My Little Pony Friendship is Magic “A Magnetic Menace!”by ShopperBrony90ChaptersChapter 1: The Pull of TroubleChapter 2: A Magnetic DilemmaChapter 3: The Magnetic SacrificeChapter 1: The Pull of TroubleIt was a bright and sunny day in Ponyville, the kind of day that invited laughter, play, and—if you were Twilight Sparkle—science experiments. In the cozy interior of her castle, Twilight Sparkle was surrounded by various objects: nails, paperclips, spoons, and even a few enchanted trinkets. A glowing purple aura enveloped her horn as she levitated a horseshoe magnet with glee. "Spike, take note!" Twilight said, grinning. Spike, her faithful number-one assistant, held a quill and scroll, trying not to yawn as he scribbled. "Right...metal objects get pulled. Got it." Twilight rolled her eyes playfully. "It's more than that! We're exploring how magnetic fields interact with different materials! For instance—" She held the magnet near a crystal from her collection. "See how this enchanted gem resists the pull? Fascinating, isn’t it?" "Fascinating," Spike replied flatly. Just then, the sound of the castle doors opening caught their attention. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash trotted in, their curious gazes immediately drawn to Twilight's cluttered workspace. "Twilight, darling, what is all this?" Rarity asked, stepping carefully to avoid a stray paperclip. "It's a demonstration on magnetism!" Twilight said excitedly. "I'm testing which objects are magnetic and exploring magical interference." Applejack tilted her hat back and nodded appreciatively. "Now that's mighty nifty, sugarcube. Never thought 'bout how magnets work, but I reckon they’re useful 'round the farm." "Useful?" Pinkie Pie popped up from behind the table, holding a pair of magnets that clacked together. "They're fun! Ooooh, can you imagine using these for party tricks?" Rainbow Dash groaned and flapped her wings. "Lame. Who cares about a bunch of boring metal stuff? I’ve got better things to do than watch magnets stick together." Rarity huffed and stepped toward Rainbow Dash. "Honestly, Rainbow Dash, must you always dismiss everything that isn’t Wonderbolts-related?" But Rainbow was already halfway out the door. "Unbelievable!" Rarity muttered under her breath. "I’ll have to speak to her later about this dreadful attitude." Twilight, oblivious to the minor squabble, continued her experiment. "Pinkie, Fluttershy, do you want to try testing the magnets?" "Sure!" Pinkie grabbed a magnet with glee, while Fluttershy timidly picked up another. But before the ponies could delve further into Twilight’s fascinating experiments, far away, in an ominous lair cloaked in shadows, Grogar was scheming. Grogar loomed over his glowing crystal ball, his staff crackling with ancient energy. Around him stood King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow, their eyes glinting with curiosity. "I have grown weary of your bickering," Grogar growled, glaring at Chrysalis and Cozy Glow. "Me? Bicker?" Cozy Glow scoffed, tossing her curly mane. "I’m not the one always bragging about being an 'overlord of all changelings'!" Chrysalis narrowed her eyes. "And I’m not the one pretending to be an innocent filly while plotting world domination!" "Enough!" Grogar slammed his staff down, silencing them. "You want a contest of power? Then observe!" He waved his staff, and a swirl of dark magic shaped itself into a hulking metal creature. The beast’s metallic hide gleamed, and sparks of electricity coursed along its limbs. Its red eyes glowed as it came to life, roaring with a mechanical growl. "Behold, Mad Magnet!" Grogar announced. "Whoa," Tirek rumbled, impressed. "Impeccable craftsmanship," Sombra added, his voice tinged with envy. Chrysalis and Cozy Glow exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. Grogar sneered. "Mad Magnet, show Ponyville your might!" In Ponyville, chaos erupted as Mad Magnet descended from the sky, landing in the town square with a thundering crash. Its magnetic waves pulsed outward, pulling anything metal toward it. Ponies screamed and scattered, but the monster wasn’t done. Electric rays shot from its claws, striking ponies at random. Each blast caused the ponies hit to magnetize, sticking together flank-to-flank. Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo yelped as they were pulled together. "Ugh, can’t you watch where you’re going?" Diamond Tiara snapped. "Me? You’re the one stuck to me!” Scootaloo shot back. Apple Bloom and Roseheart spun in circles, trying to break free. "Consarn it, this thing’s got us tighter than two apples in a bushel!" Apple Bloom cried. "This is so embarrassing," Roseheart groaned. Cheerilee and Silver Spoon joined the fray, tumbling into a heap. "Ms. Cheerilee, what’s happening?!" Silver Spoon shrieked. "I...I have no idea!" Cheerilee replied, struggling to free herself. Even Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy found themselves trapped. "Well, this is awkward," Pinkie said, trying to wiggle free. "Oh my goodness," Fluttershy murmured. "I hope this doesn’t last long." Nearby, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were stuck together as well. "Rainbow Dash, this is your karma for calling magnets lame," Rarity sniffed. "Yeah, yeah, I get it! Now stop lecturing and help me pull!" Rainbow grunted as she and Rarity try to free themselves from being stuck to each other’s flanks, but no matter how hard they tried, the magnetic pull was too strong. Suddenly, Mad Magnet let out a piercing mechanical roar and unleashed a massive magnetic pulse. Without warning, all the magnetized ponies were lifted off the ground and began flying through the air. "Sweet Celestia!" Apple Bloom screamed, spinning wildly as she and Roseheart soared through the air. Cheerilee and Silver Spoon clung to each other, tumbling helplessly. "Is this part of the science experiment?!" Silver Spoon cried. "No, it is NOT!" Cheerilee shouted back. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy yelped as they collided with another pair. "Whoa! It’s like a super magnet dance party!" Pinkie said, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh no, oh no, oh no," Fluttershy whimpered. One by one, the pairs slammed into each other, forming a giant, wobbly pyramid pile of struggling ponies in the middle of Ponyville. They twisted and turned, but the magnetic force held them tight. Mad Magnet wasn’t done. It raised its claws, and red beams of electricity shot from its eyes. The beams struck the pyramid of ponies, freezing them mid-struggle as their bodies turned into gleaming, unmoving metal. Back in Grogar’s lair, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow were still arguing. "I would’ve defeated Ponyville already if it were up to me," Chrysalis hissed. "Oh please, you couldn’t even keep the changelings loyal," Cozy retorted. Grogar sighed and raised his staff. "Fine. Since you two can’t stop fighting, perhaps this will teach you a lesson." The crystal ball pulsed, and Mad Magnet’s magnetic force reached through the lair. Chrysalis and Cozy Glow shrieked as they were pulled together, flank-to-flank, and stuck in place. "WHAT?!" Chrysalis screeched. "Let me go!" Cozy whined, wriggling. Grogar smirked. "You’ll stay like that until you learn to work together. Only then will the spell break." As Ponyville shimmered under the metallic gleam of its frozen citizens, Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Applejack regrouped, determined to stop Mad Magnet and undo its sinister spell. To be continued… Chapter 2: A Magnetic DilemmaTwilight paced nervously in the library as Applejack and Spike debated their plans. "Ah’m tellin’ ya, sugarcube," Applejack insisted, her hat tipped back as she leaned against the map table. "If we rig up a cider cannon and aim it right at that there Mad Magnet, the fizz'll short-circuit 'im. We got barrels o' cider back at Sweet Apple Acres—" "Applejack," Twilight interrupted, "we can't risk that. His powers turn ponies into metal! What if the cider just makes him stronger? Or worse, what if it sprays back at us?" Spike sat on a stack of books, deep in thought. He scratched his chin before raising a claw. "I’ve got it! We build a machine that sends out sonic shockwaves! Did you see how his chest glowed every time he used his powers? I bet that’s his power source. If we can overload it, we might be able to shut him down for good!" Twilight’s ears perked up. "That’s… brilliant, Spike! Applejack, I know you want to help, but this is a smarter option. We need precision, not cider." Applejack sighed, tipping her hat forward. "Alright, Twi. Yer the brains of this outfit. Let’s get to buildin’." Hours later, the trio stood in front of their makeshift contraption. It was a boxy machine with a funnel-like speaker attached to the front. Wires snaked out in all directions, and a crystal-powered console sat at the base. Twilight examined the machine one last time, tightening a bolt with her magic. "Everything’s ready," she said, looking at her friends. "This has to work." Spike gave a thumbs up. "Let’s go save Ponyville!" Applejack adjusted her hat. "Here’s hopin’. Ain’t no way we’re lettin’ that metal menace win." The scene outside was dire. The Mad Magnet loomed over Ponyville’s town square, his electric pulses humming ominously. Dozens of ponies floated in mid-air, their bodies magnetized flank-to-flank, forming precarious pyramids. Mayor Mare clung desperately to Granny Smith as Big Mac hovered beside Lyra. Twist and Bon Bon were stuck together back-to-back, struggling to break free, while Trixie and Starlight dangled from the highest point of the pyramid. Vinyl and Octavia floated nearby, their attempts to separate only causing more entanglement. Twilight’s heart sank. Almost everypony in Ponyville was caught. She, Applejack, and Spike approached the Mad Magnet cautiously, their machine in tow. The monster’s glowing chest pulsed as he turned to face them. "Back for more, Princess?" the Mad Magnet sneered, his voice a metallic rasp. Twilight ignored him. "Spike, Applejack, keep him distracted. I’ll power up the machine." "You got it!" Spike said, leaping into action. Applejack gave a sly smirk. "Alright, big guy! Let’s see if ya can handle this!" The duo began running circles around the Mad Magnet, hurling playful taunts. "Bet ya can’t catch me!" Spike teased, blowing a raspberry. "Ah’ve seen scarier critters on Granny’s farm!" Applejack hollered, dodging a blast of electricity. The Mad Magnet growled, blasting bolts of magnetic energy at them, but Spike and Applejack were too quick, ducking and weaving. Twilight worked furiously, channeling her magic into the crystal console. The machine began to hum, a low vibration building as the sonic shockwave generator powered up. "Just a little more… almost there…" Suddenly, Twilight’s triumphant shout drew the attention of both Spike and Applejack. They turned for a split second—long enough for the Mad Magnet to hit them with a blast of energy. "Whoa!" Spike cried as he was thrown backward. "Consarn it!" Applejack yelped. The two collided in mid-air, their bodies magnetically attached. Spike’s butt was stuck firmly to Applejack’s flank! "Uh… Applejack?" Spike stammered, his cheeks burning red. "Don’t even start, Spike," Applejack grumbled, struggling to pull them apart. "This is bad enough as it is!" The Mad Magnet cackled, lifting the pair into the air with his magnetic field. "So predictable, Princess! One more move and your little friends become permanent statues in my collection!" Twilight froze, her hooves trembling as she stared at her friends. Spike’s eyes were wide with fear, and Applejack gave her a determined look. "Twilight, don’t listen to him!" Applejack shouted. "Do what ya gotta do!" "Yeah!" Spike added, though his voice wavered. "We’re counting on you!" Twilight’s mind raced. If she activated the machine, it might disrupt the Mad Magnet’s powers and save everypony. But if she failed… The fate of her friends, and all of Ponyville, hung in the balance. To be continued… Chapter 3: The Magnetic SacrificeTwilight Sparkle stood at the center of Ponyville, her heart heavy as she stared at the swirling energies of the machine she had built. It was her last hope against Grogar’s magnetic monstrosity, but the price of using it weighed heavily on her. The crystal ball that Grogar had sent her displayed Applejack and Spike, still trapped together, their faces full of pleading desperation. “Twilight, please!” Applejack cried, her voice cracking. “Don’t do it! Don’t let us live like this just to save Equestria!” “Yeah!” Spike added, his voice trembling. “We’ll find another way! We always do!” Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath. She could hear Grogar’s booming laughter echoing from the crystal ball. The league of evil—Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, Sombra, and Tirek—watched eagerly from their cave, savoring her dilemma. Finally, Twilight spoke. “I... I surrender.” Applejack and Spike’s eyes widened in shock. “Twilight, no!” Applejack shouted. Grogar’s laughter grew louder. “Excellent!” he bellowed. “The mighty Twilight Sparkle has finally broken. Equestria will soon be mine!” King Sombra smirked. “A wise decision. You have spared your friends great suffering.” Chrysalis and Cozy Glow exchanged annoyed looks, still magnetically stuck together flank-to-flank. Chrysalis hissed, “Well, if she’s so wise, why hasn’t Grogar fixed this yet?” “Ugh, agreed!” Cozy Glow snapped, squirming to no avail. Grogar rolled his eyes and, with a flick of his magic, finally separated the two. Both villains stumbled apart, rubbing their flanks with grimaces as residual sparks of electricity danced across their bodies. Back in Ponyville, as Twilight’s surrender signal reached Grogar, the bindings holding Applejack and Spike together vanished. The duo tumbled apart, groaning as they rubbed their sore butts, sparks still crackling faintly. “You didn’t have to do it, Twi!” Applejack shouted, her voice filled with a mix of anger and gratitude. But Twilight only gave them a small, resolute nod. “Trust me.” Her horn lit up, and the machine roared to life. A powerful sonic shockwave shot from the device, tearing through the air and striking Grogar’s magnetic monster square in its chest. “What?!” Grogar shouted, watching in horror as the beast’s energy core overloaded. The Mad Magnet’s body convulsed, its magnetic field collapsing in on itself as it exploded into shards of energy and metal. Across Equestria, the effects of the magnet’s power unraveled. Every pony who had been stuck together was suddenly released. One by one, ponies tumbled to the ground, relieved but embarrassed as they hurriedly disentangled themselves. “Ugh! Your flank was on my flank!” Scootaloo grumbled. “Well, sorry!” Diamond snapped sarcastically. Nearby, Cheerilee and Silver Spoon stumbled apart, rubbing their backsides with mutual discomfort. “I don’t ever want to feel that again,” Silver Spoon muttered. "Well, that was somethin'! My flank's still buzzin' like a swarm o' bees!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, feeling flustered. "It’s like touching one of those static orbs at the fair… only less fun." Roseheart complained, embarrassed. In reality, she couldn’t help but laugh as she and Apple Bloom rubbed their flanks from the electricity. “Ooooh! That was like a party popper in my flank! Did you feel that? Zap zap!" Pinkie cheered as she bounces in place to shake off the electricity. "Oh, um, yes… I mean, it was… uh, a little shocking. Sorry, Pinkie." Fluttershy whispered as she tentatively rubs her flank, trying to disappear from the awkwardness. "The Great and Powerful Trixie does not appreciate being zapped in her glorious posterior! This is an outrage!" Trixie yelled dramatically as she rubbed with great fanfare. “Relax, Trixie. It’s just a bit of residual magic. It’ll wear off… eventually." Starlight said, trying not to laugh as she uses a spell to try and ease the tingling. "This is highly inappropriate. Honestly, Granny, what even caused this?!" Mayor Mare yelled, feeling her dignity being gone as she adjusted her glasses. “Ain’t got a clue, but I reckon it’s more action than I’ve had in years!" Granny Smith grinned, chuckling to herself. "Well, Big Mac, I guess we’re closer now than we’ve ever been! Electrifying, isn’t it?" Lyra asked, trying to lighten the mood. "Eeyup." Big Mac replied as he’s blushing and avoids eye contact. LThorry, Bon Bon! I didn’t mean to… uh… bump into your flank like that!" Twist cried, flustered as she rubbed her flank nervously. "It’s fine, Twist. Let’s just… not talk about this, okay?" Bon Bon replied, annoyed but patient, looking forward to normalcy. "Hey, Tavi, that was like the drop in one of my mixes! Boom, zap!" Vinyl sinks as she rubs her flank in exaggerated movements. Octavia: (huffing) "Vinyl, this is not a joking matter. My flank feels like it’s been struck by lightning!" Octavia huffed as she mutters to herself about “improper behavior” as she rubbed away. The ponies who were trapped laughed nervously, trying to shake off the awkwardness. Rarity staggered over to Rainbow Dash, her muzzle wrinkling. “My mouth tastes like metal! Ugh!” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, at least you didn’t spend the last hour listening to Pinkie Pie sing nonstop!” As the tension eased, Rarity turned to Rainbow, her expression softening. “Look, I know we’re different—me with my boutique, you with your training—but that doesn’t mean we can’t get along.” Rainbow hesitated before extending a hoof. “Yeah, you’re right. Friends?” “Friends,” Rarity said, shaking her hoof. Meanwhile, in Grogar’s lair, the mood was anything but celebratory. Grogar glared at his defeated league, his horns crackling with fury. “You incompetent fools!” Chrysalis and Cozy Glow, freshly freed, were already bickering again. “I can’t believe I had to endure being stuck to you today!” Chrysalis snarled. “Oh, cry me a river!” Cozy Glow shot back. “Your wings kept poking me!” Grogar silenced them with a sharp stomp. “Enough! As punishment for your failures, you’ll all learn to work together—whether you like it or not.” With a wave of his magic, he magnetically attached them flank-to-flank: Cozy Glow to Chrysalis, and Sombra to Tirek. That means Cozy and Chrysalis are stuck to each other again! “NOOOOO!” Cozy wailed, frightened that her flank is stuck with the flank of her frenemy again. “This cannot be happening,” Chrysalis groaned, facepalming. King Sombra, meanwhile, turned an alarming shade of crimson as he avoided looking at Tirek, who groaned loudly. “You will stay like this for a week,” Grogar declared. “And maybe then, you’ll learn what it means to work as a team!” As his minions squabbled and complained, Grogar turned back to his crystal ball in annoyance.
Chapter 1: The Pull of TroubleIt was a bright and sunny day in Ponyville, the kind of day that invited laughter, play, and—if you were Twilight Sparkle—science experiments. In the cozy interior of her castle, Twilight Sparkle was surrounded by various objects: nails, paperclips, spoons, and even a few enchanted trinkets. A glowing purple aura enveloped her horn as she levitated a horseshoe magnet with glee. "Spike, take note!" Twilight said, grinning. Spike, her faithful number-one assistant, held a quill and scroll, trying not to yawn as he scribbled. "Right...metal objects get pulled. Got it." Twilight rolled her eyes playfully. "It's more than that! We're exploring how magnetic fields interact with different materials! For instance—" She held the magnet near a crystal from her collection. "See how this enchanted gem resists the pull? Fascinating, isn’t it?" "Fascinating," Spike replied flatly. Just then, the sound of the castle doors opening caught their attention. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash trotted in, their curious gazes immediately drawn to Twilight's cluttered workspace. "Twilight, darling, what is all this?" Rarity asked, stepping carefully to avoid a stray paperclip. "It's a demonstration on magnetism!" Twilight said excitedly. "I'm testing which objects are magnetic and exploring magical interference." Applejack tilted her hat back and nodded appreciatively. "Now that's mighty nifty, sugarcube. Never thought 'bout how magnets work, but I reckon they’re useful 'round the farm." "Useful?" Pinkie Pie popped up from behind the table, holding a pair of magnets that clacked together. "They're fun! Ooooh, can you imagine using these for party tricks?" Rainbow Dash groaned and flapped her wings. "Lame. Who cares about a bunch of boring metal stuff? I’ve got better things to do than watch magnets stick together." Rarity huffed and stepped toward Rainbow Dash. "Honestly, Rainbow Dash, must you always dismiss everything that isn’t Wonderbolts-related?" But Rainbow was already halfway out the door. "Unbelievable!" Rarity muttered under her breath. "I’ll have to speak to her later about this dreadful attitude." Twilight, oblivious to the minor squabble, continued her experiment. "Pinkie, Fluttershy, do you want to try testing the magnets?" "Sure!" Pinkie grabbed a magnet with glee, while Fluttershy timidly picked up another. But before the ponies could delve further into Twilight’s fascinating experiments, far away, in an ominous lair cloaked in shadows, Grogar was scheming. Grogar loomed over his glowing crystal ball, his staff crackling with ancient energy. Around him stood King Sombra, Queen Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow, their eyes glinting with curiosity. "I have grown weary of your bickering," Grogar growled, glaring at Chrysalis and Cozy Glow. "Me? Bicker?" Cozy Glow scoffed, tossing her curly mane. "I’m not the one always bragging about being an 'overlord of all changelings'!" Chrysalis narrowed her eyes. "And I’m not the one pretending to be an innocent filly while plotting world domination!" "Enough!" Grogar slammed his staff down, silencing them. "You want a contest of power? Then observe!" He waved his staff, and a swirl of dark magic shaped itself into a hulking metal creature. The beast’s metallic hide gleamed, and sparks of electricity coursed along its limbs. Its red eyes glowed as it came to life, roaring with a mechanical growl. "Behold, Mad Magnet!" Grogar announced. "Whoa," Tirek rumbled, impressed. "Impeccable craftsmanship," Sombra added, his voice tinged with envy. Chrysalis and Cozy Glow exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. Grogar sneered. "Mad Magnet, show Ponyville your might!" In Ponyville, chaos erupted as Mad Magnet descended from the sky, landing in the town square with a thundering crash. Its magnetic waves pulsed outward, pulling anything metal toward it. Ponies screamed and scattered, but the monster wasn’t done. Electric rays shot from its claws, striking ponies at random. Each blast caused the ponies hit to magnetize, sticking together flank-to-flank. Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo yelped as they were pulled together. "Ugh, can’t you watch where you’re going?" Diamond Tiara snapped. "Me? You’re the one stuck to me!” Scootaloo shot back. Apple Bloom and Roseheart spun in circles, trying to break free. "Consarn it, this thing’s got us tighter than two apples in a bushel!" Apple Bloom cried. "This is so embarrassing," Roseheart groaned. Cheerilee and Silver Spoon joined the fray, tumbling into a heap. "Ms. Cheerilee, what’s happening?!" Silver Spoon shrieked. "I...I have no idea!" Cheerilee replied, struggling to free herself. Even Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy found themselves trapped. "Well, this is awkward," Pinkie said, trying to wiggle free. "Oh my goodness," Fluttershy murmured. "I hope this doesn’t last long." Nearby, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were stuck together as well. "Rainbow Dash, this is your karma for calling magnets lame," Rarity sniffed. "Yeah, yeah, I get it! Now stop lecturing and help me pull!" Rainbow grunted as she and Rarity try to free themselves from being stuck to each other’s flanks, but no matter how hard they tried, the magnetic pull was too strong. Suddenly, Mad Magnet let out a piercing mechanical roar and unleashed a massive magnetic pulse. Without warning, all the magnetized ponies were lifted off the ground and began flying through the air. "Sweet Celestia!" Apple Bloom screamed, spinning wildly as she and Roseheart soared through the air. Cheerilee and Silver Spoon clung to each other, tumbling helplessly. "Is this part of the science experiment?!" Silver Spoon cried. "No, it is NOT!" Cheerilee shouted back. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy yelped as they collided with another pair. "Whoa! It’s like a super magnet dance party!" Pinkie said, trying to lighten the mood. "Oh no, oh no, oh no," Fluttershy whimpered. One by one, the pairs slammed into each other, forming a giant, wobbly pyramid pile of struggling ponies in the middle of Ponyville. They twisted and turned, but the magnetic force held them tight. Mad Magnet wasn’t done. It raised its claws, and red beams of electricity shot from its eyes. The beams struck the pyramid of ponies, freezing them mid-struggle as their bodies turned into gleaming, unmoving metal. Back in Grogar’s lair, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow were still arguing. "I would’ve defeated Ponyville already if it were up to me," Chrysalis hissed. "Oh please, you couldn’t even keep the changelings loyal," Cozy retorted. Grogar sighed and raised his staff. "Fine. Since you two can’t stop fighting, perhaps this will teach you a lesson." The crystal ball pulsed, and Mad Magnet’s magnetic force reached through the lair. Chrysalis and Cozy Glow shrieked as they were pulled together, flank-to-flank, and stuck in place. "WHAT?!" Chrysalis screeched. "Let me go!" Cozy whined, wriggling. Grogar smirked. "You’ll stay like that until you learn to work together. Only then will the spell break." As Ponyville shimmered under the metallic gleam of its frozen citizens, Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Applejack regrouped, determined to stop Mad Magnet and undo its sinister spell. To be continued…
Chapter 2: A Magnetic DilemmaTwilight paced nervously in the library as Applejack and Spike debated their plans. "Ah’m tellin’ ya, sugarcube," Applejack insisted, her hat tipped back as she leaned against the map table. "If we rig up a cider cannon and aim it right at that there Mad Magnet, the fizz'll short-circuit 'im. We got barrels o' cider back at Sweet Apple Acres—" "Applejack," Twilight interrupted, "we can't risk that. His powers turn ponies into metal! What if the cider just makes him stronger? Or worse, what if it sprays back at us?" Spike sat on a stack of books, deep in thought. He scratched his chin before raising a claw. "I’ve got it! We build a machine that sends out sonic shockwaves! Did you see how his chest glowed every time he used his powers? I bet that’s his power source. If we can overload it, we might be able to shut him down for good!" Twilight’s ears perked up. "That’s… brilliant, Spike! Applejack, I know you want to help, but this is a smarter option. We need precision, not cider." Applejack sighed, tipping her hat forward. "Alright, Twi. Yer the brains of this outfit. Let’s get to buildin’." Hours later, the trio stood in front of their makeshift contraption. It was a boxy machine with a funnel-like speaker attached to the front. Wires snaked out in all directions, and a crystal-powered console sat at the base. Twilight examined the machine one last time, tightening a bolt with her magic. "Everything’s ready," she said, looking at her friends. "This has to work." Spike gave a thumbs up. "Let’s go save Ponyville!" Applejack adjusted her hat. "Here’s hopin’. Ain’t no way we’re lettin’ that metal menace win." The scene outside was dire. The Mad Magnet loomed over Ponyville’s town square, his electric pulses humming ominously. Dozens of ponies floated in mid-air, their bodies magnetized flank-to-flank, forming precarious pyramids. Mayor Mare clung desperately to Granny Smith as Big Mac hovered beside Lyra. Twist and Bon Bon were stuck together back-to-back, struggling to break free, while Trixie and Starlight dangled from the highest point of the pyramid. Vinyl and Octavia floated nearby, their attempts to separate only causing more entanglement. Twilight’s heart sank. Almost everypony in Ponyville was caught. She, Applejack, and Spike approached the Mad Magnet cautiously, their machine in tow. The monster’s glowing chest pulsed as he turned to face them. "Back for more, Princess?" the Mad Magnet sneered, his voice a metallic rasp. Twilight ignored him. "Spike, Applejack, keep him distracted. I’ll power up the machine." "You got it!" Spike said, leaping into action. Applejack gave a sly smirk. "Alright, big guy! Let’s see if ya can handle this!" The duo began running circles around the Mad Magnet, hurling playful taunts. "Bet ya can’t catch me!" Spike teased, blowing a raspberry. "Ah’ve seen scarier critters on Granny’s farm!" Applejack hollered, dodging a blast of electricity. The Mad Magnet growled, blasting bolts of magnetic energy at them, but Spike and Applejack were too quick, ducking and weaving. Twilight worked furiously, channeling her magic into the crystal console. The machine began to hum, a low vibration building as the sonic shockwave generator powered up. "Just a little more… almost there…" Suddenly, Twilight’s triumphant shout drew the attention of both Spike and Applejack. They turned for a split second—long enough for the Mad Magnet to hit them with a blast of energy. "Whoa!" Spike cried as he was thrown backward. "Consarn it!" Applejack yelped. The two collided in mid-air, their bodies magnetically attached. Spike’s butt was stuck firmly to Applejack’s flank! "Uh… Applejack?" Spike stammered, his cheeks burning red. "Don’t even start, Spike," Applejack grumbled, struggling to pull them apart. "This is bad enough as it is!" The Mad Magnet cackled, lifting the pair into the air with his magnetic field. "So predictable, Princess! One more move and your little friends become permanent statues in my collection!" Twilight froze, her hooves trembling as she stared at her friends. Spike’s eyes were wide with fear, and Applejack gave her a determined look. "Twilight, don’t listen to him!" Applejack shouted. "Do what ya gotta do!" "Yeah!" Spike added, though his voice wavered. "We’re counting on you!" Twilight’s mind raced. If she activated the machine, it might disrupt the Mad Magnet’s powers and save everypony. But if she failed… The fate of her friends, and all of Ponyville, hung in the balance. To be continued…
Chapter 3: The Magnetic SacrificeTwilight Sparkle stood at the center of Ponyville, her heart heavy as she stared at the swirling energies of the machine she had built. It was her last hope against Grogar’s magnetic monstrosity, but the price of using it weighed heavily on her. The crystal ball that Grogar had sent her displayed Applejack and Spike, still trapped together, their faces full of pleading desperation. “Twilight, please!” Applejack cried, her voice cracking. “Don’t do it! Don’t let us live like this just to save Equestria!” “Yeah!” Spike added, his voice trembling. “We’ll find another way! We always do!” Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep, shuddering breath. She could hear Grogar’s booming laughter echoing from the crystal ball. The league of evil—Chrysalis, Cozy Glow, Sombra, and Tirek—watched eagerly from their cave, savoring her dilemma. Finally, Twilight spoke. “I... I surrender.” Applejack and Spike’s eyes widened in shock. “Twilight, no!” Applejack shouted. Grogar’s laughter grew louder. “Excellent!” he bellowed. “The mighty Twilight Sparkle has finally broken. Equestria will soon be mine!” King Sombra smirked. “A wise decision. You have spared your friends great suffering.” Chrysalis and Cozy Glow exchanged annoyed looks, still magnetically stuck together flank-to-flank. Chrysalis hissed, “Well, if she’s so wise, why hasn’t Grogar fixed this yet?” “Ugh, agreed!” Cozy Glow snapped, squirming to no avail. Grogar rolled his eyes and, with a flick of his magic, finally separated the two. Both villains stumbled apart, rubbing their flanks with grimaces as residual sparks of electricity danced across their bodies. Back in Ponyville, as Twilight’s surrender signal reached Grogar, the bindings holding Applejack and Spike together vanished. The duo tumbled apart, groaning as they rubbed their sore butts, sparks still crackling faintly. “You didn’t have to do it, Twi!” Applejack shouted, her voice filled with a mix of anger and gratitude. But Twilight only gave them a small, resolute nod. “Trust me.” Her horn lit up, and the machine roared to life. A powerful sonic shockwave shot from the device, tearing through the air and striking Grogar’s magnetic monster square in its chest. “What?!” Grogar shouted, watching in horror as the beast’s energy core overloaded. The Mad Magnet’s body convulsed, its magnetic field collapsing in on itself as it exploded into shards of energy and metal. Across Equestria, the effects of the magnet’s power unraveled. Every pony who had been stuck together was suddenly released. One by one, ponies tumbled to the ground, relieved but embarrassed as they hurriedly disentangled themselves. “Ugh! Your flank was on my flank!” Scootaloo grumbled. “Well, sorry!” Diamond snapped sarcastically. Nearby, Cheerilee and Silver Spoon stumbled apart, rubbing their backsides with mutual discomfort. “I don’t ever want to feel that again,” Silver Spoon muttered. "Well, that was somethin'! My flank's still buzzin' like a swarm o' bees!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, feeling flustered. "It’s like touching one of those static orbs at the fair… only less fun." Roseheart complained, embarrassed. In reality, she couldn’t help but laugh as she and Apple Bloom rubbed their flanks from the electricity. “Ooooh! That was like a party popper in my flank! Did you feel that? Zap zap!" Pinkie cheered as she bounces in place to shake off the electricity. "Oh, um, yes… I mean, it was… uh, a little shocking. Sorry, Pinkie." Fluttershy whispered as she tentatively rubs her flank, trying to disappear from the awkwardness. "The Great and Powerful Trixie does not appreciate being zapped in her glorious posterior! This is an outrage!" Trixie yelled dramatically as she rubbed with great fanfare. “Relax, Trixie. It’s just a bit of residual magic. It’ll wear off… eventually." Starlight said, trying not to laugh as she uses a spell to try and ease the tingling. "This is highly inappropriate. Honestly, Granny, what even caused this?!" Mayor Mare yelled, feeling her dignity being gone as she adjusted her glasses. “Ain’t got a clue, but I reckon it’s more action than I’ve had in years!" Granny Smith grinned, chuckling to herself. "Well, Big Mac, I guess we’re closer now than we’ve ever been! Electrifying, isn’t it?" Lyra asked, trying to lighten the mood. "Eeyup." Big Mac replied as he’s blushing and avoids eye contact. LThorry, Bon Bon! I didn’t mean to… uh… bump into your flank like that!" Twist cried, flustered as she rubbed her flank nervously. "It’s fine, Twist. Let’s just… not talk about this, okay?" Bon Bon replied, annoyed but patient, looking forward to normalcy. "Hey, Tavi, that was like the drop in one of my mixes! Boom, zap!" Vinyl sinks as she rubs her flank in exaggerated movements. Octavia: (huffing) "Vinyl, this is not a joking matter. My flank feels like it’s been struck by lightning!" Octavia huffed as she mutters to herself about “improper behavior” as she rubbed away. The ponies who were trapped laughed nervously, trying to shake off the awkwardness. Rarity staggered over to Rainbow Dash, her muzzle wrinkling. “My mouth tastes like metal! Ugh!” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, at least you didn’t spend the last hour listening to Pinkie Pie sing nonstop!” As the tension eased, Rarity turned to Rainbow, her expression softening. “Look, I know we’re different—me with my boutique, you with your training—but that doesn’t mean we can’t get along.” Rainbow hesitated before extending a hoof. “Yeah, you’re right. Friends?” “Friends,” Rarity said, shaking her hoof. Meanwhile, in Grogar’s lair, the mood was anything but celebratory. Grogar glared at his defeated league, his horns crackling with fury. “You incompetent fools!” Chrysalis and Cozy Glow, freshly freed, were already bickering again. “I can’t believe I had to endure being stuck to you today!” Chrysalis snarled. “Oh, cry me a river!” Cozy Glow shot back. “Your wings kept poking me!” Grogar silenced them with a sharp stomp. “Enough! As punishment for your failures, you’ll all learn to work together—whether you like it or not.” With a wave of his magic, he magnetically attached them flank-to-flank: Cozy Glow to Chrysalis, and Sombra to Tirek. That means Cozy and Chrysalis are stuck to each other again! “NOOOOO!” Cozy wailed, frightened that her flank is stuck with the flank of her frenemy again. “This cannot be happening,” Chrysalis groaned, facepalming. King Sombra, meanwhile, turned an alarming shade of crimson as he avoided looking at Tirek, who groaned loudly. “You will stay like this for a week,” Grogar declared. “And maybe then, you’ll learn what it means to work as a team!” As his minions squabbled and complained, Grogar turned back to his crystal ball in annoyance.
