Author's Note

Hello, mid-fic author's note.

If I remember correctly, this chapter was written before the others. This was originally a oneshot commission, that Wind King really liked and wanted to expand upon. Hence, this was the start of this whole project! Just a fun fact.

Just Desserts

Luna pressed another cookie into her muzzle with an appreciative huff. Watching as the servants continued their work out in the gardens, setting up for the Equestria baking contest being held here in Canterlot.

Normally it was one of Luna’s favourite celebrations, but this year Celestia was being especially annoying.

Sister, don’t you think you should walk the gardens? Sister, don’t you think you should eat a salad? Oh sister-

If Luna had to listen to Celestia complain one more time about Luna learning to love modern foods while Celestia stuffed herself full of cakes, pastries, pies, and other sweet confections, Luna couldn’t be held responsible for what she did.

Luna huffed again, stuffing another chocolatey cookie in her mouth, mulling it over. What to do, what to do. What would prove Celestia wrong...Hmm.

While it was true that Luna had gained weight, making her chubby since shortly after her return from banishment, Celestia was no better. Celestia was heavier, but since her weight settled upon her plot and flanks, nopony seemed to mind. Whereas Luna’s chubby belly drew the attention of anypony who looked at it. Luna wasn’t blind, she could see guards, diplomats, random ponies, be charmed by the hypnotic sway of Celestia’s posterior. Whereas Luna's sagging belly earned mostly amusement and muffled whispers about too much cake.

Then, it struck Luna. An idea so dastardly and exciting that Luna actually dropped her cookie to run through the palace. She had a letter to write. One to a friend and celebrity that would be the perfect judge and would be just the pony to ruffle Celestia’s feathers.

She would invite Midnight, and invite her to arrive at the palace early. Just to ensure smooth sailing. It would be perfect. Celestia would be over herself trying to endure Midnight’s famous lack of manners, and it was going to be fun to see who would break first. Maybe Luna could take bets with some of the palace staff about it...Celestia’s decorum, or Midnight’s judging sash?

Luna sent the letter off with a mischievous giggle, going immediately to go inform the event coordinators about the surprise guest. It would be a surprise, but it would only make the event seem more important to have such an important pony judge. Even if she were a little...unconventional.

(LINE BREAK)

A day before the event started, Midnight arrived at Canterlot. Accompanied by one of Luna’s Night Guards: Gladiolus. Who had delivered the message to Midnight, and was in charge of ensuring that Midnight was properly brought to the castle and had her needs met.

Before Midnight arrived at the castle proper, she’d been given a tour of Canterlot. Focusing exclusively on the best restaurants and bakeries in town. All on Celestia’s funds.

She’d been to anywhere that was anywhere. Saddle Row, the high street cafes, the chains of pastry shops that seemed to be on every corner.

Everywhere Midnight visited, she just about cleared them out. Devouring whole cheesecakes, trays of delectable tarts, dozens of cookies. Nothing was spared: not a cake, croissant, or other sweet pastry that Midnight came upon.

The mare was hardly mobile, and very sure of herself. As she ate her way across Canterlot, with help from Gladiolus, she only got more sure. Almost as if she were taking the rude comments and stares and turning them into fuel for her appetite.

Midnight had been clean at the start of the day, but now she was a stained, slobby mess. Slurping down a pudding with hardly a thought, humming to herself and rubbing at her distended gut.

Gladiolus wasn’t acting the runner between the counter and her chair this time, letting himself stand near her instead. Letting her relax a little bit as he started offering her food rather than have her feed herself.

All Midnight needed to do was open her mouth, chew, and swallow. Which she did without hesitation. Any pretense of following manners, or other forms of etiquette, was gone whenever somepony saw her. Her face was dotted with sauce and crumbs, her muzzle stained darker from where she ran her tongue across to try to get every morsel she could. She burped, she made a mess of herself and her surroundings, all without caring that other ponies cleared out after she was settled.

Midnight didn’t care what others thought, in fact that was partly what made her so famous. What mattered was the food: portion size and taste. She was a unique, shocking mare, and that always drew attention, whether it was good or bad. Still, her critiques were well sought after, so her appearance now was met with mixed reactions. Some disgust, some curiosity, a few star-struck ponies that hung around, waiting to see what Midnight thought.

Not that she was necessarily here to rate every restaurant. Maybe she should, once the contest was over. That would prove them right for all their glares and refusing her further service after she’d eaten there for half an hour. The nerve of some of these places, honestly…

Anyway, the service didn’t really matter. What mattered was the food, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. From cafe to cafe, restaurant to restaurant, Gladiolus guided her through the city. Letting her taste a little of every cuisine the melting pot of a city had to offer its residents.

Midnight was panting, huffing along as she all but crawled her way up to the last restaurant before the palace, which of course was all uphill. Putting on full display how troublesome it could sometimes be for a mare of her size to stay mobile and moving. Even with Gladiolus pushing her stomach from behind to help her shuffle her mass along, it was no easy feat to move her near immobile self around.

It started with her front legs, reaching up and around her puffy pigeon chest and the foremost rolls of her drooping stomach. While her stomach wasn’t completely grounded, it’s roundness did provide an obstacle for her legs to move around. Planting her front hooves firmly on the ground, she could then work her hind legs into a similar position, though they were harder to manage. Splayed widely to make room for her gargantuan belly, it was harder and harder to get them to connect to the ground. Still, when she made contact, Gladiolus would push against her stomach, giving her hind legs room enough to scrabble forwards, trying to inch herself along. Her front legs did much the same, also working to keep her on course.

The added difficulty of uphill walking was well noted. By the time they crested the hill, and reached the establishment, both bat ponies were out of breath and drenched in sweat, though Gladiolus was in much better shape than she was. It was a warm summer’s day, and the heavy armour of his uniform certainly didn’t help matters.

There was no chair at the restaurant that was able to hold her girth, nor could she squeeze herself through the door, but Midnight was content to sit underneath an umbrella, outside the restaurant proper, and observe the outside seating arrangement.

Under the umbrella, the spring breeze was a balm against her overheated, overworked self. Helping cool her down far quicker than the pitcher of ice water they’d been given.

Gladiolus seemed better for the rest as well, also seated for once. Still keeping a suspicious eye turned to the public who stopped to gawk or whisper, but able to drink some water at least.

Midnight didn’t want to think about the struggle it would be to get her into the palace. At least not yet, with her stomach still crying out for food. It was a churning, gurgling mass. One that rarely ever ceased it’s movements completely.

The service in this place was slow, after the initial rush, but Midnight didn’t mind. Gave her some time to think of the other places she’d visited, make an internal ranking of them thus far for when the contest was over and she would begin to write reviews.

Still, it wasn’t all that much longer before her noisy stomach got the attention of a server, and her feast began again in earnest.

By the time the plump bat pony made her way into the castle, it was dinner time. And well past the time to present her to the castle and make introductions.

Luna sat on her throne with a barely contained grin threatening to spread across her chubby cheeks. She’d set everything up, made sure to pair Midnight up with the one pony who was liable to keep her eating. Made sure she visited the best and richest places to eat in Canterlot.

There was minimal fanfare when the large double doors opened and revealed the obese bat pony that was Midnight.

She was large and lardy, not immobile yet by some miracle or another even though her drooping stomach was brushing the floor beneath her. She was wide and flabby, her wings half sunk into her back and barrel fat. Needing to slowly waddle across the floor, clearly reaching hard around her drooping stomach and saggy pigeon chest to be able to move at all. In spite of her enormity, she was smiling. Clearly happy. Eating a few treats even as she made the trek to the dias.

Luna could see the muscle under Celestia’s left eye twitching in barely contained anger...maybe frustration? Disgust maybe? Luna wasn’t certain but she hadn’t seen this reaction in a long while and it was even harder not to just burst out laughing.

Gladiolus was a bat pony too, as many of Luna’s guard were, handsome and well rounded. He looked fairly chubby, but it was easy to notice that Gladiolus did work out, keeping himself in fighting condition. He followed along beside and slightly behind Midnight, looking just as pleased as Midnight.

“Wel-welcome, honoured guest.” Midnight missed Celestia’s hesitancy because she was too busy eating an eclair.

“Fanks,” Midnight murmured, the sounds muffled by her continued eating. She made no move to bow or grovel. Which Celestia didn’t usually like anyway, but there were manners and decorum for a reason. “Good t’be here.” Her brogue in full force, even as she continued to eat.

“Yes! Welcome!” Luna was able to smile genuinely here at least. Following Celestia’s lead but able to channel more of her genuine amusement into the motion. “It’s good to see such a renowned figure here for the contest!”

“Yes, it really is.” Celestia mirrored. It was only because Luna knew her sister so well that she was able to tell that Celestia was speaking through clenched teeth.

Celestia’s eyes were wide, ears pinned back. Watching Midnight eat with the fascination and horror usually reserved for national disasters and carriage accidents. Clearly struggling hard to keep her manners.

“Good!” Midnight smiled, chocolate smearing against a chubby cheek as she tried and failed to get at the icing with her tongue.

“It’s so good to see you have such an interest in food.” Celestia said after several beats of awkward silence. Her withers and shoulders were tensing. It was so good to see Celestia so unnerved by something-

“O’ course!” Midnight’s grin grew, and she let out a belch that really was worthy of praise. The force of it blew back Celestia and Luna’s mane, and afterwards Midnight kept eating, not bothering to excuse herself.

The eye twitch was back, but worse. Celestia’s jaw clenching hard as the sound of the belch echoed around the room.

“If-if you’ll excuse me, I have to meet with an advisor.” Ooh, the guard closest to Celestia winced. Good to know it wasn’t just Luna knowing that Celestia was speaking through gritted teeth.

Before Midnight, or anypony else, could offer a reply, Celestia spread her wings and flapped a few times. Easily soaring over Midnight and her continued gluttony, before touching down and all but fleeing the room.

Luna stood, trotting down the stairs to speak with Midnight face to face. “I apologize for my sister, she’s been under a lot of stress organizing this event. Something must have popped up, or she remembered something. Now, Gladiolus?”

“Yes, Princess?”

“Please take Midnight to the guest quarters. And please inform the chefs that whatever food Midnight might want is top priority. This way, Midnight, you can order from the kitchen under my authority. This way they can make whatever you want in whatever quantity you want.”

Midnight paused mid chew, eyes widening, “Really? Well...Okay!” Wheezing gently as she endeavored to turn herself around, intending to follow Gladiolus to the guest suite.

Luna grinned, watching Midnight trundle along. It was all going according to plan.

(LINE BREAK)

Celestia, later that evening, meandered her way into the palace kitchens for her evening snack. Letting the peace of the late evening seep into her bones, let the stress ease from her body.

The cacophony from the kitchen was not exactly new, but seeing the chefs actively struggle to make food was. They looked stressed, drenched in sweat, and absolutely worked to the bone. Rushing around the kitchen like she hadn’t seen since the last diplomatic feast.

Celestia artfully dodged out of the way of one of the servants as they rushed by her pushing a groaning cart piled high with food past. Not even pausing to apologize.

Celestia watched for a few more moments in the doorway before entering fully. Now she was inside the kitchen proper, she could see the row of tickets hung up behind the line, one of the chefs rattling off a long list of foods ranging from desserts to full trays of pastas.

“What’s going on?” Celestia asked when the expediter paused for breath. “Who is all this for? Did we have unexpected guests?”

“No, ma’am, it’s for Midnight.” The expediter replied, taking a couple of breaths now he had the chance. “Is there something we can do for you?” Looking rather harried at the thought.

Celestia cast another critical eye around at the kitchen before shaking her head. No. At this rate, her order wouldn’t be complete for a while yet. And it wouldn’t be fair to put the staff under more pressure. “No. I’ll just...collect a piece of cake and go to bed.” Watching as another food laden cart was pushed out of the kitchen with just as much urgency as the one before. “How much has she ordered?”

“Several of just about everything we have on offer, princess.”

Celestia snorted, thinking back to the obviously gluttonous mare from earlier. Such poor manners, working her staff like this. And Creators how was Midnight supposed to judge the food tomorrow if she was up all night tonight gorging? However would she taste everything?

With a few swipes of her magic, Celestia took an incoming pile of requests and dumped them into the garbage. Doing the same with what the expediter was trying to organize. “No more. Finish up what you’re working on and go home.”

Action done, Celestia fetched herself a large slice of cake from the fridge, and padded her way upstairs. Leaving her chefs to scramble, trying to play catchup now that they finally had a chance.

Meanwhile, upstairs from the kitchen, Midnight was continuing to gorge herself on the delectable treats from the kitchen. Gladiolus was helping, ensuring the flabby mare didn’t completely wear herself out trying to move her front legs to eat unassisted.

The last of the carts was almost finished. The only remaining thing being a tray groaning with a cheesy pasta dish that took up most of the upper level of the cart. The underside was already emptied of the hot and spicy casserole that had been of equal size.

Honestly, though, Gladiolus wasn’t sure she was going to make it. Midnight had been up since the early hours of the morning before, and now it was rapidly approaching three am. No matter how deep somepony’s stomach might be, they still needed sleep sooner or later. Add that with all the food she’d eaten before arriving to the palace...and well, any other pony would be miles deep into a food coma by now. But not Midnight.

Midnight was obviously fighting sleep, eyes drooping and slowing down. Still, she was voracious. Opening her sauce stained muzzle, accepting the portion Gladiolus offered, chewing it, and swallowing. Her rippling chins and fat cheeks rubbed together sensuously as she ate. The ripples cascading down to effect the rest of her fat. Little muscle twitches sending waves of movement through her soft, plush body. Putting into perspective how soft she really was.

Once the last bit of pasta was swallowed, Midnight gave up the fight. Huffing and puffing, her eyes slid shut as she fell into sleep. Her stomach churning and groaning as it fought to digest her massive feast.

Gladiolus stepped away, feeling exhausted yet fulfilled. He would sleep now, while he could. Then he would begin his duties anew, and have the chance to watch Midnight eat all day.

(LINE BREAK)

The next morning dawned cool and cloudy. With a crisp wind that was refreshing more than it was chilly. The perfect sort of day for a contest like this, where those who had chilled desserts didn’t need to worry so much about things melting.

Gladiolus had woken up earlier than normal to make sure he could help Midnight get to the palace cafeteria for an early breakfast before the contest began. Midnight seemed all the more ravenous for the near endless buffet she’d eaten before finally passing out the night before.

Even now, she was tired, but she didn’t mind. Her stomach was still sloshing and gurgling about, even as it growled and groaned in hunger. Midnight, who was hardly mobile at the best of times, seemed to be struggling more today. Her stomach was rather firmly planted on the ground now, and that made it all the more difficult to move. It was possible to hear her coming from several meters away with her huffing, puffing, and panting, and sweat dampened her coat, staining it even darker as Gladiolus helped her move.

At the sight of the obese mare approaching, others rapidly filled up their plates. Not sure how much would be left once Midnight was done with it.

Celestia often preferred to take breakfast in her quarters, or share the morning meal with Luna. Today, however, wasn’t normal, and she had somepony to apologize to. After her little tantrum the night before, she’d laid awake thinking about the harm she might have caused if she hadn’t been able to keep her mouth shut. How un-princesslike of her to act in such a way! Midnight’s feelings might have been hurt, Celestia could have damaged her reputation, chaos could have been sowed!

So, Celestia ventured into the cafeteria in time to watch Gladiolus fetch plate after plate of food for the seated behemoth of a mare. He had them balanced across his back, and across his wings. He was loaded down like somepony who hadn’t had food in a very long time.

Celestia stood in the doorway for a few minutes, watching as Gladiolus slipped the plates onto the groaning table and Midnight continued to eat. Not thanking him for getting her more food. She just...went in, mouth chewing and hooves grabbing. Making more of a mess of herself than the night before, if Celestia had thought that possible.

Celestia swallowed dryly. Still, she was here to apologize. That was what mattered. She made her way over, leaving plenty of space for Gladiolus to continue making deliveries and for employees to clear dirty plates.

“Good morning Midnight.” Celestia greeted, offering a smile.

“Morning,” She didn’t bother to swallow before speaking. Spitting crumbs across the table as she spoke.

“I...I have come to apologize for-”

“Great.” Midnight didn’t stop chewing. Her mouth full, she offered a food covered hoof for Celestia to take.

Celestia did her best to squash down the nausea that suddenly swept her. She’d lived through a number of things over her many lifetimes and this might be the one to break her, “I don’t know if you understand. I’m sorry for how I behaved last night. You...caught me off guard. I’m used to an amount of decorum is all-”

Midnight snorted, hoof still outstretched as she slammed a waffle into her mouth with her other hoof. “S’okay. I’ll be-mff-better for the contest.” Her voice deepened by the amount of grease that was now coating her vocal cords.

Celestia swallowed dryly, putting her hoof against the food covered one politely, “Yes. Thank you. I appreciate that.”

Midnight shrugged, pulling away to start shoveling more food into her mouth. Her fat shaking and jiggling as she moved.

It took all of Celestia’s self control not to wipe her hoof off on something. Instead padding her way over to the exit so she could leave the sounds of Midnight gorging herself behind her and prepare for the contest later in the afternoon.

Midnight, meanwhile, didn’t show signs of slowing down. Syrup flecked her chubby cheeks, sticking in between her multitude of chins. Other sauces, primarily ketchup, was staining her muzzle as well. Hot waffles drowning with syrup and butter. Hashbrowns dripping with ketchup and oil. Scrambled eggs, cheesy omelettes stuffed with peppers and mushrooms, roast potatoes swimming in garlic butter, whole rolls with butter and olive oil, grilled cheeses, various sandwiches...all that and more.

And Midnight barely paused to breathe. Simply focused on more. Getting more food, eating more, tasting more, hardly savouring things but appreciating the mix of flavours gracing her tongue anyway.

The tables closest to her quickly vacated as she continued to gorge herself. Her stomach churning and gurgling happily as it was fed, making enough of a commotion just by itself much less with Midnight’s eating sounds.

Gladiolus was running between the serving stations and Midnight’s table while a stream of employees bussed Midnight’s table exclusively, leaving other tables dirty and forgotten while kitchen staff rushed to fill empty platters that Midnight cleared by herself.

Nothing was safe from her maw. No dish went untasted, and none was completely left alone. Though after thirds and fourths, Midnight went about sticking to what she really wanted and liked. It was cafeteria food, mass made, and even though they were royal chefs preparing the food it still wasn’t the best it could be. But it was enough for Midnight to understand how the buffet worked, how well the chefs worked, and how well the employees here were treated at least.

If she had more time, she’d have devoured the entire buffet with no hesitation, but she didn’t have all morning. With the contest upcoming, she did need to leave the table still unsatisfied with the whole experience.

Maybe I’ll stop by tomorrow morning. Midnight mused to herself. Before I go home on the train.

Midnight’s stomach, bloated and groaning away, was painful. But in that pleasant, warm way that signified that she’d eaten a good amount before leaving. She hadn’t gone all out, but that was what the contest was for. Plus it was amusing to see the staff and other employees watch as Gladiolus had to struggle to push her off the bench so she could stand.

Joints aching, panting for breath already, Midnight and Gladiolus worked together to drag her massive self to the Royal Gardens where the contest was going to be held.

(LINE BREAK)

Midnight was late. Celestia’s hoof was tapping the table irritably, and there was half the city (and a number of visitors) around to see Celestia express her ire in such a meaningful way. Luna couldn’t help but smile, looking curiously around at the judges and their various covered offerings.

This was a smaller scale, Canterlot based, contest. So entrants from places like Ponyville and Griffonstone wasn’t allowed. Still, all the right ponies from Canterlot had arrived: Donut Joe, Cinnamon Chai, Frosted Cookie, Flawless Caramel, and others that Luna could picture their establishments in her mind, but just couldn’t remember their names.

Still, they were waiting. At least it was a cool, cloudy day. No chance of rain or anything, but it made the occasional glimpse of sunshine peering through the clouds all the more special. Making the whole garden more atmospheric.

The chatter and ambient noise suddenly quieted as the double doors that led into the palace opened. Heads swiveled and a few ponies stood so they could see the movement that had captured everyone’s attention.

Midnight was still vaguely mobile, in spite of all the food she’d been subjecting herself to over the last 48 hours. Gladiolus simply wasn’t enough to keep her moving however, a couple other guards had joined in the valiant effort of helping Midnight along. It was quite a sight.

Midnight was sweat stained, but clean from her earlier meal. Panting and wheezing along as Gladiolus pushed her stomach from behind, and two other guards pushed her flabby stomach out of the way enough that her legs could reach around the all-encompassing, dragging orb. It was clear that more and more of her stomach was touching the ground all the time.

She hadn’t shown it, but the constant friction was starting to hurt. Thinning the fur where her stomach met the floor, the skin angry and irritated. It hurt, though the sheer joy her size was giving her far outweighed the discomfort. Having help also helped, made her muscles and joints not ache so fiercely, even though they were all sweaty and panting because of her bulk.

The whispers and chattering started up again after the crowd watched Midnight and her entourage inch ever closer to the judges table, where Luna and Celestia already were. The seconds and minutes ticked by, with Midnight getting inexorably closer to the table. Now she could smell the desserts, and it helped to spur her on.

When she finally made it, many of the ponies in attendance clapped. Luna joined in, rather enthusiastically, whereas Celestia all but glowered. She clapped along with the others, but with much less enthusiasm. A muscle under her eye was twitching.

Celestia, and much of the awaiting crowd, held their breath as Midnight lowered herself onto a specially made bench, designed to hold her bulk. It creaked, it groaned, it sagged under her weight, but it held. The table being shifted over a foot once Midnight’s stomach jostled it, rattling the cutlery and table decorations with the suddenness of it.

“I’m...here.” Midnight puffed, supremely glad when Gladiolus poured her a glass of water before stepping to the side, slightly behind her. Forming to the guard standard, except for his stomach straining against the straps of his barding. Midnight drank deeply, feeling her heart rate and breathing start to settle.

“Are we ready to begin?” This really was too good. Celestia had shuffled over a little in order to give Midnight’s stomach more room and she looked so grouchy about it.

Celestia perked up at Luna’s question, “I’m ready!” Her voice clear and pleasant as always, once again silencing the crowd.

Midnight nodded. “Me too!”

“I declare the Canterlot Baking Contest open!” Celestia announced, and the crowd cheered.

Donut Joe was first, not with a Donutopia or anything quite that intricate, but a three layered cake made of nothing but donuts. He was bereft of his normal hat and uniform, wearing what he considered a nice button down shirt for the event. His soft belly pushing the buttons aside, showing off his brown fur from where his chub was threatening escape. He bowed to the royals, as was protocol. “I’m Donut Joe, and I present you this: the donut cake! The donuts are held together by a special icing I made, and it’s topped with caramel and chocolate sauce. There’s a surprise in every bite! All the donuts are flavoured-”

“Sounds good.” Midnight licked her lips eagerly, a grin forcing dimples to form in her fat cheeks. Donut Joe hadn’t opened his store the day before, likely perfecting his cake, and she hadn’t had the chance to eat his donuts fresh before.

Donut Joe nodded, carving the three judges a generous slice. He knew the cake so well, he managed to make it so he didn’t cut any of the donuts in half.Keeping them whole and preserved.

The chocolate and caramel sauce were accompanied by real golden flakes, Celestia knew. A fancy ingredient Joe tended to reserve for competitions and charity work. Still, it was always interesting to see him get creative like this, even though this was a little similar to his donutopia.
Celestia and Luna accepted their slices with their magic, leaving Donut Joe to give the final slice to Midnight.

Midnight did seem to be trying to keep her manners for once, also using her fork to carve off a generous bite of the cake. Caramel sauce spilling out from where she’d torn a hole into a donut.

The three mares took a bite, and Celestia immediately ignited her horn to start writing notes on her thoughts and opinion, chewing thoughtfully. She made short work of the slice of cake as she wrote.

Luna was a little slower, taking a couple bites before beginning to take her notes, still eating while her magic took care of the writing.

Midnight didn’t have that luxury. Her wings rustling against her back, half submerged in the rolls and folds of her barrel. They were flabby too, rarely used. She wolfed down the slice of cake, gesturing for another, picking up her pencil to start scribbling. Not really minding the frosting that she was covering the eraser end of it with.

Donut Joe hesitated before getting Midnight a second slice, Celestia tensing up and the crowd erupting into whispers again. It was one of Canterlot’s best kept secrets that Celestia loved her sweets, and that it was customary for her to take home the remnants of the contest entries.

Luna grinned dopily, knowing exactly how excited Celestia got about this. Knowing how much Celestia glutted herself, hiding away in her rooms away from prying eyes and the paparazzi. If there wasn’t much left at the end, if anything...well, it would show Celestia.

Midnight alternated eating with writing, and even though she was obviously trying to make an effort to be polite for once, old habits died hard. Icing smeared across her muzzle, staining her sagging cheeks. Her papers weren’t spared the onslaught either, crumbs dotting their surface.

It became abundantly clear that Midnight was going to keep eating, regardless of whether Celestia or Luna had stopped.

Luna cleared her throat, “The donuts are not too sweet, nor is your icing. The flavours within the donuts, while surprising, all seem to compliment each other as well as the toppings.”

Celestia nodded along, “You’re always a popular entrant in these competitions, and while whatever you do bring us is different from your usual fare, I do recommend trying to be more creative in the future. This is not a new idea, though you’ve never made a donut cake before. It is delicious, yet fairly simple.”

“‘S good.” Midnight managed about a mouthful, all but slurping down another slice of cake. Leaving less than half of it behind once Donut Joe wheeled it away.

Cinnamon Chai was next. She owned a rather large cafe that was always a hit with whoever went there. Offering an ever changing assortment of sweet treats, sandwiches, and soups. She also ran a small catering business, based out of her cafe. Catering her sweet treats all across Canterlot and the surrounding area for all sorts of events ranging from weddings to birthday parties.

She was a tall, regal unicorn of obvious aristocratic descent, sharing the tall legs and slender, delicate features of the Canterlot elite. Still, she was older now, having been a fixture in Canterlot’s Market for over fifteen years. Her age was showing in her softer appearance, extra weight creeping on as the years went by. Giving her a smooth appearance, one that was soft and kind, and fit her personality perfectly.

Cinnamon was dressed up for the event, her dark brown mane piled behind her head in an elegant twist, and wearing one of Rarity’s Canterlot Inspired dresses. One that was altered for her personally, unlike Donut Joe’s ill-fitting shirt.

“Hello, judges.” Cinnamon bowed, grinning. “Today I present to you an old classic dessert! One of my famous Solar Citrus Cheesecakes.” This got the crowd in a flutter, Cinnamon had pulled the dessert from her menu years ago and had never brought it back, in spite of its popularity.

Celestia looked floored, swallowing convulsively as her mouth began to water. She’d had dreams about this cheesecake-

“It is made with a sweet lemon, with an orange glaze topping. Modeled into Princess Celestia’s Cutie Mark for this event.” The graham cracker crust was the perfect offset to the white cheesecake, dotted with vibrant yellow from the lemon, with the dark orange glaze in the center, with a yellow lemon glaze forming the rest of the picture of the sun.

“Of course.” Luna hadn’t been around when Cinnamon had had this dessert, but she’d heard enough stories to be deeply intrigued, her own mouth watering in anticipation.

Midnight beamed as her slice was brought to her, Celestia and Luna grabbing theirs with their magic as before. Years ago, she’d reviewed this dessert item, one of her first reviews, and Cinnamon was still thankful for all the good press.

Cinnamon winked as she set the plate down, and Midnight forgoed manners all together to dive right in, gobbling the sweet and sour dessert up in moments. Not that Cinnamon was surprised, there was already another slice waiting for Midnight.

Celestia was so enraptured by her slice that she forgoed writing notes completely, making contented noises in the back of her throat as she went along, happily eating the dessert.

Luna couldn’t complain, though, she wasn’t much better. After years of having Celestia and others rave about this dessert, it was amazing to find it met and beat all of her preconceived notions about it. It wasn’t too sweet, wasn’t too sour. The candied lemon provided nice texture, and the glazes were perfect while not being overpowering.

Celestia and Luna each got a second piece while Midnight devoured her fourth and fifth slices, demolishing the cheesecake in a matter of moments.

Celestia, for one, didn’t seem to be focusing much on Midnight, “That was...incredible, as always. Thank you.”

“We’ve heard much talk of this dessert, and we must say it has met and surpassed our wildest expectations!”

“The crust could be crunchier,” Midnight said, spraying crumbs across the table, “But it’s still as delicious as it always was.”

Cinnamon nodded, bowing again, taking the empty cart with her as she sauntered away.

As the judges regained their composure and took notes, the next contestant got ready. Another cheesecake, a new recipe to the owner as far as Midnight knew. A ‘Lunar Dessert Pie’: it was filled with a sweet cheese and blueberry filling. She thought it a little too tart, but it was still a textural journey for her tastebuds so of course she ate all of it, except for the two slices meant for Celestia and Luna.

As the contest continued, Midnight’s manners grew worse. Abandoning the fork all together, the only reason she didn’t get all of any one of the many desserts that began to stream and blur together was because she was behind a table and helpless to serve herself. Her belly bloated outwards as it was fed, shifting the table even more as the desserts kept coming.

Everfree Forest Gateaux, Pineapple Upside-down Syrup Cake, Monkey Bread, Red Velvet Cake, eclairs, an entire Croquembouche, nothing was spared the depths of Midnight’s ravenous gullet. Much to Celestia’s obvious dismay.

Even Gladiolus’ reminders weren’t enough for Midnight to keep her manners. Whispered utterances that were lost upon the crowd was also missed by Midnight most of the time, she was so focused on the food. Celestia’s body was tense, even as she too started to quietly reprimand Midnight for her lack of manners.

Flawless Caramel was a high street, well known baker who specialized in specialty, to order cakes for all occasions. She was mostly known for her wedding cakes, and that was what made up most of her business. She didn’t often have the time or gumption to enter these kinds of competitions, but she always made her talents known when she did. Her cakes were always so good-

Midnight was already licking her lips, wiggling her hips a bit in excitement. The bench under her creaked alarmingly under her weight at the movement, though Midnight seemed not to notice that as well.

“Hello judges.” Flawless Caramel’s grin was wide and natural. She was a pegasus, making her talent in the kitchen and bakehouse all the more commendable. Her rich, caramel-coloured coat and white mane and tail were a stark contrast to the cake she wheeled to the judges table.

It was huge. Five tiered, clearly meant to feed a great many ponies. The cake was split roughly into two halves, one black as night and depicting the nighttime sky, and the other a soft blue, depicting the bright daytime sky.

There were edible sugar crystals on both sides, accompanied with a special topper that looked like the figures on the Equestrian flag. It was arguably one of the most beautiful cakes Celestia, Luna, or Midnight had ever seen. The little details kept jumping out the more someone stared, and there were a number of them. Little songbirds, tiny stars and nebulae, the occasional cloud. They were innumerable as they were delicious.

Flawless Caramel bowed to the royals, carving them both slices. “This is a multi-tiered cake, made with ten different flavours. Each tier, and each half of each tier, is a different flavour to better show off the two halves of the cake. This flavour is chocolate cake, paired with mocha buttercream frosting.” Taken from the half that suited Luna.

At the mention of mocha, Luna had to take a couple of deep breaths to keep herself from flying out of her chair and escaping with the entire cake for herself. It would be unprofessional. And besides, it was Midnight that was supposed to drive Celestia to distraction, not Luna herself. Otherwise, what had been the whole point of inviting Midnight along for the ride?

“It sounds delicious. What are the other flavours?” Luna asked. Eagerly digging in as she awaited her answer, already scribbling on her notes excitedly as the flavours danced along her tongue.

“Aside from the chocolate mocha, we have raspberry with white chocolate, a mango upside-down cake, cocoa cake with marshmallow filling, hazelnut almond with a fudgy frosting, ginger spice cake with maple frosting, peanut butter cake with a whipped peanut butter and chocolate frosting, death-by-chocolate, caramel apple cake with brown sugar mousse, and a lemon-thyme cake. It’s a new recipe that alternates layers of lemon curd with vanilla buttercream.”

Flawless Caramel was already handing the last piece of the mocha over to Midnight as she finished her explanation. Not batting an eye at the spectacle that was Midnight. Flawless had worked in the food industry long enough to be well acquainted with Midnight’s eccentricities.

Celestia ate her piece slowly, apparently doing her best to ignore Midnight for the moment. Trying to remain professional, even as the muscle under her eye continued to tick away. “This is delicious. I’ve said before how mocha isn’t a cake flavour I’m often fond of, but you never fail to change my mind with your recipe. Knowing your work as well as I do, I’m certain the other flavours are just as delicious-”

Midnight burped-no Midnight belched. Long and loud, with enough force that the centerpiece’s leaves fluttered. It cut Celestia off completely, making all the ponies stop and stare at Midnight.

“I’ll need to taste the other flavours.” Midnight said simply.

“Of course.” Flawless set about cutting up the rest of the cake, resting the plates and slices along her wings and back so she could carry them all at once.

“As I was saying.” Celestia’s voice was taut, and a vein was throbbing in her temple, rather visible from where Midnight was sitting, should the portly mare deign to look. “Your recipes are the highest caliber, with all the flavours mixing properly. Enough you can taste them all, and savour them all, but not so overpowering you forget you’re eating chocolate cake with mocha icing.”

“For me, I could have used more mocha flavour.” Luna rebuffed, “But that’s me. I like my coffee strong enough I can’t taste much else for most of the morning.” This got some laughter, and even Flawless’s smile turned into more of a grin. “But my sister is right, the balance here is perfect. There have been many cakes since my return, and a number of them have been too sweet for me, or have one flavour or another too overpowering. If your other flavours are this well balanced, you’ve outdone yourself.”

“‘S good.” Midnight managed around a mouthful of cake, from where she was partially flopped over her own stomach, muzzle deep in one of Flawless’ generous slices. Ignoring Gladiolus, who was trying to whisper something into her ear, completely as she ate. “Very good. Lemon thyme is very original and even though both can be overpowering flavours, you’ve made it so they play nice.”

Celestia stared at the remnants of the cake, eyes going in between Midnight and the rapidly disappearing cake as Flawless continued to cut slices off of it and bring it to the table so Midnight could eat them.

At this point, Gladiolus took a step back, with an audible sigh. Recognizing the signs of a battle lost. At least he’d tried. Though, from where he was standing, he could see the state of Midnight’s notes. She was thorough in between contestants, having her own shorthand system to speed the process along. Still, it didn’t protect them from the deluge of crumbs or smears of frosting and toppings that decorated the pages more than the official letterhead did.

Celestia cleared her throat, rather sharply, hoping to catch everypony’s attention, but Midnight ignored her. “Since you’re the last contestant, Flawless Caramel, it’s time for the judges to deliberate. If everypony could go enjoy the garden and free refreshments, we’ll ring the bell when we’re ready to announce the winner.”

There were nods and murmurings as the crowd began to disperse. Flawless stayed behind long enough to put the last of the cake on the table before Midnight.

Celestia huffed, spinning around to Midnight with no small amount of frustration and anger, now that they were mostly alone to discuss the contest, “How much more unprofessional can you be?” Voice sharp, unlike her usual endless patience completely.

“What?” Midnight asked, barely looking up from her cake. “Been doing what I’m supposed to.” She slid her filthy notes over to Celestia to look at.

“How am I supposed to read these?” Celestia demanded, nose wrinkling in disgust. “How can anypony read and understand these? I’ve shown you endless patience-” She cut herself off, taking a few shaking breaths, clearly trying to keep herself under control.

“Can I get a new sheet?” Midnight asked, almost apologetically. Though Luna could see a glint of humour and mischief in the obese mare’s eyes that made Luna stamp down a grin in kind.

Celestia nodded, levitating one over. The tension starting to drain little by little from her body at the ‘win’ against Midnight’s appalling manners and infuriating slobbishness.

Midnight looked to Gladiolus, who stepped forward and took a fresh pencil into his mouth, poised to write.

Haltingly, since she was eating still, Midnight began to speak. “Flawless Caramel’s entry is first in my rankings. The creativity and execution of her ideas were flawless and excellently put together. There’s nothing in this cake that is a bad flavour, and her icing and frosting pairings couldn’t be more perfect if I’d selected them myself.”

As Midnight spoke, Luna used her magic to pluck the ruined sheets of paper from the table, eyeing them closely. Starting to use magic in the hopes of restoring the pages to some form of legibility.

Gladiolus scribbled away in the meantime, while Celestia looked suddenly a little nervous.

“Next would be Cinnamon Chai. It’s a good, classic Canterlot dessert that others have been trying to recreate for years. Today made it all the more poignant that she’s the original creator. Others have managed to piece it together, but she made it into an artform first and it shows.” Midnight burped again, wiping a hoof across her flabby face and smearing frosting as she went.

“And third is Frosted Cookie. His croquembouche was the best one I’ve ever had.” Midnight leaned back, rubbing at her gurgling, churning gut with a grimace. “It was creamy and delectable. The caramel wasn’t too sweet, the cream not too heavy. The pastry was perfect with all the layers there should be. It was excellent. If it weren’t for Flawless, he’d have taken first place. From me anyway.”

“What about the others?”

“There were a lot of others. The elderly mare with the...oh what did she call it? Lunar dessert? That was good too, but a bit heavy and rich, even for me.” Midnight shrugged, “All of them are good, but we’re looking for the best, right?”

Celestia looked dumbfounded, nodding.

“You know, her original sheets say much the same, though she talks about all the entries.” The spells worked, making Midnight’s writing legible once again. Luna flipping through the pages idly, “I agree with her ranking though.”

Celestia let out a long suffering sigh, head drooping a little. In spite of appalling lack of manners, it was evident Midnight knew what she was speaking of. “My rankings are the same, actually.”

Midnight brightened cheerfully. “Excellent. Should we call the others back?”

Celestia’s horn forlornly lit up, and rang the small bell a few times. Looking surprisingly somber as she looked around at the empty pavilion with equally empty cake stands.

Midnight’s stomach continued to churn away at the last of the cake she’d eaten. Rubbing at it as the onslaught of calories started to catch up with the portly mare. Her eyes and body heavy as her blood rushed to her stomach so it could get to work digesting the feast of sweet desserts.

It took some time for everypony to return, the contestants standing near their empty carts. A few of the more recent entrants fidgeting restlessly, while the seasoned veterans waited patiently. Except for Donut Joe, he looked uncomfortable. Tugging awkwardly at his ill fitting shirt.

Once things seemed to settle, Celestia pushed herself away from the table. Even though she had no leftovers to speak of, her stomach was rock hard and bloated, making her movements stiff and awkward. She rubbed at her distended tummy with a slight grimace, before her normal smile took over. “The judges are unanimous! First place goes to Flawless Caramel of Flawless’ Cake Orders!”

There was cheering, and Flawless looked rather like a cat that had managed to catch the canary: far too pleased with herself. She bowed to the judges.

Celestia waited for the applause to die down before clearing her throat, “Second place is Cinnamon Chai of her Tea and Cake shop!”

The applause was almost more thunderous this time, Cinnamon Chai’s shop well well-known and well-loved by tourists and locals alike. She grinned wildly, inclining her head and winking at Midnight. Midnight couldn’t help but wink back, even as her stomach gurgled loudly enough to divert some of the crowd’s attention.

Celestia once more waited for the noise to die down, the muscle under her eye starting to twitch again once it was clear Midnight’s stomach wasn’t going to quiet.

“And, in third place, we have Frosted Cookie, from his new fine-dining restaurant on Saddle Row! The Porch and Pint, if I remember correctly!”

The cheering was a little less robust this time, but it was still there. Especially loud from a few ponies who looked to be relatives. He looked very pleased with himself, beaming wildly. Almost bouncing in place with how happy he was.

“Now, everypony else did a fabulous job! All of the desserts were incredibly tasty, and I’d recommend everyone try everything we had today!” Celestia smiled across the crowd. She’d have to order sweet treats for herself, since she was sorely lacking any leftovers for herself. “Thank you so much to the organizers of the event and-” her voice hitched- “to our guest judge, Midnight!”

There was more applause with that, and Celestia sunk back into her chair, content to watch her little ponies start to get their things together and leave. The awards would be sent to the respective ponies by the end of the day, so they knew not to wait for it.

Normally Celestia would be dreaming about all the food she’d be eating that night, and even though her stomach was stretched taut and painful from all the desserts she’d already consumed, it stung to know she’d be bereft of them.

Once the place was mostly clear, Gladiolus motioned to the guards that had been in place for the event. Almost reluctantly, they got closer. Gladiolus talked with them for a few minutes, words rushed and quiet.

It didn’t take long before it became abundantly clear that they would need to help Midnight get back into the palace. It would take time, and a lot of effort from all of them, but it didn’t take long before they had her upright and had her slowly shuffling her firmly grounded gut back towards the double doors.

Celestia sighed, igniting her horn to start the sunset. Unable to look at Midnight’s extreme lack of independent mobility.

Luna leaned in, a grin on her face, “Do you still think I have to work on my diet sister?”