Princess Twilight Sparkle, the beloved ruler of Equestria, sat in her study within the towering walls of Canterlot Castle. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. She was engrossed in a tome of the study’s walls, surrounded by books, studying the ancient legends and mysteries that had captured her imagination for years. As the last light of the day filtered through the stained glass windows, she looked up and sighed, reflecting on a memory that felt like a lifetime ago.
Trixie Lulamoon, the show pony with a penchant for theatrics and an, at minimum, extravagant personality, had once crossed paths with Twilight in Ponyville during one of her many adventures. Their first meeting had been anything but ordinary, as Trixie had regaled the townsfolk with tales of her triumph over an Ursa Major, a fearsome creature of legend known for its immense strength and ferocity. Even if the tale had been nothing but what would be considered smoke and mirrors.
With a sense of nostalgia, Twilight recalled that day vividly—the bustling market square, the excited whispers of the crowd, and the spark of rivalry that had ignited between her and Trixie. That initial encounter had set in motion a series of events that eventually led to understanding, friendship, and growth for both of them.
As Twilight pondered the memory, her thoughts turned to a newfound mystery—the enigmatic Ursa's Tower. During her studies after Trixie’s visit to Ponyville, not only had she learned a great deal about Ursa Majors, but discovered a landmark in Equestria dedicated to them. Legend had it that this structure was south of Appleloosa nearing the borders along the Badlands. The tower’s history held secrets that could potentially benefit all of Equestria, but its true nature and purpose remained shrouded in mystery. From Twilight could tell there was no clear origin of the tower, as many of the ancient equestrian tribes focused on passing down their history through spoken word rather than on parchment.
She sighed as she closed another book about the subject. “Another dead end.” She enveloped the book in a purple aura and placed it back on the shelf. She decided that now was the time to seek out this mystery and unravel the truth behind the Ursa's Tower. She envisioned a journey across the vast and diverse lands of Equestria, engaging with various tribes and cultures to gather insights and clues. However, she knew she needed somepony else for this expedition, individuals with a blend of talents and history that could prove instrumental for she couldn’t leave Canterlot for that long, not without proper notice.
In the heart of the castle, surrounded by the comforting aura of ancient structures and arcane knowledge, Twilight drafted a summons for two familiar figures—Trixie and Starlight Glimmer. Trixie had come a long way from her days of bravado and boasts, and Starlight Glimmer had embraced her unique magical talents to help others rather than herself.
A few days later…
Trixie and Starlight entered the study, greeted by the princess with a warm smile. "Thank you both for coming," Twilight said, gesturing for them to sit. The duo took their seats, curiosity gleaming in their eyes. "I have a task of great importance, one that calls upon your unique strengths and shared history."
Trixie tilted her head, intrigued. "A task, you say? Do tell, Princess. The Great and Powerful Trixie is always up for a grand adventure!"
Twilight chuckled, the familiarity of Trixie's theatrical enthusiasm bringing back memories. "The task involves discovering the truth behind the Ursa's Tower, a mysterious structure deep in Equestrian history.” Her horn was illuminated with a purple aura. Suddenly, an image appeared above the ponies, a massive, cylindrical geological formation, with vertical hexagonal columns appeared. The unique structure and its stark contrast with its surroundings made the landmark striking. “Legends suggest that it holds ancient knowledge and secrets, but it's origins are shrouded in mystery. That is what we need to uncover."
Starlight Glimmer nodded, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "The Ursa's Tower—a name steeped in mystery and magic. An intriguing quest, Princess! How can we assist you in this endeavor?"
Twilight explained, "Trixie, your previous encounter with an Ursa Minor is a crucial link to this task. I wish for you to expand on your experience and knowledge about Ursas. Plus, your theatrical flair might help in unexpected situations."
Trixie rolled her eyes. "Are you sure this is not a joke? Trixie feels as if this has something to do with what happened in Ponyville. Also, there won’t be any actual Ursas around…. Right?"
Twilight chuckled. “It is not a joke, but I did specifically think of you for this task due to our first meeting. And, no, there should not be any Ursas on your journey.”
Hopefully not anyway…. Twilight thought to herself.
Turning to Starlight, Twilight continued, "Starlight, your wisdom and magical expertise are equally important. Your calm demeanor and ability to analyze situations will balance Trixie's exuberance. Together, you two form a formidable team, and I have complete trust in your abilities."
Starlight Glimmer nodded in agreement. "I'm honored, Princess. I believe our combined efforts will bring us closer to unraveling the mystery of the Ursa Tower and its secrets."
With the task set and the mission ahead, Twilight provided them with scrolls and a few books that held what knowledge Equestria had about the Ursa's Tower. She also gave them a list of tribes across Equestria to visit, starting with the Bisons.
The following morning, Trixie and Starlight Glimmer set off on their journey, heading first to the lands of the mighty Bison tribe. The rolling plains and picturesque landscape greeted them as they approached the Bison settlement, eager to begin their quest.
As they arrived, they were greeted by the chief of the Bison tribe, a strong and wise leader named Thunderhooves. The chief welcomed them with a respectful nod, and they exchanged greetings. Trixie and Starlight Glimmer explained their mission and the purpose of their visit.
Thunderhooves listened intently, nodding at the tale of their quest. "The Ursa's Tower is a mystery of the ancient desert, a tale passed down through generations. It is said to hold the secrets of balance and harmony between nature and magic. The Ursas used to guard it fiercely, as it was a place of great significance."
Chief Thunderhooves sat before Trixie and Sunlight Glimmer around a large bonfire, ready to share the ancient tale passed down through generations. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows across the room, as he began to weave the story.
"In the days of old, when the world was young and the forest echoed with the song of nature, long before the desert you see here today, the tale of the Ursa's Tower was whispered among our ancestors," Chief Thunderhooves began, his deep voice resonating with a sense of reverence for the ancient tale.
"The Ursa's Tower, a structure of great magic and wisdom, stood at the heart of the Everfree Forest. It was a place where magic and nature coexisted harmoniously, guarded by the Ursas, creatures embodying the essence of balance. Ursas were fierce, yet in their hearts, they held the key to maintaining the equilibrium between magic and the natural world. However, our tale begins with two young bisons…
In the vast wilderness of the Equestrian plains, there stood a serene meadow beneath the towering majesty of a sacred mountain that held both mystery and legend for the Bison herds that roamed the land. In this untamed realm, a family of Bison thrived, led by a head Bison with seven offspring—five sons and two daughters.
The two Bison sisters, Stonestamp and Skydancer, shared a unique bond. One day, they decided to embark on a grand adventure together, driven by a legendary tale passed down among their kind. It spoke of a rare and sacred relic—the End Rib-Bone of the mythical Bison, believed to hold the key to boundless wonders.
Stonestamp and Skydancer began their grand adventure, their hooves rustling the tall grass as they walked through the Equestrian plains, side by side.
Excitedly, Skydancer exclaimed, "Stonestamp, can you believe we're actually going on this legendary quest? The End Rib-Bone of the mythical Bison, said to unlock boundless wonders!"
Grinning, Stonestamp replied, "I know, Skydancer! It's the stuff of our wildest dreams. And we're doing it together, just like we always promised."
As they traversed the open plains, Stonestamp and Skydancer often journeyed to different tribes whether it be bison or pony, seeking any clue that might lead them to their coveted treasure.
Whispering to her sister, Skydancer asked, "Do you think this old Bison elder might know something about the End Rib-Bone?"
Nodding in agreement, Stonestamp responded, "Let's find out. We have to leave no stone unturned."
Their determination and excitement fueled their galloping hooves as they approached the wise Bison elder, whose fur bore the markings of countless seasons.
The elder greeted them warmly, his eyes kind and knowing. "Welcome, young ones. What brings you to seek the wisdom of the ancient ones?"
Skydancer spoke respectfully, "We seek the End Rib-Bone of the mythical Bison, told to hold great power and wonders. Do you know where it may be found?"
The elder nodded solemnly. "Ah, the End Rib-Bone, a legendary artifact steeped in ancient tales. It is said to rest atop the Sacred Mountain, guarded by both the elements and time itself."
Stonestamp leaned forward, eager for more information. "Can you guide us to this Sacred Mountain? We are determined to claim the End Rib-Bone for the good of all."
The elder considered their words, then nodded approvingly. "Very well. I shall provide you with a map and words of guidance. But remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Stay true to your hearts, for trials will test your bond and purpose."
With a heartfelt thank you, the sisters received the map and blessings from the elder and set off toward the Sacred Mountain. The map guided them through dense forests, across rushing rivers, and up rocky slopes.
Days turned into weeks as they faced various challenges, strengthening their bond and resolve. They encountered ferocious beasts, navigated treacherous terrains, and weathered harsh storms.
During a particularly challenging climb up a steep cliff, Stonestamp slipped, her hooves scrabbling for purchase. Skydancer, quick to react, reached out and grabbed her sister, pulling her to safety.
Breathing heavily, Stonestamp managed a grateful smile. "Thanks, Skydancer. We're a team, through and through."
At long last, they reached the base of the Sacred Mountain. Its towering peak seemed to touch the heavens, shrouded in mist and mystery. The sisters took a moment to gather their breath and steel themselves for the final climb.
"Here we are," Skydancer said, gazing up at the daunting summit. "This is where the legend unfolds."
With determination in their hearts and the guidance of the elder's map, they began their ascent. The climb was grueling, testing their endurance and pushing their limits.
As they neared the peak, a fierce storm descended, battering them with strong winds and freezing rain. But they pressed on, driven by their quest and the hope of a brighter future.
Finally, they reached the summit, where the End Rib-Bone lay, bathed in an ethereal light. Stonestamp and Skydancer beheld its magnificence, a symbol of their perseverance and unity. As they looked up at the night sky, they found solace in the celestial connection that bound them, their love stronger than any transformation or distance.
But the true power of the End Rib-Bone was yet to be revealed, and their adventure had only just begun.
As the two bison climbed towards the base of the mountain. The clouds once covering the moon’s glow dissipated. Stonestamp holding the rib-bone between her teeth began to glow a hue of purple, as magic surrounded her small body.
Skydancer shielding her eyes from the bright light that her sister was emitting called out panicked, “Stonestamp!”
A large flash of white light illuminated the area. As it vanished Skydancer looked where her sister had once stood. Stonestamp had morphed into a celestial Ursa Major, her fur adorned with shimmering stars that lit up the night sky.
In her celestial form, Stonestamp looked at her now enormous paws and then back at her sister. She smiled a toothy grin and approached her sister, Skydancer, with excitement and awe. However, in her new massive form, Stonestamp’s claws sacred along the sacred mountain hat stood underneath her, leaving deep marks alongside the face of the stone, now known as a testament to her extraordinary presence.
Skydancer's eyes widened in awe and trepidation as she beheld the magnificent creature that stood before them, its form shimmering with ethereal light. The creature seemed to embody the very essence of the celestial heavens.
Stonestamp, now transformed into a celestial being herself, looked at Skydancer reassuringly. "Don't be afraid, Skydancer. I am still me."
Despite her awe, fear gnawed at Skydancer's heart. She turned and ran back towards their tribe, she heard a roar in the distance as the distance grew, “I’m sorry…” She whispered.
As Skydancer returned to her tribe she ran to her home where her five bison brothers were sleeping. “Get up! Something terrible has happened to Stonestamp!” The brothers now awakened by the panicked sister began to gather around her.
Skydancer spoke passionately to her brothers, recounting the awe-inspiring events she had witnessed. "I know it seems unbelievable, but you must see for yourselves. Stonestamp has become a celestial being, and we stand at the peak of the Sacred Mountain."
The brothers exchanged glances, uncertainty and amazement mingling in their expressions. Oakhide, their eldest brother and the leader of their herd, spoke thoughtfully, "We cannot ignore this revelation. We must go to Stonestamp and understand what has transpired."
With resolve in their hearts, they followed Skydancer towards the mountain, now engrooved with large marks along it’s sides. Their hooves echoed against the rocky terrain. Each step was a mix of excitement and apprehension, unsure of what awaited them at the base.
Upon reaching the mountain, they were greeted by the breathtaking sight of Stonestamp in her celestial form, a radiant and majestic being.
The five Bison brothers, upon seeing their now transformed sister were seized by panic and bolted in different directions, trying to flee the celestial presence of their transformed sister. As they scattered across the plains. Skydancer frustrated by her brother’s cowardice unintentionally kicked a hefty bison skull that sent it soaring into the air. The skull eventually came to rest atop the colossal rock.
Stonestamp’s heart ached for her brothers. She had not meant to scare them. She climbed to the top of the sacred mountain, hoping to now perched atop the mountain, and gazed down upon her family with a loving and comforting demeanor. Her voice resonated like the whisper of the wind through the prairie grass, "Worry not, my brothers and sister, for a sign shall forever grace the night sky. Seven stars shall align in a diamond formation, and the first among them, shining with exceptional brilliance, shall be known as 'Broken Chest Star.'”
The Bison siblings gazed upward, mesmerized by the celestial spectacle that unfolded just as their sister, the now Ursa Major had foretold. The legend of Bear's Tipi continued to echo across the Equestrian plains, and the mountain remained a place where the ordinary and the supernatural intertwined.
Though the siblings were separated by their newfound destinies, they discovered solace in the celestial connection that bound them through the night sky. And whenever Bison herds looked up at the stars, they were reminded of the extraordinary tale of Ursa Major and the End Rib-Bone that had transformed an ordinary mountain into a beacon of wonder and mystique.
Thunderhoove's story coming to a close he looked into a dwindling fire in front of them, "Our ancestors believed that the tower was a beacon of understanding, a bridge between two realms, as well as connections as far-reaching as the stars. Legends spoke of wise shamans and bison warriors who sought knowledge within its walls, aspiring to unlock the secrets that could bring harmony to our lands."
Trixie leaned forward, captivated by the ancient lore. "Did they ever succeed in uncovering the tower's secrets?"
Chief Thunderhooves nodded solemnly. "Yes, some did. Through courage, wisdom, and unity, a few brave souls managed to enter the tower and learn from its mysteries. They discovered the essence of balance—the delicate dance of magic and nature. However, it was a path fraught with challenges, as the Ursas tested the intentions and resolve of those who approached."
Sunlight Glimmer reflected on the significance of the tale. "It's a story that echoes the importance of balance and the trials one must face to attain it. The Ursas, guardians of equilibrium, symbolize the challenges we encounter in our pursuit of harmony."
"You speak true," Chief Thunderhooves acknowledged. "The Ursa's Tower remains a symbol, a reminder of the delicate balance we strive to maintain in our lives and the world around us. It is a story passed down through generations, guiding us to respect and honor the essence of balance."
Trixie crossed her hooves. “Wait, wait, wait, what happened to the sister? Did she remain a giant star bear the rest of her life?!”
Chief Thunderhooves laughed a bellowing laugh, “Ah, that is something that we do not know for sure! Maybe she did. Maybe she didn’t. Only the ancients would know. Now, there are many other bison tales to discuss!”
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, Trixie and Sunlight Glimmer listened intently, gaining not only knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the ancient tales and the profound wisdom they held. Their journey to uncover the Ursa's Tower's mysteries had taken on a new layer of significance, guided by the lessons from the ancient bison times.
Author's Note
I had planned on publishing this on Indigenous Peoples' Day, but missed it by a couple of days! 
What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Typically on the second Monday of October, Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes the Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas for thousands of years. It became increasingly popular as a replacement for Columbus Day, which was meant to celebrate the explorer who sailed with a crew from Spain in three ships, the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, in 1492.
