Star Phantom: Ghost Stallion of Ponyville

Two weeks went by since Star’s Adventure in Canterlot, and he was still trying to piece everything together. Now the Anti-Spirit Laws were becoming stricter, and the new Anti-Spirit Guard Branch, aka the Guards In White, were activating. Life had gotten complicated, well, more complicated than it already was. Applejack and Big Mac were beyond shocked when he told them, and it didn't help AJ when she had to deal with a dragon and endure a sleepover with Rarity afterwards.

Star kept low for those events, giving time for his trail to go cold. He had to look over his shoulder the entire way home, and that was while he was in his normal form. To say Star was paranoid was an understatement.

But today, he was hoping to finally have a chance to relax. Today was market day, this day was his therapy, where he could just sell apples and not worry about being captured and dissected by a shadow organization.

Sweet Celestia, a counselor would have a field day with me. He thought as he walked into town. His thoughts were broken by something different. Normally his thoughts were broken by a random pony trying to talk to him, or a ghost trying blast a hole in him, but this time, it was different. His thoughts were broken by the silence.

When did Market Day make Ponyville a Ghost Town? The earth pony blinked. Bad pun brain, very bad pun. He continued into town toward the market area. All the stalls were there, but they were closed. Strange.

Why is everypony hiding? Did Applejack lead another stampede into town? His silent jab at his twin was followed by the sound of scraping, like hooves digging into the dirt.

Okay… creep alert at maximum. Star ducked into an alley and transformed into Phantom. He went invisible before flying over toward the digging sound. It didn't take him long to find out what was causing the sound.

It was a cloaked figure standing in the middle of the market. What the heck is this? The cloak hood shifted slightly, indicating that the pony’s head was moving from left to right.

To the average pony, this may be scary. After all, ponies fear the unknown. But Star was different, he was the unknown, and he knew better than to assume. His Ma taught him better than that.

He was much younger in those days, he got into another fight with Dash Wing, a bully at school who got away with a lot because he had a cutie mark. His mother was nursing his bruises.

“Stupid Dash, why is he such a jerk to me?”

“Because, Sweetie.” Buttercup said. “He judged ya long before he knew ya, all he did was see your blank flank and judge. I know his folks well enough to know how they treat ponies without cutie marks.” His mother sighed. “Ah wish ponies didn't act like that, judge a pony by what you are rather than who you are. Deciding your not worth the love and care you deserve. If only he...” Star looked at his mother, and saw tears forming in her eyes. He gave his ma a big hug. She hugged him back and smiled.

“Promise me ya won't judge without getting to know somepony, Star.”

“I promise, Ma.” Buttercup broke the hug and helped her son up.

“Good, now come on. Help me make a cake for the Cakes. They're party’s tonight and I want to make it extra special.” The two walked into the kitchen, Star forgetting about his injuries at the thought of cake and a party.

Star sighed. I promise Ma. He dropped the invisibility and flew down.

Star Phantom in:

Discovering Zecora

Don't judge this chapter by its title.

At the same time, Applejack, her friends, and her little sister Applebloom, were all huddled inside a darkened Sugar Cube Corner. All of them were hiding from Zecora, the mysterious pony that showed up every once in a while, scaring everypony in town. Twilight, however, was not buying it.

“Okay then, what does Zecora do that makes her so scary?”

Rainbow Dash started off. “Well first, she shows up once a month.”
“Oh my.” Came the sarcasm of one Twilight Sparkle.

“Then.” Continued Rarity, ignoring the purple unicorn. “She lurks by the stalls.”

“How mysterious.”

“And she'll dig at the ground.” Fluttershy added while reenacting the action.

“Good gracious.” Twilight did a mock fear expression before dropping the act. “I'm sorry, but that's just silly.” The purple unicorn started listing logical reasons for Zecora being here.

Feeling boredom coming on, Rainbow Dash decided to look out the window. To her shock, Zecora was talking to that ghost punk Inviso-Bill. “Hey, it’s Inviso-Bill!” This caught everypony’s attention, especially Twilight’s, AJ’s, and AppleBloom’s. All three of them had very different thoughts.

Twilight: Oh my gosh. If Inviso-Bill is working with Zecora, she must have some association with spirit magic, that’s illegal! Calm down Twilight, we don’t know for sure. Let’s look into this before calling the GIW.

AppleJack: What is Star doing? Who knows what Zecora could do to him! I can’t let him get tricked, but how do I help without looking suspicious?

AppleBloom: Woah! Inviso-Bill! If he’s brave enough to stand up to Zecora, then I should be too. Time to be a big pony! With that thought in mind, the little filly trotted out completely unnoticed by the distracted adults.

AppleBloom almost immediately regretted her decision. She wanted to be brave, like her hero, but she never talked to Inviso-Bill, and she’ll admit, she was slightly afraid after what happened when Trixie was in-town. AJ explained that it wasn’t his fault, that it was that weird orb she had that made him go nuts, so she gave him another chance. AB watched from behind Sugar Cube Corner. While she couldn’t hear much, she can tell the two were having a nice conversation, if their smiles were anything to go by.

She watched for a few more seconds until Star floated over toward the Apple Stall. What happened next shocked her and the adults hiding in Sugar Cube Corner. He grabbed two golden apples from the cart and gave them to the zebra!

The following is a list of reactions:

AppleBloom: Oh my gosh, AJ is gonna be so mad!

AppleJack: That monster is making my brother steal from his own family. She must be using a curse on him!

Twilight Sparkle: He's stealing for her. Why? Is she controlling him? Is he her partner in crime?!

Rainbow Dash: That punk!

Rarity: How dastardly.

Fluttershy: That meanie!

Pinkie Pie: I… I don't even know what she's thinking. All I can see are mixed up lyrics to an unfinished song and… so… many… sweets.

Unknown to either one of them, Star and Zecora continued their conversation. “While I am thankful to you, I cannot take without paying what is due.” Zecora said in her rhyming ways. The half ghost waved a hoof nonchalantly.

“Don't worry about it, consider it an apology for how my town is acting.” His smile made it hard to argue. The zebra smiled back, and nodded a thanks as she put the golden apples into her saddle bag.

“Still, a way of thanks is required, for your kindness is to be admired.” She thought for a moment before a loud growl echoed in the square. Zecora looked around as Star tried to cover his blush. It didn't work as she caught it and giggled.

“Sorry, had to skip breakfast this morning.” This gave Zecora an idea.

“If you refuse the bits I'd pay, perhaps some food will make you sway.” Star thought for a moment. Stay in a ghost town and stay hungry or follow the zebra into the Everfree and have some food. The choice was obvious.

“Lead the way.” The two walked/floated toward the edge of town and the forest, not noticing the little filly sneaking up behind them.

The trip was filled with chatter. Zecora asked Star all he knew about spirits, and the Spirit Realm. Much to his embarrassment, Star admitted that he didn't know much about any of it. Zecora accepted that, and decided to drop the subject. Instead, they started talking about the forest, and how it offers so much for ingredients for potions and other brews, a fact that greatly interested the half ghost.

Maybe I could ask her to help make stuff for AJ, Big Mac, and I to fight ghosts. But that would mean revealing my secret. Star thought for a moment longer. Maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing.

“Phantom.” Zecora started, but hesitated. Which greatly confused the stallion floating next to her. “While I know it is wrong of my to pry, I have to ask, how did one young such as you die?”

Star recoiled slightly. While he did not know much about ghosts, he did know that asking one how it died was very personal. Some actually go on a rampage when asked that question, the pain often being too much to bear again.

Zecora quickly realized her mistake. “Please, I beg for your forgiveness, I know that it should be none of my business.”

“No no. I don't mind all that much, it's just… spirits hate being asked that type of question.” He explained. “Like asking what you do in the closet sort of thing.”

“That, I can understand, I should have thought of that beforehand.”

Star shrugged. “It's no problem, just keep it in mind.” He looked down at the flowers, noticing how Zecora took extra care not to touch them. “So are these flowers toxic?”

“AppleBloom?!” The two snapped their heads back to see AppleBloom, who looked between them and the six mares of Ponyville behind her, all six of them were knee deep in the blue flowers.

“Oh boy.” Star muttered.

“Beware. Beware you Pony folk, those flowers of blue are not a joke.” Zecora said as she backed into the fog of the Everfree. Star quickly disappeared, knowing that he would have to keep an eye on the others to what those flowers would do.

AppleBloom, who was safely away from the flowers, was suddenly grabbed by AJ. “AppleBloom, what did ah say about followin’ strange ponies. Who knows what kinda crazy curse Zecora just put on you.”

Twilight walked up. “While I doubt Zecora can do curses, Inviso-Bill is dangerous.”

AJ didn't stay to listen, she was too angry at AppleBloom to trust her own mouth around Twilight. She went back home, ready to give Star a dang good talking to.

Star never felt more annoyed in his life. He knew that face on AJ as she came up the farm road. It was the face that said “Ah’m gonna give ya the tongue lashin’ of yur life!” Something that he was NOT in the mood for.

He waited for AJ to give AB her punishment, which was extra chores in the morning, and to be supervised by somepony at all times. Once the punishment was given, the twins went into Star’s room to talk.

“What were you thinkin’, Star?” AJ said, barely above a whisper. Star responded at the same volume.

“Well sorry for getting to know somepony.”

“She's dangerous Star.”

“How do you know that?”

“Cause ah have no reason tah trust her. She ain't like us!”

Star glared angrily at his twin, memories of that talk with ButterCup came flooding back. “Ma would be so ashamed of you.”

AJ recoiled in shock from the comment. “Get out AJ. I'm going tah bed.” In seconds, the orange earth pony was flung out of the room, followed by the sound of the door slamming and locking.

AppleJack stared at the door for a few seconds before heading to her own room and having a restless night.

It was early the next morning, at least for the rest of Ponyville. For the Apple Family, sunrise was late. Thankfully, Star wasn’t late. He was up, bright and early in the Orchard. He was currently in Phantom form, using his ghost strength to get the apples down faster. The half ghost thought about Zecora, and telling her his secret.

Should I really tell her? I mean, what if she does something to me?

Dude, she has some knowledge on spirits, magic, and potions. She might be able to help heal you up.

I can heal fine, I have ghost powers.

Ghost powers make it quicker, yeah, but they doesn’t heal burns or scars right away. We were almost caught by Granny after the fight with Skulker.

True, not to mention the stuff she could make to fight ghosts. Maybe we won’t have to borrow from Doctor Hooves anymore. I hate having to do that.

Okay then. I’ll tell to her.

With his mind made up, he decided to see her once his chores were done. Which, with his powers, would not take long.

At the same time, AppleBloom awoke with a loud yawn. Her forelegs stretched themselves into an arc above her head. She looked around curiously, something was missing. AJ hadn’t woken up yet. Normally, her big sister would wake her up to make sure she would do her morning chores.

The little filly was worried. She heard the fight between AppleJack and Star. Hearing what Star said about their mother was a shock. She never heard Star speak of their parents like that, and her older sister’s reaction to what he said showed just how shocked and hurt she was.

The youngest Apple got up and headed over to her sister’s room. She gave a quick knock and waited. Maybe AJ slept in, she was pretty stressed yesterday.

After a minute of silence. AppleBloom slowly opened the door. The room looked empty. The bed even looked mostly untouched. For a moment, she thought that maybe AJ got up extra early and left, forgetting about her sister’s punishment. That thought was quickly destroyed by what she saw on the pillow.

Star, in his Apple form, placed the last bucket of apples in the cart that Big Mac was attached to. Today was the red stallion's turn at the stall, giving Star the rest of the day off. But knowing his luck, something was bound to happen.

“All set Big Mac?” He called.

The response was as expected. “Eeyup.”

Star quickly ran down the road. “Great, see ya later.” Once clear of the house, he transformed into Phantom and flew off toward the Everfree Forest to find Zecora.

It didn't take long to find Zecora. All the half ghost had to do was look for a zebra in the woods. She was out in the field, picking flowers for one of her brews.

The zebra had no idea he was there until she felt a cold hoof touch her shoulder. Her body reacted instantly, turning quickly to see Star smiling.

“Phantom, good to see you. But was the fright truly due?”

Star shrugged. “Eh, I'm a ghost, what do ya want?” The two laughed. Afterwards, Zecora secured her makeshift bag to make sure not to lose her ingredients.

“Come, let's go to my home, safe from the creatures that roam.” The ghost colt agreed, and followed his exotic friend to her home.

AppleBloom was beyond nervous. Her older sister is the size of a worm, her friends all have something hilariously wrong with them, and Star was missing. But the one thing that took the cake was the fact that she was about to confront the zebra that might have been behind it all alone. Or at least, she thought she was alone.

The little filly’s red mane started shifting around, like something was crawling in it. For a moment, she thought it was a bug. But then she realized that the bug was orange, and bugs were not supposed to be orange, or wearing AJ’s hat.

Oh, wait. AJ stood on AB’s snout, glaring at her little sister with tiny eyes. “AppleBloom, you turn around, right now!” The pony bigger pony stared at her for a few moments before giving a smug look. Three seconds later, AppleTiny was stranded on a branch while the yellow filly continued toward Zecora’s. Thankfully, AppleJack’s voice was so tiny that the young pony couldn’t hear the obscenities spewing from her mouth.

Star and Zecora soon arrived at the hut. It was a hollowed out tree that had multiple masks on the front, as well as what appeared to be runes carved into the sides.

Those made the halfa slightly nervous. He didn't know how those runes would affect him. Runes were used to keep bad spirits away, however, to most, all spirits were bad. Zecora noticed his discomfort.

“Worry not, to enter safe indeed, an invite is all you need.” She said as she opened the door. She then gave an inviting gesture to the half spectre.

“Thanks.” Once inside, she closed the door and locked it up tight. The two sat in silence, the scene became very awkward very quickly.

After a minute of blinking, Star sighed. “Look, Zecora. There's something I need to tell you.” The zebra in question gestured for him to continue.

“I… haven't been completely honest with you.” She raised an eyebrow at that statement.

At the same time, AppleBloom pushed through the thicket of low branches that hide the hut from plain sight. Excites for her find, she immediately ran toward the window to see if she was home. Once there, the little filly could hear somepony talking. It sounded like Star if his voice had a bit more echo to it.

“I'm… not a full ghost.” AB raised an eyebrow. She pulled herself up to see inside, and there was Inviso-Bill. What does he mean by not a full ghost?

A bright white ring surrounded the ghost colt. The ring split in two and started floating around his body. His black fur became white, his white mane became black, and his green eyes turned baby blue.

In less than 5 seconds, Inviso-Bill became Star Apple! AppleBloom let out a small gasp, which was unheard by Star or Zecora.

The zebra was too busy processing what she had just seen. He was half a ghost and half a pony. How? Why? How? And Why? And did she question How?

“Let me explain.” The explanation would have to wait however, as frantic knocking could be heard. Both looked at the door in surprise. The knocking continued until Zecora opened the door. On the other side was a little yellow filly with a red mane. A further surprise for Star.

“AppleBloom? What are you doing out here?!”

“AJ’s in trouble!” Star’s confused look suddenly changed to determination. He got down to his little sister’s eye level.

“Explain. Now.” AppleBloom almost gulped with how fierce he sounded, but plucked up courage.

She explained everything. How AppleJack shrunk. Twilight's floppy horn. Rainbow’s upside down wings. Pinkie’s tongue. Rarity’s bird's nest mane. Flutterguy. She left out the part where she left AppleTiny in the forest. Star looked mad enough as it was.

Star looked at Zecora, demanding an explanation. Zecora did so under a frightening glare. The blue flowers, aka Poison Joke, were the cause. The group of mares were in a whole field of them. The flowers had special abilities to change a pony for hilarious results. The cure was painfully simple. A bubble bath.

“Perfect. Give me a list of ingredients.” Star said, the glare going away in favor of a relieved smile. Zecora obliged, quickly getting the list. Once in hoof, he looked it over carefully. His eyes looked at each item, and their location, with care as he memorized the list.
He looked at AppleBloom and gestured for her to follow. Right before heading out the door, he looked at Zecora. “We'll be back. Cook up what you can.” With that, Star closed the door. The two started walking toward town, since most of the stuff was bubble soap and a few healing remedies for any injuries they might get for the affects.

AppleBloom kept looking at Star, as if expecting him to transform and disappear. “How much did you see?” He asked, starting the young filly.

“Ah'm sorry Star. Ah-”

“Don't you dare apologize.” He interrupted. “I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner.” That was a surprise. “I was scared ‘bout how you and Granny would react. I didn't want you to be afraid of me.”

AppleBloom smiled. “Liked ah’d be afraid of mah older brother.” Star smiled back. “Does anypony else know?”

“Just Zecora, AppleJack, and Big Mac.” Just gonna keep Luna and Ghost Blood a secret a little longer.

AB laughed. “Wow, small group.”

“The smaller, the better. So please, keep it hush hush, okay?”

He quickly caught the young filly as she jumped up to hug him. “Notta problem, big bro.” The moment lasted a few heart warming seconds before AppleBloom started laughing loudly. Star raised an eyebrow.

“So… why is your ghost name Inviso-Bill?” That eyebrow, along with its twin, drooped.

“Stupid news ponies with no real sense of names.” He ruffled her mane and joined in the laugh. “Now come on.” He transformed in Phantom. “We got ponies to save.” He gripped his little sister tightly before taking off toward pony, much to the excitement of the pony in his forelegs.

“Woo hoo!”

Getting the stuff needed for the bath was pretty easy. Ponies were trying to make up for yesterday, getting rid of their products by selling them at half price. It was a normal trip for the most part, one that both siblings were glad for. The two hadn't had a chance to do normal things in a long time, especially once Star became Phantom.

The trot back was quiet too, as if even the Everfree Forest wanted the day to go by normally. Star decided to go back in Apple form, just to be normal for a bit. That normality changed when they saw the state of Zecora’s hut.

The window was smashed, the door broken in, and several things were thrown about the entrance. Star and AppleBloom immediately rushed in to see Twilight and the others backing Zecora into a corner. Her cauldron was knocked over, the contents spilled all over the floor.

“What's going on here?!” Star demanded. AppleBloom hid behind her older brother, slightly fearful about what would happen next.

Rainbow Dash spoke first. “Star, glad you're here. You can help us kick Zecora’s freaky flank!” She didn't notice the glare the two Apples were giving her.

“Why are you here?!” The stallion demanded, his teeth grinding against one another.

“Zecora has placed a curse on us.” Twilight explained. Her horn flopping around as she turned her head. “As well as affiliating with a dangerous spirit!”

“Inviso-Bill ain't dangerous!” AppleBloom yelled, getting everypony’s attention. “He was just bein’ welcomin’.”

“Also, Zecora didn't curse you.” The mares looked more confused. “The flowers you walked through yesterday, they were Poison Joke.” Silence reigned. Star sighed in annoyance. “The flower plays pranks on whoever touches it. This is just a joke.”

Twilight suddenly looked peeved. “You seriously can't say this was a flower’s idea of a joke.” She countered, gesturing to the affected mares.

“Twilight.” Star rebutted. “There's a book that describes the flower. Zecora has it right there.” He pointed to a book that was resting on the nearby shelf. The purple unicorn studied it before a look of recognition appeared on her face.

“Wait a minute, I have this book in the library!”

Star walked up to her, his glare only slightly going soft. “And you didn't think to read this because?”

“I… thought the book was something irrelevant because of the cover.” Star nearly cracked his skull with how hard he facehoofed.

“First. All six of you are going to apologize to Zecora. Second. You will fix her door and clean up the mess. But let's get you cured first so that you don't mess this up even more.” The joke victims perked up at word cure.

The trip back through Ponyville was not normal. But then again, Star and AppleBloom didn't mind. Normal was overrated. Their level of weird was a lot more fun. Ponies panicked at the sight of the six mares and zebra as they headed over to the spa.

Lotus Blossom and Aloe were quick to get the special bath ready, with a bucket for AppleTiny, and in less than 10 minutes, the mares symptoms magically disappeared. The two spa earth ponies were impressed by the results.

“Zecora, you simply must give us the recipe for this bath. Not only does it cure Poison Joke, but it looks like a major relaxant.”

The zebra simply nodded and offered more relaxing remedies for the spa to try out. With a sigh of satisfaction, Star walked out of the bath area and headed back toward Sweet Apple Acres.

The sun was setting over the apples trees of the Apple Family Orchard. Star sat out on the porch, watching the orange sky become darker. He heard hoof steps coming up from behind him, he knew who it was.

AJ stopped and joined in staring at the end of the day. “Ah thought about ya said and… you were right.” Star looked at her, her eyes slightly watery. “Ma would be ashamed of me.” Twin brother instincts took over and Star immediately stood and hugged her in comfort.

“I'm sorry.” He said. “I should have worded it better.”

“How could ya word it better? There is no other way to say it.” AJ retorted.

“Good point.” He smiled. “But Ma would be proud that ya took the time to know Zecora.”

“Yeah.” Their moment was interrupted by AppleBloom rushing up.

“Hey Star. I was wonderin’...” She shifted her hoof across the ground. “Could you take me flyin’ again?”

AJ looked like a deer caught in a light. “Uh, uh, why would Star take ya flyin”?” Star laughed.

“It's okay, AJ. She knows.” He turned to his little sister. “Sure, one time before dinner, as long as you don't call me Inviso-Bill ever again.”

The little filly bounced in excitement as she lifted onto Star’s back. He transformed into Phantom and crouched down. “Hold on tight.” She did so right before he skyrocketed into the air, and flew off over the trees. The cheers of a happy little filly could be heard all the way to Canterlot. Unknown to any of them, a little old lady was watching them through the window.

Granny Smith gave a small laugh before looking up. “In all mah days, ah nevah though ah’d be the grandmother tah a half ghost.” Her smile went soft. “Ah raised ‘em as best ah could. Ah know y'all are proud.” Her eyes went back to Star as he gave AppleBloom a real ride. “He'll tell me when he's ready.”

With that done, Granny went to help Big Mac prepare dinner, thinking about her younger grandson and his other half.