Shining Armor Superstar!

Coincidences

He scanned the article at a frantic pace, each word dropping from his throat to his stomach like a brick. This time, the Princess went too far in her excitement of seeing Shining's band reunite for an encore performance. Now the entire city, neigh, the entire country would be buzzing with word that the band is making a comeback; that couldn't be farther from the truth in Shining's mind. He only wanted a low-key concert for his wife and the crystal ponies, but now, this would balloon into a national event.

In Shining's panicked frenzy, he disregarded Supersonic's attempts to calm the reeling Prince; he tried pinning him to the floor, telling stale, worn-out jokes, even going as far as offering a neck massage.

Shining Armor was beside himself with worry, throwing his hooves up into the air.

"I didn't want this kind of attention, and now my wife is here about to spoil the big surprise! We need to get her out of here, Sonic!"

Supersonic took Shining's face between his hooves, staring right into his eyes. "Shining, calm down! She can't tell you are her husband from your singing voice, isn't that right?"

Shining was too flustered to agree with anypony. "She has intimate knowledge of- oh crap, MY CHIN, SONIC! What if she can see my chin? She'll point at it, then at me, and say 'That's Shiny, I know that chin anywhere! It can land a plane! He lied to everypony and I don't want a liar for a HUSBAND!' It'll be disastrous, I-"

Signal smacked Shining to the ground with great force, eliciting a pained grunt from the hysterical prince. Shining pushed himself up from the ground, shocked out of his hysteria.

"Signal, does every attempt to calm me down involve inflicting pain?"

Shining began to rub the back of his head where Signal landed the blow.

Signal Flare simply laughed it off. "Whatever, 'Captain'. You used to always smack us whenever we got out of line. Don't tell me you can't take the medicine you dish out?"

Shining shut his eyes and gave a slight grin. "I guess you're right. I haven't been treated like a genuine 'friend' in a long time. It can't be helped, I suppose. My wife is expecting Sarge to be back in action, so we're going to give her a good preview of what's to come!"

Very much shaken up by Supersonic's revelation of the Crystal Princess' presence, Brave Lance sat glued to one of the benches, unwilling to move. Power Sword approached his shocked companion, glaring down at him.

"You get off that bench and sing, or I'll make you sing!"

Lance remained stuck to his seat and shouted. "How can you make me sing? You don't control my voice! I don't have to blow my cover for anypony!"

Sword grinned mischievously at Lance. "We could always use that spell to 'wire tap' your vocal chords again..."

Lance finally shot up out of his seat, when he was immediately seized by two of his band mates. Flash Sentry wrapped one of his forelegs around Lance's mouth, restraining the struggling stallion.

"Yo, Lancelot, we can make you sweet talk those mares we met at the Trotsky's downtown last summer. Didn't you enjoy that?"

Flash let a partial reply escape his grip before returning to restraining his officer.

"Mfffhmmm! Muhffmffh-made me call her a 'fine piece of tail', you jack-shummfff-"

Shining cantered up to his raucous friends, giving a silent inquiry as to why Lance was being handled so roughly. Everypony released Lance before reintroducing a calmer atmosphere.

"Guys, I know this seems bad, but as long as Cadence can't tell we are...who we are, we should be okay. Let's get in there, what do you say?"

The concentration of event planners and journalists were conversing with each other in anticipation of the impending studio session about to take place. A beat writer for the Equestrian Star shot ocular daggers at the Canterlot Chronicle editor, having a blitz about the viability of repeated success after a band's extended absence from performing live. The event planners seemed to be more reserved, calmly regarding each other with subdued optimism, though they could not hide the glint in their eyes from Princess Cadence.

She was there for the same reason as the other planners, after all.

I have to figure out a way to get Sarge to extend their tour into the Crystal Empire. My Shining Armor always took me to see them, but never enjoyed one *with** me. If I could somehow get the band to play, Shiny would absolutely love his gift!*

A voice shouted from the door leading into the recording booth. "Sarge is on the way! Get ready, everypony!"

Cadence watched as each of them marched into the room. Her face erupted, steaming red from the sight of the five stallions whose music consumed her teenage and early adult years.

She started muttering under her breath. "...oh my gosh, look at those hunks. When did they get those bodies? Oh, Shiny forgive me for this, but...those meat trucks could be beefier than the Royal Guard!"

Sarge marched into the studio wearing their signature masks and their suit-less white tuxedo shirts. Every stallion in the band seem to pour out a brilliant glow as they stood in front of the five microphones hanging from the ceiling. Cadence, oblivious to the vocal coach motioning to her, gave each stallion an opportunity to be examined thoroughly, as if trying to verify if they truly were the real deal. Physicality aside, their looks were far more mature and refined in contrast to nearly a decade ago.

Back in her Academy days, the Princess had erected a shrine for them in her locker; it came complete with concert photos, hoofprints from the band on that full-length poster of the lead singer. She knew just about all there was to know about the mysterious quintet by heart, though nopony could ever figure out the identity of these Canterlot teen heartthrobs. She remembered the time one of her closest friends, Minuette, body slammed the young alicorn to the ground in the middle of lunch hour, rambling on about how she figured out the identity of the singers. As it turned out, there was a very strong rumor that all five colts were either current or former academy students themselves!

The investigation had lasted for the rest of the semester, but the duo could never pin down any reasonable suspects. Most teenage boys at the Academy were fairly lanky and unassuming, very much like the quintet of Sarge; they, however, possessed a unique charm that other colts in the school already had difficulty matching. Minuette would mope every single time a name was crossed off the list of potentials.

Pushing aside past memories, Cadence jerked her head towards Supersonic, who looked relieved seeing the Princess acknowledge his frantic leg spasms that sought her attention. He turned his attention to the booth after giving the band some last minute words.

"Distinguished guests, it is a pleasure to have you here to get a taste of what made this particular group so successful. Even after eight years and many life experiences, these stallions still have it. We'll start off the session with a song I believe the young Princess will remember."

Giving Princess Cadence a sly wink, Supersonic returned to the recording booth and positioned his headset firmly around his ears. He expertly positioned about a dozen of the switches on the soundboard mixer forward until a slight hum vibrated inside the booth.

Seeing Supersonic give Shining Armor and the band a couple nods, the prince turned to his band mates to inquire about song choices.

"So what's our setlist? We have about three songs to try on her. Which ones?"

Power Sword waved a hoof, getting Shining's attention. "We should maybe do one song she knows, and throw in a couple that won't be used during the concert."

Brave Lance, Flash Sentry and Signal Flare all gave Power Sword nods before turning to Shining, who confirmed their unspoken consensus with a nod of his own.

Shining Armor leaned closer, giving his band mates a half-lidded glare. "...and don't forget to change your normal speaking voice, we don't want to give ourselves away before the big show. Got it?"

Hums of agreement resounded from every stallion as Shining turned his attention to the booth. His gaze drifted from Supersonic to the other journalists and planners, then to his wife. He locked onto her stare for a few seconds, seeing her squirm in her seat and turn her face away. Satisfied with the burning flash on her cheeks, he announced the first song with a deeper, raspier voice.

"We will be singing a favorite of ours, 'Lead Me to Trot'. Enjoy..."

The group adjusted themselves to a comfortable position in front of their microphones as the music began to play. This particular song tossed in a melodic mix of brass synths, snaps, and low-pitch drums, followed by a series of catchy, repetitious notes from an acoustic guitar. The proper moment arrived as four of them, sans Shining, began to sing together.

♪ What makes you different, its how you call my name. ♪

♪ What makes you different, nopony's quite the same. ♪

♪ What makes you different, to you life is no game. ♪

♪ Your heart leads meee to love! ♪

[Shining Armor]

♫ Why can't you see, that you don't need, to treat yourself like the ooothers? ♫

♫ Why can't you see, the way you move, it pleeeads me to stop? ♫

♫ I turn around, look all around, there is no mare but you.. ♫

♪ Your heart leads me to love, it leads meeee...to trot! ♪

The five of them began to bob up and down and perform a few simple steps in place, getting their bodies in rhythm with the music. Sneaking a glance over to the booth, Shining could see various nods of approval from the attendees, but most importantly, Cadence was grinning ear to ear. Her head was swaying side to side, fully enraptured by the beat of the music and the mature vocals of the grown stallions.

His four band mates continued together in the song.

♪ What makes you beautiful, not the clothes or the hair. ♪

♪ What makes you beautiful, you simply cannot compare. ♪

♪ What makes you beautiful, is the way that you care. ♪

♪ Your heart leads meee to love! ♪

[Shining Armor]

♫ Why can't you feel, the way I do, when your friends are 'round? ♫

♫ Why can't you feel, the way you do, when I'm reachin' out? ♫

♫ Why can't we feel, the way we do, every minute, every hour? ♫

♪ Your heart leads meee... ♪

[Everyone]

♫ Your laughter is joooy! ♫

♫ Your smile is peace! ♫

♫ Your comfort is strength! ♫

♫ Your words are my life, that I cannot deny! ♫

The final verse, Shining Armor shot his gaze at Princess Cadence, pouring his soul into the words with fullest effect.

[Shining Armor]

♫ You are my joooy! ♫

♫ You are my peaaace! ♫

♫ You are my streeength! ♫

♪ You are my liiife, and you lead meee! Yes, you lead meee...to trot! ♪

The quintet broke off from their microphones and performed a final routine in the closing notes of the song before the beat waned, fading into the silent void as a signal of the song's conclusion. The booth broke out into applause, which Shining and the others barely heard through their coach's headset microphone. Cadence was on her hooves, with one hoof on her lips making a whistle that could be distinguished in the microphone feed from Supersonic.

Success. She loves us still! That's good, this is going better than I thought possible!

Sarge had just concluded the final of their three songs, much to the disappointment of the viewing party in the booth. Everypony was buzzing with words of affirmation; even Cadence felt more thrilled than she had ever been, even more than the last time Sarge performed live together. As the band took their bows and retreated into the other room, the princess remained in her seat processing tonight's exhibition.

Those colts aren't colts anymore. Something's changed in them, that's for sure. Their voices were...

She could feel genuine, unquestionable adoration pouring from their souls, as if somepony was there drawing the love straight from their hearts. Cadence perceived that at least one of those stallions in the band saw her as more than just a face to impress, but maybe a mare to win. Unfortunately for that poor soul, her heart was bonded to her Shining Armor; no force in the universe was capable of shaking that foundation.

But they seem all too familiar...when I looked into their eyes, I saw friends, not strangers. Maybe Minuette was on to something back then! That's it. I need to ask them myself, maybe they'll give their 'Princess' the inside scoop!

Cadence marched out of the now-empty room into the quiet corridor, and gave a firm knock on the private room door.

"Guys, that was amazing! After all this time, our harmony was spot on!"

Signal Flare was cantering joyfully around the changing room as the others stripped from their tuxedo attire.

Flash Sentry came up to Shining, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Did you see her, Shining?"

Shining Armor, belly to the sky lounging on the couch, just sighed. "She was really shiny...hmmm, yes..."

"Your name, stupid! Your name is Shining." Flash jabbed a hoof into Shining's side, though his captain remained unmoved by the sudden gesture.

KNOCK KNOCK

Everypony but Shining turned towards the door, with Lance stepping forward to peek outside. A feminine voice squeaked from the corridor.

"OhmygoshhaicanIpleasehaveaword-AHEM. Sorry, I-" A curt slam of the door sent a jolt across the room, with Lance turning swiftly. His face oozed panic and fear.

"Princess. Cadenza. Mi Amore. Outside. WHAT DO." Lance passed out, alarming Power Sword and Signal Flare to carry him to a sofa adjacent to Shining's.

Upon hearing his wife's full name, Shining leapt from the couch and approached the door, stopping short of opening it. He could hear quiet sobs from beyond the breach. The Prince's heart knotted and twisted as he cracked open the door.

Deeper voice, play it cool. You are in the band. She digs ya, bro. Just...be cool about it.

His voice cracked as he questioned the mare at the door. "Princess? Your Huh-Highness?"

The pink mass lying on the floor turned quickly to face the disguised Shining Armor. The flow of time seemed to abruptly stop as Cadence's appearance changed from one of complete defeat, to the purest form of happiness imaginable. Her tear-filled smile caused Shining's stance to falter slightly, almost forgetting that he was looking at her not as himself, but as the lead singer of his wife's most adored teenage icons.

Shining opened the door, stepping completely out of the room, and coughed into one of his hooves before offering another one. Cadence gradually presented a hoof of her own as Shining brought her back onto her hooves.

"I apologize for my friend. When he saw you, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza herself, it was difficult for him to keep his composure. We know you are a huge fan of ours, so actually meeting you is...well..."

Cadence wiped away at dried tears on her face, laughing to herself. "It's fine. I'm just on an emotional roller coaster today. My assistant, Beryl, was the only thing keeping me sane before coming here..."

Then she returned to full fangirl mode. "Ohmyaunt, you all. Were. AMAZING. You really haven't been together for eight years, have you? And you sing that well? Tell me how you did it? Magic? Night clubs? Coffee shops? Practicing in the shower? The Academy?"

Shining closed his eyes and grinned. Then he processed the subtle hint at the end.

"Actually, we've literally done zero singing together the past-wait, did you say the Academy?"

"Come on, Shi-" Power Sword clasped his hoof to his mouth, drawing an eyebrow raise from the Princess. "I mean, come on, shoot the breeze another time, dude! Time to catch some z's-WHOA!"

Shining shoved Power into the sofa before turning back to the Princess. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but we really should turn in for the night. Give our agent a ring tomorrow."

He leaned in closer to her ear as she sat perfectly still. "We may even give you a private concert sometime. How's that sound?"

Pulling away from her ear, he witnessed very nervous alicorn shifting her gaze every which way, avoiding direct eye contact with Shining. Cadence stammered something incoherent, making out the words 'think about it' and 'sorry'.

Go for the kill. "I can tell we haven't lost our touch, have we? Good night, Mi Amore."

She began to pace backwards towards the elevator, then bolted with a fit of giggles.

Shining sighed, a look of jealousy on his face as he glanced at the mirror. Why does she turn to pudding in YOUR arms so easily, 'Boy Band Me'?

Beryl Bond was lounging outside of the Crystal Empire's executive train car when Cadence arrived, returning from what was quite possibly the most nerve-wracking experience of her young life. Her teen idol stood face-to-face, offering a helping hoof, making casual conversation, and suggesting the possibility of a private concert.

And she spoke a language only certain species of whale could understand.

I'm a Princess of Equestria. I'm supposed to be dignified and graceful. And I sounded like a cross between a mating whale and an eagle hatchling! Why didn't you just ask if they were your classmates, Cady? Ugh...

"Your Highness?" Beryl met Princess Cadence halfway between the gates to the central station and the train car.

Cadence gasped. There were about a dozen earth ponies and unicorns examining her train car behind Beryl.

"Beryl, what is going on here?"

Beryl dipped her head and poked at the dirt below. "Your Highness, the engine won't fire up. We can't get back to the empire tonight as planned."

Muscles up and down Cadence's backside tensed. Avoiding Shining Armor's detection in the city would be quite the task if word got out that she was stranded in Canterlot.

Beryl's face perked up. "Hey! What if you stayed at the castle overnight while they repair the train car?"

Cadence stomped her hoof. "NO. If I stay at the castle, then Shining will know I left my post in the Empire. I can't let him worry during the conference. I don't want to spoil his opportunity to sacrifice his time for such a noble undertaking. He could do some real good in this world..."

Beryl returned to poking at the ground.

"Beryl, you are hesitating. Did you have something else to say?"

Beryl slowly brought her eyes up to the Princess before replying. "What about Sarge, Your Highness?"

Cadence shook her head. "I can't stay with them, plus, I think I stressed them out enough today. The tabloids would be in a frenzy. "Princess Has Affair with Teen Idol Singers, Prince Calls for Divorce". No, there has to be somewhere I can crash, a place of refuge that I can trust..."

The air became tense with the silent firing of neurons in the brains of both mares.

Then, jackpot.

"What about the Sparkles, Your Highness?"

Cadence breathed a sigh of relief. "Brilliant, Beryl! If anypony will cover up my selfish pursuit of a boy band, who better to trust than the in-laws! That's why I keep you around, my dear."

The Princess took off without another word in the direction of suburban Canterlot, leaving a very lonesome crystal pony overseeing the train repairs.