by ArguingPizza
***
“YOU WILL BURN FOR YOUR CRIMES!”
From one of the many pavilions that dotted the Royal Canterlot Gardens, Princesses Celestia and Luna lounged on overstuffed cushions and watched the enormous pillar of fire that had erupted from Princess Twilight Sparkle. The heat was incredible, despite their being nearly a hundred pony-lengths from the smoldering alicorn. Fortunately for the sisters, their bodies were nigh-invulnerable to physical assault, but the heat was perfectly sufficient to heat their tea.
“Another cup, Luna?” Celestia offered, the kettle suspended in the golden glow of her magic. Luna nodded and accepted the refill. Celestia ignored the wary glances she kept casting towards Twilight and relaxed deeper into her cushion. One of her forehooves came up to rub her swollen stomach seemingly of their own accord, which recaptured Luna’s attention.
“He’s kicking,” Celestia answered her sister’s unspoken concern with a gentle smile.
“BEHOLD THE WRATH OF MAGIC INCARNATE!”
Luna tentatively pressed her cheek against her sister’s engorged belly. Seconds passed until she felt a strong, distinct kick directly on her face. The giggles that escaped the Night Princess doubled each time the growing life inside her sister reached out towards the world.
“My, that one certainly is lively,” Luna said as she returned to her own cushion. “You remain certain it will be a he?” Celestia nodded resolutely.
“I AM THE FURY OF THE SUN! SHE WHO CONDEMNS CHAOS TO ETERNITY IN STONE! MY WILL IS AS LAW UPON THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH!”
“A mother knows,” Celestia promised. A moment later, her ears sagged as she examined the stretch marks which were becoming ever more visible by the day. “I do wish he would hurry, though. It’s times like this I envy the dragons. No long gestation, no painful birth, no odd cravings.” Even as she spoke, another mustard-dipped carrot found its way from the plate in front of her to her mouth.
“Yes, but isn’t our act of making them so much more fun?” Luna snickered. A light blush dusted Celestia’s face as she looked towards her beloved and nodded. Luna giggled salaciously, but quickly sobered as she caught sight of yet another marble statue melting.
“YOU COME TO MY CASTLE, TO MY HOME AND TRY TO HARM MY WIFE AND CHILD?!”
“Do you think we should do something?” she queried worriedly.
“About what?” Celestia mumbled, her attention having wandered to a rapidly disappearing bowl of chocolate-covered corn.
“I SHALL ERASE YOU FROM CREATION! THE MEMORY OF YOUR EXISTENCE WILL BE PURGED AND CAST INTO THE VOID!”
Luna gave her sister a deadpan stare and used her hoof to physically redirect her gaze towards the immolated Princess.
“Oh, right. She has a bit of a temper, doesn’t she?” Celestia attempted to laugh off the homicidal rampage. Luna didn’t relent, so she sighed and took a deep breath. “Twilight! Honey, calm down. It’s just a loose stone. I tripped, I’m okay.”
Twilight, whose mane and tail had morphed into flames so large the Canterhorn itself appeared to be erupting, sputtered mid-rant. The fires extinguished, leaving her fur stained with soot, and her eyes lost their ethereal glow.
“B-but Celestia! You could have fallen! Do you have any idea the kind of damage that-“
“Twilight,” Celestia scolded. “I’m fine. Really. Now come sit down and have a biscuit.”
Twilight sulked, annoyed that she had been interrupted in the middle of her righteous crusade to eradicate improperly anchored masonry. A beat passed before she peaked from behind her hair.
“…Is there any blackberry jelly left?”
Celestia smiled and raised a small sealed jar. “Saved just for you.”
Twilight returned the grin, somewhat less enthusiastically, and teleported to her wife’s side. She snuggled into Celestia’s white fur, though before she took her first bite she shot a venomous glare at the stone walkway.
“Your time will come.”