Just Rumble

Chapters

Chapter 1 Welcome to Medici
Chapter 2 Friends and plans
Chapter 3: The Mountains
Chapter 4 The Rebellion
Chapter 5 A terrrible Reaction
Chapter 6 An Act of Piracy
Chapter 7 A long and dangerous road
Chapter 8: Rumble and the Rose
Chapter 9 Fun
Chapter 10 Colt of Medici
Chapter 11 Prisoners
Chapter 12 Home Sweet Home

Chapter 1 Welcome to Medici

Chapter 1: Welcome to Medici

Marco Marino, a private of the Military was at his post at Guardia Libeccio I, a military outpost. It was raining but it didn’t bother him at all as he loved rain. The young man lived with his wife in Citate Di Ravello, the capital of Medici.

He had no problem to work for General Di Ravello, the ruler of the island, but still disliked his methods. “Hey, how’s going?” his best friend Luca Rossi, a Commando asked him. They both grow up together.

“Good. The sea air is gorgeous, don’t you think?”

“Si. How’s your wife?”

“Fine. She just wishes to be a mother after we found out that she was barren.” He let out a sigh.

“Then, why you don’t adopt?” Luca asked in return.

“We thought of that but we aren’t ready yet. And we also want to raise our child without fear and oppression, get what I mean?”

“Si. I heard that Rico Rodriguez has returned.”

“The famous race car driver?” Marco asked surprised.

“Yes.”

Both men were fans of him back then. One other soldier heard a strange noise. “What’s that?” he investigated it until it became clearer. For Marco, it sounded like a crying child. The soldier, however, said with a rude tone, “This is government property. I don’t want to kill you, but I will.”

“P-please don’t hurt me. I’m lost.” The child replied scared in English, behind a bush.

“You have two choices: Leave or die.” The soldier replied cold, apparently not caring about it or taking his job too seriously.

“Please, I just need to know where I am...How to get home...” The child cried more.

Unlike him, Marco was not rude like other soldiers, so he approached the bush and spoke in a calming tone, “Come out, I promise you will not be harmed.” Like many people of Medici, he was also fluent in English and other languages. The bush rustled.

All soldiers were confused as they saw a pony colt with purple tear-filled eyes, a black mane and tail and a grey coat. He hugged Marco’s legs for comfort.

It took the humans a few minutes to process this but then came up with the only explanation:

A child in a costume.

“Shh, it’s alright, I’ll help you. Here, take a sip.” He offered the colt his canteen.

“Thank you, sir.” At first, the soldier thought he was hallucinating, but as every other soldier was shaking his head, he knew that what he saw wasn’t his imagination.

“I know you all take your job seriously but you should think before saying that sentence to a lost child,” Marco said to his comrades, who nodded, then turned back to the boy with a smile. “What’s your name, little guy?”

“Rumble. And yours? Rumble asked politely.

“Private Marco Marino from the Medici Military.”

“M-Medici? Never heard of it.” Rumble stared at the soldier for a few seconds, then started to sob. “B-brother…”

The young soldier had sympathy with the young child, trying to comfort him. “Shh, it’s alright, come with me. You could get a cold in this rain.”

Rumble stopped to cry, smiling weakly. “Thank you, Mr. Marino.”

“Please, Marco is just fine. It’s a long ride, so try to sleep a bit until we arrive.”

Marco put him in the backseat of his Weimaraner W3 and put the seat belt on. It was one of the best and reliable cars in Medici.

“For your own safety.” Rumble just nodded and fell asleep. Before the soldier started the engine, he saw that Rumble had wings. A Pegasus? Fascinating.

“You can keep this a secret?” Marco asked. He knew that Luca could.

“Si, no problem, my friend.” His friend replied, the other soldiers nodded.

“Thanks, guys.”

While he was driving home, the radio played Torre Florim - Firestarter.

The trip was quiet but the rain stopped as Citate Di Ravello was in view. His wife was working as an office worker and was paid well like him.

At home, he spoke gently, “Wake up Rumble, we’re here.”

The colt let out a cute yawn. “We are? Wow…” He was lost for words as he saw the skyscrapers.

“Welcome to Citate Di Ravello, the capital of Medici and my home.” Marco opened the door and called out, “Vittoria, I’m home!”

“Welcome home.” His wife walked out of the kitchen. She was also young and had brown hair with green eyes. The woman looked confused at the colt, trying to understand, then smiled. “And you brought a guest. Who are you, my little guest?” She smiled at Rumble.

“Rumble Mrs. Marino.”

“That’s polite from you but Vittoria is just fine. Where did you found him?” She asked his husband curiously.

“I found him lost near the outpost I’m working. As I couldn’t live with me if I let him stuck in the rain, and you wished to be a mother, I brought him here.” Marco had sympathy for the young pony.

“Then, why you don’t get a towel and dry him while I make dinner?” Vittoria suggested.

“Yes, honey.”

“Thank you for that,” Rumble said as Marco dried him.

“No need, I always help those in need.” The private explained before his wife called out,

“Dinner is ready!” Marco helped him on the chair

Vittoria had made Spaghetti alla napoletana. Rumble enjoyed it.

“So Rumble, do you want to tell us about yourself?” She asked him, guilty that it could make him sadder.

“Well, I’m a Pegasus pony from Equestria. I live in a town called Ponyville. Pegasus ponies can fly and manipulate the weather. I can fly but only with the support of my big brother Thunderlane. He is also a Pegasus. He has golden eyes, a blue-gray mane, and a black coat. He has a lightning bolt from a cloud as Cutie Mark. It represents the special talent of a pony. I still haven’t got it but I don’t care. Our parents died when I was still a baby. We live together with Cloudchaser and her sister Flitter who are like sisters to me. They are also Pegasus ponies.

Equestria is a peaceful country and is ruled by Princess Celestia and Luna who controlling the sun and moon. Humans were only a myth, but after some incidents in the past, foals were separated from their families and landed in different universes were human took care of them until they returned home. The humans left their homes to live with the foals in Equestria. I landed here because two unicorns, Snails and Snips, were combining their magic in a teleport spell. They accidentally hit me as it got out of control and… here I am.” Rumble lowered his ears and let out a sigh.

“Sorry to hear that. But we will take care of you. We always wanted to be parents. I was pregnant, but our child, who was a boy, didn’t survive. He was dead before he was born. After that, we found out that I couldn’t have any more children.” The young wife told with a hint of sadness.

“That's...I'm so sorry....” The young colt felt sorry for them, his head lowered.

“I know but with you, my wish to be a mother came true.” Vittoria smiled at him.

Rumble’s ears perked up. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Oh thank you!” Rumble got from his chair and hugged both tightly with tears of joy.

“Should we tell you how we meet each other?” The private asked.

“Yes, please!” Rumble’s eyes sparkled.

“I still remember as it was yesterday…”

Marco was playing with his friend Luca when they were still children. They saw the new neighbors. What caught Marcos interest was their daughter.

“Hello, I’m Vittoria.” The girl greeted friendly.

“Hello, I’m Marco and this is my friend Luca.”

“I and my parents moved from Burgoletto here. I was born there but my parents came from Italy.” She explained.

“What a coincidence, our parents are also from Italy. Want to play with us?” Luca asked.

“Sure why not.” She said with a grin as her parents were chatting to each other.

It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. In the evening, Marco and Luca were talking about tomorrow as they heard a cry for help. Following it, they saw how Vittoria was intimidated by some large boys. “P-please don’t hurt me.”

“Listen up, brat! You stay away from our territory or face the consequences.” One of them threatened her.

“Get a soldier or the D.R.M. while I distract them.” Marco ordered Luca, determined to defend his new friend.

“You’re sure, friend?” He asked unsurely.

“Si. Now get help.”

“Si.”

“Hey, leave the lady alone!” Marco shouted. His parents taught him to be respectful toward girls and woman.

“Who do you think you are? We push fresh meat around as we like.” The leader taunted but got a bleeding nose as Marco punched him hard.

“You dare?!” the leader shouted in anger as he tried to punch his younger opponent, who dodged it with ease. It didn’t take long until a captain of the D.R.M. arrived.

“Hey! Stop right now!” the boys obeyed. “Threating a lady is not nice. You come with me to the station until your parents arrive!” the boys were scared except for Marco as the captain spoke to him in a much calmer tone, “Well done. You should be a soldier or a member of us when you’re grown up.” The Captain sounded proud.

“Thanks sir, my daddy taught it to me as he is a soldier in the army.” He replied with pride before he helped his neighbor up. “You’re hurt?”

“No, I’m fine. Thanks.” She kissed him on the cheek, causing him to blush.

“I think she has a crush on you.” Luca commented.

“I think me too.”

“…after that, we dated and married when we were grown up.”

“That was awesome! But could you tell me more about Medici?” The Pegasus was curious

“But of course.”

They told him about the history of Medici, that it was an island off the coast of Italy, which was also the reason why many citizens were originally Italian as they founded it as part of immigration, about the general and which year it was.

“So, you live in a dictatorship?” The foal figured out.

“Yes, it happened years before we were born. I have no problem to work for the general, but I dislike his brutal methods. I stepped into the boots of my father to make him proud but he died before I could join them. Now I serve in the military to keep his honor alive. And my wife his spared from the general’s methods.” Marco explained.

“A lot of information’s.” Rumble let out a yawn.

“Looks like someone is tired. We have a guest room I’ll tuck you in.” The grey was too tired to protest as the female human picked him up.

The guest room was actually the room for their son before the incident but they made it into the guest room after it. The room had still the teddy bear they had bought back then.

Rumble hugged it tightly. “Thunderlane often tells me bedtime stories but the story how you met was like a bedtime story for me. Goodnight.” With a yawn, he fell asleep.

Vittoria kissed him on the forehead. “Sweet dreams.”

“He’s so a sweet boy.” Her husband’s heart melted at the sleeping boy.

“Indeed. How about we show him the city tomorrow? I’m sure he loves it.” Vittoria suggested.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Marco was not sure.

“You worry too much. Besides, it has time until tomorrow. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

They both fell asleep in their bedroom to be ready for the next day.

Author's Note

A just Cause crossover. ade back around Season 3/4 to get over a writing blockade at Together again. I loved the music and atmosphere of the game and thought, why not make a story of it?

Chapter 2 Friends and plans

Chapter 2: Friends and plans

They awoke in the night as they heard a scream. Both ran to the guest room worried about their guest.

Rumble was trembling, breathing heavily and had cold sweat on his face.

“Did you have a nightmare, my dear?” Vittoria scooped the colt in her arms and patted his back. “Shh, calm down.”

His trembling slowly stopped. “Y-yes.”

She rocked him and hummed a lullaby until he was asleep. “You can sleep with us.”

They went to bed. They both smiled at the sleeping child. “Goodnight,” Marco said before he was asleep again.

In the morning, the young man stretched himself as the sun was shining. He had to smile as Rumble hugged the teddy bear with a smile while his wife did the same to him.

Marco went quietly into the kitchen to make breakfast. It didn’t take long until Rumble and Vittoria were awake.

“Good morning, you two. Slept well?” He asked with a smile

“Yes, Marco. What’s for breakfast?” The colt asked, still a bit sleepy.

“I made a glass of juice and a bowl of oatmeal for you, Rumble.”

While they breakfasted, the radio turned on.

“Good morning, citizens of Medici! I’m (apparently) the new voice of the General’s News Network, your only LEGAL source currently events. Another successful Di Ravello Week is in the books! Some minor reports of anti-government action, but we have troops en route to utterly destroy the last pocket of resistance as we speak. Vive Medici!”

“Strange. This guy sounds just like Dinky's dad.” Rumble mentioned as the voice sounded familiar.

“Maybe the speaker is his human counterpart here.” Marco joked.

“There is a Rebellion?”

“Yeah, but they are failing. I can understand their fight, but they lack a professional leader and without that, they have no chance against us.

I have a younger brother that is in the Rebellion. He said that I was an idiot for serving the general. I lost contact with him but I still love him like a brother should.” Marco explained with a small hint of sadness in his voice, missing him.

This reminded Rumble of his brother. He managed to suppress a tear as he missed him. “What do you want to do today?”

“We wanted to show you the city if you like.”

“Of course but is this really a good idea?” Rumble asked Marco with worry.

“We could just say you’re our son in a costume. Just don’t use your wings and you should be fine.” The young woman suggested, causing him to smile weakly.

“It’s worth a try.”

At first, Rumble was hiding Vittoria’s back but every citizen and even soldier commented how nice his “costume” was.

Like yesterday, Rumble was amazed by the skyscrapers. They came across an old building which emitted opera music.

“Hey my friend, how’s it going?” Luca joined them. He had brown hair and green eyes, while Marco had black hair with brown eyes.

“Good. Rumble, I told you about my friend Luca. He’s a Commando, an elite soldier.”

“Hello again, Luca.” The pony greeted friendly.

“Hey there, little buddy.” He knelled down to him and patted him. „May I join you?”

“Si.” Vittoria replied. They told him Rumble’s story.

“Poor boy. But I won’t report him, you have my word.”

“I know you never would.” His friend and comrade replied.

“This that the general?” Rumble pointed to the statue that was next to a palace.

“Yes. The palace you see is his house.” Luca explained.

“Looks nice.” A Propaganda van drove past him.

"Attention, citizens - rebels can be identified by their long hair, sunglasses and baseless idealism. Report any such offenders to your local authority.” The driver said via speakers.

“Really?” Rumble wondered as it sounded strange.

“Actually not. I and Luca never fought them before, we only did prisoner transports. They wear blue clothing, helmets, sunglasses, yes, gas masks, caps, headsets, ski masks and so, but I never saw one with long hair.”

“Uh-huh. What’s that on your back?” The foal pointed to his rifle.

“That’s the U-39 Plechovkam, the standard issue rifle for the military. It has a straight stock and an over-barrel gas operation for enhanced precision and combat high recoil rates. It is very reliable and has a magazine of 35 rounds. The standard sidearm is the U-55S Pozhar, A single-action, semi-automatic .45 pistol developed by URGA. Magazine-fed and recoil-operated, the Pozhar is the 'no-frills gun that gets the job done.” He pointed to his holster. “My buddy is using the CS Predator, a solid mid-range assault rifle that has found a lot of popularity amongst people who like shooting at each other. Has a magazine of 30 rounds.”

“Interesting.”

Rumble was trying to read a Di Ravello billboard as he bumped into a soldier wearing black and red body armor, his face concealed by a balaclava. “Watch it, citizen.” The soldier said in a robotic voice, frightening Rumble.

“S-sorry sir, I didn’t see you.”

“Next time, exercise caution, citizen.”

Vittoria patted Rumble’s back as they walked away. “Thanks. What does that billboard say?”

“It’s Medician for ‘peace, security and prosperity.’ The Medician language is a mix of various Romance languages, such as Italian, Sicilian, Catalan, Spanish, French, Latin and Romanian but the people are also fluent in English and other languages. We can teach it you if you want.” Marco suggested.

“Would be useful so I don’t get lost. What are those guys?” The boy pointed to a man in heavy red colored armor.

“Those guys belong to the D.R.M. They are a pro-government militia and work alongside the military. As you can see, they’re dressed in red and brown uniforms with some wearing police riot gear and helmets. The heavily armored man is a captain. He is equipped with the Urga Vdova 89. It’s a light machine gun also used by us soldiers. A heavy hitter, the URGA Vdova 89 makes up for lower accuracy with raw firepower and a massive magazine. Even if you miss a lot, you're sure to obliterate your target.” Luca joked as the captains often miss.

“They replace the police as the police department was corrupt. But for us, they’re having such a terrible aim that we lost respect for them. Besides, a police officer was way better trained than a militia.”

“What was that car you used Marco?” Rumble wanted to know.

“The Weimaraner W3. It’s a SUV. It is the general purpose vehicle for military and rebel forces alike. Suitable for all terrains, it is especially capable in off-road situations. There is also a civilian version but as it was mostly built for the military, it’s rare to see it.

The car over there is an Urga Szturm 63A. This armored vehicle perfectly blends defense, speed and assault capabilities as it has a machine-gun turret. Useful to deploy in hostile areas.” Marco pointed to it, parked on the sidewalk.

“The man you bumped into it was a member of the Black Hand. They are an elite private military force hired by the general to assist us. Sometimes, they scare me too with their voices.”

Two children, a boy, and a girl crossed their way. The boy had brown hair and blue eyes, the girl black hair and brown eyes. Their parents were good friends of Marco and Vittoria.

“Hello there, do you want to play with us?” the boy asked.

“Sure, can I?” Rumble asked his “parents.”

“Si, have fun.”

“My name is Francesco and this is my sister Greta.”

“My name is Diego but my nickname is Rumble.” The colt quickly came up with it.

“A nice nickname.” The boy liked it.

“Thanks, Francesco.”

They played together, the adults watched with smiles as Rumble had found some friends of his age.

“We moved from Vista Dracon here. It is high up in the mountains of Libeccio. The view is beautiful.” Greta told Rumble.

“I’m not afraid of heights.” Rumble replied as it sounded silly that a Pegasus would be afraid of heights.

“We wanted to go back tomorrow to visit our grandparents there and maybe go to the beach after that. Do you want to come too? Our grandma makes always delicious cookies.”

“That’s nice from you but I must ask my parents first.”

Vittoria didn’t mind. “Of course we come. My cousin lives there.”

“Ok, see you tomorrow!” the children called out and left.

“If I may ask, why are you wearing a sand colored uniform if there is no desert in Medici?” The Pegasus asked.

“It’s the standard uniform but it has something to do with an old tradition as far as I know.” Luca said goodbye and left.

Back home, Vittoria made a tomato soup for Rumble while Marco taught him Medician and the colt was a fast learner.

“Repeat after me. Citate.”

“Citate means city.”

“Correct. Fratre.”

“Fratre means brother.”

“Excellent. You’re learning fast. Never thought you would master Medician so fast.”

“The human teacher that represents our pony teacher taught us several languages from Humanity and they’re interesting. Also, the magic in Equestria allows me to understand your Language, for me, it sounds like English while for you it sounds like the language you speak.” Rumble explained proudly.

“And it has been paid off.”

While they had dinner, the radio turned on again. “Greetings! As part of our beloved General Di Ravello’s public works initiative, he’s decided to raze Vis Electra and move towards a greener energy economy. Ah, it’s just some routine controlled demolitions, nothing to be concerned with. Like the fact that some armed man just took away my cell phone. Ah, Vive Medici.”

Marco and Vittoria had stopped long ago in believing in the propaganda. They knew the rebels had taken over thanks to Rico. They heard about what he did in San Esperito and Panau.

“I’m in the living room, drawing if you need me.” Rumble had enjoyed the soup with great pleasure.

After cleaning the kitchen, their hearts melted.

Rumble was fallen asleep on the floor with a picture on between his hoofs.

On it were his brother with the word Fratre, and Cloudchaser and Flitter with the word Sorores which meant sisters. Cloudchaser had rose eyes, a Light Blue and White mane and a Grey Blue coat. Her Cutie Mark was a shooting star. Flitter had Violette eyes, a turquoise mane and the same coat color as her sister. She was wearing a bow. Her Cutie Mark was three dragonflies. Under them were the words “I miss you.”

Vittoria hung the picture on the fridge while Marco took a photo of the picture and Rumble with his phone and sent it Luca before he tucked the colt in.

“It’s sad how he misses them.”

“I know but he has us until they find him.” His wife replied.

Before they went to bed, they heard Rumble talking in his sleep, “Madre, padre, I love you.” They didn’t know if he meant his deceased parents or them but they were sure that he meant them.

“He’s so cute when he’s asleep.” Vittoria whispered.

“I know but my heart exploded when he called us mother and father.” Marco admitted.

“Guess we like parents for him already.” She kissed him and fell asleep. They all looked forward to tomorrow.

Author's Note

A good start for Rumble, isn't it?

Chapter 3: The Mountains

The married couple awoke by hoof steps. Rumble walked in with a tray. “Good morning, I made you breakfast.”

He made two glasses of juice and toast. He smiled as he saw how they enjoyed it. “That was delicious.” The young woman smiled at him.

“Thanks, ma- Vittoria. I learned it from my brother and friends.” He blushed.

Vittoria giggled. “We don’t mind it that you call us your parents. Besides, it helps to avoid suspicion.”

Ok, mommy.”

After getting ready for the day, Greta, Francesco, and their parents waited outside.

“Salute, Rumble. The boy greeted him.

” Salute!” Rumble greeted.

“May I introduce our parents? Our padre Federico and madre Elisa.” Greta pointed to them. Her mother had blonde hair and brown eyes, her husband had black hair and green eyes. “Hello, Rumble. Nice to meet you.” Their mother said to him.

“Nice to meet you too Mrs. uhh…” Rumble realized that he didn’t know their last name.

“Elisa and Federico this just fine.”

“Let’s go, shall we?” Luca asked. Vittoria had an Autostraad D90 as her car, while Federico used a red Stria Joia, the same car the police used. His wife had a green Stria Infimo S.

While they drove to Vista Dracon, Rumble commented, “A nice car.”

“Thanks. Voted number one luxury sedan by Medici Auto Monthly, the D90 is the preferred status symbol of the nation's wealthy, paring high-end performance and durability. I could afford it as I get paid well.” Rumble’s stepmother explained. It was dark blue.

“I’m just a private, but even the privates get paid well,” Marco said as Rumble enjoyed the view of forests, Mountains, and meadows.

At Vista Dracon, the Stria stopped next to a house where a white, rusty Stria Carera Standard that best days were long behind.

Greta used the doorbell. An elderly woman with white hair and blue eyes opened the door. “Greta, Francesco!”

“Granmadre!” Her grandchildren hugged her.

“What about me?”

“Granpadre!” They also gave their grandfather with grey hair and green eyes a hug.

“May we introduce our new friend Rumble to you?” Francesco asked, Rumble gave a weak smile as he was timid and nervous.

“Hello.”

“Hello, Rumble, that’s a nice costume.” The elderly man liked it.

“Thanks.” “Come in.” The elderly couple smiled warmly at him.

Inside, the children enjoyed the cookies, played together and talked about their hobbies while listening to music.

The adults smiled at the sight and talked to each other. “Everything alright here?”

“Si Elisa, but sometimes I can’t hear those propaganda monologues from the speakers anymore. Everything used to be much better when Dante was the president and not the general. Those D.R.M. guys have no respect to the older people.” Her mother told with disappointment.

“I know, madre. Tell us Vittoria, how did manage to make the costume so realistic? Besides, since when did you decide to adopt a child?”

Vittoria was biting her lip as she had to answer.

“Can you keep a secret?”

“Of course.”

“He’s not our son but from another word.”

“Come again?” The siblings’ mother asked confused, raising an eyebrow.

“She’s not lying,” Rumble told them his entire story. It took them all a few minutes to understand.

“Mio dio. You poor child. But you have our word; you will keep your secret.” Elisa hugged him tightly.

He gasped for air. “Too… tight…”

“Oh, sorry. But you’re just so cute!” She exclaimed with a smile after letting him go.

“I know.” The colt blushed in embarrassment.

“Madre, can we play outside?” Greta asked.

“Sure, just be careful around the cliffs.”

“Yes, mommy!” The girl replied.

The town was small but the view from the cliffs outside was beautiful.

“It’s amazing and the fresh air…” Rumble took a deep breath, “Is just beautiful.”

“You say it. The children here develop a healthy respect for heights at a young age. But the view from Cloudsdale must be much better.” Greta’s brother replied to the Pegasus.

“I don’t know if it’s possible, but I should show you it when I get home, Francesco.” Rumble looked at the Statue of the general. “I wonder how he got the money to build those in every town. Besides, how long does it take to build those?”

“Very long.” Greta shrugged.

“Why did you moved to the capital?”

“Well amico, we liked it here as it is very quiet but our parents had to move to find work. You’re actually our first and only friend we have so far.”

“In that case Francesco, let’s make sure our friendships last long.”

“You say it!” Greta was hugged him happy.

They watched the sunset. “A sunset always looks so beautiful.” She enjoyed every second of it, not noticing a quiet cracking sound.

“Do you hear something?” Francesco looked around.

“No, must been your imagination. But don’t you agree about the beauty of sunsets?”

“Yes, Sorore. Let’s go back inside.”

As they were about to go inside, a part of the cliffs cracked. “Rumble, watch out!”

Greta tried to warn him but it was too late. He screamed in terror as he tumbled down the hill. Francesco tried to grab his hoof but it happened to fast.

Greta watched in shock as her friend tried to use his wings but he rolled too fast that he wasn’t able to use them.

They wanted to call for help but they could only stare in shock as their friend rolled down the high hill, screaming.

It seemed like hours until the boy managed to break out of his shock.

“Vittoria, Marco, help!” Francesco yelled and they came faster than light.

“What’s wrong?” the soldier asked. He and his wife got instantly what happened after Greta pointed down still in shock with a trembling hand.

“Rumble!” Vittoria shouted in tears as the colt eventually came to a halt at the end of the cliffs, battered and bruised all over.

“Get your cousin; we must get to him at once!” Vittoria’s cousin was a pilot and had a Eubus Eagle on a landing pad nearby, while his wife was a former vet and now a medic, arrived in a Stria Switzo Ambulance.

The helicopter landed near the forest where the young pony was. Luca got out and checked him with the medic.

“Rumble, you’re alive!”

It’s a miracle! He thought as he saw that the colt was brushed, scraped and had several cuts all across his body. He was also covered in dust.

“My leg hurts.” He said holding crying, his left hind leg.

“Don’t worry kid, I’m a doctor. The medic examined his leg. “Good news, it isn’t broken. You were lucky that you survived this at all. Most people that fell off a cliff like that were dead or seriously injured.”

The commando patted the dust off him. For once, the D.R.M. did a good job and made sure that no onlookers were on the scene.

“Rumble!” With tears of joy, the young woman embraced him.

“I can you give you something against the pain.” The doctor gave him some painkillers. Vittoria held gently his hoof as it was a syringe.

Greta and Francesco had guilty looks on their faces. “Only a few scraps, cuts and bruises nothing serious.” The medic said and they sighed in relief.

“Thanks.” The colt thanked the doctor.

“Please, it’s my job. Besides, if you should get sick or it should get worse, just call me.” She gave Rumble a wink to let him know that she and her husband would also be quiet.

“Let’s go home,” Marco suggested. The radio had news on the trip home.

“Good news, archaeology enthusiasts! The CentCom Tower at Cima Leon has been restored to a tourist attraction featuring some of Medici’s historic ruins. Self-improvement’s our watchword here, we take it very seriously. Unlike the rights of vacationing celebrities. Vive Medici.”

Back home, Vittoria made a pizza for her “son” which he enjoyed with every bite. Then she brought him into bed.

“Goodnight, my dear. Madre loves you.” She hummed a lullaby.

They went to bed after that. “I was so relieved that he wasn’t dead or seriously injured.” She let out a sigh of relief.

“Yeah, me too. But for now, let’s get some rest.” Marco fell asleep with a sigh, also glad that Rumble was fine.

Author's Note

At least he's okay.

Chapter 4 The Rebellion

Chapter 4: The Rebellion

Marco woke up early as he had to go to work. He looked after Rumble who was asleep with a smile. His buddy Luca waited outside.

“Good morning.” Marco greeted the commando with a smile.

“Morning. Ready for the day?”

Of course.” They got into the SUV and drove to the outpost, unaware that they would take part in something bigger.

Rumble yawned. It was a beautiful day outside. His leg and his wings were still hurting a bit. He could only limb but that didn’t stop him from getting into the kitchen.

“Good morning, mommy!” He greeted happily.

“Morning, sweetheart.” She already had prepared breakfast. Toast and a coffee for herself, a Croissant and a glass of juice for him.

“That was delicious!”

“Thanks. Would you help me clean the house?”

“Nessun problema.” He got off the chair, only let out a grunt of pain as he landed on his leg.

“You’re alright, my dear?” She asked with concern.

“My leg and wings ache a little, and I limp but otherwise fine.”

The doorbell ringed. Vittoria opened it. Francesco and his sister were outside with a basket of chocolate. “We want to wish Rumble a speedy recovery.” They said together.

“Come in.”

Rumble grinned as he saw them. “Guys!” They did a group hug.

“We’re here to wish you a speedy recovery and we’re sorry for what happened yesterday.” They both said guilty, their heads lowered.

“Don’t blame yourself, it was an accident. Its aches still a little and I can only limp, but I’m otherwise fine.”

“In that case, Rumble, why you don’t play with your friends while I clean the house?” The woman suggested.

“Yes, mommy.” They shared the chocolate and talked if he still wants to come with them to the beach. He didn’t refuse.

At the beach, the kids built a sandcastle and splashed water at each other while the adults watched smiling in the shadow. “He’s such a cute boy. I enjoy every minute with him but I hope his brother isn’t too much worried.” His stepmother watched with a sad smile.

“I’m sure he has faith in finding his little brother Vittoria. I just don’t want to imagine what happens to him if the D.R.M. or the Military takes him away.” Elisa said as she knew that he wouldn’t last the forced labor for long or could be executed.

After a fun day at the beach, they enjoyed some ice cream.

“It’s been a long time that I had so much fun,” Greta commented.

“My brother also did a lot of fun activities with my but after he became a recruit for the Wonderbolts, he hasn’t so much time for as he had before that.” Rumble explained.” But I still have Flitter.”

“And us!” Francesco added.

“Oh, I forgot, I wanted to visit some friends at my old home,” Vittoria remembered, feeling bad about it.

“Can I come with you, mommy?” Rumble asked, she smiled.

“Of course, my dear.” They said goodbye and left in Vittoria’s car.

On their way to Burgoletto, the car was stopped by a D.R.M. Militiaman and an army private shortly before they reached their destination.

The Militiaman said to Vittoria, “Driver's license and vehicle papers please.”

“Here.” She showed them to him.

“Thanks. Now out of the car!” he opened the door and dragged her out.

“Hey! Ow!” The woman cried as he was handcuffed. “I did nothing wrong!”

“Get the boy!” the militiamen yelled, Rumble screamed in fear as the soldier dragged him out of the car, struggling to get free.

“MOMMY!!!” He cried in tears before the soldier knocked him out cold with the butt of his rifle. He was also handcuffed and brought away in a Weimaraner.

“NO! RUMBLE!!” Enraged, she managed to overpower the Militiamen and slammed him into the hood of his Stria Facocero. After getting free, she realized that she hadn’t seen where the SUV was going, so she collapsed crying as she failed to protect him. “I’m so sorry… Rumble, I’m so sorry…”

Rumble’s vision slowly came. He was in a Weimaraner; an also restrained man was next to him. He was wearing a blue beret and sunglasses. He had brown hair and blue eye, Rumble assumed it was a rebel. “What the?” the driver said as he saw a flying man behind the car in the rear mirror.

Suddenly there was a bump on the roof, the boy yelped as what seemed to be a hook rammed through the roof, the driver door got opened and the man grabbed the soldier by the arm, throwing him out and took over the wheel.

“Rico! You came to my aid! Drive, drive!” the rebel was glad to see him.

It wasn’t necessary, as the road the car took was deserted and the soldier died from the impact, so none was there to call for reinforcements. “This is dispatch, what’s going on? Report!”

Rico stopped the car to let the rebel out. “Thanks, Rico! I owe you one!”

“I'm going to tell you something. It's hard being this good.” Rico commented before both turned to Rumble. For some reason, the colt couldn’t help but be afraid of his savior. Getting a closer look at Rico, he saw that he had hazel eyes and brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a jacket, work boots, and jeans and had a crucifix around his neck and a Spanish accent.

As weapons he had two pistols, the same pistol Marco used as well the same rifle and an RPG. “...Who are you guys?”

“We won’t hurt you, we aren’t the bad guys. What should we do with him, Rico?” The rebel asked.

“We should bring him to Costa Del Porto. It will be a lot safer for him.”

“Why not Cava de Rebelles, Grotta Contrabandero or Refugio Umbra?”

“I have my reasons. Name’s Rodriguez. Rico Rodriguez.”

“R-rumble.” He replied still scared.

“We’re not the bad guys, kid. Let me remove your cuffs.” The rebel lock picked his cuffs.

“Thank you, Sir. ”The foal now was calmer and grateful.

“Please, Giovanni is just fine.”

Rico used a beacon to call in an airdrop. “Heads up!” A plane dropped a large container which exploded to Rumble’s surprise.

In it was a blue Eubus Eagle. “Get in.” Rumble trusted both men after they helped him. “Thanks for saving me but can you send my parents a message that I’m safe and sound?”

“I’d do but we can’t risk anything at the moment. But I promise you we will inform them somehow.” Rico replied.

As the trip was long, Rumble decided to take a nap. Giovanni noticed his wings. “A Pegasus? Interesting.” Giovanni was fascinated

“Maybe but if the military knows about him, we can’t let them hurt him,” Rico said to him.

At Costa Del Porto, Giovanni gently woke Rumble. “We’re here.” Rumble was impressed at the town. It was a coastal town, composed of white stone houses with orange stone tile roofs.

The town had many statues of women and a large fountain in the center. A river goes through the town and there is a bridge across it.

“Looks nice,” Rumble said as he saw the town.

“Right. ‚Costa Del Porto’ translates roughly into ‘coastal port’ - a name that eloquently captures the town's quaint, no-frills history. Many make their living here fishing and selling their catch, though some are content to simply laze about cliffside and soak up the sun as waves crash against the rocks below. It's a town that's never done wrong by anyone and if you lived there, you'd be content to do no wrong yourself.” Giovanni told him.

He and the child enjoyed the music played by a street band.

“Rico!” A man called out and hugged his best friend. He was wearing a blue shirt with sunglasses in one of his pockets and had a light beard. He had black hair and brown eyes. “How’s it going, Fratre?”

“Good, I just freed a rebel and a child,” Rico said as a woman was next to his friend, having brown hair and eyes with a dark skin, looking rather interested at the young pony.

“Interesting, a Pegasus, also known as Pegasos.” She examined Rumble’s wings much to his discomfort.

Rico cleared his throat. “I know it’s fascinating for you Dimah, but what about give him some space?” “Dimah stopped.

“Why we don’t go to my house away from public?” Giovanni suggested and they agreed. He made some pasta for Rumble and he told his story.

They all were touched. “Sorry to hear that. Name’s Mario Frigo but you can call me Mario.” The man introduced himself.

“I’m Dimah. Sorry for that but I’m a scientist and seeing a Mythological species is just fascinating for me.” The woman apologized.

“You can stay with me here.” Giovanni offered.

“Thanks for the offer.” Rumble smiled, being grateful.

“We need to leave as we still have things to do. But first, let me take a selfie!” Rico’s best friend took a photo of him and Rumble who smiled lightly. “Wow! We look amazing!” Mario said before they left.

The rebel showed him the town. Every citizen and rebel greeted and smiled at the young colt.

“After Rico liberated the Town, we are guarding it instead of the military. Many rebels worship Rico and see him as the real general.” Giovanni explained, sounding proud.

“I saw it when he got out of the helicopter.” Rumble couldn’t help but listening to the street band as he liked the music.

He heard a conversation between Giovanni and a rebel woman.

“My brother is in the General's army. He says power and order are the true tenets of freedom. We don't talk anymore.”

“When I ambushed a convoy, I recognized the soldier I killed. We grew up together.” The woman replied.

Could it be? Rumble thought.

“Giovanni, has your brother the name Marco?”

“Yes. Why?” The young man asked confused.

“Because he found and took care of me. You also said to me that he still loves you. And he also dislikes the general.”

This surprised the rebel. “He does? When we talked the last time, he disagreed with me. But bedtime for you. It’s getting late.”

The sun went down, Rumble yawned.

Giovanni tucked him in. “Goodnight.” Before the young rebel went himself to bed, he talked to himself, “Brother, I still love you too. And I miss you.” But he also knew that every rebel would fight for Rumble should it be necessary.

Marco had heard what happened and raced home. His wife was lying on the couch, head lowered, sobbing. “It’s my fault! I should have reacted faster.” She blamed herself for what happened to Rumble.

“Honey, it wasn’t your fault. It happened too fast. And don’t worry. Rumble appears to be safe and sound.” Marco tried to cheer his wife up.

“Why you’re so sure?” She looked up with tear filled eyes.

“We found the car abandoned and the soldier dead, so someone, maybe a rebel or Rico saved him.”

This gave her hope. “You’re right, we have to be faith!” She exclaimed raised her fist in the air.

Luca joined them. “Sorry to bother you, but we have order to attack Costa Del Porto as retaliation for Vis Electra.” Marco nodded; both men didn’t like this order.

The trip was silent. They all knew what was about to happen, what they were about to do. Did they have any doubts? Any private, traitorous thoughts? Perhaps, but no one said a word. Not Marco, Luca, or any other soldier. Not on the trip to Costa Del Porto, not when the order came to burn it, and not when they reached the town. Not a word.

Author's Note

A little reference if you can spot it

Chapter 5 A terrrible Reaction

Chapter 5: A terrible reaction

Rumble was playing with his new two friends and his brother in the grass, their parents watched them smiling. He played tag as Thunderlane caught him and tackled him to the ground. “Got you!” He tickled his little brother.

Rumble broke out in hysterical laughter. After some time, he was able to catch his breath. “That was fun!” Francesco grinned.

“You say it, Fratre!” his sister smiled.

“Let’s join the others, shall we?” Marco suggested as there was a party in the town.

However, as Ponyville came into view, he gasped.

It was burning.

“Watch out!” Luca yelled as a jet of the human Wonderbolts was about to crash into them. Then an explosion that tore him out of his dream.

He was almost knocked off the bed as Giovanni ran in. “What’s happening?!” Rumble asked scared.

“The town’s under attack! We must get you to safety!” He grabbed him and held him close to his chest.

Both couldn’t believe it. The town was under attack by U-7 Dravec bombers and CS Odjurs tanks. The civilians managed to get out safely but the rebels were gunned down in seconds. Giovanni dodged explosions as good as he could. He could feel how Rumble shivered in his arms, looking around. The rebel knew it was too much for the boy. Diving to evade another explosion, he made it to the police station where Mario and some other rebels were holding the line.

“Get a vehicle! We protect him!” Giovanni got Rumble to cover behind a barrier, then left to get a vehicle. Rumble cowered scared.

The rebels were slowly killed by the soldiers, only Mario was left.

“Rico, I’m in trouble! Over! We’re pinned down by Di Ravello’s forces! We need your help! You want some shotgun?! I’ll bet you do, filia da puta!” He fired and managed to kill a soldier.

“I’ll take you ALL on! Every last ONE OF YOU!” He screamed as Rico came in by parachute after destroying the tanks. He noticed that one of the soldiers hesitated as he saw the cowering and crying colt.

Rico and Mario had killed all other soldiers except for him.

“Rumble!” the soldier ran to him.

“D-daddy!” he hugged him crying. Rico and his friend knew instantly who the soldier was.

“Look up, Rico! Paratroopers!” Mario yelled as Paratroops were deployed above them. Rico found out that the best and fastest way to kill them was his grappling hook, as once hit by it, the troops fell to their death, screaming.

Again one of the soldiers hesitated once he spotted Rumble. However, he aimed at the rebels as they tried to approach the colt. “Don’t even dare!”

“We didn’t harm him but we’re the only ones who can get him to safety.” Rico tried to explain but even the private pointed his rifle at them.

“Liar!”

“Rumble, I apologize for this.” Rico tethered the soldiers together.

“What the?” The private said before both soldiers reeled in and stumbled.

“Where are the others?” Rico took the ammo from the CS Predator rifles as they used the same ammo as the U-39 Plechovkam he, the rebels and privates of the army used.

“They killed them all, the bastardos!” Marco replied.

“We need to get you and Rumble out of here!”

“I called the rebels to come help out, but there are too many of Di Ravello’s soldiers. I don’t think anyone made it, Rico.”

“MARIO! We’re outside – open the gate!” Giovanni managed to find a car.

“A survivor! Get the gate, Rico; we’ve got to get out of here!”

Rico opened the gate with his hook and Giovanni came in with a rebel version of the Stria Facocero. “We got evac waiting outside of Cirilla! …is this everyone? He asked as he saw the dead rebels.

“Just get Mario and Rumble out of here – I’ll cover you!” Rico got on the back while Mario gently picked Rumble up and entered the passenger seat.

“Padre!!” The colt called out.

“Shh, don’t worry, he’s gonna be fine.” Mario patted him.

The soldiers recovered and saw how Rico gave them a thump up. They knew by this that Rumble would be safe with him.

As the rebels fled, an Urga Postolka helicopter chased them. “Target is fleeing, engage!”

“Damn, reinforcements! Drive, go go go!” Mario held Rumble tight.

Before the light assault helicopter could fire his Gatling guns, Rico destroyed it by attaching a tether to it, and the ground, then tighten it, causing the helicopter to crash, exploding in a fireball.

At a gas station, the former Agency member shot at some explosives barrels to blow it and some soldiers up, creating a giant fireball. Another Postolka arrived but Rico took it again with the Grappler down, crashing. Any chasing Weimaraner was taken out by Rico as he shot the tires causing them to crash.

They passed a military base near a bridge. “Ohh, there’s a Military Base! They’ll coming for us. We need to slow their reinforcements! Over. That base is gonna send tanks after us if we don’t do something. Rico!”

“Just get over the bridge!” Rico said to Mario as he had liberated Province in the region except for the central command post, as it was protected by a FOW, making any attack futile.

As they crossed the bridge, he fired at a wreck with explosives barrels, destroying the bridge in the progress.

Urga Szturm 63As chased them in Cirilla but Rico took care of them, mostly shooting out the tires, making them lose control.

Outside, Marco carried the crying colt to a blue Eubus Eagle and escaped.

Giovanni flew to Cava de Rebelles where they regrouped. During the travel, Rumble had calmed down. “It’s over. It’s finally over…” He said quietly.

“After that, you should take a nap.” Giovanni carried him to a bed.

“Thanks for saving me but you still can contact my madre and padre?” The boy asked with hope.

“Of course, kid. We take care of that.” Giovanni patted him before the colt fell asleep with a sigh.

Dimah put a blanket over him. “Poor child. He’s seen things he should never have seen.”

“I know but thanks to Rico he’s safe.”

Marco told his wife what happened. “Mio dio. But thanks to Rico he survived. I hope he isn’t traumatized.”

“I hope so too. I thought I saw my brother in the town. But I could be mistaken. I heard how successful the rebels were on Liberating every town and base in Insula Fonte. Only Cima Leon: Centcom is left.” Both prayed that Rumble was alright.

The radio turned on. “Hi there! The good general heard that some of you were experiencing some television interference from the transmitter at Cima Leon. So he decided it to destroy it, and the base around it, just to be sure. Yes, all in a day’s work at Medici’s Department of Beautification. My prison cell could use some beautification. Vive Medici.”

“I can’t believe it! How did they manage to do that?” The commando wondered.

“I don’t know but I think Rico is responsible for this, Luca,” Marco replied as Rumble’s friends joined them.

“I hope the rebels treat him well.” Greta prayed for his safety.

“I’m sure they do, sweetheart.” Her mother hugged her.

They prayed for his safety and that the general wouldn’t find him.

Author's Note

At least he's safe.

Chapter 6 An Act of Piracy

Chapter 6: An Act of Piracy

Despite the terrible attack, Rumble had slept pretty well. He yawned as Giovanni and Dimah brought him breakfast.

“Good morning, Rumble, we made you breakfast.” The rebel was carrying a tray with a bowl of oatmeal and a glass of juice.

“Thanks. And thank you for saving me yesterday. I thought I would die. But I feel sorry for the other people.” He said while eating, sounding sad.

“No need. And the town is still under our control and we saved it.” Dimah explained.

“That’s good news. Can I ask you something, Dimah?”

“Sure.”

“You said you are a scientist. What do you study?” He asked with innocence.

“Bavarium. It’s a very explosive and weirdly magnetic, very light mineral. They look like blue rocks. The mineral is completely unique to the islands of Medici. It can be used as energy but also as a weapon. The general had no idea how useful it could be at first. Bavarium can be refined into powerful explosive or almost unlimited fuel source. This is also why I got the burns on my face.” She explained, causing him to look at her in sympathy.

“Sorry to hear that. Giovanni, why did you join the rebels?”

Giovanni scratched his back. “Well, the general restricted outside companies from forming on the island, so that only military service was left. Like my brother, I wanted to make our father proud, but I found out that he was killed by his own men, as he refused to execute captured rebels. They told us that rebels killed him.

I joined the Rebellion to avenge my father. Our mother died a few years ago of cancer. I don’t know what will happen when this is over, but at least I’m busy."

“Sorry to hear that. My parents died when I was just an infant. I don’t know why but as I’m like a son for your brother and his wife and they care for me like parents, they like parents for me.” Rumble smiled weakly.

“We know. And let me tell you something: You got the Rebellion on your side and you will return safe and sound.” Marco’s brother promised with an honest expression.

“Do you want to see why lab?” The woman asked the colt.

“Sure why not, Dimah.”

It was interesting and fascinating for him. After a while, a man stormed in, wearing a hat and glasses, having a white beard, looking not happy.

“Dimah! You tricked me again!” You-“ Dimah put a finger on his mouth as Giovanni leaded Rumble out.

“It’s better if we leave them alone.”

Hey buddy, how’s going?”

“Good Rico!” Rumble replied happily as Rico and Mario returned from a mission.

“Glad to hear it. I stay here with him, Rico.” Giovanni offered.

“Ok, protect him while I and Dimah are at the command center.”

Rico, Mario and Dimah left.

“Where are they going?” The Pegasus wondered.

“Cima Leon CentCom. We got reports that the general is about to start a massive attack on the region.”

Rumble jumped as he heard explosions.

They looked outside. Anti-aircraft fire, planes and helicopters filled the sky.

“It’s already started. The entire region is at war! The general must be mad!” Giovanni couldn’t believe it.

“But are we safe here?” His young friend asked with worry.

“Of course. I’ll stay with you. Promised, Fratre.” “Rumble smiled at Giovanni’s words.

“Aren’t you concerned about your brother?”

“Yes, but I have faith that he survives.” The rebel never expected that he would meet his brother again, very soon.

Marco and Luca were called to aid in the battle but it was over before they could reach it, so they were sent home.

“We lost the battle but this is only the beginning.” Luca was sure of it.

Yes but I’m still worried about Rumble. What if he was caught in the crossfire?” Marco didn't want to think about it.

“I appreciate your father instinct for him, but I’m sure that the rebels brought him to a safe place when the battle began.” The soldiers talked in the kitchen as Vittoria with Rumble’s friends walked in.

“Did you hear what happened?” Greta asked.

“Yes but I’m sure he’s safe,” Marco replied as the doorbell rang.

Vittoria opened the door. A man with grey hair, a cowboy hat, blue eyes and a blue shirt was outside.

“Yes, can I help you?”

“Howdy Ma’am, I’m Tom Sheldon. I heard you’re missing your son, so I thought I help you.”

“Thanks but how did you know?” She was suspicious, Rumble’s friends too.

“Why should we trust you?” The kids asked, raising their eyebrows.

“Let’s just say, I have my sources. He’s on the way to Babica with your brother to a party of the rebels. I can show it if you like.” He led them to an Urga Hrom D in Rebellion colors. “Hey Crashie, can you take us to Babica?” He asked a man wearing a cap with headset.

“Sure thing, Tom.”

They all got in. The two soldiers had the same thought: If Tom lied, he will regret it.

Giovanni was driving with Rumble to a vineyard in a rebel Weimaraner. “What’s up, Mario?”

“Ah, Giovanni, perfect timing!”

“Why?” The child wondered.

“Just watch, Rumble.” He pointed to Ancient ruins just north of Cima Leon: Centcom that was about a kilometer away.

“Mario! I’m here. What’s so important? Mario! Where are you?” They heard Rico through a walkie-talkie.

“Mooooo…” Mario imitated a cow.

“Oh, no…” Rico complained.

“I’ve been turned into a cow. Only the kiss of a prince will set Mooo-rio free…”

“Lucky for me, I’m not a prince!” Rico countered.

“C’mon, kiss my cow face!”

“No.”

“Moo, Rico.”

“No!”

“Mooooo!”

“Where are you? Tell me where are you are, so I can kill you.”

“Only your kiss will unlock the truth…”

“I’m going to kill you.” Rico kissed the cow.

“Ahh! He kissed the cow! Aha, hey guys, Rico kissed the cow!” Mario cheered and even Rumble and Giovanni had to laugh.

“You, are no longer my best friend,” Rico announced.

“Don’t be mad! We’re down by the vineyard that used to be for Di-moooo-vello’s special stock.”

“ANYTHING for Moorio!” Rico said joking.

“I will escort him.” The colt opened his wings.

“Do that Rumble, just be careful, okay?”

“Si, Giovanni.”

Rumble flapped his wings and took off to intercept Rico who used his wingsuit. They met about 500 meters away from the vineyard.

“Hey Rico, may I escort you?”

“Si, amico.” The young pony was gliding next to Rico as suddenly about 300 meters away from the vineyard; Rumble got a cramp in his wing.

He was about to fall, but Rico noticed it and grabbed him. “Thanks.”

“Just hold in tight.” Rumble enjoyed the wind brushing against his body.

Above the vineyard, Rico opened his parachute.

“Rico! Right there! There’s a truck loaded with the General’s private reserve” Mario got into a Stria Obrero loaded with 10 wooden barrels of wine, while Giovanni and Rumble followed them in the SUV.

“What’s in the barrels?”

“High-quality wine from the general. We have a party in Babica.” The rebel told the foal.

“You know that I’m too young to drink that?” Rumble raised an eyebrow.

“Of course, of course, but you can still party with us.” They followed the truck along the gravel road.

“That was so cool when he was riding the missile!” Rumble exclaimed.

“Yeah, I wish I could do that. I must admit, the general has good taste in wine.”

Along the way, they'll had to pass a multi-vehicle crash and some vehicles exploded. “That was close.” Rumble looked into the mirror after they had passed it.

“We liberated Insula Fonte and with 400 gallons of wine, we have enough to celebrate it!” Giovanni explained.

“That is about… 1514 liters. I never liked mathematics but it has paid off today!” The boy exclaimed proudly.

“Exactly my little friend.”

As they drove through Babica, Rumble yelled, “W-w-wait, that truck is on fire! Aaahhh!” as another Stria Obrero drove out from behind a street corner and crashed into a building and exploded.

Yet they reached the party. As they got out, 2 red Weimaraner arrived. A man wearing a cowboy hat got out of the first SUV.

“Tom! What are you doing here?” Rico asked surprised.

“Reuniting a family, my friend,” Tom replied as the colt smiled happily upon seeing the other passengers as they got out.

“Rumble!”

“Madre!” Rumble hugged his parents and friends. The rebels smiled as it was heart melting.

“Guess what? Your brother took care of me!” Giovanni blushed as the boy had said this.

Marco smiled warmly at him. “Hey brother, long time no see. I, my wife, Luca and Rumble’s friends are very grateful that you helped him. Frankly, I missed you.”

“Me too, Fratre.” The two brothers hugged each either with tears of joy.

“Guess we have another reason to celebrate.” Rico also smiled.

While neither Marco, his wife or friends were drinking alcohol to be role models for the children, they still enjoyed the wine, while the kids danced to the music. The band played the same music as the street bands.

“Sorry about that in Costa Del Porto. We just wanted to protect him. Guess my protector instinct took full control of me.” The private apologized, embarrassed about what had happened to him.

“Never mind, Marco. You acted like any father would. On Rumble!” Rico said a toast and he, Mario, Luca, Tom, Giovanni, Elisa, Federico, Marco, and Vittoria clink glasses as they enjoyed the wine, the party and the beautiful night.

Rumble woke up in the bed. He heard screaming. Storming outside, he saw that Vittoria was helpless on the ground as an Aegis trooper held her at gunpoint. “Get up, now!” He kicked and beat her with his rifle. “Move or die, your choice.”

“Leave her alone!” Rumble yelled but it was too late. The mercenary shot her in the head, then held the boy at gunpoint.

Fear took over him. “No, please, don’t do it…” The colt begged before he awoke in cold sweat.

Panting heavily, he came to a conclusion. “They’re better without me.”

He got out and trotted to their bedroom. Seeing them sleeping peacefully, he whispered. “Thank you for everything but I’m sorry.” He left with tears in his eyes.

It was raining, oddly enough; no citizens or soldiers were on the streets. It was like a ghost town as he took off the ground, flying aimlessly through Insula Striate.

Rumble was unaware that he flew near forbidden space until out of nowhere, black explosive clouds were next to him. They missed but as he saw them, he panicked and lost control.

He crashed into a tree near the base. His vision was blurry.

“Alert! Alert! There is a trespasser in the area. He must be seized at once!” a speaker ringed in his ears.

The last thing he saw before everything went black was the headlights of a Weimaraner W3 and an Urga Szturm 63A.

“Destination reached. Get out.” The driver of the Weimaraner, a black hand said to two other troopers, as a male and female soldier stepped out of the Urga Szturm.

“That’s the intruder?” the female soldier asked confused.

“Yes, and he must be neutralized.” The leader of the Black Hand raised his rifle but the soldier lowered it and yelled,

“Wait! He’s still a child! Besides, isn’t that the boy that bumped you saw in the capital?”

“Affirmative. In that case, he must be brought to the general.”

“At least let me take him in so he isn’t freezing and let me take of his wound!” the female soldier protested as blood was running down from Rumble’s head.

“Granted.” The Black Hand replied.

“We have you fixed up in no time!” the woman gently took the colt up and placed a blanket over him while he was brought to the infirmary.

Rumble slowly regained consciousness. “Where am I?” He looked around. He was in an infirmary in a bed with a warm blanket covering him.

“Ah, you’re awake.” A female voice said relieved.

He turned his head. “Hey, you’re the paramedic who took care of me back in Vista Dracon.”

“Yes, more precisely, I used to be as I was drafted into the army shortly after that. I made you a hot chocolate.” She putted the cup on the night stand.

“Thanks.” She could see that he enjoyed it.

“My name is Alice by the way. Are you lost my dear?”

Rumble’s heart was beating faster as the monitor showed. “I-I had a nightmare where Marco and Vittoria were k-killed because of me. To prevent it from happening I ran away.”

Alice hugged him to calm him down. “Shh, it’s alright. Nothing bad will happen to you.” As she said this, two Black Hand commanders walked in.

“Is he alright?” One of them asked, showing no sign of emotion.

“Yes, but he’s still needs to rest. He almost cracked his head open.” The paramedic replied with concern about the child’s medical condition.

“For the general, this is enough.” The commander shoved her out of the way and came closer to Rumble who trembled in fear.

“Wait!” she yelled before she and he were knocked out.

The colt woke up in a cell. “The general wants to have a chat with you.” The two Black Hand troopers grabbed and restrained him. He was too scared to resist.

They brought him into a courtyard of a palace and sat him on a chair with a table. The rain had stopped.

“You must be Rumble.” A man in a white general uniform walked to the table. He had brown hair, blue eyes and a mustache.

“I am General Di Ravello, the Leader of Medici. After my men talked of you, I thought I see for myself, and I’m fascinated.”

While being scared, Rumble managed to gather some courage. “I...I-I'm not afraid of you.”

The General smirked. “Heh...I think we both know that is not true. Besides, I have heard reports you were seen with members of that pitiful Rebellion, and as you’re new here, I wanted to personally talk with you about it.” He sounded slightly threating, his face cold, unemotional.

At this point, the young colt couldn’t control his fear anymore, not wanting to die or end up in prison for the rest of his life. “I-I’m no member of the rebels, it’s a misunderstanding, g-general…I don’t… to…” He gulped, „die…” He feared the leader of Medici would hurt or kill him, trembling at the thought, given what he had seen at the attack on costa de Porto.

With an expression of sympathy, Di Ravello said, “Why should I? I am a just and loving leader and a religious person. I care for my people. And as I heard, you we’re kidnapped by them but…” He got closer to Rumble. “...trespassing on a military base… that is an administrative offense that must not go unpunished.”

“P-please, it was not intentional, I was lost. P-please not like this.”

“Normally, people would be executed or sentenced to forced labor for trespassing, but your punishment will be mild. Floggings maybe but I think this should do it.” He plucked one of Rumble’s feathers.

“Ow.” The colt flinched in pain.

“I have eyes across Medici, even in that cove you were. There is nothing…” He burned the feather in his fire pedestal made out of stone. “…that my flames cannot touch, Rumble. But now, let’s talk about the Rebellion.” He sat down.

A commander of the military brought a plate with meat, olives with dip and cheese and a second with salad.

“Years in the making.” Di Ravello ate one of the olives and enjoyed it smiling. “The salad is for you. Consider it as an apology for what happened to you.” He gave the Black Hand a sign to untie the colt.

“Thank you, Mr. Ravello.” Rumble calmed a bit down as he ate the salad with manners, trying to be respectful toward the general.

“It pleases me that you enjoy it. The best salad in whole Medici. I also thought you could help me with a problem.”

“A-and this is?” Rumble didn’t like where this was going.

“The Rebellion. They managed to liberate Insula Dracon and I need someone who spies for me. I already have a spy there but two are better than one. For this, I assure that no one of my men harms you, your ‘parents’ or friends. Deal?”

“Why me?” The child asked confused.

“Simple. A spy always lives in danger to get his cover blown, but, the rebels would never suspect a child to be a spy.”

It made sense for the young colt but still, he would never betray his friends.

“I understand your point, but I can’t betray my friends, I just can’t.” The boy replied honest, a hint of fear in his voice.

“Friends…I have learned that even the best friend can betray you. I had once a friend that was a general like me. After a small…incident, he started a Rebellion against the previous leader, leaving me with no choice but to crush it. If people find that that your ‘father’s’ brother is a rebel, they will come after you all.” The general explained. “Only by acting fast, we can prevent this from happening.” He added.

Again, Rumble didn’t wanted to betray his friends, neither did he wanted that they would get hurt, or worse, killed. So he made a decision.

“I’ll do it.”

“Good. Gentleman, escort him out.” This time the Black Hand members were not rude but gentle.

After he was escorted out, he thought about going home, but it was in the middle of the night and he had no key for the door. Got it! He thought and flew towards the rebel base. Fatigue slowly took over.

Rumble tried his best to stay awake but his eyes slowly closed. Yet he managed to land before he fell exhausted and tired to the ground.

“Who have we here?” Rico spotted the sleeping colt in an alleyway in Soliana after liberating it.

He gently picked him up and brought him to Grotta Contrabandero, putting him into a bed. “Sweet dreams.” He saw the missing feather.

Ravello will pay for what he did to him! He thought angry before leaving to liberate Corda Dracon: Centcom, the regional central command base.

Vittoria awoke and stretched herself. Her head ached a little from the wine. That wine was really good. He has really something. It was sunny outside. Beautiful. I should look after my sweet son. She gasped once she saw the empty bed. “Oh, no. Marco, Rumble is gone!”

He was on full alert.

“What?! I hope he wasn’t kidnapped or worse killed.”

The radio turned on. “Hello there, citizens of Medici. There was a fuel leak somewhere near Corda Dracon so they’re torn the whole thing down for safety’s sake. Um, if you think you’re noticed more of these announcements of late, you’re wrong, and you’re should probably keep it to yourself. Vive Medici!”

Luca knocked on the door. “Luca, have you seen Rumble? He’s gone!” The woman exclaimed in panic.

“No Vittoria, but Alice has. She was recruited a few days ago and deployed at Falco Maxime.

She found Rumble outside. Apparently, he had a nightmare where you got killed because of him and ran away to prevent it from happening. Still, the Black Hand got him and he was brought to Di Ravello. As far as I know, he let him go for some reason. Also, we to have been ordered to escort an Imperator Bavarium Tank.”

“Okay, I just hope that Rumble is alright.” Marco said goodbye to his wife and left.

“We must be vigilant. We got reports that the rebels will try to steal it.” Luca said as the convoy passed Ponere. Marco was driving ahead in his SUV.

“I think the rebels are here.” He said to his friend as Rico jumped out of a plane above them, landed on the turret of the tank and hijacked it before the driver could activate the shield.

“A Bavarium tank has been stolen! All units, retrieve the Bavarium tank from the rebel!” the commander ordered.

Rico activated the shield and took every military vehicle out; he saw except for the car that Marco was driving. He and Luca chased him until Marco stopped at a bridge, as Rico blew it up with the tank, preventing the soldiers from continuing their pursuit. Rico still aimed at them but missed on purpose, only to make them to evade it.

“Reminds me of that one scene where the A-team stole a tank and missed on purpose to shake their pursuers.” Luca commented.

Rumble looked with great interest at the tank Rico had stolen from the military.

He wanted to go home but Giovanni said it was better that he should stay here for the moment.

It was also fascinating for Dimah, as Bavarium was infused directly into the armor, making it immune to all weapons.

“So, the tank has a force field that protects him from everything?”

Yes, but it can only be activated for a limited amount of time to let some coils cool. But with its coaxial main gun, it is the military’s most powerful land vehicle.” Giovanni explained.

“Reminds me some shield spells some unicorns are able to cast. It also can protect for a limited amount of time as it is very exhausting. Only a few, like Princess Twilight or her brother who is Captain of the royal guard, are cable of performing it for a long time.”

He heard how Rico, Dimah, another man with a woman planned their next move. As far as he knew, the man was called Teo, the woman Annika. When Annika first saw him, she almost hugged him to dead like Elisa did back then.

“…Well, we do know many parts of this tank are manufactured at a nearby refinery.” Teo explained.

“Okay. Dimah, let’s check it out-“ Rico tried to say but Dimah interrupted,

“Oh, no, no! Too dangerous. Teo can hack those systems.”

“Oh-oh, no no no! Teo is gonna fix this tank and then we are selling it!” Annika protested but Teo putted a hand on her shoulder.

“Having both the disease and the cure could be worth far more.” He replied to her.

“Oh – you’re thinking of developing a new weapon…”

“That settles it – the three of us in a smash and grab job!” Rico liked it.

“Okay. We’ll create a distraction, you take out the reinforcements, and then together, we’ll hit the refinery.” Annika suggested.

“Sounds like a plan.” Rico said before Dimah warned Zeno, a deflector and also scientist,

“No no no, don’t touch that!”

“Ah!” It was too late as Zeno got shocked and shook his hands.

“Have fun, you lunatic…” Rico gave the resting Mario a high five. He was injured in a fight shortly after Insula Fonte was liberated.

Rumble wished Mario a good recovery and reported with Zeno who was the first spy via radio to the general. Rumble knew it wasn’t right, but he had no other chance.

This must be how Sweetie Belle must have felt when she was forced to act as spy. He thought with worry and guilt about his rebel friends.

Author's Note

I don't know about you, but I really loved the wine mission.

Chapter 7 A long and dangerous road

Chapter 7: A long and dangerous road

At the next day, Rumble was relieved as Rico, Teo and Annika came back in one piece. Giovanni was talking with Rumble.

“I’m glad when the general is gone, but how do we prevent that someone else takes his place?” The young man wondered.

“A good question. May I ask how your parents were?” Rumble hoped it wouldn’t upset him

Giovanni smiled. “Great. Mother was caring and loving. She was loyal to the general but didn’t like the idea that her only children were being sent to the front lines.

I and Marco understood her fear but we had no choice as you know. After she died, we’re keeping her alive in our hearts.” He chuckled. “She always said even as kids we were rebels. How were yours?”

“My brother told me that they were also caring and loving like yours. They were both Wonderbolts and died in a terrible accident. Thunderlane joined them to keep their honor alive. Father always said to Thunderlane that he would make a good Wonderbolt.” Rumble had to smile.

“Guess we aren’t so different from each other.”

“Howdy there, you two.” Sheldon joined them.

“Sheldon, how’s it going?” The Scientist asked.

“Good, Dimah. I see you managed to capture a Bavarium tank. I found out there’s more at a bunker. I can give you the coordinates.”

“Good. I can build an EMP device that can destroy the tanks, but I need to take some parts of this tank.”

“Forget it! I won’t lose it!” Annika protested.

“Annika, we need something against those tanks and this is the only way.” Dimah countered.

While Annika saw the captured tank as very valuable, she also knew that said tanks couldn’t be allowed to exist. “Alright, Dimah.”

“Giovanni, Rumble, can you help us to take the parts out of the tank?”

“Si,” Giovanni replied. Rumble, can you get the tools?”

“Ovviamente!” Making sure he wasn’t watched, he gave Zeno a sign to report which he confirmed with a nod.

After some hard work, they had built an EMP device that was loaded on a truck.

“We wait at Vico Spigola for Rico. And Dimah, this better works or you’ll regret it that I lost my very valuable tank.”

“It will be worth it… …if it doesn’t explode and kill us first.” Teo was a bit worried.

“Don’t worry; there is only chance of 1% that this can happen.” Dimah was sure of it.

“I hope you’re right.” They left.

Rumble played with Giovanni and looked over Mario, who was getting better until the night, as Rico returned with the test being a success.

Yes… that will work!” Dimah worked with Teo at another EMP. Rico walked to Annika.

She held her arms in a defensive position. “Don’t worry, your friend Mario is getting better. I still wouldn’t move him yet, though.”

“Sheldon’s supposed to be here.”

“Well, nice of you to drop by, hombre!” Sheldon entered but was missing his hat.

“Where’s your hat?”

“Uh, in a nutshell, Di Ravello knows where ya are and he’s sendin’ a big ol’ army to kill you.”

“Well…I wonder how that happened?” Annika wasn’t surprised and left with Teo.

“Huh! She’s a peach!”

“It is a remarkable coincidence, Sheldon.” Rico pointed out.

“Hey it ain’t like that partner, and you know it. I came to warn you that Di Ravello’s cleansin’ flame is comin’ for ya!” Rico was about to walk away but Tom stopped him.

“Hey – Di Ravello’s forces are going to be here soon to take out that EMP and kill Dimah and probably Rumble.”

Rico put a hand on his shoulder. “Always playing both sides, eh, Sheldon?” Then he walked outside.

“Okay. You do with that information what ya want! I’ll see you around… …amigo.”

After that, Rumble helped to prepare a defense.

“Giovanni, bring him to safety,” Rico said to him, he saluted in return.

“I will defend him with my life.”

“You stayed with me, I stay with you,” Rumble said to him with a brave smile but before they could leave, the army was already here, firing at everything.

Teo and Annika had left in an Urga Hrom D, but Mario had recovered and joined the fight.

The EMP was moved to the docks. Some bullets flew past Rumble as he went to cover. “You dare, and I will kill you!” Giovanni fired at the soldiers.

Rico manned a minigun to destroy incoming Urga Hroch barges, Urga Szturm 63As, Weimaraner W3s and killing foot soldiers.

“Come on, Rico, let’s take back the beach!” Mario exclaimed.

“Helicopters incoming, Rico!” Dimah warned as light attack helicopters came from the water.

“Rico there’s a flak cannon on the wrack!” Giovanni informed him. The wreck was an old aircraft carrier from World War 2.

Rico used it to shoot them down, creating small fireballs as the wrecks fell into the water. Giovanni looked to Rumble. He was scared as he cowered but not as scared as he was in Costa Del Porto, trying to look brave.

“Rico, they coming in trucks!” Mario warned, but Giovanni manned the minigun to take them out, destroying them in seconds, leaving only burning wrecks.

“Device almost charged, you can activate it shortly. Will disable all vehicles. Hold off soldiers!” Dimah reported. “Detecting incoming paratroopers!”

With the flak, Rico shot them out of the sky. “More soldiers coming in, Rico!” Giovanni fired the minigun.

“Ehh, guys, they’re coming from everywhere!” Mario was speechless.

“The EMP is ready, Vehicles are in range!” Dimah said via radio as they came now with boats. “

We’re being overrun! Use the EMP!” Giovanni yelled and Rico activated in.

All vehicles in range caught fire and exploded, as their electronics were overloading. “Success! Needs to recharge.”

“That should buy us some time to regroup!” Mario reloaded his shotgun.

More paratroopers were deployed but were killed by the cannon, falling out of the sky.

“Incoming gunboats!” Dimah saw them on the radar but Rico manned a minigun that was facing the water, taking out before they were in range to use their guns, the wrecks sinking into the water.

“Why are so many of them?” Rumble asked scared.

“Because they want to end it.” Giovanni fired as boats, trucks, and helicopters and even tanks closed in. Almost overrun, Rico activated the EMP again.

“More soldiers!” Mario fired as Teo and Annika returned in an Urga Hrom D, an Attack/Transport helicopter, firing its rockets and miniguns.

“Can’t let you guys have all the fun, now can we?” The woman asked.

“I knew you couldn’t stay away!”

“Not at all. I simply needed to verify that the EMP works!” Teo said to Rico.

“You’re no good to me dead, Rodriguez!” Annika added.

Together, they defeated the last remainings of the military.

Giovanni looked after Rumble. He had his eyes closed, hooves over his head. The rebel patted him, causing him to flinch. Then he realized it was over. “It’s finally over.”

“Yes.”

Rumble got up. He heard how Mario and Rico had a conversation.

“How did Di Ravello know we were here?”

“Because he’s psychic.”

“No, it’s Sheldon.”

“Sheldon is psychic?”

“Mario – I don’t trust him. We have to use him. Tell Sheldon we’re going to attack the power plant.”

“That is a good idea.”

“Yes. You lay the bait – we’ll see if Di Ravello bites…”

That was close. They think Sheldon is the mole, not me. Rumble thought relived that his cover was not blown, but soon it would be.

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.

Chapter 9 Fun

Chapter 9: Fun

Rumble stirred in his sleep and woke up. It was sunny outside, no clouds.

He decided to watch TV. Rosa was giving a speech. “Fortify your hearts with courage! Medici will be ours again, if we fight for her!”

He heard a yawn. “Good morning, Mommy!” He greeted as his mother walked in.

“Morning, sweetheart.”

Marco joined them for breakfast.

“What are we going today?” Rumble asked excitedly.

“Why we don’t go outside and enjoy the day?” the soldier suggested.

“Good idea, daddy!” the colt exclaimed, jumping up and down.

Without the oppression, the town was much more alive. The people greeted each other with smiles, talked happy with each other and enjoyed the day. Every rebel greeted Luca and Marco friendly. They returned it.

“Amico!” The siblings exclaimed.

“Guys!” The Pegasus exclaimed happily.

“What about some ice cream? I know a good ice cream parlor not far from here.”

“With pleasure, Luca!” the kids said together. The propaganda van in Rebellion colors drove by. He played music instead of speeches.

They enjoyed their chocolate ice cream, while the adults had strawberry.

A street band played music. After the ice cream, the kids danced to it.

Luca noticed a car, a Stria Cucciola that stopped in the middle of the road. “What in the? Great. Out of gas.” The driver complained after he checked the tank. “Can you help me? Tow my car no the next gas station?”

“No problem, citizen,” Marco replied and towed the car with his SUV to the next gas station.

The radio turned on.

“Hello! Were you a big fan of Majestic Falco Maxime? The General was too, but the march of progress cannot be stopped. Everything is absolutely fabulous. It’s not that every single major Military Base has been wiped off the map and that this regime is a goat hair away from complete and utter collapse. No! Super! Fantastic! Stupendous! It’s wonderful! I love it here! Aha-huh-hah… I will stuck in here for the rest of my life. Vive- no! NO! Vive me! VIVE ME! ME ME ME!”

“This guy has lost it. Can’t blame him.” Marco talked to himself as his brother got in.

“Hey Fratre, family good?” His brother gave him a smile.

“Of course, Giovanni.”

“May I suggest that we show the children the base? Should be interesting for them?”

“I’m sure they will have fun.”

Of course, they couldn’t refuse. First stop was Guardia Libeccio I. It was small but the ships, no matter if small or big, were amazing for them.

“The large ship is a Corvette. It is armed with a 76 mm cannon. At a top speed of 40 knots, it can keep pace with any strike force.” Marco explained pointing to the large ship

“This small boat is a Custode 29, a Patrol boat. Topflight handling, superior pursuit speed and a bow-mounted machine gun make it the perfect perimeter patrol unit.” Luca explained as he pointed to the small boat.

The children took notice of a ship that was bigger than the Custode but smaller than the Corvette. “This is the CS Powerrun 77. With first response speed, tight maneuverability and dual machine gun mounts, is the enforcer unit of the high seas.”

“Interesting Daddy. And what is that?” Rumble pointed to a boat with ramp.

“An Urga Hroch. Designed with an armored front ramp for immediate beachhead deployment, the Urga Hroch is an essential tool when conducting island warfare. Our next stop will be the best.”

On the way to it, they saw Alice as she assisted a civilian is distress on the side of the road. She still waved at them smiling.

The best was Falco Maxime: Centcom. Rumble read a sign. “Checkpoint - Prepare documents for identification.”

I got it Rumble.”

“Glory to Medici, papers please.” The rebel at the checkpoint said. He let them through.

The Children’s eyes went wide. “Wow! Amazing!”

“Indeed.” Luca chuckled.

The soldiers showed them the base and explained every vehicle.

“The parked plane is a U-7 Dravec, the bomber of the Military, armed with bombs and missiles,” Giovanni explained before pointed to a jet that was about to take off.

“This is the CS7 Thunderhawk, the main jet fighter. When it comes to aerial firefights, few top the CS7 Thunderhawk, featuring the M98 machine gun, M62 Mako repeating missiles and M-78 Kauga heat-seekers.”

“Is that a CS Comet?” Francesco pointed to a landing helicopter.

“Yes. The CS Comet's highly armored chassis allows it to take risks when delivering reinforcements to the front lines. It is armored but not armed. The armed variant would be the Urga Hrom D. he Urga Hrom D is pure mayhem with a rotor on top. With the Janus-88M-Minigun and 95 Volcanus missile pre-loaded, it can make whole bases disappear in seconds.” Luca explained as one of them took off.

“What’s this?” Greta asked, pointing to a parked helicopter, looking like a Huey.

“The Urga Postolka, Greta. This light assault helicopter is equally equipped to handle patrol detail, base sieges, or air-to-air firefights. It comes equipped with the Janus-45S minigun. The main attack helicopter is the CS Navajo. Capstone's assault chopper combines speed, power, and versatility, offering two missile types: the rapid-strike 64 Volcanus and the punishing 99 Vindicator.” Marco explained as one of them landed on a helipad.

“But if you want fire power and protection, the Urga Mstitel is your best friend. Like the Imperator Bavarium Tank you have seen, it has also a Bavarium shield, making it immune to damage.” The private pointed into the sky as one of those big helicopters patrolled in the sky, blue colored like all rebel vehicles.

It is equipped with four precision rocket launchers and a heavy machine gun. Soldiers scatter when they saw one of them arriving at a skirmish. According to rumors, the general has a golden version of it.”

They saw what seemed to be an APC, parked in the base. “This is a CS Baltdjur, an amphibious armored personnel carrier. It’s marks a watershed in siege warfare, capable of delivering reinforcement by land or sea to the most hectic combat areas. Its mounted gun excels in heavy combat. But what would be an army without tanks today?” Luca asked as and a small and a middle sized tank entered the base.

“Our light tank is the Urga Bkolos 2100. Ideal for fast Siege attacks or surprising flank attacks. A 76 mm gun is standard on board. The main tank is the CS Odjur. Equipped with a 14mm machine gun and a powerful anti-vehicle cannon, the formidable Odjur is the muscle of the Medician military.” The former looked like an armored car with a cannon, the latter looked more like a real tank.

They heard a sound if a crash happened. The Imperator Bavarium Tank, looking like the Odjur but with extra shielding on the back wheels, had crashed into a jet that was about to take off. The driver and the pilot got out and argued upset.

“I take care of that.” Giovanni walked over to them.

Rumble had an idea. He started a snowball fight with his two friends against their parents. The kids won despite outnumbered.

“Hey look! A Soap Box Car! Can I try daddy and mommy?”

“Si, but be careful.”

“Of course, padre!” Marco put his beret on the colt’s head who giggled. Rumble got in and Luca gave the car a push.

“Up, up and away!” the young stallion had much fun as he raced down the road. At the end of it, he used the brake and got out. “That was fun!” He exclaimed happy as Marco and the others had followed him in their cars.

“Now gets get home. How about a sleepover?” Francesco asked his friend with a smile.

“You don’t have to ask me twice!” Rumble was happy at this question from Greta. He then spotted what looked like smoke nearby. "What's that?" THe colt took a look and was surprised to see a bonfire on the sand, but inside was a rifle. "Uh...okay..." He then walked back to the others.

At home, they turned on the radio and danced. Marco and his wife watched them happy. They loved every minute with Rumble. “We should enjoy every minute,” Marco said as the kids were asleep.

“Si, my dear husband. I love you.”

“I love you too.” They kissed and went to bed.

Author's Note

Nothing can ruin it, can it?

Chapter 10 Colt of Medici

Chapter 10: Colt of Medici

Their peaceful sleep was interrupted by an explosion. Vittoria looked after Rumble who had buried himself into the blanket. “What’s going on?” He asked scared.

“I don’t know but let’s take you to the basement, you’ll be save there.”

She brought the trembling colt to safety.

“I will go outside and join the rebels in their fight.” The soldier cocked his rifle.

“B-but daddy, don’t leave us!” The colt pleaded in fear, feeling safer with him.

“I have to protect you.”

Marco ran outside, Luca was waving at him. “The rebels are trying to take the city! Let’s help them!”

At a 4-lane road, they helped some rebels including Giovanni to advance, as snipers were shooting at them. Rico took care of them, using his grabbling hook to get in close, then used his pistols, scoring headshots.

Then he moved to the next battle. The soldiers and rebels were holding the line against incoming troop transports. Di Ravello had sent his best and most loyal soldiers.

“Man that gun!” Luca yelled.

“On it!” Marco manned the gun of an Urga Szturm 63A to give suppressing fire. He even managed to shot down some helicopters before he jumped out as a CS Odjur was about to fire. Giovani took it out with an RPG, leaving a burning wreck.

Marco’s rifle jammed. “Traitor!” a Black Hand Ghost shouted and switched his gun for a knife.

He began displaying his skill, only to be shot by Marco with his sidearm. I have no time for this!

Fixing his rifle, he fired at an oncoming truck and managed to hit the driver. It flipped over and exploded. “Awesome shot, Fratre!” Giovanni complimented him.

Neither Marco or Luca felt regret for killing their own comrades, those soldiers were loyal to the general, no matter what, while the 2 friends just fought for family and friends, wanting to protect them.

“Today, we will win! Do Ravello’s days are counted and over!” a rebel shouted.

Vittoria patted the trembling colt to comfort him. “I’m here for you.”

“I-I’m scared.”

“Shh, it will be over soon.”

“How right you are.” A new voice said as two Black Hand Ghost came out of the dark. “Get him!” one of them snatched Rumble out of her arms. he struggled and tried to bite his captor but it was in vain as they both got knocked out.

Marco, Luca, and Giovanni were engaged in heavy fighting. But this time, the rebels won.

“We won! We finally beat him!” a rebel cheered and fired his gun into the air.

“Marco!” Vittoria shouted in despair. “T-they took Rumble!”

“Who?” He wondered

“Di Ravello’s men!”

While it shocked Marco to hear this, he knew his wife wasn’t to blame. “Shh, don’t blame yourself. Any idea where they brought him?”

“I believe, I have the answer.” Rico joined them. “I was about to go to the Ruins at the western edge of Rocca Blau to meet the others.”

“Good. Vittoria, you stay here, we will end this, I don’t want to lose you.”

“Be careful.”

“Of course.” They kissed before Marco left with Rico, Giovanni and Luca.

At their destination, Rosa was holding a speech.

“…their deaths will not be in vain! From the ashes of Di Ravello’s beloved flames, Medici will rise, like the Phoenix! The free world cheers with you… Drink in your victory, Medicians – for today, the war is over!”

Teo informed Rico, “We got word that an advanced military chopper left the Centcom tower before it collapsed. My sources say it flew to the volcano and has Rumble on board. And no one has seen it come back out.”

“Let me make a call and then, we will finish him.”

“We with you, Marco.”

“Thanks, Annika.”

He and Luca used a CS Navajo while Giovanni used an Urga Hrom D to get to the volcano.

“Any idea what you’re do when this is over?” The commando asked his friend.

”Once this is over Luca, I go on vacation with Rumble and my wife. Or spend the day on the beach and the evening in front of the fireplace.”

“Mind if I would join you?”

“Not at all.”

“Can you count me in? I come stay at you like when we’re kids, and then we make up the time we lost. Rumble would like it, I’m sure.” Giovanni suggested.

“We’ll see, Fratre. What about you, Rico?”

“Once Di Ravello’s gone, the first thing I’m going to do is have a drink – on a quiet beach. Alone.” Rico responded via radio.

Rico went down into the lava pools. It didn’t take long until a Golden Urga Mstitel showed up.

It activated his shield and fired at Rico who went to cover until the shield deactivated. Then he fired, but only his new acquired M488 Bavarium-based rocket launcher could cause heavy damage, about a quarter of his health if this would be a video game.

Rico’s rifle did only small damage. But Di Ravello did not expect that Rico had help.

“Here comes the cavalry!” Giovanni fired the rockets and minigun.

“You’re going down, right now!” Marco was the gunner while Luca was the pilot. Even if the Mstitel was the strongest helicopter of the military, it was no match for the heavy rockets of the CS Navajo, it’s shields failed by the heavy fire, making the chopper vulnerable. Despite the enemy choppers, the general was completely focused on the former agency agent, allowing them to damage him more, while Rico kept him distracted.

After a while, the golden helicopter was burning and flew at high speed but lost control and crashed. The rebel and two soldier hoped that the young boy hadn’t died in the crash.

To their luck, Rumble crawled out coughing from the smoke and ash but was unharmed. Luca checked and comforted him. “Shh, it’s over.”

The general also survived and crawled out.

“You cannot destroy me, Rico Rodriguez! I am Sebastiano Di Ravello – I do not burn. I do not die. I-!” He tried to get his revolver but Rico grabbed it first and held him with Marco at gunpoint.

“By ending my reign, you throw a nation into chaos! Medici will fall without me! …Fine, but you should know this: It was your Tom Sheldon who made all the deals that forced me into power that made you an orphan. And I never meant to hurt Rumble. Tom was interested in him.” Ravello became depressed as his expression became sad, looking at the ground.

“I have… failed my nation. I have failed myself… I have allowed these imperialist dogs to hold sway over Medici for this long… and this is what I wrought. …and this… is what I wrought. If my reign began in flames, Rico Rodriguez…then… it will end it flames.” He killed himself by falling into lava as neither Rico nor Marco could pull the trigger as they saw how shocked Rumble was, trembling, probably from the crash.

Giovanni landed to bring them out and let Rico out at the eastern coast of the volcano island, where he sat down on a beach chair, watching the sea while drinking a glass of booze.

“Thank you for saving me.” The pony thanked his father and friends.

“It’s my duty as father to protect you.” Marco replied, relieved he was alright.

On the way home, the radio turned on.

“The Ministry of Illumination and Stability would like to address some rumors that have been floating about the death of our beloved General. The government’s official stance is if there’s no body, there’s no problem! He He Ha… General Di Ravello must be taking some much deserved ‘Me’ time. Ha-ha-Haa! He’s gone! He’s GONE! Vive la General! If there is a general!” The announcer was very happy, obvious by uncontrollable laughter.

“Even he is happy that the general is gone.” Luca commented not surprised.

Back home, Vittoria, Francesco and Greta cried tears of joy. “Rumble!”

“Guys! Mommy!” They did a group hug.

“I’m sorry, Rumble.” The woman lowered her head in shame and guilt.

“You did what you could mama, don’t blame yourself.” Her son replied in an attempt to cheer her up.

“Now that the general is gone, what about we join the celebrating crowd outside?” Elisa suggested.

“You don’t have to ask us twice!” the kids exclaimed.

And so they celebrated outside. Fireworks, champagne and most of all, fun. For Medici, it was the beginning of a new era.

A few days passed. Rumble was visiting Burgoletto with Marco, Luca, Greta and Francesco. Right now, they were playing with a remote-controlled drone at night

“I think I got the hang of it.” Rumble navigated the drone around a tree.

“Better than we ever could.” Greta said as the first try it ended up getting stuck into the same tree.

The control stopped to respond. “What? I can’t control it anymore! What’s happening?”

“I think that is the answer!” Francesco pointed to a bigger drone that came out of nowhere, the toy drone was destroyed, only pieces were left as they landed scattered on the ground.

Without warning, it opened fire. “Help!” the children screamed as they ran into a house. Marco and Luca responded by firing at the drone but the bullets seemed to have no effect. The drone returned fire. Marco was hit into the gut and dragged into the house by Luca.

“Don’t worry Rumble, I will make it.” Rumble and his friends just hugged him and Luca as the drone caused a massacre outside, screams echoed in their ears.

After about 10 minutes, it was over. Alice brought Marco into a hospital. Vittoria was visiting him with Rumble.

“I should be recovered in a few days. What’s that in the sky?” Marco pointed out of the window.

“It’s Rico with a new wingsuit. But what is that?” Luca used binoculars. “An airship! I guess that is where is drone was coming from. But as we Rico know, we will take care of it.” He was right. Rico took care of the problem later the same day.

At another beautiful night, Vittoria talked with Elisa and her husband while the children were sleeping.

“Alice says that my husband should be able to leave the hospital tomorrow.”

“That’s nice.” Federico was pleased to hear it. Then someone kicked the door open. It was a Black Hand trooper.

“What is the meaning of this?” Elisa asked confused.

“Freeze! You are under arrest!” More soldiers entered the house and cuffed them.

“Mommy! What’s happening?” The children were awoken by the sounds and entered the room.

A look of fear came into their eyes. “Hold it right there!” An Aegis trooper cuffed them too. They were brought to an Airport and forced into a plane. It was raining. The kids trembled in fear.

“Move along, come on.” An Aegis said. Federico collapsed. “Get up, now!” the trooper kicked and beat him with his weapon. “Move or die, your choice.”

“Leave him alone!” Elisa yelled, only to be shot by the trooper together with her husband, the children watched in shock as her body fell lifeless to the ground, the rain washing away the blood.

“MOMMY!!” Greta and Francesco cried in terror and shock.

“Shh, I am here for you.” Vittoria tried to comfort them.

One of the guards seemed to sympathy with them, his mask was hiding any emotion but a tear was leaving his eye and he sighed.

“Please, sir, I want to comfort my son and his friends.” The woman pleaded close to despair.

One other trooper slowly looked at her and them and said flatly. “Fine. Two minutes. Don't try anything stupid.”

The Agis troopers looked at the same but somehow, she could see that the trooper who took her cuffs off was the same who had sympathy with them.

Vittoria gave a grateful smile and hugged the siblings and Rumble who were crying and trembling.

She didn’t know where the plane was heading for, but she knew she had to protect the kids. But she had low faith that she would get out alive of this.

Author's Note

What will happen?

Chapter 11 Prisoners

Chapter 11: Prisoners

None of them knew where they were taken. Vittoria comforted the children the entire time until the plane landed.

One guard cuffed her again. “Hanger door secured. That’s good, open up.”

“We’re ready to welcome the new guests. Open the door.”

The prisoners were escorted out of the plane and to a Processing Center as far as Vittoria could tell. They were provided with numbers.

Vitoria was prisoner 011215, Rumble 110616, Francesco 230610 and Greta 220906.

After they got their numbers, the Blank Hand transported them to a Detention Camp. It was on an island Vittoria didn’t know.

In the camp, a woman in riot-style gear greeted them. Vittoria judged by bodily structure that is was a woman.

“Greetings prisoners. I am the Warden. We have three rules here. Rule one: You attend roll call every morning and evening. If you fail to report as required, or you enter an illegal area at any time, you will be punished. Rule two: Stay clear of the perimeter fence at all times. If you don’t, you will be executed. And rule three, is the base rule: Prisoners must obey. For the most uncooperative prisoners, we have a high-security cell. As long as you obey, you will be treated fairly. Dismissed.”

Guards brought them to a Cell Block. Fleeing was not an option as snipers were on guard towers.

In the cell block, Vittoria comforted the children until they had cried themselves to sleep. The other prisoners had compassion for them, looking sad at the children.

Before Vittoria fell also asleep, she prayed, “Oh Lord, save us. Or someone.”

Marco was returning home, only to find his house devastated. “What happened here?” He asked in shock.

“The Black Hand! They took them! Nobody knows where.” A neighbor said excitedly.

Rico joined with Luca and Giovanni.

“Don’t worry, I will find and save them. You have my word.” He left while Luca and Giovanni comforted the soldier who was about to cry.

At 7 AM, the morning roll call came. The children and Vittoria were still tired but reported as required.

“Good morning, Ladies and Gentleman. I am delighted to see you all so eager to face the day. Dismissed.” The Warden said in a neutral voice, his expression hidden by the helmet, the prisoners looked rather surly by this.

For a prison, the breakfast was very good. They were permitted to move freely within the yard, outside the mess hall. A man came to them, having black hair and green eyes.

“Good day to you. I’m George. Look, if the prison’s getting you down and you need a laugh then I’m your man. I organize games for the people here at Nebio Sud Detention Camp, so let me up if you’re up for a bit fun.”

“What kind of games?” Rumble was interested.

“Well, young man, there ain’t much way of entertainment here, but there’s no shortage of stones lying around. I run a stone-throwing game during the morning and afternoon. Want to try?”

“Hit us with the rules,” Francesco replied.

“I’ll give you some stones. Throw ‘em up at these cans over here and knock them off. Simple!”

“We’ll give it a go.” Greta was in.

“And the best of luck to you, kids.”

The Children had much fun. Vittoria smiled at them before asking the man, “Why are you here?”

“Well, I was part of a smuggler group who was operating in Medici before we got captured by the Black Hand. Must be…oh…over a year now. You?

“Got arrested by them at our house for no reason. Where are we?”

“As far as I know, Insula Lacrima. Years ago, it was property of the eDEN Corporation. After they went bankrupt, the Black Hand took over it.”

“Uh-huh. I heard about the eDEN Corporation. A friend of mine used to work there before he was fired.”

She also played the game and had fun. Lunch was also good. In the afternoon, they were permitted to move freely around their compound including the cells, as the Warden showed up.

“Prisoner 011215, 110616, 230610 and 220906, in my quarter.” They gulped, fearing the worst if the Warden called them to him.

The quarter was very comfortable. A fireplace, a wine shelf, and a wood ornament. The Warden gestured them all to a table.

“P-please, we didn’t do anything,” Greta begged, Vittoria comforted her by hugging her.

“I just want to talk. Ghosts, leave us alone.” They left and the Warden took his helmet off.

He was a woman with brown hair and blue eyes. “I run this camp for some time, but I never had children as prisoners until now.”

“We’re not guilty of anything. The Black Hand stormed our house and arrested us for nothing.” Vittoria explained, yet feared that this would make the Warden upset. Her reacting was the opposite.

“Rebels and political opponents are brought in here, but you aren’t looking like that. I would like to hear your full backstory.” She replied with pity as poured herself a glass of wine.

“It’s kind of a long story,” Rumble explained who he really was and what happened.

The Warden looked with sympathy at the children. “We Black Hand are mercenaries but not all of us are merciless. And we had respect for the general but forcing you to work for him is disgusting. My guess is that the order to arrest you came from high command.

I give you double rations, so you stay strong, kids. You do not deserve to be here. My hands are tied to release you but I will anything I can do to make your stay comfortable.”

“Thank you, Ms. Warden.” The children were glad.

Then they had a very delicious dinner and the evening roll call came at 8 PM.

“Good evening. I hope you all had a pleasant say. Dismissed.” Knowing that the Warden was friendly to them, they all could sleep much better this night.

The morning roll call was not different as yesterday.

“Good morning. I hope you all had a pleasant night’s sleep. Dismissed.”

They played George’s game. “I see you’re three are getting better. Better than I am.”

“Thanks.” Rumble managed to hit two cans with one stone.

“I wanted to thank you.”

“For what George?” Greta asked confused.

“For the fun I had with you. I see you in a better place.”

He started to run towards the fence. “George! Don’t be an idiot! George!” Vittoria shouted but it was too late.

“Halt! Halt!” One of the guards yelled.

George jolted mid-sprint and fell to the ground, lifeless. “George!”

Some prisoners looked up to see a sniper on a Watchtower, his rifle smoking.

The children ran to George and cried over his dead body. “Kids! NO!” Vittoria called out, but to her surprise, none of the guards shot them. They just looked over the crying children.

The Warden arrived at the scene. “What’s going on?” She asked. Giving Vittoria a nod, Vittoria walked to the children and comforted them.

“Why? Why did he do that?” Rumble buried his head into her chest.

“I don’t know.” After some minutes, they walked back and had lunch. Vittoria could saw that they were very sad. Instead of playing, they just sobbed.

A commander arrived at the prison. “Hello, sir! What brings you’re here?” The Warden asked.

“Warden, I want the three prisoners that were so attached to the killed prisoner to be brought to me.” The commander’s voice was cold.

“They’re under my care.” The Warden protested.

“I know I just want to talk.” He replied, they trembled but followed him into a quarter.

“Did he tell you anything about his plans of escape our any other prisoner involved?” He asked.

“No sir, he just showed us his games, nothing more. We swear.” The kids said united.

“In that case, you’re dismissed.”

As they left the quarter, they saw how Vittoria talked with a woman, having brown hair with matching eyes.

“Why did he do that?”

“Well, he and I worked together. He tried going over the wire, under the wire, through the wire. He never gave up. His buddies were transferred last week, making him the only one left here. I supplied him with the tools and the like for his escape plans. Guess he had enough and tried it head on, don’t blame yourself.”

“I know. How’s your name?”

“Eva. Sorry to hear about the loss of their parents, but I see you make a good surrogate mother for them.”

“I know, they told me that I should take care of their children should something happen to them.”

Vittoria let out a weak smile as the children returned. She played with them until the roll call came. It was raining.

“Good evening, I’m pleased to see that, as usual, you are all…”

”Thank you, Warden, I will take over from here.” The Commander interrupted him.

“But Sir…”

“Dismissed, Warden!” The Warden stepped aside.

“It appears that a few of you have seen fit to abuse the Black Hand’s more than generous hospitality. Some of my personal documents have been stolen, an act which not go unpunished. Guards, search the block!”

The Guards searched them and a guard reported.

“Sir, we have them.”

“Warden, this time you have been fortunate. But the prisoners responsible for this will be punished, so, who did this?” He asked the crowd but no one said a word.

“Nobody? Then there’s only one way to find it out. Guards!” The Guards moved closer to the children, who trembled in fear and dragged them to the Commander.

“No, please, spare them! They’re still children!” Vittoria cried. The Black Hand ignored her as still nobody talked.

“Why does no one talk? Now this child must die…” He aimed his pistol at Rumble’s head.

“No, no please… uh, uh…” Rumble cried. All prisoners were worried but no one took the responsibility.

“I will count to three. One… two...”

“STOP! It was me! Spare them!” Eva stepped in front of the crowd.

“I want her to be locked up in the high-security cell at the Processing Center.” The commander turned to the prisoners as Eva was brought away.

“Let this be a lesson to you all! Double camp security and halve the prisoner’s food rations! There will be no further transgressions. As for the children…” He walked away but turned around when he reached the exit.

“As we need an example, they will be hanged.”

“With all respect Commander, you’re ordering the death of innocent children. They have nothing to do with this.” The Warden replied, sounding a bit shocked.

“Are you questioning my orders?”

“No sir, but as they’re under my care, I should decide.” The woman pointed out.

“You’re right Warden, but as I have the last word, I decide that they will be flogged instead.”

They trembled harder. “No please…” Greta cried as they were dragged into a quarter.

“NO!” Vittoria screamed and tried to save them, only to be stopped by the Warden.

“Don’t worry; I will make sure they won’t be harmed.”

As the Warden went inside, Vittoria broke down crying and sobbing.

After some time which was like hours, the children came out. “MAMA!” They cried and hugged her.

The Warden was covered in blood as she walked out and a guard took care of a body. Vittoria was glad that the children were unharmed. “Thank you.” She said as she went to bed with the still trembling children.

Rumble woke up at 6 AM in the morning. He didn’t know what happened in the quarter. He could only remember that he, Greta and Francesco were tied up and blindfolded. Instead of pain, they heard how someone was beaten and hit the ground hard. After this, they were untied and brought out.

Rubbing his eyes, he saw that his mother and friends were still asleep but someone puttted chocolate on the table next to their beds. “Thanks, Ms. Warden.” He mumbled.

He fell asleep again, only to be awoken by an explosion. Greta and Francesco startled and hugged Vittoria tightly. “W-what’s going on?”

“I don’t know, Francesco.”

Vittoria replied as a loudspeaker resounded, “Prisoners found outside their cells will be executed on sight! Lethal force is authorized!”

The cell doors opened but they didn’t want to die, so they stayed inside, holding each other for dear’s life while Vittoria calmed them down.

More and more of the camp was destroyed, forcing the Warden to get into the action.

“Warden, taking over command immediately. Terminate all insurgents.”

With her Ghost escort, she took many prisoners down that tried to fight the Black Hand.

The Warden was mobile, his armor strong enough to shrug of any attacks, her Bavarium Splitter, an assault rifle exposing regular ammo to reactive Bavarium in its splitting chamber, causing a violent explosion of molten metal, an extremely lethal close to mid-range weapon, forced Rico into cover.

They then fought with their fists, none seemed to gain an advantage until she delivered a strong punch, making him stumble.

The Warden used this moment to look at the young mother and children, seeing the fear in their eyes. The woman felt sorry for them, they didn’t belonged here.

Still, it was her job to make sure the prison was kept under control.

Rico used her distraction debilitating blow to her helmet, knocking her down and rendering one of her eyes visible through the damaged helmet.

The Warden looked one last time at the 4 prisoners she had promised to keep safe from harm. She knew the intruder was here to free them, and frankly, she wanted the woman and children to be free, they hadn’t done anything wrong.

Knowing now, that this would come true, that they would be reunited with their loves ones again, she closed her eyes, waiting for the man to finish it.

A loud shot and everything went black, as a bullet went through the helmet, blood splattered from it as the Black Hand member filched, then stopped moving.

Only he and 3 other prisoners survived as the Black Hand sent reinforcements.

“We send reinforcements to eliminate the prisoners. Crush the insurgents immediately!” A Black Hand trooper ordered on the radio.

Black Hand troops arrived in tanks, helicopters, trucks, bikes, as paratroopers, with drones and even some kind of robots with 4 legs that used wheels, like a skater would.

But even that couldn’t stop Rico but the prisoners were all killed.

Rico? You came to save us!” Vittoria was glad to see him.

“Yes, and to drove the Black Hand from Lacrima. Your husband and friends will be glad when they hear that you’re still alive. I suggest I bring you to the Processing Center. It will be a lot saver there.” They nodded and got into a Weimaraner W3 of the Black Hand. “Also Tom want’s to apologize. He and the agency did what they could to keep you out of trouble and reached the opposite.”

“It’s alright.”

Eva expected them. “Hello again, Vittoria. I’m glad to see you and the children alive. We’re about to start an uprising, you’re in?” Vittoria hugged the children.

“Yes and no. I rather stay behind to protect them then to fight on the front and risk my life.”

“I understand. You can stay here until it’s over.”

“Thanks.”

They went to sleep as they were still tired.

The gunfire in the distance couldn’t wake them.

In the evening, they joined the other prisoners in a party, as the uprising was a success.

“Lacrima belongs to the people now!” a prisoner cheered.

A boat arrived boarded by Marco, Luca, Giovanni and Alice. “Vittoria!”

“Marco!” They hugged each other with tears of joy.

“I’m so glad that you’re alright!”

“Si, but Francesco and Greta lost their parents.” Marco saw that they were about to cry as his wife had said this.

“Don’t worry, we take care of you.”

“Really?” Greta asked with hope.

“Si. Your parents said that we should take care of you should something happen to you.”

“THANK YOU!” They exclaimed hugging them.

“My husband was killed by the Black Hand as they also tried to get him here. But in my heart, he will be always alive. Now let’s get home.” Alice told them with a hint of sadness.

As they were about to get into the boat, a white light blended them and they vanished.

“Where did they go?!” Eva asked confused.

“I believe they’re now where our little amico comes from, Eva. If you’re excuse me, Sheldon and Annika said they have a job for me.”

Rico leaved in the boat but he never would forget Rumble. You’re make good parents. Stay that way. He thought smiling.

Author's Note

A few references if you can spot them

Chapter 12 Home Sweet Home

Chapter 12: Home Sweet Home

Rumble had lost consciousness but could faintly hear voices. “Rumble… Rumble? Please wake up, brother.”

I know that voice. With a blurry vision, he woke up in a hospital room.

His brother and his two friends were sitting on chairs next to him. “Brother! Flitter! Cloudchaser! I missed you so much! I never thought I would see you again!” He hugged them with tears of joy.

“We missed you too. Your friends want to see you.” Thunderlane pointed to a door and his friends walked in.

“RUMBLE!!!” they cried.

“GUYS!!!” He got out of the bed and they did a group hug. “I’m so glad to see you again!”

“We too. Do you want to tell us how you meet them?” Scootaloo pointed to the still sleeping humans.

“Also, we want to apologize.” Snips and Snail had a basket with chocolate and put it next to Rumble.

“Don’t blame yourself, it was an accident. As for them, I think they can explain it better then I can.” Rumble replied with a look of fear.

“Then let me help you.” Princess Luna entered the room and her horn touched the colt’s head. They all saw what he had experienced.

“Shh, brother, you’re safe now.” His brother comforted him. “And I don’t mind if we making them our parents.”

“Ugh, my head.” Marco woke up.

“Greetings, I’m Princess Luna and this is my sister Celestia. We and her family are very grateful for your help and very sorry for your loss.” The princess of the night gave her sympathies.

“Are we in Equestria?” He asked in confusion.

“Yes. And if you’re like, you can stay here and begin a new life.”

“After what the Black Hand did to us, I won’t go back. What about you, Fratre?”

“I stay with you no matter what,” Giovanni replied, just wanting to be together with his brother.

“Count me in.” Luca smiled.

I think I will like it here.” Marco could already imagine how good it could be in Equestria.

“Yes, you will, madre and padre!” The three Children hugged them, it was heart melting.

“Guess learning the languages with our parents has been paid off.” Anja smiled.

“Yes, it has,” Dinky added.

2 weeks later

Marco Vittoria, Luca and Alice loved every minute of their new life. While Marco, Luca and Giovanni worked as soldiers, Alice was working in the hospital. She was a good friend of Mia who worked her and was stepmother of Apple Bloom. Luca, Giovanni and Giovanni were good friends of the human soldiers, and got on well with Franz and Maria Klein, who had a similar experience with Sweetie Belle.

Greta and Francesco were in the CMC and were best friends with the other members.

“Mommy, daddy, we’re home!” Rumble called out.

“How was school?” Vittoria asked with a smile.

“Great, madre! It’s so nice here!” Greta replied happily with a smile.

“Glad to hear it.” Marco smiled.

“Are you coming?” Thunderlane and Giovanni walked in.

“Of course, Fratre!” Giovanni gave Rumble a piggy-back ride, while Thunderlane knelled down to let Francesco and Greta climb on his back.

“Next stop: The new CMC clubhouse.” They got outside. Thunderlane liked them and had also much fun with Giovanni and his new little siblings.

Vittoria looked after them until they were out of sight. Marco turned the player on.

“May I have this dance?” They danced together. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” They kissed. They knew they would love every minute of their new life. Forever.

Unknown to them, two soldiers and a security guard had seen this from outside.

“Let’s enjoy the moment.”

“Yes. Do you relish a round poker, Franz?”

“Sure thing, Konrad."

“Count me in,” Jacob replied and they went to the Apple’s farm.

Author's Note

Short, but a good ending I hope for you.