By Shadow Storm
Chief Editor: Sonic Boom
I am Shadow Storm. This is my journey thru Equestria. I'm the Captain of The Storm Seven. Rainbow Dash has always been my hero for as long as I can remember. But on one fateful day of my past that had changed. A decade later she regained my respect and friendship. Rainbow Dash had befriended me and also Pinkie Pie after Gilda came back to Ponyville. I had earned my cutie mark that same day. I became so pissed I created a thunderous storm in the shadows behind my jealousy and waited for the right moment to strike. As I unleashed the storm, an evil was upon the land with a thunderous bang. Equestria that day knew me as a short tempered prankster.
As a testimony to that event my cutie mark was unveiled for the world to see. Spitfire and Sonic Boom, the second and third commands of the Wonderbolts appeared to save Rainbow Dash and Ponyville. Rainbow Dash was the Captain, as Soarin was fired due to an incident a few years previous. Spitfire then sought replacement and gave captaincy to Rainbow Dash, becoming second in command. The battle was hard but yet it was over in a matter of minutes.
Twilight showed up with Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Sonic Boom had taken me down while Spitfire cleared the skies. All the ponies had nothing short of harsh words for me. Twilight had Spike escort me to the center of town to be put on trial before the ponies to set an example. The Court was Lead by Twilight, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity. Rainbow Dash lead the case against me, I knew that I had no chance. Knowing this, I bolted for the sky but was overtaken by Rainbow Dash and Sonic Boom. The court was going to go easy on me for only being only eight. They had agreed on a sentence of two years helping Apple Jack on her farm, but I had blown it away. With Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's Guidance, the Court banished me! I guess my ignorance kind of screwed me over.
I was banished from Ponyville for ten years. “Is any pony out there? Please answer me. The hell with Equestria. They will remember me, I will be their demise. An army shall rise and I will be their leader. Immortality, forever in their thoughts, haunting their dreams.”
Outside of Ponyville I ran into another Pegasus banished by Rainbow Dash and Twilight. Nightmare Rain was his name. Nightmare Rain's parents were killed in an accident. He was only five when his trouble began. At age six he was banished for his crimes. One year had passed since his banishment and he knew so well of this barren wasteland. I ran into him traveling towards anything for all I care. I wanted blood, sweet revenge for them banishing me. Nightmare Rain saw me and wanted to use me for his own revenge. Nightmare Rain filled my head with anger, fueling my rage. Little did he know I had control and was able to become a leader to him! I took what he gave me to my head and went on to rule the wasteland. I told him of my crime and how I plan to get my sweet revenge. He told me of another pony who shared our hatred for The Solar Empire, a communist regime ruled by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
A few days later I found Dark Fire. He was only seven at the time, and we took advantage of that and filled his soul with hatred. Dark Fire helped us plan a fascist state for Equestria. Two years of pure hatred ran rampant thru the wasteland as The Storm swept thru. Events making us introduced to Messerschmitt, Chemodan, Steel Shadow, and Dark Blood. Together we went from The Storm to the S.S., The Storm Seven. After getting Dark Fire to join forces, Dark Fire led us to his Ex-fillies, Dark Blood and Steel Shadow. Dark Blood had a deep blood red colored mane with a tan coat. On her flank were three drops of blood. She once collected blood for the hospital and experiments. She later proceeded to extreme pony experiments leading to her being banished. Next was Steel Shadow, she had a beautiful blue mane and shimmering white coat. On her flank was a yellow lightning bolt over a steel I-Beam. She earned her cutie mark for standing strong for her beliefs and striking with an evil force when threatened. Starting above her right eye was a scar, running down her cheek, from a battle where she earned her cutie mark.
Dark Blood and Steel Shadow knew each other because a few years before we all met, Dark Blood and Steel Shadow helped Nightmare Moon try to overthrow Princess Celestia and her empire to bring about eternal darkness and endless nights. After Princess Luna came to her senses, and after being defeated by the mane six and the elements of harmony, Dark Blood and Steel Shadow were banished for their crimes against The State united for peace and love.
Two and a half years after forming The Storm Seven, on a lovely evening, it was five O'clock in the evening, when it all happened. We all had just finished some strenuous training exercises. I looked over at Steel Shadow. The evening sun caught Steel Shadow's eyes in the most peculiar way. At that moment my heart seemed to stop with all time. Her Blue mane glimmering in the summer sun, too beautiful to look away. Birds chirping in the big oak tree to her left. I swear they are chirping a song about love. Everything is happening so quick as a slight breeze blows across her white coat. Who is this mare, lovely and fair? I see her bright blue eyes, does she see mine? Fairest mare please don't run, see the sparkle in my blue eyes. Her eyes lock with mine, she trots towards me. I stand motionless, "could this really be happening?" Out of her muzzle I hear the words I want to hear. "Do you like what you see?" My heart is pounding thru my chest, as her lips reach mine. Apparently over the last several months, I've been too focused on exacting revenge. I failed to notice all her advances. Steel Shadow had almost given up hope on my stubborn ass until today. I noticed that glorious spark in her blue eyes, melted my heart.
As these events unfold before their eyes, the rest return home. Leaving us love struck and inseparable. Steel Shadow, "won’t you guide me home?" For you have stolen my heart, I am lost in your love. For you have found me, and on this night, I am by your side. I know I don't have to hide the truth. As the sun sets, we sit and take in all the beauty of what's happening. For once in my life I know something besides death and destruction.
Together we shall wash ourselves in the blood from every pony in Equestria. Two souls rejoicing and connecting as we're drenched in blood of those who betrayed us. Shadow Storm and Steel Shadow shall haunt the dreams of every pony. Together we will be immortal, as our lips meet again and the hours of the night are lost. In the morning Dark Fire approaches me. He says "you have no right going after Steel Shadow!" He then proceeds to yell "she's mine!" Infuriated by this I scream "What the hell?"
"Dark Fire, you gave up on her years ago!" He just stares at me with hatred in his eyes. I quickly punch him in the muzzle, knocking him to the ground. I stand over him looking down on him as I step on his hind leg. Crack! I break his leg. "I am your damn leader, question me or stand up again, I will put you into the Pegasus Device." He cries out "I'm sorry, anything but the Pegasus Device!" I forgive him as, Crack! I break his front leg. The Pegasus Device is an urban legend among Pegasi, used to put fear into our fillies to instill they learn to behave. It is told that in the third floor of the Rainbow Factory, Pegasi are killed for being weak and impure. As their souls and bodies create the beautiful spectra for making rainbows to control the weather.
Soon rumors had reached Ponyville thru Zecora. Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and Sonic Boom knew one day a problem would be on their hands. The Wonderbolts had formed try-outs thru an academy for all the Pegasi. The Solar Empire, Their beloved Cloudsdale, and all of Equestria were in trouble. Princess Celestia made Sonic Boom a recruiter for the Wonderbolts as Rainbow Dash and Spitfire put the Pegasi thru rigorous training. One hundred would test each day but only three would win the Blue Suit.
Under a communist threat we would rise from the ashes of The Solar Empire, an Elite squad of Storm Troopers. Eight years is plenty of time for practice. Perfection would be the decisive factor in this forth coming Blitzkrieg. In this team I Am Captain, Nightmare Rain is Ast. Captain, and Dark Fire being the Third in command.
Everyday Sonic Boom would sneak a peek at The S.S. from the edge of Ponyville, trying to learn our tactics. Rainbow Dash expected a report after every encounter, and with each passing report she slowly knew what the outcome would be. Rainbow Dash knew she could defeat the troopers but at an extreme cost. How many innocent ponies would lose their lives because of seven trouble makers? Every pony soon knew of the looming threat but knew deep down they must defend their beloved homeland.
On the 6th of June, every pony knew what was about to happen as they heard Shadow Storm. "For our State! Blood will run!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders were on look out and sounded the sirens. Seven pegasi flew thru Ponyville causing seven wakes, breaking the sound barrier. A lot of destruction followed each wake. Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, and Sonic Boom assembled the army of Wonderbolts as the sirens wailed. Just as quick they appeared The Storm Seven Disappeared above the clouds waiting to execute the next phase of the attack.
One by one The Storm Seven flew out into formation facing the Wonderbolts head-on. Three Waves of ponies lost their lives, Rainbow Dash knew this would happen which is why she asked Spitfire and Sonic Boom to only guide at first and to pull off not join the initial charge. She would need her commanders to stop these seven. Horrified ponies on the ground ran for whatever shelter was left after so much destruction. Some Pegasi even deserted their ranks after seeing their comrades’ fall.
Shadow Storm and the others were now covered in blood but still thirsty for more. Their plan was working the Wonderbolts were taking losses. Princess Celestia immediately showed up as Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Sonic Boom charged at Shadow Storm. With a time freeze spell all the horror had stopped. Princess Luna showed up with Twilight Sparkle, Apple Jack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Princess Celestia immediately unfroze the Wonderbolts so Rainbow Dash could join with her friends to activate The Elements of Harmony. Soon after a bright blinding light flashed over all of Equestria. The most beautiful rainbow reached toward the heavens and down at the frozen Storm Seven. All I could do was watch and accept what could happen. I didn't care I was happy, I had achieved immortality. No pony would forget my name, I am the one haunting their dreams.
The mow brilliant rainbow struck the seven Pegasi. Another blinding flash occurred and as every ponies’ eyes readjusted all the destruction could be seen. All around houses lay flat with dead ponies and blood puddles all around the fallen ponies. The Storm Seven laying on the ground close to death, laughing at Princess Celestia and her empire. They knew they had their revenge. Princess Luna was about to finish off the seven as Sonic Boom stepped forward asking she stop all the destruction and give them a second chance for him and Rainbow Dash knew the Storm Seven would be a powerful asset if they could realize what was home. All they knew was death and destruction. Sonic Boom didn't want to see any more bloodshed. Princess Celestia agreed but the seven would have to prove their worthiness and she quickly reminded Rainbow Dash and Sonic Boom they would be responsible as Spitfire was disgusted with this very idea and furthermore taking no part of it.
The seven were sent to the Wonderbolt Academy, where a prison was constructed. As we are being taken to prison by Spike, an uproar is all that was heard. Chemodan tries rousing the others, as I quickly punch him in his muzzle, shutting him up. I reminded him we had our revenge, and I have accomplished so much for us, and it was Sonic Boom and Rainbow Dash, who spared us our lives. I assure them all we were never defeated, we shall rise to another glory. This State belongs to every pony as it does to us. A regime of peace and love, where every pony is equal. We have killed over thirty ponies and sent a shock thru the ranks of the Wonderbolts. Rainbow Dash and Sonic Boom will have their hooves full reassembling The Wonderbolts. "When will this journey end?" We are in a wagon being pulled by two sentry pegasi. It seems hours pass as we journey to our cells. Steel Shadow, still injured from the battle, sits alongside me. I hold her so close and dear, I tell her once again how much I love her. When we reach the prison, we all will surely be divided up. When the rumors reached Princess Celestia Before about the Storm Seven she realized they cannot simply banish ponies.
She had a prison built under Princess Luna's house to watch any ponies who dare defy the law and the motherland. Here in solitary confinement, the six pegasi and I learned the value of life and friendship. As I sit here lonely in my dark cell. A small five by seven room with a single cot. Unable to sleep most nights as the cot is about as comfortable as a rug on a cement floor. A one inch foam pad on a flat board. A one inch slot in the wall serves as a window up so high, all you can see is a cloud. Light has a hard time finding the cell, as it’s always dark. The cell smells of a musky night, for moisture finds its way in thru the cement floor and walls. I cannot but fear for my Steel Shadow as she has to suffer. I promised her the world and glory but all I brought was pity and suffering. "Please forgive me Steel Shadow, I have failed you and do not deserve your love."
Every night, I buck at my cell door, hoping for one night it may fall down and I can rescue my Steel Shadow. I know it will never happen but always trying, would keep me sane. All I can picture is my fair mare sitting all alone in the farthest corner of her cell waiting for me to come rescue her. I can imagine her having a hard time sleeping as her heart aches every night for me. We had a strong, healthy relationship. "Please don't count the long nights as two years will only seem to drag along." We will one day be reunited. Each week we are fortunate to see each other for about thirty seconds. She still looks as beautiful as the day our eyes locked. About fifteen seconds as I pass her cell to my meetings with Rainbow Dash and Sonic Boom, then about another fifteen seconds passing back to my cell. We been in this prison now for three months. Three weeks ago my meetings with Rainbow Dash and Sonic Boom began. Another month would pass as Rainbow Dash stopped meeting to handle business with the Wonderbolts.
Each week Sonic Boom would discuss with me, about each team members history. Giving me lessons about The Solar Empire and The Wonderbolts, turning me and my teammates into perfect citizens for the regime and excellent combatants for The Wonderbolts. Each week a brotherly bond would grow between Sonic Boom and I. Learning each other's history, we became excellent comrades. Thru these meetings I discovered Sonic Boom had been dating Rainbow Dash. Using this as leverage, I persuaded Sonic Boom and the warden to allow Steel Shadow and me, one hour each week together. After all the meetings with Sonic Boom I learn the true meaning and magic of friendship and we become best friends. Soon the meetings go from mandatory to we can't wait to talk again. Sonic Boom tells me of this place "Down Under" and explains a vegemite sandwich.
After Several months of my time with Steel Shadow, she becomes pregnant. On the fifteenth of November, we celebrate the birth of Night Shadow. A beautiful young filly born to monsters in a horrible prison. We agree to never tell our filly about our history, from this day forward is our history. We became engaged and plan to marry the day after we're released. Until we are released and the rest of my team, I asked Sonic Boom and Rainbow Dash to take care of our filly for the next couple months till we're released. Each week Sonic Boom and Rainbow Dash would bring Night Shadow to our meetings. One hour a week we are not in a prison, we are a happy family. All the hells of the world are forgotten for that one hour. Finally that day has come, my team and I get released from this hell hole. I must not forget, for out of this hell a heaven was created. I now have a wife to be, also have a beautiful young filly Night Shadow, and an everlasting friendship with Sonic Boom and Rainbow Dash. Two years ago I would have laughed and spit in your face if you would have told me I would be friends with, who at the time were my blood enemies, Sonic Boom and Rainbow Dash. After two years of being locked up and each of us having meetings every week with Rainbow Dash and Sonic Boom, forming a bond with Sonic Boom, I was able to work out a few things for us. We would be able to Keep our title of The Storm Seven and be a Separate unit of Wonderbolts, so we could still keep our unity and trust. With this it was much easier for us to work with the Wonderbolts and The Solar Empire. For their Heroism and actions Princess Celestia Awarded Rainbow Dash and Sonic Boom medals. They are forever remembered as the heroes who saved The Solar Empire and Motherland.
Everything seems to be going right for my wife, daughter and team, until one day a hooded stranger arrives at my house. "Who is this stranger?" The voice seems familiar but I cannot put a hoof on it. The stranger hands me a letter, it's signed by our beloved leader Princess Celestia. The letter states I have been chosen by the state to serve our state by working at the Rainbow Factory. "Why would I be a candidate for I have destroyed so much of Equestria?" Best not to question or deny the state for those who do disappear forever. I tell this stranger I'll meet them at the Rainbow Factory soon after I prepare myself. As the stranger turns to leave, I swear I see a glimpse of a green white mane. "How is this possible Sonic Boom is has nothing to do with the Rainbow Factory." I head back in to tell Steel Shadow and Night Shadow that I love them. "I'll be home sometime tonight."
"I've been selected by the state for an important job at the Rainbow Factory." At that moment Night Shadow bursts into tears, quickly Steel Shadow and I calm her telling her the truth about the Rainbow Factory. "No ponies are killed for creating rainbows, it was a lie to keep you young ponies straight." She quickly calms down and gives me the longest tightest hug in history, as she utters out among her tears "I love you daddy!" I give her a kiss on her head and tell her "don't worry daddy's been selected to help control the weather so we can enjoy all the sunny days we have together with mommy." She replies "ok I'll wait for you to come home." I give her another kiss on the head and tell my wife "I love you" and kiss her as I head for the door.
As I head out the door I realize that was Sonic Boom's voice. He tried to disguise his voice but when I saw his green white mane I knew it was him. "How is he involved with the rainbow factory and what could they use me for?" I spread my wings and fly towards Cloudsdale, it's a twenty minute trip. I approach the majestic city atop a huge cumulous cloud. In the North East section of the city is where the rainbow factory is located. I quickly approach the factory in amazement of such a beautiful facility. The third floor is obscured by dark clouds but still such amazing beauty. It gives me an eerie feeling, almost like a beautiful garden memorial in a big cemetery. "How could anyone get bad thoughts that spawned the legend of the rainbow factory?" Entering the building I approach the front desk carrying my letter. The receptionist points me towards a private elevator for which she has the key. She tells me to take this elevator to the third floor. In the corner is a white lab coat covered in some kind of dark red stains and bright rainbow spots. I remember thinking "How strange?" as I spot black rubber boots and black rubber gloves with tall black boots. She tells me to put those on and soon I'll meet someone when I arrive on the third floor. As I put these on, I feel an evil presence, something I embrace with pride. Ding! The doors open to the third floor and there stands Rainbow Dash the boss of the Rainbow Factory in the middle of this dark corridor. She immediately says "Yes, it was Sonic Boom earlier. I have to keep a secret identity. I cannot take the risk of being seen and followed here so I asked Sonic Boom to disguise himself and deliver it for me. He has no idea about the Rainbow Factory and I didn't need any loose connections so that's why he was disguised. As you know you were chosen by our Great Leader Princess Celestia.”
I nod at her as she explains why I was chosen. "Every pony knows the mythology around the Pegasus Device, well it's true." The rainbow factory holds four Pegasus Devices which are used to extract the charisma out of every pony. My heart drops thru my chest as a feeling of excitement runs thru my body. I love the thought of killing every pony. Rainbow Dash notices and laughs evilly for she knows exactly what's running thru my mind. She explains for those thoughts and showing in our previous battle I have no regard for any ponies’ life, I was chosen by the state for this job. We are standing in a long corridor and at the end of the corridor is two big steel doors. Taking in everything and processing it I start to notice sounds of machines running, droning out blood curdling screams. Rainbow Dash explains no one must know. "If you", she presses her hoof against my chest, "tell any soul you will condemn your soul and your families and whoever you told, soul's to hell thru the Factory!" Our leader Princess Celestia will destroy your extended family's names and lives.
Every pony who commits horrible crimes or speaks up against our dear leader Princess Celestia are sent here instead of prison. Prison is reserved for those deemed to be able to be rehabilitated. Pegasi from Cloudsdale who fail the test of life are sent here instead of leaving Cloudsdale. Cloudsdale Pegasi are a very supreme white glove society and only those that pass these tests are allowed to leave Cloudsdale, they have a very distinguished image.
For years I go to the Rainbow Factory and do my job, killing ponies to create rainbows, and not a single soul outside of the third floor knows what I do. After fourteen hours I return home to find my wife consoling my daughter. Night Shadow had thought something horrible happened since I was gone for so long. I was only having fun so I lost track of time. Steel Shadow herself wasn't even sure if something horrible had happened. With Princess Celestia's communist rule, ponies have been disappearing for speaking up. I know the dark secret and I want to tell my wife so bad but I cannot. I do not care about my life but, I don't want to destroy my families. I love my wife and daughter too much.
A week would pass before an event would happen. With my appearance as I walk thru the front door, my wife Steel Shadow runs towards me sobbing almost knocking me back out the door. I give her a kiss and tell her I told you I would return. I proceed to give Night Shadow a hug as Steel Shadow notices a strong smell of iron. I just ignore her for I know it's from all the blood from all the ponies I killed today. Suddenly there's a knock at the door but as I reach the door, whoever it was dashed off for I heard hooves clacking. On my porch was a small brown cardboard box. Opening this box I find several memoriam for ponies my teammates and I killed. Apologizing to my wife I tell her I must head out again for some asshole is threatening us and our team. As we tuck Night Shadow in for the night I get Sonic Boom to babysit her.
As were leaving out the door I explain what was left on our porch. We must warn the others, either this is a prank or somepony is wishing us harm. If it's the latter which it probably is, we need to be prepared. The first house we arrive at is Dark Fire's. The door is a little ajar, the house lit up, but quiet as a mouse. I tell Steel Shadow to stay outside as I investigate. Entering the house, I see a cardboard box similar to the one delivered to me. It sits open in the middle of the living room floor as though it's been hastily thrown. Over in the corner I see something that makes my heart drop and stomach roll. There is a large dark spot on the floor near a motionless pony. Apparently Dark Fire couldn't handle it and took his own life. Now it's on, those mother fuckers will pay for what they had done.
I explain to Steel Shadow what had happened as she runs in past me to see his body cursing whoever is responsible. She had every right to flip out for she loved this pony long ago and this was her comrade. Quickly we call the authorities as we slip out leaving no trace we were ever there. Hopefully all the other ponies are ok we think as we gather all the other teammates. We all gather back at my place. As much as I hated it I had to explain why Dark Fire wasn't present and what unfortunate event happened to him. All connected by the similar cardboard boxes we all received. We all agree it's a threat against us all and determined its being done by those foals of the parents in the memoriam. It's now 11:30pm and we are being threatened. Regardless of the time we all storm to Rainbow Dash's place. Sonic Boom and Rainbow Dash open an investigation. The investigation goes cold as we cannot prove it was those ponies who parents we killed.
Soon after the case is declared cold, I confront Sonic Boom. I want to tell him about the Rainbow Factory and ruin his love for Rainbow Dash. Make him feel my pain for losing my love. I remember the threat and cannot risk losing her forever if she's still alive. I punch him and a fight ensues. I scream at him "If you and Rainbow Dash can't find my daughter then FUCK YOU! My team and I are no longer being a part of the Wonderbolts and defending you again." Sonic Boom replied "You were nothing but a criminal! It was me who saved you and your teams lives!" Just like that I lost my close friendship.
Ten years would pass before another incident would happen. One day Night Shadow doesn't return home from school. Immediately a case is opened and goes cold as no one knows what happened and those same damn ponies cannot be tied to this case either. Three months later after long nights and depressing days I find Night Shadow, but at an ultimate cost. Night Shadow is here at the Rainbow Factory, not for a job but as a selection from the State as a subject for the Pegasus Device. I experience three emotions at once. Happiness for I found my daughter, sadness for knowing what will happen, and anger at those damn ponies and this State ruled by a tyrant named Celestia. Night Shadow has been selected which means even though she's been reported missing, I have no say. I must kill my own daughter. I am torn to hell as I tell her I love her. She tells me she loves me and forgives me for she knows I have no choice. I pull the switch and kill my own daughter as I immediately punch my supervisor. I escape, flying home telling my team who is responsible so they can exact revenge. As they leave the Wonderbolts knock at my door as I tell my wife the horrors of the Rainbow Factory and about our daughter. Rainbow Dash bucks down our door shouting "You were warned!" I shout back "I don't give a damn, I'll be with my daughter you bitch!" I swing and punch Rainbow Dash in the muzzle as Sonic Boom comes at me killing me. Rainbow Dash kills Steel Shadow as Rainbow Dash explains to Sonic Boom I killed my daughter ten yrs. ago, making Sonic Boom think this killing is fine due to the sentence of murder and almost got away with it. With that Rainbow Dash’s secret is safe and Sonic Boom thinks I was just a no good criminal.
