Star Phantom: Ghost Stallion of Ponyville

It was night time at the Ponyville Train Station. The building was empty except for the packages left for the morning mail train, and the ghostly conductor floating around the ticket office. He pulled out his watch and groaned in annoyance. “Late again!”

“Sorry, my sister always says I'm a bit behind schedule.” The ghost conductor looked over to see Star Phantom phase through the wall. “But I'm sure I'll make the morning express.” The conductor was about to say something when Star blasted him with an ecto-ray. “Sorry, no ticket.”

This got the conductor mad. “You stinkin’ tramp.” He growled before he summoned a hammer.

“Yikes, and I thought my old teachers were grouchy when they didn't get my paperwork.” He ducked to avoid having his head slammed by the hammer as the conductor ghost swung wildly.

Star elbowed him in the gut before blasting him into the ground. The ghost wobbled up, taken aback by the blow. “Guys, now!” Star shouted. On que, the door to the station was kicked open and AJ and Big Mac barged in.

“Room clear!” Big Mac shouted right before Applejack sucked the ghost into the thermos.

“You dirty, no good tramps!” were his last words before the lid was slammed shut.

“Room clear?” AJ snickered, “Ya know we ain't Royal Guard, right?” Big Mac just grinned sheepishly and shrugged as AJ handed him the thermos.

“Could you guys focus a little bit?” Star floated down in front of them. “You two wanted to come along and help, so please take this seriously.”

“Relax Star.” AJ said, “We can handle this.” She patted her brother hard on the back, hard enough to make him drop the thermos. The impact forced it open and all the ghosts inside immediately flew off into the night. Now it was Applejack’s turn to grin sheepishly as her siblings glared at her.

The whole incident could be seen from a pair of high-tech binoculars. “Huh, so he has ponies helping him out.” The figure lowered his binoculars. “Still, that's a quality prize.” The conductor ghost floated up to the suited Griffon. “Ask me for a ticket and I'll atomize you.” The conductor looked at him with fear for a second before returning to a pissed off expression

“Damn tramps.” He muttered before flying off. The griffon rolled his eyes, then flew off to his hideout.

Star Phantom in:
Hunter’s Scourge.

It was the next day as most of the Apple Family sat down to breakfast. “AJ, where's yur brother?” Granny Smith asked as she put the plate of pancakes on the table.

“Probably still sleeping.” She said simply, truth.
“Again?” Granny raised an eyebrow. “He's been doin’ that a lot lately. But why?”

“All the gho-” Big Mac elbowed the orange mare in the gut, cutting her off. “-orgeous stars out at night. Y'all know how much he loves ‘em.” Half-truth.

Granny sighed. “Applebloom, go wake up yur brother.” The little filly nodded, then ran up the stairs.

It was at that moment that Star Phantom decided to arrive in his room, with large, dark bags under his eyes. He transformed back into Star Apple and landed belly first onto his bed. He was up all night recapturing those ghosts, but he got them all and now he could sleep.

For about 8 seconds before Applebloom pounded on his door. “Get up Star, it's time fur breakfast!” Damn she was loud. He groaned before sluggishly getting up from the bed. He walked over and opened the door. Applebloom was already heading back downstairs, knowing she got him up. Star sighed, then headed downstairs.

He wasn't even in the kitchen when he could hear Granny hollering at him. “Star Apple, ah know ya like tah see the stars at night.” Star looked at his twin and older brother with a raised eyebrow. They not-so-subtly motioned for him to play along. “But ya can't do it all night. Ya need sleep.”

“Right, sorry Granny, won't happen again.”

“Ah hope so, now sit down and eat, y'all got work to do.” Star quickly sat down and gobbled up his stack of pancakes. Breakfast was always quick in the Apple Family.

It was a little later when Star was at the market with the cart again. He leaned against the counter trying not to fall asleep. He hated pulling all nighters trying to fight ghosts, but he didn't have much choice. At least it wasn't a busy day. Maybe he could just take a small nap.

“Hey Star!”

Or not. Maybe he could work. “Hey Pinkie, what's up?”

“Have you seen Rainbow Dash around?” The pink pony asked.

“Not this morning, no.” Star shrugged. “She was supposed to talk to AJ later about the weather, but I don't know when later is.”

“Duh, later is later, silly.” Star just stared at her. “Oh well, thanks anyway.” With that, the strange mare literally bounced away. Star sighed.

It's just Pinkie being Pinkie. Don't dwell on it. Star leaned his head back down, hoping that no one else would interrupt him. He felt a large piece of cold air leave his mouth. The half-ghost groaned before ducking behind the counter and changing into Phantom.

He quickly flew off into the air and immediately saw who was causing the problem. “Will you be my friend?!” A large, blue earth pony stallion without a cutie mark was flying around the market, scaring the shoppers and shopkeepers.

“Klemper.” Star muttered. This guy was almost as annoying as the Box Ghost. He flew up to the stallion and tapped his shoulder.

The ghost turned around with a smile, expecting a friend. “Klemper, what are you doing here?” Phantom asked.

“Well, a griffon told me he would be my friend if I found you and… well, I just wanted some friends.” He looked at the ground sadly.

“Wait, what griffon?” Star asked.

“This griffon.” Star had no time to turn around before a glowing green net wrapped itself around him. The weight sent him flying into the ground, hard. He quickly blinked away the spots and looked at his attacker. A giant, armored griffon landed on the ground in front of him. It's glowing green eyes showing nothing but sadistic pleasure.

“Who are you?” The trapped pony asked.

“I… am Skulker, the World's Greatest Hunter.” The griffon said, standing proudly. “And you… are my latest prize.” Star’s eyes widened.

“What?!”

“That's right ghost child.” The griffon taunted. “You'll be a famous attraction in my zoo.” He pulled out a picture that showed all sorts of monsters in different cages. “I've collected all sorts of monsters and creatures across the globe, and now I have a ghost in my collection.” He grinned maliciously, “I hope you like performing, because-”

“Will you be my friend now?!” Klemper chose the best time to interrupt. Skulker growled before firing a net at the friend seeking ghost, trapping him.

This was the perfect distraction for Star, who phased into the ground. Skulker looked back to see his prize gone. He looked around frantically until Star reappeared, hoof first, out of the ground. The hoof found solid ground on the hunter’s chin, sending him flying into the air.

Star looked at his hoof, which was now throbbing in pain. “What is this guy made out of?” He didn't have time to dwell on it as a missile came screaming at him. Star screamed and flew high into the air, the missile following close behind.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Big Mac and Applejack were doing their usual work when they heard a whoosh and felt a large wind above their heads. They both looked up to see Rainbow Dash hovering about them. “AJ, you have to hurry!” She shouted. “The ghost punk and some armored griffon are destroying the market!” The Apple siblings’ eyes widened. AJ wasted no time running after Rainbow as she flew back toward town.

Please be safe Star.

Star looked back just in time for the missile to catch up with him. He quickly fired an ecto-blast at it, which wasn't a good idea in hindsight. The missile exploded and the blast sent Star spiraling toward the ground.

Skulker grinned like a maniac as he watched his prize fall. He then prepared a net and a cage. Time to collect. He aimed his net launcher at the falling phantom, but he never got the chance to fire.

He was knocked several feet to the left by something hitting him in the side. He glared at whoever just pushed him, but stopped when he saw who it was. Rainbow Dash. Uh oh. I forgot she lived here.

“Hey creep.” She said. “Leave our town alone.”

“Hey hey, take it easy.” Skulker put his claws up. “I'm just here for the ghost colt.”

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. “Yeah, and destroying half the market in the process.” She got into a boxing pose. “Now either put em up or leave!”

Skulker sighed, then looked at his target, who found a landing spot on a nearby roof. He glared. “Next time ghost colt.” Then disappeared before Rainbow could land a punch.

“Dang It!”

Star groaned as he got up from his rooftop crash site. It's the middle of the day, why all the stars? He shook his head to clear his vision when he saw the destruction caused in their fight. “Welp, so much for market day.” He muttered before he turned invisible and flew off. Not dealing with pissed off crowds today.

He quickly found a spot to transform and blend back into the crowds without anypony noticing. Except for his sister, who immediately tackled him in a hug. “Star, ah'm so glad ur alright.”

“I'd be better if you weren’t crushing my bruised ribs!” He cried through gritted teeth.

AJ immediately backed off and started looking him over. “Did he cut you, how many hooves am ah holdin’ up?”

“One, it's always one.” Star sighed. “Just a bit bruised. But that gear. It was so high tech.”

“How high tech we talkin’?” AJ asked as the two walked back toward Sweet Apple Acres.

“Really high tech. Ghost tracking weapons, blasters, nets-” Star blinked, then realized. “Klemper!”

Twilight looked ready to blow up another building. How could one ghost be so annoying?!

“Will you be my friend?” Klemper asked again. “Please?”

“No!” Twilight shouted. “Now come with me!” She grabbed the net with her magic and started to tug when a blue light grabbed the captured ghost and sucked him into a thermos, held by Star Phantom.

“The only place he's going…” He closed the lid and sealed it up. “Is back to the Spirit Realm.”

“Hey!” Twilight shouted. But it went unheard as Phantom flew off into the Everfree. Twilight was about to give chase when a brown stallion stepped in front of her.

“Miss Twilight, so glad you made it.” Doctor Hooves exclaimed. “We really need your magic to help clean up the mess.” Twilight groaned before agreeing to help. He'll be back.

Star would always do this at the end of the day. After collecting the ghosts, he would fly into the Everfree. The reason being was that there was a natural Spirit Portal that formed not far from the castle. He could easily dump any ghost from the thermos since it had the launching feature. All he has to do is point the contraption forward and fire the ghosts back toward the other side. A simple process.

Too bad it was made complicated by his paranoia. Star constantly looked over his shoulder to make sure the griffon wasn't following him. He could be anywhere. He finally reached the portal, inside a small cave just a couple of yards away from the Castle of the Two Sisters. Which reminds me, I should check up on how Luna’s doing. He thought as he went through the dumping process. Maybe if I get some actual sleep tonight, I can talk to her through a dream.

Klemper and the other ghosts he caught went flying back through the portal, with Klemper asking all of them if they would be his friends. I almost feel sorry him… and them.

He scanned the skies one last time before flying back into town, invisible of course.

Some time went by and the town went back to some form of normality. Most of the damage was fixed and the market was reopen. The only difference now was Star constantly looking around nervously. I can't believe I actually have a hunter after me. Where could he be and why did he run when he had me? His thoughts were interrupted by some soft giggling. He looked around, but couldn't see anyone.

He sighed, then turned back to his cart, which now had oranges instead of apples. “Wait what?!” The soft giggling turned to laughter as Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie appeared from the nearby bushes with large sacks full of apples. Star gave them a sly smile before laughing along with them. “Okay, ya got me.” He said as he stopped. “Now put my apples back, I got work to do.” But they were already gone.

Star sighed, then went to rearrange everything. He gasped a breath of cold air right before one of the apples exploded. The ghost colt was suddenly pinned to the ground with glowing blue slime covering his mouth and hoofs.

“Got you now.” Skulker appeared out of nowhere, his teeth glowing brightly from his wide smile. Star tried to figure a way out of the situation. The goop disappeared from his mouth.

“Wait, you got the wrong stallion, I'm no ghost.”

“Cut the act ghost colt, I already know.” Star’s eyes widened. If this griffon knew, then he couldn't hide.

“How… how’d you find out?” Star asked nervously.

“A hunter always observes his prey, learns it's habits, it's patterns.” He paused to glare evilly at the half-ghost. “It's home.”

Oh sweet Celestia, please no. “Look, do whatever you want with me, just leave my family out of this!” Star was begging.

“Don't worry, I won't. Hunter's honor.” Skulker said, placing his right hand over his chest. “As long as you cooperate and they don't interfere.”

“You leave my brother alone!” Both of them looked over to see Applejack charging at them, rope in hoof.

Skulker’s smile grew larger and sharper. “Well, guess who's about to interfere.” Star’s eyes widened in fear before they glowed toxic green with fury. The ghost colt tried to figure out a way to escape before AJ got hurt.

AJ grabbed the rope with her mouth, and whipped it at Skulker. He just stood there and went intangible, expecting the rope to phase right through him. What he didn't expect was the rope to wrap perfectly around his waist and yank him into the air.

AJ spun the griffon around a few times before yanking the rope toward her. The force of the pull against his body caused the knot on the rope to come undone and sent Skulker soaring a few blocks away. The sight of the ghost griffon threw the town into a panic. This gained the attention of Twilight Sparkle, who immediately ran to her library.

“AJ, you should not have done that!” Star shouted.

“This is no time to be noble and fight mah battles, ah’m helpin’ you.” She said as she ripped the goo off of Star’s hooves.

“No, you don't understand.” Star exclaimed. He then explained the deal he made with Skulker, which only angered Applejack.

“Star, we're family. We ain't leavin’ ya alone tah fight like that. Let him make his threats.” She stood proudly. “Big Mac and Ah can handle ourselves.”

“You can, but what about Granny and Bloom?” That woke his twin right up.

“Oh.” The fear that thought produced covered her face.

“Yeah ‘oh’.” Star sighed. “I'm thankful for the save, but we better get back and warn Big Mac. We need to keep our family close.” AJ nodded, and the two quickly closed down the shop before heading home.

To say the three siblings didn't sleep well that night would be a massive understatement.

It was the next day in town. Star was working the Apple cart with Granny while AJ and Big Mac worked the fields and Applebloom was in school. Star looked around, treating everything be touched like a landmine. That hunter could be anywhere, laid any trap.

“Worried bout some ghost comin’ tah get ye?” Star looked at his grandmother who looked at him with a teasing face. She laughed at the slightly confused looked on his face, unaware at how spot on she was. “I'm just kiddin’ yuggin’. If y'all are feelin’ antsy, go get somethin’ tah eat. Ah cun run the cart fur a few.”

“Are ya sure Granny?” He asked, worried about leaving her alone.

Granny scoffed. “Ah used tah run an entire store all by my lonesome. Ah cun run a cart fur days if ah had tah.” She suddenly felt something tap her back and looked to see nothing there. Star would have called out the tail that poked from behind the cart when his ghost sense went off.

“You know what Granny, I'll go do that right now, be back in a bit.” He immediately ran into a nearby alley, and transformed. He flew off into the air and had to immediately dodge an ecto blast that was aimed at his head.

“Not wasting time, eh Skulker.”

The hunter in question immediately made himself known. “You're right, I want this done when there can't be interruptions.” He aimed a claw forward and several spats of goo shot out, which Star dodged with ease.

“Ah! Nice aim dweeb!” A voice called out from below. This left Star confused and humored while Skulker was stunned.

Below them was another griffon covered in goo, who looked extremely pissed off compared to hurt. “Gilda.” The armored griffon murmured. Star took advantage of this by blasting him with a focused ecto-blast, the force of the impact sending Skulker further away from town.

The ghost colt immediately gave chase, completely ignoring the seething griffon below as she removed the last of the goo. “Nice going, stupid ghosts.” She walked down the street with her barely contained rage, right into a yellow pegasus with a pink mane.

Star chose to ignore the loud roar that came from town. Big Mac probably just stubbed his hoof on a root again. Instead, he continued to evade several shots from Skulker by using the trees of the Everfree to his advantage. The battle quickly shifted into the Everfree forest, with both sides cut up and dented. It was a long battle either, but both combatants were giving it their all.

“Hold still you rodent!” Skulker shouted right before firing another missle. Star easily avoided it by weaving between the trees. Star lead the hunter further into the forest, looking for a specific spot. “Stay and fight me like a true ghost!”

He wants a ghost to fight, he'll get one. Star fired a blast as the hunter, which missed and only served to annoy him even more. “If you're going to miss child, at least make it closer.” What hunter tells a prey how to defend themselves better?

Star sped off further into the forest, Skulker following close behind. The chase continued on until Star found a large cave. There you are. He grinned before flying into a cave and making himself invisible. Skulker followed him in immediately afterward.

The cave was pitch black, forcing Skulker to activate his flashlight. He looked around, but couldn't see the ghost colt. “Where is that whelp?” He was so focused on finding Star that he didn't noticed the giant blue star bear that was groggily waking up.

Skulker’s ghost tracking equipment started going wild, greatly confusing him. “That ghost punk doesn't have that much spectral energy, where is this coming from?” A very loud growl gave him his answer. Skulker slowly turned around to see an Ursa Minor stand menacingly over him, his sharp teeth and claws shining their own glow.

Skulker only had two words to say to this twist. “Well s-” Words he never finished before the glowing bear attacked.

Star could hear the carnage from outside the cave as he sat lazily on a rock, waiting until it was all over. He came up with the plan last night after he was supposed to go to bed. He was to lure Skulker into the cave, have either the Ursa Major or Minor tear him apart, and deal with what was left. Simple, and if he failed. His older brother and twin sister could handle themselves. They “borrowed” enough equipment from Doctor Whooves, like the thermos and spectral rope to name a couple, and skills to hold their own. He could trust them to make it out okay. Of course, Star still felt a little hesitant to let them help out in fights, he assured himself that they could do it.

He smiled in comfort right before Skulker's mangled armor came out in bits and pieces. First the legs, then the wings, then the torso, and finally the head, which had tiny, green legs sticking out through a hole where the neck should be. Star raised an eyebrow as he investigated the sight.

He grabbed one of the legs and pulled the creature out. It was like a little green blob with a face, two legs, and two arms. “Fear me ghost child.” It said. “For I am Skulker, the greatest hunter in the world!” Star was trying so hard not to laugh. You gotta be kidding me. He pulled out the thermos and dropped Skulker into the blue beam. The hunter’s threats were silenced by the close of the cap.

“Yeah, I'll fear ya alright.” Star laughed. “I'll dump him into the portal tomorrow.” With that problem solved, the half ghost took off back toward town, where a very pissed off griffon just left.

It was late at night once again at Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack told Star all about the griffon Gilda, who blew up at the party thrown by Pinkie after she was pranked one too many times. So overall, they weren't given the best representation of griffons this week.

With the entire family fast asleep, Star thought about what to say to Luna. “I can't just write ‘Hey, Your Highness, wanna chat about ghosts?’” He said to himself. “I'll just sleep on it.” On that thought, he floated from his chair to his bed, making little to no noise. He got under the covers and fell asleep in an instant.

The entire space was filled with stars. StarShine was enjoying immensely. I bet I can name all the constellations in here.

“I bet you could too.” Star turned to see Luna appear from a random door. He quickly bowed, causing Luna to giggle. “Star, you do not need to bow to me, remember?” Star got up and smiled sheepishly while blushing.

“Right, sorry.” He said right before he realised, “Luna, what are you doing here?” The alicorn smiled.

“I am the Princess of the Night, Star.” She explained. “My duties include guarding the dreams of my subjects. I was just practicing the spell and thought I would come visit.”

“Wow Luna, that's incredible!” Star exclaimed. “Also, glad to see you're getting over the olden speech thing.”

Luna smiled. “Thank you, although I still break into it in some situations, it's not too much of a problem.”

“Well that's good.” Star noticed a patch of grass take form under him. He was about to sit down when he remembered the royalty in the room. “Would you like to sit down?” He said with an added motion with his hoof. Luna gladly took the offer and sat next to the stallion. They sat in silence for a few moments before Star spoke again.

“I never got to thank you properly for the ticket.”

“Of course, tis the least I could do after saving me.” Star laughed at that.

“I wouldn't call knocking you around saving you.” He said with guilt. “If there were another way, I would've-”

“Star.” Luna interrupted. “You did the right thing, I was pretty, as you say, ‘bat turd crazy’ at the time.”

“Thanks to that spirit possessing you.” He interrupted.

“Never interrupt me while I am interrupting you.” Luna chastised playfully. “Which reminds me, have you had any more adventures since we last spoke?” Star broke out laughing. “I'll take that as a yes.”

Star took a good four seconds to calm down. “Adventures wouldn't be the best way to describe fighting dragon possessed ponies, a wishing ghost, and a high tech hunter.”

“Well, care to tell?” Luna asked, getting comfortable. “We have a couple of hours til dawn. Maybe tell me a few adventures from before my arrival.” Star smiled and told her the many events that were thrust upon him ever since he became Star Phantom.