Daring Do and The Reign of King Caballeron

Chapters

Writer's Block
A Cold Starry Night
Reign
Banishment

Writer's Block

A.K. Yearling reclined in a cushioned chair, racking her mind for what she might do next. She published 'Daring Do and The Ring of Destiny' last month, though the adventure felt more satisfying than the finished book for her. If only she rewrote the section of the capture, or the ring ritual, though it probably didn't matter now. The book was published. A question arrived into her mind. What would I write about next, she asked herself. The adventures looked to be drying up. Ahuizotl received a thrashing he wouldn't recover from for months. Besides, he got boring ages ago. His tactics reflected his age, the plans kept getting more and more complicated and patchy. Despite the complication they were simple to crack, always something he forgot or overlooked. She struggled to recall a relic that she hadn't recovered and brought safely to a place away from the hands or hooves of evildoers. Perhaps the time arrived, the time to end Daring Do's series. The thought held her while she stared blankly at the ceiling. End the series? That would mean the end of her adventures. She was a mare in her prime still, so bodily condition wasn't to blame. Perhaps there's only so much to do before one just runs out. Sometimes everything is solved, all the knots tied and the cases closed. A smile grew on her face as she remembered Caballeron. During her capture, her once-denied partner made off with his fortune, terrified of Ahuizotl's rage. Perhaps he would soon be up to no good. Probably not though, she remembered his desire to retire to a life of splendor. His new-found fortune would buy him that and more. She hoped, with a little shame mixed in, that perhaps he might use that fortune for some trouble down the road.

Daring crawled out of her chair, and paced around the room. Until any trouble might occur, she still needed to meet some deadlines. She needed an idea for a story to pitch to the publishing company. At least one, they told her, one dazzler of an idea to bring more fans to her work. Her typewriter sat upon her desk, beckoning her to bring about her masterpiece. She approached her desk, and stared at the pages of notes she wrote from brainstorming sessions earlier in the week. Bunches of scribbles on pages, at least that's what they looked like to her. Each of the ideas in the scribbles contained something she didn't think was good enough. This one had too many plotholes in it, where would she continue with that idea? None of them would work out, and certainly wouldn't gain favor from the publishers. Who cares about those publishers anyway, making her work like this. The only reason she signed up with them was for the fame. She certainly pocketed that, thus why the pen name A.K. Yearling was needed. That and Daring Do needed to conduct her adventures in secret, privacy being something A.K. Yearling really didn't have. Though they do make such nice covers for her books. The artists under their employ outdid any skill at drawing she possessed, let alone anypony she might know. She wasn't mad at them anyway. She only needed one idea. One simple, little, tiny, good idea. She didn't even need to turn it into a book, just to own an idea that could become some written work. She peered out her window, the smudged pane reminding her she didn't clean anything for that week. Too busy looking for an idea. She wiped away some of the dust and rested her head on the windowsill. Looking out the dirty glass didn't provide the inspiration she'd hoped it would've. Only thing out there was a group of fillies that played in the field. Perhaps she could write something about a group of little ponies who just can't find their way. They can't get their cutie marks, no matter what they try. Nopony would read that, and she shrugged off the idea. She's not the sappy kind of writer either. Daring preferred her writing the mirror her life, full of action. Except now, there hadn't been even the slightest hint of action in over a month. Suddenly a crash erupted from the next room, breaking her focus. Daring acted immediately and ran into her kitchen to investigate. The source of the crash appeared to be the window. Laying upon the ground in front of said window, a stunned Rainbow Dash twitched her wings as her eyes boggled inside her head.

Rainbow Dash wasn't somepony she was happy to see, but nor was she one that Daring could deny that she liked. Rainbow's fiery spirit reminded Daring of herself, as well as refusing to take no for an answer when adventure calls. She certainly enjoyed pestering Daring any chance she got, her being one of the fastest pegasi allowed her to arrive to the cottage at a moment's notice. She did bring muffins one time, claiming they were from 'The Queen of Muffins'. Perhaps that pony she could write about. She stored the idea in her mind vault, and watched Rainbow get up and shake the dizzy out of her head.

"Something you needed?" Daring dryly inquired, turning her attention to the kitchen to search for a bite to eat. She grabbed a crisp apple and chomped half of it away in one bite, chewing silently with her back facing Rainbow.

"Just thought I'd, you know, drop in." Rainbow grinned at the back of Daring's head, hoping to get her approval.

"Well, you certainly did that." Daring walked around Rainbow to examine the window, taking another bite from the apple.

Rainbow chuckled nervously, "Sorry about the window, but I do have some news."

"And the news is?" Daring swiftly faced Rainbow, nearly dropping her apple. She covered her excitement with her normal stern face, waiting for Rainbow to respond.

"Twilight told me about something going on over in the Changeling Kingdom. Something huge, like a giant pile of pancakes." Rainbow's mouth watered slightly at the thought, but she continued, "Other than that, she didn't really say. Or maybe I wasn't listening. After all, when she told me I did have to skip breakfast."

"Sorry to say, Dash, but that's not much for me to go on." She said, containing her excitement under her serious visage.

"Well, can I come with you? I've never been over there before and anything is worth it to spend time with you." Rainbow said the last part quietly, almost as if she didn't want Daring to hear it.

"How did you know I was even going to go?"

"Oh come on Daring, I know your cues by now. All your badass hiding what you truly feel-"

"And you don't do the same?" Daring responded, grinning at the now blushing pegasus.

"I don't know what you're talking about. But can I still come with you?" Rainbow pleaded, wrapping her hooves around Daring's, her eyes wide and sappy.

"Well, I suppose I could use a travel companion. Share stories over a fire on the cold starry nights."

"I'll pack my stuff and be back in a flash!" Rainbow shot out of the broken window, bursting with excitement. Daring felt the same, finally another adventure! Life didn't have to be boring anymore. Even though Rainbow did feel like a pest sometimes, constantly visiting her, it would be nice to have somepony else to travel with. Somepony to spend time with in general, her recent writer's block prevented her from leaving her house most days.

Rainbow shot back in during Daring's thought stream, "I'm ready! Oh I can't believe it! I'm going on an ADVENTURE with THE pony of adventures! This is gonna be-"

"So awesome?" Daring interrupted, a grin shining from her face. She quickly packed her things, and dawned her famous pith helmet. The time for adventure arrived.

Author's Note

Adventure calls Daring Do once more into its wily grasp. What will she and Rainbow see in the Changeling Kingdom? Well, if you didn't see the title already, I don't know what you're doing here.

A Cold Starry Night

The adventuring pair exited Daring's cottage, through the door this time. A trot started their journey as they headed toward town. Some food wouldn't go amiss during this adventure, especially with Rainbow around. Daring miles out in the country, mostly for privacy. She had to admit though, the isolation in raw nature held a grand beauty. Their journey to Vanhoover brought them to a path of trees that housed rainbows in the foliage. The colors were amazing, such vibrant reds and oranges, yellow like Celestia's sun, there even floated by a few cute purple and blue leaves, just like Rainbow's, er..just like the royal dresses of the alicorn sisters. A simple dirt path served as their only guide toward Vanhoover, which still felt miles out after an hour or so of running. The path soon cut off, halting them within the mass of wonderfully colored leaves as more departed from their trees.

"The path cuts off here, strange. We must've taken a wrong turn. This way always led me back to Vanhoover." Daring examined the path, poking surrounding dirt and grass with her hoof. Rainbow watched her hero, smiling bound in enchantment by her actions. She never noticed how Daring trotted with such grace and agility, completely focused on her mission. "We'll have to fly from here. Dash, you ready?" She turned around to find her companion dreamily staring at her. "Rainbow!" She shouted, which shook the fantasy from Rainbow, who quickly nodded her head. They simultaneously unfurled their wings and took flight, searching for the correct path to Vanhoover. "Ah, I did take a wrong turn. We were heading north, not north-east. That would explain it." The view from higher up made the city of Vanhoover plain as the nose on her face. The flight wouldn't take long, so they commenced at once to not waste time. Why they didn't begin their journey with flight, both being pegasi, was beyond Daring. Maybe her adventuring instincts weren't what they used to be anymore. Was age actually catching up with her?

"Daring Do, I just want to thank you again for letting me come along. Even though it's just started, this has been the most awesome time I've had in months!" Rainbow said while blush slowly filled her cheeks. Daring didn't bother to look over, but maybe Rainbow had a point. Adventuring was her life, after all. It's not something easily forgotten. Though she was just a nutty fanmare, her visits during the month did help keep the loneliness at bay. Rainbow had every single book she wrote, and was impressed by every little adventure Daring embarked on. It felt good to have her around, she thought to herself. Usually keeping her missions and her life solo, having somepony else around wasn't a regular thing. Considering Rainbow, it might not turn out all that- "So Daring, what do you think is going on in the Changeling Kingdom?" Rainbow dammed Daring's stream of thought, but she opened another with her question.

"Well, I'd say you know more about it than I do, but I could guess a few things. Maybe Ahuizotl found some artifact there and is holding the place hostage for power or something."

"You make it sound like that's a common thing."

"I've known Ahuizotl for a while now. There's not much else on his mind."

Rainbow laughed at Daring's remark, and before she could reply they finally arrived in Vanhoover. The outskirts of it, at least. A quaint orchard sat ahead of them, it looked to be growing mostly apples. Each tree emitted a healthy glow in the sunlight, though most were empty because of harvest season. Only a select few initiated their color shift, mostly turning red. A few of the leaves were such a bright red they could be mistaken for the plump apples they shared a home with. "Maybe some of Applejack's relatives live here! They'd help us for sure!" Rainbow grinned at the thought of her friend, and started off towards the door. Daring descended to the ground, hesitant to trust her partner's 'connection'. She watched the door creak open, a crimson-maned mare stepped out and spoke with Rainbow for a while. During their conversation, Daring strode into the orchard. She approached the two mares as they spoke, "Apple Bumpkin, I'd like you to meet THE Daring Do! I know right? It's so awesome I can barely contain myself. She wanted me to go an adventure with her!" Rainbow faced her hero wearing the largest grin as Apple Bumpkin greeted the newcomer.

"Daring Do, eh? Rainbow Dash says you're an explorer pony at large. She also told me that you're a bit low on supplies."

"If you can't spare any, that's fine. We can always go-"

"Don't be silly! We here at the orchard have plenty to spare! Especially since you're a friend of the family." Apple Bumpkin said, and waved both of the ponies to come inside. The inside of the home matched the overall 'apple farm' theme they sported. Apple clock, apple striped wallpaper, apple this, apple that. How could ponies live in a place so crazed over apples? "Lucky for you ponies, I was just experimenting with a new apple recipe. It's called an apple-pack!" Just as Daring was about to speak, Apple continued explaining, "Since there's a lot of travelers that go through Vanhoover. I figured I'd make something that'd be easy to store with lots of apple-y goodness!" She showed her guests the apple-packs she recently whipped up. For lack of a better term, they were dried apple slices packed together with honey. When she offered a sample to the pair, Rainbow snatched them all up and shoved them in her face, chewing happily. Both Apple and Daring watched as Rainbow finished the samples.

"Sorry about that. I did say I didn't have breakfast." Rainbow chuckled nervously. "I'm sure Daring would probably like to get going, right?" She peered back to her adventure buddy.

Daring acted innocent, "Who, me? You're the one who said it. If you want to leave that badly..."

"Well, I know you two have some great adventures ahead. Just make sure not all of Equestria is destroyed, eh?" Apple chuckled at her own joke, knowing enough about Applejack and the history with her friends. The mare packed dried apple slices into each adventurer's saddlebag, most of it ended up in Rainbow's. "That's all I made for today, I'm sure it'll be enough to get you where you need to go. If you like, you can stay a while and regain your-"

"We'll be alright, daylight's burning as it is. Thank you for the supplies. Come on Rainbow Dash, time's wasting." Daring burst out of the door and adjusted her pith helmet outside. The sun blinded more than usual today, which Rainbow quickly noticed flying next to her hero.

"You got an extra helmet? I can barely see it's so bright."

"We'll be heading north soon enough, we just need a good bit of height. Watch for any troublemakers." Dash shielded her eyes with her hoof, and groaned at the explanation. Then again, it was for Daring, so not everything's all bad. Flying behind her got Rainbow a decent view of her...her flying technique. Higher they soared, until at last Daring could poke at the highest clouds. "This should be high enough. Ready for a little race, Dashie?"

"A race? You bet your flank on it! Wait..Dashie-" Rainbow hesitated for a moment, and her hero dart off to the north at full speed, leaving the pony of speed in her dust. It had been ages since somepony last called her Dashie, she forgot she even answered to the name. Daring disappeared, but the roar of pegasus thunder directed her north. She was going get to the bottom of this, Daring couldn't be more than a few miles ahead, a short jog for her abilities. Rainbow closed her eyes and focused herself for a moment, her wings charged and flapped. A great mass of energy formed within her, and she injected it into her wings. As she opened her eyes, she saw only a blur of sky and earth, passing the world by faster and faster with each flap of her wings.

Daring pressed herself onward, confident the spatial gap ensured her victory in the race. She shifted an ear behind her when a strange rumble erupted in the distance. Maintaining her speed, she peered behind her to see a rainbow beam shoot directly for her. It comprised of pure energy, with a familiar mare heading it. Only having time to blink, Daring collided with the energy beam, knocking her off balance and plummeting to the earth. Was such a thing possible? She knew of Rainbow's athletics, but this had to break some sort of speed threshold. Nopony could go that fast, evidently nopony except Rainbow Dash. Something like this didn't quite concern Daring at the time, since she found herself falling out of the sky about to become a pony pancake. Her left wing 'surprisingly' fractured, leaving her unable to level herself.

The thundering sound trailed her, covering distance faster than she could fall. The rainbow beam grabbed her, and shot further north. Daring stopped questioning how Rainbow managed to fly that fast, and just gripped her tightly for the ride. Very little of the rich scenery could be seen since they traveled so quickly, but Rainbow eventually slowed down due to the extra weight. Time also seemed to shift while they occupied rainbow speed, exiting it caused birds and trees to resume their normal movement and activities. Rainbow grew more labored in her flight as hours passed. The sun waned in the sky giving way to dusk when she spotted a clearing in the forest below. Resting Daring down gently, Rainbow flopped to the ground in exhaustion. Deep breathing of sleep emitted from her.

"I should probably get camp set up so you have somewhere better to sleep." Daring spoke softly, smiling at her sleeping Dashie. It took only a few moments for her auto-tent to open from her saddlebag, a rather handy investment for her occupation. Luckily, the tent was roomy enough for both to sleep comfortably. Neither needed to worry about invading each other's personal space. Once the tent stood proud, Daring gathered some rocks and branches, making a crude fire pit. Chills nipped at Daring's ears, hastening her preparation of the camp. The firewood stood prepared in its fire-bearing position. Daring retrieved a special item she recovered from a dragon's den long ago. A cylindrical object, it bore intricate engravings of fire, dragons, and a few unrecognizable symbols. She knew it only as the 'dragon's tongue', which heated itself when activated. To activate it, she lodged the tongue between her hooves and shook it vigorously for a few moments. Quickly she tossed it into the fire pit, remembering past times of hesitation with the artifact. The tongue growled softly as it grew bright red, shifting for a short time to a light blue color, bringing fire to the sticks and creating the fire. Dusk's chills held no ground by this fire as it burned heartily next to the adventure pony and her dozing companion. Daring spent a good deal of moonlight exchanging stares at the fire and watching Rainbow. The fire crackled and hissed, burning away the wood to providing a thoughtful flame. Rainbow snored every few minutes, occasionally twitching her back leg towards the fire. The night served as Daring's restaurant, the fire her waiter and a rock her table. She fetched a large chunk of Apple Bumpkin's apple concoction, biting off small chunks to preserve the sweet and addicting flavor.

The night slowly lulled Daring Do into a shallow slumber. She dozed for a few moments, only to shake herself from sleep's grasp for a moment to lower the fire. A charred stick served well to beat the fire down to embers and soft flickering flames and with some careful prodding she retrieved the dragon's tongue, cool as a stone despite its previous environment. Hiding the tongue inside her bag, now came the difficult part. She needed to haul Rainbow in the tent, despite being half awake herself. Probably a lapse in judgement in hindsight, though she couldn't help but keep Rainbow in close range to watch her sleep. By now she rested in a peaceful slumber, rarely moving a muscle. Daring unsteadily brought herself upon her hind legs, and scooped up her travel partner, carrying her into the tent. The tent sat near the fire through the night, and entering it surrounded her with a comfortable soft warmth. She carefully rested Rainbow at her end of the tent, covering her with a soft blanket. It was well that the tent held warmth so well, since that blanket was the only one she had. Traveling with someone else entailed sharing, right? Daring barely managed the thought from her mind before sleep overtook her, and she flopped down upon her side.

Luna didn't provide any dreams for Daring that night, though she appeared before Daring woke with one simple word, "Surprise." Daring's eyes slowly opened as the world became tangible once more. She felt warm, much warmer than the tent would've kept her, especially considering she accidentally left the flap unzipped. She tiredly peering behind her, only to bump something with her face. The thing she bumped snorted in response, shuffling itself and pulling closer to Daring. Her vision finally focused to reveal Rainbow Dash snuggled close, a hoof extended over Daring. A few minutes she hesitated to act, not wanting to wake her travel friend and also finding this snuggling thing to be quite enjoyable. She even turned to face her sleeping snuggler, closing her eyes and pretending to sleep. Rainbow stirred, and she opened her eyes to find the pony of adventure sleeping right in her face. She nudged Daring, who feigned waking up. They exchanged a look as they sat up and regained their wits.

"Were we sleeping that close the whole night?"

Daring shrugged, "I put you on your side of the tent. Must've been you who moved over."

"But we're in the middle of the tent. The flap is right in front of us." Rainbow retorted. She wasn't wrong either, the open flap stared directly at both of them. It was a straight shot out.

"You probably pulled me over, then."

"In my sleep?"

"If you saw what you do in your sleep, you wouldn't be surprised at that." Daring grinned, "Don't you think it's about time for some food?" The very mention of breakfast pulled Rainbow out of the tent, and she quickly dragged both saddlebags back inside. They sat within the auto-tent chatting and chewing on their apple-y breakfast. Not about their mission, but mostly about Rainbow and Ponyville, since Daring Do didn't travel that-a-ways unless something valuable was discovered.

After breakfast concluded, Daring pulled her friend out of the tent, and flipped a switch on it, causing it to repack itself back to its original compact form.

"How in Equestria did you do that?!" Rainbow exclaimed, unaware of its initial setup.

"It's a special made tent for travelers and explorers, its quick, easy, and comfortable."

"Not as much without me in there with you, hmm?" Rainbow prodded, grinning at Daring.

"You helped the fire with the warming...situation." Daring hid the blush gathering at her cheeks by tending to the ashes of the fire. She dumped a fair helping of water upon them, ensuring they wouldn't revive in her absence. The duo gathered their bags, and set out once more, this time on foot. Daring forgot about her wing until now, though it seemed to be healing on its own.

Rainbow chuckled nervously, "I'm sorry about your wing, Daring. I didn't mean to blast you out of the sky like that."

"You didn't blow me out of the sky. I was..." She trailed off, attempting to conjure a bad-ass excuse. None were found, so she kept silent and moved toward their destination. Rainbow blabbed quite a bit along the way, but now it wasn't as annoying as Daring found it before.

Hours passed, and now the sun approached its descent once again, nighttime would arrive soon. They at long last arrived at their destination. They passed beyond the shining lands of Equestria, and set out towards their final destination, the heart of The Changeling Kingdom.

Author's Note

Finally our two favorite adventuring friends reach their destination. What will the Kingdom throw at the pony that aided the downfall of their Canterlot takeover? Perhaps the initial distress signal received wasn't all it's cracked up to be.

Reign

The Changeling Kingdom, to the distant observer, appeared just like any other nation the world might contain. In order to truly understand why the Kingdom isn't a place for ponies, one needs to travel there. A perverting sense of paranoia slowed the adventuring duo to a crawl. The path felt like the changelings paved it in honey, sticky with every step; which further slowed their travel. An attack from all sides seemed a constant threat, each leaf and cracked twig and squelching shlorp set off every mental alarm they possessed. Daring, brave and experienced as she was, noticed every now and then even she caught herself peering at the trail they followed to reach the capital. She fared much better than her partner who despite her reputation for courage, visibly shook with each step she took.

"This is the Changeling Kingdom, huh?" Rainbow said, her voice quivering. She peered around her surroundings. The path slithered through a dense forest, the leaves black as night, becoming somehow darker whenever they fell. Some of the floral debris appeared to be absorbed into the path. Branches swung low and sprinted in the wind, threatening the ponies with a good walloping.

"Nope. This is Star Swirl the Bearded's house." Daring chuckled and trotted into the darkness ahead. Rainbow easily caught up, and the darkness dissipated the greenery. The forest they now traversed through contained no leaves, only barren trees. The hazed sky above them held a sickly greenish hue, reminiscent of the Queen's magic. "So, if these things are so bad, why help them? They tried to take over Canterlot, right?"

Rainbow thought for a moment as they walked along the patchy path, "They're not our enemies for now, and besides, if its something that the Queen can't handle, I gotta see it." She snarkfully grinned. The conversation was cut short by a falling tree. Several others followed suit, a domino effect of thick and ancient trees. Each one fell around the daring duo, surrounding them in tree trunks. Driven by honed instinct, Daring hopped over the log cage, only to be ambushed by several strange creatures. Green hostile eyes stared her down, a few broke their glare to receive a hoof to the face. They attempted to wrestle down the pony of adventure, for a time it seemed a useless endeavor. Her companion, stuck in shock, had been easily apprehended and lodged leg-deep in sticky black goop. After much fighting, several unconscious changelings, Daring Do fell to a surprise flank of several foes toppling over her.

The changelings were forced to carry Daring, 4 in total required to keep her down. One for each hoof, and even then a few would later lick their bruises received from a long journey of getting kicked in an attempt to escape. The journey dragged on while they flew, scenery not something the Kingdom is known for. Any attempt to free herself would cause a deadly fall. If only her wing was alright, escape could be an option. She thought to herself, 'I tend to break my wings a lot in these adventures. Maybe I should find some form of protective shield. Her thoughts and the changelings carried them to the changeling capital city. She broke her mental focus to observe the architecture, not much else to do with her four 'bodyguards' still holding her fast. The buildings were constructed of sturdy jade-colored stone, cracks and lines sealed with a super-hardened version of the black goo that formed Rainbow's makeshift prison. A quick scan across the buildings showed increasingly visible damage the further they traveled into the city. A few buildings sat in desolate rubble, scattering their rocky guts across the streets. She saw identical posters slathered over several walls, but she couldn't quite discern the face adorning them. The city itself demonstrated merit in a distress call. Something no less than a revolution, or maybe a raging Ursa major could've done this.

"Do you talk?" Daring questioned her captors as they buzzed over another ruined building. "I've a few questions about what happened here. See I'm here to-"

"We know why you're here. He told us why. Now quiet, the king shall judge you."

"The King?" She asked Rainbow, "Isn't this place ruled by a Queen?" Rainbow didn't respond, instead Daring choked out a hoarse scream as she fell from the grasp of the changelings, falling onto the street. A cloud of dirt and dust obscured Daring's vision when she landed. Regaining her footing proved difficult, as the street she stood in sat riddled with potholes. She wondered if any changeling knew how to keep anything functioning, be it street or building. She stood in front of a grand building, adorned in gold and sparkling gemstones. The gems formed fractal patterns of each different color and appeared to be slowly shifting with the sun above. Daring would've observed the intricate architecture more if she weren't shoved forward. She turned around and caught Rainbow red-hoofed, shoving her forward. "What's your problem? You know that's where they want us to go, right? It's surely a trap."

Rainbow replied, "Of course I know. Who do you think told me to do this?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Twilight doesn't care about the news that goes on here. The King asked me to find the most difficult pony to-"

"How should I know that you're not a changeling? I know Rainbow Dash would never do something like this."

"How can you tell?" Her former partner asked. "Even if I'm not the real Rainbow Dash, I've taken her shape. I see her thoughts. So perhaps there's more truth to these actions than you might think." A group of changelings fluttered out of a window in the opulent building, "Oh look, my real friends are here. Goodbye, Daring Do." The pegasus raised her strong wings and flew off, leaving her alone.

Daring fell on her backside in shock. "Could it be true? It can't be. I hope it's not. But what if it is?" Reason was tossed to the wind as a hot surge of rage shot through her, "You traitor! By Celestia, I'll lock you away in Tartarus for this if it's the last thing I do!"

Up in the sky, the changeling's chuckled at Daring's outrage. In their clutches sat the real Rainbow Dash. She was camouflaged by the swarm, and her clone flew beside her. The clone poked Rainbow's gooey bindings, mocking her. "Listen to what your hero thinks of you now, Rainbow Dash." Rainbow said to, uh, Rainbow Dash. "She hates you. It's all your fault. Why'd you have to be such a traitor?" The real Rainbow attempted to speak, though only muffled shouts too soft for Daring to hear peeped out. The strange black goo covered her mouth, it hardened to form a silencing muzzle. "There's nothing you need to say, Rainbow. I already know. I could just and tell your hero what you really think of her-"

Rainbow managed a muffled scream and she rapidly shook her head, though she went nearly unheard. The swarm flew off with their captive, the fake Rainbow accompanying them, perhaps not feeling as cruel as they threatened.

Daring may have heard Rainbow's cry, though she seethed with a toxic brew of volatile emotions. A few changelings attempted to drag her into the opulent building, only to receive several severe beatings. The few attracted the many, they surrounded her in a failed attempt of intimidation. None dared to grapple with her. Daring glared daggers at them, most of them looking away as her gaze approached them. She took a few steps towards the ring of changelings, the entire group reacted, attempting to keep her surrounded. Suddenly she cranked up her speed, smashing through the unfortunate changelings that guarded her front. They flailed through the air as they attempted to recover, most didn't succeed and face-planted the surrounding street. Daring halted at the door, and stared at it for a bit. She figured the changelings would surround her at all ends, probably above her as well. Nowhere else to go, and no one to accompany her, just like old times. The old times felt sour now, just like the taste in her mouth as she waited silently.

The doors opened in front of her, pulled by even more changelings. The golden doors revealed even more splendor, silken drapes and rugs adorned the walls, anything that didn't hold some artifact was golden. It all felt out of place, as if this was an opulent cover splattered over the rightful interior. There lay upon the floor, a long stream of dark animal pelt. It led down the grand hall to a distant throne. A shining being sat upon the throne.

"Come, come to the King's Throne." The voice requested, the accent sounded strangely familiar to Daring. With no other options, she decided to find out who led these creatures. She walked along the rug, and looked out one of the gilded windows in passing. Two ponies that resembled Rainbow Dash sat upon the outer windowsill. In the blink of an eye, they disappeared. Daring hoped for the possibility of- "Just a bit closer, Daring Do." The voice interrupted her train of thought. "Yes...welcome to my kingdom. You like it, no? It could do with some refurbishing, but you could say I recently came upon this great honor."

"Wait a minute, you sound a lot like-" Daring found her assumption to be true. She approached the throne, the pony sitting on it was another would-be partner of hers. "Dr. Caballeron! So this is where you scurried off to."

"That's King Caballeron to you! Though, you could also call me Your Highness, Great Ruler, perhaps Rightful Lord of Equestria. All of these will work."

"Not the last one. You may have taken this place over, but you're not taking one bit of my turf." Daring glared at the transcendent Archaeologist-King.

He wore a typical king's garb, silken, gilded and far too expensive for his own good. His golden shoes shined in the relative dimness of the hall. The crown upon his head, black as night. Draped over his head and shoulders, a cloak of near equal darkness. The crown poked out from the cloak, almost as if it'd be sewn around it. The tone clashed with his otherwise shining splendor, raising unexpressed alarm within Daring.

"How entertaining, Daring Do. Though you must know, I don't take the threats anymore. Take her away." Caballeron waved her away, though the changelings around her hesitated at his command. "You dare go against the word of your King? Seize her!" New vigor recharged the horde, they covered Daring at all ends. They trapped her with their goo, planting her hooves and covering most of her body in it. She attempted to struggle while the goo took hold, but her strength waned when she persisted her rebellion. Eventually Daring couldn't exert any more force upon her bonds, her energy merely a spark of what it once was. "You belong to me now, Daring Do. I was going to have you sent to the dungeon, but since you're a bit more agreeable now, why don't you take a seat next to me? We can catch up." Caballeron cackled in malevolent delight while the changelings positioned her next to the tyrant's throne.

Author's Note

Did you expect something else to happen? I did say who the king was right in the title of this story, you know. Oh yea, and the whole Rainbow clone and lack of Chrysalis thing. Guess you'll have to read more to find out what happens.

Banishment

King Caballeron grinned at the entrapped pony standing beside him. "I shall regale you with a tale of yesteryear. Well, more like yester-week." A snide chuckle preluded his speech. The King adjusted his night-black crown and spoke, "After our little...predicament with Ahuizotl, I ran for my life, with a nice supply of coins. Thanks to you, Daring Do. At first I despised your meddling, but it kept Ahuizotl busy. The temple destroyed, you ran off to write your book, and Ahui disappeared to plan his revenge. He's still in the stage of figuring out how to properly kill you."

"You give him any pointers? He doesn't seem very good at it." Daring interrupted.

"Well, considering now that I can send my changelings to give him a message..actually, now that I think of it," he looked up at a few of his subjects, "Go and find Ahuizotl, tell him I have Daring Do. He may come to our Kingdom if he wishes to see the final fall of his greatest enemy."

"Well, I suppose it would be fitting he be present to watch you fail. It'll be quite the show, a whole Kingdom falling down on your head."

A golden scepter manifested in The King's grasp, possibly previously hidden within his silken garments. Caballeron bludgeoned his prisoner with the scepter, leaving a large bruise emerging above her eye. "My apologies, Daring Do. I don't take threats kindly. Now if you would let me finish-"

"You messed with the wrong mare, Caballeron." Daring seethed, grinding her teeth.

He chuckled, "Then allow me to mess with the right mare." A simple tap of his hooves brought more insectoid subjects. "Bring me Daring Do's little friend. We'll let her choose the punishment." He motioned towards his captive. Daring sat silent, her guts tied into a knot. She thought to herself, a punishment for Rainbow that she would have to choose? Perhaps he means between the two of them, since one is a changeling? What if the wrong, or right, one is chosen for the punishment? "For now, my subjects, you shall listen to Miss Do. Only answer the correct requests. Punish the wrong ones."

"You're finished now, Caballeron. Keeping Daring Do that close to you is sure to lead to your defeat!" A small chorus erupted, as all were dragged into the hall. There before her stood six Rainbow Dashes, all identically planted in the changeling goo. One pleaded to Daring, "I'm the real Rainbow Dash, Daring! Please, get rid of these impostors!" The rest joined into the pleading, dragging down Daring's confidence.

"That one's a fake, I'm the real Rainbow Dash!"

"No you're not, I am!"

"Please Daring, help me!"

Entirely, the hall pronounced its chaos. Its ruler reveled in it, knowing the torment it brought upon his captive. Hysterical laughter echoed through the hall, all merriment emanating from Caballeron. Happiness felt short-lived, he glared at the subjects. His minions joined in his laughter, fear rather than joy pervaded their stance. He wished to play more with his food, and waved his hoof for silence. "She shall choose." The servants swarmed Daring, and released one small part of her cage. Her hoof freed, she now held the responsibility of whom to prosecute.

Each replicate quivered in fear, except one. This individual sat silent and stared at her. She pointed at said Rainbow, "Bring her up to me." The silent Rainbow's eyes widened, and struggled to stay in her position. The effort came to no avail, the changelings dragged her up to the personal prisoner of The King. Nervous eyes darted around to dodge Daring's gaze. She brought her mouth close to Rainbow's ear, and asked, "Where did we sleep last night?" She awaited a response. Sweat poured from Rainbow, she quivered silently. The questioned remained unanswered. "Then get out of my sight!" She barked at the nervous wreck. That one dragged outside, there remained five panicked and desperate Dashes for Daring to interrogate. Looking to the throne, she saw her enemy glance at her. Caballeron said nothing, the grin on his face speaking for him. Another caught her eye. Identical in appearance to the last, she carried more confidence in her panic. Caballeron shouted for attention, his prisoner suspended a hoof in the air.

The room fell silent, the prisoner judge surveying the pony she desired on the chopping block. Hoof pointed to her target, she beckoned her approach. This new Rainbow stood stalwart in the face of her persecutors. Another slimy grin from the King sent a shiver through Daring's spine. She motioned her subject closer, and whispered, "Find out the true problem here." A quick wave off meant a drag back to the ranks by the changeling guards. "I have made my decision." Daring announced, rising her head as much as the goo shackles would allow. She motioned towards the previous Rainbow, "Her. Send her away to the dungeons. Release the rest."

The King giggled in delight. "Oh I do enjoy the dungeons!" He contorted his face and thought for a moment, "Wait, how did you know I have a dungeon?" A royal glare studied Daring.

"Lucky guess. Besides, I know you're into the whole bondage thing. A dungeon goes well with that." The goo around her wiggled to prove her point.

"Very well, Daring Do. I do wish to speak to you in private as it is." He turned to his subjects and 'prisoners', and rose his voice, "You heard me. Begone!" The rabble scattered like cockroaches, chaotically going about their duties. At long last the hall cleared, leaving only the friends of the past together. "So, Daring Do. I must ask, how are you? I haven't been the most gracious of hosts, have I?"

Hyena laughter echoed inside, followed by a few muffled yelps and thuds. Rainbow hopes slumped upon hearing it, she feared for her hero's safety. Too far away to help, she decided to stick to Daring's plan. Rainbow thought to herself, 'Whatever's in the dungeons must be the true problem. Daring's never wrong. There's always more to the adventures. I just hope her inkling is right. Can't say I'm a fan of the whole bondage dungeon thing.' Dragged through the streets toward the inner city, some of the goo crusted off. Unable to break free regardless, she decided to watch the city on the journey. Rainbow got a disturbing scene of its inhabitants. Many changelings roamed aimlessly about the streets, groaning and clutching each other occasionally. Some lay upon the bricks. A few weren't moving. Nearby stragglers stared hungrily at her saddlebag. Her apple, uh...things were still in there. Either the changelings possessed a strong sense of smell, or Rainbow's sense clogged with all their damned goo. The inner city matched their previous tour, the buildings a trashed and poster-ridden mess. Same dirty streets, same miserable citizens. The only thing that increased appeared to be the poster count. The deeper they dragged her in, posters piled up, only some stuck on the walls. The rest blew abound in the wind, though she examined them, since the sheer amount of them spoke to their proported importance.

Caballeron's face grinned from the paper, the words 'True Ruler' stamped upon the bottom. The city she partook in an involuntary tour of stuffed every square it owned with pounds of propaganda. 'These changelings didn't want this. They're miserable.' Rainbow thought, watching painfully as a skeletal changeling attempted to walk, only to fall upon its side. It didn't move as she passed it by. The scenery blended together so well that time itself shifted, and before she recognized it, she stopped moving.

"Here we are, pony." The lead changeling buzzed, waving the rest away. As they shuffled out of sight, he broke her bonds. "I know of your plan. Just don't screw it up." He gave her a wink, and unlocked a heavy iron door. Rainbow descended the stairs, an echo of, "Good luck!" followed her through the heartless stone tunnel. Misery lived within the bricks, sapping hope from those foolish enough to gaze into their monotonous villainy. Doubtful Caballeron ever stepped hoof in here, much too depressing for his lavish taste. She passed several floors of empty chambers, her echoing hooves a reminder of the dungeon's crippling loneliness. A soft cry whisked past Rainbow's ears.

Upon arriving at the very bottom floor, she heard the cry once more. Spiders crawled about the walls, weaving their homes between the worn stone. They only clustered around the archway, as the rest of the dungeon sat barren of any life. All the cell doors hung open, except one. Upon closer inspection, the door waved slightly in the dank air, it held no lock. The shuddering creature inside sat in a hazy shadow, its quivering ceasing only to breathe in order to repeat the process.

"Hello?" Rainbow whispered inside, her voiced echoed through the cell.

"What do you want?" The creature cloaked in shadow replied.

"You're the only one I've found in here, and-"

"The usurper sent you down here too, hmm? Good. If anyone deserves this fate, it's you."

"What are you talking about? I didn't do anything to you."

"Oh, you didn't," Eyes revealed themselves within the darkness, they belonged to an old enemy of Equestria, "Twilight told you to do it. You and the rest of them. Cast us out from taking over Canterlot."

Rainbow's eyes widened upon her revelation. "You mean, you're-"

"The rightful queen of this land? Yes. I'm surprised it took you this long to figure out. All my minions are loyal to him, who else would he throw in the dungeon?"

"Not all of them. I doubt I'd be walking freely otherwise."

"Can you describe them? The one who freed you?"

"Well, he looked kinda like the rest do." An awkward pause hung in the air.

The fallen queen stood up, quickly wiping her eyes. Her horn illuminated the air around her in a green hue. Green magic enchanted the cell door, it opened for its advancing queen. The Queen looked down upon Rainbow. "So you're my knight in rainbow armor, hmm? Ironic." Notes of disgust floated in her speech.

Rainbow's jaw swung open when Chrysalis entered the light. She appeared mostly herself, apart from one detail. Her skin just above her horn, leading down to the base of her neck was completely torn off. Scar tissue formed over most of it, though dark green blood occasionally cried from the wounds. "What in the wide world of-" She stammered, aghast at the horrific sight.

"There was a reason I stayed in the shadows this entire time."

"Why did he do that? That's disgusting!"

"It's part of The Rite. Well, kind of."

"The Rite? What's that, some kind of initiation?"

"Somewhat. It's a royal test if the wearer of the crown is fit to stand as ruler of the Changelings. The crown embeds itself into the skin of the subject, so very few attempt it. Those unworthy, it's got a way of dealing with them," a devious glare flashed in her eyes as she spoke, "He knew this. I'm not quite sure how, I've never seen him here before this. Nevertheless, he and his goons ambushed me when I took my nightly lone walk through the streets. Funny how it works, I could call my minions whenever need be. Though when I get knocked into oblivion, it makes things difficult. I woke to a pain I've never experienced before. I called who I could, which were few before I-" She paused and stared blankly into nothingness. Finally she awoke herself and continued, "Before I was separated from my crown. The ones who arrived attacked, but he put on my skin before they could reach him. I should be proud, they would've killed him had I woken up only a few moments earlier. Can't say the same for his friends. Their corpses were swept up by the very ones who killed them. On the orders of their new king. Though to them, he looks indistinguishable to me, only his voice sounds different. I had to watch him do his trial, it seems that even I cannot escape my roots."

Rainbow stood silent as she absorbed what the Queen told her. She wondered how an entire kingdom could be dictated by the will of a crown. "Then let's go get your crown back. Would rather have you in power than him." She shuddered after she spoke, memories of the royal wedding flashed in her mind.

"How kind of you to say," The Queen retorted dryly, "It's not going to be that easy. His guards will be at his call."

"That's why we have Daring Do. She's with Caballeron right now, I just hope she's alright."

Chrysalis gave a short look of questioning, but shrugged it off. "I suppose I'll meet her soon enough. Nowhere else to go but up, I guess. That or be killed."

"Not really helping." Rainbow chided, only to be ignored as Chrysalis headed for the steps. They both quickly exited the dungeon, escaping its depressive grasp. The shadows of the alleyways hid them while they wove closer to the main hall.

"Your highness! This way." A whisper caught their attention as they sneaked to the city square. They approached the whisperer, he looked as most of the changelings do. The only distinguishable difference laid upon his visible ribs.

"When was the last time you at, my dear subject?" Chrysalis questioned, stooping down to his level.

"It matters not," He avoided looking at his Queen's head, "Myself and the others who freed themselves from Caballeron's control are ready for your plan."

"First off, how did you get 'free' in the first place? How do we know you're not one of his spies?"

"Are the others also the ones-"

"That killed his thugs? Most of them. Some enjoy the delusion," He sighed, and turned his attention to Rainbow. "I see you don't disappoint. We'd like if the Queen did as little as possible, considering her condition."

"I am right here, you know."

He bowed his head, "I'm sorry, your highness. We wish for you to be in as little pain as possible." A shout of pain interrupted their conversation. "We need to hurry. I'm not sure how long she'll last, he's been merciless."

Rainbow approached the changeling rebel, fury burning in her eyes. "He's been doing this the entire time?!" She roared, scraping her hoof on the ground.

"Let's all stay calm here, if we can hit him all at-" The Rebel couldn't quell Rainbow, who rose in the air. She breathed in the soggy and lifeless air around her, fondly recalling the crisp gentle breeze of home. A window in Caballeron's hall swung ajar, allowing Rainbow a vantage point. She muttered a slight farewell to Chrysalis and the Rebel, and took off. "What should we do now, your majesty?" The Rebel asked, looking up in Rainbow's direction.

"Gather the others. She's blunt, but she's useful." Chrysalis grinned, turning her attention to the main square as her minion buzzed away upon his insectoid wings.

Rainbow glared into the hall, eyes unblinking. Caballeron sputtered out hoarse laughter with each vicious strike he inflicted on Daring Do. She, still encased in her goo prison, clung limply to consciousness. Her left eye swelled shut, and blood trickled out of her nose and leaked from several wounds on her face. The King gave his scepter a rest, allowing his victim to recover.

"Don't get too comfortable, Daring Do. This is just until I get the cramp out of my hoof." He whimpered, flexing his upper leg.

Opening her eye, she blinked to clear the beating from her mind. She caught a glimpse of Rainbow in her periphery, and grinned. "Is-is that all you got...?" Daring coughed out, and looked at Caballeron. Her red smile dribbled blood, the King boiled in fury behind his usual confident smirk.

"You think this is humorous, no?" He gripped his scepter once more, "Then tell me what you think of this!" Winding up his strike, the rage in his heart affected his scepter, sticky black goo trickled from it.

"Don't you dare!" Rainbow screamed, and shot herself directly at Caballeron. The King hadn't a moment to react before he was catapulted across the hall, face-planting the ground. His scepter flung a few droplets of goo in its flight, and clanged down upon the tile. After her successful king toss, Rainbow quickly shattered Daring's confinements. Daring wobbled as if to fall on the floor, but Rainbow pulled her close, allowing her hero to lean for support. Caballeron quickly stood, his smooth facade broken in favor of rage. The crown atop his head glowed, his eyes followed suit.

"You think to defy me?! I am the rightful King!" His voice contained a strange echo, as if parroted by something else feeding him power. He raised a hoof, and changelings appeared from naught, manifesting clouds of black haze. He hovered in the air, summoning more minions to surround the helpless pair. "I never had a plan to kill you, Daring Do. I guess now I'll have to." He spoke behind grinding teeth. "Well, go on! Kill them!"

The changelings rested from their battle positions, most sat and stared at their King. Two of them stepped away from the circle, and opened the door to the royal hall. They led the way for their Queen, opening the circle as she approached.

"My crown, horseman." She declared. The hovering Caballeron glared at Chrysalis. "Now!" He made no motion. "My minions, go fetch the crown for the real ruler around here!" The changeling circle broke formation and charged for him. A blinding flash of light encapsulated the hall, tossing a few changelings aside. When the light faded, the three uncovered their eyes to reveal nothing. No Caballeron stood against them, the black skin and crown of Chrysalis took his place.

"Where did he go?" Rainbow asked, helping Daring towards the crown as they investigated. Chrysalis swiftly retrieved her crown, and placed it upon her head. The skin around it stitched with the removed section, reattaching any severed parts to their rightful place. The Queen stood proud once more, her crown reclaimed, she waved her minions away to their posts. Upon inspection, the scene looked to be just another section of the hall. No scorch marks, no magical 'runoff', just an empty spot where a tyrant once stood.

"It doesn't quite matter, does it? He's gone." Chrysalis shrugged, and sat upon her throne. "And it's thanks to you."

"Well, to be fair, we really didn't do that much." Rainbow said, adjusting her grip upon Daring.

"You distracted him long enough for me to tap into my stolen power. How else do you think the loyal minions poofed in?" A changeling approached her throne, and whispered something to her. "Oh yes, and it seems that scepter of his served as a magical barrier. Doesn't do much against physical attacks, though." She giggled gleefully.

"Speaking of that scepter, I'm not feeling too-" Daring said as she fell unconscious. Rainbow struggled to keep her standing. A quick flash of magic from Chrysalis, and changelings appeared to aid in Daring's descent. They laid her on the ground, and waved Rainbow away. She glared at the minions. One sighed and shoved her out of their way, they picked up Daring and took her out of the hall. Rainbow followed the group, only halted by the door slamming in her face. Teary eyes glanced back at Chrysalis, who sighed and beckoned her back to the throne.

"I'll show you where they're taking her. They'll fix her up, don't you worry. For now, why don't you take a rest?"

"Why should I trust you? You've got your power back, what do you care about us?"

The Queen raised an eyebrow. "You really think I'm still vengeful about the whole 'Canterlot thing'? You two helped me reclaim my land. This is the least I can do for you." Her horn shimmered, dragging a pillow from behind the throne. It stopped next to it, the fluffy feathers settling onto the tile. "Please, sit. We have time to catch up before your friend is well enough." Rainbow reluctantly sat next to Chrysalis. The Queen asked about Twilight, "Why do you think she relayed you my message?"

Rainbow shrugged, "Probably cause Daring and I were the right ones for the job."

Chrysalis chuckled, "That you were, Rainbow Dash."

Author's Note

And thus ends this Daring Do adventure. Caballeron sure was a dick to the very end. At least the right ruler now has her Kingdom back. Things should be fine from here on out...right?