Taking a deep breath, Aid Chaser looked at the massive grey stone house set among other similarly-extravagant dwellings in one of the many Canterlot Noble districts.
It’s too big, too much wasted space, but if it makes them happy…

Gold gilded both the windows and soaring cream-colored roof edging, drawing attention from the slightly-aging silver paint. The sight of home should have prompted feelings of security and comfort, yet only balled up into a metal orb of anxiety that plopped to the bottom of the stallion’s chest.
I guess that’s how I know it’s time; you shouldn’t feel like this when visiting family.

A simple brown saddlebag hung at Aid’s side, having exchanged the vest back at the apartment. He wouldn’t need the mana crystals, not for this. If he did need such equipment, he knew a few small ‘always-carry’ spells. Magical at-will storage portals were a wonderful, if not expensive thing. Thanks to Discord’s dimension, they were an increasingly common reality, but for Aid’s purpose, they were used specifically for his job.

Well, except for one or two; the result of scrimping and saving a few paychecks.
And to think, I almost didn’t grab the files…

He had been halfway out the door when the impulse was too strong to ignore. Dozens of times had Aid left the packed vanilla folder on the desk- but not today.

I have my own legacy, and if my father refuses to accept that…
The worst part of such a rhetorical question, was that the stallion knew full well what the answer would be.
And yet there was some hope.
But perhaps it’s a fools hope. No, just the hope of a son…

“Ah, Chaser Junior. They’re expecting you.” White Glove greeted Aid at the large wooden door. A simple tunic adorned the grey butler’s barrel, the black and white complimenting the individual’s lighter fur.

“Just aid, Glove. How are you? How’s your son by the way?” Aid asked, walking inside to look at the massive entry hall.
The wood paneled room was easily one and a half stories tall, elaborate paintings of place never visited decorating the cream walls. A few elaborate wooden doors on either side led to the different and smaller wings of the mansion; the dining room and lounge lying dead ahead as a white crystal chandelier dangled near a staircase to their left.

“I’m doing well, Sir. And my son…I can’t t-thank you enough.” The experienced butler’s voice cracked; twenty years of service not able to mask the relief emanating from every pore.

“If you hadn’t insisted he go to the doctor, Pebble wouldn’t have lived through the night. He’s still at the hospital, but should be released within days. It was a sudden onset, if we had been at home I-”

The butler swiped a tear from his brown eyes as Aid gave his shoulder a pat- a far cry from the colt he helped raise on and off for a decade.
“I’m just glad to help, Glove. Now let’s go see my mother and father.”

The butler’s eyes widened as he saw the edges of a stuffed folder peeking out from the saddlebag.
“You meant to go through with it this time?” he asked, receiving a curt nod in reply.
“I can’t delay any longer. This home used to be comforting- but now it is only a place I come to hear my failings. And catch up with an old friend of course.” Aid added, managing a smile to the butler.
“Well, Sir, you have my support of course. I do hope to see you occasionally however.”

Walking into the dining room, Aid’s eyes narrowed slightly on not seeing food already prepared and on the table. That was the unspoken code for ‘we have things to discuss.’

Namely, that would fall into three categories.
Why am I not married to some noble socialite.
Why am I not enrolled in a prestigious school.
Why do I continue to pursue my ‘ shameful’ hobbies.

His parents sat at the end of the rectangular wooden table, the entire room dotted with chairs, couches, and miscellaneous small marble and metal sculptures to project an air of wealth to visitor or business opportunity alike. Aid made his way to the seat to the right of his father, keeping a pleasant expression on his face nonetheless.
Aid took a deep breath, shaking off the depressing tendrils that threatened to invade his thoughts.
I can’t succumb to this shadow any longer. I am not my father….
And perhaps he needs to hear that, concerning Grandfather too.

“Father, Mother. You are looking well.” Aid opened, smiling pleasantly at the pair. He still loved them- but it was a harsh pill to swallow. Having fond memories of a family that no longer existed was a wound that refused to heal.
Maybe I can pull them back to that, eventually.

“And you too, Aid.” Bit Chaser replied, blue eyes scanning his son briefly. The purple stallion was a fit figure- tall and lanky with a long black mane, his build not showing the time usually spent behind a desk and forms. Chenille, Aid’s mother, sat to his right. Her slim white fur still shone with a luster that never seemed to fade- her bright blue mane making her green eyes jump out.

“I hear you had another one of your…hobby excursions.” Bit mused, looking over a notepad in front of him.
“That is correct, and quite a successful one at that.” Aid replied smoothly. Dodging an issue others found to be odd or embarrassing was merely ammunition for opponents.
I suppose all those ‘societal’ classes did pay off.

“I don’t suppose you’ve given any thought to re-enrolling? I know a few academies that would take you in a heartbeat- maybe get another degree in addition to that…other one you have.” Bit continued, not seeming to noticed as his only child looked on sadly.

“No Father, I haven’t. We’ve been over this.” Aid sighed, noticing that while at previous times his mother had clearly been annoyed at Bit’s pressuring, she now only looked on passively, if not a bit curiously.
“Not over it enough apparently. You clearly don’t have your goals straight. You refuse to go into an academy, and every time I mention a favorable mare, you brush me off! That’s hardly the priorities a member of the Chaser family should have!”

Aid’s golden eyes narrowed, a furious fire squashing the submissive retorts that usually would leave his mouth.
“My priorities, father?” he gritted out. A strange tension filled his being; like looking over the edge of a cliff. This was the social plunge per say.
I’ve been expecting it, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

“Yes, your priorities! Why do I have to be the one to explain why my son is galivanting out pretending to be a Pegasus, when he should be helping bolster our family’s name?”
Aid didn’t respond for a moment, a chill almost causing the stallion to shiver as he finally managed to ask the next question.
“Father, do you want me to be happy?”

Bit Chaser stared, completely caught off guard by his son’s genuine words.
“W-what?”
“Do you want me to be happy? Yes or no.” Aid asked, voice now dropping to a whisper. He saw White Glove ease out of the room with a wince.
He knows, as do I.

“Every parent wants their offspring to be happy! I also want you to make our family’s name memorable again!” Bit replied with a dismissive wave- but Aid didn’t notice how his father refused to meet his gaze.

“That’s not a direct answer, father.” Aid continued, now getting out of his chair. If he stayed seated, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to get up afterward

“Do you want me to be happy, even if that means not making our name known among noble circles?” he continued, looking at both of his parents as they stared back at him in shock.
The silence was as deafening an answer as any yell or scream.

Reaching into his side bags, Aid Chaser pulled out the large folder and walked over to place it in front of his father. Taking out the top sheet, the grown stallion felt his limbs shaking as he slid the sheet over. Emblazoned on the front was the golden seal of the two sisters, along with a formal signed certificate underneath a short few written sentences.
“Would it memorialize our name, father, if you knew that your son had received the blessing of Princess Celestia herself?
An admission of what exactly that entails- but that’s not necessary for this.

Looking over the sheet briefly, Bit let out a loud laugh, demeanor completely and abruptly shifting as he nodding his head and grinned wildly.
“This is real?! My goodness son, why didn’t you say anything sooner? I had no idea- a royal certificate from the Princess? I want to know everything! How did you get this? No matter how you did it, I’m so proud of you for it!”
Of all the things you could have said, why that?

What should have been pleasant validation rose from Aid Chaser’s heart, turning to ash in his chest.
“Is that what it took, Father?” Aid asked, feeling a bit of emotion begin to choke his words and threatening to rise up to the stallion’s eyes.
“Hmm?”
Pointing a hoof towards the paper, Aid’s eyes narrowed as anger began to mix with grief, the volatile mix making his stomach churn.

“Is that what it took, for you to say that you’re proud of me? A signed piece of paper from a princess? I would have gotten it earlier if I had known that. There were so many times I could have used those words.” The stallion replied, his parents staring at him curiously.
“What are you talking about?” Bit asked, even as the nervous twitching of one of his ears signified an inner realization.

“You’ve changed, Father.” Aid growled, horn sparking with a bit of latent magic as he spoke.

“Did you even realize your own loyal butler of twenty years has a son who was near death but two weeks ago, now currently in the hospital? Do you even know what your son does for a living?” Aid asked, voice rising slightly.

“Do you lump all of my actions into a bin, labeling it as ‘shameful son,’ to all of the fellow nobles you talk to? Running an enchantment shop, helping ponies; I am not carrying on this family’s legacy, not in the way you want to. You chose to try and climb out from Grandfather’s shadow instead of making your own- and that has consumed you.”

“Now just wait a minute!” Bit called out, standing up and staring down his son.

“No, YOU listen! For one time when we meet can you listen to what your son has to say? I have listened quietly long enough!” Aid replied, glaring at his father. The older pony’s eyes widened in shock as he sat back down- never having heard his son speak in such a manner.

“Just because you cannot leave the shadow of your father’s actions, doesn’t mean I have to follow in your hooves. I have my own legacy, Father, one of which I am proud of, and that you helped start me on.”

Bit, now clearly angry as his cheeks lit up with a flush, stabbed a hoof towards his son accusingly.
“Legacy? Of what? Helping commoners? Enchanting pencils and charms? Pretending to be a Pegasus? That is not the sort of legacy I want for my son!”

The last piece of hope fell from Aid’s heart, the unicorn opening the vanilla folder and scattering the dozens of documents across the table.
“But that’s the legacy I want for myself, one you helped me form.”
Aid saw his father’s eyes widen as he saw the titles of the newspaper articles, and continued to speak.

“When I was a young colt, before the scandal with Grandfather, you took me to soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and taught me the value of helping the common pony. The slogan of your business was ‘helping everypony, one bit at a time.’ Do you remember that?
I’ve been growing my own legacy, Father. It just hasn’t been written about in the Canterlot Times.”

Bit shook his head slowly, looking up at his son with a confusion that was beginning to counter the anger.
“You changed after that youth trip to the Gryphon Kingdoms; a cute-ceañera gift I’ve always regretted giving.” he muttered.

“I saw the world as it is, Father. I saw the poor, the destitute, and the neglected. I saw a world that needed help, not one that is gilded in gold and hiding behind parties and snobbery.” Aid countered, sides now shaking with barely contained sobs.

“I can’t thank you enough for that trip- one of the last things you did to support me.”
“I’ve never said anything against your actions in public!” Bit hissed, anger then fizzling as the stallion's eyes widened in shock, his son glaring back with a damp and tearful expression of sorrow.

“But you never said anything in support either, not to anyone, and certainly not to me.” Aid replied, head shaking slowly.
“Never a word of why I woke up screaming at night when I stayed here for a week last year. You never even asked why then didn’t visit for months afterwards. Not even a single question of why your son was in the hospital, and then therapy for months. Nothing.”

That’s it then.
Seeing his father’s shocked expression, Aid stood a bit taller, gesturing to the newspaper articles.
“Read those, Father. That is my legacy. Sometimes I feel cursed, forced into this path. It would have been nice to know my parents were supportive of it all, since I’ve had my own doubts. Yet all I have heard from you is disapproval and silence.”

“We just want what is best for you.” Chenille finally piped up, prompting Aid to shake his head.
“I wish I could believe that. I did, once…”

A chirping suddenly interrupted their meeting, prompting Aid to let out a sigh, tapping his left wrist with a telekinetic bump of magic. A hidden crystal bracelet appeared, having been hidden by a high-level concealment spell.
"Dispatch, this is really not a good time.” Aid spoke into the crystal communicator, heart nearly stopping as a kind yet stern voice spoke back.

“I understand, Aid Chaser, but this is urgent. Feel free to increase the volume on your communicator to give reason to any listening parties the necessity of the interruption.” Princess Celestia continued, prompting Aid to instantly broadcast the incoming message at a volume easily heard by his parents.

“Your highness?! I- sorry for that. I’m at your service.” Aid replied, sitting down in shock.
Odd; usually she goes through the emergency dispatch center…

“A first response team is already on location, but they have requested you specifically.” Celestia continued, even as Bit and Chenille stared in complete and utter shock as their son spoke with the leader of their nation.

“The Gryphon Empire is currently experiencing a freak blizzard in their northern provinces. Dispatch will give you the details, but I thought it best to inform you that this will be an international incident, and requires the utmost urgency. Transportation runes have been cleared for use by the Gryphon government. Good luck.”

The communicator blinked off, Aid immediately retrieving a piece of chalk from his saddlebag and sketching a large pattern on the floor.
“Dispatch here; Rerouting call from Team Leader Wind Shear.”
Wind Shear? Uh oh, this is worse than I thought.
“Aid? You there?” Wind’s voice was barely audible through the howling gale in the background.

“I’ve got eight gryphons and four ponies slowly freezing to death here! The two other unicorns I’ve got here can barely keep the wind from carrying every-creature away! I need you to get here and stabilize the victims, keep them warm and alive! Nopony else can multitask like you! Oh horsefeathers- PUSH THOSE CLOUDS AROUND! YES, THAT WAY! Aid, get here NOW! Temperature is well below zero, high winds, uneven footing. Oh crud, here comes another-“

His voice cut out, the cool and calm tone of a mare in the central dispatch center returning to the fore.
“Advise when we can begin teleportation, standing by.”

His horn lighting up- Aid triggered a simple spell, nodding as a bright orange vest emblazoned with two medical crosses dropped out of the magical storage portal in front of him. Embedded with numerous hoof-sized mana crystals, the emergency garment gave Aid a much-needed boost for such events. Similar to his wings and other vest, this piece contained the highest quality gems available- personally approved and funded gear from a certain Alicorn.

One of the few individuals to believe in what I can do, what I’m meantto do, despite one brief meeting.

Bit and Chenille continued to stare as their son’s horn lit up, yanking more orange bags from magical portals that flared into existence. Two large orange medical duffels thudded to the floor, and Aid quickly began to pull on a heated suit to cover most of his extremities.

Warming suits, emergency blankets, personal emergency pack, bandages, trauma kit, beacon… Aid checked off the list in his mind as the appropriate bags were levitated next to him.

“Y-you…the Princess.” Aid’s father stammered as his son continued to wrap himself in insulating clothing. A matching helmet now settled onto Aid’s head, encompassing his horn while bearing the royal seal of the Two Sisters on the sides. A half-mask of thick black cloth now hung from under Aid’s mouth, carrying with it an embedded communications crystal.

“I help Ponies, Father. Ponies, gryphons, whoever needs it. You never bothered to listen when I tried to explain how, why, or by who’s authority.” Aid said, a bit of bitterness tinging his voice.

“That’s my job, what I have to do, even if I fail. What other choice do I have? Just ignore what I’m meant to do? Let innocent creatures suffer while I blissfully push it all aside?” he asked, looking at his parents for a moment. The unicorn’s eyes shone with regretful tears, aid then putting on some protective goggles.
“All I’ve wanted is some support for what I feel my duty is, Father, Mother. Support for when I fail, and joy for when I succeed.”

The stallion then shook his head, taking a few deep breaths.
What is done is done. Lives are at stake.
“Aid Chaser, Team One, ready for deployment. Activating emergency beacon now.” Aid called out, levitating the two heavy bags onto his sides. A small white crystal on the left shoulder of his vest began to strobe on and off- providing a visual and magical beacon for fellow responders.

“Confirmed, stand by for runic teleportation lock….initiating now.” Dispatch called out as the inscription began to glow white around the pony.
Twelve lives. Twelve creatures I can help save.
A familiar but always-odd buzz ran down his spine and centered on Aid’s cutie mark, cementing his determined thoughts.
This is my legacy, one that I’m proud of, even if others are not.

Bit and Chenille stared as their son stood proud, black and gold mane waving in an arcane wind. Gone was the quiet pony who had oft sat at their table and shaken his head at their suggestions and pointed recommendations. Instead, the stallion in front of them seemed to project confidence and assurance, the entire event seeming to be nothing out of the ordinary for him. Only now did they see the emblazoned words surrounding the medical crosses on his vest and saddlebags.
‘Equestrian Disaster Response Force’

And then he was gone, the only sign of Aid Chaser being the slight dulling of the marble floors from where the chalk outlines had superficially marked the stone.

It took a good minute for Bit Chaser to recover, slowly looking at the articles still scattered across the table. White Glove came back into the room, standing near the door as he always did.

A few of the articles held a picture of a familiar proud unicorn- helmet and signature vest visible even in black and white etching. Most however had a standard image of helmeted ponies helping other creatures out of various situations, Aid not able to be picked out from the others.

‘EDRF helps remote village after devastating floods- dozens saved.

‘Once thought of as a useless organization, the Disaster Response Force has once again proven their worth as the Kirin Government requested aid for a lost and likely injured foraging party, further cementing relations as they were successfully retrieved.’

‘Quick acting EDRF Unicorn saves lost tour group from underwater peril, keeping a water breathing spell active for three hours after the cave exploration became trapped by a flash flood.

‘EDRF team refuses interviews and public awards, a spokespony stating ‘We aren’t here to be displayed in public. Just let us save creatures without all the fuss.’

Bit then examined the royal certificate- his breath catching slightly.
‘This certificate grants the recipient, Aid Chaser, full authorization to use Priority-Level Flight Spell Eighty-Seven in case of extreme emergency. The writer further wishes to commend this pony for his unfailing desire to pursue a dream and methods to help other creatures, despite extreme opposition and the burden stemming from such.
-Princess Celestia.’

After his wife read the note, Bit could only stare at his son’s legacy, but a portion of it arrayed out in front of him. A final newspaper clipping caught his eye- this one dated early last year. As Bit Chaser read, the unicorn’s heart dropped, the disturbing tendrils of regret eating into his mind. The weight of a father who had failed his son began to crack his stubborn resolve, a disturbing unease churning in his heart.

‘EDRF team responds to stranded climbers- all saved except for one. One member of the EDRF was severely wounded.’

“White Glove?” Bit asked, voice shaking ever so slightly.
“Was- is my son right? About us? About me?”
The loyal butler didn’t respond at first, finally letting out a sigh.
“Sir, the fact that I must ask if the answer I give will impact my employment should be an answer enough. Were we not once close friends where I could give an answer freely?” the pony replied, no malice present in his tone, only regret.

“Please clear my schedule today and tomorrow, White Glove. If there’s any visiting creatures for upcoming meetings, set them up with a complimentary hotel suite if that avoids any fuss. Please feel free to take half the day off tomorrow as well, but…I may ask for your advice.” Bit Chaser relayed, looking over as his wife let out a sniffle, having read the same article he just did.
“Dear?”
She pointed to the aforementioned piece, a few tears in her eyes as the mare then gestured to the still-fading rune circle.

“We don’t know our son anymore, Bit. I’m afraid that has caused us to fail him in some way. I think it has caused us to...”
Bit couldn’t bring himself to agree, not with words at least. A slight nod was all the stubborn stallion could muster, shoulders sagging as realization continued to weigh heavily on his mind.
“Who are you, Son?”

Author's Note

The societal hammer drops, and we learn exactly what Aid Chaser does for a living (well, part of the time.)
I know there's a lot unanswered, but I assure you, those questions will be resolved in time!
(I had this chapter already written- so not sure when the next one will come out.)