Hello everyone! This is my first ever fanfic so please try to take it easy on me. I'm pretty new to this whole OC thing but I've really come to enjoy the show that is MLP FiM. So this is basically my introduction of my character into the world of Equestria. This chapter is more of what my character does and a little bit of his past. Again I'm not an author and this is my first time writing one of these. I hope you enjoy it!
I don't own any of the characters in this story, only Path Finder.
The world was quiet save for the occasional sounds coming from the forest below. Luminescent rays of the moon broke through the cracks in the cloudy sky as the inhabitants of the world continued their slumber. Except for one. Zooming above the trees a Pegasus breathed heavily, his saddle bag weighed down by it's contents. Daring a glance back he immediately regretted his decision as four fast shapes flew closer and closer, an unearthly shriek piercing the cold night air. The Pegasus shivered as the shrieks continued. He glanced down at the thick forest below and decided it was time to disappear into the foliage. Twisting his body he shot downwards, the shapes following his movements seconds after. Disappearing below the canopy the young Pegasus dove immediately for a bramblewood thicket, hissing in pain as the sharp thorns pierced through his thick cloak. Hearing the ominous wing beats the Pegasus held his breath.
The dark, shadow-like creatures descended through the leaves their shrieks ringing out across the forest. Seeing no movement they stalked through the area, their misshapen beaks clicking as they searched for their quarry. Hours passed. As the soft rays of the sun started peeking over the horizon the creatures finally left.
The young pegasus let loose a sigh of relief. "That was way too close for comfort. Way to go Finn." He muttered to himself. "Next time you want to infiltrate a Gloomstalker's nest maybe you should wear a bell next time just to make it easier for them to find you. Ol' Rock is gonna have a field day when you send in this report."
The pegasus now know as Finn winced as he began untangling himself from the bramblewood thicket. "Maybe I'll leave the part where I tripped over my own cloak out." He muttered. "Not like anypony witnessed me."
After getting his items together he took a quick glance in his saddlebag. He frowned at the items currently sitting in it. There were several old scrolls and figurines, however the thing that chilled him the most was the black and red jeweled crown radiated dark magic. Even being around it made Finn nauseous.
"Time to report back to Canterlot, five months is a long time to be gone after all." Finn pulled out his maps and navigation tools. After munching on some long stale oats he plotted his course back into Equestrian lands.
"I should stop by the Crystal Empire and restock on equipment," He spoke quietly, slowly munching on his oats. "Plus report my findings to Princess Cadance before heading back to Canterlot. Who knows maybe this time I'll get some vacation days off."
He chuckled at his own joke. Ranger's never took vacations. Packing up his things he pulled the thick hood of his cloak over his face and took off into the morning sky. Breaking through the canopy he marveled at how beautiful the sights was. Miles of forest below him, mountains that reached high into the skies around him, and a bright sunny day with scattered patches of clouds dominated the sky. He kept his eyes on the swivel as he let his mind wander, remembering the time he became one of the Royal Rangers, under the direct command of Princesses Celestia and Luna.
It was the proudest day of his life. After two years of harsh training he was one of three who made it to graduation. His friends had been assigned to other parts of Equestria respectfully as Guardian Rangers but Finn didn't want that life, surrounded by cities and familiarity. No, he preferred to wilds and the adventure of the unknown. When asked where he would have liked to be stationed Finn's immediate response was to be a Reconnaissance Ranger. It was a dangerous role reserved only for the bravest of the Rangers. Their job was to venture into the Unknown, well outside Equestria, to gather information and possibly find new resources for the kingdom. In recent years the number of these ponies declined, eventually leaving only two Rangers in the active Recon roles.
After much insistence and further training, Finn made his first flight past the Yaket Range. Wondering what lay ahead of him made him shiver in anticipation, knowing whatever lay ahead he would be ready for. How wrong he was.
The weather was unpredictable and violent, seas churned and swelled to towering heights, the ground would be ripped open as fire burst forth from it. At times the sky was clear and beautiful, but relax one minute and suddenly hurricane force winds and rain would threaten to throw you against the numerous floating rocks. At times the wind would freeze you and as soon as you tried to warm up The sun would be out in magnified force, causing lakes and rivers to dry within hours. That was nothing compared to the ones that inhabited these areas.
Monsters and beasts of all shapes and sizes roamed these lands in full stride. Finn was quickly reminded that he was the stranger here, and there was no help for him available. His first mission out in these wilds terrified him. He was ready to throw in the towel and ask to be transferred and become a Guardian Ranger. As he battled his way across the stormy sky he would have been killed if someone hadn't rescued him. It was another Recon Ranger by the name of Rock Steady that helped young Finn out. After nursing him back to strength Rock taught Finn all the tricks they learned to survive out in the Unknown. Months flew by and the two met up with the other Recon Ranger, a rather odd Unicorn named Summer Shades. She was a survival specialist and as the three made their way back to Equestria Finn learned all manners of skills from the two of them.
As they parted ways once they reached the border Rock turned to Finn. "Look young'un. These wilds aren't meant for anypony. They can drive you insane and end you in over a hundred different ways. But if you want to learn how to survive here it takes more than just a few months. You've already seen more in these past months than most ponies will ever see in their lifetime. It'd be a shame for you to give up that freedom."
Finn snapped back to reality as rain started coming down hard. "Guess you were right, Rock. I'm already too attached to this too give it up." Pulling down his goggles Finn steeled himself and flew into the storm.
It wasn't until the sun rose three times did Finn make it to the Crystal Empire. Barely able to keep his eyes open he landed just outside the castle steps. As he approached the doors the guards stopped him, giving a quizzical look at the hooded stranger.
"Do you have business here?" One pony asked in a professional tone.
Finn barely kept his eyes from rolling. Another reason he preferred the wilds was the lack of formality. Nevertheless he straightened his cloak and showed the badged on his scarf.
"Equestria Royal Ranger number twenty-seven, Reconnaissance Division. Here to restock and report in to Princess Cadance before making my way to Canterlot Headquarters."
The two guards immediately snapped to attention. While Rangers weren't members of the standing army, their training put them at the officer equivalent of Lieutenant and during conflicts the Rangers could be called upon to lead part of Equestria's forces.
Once he was show to his quarters Finn decided to wash up. Months in the Unknown one didn't really notice their smell until they made back into the border. After he cleaned up Finn made his way to the audience chambers.
"Is Princess Cadance available for me to report in?" Finn asked. The guard pony nodded and opened the doors.
Once again Finn was amazed at the sheer beauty if the Crystal Palace. While he himself could never feel comfortable surrounded by such luxuries he couldn't help but feel a little jealous for the guards stationed here. A warm meal and an actual bed could do wonders for someone's morale.
As Finn approached the throne he gave a bow to the pink princess. "Princess Cadance, Ranger twenty-seven here to report before returning to headquarters."
The pink alicorn laughed. "Come now Finn, please drop the formality. You've proven to be a loyal friend to the Crystal Empire when you rescued our ponies from the snow creatures that came from Mount Everhoof. You can lower your hood around us"
Finn kept his head bowed. "You give me too much credit, Princess. I did only as I was trained to do."
Cadance smiled at her husband who returned it knowingly. They knew the Reconnaissance Rangers were all business whenever they donned on their scarves and cloaks. Nopony could understand what these ponies went through to keep Equestria safe. However, with that came a loneliness among them that very few ponies could understand. Unlike their counterparts who were stationed around Equestria and in contact with others, the Recon ponies spent their days flying solo beyond the border.
After delivering his report Finn gathered his equipment and took a quick nap. Feeling recharged he quickly stretched his wings he took off once again towards Canterlot.
Finn had to admit, after months of flying in the Unknown's crazy weather, flying in the familiar skies of Equestria was a welcoming change. After soaring past the Crystal Mountains and doing a flyby down Neighagra Falls he saw the familiar buildings of Canterlot make their way onto the horizon. Zooming past the rooftops Finn landed in front of the castle gates.
Nodding to the guards he made sure his uniform was in proper order and proceeded to the audience hall. Once the doors opened he made his way into the hall. He could make out the smiling face of the white Alicorn past his hood. Off to her side he saw the Lunar Princess, her face neutral as she watched him approach.
As he reached the steps he lowered his hood and bowed, silently hoping his mane wasn't too messy. "Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Ranger number twenty-seven here to report on his findings in the Unknown."
Celestia smiled at the young colt. She remembered the first time she visited the training grounds years ago when he accidentally knocked over the marching line. She silently laughed remembering the clumsy young colt. Years later he proved to be a wonderful asset to the Rangers as he finished each mission with flying colors. However while many looked at it as talent she knew he spent countless nights training until he collapsed. Here was a young pony who took on one of the most demanding jobs in the kingdom and never asked for anything in return.
" - And so my latest findings include this crown, and several scrolls which I could not decipher. The language doesn't match anything we've gathered, however my guess is that it has something to do with a ritual of sorts." Finn finished, placing each item in front of him.
"Excellent work, Ranger twenty-seven." Luna said. "We'll place these items in the vault and start investigating immediately."
Finn bowed. "Thank you, Princess Luna. Once I've made the repairs to my equipment I'll head back out immediately."
Celestia's eyes widened. "You mean you're not going to take a rest? You've been gone for five months, twice as long as anypony has ever spent in the Unknown!"
The young pegasus nodded. "Yes Princess Celestia, I need to continue our work out there. Ever since Rock Steady retired there is only Ranger fourteen and myself making these expeditions. We need to find out more about these artifacts and I don't think I'll be much use finding answers here."
The Solar Princess sighed. A colt as young as him should be relishing a break, not throwing himself back into the Unknown repeatedly. "Very well, twenty-seven, you are dismissed."
With a bow Finn left the audience chamber. Making his way to the barracks he enjoyed the cool night air as he walked through the quieter streets of Canterlot. He stopped to pick up a hay burger and daisy fries before retiring to his room and hanging up his cloak. As he munched on his food he began reading his training manual, the words of Rock Steady coming back into his mind.
"Those who neglect the basics might as well be prepared to fail!"
"Wonder how retirement is treating you, Rock. Hope you're enjoying it." Finn said, absently chewing his fries.
"If you bothered to come by more than once a blue moon I could tell you all about it," Came a gruff voice.
With a startled yelp Finn fell out of his bed, spilling his food everywhere. Standing in the doorway was the familiar rough face of his old mentor.
"Looks like I've still got it if I can catch you off guard, rookie." Rock grinned as he watched the younger colt pick himself off the floor.
"Good to see you too, old timer." Finn grumbled, looking forlornly at his spilled fries. "Isn't past your bedtime?"
"Glad to see you're still respectful to your seniors," Rock looked at him in amusement. "And here I was worrying you'd forgotten your manners at the border."
Finn gave a small chuckle. "I'll remember to pick them up when I head back over that way."
Rock's smile faded a little. "You might want to remember them a little sooner than that, rookie."
Before Finn could ask what he was talking about, a second figure stepped into the doorway. Finn's jaw almost dropped as Princess Celestia smiled at the two ponies. He hastily dropped down to bow and Finn suddenly became self conscious about not wearing his cloak.
"Please Finn, stand." Princess Celestia watched the young colt rise from his bow. "I was just wondering if Rock and I could have a word with you."
"Of course, Princess," Finn said smartly. "You needn't even ask."
"Wonderful, let's take a walk shall we?" Princess Celestia turned and headed back towards the palace.
Finn quickly straightened out his mane and as he reached for his cloak the Princess's voice stopped him.
"You won't need that for this, Finn." As he turned to look at her in surprise she looked in his eyes. "I would like to have a conversation with the young colt Path Finder, not Ranger twenty-seven."
After some slight hesitation Finn followed the Princess and Rock up towards the castle. They walked in silence and it wasn't until they reached the palace gardens did the Princess turn to him.
"Finn, do you remember when I visited your training camp during your first year of training?"
The young colt nodded sheepishly. No way he'd forget that. He was so excited and eager to please he feel and tripped the entire parade line. His first chance to show the Princess what he could do and he royally messed up. He remembered the embarrassment the following months to come. He wondered where the Princess was going with this.
"After that I watched you train and train more than anypony else. I saw you overcome your setbacks despite all the teasing you were put through. I was proud to pin that badge onto your scarf." The Princess turned to him.
Finn just stared. He didn't know how to respond. Looking at the Princess in silence she continued.
"After you joined the Rangers and wished to be assigned to the Recon Division I wanted nothing more than to ask you to reconsider your decision. It wasn't the life for a young colt. Always in danger and alone. It's not a life for anypony, however we have a few exceptional ponies who are willing to go beyond our borders for the betterment of the kingdom." The Princess smiled at him and Rock, who had been sitting quietly to the side.
"Those ponies give up so much of their time working for the kingdom there is no time for anything else." Celestia continued. "Of course I'm talking about you, Rock Steady, and Summer Shades. You three have been exceptional in your work."
Finn was looking at his hooves in embarrassment. He wasn't used to this kind of praise. A simple "Good work" was enough for him. Listening to the Princess made him wish he could hide his reddening face under his hood.
"However, there comes a time I feel I must intervene." Celestia's voice changed. "Finn, can you tell me how many friends you've made in all your time working here? Close friends I mean, not fellow guard ponies"
The colt looked surprised. He wasn't expecting a question like this. "Uhhh…. well…. there's Rock. He's a friend. Also… Summer Shades and I are on good terms…"
Rock shook his head. "The Princess is talkin about real friends, close to your age rookie." He sighed as Finn turned to him with a hurt expression. "Don't misunderstand, you've been a great little buddy to mentor, and I know Summer Shades think that too even if she doesn't want to admit it. But let's be honest here rookie, you're still young enough to be my grandfoal."
Celestia turned to Finn. "You see Finn, what's been bothering me is that you are growing up too fast. You've taken on such a responsibility that you haven't taken the time to slow down and enjoy your youth. Colts your age should be enjoying their time off with friends, not consistently training in isolation."
"Princess, I don't understand." Finn began. "Being part of the Recon Division means being mission ready at any moment's notice. I don't have time to make friends when I have to be prepared for anything beyond the border at anytime."
"Then I suppose you'll have to find a new way to prepare for your next mission." Celestia stood up to her full height.
"Princess?" Finn kneeled and looked up at her.
"Path Finder, Ranger twenty-seven of the Equestria Royal Rangers," Celestia began, hoping her next choice of words were the correct ones. "I Princess Celestia give your your next assignment. For the next three months you are assigned to provide aid and security to my student in Ponyville. Rock Steady has agreed to temporarily be reactivated as a Ranger and will take charge of your assignments beyond the border."
Well there you go, my first chapter done! Hope you liked it. I know reading about an OC may be boring but I'm going to try and give him some better character development throughout this story. Again, this guy popped into my mind one tired evening so I decided to just jot it down. I hope the next chapter will be better than this one.
See you next time!