Inside the Castle of the Two Sisters, Star Phantom was hovering through the halls. He was looking for something special, something he wanted to give to a friend. He found his way to a room near the center of the castle. The room looked untouched, well then again, it was left untouched. Dust covered everything, cobwebs snaked their way into every nook and cranny, and almost every bit of fabric was nearly chewed away. He landed carefully in the room, and looked around. Then checked inside the cabinets and closets, making sure he didn't damage anything.

“Not here. Not there. Where could it be?” He scratched his head vigorously, as if doing so would give him an answer.

“You can fight dragons, ghost dogs, hunters, and Nightmare Moon! Yet you can't find a simple gift for a friend.” Star groaned. “Some friend Phantom.” The halfa landed on the ground, then leaned against the wall. His self-berating was interrupted by a cold chill going up his spine, and a ghostly mist exiting his mouth. The halfa instantly got up, his hooves glowing with ecto energy. He had to be prepared for anything, whichever ghost that decided to attack him here must be dangerous.

“Yeha! I am the Box Ghost!” Oh come on. “And I shall begin my reign of terror with this!” He whipped out a box, (shocker, I know) presenting it to Star.

“A box… seriously?”

“Oh ho. Not just any box, my terrified friend, for it contains the most powerful object that Princess Luna ever possessed. Haha! With this, I shall rule the world!”

That got Star's attention. It couldn't be, but only his luck allowed the possibility. He had to risk it.

The halfa charged up his ecto-ray and fired at the Box Ghost. The blast sent him flying into the nearest wall, leaving a small impact crater. Star attempted to grab the box, but the Box Ghost managed to use his powers to snatch it up.

“If you dare assume you can touch the Box Ghost’s Doomsday Box, then you are sorely mistaken!” He declared, followed by his usual “Beware!” The ghost quickly took off, an angry Star right behind him.

Star chased the Box Ghost around most of the Castle, flying through the halls, circling around the main throne room, avoiding decayed objects that were strewn all over the place, and, in the Box Ghost’s case, slamming into almost every wall put in front of them. He eventually remembered that he could faze through them, and did so to escape his persuitor to the outside world.

Star stayed close behind, which wasn’t really hard, and followed him down below the Castle, where the Portal to the Spirit Realm was kept. The Box Ghost dove right in, but Star halted just a few inches from the entrance.

Star only entered into the Spirit Realm once, and it wasn’t very long. He had to ask himself, was the contents of that box worth it? Was he willing to risk half-life and limb for that box? Did he really hate the Box Ghost? The halfa took a deep breath. “Yes, I am, and I do.” With that, he charged full speed into the swirling green mass that was, The Spirit Realm.

Star Phantom in:

Ghost Prison Blues

Sentence: Forever!!!

The chase was still on as the Box Ghost vainly attempted to escape the determined Star Phantom. Star lost track of how far he was into the Realm, but that wasn’t important in his mind at the moment. The only thing that mattered was that box.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, AJ and Big Mac were finishing up another row of apple trees. The orange mare looked toward the EverFree treeline with worry. Her big brother didn’t have to look at her to see her worried expression.

“Star’s gonna be fine, AJ,” he said calmly, “He’s probably just havin’ a hard time findin’ what he’s looking for.”

AppleJack sighed. “Ah know, Big Mac, but ah can’t help it. Somethin’ just feels…” Big Mac turned to look at her, an eyebrow raised in confusion. “Off.”

The massive stallion nodded his head. “Okay, let’s finish up this section and go check on him.”

AppleJack smiled. “Thanks, big brother.” With that, the two got back to work.

Star didn’t know how long he chased the Box Ghost. He only knew that it was getting more annoying by the second. It didn’t help that the lame ghost would not SHUT UP!

“Bla-ha! The Box Ghost! Will never shut up! For he is-” The universe seemed to have given the halfa a break, as the Box Ghost slammed into something large. Star quickly grabbed the box before it could float out into the swirling green void.

“Perfect, now I just need to-”

“Put your hooves where ah can see them punk.” Star snapped his around, thinking that Big Mac was behind him for a second. Instead, it was a stallion in a white suit, and black fedora hat. He was flanked by several ponies dressed in police riot gear uniforms.

“Well well well. Guess the warning wasn’t enough for you, was it punk?”

“Wait a minute,” Star said, his eyes widening as he remembered. “Walker?”

“That’s right punk.” Walker said, glaring at the halfa. “Now put your hooves up, you’re under arrest.”

“For what?!”

“Fighting outside of a designated area, and second offense of Living World Contraband in the Spirit Realm.” The ghost glared harder. “Do ah need tah add resisting arrest to the charges?”

Star’s answer was an ecto-blast, which sent several officers flying back. “Guess so.” Walker charged, surprising the halfa with a tackle. “Real shame too, to be arresting someone so young. But criminals always come in at any age.” Star struggled against the ghost’s monster grip, the present slowly floating out of his reach.

Walker noticed the present. “Officers, secure the contraband.”

“No please. I need that present, it’s too important!”

“Too bad punk. Ya already had your chance.” Star’s hooves were cuffed, and two more officers dragged him into the back of a cart, with a seat next to the Box Ghost.

The sun began to set over the Castle of the Two Sisters, a fact that made the two Apple Siblings more than nervous. Star has been gone for far longer than he said he would, and if there was one thing AppleJack and Big Mac knew, it was that he was always on time. They searched the whole castle, quickly arriving to the room Star wars searching.

“Golly, looks like a fight happened here alright.” AJ noted.

“Eeyup.” Big Mac pointed to the blast mark trail along the wall, leading out into the courtyard, and down to below the castle, where the portal to the Spirit Realm resided.

It didn’t take much for them to realize what had happened. Star chased a ghost into the Realm, and was now lost inside. But not for long, AJ and Big Mac ran back toward Ponyville.

AJ slammed open the door, surprising Doctor Whooves. “Goodness me, AppleJack. Don’t barge in like that!”

“Ah’m real sorry, Doc. But we got a he-uge problem!”

“Eeyup!”

“What could be the issue, my friends?” The Doc asked. The siblings looked at each other, a silent conversation took place within their stares. It made the earth pony a little uncomfortable. After a minute of staring, the two relented, and faced the Doctor.

“It’s about Star, and… Inviso-Bill.”

The Doctor’s eyes widened, then narrowed. “Explain.”

Star sat hoof-cuffed in the back of a cart, pulled by two other ghost prisoners, and three armed guards. In the cart, sharing the situation, was the Box Ghost, and two other ghosts in cuffs. One was large and buff, while the other was somewhat scrawnier. His gaze shifted between the two of them, an uncomfortable silence as toxic as the ecto energy surrounding them.

It ended when the large one spoke. “So, what are a couple of scrawny spirits doing in the back of one of Walker’s Carts?”

“I was declared a thief, apparently, I was stealing an apple that was in my own orchard.” The scrawny one explained, anger deep within his voice. “I had no idea that the orchard had grown in Walker’s Territory, none of my neighbors told me!” With a loud exhale, followed by a long inhale, the scrawny ghost calmed down. He then looked at Star.

“What’s your story?”

Star shrugged. “I was trying to get a box taken by a certain ghost.” He said, not so subtly pointing at the Box Ghost. “Then Walker showed up and filed a bunch of random charges on me.”

“Ah, your fate is the same as many others, Halfa.”

Any response Star had died in his throat at the mention. To find out that a random ghost knows the truth is a little frightening. How many other ghosts know about his status? Did any of them plan on going after his family?!

The ghost laughed at the expression on the halfa’s face. “Yes, halfa. Most who live near your portal know of your existence, kind of hard not to when dozens of ghosts keep getting sent back through every week.”

Oh, right. How could he argue with that? Not to mention more than few of ghosts could be blabber mouths, one of them sharing the cart with them.

“Hey!” A guard called out. “No talking!” The four prisoners silenced themselves, choosing instead to look at the massive prison structure ahead of them. It had massive gothic purple walls, barbed wire spanning the perimeter. A massive iron gate seemed to be the only way out. Guards patrolled every inch of the outside, no doubt more would be inside. The small convoy stopped, with more guards appearing. They held strange devices in their hooves, they would make a beeping noise every couple of seconds as they scanned the carts.

After a minute, or two, the guards gave an all clear, allowing the carts to enter Walker’s Prison.

Doctor Hooves sat down, his face blank. AppleJack and Big Mac looked at each other in apprehension. They explained everything to the doctor. The incident with the book, Star’s powers, the fact that they “borrowed” some inventions in order to fight the ghosts better, and then some. The only thing to do now was wait for what he had to say.

And he said, “Grab some of the borrowed blasters, the ecto-rope, and the thermos. Meet me at my workshop outside of town in ten minutes.” What the two siblings did not expect. But they did as he asked, and ran back toward the Acres to grab the equipment.

Star Phantom was now sitting in a chair, dressed in black and white striped prison clothing, and wrapped in chains. A mere five feet away was the box that started this whole situation. It was just barely out of his reach, but that didn’t stop him from trying. After several failed attempts, the halfa gave up.

“Look, Mr. walker, sir. I understand I messed up. But you gotta understand that-”

“The only thing ah need tah understand, Punk,” The Ghost Warden interjected, “is that you wasted your chance at being a decent spirit, and not only that, you attacked officers of the Law.” He leaned in close, filling the halfa’s view. “So what you need to understand, is that ah take the Law very seriously within my territory. Ah do not negotiate with criminals. Once you commit a crime, ya gotta do the time.”

He then pulled out an overfilled book, titled Da Rulez. “Which, according to the rules is…”

“One Thousand Years.”

“One thousand years?!” Star exclaimed. “B-but… my family-”

“Should have raised you better, instead of the punk you are.” If Star could fire ecto-rays from his eyes. He would have blown a hole right through Walker’s head. No pony talked bad about his family.

“Guards!” Two of them opened the door, then came inside. “Escort our newest inmate to the Cafeteria.” The grin on his face told Star just how much pain he’s about to be in. “It’s lunchtime.”

AppleJack and Big Mac stood outside of a small shed on the edge of town. Sounds that could be heard on the other side of the door included: grunting, stuff falling, hammering, the occasional explosion, and a chicken. To say they were a little confused would be like saying Pinkie Pie was a little too excited, a complete and utter understatement.

The noise quieted down, and the door opened to reveal the Doctor covered in soot, with his tie wrapped around his forehead, and his mane streaking back. But his appearance didn’t seem to reflect his mood, as he spoke in an all too happy tone, “Come in, come in. Please, right this way… and watch your step.” The two siblings reluctantly entered the small shed.

At least, on the outside it was a small shed. Inside was not what the two expected. The floor suddenly jolted, and began sinking down. AJ looked over to see Doctor Hooves holding a lever in the down position. The elevator slowly descended to a much larger, more high tech looking basement. It had lab tables, equipment, and glasses filled with ectoplasm.

But the two big eye sores in the room were the large tarped object in the middle of the room, and the large gaping hole protected by glass and caution colors.

Once the elevator stopped, the Doctor stepped off and walked over to the tarp, the two siblings followed close behind.

"I present…" the stallion pulled on the tarp, sending it towards the ground, revealing a sleek, silver and green vehicle, complete with a cockpit and several cartoonishly large rocket engines. "The Ecto-Explorer 3000."

The Doctor began running around the vehicle in a manner of excitement that put Pinkie to shame. As he did, he listed all of the features.

"Powerful thrusters, anti-ecto weapons, scanner, radio transmitter, cushioned seats, four beds, a small cooker, and cup holders!"

So… yeah, a pretty advanced vehicle to say the least.

Aj and Big Mac looked at the vehicle in awe, to think the Doc could create this in his spare time, alongside all of the other stuff they’ve “borrowed” over the past few months, is incredible.

“Alright, load up the equipment, and let’s get underway.” The stallion was about to board the craft when AppleJack stopped him.

“Wait, how do ya know how tah find him?”

“Oh it’s simple, my dear.” Doctor Hooves walked past the mare, and went into the back. He opened a small locker, and pulled out…

“A… boomerang?” Big Mac asked, his normally intelligent brain completely lost in the purpose of the device.

“Yes, the Boooo-Merang.” The Doc stated, stretching out the O in a spoo~ky way. “It can track any ecto-signature in the world, all I need is a target sample. Which reminds me…” He put the boomerang down, and stepped forward. “Do you have any form of sample, anything would do.”

“But… ya never said we needed a sample.” AJ explained, panic setting in.

“Oh, right.” The Doc said in realization. He pondered, and pondered, until his ponderer was sore. Then he thought of something, he should have before. “That’s it.” He grabbed the thermos, and ran to a machine in the lab. He flipped a switch, activating a light. It was light blue, and revealed several hoof marks on the small container unit.

“Just as I thought. Star has hoofprints all over this. All I need is a swab, and I can obtain the ecto-taint on the thermos!” He pointed to a table covered in medical equipment. “Quick, grab a cotton swab from the table, and be careful not to touch the tips.”

Big Mac obeyed, and grabbed a swab with a plastic wrapped hoof. He carefully brought it over and handed it to the Doctor, who swabbed the thermos with both cotton tips. AJ then brought over the Boooo-Merang, and allowed the stallion to insert the swab into the receiver end of the device.

“Perfect. Now, give it a few seconds to analyze the ecto-signature.” The device beeps several times, once every second for the next ten seconds. Each beep put the two siblings on edge.

The beeping suddenly stopped, and a green check mark appeared on the small screen.

“Perfect, all set!” The three ran on board the Ecto-Explorer. Once sat, the window opened up. “Now,” Doctor Hooves told the device, “find Star Phantom!” He threw the device toward the hole in the wall, which opened up to reveal a swirling green mass within. The Apple Siblings stared in shock. The Doc had built a working Spirit Portal, and not a soul knew about it. The boomerang disappeared into the mass.

“Now, let’s follow that hilariously named device!” The Doctor pushed the thrusters all the way forward, sending the vehicle skyrocketing into the portal. After a bright flash, the swirling green void that was the Spirit Realm was revealed to them.

Star was marched into the large cafeteria, where hundreds of ghosts sat at long, bland tables. Any and all conversations ceased as he entered, all eyes fell on him. Eyes filled with hatred, anger, and hunger. The halfa audibly gulped when his eyes fell on a table containing some familiar faces.

The Box Ghost, Spectra, Desiree, Ember, and Skulker, in a shiny new suit of armor. He hunter stood up, and stomped over to the young stallion. He grinned maliciously.

“Well hello, Ghost Colt.”

He gripped the halfa’s throat, and squeezed. Star squirmed in his grasp, gasping for air. The guards simply stood there and watched. Star swore he could see small grins on their faces.

“Welcome to your new home, or should I say,” he pulled him close, “your new Tartarus.”

AppleJack and Big Mac stared in awe at the 'landscape' before them. Floating islands of purple hues patterned against a toxic green backdrop. It looked like a gothic painting come to life. As they stared, Doctor Hooves kept his eyes on the Boooo-Merang, following it to the location of one Star Phantom.

The device bobbed and weaved between islands, doors, ghosts, and whatever else was floating around inside this swirling mass of energy. The Doctor found it hard to keep up, but he was confident in his piloting skills getting the job done.

The gigantic, black and purple, angry dragon on the other hoof was going to be an issue. It slammed into the side of their vehicle, and roared loudly, sewing green fire from its throat.

Star slammed hard onto the table. The other prisoners watched with glee as the halfa was being demolished by Skulker. He groaned as the pain spread throughout his body. The ghost hunter stood over him, grinning in victory. “It's payback time, Ghost Child.” Star was picked up by the scruff of his fur, and pulled high above the gathering crowd of prisoners. The griffon prepared an armored fist for a heavy knock-out blow. Star had to think fast, and he did.

The fist came flying. “Stop!” The stallion placed his hooves in front of him, in case the request was denied. He waited until he realized that it did, as its owner looked at him expectantly.

With a deep breath, Star enacted his plan. “Okay, I admit it. I threw you all back into the realm.” Groans and growls were the sounds of agreement from the crowd. “But, I’m not the one who threw you in here.” Star pointed at the walls that surrounded them. He felt his hooves touch the floor, and the claw grappling his fur retracted.

“Go on.” Skulker demanded.

“It wasn’t me that came up with stupid rules to get ponies locked up, it was all Walker.” The halfa paused as he could see prisoners talking, whispering to each other, nodding heads in agreement. “I have a plan that can get us out of there, but we need to work together.”

Dead silence followed. All eyes turned to Skulker, as he stared blankly at the Ghost Colt before him. Star gulped nervously, sweat thankfully hidden by the color of his fur. Skulker then raised his fisted claw, Star was prepared for a fight, but the claw opened an invitation. Star accepted, putting hoof in claw, and shook.

“Now here’s what we need to do.”

The three ponies recoiled as their hi-tech cart was rammed by the dragon. “Trespassers!” It roared, more green fire blew from its mouth, heating up the metal vehicle.

“It’s trying to cook us alive.” The Doc said aloud. “Ha! Brilliant!”

“Doc, how’s about we don’t compliment that dragon tryin’ tah kill us.” AJ said angrily.

“Right, right. Sorry.” The dragon rammed them again, this time forcing the Explorer off course, and straight into the path of a large island.

“Doc, pull up!”

“I can’t!” He cried. “We’re going too fast!” All three of them shut their eyes, and braced for impact. A loud bang was heard, but none of the ponies felt a crash, nor heard metal being crunched. They opened their eyes to see that they were going through the island! Once they reached the other side, they stopped and watched as the dragon fell down into the spiral, unconscious. They quickly realized that the im[-act they heard was the dragon hitting the wall.

“Doc.”

“Yes, Big Mac?”

“Why didn’t ya tell us, your vehicle could do that?”

“That’s… because it shouldn’t.” The two siblings looked at him in shock. “I don’t know how to do it, I’m not a unicorn, or a ghost. It shouldn’t be possible.” The scientist pondered for a moment. “Unless…”

“Unless, what?” AJ hesitantly.

“Unless, our physical transparency is the opposite to the requirements of this realm! Our biology, our living pieces, are not within a density that it recognizes, like how the ghosts have a different density in our world!”

AppleJack put a hoof on his shoulder in order to stop his ramblings. “In Equish, Doc.”

He smiled sheepishly. “Right, sorry.” He took a deep breath. “The Spirit Realm, and the Real World don’t have the same physical properties, that’s how ghosts are able to defy the laws of physics when they invade. So if living ponies enter the Spirit Realm…”

“We don’t either!” AJ finished.

“Exactly, in other words, in the Spirit Realm, we’re the ghosts!” The realization quickly dawned on them, just how life changing this information could be. But that would have to wait, as a light on the console began to blink.

Star was flung right onto the counter, spilling food everywhere. “Ow.” He moaned pathetically. “My… ghost leg.” Two guards approached, satisfied grins on their faces.

“Another one for the Infirmary.” They were about to cuff him, when the halfa jumped. He slammed the two to the ground, grabbing one of their batons, and throwing to Skulker. The hunter caught it.

“Attack!” That sent the entire cafeteria into chaos. Prisoners rushed the surprised guards, tackling them and stealing their weapons. Star jumped off the two, joining the fray.

They were about to get up when a giant figure stood over them. An elderly pony wearing a kitchen uniform smiled sweetly at them. “Could I interest either of you gentlestallions with some apples?”

The two looked at each other before shaking their heads no. The sweet smile of the mare was gone, as a growl grew from the bowels of her throat. “Then dine on my fury!” She summoned two giant chicken legs, and began beating the guards off their heads with them.

The doors to the cafeteria opened, revealing a wall of guards armed with shields. They aimed their batons and fired. Several prisoners were caught, a ring of energy formed around their bodies, stopping them cold. Star ducked under one shot, and jumped over another. He landed next to Skulker, and the two were quickly surrounded by more guards. They smirked at each other, and formed a back-to-back formation. With a roar, they dove into the circle of guards, catching them off guard.

Star would punch, smack, blast, and kick his way through them, while Skulker punched, slammed, kicked, and crunched his was through. The fight ended in just a few seconds.

The remaining guards fell back, their line being overwhelmed by the sheer number of prisoners. They ran down the halls, trying to find somewhere to hold, but their adversaries just kept coming. Walker arrested thousands of ghosts, far more than the guards thought they could handle.

The prisoners charged for the open courtyard, and freedom. Star on the other hoof, tried to escape down another hallway.

“Wait, you’re going the wrong way!” He stopped when he heard Skulker shout. He stopped to see all of his enemies standing behind him, including the elderly pony from earlier.

“That’s right, dearie. You’re supposed to riot with the guards in here," she said sweetly, “and face your doom out there!” She roared. “She then smiled sweetly again, and presented a pie.

“No, thank you.” Star said politely. “I have a little meeting with the Warden.”

“... Okay.” The mare flew off, along with the others.

“Good luck, Ghost Child.” Skulker said. “I look forward to hunting you, on the other side.”

“Thanks… I think, you should really work on your speeches.”

The hunter laughed as Star ran off toward Walker’s Office.

When he was gone, Ember approached Skulker. “Do ya think the DIpstick has a chance?”

“He may not be as skilled as I, but he is a quick thinker. He’ll survive.” The two ran off in silence, until the rockstar asked.

“So, you single?” Skulker looked at her in surprise, then grinned like a goof.

Walker slammed his hoof on his desk as he yelled into the microphone. “Guards, what’s goin’ on down there? Somepony answer me!”

The door was kicked in, revealing Star Phantom out of his prison uniform. “How about saying please?” He quipped. “Saying ‘Please’ and ‘Thank You’ is a rule.”

“It is?” Walker asked in surprise. He opened his rulebook and began flipping through, when Star slammed it down on the desk.

A simple rule one learns from their respectful family.” He threw a punch, nailing Walker in the face. The halfa saw the present still floating in the corner. He smiled and reached for it, but Walker tackled him to the ground.

“Ya got guts, punk. But ah don’t tolerate gutsy lawbreakers.” Star quickly shot up, knocking the warden off of him. He turned and fired, blasting him into the back wall. Walker growled, and stood tall. Star blasted him again, but the stallion dodged with ease. He marched toward the panicking halfa, who slowly backed toward the wall.

“You just escalated the situation, as well as your sentence. Now, your execution is nigh. Prepare to meet your maker.” Walker summoned a whip sparking with electricity. “By the power vested in me, by me, I hereby sentence you to death. Any last words?”

Before Star could say anything, a massive silver and green covered cart phased through the wall. Both ponies looked in surprise as a door opened, and AppleJack came out. She aimed a blaster at the warden, and fired right into his chest.

“Yeah. Don’t mess with my family.” Star said as Big Mac helped him up. Walker growled, and charged at them. Big Mac pushed Star out of the way. The red stallion stood still as the ghost went right through him. Star stared in shock at the spectacle.

“W-what? But… WHAT?!”

“Star, in the Spirit Realm, we’re the ghosts!” AJ explained.

“We’re the ghosts?” Star pondered, then transformed back into Star Apple. He calmly walked over to the present, grabbed it, then began walking back to the Explorer. Walker tried to tackle him, but went right through the halfa.

“Why?” He tried again.

“Can’t?” And again.

“Ah?” and again.

“Touch you?!”

“Sorry Walker, you see, I’m not just a ghost, I’m alive.” He climbed aboard the vehicle, and smirked. “Your rules need not apply.” With that, the door closed, and the ponies sped off, leaving a dismayed Walker behind.

“NOOOOOOOOOO!”

Luna stared out at the night sky, the stars twinkled in a nice, beautiful pattern. She sighed, and closed the window, turning to head off to Night Court. As she reached the door, she heard something creak, and felt a cold wind blow. The alicorn turned to see the same window had opened. The curtains flew in the wind, obscuring something on the windowsill.

With magic, she grabbed a small box, wrapped up like a present. She cautiously opened it, removing the top, then peered inside. Her face grew into a grin, and with her magic, she pulled a small teddy bear from the box.

“StarSwirl the Bear!” The princess pulled the bear into a hug, almost missing the piece of paper that fell from the bear’s arm. She picked it up, and read the writing.

Found a little something from the old castle. See you at the Gala.

~ S. Phantom

Luna smiled, clutching the bear a little tighter. “Thank you, Star.” She said quietly. What she didn’t know was Star Phantom was listening from the roof.

He smiled. “You’re welcome.” With that, he took off, and flew back home, to get ready for the Grand Galloping Gala.

Author's Note

YESSS!!!! FINALLY!!! I FINISHED THIS CHAPTER!!!!!

After weeks of work, school, and moving to a new apartment, I finally finished this chapter! Now only one more to go.

Hope y'all enjoyed the latest chapter of Star Phantom, see you all at the Gala.