> Antithesis
>  by SkarletIce
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1. Beginnings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Morn'n sweetie", Taupe said, "You ready for day 1".

Her brown colt grumbled in response.

"It won't be... that bad" Taupe reassured.

She walked him to Creston High School for his first day of 8th grade. A long way from outside of town on a farm.

Him being so young and out of town he couldn't really see his friends from last year. Not recognizing anypony he dropped his head out of fear, or maybe loneliness. Entering the school grounds Antithesis looked around noticing some foals had been walking with others they knew. 

Nearly sweating he reached for the front doors. Being hesitant to enter, Antithesis heard somepony say, "Take it slow". Looking around he couldn't see anypony leaving him confused yet much more calm. Taupe pulled him into a hug, saying "I'll be here when you're done." then kissing his forehead.



Finding his assigned classroom he instantly noticed he stood a hand full of inches taller than the rest of the children in the room. Even worse for him they noticed too, earning him a few stares and a couple of giggles as he walked to his chosen seat in the corner by himself. But the tension in his mind was broken when a Magenta Mare walked in.

"All right class. My name is Lareow and I'll be your teacher this year." she announced with a hoof outwards. "I think it's best If we go around and introduce ourselves". "Why don't we start with uuhhh..." Lareow scanned her clipboard looking for the most interesting name landing on the one pony that didn't want to be there. " Ah! how about you Antithesis"

He stood up from his chair never looking up as he gave his introduction, "Hi, I'm Antithesis and Earth pony and I live on the wheat farm past town". Nothing but empty stares from his classmate until Lareow called another name, a lavender colored filly stood up and began her intro.


After Lareow explained how classes would be handled she gave them free time to chat but Antithesis didn't know anypony. He sat by himself until lunch, the class emptied out into the halls making their way to the cafeteria. Antithesis looked for a table spotting one by the windows, walking towards it he hit into some pony.

"Ow" the Pegasus said, falling backwards.

"Are you ok?" Antithesis asked, still standing.

Getting his bearings he looked up at the colt he collided with. "Dude you're the pony with the crazy name, what was it Antitez, no Antitha, no Anitheez."

"Antithesis" he corrected him.

"That's it! Anti, Antith." he tried several more times. "Alright from now on I'm calling you Thees".

Antithesis gave him a confused look "I don't think--".

"Oh I should tell you my mane since no one really listens to those intros in class anyway." he interrupted "My name's Astra, Astra Remex".

"Thaaats cool I guess.?" Antithesis rubbed the back of his neck.

"Ya, I know" Astra chuckled.


(Next day)
"Hey" Astra called as Antithesis walked in the classroom.

"Yo" he responded taking a seat behind him.

The two started talking but were cut off by Lareow who was holding a rather thick book labeled “Three Tribes” that bored the whole class nearly to death. Not too long into the lesson Astra was asleep, and with a sudden slam on the desk Astra's rest was interrupted causing him to fall off his chair. An eruption of laughter came from the class and a smirk from Antithesis.


After the lesson Lareow gave them class work allowing them to work in pairs. Astra turned his chair to work with Antithesis, sitting down he rubbed his side he fell on.

"It was pretty funny". Antithesis said chuckling at him.

"I guess, but I don't know anything on this worksheet." Astra complained. 

"I gotcha, all you really need to know is there are three forces in the atmosphere that all three types of ponies use differently. Unicorns use magic which everyone knows." Antithesis explained, writing him some notes down for Astra. "Other than that, Pegasi use something called Welkin to fly and touch clouds, Earth ponies use Tellus? to gather strength and form the land."

"That's it? Why the lecture" Astra complained throeing his arms up.

"Dunno maybe she likes the topic".



With the ring of the lunch bell the room emptied into the hall, together they walked towards the cafeteria to have a much needed meal. Outside of the lunch room doors Astra had run into a light blue unicorn, "I'm running into everypony this week aren't I."

Shaking his head he looked over at a pale yellow unicorn with bulky glasses who had two ponies cornering him. 

"Watch where you're going" the unicorn told him, "Now scram".

Without a moment's hesitation Astra flew between them and the cornered colt. The bigger green unicorn began to cast a spell launching a dull green blast at Astra hitting him straight in the face but he remained standing until the third one an earth pony knocked him out of the way and began to approach the now cowering colt.

Antithesis stepped in towering over the three of them about the size of most high schoolers, placing a hoof on both unicorns shoulders.

"Leave ," he commanded. As they left he turned to the yellow pony asking, "Hey, you ok?"

"Ya I think so, Thanks." he replied quietly 

"Don't thank me, your hero is over there." Antithesis began to laughing while pointing at the grey mess that was Astra doing his best to walk straight.

"What's your name? "Astra said finally regaining his balance

"Shure" he replied raising his head

"What? That's not what I asked" Astra said back cocking his head.

"No my name is Shure, Shure Shot" the pony said with a nervous smile.

"Nice to meet ya Shure'' Antithesis greeted as his eyes caught a glimpse at the colt's flank, it was an image of a small target with a magic projectile traveling to the target. Most ponies don't get their marks until high school so some jealous ponies will bully those with them.

"Sick mark" Astra said, also noticing his cutie mark.

"Not as cool as yours though" Shure gestured towards Astra. 

"Ya, though it's a little weird for a Pegasus". Antithesis added looking at Astra

"What are you guys talk..ing a bou.." He slowly stopped talking, now and fixed on a newly placed image on his flank before erupting in excitement.

"I did it, I got my cutie mark!" He flew up brimming with excitement, until what Antithesis said sunk in, the sudden realization that it was, weird for Pegasus to have "A big ass shield?!" he shouted, his excitement turning to embarrassment. "What's lamer than a Pegasus with a shield for his talent." Astra said lowering his head. 

"I don't know you were pretty cool when you got it, right." Antithesis said walking passed him.

“Ya, and thanks again for helping me out back there." Shure added

Astras' ears perked up. "It was no problem, really" he said proudly.

"How about you come eat with me and Mr. Hero?" Antithesis asked. Shure agreed following them to the cafeteria.



The end of the school day came and with it a parting wave between new friends. Antithesis walked towards his mom who was waiting with the other parents, reaching her he hugged her.

"Have a good day?" She asked "Did you make any new friends?". Antithesis hummed in response. "Well I'm glad you had a good day," she said.
> Chapter 2.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Alright class lets start" Lareow said as she stood "The Pegasus weather schedule has for plenty of snow tonight, so school has been canceled for tomorrow".

Ponies began highhoofing each other, while Astra copied Antithesis' homework from the night before. Thees kept an eye on his teacher so they wouldn't get caught. However Lareow caught a glimpse of the grey pony writing something down. Thees kicked Astra's chair to warn him.

"Mr. Remex! Care to explain what you are doing?" she questioned.

"Who me? I was just uh.. writing the date." he stammered.

"Oh really?" She accused one eyebrow raised.

Lareow began to reach for the paper on the desk that was hiding Thees' below it, when the sky blue mare to their right tapped Lareow's shoulder. "Ms. actually he did just ask me what the date was." she assured with a smile.

"Alright, if that's the case." Lareow responded, looking at the mare for a few moments before turning around to return to her desk. "Ahem, anyway" she went on.

Astra mouthed thankyou at the mare, but she offered no response just a quick wink before facing forward once more. It took him by surprise that some mare he had never noticed had just bailed him out, though he was broken out of his trance by Thees who was asking for his paper back. Shaking his head a little with a smirk.\

"Today we will do history all day and make up math when you return on Monday." Lareow announced. "Today we will cover the similarities between ponies. Tell me does anybody know any already?"

A Couple ponies gave answers like hooves, manes, and tails. But then Lareow began calling on those who didn't have their hands raised.

"Antithesis! could you give an example." she called out.

"Uhhh...." the pony combed his mind looking for an answer landing on one that was as common as tails or manes. "Cutie Marks" he blurted.

"Good job, that's the first similarity." the teacher noted, putting up a poster on the easel. "Long before the founding of Equestria it was believed that only the unicorns had them. As the three tribes began to merge, it wasn't long before the earth ponies and Pegasi noticed they too had cutie marks."

"Does that mean we all have magic?" somepony asked.

"Yes and no" she answered "It's true that cutie marks are magic, though only unicorns can really use it".
"Anypony know the second one?" Lareow asked, after giving it a moment she instructed the class. "Every one pick up your pencils with your hoof."

The class did as instructed raising their pencils then letting them go, well everyone except Astra who was staring outside. Lareow gave a sigh and approached him once again. Standing over him she opened her mouth to reprimand him but was interrupted.

"Ya, ya I know ponies are special because we can pick things up without fingers or claws, like Minotaurs or Dragons." Astra said while watching the snowfall.

Lareow narrowed her eye for a minute surprised at his answer. Collecting herself "Uhhh.. that's correct." she muttered. "Much like Cutie Marks, ponies' ability to grip things with hooves are derived from ancient earth ponies' use of Tellus." 



Lareow rambled on and on until eventually it was time for everyponies' favorite Lunch time. Thees and Astra rushed to be the first ones out of the classroom. 

"I freegen hate those lessons! she always singles me out." Astra exclaimed.

"You... were staring out the window." Thees replied while turning right down another hallway.

"Ya so what" Astra scoffed. "You don't have to look at somepony to hear what they are saying".

"Well I'm sure she'll think twice before calling on you again" Thees said with a laugh.

"She better." Astra agreed, opening the doors to the cafeteria.

The two sat waiting for the lunch mare to open the lunch line. Thees looked over at the chalkboard to see what was written for today's lunch. It was fresh lily salad with croutons and rice pudding. 

"Come and get it" the lunch mare called to the cafeteria. A wave of ponies rushed into line, while Astra was thrown side to side but found safety next to his friend, no one running into Antithesis being that he was much larger than them. 

The two waited for a few minutes in line eventually making their way to the front of the line. Astra brought his tray up ready for a tasty treat. Pushing his tray forward the lunch mare had put an assortment of greens on his tray topped with lilies. She nudged the tray back to him and called for the next pony. 

"What about the pudding? Astra asked, frowning.

"All out. Tell ya what have this." she said passing him an apple. "Fresh from Sweet Apple Acres."

He scoffed at this but took his tray to his usual seat. Approaching he saw Thees sitting there with a familiar yellow pony sighing as he sat down. 

"Bad day huh?" Shure asked noticing the drooped ears.

"You have no idea," Astra replied.

"Worse than math all day?" Shure quipped.

"Well, no that bad." Astra said looking down at Shure's tray he saw the gooey goodness that was pudding.

The trio dug into their meals like there were no tomorrow. As Thees finished his salad first he looked up at Astra who was rolling his apple around. He tapped on the table catching the Pegasus' attention then proceeded to bite his own apple "This is pretty darn good.".

"It's just an apple," Astra murmured biting off a mouthful, while doing so all his frustrations faded into a satisfied "Mmmm".



The shortened school day came to a close Astra, Shure, and Thees met in the hallway like usual. All of them walked outside feeling the crisp cool air and nearly blinded by the light reflecting off the white snow. 

"I guess I'll see you guys later then" Shure said.

"Yea, see you later." Astra replied, while walking towards a gray blue stallion.

"See ya later" Antithesis repeated offering nod before making his way to his mother.



Getting home Antithesis started on some math homework given for the extended weekend while Taupe began on dinner. He had gotten about mid way through before falling asleep at the table. Gently waking him, Taupe offered a glass of hot chocolate, Antithesis sipped away while Taupe looked over his work. 

"Now it's been a while but I think number four and seven are wrong," Taupe said, sliding the papers towards him. 

"No. That's right" Antithesis responded, looking up at his mother. 

Pointing to a line in his shown work she asked, "Where did the negative go?"

"Oh" he said embarrassed.

Erasing out his frequent mistake he redid a few problems he did the same to. After finishing his work Antithesis went to lock the doors for the night, while Taupe threw another piece of wood on to the hearth to burn for the night.

Antithesis went to his room for the night, dropping his bag at the base of his bed. He plopped himself on his bed turning right to look out his window to a familiar night sky watching the clouds drift by the moon before falling asleep for the night.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Being able to get up early and stay awake was a gift for schooldays but a curse on the weekends. After making his way to the bathroom to clean up starting with his teeth. Looking up after a good rinse into the mirror he noticed his mane was long and kinda messy, he needed a haircut. Antithesis reeled at the thought since Taupe gave him the same one every time. Needless to say cutting hair wasn't her special talent. 

Doing his best he fixed his hair to hide its length. Finishing he ran down the stairs trying to pass his mother, in the kitchen but wasn't fast enough. 

"Huh, looks like you need a haircut Mr." she said, catching him off guard.

"Really, huh I didn't notice." he said 

"Nice try," Taupe said, rolling her eyes.

Antithesis opened his mouth to protest but was cut off "You're in luck, I have to drop something off at Maple's house" she said, basket in hand.

Staring at the basket he asked. “Maple’s house?”.



After a long and chilly walk into town Antithesis found himself in front of a small shop with a red, blue, and white spinning pole. The sign above the shop read "Wild Stylin'' under it was "Barber Shop / Beauty Salon". The bell on the door rang as they entered to see a peach colored stallion cleaning off a red chair. The smell of aftershave and flowery shampoos filled his nose causing him to sneeze.

"Taupe!" the barber said looking up. "You come for hair cuttin lessons finally."

He noticed Antithesis stepping out from behind his mother. "This must be your youngin' say I thought he was younger?". the barber questioned.

"Morn'n Styles" She replied with a giggle. "He's pretty big for only fourteen."

"Quit pull'n my leg, he ain't look a day under sixteen." the barber reckoned.

"Just an early bloomer I guess," Taupe said.

Shaking his head with a quiet laugh, "Don't make no difference to me, come on up we'll get ya seated son." He offered

Antithesis took a seat while Styles put a cape on him. His mother went to the other end of the shop where a mare greeted her and sat her in a similar chair. Styles proceed to turn on the clippers buzzing to life. 

After inspection of his tool he asked "How you want it cut?". 

Antithesis not knowing how to describe a haircut he stayed silent. "Well maybe you can just clean him up a bit that's what I usually do" Taupe called from her seat.

"Hm, long, medium, or short?". He asked.

Antithesis began to speak, having something in mind but didn't know how to describe it. Nervously he answered "Whatever you think  looks nice."

Styles stopped and smiled, it had been some time since anyone asked his opinion on their hair. Everyone always comes into his shop knowing what they want regardless of whether it looks good on them. "I'll do it up real nice for ya". He went to take the first cut but right as he made contact the bright red crystal on the back powering it faded, turning off the clippers. 

"Hm, guess it is about time to get a new set," he said while walking to a set of draws. "No matter, We'll just use these, you guys are in for a treat". He said while tapping his flank with the pair of scissors pointing to his cutie mark with a tuft of hair being cut by a similar pair.

Styles had poured over the young stallion making his mane perfect. After brushing off the pony he turned the chair to face a mirror. 

Peering into the glass, Antithesis saw a short mane that combed up and towards his right.

Once Taupe finished her trimming she dropped seven bits in the tray before exiting the shop. As the bell rang Styles had called out "Y'all come back now ya hear". Antithesis to turn his head and nodded back letting his freshly cut head feel the cool breeze sweeping through.



Antithesis had never been to Maple's house though he had met her before. As they approached the medium sized lot he saw a dark red mare with a light brown mane tending to some seedlings before she noticed them coming towards her.

"Hey Taupe, long time no see girl." Maple called out.

Closing the distance and hugging each other, "You were over last week", she said with a laugh.

"Ya but it feels like forever since I visited my bestie." Maple said as she let go, looking over at Antithesis. "Oh my I haven't seen you in a while. You're definitely taller than Trella." she added "Taupe what do you feed him to get this big."

"Well, when you work the best wheat farm this side of Canterlot." Taupe replied with pride in her voice.

"I guess you're right, speaking of, did you bring it?" Maple asked her excited

"Of course I'm a mare of my word" Taupe said 

"How about we go inside" Maple said approaching the house, when reaching the door she turned her head towards Antithesis who was behind his mother and said "Maybe I can get Trella to come down so you guys play or something" 

After closing the door behind her guests Maple called to her daughter."Trella! Sweetie come down aunt Taupe is here, come say hi,".

"I'll be right down" came in reply, followed by the sound of light hoof steps.

As she reached the bottom of the stairs she trotted over to Taupe to give her a hug.

"You get prettier every time I see you", Taupe told her as she moved her main out of the way "Antithesis, come hear say hi"

Approaching he watched as a grey blue Pegasus let go of his mom. At her hooves was a white swirling pattern that went to her knees, and her hair was black with navy blue roots.

"Just like Astra" Antithesis said quietly.

Both Terra and Maple turned their heads and said in two different tones but in unison. "You know Astra?".

"Ya, we're best friends" Antithesis told them with confidence in his voice.

"Wait a minute, are you... Thees?" Maple asked, remembering her nephew had mentioned a friend with a strange name once.

"That's me, though I'm not huge on the nick name." Antithesis told her while following her into the kitchen.

"I have an idea why don't you go over to Astras house, he lives a few houses down Trella why don't you take him." Maple offered while grabbing a mixing bowl from a cabinet.

"Mom, I'm in the middle of something," Trella responded.

"You can pick it back up later for now just go over". she told her.

Trella gave a heavy sigh before saying,"Alright let's go." as she left the kitchen.



Making their way outside and reaching the end of the yard Trella turned around smiling and spoke, "My mom said to take you to Astra's house but that doesn't mean I'm gonna wait for you.". He stood there looking at her breath now visible in the cold not knowing what she meant, but realized as she spread her wings and took off.
Trella turned her head not seeing anypony behind her she said to herself "Loser got left in the dust".

"Who's a loser" she heard somepony say. Startled, she looked directly below her to see Antithesis who was managing to keep up with her.

While he was an earth pony he wasn't slow. 



Astra had just finished doing some dishes and was drying his hooves off. Making his way up to his room he plopped himself onto the bed bored as always during the weekend. His best friend lived out of town, too far for either of their parents to let them travel by themselves.

Deciding to nap he shut his eyes to rest, but then he heard something zoom past his house. He jumped up opening his window and flew out of his house only to see a familiar brown earth pony chasing his cousin. Realizing who they were, he began following them. 

Nearly catching up Astra called to them "Thees! Trella!" 

Immediately recognising the voice Antithesis stopped dead in his tracks nearly slipping in some ice, while Trella pressed forward. Upon seeing that Thees had stopped Astra had slowed to meet him, the two brohoofed as they met.

"What are you doing here dude" Astra asked.

"My mom is visiting her friend Maple" Thees replied.

"Maple? You know aunt Maple, damn you shoulda told me." Astra said.

"How would I know she was your aunt? You don't look anything like her." Thees told him.

"Ya I guess, well it's my uncle Acrux that I look like" Astra told him "He has the same hair and face as me though his coat is like Tella's."

"Speaking of her" Thees said, they both watched as a pegasus with a sour look came racing towards them stopping a few feet shy of impact.

"Why'd you quit all of a sudden" she demanded.

"Well Astra called out so I sto--" cut off by Trella 

"That doesn't mean you just stop, I went three blocks before I realised it!" she complained.

"You should have paid more attention idiot" Astra interjected.

"Shut it Mr. Shield" she shot back at him.

"Never gonna live that down are you" Thees said laughing at the two of them.

"It just means I'm super tough, what about you blank flank." Astra said playfully

"I'm sure when I get it it'll be something cool, ain't gonna be a farmer if I was it would have gotten it while helping at home." Thees responded. 



During their walk back to Maple's Astra asked suddenly, "Thees have you thought of joining a sport?".

"HM." Thees sounded. "No, I still got to help mom at home so not really."

"I kinda want to join one," Astra added. 

"Tell ya what could give us an excuse to hang out after school." Thees added.

Interrupting Trella told them "The clubs and sports have a three week advertisement period when school starts".

"They give out a list of clubs and sports teams in the first week then have older members set up stands in the Gymnasium during the second with a sign up sheet." She informed the two "The third week they leave sign up forms in the office for anypony that had trouble deciding." 

"Huh, who knew you were so useful" Astra joked as they arrived at the lot.

Trella replied "I am a grade ahead of you of course I'd know." but the other two fell quiet as the smell of food came from Maple's house.

Recognizing the smell Thees ran for the door the other two followed suit also realizing what the scent was.

All three busted in the kitchen where Maple and Taupe were laughing. "See I told you he has a sixth sense about these" Taupe said while pouring a viscous brown liquid on five plates of steaming golden pancakes. She gestured offering a plate to the three.

Sometimes when Antithesis was at school Maple visited Taupe leaving pancakes for him after her visits, even cold he had never eaten a better dish in his life.

They all ate together sharing laughs and pancakes, eventually it was time to head back. Maple saw them to the edge of her yard giving hugs and goodbyes.

"Do you think you could come and hang out on the weekends again?" Astra begged.

"Next time we come in to visit Maple we'll let you know Astra." Taupe told them.

Beginning their trip home, the sun began to set and the breeze died down. Taupe looked down at her son, a smile on his face along with some syrup.
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Antithesis" Taupe called. "Can you go chop the ice?". 

"Ya give me a second" He replied, throwing a scarf on and heading for the door.

"Are you sure that's all you're going to wear?” she asked. “I know you like the cold but that's not enough.” 

No response came, only the sound of a closing door. Thees grabbed the ice chopper off the back porch and made his way to the front to start.  Antithesis saw some lighter white ice and put down his tool deciding he’d use his hooves to break it. 

After  clearing the small patch he went over to the thicker ice and gave it a kick, not much happened considering it was a solid chunk of ice. He turned around to go back and get the chopper but in doing so he slid on a small piece of ice sending him backwards on the unbroken sheet. As he fell he reached down quickly hoping to grab on to the ground and regain his balance but he missed shattering the sheet of ice with his bear hooves. 

“Woah” he said to himself holding up one of his hooves. Antithesis rushed inside to tell his mom what had happened. 


Taupe looked at her son as he told his story giving a simple response. “You're starting to grow up. Us earth ponies aren't usually able to use our tellus properly till we are sixteen.” she explained. “Until then you’ll have to be careful these.... short bursts of strength. They'll will happen every now and then.”

“Be careful, got it.” Antithesis said, excited to finally be able to use his tellus.

Unlike Unicorns who can cast spells from young ages because they are born with their horns, or Pegasuses who are also born with their wings. Earth ponies have to wait till their bodies develop before they can take the strain.

Taupe examined the young stallion for any injuries, finding none she sent him back out to finish while she cleaned the snow he tracked in.



Antithesis was nearly finished clearing the ice on the walk when somepony called to him.

"Hey Thees!" Astra called from down the walk way. "Check what I got".

Excited Thees came closer to see what his friend was holding, it was a thin hard cover book called "Getting fit". Astra had scrounged up some bits and bought a work out manual.

It took a little bit of convincing but the two colts had gotten permission from their parents to do training on the farm since they plan to join sports, it also helped that Maple offered to bring Astra. After a quick drink of water the two went to the fields with their book in tow, leaving the two mares to themselves.



"Alright this should be far enough let's crack open that book," said Thees.

The book wasn't anything special; it was a general pony guide to getting fit with little notes here and there for different types of ponies. 

"Let's start at the beginning, let's not jump ahead of ourselves" Astra suggested.

"Sounds good to me" replied Thees, taking a seat.

"The first step to fitness is making sure your heart can handle it. Running can increase stamina, blood flow and work your core." they read together.

"If you're new to fitness start slow and find your limits". Thees read aloud.

"I guess that's a good start, how big is this place anyway?" Astra asked

"I think sixteen acres" Thees stated.

"Well I don't know how that translates so let's just go till we can't." Astra said as he stretched.

"But the book said take it slow." Thees replied.

"Ya, AND learn your limits". Astra said, pointing to the text.

"Fine. lets go." Thees said as he stood.

They both ran for a few minutes letting the cold air flow around them before Astra slowed down to a stop. Thees slowed less exhausted than Astra and went back to his friend who was panting.

"You good?" Thees asked while wiping his forehead.

"Ya, I'm, good." Astra said breathing heavily between words.

"Let's take a break" Thees offered.

"No, keep, going" Astra demanded.

Eventually Thees also became tired after another seven minutes of running. The two of them slowed to a trot making their way to the house in the middle of the farm. Arriving they were greeted by Taupe and Maple on the porch next to them a pitcher of cold water. Taupe poured a glass for the two sweat soaked boys.

"Thanks" they said in unison.

"How about you two get cleaned up before dinner." Maple suggested

The two of them headed upstairs to get washed. Astra headed in first while Thees got him a towel. When Astra finished he hung out in Thees' room while he got washed.

Looking around he made note of what Thees had in his room, the room was plain with a hard wood floor and a dark green carpet next to his bed. Looking at the old desk he saw two candles a pencil holder and a stack of pink, gold and purple cards. He came closer to inspect the cards, they were Princess Force cards, a popular female comic series. Astra starred at the stack in shock blinking only when he went to pick the top one up. 

"Princess Kalia, huh" he read aloud going for the next card.

"Woah, hey what are those doing there. How about we put those away!" Thees shouted startling Astra.

"My bad I didn't mean to look through your stuff." Astra apologizing.

"It's fine." Thees said dropping his head down. "You probably think I'm fillish now don't you?". 

Astra stopped for a moment then placed a hoof on his friend's shoulder.

"Are you kidding me, I just got Princess Zentier !" Astra said, "Plus have you looked in the mirror lately your anything but fillish."

Thees gave a light chuckle before speaking. "Ya I guess your ri--" he paused "Did you say Princess Zentier! I've been searching for her card for... ever!"

"Trust me it took forever to get it." Astra replied with a smile.

The two of them talked about their favorite comic series and collectable trading cards until Taupe called them down for dinner. The two of them ran down stairs in search of food, to find a good spread of roasted vegetables, along with two large loaves of garlic bread. 

"You colts is hungry? Maple asked, carrying in two glasses of lemonade.

The pair nodded their heads, having exhausted themselves earlier. The group ate together sharing laughs and talking one could have mistook them as a family.Maple had decided to take Astra home before it started to become dark. The two of them brohoofed before his best friend began his way home. 

Taupe kept the fire lit through the night causing the house to be hot to hot for Antithesis he hated the heat. Needless to say he didn't sleep particularly well that night.



When morning had come Antithesis' mom woke him up to take him into town for a grocery run. After a quick bowl of oatmeal they made their way into town. Their first stop was at a hardware store, Taupe had come to see what the price would be for a new bed frame for Antithesis since he was quickly outgrowing his current one.

"That much for a frame" Taupe said, exiting the store "At least I talked him down a few bits".

"I think If you didn't add the bread in with the purchase it would have counted as robbery." Antithesis joked with her.

"Whatever brat as long as we got it" Taupe replied.

"Where are we going next?" Antithesis asked.

"The general store" she answered "We're just browsing"

"Uh" Antithesis groaned, he hated when his mom walked around the general store looking at everything.

"I'll be in the spices, you can go look around if you want." Taupe said.

"Ok," he replied walking away.



Antithesis had spent enough trips around the store to know she took about an hour to travel the whole thing, and he was too tired to deal with that. He made his way to the books section he spent his time browsing the titles and maybe a peek at the comics. 

When Taupe had only a few things in her cart when finally made her way to the books to find Antithesis waiting in his usual spot.

"Read anything interesting?" she asked, as she walked towards the counter.

"Not really, it's mostly all the same stuff." he said, hiding that he spent all his time over at the princess force comic section.

The two made their way to the register and began placing goods on the counter.

"How's it going Antithesis?" the clerk asked recognising the him.

"It's goin" Antithesis replied.

As he answered his attention drifted to what was behind the clerk. A strange row of grey plastic boxes with four symbols. 

"You looking at this buddy?" the clerk asked following Antithesis’ line of sight.

Antithesis nodded his head in response, studying the object.

"Well it's called a Player." the clerk told him. "It's new and pretty cool." 

"Cool how?" Antithesis asked

"It plays these little tapes making sound." he explained while pointing to a set of white tapes. "If I were you I'd get it now while it's cheap Thees babies are gonna fly off the shelf. Actually we got a bundle set that comes with headphones and spare battery."

"Maybe another time." Taupe interrupted.

"Oh right, your total is 23 bits," the clerk said, clearing his throat.


As they left the store Antithesis asked what most of those words meant, but Taupe didn't know herself.

"Maple is from Manehattan so she might know what he was talking about." Taupe said

"Really" Antithesis said with excitement.

"We'll have to wait though she is out of town right now, maybe when she brings Astra over again you can ask." she offered.


Their final stop was a clothing store on the far end of the market. It was a small shop but sold quality merch.

"What are we getting here?" Antithesis asked While holding the door for his mom.

"You are getting a running jacket" she answered. "So go find one that you like, if it fits get the next size up."

"Alright" he responded, making his way to the sports section in a trot.

He searched around waiting for something to catch his eye when he saw a red jogger with a sleek design on the back but sadly it was too small. He continued his search hoping to find a bigger size.

"BOO" a familiar voice shouted causing Antithesis to trip hitting his chin on the floor "Ah, I got you" a  yellow unicorn said with a small laugh.

"Shure, what are you doing here?" Antithesis asked, getting off the floor.

"I'm here with my sister, she came with me to get a sporting outfit" Shure answered while putting a hoof on Antithesis' shoulder. "And for such a big pony you scare pretty easy".

"I didn't get scared, just startled," said Antithesis "What sport are you looking at?"

"I'm gonna join the markspony team, you could say it my calling." he said pointing to his flank.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Antithesis exclaimed.

"First do I have to, second when would I have told you? We haven't seen each other since spring break started." Shure said.

"Of course we're friends, and we spoke at lunch about joining sports." Antithesis replied

"Well, it's a recent decision." Shure answered, moving some clothes around on a shelf.

"What are you going on about?" somepony asked.


Antithesis looked around not knowing who was speaking.


"I'm talking to my friend Meana," Shure replied, recognizing his sister's voice.

"Did you grab it yet I don't want to be here all day?" she asked, ignoring him.

Meaza came from behind an adjacent clothes rack revealing a light orange mare with dark red mane and white muzzle. Antithesis stood nearly as tall as the mare looking at her unique colorations. 

Turning to his friend Antithesis told him "Anyway you should come over on thursday Astra and I, are doing fitness training in the morning and hanging out the rest of the day."

"I don't know, mom and dad are out of town on business and it's just me and sis at home right now" Shure said.

"We'll see if we have time " Meaza said

"Moving past that, what are you doing here?" shure asked

"I'm here to get a running jacket, by the way what color would look good on me?" Antithesis responded.

"Hm, what goes with dark brown?" Shure said, thinking out loud.

"How about this color." Meaza said holding up a mint green polyester jacket.

"Oh, that's lovely. " Taupe said as she approached "Let me look for your size"

Antithesis tried the jacket on standing in front of a mirror.

"Not bad, not bad at all." Shure told him.

"Ok I'll get it but what about you Shure?" Antithesis asked.

"I was thinking about getting a red one." he responded with confidence.

Immediately the Antithesis and Meaza began to laugh, even Taupe let out a chuckle.

"Follow me. I saw something while I was browsing earlier" Taupe said.

Following the mare she took then to a rack of smaller sizes and pulled out a baby blue hoodie.

"Something like this maybe? Taupe offered the hoodie.

"I was thinking something a little darker. If you don't mind." Shure said.

"What about this. Antithesis asked, pulling off the rack a violet jacket similar to his.

"Now we're talking," Shure said. 

Shure was a smaller size than they thought he was rather short and skinny, luckily the clerk had what they needed in the back. 
Taupe continued browsing the stalls with Meaza while the two colts followed, Thees was happily telling his friend about his accident yesterday. 

"Hold on, you had to wait until you could use it. Thaaat's pretty lame." Shure concluded, giving Antithesis a light jab to the shoulder.

"Yea, kinda sucks" Antithesis agreed, following the mares to a stall on the end of the street.

Both Taupe and Meaza stood their quiet scanning the merchandise the hooded vendor had to offer. From the look of it, all Antithesis saw was junk. Though soon others gathered around about twelve ponies in total. Everypony as silent and still until a stallion spoke.

"I want all of it" The stallion Shouted shoving his way forward.

Tauped turned along with the rest of the crowd and began shouting at each other. Antithesis looked over at his friend who was equally surprised at what was happening.

Then the hooded vendor stepped forward removing the hood revealing a reddish orange and white mane. "Fillies and Gentlecolts, I can see that you have an eye for quality goods." He said with a smile on his face. "Why argue when we can let the bits do the talking."

Right after different ponies began shoving their entire coin purses at the merchant who was practically giggling. Seeing his mother reach to do the same he went to grab her shoulder and ask what was happening. As he did so Taupes hoof came at him swatting his hoof away.

He stepped back in confusion, since taupe only hit him when he misbehaved and hadn’t done so in a while. Meanwhile Shure did his best to snap his sister out of it. 

Antithesis went to help his friend only stopping when he heard "Antithesis" coming from his mother. Before shedding a tear as a green tint faded from her eyes. He moved into her embrace. Finally letting go the two ponies approached the vendor.

"Hm, what can I help you two with?" the vendor inquired, rubbing his chin.

"You piece of shit!" Taupe shouted in a rage.

"Mam, I'll have to ask you to leave." the vendor said in a nervous sweat.

Antithesis meant to place both hooves on the stall to also yell at the vendor, however he had another burst of Tellus destroying the stall completely. 

Antithesis stepped back about to apologise, but before he could somepony screamed out "You bastard give me my money back throwing a doorknob he had purchased at the vendor.

"Ah, seems like that's all today folks" the vendor said before breaking into a sprint, only to be chased by the mob that had formed.

Taupe wrapped her hoof around Antithesis once again and began apologizing. Meana also was free from her trance looking around in confusion. 


After making sure they had everything they came with, Taupe and Meana decided it was time to go home. Antithesis watched as they walked away but before he looked away Meana looked over her shoulder and called to him. "Saturday sounds good?". She turned away  before Antithesis could respond. 

"So lunch for six on saturday?" Taupe said with a laugh.
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Antithesis rushed to finish his chores before his friends arrived, nearly tripping while taking the laundry upstairs. Dropping the basket in his room he ran back down and marked off the laundry from the list Taupe left him while she ran for groceries. 

"One last thing. Put away dishes." he read aloud to himself. He made his way to the kitchen but doubled back when he heard a knock at the door.

"Yo" Astra said as the door opened, Maple behind him entering with a sachle that looked rather full.

"Taupe here?" Maple asked as she watched Antithesis put away the last plate in the rack.

"She stepped out. She said we were missing something and went to get it at the market." Antithesis replied.

"That's so." Maple said, scanning the chore list.


"Anypony here?" Taupe called as she closed the door.

"In the kitchen". Maple answered.

Taupe walked in seeing her son and his friend then turning her head to maple who still had her grey beret and matching scarf on. She stood there staring unaware of her own actions until maple spoke up.

"You good T." Maple asked, now approaching the mare.

"Huh, uhhh yea.." she said, shaking her head. "I--I was uh just thinking if I bought enough apples'' she said with a nervous smile.

"Astra! I forgot to mention Shure is coming today!" Antithesis announced breaking the awkward tension.

"What? How'd you get him to come here for practice? You've seen him during GYM." Astra said jokingly.

Before Antithesis could answer another knock came to the door. Taupe motioned to Antithesis to get the door as she and Maple began preparations for lunch. Astra made it to the door first letting Shure and Meana in. 

The three colts made their way to the back door to hang out but Antithesis stopped when Taupe called him back.

"Now, did you take the laundry upstairs and leave it or did you fold it?" Taupe asked, raising an eyebrow.

Antithesis gave a long sigh before turning around to go up stairs. "Astra why don't you go help him so you guys can go out faster." Maple suggested, gesturing upstairs.

Shure followed his friends up stairs reaching Antithesis' room where he left the basket. Astra and Antithesis sat next to the bed and began folding the small basket of laundry, while Shure just stood there.

"Dude are you gonna fold something" Astra asked while tossing a towel towards Shure. 

Shure caught the towel with magic allowing it to just float as he looked over at Antithesis. "Um.. I've never actually folded anything before." he said slowly. 

The other two blinked twice before looking at eachother then back at Shure. " Let me get this straight you...'ve never folded like anything? Astra questioned letting out a small laugh. 

"Well it's not my fault dad has the maid do the laundry and put it away." Shure replied lightly stomping his hoof. "So why would I need to know how to."

Antithesis blinked a twice more then broke out laughing. "It's not that funny," Shure said.

"No, you're right," Antithesis said, wiping a tear from his eye. "Just do what we're doin".

They finished and headed downstairs to see the older two teaching Meana how to hold a knife. She gave up just holding it with magic, "Uh" Meana grunted "I don't think I'm cut out for this." she said in frustration. 

The colts quietly went outside to avoid any other tasks. When they got out Antithesis and Astra began stretching, causing Shure to give them a strange look. "What?" Astra asked looking over at Shure.

"All that for warm ups, a little excessive don't you think." Shure asked, raising a hoof.

"Warm ups? Just what do you think we are doing?" Antithesis replied.

"Getting left behind!" Astra said as he began running their usual course. Antithesis smiled, turning around running after him.

"Wait for me" Shure Shouted as he ran after the two. He didn't make it very far before he had to stop losing sight of them, Shure was done he could feel his heart beat through his body and a small pain in his side. He wasn't obease but he was definitely out of shape. He stopped for a minute or two hoping to catch his breath. 


"Hey" Antithesis called to Astra "Where'd he go?"

"He was right behind you" came in reply as they were still running forward.

They looked over their shoulders not able to see Shure any more. Looking at each other they nodded then looked forward. Speeding up both made the final turn to finish their first lap around the farm, only to see Shure walking and making his way to a water pump on the east end. 

"Yo" Astra shouted as they approached slowing to a jog.

"Where did you guys go? Shure asked, wiping a heavy sweat from his brow. 

"We went for our first lap around the outside of the farm". Antithesis replied with a faint smile, still jogging in place.

"Why would you do that?" Shure asked in genuine confusion.

Rolling his eyes, "I'll be right back" Astra announced before extending his wings and taking flight towards the house, causing a nice breeze that Antithesis enjoyed but caused Shure to shake a little.

Shure rubbed his leg with the other to warm himself. Astra came back moments later with their fitness manual. He placed it in front of Shure motioning him to read it. 

After a quick read Shure looked at the two and shook his head. "You don't expect me to keep up with a pegasus and an earth pony do you." 

"No, you just have to get through the Basics section 1 mile run and fifty hoof ups, and fifty crunches." Astra replied with a small laugh.

Shures ears fell along with his expression "Basics".


The trio continued their endeavor Shure stopping at one and half laps Astra at three and Antithesis at two and a half. They made their way to the porch for a quick water break and a short rest. Antithesis was the first to stand, walking over to an old stump. Astra followed him going to the other side and held his back legs as he began his sit ups.

"Shure you should start your hoof ups" Astra suggested. 

"Will do," he responded, getting into position sorta. He had his back legs not fully extended so that it was easier to do the exercise. 

"Not like that," Astra said, letting go of his friend. 

"11, 12, Aahh '' Antithesis fell as his friend let go, landing on his head. "Jeez a little warning next time, You got me seeing rainbows." 

"You mean stars right?" Shure corrected. 

"No," Antithesis said, still upside down pointing north in the sky where a ring of color exploded across the sky.

"Woah" Astra and Shure said. 

Meana walked out onto the porch seeing the boys stare into the sky. She walked towards them head tilted, wondering what they were so fixed on. 

"Lunch is ready." she said with a happiness in her voice.

None of them looked her way causing her smile to fade. She cleared her throat about to speak up, but then noticed the ring of color now passing overhead. 

After it passed Shure looked over at his sister. "Whats up"

"Uhh. Lunch is ready." she said looking away from the sky.



The group rushed in eager to tell the other mares what had happened. They sat, beginning to explain what happened. Taupe noticed Meana who was poking at her food. Clearing her throat she asked the table "What do you think of the food everypony." 

The colts looked down at their plates which they barely touched, too busy storytelling. "Well eat up," Taupe said.

Shure led the charge taking a bite of the colorful mess on his plate. "Mmm".

Astra and Antithesis followed both giving a satisfied smile. "Meana put a lot of work into it so remember to thank her" Maple told them. A quick thanks came from them before returning to their food.

Maple gave a quick wink before taking a bite of her own food. Giving a warm smile, causing Maple to drop her assortments of peppers back on the plate. She sat there staring at her best friend, though she realized what she was doing and turned away with a blush. 

Meana was the only one to notice Maple but paid it no mind, just glad that someone liked what she had made.


Taupe gave dish duty to the young stallions while the mares relaxed in the living room. "So Meana will we be seeing you here again?" Maple asked.

"Only if you two keep helping me cook." Meana joked.

"Deal," Taupe said. 


Meanwhile the boys went upstairs not wanting to cramp up during their workout. When they got to Antithesis' room, Antithesis rushed to his desk pulling out his stack of cards pulling a rather shiny one off the top. 

"You won't believe what I got a hold of!" Antithesis told them. "I forgot to tell you earlier".

Astra immediately recognized the foiled card and rushed over. "No way that's.. the... NightMare Card. It's the absolute rarest card in the series." Astra thought of trading his entire collection for just the single card but decided it was way too important to be traded for regular cards. 

As the two ogled the card shining in the light Shure was once again confused. "Night.. mare card?" he asked. It took awhile to explain the whole card collecting thing to Shure but he got it in the end. 

"You know most ponies just collect hoofball cards or game cards. I can't believe I was the one who was bullied." Shure chuckled. 

"Well to each their own" Antithesis shrugged. "Plus this is the RAREST card in the series, modeled after an ancient ruler of equestria".

"OK that's enough with the cards let's finish up outside." Astra said. "And YOU keep that thing SAFE." he added, poking Antithesis' chest. 


They went outside once again to finish their exercise, they never got to the quota but they all set a personal record Antithesis leading in laps and hoof ups, though Astra beat him in crunches. Shure didn't make it as far but did well considering the other two were a few days ahead.

"Alright that should be good for today, time to end things." Astra said, rising in the air.

"He's talking about the sprint at the end of the day." Antithesis whispered to Shure, as he took a stance.

"I thought we were done" Shure replied ending with a sigh also taking a stance. Astra landed to join them, all three counting to three before taking off.

Astra was the first to finish with Antithesis close behind. Catching their breath they turned to see Shure turn the final corner and begin to slow as he approached drenched and breathing heavy. "I... think... I'll.. jog.. nextime." he said with a smile.

Meana came out the back door along with maple looking for the colts. "Hey Shure, Astra'' Maple called. Immediately the trio made their way back.

"Ya what's up?" Astra asked, as he climbed the stairs.

"We'll be heading out with Meana and Shure soon, so get ready." she answered.

Astra went back down to his friends and said. "Day one of training together complete". He held out a hoof, Antithesis placed his next to it, then looked at Shure waiting for him. 

"Fine, you won't get rid of me that fast." laughing as he placed his hoof next with theirs in a three way brohoof.

"Break is over tomorrow so when do we meet up next." Astra asked, lowering his hoof. "Weekends?".

"We'll figure something out" Maple said. "I don't have anything this week so I can bring you."

"I have class to go to but after school I can bring the tweerp." Meana gigled.

"You guys know where I'll be." Taupe chimed in.
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taupe looked over at the clock that read 11:32, she sighed. All the chores were finished and her son was at school, Maple or Meana weren't coming over today. There was nothing to do, it was time to face the facts, she was bored. Usually busy with her son but he was starting to grow and didn't need her watching over him all the time. And it wasn't time to work the fields. She had nothing to do, so she made her way to the couch laying her head on the pillow to rest her eyes. 


Taupe awoke with a yawn feeling fully rested, she glanced at the clock misreading it at first but came closer to read 12:15. Taupe began to frown unhappy that she slept only a few minutes. "UUGH, I need a hobby" she made her way to the front door only looking at the floor with her head down opening the front door she looked up at the sky. She looked into the night sky freeing at the sight. Rushing up stairs she ran towards her son's room.


"Fuck Fuck Fuck" she whispered to herself as she opened the door. Finding Antithesis asleep, she gave a sigh of relief. Returning downstairs she went to fix up the couch but noticed a note on the coffee table.





"Hey Taupe you weren't there to pick up Antithesis so I brought him to my place for a while and had the husband take him home with Astra. Let me know what happened when you guys come over tomorrow."

-LOVE Maple!

P.S.
"That colt can eat a buffet bankrupt."





Taupe facehoofed, standing there for a minute, then went to the kitchen to make a snack. Her stomach growled having not eaten in hours, getting out a bowl and beginning to cut fruit tossing it in until she had a rather large portion she split it in half covering it with foil putting it in the ice chest outside. She made her way to her room picking up a book from her night stand though it didn't take long for her to fall asleep once again.


As the sun rose its light entered Antithesis' window hitting him in the face. He opened his eyes with a grown, turning on his side he slid out of his bed onto the floor. Antithesis went about his morning routine relieving himself, brushing his teeth, bathing, combing his mane. During all this the sound of his hoofsteps in the hall woke Taupe who was in an embarrassing position. 

She woke with a soft snort and a messy main, she wiped the drool from her mouth as she dragged herself off the bed. "I got to do something with myself" she said looking into her mirror. She walked to the bathroom where Antithesis was still combing his mane.

"Morn'n" Antithesis offered moving out of her way.

"Morn'n" she replied slowly, splashing her face with water. She turned and took the comb from him and moved his hair into position then said "Breakfast is out in the chest."

Not responding Antithesis exited the bathroom making way to the back porch. Opening the chest he found a covered bowl filled with fruit. He gobbled it down not without a second thought stopping only when Taupe reached the bottom of the stairs.

He looked at her then the bowl then back at her, he panicked a little. "Mom I.." 

Cutting him off she said "It's fine Ahm.. not all that hungry, I figured you'd eat it all anyways.". She grabbed her bag from the rack, then entering the kitchen she grabbed some flour, spices, and bread from the cabinets. "Antithesis" she called, as he entered the room.

"HMM" he answered. 

Taupe pointed towards her bag, saying "Lets go"

The air was warmer in late spring though it still carried a breeze making it bearable for Antithesis. Taupe moseyed along not tired but feeling exhausted nonetheless. 



Astra waited on the porch for his friend's head on his hooves. Trella exited the house and gave him a confused look. Raising his head he just stared back not saying a word. She gave a heavy breath through her nose before returning into the house.

"Astra is laying on the porch" Trella informed her mother.

"Oh, he’s a bit early" Maple gave in reply as she turned the faucet washing her hooves.

"Early for what?" Tella asked.

"Taupe and Thees are coming over along with another one of Astra's friends" Maple answered. "Don't worry those colts won't bother you, they'll probably be outside all day." 

Doing what? Trella wondered to herself as she went back upstairs.



Antithesis looked at the street sign, reading 'Atler St.' just three more blocks. Continuing forward Taupe sighted a familiar pair of ponies "Meana" She called out. 

"Hey" Meana and Shure called back picking up the pace. The two colts brohoofed as they came close enough, while Taupe hugged Meana.

The four continued their journey together reaching a grass lot with a large tree to the right. Astra looked up hearing voices, he stood to investigate. Realizing who it was he spread his wings then zoomed towards them. He met them half way down the walk high hoofing his friend and greeting the mares. 

Maple was tidying up a bit to prepare for her guest. She straightened the pillows on the couch, dusted the coffee table, finally opening the curtains. As she spread the red and yellow fabric she watched as her nephew flew off her porch towards a group in her yard. She gave a gleeful squeak as she made her way out the door.

"There you are," Maple said as Taupe climbed the stairs, hugging her as she reached the top. 

"Oh" Taupe let out, getting caught by surprise. Relaxing she nuzzled her friend's neck then pulled back.

"Lets go inside" she motioned to the mares. "You colts behave".

Antithesis passed his mothers bag to her taking out the training manual "Thanks" Taupe replied, taking her bag. Antithesis turned following his friends to the middle of the yard. 



The mares went inside taking seats in the living room. Maple offered to get them a drink but Meana and Taupe declined. 

"Alright Taupe, you gotta tell me what were you doing yesterday?" Maple asked, giving a playful smirk while fixing herself on the chair,

Taupe let a sigh before answering. "I.I.." she stopped raising her hoof to her chin trying to think how to word it. "I was bored, Aaand I sorta fell asleep at noon and woke up at midnight." she admitted shrugging her shoulders slowly.

"Antithesis didn't wake you?" Meana interrupted.

"No, guess I'll have to watch for him sneaking out when he's older" Taupe said with a laugh.

"You think you have it bad Trella can literally fly out her window, and Acrux sleeps like a rock so there goes the only one that can sense the welkin." she said folding her forelegs.

"Acrux? Who's that?" Meana asked.

"Oh he's my husband. He's not here right now, you see him and Asrta's dad work in Weathering, and Cloudsdale will be over head soon so they're working overtime to make shure everything's in order."

"In order? for what?' Meana inquired "Is Cloudsdale like their HQ or something?" 

"Well sort of Cloudsdale is incharge of seasonal weather transitions all across Equestria so they make a route during the spring to document weather patterns along with any issues that Weather Pegasi run into." Maple informed her.

"You know an awful lot for an Earthpony," Taupe said jokingly.

"Well it's listen to the Wheather or listen to fantasy hoofball statistics." Maple replied. 


Trella her the commotion from up in her room and figured she'd come down to see what it was about. On her way down the stairs nearly reaching the final step she missed and began to fall. Luckily she was born a pegasus so catching herself was a cinch. 

"No flying around the house while we have guests" Maple instructed her daughter.

"I nearly fell mom, and this isn't the Bronxo ponies fly inside all the time." she shot back.

"Yes but those are my rules". Maple retorted tilting her head slightly.

Trella offered no response only rolling her eyes as she landed and walked towards the front door. Walking outside she happened upon two colts lying against the porch heavily breathing. She reached the steps looking over and asked "What are you guys doing?".

"Gettin Fit". Astra replied, wiping his brow.

"I can see that, I meant what are you doing now?" she said rudely.

"We're waiting on him." Antithesis said pointing at the yellow pony approaching.

"You guys, are too, fast" Sure got out between breaths. going to say something else but stopped when he noticed Trella

When Shure caught up, Antithesis and Astra made way for the door to go in, But Trella stood in their path. "Cool off for a second, after that you go in, I don't think mom would appreciate sweat trails on her floor" Trella commanded, gesturing to the small puddle below them.

"Oh, my bad." Antithesis said ears going back. "That's fine we'll wait"



The colts went back and layed in the grass until they dried enough to come in. Entering the house they found the group of mares giggling amongst themselves. Astra ignored them going into the kitchen with the other two following, opening the ice chest in the kitchen he found a pitcher of cold water.

"How's it cold" Antithesis asked after taking a sip.

"Maple just got it, this has a spell pack on the back that keeps it cool." Astra explained while he poured a glass for shure. 

"So it's like magic crystals then?" Antithesis asked as all but trella took a seat at the island.

"Sort of, Magic crystals generate power but spell packs serve a specific function a^and, are powered by a Magic crystal." Shure explained, hoping they didn't notice his voice crack.

"It's a little pricey but worth it," Maple said as she entered the kitchen. "Acrux figured we could afford it with the overtime he'll be pulling in." 

"Dad said he'll be able to take me to some Hoofball games with his next check." Astra said proudly.

"Too bad Hoofball season is months away" Trella said with a smirk.

"Leave it to the fillies to not understand preseason tickets" Astra said shrugging his shoulders.

Maple sat next to her nephew as he spoke then responded with "First off I always get tickets preseason for the Ranglers".

Astra raised his glass but stopped "Ya, but that's Hockey not Hoofball." he retorted.

"You're right, but Hockey is better." Maple said, raising her nose.

"No, it's not" Astra said with a straight face.

"They're the same thing aren't they?" Trella interrupted them, with an annoyed look. "Just two teams fighting over something round only one is on grass the other is on ice."

Both ponies stoppeed aurguing turning and tilting thier head, eyes squinted with a face that screamed ARE YOU DUMB.

"Hey.. relax it's nothing to get up set at." Shure interrupted breaking the tension. "Right Thees?"

Antithesis was giggling to himself "Ya bout time we went back out" he said shaking his head slowly with a smile.

The three colts hopped off their seats and walked back outside. Meanwhile Trella was left in the kitchen with her mother. 
"Are you ok you seem.... irritable today?" Maple questioned as she left her seat.

"I'm fine." Trella replied, turning to exit the kitchen.

"Hold on" Maple instructed "Sit. Tell me what's bothering you."

Trella gave a long sigh before replying "It's that time mom." she said as she exited the room.



"Be glad you didn't have a girl Taupe." Maple said laying down a tray of three glasses of water and sliced lemons in the center.

"It can't be that bad," Taupe replied, waving her hoof downwards.

"Ugh, you know I love her but sometimes she is just... aggravating." Maple growned.

"She's probably on her time." Meana offered.

"So she says," Maple replied, rolling her eyes.
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey, hey Astra" Antithesis poked at his sleeping friend. "You gotta get up"

"Uhh?" the gray pony sat up wiping the drool from his muzzle. Then rubbing his eyes he asked "What's so important?"

"Lareow is passing out the quiz, hope you were dreaming of decimals" Antithesis said with a laugh.

Yawning Astra replied "I'll.. ju..st guessss".

"It's not that hard" Antithesis offered before being interrupted.

"No talking during the quiz." Lareow boomed as she passed Astra his paper. 

The test was simple addition and subtraction of decimals and some math vocab. After twelve minutes Antithesis finished writing looking around he saw one other finish their test. He decided to look over his test finding nothing wrong with his answers. He sat quietly not wanting to hand his in first. 

Astra scanned the questions looking in the air he did the math in his head. Astra finished only a little after Antithesis, who was just sitting there. Figuring he was done Astra took his test to the front dropping it in the bin with Antithesis following suit.

"All done?" Lareow asked sarcastically.

Astra gave no reply as he continued back to his desk. After a few minutes of silence he began to nod off once more.  


"Alright here are your tests back." Lareow called out. She walked around passing back their papers until arriving at Astra's. She raised her hoof to stomp but stopped and exhaled heavily turning to Antithesis. "You'll catch him up won't you?" 

Antithesis gave a nod in response. As she walked away Antithesis looked at his paper scoring a 98%. Searching for his mistake he landed on question nine where he had forgotten the negative symbol. He facehoof, a little upset he didn't catch it. Turning to his friend who was still snoozing, Antithesis picked up his paper giving a light laugh at was written.



"Hey," Shure called to Antithesis and Astra entered the hallway. "what'd you guys do today?"

"Took a math quiz other than that, nothing besides that." Antithesis replied.

"Hm, we took our quiz yesterday, got 90%." Shure replied.

"98%" Antithesis added.

"What about you?" Shure asked, turning to Astra.

"I forgot to write my name so I got a 95%." he said as he rolled his neck.

"That's not bad at all." Antithesis said.


They walked until they reached the entrance of the school stepping out shure stopped for a second.

"Oh, I almost forgot, my dad is taking me and Meana to Whinnyapolis this summer for a week."

"What are you going to do up there?" Astra asked as he held the door for both of them.

"Dad said he has a business meeting." Shure answered. stepping into the daylight.

"That's a week of training you'll have to make up." Antithesis joked.

"Please, you're like five sit ups from finishing the basics chapter, Astra is nearly there and I'm right behind him." Shure said in defence.

"Well we won't make any progress if we just stand around here!" Antithesis said he sped up.

The three of them ran along to Taupe and Maple, who were still walking towards the school. After meeting up they made the journey to Taupe's place. 


As they walked down Flamington St. a large cart blocked the sidewalk with a pony moving large metal objects in and out. Antithesis who was walking in the back of the group, slowly strayed from the group approaching the entrance to the cart where a dark purple earth pony with a bright orange jacket, was struggling to remove a long rectangular board that was stuck.

"You want some help?" Antithesis asked.

(Gruff New Yorker Accent)
"Huh, oh na kid it's pretty fuckin heavy." He responded.

Antithesis placed his hooves under the board and began to lift it slightly but only made it so far before placing it back down. The worker looked over a little surprised that Antithesis could move it at all. "Hey, say kid could you do that again use Tellus this time." 

"Sorry, I uhh don't know how to.. use it just yet." Antithesis answered.

"Ha, yous is still young, how about this. When I was a colt I just thought of my favorite food, it always did the trick." The purple pony offered. "Nothin better than a grilled cheese wita perfect crunch to match the gooey inside.

"That's weird," Antithesis said.

"It just happened that way alright, try it." he replied.

Antithesis stood there for a second in search of his favorite food after a minute he couldn't think of anything by itself that was his favorite. Though as he opened his eyes it hit him quick, there wasn't a food but a meal he loved apple cider and Malpe's pancakes. Nothing like a perfectly sweet yet evenly spiced cider with a hint of vanilla that tied the drink to the smooth buttery fluff of her pancakes.

He placed his hooves once more under the board and began to lift it higher and higher.

"That's incredible I can't lift it that fast!" the purple pony said.

With Antithesis' help they laid the sign inside the building, once they put it down the purple pony dug around in his pocket and pulled out three bits dropping them in Antithesis' hoof. "Thanks for the help kid, it woulda taken me all day to get that out."

"No problem." Antithesis said, giving a smile.

"The names Kander, but most call me Haul" Haul said, holding out his hoof.

"Antithesis, but friends call me Thees." taking Haul's hoof.

"I can see why, I couldn't begin to spell that." Haul said with a laugh.

They both walked outside where Taupe ran towards him, others in tow. "Antithesis where did you go!?"

"I was helping Haul," Antithesis replied as his mother wrapped her hooves around him. 

"Don't wander off again." Taupe reprimanded.

"Excuse me Mam, but you're colt was helpin me out. Ya see none of my crew showed up today so I was solo. I gotta say you have one strong stallion here"

"Who are you?" Taupe asked.

"Ah, friends call me Haul. I gave him what I had on me in return, he's gonna go places I tell ya." Hall admitted. "Thanks again for the help."

"Na, thank you." Antithesis said with a nodd. 


Haul waved as they walked away Antithesis returned the gesture, however Taupe wasn't so happy. Antithesis apologized but she gave no response and so the rest of the walk was silent between them. 



Arriving at the house the colts placed their school bags at the door continuing on to Antithesis' room. Shure and Astra hit the stairs first but before Antithesis began to climb Taupe called him with a stern voice to the kitchen. He shrugged his shoulders and turned around, Maple signaled the other two to go up.

Entering Antithesis had dropped his head and ears drooped. "Yes?" he asked.

Taupe breathed in heavily and spoke. "I know you were helping him, I get that. But you can't just run off in the middle of town to talk to somepony!"

"I was just curious." Antithesis replied.

"And that's ok but don't wander to strangers." Taupe demanded

"Listen I get what you're saying, but if I see someone who needs help I'm not gonna ignore it!" Antithesis came back, as raised his head.

"Antithesis!" Taupe closed her eyes and breathed heavily once more "I'm asking you to stop before I have to ground you.".

Antithesis' ears dropped again "Fine" he gave up knowing he wouldn't win. He left the kitchen going to the stairs. Maple stopped him before ascending.

"Listen These, I know you meant well but you have to realise you and your mom that's all you got. If she loses you or something happens I don't think she'd be able to handle it." Maple said with a soft look.

"I get that but this time it was worth it." Antithesis said before taking off.



Antithesis entered his room finding his friends in the middle of a hoof wrestling match. Astra looked over not bending to the smaller unicorn. "Everything good?" Astra asked.

"Ya, it'll be fine." Antithesis answered. 

"Hey Thees, ugh, how'd you lift that thing anyway it was huge. AH!" Shure asked as he lost the match.

"OH! That's right, stop what you're doing and clear off the desk." Antithesis said 

Both did so quickly placing everything on his bed. "What now?" Shure asked.


Antithesis gave no reply only walking over to the desk, feeling for where the best grip was. The dest was an older hard wood desk still in good condition, it had drawers on both sides that were filled with miscellaneous items. 

He placed his hooves under the where the seat went and tried to pick it up, stopping he closed his eyes as he did before and pictured the meal once more letting the smell of fragrant apples fill his nostrils followed by a smooth sweet scent of syrup. Opening his eyes he had begun to raise the desk off the floor, to his friends amazement.

Antithesis had put it back down and turned to his friends Shure had his jaw lowered but Astra closed hit for him. "What do you guys think?"

"Dude! You figured it out!" Astra flew up giving him a high hoof.

"Haul showed me how to." Antithesis admitted.

"No cheating in your workout." Shure joked. 

"You'd have to catch up for me to cheat." Antithesis replied.


They headed outside to begin their usual routine starting with laps, thanks to Meana who did the math they could run well beyond a mile. They ran at a uniform pace even breaking concentration to joke or speed up. The first to stop was Shure finishing at nearly three laps, almost two miles. Astra and Antithesis were neck and neck trying to keep pace while not letting the other get in front of them. 

Eventually both of them died out at a four and a quarter laps. Shure greeted them as they dragged themselves to the porch taking a breath.

"New Record!" Antithesis and Astra said as they brohoofed.

"Meanwhile I can't catch up." Shure said with an unease in his voice.

"Hello Pegasus Earthpony". Astra said as he pointed between the two.

"That doesn't mean anything." Shure replied.

"But it sure helps." Antithesis added.

They all laughed for a minute as they rested. Figuring it was time to continue Antithesis got down in the hoof up position and began. Astra and Shure followed suit. 

"29,30,31,32" they called in unison. ``39" shure squeaked, jaw clenched and forelegs wobbling he lowered himself once more then raising "40!" he collapsed belly flat on the ground. 

Astra and Antithesis continued "45.... 46 ..forty.. seve..." Astra had to stop.

Antithesis continued on hitting 50 and even going to 58.

"No need to show off." Astra said with a laugh.

"I recall somepony saying "Push your limits" a while ago." Antithesis replied.

"Ya ya ya" Astra said as he climbed onto the stump ready for his sit ups.

Shure held his legs as he began powering through the exercise. "1,2,3,4,.....45,46,47,48,49," he took a second to breath before coming up for fifty though like Antithesis he didn't stop "58,59,60." He finished and got off the stump.

"Light work" Antithesis said as he climbed onto the stump. Not making it as far he finished counting at forty eight.

Shure gave a smirk "Light work my ass." 

"Shut it," Antithesis said with a light punch to the shoulder. Finally it was Shure's turn starting off with a strong pace faster than his friends but it slowed in the thirties "38,39,40 once more his jaw was clenched he stopped there and was about to get off the stump.

"Hold on try relaxing your neck and do some more." Antithesis advised.

"wWat would that do?" Shure asked.

"Just do it" Antithesis told him

At first it was tough until he released his jaw, allowing him to do five more. "New records all day!" Astra called out.




Meanwhile inside. 

Taupe gave a sigh as she poured a glass of whiskey for Maple hand herself. "Ya know I get it he was trying to help but he doesn't realise how dangerous it is out there." Taupe said, taking a sip.

"Taupe, Creston isn't like it was, it's a much safer town. Plus he's just about a grown stallion himself. No doubt he can handle himself."

"I know that, but I can shake my own fears." Taupe said eyes beginning to water as she peered through the window to see her son doing hoof ups.

"Taupe you can't let what you're scared of hold him back. If you want to face your fear then raise him to never be what you can't face."
Maple said, putting her foreleg around her friend.

"I.. guess I did overreact a litte." she said with a little sniffle.

"So when we leave I'd say you sit and talk, don't just tell him what to do. Also I spoke with Argo he's gonna let Astra start going around on his own. I'd recommend the same to you." Maple said with a soft expression.

"But he..." Taupe wiped away a tear.

"It's ok you couldn't tear those three apart if Celestia herself came down to do it." Maple offered.

"You're right," Taupe laughed, "You're always right." She turned to hug her friend but ended up bumping snouts with Maple's lowered head. that caused both to go red and back up.

"My bad," Maple said as she drew maple in for a hug.

Taupe didn't say anything as she reveled in Maples embrace. It took a moment but Taupe pulled away with a smile on her face now. "Let's start dinner."



Before long the colts reentered the house and made their way upstairs to get washed up. Shure went first grabbing a towel on the way in, leaving Astra and Antithesis in his room.

Antithesis wiped his brow once again as he took a seat at his desk. Astra looked over at Antithesis while he stretched his wings.

"How are you still sweating? We stopped like thirty minutes ago." Astra asked.

"I don't know, I guess I'm just hot." Antithesis replied.

"Hot dude it's like barely 50 degrees out." Astra said.

"Whatever, I can't control it."

"Anyways I saw something about DS&C opening a branch in town."

"DS&C you mean the comic store?" Antithesis asked as he hopped off the chair and grabbed  his new pack of cards he was yet to open. "what about it?".

"What about it you can get your NIGHTMARE care properly laminated so it doesn't take any damage, that's what." Astra said with excitement.

"Oh, that's a good idea" Antithesis replied, opening the pack and pulling out five cards.

He laid them out to read them looking over for a second at Shure who entered the room. "Courua-Silver I have a gold. Depwer- bronze got it. Filaur- silver don't have this yet." He place that one to the side passing the rest to Astra who pick one card out and handed them back. 

"Shure why don't you start collecting?" Astra asked as Shure took a seat next to him.

"Seems like a waste of time and bits." Shure replied.

"You're joking. Listen I have some duplicate cards I can give ya start with those." Antithesis said as he got up grabbing his towel.

"Yea I got some too" Astra said watching Antithesis leave the room.

Shure gave a sigh "It's cool you guys are into that but I don't find it all that interesting." 

"Ahhh yes I almost forgot you're a history nerd. Starswirl and all that." Astra chuckled.

"Just watch every mare is gonna want a NERD in the future." Shure replied.

"Like that will happen, good thing you're working out with us you'll be a chick magnet." Astra said smiling.

"Wel.. Hold on did you say Starswirl. Everyone thinks Starswirl is soooo great yea sure he did some grand spells that paved the way but nothing like Nikola Trotta. He completely revolutionized magic and science less than seventy years ago bringing the two together."

"Ima be honest I don't know jack about that stuff sooo.." Astra trailed off.

"Well I'll tell you about him, essentially he is the .." Shure got interrupted.

"Oh would you look at that Thees is back well I'll go get washed now." Astra flew over Antithesis as he entered the room.

"Did he say something about Starswirl?" Antithesis asked.

Shure laughed through his nose then answered. "Yeah you weren't joking when you said he hates history."

"It's cause he's a math nerd" Antithesis joked.


It came time for Maple to take Astra and Shure back home, leaving just Antithesis and his mom. He hadn't forgotten their argument from earlier but tried to walk away not wanting to bring it up.

Unfortunately Taupe didn't let him get far. "Antithesis could you hold on for a second?" she asked quietly.

Antithesis replied softly. "Yeah." 

They sat next to each other on the couch hesitant to speak as dusk filled the room with a faint light. Taupe broke the silence as she placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Antithesis I want to apologize for how I was acting earlier."

He hesitated, surprised at what she said. He turned his head towards her and spoke. "It's not your fault, next time I'll tell you what I'm doing."

"You are becoming a young stallion and I can't stop that, not to mention how tall you are. I think it's time I let you go out by yourself." 

Antithesis pulled his mom in for a hug saying, "Thanks mom". 

She wrapped her hooves around him and said. "Well as long as you are with your friends that is". They sat there for a minute before pulling away. Taupe stood up and asked. "Now how about you help me clean up the kitchen."
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Astra woke up a little earlier than usual so that he could take his time getting ready. When he was done he tip shoved his way down the hall where his father was still asleep in his study.

Grabbing his school bag and tossing his jacket on, he walked out the door to the end of the walkway where his friends were waiting.

"Sup?" Shure asked as they began to walk.

"Nothing much, just tired." Astra replied, yawning afterwards.

"Tired? I started walking to your house at sunrise." Antithesis added.

"Whatever lets get going." Astra responded.

Three days into his new freedom Antithesis had figured out a route that allowed all three friends to walk together to school. Maybe it was the crisp morning air or just being with his friends, but Antithesis had a good feeling about today.

Only a block from the school the sound of thunder vibrated through the ponies. Leaving a downpour to fall onto them. The three made a mad dash for the nearest cover, a fire escape to an apartment building. 

"Hold on I've been practicing this." Astra said as he shook off his wings then took off into the sky.

"Practicing for what?" Shure asked turning to Antithesis.

Antithesis shrugged saying "Don't know".

Two minutes later Astra returned with a thin spread of white cloud wide enough for the three of them.  "What are you doing just standing there we're gonna be late." Astra said with a smug grin.

Stepping under the cloud Shure asked "When did you learn to do this?".

"Oh I've been saving it for a rainy day." Astra replied

Antithesis gave a laugh through his nose, but Shure wasn't amused. "Seriously." he asked.

"My dad has been showing me how to make and clear clouds. Since you know he's head of storms up at Weathering." Astra answered.

"Makes sense give you a leg up on the other pegasi." Antithesis added.

Reaching the entrance to the school Antithesis and shure stepped out and into the building. Astra turned around to buck the damp cloud out of existence but stopped short. He'd spotted a pony running towards the school.

Squinting his eyes he recognized the bright blue coat. Astra grabbed the cloud and raced to her grinning as he placed it above her. "We're even now." He said.

"Sounds good to me." the mare replied. As they got to the school she turned to Astra and said. "Thanks again for the.... cloud?". 

"No problem, just doin what I can. I never caught your name by the way." he said with a faint blush.

"Oh, my name is, AAHH" she screamed as Astra pulled her into the air. "What are you doing?!" she shouted pulled away, dropping to the ground in time to watch the cloud she was under collapse into a huge puddle. 

"We should go in now." Astra gestured as he walked towards the double door.

She laughed nervously, "Thanks, again." she said moving her wet yellow bangs from her eyes.

"Don't mention it." he said, trying to look cool by standing taller.

"Well see ya, got to head to my locker." she said, waving as she walked away. 

Astra stood there for a minute watching her walk away then thought to himself "I DIDN'T GET HER FREAKIN NAME!!!". He was about to go and ask her but then the first period bell rang causing him to turn around and run.


Astra opened the door to the classroom and approached Lareow's desk "Sorry I'm late I wa-"

"Just take your seat and we can begin class." She interrupted in a softer tone, looking at his soaked bag around his neck.

After a few minutes Astra noticed the seat next to him was still empty. "Where'd she go?" he asked himself under his breath.


Saphi closed her locker with a bit of red in the face and headed to her class. She arrived looking through the glass pane on the door to see Astra soaked and speaking to the teacher then making his way to his seat. She backed away from the door , then flicked her wet mane out of her eyes
"Did I get him in trouble?" she asked herself aloud. "Ah jeez. I'll wait here for a few before going in.


Saphy entered the door with a nervous smile passing Lareow and sat in her seat. Lareow paused what she was saying and asked. "So you've decided to show up. hmm?"

"I was in the bathroom I think I had bad milk." she said getting a few laughs from her classmates.

"That's enough, let's continue. Has anypony heard of the Appaloosa territory?" Looking around the room Lareow. Nopony raised their hooves, she gave out a sigh and said. "The Appaloosa territory is a community bordering the southern Badlands, home to some of the most wild and savage creatures we know of." 

"oooo, ooo" A pony squirmed with her hoof raised. 

"Yes Fahrenheit," Lareow pointed to the red filly.

"Isn't that where the buffalo graze?" Fahrenheit asked.

"Correct, Appaloosa is the only known home of buffalo today."

She continued the lesson while Astra found himself glancing at Saphi throughout the day. Watching a the drops of rain would roll of her golden brown mane. Antithesis would occasionally nudge his friend when he began to stair. 



Eventually lunch rolled around Astra walked with his friend to the door but was stopped by Lareow. "Go ahead he'll be right behind" she motioned for Antithesis to leave the room.

With Antithesis closing the door she turned to Astra with a grin he had never seen on her before. "Is this about being late I have a reason?" Astra asked

"Oh I know what you did and I'll be the first to say good job." she said as she put papers away into a folder. "She is a nice filly but don't forget that you're in school."

He did respond not knowing what she meant. "You can go then." she said.



"What did you do, this time" Antithesis asked sarcastically.

"I don't really know." Astra replied and he caught up.

"Maybe she caught you staring." Antithesis joked

"I wasn't staring, I was daydreaming." Astra defended.


Shure was waiting for them at their table cleaning his glasses. Saphi approached him with a nervous look and said. "Is this where Astra sits?" 

Shure placed his glasses on his face then responded "Yeah, why did piss you off?"

"NO! uh I... nevermind. Don't tell him I was here." She stammered.


Walking back to her friends she received the same look from all of them. She sat down next to Fahrenheit with a red filling her cheeks.

"What's gotten under your fur" Fahrenheit asked. "Keep it up you'll look like me."

"It's nothing really" she said, turning her head down as she watched Astra and Antithesis walk into the lunch room.

Fahrenheit look followed her line of sight, "OH, MY, GOSH. nooooo'' she said with a sly smirk.

"It's not like that, stop it." Saphi replied. 

"Ya ya I'm sure it's not" Fahrenheit said rolling her eyes, causing the other marees at the table to giggle.


Astra and Antithesis took their seat as shure looked at Astra up and down. "No, I don't see it." 

"See what?" Antithesis asked looking over at Astra and passed him a table of mares peeking their heads their way. "hmmm, that's what."

"What are you talking about? Is there something in my mane." Astra asked.

"It's nothing," Antithesis and Shure said together.

"Anyways, three weeks left, what are you gonna do when summer starts." Shure asked

"You know me, I'll be helping my mom with the farm." Antithesis answered.

"Don't know yet, might look for a job, ya know start gettin bits." Astra answered. 

"Not a bad idea" Shure said "But where are you thinking of working?"

Astra his head"Not sure but I'll eventually end up in Weathering. ha! Maybe I'll get to work in cloudsdale."

"Ya right you have to graduate before that." Antithesis said with a laugh. 

"Equish is hard alright and I'm not failing" Astra replied

"Hey they just called us up for food, let's go." Shure interrupted.



After lunch there was a surprise assembly in the auditorium, the only place where the elementary, middle and highschool buildings connect. Upon entering Antithesis noticed a tan pegasus stallion on stage preparing note cards at a podium.

The stallion had waited until everypony was seated and was quiet before speaking. "Hello little ponies," he said as the lights faded. "Some of you may know me others may not. I am Mr. Clip the principal that oversees the Creston High."

He looked around then walked center stage. "Today I am here to talk about your transition into highschoolers. In three weeks summer will begin and with it another school year comes to a close. With today's assembly I am here to hopefully answer questions that you may have. 

Mr Clip pulled down a white sheet from above the stage as a unicorn teacher projected an image of the school symbol two horseshoes touching on the curved side. "Coach come on up" Mr. Clip called."

A dark yellow Stallion came to the stage "How is everypony today?" he asked as he stood beside the principal. No answer came from the students. "Alright so I'm here to tell you about some changes to the way we'll be doing sports, now nothing crazy. just some new procedures. First of all you must be passing all your classes to remain in a sport or extracurricular." this got a boo from the crowd of middle schoolers.

The teachers silenced the boos allowing Coach to continue. “Second bullying will result in immediate removal from all sports for the year. And Finally we at Creston are proud to offer classic sports like Hoofball, Track and Field, and Zasketball. As of this year we have over 20 new sports and extracurriculars added to the list.". He motioned for the teachers to pass out some papers.

"Over 20, we'll have some options then" Astra said to Antithesis next to him.

"SHHH" some annoying pony said behind them.

"I know, wonder what they'll be." Antithesis replied.

"SHHHH" came again from behind them.

Antithesis turned to see who was being so annoying, only to find Shure who was giggling to himself. "What are doin" Antithesis asked.

"I was just messing with ya." Shure replied as he got passed papers from down the row.

"What's on it?" Astra asked. 

Antithesis nudged Astra's arm to hand him a stack of papers to pass along. 

"27,28,29. Twenty nine sports and clubs" Shure counted. "


After a few minutes Mr. Clip returned to the stage and began speaking. "One last thing before I dismiss you, Wednesday you will tour the highschool building during the school day. Thank you." The lights burst back on surprising most ponies, while teachers began collecting their students.

Upon returning to the classroom Lareow allowed the students to spend the last hour talking with each other, While she stepped outside to talk with another teacher. 


"What are you looking at joining?" Astra asked turning around on his chair to look at Antithesis. "Hoofball right."

"Na I'm not a fan of hoofball, it's too dangerous for me." Antithesis replied 

Astra shook his head side to side and blinked a few times. "Dangerous to the other team, look at you why wouldn't you?" he asked.

Other ponies in the class turned their attention to the corner of the room. "I mean you see some of those highschoolers, like HeavyHoof he can't play after this year and he'll have leg problems for life. I don't want that." 

"I mean that's one example, plus you wouldn't get hurt you'd do the hurting." Astra replied. 

"And what if I don't want to do the hurting!" Antithesis exclaimed. He looked around at the ponies in the class staring at him. "I was thinking about something like Track and Field."

"Well if you don't want to hurt any pony you should join the Self Defense club." Saphi interpreted as she walked over. "That's what I want to do at least."

"Hey that's not a bad idea" Astra commented, causing Saphi to turn her head with a blush. Asta picked up the list, scanning it, then slamming it on the desk. "Wrestling you could do that."

"I'll think about it." Antithesis said looking over his sheet of activities reading closely only to have his concentration broken by the final bell.


"Time to go then see you guys tomorrow." Saphi said, grabbing her still damp bag.

"Yeup see tomorrow Saphi" Antithesis replied. 

Astra only offered a wave as he grabbed his bag. Walking out of the classroom Astra turned his head to Antithesis and asked "So her name is Saphi?" 

"Yea, she responds to it." Antithesis said sarcastically letting it sink in then he stopped. "Wait, she sat next to you all year and you don't know her name?" 

"So what, I don't need to know everypony." Astra defended. 

"I bet you don't know any other pony in class." Antithesis said. "And not Fahrenheit because Laroew always calls her name." he said before Astra could reply. 

Astra was stumped, he couldn't think of anypony else. "Whatever," he said, continuing to his locker. 


After meeting up with Shure they exited the school stepping outside to the wet outside. Avoiding puzzles they began their walk to the recently built DS&C shop. Finally arriving Astra called out, "Newtons!" 

"Like Newtons the colt in my class?" Shure asked "What about him?"

"He's been trying to think of names of ponies in our class." Antithesis answered. 

"oh?" Shure shrugged.



The smell of paper filled their lungs as they entered the air conditioned store. Looking around Antithesis was surprised at the amount of comics, figurines, and art that it houses. 

"First time here" a voice called from the counter. A pony with a jade mane and white fur looked over a comic book in his hooves. "What can I do ya for." he asked.

Antithesis was nervous and stood quiet while Astra face hoofed at his reaction. "Yea, it's our first time, we were wondering if you guys do plastic card sleeves." Astra inquired.

Taking a headphone out he stood and walked around the counter. "Sealed or unsealed?" he asked.

"Sealed" Antithesis spoke up. 

"Sure do, do you have the card." he asked.

Antithesis shook his head reaching into the bag opening a hardcover book taking out the card in a plastic bag. 

The clerk gave a small laugh through his nose as he took the card. "Follow me" he said looking at the card. 

It was an image of a dark slender shadow with green eyes of a dragon and a silver regala where the mane was, had little stars placed randomly. Below it black text with the card description "A fallen star forgotten by her night" along with NIGHTMARE in italics, and font twice as large. The background of the text and around the image was in a deep crimson. On the back was the PF in gold with a rainbow background. 

Heading towards the back of the store there was a small machine where the clerk measured a sheep of thick clear plastic around the card. using heat from the machine he folded and pressed the plastic. Finally searing the openings around the card and trimming it.

He turned to them passing the card and said "One bit, buuut if you want we are having a sale on single car folders." 

He walked over to the third ilse and grabbed a small hard folder big enough for one card. "It's only two bits, '' he said, waving it a little.

"Deal" Antithesis replied 

They walked to the counter to check out. Antithesis reached into his bag retrieving three bits placing them on the counter. The bell on the door rang as another pony walked in.

Paying it no mind the clerk slid the folder over. Antithesis picked it up and placed the card into it, as he did so a gasp came from behind. The short pony ran up to Antithesis grabbing his hoof raining it "Is this the NIGHTMARE card one of only two in all of Equestria!" she asked.

"Yeah, now let go!" Antithesis pulled his leg out of the ponies grasp.

"I'll pay you 40 no 50 bits" the mare pleaded. 

"Not for sale." Antithesis turned to leave but was stopped again. 

"Please you don't know what that card is worth, I'll pay 70 bits" he tried once more.

"HEY! the colt said no. I'm gonna ask you to come back another time." the clerk said, lighting his horn.

"Fine." the random pony said walking out the door.

Waiting for the rondom to leave sight Shure turned to the clerk saying "Thanks Mr....."

"Page, Page Turner." he responded "Now hurry on clouds are getting dark again."



The three decided to tighten their bags and ran. They ran to Shure's house first dropping him off and waving to Meana who was on the porch. Next Antithesis and Astra sprinted to Maple's as they heard the roll of thunder behind them, making it in time for the second downpour. 

Closing the door behind them both walked into the living room Maple greeted them. "Don't sit on my couch if you're wet." she said walking to the kitchen.

Antithesis heard two voices that he hadn't heard before but then heard maple called out "Argo! Astra just got here.".

"Makes sense you're closer than we are." the voice responded while getting closer. "How was your day son," a stallion rounded the corner closely resembling Trella. "And you are...?"

"Antithesis" he responded.

"Nice to finally meet you Astra doesn't shut up." He said, holding out his hoof. "I'm Argo, Astra's dad."

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Remex." Antithesis replied, shaking his hoof.

"Which one?" another stallion popped out behind Argo. This one looked a lot more like Astra gray coat and all, though both had the same hair.

"Quit being a weird Acrux," Maple said, taking a seat in the room.

"Ah jeez, first Trella thinks I'm weird now my wife. That's it I'm moving back to Cloudsdale." Acrux joked.

"Shut it!" Argo interrupted.

"NO!" Acrux came back. 

The three of them went back and forth for a little. Meanwhile Astra pulled Antithesis out of the room and up stairs, motioning him to follow.

Astra knocked on the door with a navy blue T, three times saying "Open up"

It took a minute but Trella opened the door "What?"

"Let us in." Astra demanded

"Why" she replied.

He rolled his eyes responding. "Our parents are in the same room." 

Trella peeked her head out looking left and right. "Come in". She let them in pointing them to the corner for them to sit then climbed onto her bed. 

Her room was filled with turquoise and whites with everything very orderly. After a minute of silence She picked up a book that Antithesis recognised.

"Hoovey the Vampony Slayer, It's a cool series but I didn't like how at the end she...." Antithesis stopped noticing she was only on the first book. She looked up at him with a stern look.

"You need to work on your social skills T." Astra said reaching into her night stand pulling out a granola bar. 

"Did I say you can have one." she said closing the book.

Disregarding the comment Astra continued "Like whenever I'm here you are just pent up in your room. I know a mare or two if you need a friend."

"Are you referring to the ones whose names you've just learned." Antithesis said, raising his brow.

Astra blushed in embarrassment "Nevermind forget about it.'

"What about just learning names,*gasp* Did you  find a marefriend."

"Not quite, this mare Saphi has sat next to him all year like all year and just learned her name." Antithesis revealed.

"Stop, let's talk about something else." Astra pleaded.

"Are you stupid?" Trella said laughing.

"Oh would you look at that the rain stopped, guess it's time to go." Astra said walking out the bedroom door. 

"See ya" Antithesis said following his friend.



Antithesis had opted to walk home by himself enjoying the cool breeze. And while he enjoyed his friends company sometimes the silence was nice. Eventually he had pulled up to the familiar stone walk up the porch and into the house. "I'm back" Antithesis called out.

No response came as he walked noticing no pony else was in the room he flopped onto the couch tired from the day. A few minutes rolled by the sound of the back door opening could be heard. Taupe walked into the room wiping her forehead "You're too big for me too carry upstairs." She said.

Antithesis didn't move lying still till he drifted to sleep.
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was full and bright while the wind blew the scent of flowers through the air. Trella glided down her usual route to school passing over buildings and stopping to rest once near Savery Square Cafe to grab a cup of coffee. 

Landing in the second floor patio Trella walked up to a mare in the service window, "I'll take the usual," she said presenting two bits at the pegasus window on the second floor.

"One hazelnut latte with two pumps of vanilla oat milk, coming up" the barista replied smiling.

"That's not my usual" Trella with a raised eyebrow. 

"Come on you order the same thing everyday I thought you could use something sweet for a change" the barista said preparing the drink. "Come on this one is on the house."

Trella though for a second before sighing "Fine, at least make it iced." 

The barista gave a happy squeal as she opened the ice chest, scooping up the frozen cubes then she went to work. She placed the creamy white lid on top with an image of two wings on it. Trella took a sip letting it sit on her tongue for a second before swallowing.

"How is it?" the barista asked.

"It's... alright?" Trella responded. 

The barista's ears drooped as her head tilted. "Alright?! That's my best selling drink." 

"I'll drink it.! Jeez" She looked at the clock behind the barista seeing she had nine minutes to get to school. " EEke, I gotta go!" she said, taking fight.

"Don't waste that coffee ya hear!" the barista shouted as Trella flew away.


Trella rushed, passing other pegasi, and nearly crashing into a few birds. She made it to the school with some time to spare, she looked in her hoof at the coffee. She had figured it would have spilled since she was going so fast bit the lid with wings held fast.

Walking to her homeroom she took her seat at the three person desk in the back row furthest from the teacher. The bell rang signifying the start of the homeroom period. The teacher stood up walking around to pass out a yellow sheet of paper.




Today the middle schoolers will be touring the highschool please be on your best behaviour and follow this temporary schedule.




Periods

1
5
3
2
L
5
6




As the teacher passed she got a whiff of the coffee on the desk. "Trella you wouldn't happen to have stopped at Savory Square?"

"Yes mam" she responded nervously. "Am I not allowed to have a drink in here?"

"No it's fine, just curious I think we got the same drink." she said levitating her coffee from her desk. "Hazelnut latte with two pumps of vanilla oat milk." 

"It's not my usual but the barista wouldn't take no for an answer." Trella said with a faint smile. 

The teacher turned to hear the door then checking the time. "Care to say why you two are late again? Hmm NightOwl, EarlyBird." She said walking away from Trella.


Trella sat there by herself sipping away at her coffee until finally the bell rang. She walked out into the crowded hallway heading for her first period class. On her way she bumped into a few upperclassmen apologizing on the spot then continued. Entering the classroom decorated in old Equish literature quotes and a fake pony skull on a stack of Poneo and Huliet, she noticed a different teacher than usual. 

The teacher stood as the last pony entered and said "Mr. Write is out today he has come down with feather flu. I'll be your sub for today, come up and grab the assignment for today." 

It was a simple crossword on the previous lesson, most finished it in minutes. She placed the pencil down putting her paper in a folder and then into her bag. She sat quietly having no pony to talk to. Meanwhile some ponies had moved their desks together and began playing with cards.



Trella Was about to approach them about playing with them but as she opened her mouth Principal Clip came in.

"Hey, teach are any of your students done with their work?" Prin. Clip asked. 

"Uhhhh," he looked down at the seating chart for names, "Trella? Are you finished."

"Yea, I'm done." She answered.

"Perfect! Come with me." Prin. Clip said opening the door.

She grabbed her bag and followed him into the hall, "Can I put my bag away, my locker is right here?" 

"No problem I'll let your teachers know you'll be helping me today." Prin. Clip said taking her into the office.

He grabbed a red and blue pin off his desk passing it to her then motioned her to follow him, going to the main lobby outside the office. She stood there with a few others with matching pins, looking around she realised she had lost sight of the principal. 

Approaching the other students she asked, "Hi, uhh could you tell me why Principal Clip brought us here?"

"Huh? How do you sign up for middle school tours without knowing it." somepony mocked. 

Trella wilted back a little at the response. "Tours?" she whimpered. She took two steps back, right into Prin. Clip.

"Oof, Sorry about that" Clip said. "Alright campers, the younger students will be lined up in the gym, take a gander at your badge numbers to take your group."



Following him into the gym there were nine lines of students immediately Trella noticed Astra in group three and Antithesis in group seven. She peeked down at her number giving a sigh of relief when it read group nine. 

"Alright now it is important that you stay with your group leader" Prin. Clip said before leaving the students. Pony by pony each group left in numerical order though when it came to Trella's group she was clueless as to where she was taking them. 

The group leader of eight, a faded pink mare noticed her distress and passed her a paper with the areas to visit listed. She offered a smile to Trella then left with her group. Trella scanned the paper for a clue for where to go first. Taking a chance she decided she would take them to option 9, Science/Magic classrooms. 



Trella Turned to get a good look at her group seeing a familiar Yellow pony but couldn't remember their name. Brushing it off she made course for the maroon doors saying “Lets go." as she opened them.

A quick walk through the lobby into the hall of the first floor. "So uh, this is where we have all the different Sciences and Magic classes ranging from levitation to Magic circuitry, of course I don't know too much on that". Trella said Showing her wings. 

Continuing forward everypony noticed the school colors lining the halls, maroon lockers and canary yellow walls.

Reaching the end of the hall she saw a classroom with a sheet of paper with the same red and blue circle as her pin. Walking in the doorway she was greeted by an older stallion at a granite table. She peaked her head out and called for the group to enter. The teacher took his place at the front of the room once everypony settled in. 

"Welcome, I'm professor Helix, I teach magic circuitry 1 and 2 here at Creston High." he said as his horn lit up grabbing chalk to write his name on the board. "Has anyone here ever heard of Magic Circuitry before" he asked, getting only a few hooves in the air in response.. 

Trella stood by the door while he began explaining the subject, watching as other students changed classes. Her gaze was broken when the Teacher asked if she could pass out examplesout to the middle schoolers. She did so flying to pass them out the hard green boards with gold patterns on them. 

"Lets see 1,2,3, 5,6,. Ok six unicorns in this group could you feed some magic into the printed circuits." he asked, levitating a larger version in the air. Out of the six unicorns only three managed to activate the boards producing a warmed pocket of air above it to manifest. 

"Not bad," The professor said walking up and down the long bench tops.

"Sir. I have a question." a yellow pony asked.

"Oh? How can I help? '' Prof. Helix said, walking towards him.

"Nothing really but I see you have two C14 lines" Shure said as he lit his horn and began moving the lines. "If you take it and connect it to D07 without interrupting line B09 you can do... this". A small flame appeared hovering above the circuitry. 

"Oh, My." Prof. Helix said. "You seem to have some talent for this. Where did you learn this?"

"I was reading Haycarte’s lay line principles and Nickola Trotta’s distributive theory and applied both concepts. I figured as long as the seal on the base line wasn't interrupted while the magic ran through it would keep the subs stable." Shure informed him. 

"Hold on let me jot that down" Helix exclaimed, scribbling the words. "What's your name, son?."

"Shure." he replied "Shure Shot."

Trella had no clue what they were talking about since she took pegasi oriented classes. Though she came closer eyeing the flame until it disappeared. "What happened to it." she asked. 

"The magic supply ran out." Shure replied. "The spell only lasts so long if the magic is limited."

Helix was about to continue asking questions but an announcement was heard through the school "Will all tour groups continue to the next assigned classroom please, Thank you.". 

Helix was disheartened to let them go but in the end he settled with a hoof shake. The rest stood up and made their way into the hall with Trella leading the group to the staircase. 

Trella was a little nervous to speak to the middle schoolers despite being older. As she took off the group gave a small gasp, as she heard them she had an idea. 

"So I know they don't want you flying around or teleporting in your classes but... we get a little more freedom here." she said as she landed. "Here in the main stair chase it can get crowded with every pony moving classes. So the principle allows Pegasi to fly through the center of the stairwell and Unicorns to TP between floors." 



Trella took flight turning around to signal the pegasi to give it a try then continued to the next floor with them. Entering the second floor it was a bit of a different theme in the halls, maroon was still there but the walls purple and green. 

Noticing the next class with the blue and red she took the group in. The room was decorated with pots, pans and some knives behind a glass case by the Instructor's desk.

There was no instructor to be seen until a loud crash coming from the pantry in the back. Opening it there was a cloud of flour and some cracked eggs surrounding a caramel colored pony. Shaking their head the pony stood up and exited the pantry "Leave it to the unicorns to get things in hard to reach places, I tell ya."

"Oh! Hey there. didn't notice you guys there." he said "I'm instructor Easy Bake, and I teach home Ec." 

Easy Bake went on and on about food, honey, portions and cake. Trella hadn't taken the class yet she had planned on doing that next year, so she hadn't had much knowledge of the class either. After a while it was time to move to the next class, but before going Easy had passed bread slices from loaves he made that morning. 

After three more classrooms Trella was a little excited to take ponies to the third floor. This hall was much shorter than the rest, being a quarter as long and had no class rooms, only a pair of double doors at the end. "Now before we go out I wanna make it clear to not! try to climb the fences."


Taking them through the doors they were greeted by a strong breeze and fresh air, they were now on the roof of the school. "This is where most of the pegasi classes are held." Trella Said as a blue mare with a tan mane, landed next to her. 


"This the next group, huh." the mare asked, moving the straw in her mouth. 

"Yeah." Trella answered, rubbing her foreleg.

"Alright listen up I'll be one of your Instructors next year for flight development. You guys can call me C Breezy." She said in a raspy voice, wrapping a hoof around Trella. "You’ve been respectful to my star flier here right?"

The group was just as quiet as usual not answering. C Breezy took to the air, flying to the cloud coarse above the school, grabbing an older Stallion and bringing him back with her.

"This here is. Well actually you introduce yourself." C Breezy said. 

"ehem, Hi there I'm Morning Dew. I'll be your high speed instructor." He said.

"Morning Dew. As in thee Morning Dew? The four times Equestria aerial relay champion." a pink pegasi in the group called out. 

"Yeah, well, those days are behind me now I'm just a professor now." Morning Dew said, turning to Trella. "How about this you..uhh what's your name?" 

"I uh its Trella, sir." she answered.

"Ah, Trella you watch these ones we'll take the pegasi up for a few." Morning said taking off before getting a response. The Pegasi took off following him, leaving Trella with the rest. She sat down in one of the cloud chairs floating around to wait. 

After a few minutes a small group of middle school unicorns walked out onto the roof, Trella got up and went to them to see why they were here. "Is it time to move to the final class." she asked, looking for the group leader. 

"Na, the Equish teacher was boring so we snuck out." a light blue unicorn responded.

"You are supposed to stay with your group. Plus this is a pegasi area which none of you are. So Why did you come here?" Trealla asked

"Cause we can, it's none of your business." he answered, walking past her towards the fence. 

"Either you stay with my group or return to yours you can't stay up here." Trella reprimanded. 

"You're not our boss we don't have to listen to you" the unicorn replied walking further down the take off strip. 


Shure was watching the pegasi fly in lines and loops when he heard the commotion from Trella. Looking past her he saw a unicorn he knew and hated, Shnoby. 


He shook his legs mustering some confidence guessing it was time. "Go back to your group nopony wants you here." Shure said as he stood next to Trella.

"Who asked you, loser. Your friends aren't here to save you this time." Shnoby said as he sent a magic shockwave at Shure. "Hm, don't think you can talk to me when you want."

Surprised Trella didn't know what to do, standing there for a second before going to Shure to help him. Before reaching him Shure began to stand laughing. 

"You know if it was a year, no three months ago that probably would have knocked me out cold." Shure said rolling his neck "However I'm not that pony."

Shure fired two curved shots simultaneously from his horn at Shnoby. the unicorn dodged to the side evading both shots. "Ha, maybe you should go back to magic kindergarten and learn to hit your shots kid." Shnoby Mocked. 

"Dumb ass, do you know what my talent is?" Shure smirked.

"Being tra-" Shnoby was cut off by two magic orbs hitting his ears at the same time, causing him to fall to the ground. Shure caught him with magic before his face made impact, passing him to the other who came with him.

Trella blinked, not completely sure what just happened. The instructors had heard the commotion and returned with the pegasi students. 

"Whats going on!?" C Breezy demanded.

"Well uh you see mam these uh un-" 

"This idiot snuck away from his group with his friends and was making trouble by the fence so I.. Stopped, him." Shure said with confidence.

"Is that what happened," Morning Dew asked, looking at Trella.

"Yes" She stammered.

"Alright return to the Gym we'll take him to the nurse to get checked, then to the principal." C Breezy said.


Taking the group back down to the Gym Trella walked next to shure asking, "What did you do that for? we could have just gotten the instructors."

Shure turned to her with a seriousness in his voice, "He had it coming, he ass who thinks he is better than everyone."

"You didn't have to knock him unconscious." She said.

"And what let him shoot off magic with ponies on a rooftop." Shure replied, turning away.

"I guess but I don't think that was the way to handle that." Trella responded.

"I'll take the punishment, I just couldn't take his garbage anymore." Shure said opening the gym door.


Mr. Clip was waiting inside the Gym for Trella and her group. He sat there forelegs crossed as they approached, Trella went to open her mouth to tell him what happened but Clip began speaking.


"I already know what happened," Clip said waving his hoof. "Don't worry Trella, you're not in trouble, there wasn't much you could do."

A wave of relief washed over her when she heard that but tensed a little when Clip stood up and approached Shure. Shure didn't move, standing firm he looked right at the principal.

"So I heard you've used magic against another student" Clip said looking down at Shure. 

Shure answered camly "Only in self defence sir."

"That's so." Clip said walking passed shure. "while you weren't in the wrong you will be given a two hour detention for use of magic against another student." 

"What about the other student, the one who caused the fight." Trella spoke up.

"Don't worry he will be receiving a week's suspension. Along with a mandatory essay on what he did and why it was wrong." Clip answered stopping at the gym doors. "Trella you can wait here for the other groups or return to your classes." he said walking out.

Trella had decided to stay and wait for the other groups to return. She sat by herself while her group spoke amongst themselves, after a few minutes Shure came over to her and sat down.

"Sorry about all that, I didn't mean to stress you out." Shure apologized.

"It's fine he said I wasn't in any trouble." Trella responded. "Plus you're the one who has to do time."

"I'd say it was worth it." Both of them laughed at that.


Astra and Antithesis' groups met up on the way back to the gym to finish the tour. Walking in Antithesis saw some ponies from Shure's group but couldn't see him. 

"Do you think he went to the bathroom? '' Astra asked taking a seat on the bleachers. 

"I guess so, I don't see him." Antithesis said looking up and down the home bleachers. After a few minutes of talking, the final group arrived. Along with them Clip reentered the Gym waving to some ponies on the Away side bleachers. Noticing this Antithesis looked closely recognizing them. "Heh, I guess Shure is making moves," Antithesis said, poking Astra's side. 

"With who, Farenhiet?" Astra said looking where Antithesis was pointing. "Or.. my cousin."



Looking over Shure saw Antithesis pointing over towards him. with a grin he said, "I'll be going before those two start getting any ideas."

"Ideas about what?" Shae asked. 

Shure tuned his head and shook "nothing" he said with a laugh.

She sat pondering what he meant then it stuck her, with it her face went red. 


"It's the bachelor of the hour." Antithesis joked as Shure approached.

"Shut it. We had a run in with Shnoby." Shure replied.

"That ass hat. What'd he do this time?" Astra asked.

"I showed him what's what." Shure boasted.

"About time you stood up to him." Antithesis congratulated slapping is back. 

The middle school Principal took them back to their home room for the rest of the school day. Meanwhile Trella hung out, sorta with the other group leaders. They were seated in the teachers lounge hanging out, a faded pink mare approached her with a donut in hoof. 

Offering it to Trella the mare said "Hey. Remember me?"

"Yeah, you handed me the classroom schedule this morning." Trella responded. 

"These kids today were something else I tell ya T. Oh! you don't mind if I call you T do you." she asked.

"No, it's fine but uhh what's.. your name." Trella asked.

"Oh come on I've been in all your classes for the entire year and you don't know me." she scoffed with an angry look.

Trella drooped her ears knowing she was guilty of not knowing almost anypony in her class. 

"I'm kidding, you can call me Stitch'n Fit." she said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, mind if I call you Stitch." Trella said, returning the smile.

"That's fine. Honestly when Clip pulled me out of class I was a little surprised." Stitch said sitting down.

"You too? I thought I was the only one." Trella said with a giggle.

"Hope you're ready this is the third time he's done it to me so He'll probably gtab you for another school event." Stitch said 


Right then Principal Clip walked in with a clipboard in his hoof. "Alright, other than a mishap everything went well today. So... since there is only one class left today I'd be ok if you guys left early."

The ponies in the room gave a cheer excited at the chance to skip their last class. Stitch leaned over while Clip continued talking, "Hey are you doing anything after school today?" she asked. 

"No, I don't think so." Trella whispered back. 

"Perfect. So I've been meaning to go to a cafe on the south side of town do you wanna go?" Stitch asked.

"uh well I.." Trella mutered for a second before steeling herself. "That'd be great." She said interrupting Clip. "Sorry." she said sheepishly.
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"That'll be three bits," a mare said, passing three icecream cones.

"Thanks" Antithesis and Astra said with smiles. Passing her the money Astra took two of the cones practically drooling. "Save one for Shure'' Antithesis said looking up as he took his cone.

"He better hurry, if it starts melting it's mine." Astra joked. He then began to devour his ice cream.

Walking down the street they came across a small yard with a stone walk. Antithesis approached the small concrete porch, knocking on the door. They waited a few moments for an answer, not getting one Antithesis decided to wait on the porch. After two minutes he heard the sound of a door handle.

Opening his front door Shure, found two ponies waiting on his porch. "You know you could have come in right?" he said stepping out, he closed the door with magic as he descended the stairs. Astra, and Antithesis followed behind him after a stretch.

"What took you so long?" Antithesis said, wiping his forehead, "It’s hot as Tartus out here."

"You said meet a 4:00 so I came out at four." Shure continued, as the other two caught up. Side by side they cantered across the street, except Astra who was still flying. "I was cleaning up a project I've been working on." 

"What, are... you working on?" Astra said as he swooped in front of Shure then flew backwards. 

"You'll see. Well that's if I can do it." Shure said, adjusting his glasses. He moved Astra out of his line of sight with magic. "Anyways where are we going?" Shure asked.

"We're heading to the park," Antithesis replied, hopping on the sidewalk.

"It's a nice day out so why spend it inside?" Astra said as he finished the last bit of his ice cream.



Continuing to the north part of town, they entered a grass clearing with some metallic structures to their left. Shure looked over at some ponies and their foals playing on swings and slides, raising an eyebrow he turned to his friends who were walking deeper into the field. He caught up asking, "What gonna do while we're here?" 

Both Antithesis and Astra motioned towards the woods that lined the edge of the clearing. Shure followed them reluctantly onto a trail that appeared in front. Walking through the woods they were surrounded by smells of flowers, pines and water?

Eventually the sound of running water surrounded them growing lowder, the closer they got. "I think we're here." Antithesis said staring up at a waterfall.

"Ya think?" Astra said, flying over the river at the base. He landed on the other side and waved. 

"Is the rest of the trail on that side?" Antithesis shouted spotting a post that had a torn rope on it. 

Astra looked around before talking flight once more to get a better angle; he spotted a strip of dirt that led uphill. "Ya it's over here!" he called over the rushing water. "But uh, how are you gonna get over here?!"

"I'll just find th-" Shure was cut off by his friend.

"Like this!" Antithesis called back as he took a few steps back. After gauging the distance, he began to sprint forward and at the last second using his strength he jumped the distance with some room to spare. "How was that?" Antithesis said proudly, turning in time to watch Shure reattach the fallen bridge and walk across.

Antithesis face hoofed, as Shure walked by with his nose up right. Following Astra the two continued along the trail, eventually finding themselves at the top of the waterfall. Antithesis approached the edge of the cliff aside from the falls. Looking down he could see a faint rainbow forming from the spray of water.

Standing beside him Shure asked "Sooooo, why are we out here?" he asked, rolling his neck.

Antithesis gave a sigh before turning his head to Shure. "Just here to enjoy the scenery." 

"What's to enjoy?" Shure asked looking around. "Its green and loud, who enjoys that?". 

"Just try to take it in. You can't tell me you like to sit inside all day." Antithesis raised a hoof.

Astra flew down landing next to Shure saying "It's a good day, you can't look one at a time, do it all at once". Astra closed his eyes, as a gentle breeze flew by. Rolling his eyes Shure closed his eyes, at first nothing but the sound of water. Then it became quieter the smell of flowers and pines surrounded him along with the sounds of birds and woodland creatures. 


Shure basked in the ambiance longer than he realised, opening his eyes he noticed his friends weren't next to him instead walking away up stream. He shook his head before catching up with them.

"Look who decided to wake up" Astra laughed. "We thought you fell asleep." 

"Yeah, almost five minutes you were there." Antithesis shook his head.

"There's no way I was standing there for five minutes" Shure scoffed. "It was weird though does that always happen?" 

"Depends on what you're talking about" Antithesis said, stopping to dip a hoof in the water. "This looks good." 


Astra flew above the river then dropped causing the other two to get wet. "I'd say." he said, resurfacing from the water. 

Antithesis cracked his neck before leaping into the water with his friend. After coming up both of them motioned Shure to join them, "I don't know?" Shure groaned. 

"Come on, Shure." Astra called back stroking. "It's fun."

He was hesitant to enter the water. Antithesis floated there for a minute before saying "Can you not swim?". 

"No, I can swim, I just.. uh... How are we gonna dry off? We didn't bring towels” Shure asked

Antithesis pointed his hoof towards Astra saying "We have a blowdryer right here". Astra flared his wings as Antithesis spoke.

"Fine" Shure removed his glasses, placing them on a flat rock away from the water. "Next time I choose what we're doing." 

"Fine, fine." Antithesis said waving. 


The three sent a while in the water swimming around and splashing each other with water. After a while a cold breeze blew by, letting them know it was getting late. Antithesis and Shure stepped out shaking some water off, while Astra jumped into the air then spun letting the water fly off of him. 

After he was dry he went to his friend and began flying around them fairly fast. In a matter of seconds the two colts were dry. After examining himself Shure walked over to retrieve his glasses. 

Arriving at the rock he went to grab them but a squirrel popped up and snached them, however before it could run Shure bound it in his magic bringing it closer. 

He separated his glasses from it's grip, "I'll take those" he said, handing it an acorn from nearby. 

Antithesis looked up at the fading sunlight that was becoming a layer of amber and violet. "Let's head down". The others nodded in agreement. 

After making their way across the bridge Shure stopped turning to the river and smirked. Astra whistled to him, catching his attention. Exiting the path they found themselves in the field they started in. 


Walking back to Shure's house, they walked him to the porch. "See ya," Antithesis said as Shure climbed the stair. 

"See ya." Shure replied, opening the door. 

Meana was inside when she heard the door open. "Shure, that you." she asked, reaching into the oven. 

"Yeah I was with my friends" he replied. 

"Hold up," she called, taking three muffins out of the pan in a red glow. She walked to the door to see Antithesis and Astra at the base of the stairs. "You heading home?" 

"Yeah, pops said to be back before dark" Astra said pointing to the sky.

"Oh I didn't realised it was this late." Meana smiled, "Here take one of these". She passed them the muffins she had. dropping them into their hoofs prematurely, Astra nearly dropped his. "Whoops, sorry." she blushed.

"It's fine," Astra said, taking a bite. "Hmmmmm"

Antithesis followed suit taking a bite. The taste of blueberries overwhelmed him, but was balanced by a faintly sweet flavor. "That's not bad," Antithesis said swallowing. "Thanks" 

"No problem I'm just glad that these ones came out alright." she said rubbing her head.


The sky above became a show of purples and dark blues ast the sun was almost gone. "We gotta head out," Astra said tapping on Antithesis' shoulder.

"See you guys later" they called as they threw the muffins in their mouths. 

Getting to Astra's block, Antithesis hoof bumped Astra before splitting up. Antithesis watched as the sun began to leave the sky with the moon almost the sole provider of light. 


Getting home Antithesis saw his mother entering the house, legs covered in dirt. He called out to her before she shut the door. 

"Hey, how was your day?" She asked as Antithesis reached the porch. 

Antithesis climbed the stairs as he answered "It was good we went for a swim". 

"A swim. Where at?" She asked, tilting her head.

"Oh no where." Antithesis answered. 

She squinted her eyes before saying "Alright just don't be going up the river." 

"Wouldn't think of it." Antithesis saluted at his chest.


After a quick wash Antithesis layed in bed staring out his window, at the never changing night sky. Eventually falling asleep.
> Chapter 12, Breakfast
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Come on we're gonna be late" Antithesis complained as Taupe came down the stairs. 

Getting to the door Taupe replied, "No need to rush she'll have plenty left when we get there".


They walked into town on their way to Maple's house. Today was a clear summer day with no large clouds and cool air from last night. Taupe let Antithesis lead as she watched the wisps float high above. Getting lost in thought while she walked the sky she thought she heard somepony call her. 

"MOM!, Hellooo, Mom!" Antithesis called, waving his hoof infront of her. 

"Oh" she said sheepishly, "I, uh. Sorry". She shook her head regaining her focus. "What did you need?"

"I said, Do you think Maple would teach me how to cook?" Antithesis asked, now walking backwards.

"I'm sure she would." Taupe answered, "But why not ask me?

Antithesis stopped walking, as he looked at his mom, "Mom listen you're a great cook. Really." he paused "but there is nothing that can hold a candle to Maple's pancakes." Antithesis said with a serious face.

"Whatever," Taupe said, tossing her head to her side. "I'm just as good as Maple." she said walking past Antithesis.



Walking up the stairs to Maple's porch Taupe was about to knock when Antithesis just opened the screen door and walked in. Taupe was gonna say something but shook her head as she laughed quietly to herself. Upon walking in, her nose was filled with the smell of baked goods, she went into the kitchen seeing Maple lean over to Antithesis giving him a hug before flipping the pancake she was cooking.

"Hey there." Taupe offered walking next to her. 

Maple checked both sides of the flat cake putting it on a plate then moved the pan to an empty burner, before turning around to Taupe. Maple hugged her then saying, "Oh I'm glad you decided to come. Acrux got called into work early this morning so I was gonna have to do this alone." 

"Of course, I'll be around if ya need me." Taupe answered hugging back.

A knock on the door caught everypony's attention, letting go of Taupe Maple asked, "Antithesis could you see who it is?" 

Antithesis hummed a response moving from his place at the kitchen island. He went to the door to see Shure and Meana, opening the door he hoof bumped Shure as he greeted Meana. "It's not ready yet" he said walking them back to the kitchen.



Trella was upstairs sleeping when she heard the knock at the front door followed by talking. She grabbed her second pillow and covered her left ear as she turned onto her side. "Ugh" she groaned  looking at the clock, 9:30 it read. "Who is up at this time during the summer?!" she said to herself.

She laid there not wanting to get up but not able to sleep either. After a few minutes she decided to get up, Trella stepped off her bed taking a step then fell landing with her chin on the floor. "Stupid leg fell asleep" she grunted. 

Getting up she opened her door, getting berated with the smell of her mother's cooking. She floated down the stairs so as to not let anypony know she was there. Reaching the landing she peered into the noisy kitchen seeing Antithesis next to Maple watching as she flipped the pancakes in the air. 

She was about to walk in to greet them when she spotted Shure at the island, she made a squeak before pulling back around the corner. Shure looked over thinking he heard something.


Seeing nopony there he turned back to Taupe who was throwing together some biscuits. "So while those cook we can start on the gravy." Taupe said, rinsing out a smaller pot. She walked over next to Maple, "Can I move this?" she asked, pointing to the mixing bowl sitting on an off burner.

"Yeah, go for it." Maple responded, picking it up herself handing it to Antithesis, "Hold that for a minute."

"Ok" he responded. Antithesis looked down at the bowl for a minute before looking up and saying, "Hey Maple, can you teach me how to make this?"

Maple's face went blank as she placed the pan down, then looking over she put her hoof on Antithesis' shoulder exclaiming "Yes! of course". Antithesis pulled his head back at the response he got from her. Noticing his gesture he let go, "Sorry," she said with a smile. "It's just that Trella can't cook and has no interest in learning. I wanted to show her but all that pony wants to do is fly". 

(Trella "tch")

"It's fine," Antithesis said, moving her hoof. "Speaking of Trella where is she right now?" 

"Ugh, she's like a log can't get her out of bed unless there's coffee." Maple complained,

"Or if there's a special somepony" Antithesis said under his breath peeking at Shure. 

"What?" Maple said, placing a plate in front of Meana who smiled as thanks. "I guess somepony has to go get her." 

"I'll go" Antithesis offered as maple walked over to the counter placing the bowl down.

"No, you're gonna help me." Maple said, cracking a few eggs, "Shure could you go up and get her?"

"Uhhh... Yeah." he said getting off his chair. 

"Her door is the one with the 'T' on it" Maple said, raising a whisk. 

Hearing somepony approach, Trella flew back up to her room. Reaching the stairs Shure began his ascension saying "Corse she asked me to go". 

As Shure left Astra appeared to have let himself in, he sat in Shure's vacant seat and grabbed the pitcher of OJ.



Getting to the top he saw the dark blue "T" on a door, walking up to it Shure raised his hoof to knock but lowered it in hesitation. Shaking his head to regain his focus, he raised his hoof again to knock on the door but Trella opened it just as he did, causing him to hit her nose.

"Ow" she called out.

He jumped back realising what he did his ears and head dropped, "S-Sorry I-I didn't know you were gonna open the-" he stammered

"It's alright." she said rubbing her nose. "Not your fault."

"A-anyway, uh, Maple said to come get you for breakfast." he said, stepping out of her way.

"I'll be down in a few." she responded as she strut past him into the bathroom leaving him dumbstruck. Closing the door behind her, she gave a heavy sigh as her cheeks went red. "Dear Celectia, why was he there?!" she said shakily. She peeked out the door to see him walk down the stairs, now that he was gone she wiped the sweat from her brow and stepped out.


Walking back into the kitchen with some color in his cheek, he sat down to see Astra finish a glass of OJ in one go. Shure took the seat next to him and held out his hoof. It took a second but Astra responded with a hoof bump. "Where were you at?" Astra asked.

"I... Uh... Went to wake up Trella." Shure mumbled.

Astra began laughing at Shure, catching everypony's attention. Shure gave him an upset look, to which Astra responded "What? It's just ha.. you know." he said, wiping his eyes. 

"And what, exactly is funny about me waking up to eat breakfast?" Trella said, now behind Astra.

"AH!" Astra shouted as he jumped into the air. "Let a pony know you're there next time". He floated back down to his chair while every pony laughed at his fright. 

"Any left for me?" Trella said, pulling up another seat. Right then Antithesis placed two plates in front of Astra and Trella.

“A little crisp but I think I did ok.” Antithesis said going to the stove to make his own pancakes. 

Astra and Trella looked at eachother then their food then back to each other. Shrugging both took a forkful into their mouths. “You're right a little crispy," he swallowed "But anything is good with enough syrup.” Astra said picking up the glass bottle and drizzling the syrup all over his food. 

Trella snatched the bottle from him saying. "Don't use it all". She began drenching her's as well. 



As they finished their pancakes Taupe layed a spread of biscuits before them. "Eat up, you too Maple" Taupe said, plating some for her. 

"Well let me do the dishes first then I'll eat" Maple responded, turning to the sink.

"I'll get them just eat." Antithesis said plating his own food.

"Fine," she said, she sat to join the rest of them. "Thanks" 


Antithesis started the dishes when Shure pulled up a towel with his magic and began drying dishes. They stood there in silence for a few minutes before Shure sighed "Hey Thees."

"Yeah," Antithesis responded, not looking over.

"So I- uh." Shure paused. "Hm how to say this."

"You like Trella," Antithesis said with a smile.

"Yeah. Wait no, nononono." he facehoofed "That wasn't what I was gonna say". 

"Well do you? I mean we can all see it, why don't you say anything?" Antithesis said, looking over to his friend. 

"It- Forget about that I was gonna see if you wanna hang out on Friday." Shure said, playfully shoving Antithesis.

Not moving, Antithesis responded "Sure, what's the occasion?"

"I don't know, I was just wondering?" Shure said glancing at Astra. "We can do whatever".

"Alright, what time?" Antithesis asked.

"Doesn't matter, uh say about twelve?" Shure offered.

"Sounds good to me" Antithesis answered


"Antithesis, are you ready to leave?" Taupe called.

"Looks like it's time for me to head out," Antithesis said, placing the last dish in the strainer. Bro hoofing Shure he walked towards the door with his mom. "See ya around." he said before leaving.

"See ya" every pony responded.


They were quiet for most of the trip until they reached the bridge at the west end of town. "So which was better the pancakes or biscuits?" Taupe said with a smirk.

Antithesis looked down at the water as they crossed and said, "Well I was busy doing dishes so I didn't get to eat any biscuits." he said kicking a rock as they got off the bridge.

Taupe rolled her eyes, saying "I made them so you could see that I'm just as good as a cook as Maple, but there goes that". Antithesis stopped and gave her a weird look, "What's that look for."

He blinked a few times in disbelief then said "Mom you've been cooking for me for 15 years. I think you've shown you're as good as Maple a few thousand times".

Taupe blushed then rubbed her head saying "Oh yeah."
> Chapter 13, Questions?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Ooo'' Antithesis sounded, shaking his hoofs to get rid of the numbness from sleeping in his usual position at night with his head to the side with his arm under. As the numbness subsided in his arm it was replaced by an intense feeling of pins and needles.

He licked his lip where he had been biting in his sleep only to feel another spot in his mouth with a tear. "Ugh, maybe I should try sleeping in a different position then I won't bite my lieee." he jumped after stepping off his bed, forgetting that his foreleg still had pins and needles.

Walking downstairs he didn't see anypony, he stepped into the living room to check for his mom but couldn't find her. Going onto the kitchen he peeked out the window to see her hard at work in the field. 

Stepping outside he opened the ice chest to get some cold water from inside. He poured a glass for himself and a bottle for Taupe, after he downed his glass he went back out to give his mom the water. "Hey mom!" he called out.

Taupe's ears perked up then she turned to see her son jogging towards her, in his hoof a bottle. "Mornin" she said as he reached her.

"Mornin" he said presenting the bottle. "Here ya go."

"Thanks," she said, taking the bottle. After taking a few gulps from the bottle she looked over at Antithesis, squinting her eyes she looked at his left and right sides. 

She grabbed his chin then turned his head left and right, "Hey what are you doin??" he asked. She then put her hoof to her forehead then to his.

"How?" she said, cocking her head.

"How, what?” Antithesis questioned moving her hoof.

"How are you so bucking tall?" Taupe said looking up and down. "Yesterday you were barely at my chin now you're a little taller than me!"

"No way" he said moving his hoof from his head to hers "Huh guess I am. I wonder how tall I'll be?" he said hoping for an answer but aupe ignored it and drank again. 

"Don't let it go to your head just because you're tall." Taupe said pointing the bottle at him.

"Ya ya," Antithesis said. "Ima head out". He turned around walking back to the house.

"See you later," Taupe whispered to herself before returning to her work.



Arriving in front of Shure's Antithesis approached the front door and knocked. With no answer he waited a minute before knocking once again. After a third set of knocks a white muzzle peaked through the side window, a few seconds Meana opened the door saying, "Hey there." 

"Hi," Antithesis greeted with a wave of his hoof. 

"Are you here to see Shure?" she asked motioning him to come inside. "I think he's upstairs in his room."

"Thanks" he replied, as she continued onto the dining room where there was a mess of papers. Antithesis climbed the flight of stairs reaching a landing with a hallway parallel to the stairs. He passed the first opened door that had shades of purples and blues along with a picture of some pretty boy pony.

Antithesis continued on passing the larger room with a king sized bed in the center of the back wall. The room was plain but the closet revealed rather formal attire. Passing that one he reached the end of the hall where there was a stair chaise going to the next floor and a closed white door. 

Taking a gamble he knocked on closed the door in response he heard his friend say, "Hold on". The sounds of books falling and being moved could be heard. Shure opened the door with his horn saying "Come in".

"Whats up" Antithesis said, making shure look up. He was sitting at the base of his bead on the floor.

"Is today friday?" Shure asked, pulling his calendar off the wall looking at the date then put it back “Huh what do know”.

"As far as I could tell," Antithesis said, walking in. Stepping over piles of books and papers he stood behind Shure looking at the book Shure was reading from, "Whatcha reading?"

Shure continued reading for a second before turning the book to the cover for Antithesis. "Scrolls and runes Volume IV. Sounds..Interesting?" Antithesis said as shure was writing something.

"Sorry about that I just read something that I needed. What were you saying?" Shure asked, lowering the book and pen.

"Just curious on what you were reading." Antithesis answered picking up another book. "Circuits and Magic flow history. Huh, are you studying for something?"

"No, I'm researching so that I can do something." Shure said, taking his glasses off and cleaning them with a nearby cloth. 

"Do what exactly?" Antithesis asked, grabbing another book with a star on the cover.

"I'm trying to make a telescope," Shure said pointing to the one at his window. It was a small basic telescope Antithesis moved the lens away from the sun and peeked into the lens only seeing some clouds in the distance.

"So if you have one why do you want to make one?" Antithesis questioned

"I'm making a better one. No, the best one." Shure said, putting his glasses back on.

"Oh, and what was the inspiration for this?" Antithesis asked.



Shure stood up and grabbed a book from his overstuffed shelf. "It started when I first learned about MC" he passed the book to Antithesis. "So the basics of MC is that you can draw certain patterns with.. well just about anything but let's stick to Divaium" (Deev ā eeum)

"Hold on, MC?" Antithesis interrupted.

Shure gave a sigh and slowly said "Magic Circuitry".

"Wait, I thought spells were done with your horn" Antithesis added.

“Usually yes but Circuits are different” Shure explained

“Oh ok.”

"Anyways so you can set certain amounts of magic into them causing them to perform certain functions, so take this for example" Shure lifted a thin sheet of rock from his desk bringing it over along with a small spool of the thin gold like ribbons. 

"If I take some Divaium and shape it to do this." he drew a zig zag with 5 points with an arc connecting the two furthest ends and a line coming from the center vertex.

Sitting there for a minute Antithesis watched as nothing happened, "Cool I guess" he said sarcastically. Looking down again he noticed a drop of water forming and another then another, soon the rock was decorated in water droplets."

"So basically the Circuitry or as they used to call it Runes are used to cause certain phenomena to occur. Like this one the Zigzag is used to cool water in the air, and the arc it used to attract the water to the rock and the line in the vertex is used to hold magic so that the process can continue."

"Ahhh, so what you drew makes things wet?" said a little confused.

"You could say that, or you can put a large enough version of this and, oh I don't know, provide water in a drought."

"Do they do that?" Antithesis replied

"Yes'' Shure shook his head. "So you see different symbols perform different actions" 

"What do you mean? So like If for example you have this Zigzag thing here and you added another line would it do something else?" Antithesis asked.

"Well yes and no'' Shure said wiping off the slab. "If I got another piece of Divaium and just added it it would do this''. Nothing happened, no water, not even a drop.

"What happened?" Antithesis said poking the lines.

"The Circuitry has a run off, which means there is an additional circuit that draws power and releases it into the air." Shure explained.

Antithesis rubbed his chin then said "So because you added a line onto it that wasn't originally there it won't work right".

"Right. Now the old way of fixing this would be to remove the Circuitry and relay it, but I figured out a way to get around that." Shure said, lighting his horn. 

"If you run magic through the Circuitry, not the power line it will cause the Divaium to act frantically. Then apply a high pressure spell to the strips and it will merge the Divaium'' Shure began to sweat as he casted the spell.

Antithesis watched as the two pieces of Divaium began to merge into one solid pattern. "That's pretty cool." Antithesis said as Shure ended the spell. 

"Thanks," he wiped his forehead. "That took more work than I remember. Ok now put your hoof over it." 

Antithesis placed his hoof above the rock and felt a push of cool air. "So I'm gonna guess that this one still cools the water in the air but instead of collecting it it pushes it."

"Correct." Shure replied with a nod. “An example of a similar one with a different function.”



Shure continued about the multiple uses for varying circuits until Antithesis finally interrupted him, "Hey Shure that's cool and all, but you've been talking for hours. Is this what you wanted to do today?"

"Uh, well no," Shure replied, rubbing his head, "Sorry I got really sidetracked."

"No worries but I wanna stretch my legs." Antithesis grunted as he stood up.


Going down stairs Shure and Antithesis walked past Meana who was still frantically sorting and signing papers. Walking outside Antithesis asked "What's she doin in there?".

Shure rolled his eyes and said "That pony forgot to apply for collage"

"Is she going to Magic school?" Antithesis asked opening the back door. 

Shure took a seat on one of the sun chairs in the backyard before answering. "Magic school? Meana? No way", he motioned to an empty seat.

Antithesis shook his head declining, "So what is she going for?"

"She wants to be an Equish Teacher, I think." Shure responded, laying his head down. He watched as Antithesis took a familiar position, "Do you still do those every day?" Shure asked.

"Every other day" Antithesis replied, mushing himself up and down, "You?"

"No, well, I do them enough so I can do at least fifty." Shure said picking his head up and accidentally looking at the sun. He raised a hoof to block the light from his eyes. "How many are you at?"

Antithesis shut his eyes so the sweat wouldn't go in, "Last I counted, I'm at, 86".

Shure got off the chair and walked next to him. "No you're not."

"Well count, for me, 26, 27" Antithesis answered.



Shure stood there counting as Antithesis reached 88 hoofups. Finished Antithesis rolled onto his back letting his forelegs rest, feeling inspired Shure began his own set. After 48 hookups Shure tapped out.

"Tch, tch, tch" Antithesis clicked, "You have to do more each time you don't just stop at fifty". Antithesis put a hoof out to help him up.

"I mean, I'm not really into the whole fitness thing like you or Astra, I just did it cause you guys were." Shure replied, taking his hoof.

"Well I wonder whether Trella prefers a scrawny stallion or one with a little muscle." Antithesis said with a sly smile.

"Ha, ha. I'd appreciate it if you guys stopped making fun of me." He said turning his tail to Antithesis, walking onto the porch. He stopped and turned his head with a blush in his cheeks "Do you think she prefers somepony more muscular?"

Antithesis walked up next to him putting a hoof around him and poked him in the chest saying, "I couldn't tell ya but it's clear to everypony you like her." letting go he said "Listen if you just sit on how you feel it won't be long before she looks for another stallion."

"It’s not that simple Thees, I don't know if she'd even think of me like that." Shure muttered. 

Antithesis face hoofed then said "You're joking right." he looked at Shure who was wearing a straight face now. "Ah jeez, Shure do you realise that she is loud, roudy, lazy and stubborn."

"I've never seen her like that." Shure replied, taking a step forward.

"That's cause it all goes away when you come around!" Antithesis blurted. He then gave a sigh, "Just don't wait too long."

"I-I'll think about it." Shure stammered walking past Thees into the house. 



Following him inside Antithesis shut the door behind him. Looking to his left, the table where Meana's papers were was now clear. Walking back into Shure's room, Shure took a seat in his bed while Antithesis leaned against the windowsill. Shure wore an embarrassed frown while he sat there.

Antithesis rolled his eyes, "Look Shure," Antithesis said walking next to him. "I get you don’t want to talk about it, but let me let you in on a secret” he looked left and right, "I'm pretty sure Astra likes Saphi,"

Shure raised an eyebrow and sat up saying, "Saphi, like the mare who hangs with Farenhiet all the time?" 

"Yeup" Antithesis nodded.

"Huh, well now I know" Shure laughed.

"Shure! Come down" Meana called from downstairs.

"Hold on!" Shure called back. He motioned his head towards the door, both went back down and into the kitchen.

"Oh Antithesis I didn't know you were still here." Meana said, pouring some juice in two glasses. "Would you like to eat with us?" 

He looked past her out the window, the sun was still high, "Uhhh, yeah" he replied. 



Meana placed two plates onto the table in the dining room with two sandwiches each. Going back she brought her own plate and sat For the most part they ate in silence until Antithesis broke the quiet.

"So where are you gonna go to school?" he asked before taking another bite.

"Im gon shee df" she stopped and swallowed the food in her mouth, "Sorry, I want to go to Cadenza Collage over in Baltimare and if not there probably Tailence University south of Manehattan." 

"Manehattan? Where is that exactly?" Antithesis said taking a sip of juice. 

"Well that's the thing, it's on the other side of Equestria so I'm hoping I get accepted to Cadenza" Meana answered, finishing her food.

“What about you? Antithesis , have any clue what you’re gonna do?” she asked, picking up their plates, “I mean I know you're still in school but have you given it any thoughts?”

“Well I’m still waiting for my ‘Destiny’ to reveal itself.” Antithesis said pointing to his flank.

It took her a second before she realised what he had said, “Oh my gosh I didn’t even notice you didn’t have one.” she put the plates down and approached him. “I wonder why you haven't gotten it yet”.

“Who knows maybe you don’t have talent” Shure joked.

Meana put a hoof to her chin and looked up, “Is there anything you like to do?” 

“I’ve tried those but nothing yet,” he answered.

“Hmmm, why don’t you go out and try a bunch of random things” Meana suggested.

“Go out and try random things, I don’t know sounds annoying. Plus it seems like a waste of time. I'll find what I’m supposed to do eventually.” Antithesis responded.

“I’m telling you, you’re probably going to be an athlete,” Shure added, “Your hella strong and tall.”

Meana looked at Antithesis realising he did get taller she didn’t often see him, so she didn’t really keep track of his features. 

“My mom noticed it this morning. She said she didn’t understand why I was getting so tall.” Antithesis said putting a hoof on Shure’s head and drew a line to his own chest.

“Was your dad tall, maybe that's why.” Meana offered picking up the dishes once more. 

“Couldn’t tell you,” Antithesis said following her into the kitchen. “Never met him.”

“Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” Meana apologized.

“It's fine, my mom never talks about him. I don’t think he’s dead, but I don’t think they got along since there’s no pictures of him anywhere so I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”  Antithesis shrugged. “Since she doesn’t talk about it I don’t ask any questions, doesn’t change anything”.

“Still it must be tough raising a kid all by herself.” Meana said washing the plates off.

“I guess. What about you guys? I’ve seen your dad a few times but never your mom.” Antithesis asked, as Shure entered the kitchen.

“Shure you didn’t tell him.” Meana said flicking water at him. She laughed as he freaked out, “Our mom is staying with our aunt in canterlot, she’s a nurse for some old noble pony.”

Wiping his glasses off Shure said, “She visits every month for a weekend, I’m pretty sure she’ll be here all month in September.”

“Yeah you can meet her then.” Meana said looking up at the clock, “Oh! I almost forgot Shure don’t you have an appointment at 5:00.”

“Oh yeah,” Shure responded, throwing his head back.

“Alright well I’ll head out then If y'all got somewhere to be.” Antithesis said turning to the exit.

“Alright, see ya later.” Shure called as Meana dried her hooves.

“Have a good day” Meana called as Antithesis walked out the front door. 


Being that Shure lived close to DS&C Antithesis decided he’d take a look in the shop. Entering he felt an immediate relief from the hot summer air sending an almost sensual shiver down his spine. He looked over at the counter seeing no pony there, he thought to himself ‘I could walk right out of here with something and nopony would notice'.

Passing the second isle he saw the clerk from last time, sorting some books on the shelves. Noticing him the clerk offered a nod, Antithesis responded with a nod of his own.

Going further in he found himself surrounded by a large rack of little figurines consisting of ponies, dragons and other creatures. Next to it was a poster display, he walked up to it and flipped through the display frames looking one by one. 

There were some random landscapes, an image of a solar banner, eventually he flipped onto a picture of some mares in risque outfits. Out of the corner of his eye the clerk was approaching so he quickly flipped to another poster.

“Can I help you find anything today?” the clerk asked looking towards the posters

Antithesis couldn't remember the clerk’s name so he said, “Just browsing, my room feels really plain lately.”

The clerk looked at Antithesis closely then said, “Say aren’t you that colt that came in and a crazy mare tried to buy a card you had?”

“Yeup that's me,” Antithesis smiled, “Sorry I don’t really remember your name.”

“No worries, just call me Page.” he said holding out a hoof, Antithesis shook it and turned back to the posters. “If none of these are what you’re looking for I just put in an order for new posters” .

“Alright I’ll come back then,” Antithesis confirmed. He walked past Page, and towards the entrance. 

“See you soon.” Page called going back to the shelf he was working.


Stepping outside he could feel the cool air shift into a gross heat. He huffed in annoyance at the temperature. Walking back to his house he began to sweat simply from being outside. 

The sun was just barley beginning to set. Getting inside he found Taupe at the table reading the news. Hearing him enter the room she lowered the paper to reveal a dried mud streak down her right cheek.

“How was your day?” she asked, hugging him. 

“Alright, got a lecture and had a sandwich.” he replied avoiding the mud on her face. Taupe pulled away feeling the sweat on his back. 

“Gross” she teased, wiping her hoof. 

“Well at least I dont have dirt on my face.” he shot back with a smile. 

She touched both sides of her face feeling the dried dirt. “You got me.” Taupe laughed 

She sat back down where she had been and picked up the paper again. Antithesis took a seat across from her quietly. After afew minutes of reading the back of the paper Taupe put it down and asked, “Can I help?”, with a raised eyebrow.

“Uhhh, hmmmm. I was wondering, I mean you never talk about him or anything. But uhh I was curious about my dad?” he asked, cowering as he spoke.

She sat there quietly staring at him with an almost angry expression. After a few moments she sighed heavily. “What, brought on this question?” she said with tears filling her eyes.

“I’m sorry I was just talking with Shure and Meana and it was brought up and…” he trailed off.

“Sorry” her voice began to crack, “I--I can’t, not today”. Taupe got up and went into her room. 


“Shit” he said to himself, going up to her door “Mom I’m sorry I didn;t mean to upset you” Antithesis said, drooping his ears. He stood there in silence at her door until the sound of the handle turning was heard.


Taupe pulled him into her embrace feeling the now mud on her cheek as she sobbed quietly. “I won't ask anymore” he whispered, hugging her in return.
> Chapter 14, Getting together
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Crunch*

"If you don't like chocolate you don't deserve to talk," Shure said, taking a spoonful of ice cream.

*Crunch*

"I like chocolate, I just like vanilla better," Astra responded before taking a lick from his cone.

*Crunch!!!*

"Could you stop?" Both Shure and Astra said, turning to Antithesis.

"What?" Antithesis said smiling.

"Who goes to an ice cream parlor and buys chips?" Astra asked, biting the edge of his cone.

"I'd be surprised if you could spell 'Ice cream parlor' " Antithesis laughed, "But lately my teeth hurt when I have something sweet."

"Cavity, maybe?" Shure offered, scraping his bowl with his magic.

"I hope not I have a dental appointment coming up so we'll see then." Antithesis answered slowly reaching into his chip bag.

"Don't sit on that too long the one time my dad had a cavity and let it go." he bit another piece of the cone. "He had to get a root canal."

"Root canal?" Antithesis questioned.

"It's an operation that makes you wish you still had the cavity." Shure answered, getting off his seat. 

"Yeah, buck that" Astra said, then finishing his cone.

"Agreed" Antithesis nodded.



"We're back" Astra called as he opened the door. All three walked past the kitchen entrance not seeing anypony there or in the living room.

Trella just finished brushing her teeth, she hummed a tune as she ran her tongue over them. Walking out she was poking at her mane until she passed the stairs where she was startled by, "Hey T!"

"Baaah!!" she shouted, flying up and hitting the low ceiling. She began to fall and fast, luckily shure was fast enough to catch her in his magic. 

"Nice catch" Astra complimented flying up next to her.

"Thanks but I don't know how much longer I can hold her." he strained.

Placing her on Antithesis' back, he carried her to her room. With Shure's help she was placed onto the bed, closing the door slowly as they left and waited down the stairs. 


Waking up Trella rubbed her head saying, "Ouch". She stood up and stepped out her door, "Didn't I get up already?".

Going down the stairs she heard laughter coming from the living room, peeking in she saw the three colts messing around in the front room with Astra in the air and Shure teleporting from place to place as Antithesis tried to catch them. She rubbed her head again before stepping into the room. 

Nopony noticed her until Shure teleported into her knocking them both down. Both went red as their noses touched but neither moved. "Well it's about time it happened." Astra said holding his forelegs in a T to call a timeout.

Antithesis laughed through his nose at the sight, prompting Shure to get off of her. Without a word he walked outside shutting the door behind him.

Antithesis face hoofed, "Trella are you gonna let him walk out like that?"

She was silent looking at her nose. Antithesis looked over at Astra who shrugged in response.

Shure walked back in after a minute, approaching Trella getting within a foot of her. Lighting his horn, he teleporting them upstairs. 


“Shure what-” Trella was cut off by a sudden kiss from Shure. She fell silent and returned the short kiss. 

Shure pulled away looking into her eyes, “Trella, will you go out with me?!”. She stood there, mouth opened in shock. “If you don't, I under-”. It was her turn she pulled him in for a kiss.

She pulled back with a smile saying “You're not getting out of this one”. Shure stared at her now wide eyed and speechless. 



After a few minutes of talking they walked to the door Shure offered a hoof. Taking it Shure teleported them back downstairs. Seeing them hoof and hoof Astra passed Antithesis a few bits.

Trella gave them a look before saying "If you tell Maple I'll kick your ass".

"Not a word,"  Antithesis said, raising his hoof.

"Astra" Shure said, tilting his head.

"Ya ya, I won't say anything," he said crossing his forelegs.


"I'm back" they heard Maple say. Trella pulled her hoof away from Shure's. Astra landed while Antithesis fixed the couch.

Maple rounded the corner to see everypony sitting down. "Oh, everypony is here," she raised an eyebrow at the unusually quiet ponies. "Did something happen?" She asked, putting down her bag.

"Nope, " Shure said, getting up and then falling back into the couch. 

"You ok?" Antithesis asked as Maple left the room. 

"Yeah, just tired," he yawned. "Probably used too much magic when I was Teleporting". 


Maple came back into the room to see Shure now curled up on the couch next to Trella.

She tilted her head "Was he asleep just before?"

Everypony shook their heads in response. "Oh sorry" she whispered as she walked back out.

Astra whistled in relief getting up to go outside with Antithesis following him. After they left Maple peaked her head in one more time. "Food will be ready" she trailed off. "Where did those two go." 

Tell shrugged whispering "Dun know.". After maple exited Trella looked down at Shure, poking his nose his ear twitched. She giggled as she poked his nose again causing him to shift.



Shure woke to the smell of vegetables being fried. He cracked his neck and wiped his eyes, before getting off the couch he looked around seeing nopony.

Walking into the kitchen he found Maple at the stove and Astra with his chin on the counter. "How long was I out?" He asked to take a seat at the island.

"Bout an hour" Astra responded with his head still down. 

"Where'd Thees go?" he asked, cracking his back with the chair.

"Taupe picked him up. Apparently his appointment was today" Astra responded, raising his head as Trella entered. "Gosh what takes so long in the bathroom."

Trella rolled her eyes as Astra flew passed. "Astra, you know my rules." Maple said feeling the breeze his wings caused. He landed immediately, while Shure and Trella laughed at him. 


Trella rested her head on her hooves while she waited for the food to be ready. Shure found himself staring at the white pattern surrounding her forelegs. 

"Acrux tells me that a while ago in his family there was a pegasus that was such a gifted flyer the moon shared some of its light with them and its been passed on eversince." Maple said, as she passed two plates, surprising Shure.

"Yeah apparently my grandpa had the pattern last but his was different." Trella said practically drooling over her food. 

"That's pretty cool, my family doesn't have anything that special,” Shure said, picking up his utensils with magic. "Well, Meana maybe she has the white nose" 

"My dad says only the most talented flyers in our family get the white pattern, which doesn't make sense since T has them." Astra said, fixing his mane as he entered the room.

"You haven't beaten me in a race yet" she snapped back.

"Whatever." he sat on the other side of Shure “Next time we race I'll beat you". He proceeded to stuff his mouth with vegetables.



The waiting room was cool and fairly quiet, only Antithesis, Taupe, some stallion and his filly. He waited for a few minutes before sompony called his name, he stood up and was greeted by a salmon colored mare. 

"How are you today?" she asked taking him to an examination chair.

"Alright" he replied "You?"

"I'm good," she smiled. "Alright take a seat I'll be right back in a second."


Antithesis reclined on the chair waiting on the nurses return. She came back with a small paper package in hoof. Ripping one end he spilled the contents onto the side table revealing a mirror, some swabs and a curette. 

"Alrighty, open wide for me." she said grabbing the mirror. Poking around with the curette she said, "Let's start with the molars". After she worked her way forward she asked do you brush regularly.

"Yea" he responded as best he could with his mouth opened.

She poked at his gums, "Good, what about flossing?" 

"oh" he answered.

"You can't skip that, it's important," she said wiping off her tools. "ok next the..'' she turned her head looking at his teeth. 

She got up and walked away to the back office, coming back with a white stallion. "What did you need to show me?" he said sitting next to Antithesis. "Hey there could you open up for me." 

Antithesis did as he was asked, opening his mouth the doctor looked around "Well everything seems to be in order here what am I looking at?" he began scraping at the front of Antithesis' teeth. "Say you don't chew on anything you're not supposed to right pencils, pen caps anything like that?"

"No" Antithesis replied as the doc pulled his hooves from his mouth. 

"hmmm" the doctor hummed "Can you go get your parents for me?"

Antithesis shook his head yes, walking out to the waiting room he called for Taupe. Walking back with him the nurse approached, "My that was quick" Taupe smiled.

"Well we're not done yet but we had a question." the nurse said with a nervous smile.

"Ask away," Taupe replied.

The doctor walked up next to the nurse saying, "It's his teeth, have they always been like that?" 

"What do you mean?" she said turning to Antithesis. he opened his mouth to reveal four sharp canines and two less sharp surrounding all four.

"Oh. I don't recall ever seeing those" she answered moving her son's head. "Why didn't you say your teeth were like this?."

He shrugged saying, "It started a few months ago."

"Now they don't seem to be causing any damage and the roots are strong so there is no need to remove them, though we could grind them down if you'd like." the doctor offered. Antithesis shook his head while stepping back. "Well other than that he's good to go, although I would go show other those chompers."
> Chapter 15, First day, again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Phwwwwwhht*

Astra whistled to Shure, who was sitting against the school building. He turned to see his two friends coming up the road towards him, waving his hoof once.

Antithesis brohoofed Shure as he got closer, "What's up" he nodded, "Sorry we're late somepony forgot school was today".

"Hey listen I forgot, ok" he walked past them, "The bell hasn't rung yet so we're good."

"Whatever," Shure said, stretching before running to catch up with them.


As they approached a bell rang and with it the main doors opened allowing all the ponies waiting inside. Entering the lobby they saw four tables with stacks of papers and two ponies at each. Above each table there was a sign with a number 9-12 and the word 'Schedules'.

Antithesis stopped to look around causing Astra to bump into him, "Oof, what are you stopping for?" 

He apologized as he moved towards the tables with a '9' above it. "Name?" the mare at the table asked, 

"Uhh, A-Antithesis" he stammered. 

"Hmmmmmmmm A, A, Antithesis, here you go" she said, passing him a paper.

"Thanks" he said, turning away from the schedule on the hoof.


After the three of them got their schedules they were ushered into the gymnasium. They compared schedules while they waited on whatever opening ceremony the school had had planned. "Mrs. Udon is my home room." Shure said, pointing to Astra.

"I have Mr. Topo," Astra answered, turning to Antithesis, "What about you? Thees?"

Antithesis read over his homeroom teacher about five times before speaking, "Hey wasn't Mr. Dew one of the flight instructors?"

"Yeah, his class is on the roof." Astra answered. "Why?" 

"I, guess I'm getting my steps in every day." Antithesis said, throwing his head back.

"Don't tell me your homeroom is on the roof" Astra cracked up. Wiping a tear from his eye he handed Shure his schedule.

Shure reached for Antithesis' schedule as well, holding all three in the air with magic. "Hmm, we have Equish together, and some others we're split."

"Anything else?" Antithesis said, peaking over Shure's shoulder. "We have lunch together".

"Course we do," Astra mocked. "They wouldn't put us with seniors."

"Shut up smart ass" Antithesis replied, lightly punching his shoulder.

Shure was about to say something but was cut off by an echoing in the gym.


"Hello everypony!" a voice rang from somewhere inside the gym. Principle Clip walked out into the center room, "For those of you who remember me. Welcome!" he began reading from the clipboard he had in hoof. "And, for those of you who don't know me I am Princable Clip."

Some more students shuffled into the gym before he continued, "I hope you all had a good summer, but now the time for fun and game is over." he said with a straight face. "But before we get into all that nitty gritty I have some announcements, First some of you may have noticed that you have a strange homeroom placement. This is due to many students not having a good grasp on the school's.... layout."

Everypony that hadn't looked before was now checking their schedules for where they were placed. Shure chuckled and nudged Antithesis since he was one of those students.

The rest of the announcements were for upperclassmen so the freshmen were let out to report to their homerooms. Walking to the main stair Astra parted ways on the first floor and Shure on the second, leaving Antithesis to go to the roof by himself. Getting to the top he pushed through the double doors.



As the sun hit his eyes he raised a hoof to block the rays. Walking further out he saw a group of pegasi sitting in rows out at the runway. Figuring that was his class he approached them, as he got closer he saw Morning Dew at the head of the group of pegasi. 

"Psss, Antithesis" he looked to his left where the voice came from. A Skyblue mare was motioning him to her.

"uhhh... Saaaaafiiii?" Antithesis guessed, since her appearance was a little different. Her mane had a silver streak and she was a little more filled out.

"Yeup," she smiled as Antithesis sat next to her. "How have you been?"

"I've been good," he responded. "You?"

"I'm alright," She answered "Kinda unlucky that we got stuck up here. Dontcha think?"

"Yeah it kinda sucks but I'm not complaining, I kinda like the feel of the wind." he answered "And to think Astra made fun of me."

"Oh uh, Astra how is he?" she looked down rubbing her one foreleg. 

"He's alright, a pain in my ass sometimes though" Antithesis said, rolling his eyes, he began to smile as he spoke next, "Why you miss him."

She scoffed "No, I just... nevermind" she punched him in the arm, getting a laugh from Antithesis.

"I wonder what's so funny," Breezy said, standing over them with her hair falling. 

"Nothing ma'am, just telling jokes." Antithesis sitting up. 

She squinted her eyes and blew her mane out of the way, "Pay attention," she turned away but stopped and looked behind her saying "And don't call me ma'am".


She walked up next to Morning Dew shouting, "Alright listen up." she looked around. "We're gonna be your homeroom teachers for the year,so here's the ground rules."

Morning Dew began to speak as Breezy finished, "One, don't be late for your classes, I don't mind if you fly around but it's no excuse for tardiness." 

Breezy started to hover as she spoke next, "Two, what we say goes, no ifs, ands, or buts. And three, this is for our non pegasus classmates, DO NOT MESS AROUND NEAR THE EDGE OF THE ROOF!"

"Is that understood?" Morning Dew asked.

The class responded with a "Yes" 

"Is that Understood?!" Breesy said floating over to Antithesis.

"Yes, uhh Breezy" he answered with a nervous smile.

"I don't think she likes you," Saphi whispered as Breezy floated away.

"Maybe but, I think she just wants to make sure we know the rules." Antithesis replied putting his schedule in his bag.

"I guess" Saphi responded, getting cut off by the bell. "I guess that's our que."



Antithesis and her walked together two the second floor where she had class, Antithesis continued to classroom A19, Equish. Walking in he saw Shure and Astra in the back, he entered nodding his head upwards as they noticed him. Antithesis took the very corner seat sitting next to Shure and behind Astra.

A beige pony sat at the teacher's desk looking at the class of only 12 students. The next bell rang signaling the beginning of class, standing up the teacher picked up a stack of papers passing them throughout the classroom. 

"Ahem" the Teacher cleared his throat and put on his glasses. "Hello there, I'm Mr. Write, I'll be your Equish teacher for this year. Now I'm not too bad of a teacher but let's not make this year any worse than it has to be. Alright" he lowered his glasses and looked around. "So today we're not gonna do much but, we will go over the syllabus for this class."

Antithesis didn't really listen to what was being read, he kinda just stared at the paper until he noticed Astra turn around on his chair. 

"Hey this blows" Astra whispered.

"Yeah, can't wait for lunch." Antithesis said putting his chin on the desk.

"You said it." Astra agreed, "I didn't get to eat breakfast, to--day" Astra looked up to see a pony hovering over him.

"I don't mind if you work in pairs, but at least wait until I finish speaking." Mr. Write said arms folded. "Anyways, that's all make sure you have everything you need for class tomorrow.



As the bell rang everypony exited the classroom flooding the hallway. Looking down at his sheet Antithesis saw his next class, 'Culinary Basics'. "Back to the stairs I guess" he whispered to himself. "Hey where are you guys heading too?"

"I got flight 101," Astra replied.

"Magic Circuitry 1" Shure answered.

Antithesis sighed, "See ya later then," 

"See ya" they answered back.


Getting up the stairs to the second floor he looked down the hall for room B02. Entering he found a stallion sitting down at the front covered in spots of flower. Antithesis didn't say anything he just walked by taking a seat at one of the counters. 

After a few the teacher sgot up to take roll. “Alright everypony lets see who’s here.” he grabbed a pen and began saying and crossing off names. “Antithesis,”

“Here” he answered.

“Good good, Trella”the teacher called. No answer was given “Ok not here.”

Just then somepony busted through the doors, “Sorry teach , I misread the room number.” Trella said walking in.

“It's fine just take a seat.” he answered. Placing the pen back down he walked to the center of the room. “Alright guys and gals, here's the deal you wont need a thing for this class alright. I know Mrs. Udon requires some things but I don’t.” he watched as Trella took a seat next to Antithesis.

He leaned his forelegs up on a cart “I’m gonna say it now, there will be no homework, no test, no finals. You’re here to learn to cook, not take a million notes.” he rested his head on his hooves. “Now if you want to you can write things down but I trust you’re all smart enough.” 

There were cheerful whispers filling the classroom as they heard the news. “Thank Celestia, I hate taking notes” Trella said leaning over to Antithesis”.

Antithesis gave a laugh through his nose in response before the instructor continued, “One last thing if you look at your classes you’ll notice I am listed twice.” He began walking down the center of the class. “That’s cause my class is a lab which means we are in here for two periods in a row.” 

He gave a stack of papers to the front row asking them to take one and pass it. “Alright I don’t really care what you do for the rest of class, just take that paper home and get it signed.” he sat in his desk chair shifting it to the center of the room. “Any questions?” 

Some colt raised his hand asking “What's your name?” 

The teacher gave a heavy sigh before looking at the pony, “You’re telling me you read your schedule, saw what time to be here, saw the room number, read the class name but missed my name at the very end?” he said passive aggressively.

The colt sunk back embarrassed as the teacher roasted him “Easy bake oh”. 

“Anypony else? No. Good.” Easy Bake said before returning to his desk.



Trella looked around for anypony he knew, not finding any she turned to Antithesis, “Yo…” she said, as Antithesis began cracking his neck. 

“What's up?” he said, straightening himself on the stool.

“Nothing just didn’t want to sit in silence.” she admitted, “So it's just you in this class?” 

“Yeup, Astra is out on the roof and Shure is being a nerd.” he said with a smile. Trella’s ears perked at the mention of Shure, noticing it Antithesis rolled his eyes then said “He’s down in Magic Circuitry” 

“Do you know what his next class is?” she asked, sliding Antithesis’ schedule over.

“No, I didn’t ask him.” he responded, laying his head on the counter.

“That's a shame” she pouted then passed his schedule back.

“Why don’t you walk home with us, ask him then.” Antithesis offered.

“Really!” she said louder than she expected. Everypony looked at her causing her to clear her throat and speak quieter “Are you sure.”

“It’s just a walk home, besides Shure is your coltfriend.” Antithesis answered. 

Her face became red at the mention of coltfriend. “W-well I’ve never called him my colt friend.” she said with a nervous smile.

“That's odd he calls you his marefriend all the time.” Antithesis lied. 

“Really” she said sitting up.

“Of course, 'My marefriend this my marefriend that' ”  Antithesis picked up his head “All the time”.


In the midst of their conversation, Easy Bake went to the back and came out with a round tray in hoof “Just wondering has anypony ever cooked before. “

About ten ponies raised their hooves including Antithesis. 

“Cooked successfully.” Easy Bake corrected watching as the number fell to three. He walked up to Antithesis who was two rows from the front “What can you cook?” 

“Breakfast mostly, Pancakes, eggs, bread.”  Antithesis answered looking up at the teacher.

“Ok, that's pretty good, I like that answer” Easy Bake said looking away “And you two” he pointed at the other two ponies with their hives up. 

“Some veggies” both answered. 

“Hmmmm, I don’t know… Alright, hear you go” he removed the cover from the tray to reveal a cake he cut out four pieces and gave the two students one and one to  Antithesis. “Eat up”

“Thank you,” Antithesis said, accepting the plate and fork. He cut into the slice putting it into his mouth “That's really good” he said, pushing the cake to his cheek as he spoke.

“Can you guess what kind it is?” Easy bake said looking up.

Antithesis took another bite letting the flavor lace his tongue. He chewed thinking of what it could be until a small piece of something tart hit his tongue. “Raspberry” he called out.

“Alright! A sharp sense of taste you got.” Easy Bake said, he passed Antithesis another slice “First pony to get it right in four years.” 

“Thanks,” Antithesis said, taking another bite. As he finished his first slice he noticed Trella who was adamantly staring at the other slice. He slid the slice of cake over to her with a smile. 

She gave a happy squeal before digging in. Stuffing her face she thanked him.

“Shure’s gonna need a good job to keep you fed” Antithesis joked.


Eventually the bell rang signaling the end of the third period, Antithesis and Trella parted in the hall as she went to the third floor. Antithesis took out his schedule once again double checking the room number ‘204’.

Entering he saw Astra inside already, joining him he said “What's up” 

“Nothing, just flew around for two periods, you?” Astra replied, turning to him. 

“I ate some cake with Trella”  Antithesis answered.

“You got cake” Astra crossed his arms, “Lucky”

“Sorta he only gave it to students that cooked before. “ Antithesis replied wiggling into the one piece desk and chair.  

“Then how did Trella get it?”  Astra questioned “She nearly burned the house down making toast” 

“I shared it with her--- Wait! Toast?” Antithesis tilted his head. 

“Yeah she is horrible” Astra said with a laugh

“Whatcha laughing at?” somepony asked 

“My cousin is so bad at cooking she almost burned down the housAhh” he jumped at the sight of Saphi leaning over his shoulder.


“That excited to see us?” Fahrenheit said, popping out behind Saphi.

Regaining his composure Astra said “I didn’t know you were that close” 

“Sorry” Saphi replied as her ears dropped. 

Astra was silent until Antithesis nudged him aggressively. “Uh, it's fine, just let me know if you're getting that close again.” he blushed at the odd sentence he just said. 

Saphi laughed then took a seat behind him. “Is this okay?” she said smiling. 

“Yyeah” he replied nervously.


After almost 10 minutes the teacher was nowhere to be found, students decided maybe it was a free period so they decided to talk. Another 5 minutes went by until a pale pink mare walked in. 

“Sorry class, I was in the restroom” she said, positioning herself oddly on the chair to accommodate her larger underside. “These things happen sometimes when you're pregnant.”

The class murmured to themselves in response. “Alright, let's take roll.” the mare said. She went through everypony’s name checking them off her list. “Okie dokie class, I’m your Equestrian history teacher Mrs. Turner. I did have a little activity planned but seeing as there‘s much less time, how about we go around the room and share what we did this summer.”

Going around the room ponies listed what they did during there summer breaks until it got to Antithesis to which he answered “I hung out with my friends most of the summer” 

“Good, and you?” Mrs. Turner pointed to Astra.

“I was with him most of the time.” he answered.

“Oh you two are friends, ok, and you” she pointed to Saphi.

“I helped my dad at work.” Saphi answered

“Ok and yo--” Mrs Turner held her hoof over her mouth before teleporting out of the class


“Sooo does this mean free period?” Astra said getting off his seat and fluffing his wings.

“I guess” Antithesis answered “Though if it were me I’d go back to sleep”

“What I thought you were a morning pony” Astra said beginning to hover.

“Yeah but whenever I know I have something important the next day I always try to sleep early and end up awake for hours.” he said stretching his forelegs, “And it doesn’t help I have to get up hella early.”

“I get that” Saphi said “My dad make a lot of noise in his workshop so it's impossible to get any sleep in the morning”

“What does your dad do that's so loud?” Astra asked, turning to Saphi with a nervous smile.

“He’s a blacksmith though he prefers the term Metalworker.” Saphi answered, “I can take you there one of these days” 

Both Antithesis and Fahrenheit looked at eachother with open mouths, at her words. “Yeah we could go check it out together” Astra replied “What do your think, thees” 

Both Antithesis and Fahrenheit face hoofed at the answer. “I don’t know, maybe another time” they responded. 

“It’s fine I don’t mind showing every pony” Saphi replied “Dad likes to show off anyways”   


Their conversation was interrupted by Mrs. Turner entering the classroom “Sorry about that I wasn’t -- “ she was cut off by the sound of the bell.

Astra literally flew out of his seat at the sound saying “Lunch time!”


The four of them walked together down to the first floor, getting directions from the older students and made their way to the cafeteria behind the stairwell.



The caf was filled with murals and banners from previous classes and covered different colors from each floor. The tables were round fitting at most ten ponies Antithesis spotted an empty table towards the right of the entrance. 

Most ponies moved out of the way for Antithesis as he walked through the lunch room. The others followed him to the empty table, as they sat an unwanted pony spoke.

“Hey this is my table go find another” Shnoby said putting a hoof on the table.

“What it's the first day? How could this be your table?” Saphi spoke up.

“It's mine because I said it was, now get up” Shnoby demanded.

Antithesis gave a small smile before standing up walking towards Shnoby. “Thees are you really gonna listen to him?” Astra said getting off his chair.

Antithesis held a hoof up towards Astra then turned to Shnoby face to face. “I heard Shure kicked your ass.” he smiled menacingly, showing off his sharpened teeth, “Imagine if you went up against me”.

Shnoby began to sweat, staring at the razor sharp canines. “Actually, I think my table is over there” he said shakily before backing away slowly.

“And don’t come back,” Astra said, floating above his friend. Leaning down he asked “Hey what did you do? Like I know your big but I didn’t know you were that scary.” he landed back onto his seat. 

Antithesis also went back to where he was sitting “Haven’t you seen them yet?” he asked.

“Seen what?” Shure asked, approaching the table.

“My teeth,” Antithesis answered, giving a wide smile. A gasp came from Saphi at the sight of his jaws, while Astra got closer to see.

“What did you do to get them like that?” Fahrenheit asked, tilting her head.

Smile fading he replied, “Don’t know they kinda just grew like this”. He watched as a lunch mare called their table from by the door “Lets go” he said standing again.



Going into line there was a white board with what was being served today.



//////
 Today’s menu:
 
Rhubarb pie & Green beans

with a choice of fruit and either milk or water.

////


Antithesis was the second one to get in line, behind Astra who was always in the mood to eat. As the line moved along he could hear one of the older lunch mares repeating  “Green beans, let me know” as students moved up the line.

Finally getting to the front he was served a slice of the Rhubarb and a side of green beans, grabbing a cup of pineapples and a water on the way out. 




The table watched as Antithesis began to eat, everypony fixed on his teeth. Well everyone except Astra who started eating before he sat down.  “What?" Antithesis said noticing them. 

“It’s just so weird I’ve never seen a pony with teeth like that” Saphi said, missing her mouth with her fork.

“I’ll be sure to chew with my mouth shut then” he sipped at his water “It’s not all that strange, you all got something that makes you special”

“Well not all of us” Saphi interrupted, showing her flank “I haven;t gotten my mark yet either” 

“Put your butt down we’re trying to eat” Fahrenheit joked.


Eventually lunch time came to an end and with it the last two periods of the day.  For Antithesis he went to math with Shure, Saphi went to her Gym class with Fahrenheit. 

Astra went to his second lab class for the day, high speed. Flying through the halls and up to the roof through the stairs. He made it with more than enough time for his class. He took a seat along some of the other pegasi awiting for their instructor.


After a few minutes Morning Dew showed up with a box in hoof. He placed it down in front of them and said, “First attendance, as I call your name reply then come up and take a pair of goggles. First up Astra”.

“Here” he called out then proceeded to get a pair from the box. After everypony’s name was called.

“Alright, class those goggles are for those of you who can't take a little wind to the eye. Now we’re not gonna do much today though I’d recommend you go and learn the cours--” he was cut off by C Breezy.

“Dew! Dew!” she shouted flying up to him.

“What” he answered.

“A student, you're not gonna believe this. A student formed a trail!” she said pulling him away from his class. Everypony followed her as she led Morning Dew to the student.

Astra flew above the group of ponies to see the student, “Where are they at?” somepony asked.

“She’s over there finishing the course” Breezy said pointing. A Starry blue pattern could be seen behind a figure moving too fast for most students to comprehend. Bursting through a group of clouds Trella emerged with star dust in tow. 

“What!” Astra called out, flying towards his cousin “You’re kidding me!” 

“Astra!” she called flying towards him, “Look isn’t it cool?” she spun creating a fading ribbon behind her.

“I guess,” he said with a hint of jealousy in his voice. “I still can’t believe you formed a trail. What are you gonna join the wonderbolts or something now.”

“She can if she practices hard enough” Morning Dew said flying up behind them, “Besides her only the current Captain of the Wonderbolts and two fillies out of Cloudsdale have formed trails, younger than her”. 


The rest of the class was spent either running the beginners course or gawking over Trella. When the time came for the first day to end Trella grabbed Astra dragging him to the front of the school, to escape the crowd of ponies.

“Hold on T, you’re gonna pull my hoof off.” He said trying to keep up with her. She stopped dead in her tracks causing Astra to slam into her back. 

“Ow.” she cried “Watch where you’re flying “ she said walking off towards Shure who was waiting in the main lobby. She flew at him picking him up and hugging him “Shure guess what” 

“What?” he responded, looking at the six foot distance between him and the ground. 

“I formed a trail” she shouted , placing him on the ground where he could hug back. 

"Awsome" he said pulling away, “But uhh. What’s a trail?” 

“It's something Pegasi get once they reach a certain point in their use of Welkin” Antithesis answered entering the lobby. 

“Yeah yeah, let's get going.“ he complained. 


On their way back they all agreed to go to Maple’s house but first a stop at Savory Square for Trella. Reaching Maples house Trella flew directly into the opened window surprising her mom. 

“Trella I just cleaned up in here” Maple said before Trella hugged her. “Oh what brought this on?” 

“I did it mom I formed a trail at school” Trella bragged. 

“That's great. Acrux come here!” Maple called out to her husband. “Trella said she formed a trail.”


A series of baninging and crashes could be heard from upstairs before Acrux raced down the stairs. Out of breath but full of curiosity he asked “Did you say trail?!” He went to his daughter and examined her wings. “Show me” 

Just as the other got into the door Trella rushed passed them. Acrux followed suit, speeding passed them into the front yard. 

Astra walked into the living room taking a seat and looking out the window at Trella and her dad. “Hey Thees”.

“Whats up?” he answered, taking his bag off.

“Do you want to start exercising again?” Astra asked, turning to his friend.

Antithesis smirked “Start, who said I stopped”.
> Chapter 16, Joining Anything?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*SHWWEAP*

Shure appeared from a flash laning on the first floor, he walked down the hall going to his first period. Turning into the door she bumped into somepony. He stood there nose and nose with Trella, "We gotta stop doing this" he smiled.

"Don't act like you dont like it." she replied, sliding her hoof across his cheek as she passed him. 

"Almost as much as I like you" he said walking forward, not able to see her blush. He took a seat before noticing Antithesis making a face. "What?" he said taking out his stuff for class.

"Smooth Operator" Antithesis smirked "It was only a few weeks ago you could move if she was in the same room."

"What can I say?" he shrugged "Ponies change". Hearing Astra groan, Shure looked over at his friend slumped over his desk, "What happened to him?" Shue asked poking at him.

Antithesis laughed "He's out of shape", he said poking at Astra too. "When we stopped working out together he stopped completely". Astra groaned in response.

"That bad, still trying to catch up to Trella?" Shure asked, looking to rile Astra up.

"Catch up!" Astra said sitting up, "What would I need to catch up for--OW" he raised his hoof too high.

Both Antithesis and Shure were laughing as he flinched at his own soreness. 


Mr. Write took role, then prepared for today's lesson, he grabbed a piece of chalk writing on the board. "Ok, who here did the homework?", he watched as his students began pulling out a worksheet. "Alright pass it forward". Doing as they were told everypony passed theirs forward except for Shure who was copying Antithesis' work down. After a few quick scribbles he passed it forward.

Write began a boring lecture on the parts of a story. While the rest of the class took notes Astra was daydreaming about soaring high in the sky. While he started he heard a muffled sound, he began to regain focus, "Astra, Astra" he felt Antithesis kick his chair.

Shaking his head he answered, "Uh, yes?" 

"Ah hem, I asked what is the most intense part of a story?" Mr. Write repeated.

"uhh" Astra looked around seeing a graph behind Write with a few words written, looking at the highest one he answered "The Climax?"

"Good," Write replied circling the word on the board. "With that I'll let you guys work on this," he passed out another worksheet, "I don't care if you talk just don't get too loud" he took a seat at his desk. 

"Pfft, I hate this class" Astra complained as he wrote his name. "Like why do we have to take it" 

"Probably because we are the only public High School in all of equestria so they have to have standards." Shure answered, getting handed a paper. 

"Whatever I'm glad I get this class out of the way early," he said looking down at the paper. "What is... all this?

"Give me a minute," Antithesis said, writing down the answers on his own sheet. "Aaaand done." he passed his paper to Astra who then passed it to Shure.

"Thanks," Astra said turning in his seat "Hey do you know when sign ups are?" he asked as Antithesis put his stuff back into his bag.

"I think it's supposed to be this week," Antithesis answered, getting his sheet back. 


As they spoke a voice could be heard instead of the usual bell "Attention students, We apologise for the delay. If you are interested in joining a club or activity you may come to the gym to meet with them, if not please proceed to your next class."

"About time," Shure commented.



Entering into the Gym, there were three rows of booths lining it. Going forward Shure said, "Let me know if you see the markspony booth."

"hm" Astra answered, staring at all the booths.

"Don't just stand there," Antithesis said walking away with Shure.

"Hey hold up" Astra flew to catch up.


They passed all sorts of booths from Track & Field to volleyball, and just as many clubs. One caught Shure's eye, he motioned for his friends to follow as he approached a familiar looking pony.

"Shure! Ha, I knew you'd find your way over over here." Prof. Helix said.

"What exactly is this club?" Shure asked, looking at some Circuits on the table.

"Well as you've noticed this is a club specific for students who are interested in Magic Circuitry and wish to either practice or experiment." Helix explained passing a sign up form to Shure.

"Thanks," he took the form, "But why are you here? Aren't these student ran?" Shure asked looking over the sheet. 

"Well yes but seeing as there are only two students in the club they are required to have an advisor" He shrugged, "I don't mind since I know a thing or two, but It'd be great if somepony as knowledgeable as you were to join."

"Hmmmmmmm" Shure hummed, "I'll think about it"

"That's all I can ask," Helix responded.


Going to the next few stands Antithesis attracted the attention of quite a few sports tables, some even approached him. "Sorry I'm just looking," he told most of them.

Eventually they approached some of the pegasi stands, first one on the line was the aerial basketball, then cloud art. Those are the lesser known clubs, but what every pegasi that was worth his wings wanted to join was the Aerial Sports, such as Course Runners, High Speed competitions, and of course Wonder Bolt Jr. Training.

As they passed these stands Astra noticed his cousin working the High Speed Booth. "Hey T!" he called out, getting her attention. 

She exited the stand and hugged Shure as they approached, getting a few glares from others nearby. Noticing Shure asked, "What's their problem?" 

Antithesis leaned down and said softly "Oh I don't know you, a small fragile looking unicorn, is dating a rather pretty and might I add the most talented Pegasus in the school."

Trella blushed, at the answer, "Oh yeah," Shure said, pecking Trella's cheek.

"Alright that's enough you're gonna make me throw up" Astra bleated.


"Alright well I have to go back to the stand, Astra have you thought of joining anything?" she asked flying over the table. 

He looked down the row, "I don't know something ast I guess."

"In that case you should join me in the High speed competitions." she bubbled "Oh you'd like it, Wait how good are your dynamics."

"I'm plenty Dynamic," he responded. 

"Alright then fill this out and drop it off at the office" she handed him the sign up form. they began to walk away before she called out "Shure!" he turned "The Markspony booth is to your left". Turning he saw said booth, he gave a smile as thanks.


Getting to the end of the line up, were some more sports. Antithesis was the only one to not join anything, "Anything catches your eye?" Astra asked. 

"Not really," Antithesis admitted,

"Hey! You!" somepony called, Antithesis looked around to see somepony pointing at him. "Yeah you".


Approaching the stallion, he said "I haven't seen you around before, are you new?" 

"Yeah" Antithesis answered, "I'm a freshman." 

"FRESHMAN!" he shouted, "I thought you were a transfer or something, You're massive for a freshman"

"uhhh thanks" Antithesis answered.

"Ok here's the sign up sheet, fill that out and drop it off at the office." the stallion yammered.

"Woe woe woe," Antithesis sounded, "I don't know what club this is. Why would I join."

"My bad this is the Hoofball stand, we could use somepony like you" he replied as Antithesis passed him back the paper blank.

"Thanks but I'm still looking around for now" Antithesis said walking away.

"Ha, lost another one," somepony mocked "Hold up, why don't you join us". Antithesis turned round to see a set of three ponies flexing their muscles. 

"I don't know If I want to buy what you're selling" Antithesis replied. 

"What about us?" a dark grey mare asked, poking Antithesis' foreleg. "You seem pretty strong, join the wrestling team."

"Wrestling?" he questioned, looking at her pink and green mane, "Sure...". she pulled him away from the other two booths.

"Hey! Wait you can't just take my new prospect!" the Hoofball pony called.

"He said it himself he's not interested." She snapped back, surprising everypony.


Reaching the end she got into a booth with the words 'Wrestling' above it. "Thanks for the save, I'll return the favor".

"No need" she smiled playfully, "How about this, you join the Wrestling team try it out and see if you like it"

"Will do," he said, returning the smile.

"I'll see you later, practice starts next week." she said leaning over the table and poking his nose.



Walking away Astra and Shure were nudging and making fun of Antithesis, "Hey, I think she's got a thing for you"

"Now I'm no expert, but Shure it took you all summer to ask out your crush" Antithesis replied turning to Astra, "And you, you still haven't asked Saphi out yet".

Astra began to fly, turning around, "Hold up, let's not make this bout me." he said now flying backwards, "She was pretty cute though".

"Don't let Saphi hear you say that", Shure said jokingly.

"Let me hear what?" Saphi said coming around the corner to the lobby.

"Wow you always show up at the perfect times" Antithesis said softly, before Astra's freakout.

"I- UHHHHH, Just! uhhhhh How interesting it would be to meet your dad!, the... metal worker" he smiled nervously.


"Oh about that are you guys free saturday?" Saphi asked.

Nervously Astra tried to think of an excuse, "Well you see, me and Thees, exercise together on the weekends, Soooo..." 

"Oh I see another time then," she replied ears drooping.

"Actually I have plans on Saturday," Antithesis said as he rolled his eyes, "So Astra is free."

Saphi's head popped back up at this, "Really" she squealed, taking a step forward.

"I-I guess I am," Astra replied nervously.
> Chapter 17, You, Got To
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Astra paced back and forth in his living room, the day had come that he wished never had. Saturday. Normally Saturday is Astra's favorite day, but this one was different. "Do I go?" he whispered to himself, "No, I should". Astra began to pace but now in the air. His focus was broken when he heard sompony knock at the door. 

Opening the door, he saw a tall brown earth pony, "Thees?" he questioned.

"What up?" Antithesis replied, letting himself in. Astra closed the door behind him and followed into the kitchen.

"What are you doing here?" Astra asked, as Antithesis poured himself some water.

"Just making sure you didn't chicken out." Antithesis replied after a sip. "You, are going right?"

"Of course I am, I was just uh.." he stammered, "I'll head out now so you can go". Astra pointed to the door.

"Alright I was going to go with you but I guess not" Antithesis rolled his eyes as he walked back out the door.

"WAIT! I mean if you want to go you can" Astra blurted.

Smirking Antithesis said "Alright, lets go".


/////


Luckily Antithesis came with, because Astra had forgotten Saphi's address. Scanning the homes, Antithesis spotted a rather large garage obviously meant for more then, a cart. "Guess it's this one" Antithesis said gesturing for Astra to go first.

Astra groaned as he flew up the walk, getting to the do he knocked three times. Almost immediately the door flew open with Fahrenheit at the entrance.

She turned her head, "He's here!" she called to the house, "Oh, hey Antithesis", she saw him walking up behind Astra. Letting them in, she looked up at Antithesis saying, "Did you get taller?".

Antithesis laughed, "Yeah, it's to the point where my old jackets don't fit".

"Really?" Fahrenheit questioned, "Couldn't be me, I'd hate to be too tall".

With a sly smile Antithesis answered back, "I don't know a tall mare wouldn’t be that bad". He took a seat while they waited.


"Sorry guys I was getting washed up, I was outside all morning and-- Oh hey Antithesis" Saphi said as she entered the living room, "I thought you had plans today".

"Well as it turns out, those plans were canceled so I figured I'd take you up on the offer" he replied winking to Farenhiet, who nodded back.

"Yay" she smiled, looking at a nervous pegasi, "Astra! Hi". He looked up to greet her but  staired instead at the wet haired mare. "Hello. Astra" she was suddenly closer.

"Oh Uh hi, i didn't see you there" he grinned

"Oo do you hear that? Dad started working" Saphi said, turning an ear to the garage. 

Everypony fell quiet to listen. A faint *Tink* *Tink* could be heard if you listened close enough.

"I don't hear anything," Astra said, breaking the silence.

"Well I'll show you," Saphi said, grabbing Astra's hoof and pulling him along.


Following her through a door leading to the garage, they were led to a dark room with a fire in the far corner providing the only light. In front of it a pony hammering away at a bright piece of steel, too busy to notice them.

"Don't get too close." Saphi whispered, "Its really hot over there"


After a few minutes of just watching him Astra announced, "I'm not gonna lie this is kinda boring" he said crossing his forelegs.

"Well it just takes a while," Saphi replied, hoping to sway him to stay.

"Um, well I'm... going to stand outside for a little" he walked away. Saphi began to speak but decided to stay quiet.


"What! ARE! YOU! DOING!" Fahrenheit shouted as she shook saphi's shoulders. "He just left, and you're just standing here!"

"What about it?" Saphi asked, trying to regain her balance. 

"Really?" Antithesis said leaning over. "Astra wouldn't leave me here which means he is OUTSIDE. Soooo he is ALONE, and you can GO to him". 

Saphi's eye's widened at his words, she shook her head saying, "You're right I'm gonna go and tell him". She ran out the room only to come right back. "Uh, What do I say?" she said nervously.

Antithesis sighed, "Look Astra is a lazy knucklehead, who for some unknown reason becomes a shy, nervous wreck around you. He won't ask you, so you got to ask him out."

"Right!" she marched out of the room with a new confidence.

Antithesis and Farenheit looked over at each other for a minute before breaking into laughter. 


A little while had passed while Antithesis and Fahrenheit watched as Saphi's father slowly finished whatever he was working on. He closed the furnace door and flipped a switch near the opening of the garage door to let the light in. As it opened the light revealed a dark purple earth pony still facing the pony.

"How'd it turn out?" Fahrenheit asked, approaching him.

(Gruff New Yorker Accent)
"It's alright but, it'll need some work," he said, placing his workpiece on the table. "Where'd Saphi go"

"Oh she went outside, for uh air?" Fahrenheit answered.

The pony turned around showing his face to Antithesis, "Is this the guy?" 

Antithesis recognised his face and accent from somewhere but couldn't place it. 

"No, he is outside too" Farenhiet answered, "there uhhh"

"HAUL" Antithesis shouted scaring Farenheit, 

"Ha, no pony's mistook me for Haul in a long time" Saphi's dad laughed, "The name's Galvin, Haul's my younger brother".


//////


Outside Astra laid on the grass, giving a sigh while staring at the clouds. Saphi hesitated before approaching the pegasus making sure to not startle him. She leaned over him and said "What are you staring at-OW!". Surprised, Astra crashed his forehead into her's.

"Ah," he groaned, "You ok?" 

"I'm fine," she rubbed her forehead. "My bad"

"No you're good I shouldn't have freaked out like that." he apologised. "And I'm sorry It's just I found your dad's work to be a little"

"Boring." she finished. 

"Well, ya" he admitted.

"Ok, nevermind that" she stood up straight "Astra. Do you want to go out with me."

He stood there processing what she just said. "What, oh uh... yes, yes!" he stammered. 

Smiling, she pulled him into a hug, to his surprise. She stood there for a minute before her ears perked up, hearing the garage door open. "Dad!" she gasped before letting go.



"Yeah, me and haul are from Manehattan. I miss it sometimes but it's much nicer here than most places" Galvin said resting against a wall looking up. "Perfect place to raise a filly".

"I wouldn't know I've never actually left town before" Antithesis admitted "I'd like to travel eventually"

"You don't know how good you got it around here, most of equestria isn't sooo... Modern" Galvin said, moving to a dusty cabinet and retrieving a map. "I mean sure it's a little more expensive to live here but the quality roads, stores and most ponies. You can't beat it."

"What do you mean?" Antithesis said, noticing Saphi and Astra enter through the garage entrance. "Finally back."

Galvin turned to see his daughter walking side by side next to a blushing pegasis. "So you's the guy," he said, approaching them.

The blush faded as Galvin stared down into Astra's eyes and he stared back, Saphi tried to break the tension, "Daddy this is As-"

"Shhh" Galvin interrupted. Astra stood as tall as possible Shifting his wings, Antithesis stood to the side realising what was happening. "So a pegasis huh?" he looked Astra up and down squinting his eyes. 

Astra remained silent only staring back, his heart began racing as they continued. "Well thank Faust!" he exclaimed drawing in Astra with a hoof, "Here I was worried you'd bring home some douchey unicorn" leaning down he whispered into Astra's ear "You'd betta take care of her or so help me I'll break you"

Astra felt his grip tighten ever so slightly. "Dad!" Saphi said, pulling Astra from his grasp.

"What?!" Galvin shrugged "I was just messing with him". 

Astra shook off his wings, then flew up to Galvin face to face, "You don't have to worry about her". Astra turned around and walked towards his friends, "Are we just gonna hang around here all day?"

"Where are we going?" Saphi asked as Astra dragged her out of the garage.

"How about Savoury?" Antithesis suggested catching up. 

"That sounds good" Farenheit responded exiting the garage behind them.

"By Dad" Saphi waved as she left. 

Galvin waved back, leaning against his anvil with a smile. “My little filly is grow’n up” he said to himself
> Chapter 18, Changing it up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"No, no, no. It calls for two TEAspoons of vanilla not tablespoons" Antithesis said holding up the correct measuring utensil.

"Oh, my bad" Trella said, taking the spoon, "So, just two right?"

"Yeah," Antithesis answered, measuring his flour. He looked at the handout reading "Two cups of flour, leveled. Got it. Here ya go."

"Thanks" she responded, taking the measuring cup. She picked up the list of ingredients reading them aloud, "Sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, salt, butter, baking powder. Oh we forgot the milk!"

"No, we put that in second you just didn't mark it down." Antithesis said holding the used milk container. "Do you want to mix it or should I?" 

"I'll do it" Trella responded looking back and forth, "Uh, where is the wisk," she smiled sheepishly.



"Hey dish is pretty gud" Shure said with a mouthful. He took another bite of the pink cupcake. "Where'd you get it?" 

"Me and Thees made it." Trella smiled proudly. 

"Well all I did was pass you ingredients, you did all the work." Antithesis nodded, walking passed her.

"No way, T made something that's goo-" he caught a wing to the face. "Hey!"

"Shut up and let's go, we're gonna be late for the first practice." Trella said flying to the door, "See you later" she winked at Shure before continuing with Astra in tow. 

"Guess we better head out too" Shure said walking out the doors. 


Walking past him a grey mare who instantly recognized Antithesis. "Antithesis!" she said approaching him, "So you decided to show up".

"Yeup", he smiled, "Figured I'd give it a shot". He looked back and forth and leaned down "Where do we go for practice?" he whispered.

Giggling she said "Follow me", she led him to the gym where a series of circular mats were being placed by ponies already inside the gym. Antithesis looked around at the variety of different ponies, a good mix between Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns, as well as mares and colts.

"What do you think?" the mare said, getting a little too close.

Pulling his head back he responded, "About what, exactly?". He turned his head a little red in the face.

"The feeling, the air, I love it, I can't wait to get in the ring" she said with a spark in her eye. "Want to give it a go?" she asked, dropping her bag off along the wall.

"Uhhh, well I kinda forgot to... look at the rules. So I don't really know what I'm doing" he shrugged. Rolling her eyes she faintly smiled "You're hopeless", motioning for him to follow as she walked to a mat that was being used.


"Alright pay attention" she said, pointing towards the ponies in the circle.

The two stepped to the center placing a hoof on one of two lines, then shook hooves. A whistle was blown and the two took a crouched position, moving slowly around the ring. "What is happening?" Antithesis whispered.

Not taking her eyes off the mat, she whispered back, "They took neutral positions and are waiting for the other to make a move. Like that". One of the ponies had stood on their back legs and caught the other in a grip from the side as the other rose up in response he pulled the first to the ground attempting to pin him.

Taking a mental note Antithesis watched as one of the other ponies began to count. Only making it to one the bottom pony rolled the other to the outside of the ring. A whistle was blown and the two ponies let go of eachother.

"What was that for?" Antithesis whispered, as the ponies got in a strange position.

"They went out of bounds'' she replied. The ponies continued knocking each other out of bound until their time on the mat was up. "Good round," she congratulated them as they got off the mat.

"Thanks" the two of them blushed and rubbed their heads. She explained most of the rules while they waited for their turn on the mat.


In the distance Antithesis noticed somepony staring at them, making eye contact as the pony approached them. "Hey Attività" a red and black stallion said, (like a total asshole).

"Oh, hey there Páli" she said "I said just call me Tiv", she grew a nervous smile.

"Hmmm, who is this?". Páli asked, looking Antithesis in the eye.

"Uh he's just somepony who was interested in joining" she hesitated, "He's new so I figured I.."

"He looks tough, how about a round?" Páli asked with a wicked smile.

"Uh wel-" Tiv was cut off

"I don't think so, I'm kinda new to all this" Antithesis interrupted, stepping forward and holding out a hoof. "Antithesis by the way".

Páli looked down at the hoof and back up "So you're the famed freshmen that caught everypony’s eye" he turned around waking to the mat that was in use. "Get off now" he boomed. The ponies scrambled mid wrestle. "Come on, I just want to see what you got."

"Antithesis you don't have too" Tiv grasped his shoulder.

"No, he has too," Páli announced, "If he doesn't, Anypony that tries to practice with him is going to have to face me in a match!"

"Well I guess I have too now don't I" Antithesis shrugged going forward.

"Hold on, I'll practice with you, just don't go up there." Tiv pleaded, It was too late Antithesis had reached the ring and took his spot across from Páli.

"Attività could you ref" Páli said taking his position. 


Antithesis reached out his hoof again for a shake before the match, but Páli motioneed Tiv to start. She blew a whistle and Páli rushed Antithesis, getting under him and forcing him up and onto the ground.

Antithesis' breath was knocked out of him as he hit the ground, he heard some pony say "Two points take down". Slowly getting up he felt his back crack while he stretched himself out. "Caught me by surprise there, Again?" Antithesis smirked.

"Hm", Páli got into position once again, "You're not getting up this time". The whistle blew again, Páli circled halfway around the ring, rushing at Antithesis’ legs, seeing the opportunity Antithesis went forward and grabbed Páli's underside. However he was pulled to the side and thrown to the ground. 

Tiv blew the whistle calling "Two points take down". Antithesis stood once more rotating his shoulder that hit the ground. 

"One more time," Antithesis demanded, now with a serious face. 

"Ha, you want to get hurt again." Páli looked around "I'm surprised you can stand". He took the same position and readied himself.

As the whistle blew, Antithesis rushed forward much faster than before catching Páli off guard. He placed Páli in a choke hold with his front left foreleg and pulled him to the ground. Páli yelped as he hit the ground under Antithesis, not letting go antithesis tightened his grip and leaned down showing his teeth, "I hate jack asses like you". He let go and stepped off the ring.

Struggling to get up Páli called out "Hey wait we're not fini-" he stopped, seeing Antithesis' look as he turned, soaking him in fear.



In the hall Antithesis sat on the ground rubbing his bruises. Tiv walked up to him with a guilty look, "I'm sorry I shouldn't have let you go up there" she looked down. 

"It's all good," he replied, waving his hoof. "Just a few bruises I'll be fine by tomorrow"

"It's not 'all good' you could've been hurt and... are your eye's ok?" she asked, getting too close for comfort again.

"My eye's?" he looked over at the window to see his once dark brown eyes were now a glowing amber with slitted pupils.

"I see" he got closer to the window examining his eyes then checking his teeth, seeing them Tiv gasped. "What?"

"Your teeth, what the hell did you do?" she asked, backing up.

He licked his teeth saying "They just grew like this- Ow '' he bumped his shoulder while sitting down again.

Seeing him flinch she approached, "Come on I'll take you to the nurse",

"Alright," he said, "But give me a second". 

She huffed then sat next to him, "I can't believe you took down our team's number one wrestler. 

"What!" Antithesis shouted, turning to her, "He was your number one!"

"Yeah well, I guess he is number two now" she said, as he began to pout again "You'll still show up for practice though, right?"

He reached over and tousled her mane, "I'm not going anywhere".

She shoed away his hoof, "Stop it, I'm a senior you can't treat me like a filly".

"Wait, you're a Senior!" Antithesis said surprised. "But you're so.."

"Cute," she finished, "And yes,"

Antithesis laughed, "Well, i was gonna say small but, you are pretty cute." he said standing up.



Getting home Antithesis sprawled out on the couch, waiting for his mom he laid there until she walked in. "Hey mom" he said sitting up.

"Oh, hey there" Taupe replied walking past him, "Where were you at?" she asked, sitting on the chair across from him.

"I thought I told you, I joined the wrestling team." he said sitting up.

"Oh how'd that go?" she questioned, tilting her head.

He rolled his head, "Uhh, it was ok" he lied.

Raising an eyebrow, she looked at him "I know that look", she got up and sat next to him. He told her what had happened at practice, to his surprise she wasn't all that upset. "So you got him in the end, right?", he nodded in response. "Alright so tell me about this mare, that's so curious about my colt."

"Mom, stop it she just wanted to introduce me to wrestling" he deflected, "Plus she is a senior"

"That doesn't mean Maple is like three years younger than Acrux," Taupe said, putting a hoof on his back.

"Ya, ya, ya. Oh wait, that reminds me mom, do you know anything about this" he pointed to his eyes, opening them as much as possible.

"No, when did that happen?" she asked, moving his head to the side. "I have just as many questions as you do".

Taupe examined him for other changes. "So you're freakishly tall, you've got sharp teeth, and now your eyes. I couldn't of had a normal kid." Taupe joked.

"HM, most parents would be overjoyed to have a colt like me" he responded, getting a hug from his mom.

"I am, you're just weird." Taupe laughed, "By the way what do you want for dinner?".

"hmmmm," he hummed "Pasta"

"Alright," she said, turning her head before walking to the kitchen, "Let's go. You're gonna help."

After a couple mess ups and a rewarding meal Antithesis went upstairs, to lay down. Getting onto his bed he felt every muscle and bruise, throb for a few minutes before falling asleep. 



Antithesis woke to the sound of thunder, he looked over at his clock reading 9:56. He shot up grabbing his bag and jacket and headed for the door. He ran past Taupe who was sitting on the porch, "Woah where are you going?" she called.

Stopping, he answered her, "School I woke up late."

"You're joking, look at the weather. Go back inside." she said, sipping her coffee then raising her cup. "There's some on the stove".

"Thanks". Walking inside his mane soaked, dripped a trail to the kitchen. Sitting down he rested his head on the counter, in a realisation he sat up and poked at himself, "My bruises don't hurt anymore". He went to the window examining his face, "Nope, eyes are still glowing".

He sipped at his coffee looking out the window when he saw beams of light pierce the clouds and a pegasus fly through. The pony flew towards the house getting closer. Realising it was Astra, he grabbed another mug and poured a cup for his friend.

Astra opened the back door, seeing Antithesis sitting there and motioned to a cup of coffee. "Thanks," Astra said, taking the seat. "So what's up?".

Antithesis took another sip, "Not much kinda stuck inside, butter yet why are you here?"

"Well only pegasi can travel safely when there is lightning outside. So since school is obviously cancelled," he looked up then back at Antithesis. "I figured I'd come over and maybe....what the hell is up with your face?".

"Oh my eyes it happened yesterday" Antithesis shrugged, "Does it look bad?"

Pointing a hoof at him Astra said, "No way, that's the coolest shit I've seen", he crossed his forelegs and nodded. 

"Thanks but why did you fly in the midst of all that", Antithesis pointed outside. 

"Oh, yeah anyway. I figured we could practice earlier today and... maybe a little more" Astra smiled, "I mean if you want" Antithesis leaned his stool back taking a deep breath, he sat thinking. "Sooo.." Astra mouthed.

"Hmmmmmm, Ok so in terms of fitness you still have a ways to go. So besides strength and stamina, what are you missing?" Antithesis asked.

"Talent?" Astra answered without a second thought.

"Well yes but, I think what you're missing is control or at least how well you can use your Welkin" Antithesis explained, standing up and placing his cup in the sink. "You know what I mean?"

Astra squinted as he thought, "No, I don't" he said slowly.

"Ok so I was reading this one book Shure had, and it said that pegasi that were faster than others had one of two things" Antithesis informed. "One, they had more welkin at their disposal, and two they could use it better."

"I still don't see what that has to do with me getting faster." Astra admitted standing up, passing his cup to Antithesis. "Like, what would it matter either way."

"Ok so, look at it this way I'm an earth pony right"

"Obviously" Astra whispered.

Antithesis rolled his eyes, "So in order for my Tellus to become stronger I have to either become naturally stronger or use it better." Astra had a look of confusion, "Just follow me".



Stepping outside the storm seemed to have lightened up, Antithesis stuck a hoof out off the back porch to see how hard it was raining. "OK just watch this" he stepped of the porch next to a puddle, "So if I used tellus on this puddle what would happen?"

"You'd cover yourself in mud," Astra answered.

"Right" Antithesis confirmed, "But what if I didn't". He reached down to one end of the puddle and flicked his hoof to the right causing a small seperation down the center of the puddle. "I didn't use a lot of Tellus or force but I just changed the shape of the force.

"Oh I see" Astra said going down the steps, standing next to Antithesis. "So it’s not about forcing it, but controlling every aspect of it." 

"Exactly," Antithesis replied. "So I think if you're gonna get faster, I think this is what you should do." 

Astra nodded in agreement and stretched his wings, but stopped before doing anything. "Should I split the puddle too?" 

"Uhh sure, I guess." Antithesis said taking cover from the rain once again. "You go at it I'm gonna dry off and get more coffee". Antithesis began walking inside, but turned before walking in. "Hey, don't tell my mom I can do that. She'll have me plowing the field all spring if she knew."

"mhm" Astra hummed, swinging his wing trying to replicate what Antithesis did.


Antithesis went upstairs to dry himself, after a while he was in the bathroom when he heard his mom call, "Antithesis!"

"Yeah?!" he responded.

"Shure is here!" she told him.

"Ok! I'll be down in a minute". He finished up and headed down to see Shure, who was completely dry and Trella with him. "What's up?" Antithesis said coming down the stairs.

"Hey" Shure responded, bro hoofing Antithesis. 

"Gosh I guess everypony is here today." Antithesis joked.

"Every pony?" Trella asked, 

"Astra is out back" Antithesis said going to the door. Looking out he saw the rain had subsided but the clouds were still out. His gaze shifted to Astra, who was swinging his left wing at the puddle hoping to move the water. Antithesis stepped outside, taking a seat on the damp porch chair. "Anything yet?".

"No," he flipped his wet mane out of his face. "I kinda see how to do it but I can't make the line" he said, getting frustrated.

"Hold up try this, instead of moving your wings the whole way focus on moving your Welkin from the tip of your wing" Antithesis said, adjusting Astra's wings. 

Astra moved his left wing as little as possible, straining to even use his Welkin. A small wave could be seen, moving through the water as Astra pushed. Gasping he looked down to see the puddle almost completely Unchanged. "Ugh, this is impossible." he groaned.

"I think we're on to something here, but first you're all wet and look like you’re gonna pass out, how about a break." Antithesis suggested. 

"Sounds good" Astra said following Antithesis into the house. "Oh hey Shure." he said, seeing him in the kitchen.

"What's going on, you look dead." Shure said passing Trella some fruit.

"Hey T, whatcha doin?" he asked as she began slicing.

"Don't worry I'm just making fruit salad, no cooking" she said waving the knife.

"Well I'ma go get dried up." he said leaving the room. 

"Thees you want some", Trella said, turning with a plate of fruit in hoof. 

"Definitely" he Answered, taking the plate.
> Chapter 19, Still No Answers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The wind hit Antithesis as he opened the doors to the roof. With the sun flooding into his eyes he raised a hoof to block the rays. He moved past the runway over to the group that was his homeroom, sprawled out in the furthest corner of the roof. Taking a seat and closing his eyes he relaxed, waiting for the bell to ring. 

"Gonna lay there all day or are you gonna answer when I call your name?" Breezy said, poking his face till he opened his eyes.

"Well clearly I'm here" he said brushing her hoof away.

"Next time answer" she walked away over to Morning Dew saying, "These kids, can't stand them"

"Aren't you like six years older than him?" he got hit in the head by a swinging hoof. "Ow, what was that for?"

"They don't need to know that," she scowlded, eyebrow twitching.

"I won't say it again" he rubbed his head whispering, "Geez".


The bell rang, sending everypony to to their first class of the day. As Antithesis made his way down stairs and onto the hall he noticed a distance between him and the other students, more so than usual. Walking into Equish class he bumped into a lime green mare who backed up upon seeing him. "Sorry about that" he apologized, moving out of her way.

"Th-thanks" she stammered, rushing past him.

Antithesis took his usual seat behind Astra, both him and Shure turned to Antithesis with smirks. "What?"

Shure slid his chair over whispering, "Word is that you beat up, Páli." he wiggled an eyebrow "Did you?".

"Yeah..." Antithesis answered cawking his head. "Why do you know about it?"

Astra jumped up in his seat turning to him, "How could we not know! The whole school is talking about it."

"What! Why...?" he groaned.

"Everypony probably thinks you're the new bully to replace him." Shure replied watching, their teacher enter the room.

Taking attendance Mr. Write, calling everypony's name, finishing up he gave the class today's assignment. "Alrighty. Today will be an easy day," he pointed to one of the many bookshelves in the room towards the right. "Pick up where we left off and complete this worksheet”. Write began placing a paper on the students’ desk as they went for a book. 


Astra and Shure moved their chairs over to Antithesis' desk to work on their sheets together. After a few minutes of reading Antithesis looked up to his friends playing tic tac toe, on their sheets. "Are you guys gonna do the assignment?" 

"That's what you're for," Astra said, tying the game. "Besides, I'll do the work tomorrow."

"You better." Shure interjected, drawing a new board to play. "Anyway, why did you beat up Páli?" 

Antithesis stopped reading to roll his eyes, saying "Again with that. He was being an ass, so... I taught him a lesson".

"Not what I heard" Astra said taking the center square, "Some ponies are saying you did it to defend a mare's honor". Astra looked up "So who is the mare?"

"Ma-mare?", a small blush almost invisible against Antithesis' dark fur. Doing his best to keep a straight face he replied, "They probably ment Tiv".

"Ahh, so it's Tiv, pray tell who is Tiv?" Shure said, taking one of the corner squares. Antithesis began writing answers to the questions on the sheet instead of answering his friend. "Come on tell us" Shure interrogated, "We won't tell"

"Drop it," Antithesis said, scanning the book for answers again. 

"Damn it" Astra said as Shure tied the game again. "What's to be embarrassed about?" 

Antithesis gave a heavy sigh before answering, "She's that grey mare from club week in the gym, ya know the one with the pink and green mane"

A chuckle escaped from Astra, "No way, you got the hots for her?" 

"Astra you're about to catch these hooves" he barked, as he became annoyed. The bell silenced both of them as it rang, sending them to the next class.



Getting to Easy Bake's class he watched as somepony ran out of the room, green in the face ready to vomit. Walking through the door he saw a group of students huddled in the corner, noses covered.

Confused, he turned to see Easy Bake opening all the windows, "Did I miss something," he asked approaching the group.

Trella poked out with a hoof over her nose saying, "Can't you smell that?". her face became green as she flew out of the room, followed by the rest of them.

Standing there Antithesis took a sniff at an unfamiliar scent. "What is that?" he asked, approaching his instructor.

"Sorry about that. You can stand outside if you're feeling sick." Easy Bake said, fanning the room out.

"It’s not that bad, nothing to get nauseous over". Antithesis said, looking at one of the ovens that was in use. "But what is it?"

Easy bake looked over in shock, "Wait! nothing to get nauseous over? Can you even smell?" Easy Bake said waving a hoof in front of Antithesis.

"Ya I can smell" he moved his teacher's hoof away. "You still haven't answered what it is you're making".

Easy Bake sighed, "You kids are getting weirder each year," he walked over to the oven as a timer went off. "So you know the new restaurant in town, the Talon, right?". Antithesis shook his head side to side. "Well anyway, it opens tomorrow and the owner just so happened to be the chef of the Stewart of Griffonstone and well Celestia asked me to, well make him a meal to show good relati-"

Antithesis cut him off , "Woah, woah, slow down, Stewart of Griffonstone, and Celestia. As in Princess Celestia?". Antithesis asked in disbelief.

"Ya, ya," Easy Bake brushed it off, "I used to cook for our Crowned princess back in the day, Anyway before you interrupted me, obviously Gryphons aren't like ponies in our diets so... I had to make" he motioned side to side with a hoof "Some meat". Antithesis stood there blinking, in confusion. "I get it meat, oh no. Yeah I hate it too."

"Forget the meat. You've worked under Celestia." Antithesis questioned.

"OK listen, I'll talk about it later, but since you don't seem to be bothered with the smell. Could you help me take this down to the meeting hall on the first floor?" Easy Bake asked, removing the skillet from the oven.

"Yeah but why don't you do it? The smell doesn’t seem to bother you either?"

"Like hell I want to blow chunks like the rest of them, I just have a strong stomach from working in the industry for so long." He carefully plated the dish, throwing a metallic cover over it, then passing it to Antithesis. "Follow me".


They walked passed the other students waiting outside the classroom, seeing them Easy Bake peaked into the next class room saying, "Hey Udon".

An older tan mare looked up, "Yes, what can I do for you?" 

"Sorry about that I know this is your prep, but could you watch my guys for a sec. That griffon is here and I got to bring him his plate." Easy Bake pleaded.

"Sure thing, send them on in." she motioned towards herself. 

"Thanks," Easy Bake popped his head back out, "Alright you guys are gonna be in here until next class." he pointed to Antithesis, "You follow me.


They continued down to the first floor, to a door next to the main office. Entering Antithesis laid eyes on an aged burley griffin sitting at the head of the table next to the principal.

(Scotish accent)
Seeing Easy Bake the Griffon stood up turning his attention saying, "Ahh, Bake I haven't seen you in ages. How you ban?"

"I've been good, great in fact" Easy Bake replied, hugging the griffon. "How have you been, Graham?"

"Ah, I've finally been relieved from that glutton of a stewart. Thank Grover." he said, raising a claw into a fist. "But I can now follow my dream here in Equestria." he opened his claw, placing it on Easy Bake's shoulder. "Come I have much to tell ya".

"Hold up, before that I made you something". Easy Bake pulled away from the griffon's grasp, motioning to Antithesis. Antithesis placed the plate where Graham sat. 

As the griffon sat he looked over at Easy Bake, "Well let's see if you've improved over the years" then he removed the lid letting the steam and smell into the room, causing the principal to exit. "You ponies and your weak stomachs. I'll never get over it." he looked over at Antithesis who was still in the room, "What about you, I see Easy here as trained you for this".

Easy Bake gave a laugh, "Actually he's a new student, and get this the smell doesn't bother him he said".

"Well, now that's what I like to hear, someone with a back bone" he began to tear the meat with his sharp talons. "Say what's your name laddy?"

Clearing his throat, "Antithesis" he replied. 

"Strange, but strong name," he looked on the side of Antithesis to see his cutie mark. "Huh, no mark. Why, you're at least fifteen, aren't ya?"

"Yes, I guess I have to wait a bit longer than others." Antithesis replied shrugging. 

"Well I'd say not bein bothered by this delectable smell is a talent in it's own right for ya ponies." Graham said, taking the last bite of his meal.

"I'd say," Easy BaKe agreed, "So how was it?"

Swallowing, he answered "Hmm, overall the meat was cooked well but your seanonin... was a bit light, more salt next time". Graham wiped his beak, smiling. "Easy, sure I can't convince ya to work for me?" 

"No way"

"Ah come on, most griffons ain't got half the skill you do" Graham pleaded, as Antithesis took a seat next to him.

"Not a chance I learned to make this for when you're Stewart visited." Easy shook his head. "What about him, he'd be the only pony who could be in there for more than five minutes." he pointed to Antithesis.

Looking him up and down, Graham asked "The colt any good?". 

"Better than most", Easy answered.

"Well hold up I'm not looki-"

"Dear Grover!" the Griffon jumped up, grabbing Antithesis’ mouth opening his lips, "I thought I saw somthin strange. Just how weird is this lad?"

"Get the hell off me", Antithesis pulled back out of his grasp.

"Sorry lad, it's not every day you see teeth like that, hmm I swear I've seen teeth like those before" Graham rubbed his beak.

Antithesis ears perked up, "You have?!" he asked springing up.

"Of course, now what were they, hmmmm" he tried to recall the past, "Uh, sorry if I remember I'll let you know"

"Ugh," Antithesis groaned, "Nopony knows". Just as the griffon went to reply the bell rang, with it Easy bake made a motion for him to get to his next class.



As he entered Antithesis spotted whispering into astra's ear, making him laugh. Shure nodded up to Antithesis while he took his seat,"Aren't you two just the cutest?" Antithesis said prompting Astra.

"I'm not cute" he protested

"I think so," Saphi giggled, pecking his cheek and quieting him.

"Alrighty class, seats please" Mrs. Turner said entering the classroom, "So I've got some good and bad news, which do you want first?". Most of the class responded with “bad”, prompting her to say "Ok, so I will be taking leave for a few weeks, and you will have a substitute teacher". 

A unified groan came from the class in response.

Mrs. Turner rolled her eyes with a smile, "The good news is my foal is due any day now" a gasp came from the mares in the room, and silence from the colts. "And don't worry I have plenty of" she looked back and forth " 'Work' for you ponies to do while I'm gone."

A yes came from the previously quiet colts, as she passed out a thin packet with the word 'Review' written on the front. Antithesis looked through the packet, noticing they were all filled in the blanks. 

"I'll let you guys have a free day today but just do this over the next couple of classes and when you're done turn it in, to the sub." she explained.


Saphi turned around to talk to her friends, seeing Antithesis already writing in answers, "Aren't you gonna save it for when we have to do it?" 

"And work all those days when I don't have to," Antithesis replied.

"He's not wrong," Shure agreed, looking over at Antithesis' papers, then turning to the next section. "Astra you get the next one we''l crank this one out easy."

Astra nodded, grabbing a pencil and turning to the section after Shure's. Sapphire and Farenheit looked at each other in confusion then the colts then back, breaking into laughter.

Getting to the end of his parts Antithesis put his pencil down, looking over athisfriends who were still writing. "Y'all need to write faster." he joked looking over Astra's shoulder. 

"Finished" Astra called out, nearly hitting Antithesis in the maw. "Shure how about you?" 

"Almost there, a few more." 

"You wanna copy first? My hoof is sore from all that." Antithesis passed his paper to Astra, who sighed before he continued writing.

Antithesis sat there quietly waiting for the others to finish, "Hey Thees," Farenhiet called, "Could you check these" the young mare held out her papers. 

Taking them he mumbled as he read tracing a hoof as he went. "Oh" he said, stopping his hoof, "All but the last one is right, it's the wendigos not timberwolves, cause the blizzard."

"Ok, thanks" Farenhiet said, taking the pages back, "Looks like you were right." she giggled to Saphi, as she erased the mistake.


After they all shared their work it was time for everypony's favorite time of the day, Lunch. Throwing their stuff into their bags, exiting the class they followed behind Antithesis due to his natural parting of the hall. Towering over most in the hall he spotted a familiar pink and green mane. 

Walking towards Tiv ponies began to move away catching her attention along with the mare beside her, "There you are." she said, tuning to meet his gaze. "What's up?"

"Nothing." he rubbed his head, "Just heading to lunch."

"OO, Apple Frider this is my friend Antithesis" she pulled the colts head down level with her's "Antithesis this is Apple fritter she is a recent transfer and I'm showing her around."

Pulling his head from her grasp "Nice to meet you" held a hoof out.

"Uhh, nice ta meet cha" Apple Frider said, taking his hoof with a firm shake. "You that fella eryone been talkin bout?"

Antithesis laughed, "Ya I guess that's me," his hoof returned to the ground. "But between you and me it wasn't really my fault."

Chuckling Apple frider said, "I didn't think so, Tiv here tells me y're as gentle as they come". 

Antithesis looked over at Tiv with a 'Really?' look on his face. "What? I only told her the truth, you're a teddy bear from what I've seen." Tiv said, tapping his nose again. She noticed the two pairs of ponies behind him giggling to themselves. "These your friends?" 

"Ugh, don't mind them,"  he shook his head. "See you later then" 

"After school", she winked before turning around, as Astra bursted out into laughter.

Antithesis turned around, "Sorry weren't you the one who turned beat red in class earlier?"

"Yeah but aren't you the one without a mare friend," Astra wiped his eyes, "Sorry, just is that what I looked like?"

"No you were much worse,” Saphi said, passing him towards the stairs.


(accidentally deleted the next two class periods so we'll just skip to the end of the day)

"Thees!" Tiv called, walking to the lobby. Approaching him now closer, "Glad to see you waited for me" she smiled nudging his shoulder. "Let's get going"

"Right behind ya" he followed her into the gym once more. 

As they entered, Antithesis noticed a group of ponies standing in the center with the rest of the team sitting around in a circle as the group in the center spoke. "There will be no more incidents like last week's practice, I mean the season just started we don’t need anypony else getting hurt".

"Psss, sit down you don't want them to notice you" Tive whispered, taking a seat near some other ponies. 

Antithesis followed suit whispering back "Why?"

"Coach isn't afraid to call ponies out in front of everypony." she warned, but it was too late.

"You there," the stallion in the center called, pointing to Antithesis, "Are you Antithesis?"

Tiv sighed as Antithesis stood, "Yeup that's me" he answered dragging himself up.

"Get up here," the stallion demanded. Antithesis followed his instructions walking to the center of the gym. "Do you know what you did?"

"Yes, I have an idea." Antithesis replied.

"Oh, wise guy?" the coach said sarcastically. "This is Wrestling! Not some place to show off!"

"To be fair he did start it, I got hurt too." Antithesis came back, causing Tiv to face hoof.

"Oh really, My star athlete isn't allowed to participate due to you hurting his neck!" the coach fumed, "While you seem fine and dandy!"

"Not much of a star if he lost that bad” Antithesis said almost immediately regretting it. The group of ponies including Tiv burst into laughter as Antithesis' reply to the coach, only further enraging him.

"OH! So you think you're funny, how funny will it be if I kick you off the team" the coach said steam practically shooting from his ears.

"Coach" Tiv called out, "Don't kick him just think if he beat Páli on his first day here think what he could do for the team, plus Páli is probably faking it.

The stallion looked at Tiv for a minute before returning to Antithesis, "You're lucky she put in a good word". the stallion walked away disappearing into the hall.

Eveypony now had their eyes on Antithesis who was still in the center, he looked back at all of them saying "Fuck em", getting another laugh from the crowd. 

After things settled everypony went about their usual routine of getting the matts laid out and stretching before practice. Antithesis watched as Tiv followed suit, looking away as she turned to him.

With a smile, “You wanna get that match in?” she said gesturing to one of the empty matts

“Uh-I guess, not sure how I’ll do.” he said, following her to the mat. 

Stepping into the circle she said “I’ll go easy on you, ok ” with a wink.

He gave a quick laugh as somepony blew a whistle signaling the start of the match. Not expecting much, Antithesis took it slow, only to be knocked down and rendered imobile by his smaller opponent. 

“That's all you got?” Tiv said letting go of him, “Come on” she teased.

“I wasn’t expecting that” Antithesis replied, getting to his hooves. “Let's go again.”


“Wow, 42 and 0. Maybe you’re not cut out for this.” Tiv said from behind Antithesis. “You sure you took down Pali?”

“I just don’t get how you’re doing this” Antithesis said as she released her grip on him. “Pali was nothing compared to this.” 

“Well that's because Pali relies on takedowns where as I rely on grappling.” she explained , “Let's give the mat to somepony else.” 

Taking a respite they sat along the gym walls, Antithesis wiped his sweat lined forehead while looking at the mare beside him. After a few heavy breaths he asked “When did you get so good at this?”

“Hm,” she sounded, flicking her damp mane out of her face, “I’ve been at this for three years.” she pulled out a bottle, taking a long hard swig. “Plus I had a really good teacher”. Tiv offered the bottle to him.


Taking it he waterfalled some of the cool water. “Thanks,” he handed back the bottle.

“Listen Thees, I got to ask, were you trying back there?” she looked up at him as sweat rolled down his face.

“Of course, the problem is you are one, much smaller than me. Two, more experienced, and you literally hold my legs so can’t  I can’t even move.” Antithesis answered, wiping away the moisture.

“Ok, I just didn’t want to be taken lightly.” Tiv said getting to her hooves. “I think I’m done for today.” she smiled, “Whooping your ass is pretty exhausting. “

“Fuck... you” he laughed, also getting up. “What are you doing after this?”

Tiv’s ears perked up, “Oh trying to ask me out are you?” she smiled mischievously. 

“Alright nevermind then, see ya later.” he said, turning away.

“Hold on.” she called. “I was kidding”. She walked in front of him, "I have work next couple of days but I think I can make time next week.”

“So eager to make time for me,” he smiled showing one side of his sharpened teeth, “Ok let me know when” he poked her nose, turning the tables and making her blush.
> Chapter 20,
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*nose twitch* *Sniff x2* 

Yawning Maple pulled herself from under Acrux's foreleg, *higew* she stretched after hopping off her bed. Fixing her mane she looked back at her husband, "Wait a minute who's cooking?". Following the smell downstairs, getting to the landing she peaked around the corner seeing Trella and Shure chatting while Antithesis was manning the stove. 

"So, do you think he's gonna show up?" Trella asked raising a hoof to Antithesis. 

"No.... way" Antithesis flipped a pancake in the pan, "I told him to come over but, you know him".

"You're probably right, he's gonna be upset when he remembers to come." Shure said pouring Him and Trella a second glass of juice with his magic.

"His loss," Trella said as Antithesis reached for three plates and distributed the pancakes. "I'll take whatever he doesn't eat" 

"Of course you do" Shure said, causing Trella to turn to him obviously upset. "I mean.. uhh.. you look great for how much you- eat?"

"Hmm, I know I do," she sassed, her face lighting up as Antithesis slid them a plate of pancakes. Taking a bite she practically melted, "I don't know how you managed to make it just like mom’s."

"Hmm, it's like I followed the recipe" Antithesis joked, "But I did put something in the center". He smiled as he sat waiting for them to get to the middle of their breakfast. 

*Gasp* "Oh my gosh is it chocolate?!" Trella said as she began to devour the rest of her plate.

"I'm not convinced," Antithesis said biting into his own pancakes "What do you see in this wild animal?" 

Trella paid the comment no mind, "I think it's rather cute, '' Shure said, cutting his pancakes up before applying some syrup. "You want some?", he waved the bottle in front of Trella.

"Hmhm" she responded swallowing what was in her maw. "Yes, please", she reached out like a baby. Antithesis watched as Shure slowly poured it on what was left of her food. "Thank you she leaned over pecking his cheek", making him blush like a school filly.

"What did I just see?" Maple whispered to herself, shaking her head, and looking again. (That's right BUSTED) Maple went to step forward but as she did some reckless pony came flying through the door. 

"Oh, sorry Maple, excuse me" Astra flew past her and into the kitchen "Am I too late?" He was breathing heavily, exhausted from the flight. 

"You're lucky I was about give your's to the better Remex." Antithesis said pointing to a plate on the counter with aluminum foil over it. 

"Oh" Astra sighed, "Thank Faust, I made it". He trotted over retrieving his food and taking a seat beside Antithesis, "By the way why is maple just standing in the hall?" 

Trella stopped eating while Sh I want Berry call meure choked honest food, "Ahem," Maple sounded entering the kitchen making Trella sit up straight. 

"Hi uh.. morning mom" Trella smiled nervously, "How long... were you standing there?" she began to sweat nervously.

Maple walked to the ice chest taking out an apple, biting it she said "Long enough." she took a second to chew, "Antithesis, Astra, Shure would you mind stepping outside for a second?". They left immediately, well except for Astra who turned around grabbing another pancake before exiting.

"Mom, look I know how... this might look but I swear we-"

"No, no, no. No excuses alright," Maple took a seat directly across from Trella. "Now I know what you're going through ok I was young once too."

"But mom" Trella interrupted"

"B-b-b-b-but nothing I'm going to speak, and I want you to listen." Maple said as Trella's face became saddened almost teary. "You know what I said about you dating, and all I have to say is I-"

"Mom, I like him ok! Like really like him and it doesn't matter what you're gonna say it won't stop me from seeing him." Trealla stood up as a tear and ran down her face. 

"I get that but let me fin-"

"No, I don't want to hear it if you're going to tell me otherwise." Trella protested now hovering above her seat.

Maple stood up going around the island, She sighed before using teleus to pull her daughter into a hug surprising her. "I was going to say I approve" Maple nuzzled her daughter's mane calming her down.

"Y-you do?" Trella said pulling away and staring at her mother with a confused look, Maple nodded before slowly returning to the hug. Still dumb founded Trella said, "But I thought you'd be be upset?".

Softly giggling Maple replied, "I said so you wouldn't go around like some skoozy with a colt you barely know" she rolled her head saying "But... if it's Shure I don't have a problem with it," Maple smiled releasing her embrace.


(outside)

"Fuck! Maple wasn't supposed to find out," Shure said pacing, before walking up to Astra "Why didn't you say she was there earlier?"

"First off I was late, Second it's Maple house, I only said something cause she didn't move from where she was." Astra defended as he began floating, "Why didn't you think that, Oh... I don't know maybe you shouldn't be lovey dovey in the one person's house you don't want to get caught by!?"

"He's got a point" Antithesis added.

"I-I *sigh*" Shure lowered his head, "I just hope maple doesn't over react".

Antithesis ears perked up hearing Trella get progressively louder, "Shhh, listen". The three ponies heard the louder part of the conversation but couldn't make out the end. "So what do you think the verdict is?"

"Please I'm sure Maple will be fine with it I mean she isn't that strict plus she knows Shure." Astra answered, pointing towards Shure.

"I don't know bout that." Shure replied lowering his head.

"Why don't you ask me yourself?" Maple said surprising the trio, "Alright come on in" she waved. 


Getting inside Astra without a second thought rushed to his plate to finish his food, with Antithesis following not too far behind. As for Shure, Maple motioned for him to go into the living room. Entering he began to sweat anxiously.

Maple took a seat, partially raising her right hoof "OK, look Shure I just gonna say it instead of dancing around it".

"Maple I can explain, I mean I'm sure Trella said it but-"

"Shut up, Gosh. Look Shure I'm ok with it alright just give me a few years before becoming a grandmother. Can you do that for me?" Maple asked, grabbing a newspaper. 

Shure nodded in response. 

"Alright then, That's all," she said, looking past the paper.

Shure exited the room, going back to the kitchen he was practiclly tackled by his marefriend. "Oof" the wind left him as Trella pulled him into the air in a hug.

"OOOOOh, Shure she approves" Trella kissed his cheek. Finaly able to catch his breath as she put him down, "Last thing is my dad".

"What about him?" Shure asked fixing his glasses.

"Well, I don't know how she feels about dating." she shrugged going back to the island, Shure followed seeing Antithesis and Astra laughing.

"What cha laughing at?" he asked, sitting down. 

"Nothing" they both answered. 

"Come on tell me." Shure asked, taking a bite of his now cold breakfast. Astra cracked up, doing his best no to laugh, while Antithesis held a smile. "Just say it"

"I just hope maple doesn't over react" Astra mocked, before busting out in laughter. "Ha, you-" wipe eyes "thought she was gonna be mad"

Trella smacked the back of Astra's head with her wing, "Shut the hell up".
> Chapter 21
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“How's that look?!” A Pegasus called down, while another began checking off a list of tasks. Pegasi flew around arranging patterns and filling clouds while others sculpted the sky to make way for new weather. 

The sounds of almost magical construction and winds flooded the facility as a shorter charcoal gray unicorn entered. “Excuse me, Is Mr. Remex here?”  the stallion asked a random mare. Most ignored him while others shrugged and continued on with their work. He wandered around the facility until he reached an area with three offices. 

One to the left and right where letters were being managed and a larger one in the center with a secretary stationed to the side. “A.R” on the window was a big enough clue. He began walking forward towards the door but was stopped short. 

“Excuse me sir,” the secretary called out. “Mr. Remix is busy with an important visitor at the moment. Could you wait until your appointment time?”

“Well no. This is rather urgent”. 

“I’m sure it is, sir but you’ll have to wait for your scheduled meeting. She pulled out a stack of papers asking for his name.

“I don’t have an appointment!” he shouted. Before the secretary could respond he handed the scroll from inside his sweater with a seal that was all too recognizable, a Sun with eight points protruding.

Taking her a few seconds to realize, her ears going back she apologized. “I’ll take this to him right away.

A green mare exited the office with a look of anger on her face. She grumbled passed the unicorn. After a few minutes Argo emerged booking for the pony his secretary described. “Come in,” he looked towards the others who were waiting for their appointment. “My apologies everypony, but something urgent has come up. You’ll have to meet with my secretary to reschedule.”

Everypony grumbled and complained but lined up at the desk. (The last ponies you wanna upset are the ones who control the weather.)


“Please come in, come in” Argo gestured to the stallion. Going inside Argo offered “Coffee, tea, energy drinks?”

“That'll be fine, I am just a messenger”  he gestured to the letter. Argo took the leather opening and read it as the messenger spoke. “As you see the Princess has decided to reschedule her summer sun celebration this year in Creston.”

“What!?” Argo stood leaning over the desk. “Do you know what we did to make that week fit into the schedule!”

My apologies but something has come up and The Princess has asked for your understanding.” The stallion stood “The Princess will notify you of a later rescheduling for the event. Good day sir”

“Uh, I.. alright” Argo stammered as the messenger left the office. Stretching over his desk to make sure the stallion had left, “FUUUUUCK!”




"You know I'm getting tired of you kicking my ass, '' Antithesis said, while trying to escape the pinned position Tiv placed him in. 

"Just get good" She giggled in response. Letting him go she took a peak at the clock on the wall. "Oh shit I'm gonna be late!" 

Shaking off his recent defeat he asked "For what?"

Galloping out of the gym not even turning her head, "Interview". Tiv was gone before he knew it, leaving him alone to clean up the mats.

After cleaning up, Antithesis grabbed his stuff and headed out. Stepping outside he was greeted by the warm glow of a sun on its way to set. He exhaled, noticing the faint trace of his breath, Pegasi moved a few winds in to prepare for the coming winter around this time of the year.

"God" he sighed "It's about time". Walking back home he enjoyed the subtle cool breeze rolling over his sweaty fur. As he passed the D&C shop on to 40Th St. he caught a whiff of a peculiar smell as he continued on the block passing an alley. Double taking, he looked in, seeing three griffins.

The smaller griffins had a stick in his claw and with something skewered onto it. Noticing Antithesis, the griffin Asked "What? Never seen a griffin before?". The other two gave a faint chuckle at it.

"Only once" Antithesis answered, curious about the skewer.

They stopped their banter approaching him slowly, "It was a joke bub", noticing Antithesis' eyes still on the stick he held it up closer to him. "What's wrong pal? Want some?" 

Taking a step back, (even though he is clearly taller than them) he asked "What is it?".

"This, it's me-"

"Hold up Fedra," one of the others interrupted with a laugh, "My friend it tofu, a food from griffin stone" 

"Uhhh yeah, here give it a try" the first griffin said, handing it to him, as the third griffin covered his smile.

Taking it, Antithesis couldn't place quite where he had smelled it before. Shrugging his shoulders he took a bit from it, causing the griffins to burst into laughter. 

"Oh my god he fucking did it, he- he bit it" the second griffon giggled nearly dropping to the ground.

Antithesis didn't notice it as he was engulfed into the flavor of whatever it was they had given to him. Swallowing he snapped back to reality. "Hey this is pretty good guys" Antithesis said, catching them by surprise.

The shorter griffon stopped wiping his eyes, "What did you say?" looking at the colt taking a second bite. "Yo, what the hell," he said, catching the other two's attention.

"This one ain't normal Fedra, I told you we should come out here" the third griffon said taking flight, the second soon followed.

"Hey! Wait for me" the smaller one said, readying his wings.

"Hold up," Antithesis called out "what did you say it was again?". No answer came as the trio flew away, leaving him with the skewer in hand. Confused, he slowly reached his head down to take the last bite.