One's Responsibility to Their Family

“Hello misses. Please take these.” The man held out three silver Cypher pins and Rainbow, Rarity, and Celestia gently pinned themselves with them. Pinkie grinned at the man, her pin already bouncing on her t-shirt. “You are a bit early, so those of you who are looking for master Nathaniel will have to wait in the foyer seeing as he is currently preoccupied in the west wing with his brother.”

Rainbow smirked as she asked, “And where is the west wing so we don’t end up stumbling upon it on accident?”

The butler bit into his lip, wishing he could smack the obvious ne’er do well. “The best way to reach it from here is through the kitchen, a left, straight for five turn offs and then a right. That will bring you into the beginning of the west wing. As for the foyer-”

“Thanks, but Pinkie’s been here before, so we’ll be on our way.” Rainbow started pushing Pinkie in a random direction.

“But wait Rainbow, I don’t even know what a Foyer i-”

Celestia shook her head as Rainbow slammed a set of doors. “I’m sorry about her sir. I promise she is not going to do anything too drastic.”

Rarity shook her head. “I told you that we should have left Rainbow behind. A large house with sophisticated rules is not the place for a ruffian like her, especially since she has so much anger at Nathaniel.” Rarity found the butler watching her, the aged wrinkles brought up in a smile. She returned it with a kind one in return. “So, will you be showing us to Richard’s office?

The butler nodded. “Of course, however, the master will not be seeing you in the office he saw Celestia a week ago in. Instead, he demanded that you be brought to his ‘family room’ seeing as the matter is of such severity. I believe he is being overdramatic as he tends to be, but you get that privilege when you reach his status.”

Rarity and Celestia smiled at each other, thinking about the times both had been rather dramatic without any other reason than simple want. Celestia asked in a kind voice, “Do you enjoy working for the Cyphers?”

The butler took in a deep breath before responding with, “Master Richard? Yes. However, I fear I will have to be retiring when his unfortunate passing comes.”

Rarity narrowed her eyes. “And whatever would make you say that? Nathaniel is a kind man who I think has a lot of potential. I’m rather sad that it is unlikely that I will be able to see what happens to him.”

The butler sighed as he opened a set of doors that led into an extraordinarily large office. “Welcome to the ‘family room’.” He spent one more moment staring at the doors after they finally closed. If only Nathaniel was the one that would be running the family.

“Hello.”

Rarity swallowed hard as she saw the intense stare from the older man. He appeared calm in manner, but she could feel jaws being wrapped around her throat at the same time. She cleared her throat and said, “My name is Rarity, and it is a pleasure to finally meet you. Nathaniel has said wonderful things about you.”

He sipped on a blood red liquid that sat beside him, his gaze never leaving them. “Please, sit down. I decided that I should treat this concern as I would any decision that would normally require my other board members. It can get quite chaotic, just like at Thanksgiving.” Richard smiled briefly at his attempt at comedy and even succeeded in getting Rarity to chuckle. Celestia continued to stay stoic to his comments.

“I would hope so. It is going to be rather difficult to prove to me that Nathaniel should stay as Fluttershy’s employer when he could snap so easily.”

Rarity gasped, “Celestia! I would think you would know better than that to be so rude!” She turned to Richard who had a slight smile beginning to creep onto his face. “Surely you can inform us of some reason as to why Nathaniel did this.”

Richard took in a deep breath before nodding. “I can’t unfortunately. I can say that he has been rather stressed as of late and you girls seem to be a big focus of his new frustration. However, he has always been stressed, and despite an especially hard time, he should not have hit Pinkie like that.”

Rarity blushed as she thought about all of her teasing, but Celestia stopped her from talking. “That is why I wanted to talk to him myself. Besides, how does it work out that someone who is apparently the epitome of calm just assaults someone like that? I know Pinkie can get on people’s nerves, but I don’t see why he so drastically rejected her, especially with what you hoped.”

Richard sipped his drink once more, “He is still human. He is allowed frustration, and seeing what his brother and him are doing today, I’m not surprised that he wanted to make Mark’s return perfect.” Richard held up a hand as he stood up. “I am sorry for what has happened, but I do not believe he must be punished for it, and I know many who would agree with me.”

Celestia narrowed her eyes. “Yes, I have been finding being human is a rather flexible excuse, wouldn’t you agree Dream Killer?” Celestia smiled inside as she watched the old man tense up.

Richard sighed as he drained his glass and then put it onto the table. “You… are right. I will consider the proper action to take against him. However, I believe I have been quite rude, and will not talk further about this matter unless you wish to face the consequences of your actions Celestia.”

Rarity glanced between Richard and Celestia before slowly clearing her throat. “Well, I wouldn’t want any of us to be rude then. My name is Rarity Belle, and it is an… experience to meet you.”

Richard took a deep breath to calm himself and took another drink. “I must return the sentiment and apologize for having to meet under such circumstances. However, can I ask you a favor?” Rarity raised an eyebrow and gestured for him to continue. “Keep pushing Nathaniel. He speaks of you quite often, and I think he needs to get flustered more often.”

“But of course. Nathaniel is a kind and sweet gentleman. I think he’s a little too shy for my taste, but I wouldn’t abandon him simply for that. I can see past the actions and to the man within better than most. Just as I can see that you and Celestia have much to talk about, and I will leave you to your business.” Rarity stood up, curtsying before walking out.

“Don’t you believe it’s a little early to be getting drunk?”

“It is one of many medicines I must take to keep my health. Now, how about we discuss the blanket disregard for what I had told you in confidence?”

Celestia looked away slightly. “I’m sorry, but I had to hammer home the point that Nathaniel’s behavior was wrong, and that if you want him to find love within the bosom of one of my charges that he will have to learn to curb the animal within him.”

Richard glanced down. “I know. However, I believe once you finally get a chance to meet him, you will approve of him. I swear.”

Celestia sighed. “When? When will I approve of him since you seem so reluctant to show him to me?”

Richard laced his fingers behind his head, feeling the course hair, barely clinging to his scalp. “I don’t know, if not just because he is not only my greatest triumph, but also my greatest tragedy.”

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

“Rainbow, where are we going?”

Rainbow sighed as she continued to drag Pinkie along. “Where do you think?”

“Equestria!” Pinkie’s smile faltered as Rainbow turned on her.

“No. I am not letting the guy who hurt you simply brush us off like this. We’re going to go find him.”

Pinkie’s eyes went wide as she started to chuckle nervously. “I really don’t think this is a good idea. I mean, what if he has all sorts of goodies waiting for us in the foyer. I know neither of us ate today.”

“Look Pinkie, I want to simply get this over wi-”

Gurgle.

Rainbow blushed as she started going down the halls faster, letting go of Pinkie to wrap an arm around her stomach. Pinkie bit into her lip as she watched Rainbow walk off. Pinkie looked back the way they came, but then decided following her friend was more important than following Nathaniel’s rules. I don’t want her to be alone when she gets punished.

Pinkie caught up just in time to turn the corner and see a large gathering of servants outside of one door. “What do you think is going on?”

“I don’t know, but how much do you bet that this has something to do with Nathaniel.” Rainbow walked up to the nearest servant and turned her around. “What’s up?”

The girl swallowed hard and glanced around nervously. “I’ll tell you, but only if you promise to leave with the rest of us, okay?”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Fine.”

The girl shook her head furiously before saying, “Good, good. From what I hear Nathaniel angered Master Mark on the day he returned from his recent trip; something about flowers I believe. Anyhow, regardless of why, Master Mark is finally getting around to punishing Nathaniel for the transgression.”

Rainbow narrowed her eyebrows. “Why do you only put master before this Mark guy’s name?” Rainbow glanced next to her when she saw Pinkie slump forward. “Pinkie, don’t blame yourself. Nathaniel deserves whatever he’s getting and probably more. Now, back to my que-” Rainbow looked around dumbfounded that everyone was suddenly gone. She took a step back as the door quickly swung open to reveal a large muscular man in a fine tailored Italian suit. He locked eyes with Rainbow and gave her a small smile.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Mark.” He extended his hand, but Rainbow merely turned away. Pinkie waved her hand furiously. That is, only after she flinched. Mark smiled down at her as he said, “Pinkie Pie, I assume?”

Pinkie’s eyes opened wide. “And how do you know about little ol’ me?”

Mark bit into his cheek as he glanced at the nonexistent chest. At least she has a loli charm, unlike Miss Pissed. “My brother mentioned you. Said you were a nuisance, but I doubted that from the beginning. Unfortunately, I have important duties to take care of, otherwise I would stay to evaluate you for myself. Goodbye.” He turned around one more time and rolled his eyes. And far better woman to give the time of day to.

Rainbow crossed her arms. Something about him set her off, but she couldn’t quite place it. Probably just the fact that he’s a Cypher. She turned as the door opened and Nathaniel stood in the doorway. He spent a moment composing himself before speaking. “Hello girls. I hope I did not keep you long.” He turned to Pinkie and forced a smile onto his face. “Especially you.”

Pinkie looked down, strands of hair getting into her face. “We didn’t wait that long, but we did hear that you were punished because of me. Is that true?”

Nathaniel shook his head. “No, it wasn’t because of you. As is normal, it was simply me slacking in my duties as his younger brother, that’s all. Now, there are refreshments awaiting us within the Foyer, so let us adjourn there.”

Rainbow was silent for a while, listening to Pinkie and Nathaniel trade back and forth small talk. However, her curiosity finally got the better of her. “Why do the servants only call Mark, master?”

Nathaniel grimaced as Pinkie tugged him down a hallway. “Easy Pinkie. As for your question Rainbow, it is because I am the younger brother. That causes me to overlook the servants, but I am only their boss, not their employer. It is my brother who decides whether or not they all keep their jobs, at least until I finally choose to get myself a maid.”

Nathaniel continued to follow Pinkie before he hesitantly asked, “Does this mean we’re talking again Rainbow?” The dead silence that followed hurt Nathaniel, almost numbing the pain he felt now.

“Don’t worry Nathaniel, you still have me to talk to. Speaking of which, can you tell me who this guy is? I saw him on the way here and was surprised at how much he looks like you.”

Nathaniel glanced up at the portrait. “Within holds a man who lived life not as a king, but wished the Cypher household to reach its true position as a house of gods. A man who strived to find all of life’s pleasures, took almost thirty woman to bed before even courting my mother, and then was disowned and sent away from the house shortly after I was born. That is Michael Cypher, my father.”

Pinkie glanced at Nathaniel who was staring into the painting’s eyes. “At least you got his good looks. Poor Mark only has those overblown muscles, right Rainbow?”

Nathaniel shook his head as he fought back tears. “Please Pinkie, I would think lying is the last thing you want to do as we mend our relationship. Now please, come this way.” Nathaniel watched as Pinkie walked beside him, her hair losing its poofiness. I’m going to regret this.

Pinkie smiled as she watched Nathaniel start to bounce next to her. “You know, this always looked fun, so I thought, why not?” Nathaniel couldn’t help but smiling back at Pinkie as she broke into a wide grin and bounced almost a foot higher than him.

Getting to the Foyer, Nathaniel opened the doors to reveal plates full of food and a mountain of board games. “I haven’t played them in a while, so you’ll probably have to reteach me.”

Pinkie dove into the board games while Rainbow walked to the food. “Oki Doki Loki!”

Rainbow watched as the two wandered around the Foyer. Pinkie was pushing Nathaniel to try everything, but he showed a great deal of flexibility to her ideas and even followed most of them. Maybe it really was just a bad day? Rainbow shook her head vigorously, turning her focus to the trays of sweets in front of her.

Stuck in Monopoly, Nathaniel swallowed hard as he placed his third house, staring at the twelve hotels Pinkie had up. “I still don’t understand what happened here.”

Pinkie grinned at him and rolled again. “Doubles again!” Pinkie happily moved her piece as Nathaniel couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Thank you Pinkie.” Nathaniel smacked himself as he saw Pinkie land on Free Parking. “I needed that.”

Pinkie sucked in her lips and asked, “Why?”

Nathaniel glanced at the small pile of money in front of him. “I am just a little behind.” Nathaniel shook his head as Pinkie opened her mouth. “I know what you meant. You decided to come back and give me a second chance. It means a lot to me.”

Pinkie scratched her head and pulled out a cupcake. “I saved it from my birthday. Sorry if it’s a little stale.”

Nathaniel stared at the poofy hair before simply deciding to gesture for Pinkie to set it down next to him. “Thank you Pinkie.”

Pinkie rolled again and pouted as it showed only eleven. She reached for the piece and noticed Nathaniel’s hand coming in for it as well. She froze, not wanting to interrupt Nathaniel’s action. She looked up as Nathaniel sighed. “How about we call this a day then Pinkie? I’ve obviously overstretched my boundaries.”

Pinkie raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think I understand. Did I do something wrong again?”

Nathaniel shook his head slowly. “No, but it seems like you might be having a hard time getting that thought out of your head. Why don’t you come back when you’re all excited and ready to rush me over to a painting again?”

Pinkie glanced down. “But then you’ll get angry again.”

Nathaniel stood up and offered his hand to her. “I give no promises Pinkie, but I hope I can prove to you that I am a decent man. One worthy of your friendship”

Pinkie furrowed her brows. “Why not a good man?”

Nathaniel looked into the distance as he sighed. “I will always be inferior Pinkie. That is why i advise, and that is what I am happy with my lot in life. Besides, I am the only Cypher that must worry about our problems, instead of dismissing them without another thought, and that makes it hard for me to relax. Now please, I have things I must attend to.”

Nathaniel stepped back as Pinkie squeezed his stomach in a hug. “I don’t know. You seem nice enough that I at least still want to make you laugh.”

Nathaniel stepped away and said weakly, “I know Pinkie, and I look forward to it.”

Pinkie bounced out of the room with a final, “Bye!” However, Nathaniel’s pain got to him before Rainbow could leave, and he collapsed upon the ground. Rainbow looked at the ajar door and then back to Nathaniel, softly biting her lip.

“You’ve got to be kidding me if mister ‘my brother hits harder’ got taken out by one hug.”

Nathaniel glared up at Rainbow. “I understand your anger with me, but simply leave if all you wish to do is mock ngh.” Nathaniel held his side while panting on the ground.

Rainbow bit her lip and knelt next to him. “Are you okay?”

“I simply pushed myself too hard. I didn’t want Pinkie to further blame herself, or get scared that I was still mad at her.” Nathaniel pushed himself to a sitting position, but doubted his legs would hold him right now. “It seems he really got my ribs though.”

Rainbow’s face darkened. “How exactly did Mark ‘punish’ you?”

Nathaniel shook his head. “Like I said Rainbow, not today. It is a family custom and that is all you need to know. Besides, don’t you need to make sure Pinkie is okay?”

Rainbow glared back at Nathaniel. “I may have come here for that reason, but that doesn’t mean I can’t show a little concern for you when you manage to prove that you aren’t a closet jackass.”

Nathaniel sat in one of the chairs while his breath still came in ragged gasps. “Please Rainbow, I don’t want to share my troubles, especially not with you. I simply wish to be alone.”

Rainbow stepped forward and came in close to Nathaniel. “And if I say no?”

Nathaniel turned to her, tears at the edges of his eyes. “Then I will order my guards to make you leave. My problems are my own and of no concern to those around me. They never have, and never will be. Now leave,” Nathaniel’s voice softened as he put a hand back on his side, “and please don’t tell any of the others about this. I don’t want to cause them to worry.”

Nathaniel put his head onto the table as Rainbow stormed off, watching her ass sway back and forth. The role of a second son is one that endures much hardship and pain, things I learned to cope with internally long ago.He flinched as the door slammed shut, and a chill entered him as he thought, But do I still have to?

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

Rarity sighed in relief as she left the ‘family room’. She had become accustomed to possibly talking back to Celestia, but two powerhouses like them had almost been more than she could handle. She brought a hand to her chin as she looked down the halls. I could go see Nathaniel. Rainbow would probably like that seeing as the girl hates him right now.

Rarity was still wondering when she saw a panicked maid come running past. “Excuse me?” Rarity flinched as she saw the girl fall. “Are you okay? I hope you aren’t in any danger.”

The girl shook her head. “Oh no, I’m perfectly fine. I simply need to get back to Master Mark’s room before he finds out I was neglecting my duties to watch the event. Bye.”

Rarity furrowed her brow as she replayed the word sin her mind. I wonder who Master Mark is? Nathaniel’s father perhaps?

She continued strolling, taking in the pictures until she stopped and stared at a massive family portrait. In the center of almost a hundred people sat five people who were isolated as a place of calm. It had the grandfather, a young man, and then Nathaniel. She smiled, taking in the lovely art.

“A dashing portrayal if you ask me.” She turned and had to admire the artist on the fact that she could recognize the second man from the portrait. “My name is Mark, and if I may know, what brings such an angel to my house today?”

Rarity smiled, taking in the large muscular form and feeling a shiver of excitement run through her. “I came to speak to your… father?”

Mark scowled for a moment and then chuckled. “You must mean my grandfather, though I thank you for thinking I am as great as my father. He is probably the most dashing Cypher amongst us, except for me of course.” Mark smiled as Rarity’s angelic voice let out a small giggle that caused Mark’s libido to rise. “I never got your name though.”

Rarity gave him a dazzling smile as she said, “My name is Rarity.”

“Mmm, a truly fitting name. So, was my grandfather trying to make you into a model or something of some sort?”

Rarity shook her head. “No. I came to discuss with him the topic of Nathaniel. I’m afraid he got into a bit of trouble with our family recently.”

Mark nodded, listening intently. “Really? That would explain those other two guests I saw earlier. If I may ask, who is the guy with rainbow hair?”

Rarity let out a short laugh as they continued to travel the halls. “Do you mind if I tell Rainbow that? Her and I are constantly trying to figure out which body type is better. What is your opinion?” Rarity smiled as Mark took in the curves kept within her white cocktail dress.

“Seeing as I consider myself straight; curves everyday of the week.” He laughed with Rarity as he led her to the kitchen.

Rarity glanced around herself. “Please don’t tell me to make a sandwich. It would be a terrible shame to have to smack you.”

Mark grinned back at her. “No, but unfortunately I doubt my chefs have anything prepared for you in advance.” Mark snapped his fingers and smiled as a chef rushed into the room. “Your order miss?”

The chef grabbed his hat and twisted it in his hands. “Actually sir, we’re currently cleaning after having to deal with your brother’s orders.” The chef backed up into the counter as Mark walked up to him. “I swear sir-” He stopped dead as a vice grip squeezed his shoulder.

Mark glanced back at Rarity who was looking quite concerned. He flashed the man a smile that never reached Mark’s eyes. “That is perfectly fine Steve. Now, do you think you can whip something up quickly for me and my lovely guest?”

The man shook his head rapidly as the pressure increased, ignoring the fact that his name wasn’t Steve. “Of course sir! I’ll get to it immediately!”

Mark walked back over to Rarity, but then held a hand up. “What is your opinion of wine?”

Rarity licked her lips, but then shook her head. “I’ve enjoyed the taste before, but I’m too young and don’t want to get either of us into trouble.”

Mark grinned as he grabbed two glasses and went into the cellar. Shouting back up, “Now now, you are in my house and I will give you anything you wish.” He came back up holding a bottle of Chateau Margaux. “Please, enjoy.”

A servant came rushing in, panting as he crashed into Mark’s hand. Rarity glanced over, attempting to see the new person was okay. “Mark?”

Mark turned to Rarity and sighed. “I was merely making sure he didn’t shatter the wine. He can’t afford replacing it.” Mark took a deep breath as he roughly pulled the servant up. I already tire of this charade. “What is it?”

The servant stammered out, “You’re grandfather w-wants you.”

Mark looked down, feeling a burning rage filling within him. He turned to Rarity and gave her a forced smile. “It truly is a shame. I was really thinking you and I may have had something. I suppose we could meet again soon though?”

Rarity sighed, wishing she could have had the wine first, but then smiling at the handsome man in front of her. “And why would I do that?”

Mark grinned back. “Because you interest me, and life can be very exciting with the heir to the single largest company in the world.”

“Sir, your grandfather?”

Mark slammed a hand into the servant’s back, gripping his shirt so as to stop the poor man from falling over. “Yes, yes. Please give this lovely woman my number and I await your call Rarity. And please, feel free to use my servants as you please.”

Mark kept his composure just long enough to leave the kitchen calmly. I didn’t even have a plan for her! I was simply showing off, so why the hell am I getting stopped? He sighed as he saw a large family portrait. It had always been his favorite as it made his part of the family the center, the only island of calm and knowledge that existed. It was also the only portrait that included his mother. Then again, if one is to have mistresses, isn’t it normal for that person to first have a wife? He licked his lips as he thought of just how forbidden the fruit of Applejack would be then, and how exciting it might be to keep it a secret from Rarity. Mark pleasantly hummed to himself for the rest of the way to the family room, imagining Rarity and Applejack’s bodies pressed firmly against his.

“Yes grandfa-” He stopped as he turned to the tan woman who was sitting at the end with his grandfather. “And who might you be?”

Richard leaned forward. “Mark, this is Celestia. She is the guardian of Fluttershy.”

“Hm, so would that include a Ms. Rarity or Rainbow?”

Celestia nodded, watching Mark as he sat down. “Yes, on both accounts. I take care of six different girls in fact. Pinkie and Fluttershy are both very kind, and can be too forgiving at times. Hence why I am so worried about this and wanted to come talk to all of you.”

Mark took a moment, pretending to be in deep thought. “You should have no fear as far as I am concerned in this matter. He embarrassed his position and the family with his actions of that day and I have punished him accordingly. I ensure you, he will not fail me like that again.”

Celestia arched an eyebrow. “And exactly how was he punished?”

Mark lifted his hands while he smirked. “I’m sorry Celestia, but what my family does is of our own business. I can’t divulge secrets such as this so openly. Now, I have work that I should be getting to.”

Mark messaged his temples outside of the board room. I keep the doddering old fool around just for the reason of not having to take care of such nuisances. I suppose I should give Rarity her space, but I wonder where one of my whores could be?

However, as they were almost caught by Mark’s sudden ending of Nathaniel’s punishment, they had done well to hide themselves. There was one in the open though, talking to the pink haired child from earlier. Mark visibly scowled as he came closer. Let’s have some fun.

“Hey!”

The servant and Pinkie turned to Mark who was fuming as he charged over to his servant. Pinkie backpedaled quickly while the servant was picked up by Mark. “Do you know what you could have caused? My grandfather has enough health issues without lazy servants like you standing around instead of bringing him his medicine, now go!” Mark threw the man against the ground and resisted smiling as he scurried away.

He turned to Pinkie who was trying to quietly go around the corner. He shook his head as he looked down. “I’m sorry you had to see that. I know my brother gave you a scare recently, and I apologize.”

“Di- did you really have to do that?” Pinkie resisted the urge to flinch as Mark scratched his head.

“I worry for my grandfather, so it was the first thought that came to mind. Now if it were Nathaniel, I doubt he would still have been able to stand.”

Pinkie glanced the way she had come. “Really?”

“Yep. You haven’t see him really lose it. Of course I can have a temper problem too but,” pausing to glance at the childish body that could possibly be tighter than a virgin’s “I suspect a playful girl like yourself could easily calm me down.”

Pinkie thought back to how she had managed to entertain Nathaniel only a couple moments ago and perked up. “Just a small reaction of course. However, this is one Pie that doesn’t get scared. Besides I can always throw one of me to calm you down.”

Mark raised an eyebrow. “In a fine italian suit, I would hope not. Still, it is wonderful to have found a new friend within you.”

Pinkie smiled back at him, her heart swelling at the word friend. “Maybe I’ll bend your ear some time about you Cyphers and your aggravation issues. I bet Twilight would love to hear about it and could even give me some advice!”

Mark made a mental note to himself as he nodded. “Well then, until next time. I believe your escort is here.” Mark watched as Rainbow dragged a waving Pinkie out. Talk about an open book. So desperate to please. and yet so easy to scare. How absolutely delightful.