Story Update: I am Still Here + Preview · 10:05pm Feb 28th, 2018
This is Zephyr Spark. It's been almost 2 months. I haven't given up writing "Scaled Heights." I finished the next chapter and it's by far the longest chapter thus far. Almost 40 pages. I'm probably gonna break it up a wee bit. I'm working with an editor and he's been doing his best managing his own stuff. Now, he can get back to editing. Anyways, I feel really bad about not giving you all much. So here's a little preview of what I've written. Thanks for all your patience.
The sun had already set when Lightning led Spike to the coliseum for training. As the other Crystal Empire ponies began their light workouts, Lightning set up his bow and arrow, humming a little tune.
“You’re awfully upbeat today,” Spike said with a smile.
“Why shouldn’t I be? I got married to the love of my life.” Lightning beamed. “I feel like a pegasus, just walking on air.”
“Glad to hear it,” said Spike with a twinge of jealousy. Lightning noticed the slight droop of Spike’s frills, and surmised the dragon wished he had the love of a certain lovely unicorn. He didn’t dare bring up the subject and intrude. Instead, he pulled a single arrow from a barrel of foam tipped arrows.
“I heard Twilight’s inviting King Thorax and Dragon Lord Ember as her guests of honor,” Lightning said. “That’ll tick Blueblood off, huh?”
“Probably,” said Spike. “But at least he can’t ban me or Ponyville from the competition. So anyways, what are you gonna teach me today?”
“I’ve been talking with Twilight about dragon physiology and unicorn magic,” he began, “I hoped to work out some tactics for us both.”
“And?”
“I won’t sugarcoat it Spike,” Lightning said, “These unicorn archers, especially Silver Shine and Dark Spectre, have magic skills that’ll make them tough to beat. They’re also incredibly talented with a bow. If you want to win, you’ll have to rely on your physical abilities.”
“What, like breathing fire?”
“No, please refrain from burning anyone,” Lightning gave a little chuckle. “You’ll need to use your strength, speed, wits, and,” Lightning nocked the arrow in his bow, “Your reflexes.”
“Okay, but how?”
“I’ll get to that. First, we need to talk about how the match works,” Lightning said, prompting Spike to pull out a notepad to take notes. His rapt attention amused Lightning. “Every archer gets a helmet and a magical quiver that can hold arrows no matter how fast you run. We each start with fifteen arrows, but can pick up any discarded ones we find. If you hit someone with an arrow, they get teleported out of the arena. Headshots and bowshots don’t count; you have to hit some other part of their body. There will also be sandbag barricades throughout the maze that you can use to hide behind. You get all that?”
After finishing a note, Spike looked up and nodded.
“Good. Now, the rules are simple. Basically, almost anything goes.”
“Anything?”
“Any tactic you can think of is fair game, so long as you don’t seriously injure anyone. Remember, it’s not just a battle of skill, but creativity, finding ways to outsmart your opponents while using the environment to your advantage.”
“Have you done Arrow Tag before?”
“I often practice it at Silver’s archery range. He likes to play against entire teams and he usually makes me fight him.”
“Have you ever beaten him?”
“Not even close,” Lightning said with a headshake.
Spike felt another knot in his stomach. “If you couldn’t beat him, what hope do I have?”
“Don’t talk like that,” Lightning said sternly. “If truly doubt yourself now, you may as well give up and go home.” Spike still looked uncertain. “He’s not unbeatable. One pony’s always come close to beating him.”
“Who?”
“Arrow Bolt, but that’s another story. Let’s get back to Arrow Tag. Technically, Arrow Tag is every pony for themselves, but cities will form alliances.”
“Like the four Trottingham archers?”
“Exactly. Chances are they’ll team up against me, since they know I’m a decent archer.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “If by ‘decent’ you mean freaking amazing and unmatched in every way, then yes.”
Lightning laughed. “Well, thanks. I appreciate that.” Spike’s praise left him a little embarrassed. “Anyways, if we both make it to the final match, we can take on Silver together. If I fall, you have to take on Silver. He doesn’t know much about you or your skills, so we have an element of surprise. Now, we need to work on some other skills. That way, at least one of us can catch him off guard and win.”
“Alright,” Spike said as finished scribbling one final note. “So what do we do?”
“Take fifty steps backwards,” Lightning said. Spike did what he said. “Further.” Spike took a few steps further. “Okay perfect. Now,” Lightning drew the bow string, “stand your ground, and …”
I was just thinking about this story a few days ago! I actually went back and started the beginning of "Measure of a Dragon" again.
Anyway, this looks good. And no worries about the wait.
Bruh don't feel bad, just write at your own pace!
4807397 Thanks to both of you. Honestly, I can't wait to publish the next chapter. I have written it all, but I'm still waiting on my editor. Thanks for your eternal patience.
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