//------------------------------// // Zaku Vs. Golem // Story: SIEG EQUESTRIA! // by Macross84 //------------------------------// Michael was laying on the shield just above the right shoulder joint of his Zaku. Looking up at the stars in the night sky with his hands behind his head. It was a pleasant evening with a slight coolness in the air. The Princesses were kind enough to display the fact that they, themselves, were the ones to raise the Sun, and Moon. Michael still shuttered at that, and made a mental note not to piss off either one. Lest he finds himself, how do the others put it, banished to the Moon. Apparently it won't be as pleasant in this realm as it would have been in his world. The display was quite eye opening. Even with this display, the Princesses proved amicable enough. Though it was Celestia that seemed the more warm, and outgoing of the two. Luna seemed more reserved, and cautious. Not that Michael could blame her. The two gave him permission to remain in Equestria, but on the condition that he find something he could do that would aid the citizenry. Now that became the big question. Michael thought back to the party at Sugar Cube Corner that was thrown for his benefit. It was there that he got to meet the Princesses again, as well as many of the other ponies at the party that was thrown in his honor. The party itself was a very pleasant distraction, and kept his mind off the reality of the situation. That he was basically flung from his reality into a completely different reality. The Ponies were welcoming, though the most "interesting" encounter of the evening was when he was glomped rather aggressively upon by a mint green unicorn that then proceeded to declare; "I Found one! I found a Human! See, I'm not crazy after all!" Though her outburst did little to dissuade the others that she still had her mental faculties. It took another equine, an Earth pony from what Michael was told, to pull the unicorn that she called Lyra off of him. Though with a cast on one of her legs, it was rather difficult. The Rest of the night went smoothly after that, pretty much. Michael was surprised to find that ponies had similar musical tastes as humans. As demonstrated by a sophisticated earth pony with her cello, and another with sunglasses, and turntables. Michael had a very eclectic musical taste so he easily enjoyed both varieties. He met so many ponies that lived in Ponyville. Ponies like Nurse Redheart, Mayor Mare, The spa Ponies, Big Mac, and Cheerilee. Thinking back to it, it was a very fun night, and Pinkie wasn't short on jokes, or games. Yet, it was late, and the ponies were settling into a peaceful night of rest. Michael was wondering what he was going to do for a place to sleep. He could sleep in the cockpit, but that was never comfortable, and he wasn't sure it would be a good idea to ask to bunk with one of the ponies. "I guess sleeping in the cockpit is my only option. Not that I'm very thrilled with that." He groused a bit as he rolled to sit up. As he sat up, a soft squeak caught his attention. his head snapped around as he saw Fluttershy peeking out from over top of the Zaku's head. She must've be using her wings to help her look over as the head was nearly as tall as Michael was. "Good evening Fluttershy. How can I help you?" Michael asked as he crossed his legs underneath him. Though the only answer was the soft squeak of surprise as Fluttershy was discovered. It took some coaxing, but soon Fluttershy was sitting on the top of the shield with Michael. She been watching him look at the stars, and wondered what he was thinking. She drew small circles on the super strong hide of the Zaku's shield for several minutes trying to think of something to say. "Um....how are you getting along?" she asked softly. Curious to see how Michael was acclimating. Michael could only shrug. "As well as can be expected, I guess. There is really no precedent for this kind of thing to my knowledge, save for fairy tale, and fantasy books. Usually the Protagonist is okay with the situation, or he/she completely flips out. I guess I'm somewhere in between. Just not sure how to react honestly." Michael sighed as he flopped back onto the cool metal. The chill causing him to shiver a bit. Fluttershy thought it might be best that they change subjects. "Have you thought about what the Princesses said? About you needing to find something to do." She asked as she crossed for forelegs over one another. "Kinda." Michael started out as he rubbed his chin. "I just not sure what my skill set would be good for. I'm a Mobile suit pilot." He explained as he turned his head to look at Fluttershy. "I rather choose something that allows me to continue to use my Zaku." he added. "What about construction?" She suggested with a tilt of her head. Michael looked at her, and suddenly started to laugh. Fluttershy's head recoiled back as her ears folded against the top of her skull. She grimaced as she wondered what she said that was so funny. "I'm sorry Fluttershy. I'm not laughing at you, but what you said. It was ironic that you would say construction." Michael stated as he rolled over to his side. "When Zeon started to develop the first mobile suits, the "Zaku I"s. Federation inspectors often showed up to see what we were doing. So they told the Federation that the Zakus were construction equipment." Michael explained. Fluttershy scowled at that story. "So your leaders deliberately lied to this Federation?" she asked. Michael turned to look at Fluttershy, and simply shrugged. "politics, that is all I can say bout that as It is all over my head. I'm a simple grunt." He replied "But I digress. I'm not sure if my Zaku II would be very effective. I mean, it could, but not sure how beyond very specific situations." Fluttershy didn't approve of the Human's rather blase attitude towards deliberately lying to this Federation. However, she was also ignorant to everything that was happening in his world so she couldn't wholly comment on it. She remained quiet a moment before she nodded. Believing that not going down that line was probably a good idea. So she tried a different track. "What about the Guard? You're a soldier, right? That sounds like a Guardspony. So why not join the Royal Guard, and help protect Equestria." She suggested. Michael scrunched his eyebrows. That was certainly a thought. It would probably get him back into the swing of things, militarily speaking. "That is a good idea, Fluttershy. I'll definitely have to keep that idea to the top of the list." He said with a smile. "Thanks." He added. Fluttershy smiled as she held up her head a little higher. It was nice to help somepony in need. "Hello~! Mr. Black, are you up there?" A dainty voice called up as both Michael, and Fluttershy perked up their head. The voice was familiar, but Fluttershy knew who it was. "Hello Rarity. Yes, Mr. Black is up here with me." Fluttershy called down to the posh fashionista. "Fluttershy? What are you doing up there?" Rarity asked as she craned her neck to see her friend. "I was just talking with Mr. Black." Fluttershy explained. Michael stood up, and sat on the edge of the shield, and looked down. "What can I help you with Miss Rarity?" He called down. "I do not need any help, but thank you for asking. I was just seeing if you had a place to stay tonight." Rarity called up. Michael looked at Fluttershy a moment before looking back at Rarity. "No, I do not. I figured I'll just sleep in the cockpit of my Zaku." He called back down. Rarity looked simply aghast. "In there!?" Rarity exclaimed as he pointed a hoof at the Mobile suit. "Darling, it can't possibly be more comfortable than a warm bed." Rarity protested as she looked at the green behemoth kneeling before her. Michael laughed a bit. "Yeah, you're right. It isn't very comfortable, but it is sure beats sleeping on the ground." He joked, remembering to keep his language curbed as Rarity seemed to be of a more refined cut. I, for one, can not let this stand. I insist you come to my house. I have a spare bedroom for when Sweetie Bell stays over. You treated Sweetie Bell, and her friends so good this afternoon by taking them with you. I can not possibly tell you how much they enjoyed the ride you gave them." Rarity stated as she looked up at the two perched on the Zaku's shoulder. "Thank you, that is very generous of you." Michael called down in appreciation. It was now Fluttershy's turn to laugh at the irony of the statement. Michael looked at her to see what was so funny, but she waved a hoof. "It's nothing, but it is getting late so I suppose it would be a good idea to make our way to bed." She stated before she spread her wings, and started to float down to meet Rarity on the grass. "I'm coming down." he called down as he slowly climbed down from the Zaku's shoulder, and down its arm. Landing in the grass he approached the two mares. "Thank you for allowing me to stay with you, Miss Rarity. I appreciate it very much." he said as he stood before the white unicorn with purple mane, almost fascinated with how it looked like the work of twelve hairstylists working together. "Nonsense Darling. You helped us a great deal with that dragon. It is the least I could do." She explained. "Come along, my home is this way." Rarity stated before turning to Fluttershy. "I hope you have a good evening Fluttershy." She said before she started to walk off. "Good Night, Miss Fluttershy." Michael stated as he followed the unicorn mare. The butter colored Pegasus waved to them as they walked away. The walk across the town was quiet as many ponies settled in for the night. Michael spent most of the walk looking around him as he followed Rarity, no matter how much he looked at the town he just couldn't get over how fascinating it was to look at. It made him thing of an very old amusement park he heard about in history classes in school. It was on the North American continent, and was one of the most popular tourist destination in the world during the time it was open. The most curious thing about it all was that it had a mouse for a mascot. While there was a large portion of the town that showed up at the welcome party. It was also apparent there was a sizable contingent that did not as well. Michael couldn't help but notice the stares that he was getting from some of the ponies that they were passing. They were suspicious stares, worried stares. He could even see a couple of the ponies whispering back, and forth while they passed. He wasn't wholly surprised to be honest. Some suspicion was bound to occur with him. He was an alien to these ponies and landed on their world armed to the teeth. If the situation was reversed, it would have probably been the same. He could only hope that this doesn't lead to trouble later on, he had more than enough of violence for one life time. ------------------------- "Agh!, this thing is pissing me off!." Michael groaned as he laid out in the cool grass by the large handle on the Zaku's Bazooka. Several large panels were opened to reveal the complex circuitry inside. A couple of days had passed for Michael in this new world. Days spent trying to acclimate himself to his new surroundings, and neighbors. Michael did find things to do during this time to keep from getting too idle. Mainly check ups, and minor repairs of his Mobile suit. Though he also offered his services to the ponies as well. Some took up his offer and found him to be a great help, and others politely declined. Today, one large hiccup appeared with the Bazooka. The main firing circuit on the weapon was severed. If it was going to be of any use, he'll have to repair it. Due to how the war was going, the Zeon military was being stretched thinner, and thinner along all battle fronts. So people had to take on more responsibility. MS Pilots were trained in basic field repair, and maintenance of their Mobile Suits along with their normal regimen, and Michael was no exception to this. Granted, major repairs still required a hanger bay, and a dedicated repair crew, but Michael knew enough to at least limp his mobile suit home. "I guess now is a good a time as any for a break." he groaned as he sat up. Celestia's golden sun shone down upon Equestria today as a cool breeze graced his sweat covered cheeks, and forehead. "Ah, that's nice." He sighed as he came to his feet, and stretched his arms towards the sky. He could feel several joints popping, and a pleasurable groan slipped from his lips as his tight muscles stretched to the sky. Equestria was turning out to be a very peaceful land, and Michael was enjoying that. For the most part, these ponies seem very friendly, and social. Sure, there was the odd group that looked at him funny, or shied away, but he didn't grudge them any. He was the alien, and the best way to show that your not a threat is to be not threatening. "It won't be so bad if I'm stuck here, I suppose." he mused as he looked up at his Mobile Suit. "What do you think, Zaku?" He asked. The peace of the afternoon would be interrupted however as an ear splitting shriek shattered the calm air. Almost instantly Michael was running towards the sound, his side arm drawn, and ready to protect whom ever was being attacked. Michael came skidding around a corner, and had his gun drawn when he saw what happened. He slowly lowered his gun, and breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh thank god." He muttered. "Sweetie Bell! How many times have I told you, and your friends not to try, and scare ponies!?" Rarity chastised her little sister, and her two accomplices in crime. "Aw, Big Sis. We weren't trying to scare fluttershy. We just wanted to show off these great costumes we made!" Sweetie bell stated. The poor pegasus in question had fainted, and her Rabbit, Angel Bunny, was trying to get her to wake up. Fanning her with a small handkerchief that he liberated off a nearby stallion. It was now that Michael noticed what the three fillies were up too, and his heart melted at the adorableness of it all. The three girls were wearing homemade Zaku costumes. Each one took some cardboard boxes, and some green, and black paint, and made them into a Head with a red circle for the Zaku's mono-eye. Two flaps of the box taped together made the right arm shield. The Zeon Emblem clumsily drawn onto the painted surface with yellow crayon. Another box was the chest armor, and they even cut the remaining flaps to make the skirt armor around their flanks. To elevate the scene to diabeetus level, Sweet Bell even had a small human shaped doll with the same clothing that Micheal wore riding on her shoulders. "Okay, I need some insulin after that." He thought as he started to approach, and try, and defuse the situation. "Well, Well, Well. What do we have here? It looks like a squad of Zakus." He said with cheerily tone. The three adorable Zaku's spun around, and regarded the human. Now Michael knew why they were looking at his Mobile Suit so intently for the past couple of days. Often appearing, whispering among themselves, and disappearing just as quickly. "Hey Micheal!" Scootaloo chirped, her wings constantly shifting to get comfortable considering her chest armor half obscured them. "Howdy!" Applebloom greeted warmly, her ever present country twang making her funny, and adorable. "Hey Michael! What's a "Squad"?" Sweetie Bell both greeted, and asked. "A squad is a team of three mobile suits. Normally they're accompanied by a sensor truck." Michael explained before he noticed that the eyes of the three little girls started to glaze over. "Uh...nevermind. Very nice costumes." He stated, which had the girls explode with cheer, and laughter. Though Michael would noticed that doll bouncing on Sweetie Belle's back. "What's that?" He asked the rambunctious unicorn. Sweetie Belle instantly stopped, and looked around. "What's what!?" She asked before starting spinning in circles like a dog chasing its tail. Trying to see what Michael was referring to. Michael had to shut his eyes a moment, or risk going blind by the cuteness. "This." He indicated with a soft chuckle as he pulled the doll from Sweetie Belle's shoulders. "Oh, that's Pilot! I made him." Sweetie Bell announced as she sat down, and extended her front hooves out to receive the doll. Michael smiled as he returned the doll back to the filly, whom hugged it adoringly. "Really? What's the pilot's name?" Michael asked. "Name? "Pilot" is his name." Scootaloo stated. "Pilot is a job title. Like Ms. Cake is a "Baker". I'm a "Pilot", but Michael Black is my name." He explained to the three fillies as he knelt down before them so they wouldn't have to look up at him, and strain their necks. Though after a moment's thought, he shook his head. "Know what, never mind. Pilot is a great name for your doll." Michael stated. "Now then, a Pilot does not ride on his Mobile suit's shoulders. He operates it from within the cockpit." Michael explained tapping Sweetie Belle on the chest box. "Oh, we know! I even got a door, and everything!" Sweetie Belle announced as she pulled open a small flap in her chest armor, and proceeded to stuff the doll into the hole rather forcefully. Michael winced as he could hear all the tiny bones in that poor doll's body snap like twigs. 'I feel for ya, buddy.' he thought as Sweetie Belle finished, and closed the flap. "See! Fits perfectly!" She announced as she thrust her chest out in pride. Only for the doll to fall out of the bottom of the box, and onto the ground with a soft fwump. "I can see that." Michael chuckled as he picked up the small doll, and return it to the loving, albeit crushing, hooves of its owner. "You'll make a great mobile suit." He said to Sweetie Belle. "All of you would." He added to the other two girls. Which earned him another round of cheers, and a group glomping by the three pint sized Zakus. "Sweetie Belle" A low growl was heard behind Michael and the three fillies. It would appear that Rarity was not happy about having the Fillies attention diverted from her, and being ignored in the middle of her chastisement. The three little Zakus looked up, and back at the fashionista, and started to tremble. Michael looked up at Rarity, and he, too, was intimidated by that look on her face. She looked like she was about to have a nuclear meltdown. Thinking quick, he pulled the three girls to him. "Okay, first lesson on being a Zaku, tactical thinking." he explained. "So I'll give you a hint. In this situation, Zakus would perform a "Tactical Retreat". he explained. The three girls looked at him in confusion. "Run." He whispered. That was the only thing he needed to say. The three Fillies bolted from the scene, and were nothing more than a dust cloud on the horizon as Michael was coming back to his feet. It was about this time that Fluttershy was starting to come around, muttering about multiplying Zakus as Angel continued to fan her. Rarity didn't look very pleased, and she let it show further as she stamped her hoof into the ground, and let out a huff. "Don't think this is over, Sweetie Belle! I know where you live! By the way we're having Hayfries for lunch!" Rarity shouted at the retreating image of the three fillies, and one doll. Rarity sighed as she shook her head. It was so troublesome having such an imaginative little sister. However, the antics of Sweetie Belle, and her friends did prove to be advantageous as it saved Rarity the time, and effort in looking for Michael. Not that a 6' foot tall bipedal Ape-man was hard to find. "It is all well an good that you are here, Darling. I had something that I've been meaning to talk with you about. If you would please follow me to my boutique." Rarity asked as she started to turn towards her home. "You're more than welcomed to join us, Fluttershy." She added to the wobbly legged Pegasus. "Yes Ma'am." Michael stated as he started to follow the fashion designer. Rarity had been so kind to him by letting him stay at her place that he made sure to always be available to help her out. Course, after he helped Fluttershy get stable on her legs again. ----------- "No, no! It is not like that!" Scootaloo declared as she shook her head. "It goes like this." She announced as she took a moment to moisten her lips before she let out a soft "breeennnn" sound that caused her lips to tickle. "Are ya sure? Ah don't think it soun's like that." Applebloom stated uncertainly. For the past thirty minutes the three Cutie Mark Crusaders were trying to imitate the sound the Zaku made when they watched Michael power it up a few times. "Yeah! It was more like this." Sweetie Belle interjected as she pursed her lips together like she was about to kiss somepony, and then pull them back over her teeth while trying to make her tongue do backflips, creating a "wonnneeeggg~" like sound. The three fillies looked at each other, and then the very next instant burst out laughing. However, the three didn't realize that their loud antics were drawing the attention of another. Their banter, constant shouting and laughter were covering the unnatural silence of the forest they were in. The animals had long since scattered. Even the fierce timber wolves were hiding to prevent being seen by this lumbering intruder in their midst. It wasn't until there was a large crack of a tree that the three fillies realized that they weren't alone anymore. Slowly the three turned towards the forest, peering thought the eye holes in their armor. They were greeted by a enormous pile of rock, and glowing crystal. Their eyes widen as their irises shrank to pin pricks, trembling in fear as they looked up. Their ears folded against their skulls underneath the cardboard helmets they wore and for a moment Sweetie Bell thought she would faint. The Golem stared down at the three tiny creatures at its feet. Its glowing yellow eyes focused on them. In its mind, he searched, and heard the words of his creator echoing within. To destroy the green one. it remembered the picture that was shown to it. Green skin, and a small red eye. The yellow crystal within its rocky surface pulsed as within the heart of the beast, the trapped unicorn whimpered helplessly as she could only imagine the horrors that were about to be committed against those three little ones that were simply playing make believe. ------------- Michael left the boutique, finally, after talking with the Fashionista. Rarity wanted to make some different clothes for him, something more fashionable, but Michael politely declined. Stating that if the unicorn insisted, then she could make him a couple more uniforms so he'll have something to wear while his other clothes are being cleaned. The afternoon was moving along smoothly, and it seemed the weather had only gotten better. Michael sighed as he felt re-energized to try, and tackle the repair on the bazooka. Though it would appear that the lazy afternoon that he hoped for would not be as the peaceful afternoon was once again shattered by the sound of screaming. Michael looked up, his hand poised on his sidearm instinctively once more as two familiar figures came barreling down the street. Michael recognized them as Scootaloo, and Applebloom. Large pieces of their costume tearing off as they ran like the Devil was hot on their hooves. Michael's eyes grew wide as he saw they were running right towards him. Before he could even brace himself, the two Fillies launched themselves right into his middle. Knocking him down to the ground with a loud "Oof!" It would take Michael a moment to get his breath back as he now had two shivering fillies. He quickly started to stroke their manes as he tried to calm them down. It was about this time that other Ponies started approaching. Among them was Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. "Easy now, Easy. What's wrong? Where is Sweetie Belle?" Michael asked as he continued to stroke the little fillies mane. "Thar's a giant rock monster in da forest! Ah aint never seen anything like it!" Applebloom cried, fear in her eyes. "Yeah, and it got Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo added. The gathered ponies gasped. This was terrible news! "Pssh, yeah Right! Is this another one of your games, Scoots?" Rainbow Dash asked. It wasn't a very far fetched notion considering that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were known to have a very active imagination. However, Michael saw the honest fear in their eyes, and before another word was spoken, he pulled the two off of him, and shot to his feet before he began sprinting down the road as fast as he could. "Whar' are ya goin!?" Applejack called out to the retreating form of the Human as both Applebloom, and Scootaloo huddled around her legs. "I'm going to get my Zaku, and save Sweetie Belle!" Michael called back. ---------------- In the forest, Sweetie Belle was shrieking in fear as she was held aloft in three large stony fingers. The Golem let out deep rumbling groan from the sound of large boulders grinding against one another. Holding up its prey to get a better look at it. The creature it held looked like the picture that his creator showed to him, but at the same time it was very different. The Golem was made to follow orders, and fight. Complex thoughts, and ideas were useless to it. He must obey, and that meant that this little creature in is clutches must die. Sweetie Belle had tears running down her cheeks as she looked upon what was most assuredly her demise. Even if the creature was to simply drop her right now. She'll fall several dozen feet, and at the very least suffer massive bone breakage. As she was held, helpless in the creatures grasp, Sweetie Belle was thankful for one thing. That her friends got away. Hopefully they will go find help. Sweetie Belle could not have noticed the deep vibrations that shook the grounds as something large was making its way towards them. She was being held against her will in a vice like grip that was slowly becoming rather painful, and making it very difficult to breath. It was only the sharp ear splitting crack of several trees splintering against super strong steel alloy that caught her attention. Turning her head, her eyes grew wide as the Zaku burst into the clearing like an enraged titan. Sweetie Belle's heart soared with hope. Her friends did find help, and Michael came to rescue her! It was like in those romance novels that Rarity always reads, and keep hidden underneath her bed, where the gallant stallion would come in at the last minute and whisk the mare away to safety. "RETURN SWEETIE BELLE, NOW!" a loud booming voice came from the Zaku's PA system. It sounded like the voice of the Almighty. Michael was livid at the creature that would dare to try, and harm an innocent filly. The Zaku stood there with its Heat Hawk in hand, the blade glowing a bright yellowish red. Michael kept the machine gun back at the Town cause it would have been more of a liability in this situation. Stray 120mm rounds could do a lot of damage. The Golem looked at Sweetie Belle, then back at the Titan before him. He appeared confused as he constantly turned his head from Sweetie Belle to the Zaku, and back. This confusion was making the Golem angry, and that made it dangerous. Very dangerous. Sweetie Belle squirmed in the tight grip of the monster. With Michael, and his Zaku here, she felt more emboldened to try to escape. The Monsters anger flared as he started to squeeze the stony fingers together, and crush Sweetie Belle. The poor filly grunting, and groaning as she tried to get free from the tightening death that constricted around her. However, before anything fatal could happen, the monster stopped. Something was preventing it from carrying it out its grim will. Within the crystal prison, the unicorn mare was focusing as hard as she could. It was taking every ounce of willpower, and strength she had left, but she could not let the monster hurt the young foal. She looked out from her crystal prison, pleading eyes upon the titan that stood before her torment. She prayed to Faust that it'll save the young pony. "Please...save her." she mentally pleaded to the one eyed giant. Michael saw the hesitation, and took the initiative to strike first. He had to get Sweetie Belle to safety, and quickly. Charging in, he moved the Zaku's right shoulder forward, slamming the large steel slab of the shield against the the body of the Golem, staggering it as the Zaku's left hand grabbed at the stone just behind the stone fingers that held Sweetie Belle. The Right arm brought the ax head down, and hard against the stone. For the young Filly, the world seemed to slow to a crawl as moments blurred into one another. Olive green collided with stone gray causing sparks to spray, and splash all around her. She felt her body jostled violently as strong fingers as thick as telephone poles curled around the rock that held on to her, holding onto it with a death grip. The young filly felt like she was in a daze as she looked upon the face of her savior. the glowing red eye sliding towards her, making contact for what felt like an eternity before sliding back to focus on the Golem. Sweetie Belle had to turn away as the heat from the Heat Hawk washed over her as it came down, connecting against the rock, and finding the crack in the stones. The beveled edge cutting, and spreading the rocks apart, separating them from their source of magic. With the magical connection severed, the rock began to crumble back into the stones they were made from. Sweetie Belle felt the bone crushingly tight grip around her body slack and then fall away entirely as she began to fall. She only fell about a foot, or so before she landed in the open palm of the Zaku. Taking deep gulps of air, she tried to refill her lungs as she felt herself being drawn towards the Zaku's powerful chest. The Fingers curling ever so slightly to shield the young filly from any harm. With one last powerful shove, the Zaku broke free from the Golem as it staggered back, crashing into the ground. The mare in the Crystal could only feel slight relief that she was able to aid in the rescue of the young pony, but sadly that was all she could do to help. She was far too weak now to do anything, but hope that this will be the End. In one way, or another. With the Creature staggered, Michael pulled back a distance before he opened the off set hatch in the Zaku's chest. "Sweetie Belle! Are you alright?" He called out to the small filly wearing the crumpled box armor, Pilot just barely hanging on by an arm. For the third time that day, Michael was glomped at full force by a tiny pony filly. Sweetie launched herself from the hand, and right onto Michael's lap. Hugging him as hard as he could. He could feel tears of happiness soak into his shirt. Michael hugged Sweetie back, stroking her mane. Trying to calm the frightened filly down. "It'll be okay. You're safe now." He whispered to the small quaking Unicorn in his arms.. "I was so scared!" Sweetie Belle sniffled which rewarded her with a continuing mane, and head pats. "I know, I was scared too." Michael stated, patting her on the back or help calm her. "Really!?" Sweetie Belle stated in surprise. Looking up at her human savior "Yeah, I was afraid I wouldn't get here in time, and that you may have been hurt. I can't allow that to happen." He replied with a soft gentle voice. Sweetie Belle giggled, and blushed before curling back into Michael's chest. It was warm, and strong, and she felt safe there. Michael took a moment to undo his harness before loosening it up, and refastening it around him, and Sweetie Belle to secure them both to the seat. This delay would almost become their undoing. As Michael's attention was focused on the small filly, the Golem was stumbling back to its feet, enraged. it slammed the stump of it severed arm back into the pile of rocks that was once its arm. The magic crackled as the stones rolled back into formation. Forming the arm once more. The creature scraped two pieces of crystal together to let out a threatening high pitched sound that almost made Michael feel like his teeth were going to crack. That sound was like nails on a chalk board to both Michael, and Sweetie Belle. Her ears flattening against her skull to try, and block out the grating sound. Reminding them both that they were not out of the woods yet. "I guess it was too much to hope that it would give up after I took its arm off." Michael let out a weary groan. Seeing that the arm reformed itself, his scowl deepened. "Hold on really tight Sweetie Belle, this fight just started." he stated as he, and the young unicorn watched the Golem charge at them at full speed, its arms raised high like twin clubs.