Antithesis woke to the sound of metal clanking, before getting up he gave a long stretch the kind that makes you shake.

He felt something wet on his mouth as he stood up "I don't usually drool." he said to himself. Wiping it he went into the bathroom, grabbing his toothbrush from the cabinet he put a layer of tooth paste on.

He turned to watch himself brush in the mirror when he noticed the red streak on his face. A little freaked out he checked his mouth finding a cut on the inside of his lip. "Guess I bit it." he thought, shrugging his shoulder. Once he was finished washing his face he went outside

He heard Taupe in the shed behind the house moving tools around. He walked up to her whistling so as to not scare her. "What's up, mom?"

"Oh, hey there sweetie, just reorganizing tools, some of these are on their last legs." Taupe said, grabbing a rake from the pile.

"Do you need any help?" Antithesis asked, passing her a warren. "Otherwise I'm heading to Astra's house."

"Ummm. Just one thing could you open the irrigation gates before you go?" Taupe replied wiping dirt off a garden fork.

"No problem, see later then." Antithesis said exiting the door. Taupe wave in response as she turned back to the shelf.

Antithesis trotted over to a set of gears next to the gate, grabbing the handle slowly began turning the crank. The steel slab rose allowing the water to flow, "That's done, time to go." he said aloud.

He walked out to the main road leading to town, waving to a mailmare flying by. The trip into town took only a few minutes before he found himself passing the "Welcome To Creston" sign on Mane St..

As he walked he began thinking to himself about the next steps in his fitness. He and his friends had completed the basics two weeks ago and they found themselves only getting bored when they exercised. Antithesis wanted a challenge, something that would push him physically.

Lost in thought he began staring at the ground while he walked. Stepping off the sidewalk to cross Atler St., a mare shouted "Watch out!"

Antithesis looked up and jumped back, watching somepony run by with a cart in tow. he turned around saying "Thanks, I would've been toa..s.t". There was no pony behind him or across the street.

Shrugging it off, he continued on looking both ways this time. Antithesis walked to the third house in a row of homes, he knocked on the door three times then took a step back.

Argo opened the door with a messy mane and crooked tie "Hey there Thees, come in come in." he motioned. Argo went to the stairs whistling for Astra. "Give him a sec, he's never been up before 10' on a weekend in his life.

Entering he noticed the dusty coffee table, cluttered bookshelf and from the entrance the pile of dishes in the sink.

"I guess he's lucky, once I'm up I can't go back to sleep." Antithesis said taking a seat on the sofa.

"Well he's up all night reading comics." Argo said reaching for his calendar off the bookcase. "No wonder his teacher says he's always asleep."

Astra came walking down the stairs with a yawning "What's up?" he floated over the railing to Antithesis. "It's too early for this."

"Do you ever do house work around here?" Antithesis said wiping a line of dust from the table holding it up.

"Why would I? I don't make the mess." Astra replied, blowing the dust from Antithesis' hoof.

"Don’t make it my ass,” Argo said, opening the door. “Let's get going."

Walking outside Astra glided off the porch while Antithesis jumped at the same time. A smile came across Argo's face watching the two of them.

Taking to the sky Argo began to fly to Savory Square where they were supposed to meet Maple and Trella.

"Dad!" Astra called out still on the ground pointing to Antithesis.

"My bad," he said landing.

"All good." Antithesis said waving his hoof.

Savory Square wasn't all that far from Astra's house was on the same street a few blocks east.

They arrived to see Trella descend from the second floor patio, drinks in hoof. She passed one to Maple who sipped and gave a melting smile.

"HEY!." Argo called across the yard.

Maple waved back, taking a seat at one of the outside benches. As they came closer Trella flew over to them "Whats up" she said then sipped her coffee.

"Not much," Antithesis replied. "You?"

"Just waiting on you guys" she said pointing the drink at Argo.

"Waiting on, Astra you mean" Argo said, nudging his son.

"It's not my fault I didn't plan a family day." Astra said, rolling his eyes.

Taking a seat next to Maple, Argo asked "Nevermind that, Trella, how much for one of those?", he pointed to her coffee.

After another sip she put the cup down and said, "Smalls are a bit and a half, mediums are two bits, large 2 and half."

"Alright let's look here." Argo said, pulling out his bit bag. "Hmmmm, here.... take this one get me a large hot black coffee, get yourself whatever." he said tossing a byt to Astra.

Antithesis and Astra walked towards the stairs to get to the coffee shop while the rest stayed at the table.

"So how are things going at home? Argo said tapping on the table.

"It's alright, a lot more lively since Antithesis and Shure have been coming around." Maple said, causing Trella's ears to perk.

"Well if your kid wasn’t so boring maybe it wouldn't be so bad." Argo jokes.

Trella scoffed "Boring says the one who does nothing but work all day and reads till he is asleep.”

With a sadness in his eyes he gave a smile , “Ah, I guess you got me there.” He said eyes turning to his son who was flying back with his drink. “So T. when are you gonna get a coltfriend?”

Both Trella and Maple spit their drinks at Argo shouting “Coltfriend.”

Astra gave a laugh through his nose as he passed the change to his dad, prompting Trella to say “Not. A. word!”

Astra and Antithesis looked at eachother with goofy smiles.

Seeing the strange look Maple asked "Something you're not telling us?”, while Trella’s face went beet red.

“It’s nothing Maple, just a joke.” Antithesis replied, however Astra couldn’t help from cracking up.

“Well she better not be dating,” Maple said putting a hoof around her daughter, “She's too young for that.”

Argo was counting his change when he heard Maple speak, “Please you and Acrux were sneaking out late at night when you were her age.”

Avoiding the statement Maple looked to Astra who was still giggling to himself. "What about you Astra, any marefriends?"

Astra held a straight face when saying "Nope", he answered with a certain blue mare coming to mind.

They joked around for a few minutes before a grey pegasus landed behind Maple quiet as possible. Standing right behind her he put his mouth next to her right ear saying "BOO!"

"AHH'' Maple screamed, hopping over the table. on the other side she turned to see her husband who was on the floor dying of laughter. "I told you to stop that!" she said going around the table to yell at him.

"My bad, my bad" Acrux pleaded dodging Maple.

Laughing Argo said "Thought your shift ended at 3:00"

"We finished tomorrow's clouds early," Acrux responded pulling Maple close to him. She stopped calling in his embrace, "I'm sorry I'll stop" he said kissing her forehead.

Watching Acrux walk to the Cafe with his hoof around Maple, Argo leaned over to his son and whispered "Seriously, no marefriend?".

Astra closed his eyes while sipping at his coffee, "I already answered that" he said lowering the cup. Argo looked over to Antithesis tilting his head.

"He probably forgot her name again,'' Antithesis said, putting an icecube in his mouth.

"I know her name!" Astra responded standing up. it took a second but he sat down realising what he just said.

"And here thought you were into stallions" Trella laughed.

"First there's nothing wrong with liking stallions. Second, what's the name?" Argo inquired.

"None of your business." Astra responded turning red and pushing Antithesis.

"What's got you so flustered?", Acrux asked, returning with a drink in hand.

"Astra's got a crush." Trella said getting a hug from her dad as he sat next to her.

"Well if he is reluctant to say anything I'd leave him alone." Acrux Said taking a sip, "I'd bet he's gonna marry a mare that would make Celestia herself jealous."

Right then storm clouds rolled in over head, feeling the wind the two stallions looked at eachother confused. "So much for a day out right." Argo said taking flight with his brother.

The two of them flew in two alternating circles replacing the clouds from where the rest were sitting. Once the clearing in the sky was made Acrux came down saying "We got to check this out." then flew back up.

Trella flew up behind him asking "Dad can I come?", he looked at her rubbing his chin "I'll stay out of your way please."

"Hmmm I don't know.." he said shrugging.

Argo came down to their levels saying "Let her come. Astra come on up!".

Astra took off turning to his friend "We'll be back" he shouted. Antithesis nodded to him.

Antithesis and Maple took cover in the cafe as the clearing in the clouds closed behind the pegasi. Entering they were greeted by the barista "Back for more?" she asked.

"Not exactly." Antithesis replied, closing the door against the wind that was picked up.

"Huh, I thought we weren’t due for rain until mon--EEKE" a bolt of lightning stuck near by causing Maple and the barista to jump.

Busy freaking out they didn't hear Antithesis laugh aloud, they eventually calmed as the lightning subsided. The barista eventually gained the courage to approach the windows pulling the rolling gate to cover them.

She walked out from behind the counter to where Maple and Antithesis were sitting. Joining them she said "I don't know how long we'll be inside so... can I get your names?"

"Maple, and this one is Antithesis." Maple responded with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Mocha." She said, placing a hoof on her chest.

They sat in another awkward silence for a few minutes, before Maple spoke up. "I don't remember hearing about Savory square before recently.”

Mocha perked up saying "Well, actually I'm new around here. A stingy pony wanted 700 bits for the restaurant space and I wasn't gonna be able to cover that, luckily I met a griffon who was looking at the same spot."

"Griffon? We don’t see many griffons around here." Maple said looking up as she thought. "Well there are one or two Griffon families around here."

"Well actually we split the cost to have the restaurant space, he hasn't arrived in town but he'll be downstairs on the first floor." Mocha replied moving her hooves as she spoke. "Although I don't know what he'll be doing in terms of service." She rubbed the back of her head.

"Oh, so you split the space with him but he's not here yet?" Maple said.

"Well we met once. He liked the idea of a cafe but he really wanted the first floor." Mocha replied.

Antithesis stood up stretching, walking towards the window he watched as the town was covered in sheets of rain. "You know I actually like the rain," he said, still looking outside.

"I guess that means you like the cold." Mocha said, looking over at him.

"Oh yeah, I can't stand the heat." He replied.

She looked over at him noticing his flank then comparing his size. "No mark,'' she said quietly.". Antithesis heard her but gave no reply, he turned to sit down once again but before returning Mocha tapped his shoulder. "Since we are stuck in here do you guys want to see the back of the shop?"

Maple looked over, "Are you sure, we wouldn't want to intrude.".

Mocha made a swiping motion, then sayed, "It's no problem, it'll get boring if we just sit here." she said fixing her apron.

Following her into the back she took them to a small pantry in the very back. Opening it was like running into a wall made of the scent of coffee. She looked at Antithesis and said "Pick one.", Antithesis went through the tags with different names not really sure what they meant.

He settled on a container labeled 'Dark', Mocha gave a nod as if she agreed with his choice. She grabbed the container taking it to a grinder. Pouring the beans in she began grinding. "You know the darker the roast the less caffeine," she said sifting the newly ground beans.

"There's a difference?" Maple asked, picking up the container of beans.

"Tons," Mocha replied, passing the cup of grounds to Antithesis, "Put it in this filter and then close the lid."

Antithesis placed it above the pot closing the lid, then stepped back, Mocha pressed a button on the side causing the water to swirl and boil. As they waited Mocha began humming a tune.

"What are you humming?" Antithesis asked.

"Oh, my hometown sings this song when they clean up winter, it's catchy, but those ponies don't much like coffee." Mocha answered looking down. "Almost ready. Aaannd done."

She picked up the pot and took it to the center island. Emptying the pot she tossed it into the sink. "Alright How do you like your coffee?" Mocha asked.

"Uhhh, I don't really know, not too sweet I guess." Antithesis said rubbing his chin.

"Cream?" Mocha asked pouring some coffee into a large and adding a scoop of sugar.

"UHh yes" Antithesis replied.

"Hot or cold?" she asked opening an ice chest

"Cold" Antithesis said, getting a bit excited.

"Alright" Mocha mixed the coffee adding seven ice cubes. For the drink to cool she placed it into a metal box pressing the button on the side. A timer dinged, prompting Mocha to pull out the drink now cold to the touch.

She passed the cup to Antithesis saying "Go on, take a sip.". Antithesis put his lips to the cup taking a drink. His mouth was encompassed by the earthy flavor accompanied by a faint char, with a subtle sweetness accompanied by a smooth cream.

lowering the cup with a grin, "That's good" he said, bobbing his head before going for another drink.

"Alright what about you?" Mocha said, turning to Maple.

"I'm alright, the one from earlier was enough." Maple replied with a warm smile.

"Ok," Mocha said, turning off the machinery. She walked over to the sink and began washing dishes "Sooo, have you and your son lived here long" she asked trying to make conversion.

Antithesis gave a laugh while he was drinking, causing the liquid to go down the wrong pipe. He started coughing, while maple tapped his back to help while saying, "This one isn't mine he's my friend’s foal."

"Oh, my bad I figured since your both earth ponies." Mocha said rinsing out the pot.

"It's fine, I mean he's practically family anyhow." Maple said, pulling Antithesis close. "The blue pegasis is mine though."

"Trella? Wait, that's your foal?" Mocha blurted as she dropped the pot into a pool of water. She looked at Maple up and down she said "No, no way."

Maple rubbed the back of her head saying "Yeah, she looks like her dad's side".

"That mare has been coming here practically everyday since opening." Mocha said approaching Taupe. "Who woulda thought I'd get stuck in a storm with her mom." she said with a laugh.

"So this is where she's been spending her allowance." Maple replied while Antithesis tapped her shoulder.

"Don't mean to interrupt, but the sun is coming out" Antithesis announced.

They walked towards the windows as the clouds were being bucked away by pegasi. Stepping outside Antithesis' nostrils were filled with the scent of rain then by something sweet.

He couldn't place what he was smelling but the scent was familiar. Maple walked up beside him taking a deep breath then said "Smells great doesn't it?"

"Yeah it's a bit sweet." Antithesis replied.

"Sweet?" Mocha questioned walking out behind them. "I think the word is fresh."

"Well yes but what about the other smell?" Antithesis asked.

"I don't smell anything but rain." Maple said watching four pegasi descend towards them.

Antithesis took another whiff of air confirming what he was smelling was sweet, not being one to argue he just let it go. The pegasi landed nearby and walked towards them. "How's it hangin?" Acrux called out.

"We're good" Maple answered as she made her way to him. Acrux hugged Maple as they met halfway, she asked "What was all that about?".

Argo looked left then right before whispering "Somepony illegally cast a spell on tomorrow's rain clouds". He looked up at Astra who was high hoofing Antithesis, "Figured that out when the clouds were producing blue lightning."

"You guys are ok nopony got hurt did they?" Maple said, grabbing both Argo's and Acrux's faces, proceeding to examine them.

Argo pulled away, "Every pony's fine" he said walking towards his son. "Well Astra almost got hit but that was my fault." he preened a feather at the tip of his wing that was partially singed.

"What about you?" She asked

"I'll be fine" Argo smirked "You don't get to my position without getting struck once or twice". He continued over to Astra placing a hoof on his back.

"And I flew past that cloud--" Astra stopped, feeling the hoof on his back he said, "Whats up dad?"

"Hey champ I'm sorry, but I got to head into work after all today." Argo said not wanting to disappoint his son.

"That's cool, it's your job right." Astra said with a wide smile.

"Yeah." Argo returned the gesture "You alright with going back with Maple?"

"No problem," Astra said as his dad began flapping his wings.

Antithesis watched as Argo flew back into the sky meeting with a few others, he looked at the large puddles and mini rivers flowing into the gutter. His eyes widened realising he left the irrigation canal open at home. "Oh my gosh!" he ran over to Maple. "I got to check back at home."

Maple gasped, "Was Taupe out working today?" she asked, getting a nod in response. "Well what are you doing here!?".

Antithesis he turned tail and ran down the street, he ran by as others stepped outside to see the clear sky. He sprinted dodging different ponies eventually making it to the edge of town.

Coming to the tracks he had two wait for a train on its way to canterlot to finish passing, once it had he crossed over the wooden bridge down the dirt road.

Turning into the walk he saw the partially flooded plants to his sides, looking forward he ran onto the porch to the door. Practically bursting into the house he checked the living room forst not finding her, he checked the kitchen "Mom" he called out.

"I'm upstairs," Taupe called back.

A wave of relief washed over him, Taupe walked out of her room towel wrapped around her mane. "You ok hon-" she was interrupted by Antithesis hugging her. Antithesis nuzzled her neck, in return she stroked his mane slowly, with a warm smile.

"Sorry I didn't come back sooner" Antithesis said, hugging tighter.

"Easy there you're pretty strong." Taupe said, he loosened his grip not letting go. "You're healthy enough to squeeze me, but how are the others." she said, pulling away.

"They're fine," Antithesis said, wiping his eyes.

"Maple?" She said with concern in her voice.

"She's fine, we were in Savory Square during the storm." Antithesis said, starting to sweat from his run.

"Savory Square, nice choice." Taupe said, taking the towel off her head. "I haven't been there since she opened.". Taupe tossed the towel onto a chair in her room before doing downstairs. Walking into the she stood on her hinds and opened the cabinets looking back and forth, "What do you want to eat tonight?" she asked.

"Uh, anything is good." Antithesis replied walking into the kitchen.

"That's not an answer." She said turning her head. "Pick something."

"Hmm, soup?" he said, standing up. "Do you think I can help this time?"

Taupe's heart nearly exploded, Antithesis never showed any interest in cooking and always ate what was given. "Of course, What do you think abooooout split pea?" Taupe said reaching for vegetable stock.

"Perfect." Antithesis answered.

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait, Professors have been piling up the homework.

So the last couple of chapters have been about others but its time to get back to the main character.

Thanks again for reading