Dawn Reflection winced harshly at the searing pain that wracked her body, her hide scorched and smoking from her battle with her half-sister, Gamma Ray. Her left eye was already burnt and swollen so badly she could hardly open it and the end of her horned was charred blacker even than the other sear marks flecking her body. She felt as if all of her energy had left her, barely able to even lift her wings or her head. Instead, a single blue eye, shrunken with pain and fear, swept over the darkened room. Their battle had been explosive, denting and cracking columns and doorways and shattering the colorful lanterns overhead and the nearby stained glass doors. Shards of bright, colorful glass littered the rich burgundy carpets and glossy, opalescent tile of the great hall, eerily reflecting the many lights of gouts of sparkling violet flames dancing acrosses the floor.

Dawn’s whole body became more tense at the soft nearby hoofsteps on the carpets and her gaze immediately refocused on the threat at hand. It was Gamma Ray, hardly looking worse for the wear, her eyes and horn still ablaze with malevolent magic matching the shade of the flickering flames. The glow of the fire cast ominous shadows over her fur, brightening a wide, sadistic grin and deep, wild blue eyes that were filled with what could only be described as glee. A rich, deep chuckle rolled through the room and Dawn’s muzzle and brows crinkled weakly at the sound. “My my, I was expecting more of a fight. Seems you share neither father’s gift for magic nor your mother’s,” Gamma Ray mocked smoothly, coming to a half at Dawn’s side. She bent her neck down so the tip of her muzzle was a bare half foot from Dawn’s own. “But we can’t all be gifted I suppose.” The taunting continued. “Still, you’re not even worth getting rid of, you’re hardly a threat at all.” Gamma Ray continued with a pleased snort, her lionlike tail now whipping behind her excitedly. “Why don’t you lie here and think about all the things you could have done, while I go find myself the real reason I’m here, hm?” She condescended in a feigned tone of scolding.

She rose to her full height, scoffing once more at the sight of Dawn’s beaten and burned body on the floor, illuminated as well by the ghastly flames, before turning and heading down the main hall. She wonder if the commotion had been enough to stir Twilight Sparkle and Sunburst. She knew that they both were here in the castle somewhere, the question was where. No matter, there was very little to impede her now and the only challenge that remained were the ones she’d come expecting. She inhaled a deep, satisfied breath as she walked, her tail flicking and brushing across the blazing sun on one flank. A challenge it would be, yes, but she had come quite prepared, energized to near bursting with solar energy. She should thank Dawn in fact, all of that power was almost uncomfortable to contain.

—-

Meanwhile, Dawn struggled to rise to her feet, once making it to hoisting her exhausted body to onto her forelegs, before dropping back down. A few nearby shards of glass broke her fall back to the carpets and she hissed as they dug into thinner fur of her legs. “Curse that… that witch!” She whispered angrily, unable to muster a shout. Her face curled in dismay, tears brimming at the corners of her eyes, stinging the burned flesh on her left side. She had to find the strength to get up, had to find help, or warn her parents at the very least.

But now the room was starting to grow hazy and dark and Dawn felt her remaining open eye slipping closed. Too soon, despite her struggles, Dawn couldn’t help but lose herself to unconsciousness from the drain on her body from the injuries and the battle. It was up to Twilight and Sunburst now to save themselves – if they could.

———————————————————————————

Aftermath of Dawn Reflection and Gamma Ray’s duel in the hall of Twilight’s Castle from the scene before. Despite being the offspring of two very magically gifted ponies, Dawn Reflection isn’t really a fighter, nor has she ever really done much as far as magical study. Gamma Ray on the other hand, also has magically gifted parents, and was raised specifically to magnify this gifted blood. Her magic is fueled by solar energy and ever burning hatred and desire to fulfill the mission her mother had sent her on, as well as to watch all of Equestria burn afterwards.

And yes, I understand the villain being cocky and leaving the ‘hero’ alive is cliche and trope-ish, but I like it, so that’s how it goes. Don’t worry though, Dawn’s not dead, only down for the count this time. But what will happen to Twi and Sunburst? Maybe they’ll escape, maybe they’ll be able to temporarily thwart her schemes. Who knows?