Before you begin, I highly recommend you read the previous two stories: Cold Harmonics and its sequel Immortal Throne. This story will contain spoilers of the prequels. If you have read those already, thank you and read on.

There is a phrase commonly used in Equestria: ‘All roads lead to Canterlot’. Etymologists trace the origin of this phrase to traders and merchants seeking their fortune in the newly constructed capital during the Pax Equus; the period of relative peace following the ill-fated Lunar Rebellion during which the capital was moved from the ruined Castle of the Royal Sisters to the centrally located and far more defensible Mount Canterhorn. Over the years, however, this innocuous phrase took on a more sinister meaning. As Equestria grew in power, so too did its sphere of influence and the interests of the power players. At the height of the nation’s power, it was nigh impossible to find a power play, exchange of secrets or other nefarious dealings that did not have some trace Canterlot’s hoof prints on it. These prints often belonged to an ambitious noble or other such barrators but rarely could they be traced to the upper echelons of the Princesses and their consorts.

This did not deter a certain pallid pony from digging into the past of two of Equestria’s more infamous and illustrious members. The first was the mischief-maker known as Discord who had joined that privileged group of friends upon being ‘reformed’. While the Spirit of Disharmony was more a harmless prankster nowadays, his old tricks had left a chaotic but nonetheless discernible trail through the annals of history for those who knew where to look.

“I suppose even chaotic beings can fall into a creative rut.” The dreaded Dark Lord of the Sunless Lands mused as he reviewed his eclectic research. “Such as whenever he encountered a remnant of the old pantheon like a temple or keeper, he would drop a mountain on it.”

The second subject was the famous unicorn wizard Starswirl the Bearded or, in the context of the Theoi Anax’s investigation, Starswirl the Acolyte. Before the Unification of the Tribes and even before the Reign of Discord, the world was in a Dark Age. This was a time of great strife where monsters both metaphorical and literal reigned supreme. A prime example of such perils would be the fell creature known among the dragon flights as Suneater; a black dragon that would have destroyed the world were it not for the efforts of the young Starswirl. The unicorn who would go on to become Equestria’s first great mage had defeated and imprisoned the vile beast within the ruins of an ancient temple. This event marked the transition between the Dark Ages and the Reign of Discord.

“Enter the draconequus and his tectonic-shifting method of handling ‘party poopers’. The Khthonic Theoi thought. “If a lone Lightkeeper could survive eons buried under a mountain, why not a Primordial?”

All signs pointed to this being true. The Lord of Darkness, one of the Lord of Shades' oldest allies, may very well be buried under the very heart of Canterlot with the little ponies none the wiser. However, the only way to know for certain was to go to the capital and find out. To that end, the Necroarch had summoned the newest additions to his caliginous court to meet and plot.

“Let me get this straight.” Grand Marshal Shining Armor, former prince-regent of the Crystal Empire turned head of the Underworld armed forces upon the former's destruction, wanted to make sure he had heard his patron correctly. “There is an extremely dangerous dragon prince sleeping under Canterlot and you want to wake it?”

While his death had nullified all of the oaths he had sworn in life, the good late captain still felt a sense of loyalty to his former station. If it could be avoided, he did not wish to needlessly endanger the little ponies of his former home, emphasis on little. As for the nobles and at least two of the Princesses, he did not feel such compunctions.

“Almost.” The pale horse clarified. “Evidence suggests that it is under Mount Canterhorn but the only way to be sure is to go there myself. If it turns out to be true, then I will wake it.”

“That sounds risky.” Archmage Trixie Lulamoon, though she preferred the suffix of Great and Powerful or variations thereof, chimed in. “The Wise and Experienced Trixie knows what dragons can do.”

The lichborn azure unicorn swished her glyph covered cape made from the hide of a dragon she had slain in Tartarus for effect. The duel had ended in both of their deaths but she had returned all the more powerful for it. Plus she had gotten a new cape and hat out of the ordeal.

“Indeed.” The Dark Lord nodded in agreement. “Hence why I am going to Canterlot rather than tunneling to it. I do not know how the centuries have affected the Master of the Shifting Darkness so I would rather steer it away from the Sunless Lands if at all possible. Think of it like popping a bottle of champagne away from you.”

“Good idea.” Hive Queen Chrysalis chittered from her seat between Armor and their young daughter Elytra. “But how do you plan on getting into the most secure city in Equestria? Are you going to raise the dead and invade or infiltrate with a few minions as I did?”

Unlike her counterpart and lover, nothing would have pleased the changeling matron more than seeing Canterlot wiped out and the equines that call it home laid low. Ever since the caliginous King had granted the displaced Queen and her children shelter within his palace, she had been steadily rebuilding her hive. While she was content to live in luxury and success as the finest form of revenge, she would not shy away from the good old fashion bloody way.

“I would rather not start a war with the Overworld just yet.” The pale horse said plainly. “So I am just going to go up to the front gates and they are going to let me in.”

The other four looked at each other in a mix of confusion and curiosity. The changeling nymph decided to voice what they were all thinking.

“With all due respect, I do not think that the guards will just let you trot into the capital.” She buzzed. “Right, dad?”

“If they remembered a thing I taught them, they would warn you first then drag you out and pitch you in a ditch.” The former Captain of the Solar Guard agreed. “You would need an invitation or business permit. Then again, some are allowed in because they have connections with the right noble ponies who can pull a few strings.”

“How odd that you should mention that…” The stallion known in some circles as the Merchant Prince said candidly as he reached into his voluminous robes and withdrew something. “…for I have all three of your methods covered.”

The Stygian Sovereign placed the thin item on the table between them and slid it closer for them to see. The three looked to see a golden ticket stamped with the Royal Equestrian seal and ‘ADMIT ONE’ in bold letters. A look of realization dawned on them.

“Of course!” Chrysalis grinned devilishly. “The Grand Galloping Gala! It’s the perfect cover.”

“Ugh. Security was a nightmare to set up for those events.” Armor shivered at the unpleasant memories. “So long as you don’t call too much attention to yourself, you will blend right in with the crowd. Something I know you excel at.”

“It’s my special talent after all.” The former Lurker with a glyph meaning ‘Hidden’ as a cutie mark thought.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie wants to know where you got an invite to such an exclusive party.” The magician said with an edge of resentment in her voice. “She has wanted to perform there for years but they always put Trixie on a waiting list.”

“It was a gift from Princess Luna.” The pale stallion answered simply.

“Oh?” The changeling matron arched an eyebrow in interest. “Do tell.”

“You are not the only one who can charm royalty, Queen Chrysalis.” The Theoi met her inquisitive gaze with a coy half-smile. “But that is a tale for another time. The Gala is only a few days away and we need to prepare.”

He withdrew the golden ticket and stored it in his robes again. In its place, he unfurled a large map of Canterlot and the immediate area.

“Now, the ticket says admit one but I am allowed one guest, correct?” The King looked to Armor who nodded in confirmation.

“It used to be ‘one ticket, one entrant’ but somepony raised a fuss about having to get an exclusive ticket for all her friends.” The former captain of the guard recalled. “It took some doing but we managed to accommodate the guest exception.”

“Good.” The pale horse said. “Then Archmage Lulamoon and I will enter Canterlot under pseudonyms.”

“Excellent!” A happy smile spread across the azure unicorn’s face at the prospect of visiting the heart of Equestria.

“Why not take me or Armor?” Chrysalis interjected, earning a glare from the lich.

“I need Marshall Armor here to hold down the fort, so to speak.” The Necroarch explained. "I am not about to leave the Sunless Lands undefended."

“And the Royal Guard has developed methods of exposing and catching changelings since your last invasion.” The late captain of the guard finished for his patron. “I know. I put together about half of them.”

“Once bitten, twice shy.” Elytra surmised.

“That…makes sense.” The Hive Queen’s ears drooped in disappointment.

“You may not be able to enter Canterlot but I will need you and your drones waiting in the wings in case something goes wrong and we need a quick escape.” The pale pony continued. “Otherwise, it will just be Lulamoon and I against the elite of the Solar and Royal Guard plus the Alicorns.”

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is sure we can take them.” The Archmage said half-jokingly. “But you’re right, no pony ever died from being too careful.”

The small council went on to plan out the finer details of their scheme. Armor’s knowledge of security protocol and the layout of the palace combined with Chrysalis’ experience in the caverns and abandoned mines within the mountain proved invaluable as they tried to cover every possible angle. Even Elytra’s youthful outlook was able to contribute to ironing out details her elders overlooked. In time, the group had a concrete plan in place and dispersed to tend to their tasks. Among those were the Theoi Anax and Archmage Lulamoon visiting the palace tailors to be fitted for a suit and dress. The ticket did request formal attire after all.

“Ow!” Princess Twilight Sparkle neighed as her friend unintentionally pricked her. “Mind those pins, Rarity.”

“It’s not my fault you are so fussy.” The fashionista said around a mouthful of pins as she used her magic to piece together a gown for her friend. “Now stand still or the next one will be on purpose.”

“Did you just threaten a Princess of Equestria?” Princess Celestia asked with a devious smirk. “I would hate for the Element of Generosity to spend the rest of her life behind bars.”

“What?!” Rarity’s voice shot up an octave. “No! I didn’t mean…I was just kidding!”

“So was she. Calm down.” The lavender unicorn tried to ease her friend’s suddenly frayed nerves. “Uhh…you are kidding, right?”

The Alicorn of Magic looked to her former mentor for confirmation. The alabaster Princess held a hoof to her mouth as she desperately tried to hold in a giggle. Seeing that she was no longer in danger of being incarcerated, Rarity went back to working on Twilight’s dress, taking extra care not to harm her longtime friend with an errant pin. The pearl white unicorn had been summoned to the Canterlot Palace to create dresses for the Alicorns for the upcoming Grand Galloping Gala. As she understood it, a whole lot of prominent fashion designers had been snubbed in favor of her. While she did not like the idea of her works of art being featured due to her connections rather than her merit, she would never turn down a request from the Princesses and her close friend. The substantial amount of bits she was being paid did not hurt either. Thus did the fashionista find herself in a private room with Sparkle and Celestia and all the material she needed to create her latest masterpieces. She had already finished the Solar Alicorn’s ensemble who was now reviewing how she looked in a full-length mirror.

“I am impressed, Rarity.” The diurnal diarch complemented as she struck a few regal poses. “You’ve found the perfect balance between elegance and functionality.”

“Thank you, your highness.” The unicorn bowed as best she could with her attention on Sparkle. “It was my pleasure to work with one such as you.”

“What about me?” The Alicorn of Magic asked in mock offense.

“I’ll let you know if you ever stop fidgeting, darling.” Rarity said as she considered casting a paralysis spell. “I swear you are as ticklish as Rainbow Dash.”

Celestia had to suppress another round of giggles as her former pupil set her face and tried to do her best impression of a statue. After making sure nopony was paying attention to her, the Princess of the Sun turned around and checked out her more salacious assets in the mirror. To her delight, the fabric hugged enough of her curves to tease any wandering eyes.

“I see that you have managed to drop a dress size, sister.” A regal voice complemented mischievously. “I told you that cutting back on the cake would do you good.”

The alabaster Alicorn immediately straightened up to find her nocturnal counterpart, Princess Luna, standing in the doorway with a few papers enveloped in her magic. As the navy Alicorn trotted in, Rarity was once again forced to make an awkward bow.

“Good evening, your highness.” The pearl unicorn greeted. “You are just in time. I only lack a few more pins with Twilight here and I will be ready to start on yours.”

“Take your time, seamstress.” The navy Princess said absently as she focused her attention on her elder sister, earning an annoyed huff from the fashionista. “Have you had time to review the itinerary for the Gala?”

“I’ve skimmed through it.” Celestia said as she carefully took off the dress with her magic. “It’s just the same as last year’s, is it not?”

“Not exactly, dear sister.” Luna said with a critical frown. “We will have checkpoints at the palace gates in addition to the barrier around the city, for starters. Not to mention the contingent of Luminious Solarii on the premise.”

The midnight Princess went on to fill her two fellow Alicorns on the plan for the Gala’s events from its start in the late afternoon all the way to dawn of the next day. Guests would congregate in the courtyard outside the grand hall of the palace until sunset where Celestia and Sparkle would address the guests and set the sun. After that, the guests would be allowed into the hall where they could greet the Princesses at the grand stairs before being ushered into the ballroom for the rest of the party. There would be music, dance, food and merchants selling goods in side aisles as always but there would be a heavy guard presence. The Alicorns would relocate to a private table with a selection VIP’s at which point Luna would join them after completing her nightly duties.

“By this point, it is just a matter of making sure everypony departs safely and the inebriated have a room to sleep in until morning.” Luna finished. “Of course, none of this will matter if and when something goes awry.”

The Lunar Princess gave Sparkle and Rarity a sideways look. They just smiled at her sheepishly.

“To think I used to hope a bit of chaos would break up these tedious events.” Celestia sighed wistfully as she delicately folded away the last of her dress. “But after what has happened these past few months, I’m looking forward to a dull as dishwater Gala.”

“Did someone say chaos?” A disembodied voice asked cheerfully.

“Ugh…” Luna let out a long groan as she brought a hoof to her temple. “You had to say something.”

A sharp snap later and Discord, Draconequus Spirit of Disharmony, materialized out of thin air. The mismatched creature drifted down to the floor where he dropped his travel bags with a noisy clatter. He made of show of stretching out his limbs as if he had just spent days confined to a tight space.

“Whew! What a trip!” Discord gasped as he tugged on the collar of his red and black shirt with a gold arrow emblem on the chest. “I never get used to taking on a new body when I bridge the gap between dimensions but it is always worth it.”

“I know.” Sparkle offered him a knowing smile. “Welcome back, Discord.”

“Indeed.” Rarity muttered bitterly as she mentally prepared herself for her work to be ruined. “Your timing is still as awkward as always.”

The serpentine draconequus finally noticed that he was in a private looking room and that the four mares were staring at him with odd looks. A naughty smile crossed his long face as he took note that Celestia was not wearing anything. The alabaster Alicorn read his expression and made sure that her backside was not visible in the mirror.

“Oh, pardon me.” Discord covered his eyes with his griffon claw only for them to appear above it. “I did not know you mares were indecent.”

“We are just preparing for the Grand Galloping Gala, Discord.” Celestia said plainly. “You are welcome to attend if you are willing to keep the mischief to a minimum and wear a suit.”

“Hmm.” The chimeric creature rested his goat bearded chin on his lion’s paw in thought. “Depends on who all will be there.”

All eyes turned to Luna and the papers she was carrying. With a resigned sigh, the moon mare retrieved the guest list and unfurled it.

“We will all be there, of course.” She gestured to the other ponies. “So will the Elements of Harmony, Princess Cadenza, Captain Sentry, the nobility and gentry-“

“Wait, wait, wait.” Discord shook his head clear of literal cobwebs in case he had heard her wrong. “Captain ‘Sentry’? Did Armor finally retire?”

A very heavy silence filled the room. Sparkle and Rairty looked crestfallen while Celestia averted her eyes. Luna merely rolled up the scroll and maintained a stone face. All this was lost on the reformed Bringer of Chaos.

“What?” He asked obliviously. “You all are acting like he died…oh.”

The draconequus’ dragon foot disconnected from his body and stuffed itself in his mouth as he finally caught on. He made a fist with his griffon claw and pantomimed a mouth with it.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know. How could I?” He said genuinely despite the visual gag. “What else have I missed?”

The equines did not answer right away. Celestia took a step forward after formulating her thoughts but the impatient Luna beat her to it.

“The Crystal Empire was invaded and destroyed, Shining Armor is dead, Cadenza and the remaining crystal ponies have been relocated, there was an attempted break-out in Tartarus and we have been hunting demons since.” The navy Alicorn said quickly and bluntly. “There. You are now caught up.”

Discord’s jaw hit the floor along with his foot. It was not often he was surprised but the tirade he had just received did the trick.

“Well, somepony has been busy.” He found his voice after replacing his jaw and limb. “I was not expecting that.”

“None of us were.” Sparkle said solemnly before she thought of a way to get the mismatched master of mayhem out of their manes. “You should check in with Fluttershy. I am sure she will be glad to see you.”

“That is an excellent idea, book horse.” Discord agreed, his cavalier attitude returning in full. “Oh, fair warning, Celly. She will probably talk me into attending your little party. Who knows? I might even wear my evening best.”

The draconequus snapped his talons and vanished from the room with his travel bags, his distinctive chuckle lingering for a few moments before fading. Rarity released a breath she had not realized she was holding.

“I know that ruffian is reformed but he still makes my mane fray.” The pearl unicorn sighed. “But part of me is glad he is home safe and sound.”

“You are a pony of patterns and trends.” Sparkle said sagely. “It is only natural.”

While the fashionista put the finishing touches on her long-time friend’s dress, Celestia took her sister aside for a more private conversation.

“Did you really need to dump all that on him when he has only been back for a few seconds?” The Solar Alicorn asked.

“He was going to find out at some point.” The Lunar Alicorn said irritably. “It was best to just tell him now and avoid a faux pas later.”

“I suppose.” The elder sister murmured before she switched topics to something that concerned her more than the Spirit of Disharmony. “Lulu, I know you have been under a lot of stress lately; we all have. But you need to relax. There have not been any more developments concerning the Breach and our little ponies are finally moving on from the Empire.”

Celestia did have a point. The Alicorns had spent the past few months searching high and low for the source of the demonic incursion and whatever stopped it with limited success. The official story they had told the citizens of Equestria was that something had attempted to break out of the Infernal Pits but were ultimately thwarted with the world feeling the aftershocks. As no evidence to confirm or deny this theory had been uncovered, it seemed that their story was close to the truth as they were going to get. Still, the Solar, Royal and Night Guards were on high alert and would be for the foreseeable future in the event that the Breach was not a one-time occurrence.

As for the Crystal Empire, it was no secret that Luna had destroyed the city-state herself. It was a just act, as she and Celestia had repeatedly told the populace, but the death of thousands of crystal ponies including Captain Armor had conjured up memories of the Mare in the Moon and the Lunar Rebellion for those who knew about it. This had led to a period of seclusion for Luna as she made no public appearances until the metaphorical ash settled. The real challenge for her had been to regain the trust of Princesses Sparkle and Cadenza, for obvious reasons. Luckily, the navy Alicorn had some ethereal help in the form of an ancient animus known as Grey. Together, they had patched up relations with the two youngest Princesses.

“I wonder if he will attend the Gala.” Luna thought hopefully. “I did give him a ticket.”

“You’re right, dear sister.” The navy Alicorn sighed as she put the papers aside. “This is a time of celebration, not dread.”

“Good.” Celestia wrapped a foreleg around her in a hug. “Now let’s see to putting you in a dress.”

“Typical useless foal.” A venomous voice whispered from the dark corners of Luna’s mind. “We stand watch over ungrateful peons while she plays with pretty little dresses.”

The midnight diarch banished the vile thought from her head but could not help but agree with the sentiment.