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.”