The Masked Glee Singer Chapter 10: Battle for the Super Six Round One, a glee fanfic

-BATTLE FOR THE SUPER SIX ROUND ONE-

The audience roared in excitement as the camera zoomed over them. "The Battle for the Super Six begins tonight! Who will advance to the next round, and who will be unmasked and sent home? Tonight The Wolf, The Lioness, and The Vulture battle it out!" The crowds cheered louder for their favorites as they were announced. "And now your host with the most, shoes that is, Nick Cannon!"

Nick graced the stage in a dark blue pinstripe suit and fedora, with shining blue shoes and a dark blue leather mask.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, and everything in between! Tonight should be pretty exciting, as our first group of three gets whittled down to two, but before we meet them, let's introduce our panel of super sleuths. Up first, to know him is to want to strangle him, Pierce Pierce!"

"Are you calling me out? Where's my spear? Let's go daddy!" Pierce said, getting up from his seat.

"Sit yo' butt down, you know I'd wipe the floor with you in any competition. Next up, she's the epitome of dignity and grace, Madame Tibideaux."

Carmen stood and waved gracefully to the audience as they applauded her. "It's great to be here for another night of outstanding performances, Nick."

He blew her a kiss, before moving on. "Also gracing our panel tonight, Broadway star and show choir champion, Will Schuester!"

"Good evening, Nick," Will said, waving to the audience and grinning.

"And last but certainly not least, everybody's sweetheart, Blaine Anderson!"

Blaine just shook his head at the host, a light blush on his cheeks as he stood to wave and blow kisses to the fans as they cheered the loudest yet. "Kurt wanted me to tell you all that he sends his love, but he's already hard at work in rehearsals."

The audience ahhed and applauded, as Nick turned back to the camera. "Let's get the competition started with our first contestant. Can you pick out any clues from this video package from The Wolf's den?"

The video opened with The Wolf in a recording studio. "This is my dream. Not to say that I've never recorded anything before, but never in the sense that it would be sent out into the world for people to buy. It's just accessed on my channel. Anyway, I'm absolutely blown away that I've made it to the top nine. I really didn't expect to get this far, but knowing that you guys really appreciate me, that's enough to raise my confidence. And I know there are people out there that I have to thank for being brave enough to do this in the first place. You guys know who you are and I hope I'm making you all proud."

A slow, reedy melody began to play as The Wolf stood centerstage.

Oh, misty eye of the mountain below

Keep careful watch of my brothers' souls

And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke

Keep watching over Durin's sons

Light percussion joined the melody as the next verse began.

If this is to end in fire

Then we should all burn together

Watch the flames climb high into the night

Calling out for the rope

Stand by and we will

Watch the flames burn on and on

The mountain side, hey

And if we should die tonight

Then we should all die together

Raise a glass of wine for the last time

Calling out for the rope

Prepare as we will

Watch the flames burn on and on

The mountain side

Desolation comes upon the sky

Now I see fire

Inside the mountain

And I see fire

Burning the trees

And I see fire

Hollowing souls

And I see fire

Blood in the breeze

And I hope that you remember me

Oh, should my people fall

Then surely I'll do the same

Confined in mountain halls

We got too close to the flame

Calling out for the rope

Hold fast and we will

Watch the flames burn on and on

The mountain side

Desolation comes upon the sky

Now I see fire

Inside the mountains

I see fire

Burning the trees

I see fire

Hollowing souls

I see fire

Blood in the breeze

I see fire

Oh you know I saw a city burning out (fire)

And I see fire

Feel the heat upon my skin, yeah (fire)

And I see fire (fire)

And I see fire burn on and on the mountain side

The audience burst into applause, though it wasn't quite as strong as it had been in the past, but still it was loud and cheerful.

"Not bad," Nick said. "Not bad at all. Will, what did you think? Any clue who might be the howl behind the mask?"

"I think you might have had just a slight minor pitch issue. Nothing big enough to pick up on with the untrained ear, so I wouldn't be too worried about it. I think you're probably still dealing with a touch of nerves. I may have an idea of who this is, but I'm not one hundred percent certain."

"That's fair. Pierce? Any guesses?"

"Uh...E=MC squared?" the man said, looking every bit as baffled as usual.

Nick just shook his head and moved on. "Blaine? Please give me something intelligent to work with."

Blaine chuckled. "Well, I still think that Kurt might have a better idea who you are. Or if you are who I think you are. He knew this guy better than me. But Will is also right, you did have a minor pitch issue. Remember, you're here because you are very talented and I think you'll remain here for weeks to come."

"Words of encouragement from our most popular judge, that's impressive. Well, let's give them one last clue to think upon before we move on. We asked each of tonight's contestants to paint a picture of their favorite person. Men in Black, please bring out our first exhibit in the Masked Singer Gallery!"

A painting was wheeled out and set beside Nick. The host did the honors and revealed a painting of Mercedes Jones.

"I once got to perform with this goddess and her encouragement was awe inspiring," The Wolf said.

"Carmen, does this give you any clue to The Wolf's identity?"

"There are so many talented young singers who've had the pleasure of dueting with Miss Jones. I don't know if I could put my finger on just one."

"That's true. We'll find out later if The Wolf's performance was enough to put them through to the Super Six, or if they will be fighting it out in the Smackdown. For now, peruse this video package for The Lioness and see if you can hunt down any clues."

This time, when the video opened The Lioness was seated on a throne. "I am queen. It takes a lot of self respect to know exactly where you stand. But I'm one queen who's definitely not selfish or self-centered. I care about the little people, and more importantly I care about my friends and the people close to me. Someone once told me that you had to demand the spotlight to stand in it and take it from other people. But this person also referenced how one of my idols became what they were known for in that same conversation, and I feel like that wasn't necessarily demanding, but more being confident in themselves in their own abilities. So let me show you now, why I am queen."

The Lioness commanded the stage as she began to sing.

Your love, lifting me higher

Than I've ever been lifted before

So keep it it up

Quench my desire

And I'll be at your side, forever more

You know your love (your love keeps lifting me)

Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)

Higher (lifting me)

Higher and higher (higher)

I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)

Keep on (love keeps lifting me)

Lifting me (lifting me)

Higher and higher (higher)

Listen

Now once, I was down-hearted

Disappointment, was my closest friend

But then you, came and it soon departed

And you know he never

Showed his face again

That's why your love (your love keeps lifting me)

Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)

Higher (lifting me)

Higher and higher (higher)

I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)

Keep on (love keeps lifting me)

Lifting me (lifting me)

Higher and higher (higher)

Alright

I'm so glad, I've finally found you

Yes that one, in a million girls

And I whip, my loving arms around you, honey

I can stand up, and face the world

Let me tell ya, your love (your love keeps lifting me)

Keep on lifting (love keeps lifting me)

Higher (lifting me)

Higher and higher (higher)

I said your love (your love keeps lifting me)

Keep on (love keeps lifting me)

Lifting me (lifting me)

Higher and higher (higher)

A standing ovation met the end of her performance and the sound of the crowd was near deafening, enough so that Nick had to cover his ears for a few moments.

"Wow. I think that was the longest and loudest standing ovation we've ever had on the show. Blaine, what did you think?"

"Well, if you're talking normal, sure. But nothing can beat those riots The Black Swan keeps causing." He coughed briefly and then looked to The Lioness. "Lioness, there really are no words. You are simply stunning. And I love that you take so much pride in who you are. That's very important."

"I agree," Nick said. "What about you, Madame Tibideaux?"

"My dear, you have incredible power and incredible control. I feel like even without this competition, you will be going far in life. If you're not a professional singer, maybe you should look into it."

"Is there any doubt?" Nick asked. "Pierce?"

The man stood from his seat and suddenly dipped into a low bow. "Daddy, I can't say anything. The queen has not granted me permission."

The audience laughed, and The Lioness made a regal gesture for the shorter man to arise. "Well, now I know how to get him to shut up. It's time for the next piece of artwork to be installed in The Masked Singer Gallery. Men in Black, Bring out the painting of The Lioness' Favorite Person!"

Again, a painting was wheeled out and Nick did the honors to reveal former model turned professional football coach, Sam Evans.

"I actually thought long and hard about who to pick for this because I have a lot of favorite people, but if it wasn't for this guy, I wouldn't have gone out for my dreams in the first place. No one has encouraged me like he has."

Nick nodded, as if he knew exactly what she was talking about. "Will, does that help you figure out who is under the mask?"

"I think it does a great deal, Nick. I remember a student who Sam was particularly very fond of, so to speak. They actually dated at one point. Sam really liked her and I know he had a hand in showing her that she had what it takes to be a big star. So I feel even more so that this could be Mercedes Jones."

"Good guess. Are you correct? We may find out later, if The Lioness gets the lowest score tonight and ends up in the Smackdown. For now, it's time to dig through this clue package from The Vulture."

The Vulture was seated at a desk, playing his wings together. "We need to get one thing straight. The panel keeps going on about my attitude, but what I think they fail to realize is that you need to be aggressive to survive and make it in this business. No one ever got anywhere playing the bunny rabbit. You don't have drive, then it doesn't matter if you have talent, you will still always be the little person. I am proud of who I am. I've never come second rate, except perhaps in college where apparently I didn't get the same special privileges I had in high school. Who knew they would actually expect me to do my own work?"

Whoa, oh, oh

Whoa

I'm waking up to ash and dust

I wipe my brow and I sweat my rust

I'm breathing in the chemicals

I'm breaking in, shaping up, then checking out on the prison bus

This is it, the apocalypse

Whoa

I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones

Enough to make my systems blow

Welcome to the new age, to the new age

Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, oh, oh, I'm radioactive, radioactive

I raise my flags, don my clothes

It's a revolution, I suppose

We'll paint it red to fit right in

Whoa

I'm breaking in, shaping up, then checking out on the prison bus

This is it, the apocalypse

Whoa

I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones

Enough to make my systems blow

Welcome to the new age, to the new age

Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, oh, oh, I'm radioactive, radioactive

All systems go, the sun hasn't died

Deep in my bones, straight from inside

I'm waking up, I feel it in my bones

Enough to make my systems blow

Welcome to the new age, to the new age

Whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, oh, oh, I'm radioactive, radioactive

When the audience applauded, it was kind of hard to tell whether they were doing it because they were scared of being called out by The Vulture, or because they thought he actually did a good job with the song.

Nick cleared his throat as he joined The Vulture on stage. "Well, Carmen, my dear, thoughts?"

"I'm going to be honest, because that's what I do with everyone. That song was a bad song choice for you. It doesn't fit your range or your key," she said. "And you can argue with me all you want, but I remember if you are who a lot of us have been thinking you might be, you did actually respect my opinion when I turned you down for NYADA."

Nick just nodded and moved on. "Blaine, do you agree?"

"I have to, yes," Blaine replied. "Imagine Dragons are great and their songs are fun, but not everyone is made to tackle them. And I feel like Radioactive still needs to have more of a tone of upbeat aggression to it, if that makes sense. I mean that even though the content suggests a darker world, it doesn't sit right putting a negative feel behind the words."

"Will, what do you have to say about The Vulture's performance?"

"Yeah, I mean, you know, just because someone is very talented, doesn't mean they could sing any song they choose. Even the legends have those songs they know they can't cover. It's why we have genres and artists usually fall into those genres."

Nick actually looked a little uncomfortable as he called for the next piece of artwork. "Bring it out, Men in Black!"

The Vulture's painting was wheeled out and Nick uncovered it to reveal Rachel Berry.

"She is the only one who is on my level, and perhaps even higher."

"Okay, Pierce, does that help you figure out who The Vulture really is?"

Pierce looked really confused. "I was expecting them to have painted a picture of themselves."

Nick couldn't argue with that. "Well, it's time to find out which of our three singers will be moving on to The Super Six, and which two will battle it out in The Smackdown. Judges and audience, vote now for who had your favorite performance of the night."

After a few moments, Nick glanced at the audience once more. "The results are in, and the person going to the Super Six is…" He drew it out for a moment, building the suspense. "The Lioness!"

The audience cheered and applauded for The Lioness.

"That means, it's time for a Smackdown!" The microphone was lowered and Nick took a hold of it in one hand. "In this corner, he'll huff and he'll puff, and he'll blow you right off your feet, it's The Wolf!" The Wolf came out from the right side mouth. "And in this corner, you're all the peckings in his beak, The Vulture!" The Vulture strutted out from the left side mouth.

"The Vulture will sing for his life first, so give it up one more time!"

A familiar techno beat began to play, and The Vulture strutted forward.

Crack that whip

Give the past a slip

Step on a crack

Break your mama's back

When a problem comes along

You must whip it

Before the cream sits out too long

You must whip it

When something's going wrong

You must whip it

Now whip it

Into shape

Shape it up

Get straight

Go forward

Move ahead

Try to detect it

It's not too late

To whip it

Whip it good

When a good time turns around

You must whip it

You will never live it down

Unless you whip it

No one gets away

Until they whip it

I say whip it

Whip it good

I say whip it

Whip it good

Now whip it

Into shape

Shape it up

Get straight

Go forward

Move ahead

Try to detect it

It's not too late

To whip it

Into shape

Shape it up

Get straight

Go forward

Move ahead

Try to detect it

It's not too late

To whip it

Whip it good

The audience applauded, though some of them were not convinced with the song choice. "Okay," Nick said. "We'll find out if the judges thought you whipped it good in a moment, but up next to the center of the ring, fighting for his chance to stay in the competition, it's The Wolf!"

The Wolf took centerstage, and the crowd cheered loudly before the music even started, chanting "Wolf, Wolf, Wolf!"

I'm holding on your rope

Got me ten feet off the ground

And I'm hearing what you say

But I just can't make a sound

You tell me that you need me

Then you go and cut me down, but wait

You tell me that you're sorry

Didn't think I'd turn around and say

That it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

Too late, oh

I'd take another chance, take a fall

Take a shot for you

And I need you like a heart needs a beat

But it's nothing new, yeah yeah

I loved you with a fire red, now it's turning blue

And you say sorry like the angel

Heaven let me think it was you

But I'm afraid

It's too late to apologize, it's too late

I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late, whoa

It's too late to apologize, it's too late

I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I said it's too late to apologize, yeah, too late

I'm holding on your rope

Got me ten feet off the ground

The audience burst into applause and cheers. It was clear who they thought had done the better job. "Okay," Nick said, grinning. "Fantastic job by both of our Masked Singers, but which one earned the K.O. in this round? Carmen, anything to say before you guys vote for your favorite?"

"You're both very talented performers, but I think one of you puts more emotion in your songs, and I think that is why the audience loves you so much."

Nick grinned at her. "Okay judges, I know it's going to be hard to call, but please, vote for your favorite, now."

It was barely a minute later when the results were ready. "The contestant who will be unmasked and sent home tonight is…" he paused as usual, although he doubted there was anyone in the audience who hadn't already figured it out. "The Vulture."

The audience was just applauding him in support when suddenly, the person under the mask screeched at the top of their lungs. "I DEMAND A RECOUNT!" they shouted.

Nick was stunned not only by the demand, but by the volume at which the masked contender was shouting. "The vote was unanimous, four to nothing for The Wolf."

The Vulture went still for a moment, before angrily ripping off the mask and throwing it towards the judges. "Jesse St. James is not a loser!" he said, turning and storming off the stage. The Wolf, who hadn't had the chance to exit the stage yet, shook his head in stunned disbelief. Nick placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Well, that was unexpected. But you are safe for another week, my friend. Go on and head backstage." The audience clapped and cheered for The Wolf, although it was a bit subdued as they were still reeling from the stunning turn of events. Nick wasn't sure what to do. This was usually the time they got the final guesses from the judges, before the reveal.

"Um, Blaine, is there anything you'd like to say about...anything?"

Blaine was surprisingly grinning. "I cannot wait for Kurt to see this! He's going to be so entertained and pleased to see Jesse get his. Jesse actually insulted his penchant for singing girl songs once." He turned and glanced at Will. "You remember that? When you guys held those auditions for who was the star, but really was probably just a formality so Jesse could make sure Rachel was put on a pedestal?"

Will nodded. "He criticised everyone, except Rachel. That guy is seriously deranged."

Nick wanted to agree after that outburst, but as the host, he could only smile. "Well, another masked contestant is gone. Who will join our Super Six next? Join us next week to find out!"