One's Responsibility to Their Family

Richard glared down at his cup of tea, contemplating skipping it this morning. Glaring back at him was an old and wrinkled face of a proud man with a head of gray hair. Richard took a deep breath as he touched his wrinkles, wishing he was still in his prime, still so strong and energetic. He smirked as he sipped the bitter tea. Not that I couldn’t still deal with any brats that tried to challenge me.

He laced his fingers in between each other as he sat back in the bench. Surrounding him and his white gazebo was the beautiful and vast gardens that surrounded his estate. At one point in his career it had been a favorite meeting spot for him, but it was no longer in any sort of presentable condition, at least not for business clients. “They would not be able to enjoy your wild beauty.”

Richard grimaced as he heard the deep tone of his eldest grandson say, “Speaking of which, I hope our new groundskeeper is one.”

Richard sighed before replying with a slight scowl, “She is off limits Mark.”

Mark turned to him, an eyebrow rising, “Now grandpa, you know that the men of the Cypher family have always been indulgent with their servants, allowing their duties to be a little more flexible than other employers might. If she is a rare beauty, I don’t see why I don’t go after her like you did in your prime.”

Richard rapped his cane against Mark’s knuckles. “I was an idiot in my prime and so was your father. Besides, Nathaniel doesn’t partake in women as you do, does he?” Richard sighed knowing that the words rang hollow in Mark’s head.

“Nathaniel is barely eighteen. Not only that, but he is the second son, so he has far less privilege when compared to someone such as myself. Also, I doubt he would know what t do with one if she presented herself to him.” Mark smiled at his grandfather as the old man stood in front of him.

“Remember that privilege only takes you so far, and that to keep that privilege you must listen to me.” The two stared at each other for a few moments before Mark finally turned away. “Where is Nathaniel anyways? I called him down here, not some disheveled hulk such as yourself.”

“If I looked that bad I would not find as many open legs as I do. As for Nathaniel, he is getting my dry cleaning so that he can still be useful.”

“You know that he will not always be so loyal, right?”

Mark let out a deep laugh as he sat back down. “Nathaniel knows his place. A pathetic weak willed gentleman like him is the perfect brother for me. You’ve even agreed to that fact, as he is supposed to merely advise me, nothing more.”

Richard took a deep breath as he mulled it over. I wish he wasn’t right, but Nathaniel has never been one to break his role. At least I can take solace that he will not make the mistakes of our past, and follow his responsibility even to death.

“Excuse me.”

Richard had barely heard the quiet but beautiful voice. “Hello dear Fluttershy. Please do come over, I have some tea for you.” Richard gestured for her to take a seat, but Mark pulled out the seat for the young girl.

“Well, I can tell just by the looks of you that we will get along splendidly.” Mark smiled at the girl’s far more than ample bosom, his mouth watering at the wide hourglass figure within the sweater and skirt.

Fluttershy turned to Richard with a look of confusion. “What does he mean?”

An edge crept into Richard’s voice as he said, “He means absolutely nothing.” Richard cooled down as he saw the confusion turn to worry on the young girl’s face. “What I mean by that is that Mark here is my eldest grandson, and will have no part in your work. However,” his voice easing as he heard the pounding of footfalls, “my other grandson Nathaniel will be supervising you so as to improve his skills with the staff that he will watch over once I have passed on”

Richard felt a surge of pride as a young man of average build came around the bushes. However, despite the rush he must have been in, his blue polo and slacks were in great condition, and his hair was smoothed over so as to be of good appearance while staying out of the way. Richard glanced at the disheveled mess his other grandson was in his robe and scowled.

However, he was quickly reminded by Nathaniel’s shortcomings as Fluttershy curtsied to him as he approached. “Hello, I am Fluttershy. It is wonderful to meet you and I hope to become your friend.”

Nathaniel merely stood there for a few moments, stunned. Mark let out a small chuckle as he watched, “Sorry Fluttershy. His social skills are a little sub par, and pretty girls are definitely his weakness.”

Nathaniel squeezed his eyes shut and looked away, “I am sorry as well. I am merely unused to talking to them. It is one of the many things I must constantly work to improve. However, you need to work on the south garden, this one, first. It is in the largest state of disrepair and grandfather enjoys the gazebo. Also, you’re suits are with the butler Mark and your flight is in an hour. Now I will see you around noon Fluttershy for lunch. For now, I must go to school. I will not be late.” With that Nathaniel walked off, gone almost as quickly as he had arrived.

“He seemed a little intense. Did I do something wrong” Fluttershy turned as Richard placed a hand on her shoulder.

“Of course not, and please forgive him. He has a lot on his plate to deal with and most of it is brought upon by himself. I swear he is a good man if you give him a chance. Now you should go and get started with your work.” Richard sighed as he watched the girl walk away, the peace being interrupted by Mark shouting.

“Besides, if you want some good company, all you have to do is find me.” Mark smiled as the girl hid her face in that wonderful pink hair and his grandpa glared at him. “What?”

Richard grabbed Mark’s collar and pulled his face in close to Mark’s, his face livid with anger. “I have said it once and will only say it one more time. She is off limits, and if I ever find out you did something to her, the punishment will be swift, and it will be severe. Now you have a flight to catch.” Richard straightened his robe as he sat back down.

Mark got up, scowling. “Of course grandpa. I just thought you had taken yourself out of the mistress game at your jolly old age.” Mark stormed off, and the glass shattered in Richard’s hand. He looked down at his hand, tears filling his eyes. Where? Where did I ever go wrong? Looking down at the embroidered gold RC on his robe, Richard knew where the corruption had come from, where it always came from.

======++++++======

“What am I going to do?” Nathaniel muttered to himself as he leaned against a wall within the building that held the majority of law classes. He had completely messed up his first meeting with his first employee all because he’d been stunned. He hadn’t even been willing to trust himself with opening his eyes before he’d known he wasn’t watching her anymore. “Come on Nathaniel you need to get focused. You have a-” Nathaniel winced as something slammed into the top of his head.

“Watch where you’re going retard.”

“I’m sorry, I swear I-”

“You think I care?” The thug kicked some of the books that now surrounded a beautiful girl in a blouse and skirt. She looked very proper, well, except maybe the purple hair. That is a little odd. However, that should not keep me from helping her out.

“May I be of service?” Nathaniel smiled at the girl as he bent down to grab some of her papers. “I can see how you weren’t able to see where you were going, but why do you need all of this?”

The girl looked down as she replied, “A good student should be prepared for anything a teacher might ask of her, even if that means being perhaps a little over prepared.”

Nathaniel gave her a small smile. “Don’t worry, I won’t judge. Hard work pays off, right?”

The girl nodded as she tried to take the things from him. “Oh no, let me help you get these to your class. I insist.” Nathaniel stood proud, but then jolted and blushed as she spoke.

“Is it because I’m pretty? Don’t worry, I’m-”

She didn’t get to finish as Nathaniel shook his head. “No of course not! Wait. Not that I don’t think you are pretty, but that I would do this anyways.” Nathaniel glanced down. “I’m sorry. I’ll just shut up.

“Please don’t! I’m actually a little flattered seeing as normally Rarity is the only one to get attention like this.” The girl giggled a little as she started leading the way.

As they approached one of the rooms, Nathaniel kicked the door open and held it open with his foot. Twilight giggled again as she walked past and took a seat. “By the way miss, may I know you’re name?”

She smiled back at him as she said, “My name is Twilight Sparkle.”

Nathaniel steeled himself for a moment before asking, “Well then Miss Sparkle, may I take this seat?”

Twilight narrowed her eyebrows as she thought. “Wait does that mean you’re in this class? You’re majoring in law?”

Nathaniel looked down, smiling a little. “I’m actually dual majoring business and law. I hope my expertise in the matters will help me in the future when I need to advise my brother. Also, my name is Nathaniel Cypher, and it is wonderful to meet you.”

Twilight nodded, but then held a finger to her lips as the teacher walked in. Nathaniel nodded back and the two both focused on the lecture as the teacher went over the syllabus and the material. With the few minutes at the end of class, the two exchanged information so that they could help each other with the course. However, one thing still plagued Twilight’s mind.

“When do you have business class?”

“In about thirty minutes. Why?” Nathaniel blushed and looked away as Twilight started hopping up and down and clapping.

“Because my friend Rarity is in that class majoring business. You should meet her. I know she’ll love meeting a nice guy like you.”

Nathaniel scratched the back of his head and then gave a slight shrug. “I suppose I could at least try. How can I tell her apart from everyone else?”

Twilight pointed to the white choker she was wearing, bringing Nathaniel’s attention dangerously close to her large chest. “She wears a choker like mine, it even has a sun on it as well. All of my friends wear them.”

“Why?”

Twilight froze for a moment before the teacher said, “Class dismissed.”

“Sorry, but I have to go.”

Nathaniel thought about stopping her, but decided he had pushed his luck enough by getting her to talk to him this much. Besides, he had someone new to meet, and only twenty minutes to get across campus. Panting, Nathaniel opened the door to his business class, only to find his breath catching as he looked up.

There in the middle of the class was possibly the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She wore her allure openly, an elegant black dress covering her with a whole in the chest so a sample of the woman’s ample cleavage could still be seen even though the dress covered all that was above the waist. Attempting to look away, Nathaniel felt his heart race as he gazed at legs that went on forever, only to be abruptly cut off by the skirt of the dress.

He didn’t need to know that Rarity had a choker like Twilight’s. All Twilight would have needed to tell him was that she was prettier and bustier, and he doubted there was another girl on the planet that would have fit that description as well as this girl. Not even Fluttershy compares to her beauty, but at the same time, she does have bigger breasts then- Stop it Nathaniel! Get your mind out of the gutter, quit staring, and introduce yourself. Nathaniel took a moment to clear his throat before he stepped forward and Rarity’s eyes turned to him.

“Hello?” Rarity smiled as the boy seemed to tense up just by her voice. He took a deep breath though and was able to meet her gaze. Rarity was actually shocked to realize that he was staring directly into her eyes, the first one to do so all day.

Nathaniel’s voice came out in a quick burst as he kept his stare into her deep pools of dark blue. “I am Nathaniel Cypher. I am a friend of Twilight Sparkle and she told me I should try to get to know you. I am sorry if I am nervous and hope that we can still be friends despite that fact.” Nathaniel immediately winced as Rarity started chuckling.

“Please sit down then Nathaniel. A friend of Twilight’s is a friend of mine.” Rarity gestured for him to take the one seat next to her to many of the other guy’s disappointment. Rarity adored the nervousness that came with each movement that Nathaniel made. It was as if he was trying to keep control, but had already lost it long before now. “So how do you know Twilight?”

Nathaniel now wouldn't look at Rarity as he replied with, “I have pre-law with her. I am very excited to share class with her, just as I am with you.”

“And yet you aren’t even attracted to me? What a shame.” Rarity took a deep breath to make sure she was ready. She expected Nathaniel to shout, to panic, to do what all nervous guys did in this situation. However, he kept his gaze forward, and his voice steady.

“No. That is the problem. I find you too attractive and fear what I might say or do if I look directly at you, especially while I talk about you. I am sorry that I must do this, but I merely wish to treat you as I believe you should.” Nathaniel looked down as he blushed.

Rarity smiled at him. “Well thank you my kind gentleman. However, I won’t take offense if you decide to cherish my body and compliment me that way.”

Nathaniel knew it was a joke, knew she had to be kidding. However, he found his head turning anyways, besides how wrong he knew it was. He knocked over his chair as he stood up, and Rarity giggled as he stormed out, guessing why he had to leave, but immediately feeling bad to have driven the poor guy out of the class. Maybe I should ease up just a touch?

Nathaniel decided to skip driving since he now had some extra time and ran home, his thoughts being pushed to the back of his mind as his legs burned in exertion. Upon arriving at home, he slowly made his way through the gardens, searching for Fluttershy. He began to hear a soft angelic voice ring into his ears, almost in tune with the birds nearby. He followed the noise and stopped to watch as Fluttershy sang with her birds. He took in every detail of her body, the thoughts of Rarity starting to resurface as he stared at her large chest. As he took a deep breath in his gaze turned to her hands, noticing a white bracelet on her wrist.

Once Fluttershy was done, Nathaniel asked, “Do you know a Twilight Sparkle or Rarity… Actually, can you tell me Miss Rarity’s last name as well as your’s?” Fluttershy almost jumped out of her skin as the words reached her and Nathaniel turned away as he scolded himself. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. My grandfather told me you were shy and I should have remembered.”

“It.. it’s fine. Yes I know Rarity Belle and Twilight. My last name is Saddler, and you merely startled me.” Fluttershy watched as Nathaniel nodded slowly, taking in the details.

“All right Fluttershy. Why don’t you make us lunch while I start studying and working out? Make whatever you feel like since I have some extra time today.” Nathaniel turned away as Fluttershy went to walk away, not willing to watch the sway of her hips as she left. Nathaniel pulled off his shirt and got out his business textbook. “Might as well start with this seeing as I just missed a day.” He sighed as he started doing push ups and reading.

Fluttershy came back after a while carrying two salads. Maybe with these we can talk for a while and actually make some good first impressions? Fluttershy stumbled as she reentered the clearing and spotted Nathaniel who had a book on his thighs as he did curl-ups. However, it didn’t block her view of his tightly muscled and skinny body. She could count every line on his abs, and licked her lips as sweat ran down his body. Finally, Nathaniel looked up as Fluttershy had to stabilize the plates of food she had brought. “Hello Fluttershy. Thank you for bringing the food.”

Fluttershy started blushing as Nathaniel stood up and came over to her. “Why are you shirtless?”

“I was working… out.” Nathaniel smacked himself in the face as he ran into a hedge. “I am so sorry Fluttershy. I wasn’t thinking and this was my fault. However,” Nathaniel paused as he felt his face burn, “I do need to work out whenever I can since I’ll be taking time out of my schedule to watch you. What we could do is something like this, especially since I find myself distracted by your figure as well.” Nathaniel smacked himself again as Fluttershy turned a deeper shade of red. “You know what, I’m just going to go back to the university.”

Fluttershy tried to squeak something out as Nathaniel ran out of the clearing, but nothing came out. I do want to befriend him but how am I supposed to do that now that I can’t even talk to him? Fluttershy whimpered as she went back to gardening.

Nathaniel took his time getting back to college, knowing he needed to rest if he was going to be ready for his running class next period. Arriving at the track, he saw a girl running along the track in a blue hoody. She was going much faster than he had ever seen a girl run. Scratch that, anyone he’d seen run before. However, she was stopped as a big guy joined her on the track. Just by the instant scowl that crossed her face Nathaniel knew she didn’t like what the thug had to say.

“Excuse me sir?”

“Can’t you see we’re having a private talk right now? Buzz off.”

Nathaniel rolled his eyes and tapped the man on the shoulder. “Obviously she doesn’t like you. Maybe you should just leave her be?”

The thug cracked his knuckles as he glared down at Nathaniel. “And if I don’t?”

For a moment Nathaniel made eye contact with the hooded girl. His eyes darted away as he saw the strong and pretty face meet his eyes. “Look sir, I understand if you think this pretty woman would be good to befriend, but it doesn’t seem like you have made a great first impression. I’m trying to help, not harm.”

“Oh yeah?”

Nathaniel sighed. “Look, if you’re going to punch me just.” Nathaniel’s head turned as the meaty hand met his face. He looked back at the man who was now wide eyed as he stared at him. “My brother hits harder than that, so I would reconsider your decision.”

The thug turned his attention between the two people before finally running off. The girl stepped forward and lowered her hoodie to reveal short rainbow hair. “Are you normally that cool?”

Nathaniel blushed. “Sorry. I had a lot on my mind and decided I didn’t want to let him bother you.”

The girl crossed her arms. “Doesn’t answer my question.”

Nathaniel looked down. “Not really. I just don’t like watching guys trying to prey on damsels.

The girl stripped off her hoodie, revealing a perfectly toned body that she stretched out in a tank top and shorts, “Would you call me a damsel?”

Nathaniel shook his head as he cleared his throat, his eyes riveted on the girl. “My name is Nathaniel. I have running here in thirty minutes.” He put his hand out.

The girl took his hand and shook it. “Rainbow Dash, and same.”

Nathaniel noticed a white bracelet on her wrist and chuckled a little. “What’s so funny?”

Nathaniel took another look at the girl with her lean body and moderate chest and smiled. “I don’t know whether or not I’m cursed to find all the pretty girl’s I know all know each other.”

Rainbow furrowed her brows before opening her mouth. However, just then Rainbow Dash’s stomach decided to remind her that she had skipped lunch so far. “Um, I think I’m gonna go eat then. See you in class I suppose.”

Nathaniel watched for a moment as Rainbow walked away. Despite his best efforts, he had to completely turn away to stop his imagination from getting the best of him. Stop it Nathaniel. Be happy with the fact that they talk to you and let that be it. You don’t need more, you never have.

======++++++======

“We’re home!” Celestia looked up as Rainbow Dash flopped onto the couch and Rarity marched in. However, something was amiss.

“Where is Twilight?”

Rainbow Dash groaned into her pillow. “She’s coming, but I think we’re lucky to still have her.” Rainbow shot Rarity a dirty look as the beautiful woman put the keys in a bowl.

“You could have simply run home Rainbow. Besides, I drive just fine. At least I check my mirrors.” A scream came from outside. “What did she say?”

Pinkie came up from underneath the counter in the kitchen next to Celestia. “i think she said that all you do is check your mirrors. Or something like that.” Pinkie smiled wide as Rarity gave her a bored look.

Rarity looked at Celestia. “Please tell me dinner is almost ready, I’m starved.” They all turned as Twilight crashed into the doorway which now was littered with papers and books.

“I don’t think I’m interested in food, ever.”

Rarity huffed. “Fine, if you all won’t stop mocking me I’ll stop driving.”

“Well isn’t that the first piece of good news I’ve heard today.” Everyone grinned as Applejack walked in and Rarity stormed off.

“Don’t be gone too long Rarity, dinner will be done momentarily.” Celestia smiled as she brought out the casserole and Pinkie bounced the salad out.

Rainbow slammed her head back into her pillow. “Ugh, this is the third time we’ve had casserole this week. Can’t we have something else? You know, to celebrate?”

Celestia smiled at her, a smile that never reached her eyes. “You try cooking for seven people, including a vegetarian.” Rainbow smiled back at Celestia as she jumped up from the couch. “So, anyone have anything to say about today.”

Twilight perked up at that and immediately shouted, “I made a friend!” She blushed as Rarity startled giggling and Celestia shook her head.

“You knew that was a joke, right Twilight?” Rarity shook her head as she put some of the salad onto her plate.

“Of course I do, but would you not consider Nathaniel a friend?” Twilight turned to Rainbow Dash as she gasped.

“So that was what he meant! I had forgotten to ask him then but it drove me up a wall after running when I realized he said that I knew other pretty girls he knew.” Rainbow Dash smirked as she sipped her coke. “Of course I guess that means chest size isn’t everything to him.”

Applejack gave out a heavy sigh as she doled out casserole to herself. “Can we not get into breasts versus body tonight? Besides, don’t you avoid that when I’m around since I’ve got both?”

“Oh yeah Miss Perfect Body? And how was your day?”

Applejack paused for a moment before responding. “Fine. Not much happened, nothing I wanna talk about at least. How about you Pinkie? I bet you caused some mayhem at the bakery.”

Pinkie smiled. “Well, there was one request we got for a birthday party. The guy was a real shut in though, so I decided to give him a surprise. So, covered in vanilla frosting, I jumped out of the birthday cake he requested.”

Everyone looked at Pinkie for a moment before Rainbow Dash finally asked, “Pinkie? You know who normally comes out of cakes like that, right?”

Pinkie giggled, “Of course I do silly, but I wasn’t going to do anything like that. However, I am expecting to hear from the hospital soon to know if he’s okay. Maybe that’s why he had the minor heart attack?” Pinkie took a quiet sip of her water as she stared at the plate in front of her.

Celestia cleared her throat. “Well I for one am happy that you all seem to be able to enjoy your new lives. In fact, that is why I wanted to celebrate today.” Celestia paused for a moment as everyone turned to her. “I know it was a mistake when I requested you all to come to the castle. I had not done enough research and had been hasty with my hope to bring the universes together.” Celestia placed a hand on Twilight’s back. “I learned my lesson when the mirror shattered, but the damage had already been done.

“However, I want you to look at the women around you. A year ago they were scared, unable to find the answers to problems they now faced. Today though, they were strong and ready for anything this world still had to throw at them. We have found a way to not simply survive, but thrive in this new world. We will find a way home, but that is no reason to not be proud of what we have accomplished, and strive for what else we can do before we go.”

“I love every last one of you, and I truly believe that together, as ponies have always been, we will be able to face any threat that attempts to tear us apart. If you will, please join me in a toast to the future.”

The six girls stood with Celestia. “To the future.”

Celestia was able to enjoy the chaos that ensued as everyone tried to enjoy the rest of the day, However, Celestia knew the truth. She saw the downward glances at bracelets, tears that fell from smiling faces as they reminisced. But at least they can put up a front, right?

Drifting to bed Celestia didn’t hear her door close as she stripped off her dress. Turning around she saw Applejack behind her, holding her hat. “What’s wrong Applejack?”

Applejack looked into Celestia’s eyes before turning away. “Mind if I sleep with you tonight? I didn’t want to get everyone down, but today was actually pretty hard for me. I’ll be able to deal with it, but I think I need some more comfort than just Twilight’s snoring tonight.”

Celestia wrapped her arms around Applejack. “I understand Applejack. I expected today to hurt you the most. I’m just happy you’re seeking comfort instead of running. Sweet dreams my little pony.”

Applejack took a deep breath in as she curled up in the bed, tears starting to run down her face. “Sweet dreams.”