Just Rumble

by Bronycommander

Chapter 8: Rumble and the Rose

Chapter 8: Rumble and the Rose

The next day, Rumble saw how Mario talked with Sheldon.

“Sheldon…Rico me to tell you, eh, that we’re attacking the power plant…Just so you know!” He gave him a datapad.

“Gracias, compadre.”

Rumble and Zeno knew what to do.

“Hey my little friend, how’s it going?” Giovanni walked in after they had reported, just seconds away from getting caught.

“Good. You?”

“Good too. Dimah wants you and me to meet her at Corda Dracon: Centcom. You’re safe with me.”

“I know.” The boy smiled.

They helped other rebels to carry some crates. Rumble was still not used to the sounds of battle in the distance, but he felt safe with Giovanni as he patted him.

“Ah, Rico – analysis of power plant shows unshielded Bavarium core. Does not seem like stable construction.”

“That doesn’t sound like bad news to me, Dimah. So, if I destabilize the core?”

“…Would obliterate entire base.” Then Rico discussed the plan with Mario.

“Finally. Finally, we are the ones who attack, not defend! This is exciting! For the Rebellion! Down with the general!” Giovanni threw his weapon in the air and let out a war cry.

“This is so exciting! We’re finally on the offensive!” Mario let out a war cry and did the same.

Rumble couldn’t help but also be excited. But deep within, he felt also guilty for being a mole and concern for Marco and Luca. He was afraid that they would be deployed here and would be killed.

“I never thought we would come that far.” A rebel woman commented.

“Finally, Change is in the air!” another rebel cheered.

“Rico will kick Di Ravello’s a- err, butt!” Mario corrected himself to protect Rumble’s innocence.

“Yeah, Mario! With Rico, the military has no chance against us!” A rebel cheered

“After this, we will take the capital! Don’t worry Rumble, your father and his friend will be treated fairly. Promise.” A rebel wearing a ski mask said to him as Rumble’s expression became worried.

“I just pray they don’t get killed.”

“Sadly in this war, there are only survivors.” Giovanni cocked his rifle. “What the? Paratroopers, right above us!” he yelled as aU41 Ptakojester flew above them and commandos jumped out.

The rebels fired at them, but the commandos had better training, killing many rebels as they landed. Giovanni survived as he was like many rebel soldiers a former member of the military. He threw a grenade between a hostile squad, blowing it up.

He actually had never killed before and wasn’t proud of it, but this is war, it was either kill or be killed.

A grenade was thrown after him but he evaded it by diving to the ground. “Yep, military training has been paid off!” he exclaimed after killing another enemy while prone.

As this attack was defeated by the rebels, he went to check Rumble.

“Rumble, are you- Rumble!” Rumble was bleeding pretty badly from his mouth and chest, his right forehoof covered in blood just like when Mario was hurt back then, having trouble to breathe, tears leaving his eyes.

He collapsed in Giovanni’s arms. “Mario, I need your help!”

“Move, let’s get him to our base in Insula Striate. Teo can stabilize him at here!” They brought the injured child into a helicopter.

On the way to the base, Giovanni asked, “How much further?”

“Not far,” Mario replied.

“Giovanni. Amico… Tell your brother I love him.” “Rumble said weakly.

“You will make it, Rumble! You’re not done yet!” The young rebel tried to keep him awake.

“I can still remember the first day I flew. I and Thunderlane were on a meadow, having a picnic. Bread and Apple juice. I tried to flap my wings and it worked… My brother said he was so proud of me and so would be mother and father.

The same day, I crashed into a tree I didn’t saw and broke my hoof… That was the best day of my life… I can still remember as it was yesterday. I was never so happy before…”

“We’re here. Careful.” Giovanni said to Mario as he lifted the colt up, careful of his injuries.

Dimah had a diagnosis. “Internal bleeding, heavy trauma. Low chance of survival.”

“Then let’s pray he’ll make it. I don’t want to break my brother’s heart or the hearts of Rumble’s friends and real family saying he died.” Giovanni looked worried after the wounded child.

“Don’t worry Giovanni – Teo has repaired worse.”

“I know.”

Rico arrived and saw Rumble’s condition. “I will liberate Insula Striate. Keep me posted on Rumble.” He left.

---

A week passed. The rebels managed to liberate Insula Dracon. Greta and Francesco were visiting Marco and Vittoria after they heard that the Rebellion managed to liberate Vista Dracon. Unfortunate, their grandparents were killed in a firefight between rebels and military forces.

“I’m glad the rebels took over b-but granmadre and gr-gr…” Greta couldn’t finish her sentence and went to Vittoria for comfort.

“Shh, I’m here for you.”

“I just hope that Rumble is still alive.” Francesco sobbed into her arms.

“I’m sure he is, sweetheart.” His mother comforted him too.

This made Vittoria sad. “I catch some fresh air.” She walked outside. Only the capital and the command center were still under military control in this Region. It was only a matter of time.

Her husband, Luca and Alice were also in the city, guarding the police station.

She was near it as suddenly Rico landed in front of her.

“Rico? What are you doing here?” She wondered.

“I’m here to liberate the town and to tell you that Rumble is safe with us. After I’ve done this, I’ll take you to him.”

That cheered the woman up, smiling happily at him. “Thank you for everything you do. Viva la revolution!” She exclaimed. “But my husband, my cousin’s wife and Luca are in there, so please don’t kill them.

“I won’t.”

“Stop! This is dangerous!” a citizen warned but it was too late.

“Can we get some backup here?” a soldier called for reinforcements.

“Reports of violence in the area. All units to this location.”

Vittoria ran as fast as she could home, as she heard explosions around the town.

Speakers, Di Ravello statues, and Projectors were blown up, Di Ravello billboards, torn to the ground by Rico’s grappler hook. Only the police station was left.

Marco, Luca and Alice knew that it was Rico. As he entered the station, they turned on the Militiamen and opened the gates for the rebels, as they all three deployed a hate for the D.R.M. and the Black Hand after they almost killed Rumble and arrested Vittoria for nothing. The rebels didn’t fire on them as they knew that the soldiers were friends of Rumble. Rico blew up the two Fuel tanks and the Transformer.

Marco and his friends took care of the Black Hand troops, while the rebels killed every Militia men they saw. The elites had reinforced armor but headshots killed them quickly, the blood barely noticeable due to the red uniforms.

After a while, the D.R.M. and Black Hand retreated out of the station. “Thanks, man. Let me raise the flag and then, I can bring you to Rumble.” Rico used his wingsuit.

Vittoria was out of breath after she reached her home. It broke her heart to see that Greta and her brother were cowering in their parent’s arms.

“W-what’s happening?” Francesco whimpered.

“Rico’s here.”

Then they heard cheering and saw fireworks. Also, the radio turned on for some reason.

“This is incredible! The capital city bearing Di Ravello’s own name has been freed by Rico and the rebellion! Amazing! Let’s continue to wipe all trace of that man off of that map!”

“It’s over. We’re free!” Elisa cheered. Then someone knocked on the door. It was Rico, behind him Marco, Luca and Alice.

“Marco, you’re alive!” She was relieved to see him in one piece.

“Yes and Rico said that Rumble needs us. He already organized a ride.” Marco replied.

“Yes, I will tell you everything on the ride there,” Rico added.

Rumble was slowly getting better. He was bandaged and tried to stand up to get a glass of water but the pain was still too much, he laid down with a grunt of pain.

Annika saw this and gave him the drink. “Thanks, Annika.”

You’re welcome.”

“I knew after you hugged me that you have a soft side.”

She put a hand on his lips. “Shh, don’t tell anyone.”

“Ok. I want my madre…”

“You will see them soon sweetheart. Try to rest a bit.” She stroked his mane.

He nodded and closed his eyes to sleep.

After a while, a helicopter landed. “Rico, back so soon?”

“Yes, Annika and you know why.” Rumble’s parents and friends got out.

“May I introduce his friends and parents if I may say so? His father Marco, his mother Vittoria, his friends Luca and Alice, and his two friends Greta and Francesco and their parents.”

“Hello there, children. Name’s Annika and this is my friend Teo.” The woman introduced herself and her friend.

“Hello, Mrs. Annika. Is Rumble alright?” Greta asked with hope.

The woman smiled. “Annika is just fine. Rumble is also fine and resting at the moment. I bring you to him.”

Their hearts melted as the colt was sleeping peacefully. Vittoria couldn’t help but let out tears of joy when she saw him. “Oh Rumble, I thought we had lost you.”

“Ma-madre?” He blinked his eyes open.

“Yes, my dear.”

“MAMA! I missed you! And I’m sorry for running away.” He lowered his ears.

“It’s alright, we’re just so happy to see you again.” She hugged him. “Alice can take care of your injuries.”

“Hey brother, guess I owe you a drink or something.” The private smiled warmly at his brother.

“Marco, you’re owed me nothing. If he’s a family part for you, he’s it for me too.”

“Thank you, Rico, for helping him!” the siblings exclaimed happily.

“Don’t mention it.”

They went to Rumble to tell him what happened. He was sorry for their loss but also happy to see them again.

They all stayed for the night.

The next day, Rumble had recovered thanks to Alice. They all were excited as Rosa Manuela, successor of President Dante should return. She ran against Medici's President Dante in an election that was canceled by Di Ravello following Dante's death on Election Day. She found political asylum in South America and stayed there for many years.

Marco and Luca stood at attention as her plane landed. Alice had switched to her medic uniform as he didn’t like to be a soldier.

Rosa was thanking some rebels including Giovanni.

“Thank you. Thank you for your bravery. Your country owes you a great deal. Many thanks, my friend, many thanks. Giovanni Marino. Son of an honorable officer. You can be proud of you.”

“Madam President. May I introduce my brother and his friends?” Mario and Luca saluted.

“It’s an honor to meet you,” Luca said.

“Hello, Madam President.” The kids said together, Rumble bowed.

“Yes, Rico told me about you. Ah, president is elected by the will of the people. I am but a loyal citizen of Medici! Rosa is fine. There’s no need to bow.”

“Each day, Di Ravello’s forces grow weaker-“ Rico tried to say but Rosa spotted Zeno who tried to sneak past.

“What is he doing here?!” Rosa yelled in disbelief, Zeno tried in panic to flee but Luca hit him hard with the butt of his rifle and he fell to the ground. Marco and Luca held him at gunpoint.

“That man is a despicable, two-faced coward!”

“Don’t believe what she says! I defected! I am loyal-“

“Lies! That spineless spittle of a man would never defect! He falsified the evidence allowing Di Ravello to justify his coup! If he is here, Di Ravello is here.”

“So Zeno is the mole! Let’s kill him.” Mario pointed his shotgun at him.

“No! Lock him up. He will stand trial for his crimes in a proper civilian court. It’s time to rebuild a fair Medici. Even for him.” Rosa left with Dimah to hear the full story of the rebellion, while Mario and Giovanni took Zeno away.

After Zeno was locked up, Rosa talked with Marco and Luca. “You have nothing to fear from us. We are loyal to our friends and the people of Medici, not the general.”

“I know, Marco. Your father was like you. In fact, he helped me to escape Di Ravello and I am always grateful for that. Do you want to tell me Rumble’s backstory?”

“It’s kind of a long story.” Marco took a deep breath.

After he told her, she said to him, “Your father would be proud of you. I am too. You two are the perfect examples of how a soldier of Medici should be.”

A rebel woman ran to them. “Rico, Dimah, Mario! Zeno wasn’t the only mole! We found out that there was a second mole!” “Then it can only be Sheldon, Rico.”

“Impossible Mario! The only one who always knew what we’re planning… is Rumble.” He realized, looking at the colt with an unsure expression.

Rumble panicked and tried to run, only to trip, landing hard on his chest. He then crawled backward against the wall, trembling. “P-please d-don’t hurt me, the general t-threated indirectly to k-kill or to sentence me and you to f-forced l-labor if I would not cooperate. I had no other choice, I knew it was wrong…. P-please, I- I…” Tears left his eyes as he could no longer bring out a word, having a breakdown. Vittoria slowly approached him. He responded by covering his head in fear.

She kneeled down to him. “Sweetheart, look at me.” “Rumble looked up with tear-filled eyes. “This wasn’t your fault. If I was you, I had done the same thing to protect you. And I’m not mad at you. You’re too young to resist such pressure. You did the right thing to protect us.”

“Rumble, you are your best friend. And you will always be no matter what happens.” Greta and Francesco spoke together.

“Amico, we’re not mad at you. You were scared. I can understand this. And I promise you, Di Ravello will pay!” Mario said to him.

Rosa even said, “You’re no traitor. You only did it to protect the ones you love. No one of us will blame you. You’re innocent of any crimes, unlike Zeno. The general used you like so many other.”

“R-really?” The colt asked, sniffing.

“Si, Rumble. Di Ravello will wish he had never hurt you.” Mario replied, determined to make the general pay.

“Yeah, Rumble. If he hurts you, he has to mess with ours!” Giovanni gave him a smile, all other rebels too.

Rumble did with his two little friends and parents a group hug. “I give you a ride home.” Rico offered.

Back home, Vittoria and Marco brought him into bed. “Goodnight, sweetie. You aren’t guilty of anything. We love you.”

“I love you too, Mommy.” He fell asleep and they also went to bed, knowing that the next day would be much better after the town was liberated.

Author's Note:

Looks like things are going up.

Comments

[rikusorasephiroth]

9249623
In an archway near the rebel hideout, next to a small pond with a rusted boat at the bottom. It's a rifle standing upright, barrel down, in a pile of wood and when you interract with it, it makes a sound.

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[Bronycommander]

Ah, i see. Hope you Enjoy the latest chapter

[rikusorasephiroth]

9249642
I did.

Still, thoughts on Rumble finding it?

[Bronycommander]

9249856
Well,maybe i find a way to Build it in