Celestia's sun blazed over the desert wastes of Southern Equestria. The only signs of any civilizations were the steel rails of the Equestrian Railroad and the train rolling over them. The train was being pulled by a team of rail stallions, since the locomotive broke down halfway through the journey. Inside the private car at the back of the train, AppleJack sat next to the bed, reading a bedtime story.

Once the story finished, she pulled the covers over the occupant of the bed, patting him gently. The tender moment ended with a scoff as Rarity entered the car.

“AppleJack, were you just reading a bedtime story to a… tree?!” AJ smiled sheepishly. Behind the white unicorn stood Star Apple, who rolled his eyes in amusement. His twin cared a lot about the apple trees on the farm, but she sometimes cared a little too much.

The halfa left the two to their discussion as he turned invisible and climbed onto the roof of the train. He looked around before a flash of light enveloped his body. An invisible Star Apple was quickly replaced by a visible Star Phantom, who took off into the sky with a cheer.

He flew at top speed through the open sky, doing flips and tricks with a grin on his face. Star did fly a lot back in Ponyville, but most of that time he was doing it to avoid getting blasted by ghosts, GIW agents, and to avoid the populace in general. But out here, where there was nothing to worry about, the halfa could feel completely free.

He noticed that the sun was setting, so he flew back down onto the roof, quickly transforming back into Star Apple. The stallion didn't bother staying in the sleeping car with the others, he knew what AJ and her friends were like together. He wouldn't be able to sleep a wink, and to be sleep deprived around his cousin Braeburn was a death sentence. Well, a full death sentence. He joked to himself as he climbed into the bed with Bloomburg.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, he felt a claw tap his shoulder. There stood Spike, who simply gestured toward the other car. Star smiled knowingly and made room on the bed for the little dragon. Once comfortable, he went right to sleep.

Star Phantom in:

Stampeding Quarrels

You Gotta Share! You Gotta Care!

Star's peaceful sleep was destroyed with the violent shaking of the car. He was thrown from the bed as the train car literally tilted from side to side. Somehow, Spike was asleep during all this. The halfa looked outside to see a massive herd of buffalo attacking the train. Several buffalo rammed the train, making it jolt.

Star quickly made priorities, first one being to get Spike to safety. He picked up the still sleeping dragon and made his way to the door of the car. To his shock, a smaller buffalo jumped down from the roof in front of him. She didn't notice him, however, choosing instead to disconnect the car from the rest of the train.

Star acted fast, and threw Spike over the buffalo's head into the other train car. Before she could turn around, Star transformed and took a stance. The buffalo's eyes widened in surprise and fear.

“Okay, pal. If you hate trains so much, take an airship!” Star floated in the air to avoid being jolted by the other buffalo pushing the train car away. The smaller one backed away, confusing Star a bit. The buffalo then glared and pulled out a strange, red flower. The halfa scoffed.

“What, you gonna give me allergies or something?”

“Be gone spirit! Back to the Realm of which you reside!” The, now obvious, female buffalo shouted as she threw the flower at Star. He could see a blood red mist rising from the petals, the air suddenly grew thicker. He found that he couldn't breath. A burn started to irritate his skin. Scratch that, this burn made his skin boil!

The half ghost let out a roar of pain, curling up in a vain attempt to end it. More of those flowers were thrown into the car, causing further pain. After what felt like an eternity of agony, Star Phantom finally had enough and reverted back to Star Apple. The buffalo witnessed the whole thing and gasped.

The next time Star woke up, his head was killing him, and his body felt like he just got cooked by the sun at the beach. He blinked before taking in his new surroundings. It looked like the inside of one of those funnel cones for ice cream.

What hit me? He asked himself. Then memories of his last fight came back to him. Oh sweet Celestia, don't tell me…

His plead was left unanswered as the same small buffalo from before entered the tent. In her mouth was a bowl of… something. Star didn't know what it was as he was too busy trying to get up. The buffalo realized he was awake and gasped. The bowl plopped to the ground, its content spilling out all over the floor.

Neither of them paid mind to it, however, as they were too busy staring each other down. Star pushed his mind into overdrive, doing multiple things at once. This included coming up with a plan of escape, a distraction, an explanation, and words to say to her.

Soon, his plan was formed. The first step was transforming into Phantom. Next followed step two. “Um… Hi?” It wasn't the best plan. The buffalo stared at him for a few seconds before diving her face toward the ground.

Uh, what's she doing?

“Oh Great One, please have mercy. I did not mean to injure you. Had I known who you were, I would have ceased hostilities!”

Great One? Me?! “Uh. I-it's fine. Really, um..." Star sputtered out, his mind was too confused to make his words come out right.

The buffalo rose. “Strong Heart, oh Great One.”

“Strong Heart. I don't take any offence.” Okay, getting better. Just stay calm. “If it isn't too much trouble, mind telling me where I am?”

“Of course, you are in our camp, just to the west of the Pony Settlement.” Star's eyes widened. He wasn't taken as far as he thought.

“Okay, now why did you attack the train?” Strong Heart winced, giving Star reason to raise an eyebrow in suspicion.

“I think it would be best if you talked to the Chief.” Star considered it for a moment, then nodded in agreement. He stood up and realized that he was still in Phantom Form. The halfa was about to change back, but stopped. He figured it might be a better idea to stay in this form incase something went wrong. Star followed Strong Heart out of the tent and into the open air of the Buffalo Camp.

To say Star was impressed was an understatement. Seeing so many buffalo that were trying destroy your ride is one thing, to see those same buffalo bowing before you as you walk past them is something else entirely. He inwardly cringed at the praise, not at all used to the concept.

It didn't take long for them to find the Chief. The massive buffalo easily towered over the smaller stallion, his feathered top even more so. Star may have faced mechanical bounty hunters, Alicorns in need of anger control, and ghosts of every size and every type, but the Chief was the most intimidating creature he's met so far. That's why his confusion grew tenfold when the massive buffalo bowed before him.

“I am honored to be in your presence, Great One.” He said. “I am Chief Thunderhooves.”

Star decided to bow back in respect. “Chief Thunderhooves. The pleasure is… all mine.” He replied, unsure of the proper response. “My name is Star Phantom.”

“Sir Star Phantom, I wish to offer my most sincere apologies for Strong Heart's actions. For she-”

“It's okay. She didn't know. I understand. I just have two questions about that, what was that flower she used?” Star asked with a raised eyebrow.

Chief Thunderhooves hummed loudly before speaking. “The flower is called a 'Blood Blossom.’ A rare flower with supernatural properties.” Star blinked, expecting more. “The flower creates a shield that reacts violently to spiritual energy, mostly to those of unwelcome spirits. They are our best defense against any spirit who intends to harm our tribe.” The halfa nodded.

“I get it. Nature's own anti-ghost defense.”

“Yes. In nature, it is important to have balance.” Thunderhooves explained. “For if one grew too powerful, negative effects would follow.”

“Okay, now why attack the train?” He crossed his arms, a small scowl forming on his face. His sister and friends were attacked, the buffalo should be lucky he wasn't angrier.

“A pony settlement has taken the land from us. Land we have used as a stampeding trail for generations. It is our sacred tradition to stampede along that sacred ground, for it is the path where spirits can roam among us in peace.”

Strong Heart stepped forward. “The settler ponies built an apple orchard over the trail, and spirits have become more violent over time. We cannot quell them if our connection to the land is being severed by the settlers.”

“I… see.” It was simple to understand. But to know that his extended family and their settlement was causing so much trouble was a little off putting. Now he had an answer as to why the train was attacked. A reason that didn't require him to further defend his sister and her friends. But now another question came to mind. So, with one curiosity satisfied, Star decided to indulge the other one.

“Also, why am I being called ‘Great One.’ I'm not all that good, am I?”

Thunderhooves said nothing. After moments of stillness, he pointed to the largest tent in the camp. His tent. Star looked at him with confusion, then moved inside. The Chief and Strong Heart followed quickly behind.

The tent seemed a lot bigger on the inside, slightly surprising Star. It seemed pretty standard. There was a bed mat, and some tapestry along the edge, but not much else. He looked back at Thunderhooves, who motioned for him to sit. Once he did, Thunderhooves spoke.

“Long ago, a spirit came to our ancestors…”

The Buffalo Tribe of Old sat around their campfire, doing traditional dances and prayers for better weather and good fortunes. Suddenly, a strange figure appeared through the smoke. While its image was obscured in the ash and soot, the buffalo could tell it was a pony.

“One day, a being of the living and the dead will rise, and bring a new age. I ask the buffalo to be his supporters, for many of his kind will reject him. Promise to protect him, fight for him, if need be. Be the first to lead the charge for change.”

Before the Elders could ask anything, the figure disappeared into the smoke. The entire tribe stood in silence, unsure of their future.

“Since then, we have prepared. Stampeding across the continent, gathering allies, learning more about the spirits. All we awaited for…” he paused for a moment. “Was you, Star Phantom.”

To say Star was shocked was like saying Pinkie Pie was a little silly. It was an understatement beyond comparison. Not only was he worshipped by buffalo, and who knows who else, and not only were there expectations for his becoming a halfa, but now he was expected to be the bringer of change?! There were too many questions bombarding his mind.

What change? How? When? Where? Why me? The list kept going. He looked up with a plea to Chief Thunderhooves for answers, but all he got was a solemn nod from the massive buffalo.

“I'm sorry, Star Phantom. We are as in the dark as you are. But know this, Star Phantom will always be welcome among the buffalo.” The two bowed in respect, then left. Star simply sat there, alone and confused, in the tent.

Several miles away, in the new pony settlement of Appleloosa, AppleJack was pacing back and forth in her room. Star has been missing for almost a day now, probably hogtied somewhere in a buffalo camp. She wanted to go after him, but Sheriff Silver Star wouldn't let them leave until tomorrow. The orange mare tried to sleep, knowing she would need the energy, but she couldn't. What kind of sister would she be if she wasn't panicking about her twin being ponynapped by buffalo, especially ones that hate Apples. She just hoped things would work themselves out when they find him tomorrow.

As night took over the sky, the buffalo settled into their tents for the night. The Chief entered his tent, and saw Star still sitting in the same spot, his eyes closed in troubled thought.

“Star Phantom.” The halfa opened his eyes and looked at the Chief. “The tent you awoke in is yours. You may sleep there undisturbed.”

Star nodded in thanks. “I'm going to negotiate with the settlers tomorrow.” The Chief blinked in surprise. “They're my family, and I don't want them to keep causing issues here. If the spirits are angry, then they need to understand that.” Thunderhooves nodded.

“Thank you, Great One. I shall have Strong Heart escort you to the settlement at first light.”

“Much appreciated.” With that, Star left for his tent, and decided to.sleep as much as he could. Tomorrow was going to be one heck of a day.

The next day came too quick for Star. His eyes were barely open and his movement was sluggish. The sun was but a speck on the horizon when he was awoken by Little Strongheart. Where the little buffalo got her energy, Star would never know. The timid little calf from yesterday was replaced by a eerily similar Pinkie Pie. The entire time they travelled, she would ask him about his adventures, fighting spirits, and dealing with ponies.

Star would tell her, though some things he kept vague, and she would ask for more. Her thirst for knowledge was almost as bad as Twilight's. Cause no one had a worse thirst for knowledge than Twilight. After while, Star got used to the questions, and even found it kind of fun to tell his adventures.

The sun was now truly high when everypony was ready. AppleJack tugged hard on Rarity's saddlebag, to which she whined “Gently please!”

“Sorry, Rarity.” AJ said. “But we gotta long way tah go if we wanna reach Buffalo territory. So we gotta hoof it.” The orange mare quickly lifted her own saddlebags onto her back and charged down the road…

Only to be stopped by the sight of Star Apple standing there casually as if nothing happened. It didn't take long for the mare to tackle her twin to the ground in relief. The stallion only seemed mildly surprised by the action, choosing instead to grip her tightly in a brotherly hug. The others quickly gathered around, each sounding relieved to see Star.

After a few more seconds, the two Apple twins got up. “Ah'm mighty glad tah see ya Star. How'd y'all escape the Buffalo.” Star scratched the back of his head, immediately telling her something was wrong.

“Actually. I didn't escape.” He turned toward a small rock off to the side of the road, and smiled. “Okay. You can come out now.” Little Strongheart jumped out from behind the rock, shocking the other ponies. The little buffalo waved and smiled sheepishly.

“Greetings.”

AppleJack gave her brother a look that demanded an explanation. He did so, explaining almost every detail of his time in the buffalo camp. By the time he was done, all seven ponies in the group looked at each other in silent agreement.

“Ah’m sorry bout what’s happenin’ with tha land and stuff.” Braeburn said. “But-”

“Now hold one apple pickin’ minute!” AJ cut in. “Ah understand the importance of tradition, but the settler ponies need those trees tah have food.”

Star frowned, why he didn’t see this coming, he’ll never know. “AJ, those trees have to go. They can be re-planted somewhere else.”

“Where? It’s the only good soil ‘round these parts!” Okay, Star was willing to admit that. But those trees had to go. Pinkie Pie jumped in.

“Wait! I have an idea…”

A little while later, the town was preparing for war. Barricades were set up around the town itself as residents prepared hundreds of pies for defense. Watching Appleloosa become a fortress, Star sighed, and facehoofed.

“Really, Pinkie? You thought a really crummy song would save the day?” He glared at the pink pony, who only shrugged in response. “I'm going to try one more time to get the Chief to listen to me. You girls try and do the same for the town.” With that, he ran off up the road, away from the town. Once clear, he transformed into Phantom, and flew off toward the Buffalo camp.

“Chief, you can't destroy the town!” Star exclaimed.

“Then what shall you have me do, Star Phantom?” Chief Thunderhooves asked with a voice of defeat. “Our land is gone. They refuse to give it back. I must do what is best for my people. I am truly sorry, Great One.” The Chief looked at the halfa in pity as he turned away. The massive buffalo sighed.

“I have given them until noon tomorrow, if they do not remove the trees from our trail by then…” He trailed off ominously, Star knew exactly what was going to happen. He stood up and flew off into the night, leaving the Buffalo to their preparations.

He followed the trail toward the town, studying it with a vigor. Soon enough, he was flying over the orchard. “Wait a minute.” The halfa flew down and landed in the middle of the orchard. He bent over and studied the ground with a growing interest. He could see a small indent that marked the trail leading through the orchard. Star then stood up, and looked around. There was still a good mile and a half of trees on either side, which meant there were more than enough trees to feed the town.

A look of determination grew on his face, and his hooves lit up with their toxic green ecto energy.

The sun rose above the horizon, a bright orange glow covered the barren desert landscape. While a normal sunrise would mean another day of hardwork and fun for the rest of Equestria, Appleloosa was the exception. As the sun rose over the small town, the residents ducked behind their makeshift fortifications and waited. Twilight and her friends watched with fear as the clock ticked closer to noon.

The hands were just inches away when the Buffalo appeared on the ridgeline above. The massive herd stood dominantly over the outnumbered pony settlers. Silence reigned over the town, the tension was thick, to say the least.

The clock struck 12, and the bell tolled 1.

The ponies readied their pies. 2.

The Buffalo lowered their heads to attack. 3.

Braeburn gulped as sweat poured down his head. 4.

The doors and windows were shut. 5.

Twilight and her friends watched anxiously. 6.

Strong Heart looked at her hooves in regret. 7.

Silver Star glared at the herd above. 8.

Chief Thunderhooves looked over the town, then to the Orchard, where the trees still stood. 9.

Sweat poured down the heads of everyone present. 10.

AppleJack desperately looked around for her brother, noticing his absence. 11.

As the final bell tolled, the two sides readies themselves for combat. 12.

Silence returned to the landscape. Thunderhooves prepared himself to give the order, but a hoof pressed against his cheek stopped him. The look of pleading from Strong Heart’s eyes put his mind into turmoil. Why was doing this? Why attack these ponies? What would come of this?

You Gotta Sha~re, You Gotta Ca~re! It’s the Right Thing to do! Pinkie sang, using the same outfit as the first time. The Chief’s anger returned tenfold. And the order came.

“Charge!”

The Herd had been unleashed. They charged down the hillside, their war cries shrill and loud.

“Ready.” The ponies grabbed their pies.

“Aim.” The Buffalo Stampede drew closer.

“Fire!” The pies were thrown, only a few actually hitting home. This did little to stop the stampede as they barged through the first line of fortifications. The ponies charged in, the Battle of Appleloosa began.

In the Apple Orchard, Star Phantom was blasting away at the trees along the trail, either uprooting them or disintegrating them. There were only five rows left when the ground began to shake. His eyes widened when he realized what that meant.

“Oh no. I'm too late.” The halfa shot into the air, his back legs forming a tail to gain extra speed.

Star quickly arrived at the carnage that was Appleloosa. Ponies and Buffalo were clashing in semi-ridiculous duels. Apple pies flew through the air, most missing their target. He had to dodge one that was way off course.

He quickly realized that the Buffalo and Settlers were no longer willing to stop until either side won. He watched as Thunderhooves glared at Silver Star, lowering his head, and brandishing his horns. The halfa acted fast, and dove for a pie cart. He grabbed one of the pies and aimed.

“Hope my pies throwing skills haven't gotten rusty.” He flung the pie across the town. Thunderhooves prepared for impact against Silver Star's hay bale position, but it never happened, as a random pie slammed into his face. This knocked him off balance, sending the mighty Buffalo tumbling to the ground.

Everyone stopped as they witness the Chief tumble, and not get up. Tears formed in the eyes of them all, as the ponies saluted a worthy adversary. Star flew down and stood in front of them, a determined look on his face.

“This has to stop.” He turned around, another pie in hoof, and placed it in front of the Chief. His nose twitched, and the Buffalo swallowed the pie with glee.

“Yum.” Star smiled and turned back to the crowd.

“I have a better idea.”

Not long after, the Appleloosans were hard at work, chopping down the remaining trees along the trail. Once clear, the Buffalo ran through the Orchard along the trail, shaking the ground as they passed. The shaking caused the apples to fall from their branches, and be collected by the ponies.

Star Phantom, Chief Thunderhooves, and Sheriff Silver Star, watched the process from a nearby hilltop.

“And there you go.” Star said, gesturing to the orchard. “Appleloosa gets to keep their trees, and in exchange, the Buffalo have their trail.”

Thunderhooves nodded. “And do not forget to share some of those delicious apple pies.”

Silver Star chuckled. “No problem there, partner.” He then turned to Star. “Thanks Inviso-Bill. We couldn't have done it without ya.”

Star sighed. “You can thank me by calling me Star Phantom.” All three laughed.

Star Phantom and Silver Star shook hooves. “If ya ever find yourself in a bad way, just call us Appleloosans in.”

“The Buffalo Tribes shall answer you call as well, Sir Phantom.”

Star rubbed the back of his neck with embarrassment. “You guys don't have to do that, but thanks.” With that, he took off and flew into the sunset, unaware of the two mares watching him with suspicion.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle glared the stallion, pondering what his plan was.

Author's Note

Ooh, Potential Storyline. I wonder what will become of this new development?