’d gotten. Even as her stomach rolled over the edges of the mattress, tugging down on her. Even as her hind legs became increasingly trapped between her fatty plot and flabby stomach.

The chains had been removed once Pinkie made Rainbow try to raise her front legs above her head. The fat of her shoulder was thick enough now that it blocked her movement. Her front legs just...resting there, unable to lay flat because of all the fat. Spread wide to make room for her flabby, sagging chest.

Her hind legs hadn’t done much better. Unable to free themselves from between her stomach and plot, she could just about wriggle the ankle, but any other movement was beyond her.

Rainbow hated this. Hated Pinkie for doing this to her. Hated her friends, because somehow they hadn’t found her or rescued her yet. Hated herself.for every single calorie she managed to put into her stretched stomach.

If Rainbow could stand, which by now was just an impossibility, there’d be know way she’d have gotten out. Her muscles, already atrophying by the time Pinkie captured her, were all but withered away now. Spared even the most basic forms of exercise, whenever Rainbow bothered trying to move, it wasn’t long before aching muscles forced her to stop. Out of shape, out of breath, and out of hope, Rainbow started crying more. Hating what she saw in the mirror all the more, day after day.

“Rainbow?”

Whispered, hurried. A hoof jostled her shoulder harshly, sending waves throughout the pegasus’ fat body. Hard enough that it jolted Rainbow from her sleep.

The noise she made when she woke up was indistinct because of the tubing. Blinking dried tears from her eyes, Rainbow’s eyes met the mirror, and she couldn’t believe what was going on.

Twilight was here. Twilight was here, and she was going to help, and Rainbow would be free!

Rainbow tried talking about the tube for the first time in months, muffled and indistinct and not at all making much sense. The bed creaking and groaning under her weight as she utilized the most of her mobility and tried to wiggle with excitement.

Twilight’s magic unhooked the tubes, and Rainbow opened her mouth to let out the flood of words that were just waiting to escape her, only to be cut off.

By a large slice of cake being jammed into her mouth by Twilight’s magic. Rainbow almost choked on it, it was so unexpected. But instincts honed by Pinkie kicked in, and Rainbow started eating.

The excitement balloon popped, deflating Rainbow Dash with the quickness of air escaping a tractor tire that was more hole than tire. With each piece of cake, or eclair, or whatever else Twilight was all but ramming down Rainbow’s throat, the excitement and relief turned into horror and anger.

Still, Rainbow ate on. Not knowing what sorts of punishments that Twilight would use, and not wanting to risk her wrath if she refused the sweets.

With every mouthful, Rainbow hated it all the more. Hated her friends, hated this situation, hated her broken wing, hated herself. If she hadn’t broken her wing, she’d still be flying. None of this would have happened, and she’d be free to soar the sky as she pleased.

It was a good fantasy. Remembering to fly. Even as Rainbow began to cry at the amount of food being shoved into her, her already full stomach starting to ache and bloat out even more with every new item that joined with the rest of its contents.

(LINE BREAK)

Twilight became a regular fixture from then on out. Feeding her casting spells. But doing so in near perfect silence, unlike Pinkie who would constantly talk and tease.

It wasn’t long before Rainbow realized that she was gaining weight even quicker now. Not when the bed, which was large enough to hold two or three average sized ponies on it, was completely eclipsed by her fat.

Not when the frame was crushed under her weight, sending her to the floor.

Not when Rainbow quickly outgrew the remains of the bed, and Pinkie and Twilight started removing furniture.

Rainbow opened her eyes to find that the mirror had been moved, and she didn’t know why. Panting, wheezing weakly, she tried to turn her head to see what was going on, but even that little freedom was starting to become impossible with all the fat around the joints.

Rainbow did her best to wiggle a little, her fat jostling for meters all around her, and then-

It was hard to tell, for Rainbow at least. But she was sure she could feel all sides of the room with her fat alone. Could feel her stomach press against the crack under the doorway, looking for extra room.

The tears were almost automatic now, like eating or breathing or blinking. The tears flowing down Rainbow’s fatty cheek as the tubing started to pour milkshake into her stomach once more.

Rainbow closed her eyes, squeezing them shut. Mind scrambling for anything, anything different-

Flying. Flying is what she turned back to. She dreamed of flying through clouds, feeling the wind move along her wings, feeling her heart racing in her chest as she performed stunts above cheering crowds.

It wasn’t much, but the fantasies were all Rainbow had. They gave her a glimmer of hope to cling to, even though her life was already in shambles.

As deep in this fantasy as she was, Rainbow ignored the odd taste on her tongue. The milkshake flavours changed often, just like the other things she was being fed, so maybe it was just...just a new-new flavour…

Her eyes were already closed, so Rainbow wasn’t even aware that she was falling asleep.

When she next woke up, it was different. A larger room. With tightly drawn curtains and no furniture, Rainbow was amazed to realize that her fat was no longer being pinched by the walls.

The relief didn’t last long, not when the milkshake started up again, even though her stomach was still packed to the point of pain.

At this rate, the pain was a normal, welcome sensation. One of the few Rainbow ever felt anymore.

The tears started up again, further staining the straps around her face.

“Oh, don’t worry Dashie,” Pinkie pouted, reaching over to pet a part of Rainbow’s mattress of a stomach, “Don’t you worry, just cuz you outgrew your old room doesn’t mean we’re going to stop. You’re not nearly large enough yet.”

The only thing that kept Rainbow from sobbing was the tubing in her mouth. She squeezed her eyes shut, still crying, and thought of wind rustling through her mane.

Pinkie continued to pet the roll of fat, stuffing Rainbow so full that Rainbow passed out well before the feeding was finished.

(LINE BREAK)

A new routine was organized, one where there was almost no times between feedings. The tubes were swapped for the feedbag, which made Rainbow eat a mouthful every so often to keep her gut stuffed full of whatever food was the flavour of the day.

It ranged from sugary, sweet desserts to full meals. It changed on a whim, probably Pinkie’s. The savoury foods were something that Rainbow grew to look forward to, as sad as it was.

Twilight’s visits were longer, stretching out across days and weeks rather than just single days.

There was still no mirror, but it didn’t surprise Rainbow when her flabby sides once again touched the sides of the room.

What was a surprise, though, was feeling the top of her plot touching what could only be the ceiling.

By this time, any ability beyond chewing was impossible for the immobilized pegasus. She couldn’t even twitch a muscle anymore, they were so atrophied behind her bulging figure.

Unbeknownst to Rainbow, she didn’t resemble a pony so much as she did a blob. Her hooves were swallowed up by the heavy sleeves of fat where her legs had once been. Her wings were unrecognizable as such, the feathers broken and bent. They looked like flabby cushions half submerged in the squishy, meters thick fat that clung to her barrel. Her tail was swallowed up by her plot, trapped between the massive cheeks.

Rainbow didn’t need to hold her head up anymore. The fatty rolls that indicated where her neck might have been was doing the work for her. So large and fatty that they created enough cushion for her to relax. Just a series of tires of fat with her face and head in the middle.

Her head was starting to be encapsulated in the fat of her neck, making it appear it was sinking into a sleeve much like her hooves long before.

Her forehead fat was beginning to droop down, and with her fatty cheeks growing with every pound, Rainbow’s vision was starting to get impaired, made even worse considering the feedbag and the tubing.

It didn’t take long after that for Rainbow to be moved again.

This time though, Rainbow was thrilled to realize she was outside! For the first time in what felt like eons she was outside, with the breeze on her skin and the scent of summer flowers on the wind-

Yet she was still hooked up to the feed bag. And now she was outside, she could see ponies gawking at her.

In spite of her aching, fit-to-burst stomach, she took a bite of the sweet ice cream she was being fed today. Why not give them a show? The only thing that Rainbow could do by now was eat? So why not give the assembled crowd something to watch?

Her stomach churned all the more, groaning and grumbling enough to send rippled through her form. Rainbow didn’t care, or really notice the searing pain in her stomach. Taking another bite, and another. And another.

Obviously there was no hope for escape. It was foolish to think it, even for a split second.

Rainbow gorged herself into sleep this time. Purposefully ignoring the comments and whispers from the ponies that had gathered to view her enormity.

(LINE BREAK)

The worst thing about being outside, was that Rainbow was suddenly surrounded by frames of reference.

She was too big for a house, for one. Which was why she was moved out here. She was now so fat, with her stomach pooling under her to push her up, that she could just about peer over the roof of the nearest building.

Pinkie climbed all over her, chatting and petting. Sometimes, she’d fall asleep on one of the larger rolls. Reminding Rainbow fiercely of how she used to nap on clouds.

It was just a reminder of how big she was, really. To have a full grown pony able to pick a spot and sleep on one of the many rolls and folds that made up Rainbow’s body.

The flavour today was chocolate cake, and it hurt to hear Pinkie snoring. At least it helped dim the whispers a bit.

Which...speaking of, there were fewer ponies here than there had been. For weeks and weeks, now.

And, the town didn’t seem as loud as she remembered. Less traffic, fewer ponies...What was going on?

Rainbow ate a few mouthfuls of cake, trying her best to see around the fat of her face to figure out what exactly was going on-

“You know,” Pinkie’s voice was right by her ear, making Rainbow stop mid-chew. “You’re still not big enough.”

Fear lanced through Rainbow’s body, and the tears started to flow again. Even as she chewed the thick, chocolatey cake, Pinkie was stroking one of her cheeks.

“I thought you’d be happier out here Dashie, outside. You always did like it out here. Are you happier?”

Rainbow couldn’t help but groan as the bite of chocolate cake hit her stomach.

Pinkie continued to knead at Rainbow’s fat. “Oh good! I’m so glad. I know you’re almost as big as a house, which honestly was a big goal of mine...but I keep looking at you, and I think you can be bigger than all of Ponyville with just a little more work. Twilight’s been helping, she knows all sorts of spells. It won’t be long, I don’t think. Just a few more months, and you’ll be bigger than a whole town! Isn’t that exciting!?”

Rainbow couldn’t help the sob that escaped her, though the sound was muffled. If she could move, she might have tried to wiggle in displeasure, but that was long since doable.

“Oh don’t worry Dashie!” Pinkie beamed, still kneading, “It’ll be fun! Don’t you worry, we’ll have a great time!”

(LINE BREAK)

Rainbow was, potentially, the largest pony in Equestria. Was the largest, heaviest mare in the history of the continent, as far as Rainbow was concerned. She’d set world records, several times over.

And now, she was large enough to encapsulate all the land that had once been Ponyville. So large she resembled nothing living, just...piles and piles of cyan fat that had once been a pony. A formless blob, it was hard to look at her and remember there was a pony buried underneath the thousands and thousands of pounds that occluded her frame.

And still, Rainbow was eating. Ignoring the whirring contraption that Pinkie used to help her scale Rainbow’s fatty sides, she could just eat from the feedbag and live in her fantasy world. Pretend she could breath normally, seen normally, that her head wasn’t being sucked into her neck fat.

Rainbow was just...indescribably huge, and she felt it. Even as Pinkie poked and prodded, bouncing around in the soft rolls of Rainbow’s neck.

Giggling, still bouncing, Pinkie made her way closer. “You did it, Dashie! Bigger than Ponyville! I’m so proud of you!” Unhooking the feedbag, “It’s time for your surprise!”

The tubing was lowered to her mouth. She hadn’t seen it in...months? Years? It was hard to say when all her days blended together. Her mouth opened automatically, yet Pinkie didn’t stop to strap it in place.

The milkshake, after such a long time without it, was refreshing. And Rainbow couldn’t help but gulp it down eagerly, even though she was already fit to burst.

It was hard to say how long she drank for, but by the time there was a soft hissing sound, and the flood stopped, Rainbow was once again full to the point of agony. Nausea churning her stomach, bile kissing the back of her throat. But she didn’t get this big by giving up, or losing her pride. So swallowed it down, panting.

“Good job, Dashie! I’m so proud!” Pinkie hugged one of Rainbows neck rolls.

“Big...enough?” Rainbow rasped, panting from the effort of speaking two words.

Pinkie leaned in real close, her grin never shifting. “Nope!” Booping Rainbow’s nuzzle to laugh loudly, reattaching the feedbag before Rainbow had any chance to retort.

A Mad Cupcake World: Canterlot

Author's Note

Hello again, everyone!

This is an alternate universe oneshot set in the Mad Cupcake universe (link: here). So you might want to go and read that so you get a better sense of what is going on here.

Contains weight gain, entropy, lots of cupcakes, and Celestia and Luna getting alarmingly fat.

A Mad Cupcake World was originally commissioned by fatblack.

And this oneshot was commissioned by Untaken!

A Mad Cupcake World: Canterlot

Princess Celestia relaxed into her throne with a soft huff, watching as Twilight slipped through the large double doors at the opposite end of the throne room.

“With Twilight being so keen to leave early, we must have succeeded.” Luna remarked from her throne.

Celestia nodded, “That is true. With how well the peace talks went, I was worried she might try to stay for longer to continue to impart friendship onto the delegates.”

“That’s probably for us to do, now.” Luna sighed. “It was good to see her, and better still to have her help. If she’d been around at the dawning of Equestria, things would have been much simpler for us.”

Celestia nodded again, hard to argue that. Especially considering that Luna had a point. “She’ll be excited to return to Ponyville. I know how much she missed her friends. Besides, I think we can handle things from here on out.”

“As if we really needed the help.” Luna’s voice was light and teasing. “You have a thousand years experience, and it is not as if I’m inexperienced either.”

Celestia chuckled, “Alright, alright...Well, you know I won’t always be around to help her. Or she may find herself in situations where I can’t be reached. I’m still her teacher, even if we are closer as equals-”

There was a pop! And Celestia was cut off by the appearance of a dozen boxes appearing in front of her and Luna. All branded with the familiar symbol of Sugarcube Corner.

“Oh!” Celestia licked her lips reflexively, always willing to devour a few sweet treats. “What a nice surprise! Didn’t Twilight say that Discord was helping Pinkie?”

“Can we trust these then?” Luna asked, sitting up more fully and eyeing them suspiciously. She’d always been less trusting than Celestia had been.

Celestia leaned in, sniffing cautiously as she used her magic to open one of the boxes. “They’re cupcakes, Sugarcube Corner’s specialty! They’ll be fine, perhaps he’s just proud of his work and wants us to see his progress.”

Luna rolled her eyes, but acquiesced. Opening the nearest box to her and taking a cupcake.

The two princesses took a bite near simultaneously, and unknowingly changed the fate of Equestria for years to come.
The cupcakes were everything cupcakes should be. Light, fluffy, chewy, moist, with enough icing to make it creamy without overpowering the cake. The Cakes, and Pinkie, were honestly some of the best bakers that Celestia had had the pleasure of knowing.

She didn’t notice as the magical effects of the cupcakes took hold, and neither did Luna. Both so wrapped up in a sudden, inexplicable hunger that tore at their insides and drove them into eating box after box of the delicious treats.

New memories began to take hold as they continued to binge. These weren’t just cupcakes sent as a rare treat, oh no. It was Equestria’s worst-kept secret that the royal sisters shared a sweet tooth like nothing else. So it was customary for ponies to send them treats all the time, as a form of gratitude for all their hard years of service and work.

Celestia had been grief-stricken at the fall of the Everfree City and Luna’s banishment, and this tradition had helped her cope with her sister’s absence. Luna, once she’d returned, had been quick to adopt the practise. Hoping to cut down on the amount of sweets Celestia could demolish in one sitting, but she’d quickly grown to love the practice.

They were both quickly growing too. The magic altering the palace, the staff, and the throne room as the two mares gorged themselves. The dias their thrones rested on grew bigger, the thrones too. The kitchens tripled in size, the amount of bakeries and cafes in Canterlot boomed.

All the while, Celestia and Luna’s bodies grew. Celestia was obviously heavier, from her near thousand years of gorging, but Luna was certainly more than pudgy in her own right.

It was only because Celestia was fighting to open the next box of cupcakes that she noticed when Discord and Twilight popped into the room. Slim, trim Princess Twilight Sparkle looked worried and unsure, but Discord seemed to be explaining something to her. His wide, flabby body jiggling and wiggling as he gestured around.

Then the box popped open, and they were gone. And Celestia’s attention was consumed by the sugary treats once more.

(LINE BREAK)

Somepony was trying to speak with her, but Luna ignored it in favour of pushing another chocolatey cupcake into her mouth to chew it languidly. Her front legs hung limply from her flabby body, spread wide to make room for her doughy pigeon chest.

“Please, Princess Luna, you have to stop eating for a little while! Wouldn’t you like to rest your stomach for a while before dinner? I can make whatever you want-” Sea Shores, one of the palace’s chefs, was cut off when Luna grabbed another cupcake to eat before she’d completely finished the one before it.

Marjoram and Carnation were trying to gain Celestia’s attention, with no better luck.

Both princesses were massive. Immobilized, they had been moved to opposite sides of the throne room by Discord’s magic. Their altered memories said they had been moved apart sometime last year after Celestia’s rear had almost crushed Luna’s. It was just safer. They faced each other, their rears facing the beautiful stained glass windows that Canterlot was known for.

“Why isn’t she doing anything?” Carnation asked, pushing a hoof into Celestia’s chest, jumping back when Celestia visibly gained weight after downing another cupcake.

Carnation was tall and broad. Her honey-brown coat and dark brown mane and tail spoke of her strong Earth Pony heritage. Even though her twin’s golden coat and white mane and tail spoke of the Unicorn blood that ran through them both.

With several flaps of her wings, Shores worked to hover in front of Luna. Waving her hooves in front of the princess’s face in the hopes of catching her attention. “Princess, please!”

Nothing but the sound of chewing in response. Both of them were too caught up in the endless cycle of eating that they hadn’t noticed the other changes taking shape around them. The throne room looked dimmer than it should have, their massive bodies blocking some of the windows.

“What’s going on?” Carnation asked, all but dragging her brother backward a few steps when Celestia’s flabby body surged forward a few centimeters.

“Magic.” Marjoram rasped, “But I’m not sure what kind.” His voice was trembling. It was clear this was shaking him down to the core. He used his magic to take a dose of medication from his inhaler, obviously working to keep himself calm. “They’re not listening to us.”

“No, they’re not.” Shores sighed, coming down to land near the pair. Grimacing as both princesses seemed to gain a little more even as they watched. “We should get going-”

The double doors at the end of the throne room burst open, allowing a group of ponies to gallop inside. When the real chaos began. Shouts of despair, arguing, talking, introductions.

Celestia was aware there were ponies in the throne room, but she’d left instructions with the maids to impress upon ponies that came to see her and Luna that they’d only take visitors after lunch.

Celestia opened her mouth to accept another cupcake. Not minding one bit as frosting smeared across one of her chubby cheeks and stained her muzzle. Not noticing, or caring, that Starlight and Trixie were trying to catch her attention. Only murmuring a few placid platitudes by way of explanation.

She didn’t notice when the group left. Didn’t realize when her maid became too fat to walk. Didn’t notice the castle falling into disarray around her.

The palace was filled with some of the fattest ponies in Canterlot, and she didn’t mind. Didn’t quite understand what that meant, even as Canterlot as a whole started to be more affected by the weight of its citizens.

Neither princess noticed or cared. Bathing in the light of the stained glass windows, happily eating away. Not bothered by their expanding waistlines in the slightest, all that mattered to the two princesses was eating their next cupcake.

(LINE BREAK)

If ponies were in their right minds, they might have noticed how Canterlot was changing.

It was a mountainside city, originally picked out because of the plentiful clean water and resources hidden beneath the mountains surface. The refugees of the Everfree City had chosen well, and a temporary city had grown to become the Capital of one of the most powerful countries in the world.

There were...issues with the city, however. High population density for one. Because the city had been built on a large, natural shelf jutting out from the mountain’s side, it meant that there was limited space for buildings and expansions. The high towers of Canterlot’s high ranking buildings weren’t just for an exciting skyline: they were meant to save space.

Ancient unicorns had worked hard to build supports under the city, earth ponies adding their own magic to the stone beneath the city. Shoring it’s strength, adding onto the existing shelf as much as possible to give the fledgling city the strength and space needed for it to be viable.

As the citizens of the once fair city grew, space became an issue. More of an issue than usual.

Pavement cracked. Ancient magic flickering as it fought against forces and weight that it simply wasn’t meant to hold. Buildings were abandoned, as were high towers.

To anyone who was paying attention, they could see Canterlot starting to lean, or sink. Perhaps both. The supports were holding, still strong, but there was only so much weight they could handle. As buildings stopped growing along with the memories of inflicted ponies, ponies began to outgrow buildings. Laying out in the street, never stopping their endless munching.

Celestia was unaware of these changes. Though she should have known. Tapestries and the chandelier were leaning to one side. Leaning away from the safe mountain that the city had clung to for so long, and towards the valley below.

The cupcakes were as excellent as they had always been, Celestia noted dimly. Swallowing an icing laden cupcake with a sigh. They were always so good-

Her flanks jumped out several inches, swelling with new fat. Sending ripples of motion across her body. Celestia shivered, feeling her rump press against the stained glass behind her. She could feel the glass bending. Not broken, but fighting with her enormity to keep it contained.

Outside, not that Celestia could see outside, a pink sky had replaced the normal blue. Swirls of heavy magic, holding hundreds of thousands of cupcakes aloft darkened the skies. Not quite blotting out the sun, but it was surreal to see.

All the citizens of Canterlot were slaves to their hunger. Endlessly eating the fattening cupcakes that were putting their lives in danger. Not because their bodies were failing, or because their fat made it impossible to breathe. The magic Discord wove made it impossible for those things to happen.

What Discord’s magic hadn’t intended, however, was the mountain town collapsing under the weight of its citizens. It didn’t know how to prevent that from happening.

And yet, nopony cared. Nopony came to fix things. There was no one mobile enough to do any of that work.

A couple dozen cupcakes later, and Celestia’s rear broke through the window panes. Spared the falling glass, her white, flabby rear spilled out of the new openings.

Across the throne room, Luna’s own rear was doing the same. Threatening to destroy the wall behind her with her plot alone. Fat oozing over the crushed window sills, competing for space as it always was. The throne room was rather dark now, the princesses were now big enough that their bodies blocked all the sources of natural light, leaving only the leaning chandeliers to try to light the space by themselves: a task they’d never been meant to handle.

Celestia and Luna roughly took up half of the throne room each. Their hooves were gone, sucked into the sleeves of fat that had once been their legs. Celestia was larger than Luna, her head looking comically small in comparison to the spare tires where her neck had been. As she ate, a roll started to encroach on her head.

It wouldn’t be long before the fat really started to swallow up Celestia’s head. Creating a tunnel of fat that the cupcakes would have to travel to to get to her mouth. As Celestia chewed, the roll started to become more prominent. It wouldn’t be very long at all before Celestia stopped looking like a pony entirely.

Luna would be spared that fate for a little while yet. As she ate, her body continued to expand outward. Her tail was swallowed up, lost between her plot cheeks. Another cupcake, and there was a breaking of glass. Luna’s rear had pushed the glass from the window panes and was now spilling out from the windows.

Canterlot was looking worse for wear, all over. Fattened citizens blocked the moat (primarily the city guards who were on patrol at the city’s entrance), causing water to flood the lower sections of the city. Dousing those who lived there, and speeding up the decay. Making things look worse for wear within a matter of days, much less months.

Canterlot’s supports were holding well enough for now, but they wouldn’t last much longer. The city was already starting to shift and sink. Roads and buildings buckling under the obesity that reigned all of Equestria.

No building was spared the slothful destruction of hundreds of thousands of pounds. Windows broke as fat pushed them out of their panes, doors splintered against flabby rears and bellies.

Buildings were pushed off kilter and sent down the mountain as fat pushed them off their foundations. Immobilized, house-sized fatty blobs broke their houses from the inside, crowds of them growing into each other. Not aware of the destruction, but their flabby bodies expanding over the evidence like the rubble was the finest cushions available.

Carts, toys, wagons, all sorts of things were starting to roll towards the edges of the city. Some broke guardrails, falling off to shatter against the buildings wrecked below. Others were trapped in between the immobile ponies that clogged the streets, quickly being demolished under the growing enormity of the ponies they were stuck near.

The two royal sisters ate on. The only sounds ringing through the palace were that of their own eating, and the creaking and groaning of a city that was starting to crumble to pieces around them.

(LINE BREAK)

Canterlot shook. Breaking Luna’s muddled, gluttonous thoughts for a few moments as things seemed to shift. The chandeliers rattling, the ruins of the palace groaning. Banners moving at the movement of the ground.

The palace was an empty shell. Once it had been a carefully crafted machine meant for all sorts of ponies to live and work. For dignitaries to meet, grand parties, and for all sorts of things. Discord’s magic had erased hundreds of years of hard work, turning everything (even the castle gardens) into the throne room. Allowing Celestia and Luna to keep growing unimpeded.

The two massive mares moved too. Their obese bodies quaking as one of Canterlot’s supports failed.Falling into the river below with a massive crash that could be heard across Equestria twice over.

The city shuddered, water once again dispersed as the city fell a few inches. Bodies jiggled, a few more buildings crumbled, yet nopony noticed. The sudden movement caused belching and burps to be heard all throughout the city, but that was the only thing that changed.

At the edge of the city, the edge where the shelf met the mountain proper, a crack was forming. It had been caused by the flooding, originally, but as the citizens of Canterlot grew into massive blobs, it was another sign of things declining.

The city was falling apart, inside and out. The great, iconic towers of Canterlot were all but gone. Fallen to the valley below, nothing more than ruined husks of splendor. The splendor of the city was gone, hidden under the corpulent bodies of its citizens.

And still, the eating never stopped.

A great distance away, Trixie and Starlight watched the support collapsing from the hills outside Ponyville. Wondering, with growing horror and worry, if Canterlot would be able to support its citizens for much longer.

(LINE BREAK)

The palace was gone. Destroyed from the inside by it’s immensely huge denizens. Luna and Celestia didn’t mind one bit, in fact they preferred it. The windows to the outside had been blocked by their fat for months, so being able to see and feel the sunlight was a boon. Celestia got to see the waterfall, when she bothered to be aware of it. And Luna could look over the destroyed city to see the valley stretching out below them.

Neither of them paid much attention to their surroundings of course, it was just the spirit of the thing. The illusion of choice.

If Luna paused in her never ending feast for a few seconds, and squinted around her balloon like cheeks, she could just about make out two new mountains on the horizon. Joining the six, multicoloured mountains nearby. Different from the others, some instinct told her, but she couldn’t figure out why. One was a pale blue, and the other a light purple.

She didn’t of course. Wrapped up in her empty pit of a stomach, she did nothing but try to fill it. Gorging herself on massive amounts of cupcakes, focused so solely on this task, that she didn’t seem to feel her plot rising high above her head. Not quite squished against the mountain behind her, but it was close.

The city was crumbling underneath them, and they had no idea.

There was a noise, like rocks being broken open by a hammer. Sharp, and loud, and ringing. A second support had given out. The occupants of Canterlot were jostled from their stupors for a few moments, belching loudly enough it could be heard in Ponyville. Bodies shaking and quaking.

And the sound again, only ten times worse. The crack along the mountain edge completed it’s edge as the last of the supports gave way from under Canterlot. Leaving the city suspended in place for a fraction of a second, before gravity took its toll.

Thankfully, Canterlot didn’t tumble down the mountain in a great many pieces. It slid down a few hundred feet, before being caught by a mixture of rubble, the remnants of the shelf that had held up the city for generations, and the rubble caused by the city’s fall.

The shelf that Canterlot had been on was heavy, after all. Thick, reinforced with old magic. It held together alarmingly well, considering the circumstances. Even though roads were cracked in two, the city was still roughly in one piece.

The ponies of Canterlot were unharmed, merely jostled. Burps being forced out of them because of the rough landing. The belching could be heard throughout Equestria. Even the princesses belched alongside the common folk.

The city, in the aftermath, was more unrecognizable than before. Hunks of the city’s underbelly were gone, smashed and torn away from the impact. The city's descent had scored great wounds on the mountain’s edge, causing most of the rubble that had saved them. The waterfalls were different, now, too. Parts of upper Canterlot starting to be flooded since the city had shifted position again. Lower Canterlot would still be flooded, but so too would be where the palace had once sat.

Water rushed between the two princesses. Cleansing the lower rolls of their bellies from the rock dust that coated them.

Celestia noticed this in passing, feeling pleasure in the cool water rushing past her. But took no more notice of it than someone might have noticed a pleasant breeze. Only opening her mouth for the next cupcake. With all the rocking and jostling, they had to have ordered a massage. Which was why they’d moved about so much before. Maybe that masseuse from Ponyville..oh what was his name? The bulky pegasus...Thoughts like leaves in a hurricane. Celestia quickly forgot about the movements.

Luna, on the other hoof, was waiting for her next cupcake. Mouth hanging limply open without receiving one for a few moments was shockingly different. So she looked up. Expecting the streams of cupcakes to be right there, where they always were.

She’d been jostled a bit more than her sister when the city fell. Her rear had been touching the mountain, after all, squishing into it with its heft. Thankfully her massive, fatty rear had been saved any pain or damage from friction, but it made her rear settle differently over the rubble it had been covering for weeks. It was nice to feel a breeze, gentle and quiet...Now where were her cupcakes, it was rude to leave her waiting.

Luna’s head was stuck in place because of the fat starting to encroach on her head. Immobilizing her head, she could just crane her eyes upward to look. Hardly able to see very far up at all because of her fatty neck, as well as the beginning of a tunnel of fat that was starting to form around her head. Her head was already half-sunk into her neck, it wouldn’t be much longer for the fat to overtake it completely. Celestia was worse, head gone from visible view. Not even her muzzle poking out.

The cupcakes weren’t where they were supposed to be. The pink sky was as pink as ever, and the clouds of cupcakes were as dense as always. They were just hovering where they used to, above the city’s skyline from when the city was still resting on its original foundations. Some were already making their way down, hence Celestia eating a cupcake, but the vast majority hadn’t started to move yet.

They were migrating, moving downwards to meet their fellows in their hundreds of thousands. Temporarily blocking out the sun with their sudden movements.

For a moment, less than a fraction of a second, Luna saw what the city had turned into. What she and Celestia had turned into, and it made her heart cold with dread. She could see the mountainous blobs of those in the distance, of good ponies who had fought for Equestria’s freedom-

A cupcake pressed against her lips, and Luna ate it. Mind cleared of her thoughts, she took no more notice to the scenery than to wonder if there was going to be another flavour change up soon.

Across from Luna, Celestia gorged on. Unable to move under her own power, with the exception of chewing and swallowing.

Neither were as large as some of the ponies that decorated Equestria’s surface. But they were still growing. Looking more like shapeless, fatty blobs with every cupcake that passed through their lips.

Griffonscones

Author's Note

Gilda's business, Griffonscones, is going to expand into two new locations. So Swift Story is sent to interview her from the Manehatten Gazette.

Contains stuffing, weight gain, mild health issues. And one very fat Gilda. Written for PhealGud.

Griffonscones

“Alright, dweebs…” Gilda waddled forward, huffing and puffing as she slowed to a stop in front of her bakery door. “This is where...it all happens.” Unlocking the door and squeezing her way inside. Hardly noticing as her wide barrel and wider hips were pinched as she pulled herself through the door. She was almost trapped inside her own doorway, but she didn’t seem to notice.

The journalist and photographer bustled in after. The journalist, a unicorn from Manehatten, was scribbling notes idly as she entered the bakery. The photographer looking around excitedly, his camera dangling from around his neck.

Even though it was 5am, the fresh smells of coffee and baked goods were prevalent. There was already a team of dedicated griffons working in the back to prepare what was needed for today. Hired, originally, to give Gilda a break from her incredibly busy business. As time had progressed, they’d taken on more of her duties, their responsibilities growing right alongside their employer’s waistline.

Gilda could afford to pay the staff after all, and keep herself well in bits. Why bother working herself to death if she didn’t have to? Still, she was incredibly business proud, so having the two ponies come in from Manehatten to review her bakery, well it was worth the early morning and exercise.

The successful griffon was starting to...gain a reputation for herself in certain circles. She was a demanding boss, tough, and had very high expectations. However, she was loyal, and mostly fair provided things added up right. It was hard being her employee, but it was well worth it if you went above and beyond for the job. Earning bonuses, raises, and extra treats. The bonuses helped make up for the hardships of the job.

Gilda had sold off her little bakery cart ages ago, after demand had consistently started to outrun her supply. The little bakery she’d purchased had grown along with her success. More room in the back to make goods, a professional espresso machine, and inside seating for griffons to visit and eat.

The business was rather expansive now, even having a to go window that allowed griffons and visitors to order quickly and be gone quickly. Gilda, even with expenses, was rolling in bits. Enough to fix up her own house and feed her growing appetite.

Gilda’s habit of tasting a product from every batch of goods she made had an effect on her waistline in the weeks and months after the bakery opened. Her scones were still one of her best selling products, but other baked goods soon joined the lineup. Pastries, breads, cookies, all sorts of scone flavours. She offered sandwiches and soups, and a small selection of hot and cold drinks.

All sorts of creatures, griffons and visitors alike, flocked to eat and drink her products. It was more than Gilda had ever dreamed, and she used some of her gold to fix up Griffonstone so it was livable.

In the year since opening the bakery, Gilda had piled on the pounds. Growing accustomed to eating a treat from every batch of whatever was being made. Making her snack throughout the day. She used to take old pastries that weren’t fit to be sold home too, gorging herself sick on them after hours as well as when she was working.

In the early months, though Gilda did most of the work herself, the sheer amount of calories she was consuming far outweighed what she was burning off. Since she was working so much, she couldn’t go exercise. So the weight had piled on. And it continued. Explained away easily enough at first, but Gilda quickly grew to realize she didn’t mind.

Her weight was a status symbol. She could be prideful in the work she’d done, prideful in what little she continued to do. But she didn’t need to work herself to the bone to make a living. In fact, she could do nothing but eat all day and still make a killing.

Her bakery business was soaring. Which was why the reporter and photographer were there, to see her in action. Setting up a piece that announced her intentions to open more bakeries. A secondary one in Griffonstone, then maybe opening one near to the border of Equestria: at the train station at the edge of the kingdom.

So Gilda intended to show off this morning. She was a capable business griffon after all, and she’d worked hard to build her business up. It would be a piece of cake to do what she’d done for years.

“Alright...this way.” Gilda huffed, waddling her way to the counter to squeeze between it and the wall, making her way into the back.

“Of course.” Swift Story said, following behind Gilda. “Now, is this the normal start time for employees?”

“No.” Gilda shook her head, “They start early. To get things going for the day.” She was still panting for breath, but now she was moving along at her own pace, she seemed to be recovering.

Swift nodded, still writing notes. “That’s good to know.”

Painted Aurora, the photographer, moved about the cafe to snap a few pictures. Mostly as tests to see how the space photographed. And killing time while Gilda and Swift chatted.

Gilda led the way into the back. Sweat dampening her feathers and fur, making them look more matted than they already were since she was clearly too large to groom herself properly.

The kitchen was the largest section of the cafe. And it was bustling with five workers, all of whom didn’t break their concentration as Gilda made her way inside. All wrapped up in their work, and trained well, to do anything else but keep working.

The smells of baking filled the air, as Swift spotted trays upon trays of fresh pastries and breads cooling, getting ready for the customers that were sure to start arriving soon.

As Gilda waddled her way through the kitchen, watching her employees, Swift was able to better take in the griffon’s figure.

Gilda was morbidly obese, clearly struggling with mobility. Hardly mobile, it didn’t take a genius to realize that Gilda wouldn’t be able to walk under her own power for much longer. Not without assistance of some sort.

Gilda’s hips were wider than the rest of her, her flanks and plot thick and heavy. Swaying and jiggling in time with her slow waddle. Her flank and plot melding, overhanging her hocks, and clearly hindering her mobility somewhat because of how heavy they were. Her tail was stuck between her cheeks, looking thick and useless as it dragged across the floor behind her. It certainly didn’t help Gilda move much, and since the griffon was certainly too fat to fly, it couldn’t help her in the air either.

Gilda’s barrel was wide in its own right, looking only small in comparison to what came after it. Her wings were flabby and pillowy, not used at all in quite some time. Her back was riddled with rolls, as was her drooping stomach. It didn’t touch the ground, not yet, but it was close. Resting well below her knees, it swung like a pendulum underneath her. Swaying back and forth almost hypnotically.

Gilda’s stomach was pressing into her legs at all times, hence the waddle as she worked hard to move even with her hundreds of excess pounds.

Her neck wasn’t completely buried under her fat yet, but it was coming. The fat of her neck was already starting to meld with that of her shoulders and back, and it was mostly just one large roll that hung against her pigeon chest.

Her front legs weren’t much better. Even her eagle paws had swelled with fat, merging with the drooping sleeves of her shoulders to make it even more difficult to move about. And still, Gilda managed it. Her body swaying and shaking with each ponderous step she managed. Her face slick with sweat, chubby cheeks red from exertion, it was no wonder she was so determined to see her business succeed.

Gilda’s face was marred by extra chins and jowls that squished and moved as she talked.

Swift, so caught up in the sight of Gilda working so hard to do something so simple as walking, nearly ran into the griffon’s plush posterior as the griffon came to a sudden halt before the many ovens they had to offer.

The griffon manning the ovens didn’t pause in their work, simply continuing to pull out hot pans of scones to rest on the nearby metal table to cool.

“Oh, you’ve said before you cool your goods specially-”

“Gonna show you.” Gilda said impatiently. Waving away the employee to take their spot. Her back turned to the table, Gilda’s fatty wings worked to move away from her torso. It looked awkward and slow, the joint stiff and surrounded by fat. Gilda flapped her wings. Once, showing off the sweat that was building up underneath her wings.

In a healthy, fit griffon, the motion would have pushed air over the pastries, hastening their cooling. But with Gilda being as out of shape as she was, she couldn’t even muster a breeze.

It seemed foolish to comment on that fact, so Swift simply nodded, “That’s amazing! Very clever.”

Gilda nodded, panting more audibly now. Her breath wheezing in and out of her as she tucked her wings back against her flabby barrel. Sweat was coating her thoroughly now, making her look rather damp all over. “I know!”

Swift moved out of the griffon’s way as Gilda trudged past.

If she hadn’t moved, if she’d just moved along before Gilda, perhaps she’d have spotted it sooner. But she didn’t.

There was a puddle in Gilda’s path, and once her front paw connected, it went out from underneath her. What happened next was curious.

Gilda was fat enough it wasn’t really a fall, not really. Her front leg folded underneath her, and her other three legs didn’t have the strength to keep herself upright. So she tilted, then her other legs collapsed. Sending her to the ground with a thump and an angry squawk.

Swift and the nearest employee worked to get Gilda upright again, ignoring her angry mutterings and shaking body in favour of trying to get her moving again.

By the time they made it into the sitting area of the cafe, Gilda’s legs were trembling with the effort of moving her around. Clearly she wasn’t used to hauling herself around for so long at one time.

She eased herself into a booth, making it creak under her weight. Sighing raggedly as she let her body rest.

Swift sat in the chair across from the griffon, offering a smile. “Your bakery is well run.”

Gilda nodded, muffling a cough into her shoulder. Still obviously struggling, even though she was starting to recover. The redness of her face started to fade a little now she was seated. “Made sure...it would be. Puddles are...rare. Have to talk...with them about it….later.”

Swift nodded, “Of course. I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Gilda snorted. “I think all...the padding took...care of it.” Reaching down to pat at her stomach. Sitting down like she was, it nearly engulfed her hind legs completely.

“Well, it’s clear to see you take great pride in your business.” Swift grinned. “And pride in your employees, if they usually start things by themselves.”

“I trained ‘em myself. Couldn’t be better.” Gilda grinned too, a rare break in her gruff exterior. “Made sure they do good work.”

“You can see that influence in the cafe’s popularity. So, you’re getting ready to expand the business. What are your plans for that?”

“A smaller cafe, just scones and coffee, on the other side of town.” Gilda said. “Just a small team will be able to help. And it’ll be more convenient for the griffons to get to. With my cart, I used to make rotations. Can’t do that with a huge building like this. And there will be a larger, secondary location at the train station. That just makes sense, it’s a high traffic location. It will be open longer than the locations here in the city, following the timetables for the train.”

“Oh that’s nice.” Swift grinned. “For the travelers especially. Sometimes, after a long train ride, all you want is a good cup of coffee and some pastries.”

“Exactly. Which reminds me,” Gilda looked over Swift’s head to raise a paw in the air.

Swift turned to look at the bustling griffons behind the counter. Clearly getting a collection of pastries and two coffees ready.

Swift swallowed dryly, pushing back a stab of hunger. She’d had the idea that she’d be given breakfast here so she hadn’t eaten anything at the hotel. “Thank you.”

“For the camera pony too.” Gilda grunted, settling back. Her stomach bumping into the table.

“You’ve made headlines with your rapid, extreme weight gain. Has that affected your work?” Swift asked.

Gilda blinked, brows furrowing and eyes narrowing, “Of course not!” She squawked. “I’m still running the business, even if I’m not here. My staff knows to get a hold of me if they need anything. I’m still very capable of running this place by myself if I ever had to.”

Denial then. Swift continued to scribble in her notepad. “Of course. I don’t mean to be rude, there’s only a few plus sized entrepreneurs around. And you’re the most successful by far.”

“It speaks of my hard work!” Gilda sulked, crossing her paws in front of her chest. Clearly fighting against the fat of her body to do so, but stubborn enough that she didn’t give up. The fat poofing around her arms, making her look all the fatter for it.

Swift nodded, “It really does.” Hoping to smooth any ruffled feathers. “We’ve been getting calls and letters from our readership to do a story about you and your bakery. You’ve been credited with helping Griffonstone back on its feet.”

The anger, and embarrassment? Gilda could be rather hard to read. Melted away, leaving pride clearly visible. “Yes, I did. Helped the infrastructure of the city after decades of neglect. Tourism is up, a new library is under construction, and businesses are thriving again.”

“And put Griffonscones on the map as one of the spots someone has to go if they’re ever in Griffonstone.” Swift pressed.

“Well, yeah. Scones are important to griffon culture! Have been for centuries.” Gilda said, looking ready to say something more, but an employee came with a tray heaping with pastries and two large coffees.

“Cream and sugar are here too.” The employee said. “Please let us know if you’d like anything else.”

Both Swift and Gilda nodded. Gilda moved quickly, far faster than she had any right to, to add heavy amounts of cream and sugar in before Swift had a chance.

“Where’s your camera guy?” Gilda asked shortly, taking a few of the pastries before settling down to gulp them both down in record timing. Swift took this time to grab a few choice treats before Gilda could take the rest.

Swift shrugged, craning to look outside where a line up of griffons were starting to take shape. Waiting for the business to open. She could see Painted Aurora talking to a few of them. Good. She’d be busy here, and if he could get some unbiased opinions that would help her later when she got to writing the article proper. “Outside it looks like. Probably taking pictures of the business now the light is better.”

Gilda grunted, now too busy eating to reply. Crumbs coating her beak and dotting the feathers of her chest. Gulping them down with a speed that took Swift by surprise for a few seconds.

Raising the first of the scones to her muzzle, Swift took a big bite. Lemon-cranberry with a sweet lemon glaze on top. Not too sweet, but perfectly blended. With little bits of lemon peel and cranberries running throughout. “Mmmm.”

Gilda, though she didn’t pause her own eating, grinned knowingly.

A croissant was next for Swift. It was denser than what she was accustomed to and more chewy, but still delicious.

Chocolate-pecan scone was next. Then maple oat nut, then cheddar and apple buttermilk scones. Each different and flavourful. Dense and moist without being too much. Everything was delicious, more so than Swift had expected, and it wasn’t long before she cleared her plate. Groaning softly as she rubbed at her distended gut, feeling like she’d eaten a few bricks.

Gilda was still eating. Not giving Swift’s discomfort any mind. Not even pausing to breathe as she gorged herself on the remaining pastries. Crumbs and frosting coating her beak and smeared across her cheeks. Her stomach was pressed fully into the table now, rolling over it as it bloated with every pastry consumed.

Swift continued to sip at her coffee, rubbing at her own distended gut as Gilda cleared the tray. “Your reputation is well earned.”

“Wouldn’t have gotten to this size if my food was awful.” Gilda defended, wiping at her mouth. Settling back into the booth with a sigh, burping softly. “It’s good you enjoyed it.”

“Anyone with a sense of taste would.” Swift said. “And you rotate your flavours, right?”

Gilda nodded, “We use fresh ingredients. So there’s seasonal flavours. And whenever I come up with an idea, or one of the others do. We test it out, see how folks like it. It’s how we got our signature pizza scone.”

“It’s good you let your chefs have some creativity. That must help keep morale high.”

“And it makes sense. They’re good employees. Makes sense to let them have some oversight of the menu.” Gilda shrugged, sending ripples throughout her fat body. She waved a paw again, and the employee returned with another tray laden with goods and a coffee refill. “Help yourself.”

Swift couldn’t manage it, not with how full she was, but she took one to be polite anyway. Picking at it as she drank down another cup of coffee, watching Gilda as she continued to gorge herself.

There was a creaking noise from the booth under Gilda. The table was partially covered by Gilda’s stomach. Bending under its weight, Swift used her magic to grab her coffee cup, taking a sip, just before disaster struck.

The table broke under the weight of Gilda’s stomach, sending it quaking and jiggling. The sudden shift of weight made the creaking booth under her finally snap. Sending Gilda to the ground in a heap. Her coffee cup and the platters crashing to the ground.

Swift froze, eyes wide. Thankfully unaffected by the destruction in front of her, her quill paused in it’s writing.

Gilda squawked, shouting wordlessly. The people from the back coming out to move Swift out of the way and haul Gilda onto her feet.

Gilda sputtered, face red. Sputtering some form of excuse before she all but fled the building. Her stomach lower to the ground than it had been, her waddle was even slower.

Swift drank down the last of her coffee. Leaving the griffons to clean up after their corpulent boss. Moving outside to help Painted Aurora interview the griffons outside.

(LINE BREAK)

Breaking News: Famous Entrepreneur Immobilizes Herself!

Gilda, the owner and original worker of the now-famous Griffonscones, has finally eaten herself into immobility after an interview with the Manehatten Gazette’s own Swift Story. At the end of said interview, Gilda’s weight broke the table and the booth, leading to her leaving the interview early.

In the last few weeks, Gilda has continued her gorging habits. And is now trapped within her Griffonstone home, now completely immobilized by her bulk.

Gilda declined an interview, but her employees have stated that plans for expanding the business are still greenlit and further expansion plans are still on the table.

Gilda weakly through the paper away from her with a soft grunt of disgust. Panting for breath, even with that weak motion. Of course her weight was the focus of the article and not the rest of the information the unicorn had collected.

She had indeed eaten herself into immobility. Her stomach had grounded her in place. Which, if it weren’t for the gossip and things, Gilda wouldn’t have minded it so much. But with all the gossip and things, it just angered her. Which made her stressed out, which made her eat more. Which didn’t help.

Well, there wasn’t much for it now. Not with her too fat to move.

Gilda’s mass spread across the floor, acting like a mattress that was keeping her legs above the floor. Her barrel was multi-folded and flabby, trapping her hind legs in between her stomach and plot. She was just...fatter. Significantly fatter in a matter of weeks. Her chins were puffy and sagging against the spare tire wrapping around her neck.

Immobility wasn’t without its drawbacks of course, mostly her struggles to breathe. Even now it was huffing and puffing out of her, since simply existing was enough for her to struggle to catch her breath. And still, Gilda didn’t care enough to try to lose weight.

What was the point? Everyone was going to keep talking about it. And it made her happy. That was what mattered right? She trusted her staff to keep things running properly. She was a wealthy, successful business owner and she didn’t have to lift a paw.

Gilda reached to take a pizza scone. Stuffing it into her mouth and chewing languidly. It was delicious as it always was, and well worth the weight that kept her grounded.

Rarity's Cruise

Author's Note

A longer commission piece for fatblack. As always was a pleasure to work with.

Rarity goes on a cruise and brings Fluttershy with her. There are some hefty consequences.

Rarity's Cruise

Rarity, being the fashion-forward designer that she was, had made a name for herself after hours of hard work. Designing and making clothes locally before her success truly took off and she got more high-paying, elite clientele.

That being said, Rarity wasn’t just designing clothes for the likes of Sapphire Shores or Songbird Serenade exclusively. She was always looking to find ways to make money, not just for herself and her expenses, but to put away for Sweetie or to help fund her retirement.

So, when a new line of cruise ships had approached her to ask for her help in designing the uniforms for their staff, Rarity was keen to accept the contract. Working hard for weeks with the team to find out what worked and what didn’t.

Light fabrics, bold colours, with enough flare to make it scream luxury even if the fabric wasn’t as top quality as she’d like. The cruise company, Explorations, had accepted her designs. Paying her handsomely for her work and awarding her a ticket to their premiere cruise. Plus one.

Rarity knew immediately who she wanted with her for her weeks away: Fluttershy. She and Fluttershy were close, after all, and the cruise was filled with all the same activities they liked doing, and some new ones. And they could both use a break.

It took time, to sort things out, but by the time they’d packed up and gone to Manehatten, everything had been squared away. Discord and Applejack were looking after Fluttershy’s cottage and her creatures. Carousel Boutique would be closed for a few weeks, while Sassy took care of Canterlot Carousel and Coco Pommel looked after Rarity For You.

It was perfect. Three weeks of the best vacation Rarity could ever dream of, and she got to share it with one of her best friends All for free!

The pair were walking down the docks now, approaching the massive cruise ship that was still taking in passengers. As usual, Rarity had only packed the essentials. With a busboy trailing after them, legs shaking under the load of Rarity’s things. While Fluttershy had her saddlebags and a suitcase, which she handled by herself.

“Oh wow,” Fluttershy remarked. The ship was massive. Long and wide, painted white. Windows gleaming in the sunshine. It was the very definition of what a cruise ship was supposed to look like. Even from here, Fluttershy could see glints of what was in store for them: a huge pool, outdoor dining, various games. “This is wonderful.”

“Isn’t it just, darling?” Rarity was wearing a fetching hat and summer dress, with delicate sunglasses perched upon her muzzle. Smiling widely to anyone who bothered to look at her. “I’m so glad I was able to bring you along, Fluttershy, we’ll have so much fun!”

Fluttershy nodded emphatically. Swallowing dryly as her anxiety swelled at the cheering crowds who noticed them approaching. Taking deep breaths, she managed to keep herself calm as they waited in the small line, and boarded.

The walkway was wider than either of them anticipated, but it let them walk onto the ship side by side. Rarity’s chatter washing over Fluttershy, helping the pegasus stay present and calm.

As they were directed to their suite, the pair noticed other things were big. The doors, the hallways, the furniture that lined them. All wide and sturdy, which Rarity certainly wasn’t going to complain about. Probably being careful to include furniture that would work for all creatures, yaks included. It was smart of the company to do so now. Save refitting costs down the line.

The elevators were huge too. And, as Rarity and Fluttershy entered their suite, they realized it had been made for yaks or other large creatures in mind. The beds alone could fit five ponies Rarity’s size and still have room to spare.

Neither mare minded much. Sitting on their balcony drinking bubbly champagne to wave at the crowds as the ship left Manehatten’s harbour.

“Well, my dear,” Rarity said, watching as the iconic Manehatten skyline started to grow smaller as the ship pulled away, “In my rush to make sure I had everything ready to go, I’m afraid I didn’t have anything to eat today. I’ve just now realized.” Swirling the champagne in the glass before taking a sip.

Fluttershy winced, one hoof going down to rub at her own flat stomach reflexively. “Um. Me too.” Though she’d been too anxious to eat more than a small cup of yogurt in the morning, it was now late afternoon.

Rarity’s horn ignited, and a telephone and a menu was brought over to them. “Here, you order first. I’m not sure what I want. I’m thinking a nice, light salad.”

Fluttershy took the menu, brows furrowing as she looked it over, “Oh, Rarity, we’re on vacation. And it’s the first night! You can worry about salads later, we’re here to relax, remember?”

Rarity huffed, lips pursing, “I suppose you are right...one night of indulgence certainly won’t hurt. There’s sure to be a gym around that I can visit.”

Fluttershy bit back a retort, knowing it might be better to dissuade Rarity later rather than preemptively. Turning her attention to the menu, Fluttershy was rather surprised at what was on offer. It wouldn’t be as much as the buffets and restaurants proper, but it was still a good selection.

“Hmm. I’m thinking tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.” Even out on the balcony, Fluttershy could feel the cool air from the air conditioning coming from the room. She could do with a bit of warming up before they did anything else.

Rarity took the menu once Fluttershy was done, scanning it over with a critical gaze. “You know what, maybe I’ll have a nice cheese pizza. Not usually what I’d order, but they seem to make it all in house so I’m curious as to how it tastes.”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement, “That would be nice.”

It took little time for Rarity to place the order, and surprisingly little time for the order to come.

The two friends had moved back into the suite by this point, happily chatting away as they waited. The food arrived, Rarity tipped the busboy, and they were left with their food.

The portions were enormous. Even though Rarity’s pizza had been called a personal pizza on the menu. And Fluttershy had enough soup to drown three or four sandwiches in.

The pair didn’t mind though, not in this instance. So hungry that they dove into their respective meals without chatting.

By the time they were done, Rarity and Fluttershy were both ashamed of their displays of gluttony. Tired and overfull, they forwent the other events and went to their separate rooms to sleep.

(LINE BREAK)

The next morning, at breakfast, they could better see their fellow passengers. Creatures of all types were present, even a few dragons. Non-ponies were rarer. But it really did seem that there were representatives from every species present.

Rarity and Fluttershy loaded up their plates from the buffet. Feeling strangely hungry for how much they’d eaten the night before. Falling quiet, intent on eating their breakfast in peace, but there was a gasp behind Rarity before they could find a table.

“You’re Rarity, yes?” Rarity turned to see a griffon, with black feathers about his eyes.

“Yes.” Rarity managed a grin, shuffling to one side to let Fluttershy grab a drink.

“Oh I hope I’m not bothering you, it’s just I’m a huge fan of yours.” The griffon grinned, “I’m Geralt. And this here is my wife Gracia.” A smaller griffon appeared from behind him, waving awkwardly.

“It’s always nice to meet fans.” Rarity grinned. This one was a bit more natural, fitting better on her face. “It’s just unexpected is all-”

“Oh you’re Fluttershy!” Gracia grinned. She was smaller and thinner than most griffons Rarity had ever met. With green highlights throughout her feathers. “I think we met at the Royal Canterlot Animal Care Expose!”

Fluttershy grinned, making herself smaller on instinct before brightening, “We did!”

There went the idea of a peaceful breakfast. But at least they’d have some nice company.

“Well, how about we dine together? It’ll be nice to make some friends.” Rarity grinned.

Because of the amount of different creatures on the cruise, the buffet offered a wide range of foods from all over the world. Ranging from gems to fish to various cakes and pastries, and all sorts of things in between. Rarity meant to be a bit more restrained this time, but everything looked so good. And Fluttershy had also piled her plate high, so here she was.

The four people went to find a table. Seating themselves to chat as they ate.

Gracia, as it turned out, was one of the main veterinarians in Griffonstone. One of the few who could handle just about any animal that were around Griffonstone. Ranging from pets to farm animals and all kinds of exotic creatures.

Geralt, meanwhile, was a tailor. A successful one to boot. And looked to Rarity’s designs for ideas and considered her a personal hero. He wasn’t as chatty as Gracia, but he seemed kind enough. Much nicer than Gilda.

“The food here is phenomenal.” Gracia said. “We got to wandering the ship last night before bed, and there’s all sorts of snacks and drinks available! All complimentary, you just can your room card and it comes out of the machines!”

“All sorts, too.” Geralt added. “From all over. Pretty sure they had those spicy hard candies that the Yaks like so much.”

“Cinnamon hearts?” Rarity guessed. “Pinkie brought them home the last time she was sent to Yakyakistan and she nearly burnt a hole through her tongue because she ate so many.”

There were other oddities around the ship as well, but those went unnoticed by the passengers and crew alike.

The speaker system was constantly on. Playing recordings of voices telling them to eat, telling them to eat until they couldn’t anymore. Nothing more than white noise, no one noticed. Assuming it was the sounds of the ship, or the water, or a dozen other things it might have been. The ventilation system was constantly pouring food smells into all the rooms, activating the appetite sooner than it might have been otherwise. Everything was geared towards the habitants to eat, grow, and enjoy being fat.

Already, the passengers were gorging themselves on the buffet. Two, three, four trips were the norm. Stuffing themselves until they couldn’t eat another bite.

Rarity and Fluttershy weren’t exempt. Leaning back in their chairs, the pair rubbed at their distended tummies. Groaning, the griffons weren’t much better.

“Ooph. I think it’s time to visit the spa, my dear. Perhaps they can help. Nothing like a massage to make a lady feel better.” Rarity suggested.

Fluttershy nodded, swallowing thickly. “Y-yeah. Some time in the spa would be nice.”

“I don’t think I can move.” Gracia admitted. “Maybe I’ll join you later.”

“You’d be welcome to.” Rarity grinned. “You as well, Geralt.”

Geralt grinned, waving a paw. “I appreciate that. But for now I think I’m just going to sit here and digest.”

The pair of ponies left the large dining room. Not noticing or caring that they paused to grab a few of the snacks along the way, even as their stuffed bellies complained for it.

The spa was as large as the rest of the ship. Bustling with staff, and a few ponies who were already relaxing. It was soft and calm, with gentle music playing overhead.

“Hello ladies!” An employee greeted. Smiling widely. She was a unicorn, soft looking and gentle. A nametag pinned to her chest read Velvet Sonata. “Are you here to enjoy our spa services?”

“Yes please.” Rarity grinned around a wince. “I-we’ve overindulged at breakfast.”

“I think we all deserve a little overindulgence. What can I sign you ladies up for? The full package? Steam-room time, hooficures, coat and mane maintenance, massages. There’s pools of hot water, cold water, and mud if you’d like to soak. And much more”

“Ooh, that all sounds lovely.” Rarity looked to Fluttershy, who nodded as well. “I don’t mind a few surprises here and there. Perhaps a hooficure first? Let our stomachs settle?”

“Of course, please follow me and we’ll get you situated.” Velvet grinned, leading them to the proper seats, where their day of pampering got started.

(LINE BREAK)

Rarity stood in front of the mirror in her room, turning this way and that, examining her reflection with a critical gaze. Lips pursed, brows furrowed, it was clear she was unhappy with what she saw.

In the week since the cruise had departed Manehatten, Rarity had gained weight. She wasn’t sure if anyone else noticed, but she had. And if she noticed that meant others might have noticed and-

A deep breath. A little niggling voice in the back of her head, sounding suspiciously like Fluttershy, was urging her to calm down and relax. Things were okay. It was only a few pounds, with a little bit of work, it’d just melt right off of her.

Rarity lifted a hoof to run along her stomach. There was softness there now, just enough for her to feel it squish under her hoof. Her rear seemed softer too, her flanks quivering with every movement she made. Oh, what was she going to do-

A soft knock startled her, interrupting her thoughts. “Yes!?”

Fluttershy poked her head in, “Oh, I-I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”

“Oh, no…” Rarity heaved a sigh, “It’s just this vacation is having more of an effect on my waistline than I thought.”

Fluttershy huffed softly, entering the room fully. “Oh Rarity, it’s okay! We’re here to relax, remember. It’ll take us no time at all to lose a few pounds. We can work together for it. I uh. I’m gaining a little too.” Fluttershy grinned reassuringly.

Rarity nodded. Just like with herself, the weight was almost non-existent. If Fluttershy hadn’t pointed it out, she wouldn’t have noticed it herself. Just a small layer of fat along her stomach, with chubbier cheeks than normal. Nothing unsightly. Just...two friends relaxing and having fun.

“Alright. Thank you, dear. You know me. I worry too much about such things sometimes.”

Fluttershy’s grin turned more natural as she nodded. “I was hoping to check out the pool today-”

There was a knock on the door to the entrance of the suite. And both mares turned to each other, clearly asking the other what it was about. A few seconds passed, and Rarity decided to go open the door.

“Oh, hello Atiena!” Rarity greeted, moving to one side to let the zebra enter the room fully. “Is there another message from the captain?”

Atiena was a zebra mare. She didn’t speak in rhyme like Zecora did, but her voice was accented like their friend’s. Wearing the ship’s uniform, it hid most of her stripes. She did wear a few neck rings, and a few bracelets. If there was other ornamentation, she took them off for day to day use. Which was a shame in Rarity’s opinion. The uniforms she designed made any gold accessories pop.

“Nope! Just here to check in on everyone!” Atiena beamed. Her mane was longer than Zecora’s too. Divided into many little braids, she usually kept her hair in an elegant updo to keep them out of her way.

“We’re doing alright here, I think. The attention is appreciated though. We were just talking about going to the pool.”

“And miss breakfast!? It’s the most important meal of the day you know, we can’t have two of our most respected guests going hungry!” Atiena looked aghast at the very thought. “Please, have something to eat before you go down, we can’t have you two wasting away under our care.”

“Oh, I’m alright.” Rarity protested weakly. “I’m not very hungry right now. I thought I’d make up for it at lunch. My work sometimes keeps me busy, so I don’t often have the time for breakfast-”

“Nonsense! A working woman like you needs the food to keep herself going! And Fluttershy needs it to keep her animals going! Come now, let me get your guys something. Anything. Just say it and I’ll bring it to you!” Atiena grinned.

“Er. Well-”

“Could I get some french toast please?” Fluttershy asked. “And some orange juice?” At Rarity’s withering glare, Fluttershy shrugged. “I’m used to eating breakfast.”

Rarity heaved a sigh, “Eggs benedict, please. And orange juice as well.”

“Of course! I’ll have it sent right up! If you need or want anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.” With that Atiena left. Humming softly as she did.

Rarity sighed, dramatically draping herself over the couch, “I’m going to be huge-”

“Rarity, we’ve talked about this.” Fluttershy admonished, sitting in a living chair. “We’ll be okay. Eating regularly is good for you, and helps regulate your metabolism.”

“Really?”

Fluttershy nodded.Rarity sighed, sinking back against the cushions. She hadn’t thought of it before but she was hungry. Perhaps it was better to leave the pool until after breakfast.

(LINEBREAK)

“Attention passengers!”

Activities all across the ship came to a stop as the PA system broadcasted something they could consciously hear. The announcements were commonplace, but it was still good to stop and listen. One could never know what exactly was going on.

“I’m sorry to report we’ve had an accident. We will be stranded here at sea until help comes. However, we’ve already sent distress calls and there’s supplies for emergencies like this. Remain calm, and continue to enjoy the facilities!”

If anyone thought it odd that the exact nature of the accident wasn’t specified. Or that things on the ship could continue on without worrying about power, food, or water, no one commented on it. None of the winged creatures aboard the ship thought to fly off and get help.

After a few seconds’ pause, things continued. Everyone went back to what they were doing. None the wiser to what was really going on. Not noticing or caring about their tightening clothes or expanding figures.

Even the staff were starting to look a little plump.

Life at sea agreed with everyone, it seemed.

(LINE BREAK)

Fluttershy and Rarity went to the spa nearly every day. Not just for pampering, though they did often stay for a treatment or two, but because they grew to become friends with the spa ponies there. Velvet Sonata, Crimson Ribbon, Moonlit River, and Radiant Shine all took great care in their work. Lavishing the guests who came by with care, attention, and food.

All of them looked fit to burst out of their uniforms. Wincing occasionally as buttons or seams pressed into the sensitive, fatty flesh they were now sporting. They’d been at sea for almost a few months now, and everyone was starting to look rather...plump.

Fluttershy and Rarity were no exception. As the cruise continued, the pair started to gain weight with the same alarming regularity of everyone else on the ship.

As the pounds piled on, Rarity’s gains shifted to rest more heavily on her upper body. Her drooping stomach hung to her knees, hanging from a thicker barrel. Her neck was soft and jiggly. Leading up to chubby cheeks and a firm double chin. The rest of her continued to soften as well: her flanks, her shoulders, her plot. All burgeoning with the new pounds. She waddled now, her stomach pressing against her legs and making her waddle the only way she could move easily.

Fluttershy, too, had gained. As her weight climbed, her gains shifted towards her lower half. Expanding her flanks and plot, widening her hips. Making her have to waddle once her plot overhung her hocks, the waddling making her lower half jiggle and sway with every movement.

“Hello, girls!” Velvet Sonata beamed in greeting, the smile causing dimples to form in her chubby cheeks. Her horn lit up with her lilac magic, ringing a soft bell. “The usual?”

“Yes please.” Rarity huffed, smiling softly in return. “The walk here was rather more...difficult than usual.” She was red-faced and panting from the exertion of making the trip to the spa. It was a daily occurance, but that didn’t mean her body was better able to haul around her bulk for long.

Fluttershy nodded, gratefully taking a cup of ice cold water. “Oh...yes please.” Also out of breath from the walk. Sipping at the water gratefully as Moonlit River appeared to lead them deeper into the spa.

The two friends were quickly lounging in a tub of warm water, as one of the unicorns ran brushes over them. Massaging and brushing their coats at the same time.

Rarity was content to float. Her muscles and joints were happier here, under the water. And it made it easier to forget-

One of the brushes pressed into her side, pressing into the soft fat of her barrel.

Fluttershy noticed the wince, and offered a grin, “Oh it isn’t so bad, Rarity! We’ll lose the weight later, no problem. It’ll just take a few weeks of work is all!” What she always said.

Neither Rarity or Fluttershy were stupid enough to believe the flimsy excuse, not with how much they were gaining week by week. But the subconscious suggestions, and their growing appetites, far outweighed their concerns.

Rarity relaxed back in the pool. Doing her best to ignore the sensations that her fattened body gave off.

This was fine, it was fixable. She’d regain her slim figure in no time at all. She had to cling to that hope.

(LINE BREAK)

As her weight climbed higher, Rarity was unable to cling to denial. Leaving Fluttershy to gorge herself on whatever she could get her hooves on, Rarity was determined to do better. To lose weight and see the ship and the friends she’d made on it.

Lugging around her extra weight was more of a challenge with every day that passed. Her stomach drooped lower, her barrel widened, her entire figure bloated outward with every week that passed.

As her weight skyrocketed, Rarity’s walks became less about walking and more about chatting with others. Resting on reinforced benches and eating enough snacks that she undid any good that her walking did.

Today was no different than usual, though Rarity’s figure had dramatically changed in the months after the cruise was left floating at sea.

The unicorn was barely mobile, for one. Her stomach pressing firmly into the floor, even with her magic lifting it up as much as it could. When she let her stomach go, she could hardly touch the floor with her hooves. Her knees and hips aching with the weight of her as she laboriously waddled her way through the wide corridors of the ship. Nodding to creatures who were immobilized in their doorways, or just resting inside their rooms.

Rarity’s breath wheezed in and out of her. Her legs trembling with the effort of holding her bulk up. Every single movement sending ripples and waves of motion through her tremendously fat body. Even seeing was becoming a chore, needing to squint over her pudgy, chubby cheeks in order to see where she was going.

Eventually she made it to the next bench. Where Rarity happily settled onto it with an exhausted grunt. Devouring a few cakes with the same amount of effort as she blinked. Drinking down a glass of cool water, Rarity took the time to chat with a few of the nearby creatures.

One of whom was Gracia. Who was excited to see Rarity as she always was. She was immobilized in her fleshy prison of a body, wings embedded in the fat of her barrel. Her fatty flesh spreading out across the carpet. Trapping her in place. Not that she minded.

She didn’t stop eating as she and Rarity visited. SImply nodding or grunting along with whatever Rarity deigned to say.

Before too long, Rarity found the gumption to keep on going. Dragging her obese body through the hallway, it wasn’t long before Rarity was once again panting and wheezing for breath. Her whole body quaking with the effort of keeping herself going.

She eventually made it to the door to the deck. Pushing it open with a desperate wheeze, needing the cool outside air to wick away the worst of the sweat.

The cruise seemed so empty, now. Even the hallways. Most creatures immobilized in their rooms, or in the dining room. Even out here on the deck, one pony remained. The lifeguard, immobilized next to his chair. Greedily guzzling down food without even looking up at Rarity as she moved to sit on the closest bench.

Rarity wasn’t entirely sure where Atiena had ended up. Last time she saw the zebra, she’d been wearing the torn remnants of a uniform that was too small for her. Belly dragging across the ground, too fat to enter Rarity’s suite properly. She’d mentioned the captain, something about completeing his wishes, but Rarity still wasn’t sure what that had meant.

She missed Atiena, and the others she hadn’t seen in a while. They had to be elsewhere, immobilized already.

Once Rarity’s fragile strength returned, she began to make the long trek back to the suite. Hoping that her body would let her get back to Fluttershy before her knees gave out.

(LINE BREAK)

Fluttershy was still in bed. Which...wasn’t exactly the plan. When Rarity had left, the butter-yellow pegasus had said she had plans to go to the spa. But she was still here.Not having moved.

When the door opened, spilling Rarity’s enormity into it, Fluttershy looked up. Offering a tentative smile that only emphasized how much weight she’d gained.

“Are you...alright?” Rarity asked, huffing and puffing to lay on her stomach on the bed. Ignoring the furniture’s creaking and groaning.

“”I uh...Can’t get up. I’m too tired, I think I’m too fat now.”

“Ah.” Rarity swallowed dryly, “Well, it was going to happen sooner or later, I suppose.”

“It was a bit of a shock at first, but it’s not so bad. Now I get to stay in bed and eat.”

Rarity took a moment, her brow creasing. Why did that sound so nice? Why did the idea of doing nothing but relax in bed all day and eat feel so tempting?

After a few moments, Rarity made up her mind. She could cling to denial all she wanted, but doing so might leave her stranded somewhere she didn’t want to be. Here, in the suite, she had company, food, everything a diva could ask for.

Rarity pursed her lips, looking up to meet Fluttershy’s gaze, “I think I’ll join you.”

Fluttershy nodded, sending waves of motion through her fat body as she relaxed a bit more. Unlike Rarity, who’s stomach threatened to pin her to the ground, it was Fluttershy’s rear that was her largest issue. Spreading wide, it already covered up a significant portion of the bed behind the pegasus, making the rest of her enormity seem small by comparison.

The two lapsed into contemplative silence. Letting themselves soak in the comfortable quiet that they shared.

A few days of gorging later, Rarity decided to try to get out of bed. Struggling against gravity for a few minutes she lay back against her own softness, panting for breath. She just didn’t have the strength to move her massive body, not anymore.

For some reason, this excited her more than it worried her. Her horn igniting, and ordering a feast through room service before Fluttershy had woken up enough to realize what was going on.

They could celebrate it together, after all.

It took time, and when the door opened, Rarity was surprised to note it opened wider than it usually did. Which figured, because Rarity had been pinching her sides in it for weeks.

More surprising, was Atiena’s arrival. The zebra was larger than she had been the last time, and was only mobile because of several boards on wheels that kept the majority of her stomach off the ground. They were bending under her weight, barely keeping her upright and moving.

“Heard the...news. So happy...the cruise could...let you...be so...relaxed!” As always, Atiena’s smile was dazzling, even as she worked to catch her breath. Sweat covering her body, making her look damp. She let Rarity and Fluttershy take their food, waddling instead to a clear section of the nearest wall. Lifting a fat leg laboriously, Atiena tapped it.

Two sections of the ceiling opened up, and mechanisms dropped tubing over the beds. Leaving openings near Rarity and Fluttershy’s mouths. Not that either mare was paying much attention, too absorbed in their food to pay anything much mind.

“That’ll...keep you...fed.” Atiena smiled again, waddling out of the room. Leaving Fluttershy and Rarity to their gluttony.

It didn’t take long for Rarity and Fluttershy to finish the food they’d been given, and since both mares felt like they were starving, they took the feeding tubes into their mouths.

A thick, sweet, creamy substance filled the tubes. The two mares sucked it down eagerly, becoming hooked on the taste immediately.

As she guzzled it down, Rarity had a stray thought. I wonder how big we’ll get by the time we get home?

(LINE BREAK)

“We have a confirmed sighting of the cruise ship. 3’oclock from your current position.”

It took all the self control Rainbow Dash had to stay in formation behind Spitfire. Even though she wanted to fold her wings against her sides and dive for the cruise ship at her top speed, she knew it wouldn’t do any good.

It had been...months. Almost a year, since the cruise ship had left Manehatten. And nopony was expecting a happy ending at this point. Not with the military and other groups searching far and wide before they found the ship that had eluded them.

No one expected a cruise ship to have more than a few months’ supply of extra food. Not for a three week cruise.

It was a worst case scenario, all around, as far as everyone was considered, but Rainbow was not one to give up on her friends. Was not one to lose faith, not when everypony back home was waiting to hear news.

The squadron of Wonderbolts didn’t circle the ship. They merely found the closest deck and landed.

It was quiet. Too quiet. Nopony was around, no bodies either. No blood, no sign of any disaster. Just...quiet.

“Alright,” Spitfire spun to face the team, “We don’t know what we’ll find here, but we have to be prepared for the worst case scenario. Dash, I want you-”

“Ma’am!” Rainbow tried very hard to ignore her voice trembling or cracking. Picking a spot over Spitfire’s head to focus on. “They’re my friends, ma’am! I need to see this through.”

Spitfire pulled her goggles up to her forehead. Staring deeply into Rainbow’s eyes. She let out a short sigh, “Of course, Crash. Come on. Split up and head out-”

Spitfire didn’t finish her sentence before Rainbow was entering through the closest door. Calling for Fluttershy and Rarity, her voice echoed strangely through the halls of the ship.

Power was still on, the lights were still bright. And the doors were locked, no matter what Rainbow tried.

“Fluttershy! Rarity!” Rainbow’s voice was not tinged with desperation. Oh no. Not her. She was cool, calm, collected. Not frantically going from door to door, calling and trying not to cry.

Dimly, she was aware of her squad splitting up and going separate ways somewhere behind her. But that didn’t matter, not now. What mattered was finding out what happened.

Panting, trying to calm herself down, Rainbow almost missed the sound of one of the doors unlocking. But she didn’t, and she lunged for it, pushing it open with enough force it bounced off the wall and very nearly slammed her in the face.

Stepping through, Rainbow’s eyes took a few seconds to adjust to the different light levels.

And then she froze in place, eyes wide. Not because of fear or worry, but shock and surprise.

Her friends were here. And they were alive.

They were both fattened beyond immobility. Rarity had broken the bed she’d been resting on. Her stomach filling the role adequately enough, lifting her off of the floor and covering most of the ruined bedframe underneath her.

Fluttershy’s rear had grown to the point that it was significantly wider than her bed. It had been crushed under her too, though more recognizable. Even as Fluttershy’s fat body conspired to keep the bed from view.

Both had feeding tubes in their mouth. The tubing hanging down from the ceiling, and disappearing into the dark space above them. Straps were around their face, keeping the tubes in place, so they didn’t even need to work at that simple thing.

Rarity’s magic sparked to life when she caught sight of Rainbow, moving the tubes out of her and Fluttershy’s mouth. She was already panting for breath, but now Rainbow could see her nub-like hooves wriggling slightly in their sleeves of fat.

“Rainbow!” Rarity’s voice was quiet and breathless, but clearly overjoyed. “Happy...to see you. Didn’t...think…” Sweat beaded across her brow, beachball sized cheeks red from exertion.

“You’d...come.” Fluttershy finished. She was in similar straights to Rarity. So out of shape that even speaking two words was a monumental task. She wriggled her hips, sending her fat shaking and jiggling with the movement. The remnants of the bed creaking under her all the more for it.

“Of course I came!” Rainbow managed. “You’ve been gone for forever! The ship just disappeared, and we’ve been looking for you for almost a year! We almost didn’t find it at all! I-” She looked between the two of them with horror on her face. “I...Of all the things, we didn’t expect this! You’re huge!” A smile, forced but the only expression of joy she could manage, appeared on her face, “But you’re alive, and everypony’s going to be so happy! Twilight will-”

Rarity’s eye widened, mouth open, but she lacked the air to say anything. It was years of combat experience that got Rainbow to duck.

A syringe, held aloft by magic, stabbed in the air where Rainbow’s neck had been.

Rainbow rolled, popping up to turn and face the enemy. A unicorn, surprisingly mobile considering the other occupants of the room, grinned wickedly. Trying again with the syringe.

Rainbow pressed in close, not giving her time to adjust. Tackling the unicorn to the ground, the magic keeping the syringe in the air faltered. Sending it crashing into the ground, where the plastic snapped and it’s contents spilled.

“Ha!” Rainbow grinned, “Tell me what’s going on-”

The unicorn’s horn ignited again, but this time Rainbow couldn’t move out of the way in time. A tube hitting her off of the unicorn while the end was shoved into her mouth. Thick, sweet liquid started pouring into her mouth, and she was powerless to stop herself from taking a few swallows.

The tubes were coming up from the ceiling, like Rarity and Fluttershy’s.

“Now there, that wasn’t nice. But now you get to relax and enjoy the gift we gave to your friends, and the other creatures on this ship. You know, it would have been easier if you just stood still for your shot like a good mare. You’d be asleep by now, and so much ore relaxed.”

“Excuse me-”

“Um-”

Rarity and Fluttershy tried to speak up in unison, but the unicorn’s horn lit up once more. Shoving the tubes back into their mouths.

Rainbow hated to do this, but she spat out the tube. Getting covered in the mystery liquid while her friends were the distraction. The spry pegasus charged out of the room, running away.

Mostly it was on hoof, the hall was wide, but she couldn’t risk tiring her wings out too soon. Not yet at least. Blind with panic, Rainbow didn’t even realize she was going the wrong way at first. She just needed out, away from that crazy unicorn, away from the danger.

She couldn’t help her friends if she was fattened up like they were.

The first open door Rainbow came across, she ducked into it. Panting and huffing for breath, it took her a few moments to realize that something was wrong. Very wrong.

Spitfire was wrapped in the tubing that hung from the ceiling. A tube directly in her mouth, feeding the pegasus with the mystery liquid. She wasn’t alone here, either. There was a griffon here, fattened just the same as Rarity and Fluttershy.

They had black feathers around his eyes, laying on the crushed remnants of a bed that was hardly noticeable because of their fat stomach pooling around it. Their wings were embedded in their sides, looking fluffy and plump like useless pillows.

Rainbow made a noise, her heart tearing in two. She wanted to help Spitfire, but she couldn’t. If all of them got caught, no one could warn the next group, and then they’d all be doomed.

“I’m sorry.” Rainbow choked out. Fleeing the scene, unable to get the image of Spitfire’s bloated belly from her mind.

Rainbow ran, and ran. Past immobilized blobs that took up the whole corridor, past her trapped fellows. All of them: Fleetfoot, Soarin, Blaze, Fire Streak, High Winds, Thunderlane, and Sun Chaser. All trapped like Spitfire before them. Being force fed that concoction, stomachs bloating with the amount of liquid they were forced to ingest.

Rainbow continued to run. Sides heaving, drenched in sweat. She did her best to avoid running into creatures, but it was hard when she didn’t know where she was going.

Eventually, she saw light. Natural sunlight, beaming through a porthole. Rainbow could have burst into tears, but she had better things to do. Friends to save, ponies to warn, plans to help make up. She had to escape so she could help her friends.

Seeing the exit allowed her to slow, slow enough she could see the immobilized form of a zebra. One that stopped eating as Rainbow trotted closer.

“Help...has finally...arrived?” The zebra asked, squinting over her fat cheeks, trying to get a better look at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow, gulping for air, nodded. Staying well back, just in case, but giving herself a moment of respite now that she could. “Yes...What’s going...on?”

“A new...way of...life!” The zebra beamed. “Didn’t...really believe. But, after living...it fully. I see...what the...captain sees!”

Rainbow shook her head incredulously. “Insane, all of you are insane.” Not waiting for a reply or reaction before she darted out onto the deck. Taking off at such a speed that the ship rocked from the force of it.

Atiena chuckled weakly. Pausing in her never ending feast for a moment, not quite realizing that Rainbow had left. “You’ll see...The whole...world will...see what...the captain...sees. You’ll all...grow into...your best...selves.”

Rarity's Cruise 2

Author's Note

A commission from the lovely Drakin, with permission and some help with Fatblack!

A fun fic, but one that took longer than intended considering everything going on. Drakin has the patience of a saint, honestly. Everyone involved loved it so I'm hoping everyone else will like it too. Especially with the warm reception the original had, and with the pandemic.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter (or Passover, or whatever else you may celebrate), and I hope this gives you all something to focus on during these times of stress and uncertainty.

Rarity's Cruise 2

Rainbow’s wings ached fiercely as she worked to keep up with Twilight, Celestia, and Luna. She was a pro-athlete for sure, but that didn’t mean she had an earth pony’s natural endurance. Nor was she used to working so hard for so long.

But her sense of pride, her sense of loyalty, drove her to work just as hard as the gods that flanked her. Even Discord, though he didn’t seem to be doing much in the way of hard work, was keeping up. Looking surprisingly serious.

Fluttershy was in danger after all, so maybe Rainbow shouldn’t be so surprised that Discord had jumped at the chance to help. He’d even used his magic to teleport them in the right direction, but it hadn’t been enough.

Whoever was behind this had to have access to some sort of stone like what Chrysalis’ throne had been made of.

“There!” Luna called, pointing.

An island lay ahead, and it wasn’t long before all of them were starting to land, Discord especially struggling to keep himself airborne without magic.

Still, they made it safely. It was warm, and lush, and Rainbow had spotted buildings in the distance. Maybe a town? Hopefully they’d get their answers.

Rainbow, in the days following her encounter with the cruise ship, had noticed a few changes to her body. Whatever had been in that liquid she’d drunk had expanded her stomach, making her hungrier. When she thought about it, really thought about it, she actually missed the sweet taste. Only her determination kept her going now. Just a few pounds heavier for her trouble.

“We should have brought Changelings.” Twilight sighed, “Or even just Thorax, I’m sure he’d have been willing to help-”

“No time.” Discord all but snarled. It was at times like these where Rainbow was reminded of how dangerous he was, and how much better off they were that he was on their side now. With him being so close to Fluttershy...well, it was good whoever had done this had gotten her involved.

Well, not good. Rainbow mentally backtracked. But...fortunate for the rescue team. To have Discord so invested in what was going on, for Fluttershy’s sake.

Before anything else could be said, Discord started onward. Dropping down to all fours, sniffing wildly. It wasn’t long before he was racing ahead, moving so quickly he blurred.

“Alright then.” Twilight said after a moment, “I was going to suggest we go in pairs, but I suppose that’s not possible now. Everypony have their radios?”

Celestia, Luna, and Rainbow nodded.

“Well then, I think we should split up. I’m sure Discord can find Fluttershy, so hopefully he’ll radio us when he does. If you run into trouble, or anything suspicious-”

“We know, Twilight.” Rainbow huffed, “It’s a small island, I’m sure we’ll get everyone home. Don’t you worry. It won’t take long to get this place sorted, I bet. And it’ll be easier once everyone else arrives.”

Backup was coming, the Equestrian leaders weren’t stupid enough to send their leaders in without backup on the way, so they could afford to take their time.

Twilight nodded, “Alright then. Everypony, try to meet back here within an hour. We’ll regroup and go from there.”

Short nods from everypony present, and they all dispersed. Quietly making their way across the island, hoping to find out where their friends had gone.

(LINE BREAK)

Luna opened the door silently, slipping into the room with hardly a sound. Subtly manipulating the shadows that were naturally cast to make herself harder to see. It wasn’t overt, and she wasn’t invisible, but it was something that helped her sneak quietly around those who weren’t paying enough attention. It was an old skill, something she’d developed as a young child to escape nurses who were intent on coddling her.

This wasn’t the same though. The consequences of being caught by somepony working on this...fat farm were real, and she couldn’t let Celestia and the others down. Not again. Not ever again, if she could help it. Equestrian citizens were in danger, and she’d sworn an oath to keep them from danger. So of course she’d made the decision to come with her sister and the others.

Creeping through what she now recognized as an office, though it was strangely empty, Luna opened the door on the opposite side of the room. One that opened onto a catwalk. Metal grating hanging suspended over what looked to be a huge indoor farm.

Luna squinted, continuing to move. Not wanting to be caught just yet. So far, everywhere she’d been had been surprisingly empty. But she wouldn’t bank on that. The longer they went without being discovered, the better.

As she worked her way across the catwalk, pausing to peer into more empty offices along the way, she could see there was something special about the farming equipment. Some kind of injector that put some kind of glowing blue liquid into the ground at regular intervals.

Whatever this was, it made the food grow huge. And it all smelled so nice…

Luna shook herself, swallowing down her drool. No, no. She needed to stay focused. The lives of creatures might well be on the line, and she couldn’t afford to be sloppy.

She eventually wound her way downstairs, onto the floor proper. She had to leave before the amazing looking garden caught her attention, so she crept her way forward. Darting between these massive buildings to enter the next one.

The moment Luna opened the door, she was hit with the mouthwatering smells of a bakery. Fresh bread, sweet treats, pies. Luna had to pause for a moment, bringing a hoof up to rub at her suddenly groaning belly.

Oh this was bad. Luna thought as she crept deeper into the building. Eyes and ears perked and alert as she made her way through yet another empty warehouse.

This one, however, was far more intricate. Machines of all sorts were pumping out products. Using things that were obviously being brought in from elsewhere, and at the other end…

Luna opened another door and just about fainted. It was like a bakery on steroids. Wherever she looked she could see something new. See something she wasn’t sure she’d ever had. Pastries, breads, all sorts of things. Many that Luna had never tried before, since they’d been invented after her banishment.

Luna had to pause to take it in, swallowing back a flood of saliva. She shouldn’t, but it had been such a long flight here and she’d had to miss breakfast…

Luna darted out to grab at a danish of some sort and gobbled it without pause. Then another, and another. Darting from shelf to shelf to push increasing amounts of things into her mouth. Even the bread was torn into hardly manageable pieces before being shoved into her awaiting maw.

Slowly enough at first, but quickly speeding up, was the effects of all the sugar-packed treats on Luna’s waistline. It started in her stomach, creating a thin layer of fat that made her stomach hang down rather than curve upwards.

From there, her face was most affected. Her cheeks puffing up and a double chin appearing as she packed on the pounds. Crumbs and sweet fruit fillings smeared across her muzzle and her cheeks, icing and more starting to join them as she slowed down her near frantic pace. Being slowed down by her increasing excess weight, Luna didn’t even pause long enough to notice. Her body bulged ever outward with every mouthful she swallowed. Her barrel widening, flanks thickening, plot jiggling, no part of her was spared. Even her regalia, her chest piece, was starting to look tight, her fat starting to roll over the edges slightly as the delicate silver tightened.

Luna settled herself near one of the shelves that was being filled by machinery. Not noticing, or caring, about the rapid changes in her physique. Her plot spreading across the ground, her stomach rolling over her hind legs, a thick double-chin merging with her chubby cheeks.

As Luna ate, she grew ever larger. Quickly outgrowing ‘chubby’ and rapidly eating herself past fatness and into the realm of obesity. Food and crumbs sticking to her muzzle, smearing across her chubby cheeks as she continued to gorge herself.

Her chest piece broke with a snap as her neck disappeared under a drooping fold that tried to hang over her pigeon chest. Finally having enough, her flab surged forward from where it had been kept tightly in check. The pieces of metal falling to the ground between her hind legs, rapidly hidden from view by Luna’s swelling belly.

Luna didn’t notice beyond letting out a heavy sigh of relief. Rustling her increasingly pillow-like wings mindlessly, not noticing their new heft. Continuing her gorging, only able to process the delicious flavours spreading across her tongue.

Luna had unknowingly trapped herself here, quickly outgaining mobility and dooming herself to an endless gorging session that would last as long as she had room in her stretching stomach.

Somewhere else in the facility, a unicorn watched the Princess of the Night gorge endlessly on sweets, and smiled.

(LINE BREAK)

“Twilight!”

Discord’s voice made a spike of fear slide down Twilight’s spine, making her freeze momentarily in place before she recognized who was speaking. She turned to face him, watching as he all but slithered across the ground to sidle up next to her.

“I’ve found the other side of the facility.” Discord hissed. His face was still as animated as ever, but there was a seriousness that Twilight didn’t expect, even with Fluttershy at stake. “I think I can get you there, but we’ll have to be quick. Something is watching us.”

A shiver ran through Twilight’s body, her hackles raising and fur standing on edge. “That’s not good.”

Discord shook his head. “They got Luna with...whatever it is they’re doing here. She’s...well she’s rather like what Rainbow described of the occupants of the ship.”

“That’s really not good.” Twilight worried at her lower lip for a moment, hardly managing to force herself forward when Discord started moving again.

Discord was silent, darting from shadow to shadow. On all fours rather than standing, which Twilight found odd. He was usually so intent on walking on his hind legs. Was it to do with the lack of magic? The seriousness of the mission? Hadn’t Starlight said he’d walked on his hind legs in the hive?

Twilight’s mind was buzzing with questions, but she needed to stay focused. Stay within sight of him so they didn’t lose track of each other.

Luna was down. Who knew where Celestia could be. Maybe caught in a similar trap, or worse. Twilight suddenly wished she could just leave, just for a moment. But Fluttershy and Rarity needed their help. And now Luna too. Plus all the other creatures that had been fattened on the cruise.

“What’s on the other side of this facility?”

“Couldn’t get the doors open.” Discord shrugged. Pausing while Twilight checked around a corner before they were moving again. “Reeks of order. Not meant for a draconequus if you ask me.”

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You’ll keep searching? Warn Celestia about Luna?”

“That was the plan.” Discord’s voice absolutely dripped with disdain. Rolling his eyes in return. “It’s that big metal door there. There’s a fire escape to the left, down that hallway. Not sure if it’s alarmed, but you could maybe break out through a window, or maybe circle around.” He shrugged again, then grinned. “I’m going to go find Fluttershy.”

And then he was all but taking off back down the hallway, even as Twilight sputtered and huffed. Turning her attention to the task at hand, she started to investigate.

This would be so much easier with magic. She yearned, huffing quietly. But she’d break in if she had to rip the doors from their hinges if she had to. She’d do whatever it took to keep this at bay, so the rest of Equestria stayed safe.

(LINE BREAK)

Fluttershy laid in the cool, perpetually lit place that she’d been calling home since the ship had docked. Sucking eagerly at the thick, rich shake that poured from the feeding tubes and into her gullet.

She’d grown a lot since then. And there was no doubt in her mind that if she were still on the ship, she and Rarity would have broken walls or hurt each other because of their enormity.

Fluttershy hadn’t seen a mirror in...well a very long time, so she didn’t entirely know how large she was, but she could occasionally get a mouse friend or other small creature in to talk with her, when the tubing was taken out to be cleaned. And they gave her something of an idea, coupled with what she could feel.

She resembled a blob more than she resembled a pony. The hundreds, thousands perhaps, of excess pounds of flesh had accumulated to the point where Fluttershy hardly looked like a pony at all. Her Cutie Mark was deformed beyond recognition, her limbs swallowed into hanging sleeves and deep rolls. Only her head was left relatively intact, and even the rolls of her neck and back were starting to creep forward along her skull. Trapping her mane and making it appear as though the spare tires that made up her neck were going to entrap her head: basketball sized cheeks and all.

The heavy door to the room opened, spilling in the first bits of sunlight Fluttershy had seen since she’d been moved here. She hissed around the tube, squinting and doing her best to shield her eyes from the harsh light.

“Oh Fluttershy.” Discord sounded so mournful she almost didn’t recognize him. Needing to blink away tears in order to see him with the sunlight, her eyes streaming from the bright light.

She couldn’t respond, just sniffle. Gulping down more shake as it was pumped into her gullet. Incapable of even twitching muscle beyond swallowing and blinking, she did her best to track Discord’s movements as he made his way over. Using her gargantuan body to climb up to rest near her face, shaking digits working to unhook the tubing from her mouth.

Thankfully the tubing sensed when it was removed, halting the flow of shake. Leaving Fluttershy feeling rather bereft of the familiar white noise that the feeding always brought.

“Dis...cord.” Fluttershy managed, her lips swollen and cheeks pressing into her muzzle enough that it was hard for her to form the word.

“Should’ve been there with the Dunderbolts when they went to rescue you.” Discord huffed, voice full of shame and disgust. “Can’t do anything to help you until we figure out why we can’t use magic, but you have my word, we’ll get you back home. I’m sure Rainbow Dash will love shouting you lot back into shape-”

“Dis-” Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she saw more tubing drop down from the ceiling, but Discord wasn’t paying enough attention.

The tubing wrapped around him, trapping him much like they’d trapped the Wonderbolts before him. Dragging him off of Fluttershy to across the room. Even as he squirmed and struggled. Limbs flailing as he worked to free himself.

Without his magic, though. Discord didn’t stand a chance.. The feeding tube entered his mouth at the same time Fluttershy’s entered hers. Panting, heaving for breath, mismatched eyes wide with disbelief and fear, there wasn’t much more that Discord could do except struggle weakly as he swallowed down the first few mouthfuls.

Even that small amount was enough to trigger a change, one that grew as he continued to drink and his struggles slowed to a stop.

A pot belly sprung forth from his slender frame. Fat accumulated there as his stomach stretched to accommodate the liquid. His cheek filled out, his neck thickened, and alongside an impressive gut, he was soon sporting the early changes of chubbiness. Chubby cheeks and a double chin, the rest of his body largely unchanged.

It didn’t take very long before the rest of his body started to expand with fat as well. As the weight piled on, his struggles slowed, and the tubing holding him down started to retract back into the ceiling. Leaving his body to expand across the floor alone.

Discord gained fairly evenly. He was laying down on his stomach now, his body spreading outward to either side of him more than he was being pushed into the air. His legs thickened, looking more like meaty hams than limbs, his wings being bloated with fat as well.

He gained even quicker than Luna had at the start. Outpacing ‘chubby’ and ‘fat’ within moments. Pushing himself into obesity and near immobility within minutes, watching Fluttershy with wide eyes as she watched his transformation.

Discord’s body oozed across the floor, looking more and more like a blob with every minute that passed. Guzzling down the liquid with an intensity that startled even him, especially as he felt his joints and body stiffen with fat, making it harder and harder to move his heavy limbs for all the excess fat. Rolls and folds littered his body where the various animal parts of him met, making him look surprisingly smooth and soft. His dragon scales parting to let the fatty flesh pool from between them, even his thinner limbs looking plump and fat filled.

Nothing was spared. And the two friends watched it happen. Fluttershy finally excited for some company, and Discord fearing he’d put the mission in jeopardy.

(LINE BREAK)

Twilight had, after nearly half an hour of trying, had managed to slip in through an unlocked window and into the room Discord had indicated to her. Tired, sweat-soaked, and more than a little irritated at how things were going, Twilight couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief as air conditioning washed over her. Rustling her fur and feathers, starting to cool her down.

She waited in the dark corner where she’d hid herself for a few moments longer, trying to soak up what comfort she could before pressing on. The room was full of blueprints and plans. Things that, while they looked interesting, didn’t initially catch Twilight’s attention. Half-built contraptions littered desks, as did loose papers and quills.

One one desk in particular, flanked by a bookshelf, rested a thick journal. One that captured Twilight’s attention immediately, drawing her to it with such strength that Twilight didn’t stop to think about why that was an odd thing. Magic didn’t work here after all, right?

Slipping into the provided chair, Twilight flipped open the journal. It was old, the pages yellowed. Yet still very legible, obviously well looked after over the years.

As Twilight started to read, and what was being read suddenly wasn’t all that important. But it was soothing, the action of reading, even if the words slipped from her mind like water through a strainer. The simple act of reading, something that was as natural to Twilight as breathing and blinking, was enough to soothe her into relaxation.

And she continued to be lulled into relaxation. The tension drained from her body as all her senses focused on the book in front of her. Not noticing a unicorn tiptoe into the room with a tray of treats on her back. Slipping them onto the desk beside Twilight, the unicorn retreated.

As the smells of the sweet pastries wafted towards Twilight’s nose, she felt her hunger deepen, stomach growling. She reached to take one of the sweet tarts first, nibbling at it with a soft sigh. Her eyes never left the pages, even as she continued to gorge.

The effects were almost immediate. Twilight started gaining weight rapidly. Her neck softening, cheeks turning chubby, a double chin appearing as the rest of her started to expand. Her plot widened, stomach softening and sagging outward to start taking up a portion of her lap. Her wings thickened with fat, as did her legs.

As the princess grew with fat, the wall beside the desk lowered out of the way. Revealing a set of conveyor belts that would bring food to Twilight so she could eat and ‘read’ at the same time. Gorging herself silly with all sorts of goods from sweet to savoury.

It wasn’t long before the chair started to creak and groan under her weight. The legs bowing under Twilight’s new mass. The chair started to break once Twilight’s stomach filled her lap, and her cutie marks stretched to the point of unrecognizability. Her plot overhanging the edges and the rest of her looking more plump and soft with every moment that passed.

The chair breaking sent Twilight to the floor. Twilight didn’t even notice, her body shaking and jiggling with the suddenness of it. But all she cared about now was the food. Focusing entirely on gorging herself until the hungry pit that was her stomach was filled.

Shifting from sitting to lying down, so she could better get the food, Twilight’s burgeoning stomach bloated her upwards and crawled across the floor. Soon pinning her to the ground with its heft alone, much less the rest of the portly princess.

Her stomach was the largest part of her, quickly swallowing the remnants of the chair and pressing into the desk and the bookshelf. Lifting herself off of the ground, her stomach hung from an equally wide barrel, and was being marred by deep rolls that ran from her spine and were created from where her wings were nearly buried in their own sleeves of fat.

Twilight’s rear was her second largest asset. Her Cutie Mark was stretched and faded, large and growing larger. Almost to the point of unrecognizability. Flanks and plot had merged into one hanging mass that obscured her hind legs, effectively trapping them between her stomach and plot.

Her front legs were flabby and hanging limply from her torso, resting amongst the fatty rolls that made up her stomach and pigeon chest. Her fatty shoulders hindered any movements from her front legs, making them spread wide to make room for her fat.

Twilight’s face was spherical, now. With a thick slab of a double chin, and plump cheeks that continued to plump with every mouthful swallowed.

The unicorn stood behind Twilight, well out of her line of sight. Watching the immobilized mare as she gorged herself even fatter. A huge smile on her face as she watched the fruit of her labours come together.

Just a little while longer, and her plans could come into fruition.

(LINE BREAK)

Celestia had explored a few outbuildings before returning to the rendezvous point. After waiting a few anxious hours, she ended up abandoning that plan to go search for the others.

So far, she wasn’t having very much luck. Which….well she had always taken a better interest into things like diplomacy and trade, while Luna had enjoyed war games and combat.

They were both capable fighters, but Celestia knew where her skills truly were. And they weren’t in subterfuge or warfare. It was part of why she and Luna worked so well together as a team, their skills complement each other. It was why ruling alone for so long had worn on Celestia, though she had been able to spread her ideals of peace all over the world.

Still, Celestia worried. Had they regrouped elsewhere? Gotten lost? Trapped? Hurt? Fattened like the creatures on the ship?

So Celestia started looking. Finding office buildings, barns filled with chickens and cows, but none of her friends. No sign of them, which on one hoof was a good thing. But she wished she could find one of them already.

Celestia continued to creep around the facility. Creeping around rooms filled to the brim with fattened creatures. Mentally swearing that she’d come back to help them when she could.

Eventually, she wound her way into a smaller barn. One that seemed, at first, empty. But Celestia had been out for hours. Under high stress conditions. She was tired and hungry, and hoped to find somewhere to rest for a little while.

Entering the basement of the barn, Celestia froze as a succulent, sweet, familiar smell assaulted her nose. Sniffing, she rounded a corner and found a room full to bursting with cakes. All kinds of cakes. Small cakes, large cakes, of all sizes, layers, flavours, and beyond.

Red velvet, strawberry, dulce de leche, chocolate, vanilla, and all sorts of flavours in between and beyond. All of them looked beautiful and delectable, like the best cakes the royal kitchens could produce.

“One couldn’t hurt, right?” Celestia murmured to herself, swallowing reflexive drool as her mouth started to salivate. In spite of herself, she leaned in to take a bite from what looked like a small chocolate lava cake. Moaning as the taste exploded across her tongue. A small bite turning immediately into frantic gorging.

Like her sister and student before her, Celestia didn’t take long to start fattening up. Her plot blew up well before the rest of her started to pile on the pounds. Her cutie mark fading and stretching to fit the new heft to her flanks.

She moved to sit, hooves moving frantically to stuff her face full of the cakes she could reach. The movements sent ripples and jiggled through her body, the new fat collecting everywhere it could.

She was a plot heavy mare, and it wasn’t long before she was immobilized. Propped upright, her wings held tight against her flabby barrel, Celestia continued to gorge. Shifting one of the conveyor belts so all she had to do was lean forward a little and eat the cakes that came down it. Eagerly smearing crumbs and frosting all down her muzzle, smearing across her cheeks. Making a stark contrast between the cake and her coat.

Her chest piece didn’t last as long as Luna’s did. Splintering apart at the hook and eye where it fastned in the back. Falling to the floor with a thunk. Celestia’s stomach soon pooled over it, hiding it from view. All of her piling on the pounds by now, not just her plot.

It wasn’t long before Celestia’s plot pinned her to the ground, pressing against the wall behind her. Her stomach was covering up her hind legs. Her front legs rested along the uppermost fold of her stomach, spread widely to make room for the hanging folds of her neck and pigeon chest.

Four down, one to go. The unicorn pondered, watching as Celestia’s fat pushed a shelf over. Spilling cakes all over the floor. Just one left, and she was the least dangerous one.

(LINE BREAK)

Rainbow was having no luck. Without being able to make her way into the air to get a better sense of where she was, she’d gotten hopelessly lost. Not able to make it to the rendezvous point much less do much of anything else aside from continue to work her way through the facility.

Making her way into a maze of basements was the worst decision she’d made. With no focal points, and most everything looking the same, she got more lost than before. Creeping from corridor to corridor, checking rooms, trying not to leave a trace of where she’d been in case she was being followed.

Every so often she had to stop and rest, rubbing at the slight softness to her stomach. It was hard not to get distracted thinking about how hungry she was, it was hard to focus.

“Rain...bow?”

A voice broke through the quiet. A wheezing, low voice that almost had Rainbow jumping out of her skin with fright.

It took a few minutes more, but Rainbow found an unlocked door and opened it. A light clicked on, and she was left gaping at her fellow comrades.

The Wonderbolts were as big as Rarity and Fluttershy had been when Rainbow had seen them last. Immobilized, trapped in fatty prisons of their own making. No remnants of the uniform remained, but Rainbow knew them all well enough to recognize them by sight. Even if they were fattened to the point of near unrecognizability.

Maybe it was stress, maybe it was a deep desire somewhere where she didn’t need to worry anymore, but when the tubes came down from the ceiling to grab Rainbow for a second time, she wasn’t expecting them.

This solution was special, fattening to the extreme. As it pumped into Rainbow’s mouth, as she swallowed the thick solution down, it was mere moments before she started packing on the pounds. Her stomach rounding out, her plot sagging and widening, her musculature being buried under dozens of pounds of fat within minutes.

It wasn’t long before the struggling gave up completely. Rainbow accepting her fate as her fellows watched on with various mixtures of sadness and hopelessness written on their features. Spitfire looked especially guilty, and was now chugging the solution as if that would make up for trapping Rainbow in here with them.

The unicorn left once it became clear Rainbow was hers. The cyan pegasus fattened to immobility in less than an hour.

Perfect. It meant the formulas were doing what they were supposed to.

The unicorn trotted her way through the facility. Going to go make sure the rest of her plans were ready before undergoing the next steps.

(LINE BREAK)

The unicorn watched as the cargo ship was loaded up with her fattening goodies. A huge grin splitting her face as the last of the cargo was settled aboard and the gangplanks retracted. Her staff worked hard to push off and get her goods spread across the entirety of Equestria.

Manehatten first, then Canterlot, then Ponyville. Take out the major players in central Equestria first. Then sending shipments to the Crystal Empire.

All she needed to do now was continue to produce and spread her influence. It wouldn’t be long before all of Equestria was fat, and then the fun could really begin.

Epilogue

Applejack watched as the big shipment of flour and sugar was loaded up into the cellar. Keeping a watchful eye on the delivery ponies as they trundled up and down the stairs. Making sure they were doing their jobs and making sure they didn’t manage to take a jar of Zap Apple jam with them on the way out.

Normally, Big Mac’d help with this sort of thing, but he was off with Sugar Belle for the weekend. Making it a rather moot point all told. Applejack, while she could afford to check in with the delivery ponies and keep half an eye on them while she fixed the fence, she couldn’t do the unloading all by herself.

Well she could, but that would mean getting nothing else done. It was worth the fifty bits and a bit of worry to have it just be done and over with.

Applejack, engrossed in her work, didn’t seem to notice the differences, however slight, in the deliveries. Things were close enough to the normal that it didn’t matter. She had other things to deal with.

Across town, Pinkie Pie had the exact opposite problem. Noticing that things were different immediately, she’d been eager to open up these new ingredients that the Cakes had ordered to test them out.

The flour was as high a quality as it always was, creamy and soft to the touch. The sugar was even sweeter than normal, not that Pinkie seemed to mind much. All in all it was pretty decent. Nothing she’d tried tasted any worse, in fact it all tasted better.

As Pinkie frosted the first of many cupcakes, she didn’t seem to notice that her customary sampling had already had an effect on her figure. Her stomach hanging lower, her plot and flanks wobbling with every movement.

Pinkie was just excited to see how everything would turn out.

(LINE BREAK)

Spike,

I’m sorry it’s been so long, but we’ve just all been enjoying ourselves too much. You were right about all of us needing this vacation, even with everything going on. There’s real work being done on figuring out where evercreature vanished off to, and I’ll send more updates when I can.

Celestia and Luna send their well-wishes too, as does Rainbow and the Wonderbolts. We’ll stay out here for a while longer, so we can be ready when news finally reaches us. Hope you’re enjoying your little vacation too, Spike, and I’ll talk to you soon.

Princess Twilight Sparkle

PS: Please forward this to the others too. I don’t want Shining Armour or Cadance worrying after me. I’ve never been better!

It’d been months since Spike had heard from Twilight and the others, and to receive such confirmation was a huge weight off his chest. It would help everyone else relax too, since Celestia and Luna were rarely ever away from the spotlight for so long.

Spike sighed, popping a cookie into his mouth to chew it over while looking over the letter. There was something...weird, but he couldn’t put his claw on it. He shrugged, swallowing the cookie to breathe fire over the letter. Sending it straight to Shining and Cadance.

“Hey Starlight!” Spike called weakly across the library, “Twilight’s...okay! Got a...letter!”

Spike, like most of Ponyville and the area beyond, was rather fatter than he had been. Almost as wide as he was tall, the spherical, near-immobile dragon lounged against some cushions while he continued to snack on the high calorie treats Sugarcube Corner was still pumping out.

He could, if pressed and given some help, stand up and waddle around. With a drooping, hanging stomach that hung nearly to the floor, and a log-like tail that dragged behind him, the fat dragon was fairly balanced. Even with his wide hips, tree-trunk thighs, and a dragging rear that touched the floor when he did manage to stand and walk. His muzzle was squished in between two hanging cheeks. The cheeks, when combined with his meaty multiple chins, hid where his neck had been.

Starlight, who was across the library, looked up from her books. A huge smile creating dimples in her fat cheeks. “Good!” She too was much fatter than she’d once been. A belly-heavy mare, her massive stomach was keeping her pinned to the ground. Her stomach pooling around her on all sides for several feet.

“That’s good!” Starlight beamed, lighting her magic to grab at a cupcake. Happily munching on it, even as the action caused her stomach to jump forward by almost an inch. “Glad she’s excited...and well.”

Spike nodded in agreement, and the two of them went back to their respective treats. Happy to continue eating in companionable silence.

(LINE BREAK)

The letter appeared near Cadance’s head. Her magic plucked it from the air before it fell against her flab. She squinted over her massive, basket-ball sized cheeks in order to read the words. Moving to hoof the note over to Shining, who was across the throne room.

The two of them were fat enough they took up the entirety of the throne room. Munching eagerly through endless shipments of sweets and treats between the two of them. Both were more blob than pony. So fattened that they were hardly recognizable, it was hard to get a clear picture of where their bodies began and ended. Some of the few parts that were visible were because of the colour contrast between Shining and Cadance’s coat. The white and pink were obviously different, lending some ability in figuring out where Cadance ended and Shining began, but it was still difficult to see when their flab were pressed into each other and competing for space.

After they were done looking it over, Cadance set it off to Thorax in the Changeling Empire. Able to see outside the windows of the palace and see her citizens waddling through the streets. Peace was important for her war-weary people, and if it meant they weighed a little more, than who was she to judge.

Thorax and Pharynx were blobby like Cadance and Shining. Completely immobilized at the top of the hive. Which was buzzing with the extra heat and weight from the obesity of the changeling hoard.

It was peaceful here, giving them time and opportunity to recover and learn from the other cultures around them. They might not have anticipated the imports of good foods and the effects they’d had on themselves and their subjects, but it helped keep the peace.

Even Pharynx was soothed by all the food. He gorged himself completely, all day every day. Crumbs and frostings and sauces smeared across his muzzle and fatty cheeks. Leaving him all the more incapable of movement with every treat that passed into his gullet and entered his stuffed gullet.

Thorax happily sent the letter along to Ember before digging back into the treasure of cookies and pastries. Happily indulging alongside his clutch mate. The pair of them were fatty blobs, unrecognizable in comparison to the changelings they had been.

They took up the entire ‘throne’ room entirely. Fat plots and flabby backs pressing against the natural caverns of the hive, making the structure creak, groan, and crumble away whenever their bulk managed to press too much into it.

And both were as happy as they always were. The sounds of the changelings eating encompassed all everyone could ever hear.

Ember, out in the isolated dragonlands, was less a dragon and more a mountainous blob. Able to know that she got a letter but unable to read it for the fat blocking her eyes. However, she knew it meant that Twilight and the others were safe. Relaxing against her own enormity, Ember let the letter fall from her bloated claws to the flab below her.

Content to let the conveyor belts bring jeweled sweets to her mouth, Ember ate them with the knowledge that things were safe. For her dragons, and for the creatures beyond her borders.

(LINE BREAK)

The water, after such a long time feeling the mountainous weight pressing into her, felt heavenly. Helping her float along the currents of the ocean, caressing her folds and rolls. Helping keep her folds clean and cool, feeling far better than even the best massage that Aloe or Lotus had ever given her. It was heavenly enough to almost distract her from her food, which was a miracle unto itself considering her current meal had been going on for forty seven days straight. Completely uninterrupted until this point.

Rarity couldn’t really see beyond the fat that had swallowed her head, but she could just squint past her ocean of chins to see the magical screen directly in front of her eyes. Giving her a live feed, top down, of the vast archipelago of multicoloured islands adrift in the Equestrian sea.

Rarity, and her friends, were all significantly larger than anyone on the mainland. In fact, they were larger than some of the islands off of Equestria’s coast. All of them were massive, all of them were here. The six friends, and some of the earliest creatures who were fattened, were floating aimlessly. Large enough that they could bury whole towns beneath their bulk. Magic and technology linking them together to keep them fed and clean.

Rarity was one of the largest, over four times the size of the nearby natural island. While Applejack, Rarity thought so because of the colouring, was one of the smallest. Maybe at twice the size of the island, for comparison. The others were in various states between them. Fluttershy was close to Rarity in terms of size, but still smaller.

She hadn’t seen her friends with her own eyes in a very, very long time. But she didn’t mind too much. She could really only see the tubing that kept her fed with such wonderful food at all hours. Coming out from where her head was buried amidst its rolls, the tubing was miles long. A vast network of infrastructure to keep such behemoths fed and looked after. Vast tanks, on the coast perhaps, always full to keep them filled to the brim.

It was weird to feel pride about it, but it was there. Knowing that she was the largest being in all of Equestria. Outranking even the largest of the sea creatures and the yaks. Outclassing mountains, even.

As Rarity settled back, relaxing easily. She did her best to track the movement along one of the walkways pressing against her fat. Able to see somepony approaching on the screen, a dark blue unicorn who was positively skinny by the new current standards but rather obese by the old. Her large stomach swaying underneath her as she moved.

The captain watched as the mountain sized creatures all ate greedily and messily. Bumping into each other as the currents pushed against their flab. Not at all giving a care as to what else was going on around them.

“Pardon me, Miss Rarity.” The captain spoke, through the magical screen so Rarity could better hear. “I don’t want to interrupt but there’s something I have to tell you.” Reaching with her magic to turn the valve to the food tanks off. “We have a new recipe, and since you have the exquisite taste, I thought I’d bring it to you first. Do you want to try it?” Using the magic to move the hose from Rarity’s mouth just enough for her to reply.

“De...lighted...my...dear.” Rarity somehow managed around her fat swollen lips. The slight movement causing an avalanche of movement through her chins, cheeks, and neck fat. .

The captain grinned wildly, magicking a plate of sweets past the small opening where the hose was coming out of. Making sure they went straight into Rarity’s mouth. Making sure that Rarity’s bloated lips were cleaned afterwards while Rarity chewed.

Immediately, a gurgling moan made it’s way through the fashionista’s frame. Making the unicorn cling to the catwalk as it shifted along with the movement. The soft fat of Rarity’s body shifting underneath her hooves.

It took seconds, and in those seconds, added tons accumulated on Rarity’s frame. Almost hurting the vast infrastructure keeping them all together and well fed and comfortable. Though, after the tumultuous movement settled down, the captain couldn’t help but grin as she brought the hose back into Rarity’s mouth and turned the valve back on. Letting the flow go a little faster this time, to better deal with Rarity’s increased appetite.

The unicorn sighed, stretchinc. Starting to move her way down the catwalk. Reflecting on how massive her collection had become with just a little bit of work. Unable to keep the smirk, or feeling of pride, as she waddled her way back down the catwalk. Already thinking of other formulas, and better foods, for her guests.

The Amulet

Author's Note

An oblivious archaeologist falls under thrall of a powerful amulet. One that makes her hungry. It doesn't take long for the effects of that hunger to be visible on her waistline. So warning for extreme weight gain, lots of denial, and some minor breathing problems at the end.

Meet a couple of OCs I just...made up on the spot for a fun idea kindly gifted to me by Midnight!

This was fun. I...forget sometimes, how much fun it can be to make two characters up on the spot and just roll with it. ~~Also with a cool historian twist because it's me~~

Also, like, Twilight or someone gets their hooves on it to figure out what it is and it starts getting to them too. Do with that idea what you will

The Amulet

Peachy Keen blew her forelock out of her eyes irritably, before bending back down and brushing away the dirt coating the vase.

It was a broken, beautiful piece of pottery. Dating back before the Everfree City, maybe, which made it a rare find-

There was a rumble. One she felt through her hooves more than with her ears. She dropped the brush, igniting her magic to make sure all the artifacts were stable and safe, before galloping out of the tent towards the ruined town. “Sandy!? Emerald!?”

There were three of them on this expedition, with more on the way. They’d done the initial survey, which had meant they’d gotten the opportunity to start the dig.

At the far end of the town, well past the other buildings, so far away from the main site they’d almost missed it, there lay a temple. Or maybe a tomb. Broken stones peeking out from the overgrown path, peering out through the trees.

Galloping over, heart pounding in her chest, Peachy slowed to a stop at the sight of her colleagues.

Emerald was a pegasus mare with a green coat and light green mane and tail. She specialized in digging things up, and was damned good at it. She looked pale and shaken, eyes wide.

Sandy, an earth pony mare, was all dark browns. Only the white streaks in her mane and tail broke up her colour palette. She looked less shaken, she was more experienced than Emerald, but her eyes were still wide. Alight with curiosity.

“Thank Celestia, what’s going on-” Peachy slowed to a stop. Following their gaze.

The temple was open. The door slid open, just like in one of those ridiculous Daring Do books.

“We’ve-we’ve got to go in.” Sandy said, voice vibrating with excitement.

“We need to make sure it’s safe. What happened?”

“It just-I touched it, those marks in the door, they looked hoof shaped, I just didn’t think-” Emerald shook her head. “I almost got stuck, would’ve been squished.”

“Hey, hey, you weren’t. And this is an amazing find. Not sure if we’ve ever found an intact temple or tomb from this period before.” Peachy let out a sigh, using her magic to retie her curly mass of orange mane away from her face. “We need to make sure it’s safe, though, and I’m the only one who can check for traps safely. You guys did bring equipment with you, right?”

“Yeah,” Sandy nodded, trotting over to the nearest downed tree. Reaching over to the far side to pull out a set of saddlebags groaning with equipment. “Yeah. You want a flashlight?”

“Oh yeah.” Peachy took the offered flashlight with a smile. “Alright, it’ll just be a quick sweep. To make sure it’s safe. Then I’ll be right back. If I”m not out in an hour...well it’s dangerous, and don’t come after me until the others show up.”

Sandy huffed, trotting over to throw the saddlebags over Peachy’s back. “I’m not letting you get hurt because you just brought a flashlight. This might slow you down a little, but there’s water in there, and food. Camera too.”

Peachy winced as they were strapped into place, but nodded. Flicking the flashlight on and holding it above her head. “Alright. Wish me luck.”

“Good luck.” Emerald and Sandy said, nearly in unison.

“Go back to the main site. No point in you two sticking around here. May as well go see what else we can find. If this is here...well there could be more artifacts.” Peachy didn’t wait to see them go before she entered.

Something was weird about this village. The doors were on par with others in this era, more than tall enough for the average pony of the time, but these were all double or triple the width. Which she thought was weird. And the kitchens were all huge too, with hints towards a...reverence towards food.

It was unique, at least. And as Peachy entered into this place, she could see more hints. Paintings on the walls, showing off huge feasts. And big ponies. Wide, not tall. Were they built differently? This was an isolated spot, and if their culture was unique..

Peachy stopped to take the occasional picture. Scanning with her magic to check for traps, ancient or otherwise.

Winding her way through, and down, she reached a large room. Rotten furniture littered the floor, all in front of a large dias. A ruined...table, probably, stretched across the dias. With a huge, stone throne behind it. Wide enough that she, Sandy, and Emerald could sit on it and still have extra room.

More pictures, after Peachy made sure it was safe. No bones yet either. So maybe a temple and not a tomb, though she’d want to explore the entirety of the place first.

She made her way around the room, careful not to disturb anything, her steps light and careful. She crept up onto the dias, and went to check behind the throne.

Another room back there, the door as wide as the others. No, larger for certain. Even a little taller.

No traps that she could detect either. So she made her way in, shining her light around. An unsealed temple! How exciting-

It was a large room, not as large as the previous one, but still big in its own right. Rotting remnants of furniture was everywhere, the smell of damp and decay sickeningly sweet. A bed, some tables. Pottery, cutlery, dishes. Most intact, though a few had broken along with the furniture.

Swinging her flashlight around, a glint caught her eye. Making her turn to go forward, to the far side of the room.

Bones. A whole heaping pile of them. Spears and other weapons were present too.

And more bones. A whole pile of them, almost huddled into a corner. Ponies protecting their leader maybe? Dried blood, and other fluids, stained the stones beneath them.

Another glint, and Peachy leaned forward to see. An amulet, in the corner.

Pictures first. Peachy thought, managing to take a couple, but...the more she stared at that amulet. The more she wanted it. Deep within her soul, tugging at her like whenever she saw something really important.

It was easily found with her magic, and the massive chain slid away from the pile of bones without a fuss. It was long, and even just by looking at it, Peachy could see that parts of the chain were obviously older than others. And had been added to as time passed. Some sort of ritual, maybe? Add a few new links to the chain with every leader?

The chain was metal, Peachy was tempted to say iron but it hadn’t rusted. And the amulet was a flat disk, engraved with writing on the back. Silver, with a sizable sapphire in the front. Simple, but beautiful.

Peachy stared at it for a long time, suddenly overcome with a hunger she couldn’t understand. Her mouth salivating, even as she stared at the amulet.

Licking her lips, she carefully wrapped the amulet and put it into the special pouch on the saddlebags. Digging around for a snack while she was at it. Almost inhaling the granola bar in her haste. And the second one, her stomach still rumbling for more.

No matter. There were no traps. Magical or otherwise. And maybe, they could piece together what had happened here. Though, it would be Sandy who would come here and take more pictures, diagram everything out.

The amulet, and the other relics, would keep Peachy busy though.

She didn’t notice that she ate the remaining snacks as she snaked her way through the temple until she reached and found nothing.

Just a long day. She assured herself. She’d had a long day, after all, and it was physically demanding work. A few extra granola bars weren’t going to hurt her.

(LINE BREAK)

Peachy lived in a tent right next to the tent where she did most of her work. So, it often happened that she stumbled into her tent after too long spent working on an artifact. Or that she’d had a breakthrough while half asleep. Made getting to her work easier, should the need arise.

Laying in her tent, the cool breeze rustling the canvas, hearing the crackling of the campfire not too far off, Peachy could only think of the amulet she had resting on her worktable a few feet away.

A sigh, and she slipped off her cot and out of her tent.

Emerald was awake still, filling out paperwork by firelight. Sandy’s tent was dark, so at least one of them was getting the right amount of sleep.

Peachy’s work tent was messy, if organized. No food was allowed in here, it could hurt the artifacts. And things were labelled. The organization system maybe didn’t make sense to anypony but her, but that wasn’t usually a problem.

By the time the others arrive I’ll have all this sorted out and it won’t matter. Peachy reassured herself. The first few weeks were always hectic, but she always pulled through. Had things categorized and set out properly.

For now, the amulet rested on a special pillow. Light glinting off it as Peachy turned on a lamp.

Hesitantly, carefully, Peachy lifted the amulet up and put it on. The chain really was too big, the amulet nearly brushed the ground. And she was taller than the average pony back then. She shook her head, rubbing at her suddenly rumbling stomach.

The amulet came off. Maybe they had worn the chain in a special way? Pinned it into place? The possibilities were many, and Peachy couldn’t help but wonder.

Her stomach growled again, hunger gnawing at her spine. Peachy rubbed at her stomach absently. She’d eaten twice her usual portion at dinner, and she was still hungry? All the exercise and work had done her good, apparently. Maybe her mother would stop complaining about her not weighing enough…

Off went the lamp, and Peachy went back to her tent. Digging around through a bag to pull out a massive sack of trail mix, before going to town on it. Eating well past when Emerald eventually went to bed, and the campfire outside burned low.

Peachy fell asleep with a bloated, achingly full gut, and didn’t pay it one mind as to how odd that was for her to do.

(LINE BREAK)

The next few weeks passed by quickly. The three mares working together to get things prepped for the next group, trying to learn as much as they could so they had things to present to the others once they arrived.

All the while, Peachy continued to eat large portions, sneak snacks. She didn’t really seem to notice she was doing it, even though she was spending hours looking at the amulet and trying to figure out what it’s purpose was.

If there were more paintings on the temple walls, the specialists from the team would know. They could scan for faded paint, bring lost murals to life.

When the team finally did come, they brought news with them. And letters from home.

Peachy’s mother, Silver Sword, was sick and needed help. Thankfully, the University of Canterlot had given Peachy special dispensation to take artifacts to her lab back home. Let her stay in contact with the others, see what else she could find.

The others stayed quiet about the pudge around Peachy’s middle, helping her pack up and leave with their ride into the forest. Promising lengthy letters, copies of diagrams and findings, while Peachy promised to do the same. The amulet weighing surprisingly heavy in her mind and in her bags.

(LINE BREAK)

Silver Sword arrived in Canterlot before Peachy did. An old weaponsmith, her love of ancient history had shaped Peachy so she found her special talent: Archaeology.

A weird household, maybe, but at least it wasn’t dull.

Silver was an older mare, with a tan coat and a greyed out mane and tail. She was going to get knee replacement in her right front leg, and couldn’t be left alone.

“So, you found anything interesting out there?” Silver asked from where she was sat in a hard-backed chair in the meticulously clean workroom Peachy had set up in her house.

“An intact temple, we think. We’re keeping it quiet for now. There were some weapons, maybe I’ll see if we can get some pictures and diagrams of them. For you to look at while you heal, so you don’t drive me insane.” Peachy grinned, carefully unpacking the crates filled with precious things. Putting them along her worktable in order. The amulet stayed in the bag. For some reason, Peachy didn’t want her mother to see it. Which was ridiculous, because it was beautiful, and maybe Silver could explain how the chain worked-

“Are...we going to talk?”

“About what?” Peachy asked.

“Your weight.” Silver said flatly. She’d never been one to beat around the bush or sugarcoat.

Still, Peachy paused, turning to blink at her mother, one eyebrow quirked. “Really? I’m fine.” She hadn’t gained anything! Her mother was crazy, maybe nervous about the surgery. Bored out of her wits already.

Silver huffed, rolling her eyes. “It’s nothing much yet, but you do look a little heavier than before you left. Give you special rations or something out there?”

“It’s lots of hard work, and we’re well fed.” Peachy huffed, “I’ll be fine. Come on, why don’t you pull up that movie you wanted to watch while I finish up in here? We’ll get you something to eat too, while we’re at it, before you have to fast.”

“Okay.” Silver stood with a grimace, even with the brace on her bad knee it was clear it still hurt. Hobbling out of the room and shutting the door behind her with a sharp click.

Peachy took the amulet out of her bag, staring at it longingly for a few moments before slipping it over her head. It, of course, still brushed the ground. And Peachy suddenly wished it fit her. Resting against her chest, like it was clearly meant to. That was the style of the time, right? So why was this so long?

Her stomach grumbled, and Peachy bit back a groan. Slipping the amulet off to rest it on its cushion. Shuffling to stand in front of the window, nearly hanging out of it, as she all but inhaled the few remaining snacks that she’d snuck into her bag. The crumbs dusting her windowsill rather than her work.

Brushing herself off with a hoof, not noticing or caring about the slight jiggle of her stomach or flanks at the movement, Peachy shut the window. Smoothing down her light orange fur with a hoof, making herself look presentable, before stepping out of the room.

She had a mother to entertain.

(LINE BREAK)

With her mother still in the hospital, Peachy had no need to hide her hunger. Quickly going through entire cupboards full of snacks, ordering takeout, and going grocery shopping far more often than her normal

It was fine. She was still working, and worrying about her team and mother on top of that. Plus she had her walks. It made sense she was a little more hungry than usual. She was a busy mare!

Nevermind that she was really starting to pile on the pounds. Her cutie mark had grown, stretched and faded, her stomach hanging underneath her like a pendulum. She was starting to even look fat when stuffed to the gills with food, the layer of fat there now thick enough to still look soft even when she couldn’t eat another bite.

Peachy dreamed, now. Vividly, of grand feasts and succulent meals. Even waking up in the night to eat.

She didn’t know what was going on with her. Didn’t pay it any more mind beyond a slight annoyance whenever she cleaned out her snack cupboard again.

Brushing away dirt off of a piece of pottery, Peachy muffled a belch against her shoulder. Hunched over her table, her cheeks looking chubbier with her double chin on full display. Her tongue poked out of her crumb-coated muzzle, focused entirely on her work.

Except, when her horn lit up, and she brought a cookie to her muzzle. Eagerly taking it without really realizing what she was doing. Eyeing the splash of paint she was uncovering critically. Pausing, while she chewed, to note it down. They decorated their pottery but it was difficult to say how. Lots of different styles.

Trade with other villages, maybe? That could explain the differences in style. Trading goods, and then keeping the vessels.

A soft huff, and Peachy leaned back to stretch. Groaning as her stomach ached with the movement. Bringing a hoof up to rub at it absently.

Maybe it would be a good idea to take a break for a little while. She’d been working so hard lately. Surely she deserved a treat.

Mind already made up, she stood with a wince. Her stomach felt like a bowling ball, packed tight and painful. Maybe a nap before dinner then.

Peachy paused before leaving. Grabbing the amulet almost as an afterthought. Putting it on, not noticing as the gem glowed softly. The light within a pale blue.

The chain shifted without her realizing, coming to a rest where it traditionally would have been: against her chest. The rest of the chain just...shortening, disappearing. The amulet hanging cool against her fur.

Peachy collapsed onto the couch with a groan, her eyes fluttered shut, and she fell into a deep, dark, dream.

(LINE BREAK)

She sat on her throne. The table fit to bursting with all sorts of goodies. She didn’t even need to worry about moving, beyond chewing. Her servants rushed around her. Feeding her, letting her drink deeply from the wine they kept.

She was growing larger, as intended. Packing on the pounds like her ancestors before her. An honour, in their village. To become a leader. To eat so much, to become so large, to gain the wisdom of the ancients.

The others would stay large too, of course. If she couldn’t keep them stable enough for that, then she’d been the wrong choice for leader. And the next would be chosen.

She opened her mouth for the next morsel, chewing it thoughtfully. Maybe expanding the farmland would help? And doing what the ponies to the west said to try, it seemed to be working. Extra food would be a boon, and show that she was capable.

She settled back in her throne. The silver amulet resting against her chest glowing softly. The light catching on her fat rolls, and dimming once she started rubbing at her stomach with both hooves as it began to ache.

Peachy half jolted into a semi-seated position with a snort. Wiping at her muzzle with a wince, smacking her lips together.

The sunlight that had been streaming through her windows was dim. Sunset, then, or close enough to it.

She yawned and stretched, her muscles aching with the movement. She scratched at her stomach idly, not noticing its heft.

She rocked to her hooves, tiredly making her way to the fridge for food.

Peachy had sauces, and other detritus, but otherwise her fridge was remarkably empty of actual food. She let out an irritable huff, shutting it and opening the freezer. A few bits and pieces, ice cube trays, the frozen bag of peas she’d been using as an icepack for years, and a few frozen cans of juice.

“Pizza it is then.” Peachy grumbled, wiping the sleep from her eyes with a foreleg before making her way over to the phone. Dialling the well-remembered number with barely a thought. “Hi, it’s Peachy Keen. Can I get my usual? Yeah. Yeah, it’s a large pizza and large breadstick and a two-litre soda. And Can I get two more pizzas? One vegetarian and the other just cheese like the first? Yeah, yeah, just take the money from the account information I left with you. Thanks. I’ll see you soon.”

Moving to go sit back on the couch with another forceful yawn. Needed to quit it with the naps, they were making her sluggish, which was what she didn’t need. She already had the grocery store ponies looking at her weird whenever she bought her groceries. Didn’t need anyone to accuse her of not getting her work done on top of all the strangeness. Or her mother eyeing her whenever she visited.

In the time it took for Peachy to wake up a little more and put on some mindless show, the pizza arrived.

The pizza boy was young and excited, but hoofed the boxes over with care. “There-there you go ma’am. Having a party tonight?”

Peachy tried not to roll her eyes. Instead she nodded. “You could say that. Here, for a tip. Have a good night.” Giving him a few bits before all but slamming the door in his face. Her stomach crying out for nourishment, the boxes were hot and large. Just what she needed.

She ate along with the movie. Gorging herself without realizing or meaning to, just eating until she emptied a box, and then going on. Until she’d eaten everything. Her stomach stretched out in agony, and yet…

Her mouth was dry. Some urge within her forced her to open the two litre and start chugging. Even as the soda burnt its way down her throat, and made her bloat even more, she didn’t stop. Barely pausing to breathe and stutter her way through the experience.

Eventually, though, she drained it. Tossing the bottle aside to cradle her bloated, aching stomach with her hooves. Rubbing at it in some effort to make the pain go away.

She didn’t notice that the amulet glowed, and certainly didn’t notice when a deep sleep overtook her again, just as the movie credits began to roll.

(LINE BREAK)

More weeks passed, with Peachy living more and more in denial as time went on. Her growing figure was becoming the talk of those who knew her and her local community. Much to her annoyance.

She was healthy! It was fine. So what she could only make it halfway down the block before needing to sit on a bench and rest. It was summer for Celestia’s sake! It was hot! She wasn’t the only one who needed a break sometimes.

Peachy was in denial. A deep dark pit of denial. About her size, health, and work. All progress had stopped as she lost herself in her love of food. Ordering in, having groceries delivered, leaving the house only for her ‘daily’ walks. Even if those walks were happening weekly, or less.

Her drooping, hanging stomach brushed against all four of her legs at once, making her slow into an awkward waddle. Her barrel was wide and flabby. Her cutie marks were hardly visible for how faded they were against the massive expanse of her flanks. Her plot overhung her hocks, making movement all the more difficult.

Peachy’s face was looking fat too, with rounded chubby cheeks and a double chin, with a third on the way. Even her neck was looking worse for wear, a thick hanging roll that pressed against her poofy pigeon chest.

And yet, the amulet still fit. In fact, she hadn’t taken it off since that fateful day where it had suddenly fit her. And it kept fitting her, even though it should have been tight by now.

Peachy came to a huffing, puffing, wheezing stop to the bench beside her house. Her light coat stained darker by the sweat prickling across her skin and running down her rolls. Her form jiggled and wiggled as she fought to catch her breath, turning a squinting glare at the bright summer sun.

She pulled a chocolate bar from her saddlebags, munching on it happily as she caught her breath. Then another, and another. Not paying any attention to her staring neighbour, nor the mailman who kept giving her weird looks.

Once she was satisfied, she hauled herself back to her hooves, and waddled inside. Grunting a little when her saddlebags got caught in the doorframe. A bit of magic helped push her through, though, so she was fine.

A shower beckoned. She dropped her bags off in the kitchen as she waddled by it. Squeezing herself through the narrow hallway before making it into her bedroom. The master bath was connected, thankfully, meaning she only really had to go through the hallway a couple times a day.

Stepping into the shower was an interesting experience. Her legs already aching from the walk outside, she was wishing dearly to lay down for a while. But she’d just done her bedsheets in the wash and that would be a shame.

One side of her squished against the wall, while the other pressed against the shower curtains. Chilly, but okay.

The cool water was a balm, helping to rinse away the sweat and grime of the day. Here she was, being so productive. What did her mom need to worry about?

“She should focus on that knee.” Peachy said to herself, in the privacy of her shower. “Focus on getting better.” Lifting the amulet up to clean the roll around her neck. Not caring or noticing how it didn’t seem to tarnish, no matter how much time it spent in the water. “Then I can get back to work, catch up with the others.”

It wasn’t long before she was stepping out of the shower with a yawn. Stretching her aching, abused muscles with a wince. “Sandy would love seeing me so strong. She’s always bragging about how much stuff she can do before getting tired.” Using her magic, and several towels, to dry herself off completely before leaving them to dry and flopping onto her bed.

It creaked when she settled, sagging in the middle under her weight. Peachy stretched across it languidly, not caring or noticing how her stomach bulged out in front of her, or how her barrel and flanks rose into the air on top of her.

She nuzzled into her pillow with a content sigh. A good snack run, a walk, and a shower. All very productive.

(LINE BREAK)

Silver Sword came hobbling through the front door of Peachy’s house, face pinched with concern. Even as she paused to wave at the nice taxi-pony who helped her get here from the hospital. It’d been...weeks since she’d seen Peachy, and well…

Peachy had been obese then. Hardly able to waddle her way through the corridors of the hospital. Moving slower than Silver had, that new amulet of hers somehow not caught between the fatty folds of her neck and chest.

Silver had gotten a few calls since then, but even they’d tapered off. She just hoped Peachy was okay.

Setting her saddlebags to one side of the door, she couldn’t help but wrinkle her muzzle in disgust as she hobbled further into the house and shut the door.

It was filthy. Discarded food wrappers were everywhere. Empty pop bottles and cans littered every surface, and a near mountain of empty takeout containers filled the corner where the recycling was probably buried.

“Peachy?!” Silver called, stepping carefully. Her leg in a brace once more, but already feeling much better than it had before the surgery. Her physical therapy had been going very well.

“In...here!” Weak and rasping. Oh no, was she sick?

Being careful not to slip, Silver made her way down the hallway and towards Peachy’s room. Not noticing the odd scrape marks in the paint on either wall, or noticing that all the hallway furniture had been moved.

Throwing open Peachy’s bedroom door, Silver stepped inside. Only to sit down hard, her mouth agape at the sight before her.

Peachy had crushed her bed underneath her massive frame. Her face was spherical, with giant chubby cheeks and a multitude of chins that cascaded down her front to merge with the folds of her neck and chest. The mattress had disappeared under her wide frame, and her back fat pressed against the back of her skull. Her rear was higher in the air than her head was, and had pushed the nightstands onto the floor with its heft.

Peachy’s hind legs, once so muscular, were hidden from view. Silver couldn’t begin to guess if they were swallowed up by their own fat, or if they were trapped between other rolls, but she didn’t care.

“Mom!” Peachy wheezed, smiling hard enough dimples formed in her fat cheeks. She reached towards something, a table maybe it was hard to see for all the garbage littering the floor, and grabbed a hayburger. Bringing it towards her food-coated muzzle to chew at it. Her front leg was absolutely dripping with the fat hanging from the limb. It looked...stiff and heavy, hard to move.

Silver shook her head, “What-what…” Her eyes widened, finally catching sight of that amulet. Still on, miraculously, with shining new metal links in the chain. It was on, but digging into Peachy’s tender, fatty flesh. As Peachy swallowed the last of the burger, the jewel on the amulet glowed, and Peachy’s stomach growled hungrily. Hard enough to make her stomach jiggle with the movement.

“I’m...hungry. Want...pizza?” It looked as though Peachy was going to order pizza regardless, using her magic to bring the telephone to her lips so she could order.

It was then that Silver realized her daughter couldn’t reach the floor to walk even if she wanted to. Her mattress of a stomach lifted her hooves from the ground, making her taller than she actually was.

Silver let out a careful breath. Something wasn’t right with that amulet, and she needed to get to the bottom of things.

Food Crawl

Author's Note

This was a bit of an odd one for me. Everywhere, except for Sugarcube Corner, is based off of a real locations from my hometown (all places have had their names changed). So this was fun, if nostalgic.

Contains stuffing, light weight gain. Mostly just two ponies enjoying a lot of good food.

Patrons on my Patreon got access to this a day or so sooner, and access to other unpublished work, and several ongoing series.

Food Crawl

Ponyville was not what Crystal Clear had envisioned when she’d read about it in Quandary’s letters.

Somehow, in spite of Princess Twilight’s presence and the unprecedented leap in technology that had unfolded in the last few years, Ponyville still retained its small town charm. It was still very green, unlike Manehatten. Still looking more...natural, unlike the sculpted gardens and parks of Canterlot.

Crystal Clear was a unicorn from Manehatten. Old money, steeped in the elitism that marked Canterlot and certain neighbourhoods of the larger cities apart. She had met Quandary in school, and they’d stayed in touch over the years. As Quandary’s lawyer business grew and she eventually moved to Ponyville to oversee her little empire of law offices.

Crystal Clear was a jeweler, from a long line of jewelers. A unicorn from old money, she was tall and lithe. The prim, perfect pony her parents had alway wanted. With a mist grey coat and blue mane and tail, she was rather striking to look at. She didn’t entirely understand what Quandary did, but she wasn’t going to question it. It was clearly worth the effort.

As Crystal waited on the platform, eyes scanning the bustling crowds for the familiar sight of her friend. Quandary was an earth pony, average sized. With a black coat, and grey mane and tail. It had been red, but Quandary thought the premature grey made her look more distinguished.

Crystal almost hated to admit it, but it was true.

“Crystal!” A voice from behind her called, and Crystal turned, an easy smile already in place.

Only to hitch, almost freezing, at the sight of her friend. Years working for the fussy elite made the hitch hardly noticeable, but still. Crystal was shocked.

Quandary, once slim and trim, was now decidedly not. She was fat, with a bulging barrel, jiggling flanks, and a cherubic face that was grinning at her before swooping in for a hug.

“Hey.” Crystal said weakly, pulling away first. “Been a long time.”

“Yeah, no kidding. Should’ve come down here when I first invited you, things weren’t nearly so busy. You got your luggage? Okay cool, come on. I know a way around the crowd.”

Levitating her bag and suitcase behind her, Crystal followed her friend. Wondering what in the wide, wide world had happened.

Fatness, while not inherently bad, was still...well it was different. And the elite did not take to different or new very well, not unless they were warmed up to something first. Had Quandary’s career been affected? What was going on?

It didn’t take long before Quandary was ushering Crystal into a nice, two story home a few blocks away from the train station.

It was nice. Lacking the inherit elegance of Canterlot or Manehatten, but it was still nice. Furnished well, with Quandary’s expensive grand piano in the corner. In spite of this change, Quandary was still Quandary.

“Here, your bedroom’s here.” Quandary stepped into a room beside the staircase leading up, and Crystal followed.

It was a spare bedroom, but still finely furnished. An expensive bed, a lovely wardrobe, and a good vanity were all present. Good to know she hadn’t completely lost herself to small town charm.

“Oh this is lovely, thank you.” Crystal settled her bags on the bed.

“If you want to freshen up, the bathroom is upstairs. Door to the left. Do you want anything? Need anything? I know the trip is a longer one.” Not as long as it had been, not with the recent innovations of the railway, but still.

“I’m alright, thank you-” Crystal’s mouth snapped shut when a sudden hunger pang jabbed into her gut. Her stomach gurgled loudly enough to be heard.

Quandary laughed, waving a hoof. “Oh come now, no need to be shy.” She moved to rub at her own gut, the flesh rippling and shaking with the movement. “I’m hungry too. Been a long few days trying to block out this week so we could spend some real quality time together. Missed a few meals, and don’t give me that look, I know I don’t look it.”

Crystal hadn’t meant to give the look at all. She chuckled weakly. “Sorry. It’s all a little sudden.”

“You’ll get it, by the end of this week.” Quandary grinned knowingly. Like she knew something that Crystal didn’t. “If not before. Everypony gets it sooner or later. Come on, there’s a good pizza place down the block. Not Manehatten by any stretch, but they combine Neightalian with Bucklyn.”

Crystal followed Quandary out of the house, and down the road, continuing down to get further from the station.

Up ahead, a plaza sprawled in front of them. The road, and other roads, continued on past it, but the courtyard was still bustling. Squat buildings ran along one side of the plaza, the only break between them was the road that continued past it.

Sure enough, Crystal could smell food. Not just pizza, though the smells of fresh dough and roasted garlic lingered in the air. There were other foods here too: a cart selling pastries, a food truck selling some sort of tacos, a juice stand, and a small stall where an older mare was selling green produce.

Ponies bustled. Just passing through, chatting with the proprietors as they walked by. Some stopping only for a quick bite to eat before continuing. Others sat at one of the many picnic tables lined up to one corner of the place. Others still sat on the ledge of the fountain, chatting. One older stallion was rinsing off his vegetables in the cold, clean water.

The other squat buildings seemed to be other businesses. A travel agent, a lawyer’s office-Oh! That was why Quandary lived where she did, and why she was so familiar with this plaza. It was one of her offices.

The Eastside Pizza Factory was beside the law office. The door propped open by a milk crate, it looked small and quaint. Undeniably, that was where some of the best smells were coming from.

They entered, and Crystal had to swallow back saliva as she salivated. Her stomach growled all the more, eyes almost prickling with the amount of garlic in the air.

It was amazing.

“Hi! Welcome to Eastside! Are you two ready to order?” Asked a chipper young pegasus pony behind the counter. A young adult, maybe in her twenties. She too was rather fat, practically bursting out of a uniform that was too small for her. Still, the smile was genuine, causing dimples to form in her fat cheeks.

‘Yes, can we get four slices of cheese pizza please? And make two of them a combo. Thanks, Cloud.”

“It’s no problem, Miss Quandary. That’ll be twenty bits please.”

Quandary happily hoofed the bits over. Gesturing with her chin towards the glass refrigeration case to Crystal’s right. “Pick yourself a drink. I’ll take a rootbeer. Is it still cans, Cloud?”

Someone in behind Cloud took four slices of pizza and slid them into the oven in behind the counter. They were why it was so hot in here, Crystal decided. Already sweat was prickling across her skin and dampening her coat.

“Yes, Mrs. Pie can’t decide if she wants to change it.”

Crystal nodded, plucking two cans of rootbeer while they were rung up.

The slices of pizza came out of the oven while Cloud was using a ladle to dig little round things out of a crockpot near a pile of pre-folded pizza boxes. “They’re good in the same container?”

“Oh yes, please. And don’t forget the marinara-”

“As if I’d forget.” Cloud playfully nudged her coworker. A male griffon, he was also rather portly. Around the same age too, if Crystal were to guess. “Alright then. Here you go. Our signature garlicky butter nuggets, and four slices of pizza. You two enjoy.”

“I always do, and my friend is sure to as well. If you can get the food, I’ll grab us some napkins and straws Crystal.”

Crystal enveloped the styrofoam container and thick paper plates with her magic. Eager to escape the oppressive heat of the shop, she stood outside and waited. Shifting a little to peer at the slices.

They were thin, like Bucklyn pizza. With a good char on the crust, and good browning on the cheese. Greasy, but not a pooling mess with no structure. There seemed to be some sort of glaze on the crust, shining in the midday sun. Little flecks of parsley or basil a start contrast to the parmesan.

And sweet Celestia, the smell was heavenly. Crystal’s stomach growled again, and she was immensely relieved when Quandary finally got back outside.

“Come on, lets see if we can’t snatch that spot underneath the umbrella.”

They did, somehow. Securing the pile of napkins below their cool, condensation slicked sodas. Quandary nosed open the styrofoam container, and Crystal was amused to see the contents did indeed look like garlicky butter nuggets. Almost like a garlic knot, but a smooth round ball. Browned beautifully on two sides, and coated with what looked like the same glaze that was on the crust.

“Alright, go on.” Quandary had no right to look so excited. Even as she picked up one of her slices. It sagged a bit, oil dribbling off onto the plate. Quandary didn’t seem to notice.

Crystal let out a sigh. Picking up one of her own, massive slices with her magic and took a dainty bite.

Then a decidedly less dainty one.

It was delicious. The flavours blended perfectly, all the flavours shining through and complementing each other. The crust was amazing, browned and beautiful.
Crystal downed her first slice without really meaning to. Pausing only to crack open her soda and take a sip when she felt she was close to burning her mouth.

The garlicky butter nuggets were...well they were heavenly too. And so was the glaze on the crust. Good, rich, savoury while not being too heavy or too greasy.

Crystal was chewing the last bite of her second slice of pizza, dabbing at her lips and muzzle with a napkin, before the pain hit her. She let out a groan, rubbing at her stomach with a wince. It was taut, bloated, angry.

Celestia, that had been worth it though.

Quandary shot her a knowing look. Popping the last of the nuggets into her mouth and cleaning up their sitting area as Crystal worked to digest. Her blood rushed to her stomach, and she felt oddly warm in the summer sun.

“Told you you’d understand. Come on now, let’s get back to the air conditioning, I’m dying.”

The pair walked, or rather waddled, back to Quandary’s house. Where Crystal spent the rest of the afternoon digesting.

(LINE BREAK)

The next morning, Crystal was hungrier than ever. After washing up in her room, she stepped into Quandary’s house proper. Rubbing at her aching, growling stomach tiredly as she oriented herself.

The house was small. Small enough that her muzzle twitched with a delicious smell drifted by. She blinked, moving into the kitchen. Seeking coffee, first. Maybe toast or yogurt or something lighter while she woke up.

The kitchen wasn’t unfamiliar, it was a kitchen after all. The layout was fairly plain. A coffee pot was on the counter, already brewed, still warm.

There was a note on the kitchen table, as well as a pastry box. It took a bit of hunting to find a cup, but Crystal eventually sat herself at the kitchen table. Sipping at the hot coffee as she got up the courage to look at the note.

Crystal,

Sorry I’m not here when you wake up, unless I am. But if I get back and you’re not up yet, you won’t be reading this so moot point.

Anyway. Emergency popped up. Shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. You’ve got free range of the house in terms of entertainment: feel free to play the piano, or watch television or something.

To make up for it, I bought pastries from Sugarcube Corner. They’re one of the best bakeries in town. They mostly specialize in sweets: cupcakes, pastries, pies, that sort of thing. So hopefully they’ll treat you well for breakfast.

If, by some miracle, you want more food, I’ve posted their number and the walking instructions to the fridge.

See you when i get back,

Quandary

Crystal rubbed the sleep from her eyes, yawning again, before she opened the box.

It seemed to be some sort of sampler. There were a couple danishes, a couple croissants, two cupcakes, and two slices of cake. Different kinds, by and large, probably to show the range of goods on offer.

Crystal couldn't help but dig in excitedly. The croissants, the first she ate, were crisp and flakey, with a wonderful chew. The flavour was amazing. The cupcakes were good too, not too sweet, even with the thick layer of buttercream. The cake was moist and dense without being too much. The fresh fruit of the danishes, coupled with the sour cream frosting, was almost like a palette cleanser.

And once again. Crystal was left with a stuffed stomach, groaning and aching in pain as she tried to rub the pain away. Her stomach was swollen and distended, stuffed full almost to the point of nausea.

“Oh, I need to stop doing this.” The food was good, but surely she’d had better. Much better maybe, over her life. What was so different about this food that she was stuffing herself full of it? Why didn’t she care about the possible ramifications to her figure?

Right now, Crystal didn’t mind too much. She poured herself another cup of coffee, and set about exploring her friend’s house.

By noon, there was no sign of Quandary. And in spite of all that she’d eaten earlier, Crystal found herself hungry again. As it turned out, Quandary didn’t have much in the way of food, aside from cereal. And Crystal wasn’t in the mood for cereal.

Crystal huffed, leaving a note for Quandary in case she came back first, and ventured out into Ponyville proper. Repeating the instructions Quandary had written over and over again to herself.

Thankfully, the bakery was highly visible once somepony got close enough. Towering above some of the other buildings, near some sort of town square, with a huge sign with its name on it. Even with the rather...garish colours of Ponyville, it would be hard to miss.

It was also bustling. With a few tables outside, populated by ponies who were sipping milkshakes and eating treats.

Crystal’s stomach growled, even more so when she got a better, clearer sniff of the goodies inside. It’d been cloying all down the street, teasing her and making her all the hungrier.

Thankfully the bakery offered a sampler tray. And really big milkshakes. Both were amazing.

The inside was as colourful and iconic as the outside, with display cases and cake displays along a huge counter that displayed most of their wares. The three staff members were friendly and quick, the pink mare especially. A little exuberant for Crystal’s taste, but when the food was this good, it was better not to complain.

Crystal sat, and ate. Gorging herself on each pastry like she’d never eaten before in her life. Not thinking about the calories, not worrying about the effects on her figure. Just losing herself in the delightful creations of these capable, talented ponies.

When she left, after around half an hour of gorging herself silly on pastries, her teeth were buzzing. Her limbs shaky from the amount of sugar she’d managed to consume. Her stomach, once again hard as a rock and feeling like she’d swallowed a bowling ball.

Crystal waddled back to Quandary’s house. Where she collapsed on her friend’s squashy, comfortable sofa, and promptly fell asleep.

(LINE BREAK)

A hoof poking at her stomach was what woke Crystal up. She jerked from sleep mid-snore, making an odd snorting sound as she half sat up.

Quandary had the presence of mind to look sorry. “Hey. Sorry I bailed. Mr. Rich needed help right away.”

Crystal nodded, rubbing at her eyes. “S’okay. Know you had to.” She grumbled, shifting to better sit up. “Everything worked out?”

Quandary sat beside her, once there was enough room. “Yeah. Part of why it took so long. He’s a good sort, but his wife is a nightmare. Couldn’t get out of there until I settled things.”

“Good.” Crystal rubbed at her stomach, happy to notice that the bloating had vanished during her nap. So had the pain, even. And...well the sense of fullness too. Her stomach rumbled under her hoof hungrily. “Good. Went for a walk.”

“Saw you ate the pastries. And I know that food coma from anywhere: Sugarcube, right? Clearly you enjoyed yourself.” The couch creaked as Quandary got settled. “Glad to see you let loose. I was worried you’d stick to salads this whole time.”

Crystal couldn’t help but feel the soft layer of fat starting to collect around her middle. It wasn’t too late yet. Skip the rest of the restaurants Quandary wanted to show her, exercise more, find healthier options. It would be like these last two days of indulgence had never happened-

Her stomach gurgled hungrily, and Crystal let out a sigh. A few more days couldn’t hurt, right? She’d work it off in no time at all, if she really wanted to. Everypony deserved a break sometimes.

“What did you have in mind for dinner?” Crystal asked, almost hesitantly.

The grin that spread across Quandary’s face spelled trouble, but Crystal hoped it would be for the right reasons.

(LINE BREAK)

An hour or so later, after Quandary had had a shower and Crystal washed up, they were standing outside of a well known chain of restaurants. Fast food, fish and chips primarily, and it was not well known for its health.

“There’s two of these here in Ponyville.” Quandary soothed, clearly seeing the skepticism on Crystal’s face. “And this one is better by far. I don’t entirely know what makes it different, I think it’s someone higher up in the company, or maybe this is one of the oldest franchises, but he has more control over the product. It’s still the same prices, but things are so much better. The other one is across town, and it’s gross. Anypony who knows better comes to this one.”

“Uhuh.” Crystal couldn’t help but wrinkle her muzzle as they made their way inside. The smell of friar oil and grease was thick in the air, slick and gross.

The restaurant, in spite of the smell, was spotless. A few customers were scattered about the dining room. Chowing down on their food, chatting, with one single mare in the far corner with her nose in a book.

All in all, it wasn’t terrible. Crystal thought. Moving to stand beside Quandary as she looked up at the menu. It wasn’t too bad either, offering a few different kinds of fish, fish sandwiches, and a fairly standard array of sides ranging from french fries to mashed potatoes.

“Their gravy is really good. Mushroom based, apparently inspired by a griffon version.” Quandary supplied. “I always get the halibut combo number two, but you get what you want. My treat, for leaving you by your lonesome.”

Said combo was decent enough. Two pieces of fish, two choices of sides, and a drink. She could upgrade it to add a gravy, a cookie, and a few fresh rolls.

Crystal huffed. “Okay. I’ll take that, then, please. WIth the upgrade. Fresh corn and the fries please.”

“Good girl!” Quandary laughed, “Go find us a table, will you? And grab napkins for us.”

Crystal nodded, going to a nearby stand and loading up on supplies. Salt, pepper, vinegar, napkins, straws, and ketchup. She picked a booth and sidled on in. Arranging the extras she picked up while she waited idly.

There had been real heat coming from the kitchens, but this far into the front of the store, the air conditioning was left to cool the ponies. It was pleasant, not at all too cold but not too hot either. Thank Celestia, if the place smelled this bad when there was this much air circulation...Well, Crystal shuddered to think of what it would smell like on a hotter day with no air conditioning.

The food took longer than Crystal had anticipated, but it was still quick. Quandary slid a couple of heaping trays onto the table before squeezing herself into the booth opposite Crystal.

The food looked better than she thought, though obviously not as good as anything from one of the upscale restaurants she frequented back home.

“Fish’ll be hot, be careful. Only burn your mouth that badly once.” Quandary warned. Digging into her sides while she waited for the fish to cool.

“It looks good.” They both knew what Crystal meant; that it was better than she thought. She’d give more praise when the food earned it.

She salted and peppered her fries after tasting one and finding it lacking. They were hot, though, with a crisp outside and a fluffy interior. Beautiful, with the right seasoning, though she understood why they chose not to.

The gravy was good, too, and hot. With a nice, umami flavour that lingered on the tongue. Everything was obviously fresh, or at least as fresh as could be expected. The corn was sweet, and not overcooked, providing a nice crunchy note to provide contrast with everything else.

When Quandary tried the fish, Crystal followed suit. She needed to blow on it a little bit once she pulled it apart, but that spoke to how fresh it was. The skin was crispy and light, fish flaky. It needed vinegar, but it was delicious. Especially paired with everything else.

The pair ate in silence. Crystal was completely and utterly blown away by everything she tried, even the bread roll and the cookie. Both had been heated up, meaning they were soft and melty.

Quandary finished first, even though she had more food. Leaning back in the booth and watching Crystal continue to stuff herself silly. Quandary rubbed at her stomach, muffling a belch behind her hoof.

“It’s good.” Crystal said, a few minutes later. Sipping at her drink idly. “Really good, different.”

“Told you. Worth the walk, honestly.” It had been somewhat far from Quandary’s house, but she had a point. “Better than you’d expect.”

“Thank you, for bringing me. I know I was reluctant-”

“You had every right to be. The other one had four cases of food poisoning last year.” Quandary’s lips twitched. “They do it right here, properly. They really care about what they do and it shows.”

“It does.” Crystal wiped at her mouth with a napkin, moving to rub at her distended stomach. Not so painful this time around, in spite of the heavy grease. Part of her worried absently at that change. Had a few meals stretched out her stomach already? Surely it couldn’t make that much of a difference.

“Want to go home?” Quandary asked. “Or we could stay here for a bit longer, digest.”

“The walk would do me some good, I think.” Crystal groaned, shifting to sit up a little more. Igniting her magic and collecting their trash so they could throw it out more easily. “You sit, I’ll take care of this mess and we’ll go.”

“Sounds good.” Quandary sighed, rubbing at her stomach with both hooves. “Sounds good.”

Crystal got out of the booth, and set about clearing their trays. Maybe it was her imagination, being hyper aware of herself because of her shows of gluttony, but were her flanks wobbling? She shook herself.

No way, not only after a couple of days. It was nothing. It had to be.

(LINE BREAK)

Crystal slept in late the next morning, meaning it was approaching noon by the time she stepped out of the spare bedroom and set about getting herself a cup of coffee.

It took a few sips for her to realize it, but the dulcet tones wasn’t a tune being played on the radio.

Quandary was playing her piano, and as always, it was beautiful. Law was her special talent, but she expressed herself through music. Put her soul into it whenever she had the chance, had paid for lessons and practiced endlessly as a teenager.

Crystal moved to sit on the couch, sipping at the coffee with a soft sigh. Watching and listening to her friend as she continued to play. Going through the scales first, then a few simple songs, and growing in complexity and difficulty as minutes passed.

Eventually, after about half an hour or so, things started to wind down. The songs simplifying until the last couple of notes were fading away.

“I wish I could give you a round of applause.” Crystal said after a few moments, listening to Quandary huff and puff with the exertion of it. “You’re still as amazing as you ever were.”

Quandary grinned at that, “Glad you liked it. Been slacking off playing it recently, but I’m hoping that if things continue to settle that I’ll have more time for it soon.” She shrugged, “I have an idea for breakfast I think you’ll like, after you’re done you coffee and have had a bit of time to wake up.”

“Oh?”

“Another bakery, different to Sugarcube. It’s the Ponyville Bakery. Two locations, a larger one on the other side of town, and this smaller one close by. They mostly do a lot of savoury things. Breads, rolls, they offer hot pastries. There is some sweet stuff, cookies and the like, but it’s different to Sugarcube. You go there for a milkshake and a good time, but if you want bread you go to Ponyville Bakery proper.”

Crystal nodded, “That’s cool and good that they’re not competing directly with each other like that.”

“Helps keep them both in business.” Quandary nodded, “And it’s good for Ponyville. Having two awesome small businesses like that is good.”

“Yeah, it is.” How many bakeries had Crystal walked by without a thought? How much good food had she turned down for the sake of her figure?

She drained the last of her coffee, “Yeah we should go. I could eat.”

“Awesome!” Quandary grinned. “Alright then, let’s go. It isn’t far, I promise. They don’t have outside seating or anything, though, so we could come back here. Or we could find someplace to sit outside.”

“We’ll see how we feel.” Crystal offered a smile, setting her cup down and starting to get ready. “Play it by ear.”

“Sounds good.”

As it turned out, the bakery wasn’t very far away at all. Only two blocks or so. It was small, and quaint, but the smells permeated through the air and made Crystal all the hungrier for their presence. She could tell by smell alone that things were indeed different from Sugarcube corner, smelling more like bread than pastries, but she was still excited.

The door opened with a jingle, and a rather obese pony behind the counter waved. A unicorn pony, middle aged, wearing a uniform of some sort, and their body spilled out in every direction.

“Hey, Crumble. How are you this morning?” Quandary greeted.

“I’m doing just fine!” Crumble replied with a smile. She was bright blue, her mane tucked out of the way underneath a hat, out of sight. She was seated on a stool which was audibly creaking under her weight. She was roll-ridden, with drooping rolls of fat that strained against her uniform and disappeared behind the counter and out of sight.

Crystal swallowed dryly, masking herself in a cloak of neutrality. She couldn’t turn into somepony like that. Not with her active lifestyle. Though, she understood the draw of the treats now. The smells were even more intense in the store, and Crystal had swallowed dryly to stop herself from diving into the nearest pile of buns and start gorging.

Dinner rolls lined one shelf, bagged and ready to be taken home. Little bins of other styles of buns and rolls ran along the back wall. Ending with bins of loose bagels.

Crystal wandered through, eyes scanning the morsels on offer before turning around and looking at the next shelf. More bread this time, loaves of sourdough and crispy Prench breads. Pre-prepared garlic loaves were ready to be put in the oven, and others still with added cheese. Neightalian breads too, looking fresh and soft to the touch.

Crystal resisted the urge to touch. Going down the next isle and freezing.

Breadsticks, baked together so they stuck together like dinner rolls, were smothered in a seasoned garlic butter. They smelled delicious, even through the packaging. And Crystal picked up a package. Then spotted the pizza bread, baked in much the same way but with cheese and sauce on top rather than the garlic mixture.

A section down, there were garlic and cheddar stuffed buns. A whole heap of them. Crystal picked up those too, floating them near her head with a contented sigh.

To the wall opposite the dinner rolls, on the other side of the store, there were coolers. One offering various chilled and prepackaged drinks, the other offering more perishable treats. Cheesecakes, mouses, that sort of thing. None particularly caught her eye-

Oh. A peanut butter square? Some sort of peanut butter mixture with firm chocolate on top. It looked simple, but Crystal couldn’t help but be drawn to it. She picked it too.

Beside the coolers there was a warmer. Pizza turnovers, some sort of vegetarian sausage roll. Neither of them held much interest to her, but she was pleased to see Quandary loading up on them.

The front of the store had more cakes, cake pops, other pastries. Not nearly the selection that Sugarcube Corner had but it was understandable. They looked different too, more rustic.

Crystal settled her purchases on the counter, and then caught sight of something that made her surprisingly happy.

A little package of four cookies. With a candy coated chocolate pressed into them at random intervals. On popsicle sticks.

They were adorable. So Crystal grabbed one one those too.

“You’ve made some good choices here, a lot of these are our best sellers.” Crumble praised. Scanning them through and bagging them up. “The garlic bread especially. We’re known for our bread and buns.”

“Can’t wait to try them out.” Crystal admitted. “Everything looks amazing.”

“Oh it is.” Crumble and Quandary said in unison.

“I can’t eat bread from anywhere else now.” Quandary admitted. “The stuff from the store isn’t the same.”

Crumble nodded in agreement. “I’ve sampled everything we make here, and it’s all delicious. Alright, your total is twenty-five bits.”

Crystal hoofed them over without a thought, adding a few bits into the tip jar while she was at it. “Thanks.”

“It’s no problem, dear. This is a good place to work. Lots of regular customers but lots of newer folk too. Never gets old. Come on now, Quandary, lets get you settled.”

While Quandary purchased her goods, Crystal stood near the doorway. Her bags floating near her head. Trying very hard not to let her hunger get the better of her. She couldn’t eat in here, it wouldn’t be polite!

Still, the siren song of her grumbling stomach made things difficult.

There was a sense of palpable relief when they finally stepped back outside. Quandary didn’t waste time before she was eating one of the hot rolls, moaning in pleasure as she did. Did she look...rounder than usual?

Crystal blinked. No way. A few days couldn’t have made a noticeable difference on anypony’s figure.

“Home?”

“Yes please, I’m starving.”

“Should’ve had a bowl of cereal or something to tide us over. I maybe went a little overboard.”

“Me too.” Crystal admitted, “but it all looked so good!”

“It’ll taste better.”

“I believe you.” Nopony eats themselves to that size if the food is terrible. With employees like that, well the bakery had to be successful.

They fell into comfortable silence as they made their way back to Quandary’s house.

As Quandary set about putting her purchases away, Crystal made a beeline for the couch.

The peanut butter square was first. It was cool, the chocolate provided much needed texture for the soft peanut mixture. Not too sweet, not too savoury. A perfect balance. It was devoured eagerly and within moments, even as the peanut butter mixture stuck to the roof of her mouth.

“The peanut butter cheesecake is awesome too. I checked, they were out of it. It goes quick.”

Mouth too full to respond, Crystal soldiered on. The garlic sticks next. She pulled one apart from the others, and moaned as the taste hit her tongue. It was indescribably good. The bread was soft and fresh, buttery from the butter sinking into it. The topping was good too, blended well and seasoned perfectly.

It took a lot of effort not to gobble up the rest of them, but she could always come back to it.

The pizza bread was good too, not as good as the garlic sticks in Crystal’s opinion, but still delicious. The cheese was good and savoury, there wasn’t too much sauce. A good flavour combination.

Again, it took some self control not to eat them all in one go.

The cheddar and garlic butter stuffed buns were next, and Crytal could hardly wait. There was a sprinkling of cheese on top, marking them different from other buns of similar size.

Crystal took a big bite of it, flavour exploding across her tongue as she chewed. The bread was soft and chewy, the cheese and butter a good contrast in texture and taste.

She ate three more buns before coming back to her senses. She settled the bag on the coffee table, licking the crumbs from her muzzle. Her stomach was starting to hurt, bloating up from all the carbs, but she didn’t mind so much.

Cookies on popsicle sticks. A novel idea, probably for children. It was nice, though.

The cookie was sweet and chewy, the candy-coated chocolates providing a good crunch. Sugarcube Corner had better cookies, but these were so novel and unique, Crystal couldn’t help but feel she enjoyed these more. At least at present.

Quandary let out a belch from the kitchen. Crystal swallowed down the last bit of cookie, her stomach rumbling and gurgling.

A belch escaped her without her approval. The sound was loud and elongated. It almost hurt, actually, but the immense, immediate relief of pressure made it well worth it.

“I’m turning you into a whole different pony.” Quandary said, going to sit on her living chair. Snacking idly on some kind of bun. Crystal wasn’t sure if it was onions on the top or cheese, either way it looked pretty good.

“Should’ve brought me to this place first.” Crystal groaned, leaning back against the couch. Ready and willing to have the soft cushions swallow her up for a good nap.

“Well, I’ll keep that in mind for next time.” Quandary’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. “I’m gl ad you’re enjoying yourself. Worried you might not.”

“We get to spend time together, I get to taste some of the best food Ponyville has. It’s a win/win, really.” Crystal groaned, lifting another garlic stick to eat it. Even though her stomach ached from how full it was, it wasn’t all bad. Like the ache after dancing all night, or sleeping on a bad couch after having a fun night. It was pleasure-edged, more than just pain.

The food coma was epic, and the two mares spent their afternoon watching television. Enjoying each other’s company, chatting idly.

Around four o’clock, Crystal was jolted from her half-snooze by a rumbling in her stomach, hunger shooting right through to her spine. She let out a groan, stretching to get comfortable, as she contemplated what to do.

“Don’t you dare eat any more bread right now. I’ve just ordered pizza.”

“Again?” Her voice was slurred with sleep, and Crystal had to fight to sit up a bit more.

“Yes. There are good chains around, chains I know you haven’t ordered from. This one is Gentleman’s Pizza. They have a glaze like Eastsides does, and I know you’ll love it. Come on, please help me clean off the coffee table. Should be here soon.”

Crystal huffed, but obliged. Putting away what remained of her earlier feast and cleaning off the coffee table to make room for their next one.

Quandary, from where she stood, could see the layer of fat struggling to form a roll as Crystal moved. The unicorn remained seated, her little poofing belly on full display. Was this why she was so eager to eat salads? Was it possible for anypony to gain that quickly? Quandary didn’t know, but she was glad to see her filly-friend so relaxed.

The doorbell rang,and she eagerly went to pay. Bringing back the boxes and bottles of soda with a prance in her step. Happy to share this next thing with her friend.

“Alright, we’ve got two six-cheese pizzas, an order of breadsticks, and a couple sodas. Oh! Also their cinnasticks. It’s pizza dough, with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, butter, and royal icing.”

“Oh, that sounds good.” The smells wafting from the boxes were enticing to say the least, and Crystal didn’t even stop to admire the food before she was extracting a slice and eating it.

It was good, not as good as Eastsides, but still delicious. Cheesy, gooey, not too greasy. The glaze on the crust was nice, but a little overpowering.

Still didn’t stop her from eating her entire pizza though, dipping it in the provided marinara sauce. Now that was good.

The breadsticks were mass-made of leftover dough, but their seasoning was beyond excellent. There wasn’t too much cheese, it was real parmesan, it was a good solid choice.

The cinnasticks though. Crystal had underestimated them and that was her mistake. They tasted like a proper dessert from somewhere, even if they didn’t look it. Not too sweet, but still overwhelming in its flavour.

By the time she was done, Crystal was once more ready to go back to sleep.

Quandary laughed, happily eating whatever Crystal had left behind. “Told you you’d like it. Go have a shower, you’ve got marinara in your mane.”

Another day of gorging ended, when overfull and freshly showered, Crystal fell into bed. Rubbing and stroking at her bloated belly as she fell into sleep.

(LINE BREAK)

The next couple of days flew by in a haze of food. There were repeat orders from Sugarcube and Eastsides, and even though Crystal had never eaten so much pizza in such a short time before, she found herself not wishing for anything different.

It was good, comforting in a way Crystal hadn’t expected.

Still, it was good to stay in. Listen to more of Quandary’s piano, watch more shows and movies. And just...relax.

Crystal didn’t notice her blooming figure. Her small belly was starting to bloom into a true potbelly, her flanks jiggling, her face starting to look chubby.

Quandary had grown too. Her waddle was more pronounced, her stomach that much closer to the ground. She didn’t mind, she liked it really. It was exciting, different. It showed how much she loved food, and eating to live was just so...boring. Why not live to eat?

Two days before Crystal was scheduled to leave, they stood in line outside of an oddly shaped building. It was almost like a castle? Bot not quite? Very different from Princess Twilight’s castle, which loomed in the distance.

It was a plaza. With a flower shop, a pharmacy, there was a petting zoo in the back, a sub shop.

They weren’t there for subs though. They were there for milkshakes.

“-telling you, Crystal ,you won’t regret it. The toonie shakes are pretty big, and you can’t beat two bits. And the Jumbo is a little over three. They’re the best. Canterlot has the best ice cream, no one denies it, but the milk here is better for drinking and it makes the best milkshakes I’ve ever seen.”

Reid’s Dairy was a cow-owned dairy, that worked hard to spread milk products across the local area. And had been for a long time, since just after Ponyville was founded. They had a high reputation, and were obviously popular, hence the line.

“Hey, I never said I didn’t believe you.” Crystal shifted her weight on aching hooves, grateful as the line shifted up. “They really are busy.” At least they were out of the sun. The awning provided ample shade, enough to keep the worst of the summer sun off of somepony’s back. It was still dreadfully hot, though.

“It’s the heat wave. It’s always like this. It’d be busy regardless, since it’s summer, but still.” Quandary shrugged. Shuffling forward as the line moved closer towards the door. “It’s air conditioned in there, though. Really cold. It’ll be well worth it.”

Crystal made a non-committal noise in the back of her throat. Falling silent as a number of ponies streamed out of the store, and a bunch of ponies were able to go inside.

The air conditioning hit with the force of a train. It was freezing, sending shivers along Crystal’s spine and making her fur stand on end.

It was one large room. With an extensive counter along the back wall. To the right was a small, packed, seating area, and the bathrooms. With...windows, looking into the dairy proper. Showing workers as they packaged ice cream for transport around the county.

They offered a small selection of hot foods: hot dogs, slices of pizza, that sort of thing. But they weren’t here for that. Giant tubs of icecream were waiting behind the line, waiting to be put into cups and cones.

The far end of the counter was where the milkshakes were going on. As well as some other kind of blended thing that the menu called a ‘tornado’. Unique at least, blending different toppings into their soft serve ice cream.

“Alright, so there’s options here. I get a neapolitan shake, but you get what you want.” Quandary grinned, nodding to the employees as they inched their way along the line.

“Can they do a chocolate and vanilla twist type thing?”

“Don’t see why they couldn’t. We can ask, once we get there.”

Crystal was happy enough to inch along, basking in the air conditioning. Letting the wash of voices and movement soothe her. It was nice, especially with the heat and irritation of outside.

“Alright, what can I get for you?”

“A jumbo neapolitan shake please.”

“Can I get a chocolate and vanilla shake, please? Also jumbo.”

“Yes of course.” The unicorn tapped at the cash register.

Quandary paid while Crystal shifted further along the counter, where others were also waiting for their shakes.

It took a bit of time, once Quandary joined Crystal, but soon enough their massive shakes were put on the counter and they worked to squeeze their way outside.

Keen to drink, especially now they were back into the heat, Crystal let out a huff. The shake was thick, too shake to drink immediately. The straw was ineffective against the shake’s prowess, and did little more than seal shut as Crystal tried to drink.

Quandary laughed, patting Crystal on the shoulder. “There’s seating near the zoo, if it isn’t too busy. It won’t take more than a couple of minutes for it to thin out a bit.”

Crystal nodded, following Quandary as she made her way back around the plaza and into the opening in between stores.

There was a playground, a bunch of tables under a shade. The petting zoo, more playground equipment. Almost a park. It was nice, and surprisingly not too busy. Ponies were probably keen to get their ice cream and go home, get away from the heat.

By the time they got settled, Crystal tried again. Wincing as the harsh metal of the stool-chair combination dug into her rump. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing, but it would do.

This time, the shake was more drinkable. Still thick, incredibly rich, and very creamy. It coated the inside of her mouth easily. Crystal hummed at the taste. This first stretch was vanilla. It didn’t taste cheap, like some milkshakes did, it was just so delicious and nice that she didn’t even care that she was practically chugging it.

When the freezing, paralyzing sensation began in her chest, Crystal stopped. Wincing as the pain spread, she brought a hoof up to rub some warmth back into her chest. Grimacing all the wile. No brain freeze, thankfully, but this was just as paralyzing.

“Chest freeze still?”

“Yeah.” Crystal confirmed in a croak. “Oh it’s so good though, I’m not even mad.”

Quandary laughed at that, joy making it seem like the most melodious of bells. “Glad you enjoyed it.”

“You told me I would.”

Quandary grinned, shaking her head. Her eyes were soft and full of fondness. She laughed again when Crystal started drinking again. At a more measured pace this time, taking little pauses so that the pain would stay away.

“Think I could convince you into moving here?” Quandary asked.

“The food is winning me over to the idea. And I’d get to see you more, which is nice. We don’t spend nearly enough time together.”

“I think it could work. There’s a growing market for high priced goods such as yours. Even if you open up another store here or something, you could make a killing. Especially with how popular Princess Twilight is. Could help your career along.”

“It could, not that I really need the help. I’ve been doing pretty damned good for myself you know.”

“I know.” Quandary shrugged. She sipped at her shake, watching as ducks swam across the pond in the petting zoo proper. “I think you’d like it here.”

“I think so too.” And the scary thing was, was that Crystal meant it.

(LINE BREAK)

“Are you going to hurt me if I suggest we get pizza again?”

“From where?”

“New to you place. I’m not sure if it’s a small chain or a locally owned store or what, but they’re good.”

Crystal hummed contemplatively. “You know what, I’m game. You haven’t steered me wrong yet. Go for it.”

“Cheese pizza okay?”

“Can we get mushrooms and bell peppers on one, please? I feel like I should be able to say I ate one vegetable on this trip.”

Quandary laughed, but nodded. Getting up from where she’d been sprawled in her chair to go get the phone and order.

Crystal, left alone, rested her hooves against her plush stomach. She could feel firmness still, underneath the fat. Part of her wondered how long that would last, if she kept going down this path. She was enjoying herself now, sure. And, theoretically she could work at any weight because of her magic.

But did she want to get bigger? There was freedom in this yes, for now. But what happened if her health changed? If her clientele left?

Well, she supposed, could close up shop back home. Relocate here. Ponies don’t seem to mind weight so much here. And if Quandary was right, if there was a real demand for her wares here...well, it’d be worthwhile.

“Alright, done!” Quandary’s sudden reappearance had Crystal almost jump off the couch, she startled so badly. “Oh, sorry, Crystal. Didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

“It’s okay.” Crystal let out a shaking sigh, her frantic heart already starting to settle down. She shifted into a better position, stretching as she went. “Better you than the pizza man.”

“True, they should be here in forty minutes or so, though if they’re busy it might take longer.”

“Fair enough. So long as we get our food at some point.” Crystal shrugged. “What do we do in the meantime?”

“Watch a movie? There are a few here we haven’t seen yet.”

“Yeah, works for me.” Crystal shrugged again, yawning. “Oh, wait, save the movie. If you’re good with it, I’m actually going to go shower before dinner.”

“Of course, go for it. I’ll yell when it’s here.”

Crystal nodded, stumbling to her hooves and making her way upstairs. Wondering if she’d notice anything else about her thickening body while she washed.

Sure enough, there were. She was...soft, all over in a way she hadn’t been. The hot water soaking through her fur and cascading down her skin provided ample opportunities to feel new differences. They were slight, surely, but for how much Crystal was feeling them she might have been the size of a whale.

Part of her wondered how that would feel, to be so wrapped in layers of your own indulgence that things become difficult. How would walking feel with a pendulum of a stomach swinging between your legs? How might things progress as you ate yourself into larger and larger sizes?

The thought was...terrifying, and exhilarating, and as she washed her mane, Crystal couldn’t help but wonder if she was really considering this. One week of indulgence and she was contemplating massive changes to her routines, her body, herself.

It wouldn’t be instant, would it? There’d be plenty of opportunity to stop gaining, or to lose weigh if she wanted to. Celestia knew there were enough gyms and private trainers to help with that, not matter the size.

So deep in her contemplations that she almost missed Quandary’s shout. And was, genuinely, surprised at how long she’d stayed in the shower. However, she felt...better. Cleaner, yes, but better. More assured. Like she’d made some big decision. And in a way, she had.

Shutting off the water and drying herself off were hurried tasks. Wrapping her tail in a towel and tying up her mane was a bad decision, but Quandary had to have a hair straightener around somewhere so it would be fine. So, mostly dry but still damp, Crystal rushed downstairs.

The smell of cheese, good quality cooked cheese, permeated the downstairs. Crystal’s stomach roared for sustenance, hungry as always.

The feast was spread across the coffee table, as was their new norm. The crust was different than what Crystal was used to, thicker, but it was browned and bubbled. And stood up well to the deluge of cheese on both pizzas.

The bread sticks were individual sticks, as well. Also oozing cheese, and topped with extra parmesan to boot, that Crystal had the thought that it would stick to the roof of her mouth in the best way possible.

In all it looked higher end than Gentleman’s and Eastsides, but still just as good.

Quandary was already munching away on a slice, and Crystal was happy to pick one for herself and get going.

Quandary, absently, turned something on in the background. The noise helped hide the desperate sounds of their gorging. It was nice, normal, like any friends would do.

“This is Main Street Pizza,” Quandary said at last, after swallowing down the last bite of crust. “Told you it’d be good.”

Crystal’s mouth was too full to respond, but she nodded in agreement. It was. Higher class ingredients, some sort of wood oven, and it showed. The dough had been fermented for some time, the cheese was gooey without being an oil slick.

The bread sticks were amazing too, and as predicted, the thick layer of parmesan stuck to the roof of her mouth. Crystal didn’t care. Washing it all down with soda.

By the time the boxes were empties and sodas drained, Crystal was in a haze of pain and pleasure. Stomach bloated outward enough that her belly button had been pushed outwards. It was a round, rock solid dome, but Crystal didn’t mind so much.

“You kept up with me.” Quandary sounded impressed. “I’ve had to clean up your share before.”

“Finally pulling my weight.” Crystal quipped, muffling a burp into her hoof. “Oh that’s too good.”

Quandary nodded. The two mares’ attention were on the television. Happy to just...soak in the contentedness that surrounded them. Hopeful for a future where they’d see more of each other, in more than just one sense.

A Fulfilling Wish

Author's Note

A late comm for Sea Fluff. About Sea Fluff wishing about weight gain, and having the whole town of Ponyville fall under its sway.

Warnings for extreme weight gain, mobility issues, and immobility

A Fulfilling Wish

Sea Fluff trotted down the path, heading back towards Ponyville from overseeing a shipment of seeds to Sweet Apple Acres. It was midday, and a gorgeous, late summer afternoon. All in all, rather worth it to make the delivery herself.

The only issue was that this way back to Ponyville proper had Sea very close to the Everfree Forest. It wasn’t that much of a problem, so close to a settled zone, but it always put her on edge-

A glint. Metallic, just on the edge of the forest. Where the grass was still cut, but tendrils of untamed plant life were visible.

Sea Fluff paused, rustling her wings against her back to get them in a better position. She could almost see what it was, something metallic, laying in the grass. She crept over to it, just long enough to snatch whatever it was with her teeth before pulling away to the safety of the path.

Spitting it out onto the path between her front hooves, Sea Fluff stared at the little metallic...thing curiously.

It was a ring, she was sure, like how unicorns sometimes wore over their horns. They were rare, mostly a holdover from when the races were separate. Unnecessary jewelry like horn rings used to symbolize class...Sea was sure. Or maybe that was a rumour? Or from a book?

Weird, though, to see one so close to a settlement that was so populated by earth ponies. Sea shrugged, picked it up again, and twisted to put it in her saddlebags. Maybe an appraiser could make more sense of it. At least it wasn’t being left to tarnish in the rain anymore.

As she turned her attention to return home, her mind started to wander. Turning, inexplicably, to a topic that Sea avoided at all costs. Burying her desires, her wants, so deep that she hardly thought them at all. It was better she ignored them.

Nopony wanted to feed her so much she started gaining weight. Who would willingly feed somepony until their health and mobility were affected? It just...wasn’t normal.

Still, Sea couldn’t help but wish deeply, in this moment alone at the outskirts of town, that it was normal. That the ponies of Ponyville would be willing to band together and fulfill her innermost fantasies: getting fat.

Sea sighed, shaking her head. She could see Ponyville in the distance, now, not so far away. She picked up the pace a little, going at a brisk trot down the road. Eager to leave the Everfree, and her thoughts, behind her.

Going home didn’t take very long, but Sea was restless. She left her saddlebags, and the ring, behind. It’d been a long morning, and since it was now early afternoon, she felt she deserved something to eat. Sugarcube Corner was probably the best bet, and Sea couldn’t help but grin as the bakery came into sight.

It was busy, but that was understandable considering the heat. Few places offered ice cream and baked goods, and it was a central part of Ponyville’s sense of community. The line wasn’t too bad, at least, which helped.

Sea entered, smothering a yawn into her foreleg. Maybe a coffee, to go along with a few pastries. A little pick-me-up, with a pastry or two left for breakfast tomorrow-

“Oh! Sea!” Pinkie waved, smiling widely enough that all her teeth were on display. “Just the mare I wanted to see! You looking for a few extra bits?”

“Always, Pinkie, what’s up?” Sea was genuinely interested, head tilted to one side as she went over to the section of counter Pinkie was standing behind. She made enough money through deliveries and pillow sales, but she liked doing other things too. Always looking to save up enough bits that in case something happened or if something changed she didn’t need to worry about money right away.

“Well, since fall is coming up soon, I’ll be baking myself into a tizzy!” Pinkie grinned. “I was wondering if you could help me with fine tuning my recipes, help me with new ones-”

“I’m not much of a baker, Pinkie.” Sea admitted. She was an okay cook, but baking attempts always ended poorly. If she had greater culinary talent, she wouldn’t need others to feed her.

“Oh, no silly, I don’t need another baker. I need a taste tester!”

The world slowed to a standstill for a hooffull of seconds, before Sea regained herself and was nodding. This was like a dream come true, a fantasy made real. “Oh! Okay, yes, Pinkie, I’ll be glad to help. When do we start?”

“We can start now, if you want? Unless you’re busy?”

“I just finished a job, so I’m pretty hungry-” Pinkie reached over the counter and picked Sea up. Swiftly moving the blue pegasus behind the counter and into the kitchen beyond. “Woah, Pinkie! What-”

“I have so many recipes for you to try, and since you’re hungry I know you’ll get through so many of my treats.” Pinkie set Sea down in a comfortable chair before zooming around the kitchen. Ovens were on, and even with the air conditioning, it was hot in here. Breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, were in industrial-sized ovens or in cooling racks. A few of these racks were obviously holding bulk orders or orders for ponies outside Ponyville, but still. It was impressive.

“Alright, what do I need to do?”

“Eat whatever I give you and tell me what you think! Cupcakes first!” Pinkie pulled a few trays from a fridge. Her specialty, even the thought of one of Pinkie’s cupcakes were enough to get Sea’s stomach growling harshly, her mouth salivating at the thought.

“Oh, okay-” And then there was a cupcake in front of Sea’s muzzle. She didn’t get to finish her thought, or sentence, before she was gobbling the rich pastry down. It was a chocolate cupcake, with chocolate frosting. A normal cupcake, an old classic but good as ever.

“Can you taste coffee?”

“Am I supposed to be able to?” Sea asked, licking her lips.

“Nope! A little bit of coffee helps make it more choco-tastic!”

“It’s good, really good. Nice and chocolatey!” Sea confirmed, offering Pinkie a smile.

“Goodie!” Pinkie giggled, writing notes into her notebook. “Alright, let’s try this one!” Bringing another cupcake to Sea’s face. Bright yellow frosting and a vanilla looking cake.

Lemon. Not too sweet, not too sour. It had been perfect.

And that was the pattern. Pinkie would brush a cupcake against Sea’s muzzle, Sea would gobble it up, and remark on it, before moving onto the next one.

After the fourth cupcake, Sea started to feel full. Five was full, but still delicious, eight was painful, nine was a struggle, and the tenth cupcake, for as good and fudgy as it was, was nearly impossible.

Sea swallowed it down with a whimper, muzzle and cheeks stained with frosting and crumbs. Her stomach was swollen and painful, stretched taut and angry. She was rubbing at it in some bid to soothe, but it wasn’t enough. Her stomach was packed tight, stretched and angry, like she’d just swallowed a bowling ball. Agony jolting through straight to her spine it felt like.

“Good, Pinkie.” Sea whimpered, licking her lips. Cradling her distended stomach with both hooves. “Really good.”

Pinkie grinned. “Oh good, I’d worried it was too rich!” Adding more notes to the notebook with a sigh. “You did great, Sea! I think we can end it there for today, I don’t want you to lose your cupcakes!”

“Yeah I don’t either,” Sea panted. Now the pain was starting to settle in. The blood was rushing to her stomach, and she was starting to sweat. It ran down her face in rivluts, her light blue coat darkening from the wetness. “Did I help?”

“You really did!” Pinkie’s grin was wide enough it had to hurt. “You were fantastic! Can you help me tomorrow?”

Sea wanted to, desperately wanted to deep in her chest like she hadn’t wanted much else in her life. However,her churning stomach made the decision for her. “Maybe? Ask me again tomorrow, Pinkie.”

“Okie-dokie loki!” Pinkie grinned. Reaching around to help get Sea to her hooves. “I can pay you for tonight, or we can wait until next weekend and pay you for all the days you work with us?”

“Next week works.” Sea confirmed. “Thanks Pinkie.” Needing to waddle, waddle, so she didn’t jostle her stomach. Moving slowly out of the store, and making her way back home. Intending to do nothing else but fall into bed and sleep.

Pinkie, and others, watched as Sea waddled back home. All of them thinking the same thing: Hmmm, Sea is looking a little thin, isn’t she? And all of them resolving to help in whatever way they could.

(LINE BREAK)

When Sea Fluff woke up the next morning, her stomach didn’t hurt anymore. Though she still felt a little bloated, and more ravenous than normal.

It’s what I guess, for eating so much. Going to stretch out my stomach if she keeps asking me to do that. Sea rubbed at her tummy with a sigh as she made herself coffee for the day. She didn’t have any deliveries scheduled, and part of her worried about heading to Pinkie’s-

A knock interrupted her thoughts. And Sea went to open the door. Maybe it was a delivery day, or it was the mailpony-

Only it was Applejack. With her cart laden with apple themed desserts.

“Howdy there, Sea Fluff! I hope you don’t mind, but Pinkie was tellin’ me how good a job you did yesterday and I was wonderin’ if I could borrow your services for the morning. We’d pay you, and you can have whatever’s leftover that you don’t eat.” Applejack offered a grin. “Pinkie can spare you for the day, if you were worried. I asked.” Added onto the end, almost like an afterthought.

Sea’s mind spun for a few minutes, trying to find equilibrium.

This was too much. Too amazing. Two of the best bakers in Ponyville suddenly needing her help to taste their food? It was like a dream come true-

“Um. Sure! Yes. Yes please. Sorry, I just woke up.” Sea sputtered, offering an apology. “Can I get you a coffee, it’s a fresh pot?”

“I’m alright, thanks” Applejack unloaded a few boxes from the cart, still steaming, and entered. Sea led the farm pony into the kitchen, where Applejack stacked the boxes. “Had some already, don’t want to be too jittery.”

Sea nodded, fair enough she supposed, and sat down. Marveling as Applejack spread the boxes across the kitchen table. “So, what all do we have?”

“Well, we’ve got apple turnovers, apple dumplings, apple pie, apple crisp, and bloomin’ apples! The bloomin’ ones are new. Gotta make sure they hold up with the others.” Applejack grinned, sliding a box, and a fork, over to Sea.

The scents coming from the boxes were heavenly. Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, spices that made her think of Hearth’s Warming and winters laden with heavy Apple Family desserts…

Sea couldn’t resist them. How could she? Against such deliciousness?

The blooming apples were a bit like a blooming onion, but were clearly a dessert. They’d been cut open so it would ‘bloom’ like a flower, covered in butter and spices, with some caramel in the center. They were warm and gooey, and would go wonderfully with some ice cream.

Sea ate the two she’d been provided with in record timing. Barely pausing to give praise before bringing the next box to her muzzle and tearing it open.

By the pie, she’d forgone the fork entirely. Eating the pie, crust and all, with her muzzle buried into the pie tin. Gobbling the treats up greedily, not caring or noticing the caramel and juices covering her muzzle and cheeks, or about the crumbs scattered everywhere: stuck to her table, floor, chair, mane, and coat.

Applejack stood, watching, moving the empty boxes out of the way and pushing the full boxes closer so Sea didn’t need to reach.

Sea gobbled the treats down, not noticing how her stomach bloated and stretched out as she went. The rich pastry filling out her stomach.

By the time she finished, she was a mess. Rubbing at her distended stomach, whimpering and whining as she leaned back in her chair. “Good. Re-really good, Applejack.”

“Good! Where did you want the rest?”

“Rest?” The idea of eating anything else was nauseating.

“I promised you food, remember? Gotta keep your strength up for all those deliveries.”

“Um...Counter is okay?” Sea blinked, feeling slow and sluggish, even as Applejack trotted back outside and brought in another stack of boxes. Sliding them effortlessly from her back onto the counter, Sea was left to rub at her stomach and try to digest. Her stomach gurgling and churning angrily, very audible.

Applejack brought in another load of boxes, “Alrighty then, that should do it. I can pay you now, if you want, or at the end-”

“End of the week is fine. Thank you Applejack.” Sea waved a hoof dismissively. “Thank you again, for thinking about me.”

“It’s no problem, sugarcube.” Applejack beamed, tilting her hat towards Sea in a gesture of farewell, before leaving.

Leaving Sea in her quiet house, full to bursting with pastries.

Sea groaned, slumping back into her chair. Not the start to her day that she’d imagined, but it had sated some...deep seated itch she hadn’t known about.

(LINE BREAK)

The next few days blended together under much the same circumstances. Ponies everywhere suddenly had food for Sea to taste, or extra baked goods they didn’t want to go stale. Sea, who was always willing to lend a hoof, couldn’t help but indulge.

She was enjoying everything, and why shouldn’t she? Summer was fading, fall was starting, and it was soon going to be that time of the year. Everypony was bound to start baking and indulging, and it was nice to get started a little earlier than normal. It helped to break up the monotony, especially since Sea was already seeing an increase in shipments and deliveries she had to organize and set up.

With the weather cooling, she didn’t need to deliver things herself at least. That helped, and it made justifying the extra treats to herself a little more bearable.

After all, she was working harder. Who didn’t deserve an extra cookie or cake or tart after working through sheafs of paperwork all morning?

Sea, thus far, was oblivious to the changes going on around her. If she had been making deliveries herself, she might have noticed the biggest change: her growing waistline.

It wasn’t much, not yet, but her saddlebags would no longer fit her if she cared to put them on. A thin, extra layer of fat collecting underneath the skin. Rounding out Sea’s curves and making her cheeks look chubby.

To the ponies of Ponyville, however, such a visible change wasn’t enough. To them Sea was still far too thin for their liking, and since fall was an excuse to start baking anyway, it didn’t take long for production to ramp up on all the things they were giving Sea.

Sea rose up to eat everything given to her. Her appetite grew far quicker than her waistline. She remained oblivious to this change too, not noticing or caring about her increasing grocery bill or exactly how much food she managed to plough through in a day.

Right now she was signing the last of some paperwork in her office. Task completed, and papers put into the right tray, she leaned back and stretched. The fat clinging to her wiggled a little at the motions, even as her back and neck popped. Happy for the change of position.

Sea yawned, rubbing at her stomach idly with a hoof before smacking her lips. “Could go for something to eat.” Leveraging herself out of her chair to go into the kitchen and grab two dozen cookies and a gallon of milk to wash them down with.

She went through eating them mechanically. Enjoying every bite but not lingering or savouring, simply wanting to eat as much as she could as quickly as she could. Needing to fill the growing pit that was her stomach. It was stretched, and still stretching with every day Sea spent stuffing herself.

This was a good snack, though. She’d have to remember to tell Mrs. Cake that her sugar cookies were still the best in town. Sea thought to herself as she popped another into her mouth. Washing it down with cool milk.

Sea ate without thinking about it, and soon reached for a cookie and met nothing but air. And tried to take a sip of milk only to meet the same realization.

They were all gone. Tucked into her belly with the passivity of a cow grazing.

And that was when the discomfort set in. She pain she’d felt in those first few days, and massive cases of indigestion, were mostly behind her. But that didn’t mean she was completely immune from stuffing herself. It was a dull pain, an ache tinged with pleasure.

Sea managed to waddle herself into the living room before collapsing onto the couch. Fully sinking into the throes of a food coma, one hoof absentmindedly petting her stomach as it fought to digest.

(LINE BREAK)

Another few weeks passed, with either Sea stuffing herself or the townsfolk, before something notable occurred. Fall was in full swing now, with chilly days and chillier nights. The grass dead, the trees alight with colour. It was beautiful, but cold. And that was all the reason Sea needed to stay indoors.

That didn’t stop ponies from visiting her, though, which was how she ended up inviting Rarity into her house early some morning, while the chill of nighttime still clung to Ponyville like condensation stuck to a glass.

“Can you repeat that?” Sea asked.

“I need a new model, and I think you’ll fit the bill quite nicely. It’s for my winter line, darling, and nopony else has the figure or pizazz to pull it off!” Rarity beamed over her teacup.

Sea blinked. “But...why me?”

“You’re beautiful, darling, and that’s reason enough! I’ll pay you for it, of course, and you can keep a few articles of clothing if you’d like. Last time you were in town...your coat seemed a little snug.”

Sea couldn’t help but blush at that. She’d hoped nopony had noticed, she’d shrunk her coat in the wash, and hadn’t been able to do it up all the way. Leaving her feeling exposed to the elements far more than she’d wanted to be. “Oh. Well, in that case..yes. I’ll take you up on your offer.”

Rarity squealed, forgoing the tea to wrap Sea in a hug. Sea didn’t notice, but Rarity took her time. Sinking into the soft fat of Sea’s body for a moment, gauging, before pulling away. “Thank you! I’ll need to take your measurements of course-”

“I don’t...really have a tape measure.”

“And I never leave home without one!” Rarity chirped, still smiling. Using her magic to extract a fashion tape measure from the pocket of her coat that was hung in front of the fire to warm. A little notebook and pencil followed, presumably so Rarity could write down the measurements.

Sea stood and let Rarity do her thing, trying very hard not to fidget. Not knowing enough to know that Rarity wasn’t using a standard measuring tape, she was using a very long one. And still, it was rather snug in certain places while Rarity took the proper measurements. Showing off exactly how many more inches Sea had added to her frame in the last few months.

Rarity scribbled as she went, brows furrowed in concentration. “There we are!” She looked a Sea, then to her notebook. Her brows furrowing all the more and a frown appearing.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s...your measurements. They’re quite small for a mare of your height. You’re sure you haven’t been working too hard? Forgetting any meals?”

It took Sea a few moments to really process what Rarity was saying. That was...discouraging to say the least. “It is getting busier, with the holidays coming up.” Sea admitted with a shrug. Moving to sit, not hearing the chair underneath her creak with her weight. “And I feel like maybe I’ve been snacking more than I’ve been eating meals.”

Which was true, but not in the way that implied any amount of weight loss.

“You might want to go see your doctor. Nip this little problem in the bud before you start hurting. I want healthy models, not like the ones in Canterlot.” Rarity grinned. The concern still visible on her face. “We can’t have you freezing over the winter.”

“I’ll go tomorrow.” Sea resolved, “I promise, Rarity, you don’t need to worry.”

“I’ll leave you to it then. Thank you again, for your help. Don’t you worry, it won’t be too stressful or taxing.” Rarity stood to leave, gathering her things. “Be sure to let me know if you need anything, though, alright?”

“Of course!” Sea smiled. “Thanks again for the offer.”

Rarity didn’t say anything else as she left Sea’s house. Leaving Sea rather tired and worried about her health and future.

(LINE BREAK)

Sea Fluff sat on the edge of the examination table, worrying at her lower lip while the doctor looked over his charts. He, and the nurse, had looked as worried as Rarity had when they realized. They hadn’t told Sea her weight or measurements, probably to spare her the same sort of fear.

“Alright, Sea. It’s good you have such a good friend who told you about this. Her instinct seems to be the right one, you’re not dangerously underweight yet but you’re close. I want you on a high-calorie diet from here on out. I can give you a few pamphlets about how to go about doing that sort of thing, but it boils down to making sure you’re getting the nutrition you need. High calorie, high protein, snacking often. If you’re having issues eating regular meals you can always have smaller meals throughout the day, and snacks in between. So you’re going to need to stock up on easy to eat snacks and meals.”

“Anything I should stay away from?”

“No. You’ll also want to stock up on things like butter, olive oil, peanut butter. Those meal replacement shakes can help too, especially if you’re prone to skipping breakfasts.”

Sea nodded, “It’s all in the pamphlets?”

“It’ll all be in the pamphlets.” The doctor agreed, “And you can always call us if you need clarification or have questions.”

“I will.” Sea offered a smile, “Thank you, again, for this.”

“Hey, you did a good thing coming to see us. This was the right choice, and now we’ll get you back to a healthy weight.” The doctor offered a smile.

The door to the examination room opened, and the nurse poked her head in. Horn lit up, she held several brochures like papers and an information packet. “Here you are, thought you’d want to take them home to look them over. There’s a meal plan and a few other suggestions in here.”

“Thank you!” Sea offered a smile, taking the pamphlets and printed pages, flicking through them idly to see colourful diagrams and infographics, as well as an example meal plan.

“It’s no problem. Other than that, you’re healthy. We hope to see you again in a couple of weeks, or sooner if you experience weight loss or other symptoms.” The doctor smiled, “Hopefully we won’t see you soon.”

“Here’s hoping. Thank you again.” Sea offered a grin, slipping the pages into the little bag she had that hung around her neck. She usually used it as a coin purse, but she didn’t need her saddlebags for a few papers.

She slid off the exam table, and left. She was hungry now, and could smell something delicious. Following her nose, she found a little pizza shop on the edge of one of Ponyville’s public squares. Selling slices to ponies on the go, and whole pizzas to ponies who didn’t mind lingering or were on their way home.

So, Sea did the only sensible thing:

“Can I get three large pizzas and some of those garlic knots? Doctor’s orders!”

(LINE BREAK)

Sea stood, chewing contentedly on a snack while Rarity pulled the fabric tighter around her waist. It was, as Rarity had promised, a beautiful gown that fell in line with the rest of her winter line. It was white, with a tight bodice and flowing, puffy skirt that served to accentuate her curves.

Well, if she were a thinner mare it would accentuate curves. As was they mostly served to cling to her bountiful rolls and show off the massive amount of weight she’d gained in the last month since her doctor’s appointment.

Everypony, it seemed, heard of the diagnosis. And seemed keen to make sure that Sea was following orders and getting enough to eat. There was rarely a moment where Sea wasn’t eating something: some treat from a friend, or a snack she purchased for herself.

She’d been large at the doctor’s appointment. Fat, with a potbelly and swaying flanks and chubby cheeks.

She’d rapidly gained enough weight to qualify for obesity. Her body swelling with excess reserves while she whiled away time eating and doing the paperwork necessary for her work. She was more and more reluctant to do much of anything that would put her health at risk more than it already was, but she had friends who were more than happy to help!

Sea was lucky for it. So she ate quietly, even as her knees ached from standing up for so long. Munching on hard candies for now, so she didn’t get crumbs on Rarity’s creation.

“Almost done, darling.” Rarity sounded a little winded, concentrating hard as she worked to get the gown secured properly.

It was tight, digging into Sea’s flesh, but she didn’t mind. It was to help a friend, so it was worth the discomfort. Plus, Rarity had stocked up on candy that Sea could eat while she waited. So it was no sweat off her back.

Rarity grunted, and there was a sound of the zipper doing up. The pressure increased, cloth stretched tight across Sea’s body. The zipper dug into her back, and so were the seams.

“There we are!” Rarity took a step back, “Much improved, Sea, much improved!”

“Really?” Last time they’d tried this she hadn’t fit into the dress at all, which was part of why Sea had been pushing herself so hard to eat as much as she could.

“Yes, darling! You look perfect!” Rarity beamed. “Oh, I see you’ve finished that bowl of candy, here let me get you another.” Emptying a bag of caramels into the dish nearest to Sea.

Sea didn’t take time to wait, she just kept eating. Shoving another mouthful into her mouth and chewing at their softness. “‘S good.”

“Yes, they’re from Manehatten. Made fresh, they’re quite delectable.” Rarity agreed. “Now, if you’ll just wait here-”

Only to be cut off by an ominous creaking sound. Sea didn’t seem to hear it, reaching instead for another mouthful of caramels.

Another creak foreshadowed the dress giving out. The seams popping open, spilling waves of Sea’s fatty flesh as it fought to escape the confines of the too tight dress.

The two mares paused at that, Sea chewing thickly. She swallowed, looking a little sheepish. “I’m sorry, Rarity, it was such a nice dress.”

“Don’t you worry about it, Sea!” Rarity chastised, using her magic to unzip the back and starting to take the dress off. “It’s good progress, it shows you’re finally getting to a healthy weight.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but you must be vigilant! You know how stubborn those last couple of pounds can be.”

Sea nodded, “I know.”

“How about it, I’ll make you another couple of things and we’ll set that as your goal! Fitting into one of my marvelous creations. That would be celebration enough, yes?”

“Yeah okay, Rarity. Thanks!” Sea smiled. Lifting one hoof to help Rarity get her out of the ruined dress. “Still sorry about tearing it though.”

Rarity waved a hoof dismissively, “Don’t worry about it, dear. It’s alright, I can remake it. It’s nothing too horrible.” Finally, the dress came off. And Sea let out a sigh of relief.

Her fat wobbled as it settled. No longer being constrained by fabric, she bulged out everywhere. Her stomach hanging low, below her knees. Her barrel and plot wide enough to hide full grown ponies behind. Her cutie mark faded and stretched. Her face chubby and neck nothing more than an extra roll added to the others.

Rarity hoofed over a few bags of caramels. “Here, for the trip home. Don’t need you getting hungry. Thank you again, for all your help.”

“Bye, Rarity!” Sea emptied one of the bags into her gullet, intending to chew them as she walked. Putting the rest of them in a larger version of her coin purse. Her saddlebags didn’t fit for some reason, and Rarity was working to fix that for her. Hence the necessity of a bigger pouch.

Sea Fluff stepped into the winter chill of Ponyville and began to waddle her way home. As it turned out, she didn’t need to worry about going hungry on her walk home, ponies plied her with treats along the way.

(LINE BREAK)

Sea slurped down her bite of flapjack that was drenched in butter and syrup in record timing. Clearing a plate that was supposed to be a challenge in fairly limited time.

Applejack looked a little tired, but it was probably because of her long day on the field. When she’d come by to deliver Sea’s most recent order of baked goods and cider, she’d seen Sea struggling to cook. Unable to keep her legs lifted up long enough for any meaningful progress, Applejack had taken over.

That was an hour ago. And Sea had eaten everything Applejack had brought. The desserts, the flapjacks, and the cider.

“Alright, sugarcube, these are the last couple.” Applejack said. Slipping three large flapjacks onto Sea’s syrup-sticky plate. They overhung the edge of the plate by quite a bit, and smelled heavenly. “Ran out of flour.”

Sea didn’t waste any time smothering them in syrup and butter too. Not noticing, or caring that she was making a mess of her kitchen table. She didn’t wait before she was starting to gobble up these flapjacks too, messily and hungrily.

Applejack cleaned up the kitchen while Sea ate. Humming to herself as she went, some jaunty tune that sounded familiar but that Sea couldn’t quite place.

“Well, there y’are sugarcube.” Applejack smiled. “You need anything else?”

Sea shook her head, too busy chewing to offer more of an answer or thanks.

“Alrighty then, I’ll see you in a few days.” Applejack waved, trotting out of Sea’s house and leaving Sea alone.

By the time she’d finished the last of the flapjacks, Sea was a mess and so was her kitchen table. But she didn’t care. She was full, finally, and that made her sleepy. So she stood and went to her couch. Collapsing onto it with a groan.

Her groan hid the creaking of the couch. And as Sea shifted her weight to get comfortable in the indentation she’d made, the couch let out another creak.

Sea froze, but it was too late.

A support cracked, and the couch collapsed. The whole thing crumpling up beneath her. Sea let out a shriek, but was unharmed aside from the shock.

Sea rested against the remains of her couch and sighed. She made a perfunctory attempt at standing, but soon gave up.

Pinkie was supposed to be by in a few hours. So there was no harm in her sitting and digesting. Not like the couch could get anymore broken.

(LINE BREAK)

Sea woke to the smells of breakfast wafting into her bedroom from the kitchen. She laid in bed for a moment, stretching and yawning, before starting the gargantuan effort that was getting out of bed.

She rocked back and forth, building momentum, before enough of her stomach managed to roll off the edge and bring the rest of her with it.

Then, she would eat whatever treat Pinkie, or Applejack, or Rarity left at her bedside. A welcoming morning treat to kickstart the day and whet her appetite.

Today it was an apple fritter, still hot and gooey out of the oven. The caramel and apple blended perfectly and the pastry was flaky and crispy. The perfect combination.

Sea didn’t notice the ring on her bedside table, either. It was hiding behind her bedside lamp, out of sight and out of mind. Innocuous as anything else in the room looked.

Except for Sea herself. In the weeks since that fateful breakfast with Applejack, the ponies of Ponyville had rallied together to make sure she didn’t need to worry about cooking for herself again. It was usually Pinkie, or Applejack, but others stepped in too to help when they could. Either coming in to cook, or dropping things off for Sea to eat.

The reduction of exercise and increase in calories made Sea pile on the pounds even more than before, though she was as in denial about things as ever.

Sea was a mare of massive rolls, though she didn’t have many of them. Her flanks were large, melding into her thighs and sagging down to create a firm roll above her hind legs. Her plot overhung her hocks, making movement difficult. Her hinds legs were thick, making her hooves look tiny by comparison. Her stomach was large, too, though not quite as big as her rear. It hung down to touch the floor, further impeding Sea’s movement. Her wings looked like flabby pillows strapped to her sides, half buried in the rolls they formed on her barrel. Sea’s front legs were near unrecognizable. Shoulder and neck fat merging into one heavy roll that hung down in front her her knees for both legs. They were large, roughly cylindrical, and forced her pigeon chest down to merge with her stomach. Sea’s neck was but a memory, replaced with a thick spare tire that made her face look squashed and rounded out. Her face was near spherical, with puffy cheeks and extra chins that wobbled whenever she talked.

Apple fritter devoured, Sea turned her attention to exiting the bedroom. Her waddle was slow, unhurried, and very exaggerated. It was still hard work, though, her muscles burned within a few steps. Her legs needed to reach around her stomach and their own rolls in order to produce a forward motion.

Sea huffed and puffed as she squeezed her way out of her bedroom. Sides and rear scraping against the walls of the hallway as she made her way into the kitchen. Sweat beaded along her skin, dampening her cyan coat. She wheezed for breath as she finally made the final push into the kitchen, standing on trembling legs to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of breakfast.

Pancakes, Prench toast, waffles, hash browns, all sorts of goodies completely covered her kitchen table and counterspace. Applejack was cooking at the stove, Rarity was making a cup of tea, and Pinkie was stacking boxes from Sugarcube Corner near the counter, out of everypony else’s way.

“Good mornin’!” Applejack greeted. “You sit yourself down and get to eatin’.”

“Thanks.” Sea huffed, all but collapsing onto her chair. Even though it was widened, with extra supports, it creaked under her weight. Her flab spilling off of it in all directions.

“You eat up, Sea!” Pinkie encouraged. “We’ve got all day to make sure you get nice and fat.”

Sea froze mid bite, half hunched over to bury her muzzle into a pie. “What?” A thrill of fear running down her spine and making her shiver.

“Well, you’re already fat darling.” Rarity said, moving to put a steaming cup of tea where Sea could reach it. “We’re all just hoping you could eat yourself larger you know, you’ve been doing it for so long now. Didn’t you realize?”

Sea blinked owlishly, looking at the three mares in stunned silence. Even as her stomach, unaccustomed to being surrounded by food and not eating, was roaring for sustenance. Her mouth was watering, but she couldn’t.

Applejack moved away from the stove to press a hoof into Sea’s doughy side. “Better’n’any prized hogs, I’d say.” A small smile playing at her lips, even as her hoof sunk quite a bit into Sea’s fat.

Sea’s mouth went dry, mind racing. “What?” She repeated.

“You really didn’t notice!?” Pinkie shook her head, “You made that wish, remember? That Ponyville would fatten you up? Well, we have been silly.”

“It won’t be long before you won’t be able to move.” Rarity said in a sultry tone of voice. Using her flab to give Sea’s stomach a rough shake. “You’re hardly able to move now, won’t be much longer before this stomach will be your mattress.”

“I-I.” Sea shook her head, suddenly and keenly aware of the weight she was carrying. Had been carrying for a long while. “No. I don’t understand.”

“Sure you do!” Pinkie beamed. “The ring, silly-billy! You saved it from the forest, and you thought real hard about what you wanted. So it made it real! Come on, Sea, you’ve got to eat something.” Suddenly putting a cupcake in front of Sea’s muzzle.

She was powerless to stop herself from gobbling it up.That was the shock she needed, though. Still chewing, she worked to stand and then turned. “No.” Intending to leave. Waddling, heart racing and muscles aching, she shuffled her way out of the kitchen at a snail’s pace. Nearly getting her hips caught in the hallway again in her haste.

“Now, now, sugarcube, don’t you worry-”

“Darling, this is what you wanted-”

“Come back, I’ve got more cupcakes!” The three mares clambered behind Sea, but Sea was too wide to let them slip by her.

Panting, sweating, Sea managed to push open the front door. Seeing sunlight, and getting a breath of fresh air, for the first time in a while. She squinted, still moving, only-

There was a pinching sensation, and all forward progress stopped. Just past her shoulders, where her stomach started to really widen out.

Sea was stuck. Quite literally, too fat to get out of her house.

“Now, see what you’ve done? Got yourself stuck!” Applejack sighed. “Don’t you worry, we’ll take care of it-”

“We’ll help!” Now that Sea’s vision was clearing, she could see ponies rushing over to help. “Before her breakfast gets cold.”

“Here you must be starving, try this.” A fresh, warm roll was pressed to Sea’s muzzle and she gobbled it up too. And the next, and all the other treats that were being shoved into her face. Helpless to do anything other than eat, Sea was trapped.

“Alright, everpony, gather round, we need to Push Sea back inside! Three, two, one, push!”

(LINE BREAK)

Sea didn’t know what day it was, or how long it had been since she’d last seen the sun.

Sea was trapped in her bedroom. Dealing with the spatial issue that came when somepony was so fat their stomach could touch three of the four walls with ease. It was...a weird sensation, to be so large, but she was comfortable enough.

All she needed to do was eat. Everything else was cared for, she was cared for. Hooves massaged her flesh, magic tended to her needs, and ponies came by to feed her and tell her about the world outside her bedroom so she was never lonely.

Not too bad, Sea thought. Chewing languidly on a chocolate bar. She let out a long sigh, relaxing into her fat. Her limbs were gone, sucked into their own sleeve of fat, and her head seemed to be disappearing into her neck fat. The fat creeping up along the back of her skull, clinging coyly to her chin.

Still, Sea would be taken care of. Her wish had assured that, or maybe the ring had. Sea’s uninterrupted thoughts of food sputtered for a moment, wondering where exactly that ring had gone off too, but she didn’t know. Presumably it had been moved when the rest of her furniture had been taken, right? To give her more room to grow.

“Hey, you.” A voice said, and a cupcake was pressed to her lips.

Sea lost track of that thought, opening her mouth and chewing on the next morsel. Completely wrapped up in the ecstasy of her gluttony.

Rarity's Depression Expansion

Author's Note

Trigger warning for depression, if you couldn't tell from the title.

Thank you to Glimmi and all the others for their ideas! This was...interesting to write.

Rarity's Depression Expansion

Rarity stood on her scales, half asleep, as she brushed her teeth in preparation for getting ready for the day. Now, while she could wake up fairly quickly, it was better for her to take her time and do her morning routines. Shower, brush teeth, put on her makeup, style her mane and tail, brush her coat. The usual.

Weighing herself had been her norm for ages, and her weight had stayed roughly the same (only a pound or two difference in years. This day, though, was a bit different.

Looking down to read what should be a familiar number, Rarity nearly inhaled her toothbrush in shock and let out a choked scream.

Thundering hooves and the door was flung open with Sweetie holding her CMC helmet above her with faltering magic like she was going to strike somepony with it, still mostly asleep herself. “What’s going on!? Where’s the danger?” Blinking blearily at Rarity for a few seconds, the helmet lowering a bit. “You okay?”

“Okay? Okay!? I’ve gained five pounds in the week I was in Canterlot!” Rarity wailed, spitting toothpaste into her mirror, but she didn’t notice so great was her upset.

“You look fine, Rarity,” Sweetie Belle said dryly, helmet lowering more as she let out an almighty yawn, “Okay, I’m going back to bed. See you in a few yours.” Backing out of the bathroom to go back to her bathroom, not realizing Rarity’s panic.

Rarity rinsed out her mouth, cleaned her mirror, and then stood on the scales again. Still five pounds heavier than she should be. Her heart felt like it was almost vibrating in her chest, her body breaking out in a cold sweat as she stared at the numbers in front of her.

What could she do? She was a lady, and ladies aren’t fat! Nor did they go running or go to the gym. That sort of thing was fine for Rainbow Dash or Twilight but Rarity had friends in high places and you didn’t see them gaining weight or getting gross and sweaty at the gym.

Rarity took several deep, shaking breaths. Okay, okay she could fix this. She could go on a diet! Yes...No ice cream or sweets and the weight would melt right off.

This in mind, Rarity left the bathroom and trotted downstairs. No sweets..and no breakfast aside from some hot lemon water. Wasn’t that what Fleur de Lis always said? Yes...yes, this was manageable before Rarity’s career was ruined.

(LINE BREAK)

Rarity was at work, sewing confidently as she hummed to herself. Work was what she needed, to get into ‘the zone’ and ignore her rumbling stomach. A deep breath...hmm, these stitches were perfect and this outer layer of fabric looked so much the white mist coming off of the Canterlot waterfall-

Rarity’s stomach growled, and she sighed. A prim and proper lady could ignore this. Now...just one more stitch, finished with a flourish of course, and Rarity stood back to admire her work. It was based off the lovely water around the city of Canterlot. All white and shades of blue, with hints of green for emphasis. The material close to the body was silky and soft and the white was the finest, most gossamer and floaty fabric she could buy.

Thusly satisfied with how it looked on the mannequin, Rarity used her magic to put it on. It was one thing to know how it looked on a mannequin, and another to wear it. Feel how the fabric felt, the seams, the way it fitted around the body.

The sleeves were a bit tight, and too long, but this dress had been promised for a mare with longer, slimmer legs than Rarity had. So that was to be expected.

What Rarity hadn’t been expecting was just a sense of...discomfort that surrounded her flanks and barrel. Which was odd.The fabric was heavenly, there was no stitching that rubbed, but…

Rarity breathed in heavily, sucking in her tummy. The discomfort lessoned, but it was still tight around her flanks. Using her magic, she slipped out of the gown and draped it over the mannequin, tears in her eyes.

Rarity often wore her gowns. Both to advertise them and to test them. Before now, there hadn’t been many problems. Her figure had matched the elite she sewed for. But now...now…

Rarity sniffled, trotting into the kitchen and wrenching the fridge-freezer door open and pulling out a carton of ice cream. Without her really realizing it, she started eating, gulping it down.

Before she really realized how much she’d eaten, almost three cartons, her stomach was full to bursting and hurting wildly. Bloated and swollen, Rarity flopped onto the nearby couch with a groan.

“Well...Rarity,” Rarity grunted, running a hoof across the swollen, hard mass of her stomach, “The diet can always wait until tomorrow.” Ignoring the deep, dark void swirling in her chest.

(LINE BREAK)

Sweetie Belle ate her breakfast with the half-asleep gusto of most kids. Ensuring her waffles were covered in butter and syrup before starting to eat them.

Rarity was across from her, staring off into the middle distance. Drinking her little cup of hot lemon water as Sweetie devoured her breakfast before going to school.

“Are you okay, Rarity?” Sweetie asked cautiously. Her sister was always particular, but this was just...weird. All the weirdness, the diet food, everything else was just..weird, even for Rarity.

Rarity blinked, her gaze turning to her sister, “Hmm? Oh..I’m fine, Sweetie Belle. Why do you ask?”

“Well…” What had been five pounds, hardly noticeable, had grown, but ...Sweetie knew how upset Rarity was over it, so she wasn’t going to mention it. “You’ve just been acting differently.”

“Acting differently?” Rarity repeated, eyes and voice far away, “Oh Sweetie I’m just busy. I’ve got a big order I’m working on you know that.”

Sweetie nodded, playing with a bit of waffle, “I’ve seen you make big orders before and this is...different. I’m worried, Rarity.”

Not only did Rarity seem to keep growing but she didn’t seem to be eating either. It was just...uncomfortable.

Rarity leaned over to nuzzle Sweetie’s face gently, “Oh Sweetie. I’m alright, just stressed. Thank you though. I’ll be back to normal soon.” As soon as she lost her five pounds. Which, unbeknownst to her, had turned into fifteen. She hadn’t stepped on the scales in the last few weeks, simply living in denial of her growing problem.

Sweetie offered a smile as well, content with her sister’s words and starting to eat again.

Rarity drank down the last of her lemon water. Ignoring her growling stomach. Just another week or two of her diet and she’d be fine.

(LINE BREAK)

Rarity nearly fainted, staring down at the numbers on the scales. In the span of two months she’d managed to put on twenty pounds. How!? She’d been working so hard, sticking close to her diet...Nevermind the ice cream binges…

Rarity stepped off the scales, mind spinning. Sweetie was at school, thank goodness...What was she supposed to do now?

Rarity slunk into her room, shutting the door behind her and pulling the cover off her full-length mirror. Staring at her reflection with no small amount of horror and worry.

She was huge! Her stomach and flanks bearing the brunt of the twenty pounds. Her stomach sagging (it was fairly slight, but to her it was a dangling orb), flanks jiggling and expanded...
And oh! When she looked down, was that a hint of a double chin?

Rarity’s magic reacted to her emotions, throwing the cover back over the mirror like that could hide her body. Rarity flung herself onto her bed, great heaving sobs shaking her body and making her feel every ounce of the weight as it jiggled in time with her movements.

In spite of the order she was supposed to do, or any of the other daily tasks she had to accomplish, Rarity spent the rest of the afternoon moping in bed. Unable to find the gumption to get up.

(LINE BREAK)

Rarity, in secret desperation, had ordered a treadmill to come to her house. It had discreetly arrived, simply in a box, and she’d assembled it in her bedroom behind a partition so no one could see it.

Now..if only she could find the gumption to use it.

In her defence, Rarity was a busy mare. Busy with dresses, clientele, Sweetie, her friends...And ahem expanding her own wardrobe in the attempt to hide her gain. All the while making sure nopony else realized how much she was eating in an attempt to fill the growing, aching void in her chest. Rarity’s carefully constructed routines were falling to pieces around her, but her acting was so good that she thought no one noticed.

That wasn’t strictly true, Sweetie was naive not blind. And Rarity’s friends knew something was wrong, but none of them were truly aware of the extent of the problems piling up in Rarity’s mind.

The problems compounded and escalated with every pound Rarity gained, and she gained more when she was given more work to do. When Sweetie, and others, weren’t around, Rarity ate constantly. Even her work wasn’t spared, eating ice cream and other sweets as she made dresses for the svelte elite and other customers. Many of whom were also svelte and fit.

When Sapphire Shores’ biggest order ever arrived (for herself and her biggest group of backup dancers yet), Rarity continued to stress eat. Eating lightly (if at all) during meals with her friends and sister, but gorging herself sick on all the things she was supposed to be denying herself. Pastries, ice cream, chocolate, everything that was making her fat and miserable to begin with.

She even took to having candy in her bedside drawer, so she could munch on something sweet when she woke in the night.

As much as she hated it, the sugar and fat and food was bringing her joy. In short bursts, usually when she was eating it. Followed by shame and disgust and a feeling like she was in a deep, dark pit that was filling with water and she couldn’t keep her head afloat for much longer.

But she persevered in the face of such things. She was Rarity after all, and still had standards. Even if making the dresses she once loved to design and sew were becoming more of a chore. Even when getting out of bed was hard, and she often closed the shop for an hour or two (or five) to go have a lay down in the afternoon.

Not that anyone knew that was what she was doing. Most assumed she was busy working on orders.

The treadmill was collecting dust. Every morning Rarity resigned herself to using it instead of napping, but after most of a day filled with fake smiles and an infinite amount of little lies, she was so exhausted she needed the nap.

As time passed, Rarity spent more time working to hide her weight gain. Ordering or making discrete pieces of shapewear to hide the brunt of her weight gain, wearing flowy dresses and cut layered clothes to hide her growing behind and sagging stomach. Walking around like she was proud, head held high, to hide her double chin. Nothing could hide her chubby cheeks, but she did what she could.

Rarity kept herself busy. Her own wardrobe was constantly changing, items being let out or making new things in order to hide her burgeoning body. Her clientele kept her busy enough, and then outings with her friends and Sweetie ate up the rest of her time.

Celestia take her she was exhausted enough she could sleep for a week. But she couldn’t. She needed to hold on. Keep working, keep pretending that she was fine. No one would understand how she was feeling, because what she was feeling was wrong. And not normal and...and too much. Too much to deal with.

So she ate to fill the void. In secret, shamefully. A constant up and down roller coaster highs and lows in relation to sugar highs and sugar crashes.

One night, six months after gaining that initial five pounds, Rarity carefully uncovered her mirror and stripped off her figure-hiding clothes. Ending with the corset, and breathing a sigh of relief as she could breathe. Tossing everything onto the nearby chair, and watching in horror as her body moved.

Her stomach had taken the brunt, sagging down almost to her knees. Gurgling and swaying underneath her thickened barrel. Her flanks had bubbled up, her Cutie Mark stretched out to grow alongside her flanks. They were threatening to fold over her hocks now, and shook and swayed with each step.

The rest of her wasn’t safe from the gain either. A double chin, chipmunk cheeks, and a thickened neck were all present and accounted for. When she focused, she could imagine how she’d continue to grow. She didn’t look too far from the start of a third chin, now, and there was only so much poofy dresses and shapewear could handle.

Rarity made one more turn around the mirror, examining every little flaw and jiggle she could find. There were quite a number of them….she hadn’t even gone to the spa. She didn’t want anyone to know, and it wasn’t as if you could wear three layers in the spa. Maybe Aloe or Lotus would be willing to make a house call…

Rarity sighed, moving to crawl onto her bed. The bit of furniture creaking as her weight settled onto it.

As exhausted as she felt, she didn’t fall asleep until the early hours of the morning, when Celestia’s sun was starting to peer over the eastern hills.

(LINE BREAK)

Twilight wasn’t stupid. Nor were her friends.

Over the last year, it had become more and more clear that things weren’t right with Rarity. What was assumed to be some stress-related weight had only continued to bloom and grow, Rarity became more and more scarce.

Her clothes, while brilliant, couldn’t hide everything. After a certain point...about five months ago, even Rarity’s clothes couldn’t hide how much she was gaining. But that didn’t mean Twilight knew how much Rarity had changed.

They’d all worked to make themselves available, trying to spend time with Rarity and figure out what was wrong, but nothing worked. Even Sweetie couldn’t break through to her.

Which was why Rarity was invited to the castle so she and Twilight could talk. Just the two of them. Maybe it wasn’t too late to nip this in the bud.

Twilight paced in her entrance hall, and brightened when Rarity finally made an appearance.

Rarity entered, huffing and puffing, sweat soaked and red-cheeked. If Twilight had to guess, she’d pin Rarity’s weight as being...well, three hundred pounds? Though it was hard to tell. Because Rarity was clearly wearing shapewear and draping fabrics to hide the extent of everything.

“Sorry...darling,” Rarity panted, waddling over to where Twilight waited. “The stairs...gave me...some trouble.”

“It’s okay,” Twilight smiled, lying by the skin of her teeth. Walking to the other door to let Rarity through. Being mindful to keep her steps slow to match Rarity’s exhausted waddle. “I’m just glad to see you! It’s been a while.”

Rarity’s face fell, but only for a moment as she passed Twilight to go into the corridor, “Oh...sorry. I’ve just been...dreadfully busy.” Wheezing a bit as she continued to work for every breath she took.

Twilight nodded, “I know. That’s why I wanted to speak with you. We’re-wait, what’s that noise?”

There was an odd..creaking sound, one that Twilight couldn’t recognize. She flew around the corridor, trying to figure out what it was and where it was coming from. It took her a few moments to realize Rarity’s face had flushed further, and tears were prickling at her eyes.

“Are you-Sweet Celestia!” Before Twilight could ask if Rarity was okay, the creaking turned into a series of pops and the sound of tearing fabric.

Rarity, standing stock still in the middle of the corridor, was suffering under what had to be a series of catastrophic wardrobe failures.

It started with her corset. It was newish to Rarity, but still several sizes too small, and had been worn too tightly for some time. Working hard to compress her barrel and lift her stomach off the floor. The walk to the castle had weakened it, but the last few steps had been enough for the already strained seams to start breaking apart. The metal hooks popping off and releasing the tidal waves of fat the huge corset had been keeping at bay.

Her clothes didn’t stand a chance. Rips and holes starting to try to relieve the pressure, but like a sausage skin too full, it didn’t take long for the cloth to rip and pop and fall away from the bloated, obese diva.

When it was all said and done, Rarity stood in the remnants of one of the last ‘small’ outfits she could still fit into (with a corset) and that was the last thing her fragile mind could take. She started sobbing, collapsing into a seated position as her limited strength and stamina finally won out.

Three hundred pounds...Twilight lowered herself to the floor, staring at her friend with no small amount of shock. Three hundred pounds..Rarity’s clothes were better than she’d thought.

Rarity was verging on immobility. Her near-mattress sized stomach just touching the ground it was now unsupported. Her flanks large and quivering, melding seamlessly with her plot to spread across the ruins of her outfit and the tile floor. Her barrel and stomach having been compressed so much that the fur and skin were indented by the wooden ribbing of the corset as well as the seams of the clothes.

None of Rarity was spared. Her legs were fat, her hooves so small in comparison that it was almost comical. Her triple chin on full display as Rarity lowered her head to sob into her front hooves. She was covered in rolls and folds and it was amazing she’d lasted this long without this happening.

Twilight moved close to her friend. Stroking her shoulder. Feeling her hoof sink into Rarity’s fat. She had the distinct feeling that this wasn’t going to be such an easy problem to fix after all. For her, Rarity, or the rest of their friends.

Captured Universe: Midnight Blossom

Author's Note

A commission for the lovely Midnight Blossom. As awesome to work with as ever.

It's basically what it says on the tin here, folks. It's Midnight gorging herself to crazy sizes, while set in the Captured universe. So extreme weight gain, some slobbishness, and all that good kind of stuff.

~~Yes I know I have other stuff to work on. Trust me, I'm getting there.~~

Captured Universe: Midnight Blossom

Midnight was angry.

Beyond angry, even, she was livid. Frustrated, and tired, and just the right amount of fear added on to leave her a trembling, grumpy mess as she watched six mares be carted out of Canterlot and back to Ponyville.

Here she was, trying to enjoy a nice snack of all the appetisers this cafe had to offer, and all she could hear were whispers.

Sure the mares in question were the Elements of Harmony, who had been famously missing for quite a while. Of course their return would cause a stir, that wasn’t what Midnight was angry about.

They were huge. All of them. Immobile, lardy blobs of pony flesh who looked hardly capable of performing simple tasks on their own without help. And they were getting sympathy.

“Being at that size must be so hard-”

“Princess Celestia can’t leave the throne room I heard, I wonder if not being able to move hurts-”

“Should’ve seen the plot on Princess Luna! It was amazing!”

Crowded voices. Showing sympathy, concern, wishing them all the best. Hoping against hope that there could be some form of cure for the ailment that now affected everypony.

They were all fat now. Which of course made it fine to forget that these same ponies used to mock Midnight, would ridicule her, would steal her things, steal her work, sabotage her career. But now it was all tea and sympathy, with vague hopes that these immobile blobs could help them, or help themselves.

Midnight knew, deep within her soul, that if the ponies wishing the immobile mares had seen them before the Fattening Sleep, that the Bearers of the Elements would have gotten the same treatment that Midnight was so familiar with. Shunned, mocked, careers ruined, called names, anything and everything under Celestia’s sun.

Even the tabloids used to jab at Princess Luna and Princess Celestia’s physique when they could. Midnight was no stranger to tabloid magazines calling for Celestia to lay off the cake, or for Luna to stop eating so much chocolate.

There was none of that now, quite the opposite in fact.

It hurt. Midnight stuffed the last of the pastries she’d been trying to consume into her mouth, chewing frantically. Throwing down some bits on the table before starting the laborious process of getting up and going home. She couldn’t deal with this anymore, the sheer hypocrisy was going to drive her insane if she stayed and listened.

Unlike most of Equestria’s population, Midnight was already rather fat before they’d all entered what the press was calling the Fattening Sleep. Some weird fugue state where ponies cleared their pantries, did their chores, but did little else. Gaining pounds upon pounds of excess fat in the process. Some only a hooffull, some significantly more.

The last time Midnight had gotten herself weighed, she’d clocked in at around four hundred and thirty odd pounds. And she’d gained since then. She’d been a roly-poly mare, with rounded cheeks, a rapidly disappearing neck, a sagging belly that reached past the rolls where her ankles used to be.

She’d gained quite a bit over the Fattening Sleep. Not as much as the Princesses, or other notable figures, but a respectable amount. In the panic and worry of the days following everypony’s collective awakening, she’d caved and gone to the doctor for another weigh in.

Five hundred and ninety-eight pounds. Guessing that she’d weighed somewhere near four-fifty before the sleep, that was...what, a hundred and fifty pounds? Give or take a few?

Midnight huffed, her pendulum of a stomach sending one poor stallion nearly sprawling as she did her best to waddle at speed back home. It was...going about as well as could be expected, given a mare her size and exercise level. Which were supermorbidly obese and none, respectively.

It didn’t take long for Midnight’s aching, atrophied muscles to start screaming for rest. Or her heart to beat so quickly it felt like her chest was burning. Or maybe that was her overtaxed lungs. She had to reach around her stomach to move at all, making her legs hurt more than they already did. Midnight’s stomach firmly touched the ground now, rubbing against Canterlot’s cobblestones painfully.

Midnight didn’t pay that much attention to it, though. Focusing solely on getting home so she could get out of the public’s way and not deal with their hypocrisy anymore. She was angry at them, at the kidnappers, at whoever had managed to do this to an entire population.

It was one thing to choose what happened to your body. To force feed yourself until you were so fat you had difficulty moving. It was another thing entirely to find out that somepony else made you do it. Made it so you didn’t remember. Made it so you went to bed one evening, only to wake up weeks, maybe months, later only to find you’d gorged yourself to near immobility.

It was scary, and frustrating, and all Midnight wanted was to prove them all wrong. Huffing and puffing, sweat trickling down her skin and darkening her coat, Midnight managed to trudge the last of the way home. Lifting shaking legs up high enough to take the two steps before squeezing herself inside. Her sides pinched in the doorway, leading to a brief struggle, but she managed to squeeze inside and give the door a satisfactory slam. She’d need to get her door widened soon to accommodate her wider sides, but that was doable.

Her couch was as far as her aching, shaking legs could take her. She collapsed onto it an out of breath, sweaty heap. Gasping and panting for air, like she couldn’t get enough, she was struck with an idea.

They thought immobility was fat? That that was hard? Too difficult to deal with?

I’ll show you so fat that immobility will seem like fucking nothing. Midnight decided, her rage burning in her chest. She rested a few minutes more, before shifting so she could grab the phone.

She ordered pizza, dessert, and a few bottles of soda.She was already full, her stomach bloated and uncomfortably tight from all the pastries she’d already eaten. Her stomach hurt, and was churning from all the calories she’d already dumped into it, but Midnight wanted more.

Needed more. To prove to herself that so long as she was making a conscious effort to fatten that all of the pain ponies had put her through meant something.

It took a little while for the food to arrive, but the delivery pony knew her by now and knew to come inside and put the pizza and drinks on the coffee table. The pony that had been a thorn in her side now had no room to talk. She was fat now, too, bulging out of a uniform that looked uncomfortably tight.

They didn’t say a word, but it only cemented Midnight’s thought that she needed to get as fat as possible, as quickly as possible. For herself, and prove everyone that she could be the fattest without any sort of edge. No weird kidnappings, no royal kitchens, no personal chefs. Just pure gluttony.

It didn’t take long for Midnight to start gorging herself on the food she ordered. Greasy pizza, garlic breadsticks, and buttery cinnamon breadsticks slathered with royal icing. The first couple of bites hurt, but Midnight pushed past it.

Her stomach bloated with every bite she swallowed. It was tight, angry, pushing against her hind legs and bumping against the coffee table with every movement.

By the time she finished, Midnight was in unbelievable pain. Pinned in place by her aching, stuffed gut. Gasping for air like she’d run a marathon, it was a relief when Midnight passed out from the pain instead of giving into it.

(LINE BREAK)

Weeks passed, and Midnight was clinging to mobility with sheer stubbornness and a desire to continue doing what she wanted to do without relying on technology or other ponies for help. It was a grueling task, but one she tackled with every iota of stubbornness she could.

Since she’d made up her mind to gain weight all the more rapidly, Midnight’s appetite grew. Stuffing herself to bursting at every opportunity, grazing on snacks, ordering more and more takeout so she could laze on her sofa and not burn so many precious calories. It was effective, at least, not so far removed from how she’d stuffed herself to fat before all this had happened.

It was slow going, tedious, but the effort was worth it. She didn’t have any freebies or anything to help her gain weight, nopony willing to go get her groceries, nopony else stuffing food down her gullet but her. There was no cheating here, just...sheer gluttony.

Sadly, there were cons to such gluttony. And Midnight was feeling the full effects of them as she struggled along the street. The skin of her stomach was rubbed raw where it touched the ground, furless and red with irritation. Sweat beaded along her skin, dampening her coat and making her rolls stick together. She panted, wheezing and gasping for air as she laboriously reached to inch herself forward along the sidewalk. So close to reaching her destination, yet still so far.

Midnight wasn’t sure how much she weighed anymore. The effort to go to the doctor to find out was too great, the payoff too little. Fat hung off of Midnight, clinging to every spare inch of space it could find. Always competing, fat cells fighting and expanding for more room. A sizable portion of her stomach touched the ground now and it was growing heavier, taking up more space, making it harder to move all the time. Nevermind the fat collecting everywhere across her body, making her joints stiff and harder to move, creating rolls and folds that got in the way. Her plot was massive, weighing her down and overhanging her hocks. Another obstacle to get around when trying to move around. Or do much of anything, from eating, to standing, to going to bed.

Eventually, though, Midnight reached her destination. Pausing in front of the double doors for a long moment before making her way inside. Her stomach squished against the doorframe, her hips pinched. She struggled for a few seconds before managing to wiggle her way inside. Panting and wheezing all the more for the extra effort, the moment the doors swung shut behind her, Midnight knew she’d made the right decision in coming back. Cold, cool air graced her skin and made her shiver. A relief from the outside, for sure, and a blessing to her overheated body.

A buffet, better yet an all you could eat buffet that was starting to cater to the new sizes and new appetites of larger ponies. It was an early adapter, and a business that Midnight well and truly supported. Half of it was in the old style, wood paneling and greenery, while the other half and more recent additions were more metallic. Smooth metal tables and glaring lights, with extra reinforced furniture for the heaviest clients.

Already, the smells emanating from the restaurant were enough to make her mouth water, even as her stomach gurgled and tried to digest the food she’d already eaten.

“Table...for one.” Midnight wheezed once she reached the hostess. Who nodded, and was kind enough to lead Midnight to one of the closer tables. Midnight collapsed onto a double wide, triple reinforced bench.

A tablet was on the table, as well as a pitcher of ice cold water. She drank a glass, not wanting to fill herself up but needing to cool down, before she started ordering food on the tablet. This was not a high class buffet that served the most expensive of dishes. Oh no.

This was a buffet that promised calories. Gaining inches and pounds with every course eaten. Selling the cheapest, fattiest, junk food around. Canterlot, and Midnight, were hooked. Nopony eating here was on the smaller side of fatness, at least not anymore. A few weeks of this sort of food would turn anypony into a real porker.

Not as big a porker as Midnight, but it was cute they tried. Chubby cheeks and guts pressing against the table didn’t mean much, though, not unless there was real drive behind their gorging. Midnight couldn’t help but wonder, briefly, what it would be like to be so small. She couldn’t remember what it was like before she started having real issues moving around because of her size. It didn’t really matter, though, Midnight was concerned with growing fatter, not losing. There’d be no point in losing now, not when she finally had an edge over those who had ridiculed her.

Midnight waited impatiently for the first wave of food to arrive. Her stomach growled all the louder the longer and longer it went without food. For the first time in what seemed like an age, there was a bit of a break in between her binges.

It didn’t last long, of course. Deep fried mozzarella sticks, waffle fries, cheese filled quesadillas, deep fried pickles, perogies, and potato skins were all soon crowded onto her plate, and Midnight began to gorge. Any semblance of manners gone out the window in favour of stuffing herself to capacity and beyond.

Crumbs and sauces smeared across her fat-coated muzzle, and stained the grey fur of her cheeks. Her cheeks and chins rubbing together and rippling as Midnight gobbled her way through a decadent amount of food in record timing, especially given her gorging earlier in the day. Her stomach growled audibly, groaning and churning enough that other patrons looked at her curiously, even as they were busy stuffing their own faces.

Midnight paid them no mind. Focusing entirely on her own food. Eating more, wanting more, ordering more. Taking full advantage of the low price point and the calorie laden foods at her disposal, sending the staff into a tizzy to keep up with her and the other patrons.

As was her new custom, Midnight ate until she couldn’t. Well past the point of pain, the world flickering a little as her body struggled to cope. Her stomach overfull and angry, body ready to reject the food she’d painstakingly gobbled up.

Midnight rested, eyes half lidded, as she digested. Knowing better than to try to move right away. Her wheezing breaths echoed in her ears, as did her gurgling stomach. She did her best to soothe her stomach, rubbing as much of it as she could with her hooves. Not bothering to muffle the eventual belch.

It hurt, almost blindingly so, even with the release of pressure. But it was now safe to leave before the restaurant threatened to banish her. Slowly, then all at once, she flopped off of the bench. Another groan leaving her as her stomach pressed into the ground. It was harder to move this full, but the walk would help make some room for more snacks before she sat to enjoy her food coma.

The waddling, shuffling, messy mass of a mare slowly made her way towards the door after she paid. The pace was slow, almost agonizing for her and those who watched. Maybe it was time to bite the bullet, and buy a couple of Belly Boards. They’d help right?

Would they help her burn fewer calories? It would be worth it then, to buy them.

The doors opened as Midnight approached, and she continued. Intent on getting home and ordering something from a catalogue. Be it Belly Board, or electric scooter, or a mechanized cart. Something that would help her move around.

She’d barely squeezed inside the restaurant earlier. Her fatty sides and rear scraping and rubbing against the door frames.

Midnight’s bloated, churning stomach was far more bloated than it had been. And it only took a few shuffling steps for Midnight to become hopelessly wedged in the doorway. She squirmed, her sides pinching, huffing and puffing with effort but she was stuck fast.

There was an audible sigh from somewhere behind her, and a voice yelled, “Hey, Chaser? Get the grease, somepony’s stuck again!”

(LINE BREAK)

Equestria was changing rapidly. Technology was everywhere, homes and businesses were locked into cycles of refurbishment and renovations to make room for the expanding population. Accessibility ramps, widened doorways, reinforced furniture, extra wide hallways, houses being torn down to be rebuilt to have only a ground floor.

Midnight’s house was, thankfully, easily redone. It hadn’t been cheap per se, but it sure made life easier. Giving her ample room to order whatever food she wanted to gorge on, and still have a little room for growth.

The living room had been a good place to gorge after her last cart had broken underneath her too. Finally fully immobilized, Midnight had known it coming. It’d take a lot for somepony not to notice the creaking wood, the fine cracks in the frame, or her bountiful flab overhanging the edges like a bread pan overfilled.

This new one was a new model. Fully mechanized, upgradable, certified to hold a pony much larger than Midnight was now. It wasn’t cheap, but it was made with the intention that somepony would outgrow it. The geniuses behind the invention had figured out some way that you could link carts together. Buy new units to add onto the original to create more room.

All Midnight needed to do now was wait, and since she was waiting, she was idly grazing on some food. A deep fried hayburger, fries fried in lard and topped with chili and cheese. It was delicious as it was fattening, the restaurant promoting that their food could put pounds on and extra inches with meals alone. Midnight, for one, was excited to test that theory out.

Midnight was massive now, more so than her normal. All because of the work she’d put into herself. Endless buffets of high calorie food, spending lots of money for new technologies that made it so she rarely had to lift a hoof for herself and burn precious calories. The technologies were...odd looking in her house, chrome and wood clashing together, but it just showed off how much things had changed in such a short period of time. Besides, what mattered was her weight, not the aesthetic of her house.

And yet she still wasn’t big enough. The new cart would help, hopefully, meant that she wasn’t trapped inside her own house at least. Maybe it’d be worth leaving Canterlot for a while...finding out how other Equestrian cultures had adapted to increasing their calorie counts could be interesting-

The doorbell rang, and Midnight perked up. Still chewing idly, turning her head as much as she could to look at the entrance of her house.

A few seconds passed, and a mare came through. A unicorn, fat and wobbling but still mobile, entered the house. She had gained evenly all over, giving her a smooth appearance with minimal rolls. Her aura was ignited, a deep purple, and a cart followed after.

At seeing Midnight, the unicorn beamed. She was a light purple, with pink mane and tail. Both cropped short. Her cutie mark was faded and stretched out to the point where Midnight couldn’t quite tell what it was supposed to be anymore.

“Hello!” The unicorn greeted, grinning hard enough that dimples formed in her cheeks. She positioned the cart close to Midnight, presumably in preparation for lifting Midnight into it. The cart was impressive, made of metal and cushioned on the inside for maximum comfort. “I’m Starry Sky and I’m a representative for Stout Enterprises, here to personally deliver your new cart but also to present you with an offer.”

“Oh?” Midnight did stop chewing then, for a moment, ears swiveling towards Starry to better hear the mare. Between Midnight’s noisy stomach, her wheezing breaths, and the chewing she might miss something important.

Starry nodded, “You’ve made quite a stir you know. Always eating like that, your appetite is said to rival the princesses.”

“Oh?” Now that piqued Midnight’s interest. Starry grinned.

“You still weigh less than they do, you’re smaller for sure, but you’re closing in on them. And the other elites. Making them nervous. Plus, you’ve become an unofficial...mascot? For those who really really want to gain weight.”

“I hadn’t noticed.” Which was true, genuinely, Midnight had been wrapped up in her own spite and desires she hadn’t made much time for other things, like magazines or seeing where her writing was going beyond her usual security checks.

“You’re becoming quite popular. Your reputation from before helps, I think. Everypony knows you were fat before all this happened, and that you endured a lot of backlash for it. They know you’re not gaining for fashion’s sake, so they figure there’s got to be something good about pigging out all the time like you.” Starry half shrugged, an easy smile still on her face. “We’ve noticed. Equestria has noticed, even if you haven’t. And, we were hoping to find out if you’d be interested in stress testing our new line of carts and belly boards. We’d pay you of course, and feed you well.”

Midnight blinked slowly, clearly thinking it over. Part of her wanted to hurry up and accept the deal, but she’d been burned before by blindly accepting that her employers had her best interests at heart. “Stress testing? What would that entail?”

The grin was larger now, “Good question, actually, so we’d need you to gain weight. Lots of it, and quickly. You’re large, obviously, but not the largest pony. Since everypony knows all you want to do is get fatter, we can help you reach the sizes you dream about.”

The thought was enough for Midnight to accept. Sizes she dreamed about? She dreamed about being larger than the Canterlot Mountain, she dreamed about being so large that a whole fleet of robots and ponies would work around the clock to keep her comfortable.

“I’m interested, for sure. More than interested.” Midnight said after a moment. Taking the time that she was thinking to eat, licking the chili off of her muzzle. “I want to try this out at any rate.”

Starry’s smile widened all the more. “Good!” Her horn ignited, and for a moment all Midnight could feel was a strange weightlessness as she was lifted from the ground and lowered into the cart. Midnight’s weight was obviously a struggle for the unicorn, her aura glowing brightly with the strain and sweat beading along her body, but it was doable. “I’m glad to hear it. We have an office here, so you’re more than welcome to join us at any time.”

The cart was comfortable, with a bit of breathing room that felt weird after so long being squished into a cart that pinched and hurt to be in for any amount of time. Midnight settled into it, stretching as best she could, her atrophied muscles aching from even that small amount of movement.

Midnight was large. Her stomach pooling under her like a mattress, making her legs spread out to either side of it. It rose her up, spread out to either side from her widened barrel. Her wings were sunken into its enormity, creating folds where they rested. Her plot melded with her flanks, stretching out her cutie marks and making her tail look small by comparison. There was a roll down her spine, starting from her withers and ending just before the dock of her tail started. Midnight was just a roll-covered mare, with ample rolls and folds for her fat to further divide. Her flanks bulged over her hocks, resting heavily against the rest of her legs. Her shoulders were covered in loose fat that shook with every small movement of her body, from breathing to eating, sending cascades of motion through the rest of her. Her limbs could still be considered limbs, distinct folds still present where her joints were buried underneath so many pounds of excess blubber she could hardly twitch them.

Midnight’s neck was nonexistent, consisting of a single roll that melded with her shoulder fat, back fat, and drooping pigeon chest. Leaving her head a spherical, fatty thing dripping with fatty chins, jowls, and sagging cheeks.

In all, she was the picture of gluttony. And still she craved more, demanded more, ate more. Relished in her deepening folds, enjoying each new sensation that each new pound made her feel. And she wanted more, always more, trying to outshine and outeat everyone else through sheer perseverance alone.

“When do you want me there?”

“Well, I’ll need to bring your answer to corporate. I know they’re excited though, so they’ll probably speed through the paperwork. They’ll give you a call, probably within the nex few days, if not sooner. So you might want to expect it.”

Midnight nodded, her flab swaying and squishing together with that small motion. “Alright. Thank you.”

“It’s no problem! Hopefully we’ll see each other again soon. Did you need anything else?”

“No...I’m fine.” Midnight’s lips quirked upwards, “Just hungry, eager to get going.”

“Of course you are. Such a good eater. I can order you something if you like-”

“No. I’ve got it.” Already a plan was forming, something to really stretch out her stomach. A full blown buffet of epic proportions, her in Midnight’s own home. It would allow her to eat as much as she wanted for however long she wanted.

Starry nodded, taking her leave to waddle out the door. Leaving Midnight to her plans.

She wasn’t sure how she’d figure out how to eat for twenty-four hours straight, but Midnight was sure she could manage somehow.

(LINE BREAK)

The building was large, the employees were large, and so was the furniture.

Honestly, none of it surprised Midnight after all the time spent seeing how Equestria was changing, but it was still good to know that a corporate place was adapting too. No too small cubicles here, she’d bet.

She’d been given a short tour of some of the offices, and plied with more food, before Starry had led her here. Downstairs, into some sort of factory area. Which made a decent amount of sense, may as well use the mountain’s existing caves and save space in the city proper.

“Alright, and here is where you’ll be testing things, hopefully.” Starry shot Midnight a grin. “Something that I waited to tell you until now, is the exact nature of the stress testing. You’re large, larger than some of our clients, but not the largest. So you’ll need to meet a weight requirement before testing things out. Belly Boards, carts, and other gadgets will be all on the docket. Belly Boards to a lesser extent, given the fact that your hooves can’t touch the ground, but still. It’s good to see what sorts of weight they can support.”

Midnight nodded, “How much weight would I need to gain?”

Starry’s lips pursed as she thought, “I’m...unsure, that will depend on your weight of course. But you’ll need to become quite large for the tests we’ll be running. Think Twilight Sparkle or larger.”

Twilight, by this time, had mostly faded out of the spotlight while her friends seemed to revel in their new sizes. Still, though, she made headlines whenever she was spotted with her friends. And she was...large, massive. Her legs disappeared under their own weight, bulging with rolls and folds-

“Yes.” Midnight said, licking her lips in anticipation. “I want to get as big as I can, and I think you’ll help me achieve that goal.”

“It’ll be...an intense diet,” Starry forewarned. “Extremely high calorie, you won’t be allowed to do much of anything for yourself. Spells will mitigate certain needs, and our team will handle the rest.”

“How will I eat?”

“That’s the genius part.” Starry beamed, waddling forward, using her magic to bring Midnight along. “You won’t have to worry so much about that. You’ll be fed via tubes, which will allow you to be pumped full even when you’re sleeping! Won’t that be interesting? Tube feeding is becoming something of a trend in some households.”

“Huh.” Midnight enjoyed eating, and eating messily, but she couldn’t help but think about being larger. This could stretch out her stomach, help her gain more. And she wasn’t doing it just for the clout, either, this was part of her job. “My answer is still yes.”

“Excellent.” Starry continued to lead Midnight into the cavern. Into an area with a large vaulted ceiling, with several vats of...something in containers. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to cast a spell on you to make you sleep for a little while, so the doctors can insert the tube. It’s uncomfortable otherwise, and we don’t want you too stressed out or moving too much.”

On that, Midnight could agree. “Of course. Thank you, again, for this opportunity.”

“The pleasure is all ours, I assure you.” Starry’s aura glowed all the brighter, and Midnight’s world grew a little fuzzy.

It’d be worth it though. Just a bit of discomfort for untold weight gain. Midnight kept that thought close as she drifted off into sleep, relaxed and snoring loudly, blissfully unaware of what was going on around her.

(LINE BREAK)

Midnight wasn’t entirely sure what they were pumping her full of, but whatever it was was working. She’d blown up exponentially in a matter of weeks, growing blobbier and less-pony like as her body started to lose definition from the sheer amount of weight she’d gained. She was constantly ‘eating’ now, having her stomach pumped full of whatever concoction needed to get her to the weight they wanted her at.

She was close, by their estimates, and felt it. Hot and bloated, with new rolls and folds forming every day. Her stomach was constantly gurgling and growling, struggling to keep up and digest what was being forced into it.

In spite of the discomfort of the tube, Midnight was delighted with these changes in herself. Starry even brought mirrors down so Midnight could admire her burgeoning figure in the mirror.

Most notably, the thing that Midnight relied on to tell her how much she was gaining, was the status of her cart. It had started out fairly roomy, with some space between her fat and the sides to hold snacks, but she’d filled in the space readily. Her fat body pressing against the hard sides of the cart and spilling over them.

The cart, no matter how well it was made, was creaking and groaning under her weight. Though they hadn’t moved her from it yet. Maybe she was stress testing it too, to see how much abuse it could handle before giving out.

Midnight was curious to see what would happen, honestly. How much more of her it could take. Would she be in a different cart by the time her fatty rolls swallowed her wings completely? When her hooves were no longer visible? She counted the small milestones and waited, wondering what would finally do it in.

Currently, Midnight was certainly giving it a good college try. Yesterday she’d tested Belly Boards, and had broken most of them, leaving her tired and hungry.

Today was exciting. A new robot assistant that could be hooked up to the side of a cart, allowing non-unicorns more freedom when they were unable to use their hooves and mouths for things they used to. Primarily: feeding. They’d even moved her into a separate testing room, one that was almost like a home kitchen. Steaming dishes laid out across tables, moving as Midnight cleared plate after plate and being replaced by some automated function Midnight didn’t know about.

The feeding tube was currently turned off, so it wouldn’t interfere with the test, allowing Midnight to eat with her mouth for the first time in a while. All she had to do was open her mouth, chew, and swallow. There was nothing else to it, and it was fantastic. The robot twisting on its mechanism, bending to grab a few more dishes, before turning back to Midnight and feeding her one morsel at a time.

It was quick, efficient, and Midnight was enjoying herself immensely. Enjoying the food as it graced her tongue. Sweet dishes and savoury alike, all high calorie and made to be as fattening as possible. Butter, cheese, extra sugar, the flavours were intense and amazing, and even though Midnight’s stomach was bloated and tight, she didn’t want to stop.

There was a hitch in the robot’s movement as it twisted to grab the next tray of food, mozzarella sticks this time, and it froze for a moment. Still holding onto plates, but unmoving.

Midnight pouted, though she took the moment to lick the crumbs from her muzzle.

Then, there was an electric whine, and the robot started to move quickly. Stuffing items into Midnight’s mouth, multiple at a time, hardly giving her time to chew, swallow, or breathe in between movements.

Midnight was exhilarated. She could give them a real stress test with this-

A commotion from the scientists outside the room made her realize this wasn’t part of the test.

Swallowing down an eclair, Midnight made up her mind. Utilizing the last of her mobility in some desperate attempt to keep them away for a while longer, she wiggled. Her hips at first, then contracting and relaxing other muscles. Testing out the capabilities of her body for the first time in a long time, and seeing if she could finally get the cart to give out. The robot was attached to a table, not her cart, for safety purposes, so it would be fine.

There was a terrible, grinding, creaking sound of metal on metal before something gave way underneath her. Sending Midnight to the ground, whole form sloshing. Rolls and folds slapping together with the force of the jolt.

Midnight didn’t seem to notice. Kept on eating, blissfully aware of how her rear now blocked the entrance way into the testing chamber. There was a bit of a commotion as one scientist tried to squeeze through anyway, but was unsuccessful. Good. Midnight could still feel a bit of a gap between her rear and the opposite doorframe, and she wanted to close it before they fixed the robot. Meaning she could take advantage of all this until they figured out another way in, or to remotely turn it off.

Her stomach bloated outward with each mouthful swallowed, without Midnight’s knowledge. Layers of fat adding themselves noticeably with everything she ate. Her flab spreading out as she relaxed, her hooves disappearing bit by bit inside their sleeves of fat, her whole body was expanding.

The scientists scrambled to find some way to stop the experiment. One continued writing notes, noting the formula’s increased effect on Midnight’s figure.

Behind the cameras, somepony watched the proceedings with interest. Ordering new equipment for Midnight so she wouldn’t be trapped in the kitchen room for forever.

She’d get too big for it before too long, and it would be a pain to fix if it came to that point. Better to just...not deal with it in the first place.

Midnight kept gorging. Keeping the insults that had been tossed her way during her career to stave off her aching belly, and keep her going. She had to get bigger.

Bigger, bigger bigger. A private mantra just for herself, to really test to see how big she could get.

(LINE BREAK)

By the time Midnight left the testing center, she was one of the largest mares still in Canterlot. She was so large she couldn’t stay in Canterlot anymore either, for her bulk would block entire streets just by herself.

There were enough immobilized ponies in the streets of Canterlot to threaten the city as was, and besides, if she were removed from the populace at large, Stout Enterprises could continue feeding her whatever and however they wanted.

Midnight wasn’t going to complain about it, either, considering her humongous appetite. Months of feeding tubes and robotic butlers had turned her endless pit of a stomach into something truly remarkable. She rarely felt truly full anymore, and she ate like it.

Even during transport, hooked up to a crane and lowered to one side of Canterlot Mountain, Midnight’s stomach was still being pumped full of food.

Midnight couldn’t fit into a cart anymore. Her limbs were gone, looking more like pillows strapped to approximate locations where limbs used to be. Her cutie marks were so stretched out and faded they were genuinely unidentifiable, even her unique markings were harder and harder to make out as her fat pushed them apart and changed how her body looked.

Midnight was now so fat she didn’t resemble a pony at all. One limb was larger than the average sized pony before the Fattening Sleep, and she looked it. Neck gone, the spare tire of flesh that showed where it had once been was threatening to swallow Midnight’s head. Leaving her head propped up, fat rolling up against the back of her skull and threatening to come for her chins, it was a miracle that it hadn’t happened yet.

Midnight was settled on soft grass, near enough to the edge of the mountain she knew where she was, but with ample room still to grow. Nopony else was in sight. The crane lowered vast tanks nearby, for food and oxygen, before turning away back to the city proper.

There had to be other residents to move after all.

Midnight stayed perfectly motionless as the feeding tanks did their work. Not willing to risk moving and burning a single calorie.

She wanted, no needed, to become the biggest mare in history. And if that meant outgrowing a mountain, she’d do it.

Midnight kept her eyes closed, and enjoyed the sounds of nature. Of the water of the waterfalls, the singing of birds, and the sound of wind over the grass. And she dreamed of the grey stone pressing against her, and her winning.

(LINE BREAK)

Midnight wasn’t sure what day it was, or what time it was. Not that it really mattered. Down here in the dark, knowing the time was sort of an exercise in futility.

Since her fat had hidden her face from the world, she hadn’t seen sunlight. Even now, only occasionally could light be bothered to filter it’s way down through the fat tunnel that was propped open by special bars that kept her various tubes in check.

Because of her extreme weight, she couldn’t use a traditional feeding tube. No great loss, in her opinion. Meant she could taste the mixtures she was being given, which was better. There was a small screen, made of durable plastic and lit up an artificial blue, that kept her connected to the outside world. That allowed her to see and hear things she otherwise couldn’t. It also allowed her to choose the flavour of food she was consuming.

Normally, like now, she selected ‘all’ and sucked it down hungrily and speedily. News through the screen was rare, contact from outside even rarer. But with this she could listen to music, go through books and old blog posts, give her other things to think about than her gargantuan size.

There was a pony nearby, she could feel. Oddly hard, but maybe it was medical equipment. Pressing into her left side somewhere, from the ground to where her fat ended. Must be bigger than me then. Midnight huffed to herself, sucking all the more greedily from the hose. She couldn’t have that, nopony could be bigger than she was! She was supposed to be the largest mare in Equestria!

Midnight, unbeknownst to her, was in fact the largest mare. Her connection to the outside world was broken because of her flab pressing into the device, leaving her disconnected and without any real scale for her size.

The thing she thought was a pony to her left was in fact the Canterlot Mountain. Midnight’s mass was large enough there was talk about her crushing it beneath her behemoth body. Ponies and artifacts had all been moved out of the city and the surrounding area, and Midnight’s grey body was an easy to recognize landmark for many creatures of Equestria.

Entire landscapes were buried under her bountiful body, rolls and folds cascading in every direction for several miles. Her head was a mere pinprick in comparison to the rest of her body, as were her limbs.

And still, Midnight ate on. Always assuming ponies were larger than she was, and eating to prove them wrong. Gaining dozens of pounds every single day, never again feeling truly full, Midnight was happy to gorge herself at all hours, even when asleep.