//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Rumble’s True Worth // Story: The Darkest Hour // by TheClownPrinceofCrime //------------------------------// AT THE PRESENT TIME All the ponies of Equestria could not have been even more happy as one of their own finally reunited with them after the death of Soundwave. Most of them feared that they would never see the young colt again, but thankfully, they were proven wrong. They celebrated his return and rejoiced over the Autobots’ victory. Ever since the Decepticons have been defeated, the ponies increased their defenses in case they ever again suffer attack from anyone—Decepticon or not. They were determined more than ever to be prepared for any attack they might encounter in the future. Above the clouds, Rumble flew high in the sky with fierce velocity. As soon as he reached to the top of the sky, he swiftly descended within the same speed. He widely grinned the more he zoomed toward the ground; however, he suddenly lost control and crashed on the dirt. “Ah, come on! I almost made it this time!” he complained, spitting the dirt out of his mouth. “Don’t worry, little brother, you just gotta keep practicing,” encouraged Thunderlane. “This is the fifth time I tried this, and I still couldn’t make it. I thought for sure my new cutie mark would enable me to get it right,” said Rumble. “I guess not everypony can do a sonic rainboom, bro. Rainbow Dash naturally has it in her to do that, but perhaps it’s not easy for any other pegasus. Besides, even if you can’t do a rainboom, you can still do other things!” “Yeah, but a sonic rainboom is so much cooler! I just have to keep trying!” Rumble said. “Then why don’t you ask Rainbow if she can help you? I’m sure she’ll show you the ropes,” suggested Thunderlane. “Hmmm, good idea. I’ll see you around!” Rumble waved, flying off to the sky. “Why do I have a feeling this won’t work out for him?” Thunderlane asked himself. ************ Once Rumble was in the air, he spotted the rainbow-haired pegasus lazily laying on top of a cloud. Smirking, he flew over to her. “Hey, Rainbow Dash!” “Huh? Oh, Rumble! Didn’t expect to see you today. What’s up?” she asked. “Well... I’ve been trying to create a sonic rainboom on my own, but it didn’t work out,” he replied. “So I was wondering if you can help me with that.” “Wait... you actually have been trying to do that?” Rainbow asked, surprised. “I mean, I’ve seen you do it plenty of times before with no problem. I always thought of it as the coolest thing a Wonderbolt can do, so I wanted to give it a shot. But so far, it’s not working for me. Can you show me?” Rainbow took a moment to think about it until she responded back. “Look, Rumble, I would love to help you with anything else, but... not with this one.” “What?! Why not?” “Because... only I can do that. It’s just not something you would see in any other pegasus. But hey, I know you can do a lot of other awesome stuff! Like, protecting everypony, saving the world, beating up Decepticons, helping the Autobots, training to be a future Wonderbolt, and more!” Rainbow explained. Rumble lowered his head as he sorrowfully listened in silence. “Come on, don’t feel bad, little buddy. Just because you can’t do what I do doesn’t mean you’re not awesome. Just do what you do. See what I mean?” “Yeah... I guess,” Rumble replied. He flew away disappointed. Rainbow however briefly stared at his cutie mark. “I wish I got that Autobot symbol on my cutie mark...” LATER Rumble sat on the grassy hillside just above Ponyville. He beheld the sunset while still feeling a bit sorrowful. “Maybe I should try again tomorrow morning. I can’t give up that easily! Or... maybe I should give it rest and forget about it. How am I supposed to know what to do if my cutie mark won’t show me anything?” he agonized in thought. Just as he was thinking about this, he got instant flashbacks of his negative attitude toward cutie marks in front of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He remembered how he used to hate them for fear of being ‘put in a box’ and being kept from his true potential. “What if... my cutie mark isn’t who I—?” “Hey, pal!” someone shouted. Rumble turned back to see Spike flying down to him. “Hey, Spike.” “Is everything okay?” “Yeah... yeah, everything’s fine.” “Are you sure? You don’t look like you’re fine,” Spike said, raising an eyebrow. “I’m just... tired. That’s all,” he lied. “Rumble, you can tell me anything. I’m your friend. Something is clearly wrong.” “(Sigh) Okay... it’s just... I’m having doubts about my cutie mark,” Rumble confessed. “Really? I thought you enjoyed having it?” “I did, and I still do. It’s just that I am unsure if I can do anything unique or special. I know I will be a great Wonderbolt one day, but I want to do more than just flying around, training, or even cooking. It’s been a year since we defeated the Decepticons, and I already feel like... I’m missing something.” “I see where you’re coming from. In a way, I can relate to that. I just sprouted these wings only recently, but I’ve been taking plenty of practice to know how to fly properly. It wasn’t easy, but I got the hang of it. I’m sure it will be the same for you, pal,” Spike said. “That’s easy for you to say. I always wanted to do great things, but it feels like my cutie mark is not doing anything for me or giving me any special abilities. It’s just... there!” Rumble vented. “Rumble, you helped save the entire city, remember? You destroyed Soundwave, you saved your friends, and you are a member of the Autobots! Isn’t that itself rewarding? Don’t be discouraged because you don’t feel special or unique. Your cutie mark shows who you are in the inside and what you can do. Besides, if you ask me, you are a role model,” Spike advised. Rumble carefully thought on his words. After a moment of contemplation, he softly smiled at the dragon. “Thanks, Spike. I needed to hear that. I guess I have a lot to learn about my cutie mark.” Both he and Spike gave a fist/hoof bump. “Anytime, pal,” Spike winked. “Heh, it still feels like yesterday since I got my cutie mark and defeated Soundwave. I won’t ever forget that experience I had,” recalled Rumble, facing the evening sky. “Me neither! And... honestly, I do miss being with the Autobots. They’re actually pretty cool,” said Spike. “Yeah, they are. They protect the universe, fight for what is right, and uphold freedom for every creature. I only hope to be just as awesome as they are,” sighed Rumble. “You already are, Rumble! Never forget that,” Spike smiled. With that said, Spike flew back to the Castle of Friendship. Rumble remained on the hill as he watched the sun setting and the sky getting darker. “I guess there is more to my cutie mark than meets the eye, huh?” Rumble chuckled.