by Kochamara
***
"Impressive!" Celestia intoned, shaking rubble from her body with a single flap of her wings. She removed herself from the crater's edge. Even now, though sweaty and shaking like a dog, she radiated regality. "Even without the aid of outside forces, your magic is extremely potent."
"Thank you, Princess." Twilight bowed her head in exhaustion, a thick layer of sweat matting her fur. Stray sparks issued from her horn, hungry and eager. Despite her tired breaths, her body yearned for more power. It was a terrifyingly intoxicating experience.
"I think that's enough practice for one-" Celestia's voice was cut short by a loud rushing sound. Twilight's horn sparkled and crackled, accompanying that overwhelming noise. A thin beam of light issued from the horn's tip, resulting in a resounding blast much like the first.
"Sorry. Sorry!" Twilight squeaked, buckling down on her knees. "It was like this with Tirek. So much power..."
Celestia trotted towards her young protégé, finally resting parallel with the younger alicorn. A massive wing unfurled, providing a makeshift umbrella in the process. Her horn sparked, summoning a couple of water filled canteens.
Twilight gratefully took one in her forehooves, gulping down the liquid in great quantities. "I don't know if I can properly control it. With the others, I can properly channel my, er, our power, but individually, its a bit...difficult."
"Difficult?" Celestia laughed. "Oh Twilight. The fact that you managed to perform this well is remarkable. Your magic has far surpassed that of any pony I have ever met." She nuzzled Twilight in one matted shoulder. "Despite that, I really do think we should head back to the palace, now."
It was Twilight's turn to laugh, though it was more like a giggle. She nuzzled Celestia back. "You're right, of course. You're always right. Let's go."
Celestia and Twilight both stood up to their full height. The alabaster alicorn's horn glowed, its power coursing through her. Giving one last look of their surroundings, they teleported to the comfortable confines of the royal palace.