1. Radical Ponyville

"Are you sure?" the shopkeeper asked.

There was something about this customer he didn't like. Ever since he had moved to Canterlot, all sorts had gone through his shop - adventurers, treasure seekers, ponies set on revenge. Each had something they sought, and in most cases they found it. However, never before there been something like this. Or maybe the shopkeeper was just getting old?

"This is the last of the set, my friend," the stallion said, closing the box. "Very rare, very expensive. Are you sure you want to play with something as powerful?"

The customer just nodded, then dragged a golden scepter onto the counter.

"Ah, the Golden Twilight Scepter," the shopkeeper took it, then slid a hoof along it, carefully examining the craftsmanship. "One of a kind, very unique, very very expensive. How did you come by it?"

A loud cough indicated he wasn't going to get an answer.

"Very well," the shopkeeper placed the scepter on the shelf behind him. "The Exampler is yours. But be warned! If you don't make use of it properly, it will cause much suffering and discomfort. Should you wish to return it, you know where to find me. That is, if you are still capable of doing so..."

* * *

Spike yawned. Mornings were his least favourite time of day. There was nothing he would enjoy better than spending a few more hours curled up in his warm bed. Leave it to Twilight to ruin things! Every morning she would wake him up exactly three times - once so he could refuse to get up, a second - to ensure he could no longer fall asleep, and, finally, a third to drag him up on his feet. It was really annoying, to the point that Spike would wake up on his own so as to avoid the torture.

"I'm awake, Twilight," he said, eyes half closed, as he went into the kitchen. "What sort of..." He suddenly stopped.

Twilight was nowhere to be seen. Usually she would be here by now, waiting for Spike to prepare breakfast. After her last attempt at cooking both had decided to never speak of it again and leave all domestic chores to the dragon.

"Oh, not again!" Spike slid a hand over his face. The only times Twilight wasn't here or taking care of princessy things, was when she was reading in the library. "Guess I might as well bring her breakfast there," he shrugged and started cooking.

Today's breakfast was going to be fried toast with salad - easy and quick to make, just as Spike liked it. He himself had a few emeralds in the meantime. Come to think of it, his gem supply was getting low. A perfect excuse to visit Rarity later. With luck they could go gem hunting again.

"Would you like anything special to drink, Twilight?" the dragon shouted as he arranged her food on a tray. No answer. She probably was too captivated by her book to hear him. "Grape juice it is then," he poured a cup.

Perfect! Everything was neatly arranged, as it should be. Now the hard part - making sure Twilight didn't flip the tray. She could be quite startlish while reading, often resulting in him having to clean up and prepare breakfast again.

"I'm here with breakfast, Twilight," he shouted upon reaching the library door. "So don't cast any spells on me!"

The dragon placed an ear to the door. No response. This wasn't good. Taking a deep break he gently opened the door and peered inside. Books messily scattered about cluttering the table - check. Waxy remains of fully burnt candles - check. Twilight... No Twilight? Now this was new. If she wasn't in the kitchen or the library, where could she be? The thought of the map sending her across Equestria came to mind, but he would have noticed that. At the very least she would leave a note explaining things so he could inform princess Celestia. Maybe she was sick?

Tray in hand, the dragon went up Twilight's bedroom on the second floor and knocked on the door.

"Come on, Twilight," he said trying to sound annoyed, but the truth was he was worried, very worried. Slowly he opened the door and peered inside. "Twilight?"

"Spike, blessings," a very unusual Twilight said in a slow and relaxed manner. Her hair was all braided, a crown of flowers was on her head, and most concerning of all - for the first time Spike had known her, she appeared completely calm.

"Are you still in bed?" The dragon asked disapprovingly. "Do you know what time it is? Actually what exactly are you doing?"

"Aligning my chakras," she replied, eyes closed, forehooves lifted in the air. "Maybe you can too. Your vines seem tense."

"Vibes? Chakras?" he arched a brow. "Are you feeling alright, Twilight? Maybe you spent all night reading and got another brain cramp?"

"Everything's groovy, Spike," Twilight inhaled and exhaled deeply. "I just needed to unlock my past live experiences to become one with nature."

"What?" Spike was really confused. "You sure, you're ok?"

"Like, totally. The breeze is my mane, sunlight is my body."

"Ooookay," Spike slowly moved backwards. "I'll leave your breakfast here then- " he placed the tray on the floor, " -and go talk to nurse Redheart... about her aura!"

"Radical," Twilight replied and took another deep breath.

Not willing to see more, Spike rushed outside, closing the door behind him. What, by Celestia, had happened to her? Twilight would never behave like this. Something must have gone wrong, but what? It did't seem like Discord, or any villain that had attacked Ponyville in the past. Whatever it was, Spike was going to need help, and more than a nurse or doctor could offer. Rushing through the castle, he quickly grabbed a quill and some scrolls, and went outside. A few steps later, he stopped and looked at the sky in horror - it was all covered in rainbows.

"What happened?" he asked in shock. And the sky was not the worst of it. Everywhere around were ponies transformed in the very same way Twilight had been - braided manes, flower crowns and bracelets, weird clothes. It was as if he was in a dream.

"Alright, Princess Luna, if this is a dream, please wake me up," Spike closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A dream would really explain everything.

"Radical!" The comment told him, this was no dream. "Writing down what you see as you transcend your mortal coil and become one with all."

Now that was too much! Opening his eyes, Spike had a mind to grab the pony who had said that by the mane and demand answers. The only thing that stopped him was it turning out to be a pony he knew quite well.

"Rainbow Dash?" he asked in disbelief.

Her mane might have remained the same, but he would have never recognized her from a distance. The blue pegasus had a brown vest, covered all in heart-shaped badges, a pair of purple circular shades, and a lily-patterned hoofkerchief on her head. And if that was not enough her entire wings had daisies in them.

"You look ridiculous," he frowned.

"Nah, it's just, like, radical," Raindow said, tucking a flower in his spikes. "Only I can achieve oneness to such a level."

At least one thing hadn't changed. Even in this state Rainbow's ego had remained intact.

"I was, like, going to check on Twiflower. Fluttershy is going to grace us with her presence and teach us to become one with all creatures."

"Fluttershy?" There were so many things wrong with that statement, that Spike head hurt. "You're talking about Fluttershy?"

"She is, like, the greatest. Her aura is so bright that she can talk to animals."

"You know, that's what she usually does?" Spike tried to interrupt, but wasn't given a chance.

"Everypony in Poneyvill will be there to listen to her words of wisdom," Rainbow continued completely oblivious. "And she will lead us into the Age of Butterflies, where all will be one, and live with nature as it was intended. Our Princess of Butterflies."

Fluttershy a leader? Spike never thought he would hear those words. The notion was completely absurd. From a pony that was always ignored, to the princess of Butterflies was quite the jump. For the life of him, Spike couldn't imagine her leading anypony. What would her first decree be? Be kind to animals? The notion itself was laughable. But at least nothing bad could happen with her in charge.

"And when the Princess of Butterflies shows us the way, we will tear down everything stone, crystal and metal," Rainbow Dash went on. "Once more we shall return to nature, where we belong, and remove any building and object that has kept us chained for so long, preventing us from entering the Age of Butterflies. First in Ponyville, then in all of Equestria, until everypony everywhere is free!"

Spike swallowed. He was wrong. Very bad things were going to happen. Unless he found a way to return everything to what it was, this could mark the end of Equestria as he knew it.

2. Princess of Butterflies

The moment Fluttershy woke up she could tell something was different. There was a special ringing in the air she had never felt before. A faint melody drifted in from outside, whispering, calling her.

Quietly, the yellow pegasus slipped out of bed. It was still dark, Celestia had yet to rise the sun. Carful not to wake any of the sleeping animals, Fluttershy gently flapped her way to the door. A sudden noise from the kitchen made her stop - the sound of utensils falling and cups breaking. Despite herself, she went to check it out. It was Angel Bunny. The small creature was rummaging furiously through the cupboard, throwing everything on the ground, as he did. He seemed quite furious, kicking tableware for no obvious reason. Upon seeing Fluttershy, however, his anger changed to guilt. Ears flopped, as he froze in place, a teacup still in his paws.

"Be cool, Angel Bunny," Fluttershy said. "No need to get bummed. I'll help you clean."

As she said that, Fluttershy felt weird. She had never spoken like this before, yet it somehow seemed natural. Angel seemed to find it worrying, though. Placing the teacup back in place, he hopped to the pegasus, eyes full of concern. His aura was really sad - a dark grayish glow surrounding his entire body.

"Come here," Fluttershy tenderly grabbed him with her hooves. "You need to mellow out, Angel. Close your eyes and throw your sadness away."

The rabbit started to gesticulate something. Whatever it was, however, It was going to have to wait. The melody outside had become louder, drawing Fluttershy to it. Almost in a trance-like state, she flew outside, bunny still in her hooves. Darkness was gradually giving its way to light. Looking at the horizon, Fluttershy could see the bluish tint or morning twilight colour the sky. A few more seconds and the sun would rise.

Then, it suddenly happened. As the first ray of sunlight touched Fluttershy, her entire life changed. The feeling of fear and anxiety that constantly plagued her, had gone. She could feel everything! She had reached a whole new state of being! No longer chained to a singly place, her mind was wide open. Plants, animals, insects, even the sun itself, all were part of great melody that united everything. How hadn't she realized it before? The whole of Equestria was one huge river of music, and all living things - a stream of butterflies that felt the sound under their wings.

"Unreal!" she said, the usual hesitation of her voice replaced by firm confidence. She had felt the oneness, and it was beautiful. And soon, she would make sure that other ponies got to know it too. The time of cold stone and dead wood was over, the Age of Butterflies had come.

Feeling free for the first time since she could remember, Fluttershy gently flew into the sky and began to sing.

* *

Panic was too soft a word to describe what Spike was going through. So far he had been through half of Ponyville and not one single pony had remained the same. Could that mean that Rarity had been changed as well? The thought sent shivers down his spine.

"No," he said to himself, running towards Carousel Boutique. If there was anypony to withstand the effect of this, whatever it was, it had to be Rarity! Her sense of style would never allow her to become like all those flower ponies.

"Rarity," he rushed into the boutique, quickly shutting the door behind him. "Rarity, I think we have a prob..."

The words trailed off, as the white unicorn appeared. The image of her alone had rendered him speechless. It was Rarity, but not Rarity. Her magnificent mane, now filled with flowers spilled delicately to the ground. No ridiculous braids, no stupid headbands. And her dress, it was as if made of sunlight, white wavy sunlight...

"Blessings, beautiful dragon," she said with one of her incredible smiles. "Here for some threads?"

"Yeah," Spike said drooling. "No! What?" he shook his head, returning back to reality. "Rarity, something has gone wrong with Ponyville. Everypony is acting strange."

"Bummer," Rarity said, her voice gaining a theatrical swirl. Even as a hippie she remained the drama queen.

"I know, right? So it's up to us to save them!" he added determined. This was his time to shine. The problem was he had no clue what to do. Usually it was Twilight who took care of these things. And of course, she never did it alone.

"Err, can I borrow some scrolls?" the dragon asked. "I need to send a scroll to princess Celestia."

"Cool, bro," Rarity levitated a quill and a piece of paper to the dragon. "But let me find you some threads. Not groovy if you walk around like that."

"Sure," Spike said absentmindedly.

Honestly speaking, he was far more concerned with the letter than anything else. Not that he hadn't written to the princess before, that he was familiar with. The problem lied elsewhere - he had no idea what exactly to ask of her. Why couldn't Twilight be here?! She would know best what to do.

Dear Princess Celestia, he began. Everypony in Ponyville is acting strangely. They keep going on about auras and chakras, and spend all day trying to become one with all. Even Twilight! I really need your help!

That was a good start, but was it enough? As he was wondering how to continue, a huge linen shirt covered him. Far too big, it seemed more like a tent than something to wear.

"Definitely not groovy," he heard Rarity say, as the shirt was levitated off.

"It's fine, Rarity," Spike said, licking the tip of the quill. "I can do without that."

"But you must look cool for the princess' visit," she said almost pleading, as fabrics and pieces of clothing floated around her. "Something matching your aura," she mused, choosing between two tiny vests.

"The princess?!" Spike jumped. "Celestia is coming here? When?"

"Mellow out, bro," Rarity chucked, then placed a small brown vest onto him. It seemed to match her aesthetic sense, for the other clothes were briskly levitated away. "Not Celestia. The Princess of Butterflies."

Somehow that made Spike feel as if he had a lump of coal in his stomach. Dazzled by the new Rarity, he had completely forgotten about Fluttershy. He had to stop her as well, before she turned Ponevilyy into a... forest? Actually he still wasn't sure what exactly she was going to do. Rainbow Dash's explanation was mostly self-centered, going on how well she and Fluttershy got along together. All other details were either skipped, or summarized in a single word.

And Fluttershy has become some sort of butterfly princess who wants to destroy every building in Equestria. he wrote down hurriedly. Let me know what to do! - Spike.

A quick breath of fire and the letter was off to Canterlot. Hopefully, the princess would know what to do from there.

"Say, Rarity," Spike began, as the unicorn was pinning badges on his vest. "Do you know what Flutter... I mean the Princess of Butterflies, is going to do? Rainbow Dash said something about destroying all cities in Equestria. That isn't true, is it?"

"Oh, don't bum out, bro," Rarity rubber her face against his. "Don't listen to that flaky Rainbow. The princess might be cool with her because they are both from Cloudsdale, but nopony knows her as well as I. We have been going to the astral plane every week, the princess and I."

"So she won't destroy the cities?" The dragon asked in hope.

"Of course not, bro," Rarity laughed. "The animals will take care of that."

"Oh," Spike frowned.

It was like having déjà vu. Apparently, Rarity too was infatuated with Fluttershy. That meant he couldn't rely on her either. Of the Elements of Harmony that left Applejack and Pinkie Pie. At present neither seemed a good choice - Applejack was too far away and Pinkie Pie was... well, she was Pinkie Pie.

"So," he said, putting on a fake smile. "I better get ready," he started tiptoeing towards the door. "Can't be uncool and keep the princess waiting."

"Righteous!" Rarity agreed.

"Yeah, that too!" Spike opened the door. "I just need to realign my auras and make my chakra white."

It was supposed to be a clean escape. If only it weren't for a minor detail - two ponies were blocking his path. Standing in the doorway were Applejack and Pinkie Pie. Refreshingly, they appeared unchanged, with the exception of Pinkie who had confetti in her mane. For a long while, Spike just stood there, motionless staring at them, afraid to say a word. Right now hearing another pony says "righteous" was more than he could stomach.

"Hey now, Spike!" Applejack frowned. "Maybe you move aside, polite-like? Standing all frozen, is fun and all, but we are in a bit of a hurry."

Finally somepony who spoke normally! Spike felt he could hug her, and he did. Normally, a reaction would follow - a shove, some AJ-isms, a Pinkie comment. When it didn't, he started getting worried.

"Why, Spiky!" Rarity almost shouted behind him.

The wasn't good. The only time he had heard her use that tone of voice was when Sweetie Belle had made a mess of things. Like the time she had rearranged Rarity's gems by size instead of type. A one hour shouting contest had followed,p with Sweetie Belle having to spend the next week at Twilight's castle.

"Err, yes, Rarity?" He turned around, face all covered in sweat. "Is there..."

Before he could finish he was levitated off the ground and into the unicorn's hooves.

"Far out, bro!" She hugged him intensely. "I'm so proud!"

"Wha?" Spike managed to ask. Never in a million years did he think he would ever struggle to get free from Rarity's hugs.

"You're cool with AJ and Pinkie," Rarity put him back on the ground, but not before another intense hug.

"Why shouldn't I be?" Spike asked confused.

"Well," Rarity sighed. "Some don't see them as beautiful ponies. AJ is tree harmer, and many aren't cool with that. Why, I had to spend weeks convincing the princess to give them a chance. Now that the Age of Butterflies is upon us, she has agreed to finally give them their flower names."

Spike felt like puking. The constant talk about flower-related topics was starting to annoy him a lot. It was interesting, though, that of all ponies, Pinkie and AJ would become the outcasts. In old Poneyville they were admired, an example to others. If anypony needed help or cheering up, they were the ones to go to.

"Hold on!" Spike crossed his arms. "If AJ is a tree harmer, what's prong with Pinkie Pie?"

"She's too plastic," Rarity whispered to the dragon, before moving to the pink pony. "Ponkie Blossom," she said with the utmost care and sympathy. "It's groovy what you've done with your mane, babe, but maybe keep it less plastic? Come here, I have some far out flowers that would suit you better."

"Radical!" Pinkie hopped happily, following Rarity further in the boutique.

"What's 'plastic'?" Spike wondered out loud.

"Something or somepony artificial," Applejack explained with the enthusiasm of somepony who had spent many sleepless nights learning. "I reckon I still need awhile to get used to this funky talk," she sighed.

"Mellow out, babe," Rarity said from the other side of the room, as she was carefully replacing the confetti in Pinkie Pie's mane with flowers. "You're halfway transcended. Oh, and Pinkie, Everypony will dig your new mane. Just try not to eat the flowers this time."

"Yeah, well," Applejack coughed. "Groovy and all, but if we don't hurry we'll be late. Flutter..." A warning glance from Rarity made the orange pony stop. "The Princess of Butterflies, is at the square."

Spike was just about to point out that they were literally a few minutes away, when panic erupted. Without warning, Rarity broke out in a gallop, grabbing a cheesily smiling Pinkie, and rushed outside. Behind her, a swarm of flowers levitated trying to catch up. One thing was for sure - she certainly took her work seriously.

There was no such enthusiasm coming from Applejack. Mumbling weird words under her breath, she went out shortly after. It was interesting to learn that she had spent several weeks trying to understand the new language Everypony was using. Not only that, but she had put in real effort in running Sweet Apple Acres, while at the same time trying to join the ranks of the flower ponies. Spike could only admire her devotion.

The square in front of Town Hall was packed with ponies, all of them looking ridiculous. There were some particularly hilarious examples. Mayor Mare, for one, looked like she had dressed up for Nightmare Night. If things were so freaky, the dragon would be rolling on the ground laughing by now.

"I dig the vest, Spike," a soft voice said behind him. "It matches your aura. Rariblossom, must have been in groove."

"Why, thanks," Spike said pleased with himself. Compliments were one weakness he could never overcome. Along with gems, of course. "Not to brag or anything," he said confidently looking at his claws. "But I am a majestic dragon."

Gasps sounded all around him. Could he be that impressive?

"Outtasight," the voice giggled. "Why don't you come with me?"

As Spike looked up, the ponies' reaction became clear. Before him, a foot above the ground, was Fluttershy herself surrounded by a cloud of butterflies. In this light she really did look like a goddess. On the outside she had hardly changed - the same old Fluttershy Everypony knew and loved. However, there was an unfamiliar aura of confidence surrounding her. No longer timid, she was the embodiment of caring and understanding, almost like Celestia herself. It was no wonder Ponville idolized her.

"Come," the Princess of Butterflies offered a hoof. Under the circumstances Spike found it impossible to refuse. Already he was feeling the glances of jealousy burning through him from all sides.

"Err, maybe I should remain here?" Spike suggested tensely. "I'm sure I don't have any place among the important ponies."

Nopony paid any attention. The crowd before him stirred, forming a clear path to the Mayor's podium. There was no getting out of it. The only solution was to try and act natural. Soon enough Spike found himself in the front row, next to Angel Bunny and a small menagerie of creatures, among which a large bear. Celestia knows what it was doing here. Strangely enough, Twilight and her friends were two rows behind. Did that mean they were less enlightened? Catching him look in her direction, Twilight waved her hoof. Spike grumbled as he turned around. Great! He was the celebrity now.

"Beautiful ponies," Fluttershy rose higher in the air. "Blessings. It is cosmic you have come. Today marks a new dawn. The Age of Butterflies is upon us, and I am sure you all know what that means."

Murmurs of agreement filled the air.

"Today we break the illusion that has kept us prisoners for so long," Fluttershy continued. "Today we start our astral journey to a new state of being, leaving our materialistic ways behind. I know some of you are worried, but have no fear. I am here to lead you along the path to oneness, where the greatest mysteries of the cosmos will..."

A loud burp interrupted the speech. All heads turned towards Spike. Just great! he thought. Of all the times he could receive a letter from princess Celestia, this was by far the worst!

"Err, I just got a message from the astral plane?" He suggested hiding the scroll behind his back. That seems good enough for Fluttershy. Smiling she nodded, then went on with her speech. As for the rest of the ponies, they were hanging on her every word.

That was too close for comfort! Spike could feel his heart in his throat. Wiping the sweat off his forehead he looked around. Angel Bunny was giving him the stink eye, but apart from that everything was calm. Discretely, the dragon unrolled the scroll and started reading.

Dear Spike,

If all is as you describe, I fear the situation is dire indeed. I need to check to be absolutely sure, but I believe an Exampler has made its way to Ponyville. Examples are dangerous items, created long ago, to try and guide ponies. I believed to have found them all and locked them safely away, but it seems I was mistaken.

It is enough for a pony to hold the Exampler to become a living example for all others around her. Without even knowing, they would start behaving in exactly the same way - their thoughts, desires, even tastes would become the same. You must be unaffected, because you are a dragon, and that is why I must give you this difficult task - find the Exampler and put it somewhere safe.

I am sorry that neither I nor my sister could be of any help, for I fear if we near it, we too will fall victim to the Exampler's effects.

The whole of Ponyville relies on you, Spike, and I know you will not let them down.

I have great faith in you,

Celestia

"Great," Spike grumbled. And just when he thought things could get more complicated.